Eyareen Empire
Eyareen Empire has many colonies, from which it procures vast amounts of all kind of goods, that are then traded to the edges of the world. It had grown to be incredibly rich and powerful, and its main goal is more riches and power.
As mentioned above, the Aar'yi of different emperors take care of different parts of governing a huge empire. They wear clothes with their respective colors and metals, depictions of their Beast and their symbols. Similarly, soldiers wear different clothes, use different weapons and receive different training. For soldiers, nobles and officials, it is forbidden to appear in public in unappropriate time (during day for those, devoted to the Moon Beast, and vice versa). Merchants and travelers of middle class usually just change clothes, while the poor workers are forced to ignore the rule.
In fact, this usually is the limit of the divide. Anyone can do anything, they just have to use the appropriate approach, time and clothes. The Eyareen of high social standing or wealth from the desert cities are, no doubt, lead the most leisured lives in Asheareth. At the cost of imported workers and slaves, they have all the time and resources to practice art, craft, fighting or teachings of prominent scholars. Currently, Eyareen Empire slowly gives more rights to the businesses, and, as always, there are those, who try and revert the changes.
There is enough skilled craftsmen to supply the Empire for encrusted gilded armour and weapons for the whole army and more. Elaborate mask and armor elements are popular, while cloth is usually kept simple, in one color. There are powerful hereditary guilds, that seek out talented and make sure they reach their fullest potential. These may control a whole industry and sometimes even have small mercenary armies. Eyareen Empire tried to encourage learning, and in a way, they succeeded. There are many scholars and philosophers, whose ideas revolutionized some fields. There are home teachers of many subjects, and there is an excellent record keeping. However, Eyareen don't yet have a scientific method and many of their ideas aren't helpful or even harmful. Marriage in the Empire is quite different from other countries. One can be "married" to as many people as they want, and they can be "married" too. In fact, marriage or "khailn" is more of a close friendship ritual and business deal, that may or may not entail romantic or sexual relationship. However, relationship can be only between any two khai, otherwise is forbidden.
There is also a connection between two people, who agree that they are "soul twins", lakhai. This kind of "partner" is chosen for life, and lakhai are thought to be blessed by the Beasts and forever bound to each other.
They specialize in diversion, espionage and sabotage, and prefer to weaken their foes, shatter their focus and will to fight, disrupt alliances and the chain of command, cut supply lines, isolate and then deal coup de grâce. Since Lastayareen primarily take care of rebellions and/or problems that may cause a rebellion, they use a "soft and quiet" approach, and when needed, make an example out of the dissidents. As a general rule, Lastayareen use whatever means necessary to achieve victory. This includes kidnapping and questioning. Lastayareen rarely resort to violence, instead relying on threats, blackmail and Moon Tears - milky white substance, that is easily absorbed right through skin. Moon Tears cause extremely vivid hallucinations in absence of stimulation and damage subject's perception of the world - for instance, they forget things they don't see. If one has control of their surroundings, Moon Tears are used by those, who desire inspiration or exotic experiences. However, if one is left in darkness and silence (lack of stimulation), they basically become locked in a dream world, that slowly turns into a nightmare. In that case, the appearance of the questioner is a blessing, a window into the reality.
There is one more nuance: cooperation guarantees safety. If you cooperate, you will be released, you will suffer no penalties and you may tell others of your experience freely. If you were physically or psychologically damaged before cooperating, you will receive governmental care or compensation.
If, however, you made the work of your questioners hard, you will be dead. Lastayareen avoid direct fighting, and even have special forces, hai'rii, dedicated to hurting and slowing enemies while retreating. Victory by attrition is still a victory.
Usually, target doesn't know about the threat until they are isolated and weakened. Lastayareen can disperse and move large distances unseen, silence whole settlements and, generally, do every form of partisan warfare, but with organisation and resources of a full-fledged military. As an army of the Moon Beast, it is a sacred rule that the Lastayareen act primarily at night. They travel at night and attack at night, while more mundane tasks are performed at any time. As part of their training, they develop keen vision and hearing, allowing them to be effective in darkness. Their tactics vary a lot, but they all incorporate same elements - small attacks are sudden and fast, meticulously planned; in medium fights the enemy is first weakened and distracted, then slaughtered; and if enemy is much stronger, it becomes a war of attrition. This depends not only on the size or equipment of the target, but on their awareness of Lastayareen. Bows are very popular among the Lastayareen. Since serving in military is an honor, many wealthy families pass down secrets of archery, and a skilled archer from the colonies can even become a proper Eyareen upon retiring.
Arrows are usually very simple - balanced, wooden, with iron arrowheads. Veteran archers get better arrows, because they are sure not to waste them. Their tips are jagged and covered in poison, and their shafts are hollow steel. If an archer is to kill someone quickly or attack from a large distance, longbows are used. If an archer is to shower the enemy with a hail of arrows, either when attacking or retreating, it's shortbows. A weapon of a soldier is a spear. A weapon of an assasin is a short sword. Lastayareen soldiers use pikes during attacks, and glaives or two-handed swords for crowd control - without shields, so that one arm can always be free. In stealth operations, short straight swords, sickles and daggers are much better.
Lastayareen rely on many little things that may turn a battle in their favor: throwing knives, various poisons (including Moon Tears), caltropes, powders, smoke bombs and flamable liquids, etc. Therefore, one arm always should be free, if the need arises. Moreso, this arm often has a "talon" - a sharp and curved steel finger, used in many different situations.
Just like the Lastayareen, Karayaran armor incorporates elements from the Sun Beast, but much more impressively. Karayaran are intimidating: roaring beastial helmets; gilded weapons, sparkling in the sun; vague silhouette, casting a huge and monstous shadow. They are as efficient at simply scaring the weak-willed as they are at actual fighting. A tangible problem, that Karayaran have to deal with, is the nature of the land they need to protect. It is quite hard to move an army in a desert, let alone fight. There are also no choke points, sands prevent complicated footwork, and again, it is very hard to cross in full suit of armour and with weapons, not mentioning provision.
Despite the difficulties, Karayaran never betray their devotion to the Day. They are trained to walk long distances on sand, and their endurance is legendary. Their equipment is similarly designed for desert travel - sand boats, pulled by soldiers, carry provision and compact tents. Karayaran armour isn't too heavy, and their weapons are firmly attached to specific hooks on it. When it is needed, they can travel day and night, crossing wide distances quickly - oihra protects them from overheating. Oihra is a gel-like substance that gives fabric insulation properties, and is imported from the Silent Craftsmen of the Touched. There are defensive fortresses in the desert, around which small cities formed. Karayaran patrol between these. There are also small towers and forts on the very border, and if something happens, a messenger is sent to the nearest fortress with Karayaran in it. These outposts have been used quite a long time ago, and many are in a terrible condition. Few want to try and invade a desert - many more want to try and attack its colonies. There, the Karayaran create massive castles and fortifications, guarding the border constantly from Kashta raids. On the border of the Cestorian jungle, these defences are stable. Beyond the Yearan Sea, the situation is much more severe, ever since Kashta of steppe laid siege to a few forts, shattered the relief force, raided the undefended countryside and claimed it as their territory, demanding a tribute. Karayaran also guard caravans, headed for the Court or Astarion. Technically, they don't have to do it - but they are frequently hired, along with Lastayareen for the bigger ones. While, as a part of the army, Karayaran prefer strict discipline and well-practiced tactics, in caravans they are less constrained. They can use weapons, unfit for fighting within formation, (greatswords, swords in general), non-standard armour and tools. They also become generalists - they have to keep an eye for ambushes or tricks, traitors or thieves, scout ahead, be impressive/threatening to foreigners and lead the caravan out of danger, if the need arises.
The Hunt is an act of competition with celestial predator, that can be expressed in many different ways. One can embark on a journey across the desert, braving the elements, isolate themselves from society for some time, or participate in arena battles against lower beasts (or force someone else to do anything of it). Any outcome is satisfying. Survivors are respected, the fallen are the prey for the Beasts. In the end, the Beasts will claim everyone - there is no need to fear, and winning this kind of competition with a god even once is something to be proud of.
Political structure
Eyareen Empire is a constitutional monarchy, lead by twin emperors of Sun and Moon ("Kaarish'orn" and "Lastish'orn"). This duality persist throught all the layers of society in honor of the Beasts of Sun and Moon. Twin emperors have their respective courts and elected counsils, a capital city (Quotar and Lashtan) and an army. As a general rule, the Sun Emperor takes care of external politics, while their sibling - internal, though their courts frequently cooperate in the third capital, Tioran. Emperors are advised by their court of nobles, that hold one or two provinces, and by an elected counsil of various representatives. By "advising", they frequently make the most of small and medium-scale decisions through voting. This government structure leads to a lot of tension and opposition, that usually doesn't allow much power concentration and favors to very conservative politics. An emperor can only propose politics, that will have to be approved, or approve/veto the decisions of this parlament-court ("Kaar'ya" or "Last'ya", "Aar'ya/ Aar'yi" for both). It must be noted, that there are two nobles/noble families to each province, and two groups of elected representatives, and they are part of two different Aar'yi. Eyareen Empire remains a part of the Court to prevent wars, continue lucrative trade and satisfy its pious citizens. It also trades with Astarion, despite Court's hostility. Although, currently, the Empire doesn't seek conflict, it is quite aggresive to Kashta. Kashta of steppe are largely isolated from the motherland by the sea, but they threaten many colonies. Kashta of jungle won't dare to cross the desert, but they are perilously close to important trade routes and other colonies.Georgraphy
The Eyareen consider the Shouk desert and Cestorian jungles sacred, because of their alleged origin. Their capitals are positioned in the middle of the desert, amidst the unforgiving sands, despite any difficulties. Quotar is built right on a Buried City, where the mythical snake Quaran is supposedly imprisoned. They want to claim the Cestorian jungles for themselves, but don't want to get in the conflict between Kashta and the Pure. The Eyareen Empire has quite a lot of conquered territories, but it insists on keeping its internal politics to itself. These colonies are uncharted and largely unknown by the outsiders, used by the Empire for cheap labor force and raw resources, so that, in the motherland, Eyareen can devote themselves to art, craft, faith and war.Society
In honor of the Beasts, society of Eyareen is dual, Sun and Moon halves. Twin emperors, two courts, two armies. The Sun Beast is associated with the gold, conquer and defence, while the Moon Beast - with silver, art and science, espionage and diversion.As mentioned above, the Aar'yi of different emperors take care of different parts of governing a huge empire. They wear clothes with their respective colors and metals, depictions of their Beast and their symbols. Similarly, soldiers wear different clothes, use different weapons and receive different training. For soldiers, nobles and officials, it is forbidden to appear in public in unappropriate time (during day for those, devoted to the Moon Beast, and vice versa). Merchants and travelers of middle class usually just change clothes, while the poor workers are forced to ignore the rule.
In fact, this usually is the limit of the divide. Anyone can do anything, they just have to use the appropriate approach, time and clothes. The Eyareen of high social standing or wealth from the desert cities are, no doubt, lead the most leisured lives in Asheareth. At the cost of imported workers and slaves, they have all the time and resources to practice art, craft, fighting or teachings of prominent scholars. Currently, Eyareen Empire slowly gives more rights to the businesses, and, as always, there are those, who try and revert the changes.
There is enough skilled craftsmen to supply the Empire for encrusted gilded armour and weapons for the whole army and more. Elaborate mask and armor elements are popular, while cloth is usually kept simple, in one color. There are powerful hereditary guilds, that seek out talented and make sure they reach their fullest potential. These may control a whole industry and sometimes even have small mercenary armies. Eyareen Empire tried to encourage learning, and in a way, they succeeded. There are many scholars and philosophers, whose ideas revolutionized some fields. There are home teachers of many subjects, and there is an excellent record keeping. However, Eyareen don't yet have a scientific method and many of their ideas aren't helpful or even harmful. Marriage in the Empire is quite different from other countries. One can be "married" to as many people as they want, and they can be "married" too. In fact, marriage or "khailn" is more of a close friendship ritual and business deal, that may or may not entail romantic or sexual relationship. However, relationship can be only between any two khai, otherwise is forbidden.
There is also a connection between two people, who agree that they are "soul twins", lakhai. This kind of "partner" is chosen for life, and lakhai are thought to be blessed by the Beasts and forever bound to each other.
Military
Eyareen Empire is huge, and any country of such size requires a massive army to quell rebellions and protect against greedy neighbours. The Empire has two armies: Lastayareen and Karayaran. Soldiers from different armies are trained differently, have different uniforms and different strategies. Supposedly, Lastayareen is the "inner" army and Karayaran is the "outer" one, but in actuality they frequently mingle. To serve in military is a great honor, and a successful career may lead to a high social standing or considerable wealth. Most Eyareen served at least once, and while anyone can get enlisted, it's mostly men. In all, despite equalities in law, the Empire is subtly patriarchac. Military is also one of the few ways for the people from the colonies can enter high society of the desert - that, and being a talented alchemist. Eyareen Empire actively funds the research and experiments of these alchemists, and so far they proved themselves useful - for instance, they've invented Moon Tears.Lastayareen
Lastayareen are devoted to the Lastish'ka, the Moon Beast, and wear colors associated with the moon: blue, pale blue, very dark blue, black, white and gray. Their uniform often incorporates animal designs of the Moon Beast, that may indicate a specific part of the military. For example, archers and watchmen have owl masks or patterns in form of black feathers.They specialize in diversion, espionage and sabotage, and prefer to weaken their foes, shatter their focus and will to fight, disrupt alliances and the chain of command, cut supply lines, isolate and then deal coup de grâce. Since Lastayareen primarily take care of rebellions and/or problems that may cause a rebellion, they use a "soft and quiet" approach, and when needed, make an example out of the dissidents. As a general rule, Lastayareen use whatever means necessary to achieve victory. This includes kidnapping and questioning. Lastayareen rarely resort to violence, instead relying on threats, blackmail and Moon Tears - milky white substance, that is easily absorbed right through skin. Moon Tears cause extremely vivid hallucinations in absence of stimulation and damage subject's perception of the world - for instance, they forget things they don't see. If one has control of their surroundings, Moon Tears are used by those, who desire inspiration or exotic experiences. However, if one is left in darkness and silence (lack of stimulation), they basically become locked in a dream world, that slowly turns into a nightmare. In that case, the appearance of the questioner is a blessing, a window into the reality.
There is one more nuance: cooperation guarantees safety. If you cooperate, you will be released, you will suffer no penalties and you may tell others of your experience freely. If you were physically or psychologically damaged before cooperating, you will receive governmental care or compensation.
If, however, you made the work of your questioners hard, you will be dead. Lastayareen avoid direct fighting, and even have special forces, hai'rii, dedicated to hurting and slowing enemies while retreating. Victory by attrition is still a victory.
Usually, target doesn't know about the threat until they are isolated and weakened. Lastayareen can disperse and move large distances unseen, silence whole settlements and, generally, do every form of partisan warfare, but with organisation and resources of a full-fledged military. As an army of the Moon Beast, it is a sacred rule that the Lastayareen act primarily at night. They travel at night and attack at night, while more mundane tasks are performed at any time. As part of their training, they develop keen vision and hearing, allowing them to be effective in darkness. Their tactics vary a lot, but they all incorporate same elements - small attacks are sudden and fast, meticulously planned; in medium fights the enemy is first weakened and distracted, then slaughtered; and if enemy is much stronger, it becomes a war of attrition. This depends not only on the size or equipment of the target, but on their awareness of Lastayareen. Bows are very popular among the Lastayareen. Since serving in military is an honor, many wealthy families pass down secrets of archery, and a skilled archer from the colonies can even become a proper Eyareen upon retiring.
Arrows are usually very simple - balanced, wooden, with iron arrowheads. Veteran archers get better arrows, because they are sure not to waste them. Their tips are jagged and covered in poison, and their shafts are hollow steel. If an archer is to kill someone quickly or attack from a large distance, longbows are used. If an archer is to shower the enemy with a hail of arrows, either when attacking or retreating, it's shortbows. A weapon of a soldier is a spear. A weapon of an assasin is a short sword. Lastayareen soldiers use pikes during attacks, and glaives or two-handed swords for crowd control - without shields, so that one arm can always be free. In stealth operations, short straight swords, sickles and daggers are much better.
Lastayareen rely on many little things that may turn a battle in their favor: throwing knives, various poisons (including Moon Tears), caltropes, powders, smoke bombs and flamable liquids, etc. Therefore, one arm always should be free, if the need arises. Moreso, this arm often has a "talon" - a sharp and curved steel finger, used in many different situations.
Karayaran
Karayaran is the army of the Sun Beast, the one dedicated to protecting the border and pure war. Karayaran is the reason Eyareen have an empire. They are frequently compared to an unstoppable sandstorm, to the merciless fury of the Sun. Karayaran guards borders and protects the many caravans, traveling to the Court and Astarion. It is rumoured that it is always in the middle of new conquest far south. They also have a fleet in the Yearan Sea and Dawn Ocean, and trade with Astarion colonies by sea, frequently entering conflict with the mysterious Dawn Raiders. It's been a long time since Karayaran fought a real war (if you don't count unconfirmed south wars), and their usual opponent doesn't have great skill or equipment (Kashta, bandits and rebels). Their strategy and tactics changed accordingly. They prefer easy to use curved swords, glaives instead of spears and light round wooden shields. Only the most vital parts are armoured, while everything else is protected by mail. Over the armour Karayaran wear white clothes, that hide weak spots and protect from the Sun.Just like the Lastayareen, Karayaran armor incorporates elements from the Sun Beast, but much more impressively. Karayaran are intimidating: roaring beastial helmets; gilded weapons, sparkling in the sun; vague silhouette, casting a huge and monstous shadow. They are as efficient at simply scaring the weak-willed as they are at actual fighting. A tangible problem, that Karayaran have to deal with, is the nature of the land they need to protect. It is quite hard to move an army in a desert, let alone fight. There are also no choke points, sands prevent complicated footwork, and again, it is very hard to cross in full suit of armour and with weapons, not mentioning provision.
Despite the difficulties, Karayaran never betray their devotion to the Day. They are trained to walk long distances on sand, and their endurance is legendary. Their equipment is similarly designed for desert travel - sand boats, pulled by soldiers, carry provision and compact tents. Karayaran armour isn't too heavy, and their weapons are firmly attached to specific hooks on it. When it is needed, they can travel day and night, crossing wide distances quickly - oihra protects them from overheating. Oihra is a gel-like substance that gives fabric insulation properties, and is imported from the Silent Craftsmen of the Touched. There are defensive fortresses in the desert, around which small cities formed. Karayaran patrol between these. There are also small towers and forts on the very border, and if something happens, a messenger is sent to the nearest fortress with Karayaran in it. These outposts have been used quite a long time ago, and many are in a terrible condition. Few want to try and invade a desert - many more want to try and attack its colonies. There, the Karayaran create massive castles and fortifications, guarding the border constantly from Kashta raids. On the border of the Cestorian jungle, these defences are stable. Beyond the Yearan Sea, the situation is much more severe, ever since Kashta of steppe laid siege to a few forts, shattered the relief force, raided the undefended countryside and claimed it as their territory, demanding a tribute. Karayaran also guard caravans, headed for the Court or Astarion. Technically, they don't have to do it - but they are frequently hired, along with Lastayareen for the bigger ones. While, as a part of the army, Karayaran prefer strict discipline and well-practiced tactics, in caravans they are less constrained. They can use weapons, unfit for fighting within formation, (greatswords, swords in general), non-standard armour and tools. They also become generalists - they have to keep an eye for ambushes or tricks, traitors or thieves, scout ahead, be impressive/threatening to foreigners and lead the caravan out of danger, if the need arises.
Cooperation
Karayaran and Lastayareen frequently cooperate. In general, they act paralel to each other - Lastayareen at night, Karayaran during day. When they need to act together, they prefer dawn or dusk, as both are intermediate periods. While Lastayareen have been perfecting and modifying their tactics, Karayaran are quite old-fashioned and, possibly, in stagnation. Their potential enemies grow stronger, smarter and get new technologies. This causes the "outer" politicians of the Empire to become quite paranoid, and Eyareen desperately seek the secret of blackpowder from the Touched or horses from Astarion.Worship
The society of Eyareen is built around the holy duality of the Beasts. They aren't opposite - but without one, there wouldn't be another, and together they create everything. This duality is in the very structure of the Empire - powerful motherland and its colonies. The Beasts are almost always apart, but always bound together - and thus, their two respective parts of the world and the society should be apart too. In union, they create this glorious world and this glorious Empire in all their diversity. Separate, they hold the balance of this great and complex world and this great and complex Empire. It is common to pray to one of the Beasts for guidance or help, and to satisfy them, Eyareen must participate in the Great Hunt.The Hunt is an act of competition with celestial predator, that can be expressed in many different ways. One can embark on a journey across the desert, braving the elements, isolate themselves from society for some time, or participate in arena battles against lower beasts (or force someone else to do anything of it). Any outcome is satisfying. Survivors are respected, the fallen are the prey for the Beasts. In the end, the Beasts will claim everyone - there is no need to fear, and winning this kind of competition with a god even once is something to be proud of.
"Eyaréen" (eye-ah-reen) - "sunrise/moonrise", "Sun's/Moon's path".
"Oirákh" - empire, "spreading power", "halo of light", "area of light".
Monarchy
The twin emperors must always rule together - if one dies, another must retire. They are inherited by a pair of twins from either emperor. If these are absent (which is unlikely, due to the efforts of masked harems), a pair of twins among the nobles is chosen. There used to be variations on the title based on gender ("Kaarish'orin" for an emperor and "Kaarish'orna" for an empress of Sun, same for "Lastish'orin" and "Lashtish'orna"), but now gender-vague "Kaarish'orn" and "Lastish'orn" are used. In fact, the twins are something of a separate, blessed gender, and the gender of twin emperors is secret. But, since the heirs are needed, there are masked harems, Cohr'ya. Their members form a closed society, keep their emperor's secrets, make sure they have an heir (desirably, a pair of twins), prevent inbreeding, and often hold considerable political power. Cohr'ya find new "recruits" from all the edges of the world, or raise their "side" children in the harem.Cohr'ya are often also emperor's servants and cooks, taking care of their day to day wishes, raising and educating their children or even a young emperor themselves, offering advice and becoming something of a family. In a way, they are one of court factions, whose main goal is to keep their position, that depends on the whims of their lord.
Three emperors
Current emperors are very young, since the previous ones died in a plague outbreak. But their grandparent, who used to be the Sun Emperor, remains - one twin was brutally assassinated by the Hands of the Mother after a conflict with the Church of Raitha, and the other was forced to retire.In this retirement, they are functionally the third emperor, as the young twins can't yet manage all of the Empire without giving in to the nobility.
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Divines
Trivia
Among the proper Eyareen (the ones, who live in the desert cities), it is rude to show exposed skin. In some cities, face, hands or feet are exempt from this rule, while in others, only eyes can be seen. Beeing tan, or having tan patterns on skin, is consider attractive, and sunbathing in the morning or evening is an intimate leisure activity, popular among those who can afford it.Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments
Author's Notes
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