Kingdom of Praetorius
The Kingdom of Praetorius (aka the Crimson Kingdom) is one of the more stable nations in the Shattered Lands. From its violent break away from Cydonia, it has spent almost the entirety of its time securing its borders, mounting punitive campaigns against the barbarians in the Badlands, and protecting its interests in the neighboring countries of Austrasia and Quiddam. One of the more bellicose nations, it does rather terse relations with the surrounding nations, but it generally respects the border since an outright attempt at conquest will only result in a grand alliance to crush the Crimson Kingdom. The Kingdom is ruled by the "Immortal" King Praetorius, who, despite being human, has lived for over three centuries. There is no hard answer as to how he has accomplished this. The official story is that the gods blessed him and allowed him to find an ancient artifact that has extended his life while some say that the king made a pact with some powerful devil from the Nine Hells in exchange for extended life: what he gave in trade is anyone's guess.
Structure
The King is the head of state while regional governors control the four main provinces outside the capital district:
- The Badlands
- The Riverlands
- Westeria
- Arkania
Culture
Praetorian society centers around the military and cult of personality surrounding the king. All citizens have to contribute to the military in some way, either by signing up or contributing through taxation. Law and order is also strictly enforced and punishments for breaking any law are punitive and harsh. Conversely, many of its citizens enjoy certain freedoms and liberties not found in other parts of the shattered lands. For example, all citizens are required to get some level of basic education, and, based on aptitude, high achievers will go to either officers' training in the military academies, magical scriptoriums, or the administrative scholarium. Citizens are not prevented from having personal weaponry, provided they have to rebelled against the crown recently, and those same citizens may be called upon to join the local militias when necessary. While not xenophobic, many people tend to be mistrustful of outsiders, especially those from Cydonia, the chief rival and frequent enemy of Praetorius.
Public Agenda
The public face of the kingdom is a mask of severity. The Praetorians fiercely protect their borders from any potential threats, and if any violence seems to be forthcoming, they may even preemptively martial their forces and deal with it. In addition, the kingdom makes it very plain that their agents and travelers will be scouring the lands for any old world relics.
History
Praetorius' history is tied directly to that of Cydonia's. almost four centuries prior, Cydonia made an ambitious bid to reconquer the shattered lands and recreate the empire. Cydonia came so close to achieving this as well. Through the hiring of certain mercenary companies, skillful alliance making with the southern princes, and aggressive military campaigning, they almost succeeded. The seven knights of Cydonia were the commanding generals of their armed forces, and while most of them were painting garrisons in the central, western, and southern portions of Shattered Lands, one of the most powerful, Praetorius lead his forces into the Eastern Borderlands to force out the barbarian and orcish tribesmen taking up residence there. Praetorius was a brilliant tactician and even more skillful sword-mage, but it still took months of fighting to eventually push the tribes back into the badlands beyond the old imperial border forts. Once that was accomplished he went about occupying some of the old outposts, but just in case they failed, he drew his expeditionary forces back into the river lands to set up a fall back border. While building the new outpost, his chief archaists made an astonishing discovery of some old imperial ruins that were sealed with powerful magics. They tried for a solid week to break the seals, but the magic was beyond them. Eventually, Praetorius got curious and attempted to force the door open with his sword (the symbol and partial source of a mag-knight's power). He unleashed the most powerful flurry of blows his blade could muster, and at first nothing seemed to happen. However the center of the door began to glow and cave, and he unleashed one more powerful thrust with his blade, now wreathed in magical flame. With one last strike, he shattered the door, and a deep stair case lay before him. Most historical accounts differ on what happened next, and most Praetorians would simply declare that their king found the power of the titans that he used to claim the lands. One account, however, states that a strange voice beckoned the knight within and once he entered a new magical barrier activated and sealed the entrance. Praetorius was within the old ruin for days, and when emerged on the seventh day, his armor was glowing, his head was treated in red flame, he clutched a new adamantine blade in his right hand, and he grasped a glowing orb in his left. Soon after his emergence, there was word that the border garrisons had fallen, and that the barbarian horde was advancing. Praetorius took his remaining forces and met the enemy on the field. All sources agree that his show of power was tremendous, and the descendants of the surviving barbarians still tell stories of the Crimson Knight'd wrath.
Shortly after this victory, the other knights were overjoyed to hear that Praetorius had found such powerful relics. They summoned back to the old capital where they hoped to reclaim the old seat of power, but the Crimson Knight refused. He denounced his fellow knights as myopic and vainglorious. He accused of fighting over imperial table scraps when there was a greater and more necessary power to achieve. The other knights were furious and threatened him with exile and death if he did not submit to the will of the Knight's Council, but he did not head them. He just proceeded to build a new fortress for him in the eastern river lands. The Cydonian Knights marshaled what forces they could spare and marched on Praetorius' territory, and while their hopes were high, this march spelled the downfall of Cydonia's imperial ambitions. The knights engaged in battle with their former comrade and his followers, and though, the battle ended in victory for the Cydonians, they lost so many troops and resources that they weakened themselves all over their newly conquered territory. Praetorius' counter attack was fierce, and many others joined in, senescing Cydonia's weakness. From that point onward, the Knights of Cydonia were forced to deal with Praetorius, not as a fellow knight, as a rival king. The Crimson Knight became the Crimson King, and he founded his kingdom of Praetorius. The Cydonians were waiting for him to die, so that they could prey on a weaker successor, but the Crimson King never did, and to this day, he remains on his gilded throne.
Demography and Population
The majority of the population is human, but there is a sizable dwarf population due to the nearby mountains, and because of the proximity to the Badlands and the Wildlands, half-orcs are not an uncommon sight. The official breakdown is as follows:
- Humans--70%
- Dwarves--15%
- Elves--5% (mostly nomadic wood elves)
- Other races (half-elves, gnomes, tieflings, and dragonborn--10%
Territories
The Vecs Mountains form a natural eastern border for the kingdom while the Badlands border forts from the southern barrier. The northern and eastern fronts are stable now, but they have been fluid in years past. While friendly with Austrasia, the puppet state has basically gone back and forth with some of its territory and what it is willing to cede to Praetorius in exchange for protection. The Quiddam front is truly worthy of the term. The largest military pressence, aside from the Borer Forts location, is stationed on there northern line to ensure that Cydonia does not try to extend itself any farther south than it already is.
Military
The kingdom boasts one of the strongest militaries in the Shattered Lands. Each province has it own local militias and garrisons, and each province must contribute strong bodies for the royal military, known as the Praetorian Guard. The militias all have their own local commanders, but the Guard is divided into, at minimum, five legions (each consisting of around 1,000 troops, no counting auxiliaries) unless more are called for. Some joke that with enough motivation, the Praetorian Guard and Crimson Militas could conquer the whole of the shattered lands, but that is most likely someone being facetious. The one weakness in the Praetorian military is its navy. It's naval numbers are laughable when compared to Gorus' and especially Cilicia's. Therefore, Praetorius has to rely mostly on foreign merchants and protection for its oversees operations, which only consist of the enclaves or Ash and Tarentum.
Technological Level
The technological level is comparable with most of the Shattered Lands despite their ongoing research into a lot of the lost relics of the past. There are rumors that the Kingdom is trying to unearth some of the old flying machines and get them working again, and, moreover, some are speculating that weapons using black powder are popping up.
Religion
Citizens and visitors can pretty much worship the main nine gods that are shared by the Shattered lands (Torm, Tyr, Helm, Melora, the Raven Queen, Pelor, Ioun, Bahamut, and Moradin. Other shrines to Correlon have been defaced due to the predjucie against magic, but there are some worshippers of the transient god around. The smallest cults belong to Shade and Lumina, though they have been gaining traction amongst the follows of the Old Gods.
There is also the cult of the immortal king. Even though neither the King nor his Right Hand have stated that Praetorius is a god, people have been encouraged to think of him as a quasi-godlike figure. There are even small shrines where people can show their respect by lighting some incense and sending their wishes and well-wishes to their great king. There are even rumors that the king is actively pursuing the path to godhood, but any
Foreign Relations
Not being the most diplomatically adept nation has left Praetorius somewhat isolated. it's relations with its neighbors can be somewhat tense given the bellicose history and traditions of the kingdom. Thus...
- Quiddam--Antipathy (aside from some elements within the capital who are sympathetic to the Crimson Kingdom)
- Austrasia--Friendly
- Neustria--Neutral
- Gorus--Antipathy
- Cilicia--Neutral
- Cydonia--Hostiles
- Thrax--Neutral
- Galatia--Neutral (although attempts at an alliance have been made)
Agriculture & Industry
While the southland are not suitable to large scale farming, thanks to the Royal River bisecting the kingdom and the numerous small streams running off of the Vecs Mountains, there is plenty of fertile bottomland to support the population of the kingdom. There is even a little left over for export during particularly nice growing seasons.
Trade & Transport
The roads through the kingdom are well-maintained, and frequented by traveling caravans and merchants. Though the Crimson Kingdom does maintain a huge trade network, it does enough to ensure that it gets what it needs. In addition, its border and customs taxes are relatively light, so merchants do not mind having to travel through. In addition, the road network is one of the safest in the shattered lands. The one area that is lacking is sea transport. For any oversees trade, the work must be outsourced to neighboring shipping companies.
Education
There are a few academies that will educate children, for a fee, but there is not a service for the kingdom as a whole. The one exception is that the research and development program will sometimes offer scholarships to some of the less fortunate. This charity is permitted since the research can help the royal defense initiative. What is available is an athletic and military education which is encouraged once children come of age. That way, the kingdom can ensure that it always has a steady supply of fighting people.
Infrastructure
The main high roads are constructed of durable stone, but even the dirt-roads and well-maintained. In addition, the major cities have sophisticated sewer systems maintain hygiene. A small network of aqueducts keep the more remote areas supplied with fresh water.
Libertas per Fortitudinem (freedom through strength)
Founding Date
650 AE
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Alternative Names
The Crimson Kingdom, The Land of the Immortal King
Predecessor Organization
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Veteran
Demonym
Praetorians
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Command/Planned economy
Currency
The noble is the standard gold coin used, the argentum is the silver weight, and the jot is the copper coin minted nearby.
Legislative Body
Though the immortal king himself is the ultimate creator of law and order in the land, Praetorius has delegated part of the lawmaking process to the Royal Assembly. The Assembly's job is to create, maintain, and enforce, the laws of Praetorius. The counselors are representatives gathered from amongst the most powerful military and noble families within the kingdom, so while some believe the assembly to be just a rubber stamp to the king, they actually do wield some clout. Indeed, the assembly's position has recently been moved to the forefront as the king has become increasingly distant.
Judicial Body
Each major city and large town with the kingdom has a constabulary and local judge. If the local judge cannot make a clear ruling, the decision is passed along to the district courts. The kingdom is divided into four judicial districts that will hear cases of particular import, and if they deem it necessary, they will refer the decision to the king and the royal court. This system was put into place to ensure the king is not bothered by trivial matters. Most law infractions are dealt with quickly and efficiently at the local level. Punishments for breaking the law and punitive and relatively harsh in the interest of maintaining law and order.
Executive Body
There is no true "executive branch" of government, but one could argue that the highest level of authority is divided (albeit unevenly) into three people:
- The Right Hand--this is the man that most visitors to the royal court encounter. He is the public face of the kingdom, and some would call him the voice of the king as many of the royal decrees are heard through him and not the king. If need be, he will also sit in on council and assembly meetings as the king's representative.
- The Left Hand--This enigmatic figure lurks in the corner of official meetings, but is otherwise rarely seen in public. People say that if one sees his (or maybe her) face, that it is the last thing one sees. There are many rumors swirling about this person's duties, but they tend to revolve around assassination and espionage.
- The King--the immortal king himself is the ultimate arbiter or law and order within the kingdom. His duties include sitting in on council and assembly meetings in order to act as the deciding voice in all political matters. In addition, any pressing, domestic legal cases as well as all international legal cases are heard in the royal court, which is headed by Praetorius, himself.
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
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