Trimaran Empire

Trimara is a sophisticated imperial state that claims to be a direct descendant of the former Asturian Empire, and while they do not come close to the size, many of the main settlements have managed to capture some of the old empire's former splendor. This remnant has an extensive trading network, and the imperial merchant fleet brings goods and riches from all over the continent. The navy has virtually eliminated piracy from imperial waters, and even though the land is still recovering from a recent war, several expeditions have been made to the continents of Akkad and Itanavir. The empress and senate are hoping to revive intercontinental travel and widen the horizons of the people. In a similar vein, Trimara boasts excellent universities, arcane academies, and military training schools to ensure that the best and brightest are making sure the empire runs smoothly.
The current ruler is Emperor Polonius, but since he never truly recovered from his wounds in the Jawharan War, his health has been failing. Thus, his eldest surviving child, Atavaria has taken on the role of Princess Regent. She is not as capable a diplomat as her father, but she is beloved by her people and regarded as a military hero. There are few who would dare oppose her...but they do exist. Chiefest amongst her detractors is the Chancellor (head of the imperial senate), Kueria Miletus.

Structure

The imperial center is comprised of the capital and the surrounding territory in addition to a stretch of Riverland leading to the sea.  The rest of the empire is divided into a series of provinces, which are then subdivided in dioceses. Each province has a governor while every diocese is ruled by princep.  Every province sends anywhere from 1-5 senators to the imperial senate, and some of the larger territories send members to the royal assembly.  

Culture

Outside of Cydonia, Trimaran culture draws the most from old imperial precedents, since the Asturian Diaspora sent tens of thousands of refugees to the border province of Trimara. City layouts, architecture, military formation and modes of dress all draw from imperial inspirations, which are a blend of form and function. Rounded arches, beautiful lines, and efficient and mobile formations. As the city expanded and outer Trimaran colonies were established, the citizens started to draw ideas and styles from their dwarves and elven neighbors, which led to an interesting amalgamation. Due to the variety of peoples found within the young empire, Trimaran culture is accepting of most races and cultures. if one does not create a problem for the empire, then citizens and local authorities will leave well enough alone. Finally, Trimara has done its best to hold to its imperial and maritime roots, thus, while there are several inland provinces, most major settlements are never more than a few miles from the coast or a major river that empties into the sea.

Public Agenda

For the majority of the past two and a half centuries, the empire's agenda has been one of stability. They painstakingly maintained their borders, trading relationships, and alliances. Everything was done to ensure that the empire continued and prospered without growth or reduction in territory. However, within the past century, the imperial leadership (more-so the senate than the assembly, imperial council, or the emperors) has attempted expanding upriver and in the outer island chains, which has brought the empire into conflict and outright war with its neighbors.

Assets

The empire controls the southeastern trade routes, the valuable spice islands in the eastern seas, and, supposedly, they control one of the few sites where raw residuum can be mined.  In addition, the Trimaran merchant fleet and Imperial Navy are some of the best trained and equipped across the continent and beyond. They protect all of the material goods that flow through the empire.

History

Trimara was an up and coming border-port city at the southeast edge of the Asturian Empire. The port town might have been forgotten about, but because it sits on a magical draw-point, much time and effort was invested into fortifying this area. When the Asturian capital was being invaded, the millions of imperial citizens were evacuated via portals that Emperor Viserius, himself, with his imperial cadre, sustained. Trimara kept its portal open up until the very end, and therefore, tens of thousands of imperial loyalists and refugees escaped. Trismagistus could not handle the fact that its population multiplied almost three fold, and while the city was already making plans to expand, the new imperial council had to come up with creative solutions to the new population it had. The regional governor and his advisory council came up with an ingenious solution that would expand their influence, relive the pressure on their city, and establish greater control of trade in the region: new colonies. with their meager navy, at the time, they shuttled people by the thousand to spots all along the coast and out on the nearby substantial islands. these lands would be largely independent other than a tax and military contribution to Trismagistus and and the central province. This new colonial alliance burgeoned into a fruitful relationship, and over time, the central province was able to tie the outlying colonies into a close enough relationship that the loose alliance soon resembled a centralized state. The regional governors were clever enough not to seize authority too quickly, and through clever dealing and manipulation, convinced the outlying colonies to swear fealty to Trimara. Eventually, the regional governor took the title of emperor and formalized his authority over the colonies, though, the new emperor was smart enough to preserve the Imperial Senate, and he even created the Citizens Assembly to expand representation as well as bind the outlying provinces to the central government.
The most remarkable event in recent history is the conclusion of the war with Ja'Whara.  Trimara wanted to occupy some ruined cities along the Ignatius River that may have been draw points at one time, but those former cities were generally thought to be a no-man's-land of sorts, which is why they were unclaimed for so long.  Jawhara threatened reprisal and invasion if the empire committed forces to the area, so, naturally, The Trimaran Emperor, Polonius, marched an expeditionary force of ten legions into the Cistertian ruins.  The emperor believed that Jawhara would send its forces against them in the ruins, but the rival ruler and his generals were clever.  They sent a two pronged attack into the heart of the empire.  The Jawharans managed to coax two neighboring kingdoms to ally with them, and they sent ground forces straight towards Trismagistus while the Jawharan fleet attacked the southern Trimaran ports.  The capital, under the leadership of the emperor's eldest son, Cadmus (a powerful wizard and master evoker), kept the attackers from taking the central core, but the fall of the city was inevitable.  Mounting a last ditch defense, Cadmus and his imperial guard held off the attackers long enough to evacuate the city and the government; however, he gave his life in sacrifice. When the emperor found out, this news nearly broke him. Thankfully, he was able to rally and keep the rest of the enemy forces from invading the northern provinces.  Meanwhile, down south, the imperial fleet and the trade fleet were able to protect the inner sea and open a sea route to Jawhara.  The emperor's daughter, without approval from the senate, took five legions and small fleet, and launched her own invasion of Jawhara.  She landed on their eastern coast, liberated several coastal cities from their control, and then cut a bloody swath through their territory.  Her prowess on the field became legendary, even more so after she was severally wounded outside the enemy capital, but still pressed the attack.  Her invasion failed in its aims, but it did succeed in pulling the enemy forces back to their home country to defend against invasion.  The war wound taking almost ten years and depleted the fighting resources of both nations; however, Trimara managed to recover its territories, repel the invaders and even expand its influence to the former Jawharan coast.  Thus, Trimara won the war, but the empire sits upon the edge of a knife, and one slip might spell disaster.
Recent history is a story of rebuilding and recovery.  The Imperial Guard and Navy have been maintaining near constant vigils on the frontiers, but this comes at a great cost.  Imperial taxes have been stretched thin, and the failing health of Emperor has made tensions flare within the government.  The obvious successor is his daughter Atavaria, but there has been talk of supplanting her claim with someone from outside the royal family.

Demography and Population

Trimara is one of the largest and most diverse regions on the continent.  While humans make up the majority, there are also large contingents of elves, dwarves, and even halflings.  Other races such as gnomes, Dragonborn, and tie flings are present as well, albeit in much smaller numbers.  in addition, because of the empire's focus on trade, so many different peoples make their way through the various port cities dotting Trimaran shores.
As far as population is concerned, that number depends on which parts of the empire get counted.  If one only includes the imperial core and lands managed directly by the senate, the population is roughly 2,500,000.  However, if one counts the semi-independent zones, the tributary states, and the recently acquired though not fully incorporated territories, that number climbs to around 3,500,000.

Territories

The main provinces are the imperial core and the coastal provinces that cover most of the seaboard to the north and south. Several inland territories have been added upriver and to the west, but the largest additions to the empire were made over the past two centuries as several island settlements and kingdoms have gradually been incorporated as allies or tributary states.  The empire also has naval outposts and trading posts at the frontiers that maintain trade routes and security.

Military

The main military is divided into four distinct branches:

• The Trimaran Guard--sometimes called the Tri-Guard, theses soldiers constitute the conventional ground forces of the empire.  The army fields an array of lancers, spearmint, swordsman, light and heavy cavalry, archers, and a variety of auxiliaries and skirmishers.  The infantry uses a variety of tactics from the standard phalanx to a more manipular structure. The cavalry are formidable, but they are mainly infantry support.
• The Imperial Navy--The navy is the core of the Trimaran power.  The navy, in conjunction with the marines, are one of the most effective fighting forces in the region.  Their ships are fast and equipped with some of the best ballistae and arcane firepower that the empire can manage, and every man-o-war has a complement of marines that can be deployed to any conflict at a moment's notice. There are over 100 ships spread throughout the region with several local contingents that can be called upon to supplement the navy.
• The Royal Marines--While the Trial-Guard form the backbone of the army, it is the marines that pave the way for them.  They are an elite force that is able to move in quickly, attack efficiently, and make way for the regular army to do its job.  In addition, the marines, as mentioned above, help the navy defend its ships and coastal territories.  Finally, they can be called upon to do more clandestine purposes, but that is not their primary function.
• The Trade Fleet--This is more of an independent force that is only loosely tied into the imperial hierarchy.  The Trade Fleet helps protect the imperial trade routes and defend the trade outposts at the edges of the empire.  Some question the loyalties of this force and wonder if their power will soon eclipse the actual navy.  

Technological Level

The trimarans have made a significant effort to research and revitalize as much old world tech as they can.  Arcane firearms and enchanted weaponry are a significant focus of the science ministry.  They have managed to recreate a crude version of the Asturian arcane cannon that can be mounted on a ship, but they are so hard to produce that only the command ships in the navy have them. However, the biggest pet project of the ministry has been to try resurrecting airship technology, but, sadly, this project has not gone too well.  Imperial workmanship and craftsmanship is some of the best, and scholars and tinkers from across the continent travel to Trimara in order to learn what they can.  The Imperial Archaeological Society has been scouring the surrounding lands for old imperial ruins in order to learn more about old world tech.  Some even suspect that the IAS was the cause of the recent war with Jawhara.

Religion

There is no official state religion, but the original Pantheon of Nine has imperial endorsement.  Additionally, while no religion is outright banned, worship of the old gods and the elemental titans is frowned upon. Cults devoted to the twin gods of Shade and Lumina have been popular recently, and the leadership is worried that they might undermine imperial authority.

Foreign Relations

For the first few centuries of the empire's existence, imperial authorities focused on trade and border stability. To that end, the emperor and the senate were fairly conciliatory with its neighbors; moreover, the overall imperial goal was to tie neighbors' interest with imperial ones through trade thereby negating potential hostilities. However, over the course of the past century, the empire became increasingly expansionist and bellicose. Thus, some of its neighbors, such as The Empire of Jawhara or Esyllra, have resented the recent annexations of inland and island territories. Also, the recent war with Jawhara has thrown local politics out of whack as rulership of many city states and small kingdoms in the area is in a state of flux.

Laws

Imperial law is based on the old Asturian code with several additions and adendums.  As the Trimaran Empire found its proper footing, it had to adjust the old laws and adapt them to the changing political landscape, thus giving birth to the Trimaran Imperial Code.  Below are a few of the main laws that govern all imperial provinces:

• All incoming and outgoing trade are subject to custum duties.
• Magic users must register with imperial authorities and acquire permission before discharhing abilities in public.
• Imperial authority reigns across all provinces and territories, though allied nation retain independence provided their laws do not directly contradict Imperial ones.
• Any merchant is allowed to trade within imperial limits, though a writ of commerce must be acquired from a local magistrate.
• Any unauthoorized trades can be confiscated by any imperial custums authorities.
• Murder and theft are never sanctioned within imperial boundaries.
• Provinces are allowed a measure of indpendence provided no local laws contradict imperial codes. 

• Any disputes with laws must be settled within local courts.
• Local judges have discretion to mete out any punishment they see fit provided it is warrented for the crime.
• Treason is always punishable by death.
• Murder can be punishable by death or by being sentenced to work on a prison barge.

Agriculture & Industry

The inland provinces and mainland coast territories take care of most of the farming that the empire needs.  Various grains and fruit orchards make up the bulk of the empire's grown food stuff, while the bulk of imperial farming is done at sea.  Fishing and ocean harvesting sustain the islands and port towns.  However, the manufacturing and industrial power of Trimara is second to none.  Shipyards, workshops, trade guilds, and artisans are spread throughout the empire, so much so, that should any naval vessel need assistance, they can stop in any major port and go into dry dock.  Everything that empire lacks, in terms of resources or productions needs, it can trade for from its neighbors.

Trade & Transport

The imperial highway system is less than stellar.  The main roads between large cities and settlements are decent and made out of stone, but they are not maintained terribly well.  The rest of the highways are simple dirt roads that serve their purpose, but they become nigh impassable during heavy rains.  On the other hand, sea routes are scrupulously protected and maintained, so almost all trading, transportation, and migration of consequence happens over water.

Education

Thanks to a robust public school system in the core provinces, there is a high degree of literacy, much higher than many other states on the continent. However, the common schools only go so far and higher education can be quite costly.  Also, many rural and outlying communities have limited resources and thus cannot educate their local populations as well.  Plus, the main academies and universities are in the imperial core, which can be diicult or those living in the far flung island of the archipelago.

Infrastructure

The empire boasts a robust sewer system in most of its major cities, and even the smaller settlements take measures to ensure that the areas remain relatively clean in order to reduce disease and contamination.  The military is taken care of in the port cities, and the major settlements are connected by the imperial road system.  However, the roads are not as sophisticated as they should be, and the empire does not feel the need to upgrade them since their sea routes are so vast and thorough.

Divine Origins

Many faiths and cults exists within the empire, but the principle gods of the Old Empire are followed in some way by most of the citizens. Temples dedicated to Helm, Torm, Waukeen, Pelor, The Raven Queen, Bahamut, Moradin, and Melora can be found throughout the Empire.  Some mariners prefer to worship Umberlee instead of Melora, and most of the elves in the empire worship one of the great three: Corellon, Sehanine, or Llolth.  The only faiths that are generally not allowed in public worship are those cults dedicated to demon princes or archdevils.

Sects

There are competing sects in the empire dedicated to the primordial gods of Lumina (goddess of light) and Umbra (god of darkness).  These religious groups have been gaining traction in recent years, and their followers have been very vocal about returning to the true faith and worshipping the true lords of creation.  Lumina and Umbra (a.k.a Shade) are said to be the gods above and beyond the gods of the upper and lower planes, and they are the ones responsible for the creation of the sidereal universe that encompasses what we know of as the multiverse.  The multiverse in and of itself is an illusion because all worlds and dimensions bow to the primordial essensces of light and dark.
Leaders of both sects believe that these primordial gods deserve to be included within the greater imperial pantheon and have been petionting the emperor and the imperial assembly for official recognition.  

Sicut mare patimur (Like the sea, we endure)

Founding Date

50 AE

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Capital

Trismagistus

Alternative Names

Trimarea; The Far Flung Empire

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Experienced

Demonym

Trimarian

Leader

Atavaria Stratos

Leader Title

Emperor/Empress

Head of State

Atavaria Stratos

Head of Government

Kuveria Miletus

Government System

Monarchy, Constitutional

Power Structure

Federation

Economic System

Market economy

Currency

All manner of currency is accepted in the empire, but the coins minted within the imperial borders are called...

• platinum coins--imperators
• gold coins--aurius or magus
• silver--argentius
• copper coins--knotts

Major Exports

Some of the finest craftsmen in the world reside in the imperium and their wares are shipped all over the known world. Tropical fruits, scented oils, local spices, precious metlas, and jewelry are all popular exports in high demand from the crescent bay to the Akkadian striaght.

Major Imports

The imperium does not want for much, and while there are several mines for precious metals, such as gold and silver, the empire lacks crucial base metals like coopper, iron, and tin.  In addition, central authorities make sure to import a number of other key raw materials like timber, salt, and sulphur to shore up local supplies and prevent shortage.  Finally, there is always a market for ancient imperial artiacts and curios.
In addition to the above, all manor of good and product can be found in imperial poorts as the merchant fleet range ar and wide.

Legislative Body

The Imperial Senate, comprised of representatives from across the provinces, is the primary governing body of the empire. Most of the political decisions that govern day-to-day operations of the empire go through the hallowed halls of the Senate chambers.  The head of the Senate is given the title Chancellor, who is in charge of breaking ties when needed, and s/he is in charge of taking any laws and concerns to the imperial council and the sitting emperor/empress.
Additionally, the People's Assembly, which is made up of mainly lower class citizens and worker's guild representatives, has more of advisory role, but they are still able to take concerns and laws to the Senate for approval.

Judicial Body

The empire is one of the few states that has a robust court system. Each province has a district court that oversees county magistrates that deal with local law matters. Any higher cases are referred to the imperial district courts, and if anything higher is required, then the imperial Justiciar, who resides over the Ministry of Justice, will hear the case and render judgement. Sometimes, the emperor will consult on cases and offer a judgement, but the advice of the throne is not always required.

Executive Body

Ostensibly, authority is divided between the imperial council, headed by the chancellor (who also heads the senate), and the emperor/empress.  The council, being made up of various counselors and generals, advises the emperor, and they help run much of the internal bueracracy; however, the imperator is the ultimate executive authority. 
*Tensions have arisen between the Chancellor, Kuveria Miletus, and the Princess Regent, Atavaria Stratos, since Kuveria believes her office deserves more authority since the council runs so much of the internal bueracracy.

Parent Organization

Trimaran Empire

Subsidiary Organizations

• Trimaran Empire

Location

Trismagistus

Controlled Territories

• Trismagistus

Neighboring Nations

• Jawharan Empire

Notable Members

• Atavaria Stratos