The Voldenbaum Reich

The Voldenbaum Reich is the oldest of the nations to exist within the Drachen Confederacy, it has a long and rich history of military tradition and staunch conservatism that has gone on to define much of the culture shared between the nations of the Confederacy.
However, the Voldenbaum Reich has experienced a gradual state of decline ever since the secession of the Kingdom of Preußens in 1525 of the 4th Age, losing more and more influence until it has finally reached a level of uncomfortable parity with its neighbors within the Confederacy.

Structure

The Voldenbaum Reich is an absolute monarchy with its Kaiser, in theory, wielding unlimited power. In practice, the feudal nature of politics and the rising status of wealthy individuals in the Reich has made for a dangerous playing field where alliances and plots are concocted to reshape the Reich in whatever manner the conspirators might choose. Social status is a mixture of feudal inheritance and meritocratic principles, where individuals who prove their value to the Kaiser are often promoted to govern tracts of lands in newly formed fiefdoms within the Reich; such methods are commonly found in service in the military of civil service. However, as feudal privileges have increased, it is not uncommon for the wealthy to carve their own fiefdoms and buy their titles, creating a notable divide between the traditional nobility and the ascendant merchant class.
In addition, the Voldenbaum Reich employs state religion, often used for conveying messages to the masses easily, that is derived from the "modified" teachings of Eothas. The state religion preaches the warmth of the sun in its ability to create and breathe life, but also to destroy. It has been granted official recognition above all other faiths within the Reich in return for absolute obedience in the Reich's politics, often additionally preaching absolute obedience to the Kaiser and the nobility of the Reich.

Culture

The culture of the Voldenbaum Reich has gone on to affect and shape almost, if not all, of the nations within the Drachen Confederacy given its prominent role in history. A strong military tradition reinforced from centuries of intermittent warfare as well as a strict sense of aristocratic superiority dominates the mindset of the kith who live within the Veoldenbaum Riech; they are often proud of their heritage, having had influence far past their current borders.

Public Agenda

The Drachen Confederacy is one of the Nationalist factions within the Drachen Confederacy, aiming to unite the whole of the Confederacy under the presidency of the Reich. This issue is contested by the Reich's former vassal, the Kingdom of Preußens, and has given an increased rise of tension between the two nations.

History

The Voldenbaum Reich is the oldest nation within the Drachen Confederacy, formed in 351 of the 4th Age, and it's age rivals that of even the Kingdom of Tolran. Before the foundation of the Reich, the lands that it would soon comprise were various tribal states, war and conflict between each other were commonplace. Through strongarm tactics, a warlord that history would know to be Rudolph von Voldenbaum united the warring Drachen tribes through force, centralizing the power of his aristocracy and creating a cult of personality. Future scholars have marveled at how the Reich managed to not collapse after the death of Kaiser Rudolph Voldenbaum in 384 of the 4th Age, as future states led by warlords have often done so. However, in a rare show of cooperation, the aristocracy of the Reich managed to recognize that holding on to their power came before infighting; revolt after revolt was brutally quelled, an increasing number of rights were stripped after each one and firmly concentrated the political capital in the hands of the few in the Reich, shaping the majority of the population into subservient masses without their understanding of the true situation before them.
At its greatest territorial extent, the Voldenbaum Reich stretched from the Tiergötten Basin to the far northern reaches of the Drachrippe Mountains but after the secession of the Kingdom of Preußens, which the Reich was forced to recognize after the Treaty of Murdenholl in 1525 of the 4th Age, the Reich has been experiencing a gradual, but undeniable state of decline. They no longer hold the political influence that they once had, especially after minor wars in the north and south of their territories have gradually sapped at the strength that they can field internationally. However, absolute control within the Reich still remains strong as the Kaiser can expect widespread support from his arisotocrats and clergy so long as their feudal rights are respected.

Unbesiegbare sonne

Founding Date

351 of the 4th Age

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Demonym

Volder