Empire of Laran
The Empire of Laran, a genocidal regime built on xenophobia, religious extremism, and internal strife. Running on the frantic efforts of a central oligarchy, abandoned by its absent emperor, desperately trying to keep itself together as its vassals fight amongst each other and all frantically scrabble for more land and power. Where religions are born and never die, where ultra-powerful nobles live in decadence while their subjects suffer in squalor. Oh, what an empire.
Structure
Laran is an Empire, not a unified kingdom, as such it rallies many different ethnicities, kingdoms, dukedoms, counties, and cultures to its banner. To control and guide the empire, which is in a near-permanent state of internal conflict, Laran has its Council of Six, known by the Larani and Lati as the Okosov. These are six Lati who have been chosen to lead one of Laran's many facets, with each seat on the Council coming with its holdings and resources to be used for the benefit of Laran. More accurately, they are used by the counselors to further their own ambitions. Each counselor leaves a trail of blood in their wake, as the position is one of immense prestige and glory, so many claim it as soon as a seat vacates, leading to a bloodbath until one is declared the victor. The seat of Imperator is also chosen in the same way, and the Imperator is supposed to also vote on matters with the council, acting as a tiebreaker. In the last three centuries, however, the Imperator has turned away from Laran, leaving the council as effectively the supreme governing body of the Empire. It tends to be evenly split between those working "altruistically" and for the benefit of Laran, and between those working for their own self-interest.
The only real criteria necessary to claim a seat as an Okosovai is to hold one of the many kingdom titles within Laran, all of which fall under Laran's usual orthodox for these matters. Each of these monarchs holds the title of Olash, having gained it through many different possible means. However, the most common methods remain hereditary succession and/or assassination. Each Olash rules over dukedoms and counties, for them o do as they please. They serve at the whims of the Imperator, however, and many have found their titles revoked or their feudal contracts modified without their consent, prompting civil wars aplenty.
Second to the Olash are the Shilurbo. They control parcels of land directly, in addition to their vassals and through them their land. Shilurbo are often found in service to an Olash, ruling Throneholds, but many more control "independent" Throneholds, ins serving the Okosov directly. Many more rule what are called Spiritual Throneholds, swearing loyalty to cults and religions instead. Shilurbo most often gain their positions through subterfuge and assassination, while many more are appointed by their masters to the position. Some Throneholds have been controlled by the same dynasty for generations, and are considered ancestral lands. These are often difficult to work with, as the dynasties that have held titles for long periods tend to get extremely attached and resistant to any change or upheaval regarding their lands.
Below the Shilurbo are the Shibaebim. They directly govern a parcel of land, varying in size and prosperity. They are never "independent", always directly serving a dynastic superior, house, or cult. Many Olash and Shilurbo also hold different Shibaebim titles, as that is what is required to hold land, yet their superior/higher ranking titles supersede the Count title. Shicaem are the most common thing passed on vie inheritance or dynastic politics, so families having generational control of these lands is commonplace. Shicaem are also awarded as rewards in return for services and favors performed, gained by simple law of claimance, or inherited via some confusing family tree.
The last rank of noble are the barons, who rule baronies. These are generally cities, temples, castles, and other such settlements and locations, and are treated much the same as Shibaebim and Shicaem.
Working throughout and in between all fo these are the many Houses of Laran. They fight against each other and squabble internally, often working for some idea of legacy or familial and personal glory. The Houses all have their unique structure, but there are several common threads. Near all control multiple different titles, with many serving under their fellows. Most Houses are actually several different bloodlines that have allied, and small houses uniting into a larger one is not rare, but not common. Religious organizations also claim titles, but due to the laws surrounding land and holdings, they require someone to hold the title and swear fealty to them instead of owning the land directly. The same principle applies to organizations such as assassins' houses and guilds.
Owning land is different from owning property in Laran. Everyone is entitled to their possessions, but to rule a city, for example, one must be the owner of the "title" to that land. Effectively a token of ownership, similar to a receipt or contract. Having this token grants extra responsibilities and extra parameters for the owner to operate within. In that way, many cities are owned by a baron by law, but in practice controlled by a crime lord or some other wealthy citizen.
The only real criteria necessary to claim a seat as an Okosovai is to hold one of the many kingdom titles within Laran, all of which fall under Laran's usual orthodox for these matters. Each of these monarchs holds the title of Olash, having gained it through many different possible means. However, the most common methods remain hereditary succession and/or assassination. Each Olash rules over dukedoms and counties, for them o do as they please. They serve at the whims of the Imperator, however, and many have found their titles revoked or their feudal contracts modified without their consent, prompting civil wars aplenty.
Second to the Olash are the Shilurbo. They control parcels of land directly, in addition to their vassals and through them their land. Shilurbo are often found in service to an Olash, ruling Throneholds, but many more control "independent" Throneholds, ins serving the Okosov directly. Many more rule what are called Spiritual Throneholds, swearing loyalty to cults and religions instead. Shilurbo most often gain their positions through subterfuge and assassination, while many more are appointed by their masters to the position. Some Throneholds have been controlled by the same dynasty for generations, and are considered ancestral lands. These are often difficult to work with, as the dynasties that have held titles for long periods tend to get extremely attached and resistant to any change or upheaval regarding their lands.
Below the Shilurbo are the Shibaebim. They directly govern a parcel of land, varying in size and prosperity. They are never "independent", always directly serving a dynastic superior, house, or cult. Many Olash and Shilurbo also hold different Shibaebim titles, as that is what is required to hold land, yet their superior/higher ranking titles supersede the Count title. Shicaem are the most common thing passed on vie inheritance or dynastic politics, so families having generational control of these lands is commonplace. Shicaem are also awarded as rewards in return for services and favors performed, gained by simple law of claimance, or inherited via some confusing family tree.
The last rank of noble are the barons, who rule baronies. These are generally cities, temples, castles, and other such settlements and locations, and are treated much the same as Shibaebim and Shicaem.
Working throughout and in between all fo these are the many Houses of Laran. They fight against each other and squabble internally, often working for some idea of legacy or familial and personal glory. The Houses all have their unique structure, but there are several common threads. Near all control multiple different titles, with many serving under their fellows. Most Houses are actually several different bloodlines that have allied, and small houses uniting into a larger one is not rare, but not common. Religious organizations also claim titles, but due to the laws surrounding land and holdings, they require someone to hold the title and swear fealty to them instead of owning the land directly. The same principle applies to organizations such as assassins' houses and guilds.
Owning land is different from owning property in Laran. Everyone is entitled to their possessions, but to rule a city, for example, one must be the owner of the "title" to that land. Effectively a token of ownership, similar to a receipt or contract. Having this token grants extra responsibilities and extra parameters for the owner to operate within. In that way, many cities are owned by a baron by law, but in practice controlled by a crime lord or some other wealthy citizen.
Culture
Laran's culture can be separated into that of the Lati and that of the Larani or Lerin. The culture of the Lati is based on dominance and power. Ambition, Greed, and Power are the most respected qualities in a Lati, and those who fail; to live up to them are often killed out of sheer spite. The Larani are instead a culture of devotion. Everyone is devoted to someone, be it a god, a Lati, or a person. Loyalty is their most admired characteristic and tenet. What both share is a cultural value known as the Law of Claimance, which posits that if someone has the power to claim something they want, be it a title, an artefact, or a person, and they do take it, they deserve it. While laws and procedures exist to minimize the more destructive consequences of this behavior, it still produces a might makes right society, one that less respects strength and more the ability to achieve one's goals by any means necessary. This produces both good and bad results, neither of which need to be stated here. The main thing to mention from this culture is the slave trade that was built around it. Laran is big on the slave trade, slaves being its largest import by far. Larani society and infrastructure is built on them, and one of the main reasons for houses falling is a loss of the slaves needed to keep them running. Most people in Laran are extremely religious and traditionalist, which causes conflict between the different religions and traditional institutions that exist and operate within its borders.
Another key characteristic of Laran is its "Holy Trinity" of sapient species. To the Larani, any being that is not a Lerin Human, Makassi, or Coatl, is scum of the earth worthy only of slavery. This is the traditionalist view, and many have moved away from it, as it is self-defeating and not good for making allies. In particular, the Cult of the Saviour tends to discard this philosophy, adding more fuel to the fire that is Laran's internal religious wars.
Another key characteristic of Laran is its "Holy Trinity" of sapient species. To the Larani, any being that is not a Lerin Human, Makassi, or Coatl, is scum of the earth worthy only of slavery. This is the traditionalist view, and many have moved away from it, as it is self-defeating and not good for making allies. In particular, the Cult of the Saviour tends to discard this philosophy, adding more fuel to the fire that is Laran's internal religious wars.
History
Laran was started as a series of allied Makassi city-states in what is now known as the Desert of the Saviour. They immediately got to conquering, rapidly expanding, and taking tribute to fuel their war machine and the sacrifices required by their gods. Unlike many ancient beliefs, there is tangible, though not foolproof, evidence of the old Makassi gods, whose true names have been wiped from history, operating as champions for their people. The Red One and The Headless One are the most notable examples of this phenomena. During this time, migrations of the Humans who would eventually become the Lerin made their way into the Deadlands. At first, the Makassi attempted to make them a slave race, but the more intelligent among them realized that they were creating the perfect environment for all of them to be completely slaughtered. As such, the Lerin were integrated as the caste known today as the Larani, along with the non-Lati Makassi.
The demands of the Makassi's gods were unsustainable, and in their drive to satisfy their gods, the last ruling dynasty of early Laran drove the empire into the ground and a period of civil war. During these three centuries, many Makassi left, fleeing the violence that ravaged their homeland. Their diaspora led them into the Low Peaks' Sotteran, the Low Peaks themselves, some of the land controlled by Xixuegui, and more lands still unknown today. The most famous plumbed the depths of the Sotteran, founding or conquering the settlements already there, most notable among them being Nazzerath.
Eventually, the wars ended, largely due to one Lati named Bia, who established many of the institutions familiar in modern Laran, albeit in a more basic form. She unified the many warring states, and while the conflict had not ended, it was localized to the particular houses that had issues to sort out. Rules placed on Lati were far looser, allowing for more conflict and less central oversight. She did much of this by uniting the Larani and Lati under the banner of the Star Cults, most notably the Cult of the Blighted Star, which had already been popular among the empire before the civil war. At the time it worked, but after a millennium the "empire" neared collapse once more. During the decay, Laran continued its expansion, assimilating many of the Makassi colonies, and notably establish parts of the Everlasting Jungle as core territories. The Coatl were also inducted as a core species of the empire, with many becoming Lati. Nevertheless, they retained a unique culture and identity.
Before the empire fully broke, Mul-Zamain came along. He did what Bia did before him and reunified the houses, though with far more central control. Belief in the Star Cults had been waning for many centuries, and Zamain fully broke its hold on the Larani by raising the already popular practice of Lati-worship to state religion. This effectively meant that no outside clergy held sway over Laran, or at least a majority, Many Larani held onto their old beliefs, especially those in the colonies that were technically part of Laran, but realistically just paid lip service. Even since Zamain's death, the Empire has remained largely the same, expanding, fighting within and among itself, and still being one of the most powerful organizations in the known world. This version of Laran was declared refunded by Mul-Zamain in 5682 DS, doing away with the old and in with the new.
The demands of the Makassi's gods were unsustainable, and in their drive to satisfy their gods, the last ruling dynasty of early Laran drove the empire into the ground and a period of civil war. During these three centuries, many Makassi left, fleeing the violence that ravaged their homeland. Their diaspora led them into the Low Peaks' Sotteran, the Low Peaks themselves, some of the land controlled by Xixuegui, and more lands still unknown today. The most famous plumbed the depths of the Sotteran, founding or conquering the settlements already there, most notable among them being Nazzerath.
Eventually, the wars ended, largely due to one Lati named Bia, who established many of the institutions familiar in modern Laran, albeit in a more basic form. She unified the many warring states, and while the conflict had not ended, it was localized to the particular houses that had issues to sort out. Rules placed on Lati were far looser, allowing for more conflict and less central oversight. She did much of this by uniting the Larani and Lati under the banner of the Star Cults, most notably the Cult of the Blighted Star, which had already been popular among the empire before the civil war. At the time it worked, but after a millennium the "empire" neared collapse once more. During the decay, Laran continued its expansion, assimilating many of the Makassi colonies, and notably establish parts of the Everlasting Jungle as core territories. The Coatl were also inducted as a core species of the empire, with many becoming Lati. Nevertheless, they retained a unique culture and identity.
Before the empire fully broke, Mul-Zamain came along. He did what Bia did before him and reunified the houses, though with far more central control. Belief in the Star Cults had been waning for many centuries, and Zamain fully broke its hold on the Larani by raising the already popular practice of Lati-worship to state religion. This effectively meant that no outside clergy held sway over Laran, or at least a majority, Many Larani held onto their old beliefs, especially those in the colonies that were technically part of Laran, but realistically just paid lip service. Even since Zamain's death, the Empire has remained largely the same, expanding, fighting within and among itself, and still being one of the most powerful organizations in the known world. This version of Laran was declared refunded by Mul-Zamain in 5682 DS, doing away with the old and in with the new.
Demography and Population
Laran is divided fairly evenly between the Coatl, the Makassi, and Humans, most of whom are Lerin. There are a few Drow, Dawasi, and Dryads about, but they are few and far between. In terms of gender, 4 in 10 people identify as men, 4 in 10 as women, and 2 in ten as something else. Of Laran's population, about 40% are slaves.
Military
Laran's military is mostly in the armies of its many houses, though the Okosovai that governs war has a large enough army on their own.
Technological Level
Laran is, in meta terms, at an early renaissance level of technology, as they are just discovering gunpowder, civics that aren't just feudalism, and advanced army organization. That said, things vary. The technomages of House Luw are far more advanced than the rest of Laran, creating things to rival Akronis' Arkonaut Corporation. The healers of House Yolilitzcoatl guard their secrets like a miser protects their coin purse, and so have made themselves invaluable, combing magical remedies with advanced practical techniques. In contrast with these beacons of progress, many more houses and nobles live in dark middle ages squallor.
Religion
Most in Laran are part of one of the many Lati Cults, which venerate great Lati of old as gods. The two main factions of this are the Imperial Cult which venerated the Imperators of old, and the Senpadida Siobkun which instead worships important figures form Larani history, namely Bia and Mul-Zamain. Each of these cults is allied with other cults via many different methods. Due to most of these secondary religions being the worship of famous, powerful, and long-dead Lati, the cults tend to ally with whichever religion the Lati aligned themselves within life. The Cult of the Purple Lotus and the Assassin Houses that adhere to it side with the Siobkun. The Purple Lotus's founder, a Lati known as Debwi, had a close relationship to Zamain during their lives, and in the collective pantheon of the Siobnkun and its allies, is remembered as his daughter in death. Other cults that don't have this kind of information, allegiance, or care to draw upon ally themselves for strategic purposes. The most prominent example of this is the Cult of Wakami the Pest. The plaguebringers, as his followers are called, started as a small guild in the capital of Boqek, where the Imperial Cult thrives. As they expanded and became one fo the most adhered to cults in the empire, they had to maintain good relations with the imperial cult or lose their seat of power.
There are more reasons, but the descriptions above should give a good enough demonstration of how the cults in Laran often act like political entities, albeit ones driven often more by faith than practicality. They create collective mythologies out of their own individual legend, and in many ways resemble one or two singular belief systems rather than the many thousands they are in actuality. Not all of the cults in Laran pay heed to this two-sided struggle for dominance, as their creeds are capable of blending with both or neither, depending on the adherent. The Cult of Ninazu cares not for the petty squabbling of the followers of the Imperator and Zamain. They only care for the demands of Ninazu, their Blood God, and they demand naught but blood. Blood for their cauldron with which to power the world. The Blood cult also demonstrates how many, in actuality near everyone in Laran, can hold allegiance to multiple cults, so long as they don't directly come into conflict. Usually material, though in rare occasions theological disputes and inconsistencies lead to incompatibility. Many adhere to the Purple Lotus, the Blood Cult, the Siobkun, and the Cult of the Pest, yet the one combination that is unfeasible is the Imperial Cult and the Siobkun.
There are more reasons, but the descriptions above should give a good enough demonstration of how the cults in Laran often act like political entities, albeit ones driven often more by faith than practicality. They create collective mythologies out of their own individual legend, and in many ways resemble one or two singular belief systems rather than the many thousands they are in actuality. Not all of the cults in Laran pay heed to this two-sided struggle for dominance, as their creeds are capable of blending with both or neither, depending on the adherent. The Cult of Ninazu cares not for the petty squabbling of the followers of the Imperator and Zamain. They only care for the demands of Ninazu, their Blood God, and they demand naught but blood. Blood for their cauldron with which to power the world. The Blood cult also demonstrates how many, in actuality near everyone in Laran, can hold allegiance to multiple cults, so long as they don't directly come into conflict. Usually material, though in rare occasions theological disputes and inconsistencies lead to incompatibility. Many adhere to the Purple Lotus, the Blood Cult, the Siobkun, and the Cult of the Pest, yet the one combination that is unfeasible is the Imperial Cult and the Siobkun.
Foreign Relations
Laran does its best to keep up a good image when negotiating with many of the smaller states around, but its relations with the only other state powerful enough to challenge it, the Akroni Confederacy, can be adequately described as hot garbage.
Agriculture & Industry
The agricultural and industrial output of Laran very much depends on the House, as some are more advanced and developed than others, but there are a few blanket statements that can be made. Every noble has to pay tribute to the central government in Boqek, as such Laran is largely self-sufficient, and able to power their war machines. Industry is practically non-existant, as Laran is still in a renaissance level of technology. Gunpowder is rare and unheard of.
Trade & Transport
Laran largely trades internally as it is composed of many different countries, kingdoms and dukedoms. Yet when it engages in external trade, it tends to trade with the Drow, Aelf,a nd Human kingdoms in the foothills and within the Low Peaks of Zhatar. Few independent or inhabited Dawasi islands still roam through Larani air space, and there is little to trade with the inhabitants of the Ever-Jungle Depths, or Soekoed as they know it. The Deadlands of Xixuegui offer no profit or benefit, and the remnants of the dead empire in Tarnith-Shi offer little of value. By far Laran's biggest trade partner is the human city of Onkon, where Onkon adores Larani glassware and the Larani survive off Onkon's slave imports.
Education
There is no standard education in Laran. Most peasants are illiterate, and while schooling provided by cults is common in big cities, it varies wildly depending on the cult in question. What is a guarantee is that all Lati are literate, and most should be well-read, though it is hit or miss whether the one a person would be dealing with actually is. The children of traders and bankers will be taught numbers and accounting, and better of guilds-people will attempt to teach their children the same. Of course, if someone is discovered to have the potential to be a Lati, all assumptions to be made about their education based on their background prove false.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure created by the central government is, quite frankly, shit. Anything that isn't related to the art of war-making or ensuring the coin-purses of the Lati stay full is irrelevant to them. Thus the roads that will be maintained are those that lead from the farms to the barracks and from the barracks to castles, and from castles to the front lines. Castles will be well made, but aqueducts and sewage systems for cities and towns won't be. Anything unnecessary for their warmongering is left to rot.
The infrastructure maintained by individual houses and nobles varies wildly. Some take the approach of the central government, some are benevolent. It's truly just luck of the draw. That said, the smarter Lati have realized that ensuring citizen welfare also trickles up to them and that playing the long game by investing in their subjects is one that pays off. This epiphany is rare, however, as due to the nature of being a Lati, they tend to think mainly of themselves.
The infrastructure maintained by individual houses and nobles varies wildly. Some take the approach of the central government, some are benevolent. It's truly just luck of the draw. That said, the smarter Lati have realized that ensuring citizen welfare also trickles up to them and that playing the long game by investing in their subjects is one that pays off. This epiphany is rare, however, as due to the nature of being a Lati, they tend to think mainly of themselves.
The Gods Demand It
Maps
-
Larani Heartlands
Founding Date
5682 DS
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Laran ; Larani Coalition ; Zamain's Empire ; Zamain's Cult ;
Formation Type
Training Level
Trained
Veterancy Level
Trained
Demonym
Larani
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Oligarchy
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
The official currency of Laran is the iide. One gold iide is worth ten silver iide, which in turn is worth ten bronze iide. Each iide is minted with the face of a notable Larani figure on one side and a seal on the other. The person changes based on the material used as well as where it was minted, as different houses would value different figures. The seal is custom and different from the house's normal seal, provided to them by the Okosovai that governs Laran's economy. Being granted minting rights is a great honor, and is usually used to show favour.
Legislative Body
Laws are decreed by the Okosov, but these only really affect broad things. Prohibiting murder, non-consensual sex, forgery, vandalism, not paying taxes, things of that nature. Of course, there are parameters to ensure some of these, namely murder, can be done through legal avenues. more specific laws are determined by Olash, Shilurbo, and Shibaebim. If a Shilurbo and the Olash they swear fealty to proclaim two different laws, then the one set by the Olash take precedence and so is to be used in all of their and their vassal's territories.
Judicial Body
Judges set by the residing Lati act as judge, jury, and often executioner. These judges interpret the laws of the state, of their lord, and of their religion, and judge accordingly. These judges can be appointed and removed at their lord's behest. There are often problems when a judge will make a decision based on their religion and beliefs, rather than those of the defendant.
Executive Body
Each Lati or organization that controls territory has its own military, be it a militia or a professional army, which they use to enforce laws.
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Official Languages
Related Professions
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
Kingdom Within Empire of Laran
Internal Religion
The Imperial Cult is a religion that holds influence over a large portion of Laran's population and is dedicated to Laran's leader. It is an unofficial state religion.
Cold War
They ended a three-century-long war about two decades ago, and have been in a period of cold war since. They fund rebels and extremist factions within the other's territory, spread their ideologies and religions, and try their best to kill each other without being the one to land the blow.
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