The Staldor Empire
Where the strong can prove their worth.
Staldor is a powerful empire with a fearsome reputation covering almost all of the southern part of Eidos. To those beyond its borders, Staldor is brutal, expansionist and threatening, yet those who look beyond its warlike exterior see an unusually inclusive society, where the strengths and talents of its people are respected and cultivated.
Structure
In present time, Staldor has abandoned the idea of a single ruler and instead adopted a trio of equal leaders known as the Council of Three who govern based on the so called "Principles of Strength". This is made up of three core aspects. Might, Vision, and Cunning. Each citizen must strive to embody all three as an ideal for prosperity, and if they are weak in one it could falter the empire. According to the Council's reasoning, while a single person could doom Staldor through incompetence, madness, or corruption, a group of three would always have two others to hold any rogue third member accountable, ensuring that no individual can rule unopposed.
Culture
Anyone can rise to a position of power and respect within the Empire if they display the necessary aptitude, regardless of social standing, background, homeland, or wealth.
Staldors respect strength above all things, and the only way to remain strong is to be constantly tested. They relish the opportunity to compete with one another, since to not be challenged is to grow weak, and even those at the peak of power must always seek new ways to challenge themselves... or they will not remain in power for long. It is not just physical or martial strength that Staldors admire - those who demonstrate expertise in politics, craftsmanship, trade, and magic are all worthy of respect.
Despite this merit based ideals, the old tribes that first formed the empire still wield considerable power at the heart of it all, because of this some fear that the greatest threat to Staldor comes not from its enemies, but from within.
The Staldors, unlike the rest of the people of Eidos, have only Sunday as a free day in the week. What they do during this day does vary, the only constant being that no work is to be done and all shops are closed. The more tribal side, which does not live in one the Empire's great cities, practice spiritualistic ceremonies that are meant to bring a bountiful harvest or empower their warriors in time of war. On the other end of the spectrum, in cities like Kingstown, this is a time where the main arenas open and the populous gathers to watch their most esteemed warriors fight for glory. These fights are also where one might find an opportunity to advance in ranks, or get a rank of power in the first place.
Despite this merit based ideals, the old tribes that first formed the empire still wield considerable power at the heart of it all, because of this some fear that the greatest threat to Staldor comes not from its enemies, but from within.
The Staldors, unlike the rest of the people of Eidos, have only Sunday as a free day in the week. What they do during this day does vary, the only constant being that no work is to be done and all shops are closed. The more tribal side, which does not live in one the Empire's great cities, practice spiritualistic ceremonies that are meant to bring a bountiful harvest or empower their warriors in time of war. On the other end of the spectrum, in cities like Kingstown, this is a time where the main arenas open and the populous gathers to watch their most esteemed warriors fight for glory. These fights are also where one might find an opportunity to advance in ranks, or get a rank of power in the first place.
Public Agenda
The main goal of the Staldor Empire is to unite Eidos into a strong, united empire that can whist-stand anything that comes its way.
Currently at war with the orcs of Xnarull, the Empire encountered fierce resistance never seen before in its history.
Assets
The vast armies of the Empire appear to be little more than barbarous hosts of individual warbands, but this belies the discipline and sophistication required to make such a formation viable. Staldor foregoes a strict rigid standardized order - there are merely smaller warbands, larger warhosts, and massive legions - in favor of allowing their forces to specialize in what they do best, directing them to tasks or areas where their strengths can serve the empire best. Within the Staldorian army, there are equal chances for anyone: everyone starts on the same rank. On the front lines, an orc slave could be the equal of a highborn noble.
The success of it’s armies is undeniable, and their very diversity is testament to their effectiveness. Conquered people that swear loyalty to Staldor become part of its armies and add their unique strengths to the empire’s war efforts. Thus, regimentation and uniformity are not part to the Staldorian way of life, and each warband is celebrated for the many and varied methods of war it brings to bear, while keeping it’s individuality.
The success of it’s armies is undeniable, and their very diversity is testament to their effectiveness. Conquered people that swear loyalty to Staldor become part of its armies and add their unique strengths to the empire’s war efforts. Thus, regimentation and uniformity are not part to the Staldorian way of life, and each warband is celebrated for the many and varied methods of war it brings to bear, while keeping it’s individuality.
History
Its people were once a fierce reaver culture until they stormed the ancient city of Kingstown that now lies at the heart of their empire. Under threat from all sides, they aggressively took the fight to their enemies, pushing their borders outward with every passing year. This struggle for survival has made them a deeply proud people who value strength above all, though that strength can manifest by many different means.
As the Empire expands and defeats neighboring cultures and cities, it offers the conquered people a choice; swear loyalty to Staldor and be judged solely on your worth, or be destroyed. This is not subterfuge or any kind of ruse; the Staldors are as good as their word, and many who have embraced their conquerors' way of life find their prospects greatly improved. But those who refuse to bend the knee are crushed without mercy.
Whether a city is taken by force or willingly swears fealty to Staldor, its warmasons immediately set to work in stamping the empire’s authority upon the newly acquired territory. Gateways of dark stone quarried from the mountains surrounding the capital are raised on every road leading to the city. Known throughout all of Eidos these towering structures leave approaching travellers in no doubt as to who holds the reins of power.
As the Empire expands and defeats neighboring cultures and cities, it offers the conquered people a choice; swear loyalty to Staldor and be judged solely on your worth, or be destroyed. This is not subterfuge or any kind of ruse; the Staldors are as good as their word, and many who have embraced their conquerors' way of life find their prospects greatly improved. But those who refuse to bend the knee are crushed without mercy.
Whether a city is taken by force or willingly swears fealty to Staldor, its warmasons immediately set to work in stamping the empire’s authority upon the newly acquired territory. Gateways of dark stone quarried from the mountains surrounding the capital are raised on every road leading to the city. Known throughout all of Eidos these towering structures leave approaching travellers in no doubt as to who holds the reins of power.
"Freedom by blood"
Founding Date
262
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Demonym
Staldors
Government System
Meritocracy
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Traditional
Location
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
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