The Houlon Empire
"The Divine Lords of the East..."
Located at the southwestern tip of Golthien, and spanning a region of 270,000 square miles, the Houlon Empire is one of expansion and dominance, and possibly the only nation capable of challenging The Lentokki for control of the east.
Ruled by a hereditary monarch with total autocratic power, the empire controls a series of conquered "client states" throughout the south, including the port city of Petal Reach, and the home city of the first emperor, Tribute. The capitol of the empire lies in the bustling metropolis of High Court.
Structure
The empire is ruled by the Empress Regnant Owu Tetsuhiro, daughter of the former Emperor Tetsuhiro. The regent is advised by "The Blind Council," a group of powerful elders and (younger) arcanists who've long presided over the royal court. The Blind Council always consists of ten members: five Elders and five Wu Jen Mages.
Public Agenda
To bring civilization to the region and to expand the reach of the greatest empire that has ever existed, or will ever exist. The empire currently does not have any designs on the west, possibly because of their trade agreements with both Varuum and Wyeth. It is more likely that the Empress is simply biding her time and growing her forces. For the empire, nothing is off the table when it comes to expansion.
Assets
The empire controls the Imperial Gulf, including all trade traffic along the south of the World Sea. It controls the lands south of the Spine of the World, eastward until the unaffiliated town of Twinton.
As such, the empire has access to all the basic trade goods it could ever need. It's also self-reliant as it pertains to feeding and caring for its peoples. There is much farmland under the direct control of the empire and its satellite city states.
History
The exact date of the empire's formation is the subject of much debate, as the "Divine Emperors" and their royal historians like to propagate the myth that their empire was the first the world has ever known. Anytime they interact with a new nation, the date of Houlon's origin becomes a moving target.
Originally settled as many small villages by the Horse Lords of the expansive Horse Lands, it didn't take long for the mightiest amongst them to claim dominance over all others. After several bloody conflicts, the strongest clan leader secured the right to call himself Emperor. A loft title, seeing as he merely controlled a loose collection of small hunter-gatherer settlements, but a predictive one as the empire and all its successive emperors always dreamed big.
The empire has aways maintained a bizarre, if strained, peace with the neighboring nation of Theira, and its capitol of Theiros. Somehow the two powers have never fallen into protracted war, as all skirmishes seem to consistently end in stalemate. Further, there is a deep, if odd, respect between the two nations, as both are centered around militaristic might. Warriors respect fellow warriors. In fact, the greatest fear the east could possibly imagine is a true alliance between the empire and Theira, as their combined might would be nigh impossible to best.
Demography and Population
The total population of the Empire, by last Imperal census, stood at nearly three-quarters of a million residents (including those of its subjugated lands). These numbers include major cities and towns, as well as small farming communities and villages scattered throughout the Empire's holdings.
Territories
The Houlon Empire boasts a territory ranging approximately 270,000 square miles, and includes many conquered (and voluntary) vassal cities, states and villages. These include the original seat of power in the Empire... the city of Tribute, as well as the naval shipyards of Petal Reach.
Military
The empire maintains an active army of roughly 30,000 soldiers, over half of whom are garrisoned in High Court. Within this army, roughly 8,000 "elites" are employed; trained in the usage of black powder fire arms, as well as traditional hand-to-hand combat mastery.
The Empire also keeps up a strong Imperial Navy (both of the sea vessel and airship variety), with over 50 "active" ships in its royal fleet. Often, these ships patrol the south of the World Sea, to protect the outlying vassals of the Empire from opportunistic corsairs and bandits.
Technological Level
What really sets the Houlon Empire apart from its neighbors (and actually, the majority of the world) is its advanced technology. The researchers of the "Sunset Enclave" (the royal order of court scientists) have recently (within the past 50 years) mastered the art of black powder artillery. This technology has led to mass production of affordable (if slow to load) blunderbusses that have been distributed to the "elites" within the Empire's army. The Enclave is currently working on creating reliable and stable explosives from the same base technology.
Of course, seemingly "independently," many of the corsairs running along the south World Sea have also recently acquired firearms, mostly of the smaller, hand-held variety. Though it is becoming increasingly more common to find warships equipped with cannons "powered" by black powder.
The other advanced technology pioneered by the Enclave is that of the airship. In cooperation with the royal mages, various "light magic" airships have been created and now patrol the skies above High Court and other cities within the Empire. Unfortunately, against the wishes of the throne, this technology has leaked out to other nations... at least in some small degree. It is known that the flying casino in Varistane seems to utilize the same (or similar) advances in its operation. Beyond that, if others hold the knowledge of airship construction, they're keeping on the down low... for now.
Religion
The state religion is a slightly tweaked version of The Zenithal, as their "version" of the six greater gods go by different names (though their portfolios are essentially the same).
Foreign Relations
The Houlon Empire maintains a decent working trade relationship with both its closest neighbor (Theira), as well as some of the nations to the north (Lentokk). However, there are certain things they will not trade. Things considered "state secrets," such as their advanced technology and tactical manuals.
Mythology & Lore
The empire is steeped in myth of the sort that is often believed to be fact by the average citizen. The most prominent myth is that the dynastic line of emperors hails from a bloodline that contains actual "blood of the dragon."
"Strength Through Numbers. Numbers Through Strength."
Founding Date
2,000 D.E. (estimated)
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
The Eastern Kingdom
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Veteran
Demonym
Houlites
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
The currency of the realm is based on the "Gold Dragon" (similar to the Wyeth Gold Dragon, but technically different).
Legislative Body
The Blind Council both writes laws and executes them.
Judicial Body
The Blind Council in concert with the local lords of the client states.
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
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