Human Empire

Empire of the Great Plains

Written by Shiftrex

The Human Empire is a vast territory that encompasses the entirety of the Great Plains, a grassland that covers thousands of miles. In this land, high walls stand amidst the tall grass to keep out both Goblin raiders and carnivorous Dinosaurs. All are welcomed through these borders regardless of race and origin but magic is carefully documented as the Humans see it as a way to easily conduct crime and mischief. Some say they are also still superstitious about the rise of another Warlock in the future that could return the world to a state of chaos. This area is ruled by a woman named Catherine Nightbreeze, known in whispers and stories as the Witch Queen because of her powerful spell casting abilities that allow the creation of demi-level weaponry. She is known for zealously guarding her people and setting up a long-lasting future for her Empire against threats both internal and external. Corruption is sought out with a vengeance and destroyed publicly earning her both love and fear from her subjects. The Human Empire is the center of all trade, artisans and adventurers alike come here to seek their fortune. One can easily charter passage on a caravan that will take them anywhere on the continent or to the shores south of the Little Greenwood to go further. If magic is what you want then it can be bought, weapons can be made and knowledge can be found. Grand fighters are trained here on a daily basis and spellcasters come to earn degrees at the Starlit Tower. Due to its location in the center of the continent, it has become a hub of cultures and a melting pot of races that live and work side by side though the area is still settled heavily by those of Human descent. Metallic Dragons are often known to visit this area, Silver and Orium being the most frequent because of their ties to the Human race and their history. It wouldn't be out of the question to see a Metallic Dragon flying away from a large settlement or including small towns and seemingly unprotected portions of the empire in their own territory, providing them with protection. There are very few races that the Humans do not openly try to get along with or welcome into their borders, the only civilization that this empire has a quarrel with at the moment is that of the Dwarven Kingdom for their lack of involvement during the Eldritch War. Many politicians believe that this will be resolved in the future but neither side is willing to back down because it a matter deeply rooted in pride and honor for both countries.

Demography and Population

Around 75% of the population in the Empire is Human with another 20% being of mixed Human descent. The remaining 5% is mixed between various races that have decided to call the Great Plains their home. Because the Human Empire is considered to be the center of trade on the Northern Continent there are no lack of travelers from far off lands and countries, exotic races are likely to be seen in the large cities of this country.

Territories

The Human Empire resides in their ancestral lands, religious texts and legends indicate that the Great Plains has always been the home of the Human species. They define their borders roughly using the Traveler's Grass and the surrounding forests as natural borders for their lands and have no need to expand them into neighboring regions though there has been talk about expanding onto the Southern Continent in the future. This territory is divided into 23 areas, each with a ruling Noble save the area around the capital (Stronghold) which is ruled directly by the Empress.

Military

The Military of the Human Empire has five major branches that function to provide protection for the towns from other nations and encounters with dangerous monster races, the primary threat of which is Goblinoid in nature. The five branches are called: The Night Guard, the Black Grass, The Nightshades, The Newmoon, and the Dusk Winds. Each one has a specialization that allows them to be effective during wartime and dangerous combat situations, though the Night Guard is the most common branch of the military that people in this empire see on a regular basis. Common attire for the Human Empire's military is dependent upon the branch but a common design theme is the presence of a black flower with four petals, flared out as if in full bloom. This flower is known as a Nightbreeze and only opens under the light of a moon, during the day it will remain closed and appear as a spring bud. Night Guard

Night Guard

The Night Guard is the primary town guard for not only the capital but for any large city. This is the largest branch of the Empire's military, knights that wear black armor and specialize in wielding both conventional weaponry and rudimentary combat magic. While not outright Wizards or Sorcerers, members of this branch are trained to be proficient in low-level magic with a focus on offensive and elemental spells. Common appearance to identify a member of the Night Guard includes black, full-plate armor and an enclosed helmet with the Nightbreeze flower etched into the front of the helm and the left shoulder of the armor. The Night Guard is broken down into various levels based upon their combat proficiency and the level of equipment that they carry.

Level 1 are generally on par with most town guard and militia but with quality equipment.
Level 2 are generally on par with most captains of the guard from normal towns and they are usually accomplished Eldritch Knights with standard-issue magic items.
Level 3 are used primarily as escorts for nobles or in times of open conflict to defend the capital. These are generally Eldritch Knights with several magic items and access to a variety of magical disciplines that have the judicial ability to pass judgment on dangerous criminals.
Level 4 are used primarily as elite soldiers that will be dispatched to combat terrorism, largescale public threats or emergency situations dealing with monsters that have special abilities. These are generally Eldritch Knights that are completely outfitted with magical equipment, weapons, and armor to give them a significant advantage over any enemy that they face.
Level 5 are seen as heroes that can single-handedly face down dangerous monsters like Trolls, Giants or even young Dragons without much trouble. They often have numerous special abilities but their specialties are as diverse as adventurers. This level of the Night Guard has great significance in recommending public law and they act as guards for Castle Nightbreeze.

The Grand Duelist has long been seen as the sixth level of the Night Guard though he is also a separate political entity, the hand-picked champion of the Empire's ruler that has the ability to assume full command during times of national emergency. The range of abilities and powers associated with the holder of this title is vast and lends weight to the name that few others can command.

Black Grass

The Black Grass are stationed in the largest cities and at regional fortresses because they specialize in ranged combat. This branch of the Empire's military are Rangers and archers that wear black armor and specialize in bows, crossbows, siege machines, ballista. While not trained in magic they are extremely effective at engaging enemies with indirect combat and creating defenses for the walls that surround cities. Common appearance to identify a member of the Black Grass includes black, studded leather armor and a black hood with the Nightbreeze flower sown into the back of it with silver thread. The Black Grass is broken down into various levels based upon their combat proficiency and the level of equipment that they carry.

Level 1 are generally on par with most town guard and militia but with quality equipment.
Level 2 are generally on par with elite snipers and experienced veterans. They are usually accomplished Rangers or Scouts with standard-issue magic items.
Level 3 are used primarily as guardians for sacred areas or tacticians for large cities. These are generally Rangers or Scouts with several magic items and many years of experience that give them the ability to create defense plans and strategies for cities.
Level 4 are used primarily as deadly assassins or hunters that will be dispatched to high-class threats or take out dangerous enemy leaders, they also are stationed as experts for creating defense plans for castles, fortresses and the largest cities in the Empire. These are generally Rangers that are completely outfitted with magical equipment, weapons, and armor to give them a significant advantage over any enemy that they face.
Level 5 are seen as heroes that can single-handedly face down dangerous monsters like Trolls, Giants or even young Dragons without much trouble. They often have numerous special abilities but their specialties are as diverse as adventurers. This level of the Black Grass has great significance in new advancements for scouting procedures and wall defenses.

Nightshades

The Nightshades are stationed in the largest cities and at regional fortresses because they specialize in arcane magic with many of them being graduates of Starlit Tower. This branch of the Empire's military are Wizards and Sorcerers that wear black robes and specialize in arcane magic with a variety of offensive and defensive uses. While not trained in martial weaponry they are extremely effective at supporting large groups of Soldiers or neutralizing opposing magic users. Common appearance to identify a member of the Nightshades includes black, enchanted robes and a black hood with the Nightbreeze flower sown into the back of it with silver thread. The Nightshades are broken down into various levels based upon their combat proficiency and the level of equipment that they carry.

Level 1 are generally on par with a local Wizard or enchanter but with quality training.
Level 2 are generally on par with experienced casters or enchanters. They are usually accomplished Wizards or Sorcerers with standard-issue magic items.
Level 3 are used primarily as investigators or magical tacticians for large cities during peacetime. These are generally Wizards or Sorcerers with several magic items and specialized spells that allow them to utilize widespread destruction or defensive magic.
Level 4 are used primarily as investigators or magical tacticians that will be stationed at fortresses and the largest cities in the Empire during peacetime. These are generally Wizards or Sorcerers that are completely outfitted with magical equipment and specialized spells to give them a significant advantage over any enemy that they face.
Level 5 are seen as heroes that can single-handedly face down dangerous monsters like Trolls, Giants or even young Dragons without much trouble. They often have numerous special abilities but their specialties are as diverse as adventurers. This level of the Nightshades often act as instructors at Starlit Academy or headmasters of smaller centers for caster education during times of peace.

The Headmaster of Starlit Academy has long been seen as the sixth level of the Nightshades though he is a separate political entity, the caretaker of the most prominent arcane school in the Human Empire that acts as an adviser to the Empress during times of national emergency. The range of abilities and powers associated with the holder of this title is vast and lends weight to the name that few others can command.

Newmoon

The Nightshades are stationed in the largest cities and at regional fortresses because they specialize in divine magic though they come from a variety of beliefs and backgrounds. This branch of the Empire's military are Clerics and Paladins that wear black sashes and specialize in divine magic with a variety of offensive and defensive uses. This branch of the military balances training between martial and magical disciplines with a focus on harnessing the might of the Pantheons of Isekai and the various gods that reside within it. Common appearance to identify a member of the Nightshades includes black sashes as an addition to standard armor or religious garb with the Nightbreeze flower sown into it with silver thread. The Newmoon is broken down into various levels based upon their proficiency and the level of equipment that they carry.

Level 1 are generally on par with a local Cleric or a town's Paladin but with quality training.
Level 2 are generally on par with experienced healers or veteran adventurers. They are usually accomplished Clerics or Paladins with standard-issue magic items.
Level 3 are used primarily as religious leaders, healers and put in charge of hospitals for large cities during peacetime. These are generally Clerics or Paladins with several magic items and specialized spells that allow them to combat a variety of demonic entities, curses, and dark threats.
Level 4 are used primarily as healers of the highest class and divine tacticians that will be stationed at fortresses and the largest cities in the Empire during peace time. These are generally Clerics or Paladins that are completely outfitted with magical equipment and specialized spells to give them a significant advantage over any enemy that they face as well as the abilities to cast powerful healing, restorative and resurrection magic.
Level 5 are seen as heroes that can single-handedly face down dangerous monsters like Trolls, Giants or even young Dragons without much trouble. They often have numerous special abilities but their specialties are as diverse as adventurers. This level of the Newmoon often act as religious leaders of significant accomplishment for the specific Pantheon or domain that they belong to, their opinion for training methods of new divine support holds significant value to the empire.

Dusk Winds

The Dusk Winds are stationed in the largest cities and at regional fortresses, because they specialize in cavalry combat with many of them being trained in basic arcane magic. This branch of the Empire's military are knights and cavaliers that wear black armor and specialize in mounted combat. The training for this group centers around the use of Dinosaurs in combat as mounts and combat beasts. Common appearance to identify a member of the Nightshades includes black scale mail and an enclosed helmet with the Nightbreeze flower etched into the front of the helm and into the left shoulder of the armor. The Dusk Winds is broken down into various levels based upon their combat proficiency and the level of equipment that they carry and the type of mount they deal with.

Level 1 are generally on par with most town guard and militia but with quality equipment and moderately trained Raptor mounts.
Level 2 are generally on par with most captains of the guard from normal towns and they are usually accomplished Eldritch Knights with standard-issue magic items and Raptor mounts that are specially trained for combat.
Level 3 are used primarily as escorts for nobles or in times of open conflict to defend the capital. These are generally Eldritch Knights with several magic items and access to a variety of magical disciplines that have the judicial ability to halt or redirect trade routes, close roads, and direct civilian travel. These knights will ride specially trained and outfitted Dinosaurs to include Raptors, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and Ankylosaurus.
Level 4 are used primarily as elite soldiers that will be dispatched to combat terrorism, largescale threats to trade routes or emergency situations dealing with monsters that have special abilities. These are generally Eldritch Knights that are completely outfitted with magical equipment, weapons, and armor to give them a significant advantage over any enemy that they face. These knights will ride specially trained and outfitted Dinosaurs with magic equipment to include Raptors, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Pterodactyl, and Allosaurus.
Level 5 are seen as heroes that can single-handedly face down dangerous monsters like Trolls, Giants or even young Dragons without much trouble. They often have numerous special abilities but their specialties are as diverse as adventurers. This level of the Dusk Winds has great significance in deciding new trade routes, roadways, the placement of fortresses and training requirements for their branch. These knights will ride specially trained and outfitted Dinosaurs with magic equipment that can include any type without reservation, Tyrannosaurus has been noted as the most desirable mount.

Religion

Religion is not a point of contention in the Human Empire, while it might be expected that they default into a particular Pantheon or a to worship their direct creator Dern this is not the case. Humans are incredibly diverse and so are the gods that they worship whether it is out of devotion, tradition or because they seek a certain type of power. Because of this almost all Human cities and town default to having a generic and Pantheon neutral temple where everyone is welcome to worship. If a specialized temple to a given Pantheon is built then the others are generally represented with matching temples. Needless to say such specialized temples are only found in substantially populated areas or settlements that are dedicated to being holy sites.

Foreign Relations

Currently the Human Empire is not engaged in active warfare with any race or country though they often have trouble with Goblins that live on the outskirts of the Empire. Because of the Eldritch War, Goblinoids hold a significant number of advantages and often come from the forests and mountains to raid smaller towns and merchant caravans which dictates the need for trained forces to protect settlements. The Human Empire has representatives in every major country of the Northern Continent, except for the Dwarven Kingdom. These representatives serve as correspondents and handle matters of trade and foreign relations on behalf of the Empress. Abroad, the Human Empire has favorable relations with most of their neighbors, being especially close with the Cradle and the Elven Kingdom. Trade also flows freely from Coastland and the Fairy Kingdom, the only direction trade does not come from is the roads leading to the Dwarven Kingdom. There is still bad blood between Humans and Dwarves because of choices that were made during the Eldritch War. Dwarves are not welcomed largely by the public, trade is not done with Dwarves and merchants are not to travel through the Empire without paying additional taxes. While there isn't outright warfare between these two nations there is resentment going back a few a generations that has yet to be resolved. Outside of the Northern Continent the Human Empire has representatives in three other locations for trade and foreign relations. The first of these is the Fire Islands, a nation of Tieflings, one is in the Highland, a large island to the south that is a nation of Dragonborn, and the final one is a guest in the Triton kingdom of the Crystal Sands. These relations are less developed than their others but they are favorable in nature with an emphasis on safe travel and trade through these regions.

Currency

The specific currency used within the standard metal value system for the Human Empire is called Arms, they have a simplistic design with a sharp imprint based upon the value of the metal that they are made of. These coins are widely used and have no language or other distinguishing marks to denote a time period, ruler or point of origin so they are favored widely throughout the Human Empire, the Goliath's Cradle and the Little Greenwood. They have little value to collectors regardless of age because they are considered a plain coin, purely functional in nature. * Copper Coins are imprinted with a Dagger
* Silver Coins are imprinted with a Spear
* Gold Coins are imprinted with a Sword
* Platinum Coins are imprinted with a Halberd
* Mythril Coins are imprinted with a Great Axe
* Adamantite Coins are imprinted with a Maul

Founding Date

150,000 I.M.

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Capital

Stronghold

Head of State

Catherine Nightbreeze

Head of Government

Catherine Nightbreeze

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Power Structure

Feudal state

Legislative Body

There are three bodies of government responsible for law-making in the Human Empire. They are known as the Throne, The Council and The Court. These bodies of government are composed in this fashion: * The Throne: This body of government is currently made up of two people, Catherine Nightbreeze, the Empress, and her personal knight, the Grand Duelist. * The Council: A group of advisory senators that each have a specific function and area of expertise to include trade, construction, foreign relations and criminal justice. * The Court: A collection of 22 nobles that have individual power over districts within the Human Empire. Many of them come from notable families or have risen to their status within the past ten years due to outstanding accomplishments. Laws are created by suggestion, discussion and edits made during monthly meetings. During the last week of each month the legislative bodies will meet as a complete government and spend the days in session talking about current events, threats to the empire and this is the time for law to be suggested or reviewed. Laws originate from any body of government and are given audience to the entire group for criticism and revision if they are to be applied to the entire empire. If a law is to be localized in the lands that belong to a specific noble it only needs to be declared to the group so that it can be confirmed that it violates no overarching laws for the empire.

Judicial Body

Laws are carried out largely by interpretation of The Court, a governing body that is made up of the ruling nobles of the Human Empire. In the lands that a Noble rules they are considered the highest form of government and are charged with upholding the laws of the Empire. They have the ability to be the highest judge in their realm or to appoint a judge to act in their stead as long as the laws of the Empire are upheld. In the capital itself one member of the Council has the ability to act as a judge, the seat pertaining to Law and Order. Aside from this the seat of Law and Order can appoint judges to settle disputes and preside over smaller matters within the area, these are often known as "Law Masters" and act with the authority of who appointed them. The concept of a Law Master is used throughout the Empire and can be found in areas or cities that have high populations to alleviate the ruling Noble of the need to preside over each dispute. Appointment of a Law Master lies within the discretion of the ruling Noble or in the case of the capital and the surrounding area the authority lies within It should also be noted that the Empress or the Grand Duelist retains the ability to preside over any case that they wish and they are in fact the highest sources of authority in the land.

Official State Religion

Pantheons of Isekai

Subsidiary Organizations

Old Guard

Location

Vóreios

Related Professions

Noble Crypt Keepers

Controlled Territories

Neighboring Nations

Organization Vehicles

Ceratops Caravans

Related Ethnicities

Human Culture

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