Baactri-Tochar

An Empire, united from two, by its Emperor in their youth it spans both a large peninsula to the south-east, and the connecting landmass between the southern country of **Sarngava** and Baactri-Tochar's northern neighbor Belahm. Baactri-Tochar has the greatest access to calm seas and the greatest penchant for completely open trade amongst the countries. This has made it both wealthy, raised the merchant class to high rank, and allowed it to gain access to otherwise restricted weapons and materials from other countries. Selection for merchant training is highly exclusive, however, and while military service is not always compulsory it is the only consistent way to opt out of other, less savory assigned professions.
Land travel within Baactri-tochar is complicated by its vast desserts and dry-clay badlands, with its scattered cities becoming trade hubs and ports. The hubs usually growing up around oases to support crops and those who are assigned to be merchant land traders, with most of the largest cities to the east in what was once Tochar.
The capital city, **Abassid**, is carved from a plateau with access to both a wide, underground, river opening into the ocean and a vast oasis lake that sits atop it, supplied by some unidentified source.
Rumors speak of it being created by some magical creature, usually a Genie, and that the *Emperor Yuhzei* is owner of a thousand such creatures, and possibly one himself. The most elite guards even paint themselves in bright colors and are said to be the children of Yuhzei with these elemental entities. The Emperor is an ambitious one and ultimately seeks control over the world but withdrew from Belham earliest of the three countries, in a move that confused many. Inside the country's courts Yuhzei maneuvers to play internal factions against eachother, and the court of the Empire is said to be particularly violent and cutthroat.
The common folk of Baactri-Tochar are defined by the directions given by their Emperor. They work during the hours necessary for the city to prosper, do the jobs assigned, and use the free time they are allotted. However, in turn, the Empire does take care of rationing basic necessities to them and some view this as necessity due to the country's harsh environment. The strict control and rationing, alongside the expansive trade, has created an active black market, drug trade, and underground slave trade.

Structure

All of Baactri-Tochar is dictated by the will of the Emperor. His orders are publicly shared in writing and word, unified in message, spread by his "children", and enforced strictly by regional military forces that serve to police his kingdom. The public dialogue is that there is no room for discussion or revolt in the nation or it risks dehydration and dissolution. In private the discussion is often how much direct say the Emperor has in the laws directly, or if they come from administrators. The vagueness surrounding the process, the execution of public dissenters, and the frequent replacement of regional leaders maximizes public uncertainty. So long as a certain level of expected discomfort isn't surpassed most people willingly accept the current obscured chains of command.

Culture

Baactri-Tochar is a culture of rigid structure, paranoia, and social judgement. Jobs are mostly assigned based upon schooling, the only legal opt-out being a harsh military service. Complaining about specific laws or expectations are nonexistent and even passing critiques are usually met with disagreement or dismissal. Laziness, over-consumption, addiction, governmental criticism, or dereliction of duty are all all illegal and rigidly criminalized. Celebrations are common, however, and the fine arts are supported and abound during such events. This can present a celebratory atmosphere to travelers or those who turn a blind eye to governmental control or abuse.

Assets

Baactir-Tochar is an economic powerhouse, offering indirect trade between any number of warring nations and offering the only boat shipping on the continent. Their largest exports are rare clays, sands, and extraplanar materials used by powerful casters. The country has a large and powerful military composed of zealots and even secret soldiers empowered by customized narcotic concoctions. The paranoia of their culture makes foreign interference difficult, and their zealous citizenry often avoids losses from crime or negligence.

The Emperor Provides

Founding Date

Year 273 of the Green Rains, 473 ES, 30th of Trine

Alternative Names

The Land of 1000 Jewels, The Ship's Refuge, The Golden Seat of Eternal Trumpets and Wild Ribbons

Demonym

Yuhzeian (those who live in the Empire), Baactrian (critics and refugees), Tocharian (critics and refugees)

Currency

Small chains containing one small gemstone of Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Beryl are equal to a Gold coin and used as currency for government purposes. Because of rationing most citizen have little need of currency and no smaller denominations are given, relying upon foreign currency for most low level caravan trades. Foreign currency is frequently exchanged for "Yuzhei's chain" currency in government offices to maintain the appearance of officious endorsement.