Hakeen Republic

The Hakeen Republic is a sprawling and powerful empire that dominates the continent of Mekora, covering about majority of its landmass. The Republic is a beacon of order, discipline, and culture, influencing the entire continent and beyond through its military, political, and economic might.

Structure

At the heart of the Hakeen Republic’s government is the Consul, the highest-ranking official in the state. The Consul is elected by the Hakite Senate, a body of the most powerful and influential citizens, typically from noble families. The Consul's term lasts for ten years, and they hold significant executive power, including command over the military, authority to enact laws, and the ability to appoint provincial governors. The Consul is expected to embody the virtues of the Republic: discipline, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the state. The Hakite Senate is the primary legislative body, composed of representatives from the most prominent noble families, military leaders, and influential citizens. The senate debates and votes on laws, advises the Consul, and has the power to declare war and ratify treaties. Senators serve for life, creating a stable but often conservative governing body. On a microlevel, the nation is divided into numerous provinces, each governed by an appointed official called a Legatus. These governors are typically former military commanders or reigning senators and are responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and managing the local military forces. While they ultimately answer to the Consul, they wield considerable autonomy within their provinces. The Hakeen Republic also has several popular assemblies where citizens can vote on specific issues, such as the election of certain magistrates or the passage of particular laws. The most significant of these is the Assembly of Law, which is open to all free citizens. Although the senate holds the real power, the assemblies allow the broader population to have a voice, especially in local matters.

Culture

Hakeen society is stratified into a strict social hierarchy, with the nobility at the top, followed by the military, citizens, and then non-citizens, including slaves. The nobility, known as the Hakana, hold vast estates and have significant influence in the senate. Below them are the Hakanno, the common citizens who make up the bulk of the population. Non-citizens, including freedmen and foreigners, have limited rights, while slaves have no rights at all but can potentially earn their freedom. Citizenship in the Hakeen Republic is highly prized and comes with numerous privileges, including the right to vote in assemblies, serve in the military, and hold public office. However, citizenship is not granted to everyone; it must be earned through service, loyalty, or birth. The Republic often extends citizenship to conquered peoples who prove their loyalty, integrating them into the empire.

Military

The backbone of the Hakeen Republic’s power is its military. The Republic maintains several legions, each consisting of thousands of highly trained soldiers. Service in the legions is seen as a duty and an honor, and legionaries are respected members of society. The legions are not only a military force but also a means of spreading Hakite culture and order, often establishing colonies in conquered territories. Non-citizens can serve as auxiliary units and are often used to supplement and bolster forces where use of the legions would be too costly or redundant. Auxiliary soldiers who prove themselves and rise the ranks can occasionally be granted citizenship and earn their place among the true legions.

The Republic also boasts a powerful navy that controls the seas surrounding Mekora. The navy is crucial for maintaining the Republic's trade routes, projecting power across distant lands, and protecting the empire from seaborne invasions.

Religion

The Hakeen Republic officially worships the core deities and has temples and monasteries devoted to their worship, however the Republic is very tolerate of outsider faith and does not persecute any heretics, heathens or non-believers.

Foreign Relations

The Republic engages in both diplomacy and conquest to expand its influence. It holds a protectorate status with all of its neighboring states, offering protection in exchange for loyalty and tribute. However, when diplomacy fails, the legions are sent to subdue and incorporate new territories.

Agriculture & Industry

The fertile plains of the Republic are the breadbasket of the empire, producing vast quantities of grain, olives, and wine. The Republic also engages in large-scale farming using slave labor, which allows for surplus production and the feeding of the large urban populations. Hakite artisans are skilled in metalworking, pottery, and textiles. Their goods are highly sought after, both within the empire and in foreign markets. The Republic’s coinage, minted in precious metals, is widely recognized and used across the continent.

Trade & Transport

The Republic's extensive road network and powerful navy facilitate trade across the continent and beyond. The Hakeen Republic trades in goods such as spices, silk, precious metals, and exotic animals, bringing wealth into the empire and spreading its influence far and wide.

Education

Education and intellectual pursuits are highly valued in the Hakeen Republic. It is home to many academies where philosophy, rhetoric, mathematics, and science are taught. Scholars and philosophers hold respected positions in society, often advising politicians and generals. Hakite philosophy emphasizes duty to the state, stoicism, and the importance of law and order.

Infrastructure

The Republic is renowned for its architectural achievements, including grand temples, aqueducts, roads, and public buildings. Engineering is a highly respected profession, and Hakite engineers are responsible for constructing the vast infrastructure that connects the empire. The capital city, Imperus, is a marvel of urban planning, with towering structures, expansive forums, and bustling markets.