Kaitor Empire
The Kaitor Empire is a rigidly structured religious empire worshipping the eternal Radiant Empress of the Sacred Fire. It's viewed by outsiders as a tyrannical place where individual freedom is all but nonexistent and the government and church are one. It is not known how old the Empress is, though if rumors are to be believed, she was there at the founding of their capital city: Kal'deshan - The Cradle of Spires, almost 3,500 years ago. The majority of its citizens view it as a place of order, stability, and purpose. The Empire is composed primarily of Dragonborn, Orcs, Dwarves, and Goblins, each with their own place and purpose in society. The Dragonborn are the elite nobility. Having founded the Empire millennia prior, they have retained the leadership positions throughout the clergy and the government making them the elite members of society. The dwarves were quick to ally with the Empire in its early days and thrive as specialists. (Craftsmen, traders, cooks, doctors, and most importantly: smiths). The Orcs were more difficult to assimilate into the Empire. Originally living as savage tribes in the central desert, the Empire provided a purpose as well as a choice: serve as our warriors or be extinguished from existence. This singular goal gave the Empire a vicious and brutal fighting force. Over the millennia, the orcs have been conditioned to adopt a code of honor and unquestionable loyalty to the Empress and her subjects, for without them, they are nothing. Finally, the goblins were discovered in the swamps of the northlands. Being a cunning yet fragile race, they were quick to assimilate and take their place as servants and messengers as well as the more mundane roles necessary in a continent spanning Empire. Other races exist within the empire, however they are often not full citizens until they have served in some way, and are branded with a magical mark upon crossing into Kaitor borders, distinguishing them as outsiders or slaves.
Druids exist in the Empire as well. Since many Dragonborn are known to be powerful mages, those who have dishonored their families can choose to serve in the wild, still considered as citizens but not able to enjoy the comforts of civilization. Their role: to tame and bring order and light to the dangerous wilds within the Kaitor Empire.
Druids exist in the Empire as well. Since many Dragonborn are known to be powerful mages, those who have dishonored their families can choose to serve in the wild, still considered as citizens but not able to enjoy the comforts of civilization. Their role: to tame and bring order and light to the dangerous wilds within the Kaitor Empire.
Structure
The Empire is separated into many castes that work together to serve the Empress and her Empire. They Castes are as follows:
THE RADIANT EMPRESS (UNKNOWN RACE)
The Empire is led by the Radiant Empress. She has led the Empire for thousands of years, and few are allowed to be in her presence. Among those included are the Hands of the Empress.
THE CHOSEN HIERARCHS (DRAGONBORN)
These ten high priests, also known as Chosen Hierarchs, are hand picked from the noble families of the Empire. The Chosen Hierarchs are the only ones allowed to be in the presence of the Empress other than those personally requested by her radiant majesty and her elite troop of bodyguards. These Chosen Hierarchs speak with the authority of the Empress, and at times are known to advise her and inform her on the happenings of the Empire. Upon the death of one of her hands, the Empress quickly chooses the next to serve. Because of this, the nobility is cut throat and brutal, allowing only the strongest to be in power.
THE HIERARCHS (DRAGONBORN)
In order to become Chosen, one must already be the Hierarch of their noble family. Each noble family has a Hierarch who is the leading figure their house and the ultimate authority within their families.
THE DEACONS (DRAGONBORN)
Each Hierarch, Chosen or not, has four Deacons, who are all in line for succession to become the Hierarch of their house. The Deacons serve only their Hierarchs and the Empress herself. To be a Deacon is to hold considerable power. They are the more hands-on members of the families who are able and willing to carry out their Hierarchs orders themselves, or at least tell their subjects what needs to be done directly. Together with their Hierarch, the Deacons form a hand of the Empress (Hierarch = thumb, Deacons = fingers)
THE NOBILITY (DRAGONBORN)
Beneath the Deacons are the rest of the noble families. Though some houses are more powerful than others, being of dragon's blood is a must, and therefore no one except for Dragonborns can be nobility. To be of the Scales is to be nobility, and unless outcast and branded, all subject within the Empire have it in their best interests to acknowledge their authority.
THE SPECIALISTS (DWARVES)
The Dwarves make up a large portion of the Kaitor population, filling many roles from craftsmen, to bankers, to doctors. Of all the citizens of the Empire, the dwarves have the most freedom, including the nobility.
THE GUARDIANS (ORCS)
The Orcs are the guardians of the empire. Bound by honor and tradition to serve the empire, the Orcs are the military might throughout the empire, securing the borders, guarding the cities, and raiding the Union for territory and slaves.
THE LABORERS (GOBLINS)
The Goblins are the fleet-footed messengers and servants of the Empire. Assigned to more mundane, yet necessary tasks, the goblins are eager and pleased to serve for it ensures their citizenship and security within the empire. Though most goblins are servants and considered lower class citizens, they are still legal members of the empire. Though many other races within the empire look down on them, the others know the value the Goblins provide to the Empire.
THE PROVEN (ANY RACE)
On rare occasions, other races may prove themselves to become citizens of the Empire. If their service is sufficient and recognized by a member of the Dragonborn nobility, they can partake in a binding oath to serve the Empire. They will then be considered full citizens of the Empire, be and will be treated as such. Despite the general xenophobic nature of the Empire, most races within are cooperative to the Proven.
THE OUTSIDERS AND OUTCASTS (ANY RACE)
To enter the borders of the empire is to be branded an outsider. This brand is a literal mark that appears on the face of the outsider upon crossing the border. To bear this mark is to be outside the protection of the law. This can also occur to those who do not conform to the structure of the Empire. Theoretically any citizen can rob or murder an outsider with little to no consequences. Many outsiders are traders, who often get a written permit of trade from a noble family, along with a guide to prevent them from getting into trouble. If accompanied by the permit and a guard, the citizens are willing to at least acknowledge the outsider. Those not fortunate enough to afford or acquire the paperwork and the guide do not last long in the empire. They either live long enough to become Proven or slaves, or they perish within the empire.
THE SLAVES (ANY RACE)
Those marked as slaves are considered property, little more. Slaves are the main force of manual labor and servitude within the empire. Often captives from wars, criminals unable to pay their penance tithe, or those who have gotten on the bad side of nobility, these unfortunate individuals are bound by powerful magic to serve. Though not all masters are cruel, many are, and being a slave in the Kaitor Empire is a life of grueling labor and no comfort. Though terrible, some would consider slavery a better option the being an outcast or outsider, since at least slaves get some sort of sustenance and shelter provided by their masters. In the early days of the Empire, slave revolts were quite common. But after hundreds of years, the Empire knows how to handle their slaves, knowing precisely when to give the carrot and when to give the stick.
THE RADIANT EMPRESS (UNKNOWN RACE)
The Empire is led by the Radiant Empress. She has led the Empire for thousands of years, and few are allowed to be in her presence. Among those included are the Hands of the Empress.
THE CHOSEN HIERARCHS (DRAGONBORN)
These ten high priests, also known as Chosen Hierarchs, are hand picked from the noble families of the Empire. The Chosen Hierarchs are the only ones allowed to be in the presence of the Empress other than those personally requested by her radiant majesty and her elite troop of bodyguards. These Chosen Hierarchs speak with the authority of the Empress, and at times are known to advise her and inform her on the happenings of the Empire. Upon the death of one of her hands, the Empress quickly chooses the next to serve. Because of this, the nobility is cut throat and brutal, allowing only the strongest to be in power.
THE HIERARCHS (DRAGONBORN)
In order to become Chosen, one must already be the Hierarch of their noble family. Each noble family has a Hierarch who is the leading figure their house and the ultimate authority within their families.
THE DEACONS (DRAGONBORN)
Each Hierarch, Chosen or not, has four Deacons, who are all in line for succession to become the Hierarch of their house. The Deacons serve only their Hierarchs and the Empress herself. To be a Deacon is to hold considerable power. They are the more hands-on members of the families who are able and willing to carry out their Hierarchs orders themselves, or at least tell their subjects what needs to be done directly. Together with their Hierarch, the Deacons form a hand of the Empress (Hierarch = thumb, Deacons = fingers)
THE NOBILITY (DRAGONBORN)
Beneath the Deacons are the rest of the noble families. Though some houses are more powerful than others, being of dragon's blood is a must, and therefore no one except for Dragonborns can be nobility. To be of the Scales is to be nobility, and unless outcast and branded, all subject within the Empire have it in their best interests to acknowledge their authority.
THE SPECIALISTS (DWARVES)
The Dwarves make up a large portion of the Kaitor population, filling many roles from craftsmen, to bankers, to doctors. Of all the citizens of the Empire, the dwarves have the most freedom, including the nobility.
THE GUARDIANS (ORCS)
The Orcs are the guardians of the empire. Bound by honor and tradition to serve the empire, the Orcs are the military might throughout the empire, securing the borders, guarding the cities, and raiding the Union for territory and slaves.
THE LABORERS (GOBLINS)
The Goblins are the fleet-footed messengers and servants of the Empire. Assigned to more mundane, yet necessary tasks, the goblins are eager and pleased to serve for it ensures their citizenship and security within the empire. Though most goblins are servants and considered lower class citizens, they are still legal members of the empire. Though many other races within the empire look down on them, the others know the value the Goblins provide to the Empire.
THE PROVEN (ANY RACE)
On rare occasions, other races may prove themselves to become citizens of the Empire. If their service is sufficient and recognized by a member of the Dragonborn nobility, they can partake in a binding oath to serve the Empire. They will then be considered full citizens of the Empire, be and will be treated as such. Despite the general xenophobic nature of the Empire, most races within are cooperative to the Proven.
THE OUTSIDERS AND OUTCASTS (ANY RACE)
To enter the borders of the empire is to be branded an outsider. This brand is a literal mark that appears on the face of the outsider upon crossing the border. To bear this mark is to be outside the protection of the law. This can also occur to those who do not conform to the structure of the Empire. Theoretically any citizen can rob or murder an outsider with little to no consequences. Many outsiders are traders, who often get a written permit of trade from a noble family, along with a guide to prevent them from getting into trouble. If accompanied by the permit and a guard, the citizens are willing to at least acknowledge the outsider. Those not fortunate enough to afford or acquire the paperwork and the guide do not last long in the empire. They either live long enough to become Proven or slaves, or they perish within the empire.
THE SLAVES (ANY RACE)
Those marked as slaves are considered property, little more. Slaves are the main force of manual labor and servitude within the empire. Often captives from wars, criminals unable to pay their penance tithe, or those who have gotten on the bad side of nobility, these unfortunate individuals are bound by powerful magic to serve. Though not all masters are cruel, many are, and being a slave in the Kaitor Empire is a life of grueling labor and no comfort. Though terrible, some would consider slavery a better option the being an outcast or outsider, since at least slaves get some sort of sustenance and shelter provided by their masters. In the early days of the Empire, slave revolts were quite common. But after hundreds of years, the Empire knows how to handle their slaves, knowing precisely when to give the carrot and when to give the stick.
Public Agenda
The Kaitor Empire seeks to bring order to the known world. To find a place for all within society. A place that provides purpose, security, and order within a world of chaos. The Empire sees chaos as the biggest enemy and will do anything to bring structure to those lacking.
Assets
The Empire is a wealthy, war hardened, and generally self sufficient country. They pride themselves on not needing others, and are not to be taken lightly. Their military and armor is some of the best in the known world, making them formidable enemies in war.
History
Originally a religious order within the tribal Dragonborn societies of old, the Kaitor Priesthood grew in power and magical strength until the emergence of the Radiant Empress. The followers of the Empress overpowered the non believers in a crusade and thus the Empire began. They looked outward, worshipping the radiant flame that keeps the darkness of chaos at bay. From the Jungles, they expanded south to the forest, assimilating the dwarves and goblins with their overwhelming magical strength. Along the way they purged any non compliant races from existence, erasing not just the individuals but also their culture. This continued until the growing Kaitor Empire reached the Great Desert, where hoards of savage orcs fought each other. This was a brutal war that almost ended the empire, if it wasn't for the direct intervention of the Empress. After showing her power in battle, the orcs bowed to their new masters. Though it took centuries, they were assimilated into the Empire and have grown to become one of the most respected and proud castes of the Kaitor. Their expansion was halted by the Seradi Union who, over hundreds of years, warred against the empire. This first encounter with the Seradi Union marks the beginning of the calendar used by the denizens of Nima. These wars established the border of the empire as it is known today. Occasionally the Empire and Union will go to open war, though no ground has been gained on either side.
Religion
The Empress is believed to be an immortal vessel for the God of order, light, fire, and power. This God, Kaiteron, has no physical form. Instead Kaiteron is represented as a star, a guiding light to progress and order. A light to ward off the darkness of Chaos that so easily corrupts the world. Being the GATO of the eternal fire, each town and city under the empire's rule has a brazier for worship either the the local square or in a dedicated temple. Additionally, each noble house has a personal brazier which is rumored to be a way for the nobility to communicate with each other and with the Capital.
All have their place, All will serve and prosper.
Founding Date
-2034
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Alternative Names
The Empire
Demonym
Kaitor
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Theocratic
Power Structure
Feudal state
Legislative Body
The Empress is the supreme lawmaker. The Hierarchs are able to make laws, but the Empress always has the final say.
Judicial Body
The Hierarchs and their Deacons are the ones responsible for carrying out the laws of the Empress
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments