Thornterian Empire
The Thornterian Empire is the powerhouse of the East. While their proximity to the Colarian Theocracy has stunted their magical development, they have made up for it with mechanical progress. The industry of the Thornterian Empire is unmatched, and the vast plains that make up much of its northern land has served as testing grounds for all manner of inventions. (Think steampunk Song Dynasty China, with a little less political turbulence. Less culture, more industry, too)
The Thornterian Empire shares its borders with five other nations: Taidon Shogunate, Colarian Theocracy, Redcliff Dominion, Hafford, and the newly formed Slantarian Republic. Thornteria is predominatly dwarvish with a large population of halflings and gnomes and small population of teiflings and orcs.
Government and Imperial Family:
The Rovatog Impirial Family has ruled the Thornterian Empire for 500 years and continues to be popular amongst the masses. Emperor Javesh Rovatog is exceptionally popular due to his chaismatic nature and public lifestyle. He and his gnomish Empress, Alina Rovatog, make a point to constantly interact with the public. They are well known among the common folk for frequently visiting universities to learn about the newest inventions and participating in industrial activities. They are known to be very invested in the success of local industries and personally oversee many authorizations for new inventions.
Officially, the Thornterian Imperial Family governs similar to the Besks in Albion. The Emperor governs with complete authority. Javesh also employs a small council of scientists and nobles to assist with governance, but again, holds the final say. Unlike other nations, Thornterian is a country the values science. This is reflected in the council as the Emperor's chief advisor is also the nation's Chief Scientist.
The Emperor's Chief Scientist is the most competitive position in the country and, in practice, the Emperor has very little say in who becomes his chief advisor. Every two years, the University of Thornter holds a national competition where the top scientist in the nation compete for the title. The winner is awarded the title and offered the position of Emperor's Chief Scientist, but not required to take the position. Many times, the winner elects to continue their research and forgo the position in the Imperial Court. In which case, the Emperor is free to appoint the position to whomever he chooses. However, the current Chief Scientist is required to participate in this competition. If they are beaten, they must offer their position to the winner. Currently, the position is held by Lorelai Ensted, a halfling from the northern coast of Thornteria. Lorelai has held this position for nine years, much longer than most of her predecessors. She holds the record for most consecutive wins at the National Scientific Competition and the record for longest serving Chief Scientist. She is considered an era defining genius in Thornteria.
Succession:
While the Rovatog family has ruled for over 500 years, they, like all Thornterians value merit. The eldest is not necessarily an heir to the Imperial Throne and the heir can change many times throughout any given emperor's reign. The current Emperor Javesh is the youngest of his four siblings, but earned the right to inherit the throne according to his late father. It is common practice that no heir would be publically announced until the Emperor is nearing their end. Thornterians are also used to the offical heir changing every few years due to internal strife so most Thornterians do not really care about who will lead them next. They are more focused on their inventions anyway. Customarily, the heir favors the male line, but it is not uncommon for a female to inherit the throne. Currently, Emperor Javesh has not publically named an heir. However, his three children are still quite young with the oldest only being eight years old.
Relations:
Thornteria sits in in between multiple very delicate political situations. Thornteria has no official diplomati relations with reclusve Redcliff Dominion to the east. Although, Thornteria does not fully trust Redcliff and maintains light guards near the borders. But it is more to keep their citizens from wandering too close.
The Republic of Slantaria to the South enjoys Thornterian technology and peaceful relations. However, Thornteria is cautious about getting too involved since Slantaria is such a young country. There are rumors as to whether or not the country will crumble under its own weight.
Thornteria and Hafford have always maintained peacful relations and have engaged in multiple fishing treaties to regulate the lucrative industry. Hafford enjoys access to Thornterian technology and favors the new aquatic technology that Thornterians produce.
At present, the most difficult challenge is maintaining peaceful relations with both the Taidon Shogunate and the Colarian Theocracy. With Colaria's aggressive behavior towards Taidon, Thornteria has become the neutral ground on which both countries negotiate. Colaria opposes all kinds of magic where Taidon embraces magic. The majority of Taidons practice some form of magic and their very existence angers Colarians who shun magic all together. Colaria views Thornterian technology with a slight mistrust; however, a Colarian delegation has been rumored to request Thornterian military technologies. Becasue Thornteria borders both nations, each party has emplored Thornteria to choose a side. However, Thornteria officially maintains a neutral status and trades equally and openly with both countires. However, Thornteria refuses to trade any military technology to either country.
Due to their proximity to Colaria, Thornteria cautions against the use of open magic and prohibits Thornterian magic user from visitig Colaria. Magic is legal and still commonly practiced in Thornteria, but recent Colarian Missionaries have caused strife near the border. This prompted Emperor Javesh to enact restrictions on Colarian Missionaries. All Colarian Missionaries must register with the Imperial Council and are only allowed to preach in monitored environments with the Thornterian Mages Guild and Thornterian Scientific Guild also scheduled to speak. This new law prompted critisim from Colarians and Colarian allies in Thornteria who claimed the Emperor is not as neutral as he claims. The Colarian Diplomat also blamed Empress Alina for this policy as she comes from a family of Wizards. However, the recent criticism of Empress Alina drew swift action from Emperor Javesh who expelled the Colarian Diplomat for 28 days.
Culture:
Thornterians are naturaly crafty people and pride themselves on their intillect and resourcefulness. No matter their vocation, Thornterians will always try to invent something new and make their world better. They are a people of vast imagination and determination. As a result, Thornteria has prospered. It is the powerhouse of the East. The craftiness of the Thornterians translated into a scientific community that fosters progress across all aspects of life; esspecially technical. Inventive work is Thornterian culture. People are so focused on their work, there is little time for much else.
Magic has become a controversial issue in Thornteria. While many still openly practice magic, it is rare that an inventor would combine magic and machinery. In fact, it is discouraged to do so. Many times, the Thornteria Scientific Guild will reject innovations that combine magic and machines. Due to the proximity to Colaria, Thornterian Emperors have long avoided straining the relationship; much to the chagrin of the Taidon Shogunate. However, for many Thornterians, magic is an unexplored science and experimenting with machines and magic could produce exciting results. Those who hope to pursue this new science are hopeful the young Emperor Javesh will ease Imperial scrutiny of magical innovations. Esspecially since Empress Alina is said to have followed in her wizarding family's footsteps. However, Emperor Javesh has showed little public interest in challenging the Colarian Theocracy.
Economy:
The Thornterian economy is built on innovation. People are encouraged to invent new technology and discover new theories and this work ethic fuels the economy. Thornteria also has an abundance of natural resources which allows inventors to purchase materials at a lower cost. The large area also provides ample space for crops and the northern plains serve as a testing ground for various inventions. These inventions and new technologies, such as Airships and high-speed trains, are valued throughought the east.
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Demonym
Thornterian
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
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