Guoji Empire
The Guoji Empire is a vast and ancient realm located to the north of Sutra Bay, and is a successor state to the fallen Jade Dragon Imperium. Though internally the Empire maintains its historical name, externally the Empire is referred to as the Guoji, named after the current ruling dynasty. Although the Empire retains great historical significance, it is a fragmented state struggling with internal political strife and the complex legacy of its former glory. Officially, the Guoji royal family inherited the empire after the collapse of the Jade Dragon Imperium, but the empire is beset with tensions, both within its own borders and from external powers, which have complicated its ability to maintain control over its vast territories.
The Guoji Empire includes several vassal states, the most notable being the Juro Shogunate, which, while nominally a vassal, maintains a significant degree of autonomy. Juro's relationship with Guoji is marked by a complex web of political maneuvering, and while the Juro Shogunate officially swears fealty to the Guoji Emperor, the ruling Juro family often exerts substantial influence over the empire’s internal affairs, especially in regions bordering the Shogunate.
Structure
The Guoji Empire operates under a centralized monarchy, with the emperor at the head of state. The emperor is seen as divinely chosen, a central figure who governs the empire in both political and spiritual matters. The imperial family’s authority, however, is fragile, and political power is often contested among the nobility and military leaders. Noble families hold significant power, and each governs a province, with great influence over the resources and people of their respective regions.
While the Guoji royal family holds legal control over the empire, its power is often undermined by internal political factions. The ruling structure is highly hierarchical, with the nobility, clergy, and military leaders making up the upper echelons of society, while the lower classes live under a strict system of servitude, often working as peasants or soldiers. While the common people revere the emperor, their lives are marked by a rigid social order that keeps them in subjugation.
Culture
The Guoji utilise a three-tiered language system wherein three mutually-intelligible dialects are spoken throughout the empire, separated by class.
The peasantry, merchant classes, and most foreigners are taught to use the 'common tongue' to communicate, whereas the noble classes utilise a 'noble tongue' to conduct the business of government and within their own social circles.
The Emperor and his family are the exclusive speakers of the 'divine tongue', said to be the language used by the Jade Dragon itself to imbue the Emperor's bloodline with its divine power. The divine tongue is often only heard in public addresses.
Whereas the usage of the common tongue by the nobility is seen as childish or immature, the usage of the noble tongue by commoners is — officially, at least — a minor crime, though mockery of the nobility using the noble tongue is often seen in the bars and drinking holes of the empire. The usage of the divine tongue by any other than the Imperial Family, however, is punishable by the total extermination of the user's family.
Demography and Population
Population of approximately 80 Million
Military
The Guoji military is the most numerous military force in all of Orienta, thanks to the empire's vast territory and extensive population. However, its strength is largely based on the sheer size of its forces rather than their quality or cohesion. The military is primarily composed of vast formations of peasant levies, which are drafted from the lower classes and tasked with defending the empire’s borders and maintaining internal order. These levies are often poorly equipped, armed with rudimentary weapons, and lack the training and discipline of their more professional counterparts in regional powers like Syama.
Commanded by local nobility, the peasant forces are generally led by noble officers with limited military experience, and this decentralized structure results in significant variation in the quality of leadership across different provinces. While some noble commanders are competent, many are more concerned with maintaining their personal wealth and influence than effectively managing their forces, leading to widespread inefficiencies within the military.
Additionally, the Guoji military suffers from chronic instability, as the peasant levies are often prone to mutiny and revolution. Economic hardship, oppressive conditions, and harsh military discipline frequently fuel discontent among the lower ranks, and as a result, many military campaigns are interrupted or sabotaged by internal strife. The lack of professional training and cohesion also makes it difficult for the empire to field a consistently effective fighting force, leaving them vulnerable to more organized and disciplined regional militaries, such as the Syamese. Despite these issues, the Guoji military is still a formidable presence due to its overwhelming numbers, but its weakness lies in the lack of unity and the fragile loyalty of its conscripted soldiers.
Religion
Religion in the Guoji Empire is deeply intertwined with the belief in the emperor's divine right to rule. The emperor is venerated as a divine figure, with many seeing the imperial family as having a special connection to the gods. The concept of divine bloodline is central to the empire's belief system, and the emperor's legitimacy as ruler is tied to this divine status. In addition to the worship of the emperor, there are numerous religious orders and temples dedicated to the veneration of ancestral spirits and deities connected to war, governance, and prosperity.
Recently, the rise of the Crimson Vein, a faith originating in Syama, has begun to gain popularity, particularly among the lower classes of the Guoji Empire. This religion emphasizes the power of bloodlines, with a belief that certain bloodlines are divinely favored and imbued with magical abilities. The faith has gained traction among those who feel disenfranchised by the rigid social structure, offering them a spiritual path that promises greater power and divine favor based on their heritage.
The spread of the Crimson Vein has caused concern among the ruling elite, as its message challenges the emperor’s divine right and may inspire rebellion. The imperial family continues to support traditional religious practices that reinforce their authority, but the growing influence of the Crimson Vein presents a direct challenge to the existing power structures.
Agriculture & Industry
The Guoji Empire is economically prosperous, with extensive agricultural lands and a powerful trading network. Agriculture is the backbone of the empire, particularly in fertile river valleys, where crops such as rice, silk, and spices are grown. The empire's wealth also stems from its access to natural resources like minerals and timber, which fuel its manufacturing and trade industries.
Trade & Transport
The empire’s strategic position along key trade routes has made it a major player in regional commerce. Cities within the empire act as hubs for trade, and the Guoji military protects these routes to ensure the continued flow of goods and wealth. Despite its prosperity, the empire faces increasing external threats, including growing tensions with rival states like the Syamese Empire, which is expanding in the Meztica Archipelago.
Economic expansion is a key goal of the Guoji Empire, as it seeks to assert dominance over neighboring territories and secure vital resources. While territorial gains are seen as important for the empire’s future, the political instability within the empire often hinders its ability to fully capitalize on these opportunities. Nevertheless, the wealth generated through trade and resource management remains a cornerstone of the empire’s strength.
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Ruling Organization
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Neighboring Nations
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