Rankan Empire
The Rankan empire is the latest in a series of empires that have dominated the western part of Vanareon.
It has replaced the Ilsig Empire, which was the previous majot power in the area.
Compared to the Ilsig Empire, the Rankan Empire is much more land-based - the Ilsig Empire had conquered Selemlis and lands on the far side of the Inner Sea for example, which the Rankan Empire has been unable to occupy. It has also lost the south-western corner of Vanareon to the Azure Empire, whereas the Ilsig Empire had contested the Azure Isles. This is mainly because the Rankans lack on effective fleet.
Structure
The Rankan Empire is divided into two parallel sets of administrative areas:
- Provinces, ruled by Governors, which are responsible for civil administration in a specific area, including regulation of trade, taxation, and administration of law.
- Duchies, commanded by Dukes, which are military districts containing a Rankan Legion. The Duke is responsible for the defense of the area, and all military matters within it (such as fortifications).
Foreign Relations
The Rankan empire has two main neighbours of comparative size and sophistication to itself.
In the east is the Theocracy of Chalke. The Rankan empire has been fighting Chalke on and off for the last 300 years, and has pushed its border much further east than the border of the Ilsig Empire was. This has placed Chalke under pressure, and caused a certain amount of internal disruption in Chalke which Ranke has taken advantage off. However, the borders are now at the point where they lie on two major and easily defendable rivers, and so expansion has ceased while Ranke absorbs the western territories recent conquered from the Ilsigs. This is a highly volatile ceasefire though, rather than a proper peace - Ranke remains expansionistic, and Chalke would like to reconquer territories it formerly held.
In the south west, the Azure Empire capitalised on the chaotic collapse of the Ilsig Empire to occupy the westernmost of the Azure Isles and also Koris, the south-western most corner of Vanareon. The Rankans actively seek to occupy this territory, but are hampered by the broken terrain, and the lack of a navy that can challenge that of the Azure Empire.
Ethics
Rankan religion places a high value on personal honour and bravery. Honour is gained by putting the needs of the state ahead of personal survival or gain, and also by acting in a responsible and dignified manner.
Priesthood
Rankan priests are part of a strict hierarchy. Ascendancy through the ranks of the hierarchy is dependent on services undertaken and family connections. Orphans are often adopted into temples as acolytes, and if they are talented may rise through the ranks despite family connections. On the other hand, those with good family connections will rise fast through the lower ranks, but may not continue to the highest ranks unless they are also effective.
They often hold roles as advisers to political figures such as Dukes or Governors, as well as in the Imperial Court.
Priests rarely hold direct political power.
Maps
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Map of Western Vanareon
Founding Date
1
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Predecessor Organization
Leader Title
Head of State
Government System
Despotism
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
The main official coins used in the Rankan Empire are:
The Eagle (a 1/10 ounce gold coin) - used for large scale transactions. This is a Rankan coin, with an eagle on one side and the head of the emperor on the other.
The Sword (a 1/10 ounce silver coin) - used for larger everyday purchases. This is a Rankan coin, with two crossed swords on one side and the head of the emperior on the other.
The Penny (a 1/10 punce copper coin) - used for small transaction. This is a locally minted Rankan coin, with a variety of different local patterns.
There are also still a large number of Ilsig coins still in circulation, especially in the south-west.
Legislative Body
Laws are promulgated by the emperor.
There is a Grand Council, which is made up of the heads of the Rankan great houses (around 20-30 people). This is a purely advisory body, but raises petitions for the emperor to hear.
Judicial Body
The Emperor appoints Justicars who administer justice in his name. Appointment of Justicars in the provinces is delegated to the provincial Governors. An Imperially-appointed Justical outranks a Governor-appointed Justicar, and can overturn their ruling in a specific case.
Subsidiary Organizations
Deities
Official Languages
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Species
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