Yvalian Empire (Yi Val EE Ah)
The Yvalian Empire of the cold northern wastes often represents the enemy of the Civilized nations of Sanzeia. The Moon Elves were driven from the elven lands of Himse around -1260 DR, a slight they have never forgotten. At times all out war will erupt between Hisme and Yvalia resulting in a conflict that threatens the stability of all smaller powers of the globe. Currently Yvalia is engaged in a pair of prolonged wars to its southeastern borders with the Free Cities Accord and Grand Duchy of Che, a former Yvalian territory.
Structure
A rather academic point, considered by most a matter of semantics, the Empire is a feudal state, in which each vassal pays homage to the Immortal Empress Yvalia, a somewhat aloof and mysterious figure who has ruled since the Empire's founding. Each state is given a relatively large degree of autonomy, up to an including to conduct its own foreign policy (theoretical as few member states would risk going against the Empress). This degree of autonomy is what allowed Che to declare its independence.
Culture
The Empire largely isolationist and insular. Within its borders exist many states and many species, particularly of those considered more monstrous by the civilizations of the southern continent. Religion and magic play a large part in the life of its members and fragmentary reports indicate a caste system in place. Much of the southern nations knowledge of Yval come from rumors and military observations.
Public Agenda
Officially the envoys of the Empire seek only to maintain the stability and safety of those within the Empire. They are known for offering a choice of submission or conquest in support of these goals.
Military
The Yvalians maintain a large an diverse army. The majority of which are heavily armed elven legions, supplemented by magic. Other races often seem to supply an auxiliary role. Rumors even suggest that the Yvalians employ actual monsters such as giants and even dragons in their forces.
Yvalian military doctrine emphasizes incremental territorial gains by sudden and overwhelming strikes from well fortified positions. In this way, elven wars can easily last generations for the younger races.
Religion
The Yvalian Empire's official religion is is the worship of the Moon Elven goddess, Lyndranel, Queen of the Night. Other religions appear to exist within the Empire so long as her primacy is unchallenged.
Foreign Relations
At War with: the Free Cities Accord, the Grand Duchy of Che
Rivals with: the Republic of Himse
Vassal State: Tribes of Asha
Trade & Transport
The Empire does support a thriving external trade network, supported largely by its merchant fleets. Traders from outside the Empire are allowed only to land at specific ports, and being found anywhere else in the Empire is punishable by death.
Imports
Yval, being a far northern empire, imports a large amount of food and basic goods from the southern states, particularly through the Gunargite Commonwealth. Strangely enough, attempts by Himse to limit food-trade and force Yval into a weaker position have failed every time. Exports
Yvalian crafts are known for a high degree of quality and ornamentation that speak to magic likely being part of the craft. Yvalian soldiers often carry arms made of mithril, adamantine, as well as monster components.
Yval, being a far northern empire, imports a large amount of food and basic goods from the southern states, particularly through the Gunargite Commonwealth. Strangely enough, attempts by Himse to limit food-trade and force Yval into a weaker position have failed every time. Exports
Yvalian crafts are known for a high degree of quality and ornamentation that speak to magic likely being part of the craft. Yvalian soldiers often carry arms made of mithril, adamantine, as well as monster components.
Priesthood
Each of the provinces of the Empire are given a Moonpriestess of Lyndranel, these women are the direct personal confidants of the Immortal Empress and serve as both advisers to the Empress's vassals and instruments of her favor.
Granted Divine Powers
It is said the dark goddess gave immortal life to the Yvalian Empress, though it is unknown if this is merely propaganda. If true, the Empress would be beyond 4000 years old, well beyond even the normal lifespan of the elves.
"Freedom in darkness"
Founding Date
c. -1260 DR
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Yval, the Dark (Elf) Empire, the Northern Threat
Predecessor Organization
Successor Organization
Demonym
Yvalian
Leader
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Theocratic
Power Structure
Feudal state
Official State Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
Deities
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Comments