Vilory
The Kingdom of the Empty Throne, the Despotate of Vilory is a completely militarized society. Their two royal lines were sired from Glokrei himself, the God of War. In their absense, the Sovereign General now rules as steward, waiting for the kings return.
Structure
Vilory has an extremely complicated bureacratic and meritocratic structure. Every facet of society is owned and regulated by the state, and every citizen, regardless of their task, is a member of the Vilorian army, and has a rank and position within that. Even bartenders and women of the night are, technically, soldiers. This also means that nearly all land and property is state-owned.
Anything done is approved by a network of explicit and delegated authorities. At the top is the Sovereign General, currently held by Agrippa Demarchus. The General Counsel decides who holds this position, and works as advisors, governors, and policy makers. On this last point is where the Counsel is most reluctant, as they try to maintain the Dual Kingdom as close as possible as it was before their departure. The Sovereign General is still answerable to the General Counsel and may be removed by them; something they would not dare do to any of the two Royal lines.
Anything done is approved by a network of explicit and delegated authorities. At the top is the Sovereign General, currently held by Agrippa Demarchus. The General Counsel decides who holds this position, and works as advisors, governors, and policy makers. On this last point is where the Counsel is most reluctant, as they try to maintain the Dual Kingdom as close as possible as it was before their departure. The Sovereign General is still answerable to the General Counsel and may be removed by them; something they would not dare do to any of the two Royal lines.
Culture
As would be expected, the culture is extremely militarized and regimented. Personal autonomy and liberty is permitted only so far as it does not interfere with the state. Discipline is encouraged in all Vilorians from an early age, as all children will learn to take orders in short order.
While this is a very confining life, those who grow up acclimated to it have found great benefits to it. There is little wandering or want of purpose or reason: even those stuck in menial tasks or assingments understand the reason for their task. With this purpose also comes a great sense of community and solidarity. There are no individuals in Vilory, which means that noone suffers alone.
With no formal aristocracy or class, Vilory provides for rapid ascension among those most capable.
While this is a very confining life, those who grow up acclimated to it have found great benefits to it. There is little wandering or want of purpose or reason: even those stuck in menial tasks or assingments understand the reason for their task. With this purpose also comes a great sense of community and solidarity. There are no individuals in Vilory, which means that noone suffers alone.
With no formal aristocracy or class, Vilory provides for rapid ascension among those most capable.
Public Agenda
Vilory is only ever in two states of readiness and diplomacy: At War, or in preparation for one. It's high state of readiness and capability has hampered diplomacy, especially with their eastern neighbor and perpetual nemesis: the Despotate of Grushta
History
Legends speak of the ancient, tribal, Vilorians, who were vicious and without equal in battle. They were brave, strong, and showed unusual magnanimity in their countless victories. They sought honor, fame, not bloodlust. The fabled leader of the Vilorians, Gurgia, was said to be as stunning in beauty and keen in mind as she was daring and strong in battle. Glokrei, the God of War, was transfixed by her. The God took Gurgia to bed, and from their mating, sired twin sons; Clarnitus and Drahminos. These two, born of Man but granted the strength of one of the Gods, would rule the Vilorians in tandem. This people would settle and build a proper kingdom, with Clarnitus and Drahminos as dual kings. Their sons and daughters would rule in their stead with each generation.
Before the Triumverate War, the last Kings of Vilory went on campaign against the Grushta, their sworn enemy. The Kings never returned, nor did their army. The Grushta, normally eager to claim any victory over the supposed chosen of Glokrei, were actually quite silent on the matter. They denied that the Kings had ever stepped foot in Grushta territory. If they fell in combat, it was by someone else's hands. Unwilling to believe this claim, the Vilorians have maintained a state of war with their neighbors. They also still wait for their Kings to return to Vilory to take their place on the throne. In the meantime, the generals have lead the nation, trying to minimize tampering or meddling. The leader of them, named the Sovereign General, has taken the effective position of King, though they loudly reject such titles when any foreigner addresses them as such.
Type
Geopolitical, Theocracy
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Legislative Body
The General's Counsel makes up the nearest equivalent to a proper legislative body. Any proposition that is made by them must be approved by the Sovereign General. All changes are documented in the Tome of Alterations, a yearly accounting of all choices made by the Sovereign General. Should the dual Kings of Vilory ever return, the Tome of Alterations will be presented to them so that the Generals and their ancestors may be held to account for decisions made and not made in their absense.
Judicial Body
The judicial system is strangely decentralized, for such a highly regulated society. Although all citizens are subject to the same laws and expectations,most infractions of them are not handled by a universal judicial system. Officers are expected to handle cases of wrong doing, be it simply immoral or minor crimes, at the lowest level possible, administering punishment as they see appropriate and within the guidance of their superiors. The more significant the transgression, the higher up the echelons of the military it goes.
Severe crimes, such as murder, or cases of an unusual nature are handled by the Judge-Generals. Trials brought before them are deliberately high visibility; so that the public is aware that justice is being done. More importantly, so that all are familiar with the consequences of wrong doing. Death is not a common penalty in Vilory, as it removes a potential soldier from the fight. Such a fate is usually reserved for the truly heinous crimes such as treason, espionage, and sedition. If someone behaves as an enemy of Vilory, than they shall face the enemy's side of a blade.
Severe crimes, such as murder, or cases of an unusual nature are handled by the Judge-Generals. Trials brought before them are deliberately high visibility; so that the public is aware that justice is being done. More importantly, so that all are familiar with the consequences of wrong doing. Death is not a common penalty in Vilory, as it removes a potential soldier from the fight. Such a fate is usually reserved for the truly heinous crimes such as treason, espionage, and sedition. If someone behaves as an enemy of Vilory, than they shall face the enemy's side of a blade.
Deities
Neighboring Nations
Related Species
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