The Empire of Ilwyer

The Elven Empire has dominated the continent of Raath for almost 10,000 years. It is only in the last three millenia, a rather brief time by Elven standards, that this empire has become strained and its influence has waned. Now, it has dwindled to a shadow of its former self, no longer holding imperial sway over any kingdom of Men save for Curith, which is a vassal to it, not a province. It holds only to its ancient heartlands, the first and oldest homes of the Elves and their kingdoms, from which the Empire sprung.

Structure

The two main groups Imperial Elves are categorised in are Plessi and Patri, or Plebians and Patricians, to use the Gallic terms. The Plebians are the common people, the workers, whether they be an artisan, a soldier or a cart hauler, they remain Plebians, and while they may be afforded privileges other Plebians might not, they still lack the privileges of the Patricians. The Patricians are the ruling class, those born to wealth and title. They are free to partake in almost any activity, but many simply become involved in court politics and intruige, though this is less common further away from the capital. Patricians are also divided into three categories: Lower Nobles, those of low rank and standing, who typically run small trading companies or serve terms in the officer ranks of the Legions; Middle Nobles, those of middle rank and standing, who typically own a few large, prosperous estates and often send their younger children to serve terms in the officer ranks of the Legions; and Upper Nobles, those whose lands are vast and are appointed governors of provinces of the Empire and are made ministers to the Emperor. There are, however, exceptions to these rules. Namely, the Priesthood of Aelystrin. Priests of Aelystrin are afforded a great deal of respect, and once they reach a certain rank, they can even outrank many Patricians. Legates (that is, generals) are also afforded a high position, regardless of whether they are Plebian or Patrician. In fact, many Plebian Legates became Patricians in their retirement, since their accomplishments were simply too great to go unacknowledged. The highest rank that can be achieved is that of Emperor, or Xerith, in Imperial Elvish.

Public Agenda

The Empire of Ilwyer's public agenda is very simple - the Empire must survive. Elven foreign policy has long followed the same principle as Elven combat, namely that the best defence is a good offence. The historic way or the Empire to protect itself was by defeating their enemies before they could attack. It was a rare case that they relied on defence to resist enemies, only seen with the Barbari, the Men of the Four Clans and, after a great many attempts, the Dwarves. In recent times, this has become increasingly unachievable, resulting in a more defensive policy.

Demography and Population

The lands of the Empire of Ilwyer are inhabited almost exclusively by Elves, mostly Imperial Elves. Though there are a few Men and Wild Elves residing within those lands, they are scarce and, in the case of the Wild Elves, secretive and hunted. It is considered by some especially zealous Imperial Elves for it to be heresy for a human to live within the sacred borders of the Elven kingdoms of old, though this is rarely enforced. Since the residents are Elves, both the birth and death rate is low, though the death rate has increased and birth rate decreased, with more and more infants dying and still births. The population is estimated at about eight million, with an average of 15 people per square kilometre. They birth rate is, on average, 40 births per 1,000 of the population, with a death rate of about 75 deaths per 1,000 of the population. Although there is a significant concentration of the population within the cities, holding about 18% of the Empire's population, and the city of Ilwé itself has about 680,000 residents.

Territories

The Empire of Ilwyer occupies the Eight Elven Kingdoms of old, historic kingdoms which date back to before the Age of Gods. After the foundation of the Empire of Ilwyer, an empire made up of the old Elven kingdom of Ilwyer, the Elven kingdom of Thaevi and the human tribal lands of Gallia, termed Galli Rathe by the Elves (with Rathe being the Elven name for Raath), to distinguish it and its people from the island people of Alba, since they had previously functioned as much the same people. The Empire rapidly consumed the remaining six kingdoms of Vasil, Lothleiné, Birothi, Axilo, Nestra and Greina. Each of these kingdoms of old remains a province of the Empire of Ilwyer, or the Elven Empire.

Military

The military of the Elven Empire are the Legions of the Elves. Once organised into eight legions, their numbers have been reduced to seven. They are as follows: The 1st Legion, 'The Emperor's Tallons': this is the Emperor's personal legion, who protect the capital and are directed by the Emperor and a close ally. They serve the Emperor's will, and seeing them outside the city of Ilwé is a sign that either a great war is coming or the Emperor's hand moves. The 2nd Legion, 'The Iron Souls': this is the largest and most frequently deployed legion. They are a versatile legion, but primarily focus in traditional spear, bow and shield combat. They are known for their efficiency and speed of mobilisation. The 4th Legion, 'The Wind Riders': this legion is composed almost exclusively of cavalry, who serve as fast relief troops and light cavalry. They are incapable of competing with Gallian or Pyreones knights in a melee, but typically skirmish around the edges of battle with lighter lances and recurve bows. The 5th Legion, 'The Oakleaf Archers': this legion is the smallest legion, since it lost many of its number in the Second Schism of the Elves, and as such is somewhat disgraced. It has been tasked with eradicating the Wild Elves, but appears to be doing a miserable job of it. It serves as a scout and archery group, who reign down terror on their enemies while a small foreward guard prevent the archers from being overrun. The 6th Legion, 'The Burning Ones': this legion is the presitgious. Once called the Shining Ones, it served as the defenders of the temples of Lystri. Now, it defends the temples of Aelystrin, and acts as the personal army for the High Priest of Aelystrin, something very unpopular with the Patricians due to his Plebian background. The 7th Legion, 'The Chicken Scratchers': this is the most disgraced legion. It was so named during the days of Julis the Great. They were sent to take the small village which is where the minor town of Loubet is now, the home of a collection of chicken farmers and carpenters. The legion's vanguard was massacred and the legate killed. Its standard was taken and had to be retrieved by the 3rd Legion. The 7th Legion was, therefore, the first legion to be named, in honour of its greatest defeat. It is effectively a dead-end position, simply checking cargo at the docks of the Empire. It is actually from their name that the term 'chicken scratch' came to mean writing, since all they did all day was paperwork, with the occasional very minor scuffle, upon which more paperwork had to be filled out. The 8th Legion, 'The Grey Guard': the Grey Guard are the most feared and elite of the Elven Legions. They have only been deployed in full battle array twice. The first time to prevent a wrathful Dwarven army of Clans Guldir and Briztok from sacking Ilwé itself, after Clan Briztok had been attacked by and resoundingly defeated the Iron Souls, and the second time to destroy the massive Barbari incursion which resulted from the worship of Krûhm covering the Barbar Plains. They are only called upon in times of desperate need, and the rest of the time they serve as a sort of secret police and train for war. Only the most veteran of legionaires can find a place within their ranks.

Religion

The only religion perimitted within the Empire's borders is the New Faith, referred to by some as the True Faith. It teaches that the only god is Aelystrin, a god of fire, life and the Empire, among other things, and supposed creator of the world, as well as being said to have slain the Elder Serpent, though most would disagree with this specific achievement. The local temple of Aelystrin is attended by everyone on the Day of Fire, known elsewhere as the Day of Light, which is the 5th day of the 10-day week. Failure to do so will likely result in a knock on the door from soldiers of the Burning Ones, the Legion responsible for guarding the temples and enforcing religious laws. The New Faith holds a great deal of political and military power. The High Priest of Aelystrin is not only an advisor to the Xerith (Emperor), but has command of the 6th Legion (the Burning Ones), and can use them to enforce his personal wishes and goals. They are also significantly involved in children's education, since more and more formal education is being overtaken by the temples of Aelystrin. All other religious worship is illegal, with the Old Faith and the Cult of the Elder Serpent being especially despised.

Foreign Relations

Foreign relations between the Empire of Ilwyer and just about every other territorial body are rocky to say the least. Having conquered or attempted to conquer most of the continent at one point or another, they are regarded as imperialists, racist and incredibly aloof. Were a Dwarf authoring this, a few choice words would be used, but it suffices to say that their only friendly foreign relation is with Curith, their vassal territory in the west.

Education

Children spent their first 83 fully conscious years being educated on various topics at home, from the complexities of language, etiquette and life in general to religion, politics and romance. This education is heavily interspersed with play time with one or both parents. Over the following 90 years, they will receive a formal education and qualifications on mathematics, science, religion, history and more, and at the age of 180 they will begin their apprenticeship under a parent, family friend or other known person. This lasts for 20 years, after which they receive a job.

Aerth Lystrenae (Bring Light)

Founding Date

578 AG

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Alternative Names

The Elven Empire

Training Level

Semi-professional

Veterancy Level

Experienced

Demonym

Imperial Elves

Leader

Nyrai the Smiling

Founders

Auvian the Immortal

Head of State

Nyrai the Smiling

Head of Government

Nyrai the Smiling

Government System

Monarchy, Theocratic

Power Structure

Unitary state

Economic System

Mixed economy

Currency

The official currency of the Empire of Ilwyer is Imperial Sovereigns, with the following gradings. A copper sovereign, or Cepris, is the lowest, worth one tenth of a Gallian Crown. A silver sovereign, or Selvari, is worth one Gallian Crown. A twin sovereign, or Vaelari, is worth 10 Gallian Crowns, and an emperor's sovereign, or Xeritha, is worth 100 Gallian Crowns.

Legislative Body

All laws are written by the Emperor's ministers and civil servants. It is their duty to have the Emperor's will enacted in the minutest of details, and, if the Emperor is feeling especially brave, they may choose to write a law themselves. Auvian the Immortal did this for the last half of his reign since, having ruled for almost 5,000 years by that point, he knew the system better than any of his advisors.

Judicial Body

The Xerithes Paeri, or Imperial Court of Law (not to be confused with the Xerithes Vastrix, the Imperial Court) is the overall judicial body which takes the most important of cases and ensures that sentencing and due process are followed. Most judicial action is undertaken by the Pavixi, the Provincial Courts.

Executive Body

The laws are enforced by the Emperor through their seven Legions.

Official State Religion

The New Faith

Related Ranks & Titles