Flietch-ta Empire
Stern and unforgiving, like the Frosted Mountains in who's valleys it sits, the Empire of the Flind is both beautiful and harsh. With strict codes of honor and justice, the short-lived Flind have organized a society based around both what is right and what is strong. Strength often gives one the right to make the laws, but true strength is seen as tempering base instinct for the betterment of society. Err in judgement, however, and this godless culture will not hesitate to exact punishment.
Structure
Flind Government begins with the emperor and the major houses. Traditionally the five most powerful houses in the Empire, outside of the Emperor's own house, are considered "major" and hold most of the power in the Empire. Over the centuries, many houses have risen and fallen (and often risen again) to major status. The same has been true of the Imperial house, for while House Cith holds the distinction of the both the first and current emperor, they have not always held that lofty position. These six houses make up the Council of the Crescent Moon, the ruling body of the Empire. Beneath the major houses are the minor houses, families with influence - sometimes great - but not yet strong enough to command the power of the major houses. Further down the chain of power the other Flind of the Empire, be they tradesmen, farmers, or soldiers.
Each tier of power in the Empire commands absolute obedience from those in a lower tier. A member of a minor house would instantly obey the command of any member of a major house. Similarly, that same minor house member would simply assume that farmer would step out of their path while walking down the street, likely running them down if they did not move. Even within each tier there is a subtle hierarchy of power, with the more powerful treating their "lesser peers" with an assumed, if respectful, authority. While each Flind will obey its superiors, each is always looking to better their position. Through political alliances, great feats of strength, skill, or cunning, and even outright war, the different houses are always looking for an opportunity to improve their standing in the great hierarchy of the Empire.
Culture
Flind society relies on the House structure. Most Flind either belong to a proper House, or belong to the Imperial House. Belonging to a Flind House does not require a familial relationship. The Head of the House holds a hereditary position, but he may admit anyone he pleases into his House. Once admitted, a Flind must swear loyalty past death. The Flind who swears, his children, of their children eternally belong to the House. The Head of the House has both complete authority of anyone in it and official ownership over anything that anyone owns.
A Flind may request a leave from his, or his ancestors oath. This leave is often granted for the purposes of marriage, since both Flinds must belong to the same house to be married. Only rarely will a Household Head relieve a Flind of his oath for any other reason. Due to House politics, a Flind who is released of an oath must often swear another, enduring non-disclosure about his former House’s activities. A Flind may also be evicted from his House. A Flind with no House, either by eviction or a release of Oath, has few rights in the Empire. Most seek a new House immediately, but suspicion often follows them and even prevents the swearing of a new Oath.
History
The histories of the Flind are long, filled with social and political intrigue, and violence. According to legend, civilized society sprouted from the first Emperor, who beget five sons. These sons were quarrelsome, and took the warlike Flind under their wings to plot against each other. After years of warring, the first emperor took his sons to council, along with their finest lieutenants. He pleaded with them to lay down their arms, and pledged to show them a peaceful way to settle their differences. He sent them home, to ponder on his words, and bade them return in a full phase of the moon to meet again. Nevertheless, at the second meeting things still were not to his liking, so the emperor commanded them to meet for a full three days every time Verdun waned to a claw, until their differences were resolved. This was the beginning of the Council of the Crescent Moon , and the Five Major Houses. For generations, the Council met to discuss their differences, and as they forgot the war, soon the council meetings became a place to talk of trade, gossip, and the future.
As society grew, so did the idea of the Flind as the epitome of civilization. As the major houses flourished, many of the more barbaric Flind set up their own minor houses, putting down their arms, and embracing the feudal system. Houses governed themselves, and the Council governed the houses. However, as society grew, so did unrest and crime, and if a house did not choose to discipline an offender, then nothing short of a house war could resolve it. The emperor Cith Harnot devised an answer. On the first full moon of the year 1802 BC he gathered 50 young boys to the Imperial Lodge, where he declared them the upholders of the common law. He titled them the Justicars, the living embodiment of the law. The Justicar were to police the people, and no one was exempt.
A full millennia passed in this way before the event known as the Schism. A minor house, known as House Chrita, somehow gained eight seats on the council, enough to rival the major houses. With the war eminent, the Emperor called the Council. The Council met for a full month before the situation was resolved to anyone's satisfaction; House Chrita was to become a Major House in all but name. The seats were theirs to distribute as they saw fit. This moment began the clan wars, which would rage for a full five generations. By the end, House Chrita had solidified their place as a major house, with House Gorich being reduced to a minor house.
History proved that even Emperor's were not immune to the politics of the houses. In 400 AC, the corrupt Emperor Curthot Cher'bit, in an attempt to attribute more power to the imperial seat, and rid himself of the crusading Justicars. Flanked by Elynthi allies, he declared the order no more. But, the Justicar came to Council, for the first time since their inception, to defend their order against Imperial Command. The Council Chambers erupted in violence, and though the emperor's plans were foiled, he did escape.
The emperor escaped to the Elynthi capitol of Nosferius, where he bartered assistance in the upcoming war with Soulmeliti in exchange for the return of his station. He returned one month later with a contingent of Elynthi soldiers and conjurers to take back his throne. The Justicar went underground, and fought the emperor and his pawns in secret. A full 48 of them were captured and put to death. Upon Cher'bit's death in 419 AC his first son was challenged, and killed just before his enthronement, and the second son, Curthot Kerto, ascended to the throne. Kerto bore the markings of the Justicar, and reinstated them in their former position.
In the following years, Kerto remained true to his fathers deal with the Elynthi, and leant 30,000 Flind troops in the Great War Elynthi/Soulmeliti war and then a second contingent again, in the Siege of New Solarin and have remained on excellent terms with the Elanthai Council every since.
Demography and Population
As isolated from the rest of Tarien, most of the residents of the Flietch-ta Empire are Flind. And of the free people of the Empire, they constitute perhaps ninety percent. From the lowest farmer to the highest noble all hold their heads high and walk tall, resolute in their honor and stoicism. Beyond the Flind, there are Elynthi and Khadra that make their homes in the Empire. Most are craftsmen or merchants, using their exceptional skills with metalworking, architecture, and woodworking to make a living and held are in high regard by the native Flind. Few other races visit this far north and east, though the Empire has been trying to entice Soulmeliti merchants open up trade with Pash-ti.
In sharp contrast to the free people of the Empire are the slaves owned by many major and minor houses. Almost exclusively Orks and Goblins, captured from raids to the west, these slaves perform menial tasks such as tilling the land or working the mines. Seen as sub-sentient, little more than beasts of burden, they are invisible to most Flind on a day-to-day basis. Often housed in sparse, communal, lodging, much like one would house horses in a stable, they are kept in line by healthy dose of fear for their masters.
In years past, particularly during the occupation of the Soulmeliti Forests, slaves of other races were also kept. Humans and Soulmeliti, in particular, served as household staff. Changing opinions among the flind populace, and a desire by the Emperor to interact more with the rest of Tarien, however, has effectively ended this practice. This has served the Empire well, providing a new avenue of livelihood - that of the maid or servant - for the swelling population amongst the poorer Flind. One does, occasionally, still hear rumors of Flind in far flung places that keep a Soulemleiti "on staff," though none have been substantiated.
Territories
The Frosted Mountains of the Flietch-ta Empire resemble its people: rugged, dangerous, and slow to forgive. The mountains, covered eternally by snow at the peaks and pines on their slopes, are some of breathtaking landscape on Tarien. Filled with icy, clear streams and shallow lakes, the Flietch-ta Empire truly sits at the top of the world. Winter comes early and spring comes late, closing the Empire to the outside world for much of the year. The Pash-ti Plain, with rows of potato farms and pastures for herd animals, are the only part of the Empire not covered with trees or snow. In over two thousand years of civilization, the Flind served as caretakers for nature, as it has served them.
Religion
Flind are not religious, per se. They put their faith in no gods, but instead worship the Ki, or spirit found within each person. Their religion borders on ancestor worship, or Zen. This lack of faith in real gods does not mean that Flind deny their existence - they have seen much evidence of divine intervention with their neighbors.
It means instead that they have chosen to rely on themselves rather than follow some powerful being who may or may not have their interests at heart.
Those Flind that exhibit the deepest understanding of themselves, who have perhaps the most spiritual natures, often exhibit strange powers. Some can move small objects with their force of will and others can share their thoughts across a room without uttering a word. The most adept of these Flind often travel to the far northeast of the Empire, to the Zhentil Monastery to live lives of contemplation and to refine their mental prowess.
Foreign Relations
The Empire has official relations with both the Elanthai Council and the Underground Kingdom of the Children of Kharl. An embassy for the former sits in Pash-ti. Interestingly, it was built on the hill leading to the Imperial Lodge, a few hundred feet above Mora's Arc, at the Elynthi's request. The Empire similarly has an embassy in Nosferious. While relations remain close between the two nations, many Flind believe that they have, historically, been on the weaker side of the relationship and it is politically fashionable to wary of or even voice opinions contrary to the desires of the Elynthi.
The Khadra do not have an ambassador in Pash-ti but do maintain a consulate as a service to expatriots making their living in the city. The Flind have no such agency in New Kharolin as few, if any, Flind travel there.
Officially, Empire is open to travelers from any lands, save the Orkish Hills, which are not considered a nation at all. With few Flind travel the rest of Tarien fewer residents from those lands visit the Empire. Even the Emperor's wishes to open trade with Soulmeliti are, at the moment, merely a talk track that is endless debated in the Council of the Crescent Moon. It is likely that those in New Solarin are unaware of the desire and even if it were brought to their attention, equally unlikely that it would come to fruition. Many are the Soulmeliti who can remember the Flind armies laying siege to New Solarin a few scant centuries ago.
Agriculture & Industry
While the growing season in the valleys of the Frosted Mountains is cool an short, the Flind have become capable farmers over the centuries. As a staple, they grow mostly tubers and greens - potatoes and cabbage being the most common though turnips, beets, kale, and chard have gained in popularity in recent years.
Most of all, though, Flind prefer a diet of meat. Much of that is obtained on the hunt. Flind often spend days in the high, wild places of Empire hunting big game, preserving their prizes with salt and smoke. Their growing population, however, has led to greater demand for meat and some Flind have taken to raising flocks of sheep and goats in mountain pastures.
Trade & Transport
Flind are accomplished in many crafts, from fine silks, to gem cutting and metal work. Trade ranges from agriculture and livestock, to the service industry and slave trade. Flind are not, however, very accomplished at stone masonry or mining. They often trade agricultural products with the Khadric for both.
The primary monetary unit is the Imperial mint gold Drak while cash strings are used for smaller denominations. The Flind lower class uses cash strings on occasion but most transactions between them occur via barter.
"They were to be set apart from society, they were to be the living embodiment of the Law. He anointed each with ash, and armed them each with only a threshing chain, to symbolize their ties with the earth. He presented each with a scroll containing the precepts of the law, and each was immersed in oil, to signify their purity."
Revolution
. . . and as the doors to the council chamber swung open, a hush went over all assembled therein. All eyes swung to the great ornamental doors as one after another Flind poured into the room in neat, ordered rows. Two by two, they came, and the silence deepened, for these were no ordinary Flind, they were Justicar, they were the law embodied, and none dared stand to oppose them. As the last of the fi
fty entered, and the doors shut and locked with a decisive click of bars sliding home, the silence was broken.
"We have come in accordance to your 'summoning,'" the lead Flind said, barely audible. "State your business with The Law."
A smile came over the emperor’s lips as he stood, dressed head to toe in imperial white. "Yes, I have called you, Justicar," he almost spit the word, "I have called you here today to declare you all anathema. Your archaic methods are no longer needed. The Imperial House will now handle all matters of the Law."
The room went into chaos. Flind shouting at Flind, House leaders screaming in acceptance or denial. . . . But the room lapsed back into silence as every Justicar pulled Flindbars, and slammed them against their chests.
The silence continued for long minutes, and just as the Emperor looked about to speak, one Justicar stepped forward, and spoke the ancient words "I am the Law! The Law is dispensed through me. I find you, Emperor Cher'bit of House Harnot, guilty of defying me. Your life shall be forfeit as shall all who stand with you!"
With these words, the emperor's lips again curled into a smile, as he took one step backwards, and disappeared...
Founding Date
2020 BC
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Training Level
Semi-trained
Veterancy Level
Trained
Demonym
Flind
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Market economy
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Related Traditions
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Species
Magic in the Flietch-ta Empire
Few Flind practice the art of magic and fewer still worship the deities of Tarien. This makes magic extremely rare in the Empire. Their position, however, between the highly magical Elanthai Council and Soulmeliti Forests means that most Flind, at least those that have visited Pash-ti or another large town, have an awareness of magic. And despite the lack of its use among the populace, most in the Empire maintain an indifferent opinion.
While there is little in the way of a tradition of magic, the Flind are very in touch with their inner souls. Most spend time in daily reflection and mediation. Combined with the society's strong sense of order, most strong metal fortitude and are able to somewhat resist magic that affects the mind. Others seem to have unlocked inner powers, such as the ki of the Zhentil Monks or even the abilities to move objects with their minds or communicate telepathically.
Mighty Neighbors
Life in the Frosted Mountains has made the citizens of the Flietch-ta Empire hardy and stoic. Without these traits the long, cold winters and short growing season would surely have driven the Flind from their homeland to more fertile, forgiving climates to the south. There lives of constant hardship and the constant need for food has instilled an appreciation for the hunt in Flind society. There are few Flind who do not enjoy wandering the deep forests and high mountain passes, tracking their prey and bringing it down single handedly. And the while the mountains provide ample opportunities for solo hunting - from bighorn sheep to elk to great snow bears - some of its residents require that even a Flind hunter gather a party.
Flind hunting parties assemble and travel the Frosted Mountains for months at a time in search of many different types of big game.
Within the Empire, higher up in the mountains, one finds the homes of mighty giants. Living solitary lives or perhaps in pairs, these creatures grow to two or three times the height of the average Flind. Their intelligence, though generally far below that of the hunter, gives them a cunning that makes them difficult to hunt and kill. Not as intelligent, but much larger and of a greater challenger due to their ability to fly are the might Rocs. Prized for both their meat - roasted Roc has a rich flavor that hunters swear improves if they are killed in battle - and their warm feathers - many a party begins a hunt seeking this elusive creature, though few are successful.
Far to the west, however, is the biggest prize of all. Beyond the borders the empire lies Serpent Mountain, spewing forth fumes into the cold mountain air. Here and further west, along the ridge that connects to the Dreuthekon Mountains, lies the ultimate prize for Flind hunting parties. While many parties leave Pash-ti seeking the great dragons that seem congregate in these mountains, most fail to return with a dragon's hide and some fail to return at all.
"We have always know the strength of our people, both in physical might and mental will. With this refuge, those of us that exhibit the strongest wills shall have a home to explore the minds and expand the boundaries of possibility."