Empire of Corcelle
Yet beneath this sheen of progress lies a darker truth. Carefully concealed behind the gilded spectacle of technology and progress are the grueling human labor and interminable drudgery that keeps the empire's massive cogwheels and clicksprings spinning and ticking. Those with access to the levers of power in Corcellean society boast of a future of unlimited progress. And those who dwell in the swollen underbelly of the empire find themselves mired in the black designs of shadowy cults, organized crime, scheming aristocrats, and powerful guildmasters.
With the rise of aetheric activity and the reported re-emergence of powerful eldritch forces on the eastern continent of Orithe, the empire finds itself confronted by both the promise of progress and the menace of the occult. One thing is certain: Corcelle's future will be cast equally from the gilded spire above and the darkest alleys below.
Structure
The Emperor
The Emperor of Corcelle is the head of state and government, responsible for setting policies, making and promulgating laws, declaring war and peace, appointing and dismissing officials, representing the Empire internationally, and maintaining stability and order. They are also the "Herald of Telene," responsible for seeking the guidance and blessing of the goddess of order and preservation in these matters, and for ensuring that their actions and policies align with the values and principles of the Telenic Church. The Emperor has the power to veto laws passed by the Orderly Council of Lawmakers, and holds ultimate authority over the Corcellean armed forces as their leader.
Orderly Council of Lawmakers
The Corcellean Empire's legislative system is known as the Orderly Council of Lawmakers, and it is comprised of two chambers: the Imperial Senate and the Tribune of Order. The Senate is made up of high nobility and other landed elites, while the Tribune of Order consists of representatives elected from all corners of the Empire.
The Orderly Council of Lawmakers should not be confused with direct or even representative systems of democracy as practiced in regions such as the Alkumi lands to the west. This is unambiguously a centralized system in which the Emperor holds ultimate power and control. The Imperial Senate and the Tribune of Order serve as advisory and consultative bodies, but the Emperor has the final say on all matters of state and legislation.
Imperial Senate
The Imperial Senate is a legislative body that serves as an advisory council to the Emperor. This b has the authority to draft laws, issue interpretations of the laws, and make regulations to ensure compliance with the laws. The Senate is also responsible for providing advice to the Emperor on matters of state and administration. Like the Tribune or Order, all legislation passed by the Imperial Senate must receive the Emperor's ratification before it can become law.Tribune of Order
The Tribune of Order is tasked with the review and approval of laws proposed by the Emperor or the Imperial Senate. It may also propose its own laws, but the Emperor must ratify these before they can become law. The Tribune is a critical part of the legislative process in the Empire, as its decisions provide the closest thing to a check on the power of the Emperor, even if it is just a fig leaf meant to quell popular unrest.
Culture
Corcelleans are a hardworking and ambitious people, driven by the ideals of progress and technological advancement. The rapid rise of clockwork technology has transformed their society, ushering in a new era of prosperity and opportunity. However, this rapid change has also brought with it new challenges and tensions.
The Clockwork Revolution has created a new class of wealthy elites who are the primary beneficiaries of the technological advances. For the lower and working classes, however, the path to prosperity is less certain. Economic inequality is rife, with many struggling to make ends meet in the face of precarious work and a rising cost of living. Despite the official state rhetoric around progress, order, and unity, there is a sense of disillusionment among many Corcelleans, who feel left behind by the rapid changes taking place around them.
The Telenic Church, the official state religion, still holds a great deal of influence in Corcellean society. Its teachings of order and preservation are widely adhered to, and the church plays a central role in many social and cultural traditions. However, there is also a sense of cynicism among some, who view the church as a tool of the wealthy and powerful, used to maintain their social and economic status.
Despite these challenges, Corcelleans remain a proud and resilient people, determined to shape their own future and make the most of the opportunities presented to them. They are a people of progress, driven by their ideals and their belief in the power of technology to shape the world. However, the durability of this progress remains to be seen.
Religion
In Progress: This article is in active development by Hauntogram.
610 Empire of Corcelle founded
Comments