BUILD YOUR OWN WORLD Like what you see? Become the Master of your own Universe!

Empire of Corcelle

The sprawling clockwork Empire of Corcelle is a monument to the ambition of its leaders and the toil of its people. Propelled by the tireless ingenuity of those who live and labor under the banner of the goddess Telene, Corcelle has entered an era of technological and social advancement unseen in the recorded histories of Luralon. The clockwork machinery that powers their monolithic towers and ever-churning factories has made the nation a center of industry and a beacon of progress throughout the mortal realms.
  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

Telenism is the state religion of the Corcellean Empire, with a strong presence throughout the realm and significant influence on the government and society. At its core, Telenism is based on the belief in a pantheon of deities known as the Children of Luralon, with the goddess Telene taking a privileged position as the patron of order and preservation. Followers of Telenism believe that the natural world and human society are constantly in danger of falling into chaos, and that it is the duty of the faithful to uphold order and maintain the balance of the universe.   The Telenic Church is organized into a hierarchical structure, with the Grand Matriarch serving as the head of the church and the and the Emperor of Corcelle serving as the goddess' earthly representative, or "Herald of Telene." Below the Matriarch are a series of bishops, priests, and other clergy, who are responsible for administering to the spiritual needs of the faithful and spreading the teachings of Telene. The Telenic Church is also involved in numerous charitable works, including education and healthcare, and is seen as a vital part of the fabric of Corcellean society.   In addition to its spiritual teachings, Telenism also promotes a strong work ethic and the pursuit of progress. Followers of the faith are encouraged to strive for personal and collective improvement, and to use their talents and abilities to benefit the greater good. This emphasis on hard work and self-improvement has made Telenism particularly popular among the wealthy and influential classes, who see it as a way to not only gain spiritual enlightenment, but also to advance their own standing in society.   Despite its widespread influence, Telenism is not without controversy. There have been accusations of corruption and abuse of power within the church hierarchy, and some have criticized the close ties between the Telenic Church and the Corcellean government. However, for the majority of followers, Telenism remains a source of hope, inspiration, and guidance in their daily lives.

In Progress: This article is in active development by Hauntogram.

Founding Date
412 - Kingdom of Corcelle founded
610 Empire of Corcelle founded
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Demonym
Corcellean
Leader Title
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Official State Religion
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Related Ethnicities
The Spires of Chardon
The Spires of Chardon by Hauntogram


Cover image: The Spires of Chardon by Hauntogram

Comments

Please Login in order to comment!