Ostatoras
The smaller, but in now way less influential half of the Twin Empires, officially known as the Atoras Empire, Ostatoras is still the second largest political entity on The Continent governed by a single ruler. The Atoras Empire was established by Gennadios Atoras in 330 AO when his army defeated High King Nevronlimson Alfoleg Thundershield and created the first human empire. The twin empires were created later, during the reign of Basilus V 'the Great' Atoras, when he instituted the Petitus Inheritance System.
Government
Ostatoras is ruled by the Ostatoras emperor, who could be a veteror. While the Emperor wields considerable power, the Adlector Kings have the power to go against his wishes if they unite. As the inheritance is also influenced by the kings of Westatoras, they also have a significant influence on the governing of Ostatoras. Each Kingdom within the empire works similarly to other kingdoms on The Continent, with the king wielding most power and dividing their realm into duchies who are subservient to them. Unlike its western brother, Ostatoras is highly bureaucratic. The emperor's decisions are guided by a council of advisors, some of whom are kings within the kingdom. All of these advisors are responsible for different aspects of the government. The members of this council are voted in by the nobility of the empire, but the emperor has the right to veto any candidate.
Self-governance is also a right given to citizens, although it is a bit more complicated than just sitting on the town council. Being a citizen allows a person to run for spot on the local senate, a gathering of the most influential citizens within an area. In cities, a senate includes important guild members, priests, nobles and often times the leader of the city guard. Every time a spot becomes empty as a result of a death or a member's resignation, an election is held in the city. This senate is called the Urban Senate and usually has around 20 people. They make decisions regarding the city and any villages within its sphere of influence. In Westatoras, the Urban senate can be overruled by the local lord, however, since Melagor Atoras' reforms in 1322, the Urban Senate can overrule the local lord, effectively making cities independent from nobility. On a much higher level is the Regal Senate that usually includes around 10-15 people. This is a body enforced upon the kingdoms by the emperors and its members are usually powerful nobles, the members of the king's council (if there is one), the Primas and of course the ruler of the kingdom. Common citizens rarely end up in a regal Senate, but very wealthy individuals might be able to secure a place. The regal senate makes decisions on a kingdom level, but the ruler has a veto right against any decision. Any decision made by the regal council overrules the decisions of the urban councils. The highest senates are the two imperial senates, one in Praegatum and one in Urbsinus. Both imperial senates have a hundred people each and serve three roles at the same time. They are the urban senates of their respective city, the regal senates of their kingdom and the imperial senates. They make decisions on every level, but the emperor can overrule any decision they make, making them effectively a glorified council.
Culture and Religion
The Atoras Empire was a highly religious nation before it separated into two halves, so Ostatoras inherited its Order zeal, which remains the only legal belief. Although chaos worshippers are often persecuted, members of other established religions, such as the Old Faith and Souljar are 'only' taxed extra as long as they don't attempt to convert others to their faith.
The empire's population is mostly Human, but Burrowfolk also appear quite often, especially around their old homeland, the mountain ranges.
The vast majority of the Ostatoras population belongs to the Getan culture, especially along the northern shores of the Continent. In the southern kingdoms, Caracallan and Faelorean people are also common.
Military
When the Atoras Empire was divided into two, Westatoras inherited most of the military power. Ostatoras became an empire with a lot of money, but not a lot of arable land. This led to widespread adoption of mercenaries from within and without the empire. From Scovonian elite guards to elven cavalry, the armies of Ostatoras are the most varied amongst all human nations.
In general, unlike its western counterpart, Ostatoras relies on heavy cavalry to deal with enemies, only using infantry whenever neccesary, or when victory is not urgent. The thing that Ostatoras boasts most of in the entire known world however, are spellcasters.
Notable Locations
Byzanton: Once the capital of the entirety of the Atoras Empire, Byzanton now stands abandoned and lifeless. Built upon Mantis Vonuo, a lonely mountain in the middle of a large plain, Byzanton served as one of the most frequented trade hubs in the whole empire. One day, two demons of the Order appeared seemingly out of nowhere and began massacring the population. These demons still lurk around the city and became known as the Byzanton Brothers.
Praegatum: The present capital city of the empire and once established as Karelopolis, Praegatum is located on the northern shores of The Continent and it is the largest city on the landmass. The city is filled with travellers, mercenaries and traders from all over the world.
Hereditary-Electoral Monarchy
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