The Estean Empire
Estea is an empire of duality.
Religion and science, beauty and war.
Estea was once just a small kingdom along the Gulf of Tears. With the spread of its religion, its boarders also spread to encompass the entire Northern Realm. The world was being torn apart by magic and false gods, only within the Empire would one find peace and prosperity. Through the search for their goddess, the Empire studied the stars and healed the sick.
They would be the ones to spread the song of truth at any cost.
The North was not enough, the Empire needed the rest of Xanthiri as well. Their neighbors, the heathen elves, worshiped figures that were clearly lies spread by the Betrayer. If they didn't resist, they could bask in the light as well. But they never stopped resisting. The great conquerors would never take Thandava, the last elven nation.
They tried again, to the East and the South, and were met with the same results. The East's territory was too foreign to navigate, the South's navy too strong. It was no longer worth the fighting. Their days of conquering were over.
Now, Estea stands as the largest nation, still with the shadow of the Order hovering overhead. None can ignore their power and wealth, it is best to have them as allies than enemies.
The Song will find all, one way or another.
Government
The Emperor or Empress of Estea is usually a title passed down from bloodlines and marriage. In rare cases a noble serving on the High Council is chosen to become ruler. The High Council serves to write laws and enforce restraint on the Emperor, members ranging from religious members to nobles. Their current empress, Empress Xiomara, was elected by a new High Council put into place in the aftermath of the Glass War. This is the first time a non noble, unmarried person has attained the throne. The new High Council holds much more power, the position of Empress being nothing more than a formality, something for the citizens to look up to.Demography and Population
The Estean Empire has a diverse range of races and ethnicities, either from the days of Imperial expansion, or from the allure of trade and riches the Empire has to offer. Though there are those who are ethnically northern, many call Estea home, so blood tends to mix so to speak. The most common races are Human and Dwarven.
Military
Estea has a considerably strong military force. Religious values place soldiers at a high place in society, for Martalia was a warrior prophetess. Most anyone is allowed to join the Imperial Military, and is a fast, but difficult way to earn social prestige. Estea has several units, from foot soldiers to the Griffin Corps.
Religion
Religion and government always intermingled. The Order's Seer was always a shadow hovering behind the Emperor, everything the Emperor did had to be approved by the Seer to be approved of by the citizens. It is extremely difficult for one to do anything without the other, how intertwined the two are even years after the attempts to separate church and state.
The Order is even given special reign to carry out certain laws, primarily laws about magic.
In Estea, practicing magic that is not ordained by the Order is illegal. Anyone caught practicing magic, even children, have two choices. They can be tried by Estea and ultimately sentenced to death, or be put under the protection of the Order and learn under them. The Order is even allowed to take initiative in relocating mage children to Order facilities. They are even allowed to have their own military branch, the Paladins, to help enforce these laws. There is a bit of a power struggle between some High Council members and The Order.
Agriculture & Industry
Estea's mountains provide ore and minerals, while her many forests provide timber.
Education
Estea is a highly educated country, with some caveats.
Schooling is very important in Estean society. While many schools are free and are of good quality, attending elite private schools or studying under expensive teachers is a way for nobility to gloat and show up one another. Even poorer families spend a lot of money on education to try and stand with nobility, despite not actually needing to. Some of the most influential people in Estea are students and teachers at universities.
Many of the free schools are taught by the Order separate of chapels or take place as part of chapel services. Even though religion is always part of the curriculum, it typically does not interfere with things such science. Everyone knows the universe is old, the planet is round, and evolution is real. The Order praises these fields of study. In fact, the Order's prioritizing of truth leads to new scientific discoveries all the time...at least, the ones they like.
Infrastructure
The biggest selling point of staying in the Estean Empire when it was actively spreading, its its road networks and bridges. The Northern Realms are large, the largest in Xanthiri, and the Empire has effectively connected the realm. Sophisticated roadways and bridges make for safer, faster travel for merchants and messengers and doctors alike.
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Estea
Demonym
Estean
Leader
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Official State Religion
Official Languages
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
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