The Imperium of Adhistabor

Also known as the Adhisti Imperium, or simply the Imperium, it is the direct successor of the United Empire of Adhistabor, whose ashes it rose from. Located in south-east Indaver, it was founded 476 years ago by Canisius Thurinus, a renowned politician, and Marcus Traian, a famed general. Its military prowess has allowed for it to unite and expand in record time, though in the last generation it has reached its limits. The population of its core Imperial provinces are almost universally human, to such an extent that it has developed exclusionist ideologies concerning other races and will often shun those conquered if they aren’t of human descent.

The Imperium is an aggressively expansionist nation that is constantly involved in conflicts that push its own borders. It is also famed for its habit of involving itself in seemingly pointless civil wars, a habit that is encouraged in order to champion only the strongest of military and political leaders, thus eliminating the weak or weakening before they can affect the efficiency of the Imperium. The seven central Reigns that comprise it were once their own autonomous kingdoms, the shattered remnants of the UEA and all that survived of that once great nation.

The original kingdom of Adhistabor became the heartland of the blossoming Imperium, as it had been the heartland of the UEA before it, with both Thurinus and Traian hailing from it.

Background

It is currently formed of seven Imperial Reigns:

• Adhistabor—Caetoran: Janus Tyrannus; Arch-General: Dobran Tyrannus
• Denjin—Corajus: Valerian Boratorren; Arch-General: Endarion Boratorren
• Uldhen—Corajus: Unnamed Dumerian; Arch-General: Byrria Dumerian
• Quendinther—Corajus: Calvus Valens; Arch-General: Kavan Aza
• Asineo—Corajus: Caelinus Naevon; Arch-General: Ricardus Naevon
• Odynia—Corajus: Unnamed Mazilu; Arch-General: Korzha Mazilu
• Daresgar—Corajus: Unnamed Rom; Arch-General: Reveka Rom

As of thirteen years ago, it also lays claim to Tharghest, formerly a kingdom, now a province rendered barren and almost empty by virtue of the violence of the Imperium’s conquest. Though it has made several attempts over the last few years to push north into Kalduran, it has so far been unsuccessful. In addition, four years ago an expedition to Shaeviren was executed through the Atlas gate in Castrio, though was equally as unsuccessful. The current borders of the Imperium are marked by mountain ranges, making any further expansion quite difficult.

The Imperium’s capital, Empyria, once served as the Novhar’s capital when that immortal race reigned, and was called Caeldari. Similarly, during the Arisen Theocracies of 4,000 years ago, Empyria again served as the capital city, meaning the province of Adhistabor has, for tens of thousands of years, been the centre of any empires that included it.

The Imperium measures its years from the fall of the UAE, so the current year, Imperial style, is 720AF (after fall).

Government

The Caetoran

The Caetoran is the ruling individual of the Imperium, with the nation’s founder, Canisius Thurinus, being the first to inhabit that role. From the outset it was mostly a hereditary position, though because Thurinus himself had no heirs, the throne went to Marcus Traian and his children. Rather than pass on the title from parent to eldest child, as was the case with the former kingdoms comprising the Imperium, it was instead up to the Caetoran to select their heir, and their successor was almost always from within their immediate family, and often a child. The current dynasty is the Tyrannus family, with six of the most recent Caetorans being from this noble house.

The word Caetoran derives from the old Adhisti words Caean meaning ruler, and Toran, meaning superior, and is a rank adopted from nations that predate even the UAE, wherein the leader of a kingdom or empire was a military commander who earned the title through force, fear, and conquering. Though more a figurehead now, the Caetoran still serves a crucial role in government, and embodies the concept of power through sitting on the Invictum Throne.

• The Invictum Throne, it should be noted, is the seat once claimed by the Arisen Godkings (rulers who gained immortality through mastery of magic and ruled as deities during the Theocracies, between 6,000 and 4,000 years ago). The throne itself is wrought entirely of obsidian and is currently located in the throne hall up in the Empyrian Tower in the capital. There are smaller replicas of it, most notably down in the Prodessium.

The administrative duties of the province of Adhistabor—for which the Imperium itself is named—falls upon the ruling house and, by extension, the Caetoran, meaning the ruler is responsible for managing the Imperium’s very heart. As such, the Caetoran also possesses the secondary title of Corajus of Adhistabor.

Though in Thurinus’ day it was mandatory for the Caetoran to be present at a meeting of the Prodessium, it is no longer the case.  The Caetoran can call still call emergency meetings of the Prodessium, and possesses the power to veto acts passed by the Prodessium, but has no absolute power over the gathering, and cannot call it without reason.

In terms of the legal system of the nation, the size of the Imperium makes it impossible for a single individual, however powerful, to be involved in all aspects of the law. However, the Caetoran reserves the right to condemn or absolve a person accused of any crime, to the extent where some argue that they can fabricate evidence or blackmail witnesses to ensure an enemy is prosecuted. Because of the size of the Imperium, the Caetoran relies heavily on their own advisors and representatives within certain offices and departments, and is often encouraged to focus their efforts on war.

In the arena of war, the Caetoran has more freedom. Being a war-mongering and expansionist nation, it is fitting that their elected leader is knowledgeable of war. At least a third of the Imperium’s previous Caetorans were themselves at least ranking generals before they gained the throne, and the Caetoran is expected to have had military experience. They have a seat on the Generals’ Conclave for this purpose, allowing for them to be involved in the waging of war, though they cannot command the arch-generals as they please. They also appoint a Warmaster to act as their representative, allowing for the Caetoran to have an eye in a war camp whilst remaining in the capital if the need arises. The Caetoran is also allowed to remove an arch-general from power if they have the backing of at least half of the remaining arch-generals, though they possess no authority within the armies of the arch-generals themselves.

The current Caetoran, Janus Tyrannus, has been an overall lacking leader. Relying too heavily on his arch-general brother, he is too enamoured with the idea of conquest. From the safety of his throne, he has declared war on Kalduran multiple times, and is the mastermind behind the destruction of Tharghest. A meek and sickly man, it is rumoured that light inbreeding further back in the Tyrannus line caused most of Janus’s ailments, including his inability to sire children of his own. He has also falsified evidence of treason against several political rivals, resulting in the executions of Aemilia Calerus (wife of Endarion Boratorren), and the entire Elerius family.

Though a first cousin of the Boratorren family, Janus considers them his enemies and has so far used every excuse imaginable to curtail their authority. In doing so, he has made the Boratorrens into authentic adversaries.

The Generals' Conclave

The seven arch-generals, collectively, as well as their senior officers, the Warmaster, and the Caetoran, all form the Conclave, which convenes only in times leading up to or directly following war. The Conclave discuss any upcoming campaigns and decides on tactics, and on which armies will be fielded, as very rarely are all armies fielded at once. In fact, not in anyone’s current living memory have all of seven Reign armies been fielded together.

Only the Caetoran, or the majority of arch-generals acting together, can call for the Conclave. The Caetoran doesn’t have overall authority during a Conclave, and during the gathering each attending individual is considered to be of equal standing.

The Conclave was first created by Marcus Traian who, in the early years of Imperial expansion, decided such a gathering was required where his officers and other generals could meet to discuss war without political intervention bogging down proceedings. When it was first formed, it was decided the Conclave should meet at least every five years, even if one hadn’t been called, if only to monitor the armies and generals and any ongoing campaigns. In the last century, this regular gathering was abandoned in favour of it being called only when necessary, as the sheer size of the modern Imperium made it difficult for every senior officer to come to the capital at once.

The Conclave, when it is held, convenes in the Conclave Hall, up in the Palace District at the top of the Empyrian Tower. To aid with strategy, the floor of the hall has been rendered into a huge, detailed map of east Indaver.

The Prodessium

A larger senate working directly under the Caetoran, it is a neutral body that works for the progression of the Imperium in theory. However, it is composed of a number of battling factions, all of whom never shy away from murderous solutions to political problems. Representatives of the houses of the lesser nobility, and the Exalt-Lords and Exalt-Ladies (the major nobility), sit on the Prodessium alongside individuals voted into office by people from their home Reigns who hope to have their interests represented. In addition, anyone who hopes to become an arch-general or general must also attend the Prodessium regularly during their training. City governors from across the Imperium also have a permanent seat in the senate, though it is not expected that everyone attends every meeting.

The Prodessium is the name for both the senate itself and the building that hosts it. Meetings take place in a huge hall sitting at the very base of the Empyrian Tower. In its long lifetime, the Prodessium has been an arena and a theatre before it became a governmental hall.

The seating itself is separated into the seven Reigns, which inadvertently breeds separation and isolation. There is capacity for a little over a thousand attendees, though it is very rare for a Prodessium to be full.

The bulk of central Adhisti politics is performed within the Prodessium, as it is the institution where acts, decrees, legislation, and petitions are dealt with. If a provincial part of the government wants to bring something to the attention of the central government, they must do so through the Prodessium, and certain things can’t come to pass unless the Prodessium has had its say on the matter. Alliances with other nations, for example, cannot be forged until the Prodessium has come to a decision. Despites its power, the Prodessium can be overruled by the Caetoran, the Warmaster, or the Corajus, and all sessions must be presided over by the leading figures of at least three Reigns. Any less and a session cannot run.

The Prodessium meets if the Caetoran calls for it, if three or more Reigns agree it is necessary, or at least once annually. Ever since its creation in the early years of the Imperium, this has been the case.

Corajus

The Corajus is the head of a noble family, and is always therefore either an Exalt-Lord or Exalt-Lady, who is responsible for governing an Imperial Reign. Because each of the seven Reigns were once independent kingdoms, the Corajus are essentially the modern equivalent of the kings who once ruled these provinces. They have overall authority within their Reigns, with only the Caetoran or the Prodessium as a whole able to directly interfere in a Corajus’ authority.

The position is Corajus is mostly hereditary, just like the title of Caetoran, with it being passed down a family line, though not necessarily from parent to eldest child. In order to be allowed to serve, a Corajus must have sat on the Prodessium at least five times. When the Caetoran calls a Prodessium they must attend, but in the case of the annual gatherings a representative is usually sent when the Corajus cannot step away from their home Reign.

Because of their noble status, they not only own the capital cities of their Reigns, but also an estate in the capital, and a wing within the Empyrian Tower itself.

City Governors

A step down from Corajus, governors are individuals placed in charge of overseeing the day-to-day functioning of cities and large towns. Each governor is selected by the Corajus and is expected to report regularly to their Corajus.

City governors hold a seat on the Prodessium. However, unlike the Corajus, they are not expected to either attend every session, nor even send a representative.

Military

The Imperium is very war-oriented, with a heavy significance placed on military leaders. Because each Reign functions as a semi-autonomous kingdom in its own right, each Reign provides the soldiers for its own army and is responsible for its upkeep. Each army is standing and permanent, and the main bodies are composed of professionals and career soldiers recruited from the home Reign. Soldiers serve a term of twenty years in the army, though quite a few will serve for longer than this if they survive the mandatory two decades. Each army is capped at 30,000 soldiers, so that no one army can outnumber the others, though it is very rare for any army to boast this many soldiers.

Because the armies are standing, each Reign will have several settlements, usually the size of a large town, dedicated to housing soldiers. These settlements act as permanent camps, or oversized barracks, complete with water sources, farming complements, and civilian staff who provide all the services found in the standard town. One of the arch-general’s responsibilities in times of peace is to visit and oversee these barracks.

When not at war with its neighbours, the Imperium encourages infighting, with the standing armies used to defend a Reign’s border and push against their neighbours’. As a result, the borders of each Reign are quite fluid, though full-on invasion and conquest is generally avoided. In this way, the permanent nature of the Imperium’s seven armies is justified, as even in times of peace there is never actual peace.

The current military hierarchy is:

• Arch-general: commands an entire Reign army
• First-General: commands the infantry of a Reign army
• Cavalry-general: commands the cavalry of a Reign army
• Doglord (Denjin only): commands the stonehound soldiers of Denjin’s army
• Colonel: commands around 1,000 infantry soldiers
• Captain: commands around 200 infantry soldiers

The standard Imperial army is comprised as follows:

• 30,000 strong at full strength
• 18,000 of these will be infantry (or, with Denjin only, 17,000 infantry and 1,000 doglords)
• 8,000 will be light cavalry and scouts
• 2,000 will be heavy cavalry
• Approx 2,000 will be support staff, quartermaster staff, medical staff, and messengers

Paramount-General

A now-defunct title originating from the United Empire of Adhistabor, the Paramount-General held sole command over the entire standing army, and all arch-generals answered to them. The very last person to hold this title was Cnaeus Casus, who marched on the capital with the forces he commanded. His actions triggered the downfall of the UEA 720 years ago. When the Imperium arose from the UAE’s ashes 244 years later, the title was never reintroduced alongside that of arch-general, for fear of another military tyrant rising.

Warmaster

An extension of the Caetoran’s voice in matters of war, the title of Warmaster is used as a limited, watered-down alternative to the Paramount-General. They have no military command of their own, and cannot give orders to arch-generals independently, though they act as the military adviser to the Caetoran. When given the Caetoran’s authority, they can command individual arch-generals, and can also devise strategies and, in times of war, direct whole armies. They must attend any and all Conclave’s that convene and are often expected to either join armies in the field when the Imperium is at war, or regularly visit war camps to keep abreast of any campaigns and update the Caetoran.

In times of peace the Warmaster is a mostly honorary title with no real function, other than to continue to serve as an advisor to the Caetoran.

The Warmaster is chosen by the Caetoran, though it is considered a courtesy that the Caetoran seeks approval from the Prodessium before elevating their choice. It is expected that, though a Warmaster doesn’t command themselves, they boast at least foundational knowledge of warfare. Even better if they once served as an arch-general or senior officer.

The current Warmaster is Novissa Boratorren, who served as Arch-General of Denjin before passing that title onto her nephew, Endarion. 

Arch-General

Each Reign army is commanded by an arch-general, and each arch-general answers only to the Caetoran, though their authority is checked by the presence of the other six. Otherwise, they have sole control of their armies, and can choose who to promote, even who to wage war against and when.

An arch-general has the authority to start an external war without consent from the Generals’ Conclave or the Caetoran if they have the backing of at least three other arch-general, and arch-generals can embark on joint missions and share command of all armies involved. The expansion of territory is considered the greatest prize of all, and the arch-generals who succeed in expansion are greatly rewarded. In addition, arch-generals can adopt and devise new tactics to be applied to the entire army if it yields results, resulting in the constant updating and evolution of military strategies. However, the arch-generals cannot allow their armies to exceed 30,000 soldiers, nor can they largely deviate from the basic divisions decided upon at the dawn of the Imperium—i.e. more light cavalry than heavy cavalry, and far more infantry than cavalry. 

In order to rise to the position of arch-general, and individual must fulfil three criteria. Firstly, they must have been trained for the role by the previous arch-general, as arch-generals are responsible for mentoring their own successors (usually their own children or a member of their close family). Secondly, they must have attended the Prodessium at least five times, the same as a Corajus. Thirdly, they must have served in a position of significant command prior to their elevation. This would mean serving, at the very least, as a colonel of an infantry battalion, the second highest infantry rank behind that of first-general.

It is arguable how much true authority an arch-general has. Though essentially kings of their own armies, they still answer to the central government and must abide by the rules and regulations laid out by the Prodessium. They are also tied to their Corajus, who are more often than not kin to them. Where the Corajus rules the Reign, the arch-general rules the Reign’s army, and both must cooperate if their home province has any chance of flourishing.

Arch-Generals will quite often wage war against one another. It is a natural process of Imperium life, and allows for the more successful and skilled arch-generals to expand the borders of their Reigns and topple the lesser-skilled leaders. When the conflicts don’t extend beyond two individual arch-generals warring against one another, nothing is required from the central government to allow the war to go ahead. If alliances are formed and other Reigns become involved, and the threat of actual civil conflict becomes real, the central government will become involved. The Warmaster and Caetoran will have to oversee proceedings and, in the event that the warring parties disregard any Imperial commands, the arch-generals will be toppled by Imperial forces or removed through darker, more devious means.

This was a more prevalent issue in the earlier years of the Imperium, when some Reigns were still freshly-conquered and there was more discontent. Now, with all seven Reigns settled, civil war is hardly a concern. There hasn’t been a significant conflict between arch-generals since before the Tyrannuses took the throne.

The actual role of an arch-general, in both wartime and peacetime, is much less defined than those outside of the military life believe. Commanding and manoeuvring a force of 30,000 soldiers is impossible for a single individual, and an arch-general will almost never lead from the front if they can help it. For this, each army has in place a complex network and command chain designed to advise, develop, and distribute the orders of the arch-general.

The commander will almost never have cause to address their entire army themselves, though every single officer within the army answers ultimately to the arch-general. This gives them absolute command and authority without having to enact it on a massive scale. However, the Adhisti tradition of military glory and triumph dictates that the arch-general is involved in the conflict and unsheathes their sword. To remain in the command tent when war actually occurs, or to be removed from the main body and have commands filtered in by messenger is considered abhorrent and offensive to Adhisti ideals.

Though leading from the front is rarely a strategically sound option, arch-generals will often lead smaller charges or conduct flanking or surprise manoeuvres that follow the main attack itself. Most arch-generals prefer the cavalry charge for this, as it puts them in less danger than the foot soldiers, and allows for them to be within easy reach of mounted bodyguards. In addition, it greatly improves morale if the common soldiers see their superior fighting alongside them.

The arch-generals, and often the Corajus, are personally responsible for organising the funding and provisioning of their army, almost always by establishing relationships with companies specialising in arms and armour. If they fail to establish these relationships, are unable to pay their allied company, or if the company itself fails, the army will be left severely disadvantaged. Given the fractured and autonomous nature of the Imperium, it would be impossible for the central government to fund the armies. As a result, the central government gives arch-generals even more power to forge alliances as a way of not having to deal with the issue of provisioning themselves.

Generals

Each army adheres to a common command structure. Second in rank to the arch-general, and answerable only to them, the first-general commands each Reign army’s infantry. They also act as advisor and deputy to the arch-general and can command the whole army in their own right if given the authority to do so. In an arch-general’s absence they can also step up and command, even if the arch-general themselves isn’t able to give them permission to do this. In order to become a first-general, an individual has to serve in the army and work their way through the rank, and are chosen by the arch-general themselves. It isn’t unusual for an arch-general to train their successor in this way and name them as first-general. As a result, most arch-generals would have once served as their predecessor’s first-general.

Beneath and alongside the first-general is the cavalry-general, who oversees the entirety of an army’s cavalry, both light and heavy. The fact they command a smaller number of soldiers usually makes them subordinate to the first-general, though some armies will have the two serving within the same capacity and with the same level of authority. Expected to cooperate with the first-general, and just as answerable to the arch-generals as them, if the two individuals clash it is up to the arch-general to resolve the issue. It isn’t unheard of for a cavalry-general to be elevated to the position of first-general if there is a vacancy, as both first- and cavalry- generals train within both the infantry and cavalry of an army, and are expected to be familiar with both.

Chief Doglord

Unique to the army of Denjin, Chief Doglord is the name given to the individual who commands the doglords, a battalion of stonehounds and their soldier-handlers. Within the Denjin army the doglords are considered part of the infantry, though the Chief Doglord, and not the first-general, commands them. To balance the doglords, there is one fewer infantry battalion in the Denjini army.

The Path of Triumph

The Imperium’s tradition of the Triumph is important to the military. An arch-general can become featured on the Path of Triumph through distinguishing themselves in command, become famed and successful at war, and by leading a victorious campaign that is conducted outside of the Imperium. Walking a Triumph along the Path ensures that the general is given a place in history, as well as a statue to join the ranks of other military heroes in the capital.

The Path itself threads through Empyria, starting at the Triumph Gate and wending its way up towards the Grand Imperial Library. There are dozens of statues already flanking the Path, starting with Canisius Thurinus and Marcus Traian at the Triumph Gate, and ending with the two most recent additions—Endarion Boratorren and Dobran Tyrannus—deeper into the city. There is not a single statue on the Path that isn’t in some way related to the military, as the Imperium recognises few other achievements.

Cities and Important Places

The capital: Empyria

Empyria is a city older than the human race. As well as being the capital of the Imperium, it is the most densely populated, largest city in the Imperium, and quite possibly in the entirety of Indaver as well. The city was the capital of the Novhar Empire, though during this time it was called Caeldari and was said to be at least twice as large as the modern day Empyria. Because of its storied history alongside the Novhar Empire, it is estimated that the city has existed, in one form or another, for around 40,000 years.

Because of its central location and its favouring by the Novhar who first built it, Empyria has been the capital city of every single empire or kingdom that has ever formed in southeast Indaver.

Empyria is also the only Adhisti city to possess a working Surrekan Engine, suspended in mid-air above the peak of the Empyrian Tower. This engine, formed entirely of condensed magic, was crafted by the superhuman Novhar and serves to hold up the Empyrian Tower (which would otherwise topple under its own absurd height).

The city is formed of five different districts:

• Industrial District: where most of the city’s industry occurs. Factories, armouries, and warehouses are built in abundance within this section of the city, which is neatly bisected by the Kemoris River.
• The Slates: essentially the slum, it is overcrowded, rife with petty crime, and considered undesirable by the rest of the city.
• Imperial District: where the bulk of the common populace resides
• Myriad District: where the major nobility call home. It also hosts the Praevin Compound (city’s police force), the Castrian Embassy, and the Heaven’s Paramours (the Imperium’s most renowned brothel).
• Exalt District: where the major nobility have their oversized city estates. The Grand Imperial Library, Prodessium, and Empyrian Tower are located here.

The River Kemoris flows through the city, cutting it neatly in half. Empyria is built in the immense valley that falls away from the Falcaenum Mountains, and thus is afforded impenetrable rear defence. It is surrounded by farmland, being located in a lush, fertile valley as it is. The coast is just a short jaunt away, following the Kemoris River southeast.  

Almost certainly Empyria’s most famous aspect, aside from its Tower, the Path of Triumph, is an enormous expanse consisting of a single wide, open street running parallel with the Kemoris, starting the original city entrance was built, running all the way alongside the river until it reaches the far east of Empyria, where it ends at the Prodessium.

The bulk of the city’s more opulent districts are composed of white stone, a hallmark of Novhar architecture. Alongside this, marble is also favoured.

Empyria can be entered through four gates, though there are six gates total:

• Triumph Gate: marking the start of the Path of Triumph, and located on the city’s southeast flank, it is popular for foot traffic but not overlarge.
• Kemoris Gate: where the River Kemoris flows out of the city a short way south of the Triumph Gate. It is used exclusively for river traffic heading towards the coast.
• Falcaenum Gate: the largest gate for foot traffic, it is located on the city’s west and permits entry into the Myriad District. The city’s exterior walls are at their highest around this gate.
• Myriad Gate: where the River Kemoris enters the city, having flowed from the Falcaenum Mountains. Used exclusively for river traffic.
• Exalt Gate: located on the northern wall of the city, it permits entry to the Exalt District. Smaller than the Falcaenum Gate though larger than the Triumph, it is used for foot traffic.
• Imperial Gate: now surrounded by an overflow settlement on the outer walls to the northeast of the city, this gate caters to foot traffic looking ot enter the Imperial District.

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