Fiction:Empire of Man

"The fires of the Empire shall burn away all that stands against it - witches, aliens, daemons. Our swords shall strike their black hearts, our shields shall protect our own. Our iron is forged within our fury, our guns are loaded with our wrath. The Old Age is over, ushering the Age of Man."

The Empire of Man (Old Tongue: Hominum Imperium - Man's Empire), otherwise known simply as the Empire, is a large, yet somewhat recent, civilization that resides upon the world of. The Empire consists almost exclusively of humans, a young race that finds itself as one of the most expansive and diverse species on Koldenwelt's surface both numerically and culturally. The Empire, due to its nature as being constructed of many sub-divisions and smaller nations, has grown advanced and connected due to the sharing of technology and resources between the settlements and societies that are found under the Empire's banner, with access to gunpowder and other high-quality materials.

The Empire of Man is ultimately ruled, governed and overseen by the Grand Monarch; a powerful king or queen who presides over the rest of the executive and legislative branches of the Empire, with their purpose being to promote irder and maintain balance between the Empire's many cultures and ethnic groups which expand across Koldenwelt's surface. The Empire is collectively known for its harsh and unforgiving xenophobia towards a majority of nonhuman races and its extreme fear and intolerance towards sorcery and supposedly 'demonic' worship. To combat these threats, the Empire has created multiple organized military-orientated hierarchies, with most being land-based although they possess respectable naval forces. However there are very few noticeable exceptions to this philosophy although all are directly overseen by the Empire's government, with unauthorized sorcerers, unsanctioned aliens and their allies usually being sentenced to execution.

As a price for sacrificing magic in favour of technology, most inhabitants are weaker than the nonhumans they fight and are often a short-lived species due to severing most of their spiritual connections, however their innovative aspects and their advanced, as well as diverse, technologies make up for their lack of physical strength and almost-complete lack of magic-orientated offense, alongside their overwhelming numbers.

Ethnicities
Bohdarian= The Bohdarians are basic humans; most are farmers who wear normal clothes and hats, while their females where tight black leather suits and skirts. Most notable about the Bohdarians is that the males all have brown hair, while females are all blonde. The males are either soldiers or farmers, while the females work taking care of their young and administrating the food stock, though they can also be found aiding their husbands at the lands of the farms. Both Bohdarian males and females have equal rights, though there are no females found among their militairy ranks, simply as the role as handmaiden is given to the daughter of the King.

The Bohdarian guard are heavily armored soldiers. Bearing long staffs and shields, they are experts at defending the walls and providing a blockades against enemy riders. Although Bohdarian soldiers are perfect defenders, their heavy armor makes them vulnrable at open field due to their weight.

Saphronian= Originally coming to the Frontier Land to claim its vast riches, the humans of the Saphronian Kingdom are now one of the most prolific and prominent races of the region. Industrious, xenophobic and militant much like their comrades in the Empire of Man, the Saphronians are neverthless much different from their cousins from the, the most notable difference being their attitude towards the Source.

Uunlike the other regions of the Empire where wizards and sorcerers are feared and persecuted, magic is a common sight in Saphronia, and indeed its sorcerous academies and their students are well-known across Koldenwelt (though still looked down by innately magical races such as the Urindale); in fact, the usage of the Source is so common in the Frontier Land that every village has a mage of its own, and even those who cannot use magic often develop some strange, unusual, almost unnatural abilities. The Saphronians themselves owe their magical affinity to their history, but other humans fear that the real reason is that the Sea Giants' relics' presence has somehow changed its inhabitants like it has changed orcs.

Neverthless, the Saphronian humans remain a stalwart member of the Empire of Man and its leader, Savva Blackhand, is completely loyal to the Grand Monarch.

State Military
The State Military (Old Tongue: Custodi Praedium - Estate Guard) is the standing army of the Empire and serves primarily as its defense force and shield, being responsible for protecting the people and defending the Empire's territory from nonhuman threats, unlawful criminals and traitors of the Empire. The State Military is divided into many Regiments that vary across the many settlements and provinces of the Empire, although all have pledged their allegiance to the Grand Monarch and serve in their name without fault nor complaint. Regiments of the State Military follow loose guidelines and regulations, allowing for them to integrate aspects of their native culture, religion and tradition into their armed forces.

The State Military vary in terms of size, weaponry and uniform, with some Regiments proving much more effective and stronger than others although all Regiments possess different advantages and disadvantages, with some dividing from traditional Empire-issued tactics to suit their environment and terrain. The Regiments of the State Military are equipped at the expanse of whatever settlement they have been assigned to and follow a standard hierarchial structure, although all this can be modified with the permission of the Table of Governors or the Grand Monarch. These Regiments possess seperate advantages and disadvantages concerning their weaponry and strategies, with some Regiments possessing rifles and cannons while others make use of swords and arrows.

Overall the State Military is the largest and most numerable of the organizations that serve under the banner of the Empire and in the Grand Monarch's name. The State Military is comprised of a great number of many men and woman who have either offered their lives towards the Empire's prosperity or have been conscripted under mandatory service through ancient tradition. The State Military is, however, considered the least well-equipped organization in terms of offensive capability, with its armours and most of its weaponry being sub-par in comparison to those used by the Knights Circle and the Inquisition, although the State Military is nonetheless highly-respected by most of those within the Empire as it serves its purpose of defense and law enforcement.

The State Military is represented politically by several governors although is directly overseen and managed by the High Imperator, who also represents the State Military at the Table of Governors and is gifted with their own elite Regiment consisting of the most specialized and skilled soldiers found throughout all registered Regiments within the Empire. All units answer to the High Imperator and all assets and resource divisions are managed by them, although most Regiments are taught to function independentely otherwise with their own established hierarchies and only really answer the High Imperator's command during crysis. As the State Military is a protection-orientated force, it does not engage in crusades as that is the duty and responsibility of the Knights Circle, with their duties lying only with the defense and preservation of the Empire's territory. The State Military also serves to uphold the standard and cultural rules of the nations found within the Empire, functioning as police just as they do armed forces. This gives them a vital and highly significant role that is key to the Empire's internal maintenance.

The State Military issues in preventing and fighting against sorcery and witchcraft, external infiltration, and corruption and treachery although not all Regiments are as capable as others, thus some Regiments often require reinforcements from neighbouring territories in order to assist them in their duties if the native and local forces are incapable of doing so independently. Sometimes, Regiments from neighbouring settlements will either temporarily or permanently merge into a larger whole in order to defend the assigned territories much more efficiently, trading weaponry and sharing tactics.

Knights Circle
The Knights Circle (Old Tongue: Circulus Bellator - Warrior's Circle) is the Empire's specialized military organization and consists entirely of the most elite individuals from across the Empire's reach, selected from within and outside the State Military and often conscripted from dedicated bloodlines that offer themselves towards the Circle's services. The Knights Circle serves as an offense-orientated force, equipped and organized to engage in assaults and participate in crusades and quests in order to expand and increase the Empire's territories. The Circle is divided into many smaller divisions, known as Orders, that work in a similar manner to clans or families. Each Order is a sacred and ancient brotherhood, or sisterhood, that has dedicated itself towards lives of combat and bloodshed.

Each Order usually consists of 100 or so knights, including a single Magister or equivalent individual that possesses the responsibility of commanding, guiding and inspiring the rest of the Order. There are thought to be a great many Orders that are registered under the Circle, all with varying cultures, traditions and religions that they uphold with ferocious zealousy and loyalty. Unlike the State Military, the Knights Circle is not divided across all of the Empire's territories and some Orders do not reside within the Empire's borders at all, instead taking residence within the unexplored wilderness or behind enemy lines in order to mark the Empire's presence and prevent or forewarn invasion. The services of certain Orders can be bought for periods of time with large enough payments, although those who are unable to deliver are certain to be executed as an example of an Order's pride. The Knights Circle does not standardize equipment or uniform and is instead supplied by specialized blacksmiths and crafters found within the Orders' members.

While most knights of the Circle are above standard law and regulations that restrict civilians and officers of the State Military, they possess their own codes and set of bounds that issued by the Grand Monarch and the Table of Governors which all knights must follow, uphold and respect with the highest degree and must not doubt unless they seek to be seen as traitors. All actions undertaken by an Order must benefit the Empire as a greater whole, all knights are subject to standard law while off-duty, a knight cannot kill nor harm any intelligent creature that is of civilian or equivalent status whether it'd be ally or enemy, politicians may not be subject to harm without confirmation, and sorcery is to be discriminated against and terminated. Concerning the latter-most regulation, however, there are certain exceptions; secret Orders that are kept out of public and military knowledge that answer only to the Grand Monarch and his representatives. They are typically nomadic in order to conceal their existence and do not operate alongside standard Orders in fear of civil conflict. These are the Sanctioned Orders, which are monitored extensively by the Inquisition and are allowed to make use of magic and alien equipment under their supervision in order to combat others that use such.

The Knights Circle possess internal politics amongst Magisters and equivalent individuals, usually dealing with matters such as reinforcements, resources and general inter-Order interaction. At certain times, Orders will either divide into smaller Orders or combine with others in order to form much larger organizations, either temporarily or permanently. Such movements occur once every decade as the Empire expands, although they can occur during times of crysis. Some Orders are unregistered or are outright treacherous to the Empire's cause, these are known as the Unsanctioned Orders. These nomads are often considered as mercenaries or barbarians, although some of these Orders still hold allegiance towards the Empire and the Grand Monarch but not the established restrictions and codes.

Orders will often pursue recruits at all times and usually do so by either analyzing certain members of their nearest State Military Regiments or through conscriptions that usually include young children. While the rites of passages vary between each Order and settlement, all follow the guidelines inked in the Codex Primitus - the First Codex, a set of documents that were written by the first Grand Monarch with his own blood being used as ink, making this codex an incredibly valuable, sacred and ancient artefact that is regarded above all else by the Knights Circle.

Politically, the Circle is represented by the Magisters and their equals, although as a whole the Knights Circle is commanded, governed and overseen by the High Militante, who holds his own authority at the Table of Governors and recards every conflict, engagement, formation and dissolution of the registered Orders. The High Militante possesses their own Order of knights that serve as one of the largest and most skilled forces in the Empire's existence, with no other Order under the Circle or the Empire's banner possessing such power, size, or skill on their side. It is the High Militante and his Order that leads the Knights Circle in large-scale crusades and wars, although most Orders are independent entities for the most part and can usually function without external assistance.

Imperial Armada
The Imperial Armada (Old Tongue: Mare dein Classis - Fleet of the Sea) is the naval force of the Empire that consists of many sea-faring flotillas from across the Empire, usually supplied by nations that reside near seas and oceans and making use of lifestyles that revolve around them. The Imperial Armada serves a multifunctional purpose; while it is primarily designed and structured for war, it is also used as a means of transporting resources and militia between territories and allies across the waters. The Imperial Armada is divided into Fleets, with their hierarchies, models and equipment varying depending on their places of origin. As not all Fleets are the same in terms of weaponry and strategy, each one is differentiated in terms of strength, number and profession.

Ships of the Empire are usually recognized by their flags, which either don the shared banner of those under the Empire or the flag of a Fleet's nation. The Imperial Armada's purpose is to explore the world and allow for the expansion of the Empire while transporting materials, nobles and soldiers in order to secure colonies and establish territories. The Imperial Armada is also given the responsibility of combating piracy and other seafaring criminals who seek to escape punishment from the Empire such as rogue sorcerers. The purposes of the ships within the Imperial Armada range between models, with some intended for scouting and patrolling while others were intended for defensive transporation and delivering heavy damage to enemy vessels.

The Imperial Armada is represented by a multitude of politicians from across the Empire although is directly overseen, directed and governed by a series of individuals collectively known as the High Admirals. The High Admirals govern a specific sector where the Imperial Armada operates, such as one High Admiral being deployed to oversee the Northern oceans while another being assigned to the Western seas. The High Admirals discuss political matters revolving around materials and support between themselves, keeping a balance over the many Fleets of the Imperial Armada in order to maintain full effectiveness and efficiency on all sides and within all sectors.

Inquisition
The Inquisition (Old Tongue: Vigilum Secretum - Secret Police) is the is the background enforcers of the Empire and serve as its inside protectors and defenders, seperate from the other military sub-factions in that it is responsible in the discovery and elimination of internal threats such as insurrection and corruption. The Inquisition's duty is to ensure the internal defense and protection of the Empire's powers and territories alongside dealing with otherwise-prohibited practices such as magic and unauthorized connections with external societies. To effectively manage such tasks, the Inquisition is divided into various Sects which are each assigned a specific role to fulfill.

The Inquisition's Sects vary in their resources, sizes, and tactics, although most are known to employ stealth and assassination-orientated practices in order to route out their enemies while some others are known for terror strategies for mass destruction against their enemies. Agents of the Inquisition are equipped and funded at the expense of the government of the Empire, with some veteran-ranking operatives being authorized to use alien equipment and Source talents; two of the most controversial crimes within the Empire, although the Inquisition operates beyond standard law so long as it ultimately benefits the Empire.

Hierarchy varies between Sects, with no single standard form of ranking structure amongst them although most, if not all, Sects possess effective methods of distinguishing position and rank within themselves, mainly between lesser and major Inquisitors. Inquisitorial philosophy dictates that every and all individuals are neither immune nor safe from suspicion, including fellow Inquisitors, politicians, and even the Grand Monarch, who may be condemned if they act outside of the established constitutions. This gives the Inquisition a degree of authority over the State Military, Knights Circle and Imperial Armada which they can act upon at any given time during missions and assignments as well as the capability to operate outside of political supervision.

Only the most specialized and elite of individuals are able to join the Inquisition, with some being raised and trained from birth and young ages. The Inquisition's recruitment process is both unforgiving and fatal, as a means to select the most capable of trainees who may proceed to become powerful operatives in the future. Those who operate within the Inquisition are exempt from family ties and friendships, as such are seen as moral barriers, and are often cold and harsh as an example of their training and philosophy, trusting no-one. Inquisitors are also known to be deployed across the Empire, with no official residence and instead travelling and resting wherever is necessary, meaning most Inquisitors are isolated from one another and find it difficult to form complex relationships and bonds.

The Inquisition is represented by a select group of individuals although is ultimately led and maintained by the Inquisitorial Elder-Commander, who speaks on behalf of the Inquisition within the Table of Governors. The Inquisitorial Elder-Commander is considered one of the closest individuals to the Grand Monarch and, due to their age and experiences, a valuable mentor during the start of their reign. The Elder-Commander possesses command over all Inquisitorial personnel, assets and resources and personally oversees all Inquisition activity, including the founding of new Sects and the disbanding of others, both of which are rare.

Government
The Empire of Man is ruled by a collection of politicians and monarchs who descend from all across Koldenwelt, with at least one representative for each ethnic group or race that is connected or part of the Empire of Man itself. However, the organized system of the Empire is ultimately governed and overseen by a single monarch whose authority boasts over that of all other politicians who represent a single part of the empire. This monarch is the Grand King, who is the highest head-of-state as well as chief military commander of all of the Empire's organized military forces and branches.

Each politician is independant of the Grand King's authority unless demanded of it and can operate largely without the assistance of other politicians from other nations. These politicians are usually the highest head-of-state of their own nations and races. However, these governors must follow a strict set of commands given by the Grand King, often preventing the usage of magic and disabling tolerant connections towards nonhumans. Those that break these rules are usually stripped of their position and a new governor is selected by either the people that the former one ruled over through their customs of political decision or by the Grand King himself.

Table of Governors
The Table of Governors (Old Tongue: Praeminister de Mensam - Board of Ministers) is the main governmental body of the Empire of Man under the Grand King himself and is tasked with keeping order within the Empire of Man on financial, economical, environmental and military aspects. The Table of Governors consists of the highest authorizing member of each nation under the Empire's territory, resulting in a mix of religious leaders, politicians and monarchs. The Table of Governors is necessary for balance and integrity within the Empire and each member is capable of being elected as the next Grand King, as the title itself is not hereditary. The Table of Governors is also capable of stripping the Grand King of his rule if he is found to be counter-productive to the Empire of Man's cause, such as being too weak or in support of demon worship and witchcraft. This is why it is important for the Grand King to gain the respect of the whole Table.

The Table of Governors will meet once every decade or so to discuss matters unknown to anybody outside of their politicial standing, alongside being joined by the Grand King himself. While it is unknown why they gather, it is often followed by a significant expansion of the Empire's territory and the elimination of many minor or lesser nonhumans. A governor can also be deposed of his position by the rest of the Table if they find him/her counter-productive, such as wanting to wage war against a fellow governor or unwilling to fight against the Empire's enemies without a legitimate reason. The Table of Governors will also gather if there is need of a new Grand King.

Grand Monarch
The Grand Monarch (Old Tongue: Dominus Aureus - Golden Lord) is the highest figure in the entirety of the Empire of Man's hierarchy, society and military. He commands all armies and military branches of the Empire and oversees the balance and ever-growing expansion of Mankind. The Grand King is exempt from most laws and is fully, legitimately capable of raising or lowering prices, accepting or denying nations of membership within the Empire and authorizing the use of magic. The Grand King resides at the very center of Imperial Central, the capital city of the Empire, and is regularly updated of progress of all members of the Empire as well as any discoveries made concerning enemy nations or scientific record and theory.

The Grand King, despite the title, is not a hereditary position and must be elected from a member of the Table of Governors, who rule beneath the Grand King's authority. The Grand King is only re-selected if the current one passes away or disappears after a select period of time. The Grand King is also capable of being de-throned by the Table if they agree that he is too weak or not beneficial to the Empire's cause, which is why each decision the Grand King makes is carefully thought out before being placed into practice. The Grand King also cannot impose a standard religion amonst the Empire and must instead compromise with the many various religions supported and worshipped by each member of the Empire, though he has the right to deny or exile zealous and fanatical nations. The Grand King is a beacon of hope and strength within the Empire and the title itself is said to be enchanted with unimaginable power.

The Grand King swears oath to various documents set in place by the Empire's founder and followers to progress Mankind onward without fault or error and is gifted with supposedly blessed armour and weaponry to boast his importance and significance to the Empire, usually constructed of ancient materials used by races now long deceased and extinct. The Grand King is to never leave the Imperial Central Palace, the residence of all Grand Kings, unless an event known collectively as the End Times occurs, in which the Grand King must venture forwarth and lead all the armies and forces of Mankind against whatever threat opposes them.

Cities
Imperial Central= Imperial Central is the capital of the Empire of Man and a monument to Mankind's achievements and progress. Imperial Central resides across a flat plane that extends for a great many kilometers is home to many large, prosperous towns and villages inside its walls. Imperial Central is thought to be located atop of one of humanity's most ancient sites and is said that artefacts from the days before the Elvish races reside beneath the city, although only the Table of Governors and the Grand King himself know for sure. Imperial Central is one of the most prosperous cities of Mankind's construction and houses many important, iconic sites such as the Imperial Central Palace, the residence of the Grand King himself. Imperial Central itself is divided between three wall formations; two circular formations that surround the outer and middle layers and a diamond-shaped formations which surrounds the Imperial Central Palace as well as protect its exterior. These walls are ages old and were originally designed to protect Mankind from nonhuman armies and militia, but also represent Mankind's sturdy and enduring heart. These walls usually stand at 25 meters tall and are protected with cannons, crossbowmen and riflemen. The race that built Imperial Central was the Mannaz, the founding race of the Empire of Man and the main ethnic group of Imperial Central's culturally diverse population. The Mannaz built Imperial Central over their ancient ancestral homes once they discovered how to build complex structures, the walls that protect Imperial Central being an example of this. Imperial Central houses many towns and villages within itself as a city and uses them for food and material resources. Imperial Central is constantly patrolled by a division of elite knights and state soldiers who are divided between each town and village within the walls. Perhaps one of the more remarkable sites found within Imperial Central is the Eternal Alloy Monarch, a statue of the first Grand King in almost-divine armour which is surrounded by a complex system of fountains which produce supposedly-blessed water that is not legal to drink or steal.
 * Name: Imperial Central
 * Age: 200 years
 * Population: 12,000 citizens, 20,000 state soldiers, 15,000 knights
 * Ruler: Grand King

Bohdaria= Bohdaria City is one of the most isolated cities, nestled on a tall mesa far from the main trade routes of the empire. Located at the junction of the grass plains and the desert, it endures heavy heat during the day, but is freezing cold at night. Its location, however, is a great provider, as the Bohdarians (the humans of the city are called this way) are great farmers and the ground around the city is some of the most fertile in the empire.
 * Name:Bohdaria City
 * Age: Around 100 years.
 * Population: around 125 citizens
 * Ruler: King Bohdaria

The city is built upon a hill, surrounded by a river that makes it easily defendable from her high walls. The houses are built in the outer circle, while in the middle of the city stands the capital building, home to the city's king and his family. The building style of the Bohdarians is remarkable, with blue roofs and ornate brown stone. Bohdaria City seems to have some connection to the Urindale Elves of the Northern Region due to a statue of their God found beneath its streets.

Individuals
Bohdarian King= King Bohdaria is the ruling monarch of Bohdaria City, having over the city for over 45 years. He is known for his cruelty against his enemies, his immense loyalty to the Grand King and his kindness towards his own people.
 * Name: King Bohdaria
 * City: Bohdaria City
 * Age: Unknown

He often gives parties to his people where the entire city is invite, save for those at guard duty. King Bohdaria is a wise and kind ruler, and though he dislikes nonhumans to a point, he isn't a xenophobe, a trait which has made him unpopular among the rest of mankinds' royalty. He often advises the other kings to open their borders to the elves, dwarves and other species and there are rumors he sought to find allies outside the Empire. He always wears heavy armor and is a gifted swordman.

Elika Bohdaria= Elika Bohdaria is the daughter of King Bohdaria, princess of Bohdaria and heir to the throne. Bold and a bit stubborn, she is as gifted with a sword as her father and for that is called the Shieldmaiden of Bohdaria. She is trained as a soldier, but also has traits of a princess, with her proud manners and fondness for dresses and jewelry.
 * Name:Elika Bohdaria
 * City:Bohdaria City
 * Age: 26

A crucial dofference sets her apart fromthe king. She is quite xenophobic, and dislikes her father's policies towards allowing nonhumans inside the empire. The reasons for her hatred against none humanoids is easily explained, she was taught this during her years of schooling though she has never met an elf or dwarf before.

Elika wears a golden blue armor, signaling her status as shieldmaiden of Bohdaria.

Allies
"You serve as a benefit for our cause."

Neutral
"Stand aside and do not oppose us."

Enemies
"You shall be crushed under the armoured boot of Mankind."

Quotes
"Of all Deiwos kind, you are second only to the Shiarchon as the worst of all!"

"HUMIE BONES MAKE FINE CRAKIN SOUNDS"

"You keep away from our cities, you pink-skinned bastards."

- Sultan Megrovaz II of the

"So much blood...so much opportunity..."

"High numbers. More to gaze upon the Maw."

"I shall take your king's skull and wear it as a crown, insolent peasants!"

"All hail the Empire!"

"So much flesh to reap."

"Humans so small! Is funny to me."

- Lesha Orc Chieftain

"Brr. Xenophobes."

- Lord Protector Arken-Lak

"Young, arrogant. Disrespectful to nature. Unbelievers in the Source, and ignorant of higher powers. Perhaps one of the few civilisations that have earned my distaste."

- Kinmorunddraver-World Walker

"Spurca creant celantque incestus. Portare sanguinem, et infirmus ero vobis? Circumdantibus ignorare ingenia sunt? Tantum ad ostium effundet sanguinem eorum. (Filthy spawns of incest. To bear our blood, and to be as weak as you are? Ignorant of the natural powers that surround them? Merely a door to spill their blood. )"

- Shiarchon

"Unwashed, uncivilized, uncouth cretins. Stay away from our city."

- Official from the City-State of Halifaxia

"Quemadmodum desiderat cervus ad fontes aquarum ita desiderat anima mea ad te, hūmānitās. Sed in primis ad fontes ipsos properandum."

"Hmmph. You need to learn respect. As well as proper military work. I'd gladly show you both."

=Notes=