Empire of Largusia
The Empire of Largusia extends across the entire continent of Largus. As such, it is the largest nation in the known world. Combining many cultures under one banner, the empire is also one of the most diverse nations, both in terms of species and of cultures. Humans, elves, genasi, orcs, and goliaths make up the major species of the empire, and there are several other minor populations spread across the continent. Though rebellions and skirmishes sometimes arise, the empire has never splintered since its beginnings over eight hundred years ago.
Structure
The Empire of Largusia is split among sixteen provinces, each led by an Ealdorman appointed by the Emperor. The larger provinces are broken down into a set of Baronies, a hereditary rank but overseen by the Ealdorman. A few large baronies are further broken down into a series of thanages, or estates, held by thanes appointed by the baron.
The Ealdormen each command a provincial army and oversee a regional government charged with executing the laws of the empire, and they are the final arbiters of justice in their province, above the local courts. Barons manage their hereditary lands, often acting as intermediary judges between local matters and the Ealdor Courts. They are charged with contributing soldiers to the provincial army, as well as leading their contingent in times of war. Barons are also in charge of collecting the Imperial tax.
Thanes, where they exist, are mostly minor government officials. Some may have large farms or mills as a means of income, some help train the barony's soldiers, others serve as semi-official mediators to keep the court system from getting overwhelmed.
The Ealdormen all report to the Imperial Governor, another appointed position that ensures the provincial governments are acting in alignment with the Emperor. The Imperial Governor is traditionally a member of the royal family, and usually the heir to the empire, though not always.
The Ealdormen each command a provincial army and oversee a regional government charged with executing the laws of the empire, and they are the final arbiters of justice in their province, above the local courts. Barons manage their hereditary lands, often acting as intermediary judges between local matters and the Ealdor Courts. They are charged with contributing soldiers to the provincial army, as well as leading their contingent in times of war. Barons are also in charge of collecting the Imperial tax.
Thanes, where they exist, are mostly minor government officials. Some may have large farms or mills as a means of income, some help train the barony's soldiers, others serve as semi-official mediators to keep the court system from getting overwhelmed.
The Ealdormen all report to the Imperial Governor, another appointed position that ensures the provincial governments are acting in alignment with the Emperor. The Imperial Governor is traditionally a member of the royal family, and usually the heir to the empire, though not always.
Assets
The Empire of Largusia has many avenues of wealth. Gem and metal mines dot the Cloysian Alps of Askoneria. The province of Cornerion is home to the largest old-growth forest in the known world, extending across almost the entire province. Its lumber is carefully managed to avoid runaway deforestation, but it serves as the empire's main source of lumber for a variety of purposes. The provinces of Oskesh and Ugria give the empire most of its grain, as well as fruits and vegetables throughout the growing seasons.
Each province contributes something of value to the empire, whether through tribute or tax.
Each province contributes something of value to the empire, whether through tribute or tax.
History
Time of the Thousand Rulers
Largus was a continent of hundreds of small kingdoms and fiefdoms in its earliest-recorded years, sometime before 900. The next hundred years or so is known as the Era of Conquest on the continent. By 970, the land contained twenty kingdoms, either brought together by a unifier or taken as land by a conquering force.Starting in 1002, King Aldwyn the Courageous began a decades-long effort to unify the entirety of Largusia under his banner, bribing some kingdoms, laying seige to others. By whatever means, he believed his life's purpose was to bring unity to the disparate kingdoms. He would not live to see his empire, dying in 1017 at the Dunes of Fate during a conquest linking some of the last kingdoms together. His niece, Lady Mætheld the Wartorn, took up his mantle and finished his conquest in 1023 when the Kingdom of Smaunia surrendered after the Battle at the Cliffs.
Becoming Empress Mætheld the Chosen, she would rule until her death in 1059. Since then, the emperors have been in her direct line, all sons or daughters who can trace their lineage directly back to her.
Loyalty, Pride, Honor
Founding Date
1023
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Largusia; The Empire
Demonym
Largusian
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Location
Comments