Manconian Empire
The Manconion Empire was founded near the end of The Wyrm Wars. It is the oldest Empire that still exists in Shattered Kingdoms. Its first emperor was the legendary hero Kullth, High Priest of the Church of Mancos. His reign was short lived as he sacrificed his own life to save his lord Mancos in the last few months of The Wyrm Wars. He was raised to Sainthood by the church. Since then the Emperors have also been the head of the Church of Mancos. Many who have gone on to become living Saints.
The Empire slowly expanded after the end of The Wyrm Wars. Mancos did not have any direct rule in the empire, although from time to time in the early years it's said he gave some guidance to the Church, which ran the Empire. At the height of the Empire, in the 4th century, they introduced the calendar now used by all of Shattered Kingdoms.
Structure
The Marconian Empire is a theocracy ruled by the Church of Mancos, with the Exarch at its head. Elected every 20 years by the Divine Conclave of Mancos, the Exarch holds supreme authority over both the church and the Empire. The Conclave, composed of high-ranking priests known as Exalted Justiciars, forms the core of the government, overseeing religious and secular matters. While the Exarch traditionally guides the Conclave's direction, significant political tension can arise if they lack the Conclave's full support.
Adding to the complexity of the government is the Pristine Court, an advisory body made up of High Nobles from the Empire's most influential kingdoms. Though lacking direct power, the Pristine Court can exert political pressure on both the Conclave and the Wyvern Assembly, the latter of which manages inter-kingdom affairs such as trade, taxation, and border disputes. This influence stems from the High Nobles' close ties to the Imperial Proctors, the representatives who form the Wyvern Assembly. While the Assembly focuses on the practical functioning of the Empire, the Conclave ultimately holds the final say on any policies or agreements they propose, reflecting the Church's overarching control.
Comments