Achaean Empire - Revision history

Saber-Scorpion: /* Government */

2022-10-24T19:40:01Z

‎Government

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‎Military

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‎Military

Saber-Scorpion at 02:47, 22 July 2022

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Saber-Scorpion at 02:47, 22 July 2022

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Saber-Scorpion at 02:46, 22 July 2022

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Saber-Scorpion at 02:24, 22 July 2022

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Saber-Scorpion at 02:21, 22 July 2022

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Saber-Scorpion at 01:13, 22 July 2022

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 '''Emperor/Empress''' - The sovereign ruler of all the Empire, who leads from the capital city of Coronaria, advised by his council of Senators and Delegates from the kingdoms under his rule. He answers to no one but himself, and is traditionally regarded as divinely blessed by the gods, not to be touched - though many Emperors have not enjoyed this level of respect. His personal retinue of knights are the [[Paladins]], who act as his representatives in the field when he cannot be present. They are meant to be obeyed at all times and are allowed to do whatever they deem necessary to carry out his will.
-'''Senator''' - The Senate is an ancient institution within the capital city of the Empire, its seats usually held by high-born Patricians still set in the old traditional ways. Once proud and intellectual, the Senate has waned in power and glory, now only a shell of its former self. Although Senators are usually wealthy and accorded a large degree of ceremonial respect, many now consider it merely a plaything of the Patricians in the Capital. The Senate is rarely called into session by the Emperor, and the Delegates of the Kings hold greater sway.
+'''Senator''' - The Senate is an ancient institution within the capital city of the Empire, its seats usually held by high-born [[Patricians]] still set in the old traditional ways. Once proud and intellectual, the Senate has waned in power and glory, now only a shell of its former self. Although Senators are usually wealthy and accorded a large degree of ceremonial respect, many now consider it merely a plaything of the Patricians in the Capital. The Senate is rarely called into session by the Emperor, and the Delegates of the Kings hold greater sway.
 '''King/Queen''' - The most powerful title one can hold below Emperor. Practically independent, each King or Queen answers only to the Emperor himself, ruling over a vast portion of the Empire with a great degree of sovereignty.

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 ==Military==
-King Exar I was able to conquer all of Achaea not only because it was weak from civil war, but because of the discipline of his armies, which some say were inspired by the dwarven armies of the Blackrock Foothills near Coria. Whether this is true or not, the Imperial legions, with their strict discipline and heavily armored infantry with their impenetrable lines of tower shields, were essential in forging the vast Empire.
+[[File:Imperials.png|thumb|300px|Imperial soldiers: light infantry, heavy infantry, and heavy cavalry]]
 ===The Legions===
-[[File:Imperials.png|thumb|300px|Imperial soldiers: light infantry, heavy infantry, and heavy cavalry]]
+King Exar I was able to conquer all of Achaea not only because it was weak from civil war, but because of the discipline of his armies, which some say were inspired by the dwarven armies of the Blackrock Foothills near Coria. Whether this is true or not, the Imperial legions, with their strict discipline and heavily armored infantry with their impenetrable lines of tower shields, were essential in forging the vast Empire.
 The official, professional military forces of the Empire are the Legions. Each Legion is composed of several thousand troops and operates from a Legionary Fort. These are scattered throughout the Empire and along the frontier. Where a Legionary Fort is constructed, a city usually springs up before long, started by the Legion's families and camp followers. Most major cities within the Empire contain a Legionary Fort or have one located nearby. In the fort, the legionary soldiers are drilled regularly to ensure strict discipline and maximum efficiency. Hard workers, they are also the builders of much of the Empire: they construct their own forts, maintain the Imperial roads, and dig trenches with palisade walls every time they set up camp. A legion is a fighting force to be reckoned with, and without them the Empire would fall.

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 ===Languages===
-The main [[Languages|language]] of the Empire is Imperial Common, which it has made the standard throughout not only Achaea, but much of Northrim and even the South as well. Imperial nobles and priests also learn High Imperial, the old standard language of the Imperium and its government, in which all official documents are written. The most well-educated people in the Empire may also learn [[Old Achaean]], a dead language from the very earliest days of Achaean history. It is now exclusively the language of scholars.
+The main [[Languages|language]] of the Empire is [[Imperial Common]], which it has made the standard throughout not only Achaea, but much of Northrim and even the South as well. Imperial nobles and priests also learn [[High Imperial]], the old standard language of the Imperium and its government, in which all official documents are written. The most well-educated people in the Empire may also learn [[Old Achaean]], a dead language from the very earliest days of Achaean history. It is now exclusively the language of scholars.
 ===Religion===

@@ Line 101: / Line 101: @@
 ===Languages===
-The main [[language|Languages]] of the Empire is Imperial Common, which it has made the standard throughout not only Achaea, but much of Northrim and even the South as well. Imperial nobles and priests also learn High Imperial, the old standard language of the Imperium and its government, in which all official documents are written. The most well-educated people in the Empire may also learn [[Old Achaean]], a dead language from the very earliest days of Achaean history. It is now exclusively the language of scholars.
+The main [[Languages|language]] of the Empire is Imperial Common, which it has made the standard throughout not only Achaea, but much of Northrim and even the South as well. Imperial nobles and priests also learn High Imperial, the old standard language of the Imperium and its government, in which all official documents are written. The most well-educated people in the Empire may also learn [[Old Achaean]], a dead language from the very earliest days of Achaean history. It is now exclusively the language of scholars.
 ===Religion===

@@ Line 95: / Line 95: @@
 '''Baron''' - Subordinate to a Count, in charge of a Barony. Usually rules from a small city, town, or fort.
-'''Knight''' - A fighting nobleman who typically owns a manor on an estate. For more information, see the Knights section under Military Organization below.
+'''[[Knight]]''' - A fighting nobleman who typically owns a manor on an estate. Male knights are addressed as "Sir" followed by their first name. Female knights, who are rare, are addressed as "Lady" or "Dame."
 ==Military==

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 '''[[The Rise]]''' - A desert waste of disputed territory separating the Empire from Kemhet to the south. Once home to a great kingdom destroyed long ago, possibly destroyed in the [[Mage Wars of Sinkarya]] or earlier. Its people, now scattered nomads, are called [[Riseri]]. Now, the only important inhabitants of the Rise are the [[Desert Dwarves]] at [[Ibesim]].
-==Government and Titles==
+==Government==
 The Achaean Empire is ruled by a single man, the Emperor, but it is also divided into several major regions called Kingdoms, each ruled by a semi-sovereign King or Queen who answers only to the Emperor. Each Kingdom is further divided into regions ruled by a Duke or Earl (the latter name being more popular in the younger northern kingdoms), which is again divided into Counties ruled by a Count, and then Baronies ruled by a Baron, etc.
 '''Emperor/Empress''' - The sovereign ruler of all the Empire, who leads from the capital city of Coronaria, advised by his council of Senators and Delegates from the kingdoms under his rule. He answers to no one but himself, and is traditionally regarded as divinely blessed by the gods, not to be touched - though many Emperors have not enjoyed this level of respect. His personal retinue of knights are the [[Paladins]], who act as his representatives in the field when he cannot be present. They are meant to be obeyed at all times and are allowed to do whatever they deem necessary to carry out his will.
 '''Senator''' - The Senate is an ancient institution within the capital city of the Empire, its seats usually held by high-born Patricians still set in the old traditional ways. Once proud and intellectual, the Senate has waned in power and glory, now only a shell of its former self. Although Senators are usually wealthy and accorded a large degree of ceremonial respect, many now consider it merely a plaything of the Patricians in the Capital. The Senate is rarely called into session by the Emperor, and the Delegates of the Kings hold greater sway.
 '''King/Queen''' - The most powerful title one can hold below Emperor. Practically independent, each King or Queen answers only to the Emperor himself, ruling over a vast portion of the Empire with a great degree of sovereignty.
 '''Duke/Duchess (Earl)''' - Subordinate to a King, in charge a Duchy or Dukedom, which is further divided into Counties. Usually rules from a castle in a large city. In northern regions, specifically the Northwestern Kingdom and the Kingdom of Northrim, Dukes are called Earls instead - a word derived from the Nordling title of Jarl.
 '''Count/Countess''' - Subordinate to a Duke, in charge of a County. Usually rules from a small city or town, or a freestanding castle.
 '''Baron''' - Subordinate to a Count, in charge of a Barony. Usually rules from a small city, town, or fort.
 '''Knight''' - A fighting nobleman who typically owns a manor on an estate. For more information, see the Knights section under Military Organization below.
-==Military and Orders==
+==Military==
 King Exar I was able to conquer all of Achaea not only because it was weak from civil war, but because of the discipline of his armies, which some say were inspired by the dwarven armies of the Blackrock Foothills near Coria. Whether this is true or not, the Imperial legions, with their strict discipline and heavily armored infantry with their impenetrable lines of tower shields, were essential in forging the vast Empire.
 ===The Legions===
 [[File:Imperials.png|thumb|300px|Imperial soldiers: light infantry, heavy infantry, and heavy cavalry]]
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 There are currently twenty-one legions operating in the Empire, though more may be raised if needed. They range from the [[Legio Prima]], the First Legion, stationed within the Imperial Capital; to the [[Legio XIX Apri]], the Legion of the Boar, stationed near Rimegard. Each Legion has its own emblem and colors, and usually its own fortress. For a list of the different Legions, see the [[Imperial Legions]] article.
 ====Legionary Ranks====
 '''Legatus'''- The Legatus or Legate is the General of an individual legion. Every Legion has a Legatus, usually a nobleman. Their armor is usually highly decorated with personal embellishments and a large crest on the helmet.
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 '''Lieutenant '''- Minor officers under the centurion who help him relay orders or perform other tasks for him. They have a front-to-back crest atop their helmets.
 ====Legionary Roles====
 Each unit of a Legion may serve one of several roles...
 =====Hoplites=====
 In the earliest days of Achaea, the phalanx of hoplites served as the heavy infantry, but gradually their armor began to grow lighter in weight, and heavier suits of armor were introduced for the main line infantry. The hoplites now serve the role of Light Infantry. They usually are positioned on the wings of an army where their maneuverability can be used to great advantage. They also serve as skirmishers, scouting the area ahead and weakening the enemy with missile fire before falling back behind the main line. They wear little armor other than a breastplate and helmet, but always carry a shield, spear, and sword.
 =====Legionaries=====
 The backbone of every legion is its heavy infantry. Wearers of the most standardized armor in the Empire, each legionary is equipped with a tower shield, a spear, and a gladius (short sword). In battle, they form a nearly impregnable shield wall and press upon the enemy, carving at them with their swords and spears like a meat grinder, led by their centurion, who makes sure that none of them break rank.
 =====Cavalry=====
 Not all legions have a cavalry unit attached. Each cavalry unit might be Light Cavalry (sometimes referred to by their ancient name, Prodromoi), who serve as scouts and ranged skirmishers; or Heavy Cavalry (Cataphracti or Kataphractoi), who wear full armor and charge in to break enemy lines directly. They have largely been replaced in recent times by Knights, who rose from among their ranks as the Ordo Equester.
 =====Sagittarii=====
 Light cavalry or light infantry units which specialize in archery are called Sagittarii (singluar Sagittarium). Archers are used to weaken the enemy at range until the heavy cavalry and/or infantry can advance. They never serve as the main fighting force of a legion.
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 A group of knights may fight as a cavalry or an infantry unit, but most often cavalry. When fighting together, the highest-ranking noble present is assigned the role of Knight-Captain, or else they are led by a local lord or king.
 ====Royal Armies====
 A few kings choose to train professional armies of their own, outside of the Imperial Legions. These are sometimes called Royal Armies or Home Armies. They wear the colors of their kingdom and answer to the King rather than directly to the Emperor as the Legions are supposed to do. Usually limited in size so as not to cause suspicion from the Emperor, they are nonetheless a sign of a King's desire for indepedence.
 Royal armies have different ranks than the legions. They are usually led by a knight or other noble, but occasionally an experienced commoner may take the role. He is then given the rank of Marshal. Leaders of individual units are called Captains, assisted by their Lieutenants.
 ====Militia====
 More common than professional Royal Armies are militia. Drafted from the ranks of young men within a nobleman's domain, they are usually poorly trained and equipped. Still, they are used quite frequently, especially when a Legion cannot become involved in a battle for one reason or another. They answer to their local lord rather than a legionary commander under the Emperor, and they are usually commanded on the field by knights, or captains from royal armies or mercenary companies.
 ====Mercenaries====
 Increasingly common within the Empire as its borders grow, mercenary bands are hired by some lords in leiu of Royal Armies, Militias, or Legions - perhaps because these options have been used up, will not suffice, or refuse to perform a particular job. Some mercenary companies have thus become quite large and powerful in their own right, operating out of their own fortresses independent of any other leader. Others are independent warriors who may answer a call for hired blades when they find one.
 Mercenary companies are especially common in southwestern Achaea, where they are contacted to fight feudal battles between local lords, since the Legion refuses to get involved.
 ====Navies====
 Most navies answer to a local king or duke instead of directly to the Emperor. Each ship is commanded by a Captain, and together several ships may be led by an Admiral. Although ships may be equipped with catapults or ballistae on board, most naval warfare is still fought by ramming and/or boarding the enemy vessels. Thus, ships serve mostly as transports. They may have their own crew of marines on board trained specifically for naval warfare, or they may carry other troops with their own commanders.
-==The Issue of Leadership==
+===The Issue of Leadership===
 Leadership is a fragile thing in the Imperial military. As the reader has seen, there is no overall command structure. The legions, local militaries, mercenary companies, etc., all have their own command structures that may not precisely coincide. These are some of the major issues that plague Imperial leadership:
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 These problems have never been resolved, and sometimes a dispute over leadership of an Imperial army in a crisis may still come to blows.
 [[Category:Factions]][[Category:Locations]][[Category:Achaean Empire]]

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 ==Geography==
-Achaea is divided into several major regions called Kingdoms, each ruled by a semi-sovereign King who answers only to the Emperor. Each Kingdom is further divided into regions ruled by a Duke or Earl (the latter name being more popular in the younger northern kingdoms), which is again divided into Counties ruled by a Count, and then Baronies ruled by a Baron, etc.
+Achaea is divided into several major regions called Kingdoms, each ruled by a semi-sovereign King who answers only to the Emperor. Each Kingdom is further divided into regions ruled by a Duke or Earl (the latter name being more popular in the younger northern kingdoms), which is again divided into Counties ruled by a Count, and then Baronies ruled by a Baron, etc. These are the main Kingdoms:
-'''The Kingdom of Northrim''' - The newest kingdom of the Empire, actually comprising only a small section of [[Northrim]] north of [[Coldstone Wall]]. See the article about its capital, [[Rimegard]].
+'''The [[Kingdom of Northrim]]''' - The newest kingdom of the Empire, actually comprising only a small section of [[Northrim]] north of [[Coldstone Wall]]. Its capital is [[Rimegard]], with only one other major city: [[Arrowfall]].
-'''The Northwestern Kingdom''' - The second newest kingdom of the Empire, just south of Coldstone Wall. It is a wild land, dominated by the Plains of Illikon, many thick forests, and mountains to the north and east. This makes it a prime source of raw materials. For more information, see the article about its capital, [[Illikon]].
+'''The [[Northwestern Kingdom]]''' - Another younger kingdom, located just south of Coldstone Wall. It is a wild land, dominated by the [[Plains of Illikon]], the [[Shadowvale]], and mountains to the north. Its capital is [[Illikon]]. Other major settlements include [[Gryphon Roost]], [[Dragon's Lair]], and [[Eloh]].
-'''The Riverlands''' - The kingdom south of Illikon's realm, ruled over by the city of [[Deltalund]]. Its territory stretches along the river, and much of it is covered in marshlands. Smaller cities include [[Stonebridge]], [[Woodshadow Village]], and the [[Moor]].
+'''The [[Jewel Islands]]''' - The third of the three youngest kingdoms, located on islands off the coast of Illikon. The Empire actually only controls part of the largest island, from the capital of [[Artorius]].
-'''The Blackrock Foothills''' - A small region east of the Riverlands, governed from [[Pluton Hold]]. Named for its many black stones, since it rests at the feet of [[Vulcan's Forge]], an enormous volcano in the [[Jagged Edge]]. This region has the largest dwarf population in Achaea.
+'''The [[Riverlands]]''' - The kingdom south of Illikon's realm, ruled over by the city of [[Deltalund]]. Its territory stretches along the river, and much of it is covered in marshlands. Other cities include [[Pirgos]], [[Caltha]], [[Woodshadow Village]], and [[Goodwater]]. This is also the location of [[Castle Greywatch]], headquarters of the [[Venatori]].
-'''The Golden Kingdom''' - The breadbasket of the Empire, this region takes its name from its many rich farmlands and their golden fields. It is goverened by the city of [[Caltha]], where the Grand Championship of the [[Gladiators|gladiator games]] is held every year. The second largest city is the [[Crossroads]].
+'''The [[Black Lands]]''' - A region east of the Riverlands, governed from [[Kyjovia]]. Named for its many black stones, since it rests at the feet of [[Vulcan's Forge]], an enormous volcano in the [[Jagged Edge]]. Other major cities include [[Blackwall]], [[Pikeston]], and [[Vyzigord]]. Many dwarves live here, in the [[Blackrock Foothills]].
-'''The Heartland''' - Seat of the Imperial government, a large region dominated by the Imperial capital of [[Coronaria]] and, across the farmlands to the south, the venerable Red City of [[Lakedaemon]]. Also includes [[Stormcliff Keep]].
+'''The [[White Lands]]''' - A wealthy and influential region ruled from [[Whitehorn]]. Other major cities include [[Edrimark]], [[Piera]], and [[Appledale]]. The [[Iron Pikes]] were once part of this region, but now are neutral lands ruled over by the dwarves of the [[Iron Gauntlet]].
-'''Old Achaea''' - Sometimes called the Silver Shore, this region is considered by some to be the birthplace of Achaean culture. It is ruled by the grand city of [[Templaria]], and also includes [[Olympia]].
+'''The [[Imperial Heartland]]''' - Seat of the Imperial government, a region dominated by the Imperial capital of [[Coronaria]]. Other important locations include [[Pluton Hold]] and [[Stormcliff Keep]].
 '''The Straits''' - Sometimes called the Free Coast, since its capital, ???, is a republic rather than a monarchy. An extremely wealthy trade hub often full of exotic people, giving it a reputation of sin and lawlessness that is only partially deserved.