The Empire is in its Prime. It spans thousands of miles, and has no shortage of manpower, resources, or faith. Imperialistic values are ingrained since birth, all men serve the Emperor, and its military has never been larger.
History[]
When the Theozzian Empire was just a kingdom, it quickly rose to power by unexpectedly absorbing its neighbors in brutally efficient warfare. This power is brand new, and the Empire has only seen its arrival in the Fourth Era, the most recent and current Era.
The elves and dwarves to the far east were the first to fall. The Empire struck out, a campaign burning upon the embers of man’s destiny to rule from coast to coast, to free themselves of a perceived immortal blight, longer lived races that looked down upon them. Surely, such people plotted man's destruction, surely, if the Theozzians did not act, they would be wiped out by those who wanted them dead for the simple crime of being a mortal man. And so, they marched. Without warning, the Empire descended upon the elves and dwarves of the east, burning their holds, cutting down their forests, and generally annihilating anything that had to do with their non-human foes.
At this point, the human kingdoms nearby grew afraid of the rising power of the Theozzian Empire, and sought to halt its growth. Under an allied banner, the former kingdoms of Giwen, Astegon, and Leodour marched on the Theozzians, hoping to break their power in a short campaign, and erase the threat of this growing faction. They were incredibly wrong. The campaign was shorter than they expected. Far shorter, as they were destroyed in the field, their armies slaughtered by the heavy imperial cavalry they had never before faced in open combat.
Defeat after defeat followed, with the former kingdoms finally admitting defeat, and bending the knee. To be sure such a thing was never attempted again, Emperor Osterhaus had the monarchs publicly executed, and appointed loyal nobles from the Empire to their thrones. Effectively, in less than a decade, the Theozzian Empire quadrupled in size, becoming a very real threat to the rest of Auzera.
Emperor Landolf Osterhaus[]
Emperor Landolf Osterhaus, the revered ruler of the Theozzians, is a plain-spoken, brutally efficient man. Under his rule, the Empire has expanded tenfold. It has an incredible economy, with no signs of stopping. There is no need for imports, as the territory that they have conquered contains almost all they need.
The Emperor has a son, and a daughter, Crown Prince Ulrich Osterhaus and daughter, High Lady Yvonne Osterhaus. The Crown Prince is a foolhardy, loudmouthed noble, disliked by all the Elector-Counts. He always finds himself at odds with those of the imperial court due to his abuse of power as heir to the throne. He is also wildly xenophobic, but that is common in the Empire. However, he has a reputation of keeping ‘oddities’ - elvish women are an acquired taste. There is even rumor of a glimpse of a purple figure through the windows of his keep.
The High Lady Yvonne is far more reserved, and it reflects in her actions. She is known for her level headed decisions, and many people would often come seek her counsel before meeting with the Emperor. Even a number of the Elector-Counts find themselves to their own surprise willing to support the High Lady over the Crown Prince. This, of course, would never be allowed, but this is a secret desire nonetheless, for the good of the Empire.
Current Powerful Imperial Families[]
The different districts are monitored by the powerful Elector-Counts and their families. They answer directly to the Emperor, and carry out his will dispatched to them via couriers with the imperialistic seal. Once these orders arrived they were to be carried out immediately, without hesitation. If they are orders concerning the one receiving them...they are accompanied by Inquisitors. If you see that enter your gate with a courier, it is safe to assume you are soon to be relieved of your duties, for good. But this is a rare occurrence these days, as no Elector-Count would ever risk the ire of Emperor Landolf Osterhaus.
The current powerful imperial families are:
- Elector-Count Ohlendorf
- Elector-Count Kehlmann
- Elector-Count Rauschenberg
- Elector-Count Riemann
- Elector-Count Schlechter
- Elector-Count Kollmann
- Elector-Count Lindauer
- Elector-Count Hellmuth
- Emperor Osterhaus
These families are well known, feared, and respected within the borders of the Empire itself.
Geography[]
This faction stretches over many biomes, and it profits from such, pulling wealth from everywhere it has cities. It has no need for outside trade, and would refuse to do so anyway. The only Empire folk who leave their territory are the Bishops in service to Sohtarr, the God of Order.
Economy[]
As it stands, the Empire is heavily regimented. The merchant districts, military districts, industry districts, and civilian districts all do their jobs as part of a well oiled machine. The more dangerous of these jobs, or the less desirable, are worked by slaves.
This workforce is composed mostly of non-humans, but political prisoners and dissenters get thrown in with the rabble regardless. They are used to mine in dangerous areas, especially in ones that they decide is too costly to put support beams. If it collapses, you dig a new one.
Some more docile or well broken in elvish slaves are used as house servants, mostly by the noble folk. Once they are decided to be of no threat, and appear to have been broken, or trained, they are allowed into the civilian quarter to serve their imperialism Masters.
Military[]
The Theozzian Empire relies on heavy armor, and halberds to achieve its goals. It weakens its enemies with volleys of Lead from muskets, and sends in its heavy polearm infantry, usually cutting swaths through their foes. The Empire’s might is incredibly well trained, well outfitted regular soldiers. It is believed it is only a matter of time before they conquer all of Auzera.