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{{Info nations and states
{{Info nations and states
|image = regalia.png
|fullname = The Regalian Empire
|fullname = The Regalian Empire.
|capital = [[Regalian]] [[Crown Isle]]
|capital = Regalian Crown Isle
|languages = Various
|languages = Common(Ceardian), Ithanian, Alt-Regalian, Daendroque, Alt-Anglian, Dressolini
|regional = See [[Human Cultures]]
|regional = See [[Human Cultures]].
|sovereignstate= Regalian Empire
|sovereignstate= Regalian Empire.
|government = Absolute Monarchy
|government = Absolute Monarchy.
|currentruler = [[Alexander I]]
|currentruler = Cedromar the First.
|population = 100,000,000+
|population = 4,000,000 from the Crown Isle, 6,000,000 from the Archipelago, and more from its substates.
|pronunciation = Reh-gah-lee-ah.  
|pronunciation = Reh-gah-lee-ah.
|}}
|}}
The Regalian Empire is the largest and most culturally diverse nation in the known world of [[Aloria]]. It spans numerous continents, and encompasses wide trade routes, landmasses and oceans. The Regalian Empire is presently the largest continuous absolute monarchy. It controls nearly seventy percent of all [[Ailor]] on Aloria, and large quantities of various other races within its boundaries. The Empire mostly exists as a federal collective of states under the Imperial Seat, the collection of the Regalian Emperor, the courts of Regalia and various other institutions. While the power of the Empire has fluctuated over the centuries, it has relatively enjoyed a position of hegemony almost uncontested for nearly 300 years since its first establishment in 5 AC The Regalian Empire both expresses the pinnacle of [[Ailor Culture]], but also many of its vices. Many, even in present day times, argue whether the Regalian Empire is inherently good or evil. While the moral lines aren’t entirely clear, what is certain is that the Regalian Empire has ambitions to subjugate the entire world, and has made many strides to do so.  
The Regalian Empire is the largest and most culturally diverse nation in the known world of [[Aloria]]. It spans numerous continents and encompasses wide trade routes, landmasses, and patrols many [[Oceans]]. The Regalian Empire is presently the largest, continuous, absolute monarchy in the world. It encompasses nearly seventy percent of all [[Ailor]] in Aloria and large quantities of various other [[Races]] within its boundaries. The Empire mostly exists as a federal collective of states under the Imperial Seat, the collection of the Regalian Emperor, the courts of Regalia and various other institutions. While the power of the Empire has fluctuated over the centuries, it has enjoyed a position of uncontested relative hegemony for nearly 300 years since its establishment in 5 AC. The Regalian Empire both embodies the pinnacle of Ailor [[Culture]], but also many of its vices. Many scholars, even in the present day, argue whether the Regalian Empire is inherently good or evil. While the moral lines aren’t entirely clear, what is certain is the Regalian Empire has ambitions to subjugate the entire world and has made many strides to do so.
 
===Etymology===
===Etymology===
The Regalian Empire derives its name from the Regalian Kingdom, which preceded it before it was overthrown by a populist rebellion in 5 AC, the [[Five Family Rebellion]]. The Kingdom itself that pre-dated the Empire derived its name from the [[Seraph]] ruins of Rell-Gallis, a term used by the Seraph to identify royalty, which once covered the island on which the city of Regalia is situated. The name is effectively the same in every other language as the Empire has had such an impact on the world that is created a word in every existing language. Other terms are occasionally used to describe it however, such as: The Empire, The Imperium, The Regalian Commonwealth and the Human Empire. Technically referring to the Regalian Empire as “Regalia” is incorrect, as that term specifically refers to the [[Crown Isle of Regalia]], which is one of the many states that is part of the Empire, and also its capital.
The Regalian Empire inherits its name from the Regalian Kingdom, which preceded it before it was overthrown by a populist rebellion in 5 AC, the [[Five Family Rebellion]]. The Kingdom derived its name from the [[Seraph]] ruins of Rell-Gallis, a term used by the Seraph to identify royalty, which once covered the [[Crown Isle]]. However, the ruin was built over by various parties, most notably the [[Altalar]] and later the Ailor, each group passing the name on to the next. The name is also effectively the same in every other world language as the Empire has had such a global impact that its name transcends linguistic boundaries. Other terms, such as The Regalian Commonwealth, The Imperium, or simply “The Empire” are occasionally used to describe it. Technically, referring to the Regalian Empire as “Regalia” is incorrect, as that term specifically refers to the Crown Isle of Regalia, the Empire’s capital and one of its many states. Many still do, however, especially if they are from outside of the Empire or are of a less educated class.  


==History==
==History==
===Early History===
Before the Regalian Empire, the once noble and beneficial Regalian Kingdom had helped to protect its citizens from the raiding efforts of the Allorn Empire. Corruption gradually turned these selfless acts into a protection racket which didn’t properly protect anyone save the Regalian monarchy and the Crown Isle. From this void rose the Five Families, powerful figures in their respective pieces of the Regalian Archipelago around the Crown Isle. With the collapse of Altalar dominance, the Regalian King was alone and nothing was holding back his political rivals from standing up to him. These Five Families did so, and their names would live on forever: [[Ivrae]], [[Kade]], [[van Sherburne]], [[Vermeer]], and [[Cadar]]. They all signed a deal to aid each other in overthrowing the King and, within the year, they had done so. The relatively bloodless affair meant there was little chaos in the wake of this event as [[Theomar I]], the first Regalian Ivrae Emperor, took the throne to rule. The other Families also attained positions of power: the Kades received the Chancellory under the Emperor, while the van Sherburnes, Vermeer, and Cadar all earned new lands, grants, and Imperial titles. At this time the Regalian Empire was very small; all around them were other Ailor states, one of the greatest being the [[Wirtemcaller Kingdom]] to the east in what would later become the Calem regions. Each of these nations all had their own internal issues, leadership, and systems of government but Regalia, due to its zealous expansionist drive, sought to control them all. With the [[Unionism]] displacing the traditional [[Old Gods]], the new goals and intentions of this new faith called for the Empire to push beyond its borders which it began to do almost immediately.
The History of the Regalian Empire formally starts around the exact date of [[Cataclysm]] where the first roots of the Empire were struck. The Regalian Kingdom, which predated the Empire, was an oppressive nation that strongly taxed its people and failed to provide the essential military safety they craved for from Elven slave raiders of the time. Some would even speculate the last Regalian King assisted the [[Nelfin|Elves]] by moving troops around to avoid getting in their way in exchange for large sums of Elven currency. The Five Principal Families, being Ivrae, Kade, van Sherburne, Vermeer, and Cadar signed a deal in effect that would summon them all together in a rebellion against the Regalian King. They did so in 3 AC, creating a military conflict for nearly 2 years which eventually resulted in the assault of Regalia itself and the toppling of the King’s government. In terms of rebellions, the Five Family Rebellion was short and effective, largely owed to the fact that the Principal Families were relatively powerful before the rebellion already, and effectively shut the King off from all his supporters.
{| class="wikitable" style="float:left; overflow:visible; margin-right: 20px;"
|<div class="mw-collapsed mw-collapsible">
''Click for an animated map of Regalian Conquests.''
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Animatedconquest.gif]]
</div>
</div>
|}
Following the collapse of the [[Elven Empire]] and the ceasing of raids, coupled with the fact that the Cataclysm itself also never truly affected the Regalian Archipelago while it destroyed vast parts of the world beyond, the strength of the Empire grew rapidly. The Regalian Archipelago itself had large plains of fertile lands, ore rich mountains and a strong Human population boom, due to the Elves no longer snatching up their children. Early on, the Regalian Empire, as it was proclaimed with the Ivrae family at its head, controlled less than 20% of the actual archipelago. To the south of Regalia were the Vularian and Hecarian Kingdoms. To the east were the Vulminer and Wirtemcaller nations, and to the north and south the Nordskagger Horde and the Eerstwald and Itlar Kingdoms respectively. These minor nations managed to resist Regalian expansion early on, but by the year 98 AC, much of the southern Kingdoms had either fallen in war, or married into the Regalian Empire. The faith of [[Unionism]] had also started mass-converting the population of the Empire and the outlying lands in favor of the [[Old Gods]] faith which was still very strong among the Nordskagger Horde. Around this time, Regalia went to war with the Nordskagger Horde, whom were a loose tribal federation of barbarians. The war would result in a 80 year long conflict over the Drixagh and Calemberg areas. Various setbacks for Regalia followed, with numerous waves of invasions. Regalia, however, was victorious in the end of 179 AC, when the entire Archipelago was conquered by the Empire.  
 
During the entire period of the Nordskagger wars and the subjugation of the Itlar and Wirtemcaller states, massive influxes of migrants came from [[Daendroc]] and [[Ithania]], continents which had socially and economically collapsed as a result from the Elven Empire disintegrating and local warlords destroying the lands. Regalia became a beacon of peace and prosperity for Humans across the known world, and news of this serene state spread across the other continents as well, drawing in merchants and fortune seekers alike. Due to its central position in the known world, Regalia became a hub for free trade as well as free thinking. The Unionist faith was spread to Daendroc around 190 AC and the Regalian Emperors started looking beyond the Archipelago to conquer new lands.


Nation after nation subjected to Regalia through a combination of shrewd diplomacy, sword rattling, and political marriage. Before long, Regalia controlled the vast majority of the Human population on Aloria, and converted the vast majority of them to Unionism. Unionism, being an easier religion to follow and providing more spiritual resolve, became as much a way of life as a political tool for the Regalian Emperors to assert their holy providence. Beyond 230 AC, Unionism was the largest religion in the known world, only partially eclipsed by the faith of Estel, which was still prevalent among the [[Altalar]]. Various schisms inside the [[Sanchella of Union]] never fully managed to destroy the resilience of the religion largely because it had the unique ability to adapt, unlike other religions. While other religions eventually washed away by the changing of the times, Unionism allowed Emperors to write new Creeds whenever the need arose, thus allowing Unionism to evolve as time went by to suit the needs of Humanity and the Regalian Empire.
What followed was 150 years of warfare, education, training and aggressive diplomacy. The Regalian Empire truly became an Empire, marching in a counter-clockwise direction across nearly a dozen different kingdoms, principalities, and states on a path of conquest to unite the entirety of the Regalian Archipelago. In the beginning, it was slow going, but they soon hit their stride, some states even capitulating without a fight. The biggest ideological enemy of this period was the [[Skagger Horde]]. Technically not a unified body, it was the term used to refer to various [[Velheim]] groups which had moved into the north of the Archipelago largely in the aftermath of the [[Cataclysm]]. They settled across [[Gallovia]] and [[Drixagh]], dominating both regions for a number of years. Unionism, which saw widespread adoption in other areas of the Regalian Archipelago, failed against the Old Faiths present here. These Velheim also raided and attacked the various Archipelago states, namely Regalia, as well as the respected Wirtemcaller Kingdom. In response to this and other factors, the Regalian Empire soon developed the powerful [[Imperial Navy]] to defend their shipping and help support their troops better in the field. The Navy soon became a key feature of the Empire and would go on to help it dominate the world, with vessels sailing out as early as 150 AC to aid in the subjugation of Ithania and other Ailor regions. At last, in 179 AC, the last of the enemy Skagger Horde left Drixagh and the Regalian Archipelago finally came under the sole control of the Empire.


===Regalian Pessimism===
The events that followed happened rapidly. For nearly a century after this event, the Regalian Empire continued to dominate the world. Region after region capitulated to their might, from Etosil and the Daendroque states to even the descendants of the Skagger Horde who had formed the Kingdom of Nordskag. Unionism spread far and wide and ultimately Regalia came to hold territorial and religious sway over the majority of Aloria’s Ailor population. But in the years following 260 AC, the Regalian Empire began to decay. The [[Regalian Pessimism]], as it is called today, was a decay in Regalian power as religious and military momentum eventually ground to a halt and the first cracks in Unionism started showing. Various diseases plagued the bloated Empire's growing population, straining its bureaucracy and public health. The [[Drachenwald Crisis]] further crippled the Empire's government, forming the paralyzing [[Regalian Senate]] and freezing the Empire's decision-making apparatus for several decades. However, the beginning of the [[Chrysant War]] and its ensuing religious and military fervor revived the Empire. The war with the [[Slizzar]] and [[Allar]] was as much a religious genocide as it was a war, targeting Races the Ailor feared could one day rival them technologically. The [[Essa Empire]] was completely crushed, ending the Slizzar control over the Allar. With the expansionist fervor of Regalia restored, more military campaigns followed in the decades to come and over the past several years, have occurred alongside unprecedented or bizarre events.  
Around 260 AC, despite many recent military conquests, the period referred to as the Regalian Pessimism started; a period in which the religious and military momentum eventually ground to a halt and the first cracks in the Faith of Unionism started showing. Various diseases plagued the Empire as well, its own growth crippling it as the Empire had grown too bloated, and the bureaucracy was unable to keep up. The government was further crippled by the [[Drachenwald Crisis]] which created a trickle down politics, resulting in a non-functional Senate which froze the decision apparatus of the Empire for many decades. Only at the start of the [[Chrysant War]] did the Pessimism end and did religious and military fervor restore belief in the Regalian Empire. The war with the [[Slizzar]] and [[Allar]] was as much a religious crusade as a genocide of a race that the Humans feared could rival them one day in technological progress. The [[Essa Empire]], as the Allar called their own nation, was completely crushed and an end was brought to the Slizzar control over the Allar. With the fervor of Regalia restored, more military campaigns followed in the decades to come, against the [[Elves]], [[Orcs]], and even against the [[Qadir]] on numerous occasions.  


In present day, the Regalian Empire polices a carefully constructed geopolitical balance between itself and the Qadir Sultanate, Regalia’s only direct rival. Several independent fringe states exist, though most of them are in one way related to Regalia or the Qadir, thus creating a very polarized political landscape. In modern times, Regalia mostly aims itself inward, attempting to restore and maintain peace between the many races, religions, and cultures that live within its borders, while also guarding against external heresies like the [[Void]], [[Vampires]], and other demonic ilk. The Regalian Empire is not as stable as it had been in the past; frequent rebellions and conflicts among nobility have shaken the foundations of the Empire, now relying on the grit and tenacity of its people to continue thriving.
In the present day, the Regalian Empire is a weakened but still-powerful state. Their only direct rival in world power, the [[Songaskian Masaya]], has faded from view after the devastation of the First and Second Songaskian Wars, while the Altalar nations of [[Daen]] are currently at peace with Regalia. The [[Dread War]], which so ravaged southern Daen, has finally come to a close but new problems loomed on the horizon, mainly increased warfare in the Regalian Archipelago between various noble families. These conflicts too have come to an end, and for once in Aloria the entering of a new year, 308 AC, has largely been peaceful if not quiet compared with those of other years.


==Government==
==Government==
* ''For more historical context, read the [[Regalian Senate]] page.''
The Empire has a variety of organizations and authorities which sometimes conflict or overlap. To outsiders, the Regalian Empire is a confusing web of political intrigue that is hard to understand without spending an enormous amount of time researching the laws. In short though, the Regalian Archipelago is ruled by the Noble Houses and the Imperial Government in partnership, while the sovereign states that have accepted Regalian rule are semi-autonomous and largely must seek to co-operate with the Imperial Government. The Imperial Government itself rules over very little land, though it does have a scattered handful of direct possessions under its control.
* ''For more law enforcement context, read the [[Regalian Law]] page.''
The Regalian Empire has a complex form of governance that is hard to understand at first sight. From the very top down, the Regalian Empire is an Absolute Monarchy with the Emperor at the head of everything followed by the Sanchella of Union and all clerical figures. The Emperor and the church make up a sovereign nation called “The Imperial Seat” together, which is the overarching ruling body of the Empire. Underneath the Imperial Seat however, various states exist in a Federal construction among one another with varying degrees of autonomy and state control and radically different government forms. To further understand the political structure of the Empire, see the bullet points listed below. The bullet points are in ranked order, meaning Crown Nations have a higher political importance to the empire than Aristocratic Realms and Governorates. Sub-bullet points are ordered based on authority. For example, the Ithanian Grand Princedom has control over the Hivres, but not the Aristocratic Realm Lordships. Everything is supervised by the Imperial Seat.
* '''The Imperial Seat (Church and Emperor)''' [[File:Regalian_Archipelago_2.png|550px|thumb|right|A map of the Regalian Archipelago]]
** '''The Crown Nations'''
*** Lusits Kingdom (Kingdom)
*** Nordskag Kingdom (Kingdom)
*** Torse Kingdom (Kingdom)
*** Ithanian Grand Princedom (elected from one of the Hivres)
**** Hivre Haute Puisse (Principality)
**** Hivre du Sud (Principality)
**** Hivre Saint-lume (Principality)
**** Hivre Bains des Bas (Principality)
**** Hivre Bressuivre (Principality)
**** Hivre Castellajoux (Principality)
**** Hivre Saint Shevaix (Principality)
**** Hivre Carnigoux de Foix (Principality)
**** Hivre Agennes-sur-Livres (Principality)
** '''Aristocratic Realms'''
*** Anglia (Lordship)
*** Dorinn (Lordship)
*** Calemberg (Lordship)
*** Drixagh (Lordship)
*** Vultaro (Lordship)
*** Montania (Lordship)
*** Islandia (Lordship)
*** Pays-Sud (Lordship)
*** Girobalda (Lordship)
*** Vixhall (Lordship)
*** Dragenthal (Lordship)
*** Basta (Lordship)
** '''Crown Cities'''
*** Regalia (City Council)
*** Hallonq (Viscounty)
*** Daenshore (Viscounty)
*** Beneterife (Viscounty)
*** Palomaressa (Viscounty)
** '''Colonial Realms'''
*** Daenshore (Governorate)
*** Sun Isles (Governorate)
*** Hadarian (Governorate)
 
For sake of ease of reference, the absolute ruler of the Empire is and will always be considered the Emperor. The factual control of the Emperor is extremely minimal in the Empire however, limited to making overarching decisions and steps to ensure the common course of the commonwealth as a whole. The power of the Emperor trickles down to the Bureaucracy and the Judiciary, massive organizations that handle paperwork and communication between the Imperial Court. Furthermore, while the Emperor is the supreme leader of the Admiralty and Marshallry, his actual control is limited to simply ordering the armies to defeat a certain sovereign, and then the pipeline decisions get made by the Admirals and Marshals of the Regalian Armed Forces. Despite this severe watering down of power, the Emperor’s words and actions are still absolute. No counter word may be offered for he is considered holy beyond comprehension and his word is literally that of a god. In practice, the Emperor is often very content simply keeping a back line position and watching things play out in front of him, intervening where necessary to keep Regalia going where they want it to go.


===List of Rulers===
===List of Rulers===
*Before Cataclysm - Assorted Rulers
Even though Regalia is ruled by the head of state - the Emperor - several other figures have still been instrumental in its administration. The Arch Chancellors have been second only to the Emperor in terms of authority and have traditionally been members of House Kade. For a list of all Arch Chancellors, click [[List of Regalian Arch Chancellors|here]].
*6 - 61 A.C. - Holy Emperor Theomar the First
*5 to 67 AC - Holy Emperor Theomar I
*61 - 73 A.C. - Courageous Emperor Leomar the First
*67 to 69 AC - Emperor Lilienmar I
*73 - 79 A.C. - Vigilant Emperor Leomar the Second 
*69 to 79 AC - Emperor Lilienmar II
*79  - 121 A.C. - Honorable Emperor Henri the First
*79 to 96 AC - Honorable Emperor Henri I
*121 - 121 A.C. - Hedonistic Emperor Henri the Second
*96 to 97 AC - Emperor Bartholomeux I (Years of the Three Emperors)
*121 - 161 A.C. - Blessed Emperor Henri the Third
*97 to 98 AC - Emperor Carvallais I (Years of the Three Emperors)
*161 - 190 A.C. - Witful Emperor Allamaria the First
*98 to 99 AC - Emperor Maxelle I (Years of the Three Emperors)
*190 - 200 A.C. - Virtuous Emperor Handorien the First
*99 to 114 AC - Emperor Leomar I
*200 - 219 A.C. - Strong Emperor Allestrain the First
*114 AC - Emperor Justeux I
*219 - 269 A.C. - Unfortunate Emperor Justinian the First
*114 to 121 AC - Hedonistic Emperor Henri II
*269 - 302 A.C. - Righteous Emperor Justinian the Second
*121 to 166 AC - Blessed Emperor Henri III
*302 A.C. - Present - Untested Emperor Alexander the First
*166 to 174 AC - Emperor Lilienmar III
 
*174 to 195 AC - Witful Emperor Allamaria I
===Government Trivia===
*195 to 207 AC - Emperor Handorien I
* Curiously enough, revolting against the City Council of the Regalian Crown Isle (The capital city) is not counted as a capital heretical offense. Due to the Imperial Seat seceding from the Imperial City, one can legally rebel against the City, but still remain loyal to the Emperor, thus avoiding a heresy charge. This means that since recent times, it has become feasible to revolt against the city authorities and get away with it. Whether or not the Emperor intended for this to happen is entirely up for debate.
*207 to 211 AC - Strong Emperor Allestrain I
* Due to the split of the Archipelago in separate Aristocratic Realms, it is actually partially legal for them to go to war with one another, but only if all sub-states of a particular Lordship agree. In the case of the Anglian Lordship, this is easy since it only contains ex-Kade family titles, but for example for Drixagh this would be a lot harder since 5 separate families rule there with their own separate agendas.
*211 to 219 AC - Emperor Handorien II
* All of the Empire's bureaucratic orders and offices funnel back to the Imperial seat, where the various institutions have their archives, where most of the ministers reside and where the Emperor's Privy Council assists in the creation of Laws for the entire Empire. The Imperial Seat, or rather the Imperial District of the Regalian City, is as such the heaviest guarded place in the known world between the Imperial Guard and the Imperial Regiments.
*219 to 224 AC - Unfortunate Emperor Justinian I
*224 to 227 AC - Seasonal Emperor Handorien III
*227 to 231 AC - Seasonal Emperor Ottomar I
*231 to 235 AC - Seasonal Emperor Balthezar I
*235 to 240 AC - Seasonal Emperor Handorien IV
*240 to 244 AC - Seasonal Emperor Handorien V
*244 to 249 AC - Seasonal Emperor Allestrain II
*249 to 255 AC - Seasonal Emperor Allestrain III
*255 to 269 AC - Absolute Emperor Vilgemar I
*269 to 302 AC - Righteous Emperor Justinian the II
*302 to 305 AC - Willful Emperor [[Alexander I]]
*305 to 306 AC - Soldier Emperor [[Cedromar I]]
*306 to 307 AC - The Interregnum
*307 to Present - Willful Emperor Alexander the I


==Foreign Relations==
==Foreign Relations==
The Regalian Empire maintains hostile relations with most foreign nations except the ones it finds relevant to its political sphere of influence. Regalia generally uses a very intimidating approach when dealing with other nations, demanding tribute or excessive concessions to placate or threatened with invasion. Regalia maintains open hostility with [[Qadiriyye]] and the [[Empire of Sendras]], privateering or attacking naval forces of either whenever they are seen anywhere within the Regalian Empire’s borders.
The Regalian Empire has far more complex foreign relations now than it once did a mere decade or two ago. Its old rival, the Songaskian Masaya, is now considered neutral at best by the Regalian state. After holding its current leader in their protection for two years from his usurper uncle, the Masaya has seemingly for now chosen to ignore Regalia in favor of rebuilding. The Allar, once sworn and hated enemies of the Regalian Empire, have been integrated en masse back into the state through their Digmaan rising to the rank of Regalian nobility. They live across many regions but no longer actively fear the roaring guns of Regalian warships. The only Allar who have to fear such a fate are the Void Worshiping Allar of the [[Sendrassian Empire]] on [[Sendras]], but they are at the edge of Regalia and while officially they have poor relations, the Digmaan now serves as a buffer between Regalia proper and this hostile force. The same could be said of the Altalar nations in southern Daen. While Regalia warred with them for more than a year, this ended with a peace deal that allowed both groups to battle against the Dread Empire and their Void Worshiping Kathar, which are also an enemy of the Regalian Empire. In the north, Regalia faces a stern collective of Velheim-led nations whose relationship with the Empire can best be described as mercurial. On a much smaller scale, Regalia has also angered the [[Horned Throng]], the leading body of [[Urlan]] in [[Jorrhildr]], by interfering with their rituals and practices. This is not yet an active conflict, but the two groups are far icier than they have been in the past. With most other groups, Regalia keeps up positive relations. For example, the Qadir will still help the Regalians in certain situations even though they exited an alliance with the Empire.


==Military==
==Military==
The Regalian Empire fields Aloria’s largest navy, as well as the most technologically advanced siege weapons available in modern times. This extreme quality in naval warfare however, has resulted in a severely lackluster land military. The majority of Regalia’s land military is made up of peasant levies and untrained hired men who often pledge more allegiance to the family they serve than the Emperor himself. This results in a very diverse and disorganized land military that is often subservient to the Naval Command during wars. The Regalian State only has a very small standing army of professional soldiers. The Empire mostly relies on decentralizing military forces to aristocratic families, lessening the costs of fielding armies but also impacting their quality. The Regalian armed forces usually rely on overpowering numbers and superior artillery, both from massive cannons as well as naval coast bombardments.
The Regalian Empire fields Aloria’s largest navy, as well as the most technologically advanced siege weapons available in modern times. This extremely high quality in naval warfare, however, has resulted in a lackluster land military. In recent years though, the Regalian Empire has made great strides in improving their soldiers, from the rise to prominence of the Tenpenny Army to a more active military, which has required more soldiers for longer periods of time. These strides were mainly made during the rule of Cedromar I, a great supporter of the armed forces. Despite this, the Regalian armed forces still rely on overwhelming numbers and superior artillery - both from massive cannons as well as naval coast bombardments - to win the day.
 
* ''For more information on the Regalian Military, click [[Imperial Navy|here]]''
* ''For more information on the Regalian Military, read [[Imperial Fleet]]''


==Economy==
==Economy==
Regalia has the world’s largest mercantile economy, easily making up 70% of the global international trade and more than half the domestic trade market of any nation. As Regalian trade is so profoundly present in other nations, even its rivals like the Qadir Sultanate, the [[Regal]] is a universally accepted coin in any corner of the world, aside from some seriously backwater areas where civilized contact is minimal. Regalia is an aggressively Imperialistic nation, favoring pressing exploitation of colonies for the benefit of the Empire and unequal trade treaties with foreign nations that are backed with a massive armada and merchant fleet. Despite Regalia’s trade dominance however, its main source of income is the massively obscene taxation system of the Empire. The Regalians, over the course of three centuries, have perfected the art of taxation to the minutest detail with a sprawling bureaucracy, archive and tax collectors present in every corner of the Empire. It is often said Regalians love numbers, and love squeezing a profit out of numbers even more as every transaction is taxed one way or another. It comes as no surprise that Regalia’s treasury is obscenely large, fueling both the expansive attitudes of the nations as well as the splendor and prestige excesses of the nobility and the Imperial court. Despite the size of Regalia’s economy, it is actually excessively fragile and reliant on good harvests. The building blocks of the economy are mostly founded on agricultural produce and its trade and export. These foundations allow the merchants to branch off in other sectors with start capital, meaning if a famine were to ever strike the Empire, the whole economic system would risk utter collapse and the world economy as a consequence.  
Regalia has the world’s largest mercantile economy, easily making up 30% of the global international trade. As Regalian trade is so present in other nations, the [[Regal]] is a universally accepted coin in many corners of the world, not including dangerous backwater areas where civilized contact is minimal. Even the Songaskian Masaya at its height accepted the currency, but only due to economic necessity. Regalia is an aggressively Imperialistic nation, favoring colonial resource exploitation and unequal trade treaties with foreign nations which are backed by its massive armada and merchant fleet. Despite Regalia’s trade dominance, however, its main source of income is the obscene taxation system of the Empire. The Regalians, over the course of three centuries, have perfected the art of taxation to the minutest detail with a sprawling bureaucracy, archive and tax collectors present in every corner of the Empire. It is often said Regalians love numbers and love squeezing a profit out of numbers even more as every transaction is taxed one way or another. Regalia’s treasury was thus previously extremely large, fueling both the Empire’s imperialist ventures as well as the splendor and prestige excesses of its nobility and Imperial court. Unfortunately, in recent years it has been routinely plundered by Regalia’s enemies sacking or occupying its capital city; first the Songaskians, and then more supernatural foes like the Deathlings. Despite the size of Regalia’s economy, it is actually excessively fragile and heavily reliant on productive crop harvests. As such, the building blocks of its economy are agricultural produce,  domestic enterprise, and international trade. These foundations allow the merchants to branch off into other sectors with minimal capital. However, if a famine were ever to strike the Empire the whole economic system would risk utter collapse, dragging the world economy with it.  


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
[[file:RegalianSunset.png|thumb|350px|The Regalian skyline at sunset.]]
[[file:RegalianSunset.png|thumb|350px|The Regalian skyline at sunset.]]
Demographics are measured by the total land mass of the Regalian Empire, not the Regalian Crown Isle or the city of Regalia. The numbers of demographics vary radically from state to state, so use other pages for reference when consulting on exact numbers.  
An accurate census of an Empire as large as Regalia is almost impossible. Below is a rough estimate made by Imperial census-takers in 305 AC.
*59% [[Human]][[category:Ailor Demographics]]
*55% Human
*21% [[Altalar|Elven]][[category:Altalar Demographics]]
*15% Nelfin
*5% [[Ch’ien-ji]][[category:Ch'ien-Ji Demographics]]
*10% Allar
*5% [[Dwarf|Dwarves]][[category:Dwarf Demographics]]
*10% Asha
*3% [[Varran]][[category:Varran Demographics]]
*5% Eronidas
*4% [[Qadir]][[category:Qadir Demographics]]
*5% Other
*1% [[Allar]][[category:Allar Demographics]]
The Regalian Empire maintains a distinct difference between what it considers Citizens, Supporters, and Outsiders. Citizens are those within the Empire who have rights. Supporters are those who have minimal rights conferred to them by the Judiciary. Outsiders are those who have no rights whatsoever.
*2% Other
The Regalian Empire maintains a distinct difference between what it considers Citizens, Supporters and Outsiders. Citizens are those within the Empire who have rights. Supporters are those who have minimal rights conferred to them by the Judiciary, and Outsiders are those who have no rights whatsoever. The Rankings of Citizens are tiered between various different tiers and terms associated with them. The following races are ranked:
 
===First Rank Citizens===
First Rank Citizens are people who may claim instant citizenship of the Regalian Empire on basis of their skin color, religion or other reason. Those who have First Citizen Rank receive economic benefits as well as protections by the law and a right to maintain property and employment in the Empire itself.
* Ailor
* Ch’ien-ji
* Huon-ji (Not yet released)
* Guo-ji (Not yet released)
* Qadir
* Al-Allar
* Mu-Allar
* Sa-Allar
* Varran
 
===Gorr Rank Citizens===
Gorr Rank Citizens are people who may claim citizenship in the Regalian Empire after having served with a regalian Mercenary Chapter for at least 2 years on passive duty, or been a mercenary actively during one major Regalian armed conflict. Gorr Rank Citizens are also people who may claim citizenship in the Regalian Empire after having worked in the Regalian quarries for at least 4 years. The Gorr Citizen Rank is limited to a specific set of races, but provides almost the same protections as First Rank Citizen. The only limitation is that the legal rights of First Rank Citizens are always higher than that of a Gorr Rank Citizen.
* Orc
* Garr (Not yet released)
* Jurr (Not yet released)
 
===Marked Rank Citizen===
Marked Rank Citizens are effectively First Rank Citizens, however they suffer scrutiny from the law enforcement because of their race, or because of their race's past behavior to the Regalian Empire. Such citizens have to frequently report to the Violet Guard and ensure they do not collect a criminal record, as they are often punished twice as harshly as other Citizen Ranks.
* Isldar
* Songaskia
 
===Protected Rank Citizen===
Protected Rank Citizens are Outsiders who formally have some legal protection that ensures they aren't abused or outright ousted from the Empire. Those who are part of this social class have the right to property, but they will become marked as Outsiders as soon as they commit crimes and are only referred to as "protected" citizens because the Regalian Empire sees them as creatures in need of protection. Any of the races that fall under this category can claim such protection rights from the Empire when entering it for the first time.
* Yanar
* Rashaq
* Lampar
* Maiar
* Dwarves (all subraces)
* Altalar
* Cielothar
* Avanthar
* Wolathar
 
===Outsiders===
Outsiders are creatures that cannot claim any legal protections or citizen ranks in the Regalian Empire. By all means, these races are considered so Alien that the lines between animal and race blur too much for the Regalian Authorities.
* Circci
* Ur
* Solang (Though when enslaved, they are Third Rank Citizens)
* Wulong (Though when enslaved, they are Third Rank Citizens)
* Slizzar
* Shendar
* Drowdar
* Dakkar
* Saivalthar
 
===Third Rank Citizens===
Third Rank Citizens are basically property owned by First Rank citizens, which means they have protection rights under the law as the property of First Rank citizens. This rank is restricted to anyone who is registered as a slave, either owned by a First Rank Citizen, or by the Suffron Order which deals in slavery.
 
===Promotion Rights===
Some authorities have the rights to raise Outsiders, Protected, Marked or Gorr Rank Citizens up to First Citizen straight away without any requirement. The individuals which are permitted to do this are:
* The Regalian Central Government
* The Regalian Emperor
* The Regalian City Authorities
* Lords of the Realm and the above
* Viscounts of the Realm and the above
* Landsete of the Realm and the above
 
As the above implies, people who have been promoted to higher noble titles have the right to declare any individual a First Rank Citizen of their realm, which automatically extends First Rank Citizen rights to the entire Empire. The rights of a citizen are often recorded by the bureaucracy, which means that sometimes the Judiciary may also decide to downgrade for example an excessively unhelpful Ailor or Qadir. That being said, this almost never happens since the preferred punishment that would even warrant such a situation is execution or extended imprisonment. Still, it is often an effective method to target the families of criminals and rogues in an attempt to get them to turn themselves in by stripping the rights of all whom they cherish.


==Culture==
==Culture==
One can never truly identify Regalia with a single culture. Every single culture that exists in the world is in one way represented in the various corners of the Empire. Still, for sake of cultural identification, various forms of culture exist within the Empire that clearly dominate the others, and in way are seen as the prime cultures of the state. Below is a categorical listing of the various prime cultures and their importance in rank. The main culture that overpowers the other by far is the Alt-Regalian followed closely by the Imperialist culture. Even though the actual number of people who identify as Alt-Regalian is less than all other cultures, it is the historical main culture of the Empire in its roots, only slowly being overtaken by the new century Imperialist culture recently.
The Regalian Empire cannot be identified with a single culture. Every culture in the world is in some way represented in the various corners of the Empire. Still, various cultures that exist within the Empire clearly dominate the others and are seen as the primary cultures of the state. The main culture that overpowers the other by far is the [[Alt-Regalian]] followed closely by the Imperial Culture. Even though the actual number of people who identify as Alt-Regalian is less than all other cultures, it is the main historical culture of the Empire in its roots and is only slowly being overtaken by the new century Imperial culture.
 
* ''For more information on the Cultures that exist within Regalia, click [[Culture|here]]''
* Heart Regalian Cultures
** [[Human_Cultures#Alt-Regalisch|Alt Regalisch]]
** Alt-Anglian
** Imperialist
* Ithanais Cultures
** [[Human_Cultures#D’Ithanie|D’Ithanie]]
** Leutz-Vixe
* Western Cultures
** [[Human_Cultures#Daendroque|Daendroque]]
** [[Human_Cultures#Dressolini|Dressolini]]
** Catala
* Northern Cultures
** [[Human_Cultures#Northerne|Northerne]]
** [[Human_Cultures#Ceardian|Ceardian]]
** Holsen


==Religion==
==Religion==
As with culture, nearly every known Religion in the world is present in the Regalian Empire one way or another, but individual rights of the various religions differ radically. Regalia’s formal state religion is Unionism, and technically all other forms of religion are heresy and viable for execution on grounds of being a heretic. Still, there are some legal constructs in which one can be a follower of a different religion, as long as certain promises are made based on legal contracts. Below is a proper explanation on the state’s views and the legality of every major religion.
As with Culture, nearly every known [[Religion]] in the world is present in the Regalian Empire but individual rights of the various religions differ radically. Regalia’s formal state religion is Unionism. Below is a proper explanation of the state’s views and the legality of every major religion.


* '''[[Unionism]] - State Religion'''
*'''[[Unionism]] - State Religion'''
** Unionism is the Regalian Empire’s state Religion. Unionists have full rights to everything and enjoy extra protection rights against heretics and foreigners.
**Unionism is the Regalian Empire’s State Religion. Unionists have full rights to everything and enjoy special protection rights over heretics and foreigners.
** The Etosian Heresy of Unionism is nominally protected within the Empire and legal to profess in public, but it may not be preached on punishment of death.
*'''[[Faith of Estel]] - Tolerated'''
** The Vultar Heresy of Unionism is fully illegal and counted as a major heresy. Any follower of the Vultar Heresy is put to death.
**The Regalian State tolerates the Faith of Estel only under the condition that those who worship it do so in certain approved spaces.  
** The Diviner Heresy of Unionism is fully illegal and counted as a major heresy. Any follower of the Diviner Heresy is put to death.
*'''[[Old Gods]] - Tolerated'''
* '''[[Faith of Estel]] - Tolerated'''
**The Old Gods are tolerated under the condition that those who worship them do so in certain approved spaces.
** The Regalian State tolerates the Faith of Estel only under the condition that those who are worshipers have signed the [[Ekheinder Contract]], a legal contract which guarantees that the signatory professes to the theory that the Imperial Spirit is the actual identity of Estel, and that the Elven Empire was a failure that proclaimed Human supremacy. Additionally, Estel must be worshipped in certain Regalian approved temples where the old Estel idols are usually filled with Unionist symbols. The Faith of Estel may not be spread.
*'''Assorted “Lesser” Faiths (Faith of Baskarr, Dwarven Dogma, Allar Philosophy, Shambala and Qadir Life Views) - Tolerated'''
* '''[[Old Gods]] - Tolerated'''
**The “Lesser” Faiths are all still protected religions of the Regalian Empire but are considered to be lower due to them largely being practiced by non-Ailor or by smaller parts of the Empire’s population. All possess the same rules as the Old Gods and the Faith of Estel, though the “religions” of the Allar and Qadir are more complicated. Strictly speaking, they are less religions and more cultural worldviews. If these viewpoints align with Regalia’s goals then they are left alone, but if they are radical or violent then those who espouse them can be punished.  
** The Old Gods faith is tolerated under the condition that those who worship have signed the [[Profession of Melennar]] Contract, a legal contract that guarantees the the signatory professes to the theory that the various Old Gods are actually aspects of the Imperial Spirit and that the Old Gods is just an older version of Unionism, proclaiming the Emperor as the supreme being. Furthermore, they must worship their faith in special chapels attached to the Unionist churches, but may not spread their faith.
**Shambala can only be worshipped within the bounds of the Regalian Empire but with two special restricts. The first is that during their times of worship, the faithful must wear unique hats. These hats, fully covering the heads of who wear them and possessing some unique features, are a form of Regalian symbolism demonstrating that the Sun is the Spirit, but also that the Regalian Empire looms over such a faith within their lands. The second restriction is that worship at the Shambala shrines, as there can only be shrines and never temples within the territory of the Regalian Empire, can only take place on a Friday morning.
* '''[[Shama-Abdala]] - Tolerated Minimally'''
*'''[[Void Worship]] and [[Nessrassian]] - Fully Illegal and Punishable by Death'''
** Shama-Abdala is only minimally tolerated as long as the Qadir wear hats during worship in special “Imperial Sun” temples. By effectively forcing heresy onto the Shama-Abdala worshippers, they are coerced into becoming Unionists. Failure to comply to the laws on Shama-Abdala worship is liable to have the offender executed.
* '''[[Void Worship]] - Fully Illegal and Punishable by Death'''
* '''[[Nessrassian]] - Fully Illegal and Punishable by Death'''
* '''[[Faith of Hael]] - Fully Illegal and Punishable by Death'''
* '''[[Way of Tides]] - Fully Illegal and Punishable by Death'''
** It should be noted however that the authorities tend to be very loose when it comes to punishing those who follow the Way of Tides as persecuting it is believed to be too disruptive to the functioning of the Imperial Navy.
* '''[[category:Dargan Regligions|Dargan Religions]]''' - Fully Illegal and Punishable by Death


It should come as no surprise that many citizens of the Empire who do not follow Unionism, even though they are a small minority, continue to live their faith in private, either through hidden temples or underground praying rooms. The Regalian state and the Sanchella of Union in particular has the [[White Order]], or the Regalian Inquisition, work tirelessly to hunt down heretics and non believers within the Empire’s boundaries. They also investigate supporters of such heresies and pass judgement where necessary. To be caught by the White Order while being a heretic is usually a death sentence.
Many citizens of the Empire who do not follow Unionism or any of the Protected Religions continue to live their faith in private, either through hidden temples or in underground praying rooms. The Regalian state had the Inquisition, who worked tirelessly to hunt down heretics and non-believers within the Empire’s boundaries. They also investigated supporters of such heresies and passed judgment where necessary. Today, local law enforcement have their own charters and groups to deal with such things after the Inquisition collapsed during the Regalian Pessimism.  


*''Read more about Unionism [[Unionism|here]]''
*''Read more about Unionism [[Unionism|here]]''
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==Symbols==
==Symbols==
Regalia’s symbols are relatively simple but powerfully recognized across the world. The Regalian Purple-Yellow-Purple banner is the official flag of the Empire and various Crown Cities. Furthermore, the Imperial banner Purple-Blue-Purple is seen across the Crown City and the Imperial Seat as the old Kade family banner. Additionally, the Unionist faith is expressed through the Unionist eye, an almond shaped eye frame with a pupil in the middle which is often surrounded by solar rays to signify the Imperial Spirit. Finally the feathered dragon and the Holy Stag are often seen as the animals representing the Empire, being the old crest animals of the two Imperial dynasties, Ivrae and Kade (Alltmeister).
Regalia’s symbols are relatively simple but powerfully recognized across the world. The Regalian Purple-Yellow-Purple banner is the official flag of the Empire. Furthermore, the Imperial Purple-Blue-Purple banner is seen across the Crown City and the Imperial Seat as the old Kade family banner. Additionally, the Unionist faith is expressed through the Unionist eye; an almond-shaped eye frame with a pupil in the middle which is often surrounded by solar rays to signify the Imperial Spirit. Finally, the [[Blue Crown Dragon]] and the Holy Stork are often seen as the animals representing the Empire, being the crest animals of the two Imperial dynasties, Ivrae and Kade.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The Regalian Crown Isle is actually the site of a massive underground Seraph complex. It has been built over by generations into what is now vaguely seen as the Sewers.
*The Regalian Archipelago is the only self-sufficient area of the Regalian Empire and requires no foreign exports or imports to feed, clothe or maintain the standard of living of most of its citizens. Ithania is too dependant on foreign exotics, Daendroc needs outside funds and organizational forces to maintain a form of government, and other regions are similarly dependent on outside forces.
*The Regalian Heartland is actually much weaker on paper than all of its tributaries and substates combined.
*The Regalian Empire is the only self sufficient state in existence around it, needing no foreign export or import to feed, clothe or maintain the standard of living for its citizens.
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|Artists = MonMarty
|Artists = Erynor
|Writers = MonMarty, HydraLana
|Processors = Shayin, CatCat1305, TheBioverse, Jared4242, 0romir, Lord_Immortal
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[[Category:Nations and States]] [[category:Regalia Nations and States]][[category:The Central Islands]] [[category:Regalian Archipelago Nations and States]] [[category: The Central States]]
[[category:Nations and States]] [[category:Major Nations and States]]

Revision as of 23:48, 18 April 2022

Regalian Empire
Noimg.png
Nations and States
Full Name The Regalian Empire
Pronunciation Reh-gah-lee-ah.
Capital Regalian Crown Isle
Official Languages Various
Regional Languages See Human Cultures
Sovereign State Regalian Empire
Government Absolute Monarchy
Current Ruler Alexander I
Population 100,000,000+

The Regalian Empire is the largest and most culturally diverse nation in the known world of Aloria. It spans numerous continents and encompasses wide trade routes, landmasses, and patrols many Oceans. The Regalian Empire is presently the largest, continuous, absolute monarchy in the world. It encompasses nearly seventy percent of all Ailor in Aloria and large quantities of various other Races within its boundaries. The Empire mostly exists as a federal collective of states under the Imperial Seat, the collection of the Regalian Emperor, the courts of Regalia and various other institutions. While the power of the Empire has fluctuated over the centuries, it has enjoyed a position of uncontested relative hegemony for nearly 300 years since its establishment in 5 AC. The Regalian Empire both embodies the pinnacle of Ailor Culture, but also many of its vices. Many scholars, even in the present day, argue whether the Regalian Empire is inherently good or evil. While the moral lines aren’t entirely clear, what is certain is the Regalian Empire has ambitions to subjugate the entire world and has made many strides to do so.

Etymology

The Regalian Empire inherits its name from the Regalian Kingdom, which preceded it before it was overthrown by a populist rebellion in 5 AC, the Five Family Rebellion. The Kingdom derived its name from the Seraph ruins of Rell-Gallis, a term used by the Seraph to identify royalty, which once covered the Crown Isle. However, the ruin was built over by various parties, most notably the Altalar and later the Ailor, each group passing the name on to the next. The name is also effectively the same in every other world language as the Empire has had such a global impact that its name transcends linguistic boundaries. Other terms, such as The Regalian Commonwealth, The Imperium, or simply “The Empire” are occasionally used to describe it. Technically, referring to the Regalian Empire as “Regalia” is incorrect, as that term specifically refers to the Crown Isle of Regalia, the Empire’s capital and one of its many states. Many still do, however, especially if they are from outside of the Empire or are of a less educated class.

History

Before the Regalian Empire, the once noble and beneficial Regalian Kingdom had helped to protect its citizens from the raiding efforts of the Allorn Empire. Corruption gradually turned these selfless acts into a protection racket which didn’t properly protect anyone save the Regalian monarchy and the Crown Isle. From this void rose the Five Families, powerful figures in their respective pieces of the Regalian Archipelago around the Crown Isle. With the collapse of Altalar dominance, the Regalian King was alone and nothing was holding back his political rivals from standing up to him. These Five Families did so, and their names would live on forever: Ivrae, Kade, van Sherburne, Vermeer, and Cadar. They all signed a deal to aid each other in overthrowing the King and, within the year, they had done so. The relatively bloodless affair meant there was little chaos in the wake of this event as Theomar I, the first Regalian Ivrae Emperor, took the throne to rule. The other Families also attained positions of power: the Kades received the Chancellory under the Emperor, while the van Sherburnes, Vermeer, and Cadar all earned new lands, grants, and Imperial titles. At this time the Regalian Empire was very small; all around them were other Ailor states, one of the greatest being the Wirtemcaller Kingdom to the east in what would later become the Calem regions. Each of these nations all had their own internal issues, leadership, and systems of government but Regalia, due to its zealous expansionist drive, sought to control them all. With the Unionism displacing the traditional Old Gods, the new goals and intentions of this new faith called for the Empire to push beyond its borders which it began to do almost immediately.

What followed was 150 years of warfare, education, training and aggressive diplomacy. The Regalian Empire truly became an Empire, marching in a counter-clockwise direction across nearly a dozen different kingdoms, principalities, and states on a path of conquest to unite the entirety of the Regalian Archipelago. In the beginning, it was slow going, but they soon hit their stride, some states even capitulating without a fight. The biggest ideological enemy of this period was the Skagger Horde. Technically not a unified body, it was the term used to refer to various Velheim groups which had moved into the north of the Archipelago largely in the aftermath of the Cataclysm. They settled across Gallovia and Drixagh, dominating both regions for a number of years. Unionism, which saw widespread adoption in other areas of the Regalian Archipelago, failed against the Old Faiths present here. These Velheim also raided and attacked the various Archipelago states, namely Regalia, as well as the respected Wirtemcaller Kingdom. In response to this and other factors, the Regalian Empire soon developed the powerful Imperial Navy to defend their shipping and help support their troops better in the field. The Navy soon became a key feature of the Empire and would go on to help it dominate the world, with vessels sailing out as early as 150 AC to aid in the subjugation of Ithania and other Ailor regions. At last, in 179 AC, the last of the enemy Skagger Horde left Drixagh and the Regalian Archipelago finally came under the sole control of the Empire.

The events that followed happened rapidly. For nearly a century after this event, the Regalian Empire continued to dominate the world. Region after region capitulated to their might, from Etosil and the Daendroque states to even the descendants of the Skagger Horde who had formed the Kingdom of Nordskag. Unionism spread far and wide and ultimately Regalia came to hold territorial and religious sway over the majority of Aloria’s Ailor population. But in the years following 260 AC, the Regalian Empire began to decay. The Regalian Pessimism, as it is called today, was a decay in Regalian power as religious and military momentum eventually ground to a halt and the first cracks in Unionism started showing. Various diseases plagued the bloated Empire's growing population, straining its bureaucracy and public health. The Drachenwald Crisis further crippled the Empire's government, forming the paralyzing Regalian Senate and freezing the Empire's decision-making apparatus for several decades. However, the beginning of the Chrysant War and its ensuing religious and military fervor revived the Empire. The war with the Slizzar and Allar was as much a religious genocide as it was a war, targeting Races the Ailor feared could one day rival them technologically. The Essa Empire was completely crushed, ending the Slizzar control over the Allar. With the expansionist fervor of Regalia restored, more military campaigns followed in the decades to come and over the past several years, have occurred alongside unprecedented or bizarre events.

In the present day, the Regalian Empire is a weakened but still-powerful state. Their only direct rival in world power, the Songaskian Masaya, has faded from view after the devastation of the First and Second Songaskian Wars, while the Altalar nations of Daen are currently at peace with Regalia. The Dread War, which so ravaged southern Daen, has finally come to a close but new problems loomed on the horizon, mainly increased warfare in the Regalian Archipelago between various noble families. These conflicts too have come to an end, and for once in Aloria the entering of a new year, 308 AC, has largely been peaceful if not quiet compared with those of other years.

Government

The Empire has a variety of organizations and authorities which sometimes conflict or overlap. To outsiders, the Regalian Empire is a confusing web of political intrigue that is hard to understand without spending an enormous amount of time researching the laws. In short though, the Regalian Archipelago is ruled by the Noble Houses and the Imperial Government in partnership, while the sovereign states that have accepted Regalian rule are semi-autonomous and largely must seek to co-operate with the Imperial Government. The Imperial Government itself rules over very little land, though it does have a scattered handful of direct possessions under its control.

List of Rulers

Even though Regalia is ruled by the head of state - the Emperor - several other figures have still been instrumental in its administration. The Arch Chancellors have been second only to the Emperor in terms of authority and have traditionally been members of House Kade. For a list of all Arch Chancellors, click here.

  • 5 to 67 AC - Holy Emperor Theomar I
  • 67 to 69 AC - Emperor Lilienmar I
  • 69 to 79 AC - Emperor Lilienmar II
  • 79 to 96 AC - Honorable Emperor Henri I
  • 96 to 97 AC - Emperor Bartholomeux I (Years of the Three Emperors)
  • 97 to 98 AC - Emperor Carvallais I (Years of the Three Emperors)
  • 98 to 99 AC - Emperor Maxelle I (Years of the Three Emperors)
  • 99 to 114 AC - Emperor Leomar I
  • 114 AC - Emperor Justeux I
  • 114 to 121 AC - Hedonistic Emperor Henri II
  • 121 to 166 AC - Blessed Emperor Henri III
  • 166 to 174 AC - Emperor Lilienmar III
  • 174 to 195 AC - Witful Emperor Allamaria I
  • 195 to 207 AC - Emperor Handorien I
  • 207 to 211 AC - Strong Emperor Allestrain I
  • 211 to 219 AC - Emperor Handorien II
  • 219 to 224 AC - Unfortunate Emperor Justinian I
  • 224 to 227 AC - Seasonal Emperor Handorien III
  • 227 to 231 AC - Seasonal Emperor Ottomar I
  • 231 to 235 AC - Seasonal Emperor Balthezar I
  • 235 to 240 AC - Seasonal Emperor Handorien IV
  • 240 to 244 AC - Seasonal Emperor Handorien V
  • 244 to 249 AC - Seasonal Emperor Allestrain II
  • 249 to 255 AC - Seasonal Emperor Allestrain III
  • 255 to 269 AC - Absolute Emperor Vilgemar I
  • 269 to 302 AC - Righteous Emperor Justinian the II
  • 302 to 305 AC - Willful Emperor Alexander I
  • 305 to 306 AC - Soldier Emperor Cedromar I
  • 306 to 307 AC - The Interregnum
  • 307 to Present - Willful Emperor Alexander the I

Foreign Relations

The Regalian Empire has far more complex foreign relations now than it once did a mere decade or two ago. Its old rival, the Songaskian Masaya, is now considered neutral at best by the Regalian state. After holding its current leader in their protection for two years from his usurper uncle, the Masaya has seemingly for now chosen to ignore Regalia in favor of rebuilding. The Allar, once sworn and hated enemies of the Regalian Empire, have been integrated en masse back into the state through their Digmaan rising to the rank of Regalian nobility. They live across many regions but no longer actively fear the roaring guns of Regalian warships. The only Allar who have to fear such a fate are the Void Worshiping Allar of the Sendrassian Empire on Sendras, but they are at the edge of Regalia and while officially they have poor relations, the Digmaan now serves as a buffer between Regalia proper and this hostile force. The same could be said of the Altalar nations in southern Daen. While Regalia warred with them for more than a year, this ended with a peace deal that allowed both groups to battle against the Dread Empire and their Void Worshiping Kathar, which are also an enemy of the Regalian Empire. In the north, Regalia faces a stern collective of Velheim-led nations whose relationship with the Empire can best be described as mercurial. On a much smaller scale, Regalia has also angered the Horned Throng, the leading body of Urlan in Jorrhildr, by interfering with their rituals and practices. This is not yet an active conflict, but the two groups are far icier than they have been in the past. With most other groups, Regalia keeps up positive relations. For example, the Qadir will still help the Regalians in certain situations even though they exited an alliance with the Empire.

Military

The Regalian Empire fields Aloria’s largest navy, as well as the most technologically advanced siege weapons available in modern times. This extremely high quality in naval warfare, however, has resulted in a lackluster land military. In recent years though, the Regalian Empire has made great strides in improving their soldiers, from the rise to prominence of the Tenpenny Army to a more active military, which has required more soldiers for longer periods of time. These strides were mainly made during the rule of Cedromar I, a great supporter of the armed forces. Despite this, the Regalian armed forces still rely on overwhelming numbers and superior artillery - both from massive cannons as well as naval coast bombardments - to win the day.

  • For more information on the Regalian Military, click here

Economy

Regalia has the world’s largest mercantile economy, easily making up 30% of the global international trade. As Regalian trade is so present in other nations, the Regal is a universally accepted coin in many corners of the world, not including dangerous backwater areas where civilized contact is minimal. Even the Songaskian Masaya at its height accepted the currency, but only due to economic necessity. Regalia is an aggressively Imperialistic nation, favoring colonial resource exploitation and unequal trade treaties with foreign nations which are backed by its massive armada and merchant fleet. Despite Regalia’s trade dominance, however, its main source of income is the obscene taxation system of the Empire. The Regalians, over the course of three centuries, have perfected the art of taxation to the minutest detail with a sprawling bureaucracy, archive and tax collectors present in every corner of the Empire. It is often said Regalians love numbers and love squeezing a profit out of numbers even more as every transaction is taxed one way or another. Regalia’s treasury was thus previously extremely large, fueling both the Empire’s imperialist ventures as well as the splendor and prestige excesses of its nobility and Imperial court. Unfortunately, in recent years it has been routinely plundered by Regalia’s enemies sacking or occupying its capital city; first the Songaskians, and then more supernatural foes like the Deathlings. Despite the size of Regalia’s economy, it is actually excessively fragile and heavily reliant on productive crop harvests. As such, the building blocks of its economy are agricultural produce, domestic enterprise, and international trade. These foundations allow the merchants to branch off into other sectors with minimal capital. However, if a famine were ever to strike the Empire the whole economic system would risk utter collapse, dragging the world economy with it.

Demographics

The Regalian skyline at sunset.

An accurate census of an Empire as large as Regalia is almost impossible. Below is a rough estimate made by Imperial census-takers in 305 AC.

  • 55% Human
  • 15% Nelfin
  • 10% Allar
  • 10% Asha
  • 5% Eronidas
  • 5% Other

The Regalian Empire maintains a distinct difference between what it considers Citizens, Supporters, and Outsiders. Citizens are those within the Empire who have rights. Supporters are those who have minimal rights conferred to them by the Judiciary. Outsiders are those who have no rights whatsoever.

Culture

The Regalian Empire cannot be identified with a single culture. Every culture in the world is in some way represented in the various corners of the Empire. Still, various cultures that exist within the Empire clearly dominate the others and are seen as the primary cultures of the state. The main culture that overpowers the other by far is the Alt-Regalian followed closely by the Imperial Culture. Even though the actual number of people who identify as Alt-Regalian is less than all other cultures, it is the main historical culture of the Empire in its roots and is only slowly being overtaken by the new century Imperial culture.

  • For more information on the Cultures that exist within Regalia, click here

Religion

As with Culture, nearly every known Religion in the world is present in the Regalian Empire but individual rights of the various religions differ radically. Regalia’s formal state religion is Unionism. Below is a proper explanation of the state’s views and the legality of every major religion.

  • Unionism - State Religion
    • Unionism is the Regalian Empire’s State Religion. Unionists have full rights to everything and enjoy special protection rights over heretics and foreigners.
  • Faith of Estel - Tolerated
    • The Regalian State tolerates the Faith of Estel only under the condition that those who worship it do so in certain approved spaces.
  • Old Gods - Tolerated
    • The Old Gods are tolerated under the condition that those who worship them do so in certain approved spaces.
  • Assorted “Lesser” Faiths (Faith of Baskarr, Dwarven Dogma, Allar Philosophy, Shambala and Qadir Life Views) - Tolerated
    • The “Lesser” Faiths are all still protected religions of the Regalian Empire but are considered to be lower due to them largely being practiced by non-Ailor or by smaller parts of the Empire’s population. All possess the same rules as the Old Gods and the Faith of Estel, though the “religions” of the Allar and Qadir are more complicated. Strictly speaking, they are less religions and more cultural worldviews. If these viewpoints align with Regalia’s goals then they are left alone, but if they are radical or violent then those who espouse them can be punished.
    • Shambala can only be worshipped within the bounds of the Regalian Empire but with two special restricts. The first is that during their times of worship, the faithful must wear unique hats. These hats, fully covering the heads of who wear them and possessing some unique features, are a form of Regalian symbolism demonstrating that the Sun is the Spirit, but also that the Regalian Empire looms over such a faith within their lands. The second restriction is that worship at the Shambala shrines, as there can only be shrines and never temples within the territory of the Regalian Empire, can only take place on a Friday morning.
  • Void Worship and Nessrassian - Fully Illegal and Punishable by Death

Many citizens of the Empire who do not follow Unionism or any of the Protected Religions continue to live their faith in private, either through hidden temples or in underground praying rooms. The Regalian state had the Inquisition, who worked tirelessly to hunt down heretics and non-believers within the Empire’s boundaries. They also investigated supporters of such heresies and passed judgment where necessary. Today, local law enforcement have their own charters and groups to deal with such things after the Inquisition collapsed during the Regalian Pessimism.

  • Read more about Unionism here
  • Read more about Old Gods here
  • Read more about the Faith of Estel here

Symbols

Regalia’s symbols are relatively simple but powerfully recognized across the world. The Regalian Purple-Yellow-Purple banner is the official flag of the Empire. Furthermore, the Imperial Purple-Blue-Purple banner is seen across the Crown City and the Imperial Seat as the old Kade family banner. Additionally, the Unionist faith is expressed through the Unionist eye; an almond-shaped eye frame with a pupil in the middle which is often surrounded by solar rays to signify the Imperial Spirit. Finally, the Blue Crown Dragon and the Holy Stork are often seen as the animals representing the Empire, being the crest animals of the two Imperial dynasties, Ivrae and Kade.

Trivia

  • The Regalian Archipelago is the only self-sufficient area of the Regalian Empire and requires no foreign exports or imports to feed, clothe or maintain the standard of living of most of its citizens. Ithania is too dependant on foreign exotics, Daendroc needs outside funds and organizational forces to maintain a form of government, and other regions are similarly dependent on outside forces.

Accreditation
Writers MonMarty, HydraLana
Artists MonMarty
Processors HydraLana, AlphaInsomnia, Dosier
Last Editor HydraLana on 04/18/2022.

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