[hider=Empire of Arkush] [b]Nation[/b] [b]Nation Name:[/b] Empire of Arkush [b]National Flag:[/b] [b]What do you call the denizens:[/b] Arkushites [b]Government type:[/b] Monarchy [b]Leader/Leaders:[/b] Tukulti-Arkusha. The King of Kings, Loyal Servant of Arkusha, Beloved of Bright Kaftush, Lord of the land of Arkush and its people. And so forth [b]Ruling factions/dynasty if applicable:[/b] Tukulti-Arkusha's ascension to the throne has marked the beginning of the Salmarshid dynasty, named so after the legendary hero-god minor god Salmarsher. Whom the King of Kings claims as ancestor. [b]Other Important political figures:[/b] [i]The Loyalists/Followers of the Usurper[/i] Shamiran-Kaftusheh. Queen of Queens, Mistress of the Palaces, Favored Servant of Bright Kaftush, and so forth. Asiah-Nardir. High General of the armies of Arkush. Esteemed Governor of the province of Herazhir Melderazhir. Chief Eunuch, Grand Secretary of the Realm. Sindhatarma. Grand Treasurer of the Realm. Inadezhir. Arch Matriarch of Arkush Nidad-Sin. Esteemed Governor of the province of Inarkush [b]Currency:[/b] The official currency is the [i]Har[/i]. Rings made of gold, silver, tin, copper or bronze. Though barley and wheat are also accepted forms of currency through all the Empire, mostly used for small transactions in the local level. [b]State Religion(If applicable):[/b] Arkushite Ilunucism is a denomination on its own. Though sharing many aspects with Theou Ilinucism, the Arkushite also worship a pantheon of dozens of lesser deities. These range from local forest spirits and ancestors to legendary kings of old, their importance ranges from being worshiped as patron gods of individual cities to mere protectors of individual households. The Arkushite pantheon is headed by the Mother Goddess, called Arkush in these parts, who rules the Universe with the help of her two consorts: Kaftush the Sun God and Fen-Garzhi the Moon God. Each one of them also commands a host of lesser gods, heroes, creatures and spirits. The lesser entities don't possess temples or priesthood of their own, instead being worshiped either in the temples of their respective divine overlords, or personal altars. The exceptions to this rule consist mostly of patron gods of individual cities and regions, who more often than not have their own places of worships and priests located in the temple districts of their homelands. Besides the usual prayer and sacrifices, the Arkushite people also places a large emphasis on the many religious festivals that are held through the year. These events range from nation-wide weeks of revelry, sacrifices and worship dedicated to the three High Gods to a small family dinner in honor of one's shared ancestors. The Arkushite Empire is also the home of several "Mystery Cults". Secretive groups dedicated to a particular god or aspect of it. As varied as they are multiple, these cults can exist in almost every level of society. From congregations of nobleman to groups of masons or soldiers. Each of these Cults has its own set of particular rules and rituals known only to those initiated within its hierarchy. [b]Demographics and Geography[/b]: [b]World map location:[/b] [hider=The purple one west of the Volcano] [img]http://i.imgur.com/hCtMTc7.png[/img] [/hider] [b]Interior map:[/b] [hider=My Hider] [img]http://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/264a291d-766a-416b-aca7-3c6fa5623b17.png[/img] [/hider] [b]Major cities[/b]: Burzh-Mehir (2). Tell Kaftush (3). Tell Fen-Garzhi (4). Bard-Arshan (5). Sindhar(6). Mandezhir (7). Izhazhir (8). Kandad (9). Mehratzis (10). Carchezhir (11). Nindar-Nazhir (12). Lachamesh (13). Kikidzhir (13) [b]Major military installments:[/b] The Citadels of Tell Arkush, Kikidzhir, Tell Kaftush are particularly notable. There are also [b]Important locations and buildings:[/b] [b]Capital:[/b] Tell Arkush (1) [b]Population:[/b] 13 000 000 [b]Race and Ethnic demographic:[/b] The current Arkushite population is a culturally homogeneous group. A mix of native Arkushites and several other peoples deported from the far corners of the empire during its golden days, the centuries living together erased whatever differences existed. The racial composition of the Empire is not as homogeneous however. While the most of the population is composed of humans, there are also thriving communities of fairies, Myrr and the Anahir, red skinned and horned humanoids. There are also a tiny Banik population in the eastern edges of the empire due to the close proximity to the Volcano [b]Economy(how well is it?):[/b] Slightly above average but improving. Wide ranging government reforms are underway to revitalize the economy and sweep away the rot and corruption that has settled over the nation. Of note is the considerable increase of the number of free small landholders in recent years. These small landholders occupy lands formerly belonging to purged nobility. Who had their lands seized by the state, among other things. Most of these lands were then redistributed among the peasantry, who now work organized in local cooperatives, paying heavy taxes in grain to the Crown for the right to work the King of King's land. Forestry is also a vibrant industry within the Empire. Commercial guilds dominate the sector, some of these only deal with the cutting of the tropical trees itself, while several larger ones run everything from the harvest to the caravans that bring the finished product for exportation. Trade within the Empire is also regulated by the Crown. An official standard of weights and measures is enforced by Crown officials, who are also in charge of inspecting accounts, making sure that taxes are paid and that the promised quality is delivered. Another valued sector is the manufacture one. Starting with creating a monopoly over military industries, the Crown's program has expanded to extend their power over the mining sector. Confiscating large numbers of mines to ensure that the army has enough metal to sustain itself and that the prized Arkushite smiths continue to churn out as many blades as are needed. [b]Wealth balance(is it concentrated solely on the aristocracy, such as in feudalism, balanced, high level of poor, optional):[/b] Wealth distribution within the Empire is imbalanced. For centuries the aristocracy and merchants hoarded wealth, be it in lands properties or coin while the common people had to content themselves with scraps. Since the coup five years ago however, the situation has started to change. The Crown has confiscated large fortunes from its opponents in the aristocratic class while initiating a wide series of reforms intended to revise tax and trade codes to revitalize the economy. And although taxes remain high, the peasants don't have to put up with so many corrupt officials anymore. [b]Major exports:[/b] Tropical wood. Tropical fruits. Precious minerals. Jewels. Cotton. Ivory. Spices [b]Major Imports:[/b] Help needed [b]Staple agricultural crops:[/b] Grains, millet, rice, and tropical fruits [b]Trade partners:[/b] (Aristos' nation). [b]Culture[/b] [b]Religion:[/b] Ilunucism [b]Denomination:[/b] Arkushite [b]Religious heads:[/b] Arch Matriarch Inadezhir [b]Popular opinion on the volcano:[/b] The Volcano is the living avatar if the Universal Queen. [b]Popular opinion on wars:[/b] War against infidels and heretics is just another way of praising the gods. War for the sake of the Empire brings glory and wealth to the righteous. [b]Popular opinion on magic:[/b] It's a divine gift [b]Popular opinion on religion: (pious?)[/b] We live and die by the sufferance of the gods. They are deserving of our complete submission. [b]Popular opinion on the Aristocracy:[/b] As holders of more divinity than common men, they are deserving of their status. [b]Popular opinion on the Government:[/b] The King of Kings rules in the name of the Universal Queen. [b]Popular opinion on foreigners: [/b] We are all children of the High Goddess and her Celestial Consorts. But even then, those who refuse Her teachings deserve to be cast down from Her creation. [b]Popular opinion on other cultures:[/b] No people is greater than us. Though several are our equals. [b]Cultural name for the Volcano: (what do your people call it)[/b] The Volcano and the High Goddess Arkush are one and the same. [b]A look into the unique culture: [/b] Arkushite culture is heavily influenced by Ilunucism. Religion permeates almost every aspect of life inside the Empire. Which has resulted in a hardworking and highly hierarchic population. Everyone has its place in the "social pyramid" and its their duty to the High Goddess to exercise this duty the best they can, at least in theory. Unfortunately, the centuries of decadence and decline have somewhat eroded this ideal. Specially among the upper classes. Speaking of the upper classes, ostentation is common among the Arkushite aristocracy. After all, one must show his or her worth for all to see so that they may differentiate themselves from the lower classes. Makeup, jewels and rich, colorful clothing are the norm among the wealthy of the Empire. And though the climate more often than not makes wearing heavy and abundant clothing an unwise decision, the aristocracy and the priesthood still make the effort for special occasions like festivals and certain religious ceremonies. This desire to "show off" goes beyond clothing and is reflected in almost every aspect of an nobleman's life. From his chamberpot to his mansion, everything must be a reminder of his or her wealth and power. The lower classes tend to simpler material, cotton being the most popular by far, for their clothes. And depending on the particular occupation, time of the year and location, very little to nothing besides sandals and headdress in the way of actual clothing. Nevertheless, what they wear is still colorful. Though the work tends to be of much lower quality than that available to the nobility. Red and yellow are particularly favored colors as they are seen as symbols of the High Goddess. In general the Arkushites are a festive people. The multitude and scale of their religious festivals can attest to that. Occasions such as weddings, births, birthdays or even closing a deal can be justifications for celebration in the Empire. The Arkushites are also a proud people. Their empire once ruled vast lands and was able to stand up to Ethea in its heyday. And they won't hesitate to remind outsiders of the fact. Their history is preserved in a multitude of poems, tales, epics, stories, novels and oral tradition. [b]Cultural history:[/b] Arkushite culture is the result of dozens of centuries worth of mixing, integration and assimilation among the peoples that once inhabited what today is Arkush. The first written records date from almost 2000 years ago. It was around that time that the first city states of note rose alongside the rivers inside the jungle. Over the next centuries a myriad of kings and cities would rise to prominence only to fall just as fast. Entire cultures would be destroyed and replaced by migrant societies. The first iteration of the Arkushite Empire would rise some 1600 years ago. When Tiglat-Akum of Madezhir unified over half of the region and declared himself King of Kings. His empire would last a couple generations before a coalition of city-states supported by Ethea killed his grandson in battle and threw his nation into chaos. Some 250 years later Arkush would be unified by Esarhadom of Sindhar. This time however, the Ethean attempts to destabilize the Arkushite empire failed and their invasion was beaten back in a massive battle immortalized in the "Epic of Esarhadon". Some 1400 years ago the empire started expanding beyond west and southwards after securing treaties with Ethea. When Ascainian Wars started, the Arkushites used the opportunity to strike against Ethea. Taking from them several border vassals before events on the opposite border of the empire forced their attention away. However, as the slaves gained ground, the mindset of the Arkushites changed. After all, a successful slave revolt created a terrible precedent for any Empire, specially one such as Arkush. Unfortunately, by this point the Empire was too stretched to be able to offer any kind of truly meaningful assistance, and the Etheans too weakened for it to matter. The situation finally exploded some 650 years ago when a massive slave revolt rocked Arkush. And while the slaves were eventually butchered, the Empire was unable to put down all of the subsequent rebellions that followed. Ever since then the Empire's history was one of decline. Oftentimes sprinkled with almost recuperation only to come down crashing even harder. Eventually one provincial governor became fed up with the situation and dreaming of burning away all the rot and weakness and restoring the Empire to its former glory, started a conspiracy to seize the throne. It came to a head five years ago, when troops loyal to Tukulti-Arkusha seized the royal palace and massacred the royal family. Ever since then the "Usurper King" has started to work tirelessly to make Arkush great again. [b]Notable figures:[/b] [b]Military and History[/b]: [b]Type of Military:[/b] The Arkushite Empire fields a standing army of professional soldiers paid and equipped by the Crown. The Army is fields three main branches: Infantry, Cavalry and Elephants. Soldiers are organized in squads of 10 that band together to form battalions of 100 that then are organized into regiments of 1000. These units can either be composed of a single type of troop or field a combined arms effective. Each of these regiment has its own symbols and colors for differentiation. Great care is also placed in the logistical aspect of war. An entire department of the military ministry is dedicated to logistics. They are tasked with maintaining military depots all over the Empire and organizing the supply train wherever the army marches. They operate under specially close scrutiny by the Crown, as to ensure that the soldiers enter the field with the appropriate gear and food. Another smaller department is dedicated to maintaining the engineer's corp of the Army. They work closely with the logistics department, as they are the ones in charge of clearing paths, building bridges and repairing the necessary infrastructure wherever they are in campaign. Besides the traditional role in overcoming fortifications. In battle, different units coordinate with music and messengers. [b]Total Military fighting units:[/b] 110 000 [b]Unit demographics:[/b] (heavy infantry, marksman, etc and their equipment/training) [i]-Infantry[/i]: Arkushite Infantry is the most numerous of the army branches. Ever since the transition to a professional standing force, the equipment and training of the infantry has become more standardized. Infantry is further divided between light and heavy infantry. Light infantry includes includes archers (armed with longbows, oftentimes poisoned arrows and machetes for protection, with their armor being very light.). Skirmishers (armed with small shields, little armor, shortswords, slings, daggers or axes) and the melee infantry (armed with large wooden tower shields with metal reinforcement, a spear and usually a short sword. For protection, they usually wear light scale and animal hide armor to protect their torsos alongside leather or metal bracers and a conical helmet.) Arkushite heavy infantry is armored in either mail, scale, lamellar or scale plate armor covering most of their bodies. The whole ensemble can be somewhat impractical in the stiffing heat of Arkushite summer, but the payoff is more than worth. These shock troops are armed and trained with a mix of weapons, that range from the usual combination of sword and shield, large two-handed maces, battle axes, two-handed slashing swords and javelins. [i]-Cavalry[/i]: Taking a support role within the Arkushite military machine, the cavalry is divided similarly to the infantry. Light cavalry, by far the most numerous component, serves mostly as skirmishers and harassers. Armed with bucklers, short spears, javelins, swords, axes and short bows, their lack of armor means that they rarely risk head on engagements. Instead being used to hunt down routing enemies or attack a weakened and distracted enemy in the flanks or rear. Heavy cavalry is a relatively new addition to the Arkushite roster. The Arkushite themselves have little practice with the concept themselves as elephants could serve as much better shock troops, though in their glory days they fielded these troops from vassal peoples. Current heavy cavalry troops are heavily armored in scale, mail and plate, riding imported horses bred to bear the added weight of the rider and their own armor. They ride to battle armed with small shields, long lances, longswords, maces, heavy axes and javelins. [i]-Elephants:[/i] Elephants are most famous Arkushite weapon. Striding into battle covered by long sheets of scale armor and carrying wicked blades, sometimes poisoned, tied to their tusks. Each elephant also carries a wooden tower with a capacity of four or five men. These men carry either bow and arrow or javelin, with one of them also welding a long lance for use against any enemy that breaks through the infantry screen around the elephant. [i]Other:[/i] Besides the three main branches, the Arkushite army also fields an engineer corps and fairy platoons trained as scouts and infiltrators. [b]Notable figures:[/b] [b]Past wars and notable events[/b]: [b]Past conflicts with other nations:[/b] [b]Current conflicts and wars:[/b] [b]Other[/b] [b]Artifacts and famous enchantments under control of the nation:[/b] Help? [b]Anything else we should all know:[/b] Eyes and Ears of the King of Kings: Answering directly to the King of King and his council, these agents roam the land hunting down corruption and treason. [/hider]