Aerznian Imperium

General

The Aerznian Imperium, or simply Aerznia, dominates the majority of the Middle South region of Áváhé. Its sphere of influence stretches from the southern slopes of the Scarlet Heights in the north to the western borders of Gesoria in the west and to the Mater in the east. In the south, Aerznia's borders are less clearly defined.

Aerznia shares borders with significant neighbors, including its longstanding adversary, Quanar, to the north, the emirates such as Rumai and Agadárí, the Kehdei. To the east are the cities and tribes of the Achat, while Mesócrata lies to the southeast, a region Aerznia is steadily annexing. To the southwest are the Free Riverine People.

Geography & Climate

The Aerznian Empire encompasses diverse landscapes. Predominantly, a magically influenced temperate to Mediterranean climate characterizes the western regions, contrasting with the arid expanse of the Aerznian Desert in the east. The northern territories exhibit a blend of savannah and other ecological features.

Politics

Early 8th Millenium

The Aerznian Senate situated in the capital city of Áterôn, nestled within the province of Phoeica, stands as the paramount legislative institution within the Aerznian Imperium, operating under a meritocratic-oligarchic framework. At the apex of state authority lies the Aerz-Magister, chosen by the senate to serve as the head of government, endowed with powers akin to those of an emperor.

Citizen involvement in state affairs remains relatively limited, with the majority consisting of peasants, soldiers, or slaves.

The Imperium's territorial dominion continued to expand until 7018 A.I.D., most recently extending its influence into the territories of Mesócrata. Nonetheless, challenges persisted, notably stemming from the resilient resistance of the Free Riverine People, who repeatedly breached southern Aerznian territories. Moreover, the staunchly isolationist stance of Gesoria posed a formidable barrier against Aerznian encroachment.

Efforts to subdue Quanar and assert dominance in the northern regions have encountered consistent setbacks. Quanar's recurrent antagonism obstructs Aerznia's access to crucial trade routes northward, impeding further expansion.

The emergence of the Alliance of the Cities of the Achat can largely be attributed to Aerznian territorial expansions and their associated implications.

The senate situated in the capital city of Áterôn, nestled within Phoeica, stands as the paramount legislative institution within the Aerznian Empire. Operating under a meritocratic-oligarchic framework, it assumes the responsibility of governance. At the apex of state authority lies the Aerz-Magister, chosen by the senate to serve as the head of government, endowed with powers akin to those of an emperor. However, citizen involvement in state affairs remains relatively limited, with the majority consisting of peasants, soldiers, or slaves.

The empire's territorial dominion continues to expand, most recently extending its influence into territories of Mesócrata. Nonetheless, challenges persist, notably stemming from the resilient resistance of the Free Riverine People, who repeatedly breach southern Aerznian territories. Moreover, the staunchly isolationist stance of Gesoria poses a formidable barrier against Aerznian encroachment.

Efforts to subdue Quanar and assert dominance in the northern regions have encountered consistent setbacks. Quanar's recurrent antagonism obstructs Aerznia's access to crucial trade routes northward, impeding further expansion.

The emergence of the Alliance of the Cities of the Achat can largely be attributed to Aerznian territorial expansions and their associated implications.

Akrehdei Invasion

Following the conquest of the Aerznian Imperium by the Akrehdei in 7018 A.I.D., the established Aerznian order fell into disarray. While the Akrehdei displayed minimal interest in Aerznia itself, they de facto disempowered the senate and Aerz-Magister Paunio to loot the land. Despite resistance movements emerging in various places, they were swiftly quelled by the Akrehdei under General Duaz Arak.

The rapid ascendancy of the Akrehdei, achieved through superior strategies and strength, represented a profound cultural shock for the population.

Dissolution

With the withdrawal of the Akrehdei a mere year later, brief efforts were made to restore order. However, during this period, Quanar then invaded Aerznia. Weakened by the presence of the Akrehdei - in accordance with the conspiracy between the Akrehdei and the Magotho - the Imperium was unable to mount significant resistance to the invasion. Leveraging their network - including figures like Senator Mero Yereno Firo, siblings Emrag and Jumai seized power in Aerznia and declared the Imperii Draconi restored.

Religion

The Aerznian state religion is centered around the Aerznian Pantheon, which comprises a series of deities closely linked to the formation of Aerznia. The Pantehon continues to be venerated even after the destruction of Aerznia.

Provinces

Aerznia is divided into several ancient cultural regions. Some of them are now the core provinces of the modern Aerznian Empire:

• Phoeica
• Acadia
• Rhona
• Flavia
• Ionia
• Tiburia
• Aean
• Erebus
• Istina
• Dracomayor
• Triejan
• Northern Drikaz
• Ylist
• (Aspeor)

The provinces each have a civilian and a military administration. The civil administration is oligarchically appointed by the Senate of Áterôn, while the local legions appoint their own legionaries.

The highest civil official of a province is a Magister. The highest military administrator of a province is a Dux.

History

Early History

Aerznia is situated upon the former heartlands of the fallen Imperii Draconi. Many of its principal cities, such as Ádron or Áterôn, were established during or even prior to this epoch. However, this era is scarcely commemorated, with Aerznians commonly attributing the genesis of their polity to the deity Aernzino. The prevailing belief among Aerznians is that much of the architecture and numerous ruins are remnants of Human civilization.

Following the Imperial Cleavage Wars the Aerznian Imperium coalesced gradually through the ascension of various city-states, which subsequently vied for dominance for centuries. Consequently, pinpointing an exact date of foundation proves elusive. Nonetheless, the conquest of Ádron by Áterôn in 6474 A.I.D. is frequently cited as a pivotal moment. Following a protracted sequence of conflicts and shift in spheres of influence, Áterôn eventually emerged as the preeminent power in the region, having long been overshadowed by Ádron. The city systematically extended its sway beyond Phoeica, reclaiming swathes of the former heartlands of the Old Empire in the process.

Height of Power

At the peak of its power, Aerznia had conquered vast swathes of the Middle South, extending its control over the western coast encompassing the Scarlet Heights, Dracomayor parts of the Drikaz regions, and segments of Mesócrata. This expansion solidified Aerznia's position as a major trading power, fostering enduring enmity with Quanar.

Downfall

Instigated by the Magotho and their network, the longstanding enmity between Quanar and Aerznia escalated once again in late 7017 A.I.D., fueled by misinformation suggesting that each side was actively preparing for an attack.

While the Aerznian military was thus preoccupied, in coordination with the Magotho, the Akrehdei under General Duaz Arak and Praetor Kjiš marched from the vulnerable south and swiftly overran the Imperium within a matter of months. The unplanned total devastation of the prosperous city of Runa by Duaz Arak sent shockwaves through Aerznian society. However, the Akrehdei soon found themselves at the gates of Áterôn and conquered the capital shortly thereafter. As Aerznia was heavily centralized, order rapidly disintegrated thereafter.

Assimilation

By 7020 A.I.D., the Magotho, who had already deposed the Quaräan elite the previous year, also seized power in Aerznia and declared the Imperii Draconi restored. However, as early as 7021 A.I.D., Emrag and Jumai encountered resistance from their own descendants, who rallied a significant number of Dragons from the northern reaches of Áváhé and subsequently initiated a war against their own parents.

Measurement Systems

In Aerznia, disparate regions often employ markedly distinct systems of measurement. Despite several endeavors to standardize these systems in the past, such efforts have been thwarted by the diverse practices that have evolved within different communities and provinces. To address official requirements, the principal unit of distance is the land mile, which is equivalent to a kilometer. Each land mile comprises five Lachter, with each Lachter comprised of four Klafter. Furthermore, each Klafter subdivides into fifty Rods.

Trivia

Since the Aerznian Empire occupied the entire greater region of Aerznia, the terms are often used interchangeably.