Overview[]
The Empire of Vasilios is a powerful sovereign state that currently owns a vast majority of the continent[1] and possesses the highest authority.[2] Two ruling factions, the imperial family and the Temple of Vasilios, presides over the empire. The land experiences two winters and two springs each year.[3]
History[]
Ten years ago, the Empire of Vasilios was a growing power that owned half of the continent.[1] For several years, the land's climate was unfavorable and the lack of sun depleted food production. Duke Solon proposed a solution where the empire would trade with a neighboring territory, offering knight services in exchange for food. This allowed the knights to gain hands-on experience while the empire avoided a terrible famine.[4] During this time, the previous monarch of Hennel Kingdom forged an alliance with neighboring kingdoms and launched an invasion into the empire. The war lasted for many years. Emperor Vasilios received counseling from esteemed political advisors and executed brilliant battle strategies that allowed the experienced knights to successfully defend the empire's borders. While the true mastermind behind the victory remained unknown, Marquess Niccolo and Duke Solon were publicly rewarded for their valiant contributions to the war. The Hennel Kingdom suffered a terrible defeat and its citizens, tired of their monarch's bellicose ruling, revolted. Unlike the previous monarch, the current king declared himself as pro-imperialism and established an alliance with the Vasilios Empire.[1]
Citizens[]
Imperial Family[]
The imperial family is the ruling faction that oversees the Vasilios Empire, constantly seeking to expand its influence beyond the borders. It is one of two families that possess divinity, a powerful force bestowed by the Guardian Deity that has sustained the empire since its genesis.[5] There has been an ongoing feud between the imperial family and the Temple of Vasilios for many years, despite their division of power over the empire.[3] Emperor Vasilios, the current head of the imperial family, survived a recent assassination attempt.[6]
Temple of Vasilios[]
The Temple of Vasilios is the ruling faction responsible for maintaining peace and stability within the empire. Along with the imperial family, the Temple is one of the houses that received the gift of divinity from the Guardian Deity and focuses on strengthening the empire's security.[5] The Temple has close connections with the House of Callista and a troublesome relationship with the imperial family.[3]
Nobility[]
The nobility class consists of wealthy aristocratic families that work to gain political influence and participate in social affairs to establish connections. Members of the nobility class are expected to receive proper education, acquire knowledge of empire affairs, and possess appropriate savoir-faire.[7] An annual debutante ball is held during the beginning of the first spring of each year, where young socialites make their official debut into high society.[5]
Notable houses:
- House of Solon
- House of Niccolo
- House of Callista
- House of Seira
Knighthood[]
Members of the imperial knighthood go through rigorous training to valiantly defend the empire.[7] Knights of the imperial family wear uniforms of white and gold, while those that defend the Temple wear white and blue.[8] A secret order of undercover knights hand-selected by members of the imperial family undergo the same training and carry out covert missions apart from the official knighthood.[7]
Commoners[]
The common class is the largest socioeconomic faction of the Vasilios Empire. Commoners hold little political influence and are often undervalued by the imperial family. Nevertheless, powerful political figures seek approval from the commoners to maintain peace while presiding over empire affairs.
Trivia[]
- Vasilios is a Greek given name directly descended from the word "King" in the Greek language.[9]
Gallery[]
