Empire

Biodata

History

The Empire's early years are remembered as a Golden Age. Its artisans once maintained close contact with those of the Western Continent, and the First King left behind the Golden Fleet. By the time of the story, Imperial technology had regressed enough that its people regarded the fleet as “ancient technology” 89 181.

Under Henry III, the crown elevated the churches while placing less value on artisans and technology. His reign included seven major foreign wars; the Empire's cavalry and priests were used together to conquer other civilizations and spread the Life Church's doctrines. Western artisans, meanwhile, advanced steam technology and maritime trade as exchanges with the Empire dwindled 181 183 215.

In the Empire's 404th year, the War of Corruption severely wounded Henry VI. The clergy subsequently gained influence over a government previously dominated by the royal family. As the king's health deteriorated, the Holy See and other factions competed for power, and civil war appeared increasingly likely 60 202.

The public executions of Pope Julius, Gunnis and Prince Freeman marked a break with the old political order. After Henry VI's death, a new cabinet replaced the Seven-Person Council. It retained the royal and noble families, but their political influence diminished; the Tribunal and religious institutions were also reformed 167 201 202.

Government and Religion

• Seven-Person Council — The Empire's former governing council was modeled on the City of Truth's Democratic Council, but retained a place for the Henry monarchy 360.
• Royal legitimacy — Imperial emperors traditionally received their crowns from the Pope, reflecting the doctrine that divine approval legitimized a ruler 166.
• New cabinet — Established after Henry VI's death, it became the supreme governing body. Its members later debated how to manage a growing refugee population 201 202 329.
• Religious reform — Following Julius's downfall, the Holy See was reformed. Priests continued to work in respected professions, including medicine 172 202.

Military and Technology

• Golden Fleet — A fleet of armed airships inherited from the First King, also called the “Sword of Damocles” and the “Sword of the Empire.” Its reputed ability to destroy a city gives it value as a deterrent, though few people have seen it deployed 89 388.
• Knights and firearms — The Knights Order and firearm divisions maintained a balance, but the development of stronger war machines threatened the Knights' traditional battlefield role 80.
• Naval weakness — Maritime technology saw little substantial development after Henry III. The Empire's usual combination of Knights and priests was poorly suited to fighting at sea, leaving its merchant ships vulnerable to pirates 172.
• Magitech — Ethan's circle developed weapons including an Electromagnetic Crossbow. The Empire later supplied crossbows from the Old Sen Magitech Shop to border cities, helping improve public security 129 329.

Society and Foreign Relations

• Demi-humans seeking official positions face unusually strict scrutiny and workplace ostracism; they are rarely seen in the Empire's large cities 174.
• The Western Continent's Deep Sea Council viewed the Empire's theological rule and prevalence of Evil God cultists critically. The two powers later established closer diplomatic ties and publicly affirmed an alliance during the King of Gold's expansion 183 271.
• Refugees increasingly entered the Empire after its reforms. The cabinet recognized both their need for work and the resulting pressure on border security 329.
• The Far West Land later closed itself to Imperial visitors amid a religious dispute. Accusations against the Margaret Family over a bishop's murder further raised the prospect of war 449 458.