| Capital: | Argent |
| Population: | 12,500,000 (57% human, 21% dwarves, 7% elves, 6% half-elves, 5% halflings, 4% other) |
| Exports: | Textiles, potatoes, healing, potions, religion |
| Languages: | Common, Dwarven, Elven |
| Official Colour(s): | Azure(blue), Argent(silver/white) |
| Official Motto: | “Honour, justice, and compassion unite the good peoples of the world.” |
The Holy Athaerian Empire is arguably the most enlightened warmongering state in the world. Despite an ongoing war with Zhakhustra, which has been going on for probably the last 600 years in some form or another, Athaeria is considered one of the better places in the world to live.
Known by its allies as the Blessed Lands, and its enemies as the Crusader Lands, Athaeria is more commonly referred to as the Paladin Empire, after its founder Markus Athaerius, who was, well a Paladin. The bloodline of the emperor continues to this day.
The Divine Empress Tessina Athaerius (LG female human, paladin 12) governs with an iron fist in the velvet glove. Though her will is law, her court hears the plight of the unfortunate and seeks always to serve the people. A widely popular ruler, Tessina is known to be a persuasive diplomat, and like her father, is wise in the ways of justice. That being said, there is no tolerance for disorderly behaviour or even the hint of evil.
Tessina ascended the throne after her father’s sudden death at the hands of the Lord Emperor of Zhakhustra during their final duel.
Industries
Athaeria’s ongoing war with Zhakhustra drains a get deal of its resources annually. In spite of its size, and the bright ivory towers that dot the capital, Athaeria is not a rich country.
A significant portion of the Athaerian economy is built around manufacturing of imported metals such as mithral.
Life and Society
The people of Athaeria are for the most part a diverse bunch. Most of the average citizens go about their lives peacefully, content with their jobs, and attending regular religious services. A great many are devout followers of some religion or another, and gatherings of debating philosophers and clerics are often seen in the marketplaces and temples.
The ubiquitous nature of the churches means that those suffering from poverty and sickness are always taken care of, and state-sponsored charity creates a fairly high standard of living. Homelessness is virtually nonexistent, as churches are mandated to open their doors to the down-trodden, and care of the sick is considered a duty of the clergy.
Though faith is a powerful force, not all in the country follow one, and many are drawn more to material needs. The government actively encourages religious participation, and often views those of non-sanctioned beliefs with suspicion, however rarely do they act against them, usually having more pressing concerns.
The nobility of Athaeria are particularly sophisticated, and have considerable independence.
Government and Politics
The laws of Athaeria and most of its allies are based on the Creed of Athaerius, which emphasizes fair trials where suspects are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, punishments that fit and do not exceed the crime, and the spirit of the law being in the service of the greater good. Where possible, the Creed argues for rehabilitation, and incorporates St. Magnus’ famous treatise on forgiveness through atonement. Court verdicts are decided by a jury of citizens.
The empire is divided into seven provinces governed by seven Archdukes, regents in their own right, who possess significant power and authority, though their autonomy is held in check by the court of the empress. The Council of Dukes is lead by Archduke Desraeli Osmandu (LN male human, aristocrat 7, knight 4).
Power Groups
Military service is mandatory for all able bodied adults turning 18. Everyone is required to serve at least two years in the Home Guard, which is restricted by law to the defence of the empire proper and may not cross outside its borders. Afterwards, they may return to civilian duty, or join another branch of the military. This means that even a peasant farmer likely has some military training with which to defend his family with. Actual service in the regular Army, Navy, and Sky Navy is voluntary and generally well paid. The elite knight cavalry of Athaeria, the Imperial Cavaliers are feared for their fearless charge and battle hardened valour.
The Argent Guard, also known as the Agents of the Holy Empress, or the Imperial Knights of the Sacred Crown, is arguably the most prestigious unit in all of Athaeria. By special edict from the Empress herself, these knights quest to bring law and justice to the world wherever it is lacking. Or at least, that is its official purpose. In practice, the Argent Guard tends to serve as an extension of the Empress’s will, whether that be crusades against evil, or aggressive diplomacy. The Guard is commanded by Marshal Mathurin (LG male dwarf, paladin 6/knight protector 10) a respected veteran and friend of the former Emperor.
The Knights Inquisitor is one of the most feared wings of Athaeria’s military intelligence. Formally under the command of the Argent Guard, the Knights have great autonomy. The most public figure of the Argent Guard is Firreli the Bold (CG female half-elf, bard 6/warchanter 7). A bit of a loose cannon, she has a tendency to neglect to remember the authority of her superiors. Otherwise, she is very competent.
The Empress’ personal bodyguard, the Aegis of Athaerius are made up of elite knights of the Argent Guard who accompany the Empress into battle. They are led by one Knight Captain Darsic Arcandor (LG male evangelite, paladin 5/fighter 6/crusader 3), famously known as Drake, the Azure Knight.
Religion
Although the official patron deity of Athaeria is Aeon (LG), the worship of any good-aligned deity has been deemed acceptable by the officials of the Athaerian Church. Solace is particularly common. Some of the more Chaotic-aligned good deities are viewed as uncivil however. Neutral deities are tolerated, but certainly not encouraged. Worshipers of evil deities must remain hidden or risk inquisition.
Archcardinal De Morgan (LN male human, aristocrat 5, cleric 10), the defacto leader of the Church of Athaeria, Congregation of Aeon, is in fact the empress’ uncle. Though he officially rescinded his claim to the throne when he became a cardinal, there are those that whisper that it is he who should have succeeded his brother. Archbishop Carlyle (NG male human, aristocrat 3, cleric 11) of the Church of Athaeria, Congregation of Solace is the other major religious authority behind the scenes.
Major Settlements / Important Sites
Argent (Metropolis, 1,100,000): The capital of Argent is by far the largest, most developed city in western Northland. Known for its vast networks of connected cathedrals and surrounded by a wall of imposing fortresses, the Imperial Capital is quite a sight for first timers.
Argent Tower: The cathedral-like Argent Tower at the centre of the capital overlooks most of the empire. The Argent Tower possesses several powerful abilities similar to the Adamantine Spire and the Monolith. The Tower works as the focus of a powerful consecrated aura of which the effect can be felt up to 100 miles distant, or as far as the Tower can be seen. This effects all good and lawful aligned people and creatures such that they are automatically granted the effects of the spells consecrate, bless, and certain other spells depending on what ritual or service is being conducted at the Tower.
The Argent Tower also serves a very direct military purpose in that it can be used in times of great need to generate an extraordinarily powerful shield of divine magical energy that is used to protect the city of Argent from outside attack such as magical bombardment. The shield is extremely resilient but requires a full choir of clerics to exactingly maintain the shield for any length of time.
Adventuring In Athaeria
Adventurers would do well to respect the religious sensibilities of the people of this country. Though the theocracy is sufficiently enlightened so as to tolerate other beliefs, they tend to view criticism as a challenge to the regime. A silver-tongue and a good understanding of the local customs are an asset.
Generally, the guards here are noticeably less corrupt than average, so bribery works much less often than some might hope, and attempting to bribe the wrong person can result in a night in the slammer.
The politics here are Byzantine in their complexity and intrigue, as would be expected of any empire of this size. Beware that there are many factions within the church and nobility.