Granditore

The largest empire on the continent, the Granditore Empire is by far the most magically and technologically advanced nation in the world. Often called the Spire Lands, it is famous for the Adamantine Spire, a massive towering skyport that also functions as the seat of government. The word of Imperator Gravious Mancelusio (LN male human, marshal? 18) is law. Often though, interpreting the law falls upon the powerful authority of the Imperial Magistrates.

Historically, Granditore has remained neutral for most of the war between Athaeria and Zhakhustra, only occasionally acting to aid the weaker side at any given time. It is believed to be in the best interests of the Spire that neither rival empire becomes too powerful.

Industries

Arguably the most technologically advanced civilization on the face of Calbion, Granditore has mastered the art of fusing technology with magic. The Artificers Guild acts as almost a sort of substitute for the Mages Guild, whose power is considerably weaker here than in most other parts of Calbion.

A substantial portion of the industrial base is built upon the backs of worker golems who toil unthinkingly and untiringly in the mines and forges of the country.

Life and Society

The people of this militaristic nation border on fanatical in their devotion to routine and stricture. Industrious and hardworking, or stiflingly oppressed? You decide.

Laws exist which govern essentially every aspect of daily life. Chances are, if it’s something that could be done incorrectly, there is a rule somewhere describing the proper protocol and definition.

Government and Politics

The Spire Lands are divided into twenty-six Jurisdictions, each governed by an Imperial High Magistrate. Ten of these Jurisdictions represent the original Itorian City States that formed the core of Granditore. One Jurisdiction represents the Adamantine Spire. Eight Jurisdictions represent the annexed countries that make up the outer Empire. Four Jurisdictions represent overseas colonies, the exact locations of which are a guarded secret. The remaining three Jurisdictions represent the various vassal states that the Imperator is currently in the process of attempting to annex, namely Dalstrom, Khoronos, and Avantgardia.

The laws of Granditore closely follow the Code of Grandus, whose edicts dictate equal retribution to the guilty. For instance, if a thief is caught, he/she must return the stolen amount and then return an additional amount equal to the stolen amount to the victim. If the guilty party cannot afford to pay this amount, they will be placed in indentured servitude until their debt is paid in full. Murder is punishable by death, except for properly contracted duels, where the survivor must take care of the deceased’s dependents. Court verdicts are decided by a panel of judges. A little known clause is that any citizen of Granditore who is before a court, may appeal his case to the Imperator. This is generally a dangerous and desperate move, as the Imperator rarely rules favourably.

Some speculate that the real power behind the throne is High Magistrate Gilliard De Rosan (? LN male human, aristocrat 6), who has taken residence in the Adamantine Spire and is a highly influential member of the Imperator’s Court. The sheer amount of power he wields in the name of the Imperator is at times, frightening, as he alone can rule on a case before the Imperial Court in the absence of the Imperator, who is often busy with his military campaigns. Some whisper that he has become too powerful.

Granditore has recently undertaken in a series of expansive actions, mostly in establishing colonies south of the Dreaded Isles, and declaring the kingdoms of Avantgardia and Khoronos to be “Imperial Protectorates.”

Power Groups

Power is strongly centralized with the Imperator at the top. He is the Commander of the Army, the Highest Judge and Magistrate, and First Speaker of the Senate. Military service in the Granditore Army is mandatory for adults between the age of 16 to 24, and they must serve at least four of those years. The Granditore sea navy, also known as the Steel Armada, and its sky navy, known as the Grand Fleet, are the largest in the known world. The Grand Fleet’s terrifying Storm Fortresses have a reputation for being self-contained invasion forces. Despite the embrace of Advanced Arcana however, military traditions still run strong and the traditional horse riding Imperial Lancers remain a force to be feared.

General Hawth Braxzandor (LN male human, fighter 7/marshal 10) commands the Imperial Grand Fleet, which currently boasts eight Storm Fortresses, twenty-seven sky battleships (including the feared Dreadnought class) and hundreds of smaller airships, including sky destroyers and corvettes. Whereas other countries may have floating castles that are generally used as a form of mobile defense, Granditore has mastered the art of using such massive floating fortresses in offensive warfare as moving forward bases and siege engines.

Of minor note is the Imperial Technical Corps, which specializes in unconventional shock tactics and experimental weaponry. Recently, it has been reported that some of the Technicals have been equipped with innovative new “Fire Lances” to deliver projectile fire. The technology is apparently rather crude and prone to breaking, and it is doubtful that such devices will ever replace the more reliable repeating crossbows currently used. The famed ex-adventurer Lieutenant Dareno “Hawkeye” Darkenori (CG male elf, artificer 7) commands the 1st Imperial Technical Regiment.

Of course, the military of Granditore prides itself on it’s mastery of all forms of warfare, and espionage is no exception. Magistrate Niath Siyedah (LN male elf, monk 7/rogue 7), the Master of Secrets, is Granditore’s powerful Spymaster extraordinaire. He runs the Adamantine Watch, The Spire Lands’ most infamous military intelligence organization. A former operative himself, don’t let his elven features fool you, for he is far more ninja than diviner.

Religion

The official state religion is the worship of the Prophet Xenos (LN), although perhaps it would be better to describe it as the worship of law and vengeance, with Xenos as a figure of veneration.

Few people in Granditore can be considered actually religious. Most citizens of the empire refer to magic as the arcane sciences, and much of religion is seen as a superstitious and crude form of arcane magic.

An exception would be the followers of Saint Gaius Il’Morgan (NG male human, cleric 3/wizard 3/mystic theurge 9), the Mace of Xenos, and Bishop of the Faith Militant whom the magistrates see as a dangerous radical, but whose astonishing popularity with the general populace has made him equally untouchable. Famed for his often devious exploits for the Greater Good, he has gained a legendary reputation as a righter of wrongs by highly unconventional means.

Major Settlements / Important Sites

Adamantine: The capital is essentially a city that exists to maintain the Adamantine Spire. The sheer weight of the Spire has caused the entire city to sunk by several inches every year. Thus, today the capital looks rather like a massive crater filled with metal and a single enormous pillar in the centre.

Far to the west and south, it is believed that Granditore has established colonies on other continents. Rumour has it that Granditore is seeking adventurers to help them clear out hordes of monstrous natives that apparently populate these continents and have made life difficult for the colonists.

Adamantine Spire: The Adamantine Spire possesses several powerful abilities similar to the Argent Tower and the Monolith. The Spire is an exceptionally heavily armed military fortress and boasts thousands of weapon emplacements included several hundred of the heaviest, farthest ranged magical ballistae in the known world. Such artillery is rumoured to be capable of bombarding a target up to 100 miles away, though not with particularly much accuracy.

The tower itself is protected not only by several feet of thick adamantine armour, but several layers of magical energy shielding, not to mention that several Imperial sky fleets, including the Imperial Home Fleet, and the army’s Central Expeditionary Force call the Spire their home base.

Though the power of the Imperator is suffocating close to the Spire, it is said to weaken as you go further away, into the periphery of the Empire. Several such territories are believed to have noticeable anti-Imperial resistance and sentiment.

Galdridge: The former kingdom of Galdridge consist mostly of a vast open plain. The riders of this nation once formed a formidable cavalry force. Today they provide horses for the Imperial Lancers.

Aldruca: Aldruca is mostly forested lands with a sizable elf and druidic population.

Talonia: A land mostly inhabited by halflings who have developed a rather unusual symbiotic relationship with the Great Hawks.

Lothria: The former kingdom of Lothria is a mountainous region. The resistance there has taken to a style of guerilla warfare based on their skill in the hazardous land.

Adventuring In Granditore

By far the most important thing to remember when in Granditore, and I mean this is essential to your survival, remember the laws! The laws of the Spire are followed to the letter, and strict adherence can lead to some strange confrontations. Though it is possible to occasionally bribe Imperial guards, it’s usually better to know all the little loopholes that can be used to one’s advantage.

This is one of the few civilized nations that not only allows but encourages dueling, so be aware that being challenged to a duel is a serious, contractual matter.