The Sundarian Empire
It is the advent of a new age.
With an earth-shattering crack, the falling City of Sundren had brought with it changes to the valley beyond what most could see. While the Day of Broken Blades was a fading light, the settlement of the City was a new dawn that signaled the coming of a new era of peace and prosperity for all who called Sundren Valley their home.
The Vigiles
When the City fell, so too did the barriers preventing people from entering and exiting the City. No longer protected by its unreachable heights, the Emperor's decision to form the Senate and Regional Council acted more of an ameliorative effect on the valley than any army or magical feat of prowess. Aquor, Avanthyr, and eventually Sestra all banded together, united in their desire for stable trade among the valley's inhabitants. This Council is headed by the main families who rule their respective city-states, recognized in their independence by the Imperial Seat. Meriadoc hails from Avanthyr, Pendraig and its governor River Highsun from Aquor, and the militaristic ruler of Sestra, Hashart Datton.
Realizing that no one group could ever provide the strength and stability to the roads that they needed, and more pragmatically preventing any one city-state from gaining too much power, the Regional Council enlisted the aid of those most beholden to the laws of the land: the Helmite Church. Called to do their duty once more beyond the gates of Sundren City, the Helmites have turned to their roots and have become Road Wardens in charge of enforcing the laws of the trade-ways. This in turn has generated significant revenue used to support these Vigiles, and their order has flourished after the long drought of lawlessness in the valley.
The Senate rules the City proper, its districts electing representatives to speak for the people of Sundren City, pouring back into the lands in and around the now fallen metropolis.
The Senate
The Ulsteris family, their lands valued once more by the incoming refugees seeking their old homes and fields, has gained a prominent seat in the Senate. Since the fall of the City refugees not settled in the varying lands have drifted back to Sundren City based solely on Ulsteris' reputation as a fair, hard-working man.
A merchant house that clawed its way to nobility, House Zenten holds a seat on the Senate representing the Cheapside. Their reputation even amongst other nobles is low, and they are often regarded with suspicion and distrust by the rest of the nobility. The ruined remains of several houses lie in their wake and serve as warning to any who would deal haphazardly with the Zenten. And yet, they hold sway in the slums as the principle group to get 'things done.'
Renowned as a House where honor meets pragmatism, the Val’Tess are skilled diplomats, advisers, counselors, and arbiters. Many a nobleman seek the Val’Tess out to represent them in trade disputes and other conflicts. As a result, they have garnered the favor of Aspirations and the businesses within. This in turn led to their eventual rise as a district representative within the Senate.
Finally, the Veritas have risen to prominence within the military district of Castrum. Arguably one of the oldest remaining families in Sundren, they have supplanted the LaCroix as the most involved noble house within the Sundarian Legion. The Veritas family's bid on the Castrum seat is consistently challenged by the LaCroix, the two families almost bitter rivals over the coveted position.
The Factions of Sundren City
Condottieri
Condottieri
The noble families in both the Regional Council and the Senate seek out skilled individuals in both blade and word, elite fighters and diplomats to serve them in their dealings.
Mercenaries sworn to noble service, the Condottieri are men and women acting as the arms, hands, and fingers of the noble families. While each adventurer serves his or her own particular family, they are viewed as a whole as noble servants. Sworn to service, these unique men and women answer to family problems, represent family interests where there is no familial member present, and fight their battles whether by word or blade.
Legio Discenius
With the separation of power within Sundren City from the Emperor, and the landing of the City, there came a need for more specialized soldiers. As a result, the Imperial Government, while consolidating its forces at home by dissolving the Legions into a single Legio and incorporating the Helmites into the Vigiles, or Sundren Constabulary, has seen the need for soldiers with unique skills and backgrounds who do not toil away at the trenches. As a result, those with specific skills are sorted into the Legio Discenius .
The purpose of this particular Legio is to spread into the valley and work the Empire's will: whether that means securing its borders, or obtaining new resources, or even normalizing relations with other city-states. These soldiers can act in any capacity, be it spy or warrior, mage or priest. Their skillsets still define their ranks and specializations, but they are no longer bound to a singular command branch. Instead, these men and women serve under the direct supervision of the Evocati, the elite soldiers of the Sundarian Legio.
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