Lifesblood
29-04-2007, 23:05
The Empire of Hylätä
In the beginning there was Khaos, the Master,
And all he did see was turned to wicked fires
With his machinations of destruction he did wage war,
Immortal God did fall in abundance, smote in heart,
The void itself wept, tears turned to cold diamond in the sky,
Rejoiced did he while his foes wept and wailed, all maimed,
Yet from the ruins, crept Azazel the Wronged,
Clutching shard of broken moon he did seek to slay the beast,
Raising high his glittering sword he prepared a mighty deathblow,
Yet in some sense of immortal dread did the Monster turn,
And laughing while his last enemy writhed,
But too late,
Deep froth of poisonous blaze did catch and leap off cruel blade,
And came back at the fearsome Giant, too late, undone,
With the howling of Time and the tearing of souls was Azrael born,
Greatest of all Divines
Slaughtering the crippled and killing the Blind One.
Yet the eye remained, wheeling in evil portents,
Before it roared, weary, into Cosmos.
- Book III of Ishmael
“With a bloody blade I have cleaved an Empire for my people,
We are descended from Fenrir, only God to survive the Fall,
Hylätä will be a beacon of light amid the ocean of savagery,
Aye, you may weep for your children,
But the crimson on their Spears is all that stands between Oblivion,
And us.
Regret that things must be so, but never regret the fires of war.
They are what have made us great, made us steel.
And you shame them with your words,
You, who have not the courage to perform their deeds.”
- Emperor Baal’s response to chastisement by the Senate upon returning from the предсмертный Campaign
The Empire
There are eleven Principalities within the Empire, each one is assigned to a character of significance within the Empire at the discretion of the Emperor, however tradition dictates that several are to be inherited by bloodline and that several are the province of particular organisations.
Namibia- Grandmaster of the Azraelites
Comoros- Grandmaster of the Azraelites
Seychelles- Grandmaster of the Azraelites
Zimbabwe- Aguirre Dynasty
Mozambique- Archlord
South Africa- Africana Kingship
Lesotho- Crown Prince
Malawi- Leo Kingship
Swaziland- Emperor
Botswana- Emperor
Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion- Emperor
Principalities
Namibia is the ancient realm of a long-lost race who were entirely expunged by a swift campaign of butchery by a long-forgotten ruler of the Empire, as penance for this brutality the land has become wicked, infested with treacherous marshland and eerie, heavy smog, unearthly shrieking punctuate the air. Those who venture too far from the edge of the Principality vanish. However, on the border with Botswana mining operations are common, due to a wealth silver. The majority of the Namibian-Angolan border is left undefended due to the terrain and fell spirits which reside within, however, to the West there is a formidable defense in the form of fierce bastions and keeps. Scouting parties also frequent the area for sign of trespass.
South Africa has the largest population of any single Principality within the Empire, mainly dedicated to Agriculture, its produce sent throughout, also has significant meat-production in the form of herdsmen and cattle. It is also renowned for its fine wines, caskets travelling the length and breadth of the Empire.
Lesotho is a small region, only notable for its vast water source. Controlled strictly by the Crown Prince in order to provide the crops and people in the entire of South Africa with water. Also, some must be saved in case of drought. The Crown Prince is given this task to teach patience, and allow him to understand the inner-workings of the Empire and what makes it successful.
Zimbabwe also is a major provider of produce for the rest of the Empire. However it is also the home of the Bi Fang range of factories. Potent fires are stoked by powerful engines, this is where the great inventive minds and artisans of metal-work find employ. Weapons are pioneered and provided for the Empire from this enormous range of forges, given considerable sums by the Emperor in appreciation, funding is never short, and thus bizarre yet frighteningly effective war-machines are constantly created. This is also where many Blacksmiths dwell, and so there are many weapons and armour of amazing craft which swell the Empire’s armouries. Due to this the border with Zambia is defended by huge steel-walled fortresses, bristling with harsh arrays of powerful weaponry.
Mozambique combines agriculture and an impressive fishing capacity to support it’s populous. Also, due to containing the kind of forestry needed, it is where the majority of ship-building takes place. The Tanzanian border is defended by a rugged mountain-range, rough and steep only several passes allow safe passage, these are defended by strong gatekeeps backed by barracks complexes.
Malawi covered in dense jungle and huge rivers. Save at the back where homesteads scrape a living from the land, often turning to profitable tobacco crops. Due to the Northern area of the Principality being exposed its inhabitants have been forced to adapt to their environment and have become hardy warriors, possessing expansive knowledge of jungle warfare. This is also where poisons and venoms are collected for use in weaponry for the rest of the Empire, although the natives have the largest portion for defensive purposes. A constant vigil is required to prevent enemies using this area as a way into the Empire’s peaceful lands.
Swaziland is governed by the Emperor directly. A major source of coal and diamond as well as quarry for the numerous building projects within the Empire. This allows vital resources to be sent to where they are needed within the Empire, and also gives the Emperor’s spheres of governing considerable funds.
Botswana is rich in metals, gold and copper, as well as diamond and oil reserves. Resources here are used to make the land affluent, and supplement the needs of other Principalities.
Madagascar an opulent island, garnering wealth from trade, it is also the seat of the Emperor. Defended by a small yet powerful fleet.
Mauritius an unpopulated island containing an abundance of wild beasts, many of these are captured and caged for use with the military.
Reunion a small trading post, prosperous as much trade from Australasia travels through.
Comoros four islands belonging to the Azraelites. Used for their training purposes, little is known about the mysteries of these isles.
Seychelles a fey area, incredibly lifelike statues dot the morass of islands, it is forbidden to set foot on these islands. Traditionally the governance of the Azraelites, whether they know its secrets or no, they remain silent on the matter.
Senate
A body of the populous selected from each Principality, they meet at Madagascar once a year to discuss matters with the Emperor. They bring matters from the people, and concerns about the Empire before him without fear of physical reprimand.
Military
National Corps. Each Principality must provide a levy of troops, trained to a satisfactory degree and armed to a specified minimum, based upon what it is felt the Principality can reasonably provide for. If a particular time of hardship strikes the land then the forces costs may be taken upon the Empire as a whole. Standing forces are checked yearly and assessed to give an accurate layout of the military capabilities of each region. It is also of note that National Corps. cannot enter another Principality without permission from the ruler or Emperor. This may be overlooked in times of crisis.
The Emperor’s Guard is a standing force funded by the Empires taxes and resources as a whole, they are full-time soldiers, and train extensively. Garrisons are situated throughout, however they are usually moved to locations where fighting is likely to occur.
Azraelites. Every generation there are individuals of who have a high Doom placed upon them. It is said the Priests can use their mystic ways to catch glimpses of future events. Children will be selected from birth based on such prophecy, and dropped into a bath of finest wine, if they survive they are considered strong enough for the journey that awaits. Sent to the Comoros to undergo the secrets of Azrael, they become Men Of Death, all vestiges of humanity erased, replaced by martial excellence and fearlessness. Fate ordains that they must go to their judgement in the realm of the dead. They are left alone at the borders of Namibia, they must search for the City of Skulls amid the terrors. The majority are never heard from again, yet some, the few, return as veritable daimons, always silent on their previous journeys, they turn death into an art, of beauty beyond compare.
Navy a small fleet, yet they have mastered the mysteries of Greek-Fire and possess several great cannons aboard their swift vessels.
Aerial Company Engineers in Zimbabwe managed to pioneer several large zeppelins and small craft utilising rotary motion to create a small airforce.
Structure
The Empire works on an almost Federal system, whereby each Principality strives to individually succeed, but is required to provide extensive aid to the others. The Emperor also has absolute authority on every matter, choosing when not to wield it and allow provinces their freedom ensures that every part of the Empire can flourish. However that is not to say that different Principalities don’t feel ties of comradeship and loyalty, merely that they are permitted freedoms in their ruling styles. While things are tightly regulated a simple way of describing it would be a tributary system by the various states to one governing source in order to ensure their survival.
Technology
An eclectic mix, with certain innovations found by accident while others remain unknown.
Coal and steam-powered machines are still the most technologically advanced, with extensive railways providing the capability to move materials and people.
War is in a sense, very primitive, with soldiers wearing decorated breastplates and wearing relatively short dark kilts [Similar to a short-toga] in battle. Their true defense lay in their shields, carefully interwoven metal they could withstand intense pressures, even providing adequate protection from bullets. To fight with they used an assortment of spears and short-swords.
This was backed by warmachine. However they also utilised various bows, especially the longbow. The true secret to their combat weapons effectiveness was the deadly poisons they placed upon their arrows and swords/spears. Some so potent even a graze could kill within seconds.
OoC: My first factbook, while it's intended to be pretty vague, and was thrown together, any advice/constructive-criticism is appreciated.
In the beginning there was Khaos, the Master,
And all he did see was turned to wicked fires
With his machinations of destruction he did wage war,
Immortal God did fall in abundance, smote in heart,
The void itself wept, tears turned to cold diamond in the sky,
Rejoiced did he while his foes wept and wailed, all maimed,
Yet from the ruins, crept Azazel the Wronged,
Clutching shard of broken moon he did seek to slay the beast,
Raising high his glittering sword he prepared a mighty deathblow,
Yet in some sense of immortal dread did the Monster turn,
And laughing while his last enemy writhed,
But too late,
Deep froth of poisonous blaze did catch and leap off cruel blade,
And came back at the fearsome Giant, too late, undone,
With the howling of Time and the tearing of souls was Azrael born,
Greatest of all Divines
Slaughtering the crippled and killing the Blind One.
Yet the eye remained, wheeling in evil portents,
Before it roared, weary, into Cosmos.
- Book III of Ishmael
“With a bloody blade I have cleaved an Empire for my people,
We are descended from Fenrir, only God to survive the Fall,
Hylätä will be a beacon of light amid the ocean of savagery,
Aye, you may weep for your children,
But the crimson on their Spears is all that stands between Oblivion,
And us.
Regret that things must be so, but never regret the fires of war.
They are what have made us great, made us steel.
And you shame them with your words,
You, who have not the courage to perform their deeds.”
- Emperor Baal’s response to chastisement by the Senate upon returning from the предсмертный Campaign
The Empire
There are eleven Principalities within the Empire, each one is assigned to a character of significance within the Empire at the discretion of the Emperor, however tradition dictates that several are to be inherited by bloodline and that several are the province of particular organisations.
Namibia- Grandmaster of the Azraelites
Comoros- Grandmaster of the Azraelites
Seychelles- Grandmaster of the Azraelites
Zimbabwe- Aguirre Dynasty
Mozambique- Archlord
South Africa- Africana Kingship
Lesotho- Crown Prince
Malawi- Leo Kingship
Swaziland- Emperor
Botswana- Emperor
Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion- Emperor
Principalities
Namibia is the ancient realm of a long-lost race who were entirely expunged by a swift campaign of butchery by a long-forgotten ruler of the Empire, as penance for this brutality the land has become wicked, infested with treacherous marshland and eerie, heavy smog, unearthly shrieking punctuate the air. Those who venture too far from the edge of the Principality vanish. However, on the border with Botswana mining operations are common, due to a wealth silver. The majority of the Namibian-Angolan border is left undefended due to the terrain and fell spirits which reside within, however, to the West there is a formidable defense in the form of fierce bastions and keeps. Scouting parties also frequent the area for sign of trespass.
South Africa has the largest population of any single Principality within the Empire, mainly dedicated to Agriculture, its produce sent throughout, also has significant meat-production in the form of herdsmen and cattle. It is also renowned for its fine wines, caskets travelling the length and breadth of the Empire.
Lesotho is a small region, only notable for its vast water source. Controlled strictly by the Crown Prince in order to provide the crops and people in the entire of South Africa with water. Also, some must be saved in case of drought. The Crown Prince is given this task to teach patience, and allow him to understand the inner-workings of the Empire and what makes it successful.
Zimbabwe also is a major provider of produce for the rest of the Empire. However it is also the home of the Bi Fang range of factories. Potent fires are stoked by powerful engines, this is where the great inventive minds and artisans of metal-work find employ. Weapons are pioneered and provided for the Empire from this enormous range of forges, given considerable sums by the Emperor in appreciation, funding is never short, and thus bizarre yet frighteningly effective war-machines are constantly created. This is also where many Blacksmiths dwell, and so there are many weapons and armour of amazing craft which swell the Empire’s armouries. Due to this the border with Zambia is defended by huge steel-walled fortresses, bristling with harsh arrays of powerful weaponry.
Mozambique combines agriculture and an impressive fishing capacity to support it’s populous. Also, due to containing the kind of forestry needed, it is where the majority of ship-building takes place. The Tanzanian border is defended by a rugged mountain-range, rough and steep only several passes allow safe passage, these are defended by strong gatekeeps backed by barracks complexes.
Malawi covered in dense jungle and huge rivers. Save at the back where homesteads scrape a living from the land, often turning to profitable tobacco crops. Due to the Northern area of the Principality being exposed its inhabitants have been forced to adapt to their environment and have become hardy warriors, possessing expansive knowledge of jungle warfare. This is also where poisons and venoms are collected for use in weaponry for the rest of the Empire, although the natives have the largest portion for defensive purposes. A constant vigil is required to prevent enemies using this area as a way into the Empire’s peaceful lands.
Swaziland is governed by the Emperor directly. A major source of coal and diamond as well as quarry for the numerous building projects within the Empire. This allows vital resources to be sent to where they are needed within the Empire, and also gives the Emperor’s spheres of governing considerable funds.
Botswana is rich in metals, gold and copper, as well as diamond and oil reserves. Resources here are used to make the land affluent, and supplement the needs of other Principalities.
Madagascar an opulent island, garnering wealth from trade, it is also the seat of the Emperor. Defended by a small yet powerful fleet.
Mauritius an unpopulated island containing an abundance of wild beasts, many of these are captured and caged for use with the military.
Reunion a small trading post, prosperous as much trade from Australasia travels through.
Comoros four islands belonging to the Azraelites. Used for their training purposes, little is known about the mysteries of these isles.
Seychelles a fey area, incredibly lifelike statues dot the morass of islands, it is forbidden to set foot on these islands. Traditionally the governance of the Azraelites, whether they know its secrets or no, they remain silent on the matter.
Senate
A body of the populous selected from each Principality, they meet at Madagascar once a year to discuss matters with the Emperor. They bring matters from the people, and concerns about the Empire before him without fear of physical reprimand.
Military
National Corps. Each Principality must provide a levy of troops, trained to a satisfactory degree and armed to a specified minimum, based upon what it is felt the Principality can reasonably provide for. If a particular time of hardship strikes the land then the forces costs may be taken upon the Empire as a whole. Standing forces are checked yearly and assessed to give an accurate layout of the military capabilities of each region. It is also of note that National Corps. cannot enter another Principality without permission from the ruler or Emperor. This may be overlooked in times of crisis.
The Emperor’s Guard is a standing force funded by the Empires taxes and resources as a whole, they are full-time soldiers, and train extensively. Garrisons are situated throughout, however they are usually moved to locations where fighting is likely to occur.
Azraelites. Every generation there are individuals of who have a high Doom placed upon them. It is said the Priests can use their mystic ways to catch glimpses of future events. Children will be selected from birth based on such prophecy, and dropped into a bath of finest wine, if they survive they are considered strong enough for the journey that awaits. Sent to the Comoros to undergo the secrets of Azrael, they become Men Of Death, all vestiges of humanity erased, replaced by martial excellence and fearlessness. Fate ordains that they must go to their judgement in the realm of the dead. They are left alone at the borders of Namibia, they must search for the City of Skulls amid the terrors. The majority are never heard from again, yet some, the few, return as veritable daimons, always silent on their previous journeys, they turn death into an art, of beauty beyond compare.
Navy a small fleet, yet they have mastered the mysteries of Greek-Fire and possess several great cannons aboard their swift vessels.
Aerial Company Engineers in Zimbabwe managed to pioneer several large zeppelins and small craft utilising rotary motion to create a small airforce.
Structure
The Empire works on an almost Federal system, whereby each Principality strives to individually succeed, but is required to provide extensive aid to the others. The Emperor also has absolute authority on every matter, choosing when not to wield it and allow provinces their freedom ensures that every part of the Empire can flourish. However that is not to say that different Principalities don’t feel ties of comradeship and loyalty, merely that they are permitted freedoms in their ruling styles. While things are tightly regulated a simple way of describing it would be a tributary system by the various states to one governing source in order to ensure their survival.
Technology
An eclectic mix, with certain innovations found by accident while others remain unknown.
Coal and steam-powered machines are still the most technologically advanced, with extensive railways providing the capability to move materials and people.
War is in a sense, very primitive, with soldiers wearing decorated breastplates and wearing relatively short dark kilts [Similar to a short-toga] in battle. Their true defense lay in their shields, carefully interwoven metal they could withstand intense pressures, even providing adequate protection from bullets. To fight with they used an assortment of spears and short-swords.
This was backed by warmachine. However they also utilised various bows, especially the longbow. The true secret to their combat weapons effectiveness was the deadly poisons they placed upon their arrows and swords/spears. Some so potent even a graze could kill within seconds.
OoC: My first factbook, while it's intended to be pretty vague, and was thrown together, any advice/constructive-criticism is appreciated.