Land of Sacrifice Nations/Factions

Factions/Nations

Several separate factions can be noticed in the Land of Sacrifice, although among them, only one real nation, two semi-nations, a singular independent city state, and numerous somewhat unified, but not consolidated into a state or organization, gatherings of a single species.

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The Imperium/Imperial Dominion

During the reign of the  Esseline Empire, imps were seen as pets, at best, and slaves or soldiers at worst, thought to be little more than adorable animals which could morph into a terrifying form, under the right conditions. At it's fall, countless imps were left, lonely, scattered and confused. Until a single imp, followed by twelve retainers, begun uniting them, into rebuilding the old Empire into their image.

These twelve retainers, were granted by the first, Imperishable Imperial twelve stone tablets, with the Imp Law (the Imp Sigil Tome) written in it. Imp society, is governed by this Imp Law, even today, although amendments and interpretations have been made, to fit it better with the change of ages. Otherwise, the Imperium holds itself as a fair organization.

The Imperium is separated into Provinces. Provinces are categorized, into Imperial, Military, Agricultural, Urban and Frontier. Each has at least a single large, notable center (often a city). Leaving one's province permanently, as well as finding work outside of it, is very difficult to manage. Education however, can be pursued nation wide.

 Work is instantly determined by one's degree (higher education) and lasts for a set number of years. Once these years are up, depending on profession, Imps are given a monthly sum, by the state, and are free to pursue any occupation they wish, or even do nothing (the monthly sum allows relatively comfortable living on it's own), but in turn they can be drafted in the military at any time.

A career in law, or education is considered to bring one great esteem, and the titled Judge, as well as Teacher are highly honorable. A soldier is seen as necessary, but a military career is oft tedious, and full of sacrifices. Workers and farmers have a similar reputation. Artists, especially writers, and singers are given high regards.

"Religion" and the state are separate. The Imperishable Imperial (the Emperor) is seem as the ultimate authority, but only of a part of the religion. Even then, "religion" is an incorrect term to use. Technology wise, they have recently discovered gunpowder. Their military is however, quite powerful, and has subjugated any opposing forces. If something with military potential exists in the Land of Sacrifice, it is either the imps, or an ally/subject of the imps.

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The School of Gūgya.

A philosophical school pushing, striving to find how one can most efficiently and safely improve themselves. It studies Imp Law, and ancient Imp mythological texts, using the latter as allegories, towards understanding the evolution of values in Imp society.  The School has always had great influence over the Imperium. It's three branches (Mogya, Shugi and Ugya) are lead by Wisemen, who are in turn subjected to the True Wiseman. The Wiseman of the Mogya branch, is always the current Imperishable Imperial.

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The Children of the Oaken King.

The Oaken King, was an ancient, gigantic oak that was given sentience, by pure magical forces. He spread his gift to nearby trees, and produced the Sunseed species. The Children are the organized members of the Sunseeds, who seek to defend their forests, and their less organized brethren, and keep human contact limited to what won't harm the Sunseed race and culture. When not fighting tooth and nail to keep their more peaceful brethren safe, they seek to uncover more of the ancient Sunseed culture, and preserve it in any way they can.

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Lunaris

The Dreamwalkers "nation". In fact, a gathering of willing Dreamwalkers, who seek communion with the Moon, and entrance into the Vast Dream of their myths. Mostly a nomadic bunch, gathering into caravans and traveling the land. Perhaps the only such group to give their full attention to the Trials, and Worth as a concept, and thus, often producing some of the furthest reaching Tower climbers. Fun people, in general, appreciating the small things in life. Company, music, food and drinks, as well as the desire to explore and find new land, perhaps, even behind the Mountain Wall.

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Falconguard.

The last remnants of the old defunct Esseline Empire, Falconguard is a fortress, that had withstood siege for many ages. However, tired, and devastated from the war with the Imperium, they gave in. They never let the Imps in, but they paid tribute, and subjected themselves to their laws, and their territory to the Imperium. Even for a single city, it is said they are very divided, with frequent hostilities between enemy clans. To this day, Falconguard is still inaccessible to foreigners.