The Empire

The Empire was once a powerful, successful, and extensive nation, and it endured for centuries without facing signficant threats to its influence. The Imperial armies were feared far and wide. Although ruthless, the Empire also spread knowledge and technology wherever it went.

The glory days of the Empire are past, however. Today, it is no longer a highly centralized state. Instead, it is divided into dozens of individual entities governed by kings, dukes, counts, bishops, abbots or other rulers, collectively known as princes. There are also some areas ruled directly by the Emperor, though these are generally limited to areas around the Holy City. Concerned with barbarian invasions and power plays from ambitious princes, the Emperor no longer has the power to simply issue decrees and govern autonomously over the Empire.