History of the Empire
Languages of the Empire
Governing the Empire
Cities of the Empire
The Tossian Empire began under the rule of Emperor (then Prince) Krahaanik I - about 150 Martian years ago. Prince Krahaanik dreamed of having an empire that spanned Mars, much like the Empire of Seldon. He raised an army and hired many Hill Martian mercenaries. With these forces, he stormed the cities of Deucalionis and Pyrrhae without any declaration of war, brutally slaying the princes of both cities. Prince Krahaanik spent the rest of his reign struggling to maintain the subjugation of these two cities.
His son, now Emperor, Krahaanik II was not the warrior his father was. He was very charasmatic and was genuinely concerned with the welfare of his subjects. Within his lifetime, he removed the military occupation in Deucalionis and Pyrrhae while convincing the cities of the benefits of a unified Empire. The Tossian Empire remained an empire of three cities until the reign of Emperor Taaluuk (110 Martian years ago). Taaluuk was a fierce ruler and vigorously expanded the border of the empire. Any opportunity or excuse was taken to sieze control of a bordering country. This trend continued through his son, Emperor Krahaanik III.
The expansion under Krahaanik III's reign did not halt because of the efforts of neighboring cities, but rather because of the increasing pressure from nearby Hill and High Martian raiders. These raiders were aided by many of the neighboring cities, most notably Nectar.
Although Na-Gaaryani is the official language of the Empire, it is not the only language commonly used in the Empire. The trade language of Koline is spoken in nearly all cities on Mars, and the Tossian Empire is no exception. Noachan is the common language of the Eastern cities of Noachis and Pandora. Although not a part of the Tossian Empire, the people of Nectar speak the coarse language of Thark - another wedge that keeps that city seperate from the Emerald Empire.
Governing the Empire
The Empire is ruled by Emperor Krahaanik IV from Tossia. The governing of individual cities varies as they are somewhat independent from the Empire. Typically, they are either ruled by a group or a Baron (the title Prince is not used).
Aram
Prosperous, mercantile. Jealous of Thymiamata.
Aram is not run by a Prince, but rather a caste of Nobles called the Arem. Every three Martian years, the Arem dictate the industrial and mercantile rules by which the city is run. This includes what percentages of the population are engaged in particular trades, as well as what taxes and tariffs are applied to particular goods (except those items regulated by Imperial decree). This system works suprisingly well, but is not universally accepted by the people of Arem. This results in a large black market trade in goods and services.
Deucalionis
Wealthy, Forges
Deucalionis is one of the original subject cities of Tossia. As such, it is not ruled by its own prince, but rather by a regent of royal decree. Typically, the title of Regent of Deucalionis goes to the first born son of the Emperor. When he becomes Emperor, it is passed to the next youngest brother who does not already have a territory. Failing that, it is entrusted to a notable General or counsulman by royal decree.
Erythria
Wealthy, mixed economy
Strong popular prince.
Hyoraotes
Shipyards. Very corrupt town. Wealthy.
Strong, decadent prince.
Nectar
Although not part of the Tossian Empire, Nectar is in alliance with the Tossian Empire (for the first time in over 100 Martian years).
Prince Siitani vigorously maintains the city's independence from any outside powers (Belgian or Tossian).
Noachis
Cities of the Empire exhibit a higher standard of living then most other Martian cities. Noachis is an exception to that rule. Although the city has a strong industry and trades in a variety of products, the town is seriously overpopulated. This in turn produces rampant crime and poverty. To heap more problems on to the city, the Baron collects payments from the Empire for the reform of the Empire's prisoners. This money goes straight into his pocket, leaving poorly maintained and understaffed prisons. Most criminals are released early and blend into the urban squalor of Noachis.
Noachis is ruled by Baron Gruundis. The Baron is known well for his lack of effort toward the actual ruling of the city. He is a common sight at the city's brothels and bars where the extent of his Baronal power is used to garner free drinks and women. Most of the important decisions of his city are made by his counsulmen who are heavily influenced by nearby Baron Drakiil of Pandora.
Pandora
Pandora produces one of the most rare items on Mars - metal. The caves and mines north of Pandora bury deep into the Eden mountain chain. Here, slaves, prisoners, and the poor and desperate toil to draw iron ore up from the depths of the planet.
Pandora is governed by the ambitious Baron Drakiil. Drakiil is bitter towards humans because of their metal, towards Deucalionis for making a profit in their forges off of Pandorian metal, and secretly towards the Emperor. Although his disloyalty is an open secret, he has made no moves against Emperor Krahaanik and makes a great profit for the Empire using his ruthlessness to motivate the workers in the mines.
Protei
Mixed economy, famed for mercenaries.
Strong warriors, very honest.
Pyrrhae
Wealthy. Very religous, although not run by priests. Crucial to the peaceful formation of the Empire under Kraahanik II.
Pyrrhae is one of the original subject cities of Tossia. As such, it is not ruled by its own prince, but rather by a regent of royal decree. Typically, the title of Regent of Pyrrhae goes to the second born son of the Emperor. When he becomes Emperor, it is passed to the next youngest brother who does not already have a territory. Failing that, it is entrusted to a notable General or counsulman by royal decree.
Tobansoor
Tobansoor is the breadbasket of the Tossian Empire. The system of irrigation chanels and petit canals that branch of the canals near Tobansoor are amongst some of the most complicated on the planet. As a result, there is an extraordinarilly large cropland around the city. In addition to foodstuffs, the city produces an astonishing amount of wood (from nearby forests) and textiles.
The city of Tobansoor itself is very small - most of the listed population live in the surrounding villages. Tobansoor mainly exists to host the Baronal palace, the military, and limited industry. The city is built of hundred of tiny canals, giving it a look similar to that of Venice, Italy.
Tobansoor is ruled by Baron D'Gaalus. His people adore him and his family and show more loyalty to him then to the Tossian Emperor. This would make D'Gaalus a threat except that he is openly a loyal subject of the Emperor.
Tossia
Tossia is the governmental heart of the Empire.
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