Nations of Caligos

The Five Nations

The Caligos Imperium

Government Type: Aristocratic, Theocratic Diarchy
Current Ruler(s): Grand Imperator Silas Livianus IV, Grand Patriarch Sebastian VII
Official Religion: The Iuris Legion
Motto: Ab Ordine Viribus (From order comes strength)
Colours: Gold on Dark Brown
Allies With: None
Friendly With: Einsem
Unfriendly With: Zauberieg
Enemies With: Gaulsberg, Sudenberg

By far the largest and richest nation is the Caligos Imperium, owning more land and mines than all the other nations combined. The rulers of the Imperium are religious fanatics believing strongly in the concept of law and order. The Imperium has strict hierarchies and laws that critics say infringe on the rights of its citizens, while supporters state that they are the only way to probably run a nation that doesn't eventually devolve into anarchy and sin.

More about the Caligos Imperium

Leadership

The Imperium is run by a diarchy, also known as the Duos. They are the Grand Imperator and the Grand Patriarch who represent the Nobility and the Clergy respectively. Whilst they are officially equal in power, it is widely accepted that the Grand Imperator is a functional, day-to-day ruler while the Grand Patriarch has some greater authority over the Grand Imperator, being the representative of the gods. Both typically serve until death, however they can each request that the other be removed from office if they believe they have violated the laws of the Imperium or the laws of the gods. If the accusation is one of imperium law, such as corruption or murder, the nobility will vote upon whether to remove, or even arrest them. If the accusation is one of holy law, such as blasphemy or vice, then the clergy will vote on their fate.

The Nobility are the rich and powerful families in the Imperium. They represent the rule of mortal law. The Nobility consists of eight families, and some lesser houses. Each of these families is led by a duke or duchess. When required, these eight dukes and duchesses will nominate a new Grand Imperator from their one of their own. While a new Grand Imperator is often from the same family as the previous one, this is not always the case. Once a Grand Imperator is appointed they cede any previous titles, such as Duke, to their heirs. Otherwise, the dukes and duchesses serve an advisory role to the Grand Imperator. The eight families and their current heads can be found in Factions of Caligos.

The current Grand Imperator is Silas Livianus IV, he has served for 36 years after succeeding his father, Silas Livianus III.

The Clergy are the religious leaders of the Imperium. They represent the will and word of the Iuris Legion. The clergy consists of eight houses, one for each god of the Iuris Legion, each led by a Cardinal. The cardinals will elect a new Grand Patriarch when required, this new Patriarch will cede all previous titles. Upon joining the clergy, a person will cede all previous titles and properties while typically also taking a new name to reflect their devotion. The eight houses and their current heads can be found in Factions of Caligos.

The current Grand Patriarch is Sebastian VII, formerly known as Octavianus Martianus, and has served for 47 years after succeeding Grand Patriarch Marcus II.

Religion and Law

The Constables are the law enforcement and home guard of the Imperium. They are owned and funded by the nobility. Unlike most citizens, constables are permitted to carry weapons, beyond basic knives and tools. It is rumoured that most black market weapons are stolen from or supplied by constables.

The Inquisitors are the religious enforcers of the Imperium. They are owned and funded by the Clergy, they also have authority over most constables, employing them for legwork. The main purpose of the inquisition is to find and destroy sinners and agents of chaos. Though few in number, they command enormous power, respect and fear due to their mysterious abilities and terrifying bird masks.

Culture

The Caligons have a strong sense of nationalism, believing their enforcement of order by the nobility and clergy make them the paragons of civilisation. These beliefs are not held by everyone but state propaganda definitely encourages them.

Currency

Currency in the Imperium is, unsurprisingly, very rigid and orderly.

Cuprums (aka cups or coops), usually denoted by triangular copper coins, roughly 1cm (1/5 inch) wide.
Argentums (aka argens or ars), usually denoted by octagonal silver coins, roughly 2cm (4/5 inch) in diameter. The same size and shape as eight cuprum coins.
Aurums (aka aurs), usually denoted by octagonal gold-plated coins the size of four argetum coins and the thickness of two.
Platinums (akas plats), usually denoted by large cog-shaped, platinum-plated discs.

1 Platinum = 8 Aurums = 64 Argentums = 512 Cuprums
1 Aurum = 8 Argentums = 64 Cuprums
1 Argentum = 8 Cuprums

1 Imperium Aurum ≈ 1 Einsem Plume ≈ 8 Zauberieg Credits ≈ 1 Gaulsberg Stahlmunze ≈ 1 Sundenberg Rose

Many places in the Imperium do not accept foreign currency and exchanging Gaulsberg or Seudenberg currency is very difficult.

Gaulsberg

Government Type: Secular Democracy
Current Ruler(s): High Chancellor Maximilian Steinhauser Von Stahlnich II, The Stahlnich Parliament
Official Religion: None
Motto: Für die Leute (For the people)
Colours: Steel Grey on White
Allies With: Sudenberg
Friendly With: Zauberieg
Unfriendly With: Einsem
Enemies With: Caligos Imperium

Gaulsberg is a proud nation of warriors and secularists. They are strongly opposed to tyranny, which many of them believe the Caligos Imperium to be. Democracy, Secularism and Military Strength are all vitally important to Gauls.

More about Gaulsberg

Leadership

Gaulsberg is ruled by the Stahlnich Parliament, an elected council of 100 representatives. Each settlement elects a certain number of representatives based on population.

The parliament is chaired by the High Chancellor. They are nominated from, and by, the representatives. Chancellors serve for 10 years but can serve for unlimited terms. They decide exactly which legislation gets voted on during each parliament session. Parliament can vote for or against these legislations, they can submit requests for new legislation, but only the high chancellor (or acting high chancellor) can call for a vote. Parliament can however call for a vote of no confidence, if this vote achieves majority, the Chancellor must step down. During this time, representatives can also attempt to convict the former chancellor for any crimes they committed while in power.

The current High Chancellor, Maximilian Steinhauser Von Stahlnich II, has served for 26 consecutive years, passing over a hundred legislations and failing only one. Steinhauser is a hero to many as a legendary pilot and admiral known for an impressive military career both before and since becoming High Chancellor. Unlike many other leaders, he has a reputation for leading battle fleets in person rather simply commanding from afar. His personal flagship, The Blitzfalke, is reported to have downed over two hundred enemy ships alone.

Religion

Gaulsberg is officially secular, religious groups are allowed but have no political or legal authority above other civilians. Any civil servant who is found to be unfairly benefiting any religious groups can be forced to step down.

Like most nations, Talitus worship is deeply taboo but not technically outlawed as that would be showing favouritism to other religions.

Culture and Local Law

Whilst still strong believers in law and order, the Gauls are strongly opposed to tyranny, as they believe the Caligos Imperium to be. Democracy and Secularism play a big part in their national pride, encouraging the idea that common people and their ideas are what matter rather than the whims of nobles and clergymen.

The Gauls also have intense military pride, many elected officials gained their fame and support through military careers. Nearly every adult Gaul is expected to join the military or a local militia, ready to defend their homes against invasion or tyranny. As a result, most residents are armed with simple weapons such as daggers and short sabers, richer residents might carry firearms.

While most soldiers are highly trained, highly motivated and highly respected there are also some less reputable squadrons, known as iregulars. Iregular squadrons are often made up of of criminals who have be allowed to serve instead of facing harsher sentences. Fraudsters, particulary those who pose as military figures and heros, are amoung the most common criminals who become iregulars. Unofficially, the iregulars are sometimes considered more expendable. Iregulars are generally not expected to achieve ranks above captain or pursue an illustrious military career.

Scars are often seen as a sign of courage. So much so than young people looking to build a reputation will often engage in duels with little provocation in order to gain scars. These duels are often fought with thick scarves and specially shaped masks to allow non-fatal cuts on the cheeks and brows. This practice is officially discouraged within military academies though it is not uncommon for officers to look the other way during such duels.

Yes the name does from the real world gauls who, ironically, weren’t germanic.

Sudenberg

Type: Absolute MonarchyCurrent Ruler(s): Queen Verona Windersberg IIOfficial Religion: The AnarchiumMotto: Ehre die Mutter/Vater (Honour the mother/father)
Colours: Red on Brown or Cream
Allies With: GaulsbergFriends With: NoneUnfriendly With: Zauberieg, EinsemEnemies With: Caligos Imperium

Sudenmen are strong traditionalists who follow the Anarchium. While strongly opposed to the Iuris Legion, their wordship is not outlawed.

More about Sudenberg

Leadership

Sudenberg has a long dynasty of monarchs, supposedly even dating back before the coming of the fog. Unlike many contemporary governments, the monarch of Sudenberg still has absolute power with lords officially only serving as advisors or as extensions of the monarch's power. Queen Verona II has served as queen for 64 years, succeeding her mother, Catharina V.

Religion

Sudenberg follows the gods of the Anarchium, claiming they are older and wiser than the Iuris Legion. While worship of the Iuris Legion is not outlawed, it is heavily frowned upon and often raises suspicions of Imperium spies.

Like most nations, Talitus worship is deeply taboo but not technically outlawed.

Culture and Local Law

Sudenmen are strong believers in tradition and conservation.

While they do employ the use of contemporary technology like airships and steam engines, they prefer to use as little as possible due how disruptive it can be to the natural beauty of the world. For example, horses and oxen are still used for transport and farmwork in Sudenberg, while engines and hydroponic farms are more common elsewhere.

Einsem

Type: Constitutional MonarchyCurrent Ruler(s): King James Heidrich IV, The Einish ParliamentOfficial Religion: The Iuris LegionMotto: Non moriatur (Never die)
Colours: Gold on Blue Allies With: NoneFriendly With: Zauberieg, Caligos ImperiumUnfriendly With: Gaulsberg, SudenbergEnemies With: None

To outsiders, the Einish are very stubborn folk who will defend their way of life, even if that means overthrowing their own government, twice. While the Iuris Legion is the official religon and all officials must follow them, worship of other religions is not outlawed.

More about Einsem

Leadership

Einsem once had an absolute monarchy before facing revolution deposing the monarchy and attempting to establish a democracy, later known as the Republican government. However corruption and religious fanaticism led to a very unpopular government. After just over six years, the people called for another reform. Hearing this, the brother of the former king, who had been hiding in the Caligos Imperium since his brother’s execution, decided to return to Einsem and run for prime minister. He won in a landslide. His first act was to reform the government as a compromise of both the previous governments.

He reestablished the monarchy but it is now held accountable by the new parliament, who are elected by the common people. A king or queen can do very little without the approval of the parliament, likewise the parliament can do very little without the approval of the monarch. Parliament can remove the monarch at any time but must crown a new monarch within one month, likewise the monarch can disband parliament but must allow the people to vote in a new parliament within one month.

King James Heidrich IV has been king for 12 years. He is the son of Robert VII, who formed the new government 32 years ago.

Religion

The Iuris Legion are the official gods of Einsem. All monarchs and politicians must be verified followers of the Iuris Legion. However no laws forbid the worship of the Anarchium or Taltius among the commoners. There were such laws under the short lived republican government and many regard the brutality and corruption these laws allowed were to be one of the main reasons people were so eager to end the republican government.

Like most nations, Talitus worship is deeply taboo but not technically outlawed.

Culture and Local Law

The Einish people are stubborn folk and do not like having their way of life challenged, this may be the reason the republican government failed so quickly.

Like in Gaulsberg, many citizens used to carry weapons and join local militias, however this practice has become less common since the new government. Some older civilians still tend to carry weapons.

Zauberieg

Type: Secular TechnocracyCurrent Ruler(s): The Council of ZauberiegOfficial Religion: NoneMotto: Mens omnia vincit (The mind conquers)
Colours: Purple on White Allies With: NoneFriendly With: Einsem, Gaulsberg
Unfriendly With: Caligos Imperium, SudenbergEnemies With: None

While technically a nation in its own right, Zauberieg consists of a single city in the centre of the archipelago. It prides itself on being a haven for academics and mages to study without the pressures of restrictive governments or organised religion. The main attraction of Zauberieg is the Mysterium, an academic institution for the study of science and magic.

More about Zauberieg

Leadership

The Zauberieg council is formed of 28 members nominated by other councillors. Many councillors are experts in their respective fields that have studied at the Mysterium. Councillors serve until retirement, death or a vote of expulsion by the other councillors.

Religion

The council of Zauberieg is officially secular and refuses to allow religion to affect decisions. It does however acknowledge the existence of the gods and their power in the world, both literal power and social influence.

Like most nations, Talitus worship is deeply taboo but not technically outlawed. However, in Zauberieg, the study of Talitus is an unpopular but valid field of study.

Culture and Local Law

With the Mysterium as a central landmark and many of its governors being alumni of the college, academia is a major part of Zauberieg’s culture and economy.

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