20.7.6 Drakkenmont Empire
The Drakkenmont Empire is the most formidable political power on Albedos, ruled by the Dreikathi, a humanoid draconic race. Their capital city of Drakkenvar sits atop the mount named Drakkenmont. This ancient empire controls the vast majority of its continent and is governed by a complex political and social system, following a strict hierarchial structure:
[0;36mHIERARCHY[0m
[0;33mThe Autarch[0m
At the pinnacle sits Thyxthaxia of Royal House Nerethix, the Autarch and supreme ruler of the Empire. Her word is law, though her actual power has waned following political missteps involving her nephew, Polemarch Axander.
[0;33mThe Viziers[0m
Nine appointed advisors serve as the Autarch's council. Selected for life, typically from the greater Houses, Viziers ostensibly serve as neutral voices but in reality represent complex political alliances that help the Autarch secure power, or otherwise work to disrupt her for their own agendas.
[0;33mThe Polemarchos[0m
Military commanders who lead the greater Houses that control significant regions of Albedos. Notable Polemarchs encountered by the people of Sapience include:
- [deceased] Axander (also known as Andalso) of House Galthor (formerly of House Nerethix), governor of the Red Quarter and nephew of the Autarch.
- Xandrelle of House Zaxandor, governor of Greymarsh.
[0;33mThe Marzpawn[0m
Noble vassals to the Polemarchos who administer smaller territories within a greater House's region. Known Marzpawn include:
- [deceased] Zorusthi, who formerly controlled the fortress of Dramlai Watch under Axander.
- [deceased] Erkuba and Ishixan, who invaded Sapience early in the Midnight Age with their liege lord Axander.
[0;33mConsuls[0m
Titled Dreikathi serving in the royal court and other official capacities throughout the Empire. Notable Consuls encountered by the people of Sapience include:
- [deceased] Consul Feiciheix, ambassador to the Dehkay's Second Imperium who was slain by Tanixalthas after he tried to steal from Her clutch.
- Consul Zarithor, Head of Science and Research, encountered by the citizens of Spinesreach upon the mysterious Air station, Terminus.
[0;33mExalts[0m
Untitled Dreikathi, often children of various Houses who serve as retainers to build and maintain alliances between families.
[0;33mVierkathi[0m
Cousins to the Dreikathi, considered inferior due to their descent from wyrms rather than directly from a Primordial Dragon. They often serve as merchants, emissaries, and dignitaries.
[0;33mHaekathi[0m
Half-bred offspring of Dreikathi, they hold a low position in society but are valued for their utility in covert operations. They serve as operatives and saboteurs, and handle tasks considered beneath the proud Dreikathi.
[0;36mHOUSES[0m
There are thirteen great Houses of the Drakkenmont Empire, each administering a region of the Empire's territory - though the size and quality of the region controlled influences a great House's standing amongst the others. Known houses include:
- Royal House Nerethix, which controls territories west of the great Salaman river, including the fertile Asamad Basin up to the neutral zone of Vakimal Waste.
- The fallen House Galthor, once governing the Red Quarter before it was liberated by the Resistance.
- House Zaxandor, which administers the region of Greymarsh. A low ranking great House that has been gathering influence through the cunning ploys of its Polemarch Xandrelle.
- House Vakiria, one of the most militarised great Houses, administers both the rugged Hebrides Uplands and the fertile Seglair Lowlands. They also maintain a heavily fortified foothold on the continent of Vorostra across the Strait of Separation, controlling the Twin Peninsulas. This strategic position is where the Albedos peninsula of the Seglair Lowlands nearly meets its Vorostran counterpart. Due to the constant threat from the Winter's Vengeant Eye's forces on Vorostra, House Vakiria commands the Empire's largest standing army, granting them significant political leverage despite the burdensome cost of maintaining these forces.
Countless more minor houses exist, each typically aligned to one of the great Houses and usually landed, controlling a smaller division of land within a great House's territory.
[0;36mPOLITICS[0m
The political and military doctrine governing the Drakkenmont Empire is known as the "Reign of the Worthy," a system that balances military strength with strategic alliances and ancient draconic traditions.
[0;33mBlood Feuds[0m
Central to the Reign of the Worthy is the concept of Blood Feuds. Any House (greater or minor) can declare a formal Blood Feud against another, initiating a campaign of political, economic, or military action. These feuds must follow strict protocols and are overseen by the Council of Scales.
The outcome of a Blood Feud can result in territory exchange, resource allocation, or political concessions. However, outright warfare between Houses is rare. Instead, most feuds are conducted through proxies, sabotage, and political maneuvering rather than open conflict.
The Autarch maintains her perilous position through careful influencing of Blood Feuds.
[0;33mThe Council of Scales[0m
A body of neutral adjudicators, typically elder Dreikathi who have renounced their House affiliations, that had been handpicked from the Consuls by the Viziers. The Council oversees Blood Feuds, mediates disputes, and ensures adherence to the Empire's ancient laws. Their decisions are binding and enforced by the Autarch's own elite guard.
[0;33mCold Civil War[0m
For the past centuries, following Polemarch Axander's failed invasion of Sapience, the Empire has been locked in what observers call a "cold civil war." The Autarch's decision to protect her nephew against the advice of her Viziers drastically reduced her influence, leading to a delicate power balance between the various greater Houses.
This state of tension has rarely erupted into open conflict, instead manifesting through political machinations, proxy battles, and careful alliance-building. Each House seeks to improve its position without triggering a devastating all-out war that would weaken the Empire as a whole.
References:
Events #358
