Tilia or The Tilian Empire is a union of territories in the Southern part of the Western Kingdoms under the ruler ship of the Priest Emperor. The Empire's territorial extent has varied but is at its peak, it encompasses most of souths Western Kingdoms; for much of its history the Empire had consisted of hundreds of smaller sub-units, principalities, duchies, counties, Free Imperial Cities, as well as other domains. But more recently with the conversion of the whole Empire to the One God it is now united by the Tilian Church and the Priest Emperor. No other form of worship is permitted and it is not uncommon for the use of fire to be used in the purification of heretics. The Priest Emperor is chosen by the One God and serves as the living vessel for the earthly presence of the One God, this avatar is granted immense divine power. Tilia has tried numerous times to advance into Neustrian territory but has found its self, decimated by Neustrian Lancers, Sorcerers and Warriors.
The Legonari is the army of Tilia and the Tilian Empire, it is a highly skilled professional army then enforces the Priest Emperors will. Its borders with Neustria and Rividia are now at a stalemate and haven’t moved for years. The only direction for them to expand is either into the Unholy Land or across the Midian Sea.
The Priest Emperor Alturo Parvus is surrounded by advisors and has divine power granted by the One God. He is said to be the most powerful Priest in existence.
Tilia is the most southerly of the Western Kingdoms; it has a vast and dramatic coastline with many islands.
Its northern borders are protected by the Periculum Mountains, a vast granite barrier with the highest point standing over 6,000 feet. There are still active volcanos and earth tremors are not uncommon.
Six huge lakes make up the central area of Tilia, the largest Lake Tantum being so wide the far edge is not visible from the shore. Many communities thrive around these vast fresh water lakes.
The north of the country is mountainous and dramatic; the south is flat and fertile with many rivers winding their way down from the Periculum Mountains.
The capital of Tilia is the walled city of Ecclesia, a huge architectural achievement with numerous aqueducts, canals and tiered levels. This white walled, red roofed city is the home of the Domem Maximus, the centre of the entire One God faith; this vast walled temple palace is home to Priest Emperor Alturo Parvus and his family. It is a fortress lying at the heart of Ecclesia.
The Bellum Cubiculum, the headquarters of the Legonari is also in Ecclesia. They act as the city militia as well as the Temple Guard and Royal Guard.
The Arena Magna is located on the southern side of the city, famous for its brutal games, horse racing and also as the pinnacle of the Gladiatorial achievement; only the best and most famous Gladiators fight in front of the Priest Emperor. The arena is so vast it can even be house a Dragon for the Beast Fights with little risk to the audience.
Ecclesia is renowned for its social life with many establishments catering for all tastes of drink, food and entertainment. Ecclesian Courtesans are reputed to be the finest.
The rest of the country has been divided into Fiefdoms and controlled by a Servus (Lord). These Servus awarded by the Priest Emperor for services to the Tilian Empire. The Servus is then required to provide tax, food and soldiers to the Empire.
Tilia also borders numerous Wild’s; these borders have had walls built and are regularly patrolled by the Legonari to prevent incursions. One particular Wild known as the Ferox Wild is a particular problem as it is the home of a huge Orc Horde, border conflict is frequent and brutal and results in large losses on both sides. Even the mighty Legonari fear serving at the Ferox Wall. A common saying in the Legonari is“Better to fight a heathen Maw than be torn apart and eaten by a damned Orc”.
Tilia’s entire southern border abuts the Midean Sea, it is a vast stretch that has hundreds of islands making it difficult to police. Tilian Galleys patrol this area looking for smugglers and dealing with creatures that inhabit the island and shallows.
Slavery is very common in Tilia and falls under two types. Indentured Slaves who enter slavery for a period of time in exchange for financial or other benefit and Forced labour for criminals, prisoners of war and even though outlawed forced enslavement.
Human traits and Fashions
Averaging 5’2” to 6’0” in height and weighing between 100 and 250lbs on average. Skin colour is dark and tanned; hair ranges from Brown to Black. Eye colour tends to be Brown. Men are found in equal numbers to women and apart from child birth, men and women can be found in any role.
Clothing is usually well fitting and sturdy but can be very ornate and lavish, colours tend to be strong and fairly bright. Woman often wear hair scarves to defend against the sun and men wear wide brimmed hats.
Masks are worn frequently during social gatherings and by those that wish anonymity or even a disguise to undergo their activities. Mask are normally light in construction and styled in a more theatrical manner often depicting gods/goddesses and animals.
Men tend to wear their hair long and often sport beards or moustaches; women have long hair, normally tied back or left loose.
Tattooing is uncommon, with no distinctive style for those that do.
Piercing is very common for both sexes.
The humans of Tilia are racially no different from typical Westerners.
Racial Diversity, Tilia has the largest Ael communities of any nation and whilst nowhere near that compared to the human population is distinctly obvious. There are more Uruk living in Tilia due to the proximity of the Ferox Wilds. These Uruk whilst not well regarded are not unwelcomed.
Tilian Navy is the largest outside of the Jade Dynasty and is charged with protecting the coast from invaders and pirates; pirates are very common due to the vast amount of islands and coastline.
Legionari, are a highly skilled professional army that serves the Priest Emperor in enforcing his will domestically but also on foreign soil. They are found throughout Tilia and the Tilian Lands but also protecting Tilian interests abroad, such as guarding ambassadors and gathering intelligence on other nations. The Legonari wear a very distinctive type of armour, consisting of boots, vambrace, greaves, girdle, cuirass and Galea helmet, the common soldier’s body armour being made of stiff leather and the officers made of fine steel. The distinctive Galea helmet of the Legonari, especially the plumed officer’s helmet makes them easily identifiable. The also all wear the distinctive white and red cloak of Tilia. Weapons consist of dagger, Gladius, Long Spear and recurve bow. Gladiator armour is loosely based on Legionari armour but lacks the Cuirass and is generally showier.
Latronum, is an organised crime syndicate that oversees most of the illicit going-on’s in Tilia, from simple pickpockets all the way up to the black market are controlled or influenced by the Latronum. Latronum employs enforcers, bandits, fraudsters.