Category:Carim

The Age of Strife
Carim is considered to be one of the oldest empires within Acearia, with the Imperial Family being able to trace their bloodline back to the beginning of the world and the creation of the Caesian race. In the beginning years during the Age of Strife, the Caesians and humans of the Carim lands were loosely united via trade pacts and marriage alliances. Each of the six provinces being their own small kingdom, that all paid homage to their individual kings. It would be in 1,520 Ante Deurom that Adalwolf Thorne would set out from the center province known as Caesland to unite the realms of Carim to combat the orc menace unleashed by the goddess Nottial. In this quest and for his righteousness Adalwolf Thorne was gifted the powers of a Living Saint from the god Nihil. From the farthest reaches of the north, to the lowest southern marshes Adalwolf rallied the petty kings, uniting them under his leadership to drive the orc menace out of the province of Dracwick.

It would be in 1,505 Ante Deurom when Adalwolf Thorne would achieve success in battle against the orcish invaders. Liberating a majority of Dracwick and all of Caesland from the orc menace. It would be at the Battle of Moonstone pass that Adalwolf's army would drive the orcs from Carim. Killing the orcish general and king Ulric Baesten in single combat. Though the battle had seen the forces of Carim pressed hard, with many of the petty kings that had joined Adalwolf dying in the heat of battle leading their men. Seemingly leaving their kingdoms under the reign of the Caeslandic monarchy, this would be the birth of the empire.

From here Adalwolf Thorne would begin the process of crafting an empire from the ashes. The once proud kingdoms had been formed into provinces by Adalwolf soon after the defeat of the orcish army, the previous kingly families that ruled over these provinces were now reduced to provincial governors known as Archdukes. Each Archduke would be given the leave to govern their realms as needed, though they would always be under the watchful eye of the Imperial Throne.

. Each region would need to pledge fealty to the Emperor of Carim, to hand over a sum of taxes and troops every year for the maintenance of the empire. This action gave the Emperor's family a royal army to put down any would be usurpers, along with the gold to maintain the poorer regions. The army of the Emperor would be known as the Royal Legion, a force that would be made up of five hundred horsemen from each region. While also demanding a thousand regular troops from the regions as well. Though, Adalwolf still had the foresight to allow the nobility to maintain their own private forces of knights and men at arms. Thus the Empire of Carim was officially founded in 1,490 Anteo Deorum.

In 1,479 Adalwolf would die of a cold along with his extended age. Leaving his son, Luthor Thorne to pick up where he left off. Luthor himself would begin the process of stabilizing the regions and repairing the damage caused by the Great Orcish War; also known as the War For Carim. In 1,388 AD the year's taxes would mostly be spent on rebuilding the region of Dracwick to its former glory. Luthor sent several craftsmen and even portions of the Imperial Legion to help with the rebuilding efforts. The burnt out husks of desolate villages soon began to vanish and were replaced with Caeslandic style burgs and farm houses.

It would be in the middle stage of the Age of Strife that the newly appointed Emperor Anselm I Thorne would begin the construction of the Moonstone Gate in the year 1,200 Ante Deorum. This project would begin at the Moonstone Pass, where the first Emperor of Carim Aldofus Thorne had defeated the original Orc army. Under the leadership of Anselm, the Carim Empire would create many new hold fasts and defensive walls across the Empire. An attempt to keep out the Northern Armothian raiders, the savage Orcs, and their deceiving southern neighbors.

The Crown Prince Ingbert Thorne during the year 932 Anteo Deorum would attempt to conquer Amrothian lands. Leading the Imperial Army north into southern Solvrike and besieging the city of Altun. Sadly for the Prince the Amrothian defenders would hold out against the their attackers. Causing Prince Ingbert to return south. Along his way the prince ordered the destruction of several Amrothian villages and would save some of his reputation by destroying an army sent to harry his own.

During the reign of Emperor Ingbert Thorne, an uprising known as the Hareland Rebellion would occur in 912 Anteo Deorum and would last up until 898 Anteo Deorum. House Hareland of Greywyn rebelled first when Emperor Ingbert revoked the family's title of Archduke as part of a means of reorganizing the government. Soon, House Romarich of Valmere joined in on the rebellion. The war would be waged for nearly fourteen years as house Romarich bought up southern mercenaries and house Hareland rallied the peasantry. It would take the entire forces of the northern provinces and the Imperial army to finally stamp out the fires of rebellion. Allegedly Emperor Ingbert had all members of the two grand houses executed.

As Carim's internal strife died down and their neighbors waged war among themselves, the Empire would take the time to build up its infrastructure. Constructing new roads in the year 894 Anteo Deorum, adding new towers and forts to the Moonstone Pass. The Empire's final project would be to add the third and final set of walls to the city of Chlemoutsi.

The Peace of Kings
The years of 800 Anteo Deorum to 300 Anteo Deorum would be rather uneventful for the world at large. However, the period known as the “Peace of Kings” would be a minor part of the Age of Strife. Seeing the Empire of Carim urbanize heavily in its southern provinces and build up its armed forces to deal with Orcish raiders from the west. During this time Antea would open up several trading ports on its eastern coast and begin spreading their goods into the southern kingdoms. Antea would also expand its borders to the west, taking over a few minor holdings from Shiva though this would not lead to much fighting. As for Amroth they would continue to war and shed each others blood. Only stopping to occasionally raid Northern Carim and portions of Antea. A few southern kingdoms would rise and fall, though their wars were typically short compared to the wars of the three “eternal kingdoms”.

The Great Famine

Though, The Peace of Kings could not last forever. Surprisingly, it would not be a war that disturbed the peace but a great famine that swept across the land in 298 Anteo Deorum. For two years the crops of Carim, Antea, and even Amroth seemed to fail. Some claimed it to be a punishment from the gods, while others herald the end of the world. It is said that roughly two million lives were lost in total. During this era the people of Carim would begin to worship Saphiel in an even larger role, seeing as she had healed them once before after the orcish destruction of their lands.

The harvest of the following year would see a slight change as the Empire of Carim began trading trading timber with the nation of Monséduissant for salt fish. Alleviating some of their issues when it came to feeding the populace, the province of Eastmoore would even begin to export Swamp Drake meat in massive portions. It is said the southern provinces of Carim fared much better than their northern brothers. Still, the Empire lived on and would eventually cure their famine in the year 296 Anteo Deorum.

This was all thanks to several imperial decrees and reforms. The Empire would take a greater role in the production of foodstuffs and other goods. Archdukes would orchestrate the construction of several new dykes and canals, bringing much needed water to more distant farmlands. In 294 Anteo Deorum, the inland sea now known as the Sea of Thornes would see several large scale fishing operations take place. Some of these businesses still in operation, giving local lords and the Empire a much needed new source of taxable income.

The Age of Uncertainty
During the Age of Uncertainty (0 to 600 Post Deorum) the gods had little to do with their people, even the loyal Caesians were left to rule without the wisdom of their creator Nihil whispering in their ear or showing them grand visions as he always had done. Instead, a new ally arose from the peasants and nobles alike. Champions of the gods, men and women loyal to the gods would come forth to the reigning classes of all the realms. Telling them of paths that their respective gods wished them to follow.

Carim would face two great orcish assaults, one at the Moonstone pass and another through several unknown mountain passes that allowed the orcs to sneak around Dracwician patrols. This would force Emperor Berthold III Thorne to raise the Imperial Army in force and local lords to his cause. Driving the orcs out of the western provinces before leading a doomed expedition into the orcish wastelands. It is not known fully what occurred during the expedition but the Emperor would return with less than half of his force in shameful retreat. The Emperor however did succeed in driving back the orcs from Carim in 103 Post Deorum but failed in fully destroying their retreating army.

It would be in 250 PD that the living Saints known as Michael the Pious would alert the Emperor Maximilian I of an assassination attempt. Saving the Emperor's life and the legacy of the Thorne family from southern Usurpers. During this time Michael the Pious would lead his fellow Caesians and the mortals of Carim into the western desert on a holy crusade against the orcs. Destroying entire clans, burning down sites erected to the dark god Nottial, and slaying several Orcish kings. Michael would eventually die in battle, but Maximilian would rally another crusade in his name during the year 170 PD.

Maximilian I Thorne in honor of his friend and ally Michael the Pious would have a statue of the Living Saint commissioned. This life like statue of Michael the Pious would be crafted from the finest marble available to the Empire at the time, with its unveiling occurring in 175 PD. Such a grand statue of the Saint lofting a sword high in the air with lips pursed together in prayer has been a sign of hope for the people of Carim even in the Empire's darkest times. In the current period this statue can be found looking over the entrance to the second set of walls to the city of Chlemoutsi.

The son of Maximilian the First would take the Imperial Throne in 223 Post Deorum. Unlike his father Baldavin was not a very pious man nor was he a man of the people. Emperor Baldavin the Second was known for raising taxes on the nobility and peasantry alike, lavishly expanding the Imperial Household, and increasing the military without care for the strains it placed upon the Imperial treasury. That was until tragedy struck, Emperor Baldavin would see the loss of two sons and a daughter all within a year of each other. Some courtly officials whispered about divine retribution from Nihil, some said it was murder, and others still claimed the children had committed suicide. It mattered not how the children died, for in the end Baldavin was left with only one son; Fridolin. In the year 322 Emperor Baldavin the Second would pass away and his young son Fridolin would take the throne.

Rosenthal Succession
In the year 441 Post Deorum, Emperor Baldavin would be found dead in his chamber’s. The Emperor’s face purple and rope marks around his neck, it is believed the young Emperor was murdered. Though, some believe it was assisted suicide. However, this meant one thing for the Empire. Without any heirs to the Thorne legacy or name, the Rosenthal family which had been a cadet branch of the Thorne family now rose to power. With Wilhelm Rosenthal the First taking the title for himself. Wilhelm would marry Baldavin’s widow and sire several children with her. Thus, the Rosenthal dynasty was born.

In the year 502 PD the Empire of Carim would send out an Imperial Expedition into the orcish wastelands. This expedition would see the destruction of several orcish clans and cities. Records stating that nearly four thousand human and Caesian slaves were freed.

The Age of Conflict
The age of Conflict stretches from 601 PD to 1,264 PD which is the current year within the world of Acearia. The age of Conflict as it has been called by many, seems to be mirroring the Age of Strife. War, famine, and death plague the lands of all nations. For Carim it has been especially hard, the orc attacks have increased from the west and the once never ending bloodline of the Thorne family was struck down by disease. Leaving their cousins the Rosenthal's to lead the Empire since 860 PD.

Now civil war threatens Carim, as the twins Michael and Katherine Rosenthal await for their father to die. Lords plot in the shadows, cults to the gods of darkness and death arise in the corners of the realm. No one knows for certain what this age will bring, only that it will take a steadfast leader to keep Carim from collapsing upon itself.

Government
The Empire of Carim runs on a strict style of autocracy, at the head of this is the Emperor himself. The Emperor's main tasks are to pass or veto laws that are brought forth by the dignitaries or Archdukes from each province under his control. The Emperor reserves the right to hold power and sway over all forms of government. From judicial to civil, the Emperor is the final say in these matters. Though, the Emperor's Council also known as the Imperial Senate are typically given command over lesser matters, such matters typically fall between the cracks of the system. Either far too important for a single provincial Archduke to address while at the same time not needing immediate attention by the Emperor themselves.

At some points in Carim's history the emperor's have lacked divine judgement. Sometimes ignoring the whims of the people and the lower levels of the nobility, though this typically leads in minor peasantry revolts to even lords raising up in arms. Luckily for the Emperor he can call upon the Imperial Army at any time to deal with such matters, giving him a near martial control over the realm when need be.

Aiding the Emperor would be the Empress his wife, her duties would involve aiding her husband in any situation that he has failed in. From tax collecting to military reforms, of course if her husband allows her the liberties of such power.

Beneath their mother and father would be the Grand Prince and Princess. The children of the Emperor are typically sent off at age 13 to travel the provinces of the land, to learn the ways of their subjects, and to create future political alliances. Upon the age of 20 they are returned home to the capital, or upon their fathers death whichever comes first. While they are stationed in the capital it is common for the son to take up a position over the matters of the peasantry, such as grain supply and minor judicial laws involving the common folk. While the daughter's responsibilities lie within meeting and treating with foreign messengers or dignitaries when they arrive. Even to the point where she maybe permitted by her father to journey off into the neighboring kingdoms on cultural exchanges to strengthen the unity between nations.

Beneath the Emperor and his children lies the Senate, each Archduke is allowed to select three 'senators' that will delegate and bring forth the issues of their respective province. In reality they act more as advisors to the Emperor and the five administrators of the nation. These administrators are selected by the Emperor himself from his personal retinue or the body of the senate.

The Five administrators each hold a select title and responsibility. Such as the Administrator of Finance, the economic advisor to the Emperor and Senate. The Administrator of Warfare, the logistical advisor of the Emperor and the Grand Marshal that oversees the Imperial Army. Followed by the Administrator of Law, typically a former judge or even lord that has been selected to act as a judicial advisor. Then there is the Administrator of Diplomacy, this administrator acts as the senate's council on foreign affairs. Finally the last administrator is known as the Administrator of Dykes and Roadways. This administrator handles the construction and maintenance of most Imperial projects.

An archduke is the warden and ruler of one of the six provinces within Carim. However, the Archduke's title is not handed down by bloodline as such titles of Duke or Lord are. Instead when a new Emperor takes control he has the right to assign any first born son of his choosing from the nobility of the province. This causes the major families of each region to create marriage or economic alliances with the Emperor in the hopes of keeping their family's position. In the southern provinces of Carim however, the dukes and earls of the land gather at each capital city of their respective provinces. There they hold a vote on who they will bring forth to the Emperor as their pick of Archduke, to appease the southern lords the Emperor's of Carim typically select these men.

Archdukes hold the power to raise taxes, issue new laws affecting their province, and of course rule over their lands in a similar fashion to their once royal ancestry. Though, these Archdukes must pay a tenth of all taxes to the Emperor, muster armies in the name of the Emperor when called to do so, and must enact all laws passed down to them by Imperial Decree.

Beneath the Archduke lie the dukes, the dukes of Carim act as guardians and owners of specific plots of land within each province. Some dukes can own entire mountain ranges, while others are forced to live off a small sector of land decreed to them by the Emperor or old family ties. Due to the unequal nature of land ownership several dukes have been known to a cutthroat ruthlessness when it comes to political maneuvering and marriage alliances.

Lords fall between Dukes and Counts, lords act as regional leaders for their superiors and the lesser nobility. Lords typically take control of land that has been passed down to them by their patron duke. These lords typically act as the uniting force for the counts beneath them, rallying the lesser nobility to them during times of war and acting as a judge between the counts in times of peace.

Furthermore beneath the lords would be the Counts, also known as minor lords or Earls. The Counts of Carim are nobles that are tied to a Duke or lord's family. They typically are in charge of raising and keeping up the knightly forces of the land or acting as mayors of the villages or city blocks that fall under a Duke's control. Counts make up a large portion of the Senate or council seats, as they can give over their lord's wishes without the duke or archdukes needing to be present at the time.

At the bottom of the governmental chain would be the knights, knights have very little to no say within governmental affairs however they can rise to great importance. Knights typically guard their liege lords, and serve the Imperial cause. Sometimes when a knight has shown himself worthy of land ownership, he will be gifted a small plot of land to either raise a castle or farmstead. Typically this allows the knight to become the sheriff of the local lands, dealing with banditry issues or unruly peasant mobs that are even beneath a Count. Knights are expecting to raise and lead a band of freemen during times of war, typically each knight is expected to bring a retinue of ten freemen and whatever servants are needed for the campaign.

An interesting faction of nobility would be the landed gentries of the southern provinces. The gentries are freemen and citizens of Carim that have amassed great family wealth. Even dwarfing the wealth of the dukes that preside over them. Due to this the gentries use their own personal coat of arms just like the dukes and higher ranks of nobility. However, gentries hold no true power under the Empire itself. The same cannot be said for their provinces, for in the north gentries are rare but within the south they are the predominant owners of land. Because of this gentries have forced the local dukes and earls into self-styled "republics" that require the permission of the gentries for militaristic or judicial matters to take place.

Due to the actions of the gentries the peasantry of the southern province have found themselves represented by local men from their villages or towns. Thus creating a strong bond of citizenship among them all, unlike the strict social hierarchy within the north.

The current population of Carim hovers around 18 million souls, with roughly 1.5 million Caesians.

Culture
Author's Note: The culture of Carim heavily revolve around the races that live within the land. Caesians and humans typically have their own views of how to live or how to govern their lives. The following information will delve heavily into the races, however the races shall be covered later in their own section. So, for information directly involved with how each race is biologically please see the species tab. The following writing shall cover how each race acts culturally and socially within the whole of Carim, while the Provinces tab delves further into how each distinct region deals with its own cultural needs.

The Caesians are a people of perfection and zealotry. From the lowest peasant to the highest lord, the average Caesian seeks perfection in their crafts. Attempting to mold themselves into the archetype of their way of life, Caesian Kings seek to become beloved or feared rulers. While Caesian men at arms train to perfect the art of war. This has caused the classes of the Caesians to grow tightly knit family units that rarely trust outsiders, unless they themselves hail from the region of Caesland. Even the sons of great lords are said to never be far from their father's side in times of struggle, this has created a strict hierarchy within Carim society. Where each man is the king of his land, so long as he pays tribute to those that rule over and defend him. To keep such a strong sense of family and unity among the Caesian people, a law was established for all Caesian nobles (excluding the Imperial Family) that all male heirs must receive some type of inheritance from their parents. For if the first born son is given the lands and family titles, then the second born shall be granted the immediate wealth of his predecessors. While the third be given a military honor or a relic from the family's past.

It was the Caesian race that constructed the first real cities within Carim, while mortal men were living in small villages. It was the backbreaking work of the Caesian lords and their servants that constructed the first castles within the empire. From these castles great cities grew, creating outposts for trade and craft. The average Caesian city is set up with a keep at the center, made of stone or marble. While each district is separate by a wooden palisade, the larger cities are defended by massive stone walls while the poorer ones tend to only run the district palisades out and around themselves to create a minor layer of defense.

Another important life style within the Caesian culture would be their devote religious belief in Nihil and his wife Saphiel. Throughout villages, cities, and even single homes images to these gods can be found regularly. It is common for prayers to be whispered before the start of ones day and at the end of it, while others still take a moment to say a prayer at midday.

It should be noted that the northern provinces hold more Caesians than the south, thus creating a strict hierarchy among the varying levels of citizenship. This has caused the Caesian lords of the north to distrust the human peasantry of their lands, therefor creating a tense relationship between the two races. Meanwhile in the south there are very few Caesians, and those that do live within the southern region typically are mixed with human blood. Due to this it is rare for issues of species to arise.

The humans of Carim take after the Caesians in several ways culturally, the humans of Carim tend to put just as much fervor into their craft as the Caesians. However, it should be noted that mortal men within Carim tend to strike out on their own. Living home for a life of soldiering or traveling upon coming of age, typically only settling down once they have had their fill of the real world. The average human settlement within Carim was once the simple village or the slums of a great city. Now, with time there are more human Dukes than their are Caesians. This is mostly due to the fact the races have interbred.

The men of Carim tend to prefer styles of republics or democracies in their daily lives, typically only being subservient to the Emperor himself. In the north mortal men have learned to live side by side with their Caesian counterparts, creating a taxed but equal understanding of life. Outsiders may say that north-men despise their Caesian neighbors however this is far from the truth. As for when the need arises any true son or daughter of Carim is ready to die for their neighbor.

As for both races it is common for them to enjoy each others company, as long as they fit within the same social ranking. For it is common for a Duke of Caesian blood to drink and feast with a mortal man of the same rank. For as long as they are of the same craft and standing the men will show the utmost respect to their brother in arms.

Military
Each province within Carim is responsible for their own military and defense, unless total war is declared upon the entire Empire. Poor or rich it falls upon the Archdukes and dukes of each land to raise their own forces for internal strife, due to this it has created a great difference between ways of warfare. Such as in Aschental they are known for strong pike formations backed up with double handed swords. Meanwhile their Caeslandic neighbors wield axe, sword, and shield in the defense of their lands. Even stranger would be the men of Dracwick who fight with little armor but wield terrible curved scythe like pole-arms.

Imperial Army
The Imperial Army or the Imperial Exercitus is the main military body of the Carim Empire, the soldiers of the Emperor himself who are charged with defending the borders of the empire at large while making sure the dukes of his province's do not attempt to rise up in revolt.

The forces of the Imperial Army are drafted from every corner of the Empire, but the typical soldier is the younger son of a lowly lord or knight. Thus giving the younger child a chance to gain wealth, fame, and even rank within the militaristic society of Carim. However due to this several "local" laws have been implemented by the Emperor and Imperial Senate. These laws range from the exact amount of men each province must contribute, clear to the physical requirements of each individual soldier.

Every province must maintain a thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry in the service of the Emperor. In total the Imperial Army numbers nine thousand men, a sizable defense force for such a large kingdom. These men typically serve ten to fifteen years in the force, being stationed wherever the Emperor believes they are needed. These soldiers must not be crippled in any major form, nor can they fall beneath the height of 5'6" (1.64 meters).

The Imperial Army is outfitted mostly in the same style as the average soldier of their home province, however the army is set up with the average Caesland warrior as the center force while the remaining provincial style troops take place where their commander sees fit. Each thousand men and five hundred horse from their respective provinces are divided into separate forces. Each division of the Imperial Army holding two hundred and fifty men from each province. These divisions are then placed under the command of a marshal, these divisions are simply then given a numbered name such as the First Dracwick. In an attempt to lessen confusion and chaos each unit has a specific color scheme along with a sigil in accordance to the history of their unit, this has also caused several divisions to name themselves. For example, the Caesland 1st is also known as the Prince's Sons with their sigil being knight with a crown placed upon his helm.

To keep such a sizable army fed, armed, and outfitted in their rather expensive armor every province by law must put forward the entire payment for each new soldier into the royal treasury. Paying for the Emperor's troops and his guard, some province's are known to have nearly gone bankrupt in times of strife due to such a demand.

Royal Guard
The Royal Guard are an inner branch of the Imperial Army and do not count towards the amassed number of Imperial soldiers. Instead the Royal Guard are chosen by tradition from the men of the Imperial Army, peasants and nobles alike have the chance of serving directly as the Imperial Family's retinue. Numbering around one hundred and sixty-men the Royal Guard are known to be loyal to their last dying breath.

These men are outfitted in a different manner as well, typically they wear heavy armor adorned with runic inscriptions chiseled into the plate by holy men of the church. It is common for the guard to wear pieces of plate and riveted mail, though their appearance has been known to change due to the wants of the Emperor they guard.

Within the Royal Guard lies the Prince's Guard and the Princess's Guard, each outfitted to the standards of their respective charges. Michael Rosenthal has had his Prince's Guard outfitted with scale-mail with undercoats of chain-mail, thus allowing his men to have full protection while keeping flexibility. Meanwhile Katherine Rosenthal has kept her Princess's Guard with southern tradition, the men wearing a large plate cuirass with a kettle-helm atop their head. Typically armed with pole-hammers or falchions.