The Empire of Brennèl
From Eran
Contents |
Overview
The Empire of Brennèl is the cradle of civilization as we know it in the west. These are the oldest civilised human lands in Éran and have been so since the first emperor was crowned almost 2500 years ago. Brennèl is truly unique in this regard. Nowhere else in Éran have I found such a rich tapestry of human history. Though great kingdoms have come and gone since the First Crowning, Brennèl still stands - a testimony to the great endurance of the nation that was once the greatest empire Éran has ever seen.
Though the people here live with a glorious legacy, the modern-day counterpart is but a sad shadow of its illustrious past. Technically, Brennèl is still a solidified Monarchy supremely and undisputedly ruled by Emperor Rothen VIII. In reality, the emperor's rule does not stretch beyond his own ancestral domain, leaving the once great empire little more than a confederation of states unified by a common history, culture and 'allegiance' to the crown of Brennèl. Beyond the emperor's own domain, the lands are ruled by the various princes, dukes that claim it. Most of them descended from the ancient noble families tracing their origin all the way back to the crowning of Devon I. Despite the fragmented state of the empire, the dreams of a unified Brennèl continue to persevere, as the people here seek to restore Brennèl to its long lost glory. Rulers of some of the more powerful domains harbour ambitions of conquering all of Brennèl on their own and marching on the capital to claim the Emperor's Seat for themselves and thus unify the empire once again.
Geography
Forests & Woodlands
XXX: O
Mountain & Hill Ranges
XXX: T.
Rivers & Lakes
River XXX: bjd
Wetlands
XXX: b
Wastelands
XXX: b
Realms of the Region
Devi-Brennèl
Capital: Devi, Navel of the World (pop. 250.000)
Government: Feudal Monarchy - Emperor Rothen IV of the House of Bren-Marre
Population: Humans (80%), Elves, blackfolk, Dwarves
Languages: Brenni, High Brenni,
Trade: aa
Overview: The domain of Devi-Brennèl (Central Brennèl), seat of the Emperor, is still the largest and most powerful of the domains in the region of old Brennèl. In Central Brennèl also lies Devi, the imperial capital and probably the largest city in Éran. As one traverses these lands, one cannot help but feel the gust of times past, as this has been the heartlands of Brennèl ever since it was founded and has never come close to being seized by any foreign power. Devi-Brennèl, now and then, are probably the most densely populated lands in all of Éran and its long history of sustaining such a large population is reflected in its highly developed agriculture, strong trade and well developed infrastructure.
Mindset & Society: a
Politics & Economics: H
Locations of Interest:
Devi - Navel of the World: The oldest and largest city in Éran, Devi is a sight to behold from a distance, as its great towers and palaces rise in the horizon the closer one comes. No city in Éran comes close to matching it in sheer size. Over the millenia, new city walls have been built to protect the new expanded areas of the city, resulting in Devi being divided into a number of rings composed of old citywalls. At the centre sits the imperial palaces and from there, the first of 12 rings extends, each almost a city unto itself and each with its own distinct flavour. Within the city itself are a number of major sites worthy of note:
The Imperial Palaces: The imperial palaces as they stand today were constructed 1500 years ago after the Great Fire of 1012 burned down large parts of the old palace and the surrounding quarters. Larger than many smaller cities itself, it is the tallest structure in the city and can be seen from anywhere in Devi.
The Tower of Magestar: Standing between the 2nd and 3rd ring of the city, the second tallest construction in the city is the magnificient home of the Academy of Arcane Studies, the powerful guild of wizardry in Brennèl. Nestled in a grand garden complex - the largest in the city - The Tower of Magestar is perhaps the most astonishing piece of architecture in the entire city. Rising from the base lean and slender before exploding in a grand crown of extending tower heads that appear impossibly wide and grand for such a slender spine. Constructed of a particularly shining kind of white marble, the unusual tower literally glows in the sun- and moon-light and is for this reason also known as the Beacon of Devi, as it is visible from all over the city except where the imperial palaces block the view. Built around 150 years before the imperial palaces, it is said that the Emperor of that time deliberately had the old palace burnt down in order for him to construct a new one that would be taller than the Magestar Tower.
Academy of Higher Learning: Sitting in the 2nd ring the Academy boasts of perhaps the largest collection of writings in Éran, and at any rate, the oldest. Built almost 2500 years ago by the First Emperor Devon I, it was originally situated outside the city walls to reflect its status as the property of all Éran, and not just the citizens of Devi.
The Academy, along with the Tower of Magestar (the Academy of Arcane Studies, being an outgrowth is the Academy of Higher Learning, retained this status as property of Éran), are unique places in the entire empire in that their grounds are the only places in all of Brennèl where the Emperor has no official jurisdiction. Though access to its chambers is not given as freely as back then, theoretically anyone can walk and seek permission to read any work kept within these halls as they please and the guards and army have to request permission to enter and apprehend criminals within both places.
The Green triangle: Between the Academy, The Tower of Magestar and the western parts of the imperial palaces, these form what is called 'the green triangle' in Devi, as all three are nestled in grand, lush, pristine gardens and the noble quarters interspersed into this triangle have taken special pride in creating a garden quarter right in the centre of the city, creating an unusually tranquil area in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the capital.
Regional History:
Adnar, Principality of
Capital: Toric
Government: Principality - High Prince Tautus
Population: Humans (80%), Elves, blackfolk, Dwarves
Languages: Brenni, High Brenni, Erro,
Trade: Silver
Overview: The most powerful of the domains beyond Devi, Adnar borders Errion to the north and is the main reason why that kingdom has not expanded its borders south, despite the fractured state of Brennèl.
Mindset & Society: a
Politics & Economics: Militarily, Adnar is the strongest domain in Brennèl, a position that has made its prince the most powerful man in Brennél next to the emperor. Most of the surrounding domains are loyal to Adar, not only due to the protection it offers from the north, but also because of the very real threat of invasion when the day comes where Prince Tautus decides he is powerful enough to conquer the throne.
Locations of Interest: a
Regional History: W
