Aurora:Craftian Nationalist Empire

The Craftian Nationalist Empire (often simply called The Empire or Craftia) stands as the dominant superpower of the modern Craftian world. It is a realm defined by grandeur, industrial innovation, and rigid hierarchy — a civilization forged by conquest and held together by ideology, faith, and an unyielding devotion to the Emperor. The Empire spans continents and oceans, uniting dozens of cultures beneath the golden standard of the Imperial Crown.

History

Founding and Early Kingdoms (0–312 A.C.)

The earliest records of Craftian civilization trace back to a loose confederation of riverine kingdoms along the River Veyra. These early peoples, known collectively as the Veyrans, established the first trade networks, temples, and dynasties. Their mastery of metallurgy and stonework laid the foundation for the empire that would follow.

The first unification came under King Alaric the Smith in 312 A.C., who united the warring city-states after decades of conflict. Alaric declared the birth of the Craftian Empire and crowned himself the first Emperor. His philosophy — that human progress was a craft, perfected through unity — became the Empire’s guiding ideal and gave rise to the term “Craftian.”

The Expansion Era (400–700 A.C.)

Under the successive reigns of the Craftius Dynasty, the Empire expanded beyond the Riverlands into neighboring territories. Military innovations like steel-plated armor and siege engines allowed the Empire to dominate rival nations. This period saw the founding of Craftia City, built as both capital and symbol of imperial might.

The Empire absorbed numerous cultures, leading to the creation of a cosmopolitan society but also sowing the seeds of rebellion in distant provinces.

The Golden Age (700–1000 A.C.)

The reign of Emperor Theon II marked a period of cultural and technological flourishing. The Imperial Academy was established, standardizing education across the realm. Airborne engineering, mechanical automation, and early steamworks emerged. During this time, the Empire’s borders reached their greatest extent.

Craftian philosophers developed the Imperial Doctrine — a political theology asserting that the Emperor ruled by divine mandate as “The Living Flame of Creation.” Temples and monuments were built to immortalize this belief.

The Schism Wars (1000–1120 A.C.)

Centuries of prosperity gave way to civil war when regional governors declared independence, claiming divine authority equal to the Emperor. The result was a century-long conflict known as the Schism Wars. Cities burned, millions perished, and the once-golden Empire fractured.

Victory came under Emperor Valen I, who restored imperial control through a combination of diplomacy and military genius. The modern Craftian Nationalist Empire rose from this crucible — centralized, industrialized, and absolutist.

The Modern Era (1120 A.C.–Present)

Today, under the rule of Emperor Valen Craftius III, the Empire stands at the pinnacle of power. The military remains unmatched, cities gleam with marble and steel, and imperial influence extends far beyond its borders. Yet beneath the perfection lies unrest — whispers of rebellion, inequality among provinces, and rumors of foreign coalitions forming in secret.

Government

The Craftian Nationalist Empire is an absolute monarchy ruled by the Emperor, whose word is law. All civil, military, and religious institutions serve the Throne.

The Emperor

The Emperor is regarded as the divine vessel of the Founders — the original architects of civilization. Emperor Valen Craftius III is both head of state and head of faith, ruling with near-total authority. His reign is marked by sweeping reforms in technology, expansion of the military, and the introduction of the “Craftian Unity Edicts,” which bind all provinces to the Imperial Law.

The Imperial Council

The Emperor is advised by the Imperial Council, composed of twelve high officials known as the “Pillars of the Empire.” Each Pillar oversees a domain:

• Grand Marshal – Commands all military forces.
• High Chancellor – Manages internal affairs and governance.
• Minister of Trade – Oversees commerce and tariffs.
• Minister of Industry – Controls resource extraction and infrastructure.
• High Inquisitor – Enforces loyalty and religious unity.
• (Other Pillars include Foreign Affairs, Treasury, Science, and Colonies.)

While the Council possesses immense influence, ultimate authority always resides with the Emperor.

Local Administration

The Empire is divided into provinces, each governed by an appointed Prefect. Prefects serve as both administrators and military commanders, ensuring that provincial law mirrors imperial law. Every province must send tribute and soldiers to the capital annually.

Military

The Imperial Armed Forces of Craftia are the largest and most technologically advanced fighting force in the known world. They embody the national philosophy of “Strength Through Unity.”

Structure

• Imperial Army – Core land force with over two million active soldiers, renowned for discipline and mechanized warfare.
• Imperial Navy – Fleet of oceanic dreadnoughts and armored skyships dominating both sea and sky.
• Imperial Air Legion – The aerial wing specializing in skyborne assaults and reconnaissance using zeppelins and gliders.
• Crimson Guard – Elite personal guard of the Emperor, fanatically loyal and feared throughout the Empire.
• The Iron Vanguard – Shock troops and heavy infantry responsible for breaking enemy lines.

Doctrine

The military adheres to the Doctrine of Eternal Vigilance: a belief that peace is temporary and must be maintained by the constant readiness of war. Conscription is mandatory at age 18, and military service is seen as a sacred duty.

Economy

The Craftian Nationalist Empire boasts an industrialized, centrally controlled economy built upon steel, coal, and trade. The government maintains strict regulation over major industries.

Industry and Trade

Heavy industry thrives in the provinces of Thalmer and Veyra, while the agricultural heartlands of Asterion supply grain, livestock, and textiles. The Empire’s merchant fleets control the majority of trade routes across the Eastern Seas.

The Imperial Crown (⟡) remains one of the most stable currencies in the world due to its gold-backed system and government regulation.

Religion

The state religion, known as the Cult of the Founders, venerates the first Emperors as divine avatars of creation. Temples dedicated to the Founders are found in every major city.

The High Inquisition ensures religious orthodoxy, suppressing heretical sects and maintaining faith in the Emperor’s divine right. Pilgrimages to the Shrine of Founders are common among citizens seeking imperial blessing.

Culture

Craftian culture prizes order, craftsmanship, and loyalty. Art, architecture, and literature all revolve around themes of perfection, unity, and divine authority.

• Art – Mosaics and sculptures depict the Emperor’s lineage and great battles.
• Music – Imperial choirs perform hymns such as *Eternal Flame of the Empire*.
• Education – Mandatory for all citizens, emphasizing engineering, military history, and civic duty.

The Craftian social structure is rigid:

• Nobility – Aristocratic families granted hereditary titles.
• Artisans – Skilled workers and inventors held in high esteem.
• Citizens – Common people, farmers, and laborers.
• Servitors – Lowest class, often indentured or bound to service.

Architecture

Imperial architecture combines monumental scale with precision engineering. Most cities feature towering spires, domes, and fortified walls of polished obsidian and white marble.

Famous structures include:

• The Imperial Palace of Craftia – A thousand-room fortress-palace.
• The Tower of Eternity – The tallest structure in the world, symbolizing eternal unity.
• The Obsidian Citadel – Military headquarters of the Crimson Guard.
• The Hall of Unity – Where the Imperial Convocation gathers annually.
• The Grand Library of Craftia – Repository of all recorded imperial knowledge.

National Subdivisions

• Province of Asterion – Fertile farmlands and agricultural center.
• Province of Thalmer – Mining and industrial stronghold.
• Province of Solen – Academic and cultural hub.
• Province of Veyra – Maritime trade and naval power.
• Northern Marches – Militarized frontier.
• Western Colonies – Overseas territories governed by the Ministry of Colonies.

Foreign Policy

The Empire views itself as the rightful leader of the civilized world. Diplomacy is conducted from a position of strength; foreign nations are treated as potential allies or future subjects.

Key principles:

• Isolation in Power – Refusal to enter alliances that limit imperial autonomy.
• Expansionism – Justified through the “Doctrine of Unification,” claiming all lands will one day serve the Imperial Throne.
• Protectorates – Smaller states often placed under “Imperial Protection” in exchange for resources and loyalty.

Technology

The Empire leads the world in engineering, steamcraft, and early electrical development. Innovations include:

• Steam-driven automata.
• Aether-based skyship propulsion.
• The Imperial Communication Grid (telegraph network).
• Mechanized war engines.

Symbolism

• Flag – A crimson field bearing a golden gear encircling a flame, symbolizing unity through creation.
• Coat of Arms – Two lions supporting a hammer and flame beneath the Imperial Crown.
• Motto – “Strength Through Unity, Unity Through Craft.”
• Colors – Gold (divinity), Crimson (sacrifice), and Black (eternity).

Notable People

• Emperor Valen Craftius III – Current ruler, visionary reformer, and commander-in-chief.
• High Chancellor Lira Deyne – Architect of the modern bureaucracy and head of the Imperial Council.
• Grand Marshal Aelric Vorn – Legendary strategist responsible for the victory in the Northern Campaigns.
• Admiral Corven Drax – Fleet Commander of the Imperial Navy and overseer of the Western Colonies.
• High Inquisitor Mareth Solen – Religious overseer and head of the Imperial Inquisition.
• Architect Elara Synn – Designer of the Tower of Eternity.