"Though Cestia may lie covered in ice, we cannot forget those which have sacrificed themselves to bring us here today, the Empire and its people are eternal thanks to them. That is why we must ensure its survival at all cost, for if we are to fail now and turn our backs on one another, why did we fight to escape Cestia if only to end up in a greater prison?"
Once a people of simple origins, the Cestians were thrust into the darkness of space by the slow deterioration of their homeworld of Cestia. Breaking record low temperatures each winter, the world was on track for becoming a frozen wasteland and forced the Cestians to act. Uncovering the waning state of their star, the Cestians found that their days were numbered and called for an international meeting to discuss possible solutions. Forming the Cestian Emergency Coalition in -905 NAC, the worlds governments came together and decided upon fleeing their homeworld after months of heated debate. Harnessing the technology required to leave, the Cestians only lacked the required vessels for saving the general populace and spacial infrastructure to support them.
Working around the clock to ensure their peoples survival, 45% of the worlds population ended up dying before the Coalition inevitably reached its goal in -883 NAC. Crafting large spacecrafts capable of holding and supporting millions of peoples, countless were made for the journey among the stars and left at the first sign of clearance. Rising free of their dying planet, the Cestians found themselves faced with a new dilemma soon after the initial exodus; coordination and supplies. Operating out of the planets International Space Station, the Coalition had the impossible task of coordinating the various ships while keeping supplies from dipping into the red. Hosting a varied populace of skilled and unskilled survivalists, supplies began to be squandered and led to a shortage among several vessels including the Ernel. Made up of working class peoples primarily, the ship had few specialists aboard and dwindled their supplies to a strict state of rationing. Unable to receive aid from the Coalition and neighboring vessels which also struggled to maintain their supplies, Ernel descended into infighting and cannibalism in some cases. Factions began to form on the colony vessel and after a ship-wide conflict that resulted in the hull being breached, the entire population was killed by spacial exposure.
Known as the Ernel Incident, this tragedy would ultimately led to the Coalitions fracturing and loss of authority over the populace. Unable to raise morale among the colony ships, vessels began to band together into cliques and split from the Coalition to forge their own paths. A dire state of affairs in its own right, the Cestian split lessened the supply crisis at the very least and allowed for the C.E.C to stabilize the situation. Retaining the exodus fleets main colonial ships, a spacer community formed around the station with a joint administration being created with representatives from each vessel. Establishing a functional democratic government, the Coalition rebranded itself as the United Republic of Cestia and began enacting policies to expand the International Space Station to accommodate more inhabitants.
Improving the populaces conditions over years of scavenging and spacial expansions, the Republic announced the exodus over in -873 NAC and turned its attention towards the lost colonists which had abandoned them. Spearheaded by the elected Councilmen Tyvius Elchen I, an expeditionary force left in late -873 NAC to uncover what exactly had happened to their kin.
Rise of Tyvius I (-873 to -856 NAC)
Traveling to the nearby solar systems surrounding their home, Tyvius' expedition arrived to the Iolp System first and found the remains of a derelict Cestian vessel. Marked with damage caused by weaponry beyond their capabilities, the expedition had inadvertently discovered alien life or atleast assumed as such. Reporting his findings back home, Tyvius received clearance to continue his expedition cautiously and made headway into the Rajik System in early -872 NAC. Discovering a distress signal from the Colonial Federation of Cestia, the expedition traveled to the nearby planet of Kodia and found it under siege by a hostile alien force. Mistaken for Federation ships, the aliens opened fire on the expedition and pulled them into an active battlefield.
Losing nearly half of his fleet to the alien assault, Tyvius had his own personal vessel raided during the ensuing chaos and beat back a race of short tempered avians named T'vans which slaughtered a sizable sum of his crew. Earning a joint Pyrrhic victory with Federation forces, Admiral Quintel contacted the republican fleet and informed them of the situation. Having encountered alien life not long after establishing several wayward colonial nations, the Losts Colonists were beset by advanced foes that plundered their vessels and slaughtered entire populaces in some instances. Asking for proof of these massacres, the Admiral granted Tyvius permission to send surveyors down to Kodia. Uncovering several thriving colonies on the arid planet, the surveyors stopped in their tracks at a burned out colony named Taxel which had mounds of bodies strewn about the site. Orbitally bombarded and attacked by ground forces, Taxels remains were grim and painted a skewed picture for what awaited beyond the Republics borders.
Relaying his findings back to the Republic, Tyvius enjoyed a short respite on Kodia and formed a close friendship with Admiral Quintel who helped inform him of the Lost Colonies history and current status. Split between six factions aside the Republic of Cestia, the Federation stood as the strongest and most prosperous of the Lost. Studiously documenting any and all information he learned, Tyvius departed from the Federation in mid -872 NAC and made his way back to the Republic. Receiving free repairs from Kodias engineers, his fleet moved rapidly through Rajik and back to the homesystem of Cilac. Midway through his journey, Tyvius received a response from the Republic which called for his immediate return; the Station having been besieged by alien forces. Alarmed, the expedition made hast and returned home to a disheartening sight.
Battered by debris and damage, the International Space Station seemed nearly derelict by the time Tyvius I returned with all due haste. Having been besieged for days and inevitably sacked, the small republican garrison was no match for the advanced T'van which carried off countless captives and resources. Arriving in horror, Tyvius and his men helped assist the wounded they encountered and did their part in the stations recovery. Taking a proactive role in his peoples survival, he grew on the populace which was swoon by his charisma and conviction for the republics success. Jadded by his experiences abroad and the T'van assault on his home, he approached the Council with a detailed report of his findings and called for the Republic to mobilize for war. Rejecting his advice, the Council instead announced its neutrality in the Lost Colonies conflict and began shoring up the stations defenses for any future T'van incursions. Establishing relations with the Federation, the United Republic began profitting from arms sales and using the wealth to repair their station. Angered by this choice, he took to the people for support in -867 NAC and began building an underground network of loyalists amongst the military; many of which once served on his expeditionary crew. Hoping to force the Councils hand into war, he opposed their legislature openly and began developing a populist reputation amongst the people.
Chipping away at the Councils support, he began making enemies out of his peers and treated with suspicion. Inevitably the victim of a conspiracy, he would be marked as an enemy of the Republic for his disruption of national stability and be imprisoned for his actions. Reshuffling the military staff to replace Tyvius' loyalists, the Council inadvertently further incensed a call for arms amongst the populace. Transforming from a popular politician into a martyr for the peoples cause against corruption, public demonstrations and protests began in -858 NAC throughout the station and called for Tyvius' release. Supported by military officials which lost their jobs in the reshuffle and expedition members, these protests were armed and led inevitably to the Massace of Dagin which kicked off the Republican Civil War. Rising tensions between Republican troops and protestors led to an all out battle in the Dagin sector of the station and saw an early victory for Republic forces. Alarmed by this development, the Council took Tyvius out of his cell and demanded for him to make a public announcement so as to calm tensions.
Unknowingly, portions of the Capitals troops were staffed with Tyvusian loyalists, news of the Massacre propelling them to attempt a coup against the Council. Failing in their attempt, Tyvus escaped in the ensuing chaos and linked up with rebel forces to pursue his goal of toppling the republics leadership. Fighting for two years throughout the station, the Republic was left destitute and the war ended in the Councils seize by rebel forces. Persisting for several weeks after, the Civil War ended in loyalist victory and Tyvius holding sole power over the Republic. Forcing the Council members to sign a newly drafted Republican Emergencies Act, Tyvius declared himself acting President in -856 NAC with the legal backing of the old Republics leadership. Receiving signatures from every single Councilmen, Tyvius held both legal and public legitimacy and became the Councils legitimate successor. Unfettered from all restraint, he planned to bring the Republic into a new era with a loyal junta operating underneath him to ensure the peace. Keeping the Council as a crippled governing body, he became an undisputed despot in all but name. Driven by a desire to unify the Cestian Colonies, he began enacting his grand plan he had developed over decades of pessimism and political theory.
War of the Seven (-856 to -795 NAC)
Initially continuing the policy of neutrality in the Lost Colonies Conflict, Tyvius I nonetheless sent volunteers and supplies to the various colonial nations while he repaired the damage caused by his civil war. Ultimately joining in -844 NAC, the combined efforts of the Cestian nations brought the war to a white peace in -838 NAC. With the T'van pushed away from their borders, the Cestian colonies turned inward for their rivalries and politicking. Returning to a state of neutrality after the wars conclusion, Tyvius fostered relations with the Lost Colonies and established trade along with joint development projects. Operating as a mediator between the various factions, the President found the Lost Colonies to be active rivals which seemingly banded together for mutual survival during the T'van war.
Holding affinity for the Federation, Tyvius ended up entering these rivalries with the Technocracy of Yuva fiercely opposing him and his bias for the Federation. Tensions began to arise over the following decades until blocs formed amongst the colonies, each with their own ambitions. Relations broke down and the longstanding friendship with the Federation became a tense uncooperative arrangement. Lasting until -801 NAC, this friendship was eventually severed with the invasion of Selta which was home to the neutral Seltan Colonial Alliance, the Technocracy of Yuva launching a full out assault and causing a chain reaction of war declarations. Unwilling to get involved initially so as to evaluate the various sides, the Federations frustration with the Republics indecision led to a heated debate which broke down their relations further. Joining in defense of Selta, Federation forces ventured south to enter the war; a sizable garrison being left to deter Tyvius' ambitions.
Named the War of Seven for its inclusion of the Seven Cestian Colonies, the war was a long and bloody feud which settled old rivalries and frustrations over Cestias demise. Joining the war after the Raand Kingdoms invasion of Selta, Tyvius initially held hostilities towards the Raand and Yuvan blocs before expanding his horizons not long into the conflict. Using the war to solidify and expand his authority, the President formed the first Chamber of Marshals to serve as his war advisors during the conflict. Enacting new Republican policies for the military and civilian populace, the war served as a means to materialize sweeping administrative changes and forge the autocratic society which came about following the wars conclusion.
Following the Federations defeat at Selta and shoring up on the Republics borders, war was declared against the Federation, Tyvius coming at odds with his old friend Quintel which was assigned to guard Kodia and the Republican border. Leading his fleet against the old Admiral, the God-Emperor used his friends tactics against him and destroyed the Federations main fleet with heavy losses. Besieging the planet he once helped protect, Tyvius stormed the Federations capital and occupied the planet within a month. Reacting to the rapid approach of the Federations remaining forces, he decisively defeated them before heading towards Selta to engage in the largest battle of the war. Fielding the Lost Colonies remaining fleets and the Republican navy, a multi-side battle known as the Battle of Kings took place over the ruins of Selta which saw the President victorious after several days of turtling and opportunistic striking. Occupying the tattered remains of Selta, the Republic went on to wipe out the remaining feuding factions which continued to resist his rule, the war ending with a total of 26 million dead.
Heralded as the President of the Cestians and their undisputed ruler, Tyvius' conduct throughout the war earned him a near mythical reputation among the populace of his capital. Known as the undefeated and the Lord of the Lost, Tyvius returned victorious and with war trophies to show for his efforts. Declaring the Cestian people unified in -795 NAC, Tyvius I had accomplished what few considered possible; unifying all of Cestia under one banner. Now the undisputed ruler of multiple rebellious colonies and a largely destitute populace, Tyvius believed that a national revival was in order if his fledgling nation was to survive the coming centuries.
Cestian Revival (-795 to -657 NAC)
Widely considered to be an era of relative peace and reconstruction following the War of Seven; the Cestian Revival was marked by political and societal upheaval that brought about the death of Cestian democracy, the Revival institutionalizing hierarchical society and autocratic leadership. Placing loyal generals and collaborationist regimes in positions of power over the annexed colonies, Tyvius fought disjointed conflicts against rebel groups across the Republic and enacted media censorship on several occasions to prevent news of rebel victories. Throughout the conflicts, Tyvius maintained himself as the protector of Cestian civilization and democracy, vowing to reinstate elections later in his Presidency. Garnering a cult of personality, he ran ambitious propaganda campaigns to win over the Lost Colonies and helped personally assist in their reconstruction. Spending a modicum of his time in the capital, Tyvius utilized excess funds to retrofit its aging design and ensure the Capitals loyalty.
Harnessing the Republican treasury as a means to sculpt his new nation, Tyvius held power over his peoples intellectual and artisan communities which relied heavily on outside funding. Propping up those which showed loyalty and innovative thinking, his opposition melted away as critics fell into poverty or renounced their previous positions. Funding scientific research to propel his nation forward and art to satiate the common peoples demands, he placed great emphasis on his subjects well being and turned them against his opponents. Weathering the storm through careful political maneuvering and a positive public image, Tyvius I lived his final years as an icon of unity for the Cestians and a fair ruler which treated his people with respect. Rebuilding the Lost Colonies into the Cestian Heartland, he helped break down the old colonial rivalries and created a unifying identity for his people. Passing away from natural causes in -657 NAC, the nation mourned his passing and welcomed a worthy successor which he had been groomed since birth.
Imperial Awakening (-657 to -628 NAC)
Tyvius Elchen II arose to his fathers throne with national applause, the only son of First Lady Yulia and an ambitious young man which took his fathers convictions to heart, he planned to continue his fathers legacy and maintain Cestian unity. Inspired by his late fathers goals of unifying the realm, he interpreted Tyvius I's actions as a means to further entrench authoritarianism and consolidate power in the hands of a select few. Growing up during the Lost Colonies Conflict, he was a staunchly Xenophobic man who painted the war as a holy crusade against lesser races. Captivated by religion and the esoteric, he came to worship the Celestial Cult, disavowing his parents worship of Kaeros. Using his political education to consolidate his new power and reward loyalists, he began enacting radical reforms in the nation; establishing the Celestial Cults hierarchy as the nations social norm. Forcing lower class Cestians into servitude of their higher masters, the later half of the Cestian Revival was total chaos. Rebel groups formed to overthrow the "Mad King" and political assassinations became commonplace throughout the realm. Surviving an attempt on his life, Tyvius II's demeanor would change after this encounter, becoming paranoid and ruthless in his pursuit of those which opposed his regime.
Employing torture on enemies of the realm, he threw the Republic into chaos and forged a new nation from its ashes. Declaring the Cestian Empire in -634 NAC, he disavowed any semblance of democracy and empowered the Celestial Cult as the state religion. Surrounded by sycophants which benefited from his behavior, Tyvius II came to see all opposition as potential agents in a plot against him; just as his father was victim to. Driven to new degrees of unhinged thinking, he wrote the infamous Imperial Commandments and declared himself God-Emperor of the Empire; granting him the divine right to take multiple wives just as the Celestial Gods did. Unifying his people through faith in the Cults scripture and mutual disdain for the T'van, he enacted raids against the few remaining local strongholds of the alien species and upheld the Cestian race above them. Swaying people to his side through his exaltation of the Cestian form, he began improving living conditions for all levels of the hierarchy, granting even the lowest classes comfortable lives with ample entertainment. Killing over 4 million opponents to his regime, the newly formed Empire found support among Celestial Cultists which historically exalted authoritarian rulers.
Maintaining the support of this military, Tyvius II ensured his armed forces were well taken care of and granted a permanent seat on the Emperors Privy Council known as the Ether Council. Electing one among their own, the military would always have a voice in the Empires decision-making. To garner support further from local elites, Tyvius II exalted various prestigious families to Godhood with a new divine order being drawn by his reign. With subordinate God-Monarchs underneath his control, the Cestian Heartland would be split into various fiefdoms with the Emperor getting the lions share. Annexing Kodia and Yuva under his direct control, the Grand Duchy of Selta would be established from Selta alone whilst Lasdel, Talten and Listal would be subsumed into the Kingdom of Jafel under the control of House Erdyn which served his father loyally. Establishing Imperial Law and forging his magnum opus into an Empire to last the ages, Tyvius II found in peace in his new role and started the trend of Philosopher Emperors.
Numeian Rebellions (-628 to -517 NAC)
After securing his homeland and its stability, Tyvius II turned his gaze outward and began an aggressive campaign of expansion. Enslaving all alien life they encountered, the Empire rose to a pedestal of undisputed dominance in the Northwestern Reach. Using a mixture of bribery, espionage and warfare to force their neighbors into submission, the Empire established a slave hegemony by -602 NAC and furthered its own civilization off of stolen technology and resources. Establishing a slave tribute among its vassals, Tyvius II created a steady supply of slaves for the Empire without a need for raiding; the vassals operating as buffers for the his various colonies. Displacing aliens on habitable worlds, the Second God-Emperor earned the well deserved title of 'Iron Heart' as he unwaveringly expanded his people without cause nor concern for others.
Living a life of extreme emotional swings, Tyvius II died from a stroke in -594 NAC and failed to name an heir prior to his untimely death. Having been the only son of his father, the succession was simple for him; however he had sired children with five wives and played an absent role in their lives. Dying middle aged, most of his children were either too young to ascend or had established interests away from the throne, debate centering around three possible candidates which all possessed their own basket of problems. The first son was named Laenal who was immature for his age and a young man which enjoyed the hedonist aspects of life. Driven by his apetites, he didn't desire the throne and yet proved to be the most viable successor if the Empire were to keep with tradition. Second was Lilliat, an ambitious young woman with impeccable charisma and political training. Groomed by her mother for this role, she was kindhearted and would most certainly bring the nation into a new era of peace; however she possessed a dark secret, being a closeted sadist who enjoyed torturing her servants. Last of the three contenders was the young Wildan who barely escaped the same fate of his younger siblings as irrelevant. He was still growing and could be easily manipulated, however he was also untainted unlike his competition.
The Ether Council was left with the final decision, the group deciding upon Laenal as Tyvius II's successor in -593 NAC. Dragged to the throne, he came to quickly enjoy the limelight he once lacked as a child; having been neglected by his parents and left to his own devices. Embracing the role quickly, he ensured the Empires stable line of succession and invoked the ire of his siblings. Feeling increasingly unsafe in the same household as potential claimants, Laenal took his first act as God-Emperor to disinherit his siblings. Forcing his mothers and siblings to leave the capital which he had christened as the Celestial Throne, he came to be dominated by members of the Ether Council which manipulated him to preserve the realms stability. Convincing him to send Lilliat and Wildan into exile, Laenal cleared the Empire of suspected sympathizers and stoked rebellion amongst his scorned vassals. Among them was King Opash Erdyn who approached the exiled siblings after losing his position, placing the entire backing of the Jafel Kingdom behind their claims.
Declaring the Dynasty of Numeia in -588 NAC, Wildan and Lilliat joined each other in marriage to ensure a unified front against Laenal. The marriage was controversial considering they were half siblings, however scorned vassals nonetheless joined their ranks in rebellion. Known as the First Numeian Rebellion, Wildan and Lilliat rallied their supporters in -586 NAC to march on the Imperial Heartland from the eastern territories of Jafel. Joined by King Opash, the Empire descended into civil war as Laenal rallied Duke Iossa of Selta to his cause; the northern frontier remaining neutral throughout the conflict and subject to alien raids. The war lasted until -576 NAC with the death of Lilliat in the Battle of Jokkov and the routing of her forces. King Opash failed to be dethroned and the two sides retreated to an interlude of peace throughout the -570s. By -569 NAC, the Second Numeian Rebellion began with Laenal meeting his end at the Yurashko Massacre which saw his forces surrounded and destroyed on Lamoi. Succeeded by his son Johen, the war continued until Wildans capture in -565 NAC where he was promptly beheaded publicly.
Branded a kinslayer for his actions, Johen became a controversial ruler who lacked the support of his populace, being prone to outbursts within his court. Driven by vengeance and rage over his fathers death, Johen refused the peace terms offered by the remaining Numeian rebels and enacted a campaign of extermination against the rival Dynasty. Invading the Kingdom of Jafel directly, he broke the rights of rulers established by the Imperial Commandments and dismantled the realm into weak princely polities. Capturing Lilliat and Wildans children in their attempts to flee Jafel, he showed no quarter and extinguished House Numeia. By -554 NAC, the Dynasty was extinct and the rebellion went with it, the Empire stabilizing under Johens bloody rule. For the next three decades he ruled in bitter contempt for his vassals, consolidating power and curbing the influence of his subjects. He would be assassinated in -517 NAC, his infant son Yohanas ascending to the throne at the age of three.
Reign of Yohanas the Bright (-516 to -408 NAC)
Having his life controlled from an early age, Yohanas was the political tool of his mother, Empress Tohia and the Ether Council which dictated his education. Unable to experience a normal childhood like his siblings, Yohanas grew up isolated and protected from potential assassins wishing vengeance upon his household. Used by his mother to remain relevant and powerful in the Imperial Courts, he developed into an intelligent young man with an adeptness for reading people and consuming vast quantities of knowledge. Ascending to the throne properly on his 16th birthday, he quickly began to assert dominance over his handlers and diminished the influence his mother and councilors once held over him by his early 20s. Interested in Xenology, he was the first God-Emperor to step foot on an alien planet and worked to find common ground with his slave tributaries.
Personally sponsoring Imperial engineers and researchers, he replaced the outdated Republican-era Cestian Science Chamber with the Imperial Science Initiative which was free of the Chambers bloated budget and corruption. Focusing on military research and the usage of robotics, Yohanas believed himself to be the herald of a new era for the Empire where technology would solve the nations woes. Guided by a virtuous temperament and distant enough from the prior conflicts to rule without prejudice, he came to be the Empires most beloved ruler and a truly divine Emperor. Politically he outwitted many of his opponents and kept his vassals loyal through effective rulership, focusing on national recovery from the Numeian Rebellions and granting generous subsidies to his subjects. Reasserting control over the Northern Frontier, he returned the Empire to a state of military dominance and led his troops personally against several Xeno incursions.
His reign was marked as one of the longest periods of peace in Imperial history and Yohanas ruled as a true Philosopher Emperor. In his later years, he came to be fascinated with genetics and opened the first gene clinics in the Empire; offering its services to lowborns and nobles alike. Establishing a universal genebank of various Cestian genotypes, he began to expand his catalogue with Xeno genetics from his various slave races. Installing a genetic tax upon his alien tributaries, Yohanas was the first God-Emperor to interact this closely with Xenos and is noted for his respectful nature. In darker corners of the Empire, he came to be known for his brutal forms of torture and execution for enemies of the state, Yohanas using "genesoup" concoctions to liquefy terrorists and genetic tampering to pacify individuals.
In his last decade of ruling, the God-Emperor became a recluse who conducted experiments with his Saints in the Celestial Thrones Gene Lab. Creating genotype combinations for aliens which would reduce their race to serviles without much higher thinking, Yohanas' magnum opus was the enslavement of the rebellious Kayat through genetic control. Forcing the entire species into his gene clinics, the Kayat were transformed into a race of dimwitted serviles as a testament to Cestian dominion over xenos. Passing away from free radicals throughout his system, Yohanas personal genetic tampering came to be his undoing and ended his life short compared to most Cestians. With a legacy of peace and technological advancement, Yohanas is noted for his ability to control entire rooms with his will alone and exceptional intelligence. Leaving behind the Kayat and his genetic concoctions as warnings to any that may oppose the Empire he built, it would be his son that would carry on this darker practice and truly strike fear into the Empires enemies.
The Northern Hegemon (-407 to -332 NAC)
Idolizing his late father throughout his life, Prince Harlou was an aspiring champion of Yohanas' ideals. Possessing his predecessors same sharp mind and a knack for genetic experimentation, he differentiated his studies with an emphasis on history. Consulting the personal logs of previous Emperors for guidance and understanding, he found purpose in the first God-Emperors logs who suffered from a similar situation he found himself in. Tyvius II was left to interpret his fathers work without much guidance and found that it was only through a strong state that the Cestian people could survive the cold recesses of space. He experienced firsthand the devastating effects Xenos could have upon their civilization and the threat they posed to Cestias continued survival, so he made it his holy mission to establish a hegemony which Harlou is tasked with retaining.
Absorbing the rhetoric of Tyvius II, God-Emperor Harlou became a deeply religious man who utilized the sciences as a weapon for his regime. Through centuries of conflict, his ancestors ensured he was the chosen man to become Emperor and he couldn't fail them in the divine task they all shared. Calling forth his legions, Harlou broke the Empires 120 years of peace by invading the Lelon Technocracy in -395 NAC. Marking the early years of his reign with conquest and slaughter, he succeeded in invading their homeworld of Karn and establishing it as a march of his growing hegemony. Increasing the taxation of his alien subjects, he spent the next two decades putting down rebellions and replacing the rulers of Xeno vassals with devoted loyalists. Imposing his will upon them, rebels were turned into serviles or genetic abominations as an example for what awaits further dissent. Harlou invoked the stored genealogies his father collected to track Xeno geneotypes and ensure their ruin generations down the line with the induction of faulty genetics.
By -368 NAC, his xeno vassals had been pacified for several more generations with most dissent petering out or turning inward amongst their own. Harlou turned his attention back to expanding the realm with scheduled yearly raids by his forces and the integration of his Northern Frontier into the Imperial Heartlands. Establishing Iverda County to guard his southern borders, the Empire encountered few threats in the southlands and delegated a small budget to the new county. To his east he unified the squabbling post-Jafel princedoms underneath the guidance of Olipa and established the Principality of Olipa which would act as his eastern guard. Shoring up all sides of the Empire, a period of steady raids became standard practice under Harlous reign and Cestia faced little opposition until -332 NAC.
Subjected to centuries of uncontested Cestian dominion in the region, the Northern Reaches remaining free states rallied behind the Republic of Lonaro which formed the Vesan-Ruetonei; a collection of spacer and terrestrial civilizations which opposed the Empire. Planning a joint invasion of the Empire to free its vassals and contain the regional threat, the Vesan-Ruetonei attacked from the East and South which was considered the realms weaker borders. This invasion invoked Harlou to action and began the Northern Reach War.
Northern Reach War (-331 to -326 NAC)
Continuing the tradition of his predecessors, God-Emperor Harlou led his men directly throughout the war. Coordinating the defense of the Empire with his military advisors, Harlou was noted for his usage of tactics from the War of Seven. Focused on an early defensive campaign which would gradually transition to offensive manuvers, this was the first war since unification which saw the Imperial Levment active duty. Their performance was overall lacking with nepotism and poor supplies making the fighting force insufficent and prone to morale issues during offensive operations. The Legion in contrast was too few in number to effectively break through enemy lines, the standards for Legionnaries having become unnessacarily rigid over the centuries.
Their enemies in contrast were versatile and possessed powerful armadas which allowed the Vesa-Ruetonei to push deep into Imperial territory, liberating tributary states and vassals along the way. Encouraging subject states to rise up, the Grenal switched sides and rebelled openly against Harlou, the Empire being pressed to its Cestian subjects proper. Enacting emergency measures and producing new ships enmass, the God-Emperor fought a valiant defense and weathered the waves of xenos which came to his lands. Being the first time in Imperial history that foreign invaders entered the Heartland, Harlou noticed several major faults in its defense which he noted in his writings. Known as the Treatise of Cestian Warfare, this historical document would go on to reshaped Imperial defenses following the wars conclusion with new fortresses and tactics being employed.
After several years of defensive engagements, the Imperial Military struck a major victory in -327 NAC which pushed them on the offensive. Known as the Battle of Launei, Cestian forces caught the Vesan-Ruetonei off guard and devastated their main armada, forcing the invaders to flee east. Taking this opportunity to invade the Grenal, Harlou put their King to the torch and annexed their homeworld into a new Imperial subject known as the Grenal March. Invading the alliances territory in -226 NAC, the battle of Yual was the Empires next major victory which shattered the Vesan-Ruetoneis support fleets; giving them direct access to Lonaro.
Splitting the Imperial invasion between Harlou and Admiral Agaes, the southern invasion was spearheaded by the God-Emperor who began bombardment campaigns against Lonaro. Agaes focused on subjugating the northern spacer clans and hunting down shattered Vesan-Ruetonei fleets. The war was becoming a decisive Imperial victory with their enemies on the run and their homes despoiled, but Harlou made a key error in assuming the weakness of his enemies remaining fleets. Battered yet not beaten, the remaining alliance ships rallied together under the command of Admiral Baenii who rushed to the defense of Lonaro. Embroiled in a planetary invasion, Harlou was coordinating the republics downfall from orbit when the alliance armada arrived to challenge him. Preparing for battle, the God-Emperor was caught off guard by the ferocity of the Vesa-Ruetonei which rushed his fleet with an emphasis on boarding parties. Ramming his ships in desparation and launching off boarding parties, the battlefield above Lonaro became a historical sight for all present.
Deciding the Northern Reaches fate, Harlous flagship was targetted and disabled; a flurry of marines being dispatched to ensure his demise. Unable to recieve Agaes aid in time, Harlou and his celestial guard prepared for the coming last stand as his fleet crumbled around him. Unable to contact personnel outside the vessel, his last will was written hastily and entrusted to a loyal servant who hide during the confrontation. Fighting with an unmatched furry, the God-Emperor slew many opponents before meeting his end, the entire celestial guard being slaughtered and the ship taken by alliance forces. Forcing the Southern Imperial fleet to retreat, Lonaro was nonetheless still a battleground with Imperial forces seizing the planetary capital. Arriving too late to the scene, Agaes was hailed by Baenii for peace talks. Lonaro had been seized by the Empire and Harlou lied dead, his servant being captured and allowed to deliver his late masters will. Most armed conflict in the war ended by this point, several contained engagements still occuring in the north.
Being instructed to only announce Harlous will after the wars conclusion, the Saints honored his wish and became the temporary rulers of the Empire. Attending the peace talks personally, the Northern Reach War came to an end with the Celestial Accord which was signed in -326 NAC. Its contents included 20 years of war reparations to the Cestian Empire, an end to Imperial raids, the return of God-Emperor Harlous corpse and the recognition of self-determination for Cestias neighbors. Balanced between both sides, the Celestial Accord marked a new period of prolonged peace within the Empire as relations normalized and Cestian expansionism ceased. This historic peace treaty also marked the steady decline of Empire and its influence in the Reach.
The Diarchy (-325 to -184 NAC) TBA
After the Accords signing, the Imperial Saints collectively opened the late God-Emperors will and read it aloud to the Empire. In unison they announced Harlous uncontested love for his two sons Nasse and Wohen and his inability to pass the crown on to either one of them. Instead electing for the joint rulership of both sons, the Imperial Diarchy was announced with the God-Emperors soul being passed equally between both sons. A surprising turn of events for all parties involved, the two sons agreed wholeheartedly with their fathers decision and ascended together as the Dual God-Emperors. Overseeing the Empires new period of peace, the Diarchy respected the Celestial Accord signed by the Saints and honored it throughout their reign. Bringing the nations focus to rebuilding the frontier regions and great works, Nasse became the more popular of the two with his boundless charisma and natural leadership skills. Wohen in contrast took a more backseat approach to ruling and focused on political theory like that of Tyvius Elchen I and his son.
Whilst Nasse marked Cestian civilization into the new century, Wohen consulted the past to understand their divine mission as God-Emperors. The conclusion he came to was that the Cestian people under the prior Emperors fought for a realm to call their own, one free of Xeno influence where they can persist without fear of being conquered. Such a lauded goal had finally been accomplished with the Northern Reach War, the Empire being an apparent threat to its neighbors and one which they fear deeply; the Celestial Accord convincing him of this. There was no need for conquest anymore nor raids against their neighbors, they had established their sanctuary from the woes of alien interests and now they had to tend to it. Taking a compassionate approach towards his subjects, Wohen reformed Imperial slavery into indentured servitude with increased rights and protections by the state. Cracking down on abuse and corruption in the slave economy, he became disliked by his Divine Monarchs which were heavily restrained under his rulership and forced to tow the line.
Centralizing Imperial authority and the nations economy, Wohen continued a series of Imperial reforms throughout the -290s and -280s, Nasse supporting his ideals and finding common ground with dissenting groups. TBA
Imperial Decline (-183 to Present) TBA
TBA
Reign of Tyvius III (-10 to 28 NAC) TBA
Inaugurated at the young age of 37, Tyvius III ascended to the throne as a brooding yet inquisitive monarch with a drive to fix the mistakes of his predecessors. Establishing for himself a Chamber of diversely eccentric and loyal Saints, Tyvius III proved himself to be a deeply religious and diligent God-Emperor in his short time as ruler. Known in the faith as Istrabor, he preferred his original name of Tyvius nonetheless and established a tradition of religious and natural given names for God-Emperors. Enacting sweeping reforms, he faced fierce resistance from corrupt officials and nobles, his administration remaining in a frustrating gridlock until he received troubling news in 28 NAC from Iverda regarding their God-Countess.
Threatened once more by an external enemy, Tyvius III found the opportunity he had been waiting for to break the Empires political gridlock. Learning from his fathers mistakes, he made preparations to commit himself to war and detailed an extensive reformation plan he would enact during the conflict. Planning with ample foresight, his scheme went into motion during the historical meeting with the Kingdom of Zoscia regarding Iverdas God-Countess. The meeting itself went poorly with culture shock, ideological differences and hostility on both sides leading to the Zoscian King to refuse Tyvius III's terms. Granting him the strong casus belli he needed for war, Tyvius III shored up his southern borders with state troops and prepared for any incursions by the hostile Coronans. Zoscia responding in kind by garrisoning its territory, the border remaining tense up until the fatal skirmish between both sides that set off the infamous Hallow War.
Utilizing the war as a means to push his reforms, the God-Emperor finally succeeded in his long-sought after goal. Having the entire nation behind him, he began to finally implement change within the Empire; his policies unintentionally assisting in the ultimate downfall of Imperial rule.
Culture and Society[]
Cestian Alphabet and Numbers.
Developing an Imperial identity over centuries of conquest and enslavement, the Empire is home to various Cestian and alien cultures which coexist in a plural society. Dominated by Cestian ideals and traditions, the Imperial identity has adopted a variety of foreign customs over the centuries to help assmiliate conquered populaces. Branching out over its longed lifespan by race and region, the Empires unifying culture has developed a plethora of subgroups and societies; Iverda's being one of most distinct examples. Formed both naturally and through administrative decisions, the Imperial concept was created so as to bind together the Empires diverse populace and to prevent rebellions on the basis of being inhomogeneous. This same mindset has extended to the Celestial Cult aswell which allows for differing doctrines and religious customs; however, unlike the Imperial culture, a religious head exists which dictates divine law. Held by the Imperial Chamber of Saints, the God-Emperors chosen hold absolute authority outside of the Emperor over which religious sects are allowed, the Inquisition being employed to surpress those considered heretical.
In allowing these various cultures and groups to exist, the Empire grants both Cestians and aliens alike an opportunity to ascend within the hierarchy. Undiscriminate based on race, Imperial subjects instead look at culture for the basis of judging ones peer and treats non-Imperials as inferior. Viewing foreign lands as barbaric and destitute backwaters, it is considered legal in most cases for Imperials to enslave outsiders without proper cause or take them as trophy spouses. Inspite of this, the Empire has a longstanding history of memorializing foreign races and cultures it has encountered, the nation hosting a vast trove of well documented extinct peoples. One of the most common forms of extinction they document is assimilation, the Imperial identity having led to the eradication of countless languages, cultures and religions.
Deeply religious and reliant on the Celestial Cult for guidance, the Empires morality is dictated by the faith and more specifically, the Imperial Chamber of Saints. Staunchly conservative in their beliefs, the Empire practices mysticism and depicts both men and women in divinely sanctioned roles within society. Uplifting women as sacred and divine creatures closer to the Gods, most religious and ethical careers are dominated by females whilst men are seen as wiser guardians of female divinity. Societally this translates into women being sanctioned to feminine careers and the majority living as housewives, men in turn being the Empires primary workforce and soldiers. In the court of law, women suffer severer punishments than men because of their divine status and are subject to lynchmobs known as Divine killings when they commit adultery or fornication. While not legally sanctioned nor allowed by the Empires court system, Divine killings have remained a consistent issue throughout the nations history. Politically women play an undisputed role outside of positions of power, the God-Emperor hosts a harem of concubines and wives which originally became legalized during Tyvius II's reign. Believing that the Emperor is closer to the divine with the more women he takes, politicans and subordinate rulers commonly gift women to the God-Emperor for political favor.
Strict in its abidance to Celestial morality and the God-Emperors divine authority, alternative lifestyles are actively suppressed and criminalized in some cases. Believing homosexuality to be a defiling of men and womens divine purpose, the Empire doesn't allow nontraditional relationships and criminalizes those which stray from the norm. Supporters of republicanism and a reduction of the God-Emperors authority suffer a similar fate with political opponents being jailed and at times executed. Valuing traditionalism and honor, the Empire looks down upon those that fail to uphold these tenets and treat them as weak individuals unable to grapple with the Imperial system. Granting moderate social progams for those which are in need, the Empire grants each individual a set duration for recieving government aid and halts assistance once the time limit is reached. Private institutions exist to help those which no longer recieve aid, however the populace generally holds a mixed view of the needy.
Urban in nature, the Empires populace live peaceful sedentary lives with a preferrence for Imperial cities over the wild countryside. Primarily employed in industrial and labor fields, the decline of intellectualism has given the rise to an Imperial work ethic that values productivity and effectiveness. Treating labor and its product as divinely inspired, the Empire holds a high degree of job satisfaction among laborers and craftsmen which feel connected to their Gods. Dependent on cybernetics and implants to remain competitive in the job market, the Empire has widely adopted bodily modifications to assist in the workplace and resolve health problems. Embraced by the majority of the populace, Iverda and several other regional administrations have outlawed the technology and retained an organic work economy with regulated genetic therapy for health concerns. Currently undergoing an Intellectual euthanizing, the Empire has an aging populace dependent on robotics and a strict Imperial Chamber which hinders the scientific community, innovative research having slowed in most fields. Drained of philosophers and other intellectuals with a pursuit for knowledge, education professionals are at an all time low and literacy rates have declined across the nation.
In place of the intellectuals has arisen the military which has ample teachers and instructors for citizens wishing to further their education. Offering free university to those that serve, the military has helped shaped the modern intellectual community to its favor and created a multitude of professors willing to teach their doctrine. Granting them further influence over the Empire, the military has garnered a considerable budget to expand its capabilities and antipiracy operations across the border. Being one of the last Imperial institutions to remain unscathed from the Empires decline, the military continues to expand and entrench its influence as the Intellectual crisis continues.
Heart of the Celestial Cult and its forty Gods, the Cestian Empire which has christened itself the Celestial Empire, is a vibrant land of religious beliefs and ways of life. Worshiping their Emperor as a living God that reincarnates for every generation of rulership, the general populace is devoted to the Empire in a way only religion could ensure. Underneath the God-Emperor lies various deities that have existed even before the Cestians took to the stars, the Celestial Cult unifying them all under a single pantheon from which the God-Emperor leads.
Of these forty Gods, it is said that only a finite amount can walk amongst the living at one time or else reality itself will fall into disarray. These living Gods in question are the various rulers within the Cestian Empire who are considered to be the reincarnation or avatar of a specific God; the only exception being the God-Emperor who is eternally present. Coming along with these dieties is holy paths of life specific to each God, said path being exalted above the rest and praised by their followers. This in turn has led to specialized populations which worship a specific God and dedicate their family and future generations to it; farmers will worship Tilena and ensure their children do as well to continue their good fortune, a perpetual cycle that keeps careers stable.
With rituals and forms of worship that vary greatly based on the God, the Celestial Cult holds several key binding policies and institutions to keep religious unity among the varied deities. The first of which is the Imperial Chamber of Saints, a religious legislature that is hand picked by the God-Emperor to enact laws and oversee the greater empire in his name. Loyal to only the Emperor, the Saints are considered the holiest of mortal men and hold great sway over the way peoples may conduct themselves in the nation. The autonomous states within the Empire also have their own subdivisions of the Chamber, these are picked exclusively by the ruler of that territory as disciples of their will and handle the more precarious matters of rulership.
Aside the Saints, there's also the Cestian hierarchy which is normally depicted as a pyramid to showcase the various social classes within the Empire; both religious and political in nature, the hierarchy has various levels and forms of conduct one must showcase when a part of it. Unlike most Feudal and Monarchist systems, the hierarchy is fluid as one may ascend up and down based on their conduct and success in life, giving even the lowest ranks a chance at a better life.
Created by the Celestial Gods as the rightful way in which to govern the Cestian people, the Hierarchy is a historical Feudal system which has survived the ages and is seen by its peoples as a fair meritocratic system from which even the lowest can ascend upon.
Celestial: The living embodiment of their chosen deity, Celestials are only bound by religious law with how to operate their respective nations, them having to respect the religious hierarchy of the Cult with the God-Emperor at the top; this usually translates into also following Imperial law as a show of respect to the Emperor.
Saint: Chosen by an avatar of the Celestial Gods, a Saint is an eternal servant of the Gods will alone and is no longer bound by Imperial law. Serving as personal chamberlains and administrators for their patron avatar, a Saint is forever remembered within the Celestial Cult and is the highest position a mortal may attain.
Gentry: Renown for their favor with the Gods, this is the highest rank a normal Cestian may ascend to and is on par with citizenship in a normal nation. One can only fall from here.
Serf: Most of the populace is born into this class, Serfs being servants of the righteous and still in need of proving their devotion to the Gods. Once they have accomplished a great work or proven their devotion, they ascend to gentry.
Slave: Lowest on the hierarchy, slavery in the Celestial Cult is reserved for heathens and criminals which have yet to work off their penitence to the Gods. Once considered cleansed of their transgressions, they ascend to serfdom.
Certain of a perpetual afterlife, the Celestial Cult teaches that there are realms of death belonging to each of the Gods, a slice of heaven pertaining to their values. During a Cestians teen years, they are required by the Saints to devote themselves to specific God and follow their teachings up until death, those that succeed are said to transcend to that deities realm. One may change their devotion later on past their teens of course, but every Cestian must at least do it once in their youth as a means of inducting their souls into the domains of the Celestial Gods. Those which never devote themselves are said to be Forsaken and suffer the same fate as the Wicked, them being sent to what some say is the forbidden 41st God known as Zaarnel, the God of death.
Government[]
Following the religious hierarchy as the basis of their government, the Cestian Empire is a Divine Feudal Monarchy which governs over both its core and autonomous territories.
The living manifestation of the God-Emperor and the Celestial Cults will, Erchel Tyvius III is the current monarch of the Empire. Tasked with absolute authority over his nation, the Emperor is unrestrained in his legal and political capability in shaping the Empire. Traditionally delegating their administrative tasks to the Imperial Chamber of Saints, there is nothing stopping the Emperor from being proactive in political affairs and holds the only legal authority over declaring war or peace.
Aside from their political functions, the Emperor plays a pivotal role in the faith and must perform his duty to the Cult without hesitation as its idol of worship and praise. Placed at the highest pedigree of moral purity, the God-Emperor must maintain themselves as an exemplary figure who cannot fall to vices or personal doubt.
Current Position Holder
Tyvius III
LEVEL 0
» Political Education » Aristocratic »
Faithful »
Honest »
Strong Willed »
Idealistic »
Creative »
Reformer »
Just
» Socially Isolated »
Distrusting »
Reclusive »
Stubborn »
True Believer »
Arrogant »
Hard on Himself
Head of the military and its operations, Emperor Laenal is said to have begun the Imperial tradition of warrior Emperors, making it uncommon for the God-Emperor to sit out battles and let their men do the planning. Whilst not criticized deeply, the monarch is expected to be present with his men in the field of battle and assist in deciding their upcoming strategies.
Below the Emperor lies the Chamber of Saints which is delegated to performing daily governmental activities and addressing major concerns to the Empire internally. Made up of six hand picked individuals from all walks of life, the main Imperial Chamber of Saints is a political powerhouse with nearly the same power as the Emperor aside divine mandate. With the ability to write laws and completely restructure the Empires governing system on a whim, only the Emperor is able to keep his saints in check and overrule their motions. Similar to the main Imperial Chamber, the regional Saints belonging to their various Monarchs must listen to the authority of their local ruler alongside the Imperial Saints and God-Emperor which are their religious superiors. Unable to declare war or peace, the Saints are best described as an administrative Oligarchy that deals with internal matters while their liege monitors them and handles external affairs.
Organization of Authority: Emperor, Monarch, Imperial Saints, Regional Saints.
TBA
Imperial nobles that swear allegiance to the God-Emperor alone and serve as his direct vassals. Ranked in the traditional Feudal system of Counts, Dukes and Kings, the Alcade follow Feudalisms government structure with the majority of their populace being serfs and those that prove their worth being gentry. Owning wide tracks of land, the Alcades entire levy and elite soldiery are subject to the Emperors will who can legally take them whenever requested. Considered retainers of the Emperors territory, an Alcades land can be revoked at any time along with their political power if approved by the Emperor or all six Imperial Saints.
Unlike most other governmental positions, Alcades have no ties to the religious world and are simply considered glorified gentry that serve the will of the Gods. Split between various dynasties and houses, the Alcade is infamous for its long standing rivalries and territorial disputes which have persisted since the War of Seven.
Second only to the Emperor, the Monarchs ruling over their autonomous states are considered Divine manifestations just like their liege. Ruling nearly identical to the Empires system, several changes do exist between the states to accommodate their unique government structures. Expected to be of the same moral fiber as the Emperor, corrupt or immoral rulers are nevertheless protected legally from forced abdication and are allowed to rule in the confines of Imperial law. Protected through a series of contracts which deems them as autonomous rulers within the Empire, legal punishment for corruption instead comes in the form of embargoes and travel bans. By choking their territories of resources and wealth, the Emperor forces immoral monarchs to tow the line or risk economic collapse; the legal courts only having the ability to depose of traitorous lords which have proven disloyal to the Cult and Empire.
Serving as the Emperors champions in military campaigns and enforcing his Imperial edicts, Divine Monarchs curry favor in service to the God-Emperor and play an important role in the Cults religious ceremonies. Seen as the Emperors confidants in both the material and metaphysical, this relationship rarely translates into reality as Divine Monarchs have historically been the God-Emperors greatest opponents.
Territories which fail to meet Imperial taxation or regulations are granted a Consul which is a small yet important individual in the greater working of the Empire. Usually confined to predetermined Imperial inspections, Consuls are the eyes and ears of the Emperor within autonomous territories and ensure everything is running smoothly from within. This role is further expanded upon when territories fail to meet Imperial expectations, Consuls being employed as advisors to the ruling Monarch so as to assist in its recovery. Rulers proven to be corrupt or immoral are also granted a Consul so as to treat the symptoms of their decision making. Those which fail in their duty of advisory are demoted to a lesser governmental role, them having a prearranged time span to make progress in advising their respective territory.
Utilizing meritocracy for the majority of minor governmental positions, positions without hereditary succession are all earned from years of experience and working oneself up the career ladder. However, to gain a position of power or rulership requires one to gain the attention of the Imperial Chamber of Saints or the God-Emperor himself. This in turn is how Alcades and other higher positions are earned, the respective superior granting them an offer of rulership or a higher position in the Imperial administration. With no democratic process existing within the Empire, all governmental positions are considered permanent unless stated otherwise by the God-Emperor or Saints.
Military[]
Legionnaire of the Empire.
Split between three branches, the Imperial military consists of the Navy, Levment and Legion forces; the latter of which operate as dual army branches. Placing an emphasis on static defenses and retaining their territory, the Empires largest branch known as the Levment is made up of primarily conscripts which rely upon advanced weaponry and emplacements to assist them in combat. Maintaining a high degree of training for its navy and legion forces, the Empire utilizes the Levment as a supportive branch which helps protect professional forces.
The insignia of the Cestian Legion.
Seen as the Empires military jewel, the Cestian Legion is professional and well funded force made up of the nations greatest soldiers. Recruiting from volunteers only, the Legion has a long held history as the Empires finest and only picks the most exceptional of individuals to join its ranks. Disciplined and unfaltering in their faith, the Legion is a reliable force which doesn't break outside of the most dire circumstances. Valued at a rate of one Legionnaire for every ten Levies, the Legion holds an unparamount degree of devotion to the God-Emperor and exceptional training in melee combat. Effective in foreign occupation and espionage, a special Legionary task force known as the Adelvi handles their covert operations and rebel suppression. Coordinated at the top by the Imperial Magistrate Council, the Legions high command is made up of skilled career officers which have shown talent over their many years of service. Harnessed as a potential political tool to enforce the God-Emperors will, the Legion is nevertheless infamous for its prideful leadership and nepotism among the lower ranks, petty officers and soldiers having less survelliance compared to their superiors
The Levments insignia.
Materialized as a fighting force during the War of Seven, the Imperial Levment is the Empires largest military branch and is made up of volunteers, conscript levies, slave warriors and alcade honorguards. Created as a supportive force to the main legion, the Levment lacks the same level of discipline and training attributed to other Imperial branches, instead having a heavy reliance on technology and skilled leaders to maintain troop effectiveness. Tailored towards defensive operations, the Levment doesn't see much active duty outside of defensive wars and acts as a peacekeeping garrison when not deployed for combat. While capable of committing to offensive warfare, the lack of discipline and training among soldiers leads to significant casualties in most instances and unrestricted pillaging on conquered worlds. Led by the Levment Magistrate Council, the branches high command is made up of skilled generals and tacticians which have a higher degree of adaptability compared to Legionary officers. Allowing religious officials to be staffed among their Council and troop compositions, the Levment is the only branch which allows religious warriors and chaplians to assist army morale.
The Navies insignia.
Operating independently of the two armies, the Imperial Navy is controlled by the Naval Magistrate Council which is made up of the Empires finest Admirals and officers. Professionally trained and well funded as the Empires primary force, the Imperial Navy specializes in defensive warfare and engages pirates regularly to further adapt its tactics to modern standards. Hosting a Council member from each army branch, the Navy commonly engages in joint military operations with the two and acts as their primary method of transport during times of conflict. Maintaining a receptive approach towards the two armies, older Imperial vessels are commonly commissioned to both branches as a personal transport fleet; an unofficial Imperial and Levment navy having formed from these exchanges. Predominantly the main branch which coordinates military efforts between the two armies, the Navy plays an integral role in the Empires military and is the defacto High Command of Imperial engagements.
Imperial Subjects[]
"Eternal we stand, Gods among mortals we reign; Celestial eternal." - Imperial Motto
Taking a hands off approach towards his subjects, God-Emperor Tyvius III has allowed for a unique political landscape to develop within the Empires territories. Having to rely upon themselves instead of the Emperor to resolve their problems, many have developed offshoot Feudal government types as a means to maintain their societies; a strategy which varies in success among his subjects. Loyalty ever fluctuating and fickle, Tyvius III works to keep ahead of his ambitious subjects and ensure any rebellions are met with swift Imperial intervention.
Military Dictatorship Industrial Powerhouse Fortress of the Empire
Well funded High Morale Loyal to the Empire
Well funded Feel like Meatshields Loyal to the Empire
Relations[]
An isolationist xenophobic state by nature, the recent Zoscian incursions have wakened the slumbering Empire from its sleep. Poised for the offensive, God-Emperor Tyvius III has invoked the Crimson Shield doctrine which involves establishing diplomacy with outsiders and raiding weaker neighbors for slaves. Planning to form a sphere of influence which blocks Zoscian expansionism, their goal is to contain the north from their influence and induct alien realms as vassal states. Unconcerned with the Aoshtai Galaxy at large, they nonetheless have opened to trading with outsiders and are willing to ally like-minded peoples.
KEY
Official relationship status
Opinion
Military Assistance
↑ Positive
Military Funding
~ Neutral
Support the Imperium
~ No thought given
No relationship
? Suspicious
Dislike
! Alarmed
State of War
↓ Hostile
Alliances and commitments[]
Military Assistance Comrades in our righteous war
Imperial Subjects Subjects of the God-Emperors will
United Republic of Cestia
God-Emperor of Cestia
Iverda County
Fauntel Associated Worlds
Grand Duchy of Selta 
3 Billion
Karn Union
Military Assistance
Military Funding
Support the Imperium
No relationship
Dislike
State of War
Kingdom of Zoscia