Post by Lord-Archon Trajan Evander on Feb 10, 2023 23:13:59 GMT
Between the central river of the neck of the peninsula and the north bay stands the proud, autocratic realm of the Argent Despotate. After the throne of the Reman Empire was left vacant years ago, the future of the entire region was left uncertain. For some. It was the true desire to prevent the candle of civilization from being extinguished that the Argent Despotate rose from its humble origins as a province of the Empire to an independent realm determined to maintain, and perhaps restore, the greatness of their forebears.
At the center of the self-proclaimed successor state is the capital city of Revaine. A provincial capital established for Reman governors centuries ago, the city has become a center for pilgrims ever since Saint Manius, Shield of the Morning, also known as The Forgiver, died from his wounds after a night battle and forgave his enemy before passing. Though his miracle was claiming that Angels had told him that the Imperial forces would be victorious as long as he drew breath, to which they were come dawn, but Manius himself had passed, propped up by his shield. This holy ground that drove the arrival of yearly pilgrims caused the city to grow economically, pushing this former mere colonial administrative hub to a new center of commerce. It's prime position at the head of the large midland river also helped.
The ruler of the Despotate is known as the Lord-Archon. Rulership of the region has not always been hereditary; previously a life-long appointment to Governor, but has now fallen to House Evander, who claim blood lineage from a number of Emperors past. Though this has not been verified. However, the mantle of Lord-Archon is not one of pure divine right and total absolutism. Many of the the old mechanisms of the colonial administratum remain. Local landowners, military commanders, and increasingly Bishops hold real political power and can even force a Council of Nine to convene should a Lord-Archon prove to be sufficiently incompetent.
Yet it is these old institutions that the Argent Despotate clings to, not just for power or legitimacy, but as a backbone of their entire culture. It is seen as their very right to inherit the legacy of the Empire. Servants of the bureaucracy and engineers of infrastructure all see it as duty and necessity to strive towards meeting the standards of the past. Though they cannot match the numbers and legions of Remus, the knights and foot soldiers fashion themselves as part of fulfilling this destiny.
The Despotate, in the eyes of her people, remains a bastion of the true Empire and oh so carefully guard the last flickers of what they see as civilization.
At the center of the self-proclaimed successor state is the capital city of Revaine. A provincial capital established for Reman governors centuries ago, the city has become a center for pilgrims ever since Saint Manius, Shield of the Morning, also known as The Forgiver, died from his wounds after a night battle and forgave his enemy before passing. Though his miracle was claiming that Angels had told him that the Imperial forces would be victorious as long as he drew breath, to which they were come dawn, but Manius himself had passed, propped up by his shield. This holy ground that drove the arrival of yearly pilgrims caused the city to grow economically, pushing this former mere colonial administrative hub to a new center of commerce. It's prime position at the head of the large midland river also helped.
The ruler of the Despotate is known as the Lord-Archon. Rulership of the region has not always been hereditary; previously a life-long appointment to Governor, but has now fallen to House Evander, who claim blood lineage from a number of Emperors past. Though this has not been verified. However, the mantle of Lord-Archon is not one of pure divine right and total absolutism. Many of the the old mechanisms of the colonial administratum remain. Local landowners, military commanders, and increasingly Bishops hold real political power and can even force a Council of Nine to convene should a Lord-Archon prove to be sufficiently incompetent.
Yet it is these old institutions that the Argent Despotate clings to, not just for power or legitimacy, but as a backbone of their entire culture. It is seen as their very right to inherit the legacy of the Empire. Servants of the bureaucracy and engineers of infrastructure all see it as duty and necessity to strive towards meeting the standards of the past. Though they cannot match the numbers and legions of Remus, the knights and foot soldiers fashion themselves as part of fulfilling this destiny.
The Despotate, in the eyes of her people, remains a bastion of the true Empire and oh so carefully guard the last flickers of what they see as civilization.
