Holy Aventine Empire

Holy Empire of Alpana Sacrum Imperium Aventnium Sacrum Imperium Alpanae
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Antiquus quod Valens non Arescit" "Old that is Strong does not Wither"
Anthem: O Bone Jesu "O Good Jesus" Royal anthem: Laudes Imperiales "Imperial Acclamations"
Capital	Alpana
Largest city	Kyrona
Official languages	Alpanian
Recognized languages	Hellian Other Eritian Odestan Tengarian Yugian Reteznian Pelonian Mercedan Curinian Lilean Caprinan Lavinian Crescan Lorican Noman Caligian Alarian Ebonian Aedethan Viacaline
Ethnic groups	Alpanian- 33.1% Hellian- 19.0% Kosav-16.5% Commigrati- 12.5% Nymerian- 8.4% Other- 10.5%
Religion	Alpanian Catholic- 62.3% Hellian Catholic- 35.7% Jewish-0.5% Other- 0.9%
Demonym(s)	Aventine
Government	Absolute Monarchy
• Imperator	Pius VII
• Archicamerarius	Konstantinos Pailos
History
• Alpanian Republic Founded	500 BC
• The Christian War	370-375 AD
• Holy Aventine Empire Founded	375 AD
• Migration Period	420-730 AD
• First Interregnum	675-730 AD
• Restoration Period	730-899 AD
• Centuries of Blood	899-1144 AD
• Second Interregnum	1041-1144 AD
Population
• 1936 estimate	150,000,000
GDP (PPP)	estimate
• Total	90 billion USD 1960
• Per capita	600 per capita
Currency	Aureus, Sestertius, Denarius
Driving side	right

The Holy Empire of Alpana (Alpanian: Sacrum Imperium Alpanae), known more commonly as the Holy Aventine Empire (Alpanian: Sacrum Imperium Aventium), is a huge multi-ethnic major power in the world of Verthandi. In theory, it is a universal Empire, with the Emperor acting as the chief temporal authority, It has several sovereign constituent Kingdoms, all with local-self rule and autonomy, but all under the authority of the Emperor. In pratical terms, it is located in the in the southern coast of Cybelleum, with territory in northern Nymeria as well. It borders the Auvernian Federation to the West, Kingdom of Hecynia to the North, the The Grand Republic of Volkhov to the Northeast, and the Arab Revolutionary Republic to the Southeast; in addition, its Nymerian territory borders the Kingdom of Oscaunja to the West, Auvernian Nymeria to the Southwest. Its diverse substates include five Kingdoms in personal union with the Imperial Crown, the Kingdom of Alpania, the Kingdom of Hellia, the Kingdom of the Kosavs, Kingdom of Nymeria, and the Kingdom of Odesta; in addition, they include the Sovereign States of the Empire, namely the Suvari Kaghanate, the Autocracy of Kyrona, the Prince-Archbishopric of Lile, the Prince-Archbishopric of Cresca, the Prince-Archbishopric of Pelonia, the Knights of St. Christopher, the Kingdom of Lavinia, the Kingdom of Caprina, the Kingdom of Eritium, the Kingdom of Alaria, the Kingdom of Aedetha,the Kingdom of Ebonia, the Kingdom of Tengaria, the Kingdom of Merceda, the Kingdom of Attia, the Kingdom of Tarany, and the Kingdom of the Nomans. Furthermore, the Dominion of Vespera,

Founded in 375 AD at the end of the Christian War, when Petrus Aventinus was crowned Imperator of the Aplana by the Pope, replacing the old Pagan Alpanian Republic. The vast majority of the Empire's original western territory was lost during the Western Invasions of the fifth century, and much of its Eastern territory was lost during the Eastern Invasions of the tenth and eleventh centuries, but the Empire has continued to survive nonetheless and weather through the centuries. The Empire boasts the oldest continuous government in the world, having been ruled by the House Aventinus since its founding over 1550 years ago. It is the current and historical naval hegemon of the Maritamian Sea. One of the world's most ethnically diverse polities, the Empire is home to many different peoples and traditions, both Western and Eastern Catholics, and others, having a long tradition of Imperial granted autonomy and self rule.

Etymology

The actual name for the Empire, Holy Empire of Alpana, comes from the Alpanian Sacrum Imperium Alpanae. It was named such by Pope Adeodatus III upon the coronation of St. Petrus I, distinguishing it from the old Alpanan Republic, which was dismantled by the victorious Petrus and replaced with a strong Christian regime, from which the terms took their particular meaning. Later, the Empire came to be called by other countries the Sacrum Imperium Aventinum Holy Aventine Empire, based on the dynasty, the House of Aventinus, which has ruled the Empire since its founding for the vast majority of its history. The Empire is deeply tied with the House of Aventinus, and some have commented that should the line fail, so will the Empire. However, its proper name has always remained the Holy Empire of Alpana, though both names convey the idea of the Sacrum and Imperium.

The word "Sacrum", or "Holy", means that the Empire is "consecrated", or "set apart" from the other nations in the world. It is seen as a sacred and solemn entity for the spreading, continuing, and defending of the Faith. While the Pope is the spiritual head of the Church, the Emperor is considered the temporal head of Christendom. He has a sacred duty to defend and spread the Faith, and is crowned by the Pope for that purpose. However, although the Emperor's secular authority (Potestas) is of a lesser subject, earthly power, than the Pope's spiritual authority (auctoritas), or spiritual power, and Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus, nevertheless the authority which is Emperor does have is both God given and made holy by support and defense of the political good and protection of the Church's temporal welfare.

The word "Imperium", or "Empire", originally came from the Alpanian term signifying a military command, with thhe word itself having a sense of command, authority, or rule. The term Imperator, which was used for a victorious general in the old days of the Alpanian Kingdom, but fell out of use during the Alpanian Republic. When the Pope granted Petrus the title of Imperator, it came to signify the wielder of the Imperium as holding universal authority over temporal matters. Although most of the time local power is wielded by local powers, in theory the Imperium includes the whole world, even in areas not under the current area of political control of the current Imperial administration. The Imperium is something which only the Emperor wields, he alone is the chief temporal authority over all of Christendom. The term Imperium is unique to the Empire, except for a few isolated cases in history, usually in challenge to the Imperial Authority.

Politics

Government

The government of the Empire has developed organically over its long existence, and is greatly varied. It is, strictly speaking, an absolute monarchy- the Emperor has de facto and more or less de jure unilateral authority over the Empire. However, by tradition, custom, and delegation, power is divided. The Emperor is crowned by the Pope, and his reign is not considered legitimate if he lacks Papal support or the Pope refuses to Crown the Emperor. The Pope is recognized and respected as the chief spiritual authority, although he does not directly influence political events frequently. instead leaving that to the Domain of the Emperor. Although there have been conflict in the past between the Papacy and the Emperor over authority, for the most part the two have proved strong allies.

Furthermore, local authority is delegated to the principalities, or sworn vassals to the Emperor. Some vassals are Kings, others major Lords, Consuls of Grand Republics, or Temporal Bishops. They have local authorities of their own, sworn to the prince before the Emperor. The Empire has maintained the seeming paradox of a strong Imperial Authority but also strong local rule. As long as the local rulers comply with Imperial Law and uphold the Imperial Peace, they are free to govern as they will. During the middle ages, the Emperor would call special meetings of the princes of the realm to assist with crises and to respond to situations. This grew to become the Imperial Diet, which eventually became the closest thing to a legislature in the Empire. It can propose laws and legislation, but ultimately these laws must be agreed by the Emperor. The Emperor also has many advisors, chief among them his Archicamerarius, or Archchamberlain, and appoints an Imperial Council to assist him in governance of the realm. The Church also has a great deal of privilege, exceptions and governance in the realm, and its bishops often own land and participate in ruling the realm. The Pope always has a seat on the Imperial Council, but customarily delegates his position to another Prelate.

Imperial Council

The Imperial Council

The Imperial Diet

The Dieta Imperii, or the Imperial Diet, is the closest thing the Empire has to a legislature. Rather than being a formal legislature, it is an organically developed body which aids the Emperor in certain areas of rule. The Diet itself is structured into four Colleges. The uppermost chamber, the Collegium Episcoporum, or College of Bishops, is the highest college, but does not meet very often. The second chamber, the Collegium Regium, or the College of Kings, is made up in theory of the different Kings of the Empire, but most Kings send a delegate to fill their stead. The third chamber and principal college of the Diet is the Collegium Principium, or the College of Princes, made up of the landed nobility of the Empire. The lowest chamber is the Collegium Civitatum, or the College of the Cities, which is taken from the principal cities and trade republic under the Empire.

The College of Bishops is comprised of various Bishops of the Empire. All bishops have a seat in the College, although the vast majority send another cleric in their stead. The College does not meet very often, only in response to a crisis or to have occasional meetings to keep an eye on the religious state of the Empire. When the College is actually in session, it has the solemn duty to make policies to promote the Church. It also has the right to censure a particular person, even the Emperor himself, if there is grave need. The College is generally dominated by Alpanian clerics, who have the luxury to attend themselves to meetings, while most other Bishops must focus on their duties and send a cleric in their stead.

Although the College of Kings is by far the smallest one, as it only has twenty two members, it has one of the most powerful influences, though not as much as the College of Princes. It is comprised of all the Sovereign States of the Empire as well as the the Kingdoms which are in personal union with the Imperial Crown. This includes the eleven sovereign Kingdoms, the three sovereign Prince-Bishops, the five Kingdoms in personal union with the Crown, and the three special cases, the powerful Autocracy of Kyrona, the monastic military order of theKnights of St. Christopher, and the newly included Suvari Kaghanate. Although the seats belong properly to the member of "Kingly" rank, they may send a representative in their stead, and the vast majority do. The Emperor almost always designates the seats of each of the Personal Union Kingdoms to a noble from each particular region. It is considered a counterbalancing College, as it allows for the smaller Kingdoms to have more of a say rather than the other Colleges of the Diet, which tend to be Alpanian dominated. This council functions for the support the general oversight, security and preservation of the Empire, as well as giving a platform for the Kingdoms to air their grievances directly before the Emperor.

The Faction Composition College of Princes

The College of Princes is a college where all the landed nobles and temporal ecclesiastics of the Empire above the knightly rank are entitled to attend or send a representative in its stead. Most send a representative in their place, although a few do come in person to take their seat in the Imperial Diet. This is by far the largest college, due to the sheer number of nobles and temporal ecclesiastics. To alleviate the issue of numbers, the College of Princes is divided into two Curiae, the Princes Ecclesiastical and the Princes Secular. Furthermore, within these two curiae, only members with a Ducal or Bishopric rank or higher may cast individual votes. Counts or lower nobility and temporal abbots gather into sub colleges, or congregations, based on area, and cast votes within these sub-colleges, which then determines how their collective vote will be cast in the College. The College of Princes is the principal college, and is responsible for most of the legislative work the Diet produces. The two curiae most often meet in joint session, but often divides to deal with legislation separately. When they divide, the Princes Ecclesiastical deal with matters of religious policy and social custom, as well as having the right to veto a work of the Princes Secular. Although the Princes Secular cannot veto the Princes Ecclesiastical, they carry the burden on most legislative work which the Imperial Diet produces when the Curiae are divided. The current number Princes Ecclesiastical numbers 45, with an additional 5 congregations of around 20 temporal abbots each, which each congregation getting a collective five votes each. The current number of Princes Secular numbers 214, with an additional 101 congregations of around 30 lower nobles from all over the Empire but divided by region, each of which gets a collective 3 votes. The congregations meet separately from the main College, each sending three representatives into the College (or five for the Ecclesiastical congregations), but determine their votes collectively outside the College floor.

The College of the Cities is smaller than the College of Princes, comprised of representatives from cities and towns across the Empire that are not of noble birth, and from the trade republics sworn to the Empire. Out of all of the Colleges, this one is the one most likely to have actual members in the College as opposed to representatives, although the cities may send representatives as well. This College is headed by the Consuls, or the heads of the Empire’s wealthiest crowned-republics, who oversee the College and generally have the most influence over the College. The College of the Cities is placed in charge with dealing with the Empire’s trade and business, and oftentimes helps with the management of the Imperial Fleet. In recent centuries, the Emperor has made it a custom once a year to travel personally to the College of Cities, to address and complaints and grievances which the Cities might have. This college generally numbers around 300.

Political Factions

There are no real political parties in the Empire, or mass political movements. There are, however, different factiones or factions in the Imperial Diet, which represent different groupings of members based upon a common interest or position. Since the members have no platform or electoral mandate and instead vote for the common good, the factions are not binding, and oftentimes members "cross over the aisle" to vote for certain measures. Furthermore, although there are similar movements in each College, each College has its own factions, as there is no consistent cross-college party platforms. The leadership for each faction is generally within the College itself. Furthermore, the College of Bishops and the College of Kings do not have factions in the same way the College of Princes and the College of Cities do, as the lower two Colleges generally have more organized leadership and cohesiveness. The following is a breakdown of the different factions in the lower two Colleges. In addition, Bishops and Abbots are always considered distinct from any faction, despite of voting tendencies.

Faction	Position	General Positions	Leader	Seats in the College of Princes	Bloc
Imperial Faction	Right	Legitimism, Social Conservatism, Political Catholicism, Traditionalism	Victor XII de Aelia	145 / 587	Majority
Catholic Faction	Right	Political Catholicism, Social Conservatism, Ultramontanism	Augustinus de Plantus	92 / 587	Majority
Hellian Faction	Center-Left	Hellian Interests, anti-Suvari policy, Jingoism, Internationalism	Alexios III Sophas	65 / 587	Opposition
Reform Faction	Left	Imperial Reform, Modernization, Industrialization	Stefan Djokovic	43 / 587	Opposition
Philosopher Faction	Right	Thomism, Aristotleanism, Platonism	Aristoteles Agithonos	38 / 587	Cross-Bench
Noble Faction	Centre-Right	Social Conservatism, Decentralization, Noble Interests	Desiderius VI Ansa	33 / 587	Opposition
Regional Faction	Centre-Left	Regional Interests, Decentralization, Increased Autonomy	Coalition	25 / 587	Opposition
Absolutist Faction	Left	Absolutism, increased Imperial authority, Centralization, Modernization	Stephanus de Clausina	9 / 587	Opposition
Futurist Faction	Far-Left	Fascism, Anti-Catholicism, Leftism	Pierre de Resten	3 / 587	Opposition
Princes Ecclesiastical	Centre	No Formal Designation	Archbishop Milo Marković	70 / 587	Cross-Bench
Independents	Centre	Common Prudence, non-partisanship	N/A	64 / 587	Cross-Bench

The College of Cities primarily deals with trade and with industry, but also deals with legislation for the major cities and towns of the Empire, dealing with infrastructure, transportation, and other such matters. The following factions are more based on economic policies, but also have common political interests as well.

Faction	Position	General Positions	Leader	Seats in the College of Cities	Bloc
Distributist Faction	Right	Distributism, Political Catholicism, Social Conservatism, Status Quo	Charles Voulen	109 / 333	Majority
Mercantile Faction	Centre-Left	Merchant Interests, Protectionism, Foreign Direct Investment	Basil Troporion	51 / 333	Opposition
Guilds Faction	Centre-Right	Guild interests, Corporatism, Political Catholicism	Francescus Orelo	38 / 333	Majority
Agrarian Faction	Centre-Right	Farmer Interests, Agrarianism, Social Conservativism	Marius Agricola	33 / 333	Majority
Popular Faction	Centre-Left	Populism, Free Market, Increased Infrastructure	Petrus Valentus	30 / 333	Opposition
Industrial Faction	Left	Capitalism, Industrialization, Modernization	Nikephoros Douphos	26 / 333	Opposition
International Faction	Left	Syndicalism, Modernization, Industrialization, Internationalism	Henricus Tiberius	21 / 333	Opposition
Independents	Centre	Common Prudence, non-partisanship	N/A	25 / 333	Independent

Foreign Relations and Military

The armies of the Empire are comprised into two major groups- Imperial Legions and the Auxiliaries. The Imperial Legions are the primary fighting force and standing army of the nation- taking their names from the early days of the Empire, but having completely changed in composition and size, now being equivalent to divisions in other armies. Most of the Legions function as infantry, but many are specialized- honor guards, special operations, armored divisions, artillery, engineers, etc. In recent years, the Empire has been expanding its armor divisions, and producing more tanks. Like much of the machinery, however, the tanks are fewer in number than other countries but are of high quality. Not all legions operate by legion- oftentimes groups can split away to support different groups.The second major group, the Auxiliaries, is a catch all term for any defense personal not part of the Imperial Army. This includes police and local armies and reserves in charge of defense of the various principalities of the Empire. The legions are trained to defend the Empire, and are strongest in defensive roles than offensive.

The Empire is renowned for its naval tradition and historical superiority in the Maritamian Sea. The navy is not quite as formidable as it was historically, but has advanced well nonetheless. The heavy ships the Empire the navy fields, its dreadnought battleships, destroyers, and frigates, are well equipped and considered as one the best quality in the world, and are commanded by seasoned seamen and captains. However, the aircraft carriers and submarine forces are not as well developed, but still are passable, having only been developed in recent years, and without the long tradition of the main fleets.

The Empire lacks a strong air force. In recent years they have begun to follow the patterns of the other nations, but for the most part mostly as a defensive measure. The aircraft are fewer in number, but tend to be intercepting fighters, designed to respond to an attack. As with other Imperial machinery, these are well designed and made. The air force is relatively inexperienced, and lacks great numbers offensive fighters and bombers. The Empire has invested in significant anti-aircraft defenses, however.

Demographics

Ethnic Groups

Alpanian- 33.1%

• Alpanian- 10.4%
• Caprinan- 7.2%
• Aurentine- 4.1%
• Lavinian- 3.6%
• Viacaline- 2.3%
• Eritian- 2.0%
• Crescan- 1.6%
• Gianine- 1.0%
• Lorican- 0.6%
• Caligian- 0.3%

Hellian- 19.0%

• Kyronan- 4.1%
• Logninian- 2.9%
• Mercedan- 2.3%
• Argonian- 1.9%
• Melian- 1.5%
• Tyrian- 1.3%
• Aeolian- 1.2%
• Paulian- 1.1%
• Penesan- 0.3%
• Lindan- 0.2%
• Other- 2.2%

Kosav- 16.5%

• Tengarians- 4.5%
• Yugian- 4.3%
• Reteznian-2.9%
• Curinian- 2.4%
• Pelonian- 2.0%
• Toneskin- 0.4%

Commigrati- 12.5%

• Alarian- 4.9%
• Aedethan- 3.3%
• Ebonian- 3.0%
• Lilean- 1.3%

Nymerian- 8.4%

• Alpanian-Nymerian- 4.4%
• Hypolitan- 1.6%
• Masensen- 1.4%
• Noman- 1.0%

Others- 10.5%

• Taranian- 3.5%
• Attian- 3.3%
• Odestan- 1.3%
• Vlandian- 1.0%
• Samar- 0.8%
• Jewish- 0.5%
• Other- 1.1%

Languages

First Spoken Languages
Language			Percentage
Alpanian			28.9%
Hellian			19.1%
Caprinan			6.2%
Eritian			5.3%
Alarian			4.7%
Tengarian			4.4%
Yugian			4.0%
Aedethan			3.1%
Lavinian			3.0%
Ebonian			2.9%
Reteznian			2.7%
Curinian			2.3%
Mercedan			2.2%
Viacaline			2.0%
Pelonian			1.8%
Odestan			1.2%
Lilean			1.2%
Noman			1.2%
Crescan			1.1%
Lorican			0.4%
Caligian			0.2%

The Empire is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, due to its diverse and varied ethnic groups. The Empire, while it requires the learning of Alpanian for service in the Imperial Legion, also encourages and protects the local languages of the populace. Alpanian is the most widespread language, and varied and wide dialects are widely spoken throughout all of the Empire. Roughly 80% of the populace can speak it to some degree, but for many the populace, it is not a first language but a language of trade, politics, liturgy or Imperial affairs. All Imperial functions are done in Alpanian; however, the vast majority of local governance is done in the native tongue.

Alpanian
Hellian
Eritian
Odestan
Tengarian
Yugian
Reteznian
Pelonian
Mercedan
Curinian
Lilean
Caprinan
Lavinian
Crescan
Lorican
Noman
Caligian
Alarian
Ebonian
Aedethan
Viacaline

Religion

Religion in the Holy Aventine Empire

  Alpanian Catholic (48.4%)

  Hellian Catholic (20.2%)

  Nymerian Catholic (8.4%)

  Yugian Catholic (6.5%)

  Aurentine Catholic (6.1%)

  Tengarian Catholic (4.3%)

  Mercedan Catholic (2.2%)

  Odestan Catholic (1.6%)

  Vlandian Catholic (.8%)

  Theodelphianism (.8%)

  Jewish (.5%)

  Other religions (.1%)

Alpanian Catholic- 62.9%

• Alpanian Rite- 48.4%
• Nymerian Rite- 8.4%
• Aurentine Rite- 6.1%

Hellian Catholic- 35.7%

• Hellian Catholic-20.2%
• Yugian Catholic- 6.5%
• Tengarian Catholic- 4.3%
• Mercedan Catholic- 2.3%
• Odestan Catholic- 1.6%
• Vlandian Catholic- 0.8%

Other- 1.4%

• Theodelphianism- 0.8%
• Jewish- 0.5%
• Other- 0.1%

Economy

The infrastructure of the Empire varies quite widely. Many of the more populous regions of Aplania and Hellias are heavily industrialized, with factories that produce high quality machinery, although not as numerous or many other countries. In the more populated regions, roads tend to be well maintained, and services exist for many. Sprawling railways connect every regional capital and most important towns and cities. However, much of the Empire is rural, and does not have the same level of development. These areas tend to have dirt roads, and fewer services. [b]Economic Overview[/b]: Given the large and diverse variety of resources and geography, the economy of the Empire varies by region and is highly diversified. Fertile agricultural lands in Southern Alpania and Nymera and other farms throughout the rest of the Empire, as well as a large coastline and strong navy to protect fishing interests, there are well more than enough to provide food to feed the Empire and a surplus to trade. Fish, grain and other foodstuffs are exported to neighboring countries. The Empire is famous for its historic Wine and Olive Oil production, and its stock of these is world-renowned, and widespread. The mountains across the Empire provide valuable ores and minerals, anywhere from gems to gold. However, the primary ore found is iron, and the Empire’s steel production is well renowned, and that forms a major export. The Empire also produces a great deal of textiles and clothing. The Empire has a growing industrial sector. The backbone of this is its machinery, automobile and ship industry. The products which are made are higher in quality but not in as much quantity as other nations products. However, they are very well made and well regarded across the world, and are major exports. The Empire’s drydocks are well regarded, and many nations turn to the Empire’s workers to produce their ships. The Empire’s machinery products are high end, and are considered either luxurious or top-line. However, the economy has a few weaknesses. The Empire has to import most of its power. It has enough coal to sustain itself, but it has to import oil from more oil-rich countries. This is the Empire’s primary import, though it also lacks rubber, spices and other tropical items.

Culture

Public holidays

Date	Name	Holiday	Notes
1 January	Feast of the Circumcision of Christ		New Year's Day
2 January	Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
6 January	Epiphany
2 February	Candlemas
22 February	Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter
19 March	Saint Joseph's Day
25 March	Feast of the Annunciation
movable Thursday	Maundy Thursday		The Thursday Easter Sunday
movable Friday	Good Friday		The Friday before Easter Sunday
movable Saturday	Holy Saturday		The Saturday Easter Sunday
movable Sunday	Easter Sunday		First Sunday after the Ecclesiastical full moon that occurs on or soonest after 21 March
movable Monday-Saturday	Ebdomada Alba		Week following Easter
movable Sunday	Quasimodo Sunday		Sunday After Easter
movable Thursday	Feast of the Ascension		40 days after Easter
movable Sunday	Pentecost		50 Days after Easter
moveable Friday	Feast of the Sacred Heart		19 Days after Pentecost
29 May	Corpus Christi
31 May	Visitation
24 June	Nativity of John the Baptist
29 June	Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
15 August	Assumption of Mary
22 August	Immaculate Heart of Mary
8 September	Nativity of Mary
14 September	Feast of the Cross
1 November	All Saints' Day
2 November	All Souls' Day
21 November	Presentation of Mary
Movable Sunday	Feast of Christ the King		Last Sunday of October
21 November	Immaculate Conception
24 December	Nativity's Eve
25 December	Nativity
26 December	St. Stephen's Day
27 December	Feast of St. John