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	Imperial Hereditary 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
• Golden Age	1144-1368 AD
• Great Imperial Civil War	1368-1375
• Ninety Year's War	1520-1610
• War of Imperial Succession	1723-1730
• Clementine Wars	1799-1822
• War of the Grand Coalition	1912-1919
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 Cornoa Sacra, the crown of the Empire and symbol of Authority

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.

Geography

The Holy Aventine Empire is geographically huge and diverse, controlling most of the southern portion of the Continent of Cybelleum.

In terms of geographic administration, although the Emperor does not have any official checks on his authority save from the Papacy, nonetheless practically speaking the Empire is by no means an absolute monarchy, and has many aspects of a confederation. This evolved out of the recognition of Emperor Leo I of several Kingdoms sworn to the Empire but largely self-governing. As the Emperor is considered the universal sovereign of temporal authority, all other political authorities (with the exception of the Papacy) are considered as Feodales, or vassals. However, there are several distinctions made about vassals. Feodales Jurati ("Vassals having been Sworn") are those which are sworn directly to the Emperor, and are considered a part of the de facto Empire, while Foedales Sui Juris ("Vassals of their own Law") are acknowledged by the Empire to have autonomy and independence and do not operate under the direct control of the Empire and are not bound to any taxation or tribute to the Empire. Thus, the vast majority of most political authorities in Verthandi are considered Sui Juris, even if they do not consider themselves as such. There is a further distinction for each of the different types. Foedales Sui Juris are classified either as Agnitus ("having recognized"), or those political authorities which do acknowledge nominally the universal authority of the Empire even if it has no practical application, or as Inficiatus ("Having Denied/Not Acknowledged"), or those who do not recognize or openly defy the universal authority. For the Foedales Jurati, they are classified either as Coronae ("of the Crown"), or those which are united to the Imperial Crown directly, or as Donatus ("Having Been Granted"), or those which have their own local authorities granted power by the Emperor.

WIP list of major vassals:

Kingdom of Alpania- central state of the Empire, the heartland, very large and densely populated. Overarching Alpanian culture and language, with regional dialects. The core of the Empire. 2) Kingdom of Alaria- one of the earliest vassal Kingdoms of the Empire, established by Emperor Leo I c. 460 by the Alarian and Auvernian settlers in the marches of Alpania proper. Largely Linguistically and culturally Alpanian, with some Auvernian influences and ancient remnants of !Lombard culture. Very close ties with the capital, historically loyal. Rural but well developed. 3) Kingdom of Lavinia- after the expulsion of the Hartmann from the border forts Hellia, most went to Oscaunja, but some had remained previously on the island of Lavinia, marrying with the local Alpanian population. The settlers did not get along very well with the Loukon Emperors of the second Interregnum, and were instrumental in the restoration of the Aventines in 1144. In gratitude, Emperor Henricus I made Lavinia its own Kingdom. Very close linguistic and cultural ties with Alpana, historically loyal. Rural but well developed 4) Kingdom of Nymeria- one of the Provinces of the Alpanian Republic not conquered by invaders, Nymeria was colonized heavily during the Alpanian Republic and so shares some of the closest linguistic and cultural ties with Alpana. Currently a Crown Kingdom of the Empire, and historically very loyal. Portions of the coast are highly developed and urbanized, but also there is a lot of farmland 5) Kingdom of the Nomans- The most unique vassal state of the Empire. Originally formed of Noman client states of the Alpanian Republic. Its arid and rural position meant that it was on the fringes of the Empire, and it in exchange for tribute received Imperial protection and trade. Elevated to the status of Kingdom in the 12th century. The remotest portion of the Empire, it has largely kept to itself, and although it might seem neglected in most Imperial affairs, the Nomans get to benefit from Imperial goods without much tampering, an arrangement largely to their liking. Very rural and the least modernized of all the Kingdoms 6) Knights of St. Christopher- the Knights were given stewardship of !Malta after the isle of Lindos fell during the Scouring of the Empire in the very early 1600s. The Knights are considered a sovereign entity outside of the control of the Emperor, but the islands are still considered Imperial, and the Knights are considered as Stewards. The arrangement is largely beneficial to most parties. The islands are linguistically and culturally Alpanian 7) Kingdom of Aedetha- Another one of the earliest vassal Kingdoms of the Empire. First settled by migratory !Saxons during the fourth century, Leo I granted them their own Kingdom in c. 460. They have recieved other migrants since, but have largely abandoned their old Altish culture and have become largely Alpanian. However, their language remains its Altish roots, and although their identity is much closer to Alpana, they are seen by Altish by some 8) Kingdom of the Kosavs- one of the Crown Kingdoms, formed in 730 when Gregorius I reclaimed the lands settled by various Kosav tribes. Over time have received increased Alpanian influence, and eventually they adopted a Kosav-Alpanian joint language. The Kosav Kingdom has been historically difficult compared with the other vassals, and have a non-conformist streak. Largely rural and agrarian 9) Kingdom of Attia- One of the more diverse Kingdoms of the Empire, formed from a former Imperial province. Divided between the western half, which speaks Alpanian and has more developed coastal cities, and the eastern, rural half, which speaks Hellian. (Might actually make this a crown Kingdom) 10) Kingdom of Hellia- A crown Kingdom. Although one of the most historic parts of the Empire, during the Middle Ages its prominence as the center of Hellian culture has dimished in favor of the prominent trade city of Kyrona. A mix between several very densely populated ancient cities and rural countryside, the population is Hellian, and is Eastern Catholic. For the most part cooperates with Alpana, but if Kyrona opposes the Emperor it will often support the Emperor. However, also sometimes supports Alpana if they believe the Kyronans try to dominate Hellian culture too much. Very anti-Sarmar. 11) Kingdom of Merceda- a combination of !Macedonia, !Bulgaria, and !Thrace. Although Bulgars will migrate, they assimilate into the Hellian language and Mercedan culture. Has close ties to Kyrona, but is mostly rural. 12) Kingdom of Ebonia- settled by Eastern goths in the fourth century, it was reincorporated into the Empire by Emperor Leo I in c. 460. However, unlike the other Commigrati Kingdoms, its distance made it much harder to bring it into the Imperial sphere. It broke away from the Empire several times, and was brought back, sometimes peacefully, and other times by force. However, after it was brought back during the 700s, it has remained a part of the Empire since. The Southern portions are heavily influenced by the Hellians, while the northern section shares more in common with Alpanian heritage of Tarany and Odestan. "13") Suvari Kaghanate- Not really a vassal, as it is Sui Juris, but Imperial prop up the regime on an island that is torn with civil strife. 14) Kingdom of Tarany- the latest addition to the Empire. When Dissenting Alytaj was formed, the Kingdom of Tarany looked to the Empire for support, and were peacefully included. Unlike their Dissenting bretheren to the north, Tarany is staunchly Catholic, a fact that keeps them mostly loyal to the Empire. However, there is still ties of kinship to Alytaj, a fact which causes a bit of trouble. Largely rural and traditional. 13) Kingdom of Odesta- rather than Hellian taking root, Vulgar Alpanian became widespread during the later days of the Alpanian Republic. Although Odesta has since become further Hellian, it remains mostly Alpanian in culture, giving it a common cultural tie with the heart of the Empire. Prides itself in loyalty, however, it does not get along with its Hellian neighbors very well, due to historic rivalries and disputes. Largely rural 15) Autocracy of Kyrona- the second most powerful vassal in the Empire, Kyrona is a densely populated and influential city and surrounded countryside, being the largest city in Cybelleum. A city of major trade and commerce, the Autocrats have not had the best relationship with the Emperors in Alpana, sometimes rebelling, or even claiming the throne for themselves as in the Second Interregnum. Kyrona and the surrounding lands are highly fortified, as it was the historical bastion of defense against the Sarmars.

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 Faction Composition College of Princes

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 Cities

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

Imperial Military

Army

The Empire has a long and storied miltary tradition, dating from the days of the Kingdom of Alpana and the Republic of Alpana. The Imperial Legiones take their names from the forces of the old Alpanan Kingdom, but they have been changed and resized many times even since they first began to arise, and now differ in everything but name. The army is still mainly influenced by the reforms of the great Leo III, one of the best military commanders in history, and one of the only men able to beat Pierre Clement on the field of battle. Although there are many more particular divisions of the Empire’s armies, but the three most important are the Legiones, the Auxiliares, and the Numeri. The Legiones and the Auxiliares are provided for by Imperial Armories, which work to store and produce weapons for the fighting forces of the Empire. All are volunteer-based.

The Imperial Legiones are the current main fighting force and standing army of the Empire, and are the largest standing forces in the world. Although they once were standing on their own, now they are equivalent to divisions in other armies, and are grouped into larger Copiae and Copiae into larger Exerciti. However, each Legion fiercely keeps to their identity and their traditions, and so are still considered largely distinct even if they are subordinate to larger command structures. Although Legions have common pride, they still often further divide into their smaller units during operations to more effectively engage in warfare. Most of the Legions function as infantry, but many are more specialized- some function as honor guards, some as special operations, some as shock troops. Members of the Legions are drawn from all over the Empire, and although there are Legions organized by region, oftentimes they are serve together with men of different ethnicity. When they enlist, they go through intense and professional training, which includes learning the Alpanian Language, increasing the fighting effectiveness and cohesiveness of all the forces, as well as establishing bonds which reach across the whole Empire. Commissioned Officers are usually members of the nobility who train from birth and at military academies across the Empire. Non-Commissioned Officers are drawn from the ranks of veteran and experienced Legionaries, as well as from specialized schools. The Legions are a well maintained, professional fighting force, and are considered some of the best infantry in the world. The legions are trained to defend the Empire, and are strongest in defensive roles than offensive.  

The second major group, the Auxiliaries, is the group of support units for the main infantry which are still considered part of the Imperial Army. This includes military engineers, artillery, and armor, as well as non combatant suppliers, medics, maintenance-men, and a whole host of other offices. However, most are so tightly integrated in with the legions themselves, and do not really stand on their own. Without the Auxiliaries, the legion would not be able to function. Most undergo similar basic training to the ones in the legion, and also learn Alpanian in order to maintain communication and efficiency, but the training they undergo is often more specialized towards a certain task. Many men enlist to join the legion, only for their skills to land them in the auxiliaries. Although more unsung, they are nonetheless a vital part of the Imperial Army, and oftentimes specialists get paid higher than regular legionaries.In addition, this creates classes of specialists, which are able to assist in other fields of civilian crafts after their service is done. 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 generally of high quality, and are currently used only to support the infantry.  

The Numeri is a catch all term for any defense personnel not part of the Imperial Army. This category is very wide and diverse, and hard to summarize as one. The Numeri include local armies in any Royal demesne as well as armies and reserves under the various subject principalities of the Empire. While the Legions remain the Empire's standing army, the Numeri are more like the old system of Feudal levies found in the older Empire when the Legions became diminished and marginalized. Most of the time these do not consist in large standing armies, but rather in the development of a reserves system for the defense of the Principality. These armies generally do not undergo the same training as the Legions do, and are generally when raised a collection of variously trained and equipped of units commanded by local nobles, as most nobles are entitled to have forces of their own to protect their land. Since the Leonine reforms, a few Principalities have come to have small professional armies, or certain specialized standing forces which assist the Empire when necessary.

Navy

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 Empire has always maintained a large fleet for the defense of its home sea, and it has ended up saving the Empire more than once. Since the Imperial colonies in Hibernia and Aestia were cut off after the fall of Jaconia, the Imperial Fleet as a whole became smaller, as it had no need for a global fleet but a regional one, but was able to focus its power and increase the ships in the Martamian Sea. One is likely to find an Imperial vessel in any of the major ports of the Maritamian, but not further; the Empire conserves resources and helps with control by keeping its fleets in this one sea.

The capital 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. These are the pride of the Imperial Navy, and what the Empire focuses its naval production on. These ships are commanded by the seasoned seamen and captains, well acquainted in sailing through the waters of the Martamian. Unlike the capital ships, the aircraft carriers and submarine forces are not as well developed, but still are of good quality. They had only been developed in recent years, and do not the long tradition of the main fleets. However, the Empire is working on further development.

The Imperial Fleet is the entire fleet, but it has further subdivisions. First it is divided into smaller regional fleets, and from there, into further battle squadrons. The fleets and their squadrons are spread out throughout key Imperial ports, to be able to quickly act to any immediate threat. However, the squadrons are also put close enough together that the whole fleet can unite if necessary within a few days to a threat.

Air Force

The military area in which the Empire is sorely lacking is the air force. In recent years they began to develop aviation technology in the patterns of the other nations, but for the most part, this was as a defensive measure, to be able to counter enemy aircraft. Imperial aircraft tend to be of two kinds. Of the planes which are land based, these tend to be intercepting fighters, designed to respond to an attack rather than attack themselves, and to stop enemy fighters and bombers. However, the Empire lacks many offensive bombers and fighters. With the naval based aircraft, there is more variety, such as torpedo bombers and offensive fighters, but they tend to be small in number and limited to the aircraft carriers which transport them with the fleets. As with other Imperial machinery, the aircraft are well designed and made, but are few in number. In addition, the air force is relatively inexperienced, and simply does not have the martial tradition the Legions and the Imperial navy has. As another countermeasure, however, the Empire has invested in significant ground and naval anti-aircraft defenses, however, and is considered one of the leaders in the field.

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%

Education

One of the Many Libraries of the University of Alpana

Education in the Empire is a time honored tradition, with the Empire long regarded as one of the world's greatest centers of learning and wisdom. As a continuation of the Alpanan Civilization, the Empire inherited the long tradition of liberal education and Great Conversations from the great thinkers such as Aristoteles and Platon. After the rise of the Empire, the Philosophy of Aristoteles became more prominent in the West, while in the East of the Empire the Philosophy of the New Platonids remained strong. The Empire was also the center of most major Epiphanian Theological thought, as most Epiphanians lived within the Empire. During the ninth century, the first Cybellean Universities arose in the Empire, with the oldest, the University of Alpana, was granted a charter in 855. During the Second Interregnum and the Empire's decline, the universities began to spread to other portions of Cybelleum. The strong intellectual tradition in the Empire was in part what helped prevent the rise of the novel philosophical shifts that overtook northern Cybelleum during the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The current education in the Empire is an organic development of the liberal arts, or the education of the free man.

Imperial education is run by religious orders or private institutions, and is not compulsory. Not everyone is necessarily encouraged to undergo education, although many do. Many others simply work on a specific trade from their youth, learning to do important crafts or other necessary work that does not require an education. For those who wish, however, several Religious Orders are dedicated to providing widespread education for people too poor/busy to afford to pay for an education, at both the primary and upper levels. The path of education depends on the degree of education and the particular specialties. For the most part, however, students undergo a holistic education before moving on to more specialized fields at the graduate level.

The Seven Liberal Arts and Philosophy

Primary education is concerned mostly with the mastery of the Liberal Arts in the Trivium and Quadrivium- Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric, and Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy and Music. In addition to this, every student is instructed in basic Catechesis. Once these are mastered, one then moves on to begin studying physical and natural science, more advanced mathematics, and important literature. At the same time one begins to begin formal philosophy and theology, as it is ultimately to these two subjects that the entire education is pointed towards. It is only after a completion of years of studying these that one is considered ready to advance to a particular field; it is considered of the foremost importance to provide a liberal education so that one might have the education of a truly free and virtuous man. The knowledge of the universal truths and most important questions are seen as being of far more import than merely securing a career. Only those who pursue a higher degree of study- teachers, theologians, scientists, engineers, architects, doctors, and others- then begin to study at a more advanced level their particulars.

Every aspect of the education is done, with exception to the Catechesis, through means of studying the great authors and ideas from history, and from wrestling with the perennial questions which lie at mankind's core being. Textbooks are rarely used, and discussions occur much more frequently than mere lectures. The goal is for the student to learn the truth and pursue the life of wisdom, and not to simply get a career or lock oneself into one particular area of studying. As a result, those educated in the Empire generally tend to have a far different outlook than those in other countries, because of the vast difference in education. Catechesis from an early age in addition to a rigorous study of both theology and philosophy tend to make the populace on the whole more religious.

However, other countries tend to look down on the Empire as being backwards in their education, and because of the widespread importance on the life of wisdom and virtue and the pursuit of truth and philosophy in the Empire's education, many contemporary philosophers in other nations sneer at the Empire's non progressive ways. The Imperials reject the claim that liberal education is for the sake of being free in the sense of uncommitted, unbound to principle, approving everything and excluding nothing is what education is aimed for; rather, the Imperials claim that the truly freeing education makes a man free insofar as it allows him to escape his slavery to sin and his passions and work towards its end of the ultimate good.

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