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Great Arani महाअरणी | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Motto: ""Mother, I praise thee!"" "Arani Mataram" | |
| Capital | Sonaghar |
| Largest city | Sindhu |
| Official languages | Sanskrit |
| Religion | The Great Mother |
| Demonym(s) | Aranian |
| Government | Monarchic feudal stratocracy |
• Arani | Gargi VI |
• Samraj | Chandragupta Dhibar |
| Legislature | None |
| Council of Five | |
| Samsad | |
| Establishment | |
• Sonaghar Dynasty | 1 WtD |
• Declaration of the Empire | 309 WtD |
• Rise of Samrajate | 612 WtD |
| Population | |
• Estimate | 102,000,000 |
| Currency | Purana |
The Arani Empire, otherwise known as the Great Arani (Sanskrit:महाअरणी), or the Arani Dynasty is a feudal theocratic-monarchic stratocracy located in eastern Madhya. The Great Arani is one of the largest empires in Dijara and with a population of 102 million is the most populous state on the face of the earth. The capital of the empire is located in the spiritual city of Sonaghar, whilst the most populous city in the empire is Sindhu, located on the empire's southernmost coast. The Arani Empire covers a vast territory and thus has multiple climates. Much of the empire is covered by a tropical and equatorial climate, with very hot temperatures for most of the year and high levels of rainfall within the empire's rainforest regions. Much of the empire is also made up of depopulated deserts, with the Sikata desert being the largest in the country. As a result, much of the empire's population is centred around the empire's coasts and rivers. The Arani Empire is one of the most powerful actors on the global stage, with large levels of influence in Madhya and the neighbouring continents. The Empire's powerful army has allowed the Arani's influence to expand far and wide, making the empire both respected and feared abroad. The Empire's de jure ruler and spiritual leader is the Arani, or 'Great Mother', currently Gargi VI. The Arani is also the head of the empire's official church, with the position boasting of an uncontaminated bloodline and descendence from the firstborn of Dijara.
Very little record exists of the civilisations which inhabited Madhya before The Event, part of which can be seen as testament to the extent with which society re-emerged on the continent. Nevertheless, records that do exist tell of a number of dynasties which existed along the continent's coasts. Much of the inland however was believed to have played host to several nomadic peoples who mostly engaged in raider customs against their coastal neighbours. Additionally, sorcery was believed to have had a major influence on the region's culture, with court Sorcerers and Sages employed in most states. Additionally, there were believed to be a number of organisations and academies dedicated to the advancement of the Arcane and the training of new sages.
Following the event however, Madhya society quickly re-emerged under the Sonaghar Dynasty. This new society quickly sprouted a powerful warrior culture with strong religious overtures. Soon the Sonaghar began to conquer and colonise much of their neighbouring territory, soon engulfing much of eastern Madhya. In 309 WtD, the Arani Empire was declared, with its domain extending across the rainforests and deserts of the continent. Despite its newfound power, the Great Arani soon found itself embroiled in conflict with its powerful neighbours, though it was soon able to come out victorious. In 612 WtD however, with the declining authority of the Arani and the governing Council of Five, a group of military vassals, under their leader the Samraj, the warrior classes launched a successful coup to take over the governing duties of the Arani. As a result, much of the real governing power of the empire is vested in the Council of Five, the Samraj and the warrior classes of the empire, whilst the Arani herself is merely a spiritual and figurehead leader.
Today, the Great Arani remains a powerful and prosperous nation, though this wealth is by no means evenly spread. The growing dominance of the warrior classes of the empire has in many ways led to the decline of the traditional landholding elite and the decline of local infrastructure. The empire however remains open to sorcery and sages, with the capital Sonaghar playing host to one of the last remaining College of Sages, known as the White Tower; which is headed by Master Galchobar one of the last remaining 'pure sorcerers' of Dijara.
History
Geography
Politics
Arani
The Arani is the head-of-state of the Empire and acts as the spiritual head of the Church of the Great Mother, the Empire's official faith. As the Arani's authority stems from her direct descendence from the mother of the universe and her first children, the Arani bloodline is required to remain pure. Therefore, the royal family practices inbreeding in order to maintain the purity of the imperial bloodline, unless the fostering of an offspring outside of the family is absolutely necessary to secure the royal family's future. The Arani is forbidden from any direct marriages, as it is believed she is spiritually married to both her country and people, though she is permitted and expected to enter into carnal relations with any member of the royal family in order to foster offspring. As a result of many centuries of inbreeding, the royal family has become plagued with a number of genetic defects resulting in physical and mental deficiencies in its members, affecting their ability to govern; a major factor in the Samraj rebellion. Additionally, the level of inbreeding present in the royal family has led to significant problems in fostering offspring, with many rulers being rendered infertile as a result. Therefore, in recent years an increasing number of Arani have taken to fostering their offspring outside of the royal family with members of the nobility or Samrajate.
Although nominally ruling as an absolute god-empress, the authority of the Arani is vested in the Council of Five and the Samrajate. Nevertheless, the Arani is still required to uphold her religious duties as the head of the church and to ensure the upbringing and posterity of the royal family. The religious duties of the Arani include the opening of church services in the capital every month, giving a spiritual address across each of the empire's provinces, distributing blessings or spiritual healings, as well as regularly praying for the future prosperity of the realm. Historically, the royal family has been known for its spiritual connections, with many of its members having mystical abilities, which were highly present at imperial ceremonies. However, in recent years this has decreased somewhat, with rumours that the royal family has lost all of its spiritual essences. Many observers claim this to be the result of generations of inbreeding, whilst others blame the admission of common blood into the family.
Government
Council of Five
The Council of Five is the ancient advisory council to the Arani, which is tasked with enforcing the Arani's will and providing advice as to the best way to govern the realm. Whilst the Arani no longer serves any governing function in the empire, the Council of Five still maintains its position, though as an advisory body to the Samraj for political matters, and the Arani for matters spiritual. Since its inception, the Council of Five has been made up of Court Eunuchs, brought up through the ranks of the country's civil service. Most court eunuchs were kidnapped as young boys from their families either within the empire, or from foreign lands during wars. The practice of utilising eunuchs was twofold: eunuchs held no personal familial or territorial connections, making them prime candidates to govern in the interest of the realm; and as eunuchs, there is no risk of contaminating the royal bloodline from their close connection to the royal family.
Each member of the Council of Five is placed in control of specific Governing ministries of the Empire, these being the Ministries of Personnel, Revenue, Rites, Justice and Works. Whilst the Ministry of War was traditionally served by all members of the council during wartime, under the current administration, the Samraj is appointed as head of the Ministry of War. Official sessions of the Council of Five are held every season, for a total of four each year, or for emergency sessions under special circumstances. Official sessions involve the attendance of both the Arani and Samraj. However, when not in session, the Council of Five meet on a regular basis to discuss the business of government or any outstanding issues within the Empire.