Common Territories
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The Empire of Common Territories Das Reich der Gemeinsames Staatsgebieten | |
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 Flag
 Imperial Seal
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| Motto: "Für Seine Majestät und Reich!" "For His Majesty and Empire!" | |
Anthem: Heil dir im Siegerkranz | |
 Geological map of Mainland TECT (Continent of Imperiorum Regni). | |
 Political map of Mainland TECT. | |
| Status | Greater Empire |
| Capital | Reichsstadt |
| Largest | Crown Antonius (Crown Antony). |
| Official languages | English & German |
| Ethnic groups | Commoner-Caucasian (80%) Non-Commoner Caucasian (15%) Other (5%) |
| Religion | Kirche der Königlich ("Church of the Royal") |
| Demonym(s) | Commoner (Bürgerlicher), Imperial |
| Government | Absolute, Federal Monarchy |
• Emperor | Emperor JC |
| Johann Baptist Krüger | |
| Legislature | Imperial Congress of TECT |
| Imperial Senate | |
| Imperial House of Representatives | |
| Overlord of twenty Imperial States, one Commonwealth, and several dozen colonial fiefdoms and territories. | |
• Nomadic northern peoples begin settling into communities. Unification between several settlements establishes the early workings of the "Royals Civilization". | Around 12,000 BCE |
• Maximus Forelis succeeds his Lordship from the Royals Civilization, proclaiming the "1st Commoner Empire." The Royals Civilization is plunged into civil war. Imperial victory years later forments the Empire as the official successor to the Royals Civilization. | 1,500 BCE |
• Maximus Forelis passes away, leaving Antony Forelis 2nd Emperor of TECT as promised in the "Dualitas Pact." Twenty years later, Antony's passing allows Maximus II, Maximus' son, to succeed the throne. | 1,458 BCE - 1,438 BCE |
• The 1502 Nobility Civil War, or "Commoner Civil War," erupts between eastern and western noble realms. Years later, the victorious (Imperial backed) eastern realms proclaim the "2nd Commoner Empire" or "Empire of Common Territories." | 1502 - 1505 |
• With the success of the Subjugation of Tiefland, the Empire now ruled over 80% of the continent. Full subjugation of the continent was achieved on December 1st, 1762. | 1755 - 1762 |
• The "Republican Movement" hits TECT in the wake of the 1891 Nobleman Insurrection. Forcing Charles I to adopt the "Imperial Federal Reforms." Dramatically shifting the absolute monarchy into federal monarchy system. | 1892 |
• Emperor JC is crowned Emperor prematurely at age 16 after Emperor Charles II passes away from brain surgery complications. | 2008 |
| Area | |
• Total | 42,437,650 km2 (16,385,270 sq mi) |
• Water (%) | 8.64 |
| Population | |
• 2021 census | 1,931,648,369 |
• Density | 40.06/km2 (103.8/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2021 estimate |
• Total | $254.17 Trillion |
• Per capita | $41,003 |
| GDP (nominal) | 2021 estimate |
• Total | $40,123 |
| Gini | 41 medium |
| HDI |  0.813very high |
| Currency | Imperial Dollar (TECT) ($) |
| Time zone | Imperial East, Central, and Western Times |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | 111 |
The Empire of Common Territories (Das Reich der Gemeinsames Staatsgebieten) or often shortened to "TECT"/ "Common Territories", is an enormous and ancient intercontinental empire which dominates the Imperiorum Regni (Land of Monarchs) Continent as its sole resident; individually speaking, the Empire often refers to itself as "Das GroßgerReich der Gemeinsames Staatsgebieten" or "The Greater Empire of Common Territories" in reference to the 1762 Unification Proclimation. Imperiorum Regni consists of over fifty-nine landmasses, which together form into one continent, two subcontinents, and over eighty islands of varying shapes and sizes - together that equals approximately 42,437,650km2. The Royal Seas, the bodies of water surrounding the continent, is categorized into the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Seas. TECT itself consists of twenty "Imperial States," one "Personal Union Kingdom," several dozen Fiefdoms (colonial holdings), and several dozen more colonial territories under direct Imperial rule; although TECT borders many nations by land and sea, none of these borders have been present in TECT's Mainland since 1762. Imperiorum Regni is megadiverse, possessing broad varieties of landscapes and climates due to its sheer size. It is, however, known widely that its flatter, more productively rich agricultural landscapes are fewer in number when compared to the denser, more numerous mountain and hill ranges.
As an enormous country, TECT varies in climates and culture throughout its expansive lands; from it's homeland to colonial possessions, TECT's climate varies from mountainous terrains, woodlands, valleys, jungles, deserts, swamps, and even polar ice caps. Holding lands in different regions throughout the world, it is often said that the Sun will never set on the Empire. Boreal forest, high forming hills, mountain ranges of varying scale, and plains make up the vast majority of the country's Mainland. Along the coastlines are more mediterranean climates influenced by the bordering seas and lakes. In the interior of the continent lies flatter, more agriculturally productive lands where surrounding highlands/mountains drain water into (from there the water drains into the Forelis Inland Sea to the west and through the Theodoar River Network to the east) before eventually returning to the surrounding oceans. In this central region, the climate is very mild but also very wet, resulting in better agricultural production and naturally dramatic seasons. The Empire is especially well known for its mountainous terrain and woodland environments, so much so that it actually lacks more "bread basket" zones because of this featured landscape. The weather in TECT varies tremendously depending on one's location; most of TECT has wetter climates, but dryer regions exist in some areas where droughts are fairly common. Overall TECT is known for being fairly temperate in its climate but features some pockets with harsher seasons compared to others, including colder zones near the northern and southern tips while warmer near the center of the continent. In the summers, TECT is commonly cooler and wetter the closer to bodies of water you are - the more inland you travel the hotter and more humid the weather becomes. Summers usually last between April to mid September. August brings Fall in September which is followed by Winter in Late November. Winters are usually the same as Summers in terms of conditions, wet and colder the closer to bodies of water you are, but warmer the lower and closer inland you travel - travelling to higher altitudes is much colder and dryer. Winter lasts from October till mid March typically. The Tropical Line also plays a role in weather patterns in the mainland; conditions are usually warmer and more humid along this strip of land, delaying its colder seasons and making its summers wetter and more humid. It's note worthy to point out that TECT owns colonial lands that are placed in more fertile locations and are often much warmer then the Homeland - suggesting that agricultural beds were and still are often sought after as colonial possessions.
Commoners, or often simply referred to as "Imperials," make up the vast majority of the Empire's population. Tracing their roots to at least 50,000 BCE, ancient Commoners first arrived north to modern Homeland State as a nomadic people believed to have been following large hunting game migrating to safer northern lands. Largely Caucasian and Mediterranean in race, Commoners trace their roots not only to the Empire's Homeland, but to several other distinct cultures absorbed by the Empire later on over time. Although several other races call the Empire home, these races are demographically minute minority. This includes the largest minority group, the non-Commoner Caucasians (15% of the total population), which is primarily comprised of colonial citizens and citizens from various fiefdoms, namely New Celisia. The ancient Imperial Capital Reichsstadt has been the capital city since the weigning years of Emperor Maximus Forelis' reign, comprising of over three thousand square kilometers of land and over twenty-two million citizens. Reichsstadt's brother city, Crown Antonius, has reigned as the Empire's most populus city however, boasting over forty-six million citizens living within a five thousand kilometer square area. The Empire's population took off after the subsequent expansion into southern wild lands where colonists took residence looking for riches and titles. Over the many centuries of war and successions, the Empire's population continued to grow until 1762 when the unified continent comprised of over a billion residents. Subsequent population booms have occurred due to technologic discoveries and the Empire's aggressive colonial efforts. Since 1762 the Empire's population has increased almost double from where it began. Today's citizenry, at least in the Mainland, are deeply conservative politically, largely Christian, and possess a strong attachment to their cultural roots. Colonials, depending on where you look, also share most of these values. Pockets within the Empire, even in the Mainland, don't entirely conform with some leftist party strongholds and anti-monarchy sentiments within said strongholds. Otherwise, the Empire enjoys a powerful racial, political, and economic hegemony domestically.
Notable for its powerful free market economy, TECT's mixed economy is based primarily on free market principles, a strong currency backed by both gold and silver, and largely protective economic ties/practices that have made TECT an economic powerhouse worldwide. Primarily, the TECT economy runs on a powerful small business driven economy with larger, often noble owned or invested businesses making up the large businesses within the Empire. While small businesses are largely local/regional focused, large businesses typically focus on the entirety of the Empire domestically while being export focused in foreign markets. Wolf Armaments, Royal Bancroft Bankcorp, Meinhardt Brauerei, Commoner League Inc., and Commoner Energy Inc. are among the more well known large businesses with export heavy focuses worldwide. Domestically, the TECT economy is dominated by the manufacturing and service sectors with sub-category industries making the bulk of the Empire's GDP. Services and manufacturing are followed by the energy/mining sectors and agriculture/aquaculture sectors. To this effect, TECT is a highly developed country boasting a large GDP per capita every year and top ranked placement on the Human Development Index.
Internationally, the Empire is a highly respected member of the international community. TECT was commended by the World Assembly Security Council's Resolution 284 on Jun 18, 2019 as a nation "deserving of international recognition for their positive contributions to the larger community of nations." Furthermore, TECT's reputation internationally is bolstered further as the refounder/Imperial Marshal of the Imperion Coalition and a senior member of the Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organisation (SACTO).
Etymology
The area around modern Homeland State lacked a proper title or name for much of the Royal Civilization's earliest period, only making brief references up until around 10,000 BCE. While texts often found Royals literally referring to their region as "Könige" or "Royals/Kings," this was later deduced to be referring to themselves more than the actual land the resided in - essentially an overglorified demonym. Evidence of the earliest references to the land were discovered in 1912 at a dig site near the ancient capital. According to this evidence along with other pieces discovered since then in similar sites, "Heimatregion," or "Home Region" was the common name given to the land by the Royals who migrated to the area; the context is believed to refer to the land now being their home, hence the literal approach to naming. Other variations with different spellings included or removed parts of the name, but all would typically retain "Homeland" within them. Although the Royal Civilization eventually established a pseudo-kingdom, it would seem the Royals differed from later examples of monarchies in their terminology and governance styles, which explains why most evience refers to the civilization itself rather than the national state; most examples refer to a "King" for example but never a "Kingdom." By time the Empire came into existance, most people referred to their individual territories but described their entire region as the age old "Homeland."
Origins of the Empire's name vary from source to source, describing what and how "Gemeinsames Staatsgebieten" or "Common Territories" became the official name of the Empire. Of course its creation historically roots to the Imperial Proclimation when Maximus Forelis proclaimed the creation of the Empire by name and to being its first Emperor, declaring war on the Kingdom in the same breath, but history hasn't settled on how this name came about. There are two main theories on how the name came about, both of which are linked to Maximus Forelis' Imperial Proclimation which formally announced the Empire's creation and set off the war. The first theory dates back prior to the war's eruption during Maximus and his staff conducting secretive diplomatic missions accross the Kingdom. According to an unnamed officer (one who was not part of Maximus' party) attending the first major conference between all small territories within the northwestern region of the Kingdom, Maximus Forelis spoke of uniting the territories in order to combat the King's forces. The quoted officer described the future Emperor's dialog as a prepared and powerful suggestion to "form an alliance between the northwestern territories... an alliance of common territories." Although history shows the territories did ultimately decide to ally together around the Forelis Lordship and eventually form the beginnings of a nation by time the war started, it was unclear if "Gemeinsames Staatsgebieten" was the name they gave to the alliance or if Maximus ever really came up with the name itself. The second theory presented by historians states that Maximus' utterance of the name during the Proclimation was the first ever utterance of the name, either coming up with it off the top of his head or having secretly prepared it and kept it to himself prior to the speech. As a theory, the reason being behind this choice was to help improve the speech's delivery as members from outside the northwest were in attendence as well; assumptions aside, the hope was to inspire other territories to join the newly formed Empire. A third and less popular theory also exists and says the origin of the name naturally evolved from numerous conferences where the delegates often referred to themselves as "common territories." Most historians support the first theory while many support a mixture of the first and third theories; of course proponents of the former would point out that the third theory is simply a stretched out third theory. Regardless, Gemeinsames Staatsgebieten found itself as the name of the new nation while "Heimatland" ("Homeland") would become the name of the region as a whole.
History
Early History (50,000BCE-1,500BCE)
The first human inhabitants of the land now known as Homeland State, the homeland of the 1st Commoner Empire, were nomadic tribal peoples who moved into the area following big hunting game migrating north. It has been recorded that organized tribesmen date back to at least 50,000 BCE; some theories, however, say the same or similar nomadic peoples (or even less evolved human ancestors) traveled through the area prior to modern human tribes. Before tribes and civilization itself existed the earliest modern human inhabitants of Imperiorum Regni date back somewhere to four million years ago, evolving from their evolutionary ancestors to become 'Homo erectus'. Evidence shows that humans evolved throughout the central portion of the continent in modern day Zentral State where the "Fertile Corridor" allowed the oldest civilizations to exist even before the Commoners settled fully settled in the Homeland. Prior to these Fertile Corridor nation states forming, however, many groups of humans formed nomadic groups and traveled in various directions throughout the continent. It was one of these groups that eventually became the nomadic peoples that settled in the Homeland.
Civilizations in the Homeland developed mostly along the southern center of modern Homeland State, neighboring rivers and other connected tributaries that lead into low lands along the northern coastline. The nomadic peoples split into several distinct groups later on after not being able to settle on one settlement site; this created the original site, numerous along the rivers and coastlines, and a few groups settling to the east of modern day Homeland State. After many centuries of development, the now dozen settlements had developed into small cities. These cities had become city-states with individual governments, cultures, and asperations. Many more years of development, wars, and various other conflicts, the city-states officially came together to form one entity. The governing leaders of each city had agreed on forming a loosely tied federation of city-states that banded together rather than fighting needlessly, forming the Empire's predecessor the Royals Kingdom or Royals Civilization. It's important to note that the nearest civilizations to Royals were located in surrounding modern Imperial States, namely Emperor Island State. These civilizations, however, developed much slower than Royals likely because of their more peaceful and more centrally focused lifestyles; Royals on the otherhand was said to be far more competitive because of their split city-state structure. By the time the Royals Kingdom formed in 12,000 BCE, the surrounding civilizations had not even began the process of forming actual nation states.
The Royals named themselves after the word "royalty" because they saw themselves in better light. Literally a people who could only be ruled by superior classed individuals of superior blood and status. They believed themselves to be a better race of people, smarter in every way, and most beautiful when compared to other peoples they discovered later on. TECT Mythology is rooted during this period as many "Angels" (Gods) with worshippers that all equally worshipped a "God" (a supreme god or "old god"). Royals believed they were choosen by the Angels, increasing their already egotistical view of themselves. The Royal Civilization focused on building up the original settlement into the Kingdom's capital. Its ruins are located adjacent to the Royal Mountains in a lower valley southeast of Reichsstadt close to the modern borders of Homeland State and its southern neighbors Forelis and Maximus States. By 9,000 BCE, the Royals Kingdom had established a powerful government, created its own numerical and writing systems, worshipped a central religion with varying sub-faiths, and had began expanding its borders in every direction. It is estimated that the population of the Kingdom alone was nearing half a million people, while the entire Civilization itself exceeded half a million or may have had eight hundred thousand people.
The Royal Civilization, or Royals Kingdom, at this point was made of well over a dozen city-states whom all were largely self-governing. A King was elected by members of the "Royalty," the royal families whom acted as leaders in each city-state. At the time the "Royals" were not always royalty but the electors or other leaders who governed the city-states. Even the King at this point was largely a unifying figure who's purpose was to consolidate the Kingdom's city-states for likeminded goals. One goal was the total unification of the civilization. A number of cities and smaller settlements had refused to join the Kingdom, thus causing a rift between those aligned with the Kingdom and those wishing to prosper alone. Together, the city-states fought their neighbors in an effort to expand the Kingdom's control, increase their own power, and land to expand for their growing populations. Conflicts within the Civilization were often fairly brute forced as most city-states focused on hand-to-hand combat and ranged slingers or archers. Horses were less favored in direct combat because of their value and lack of ample horse riding equipment. War with other civilizations would not occur until the Early Imperial Era when the Empire launched expeditions outside the Homeland. It is believed that the Royals Civilization was completely united by 5,000 BCE through the use of warfare and "convincing" diplomacy. By 2,000 BCE the Royals Kingdom, through the use of over twenty-four "royal states," had become the dominant nation state in the Homeland. This achievement was largely due to the Homelandic area being easy to protect because of the eastern, southern, and western mountains along with major riverways acting as natural barriers against outside invasions; historians believe this is largely the reason why other nomadic groups never emmigrated to Homeland State.
As a civilization, the Royals Kingdom had reigned since the weigning years of the stone age. It had grown exeedingly powerful during the bronze age and towards the middile of the iron age was succeeded by the Empire. During the almost eleven thousand years of its existance the Royals Kingdom had largely prospered due in large to the fact its only rivals, fellow Royals who refused to join the Kingdom, had been either eliminated or absorbed. Its evolution from several city-states to over twenty four territories ruled by members of the exceedingly large royal family marked the Kingdom's golden age. This golden age ended around 4,000 BCE as without any exterior foes to focus on, or lands outside the natural barriers' safety to colonize, members of the royal family began targeting each other. In what historians would describe as the Kingdom's "Medieval Feudal Period," the once fairly united Kingdom quickly began to turn on themselves. At first it was greedy tax collections and trade disputes. Then came the internal wars. Internal wars had happened before this time, but they were never as serious and always ended before too much damage could be dealt to either side; in most cases, these conflicts were ways to settle disputes honorably when both sides refused to back down. During the 4,000 BCE to 2,000 BCE period, wars had become so common that territories had formed coalitions in order to seek protection from larger, more stronger territories. The King, who had grown more powerful personally, had long become a corrupt position held by a single family who passed the title back-and-forth in the three largest eastern territories. Known as the "Three Easternly Dukes," the patriarchs were always brothers and used their influence/power to retain the Crown. Even blood became too thin by the year 2,000 BCE as the brothers split, fighting to hold the power alone. The western territories never had a chance at becoming King and merely attempted survival during these times. Wars between western territories was often more about survival than simply greed as the eastern powers sucked up as much resources as possible. The once proud Kingdom had devolved into endless wars and power struggles where lower houses/territories were treated as prey, and the original unity the people once felt had long been murdered. This was the Kingdom Maximus Forelis was born into.
The Forelis Lordship, a small peership located in modern day northwestern Homeland State was fairly tiny. It had no overlord but did band together with other lower houses in its neighborhood for protection. This group of lower houses was ultimately under the protection of a major terriotry guarding the lower mountain borders and was often spared by the eastern powers in exchange for bribes. Often times trade rights, sums of gold or other valuables (sometimes even trade goods), and even daughters were handed over as sacrifices for the eastern powers. Once example written into the record was the Lordship Henricus' War. Lord Henricus refused to hand over his first born daughter and a demanded sum of gold to one of the eastern powers. To make an example of him, the eastern power invaded the tiny lordship, pillaging their city, torching their farms, and massacering swaths of the population. Lord Henricus was spared only because the eastern power's Duke wanted him alive to mourn his losses, including his entire family which had been burned alive in front of him. Lord Henricus committed suicide when he found the oppertunity, leaving the land to be swallowed up by a neighboring Lord. This tale is used often to show how brutal the era was and even how desparate some were that they'd even swoop in and take what remained if it meant helping their own situation. Wars and abuses like these is what fostered the hatred many had for the King and the Kingdom as a whole.
The First Commoner Empire (1,500BCE-805AD)
By 1,500BCE, The Royals Kingdom had become the dominate power in the Homelandic area, possesing strong economic and military power that would have challenged other civilizations near and far during the time. This fact however clouded the actual state of the Kingdom internally. Although technically united, the numerous territories of the Kingdom were beyond splintered with no real hope of ever seeing the fracture healed. Corruption, constant civil war, and poverty plagued all but few territories whom robbed from the weaker lands. The only thing keeping the country together was the established Royal Family that had become influentially powerful as the Kingdom's chief leadership. At the same time, these royals were the very source of the strife the Kingdom was suffering. By this point in history, the Royals Kingdom was at its darkest times with only the highest of Royals never really caring to notice. This was the Kingdom Maximus Forelis was born into and where the roots of the 1st Commoner Empire were planted.
The beginning of the 1st Commoner Empire can be said to have started on February 5th, 1,522BCE. The day marks one of the most famous dates in national history and a changing point of the country. This was the momentous day TECT's first Emperor, Emperor Maximus Forelis was said to have been born. Maximus Forelis was born into one of the lowest classed territories of the Royal Family. The Forelis Household was a Lordship located in the northwest. It was said to have only been sixteen kilometers squared in size and was sandwiched between other small territories. Although not often the target of abuse directly, the Forelis househild wqas said to have lost several daughters and thousands of gold pieces to the eastern powers. Maximus' parents were from one of the poorest and smallest of territories that made up the Kingdom, making its living on the sale of its extra farming harvests and livestock products; even as members of the Royal Family, the Forelis name was often never remembered and disrespected outside the western half of the Kingdom. Furthermore, Maximus grew up in an abusive family where his parents never showed any empathy for him and overworked him daily; behind closed doors his parents took their frustrations out on him and his first brother Antony, often beating and even branding them using hot irons used on their cattle - it was said their third sibling died early on from an infection caused by said branding. The extended Royal Family never paid mind to the Forelis', let alone Maximus. Of the few times they did, it was only to demand gifts or insult them. Even the actual blood relatives in other families looked away at the abuses suffered by the two brothers. This was the norm in many lower households after all.
Maximus's younger brother Antony Forelis was five years younger and Maximus' considered him his only family. Although he could not do much, Maximus protected his younger brother growing up as the two learned to looked out for each other. Even with all the torment suffered, the two brothers (namely Maximus) were very ambitious and driven young men. Maximus spent his younger years honing his intelligence while learning the sword. Antony on his part spent his younger years mastering warfare, learning from historical records and even developing new techniques that would later be used within the Empire. Both brothers despised the deeply corrupt aristocracy that the Kingdom had fallen to. Like many others, they held no loyalty for their country or their King. Hatching an ambitious plot, the two brothers began work on finally freeing themselves and their people from this never ending nightmare. In 1,505 BCE, at the respective age of seventten and twelve, the brothers with the help of sympathetic supporters, overthrew their parents in swift yet bloody uprising. Maximus personally cut his father's head off and placed it on a pike outside the city's walls, as did Antony in regards to their mother - a blood pact both brothers made. Other supporters and officials whom helped in their parent's abuses were also executed. While the people of the land celebrated the new reign, the Kingdom largely didn't notice. Upper classed Royal Family members who had heard the news simply didn't care, while lower houses in similar rank eyed the situation looking profit off the situation. A neighboring Lord had in fact attempted to invade the Forelis Lordship seeing weakness in a new young ruler combined with a territory that had just undergone a revolt. That Lord's name was totally removed from historical records because just as his forefathers had done, Maximus and Antony not only easily achieved victory, they had brutally taken over this Lord's domain the same way he had intended to do to them. Even at his young age, Maximus was said to have been a gifted military mind and talented strategist, but his strength rested in his political skills as many historical records indicate Maximus was a natural born orator and leader. Antony, for his part, was the better gifted military leader and soldier with some records stating in a sword fight, Maximus would lose handidly to his brother "five years younger." The next several months were spent preparing for war. The brothers shared power in the domain with Maximus handiling the government and political affairs while Antony organized the military and economic side of things; although Anonty, even after the Empire was formed, believed his brother was the clear leader "up until he moved on to the afterlife." Those months spent preparring for war had turned the territory around economically and militarily; exports were said to be up as were stockpiles, and the militia had been reformed into an army by Antony who he ensured were fully equipped and professional in discipline. Maximus' efforts paid dividands further on the diplomatic front, securing secret deals with the east's largest territory and forming a secret pact with the other minor lords to form a new country together to oppose the Kingdom. Passionate with a radiating personality, Maximus' presence almost literally attracted people to his side as more and more people began to hold trust in him. The Kingdom had very little interest until the rumors of an indipendence movement springing forth. By the time the overly confident eastern lords had began to take action, the Forelis Brothers had already cemented their plans for the next fighting season. Sensing danger, the eastern powers did what they had always done, send demands and threats. All three personally threatened Maximus "to leave his land as bare as they had left his family's daughters" if he did not publicly refute the rumors and provide five years worth of reported gold income by summer. Maximus replied with a letter containing a single copper piece inside. Although the exact message is lost to history, an aid to one of the Dukes wrote to one of his vasals that "Maximus, the fool, dared to state 'Here! You have robbed me of my gold long ago, but take this copper piece. Add it to your collection!' Death is a merciful punishment for such arrogance!" Historians would later explain that the act of stating such an insult would have been a death sentence, but actually sending a copper coin, which had less value than a newer iron coin and not even a gold coin, was an utter slap in the face. "Today it would be like getting the bill at a restaurant and handing the waiter a quarter saying 'keep the change!'" In the spring of 1,501 BCE, Maximus Forelis, along with his brother Antony Forelis and their cheif supporters, proclaimed the creation of a new empire, that which was superior to the Kingdom they promised to destroy. Maximus, in his boisterously proud self, crowned himself Emperor and naming his brother his immediate successor. Thus marking the creation of the 1st Commoner Empire on March 3rd, 1,501 BCE.
With Maximus Forelis proclaimed Emperor, creating The Empire of Common Territories or 1st Commoner Empire, the entire Kingdom fell into its first and last civil war. While completely taken aback by such a stunt, the eastern powers, their vassals, and loyal territories to the Kingdom prepared for war. However, the new Empire was already on the move. The Empire quickly launched several offensives in the north to sieze all the minor territories who refused to join the Empire; instead of simply pillaging the land, their rulers were either executed or banished along with their supporters who refused to bow before the Empire. Another offensive was launched southward to connect the borders of the Empire with its ally the sole superpower of the west who had yet to join the Empire. Although resisted in moderation, the people in these lands largely sided with the new Empire and took up arms to assist in some cases. Hundred, even thousands of years of endless civil war and strife lead to most citizenry resenting their rulers and desiring change. The new Empire was clear change; the Empire's policy of not looting, pillaging, and showing mercy to the citizens paid off in more ways then one. However, Maximus and Antony were ruthless geniuses when combating the Kingdom. This was not only about what was right or wrong, but revenge for what the Kingdom had put them and the people through. The First Commoner Empire included many of the territories that now make up the Homeland State. Opposing Royal Family members including the leader of the Royal Family, Jörg Beike, made up a significant size of land in the Royal Civilization's south eastern corner that was just under half of the country. They stood against Maximus for who they saw as a mongrel and disgrace to the ancestors of the Royal Family. Whether right or wrong, Maximus demanded that the country become united as one territory and not a bunch of waring states. In many of his speeches and public efforts he spoke down to the those who stood against the unification and demanded that his external family submit to the will of the Empire. With negotiations being fruitless, Maximus decided there was no other choice but to declare war. Maximus brutally lead an invasion into the territory Tungri while his younger brother Antony invaded the territory Nervii, barely three months into TETC's foundation. The Commoner Civil War was the first large conflict of the new nation in an effort to unite the country under one banner, lead to a short bloody civil war. Maximus Forelis lead the Commoner Empire into its first invasion with his loyal gathered army prior to the nation's creation. Nicknamed the 'First Grand Army', Maximus' army was over 60,000 men strong and had been trained excellently throughout its existence. The men worshiped Maximus, their General & Emperor, and were on high moral always. Antony may not have had his brother's fame and personality but he was just as passionate and is less credited still for being a brutally better military genius then his older brother. Antony's army was nicknamed the '2nd Grand Army' and was over 40,000 men strong. Jörg Beike lead the apposing army that faced Maximus in battle on June 12th at the Battle of Bosch Hill; Jörg used the familiarity of the land and larger force of 80,000 to force Maximus to retreat or suicidally attack. Maximus being the genius he was, discovered a way to flank Jörg's forces and personally lead the pincer attack that lead to his first victory. Antony also faced opposition in his campaign against a force of 45,000 men. Antony's force nearly whipped out the enemy army in the battle leaving only a few hundred survivors over the month long campaign. On September 1st, 1,500BCE, Maximus Forelis and Antony Forelis combined forces on outside the old capital city and accepted the surrender of opposing Royal Family members -- finally uniting the Royal civilization fully as the first Commoner Empire.
Politics
Government
Politically speaking, TECT is technically an Absolute Monarchy ruled by the Emperor who acts as head of state, but is categorically organized as a Federal Monarchy possessing a federal government (three branched central government with smaller territories making up smaller governments) and federal system of local-to-central governance. In the past, the Imperial Government varied between autocratic Emperors/Empresses with tighter grips on power and feudalistic governments where nobles and royalty exerted larger influence in governance as a whole up until the seventeenth century; to this day the Empire's governance largely mirrors what the current Emperor desires it to be, thus allowing the more federally/republican minded Charles Dynasty to reshape the Empire into a federal governed nation.
Originally during the Royal Civilization, power was held by early Kings which had a large influence over the country but not absolute power. The nation instead was loosely strung together with an extensive royal family (less related by blood and more by extensive relation) hierarchy under the King, all of whom controlled territories that made up much of modern Homeland State. After the Empire secured victory in the Imperial Proclimation, Emperor Maximus Forelis completelty altered the nation's governing system. Emperor Maximus introduced a newer form of feudalistic governance that instead relied on a new land governing noble class and a governing council that would later become the Empire's first parliamentary legislature. While the exact details and bodies changed throughout history, this style of governance largely lasted for over three thousand years within the Empire. Just prior to the Republican Reformation that changed this ancient style of governance, TECT had been overseen by stem duchies, an Imperial Parliament, and Royal Family official appointments.
Today the Empire's federal system of government relies on a powerful central authority and a sturdy network of decentralized governments. Although mostly civilian ran, all government serves at the Emperor's pleasure. TECT's Government outside of royal and noble appointments consists of multiple levels of jurisdictions and three central branches that make up the "Imperial Federal System." This system is essentially based off of western federalism found in many republics and democracies. It is largely consistent with federalist practices of jurisdictions and authorities, considering it is largely civilian ran, possesses a constitution, legislated by a bicameral legislature, and a judiciary branch with Imperial Federal Courts and a Supreme Court. Modern TECT governance is split between three branches of government: The Imperial Government (the Executive), the Imperial Congress (bicameral, lower and upper houses), and the Imperial Judiciary. The executive is understandably ran by the Emperor. Emperors/Empresses act as Head of State and are regarded as the highest cultural and governing authority within the Empire; naturally the Crown also acts as head of the Royal Family, Commander-In-Chief of the TECT Armed Forces, and holds such a deeply respected cultural position that cultists believe that legitimate Emperors/Empresses are in fact living gods. The Throne's authority is even solidified within the TECT Constitution's "Supremecy Clause," further cementing their postion within the Empire's government. While the executive branch entirely revolves around the Throne, the Reichskanzler (Imperial Chancellor) serves as head of the Imperial Government. Other duties of the Reichskanzler include Speaker of The Imperial Senate/Head of the Imperial Congress (they are the highest elected official in TECT if not appointed), first in the chain of succession for the Imperial Government and armed forces until a new ruler is coronated, and is the Emperor's chief representative and civilian advisor. While the Crown typically appoints their Ministers and other officials, the duty has been relegated at times to the Reichskanzler, although they too are technically part of the Executive's chief staff serving as Chanceller/Reichskanzler. The Imperial Congress is TECT's legilative body that creates, discusses, and votes on laws or policies pertaining to their yearly agenda. Congress is made up of a lower "Imperial House of Representatives" consisting of "Imperial Representatives" from electoral districts within the lower jurisdictions of Imperial States or other directly ruled territories. An upper "Imperial Senate" consisting of "Imperial Senators" who're appointed by the Imperial States and all non-directly ruled territories (territory not controlled by the central government) of the Empire act as representatives of said Imperial States/territories in Congress. Lastly, the "Imperial Judiciary" is the judiciary branch of the Imperial Government responsible for the Imperial Federal Court System and the Empire's Supreme Court. Their job is to uphold the Imperial Federal Laws of the land in court and deliver accurate justice under the TECT Constitution.
Political Divisions
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Political divisions within the Empire are split between three main categories that ultimately depend on the territory's history/integration into the Empire. Territories within the Mainland of the Empire were reorganized into federalized "Imperial States" after the 1891 Nobleman Insurrection that led to the Republican Reformation period within the Empire. Prior to this, these lands were established as geologically defined provinces close to their modern borders and governed by Dukes as Stem Duchies with vassals as lower administrative officials. These Duchies operated as the largest land owning nobles with mirrored representation within the Imperial Parliament of the time. Before that, territories were completely divided into often tangible borders by said Stem Duchies, or other high ranking nobles, with royal oversight and Imperial Parliament representation; although the Stem Duchies still acted as the main domestic governing body, their unity and loyalties were questionable at times. In modern times, nobles have been totally removed from governing land outside of a civilian capacity unless appointed by the Crown or granted fiefdoms by said Crown. Modern land governing nobles exist exclusively as colonial governors as part of the Empire's system of "Colonial Stem Duchies." The Stem Colonial Duchies make up almost all of the Empire's colonial holdings, the rest being under direct Crown/Military rule as either property of the Crown or as military administration zones. This system of noble governed colonies allows for more optimal decentralized governing under the Empire, and allows the Empire to reward its noble class as it once did centuries ago with land to govern. Only Mainland territories are allowed "Statehood" according to the Imperial Constitution, hence why colonial holdings often have little civilian administration. Proposed alternatives like the "Colonial State" that mirror Imperial States' Statehood have become a topic for debate within the Imperial Congress, yet have failed to make it to the floor for vote due to the current arrangement between the Crown and noble class who've resisted such efforts to federalize the colonies. Other political bodies within the Empire include actual nationstates that have submitted to and joined the Empire in a political union, such as New Celisia which submitted to Imperial rule in 2012; in New Celisia's case, as another empire, it was reformed from the "Empire of New Celisia" into the "Kingdom of New Celisia" since there could only be one Emperor and no other ruler could stand above or beside the Emperor - thus its emperor was essentially demoted into a king, the only of his kind within the Empire.
Under the 1505 TECT Imperial Constitution, Article Five "Territories and Their Relations Within The Empire," the Imperial Government divided the Empire into different geologically defined provincial realms governed by Dukes who possessed certain autonomy and privileges afforded to them by both the Crown and Imperial Parliament. The 1505 Imperial Constitution was a result of the 1502 Nobility Civil War, resulting in Parliament and the Emperor reigning in the noble class in order to avoid future civil conflicts; the new Constitution replaced older royal decrees that were codified, resulting in more power being placed with the Imperial Parliament and Throne. Punishing the noble class was only half the reason the 1505 Imperial Constitution was drafted, the other main reasons being the reorganizing and centralizing of the Imperial system of governance from the prior, more fragmented, system of noble states forming the bulk of domestic leadership. The 1891 Nobleman Insurrection resulted in the 1892 constitutional overhaul that changed the Imperial Constitution into today's current form; aside from political divisions, many of the articles were updated or entirely re-written and new amendements were drafted following 1892. Article Five, the Article responsible for defining the territories of the Empire, was totally re-written to remove the noble class' authority as land owning governors, and the introduction of civilian governments as "Imperial States" with better defined autonomy under the new Imperial Government.
The 1892 TECT Imperial Constitution, which largely stands unshaken to this date, split the Imperial Government into three branches and exactly twenty Imperial States. Article Five of the Imperial Constitution distinguishes Imperial States as territories within the Mainland of TECT, not territories located outside the Mainland. Imperial States are defined as constituent political entities bound together under the Imperial Government and subserviant to the Imperial Throne; these Imperial States come together to form a political union with the Imperial Government acting as the central body. Imperial States hold governmental jurisdiction over their defined geographic territory, sharing its sovereignty with the Imperial Government which holds supremecy over the Imperial States according to Article Five as well; the 3rd Amendment, which gives Imperial States powers not relegated to them by the Imperial Government or Throne, acts as a counter-point as well. Article Five stipulates Imperial States posses three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) that're codified under a Imperial State Constitution. Imperial State Constitiutions act as the final step to becoming an Imperial State within the Empire with a certain population size and territorial stability required to officially draft an Imperial State Constitution. Although the Imperial Constitution goes into detail on becoming an Imperial State, it refrains from defining their exact make-ups outside of government branches and county level administration requirements. This is because Imperial States are intended to be molded by their voting populations who can elect certain governments and enact policies they approve of within Constitutional limits. Thus resulting in sometimes unique legislative bodies, executive heads of government, and policies specific to the citizens of said Imperial State. Although not written in detail, the possibility of seccession from one Imperial State to another, or to form a new Imperial State, has been floated around as a viable idea as several such movements exist throughout the Empire. As mentioned, citizens vote on their Imperial State governments. These votes are typically held for executives, legislators, and often time judges. Imperial Senators and some State officials are not voted on, however. The federalized system is rooted heavily in republican principles where citizens possess representation within government using their votes to elect their leadership, and sometimes even voting on specific policies based on Imperial State Constitutions.
Colonial holdings post 1892 have been a murky subject within the Imperial Government, especially in terms of how they should be governed. Historically, these territories were governed by nobles whom held the most trust with the Empire; as a land far away from the Empire itself, a noble house had to be both trustworthy and capable of governing independnetly while remaining loyal to the Empire itself. Immediately after the 1892 Insurrection, the many colonial nobleman realms like the Holy Dukedom of Luttenried feared their positions within the Empire would follow the same path as their Mainland compatriots - that is being removed entirely from power. Maybe through generations of loyalty, even during the insurrection itself, Emperor Charles spared the colonial nobles during his republican reformation of the Empire, even going as far as to protect them from the newly formed Imperial Congress' attempts to federalize them along with the former Imperial Provinces. By the time Emperor Charles II took the throne, the Imperial Congress' fervor to federalize the colonies had subsided in large part due to the stability colonial governors fostered. Thus, while not codified outside of historical Imperial Decrees, noble houses have continued to govern the Empire's colonies on its behalf and act as the Empire's colonial governing system into modern times. This system is thought to remain as a reward/incentive to nobleman looking to return their houses to power while closening the ties between them and the Throne, hopefully reducing the chances of a third nobleman spurred civil war; such a system also cheapens the Imperial costs of maintaining such colonies and keeps the populations of said colonies in check since existing Decrees assure their Imperial protection and representation within the Imperial Government. The Colonial Stem Duchies, because of the authority granted to them by the Throne, have almost absolute rule over their lands. Although technically it's more accurate to describe them as viceroys as TECT Viceroys are appointed by the Throne and were historically more often of royal or noble blood. Efforts within the Imperial Congress to federalize colonies as "Colonial States" has been ongoing since 1893 with modern supporters of the move advocating for their total intigration with the Empire as fellow States. Doing so would better connect the territories with the Imperial Government, relying less on the Throne to secure their place within the Imperial Government structure. Opponents like the Emperor stand against the efforts largely to retain what little direct authority the noble class have left within the Empire, among other concerns full intigration would result in for the Empire. Such efforts to federalize the colonies have failed with the last attempt being struck down by the Emperor in 2019. Some of TECT's most well known colonial holdings include the Smaragdi Mielettömyys March, Nova Marsica Dukedom, Vokolyia Dukedome, New Tyvar March, and the Holy Dukedom of Luttenried.
Maritime Territory & Exclusive Economic Zones
Historically, maritime territory has fluctuated within the Empire according to the era the policy found itself in and naval technology of that age. The first modern document claiming maritime territory was the 1764 Exclusive Oceans Act. Prior maritime territory treaties with other states on the Mainland typically included passage rights (tariffs or free passage), several kilometers or a dozen plus kilometers of recognized territory, and the exclusive economic authority of their territories. Following the 1762 unification of the continent, the Empire declared its surrounding waters exclusive Imperial Territory, codifying it with the 1764 EOA. Although this act was largely symbolic and language enforced Imperial control only a few dozen kilometers out to sea, it was the stepping stone to future legislation and Imperial Decrees concerning maritime territory policy. The previous policy concerning the maritime territory of the Empire was the 1938 Imperial Waters Decree. Emperor Charles wrote an official decree stating the Empire would enforce a territorial boundry of "one thousand kilometers" that would allow Imperial forces and agencies to "enforce the laws, policies, and defense of the Empire however they deemed fit." The Imperial Congress later codified this Decree in 1940, establishing one thousand kilometer territorial boundries that the armed forces and police agencies would protect as Imperial Territory, recognize the Royal Oceans as the Empire's sole owners, and increase funding towards institutions to help physically enforce these new boundries. To help pay the upkeep for such a policy, and make profit from foreign commerical companies, the 1940 Imperial Waters Act also included tariffs on foreign commercial vessels using territorial waters to navigate to their destinations; this tariff was waved if the destination was TECT since there were already existing tariffs when entering port. The 1940 Imperial Waters Act was amended in 1945 by the Imperial Congress to remove the new tariff after signifigant pushback occured after several commercial companies had their vessels raided and seized for refusing to pay the tariff. The blowback saw official protests, boycotts, and encouraged naval engagements where the Empire struggled to justify let alone prove legality of foreign commercial vessels. The income was simply not worth the costs of keeping such a tariff alive.
TECT's modern maritime policy originates from the 1991 "Martime Boundries Act." According to the MBA, the Empire's official territorial boundary begins at one thousand kilometers from any given landmass within the Mainland. The Exclusive Economic Zone, according to the law, is another thousand kilometers, making the entire reach of TECT's control two thousand kilometers from shore. MBA includes language, however, that recognizes all Royal Oceans being under the Empire's authority, making stated distances arbitrary to some legal experts. Furthermore, unlike previous policies, the MBA defines these two zones in great detail as including under the water, on the water, and above the water in the sky/atmosphere. Another layer of depth to the MBA not seen in previously passed policies was the establishment of maritime boundries for each Imperial State and their rights within said boundries (including economic exclusion and Imperial State laws). These boundries are set to twelve kilometers out to sea, above and bellow the surface, and no Imperial State Law can interfere with another Imperial State's Imperial Rights concerning their maritime territories without due compensation. Modern Imperial Law, including the MBA, does not impose tariffs on travelling vessels using the Empire's EEZ or territory, nor does it restrict any nation's vessels aside from those the Empire's at war with or vessels affiliated with parties at war with the Empire. There are only two restrictions placed upon foreign vessels when planning to enter Imperial EEZ/Territory: Submit a Plan of Travel to the Ministry of Transportation, and never turn off your civilian transponder while within EEZ/Territorial waters. Submission of a Plan of Travel or "POT" is a standard procedure where guests deliver (often electronically) a set of travel documents most nations require when you traversing through their territory as a guest, although the term and required information differs according to each nation. TECT's POT requires your estimated path of travel, estimated timeframe, the vessel/aircraft used to travel and a copy of its identification documents, the class/type of cargo on-board if any and how much of it exists, and the register of all crew/passengers aboard the vessel. This information is used to identifiy and document the guest as they traverse through Imperial EEZ/Territory. Having a POT allows a guest to travel without much if any interference from the Empire's military and law enforcement agencies; this is because Imperial Navy, Imperial Coast Guard, and Imperial/Imperial State law enforcement agencies use submitted POTs with transponder/communication information to verify guest identities and authenticate their intentions. The second restriction is to never turn off transponders while within Imperial EEZ/Territory. Transponders are what delivers a vessel/aircraft's information to traffic controllers and military/LE bodies monitoring Imperial Waters. As mentioned before, this allows said officials to establish identities and authenticate guest information as legitimate. Having transponders turned off warrants interceptions if detected and suddenly turning them off after entering EEZ/territorial waters will result in a series of responses including eventual rescue/interception procedures.
Enforcement of Imperial Maritime Territory (IMT) has steadily improved over the last hundred years and today's enforcement is the greatest it's ever been. This is mostly thanks to the development of new technology and the use of differing, and often variable water/sea craft in certain circumstances. There are three layers of enforcement within the Mainlands IMT: EEZ, Territory, and Threat. The first layer begins at the two thousand EEZ zone and ends at the official territorial line another thousand kilometers away. This vast area is often patrolled by the Imperial Navy's primary surface/under-surface/above-surface forces and at times its Imperial Coast Guard units. Interception, investigation, and if needed, removal of unwarranted vessels/aircraft is often the procedure within the EEZ zone. The overwhelming majority of encounters are cordial greetings and interrogations (often without contact) to establish identities and proof of such identities. Once within Imperial Maritime Territory, most interactions are conducted by the Imperial Coast Guard since they are the chief costal defense force for the Imperial Navy and they are the Imperial Government's chief law enforcement entity while at sea within Imperial Waters. Imperial Navy assets do patrol this zone, but are more rare as you get closer to the Mainland because they are dedicated to longer range patrols. The Threat Zone is within five hundred kilometers of the Mainland of TECT where Imperial Coast Guard, Imperial Navy, and other Imperial Forces are on high alert. While intruders are intercepted when possible at all previous zones, intruders who are spotted within the Threat Zone are engaged immediately at highest priority. An immediate military response is launched at incidents occuring within this zone and such incidents are taken especially serious due to their proximity to the Mainland. Most ground based long range air patrols, air defense, and even naval patrols scour this zone actively with lower threshold requirements for commanders to engage contacts in certain fashions. Thus guests who fail to follow their POT or respond to commands will often be, angrily at times, intercepted while within this zone. In a few incidents, such vessels were either sunk or seized in a raid. As the name implies, contacts possessing no POT within the Threat Zone are treated very seriously and may result in immediate military engagemnt.
Colonial/non-Mainland maritime territory policy is largely in the hands of colonial officials. Although the 1991 Maritime Boundries Act is one of the few Imperial Laws that stipulates Imperial controls on colonial holdings' territory. MBA refers to standards found in the COSTAL Accord when placing standards upon colonial holdings, owing to the fact that colonial entities can establish their own set of laws and understanding they border, often directly, foreign nations on land and sea.
Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement within the Empire falls under the Ministry of The Judiciary or "Judicial Ministry". The Ministry's responsibilies are to enforce Imperial Law and enact the administration of justice within and outside the Empire's borders. At its head is the Minister of Justice, who is currently Moritz Oelberg. As an executive office, the Ministry falls under the Reichskanzler's immediate supervision but answers to the Throne at the end of the day. There are three layers to Imperial Law Enforcement within the Empire: Civilian, Military, and Royal. The Civilian apparatus is made up of the resources under the Ministry of Justice, which entirely fall under TECT's civilian government. Military as a law enforcement apparatus would include military law (laws governing the armed forces), military police actions approved or ordered by the Crown, or emergancy police/safety actions enacted by the Imperial Congress. Royal law enforcement is entirely made up of the Royal Guard of TECT, whom answer directly to the Throne. The enforcement of royal decrees is the most recognized actions the Royal Guard undertakes, but taking military/police actions ordered by the Crown, following direct orders (often unlawful without Article Two of the Imperial Constitution's negating said repercussions) from the Crown, and even the enforcement of royal norms and legal orders from members of the Royal Family are among the Royal Guards' law enforcement roles. For perspective, the last layer of Imperial law enforcement has hardly been (at least openly) enacted since the 1892 Imperial Constitution, largely in part due to the civilian and military enforcement mechanisms having full control of the security of the Empire. That does not mean it never happens, however.
Imperial States (and the Colonial Duchies for that matter) are also tasked with providing proper law enforcement apparatus' when drafting their constitutions. While each Imperial State is left to their own devices on how this is done, in most part the Imperial States have adopted similar or identical systems found in the Ministry of Justice for the Empire. Most Imperial States have their own Ministries or even Departments of Justice where State Police and/or other agencies also have State law enforcement powers. One of the unique aspects, however, is that Imperial States also have to create law enforcement apparatus' for their constituents at the lower levels of government within their borders. Although most opt to letting counties and cities develop their own police forces, other Imperial States have created frameworks on how such police forces should look and work. Colonial holdings too are unique as their law enforcement, which doesn't technically fall within the Ministry of Justice within the Empire at times, is often more national than State in authority due to their unique sovereignty within the Empire.
Imperial Law Enforcement agencies vary in purpose and scale. For example, the Imperial Investigative Service(s) or "IIS" is often the image most citizens imagine when describing Imperial Law Enforcement Officers. The IIS is the Empire's criminal investigative body and its chief domestic intelligence/security agency. IIS serves as the principle law enforcement body of the Imperial Government and also a key player in the Empire's intelligence community. Similarly, the "Imperial Security Agency" or "ISA" is the Ministry of Justice's cryptologic intelligence agency responsible for the collection and analysis of communications and signals intelligence, often targeted mostly at foreign origins. Both agencies perform somewhat similar functions within the Imperial Government and even utilize the same armed enforcement units known as "TAT's" or "Tactical Assault Teams." There are other agencies within the Ministry of Justice that perform specific roles within the Imperial Government's law enforcement apparatus. An example would be the "Substance & Weapons Enforcement Administration" or "SWEA." SWEA has substance and weapons specific designated responsibilities including the investigation and prevention of federal offenses involving the unlawful use, manufacture, and possession of firearms and explosives, investigating and preventing arson and bombing related crimes, combating the illegal trafficking of substances and products (illegal drugs and illegal distrubution of regulated products), and is also the chief agency responsible for licensing the sale, possession, and transportation of firearms, ammunition, and explosives in Imperial & international commerce. Regulated substances like alcohol and cannabis also fall within SWEA's authority, substances SWEA TAT units routinely sieze.
Military
The "TECT Armed Forces", or "Kommonisch Kaiserlichen Streitkräfte" (Commoner Imperial Forces) are the military forces/organizations of The Empire of Common Territories. The immediate branches of the armed forces consist of the Imperial Army, the Royal Guard, the Imperial Air Force, the Imperial Navy, the Home Guard, and the Union of The Empire's Special Forces. Non-immediate members of the armed forces include the military forces of the Colonial Stem Duchies, the volunteer irregulars/militias around the Empire whom volunteered for government oversight, and the Imperion Coalition Foreign Legionnaires under the armed forces' command structure at any given time. Serving at the behest of the Emperor as commander-in-chief/supreme commander, the TECT Armed Forces' falls within the executive branch's control and is overseen by the civilian Imperial Government. Under the authority of Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Emperor has better control and the Imperial Government under him has oversight powers over the military as a whole. Second-in-command of the TECT Armed Forces is the Reichskanzler whom acts as the highest civilian officer of the Imperial Armed Forces; the Reichskanzler is immediately followed by the Minister of the Armed Forces, Prince Charles "III" Canning, then by Chief of Defense General Kurt Raskoph, and so on.
As a military force, the TECT Armed Forces have earned a reputation of being highly trained professionals, technologically above the curve, strategically and tactically proficient, and being almost entirely independent of foreign influence or support (the Imperial Armed Forces almost entirely relies on domestic manufacturing for its supplies and equipment). The Imperial Armed Forces have earned this reputation through its historical achievements since antiquity and in recent history during the conflicts it has fought abroad. As the leader of a military coalition and a senior member of another, TECT's repuation militarily abroad is amplified with such a tightly knit string of alliances.
At present, the TECT Armed Forces stands at approximately twenty-four million strong with eighty five percent of the force comprising of reserve forces, making an always active force of over three and-a-half million personnel. The vast majority of these servicemen and women (a little over half) are members of the Home Guard who act as the Empire's territorial defense force. Home Guardsmen are largely government volunteers (unfilled ranks are lottery drafted when needed) who reside in reserve status unless activated for training or in emergancy situations. Women are largely prohibited from joining the military and are regulated to safe rear support stations or domestic support roles. Mentally unwell individuals (individuals who fail the mental health exam) are prohibited entirely from joining. Foreigners are largely prohibited from joining as well, although some foreign volunteers are accepted into the Imperial Army's Foreign Legion program. Colonials and other non-Mainland Imperials are allowed to join the Imperial Armed Forces even though they are in large part steered towards their native milityary forces.
Nobility/Royalty
Nobility in TECT is still a common thing among the higher and more respected members of Empire. Nobility, or sometimes referred to as the Adel (german for Nobility), are land holding, title owning, and influential members of Commoner society. In modern times however; nobility have lost many of the powers they once enjoyed before the 1900's. Modern day examples of nobility are royal family members (who gained their titles through influence with the Emperor), military commanders, influential persons, and titles through heredity. Those who have earned their titles are usually influential through actions or achievement; nobles who inherited their title are usually respected for their family's rank and influence -- of which may be because of history, influence, and/or because they actually own powerful businesses. Examples of non-royal noblemen are Jared A. Wall, Chairmen of Commoner League Inc. (Earl), Franklin Kelter (Baron), Secretary of Defense, and Jan Kohler (Duke), Duke of Upper Maximus (northern Maximus state). The most common titles are Emperor, Prince/Princess, Archduke, Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, Baron, Knight; others, that are simply less known but still exist are: Lord, Burgrave, Gentleman, Esquire, and various others.
Women are less commonly nobles (noblewomen). Male dominance over females have been entrenched for centuries until the 1900's; which is when feminism and equal rights activists began to rise. Regardless; female equivalent noblewomen arose over the centuries -- whether it be from heredity or reward for achievement -- women have proven to be equals to men when attaining titles. The Emperor holds final say on titles being distributed to anyone; regardless of standing or popularity -- the Emperor remains the sole decider on Commoner Nobles. However; royalty does have the power to appoint lower vassals or attain vassals -- such as a crowned prince appointing knights to his defense or appointing an ally in his local district. Although in many cases these noble titles do not have the power to interrupt law or craft law; some titles have the right to enforce laws, protect sovereigns, and advise the Emperor depending on their gifted powers and standing with the Emperor.
Foreign Relations
The Empire of Common Territories have often taken interventionist and imperial policies when concerned with foreign relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the primary governmental body tasked with foreign affairs; taking to task diplomatic communiques, announcements, and general relations missions. Since early in its history, TECT has had an imperialistic behavior that can be described best as greedy, land hungry, and interest based. TECT is often accused of being land hungry and of expanding illegally, through means of war and other fashions. In modern times however, TECT has changed its strategy in order to adapt to modern times; this means fighting economic and militaristic wars. Invading isn't the only way TECT has chosen to acquire power either. Through alliance building and puppet propping; TECT has grown an extensive grouping of military and economic allies around the world -- most notably Gavinium Magnus, Estovakiva, and Virana. Other up-in-coming allies are New Othman and Ossoria.
TECT's policies of intervention and motive based interests however have not made all friends; most notably, countries like Deadora are well known to be hostile to Commoners. Following a brief conflict, Deadora was bombarded in a missile attack over the Gavinium Magnus Civil War, on the grounds that it was invading the country to seize it from its rightful rulers. Nations like Adiron and New Edom have also been negatively affected by Commoner policies; leading to strained relations and conflicted interests at times. TECT, being an inter-regional nation, has various relations with countless countries all over the world.
Economy
The TECT Economy is a mixed economic system that directs the economy, reflecting characteristics of both market economies and planned economies. Largely a capitalist system, marketing is left alone mostly by the government -- the Emperor still has authority over happenings in the economy, though the Emperor today rarely meddles in economic affairs. The Emperor does have good economic sense along with his economic staffers; some of his policies he set included: improving the Imperial Dollar's worth through numerous policies, improving the GDP, increasing trade (export & import), lowering taxes, and making business easier. The President also has some economic power allowed to him as well as other government officials.
The Empire's economy mostly reflects a conservative role with a small minority of liberal policies; there are few welfare programs and it is regulated tightly; hard work and education inspire early participation in the workforce through part-time work, job shadowing, private work, and apprenticeships. Older citizens use this early experience to find their career path (along with help throughout life) to live long and happy lives in careers they truly enjoy. This workforce has lead TECT to become an industrious nation and also plenty rich. The TECT mainland has always been rich in natural resources: from energy products, luxury products, minerals, and especially oil. Agriculture is especially rich in profits because of the smaller market caused by the amount of farming lands in the mainland states; many colonial states have become rich by producing abundant agriculture products to the mainland and other trade partners. Minerals are also a huge market trade in TECT. Coal, metals, limestone, gravel, and other stones; clay, and other mining products are abundant in the mainland states. Today, TECT is an economically powerful nation and continues to expand its economy further.
Products & Industry
TECT is most economically famous for its rich minerals and energy industries. The TECT mainland is home to many rich mountains and highlands -- home to minerals such as gold, iron, copper, steel, coal, as well as many stones and luxury gems. TECT is home to some of the large mining companies and some powerful energy corporations as well. Lumber, electronics, information, and other newer markets have also sprout out the Common Territories. During the early 2000's, TECT began a economic revolution of sorts; growing stocks and increased revenues greatly enhanced the country's economic sphere until the 'golden age' died down years later.
The military is one of the leading industries in the economy. The military budget is set high allowing top commanders to repay that funding into all sorts of sectors from arms manufacturing to information technology. Lumbering operations have also increased greatly with the many rich forests in the country, benefiting home makers and many manufactures. Stone and metal mining and users have benefited the most with a high demand for metals and stones. Such rich minerals such as gems and gold are also rich in the mountains of TECT. Oil production increased during 09 when large deposits were found offshore Maximus, Homeland, and Bayson states. A recent deposit discovery in 2011 off Antony also pushed TECT to a new high in oil production, making TECT a oil rich country. TECT also has a growing green technology sector along with nuclear refineries that provide significant amounts of power.
Culture & Population
TECT is a very proud and hard working nation. Home to the mountains of the Homeland, they are no strangers to freezing winters and cold summers. Many hold a strong connection to their country and its rich history. While the first ancestors came from the Homeland, many did live through out the modern borders and farther before the country's official founding.
TECT is home to a deeply rooted conservative-monarchist culture that has historically shaped cultural values and politics - the rise of a modern sense in democratic principles, liberty, and civil rights the past hundred years have warped Commoners cultural identity into a modern mix of traditionalism, monarchism, and independence. The unique blend of loyalty to royal imperial authority and sense of independence has bred a modern population that is vastly conservative in nature and strong spirited. As a western styled country, TECT shares many features that other western nations have, including infrastructure, culture, appearances, and ideologies that are common in other western nations. Religion in TECT is dominated by Christian faiths, the population predominately belongs to the "Kirche der Königlich" or "Church of the Royal"; Kirche der Königlich is an established Christian faith similar to the Catholic Church (Catholicism), differing only in some teachings, inducting aspects of TECT Mythology into the Christian faith, and having significant differences in worship practices and ceremonies. Other Christian faiths are common (a mild mix of Protestantism and Catholicism) while Judaism is the second largest major religion practiced in TECT. TECT Mythology, an historically important and rich body of myths and culture upheld by ancient Commoners, still possesses a significant following in some circles throughout the Empire while the majority of Commoners do not religiously observe said myths, rather, they hold high reverence for traditions handed down by myths - enough so that Commoners to this day celebrate and observe traditions culturally rather than religiously.
Major Cities
Geography & Climate
The Empire of Common Territories is described as one of the more colder & wetter countries located in Adrastos. TECT is the farthest north country in Adrastos, consequentially making winters more colder and summers more cool. The Empire is home to some of the most iconic mountain ranges in the region, with 14 state parks alone and dozens of other mountain sites, the country is easily ranked highest in mountain national parks if not near top. TECT is also home to valleys, hilly areas, and low lands; although over 45% of the landscape is considered mountainous and 15%, this means 60% of land is higher up past sea level and 40% near or under water level. Another prize to the country is its large forests that are ranked high in density with many being considerably large, providing the lumber industry plenty of lumber. Lands are also rich in metal ores, precious gems, gold, and even some pockets of oil. TECT is considered a beautiful country blessed with numerous resources.
TECT is sometimes nicknamed the "Damp State/Country/Empire" because it is home to some record setting rainfalls and snowfalls. A common weather joke is "If it's not raining it's snowing.", which in parts is true where places receive much rain/snowfall. TECT is located far north making snow falls very common and causing freezing rain is also a common occurrence. High systems usually pass strait through the country on its decent south or west, which is blamed for most of the rain/snow storms that pass through. Violent weather isn't very common though with very few tornadoes and almost no hurricanes/typhoons recorded; the most common violent weather seen are strong winds that sometimes rise to 40mph or higher.
Unlike summer weather, winter weather can be more dangerous in TECT. Blizzards and bad snow storms are so common that ancients used to believe in a winter god named "Schnee", which is German for snow. Today blizzards are common to almost every year to sometimes 3 times of year, TECT has one of the highest ranking snow falls per year to date. In summer temperatures usually get to 80 degrees at best while in winter temperatures get to annually -10 - -40 in mid to late winter. The annual temperature is usually between -10 and 26 degrees during winter though. Though the "Damp State" gets pretty soaked in all seasons, this actually brings in tourism especially during winter months like December. TECT is one of largest income makers on winter season activities such as skiing/snowboarding/sledding lodges & resorts, winter resorts, ice skating, and even paint balling. A not so well known fact is that many Commoners prefer not to use umbrellas during winter or summer, polls showed that most didn't use umbrellas because of ether not wishing to carry more objects or because they don't mind the rain/snow. This lead to the term "Standing in the snow/rain like a Commoner", which is a joke at TECT citizens for being too stubborn to use umbrellas.