Iconia

Iconia is an empire with sophisticated caste system that occupies a wide stretch of land, much of it coastal plains in the south and south-east of Chrace. It is ruled over by a king who rules for life but shares power (and is elected by) a senate composed of representatives from each of the distinctive Iconian territories. The castes of Iconia can be divided up into three general groups - nobles, priests, and commoners - although there are numerous sub-castes and special exceptions. It is usually possible for someone with enough money or influence to buy their way into a higher caste. National heroes, chosen by popular demand and recognized by the senate, are considered a caste of their own and are exempt from all of the cultural rules of the caste system.
Iconia has numerous island holdings and also has the strongest navy in Chrace. Their army is also strong, but is heavily centered around warfare on level ground in large groups. The premier example of this is the Unbroken, an elite group of soldiers in the Iconian military, known for their discipline and for lighting their great shields aflame before advancing on the enemy. They also field the most numerous cavalry in Chrace, including the elite Order of the Lion, heavy cavalry drawn from the ranks of the nobility and wielding enchanted weapons and armor. In the distant past, Old Iconia was a human kingdom, but its aggressive territorial expansion (which continues into the present day) has brought a sizable population of other races. The current Iconian empire is highly cosmopolitan, being about 60% human 20% halfling, and the remaining 20% elves and dwarves. Some of these have been annexed into the empire through conquest or through "diplomacy" that consists largely of surrendering before they could be conquered. Iconia keeps the peace by offering relatively generous terms of surrender and governance to conquered subjects. The Iconians are also known to offer citizenship to anyone who asks it in the name of the Iconian king, but newcomers are consigned to the peasant caste.
The current king is Jordan II, a charismatic young monarch with good intentions but little experience as he was elected only three years ago. The Iconian military is commanded by General Aric Silvermark, a Knight of the Lion known for his political maneuvering more than his capability as a strategist. Their navy is commanded by Admiral Tyran Serpent's Bane, a halfling peasant who attained the status of hero after he saved a merchant caravan from a sea monster. He is a true hero and perhaps the greatest naval commander of his age. The capital of Iconia is Alarune. The crest of Iconia is a silver starburst on a blue field.

Structure

Ruled by a king and a senate. The king is elected for life by the senate, and shares power with them.

Public Agenda

Iconia is an aggressive country centered around trading profits and forcible expansion into weaker countries.

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Demonym

Iconian