The Sapphire Empire consists of The Azure Citadel and the large city of We'Darastri, as well as much of the Sapphire Desert on Gaia. It is ruled by Suzerain Nedelethakor, and is the premier destination for all arcane pursuits on Siv'en.
Description
The Sapphire Empire is named for both the desert it holds dominion over as well as its primary export. It is located deep within the Sapphire Desert, east of Si'iven. If the Sapphire Empire was any larger, it could easy be on par with the power of The Kingdom of Skyfall or Mahark, but this is not the case. The fact that most of the Sapphire Empire's lands are sun-scorched desert makes them more dependent on the Kingdom of Skyfall for food, and as such, The Sapphire Empire is extremely loyal to their allegiance. When one thinks of the Sapphire Empire, one thinks of three words; Sand, Gems, and Magic. Indeed, if there is one place left on Gaia that pursues arcane magic with a passion, it is The Sapphire Empire.
The capital city of The Sapphire Empire is known as We'Darastri, but is more commonly shortened to Daras. It is the only capital city in Siv'en that also serves as the country's primary port city. Because of this, it is very heavily defended by the Empire Navy and magical wards alike. Simply being allowed to dock at We'Darastri takes three days, as any incoming ships are inspected thoroughly. We'Darastri is a fantastical setting, full of spiraling towers and arcane wonders of architecture. The city is full of magical amenities, and is heavily policed by an elite guard known as The Lapis Guardians.
It is divided into three primary sections, the middle, high, and low cities. The middle city makes up much of We'Darastri, and is home to the middle and lower classes, full of shops, homes, inns, and so forth. The high city is a walled section of We'Darastri that houses all of the city's aristocracy, and is also serves as a stronghold. Finally, the lower city is a series of ancient sandstone catacombs that run underneath We'Darastri in a frenetic spread. Most of these catacombs have been converted to sewers, but there are still a few unaltered ones that play host to the city's large undead or light-sensitive population.
The only other real city worth noting in The Sapphire Empire is not so much a city as it is a large living area built around The Azure Citadel, the home of The Sapphire Empire's ruler. It is an academic community that focuses less on history and geography and moreso on the mysteries of magic. The Azure Citadel serves both as the palace as well as a college for aspiring wizards and sorcerers, the most prestigious in all of Gaia.
Most all other cities and towns in The Sapphire Empire are either tiny outposts amidst the unforgiving sands or agricultural fortress towns built along the few rivers that run through the desert.
Probably the single most infamous ruler in all of Gaia, the late Suzerain Tyretlethen, was the Blue Dragon King of The Sapphire Empire. He was a benevolent ruler to his chosen holdings, but in the process of earning them he murdered and sacked hundreds of small tribes and villages. The most notable among these were the Sifleod, or 'Sand Elves', who had an expansive culture up and down the Ehmkamet river before Tyretlethen ground them into sand, though that was some thousand years ago. Today, the Sapphire Empire is ruled by the Dragon Queen, Suzerain Nedelethakor, who is far from the monster that her predecessor was, but also far from being considered 'kind' or 'good'. She values and fawns over the empire is if it were her own hoard, and is currently obsessed with obtaining its agricultural independence. Nedelethakor rarely holds audience, but she is known to be fond of giving roaming adventurers great quests by proxy; she's sure to have a job or two for people who show up at the Azure Citadel.
The power structure of the Sapphire Empire is, obviously, very centralized, but not a singularity. Its offices and their roles are laid out as follows, though keep in mind that the relatively recent overthrow by Nedelethakor has left many offices vacant. Holding an office bequeaths nobility on its holder and allows them to requisition land within the Sapphire Empire. The position is for life. It is possible to be a noble without holding an office, in which case that person's title is 'Favored'. :
Suzerain Office must be held by a Blue Dragon. Has absolute authority over all decisions and can appoint new nobles. Oversees and delegates tasks to lower offices. Personally receives foreign nobles and negotiates all treaties.
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High Nobility
Arch-Mage Personal confidant and envoy of the Suzerain. Performs all tasks as requested, and can speak on the Suzerain's behalf. Secondary authority over all matters arcane or historical. Manages the Azure Citadel, its library and reliquary.
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Magistrate of the Sands Manages the office of carrying out the law and mitigating internal conflict. Oversees the collection of tribute and taxes. Commands the Empire's internal military forces and protects the Empire's holdings against raiders and rebellion. Commands the Lapis Guardians and suggests new candidates to the Suzerain.
VACANT
Magistrate of the Riches Keeps track of spending and requisition across the Empire. Designates where and when Bazaars, Festivals and Holidays may occur. Makes sure that food and water go where they are needed, and supervises imports and exports.
Sstheno 'Whisperer' Arkinian
Magistrate of the Lore Keeps track of cultural phenomenon within the populace and moves to intervene with any art, music or other type of culture that might inspire dissidents or crime. Ensures that major architectural projects are both safe and meet the aesthetic satisfaction of the Suzerain. Commissions works of art as needed to spread news, new policy or new ideas through the populace. Also responsible for the cultivation and sanctity of the Empire's libraries and record keeping.
Dibelo 'Shrike' Urquay
Middle Nobility
High Marshal The absolute highest authority in the armed forces of the Sapphire Empire, second only to the Suzerain. Commands both land and naval engagements abroad. Works with the Magistrate of Riches and Sands to ensure that supply lines are maintained and that forces are distributed appropriately between internal and external conflicts.
Theredax
Arbiter The overseer of the municipal councilors of the Sapphire Empire, and the winning vote in case of a tie. The Arbiter does not usually participate in hearings of the High Court, but does go over cases heard there and will add his comments if necessary. Sniffs out and deals with any signs of corruption accordingly. The Arbiter also handles the execution of Noble Requisitions; all such matters have to at least be sealed by them.
Judriaxantasalas
Duke of We'Darastri Responsible for the day to day operation of the capital city of We'Darastri, including its law enforcement, economy, maintenance and traffic. Is able to act mostly without purview from the Magistrates, but is still subject to their decisions or those of the Suzerain, should they decide to intervene with something.
Phenaskalok
Guardian of the Hoard Protects, hides and otherwise ensures the safety of the Suzerain's personal treasure hoard. They have an immaculate attention to detail and memory, and must maintain the Suzerain's absolute trust, or be slain. In return, they get to live virtually free of want or need.
Reesheia the Crag Witch
Arch-Mage Penult Can stand in for the Arch-Mage whenever they are absent, but they handle slightly less conspicuous matters of arcane trouble; usually things that need to be handled discreetly. They also act as the royal poisoner, and have a direct hand and say in all matters of espionage and assassination. Ironically, they usually also see to the Suzerain's personal health. Finally, the Arch-Mage Penult is also the royal astronomer, and must keep track of Gaia's fickle moons and ring system to know when there will be light and dark, and whether there are any foreign satellites in orbit.
VACANT Low Nobility
Fangs Military commanders that specialize in maneuvering and engaging with ground forces. As a requirement, they must be familiar with magic and its practical uses in warfare.
Talons Military commanders that specialize in maneuvering and engaging with naval and air forces. As a requirement, they must be familiar with magic and its practical uses in warfare.
Drake Hand-picked champions of the Suzerain, and national heroes of the Sapphire Empire. They rarely take direct command of military forces, but can be expected to perform daunting tasks that normal troops would balk at.
Councilor Passes judgement on civil and criminal court hearings, completely of their own decision and discretion. The only place in the Empire where deliberation takes place is in the High Court of We'Darastri, which cycles through its Councilors every five years (or at the Suzerain's behest).
Barons Small-scale landowners who have limited autonomy to run their villages and resource gathering as they deem necessary. They can requisition the services of other Low Nobles, but only at the approval of the Arbiter.