Nikosian Empire

The Nikosian Empire comprises most regions of the continent of Dunieth that are predominantly inhabited by felines. It is an absolute monarchy, ruled by the Amethyst Emperor, and is named for Nikos I, its First Emperor.

Territories

The empire is divided into six provinces, as follows:

Chiwu-zhi | Darkfallow | Jangara | Kyaww-catar | Leograu | Zauana

The empire's capital, Chiwu-zhi, is considered its heartland province, while Leograu, Zauana, Jangara, and Darkfallow were inherited from the Leograu Empire and Kyaww-catar was conquered.

History

The Nikosian Rebellion and founding of the Empire

The Nikosian Empire came to be in the aftermath of the Nikosian Rebellion that toppled the Leograu Empire in 7855 DC. The rebel faction that assassinated Reolex Nemeon II and III named its leader Emperor of a new Empire, and named the empire after the name he took as he was crowned, Nikos.

The establishment of the successor empire was a paradigm shift in the society of the regions that comprise its provinces - Urban felines, who were prior to the rebellion viewed as second class citizens of the Leograu Empire were elevated in status - assets of regal feline nobility were seized and put under the management of rebel leaders, almost all urban felines, who, along with the imperial family, would form the new nobility of the Empire.

Conquering Kyaww-catar

Late into Nikos I's reign, in 7897 DC, the Empire made a bid to annex the southernmost part of Kyaww-catar for the rich deposits of iron and other minerals that had been recently discovered in the region. This was met with a fierce response and erupted into a series of conflicts that would span half a century, well into the reign of Nikos II. These conflicts were collectively known as the Whitescarf Wars, named after the epithet given by Nikosian troops to Kyaww-catari guerrilla units infamous for their tenacity and deadly marksmanship in the harsh conditions of their mountainous homeland. The Whitescarf Wars ended with the complete annexation of Kyaww-catar into the Empire after the surrender of its government in 7951.

Government

The Amethyst Emperor is the supreme ruler of the Empire. However, the Empire has four additional shadow emperors, which both act as advisors to the Amethyst Emperor as well as provide the Empire with four additional lines of successions should the Amethyst line fail. Each of these lines are descended from one of Nikos I's younger children.

The Amethyst Line

The Amethyst Line is descended from Nikos I's heir, Nikos II and has continued to rule the Empire unbroken since Nikos I's establishment of the office.

The Diamond Line

The Diamond Line is descended from the second son of Nikos I, Xavos of the Diamond Line. The head of the diamond line is the first in the line of succession should the entire Amethyst line fail.

The Ruby Line

The Ruby Line is descended from the elder daughter (and third child) of Nikos I, Feyrin of the Ruby Line. No relation to the city of Ruby in the Ka'aras Sovereignty.

The Emerald Line

The Emerald Line is descended from the youngest son of Nikos I, Sakon of the Emerald Line. The Emerald Line has distinguished itself outside its imperial role through producing many highly successful military commanders.

The Sapphire Line

The Sapphire Line is descended from the younger daughter and youngest child of Nikos I, Mikiya of the Sapphire Line. The line started declining sharply in overall member health towards the end of the decamillennium, and died off completely in 10108. The ultimate fate of the Sapphire Line remains in jeopardy, and many speculate whether the Amethyst Emperor will name a new Sapphire Emperor or simply abolish the office.

Military

Five of the six provinces (Leograu was demilitarized following the Nikosian Rebellion) have their own armed service branches:

• Chiwu-zhi Imperial Guard
• Darkfallow Rangers
• Jangara Rainforest Corps
• Kyaww-catar Mountain Corps
• Zauana Flatland Corps

Budget

Of note is that due to its perpetual state of war against Nethron, the Kyaww-catar Mountain Corps is the top funded military branch in the empire, commanding 44% of the total military budget, over twice that of the branch with the second highest funding, the Darkfallow Rangers, which has 21%.