Peleg: Xanadu Colonies

The Empire

The islands of the Xanadu Empire have been ruled by the current dynasty for hundreds of years. The Empire is even more ancient, going back to before Maia's Great War, when conservative idealists from Maia first started to colonize what is now the Xanadu Empire. The Empire's boundaries have changed over time. The current dynasty has brought the Empire to a climax of power, drastically expanding the boundaries of Xanadu.

Imperial Technology

Xanadu Alchemy, based on the Eight Elements model, is a combination of physical and social science, philosophy, practical medicine and applied chemistry. Alchemy is used in many trades, as well as being it's own profession.

The most unique technology to Xanadu is Gun Powder. Xanadu's firearms, cannons and fireworks are greatly feared and respected. They have been used effectively for civilian and military purposes, but because of unpredictable effects on livestock, wild animals and domesticated war beasts, Gun Powder technology is believed to be quite limited in it's combat potential. Xanadu's battlefields are still dominated by more primitive projectile and hand-to-hand weapons.

The Domesticated Spider silk is usually used to make cables, ropes, thread, and extremely durable yet comfortable clothing. The silk from certain breeds of Domesticated Spider is used to produce thick, bullet-proof body armor. This same type of super-silk is also used to make thick cables that are almost unbreakable.

Xanadu's Silk, Cannons and Guns have made it a powerful force in the interplanetary economy. There is a major demand for Xanadu's commodities on Monopolis. Monopolis has unsuccessfully attempted to conquer Xanadu, and now trades with Xanadu.

Some of Xanadu's anthrosaur population lives on private junks and sailboats. This dynasty has developed massive sail-powered barges, sometimes covered in various types of ornate but functional cannons.

Imperial Inhabitants

Most within the Empire are Kobolds. A few of the dynasties throughout the Empire's vast history have been composed of non-kobold intelligent species, but that has been uncommon. When this does happen, it is usually a result of a barbarian force assuming control of the empire, all though even many of the barbarians on Xanadu are Kobolds.

The current dynasty practices a religion that has a strong emphasis on ancestor worship. This religion has a strict code of conduct that applies to all of the ruling class and warrior clans. The Empire's military is based on families (clans,) and any one seeking power, including the current dynasty, must negotiate with these clans for support. The established religion assists the current dynasty in controlling the traditional warrior clans.

The majority of the inhabitants of the empire are law abiding and supportive of the government, and also have a specific place within the Imperial religion. Common trades within the Empire include farming, silk production, merchandising, producing arrows, swords, armor, arrows, other primitive weapons or guns (both cannons or small arms.) Also, the professional teaching of various skills such as martial arts, literacy, medicine and trades is also quite common.

Some groups that encounter violent opposition, such as the warrior clans, traveling merchants, outlaw gangs, and even the occasional desperate village have been known to employ mercenaries. Such hit men, body guards, and instructors include weapon specialists, mounted archers, snipers, boxers, guards, and shadow warriors.

The Empire and it's residents get food primarily from live stock and the eggs of live stock, and from hunting wild game. Most of the domesticated plant life goes to feed live stalk, but some of it is consumed by the Anthrosaur population as well.

There are various orders of monks who typically serve as priests in the Imperial religion. However, they are also involved in researching experimental technologies, perfecting medicine, educating the locals, and engaging in other useful scholarly acts. It is common for these monks to practice various martial arts to the extent that they can serve as a defense for their local communities.>

There are populations of Gargoyles, Rocs and Titans within the Empire. The Gargoyles are spread throughout the empire, fitting into any niches they can. The Rocs typically serve as messengers or spies. The Titans are mostly employed in horticulture, where their brute strength and vegetarian tenancies are valued, although some Titans have found themselves employed as mercenaries.

Imperial Government

The empire is ruled by a supreme leader called the "Emperor." The Emperor supervises the empire's military leaders, negotiates with the warrior clans (who represent the bulk of the military power in the empire,) and commands the servants to whom he has delegated his authority (primarily the "Governors.")

The Empire is divided into Provinces. Each Province represent a specific geographical area, and they vary greatly in terms of area size, natural resources, and population. Each province is ruled by a Governor. Each Governor is related to the Emperor himself, either by blood or marriage, and answers directly to the Emperor.

The Governors have the power to educate and appoint Magistrates, who are responsible for enforcing the law in a specific part of the Province. The Magistrates primarily serve as judges in the Imperial courts. How many Magistrates each Governor is allotted depends on how many people live in his Province, and on how governable those people are. (A large wilderness area with strong village governments may only have a single magistrate assigned to it, since the people are self-governing and friendly to the Empire. On the other hand, a large city may require dozens of magistrates to keep law and order there.)

The Magistrates are dependent on Enforcers and Detectives. Enforcers are well trained, heavily-armed guards who enforce the dictates of the Magistrate. The Detectives serve as both lawyers and investigators for the courts of the Magistrate. Enforcers are loyal to specific Magistrates. Detectives can be employed by specific Magistrates, but in general they operate where every they please within the Province.

Enemies of the Empire

The War Lords of Peleg share a common history with the Xanadu Empire, and are political enemies of Xanadu. There are rebel political factions within Xanau led by War Lords. These factions are often warrior clans who have not become loyal to the current dynasty. They are often in competition for control of the Empire, some times engaging imperial forces head to head on the battlefield.

The Marauders are warlike, nomadic, barbarian tribes who travel within the borders of the Empire. They sustain themselves of the spoils of raids on towns and villages. All though they are not very numerous, they are very feared, and are seen as a threat to the stability of the current dynasty.

There are less violent nomads living inside the Empire who have been known to be less-than-loyal to the current Dynasty. These nomads are typically Minotaurs or Gargoyles who breed and shepherd livestock. They sometimes are also traders or merchants.

Organized crime is also a major issue in the Empire. The numerous outlaw bands could be anything from secret inner-city smugglers, to bandits who roam the county side preying on unsuspecting travelers. Dissolving the Empire's crime problem is one of this dynasty's primary military objectives.