After the decisive defeat of the elves of Neathshara, the great Empire of Druecia was born, spanning a vast realm unified under the authority of the Grand Emperor in Autumngrove—the imperial capital. Druecia consists of nine major kingdoms: Autumngrove, Honos (Shadowkeep), Novastra, Grimrest, Albia, Steelrun, Knightscross, Neathshara, and Dephena. Following their conquest, each kingdom’s ruler swore allegiance to the emperor, promising cooperation in exchange for autonomy within their domains.
Each kingdom maintains its own governance, armies, economies, and trade networks, yet all must abide by common imperial laws and regulations designed to maintain harmony and stability throughout Druecia. While the emperor holds supreme authority in title, exercising direct control is complicated. Mobilizing the empire’s full military might requires the consent and cooperation of individual kingdom rulers, whose personal interests and allegiances may vary greatly.
Though Druecia currently enjoys a period of relative peace, this delicate balance depends heavily on diplomatic finesse. Kingdom leaders understand the fragile unity holding their empire together; a single disagreement or rash decision could fracture alliances and plunge the empire into internal conflict.
Two kingdoms in particular highlight this complexity. Dephena, ruled by proud and independent centaurs, openly distrusts imperial ambitions—especially the colonization and suppression of magical traditions abroad. Meanwhile, Novastra, perhaps the most influential kingdom within Druecia, greatly values magic and consistently opposes aggressive imperial expansion, notably against the western lands of Vesh-Tarra.
While militarily unmatched and capable of overwhelming any external adversary through united action, the Empire of Druecia must tread carefully. The emperor’s leadership hinges on cautious diplomacy, measured decision-making, and respect for the varying ideals and loyalties of the kingdoms. A misstep in strategy or diplomacy could unravel the empire’s unity, turning unmatched strength into vulnerability.