The Revaaran Empire: Revaarans
History:
The Revaaran Empire started life no different than the rest of the nations. Upon the departure of the Ancients, the world plummeted into a mad dash for power. Many of the work camps became towns, eventuall evolving into capital cities. The Revaaran camp was thought to be a housing camp for familys of workers that moved around a lot. Many roads lead into and out from the camp. It was once said that workers were ferried in small metal ships the floated through the sky, though this is all conjecture.
Many raiding parties and warlords took interest in the large camp, and made attempts to bring it under heel, countered only by sheer determination and strength of number. The Camp borders grew, meaning defenses needed to protect it had to be built. The various factions within the town formed walls to protect themselves, but the walls didn't just protect from the outside, they used them to encompass their whole slice of the fast growing city. An arms race quickly ensued, each clusters' self appointed ruler developing their own small armies to protect their perimeter wall.
Several decades past and what then became a city was all but a honeycomb of walls and lookout towers. Many "houses" attacked one another, once conquered, they'd fell the wall between the two and use the resources to build the new perimeter a little higher. After a desperate house tried to harness a relic, which blew a hole a mile across on the furthest reaches of the city, killing a good fraction of the populace, all out war broke out. This war raged on for months until one day, a man by the name of Regarius Krenn, meticulously sewed discord into the minds of the people who worked for the great houses. For if the houses did not exist, there would be no need for internal conflict. In one night, known as the Ashen Dawn to historians, the people rose up and overthrew those who used them as pawns in their power games. 36 years ago the old regime fell and the people were free. It was during the celebrations, the the people demanded that Regarius Krenn stand as their leader.
​
To avoid further internal conflict over power, he made a proclamation during his inauguration.
​
"Good people of Camp 16, we are united again. And we, from this day, will never throw ourselves into chaos for the prosperity of the few again. Therefore, i decree that our government shall not be decided by succession through birth or inheritance, but by service and recognition of deeds done for the benefit of all. I will set up a system, with the elders of the various districts and outlying towns, whereby a new emperor, after i relinquish or perish, will be appointed upon merits given to them for their tireless work. For only one who works for the people can rally those people to work for them. No title or family name will sway this judgement, neither will be the word or decree of the last ruling Emperor. This, i say now, will be the way our empire will work, and we will take back that which was stolen from us in past years. And if we come upon people who suffer the same oppression or tyranny that we endured in foreign lands, we will give them this message. We will protect you, all you need do is work for the betterment of all. And if your superiors do not let your people live free lives, we will relinquish you from their charge. And your people shall become our people, and we will look to them as brother and sister, under our protection. For this is the way of our new Empire, the Revaaran Empire!"
​
A uniting call brought people from far and wide, many new cities sprang up, the emperor prioritized the setting up of infrastructure for the betterment of the lives of his people, through both construction and research. The fires of industry stoked hard within the cities, many forests were levelled to accomodate the boom. Cities became grey landscapes of indulstrial machines and harsh stone. Their people, however, lived for every day. Nobody went hungry, jobs became available faster than the new arrivals could take them, those that couldnt work still contributed in small ways and were well looked after. Every loss was heartfelt and their life was celebrated in a night of Revelry. Those down on their luck could move into workers barracks to get back on their feet. Major crime was almost non existant. The city, though grey and harsh looking, was forever welcoming to outsiders
Many years passed and after almost two decades of a prosperous and peaceful reign, Regarius Krenn made another life-changing anouncement.
​
"For many years we have toiled, for many years we have worked hard, put our sweat and blood, tears and dreams into this new Empire, and as i look upon you, i am proud. As proud as a farther looking upon his children who have worked so hard to earn a name for themselves. With that pride, i can finally say my work is bearing fruit. You are the people i knew you could be. But i look beyond our borders and i see those same people who brought our homes naught but anguish and ruin so long ago. They may have been born elsewhere, they may have different faces but trust me my children, they bare no dissimilarities to those ghosts who haunt our past. It is with this in mind that i give my first military order as Emperor. Go forth, rid this world of those who would oppress their fellow human, and bring the same happiness and learning that we have enjoyed these past 20 years. And if any stand against you, deprive their kin of the freedom to live how they will, let them feel the same retribution that you brought upon the Ashen Dawn. Bring them to heel, and let their people share in our unified prosperity"
Appearance and approach:
​
The Pre Revolution Revaaran people share a visual similarity to Ancient Romans, long Robes adorn those in power to show who is in charge of the proceedings, shorter tunics denote labourers and civilians. Traditionalists still stick to this ideal, though many have conformed with the more industrious approach of previous years. Tough boots and simple garments made of hard wearing materials, simple cut tunics still prevail though they tend to be a little shorter than those traditionalists wear. Those in the industrial or military lines of work wear clothes fit for purpose, many have external pockets, tool loops or holsters to accomodate the nature of the job.
​
Black and Grey with flashes of red denote both the Imperial banners and the military uniform. White is considered a sign of rank within the military as it is easier to discern on the battlefield when looking for an officers guidance. General colours also found within the cities are Dark Browns, Greys, Burgundies and crimsons, and for those wishing to show off a little, dark purples and greens.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Soldiers still make common use of the lorica style armour, though some have made alterations to the construction to make it less of a burden or bulky, many appear as just the chest and rib construction without the arms. The heavy shock troops commonly wear helmets that harken to older times, or at the very least a modern alternative styled to look like it, often with the addition of the traditional cheekplates.
​
(The main aim is to combine a traditional roman style with east european ww1 look. Cargo trousers can often be used by engineers or those with more of a "Hard Graft" to their job title)
​
Their attitude to outsiders is Honorable but Brutal, They see each foreign nation as either potential countrymen or merely a bump in the road that needs running over. Their approach is very "Convert or Kill". They may act like they want to unify the world in peace but they will go to any lengths to do it. They are, however, stern believers in the Attraxan Accord, and will never stoop to breaking the law.
Customs and Traditions
The Revaarans are very open about their beliefs of unification. They see the continent as a land of likeminded people given different paths a long time ago. Therefore, they are often known to let foreigners experience their culture to gain a better understanding of it (to make their eventual assimilation an easier transition).
Settled by the blade
Any disagreements among Revaarans are encouraged to be settled by martial prowess. It is believed that to air your grievances with someone in front of peers, blade in hand, is the best way to make your grievance known. It is not required to win this challenge. To simply partake and put your heart and soul into your performance helps to give the opponent an idea of the severity of the slight. It is considered good etiquette for the victor to ensure their opponent is seen to by a medic, better yet to task one of their own medics to see to the care personally.
Settled by the Blade is a tradition used to settle many disputes in civilian life but in the military especially, From disobedience, unit rivalry, challenge of authority and proving skill levels to peers, it is a common sight in Revaaran military camps. Even Shokku-Gai and Cassh'iaan troops often partake in the tradition to cement their place in the Revaaran military
​
Rite of Recognition
Any Scion or Archon may choose to enact the Rite of Recognition if a member of either their or another unit does an exemplary job or achieves a difficult goal. It is considered indignant to ignore any Rite of Witness that occurs, to listen to a Rite is to support the efforts of your fellows, to boost their moral and to show unity in the face of the enemy. It is often thought that to have a Rite enacted on you will help you climb the social ladder and help you to one day achieve the rank of Archon.
During a Rite, one member of the Archon's unit is chosen to announce to the camp the name, unit and the deeds of the subject of the Rite. If anyone doubts this claim, they must announce this in full witness of the camp. This will then be Settled by the Blade. The Rite still stands, however the validity will be under question to all who witness.
​
"To all present. We of the Revaaran Capital Irregulars enact the Rite of Recognition upon Crecius Drexis, Secondus of the 23rd Rapid Response Force. When on patrol along our borders, we came under fire by an enemy insurgent squad. Crecius' unit intercepted our call for support and immediately came to our aid, putting themselves to the front to allow our injured to be evacuated. May this Rite of Recognition be witnessed by all and carry their example and reputation forward"
​
Many hands make light work
One thing that has always proven to be a strength of Revaarans is their unity of purpose. They've never thought to take on all the responsibility by themselves, their entire culture is built on the ideal of "Team effort". It is considered common practice for any person in a position of responisibility to have at least one Secondus, effectively an apprentice and stand-in. It is also commonly seen as beneficial to all for the Secondus to not be someone closely related or linked to the person in question, spreading the influence outside personal circles helps to make them approachable and on the same level as all. Historically, those who kept wealth and power to themselves led those under them to their deaths for their own gain and were subsequently lynched in full view of the public during the Uprising, hence their distaste for hoarding.
​
Show of Acceptance
One thing that Revaarans strive for is that one day, a whole continent will look upon them as equals under the same purpose. By this reasoning, it is considered proper to treat any who stand before you as you would a neighbour or coworker, hatred and anger only fan the flames of defiance. It is often said that Revaaran legionairres are epitomes of stoic resolve, their calm demeanor and respect for their opponents has often instilled fear in enemies. Many reports of skirmishes with Revaaran troops resembled fighting against the still of the grave, like their souls knew no fear or doubt, only purpose.
​
Celebrations
It is tradition within Revaaran society to celebrate Momentous days like the formation of the Empire (April 1047), the anniversary of the Emperors appointment, The anniversary of the other countries joining the Empire, etc. It is common for parades and celebrations to be a unified affair, usually on a saturday when everyone can join in. Taverns are bought out for the day via a collection pot, kegs and spirits are then left out for people to help themselves. They then ensure no mess is made by bringing their own drinking vessels. This way, even the tavern owners and workers can take it easy and enjoy the night. In the military, a similar tradition of sharing of alcohol helps ease the job of the quartermasters and logistics officers. It is also common for soldiers to hold revelry for the fallen, sadness is considered a hinderence. Better to celebrate their life and accomplishments and then fight on in their name
Revaarans are also known to support and partake in celebrations held by the Shokku-Gai and Cassh'iaan to show their respect for their cultures.