Heylel - The Zenith Empire

Ascension Isle

Heylel - The Zenith Empire

On maps of Arth Heylel lies in the south west, with the Rafaelan jungles a near northern neighbour, and the Mikaela across an ocean to the west. The name Heylel comes from the Chosen. Although after a thousand years of Empyrean inroads many locals also use the Chosen term, the official indigenous name for the continent is Zenith, from which the dominant political authority for 1200 years drew it’s name. A generally temperate land, the interior is mountainous and well forested with many strange weather patterns, and several micro climates. Some valleys remain virgin forests, while others are heavily terraced from centuries of agriculture. The criss-crossing mountain ranges have also served to create a patchwork of distinct valley cultures, and served to limit true political unity. With the catastrophic end of the War in Heaven this lack of unity has also brought an end to the Empire and left a patchwork of successor states in its wake.

History

Over 1200 years ago a terrible disaster struck the world of Arth. Specifics on that time are difficult to find due to the widespread destruction, but stories passed down through the ages talk of fire raining from the sky, the sun falling into the ocean, the seas boiling away, and the mountains collapsing. Although the Chosen’s Empyrean Codex describes the calamity as lasting seven days and nights, the Empire’s loremasters suggest the period of devastation was much longer, lasting several years, followed by a generation of ice and snow before the sun finally returned. Exact dates are difficult, but the Empire's calendar generally records the Cataclysm as being 25 BF, or Before the Founding

During this long winter, a mixed band of human and fey refugees established a camp on the southern coast of the continent of Heylel, by an area heated by several hot springs. As their camp grew they came into conflict with a wandering tribe of ogres also drawn to the springs. The humans possessed several weapons of the Old Word, powerful devices that could destroy armies, while the Fey had shielded the area around the village with powerful geomantic wards, but the ogres were lead by a great shaman who threatened to summon legions of angry spirits. The two groups were on the verge of a war that threatened to destroy both fragile communities, when they were approached by a trio of Lamia, snake women who had been living unnoticed in the caves below. The Lamia suggested they could find a party to resolve the dispute, and lead the chieftains of the humans, fey and ogres deep below the ground to a cave of fire. From the rivers of magma rose up the legendary fire dragon Azi Shaleh. In angry tones so hot the hair of the chiefs was singed she told them that it was the fire of her breath that had kept them alive through the cold darkness. Their lives, she said, now belonged to her, and she would not have them waste them in pointless warfare. She would protect them, and in return they would obey her. Terrified, the chiefs all knelt and swore to obey her words. Azi Shaleh took their loyalty, and then demanded one of the chiefs remain with her for a night and a day to seal the pact. The young human chieftain, Lan Fen, volunteered, and the others returned to surface, chastened and believing they had left the brave human behind to die.

Instead, Lan Fen returned to the surface after the promised night and day, his skin the red of a bad sunburn, but otherwise unharmed. He refused to speak of what had passed between him and the dragon, beyond to tell the others that Azi Shaleh had directed the tree tribes to set up a joint council and govern in peace until the coming of the one who would rule. Years passed, the passage of time clouded by darkened skies which never showed the sun or stars. Still the village expanded around the springs and geysers, becoming a town, then a city. The skies cleared, and the people spread outward into the recovering land. The tribes had drawn closely together through the dark, cold years, but now there was talk of going their separate ways once again, and old arguments began to resurface, with no word from their patron dragon to moderate them.

Then a young woman entered the city, now named Meridian as the meeting place of the tribes, flanked by a pair of Lamia priestesses. She entered the Hall of Assembly where the chiefs were gathered to discuss the growing disputes, threw back her hood and declared herself. She was Azurdeena, the daughter of the fire dragon Azi Shaleh, and now grand chief Lan Fen. She had come to fulfill the promise made by her mother many years before. The long winter was passing, but as the skies cleared a new threat would be coming she warned. A race of powerful beings who called themselves the Chosen of God, and styled themselves as angels. They would demand the people of Meridian kneel to them, or be destroyed. They had already destroyed many peoples, Azurdeena said, for they were the ones who had caused the Cataclysm. The people of Meridian had two choices. They could obey the Chosen, who had already subjugated nearly all the world, or they could accept her as their princess, and her mother as their divine protector, and fight.

The chiefs deliberated for several days, until finally Azurdeena took them up on a flying carpet to show them the lands the Chosen had already conquered. Places were non-humans worked as slaves, while humans were reduced to a childlike state of obedience, forbidden magic and all but the most rudimentary tools. On seeing this the leaders of the humans, fey and ogres all agreed that the Chosen must be resisted, and joined with the lamia under the rule of Azurdeena and her mother Azi Shaleh. This is recorded as the year of the Founding, and starts the Imperial calendar, with all subsequent years being “After Founding.”

The Chosen appeared soon after, darkening the sky with their silver ships and descending on glowing wings to demand the obeisance of the people of Meridian. When they met defiance, they meted out casual punishment, expecting terrified obedience. Instead the people of Meridian struck back. They unleashed the last of their old weapons, threw their magics, and then when all these efforts seemed to fail, the dragon Azi Shaleh herself came to their aid, rising up amidst fire and smoke to smite Chosen ships from the sky. The angels retreated in disarray, ending the First Revelation War between the Empire and the Chosen.

For thirty years the Empire grew rapidly, drawing in refugees from distant lands, and binding together scattered bands across the continent of Heylel, while the Chosen nursed their wounds, and secured their hold over the rest of the world. Then, in the year 32 AF the Chosen returned, in far greater strength. The people of the Empire met them in defiant battle once again, this time aided by Azi Saleh and her siblings, Jormundar, Alshedra, and Tishar; the dragons of ice, air and earth. Despite the aid of these legendary forces, the Empire was driven back and the city of Meridian lost. Defeat seemed certain, when the dragons summoned the greatest elemental spirits of Arth for one final blow and set the Chosen to flight once again. But the Second Revelation War had cost the Empire dear. Mortally wounded in the final battle, Azi Saleh and her siblings retreated into the Umbra, charging her descendants to keep the Empire free of Chosen domination, as a place where magic could flourish and mortals live in peace. They left behind a blood pact with the greatest spirits of Arth and Umbra, bound to obey the line of Azurdeena, who would now be the ruler and Empress of the Zenith Empire.

The Empire would enjoy another fifty years of peace before the Chosen returned for the last time. In 85 AF silver ships once more slid across the sky. Fearing the worst, Azurdeena stood on the grand balcony of the Imperial Palace of Meridian in an elemental circle formed by five fey master geomancers, and spent her life’s blood to summon up the greatest of spirits, but instead the leader of the Chosen host descended amidst a ray of light, and presented her a proposal. Calling himself the Angel Tabris, he claimed the Chosen wanted no further conflict. They were willing to accept the existence of the Empire, if it were willing to bind itself by a set of treaties. To avoid further suffering, Azurdeena agreed, and the Zenith Empire entered into the Sunset Treaties with the Dominions of the Chosen, buying peace for Heylel, at the price of the rest of the world. And the life of Azurdeena. As the Chosen departed, the strain of controlling the greater spirits drew the last of the Empress’ life, and she collapsed and died, passing rule on to her eldest son.

Heylel Traits

Arete Draconic (D)
You are a devout follower of the religion of dragon-worship, closely tied with the origin myth of the Imperial Family. If you possess this trait you may recruit Ascendant religious characters.

The Arete Draconic comes with the following three tenets:

1.) Worship the divine dragons as the model for mortals to achieve enlightenment and agency

2.) The Draconic Virtues of courage, intelligence, patience, might, and charisma are worthy of emulation.

3.) Weilders of magic have a divine right to rule, and any ruler should pursue the study of magic.

Imperial Dragons (F)
You are a member of the Arete Draconic's imperial sect, which upholds literal dragon's blood as a birthright of rulership rather than simple adherence to Draconic virtues, and the Imperial Family as the mandated rulers of the nation. You may have Ascendent characters with the Dragon-blooded traits.

Dragon's Roost (D)
Your nation contains the Dragon's Roost, the great temple to the first Ascendent Dragon. If you possess the Arete Draconic, all of your Ascendant characters gain one level. Only one nation my possess this trait.

Army/Fleet/Flight Traits.
The military of the Zenith Empire is scattered and in a time of rapid change. After centuries of traditional doctrines, all that once was has been thrown into question. The successor states formed from the Imperial Dominions are now experimenting with new ways of war, represented in the doctrines below. A nation can only choose two of the Army/Fleet/Flight traits.

Doctrinally Advanced (E)
Your nation has put a great deal of thought into the military future of the Empire. You may select an extra military doctrine. This doctrine is not free. This trait merely allows you to select three Army/Fleet/Flight traits rather than just two.

Army of Steel (E)
Your nation has adopted the way of steel, seeking to bolster its forces with technology from Mikaela and Rafaela. The former Zones may be weak in magic, but still they resisted the Chosen for a thousand years. They must have much to teach.

A nation with this trait can recruit all regular Zone army units. Foreign Intervention or Zenith Imperialist are prerequisites for this trait.

Fleet of Steel (E)
Your nation seeks to build a regular navy for the Empire using the technology of Mikaela and Rafaela. For too long has the Empire ignored the seas.

A nation with this trait can recruit regular Zone naval units. Army of Steel and either a conquered Zone industrial port, or a completed military exchange treaty with a Zone nation are a prerequisite for this trait.

Flight of Smoke (E)
Your nation seeks to build an air force of zeppelins and biplanes for the Empire using the technology of Mikaela and Rafaela. Since the end of the Chosen, no one has soared further or higher. The Empire will not stand in their shadow forever.

A nation with this trait can recruit regular Zone aerial units. Army of Steel and either a conquered Zone industrial center, or a completed military exchange treaty with a Zone nation are a prerequisite for this trait.

Army of Spirit (E)
Your nation has adopted the path of spirit, teaching that through rigorous training the ingrained potential of common soldiers can be unlocked, granting them the powers of supernatural martial arts.

A nation with this trait can recruit Army of Spirit units. Monastic Tradition or Zenith Populist are prerequisites for this trait.

Army of Bone (E)
Your nation follows the way of bone, raising the dead of the past to fight for the future of the living. The world of Arth has so many dead, and war is sure to make more; this is only efficiency.

A nation with this trait can use Army of Bone abilities. Ancestral Tradition or Zenith Traditionalist are prerequisites for this trait.

Flight of Wind (E)
Your nation follows the flight of the Wind, using wings to carry its warriors to war. The Chosen ruled the sky, and this the world. By taming the beasts of the air the Empire will better them.

A nation with this trait can recruit Fleet of Wind units. A Flying Creatures trait is a prerequisite for this trait.

Fleet of Waves (E)
Your nation follows the whales as they roll through the waves. Why build artificial machines to sail above the waves, when there are creatures with a lifetime of experience swimming under it.

A nation with this trait can recruit Fleet of Wind units. An Aquatic Creatures trait is a prerequisite for this trait.

Army of Gold (E)
Your nation treads the path of Gold, seeking to elevate the magical devices and practices of the Empire to untold heights. Let the Jibrilites play with their Thaumatic toys; let the Zones cough in the smoke of their oily machines. You will seek a path above them all, one paved by the golden light of an ascendant magic.

A nation with this trait can recruit Army of Gold units. Note that many Army of Gold units have additional prerequisites for construction.

The Zenith Military

Traditional Units

Note: For unit cost, the first value is production, the second is upkeep. One unit of production is equivalent to 10 units of upkeep. So a nation with 100 production can pay 1,000 points of upkeep at maximum load.

Zenith Militia Division
Although the Zenith Empire maintained no large standing army, the land itself is dangerous enough that the common folk of Heylel maintain some martial skill for self defense against monsters and bandits. Common equipment is light or medium armor enchanted with fare-thee-wells, and swords, spears, crossbows and the occasional ornately engraved musket, all enhanced with hexes.

Some of these weapons and armour have been passed down for generations going all the way back to the early days of the Empire when they were forged in vast quantities in expectation of imminent invasion by the Chosen. The oldest of these weapons have picked up many layers of enchantment over the years, and have become exceedingly potent.

The Division contains 20,000 Zenith Militia

Attack: 1

Defense: 2

Mobility: 4

Move: 1

Cost: 2/1

Traits: Close Assault, Enchanted (1)

For an Extra 1 Cost the militia can be upgraded with ancient weapons to Enchanted (2)

Light Cannon Regiment
These cannon are a collection of antiques acquired over the years and pressed into service to support the militia. Some are breechloaders, others even more obsolete muzzle loaders. Their utility is enhanced with a range of magical shot, but this can’t hide the dire need for replacement.

The Regiment contains 50 Light Cannon pulled by pack animals

Attack: 2

Defense: 2

Mobility: 3

Move: 1

Cost: 2/1

Heavy Cannon Regiment
Just as antiquated as their lighter brothers, these are heavy seige cannon. They are relatively rare in the army but are sometimes seen aboard converted warships.

The Regiment contains 25 Heavy Cannon moved by teams to stationary sites.

Attack: 4

Defense: 2

Mobility: 1

Move: 1

Cost: 3/2

Zenith Knights Company
For more than a thousand years the Zenith Knights were the Empire’s first line of defense. They are without doubt the most deadly mortal warriors in the world - trained all their lives to fight not other men, but gods. Their specific form varied in each of the Empire’s semi-autonomous Dominions, but always they were an elite corps of knights, bound by strict codes.

The Zenith Knights wear lovingly crafted armour with layer upon layer of enchantment, along with the best arms that magical craft could provide. Weapons range from massive diaklave blades to great lances and powerbows. To use these weapons the knights are all trained mages, and battlemages of the iron circle at that. If a prospective candidate cannot rise above the stone circle then no matter his martial skill he will be summarily released. This rigorous ethos served to keep the knights a small and feared elite for many centuries, but not it makes it impossible to expand them into a true mass army.

The Company contains 100 Zenith Knights.

Attack: 6

Defense: 5

Mobility: 5

Move: 1

Cost: 10/10

Traits: Elite, Close Assault, Special Operations, Enchanted (3), Mage (2), Armoured (10)

Ships

Unlike land forces, naval units have no separate attack and defense ratings. Instead they use Surface firepower, Sub-surface firepower, Anti-Air and Boarding firepower displayed as X/X/X/X.

Most merchant ships do not take upkeep. You can produce as many of them as you like (after so long under the Chosen interdict Arth’s sea lanes are vastly under-capacity), and when not in use for specific tasks they enter your merchant marine. They can be spawned from the merchant marine for special tasks at any of your ports, or along established trade routes. You do not get any direct benefit from the number of merchant ships in your merchant marine, however certain traits are unlocked as your merchant marine reaches set sizes.

Small Boat
Small boats are ubiquitous vessels around all the coastlines of Arth, smacks, barges, small junks and cutters are some of the various types of these vessels. Used predominantly for fishing, all are powered by sail, and have a small capacity to carry men and cargo.

A small boat displaces under 100 tons with a crew of 5-10, and can carry 25 soldiers, 5 mounts and their riders, 1/10th a point of raw production, arms for 200 men, two pieces of light artillery or one light vehicle.

Although unarmed by default a small boat can be armed with a single light cannon. If used in this manner, and formed into flotillas of 50 ships, these flotillas get 1d of Surface Firepower. More commonly Zenith small boats will carry mages, in which case the mages half their attack rating and use it as the boat’s firepower instead. These mages can be placed on one ship, or several (with a maximum flotilla size of 50 ships), but for casualty purposes it all counts as a single flotilla.

Firepower: 0/0/0/0

Mobility: 1

Move: 3

Cost: .01 / 0

Traits: Sail, Fragile, Merchant

Large Boat
Large boats are larger sailing merchantmen used for intercontinental voyages. Due to Chosen restrictions on travel they are relatively uncommon on the seas of Arth, although there are several well known smuggling vessels sung about by bawdy sailors in the seaward quarters.

A large boat displaces up to 2000 tons with a crew of 10-20, and can carry 250 soldiers, 50 mounts and riders, 1 point of raw production, arms for 5,000 men, 200 pieces of light artillery or 100 pieces of heavy artillery, and ten light vehicles or two heavy.

These vessels are also unarmed by default, however they can be converted into sail frigates with the addition of cannon, in which case it takes 25 light cannon to arm one. If so armed a squadron of two large boats has a surface firepower of 1d. More commonly Zenith large boats will instead rely on embarked battlemages, in which case Firepower becomes half the mage’s Attack. The mages must remain within the same squadron.

Firepower: 0/0/0/0

Mobility: 2

Move: 5

Cost: .2 / 0

Traits: Sail, Merchant

Steam Boat
A steam boat has the same cargo capacity as a large boat but is somewhat larger and has been refitted to include a steam engine

Firepower: 0/0/0/0

Mobility: 3

Move: 10

Cost: .33 / 0

Traits: Merchant

River Barge
A barge is a used for riverrine commerce. It has double the capacity of a large boat, but founders in open sea unless assisted by a tug. A single tug (steam boats or light warships) can pull up to four barges.

Firepower: 0/0/0/0

Mobility: 0

Move: 5/2

Cost: .2 / 0

Traits: Merchant

Steamer
Steamers are the standard across Arth for seaboarne commerce. Although still few in number, they are being produced on all four continents in a variety of styles, but all with similar capabilities. The most common of this growing class are the “Liberty” ships of the Zones.

A steamer displaces around 10,000 tons with a crew of 25-50, and can carry 500 soldiers, 100 mounts and riders, five points of raw production, arms for 20,000 men, 1,000 pieces of light artillery or 500 pieces of heavy artillery, and 250 light vehicles or 50 heavy ones.

Steamers can be converted to troop ships in which case they lose their ability to carry other cargo and double the number of soldiers and mounts they can carry. Alternately they can be built as bulk haulers, in which case they lose their accommodations and double the dry cargo they can carry.

Like other ships, Steamers can be armed with weapons, such as a circle of mages or a regiment of artillery.

Firepower: 0/0/0/0

Mobility: 3

Move: 10

Cost: 1 / 0

Traits: Merchant

Zenith Hilux Liner
Although the Zenith Empire was not allowed warships under the terms of the Sunset Treaties, they were not forbidden to sail within their own territorial waters. The Empire has many beautiful coastlines with numerous glistening bays and coral reefs. So the elite of the empire could tour these in style the Empire built a large number of luxuriant liners. By 1215PC these liners had become massive floating cities, built in a dizzying array of architectural styles, from sleek mega-cutters, to floating pagoda castles.

But beneath all the gilt and glitter every single Hilux Liner was spell-wrought for battle. Powerful enchantments were worked into their frames, and at a moments notice ballroom floors could be converted into isolator circles, while polite serving golems could suddenly combine and transform into lethal guymelefs.

Most of the Empire’s secret war fleet was lost with the destruction of the Imperial capital, now entombed under the frozen Jade Bay, however scattered vessels have survived in the hands of the successor states. All these remaining vessels have now been activated for full war service

An inactive Hilux Liner is just an extremely opulent but otherwise harmless pleasure ship displacing 100,000 tons or more with a civilian crew of 2,500. An active Hilux Liner has a full combat crew of 5,000 with 100 iron circle mages and five silver circle mages, with admiral’s quarters for a gold circle archmage

Firepower: 15/10/5/30

Mobility: 1

Move: 5

Cost: 100 / 50

Traits: Mage(3), Enchanted (3), Lumbering