Racial Information:

Celestial Empire of Zealtranesia
Politics and Religion
Population and Economy

Beastfolk: Flight, Regeneration (20)

The Celestials bear a remarkable likeness to both Human and Alfar, possessing the general outward appearances and unearthly beauty as the Alfar, while their physical capabilities are extremely close to human norms, with two major exceptions. The first being their incredible constitution, which permits them to recover from the most grevious of injuries within hours or days, as well as extending their lifespans close to that of the Alfar. The second is a pair (or two, or three...) of feathered wings, and the ability to fly despite the physical impossibility of the feat.

History:

Recorded Celestial history spans several thousand years, outdating even Alfar influence on Lemuria. The majority of these are in the form of bureaucratic records, outlining everything from minutes of Council meetings to tax return reciepts. However, these records all begin on the same date, and absolutely no data exists prior to this date. It is widely believed that the Celestials are the descendants of true Celestials who had been cast out of the heavens after losing a war which was sparked by an unknown catalysm. Their appearances and abilities are considered the only remnants of their supernatural power left to them in recognition of their bravery and martial ability during the war. On the mortal plane, they then constructed their civilization, held together by the Bureaucracy which maintains order in all levels of Celestial society.

When the Alfar began their expansion into Lemuria, the Celestials capitulated without a fight, but demanded a period of time in which to prepare for an orderly transition of power. Supposedly, this primarily involved an update of all Celestial organization charts to include the Alfar Emperor and Governor at the top. The term "Zealtranesia" was coined by the Alfar, a combination of the indigenous names of the two main regions that made up their new province. The "Zealsia" (Grassy) Hills, and the "Tranesian" (Bare/Dull) Plains. Zealtranesia was a productive and peaceful province of the Empire, which led to a primarily hands-off approach to governance from the Alfar governor, though minor changes were made, including education in the Alfari language.

One day (the precise date could probably be found if one were willing to search the Great Archives), the Alfar governor and his guard were recalled to Mu for consultation. They never returned, presumably they fell afoul of some instability that was occuring in Mu at the time. However, in an attempt to stave off a repeat of The Great Reorganization, the Celestials appointed an Emperor and a Prime Minister from their two most senior Civil Servants, and quickly rebuilt the institutions of governance around them after several thousand years of disuse. The transfer of power was handled as seamlessly as possible, maintaining the peace which would continue until the Necromantic Wars.

During the Wars, the Celestials sought to maintain the status quo, and thus aligned themselves with the Alliance. The Celestial Army was primarily held in the defense of Lemuria, which suffered the brunt of Necromatic attacks throughout the war. Much of the Tranesian Plains changed hands several times during the War, but the Zealsian Hills were never truly threatened. When the Alliance disbanded, the Celestials set up the Committee for Post-war Reconstruction, which provided monetary aid and assistance for the nations of Lemuria hardest hit by the war. This act has been generaly well received, though some detractors have claimed that it is no more than an attempt to increase Celestial influence in the region.

Government, Politics and the Civil Service

The Celestial Legislature is made up of an assembly of all the Ministers, Directors and Commissioners of all the Ministries, Directorates and Commissions that make up the Civil Service. They are led by the Emperor and the Prime Minister, both of whom hold a veto which may be overriden through a three-quarters majority vote in the Legislature. Both positions are life terms, and are candidates are selected from the Legislature. The Emperor is also in direct control of the Imperial Auditing Department, while the Prime Minister has control of the Anti-Corruption Agency, the two organizations tasked with keeping the Civil Service, and each other, honest. Ministers, Directors and Commissions are drawn from their respective organizations as well. Together, these organizations exercise complete power over the Celestial Empire.

Such is the pervasiveness of the Bureaucracy that there is an old joke that circulates amongst the common citizenry and the lower levels of the Civil Service that they are truly descendants of Celestial Bureaucrats, who due to a Heavenly Recession (Cataclysm) and a rather intense budget appropriations fight (The War) led to the elimination of an entire department, and their 'Celestial Abilities' were part of the severance package. The Government has released several statements over the millenia stating that "That joke is really getting old." and requesting that the citizens cease its spread, but surprisingly to no avail.

Education, Religion and the Examinations

All Celestial children must undergo ten years of formal education in government-run schools, where they learn languages, mathematics, science and history. The ideas of discipline and obedience to the Government are also strongly indoctrinated. The ten years of education culminate in the Imperial Civil Service Examination, where the best and brightest minds (approximately the top 5%) are whisked off to higher levels of study and preparation for a fast track carreer in the Civil Service. Those who score well, but who are not selected, but who still pass (the next 20%) are given certificates of scholarship, and have the choice of further education with the aim of joining the Civil Service at the lower levels, or joining one of the Guilds or the military. Those who fail are either sent to vocational training schools, or typically return to their homes to learn their trades from their families.

Surprisingly, there is little in the way of organized religion in Zealtranesia. The majority of the population believes in (of course) the Old Gods, as well as engages in ancestor worship, though this is more akin to veneration due to the strong sense of filial piety that is inculcated through the education system.

The Heavenly Host

Military Budget: 20,000 Gold (80)

Commander: Ruiwen Shangjiang

The Celestial Army

The Army is the primary arm of the Host, drawing the majority of its budgetary and personnel requirements. It is a relatively lightly equipped force that relies heavily on its mobility.

Notable Regions

6 Countrysides 60
3 Hills 30
1 Chaotic Wilds 10
2 Cities 100
1 Water Node 50
1 Stockade 10
1 Keep 30
1 Adamantium Mine 10
Domains: 300

The Zealsia Hills

Hill
City (Liangcheng)
Hill
City (Shuiyingshi)
Hill
Adamantium Mine

The Tranesian Plains

Grassland x 6

The Crystal Forest

Chaotic Wild
Water Node
Keep
Stockade

Celestial Empire of Zealtranesia

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