Overview
Aegis is an unusual oligarchy located in the central territories of Bail. Four oligarchs govern it, each having an equal say in the administration of Aegis. These rulers are the King of Delilah, the Mayor of Herrus, the Lord of Cossacks, and the Emperor of Aegis himself. This unique system has been in place for years, resulting in considerable regional prosperity. While these four leaders must collaborate during times of crisis, they frequently compete for greater power over one another. This dynamic creates a strong yet unstable alliance that can either be constructive or destructive. The most prominent element in the royal halls of Aegis is the ongoing struggle among the rulers for influence and control.
Government Operation
The Oligarchs who govern Aegis possess absolute authority over their respective domains. The King of Delilah is responsible for the city of Delilah, and so forth. The Emperor of Aegis holds a unique position, overseeing all towns and villages not incorporated into larger settlements. Additionally, the Emperor acts as the primary diplomat, managing relations with other nations.
Each ruler is supported by a court of advisors and administrators, known as the Servants of Aegis, who assist in governing the vast bureaucracy of the empire. The oligarchs convene four times a year—once each season—to discuss important issues, share their successes, and establish key agendas for the future. These meetings are publicized and sometimes held in open forums, allowing affluent members of society to attend. They also serve as an opportunity for the oligarchs to engage in subtle politicking, as they often tout their own achievements while playfully critiquing their fellow rulers.
High Oligarch: The King of Delilah, The Mayor of Herrus, The Lord of Cossacks, and The Emperor of Aegis. These four individuals are the absolute rulers of Aegis; they have complete power over their own designated areas of the nation, but they collaborate on issues that affect the entire nation.
Hand of the Oligarch: One of the direct aids to the High Oligarchs, each Oligarch has no fewer than four, and no more than ten. They are a direct link to the Oligarchs, delivering their will and often one or two act as diplomats in foreign courts.
Greater Servant of Aegis: A greater administrator in the nation of Aegis, they work in groups of approximately ten members to oversee a city ward or a town in the countryside.
Lesser Servant of Aegis: A lesser administrator in Aegis, they work in groups of three or four to assist greater servants and are sometimes placed in charge of small villages in the countryside.
Millitary
The military strength of Aegis is divided into two main groups: the armies of Herrus, Cossacks, and Delilah, which collectively serve as both standing armies and city guard forces. The national military of Aegis, which operates under the authority of the Emperor, constitutes the other group. Due to the complexities of governing such a vast empire, the Emperor often appoints a general to oversee the army in their stead.
The national military is organized into divisions, each led by a warlord. In contrast, the individual armies of the cities lack a standardized structure; however, they typically consist of a group of knights at the helm of a large contingent of soldiers. Although the armies of Aegis might not be the most organized fighting force, their numbers often allow them to leverage a numerical advantage against their enemies.
High Oligarch/Grand General: The absolute master of one of the four armies of Aegis is either that army's High Oligarch or a Grand General they place in charge of the army.
Warlord/Knights: Knights and warlords play a similar role in the military of Aegis; they answer directly to the High Oligarch or Grand General, and they are responsible for organizing, supplying, and mobilizing the soldiers beneath them.
Standard Bearer: The role of standard bearer is an honorable one in Aegis, and while they have no more authority than the average soldier, they are seen as first among equals.
Man-at-Arms: The common soldiery of the armies and navies of Aegis are decently paid, trained, and equipped, but often are disorganized. Incredibly numerous, making them dangerous by the volume of troops available.