Achyon

The City of Achyon was one of the first key territories taken by the invading forces of the Empire of Barsburg, and it soon became a center piece in their conquest of Esshar. Following the events of the Pandemonium Chase, what remained of of Barsburg's forces migrated from Osrona to Achyon, further building out the city. It is the a centre of industry, innovation, and a bastion against the barbaric forces of Esshar. Heavily fortified and prioritizing the efficiency of its infrastructure over the comfort of its own citizens, the city is a standing fortress and a defiance to the continent’s resistance to the Empire in this new age.

Culture

The Imperial Empire of Barsburg has been a military might in the regions near Esshar for hundreds of years. Achyon came about with those ideals at the forefront, as a nation that focuses primarily on technological progress with a mind for advancement, ever expanding and in search of new resources to harness, whether that is people or foreign materials - And in fact, with Barsburg’s long and bloodied histories, there’s scarcely been more than a few years at a time where the nation was not at war, generally on the offensive. While their military might works to expand outwards, the greatest minds of the Empire are restlessly at work as technomancers within to optimize and perfect all manner of society. Human flaws such as ‘disobedience’ and ‘disloyalty’ are discarded and trained out of fully fledged citizens.

Structure

The primary leadership of Barsburg is through a council, with two rulers sitting at the top at all times. One leader controls the flow of technology and the people, and is referred to as the Basileus. The other leader controls the military and the constant pressure that Barsburg is so well known for, and is known as the ‘General’. At any given time, these leaders are flanked by several councilmen, ranging anywhere from five important land owners, to sometimes ten or more individuals of less importance who have acquired unique and special titles over the years. The Basileus and General are elected when the previous ones die from this court, oftentimes with the same family being voted in time and time again.

It is an empire of smoke, soot, and clockwork. Some may call it a dystopia, but those who live and work are offered meals, shelter, and perhaps a a meaningful existence, so long as they work and continue working until their debt to society is paid. Unfortunately, that ‘debt’ is scarcely ever truly ‘paid’, and generally only ends when the person is no longer capable of work whatsoever, or, more likely, kills over from exertion or from many workplace accidents.

• Progress Over Morality: Everyone inside of the Empire is considered equal so long as they work and support The Empire. Occultists and Holy Magi are seen as 'lower class' citizens until they prove their worth, as this magic has proven only to poison the mind. Likewise, demons are caged and shackled as beasts of war, loosed only to perform magitech tests upon, or to be used as hounds of war against their enemies. These beasts are often kept caged and are bound to magi through the use of an incredible feat of technology, specifically designed to bind a demon to a magi, and force them to heel to their command. No price is too much, and no sacrifice too far, in the name of Barsburg and its ticking progress.
• Dissent Will Be Broken: Active betrayal or disagreement with any aspect of the Empire is crushed underfoot immediately, generally through violent force, such as tactical squads and silent political murders. Political opponents are, generally, blinded with their eyes gouged, and those who are blinded are considered heinous in the eyes of the public. Prisons are uncommon, and those who aren’t blinded are often sent to physical labor facilities, such as mines or factories to work away their crimes against The Machine. Many sent to these facilities do not come back. Even despite the inherent risks, there are frequent uprisings, especially in areas that are newly conquered. Ultimately, however, the Government remains in a state of near constant control across their Empire.
• In The Name of Humanity: Religion is a very odd topic within the walls of the Barsburg Empire. While most are content to look aside and not worry about such trivial matters, a select few have taken to worship the Magitech and technology crafted by Barsburgian scholars. These priests do not worship a god or a divine presence, but rather respect both the Government and the tools they produce on a level similar to that rivalling Celestialism or the Fireblooded. Though not officially recognized by the Barsburg council, these Technomancer Priests often bolster the Barsburg armies and are well known mechanics and engineers, and it is not uncommon for them to be on both the front and backline of assaulting forces, repairing mechs, magitech, and any other manner of weaponry.. As well as dismantling and studying the enemy weapons and armor to get a better feel against their opponents.