The Bind

The Bind Leygh Wolgos
Flag	Coat of arms
Motto: Pl̥h1nos H3regs Wolgos - All-Encompassing Wolgos Domination
Anthem: Call To The Chosen
Locator map
Capital city	Skous
Largest city	Kalsulan
Official language	[[|Wolgos]]
Other languages
Ethnic group	Wolgos - Ak'lam - Shriaav
Religion	Dlroch'velder, Indigenous beliefs
Demonym(s)	Wolgos
Government
Government Type	Dictatorship
Gwretaido Prawiros (Endowed Father)	Whrosklowos Ghruxhuorsunus
Legislature	Senate of Anaria
Establishment
Whorleda purge	Spring 7462
Area
Total	15,041,835 Km2 km2
Water %	5.6%
Population
Total	72 485 958
Density	4.82/km2
Economy
Economy type	Capitalist
GDP (total)	Ꞡ 1,250,000,000,000
GDP per capita	Ꞡ 25,000
Currency	Binding Vorck
Currency symbol	File:₳
Inequality index	25.5
Development index	0.875
Other information
Time zone	-10
Driving side	right
Calling code	TBC
Internet code	N/A
Nation number	{{{nation number}}}

The history of The Bind, the second Wolgos state, is marked by military might, strategic expansion, and ultimately, a tumultuous downfall. This era in Wolgos history is characterized by the strong leadership of Whrosklowos Ghruxhuorsunus and the subsequent political crisis following his death. The Bind was established under the leadership of Whrosklowos Ghruxhuorsunus, who commanded the remnants of the Hlrike from Dhownolgos and the colonial Hlrike of New Xedun. He successfully purged the traditional Wolgos theocratic hierarchy, consolidating power under the Hlrike's military rule. This new state, with its centralized power structure, stabilized and encouraged the resettlement of millions of Wolgos refugees moving inland to settle Altaia. A new capital, Skous, was established along the Nuss River, becoming the heart of colonization and expansion efforts.

Under Whrosklowos Ghruxhuorsunus's rule, The Bind saw significant advancements in technology and military prowess. The incorporation of the Shriaav, recognized for their influence and skills, propelled the Empire to new heights. The Bind, while largely isolated, flourished as a prosperous state, bolstered by a strong military and the fear it instilled in its territories.

The Bind's stability heavily relied on the leadership of Whrosklowos Ghruxhuorsunus. His death in 7594 plunged the empire into a political crisis. Various factions within the Hlrike and the resurgent monastic hierarchy vied for power, each seeking to shape the future of The Bind. This period of turmoil was exacerbated by the ascension of Weykos Gwhermusonos as the new Endowed Father. Lacking the influence of his predecessor, Weykos Gwhermusonos sought to assert his rule and expand the empire through military aggression, spurred on by a prophecy foretold by mystic monks.

The Bind's military expansion led to the Wolgos Scourge, a six-year-long war that wreaked havoc across Gotha, impacting the SOC, Cassia, and challenging Kamura's naval supremacy. The war's ambition was to reclaim the lands of Old Dhownolgos but ultimately led to the empire's destruction. The aftermath of this conflict triggered the Second Wolgos Trek, resulting in the exile of the Wolgos to the most remote lands of Gotha.

History

Pre-Altaian History

Main article: Dhonowlgos

Prehistory

In contrast to [[[Tharna]] and most places in Gotha, there is no evidence of other hominid occupants besides modern humans in the northern Altaia region dating back beyond ten thousand years. However, research conducted by anthropologists has failed to uncover human occupation evidence from earlier periods. Many Anarian anthropologists criticize Wolgos anthropological research, viewing their research as superficial and accuse them of destroying evidence and archaeological sites in pursuit of attention-grabbing artifacts to attract paying customers to their showrooms. Furthermore, the study of Gothan prehistory in The Bind faces significant hindrance from religious and supremacist dogma, causing Anarian anthropologists to cast doubt on or dismiss the conclusions put forth by the Wolgos.

Pre-colonization

The vast expanse of The Bind was once inhabited by various cultures prior to Anarian colonization, characterized by a nomadic lifestyle dictated by the cycles of Gotha and weather. These ancient peoples traversed the expansive Altaian plains, deserts, and river basins, searching for game and foraging vegetation. altaian_range Wolgos conquerors encountered some instances of sedentary settlements in the rocky foothills of the Altaian range, where mud brick villages were ingeniously built into naturally protective rock formations. Regrettably, none of these settlements remain today, but they can be studied through the sketches Wolgos settlers made and artifacts, such as pottery, now displayed in various acquisition societies' showrooms. Additionally, the Nuss River once housed a few farming communities cultivating maize and sweet potatoes close to their riverside village societies, but they were ultimately displaced and destroyed by Wolgos settlers during the Nuss expansion. Ak'lam Among the ancient Nuss settlements, the A’klam achieved a notable level of development, forming federations of villages that engaged in trade, exchanging pottery, animal skins, clothing, herbs, and other locally produced goods. These federations were known to have trade connections with shriaav settlements to the east. telwoti Amidst the changes brought about by colonization, the Telwoti people in the Bind's article regions have managed to preserve their old customs and pre-colonization way of life. Embracing a nomadic existence, their livelihood revolves around seal hunting and fur processing, enriching their culture through practices connected to their environment.

Early settlements

Early settlements in the bay of New Xedun were established by Stoldavians from the Aedeland and Vittmark regions of the Second Stoldavian Empire. Many settlers were motivated to embark on a journey to the remote northern Altaia to escape political or religious persecution or seek fortunes in the unexplored lands. The early settlers constructed simple villages from local timber, attempted to grow Stoldavian crops in the poorly suited climate, and relied on fishing along the coast for sustenance.

The colony consisted of distant and isolated villages that took colonists days to reach each other. The feeling of isolation was pervasive among the settlers, further compounded by the effects of the Tyreal oscillations, leading to the freezing over and sealing of the north-west passage to Anaria for extended periods. Despite the challenges, the colonies managed to slowly grow and maintain a foothold through various Tyreal oscillations. They were self-sufficient, with occasional exports of timber and furs to their increasingly distant homeland, particularly during the highs of Tyreal summer years. However, the isolation and lack of economic returns from the colony to the motherland caused the Second Stoldavian Empire to reduce support and even contemplate abandoning the settlers to their own means. As the Second Stoldavian Empire decayed, the colony eventually became cut off from all support and contact from Anaria. Nonetheless, the governors remained aligned to the Second Stoldavian Empire, even though they were ignorant of its faith. They continued to develop the settlements, unknowingly setting the stage for future Wolgos settlement in the region.

New Xedun

New Xedun was established upon the conquered Dolmer colonial settlements in northern Altaia, which were left to fend for themselves by the decaying Second Stoldavian Empire. These settlements were small villages captured by a naval Wolgos force, and the inhabitants were compelled to build a broch and town to accommodate incoming settlers. The colonization process began in Dhonowlgos when The 125th Vlroicha of Dhonowlgos commissioned the creation of the nation's first navy in the form of five seafaring hordes in the year xxxx. These hordes were tasked with defending the Wolgos coast, engaging in piracy, and ransacking the coasts of the declining Stoldavian empire. Unlike regular navies, they operated without a central command and were guided by spiritual guidance and loyalty to the monasteries.

The hordes became a lucrative source of revenue for the empire and primarily patrolled the stormy seas, avoiding encounters with Levarian fleets, who were also profiteering from the Stoldavian decline. The idea of colonization piqued the interest of Dhonowlgos when Captain Mughowor Noskhralem, the leader of the 4th horde, met with an Levarian admiral in the mutually ransacked Stoldavia town of XXXX. From the Levarian Admiral, he learned of their recent annexation of Altaian colonies from Stoldavia, which inspired Captain Mughowor to formulate a daring plan for similar gains. The 4th horde returned to Dhonowlgos, and the captain sought an audience with the Vlroicha. He proposed that, backed by faith alone, the monasteries send five ships of settlers to coordinate from a map presented to the Vlroicha, promising to bring untold glory to the empire. Although the concept of colonization was not fully understood by the monks, they were enticed by the promise of glory and backed by the captain's esteemed reputation.

On xxxx, the horde set sail towards the Arctic Sea and reached the bay of hope (as it was then known) the following year. There, the horde encountered various isolated Dolmer villages struggling to survive amidst the wilderness. The fleet conducted raiding parties, capturing the villagers and forcing them to build a broch and various long houses for the incoming Wolgos settlers. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Dolmers perished during the construction of the town, but their efforts enabled the Wolgos settlers to begin an unimpeded development of nearby resources and engage in fur and timber exports back to Dhonowlgos. In honour of their homeland, the settlers named the territory New Xedun. Upon the Horde's return to Dhonowlgos, accompanied by settlers' caravels filled with fur and timber, the ecstatic monks rewarded Captain Mughowor with lavish state and bestowed upon him the title of The Reaper of the Oceans.

The success of the endeavor immediately catalyzed efforts towards colonization and emigration to New Xedun throughout Dhonowlgos.

The Pan Anarian War and First Dhonowlgos evacuation

Main articles: Pan Anarian War and Häverist-Wolgos War

In xxxx, Dhownolgos joined the Pan-Anarian War at the request of the Kingdom of Helreich, driven by its true motive of expanding into Anaria. Initially assisting Helreich, the Wolgos eventually took control of Mandara, exploiting and pillaging the area for their own benefit. As Dhownolgos extended its occupation over other Anarian lands, it faced challenges in dealing with disparate cultures and people who found the Wolgos way of thinking incompatible. This strain led to diverting more resources from its New Xedun industry and populace. The defense of the North West passage was particularly taxing, contributing to war weariness among the colony's residents as they tried to protect their homeland. During this time, the once-reclusive Wolgos subspecies became known across Anaria for their ruthlessness, sadism, and savagery in actions, towards prisoners and civilians alike. Their occupation brought terror to populations unfamiliar with the Wolgos, whose calls for mercy and compassion were often met with brutal outcomes. Allies quickly regretted inviting the Wolgos hermit nation into the war as more of their atrocities came to light, souring relations.

In the year XXXX, the tides of fate turned against Dhonowlgos. Once allies, Helreich unleashed a ferocious onslaught upon the war-weary empire. Driven by both repulsion at Wolgos atrocities and the thirst for plundering the empire's accumulated wealth, Helreich's invasion shattered Dhonowlgos' defence lines. The retreating Wolgos left a trail of devastation and horror, annihilating entire populations and transforming once-thriving lands into grim landscapes of despair.

Amidst the chaos, Anarian forces ventured into the heart of the Wolgos homeland. To their dismay, they stumbled upon the Eokoeser, a human ethnic group brutally subjugated and reduced to mere beasts of burden by the Wolgos. The Anarians witnessed firsthand the depths of depravity the Wolgos were capable of, solidifying the image of malevolence that would forever haunt the Anarian consciousness. In the face of mounting odds, Dhonowlgos managed to maintain a slender thread of hope—a protected passage to the New Xedun colony. As treasured riches and elite figures sought refuge through this precarious lifeline, the commoners, too, endeavoured to escape the ravages of war. Over the span of three agonizing years, hundreds of thousands sought sanctuary through the perilous passage.

In time, peace was achieved through negotiation. Anarian powers, wearied by war, yearned for tranquillity, yet demanded radical change. The treaty of Angenvor was struck, stripping the Wolgos of their ancestral homeland and exiling them to the distant shores of Altaia. A resounding message echoed through the ages—the malevolent subspecies, once feared and reviled, would threaten Anarian civilization no longer.

The New Xedun colony became the cradle of a new era, as the Whorleda and D’richo sought to rebuild amidst the wreckage left by the war’s legacy. Yet, despite their efforts, the wounds of resentment ran deep, forever staining the legitimacy of the old order.

Coup and Whorleda purge

Amidst the vast expanse of New Xedun, the monastic regime struggled to retain its once unassailable authority. Thousands of years of cherished heritage in their homeland had been lost, eroding the legitimacy that had once held the monastic order together. In contrast, the Hlrike, whose valor and heroism during the war and evacuation had become legendary, garnered immense popularity among the Wolgos exiles.

As the years passed, a profound divide emerged between the Hlrike and the Whorleda, born from the latter's faltering management of the fledgling settlement of New Xedun. The Whorleda, unmoored from their abbeys and sacred sites, found themselves grappling with disorganization and indecision. They turned to mystic monks, seeking visions and divinations to guide their decisions, but their choices only led to chaos and hindered societal reconstruction, leaving the Wolgos defenseless and mired in adversity.

In the year XXXX, the Hlrike, bolstered by overwhelming popular support, made a decisive move. A bloodless coup unfolded, toppling the Whorleda administration and relegating the once-powerful monks and preachers to ceremonial and advisory roles. Their influence over the new Hlrike-led administration became mere whispers in the ears of those in power.

Foundation of the Bind

Out of the upheaval emerged a new entity—the Bind—a military dictatorship that sought to unify the Wolgos under a single banner. Under the capable administration of the military, order was finally brought to the chaotic territory, providing the fertile ground for industry and the economy to bloom. Cities sprouted like blossoms across the landscape, farmlands extended their reach, and mines and industries burgeoned with productivity. The Eokoeser slave population, brutally subjugated, was systematically increased through breeding, further fueling the nation's rapid growth in the virgin lands of Altaia. Wolgos settlements expanded inland, penetrating deep into the heart of Altaia, crisscrossing lakes, plains, and rivers, leaving their indelible mark upon the untamed wilderness.

The Bind, guided by a strong sense of unity and purpose, forged its path forward, leaving behind the turmoil of the past. The legacy of the Hlrike coup and the subsequent Whorleda purge would forever shape the destiny of the Wolgos in their newfound home.

New Wolgos kingdoms

As the caravans of settlers journeyed beyond the flourishing Nuss valley, a more conservative and religious faction of Wolgos chose a different path, settling in the rugged terrain known as the Divide Rise Highlands. These settlers sought to recreate a society reminiscent of old Dhownolgos, embracing a more fundamentalist interpretation of their faith, Dlroch’veldr, which now relied on lay preachers instead of monks. Unlike their counterparts in the New Xedun region, these New Kingdom settlers vehemently rejected the use of Eokoeser and other slaves, taking an exclusively exclusionary stance that allowed only Wolgos to reside within their territories.

The New Kingdoms held a strict and unwavering commitment to their fundamentalist beliefs, imposing their religious practices on all who dwelled within their lands. Outsiders were forbidden, and even fellow Wolgos who did not adhere to the New Kingdom's particular form of Dlroch’veldr faced harsh consequences. The settlers were unwavering in their conviction, refusing to compromise their faith or traditions for any reason. Among the most striking features of these New Kingdom settlers was their fervent belief in safeguarding the modesty of the soul. To achieve this, they adopted a peculiar practice of concealing their eyes from others. Whether through veils, sunglasses, or bands of semi-translucent cloth, the settlers obscured their gaze from the world. Those who dared to reveal their eyes to others were subject to strict punishment, and in more extreme cases, they were even blinded as a severe consequence for breaking their community's sacred code.

The New Kingdoms were a society unto themselves, preserving their beliefs and traditions within the confines of the Divide Rise Highlands. This unwavering adherence to their faith and their distinctive customs set them apart from the rest of the Bind, creating a stark contrast between the two regions in terms of ideology and way of life. Their closed society stood as a testament to their devotion to the fundamentalist principles of Dlroch’veldr, and they remained steadfast in their determination to uphold their beliefs, no matter the cost.

Sriaav city states conquest

The Conquest of the Sriaav city-states was a series of significant events that took place from XXXX to XXXX, culminating in the signing of the historic Treaty of Naga Yillan. The city-states were a collection of self-ruling villages and towns located along the Bind Shangti coast and outer Nuss River. The Sriaav, who had settled there a few centuries earlier, had already broken free from the kamuran Empire's control by that time.

The Wolgos Empire encountered the Sriaav in the year XXXX and, with systematic efficiency, began enslaving village after village. While there were some battles fought against larger towns, the overall conquest process was relatively smooth and persistent, enabled by the Wolgos' military might.

However, the Sriaav city-states' disarray and overestimation of the Wolgos military strength led them to realize that resistance would only lead to further hardship. Seeking a resolution, the Sriaav united their efforts and proposed a truce, which, in reality, was a treaty of surrender. The terms of the treaty allowed the Sriaav to accept annexation and become subjects of Dhonowlgos. In an exceptional move, the treaty also ensured that the Sriaav would not be turned into Eokoeser, and they would be allowed to coexist alongside the Wolgos settlers.

The historic Treaty of Naga Yillan was named after the village where it was signed, and it was a significant milestone in inter-species interaction within the Bind. Many believed that the Wolgos Empire accepted the treaty not only to absorb existing infrastructure but also to prevent harsh resistance to assimilation.

To this day, the Treaty of Naga Yillan still outlines the terms of inter-species interaction in the Bind and guarantees the Sriaav's status as semi-free citizens. This pivotal document, which has shaped the coexistence of the Wolgos and the Sriaav, can be observed and studied at the prestigious Cosmopolitan Museum in Kalsulan, serving as a tangible reminder of the historical events that shaped the region.

A’klam Subjugation

By XXXX, the once proud and independent Ak'lam tribes had been marginalized and enslaved, their once-thriving hill chiefdoms now conquered by the Wolgos Empire. The decisive Battle of the Steppes, which took place on the second month of XXXx, marked a symbolic turning point in the Ak’lam's subjugation. In this battle, a young Hlrike squire named Xuxowoch Moghumus displayed exceptional prowess and luck, as he managed to strike down the commanding Ak’lam chief, shattering their morale and solidifying Wolgos dominion.

Xuxowoch's actions during the battle, where he defeated the chief with a single, brutal blow, have become legendary in Wolgos history. Unfortunately, the account of the chief's death is recounted with gruesome details, stating that Xuxowoch's fury drove him to disembowel the fallen chief by reaching through his anus and pulling out his viscera. The battle's conclusion in Favor of the Wolgos marked the beginning of a new era of Wolgos dominance, and artistic renditions commemorating Xuxowoch's feat now adorn various public places throughout the Bind.

In the years following the Battle of the Steppes, the Ak’lam were integrated into the Wolgos legal framework. Due to their significant population, complete enslavement was not feasible, and instead, the Wolgos Empire pursued a policy of control and exploitation. In XXXX, hostilities ceased as both parties signed the Treaty of the Steppe. The treaty recognized Wolgos authority over the Ak’lam and required the Ak’lam to disarm and abandon any claims of independence. In return, the treaty offered certain guarantees, including the recognition of Ak’lam freedoms, self-determination, and the safeguarding of their welfare.

While the treaty brought benefits in the long run, it initially caused grievances within Wolgos society. Many saw it as a step back from the policy of complete imperial subjugation, and the emancipation of Ak’lam slaves led to economic disturbances. However, over the following decade, the Wolgos Empire managed to extend its control over the Ak’lam tribes, exploiting them for profit. Wolgos profiteers flocked to the Ak’lam territories, selling them overpriced goods and services while trapping them in a cycle of debt and exploitation. This arrangement ensured that the Ak’lam, though seemingly "independent," were effectively under the Empire's control.

As time went on, the Ak’lam lost their nomadic way of life, settling near Wolgos cities to access basic necessities. Many Ak’lam became the backbone of Wolgos agriculture, toiling under constant harassment and living in a state of unofficial serfdom. Although some might consider themselves "free" or "wild," their lives are far from the freedom they once cherished, and they remain trapped in a web of control woven by the Wolgos Empire.

The Ak’lomanalan revolutionary republic

The Ak’lomanalan Revolutionary Republic emerged as a formidable neighbor to the south of the Bind, carved out of the tribal lands surrounding the Lomanalik Bay, which is now known as the Wlwrying Bay. This young republic owed its foundation to the visionary activist and chief, Omalokol Nolomaninak, who, with clandestine support from the Hellish government, sought to create an independent nation for Ak’lam refugees fleeing the oppressive rule of the Bind. To maintain appearances and abide by the New Hoffnung Treaty, the Hellish government cleverly orchestrated "beneficial" trade deals through foreign front companies to provide resources and training to the fledgling nation.

With the aid of the Hellish support, the Ak’lomanalan Revolutionary Republic quickly established the capital city of Maralimbakan, where the basic infrastructure of a budding nation began to take shape. A barracks, town hall, president's residence, congress, ammunition workshop, wells, printing shop, and clinic formed the core of the city, projecting a front of civilization to the rest of the world.

In the years following its inception, the Ak’lomanalan Revolutionary Republic focused on building institutions and spreading anti-Wolgos propaganda among its people. The Wolgos closely monitored the republic's developments, concerned about the potential threat it posed to their dominance in the region. Meanwhile, the Hellish government hoped that supporting the new nation would garner international recognition for its existence and independence.

However, after six years of the republic's existence, the Bind declared it null and void, citing provisions in the Treaty of New Hoffnug that allowed them to recover resources that had migrated away. The republic heavily relied on foreign food shipments, making it vulnerable to economic pressure. The Wolgos initiated a blockade program against the nation's inland and sea trade routes, marking the beginning of what came to be known as the 1000 Days War.

During the war, the Ak’lomanalan Revolutionary Republic struggled to maintain its independence, facing both military and economic challenges. The conflict proved to be a grueling test of endurance and resilience for both sides, as the revolutionary republic fought to survive against the might of the Wolgos Empire. The war's outcome would determine the future of the young nation and its people, as they sought to secure their right to self-determination and freedom from Wolgos rule.

The 1000 days war

The 1000 Days War was a conflict that lasted over a thousand days, more accurately around four years, proving to be longer and more challenging than the Wolgos had anticipated. Initially, the Wolgos believed that a blockade would lead to starvation, panic, and chaos, demobilizing Ak'lomanalan and making it susceptible to quick conquest and territorial expansion. However, the Ak'lam showed remarkable resilience and determination.

As faced with starvation, the Ak'lam declared martial law, and their elders convened in a congress to draft the "Peoples Resolution." This revolutionary document called for the immediate collectivization of all tribes into a grand tribe, eliminating individual gain and property, in line with the Ak'lam principles. The resolution led to systematic redistribution of foodstuffs and rationing. Warrior leaders mobilized peasants to expand subsistence farming within communes that could be swiftly relocated if needed. Some peasants were mobilized into mobile camps to produce gunpowder and ammunition from local resources like charcoal and bronze, while others formed units to transport goods and lay hidden telegraph wires for communication.

The Wolgos launched bombardments from the coast upon Ak'lam's capital city, only to find it evacuated and stripped of all machinery. Some Wolgos fell victim to booby traps during their landing. Unprepared for mobile subsistence-supported assailants, the Wolgos faced challenges tracking the elusive Ak'lam communes, who maintained a well-running guerrilla force, communicating through hidden short-range telegraph wires unbeknownst to the Wolgos.

As the Wolgos militia suffered losses due to ambushes and traps, their traditional tactics for large-scale battles against conventional armies proved ineffective. Morale began to decline as they fought against what they perceived as a "phantom nation." The Hlrike intervened to prevent further deterioration, implementing a tactic of dividing the theater into sectors and purging each one. They used captured Ak'lam knowledge to learn their ancient migration routes, systematically cutting off their migration corridors to food sources. Eventually, albeit slowly, the Ak'lam communes were subjugated one after another, and mentioning Ak'lomanalan was forbidden as the Wolgos sought revenge. Horrifying acts of vengeance were perpetrated in each sector, with Wolgos civilian soldiers allowed to feed on the commune's leader in front of their followers, women subjected to rape and mutilation, and other unspeakable atrocities committed by their sector minders.

Omalokol Nolomaninak was captured and transported to the Wolgos capital city of Skous, where he was subjected to a public show of brutality. The Gwretaido Prawirosn himself undressed and savagely attacked and fed on a living Omalokol in front of a horrified crowd.

After the Annexation, the territory was declared a "zone of enlightenment" and opened to settlement, though it remains underdeveloped. Foreign powers describe it as nothing more than an immense slave camp. Many Wolgos and Shriaav have moved into the area to engage in human meat farming, which is now considered a luxury among Wolgos civilians.

Wolgos Scourge

Main article: Wolgos Scourge

Geography

The Bind is a vast empire covering a substantial area in northern Altaia, sharing the Altaian range with Cassia. Its territories span various latitudes, extending from the Northern arctic to the lower limits of the northern region. The majority of the empire's land lies in northern Altaia, but it also maintains minor territorial holdings in Davai and Anaria. In Davai, the Bind controls a small archipelago consisting of a single large island and four uninhabited smaller islands. Its Anarian holdings comprise a single beachhead in what was once the ancient Wolgos homeland. The Bind shares borders with numerous nations, colonies, and unorganized territories inhabited by tribes and chiefdoms. Some of its prominent neighbours and nearby powers include Helreich, Aedeland, and Yan.

The empire covers an impressive 15,041,835 km² square kilometers, illustrating that over 97% of its territory is located in Altaia. The Bind has access to the Stolvic, Arctic, and Shangti oceans. However, its access to the Stolvic ocean is seasonally restricted due to northern ice, while it enjoys continuous and unrestricted access to the Shangti and Arctic oceans. The Shangti ocean plays a vital role in the empire's economy, providing abundant fishing opportunities and facilitating trade. The Bind also boasts various inland lakes, whose waters drain into the Shangti ocean through an extensive hydrological network of rivers. The Nuss River stands out as the most important, meandering through the grasslands and fertile fields of northern Altaia. Efforts are ongoing to improve navigability through dredging tributaries and constructing canals to connect different river drainage basins.

The Bind's Altaian Range Mountains create a generally dry climate but are also home to several glaciers that feed its extensive river networks and support conifer forests and diverse animal species. Among the remarkable features of the Altaian range is the Kworgh canyon in the Cradle region, the largest canyon in Gotha. Its awe-inspiring size and vertical drops draw in tourists from throughout the empire and beyond, and it has become a favored location for young settlers. The range is also a significant source of mineral wealth, providing the empire's resource-hungry economy with various metal ores.

The large latitude range of the empire contributes to a diverse array of climates, further influenced by its unique geographical features. Inland regions experience a generally dry character, especially as the Altaian mountains are reached, while coastal areas near the Shangti ocean enjoy a more humid climate with significant rainfall. The empire, in general, is characterized by savannas, dry fields, and dusty plains, which pose challenges and opportunities for its inhabitants and economy alike.

Government

Whrosklowos Ghruxhuorsunus, leading the Hlrike in the New Xedun colony, laid the foundations of an empire that would be under his undisputed control. He purged and subjugated the religious hierarchy and established a bureaucracy managed by force and a cadre of technocrats. This move ensured that every aspect of the government and society would be aligned with his vision and directives.

The Bind's governance under Whrosklowos Ghruxhuorsunus epitomizes a regime where power is concentrated in the hands of one man. The Endowed Father's control over the military, intelligence, religious, and administrative aspects of the empire has created a system that revolves entirely around his authority. This centralized power structure, coupled with a personality cult around the Endowed Father, defines the Bind as a quintessential example of an absolute dictatorship.

Hlrike Command: The Core of Power

The Hlrike Command, with the Endowed Father at its helm, is the central pillar of the Bind's government. As the supreme commander of the knights, the Endowed Father exercises absolute control over the military forces and the broader empire. His authority extends to declaring war, mobilizing the armed forces, and appointing overseers who maintain the Hlrike's grip on power. These overseers wield veto power, ensuring that the civil service and the Guild of Divinators adhere to the overarching objectives of the Hlrike Command.

Guild of Divinators: The Intelligence and Administrative Arm

The Guild of Divinators, comprised of engineers, scientists, and economists, serves as a critical administrative and intelligence organ. Tasked with gathering and analyzing data to guide the economy and state policies, the Guild has evolved to manipulate trends for the welfare of the Wolgos people. Operating covertly, it functions as the intelligence agency and secret police, exerting a subtle but potent influence within the empire.

The Preachers: Religious and Educational Influence

The Preachers, emerging from the reformed Whloerra monks, have been realigned to propagate the vision of the Endowed Father and the Hlrike. As agents of indoctrination, they disseminate the dictated religious perspectives and oversee educational endeavors across the Empire. Their role extends to assuming judicial duties, further embedding the Hlrike's ideology within the societal fabric.

State Halls & Principalities: Administrative Framework

The administrative duties of the empire's regions are managed by State Halls, operating under the Brochs – the fort-academies and barracks of the Hlrike. These State Halls are responsible for tax collection, local services, and civic works. The principalities, once autonomous under the old regime, have been co-opted into the administrative network, losing their independence and political influence. While they retain nominal monarchs, their power is curtailed, aligning them with the dictates of the Hlrike dictatorship.