The Empire of Aht Urhgan dominates the Aradjiah Continent, a landmass found east of Mindartia. This massive nation lies between the Gugru Blue and the countries of the Far East, and is governed by the Divine Empress–a ruler who wields absolute religious and secular authority.

During the time of the Crystal War, the allied forces of Altana - including Tavnazia, one of the Empire’s largest trading partners - petitioned for the aid of the Aht Urhgan armies. Despite repeated requests for help, the Empire remained steadfast in her isolation and dispatched not a single soldier. These actions led to the continuing diplomatic distance between the Western nations and the Near East. The Empire is currently at war with her Far Eastern neighbors.

Al Zahbi
Protected by tall ramparts, the impregnable fortress city of Al Zahbi serves as the capital of the western half of the vast Empire of Aht Urhgan. The city resembles a labyrinth, with the roofs of stone buildings joining to form paths around structures built on a higher level. The serpentine designs seen throughout the city represent the two-headed snake king Zahak, a symbol of the Empire.

Al Zahbi is divided into three wards:

Commoner’s Ward
This fairly new ward houses residents who have either not been granted or have been stripped of citizenship. Beastman attacks are a constant threat due to the district’s location on the outskirts of town.

Merchant’s Ward
This diverse ward is home to merchants and craftsmen who provide their services to the area’s throngs of traders, mercenaries, and adventurers from foreign lands. The district also features two ports, one facing the inland sea to the north and another facing the open sea to the south. The Merchant’s Ward also serves as a western gate to the Empire.

Imperial Ward
The Imperial Ward lies behind a colossal white wall that separates the district from the rest of the city. The magnificent imperial palace, military facilities, and residences of the imperial family line the streets inside, but non-citizens are strictly forbidden to enter.

The Military

Volunteer Soldiers
These soldiers were recruited from among the inhabitants of Al Zahbi. Their desire to protect their homeland is strong, and their morale is second to none. However, due to their lack of formal training and proper equipment, they have a tendency to falter in the heat of battle.

Imperial Soldiers
These soldiers receive a stipend from the Aht Urhgan Empire for their services. As members of the Imperial Army, they possess not only quality weapons and armor, but have also received extensive training. Among their number are seasoned veterans who have been brought in from the front lines of the conflict with the Far East.

The Immortals
The Grand Vizier directly commands this unit of elite special forces. Their original duty was to protect the Empress from harm and maintain order in the Empire, but they also participate in Besieged battles under certain conditions. The Immortals use the skills learned in their rigorous blue mage training to command the defending army in battle and provide logistic support.

The Serpent Generals
These five generals have been personally charged by the Empress with the defense of Al Zahbi. They are each allowed a name that corresponds with the symbols of the Empire. The Imperial symbols consist of five serpents, each associated with an element–fire, water, earth, wind, and the heavens. Each general possesses a mirror used to open the Hall of Binding.
Further Reading on Serpent Generals

Mercenaries

Goblin Mercenaries
When the treasury permits, the Imperial Army hires Goblin mercenaries. Goblin mercenaries are battle-hardened professionals and should not be judged by their diminutive appearance. Their only drawback is their wavering sense of loyalty, which has a tendency to change with the tide of battle…

Qiqirn Mercenaries
These beastman soldiers are hired on a provisional basis when mercenary numbers are low. The Qiqirn are brought straight out of the shops and guilds where they usually work in town, and thus are unaccustomed to battle. However, they can use their impressive archery skills and devious traps to confound the enemy and occasionally alter the course of battle.

Culture
Years of warfare with past enemies such as the Kingdom of Ephramad and new foes such as the nations of the Far East have seen the Empire of Aht Urhgan develop a somewhat militaristic culture. The constant conflict with the beastmen forces that dominate nearby regions forced the Empire to develop a strong military force which has come to have a major impact on the every day life of it's citizens.

Living Standards
While citizens living in the Imperial and Merchant's ward enjoy a good standard of living those in the commoner's ward are subject to constantly worsening conditions due to the constant beastmen attacks. However thanks to the leadership of the Grand Vizier, petty crimes have been greatly reduced.

People you should know

Nashmeira II
Empress of Aht Urhgan, 16th ruler of the Majaab Dynasty.

Having placed herself on the throne after her overthrow and banishment of the previous ruler, the Empress proclaims herself to be the supreme knowledge in the Empire. She even proclaims herself to be the Empire - the very embodiment of the nation. Little is known of her as she hides behind the walls of the palace and keeps only a few close advisors. It is said even they do not see her. However, one thing is clear: Her Magnificence is no simple puppet under the control of the Grand Vizier. This is evidenced in her decision to authorize the establishment of the mercenary company "Salaheem's Sentinels," despite vehement protest from her closest advisors. All that is known is in recent months the call for arms and mercenaries from other lands has begun, and the road to war seems to be ahead.

Grand Vizier Razfahd
The young commander of the Empresses elite guard, the Immortals, he is the one who carries out the will of the Empress. Though, his real role and status are unknown and many believe he holds some secret authroity or power over the throne. Recently the deployment of the Immortals to various reaches of the continent – despite their primary role as bodyguards to the Empress–is believed to be in some way connected to the mysterious Astral Candescence.

President Naja Salaheem
President of the mercenary company Salaheem's Sentinels, Naja has been commisioned by the Empire to recruit as many soldiers as she can. Naja, with an eye for profit and not much else, thinks nothing of such a strange request and continues to recruit all who show they have the gusto for combat and the patience for putting up with her obnoxious attitude. "Gil makes the world go'round" is her motto.

Gessho
After the Yagudo found he was secretly studying the philosophical and religious ways of the "races of light", Gessho was excommunicated from the Yagudo theocracy. An elite swordmaster, he heard word of the Empire's recruitment and quickly signed on. Courteous and well versed in the common language, Gessho, though different in appearance fits in quite well with other races. Perhaps here he will find a new home, someplace that will accept him.

Qultada
Leader of the last of the Corsairs, Qultada has become a giant thorn in the side of the Empire. His people, driven off their land by the Empire's past wars, has kept hatred of the Empire fresh in the heart of his crew. Strong in the belief the Empire is up to no good, Qultada and the crew of the "Seagull Phratrie" is ready to take them on, any time, anywhere.The Freeguard