Iconium is the empire of man. This nation seems always on the defensive, yet remains relatively tolerant (at least on the surface), and a highly religious society. The essential human virtues are: piety, justice, and glory.

The empire accepts non-human into its ranks, and if they “convert” recognizes them as citizens. Even ex-patriot fae can live in the empire and have the protection of its laws, as long as they pay taxes.

The empire’s dark side is that it has no tolerance for disorder and lawbreakers. Most are killed or enslaved. Corrupt officials often trump up charges to line their pockets with extorted monies, or the confiscated goods of “criminals.”  Slavery is legal, and thrives in the empire.

Any half-human is regarded as fey in human lands, even if born within the empire. Like other fae, they must prove their loyalty to the church and state to gain citizenship.

Iconium is capital of the Empire (and the center of concentration for this game). From the Three Walls of Iconium roadways of stone and water radiate out to the frontiers of the empire. It is located roughly between the Old Country and the Themes (also called the Eastern Provinces).

The Empire is divided into two sections. To the west is the Old Country. The same noble families that led humanity to this land rule it, in fief to the Empire (at least on paper). The Old Country has a feudal system of government. Currently Seven Duchies, in the hands of the most powerful noble families, divide the countryside. These lands are subdivided into counties, and even smaller baronies. The land is crowded with cities, farms and small villages.

The Themes are ruled by military governors, although wealthy nobles have set up mini-feifdoms in some areas. Commoners can gain a theme, a grant of land, in exchange for military service. These grants may be passed down from generation to generation, or sold. The thematic system guarantees a dedicated soldiery for this part of the empire and acts as a safety valve for the dispossessed of the Old Country -- scoundrels, defunct nobles, etc.

The rulership of all the empire is shared with the church of Logos that dominates the lives of humanity. The Emperor appoints the head of the church, the Logothete, but this does not necessarily inspire loyalty. In fact the Emperor, his nobles and excarchs are locked in an intricate powerplay, with the cardinals and Logothete. Politics and religion are deadly in the lands of Iconium.

The inspiration for the Empire comes from the Empires of the Near East: the Byzantine, Persian and Ottoman Empires.

Other names are: The Realm of the Godly, The Purple Kingdom, and The Domain of the Chosen.