Bartimean Empire

The Bartimean Empire is a large and powerful state located in Central Sirotha Regie. Just east across the Vizlean Sea from the Republic of Vizle, Bartimea has carved out a vast territory stretching from the Sea in the west to the frontiers of the Orcish Confederation in the east. Its northern frontier lies on the Northern Wastes, south of Astrijan and southwest of Fort Necessity. Bartimea's southern boundary is with the Kingdom of Hastoice.

Government
The Bartimean Empire's government consists of two branches: the Emperor and the Assembly.

Emperor
The Emperor is the senior partner in Bartimea's government. The Emperor can make laws, command the usage of troops, conduct diplomatic missions, and oversee all day-to-day governing. Depending on the particular Emperor, their powers can grow or shrink. Still, almost every Emperor maintains a firm hold on power. The Emperor can appoint Governor, but the Assembly can override appointments by a two thirds vote. The Emperor chooses a Chancellor, General in Chief, and Admiral in Chief, by a similar process.

Assembly
The Assembly is the junior partner in the Bartimean government, which primarily supports and advises the Emperor. In theory, the Assembly can veto any law the Emperor passes by a majority vote. However, this power is rarely exercised due to the Emperor's commanding influence over the body. The Assembly consists of 16 respected individuals, one of whom is selected by each province of Bartimea. The means of selection varies, including appointment by the governor or election by the people. The Assembly must approve a new alliance or declaration of war. Additionally, the Assembly is responsible for acquiring new funds for the state, except for those from military conquests. However, the funds must be transferred to the Emperor's authority. The Assembly can override the actions of any province's Governor by a majority vote.

Military
Bartimea has the second largest military in the world, behind the Orcish Confederation. Bartimea deploys a majority of those forces along its eastern frontiers.

Diplomacy
Bartimea's foreign policy is dominated by its struggle against the Orcs in the south, and its desire to expand its soft influence over smaller human countries. In the east, Bartimea props up a vassal state called the Republic of Ofrar. This highly fortified region serves as a buffer against Orcish raids and incursions. In the northeast, the pseudo-independenct Orcish tribes of Staz Amaz Bajrak pose a continual threat to the Bartimeans. Astrijan alternates its position, typically preferring a tense neutrality to both the Orcs and Bartimeans, but at time it has lapsed into the power of one or the other, and raids have ensued.

Vizle
Bartimea has a longstanding and successful alliance with the Republic of Vizle, which originated with the Du Vizle family before it came into power. As a result of longstanding diplomatic and trade ties, Vizle has even acquired a number of trading posts on the Bartimean coastline. In times of need, Vizle has supplied troops and money to finance Bartimea against the Orcs, while Bartimea has helped Vizle against the Kingdom of Golcash.

Hastoice
Bartimea maintains a neutral position with the Kingdom of Hastoice. During the Hastoice War For Independence, Bartimea sponsored the humans. However, after the human victory, Bartimea attempted to invade and make Hastoice into a vassal state. After this failure, Hastoice has maintained surprisingly friendly relations out of economic necessity, but does not have a formal alliance with Bartimea. Bartimea-Hastoice relations are stressed by their joint interest in Lombia.

Lombia
Despite its distance from the Lombian Peninsula, Bartimea has sought to influence the region. Most notable, the largest Lombian state of Midlo has entered into an alliance with Bartimea. Other small states have banded together in defensive alliances against Midlo. However, Bartimea has not yet invested troops in Lombia, or given any indications of a military-centered policy in the region.

League of Cities
Bartimea has a longstanding policy of fostering influence in the League of Cities. Generally, Bartimea has allied with fellow Covenanters states in the region, against Magian states. However, it has not yet conquered any of the League.