>>5721064The Eastern Roman Empire begins its climb back to prominence. The last remnants of the original Roman Empire, its people are led by the brave IMPERATOR, who rules from the proud and nearly impenetrable capital city of Constantinople. Imperial citizens are known to be some of the most well-cultured and educated in the known world, but their nation's slow decline and territory losses over the years have been taking its toll. While the Empire has a stable and well-centralized government, the lack of decisiveness and a system of "check and balances" has led to less than favourable foreign policy decisions.
Religiously, the ERE is a Christian nation, although in recent times its sovereignty has been threatened by the Muslim, Jewish, and pagan neighbors to its East. Its closest current ally is Kievan Rus, but it is on icy terms with the Khazar Khaganate and Bulgaria, both of whom have been encroaching upon imperial land. (flavor text)
Geographically, the Empire's lands range from rocky mountains, rolling hills, and warm islands, most of which are in a good climate for large scale agriculture. Due to its location, it is also a nation with many connections and an ability to trade well with other Mediterranean nations, but it struggles with connecting its trades to nations that do not touch the Mediterranean.
Militarily, the Empire has a very large military composed of imperial-owned Legions (an unusual occurrence in Feudal Europe). The Empire has a serviceable naval and infantry force, but their true strength lies in the Imperial Cataphracts, which are very heavy cavalry units coated in lamellar armour, able to break through even the toughest enemy lines.
