Commonwealth

Section heading
The Imperial Commonwealth is the foremost entity in the Midgard region, and encompasses large areas of the region.

Structure and Organisation


The Structure of the Commonwealth has developed organically, and operates under a mix of traditional feudalism and a kind of elective Monarchy. The Commonwealth itself is divided into numerous lands ruled by individual Kings, Dukes, Lords, Bishops, and Mayors, collectively referred to as Princes. The individual Princes are all considered Imperial Estates assuming they have no intermediate rulership between themselves and the High King.

While each of the Princes was represented (not necessarily equally) at the Sejm, several of the Princes are designated as Prince-electors. The Prince-electors choose the next High King from a selection of eligible candidates.

Imperial Cities
There are four designated Imperial Cities, each held by a city Mayor or Stadtholder. These cities are where the Commonwealth will hold court, and where the Sejm convenes. The Capital also lies in one of the four Imperial Cities, but varies from King to King, usually choosing the closest to the place of origin.

Toruń

Stargard

Koszalin

Legnica

Army and the Military


The majority of the Commonwealth army comes from feudal levies supplied by the Princes. However, the Princely armies are normally only called during large scale wars, with the majority of internal conflicts being handled by the Imperial Army or Mercenaries.

The Imperial Army is a professional army made from paid and willing recruits. They are heavily funded by the Imperial cities in lieu of providing manned levies, and generally act as guards in major cities.

Professional troops are also provided by a number of mercenary bands that are sworn to the Commonwealth, most notably the Hussars.

Religion
The majority of the populous of the Commonwealth follow the Yazicha faith, with a significant portion practicing Folksidr, especially in the border regions. While freedom of religion is enshrined in law, there is a significant push for Moralism and only Yazicha dioceses are formally recognized as princes and have representation. More importantly, while in principle nothing in law prevents a non-Yazicha Emperor rising to power, the Emperor of the Commonwealth must first be crowned by the High Keeper, who is unlikely to crown a heretic.