Empire of Byria

, often simply referred to as SB Byria, is an agrarian empire on the south of the. Byria is a uniquely matriarchal state. Only the women have any political power; males are given no voice in important matters and are not permitted to bear arms. In extreme cases, men are kept only as illiterate, uneducated slaves, used for laboring in the fields and for other purposes as needed. The land is held by several hundred powerful clans whose women are trained to arms from birth. This female warrior class is renowned for its martial prowess. The Empire is jealous of its borders and maintains a strong navy; foreigners are rarely welcomed and most trade is done by locals and a few specially licensed s.



, the oldest major settlement of Byria, was founded in 435; the surrounding region was conquered by during the 5th century. The story of Byria’s founding is rather fanciful. It is recorded that a woman of the Imperial Azeryani harem complained frequently to the emperor that if women were in power, the problems of the empire would be vastly less. The emperor, tiring of her attitude, decided to teach a lesson and dispose of the troublemakers of his court at the same time. This he did by making her governor of the province of Byria. Somewhat to his surprise, she took a number of the women of his court and made a success of provincial government. Byria achieved de facto independence within a decade but did not officially declare independence until 462. Byria is now governed by an appointed Empress and by a council of major landholders.

The region is relatively infertile but its fruits and wines are widely valued. The government’s isolationist policy inhibits trade. The dominant religion is a matriarchal cult of Larani.

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