Society and economy

In the 21st century, the Empire of Turmir has evolved into a highly organized and hierarchical society, characterized by a unique blend of authoritarian governance, capitalist economics, and strict social stratification. Despite being an autarky, or largely self-sufficient economy, Turmir has built a powerful industrial base that thrives on domestic production and rigid control over resources. The empire is a model of efficiency and order, though this comes at the cost of personal freedom and democratic governance.

Government Structure: A Centralized Autocracy

At the head of the Turmiri state is the Emperor, a position that has remained within the Miran Dynasty since the empire’s founding. The Emperor holds absolute power and is the ultimate authority on all political, economic, and social matters. Though nominally advised by a High Council of ministers and military leaders, these officials serve at the Emperor’s pleasure and act more as enforcers of his will than independent policymakers.

The government is highly centralized, with all major decisions flowing from the imperial capital of Kovahr. The bureaucracy is vast, organized into ministries that manage different sectors such as the economy, military, education, and internal security. These ministries are run by loyal technocrats and military officials, who are often promoted based on their ability to maintain order and drive economic productivity. Corruption is harshly punished, and the government prides itself on being efficient, meritocratic, and ruthless in its pursuit of national goals.

While the government is autocratic, it is also deeply pragmatic. The Emperor and his council have prioritized economic growth and stability above all else, crafting policies that allow for the flourishing of private enterprise under strict state regulation. The state acts as both overseer and participant in the economy, ensuring that key industries remain under government control while allowing private businesses to thrive in areas like manufacturing, technology, and services.

The Economy: A Capitalist Autarky

Turmir’s economic model is a form of State capitalism, where the government controls strategic industries while allowing limited free-market competition in non-essential sectors. Autarky, or self-sufficiency, is a key principle of the empire's economic philosophy. This system developed in response to Turmir’s geographic isolation and its history of conflict with neighboring nations, particularly Velathron. The empire’s leaders believe that true independence can only be maintained by minimizing reliance on foreign goods and resources.

The state tightly controls industries critical to national security and self-sufficiency, including energy, steel production, agriculture, and heavy manufacturing. Turmir’s vast reserves of iron, coal, and rare earth metals fuel its industrial complexes, while its agricultural sector is managed to ensure that food production meets domestic needs. Advanced technologies such as renewable energy and automation have been developed to reduce any external dependencies, with research and development driven by state-funded programs.

Private enterprise is encouraged within controlled parameters. Entrepreneurs can flourish in areas like consumer goods, services, and entertainment, provided they align with the state’s broader goals of economic independence and social cohesion. There are a growing number of private tech firms, construction companies, and manufacturing businesses, but they all operate under strict state oversight. Regulations ensure that no private entity grows powerful enough to challenge the government, and corporate leaders often have close ties to the ruling elite.

Turmir’s capitalist economy rewards innovation and efficiency, but it does so within a rigid framework that prioritizes national stability over personal profit. High taxes and government oversight ensure that wealth generated by the private sector is redirected toward national projects, such as infrastructure development, defense, and technological advancement. This combination of capitalism and autarky has created a robust economy that is self-sufficient, though at the expense of flexibility and international integration.

Social Structure: Hierarchical and Militaristic

Turmir's society is strictly hierarchical, with a clear division between the ruling elite, the military, the professional class, and the working masses. The empire values order, discipline, and loyalty to the state, and these values permeate every aspect of daily life. Social mobility is possible, but it is largely contingent on service to the state, particularly through military or bureaucratic careers.

1. The Imperial Elite: At the top of the social hierarchy is the imperial elite, composed of high-ranking military officers, bureaucrats, and influential business leaders who are closely aligned with the Emperor’s government. These individuals enjoy significant privileges, including access to the best education, luxurious housing, and political influence. The children of this class are groomed for leadership roles, often attending elite academies that emphasize military discipline, national history, and loyalty to the state.

2. The Military Class: Below the elite is the military class, which holds great prestige in Turmir. Since the empire’s founding, the military has been central to its governance and national identity. Citizens who serve in the military, especially those who distinguish themselves in leadership or technological roles, are granted significant social status. Military officers often transition into government or corporate positions after their service, further cementing the close ties between the armed forces and the state.

Military service is compulsory for all citizens for a period of at least two years, with the possibility of career advancement for those who show promise. Those who excel in the military can rise rapidly through the ranks and attain positions of influence within both the government and the private sector.

3. The Professional Class: Beneath the military class is the professional class, which includes engineers, doctors, educators, and scientists who contribute to Turmir’s economic and technological strength. This class is essential to the empire’s success, as they are the ones who develop the infrastructure and technology that allows Turmir to maintain its autarky. Professionals are highly educated and well-compensated, but their careers are often closely managed by the state, with many of them working in state-run enterprises or research institutions.

4. The Working Masses: At the base of the social pyramid are the working masses, who make up the majority of Turmir’s population. They work in factories, mines, farms, and service industries, producing the goods and resources that fuel the empire’s economy. While they do not enjoy the privileges of the upper classes, the state ensures that they have access to basic necessities, such as housing, healthcare, and education, albeit at a level that maintains social stratification.

The working class is subject to rigorous control, with strict regulations governing labor conditions and wages. Workers are encouraged to view their labor as a patriotic duty, contributing to the strength and independence of the empire. In return, the state provides stability and protection, though there is little room for upward mobility unless through military or exceptional professional achievement.

Education and Propaganda

Education in Turmir is designed to reinforce loyalty to the state and ensure that citizens are equipped with the skills needed to maintain the empire’s autarkic economy. From a young age, students are taught the history of Turmir’s secession, with an emphasis on the sacrifices made to achieve independence and the importance of self-reliance. Military history, discipline, and physical fitness are key components of the curriculum, alongside technical subjects that prepare students for careers in industry or the military.

Propaganda plays a central role in shaping public perception. The government controls all media, and the state-run news outlets constantly emphasize Turmir’s strength, unity, and self-sufficiency. Dissent is not tolerated, and citizens are encouraged to report subversive behavior. Public demonstrations of loyalty to the Emperor, such as national parades, ceremonies, and annual celebrations of the empire’s founding, are a regular part of life.

Culture and Daily Life

While tightly controlled, daily life in Turmir is not without its pleasures. The state promotes cultural pride through festivals, art, and music that celebrate Turmir’s history and resilience. Traditional arts, such as sculpture and metalwork, are highly valued, reflecting the empire’s industrial heritage. The government also encourages modern cultural pursuits, such as film, theater, and literature, provided they align with state ideals.

Consumer goods are widely available, but choice is limited, with most products produced domestically. Luxuries are reserved for the elite, while the working masses are provided with basic but functional goods. However, Turmir’s focus on technology has led to the development of sophisticated domestic electronics, and entertainment such as television, sports, and gaming are popular diversions.

Conclusion: A Rigid Yet Thriving Society

In the 21st century, the Empire of Turmir stands as a powerful, self-sufficient state, characterized by its capitalist autarky and rigid social hierarchy. Its government, while autocratic, is efficient and stable, prioritizing national strength and economic independence. The empire’s people, while tightly controlled, benefit from a structured society that rewards loyalty and discipline, with opportunities for advancement through service to the state. While personal freedoms are limited, the Turmiri take pride in their nation’s resilience, prosperity, and autonomy, forged in the crucible of a brutal secession and sustained through a carefully managed balance of capitalism and state control.