Aercan Administrative Hierarchy

The continent of Aerca follows a structured administrative hierarchy, which varies slightly depending on whether the supreme political entity is an Empire (Aehin) or a Kingdom (Aehuin).

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For Empires (Aehin)

Aehin (Empire)
└─ Aehuin (Kingdom)
     └─ Aevin (Province) → Capital of the Empire is called Aevan (Imperial Capital)
          └─ Aewu (District)
               └─ Aexa (City) / Xu (Village)
                    └─ Aeter (Community Cluster)
                         └─ Aeod (Neighborhood)

Breakdown

• Aehin (Empire)

  • The highest form of Aehan. Governed by an Emperor/Empress. Encompasses multiple kingdoms (Aehuin).

• Aehuin (Kingdom)

  • Semi-autonomous realms under the Empire. Ruled by a King/Queen or Vassal Lord loyal to the Emperor.

• Aevin (Province)

  • Subdivision of a Kingdom. If the province hosts the Imperial Capital, it is referred to as an Aevan.

• Aewu (District)

  • Equivalent to counties or prefectures. Manages trade, law, and regional security.

• Aexa (City) / Xu (Village)

  • Centers of urban (Aexa) and rural (Xu) populations.

• Aeter (Community Cluster)

  • Social or geographical clusters (hamlets, guild clusters, magical communes).

• Aeod (Neighborhood)

  • The smallest unit. Family groups, streets, or tightly-knit communities.

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For Kingdoms (Aehuin)

Aehuin (Kingdom)
└─ Aevin (Province) → Capital of the Kingdom is called Aevuin (Royal Capital)
     └─ Aewu (District)
          └─ Aexa (City) / Xu (Village)
               └─ Aeter (Community Cluster)
                    └─ Aeod (Neighborhood)

Breakdown

• Aehuin (Kingdom)

  • An independent sovereign state led by a King/Queen. Highest form of Aehan that is not part of an Empire.

• Aevin (Province)

  • Core subdivisions of a Kingdom. If the province contains the royal seat, its capital is called Aevuin (Royal Capital).

• Aewu (District)

  • Equivalent to counties/municipalities.

• Aexa (City) / Xu (Village)

  • Population centers of varying scales.

• Aeter (Community Cluster)

  • Groups of villages, towns, or enclaves with shared identity.

• Aeod (Neighborhood)

• Grassroots units of society, where daily communal life happens.

Empire vs Kingdom in Aerca (Aehin vs Aehuin)

Requirements of an Empire (Aehin)

For a political entity in Aerca to be officially recognized as an Empire (Aehin), it must fulfill all four conditions:

1. Ethnic/Racial Diversity

   • Must contain multiple races, ethnic groups, or clans living under one banner.

   • Example: Tra, Ra, Ltik, Va, etc

2. Vast Territory

   • The landmass controlled must be immense, usually measured in the hundreds of millions of km².

   • Comparable in scale to multiple kingdoms combined.

3. Sub-Kingdoms / Vassal States

   • An Empire must contain several subordinate Kingdoms (Aehuin) or states with their own rulers, but loyal to the central authority.

   • Without vassal kingdoms, it cannot qualify as an empire.

4. Supreme Ruler’s Title

   • The highest ruler must bear the title Emperor/Empress, symbolizing sovereignty over multiple realms.

   • If the leader only holds the title of King/Queen, the polity remains a Kingdom (Aehuin).

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Kingdom (Aehuin)

If a realm fails to meet one or more of the empire requirements, it is classified as a Kingdom (Aehuin).

• Usually smaller in territory.

• Can be either mono-racial or mixed.

• Governed directly without vassal kingdoms.

• Head of state is a King/Queen.

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Comparison Table

Criteria	Empire (Aehin)	Kingdom (Aehuin)
Diversity	Must be multi-racial/ethnic	Can be mono-racial or mixed
Territory	Extremely vast (hundreds of millions km²)	Relatively smaller
Sub-states	Must have subordinate kingdoms (vassals)	Direct central rule
Ruler’s Title	Emperor/Empress (Kaisar/Maharani)	King/Queen (Raja/Ratu)

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Case Study: Ltiktra

• ✔ Racially diverse (Humans, Dwarves, Elves).

• ✘ Territory relatively small (101,66 million km² → only the 2nd smallest kingdom in Aerca).

• ✘ No sub-kingdoms, all regions ruled directly.

• ✘ Highest ruler is a King/Queen, not an Emperor/Empress.

➡ Therefore, Ltiktra is classified as a Kingdom (Aehuin), not an Empire (Aehin).

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