Throughout the history of humanity, no throne has come near the greatness of that of the Cargan emperor. Though the western provinces (now known as the Frankish countries), and the eastern provinces (contemporary Hyperentia) have rebelled and strayed, the Cargan Empire remains a large and powerful state.
Still obedient to the Horned Throne are Bôtheria, Cargia, Erdania, Aelia, Lodoria, Silcania and Tepoccia. The heartland of the empire lies twixt the Mare Interior and the Fair Ocean
For 600 years, no enemy has been able to trespass against the borders of the Cargan heartland, no foreign warlord has trod the streets of Ultarum save in chains. The land bears the mark of mankind all around, and wilderness is a thing of the past in many provinces. While there is enough grain, produced in colony-farms with cheap labour, meat has grown steadily more expensive as pastures grew more rare, and timber is also more dear in the Cargan empire than in any other land around the Mare Interior.
Cargan socierty is rigidly stratified, with millions of slaves and serfs at the bottom, and the sole, semi-divine Primarch-Patriarch at the top. In between come patricians, equestrians, plebeians and proletarians. All citizens are furthermore classed into one of the estates: oratores, bellatores, agricolae or faberes, and are expected to keep to people of their own estate, not mingling with others.
Like the Franks, the Cargans are of mixed Morath and Aegimorean stock. They tend to be short and dark. In the southern reaches of the Empire, there is a tinge of Atrahasite stock, and there are also a number of pure-blooded Atrahsites.
Slaves must have their noses pierced with a ring, and male slaves must keep their heads shaved. They may only wear undyed fabrics.
Proletarian men may have no hair hanging lower than the lobes of their ears.
Plebeian men may not have hair hanging lower than their chin.
Equestrians may wear their hair long, but the men may not braid it.
Patricians may keep their hair long and braided in numerous small braids.