> >> >]From J.M. Roberts's _Twentieth Century_: > >> >]"It is the essence of empire that it rules over many peoples..." > Another thought: > Empire is not just rule over "many peoples", but over "many *conquered* > peoples". They do call the founder "Kieron the Conqueror". > As I recall from Jhereg, and probally several other books, Kieron the Conqueror gathered an army (I think of 16 different Houses, and also of the Jhereg which were the outcasts, thieves and spies) and took control of what is now the empire. Note also that Draegerens use House distinction as we use racial and ethnic traits, and I've always gotten the sense that each House sees themselves as seperate peoples from each other. Notice the taboos of crossbreeding and the cultivation and affirmation of House traits and dress styles. Also note how nearly impossible it is to join most of the houses. Both of these factors seem support a sense of identity with their house as strong as the sense of identity seperate peoples would have. Akodo Bob -who dreads the replies of people who actually do have Jhereg on hand to correct him.