From the lore database, compiled by Indexer from forum posts.
The Meriosi Empire was founded by tribes in early 90 AI and has a warrior culture in which soldiers are "saints". After the Great Schism (early 450 AI, a succession crisis in the Holy Republic) the Holy Armies executed the civilian administration and took power; elections ended. Every citizen does 5 years of military service (tempus servitii militaris) from age 21; Holy Armies grew from 230k to 1.6 million active. Current year in posts: 501 AI. Head of state: Empress Ilyra. Neutral; holds nuclear weapons for defence/retaliation only.