I'm wondering about that playtest though, where one of the players were of a race that apparently, in some shape or form, controlled an 'empire' (which some of them perceived as sort off despotic.. But it was perceived as such, entirely on account of the DMs campaign setup, rather than any official material). Which races could feasibly control empire (make warships and so on)? I dont buy goblins, hobgoblins, bugbears or even orcs in that role (maybe, orcs I guess). Atleast, it would be a kinda wierd gameworld, from my perspective

but I guess if Minotaurs can do it, anyone can