Vulperium

The Vulperium (Vula: Nu Vululasa, Batu: Ći Vorot́eduem, Eldurlac: Di Voraćetha), a multi-ethnic nation located primarily in the Serrona region of Eldham, is the main successor state and result of the union between the two mighty Kingdoms of Notos and Vulpinia. The Empire is lead by the Grand Valar (Valar meaning King) who is tasked with guiding the nation's diplomatic relations, military readiness, and growth, alongside many other matters. The nation's capital is the City of Aroforn; named after the historic last Emperor of the Vulpur species.

The capital Aroforn is the seat of power for the Grand Valar and is where all Royal Courts are held. The Foundation for the Vulperium was set in motion by the Second Valar of Vulpinia, Westeros Durradayne, with the help of his Vierl (chosen heir) and eventual first Grand Valar of the Vulperium, Brock Yolcotl-Durradayne.

Background of the two Valardoms
Vulpinia was a nation built to serve as a home for all the native Vulpur people of Eldham. It had it's origins in Rathnir before the colonization period, in which it served as a small vassal of nation under the Emirate of Najer. In Serrona, the Vulpinian state grew to encompass lands beyond the original range of the Vulpur people as they annexed and secured the western half of the Batu Khaganate following that country's collapse.

Notos on the other hand was a relatively new creation historically. It was preceded by 2 kingdoms, Elduria and Dejuria. Elduria has it's origins in a religious colonist group known as the "Campfire Society" which started out with rocky relations from it's neighbors in Vulpinia and the Bai Federation, The state of Elduria was created and it's borders defined as the fledgling Campfire colonists formed settlements with the other powers in the interests of peace. Dejuria wasn't settled by people from Rathnir or Eldham, but rather by a large group of experienced statemakers from an entirely separate world also known by Dejuria. It's population would later grow exponentially with religious immigrants from other nations, such as the Rasterians and the Ratist cult.

The kingdoms of Elduria and Dejuria were friendly neighbors in the Federation of Southern Stars, but after that organization's dissolution, they saw fit to better continue their cooperation through a union of their own: the new name of it being the Federation of Notos, "The Southern Wind", ruled by a high council.

Both nations, Vulpinia and Notos, underwent great changes before their final union with eachother. The growing Vulpinian state was officially declared as the Valardom of Vulpinia by Nuncio in September of 2021, and in January of 2022 the Federation of Notos was renamed to the Kingdom of Eros, ruled by Regulus.

Valar Westeros' Retirement
On 6th January 2022 Valar Westeros of Vulpinia, successor of the Valar Nuncio, declared that he was stepping down from the role to become Duke of Mournalor. His own successor was to be Vierl Shib, but she respectfully refused the role, nominating her husband and elected Vice of Vulpinia Brock for the position instead, as he thusly accepted the responsibility.

On 13th January 2022, after talks with King Regulus and the Erosian council, Westeros and Brock made an announcement that they were unifying the Valardom of Vulpinia and the Kingdom of Eros into one grand empire - the Vulperium.

A new government is formed
A constitution for the Vulperium was put into effect after this union, being one of the finer examples of legal writing & statecraft in Eldham. Many Vulpinian institutions and ranks were carried over wholesale, including the Nabu religious hierarchy of the Grand Bothiv and their priests, and the Ducal system where the subdivisions & major towns of each Valardom is led by a noble Duke, assisted by a count of their choice. As part of the unification process, House Regulus was recognized as one of the empire's Great Noble Houses, and the other leaders of Eros were recognized as nobility and rulers of each of their own respective duchies.

A key part of this new government system is the "Valar's Trinity". Under this system, the Vulperium state is split into 2 Valardoms, Vulpinia and Eros, each ruled by their own respective Valars. Ruling over both of these valardoms though is the Grand Valar, who has full reign and can designate a Vierl, or "designated heir".

Another interesting institution inherited from Vulpinia is the position of Vice Valar. The Vice Valar is second in power to the Grand Valar and is democratically elected by the citizens of the Vulperium, serving a 2-month term and aiding in the rule of the nation.

The Coronation of Brock Yolcotl & the Creation of Aroforn
In the Westerosi Palace at the old capital of Vulpinia Tildivul on Sunday, January 16th 2022, Valar Westeros crowned Brock Yolcotl-Durradayne as Grand Valar of the Vulperium.

This event was well attended with upwards of 20 people arriving for the festivities. Caden handled the distribution of drinks and Kk5288 sold plushies. The ceremony was marred by a bandit incursion from Mayynophobia and her companions. In the ensuing scuffle, people's items that were left in angel chests were rescued by Kk5288 and stored safely by Aza for their return to guests later.

One of the first acts taken by Brock after his coronation as Grand Valar was to merge the capital city of Tildivul and it's northern city in Sparport together to form the new capital of Aroforn, with the plan being that the middle land inbetween these cities would be constructed into a great metropolis connecting them together. To commemorate this occasion, one of the first steam-powered vessels in Serrona was built by the Vulperium Oceanic Steamer Company in a drydock outside of Sparport.

The Cheese Guild's Wager
The leader of the Cheese Guild, Moyye, agreed to a bet with Grand Valar Brock in late January that if Brock won a certain challenge, then the Cheese Guild would join the Vulperium. To win, Brock had to wear a Cheese Guild banner with curse of binding and curse of vanishing for 3 days. Within 3 hours Brock fell into a hole and died, losing the banner and the bet, but pitying the unfortunate circumstance Moyye allowed one more attempt at the bet and offered Brock the option to nominate a champion to attempt it on his behalf. Brock nominated Kk5288 and she successfully avoided death whilst wearing the banner for three days. On 29th January Brock announced that the Cheese Guild was joining the Vulperium. In a separate instance, the eastern Serronan country of Vanshire also entered the Vulperium as a duchy after many talks were held.

Participation in the war against Merkonis
In the lands of Onthukhan to the north, conflict once again arose between the old enemies of The Pale and Merconis. The Vulperium was still consolidating it's own territory within Serrona and the Valar of Notos, Regulus, sought to settle an old issue of his nation in the enclave territory of Bluestone, once given away by his government to a fledgling power but then sold to the nation of Wolfingrad, which he claims had neglected the territory. After many months, Notos stepped in and moved to occupy the region once more. Merkonis subsequently took this as an act of war as there were negotiations going on at the time by them to purchase the territory of Bluestone from Wolfingrad. And so the Vulperium, which had fought besides The Pale before in the 1st Sand War as Vulpinia, went to it's ally nation's aid once again as a coalition partner in the Second Sand War. This was one of the first wars in which Notos and Vulpinia's soldiers had been organized into one cohesive national military, with Vulperium forces providing heavy support and kills in the first Battle of Perria. The war ended in a victory for the coalition forces as the nation of Merconis was dissolved as a state after.

1st Vice Election of the Vulperium
With the nation finding success and victory in war a month after it's creation and it's population having now skyrocketed to rival that of the largest empire at the time, Uraka, there was much excitement to be had throughout the land for it's first Vice Valar election. There had been two before in the nation of Vulpinia but the dynamics would prove much different this time around as campaigns would have less of a personal touch, focusing instead on the nationwide community instead of their local regions.The main candidates in the running were: -Jesus, duke of the prosperous eastern Vulpinian enclave of Vulthalla, seeking to capitalize on the success of the nation and to bring it's new regions cultures and lore closer together. -E, a duke from the Old Batu region who had founded one of the more successful upcoming cities in the nation, Earnside, and who sought to bring more events and activity to the nation such as the creation of a national Sports League. -Gepple, soldier and leader of a city-state known as Dablüza-Yalonska which had only recently joined the nation, sought to improve the military, provide more events, and increase the nation's economy and population. -Meltan, entertainer and leader of the Vulpinian town of Pastel. -Scrollock, a soldier and local leader within the duchy of Dejuria in eastern Eros, sought to be a unity candidate.

Debates and speeches between the candidates were held in the nascent city of Aroforn with many citizens in attendance, though no transcript exists.

Troubles in the East
Although the nation of the Vulperium had found prosperity, it's neighbors to the east were faring worse as pirates from the once-dead nation of Barbossa had invaded and set up a nascent state in the form of the D.V.R. within the Kaladinia region of the U.S.S.E., drawing condemnation from the peoples of Serrona. The U.S.S.E. would go on to be defeated and lose territory in war against the pirates and would join the nation of Uraka for protection, changing the power dynamics of the region as the two largest empires in Eldham now shared a border.

In the meantime, the Vulperium also found itself at the center of a diplomatic incident involving Nova Azcoria. Whilst a protectorate deal with the Vulperium was under vote by their parliament because of encroachment by the D.V.R., important actors within the nation began plotting a coup and kidnapping against the then chancellor Fio and her administration. During this plot, messages were leaked showing the Grand Valar of the Vulperium, Brock, providing verbal support to the planners of the coup. Fearing a turn for the worse, the Chancellor initiated a move that Nova Azcoria would instead be annexed by Uraka. This was an unpopular decision as it was taken without approval by the rest of the government, and so it led to Fio's sacking and replacement by interrim chancellor Millie. Faced with empires of questionable motives on both sides, the once cosmopolitan neighboring nation of Nova Azcoria would then enter into a period of isolation.

Consolidation of the West
Though there was much conflict, there were also smaller celebrations as the diplomatic team of Eros would secure a deal annexing the last inactive enclave in their lands known as New Erðvald. The nation of New Domatia which held the lands previously belonging to the old allies of the Bai Federation would also join as one of the newest duchies of the Vulperium in the signing of a vassalization treaty. Like the D.V.R. in the east, another new belligerent former-Uraki colony known as Duruk Kunar was also created in the islands of the Aquinterran sea west of Vulpinia, immediately setting out to war against it's neighbors in Falholt. This war declaration would fizzle into nothingness though as the Vulperium and The Pale in an act of containment declared their full military support for Falholt against the aggression of this new state.

With tension growing in the west, the Vulperium would also secure a vassalization and protectorship deal with the nation of Ahalia which was under threat of invasion from it's neighbors in Atlechia. This act would become a prelude to a greater conflict known as the Atlechian-Vulperium War.

War with Atlechia
In the chaos of civil war, Wambold, a noble who was favored by his kingdom's rivals the Atlechians, had emerged victorious and become the king of Ahalia. He rejected though the Atlechian king Swen's idea that Ahalia would be annexed into Atlechia with the closing of the conflict. The angry Swen would then declare war against the Ahalians to try and replace the government once again. In the midst of this, Wambold would sign a treaty vassalizing Ahalia under the Vulperium for protection, drawing them into the conflict. (Though it would be revealed that Atlechia had been planning a war of conquest against the core territories of the Vulperium even before this deal)

The Atlechian king Swen responded to this deal with rage and an ultimatum demanding the Vulperium hand over Ahalia, apologize, and pay a fine of 1 million. This blustering message drew international condemnation and even the allies of Atlechia sought to remain neutral in the conflict, with it's biggest military ally in Duruk Kunar remaining neutral aswell because of it's signing of a non-agression pact with the Vulperium in the weeks before. With these demands being fully rejected and Atlechia turning to mercenary groups in the absence of allies, the stage was then set for war.

Heeding to their defense pacts and historic alliances, nations in the Onthukhan region to the north mobilized their militaries in defense of their longtime ally in the Vulperium, now under threat by an imperialist kingdom seeking to divide and portion up the populous land in payment to it's mercenary fighters. These military allies included The Pale, Anglunia, Oceanum, Vladigrad, and Sylvania. Mercenaries would also arive from nations across Eldham and even Rathnir to fight for the Vulperium's cause. Notable allies that remained neutral in the conflict were the U.S.S.E. and the vassal duchy of New Domatia.

Before the first battle, Atlechian-supported rebels who had once fought New Domatia's government began squatting once again in southern Vulpinian territory, though this settlement would become abandoned after the conflict would end.

With support from a gigantic population, some of the greatest architects and veterans of wars past, and the wealth of the vale Shib, the targeted city for the war Lazodi would become one of the greatest military fortresses ever constructed for such a conflict. Once the birthplace of Batu, the wealthiest and most populated nation in the early days of Eldham, it would now become a grave for those who sought to destroy it, with the walls becoming titanic in height and large spanning snow-pits being dug up to serve as traps for enemies to fall to their deaths in. (though many historic buildings were demolished for this purpose)

War doesn't stop the wheels of a nation from turning though, and in the middle of this conflict the nation held a royal ball at it's grand palace of Vetervul, just outside the city of Aroforn. Many important Eldham leaders would attend this gathering bringing even more prestige to the nation. To add onto it's enemies woes, regions and towns in Atlechia would also begin clamoring for independence under the banner of Aima Percivia.

Then arrived the day of battle: The Battle of Lazodi. With fighters from all across Eldham and the main mercenary groups of The Hands and The Goons showing up to oppose eachother, this small war would be the cause of one of the greatest battles in Eldham's history. With the leadership of the Atlechian military force being headless, it was decided last minute that Tylics would be their organizer. With defenders stationed around the city, the Atlechians would attack from the northwest and occupy the empty walls, then moving into a skirmish within the inner city while defenders mobilized to clear the occupied half of the wall. There were many back and forth fights as the death numbers rose on both sides. Finally, the Atlechians had gotten close to capturing and creating an opening within the walls but were swarmed and knocked down off the ramparts by the soldiers of the Vulperium, the aftermath of which they fell into a general retreat, their force facing a full defeat in battle.

The war would come to a close after this as the mercenary forces under Atlechia would abandon king Swen because of the poor organization and humiliation under his leadership. Atlechia, though it stated it would continue the war, would then try to ignore and push off any talks on another battle while also dealing with rebellions and civil war in his own land. King Swen would then die in these conflicts with his son Block_Summoner assuming the leadership of Atlechia and beginning peace talks.Peace discussions would continue on at a grueling pace with Atlechia refusing the demands of the Ahalians for weeks and suddenly announcing Atlechia's annexation into Aristios-Zamotz, throwing the Vulperium's efforts out the window. Talks would continue for even more weeks between the two states until in a final foolish act Atlechia would declare independence from Aristios-Zamotz and try to unite with Duruk Kunar, further frustrating both sides and leaving the nation with no friends left. Atlechia's territory would then subsequently be divided in a treaty between the Vulperium, Aristios-Zamotz, and Duruk Kunar. As a nod to the help it's allies in the Onthukhan region had provided in the past, the Vulperium would also join The Onthukhan Pact to help provide defense to those who had fought so hard for it at Lazodi.

The terms of the final treaty were that Atlechia alter it's government and ban Swen from any government positions in it, $600,000 eventually be paid to the Vulperium, and the territory of Atlechia be split under the 3 powers of Duruk Kunar, Zamotz-Aristios, and the Vulperium. Ahalia through this treaty made many long-sought after land gains for itself.

In celebration for the end of the war, a party was also planned for the entire nation in Dinas being known as the "Tour de Ahalia". In beachwear people would come to the colliseum of the desert city to drink, listen to speeches, trade, and celebrate the end of a month-long conflict, with a special treasure hunt hosted by Octieus Keriocs in the western residential district of the city.

The Vulpinia-Erosian Spring
There were many other events within the nation of Vulperium besides fighting during the time of the war. The Vulperium's population would reach 98 citizens according to the census supplanted by the duchy of Old Batu's "Earnside Ambassador Program" which provided cash rewards for citizens of the city who recruited new members. City planning practices would also spread across the nation as the Dejurian towns of Frostguard and Forgeguard would unite into one city known as Winterose greatly increasing their population and standing within the nation, Aroforn too would begin to redevelop it's barren city center to create a connected metropolis under a newly-appointed city planner, fostered by a nationwide initiative by the Vice Valar Jesus that would see that new city government positions be made open for every duchy.

A new foreign diplomatic ministry would be established with one crowning achievement being the reestablishment of relations with Nova Azcoria in the form of a MDP, though in later months there would be problems with the sheer amount of people given authority by this ministry to conduct treaties with foreign nations. In the planning stages during this time was also an independent international trade hub between Vulpinia and Nova Azcoria known as "Freeport".

Events would then transpire in Rathnir with the Republic of Carvay, once the jewel of Vastallos, having fallen under hard times as it was still recovering from looting in months past and had struggled with development. The princess of Carvay, Sknow, sought to then give up her ownership of the historic state to an outsider figure she trusted and worked with, Kk5288. Carvay would now be accepted into the fold of the Vulperium as Kk5288 was a prominent member of it's imperial family, with this also giving her landed title and subsequently power in the greater nation according to nobility laws. The acquisition of the Abbadyyenau exclave led by SeniorCaution in Eldham was also made soon after, with plans for an international map guild hall to be built there, although this task would be left forgotten and unfulfilled by the nation.

In the midst of all the chaos of the Atlechian war too, tragedy struck as Ixtab Yolcotl, member of the Imperial family and daughter of Vulpinia's founder Nuncio Yolcotl, was declared missing with the halls of her home Vetervul found mysteriously empty & barren, an international search then being conducted afterwards by her brother Brock to try and locate her (to no avail).

The Zeta Protocol
Things would mellow out for the nation in the following month of April, as cities across the Vulperium continued to grow and develop and the first national library was created in the large capital city of Aroforn. (It's first collection coming at the size of 100 books gathered by the librarian Akko Soleth from communities in Batu, Vulpinia, and the neighboring nation of Manzland) The Vulperium would offer military support to it's ally Rodinnbrok in the north to defend it against Arktania's threats of annexation but their forces would see no major battles as the situation dragged on.

In a sudden unfortunate turn of events for the continent though, tragedy would strike at the heart of the Vulperium's northern neighbor of Nova Azcoria. The nation was under the leadership of a new chancellor, Korulein, who's ministers included Millie and Con Allevatori. In a gambit for wealth though, these 3 figures had tampered with a portal to the void obtaining expensive goods enriching their personal coffers, after many trips though it would be one last trip in which they were trapped on the void side of the portal, leaving the entire government of Nova Azcoria at the time decapitated in a period where it was also struggling with the loss of much of it's citizenry to inactivity.

In this period of crisis, one of the remaining government officials, Stepasound, would become the interrim chancellor of the nation and with the support given by his old government leaders, he would initiate "Protocol Zeta", which was an Azcorian Intelligence Center directive stating that in the event of a sudden fall of the nation, elections and parliament would be suspended (section 1), the vassal-states of Novius Abbadon and Hagusaki would be released (section 2), and Azcoria would begin a merger with the nation of the Vulperium (section 3). This protocol was looked at with suspicion by other foreign powers and it would be rebelled against by Gunk, an insurgent leader who had also come to blows with the previous chancellor's government.

Stepasound would remain as chancellor of Nova Azcoria for the next several months with imperial family member Kk5288 promising to advocate for the preservation of it's institutions and it's autonomy in the Vulperium's national government, as she also became steward over the claim of the regional capital of Horizonte. Nova Azcoria as a result would obtain special territory status within the nation, maintain it's democratic chancellor and parliament institutions, and not be under the authority of a valardom, as other annexed and vassalized regions before had been with them all integrating into the ducal system of government.

2nd Vice Election of the Vulperium
As a new democracy was getting integrated as a region, the wider nation also prepared to participate in it's own form of democracy in the next Vice Valar elections. These elections would be notable for lasting the exceedingly long time of the entire month of April, leaving it's citizens tired and weary at the end of it considering the quality of some campaigns.

The candidates were: -ScrollLock, a duke of Dejuria seeking to stand up in defense for the values of the nation and clean up the nation's wilderness. Dropped out when Jesus entered the race. -Sashegyi, a soldier who fought in previous Vulperium wars and who sought to strengthen the military and the nation's alliances in preparation of a perceived threat from the Imperium which was now on the nation's borders in union with the U.S.S.E. -Jesus, incumbent Vice Valar and duke of Vulthalla, his goals for his next term were to start "The Grand Vulperium Bank", help integrate the new regions that had joined, have more events and jobs for citizens, restart the sports league, and create a "Vulperium Secret Service". -Changedwolf14, a recently joined citizen of the duchy of Shamania who wanted clarification of the roles laid out in the nation's government and assurances against Vierls (imperial heirs) in the nation being able to possibly overthrow the Grand Valar. -Meltan, council leader from Pastel who wanted to push the values of his town in fostering peace, better relations with allies, and finishing abandoned projects within the nation. -Cleany, a Nabu priest and count of the Westreach region in Rathnir, sought to add more branches to the military, expand the nation's presence in Rathnir, finish ice highway projects, move away from coal-powered energy, and promote the Vulpur Nabu faith.

Sashegyi's campaign was noted for it's vandalism of public and private property in the building of dirt-letter "Vote Sash" signs, being chastised by citizens of the cities of Winterose and Aroforn that he built them in. Campaign announcements were also posted nearly every day of the month which began to grate on people, with many messages by Sash also being forwarded to the populations of many new duchies. There were also accusations of Sash sending election ballots to places outside of the nation of the Vulperium.

The higher government of the "Royal Court" was during this time slowly working on drafts of a new legal code and constitution for the nation, and the abuses of law during the election cycle only sped things up as there were more calls for action for campaigning rules to be established. (The addition of Nova Azcoria and it's parliament to the nation would also influence later discussions on government, though its system of an elected legislature would not be adopted)

Vice Valar debates were planned but had to be cancelled because some candidates could not attend, although they still answered questionnaires.

Vulpinian Anniversary
The end of April was a time of celebration as the royal Kaitlyn Yolcotl-Durradayne and Cheeseguild leader Moyye had a wedding in St. Nuncio's Cathedral attended by many celebrants, and one of the larger events was being planned in the form of Vulpinia's 1-year Anniversary as a country (now under the wider Vulperium). The capital of Aroforn was abuzz with activity as construction was accelerated in many parts of the city. Debuting builds in the city was a pink-redecorated cathedral for the wedding, a new model of V.O.S.C. steam ship "VPS Yolcotl" docked in a rebuilt east Tildivul harbor, and the inner-walled city of Tildivul itself being decorated with multicolored lights and festival games. It was also rumored that a necromantic ritual was held in the depths of the Vetervul estate to bring back the spirit of the founder of the nation.

On the day of the anniversary, there was a round of speeches held by the old patriarchs of the nation including the past valar of Vulpinia Westeros, the ghost of the founder of Vulpinia Nuncio, old Vulpinian council member Burin, and others. Many vuls both young and old were in attendance of this celebration and would later partake in the festivities with cake food stalls from Pastel, book stalls selling new transcriptions of the Scrolls of the Nabu, and the games that had been built by the newlywed couple Kk5288 and Moyye which included several archery games, a dunk tank, and a redstone-powered "Connect-4" game. Proceeds for charity were also collected by Nabu priest Blackleaf with the event as many citizens would make generous donations to "The SaveAFox Foundation", with an overwhelming amount of 1000$ being raised by the citizenry.

The End of Spring
The following months of summer would be filled with intrigue, war, and mounting tensions. The Vulperium, still coasting off it's military successes in the Atlechian war sought to establish itself more firmly as a global enforcer as it had done once before.

With Ratist cult raids plaguing the cities of the Vulperium, a crusade was declared by the Grand Valar Brock to wipe clean the lands of Eldham of the controversial Ratist religion. Though there was much abuzz about this sudden war, the conflict mellowed and was relegated to small inner-city skirmishes between militia members targeting Aroforn or the Rattican. Though the conflict fizzled out and goals of either side were not achieved, the war would have a lasting impact as the Rattican had grown a mutual respect for the Vulperium's battle prowess. This relationship would develop over time with a new wave of diplomats seeking to smooth over past tensions, resulting a month later in a de-facto "Furry Alliance".

Seeing the growing prosperity and security offered by the burgeoning Fox empire, The Serronan nations of Shakumagu and then Manzland would join the Vulperium as official autonomous duchies around this time aswell, marking for the first time an almost complete union of all the western lands of Serrona, a similar feat it's neighbor the U.S.S.E. had achieved in the east.

Manzland's union with the Vulperium however turned out to be the more internationally controversial of the two- specifically concerning the U.S.S.E. from which Manzland had legally obtained independence from several months prior, a decision that was attempting to be reversed by all government officials on one side and none on the other, as the House of Lords of Manzland had at that time unanimously voted to align themselves with the Vulperium amongst other options (with the main issue weighed being concerns on the growing Imperium's influence, which itself had recently vassalized the USSE). The High Priest and dual-leader of Manzland, Ursa Cornaro-Reach, had also around that time maintained an amicable relationship with his western neighbors while cold stares were still glaring from the east.

In response to Manzland's second rejection on a union with their Lo'Oix cousins in the USSE, the USSE would institute national laws revoking the dual-citizenship program that had once been accessible to many, forcing many of it's citizens who held such status to declare if they were either one or the other. Officials in the USSE would also encourage their citizens to withdraw their business and funds from the Bank of Manzland amongst other associated companies. This resulting cold air of hostility from the USSE would be maintained with Manzland for the rest of it's existence.

National businesses and infrastructure in the Vulperium would still flourish however as regional cooperation would grow between the duchies of the nation, with the city of Aroforn specifically experiencing a rush in summer construction and the package-purchase of hundreds more books for the national library from other countries, adding greatly to the capital's prestige as a cosmopolitan center of learning.

In yet another attempt at seeking to exercise its regional enforcer status, the nation of the Vulperium would find itself embroiled in an entirely new issue: The Montrium Affair.

Bloody June
-The Vulperium's involvement in the Montrium Civil War Affair -Resettlement of the countryside and the industrialization of New Brownswich. -Economic developments with the Vulperium's nationalization of the Bank of Manzland and the creation of Freeport. -The failed coup in Manzland. -The Vulperium's participation in the Third Sand War. -The Atlechian reprisals.

New Constitution
-Governmental reorganization, the choosing of the Vierl (heir to the Grand Valar), and the election for the third Vice Valar.

The Great Serronan War
-The battles for Manzig between The Vulperium and the Eldham Alliance aswell as the international proxy conflicts fought around Eldham. -Internal Vulperium struggles between the military, the national government, and the duchies. (Ahalian Internal Crisis and the Free Azcorian Revolt)

4th Vice Election of the Vulperium
-Election of Imdy.

The Death of the Vulperium
-Gradual secession and relinquishment of the Vulperium's duchies. -Declaration of the end of the Vulperium and a transition of the core territories back into the Kingdom of Eros and the severely reduced in size Second Valardom of Vulpinia, with the immediate loss of the Valardom of Vulpinia's capital city, Aroforn.

Maps
National maps courtesy of the Westeros Mapping Guild.



Races and Ethnicities
Vulpur and humans make up the majority of races within the Vulperium. Besides these 2 groups, many minority races exist including the Vespir & the Durn.

In the Valardom of Vulpinia, the Vulpur are the dominant culture. This owes to many factors such as it's early history Vulpur-only immigration policy and it's annexation and colonization of it's former neighbor's lands of Bai & Batu. Despite this, Humans and other non-Vulpur species still fill many prominent roles in Vulpinia with the Durn dwarves being a notable minority in Vulthalla's Perravul region and the continued presence of the multi-racial Batuan culture. The demographics of the region are also in constant flux with the nation allowing for unrestricted immigration. The New Domatian Eshasni & Ahalians are notable additions to this Valardom's cultural profile.

In the Kingdom of Eros, there is more of an even mix of cultures with the Rasterian, Dejurian, Rat, Vespir, and Eldurian peoples coexisting side-by-side. All of these groups migrated to the region at some point in time and assimilated into the early Federation of Notos, with the Vespir being the oldest in the records of lore on the region. A notable addition to Eros' geography are the Manzlanders, a multi-racial culture with mainly Lo'Oix & Kolsson cultural heritage.

Architecture
-Historic architectures of Tildivul and Frostguard -Modern architectures of Aroforn and Earnside

Scrolls of the Nabu
The Scrolls of the Nabu and the Will of the Vulpur People is a treatise on the Vulpur Nabu religion compiled near the start of the Vulperium from the late Valar Nuncio Yolcotl's research and then edited and translated by his daughter, Ixtab Yolcotl. The following is an extract from the introduction to the book: "These writings are for the collective memory of the Vuls. A testament to those of us who gave our lives for the prosperity and survival of our people and culture. The divine word of the gods has foreseen the great return of the Vuls and their hegemony in distant lands. In you we believe. In you we trust. This is our heritage to you. May Vuldeus bless us with his long-awaited return."

New Manual of Vulpur Magic
The New Manual of Vulpur Magic is a textbook written by Ixtab Yolcotl on the different magical rituals, tools, and practices of the Vulpur people and in what ways they hold significance towards the Nabu faith. The following is an extract from the book: "The practice of Vulpur magic is in its infancy, I am well aware that the practice of these activities may seem taboo and somewhat uncomfortable for the modern reality in which we live, however, this is an important legacy of the civilizations that gave rise to our magnificent Empire. The study, practice and recognition of the different disciplines used by our ancestors is a fundamental part of our identity as a civilization, culture, and species. I hope this text inspires us to continue with the investigation and realization of these occult practices."

Vulpurology
Vulpurology is a second edition to Nuncio's "Liber Vulpur" book written by his daughter Ixtab Yolcotl & picking up where he left off in continuing his studies on the Vulpur people. Appended to this book is a journal obtained from a mysterious source containing the notes of Ixtab Yolcotl during her ocean expedition through Eldham after which she became missing. The following is an extract from her notes: "I hope that my words will not be lost to posterity, and that they may reach the hands of someone within the Empire in time. Throughout my stay in Serrona I have seen different things, the rise and fall of nations, the reigns of the Yolcotl-Durradayne dynasty and the formation of the now Empire. For decades, my family's efforts to protect and promote the growth of our species have been the primary goal of our glorious reign; and now more than ever, I can see the fruits of those efforts. Throughout the reign of the Yolcotl-Durradayne dynasty I have seen our population grow exponentially. Now, the fate of the Empire is in the hands of all those who believe in the monarchy and its officials, a kingdom depends on its citizens; and the loyalty that all have shown to this state is admirable. I don't know if I will return, but I am proud to leave an Empire full of charisma, culture and loyalty. Vuldeus looks to you with love and hope; our monarchy grows, and its citizens will be rewarded."

Historical Saga of the Ancient Southern World
The Historical Saga is a well-researched telling of Vulpur history across the continent of Serrona by Duke Westeros II of Vulpinia, recounting the events ranging from their prehistoric origins in the taiga forests to their expulsion by human kingdoms from the continent. The following is an extract from the book: "This saga will tell the long history of Serrona, the southernmost region of Eldham. A true telling from Westeros II and inspired by my father, Valar Westeros the Wise. The ideas and historical context come from the Westerosi Companies archeological findings throughout the years 134 to 141. Furthermore, events succeeding the Northern Enlightenment are based on the archeological findings in the Ruins of Noravula and Gate the Undying's testimonies in the summer of 148."

Civil Literature

 * Swan King Comedy Parts 1+2 by oberon_oracle
 * The Mishaps of Revival by Duskamitas
 * Little Vulpur by Fitz_Pimlings
 * Campfirity by SpacemanC17
 * Investigation of the Beastlybrock Disaster by AwesoomeJ
 * Scrolls of Nabu & Vulpur Magic transcriptions by Ankhitsu

Geography of the Vulperium
The Vulperium as a nation is located primarily within the western half of the continent Serrona, though it also has small exclave regions throughout both Eldham and Rathnir. The highest unit of political organization is the Valardom under which are duchies.

The Valardom of Batu in north Serrona has fertile plains to the south upon which lie the cities of Earnside and Novius Abaddon. In it's north lies a great spruce forest transitioning into a snowy tundra with developed island cities in Lazodi and Zerdea. The Valardom is bisected down the middle by the great Aput river. Many old Shamanist temples and ruins of past kingdoms scatter the land here.

The Valardom of Vulpinia, the westernmost in Serrona, has a transition zone of plains and of the "Rynwood" oak forest coming down from Batu, after which it meets a great taiga forest, the northern part which has been cut down and upon which has been built the largest city in Eldham, Aroforn. This city is the combined metroplex of the old settlements of Tildivul, Sparport, and Vetervul. South of that metropolis is the bulk of Vulpinia's rural communities in Nea Captainia, Magdalena, and the city of New Brownwich which is boasted as having the largest area of wheat farmland in Eldham. Further south surrounding a huge lake are the more recently founded cities of Pastel, Oakendale, and Waywood. East of that lake going towards Eros is a jungle transition zone and west of that going towards New Domatia is a transition zone of savannah and then open desert, around which lay the Domatian towns of Savan Dur, Taernsby, and Baicalite. The Valardom of Vulpinia has 2 great oceans: the peaceful Celestial sea to it's east across which lay the mountainous peninsula city of Vulthalla, and the tumultuous Aquinterran sea to it's west across which lay the island town of Keylon and the desert cities of Ahalia.

The Valardom of Eros, the easternmost in Serrona, is more sparsely populated, as it consists of hot plains, desert, and jungles in the lands of Elduria, forest in the middle lands of Emberguard and Ravka, and spruce forests in the lands of Dejuria. The Vespir-filled mountain fortress of Salac in the west overlooks the old campfireist settlements of Port Eldur and Moruko, the city of Emberguard lies in a great artificially constructed peninsula to the north, Nea-Ravka is an underground city built underneath an uplifted portion of the land, Ost-Helm stands as a fortress nestled in the easternmost mountains, and finally Winterose stands as the united cities of Frostguard located on the face of Mount Nerva in the south and Forgeguard located in a nature-cleared island to the north. There also lies ruins of many old Dejurian and Eldurian settlements as those lands dealt with population loss over the years. Newly added to the Valardom is the duchy of Manzland, which consists mainly of plains and forest in the south alongside desert and swamps in it's north, also containing the nation's only other foreign-connection land border to the U.S.S.E. besides Hagusaki.

The Valardom of the Forgotten contains the duchy of Nova Azcoria and all of the nation's overseas regions. Nova Azcoria in it's east is a forested taiga upon which lies the famous canal city of Horizonte, host to "The Cube". The farming town of Prosede lies to it's south and to it's west lies the dormant mountain city of Dahkmir. The extraterritorial Eldham regions of the Valardom currently includes the vassal-state of Durlian and the tiny duchy of the Cheese Guild north of Anglunia. The Rathnir regions of the Valardom includes the historic pirate duchy of Carvay located on an island at the mouth of a jungle river and the cityport duchy of Westreach located on the edge of Tortugan lands.

Statistics

 * Active Population: 163 (July 2022 internal census)
 * National Population: 441 (August 31 2022)

Valardom of Eros
 * Duchies: Dejuria, Ravka, Perravul, Emberguard, Elduria, Manzland
 * Cities: Winterose, Ost-Helm, Nea Ravka, Emberguard, Bluestone, Salac, Inazuma, Aleria, Manzig, Astranza, St. Nilsburg
 * Towns: Moruko, Port Eldur, Rondmarr, The Academy, Fao Fortress

Valardom of Vulpinia
 * Duchies: Rynwood, Mournalor, Vulperia, Meiddasia, New Domatia, Ahalia
 * Cities: Aroforn, Vulthalla, New Brownwich, Pastel, Waywood, Oakendale, Taernsby, Savan Dur, Baicalite, Dinas, Je Pola, Kekrifalia
 * Towns: Undervul, Nea Captainia, Magdalena, Florinth, Velumver, Vernal Manor, Bozborsk, Mayaro, Keylon, Rochdale, Navarino, Cadia

Valardom of Batu
 * Duchies: Old Batu, Shamania
 * Cities: Lazodi, Earnside, Novius Abbadon, Zune Kerkut, Zerdea

Valardom of the Forgotten
 * Duchies: Nova Azcoria, Carvay, Westreach
 * Cities: Horizonte, Prosede, Dahkmir, Cheese Guild, Westport, Durlian, Carvay, Port Ravenus

Defunct Settlements
 * Fropsia, Sparport, Tildivul, Vetervul, Adnan, Candeus Hill, Goldfell, Lycaon-On-Sea, Narmer, Floptopia, Port Celestial, Carglahtor, Forgeguard, Frostguard, Vaenor, Mount Lara, Initrus, Plaines Agreables, Amavos, Solus, Sprucetown