Lirgal

Lirgal, officially the Lunar City-State of Lirgal, referred to as Lyremé Lirgal Edailarum in Seraani, is a country to the West of the Aldovir Peninsula, in Southern Alteniquia. Originally Lirgal consisted only of its namesake, the Lunar City of Lirgal, but today is considered one of the major regional powers in Aldovir, controlling the lands of Boreavir and Altys alongside Lirgal City and the surrounding area.

Lirgal is currently the religious centre of the Asitir religion. As such, it is a holy place for those who follow the faith, holding the only recognized Siralua (Temple) in the world, as well as one of the world's two Aluor (Skyshrines).

Though no language is official in Lirgal, the Seraani language is conventionally used by those who can speak it, as it is the holy tongue of the Asitir faith and therefore seen as the most appropriate choice.

Lirgal is renowned for its devotion to roleplay, world-building and character development. Citizens are encouraged to develop their personal stories and form an identity within Lirgal, and Lirgal is a hotspot for roleplay and lore creation-host to the authors of some of Rathnir's best books, and to many talented writers.

Great Caravan
The city of Lirgal is said to be founded by what is known to the Seraan as the "Great Caravan". Due to Almadorian expansion and the fall of the Kingdom of Olarã, many Seraan were displaced. Some of them, in order to protect their artefacts, books, and other objects, having also the intent of fleeing Lhûren persecution, formed a caravan migrating East and South. After either securing their relics, or throwing them to the sea so they could be lost in their own terms, the bulk of the Great Caravan dispersed, giving birth to an early form of the current system of clans in which the Seraan live.

A number of Seraan, though, continued in the Great Caravan. Marching for an inordinate amount of time, several of them fell to sickness or fatigue, especially during the first times of their wandering, as they were fleeing Almadorian armies going after them. It is written that their journey was perilous, and that during the period of their voyage the sky was always covered with dark clouds, rain and storm falling upon them at points. When they arrived at the plains that at that point did not yet belong to any country, though, the sky opened above them, and the moonlight washed the land. It was as such that they named the city Lirauagal, or ""city under the sky"".

The city was not known to many, as the region in which it was located found itself underdeveloped. Although some were aware, they mostly ignored its existence, only going there at points in order to reuse the quartz and terracotta from the walls, or scavenge for resources. It was Aldara Ellan who discovered the city, while wandering around the Carn-Sironia border. Though she did not know of any still standing Asitir temples, she immediately recognised the central building as one.

With the support of Ljukkti Vafúðr and the architectural abilities of Ellira Accero, they started rebuilding and expanding the city of Lirgal. Doing some basic upkeep to the temple, as not much was needed, the group focused on rebuilding the houses and repurposing the structure. As no information on how old Seraan architecture was, and the temple being the only intact example of its style, the creation of a new Lirgalyn architecture style was needed. During this period of reconstruction, Aldara found documents in Seraani which identified the city as "Lirauagal". As such, she named the city Lirgal, find it would be easier for foreign pronunciation.

Early history
The land claim of Lirgal was created the 2021/10/10 by Aldara Ellan (Ewatomi). It was after diplomatic negotations involving Bowph, Ljukkti, and Jabberdrake that Lirgal was given permission to settle in the land. In under a month, the bulk of the central city was built. The temple was the first structure to be built, as Lirgal started out to be primarily the religious center and holy city of the Asitir religion. [After much interaction, though, the vision of the city changed, as most noticed that the world could benefit of another RP community, and that Astyllea could as such become a center of roleplay.]

The 2021/11/14, Lirgal was voted to become an Imperial Territory by the Aldoviri Small Council, and the following day its autonomy was ratified by the government of Sironvir and the goverment of Aldovir. Thus was founded the Lunar City-State of Lirgal. The growth of this City-State was rapid, as many people, be it folks needing homes and land to settle on, refugees from faraway lands fleeing their precarious situations, or tired politicians looking for a place to be at while they rested, populated the city. After the end of the Brother's War, a conflict between Yimmu-Audal and Aldovir, which resulted in the formation of the Empire of Astyllea, Lirgal played a key role in trying to reconcile the Audaladae and the Aldoviri. As the government of the City-State was since the beginning opposed to that war, the Lirgalyn worked towards trying to calm the conflicting sentiments between the two groups, as well as try to oppose any form of domination from either side in the government. The efforts of the Lirgalyn earned the City-State the status of Electorate in Astyllea, meaning that it had finally a voice on whom should take the Emperorship of Astyllea.

Aldara Ellan, at the time Lunar Councillor of the Lunar City-State of Lirgal, was eventually chosen to be the ruling Empress of Astyllea with an almost overwhelming support for her candidacy. She ruled for seven days, being coronated after five of them, and stepping down two days after her election. Her resignation was mostly due to her general loss of hope on the future of Astyllea, and pressure coming from States of Astyllea; she had suggested a series of reforms to try and fix the problems within the Empire, but was met with a highly dysfunctional and splintered Council-leading to her resignation, along with her recommendation that a strong government be formed as soon as possible.

Collapse of Astyllea
Unrest in the Lunar City-State of Lirgal grew in the weeks preceding the collapse of Astyllea, as the Electorate's population felt increasingly disconnected from the Imperial Government and the Lirgalyn leadership felt dissatisfied with the High Council. Though it was where the realm's holiday of Unity Day would be hosted, Lirgal felt increasingly more dissociated from the Imperial Realm and Government.

The Lunar City-State of Lirgal became an independent country on the 2022/04/04, after the Empire of Astyllea collapsed due to a failed coup attempt by a self-proclaimed leader with little internal support. With the independence of Lirgal declared, the neighbouring State of Lapidovir left the Empire and then pledged allegiance to the City-State, reorganizing itself as a union of territories under the hegemonic control of the Lunar Council of Lirgal.

Whilst Lirgal remained stable following the collapse of Astyllea, the rest of the Aldoviri subcontinent fell into a state of chaos. Many nations followed Astyllea's footsteps and collapsed internally, while others were drawn into conflict or began to stagnate. Lirgal, as one of the few populated, prosperous and stable nations remaining, became a target for other nations who sought to conquer Aldovir for themselves. Forced to contend with numerous foreign powers conquering and colonising different parts of Aldovir, Lirgalyn diplomats worked tirelessly to secure Lirgal's safety and stability through Treaties, Alliances and even Unions with other nations. This came in several stages.

Ashen Realm of Saramenór
Lirgal's southern neighbour, Adashira, was under increasing pressure from external threats. Fearing that they could not stand up to any potential invasion, they approached Lirgal seeking a form of political Union to assure stability for the forseeable. The ensuing negotiations resulted in the declaration of a new nation, the Ashen Realm of Saramenór, which was to be ruled by an Ashenqueen-the first of whom was none other than Aldara Ellan. Not long after forming, Saramenór found its first crisis in a potential conflict with the Kingdom of Galadonn, a fledging nation to the north of Lirgal. In a spat of raids against both Adashira and Lirgal, it became clear that war was on the horizon. Whilst many Adashirans hoped for revenge, the Lirgalyn faction within Saramenór appealed for cooler heads and instead approached King Cassius Potentia for negotiations. Lead by the Astral Councillors Gael Uí Néill and Raeden Seeker, a resolution was eventually reached which included a formal apology and reparations from Galadonn. This early diplomatic triumph signalled to some that Saramenór was meant for great things, however some in Adashira were expressing disdain for their over-reliance on Lirgal. When Adashira failed to show enthusiasm for the formal coronation of Aldara Ellan, many in Lirgal felt that Saramenór had become an uneven union-and thus they seceded from Saramenór, causing it to collapse.

Joining Certarian
The end of Saramenór and the return to an uncertain political climate had exhausted many of Lirgal's veteran politicians. Most of the Lunar Council had served Lirgal dutifully through its ascension to-and secession from-several Empires by this point, and fatigue was beginning to show. Gael Uí Néill and Raeden Seeker were appointed to be Lunar Councillors, the first new members of the Council since it was formed. Regardless, instability and stagnation from the rest of Aldovir began to slowly seep into Lirgal.

As the Kingdom of Galadonn used the spat of instability to aggressively expand over much of Aldovir, the nations of Sironia and North Carn merged in an attempt to rekindle the Aldoviri Nation-this time in the form of the Imperial Federation of Aldovir (IFA). With IFA and Galadonn apparantly gearing for conflict, the decision was made by Lirgal to join Certaria-opting not to formally align themselves either with Galadonn or with the IFA. However, when Certaria collapsed, Lirgal was once more independent and alone within Aldovir.

Lirgal in Yimmu-Audal
Following the collapse of Certaria, many in Lirgal were unsure of what the future held. A new Lunar Councillor had been appointed, Edwin M. Vitra, who later in turn appointed Kali Rochelle-Orne'Valerin. With Galadonn and the IFA constantly at one another's throats, Lirgal signed the Treaty of Ytharshrek in October 2022. It was to be a Non-Aggression Pact between Galadonn and Lirgal, which not only included a promise not to engage in hostilities with one another, but a promise to endeavour to avoid hostilities even if the two nations were embroiled in a larger war on opposing sides. Signed by Kali and Edwin, the Treaty allowed Lirgal and Galadonn some breathing room.

In November, Galadonn would later join the High Kingdom of Yimmu Audal, with the High Kingdom acting a a force of stability within Aldovir. Keen to play a role in preserving stability in the region, Lirgal signed the Treaty of Sisters in December 2022, joining Yimmu-Audal as a full State. In early 2023, Lirgal began to blossom and grow in number and in size; new districts were constructed, numerous new citizens arrived, and many departed citizens returned. With the Lunar Council restored to its full size thanks to the return of Gael Uí Néill and Raeden Seeker, a healthy and growing population and several developing towns in Lirgal's territories, the Lunar City had narrowly avoided the collapse and ruination that had befallen much of the rest of Aldovir in the uncertain period of late 2022.

Having been welcome into the Empire of Yimmu-Audal through the Treaty of sisters, Lirgal continued to grow. The Lunar Council were keen to ensure that Lirgal retained its status as a major player in the Aldoviri region; with several Lunar Councillors in the Audalad Court, they worked as a political bloc within the Empire to push for stability and progressive reform. When the Neo-Carnian Revolution erupted following the ascension of Cassius as Emperor of Yimmu-Audal, Lirgal found itself in a diplomatic crisis. When they refused to support the Carnian rebellion, it became apparent that many of the Carnian forces intended to use Lirgal as a staging post to attack Galadonnia. This lead to the famous "shutting of the gates", in which Lirgal's citizens barricaded the city gates and manned the walls to prevent the entry of rebel troops. During the war, Lirgalyn influence in Yimmu-Audal reached new heights when Lunar Councillor Gael Uí Néill was appointed Chief Diplomat. Lirgal emerged from the conflict unscathed, and as a powerful and popular state within the Empire.

Secession and independence
In the period following the Neo-Carnian Revolution, Lirgal enjoyed its role as a diplomatic powerhouse within Yimmu-Audal. The Lunar Council was directly resolved in maintaining the uneasy peace between the newly integrated Aldoviri lands of Carn and Sironia, and worked closely with both to ensure the peace accords signed prior were followed. As time went on, the dust of the war settled. However, there remained in the Lunar-City State a whisper of dissent; there were some who felt that Lirgal's time in Yimmu-Audal had gone on long enough, and that with peace restored to the continent the time had come to depart. Within the Government, it was decided in secret that Lirgal would secede from Yimmu-Audal peacefully and without hostilities-all that remained was to prepare.

The Lunar Guard was reformed, preliminary diplomatic ties were forged with foreign nations, and the capital was developed to allow for an influx of new people. Weaving in and out of Audalad politics, Lirgal slowly began drifting away from the Empire and focusing on internal affairs. After months of preparation, Lirgal declared independence from Yimmu-Audal on October 8th, 2023. Owing to the good relations between the Lunar City-State and the rest of the Empire, the decision was uncontested. As a result, Lirgal would reach its 2nd Anniversary on October 10th as a sovereign nation once more.

As an independent nation, Lirgal resumed its role on the world stage as a diplomatic power; in the uncertain period following the dissolution of Yimmu-Audal in Novermber 2023, Lirgal negotiated countless deals and treaties between shifting powers on the continent. It was said that there was no corner of Alteniquia untouched by Lirgalyn diplomats, as they worked to maintain the balance of power wherever they had connections. Even as war ravaged much of the continent, Lirgal was on the sidelines; applying a soft diplomatic touch to ease things into a position more amicable to their interests. The period following Lirgal's independence was marked by a time of peace and serenity within the Lunar City-State; new developments were constructed, new literature published, and wealth flowed into the city as their economy soared to new levels. The announcement of a Comet inciting instability across Rathnir was not enough to disturb this period of prosperity-but as the comet came close to impact, this began to change.

The Fall of Lirgal
The exact events leading to what's known as the "Fall of Lirgal" are hazy to historians, due to the deaths or disappearances of several Lunar Councillors-the only ones within the Lirgalyn Government fully privy to what happened. Rumours of a cult within Asitir emerged in late December 2023, with the Lunar Council ordering all citizens to remain vigilant and report any strange happenings to the Lunar Guard. These rumours began to manifest in several small shrines or displays within derelict buildings in Lirgal which called for a vague, ill defined "end of the Lunar City", often accompanied with threats toward the Asitir Alaryn.

In early February 2024, an ominous but as of yet unexplained declaration was made by the Lunar Council; that they had become aware of a military threat against the Lunar City, and that they were actively preparing for its arrival. The 'Cult' by this stage was thought to have ballooned in number-emboldened by the panic brought about by the approaching Comet-and these new resources had enabled them to enlist the aid of mercenaries and warlords to march on Lirgal.

The next several months were spent in preparation for two eventualities; a battle for the city, and an evacuation of its people. Both of these would come to pass on March 6th, when an army of Cultists, Mercenaries and other hostile forces besieged the city. Most of the population escaped, forming refugee caravans and fleeing overseas as Nomads-their escape made possible by the valiant defence of the city by the Lunar Guard and their allies across Rathnir. The city of Lirgal itself fell into ruin; most of the Lirgalyns who stayed behind were killed or vanished, and an ensuing fight between the various besieging forces prevented anyone from consolidating their grip over the city. In the end, the Lunar City fell into disrepair-its legacy carried by Nomad Caravans, just as was the case with the lost city of Kaliné.

Government
In the period immediately after its founding, the Lunar City-State of Lirgal was headed by a provisional government with no defined organisation, mostly because of its unofficial and undecided status within the Empire. Even after the declaration of the Lunar City-State, this informal government continued, with only an idea of the internal organization existing.

With the growth of the city, the government was forced to formalize itself, and thus the current governmental system of Lirgal was born. Lirgal's Government is divided into two levels; the Executive and the Advisory. All positions in Lirgal's government are strictly by appointment, meaning that Lirgal is in essence a Mericoratic Oligarchy. Within the Government there are several councils;

The Lunar Council, referred to as Lyredai in Seraani, is the executive body of Lirgal. Typically comprising 3-4 members, the Lunar Council is responsible for all matters diplomatic and domestic, and is the highest authority within the Lunar City. The Lunar Council are highly secretive in many aspects; little is known about the inner workings of the Council, nor the exact plans they have.

The Astral Council, referred to as Taivaredai in Seraani, is as an advisory body to the Lunar Council. Acting as a bridge between the Citizenry and the government, Astral Councillors aid the Lunar Council with various matters and are often entrusted with devolved responsibility over certain domestic matters.

The Citizen Council, referred to as Nataredai in Seraani, is not a branch of the Lirgal Government, but rather a hybrid of State and Citizenry representation. Particularly skilled or influential citizens are typically granted a seat on the Citizen Council, which discusses matters important to the Citizens of Lirgal and on occasion draws attention to domestic issues of note that they wish the Government to address.

Cities and Provinces
With the vast growth of Lirgal following the integration of Lapidovir, the Lunar City-State was divided into 3 administrative provinces. These provinces are ruled directly by the Lunar Council, although traditionally a local leader is appointed as a Nérona, a Ceremonial representative who acts as liaison between the people of the Province and the Lunar Council.

Armed Forces
The Lirgalyn Armed Forces are known as the Lunar Guard.

While Lirgal focuses more on Diplomacy than Military Prowess to participate in geopolitics, it has had various standing armies to defend the City-State and its interests. Traditionally, the armed forces of Lirgal were split between the City Guard and the Lunar Guard; the former was the general citizen army tasked with the defence of Lirgal, while the latter was the more secretive organisation heavily linked to Asitir. As a defensive army, the City Guard had its first and only major operation during the collapse of Astyllea. As the continent was plunged into Civil War, the City Guard was on constant alert and defended Lirgal from several opportunistic raids from either bandits or hostile troops. The Lunar Guard, however, was a much more active force; while it was smaller, it participated in constant covert activities both within Lirgal and beyond its borders. Officially, the Lunar Guard acted only in the defence of Asitir and the Asitir faithful, but many speculate that it in fact acted as a proxy for the interests of the Lunar Council.

When Lirgal joined Yimmu-Audal, the need for both the City Guard and the Lunar Guard mostly faded away; Asitir by this stage had been reformed and had grown far beyond the early days of Lirgal, and other Lirgalyn soldiers were absorbed into the armies of Yimmu-Audal itself. However, the need for defenders of Lirgal arose once more during the Neo-Carnian Revolution. When the enemy armies attempted to use Lirgal as a staging post to attack Galadonnia, the Lunar Councillors and several citizens shut the gates of Lirgal for the first time in history-manning the walls and defending the city during the 1st and 2nd Battles of Galadonnia. This organised defence of Lirgal was the catalyst for the reforming of the Lunar Guard, to act as an amalgamation of the two old Lirgalyn Armed Forces; a small but well maintained standing army to act both as defenders of Lirgal and as the military representatives of the Lunar Council.

The headquarters of the Lunar Guard is Morowo Castle, situated in the Morowo Bailey District of Lirgal City. Morowo Castle was originally a mostly disused fort which the Lunar Council allowed the Gaians to use as a base of operations in Aldovir, however when the Gaians disbanded it fell into disuse once more. Following the reformation of the Lunar Guard, Morowo Castle was rebuilt into the fortress it is today-with the original bricks from the old fortress built into the foundation of the castle.

Architecture
Lirgal possesses a unique building style, named by its citizens the Lirgalyn Building Style. Typically, buildings are constructed with two primary wall materials; the upper floor is usually quartz, with the lower floor varying between structures. Lirgalyn cities are characterized by regular houses with depth, decorated with an abundance of greenery, and possessing blackstone or deepslate trims. This architectural style has been replicated by many other cities, and Lirgalyn builders are highly sought after architects across Rathnir.

Whilst Lirgal retains a commonality of aesthetics across the entire city, the architecture varies depending on which district of the city it's in. For example, the dense residential district of Morowo Bailey features the "Gracious Lirgalyn" style-buildings which are taller and more interconnected to account for a a more dense environment. Meanwhile, the Scorpion Swamp district is heavily inspired by Havenite architecture found in Alfheim-brought about by a high population of Havenite migrants.

Lirgalyn architecture has evolved and changed over time, often from inspirations taken from projects that Lirgalyns are hired to oversee or construct. The result is a consistent yet varied city, densely packed with buildings.