Soleannen Empire

The Third Empire of Escharia, is a nation in Rathnir that is spread across the continents of Sparwood, Syltor and, primarily, Nieden. As the successors of the Escharian empires, its state religion is Soleannen and the main race inhabiting it are the Niedene. Starting as a union government under the name of Soleannen Realm of Nidea, the Soleannen Empire or Solean Irasterrei IPA:/so.le.an.i.ra.ster.rej/ in Asteri was proclaimed by the Iksare (Emperor) Nicolas An Seqere in 1745 ASC (12 of March, 2023) after the success of the Escharian Spring. After years of reign, Nicolas abdicated and passed the power to Samael Vorpes Delgrenvzar which immediately proclaimed the.

Escharian heritage
With the exception of Andorn and Wivamovia, all the territories encompassed within the Soleannen empire were, at some point, directly controlled by an Escharian Empire. Other states such as The Realm of Escharia also claimed the heritage of the Soleannan Imperium, a successor of the Second Empire. The main elements of this heritage are the practice of the Soleannen faith and the predominance of Niedene races and culture, as much as a vertical political structure inherited from the Second Empire describes as Etscharii arciesme (Escharian authoritarianism in Asteri).

However due to a series of political crises and a civil war (Fourth Aksemesai), the Siorvat of Escharia was dissolved in 1712 ASC, leaving behind 3 separate political identities; these include the Realm of Escharia, vassal of Bardonia, Lyras Soleari and the Kingdom of Creed, both vassal of the empire of Simulami.

Escharian Spring
During the Escharian Sping in 1734 ASC (January 16, 2023), the nations of Lyras Soleari and the Kingdom of Vasterien declared independence from the empire of Simulami. They were quickly followed by the Kingdom of Creed. Two years after, the Kingdom of Wheatonia joined the Realm of Escharia as a vassal in 1736 ASC (January 24, 2023).

Soleannen Realm of Niedea
The same year in 1736 ASC (January 29, 2023), the Realm of Escharia merged with Lyras Soleari and formed the Soleannen Realm of Niedea. This state was conceived as a balanced union between the successor state of the Soleannan Imperium and the Kirrentai (soleannen clergy), and the leaders of both, Seqerie Nicolas an Seqere and Ekeris (cardinal) Faezaron Eacci, were equally rulers of the newly formed nation. This union was formalized by a ceremony of baptism of Nicolas by Ekeris Faezaron in the creek of Auberon's Vale. After 6 years, this new state integrated the other niedene states which brought free from Simulami, the Kingdom of Vasterien in 1742 ASC (February 28, 2023) and the Kingdom of Creed the year after (March 04, 2023).

Proclamation of the Soleannen Empire
The Soleannen Empire was proclaimed by the Iksare (Emperor) Nicolas An Seqere in 1745 ASC (12 of March, 2023) on the basis of the filliation recognition by his mother Luci an Aesperii. This makes Nicolas an Seqere-Aesperii the grandson of Valerian an Aesperii, ruler of the Second Empire of Escharia, and attached him directly to a family bloodline of Ehrli Iskare (Holy Soleannen Emperor). As such, the Soleannen Realm of Niedea is the third state to claim the title of Soleannen Empire after the First and Second Empires of Escharia.

Vassalization of Regonia
Following the instability of Valondor, the Kingdom of Regonia became a vassal of the Soleannen Empire in 1747 ASC (March 25, 2023). This situation is comparable with thevassaldom of Regonia under the Soleannan Imperium approximately 70 years ago.

Reign of Nicolas an Aesperii
As an inheritor of his father Yazov, the reign of Nicolas was characterized by his focus on external relations. On the other hand the provinces of the empire were granted great autonomy, only exception being the unification of the western kingdom of Vasterien with the provinces of “Core Escharia” around the town of Varmerion which put the imperial governor Sabite an Averroii on par with the King Castrien Bellator.

Even with the proclamation of the Soleannen Empire, Nicolas wasn't recognized as a Holy Soleannen Emperor by the Ekeris, in spite of holding all the artifacts of Escharia. If this situation was comparable to the one of the Soleannan Imperium, the decision to designate Hazel McSpiegel as akesor (town mayor) of Lostesrei and the lifting of the Soleannen Mandate (mandatory conversion) in the city as Hazel refused to pratice the faith was deemed as a provocation by the nobles of Vasterien and the Kirrentai.

Moreover, after the death of his mother Luci an Aesperii, the reign of Iksare Nicolas was marked by dementias comparable to the ones experienced by his late father. As these outbursts became more numerous throughout the years, Nicolas asked the Lily council to abdicate and let him return to his life of wandering.

Proclamation of the Third Empire of Escharia
Samael Vorpes Delgrenvzar descended from the Luminarium at the moment of the death of Luci an Aesperii. He quickly became a friend and strong advisor of Nicolas, greatly expanding the diplomatic ties of the Empire. Strongly supported by the military, he was logically designated by Nicolas as his successor, avoiding a succession crisis. His first decision was to proclaim the Third Empire of Escharia,

Enforcement of a neo-nationalist policy
Unable to have the Kirrentai proclaim himself as Holy Soleannen Emperor, Iksare Samael enticed a nationalist policy which refused the influence of the Soleannen Faith and relied on its military strength to deter internal revolts. The main project pursued by Samael was the irredentist project to conquer the Empire of Simulami and restore the historical borders of the Empire of Escharia. It is also notable that the asterization of the western territories advanced during this period. This policy is called Etscharii Selt-Ahrisme (Escharian neo-nationalism in Asteri) by modern scholars.

The continuity of Nicolas' internal policies was criticized within the high government of the Empire, with nobles not accepting the lifting of the Soleannen mandate over Lostesrei. Moreover, the proclamation of the Empire of Escharia was perceived as a provocation and an attempt to violate the integrity of the Kirrentai as this institution was historically submitted to the Iksare of Escharia.

Tensions with Simulami
As Iksare Samael armed the Empire, he developped military alliances outside from all considerations of the Soleannen faith, allying with Kartek and the networks of the son of Segra, Howertt de Medici. This aggressive policy was characterized by a serie of diplomatic insults against Simulami: among these most notable incidents, Simulami was prohibited to settle on the Islands of Spin north of Lileanen and the province of Tymarat was frequently raided by Sabite an Averroii.

On the other hand, Simulami deepenned its ties with the Kirrentai, reactiving a project of reunion between the faiths of Soleannen and Soleviel which was stopped by the Escharian Sping. This reunion involved the gift of the Felkerr mountains (located between Drakhasrei and the Simulami capital of Nulvallen) to the Ekeris in order to constitute a new independent State of the Kirrentai.

These tensions culminated with the bombing of the cathedral of Nuvallen. This event occurred as, taking advantage over a lack of replacement within the organization of the city guard, Howertt de Medici entirely bombed the monument. Iksare Samael Immediately negated all implication from the Empire in the act, and entirely founded its rebuilding. However, it was revealed that he had taken part to the destruction along other government members as Sabite an Averroii. These revelations sparked an outcry within the Lily Council, in particular from those affiliated to the Kirrentai. From this moment, they strongly opposed all project of invasion of Simulami.

Banishment of Iksare Samael and succession crisis
The reign of Iksare Samael ended in a dramatical manner with the intervention of Solaris as it appeared that he had associated with the blight in order to generale magical weapons in preparation of the war with Simulami. The state of corruption of the Iksare was deemed beyond repair by the God, which banned his spirit from both the Hemnerei and the Luminarium. The wrath of Solaris also fell over the town of Lileanen, which was invaded by an amy of blight. The districts of the town erected during the government of Aelin were targeted and suffered heavy destructions while many inhabitants died in the fights.

Amidst the chaos, Nicolas an Asperii was once more asked by the Lily Council to return to power. However, he turned down the request and designated Hazel McSpiegel as his successor. This decision wasn't recognized by the leaders of Lyras Solearii, which concluded a pact with the principality of Valerei, the Empire of Simulami and the Emirate of Najer. On the other hand, due to Hazel's repeated stances against the Soleannen faith, the leader of Reikara also refuzed her coronation. Nicolas eventually accepted to recover the position of Iksare but recognized the independence of Lyras Solearii, which consitued a new nation with Simulami, Najer and Valerei : the Empire of Nieden.

Eventually, the reign of Nicolas was short as he had an extreme outburst of dementia soon after. Like his father Nicolas, he eventually killed himself along his wife Aelin. Sabite an Averroii proclaimed herself as his successor, but her reliance on Hazel McSpiegel was denunciated by the leaders of Vasterien and Reikara. The two kingdoms eventually seceded from the Empire. Amidst the chaos, the nations of Andorn and Regonia also declared independence. The Empire formally ended and Sabite was proclaimed leader of the new nation. Named Etscharii Aakros (Escharian Heartlands), it roughly encompasses the borders of the Realm of Escharia.

Escharia, Suderen, and Soleanna
Old Escharia's home region is now located in the Crownlands and Lyras Soleari. Dominated by volcanic mountains, lush fields, and towering forests. The country had a large animal population, especially in wolves and sheep which can be found over. The northern reaches are dominated by swamps inhabited by many creatures such as wolves and boar. The forests of Escharia sport a high population of foxes which led to a lack of rabbits in the country. The Oceans off of Lileanen and Litoci are very warm but this changes when one heads south towards Iabet. The plains from Amilais to Azatori, passing through Litoci and Drakhasrei are very fertile which allowed the nation to host a very good food production. In contrast to this, the country experienced harsh falls and winters with blizzards often ravaging the land. In summer the country was known to possess a lot of precipitation due to large cold fronts from the east clashing with the warm west. There are many volcanic pockets and hot springs such as the caves outside of Litoci which accustomed to be a popular tourist spot for old Escharian citizens.

Nieden Valley
As one advances north of Lyras from the town of Amilais, they encounter a much colder region dominated by chilly forests in the Vale'du'nor (Nieden Valley) with cold swamps joining them. In addition to this the fields around Dorostadt (Tymarat) possess chilly autumns with mild summers, though noticeably chillier than in Soleanna or Escharia.

Siritahlene
The Siritahlene territories are mostly encomprised within the Kingdom of Vasterien, even tho the Kingdom of Creed as some mountainous influences around the towns of Galitz, Thanutabad and Solitude. This mountain range is known to have slim canyons with dozens of waterfalls and caves that run the heights of them. The middle chain is the biggest one and has the highest peaks, where the coldest temperatures of Nieden can be experienced. It's also the biggest chain. It is also highly volcanical in the east, around NisArkhall. Separated by a swamp from the middle chain, the northen chain has the longest winters and experienced scarce settlement during the era.

Varmerien
When one gets to Egalia in the western side of the continent of Nieden, the climate remains similar to the Nieden Valley, being bordered by the cold Phagosian Sea and hemmed into the incredibly cold Siritahlene. This area has great continental influences and can experience severe storms. It is not as Volcanic as the Eastern part of Nieden and generally as cold as northern Nieden, which makes the soil less fertile but still productive nonetheless when the Thadians give their hands up to the job. Southern Egalia is often Warmer than Nieden due to bordering the warm sand of Theionikos, creating the unique region of Orranderlost. The area by Alexandria has the most productive farms.

Tessel
The climate of Tessel demonstrates cold highlands in the west, and a warm eastern forest.

Biodiversity
The lands of the continent of Nieden are rich in wildlife. Many different kinds of wild animals have been documented by Escharian zoologists across the region and the surroundings. Nieden is a relatively temperate continent with a cold climate. This, along with the effects of the last ice age, have caused many of the local organisms to be well adapted to cold weather, much more so than many of their warmer-weather kin.

The list of the ground niedean bestiary noticeably includes wolves, frog, testudines, cervidae, caprinae (in the southern Siritahlene) and camelidae (in the northern Siritahlene). A great variety of birds is also represented, with the penetration of exotic species from Theionikos in Vasterien and Southern  Varmerien.

Government
The functions of Head of state were initially occupied by the rulers, or Qesieri in Asteri. The Ekeris Faezaron Eacci and the Royal family of Seqerie, Nicolas and Aelin would thus equally rule the Soleannen Realm of Escharia. However with the proclamation of the Soleannen Empire and then the Third Empire of Escharia, the executive power was entirely concentrated into the hands of the Iksare.

The position of Imperial Regents, or Irastli Kormanti in Asteri, used to be attributed to the personal assistant to each of the three Qeseri. After the proclamation of the Empire, this position was occupied by the Aker, rulers of a kingdom with the Empire (Andorn, Crownlands, Creed, Lyras Solearii, Vamerien and Vasterien).

Called the Lilea Arkeai in Asteri, the Lily Council is the group of trusted advisors that assist in decision-making for the country. Advisors, or Kesefors, may attend most of their meetings. It's composed by important figures, mostly founders of the nations, plus the leaders of the different regions.

Subdivisions
Each region are ruled by distinct rulers whose statutes vary due to previous historical ties. The list of regions includes Andorn, Creed, Crownlands, Lyras Soleari, Vamerien, Vasterien and Wivamovia. They all have their own specific government and positions. However, as inheritors of the Escharian empires and Soleannan Imperium, the Archduchy of Varmerion, Lyras Soleari and Vasterien share many institutional features. Among them, each one has its own noble council, advisor, kesefor in Asteri, council and the staple political figure accountable for the enforcement of the Imperial authority and the Soleannen mandate is the mayor akesor in Asteri.

Ferrant Arelei
The Noble Council is called the Ferrant Arelei in Asteri, and serves as a lower court is composed of members from the prominent families of the Realm, the Great Houses and the Minor Houses, or designated by the Great Houses. Presided by the Hands, it assists the Rulers with the daily running of the nation and may propose laws to the Rulers. Its proposals may be vetoed by the rulers.

Military
The military corpse of the Soleannen Empire is the continuity of the Ivoras Legion in the Realm of Escharia, which itself claims the Heritage of the Soleannan imperium and Second Empire of Escharia.

The structure of the Legion was designed by Hazel McSpiegel, between combat corps and logistical corps.

Relations with the Soleannen Church
As during the Soleannan Imperium, the church remained separated from the government of the Empire. However, the equality instaured between the three Qesieri at the proclamation of the Soleannen Realm of Niedea initially gave the Kirrentai an important weight within the processes of decision-making of the nation. The proclamation of the Soleannen Empire was understood by the Soleannen Church as the desire for the nation to proclaim itself as the protector of the Soleannen faith. However, Ekeris Faezaron Eacci refused to crown the successive leaders as Holy Soleannen Emperor, and the Kirrentai maintained a total independence from, even exerting its own diplomacy. This cooperation culminated with the vassalisation of the Soleannen Kingdom of Hälge.

Overall, the proclamation of the Empire saw the nation skew towards a more imperialistic and expantionist policy, shrinking the importance of the Soleannen Church within the internal balance of power. These divergences were exarcebated by the relations between the 3rd Empire and the Empire of Simulami, whose leaders had converted to the Soleannen Faith.

Religion
If Soleannen is the way of life and religion of the Niedene people in most of the Empire, Andorn and Crownlands experience religious liberty. Note that the main religion of Andorn, Sannhet, has connections with the Soleannen Faith through the worshipping of god Ivoras.

The beliefs of Soleannen focus around the universe being inhabited by a multitude of spirits,  many of which resemble the Niedene form in some capacities. The chief spirits are the deities, most prominently the creator Anetos who gave life to the peoples of the world. Below the deities are their servants (the Kirsii, or Cohort), the patrons who often do the work of the deities.

It is believed that there are a multitude of realms, the main ones being the Hemnerei, Luminarium, and Anmarum. Ancestor worship is also the most common form of worship. To be inducted into the faith one must profess abandonment of all previous gods, profess faith in the ways of the Niedene, and they are then encouraged to be baptized in a body of water that flows eastwards. After the completion of this they will officially be declared a Soleannen Member.

Language
Asteri and its various branch languages are the most frequently spoken tongues across the empire, being primarily spoken in Lyras Soleari and Lileanen. A large majority of citizens also speak Traveler's Tongue in order to better speak with outsiders. Some regional variations to Asteri also are spoken, such as Amennrii Asteri. While maintaining itself into the asteri language continuum, variants of others niedene languages such as Gentarii, Thadii or Reykarite are still spoken in rural area in the western kingdoms of Creed, Varmerien and Vasterien, where nobility assures the transmission of the Court's codes.

Culture
The Soleannen Empire is the inheritor of the empires of Escharia, old and established nations with rich history and Niedene traditions, centered around morality and honour. Music and festivals with dancing are often held throughout the land, celebrating Soleannen holidays or gathering for an occasional market day. The acceptance of all races and cultures is highly encouraged in the capital and the nation's largest city. Beauty and cleanliness are aspects often valued in society, placing a special emphasis on the natural world. This is partially due to the association of the outdoors with the natural way of the world, the gods, and spirits.