Astrya (Aristios)

The Ancient Peoples
In times of old, existed the Ancient Azadians. They were a people of dark complexion, which bore runic tattoos all over. Their hair was often dark, most being black, braided with gold rings. Most notable was their yellow eyes, though. The Ancient Azadians gazed at gold so often, that many believe the valuable resource reflected its very color into their eyes. Their "golden eyes" became synonymous with their name. Their name would eventually fall into obscurity, though. Upon being corrupted by the Deep Dweller, Tőnuth Tarr, the Azadians of old were shunned by their gods. Their wealth dwindled, and their home became a stranger. Over the course of several years they would leave Astrya and join new nations. They mixed in with other races and cultures, pure bloods eventually dying out. Rumors persist that few pure bloods remain to this day, though, immortalized through blessings by the gods. Some say it is the work of dark magic instead, if the rumors are to be believed Those of the modern day Astrya are mixed, most being of Kossi decent. There are few though who still bear the blood of Ancient Azadians. They are usually recognizable by their eyes. Like their predecessors, they too bear the golden eyes, but they don't always show. It is said that some people of the old blood only have their golden eyes revealed upon returning to Astrya. Others may always have had gold eyes, though.

Voclaria-Transcardia
The first people to claim the lands of Astrya was the nation of Voclaria-Transcardia based in the now former Astillian province. Much of the history of Voclaria and especially the region of Astrya are unknown and lost to the sands of time. Despite the lands of Voclaria covering three provinces of Aristios we only know of their operations in Astillia

First Kingdom under Aristios
When joining the Empire of Aristios, the province was named after the one city there, Colchester before being the province was renamed to Astrya to fit with the other provinces. Astrya was the second highest populated provinces along with Astillia

The Aristii Civil War
Main Article: Aristii civil war During the Civil War of Aristios, Astrya, like many other provinces, decided to secede for neutrality but due to seeing the Commonwealth win decided to remain indepenent as The Trader's Federation of Azad except for the city of Baumstadt of on the western peninsula who wished to rejoin Aristios. Baumstads status as a part of Aristios was however disputed by the Astrya who renamed themself Azad. As both states claimed it as their territory

Independence
The new Trader's Federation of Azad existed for a fair while based on the principles of Freedom, Wealth and Faith to the Nuvenos religion. This was an era Astrya's golden age with religious enlightement, societal development and great stories forged.

The Collapse of Azad
Main Article: The Collapse of Azad Then over a week it all came crashing down. One day an Aristios Government official was surveying Aristii lands when it was discovered Baumstadt was demolished by Azad to build a new Azadian city. This was seen by Aristios as an attack to their territory, Aristios would retaliate by building up a fort in the middle of Azadian territory claiming that as theres also. This lead to a brief conflict with one skirmish and no war ever officially declared. In the end Aristios annexed the lands and tried many Azadis for matters in the conflict.

Second Astryan Kingdom under the Republic
The second Astryan province carved out of the former Azadian territory would bear the Name Astra Novum (New Astrya) and would be reintegrated into the Republic of Aristios. At first Astrya Novum would be managed from the fortress of Astrya Novum by Grand Marshal Azriel under martial law until officially gaining its first Governor. The first Governor of Astrya after the reconquest would be Governor Abbe Dragomir and he would serve as the provinces only governor for the reminder of its time as an Province in Aristios. Astrya Novum would later change its name back to just Astrya as the province who preceded it.

Vassalization
Astrya would later gain its independence as a Vassal of Aristios with its own goverment. Astrya would remain a Vassal of Republic Aristios until Aristios eventually fell.

To see later history of independent Astrya click on this.