Azad

Province of Astrya's Declaration of Separation It is with a heavy heart, that I announce the province of Astrya's peaceful declaration of independence from the nation of Aristios. With the recent coup of the Commonwealth of Aristios, much in-fighting has occurred. The governor and citizens of Astrya do not see a continued connection with Aristios in our best interest. Therefore, we have decided to separate from the nation in order to forge new and healthier relationships. We wish Aristios and all others the best of luck in these trying times, for we cannot support them anymore. With that said, we raise the parting glass, and bid farewell. ~Transtronic of House Restello, On Behalf of Odigos Cskiddy (skiddy#4711)

Founding of A New Nation
Azad's story first begins on the eve of a civil war. Azad, know as Astrya before the Aristios Civil War, declared independence as Aristios fell into a war between the two factions of the Empire of Aristios and the Commonwealth of Aristios. This decision was brought on by a seemingly distant and uninterested peoples. Representation was limited and the fires of war in mainland Aristios helped to distance the already apathetic people of Astrya. As other provinces within Aristios broke off to form independent nations, Astrya followed suit, with a new name: The Trader's Federation of Azad.

Choosing of A Name
To start a budding nation, a name had to be chosen first. While originally names like Yiddos, Yiddas, Khuyiddos, Kos, Hemanutha, and Djan were among the litter of names, Azad won out in the end. Kos as a not-so-close second runner up was defeated in a vote of nine for Azad and two for Kos. Azad's name translated from real world Persian, means "free" and Azadian means "freeman"; a characteristic that perfectly described the newly freed people.

Early History or the "Beginning Age of Azad"
This period of time, the "Beginning Age of Azad", can be simplified into the formation of the government and early diplomatic relations. The government structure can be simplified into two simple words: "Monarchist Oligarchy" (More information on this can be found in government-structure). Relations during this time are bare bones and mainly smaller matters. Notable treaties include the Taernsbia-Azad Defensive Pact, recognition of Abaddon's independence from Aristios, and joining the Peacekeeper's Union of Northwestern Eldham (P.U.N.E.) and later known as League of the Setting Sun (L.S.S.).

Middle History or the "Growing Age of Azad"
The middle chapter of Azad, or the "Growing Age of Azad" encapsulates the growth of Azad's borders and populations as well as a time of instability in the outlying wilderness. Azad's exponential growth during this time is attributed to propaganda/recruiting campaigns and sound diplomatic maneuvers. Advertising Azad brought many new people to the nation to help in the expanding of new towns and cities. This new work force brought on new projects and ideas to help the young nation flourish. This influx of citizens also brought a territorial expansion in the way of Ostartia, an island nation to the east of Azad. This peaceful transition of land added to the growing federation. With the good also came the bad in the form of bandit attacks and squatters. Bandits seemed to flock to Isothonikos, the capital of Azad during this time, to attack during key moments. These bandits came to Isothonikos during important government meetings that took place only once a week and attacked when there was a large concentration of players, but these interlopers were quickly defeated by Azadian forces, never to return. While the bandits were drove out, another problem presented itself: squatters. Squatters had formed a town a little ways south of Isothonikos, which resulted in heated discussion and some complications. While CSkiddy and a user only known as "Skipp" debated over the land, users Kaladrian and Potato_Dragons fought with Monkey_Monks outside of Wahatayn. While a trial did not happen, it almost cost negations. It's notable that both parties acted in the best interest of their factions. Eventually the squatters left peacefully and Azad made an effort to clear every possible entry point of squatters into Azad, which led to the "Baumstadt Incident" near the "Fall of Azad".

Late History or the "Fall of Azad"
The beginning of the end for Azad began slowly and then erupted into violence. This period in time is very short, but has influences from every time period in Azad. While the line blurs between the "Growing Age of Azad" and the "Fall of Azad", a clear line can be made for the "fall" with the beginning of tensions with Aristios as a result of the "Baumstadt Incident". Tensions with the origin nation of Azad had been tenuous since even before the Aristios Civil War ended. Some users in Aristios called to "GET ASTRYA BACK" and "Let's launch a full scale invasion of Astrya" only days after Azad had declared independence. Weather these were jokes or not, comments like these only served to inflame worry among Azadians. As messages and debates between the two nation's leaders continued to do nothing but exacerbate pressure on the peace, accusations finally arrived after the clearing of Baumstadt as a anti-squatter precaution by Azadian citizens, now labeled as the "Baumstadt Incident" due to the confusion and arguments surrounding it. On a patrol of Azad by users Imviplayss, Super_abbe, Potato_Dragons, Pandasabotage, Dudelyfudder, they came in contact with the fort called Astrya Novum. This created a conflict with users SirLad, Azrielz, and others in which a fight ensued. This incident was the straw that broke the camel's back for Aristii-Azadian relations, eventually resulting in a mass abandonment of Azad and Stoneworks by much of Azad's government and citizens due to toxicity. This collapse of the government except for two high-ranking officials, users BMan28yye and Imviplayss, resulted in the dissolution of the Trader's Federation of Azad.

Post History or the "Age of New Azad"
After the complete dissolution of Azad from outside influence, a small band of citizens from the now defunct Trader's Federation of Azad created a "New Azadian State" to keep the Dream, history, culture, and legacy of Azad alive. These resilient users: BMan28yye, Pandasabotage, Imviplayss, GammaSean, Yuh, reeboy23_alt, Potato_Dragons, and MikeCoffee decided to keep on going by establishing the nation of New Azad: a government in exile. After the "Fall of Azad", some Azadian citizens decided to join back with Aristios and assimilate, but they still try and keep Azad's history and culture alive within another nation. Users super_abbe1 and Dudley_Fudder, previous Azadian citizens, helped to create the province of Astrya Novum in the place of Azad. This province under marshal law by user Azrielz served as an attempt to integrate Azad, but now military presence has lessened with prospects of a governor loyal to Aristios. The Aristios government then labeled all users still in league with Azad in any way as terrorists, even the innocent that had not participated in the battle at Astrya Novum. This denouncement of New Azad and talks of a trial for those that had participated in the battle at Fort Astrya Novum eventually blew over as evidence was brought forth and it seems as though the supposed trial was either forgotten about or did not matter anymore. Another event on the path was the separatist movement of the A.S.P. or Azadian Socialist Party by user reeboy23_alt, but the A.S.P. is a insignificant state attached to Happanika, the capital of New Azad. Events since have taken a turn for the better as it seems as though New Azad is on a path of peace and a new start in this chaotic world.

The Flag of Azad
(Written by TranstronicEngineer)

The Trader's Federation of Azad is home to the wealthy and holy. It is the region known as the Gilded Land, buried with sand and gold. The nation bears a flag, like all states, symbolic of all it means to be a citizen of the country. Symbolic of what it means to be an Azadian.

Azadians live in a hot region, and one of our primary gods is the sun god, so the sun is an important symbol to us. The sun on the flag contains three swirls in the center, which are symbolic of our three gods in the Nuvenos triumvirate. The gold is symbolic of our love of money in Azad, it being a trade nation filled with greedy yet pleasant merchants. The red and orange symbolize fire, not only in reference to our hot climate, but also in reference to our fiery souls. We love our money, religion, and freedom, and will fight for it all fiercely. The spirit of Azad is one of raging fire, enveloping the entire land with its warm embrace.

May all that bear witness to our shining flag know of our golden hue flame that burns deep in the core of our souls. Let all know of our wealth and prestige that we flash with dignity. Let all know of our hardened bodies, torn and stitched back together by the sands of time. And let all know of our divine blades, so sharp that we may pierce our enemies so deep, our memory will be ingrained into their minds for eternity.

Azad: "Home of the wealthy, holy, and free!"

- Ancient Azadians -
(Written by TranstronicEngineer)

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 Azad 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 Azad 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 Azad. Others may always have had gold eyes, though.

- Azadian Armor -
(Written by TranstronicEngineer) When it comes to modern Azadian armaments, the style is quite unique. The design is inspired by both ancient Azadian and Kossi culture. Curved shoulder pads and sharp points are prevalent across Azadian style. Leather skirts and fins are common in Kossi style.

The armor is different depending on the material, with different helmets, fins, and carvings. Iron and leather armor are typically removed of Azadian runic carvings. Orange tunics and frills are almost always associated with iron and leather creations, being a sign of lower ranking. Iron and leather armor are typically worn by the low class in Azad. Gold armor is a rare occurrence in Azad, being adorned only by the wealthy and powerful at special events. This armor is notable for its runic carvings, red fin, and closed helmet.

Daimond armor is common amongst the middle and high class of Azad. It bears runic carvings similar to gold armor, but with more references to the Nuvenos. Gold lining is prevalent among this armor, symbolic of wealth. The helmet has an almost T-shaped opening, inspired by Kossi design, and the chest piece has a purple gem in the middle. The fin is purple too, the purple coloring meant to serve as symbolism towards the Odigos.

Finally, there is the greatest of armor, Netherite armor. It is the rarest of armor to be found in Azad, only great warriors being equipped with such regalia. It has gold lining as well, and it's own set of runic carvings. The shoulder pads are more prominent in size, and have leather frills dangling from them. The helmet is open with a gold fin on top to symbolize holiness. Overall the armor is bulkier and simply stronger than all previous mentions.

Slight differences are apparent in the armor depending on where a person lives in Azad. Eastern Azadian armor features its own set of runic carvings, and has forward facing fins. Western Azadian armor features different runic carvings and has sideways facing fins.

- House Suddra Armor -
(Written by TranstronicEngineer) The armor of Azad is unique, featuring it's own style inspired by two different breeds of people. There's more than just the standard military armor, though. Each house that governs the nation has its own type of armor. Some are only slight adjustments to the standard gear, and others are quite different.

House Suddra is the house that patrons over all matters of religion in the nation. They are greatly dedicated to the Nuvenos as well as the divine leader of the nation, the Odigos. Because of their dedication, they've been selected to serve as the temple and royal guard. They bear golden masks connected to their helmets, and white tapestries draped over their armor. They also have white fins on top of their helmets.

The soldiers that serve as protectors of holy sites as well as government officials are known as the Tronik Guard. They are considered the most elite warriors in Azad, fending off foreign invaders and protecting the nation's leaders.

Government Structure
(Written by CSkiddy)

Okay, so. The Government of Azad will be a Monarchist Oligarchy led by the Odigos and Patriarchs/Matriarchs of 5 or so Houses. The first 5 or so Patriarchs/Matriarchs of the Houses will be chosen by the Odigos from among those that volunteer except in the case of an overlap wherein the applicants in question will be voted on from among their House. These 5 leaders will vote and drive the bulk of the decision making for the nation. All citizens will be required to join a House. Each House will have a specific set of characteristics/mission statements that will offer a deeper sense of identity within the nation as well as a purpose. As of now, the 5 Houses will be 1) A House of War 2) A House of Wealth 3) A House of Infrastructure 4) A House of Agriculture 5) A House of Faith. Each House will have its own set of channels within the National discord where they can coordinate and plan public policy/project proposals, write lore for their House, and anything else a House Patriarch/Matriarch may feel is necessary.

Votes from within the Houses for new Patriarchs/Matriarchs will be held every two weeks on a day to be determined based on the greatest availability. Alongside these House Patriarchs/Matriarchs are Government positions such as Minister of War, Admin., etc. These positions will be chosen by the Odigos to start and can be replaced by a simple majority vote within the House Council. It’s possible to be both a Patriarch/Matriarch and hold one of these positions, but in the case that such a person is unable to fulfill their duties, will be replaced. A House Council meeting will be held weekly on a day to be determined by House Patriarchs/Matriarchs based on the greatest availability. Here, policy for the nation will be discussed and votes will be made. At the end of meetings, House Patriarchs/Matriarchs will have the opportunity to present their own proposals that can be voted on. House Patriarchs/Matriarchs can organize projects within their own cities at their discretion, but if they want to incorporate the manpower, land, or wealth of the nation will need to present such a project before the council.

In addition it’s both possible and encouraged that Sub-Houses are formed and exist within the broader Houses. For example, a House that prioritizes the production of sugarcane can form within the broader Agriculture House. You are required, however to have at least 2 members within and present your Sub-House and it’s name to both the Odigos and your House Patriarch/Matriarch for official recognition as a legitimate House. In the case that the leader of a Sub-House is voted House Patriarch/Matriarch the person will remain leader of their Sub-House and their Sub-House will assume the role of the broader House in Power. The previous Broader House will be demoted to a Sub-House. Sub-House elections/interactions are considered outside the legal realm of the Government and are expected to organize themselves.

Laws
(Written by CSkiddy)

National Law
National law breaches will henceforth result in a fiscal punishment, while house laws/disputes are punished according to the respective patriarch's discretion (this can include gladiatorial combat among other things) Moving forward acts of


 * 1) -Theft
 * 2) -Homicide
 * 3) -Treason
 * 4) -Heresy

Are made illegal and are punished in accordance with their respective severity (ranked from top to bottom above)


 * 1) Acts of theft include (but aren’t necessarily limited to) that of taking items dropped on accident, items from chests, and property.
 * 2) Acts of homicide include the murder of the citizenry of our nation/cities as well as diplomats or other foreigners within or outside our borders. The punishment is especially severe in such cases that result in diplomatic incidents.
 * 3) Acts of treason include any conspiracy to overthrow or harm the leadership or sovereignty of our nation and our cities.
 * 4) Acts of heresy include the illegal practice or proselytizing of pagan faiths within or outside of our borders. All citizens are expected to practice, in some form or another, the Nuvenos faith and live in accordance with its principles.

Law of Claimed Agriculture
Moving forward, farming outside of claimed land is illegal and punishable with fines up to the discretion of gov. officials. This is in an effort to provide those that specialize in agriculture the ability to make adequate money and to boost the local economy.

Added later by BMan28yye in New Azad: (Take heed that these policies can be changed by the government at anytime to ensure the "freedom, faith, and (above all) wealth" of all citizens of Azad)

Policies
(Written by CSkiddy)

Policies are edicts from the government of Azad to the people. They are not as harsh as laws, but have the same authority.


 * Moving forward citizens are awarded a sum of $500 for every new citizen they bring into the nation. If those new citizens remain active for a week or more they are awarded an additional sum of $600
 * Moving forward those that join a house will have one free opportunity to change houses. Following this they will be charged for every switch. The cost of the change in houses will increase with each consecutive switch at a rate to be determined accordingly.  Added later by BMan28yye in New Azad: (Take heed that these policies can be changed by the government at anytime to ensure the "freedom, faith, and (above all) wealth" of all citizens of Azad)

Religion
(Written by CSkiddy and TranstronicEngineer)

What is The Nuvenos?
The Nuvenos is a triumvirate of three gods.. Happanika (the dancing god), Kipek (the truthsayer), and Visveos (god of woes) are their names and are worshipped at the discretion of any practitioner of the Nuvenos faith. They preside over certain aspects of the natural world and a number of minor gods serve their interests. Each god has its own creation story that their disciples claim to be divine doctrine. The patron and primary god of Isothonikos is Happanika. Colloquially considered the dancing god he presides over the aspects of fire and fertility as well.

The Nuvenossi Faith (Abridged)
In the Nuvenossi Faith there are THREE primary gods; Hapannika, Visveos, and Kipek. Depending on your particular beliefs ONE of these gods created the world and all of its inhabitants (Happanists-Believe Happanika created the world) (Visveists- Believe Visveos created the world) (Kipekists-Believe Kipek created the world) or they all worked together (Nuvenists). No matter what though we all believe that the three exist. There are also a great number of Demi-gods that represent the aspects of the natural world. They each serve one of the three primary gods. Finally there is a spurned fourth god,  Tőnuth Tarr. He represents all things evil and corrupted. He presides in his hell and works to undermine the Nuvenos and their creations. This is a short summary of our faith and the more elaborate texts can be read in the Faith channel.

The Nuvenos And What They Patron Over
Happanika presides over courage and strength basically. Kipek presides over truth and wisdom. And Visveos presides over emotions and healing.

Happanika’s Creation Story
Before there was light there was twilight, a dark expanse of matterless space stretching infinitely across time. There was nothing. Space devoid of matter, life, and purpose, and then, there was motion. From nothing grew a faint trace of movement and, in a second, a flurry of graceful action. At its center, a figure of light and energy spun and spun seemingly urging itself forward in what could only be described as a dance. From every step this figure took grew an island, from every drop of sweat, formed the ocean, and from the shimmering flakes of matter that were shaken from this figures form appeared the stars. Satisfied, this figure kneeled at the feet of its creation. He kissed the ground where he fell and from this kiss rose the sun, taking its place eternally in the skies above. This figures name, Happanika. In those early days people appeared. Happanika, curious as to their origin, questioned them. “From where do you come? he asked. “We know not totheiko, we know not our beginning and we know not our end.””Do we see rightly that you are a god?” “It is so” he answered. “What then, oh great one, is this space that we inhabit” Happanika was disturbed by this lack of gratitude for developing earth, beauty, the stars. They knew not the sacrifice, even the matter shed from Happanika’s primordial form. The stars were hidden by the light of Happanika’s kiss and so, that they might never forget, he would dance. He would turn the sky with this motion and twilight would return, exposing the stars and space once devoid of matter. That same space from which Happanika enabled life. Satisfied again with his work Happanika kissed the ground and from that kiss rose the moon, taking its place eternally in the skies above.

Kipek’s Creation Story
Before there was light there was twilight, a dark expanse of matterless space stretching infinitely across time. There was nothing. Space devoid of matter, life, and purpose, and then, there was a whisper. From nothing grew a faint trace of sound and within seconds a chorus of faintly spoken thoughts, ideas, truths echoed across this empty space. At their center, a figure of solid, but ethereal, matter spoke thoughts into truth out of a thousand unceasing mouths. Out of every thundering thought rose an island, from subtle musings, formed the ocean, and through the fluttering songs of ponderous ruminations appeared the stars. Satisfied, this figure kneeled at the feet of its creation. He bowed, and where his head touched the soil rose the sun, taking its place eternally in the skies above. This figures name, Kipek.

Visveos’ Creation Story
Before there was light there was twilight, a dark expanse of matterless space stretching infinitely across time. There was nothing. Space devoid of matter, life, and purpose, and then, there was that which is felt. From nothing grew faint pangs of a heart and within seconds a throng of intense emotion, feeling, sensation filled the empty space. At its center, a cold soul subjected this space to an endless array of pain, fear, and shame. From every ache rose an island, from a sea of shame, formed the ocean, and through hope for remedy of that pain appeared the stars. Dissatisfied, he avoided his creation. Out of his absence rose the sun, taking its place eternally in the skies above. This figures name, Visveos.

Demi-Gods
There are many sub-gods said to serve under the Nuvenos Triumvirate. Most serve one of the three gods, while others seem to serve none, and others serving all three. Regardless of the case, they are all prevalent in the land, harboring worship from various groups of people.


 * Ebrius, Demi-God of Revelry. Believed to serve under Happanika, he patrons over all celebrations and drinks. Ask him for a mug and he might bestow upon you a brew powerful enough to knock out ten horses.
 * Machi, Demi-God of War. Believed to serve under Happanika, he patrons over all forms of combat and warfare. Be it the battle with your inner demons, or a blade before your eyes, call upon this god for victory.
 * Technia, Demi-Goddess of Design. Believed to serve under Kipek, she patrons over all forms of art. Builders and painters pray to her for stability and creativity.
 * Phronesis, Demi-God of Insight. Believed to serve under Kipek, he patrons over knowledge. Historians, mathematicians, and other knowledgeable characters pray to this god for truth and wisdom.
 * Omari, Demi-Goddess of Passion. Believed to serve under Visveos, she patrons over love and passion. If one desires to have a blissful night with their significant other, they pray to this goddess. People also pray to her in the hope of finding a significant other, or simply to spread love.
 * Iypi, Demi-God of Mourning. Believed to serve under Visveos, he is the patron of grief and healing. If a loved one has died or some other unfortunate event has occurred, people pray to this god for physical and spiritual healing.

Patron Demi-Gods
(Written by BMan28yye)

Houses within Azad that believe in the Nuvenos are allowed to pick a patron deity to watch over and protect them. They give the House's members inspiration and provide a source of faith to the believers. Current Demi-Gods that Patron over Houses:


 * House Edua - Technia, Demi-Goddess of Design. Believed to serve under Kipek, she patrons over all forms of art. Builders and painters pray to her for stability and creativity.

The Deep Dweller, Tőnuth Tarr
In the time of the absence of life, existed four great gods. Kipek the joyful, Visveos the silent, Happanika the calm, and Tőnuth Tarr the wild. The four gods decided that the vast void was a dull sight, thus they started molding new creations and formed the universe we live in today.

Kipek and Visveos guided their handwork to create the orbs that would form the planet and its moon. Happanika and Tőnuth Tarr, whom of which were twins, worked together to form the stars and spread them far and wide. With the combined effort of all, our beautiful universe was born and life erupted from the fallout.

Soon humanity and other species would burst forth from the planet. The gods, who would come to be known as the Nuvenos, guided our planet and helped civilization develop. Soon enough great cities and empires would form.

In the land of Azad birthed was the great city of Bovisti. The city was the pinnacle of prosperity in its time, succeeding through worship of the gods. Everything was calm and perfect, but that caused discourse in the spirit of one god. Tőnuth Tarr, who was dissatisfied by the state of affairs, decided to edge the denizens of Bovisti down a different path.

By his very nature, he encouraged the people to live wildly and offered them glorious rewards for his praise alone. Greed, debauchery, and other sins soon flooded forth. Tőnuth Tarr in his tinkering with the system became more powerful and started corrupting the land, as well as himself. This angered the other gods. Happanika with the backing of Kipek and Visveos, confronted his twin and fought with him. The battle was horrific, blinding light blooming in the sky and the earth crumbling away.

Eventually, Tőnuth Tarr lay defeated, his brethren looming over him. With one fell blast, they sent him into a deep crater which took the traitor god to the greatest depths of the planet. Soon after, the city of Bovisti and all of the surrounding area would be razed to the ground, the gods sending the sinners the same place they sent the people's master. A place which would come to be known as the underworld. And thus was the new home of Tőnuth Tarr, alongside his minions. It is a dark and horrible place of ash and brimstone. To any who have the misfortune to lay eyes upon the god and his minions will notice the ash gray skin they now bear, and the god's weathered copper mask. They now exist evil husk of their former selves...lying in wait for their return to the surface, where they will raise hell in vengeance against the Nuvenos and their worshippers.

Tőnuth Tarr's Minions
The Deep Dweller, Tőnuth Tarr, has devolved into a sickly god of twisted evil. It is only fitting it seems that his followers meet his same fate. It is said that in the underworld in which the dweller presides, pools of his boiling blood flood the area. This blood poured from his body as a result of his wounds from his fateful battle with the Nuvenos. His blood is known as lava, and if one has the dark potential which Tőnuth Tarr desires in his minions, then they will be changed. His blood breaks away their body and soul, reforming both halfway in the image of broken glass. A person's physical appearance will look halfway shattered, cracks of shadows forming over their body. Their soul will become embedded to the dark lord, forever his plaything. Anybody who does not meet the requirements of Tőnuth Tarr yet still come into contact with his blood are simply burned. A reminder of his venomous nature.

Known Minions of Tőnuth Tarr include:


 * Ragkratis, one who is considered a high ranking minion of the dweller. He holds greater power than most.

Reigning Theories of The Nuvenos
The Nuvenos faith may appear confusing to some. The three origins of the world are debated by the denizens of Azad, with the three primary gods bearing different tales of creation. Happanika is awarded the most appraisal as the head of the triumvirate due to him having recorded interactions with the people. The other two gods are more reserved in comparison. Nobody knows for certain if the three gods of the Nuvenos Triumvirate are separate, or all one and the same. Some believe each god has played a part in the creation of the world, while others believe them each to be one true god in actuality. Whatever the case, each belief is equally respected in the faith, with only those beyond knowing the truth.