Theiónikos

The Archonate of Theiónikos (meaning "The Victory of Theíos" in Ancient Theióglossa) is a state in Anníekos. It has existed within the world of Rathnir since 10 TE (November 4th 2020). It is the home of the powerful & historical religion of Theiosism. It is located in the center of Rathnir on the continent of Alteniquia, bordering the Phagosian Sea, the sub-continent of Vastallos, the Soleannen Empire, the Ombrian Gulf & Aldovir. At the head of the Archonate is the Árkohn (Archon), currently Círan'dir Gálus. The Árkohn has supreme authority through Theios, the Almighty Father of Mankind.

History of Theiónikos
History of the Land Blessed by the Light of Theíos

Humble beginnings
The roots of the Duchy of Theiónikos are found in the initial settlement of the Yimmu-Audal Empire's northern desert territory when the Holy City of Theiótokos was founded by then slave Hákonos as a holy site of Theiosism. Upon the creation of this city and the start of development in the region, the Emperor and Elder Council of Yimmu-Audal established the Northwestern Territories, a semi-autonomous zone which encompassed the vast and uninhabited desert regions of the Western Continent. For a time the Northwestern Territories remained as an autonomous frontier region of the Yimmu-Audal Empire, until the formal establishment of a government by Hákonos.

Western territories
The first formal government of the region which would go on to become the Duchy of Theiónikos was the territorial government under the rule of Governor Hákonos. During this time the territories were still sparsely populated and effectively under the theocratic rule of the Sanctum of Theiotokos of the Theiosistic Faith. However a colonization initiative would be declared by the government of Yimmu-Audal under the direction of the Governor, which would lead to the founding of many settlements, the first of which would be Gebel and Zir-Qalman. It was during this initial period of growth that the Theiosistic faith came into communion with the Sakrelist faith, and the foundations for the Duchy truly began to take shape.

County of Theiónikos
After the settlement of the first four major cities within the western Territories the first Feudal government would be put in place in the region. The County of Theiónikos, under the rule of Count Hákonos, would continue to see growth and spread the Theiosist faith during the last days of the Yimmu-Audal Empire, until eventually the territory would be peacefully annexed and turned into an Imperial Province under the Soleannen Empire by Emperor Siegfried of Escharia. It was during this time as an Imperial Province that the Duchy truly came into being.

Imperial Province of Theiónikos
When Yimmu-Audal was defeated in the Trillium War and annexed by the Soleannen Empire, the County of Theiónikos was peacefully integrated into the empire, while in contrast its southern neighbors of Audal proper were in stark opposition to the change of powers. During this initial period the Imperial Fort of Il-Kabulli was created within the lands of the newly named Duchy of Theiónikos under Duke Hákonos so as to ensure the loyalty and protection of the Imperial Province from hostile powers. While the Duchy of Theiónikos was continuing its expansion in population, the Emperor of Soleanna also granted them new lands in Siroba and Alshati and a coast on the Sea of Pearls. The Duchy's government continued to formalize, the faith continued to grow, and the power of the Duke continued to increase as Soleanna gave them more autonomy in the region. This growth and newfound autonomy would set the Duchy up for success once it gained its independence during the fall of the Empire.

Freedom from the Soleannen Empire
After the dissolution of the Soleannen Empire the Duchy of Theiónikos, as well as many Imperial Provinces including Audal, were granted independence as successor states of the Soleannen Empire. For the first time in Theiónikos' history it was a sovereign nation with the right to its own self determination. The formal systems of government and the power of the Sanctum of Theiotokos had fully established themselves, and now they were free to pursue their own destiny. The growth seen under Soleanna would continue to increase, while its southern neighbors sadly continued to degenerate. During this prosperous age the Duchy would gain multiple land acquisitions and experience an economic boom before the the Jagdasian Emperor, and previous master of Duke Hákonos, StoryStudio returned and ushered in the Yimmu-Audal Renaissance. Reunification talks had already taken place between the leadership of both the Duchy of Theiónikos and Free Yimmu-Audal, but the process would be impeded by internal politics until the former Emperor returned.

The Duchy of Theiónikos, being the dominant power of the region, would then serve as the foundation for the New Kingdom of Theios-Essukdal, with the state faith and Feudal system of the Duchy continuing on into the new nation. The Duchy would be reorganized into a new realm under Theios-Essukdal, with its previous leader Hákonos maintaining his title of Duke and focusing his efforts on leading the new faith of the nation. The next monarchs of this Kingdom would also be powerful and influential figures in Theiónikos' history, with the First Lugal being Takiruko, previously the Count of Gebel and Chief Diplomat of the Duchy of Theiónikos, and the First Ningal being Countess Mystic of Coltmaere. The laws and Constitution of Theiónikos would also serve as the basis for the First Constitution of Theios-Essukdal, with the foreign and domestic policy of the nation greatly influencing the development of this new Kingdom, during Theíos Essukdal, a lot of Eastern Theiónikos was bought by Lunkin II of Anoshphey including Konushum, Siroba, Pheonix, Ersetu, and later Prisma.

End of Theíos-Essukdal and the 2nd Empire of Yimmu-Audal
At the End of Theíos-Essukdal it was obvious that Theíosism was slowly losing its power & LethalMuffin became sick. Because of the fall of Theíosism the 2nd Empire of Yimmu-Audal Arose. During this time Theiónikos entered a mini dark stage of inactivity & a sick ruler. Until the Archon passed away. Centurion who has risen in power in Yimmu-Audal had to pick the new Archon of Theiónikos, which he picked Asseli Kev-Nak, Asseli started to revive Theiónikos to what it used to be, together with his right hand man Romànus Eggus Galus he created Theiónikos's State Militia called the Riders of Theíos, replaced old Tétrarchs, passed mild reforms from the Tétrarchy & Established the Regional Assembly. This reformation is also where the famous quote: "I came to Theiónikos a state of sandstone and left it a state of netherite." - Romànus Eggus Galus came from at the last battle where he unfortunaly died not long after Archon Asseli also died of sickness and it was decided for Bob to follow him in his footsteps.

The Brothers War & Theiónikos in Astyllea
Yimmu-Audal Declares War to the Nation of Aldovir, This war had Theiónikos at its center because it's Territory of Fuscinivir declared independence siding with Aldovir. Yimmu-Audal were making preparations for a big invasion of Aldovir. As soon as the war started Yimmu-Audal conceded defeats at both the military battle & the Rap Battle, and so after Aldovir won they intimidated Yimmu-Audal into accepting a union with Aldovir, therefore forming Astyllea. In the End Theiónikos got its territory of Fuscinivir back after its unification with Aldovir.

After the Unification of Yimmu-Audal & Aldovir forming the Empire of Astyllea. Theiónikos was established as a semi-autonomous state within it causing a mini Golden Age within the state. Beginning working on trade deals with Neighboring Countries in Vastallos, working on towns & Economy, and sold a island in Auraion to Coltmaere. At the end of Astyllea, Asseli was asked to merge with Sironia which he declined. Everything was going well until at around half way through Astyllea. Asseli got tired of ruling and resigned.

Fall of Astyllea, Theiónikos Independence & The High Kingdom of Yimmu-Audal
On Unity Day, after the conclusion of the Astyllean Imperial Election, making Kerplis the Emperor of Astyllea, Drach staged a coup to try get control of the Empire with the support of domestic states & foreign nations. With some of the high council's knowledge, Kerplis and Drach agreed to a 1v1 between one champion each of them would choose. Drach's champion came out on top, and after it was declared that Drach won. Astyllea collapses & Theiónikos declared Independence. 2 days before the Collapse of Astyllea, Bob Pullus Galus was crowned Archon of Theiónikos after Asseli's retirement. Theiónikos was independent for 3 days until all of Yimmie states unified in the High Kingdom of Yimmu-Audal. During this time Bob Pullus Gálus started working on Theíonikos, abolished Asseli's democracy system in favor of a more feudal government centered around the Archon, new road network & increased the treasury. Until he got sick & his successor Círan'dir Gálus became Archon. Círandir was a different Archon from the others he had strong opinions, great at fighting, and young. At the start of his reign Círandir's lack of governing ability showed but he improve over time and became pretty good at it, he started by increasing his power even more & making Theiónikos a economically & militaristically powerful state.

Neo-Carnian Revolution
About a week after Cassius Potentia became the Emperor of Yimmu-Audal, war came to the continent of Alteniquia. A coalition of a lot of various nations and individuals supported a large revolution in the Aldoviri subcontinent. (Neo-Carnian Revolution) Círandir was a commander for Yimmu-Audal in the first & second battles of Galadonnia. His efforts proved crucial to winning the first battle. After these disastrous battles for the Carnians, they opened negotiations with Yimmu-Audal. Under the Cornflower Accords, they would join Yimmu-Audal under the Kingdom of Galadonn, as an autonomous county.

But Carn was not the only piece of land to join the Empire, through the efforts of Círandir, Bob & Gael (Chief Diplomat of YA), Sironia was convinced to join Yimmu-Audal under Theionikos. After weeks of negotiating, the Treaty of Azethvir was signed on the 22nd of May 2023, making Sironia an autonomus territory of Theiónikos. Through this treaty, Theionikos became one of the largest and most powerful states in Yimmu-Audal, and Yimmu-Audal finally achieved hegemony over most of the Alteniquian Continent.

Collapse of YA & De-Adaladization
....

Mythical History of Theiónikos
It is said that the Prophet Inirion founded the Holy City of Theiotikos, and the Archonate of Theiónikos with it. The centuries after the initial founding are sadly less clear, of some Archons we do not even know the names. All we have are folklore and myths, stories that often leave out important information for the sake of a better narrative or moral to the story.

We do have a lot of solid information on the last 10 Archons, through the writing of the Scholar Mages Historicum of the House Galus.

Erbor IV "The Mad"
He started his reign promising, reforming the system of taxation and funding cultural projects with the money collected. He became quite fond of one particular painter: Picaticus. Picaticus wasn't a normal painter, he liked to paint with the most expensive colors and paints to make a mish-mash of colors. For some people, it just seemed like he was throwing paint at a canvas, but Erbor really liked the paintings and funded all his materials.

This wasn't a problem in the beginning, but his rapid spendings didn't match the money collected from his new tax system, and it put a strain on the treasury. He stopped listening to his advisors and even the Tetrachy. But there was a bigger problem on the horizon: he wasn't married nor did he have kids. His brothers all vied for control, while he was busy with Picaticus. At one point it even came to an armed confrontation, where guards loyal to one of his brothers, Malakos, attacked the son and heir of another brother, Felicus. When he was asked to judge on the the conflict, he passed on the responsibilty to the 3rd brother, Potentos, who used this opportunity to further his own power.

The last 3 years of his reign he didn't even leave the chambers of Picaticus, only calling his minister of Finances to buy new materials for the paintings. His brothers openly announced their wishes to become Archon after his death, and many Diwans and Tetrachs began choosing sides in the upcoming conflict.

On the 9th of June, it was announced that the Archon was dead. What followed was one of the dark pages in the history of Theionikos, a war where brother fought brother, and countryman fought countryman. Picaticus was quickly murdered by the Principales, the guards of the Archon, as they judged that he was responsible for the death of their Archon. All the paintings of Picaticus and Erbor were burned, and the ashes put inside the coffin of the former Archon.

He reigned for 13 years. He will always be remembered as one of the worst Archons, thus being given the nickname "The Mad"

Irónis I "The Unlikely"
After the death of Erbor IV, his brothers Malakos, Felicus, and Potentos all declared themself Archon of Theionikos. This sparked a civil war that lasted 7 years, and it only ended after the death of most of the royal familly, with only the 3rd son of Potentos, Belisaros remaining fit to rule. I will not go in to the specifics of the Great Civil War, but I would recommend the book "The Three Archons" by Valakai. It has an accurate depiction of the battles, intrigue and most importantly, the divine interferences by Theios during the war.

Although he was the son of Potentos, Belisaros never fought in the civil war. He was warded to the nearby Archonate of Sironia, where he was raised from the age of 6, up untill his twenties when he returned to Theionikos to take the throne. He also met his wife there, there daughter of the Sironian Archon. He was mediocre in all, he was decent at swordfighting, but not extrodinary, he was decent at politics, but not extrodinary. Although not being extrodinary, he was exactly what Theionikos needed.

When he, after the Red Banquet, that killed the last remaining brother Malakos and his remaining daughter, returned to Theionikos with the support of Sironia, he was quickly accepted by all Naglarchs and Counts. He pardoned most warriors and soldiers, except for those who indulged themself in heresy or other unspeakable acts.

He fixed the economy and most of the damage caused by the war. He also had 3 sons, and 4 daughters. That way the succesion was guaranteed. He got the nickname "The Unlikely", because at the time of Erbor's death he was 13th in line. He ended up rulling for 24 years, a reign that saw much rebuilding and repairing what was caused during the reign of Erbor and the following civil war.

Belisaros I "The Merchant"
Belisaros was the second born son of Ironis I. His older brother was the heir, but Belisaros was prepared as well to rule from a young age. His father brought in multiple teachers for various subjects. He had a successful merchant as a teacher for economics, a priest for religion, a mercenary captain to teach him strategy and tactics, etc. From all these men, the merchant, named Crasos impressed him the most. He constantly asked for more stories of Crasos’s travels. He soon started to long to go on one of these travels with Crasos. When he was 18 years of age, he, with a little help from his older brother Lucius, whom he loved very much convinced his father to let him go on one of these voyages with Crasos, onboard of Crasos’s ship, the Rising Sun.

He made 3 voyages in total with Crasos. The first to the port of Carvay, the second to the harbour of Grandia, and the third one to the far away city of Nox Aeterna. He was with Crasos, in the harbour of Gebel, 8 years after he went on his first voyage, when he got the dreadful news. His older brother, Lucius, had died in an unfortunate horse accident. Belisaros was called back to Theiotikos by his father, and he was named heir to the Archonate.

His father died only 3 years later. His reign itself was rather uneventful, but with the help of Crasos the economy of Theionikos started to bloom. He knew all the tricks smugglers and merchants used to make profit, and was well aware where he could place taxes without hurting the economy.

He never officially married, but he did adopt multiple sons and daughters. One of these was Adonis, who he named his heir. He died 16 years after taking the title of Archon.

Kaloman I "The weak"
''After the reign of Kaloman I, it was decided that the Archon would appoint a successor with the blessing of the Tetrarchy, or after the Archons dead, if no successor had been chosen, the Tetrarchs would decide themselfs. The Archons didn't need to be connected by blood, anyone can be chosen.''

Hall of Theióniki Archons
Mythical Archons blessed by the light of Theíos!


 * Erbor IV "The Mad"
 * Ironis I "The Unlikely"
 * Belisaros I "The Merchant"
 * Adonis I "The Conqueror"
 * Kaloman I "The Weak"
 * Atticus I Galus "The Chosen"
 * Kaloman II "The Zealot"
 * Belisaros II "The Old"

Actual Archons blessed by the light of Theíos!


 * Hákonos I (LethalMuffin193) "The Founder"
 * Asseli Kev-Nak (Robodude445) "The Nomad"
 * Bob Pullus Gálus (bobdekip2) "The Diplomat"
 * Círandir Gálus (Scisser) "The Warrior" (Current Archon)

Culture of Theiónikos
The traditional majority of the Theiónikos population were Audaladae, with a small Niedene minority group, however, over time these Audaladae would form a distinct cultural group all their own, that of the Gebelistani. The Gebelistani and Niedene Cultures interacted extensively with one another, with the duke himself part of the Niedene minority. When Theiónikos departed from the Soleannen Empire, most of the Niedene within the state depleted. Nowadays the majority of the Theióniki population's culture is Theíosae within this culture being many smaller sub-cultures like Gebelish, Portuan... There is also a significantly high amount of Sironviris within Theiónikos because of the friendship within Theiónikos & Sironia. Today the majority of Theiónikos is Theíosae.

 List of Cultures in Theiónikos: 


 * Theíosae
 * Portuan
 * Niedene
 * Sironviri
 * Audalad
 * Timist

Religion of Theiónikos
The majority religion of Theiónikos is Theíosism, a religion that was born within its territory and becoming a quite significant religion within Yimmu-Audal, Theiosism has existed from the time Theiónikos started and became a symbol of the Glorious State. LethalMuffin being the founder of the religion & Theiónikos grew Theiosism into a big religion because it was the official religion of Theiónikos. But Theiosism isn't the only religion in Theiónikos, in Theiónikos anyone can pray to any deity privately & selective amount can create a church for the religion with the permission of the Archon, then there is the high respected religion being Theíosism, Soleannen and Sakrelism therefore being very popular within Theiónikos.

List of Religions in Theiónikos:


 * Theíosism (Heavily Pushed)
 * Sakrelism
 * Soleannen
 * Timism