First United Crowns of Syltör

The United Crowns of Syltör, more commonly known as the UCS, the Pheonixian Imperium or Nándor-Syltör, was a state in central Syltör, northern and central Nándor, Yulara, southern Helmia and on the continent of Arisine in Eldham via the Aurlûnoren territory of Isillûnde. It was a continuation of the Second Aurlûnoren-Ryzani Empire.

The union was forged following the integration of Lennox and Credia as the third member state of Aurlûnor-Ryzan, who had previously been an Aurlûnoren Imperial Governate and Ryzani Freehold respectively. The United Crowns is currently comprised of the sovereign but non-independent states of the Aurlûnor Velande, Ryvenate of Ryzan, Hetmanate of Fluenta and the Diarchy of Lennox-Credia, alongside the vassal state of the Dominion of Ashura, and the protectorate of the Arcadian Realm of Denthros.

Etymology
Officially known as the United Crowns of Syltör (Full name: The United Syltören Crowns of Aurlûnor, Ryzan & Lennox-Credia) the union derived its name from the constituent states that make up said union. It is most commonly referred to in its abbreviated form as the UCS, and some still refer to it by the previous government's names, Aurlûnor-Ryzan or, at its most basic form, 'the Union'. Later on, when the union's name would change to the Pheonixian Imperium, the name derivation would come from the Blue Pheonixian religion. This was controversial as Blue Pheonixians only made up a small percentage of the population, with Twin Dragon & other religions being much more prominent.

The citizens of the United Crowns may be referred to as Syltören, however, due to the term's connotations to the peoples of the rest of the continent, will more likely refer to themselves by their respective member state, whether that be Aurlûnoren, Ryzani, Lennoxer or Credian. Denizens of the Nándor half of the continent often refer themselves as Nándorese to seperate themselves from the general stereotype of a war-torn Syltör.

The Second Aurlûnoren-Ryzani Empire
Following the Red Sun Campaign and the Eternal Regency headed by Mao Meili, Aurlûnor-Ryzan was reformed into a union of sovereign yet non-independent states. Learning from the mistakes of the original Aurlûnor-Ryzan, the state grew to unimaginable proportions, becoming the 8th most populated country in Rathnir by the 980s (August 2022). However, following the integration of Lennox as an Imperial Governate on August 24th 2022, combined with the recent crises, the Empire's longevity was called into question. Many felt that a reformation of the Empire was imminent and that Lennox would be welcomed as the third member of the Union in preparation for said change, believing that it would be the only way the state would survive in the New Millennium.

Founding of the United Crowns
Following a month's conspiracy, on September 25th 2022 (20th Heicane 987 ACA) the United Crowns was founded as the successor state to Aurlûnor-Ryzan. The Union would be structured almost exactly the same as its predecessor, however with further changes for the addition of Lennox-Credia as the third member state and future additions (Ombria and Andorn have been rumoured as potential candidates for the fourth member). The change from a more federal government structure to a confederate structure is a vital change, however, despite the fact that some are still calling the Union a 'federation of semi-sovereign states'.

War in Vastallos
Shortly prior to founding, the United Crowns (then Aurlûnor-Ryzan) was called upon alongside Paragon and Uldarash to assist the Third Republic of Ombria in their defense against an invasion by Carvay, backed by the Hands.

Battle of Waahi
The first battle of the war took place in the Kawalapuan city of Waahi, and many felt it would be a last stand by the forces of the West Lands Alliance against the onslaught of the Hands. Against the odds and a server crash which enabled the Hands to rack up West Land Alliance casualties, the Ombrian-West Land Alliance combined force was victorious, and defended the city of Waahi, even in the absence of High Commander Wardaddy (who was obscenely drunk at the time of the battle).

War with Bardonia - Second West March War
Following the white peace at the end of the West March Crisis, the war was triggered once again with the UCS announcing their counteroffensive on New Dorasterrock with the assistance of their allies & mercenary groups such as Paragon, Uldarash & Shirokaneza. This had been months in the waiting after Bardonia's near-collapse at the end of the crisis, which was only saved following the return of Crezyman & 'The Chancellor' Uni as the Autarchs of Bardonia. Following this, the war was restarted.

Siege of New Dorasterrock - First Battle
The counteroffensive got off to a flying start when the first assault on New Dorasterrock resulted in the UCS & allies declaring a siege victory, being able to push to the plaza in front of the Bardonian Senate building. However, the siege victory was not confirmed for another 22 hours afterwards due to a long, drawn out session of debate. Following this victory, Velereth-Tsarina Shan declared the West Lands Alliance to be dissolved, replaced by the Western Commonwealth, an alliance network designed to combat Bardonia & defeat them once & for all.

Interlude Period - Bardonia Joins Shirokaneza
Following the first assault, the Bardonians went into a state of panic, desperately trying to prepare for the next battle. In a move that surprised absolutely nobody, Bardonia announced the day following the assault that they would be joining the Shirokanezan Empire, one of if not the most powerful nations in Eldham. This move was condemned greatly by the international community of Rathnir, especially by the forces of the Western Commonwealth. This also meant that the mercenary group, commonly known as 'Shiro', would be fighting for Bardonia during the next assault.

Siege of New Dorasterrock - Second Battle
The second assault began on the night of October 30th, with the battle initially leaning towards a potential Bardonian victory, with the UCS & Allies unable to penetrate the city centre. However, following a combined UCS & Paragonite pincer assault, the battle ended with the Senate building swarmed with Allied soldiers. Despite this, it was announced the next day that the Bardonians would keep New Dorasterrock as it was 'not fair to Crezy' to give the city to the UCS despite the fact that they had got a siege victory. This was met with mass outcry, calling out admin bias in this situation. No War November began 2 days later, so no battles could occur for another 31 days.

Treaty of Playistan & Dissolution
Over the course of the following months, the Bardonians would make lightning gains in the Second West March War, & completely turn the war on its head. With Lennox, Halge, Paloro, Boulderov & others departing from the union in an effort to keep those territories free from the fighting & conquest, Sanctuary would ultimately fall to Vinovia & Tossagrad & Carthya would fall to the Bardonians. With one last desperate fight at Slouttawa failing to stop the Bardonian advance, and the pressure mounting, the UCS sued for peace & subsequently dissolved as per the terms of the Treaty of Playistan on January 22nd 2023.

Government
Further reading: Constitution of the United Crowns of Syltör

The United Crowns of Syltör is a confederation of non-independent sovereign states. There are many different layers to the government structure, and certain limitations mean that only certain parts of the government function in certain states.

Head of State - Velereth-Tsarina
The Velereth-Tsarina is the head of state in the United Crowns, similar to their role in Aurlûnor-Ryzan prior. In government, the Velereth-Tsarina has near absolute power, getting the final say on laws, pardons, judicial sentences, honorary distinctions, among other things. However, they are still not above the constitution, and hence can still be tried for violation of the document. The role of Velereth-Tsarina is highly symbolic, and the incumbent stands as the representative of the United Crowns' image on the international frontier. Due to the laws of the Aurlûnor Velande's enatic succession laws, only females are allowed to be Velereth-Tsarina. The title of Velereth usually dominates affairs due to the Aurlûnor Velande's title of Velereth directly linking to the first Velereth, and is seen as a sign of great disrespect if it is below any other title.

The current incumbent of the role of Velereth-Tsarina of the United Crowns is: Shan Khamen-Tossovich-Leyla-Earcala

Deputy Head of State - High Chancellor
The High Chancellor acts almost as a Regent, serving the duties of the Velereth-Tsarina when they are not available for whatever reason. The High Chancellor also has the ability to call a vote of impeachment on the Velereth-Tsarina if they have evidence that the head of state has violated the constitution. When not filling in as head of state in the Velereth-Tsarina's absence, the High Chancellor acts as the right-hand man/woman of the head of state, acting as head of the Imperial Court.

The current incumbent of the role of High Chancellor of the United Crowns is: Mao Khamen-Meili

Upper Government - Imperial Court
The Imperial Court is comprised of selected trusted individuals who act as the highest governmental body of the Union. Each member is selected by the Velereth-Tsarina herself. The Imperial Court is headed by the High Chancellor. The courtiers are:


 * Order Councillor - Oversees the Union Armed Forces and personally runs the Union Army.

The current incumbent of the role of Order Councillor of the Imperial Court is: Jay Burrow


 * Judicial Councillor - Leads the Judiciary & acts as the Head Judicial Officer of the Judicial Department.

The current incumbent of the role of Judicial Councillor of the Imperial Court is: Tsar-Consort Jun Se Khamen al-Qamiya


 * Relations Councillor - Oversees all foreign affairs regarding the Union and acts as Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The current incumbent of the role of Relations Councillor of the Imperial Court is: Petra Ariti


 * Economics Councillor - Manages the Union's economic sector, including banks, resource distribution, shops, etc.

The current incumbent of the role of Economics Councillor of the Imperial Court is: Seat Vacant


 * Advisory Councillor - Serves as a tie-breaker/mediator for votations & discussions in the Court & Regional Councils of Ministers, is not bound to any duty but is put there as a sign of immense respect by the Velereth-Tsarina.

The current incumbents of the role of Advisory Councillor of the Imperial Court & Regional Councils are: Aasiya Al-Aruna, Ivano Murskanlo, Kori Glynrel, Ren Morningstar, Lucius Von Savras, Csar Slout V Korol


 * Regional Chancellor - Acts as the head of their respective Regional Council of Ministers, voices opinions of their Council to the Imperial Court.

The current incumbents of the role of Regional Chancellor of the Imperial Court & Regional Councils are: Chancellor Isabella Shan-Khamen of Ryzan, Chancellor Nori of Aurlûnor (Chancellor of Lennox-Credia is vacant/unselected)

Middle Government - Regional Councils of Ministers
The Regional Councils of Ministers serves as the local governing bodies of the states within the Union. Each member, Aurlûnor, Ryzan & Lennox-Credia, each have their own Council of Ministers comprised of 4 members, each selected by the Velereth-Tsarina based off that person's abilities.


 * Architectural Minister - Manages the region's infrastructure projects.
 * Cultural Minister - Responsible for production, collection & archiving of the documentation of their region's culture.
 * People/Propaganda Minister - Responsible for the organisation of events & the Department of Propaganda's production in their region.
 * Events Minister - Manages all aspects of the region's events, such as holidays, parties, anniversary celebration, etc.

Incumbents of the Ryzani Council of Ministers

 * Architectural Minister - Raphie Aasimar
 * Cultural Minister - Falyn Fardhac
 * People/Propaganda Minister - Tavin Chernik
 * Events Minister - Kartoffel

Incumbents of the Aurlûnoren Council of Ministers

 * Architectural Minister - Governor Soeun of Vorosan
 * Cultural Minister - Lady-Elector Sareariel Lelya-Earcala ( Previously the first Velereth of the Aurlûnor Velande prior to the union's foundation)
 * People/Propaganda Minister - Commodore Bjorn Rex Shan-Khamen al-Qamiya
 * Events Minister - Seat Vacant

Incumbents of the Lennoxer-Credian Council of Ministers

 * Architectural Minister - Seat Vacant
 * Cultural Minister - Seat Vacant
 * People/Propaganda Minister - Seat Vacant
 * Events Minister - Seat Vacant

Lower Government - Duma
The Duma serves as the lowest form of government in most of the Union, being essentially ran by the people and a place for democratically elected citizens to voice their opinion and produce state legislature that is applicable in the places where the Duma is active. The most notable difference between the Duma and the rest of the government is that members of the United Crowns can opt out of the Duma system, hence why Duma legislature is only active in Aurlûnor, Ryzan and Ashura, and not in Lennox and Credia.

Special laws under the Compromise of 993ACA, allows Aurlûnor to exempt itself from certain Duma laws, and forbid them from ever being enforced in the country.

The current Duma administration comprises of:

 * Gurt (UD/NLP)
 * Sekhem Khamen al-Qamiya (APP)
 * Snowman (RNP)
 * Eirik Liberium (RNP)
 * Teczniti Fyynjan (UD/NLP)
 * Grižegorižev Bžeñcyšcykiyvič (KF/Solidarnost)
 * Nefer-Ka-Mutawakh (APP)