Kingdom of Thalassii

The Kingdom of Thalassii is a island nation in Northeastern Sparwood within the Osterium Sea, formed in the region formerly occupied by the Kartek Caliphate, now completely syncretised into the distinct Thalassii culture.

Thalassii is currently ruled by a constitutional monarchy, always to be led by the Etruscii royal family. Head of state being King Chorboi Etruscii I, who's seat of power is the capital city of Nova Thebanii. The official language of the nation is currently Travellers Tongue, with the Thalassii language also widely spoken.

The Start of a Kingdom
After leaving Libertalia and their home city of Thebanii in the Thebanii Exodus, Chorboi and his people travelled north in search of a new home to settle, to find that freedom and independence that they craved. With the fall of Kartek and the land disputed and in chaos, Sparwood was chosen as the new destination to settle. After sailing the nearby ocean, they came across a mossy dirt platform floating across the ocean, and with a great use of ingenuity, built great chains bolting it to the bottom of the sea floor and anchoring it in place, from there they would create their own island called the Isle of Thalassii. From there they started construction on a new capital city Nova Thebanii aiming to reimagine their once beautiful city in their homeland. On the 20th of October Chorboi declared himself king formally creating the Kingdom of Thalassii, removing the moniker of High Prince, and reformed the government and constitution to better suit the now position he was in. Shortly after on the 21st of October The Kingdom of Thalassii became a protectorate of Soleannen Empire of Escharia, who guaranteed their independence after an ever lingering threat imposed by the remnants of the old Kartek states.

Early Development and Territorial Expansion
Most of the early development of the kingdom started with the creation of the Isle of Thalassii, a completely artificial island floating on the ocean floor, and the rapid expansion of the capital city Nova Thebanni, meaning New Thebanii a tribute to their homeland city in Libertalia. Walls around the whole island were quickly built, along with housing and anything else the citizens needed, all completed in a matter of weeks. Finalising with the town hall and the government and palace district. Now the base and capital of the kingdom was built, the kingdom started to look further afield to expand their influence in the area. The plan was for the kingdom was to become a strong naval power and island nation, and much of their early culture and history was heavily influenced by the ocean, and the powers of the sea harnessing many forms of water magic, and items allowing them to breathe and see underwater. Followed by the creation of magical conduits, littered across the underside of Nova Thebanii granting water abilities like no other.

Kartek Dissolution and Territorial Gains
After the dissolution of the Kartek Federation. Sensing an opportunity King Chorboi Etruscii I allied with the newly formed nations of Rohel, The Principality of Arxella and the Gertek horde splitting the land between the new nations, giving Thalassii control of a peninsular former Kartek lands, not far from their capital city Nova Thebanii. The land was in bad shape however and needed a lot of work to bring back to its former glory, the new cities of Almmoria and Byliss were created in the future and the first Duchy of Almmore soon after. During the Almmore Succession Crisis, Thalassii aided in reconstruction of the Almmori government and in restabilising the region.

Thalassii Golden Age
After establishing itself as a major player in the region and securing its borders and territory, Thalassii entered its first golden age. The cities of the nation, Nova Thebanii and its sister city Almmore buzzed with life and activity, with all citizens working together and bring Thalassii to its peak extent territorially, militarily and its highest ever population count with many arriving each day to make a new for themselves. Furthermore Thalassii would found alliances and trade agreements with all nations in the area where trade was abundant and wealth flowed in endlessly, making it a very peaceful time. This culminated with the creation of the Soluna Alliance a collection of nation states, consisting of a large offensive and defensive alliance, alongside trade agreements and other such things, created on the 7th December 2021. The nations included the Lunari Empire, the Kingdom of Rohel, Mudrock and Lozaria. Shortly after Thalassii finally had bought the remaining half of Dubris island creating a new colony there led by Dampswamp of Eleusis, this island was in a strategically important place in the Osterium Sea and served as a vital trade point at this time. Not long after they gained the majority of the island of Myrtana and the south of Tessel which brought Thalassii to the peak of its territorial expansion and the height of the golden age, but soon after it was quickly turned on its head.

The Great Betrayal
After the period of peace and prosperity, the kingdom would soon fall into a dark age. Ever since the kingdom had began, King Chorboi always wished to regain their former homeland in Cymru, and city Thebanii, and with the turmoil in Viodoxa and the return of Loic, he saw an opportunity to regain his old land and began talks with Hazel McSpiegel the Archoness of Viodoxa, discussing possible help to their side in return for their old city. However on the 12th December 2021 Llyre es vel Volaerys The Traitor, the chancellor and trusted friend of King Chorboi, and Noodle es wir Volaerys, an arms dealer and mercenary, were found to be conspiring with Loic, feeding information back to him, and helping him prepare for war with various potions and materials, turning their backs on the people of Thalassii. In turn, Chorboi in a fit of rage banished Llyre and Noodle from Thalassii without trial, going against his own laws, one of the mistakes that cost him dearly (even if it was deservedly so). The nation was then thrown into chaos, with Llyre, Noodle, and many others now joining Loic, with a direct threat of war from his forces feeling inevitable the future of the nation was in turmoil.

The Collapse of the Kingdom
After the Great Betrayal and the banishment of the conspirators, it would only get worse for the kingdom from there. Soon after Llyre and Noodle's departures, many of Thalassii's overseas colonies and lands saw the writing on the wall and declared their independence, betraying the nation that gave them all that they had. First went Almmore, then Dubris and not after too long all that remained was the Isle of Thalassii and a few small islands left unclaimed. The Soluna alliance, meant to protect all nations within it then collapsed, with its leaders not willing to enter a conflict with Loic to protect their own interests then collapsed, meaning Thalassii, once surrounded by friends, found itself alone in Sparwood once more. Various raids were then launched into the capital city from Loic's forces, with all of the traitors in toe, causing chaos as they ravaged the city. However by the time they had entered the royal quarter of Nova Thebanii, it had been evacuated with all valuables taken along with the King as he went into hiding. After seeing the pain and suffering and his people and city, King Chorboi, as much as his pride told him otherwise, decided to engage in diplomacy with Llyre, now the leader of Almmore, after ceaseless military threats from Noodle, Almmore's General. After much delegation and negotiation, with not much room to manuever he relented to Llyre's and the rebel territories demands and officially granting them independence. Considered one of the darkest days in Thalassii history, King Chorboi then placed what was left of Thalassii's territories into isolation, closing the doors to trade and withdrawing from international affairs, only keeping small lines of communication with their closes allies such as Lozaria.

Thalassii Isolation
After the Great Collapse, the Kingdom of Thalassii went into a prolonged period of isolation, free trade across Rathnir was pulled back, and ships lay unused in Nova Thebanii 's harbour. Through much of this time, the nation was a shell of its former self, with many houses abandoned and the population plummeting. The Kingdoms only contact with the outside world at this point was small regional trade in the Osterium Sea, and north of Sparwood along with rare diplomatic missions to Nations close by, most notably the Kingdom of Lozaria, where their longest standing treaty the Thalozar Pact was resigned with new additions in a continuation of good faith between the nations.

Beginning of the End
The treaty proved to be a prosperous boon for Thalassii. Chorboi ruled happily, as the nation flourished. This time was historic for another reason: The Restoration of Llyre. On a sunny afternoon, the kingdom was hosting its annual feast, when a bang came from the Royal Manor's door. The room fell silent as the guards let in none other than Llyre - 'The Traitor.' Gasps echoed through the hall as Chorboi erupted from his seat. Before Llyre could be harmed, though, he began to wax poetic about the wrongs of his ways and how he simply wanted to have a true home again. As Llyre had done so many times in the past, he talked his way into power. Chorboi was so moved by Llyre's speech that, in a gesture of generosity and good will, restored Llyre to his previous status as the Head of the Volaerys Noble House. As time passed, his decision proved to be an effective one: Llyre deftly assisted the King in all matters of the State. Peacetime manuevering, alliances, economics, and internal affairs were all streamlined and improved with Llyre's help. As the years passed, Llyre restored his honor, climbing from Traitor to Noble, to 'Hand of the King,' to becoming the next heir of Thalassii itself, declared by King Chorboi. After committing the greatest betrayal ever known to Thalassii, Llyre made it right, and returned to his rightful position at the top of Thalassi. After years of tribulation and hardship, Thalassii was doing better than ever before.

Noodle's Return
While times were good, peace brings safety, and safety breeds complacency. Thalassii and its compatriots were lulled into a false security by their position, in their ability to finally stand strong in spite of their difficult pasts. As the days went by, the nations' alliance fell to the wayside - it was simply not necessary anymore. Thalassii's population stagnated, as did its external affairs. The nation fell into monotonous operation; business as usual. Its already-weak military dissolved, its political ties crumbled - it was truly powerless. It was at this fateful hour that Llyre opened the Thalassii's main gate for Noodle es wir Volaerys. They were ready to claim their revenge. Sweeping through the city, Noodle ransacked and burned buildings, killing all in his path. He ravaged through NovaThaBanii, Thalassii's last remaining city, channelling his rage into utter destruction. He exploded into the Royal Manor, covered in the blood of his past enemies. Noodle stalked through the manor, slaying servant and guard alike, until he reached the King's Chambers. He pushed open the door, and was surprised by what he saw. Laying in bed was a barely-breathing Chorboi, on his last hours. A potent mixture of rage and fear exploded into Chorboi's eyes; he had heard the screams and seen the flames' lights flickering in from his window, but was powerless to stop what he knew was his demise. They both knew what was going to happen next. With pure glee, Noodle es wir Volaerys, the former Lich of Osseus, Arms Dealer of Almmore, and Military General of Almmoria, drove his fabled sword through the king's decrepit crown, accelerating the little time he had left.

Chorboi was dead. It was time for a new era.

Culture Overview
As a mainly island nation, the Thalassii culture is based around the sea and ocean and the gifts and threats it offers. They are master fishermen, sailors and navigators travelling to many parts of Rathnir and the known world, their ships are envied by many nations, and their sailors and navigators are unmatched in Rathnir. Astrology is also an integral part of their culture, using the stars and planets to guide their ships, and predict and plan for future events. All Thalassii people know how to map the stars to a certain extent. Their markets always offer a wide variety goods, acquired from exotic places not known to many citizens of Rathnir, trading has and is also very important to the Thalassii people, building great markets offering anything that you could want or need and making sophisticated trade routes around the known world, you are likely to see Thalassii traders and ships in many ports, peddling rare goods not seen elsewhere. After the expansion closer to Rohel territory in the form of the subjugation of the Duchy of Almmore, new cultural influences were key to the development of Thalassii culture. The Almmorians brought their unique style of architecture and hyper organized structure of government and work which contributed to the rapid growth and expansion of Thalassii and it's influence among it's neighbouring nations, regions and city-states.

Architecture
Thalassii's architecture, is heavily inspired by Greek and Roman influences, with many buildings including various columns, heavy use of stone and quartz with different paints throughout the capital city especially. Quartz, terracotta and stone are the building blocks of the kingdom, and can be seen in most buildings around the kingdom. With being a maritime power, a heavy emphasis is put on using water within buildings, consisting of many fountains inside pools, gardens and the like. Another notable feature is the heavy use of nature and terraforming used in most aspects of life, with gardens and greenery extremely common and prized in cities. This is especially present in Nova Thebanii the capital city of Thalassii that has, along with the Shrine to Rakatus (A ancient grand tree, linked to the nature god), an extremely lush environment consisting of differing plant life and a thriving local ecosystem, with lush greenery all around.

Government Delegations & Political Structure
Chorboi and decided to bring a lot of aspects from the Principality to this Kingdom, Keeping it as a monarchy and also keeping the hereditary Prince system. However more government roles and positions needed to be added to fit the need of a nation, rather than a couple of small city states. The Nation is run very similarly with a High Council voting on many things put forward by them and the King, but the king getting final say on all matters. The Kingdom of Thalassii's ruler is the King who makes all of the final decisions and delegates to the rest of the nation, followed by the second in command the Prince Regent , who takes over in times of crisis and when the king isn't around and it the heir to the Thalassii Throne. The Prince Regent tends to be chosen from standing Princes however on occasion, a citizen can be granted the position, automatically heightening them to royalty. The next step down are the Princes which are hereditary royal positions held by high members of the Thalassii class, these royals are automatically granted High Council positions, but can removed themselves from office, or have their position revoked. Princes in extraordinary circumstances if the King or Prince Regent are predisposed, and can take decisions on behalf of them, but this happening is extremely rare and not recommended. The High Council is vital in the running of the nation, and deals and debates with many of the issues presented to the nation. It consists of the King, Prince Regent, Princes, Dukes and Barons, it also consists of a collection of citizens (Typically and preferably equal, as to give free people the same input as the hereditary nobles of the Kingdom) who are voted into that position when an election is called, which can be called if the High Council or the King decides it is needed. Finally, citizen High Council members can lose their position by replacement in a new election (If there is already too many citizen High Council members), High Council vote, or by revocation by the King if it is warranted. Provinces within the Kingdom are rules over by the Dukes , which in turn rule over the Barons.

Thalassii Laws, Police and Judicial system
All citizens of the Kingdom of Thalassii from the from the dukes to the every day peasant must follow the '' Thalassii Law of the Land" which is a lawbook written to keep the daily peace and stability of the country from fracturing. Common laws includes cover various crimes from from the highly punishable like high treason and murder to lesser crimes like theft the official laws can be seen here Thalassii Law of the Land . With establishment of clear national laws, an official Thalassii Police force was formed on the 25/11/2021. The recruitment of officers was to start immediately following certain areas of crime throughout the city was noticed, these officers are sworn in by oath to enforce the laws of the kingdom and to protect the people that reside in it, they were given the power to detain any suspected criminals and to report any crimes found within the Kingdom. All criminals face trial in by the members of the High Council, where they are given a fair trial and the appropriate punishment is given.