Ahalia

The Duchy of Ahalia, commonly known as Ahalia or sometimes regarded as Jepola, is a small pseudo-nation situated on the western side of the continent of Arsine. It is a province of the Imperial Archonate of Viodoxa and was formed by Viodoxan settlers in Eldham. They formed a small settlement and eventually grew into the modern Duchy, currently inhabiting two bustling towns.

 History 

Origins

In the early days of Eldham, two groups of settlers from Viodoxa set sail from Rathnir to the new land. Directed by the Archons in their homeland, the settlers formed two outposts, one in Sun's Gate, eventually becoming the Duchy of Klea, and at Limenas. The land was already occupied by a tribal heirarchy known as the Aura Tribe, but shortly after the landing of the Viodoxan settlers they tribe disbanded and it's members disappeared due to unkown reasons. The settlers constructed a small outpost they named Jepola. The influence of the Aura Trible would remain with the settlers, as their culture of Viodoxa merged with the natives, forming a merged culture and language known simply as Ahalian.

Early Development

Construction of Jepola began swiftly after the settlers' arrival. Headed by the future Duke, Theos Zedeveos, the town began building large scale structures, including the famed Library of Jepola. This early period of development was slowed by a lack of settlers, after many seemingly died of various causes. After the main buildings had been created, Jepola suffered a series of unrelated attacks from various bandits, depriving Jepola of resources that it desperately needed. This compelled Theos to order the construction of a large boundary wall, which would go on to surround the entire town and become the striking feature of Jepola they are today. Including in these defences is the notable South Bridge, which connects Ahalia to the Zamotz Union. During this time, Viodoxa would merge with the Empire of Yimmu-Audal and Soleannen Empire of Escharia to form the Triumvirate of Denumain. It was around this time that a second settlement was discovered, lead by the wanderer MineRabbit. It was agreed between the two towns that they would merge together to form the joint governing body of the Duchy of Ahalia, with Theos Devedeos as it's duke.

Times of Troubles and Advancement

After the formation of the Duchy, reports began circulating about the attack on the other Viodoxan colony, the Duchy of Klea, by the Duchy of Goondium. The Battle of Sun's Gate was a complete disaster for Viodoxa, leaving the Goons with a foothold in Klea. This alerted Ahalia greatly, causing Theos to begin a period of armament and a mass recruition campaign. Refugees from all over Eldham would come to Jepola and join the Duchy. The population of Ahalia boomed, providing a massive boost to defense and its ailing economy. Subsequently, Ahalia, and Jepola especially developed incredibly quickly, and this prompted Theos to reform the government. He created the guilds system and established a legislative council to advise him on all matters. Diplomatic ties began to be established between the Duchy and several other governments nearby, such as with the Zamotz Union and the Kingdom of Heloisa. The bond between Viodoxa and its colony was stronger than it ever was, until the Second Goon Invasion of Klea. This resulted in a total collapse of the Duchy of Klea and a swarm of Viodoxan refugees headed for Jepola. This stoked fears that Ahalia was next, and these fears continue into the present day.

 Government 

The Duchy of Ahalia is currently an autocratic state, led by Duke Theos Zevedeos. It serves under the Imperial Archonate of Viodoxa. Duke Theos serves as the Head of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial powers, as well as the Chief Diplomat of Foreign Affairs for the state. The government also consists of the Council of Ahalia, consisting of the members:


 * Wambold O'r Cymoedd - Head of the Mining Guild.
 * MineRabbit - Leader of Rochdale.
 * Haider Sinan - Head of the Mehocist Church.
 * Marl - Head of the City Guard.

The guilds also have some influence within the government, as many of their leaders are also councillors. The current guilds are:


 * The Mining Guild, led by Wambold O'r Cymoedd.
 * The Fishing Guild, led by Jansa.
 * The City Guard, led by Marl.

Geography

The Duchy of Ahalia is located on the continent of Arsine, on the western coast. It borders the Zamotz Union, and the New Moon Company. The terrain is entirely desert, with a large mesa to the north, with a river seperating the Duchy from the mainland. It consists of two towns, Jepola and Rochdale. Jepola is the capital, and consists of the main facilities of Jepola, surrounded by a large wall which is the main defense of the town. Jepola has two entrances, to the south which leads to the South Bridge, the Jepola-Rochdale Bridge and the Jepola-Rochdale Highway, and to the east, which leads to the Jepola Docks.

 Religion and Culture 

The Duchy of Ahalia has two official religions, Guhenism and Mehocism. Guhenism was introduced to Ahalia by the original Viodoxan settlers, with it being the main religion of Viodoxa. Mehocism was introduced to Ahalia after the Bishop Haider Ad-din Sinan fled his former home and ended up in Ahalia. There are temples dedicated to both of these in Jepola.