Lunari Empire

The Lunari Empire (or just Lunaris) is an island monarchy mostly located in Plagos. The nation's capital Nox Aeterna is located in the far eastern portion of the Sea of Etscharien. The official religion of Lunaris is the Aisitir faith, but it is not enforced amongst citizens. Moon Elves are Lunaris' main race.

Mythological origins
According to oral accounts passed down through many generations, Moon elves, progenitors of the Lunari Empire, are supposedly aliens from the Moon, descended to Earth after the destruction of their old civilization. Not much is known of the elven society of the moon, other than it was probably created under the tutelage of the Moon itself and that the Moon elves of the time looked different.

A god of the Sun, Sureal had great influence on the Moon elves of the time, being mostly venerated by nonconformist elves who predicated egoism and control as virtues. The conservative faction, faithful to the Moon, and the nonconformist faction, faithful to Sureal, eventually broke into a civil war. It is in this time that the legend of Munas Moonsinger took place.

Munas Moonsinger was a Moon Elf of humble origins. It is said to be the result of the affair between a Human and a Moon Elf, tough other evidences of “Moon Humans” are nonexistent and a later placement of Munas on the timeline would contradict many of the stories told. The home village of Munas was destroyed during the civil war after failure brought by a drought, in Munasianby the sun god himself. Later in his life, Munas returned to what remained of his village. There he spoke to the Moon, becoming his champion and obtaining a sacred, artifact level, sword.

After becoming the Moon’s champion, Munas set out to the once capital of the elves to fight an avatar of Sureal, referred to as a “Godling”. Ultimately, Munas defeated the Godling and brought an end to the civil war.

After a period of peace and prosperity under Munas rule, the Sun God Sureal returned, having accumulated enough power and followers to try his revenge. Particularly his new followers, called “Lightmelders”, obtained from him the power of Luxomancy by giving up free will, marching together as “The Burning Legion”.

The Burning Legion revealed so powerful that Munas subjects were forced to abandon their cities, even the capital. Forced into an exodus, trying people prepared to set sailed, while the king and his royal guards fought the legion, trying to buy time for the escape.

In the battle, the royal guard was ultimately defeated and king Munas killed. After his death, Munas became the new moon, ascending to godhood.

After this point, reports become confused. It is known that the first Lunari people where nomadic sailors sailors. Implying that, after the battle, the survivors leaved the moon to search a place distant to the Burning Legion, settling for Rathnir. This said other sources talk of an unknown missile that destroyed the moon, killing all the elves except for a shard full of Moon elves under cryogenesis, shard that ended up crash-landing on Rathnir.

In any case. What remained of the Moon elves arrived on Rathnir, living as nomadic sailors under the protection of the new moon god Munas, ultimately settling for a land that will become Nox_Aeterna.

With the decline of the Moonsinger Pantheon this stories, considered for the longest time facts, became mith.

The first Lunaris
Lunaris was for a short while a naval kingdom, with its Crown ship being the base of operations. Most Lunarians were actively participating in the working of the navy, including women.

The majority of the populace lived in trade boats used to facilitate trade between other states they happened to pass by on the way. Hauling goods for merchants and nobles of these lands or act independently as merchants. In turn, the Lunarian Navy acted as an established country, respecting international conventions and gaining political importance.

In the end, internal struggle, brought by religious dissidence and the decline of the Moonsinger Pantheon presence in society, brought something similar to a revolt.

The revolt quickly ended and Hans Luon was crowned king for his contribution in the fight. Under Hans Luon, nicknamed King Moon, the Lunarians settled for an island that will later become Nox_Aeterna, center of the empire.

Reign of Hans Luon
The city of Lunaris was founded by Hans Luon/Moon Eater on July 21st 2021, with help from Volturus, after a successful take over of the island that would become its capital from its original owners, a long forgotten country called Voodin. The island's population grew quickly, but the country itself did not. There were two attempts to expand by war: one against Myrtana and one against Solitudinem. Both plans quickly fell through when Lunaris got involved in the "War of Broken Promises" on Volturus' side and Lunaris suffered heavy equipment losses. It wouldn't be until the 13th of August when Lunaris had a promising land war, the Skittles Alliance against The Empire of Plagatéa. Plagatéa instead split apart on its own, and the islands of Eden that were promised to Lunaris before the split, instead decided to join Skjoldrbrodir.

In the meantime, the nation longed for an elected government to be instituted to work alongside The King in managing the country. The First Government of Lunaris was elected in August 15th under Prime Minister FrxddyBarnes, Mini was elected as Minister of Economy, 32David was elected as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Rob13 was elected as Minister of Internal Affairs.

The land that Lunaris did acquire was mostly bought or gotten by way of vassalage. Lunaris itself was a vassal twice under Astoria and The Magisterium. A notable vassal of Lunaris was the Diarchy of Ekhaiz and one of its leaders Spriet Reapierre who went on to become the Chief Diplomat of Lunaris. Spriet soon enough helped create the Plagosi Confederation (or Confederation of Plagos). The other leader of Ekhaiz, Toad Tigarnnes, disapproved of Ekhaiz joining Lunaris and declared independence, but was convinced to accept it anyway by the Confederation. One of the first moves of the Confederation was to intervene in the OPTC's war against Czervoslavia. Unfortunately for the Confederation, the war was lost. After some controversies in which Spriet himself was involved, the COP slowly faded out of relevancy. Lunaris became a protectorate of The Second Empire of Plagatéa and, in turn, a member of The Sapphire Commonwealth.

Reign of Artaire Hans Luon
On November 15th, Hans Luon stepped down as King in favour of Artaire Hans Luon. To Artaire, one thing was apparent, the Kingdom was in it's dark age. The population was not rising, the economy had been reduced to selling food and what could be found in the treasury and the government was inactive. Changes were dearly needed. And so under his rule a massive recruitment drive was made and many skilled citizens joined the ranks. After a long wait, the Second Government of Lunaris was elected on November 26th. Bunion Sil Wex was elected as Prime Minister, Alpharius Omegoğlu was elected as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ardamovic was elected as Minister of Internal Affairs, Deathors was elected as Minister of Economy. The New Voodin colony was formed in Eldham with the help of a former citizen of Voodin, Krifal. Lunaris also saw an economic reawakening, notably, a lot of riches were brought to The Crown by an up-and-coming citizen named Amy who would come to replace the acting Minister of Economy.

Many skilled diplomats and negotiators also joined Lunaris so, even if Artaire himself was not a very diplomatically oriented persona, many favourable deals were made with foreign nations and many opportunities were seized. On December 26th, after leaving Plagatéa, Lunaris negotiated to become an equal member of the Sapphire Commonwealth.

Many nations at this time swore fealty towards the Crown: At one point both the Maritime Kingdom of Zamože and Synderia were Lunarian territories but were in time granted independence and formed Kažan; Axelm whose independence was later bought by The Three Kingdoms ; Amy, aided by the ghost of Hans Luon, convinced the Republic of Malrya to become a vassal of Lunaris; the Free Republic of Mhír was founded as a vassal of Lunaris; the J Horde was also a vassal of Lunaris; squatters in Dubris were accepted as citizens of Lunaris.

During the reign of Artaire, Lunaris did not participate in many conflicts. Lunaris participated in The Massacre of Auralich war on the side of Auralich. Lunaris also began it's involvement in former Myrtana after it was abandoned by Iremith, with the spirit of Hans Luon citing a claim Lunaris got from the Old King of Myrtana, Rhobar I. While Lunaris claimed the area around the town that went on to be known as Munetoria, Thalassii claimed most of the island and gave it to the Gaian Tribe. The Gaians later abandoned their claim and the lands they left were claimed by Rhobar III of Myrtana.

On December 2nd, Artaire Hans Luon finally held his coronation in The Sanctum Speculum Grand Temple. After the coronation ended he adopted EmpressOfChaos as his daughter, Princess Amaranthine Luon. With Ardamovic and Amy now both in the government, the Kingdom's golden age would begin and as Artaire grew more inactive they would take up more and more of the mantel of governance.

The Third Government of Lunaris was elected on December 27th. Ardamovic became the Prime Minister. Jeyprox became the Minister of Internal Affairs. TinTin became the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Hell became the Minister of War. Brit became the Minister of Culture.

On December 28th, Lunaris held a poll to rename it's capital, Nox Aeterna won the poll by a landslide, but King Artaire disliked the name change and rejected it, reminding the citizens that the poll was meant to gather opinions and that Lunaris was not a democracy.

On December 29th, King Artaire Hans Luon abdicated his position as King after a peaceful coup, citing his recent health concerns as a reason. His daughter, Amy, inherited the throne. Amy stepped down from her position as Minister of Economy.

On December 31st, elections for Minister of Economy were held and Alphan Von Steiningrad became the new Minister of Economy.

With time, king Artire grew distant from politics due to a heart disease, being frequently replace by his daughter for important decision. With the loyalty of the people, slowing shifting to his daughter the kingdom of Artire Hans luon was near his end.

The straw that broke the camel’s back was wen a pool to re-name the city took place. The name that won the ballot was Nox_aeterna, but the king opposed this name, too mainstream in his eyes. A plot began to spread to make the king acknowledge the new name, which was ignored by the king.

It the end, the plot became a coup orchestrated by Princess Amaranthine Luon. The king was forced to leave his position, tough there was no bloodshed.

Reign of Amaranthine Luon
On the 3rd of January, the Kingdom of Lunaris (former) was renamed to the Lunari Empire and Amy was crowned Empress following a large ceremony in the Sanctum Speculum which was attended by many citizens and representatives of other nations. Ardamovic was appointed as Voice of the Empress. On the very same day, the Lunari Empire was called into three wars, the Eldham Entente against the Sapphire Commonwealth, Alamayn's war for independence from the Kingdom of Mithra and the Sapphire Commonwealth, as well as Rohel's war against Kartek. The Sapphire Commonwealth surrendered to the Eldham Entente, thereby beginning the collapse of Plagatéa. Alamayn won it's independence, with Lunari citizens fighting on their side despite being part of the Sapphire Commonwealth and Rohel completely lost the war against Kartek despite Lunaris' attempts to aid them.

On the 8th of January, Lunaris officially withdrew from the Viodoxan Civil War.

On the 12th of January, Lunaris joined Uraka's conquest of the North on Uraka's side against the Great Coalition, though the war never happened.

On the 16th of January, Ardamovic was appointed heir to the throne of Lunaris.

On the 17th of January, Lunaris and Myrtana avoided a World War by coming to an agreement that allowed Myrtana to continue squatting on Lunaris' land.

On the 19th of January most of the ministers were removed from their positions for incompetence and early re-elections were held. Dalton was elected as Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister of Economy. Draton Schattengeboren was elected as Minister of Defense. TinTin Atreides was elected as Minister of Culture. The Ghost of Moon was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ivan was appointed as Minister of Justice.

On the 23rd of January, Nox Aeterna, the capital of the Lunari Empire, become officially the richest city on Rathnir.

On the 24th of January, Konkotsu became a state under the Lunari Empire. This caused friction between Helsia who had aimed to conquer the land and brought Uraka into the dispute.

On the 30th of January, Solandia rebelled against Lunaris and was subsequently put down.

On the 6th of February, the Pact of Based People was signed between Lunari Empire and Kartek. As Lunari, unsatisfied with the ally of Rohel, found Kartek to be amiable and relationships between the state improved. As such an military alliance and Non-Aggression Pact was signed.

On the 8th of February, George the Axolotl perished from a trident accident. Out of shame of the accident, Amy drowned herself and later reborn to continue her reign.

On the 9th of February, the funeral of George the Axolotl was held. The nation gathered to mourn for the loss of their beloved friend.

On the 19th of February, the Lunari Empire declared war on Skjoldbrodir to banish them from the world of Rathnir.

On the 26 of February, the Lunari Empire and Skjoldbrodir  signed the Treaty of Eden. In this agreement the territories of Eden were ceded into Lunari.

Under the Kingdom of Lunaris
Although no constitution was ever completed, under the rule of the first two kings the Lunarians held a lot of power, with public pole for important decisions.

The council of elders from older times was reinterpreted into a series of ministries, with each minister elected by vote.

Every citizen had the right to vote and a vote was held for the election for every public role, such as the ministers, the diplomats and the military generals. The only position independent of vote was that of the king, which was hereditary.

Important national decisions were also leaved to a vote; these important decisions include entering war, ending a war and important law changes, although this right could be exercise only under the king’s permission.

Other than active rights, the citizens of the kingdom had also passive rights: the right to live and the right to propriety. Thus, killing and stealing was forbidden on Lunaris territory, except if specifically requested by the king.

The only written reports of obligations where the taxes established by King Moon. They were a 2.5% of all citizen income and 10 weekly coins for block of land claimed. Both taxes could be evaded if the king wished.

These taxes would be later removed under King Artaire Hans Luon. The king would also go on to reduce the number of ministers from five to four.

Under the Empire
In conjunction with the rise of the Empire, Empress Amaranthine stripped away from the citizens all of their written wrights, making the privileges that they today retain mere generosities.

Under the Empress rule, the number of ministers rose to six but lost all power, having now only the function of advisors and logistical helpers for the Empress. Though they retain the power to appoint deputes to help them in their work.

As she said, “this is an absolute monarchy, but is always good to hear what the people have to say”.

Government
The Lunari empire is an absolute monarchy, in which all political power is at the hands of the empress and her voice is law. The monarchy has the authority to appoint the Voice of the Empress as the second in command, and leaders in governmental positions. Despite this: a limited form of democracy for civil positions known as ministers are present. The term length for a minister is one month in real time.

List of Ministers of the Seventh Government of Lunaris
Ministers, or the Empress, can appoint Deputies in their ministry to perform various duties in the administration.

Military
The Empress is the supreme commander of the Lunari Armed Forces, alongside the elected Minister of War. The Lunari Army is known to hone professional soldiers in its legions, and have a military training program with Alfheim. It is a volunteer based force, in which its soldiers face numerous wars across overseas in both Rathnir and Eldham. Its equipment is funded by the state to provide standardized gear to the army.

Economy
The Lunari Empire is renowned for its arms industry and serves as its main export. The forge capital of Nox Aeterna mass produces suits of armor and swords for markets across the world with a fine moonstone-like polish. The Empire runs a state-owned company called Amy’s Emporium, where military tools and equipment are sold across the world of Rathnir and Eldham. The Lunari Empire’s main imports are raw materials such as rare minerals and alchemist supplies. The fishing industry is the second yet primary source of income and food as many settlements are linked to the sea.

Culture
Lunarian Culture is known for its characterization of unity between its diverse groups of people, a reverence to the moon on its light.

Cuisine
Lunari cuisine offers a variety in each island region that uses its local ingredients. The main staples across the empire are seafood, wheat, and rice. The national dish of lunari is sushi, with the unique lunari salmon roll as its famed type. The national alcoholic drink is Lunar Prisma: a powerful sparkling strength drink that is excludly created in the nation.

Architecture
The Lunari Empire is known to have distant architectural styles built on each island’s environment and culture. The prime style is known as Nox-Aeternan, named after the capital city, where half-timber buildings were constructed when the local forestry was plentiful. The grand hallmarks of the stoned style are Sanctum Speculum Grand Temple, which takes influence from Lirgalyn Temple, and Leuchtburg Castle. Sandonia style, unique to the island of Sandonia, constructs whole sandbox adobes to keep the homes cool during the day and warm at night. Tsukikage Style, located on Neko Island, is known for its elevated slightly from the ground and tiled roof types. Tsukikage Castle is famous for this style and is a fortified ground with gardens that surround it.

Under the Lunari Kingdom
The primary faith of Lunari during the kingdom era was the Moonsinger Pantheon.

Derived from the legend of Munas Moonsinger, legendary moon elf capable of defeating an avatar of the sun, to rule over the moon elves and to become the moon after his death, it worshiped Munas and his divine sons.

The church had also a paragon system, under which everyone could become a paragon of a god with the right actions.

The four gods of the Moonsinger Pantheon, offspring of Munas, were The Dame, patron deity of parenthood and fertility, Celmandor, patron deity of smiths and masons, Loriel, patron deity of honor and sacrifice, Varival, patron god of war. To note only women where allowed in the church of The Dame

One could become a paragon of The Dame by living a life of kindness and devotion, a paragon of Celmandor by building something worth calling a wonder, a paragon of Loriel by obeying for life to a strict code of rules and a paragon of Varival by proving an unnatural skill in battle.

With the transition to the empire, the Moonsinger Pantheon was completely abandoned and the religion died out, removing even the four stars from the national flag, representing the four children gods of the pantheon.

Under the Empire
During her early times, Empress Amaranthine was fascinated by a religion called Asitir. Which made the official national faith after the creation of the Empire.

Right after her coronation, the Moonsinger pantheon was abandoned, with even the grand temple, originally dedicated to Munas, being converted to a church to Asi.

The Asitir faith is a religion from Southern Syltör, having originated from the Early Seraan Confederations as a formalization of the generalized belief system shared between the many tribes that composed the Seraan civilization. Its central and holy city is currently located in the Lunar City-State of Lirgal.

The Asitir faith beliefs in the goddess Asi as the goddess of the moon and the one that created life.

For the Asitir church, in the beginning there was the nothing that was everything, an entity called The One. For an unknown reason, the One divided, creating differences and motion in the world, and thus time started.

The first rational being to emerge from this rupture was Asi, goddess of truth, of travelers and of the moon. Asi used her intellect to re-organize the chaos of rupture into a universe where life could flourish. Under her rule, the first creations lived in harmony, as the truth was shown to everyone and each individual understood the other.

After the genesis, Asi retired into slumber. During her absence, the truth was obscured from the world, and so the children of Asi started to fight one another, creating a world of lies.

The origin of the church is supposedly connected to a re-awakening of Asi, with the goal to expand her church to make everyone a follower of hers, healing the world from lies by bringing the truth.

The followers of Asi are called to discover truths, by researching and studying, and to understand one another. For this, the Asitir religion is primarily pacifist, with an emphasis on not committing harm in the name of Asi.

Important in Asitir theology is also the concept of pain, as Asi is portrayed as a suffering goddess with burdens proportional to that of her children, and the concept of duality, as Asi is shown as a dual goddess to better represent the nature of truth, as both a goddess of order and chaos.

Regarding the afterlife, Asitir proclaims after death the soul is divided in three parts: one that returns to the One, one that reincarnates and one that retains the personality, becoming a spirit to guide the future generations, uniting with the other spirits of the past to create an ancestral united mind.

Asitir is highly polytheistic, with various deities being able to reign over the same concepts, and has some elements of animism, as many Asitir believe every living and natural thing is inhabited by some form of spiritual being and the like. During the times of the Kingdom of Olarã it was treated in a henotheistic fashion, with each Seraan city having a patron deity they venerated alongside Asi, the main goddess. Some strands of Asitir propose a form of monotheism, with other deities being considered extensions of Asi's will.