Theios-Essukdal

Theios-Essukdal (meaning 'the desert of Theios') is a nation on Alteniquia, bordering the Phagosian Sea to its north, the Atsyllean Sea to its south, and Sea of Pearls to its east where its capital of Urnu-Arrak stands in the Geshem Bay. The nation is ruled by the continuation of the Audalad Dynasty and possess an intricate system of meritocratic-feudalism and a clergy of Theiostic-Sakrelism.

History
The Kingdom of Theios-Essukdal is the re-unified state of Yimmu-Audal which originated in Jagdas, and the Duchy of Theiónikos, which originated from the former Western Territories of the Rathnirian Yimmu-Audal-Ardatia. Following the Great Rathnir War, Yimmu-Audal was under the Soleannan Empire as an autonomous Kingdom. However, after the dissolution of the Trillium Alliance, threats by Bardonia and the Silver Coalition caused the Soleannan Empire Ascension, leaving the Sovereign Duke LethalMuffin of Theiónikos to remain as the leader of an Imperial successor state. Meanwhile, after seeing their independence desires realized a short time before Ascension, the previously elected King and Governor in the Kingdom of Yimmu-Audal, GrayIsYes and TheRealOJOJ became the last Emperor and Chief Diplomat of Yimmu-Audal respectively.

Foundation
After gaining independence, Theiónikos experienced rapid population growth while the once-again independent Yimmu-Audal was viewed as an ancient, although declining state. However, upon their return, Yimmu-Audal's original founder, StoryStudio, and the former Emperor, Harbardr, proclaimed a 'Renaissance', seeking to reestablish Yimmu-Audal as a major nation of Rathnir.

Following that declaration, Yimmu-Audal reorganized, reformed, and reestablished relations with its former territory, Theiónikos. The reforms resulted in renewed population growth and the rebuilding of infrastructure which was destroyed during the war, speeding up the already-in-progress reunification plan developed under the last Yimmu-Audalad Emperor GrayIsYes and Duke LethalMuffin, now being spearheaded by StoryStudio, Taki, and MisticCrafter.

On February 28th, 2021, a reunification summit was called in the National Meeting Hall in Urnu-Arrak, where StoryStudio, Takiruko01, CrazyChaosCaleb, Blue_Marble, dex_og of the Azurian Syndicate, Emperor GrayIsYes, Harbardr, LethalMuffin, MisticCrafter, Chief Diplomat TheRealOJOJ, and ViewedMarquis came together to formalize the cultural and government order of a reunified nation, settling on the name Theios-Essukdal.

The Kartoffel War
The Kingdom vowed itself to be a peaceful nation, only seeking to defend its peace and the security of its citizens, and has hither-since made defensive alliances with the Imperial Archonate of Viodoxa and the Aurlûnor-Ryzani Empire. In response to a war declared on the Kingdom on 14 March 2021, the Kingdom and its allies lead a global operation of nations and organizations including the Soleannan Spirits, the handy helpers, and various anti-bandit oriented mercenaries willing to help against the bandit AdmiralKartoffel who threatened to attack the Essukdalad city of Amos. The war, named "Operation Netherrack" ended in a decisive alliance victory with AdmiralKartoffel surrendering before his public execution in Urnu-Arrak.

The Ferrymen War
Theios Essukdal contributed forces to the second Battle of Istanboulder in the Ferrymen War on 20 April 2021 when ViewedMarquis unexpectedly declared war without approval. This battle alongside a failed operation of the Anti-Bandit League caused StoryStudio to be killed killed. Consequently, ViewedMarquis was relieved of command as Grand Bashar, thereafter allegedly attempting their own bandit operations throughout Theios-Essukdal. Hithersince, Theios-Essukdal would not participate in any Ferrymen conflict until the bandit group was banned on 5 May 2021. The Ferrymen War is considered one of the worst Essukdalad military defeats since the nation's founding.

Restoration of Duchy of Rhodes
On 15 May 2021, a diplomatic breakdown between squatters within the then military-occupied zone of Haz-Arkanoh. The squatters declared independence, resulting in the Essukdalad mlitary being deployed to integrate and neutralize the area. Later that evening, Essukdalad soldiers swarmed the city of Rhodes and forced the citizens to surrender. The Duchy of Rhodes was dissolved and reformed as Duchy of Oakmarch named after the the march on Fort Oakcrest.

Revanov Civil War
The Revanov Civil War is a planned event to take place sometime in late May 2021, between E.L.F. (Emeuyan Liberation Front) and the R.N. (Revanov Militia). (This is still an ongoing conflict, will need to be updated soon)

Territorial Expansion
Building on the initial reunification between Theionikos and Yimmu-Audal, which had brought together much of the original Alteniquian lands of the former Empire of Yimmu-Audal-Ardatia, Theios-Essukdal has significantly expanded its territorial holdings various times, holding true to the Jagdasian Audalad tradition of expansion only through peaceful and diplomatic means.

Fuscinian Annexation
Firstly, as a direct successor of Theionikos who had gained Fuscinia as a protectorate following the Fuscinian Map Incident, Theios-Essukdal built on the relationship leading to the declaration of Fuscinia as a vassal state. Eventually, relations were further improved and Fuscinia was annexed, becoming the Free County of Abayril under Lugal Taki.

Shiny Unification
The second major territorial expansion occurred on 27 March 2021 when, originally following plans for war given intelligence that the nation of the Royal Isles of Shiny planned to conspire with AdmiralKartoffel, negotiations between the Ningal Mistic Audalad and King Fear of Shiny instead led to the Royal Isles joining Theios-Essukdal as the Free County of Shiny-Wyngale, with King Fear preserving a local titular monarchy. The agreement was formalized in the Essukdalad-Shiny Unification Declaration following the signature of Ningal Mistic Audalad and King Fear. Soon after this treaty, the Free County of Shiny-Wyngale was promoted into the Duchy of Pearls consisting of the counties of Shiny and Revanov—a land in then-called Wyngale with previously unknown inhabitants who joined the Kingdom of Theios-Essukdal as a county upon discovering they lived in the nation's claims.

Haz-Arcanoh Proclamation
Not long after unification with Shiny, the nation of Khuzdurin, long being the cap of the Essukdalad northern border had become absolutely desolate as a result of inactivity. The Essukdalad military deployed a recon squad to locate all threats in the region. It located multiple bandit camps and bases. Seeing as the area became infested with various bandit organizations, including the infamous Bamboo Bandits, the Ningal Mistic Audalad issued the Haz-Arcanoh Proclamation which annexed the lion's share of Khuzdurin as a military occupied zone which later became a Free County in a partition together with the Aesperium Niedea.

Recognition of Tálor
The island of Tálor had long been culturally connected to Yimmu-Audal, having been a former colony of the Empire of Yimmu-Audal Ardatia illegally settled on land of the former United Empire of Akratia which had pressured the colony to join it. However, Akratia had lost the territory following the region's declaration of independence and subsequent joining of Yimmu-Audal. After the Coalition War, the island as well as various other territories within the Atsyllean Sea became independent from Yimmu-Audal as the briefly existing Kingdom Of Tálor. Shortly after the formation of Theios-Essukdal, during the reign of Lugal Taki, the Kingdom of Tálor and its Atsyllean territories were threatened war and re-integrated into the Second Empire of Akratia.

Seeing that Akratia now possessed land on the continent of Alteniqia, then Chief Diplomat Mistic Audalad negotiated a non-aggression pact with Akratia in which Akratia also ceded its Altenqian territories known as the "Twin Islands" to Theios-Essukdal. The eastern "island," actually a part of Alteniqia, was thereafter gifted to the Azurian Syndicate.

The non-agression pact came to an end and following the outbreak of the Leythe-Akratian and Akratian Civil wars, the former Talorian town of Baronos lead by Astrobl1tz declared allegiance to Theios-Essukdal. Seeing Akratian weakness, Tálor too joined Theios-Essukdal and the territories collectively became the County of Atsyllean within the Duchy of Audal. In behind-the-curtains negotiations, the development appeared to be accepted by Neoz, the Akratian Emperor. However, after Neoz's announcement of the alleged conclusion of the Akratian Civil War, he stated he did not recognize Tálor as Essukdalad territory. This prompted the Ningal Mistic Audalad to threaten war, issuing a 48 hour ultimatum to sign to recognize the territory. The Essukdalad military mobilized preparation for war and convened in meetings to find invasion routes into Akratia, sending Anaemis as an Essukdalad spy. Military strategists devised multiple war plans, analyzing the defenses of the Akratian capital.

Although Neoz refused the ultimatum, the Emperor unexpectedly died and the Recognition of Talor agreement was instead signed by his successor Emperor Dmitry Yazov, consequently avoiding war and formally resolving the dispute regarding the County of Atsyllean with Anaemis' espionage operation coming to a halt.

Reyllean Inheritance
Following the death of King Amaury de Reyllea, the Kingdom of Reyllea was inherited by the Ningal Mistic Audalad of Theios-Essukdal who briefly acted as the Queen of Reyllea before partitioning the land with The Kingdom of Sironia. The remaining territory was fully integrated into Theios-Essukdal as the Archduchy of Reyllea consisting of the counties of Centuri, Rosecella, and Kongleon.

Jatswannia Map Incident
The Jatswannia Map incident was a small period of land disputes between Jatswannia and Theios-Essukdal. This was caused when Jatswannia declared itself an independent state but failed to inform of its land claims. When Shiny joined Theios-Essukdal in the Essukdalad-Shiny Unification Declaration, the new Duchy of Pearl's claim was extended over all of Jatswannia. This led to the Ambassador of Jatswannia, Brainstormkid to negotiate a peaceful deal with the Ningal Mistic Audalad. After two days of negotiations, Jatswannia agreed to be dissolved and integrated as the County of Jatswanna

Revanov Integration
On 4 April 2021, the County of Jatswanna and County of Wyngale was dissolved and reorganized to form the County of Revanov following the discovery of new squatter settlers in northern Jatswanna. After negotiations, it was decided the settlers' cities of Marletto and Visegrad would join the new county along with New Emecuya.

Political Reform
On 3 April 2021 the Kingdom adopted The Second Constitution of Theios-Essukdal due to the fact that the previous constitution written by LethalMuffin no longer accurately reflected the state of the government and its functionality, and was largely impractical. Among other things, the 2nd constitution formalized an official military structure and lessened the powers of the clergy. The military structure details are not available to non-citizens, but are known to include Legions, Squads, and the positions of Grand Bashar and Bashar which act as supreme commander and as general respectively.

Political geography
Theios-Essukdal encompasses the independent territory of Grizzly Bear located at the very center of Rathnir and borders the Aesperium Niedea to its north, the Kingdom of Sironia to its south, the Most Serene Republic of Carvay to its west, and the Azurian Syndicate to its east.

Internal divisions
Theios-Essukdal consists of three duchies which consist of several counties. These duchies include the Duchy of Theionikos, the Duchy of Anoshfey, the Duchy of Audal, and the Duchy of Pearls. The Duchy of Theionikos consists of the counties of Ayesinco, Theiotokos, Gebel, and Auraion. The Duchy of Audal consists of the counties of Urnu-Arrak, Pryiad, Eldal-Adadi, and the County of Atsyllean. The Duchy of Anoshfey consists of the counties of Siroba, Anoshfey, and Apasaril. The Duchy of Pearls consists of the counties of Shiny and Revanov. The Free Counties of Coltmaere and Abayril do not fall into any duchy. The Free County of Haz-Arcanoh consists of the former military-occupied region of Haz-Arcanoh which was expanded to include territories of the county of Siroba following a land-swap agreement with the Aesperium Niedea, briefly existing as an Archduchy thereafter.

Theios-Essudkal further includes the Arduchy of Haz-Arcanoh and the Archduchy of Reyllea. The latter consists of the counties of Kongleon, Centuri, and its capital county of Rosecella.

The lands of Theios-Essukdal, primarily the Duchy of Anoshfey is also home to a nomadic group called the Idan-Ridu who do not fall into any strict territorial boundaries, but who are full-fledged citizens of the Kingdom.

Government
Theios-Essukdal is a feudal semi diarchy governed by two leaders who split the responsibilities of administration and diplomacy, which are the Lugal/Ningal and Chief Diplomat, with the Lugal/Ningal's decisions taking priority over that of the Chief Diplomat's.

The head administrative position is the Lugal (or Ningal in the feminine, meaning "king"). Lugal is the highest feudal title in Theios-Essukdal. Originally established upon the foundation of Jagdasian Shyr-Arrak.

The head diplomatic position is the Chief Diplomat. Originally established after the announcement of Jagdasian Yimmu-Audal. CrazyChaosCaleb was the first Chief Diplomat and responsible for the initial Yimmu-Audalad growth in the Jagdasian period.

Theios-Essukdal continues the diarchic tradition of its predecessors. Upon the end of their terms, the current rulers appoint their successors. This tradition originated in Jagdas and has been considered a key aspect of a stable government ever since.

Beyond this, Theios-Essukdal inherited the feudal system of Theiónikos which now includes the roles of Lugal/Ningal, Duke, Count, Sahrad, and Nadu.

Civilian Positions
To help with the management of the government, Theios-Essukdal posseses a number of non-noble/religious/military positions subservient to the Lugal and Chief Diplomat.

These include titles such as the Domestikos (head of recruitment), Ambassador (aid to Chief Diplomat), Royal Architect (Head of Builder's Guild), Grand Archivist (manages Gebel Library records), Royal Cartographer (makes national maps), Royal Treasurer (in charge of the national budget), Lily Admiral (in charge of the Lily Fleet)

Ranks of Nobility

 * The Lugal/Ningal (King/Queen) is the supreme feudal authority, all lands are his, all nobles are subservient to the Lugal.
 * The Gidesh (plural: Gideshae; Archduke) administers an Archduchy as its supreme feudal authority, autonomous to level of their personal preference, has absolute power over their Archduchy and may establish a government within it as they like without need to obey the lower tiers of the ranks of nobility.
 * A Duke administers over a duchy which consists of Counties, may order Counts, Sahradae, and Nadae of his duchy.
 * A Count administers a County, may order Sahradae and Nadae of their county.
 * A Free Count administers a Free County, which is not a part of any Duchy and thus needs not to take orders from any Dukes.
 * A Sahrad (plural: Sahradae) administers a city, akin a mayor, may order any Nadae within it.
 * A Nadu (plural: Nadae) owns land in a large city or a fort within a county, or an influential person for another reason, may order citizens within their land/tribe.

DrHowks Vs. Bardonia
Case was presented to Judge StoryStudio on 2 April 2021. This case was about DrHowks killing the Bardonian citizen of ferrosmakko.


 * Prosecution: Mobious, the foreign ambassador for Bardonia presented the prosecution on behalf of the Bardonian government.
 * Prosecution's Case: At the start of the case, Mobious provided eye-witness testimony to the court of the murder and immediate aftermath of the killing. He stated that ferromakko was traveling to the city of New Dorasterrock to meet RedFireRex. En route, Ferro was ambushed and killed by DrHowks due to being unequipped and lack of equipment. It was also claims that Howks was trying to get RFR's head.
 * Prosecution goals: To reclaim all the lost items the victim had lost and all Bardonian Shields


 * Defense: DrHowks, accused under Bardonian law for 2nd degree murder and 2nd degree banditry, though was forced to have the trial under Essukdalad Justice System due to the defendant being an Essukdalad citizen.
 * Defense Case: At the beginning of the case, the defendant tried to delay the case by a week due to being banned. This was rejected. The defendant later claimed that he was peer pressured into doing the kill by Feblu. He would later explain that he was banned due to griefing the city of New Dorasterrock which was against server rules. Defendent would later agree to give all items stolen back to the victim. He was not able to retrieve his items from Bardonia due to Bardonian law.


 * Case Closed: On 3 May, the Defendant was permanently banned. Theios-Essukdal raided Howks' house and retrieved the stolen items as well as books allegedly from the Library of Religious Freedom of Urnu-Arrak (Unconfirmed if there are real copies since they were bought on the Black Market).


 * Aftermath: DrHowks tried to appeal the case through the pope, but was denied.

Religion


The official state religion of Theios-Essukdal is Theiosism, a form of Sakrelism, and is actively promoted by the government converting new citizens

Clergy Hierarchy
Primary Clerical Titles:
 * Ecumenical Patriarch: supreme religious authority and Head of the Clergy. They responsible for theological interpretation and the religious administration of all the national Patriarchates, as well as serving as the Head of the Ecumene Council.
 * Patriarch: religious authority within a national Patriarchate, the Patriarchs are responsible for the management of temples, religious sites, and the clergy within their Patriarchate. They each have a seat on the Ecumene Council, and alongside the Ecumenical Patriarch help to interpret religious texts and establish official Religious Doctrine and Dogma.
 * Archpriest: a high level clergyman that serves as the chief administrator of a Patriarchate's temples and clergy, as well as the right hand to their Patriarch. They organize events, appoint Priests, and generally help the people within their jurisdictions.
 * Priest: clergy members that are in charge of individual temples or religious sites. They help to spread the faith and work directly with the people to keep them informed and in line with the Doctrine of the Ecumene Council. They are usually in charge of local religious ceremonies and rituals, as well as running charities.

Other Clerical Titles:


 * Grand Inquisitor: head of the Theiosistic Inquisition, they are responsible for enforcing the religious Doctrine of the Ecumene Council, converting non-Sakrelists to the faith, and combating religious threats within the nation such as heretical or demonic faiths, with one example being their campaign against Entropy Worshippers.
 * Inquisitor: appointed by the Grand Inquisitor, these individuals serve the Inquisition in whatever way is deemed necessary by the Grand Inquisitor. They are usually individually assigned to missions, and may operate with a level of discretion depending on the objective.
 * Grand Warden: head of the Sentinel Order, they are responsible for the protection of religious sites, relics, and the clergy. The Sentinels act as a sort of private army of the clergy tasked with the defense of the Holy Land and any locations or artifacts with great importance to the faith and its followers.
 * Sentinel: Holy Warriors within the Sentinel Order, they are lead by the Grand Warden and serve as guardians of the faith across the nation.
 * Grand Marshal: head of the Theiosian Templar, the Grand Marshal leads the Holy Order of Battle-Priests that work alongside the National Military. They act as a sort of religious commissar, spreading the faith on the field of battle and keeping the morale of the troops high.
 * Templar Knight: a Battle-Priest that accompanies the Armies of Theios-Essukdal in times of war to help maintain troop morale and to spread the faith wherever they may go.

Legal Faiths

 * Theiosism (state religion)
 * Sakrelism (treated as official state religion including all sects)
 * Soleannen (tax exempt throughout kingdom)
 * The Red Cult (legalized as an interpretation of Theiosism in the Edict of Treiur)

Illegal Faiths

 * Entropy (completely banned)
 * All faiths not pertaining to the official list of legalized faiths as seen above. (Heretic Citizens are Taxed)

Caveats
An exception to taxation of heretic citizens applies in the County of Urnu-Arrak, where citizens are allowed absolute religious freedom due to its long standing tradition of doing so dating back to the Empire of Yimmu-Audal. As a testament to this principle, the Bishara-Sharud Library of Religious freedom which stands in the capital as one of the largest collection of books and religious texts within Rathnir.

Symbolism
Religious symbolism can be seen on the national flag of Theios-Essukdal where the sun of Theios is depicted above the Holy Golden Seabird above the message given by it to StoryStudio, the founder of Yimmu-Audal. This symbolism is interpreted such that The Holy Golden Seabird, a.k.a Hukar Dezum Autai Dar Shur in Audalad was in actuality the messenger of Theios. In this manner the message given to StoryStudio to establish the Audalad (now Essukdalad) nation stems directly from Theios. When a Lugal (formerly Emperor) and Chief Diplomat appoint their heirs, they pass on this holy message of Hukar Dezum Autai Dar Shur and thus justify their heirs' right to rule via Divine Right.