Aesperium Niedea

Aesperium Niedea, later known as the Soleannen Empire of Niedea was a state located on the continent of Nieden. Successfully claiming the to be the successor of the Empire of Escharia, it embodied almost most of its former territory and was largely populated by Niedenes who believed in Soleannen. It is commonly referred by historians as the Second Empire of Escharia.

One of the main allies of the 3rd Empire of Bardonia, former overlord of nations like Arxella or Kartek, it came to be one of the most powerful nations in Rathnir. After several attempts of union with other friendly nations such as Yimmu-Audal or Viodoxa, Nidea would endure several crisis towards the end of 2021 and lose most of its territories.

After being formally reformed in January 19, 2022, Aesperium Niedea lived a period of stability and eventually reunited with the Empire of Asterien to form the Soleannan Imperium on March 6, 2022.

Previous situation in Nieden
Following the Escharian Ascension in 1593 ASC (February 1, 2021), the vengeful Spirits assured the protection of the that the areas of Nieden and Sparwood formerly part of the Empire of Escharia. However their power gradually declined as barbarians multiplied incursions over time. simultaneously, the Kirrentai (Soleannen Church) wasn't able to ensure full conversion of the newly established nations in Niedene lands such as Kornappi, Neurun, Wahat, Unterrech or Floramia.

First wave of expansion through diplomacy
In 1604 ASC (March 27, 2021) the former hero of the First Coalition War, Spirit and king of Cornflower Zylrm uhl-Znydyy claimed the Kingdom of Egalia with the blessing of the Soleannen Spirits and the Ekeris (Soleannen Cardinal) Jol.

After negotiations with other nation leaders in western Nieden, the seven nations of Nations of Cornflower-Egalia, Wahat, Unterrech, Rulagmos, Ailstra, Kornappi and Tymarat agreed to form "Aesperium Niedea". This state was constitued as a Soleannen confederation whose leaders became Princes of the constitued Estates. The leader of the nation held the title of Aesperii as a reference of the family of the leader of the Empire of Escharia, Severie.

Second wave of expansion through the intervention of the Kirrentai
As the nations of Escania, Arcos and Tel-Et established themselves south of the core region of Escharia, the Kirrentai claimed the remaining areas and placed themselves under the protection of Aesperium Niedea in 1606 ASC (April 5, 2021). The year after, Zelorm enters communion with Severie’s spirit who deems him worthy of being the only Successor of Escharia, mainly against the state of Flomaria whose devotion to Soleannen is contested by the clergy. The Soleannen church is thus placed under Zelorm’s authority, Zelorm adopts the name of Valerian an Aesperii and the definitive flag of the nation is adopted. The Escharian Duchy is claimed, citizens are converted with the appointement of Samael as Ekeris in 1609 ASC (April 22, 2021). However, the newborn Empire fails to invade Floramia or Krobun and resorts to diplomacy in order to annex Khuzdurin and Escania.

Rebellion of Unterrech
Main article: The rebellion of Unterrech

Having expanded greatly, the Empire kept the structure of the initial Confederacy and needed to consolidate its structure. It is in this context that the Estate of Unterrech issued a rebellion in 1609 ASC (April 24, 2021) by declaring war on the state of Floramia, and by extension, the Soleannen Order of Müviel. This act was considered as a treason by the government of Aesperium Niedea because Estates weren't allowed to declare war. Valerian I, who is also a member of the Handy Helpers, reached out to fellow Hands and Soleannan Spirits for aid in the coming conflict.

The battle happenned in the Unterrechi captital, Skar. The Hands quickly dispatch the Unterrechi Army after entering the Underground city through an unclaimed cave. They would leave when it appeared the Unterrechi had no more gear for the war. As a result of the battle, Skar was almost entirely destroyed and the population left the town.

Governemental consolidation
After the battle of Unterrech, Aesperium Niedea would experience a serie of internal changes, both strengthening the authority of the Emperor and the escharian heritage.

At peace with its neighbors, the nation experienced internal peace (with the exception of the crusade on Hilltown around mid-May) and sougt to consolidate its organization. The Estate system was abandonned in 1613 ASC (May 15, 2021), and a set a new laws was released the day after. Among them, the Unterrech Law strongly limited the possibilities for town leaders (akesors) to escape the control of the State. In 1622 ASC (June 26, 2021) a new government system was implemented. Simplified, the Emperor was confirmed as the sole authority above akesors while the kesefors would only have an advisory position. The densification of existing towns is encouraged, while first debates of decentralizations appear within the government.

Diplomatic expansion
During this period, Aesperium Niedea asserted its position as protector of the Soleannens, mainly through diplomacy. It also becomes to be referred as "Niedea". In 1615 ASC (April 24, 2021) the nation of Arxella in Sparwood becomes an Imperial protectorate on behalf of the protection of Soleannen worshippers agaisnt Fjellheim and UBSR. In the same way, Iremith, a nation in greater Tessel, also becomes a vassal of Niedea in 1625 ASC (July 20, 2021). Niedea would also refrain its participation in the invasion of Ryzan in 1621 ASC (June 13, 2021).

Second Trillium War
At the beginning of the Second Trillium War, the Emperor would express his support for Bardonia against Southern Invaders, due to Niedea's Membership in the Allium Alliance.

It was at this time it is believed that Emperor Valerian communed with St. Arminius, envoy of Ivoras, the god of war, who said:"'My Children, I speak for Ivoras, God of War. The Escharians have fought in the same situation as you, we stand with you from the Luminarium. You are as Escharian. You will fight for our homeland so that the Niedene may be free another day. This is a Holy War! You will join us one day, but before you join us make sure you send as many of the enemy as you can to the Immerium. You will show the world who the Niedene are and you will bleed our Niedene blood so we may keep and retake our occupied Niedene lands. Ave Niedea, Ave Selt-Escharia!'"However, the vast degree of toxicity from Third Rathnir Coalition, combined with a lack of incentive, led to the Empire issuing a joint statement with the Huitca Federation announcing both state's withdraw from the conflict. While some citizens did participate in The Battle of New Dorasterrock, they had been given orders from both Imperial and Military leadership to withdraw from the city before the conflict began.

Proclamation of the Soleannen Empire of the Escharians
The War of Southern agression provoked a wide-spread nationalist movement in Niedea, leading to the deepening of its escharianization through the spread of Asteri culture. After the communion between Emperor Valerian and Severie, the country was renamed Soleàn Irastre de et Escharii (Soleannen Empire of the Escharians). From this period, the nation is referred by most sources as "Escharia" and the use of the name "Niedea" declined. Towns were renamed in Asteri through imperial effort, which became the official language of the Empire.

After the government meeting of August 3, 2021, the following priorities were given by Emperor Valerian: more delegation within the Empire and the shift towards a belligerent position against Aurora on a global stage.

Implementation of the Duchy system
The organization of the Empire was deemed as overcentralized, topic evoked even before the War of Southern Aggression but many times postponed due to the pregnance of diplomatic tasks.

In August 25, 2021, the Empire was divided in Duchies, with the Dukes directly appointed by the Emperor. This reform had uneven results, with the emergence of regional leaders, notably in the Suderen and Escharii duchies. The designation of Lostesrei as a new capital for the empire in October 01, 2021, alongside a ceremony where Valerian adopted the title of Emperor of Soleanna, are late developments of this effort. The Arekaihalle (Noble court) was established in the new capital.

However the project of  a constitution which aimed at push nobles to apply for official charges never was fulfilled due to the importance taken by foreign affairs. Even if a global law was issued in order to prevent the establishment new towns in order to ensure control over the existing ones, settlements like Fredonia (August 24, 2022) managed to be formed and even constituted their own government, in contradiction with the Unterrech Act.

Cold War against Aurora
Amidst open claim of a Cold War against Aurora, Escharia kept expanding its diplomatic influence at a global stage. Nations as the Island of Avalon joins the Empire, who is also able to have other nations withdraw their claims in Sparwood like Lunaris with the Island of Eden. This territorial expansion culminated with the integration of Bardonia in August 27, 2021.

During this period of time the empire was somewhat involved in most armed conflicts in Rathnir, like the battle of Aequalis. Eventually, a non-aggression pact was signed with Aurora and Viodoxa, the Treaty of Athazolant. If was later revealed that it was a joint strategy with Viodoxa in order to trap Aurora with clauses they wouldn't be able to respect. However these repeated interventions aroused criticism from within the government, with more Kesefors (advisors) advocating for he adoption an isolationnist or expansionnist policy.

Integration of Bardonia
Following the dissolution of the Great Northern Confederacy in August 27, 2021, Bardonia was integrate in Escharia as a duchy. The newly integrated Grand Duchy of Bardonia subsequently declared the annexation of all Gdanyc, drawing condemnation from the United Commonwealth, which likewise claimed parts of Gdanyc. Diplomatic tensions were resolved in August 28, 2021, when Badonia, Escharia and the United Commonwealth signed the Treaty of Gdanyc. While Bardonia annexed some formerly Gdanyc territory, the state of South Baykonia joined the United Commonwealth as the State of Baykonia

Diplomatic setbacks
Weaknesses started to appear within the diplomatic system of the Empire. The Soleviel Schism in August 01, 2021, revealed that Niedea wasn't able to impose it's volunty anymore within the continent of Nieden, loosing the 2nd most Soleannen religion at the time.

Also, the establishment of the Gerteks in Arxella became a problem for the interests of the Empire. Becoming a majority in Arxella, Gerteks pushed for the creation of Kartek, which granted then equal importance within the Escharian Vassal. The anti-escharianism led to a crisis in August 10, 2021, and was solved through an agreement which grant Karkek more autonomy.

Apogea
The territorial and political peak of the second Empire of Escharia is reached with the formation of the Triumvirate of Denumain. This nation, created in September 17, 2021 rallied Escharia, Yimmu-Audal and Viodoxa under a single banner and was the largest nation in Rathnir in terms of landmass. Feeling overshadowed, Bardonia left soon after the formation of Denumain in september 26, 2021, and later formed the 4th Empire of Bardonia.

Nonetheless, the constituting nations of Denumain followed different interests, which were quickly unveiled. While Escharia and Viodoxa's goal was to undermine the influence of Aurora on a global stage, the nation of Yimmu-Audal was rather seeking protection against Aldovir. Furthermore, the difficult coexistence between the citizens of the three nations revealed underlying tensions, mainly between the followers of the Soleannen Faith and citizens of Yimmu-Audal.

Eventually, dissensions appeared between Escharia and Viodoxa over the military involvement of the Havenite nation. Escharia thus considered that Viodoxa was a lesser partner in the Triumvirate, and all three nations focused more on their internal affairs. The Triumvirate was dissolved in October 16, 2021, but a joint military organization was maintained with Yimmu-Audal.

Kartek crisis
In October 17, 2021, Kartek collapses and Frosterium is able to claims most of the abandonned lands with the agreement of Emperor Valerian, with the exceptions of the towns of Lansi and Vennikistadt. This ushers a debate within the government of Escharia, with Valerian admitting he abandoned Kartek to dissolution and that Escharia isn’t powerful enough to take down Aurora. Kartek was reformed later, independent from Escharia and began exerting political pressure over Lansi and Vennikistadt. If Vennikistadt rejoined Kartek out of nationalism, Lansi, was forced to by Kartek threats of war and united with Kartek in November 18, 2021.

Crusade on Jamestown
Considering the lack of political results since the beginning on the Cold War against Aurora, the crusade over Jamestown, a town in Braznichiya (Sparwood), was deemed as an opportunity to satisfy nationalist and soleannen Zealots. The town was quickly conquered through in November 1, 2021 through a joined Soleannen and Hands attack. Placed under the tutelage of Chance, an Escharian Vassal Led by the Hands. It was ultimately sold to Ecclesia in November 26, 2021.

Solea-Audal
Seen as a continuity of the military relations established under Denumain, the nation of Solea-Audal was founded in November 15, 2021. It was made clear that only the foreign relations and Military of both state's were merged, while governments remained distincts. A joint armory was established between the two nations in Prisma. However dissensions between the citizens remained important and the union was contested, mostly by the Audaladae.

The weakness of the Escharian military was eventually exposed to the world during the Battle of Terroja in November 20, 2021. While Escharia was supporting the loyalist faction in the Uldarash Civil War, the troops involved were decimated by the Imperial Undarashi troops led by Aurora.

Succession question
While Valerian had dragged the Empire into conflicts it was not able to win, the health state of the Emperor started degrading. The question of his succession hasn't been discussed publicly in the government, and different factions constituted around different government members. While Illia Aeszerii was popular among other Kesefors (advisors) due to her leadership of the new capital, Lostesrei, and her overall involvement in the nation, Anerias Magistri, the leader of the populous Duchy of Suderen opposed her. In the same time, Valerian's preference seemed to lean towards Yazov an Akratii, former leader of Viodoxa and Bardonia which was appointed Kesefor (advisor) when Bardonia was a vassal of Escharia. However Yazov wasn't niedene, originating from Akratia. Anerias, removed from the succession due to having maintained a personal harem in his Duchy, eventually showed his preference towards Yazov. Enventually, the surging of the coalition against Escharia made it impossible for a final decision to be made.

Coalition against Escharia
In November 24, 2021, the island nation of Gertonia and Kartek declare themselves at war against Solea-Audal, with the common statement of solely fighting Escharian imperialism and not targetting Yimmu-Audal. Rumors of a coalition including as well Aldovir, Aurora and Ulfaeng started spreading in Rathnir. As a first reaction, Samael is appointed as ruler as the Escharian government believes the coalition is targeted at Valerian personally.

As Valerian sees it impossible to keep things together and the coalition impossible to counter, he resigned as emperor, followed by Samael from the position of cardinal. Illia Aeszerii is appointed successor.

However, Aldovir vassalized Kartek in December 7, 2021 and declared war in Solea-Audal in December 8, 2021. The war declaration was repeated by Gertonia and Kartek the same day. The coalition is only countered by the dissolution of Solea-Audal the same day, announced by the Emperor of Yimmu-Audal, Centurion.

Secessions
In the confusion, the duchy of Tymarat in central Nieden secedes from Escharia the same day. Simultaneously, Aurora guarantees Anerias Magistri, Duke of Suderen to secede from Escharia. This action is motivated by the opposition of Anerias to see Illia ascend to the throne. Escharia tries to nominate Luci Aesperii as Duke, but fails to enforce authority. Illia Aeszerii was forced to sign the Treaty of Suderen and Escharia, where Suderen breaks free and Aurora annexes the island of Tessel in exchange of 500.000$. Half of this money is received by Anerias, who buys a luxury Armor with it. The sum perceived by Illia remained a bone of contemption up until the formation of the Soleannen Empire.

Fredonia declared independence in December 9, 2021. The day after, Sneedistan, homeland of the former Emperor Valerian, joined Ganeffstan. Iremith leaves Escharia in December 17, 2021, and joins Aatyeli as Lunaris and Thalassii were claiming parts of Greater Tessel.

Escharian response
As a response of the war declaration from the coalition, Escharia became a vassal of the Eldham Empire of Uraka. Led by the former Emperor Valerian, this vassaldom was made possible due to the relations established with Uraka around the intervention of the Eldham Entente in the Uldarashi Civil War.

Despite an attempt to reform the structure of the 1st Empire of Escharia in December 11, 2021, political setbacks placed Liz Aeszerii in a situation impossible to govern. In December 13, 2021, the Kesefor (advisor) Alrexia Varanamai D'Elevar is appointed regent. This new government led by the Kesefor (advisor) has to address an internal rebellion in the western part of Escharia the same day when the towns of Celtenn and Chileambore proclaim their independence as the nation of “Aesingar”. Luci an Aesperii deals with the situation and the territorial integrity of the Empire is maintained through an agreement giving religious freedom to the two rebelling towns.

It is notable that Anerias was re-established as a Kesefor (advisor) during this period, mainly over his claims that his actions were motivated by the lack of consideration he had previously received from the rest of the government. Meanwhile, several cardinal were appointed during this period : Lunkin, then Redd, and finally Yazov.

Return of Valerian
As this situation was unstable, the Kesefor (advisors) appointed Yazov as regent in December 19, 2021. Soon later, Illia was back in a position of governing the nation. Her last action as ruler was the signing of an alliance treaty with Simulami in échange of a part of the Zanval forest.

The same day, Valerian himself returns into power in order to calm the feuds within the government, notably between Anerias and Illia. In December 22, 2021, economic guilds are established, with the goal to recover from the previous turmoils. The state pursues it's militarization conducted by Luci an Aesperii and Yazov an Akratii.

Tymarat and Gertonia
As Escharia is recovering from its internal crisis, it starts to exert pressure over Tymarat. The independence of the nation, including the area around lake Kaiteka, had separarted the Duchy of Escharia from the rest of the Empire. In response of the threats of war, Tymarat joins Gertonia in January 2, 2021 and the Treaty of Jharana is signed in January 3, 2022. The batch of land around lake Kaiteka is transferred to Escharia which sells the remaining Tymarati land and aread arounf Kumberg, Galitz, Fredonia and Thanutabad to Gertonia. Tymarat is fully annexed by Gertonia shortly after.

Initial tensions with the Kingdom of Suderen
However, the competition with Suderen ramps up as Suderen convinces the Duchy of Escharia to join their nation in January 9, 2022, mainly on the claims that Escharia would crumble because of Uraka. Only the town of Amilais, led by Volunt Bellator, remained loyal to Emperor Valerian. This event formally marks the beginning of the Kimiwekessie (Second Escharian Civil War), where the core territories of the Second Empire of Escharia were split in two political entities of comparable weight, the "Free Escharian State" at the West and the "True Escharian Empire".

As a response, Valerian declares in January 9, 2022 "the end of the Escharian Monarchy until the Blade of Escharia rests in the hands of Lord of Lilies, over the ancient and sacred city”. This action is deemed as the dissolution of the Second Empire of Escharia, in order to prevent Suderen from claiming the title, which Anerias did the same day. While Suderen claimed Lileanen, The Free Escharian State issued a diplomatic strike in January 12, 2021 through the Reclamation of the Holy cities, placing the sacred Soleannen sites under the protection of the Kirrentai (church). This action prevented Anerias from claiming Lileanen and Gentumar, undermining his claims over the crown of Escharia, which he retracts. The Kingdom of Suderen is then referred as the Empire of Asterien.

Restablishment of Aesperium Niedea
In January 19, 2022, Valerian resigns and Hadrian Vorpes-Delgrenzvar, son of Samael, is appointed. He works in close relation with Yazov. The name of the "Free Escharian State" is renamed to "Aesperium Niedea".

Aesperium focuses over the development of its military, attempts are made to establish the diplomatic position of the Second Empire of Escharia. It thus develops close relations with the 4th Empire of Bardonia, successfully uproots the barbarians of Lithranor after they started sacking the town of Alessandrea in January 24, 2022. The subsequent project was to establish a common military and nation with the 4th Empire under the Order of the Black Dandelion, however with the fall of the Black Dandelion in February 10, 2022, Aesperium is left without major allies.

In the same period, Isaris is appoint 2nd in command in Aesperium, hosting a Feast in February 19, 2022 and establishing new ministries  (tradition, coin, war, building, authority) in February 21, 2022.

Reunification with Asterien
After the departure of Anerias Magistri and his replacement by Nive Pallas-Akerian, relations began to ease with Asterien.

After Kartek threatened to invade Asterien and as Aurora made known that they would be unable to protect them, an agreement was reached by leaders Hadrian and Nive Pallas-Akerian.

By the terms of the treaty, Yazov would step down as Cardinal and become Iksare (Emperor) of the united Soleannan Imperium, claiming to be the successor of the original Soleannan empire rather than the 2nd empire of Escharia. Nive would become Cardinal and Hadrian High Counsellor.

Geography
This section is mainly a copy of the corresponding section in the page of the Empire of Escharia.

Escharia, Suderen, and Soleanna
Old Escharia's home region is dominated by volcanic mountains, lush fields, and towering forests. The country had a large animal population, especially in wolves and sheep which can be found over. The northern reaches are dominated by swamps inhabited by many creatures such as wolves and boar. The forests of Escharia sport a high population of foxes which led to a lack of rabbits in the country. The Oceans off of Lileanen and Litoci are very warm but this changes when one heads south towards Iabet. The plains from Amilais to Azatori, passing through Litoci and Drakhasrei are very fertile which allowed the nation to host a very good food production. In contrast to this, the country experienced harsh falls and winters with blizzards often ravaging the land. In summer the country was known to possess a lot of precipitation due to large cold fronts from the east clashing with the warm west. There are many volcanic pockets and hot springs such as the caves outside of Litoci which accustomed to be a popular tourist spot for old Escharian citizens.

Nieden Valley, Argentor
As one advances to the north-west, they encounter a much colder region dominated by chilly forests in the Vale'du'nor (Nieden Valley) with cold swamps joining them. This area is limited southwards by lake Kaiteka and westwards by the Siritahlene mountain range. In addition to this the fields around Dorostadt possess chilly autumns with mild summers, though noticeably chillier than in Soleanna or Escharia.

Siritahlene
The Siritahlene mountain range is known to have slim canyons with dozens of waterfalls and caves that run the heights of them. The middle chain is the biggest one and has the highest peaks, where the coldest temperatures of Nieden can be experienced. It's also the biggest chain one and, as such, host a wide variety of peoples: it hosted the capital of both Wahat and Unterrech. It is also highly volcanical in the east, around NisArkhall. Separated by a swamp from the middle chain, the northen chain has the longest winters and experienced scarce settlement during the era

Egalia
When one gets to Egalia, the climate remains similar to the Vale'du'nor as it is bordered by a cold sea and hemmed into colder mountains and forests like the Nieden Valley. The mountains at the border with the Nieden Valley are incredibly cold often having severe storms in the area. This area is not as Volcanic as the Eastern part of Nieden and generally as cold as northern Nieden, which makes the soil less fertile but still productive nonetheless when the Thadians give their hands up to the job. Southern Egalia is often Warmer than Nieden due to bordering the warm sand of Theionikos, creating the unique region of Orranderlost. The area by Alexandria has the most productive farms.

Tessel
The climate of Tessel demonstrates cold highlands in the west, and a warm eastern forest.

Symbology
The name "Aesperium" was chosen at the born of the nation as a direct reference to the bloodline of the former emperor of Escharia. However, it was at the time the title for the leader of the nation. The nation starts to be referred as "Niedea" after May 24, 2021 and then "the Soleannen Empire of Niedea" from June 6, 2021. The goal of these name changes was to reinforce the legitimacy of Aesperium Niedea to claim the title of successor of the Empire of Escharia, and culminated during the Second Trillium War when the nation claimed the title of Soleàn Irastre de et Escharii (Common: Soleannen Empire of the Escharians).

Flag
The flag of Aesperium Niedea was adopted soon after the formation of the state. It adopts the same symbology as the flag of the Empire of Escharia, with the exception of the eagle being black, for Escharia, and the background being crimson as a reference to the old Empire of Soleanna. The Eagle stands for the Niedene people, the crown of the Empires the right to rule from Solaris, and the laurel the Splendor of Soleanna.

Religion and Culture
The people of Escharia were almost always of the Niedene Race and the Soleannen Faith.

Escharians valued Honor very highly and this is reflected in their collection of artifacts and texts. The speech of Emperor Severie von Aspach during the Turtlonian Wars titled The New Dawn speaks to Honor, Loyalty and Glory.

Artifacts of Escharia

 * Blade of Escharia (currently held by Valerian of Niedea)
 * Ceremonial Sword of the Emperor (Destroyed in the first Yimmu Audal war.)
 * The Imperial Soleannan Standard