Sylvania

Sylvania, officially the Imperial Archonate of Sylvania (Sylvanian: Haízed Arkhañáswëírwë Shylvaní), is a transcontinental empire primarily located in Eldham, however its also has territories in Rathnir.

Sylvania is a semi-constitutional empire and senatorial democracy. The capital and largest city is Noxwind, the first city built by the founders of Sylvania. Other major cities are Nosteria, Elnarth, Aarongrad, Tuhrifel and Luxwind. Archduchies and vassal states have their own governments, with varying powers. Sylvania has evolved from a dominion of Aristios, to a large nation through annexation and treaties of union, such as between West Aristios and Sylvania. Sylvania remains a militaristic nation, with it's army able to express it's authority all over the world.

Etymology
Sylvania takes it's name from Sylvania's national goddess, Sylvia, the goddess of balance, symbolising the balance between the original Nox and Lux provinces of Sylvania.

The title of "Archon", is derived from Sylvania's Aristii heritage, as the leader of Sylvania was in theory subordinate to the Emperor of Aristios, and as such could not be a claimant to such a title. The Senators of Sylvania also derive their title from the Aristii Senate.

Citizens of Sylvania are widely referred to as Sylvanians.

Beginnings
The Grand Archonate of Sylvania was born on late October 2021, when an expedition of Aristii Sailors got lost in the waters of the continent of Leifmyrr, they crashed in the Western Frozen Coast, hungry, tired, and lost, this proved an excellent opportunity for Sir. Lad to manipulate the minds of the sailors.

The Sailors lost their minds. In the cold tundra, few things gave them hope. Their families were far away back in Aristios, their friends were in a similar state, and the only person who seemed to have kept the rhythm, was Sir. Lad, so they followed his word. The Sailors slowly but surely forgot about their families, friends, faith, or who they once were in their past life, they became servants of the Dark Gods, with Sir. Lad as the flesh representing their will in Eldham, and the first Archon of Sylvania.

Its during this time that the small colony came into contact with the Sylvic Tribes. They were not native to Leifmyrr either, these were nomadic tribes that had fled west from lands east of Leifmyrr in great numbers mainly due to storms and unending blight. The two groups were quick to integrate for the common good, this marked the beginning of the Sylvanian Creole (what would eventually become the Sylvanian language) and the ethnogenesis which would create the Sylvanian ethnicity itself.

Foundation of Noxwind
The foundation of Noxwind was a surprisingly fast process considering the conditions of the Sailors. Some think forbidden magic was used, but these rumors lack from any reliable sources other than the few whispers of people who left the dark Heartlands of Noxwind. The city grew to become the largest metropolis in South Eastern Eldham and Aristios, the inhabitants grew stronger and wiser as time went on, the armies grew larger, and the inhabitants were richer than they had ever been in their previous home.

The Gods gave a blessing to Sylvania and the people that lived inside. After months of darkness, the light for the first time had risen as an almost equal force in Sylvania.

Reformation of the Archonate
Noxwind reigned supreme in Sylvania for years, the Darkness had a complete hold over the Sylvanian Heartlands and Sir. Lad was a being made of pure power-driven madness and an obsession for perfection and efficiency. However, as the time went on, it was clear that the Dark Gods were not the only influence in the lands of Sylvania.

The Light was shown to the people of Noxwind for the first time since the creation of Noxwind Keep. At the very top of the tower, a very slim beam of sunlight could be seen penetrating the dark clouds and ever falling snow, which gave the first signs of wealth in the land. Now power was not the only drive: prosperity, happiness, success, and glory, were back on the table. The Gods of the Light officially made an appearance, and swiftly defeated the Dark Archon SirLad, whose blindness from the energy of Light made him an easy target for the ever wise Light Gods.

They gave him wisdom, and knowledge, for him and his people to see who they really were. They were not beings of mere darkness, but complex sentients who also had a light inside their darkness. From there on, the Archon of Sylvania was no more a dark being, but the perfect equilibrium between the two, Dark and Light Gods alike would exist in the sacred lands.

The eternal conflict of Sylvania
Although Sylvanians had seemingly found new wisdom that would bring eternal prosperity and unity to the Nation, this could not be further from the truth. Now the Light and Dark stood more divided than ever, with the Archon having the task of bringing a balance for both forces to feel equally relevant to the Argent Blood (Now Nox Lucis), the official cult of Sylvania. However, the Light Sylvanians were vastly outnumbered. Around 95% of the population of Sylvania was Dark Sylvanian, which made the Light Sylvanians feel like a second class.

The Archon being an equilibrium did not make the Light Sylvanians any happier, as the resemblance of the Dark past of the Archon stood in the eyes of Sir. Lad to this day, which makes them feel threatened by an Archon that is not truly balance, but merely a Dark Archon in all but name. However, as bad as the situation is among Light and Dark Sylvanians, the Nation seems to be performing well on the global stage, that the conflicts usually end in a celebration sacrificing heretics from other nations, as a reminder of who the true enemies of the Argent Blood are.

The foundation of Luxwind
The situation in the Sylvanian Heartlands worsened by the day, the Light Sylvanians were in an eternal crusade against the tyranny of Dark Sylvanians, so the Archon arrived to an unthinkable conclusion. The Light Sylvanians would claim the arid lands of The South, way beyond the Dark Sands of the province of Naar'um, and found a new city, a new metropolis of Sylvania. However, this time around, they would not sit in a dark frozen wasteland, but in the place where the light shines the most, South Leifmyrr, in the Southernmost point of Sylvania, Luxwind was colonized by Light Sylvanians. The divide between provinces considering themselves either light or dark concerns some Sylvanians that fear the divide could lead to a power struggle in the future.

The Sylvanian Spring
While the system seemed to work decently enough, and with the recent integration of Riverheim as consequence of the Uraki Coalition War threatening its existence giving confidence in the government to handle foreign affairs, Sylvania's internal affairs cracks started to show during late Q1 2022, when prominent friend of Sir. Lad von Praestigia and former leader of Takavia, Khan, showed up and became a Senator due to his revolutionary, innovative and disruptive ideas. Khan got the favour of the Archon for a considerable period of time, wherein the Archon, in a fit of spontaneity, disbanded the democratically elected senate and gave large amounts of control to Khan for his attempted Sylvanian Spring. This sudden turn of events created a gap between the old guard of essentially most of the citizens that had been in Sylvania since day one that mostly opposed Khan's reforms, saying that he was pushing the nation further into centralist totalitarianism and theocracy. The Old Guard, meanwhile, was split between status quo centrists and federalists that wanted democratization and decentralization, the most popular of these being who would end up becoming the leader of a prominent pro-democracy group within Sylvania, Red Von Rothenburg, the then Duke of Nox Heartlands, alongside Louis Von Rothenburg, a prominent Senator of the time.

For a short period of time things were tense, and at the darkest time in Sylvania's history, the old guard of Sylvania resigned and threatened to leave the nation without most of its leadership. Disillusioned with the seeming failure of Sylvanian new leadership to tackle the issues that they were presenting, while seemingly only focusing on Khan's new agenda going forward, which was only worsened by Sir. Lad's appointment of Khan as right hand man to deal with the Sylvanian spring reforms.

However, this was solved within the following 24 hours. News of discontent had reached Sir. Lad, whom promptly organized an emergency meeting to discuss the details of what the Sylvanian Spring really was. He recognised the Khan's reforms were too extreme, and agreed that disbanding the Senate was a brash decision. Sir Lad and the leaders of the nation then agreed to the new reforms that would be applied, which turned out to be an excellent compromise and demonstrated the unity of the Sylvanian populace. This led Sylvania into a newly sparkled golden age in an age where Eldham was about to sparkle into total war.

The Eldham Entente - a tale of past glory
Sylvania's ascension to the Eldham Entente was a combination of renown and a smart political play by part of Sylvania. As part of the terms for the Free Holds of SirLad to become a vassal of Aristios, then Emperor of Aristios, Jaggy Olea, conceded to allow Sylvania as a member state of the Eldham Entente. This would prove to be a big decision for Sylvania's feeling of security, which would later allow it to increase its autonomy without fearing Aristios possible pushback on it, also later on allowing Sylvanian hegemony inside the Aristios government thanks to its huge population. Sylvania would directly participate in aiding against Skjoldrbrodir on the Entente-Sapphire Commonwealth War which saw the dissolution of the latter and almost got Sylvania 500k in reparations and a colony in southern Arsine from the Iron Freeholds, though it would not come to be as they would collapse. Alongside this, Sylvania also participated in the Entente Intervention in the Uldarashi Civil War, being the vast majority of Aristios' army and battle representation, getting around 7 kills between all participants, 4 from Sir. Lad himself.

Not much would go on in the Eldham Entente after the banishment of Shirokaneza by the anger of the gods, until its ultimate dissolution right after kicking Uraka from it for declaring war on the entire North East. Once Uraka was no longer deemed an issue for the member's security, the old talks of the alliance lacking purpose or sharing geopolitical goals resumed, leading to its dissolution.

Sylvania would stay a close cryptic ally of Uraka up until its downfall, when one of the closest friends of Sylvania, Catylist Reach, personally asked Sir. Lad for his assistance in the Old Banners' Rebellion to bring Uraka to its downfall, who would accept this proposal.

The Lunaris Coalition War
The Eldham Imperium, and later Eldham Union, was an expansionist and imperialist power. They were not ashamed or tried to hide this fact however, but proudly displayed its achievements to the public during its earlier days. Though, this rhetoric would change for denial and deflection once the news of a rapidly anti-Imperium coalition reached Imperial leadership. Lunaris had amassed a mighty coalition including but not limited to the then great powers of Aristios, Sylvania, Arktania, Yaszria, Helsia, Oceanum and various separatist groups inside the Imperium to end its existence once and for all. Sylvania was tasked with the takeover of the USSE, which led to Sylvania dissolving its long standing MDP with the U.S.S.E, which led to a considerable diplomatic backlash between the two states. Though it would be partially amended by the friendship between the previous U.S.S.E Leader Chelovek Serebra and the Sir. Lad after the conflict was solved.

This, however, did not come as a guarantee, for Sylvania was forced into a negotiation table with Imperium leadership, alongside a delegation from the Morladron Mysterlu, then enemies of the Archonate of Sylvania. The terms agreed upon gave as a result the Treaty of Kazkaya, in which Sylvania would be forced to pay 1.000.000$ in reparations to the Eldham Imperium, split 50% each between the U.S.S.E and Eleanor, and a 6 months long Non-aggression pact. Though it would be broken later on during the Second Valorant War and even during the Eldham Alliance, of which both Sylvania and the successor to the Imperium, the Eldham Union. However, for the time being, the international community was presented an image of friendly peace held in the U.S.S.E capital of Kazkaya, with then General Secretary Urabon shaking hands with Sir. Lad after signing the treaty.

The fall of the Republic of Aristios
The Republic of Aristios was a sister state to Sylvania, previously being its overlord, naturally both states were the closest they could be without being one, through an entity called the Iris Confederation, both nations shared military, citizens, supranational law and in some instances, government officials or positions were shared or interchanged between both states. By all means, Aristios and Sylvania were one country with two governments.

However, for as good as the relationship between both states were, things were not so bright for the internal politics of Aristios. Having recently ended a Union with the since fallen state of the Zamotz Union, which was named "Federal Union of Zarissia", in which the Republican system was used as baseline, things were unstable at best. The bridge between West and East had increasingly expanded since the February 2022 bill "Crown of the East", in which Zarissia, being a Republic, officially had legal precedent of recognizing a Monarchy, albeit limited in power and scope, inside its territories. This led to unrest and discontent within the ranks of the Western provinces of Castellum, Astillia and Ameria, alongside Katolis, which combined had about 2/3rds of the Aristii population at the time. Of which except for Katolis, had the closest bond with Sylvania, as the original settlers of Sylvania came from Castellum and Ameria predominantly, with Sir. Lad himself being a primary resident of the capital city of Oleapolis and then Nosteria during both the Imperial times, Commonwealth of Aristios and early Republic, being one of the oldest Aristii alive, or at least half-alive at that point.

At some point during May 2022, Azriel Myrilay, King of Bel-Ismer and one of the most prominent figures of the pro-Monarchy movement of east Aristios, published a bill in which the Kingdom of Bel-Ismer and the Republic of Sanctus asked the Senate of Aristios for independence from the West. This was, initially, a joke bill, which Azriel published merely to test the waters and have a quick laugh, though the timing could not have been worse considering the rising tensions. This sparked a quick reaction by Western democratic coalition. However, sensing the impending doom, the Sylvanian embassy in Aristios all but left, with the occasional mail sent by Sir. Lad through sea, Sylvania seemed to have given up on the dream of a stable Aristii Republic. Tensions would mildly increase over one of Sir. Lad's visits to Aristios, in which due to the recent government meetings spending too long on bills discussing tree rights, Sir. Lad annihilated most of the tree life in Sanctus, the province in which most of the Dryads and tree rights activists lived, minus for the natural park reserves north of Akirashalam. The population of Sanctus was outraged and demanded justice, but the then prosecution refused to continue, with an agreement for Sir. Lad to apologize and help Sanctus with timber much needed for its development.

Though this incident seemed to have been solved, it also reminded West and East of their growing differences and seemingly irreconcilable values.

This led to the leaders of Sanctus and Bel-Ismer, actually declaring independence from Aristios in late June 2022. The Republic had initially planned to crush the Eastern separatists and regarding them as nothing more than agitators and monarchists trying to hold onto their power at any means necessary, though as time progressed, morale within western ranks fell more and more, which ultimately led to Castellum seceding from the Republic as well and joining Sylvania as an Archduchy, in similar fashion to Riverheim, though keeping its democratic elements intact. After this, the Aristii Republic would officially dissolve.

Though not without one last ditch attempt at keeping the Aristii dream alive, the remnants of Ameria, Katolis and Astillia, would establish contact with the separatist east to try and reform into the Aristii Confederacy, a country in which many states would follow one single common legislation, but would be an Aristocracy that would abandon democratic principles such as proportional representation, and would have 2 representatives of each state regardless of population. The member states of this Confederation would have been the Voclari Republic (Astillia, Ameria), Sanctus-Ismer (Sanctus, Bel-Ismer) and Katolis. A provisional government was formed, which invited Castellum to rejoin and Sylvania to sign a renewed Iris Confederation agreement with the newly formed state. Though its efficiency was such that the citizens of the nation thought the state was in total anarchy after only one week, which led to a people's revolution proclaiming the Aristios Anarchist Communes. This however would swiftly be put to rest by what remained of a central authority, though its situation did not improve.

After losing faith in the Confederacy, mainland Astillia approached Sir. Lad with a proposal that if their ultimatum to the Confederacy to act upon their promises was not listened, Sylvania would take mainland Astillia as the reformed province of Transardacia, the original name of the region. Sir. Lad on behalf of Sylvania accepted and waited.

As expected, the Confederacy paid lip service, while in practice everything was kept the way it was, with little to no progress and the government seeming all but extinct. This led to Transardacia seceding from Aristios and joining Sylvania unilaterally. Soon after, the Aristii Confederacy would collapse, followed with the Voclari Republic, of which its remainders joined Sylvania, with the exception of the island of Dulfika, Ryukostead declared full independence. Although later on it would join the Nuvenos Union, a vassal state of Sylvania that promises to keep the spirit of the Aristii cultures that would otherwise have been lost, to this day stays the entity with the most legitimate claim to an Aristii restoration next only to Sylvania itself having the ancient capital of Nosteria, former Oleapolis.

The Second Valorant War
(A more detailed account of the war can be found here.)

The Sylvanian population would not get to enjoy this newly found brotherhood in the West for long however, as the Morladronian neighbors who had caused so much unprovoked pain and suffering to the locals of cities such as Luxwind and Vermilion so often, while repeatedly attempting to seize Sylvanian lands, finally decided to openly declare war on Sylvania, citing aggressions that were disregarded as either conspiracy theories, such as Sylvania taking over Morladron through Stickman Prime, or directly caused as consequence of Morladron aggression such as the occupation of Porthnegys which erupted thanks to the unprovoked murder of disarmed Sylvanian citizens visiting the area. Sylvania quickly gathered funds and supplies, while calling all of its allies that had already been warned one week prior that Morladron was planning to invade. Sir. Lad had predicted what not even his government could believe to be true. But at the same time, everyone was expecting it to happen sooner or later, so the tension was looming closer and closer by the day, until it finally happened.

The 21st of July 2022, Morladron officially declared war on Sylvania, gathering support from Merkonis, Samora, Barbossa (although they would aid both sides), mercenaries of Paragon, BMW and the Hands, and other minor rogue groups, as well as funding and supplying from the Eldham Union (former Eldham Imperium) which broke the NAP signed with Sylvania less than 2 months prior to this declaration. This would not be forgotten by Sylvanian leadership.

Sylvania called on its allies and associates, Lunaris, Raiyuna (Former Yaszria), Varn Torum, Velerin (Would reform into Shirokaneza during the conflict), Helsia, Simulami, Aurea, Kush, Aurora, Vulperium, as well as hiring the army of Scylding, the mercenaries of Aragotha, Drackar and the Brotherhood of Ulfaeng, which brought Kartek/DUTY as reinforcements. Irulan was also called but refused to aid Sylvania, breaking the long-held MDP. Citing moral ambiguity in the conflict. Later on Irulan would fall to then get annexed by Eleanor.

The first Battle of Vermilion then erupted, on the 31st of July 2022. It was a one-sided massacre, Morladron, for all the hype they had tried to convey behind their forces, stood no match and was quickly overwhelmed, and more than a battle, it was a massacre. With 150 Morladronian casualties to Sylvania's 31. Merkonis would be kept occupied with The Pale and would later on dissolve, while Samora approached Sylvania to discuss surrender terms, in which it was agreed Samora would pay 2 millions in war reparations to Sylvania and a 2 month NAP agreement. The peace has been kept ever since.

The second Battle of Vermilion was a draw, Sylvanians defended Vermilion again successfully, yet could not occupy the attacking city of Alzaria either. In spite of mercenaries switching sides over pure and unaltered boredom, though this caused heavy casualties for the Sylvanian side, with 47 dead on Sylvania's side and 41 on Morladron's side, this was the first battle fought while Sylvania was a member of the Eldham Alliance, and was also fought at the same time as the Eldham Alliance was preparing for a war against the Vulperium.

The third Battle of Vermilion then turned into the Battle of Alzaria, with a decisive Sylvanian victory which kicked the Morladronian occupation forces out of the recently invaded city of Alzaria, which they had taken from Nexus in a forceful agreement for which they had paid a symbolic 100 thousand to Nexus.

The fourth and last battle of the war was the Battle of Vallava, the first battle deep into Morladronian territory. The battle, while not as bloody as previous battles, was utterly destructive, and rendered the Morladronian cultural hub of Vallava as a husk of its former self, a destroyed wasteland with no recognizable buildings left and the city split in half.

After this, the Morladronian leadership could see the writing in the wall and realized that to avoid extinction, surrendering was the only way. Though the reception of the peace treaty was mixed in both sides, and particularly Sylvanians wanted to deal the final blow to end Morladron once and for all, the following peace agreement was reached in the Treaty of Vallava:

Morladron would renounce to all of its mainland Leifmyrr holdings and given to Sylvania, which caused mainland Sylvania to increase its size in 50% while it decreased Morladron's size by +90%.

Morladron would also pay 2 million dollars in reparations to Sylvania, and a peace period of 6 months would be reached. As well, Stickman Prime, Trelanganack and Tea would be trialed for war crimes, though this would not end up happening as Sylvanian leadership simply did not see the value in spending time in a nation that was left as a crippled husk of its former self, though Sylvania would later attempt to improve relations.

Ascension of the Eldham Alliance
The Eldham Alliance was a pact signed between Sylvania, Velerin (Shirokaneza), Scylding and the Eldham Union, in which they would end any and all other pacts and alliances signed in the world of Eldham (Rathnir pacts would be kept as usual) to form a single unified military bloc for both attacking and defending, taking a proactive role in Eldham politics and shaping it as they saw fit. Sylvania was always the least expansionist of the members so while it did not actively engage in expansion, it would help other members in the process. Though the Vulperium War saw limited aid due to the more immediate crisis at its core, facing the Morladronian invasion.

The initial treaty would include Raiyuna, but it left the pact after the Eldham Union was invited as a signatory member. Though they would keep a close bond with Sylvania that would later manifest in the C.A.T.O agreement. Though the beginning was tense as Sylvania had fresh in memory the betrayal of the Eldham Union at breaking their previously signed peace deal which included a 6 month NAP by aiding Morladron, though the true extent of this aid would be later on discovered to have extended well past the signature of the Eldham Alliance treaty, which would cause its downfall during the Fall of the Eldham Union.

Thanks to the Eldham Alliance and particularly aid from the old-time allies of Sylvania, the returned Shirokanezan warriors, the war was a clean swipe that brought Sylvania a clean victory, though Sylvania needed to rebuild what was lost, as the population was exhausted from war and many had fled the country seeking peace. As part of the celebrations, the Grand Archonate of Sylvania formally transitioned into an Imperial system, consisting of 2 lesser Archons subordinate to the newly established Imperial Archon. The former initially intended to become Archons of Eldham and Rathnir, they would end up becoming internal management of religious affairs and diplomatic affairs respectfully.

Fall of the Eldham Alliance & rise of the Celestial Accords Treaty Organization
After the end of the war however, tensions within the Eldham Alliance increased significantly over new developments occurring in the Eldham Union.

Then General Secretary of the U.S.S.E, Bhutch Fielinya, was confirmed of the previously considered allegations that Sylvania was betrayed by the Eldham Union during the Second Valorant War, showing direct proof of conspiracy involving then present day leaders of the Union, namely Krakhov, Shay Healy and Urabon, the latter who would later become the successor to Bhutch Fielinya.

Bhutch would try to kick Eleanor from the Eldham Alliance by convincing the leaders of the E.A to kick the Union and accept the recently declared independent U.S.S.E in as its replacement, also made possible by Bhutch. He would then be removed by U.S.S.E leadership and the plan would fail, though the E.A did recognize the U.S.S.E as the sole member for a limited period of time.

The situation was partially solved in a negotiation table where General ElKool of Shirokaneza offered a compromise to keep both sides satisfied, which saw the Eldham Union join back including Eleanor, Sylvania agreed with the condition of having Shay Healy and Urabon removed from leadership (A point which would be violated not long after).

The following day however, after a second analysis of the evidence provided, it was decided by Sylvanian leadership that the extent of the betrayal was much more deep and hurtful to the war effort than initially expected, with Morladron having received a net total of $3.000.000 by the Eldham Union at least. After this, Sylvania issued a formal denunciation in private comms of the Eldham Alliance and demanded reparations from the Eldham Union for both breaking the pre-EA non aggression pact and the clauses of the alliance after joining it.

This was initially backed by only Velerin, who offered a deal to permanently remove Shay Healy and $500.000 in reparations. Sylvania was not satisfied with this, much less was the Union happy with conceding anything after the first agreement, so for the remainder of that day negotiations stalled.

The following day however, Imperius Aurelian would come to a satisfying deal with the Union in private, which also saw a considerable increase of reparations given to Sylvania, which would guarantee the following:


 * 1) Private apology and acknowledging of violations by the Eldham Union
 * 2) 2 millions in reparations for the broken agreements and aid to Morladron in two weeks time.
 * 3) Shay Healy permanently removed from Eldham Union leadership or any diplomatic positions within the Eldham Alliance.

Sylvania and The Union proceeded to sign the deal and seemingly had solved all remaining issues threatening the stability of the Eldham Alliance.

Though not 48 hours later the terms of the agreement would be broken as Shay Healy was made Imperator of Eleanor, promptly causing an outrage and yet another request of Sylvania to solve the situation, which was denied this time by the entirety of the Eldham Alliance. This would not be facilitated by what seemed to be an internal rebellion within ranks of the Eldham Union caused by the illegal removal of General Secretary Bhutch Fielinya, who aided the Pirates of Zaidan in formally declaring independence from it. This movement would later on be officially called “Loyalist U.S.S.E” and was the first stepping stone towards the Fall of the Eldham Union. Having been ignored by all of its allies, Sylvania felt betrayed, and feeling no reason to defend a member of an alliance which had backstabbed it, withdrew from the Eldham Alliance after receiving payments from the Eldham Union, one day before the following battle for Phoenix. Said battle was a decisive victory for the Zaidan rebellion, losing Eleanor’s most populated city at the time.

A few hours later, Sylvania would announce the creation of a new alliance involving the then enemies of the E.A, the A.W.E, Anglunia, and also friendly nations to the E.A, Redoriv and Ashai. The Celestial Accords Treaty Organization. Having directly observed the consequences of having an alliance that does not punish rogue actions or give its members individual power to decide over its own matters, this alliance would contrary to the E.A allow for its members to have individual diplomatic treaties so long it was approved internally by most members, would also apply to Rathnir, and would be a reactive instead of proactive alliance, with offensive wars being voted on for a member to receive full and legal C.A.T.O assistance, though these wars can be started without C.A.T.O aid without a vote.

C.A.T.O would then proceed to become the sole hegemonic alliance in the worlds of Eldham and Rathnir up to this day, particularly after the downfall of the Eldham Alliance at the hands of Mars Exulte, and later the Rathnirian Horde at the hands of the Paragon-Hands coalition.

Kiurtrog
During the Fall of the Eldham Union, one of the agreed conditions was to guarantee the independence of the Republic of Laria. This non-democratic oligarchy proclaimed itself a republic, though this is contemporarily considered a misnomer. The Republic of Laria would control the territories of the ancient USSE State of Kiurtrog, the first USSE State to be founded and created on the day the Eldham server opened.

However, this nation would be shortly-lived. Laria found itself deeply anti-communist and began a program of exiling communists from the country. They [the Larian government] accused the USSE of violating a non-aggression pact when Larian communists who lived on Kiurtrog had done so since the server's opening attempted to make claims there. Larian leadership had initially promised a democratic Parliament and Constitution, which had not been delivered, and fearing an uprising or conflict with the USSE, Laria decided to give up on the 'national project' and joined Sylvania. They saw membership under the Sylvanian nation preferable to ever being socialist.

Intending to guarantee its safety and join a community of people who were unlikely ever to become socialist, Laria joined the Duchy of Kiurtrog. The keys to the city of Laria were given as a gesture of trust to one of the then Archons of Sylvanian, Unknown "EmperorAristios" Subject.

Rosewald Glades
While the integration of Rosewald Glades was less interesting or deep as that of Kiurtrog, it shined for its consequences in the short to medium term.

The Imperium of Ardune, a successor of the collapsed Sylvanian vassal: Saisei-Rohkia, had become a failed state after the sudden death of Emperor Spartanian. Many emperors (some imposed by Ardune's overlord: Scylding) attempted to lead the nation back to a sustainable position, but the political situation only deteriated. Scylding was preparing to dissolve its empire across Eldham, which included the now ungoverned Ardune (at this point the nation was ran by only a small council of senators, mostly foreign diplomats). Scylding offered to sell the territory of Ardune to Sylvania (with the exception of Malucia) for a total sum of $7,500,000.

Sylvania agreed and reorganised the territory into the Commonwealth of Rosewald Glades, a core province of Sylvania.

Though one week after, due to the consequent Mesara Rebellion succeeding and formally ending Morladron as a sovereign state, Crimsoncatt, a former emperor of Ardune who was born in Morladron, rebelled from Sylvania and defected to the Morladron Partisans citing misdeeds against the annexed territories of New Riverheim. He handed over his city of Raeningi, and the bandit camp of Serpent Teeth (later also renamed to Ardune) to the partisans. Sylvania majorly disregarded the rebellion, knowing the partisan force was small in number and could not last in the settlements they occupied.

The Mesara Rebellion & dawn of New Riverheim
As the new year dawned in Sylvania, peace was anticipated by all. The newly elected Breizhcoin of Porthmorgan would mark a fresh change in the history of Morladron-Sylvania relations. With open communication & transparency, Sylvania celebrated the peace & prosperity anticipated in the new year. Beneath the surface, a crisis of legitimacy brewed within Morladron which directly threatened the security of the Archonate.

A peaceful game of soccer in the Mysterlu would be interrupted by a raid, & the yellow press of Morladron laid the blame on the Achronate of Sylvania, in spite of it being a false flag operation by a third party. Lady Sylvania had upheld & abided by the terms of the peace, maintaining her posture against the constant slander. With a fierce denial, a boiling point was reached. The Old Guard of Morladron made their repulsive return in denouncing Sylvania and Morladron’s leadership together. Breizhcoin would be illegally removed from office & replaced by the “Civil Provision Office '' - a Trelanganack led institution which would ratchet tensions even further. In the wake of his removal, Briezh & his loyalists occupied the city of Mesara - the bastion of Morladron’s war economy & her cultural center. Where Trelanganack had anticipated a holy crusade against the Sylvanian oppressors, they were now engaged in civil war at home. War was declared against Mesara, and Lady Sylvania would watch the crisis with great attention. Recognizing the opportunity, no time was wasted in backing the Mesara rebels who had shown nothing but kindness to the Archonate. With its close proximity to Mesara, Vallava would be used as the base of invasion by Trelagnack’s regime. This would prove fatal, as the commander of the Vallava Guard was absent from duty & the city would be overwhelmed & taken by the Mesara rebels.

With the fall of Vallava, opportunity arose & initiative was taken. Two of Morladron’s cities had fallen to rebels, Morladron had sold Porthmorgan to raise funds for the war, & only Scurvy Shores & Porthnegys remained in the hands of the regime. Breizhcoin together with Sylvanian leadership would move to strike against these remaining settlements.Tired of the slander, aggression, & warmongering, Sylvania would contribute the funding to the mercenary forces which engaged the war on the Mesara rebels behalf.

Morladron’s darkest hour came. The rebellion had all of the momentum, funding, & indeed the grace of the gods themselves behind it. Mesara & Vallava declared war against Porthnegys & Scurvy Shores, and the battle for Morladron’s future raged for two weeks. A large denunciation ensued against the Mesara Rebellion & Sylvania herself, but all were unphased by the choir & unrelenting in their attack. Both battles were decisive victories for the rebellion, & Porthnegys & Scurvy Shores would fall to Sylvanian occupation under agreement with the rebels.

The Ocean Volks Union was proclaimed in Volksstadt (Previously Mesara.) The Ocean Volk Union would inherit Morladron’s maritime culture with democratic legitimacy, finally breaking the region free of Trelanganack’s war-mongering spell. The Prophecy of Sir. Lad was fulfilled - Trelanganack’s aggression would result in the dawn of New Riverheim. Scurvy Shores would be renamed to New Luxwind, in a direct taunt to Morladron’s prior threats against Luxwind. Twice now Morladron’s arrogance had led to their decline, and the dawn of New Riverheim would prove a near-fatal blow. The birthplace of the Mysterlu now owned by Sir Lad the Everchosen. New Riverheim & New Luxwind would lay dead & in disrepair, with the population never returning to the city. An explicit policy of de-Morladronization was enacted, removing all traces of the prior occupants of the region. This was always Sylvanian land, and any notion to the contrary direct heresy against Lady Sylvania.

Independence and reintegration of the Aristii Republic
Around the same time, there was discussion behind the scenes on a potential restoration of the Aristii Republic, notably; its main proponent ways EmperorUnknown, who wished to restore the Republic, however he needed the support of the two remaining governors in Western Sylvania, Tia and Fusionia. Eventually, after some convincing, the two were on board. And after approval from the Sylvanian Government, and the signing of a treaty which guaranteed that the Republic would be aligned towards Sylvania, the Republic of Aristios was restored, with the provinces of Castellum and West Aristios being put under the Republic. Shortly after the restoration, the government immediately began to organize in preparation for the first Aristii elections on the 4th of May. However, not all was well; paranoia swept parts of the Aristii Government, still fearful of a takeover by Pro-IPA forces, which already had a partial political foothold. This resulted in the following elections being extremely tense, with the incumbent Tia winning out with a 60.6% majority compared to Piketoneers 33.3%. This election would mark the slow decline of the young republic.

This isn't to say nothing was done, most notably; Logui113, minister of Infrastructure had interconnected all of the Republic, with most of Castellum, Astilla, and even Ameria being connected by roads.

However across the world, and in Sylvania itself, not much better was going on. Despite the constitutional reform which had just happened not long prior, it failed to achieve much success; as many notable figures retired, or "took a break" during the period of the Republic of Aristios independence. Eventually, the situation called for drastic measures, and during this time, Botilov, a native Riverheim citizen was elected Imperial Chancellor.

Back across the world, the ROA seemingly hit a period of peace, and relative stability. With the government still mostly being held by ex-republic officials and so on. However, it was not to be. EmperorUnknown, seeing his days lowering by the day, decided to activate the Aristii-Sylvanian treaty on the 29th of May; without informing anyone. Not Sylvania, not the Imperial Archon, not even his own government. This was made even worse as it was on the day of the Aristii 2nd year anniversary, as it was viewed as a massive backstab by those within East Aristios. The Aristii Government was confused, and in disarray, everything had happened so fast, there was confusion and disunity.

During this time, the RoA sat in a state of limbo, with it having been split up into its three respective provinces; however, the Aristii Government, seeking to maintain its functions, and with support from both the Imperial Chancellor and the Supreme Judge of Sylvania, a better deal was made with Matthjis, the Imperial Archon.

The renewed treaty ensured that the Republican government survives and even maintained its functions as a single archduchy in the former territories of the Republic, and with this; the Republic survived its first major crisis, but in the process, lost diplomatic independence.

However, there was something else brewing elsewhere..

The third defense of Sylvania
The territories of Rosewald Glades which had fallen to “Partisan” occupation would see a spike in anti-Sylvanian activity in the Spring, with increasing attacks on Sylvania by the day. The situation was desperate, and for Trelanganack the only hope of survival would be the declaration of one last war for their lost lands. However, in their crippled state they were unable to attack any of Sylvania’s populated settlements, notable among these was the attempt at capturing Luxwind, and moved to attack her small ports of Gankwind and Ufxrtopia.

With the full backing of C.A.T.O. in Sylvania’s defense, Sylvania was fully prepared & ready for Morladron’s attack. This attack would never come, with Morladron’s “Partisans” not even attempting any form of attack after learning of Sylvania's overwhelming numbers. Sylvanian forces left behind on guard duty would see no action as Morladron's few forces were switfly and utterly crushed in their own attacking claims. This would prove more of a spring cleaning to the Archonate than a defiant last-stand for Morladorn, as the pockets of “Partisan” territory were quickly swept & annexed back with minimal expense.

With one remaining settlement, Sylvania would move on offense against Morladron one last time. The town of Ergh-en-Ebron, previously a town of the U.S.S.E. predominantly occupied by Morladron refugees from the Mesara Rebellion would be sieged by the Imperial Army. The town's inhabitants would flee in grief. Trelanganack would be left alone & abandoned in the defense, with the consequences of their actions finally reaching them. Ergh-en-Ebron would fall & be gifted to Ashai for their assistance in the war & Morladron would be removed from the map as the final price for their actions.

Adoption of the Feudal System & annexation of Sol
[History is still being made.]

Flags of Sylvania
The nation previously replaced the classic purple and white flag with a new black and white. The former purple-white flag being a symbol of Aristios representation upon the then vassal state, the black and white present flag representing Nox Lucis and symbolising Sylvanian independence. Sylvania use a new flag coloured purple, black, and white, with a flower reminiscent of the Aristii national symbol. The current flag draws on the history of the state as both a subsidiary of Aristios and its own nation. It was created by Sir. Lad as a way to cast away the old flag, which symbolized Sylvanian vassalhood to Aristios. This new flag represents Sylvanian independence aswell as the empire, while paying homage to Sylvanian culture, history and national spirit.

Governmental Reforms
Throughout the nation's history, the government has gone through many changes. One of these changes that has had a significant effect on the government as a whole was the addition of ministries. There are currently several ministries, focused on things such as culture, finance, and defense. The Archon is the final voice in all decisions on matter of the government as the head of it giving them power over the ministries.

Provinces
Sylvania is made up of 11 provinces, consisting of 9 duchies and 2 archduchies. All but Aquivia are in Eldham. Each province is administered by an imperial duke who receives their power from the imperial archon, or an archduke who rules in their own right.

Every province has a high degree of devolved autonomy.

Light and dark provinces
According to Nox Lucis tradition there are 4 Dark Sylvanian provinces and 3 Light Sylvanian provinces, however cities inside these provinces may not follow the province culture to the fullest extent. Nox Heartlands, Kroskotrog, Andrimar, and Riverheim are the dark regions, while Lux Heartlands, Aristios, Sol, and are the light regions. More often than not, the allegiance of the provinces is defined by the biome. Light Sylvanians inhabiting mostly in the arid south, while Dark Sylvanians inhabit mostly in the cold North. Aristios is an outlier, inhabiting cold lands in the westernmost point of Eldham, but worshipping Deities of Light.