Soleannan Imperium

The Soleannan Imperium (Asteri: Irastlien Soleari) was a theocratic nation centered on the continent of Nieden, in Rathnir. It had seven main provinces spanning across most of its territory. The capital of the Soleannan Imperium was Lileanen during the reign of Ikasere (emperor) Yazov and Lostesrein during the reign of Ikasere Luci I Aesperii. Founded on March 6th, 2022, it is considered to be an equivalent of the ancient Soleannan Empire and descendant of all previous Escharian states.

Etymology
Contemporary historians use the term "Soleannan Imperium" when referring to the reformed empire comprising of the former nations of the Aesperium Niedea, Fourth Empire of Escharia, and the Holy Cities. The term is hypothesized to have come from the Soleannan Empire from the antiquity of Rathnir, and the term "Imperium" denoting that this new nation would hold absolute power over the region. This name is postulated to have been decided upon, due to propaganda being pushed by the Imperium that this reunification of the separated nations is a good thing, and a return to the prosperity and success of the original empire that all three parties making up the Soleannan Imperium preceded from. The term "Imperium" and its basis for existence has two leading conjectures due to a current lack of information. The first and most widely believed reason for this, is that this newly formed Imperium wishes to rule over the region properly once more without resistance from both internal and external threats to the ruling powers. Between the two theories, this one is more widespread in the political landscape due to the nature of what this could imply. The second theory, is that the now united Soleannan Imperium wishes to stay together and not balkanize and dissolve into obscurity. This theory is more accepted among currently serving, and former members of military, academicians, and the general public within the borders of the nation, and allied parties as well. Both of these hypotheses have equal basis in history and current day politics. However it should be noted that these are only theories, and should not be taken as facts.

The Soleannan Imperium continues the practices of Niedene culture, as the nations that preceded it did as well. There have been no notable recorded changes in these practices upon unification and the time that followed thereafter. This is believed to be due to the citizens of each corresponding founder nation being comprised of mostly Niedene, Soleannen worshipping, fully fledged members of the nations that they were apart of, and thus, welcomed the unification of the empires. Some political scientists and historians suggest that another reason for the overwhelming support for the unification of the empires was due to most members of Niedene society learning and favoring of the so-called "Glory Days" of an empire that preceded all of the ones currently forming the Soleannan Imperium today. This empire was known to be called "The Empire of Escharia", one of the biggest empires in all of Rathnir's history. This however, merely remains a popular opinion and has a few minor correlations with no discernable factual basis to support this theory.

History
This history section covers the entirety of the events that surround and relate to the Soleannan Imperium, and events that led to its formation.

Formation of the Soleannan Imperium
The Soleannan Imperium was formed after heavy talks between Aesperium Niedea and the Empire of Asterien, both states claiming to be the true Escharian state and, as such, successor of the Empire. The agreements reached by both leaders, Hadrian and Nive Pallas-Akerian would put an end to the Kimiwekessie (Escharian Civil War) and reunite the Escharian Estates. Severion (Spiritual Guide) Samael Vorpes Delgrenzvar played a significant role and helped mediate the meetings.

By the terms of the treaty, Yazov would step down as Ekeris (cardinal) and become Iksare (Emperor) of the united empire, 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.

Sudden Construction of a Gertonian Border Wall
On March 15, 2022 it was discovered that the Gertonians built an enormous border wall that stretched across the land territory that bordered the Holy Kingdom of Gertonia and the Senata de (Province of) Aletrei. This border wall was not agreed to be constructed by involved parties, and is speculated to be used by the Gertonians for keeping citizens of the Soleannan Imperium out of Gertonian land. Reasoning behind why the wall was constructed is currently unclear, but is speculated by Soleannan Imperium politicians to arise from fear of an impending invasion from the newly formed nation. This however, is completely false. As stated by a joint message from the Imperial High Council: "There are currently no plans to invade Gertonia as of this moment". The situation is currently developing and is being resolved by Imperial High Council member Tobbrath, and Gertonian leader Jeremy. After several talks and deals, both parties involved have decided to leave the wall there, and to tear down the protest signs placed near it.

Amilais Reunification Festival
On March 18, 2022 it a festival was held to celebrate the re unification of the empires. It was held at the Amilais cathedral at 7pm (GMT) on Thursday for a short prayer before moving to castle Cyrii to play a game of Escharian Jankenpon. After the short prayer the participants travelled to Drakhasrei for another short prayer in their cathedral, before finally celebrating with food, drinks, and merry-making.

Lileanen Restoration Project
On March 20, 2022, the work on the capital began and is still currently being done until today. Damage due to the Ascension was extensive, but repairable. As such, many builders came flocking to the city and began work on the historically important settlement.

Dissolution of the Archduchies
On March 21, 2022, it was been decided by the Emperor and the Imperial High Council that after a Council member, Rust, left. That it was time to begin reforms on the Empire. With this in mind, the government began the process of dissolving the Archduchy and Duchy system and systematically create and integrate the former Archduchies into what is currently known as the regions of Azeren, Alterei, Asterien. The Imperial Council hoped that this would help bring more focus on the Senta’s (Provinces) development and protection. The remaining Archduke, FaBiolUs08, in order to help compensate for the work that this change now brought forth, was elevated to Imperial High Council, and also to fill in the position left behind by a former Imperial Council member, Rust, who left just a day prior to FaBiolUS08's promotion. However, despite this change, citizens of the Imperium still unofficially refer to the new provinces and regions as "Duchies" and "Archduchies" due to having a longing sense of familiarity with the previous system.

Short lived martial law on Iabet
On March 27 2022, martial law was declared on the settlement of Iabet. This was due to several reports of "citizens" conducting "rioting and violent activities" within the streets of Iabet. This however, seemingly only worsened the situation. Thus several minutes after the Martial Law was declared, it was called off. Several The people responsible for declaration formally apologized 3 days later on March 30, 2022, stating that their actions were "wrong", "misjudged", and were apart of "repeated harassment and antagonization of the town". It was also said in their formal apology that their actions were "not approved", by who? It remains unclear. Regardless, relations stabilized soon afterwards, and life returned to normal for most citizens of Iabet, and the Gaian Tribe.

Kesevor Council reformation
On March 31, 2022, the council was reformed into the imperial senate and now have more special functions and roles within the empire. More details found in the "Government and Politics" section of this article.

"Fix the West"
On April 4, 2022, the final plans for a combined west was revealed to the public. However, it was also leaked to a select few, a day beforehand. This plan would combine all the regions of the west into one complete "Western Imperial Territory". This would, in turn, hopefully create better organization within the depopulated west, with the more heavily populated east. A finalized map however, remains unavailable, as well as news about how the regions of Alterei, Asterien, and Azeren would work with this new plan. In the finalized map, the Imperial Holdings have been taken out entirely and new Duchies would return to their historic shape: Egalia, Raykara, Varmerion and Gentumar. The capital, Lileanen, was turned into its own province, with the same name. As well as renaming the province of Gentumar, into Aerene.

Same Principality, New Neighborhood
On April 5, 2022, the Pricipality of Coltmaere became a protectorate of the Soleannan Imperium following several rounds of negotiations that took several days to come to a conclusion. 3 days after this, on April 8, 2022, the Principality of Coltmaere joined the Imperium as a separate vassal.

Regonia becomes an Ally
On April 7, 2022, the kingdom of Regonia becomes an ally of the Soleannan Imperium. Ever since the religion of Soleannen was spread throughout the lands of Regonia, the people, and it's heads of state have maintained good to friendly relations between them and the Escharian kingdoms that have existed on Nieden. However, despite this, the kingdom of Regonia has never formed any further ties with the empires that brought forth their newfound ideals and culture. As of the birth of the alliance however, to quote an official from Regonia: "The time has come for the children of Solaris to unite under a pact to maintain peace and prosperity within our realms." With this in mind, it is a given that the two nations have grown closer together diplomatically.

The Union with Yimmu-Audal
On April 8, 2022, it was revealed that after the Astyllean state dissolved, the Yimmu-Audal leadership, and the heads of the Soleannan Imperium, being it's closest largest neighbor, whom, they shared a very long land border with, decided to meet up and discuss plans for the future of the region. After several days, a treaty was signed into law. To quote Emperor Yazov directly "With this treaty, Theionikos, Anoshphey, and Talor united together to form the High Kingdom of Yimmu-Audal, with me as the High King of Yimmu-Audal." Due to given factors, it is a fact that the High Kingdom is in a unique position as one of the few nations in some sort of personal union/protectorate of the Imperium. Made even more personal, after the leader of the Imperium, Holy Emperor Yazov, adopted the last name of Audalad, after becoming the chief diplomat of Yimmu-Audal quite some time ago.

The formation of the Imperium
The day after Yimmu-Audal joined, the reformed Empire of Bardonia would join the Soleannan Imperium in order to form one of the biggest nations in the history of Rathnir, the Imperium. Bardonia and Escharia had strong political bounds since the era of the Aesperium Niedea and the Imperium would lead both nations into renewal. This new state would spread over Rathnir and Eldham with the integration of Bardonian territories, which included most of USSE territories. It would have two Emperors on par: Yazov ruled over the Rathnir territories while Philly ruled over the Eldham territories. Under the Imperium, the Soleannan Imperium would reach a cultural and political apogea as the Escharian culture heavily influenced the political structure of the Rathnir Imperium. While Yimmu-Audal would preserve its specificities, Escharian and Bardonian governments would come closer. As such, under Emperor Yazov the Imperium helped the spread of the Soleannen religion abroad and syncretism with other faith like Dandelism.

The Aerene crisis
However, it appeared through time that the wounds of the Kimiwekessie (First Escharian civil war) weren't completely healed by the formation of the Soleannan Imperium. Dissensions was marked by mutual misunderstanding between Ikasere (emperor) Yazov and the leadership of the Arorei (duchy) of Aerene. Believing that Aerene wanted to form its own militia, the Emperor seized one fifth of Aerene's territory under his sole jurisdiction. The reaction from the nobles of Escharia was severe who did not support this tyrannical move against a duchy famous for its peaceful ways. The militia in question was only formed to fight Segra. This led to much pressure place on the Emperor from all corners of the Empire. This crisis would enrage Ikasere Yazov, who attacked Severion (Saint) Samael Vorpes Delgrenzvar in Lileanen. Both would die in the fight, changing the fate of the the Soleannan Imperium and the Imperium.

Reign of Luci
In the aftermath of the crisis, the Imperium turned into a Triumvirat where all the three main nations would be equal. After a succession crisis, Luci Mondargo Magistri was appointed Soleannen Empress Luci by Cardinal Nive Pallas-Akerian. Nostalgic counsellor of the Second Empire, Luci claimed the Eschariah heritage and under her the Soleannan Imperium would recover its original name of Empire of Escharia, within the Triumvirate of Imperium.

Shocked by the violence of the crisis and the remaining underlying tensions, the Empire of Escharia decided to abandon the contested territories alongside its former capital, Lileanen. The capital was moved back to Lostesrei.

The crowning of Luci was held with great fanfare with festivities held in almost all of Escharia by the Cardinal. Nonetheless, the eastern duchies were still worried about the neighbouring nation of Necrazel. Only the western duchy of Varmerion would expand, while most territories stagnated, most notably Egalia.

A Second succession crisis
The reign of Luci came to an end and provoked another crisis of succession with the span of a few years. It is the third crisis of Succession in the history of Escharia. Trying to bring Lileanen back into the realm, Luci proposed the Kingdom to join back the empire with the exchange of appointing the leader of Necrazel as head of military. This agreement was rejected by most counsellors who, led by the cardinal, held the leaders of Necrazel responsible for late Ikasere Yazov's madness and wanted them to return the territories seized by him. This governmental crisis led to the resignation of Empress Luci who retired in Castle Gentumar and placed herself under the protection of the Kingdom of Necrazel. One party, mainly led by western nobles, wanted to maintain the Empire of Escharia under the jurisdiction of Isaris an Aesperii, important figure of the Imperium and Valerian's adopted son. The other party, which had Nive's preference, wanted to put an end to the empire and place themselves under the protection of Veriss as dictator (Dazoqan), who was a former veterant of the invasion of Northport. Veriss' party won, putting an end to the third imperial era of Escharia under the Siorvat of Escharia.

Government and Politics
This section covers the government, foreign relations, military, laws, provinces, and regions that the Soleannan Imperium rules over. An important thing to note is that government officials can hold more than one position within the government. For example you can be the leader of a settlement, and a governor of a province at the same time.

Political Structure
The organization of the Soleannan Imperium is considered as an intempt to reform the principles of Etscharii Arciesme (Escharian authoritarianism) following the Kimiwekessie. The authority over the Ferrant (nobles in Asteri) was reinforced in order to mitigate eventual separatism and the region of Escharia was renamed "Aerene". Unlike under the Escharian empires, the Iksare wasn't recognized as Holy Soleannen Emperor and the Soleannen Clergy remained entirely independent, the Ekeris being the sole responsible of his succession. The Arus (Army in Asteri) remained entirely submitted to the Iksare as under the predecessors of the Imperium.

The political structure in this sub-article is arranged from most influence and power to least influence and power.

Iksare (emperor)
Emperor, or Holy Emperor, is the leader of the nation. This position is often chosen by the pantheon head God of Soleannen, Solaris. They have absolute say over everything.

Ehrli Ahrefor (Holy Chief Advisor)
The Ehrli Ahrefor, this position can only be held by a Spirit, Saint, or Severion and is intended to be a spiritual guide for the Empire, Imperial High Council, and Emperor. Attached to the person of Samael Vorpes Delgrenzvar, this position was left vacant after his death.

Imperial High Council
The Imperial High Council serves the Emperor and advises them on all matters of governance and foreign affairs. It’ll be made up of the most respected and trusted people from across the Empire. The Imperial council also has authority to do actions such as declare martial law, disband settlements, and other various important acts. The Imperial council also are often found to now be the ones managing the empire, handling diplomatic affairs, and being heads of ministries.

Amminstrant (Ministry Head)
An Amminstrant is responsible for leading and managing a ministry within the Soleannan Imperium. There are currently 4 ministries that are currently active. Namely; Reikranze (Coin or Finance), Ouwere (Building or Infrastructure), Azenn (War or Military), and Ermei (Tradition or Culture). These ministries are in charge of making sure these specific parts of the empire work smoothly, and are often very busy with work regarding internal affairs.

Kesevor council (Advisors)
The Kesevors are the members of the government and directly advice the Iksare.

Leoric
Leorics are the governors of the provinces of the Imperium. Their missions were comparable to the one of the Dukes during the 2nd Empire of Escharia but it was emphazised that they exerted an authority delegated from the Iksare.

Akesor
An Akesor is the name for the leader of a settlement. An equivalent to this position would be a mayor, or a village chief.

Culture and Artworks
The culture of the Soleannan Imperium has remained relatively the same since it's inception. Being a direct descendant of Niedene, Soleannen believing nations, not much has changed from standard Niedene culture, which can be read more about here. Despite this, artwork has been created within the empire. Most of it though, being imperial propaganda.