Aureus

Aureus is a nation formed of refugees from the Aureunite Empire, originating from the lost world of Athera. Aureus uses the Aureunite Dating System  (A.D.S) for documenting historical events.

History
Aureus was founded in 1 Solus Era (SE) by Raxius Dykron in a world called Athera. Raxius would become known as the first Founder of Aureus. After a long and successful reign, in the winter of 30 Caeli Era (CE), Raxius retired from the Founder position and passed it down to the current Founder, Adara Markov. In 35 CE, the world of Athera collapsed and the Aureunite civilization was forced to flee and seek a new home. In 58 CE, Aureunite expedition forces discovered the world of Eldham after a perilous journey and now seek to re-unify it's lost fleet members.

The Auralich War
The expedition almost immediately ran into a small Isle called Auralich. Due to similarities in government structure, linguistics, as well as technology, the Aureunite expedition was convinced that this was a former colony from Athera; separated by a massive time dilation. Aureus, being duty bound to oversee her colonies, provided a generous offer of integration-which Auralich refused. Consequently, the Aureunite state reluctantly declared a state of war to bring Auralich back into the fold. Seemingly caught on the back foot, Auralich mustered a makeshift defense including ramshackle (By Aureunite standards) fortifications, Rodinnbrok berserkers as well as most of the Yunrian army and a hastily levied local Militia. The subsequent battle was dubbed "The massacre of Auralich". The name rather speaks for itself. First alliance forces were decisively routed, with the Aureunite attackers not sustaining a single casualty. It is worth noting the presence of Invetian medics on the battlefield; they tended to the wounded and provided safe neutral ground. Contrary to first alliance propaganda, only one of these medics were harmed by Aureus, due to him wearing armour and having the tag of the defenders. All items were refunded. The eventual treaty included integrating Auralich as an semi-autonomous region within the Aureunite state, as well as compensating Auralich for damages monetarily to the tune of 50K (Possibly larger). A successor state to Auralich was negotiated, where many refugees have since migrated to. (The Auric dominion)

The Yunria Crisis:
As a consequence of the Auralich war, an individual by the name of Aerobous was integrated into Aureus as a duke. He would later go on to have contact with the Yunrian high king, to whom he leaked classified state information at the solicitation of the Yunrian high king. Once this was brought to light, both Ashey and Aerobous were brought to trial. Ashey as lawyer, seeing as he had diplomatic immunity. Various funny events happened at the trial, such as the prosecution and defense arguing over the definition of a beach, as well as the defense calling for a ten minute recession that was spent on games of tic-tac-toe. Finally, a verdict was reached. Aerbous was cleared of most charges, getting a proverbial slap on the wrist. During the trial however, Ashey admitted to soliciting sensitive information from an Aureunite official. This is considered a hostile action against the Aureunite state as a whole. After much deliberation, the Aureunite council decided to issue an ultimatum known as the "21 demands" Else Yunria would face war. Yunria refused; war was declared. The Yunrian state then engaged with an almost comical amount of diplomatic shenanigans, both domestic and foreign. First they sold their sovereignty to COG, becoming a protectorate. Then there was a failed internal coup, as well as some balkanization. Uraka then made its fateful declaration onto the northeast, triggering a successful coup in Yunria that negotiated with Uraka to receive vassal status. Strictly speaking, Yunria is still at war with Aureus, and the situation has yet to be resolved.

The Co-AC Provocation.
Somewhat parallel to the Yunria Crisis was the Co-AC provocation. First, some context. The State of COG was currently collapsing, engulfed in a civil war that led to the dissolution of it as a state; Shortly after the Urakan declaration on the North-East. Aureus decided to send in a peacekeeping force, a scout of which was deployed to get a lay of the land as well as to prevent violence. Said Surveyor was then attacked by the Anarchists, returning to Thylos barely alive. The council subsequently authorized a complete military intervention; effectively declaring war on the Anarchists. Although whether such a term can be applied to a seemingly stateless entity is up for debate. The situation has yet to be resolved.

Culture
Aureunite culture is split into many different groups, but generally the characteristics have somewhat bled through to all components of Aureunite society. Those being, militarism, loyalty to the nation, respect for tradition and a unquenchable thirst for innovation. The last quality is perhaps the most potent and expressed of these, being driven in equal parts by fear, duty, tradition and curiosity. Indeed, the Covenant of Aniya hounds the Aureunite state endlessly- Only occasionally providing flashes of insight and madness to ease the burden on the Empire's developed core of engineers and researchers.

In terms of the other aspects, they are rather self evident in the Aureunite nation. A competent, standing military is maintained at all times, and martial skill and discipline is held in the highest regard; second in emphasis only to military innovation. Capture by the enemy is considered a massive shame, subsequently, each soldier carries a hidden dagger in case of such a situation; likewise, fighting to the death is considered the highest of honours. Law wise, treachery is considered one of the most egregious of crimes, even an unintentional offense potentially leading to harsh penalties. An intentional offense is met with the gallows.

Honour is also a big part of Aureunite culture. Honesty and the rigidity of ones word is held in the highest regard; and breaking ones word is a great social taboo. As well, in war, Aureunite soldiers will do their best to respect the honour of the enemy- although should they prove too incompetent or ideologically distinct, this can be denied.

Most other aspects of the culture, such as events, come from the religion (Colloquially referred to as "The Covenant", explanation for the name here)

Government
The government of Aureus is a generally Autocratic/Oligarchic structure, where power is mainly concentrated in a central council made up of dukes and higher. The Founder gets a veto, but this is seldom used when publishing legislation. Ranks are gained and lost according to the will of the nation, expressed through votes in the council. If one desires a more in depth look into the ranks, as well as the governmental system, refer to the Aureunite Fundamental Laws. That being said, here is the short version:

Recruits: The newest members. Little political power, but opportunity for advancement is abundant.

Citizens: The rank and file of Aureus, provided with the full rights afforded to them by law- including the ability to petition and propose to the council.

Knight: A distinguished citizen, holds more privileges and has greater political power- as well as having access to more classified information.

Duke: the first Aureunite rank that has a seat and voice in the council. Previous/ general benefits apply (Information, resources, political power, etc..)

Lord: Basically a more powerful duke. Makes up most of the council. Increased general benefits.

Hero: A special rank given to the most distinguished of members, usually after having made a large contribution or advancement. Their names are entered into the Hall of glory.

Founder: A somewhat misleading title for the ruling autocrat of the Aureunite state.

Notes on Characteristics.
It is worth noting that conquered peoples are attempted to be integrated into equivalent ranks. It is also worth noting that any regime that engages in "Democracy" or "Communism" Is considered by the Aureunite state to be misguided at best and illegitimate at worst.

The Hall of Glory.
A salute and a cheer to the greatest of men and women! The heroes of Aureus! Their names are:

Mars The Glorious!

Slayer of foes, and magic savant! Bent the world to our will, and brought death to our enemies!

Xeronsis!

Master Metallurgist! Tamer of Adamantium and more! With your spark, the fire of the forge will shine through Aureus forever!

Idako!

The one man harvester! Bore the weight of a million blocks! So too, master of Alcohol! May your vintages be tasted by Aureunite pallet for a thousand years more!

Libertarian Tribl!

Grand Archivist! Though reticent to speak, your collation of past knowledge will aid scholars and statesmen forevermore!