Velerin

Velerin, officially the Velerian Empire or the Shirokanezan Empire, was an Empire located around the Zamotz Isles, the territories of Drak Yamar, territories of Mosir-Sumari, Urak as well as the south-eastern region of Skjoldrbrodir.

Causes
The birth of the Velerian Empire was a result of a series of events which wreaked havoc upon the empires of Uraka, Goonguard and Zamotz.

Uraka
During the events of the Old Banner Rebellion, the Uraki empire was split into many pieces between the remaining families of Aurelian, Gobbo, and Suneris. The remaining loyalists of Uraka created a Hark separatist movement in a effort to restore the fallen empire. This attempt failed, and Hark was forcefully dissolved. The remaining Separatists were driven out of Uraka, with several fleeing to the safe arms of the Velerian Empire.

GoonGuard
After setting sail south in search of new lands to conquer, ErrorL abandoned the lands and people who he had fought with, many of them scattering throughout world, often utilized as mercenaries, they found fondness within Velerin where many would settle and prosper as traders, soldiers and farmers. While many remembered ErrorL's actions, many newcomers to Velerian lands were often left wondering who he was when his name was mentioned among the older citizens of the Empire.

Zamotz and Shirokaneza
When the people of Zamotz ventured into their dying tree, Shirokoneza expected they would never return until one day, Imperius, Blake, and Drigon emerged from the cherry blossom tree of Shirokoneza into this world to participate in creation of the Velerian Empire.

Founding
The Nation of Velerin was first founded via the purchase of land from Roðinnbrók by Imperius, Drigion, and Blake. Shortly after this, Zamotz joined Velerin as a Vassal due to their connections with Balake Olea. Following the integration of Zamotz, Chloe Aurelian gifted Eastern Drak Yamar to Velerin due to her familial ties with Emperor Imperius Aurelian.

Lemurian-Gardenian war
Within Zamotz there was a population of Lemurfolk, who desired the reclamation of their homeland of Limuria, which had been taken by Skjoldrbrodir nearly a century ago and had been integrated into Gardenia. Upon negotiations failing, The Leader of Lemuria, Draphonaris, led the Lemurfolk and their Velerin Allies to the historic City of Ruddersdam, also known as Havoana'roa-renaj. The Limerian army successfully took the city, leading the Gardenian Government to flee Eldham. Several other nations attempted to take former Gardenian land during the Mayhem, but the new country of Limeria successfully fought them off and took over their former homelands. Due to Velerin's assistance, Limeria then agreed to join the Synod of Velerin as a vassal.

Becoming an Empire
With the royal house of Gobbo gone, the last member of house Sunneris, now akkad of Urak city, Arua, passed control of Urak to House Aurelian. Arua decided to unite Aurelian territories and Urak city was integrated into Velerin. This proved Velerin as the true successor of the Uraki Empire and thus Velerin became the Velerin Empire and Imperius became Imperator.

The Eldham Alliance
During a meeting, the Velerin Empire, the Archonate of Sylvania, the Eldham Union, Raiyuna, and the Kingdom of Scylding met to create a pact known as the Eldham Alliance. Serving as a successor to the Eldham Entente and consisting of many of it's successor nations, The EA (Eldham Alliance) was created to increase stability in Eldham. All members of the Alliance agreed to share diplomatic relations, leading to all other Alliances and Pacts being voided.

The first action of the alliance was a formal ultimatum sent to the Vulperium followed by a formal declaration of war from the Eldham Alliance. They also demanded $20 million in reparations, with $500 thousand per day.

Mosir-Razuni
The Červenliška/Zhervenliska owners of Mosir-Sumari decided to integrate their lands into the Velerian Empire, further increasing the size of the empire and recovering some old lands of the Aurelians. In addition, the old Razuni Sultanate chose to become a vassal of the Velerian Empire in the hopes of restoring the Razuni Sultanate to its former glory.

Collapse Of The Eldham Union/Alliance
See Main Article: Collapse of the Eldham Union

Prelude
In November of 2022, a number of rebellions and separatist movements rapidly overtook the Eldham Union and its member states, a fellow member of the Eldham Alliance. After the U.S.S.E., a member state of the E.U., was made aware of plans by The Eleanorian Realm, another member to annex Bardonian lands during the War of 990.

Due to conflicts with Eleanor, Lethe of Laria, a leader in the U.S.S.E., who had been stripped of power, and who was actively working against the Union, refused to follow the Eleanorian plan, and attempted, with another government member, Butsch, to withdraw the U.S.S.E. from the union, bypassing the National Assembly and prompting a crisis in the nation. This lead to Butsch and Lethe being removed.

This lead Lethe to begin planning a rebellion in the U.S.S.E., in coordination with Paragon and other anti-Alliance groups with later formed Mars Exulte.

The Loyalist Uprising
Shortly after, Lethe appeared in the Zaidan Rebellion in the Eleanorian Realm on 10/31/2022, and after its victory over Eleanor, Lethe public declared a Loyalist uprising in the U.S.S.E. The cities of Manzig & Nielsensbyian would officially join the rebellion, while Gehnezar & Al-Basaad would also fall under the control of the Loyalists.

Mars Exulte Forms
Paragon, Requiem, Kartek, & Drackar would all grow extremely hostile towards the Eldham Alliance. This was a result of Velerin annexing Bardonia, and the Vulperium removing Kartek to appease the Eldham Union, of which it was now a member. They officially formed Mars Exulte as an anti-imperialist alliance when they saw the crisis in the Eldham Union grow.

Sylvania And The Vulperium Leave The E.A.
When the formation of Mars Exulte occured, the Eldham Alliance was triggered and sprung into action immediately. However, the Vulperium and Sylvania, left the alliance on 11/18/22 after the joining of Aurlonor-Ryzan, Kryvonea, Sirradra, Azuria, Majulah, Eldurrim, Zaidan, Tsol, & Manzig into Mars Exulte, and its alliance with the Horde. They likely realized what was coming as much of Eldham along with the most powerful military forces in history rallied against them. Likewise, Velerin had grown unhappy with the alliance and it's bureaucracy and was planning to leave before a major Mars Exulte offensive launched in the Eleanor Heartland.

The Battle of Phoenix
While the Eldham Union Attempted to withdraw from the war, Zaidan counter attacked Eleanor. With Alliance forces in complete disarray, and few understanding what was happening, sufficient military forces failed to rally, and Mars Exulte won a stunning victory. Following the loss, the government of Velerin chose to withdraw from the alliance.

Aftermath
As the Alliance had all but collapsed, and with the Union was dissolving before their eyes, the U.S.S.E. negotiated with its rebel elements and withdrew from the Union, effectively dissolving it. After this, Eleanor, now alone, made peace with Mars Exulte. The tides of war were turning towards Velerin, and everybody knew what was about to come.

Prelude
While its allies were lost, Velerin, and Imperius did not seem to be afraid of Mars Exulte. The Imperators were confident in their military and near endless coffers. However, Mars Exulte was preparing to attack the Empire, in an attempt to finish their overarching war goals. With Velerin having been created on a federation model, with many provinces constantly fighting to keep autonomy, and barely any land in the empire actually being core territory, Velerin was extremely susceptible to independence movements.

Preparations
Wardaddy, the leader of Paragon would reach out to independence movements across Velerin, promising freedom and protection if they supported him, and fire and destruction if they stood with Velerin. Thus, various separatist movement began coordinating with Mars Exulte. In addition, he was prepared to take advantage of the conflict between Shirokoneza and Velerin over the renaming and government of the empire.

Successions
Early on December 1st, 2022, The VVR declared independence. In response to this, Imperius proudly declared one single response. "Come and get us pussies." Shortly after this, numerous nation began declaring independence from Velerin. Hours later, parts of Skjoldrbrodir, Gardenia, and the city of Shirokaneza, and the city of Velerin itself. On that day, the A.W.E. and Anglunia joined mars Exulte.

Declaration Of A Death War
On December 2nd, 2022, Wardaddy declared a "Death War" and "Jihad" against Velerin, thanking his allies, and promising complete annihilation to any who stood with the empire.

Imperius Dissolves Velerin
Imperius, having been left as the sole Imperator, was ready to wage a war and maintain what was left of Velerin. However, he shortly thereafter came to the realization that fighting against the people he had once sworn to protect and serve was not the destiny he wanted. His people had trusted him, and now it was their turn to create a legacy. On the 4th of December 2022, Imperius dissolved The Velerian Empire. He announced: "As of this moment, I, Imperator Imperius Aurelian of the Velerian Empire, hereby announce the dissolution of the union and release all of it's territories." He bade his farewells and faded into history promptly.

Aftermath
The dissolution of Velerin was a key point in the collapse of the great empires on eldham. The Union had just dissolved, and the U.S.S.E. removed as a great power, with Scylding following. Only a month later, The Vulperium also shattered, leaving Eleanor as the only loyal large Alliance empire retaining its power. It would vassalize regions of many former allies.

Overview
The Imperial Government of Velerin was heavily inspired upon the original government of the Uraki Imperium, the only differences laying in its system of taxation, military organization, population growth, and internal representation.

The Imperial Conclave
The Imperial Conclave or the Executive branch of the Velerin Government ran the day to day affairs of Velerin and concerned itself with matters like: Foreign Policy, Internal Development (Economy, Infrastructure), Military Affairs and the overseeing of the Senate and Dominions of the empire.

The Triumvirate
The highest ranking Institution of the Velerin Government was the Triumvirate. The Triumvirate was made up of three members Triumvir Imperius Aurelian, Triumvir Pipo of Alfuna and, finally Triumvir Elkool Aurelian. These three Triumvirs held equal power and were shared heads of state of Shirokaneza. Triumvir Imperius Aurelian in specific was the original head of state of Velerin during the first Velerin Period. Triumvir Pipo of Alfuna mostly ran the internal side of the Empire as well as presiding over the Dominion of Skjoldrbrodir of which he is the High Jarl. The third Triumvir was Elkool Aurelian, mainly ran the World Police, which was a paramilitary group that was loyal to Shirokaneza. Elkool also presided over international diplomacy together with his fellow Triumvirs.

The Imperial Enforcers
The Imperial Enforcers acted with the authority of the Triumvirs and took over for the triumvirs in the case they had other duties to attend to. They were personally appointed by the Triumvirs and answered to them alone. The only serving Imperial Enforcers were Drigon Aurelian and Balake, they served as governors of the Shirokanezan Heartlands.

The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister was the highest ranking elected position of the Shirokanezan Government, they only bowed to the Imperial Enforcers and the Triumvirs. The Prime Minister commanded the Lexarchs and Primarchs as well as the National Guard of Velerin and the Imperial Senate. They were the boss of the First-Consul and could hold Senate meetings if no alternative person to hold them could be found. The Prime Minister was elected through a first past the post voting system. Once a candidate had been chosen they went to the Triumvirs, where they received the Rod of the Prime Minister and officially became Prime Minister. They held the office of Prime Minister for one month and could only dismiss Lexarchs and Primarchs with the Approval of the Triumvirs.

Lexarchs and Primarchs
The Lexarchs and Primarchs were the Cabinet of Velerin and assisted the Triumvirs in the executive branch of the Velerin government. The Lexarchs and Primarchs were in many ways comparable to each other, the biggest difference between the two was that Lexarchs controlled a clearly set out section of government, like infrastructure or military, in many aspects, they were essentially senior Primarchs. The Primarchs usually didn't have a set out domain of power, although they assisted Lexarchs or above, for example: Arvius Aurelian, a primarch, was in many ways the assistant of Triumvir Imperius, they helped Imperius with whatever they needed help with.

Lord-Protectorate
The Lord-Protectorate were the representatives of the dominions of the empire within the central government. The Lord-Protectorate was made up of the lord protectors of each respective dominion of the Velerin Empire namely: Skjoldrbrodir, Limuria, Drak Yamar, Mosir-Sumari, Zamotz, Razuni, Urak, Bardonia, Golden Imperial Realm, The Heartlands and Ildernia.

Lord-Protectors
The Lord-Protectors were the leaders or representatives of each respective dominion of Velerin; there were at maximum 2 Lord-Protectors per dominion and they were usually chosen by their dominion's ruler. The duties of the Lord-Protectors included defending their dominion in a debate or representing them in a legal contract or treaty between the central government and their dominion and also included selecting the senators for their dominion.

Imperial Senate
The Imperial Senate or Legislature of the Velerin Empire was the government institution that made laws for the Velerin Empire. It was made up of appointed senators from each respective dominion of Velerin and led by the First-Consul who was elected amongst the senators or appointed. They together debated over legislation, declared war, commanded the National Guard, and made laws.

First-Consul
The First-Consul was the effective manager of the senate, they oversaw and held senate meetings, they regulated the senators of each dominion according to info provided from higher-ups (usually from the census). The First-Consul also held votes over laws and held debates. If Imperial Citizens had any questions about the senate, or other legislative matters they went to the First-Consul.

Senator
A senator was a member of the Imperial Senate and had duties to debate laws; write new proposals, and declare war if neccessary. A senator was an appointed position and was chosen by their respective dominion leader. A dominion got one senator by default and one more for every 10 people that selected that respective dominion on the monthly census.

Shirokonezan, Goon & Ulfaeng Backing
Velerin had one of the most powerful militaries in Eldham. Its main ruler, Imperius, the wealthiest man alive, could hire mercenaries and buy equipment at his leisure, so equipment was never an issue. In addition Shirokoneza provided the empire with very well trained soldiers as it contained a fierce military culture, and was at the heart of the military. His contacts with other paramilitary organizations such as the Goons & Ulfaeng proved of excellent use during the First Velerin Period, and later the War of the Furries.

The Eldham Alliance
When the military of Velerin was combined with the other powers of the Eldham Alliance, it became a near unstoppable juggernaut, with endless rosters of manpower to call on, and near infinite weaponry and monetary stockpiles.

Overview
Velerin was a vast, multicultural empire, with it's broad culture containing influences from Uraki, Skjoldrbrodir, Limurian, Sumari, and Zamotian traditions and customs.

Suunterian Dishes
From the Moss-covered mountains of Suunter, Suunter Mountain Porridge is the staple dish of Central Zamotz. It can consist of many different toppings such as Herbs, Meats, and Fruits, but all of them consist of Wheat, Hot water, and are served in a bowl. Due to Limerian Influences, many porridges in the valleys are vegetarian, usually consisting of Melons, Berries, and Sugar. The more barren Rocky Peaks prefer more hearty porridges, with ingredients consisting of Chicken, Fish, Beef, Spices, and Rock Salt.

Limerian Dishes
Limerian Fruit salads are made from Melons, Berries, Nuts, and other Fruits from around Limeria and Central Zamotz. A Traditional Limuria fruit salad contains fruits native to the Limerian Jungles, such as Mangos, Apples, Melons, Bananas, and Roasted Insects, and was eaten in a wooden bowl or dish. This was the original recipe, however it has adapted several adaptations occurring during the migrations of the Lemurfolk. Kolnor fruit salad originated after the Lemurfolk Exodus to Central Zamotz, with additions such as Berries, Sugar, Rice, and Lettuce being added from the surrounding regions of Shirokaneza, Suunter, and Elatsansia. After the Limerian return to Lemuria, the dish was consumed by Skjoldbrir settlers of Limeria. They combined their traditional food styles with the fruit salad to form Valdic Fruit Salad, adding ingredients such as Walnuts, Figs, Mint, and Honey to the salad. Returning Limerians created the Limerian Fruit Salad Revival, combining the Traditional fruit salad with imported goods like Coconuts, Figs, Pineapples, and Limes.

Holidays
Velerin recognized several holidays and festivals taken from each member state. Among these were the Urakan Beer Brawl, the Zamotz Unification Memorial,and the Limurian Crusade Efforts.