Ahalia

The Kingdom of Ahalia, commonly known as Ahalia or sometimes regarded as Jepola, is a small nation situated on the western side of the continent of Arsine. It is a former colony of the Imperial Archonate of Viodoxa and was formed by Viodoxan settlers in Eldham and eventually grew into the modern Kingdom, currently inhabiting three towns.

Origins
In the early days of Eldham, two groups of settlers from Viodoxa set sail from Rathnir to the new land. Directed by the Archons in their homeland, the settlers formed two outposts, one in Sun's Gate, eventually becoming the Duchy of Klea, and the second at Limenas. The land was already occupied by a tribal heirarchy known as the Aura Tribe, but shortly after the landing of the Viodoxan settlers the tribe disbanded and its members disappeared due to unkown reasons. The settlers constructed a small outpost they named Jepola. The influence of the Aura Trible would remain with the settlers, as their culture of Viodoxa merged with the natives, forming a merged culture and language known simply as Ahalian.

Early Development
Construction of Jepola began swiftly after the settlers' arrival. Headed by the future Basileus, Theos Zedeveos, the town began building large scale structures, including the famed Library of Jepola. This early period of development was slowed by a lack of settlers, after many seemingly died of various causes. After the main buildings had been created, Jepola suffered a series of unrelated attacks from various bandits, depriving Jepola of resources that it desperately needed. This compelled Theos to order the construction of a large boundary wall, which would go on to surround the entire town. During this period of construction, Viodoxa would merge with the Empire of Yimmu-Audal and Soleannen Empire of Escharia to form the Triumvirate of Denumain, including Ahalia along with it. It was around this time that a second settlement was discovered, lead by the wanderer MineRabbit. It was agreed between the two towns that they would merge together to form the joint governing body of the Duchy of Ahalia, with Theos Devedeos as it's duke.

Times of Troubles and Advancement
After the formation of the Duchy, reports began circulating about the attack on the other Viodoxan colony, the Duchy of Klea, by the Duchy of Goondium. The Battle of Sun's Gate was a complete disaster for Viodoxa, leaving the Goons with a foothold in Klea. This alerted Ahalia greatly, causing Theos to begin a period of armament and a mass recruition campaign. Refugees from all over Eldham would come to Jepola and join the Duchy. The population of Ahalia boomed, providing a massive boost to defense and its ailing economy. Subsequently, Ahalia, and Jepola especially developed incredibly quickly, and this prompted Theos to reform the government. He created the guilds system and established a legislative council to advise him on all matters. Diplomatic ties began to be established between the Duchy and several other governments nearby, such as with the Zamotz Union and the Kingdom of Heloisa. The bond between Viodoxa and it's colony was stronger than it ever was, until the Second Goon Invasion of Klea. This resulted in a total collapse of the Duchy of Klea and a swarm of Viodoxan refugees headed for Jepola. This stoked fears that Ahalia was next, and these fears continue into the present day.

Conspiracy and Independence
The Ahalian government began doubting it's connection to Viodoxa due to a lack of support and attention to the Eldham colonies, especially after the fall of Klea. Anti-Viodoxan sentiments spread throughout the populace, and these were only inflamed after a stranger arrived at the town. This was the King of Atlechia, part of the Zamotz Union, who was just visiting the town of Jepola on friendly terms, before he casually stated about his offer to purchase Ahalia from Viodoxa. This confused the government, as no such agreement took place between Ahalia and Zamotz. It was revealed that the Atlechian King had consulted Archonate Yazov of Viodoxa instead of the Ahalian government and reportedly agreed to sell the terriotory for a total of $65,000. This enraged many of the Ahalians, prompting Duke Theos to begin seeking a sponsor for an independence decree. Negotiations between the A.W.E and the Duchy began with the idea of Ahalia joining the Empire as a vassal state being agreed upon. However, before these negotiations concluded, the Viodoxan government suddenly collapsed, fracturing into several splinter states. Without a central government to serve, Ahalia declared independence, declaring Theos as the Basileus.

Purchase of Outer Ahalia
Following the declaration of independence, the Basileus and Nikatoi began solidifying the Ahalian state, beginning by drafting a constitution and reforming the economy. The entire government was reformed with the Nikatoi being reformed into a legislative body, rather than an advisory body. A position of Supreme Judge was invented, as well as the guaruntees of the rights of citizens. Alongside this, the population boomed once more, providing a massive economic support to Ahalia, leading to a new set of fortifications to be built surrounding the city. Using the new economic funding, Wambold O'r Cymoedd would negotiate a deal to purchase lands from the Kingdom of Atlechia, negotiating personally with King Swenking, previously being seen as a diplomatic impossibility. The pair negotiated for days, and a bargain was struck. Ahalia would annex the region known as Outer Ahalia for the sum of $70,000. This would double the land size of Ahalia and strengthen the relations between Ahalia and Atlechia even more.

Government
The Kingdom of Ahalia is currently an autocratic kingdom, led by Basileus Theos Zevedeos the First. King Theos serves as the Head of the Executive powers, as well as the Chief Diplomat of Foreign Affairs for the state. The Porphyrogennetos is the heir to the throne, and upon the resignation or demise of the Basileus, the Porphyrogennetos will take over and assume the position of Basileus. The current Porphyrogennetos is Fousas Zevedos. The government also consists of the Council of Ahalia, consisting of the members:


 * Wambold O'r Cymoedd
 * MineRabbit
 * Haider Sinan
 * Marl

The Nikatoi are led by the Ekprospos, who is elected by the entire populace of Ahalia. It is a majorly ceremonious role and serves as the Basileus' mouthpiece to the Council. The current Ekprospos is Wambold O'r Cymoedd.

The position of Eklegon is in charge of all judicial affairs in Ahalia and is responsible for interpreting the law. The Eklegon is appointed in a consensus of the Basileus and the Nikatoi. The current Eklegon is Lennin O'r Cymoedd.

The guilds also have some influence within the government, as many of their leaders are also councillors. The current guilds are:


 * The Mining Guild, led by Wambold O'r Cymoedd.
 * The Fishing Guild, led by Jansa.
 * The Building Guild, led by Xaider.
 * The City Guard, led by Marl.

Geography
The Kingdom of Ahalia is located on the continent of Arsine, on the western coast. It borders the Zamotz Union, and the New Moon Company. The terrain is entirely desert, with a large mesa to the north, with a river seperating the Duchy from the mainland. It consists of three towns, Jepola, Rochdale and Dinas. Jepola is the capital, and consists of the main facilities of Jepola, surrounded by a large wall which is the main defense of the town. Jepola has two entrances, to the south which leads to the South Bridge, the Jepola-Rochdale Bridge and the Jepola-Rochdale Highway, and to the east, which leads to the Jepola Docks.

Religion and Culture
The Duchy of Ahalia has two official religions, Guhenism and Mehocism. Guhenism was introduced to Ahalia by the original Viodoxan settlers, with it being the main religion of Viodoxa. Mehocism was introduced to Ahalia after the Bishop Haider Ad-din Sinan fled his former home and ended up in Ahalia. There are temples dedicated to both of these in Jepola. Ahalians are guarunteed the right to the freedom of religion.