Tsiladen

The Sublime Duchy of Tsiladen is a nation renowned for its reputation for harbouring vice and sin, featuring many casinos and the sort. It is located near the centre of the Empire of Ischanor and is ranked as an Archduchy, however it refers to itself as a Sublime Duchy. It is currently ruled by Agsutares of House vi Gredīses, his spouse Fāris and their two children, Teore and Emārix vi Gredīses. On a surface level, the nation is growing steadily in terms of population.

Etymology
The name Tsiladen derives from the Proto-Tsiladeni word 'sjeledes', meaning citadel, or fortified place. This name makes sense historically as the island on which the capital city of Vallumae was founded is in fact a fortified location.

Flag
Throughout the history of the people, many symbols were used by the constantly migrating Tsiladeni, but the one that stands out the most is the 'Xisirtae', the Divine Vessel. It is said that whenever the Tsiladeni migrated, they would do so using the mythical ship. The ship is featured in many folk stories and has grown into a symbol that represents every member of the Tsiladeni culture.

The Xisirtae is placed in the centre of the flag on a light blue shield surrounded by foliage. The background of the flag is a white with a gold outline which symbolizes the purity of good trade.

Culture
Unlike many cultures of the Empire, Tsiladen has no connections with any of them. The Tsiladeni language and customs are unique and truly different.

What other realms would deem sinful, Tsiladeni see gambling and games based on luck as holy and virtuous. This obsession started when they discovered their homeland by pure accident. The discovery is presented as Valles moving the Tsiladeni in the right direction. They recognize the game die as one of the tools from which their main god, Valles, communicates with them. Some historians claim that the Tsiladeni invented gambling which is heavily disputed. Additionally, card symbols are seen as religious icons and are heavily featured on the coat of arms of nobility and even in homes as symbols of good luck.

Notable Tsiladeni Citizens
Culāres Ferāxen (Viller_2500) is a merchant and casino owner in Vallumae. He is considered one of the most influential and rich Tsiladenis. Many consider him a prophet of Valles due to his clever way of work and religious promotion of luck based games. Additionally, he is regularly invited to royal events by the vi Gredīses family due to their respect for his work.

Tseilauses Tólizanes (W_D_Shadow) is the First Father of the Arbitrary. He holds a special religious role in Tsiladen as he is one of the only people who is allowed by law to explain the game die. The Father has grown a reputation of being a conservative figure who is refusing to learn Ischanic or any other languages because "the dice told me not to". Similarly to Mr. Feraxen he is deeply respected by the Sublime Duke due to him being one of the elders of the Tsiladeni society. In addition, the Father spends plenty of time in the casino hosting several elaborate games.

Lexe vi Gredīses (TheNetherowvy) is Agsutares' first cousin. He has spent much of his fortune on constructing several universities and libraries in Vallumae. He is respected by both the common people and the nobility for his education and patronage of literature and art.

Geography
Tsiladen is situated in the centre of Ischanor, more-so on the western side, on the coast. The location is quite advantageous for trade as it lays in the centre of a large bay in Ischanor. It borders the Despotate of Celras to the east, the Cynedom of Lynarith to the south-west, the Archduchy of Marisvalor to the south-east and the Kingdom of Lisvar to the north.

Government
Tsiladen is a constitutional monarchy. The Sublime Duke has plenty of power, but he always works with the Council of All Arbitrary, a religious and legal authority of the realm. Councilors are chosen by the Sublime Duke, they are usually the most influential citizens of Tsiladen.

Diplomacy
As a realm within the Empire of Ischanor, Tsiladen aims to maintain positive relations with all fellow realms. However, it has grown into a close bond with the Grand Duchy of Vědanica, the Archduchy of Selidoar and the Archduchy of Marisvalor.

Additionally, the Sublime Duchy has one subject, being the County of New Volkore.

Tsiladeni diplomats are considered the strangest in Ischanor. Wherever they go they always bring card games and booze with them. They are usually very successful, but are considered inefficient. Several Ischanori jokes can attest to this. One of them says that the Emperor sent two Tsiladeni diplomats to a neighboring realm to solve an issue. Later when they returned to the Emperor's court they were obviously shitfaced. The Emperor asked them: "What happened?" to which they responded: "Our Emperor, we didn't solve the issue, but we secured a 2 year trade contract and we also won several games of poker and we are willing to share the prizes with you!" Since then the Emperor avoids sending Tsiladeni diplomats unless a trade deal needs signing.

Prehistory
Not much is known about Vallumae Island prior to the arrival of the Tsiladeni. It is believed that the island was uninhabited until Tsiladeni arrival as the land was ravaged by earthquakes and tsunamis.

Arrival of the Tsiladeni
Several sources claim that the Tsiladeni discovered the island by pure accident. They were probably migrating, in search for greener pastures. During this migration they probably experienced several storms forcing them to dock they ships on the rocky beaches of the island. When the storm settled they discovered that the island was perfect for them. They called it "a gift of the Master" from which the island and the capital city gain their name: Vallumae.

From Maritime Nomads to Merchant Settlers
Eventually as time passed the Tsiladeni created a realm for themselves; The Sublime Duchy of Tsiladen. This gave to the rise of four noble families striving for the total ownership of the island:

- vi Gredīses
In this battle for dominance the vi Gredīses gained total control of the Island. The other noble families were destroyed by their ingenuity, strength and skill. Their position was secured after they won a religious game of poker against the house of Aolerīses. They were force to abandon all of their titles and swear to never come back. The current dynasty head is Agsutares vi Gredīses, the 7th Sublime Duke of Tsiladen.

- Wenhīses
This dynasty technically still exists, but they have lost all of their titles due to the wars for total control of the island. Their symbol was the heart, it represented their love for everything earthly. In many works of literature lovers and characters who regularly change partners are called "Wenhies".

- Teorases
Their symbol were the clubs. This dynasty is truly dead, they lost their heads in several battles against the vi Gredīses. Many great warriors derived from this house, but many of them lacked the knowledge to rule.

- Aolerīses
Symbolized by the diamond, this house was quite wealthy and successful in trade. They lost their titles through gambling, the best way possible in the Tsiladeni culture.

Joining the Empire of Ischanor
During the reign of Culāres vi Gredīses several strong earthquakes destroyed the capital of Vallumae. This attracted many bandits and raiders who saw opportunity in raiding the weakened isolated nation. Tsiladen was weakened and it needed to seek help and military aid. It found it in the Empire of Ischanor. The Emperor offered military aid in exchange for Culāres accepting him for his liege. The Battle for Tsiladen was one of many losses. Culāres lost his life defending what was left of the city and many people perished. The Battle was won by the Empire and Tsiladen after they killed the Bandit leader in the central square.