Theiónikos

The Archonate of Theiónikos (Theiónikos meaning "The Victory of Theíos") is a state in the Empire of Yimmu-Audal. Previously a state in the Empire of Astyllea, a province in the Imperium, a successor state of the 1st Empire of Yimmu-Audal (Sovereign State of Theiónikos). It is located in the center of Rathnir bordering the Continent of Vastallos & The Soleanean Emprire. At the head of the Archonate is the Archon, currently Archon Círandir Gálus. The Archon has supreme authority through the Holy deity of Theios.

History of Theiónikos
History of the Land Blessed by the Light of Theíos

Humble Beginnings
The roots of the Duchy of Theiónikos are found in the initial settlement of the Yimmu-Audal Empire's northern desert territory when the Holy City of Theiótokos was founded by then slave LethalMuffin as a holy site of Theiosism. Upon the creation of this city and the start of development in the region, the Emperor and Elder Council of Yimmu-Audal established the Northwestern Territories, a semi-autonomous zone which encompassed the vast and uninhabited desert regions of the Western Continent. For a time the Northwestern Territories remained as an autonomous frontier region of the Yimmu-Audal Empire, until the formal establishment of a government by LethalMuffin.

Western Territories
The first formal government of the region which would go on to become the Duchy of Theiónikos was the territorial government under the rule of Governor LethalMuffin. During this time the territories were still sparsely populated and effectively under the theocratic rule of the Sanctum of Theiotokos of the Theiosistic Faith. However a colonization initiative would be declared by the government of Yimmu-Audal under the direction of the Governor, which would lead to the founding of many settlements, the first of which would be Gebel and Zir-Qalman. It was during this initial period of growth that the Theiosistic faith came into communion with the Sakrelist faith, and the foundations for the Duchy truly began to take shape.

County of Theiónikos
After the settlement of the first four major cities within the western Territories the first Feudal government would be put in place in the region. The County of Theiónikos, under the rule of Count LethalMuffin, would continue to see growth and spread the Theiosist faith during the last days of the Yimmu-Audal Empire, until eventually the territory would be peacefully annexed and turned into an Imperial Province under the Soleannen Empire by Emperor Siegfried of Escharia. It was during this time as an Imperial Province that the Duchy truly came into being.

Imperial Province of Theiónikos
When Yimmu-Audal was defeated in the Trillium War and annexed by the Soleannen Empire, the County of Theiónikos was peacefully integrated into the empire, while in contrast its southern neighbors of Audal proper were in stark opposition to the change of powers. During this initial period the Imperial Fort of Il-Kabulli was created within the lands of the newly named Duchy of Theiónikos under Duke LethalMuffin so as to ensure the loyalty and protection of the Imperial Province from hostile powers. While the Duchy of Theiónikos was continuing its expansion in population, the Emperor of Soleanna also granted them new lands in Siroba and Alshati and a coast on the Sea of Pearls. The Duchy's government continued to formalize, the faith continued to grow, and the power of the Duke continued to increase as Soleanna gave them more autonomy in the region. This growth and newfound autonomy would set the Duchy up for success once it gained its independence during the fall of the Empire.

Freedom at Last
After the dissolution of the Soleannen Empire the Duchy of Theiónikos, as well as many Imperial Provinces including Audal, were granted independence as successor states of the Soleannen Empire. For the first time in Theiónikos' history it was a sovereign nation with the right to its own self determination. The formal systems of government and the power of the Sanctum of Theiotokos had fully established themselves, and now they were free to pursue their own destiny. The growth seen under Soleanna would continue to increase, while its southern neighbors sadly continued to degenerate. During this prosperous age the Duchy would gain multiple land acquisitions and experience an economic boom before the the Jagdasian Emperor, and previous master of Duke LethalMuffin, StoryStudio returned and ushered in the Yimmu-Audal Renaissance. Reunification talks had already taken place between the leadership of both the Duchy of Theiónikos and Free Yimmu-Audal, but the process would be impeded by internal politics until the former Emperor returned.

The Duchy of Theiónikos, being the dominant power of the region, would then serve as the foundation for the New Kingdom of Theios-Essukdal, with the state faith and Feudal system of the Duchy continuing on into the new nation. The Duchy would be reorganized into a new realm under Theios-Essukdal, with its previous leader LethalMuffin maintaining his title of Duke and focusing his efforts on leading the new faith of the nation. The next monarchs of this Kingdom would also be powerful and influential figures in Theiónikos' history, with the First Lugal being Takiruko, previously the Count of Gebel and Chief Diplomat of the Duchy of Theiónikos, and the First Ningal being Countess Mystic of Coltmaere. The laws and Constitution of Theiónikos would also serve as the basis for the First Constitution of Theios-Essukdal, with the foreign and domestic policy of the nation greatly influencing the development of this new Kingdom, during Theíos Essukdal, a lot of Eastern Theiónikos was bought by Lunkin II of Anoshphey including Konushum, Siroba, Pheonix, Ersetu & a little after, Prisma.

End of Theíos-Essukdal (2nd Empire of Yimmu-Audal)
At the End of Theíos-Essukdal it was obvious that Theíosism was slowly losing its power & LethalMuffin became sick. Because of the fall of Theíosism the 2nd Empire of Yimmu-Audal Arose. During this time Theiónikos entered a mini dark stage of inactivity & a sick ruler. Until the Archon passed away. Foxmunk who has risen in power in Yimmu-Audal had to pick the new Archon of Theiónikos, which he picked Asseli Kev-Nak, Asseli started to revive Theiónikos to what it used to be, also created Theiónikos's State Militia called the Riders of Theíos, replaced old Tétrarchs, passed mild reforms from the Tétrarchy & Established the Regional Assembly.

The Brothers War & Theiónikos in Astyllea
Yimmu-Audal Declares War to the Nation of Aldovir, This war had Theiónikos at its center because it's Territory of Fuscinivir declared independence siding with Aldovir. Yimmu-Audal were making preparations for a big invasion of Aldovir. As soon as the war started Yimmu-Audal conceded defeats at both the military battle & the Rap Battle, and so after Aldovir won they intimidated Yimmu-Audal into accepting a union with Aldovir, therefore forming Astyllea. In the End Theiónikos got its territory of Fuscinivir back after its unification with Aldovir.

After the Unification of Yimmu-Audal & Aldovir forming Astyllea. Theiónikos was established as a semi-autonomous state within it causing a mini Golden Age within the state. Beginning working on trade deals with Neighboring Countries in Vastallos, working on towns & Economy, and sold a island in Auraion to Coltmaere. At the end of Astyllea, Asseli was asked to merge with Sironia which he declined. Everything was going well until at around half way through Astyllea, Asseli became sick & Theiónikos started to get inactive again.

Mythical History of Theiónikos
In the myths, it is said that the Prophet Inirion founded the Holy City of Theiotikos, and the Archonate of Theiónikos with it. There exist many a story, but sadly, the early beginnings of the Archonate are not clear. It is known that for a long time, up to around 700 years untill the begining of the reign of Hákonos I (Lethalmuffin), a large empire in the region that is now called Theiónikos existed. The Archonate of Theiónikos was a vassal of this empire, if the ancient sources are correct. Most of the records of this time were burned during the sack of Theiotikos, as part of the larger succesion crisis following the death of Erbor IV. This empire was called An-Šaryan; and had as capital the city of Qir'qar. Not that much is known of the empire, and the only remaining bastion of their culture is their former capital of Qar'qira. The Archonate of Theionikos later became the dominant power in the region, taking over the lands of their former overlords.

We do have a lot of information on the last 10 Archons, through the writing of the Scholar Mages Historicum of the House Galus.

Erbor IV "The Mad"
He started his reign promising, reforming the system of taxation and funding cultural projects with the money collected. He became quite fond of one particular painter: Picaticus. Picaticus wasn't a normal painter, he liked to paint with the most expensive colors and paints to make a mish-mash of colors. For some people, it just seemed like he was throwing paint at a canvas, but Erbor really liked the paintings and funded all his materials.

This wasn't a problem in the beginning, but his rapid spendings didn't match the money collected from his new tax system, and it put a strain on the treasury. He stopped listening to his advisors and even the Tetrachy. But there was a bigger problem on the horizon: he wasn't married nor did he have kids. His brothers all vied for control, while he was busy with Picaticus. At one point it even came to an armed confrontation, where guards loyal to one of his brothers, Malakos, attacked the son and heir of another brother, Felicus. When he was asked to judge on the the conflict, he passed on the responsibilty to the 3rd brother, Potentos, who used this opportunity to further his own power.

The last 3 years of his reign he didn't even leave the chambers of Picaticus, only calling his minister of Finances to buy new materials for the paintings. His brothers openly announced their wishes to become Archon after his death, and many Diwans and Tetrachs began choosing sides in the upcoming conflict.

On the 9th of June, it was announced that the Archon was dead. What followed was one of the dark pages in the history of Theionikos, a war where brother fought brother, and countryman fought countryman. Picaticus was quickly murdered by the Principales, the guards of the Archon, as they judged that he was responsible for the death of their Archon. All the paintings of Picaticus and Erbor were burned, and the ashes put inside the coffin of the former Archon.

He reigned for 13 years. He will always be remembered as one of the worst Archons, thus being given the nickname "The Mad"

Belisaros I "The Unlikely"
After the death of Erbor IV, his brothers Malakos, Felicus, and Potentos all declared themself Archon of Theionikos. This sparked a civil war that lasted 7 years, and it only ended after the death of most of the royal familly, with only the 3rd son of Potentos, Belisaros remaining fit to rule. I will not go in to the specifics of the Great Civil War, but I would recommend the book "The Three Archons" by Valakai. It has an accurate depiction of the battles, intrigue and most importantly, the divine interferences by Theios during the war.

Although he was the son of Potentos, Belisaros never fought in the civil war. He was warded to the nearby Archonate of Sironia, where he was raised from the age of 6, up untill his twenties when he returned to Theionikos to take the throne. He also met his wife there, there daughter of the Sironian Archon. He was mediocre in all, he was decent at swordfighting, but not extrodinary, he was decent at politics, but not extrodinary. Although not being extrodinary, he was exactly what Theionikos needed.

When he, after the Red Banquet, that killed the last remaining brother Malakos and his remaining daughter, returned to Theionikos with the support of Sironia, he was quickly accepted by all Naglarchs and Counts. He pardoned most warriors and soldiers, except for those who indulged themself in heresy or other unspeakable acts.

He fixed the economy and most of the damage caused by the war. He also had 3 sons, and 4 daughters. That way the succesion was guaranteed. He got the nickname "The Unlikely", because at the time of Erbor's death he was 13th in line. He ended up rulling for 24 years, a reign that saw much rebuilding and repairing what was caused during the reign of Erbor and the following civil war.

Belisaros II "The Merchant"
Belisaros was the second born son of Belisaros I, and was named after his father. His older brother was the heir, but Belisaros was prepared as well to rule from a young age. His father brought in multiple teachers for various subjects. He had a successful merchant as a teacher for economics, a priest for religion, a mercenary captain to teach him strategy and tactics, etc. From all these men, the merchant, named Crasos impressed him the most. He constantly asked for more stories of Crasos’s travels. He soon started to long to go on one of these travels with Crasos. When he was 18 years of age, he, with a little help from his older brother Lucius, whom he loved very much convinced his father to let him go on one of these voyages with Crasos, onboard of Crasos’s ship, the Rising Sun.

He made 3 voyages in total with Crasos. The first to the port of Carvay, the second to the harbour of Grandia, and the third one to the far away city of Nox Aeterna. He was with Crasos, in the harbour of Gebel, 8 years after he went on his first voyage, when he got the dreadful news. His older brother, Lucius, had died in an unfortunate horse accident. Belisaros was called back to Theiotikos by his father, and he was named heir to the Archonate.

His father died only 3 years later. His reign itself was rather uneventful, but with the help of Crasos the economy of Theionikos started to bloom. He knew all the tricks smugglers and merchants used to make profit, and was well aware where he could place taxes without hurting the economy.

He never officially married, but he did adopt multiple sons and daughters. One of these was Adonis, who he named his heir. He died 16 years after taking the title of Archon.

Kaloman I "The weak"
''After the reign of Kaloman I, it was decided that the Archon would appoint a successor with the blessing of the Tetrarchy, or after the Archons dead, if no successor had been chosen, the Tetrarchs would decide themselfs. The Archons didn't need to be connected by blood, anyone can be chosen.''

Rituals, customs and ceremonies
In this category are all rituals, ceremonies and other customs important to the Theioniki.

Wedding Ceremonies
In the lower classes, people often choose who to marry. This is not the case in the nobility, their marriages are used for political goals: To forge an alliance, to get out of debt, to secure an inheritance, etc.

A marriage is most often between a man and a woman, to ensure children. In rare cases, a man can marry a man and a woman can marry a woman, although this happens far less often. The Theiosist Church accepts both, seeing marriage as the union of 2 humans, regardless of gender.

The normal age for marriage is in the early life of adulthood. The Theioniki live up to 150 years and reach adulthood in their mid-thirties.

Normally it is the woman that proposes to the man, using a marriage dagger. According to ancient stories, a dagger is given so that if adultery is committed, the adulterer can be murdered by their spouse, preferably in their sleep. The dagger represents commitment and unity. The more decorated the dagger is, how richer the proposer is. In Theioniki culture, the woman is frequently given the role of leader of the couple's social life. This is why she always proposes. The man is seen as the leader of their finances and politics.

It is expected of the spouse that receives the dagger to give the proposer an as well decorated dagger exactly eight days before their marriage, representing the eight angels of Theiosism.

After the proposal, the fiancees can wait up to 4 months before the actual ceremony. After the 4 months window, the proposal should be renewed; otherwise, the sincerity of their love could be placed in question.

Exactly eight days before their marriage, after the second dagger has been given, the two fiancees would go request the presence of a member of the Theiosist clergy. The higher this clergyman is in the hierarchy of Theiosism, the higher the social status of the new couple. In reality, these priests are often informed months before the wedding. But due to tradition, they may only be officially informed in the 8-day window before the ceremony.

The actual ceremony is rather short, taking place in any place of worship. Once again, the higher the status of the couple and the clergyman, the bigger and more prestigious this sanctum will be.

The priest starts off by calling the bride forward, their fiance following.

He then calls upon Theios to witness the ceremony:

"Oh Sun of Truth and everlasting Light, bless us with Thy presence. Today we come together in this holy place for the union of 2 Theiosists. They are here to complete the Sakrement of Matrimony."

He then follows up with:

"Do you (bride), swear to Theios and all his Angels that you will be truthful and faithful to (groom) for eternity?"

"Do you (groom), swear to Theios and all his Angels that you will be truthful and faithful to (bride) for eternity?"

"Then may you be united forever, in life and death, in prosperity and poverty, and in good times and bad times. These Oaths are sealed by Turin, Angel of Justice and Keeper of Oaths."

"You may now kiss the groom."

After the short ceremony, the couple can decide to hold a large or small private party; this again is dependent on the couple's wealth and social status.

Coronation Process
The soon to be crowned Archon slowly enters the room. He sits upon the throne, surrounded by guards. The Coronation will start off with a chant to Theios, sung by a priest. This priest, in most cases, is the former Archon, reincarnated by Theios to fulfill the ceremony. The chant goes as follows:

Oh Sun of Truth and everlasting Light, our God Theios have mercy on us and bless us with Thy presence.

Look upon your humble servant Círandir Keírikos Gálus, who through your mercy and wisdom was deemed worthy.

''Oh, (Archon), thy are hereby crowned, by mandate from the Sun, Archon of His Victory. May you uphold His Fire,  and keep us from the cold grasp of heresy and blasphemy.''

The priest will go on to give the first of the three Regelia, the crown of Theionikos. Then the priest proclaims: This Crown will, if thee are faithful, give you the protection of Theios.

The priest goes on to gives the second artifact, the Sword of Light. He tells the Archon:

''The Sword of Light was forged by the prophet Inirion, bless him. May you use it to strike His enemies, and those of the Archonate. Use it to defend His people, and execute His will.''

The priest will move on the last artifact, maybe the most mysthical of them all. The Apple of Asria. But before giving it, he warns the Archon to be careful:

''This apple, one of 2, but the only one left, was plucked from the tree of life, the Avendesora, by the angel Asria. The first one was given to the prophet Inirion, so he could live a long and healthy life. May you use it wisely, under His guidance, to save the Archonate if it is needed. But use it unwisely, influenced by the Darkness, and your soul will be decimated to the very source that made you eat it.'' With all artifacts given, the priest calls out the new Archon:

''Then I hereby declare you Archon of Theionikos. May you be guided by the wisdom of Theios, his angels and your predecessors. Bless Theios! BLESS THE ARCHON!''

The ceremony will go on with the counts and noblemen swearing loyalty, and them recieving their powers through the Archon. Every Archon lets the nobles swear diffirent oaths, as a sign that their rule is independent from the last. No priests of other religions are allowed to bless the Archon. An exception is made when the head of Hukar Sharud wants to formally declare the new Archon an Audalad, and member of that dynasty. This isn't seen as a real blessing of religious nature though.

Tournaments
The Theioniki are famous for their many and glamorous tournaments. In 3 county capitals, Mingrelia, Ayesinco and Gebel, there are arenas. The national and county governments try to organize biweekly tournaments. The prize can go from a simple title or some cash, to mythical artifacts. People all from the Alteniquian continent go to Theionikos to train in their arenas. Especially the gladiators of Mingrelia are renowned for their skill and pride. During the so called "Spartacus Revolt", a famed Mingrelian gladiator attempted to free his fellow slaves from their bonds. This revolt was quickly put down by the Riders of Theios, under the command of the blessed archon Círandir Galus.