Aurlûnor Velande

The Aurlûnor Velande (Literally translated to Sun Dragon Empire) or Aurlûnor is a nation located in Southern Syltör. It's capital city is Lhûmar, which lies on the northern coast of the Western Sea. It's official religion and ideology is the Twin Dragon.

Etymology
The name of the Aurlûnor Velande means the "Sun Dragon Empire", which was said to have been the name Velereth Sareariel Lelya-Earcala gave the country. However, the name could also be due to the fact that the descendance of the Velereth was on the year of the Light Dragon, with the stars aligning in the form of that of a Dragon, and the Sun being in the center piece of it.

"Aurlûn" alone translates to "Sun Dragon" in, as the words Aur meaning Sun, and Lûn meaning dragon, while "-or" while being used alone would mean "Land or Country". "Velande" means "Empire".

Pre-Elven Settlement
The people simply known as the "Guren", inhabited the region over 74,000 years ago. Evidence and traces of Guren activity has been discovered by settlements that appear in certain parts of the region surrounding Lhûmar, Silamar, Valdamar and Helemar. Records about the Guren themselves are relatively poor, due to the lack of records surviving to the modern day, and the fact that most of the traditions of the Guren are through oral, as well as their language, Shien. The most prominent of these Guren civilizations is the Dawou Culture, located near the modern farming village of Pangnin. Agricultural advancements by the Guren would come to be around 11,000 years ago, where Millet and Wheat Farming would become prominent in large quantities around the region. The Dawou Culture would become the largest and most prominent of the other cultures in the region, but eventually, this gave rise to other cultures, mostly the Yi'yen Culture, the Nû Culture and the Fai Culture. Many of these cultures would be around the northern part of modern day Aurlûnor.

Ardol Culture
The first recorded Aurlûnoren culture is the Ardol Culture around 11,000 years ago, in which, the first Elves of the region migrated to. The Ancient city was said to be of different architecture, with the towers being gleaming with marble beyond what the eye can see. The expansions of the first Ardol Culture would have encounters with the Guren, which they would at first, trade with. But as time went on, the Ardol Culture would start to push their borders against the established Millet and Wheat Kingdoms. At around this time, Rice was farmed by the Ardol Culture, which they would perfect, and make into an efficient crop to be grown around their jungle home.

The Rise of Almador and the Elven-Human Conflicts
The Ardol Culture would eventually declare war on the Dawou Kingdom, and fought for control over the western portion of the region, in which they would see their borders push upward toward the southern coasts of modern day Silamar. Silamar would be constructed, and established as the new capital of the newly established Almador Kingdom, founded by King Maxion, This would outshine their old capital of Ardol, which begun a period of decline, as Celestial Elves migrated from their older capital to Silamar. King Maxion would begin the early phases of drafting laws, proper farming techniques, and assembling more a more proper military. He would see his newly established Kingdom stretch along the Gulf of Heaven, and down beyond the farthest reaches of the Lothranis Sea. Slavery was on both sides, however, as Celestialkin were regularly raided by the Guren, and were taken to be forced to work on the fields for them, or taken in as concubines of the Kings. King Maxion's campaigns against the Dawou Kingdom would be the start of the Elven-Human Conflicts, in which multiple battles would happen against the Guren rivals against the Celestialkin. One of the major battles of conflicts was the Battle of Yu'shen, which was located around 60 miles away from Lhumar. This would be one of the pivotal points of Maxion's conquests, causing the downfall of the Dawou Kingdom, and the forced migrations to the east. The Yi'yen and Nû would form an alliance to oppose the emerging Elven threat to the west, that was growing the the day. Multiple campaigns would occur in the course of nintey-six years, but eventually, the two would of been conquered fully. The Kingdom of Almador would expand it's borders throughout Southern Syltör. Encounters and following subjugation of the race known as the Kumiho, or the Huli Jing coined by the Guren, would have the Hampo culture become a subject of the empire. Their people were promptly enslaved, and forced to convert to the Twin Dragon religion. Much of these forced subjugations were recorded with bronze slave shackles of those who did not obey, as well as work camps that were uncovered. The Almadorians were recorded to be cruel toward those who would resist subjugation, but showed benevolence toward those who did not resist, earning them better treatment, and allowed peaceful assimilation into the culture.

Multiple revolts by the Kumiho would occur, as clans would not accept the rule of their new overlords, and for the next two hundred years, the Kingdom would maintain trouble in controlling the southern territory, until the final battle at Samgye, modern day Maldomar. The Kumiho would eventually be coined the "Nanren" after years of assimilation following their last revolt, and later acceptance by the Celestial Elves, becoming one of the first races that were freed from slavery in the nation.

The Fall of Almador, and the Warlord Period
The end of the Kingdom's prosperity would come around 1,500 years ago, where it would show signs of decline. The Dominion of Ashura would have multiple border conflicts and wars with Almador's decreasing power, and would loose a large portion of the south. In addition, internal bickering between regional governors over the questionable nature of the King, Hireon, would be noted. His increasing indulging with eunuchs and having lavish parties, would drain the coffers of the nation, causing famines, and sickness throughout the empire. This would give way to the Kingdom atlast seeing it's final days, with peasant revolts, and the fall of the central government. This period, known as the Warlord Period, would begin.

The fighting between the Kingdoms would be one of the most gruesome years of the history of Aurlûnor. Over close to 1/3rd of the population throughout the bloody 600 year period would perish. Although multiple brief unifications were made, the court would officially loose all authority within the 400th year with the states of Melwende and Linren being the most powerful of the large kingdoms. During this time, the Kumiho would gain independence from the Kingdom, followed by invasions by the Crow Peoples of the east would settle much of the eastern portions of the former Kingdom, driving many Celestial Elves to be under their new King's rule. The Takumakken Empire would form, and would stretch out much of the eastern portion of Almador.

In the west meanwhile, a new power was rising from the village of Dun, which was located North of Lhûmar. This small village would give the recorded birth of the future Velereth, Sareariel Lelya-Earcala, better known as the Divine Empress. Thanks to her timely connections with the court of the city-state, she would see herself rise in the ranks, and would eventually start her own independent army. It's not really clear what happened during this time, but she would eventually take the capital, and would start growing, contesting against the likes of Melwende and Linren rather quickly. The sudden rise would bring many to surrender to her, rather than fight her, and would help repel multiple invasions of Crow Peoples, Northern Human peoples, and prevented any expansion of a southern nation onto the border. By the end, which was 931 years ago, or year 0 of the Twin Dragon Calender, the land would be united under her rule, rising to the throne, and would become the Velereth of a new unified entity she would call the "Aurlûnor Velande".

Middle Ages Aurlûnor
Rather than trying to reclaim former lands by force, the Velereth sought to use diplomatic means to find ways to gain land back, and make ties to the nations that were coming around to the area. For instance, signing non-aggression pacts with Fornois, Norfthorn, and Virdian, as well as forging a shaky tie with Takumakken.

Aurlûnor would see a period of expansion along the Lothranis Sea, which would reclaim back lost lands, including parts of the Kumiho, who, instead of being treated as traitors, were welcomed in as citizens of the Empire, as they were the most assimilated of the people groups. The Empire would also apart of the Partition of their former allies, the Takumakken Empire. Multiple times, the empire has seen itself get into close wars with Takumakken, though most of them have been avoided through diplomatic talks. Sokalis, which once was a city in Takumakken, has became a contested zone until finally falling to Aurlûnor's control through the Transfer Ceremony by the new Emperor of Takumakken and the Velereth.

Multiple raids would follow by a group of nomads by the name of the Boris. They would raid and sack Athrabar, and would settle there, establishing their territory. They would be eradicated during the First Barbarian Rally. Since the rally however, multiple more groups had shown up in Aurlûnoren territory, such as the Sangrians and the Anarchists of Froggi Town. These two would be delt with in the Second Barbarian Rally and the Third Barbarian Rally, the former not being declared due to their crushing defeat at the hands of Bardonia at Andorn. Froggi Town however, would of been eradicated, with their people being mercilessly slaughtered and the forced end of Jaxism.

Months later, the Velereth would marry Mistic II, in which would have the birth of Mistic III, who would go on to rule Theios-Essukdal, creating a dynastic defense pact. The Empire would engage in two massive wars which would reach their borders. The first being the war against Jazzon, Entropy's right hand man, following Entropy's multiple visits to the Empire, which would cause destruction to the old Temple of the Divines. Many Aurlûnorens commanded by both the Velereth and Governor Aesop of Tacua, would assist Bardonia and Theois-Esskudal in this engagement.

History on the Server
Aurlûnor was founded on November 15, 2020, by player Coffeeccubus. Following their abandonment of Ashura, which they would found a month prior to the current country, Coffeeccubus was inspired to make Aurlûnor due to their Stellaris obsession, and the fact they would play a nation known as the Aurlûnor Velande, a paranoid isolationist spiritualist xenophobic pacifist nation that is a pre-scripted selectable from the Stellaris Mod, Elves of Stellaris. Coffee wanted to adapt them into a more fantasy world setting, and thus established it. The first attempt of establishing the nation failed, as she would be confronted by SikkeOst, who would confront them about settling on one of their islands, which Coffee found "perfect", and demanded them to either be annexed into his empire, Escharia, or leave. Coffee, who said that they "hate being a vassal to another", decided to leave, and migrate back to the original continent Ashura was on. They would find yet another ideal spot, which was located a few thousand blocks northwest of where Ashura was, and settled there. Facing no opposition, Aurlûnor was born with the city of Lhûmar as it's first settlement. Though originally was planning to be isolationist, they would join the alliance, the Syltörean Confederacy on November 17, 2020, which would make it the first time that Coffeeccubus has joined in a coalition with any nation. Dalatra would be titled "Imperial Concubine" on November 16, a day after establishment, and would see Coffeeccubus' character (who is also Sareariel Lelya-Earcala) becoming one of Dalatra's wives. They would also participate in the coronation of Dalatra as Empress of Yimmu-Audal, and would support her claim during the near Yimmu-Audal War of Succession, before the war was called off.

Later, multiple changes happened around the nation. Most notably, it's "roleplay restart", where it restarted all foreign treaties and alliances, including the cancellation of Dalatra's marriage to Coffeeccubus' character. For the next few months, the nation remained neutral from world affairs, until it rejoined the Syltör Confederacy in later December. Coffeeccubus continued to deny Globalism, and keeps declaring that Aurlûnor will not recognize a declaration of war against them, unless they are neighboring or nearby to wage war. This opinion is unpopular by the community, but it is apart of the nation's strict roleplay policy.

This began to change, as on Janurary 17, 2021, Aurlûnor formally joined Bardonia, but made an agreement that they are only there in name and color, and agreed that they will keep their sovereignty, titles and such without having to change any aspect, but only have to follow Bardonian Law. But Aurlûnor's laws remained, which means that secularism is not allowed in the borders that Aurlûnor controls, and forced conversions may still happen should Aurlûnor conquer something. On the same day, Aurlûnor went through a small conquesting spree, and colonizing the unclaimed territory that Transyakistan had as a trade outpost. These gains, saw Aurlûnor's influence in the sole sea that it bordered increase drastically. They would purchase Sokalis as well, but not formally annex it until two weeks later.

On Janurary 20, 2021, Aurlûnor would renounce their ties to Bardonia as a Protectorate, and would even state that none of the things that happened between Aurlûnor and Bardonia happened, citing that they "will not take it to roleplay consideration if they are voiding the global war". Following the Bardonian Conflicts, Aurlûnor would go back to normal until Janurary 25, 2021, where the Takumakken Empire collapsed due to their leader no longer having interests of ruling the nation. This lead to a crisis between Cool_Man69 and Coffeeccubus over Sokalis, as Cool_Man69 claimed that the territory never belonged to Aurlûnor. Coffeeccubus would disagree and a war would almost begin, until being resoluted on Janurary 27, 2021, where the two leaders would agree to a compromise, fully annexing Sokalis (now Helemar) into Nir province.

In addition, the Partition of Takumakken occurred, and Aurlûnor managed to gain a large chunk of the western territories. This alone, finally end the three month long dispute with Takumakken over settlement, and greatly expanded the borders of the Empire. It would also aquire the County of Fornois on Janurary 30th, 2021. It would become the sole member of the Syltörian Confederation, which would also be dissolved on the same day.

Several attempts at banditry and raids would happen following the influx of new peoples coming from the newest Stoneworks Minecraft uploads, which saw mass murderers, excessive toxicity and settling in Aurlûnoren territory, much to the dismay of Coffeeccubus. Boris would be driven out of Aurlûnor following the First Barbarian Rally.

Geography
The Velande is located in Syltor, along the northern shores of the Sea of Lothranis. It also borders the western edge of the Phagosian Sea at some points. The Velande contains 12 provinces.

Government
The Celestial Empire is ruled under an Absolute Pharonic-style Theocratic Monarchy, in which, the Velereth (or Empress) has the final authority on all matters of the state, and is usually worshipped as a divine being, as seen in the Twin Dragon religion. As per custom, members of the Imperial Court are not allowed to speak, until permission is given by the Chancellor or the Velereth to "speak freely". When either one says they may speak freely, anyone in the court may state their opinion without being silenced. The Imperial Court who subordinates the Velereth, are also the final authority unless she overrides the decisions.

The country is divided into Imperial Provinces, each governed by an Imperial Governor. The Governors of the Provinces double as ministers of the court, with each minister having different positions within the Imperial Court itself. The highest level of bodies is the Grand General of the Empire, the highest military rank of the country, and the Grand Chancellor, who is in charge of all of the affairs of state in the Velereth's stead. Military Garrisons are governed by Military Generals under supervision of the Imperial Governor. Governors are considered to be trusted by the Velereth with large amounts of power, and are able to conduct their own affairs in their respective provinces uninterrupted unless direct intervention is required. Sometimes, the Imperial Court will come into direct control of regions that do not have government control, or are protected under mandate of the Velereth. Upon acquisition of governorship, this long term protection is relinquished, and is given to local authority. Being a governor is a lifetime position without elections, and once a governor either resigns or dies, it is passed on to either a relative of their family or by request, a new one is assigned.

Territories are considered the Velereth's personal domains, and are controlled by her directly. Anyone she assigned in a territory are apart of the Imperial Court functionally as either military or civilian general.

Law
The Laws of Aurlûnor are the mandated code of law in the country. It is known as the harshest laws on Rathnir, as many of them involve beatings by bamboo canes, which can be seen as brutal. The Law is also among the most controversial due to it's suppression of Free Speech and Religion, with the most executions per capita, with many of the laws involving execution. The Velande is also one of the few countries that sends convicts of the more severe crimes to hard labor mostly in the Erúme Province. It is often called the "Bloody Dragon Empire" due to these causes, and the "Graveyard of Practitioners" due to it's anti-heresy laws.

Religion
''"Free Religion leads to societal collapse, civil war, destruction, and no-good barbarians invading your borders. This is what happened to Almador. Never again, shall this happen to the Sun Dragon Empire. The Velereth may not like this idea, but her majesty will understand why we had decided on it." - Unknown Court Official, 2ACA''

The majority of the Aurlûnor Velande adheres to the religion of Twin Dragon with a 98% majority. The largest minority religion is Dune Elven Aminism at around a 1.2%, mostly in the Erúme Province, Soleannen at 0.4%, traditional Hampo Aminism at a 0.2%, and various other religions. making up varying minorities throughout the nation.

The official religion of the Aurlûnor Velande is Twin Dragon, which is also mandated by law through a method of either forced conversion, persecution of public displays or worship or through integration. It is against the law in the Velande to worship any other religion other than the state religion. Violators are usually subjected to the harsh heresy punishments. However, the law seems to loosen up outside of large settlements, or less densely populated regions that are not made up of a majority Celestial Elven population. The least population provinces appear to have this law less enforced, although cases of anti-heresy crackdowns had been seen upon order of the governors. Provinces such as Sharla, Veassda and Erúme seem to suffer from these problems of heresy, due to their secluded locations, and less appearances of larger settlements.