Sironia

Sironia, officially the Third Kingdom of Sironia, is a Kingdom in southern Alteniquia on the Sea of Carvay. It is bordered by Cobbleworks to the Southwest, Adavia and Lirgal to the Southeast, Carn to the East and to its north the Sea of Slaves, where it shares a maritime border with Fuscinivir and Sanctum. It is considered the last bastion of the ancient Sagaviri Empire's culture, religion, and language and has long been seen as the direct successor to the Empire and the only nation that could restore it, should the opportunity arise.

Ancient History
Asara's Conversion In ancient times, the Holy Peninsula, where Azethvir now stands, and the rest of modern Sironia were populated by the Shironlirak people which means "People of the Land," in Sagaviri. Theses tribes agreed to keep to their own affairs, not wanting anything more or less than a couple exchanges of resources. However, amongst these tribes was an expansionistic people who called themselves the "Asara." The Asara were famous for their brutality and cruelty towards any foreigner.

The First Prophet, Temion was a stranger to all of the Shironliraks. The Shironliraks warned Temion of the brutality and merciless actions, depsite all warning of all the tribes he had journeyed to, he did not heed their warnings for he knew that "The darkness shall be sundered and destroyed in the presence o' light of the Uncreated One."

Temion ventured upon the Asaran land and soon was halted by a warrior. The warrior threatened Temion with zeal and strength, while Temion replied in a soft, but prominent voice in the Asaran tongue, "Take me to the one who leads your people." The warrior, stunned and confused to see a foreigner speaking their tongue, agreed to Temion's request and took him to the village where the chieftan resided in an old fort.

The Chieftan, utterly puzzled upon the sight of a foreigner in the halls without chains, demanded in his booming voice to the warrior the reason he was letting a foreigner within the halls. The Warrior explained as Temion patiently waited.

The Chieftain was now curious upon Temion's purpose.

Once the warrior explained his decision, Temion spoke forwards, and greeted the Chieftain with a challenge, "I will build a shrine of my God next to one of yours, both will be set alight by a flint, and be the shrine of the true god have the fire in its shrine burn in splendor whilst the shrine of the false god will have its fire wilt before our eyes."

The challenge was accepted.

As the day progressed, Temion had spent much time crafting a stylized image of a lit fire on a flat wooden surfrace, and built a small container to house the fat that would burn. The Asaran priests, in all of their smugness, decided that they wished to sabotage Temion; the wood they had provided him was wet and soaked with water from the sea.

Temion saw this but paid no attention to it. He simply put the wood in his container and sat down to meditate. The priests started to prepare and attempt to light their fire, the fuel was easy to light but despite repeated attempts the fuel never seemed to catch fire, the sparks hit the wood but soon faded. After letting their attempts continue for a small while longer Temion said "Oh great creator! Show thy power and strength, show the truth of your message and the holiness of your fire so that these people may be enlightened. Let it be so!"

With these words a roaring and crackling fire was lit in front of the shrine to the creator. The fire was unlike anything ever seen, for it was not simply a fire, rather it was a small fraction of the uncreated light that is the creator. The people of the tribe, not being able to comprehend what they were seeing, simply fell to their knees in reverence of the great creator.

After this, Temion was named their King and he did much work to reform the tribe away from their bloodthirsty ways. Many of the Asara became missionaries who spread the faith of Sakrelism to the other Sironian tribes, so much so in fact that the word "Asara" in Sironian now means "missionary". Temion and his successors worked hard for unification of the various tribes into one Kingdom of Sakrelith - what would eventually become the Sagaviri Empire.

The Sagaviri Empire
After all the original Sironian tribes had been united under the banner of Sakrelith, peace was achieved for some time. However, this peace was fragile as multiple other fledgling Kingdoms had been expanding within the area - Pontus in the Savannah, Rotharon / Moncheir in the east, Myrmark in the Swamps, and Hraam in the Athazolant region, among numerous others. As the Sakrelist Kingdom prospered, it had built a new capital - Ankor - in the geographical centre of Aldovir - roughly halfway between the cities of Asalath and Arkal today. This resulted in increased tensions with the neighbouring states of Myrmark and Pontus.

Although the history is ancient and many details unclear, surviving records indicate that a secret alliance was created between Pontus and Myrmark, and when Sakrelist missionaries began to cause trouble in the Polytheistic Pontus and Animalist Myrmark, they expelled all missionaries and those of Sironian ancestry. Sagaviri diplomats responded with forced execution / conversion of settlers from Myrmark living in the western part of Ankor, which had been part of Myrmark up until the founding of Ankor. This prompted Myrmark to declare war on Sagavir and invade with a large army from its populous eastern provinces, swiftly capturing territory until it was at the gates of the Capital.

The Sagaviri government scrambled its forces together, but many soldiers were still returning from the Atarian - Fuscinian War, in which they had successfully prevented the destruction of the Sakrelist Kingdom of Ataria. The war ground to a halt as Myrmark's forces failed to either breach the walls of Ankor or cross the Asalarash River. Even the returning Sagaviri armies could not help as the front was deadlocked - it was only once Atarian troops arrived to return the favour of Sagavir's help in the previous war that their troops were able to cross the river and rout the army of Myrmark.

However, in the planning of the operation, the generals had overlooked one small detail - they would also briefly cross the Asour'therak Stream in order to cross the river at a ford. This mistake resulted in the Sagaviri-Atarian army crossing into the lands of Pontus, which the local watchtower immediately reported back to the Pontusian capital of Kalasirol. Although the operation successfully provoked a sudden retreat from the armies of Myrmark, the Pontifex of Pontus was irate.

Following this, the Pontifex demanded Sagavir surrender Fort Castell, the mountain fortress that defended its western borders, to Pontus in exchange for not declaring war. Sagavir refused to reply, and Pontus swiftly joined Myrmark, capturing the Fort with its elite Legionnaires and opening a new front. Sagaviri Anra, Rithaur I, quickly mustered trainee forces from the small settlement of Asour'therak and nearby villages in the swamps. The famed Legionnaires of Pontus failed to push deeper into the swamp, completely outside their regular savannah operating theatre, and were soon destroyed in small guerilla battles. Sagaviri ships soon landed near Kalasirol, almost completely razing the city undefended by the bogged down Legionnaires.

Seeing the Kingdom of Pontus fall to the enemy, Myrmark was demoralized, and soon the combined Sagaviri and Atarian forces attacked their lands from the east and north. After subjugating Pontus and relegating Myrmark to the innermost swamps, Sagavir continued its expansion unrivalled into the east, destroying tribes and petty states alike. Archon Aurshak II crowned himself the Emperor of Sagavir after fighting off an incursion of eastern Pyriac nomads. Later emperors brought much prosperity - Ythar I destroyed a Myrmarkese revolt and Veron IV conquered the south of the subcontinent, preventing a Hraamese incursion.

The fall
Over time, the developments and innovations within Sagavir that had once been championed by the Guilds of Lapidovir slowed down and halted. Society became full of religious superstition and governments became increasingly corrupt. The Guilds resorted to increasingly Capitalist business models and effectively had full control over the industrial heartland of Sagavir. Although multiple plagues and rebellions had broken out previously, the Empire had still recovered, and many expected the same to happen when Geshemi refugees migrated into Sagaviri lands. Thousands came upon the western shores and while most continued northeast into mainland Alteniquia, many stayed. The zealous Sakrelist populace began to resent these newcomers, as the Geshemi began to clamour for their own rights in response to brutal military crackdowns, race riots and discrimination. Food suddenly became scarce due to the massive population influx, wheat plague ravaging east Sagavir as well as terrible winters at the time which led the Geshemi to take up arms against the Sagaviri authorities multiple times. It was around this time that the old Reylleans first began exploring the eastern Sagaviri coastline after leaving the land known to the Sagaviri as "north of Akratia and south of Serafini" and destroying Imperial outposts on Tálor. Before long, plundering of the eastern cities of Sagavir would begin, followed by the Reyllean migration. The Grand Navy of Sagavir was quickly mustered, but was denied exit from the Kepler Bay by the Guardians of Kaithrat, who began demanding punitive taxes as they asserted their own sovereignty. This degraded the already faltering control of the dysfunctional Sagaviri government, and as its forces were already engaged in combat with the Geshemi, Reylleans, and later Hraam, the navy simply disbanded and sent its marines to fight.

The power of Ankor truly diminished once local aristocrats declared ownership of their Eglisars, the Guilds declared their own Corporate Government within a now Geshemi-influenced Lapidovir, and Hraam launched an invasion. Chaos had invaded all aspects of Sagaviri life, with a series of incompetent Emperors barely being able to control their own lords and armies. Emperor Rithaur III, considered by some the last hope of the Empire, was assassinated by the Keshbethorak of Ankor, with his cousin Ereksh II being named as a puppet leader. This spelled disaster for Sagavir, and before long all central authority dissolved completely, with the last Prophet-Descendant of Ankor fleeing to Azethvir.

Aftermath and the reign of Rithaur IV
After the Loss of Ankor and the Corporate Union's declaration of independence, the most popoulous Sagaviri city remaining was Azethvir. There, a new Sagaviri nation was formed with the ideal of restoring the old empire and saving Sagavir. Rithaur IV became the first Archon of the new nation. At the start of his reign, Sironia contained only the Holy Peninsula and Asour'therak. He immediately began to expand the Kingdom using the relatively large population of Azethvir. The old lands of Pontus were in a dire situation, as a massive plague decimated the local population and Reyllean raiders ran rampant. As more refugees began to pile into Kalasirol, Pontus became increasingly unstable, and the population chose to join Sironia when the last Pontifex was found drowned. Nearby Jeghosi tribes readily accepted Sironian rule, but the Niedene settlement of Maqberg was only integrated after multiple diplomatic missions. The first years saw extensive border conflicts with the Reylleans, as they were still carving out their own territories from Sagavir, and a booming population. During this time the Miracle of Azethvir occured in which a lava pillar and bedrock was placed inside the Sanctum of the Judge.

Reylleans would occasionally attack Sakrelist pilgrims and converts, and exiled Sakrelists from Reyllea, including Centurion of Rhodia, which greatly damaged the relations of two nations and almost sparked a war until the Soleannen Empire stepped in. Soon after, the state of Myrmark was annexed into Sironia following a plague that killed the local population, and an alliance was created with Uldarash. Sironia's population had now expanded to the point that it was on the brink of famine and disease, so Rithaur approved the colonisation of Akratia after the First Empire had fallen. Instour and Bogmire became protectorates of Sironia, and Noukthiron was colonised, with the towns of Varintachan and Ythir Kanadith being settled during this period.

Reign of Sedail
After the abdication of Rithaur IV, Sedail was named Archon by the Holy Synod. During this time, Sironia's borders expanded slightly, and the nearby nation of Forge entered into a personal union with Sironia, being renamed to Thelisverhal. Crippling depopulation began to plague the nation as entire cities were abandoned. Although Sedail had inherited some issues from Rithaur IV, many new ones emerged during his reign. When the population finally collapsed from a famine, Sironia lost it's colonies and protectorates. The only new settlements created during this time were the colonies of Rowunrua, the last active town in the Kingdom at the time, and residence of Ythar II and Liraxak. Archon Sedail eventually crumbled under the pressure, proclaiming the dream of reunifying Sagavir dead, and he sealed himself in Thelisverhal.

The first interregnum (Regency of Ythar II and Cassy Wintersun)
Sironia was in a dire situation after this, as the Empire of Caprica had laid claim to its lands from across the seas. Ythar II was able to ascend to the Emerald Throne through a political alliance with Cassy Wintersun. After it became clear Cassy was dying, Ythar II became the sole Archon. It was at this time that SAPMA, an alliance between Sironia, Cobbleworks, Hinokuko, Naitorattorian and Ggantija was formed. It is often considered the precursor to the Aldovir League. Sironia resumed its territorial expansion during this period, gaining territories from the Partition of Reyllea and Partition of Cobbleworks, annexing Thelisverhal, and winning Hinokuko in a bid for $601,000. Due to its inability to pay, Theios-Essukdal annexed Hinokuko, but Ythar II was promised its return, which never occured. The continued population issues led to tensions in the government. Soon, Ythar II was sent an ultimatum by Uthr Caicuria to abdicate or face a war.

The Sironian civil war
Longbow Caicuria claimed the Emerald Throne as Uthr III, supported by Cobbleworks and Yimmu-Audal. Ythar II dismissed his ultimatum and an army invaded from Cobbleworks, headed towards Azethvir. In the onslaught of the combined forces of Cobbleworks and Yimmu-Audal, many remaining Sironians (led by Joe Frank Kennedy) sailed from Port d'Ilivian north towards Yimmu-Audal. There, they would found the town of Pasouthak on the ruins of an old desert town. Meanwhile, back in Sironia, Longbow's army entered Azethvir and the Battle of Azethvir began. It was a vicious bloodbath which resulted in almost complete annihilation of both armies. Longbow's forces came out on top marginally, but he died shortly after and Cobbleworks abandoned the war. Despite returning to the throne with the support of Vanakunir, Ythar II was put in a difficult position as relations had become strained between Sironia's neighbours.

Second Kingdom of Sironia
After the civil war much of the nation was in ruins. Ythar began to urgently being reforms to modernise the now-ancient Kingdom, creating a new government which would come to be known as the Second Kingdom, with a new flag and cabinet. Myrmark was renamed to Ytharash, and the ancient city of Saixhrevir was refounded as Dirash Asalath, a holy city of the Prophet Asala. Friendly relations with the rest of Aldovir resumed, and members of the former S.A.P.M.A. pact decided to found the Aldovir League in hopes of strengthening unity between nations of Aldovir. Aldovir league quickly became more prominent, joining the Coalition War on Bardonia and shortly after, the Empire of Aldovir was formed in the treaty of Roscella. Aldovir was formed from Coenia, Sironia, Cobbleworks, Vanakunir and Hinokuko, and later claimed Rhodia and Fuscinivir although this was never recognised by Yimmu-Audal.

Sironian separatist war and SNLF insurgency (Reign of Subica of Shirakaba and Visarkon Krakowsky)
After the formation of Aldovir, Sironia's formerly growing active population began to shrink as many migrated to larger cities in Cobbleworks or Adavia with more opportunities. Whilst some Sironians led by Nanek returned from Pasouthak and founded Omverlon, much of the countryside fell into ruins. Ythar focused activity in Azethvir and all citizens were ordered to work on the construction of Asalath and reconstruction of Maqberg. Ythar also became more outspoken within the Aldoviri elite circles, calling for the outlawing of Cornflower worship and the establishment of a Sakrelist theocracy. However, Emperor Jabberdake, who supported Uthr III during the civil war, began to see Ythar as an obstacle to his continuing rule of Aldovir. Thus, he staged a sham election in the Holy synod to elect Subica of Shirakaba as the new Archoness and depose Ythar. This however was not accepted by Ythar, who maintained his claim to the throne and refused to leave the Dawn Palace or surrender the Keys of Noukazethvir. Eventually, the Aldoviri government decided to exile him and their army marched into Azethvir with little resistance. In response he fled to Pasouthak and took all the riches of the capital with him. While most of Sironia was controlled by Aldovir, Ythar continued to contest the throne.

As Subica's leadership weakened and the population collapsed, other states in Aldovir began to eye Sironia's underdeveloped countryside and borderlands. Eventually, Subica was replaced with infamous Sironian mafia boss Krakowsky, who swiftly took control of Noukazethvir and renamed it back to Azethvir. He was a complacent collaborationist and helped to stage the Partition of Sironia. As things continued to go downhill, a relatively obscure monk named Liraxak would kickstart a rebellion. He founded The Sironian Nationalist Liberation Front (SNLF) and lead a guerrilla campaign to return Ythar II to power. Joe Frank Kennedy would at first allow Liraxak a base of operations in the town of Pasouthak, but the Audalad government soon declared him a Terrorist and pressured Joe to expel him. Liraxak then moved his base of operations to Omverlon, and with the permission of Nanek, Omverlon would secretly house the provisional headquarters of the SNLF. This would be uncovered by Aldoviri spies soon after, and Liraxak launched his terrorist campaign early. He first travelled to the old Sironian town of Ilivian, where Carnians had begun to settle, and killed much of the Carnian populace with makeshift explosives. The Aldoviri government became absolutely furious, and the Partition of Sironia was orchestrated in hopes to pacify the Sironian population and give their territories to more active nations, with the Sironian panhandle being annexed into Adavia, Thelisverhal into Cobbleworks, a new state of Lirgal being created in Sironian Meidankar, and Ilivian falling into the hands of Carn. Carn quickly organised its national Militia and plundered many Sironian settlements in the area, including the Kennedy Estate where Joe Frank Kennedy was born. These massacres eliminated almost all Sironians from the area and have come to be known as "the Ilivian Incident" or "Bloody November 6th" in Sironia.

Liraxak and the Loyalist SNLF became even more infuriated and went on a rampage across the Aldoviri countryside, attacking many Carnian and even Aldoviri-supporting Sironian towns such as Alte. They also planned a great attack on Roscella but it was decided that would waste resources as the once-great Capital city of Aldovir was already in ruins. They also participated in the Bastion of Liberty rebellion against Aldovir, although this would fail miserably due to a weak squatter leadership team. Shortly after this, the Order of Grizagel, a small island nation of the coast of Sironia, attempted to lay claim to Kalasirol. Aldovir responded with a war quickly destroying the nation. At this point, the majority of the Sironian populace supported the SNLF and Ythar, while the provinces bordering with Carn turned into a battleground as Carnian and Sironian militias often clashed with each other. The "Sironian Seperatist War", as the Aldoviri Empire called it, continued to drain resources until mid-November. By this time, all puppet governors and loyalist leadership were either dead or missing, and the only options presented to the Emperor were to either reinstate Ythar II as Archon or partition Sironia entirely.

Sironian rebirth and the third reign of Ythar II
After the return of Ythar II, it became clear that there had to be a large rebuilding intiative. New clerics, such as Madhursumi, Garry, and Joe Frank Kennedy were trained, and Sirmeows of Omverlon was appointed Keshra of Kalasirol and tasked with restoring it. Sironian rebuilding continued swiftly, with the economic boom extending to the Fuscinivir region of Yimmu-Audal, where Joe Frank Kennedy founded the city of Noukouthak, and Cxrtifixd attempted to restore the old port of Dasir. However, construction of the quartz bank in Azethvir stalled, as an investigation into Lord Architect Leghya found him guilty of grand theft. In Kalasirol, an expedition was started to explore the ancient dungeons of the Roman district. It was established that the dungeon was possessed by a demon, and the expedition barely escaped, sealing the dungeon permanently.

Fuscinivir war
While the people of Sironia were rebuilding their homeland those who remained in Yimmu Audal grew restless due to their position. Yimmu Audal viewed them as just another minority and denied them representatives in the government. Keshra Joe Frank Kennedy and Liraxak, both leaders of SNLF decided to declare independence. From the city of Noukouthak they declared the Archonate of Fuscinivir under Joe Frank Kennedy. A large swath of land was claimed but little control existed as towns like Urnu Oyori and Urnu Aufei were held by Yimmu Audal. While Aldovir immediatly declared support for Fuscinivir this news wasnt accepted very well in Sironia. Many tought the rebellion was rushed, dangerous and its claims were too hard. Yimmu Audal seeing as war with Aldovir was inevitable built two fortresess. One next to Illevianne and one near Noukouthak. Timists of Carrotona at first declared allegiance to Fuscinivir but quickly retracted that after a round of voting while states across Rathnir began giving support to their sides. Yestanbul immediatly declared support for Aldovir while Ecclesia supported Yimmu Audal. Immediatly Fuscinivir erupted into battle as skirmishes ocured in Noukothak and Illevianne while Aflir, mayor of Dasir rejoined Yimmu Audal. Aditionally Yimmu Audal sent dwarves to settle in the swamps near Asourtherak and form the kingdom of Ukkyreath Algar and sent Castllans to squat in the unfinished city of Roscella. In a battle between Illevianne and Fort Yimmie Aldovir destroyed Yimmu Audals forces in both combat and rap. It became clear that Yimmu Audal wasnt going to win but the two sides decided to come to an agreement forming the Free city of Noukouthak as part of Aldovir and later unifiying into the Empire of Astyllea.

Astyllea and independence
After the war Algar was incorporated into Sironia which continued with rapid population growth. Town of Asalath was rebuilt by Benalish of Omverlon who founded the Sironian trader company. The populace of Sironia saw the formation of Astyllea as a backstab from Aldoviri government due to the rise of Anti-Yimmie politics during the war this unification was seen as shocking. Astyllea despite its negatives brought some positives too. The bond between the Theionikos and Sironia strenghtened and the two began joint construction of the Holy city of Xom. Astyllea, being the large state it is wouldnt last very long. After a failed coup it would fracture with states including Sironia declaring their independence. Sironians believed that a great new chapter was approaching as Sironia joined UKAIN alliance and there were plans to unify with Theionikos. Unification with Theionikos ultimately failed as they turned to Yimmu Audal but instead Vanakunir joined Sironia. This era of prosperity would be short-lived as the Free castle war approached.

Free castle war
The beginning of this war is murky and unknown. At some point a Sironian went to the court of Lunaris and offended its empress. While the Sironian government attempted to ease the tensions by saying that this Sironian wasnt sent by them Lunaris had no intention to end this peacefully. Lunaris hired mercenaries lead by Mayynophobia to attack Sironia. These warmongers moved to an abandoned squatter castle near Asalath fortifying themselves there. Sironian attempts at diplomacy were rejected and envoys attacked. Lunari and mercs declared themselves the Free castle and fabricated claims. Lunari invaders began raiding nearby cities and prepared for a full on attack on Asalath. UKAIN and the homeguard realised that there was no way they could defeat the enemy and in order to not give Lunari any gear they decided to give up on Asalath. "Quick OOC section. Mod Kaykara banned most of Sironians at the time too so that we wouldnt be able to fight in the war. We had to make a reddit post to unban people but Kaykara got out without a warning or anything." On they day of the battle only Keshra Benalish of Asalath and some volounteers showed up. The mercenaries ransacked the city of Asalath. They were eventually banned for proxy warring and left but this war impacted Sironia more than any other.

Sironian dark ages (Regency of Skinyee)
After the sack of Asalath mercenaries pulled out of Sironia. Despite this a massive demographic collapse occured. People without protection as the central government practically collapsed fled the nation. Largest of these groups went to Borhammar, a nation with good relations with Sironia and Eldham. Archon Ythar II. fell ill and cleric Skinyee of Vanakunir proclaimed himself the new archon. His rule however was ineffective as he focused mostly on the town of Ytharash and eglisars began to practise autonomy. Skinyee wishing to keep his power joined the Anrat of Volstronn and the Orbit dinasty. Sironia was reformed into a state under Volstronn with little rights. Aditionally Skinyee sold a part of Sironian land east of Ytharash to Viodoxan exiles who formed the Kingdom of Galadonn which was against the constitution of Sironia. The remaining populace began growing sick of this mistreatment but after it surfaced that Skinyee intended to sell the rest of Sironia to Ararin and the Horde the populace revolted under the leadership of Joe Frank Kennedy Keshra of Noukouthak. Ararin settlers came upon the shore of south Sironia and attacked the town of Maqberg which was protesting against their occupation. Sironians responded by attacking the settlers. Soon the Sironians took back control of most of the nation and couped Skinyee who fled to Ytharash. Sironians sent a letter to the former Keshra of Asalath Benalish in Borhammar seeking him to return and assume the control as regent Archon which he accepted.

Second Sironian rebirth (Regency of Benalish)
After the return of Benalish many Sironians saw that a better future was assured. Ararin gave up on attempts to occupy Sironia but the crisis was not resolved. Skinyee secceded with Ytharash with the support of Horde and Galadonn declared full independence. Benalish in order to keep Sironias sovereignity and avoid another invasion signed the treaty of Asala with Borhammar under which Sironia gained protection from Borhammar. After peace was ensured large amounts of refugees began to return including Cleric Madhursumi and Keshra Sirmeows from Eldham. Sironia now entered a new stage of rebuilding. Maqberg and Azethvir met increases in population and Sironia became more prosperous. Sironia started to form better relations with its neighbours such as Carn and even Galadonn. Eventually Borhammar joined Tortuga and therefore Sironia by extension became Tortugas vassal. Sironia was back on track and in Maqberg a brawl event was announced. The event was a great succes as large amounts of drinks were sold but at the end the Archon Benalish announced his retirment and return of the rule to Archon Ythar II.

Sironia-Carn (Reign of Ythar II. and Alessandra)
Carn similarily to Sironia had a very tough time after the fall of Asytlllea. It fractured into smaller states dominated by neighbouring nations. Eventually Galadonn would purchase southern Carn from the Horde and Nord Carn would for its own state. Nord Carn and Sironia seeing how they have much in common and wanting to increase their power united into the Archonal Federation of Sironia-Carn. This union greatly benefited both nations. Shortly after the formation of Sironia-Carn their overlord state Tortuga would be defeated by the Horde and would retract its overlordship of Sironia-Carn as they werent able to maintain control over their vassals. Sironia-Carn enjoyed its protection from Tortuga but accepted this independence. Archon Ythar II. of Sironia and Archoness Alessandra of Carn immediatly started making alliance and putting their nation on the world stage. Skillful diplomacy garnered them alliances with nations such as Greatwhite isles, Ombria, Kronesia, Alamayn, Plagatea, Daelyria, Alda, Najer, Vulperium and Galadonn. This excellent diplomacy ensured peace for Sironia-Carn and the future was looking very bright. A union known as the North Aldovir Confederation was formed with Galadonn with intention to reform Aldovir but this union would immeadiatly collapse as Sironia-Carn accused Cass of misrule, raiding, political scheming and leading a heathenish cult of Renortion. This sparked into a diplomatic crisis which paved the path to the Cornflower war and eventually the Great Alteniqua war and the Neo-Carnian revolution. Dissilusioned with Galadonn Sironia-Carn instead turned to Adavia another old Aldoviri state lately suffering with its population.

Second Empire of Aldovir
After the failed union with Galadonn Sironia-Carn leadership decided to unite with the struggling nation of Adavia to its south forming the Second Empire of Aldovir. This greatly benefitted the nations of the empire as they guaranteed each others protection. Sironia was continuing with its population boom and in the nearby town of Arkal a new sect of sakrelism known as Kallerian Sakrelism emerged. Aditionally the old Keshra of Omverlon Nanek tought dead since the Free castle war was found ressurected in Omverlons dawn temple. Galadonn however began seeking to conquer the whole Aldovir subcontinent due to their expansionist policy and the Empire stood in its way. Tensions continued to rise and Aldovir decided to become a vassal of the Holy state of Viesten, a knight order in north Rathnir. Sironia expected some peace to continue as they rebuilt Asalath the town hit by Lunari during the Free castle war but this time there was no diplomatic solution.

Cornflower war
Galadonns war declaration came as a suprise. Before Aldovir had the chance to react Galadonns allies Swagistan, Bardonia and Vallia declared support. The causus belli was largely weak and fabricated so that Galadonn can assume control over the subcontinent. Early stage of war saw Galadonni attacks on Arkal and Bogdanic in order to distract and damage Aldovir. Aldovir failed to effectively answer to these raids instead focusing on defending their holdings. Cleric Madhursumi (Madhurthur) in the meantime had gotten a letter from the former mayor of Bentonia Jecten. Jecten seeked the cleric to trek to Bentonia his former town now turned into a fortification by Galadonn and move Benton to his new home in Omverlon. While the trek was hard and dangerous Madhurthur succeded and rescued Benton. Aldovirs spies realized that Galadonn was planning to attack the large Carnian town of Praestinia. For that Aldovir hired the mercenary group Paragon in order to aid their forces and fortify the town. The day of the battle finally came. Aldoviri and merc forces fortified themselves around a tower on a hill while Galadonnians a historically militaristic culture attacked from the south. The battle was a bloodbath as both forces suffered heavy casualties. A group of Galadonnians was sent to distract Aldovir by attacking Illevianne but this distraction failed. Galadonni forces fought on the hill but Paragon and Aldoviri continued to contest the tower while a number of Paragonites moved towards Lagos managing to capture a government building. In the end the battle was a draw and both sides were terribly damaged.

Aldovir knew they had to secure a second tie or victory. Therefore knights of Viesten were pulled in to reinforce while Sironian towns such as Asourtherak began large scale mining operations to supply Aldovir with money for mercs. The second battle of Praestinia was a mistake for Galadonn as they chose the wrong time to attack with a barely recovered army. Aldoviri army was skeptical that this would be a victory unaware of Galadonns dire situation. Galadonns attack was weak and Paragon managed to push them out of the city moving the battle to the Galadonni city of Lestria. This defeat was cathastrophic for Galadonn but Aldovir was too afraid to push into Galadonn. Both sides were exhausted and didnt have the power to continue the conflict which resulted in a white peace being signed and a non aggresion pact.

Viesten
The war left a scar on the politics of Aldovir. Aldovir was in debt to Paragon while Galadonn experienced a population stagnation. Galadonn decided to join Yimmu Audal in order to strenghten its position while Aldovir focused on grinding to repay Paragon. The city of Asourtherak became the industrial centre of Sironia succeding to make around 1 million to repay the debt. Galadonn clearly not over with spuring up conflict began accusing Aldovir of being a Viodoxan puppet due to their alliance with Sirradra and many members of Bakura family being part of the nation. In response Aldovir began pointing out that Galadonn is composed of Viodoxan exiles. Most Sironians held a grudge against Galadonn due to their unlawful occupation of Ytharash and therefore they lead the Aldoviri propaganda campaign. In the meantime Twisty the leader of Bogdanic attempted to rebel against Aldovir while seeking help from Galadonn but this revolt was stopped fairly quickly. Aldovir would eventually repay its debt but it would take a long time and lots of grinding.

Aldovir went through a short turbulent time as multiple Emperors were put in place and later abdicated these being Arawn and Target but eventually Delta became the emperor. Multiple minor diplomatic incidents occured as Galadonn kept trying to provoke Aldovir but this would culminate when Galadonn supported a seccesion of Lantstein and Illevianne which the rebels illegally occupied. Sironians saw this as potentially the start of a new war and therefore towns began fortifiying. Tensions were high as Licritia too secceded. In the end Illevianne was recaptured but Aldoviri leadership decided that it was best to incorporate into Viesten in order to get more protection.

Sironians quickly began to fill up government positions in Viesten and cleric Madhurthur became the royal enforcer and assumed de facto control of Viesten. The largest test to Sironia however would come with the Adavian crisis.

Adavia crisis
Members of the Sironian Keshbethorak were in secret quickly informed of a rising threat. It appeared that Arch the Anrat of Adavia who had acted practically independent through Aldovirs history and Sironia's Archon Ythar were plotting to secede and join Galadonn. Stakes were high and everybody started to grow increasingly distrustful. However it quickly became apparent that Ythar was actually still on the side of Viesten and Aldovir. Galadonns terms for annexation of Sironia weren't very beneficial but the Keshbethorak began a long and heated discussion. In the end it was decided that Sironia wouldn't go without a fight and that there would be no surrender but it was not the same for Adavia which betrayed Viesten and joined Galadonn. The only Adavian in high government staying loyal to Viesten was ex-Anrem Phasmosis who fled to Sironia due to being labeled as a traitor. At first it seemed that southern Adavian towns would join this betrayal but they gave up being to afraid of the consequences.

Sironias unwillingness to surrender made it the target of a new round of Galadonnian raids. Asourtherak, industrial capital of Viesten came under attack by barbarian raiders from Galadonn and Yimmu Audal sent an ultimatum for Viesten to surrender. This was swiftly rejected and Viesten reaffirmed its positions. Xp farms in Azethvir and massive mines in Asourtherak were working full clock to pax for a large mercenary force and Galadonn eventually gave up on invading Azethvir.

The Great Alteniqua war or the Neo Carnian rebellion
Following months were great for Sironia. Activity was increasing and the Jeghosi resettled the town of Rodheros. However raids continued and Rodheros became a large target while Shanian pirates briefly attacked Illevianne. As Viesten became a largely Sakrelist state the capital was moved to the better protected and more built Azethvir. In Sironia SNLF was revitalised as a militia defense force. For a brief time it seemed like there will be peace in Aldovir however this would not be the case. The exiled Caeron of Carn Drach returned seeking backing from Viesten and forming a worldwide coalition against Yimmu Audal. Yimmu Audal experienced falling out with the neighbouring Yestanbul and soon Drach announced his presence. War was declared as Viesten demanded unconditional surrender. SNLF declared its intentions to free Ytharash and Carnians of Lestria revolted. They attacked government buildings declaring the Neo-Caeronate of Carn.

Galadonnian and Audalad leadership was suprised and stunned as chaos erupted across the empire. Vanakunir and Hollowshire declared independence and with the efforts of Keshra Nanek of Omverlon Eldal Adadi secceded too. New Kasrin, Licritia, Lantstein and Iverthirok all joined Carnian revolutionaries. In Sironia Keshra Nigxl of Rodheros betrayed Viesten by secceding with Kalasirol and Rodheros without approval of any citizens who all fled to Asourtherak or Omverlon. SNLF was immeadiatly dispatched and they liberated Kalasirol and arrested Nigxl in Rodheros stealing any valuables but Galadonn retook Rodheros quickly. The diamond block in Rodheros would be taken by Keshra Nanek of Omverlon and placed on the Sironian throne as a symbol.

In order to win the war Yimmu Audal brought in Aragotha and Galadonnia was fortified with a large ditch. Yimmu Audal began to garner more support from nations like Carvay as the battle inched closer. The first battle was a bloodbath. Fighting broke out all around Galadonnia but it became clear that the end was a draw. Both sides suffered casualties but no one emerged victorious. The second would however be a disaster for the tired Viesten which began to loose support. In the second battle the coalition was repelled from Galadonnia and Illevianne which was fortified too late sacked. The war was practically over. In Plagosi holding the state of Minoa was formed and Carn not wanting to continue in a defensive war surrendered to become a part of Galadonn. Such a treaty wasn't possible for Sironia. Over the course of war the hate for Galadonn grew across the nation. After being approached by the Chief Diplomat Gael negotiations began. Instead of being forced to integrate into Galadonn Sironia would merge with Theionikos, their brother nation across the sea whom they shared a similar religion and culture with. Town of Rodheros taken during the war would be returned and in the future there will be full talks of a union. Despite having to live under Yimmu Audal unlike Carn and Adavia Sironian government decreed that any past member of Viesten may once again settle in Sironia.

Theionikos
After joining Theionikos Sironia quickly once again experienced a population and cultural boom not having to worry about constant war. Newspaper Ythex Sagavir began publishing and the town of Rodheros experienced the return of its settlers as well as increase in population. Arkal, initially a Carnian town joined in with Sironia due to its cultural ties to it however cities of Illevianne and Inutai were taken by Carn which sparked a short crisis. Sironia viewed this as Carn stealing their territories as they had influence over them in Viesten and were their in the past. Aditionally Carn held the Sironian town of Iverthirok and banned sakrelists of rebuilding a tabernacle in Illevianne. Ythar II. knowing that the large city of Illevianne most likely wont be returned took Inutai renaming it to Isherach.

Eglisars
Sironia is divided into five eglisars which are ruled over by a cleric. Each eglisar has a unique history but all are connected through the Sakrelist faith and loyalty to the Archon.

Government
The government is headed by an elected "Anra" (Archon/King) who is the supreme head of the nation (and the Sanctum) together with the "Keshbethorak" (Council of the Lords) and the Dirashbethorak (The Holy Synod). The council of Lords does not have much political power, instead it exists as a body to propose legislation and advise the Archon.

The council is allowed to veto the Archon in certain cases to prevent abuses of power. However, this power mostly rests with the Holy Synod. The Holy Synod is the judicial and electoral branch of the government. It consists of all Clerics in Sironia. The Holy Synod deals with certain matters of the faith in Sironia like electing new clerics, discussing legislation, can veto the Archon, and serves to elect him/her.

The synod also deals with matters of faith between the jurisdictions of different clerics to allow for cooperation.

The Priests and and the Clerics above them are in charge of more than just spiritual matters. They keep track of deaths, births, when a house is sold and bought, when someone moves out and in etc. They make sure that all can read on a rudimentary level and serve as judges as it is believed that the priests and clerics give fairer and better judgement through the lens of the uncreated one. The Anra is a member of the Holy Synod and does get a vote, but their vote does not overrule any other vote.

The Keshras are chosen by the Anra to rule over a certain province. The Keshra are in charge of administrating the province (Verhal), enforcing laws, generating economic activity and other such matters. To become a Keshra it is not enough to simply enough to be born into a good family. There is a complex system of tests that allows one to become a candidate. These tests are taken in the capital of the Kingdom.

The person who is tested goes through a series of different assignments that are later graded. They are then assigned to an administrative position such as keeping track of all paperwork that priests and clerics send in or ruling over a small town or a fort. If they are nominated in some way, then the Archon will look through the options of nominees and pick one to fill a position of Keshra.

Religion
The Kingdom has Sakrelism as it's offical state religion, but people are allowed to practice their own faith in private. However, conversions from Sakrelism to another religion is forbidden as well as building temples belonging to other religions. Multiple Sakrelist sects have sprung up such as Kallerian Sakrelism and Jeghosi Sakrelism.

Culture
The majority of the Kingdom is Sagaviri in ethnicity, however "Sironian" is a very lose term. The nomadic "Erelisher" people are too considered Sironians, yet their traditions and lifestyles vary widely from urban residents that might live in Azethvir or Asalath. This is both due to their nomadic lifestyle but also due to many other factors. the Kingdom has decided to embrace this diversity rather than reject it, instead the faith in Sakrelith as the creator as a binding force is emphasized.

Sironians speak various dialects of the Sironvir-Sagaviri language, last extant language of the Greater Sagaviri languages, with its own unique alphabet.

Orders
A big part of Sironian society are the orders of the prophets. Each prophet embodies a different set of ideals that allow them to become patrons to various positions in society. Farmers and doctors are part of different orders, but both orders have Asala, the mother as their patron prophet.

Each order is supposed to be equal in standing. In practice people often see certain orders as higher than other ones however.

Generally speaking, one will be born into an order, but one does not need to stay if they do not wish to. It can often be difficult to leave though as you have to find someone from a different order to train and teach you to do whatever their order's job is. This can often be fairly hard in practice but changing one's order isn't unheard of and does happen. The orders have mostly been forgotten in the modern Sironia except in azethvir.

Tattoos
A common part of the Sironian culture are tattoos. These tattoos mark different important life events. Becoming adult, getting married, having children, participating in war, becoming a priest, cleric, monk, working as something for 5, 10,15,20 etc years and more.

These tattoos differ depending on the event, but they are made to generally intertwine in wavy shapes that blend together. One's position in society and participation in the event also changes the tattoo. A simple infantryman will have a different tattoo than a commander or general. And for all these groups the tattoo will differ depending on whether the battle was won or lost.

Folklore
Sironian people have many stories and songs of historical events altought most of them aren't historically accurate. Following is one of those songs about Ataron:

There once was a boy named Attar,

Just a little boy!

He went searching in a forest,

He went searching for a new home.

He took the stick and went inside

Ohh he took an oath

There once was a boy named Attar

His people needed home

So he went into a forest

The night was dark and cold

Ohhh the little boy

Found a deer and followed its steps

Ohhh the little boy

Found a wolf in the forest

His body stood like petrified

But he wasnt to die

He raised his stick and went for the hit

Ohh brave boy he was

The wolf retreated deeper

And Attar wanted it no more

So Attar little boy

Followed the wolf into the forest

There once was a boy named Attar

He searched for a new hope

Followed a wolf into the forest

Not knowing better oooh

A blue light surrounded him there

It told him the stories of his ancestors

Oooh he was of blood thats older than night

He was of greatest kind

There once was a boy named Attar

The spirts took his hand

He walked into the fire

A new heavenly man

No more war and no more death

It was his oath to bring back faith

He walked into the fire

He walked into uncreated ones grace

Oh theres no more Attar

Ataron stands before you

Oh hes now a man

The peace fills his heart

Another one of folk stories about sheep people:

__

The Lirgak Lathiresh are supposed sheep men who live beneath the earth in winding tunnels and underground cities. Males are known as Lirgak Lathira and females are known as Lirgak Lathire and multiple are known as Lirgak Lathiresh. They are half the size of a typical human and bear the appearance of a humanoid sheep, with red eeys like that of a goat and spiraling horns regardless of whether they are male or female. Their skin is pitch black but is hidden by dense wool which the Lirgak Lathiresh uses to stay warm in the freezing temperatures of their tunnels and cities.

The Lirgak Lathiresh are known to occasionally come above ground in order to carouse and raise hell. In most cases they avoid humans and other sentient races, oftentimes visiting or making stone circles above ground. They have also been known to invade mineshafts and mines of sentient races.

The Lirgak Lathiresh have been known differently across Sironia. In the western cities and towns and villages they are known to be more violent and hostile towards people, some even going as far to kill either in defense or in grim hunts. In the East and especially around Azethvir their legend remains one of mischief should you become afflicted by one.

The Lirgak Lathiresh are known across the Kingdom to be thieves of alcohol, potions, tools and food. Oftentimes when things consistently go missing it is the work of a Lirgak Lathiresh that one has inadvertently attracted to their home. Other signs include freshly planted cornflowers or sheep whose faces and/or have been tattooed with strange markings and symbols. It is said that the Lirgak Lathiresh worship cornflower and sheep as holy, thus it is easy to incur the wrath of Lirgak Lathiresh by mistreating local cornflowers and sheep.

The Lirgak Lathiresh is said to fear many things, among them are lilacs, large bodies of water, dogs, birds such as parrots and fire (though not lava, which the Lirgak Lathiresh are thought to be indifferent towards).

The Lirgak Lathiresh are thought to be magic creatures whose abilities include but aren’t limited to invisibility, shapeshifting, walking soundlessly, possession of the body and the ability to spread disease.

The origin of the Lirgak Lathiresh varies from settlement to settlement. Some believe that they are what happens when careless hunters kill a lamb's mother and leave the animal to die in the wilderness, where the darkness can easily corrupt it and give it sentience. Other thoughts are that they are the spirits of lost children, or were born from the bones of those were died unfairly and were not able to rest easily.

There are many supposed methods to dealing with a Lirgak Lathiresh. Some methods proposed are those of appeasing and befriending a Lirgak Lathira/e by leaving it a sizable offering of alcohol, food, tools or potions. It is believed that if the Lirgak Lathira/e accepts the offering that it will protect the home and family residing there from then on, taking only what it needs to survive and allowing itself to be seen by pets and children.

Other methods involve slaying the Lirgak Lathira/e using fire or water or bladed weapons. More often than not this results in the death of the man/woman trying to get rid of the Lirgak Lathira/e and is thus not recommended for those dealing with one. Instead, another method is proposed where one can lure away a Lirgak Lathira/e with cornflowers, burning the tunnel behind it and thus confusing the Lirgak Lathira/e enough to not be able to find its way back. There is also prayers and ceremonies performed by Sakrelist Clerics that have seen some success in banishing Lirgak Lathira/e.

One notable fact about the Lirgak Lathira/e is that they hate hot sand, such as what can be found in the desert. They are also known to be fond of the blind and will go out of their way to assist the blind when they are in need, such as if they are lost in the forest or are neglected by their relatives, such as by bringing them food or taking them to somewhere they would be safe.

Territory and Towns
NOTE: This section of the wiki is mostly out-of-date and may soon be replaced entirely by the Geography section.

The Kingdom is located south of Carvay and occupies all of the Holy Peninsula, with the capital of Azethvir located on the southern portion of the peninsula on the western coast.

Azethvir
Azethvir (known as Noukazethvir during the Second Kingdom) is the largest city and capital city of the Kingdom. It hosts a spectacular array of different buildings, such as the Sanctum of the Judge, which is a Holy Site of the Sakrelist Religion, the Palace of the Dawn, the largest building in Azethvir and home to the archon, and the (not yet built) tomb of the Prophet Temion as well as the Titan sword of Ankor.

Many buildings are under contruction, such as the Azethvir market, as well as many other small houses

Asourtherak
Asourtherak is a fledgling town located in the far west of The Kingdom of Sironia. It is the second most popolous town in Sironia after Azethvir and hosts many defensive complexes, including Fort Castell and massive walls. It is considered the industrial heartlands of the nation but its mines were mostly depleted during the Viesten-Yimmu Audal war.

Athr Thereshak (Idiot's Raft)
Athr Thereshak is a raft located central in the Sironian Bay, close to Asourtherak. Currently abandoned, there is work to restore it by the people of Asour'therak.

RSPS / Rowunrua
The RSPS, or Royal Sironian Postal Service, is located south of the capital of Azethvir, and provides mailing services to the Sironian people, as well as foreign entities. Recently, the buildings were destroyed and became part of the claim of Azethvir and Blachistan.

Rodheros
Rodheros was a small camp of a small scavanger-hunter tribe that roams within the Savana at the far southwest of Sironia. The Tribe has received some autonomy from the Archon in Azethvir, and is ruled by their own appointed leader. Currently being rebuilt by Karma. After the beginning of the Carnian Restoration War, Nigxl rebelled against Sironia and joined Galadonn due to his before unknown close ties to Galadonn. He futhermore tried coup the to the north neighbouring town of Kalasirol which eventually failed. Nigxl has been exiled of Sironia and all ties to him have been cut. A large chunk of the former population of Rodheros did not support his actions and left the town of Rodheros afterwards and went to other parts of Sironia. Most most notable the Wind Seer of all Jeghosis (Second in command of the town) Karma. Altough the relations between the town or Rodheros and the rest of Sironia are very hostile as of right now, Nigxl said that he would reuturn and rejoin Sironia, if he would be accepted to do that after the war ended and when the relations between Galadonn and Sironia improved again. After the end of Viesten-Yimmu Audal war as per treaty of Azethvir Rodheros was returned to Sironia under Keshra Karma.

Ytharash
Ytharash (formerly known as Paladum or Myrmark) is a large town located in a swamp south of the savanna with a strong central castle and small port, it was annexed by the Kingdom of Sironia after its previous rulers died in a plague epidemic along with many of its citizens. Its population did fluctuate; however, it would enter a building boom under Skinny, who would proceed to integrate sironia into Volstronn, quickly starting a civil war between him and the Sironians. During the civil war, Skinny annexed Ytharash, now named Ytharshrek as a joke, into the Horde, before giving the town over to Galadonn, who to this day still holds the territory of Ytharash Eglisar illegally.

Maqberg
Maqberg is a port city located at the westernmost extreme of Sironia in the savannah. After falling into ruin, it was rebuilt after Sironia entered into Aldovir, with major restoration works on its castles and halls by the Cobbleworks Builders. Despite this, it remained inactive for almost two years, finally being repopulated in February 2023 after the appointment of the town's current Keshra, Luther.

Omverlon
Omverlon is a newly established town on the end of the Holy Peninsula, built on top of the ruins of the ancient settlement of Badgersnatch. Founded by Nanek, it is the home of refugees from the Sironian Civil War who lived in Pasouthak, and then returned after the nation restabilised. The town is host to the Omverlon Lighthouse, which guides travelers around the tip of the Holy Peninsula; the Omverlon Tabernacle, the only place of worship in the town; the Omverlon Markets, located in the town center; and Muck Island, an ancient isle that contains an aquarium, commerce district, and Turtle enclosure. The town had a short epidemic of the corruption plague brougth from eldham but it was quickly dealt with using gapples. It housed the Headquarters of the Sironian Nationalist Liberation Front until they were expelled by the town's government on the 25th of October 2021. During the cornflower war, an operation was conducted to bring a wolf named Benton and was met with success. Benton now resides in a house on the outskirts, between azethvir and omverlon. There are currently plans to merge Omverlon with Azethvir.

Kalasirol
Kalasirol is a town currently being rebuilt by Omverlonian settlers led by Sirmeowsalot. In the earliest days of the server, it was the capital of the lost nation of Pontus, which built extensive roads and foundations but never completed their city as they soon fell into ruin. It was declared later to become a Sironian city by Rithaur IV, to built by cobbleworks builders, but this project fell into ruin too. Today, this western district houses a temple and multiple half-finished Roman-style houses. Its underground includes the Kalasirol dungeons which have been deemed too dangerous to enter after a demon was found in them, so it is forbidden to go in. The eastern part of the city was once a Villager fishing settlement but has now been built up into a large Sironian-styled town.

Asalath
Once a great holy town built by pilgrims and visitors to the Sanctum of Prophet Asala and the Saixhreak Inn. Ruined by wars and emigration, only the looted sanctum and destroyed inn were left, left to decay until an expeditionary force could be sent to reclaim it. On February 3rd, 2022, Benalish of Omverlon was tasked with rebuilding it to glory once more, becoming a new Keshra of Sironia. He was initially very successful; the city grew and became renowned globally. However, a diplomatic incident between Sironia and Lunaris sparked the War of Lunari Agression, or Free Castle War, which left the city in ruins despite a pyrrhic Sironian victory. After long months more in ruins, the city was reclaimed once more by Dewayne Johanson, former Keshra of Ytharash. He was tasked with fortifying the town so it could serve as the foremost border defense against Galadonn. Soon, the city prospered once more, and it now has magnificent walls and forts to show for it.

Isherach
Originally named Inutai to commemorate the dead Anrem of Adashira, Intant, after Adashira joined the Imperial Federation it was granted to Carn, where the territory was originally from. It was kept within the Imperial Federation until the Neo-Carnian Rebellion, when it was granted to Neo-Carn. After the Treaty of Azethvir it was granted to Sironia and was held by the Archon of Theiónikos for a brief period of time before being given to current Keshra Phasmosis, who started a complete reconstruction of the small and basic town.