The State of Avant

The State of Avant is a district in the Republic of Valore. It is a self-governing, autonomous district. It holds the Valoran capital of Albora, and the seaside town of Araviles. It is the easternmost state, and borders the province of Black Hollow in Yaszuma. Historically, the State was a relatively quiet area, with open, rolling plains and birch forests. However, in recent years, Albora's growth has all but eliminated the plains, replacing it with an industrialised city.

History
Long ago, Avant used to be a soverign nation, populated mostly by Blessed Humans from Black Hollow. It was home to a large farmland called the Leilani farmlands, which primarily grew potatoes, wheat, carrots, as well as live produce like cows and sheep. This all changed when the Qwe'tsn Empire began its expansion eastwards, in an attempt to annex the burgeoning nation of Umakwa, the modern-day capital of Yaszuma.

The nation was overun and was taken under the control of the Lumi'tsi Clan, which imposed strict taxes on the annexed territory. Clanmaster Vladimir Lumi'tsi ruled over them with an iron fist. However, things began to change when the Qwe'tsn army was defeated at the battle of the Crimson River by thousands of parrots. This significantly reduced morale in and out of the army.

It was only 30 years later when Umakwa retaliated, sweeping through Avant to reach Po'rev. They took control of the fields, and promptly burnt them, resulting in a massive famine throughout the state.

After Qwe'tsn fell, Avant was left leaderless and undefended, and over the next 300 years, remained a ghost town, slowly building its strength back up. It was after this period of depression that Windwalker migrants fled from the south of Eldham. Many windwalkers decided to stay in Avant, resulting in a new golden age for the nation, which had finally been reestablished.

The Leilani farmlands were slowly restored to their original glory, and Avant lived in peace for years after this. However, the wheel of time turned, and after a few hundred years, Avant collapsed again, due to a lack of leadership. Leilani Village, which was established as the capital, operated as an independent town, and continued to hold control over the Leilani farmlands. It was after this period, however, that Athaz discovered Eldham, and colonisers began flooding to the new world. Verdenland, which had settled further west of the farmlands, struck a deal with the Chieftain of Leilani to join Verdenland. However, not long after this, Verdenland was turned into Valore due to a democratic coup.

The new Valoran government was looking for somewhere to place their capital, and they finally decided on Leilani. Originally, the plan was to demolish the whole village and farmlands, but due to protests by natives, the Government instead decided to build Albora around Leilani, preserving the village and its heritage.

Demographics
The State of Avant is by far the most diversely populated state in Valore, with only 60.8% of the population being settlers. Another 1/6th of the populace is either Yaszumatti or Torumain in origin. The last 23.2% is mainly Windwalkers and Blessed Humans.