Lunari Empire

The Lunari Empire (or just Lunaris) is an island monarchy mostly located in Plagos. The nation's capital Nox Aeterna is located in the far eastern portion of the Sea of Etscharien. The official religion of Lunaris is the Aisitir faith, but it is not enforced amongst citizens. Moon Elves are Lunaris' main race.

The first Lunarian kingdoms
Lunaris has a very long oral tradition and there are many stories about it's history before it's arrival to Rathnir, but little to no concrete documentation and evidence regarding that period can be found. These stories are often tightly intertwined with religious beliefs the populace held at the time, more specifically, the now defunct Moonsinger Pantheon. Still, they provide us some general themes and a narrative that can be extracted from them.

Lunarians migrated to Rathnir from their homeland, the location of which is unknown. The reason for this migration is told to be a massive civil war caused by drought-induced famine, which Lunarians blamed on a sun god called Sureal. The Moonsinger Pantheon thus venerated a hero named Munas who defended his people, became their leader and then ascended to godhood in the form of the Moon which led the Lunarians to safer places. Munas may have existed, but the story surrounding his holiness is now considered fictitious and even heresy by the Lunarian branch of the Asitir faith.

Lunaris was for some years a naval kingdom, with the throne being situated in a crown ship. The entire population lived and worked in boats. They lived of of trade with nations they happened to pass by and constantly anchored themselves to cities that were willing to host them.

Somewhere on the way towards Rathnir, the Kingdom was beset with difficulties. Internal struggle, brought by religious dissidence and the decline of the Moonsinger Pantheon presence in society, brought something similar to a revolt. The revolt devastated the fleet and, in turn, the population and even the Crown Ship was sunk, killing the then King of Lunaris. In the end, the Loyalist, Munas-faithful forces won out and a young noble named Hans Luon was crowned king for his contribution and leadership during the battle, thus marking the beginning of the rule of House Luon over Lunaris.

Reign of Hans Luon
The city of Lunaris (now known as Nox Aeterna) was founded by Hans Luon/Moon Eater in Fall of 74 TE (July 21st 2021), with help from Volturus, after a successful take over of the island that would become its capital from its original owners, a long forgotten country called Voodin. The island's population grew quickly, but the country itself did not. There were two attempts to expand by war: one against Myrtana and one against Solitudinem. Both plans quickly fell through when Lunaris got involved in the "War of Broken Promises" on Volturus' side and Lunaris suffered heavy equipment losses. It wouldn't be until the Summer of 80 TE (13th of August) when Lunaris had a promising land war, the Skittles Alliance against The Empire of Plagatéa. Plagatéa instead split apart on its own, and the islands of Eden that were promised to Lunaris before the split, instead decided to join Skjoldrbrodir.

In the meantime, the nation longed for an elected government to be instituted to work alongside The King in managing the country. The First Government of Lunaris was elected in Winter of 81 TE (August 15th) under Prime Minister FrxddyBarnes, Mini was elected as Minister of Economy, 32David was elected as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Rob13 was elected as Minister of Internal Affairs.

The land that Lunaris did acquire was mostly bought or gotten by way of vassalage. Lunaris itself was a vassal twice under Astoria and The Magisterium. A notable vassal of Lunaris was the Diarchy of Ekhaiz and one of its leaders Spriet Reapierre who went on to become the Chief Diplomat of Lunaris. Spriet soon enough helped create the Plagosi Confederation (or Confederation of Plagos). The other leader of Ekhaiz, Toad Tigarnnes, disapproved of Ekhaiz joining Lunaris and declared independence, but was convinced to accept it anyway by the Confederation. One of the first moves of the Confederation was to intervene in the OPTC's war against Czervoslavia. Unfortunately for the Confederation, the war was lost. After some controversies in which Spriet himself was involved, the COP slowly faded out of relevancy. Lunaris became a protectorate of The Second Empire of Plagatéa and, in turn, a member of The Sapphire Commonwealth.

Reign of Artaire Luon
On November 15th, Hans Luon stepped down as King in favour of Artaire Hans Luon. To Artaire, one thing was apparent, the Kingdom was in it's dark age. The population was not rising, the economy had been reduced to selling food and what could be found in the treasury and the government was inactive. Changes were dearly needed. And so under his rule a massive recruitment drive was made and many skilled citizens joined the ranks. After a long wait, the Second Government of Lunaris was elected on November 26th. Bunion Sil Wex was elected as Prime Minister, Alpharius Omegoğlu was elected as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ardamovic was elected as Minister of Internal Affairs, Deathors was elected as Minister of Economy. The New Voodin colony was formed in Eldham with the help of a former citizen of Voodin, Krifal. Lunaris also saw an economic reawakening, notably, a lot of riches were brought to The Crown by an up-and-coming citizen named Amy who would come to replace the acting Minister of Economy.

Many skilled diplomats and negotiators also joined Lunaris so, even if Artaire himself was not a very diplomatically oriented persona, many favourable deals were made with foreign nations and many opportunities were seized. On December 26th, after leaving Plagatéa, Lunaris negotiated to become an equal member of the Sapphire Commonwealth.

Many nations at this time swore fealty towards the Crown: At one point both the Maritime Kingdom of Zamože and Synderia were Lunarian territories but were in time granted independence and formed Kažan; Axelm whose independence was later bought by The Three Kingdoms ; Amy, aided by the ghost of Hans Luon, convinced the Republic of Malrya to become a vassal of Lunaris; the Free Republic of Mhír was founded as a vassal of Lunaris; the J Horde was also a vassal of Lunaris; squatters in Dubris were accepted as citizens of Lunaris.

During the reign of Artaire, Lunaris did not participate in many conflicts. Lunaris participated in The Massacre of Auralich war on the side of Auralich. Lunaris also began it's involvement in former Myrtana after it was abandoned by Iremith, with the spirit of Hans Luon citing a claim Lunaris got from the Old King of Myrtana, Rhobar I. While Lunaris claimed the area around the town that went on to be known as Munetoria, Thalassii claimed most of the island and gave it to the Gaian Tribe. The Gaians later abandoned their claim and the lands they left were claimed by Rhobar III of Myrtana.

On December 2nd, Artaire Hans Luon finally held his coronation in The Sanctum Speculum Grand Temple. After the coronation ended he adopted EmpressOfChaos as his daughter, Princess Amaranthine Luon. With Ardamovic and Amy now both in the government, the Kingdom's golden age would begin and as Artaire grew more inactive they would take up more and more of the mantel of governance.

The Third Government of Lunaris was elected on December 27th. Ardamovic became the Prime Minister. Jeyprox became the Minister of Internal Affairs. TinTin became the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Hell became the Minister of War. Brit became the Minister of Culture.

On December 28th, Lunaris held a poll to rename it's capital, Nox Aeterna won the poll by a landslide, but King Artaire disliked the name change and rejected it, reminding the citizens that the poll was meant to gather opinions and that Lunaris was not a democracy. This, combined with Artaire's inactivity broke the camel's back and on December 29th, King Artaire Hans Luon abdicated his position as King after a peaceful coup. His daughter, Amy, inherited the throne. Amy stepped down from her position as Minister of Economy.

On December 31st, elections for Minister of Economy were held and Alphan Von Steiningrad became the new Minister of Economy.

Reign of Amaranthine Luon
On the 3rd of January, the Kingdom of Lunaris (former) was renamed to the Lunari Empire and Amy was crowned Empress following a large ceremony in the Sanctum Speculum which was attended by many citizens and representatives of other nations. Ardamovic was appointed as Voice of the Empress. On the very same day, the Lunari Empire was called into three wars, the Eldham Entente against the Sapphire Commonwealth, Alamayn's war for independence from the Kingdom of Mithra and the Sapphire Commonwealth, as well as Rohel's war against Kartek. The Sapphire Commonwealth surrendered to the Eldham Entente, thereby beginning the collapse of Plagatéa. Alamayn won it's independence, with Lunari citizens fighting on their side despite being part of the Sapphire Commonwealth and Rohel completely lost the war against Kartek despite Lunaris' attempts to aid them.

On the 8th of January, Lunaris officially withdrew from the Viodoxan Civil War.

On the 12th of January, Lunaris joined Uraka's conquest of the North on Uraka's side against the Great Coalition, though the war never happened.

On the 16th of January, Ardamovic was appointed heir to the throne of Lunaris.

On the 17th of January, Lunaris and Myrtana avoided a World War by coming to an agreement that allowed Myrtana to continue squatting on Lunaris' land.

On the 19th of January most of the ministers were removed from their positions for incompetence and early re-elections were held. Dalton was elected as Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister of Economy. Draton Schattengeboren was elected as Minister of Defense. TinTin Atreides was elected as Minister of Culture. The Ghost of Moon was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Ivan was appointed as Minister of Justice.

On the 23rd of January, Nox Aeterna, the capital of the Lunari Empire, become officially the richest city on Rathnir.

On the 24th of January, Konkotsu became a state under the Lunari Empire. This caused friction between Helsia who had aimed to conquer the land and brought Uraka into the dispute.

On the 30th of January, Solandia rebelled against Lunaris and was subsequently put down.

On the 6th of February, the Pact of Based People was signed between Lunari Empire and Kartek. As Lunari, unsatisfied with the ally of Rohel, found Kartek to be amiable and relationships between the state improved. As such an military alliance and Non-Aggression Pact was signed.

On the 8th of February, George the Axolotl perished from a trident accident. Out of shame of the accident, Amy drowned herself and later reborn to continue her reign.

On the 9th of February, the funeral of George the Axolotl was held. The nation gathered to mourn for the loss of their beloved friend.

On the 19th of February, the Lunari Empire declared war on Skjoldbrodir to banish them from the world of Rathnir.

On the 26 of February, the Lunari Empire and Skjoldbrodir  signed the Treaty of Eden. In this agreement the territories of Eden were ceded into Lunari.

On the 1st of August Empress Amy stepped down as Empress and gave the title to Ayssla Luon.

Under the Kingdom
Although no constitution was ever completed, under the rule of the Kings, the Lunarian public held a lot of sway on the decisions of the government. The King still exercised the right to enact important national decisions on his own, without the approval of the populace.

Every citizen had the right to vote and a vote was held for the election for every public role, such as the ministers, the diplomats and the military generals. The only position independent of vote was that of the king, which was hereditary.

Other than active rights, the citizens of the kingdom had also passive rights: the right to live and the right to propriety. Thus, killing and stealing was forbidden on Lunaris territory, except if specifically requested by the king. The only written reports of obligations were the taxes established by King Hans. They were a 2.5% of all citizen income and 10 weekly coins for block of land claimed. Both taxes could be evaded if the king wished. These taxes would be later removed under King Artaire.

Under the Empire
In conjunction with the rise of the Empire, Empress Amaranthine reinforced the absolute rule of The Crown, in her words: "Whatever I say is the law". The populace still has sway over national decisions and rights to vote, as she said: “this is an Absolute Monarchy, but is always good to hear what the people have to say”.

Government
The Lunari Empire is an absolute monarchy, in which all political power is at the hands of the Empress and Her voice is law. The monarchy has the authority to appoint the Voice of the Empress as the second in command, and leaders in governmental positions. Despite this: a limited form of democracy for civil positions known as ministers are present. The term length for a minister is one month in real time.

List of Ministers of Lunaris
Ministers, or the Empress, can appoint Deputies in their ministry to perform various duties in the administration.

Military
The Empress is the supreme commander of the Lunari Armed Forces, alongside the elected Minister of War. The Lunari Army is known to hone professional soldiers in its legions, and have a military training program with Alfheim. It is a volunteer based force, in which its soldiers face numerous wars across overseas in both Rathnir and Eldham. Its equipment is funded by the state to provide standardized gear to the army.

Economy
The Lunari Empire is renowned for its arms industry and serves as its main export. The forge capital of Nox Aeterna mass produces suits of armor and swords for markets across the world with a fine moonstone-like polish. The Empire runs a state-owned company called Amy’s Emporium, where military tools and equipment are sold across the world of Rathnir and Eldham. The Lunari Empire’s main imports are raw materials such as rare minerals and alchemist supplies. The fishing industry is the second yet primary source of income and food as many settlements are linked to the sea.

Culture
Lunarian Culture is known for its characterization of unity between its diverse groups of people, a reverence to the moon on its light.

Cuisine
Lunari cuisine offers a variety in each island region that uses its local ingredients. The main staples across the empire are seafood, wheat, and rice. The national dish of lunari is sushi, with the unique lunari salmon roll as its famed type. The national alcoholic drink is Lunar Prisma: a powerful sparkling strength drink that is excludly created in the nation.

Architecture
The Lunari Empire is known to have distant architectural styles built on each island’s environment and culture. The prime style is known as Nox-Aeternan, named after the capital city, where half-timber buildings were constructed when the local forestry was plentiful. The grand hallmarks of the stoned style are Sanctum Speculum Grand Temple, which takes influence from Lirgalyn Temple, and Leuchtburg Castle. Sandonia style, unique to the island of Sandonia, constructs whole sandbox adobes to keep the homes cool during the day and warm at night. Tsukikage Style, located on Neko Island, is known for its elevated slightly from the ground and tiled roof types. Tsukikage Castle is famous for this style and is a fortified ground with gardens that surround it.

Under the Kingdom
The primary faith of Lunaris during the kingdom era was the Moonsinger Pantheon. Derived from the legend of Munas Moonsinger, legendary moon elf capable of defeating an avatar of the sun, to rule over the moon elves and to become the moon after his death, it worshiped Munas and his divine sons.

The church had also a paragon system, under which everyone could become a paragon of a god with the right actions. The four gods of the Moonsinger Pantheon, offspring of Munas, were The Dame, patron deity of parenthood and fertility, Celmandor, patron deity of smiths and masons, Ioriel, patron deity of honor and sacrifice, Varival, patron god of war. To note only women where allowed in the church of The Dame One could become a paragon of The Dame by living a life of kindness and devotion, a paragon of Celmandor by building something worth calling a wonder, a paragon of Loriel by obeying for life to a strict code of rules and a paragon of Varival by proving an unnatural skill in battle.

With the transition to the empire, the Moonsinger Pantheon was completely abandoned and the religion died out, removing even the four stars from the national flag, representing the four children gods of the pantheon.

Under the Empire
Even as a normal citizen, Amy was fascinated by a religion called Asitir, which she made the official faith after the creation of the Empire. Right after her coronation, the Moonsinger pantheon was abandoned, with even The Temple, originally dedicated to Munas, being converted to a church dedicated to Asi.

The Asitir faith is a religion from Southern Syltör, having originated from the Early Seraan Confederations as a formalization of the generalized belief system shared between the many tribes that composed the Seraan civilization. Its central and holy city is currently located in the Lunar City-State of Lirgal.

The Asitir faith beliefs in the goddess Asi as the goddess of the moon and the one that created life.

For the Asitir church, in the beginning there was the nothing that was everything, an entity called The One. For an unknown reason, the One divided, creating differences and motion in the world, and thus time started.

The first rational being to emerge from this rupture was Asi, goddess of truth, of travelers and of the moon. Asi used her intellect to re-organize the chaos of rupture into a universe where life could flourish. Under her rule, the first creations lived in harmony, as the truth was shown to everyone and each individual understood the other.

After the genesis, Asi retired into slumber. During her absence, the truth was obscured from the world, and so the children of Asi started to fight one another, creating a world of lies.

The origin of the church is supposedly connected to a re-awakening of Asi, with the goal to expand her church to make everyone a follower of hers, healing the world from lies by bringing the truth.

The followers of Asi are called to discover truths, by researching and studying, and to understand one another. For this, the Asitir religion is primarily pacifist, with an emphasis on not committing harm in the name of Asi.

Important in Asitir theology is also the concept of pain, as Asi is portrayed as a suffering goddess with burdens proportional to that of her children, and the concept of duality, as Asi is shown as a dual goddess to better represent the nature of truth, as both a goddess of order and chaos.

Regarding the afterlife, Asitir proclaims after death the soul is divided in three parts: one that returns to the One, one that reincarnates and one that retains the personality, becoming a spirit to guide the future generations, uniting with the other spirits of the past to create an ancestral united mind.

Asitir is highly polytheistic, with various deities being able to reign over the same concepts, and has some elements of animism, as many Asitir believe every living and natural thing is inhabited by some form of spiritual being and the like. During the times of the Kingdom of Olarã it was treated in a henotheistic fashion, with each Seraan city having a patron deity they venerated alongside Asi, the main goddess. Some strands of Asitir propose a form of monotheism, with other deities being considered extensions of Asi's will.