Tsiladen

The Sublime Duchy of Tsiladen is a nation renowned for its reputation for harbouring vice and sin, featuring many casinos, hotels, bars and pubs. It is located near the centre of the Empire of Ischanor and is ranked as an Archduchy, however it refers to itself as a Sublime Duchy. It is currently ruled by Agsutares of House vi Gredīses, his spouse Bachako "Iltura" and their two children, Teores and Luires. On a surface level, the nation is growing steadily in terms of population.
== Etymology ==
The name Tsiladen derives from the Proto-Tsiladeni word 'sjeledes', meaning citadel, or fortified place. This name makes sense historically as the island on which the capital city of Vallumae was founded is in fact a fortified location.
== Flag ==
Throughout the history of the people, many symbols were used by the constantly migrating Tsiladeni, but the one that stands out the most is the 'Xisirtae', the Divine Vessel. It is said that whenever the Tsiladeni migrated, they would do so using the mythical ship. The ship is featured in many folk stories and has grown into a symbol that represents every member of the Tsiladeni culture. 
The Xisirtae is placed in the centre of the flag on a light blue shield surrounded by foliage. The background of the flag is a white with a gold outline which symbolizes the purity of good trade. 
== Culture ==
Unlike many cultures of the Empire, Tsiladen has no connections with any of them. The Tsiladeni language and customs are unique and truly different. 
What other realms would deem sinful, Tsiladeni see gambling and games based on luck as holy and virtuous. This obsession started when they discovered their homeland by pure accident. The discovery is presented as Valles moving the Tsiladeni in the right direction. They recognize the game die as one of the tools from which their main god, Valles, communicates with them. Some historians claim that the Tsiladeni invented gambling which is heavily disputed. Additionally, card symbols are seen as religious icons and are heavily featured on the coat of arms of nobility and even in homes as symbols of good luck. 
=== Notable Tsiladeni Citizens ===
Culāres Ferāxen (Viller_2500) was a merchant and casino owner in Vallumae. He is considered one of the most influential and rich Tsiladenis. Many consider him a prophet of Valles due to his clever way of work and religious promotion of luck based games. Additionally, he is regularly invited to royal events by the vi Gredīses family due to their respect for his work. 
Tseilauses Suāzere (W_D_Shadow) was the First Father of the Arbitrary. He holds a special religious role in Tsiladen as he is one of the only people who is allowed by law to explain the game die. The Father has grown a reputation of being a conservative figure who is refusing to learn Ischanic or any other languages because "the dice told me not to". Similarly to Mr. Feraxen he is deeply respected by the Sublime Duke due to him being one of the elders of the Tsiladeni society. In addition, the Father spends plenty of time in the casino hosting several elaborate games. 
Prince Markeus Lena Sigrun (___Athos___) was the Prince of New Volkore, the sole vassal underneath the Sublime Duchy. By culture he isn't a Tsiladeni rather he is a Valkyrie. He has earned the respect of others for being the oldest man in the Empire and also being a skilled Admiral of the Tsiladeni Navy. 
== Geography ==
Tsiladen is situated in the centre of Ischanor, more-so on the western side, on the coast. The location is quite advantageous for trade as it lays in the centre of a large bay in Ischanor. It borders the Despotate of Celras to the east, the Cynedom of Lynarith to the south-west, the Archduchy of Marisvalor to the south-east and the Kingdom of Lorenis to the north.
==Government==
Tsiladen is a constitutional monarchy. The Sublime Duke has plenty of power, but he always works with the Council of All Arbitrary, a religious and legal authority of the realm. Councilors are chosen by the Sublime Duke, they are usually the most influential citizens of Tsiladen. 
==Diplomacy==
As a realm within the Empire of Ischanor, Tsiladen aims to maintain positive relations with all fellow realms. However, it has grown into a close bond with the Kingdom of Lynarith, Crown of Selroa, Archduchy of Bachengart and the Archduchy of Marisvalor
Additionally, the Sublime Duchy has several vassals: Duchy of New Volkore, Barony of Belstor, County of Colbrium and the Colony of Archiva
Tsiladeni diplomats are considered the strangest in Ischanor. Wherever they go they always bring card games and booze with them. They are usually very successful, but are considered inefficient. Several Ischanori jokes can attest to this. One of them says that the Emperor sent two Tsiladeni diplomats to a neighboring realm to solve an issue. Later when they returned to the Emperor's court they were obviously shitfaced. The Emperor asked them: "What happened?" to which they responded: "Our Emperor, we didn't solve the issue, but we secured a 2 year trade contract and we also won several games of poker and we are willing to share the prizes with you!" Since then the Emperor avoids sending Tsiladeni diplomats unless a trade deal needs signing. 
==History==
===Before Arrival===
Due to its the geographic position the island of Vallumae was always inhabited. Most of these civilizations would settle and then be destroyed by massive earthquakes, failing to leave any written record of the tragic event, dooming the civilization after, repeating the cycle until the arrival of the Rugundians. 
The Rugundians were quick to figure out that the land was unstable after they constructed several wooden forts. After that failed attempt they began constructing strong stone ones with proper support. This trend would be passed on to the migrating Tsiladeni Nomads. 
===Arrival of the Tsiladeni ===
Several sources claim that the Tsiladeni discovered the island by pure accident. They were probably migrating, in search for greener pastures. During this migration they probably experienced several storms forcing them to dock they ships on the rocky beaches of the island. When the storm settled they discovered that the island was perfect for them. They called it "a gift of the Master" from which the island and the capital city gain their name: Vallumae. 
===From Maritime Nomads to Merchant Settlers===
Eventually as time passed the Tsiladeni created a realm for themselves; The Sublime Duchy of Tsiladen. This gave to the rise of four noble families striving for the total ownership of the island:
- vi Gredīses
In this battle for dominance the vi Gredīses gained total control of the Island. The other noble families were destroyed by their ingenuity, strength and skill. Their position was secured after they won a religious game of poker against the house of Aolerīses. They were force to abandon all of their titles and swear to never come back. The current dynasty head is Agsutares vi Gredīses, the 7th Sublime Duke of Tsiladen. 
- Wenhīses
This dynasty technically still exists, but they have lost all of their titles due to the wars for total control of the island. Their symbol was the heart, it represented their love for everything earthly. In many works of literature lovers and characters who regularly change partners are called "Wenhies".
- Teorases
Their symbol were the clubs. This dynasty is truly dead, they lost their heads in several battles against the vi Gredīses. Many great warriors derived from this house, but many of them lacked the knowledge to rule.
- Aolerīses
Symbolized by the diamond, this house was quite wealthy and successful in trade. They lost their titles through gambling, the best way possible in the Tsiladeni culture. 
===Joining the Empire of Ischanor===
During the reign of Culāres vi Gredīses several strong earthquakes destroyed the capital of Vallumae. This attracted many bandits and raiders who saw opportunity in raiding the weakened isolated nation. Tsiladen was weakened and it needed to seek help and military aid. It found it in the Empire of Ischanor. The Emperor offered military aid in exchange for Culāres accepting him for his liege. The Battle for Tsiladen was one of many losses. Culāres lost his life defending what was left of the city and many people perished. The Battle was won by the Empire and Tsiladen after they killed the Bandit leader in the central square. 
===Early Abexilas Days===
The City of Vallumae was rebuilt to its former glory in a relatively short time. In the rebuilding process Tsiladen witnessed a small dip in revenue but with the opening of the Tsiladen Royal Casino and other services the economy recovered. The players Croangutan, Viller_2500 and ___Athos___ enriched themselves trough the popularity of Tsiladen and her towns. With that wealth they managed to improve their respective claims. Croangutan and Viller_2500 invested in Vallumae which led to the construction of the '4 Suits Plaza' headed by Croangutan. ___Athos___ used the money and several Imperial Funds to reconstruct the ancient fortification called "La Maw". 
=== Ousting of Emperor Kanasky II and the CoAA Elections ===
Ever since the founding of Ischanor, many inside of Tsiladen found the Emperor CanadianToss problematic. He was a horrible appeaser, egoistical and controlling. Inside of Tsiladen it was common knowledge that the Archduke Croangutan preferred Flux as a potential Emperor. The Emperor CanadianToss was losing popularity as the Imperial vote of confidence was approaching. Unfortunately for Ischanor and to the shock of its community, information came to surface that CanadianToss did something truly unspeakable. He quickly abdicated and preceded to ignore everyone after he concluded that he couldn't salvage his reputation. For the following weeks the community was disgusted and horrified as they feared the collapse of the Empire and potential death wars (e.g. Poppy Pact Plot) due to the outrageous acts of CanadianToss. A regency council was quickly formed which consisted of mostly Lynarith nobles and ministers. It didn't last for long trough because in an unanimous vote the player Ze_Flux (in character, Floki Bygederic) was chosen as the new Emperor of Ischanor.
After the unfortunate event, Tsiladen's population experienced a boom. Many new players began joining the country, specifically its capital city of Vallumae. For this the Archduke Croangutan (in character, Agsutares vi Gredīses) decided to slightly liberalize and allow people to vote for a Prime Minister (Teoraxes). There were two candidates, Viller_2500 (in character, Culāres Ferāxen) and Alvertex (in character, J. C. Sigrun). Around 20 players participated in the voting. Alvertex won by 11 votes, whilst Viller received 9. 
=== The Government of J. C. Sigrun ===
In the first weeks of his term J. C. Sigrun would forge a constitution for the Tsiladeni realm. Out of the 7 members of Parliament only one opposed the constitution. Surprisingly, Culāres Ferāxen approved of the constitution. Additionally, Sigrun would organize many meetings with the Crown of Selroa and the Archduchy of Bachengart to strengthen relations. This would result in the three realms agreeing to colonize several islands to house their growing population. The so called "Lauvrudines" would be shared between Bachengart, Selroa and Tsiladen. Unexpectedly, this was an insult to the Duchy of Beloslavia which wasn't invited to this meeting. Wanting a cut of the pie or possibly more control of the waters she proceeded to naval blockade the islands. This event would later be named The Selroan Islands Affair . After many moons the Imperial Court concluded that no side was truly right nor wrong. They demanded that Bachengart, Selroa and Tsiladen talk with Beloslavia if they wish to do anything in her territorial waters. 
In Tsiladen, almost all of the resources were allocated to the capital of Vallumae which tripled in size. The Sigruns of New Volkore, Belstor and La Valtin purchased land from Culāres Ferāxen. There they constructed a large mansion. Additionally, several houses were constructed in the centre of the island to house the growing population. In the following months casions, bars and comedy clubs were constructed. 
In total Alvertex was the Teoraxes for 45 real life days. He delivered on his promise of a constitution and Vallumae development, but his other policies were left in the dark. Due to this his vocal opponent, Culāres Ferāxen (now wearing mutton chops) criticized his political incompetency. 
Because of this, the Sublime Duke of Tsiladen, Agsutares vi Gredises called upon another election. Sporting the same candidates, Viller and Alvertex, the debates were held once again the Vallumae Library. 
J. C. Sigrun, growing old in the office wasn't able to retaliate against the ideas and insults of Culāres Ferāxen. After the debate he lost against Culāres Ferāxen in the election. Viller managed to get 10 votes whilst Alvertex only got 5. 
=== The Government of Culāres Ferāxen and Death of Croangutan ===
The first week of Culāres' administration saw opposition from J.C. Sigrun and his supporters. Culāres aimed to reform the government for more efficiency in addressing new issues. The goal was to construct a lower house, enabling average residents to have a role in administration and promote a more balanced government, which would have advanced Culāres' democratic agenda if not for opposition from J.C. Sigrun. J.C. Sigrun contended that the government will grow too large and ineffective, resulting in a bloated democracy. In the Senate, there was a heated debate on how many seats the lower chamber should have and who should be appointed. It wasn't until Archduke Croangutan intervened that a solution was reached: J.C. Sigrun and his supporters agreed to a Senate with three Alāxes (Senators) and a lower chamber with three Ilāxes (little senators). In exchange, the Archduke would step in to resolve conflicts in the event of a crisis. 
Culāres oversaw the formation of the Tsiladeni Brigade, a volunteer force that could defend not only Tsiladen but the entire Empire if necessary. Despite attaining his political and military goals, much of his work remained unfinished, and Tsiladen experienced poor economic and population growth. 
Tsiladen would experience tragedy when the Duke Agsutares vi Gredises was murdered in a hunting accident on September 25. Various dignitaries from all across Ischanor would pay their respects to the late Duke during a funeral procession. Teores IV vi Gredises would be crowned the following day and take over as the Sublime Duchy of Tsiladen's new ruler. The Realm would continue to deteriorate despite the declaration of a new Duke and aspirations for a better future, as suddenly government officials began to vanish under inexplicable circumstances. To make matters worse, Teroes would get sick and be bedridden, leaving just a small group to carry out the Realm's everyday operations. 
=== Abdication of Teores IV vi Gredises ===
Category:Work in progress
Category:Nations
Category:Abexilas
Category:Ischanor