Arcael

Arcael, officially the United Empire of Arcael, commonly abbreviated as UEA, is a nation located in north western Kejafros, in Abexilas, next to the Talasian sea. It neighbours the Dreadvought Imperium, Aethos, the Serene Republic of Testificas, Polonizia and the Andlirian Empire. It is the direct successor state of the High Kingdom of Soolia following the end of Eldham.
== History ==
=== Foundation ===
After the world of Eldham came to an end, many Soolians managed to escape to Abexilas, bringing their traditions and culture alongside them. They settled on the northwestern tip of Kejafros. However, the trip to this new world loosened the bonds that held Soolia together, and the High Kingdom dissolved into the several kingdoms which would be later known as Sardoria, Arkadien, Wessia-Khasel, Arcaeus and Caramel. In the following years, the 5 kingdoms kept good relations, and established new ones with the other people on the peninsula, notably the survivors from the Kingdom of Sol, and the native Assoti from Vulren. As time passed, the 7 kingdoms realized it was in their best interest to reform into a more centralized entity : the United Empire of Arcael. Arcaeus was chosen as the capital due to its central location and the role it played in uniting the peninsula, and Karl I Fjell, the last High Queen of Soolia was chosen as empress.
=== Democratization ===
The first few years of the United Empire saw a rapid surge in development and industrialization, albeit more centered around the eastern part of the empire. At the time Arcael was ruled as an absolute monarchy, but Karl I wanted to step back from political life while acknowledging the inaction of her second in command : the Voice of the Emperor Styxz Fjell. Therefore, she created a new elected position within his government : the Chancellor, which would serve as third in command. While Thalleous Fjell and Erupto Indrev maintained the balance of power within the government, Seq's and Harz Lichtfell's successive terms would continue on the trend of democratizing the empire, for example opening the chancellor elections to the public.
=== Veliskya Incident ===
The United Empire held overlordship over the Grand Duchy of Veliskya almost since the creation of Abexilas. However, a court scandal involving the leaders of both countries broke out at a time when the Tandong Dynasty threatened to invade Veliskya, which Arcael would have defended. Relations between Veliskya and Arcael immediately broke down, leading to the end of Veliskya's vassalship. While conflict was averted, much to the relief of the anti-war partisans in the Royal High Council, many feared a similar situation could occur again. As a result, discontent grew within the High Government, and in 33VE, a plot to depose the empress began. The plot aimed to replace Karl I with Goober Godd-Fjell and was joined by most members of the government, who had grievances about the empress’s leadership.
However, Karl discovered the plot and confronted her government. When the vote to depose her clearly went against her favor, Karl put the capital under lockdown, threatening to start a civil war. After a period of reflection, the empress revealed that she had already been planning to retire. She announced that Goober would succeed her in 52VE, while Karl would retain Arcaeus as her own kingdom.
=== Assassination of Kvetts Sallka ===
In the election of 38 VE, Kvetts Sallka, a prominent Solaran nobleman and politician was assassinated during a campaign rally. Kvetts was assassinated by an unknown archer, armed with a crossbow of Wessian origin. Local authorities investigated the crossbow, finding an inscription linking it with the Wessian government and the rumored "Wessian Deep State" (a term used by conspiracy theorists and ironically by the Wessian government to refer to supposed Wessian meddling in Imperial affairs). After a period of mourning, it was decided that the Wessian Royal Guard and Sardrorian Ministry of the Interior would share responsibility for the investigation, eventually concluding that the unidentified archer was a crazed secessionist terrorist, though they were unable to identify them.
=== First Reign of Emperor Goober I ===
As planned, Karl I retired in 52 VE, with Goober Godd-Fjell succeeding her. The coronation took place in the Shyreland Soltrunite Church with the event being watched in person by around 10 people. However, Karl I's notable absence to the event was noticed, and many speculated that the former empress fell out a window. 
During his coronation speech, the now Emperor Goober I announced a rework of the Arcaeli government, mainly in the ministries and Diplomatic Corps, as well as a potential change in the province system.
He would eventually implement reforms in the ministry system, creating a three-tier ranking system in the Ministries, from Tier I (junior officials) to Tier II (senior officials) to Tier III (Minister and deputies). 
While not directly changing many laws on provinces and kingdoms, his reforms led to more centralization and a cutback on kingdom-specific institutions, centralizing most operations pertaining to culture, communication, defense, infrastructure, and industry around the Imperial Ministries while still allowing the provinces and their noble families a high amount of autonomy.
=== The Holiday Reign ===
On 60 VE, to mark the beginning of a seven-year period of festivities throughout the Empire, Empress Karl I was invited to retake the throne for this seven year period before returning to retirement. She accepted, and will re-abdicate in 67 VE.
== Politics ==
=== Emperor/Empress of Arcael ===
The Emperor/Empress of Arcael is the official head of state of the Empire. The Emperor/Empress is a permanent role and has absolute power over the nation, nominating government positions and having the final say in any matter. While the Emperor/Empress is the facto the absolute leader of Arcael, they cannot do completely as they want because of the growing High Council's influence over the recent years.
Emperors/Empress's of Arcael
Name 	Rule 	Notes
Karl I Fjell 	0 - 52 VE 	Karl I Fjell is Arcael's very first Empress and Arcael's longest-reigning monarch, ruling the nation from 0 VE to 52 VE. She used to be High Queen of Soolia in Eldham before Iristor's Comet forced him and his people to migrate to Abexilas. He successfully managed the transition to the new world, and began the construction of Arcael's grand capital, Arcaeus, completely designed by Goober Godd-Fjell. However, as the years went on some government members began to oppose her reign, she announced that she would retire in 52VE, with her successor being Goober Godd-Fjell.
Goober I Godd-Fjell	52 - 60 VE 	Goober I Godd-Fjell was the Palatine of Sardoria as well as the Voice of the Emperor before his ascension to the Arcaeli throne. He was chosen to be the successor to Karl I due to his diplomatic skills and commitment to the Empire.
Karl I Fjell 	Since 60 VE (Ends in 67 VE)	For the holiday season, Karl I temporarily retook the throne for a set period of seven years. Once these seven years are over (on the IRL date of December 26th, 2024), Her Majesty will re-abdicate the throne back to His Majesty Goober I.
=== Voice of the Emperor ===
Before the New Government Act, the VotE served as both the second-in-command in arcael, and its chief diplomat. The king with the most voting power used to be made Voice of the Emperor every 3 months. The NGA split the role, and now the VotE is only chief diplomat, appointed by imperial decree. They are an essential role to the country as they lead the Imperial Diplomatic Corps, and their skill is key to ensure Arcael's international prosperity. The role was replaced by the Imperial Diplomatic Corps when Goober I ascended to the Imperial Throne.
Voices of the Emperor
Name 	In-office 	Notes
Styxz Fjell 	0 - 15 VE 	Styxz Fjell is one of the Diarchs of Arkadien, and was the Voice of the Emperor at the beginning of Abexilas. He was already the Voice in Eldham, his term simply continuing in the new world. As he did most of his activity in Soolia, he only worked on a few treaties with some abexilan nations. Overall, both his intranational and international work after 0VE was greatly overshadowed by the emperor's.
Mars Fjell 	15 - 25VE 	Mars Fjell was at the time King of Sinsol. His contribution to the Arcaeli foreign policy exceeded that of his predecessor, as he signed many treaties. Furthermore, he was the one to initiate the New Government Act, although its purpose completely changed from a simple definition of the Government to modifying said government. Mars resigned in 15VE for various reasons, and Sinsol was renamed to Solara later on.
Goober Godd-Fjell	26 - 52 VE	Goober Godd-Fjell was the Palatine of Sardoria and the last Voice of the Emperor. He was the first Voice of the Emperor to only manage diplomacy. As a result, his work went more in depth than that of his predecessor. His reputation within the government and the quality of his work led him to be chosen as candidate for the throne when government members tried to overthrow Karl I Goober decided to remove the position of Voice of the Emperor when he ascended.
=== Hand of the Emperor ===
The HotE was created after the New Government Act. They are politically directly under the emperor and selected each month based on their voting power in the council. The role was split from the Voice of the Emperor and as such act is its complementary.
Hands of the Emperor
Name 	In-office 	Notes
Mars Fjell 	25 - 26 VE 	Mars Fjell was made the first Hand of the Emperor when the New Government Act passed under his term as Voice of the Emperor. His mandate did not last long since he retired from politics the next year.
Thalleous Fjell 	26 - 30 VE 	Thalleous Fjell (later Thalleous Cindaris) took over the position of Hand of the Emperor and king of Sinsol following Mars' retirement. His term did not last very long as Wessia-Khasel won the 30VE census.
Cassian Lichtfell	Since 30 VE	Cassian Lichtfell is one of the diarchs of Wessia-Khasel. He used to be chancellor but was appointed Hand of the Emperor when the census showed a clear Wessian victory and Waggly Naktinmol did not want to be the new HotE. Cassian continued the democratization reforms he was pushing back when he was Chancellor. He was also one of the figureheads of the movement aiming to depose Karl I but advocated for leniency towards the emperor.
=== Chancellor ===
The Chancellor is the third-in-command in Arcael, and manage the Imperial Council. Before the New Government Act, only high councillor could present themselves, and they would be elected by the magistrates and the high council. The NGA opened the electorate and potential candidacy to every citizen in Arcael except the kings, who can vote but not present themselves.
Chancellors
Name 	In-office 	Notes
Thalleous Fjell 	16 - 16 VE 	Thalleous Fjell was elected Arcael's first chancellor in the very end of 15VE. However, his term did not last long as he fell out a window only a few days after his elections.
Erupto Indrev 	16 - 23 VE 	Erupto Indrev was appointed Chancellor after his opponent's accident. His term was rather uneventful, and he only managed to do some minor work and write the first draft on the New Government Act before his term was cut from 3 months to 1.
Cassian Lichtfell	23 - 30 VE 	Cassian Lichtfell undertook some serious reforms within the government and was the one to complete the New Government Act. He was almost immediately promoted Diarch of Wessia after the end of his term.
Harz Lichtfell 	32 VE - 54 VE	Harz Lichtfell is the second Chancellor of the Lichtfell clan in a row. His term was cut short as the elections for chancellor were behind schedule. He established Arcael's first national holiday : the Day of the Fallen Lights to promote common Arcaeli culture throughout the empire.
Being an extremely popular figure, he never lost an election he ran in, only being replaced by Varkarij Sallka after he stepped down from politics after his reign.
Varkarij Sallka 	Since 54 VE 	In the 54 VE elections, Varkarij Sallka, son of the late Kvetts Sallka, was the only candidate, winning the election without an official vote.
=== Kings and Queens ===
The Kings and Queens semi-autonomously rule their own kingdoms within the empire. They rule until they retire and are appointed by the emperor. Furthermore, they are the ones who vote on laws, with their voting power being determined based on their kingdom’s population and development.
=== High-Councilors ===
The High Councilors form the higher chamber of the government. They are here to advise the kings and the chancellor on voting matters. They do not have voting power, and any vote they cast in the king’s chamber is purely indicative. They are promoted from the rank of magistrate by the monarchy if they are deemed to bring special value to the empire.
=== Ministry Council ===
The New Government Act introduced the Ministry Council. The ministry is a council led by the chancellor that oversees resource production and assignment. Ministers are high councilors and magistrates of each kingdom that are assigned to different roles by their respective kings. Ministers will be elected / chosen magistrates. The chancellor selects one minister to be vice chancellor who will succeed them under abnormal circumstances. The current Imperial Ministries are the Ministries of Infrastructure, Defense, Industry, Communication and Culture.
=== Magistrates ===
The magistrates form the lower chamber of the Arcaeli government. They are town owners or skilled individuals within the empire appointed by the monarchy. The magistrates act as the bridge between the common citizens and the government. As such, they may propose laws for the High Council to vote on. The magistrates are also responsible for developing the empire’s towns and creating resources. 
== Kingdoms ==
Arcael leaves a certain degree of autonomy to its constituent kingdoms. They can have their own laws and government, but use a shared currency and military. Furthermore, they have to follow any decree issued by the Imperial Government.
Kingdom 	Flag	Capital 	Description
Arcaeus (Imperial Capital)	 	Arcaeus 	Arceus is located right at the doorstep of the Argoldirkic glaciers. It is directly administered and represented by the Chancellor. It is the most populous city and where most government meetings take place. The city's architectural style is old Soolian, as most buildings are based on ones from Rolk - the capital of Soolia - hence why it is said that the city "Feels Like Home". The vast majority of its population speaks Soolian, but Soltic and languages of natives from around the Empire (especially Vulren) can also be heard regularly.
Arkadien 	 	Tierra 	The Kingdom of Arkadien is located in the southwestern lands of Arcael, on the border with Aethos. The kingdom is the least developed Arcaeli kingdom, with much of its lands being quite rural. The diarchy is led by Moa Fjell and Styxz Fjell.
Caramel (former) 	 	Caramel 	The Imperial City-State of Caramel, located in the very center of Arcael, was the empire's largest kingdom by land area. Caramel ceased to exist as its own kingdom when it united with Solara in 35VE. Most of the kingdom is mountaineous, with the exception of a central valley where the former kingdom capital sits. Due to the high-reaching peaks and the cold temperatures making it extremely hard to settle in most of the area, Caramel is not very developed, and it is one of the reasons as to why it joined Solara.
Sardoria 	 	Shyreland 	The Sardorian Dominion is located in the southeastern part of Arcael. The kingdom is led by the Palatine, followed by their Tàbornok, then the lords chamber and the Konzulatus, which serve as councillors. Sardoria serves as the main industrial hub of Arcael. Due to the numerous and extensive factories in its capital Shyreland, Sardoria is able to provide manufactured goods such as XP and enchanted gear to the whole kingdom and sell it abroad. Most buildings in Kingdom are neo baroque, gothic revival or art nouveau. While the native local language is the Sardorian, most of its urban population speaks primarily Soolian, due to its high concentration in exiles and proximity to the imperial capital.
Solara 	 	Saleja 	Solara (formerly known as Sinsol) is the successor to the Kingdom of Sol. It is located in the eastern and northeastern parts or Arcael and is ruled by King Thalleous, followed by his Hand of the King Reb and Voice of the King Wheat. The kingdom has an economy based on manufacturing and maritime trade, since agriculture is not as widespread compared to other kingdoms due to the mountainous terrain, podzol and large urban areas. The architectural styles of the kingdom are victorian, gothic and industrial. The vast majority of the population speaks Šprukan as their 1st language and Soolian as a 2nd language. The native language of Šprukan is spoken widely. being one of the few that have survived. Solara has a strong goverment and not many freedoms are given to its citizens. The main landmark of the kingdom is the Vholzhkana Market Hall, a huge neogothic structure nearby the capital - Saleja.
Vulren 	 	ScoliparyPanar	The Sanctum of Vulren, colloquially known as the Kingdom of Vulren, is a coastal domain located on the northwestern tip of Arcael. Hence, it is also on the northwestern tip of Kejafros. The tribal territory is currently led by Matron Skarn Melithera and her Royal Court. The majority of the population is composed of Assoti, a species of large arthropods who originated from Rathnir. The presence of such beings has made them a unique and fascinating enclave within the empire. Maritime trade is frequented in the capitol, Mount Panar, with its bay serving as a popular fishing spot for many in the region. However, assoti are incapable of processing meat, so they typically fish for profit rather than food. Most residents speak in Traveler's Tongue as their first language and Soolian as their second. Furthermore, the nation is distinguished by its architecture, as mud brick homes line its streets and moss hangs above arches.
Wessia-Khasel 	 	Caelia 	Wessia-Khasel, located in northwestern Arcael, is the empire's most successful kingdom. It is a diarchy led by Aglyyr Naktinmol-Fjell and Cassian Lichtfell. The kingdom's economy is very varied, and is split between 3 major cultural groups : the Midjörvics near Wesselstadt, represented by Aglyyr, the natives, led by the Lichtfell family in the south near Caelia, and the more recent Bergskaalites in the north, who enjoy their very own autonomous duchy.
== Economy ==
Arcael's economy is relatively diverse empire-wide, but very heterogenous inside its borders. Development is mostly located on the eastern half of the country, as well as on its northwestern tip. Each kingdom has its own specialization when it comes to industry, since their borders were drawn on biome lines. While for example, the imperial capital's economy mostly consists of services like trading, Sardoria's industry is mostly made up of the secondary sectors. Indeed, Shyreland holds most of the empire's manufactories, mostly experience, brewing and war equipment making ones, as well as holding a significant construction industry, and a modest agricultural one. Continuing on the eastern coast, Solara holds the empire's biggest market, benefitting from the nearby Vojekemi River, where a lot of trade going to the center parts of Kejafros flows. Furthermore, Solara holds an important logging industry, trading in Drakken's Shore, and breweries in Saleja. The second most developed area in Arcael is around its northwestern cape. Although there is a slight focus on fishing in northern Arcael, Mount Panar, Cliffston and Wessestadt's economies are not as specialized as in the rest of the country due to the variety of the intercontinental trade going through there, making these parts of the kingdom more sel-sufficient. Finally, Arkadien and Caramel's economy are composed almost exclusively of the primary sectors, with Arkadien being the empire's breadbasket, and mining being the most common activity in Caramel due to the Argoldirkic Range's ore abundance.
== Geography ==
Arcael is as a whole quite homogenous in its geography and climate. Even at the foot of the mountains, the temperatures are relatively low, and precipitations abundant.
File:Arcael kingdoms map.png||Administrative map of Arcael
File:Biomemapjuly22towns.jpg|Geographic map of Arcael with town names
=== Argoldirkic Range ===
The Argoldirkic range (literally "Great Mountains" Range) is the most prominent geographic feature of Arcael, ans sits in the middle of its peninsula. It is a part of the Northwestern Kejafros range. Its highest peak has an elevation of 242m, making it so most of is covered in snow and glaciers. The range's high elevation, and the high percentage of Arcael total land area occupied by it make agriculture and development in these area difficult, explaining Arcael's surprisingly low population density.
=== Caramel Valley ===
Caramel Valley is a part of the Argoldirkic range, it is low enough to have its own subclimate and allows building, but its difficulty of access has used to make it difficult for people living there to supply themselves before tunnels were drilled.
=== Winged River ===
The Winged River, known in arcaeli as the Vojekemi River, is the river serving as Arcael's eastern border with the Dreadvought Imperium. The river is vital for the eastern parts of Arcael due to the volume of trade passing there. The river is very large and relatively deep, making it is easy to travel on by boat. Furthermore, the river is almost directmy connected to the interior of Kejafros and its vast river network going through many important cities in powerful nations like Ischanor or Khanen; a boat going there would only need to change in Aerikas, located in Aethos.
=== Talasian Sea ===
Arcael is almost entirely surrounded by the Talasian Sea, which allows it to be easily connected to other continents. The sea is of great importance to both the natives and the Soolian colonists, who each have very cultural ties with it.
=== Coasts ===
Cliffs cover most of the northern shores of Arcael. They go as high as 50 meters above sea level and overhang up to 15 blocks out. They stretch from Hearthskaap to Cnawan.
Beaches in Arcael are mostly rocky or grassy and have steep elevation right next to the shore. There used to be 2 sandy beaches, one at the north easternmost, and one at the northwesternmost points of Arcael, but the second one in Drakken's Shore has been built over, leaving only the one in northern Vulren.
=== Flora ===
Forests cover the northern two thirds of the peninsula. The middle is mostly Taigas, and the other forests are low deciduous forests and are made up of small birch and oak trees. Arcael is home to a few local plant species, like the Hejesz Grain in the Sardorian plains.
== Culture ==
While Arcael is by nature a multicultural empire, the different regional cultures are all completed by a a common Arcaeli culture. The Arcaeli culture is a mix of both the traditional eldhamite Soolian culture, but has over the years incorporated a lot of native elements.
=== Language ===
Every imperial decree must be retranscripted in every kingdom's official language : Soolian, Arkadian, Sardorian, Solaran, Assoti and Midjorvic. However, the common language used throughout the empire is Soolian, with native speakers being mostly upper and middle urban classes. Of course, the Traveler's Tongue is also sometimes used to communicate, but it is not a recognized official language within Arcael. 
=== Religion ===
The religion in Arcael is fairly homogenous compared to other elements, with most of the population being of the Soltrunite faith, although many natives follow their own religion or a mix of both. The Soltrunites believe the different worlds of Stoneworks were created by a single creator, who then left one god per world as administrators. However, two malevolent gods destroyed the worlds of Paxia, Jagdas, Rathnir and Eldham. In Soltrunism, each kingdom except Vulren has its own patron god, who together allegedly created the Soolians. 
=== Day of the Fallen Lights ===
It is believed that when the creator god's death initiated the destruction of Rathnir and Eldham, the Soltrunite pantheon warned their followers of the impending destruction, allowing them time to escape. Many years later, the Soolians settled on the remains of their creator's corpse in Abexilas. Wessia, founded above the creator's soul, remembers the creator's death with their "Day of Fallen Lights," celebrating the brilliant white soul crystals underneath Caelia. Harz Litchfell, a native of Abexilas, worked tirelessly during his chancellorship term to turn the day into a national celebration. The other kingdoms are founded on other parts of the creator god's corpse : Arcaeus on its heart, Sardoria on its head, Solara on its arms, and Arkadien on its legs. It is commonly accepted in the Arcaeli population that Vulren used to be an island before Iristor's Comet killed the creator god.