Vhagaria

Vhagaria, officially the Empire of Vhagaria (Draejar b'Vhagar in Vhagarian) is a nation chiefly located on the continent of Tiberia, with land also owned on the continents of Kejafros and Iristoya. The capital is the city of Drakaria, where the nation was first founded upon the "Great Pillars of the Vhagarian Emperors." 
== History ==
=== Early history ===
The great nation of Daelyria-Synderia within the land of Rathnir was prosperous and vast, ruled by the three leaders: Noblue, Yunus & Pancake. However with Iristor and his comet approaching, the nation began to panic at the prospect of their imminent demise. All seemed lost, until a wise member of the royal court offered a solution; by using an old temple of their gods they could create a rift to a new land, where Daelyrians and their Synderian brothers alike could prosper. However, this would come at a price; as those who entered the rift were cursed with amnesia and lost all memories of their previous lives in Rathnir. 
Far away in the land of Eldham a similar situation began to stir in the Imperial Archonate of Sylvania, ruled at the time by the Imperial Archon Decorus Redfoo and Imperial Archon Sanctus Andromache Xi Nosterii. As the comet of Iristor approached and the Sylvanian's grew frightened by the prospect of the destruction of the world, the Sylvanian Gods Nox and Lux Sori sent down an elaborate construct, known as the Iris Conduit, to the city of Noxwind which would transport their followers to the new world of Abexilas. Initially, the Sylvanian's arrived on the continent of Iristoya and wandered the local area lost and frightened for several months. Similar to the Daelyrians and Synderians, the Sylvanian’s had also lost their memories due to the divine intervention of their Gods. It is widely believed that the Goddess Lux Sori travelled to Abexilas to lead the Sylvanians to the continent of Tiberia with the Sylvanian Imperial Archon Andromache Xi, where she would form a pact with the Gods who had saved the Daelyrians and Synderians to ensure a mutual future for their people. 
They elected to join together as one people owing to their shared loss of their memories, forming the foundation of what would soon become the Empire of Vhagaria. 
=== Immigration to Abexilas ===
Following the impact of Iristors comet, the journey to the world of Abexilas and the subsequent revival of their memories, the remnants of the old governments came together atop a mountain on the continent of Tiberia, having been called to the summit by their Gods. This site would become of great importance to the soon to be Empire of Vhagaria; with the capital of Drakaria being built at the foot of this sacred place. Emboldened by the might of their Gods and the whispers and legends of past glories long forgotten but stirring within their subconscious’s, the first four great Emperors of Vhagaria would descend from the mountain with a plan for the future of the nation and the lives of their people. 
It is said that the Gods of Vhagaria blessed the Emperors, but also tasked them and their descendants to rule over the land of Vhagaria on their behalf as their earthly representatives. As such, Vhagarians believe that their leaders are chosen by the Gods and rule by divine right. Similarly; it is also believed that the people of Vhagaria are the only people chosen by their Gods to inhabit and reap the riches of the land for themselves - as it is their divine right to do so. 
The founding of the Empire was predicated upon the “Prophecy of the Four Pillars” which was given by the Oracle of Vhagaria shortly before the Emperors emerged from the mountain to found the city of Drakaria.
=== Arrival to Abexilas ===
When the Daelyrians, Sylvanians and Synderians arrived in the world of Abexilas, they were stricken by a loss of their memories in an event which would become known as the "Great Forgetting", later also known as the "Curse of the Golden Iris." Similar to that of their Aristii ancestors who had lost their memories after sailing to found the Sylvanian Imperial Capital of Noxwind. Although the lapse in their memories were created by different deities and circumstances than that of their ancestors, the three groups found comfort in each other owing to their shared circumstances and uncertainties of their identities. As a result, they banded together to create a new identity which would produce a united Vhagarian culture, language and most importantly a shared dream of a better life for their descendants. In present day Vhagaria, almost all natural born citizens have an ancestry that is some combination of Daelyrian, Sylvanian and Synderian with some citizens able to track their ancestry to Noble Houses of the predecessor nations of Vhagaria. It is also not uncommon for citizens of Vhagaria who trace their ancestry back to West Aristios or Noxwind to have Aristii heritage. 
The merging of the three groups also created the Pre-Empire religion of Old Vhagarian Mysticism, which combined various aspects and deities from the religions of the three former societies into one. Pre-Empire Vhagarians believed that the land was ruled by six deities who each oversaw a specific domain; the sky, the earth, the sea, the under-land, the sun and the moon. Additionally, Pre-Empire Vhagarian citizens also initially believed that stars were angelic beings who served their Gods. 
Decades after their landing in the new world, the Vhagarians began to have strange dreams of their former lives in Eldham and Rathnir. The newer generations of Vhagarians dreamed about the lives of their ancestors, and found themselves longing for lands that they had never seen but endlessly sought out every night in their dreams. These dreams would soon be revealed by the Oracle of Vhagaria to be memories of their pasts, and this would subsequently become known as “the great remembering.” 
Vhagarians largely believe that their memories were restored by their Gods; who came together to reveal the great truth of their origins to them “when the time was right and unity had been achieved.” This knowledge paved the way for a religious reformation in Vhagaria; where they would come to recognise the converging roles of the old Gods of Daelyria-Synderia and Sylvania and combine the old pantheons into one faith: Reformed Vhagarian Mysticism. 
=== Age of Irises ===
Shortly after the formation of the Empire, Vhagaria suffered from a great tragedy in the form of the disappearance of their beloved Emperor Yunus. This led to disorganisation and disorder within the nation for several months, with the government of Vhagaria in dire need of a new leader to replace Emperor Yunus and support Emperor Pancake. After a debate within the government, it was decided that the Princess of Vhagaria Galaxia Xi Nosterii, a reincarnation of the late Imperial Archon Andromache Xi, would assume power as regent in place of Yunus while the Empire searched the world for him. The period of time under her leadership is known in Vhagaria as “The Age of Irises” due to the symbol of Sylvania traditionally being an Iris flower.
Under the reign of Galaxia and Pancake, the Vhagarian Empire saw major improvements and expansions, with both the Iron Council and Lyskyrja integrating into the Vhagarian Empire as provinces. This would later be followed by several parts of Oldann integrating into Vhagaria, creating an enclave on the western peninsula of the continent of Tiberia. A colony was established on Kejafros, managed by the Vhagarian vassal state the City State of Eylaidh. A singular outpost on Iristoya, Blathcahir (Market) also joined the Empire. 
During the Age of Irises, Vhagaria also saw massive infrastructural developments, with the capital city of Drakaria having a substantial amount of build work completed in a short period of time due to the work of the local builders guild. Due to the previously close relationship with the nation of Amiris, imports into Drakaria of building material and luxury goods were stable and provided a solid foundation for the nation. Major building projects, such as the Palace Museum, Goldmart Market, Downtown Drakaria and the Noxwind District were completed or started and the capital city began to take shape. 
== Government ==
=== Structure ===
The government of Vhagaria has a complex structure, with multiple and distinct organisations which split the management of both internal and external affairs into distinct roles. The government of Vhagaria follows a model which separates local and central government, with both sides convening weekly to discuss both internal and external matters.
=== Central Government ===
==== Dragon Emperor ====
Traditionally, Vhagaria has been ruled by no less than four Emperors at any given time. The position and power of the Emperors is one of the central beliefs of Vhagarian Mysticism; whereby followers contend that the nation is sustained by the combined life forces of the Emperors. This in turn achieves a “sacred balance” within Vhagaria as the Emperors create harmony when combined. Modern Vhagarian scholars believe that this belief is derived from the old Sylvanian religion of Nox Lucis, which also held the central belief of “a holy balance” between their leaders. 
The Emperors hold near absolute power over the nation; with all major and/or final decisions being brought before the Emperors for them to vote on. Each Emperor has a single, non-transferable vote. 
==== Dragon Empress ====
Originally, the position of Empress was seen as distinct from that of an Emperor and held different responsibilities, chiefly in the internal management of the nation and promotion of the Vhagarian culture. The Empress traditionally also held the balance of power within Vhagaria, serving as the tie-breaker when the Emperors could not reach a majority vote. During the reign of the founding four Emperors of Vhagaria, the position was occupied by Empress Dowager Liu. 
In modern Vhagaria, the role of the Empress has changed substantially and is seen as having greater flexibility in terms of both internal and external management, with an Empress born into the royal family occupying the same role and position as an Emperor.
In the absence of an Empress, the eldest Princess within the royal family has traditionally assumed the responsibility of the position.
==== Vegheir drez b'Draejareys ====
Translating to 'Hand of the Emperor' these individuals are the highest advisory council within the Vhagarian Empire and serve as the chief advisors to the Emperors. It is typical that they begin their careers as either Bronze Council or Golden Council members and gradually become trusted advisors.
==== Drejler Draekarva ====
Translating to 'Dragon Council' this council sits directly above the Bronze Council and has the sacred duty of interpreting the Vhagarian Constitution, serving as the judiciary of the nation. All laws proposed by the Bronze Council can be subjected to judicial review by the Dragon Council, should a case be made that the proposed law is in conflict with the constitution. Similarly, it is within the remit of the Dragon Council to administer the civil laws of the nation. giving them the authority to preside over court cases.
==== Bronze Council ====
Also known as the Senate, the Bronze Council represents the people of Vhagaria, being comprised chiefly of government officials who must compete for their seats via regularly scheduled elections. The Bronze Council is typically overseen by the Empress, or in the absence of an Empress the eldest Princess of the royal family. The Bronze Council's primary function is in the discussion, proposal and management of the internal laws and policies of the nation. 
==== Ministers ====
Ministers in Vhagaria are typically Bronze Councillors who have been appointed to specific areas of work for their term, but they may also be appointed to their position directly by an Emperor on a semi-permanent basis. 
=== Provincial government ===
==== Falighald ====
Translating to 'High Lord' but also known in some regions as an Archduke, these individuals are the appointed leaders of a province within Vhagaria, typically trusted government officials or members of a highly regarded noble house. They are primarily responsible for managing the province on behalf of the Emperors, giving them exceptional power within the land that they oversee. An Archduke is also the chief representative of the province at government meetings in Vhagaria and is responsible for addressing and presenting the issues of Mayors within the province. Typically, the town which their seat of power is located in is the provincial capital of their region. 
==== Imperial Lieutenant ====
An Imperial Lieutenant the second in command to an Archduke, serving as their assistant and right hand within their province. Additionally, they are also the heir apparent to the position of Archduke and will inherit the title upon the retirement, death or dismissal of the former Archduke.
==== Fali Draekarva ====
Translating to 'Golden Council' a Golden Councillor (Faligh) is the leader of a city within Vhagaria, typically afforded the title of Lord or Lady within the Empire and a member of a respectable noble house.
== Religion ==
Prior to their arrival in Abexilas, the Sylvanian portion of the Vhagarian populace followed the religion of Nox Lucis, which had been the state religion of the Imperial Archonate of Sylvania. Vhagarian Mysticism, an amalgamation of Nox Lucis and Daelyrian-Synderian beliefs, is the main religion of the nation.