Tai-Kyoku

Tai-Kyoku, also referred to as the Federal Union of Tai-Kyoku, is a newly founded nation, founded during the Abexilas Period. The Federal Union of Tai-Kyoku, a nation born from the ashes of oppression, has always been marked by its fierce determination to forge its own destiny. After centuries of subjugation under the Zentari Empire, the people of Tai-Kyoku, led by the visionary (soon to be) Chancellor Saishō, rose in rebellion and secured their independence, forming the new independent Federal Union of Tai-Kyoku.
== History ==
=== Oppression of the Zentari Empire ===
The Federal Union of Tai-Kyoku, once a prosperous and diverse entity, found itself under an oppressive regime of the Zentari Empire (帝国). The Zentari’s oppressive regime imposed harsh laws, restricted freedoms, and stifled the cultural and political autonomy of Tai-Kyoku's people. As the Empire’s grip tightened, discontent grew among the various regions and communities within Tai-Kyoku.
=== Rise of rebellion ===
In the later years of the Zentari Era, discontent among the inhabitants of the occupied lands reached a boiling point. The oppressive regime’s exploitation led to widespread suffering and sparked a series of uprisings and resistance movements. It was during this period of unrest that a charismatic and visionary leader, Saishō, emerged. Born into a noble family with a long history of resistance against Zentari oppression, Saishō became the symbol of hope and unity for the oppressed people.
Under Saishō's leadership, the fragmented resistance movements combined into a formidable force. Saishō, drawing upon both gorilla warfare tactics and traditional strategies, he began to rally support from various factions disillusioned with the Zentari rule. His vision of an independent and sovereign nation inspired many to join the cause, and the rebellion gained momentum.
=== Great Independence War ===
The Great Independence War began with a series of coordinated uprisings across the Zentari-occupied territories. The initial battles were marked by guerrilla tactics and acts of sabotage, as the resistance forces targeted Zentari supply lines and communication networks. Despite their limited resources, the rebels managed to achieve several key victories, boosting their morale and drawing further support from the local populace.
As the war progressed, the conflict escalated into large-scale battles. The Zentari, underestimating the resolve and unity of the Tai-Kyoku rebels, struggled to contain the uprising. The Zentari military, initially superior in terms of equipment and numbers, faced unexpected setbacks as the rebels proved to be adept at leveraging their knowledge of the terrain and employing unconventional tactics.
The turning point in the war came with the Battle of Whitecave, a decisive clash where Saishō led his forces in a daring offensive against the Zentari capital in the region. The battle was fierce and bloody, but the rebels’ determination and strategic brilliance prevailed. The Zentari forces, exhausted and demoralized, were forced to retreat, and the Tai-Kyoku rebels secured a major victory.
=== Factions ===
==== Eikōkō ====
The Eikōkō (開統神), also referred to as "Defenders of the Divine Order", was a faction was composed of supporters of the state's traditional spiritual beliefs. They advocated for an authoritarian government led by a spiritual leader, reflecting the deeply ingrained belief in divine rule. The Eikōkō sought to establish a system where the leader’s divine authority would guide the nation, emphasizing religious unity and centralized power.
==== Kōrensha ====
Opposing the Eikōkō were the Kōrensha (紅蓮社), also referred to as "Advocates of Freedom and Tradition". The Kōrensha faction emerged as a champion of democratic principles. They envisioned a more inclusive and representative government, less focused on religious dogma and more on civic participation and governance. The Kōrensha aimed to create a system where power was distributed among elected representatives, ensuring a balance between regional autonomy and national unity.
The Kōrensha believed that Tai-Kyoku's victory over the Zentari Dominion should lead to a more just and equitable society, where the people had a voice in governance. They argued that the new state should focus on rebuilding and preserving the rich cultural heritage that had been suppressed under Zentari rule, rather than blindly following a divine leader for life. 
=== Power struggle ===
Both factions sought to gain popular support through propaganda, political alliances, and negotiation. The Eikōkō used their religious influence to rally followers, promising a return to a revered spiritual order and invoking fear of chaos without divine guidance. The Kōrensha, conversely, promoted a vision of democratic governance and personal freedom, appealing to those disillusioned with authoritarianism.
Both sides also engaged in covert operations, including espionage and sabotage, to undermine each other’s efforts. The Eikōkō attempted to infiltrate Kōrensha strongholds and sway regional leaders with bribery and government positions, while the Kōrensha worked to expose the Eikōkō’s authoritarian ambitions and corrupt practices.
=== Kōrensha Victory ===
With the defeat of the Eikōkō, the Kōrensha solidified their control over Tai-Kyoku. State religion was dissolved and the Kōrensha advocated for religious freedom. The Kōrensha established a federal union, with the Chancellor, followed by a Vice Chancellor, then Mayors and town representatives. 
The victory of the Kōrensha ensured that Tai-Kyoku would remain a federal state, driven by a mission to focus on establishing a federal system that balanced regional autonomy with national unity. The Kōrensha's victory not only redefined the political landscape but also set the stage for a more inclusive and democratic society. The legacy of the power struggle between the Eikōkō and the Kōrensha remains a dark chapter in Tai-Kyoku’s history.
=== Aftermath and legacy ===
Under Chancellor Saishō’s leadership, Tai-Kyoku embarked on a mission to rebuild and consolidate its newfound independence. The Chancellor, driven by a vision of a strong, autarkic society, but democratic society. He initiated a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the nation. This included the establishment of a senate, governed by town mayors, and the advancement of economic and industrial growth. 
With the nation’s internal stability now secured, Tai-Kyoku was ready. Chancellor Saishō’s vision to create a federal union and bring democracy to Tai-Kyoku had been successfully achieved. Chancellor Saishō’s legacy endures as both a historical and political figure. His role in the nation’s founding and introduction to democratic values has been immortalized. To this day, the Chancellor is thanked and celebrated as the founder of Tai-Kyoku, and his vision of a true federal union continues to guide the policies and ambitions of the Federal Union of Tai-Kyoku.
=== Submission to Deancherlouss ===
The Federal Union of Tai-Kyoku's decision to voluntarily become a vassal state was a carefully considered move, rooted in strategic foresight rather than external pressure or the aftermath of war. This decision was formalized through the Treaty of Fozla, a landmark agreement that redefined Tai-Kyoku's position on the global stage.
In the years leading up to the treaty, Tai-Kyoku found itself navigating a complex international environment. The world was rapidly evolving, with emerging alliances and power blocs reshaping geopolitical dynamics. Tai-Kyoku's leadership, keenly aware of the challenges ahead, recognized that securing the nation’s future required more than just internal strength—it necessitated a close alignment with like-minded allies who could provide the support needed to thrive.
The Treaty of Fozla was born from this strategic vision. Rather than facing the uncertainties of isolation or the risks of adversarial relationships, Tai-Kyoku sought to build a partnership that would guarantee its security and prosperity. The treaty was not a surrender of sovereignty but a mutual agreement that provided Tai-Kyoku with significant political, economic, and military benefits.
=== Independence from Deancherlouss ===
The Federal Union of Tai-Kyoku's decision to declare their independence was a carefully considered move. The original cause for the Union to become a Vassal State was formalized through the Treaty of Fozla. However, Deancherlouss opted to become a vassal state of another nation. For reasons that have not been one-hundred percent confirmed, it is believed that they were getting involved with another nation that would lead to war. The Treaty of Fozla explicitly stated that, "The Vassal State of Tai-Kyoku will acknowledge the Third Imperialist Republic of Deancherloussia as its suzerain and will seek approval from the Republic for any significant political, economic, or military decisions." By definition, Suzerain implies that the overlord nation is a sovereign nation, and by offering themselves as a vassal state, Deancherlouss broke the terms of the treaty.