Azuria

Azuria, or simply Azuria is an independent nation that is located on Rathnir near the center of the map between the continents of Alteniquia and Sparwood. 
Azuria's history is long and rich, extending over the span of over 2 years. It was founded by Relmont, a merchant from Yimmu-Audal whose ship crashed into Azurian soil, and who ended up settling there as archduke of Azuria. Originally a Magisterium vassal (known as the Azurian Syndicate), Azuria was able to gets its independence after Frosterium disbanded, changing its name to the Archduke of Grandia, in honor of the capital city. Relmont eventually stepped down bcause of old age, passing the mantle of Archduke to V0idf1sh. Under V0idF1sh's rule Azuria joined the Empire of Yimmu-Audal, and later Astyllea, as a vassal state, which later led to the loss of a big part of the Azurian land due to the Yestanbul war, under Archduchess Scale Sievern. Archduchess Scale's rule was not long, quickly stepping down in favor of the 4th Archduke, Fire_Blitz. Fire_Blitz's reign was marked by an expansion of Azuria's power, acquiring land all troughout rathnir, and by the creation of a feudal-like system. Unfortunately, Archduke Fire_Blitz mysteriously disappeared during a hunt, and was later proclaimed dead by the Grando Council. The Azurian towns, leaderless, decided to join the neighbouring nation of Charm. 
The archduke of Azuria was culturally very rich, as its capital was an economical sucess, bringing people from all troughout rathnir. This, mixed with the native waldhen culture, created a very diverse and accepting environment, with each town and household having its own traditions. 
== History ==
=== Foundation ===
Relmont was travelling along the coast of the Azurian Syndicate on a travelling merchant ship that had crashed into some rocks. No port for miles they had to make camp. While sleeping, Relmont had dreamt of a man digging into the ground where the merchants had camped and finding a chest of immense amounts of riches out of which a massive tree grew, growing on it gold and diamonds. Not knowing what this dream meant, Relmont went to a witch not too far from where they camped, of which he had heard of. The Witch told him the dream meant that there would be  a city of riches. He knew that this was a sign from the Gods to build a grand city, a city of whose riches would be the center of the Rathnir economy. It took great effort for the Merchants to settle here but eventually some did. They started building the city called Grandia “city of merchants”. Crowning Relmont as the Archduke of the city and vassal to the Magisterium. Eventually the city grew to the Archduchy of Grandia within the Magisterium during his reign.
=== Establishment of Nathria ===
Grandia had been considering an expansionist venture on Eldham after the opening of the server in order to increase income of their government, and this eventually came to be as they had assisted the Second Coalition during the Second Coalition-Ellysian War resulting in them being allowed to set up a colony by the name of Nathria out of former Ellysian territory. On June 23rd, 2021, MeltdownLou was elected as the Colony Governor. On October 31st, 2021 the colony would gain its independence paying 200k to the Archduke V0idF1sh under the rule of the third governor of the colony Micc and merge with the nation of Yuvaria into Yunria.
=== Foundation of other main Grandian towns ===
Grogonia - The original settlers hail from old dwarves Waldven cities. The Dwarves disliked the way their old community worked and moved south to an mountainous island to found a new town. They picked their land because of its rich amount of ores and tall defendable mountains. They strayed from their original ideals and prioritized the acquisition of wealth, eventually this led the people of Grogonia integrated into Grandia and became the largest and most populus town in Grandia during it's time in Yimmu-Audal. The founder of this town is V0idf1sh, the second magister is Classixs101, and the current Magister is Fire_Girl (Brie). (no longer larger than Grandia, although still second most popular)
Dendalis - The people of Dendalis are settlers from the city of Grandia. Sick and tired of not being able to grow anything in the bad soils of the surrounding city area and of the stagnate colours of the area they left to settle a new city near Grandia in a plains biome where they would be able to practice farming, husbandry etc. They created a city called Dendalis "city of nature". The founder, D3mi created a group called the D3mi gods in response to the dictatorial leadership of Relmont, their actions were treasonous and also highlighted Relmont’s flaws. The city eventually came under the ownership of Jammy Dodger then destroyed by Archduke V0idF1sh because of its inactivity.
Ethala - Once at night a meteor fell from the sky hitting the ground and creating a crater where Ethala stands now. Some people hearing the crash from the nearby cities of Grandia, rushed to see what had happened. After arriving in the area they saw the meteor and the purple light shining from it. They were hypnotized by the purple light, it seemed to have casted a spell on them of some sorts. Eventually the people created the city in the crater tempted to study the meteor and its magic creating the city of Ethala “city of magic". (now abandoned because the Magisterium refused to give up the town after selling Grandia it's freedom)
Eastri - While Grandia was apart of Yimmu-Audal Centurian approach V0idF1sh with an offer for land. Their nearby neighbor, Hostina, was selling their islands. They were soon bought and settled by a Waldhen and Grandian settler WeirdbutGud09 and Orbmaster77. They removed the native squatters and founded their town to promote trade and become the ideal city of trade. 
Silsia - Founded by Valiant was a squatter nation populated by refugees from Kartek. They took over a piece of land East of Grandia city and applied for full entry to Azuria as a town. They were accepted by V0idF1sh. Their town was eventually abandoned under their second leader WarmSeas.
Vepribus - A native squatter  town that was forced to join Azuria under the Archduke Relmont. They worshipped the berry gods and were a vital town that linked Yimmu-Audal and Grandia. Their town was eventually taken over by Yestanbul after Astyllea lost the town, it is now marked for destruction and the citizens fled to Grogonia.
=== Independence and joining of Yimmu-Audal ===
Grandia gained its independence from Magisterium on 27/10/2021 after Frosterium disbanded, paying BacktoTheHub 500K.
The Archduke V0idf1sh and some higher ups had decided to join Andorn but another group lead by Relmont the founder and first Archduke, argued to join Yimmu-Audal the discussions were heated but eventually with the intervention of Yimmu-Audal, Grandia joined the nation as an autonomous duchy. V0idF1sh resented this decision and only accepted it due to Yimmu-Audal’s proposal because of their major payment to Grandia. During the first week V0idF1sh, angry and disapproving of Yimmu-Audal’s leader Mystic, signed a document to remove her from her position. 
=== Collapse of Asytella ===
After Yimmu-Audal got into a war with Aldovir also known as "the Brothers War" both YA and Aldovir formed the Empire of Aystella. This lasted for 3 months, when one of the elections went forward. It was Kerplis, a well known inactive Aldoviri, came back and promised prosperity under their rule. Versus Drach (donated millions to the empire, expanded the empire drastically, main politician, and general of the army), another powerful Aldoviri, and Potemy, an Audalad politician. Kerplis eventually won and Drach formed the Juanata of Drach, to rebel. Soon many states declared independence, and the rest followed shortly. 
V0idF1sh stepped down shortly before the collapse and gave the throne to archduchess Scale Sievern who navigated the collapse and worked heavily with her Grand Council to present the Archduchy of Azuria to the world.
=== Initial independence ===
Archduchess Scale Sievern navigated the initial independence of the nation. She prioritized nurturing culture and history. This caused great change in the hearts of the nation. The primary affect of this is the emerging anti Yimmu-Audal sentiment. She made wanted to make it clear that Azuria is not a part of YA and has little connection to it. This set an aggressive diplomatic stance against the nation. She began the colonial fever by getting involved directly with foreign politics of her nearby neighbors, primarily Ardagia. Over time she decided that she no longer wished to rule the nation and passed the nation onto Archduke FireBlitz. 
- V0idF1sh bought the nation of Seidora during this time and expanded the nation.
=== Colonial Azuria ===
Over the next few hundred years FireBitz and V0idF1sh began to expand the nation. They expanded and annexed a ton of nations Hostina, Faxemia, Bainfalla, Dovakah, Aetheria, and Altryae. They also held disputes with Yimmu-Audal at the time. V0idF1sh took towns from YA with help from Wardaddy. This was during the time YA was a member state of Imperium and then later Certaria. During this time Azuria was very active with foreign conflicts. Fighting the Hands alongside Wardaddy in various areas of the world, fighting Tortuga to help Valondor, fighting Horde, and various other conflicts around the world.
- FireBlitz acquired: Hostina and Altryae.
- V0idF1sh acquired: Bainfalla, Faxemia, Dovakah, and Aetheria.
=== Recession ===
FireBlitz and V0idF1sh had a falling out about the state of affairs of the growing new empire and how culture and politics work. Primarily V0idF1sh got angry at FireBlitz that he was doing much of the work and the financial burden of this new empire stood squarely on his back alone. These arguments eventually led into a peaceful secession where V0idF1sh took his city of Yestanbul. After some time Drach returned to the server and worked with V0idF1sh and Howertt in a plan to reunite the nation of Carn and war Yimmu Audal. There were many in Azuria who wanted to help V0idF1sh and didn't agree with Azuria's neutrality. This caused vassals to secede and towns like Grogonia and Isles of Azurion to join Yestanbul in the Free Cities of Alteniquia. This was a name that was given to the Azurian secessionists that believed themselves to be Azuria but couldn't carry the name. Eventually after a few losses Drach and V0idF1sh had to end the war. Drach secured his homeland of Carn and V0idF1sh joined a good friend called Odinheim in Tortuga as a state of Charm. 
=== Thieviocracy of Charm ===
Charm is the homeland of the Astaseul Dynasty. This is the royal lineage of the Azurian rulers. V0idF1sh and Odinheim (the Heavenly Sovereign of Charm) wished to create a family nation based off of the combined principles of Azuria and Charm. They negotiated with Pirate lords Ulifer and G0qurt and seceded from Tortuga forming their own nation. When they did so many all the independent Azurian vassals rejoined Charm. Nations like Aetheria and Altryae are vassals of a nation called Ashai. While Aetheria continues to exist in Ashai it openly helps both nations. Charm set its sight on reunification of the last of the Azurian homeland. This caused FireBlitz to join Yimmu Audal as a vassal. Shortly after he disappeared and no one could find him. This confusion drove the last holdout of Azuria (the capital Grandia) to join Charm reuniting the old nation stronger than before. The new Azurian Union is referred to as Deadwood Azuria. 
== Government ==
It’s an absolute monarchy led by Archduke Fire_Blitz
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UgAeqmePGoYJSlFT47is99iRw-oSGZzyZLrxFh98zpg/edit?usp=sharing
== Geography ==
The nation of Azuria is located in a spruce forest biome and Atsyllean Sea on the Alteniquia continent, bordering the continent of Sparwood. 
Neighboring countries: Imperium, Magisterium, Yestanbul, Kirchetia, Ardagian Racing Company (Vassal), Norttonn, Archduchy of Borhammer, Tortuga 
== Cultures ==
=== Primary Culture - Grando ===
There is a cultural phenomenon amongst the Grandians involving a praising of wealth as a result of the former ultra-capitalist nation of the Azurian Syndicate. Grandia was founded in its borders.
The Grandians are a very maritime based culture, having one of the best sailors in all of Rathnir. Because of the maritime culture and that most Grandian cities are located near the sea, the main cousins of Grandia are fish.
The Grandians see freedom as a very important thing, this is because of the travelling merchant's influence. Because of this the archduchy of Azuria has full freedom of religion not even having a state one, freedom of speech, thought, expression. The Grandians are a very tolerant people accepting all races, all beliefs.
Although there are multiple religions worshipped by Grando people, the most commonly worshipped are Faxemis Angelae and The Red cult
=== Secondary culture - Waldhen ===
The Waldhen people are native Dwarves of the land. Though not the oldest inhabitants, they are among the oldest that still inhabit the region. Their survival has been due to a combination of very strong cultural cohesion and adaptability to whatever ruling party was in power of Azuria. The Walden people have long been a suppressed group due to their smaller numbers, and lack of interest to play a large role on Rathnir, though this sentiment began to change in the Archduchy of Azuria. Now their cultural and political leader Scale Sievern rules over the territory of Azuria. 
The Waldhen are a clannish society, skilled in sailling and navigation. A boat captain is one of the most highly respected positions in Waldhen society apart from a priest or chieftain. 
Waldhen worship a sea god known as Old Salt and have a strong belief in spirits and enlightened thought. 
== Vexillology ==
The flag of Grandia is primarily made up of a navy blue representing the nearby Atsyllean Sea and sailor culture of the region crossed in white representing peace at last. There is a shield with a golden frog on it as frogs are the national animal and represent wealth. The crown above the shield represents the monarchy of Grandia. The two leaves represent the land of Grandia.
== Wars ==
Yestanbul-Grandia cold war - This did not end in war, but its affects caused the independence of Yestanbul from Grandia.
Astyllean-Yestanbul War (Azuria vs. Yestanbul) - March 20, 2022 - This war was a crushing loss for the people of Astyllea, its aftermath gave the opportunity for the collapse of the Astyllean empire. Azuria lost their western most territories including the town of Vepribus. 
Imperavir Coalition - April 30, 2022 - This was a war to help Azurian allies in Carn against a rebellion. It was a defensive battle that ended up not technically happening, though the Coalition had far more kills by the end. The coalition was successful and caused the rebel leader to abandon his claim in Carn land and move South towards Tortuga.
War with Melonstan - Jun 18, 2022 - This was a defensive war helping Azuria's allies in Kazan against rebels in Melonstan. The battle was a huge success. 
Ardagian Revolution - July 2, 2022 - This was a war between the rebels of Kirchetia and Ardagia. Azuria joined the wars as a close ally to Ardagia. This battle was a defeat for the Ardagian's and their nation collapsed into four parts, the largest of which called the Ardagian Racing Company which held the capital of Hostina joined the Archduchy of Azuria as a vassal. 
Valondor vs. Tortuga (1 and 2) - (1) Victory. Until Valondor disbanded. (2) Valondor returned and was winning! Until V0idF1sh joined Tortuga and flipped sides out of necessity. Taking the remaining Valondor territories. V0idF1sh still owns the Valondor capital Greenblume (renamed Patriots Point).
Certaria Coaltion - Victory. Helping their ally Wardaddy. 
Horde Coalition - Victory. Horde coalition constituted the Parahands, Azuria, and Valondor as the main three aggressors. All current Aetherian lands were won during that conflict and some short disputed with Dara Lumonde following. More territory was won than is shown currently but it was lost by Aetheria following their secession during the Azurian Recession. 
Yimmu Audal (1 and 2) (1) Offensive Lost. it ended with no result with Yestanbul. There was a short territory gain where Yestanbul captured Edal Edadi but lost the town soon before they ended their offensive. (2) Ongoing 
United Crowns of Syltor, Andorn, and Askaru Federation VS. Greater Norfthorn - Ongoing 
Charm VS. Argent Crownlands - Victory. Captured their capital. 
== Related media ==
Hymn to Azuria - https://youtu.be/Y6Kn_IQ3ocA
Drach incident - Drach is the one who manipulated Astyllea into war with Yestanbul and used the opportunity to take control of the empire's army and rebel (collapsing the empire). His actions lost Azuria territory though allowed Azuria to come out of Astyllea powerful enough to stand alone and not join the Imperium or Aldovir League. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYt7sRLq_bw
Yestanbul vs. Astyllea - Yestanbul POV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aveTcUS2aFY&t=742s
Yestanbul Propaganda from the war - Astyllean Made - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo0X77OBJUg
== Historical artifacts ==
Crown of Azuria - The crown presented to every Archduke during their coronation after V0idF1sh's abdication. He created the crown for all future generations. It is currently held by Scale Sievern as the Archduke Fire_Blitz has not yet held his coronation. After V0idF1sh seceded from Azuria Scale Sievern returned the crown to him. It was later sold due to needing money after the Yimmu Audal war for 1mil. 
Council Cutlass - The Council Cutlasses were historical items created in the forges of Dracade for all the high councilors of Astyllea. One of such artifacts were presented to the Second Archduke of Azuria V0idF1sh. The title of this sword is Codex's Clarity.
Grando Crown - The Grando Crown was the crown of Grandia, it was the crown of the first Archduke Relmont and is a sign of power and position in old Grandia. The crown is no longer in use though its value remains still.
Magister of Grando Jacket - This chestplate was created for the Caliar/Caliarin of Grandia.
Crown of Grogonia - This crown was created for V0idF1sh founder of the town and has not been passed down to any other Caliar/Caliarin. This must be rectified and given to Brosiah current Caliarin of Grogonia.
Duel Crowns of Eastri - Created by WeirdbutGud for his town of Eastri out of turtle shells. Following his betrayal one of the crowns was lost once more to the Sea. But was found by Orbmaster077, who mourned the death and betrayal of his close friend, but still hoped kept it to remember him.
Seidorian Reminder - Presented to V0idF1sh by Atreus after the nation was bought by Azuria and disbanded as a reminder of his great land. It was taken as a promise that Azuria would protect and care for the city of Seidora. It was later sold due to needing money after the Yimmu Audal war for 500k.
== Historical Photos ==
Coronation of Scale Sievern 3rd Archduchess of Azuria. 
Category:Nations
Category:Traveler's Era