Nieden

Nieden is a continent in the north and central northeastern region of Rathnir. The continent is largely a mix of plains, forests, and mountains, one of the most fertile stretches of land, aside from a few pockets of arid land like the wandering deserts or other bits to the north. Southern Nieden has historically been dominated by the Empire of Escharia and its various successor states, while the northern portion was the domain of the Sterling Crownlands until its collapse, although with both nations being long dead, the continent has since massively diversified.
However, this diversification has not all been for good, as the declining population and prestige of the nations has led to instabile and fragile nations. This is most obviously seen in Helmia and Escharia, which have each seen a lineage of successor states continually collapsing and reforming, and each was vassalized by a major Eldham power in late 2021, marking a turning point in Rathnir-Eldham relations. 
Simulami has notably averted this trend, keeping the continent stable and keeping intra-regional conflict to a minimum, thanks to its competent military, many alliances, and close diplomatic ties with various other nations and cultural groups.
In recent years, many nations of Nieden have been reversing their circumstances. Daelyria, having pushed out troublesome elements from their government and increasing their military power, has proliferated a new Golden Age for Helmia. Alamayn, under the protection of Drackar, has begun to recover from decades of brutal, bloody wars. Simulami annexed Gertonia and the greater part of the former Siorvat of Escharia after internal instability and a political crisis and de facto dissolution respectively. Even Najer, one of the more sedentary nations on Rathnir, has made marked strides in strengthening their military and reforming internally.
== Etymology ==
The Name of Nieden, like many of Rathnir's Continents, derives from the ancient Niedene languages. It has 2 possible meanings, either "The Origin Point" (Modern: Nierrenn) or "The Lowlands" (Modern: Niedeme). 
In Daelyrian, the Nieden region is known as Nythanyon.
In Najer, Nieden is known as Shafaraj. 
==Nations==
===Current===
* Simulami Empire
* Lyras Soleari (Part of Niedea)
* Emirate of Najer
* High Kingdom of Daelyria
* Republic of Alamayn (Currently a vassal of Drackar)
* Kingdom of Creed
* Realm of Escharia (Part of Niedea)
===Historical===
* Sterling Crownlands and its direct successor states:
** Baykonia (formerly, now Daelyria)
** Owyddnorr (formerly, now Daelyria)
** Paludis (formerly, now Alamayn)
** Lumeno (formerly, now Alamayn)
** Aljazair (formerly, now Alamayn)
* Empire of Escharia and various incarnations:
** Aesperium Niedea (formerly, now Soleannen Imperium)
** Denumain/Solea-Audal 
** Asterien (Kingdom of Suderen)
**Soleannan Imperium (and Imperium)
**Siorvat dai Etscharien
* Simulami states
** Order Müvielle (formerly, now Simulami)
** Floramia (formerly, now Simulami)
* Other:
** Khuzdurin
** Kingdom of Egalia
** Kyydrosil
**U.C.C.C
==Subcontinents==
* Helmia
* Xand/Khanji
Category:Geography
Category:Nieden
Category:Places
Category:Locations
Category:Continents
Category:Traveler's Era
Category:Rathnir Continents
Category:Rathnir