Aeterna

The Senate and People of Aeterna, more commonly referred to as Aeterna, is a Republic located in Northern Abexilas on the continent of Tiberia. Aeterna was originally founded in the Winter of 73 TE in the Arsine region of Eldham. The Republic was established by three prominent individuals, those of __Cicero_, Pure_Frosty, and Dj_Stalin141, who became the first Patricians. 
The Republic operates under a mixed constitution, balancing aristocratic oversight through the Senate with annual magistracies held by elected officials, most notably the Consuls, who serve as the highest executive authorities. However, despite the existence of elections, the republic functions as an elective oligarchy, where political power remains concentrated within a network of prominent families and individuals of the higher social classes. 
Aeterna has been characterized by relentless internal warfare and expansion. Initially, it fought against Bjancia, the Kyoten Marauders and local squatters, referred to collectively as Barbarians. One of its greatest early trials was the sack of Aeterna by Einberg, which left a lasting scar on the Republic’s psyche. In response, Aeterna pursued expansionist campaigns, eventually securing dominion over territories stretching from Arsine to the Serrona continents.
Domestically, the Republic was shaped by the “Plebeian Troubles”, a prolonged struggle between the aristocratic Noble and Patrician classes and the broader citizen class, the plebeians. Over time, political reforms granted plebeians greater influence in governance, though true power remained concentrated among the elite. However, as the Republic incorporated further territories, internal strife intensified. Reformist leaders and traditionalist senators clashed over the direction of the Republic, igniting a cycle of civil wars, populist uprisings, military coups and assassinations. Over time this cycle of internal struggle became an ingrained part of Aeternian culture and has been normalized which has continued into Abexilas.
== Government ==
=== The Senate ===
The Senate serves as the central advisory and governing body of the Republic, overseeing legislation, financial matters, and foreign policy. Its authority is derived from historical precedent, legal tradition, and its role as the custodian of state affairs. While the Senate does not possess direct legislative power, it plays a crucial role in shaping the governance of Aeterna through Senatus Consulta, which function as official decrees that magistrates are expected to follow. The Senate itself is composed of a mix of elected magistrates and appointed non-magistrate Senators and has traditionally been capped at a maximum of ten members.
The Senate is responsible for managing public finances, overseeing the treasury, appointing provincial governors, regulating the military, and guiding foreign relations. Additionally, the Senate maintains internal discipline, with the Censors overseeing the enrollment and conduct of senators. Membership in the Senate is not hereditary but is heavily influenced by aristocratic families and individuals of the higher social classes. New members are typically appointed through Censorial Edict or automatically through election. The Princeps Senatus holds the highest rank within the Senate, responsible for maintaining order and managing legislative procedures. Although the Senate wields significant influence, its authority is subject to oversight by the Citizen Assembly, which holds the final say in legislative matters. Furthermore, in times of crisis, the Senate may appoint a Princeps Civitatis, whose authority is higher than the constitution. 
=== The Citizen Assembly ===
The Citizen Assembly is the sole legislative body of Aeterna, responsible for passing laws, electing magistrates, and ratifying constitutional amendments. It is responsible for enacting Leges Publicae, which holds the highest legislative authority below the Constitution and for electing all magistrates, ratifying all treaties, approving declarations of war and holds the power to approve senatorial decrees and other legislation brought before it. Voting in the Citizen Assembly is weighted based on social status, with Plebeians receiving one vote each, Equestrians receiving three, Patricians receiving six, and Nobles receiving ten thus heavily dominated by the higher social classes. The Plebeian Tribune, elected exclusively by plebeians, serves as their representative and possesses veto power over legislation, magistrates and the entire Senate in order to safeguard the interests of the lower classes. The Assembly is often referred to as a "rubber stamp assembly" as nearly all motions that have been approved by the senate and are brought before the assembly are passed. 
=== Magistrates ===
Magistrates are elected officials who enforce laws, manage public affairs, command military forces, and oversee judicial and religious matters. Each magistrate is granted Imperium, or legal authority, which varies in scope depending on their office. 
==== Auctoritate Magistrates ====
The highest-ranking magistrates, known as Auctoritate Magistrates, hold Sovereign Imperium, granting them supreme authority within their respective domains. The Princeps Civitatis, appointed during times of crisis, wields absolute power but must relinquish it once the emergency is resolved or they reach the end of their appointment term. The two Consuls, elected by the Citizen Assembly, serve as the highest civilian and military leaders of the Republic. The Consul Civilis oversees judicial, diplomatic, and civilian governance, while the Consul Militaris commands the military and paramilitary forces of Aeterna. Proconsuls, appointed by the Senate, govern the Republic’s provinces, managing their administration, security and development and their sovereign Imperium is limited to their territories. 
==== Ordinarius Magistrates ====
Below the Auctoritate Magistrates are the Ordinarius Magistrates, who hold authority over specific sectors of governance. The Praetor Civilis oversees the Republic’s judicial system, ensuring that laws are enforced and disputes resolved fairly. The Praetor Militaris manages military operations and logistics, working closely with the Consul Militaris. The Censor maintains citizenship records, conducts the census, and regulates senatorial membership. The Aedile organizes public festivals, gladiatorial games, and cultural events, while the Quaestor is responsible for managing the Republic’s treasury, materials stockpiles and financial affairs.
==== Special Magistrates ====
Certain magistrates hold specialized roles within the Republic. The Princeps Senatus is the most senior member of the Senate, overseeing legislative proceedings and enforcing senatorial discipline and is appointed by the Senate. The Pontifex Maximus serves as the highest religious authority, overseeing the state religion.These officials do not wield executive power but play crucial roles in maintaining the stability and traditions of Aeterna.
==== Plebeian Magistrates ====
The Plebeian Tribune is the most important representative of the plebeians and one of the most powerful magistrates within the Republic, elected exclusively by plebeians to protect their interests. The Tribune possesses veto power over any legislation or magistrate action that threatens the rights of the common people. 
=== Imperium ===
Imperium is the authority granted to magistrates and officials to govern, enforce laws, and command military forces within their designated spheres. It is derived from the Aeternian Constitution and ultimately from the Senate and People. There are multiple classifications of imperium, each conferring specific powers and limitations. Sovereign Imperium is the highest form, held by the Princeps Civitatis and Consuls, granting them overarching executive authority within their respective domains. Military Imperium allows magistrates such as the Consuls and Praetor Militaris to command legions and oversee military operations. Political Imperium enables magistrates to issue edicts, propose legislation, and oversee governance within their jurisdiction. Other forms, such as Judicial, Religious, Custodial, and Scribal Imperium, grant specialized powers related to legal rulings, religious matters, public administration, and documentation. Imperium is non-hereditary, bound by strict legal limitations, and expires automatically at the end of a magistrate’s term. Additionally, imperium is checked by the principles of collegiality, the right to appeal, and senatorial oversight. 
== Military ==
Originally in early Eldam, the Aeternian military was a conscript based force in which all citizens would be required to serve during a time of conflict and had to equip themselves with weapons and armor. Since that time it has evolved into a professional standing army composed of legionaries, auxiliary forces and paramilitary organizations that are equipped and funded by the state through its market systems. During peacetime the military is often used for purposes of construction and other major projects. Service in the legions has traditionally been the path that most Aeternians have taken to advance their influence as much of the nation's culture revolves around the legions. 
=== Structure and Command ===
The military is overseen by the Consul Militaris and Consul Civilis, who hold the highest Military Imperium, granting them supreme authority over all armed forces. Directly below the Consul Militaris is the Praetor Militaris, who serves as the second-in-command, managing logistics, administration, and coordination between legions. Military governance extends to Proconsuls, who oversee forces within their provinces and Legates, who command individual legions.
The Tribune Laticlavius acts as the senior tribune of a legion, while the Tribune Angusticlavius are junior officers elected by the Citizen Assembly and are there to gain military experience and enter into higher magistrate offices.
=== Legions and Auxiliaries ===
The Aeternian Legions are the backbone of the Republic’s military. Each legion consists of soldiers who are equipped with standardized weapons, armor, potions and food loadouts that are subsidized by or entirely funded by the state. The legions are supplemented by auxiliary forces who are allies of Aeterna and also receive some pay but are not equipped by the state but are eligible to receive citizenship for their service. The legions actively recruit people from across Abexilas and not just within the nation. 
Legions have traditionally been raised by the local leaders of the provinces with approval of the Senate upon meeting a set of activity and personnel requirements and are numbered in accordance with the order in which they were raised. 
=== Paramilitary ===
Beyond the regular military, Aeterna maintains paramilitary forces who are responsible for internal security and law enforcement, primarily overseen by the Consul Civilis. The Praetorian Guard serves as bodyguards for magistrates and enforce legal rulings.
== Aeternian Culture ==
Aeternian culture is most defined by an unrelenting cycle of political chaos, civil strife, and an obsession with power and prestige. The Republic functions in a near-perpetual state of internal conflict, where senatorial backstabbing, military coups, populist uprisings, and political purges are just another part of daily life to the point that leaders of neighboring nations have requested citizenship in order to get involved. Aeternians see political upheaval as a fundamental part of their identity, a continuation of the long-standing tradition of Republic-wide power struggles Civil wars, Senate betrayals, assassinations, and contested elections are so frequent that they have been normalized as routine governance rather than exceptional events. Politics as a whole is the most fundamental aspect of Aeternian culture.  
Despite the chaos, Aeternian society is highly structured, with rigid class distinctions defining citizenship and political participation. Patricians and Nobles hold immense sway over the Republic, while Plebeians and Equestrians constantly struggle for greater influence.This rigid class divide is one of the primary sources of long-term internal conflict. 
Aeternians are generally highly legalistic and traditional, placing a heavy emphasis on the Republic itself and rejecting monarchy or anyone single person gaining too much power for an extended period of time. Due to the traditional nature of many Aeternians, change in the government and system is slow and often entirely pushed back against, with the government system as it currently stands being nearly identical to the system when Aeterna was founded. 
=== Religion ===
Religious life of Aeterna is deeply rooted in Core Gonfism, the state religion which was founded in Aeterna, which shapes both public and private devotion. The faith centers around GONF, who, after his mortal life as G0NF, was crucified, resurrected, and ascended to the highest Heavenly Sphere. His teachings, recorded in the Codex Aetherni, provide the foundation for Aeternian spiritual and moral life. The Pontifex Maximus (Pope), as the highest religious authority, oversees the faith and maintains the sanctity of its institutions, ensuring the Republic’s alignment with divine will.
While Core Gonfism is the official state religion, other cults and religious traditions are allowed to freely exist and be practiced. However, heretical movements, Abyssal worship, and any practice deemed to contradict the divine order and the state are strictly condemned. 
File:Senate.png|The unfinished structure which would house the capitals nether portal after it's completion. 
File:Naval invasion.png|The coalition against Bjancia
File:Aeterna war.png|The gathering of Aeternians and allies during the attack against Bjancia
File:2021-09-12 20.00.28.png|Those who watched over the streets during the Kyoten crisis.
File:The Nation of Aeterna.png|An artistic depiction of the original settlers building the walls that defend the capital to this day.
File:The House of Praetors.jpg|The flag that House Praetor waved during the Aeterniums existance.
File:Bjancian bread.png|The Praetor waves the coalition and Aeternian flags in preparation for the war against Bjancia
Category:Nations
Category:Traveler's Era