Catania

The High Kingdom of Catania, also named Regnum Katania, in Drakaeshlange, was a constitutional monarchy and a member state of the Drakaen Commonwealth. In a fractured land of shattered fields and fallen dragons, Catania rose to stake its claim in the world. Surrounded by its neighbours of Amarillo and Valreach, Catania could be found deep within the heartlands of Eldham next to the Drakaen Sea in the Drakesland. 
== Vexilology ==
The High Kingdom of Catania consists of four provinces, these provinces each bear the flag of the first town that was founded within their borders. Most settlements and thus flags were heavily influenced by the Jorvickan flag 
File:CataniaFlagOld.png|Flag of the Federal Republic of Catania
File:CataniaUnity.png|Flag of the High Kingdom of Katania
File:CataniaFlagNew.png|Last national flag of Regnum Katania
==History==
===Origins===
Long before Catania’s time, the Regnum Drakaes held claim to the land. This stalwart people were known for their affinity for dragons back when the great wyrms were still thriving. Their dominion of the Drakaen Sea was almost unmatched – almost, save for a few small nations left, such as Saror Haven or the Realm of Seeberg. 
Saror Haven was a small coastal province to the west of modern-day Catania. It watched on as rebellion and insurgencies ravaged the Regnum Drakaes. The collapse of the mighty Regnum Drakaes was a chaotic time, one from which the Drakaen nation would never fully recover. Amongst the carnage a new city state was established by a group of foreign settlers, Jorvick, within the territory of Nidaros. Being young and ambitious, Jorvick sought to expand into Nidaros but was repelled further away from the existing cities into the middle of what would be Catania; its future kingdom. Unsatiated, Jorvick turned its attention to expanding its influence and preparing for war.
==== Drakaen Concordat ====
To restore order, the Regnum Drakaes reformed into the Drakaen Concordat. Jorvick, Saror Haven, Armarillo, Smegsville, Konigsburg, Nidaros, New Yoake all agreed to this concord, stemming the conflict for the time being. A time of relative peace and prosperity followed. Jorvick, spread out its borders and developed into a cultural centre for the region, at one point even being named the capital of the Concordat. 
The peace was precarious, and soon shattered. With Jorvick’s territorial ambitions seething, they sought the power needed to expand. When Saror Haven joined the Drakaen Concordat that seemed to be the match to the powder keg that was the Concordat. This thriving, growing community was desired by Jorvick, but when peaceful attempts at gaining land failed, they resorted to conquest. 
==== War of Drakaen Succession ====
What followed was the deadliest conflict, not only in Catania’s History, but all of Eldham at the time: the war of Drakaen Succession. The concordat could not provide any stability or peace anymore and thus, was abolished, splitting the region into many smaller states. Even to this day, visitors to Jorvick or Port Haven may find the graves of those that fell in this conflict. 
With its strength and confidence, Jorvick mobilised to attack Saror Haven. In response, a coalition of nearly all the breakaway states mustered their forces to stem Jorvick’s conquest. Greatly outnumbered it seemed that the war was already decided, but Mugen promised Jorvick the power to win. This growing interest group could provide bandits and resources to bolster the forces of Jorvick. In desperate times desperate measures must be taken, and thus the leader of Jorvick, Bedaer, decided to have Jorvick become a vassal state under Mugen. With the assurance of Mugen and a hint of Catania’s fighting spirit, Jorvick pushed forward. 
At the Battle Of Jorvick, the city-state saw itself on the defence, even though they had started the war. The coalition was narrowly defeated, resulting in the shattering of their army. Jorvickan troops now filled with morale again rushed into Saror Haven in the following days and devastated its cities. New Haven was left in ruins, Goldhaven was burnt to the ground and its citizens slaughtered. Saror Haven was fully annexed by Mugen, leaving only ruins in its wake. 
===Founding of Catania===
With the war over, Mugen dominated much of modern-day Catania. This was a time of oppression and rebellion. Bandits employed by Mugen roamed the streets of Jorvick, killing citizens and ruthlessly putting down any hint of dissent. 
Despite this, with peace came some prosperity. Goldhaven was rebuilt, Saror Haven became the town of Port Haven, the floating citadel of Atarashi Sora was established. Still, Catania – if it could even be said to have existed at this point – was stunted by Mugen’s influence. Many left the region never to return while those that held fast established secret rebel groups in Jorvick. 
It may well have continued that way if not for the arrival of Uraka. This new empire from the east, seeing the chaos that had befallen the land, worked with the rebels of Jorvick to overthrow the Mugen once and for all. Faced with the might of Uraka, even the Mugen were no match and crumpled beneath their might. 
As the ancient sages of Jorvick wisely pronounced, “Catania is basically Skyrim now.”
In the Mugen-conquered lands, the Uraki Emperor Neo established the republic of Catania, uniting the city states of Jorvick and Treelords in the process, as a vassal state and appointed a governor to lead it. At last Catania was born. This twisted, colourful republic still had a long way to go, but with Uraka watching over it, the future seemed bright. 
Over time, noble houses arose to help restore order to Catania, one of which being House Reach. From this estate rose Angel Glendark-Reach who integrated into Jorvick and quickly became popular amongst its people. Angel served as advisor to the then-governor of the nation Kazat Zarmir appointed by Uraka. However, when Kazat attempted to abolish the republic and declare himself king, the nation began falling into decline with unrest and inactivity plaguing the region. This unrest gave birth to 4 rebel groups, all trying to remove Kazat. Two based in Treelords, one in Jorvick and one in Ragnarvick. The one that would bring change was the Catanian Movement for Change or CMC, as Angel was the leader of that group. 
File:CataniaRebel1.png|Flag of a Treelordian Rebel group
File:CataniaRebel2.png|Flag of the Catanian Movement for Change, a Rebel group from Jorvick
Angel could not stand to see Catania in this state for long. He sought audience with Emperor Neo, and it was agreed that Uraka would facilitate elections for a new king. It seems that the people of Catania sought to return Angel’s good-will for they chose to elect Angel by a landslide. Now in power and appointed as the Augustus of Catania, Angel decided to create a new constitutional monarchy and relinquish many of the king’s more autocratic powers. 
And was acknowledged by Uraka. After coming to power, he decided to share it throughout Catania. Angel established a new constitutional monarchy so that anyone could rise to power in this kingdom, relinquishing the powers of Augustus and allowing the people to elect a Prime Minister.
Under Angel’s reign, Catania has seen an unprecedented period of growth and good governance. But its story is far from over. As new arrivals create fresh towns, religions and houses in Catania, its true golden age is yet to be written. 
===Valrean-Catanian Commonwealth===
After the dissolution of the League of Vircon and after helping Valreach with the rebels, the two nations grew even closer. Seeing the Drakaen region split hurt them and they wanted to cooperate to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the region. Their peace talks were interrupted by a war that the A.W.E. started wherer they stood on opposite sides. Nonetheless, after the war, they came together and on the 10th of January these two nations entered a real union and formed the Valrean-Catanian Commonwealth, bringing a new great power to the region. Both Catania and Valreach retain sovereignity, but have a shared external policy. The Commonwealth quickly accomplished goals that they wouldn't have been able to achieve as individual nations. Shortly after it's creation the Augustate of Arthholds joined the Commonwealth. With Arthholds becoming a fully fledged member at the end of February, a name change was due as well as a new flag. So the Commonwealth changed name to the Drakaen Commonwealth and established a flag that would represent each nations equally with 3 crowns. 
File:VCCFlag.png|Flag of the Commonwealth
File:DrakaenCommonwealthFlagold.png|Flag after the renaming
===Drakaen Köntrybund===
Catanian higher ups were heavily involved in the collapse of the Uraki Imperium. The feeling of being neglected by Uraka was widespread throughout the elites, so King Rodnim, Therandus Lachforst, Prime Minister at the time and Carthago Reach helped the harbinger of the Old Banners Rebellion to bring down the Empire. After the crumbling of Uraka, many threats showed themselves, reassuring the Drakaen people that working together is the only option to survive. Mainly driven by some Valrean members, reforms of the Drakaen Commonwealth were sought after, in a packet of reforms known as Zie Neu Köntrybund Saculdum. The Drakaen Köntrybund changed flags and its government structure, changing its Triumvirate for an Autarchy. Finally, after the period of Cold War in the Drakesland, the Commonwealth found itself ready to unite the Drakesland, leaning heavily into the imagery of the old Drakaen Autarchies and the Regnum Drakaes. Catania remained a Högesrieges, or Higher Kingdom within the Commonwealth, together with Valreach and Arthholds, and it would continue to have large influence on the Drakaen political stage. 
Growing disdain for the Autarch, Delta Aulian-Drake rose within the nation otgether a rise of tension and uncertainty on the international environment following the fall of the Uraki Imperium. When admins renamed the capital of Jorvick to "NoIrlNames2" after over 10 months of it existing, because of the old Norse name for York, which was Jorvik over 900 years ago (many of the affected claim staff bias to this day) made the leadership snap. Disdain turned to hatred and it was decided to spit in the faces of everyone. 
Catania withdrew, without previous notice from the Drakaen Köntrybund. Even if there was no law preventing it, it was a devastating move for the union, as Catania was one of its founding members and, even if its population was singlificantly lower than Valreach, by then, its military might was a valued asset by the Commonwealth. Its secession was supported of The Imperium, later The Union, which could prevent any hostile act from the Commonwealth. The Drakaen Autarch, following the news of their departure, dennounced Catania with allegations of plans of invasion towards other nations in the Drakesland, such as Valreach and Amarillo. The Commonwealth backed the claim with solid third-party proof showing that members of the Government of Catania, including its King had verbally stated such plans. It is unclear, however, if those were the real intentions or just a provocation towards a rival nation. Those claims wouldn't lead to anything but growing tensions between other Drakaen states and Catania. 
The times after the secession were marked for a severe stagnation, as nearly all of the population of Catania left with the leadership, having made a deal with the Imperium to keep Catania frozen in time, under their control and protection. This also marked the birth of the State of Vionir, as the province and it's three remaining active citizens were granted vassalship under the Catanian Crown and full internal autonomy until Angel's return. 
=== Jorvheimr and other states ===
Yeats later, Angel, the previous king of Catania wanted to return and completely change Catania. He proclaimed the realm of Jorvheimr, which would join the Union as a full member state. This entailed a roleplay war, between the old Catanian unionists, fighting for cultural acceptance and union and the Jorv invaders, who wanted to eradicate the Drakaen culture and return to the Jorvian roots of the Jorvick days. Jorvheimr won and annexed all of mainland Catania, leaving it relegated to only de jure exist within an embassy. This project started off well, but the players had enough of the server and so the nation quickly became inactive. 
When the Union crumbled, their neighbours of Valreach eyed the land of Jorvheimr and invaded. Jorvheimr was thus split into four rump states, to abuse the ruleset and make warring them as tedious as possible. This plan failed due to lack of interest to fight by the Jorvheimr players and betrayal by the Vionir players. Thus the "Treaty of the Divine Lands" (Mirror if Valreach decides to rewrite history like they always do) was signed, having all three remaining states join Valreach without a conflict, but binding Valreach to this treaty.
Many Ex-Catanian players logged on before the treaty was signed and griefed their own builds, as they would rather destroy their own builds than see Valreach have them. In addition they all dissolved the old claims, to make room for squatters and to have Valreach spend more to reclaim the area.
The treaty would be broken a few months later by Valreach, ensuing another insurrection, which prompted many old Catanian players to log back on and grief all cities they had access to even more, bringing in even more players to destroy their old builds. 
==Government==
Catania started out as a federal republic, with the different citystates acting as states of the republic. The Jorvick city state was the biggest with two active settlements, Jorvick and Ragnarvick. The other states were Treelords, New Haven and Lynchburg. New Haven was empty after it had been conquered and Jorvickans resettled the city of Porthaven. Lynchburg was a small state with Lynchburg and Fort Lygos in its borders that died after Kazat abolishing the republic. Jorvickans would later go on to form Kalminur and Anglia out of the empty settlements there.
===Government Structure===
The last High King of Catania was Vaelralis Laenaell-Reach. After a reform, the council changed to an assembly of ministers. The government, by then contained:
hey get succeeded hereditary. If there is no eligible heir, the council holds a referendum to appoint a new monarch. 
The Prime Minister’s influence is more administrative. Alongside the Council the Prime Minister works to draft legislation and can themselves appoint two Council members of their choice. Like the Crown, the Prime Minister can veto the Crown or the Council. H
The Catanian government is split into 3 branches, the King, the Prime Minister and the Warden's with their aids. Every member of the government can occupy the position of a minister, to not block talent from being used.
Starting with the Crown, this position is one wrapped up in ceremony. Whenever a new government is formed it is the crown’s job to officially announce it. However, the crown is far from a purely ceremonial role. The crown’s assent is required for any bill to pass, and they also have the ability to veto either the Prime Minister or the Council. Of all the positions in government the Crown’s is the longest, having no effective term limit, however when a a monarch dies, they get succeeded hereditary. If there is no eligible heir, the council holds a referendum to appoint a new monarch. 
The Prime Minister’s influence is more administrative. Alongside the Council the Prime Minister works to draft legislation and can themselves appoint two Council members of their choice. Like the Crown, the Prime Minister can veto the Crown or the Council. However, the Prime Minister faces election every month and is asked to lead a government after rising to power. This usually means finding a consensus amongst the Council and drafting legislation that is amendable to the Crown. Sometimes the Prime Minister may also appoint a group of advisors known as the Cabinet. 
Finally, there is the Council. This contains one individual appointed by each Provincial Warden, as well as two members appointed by the Prime Minister. The Council’s main purpose is to create legislation, and its vote is required for any bills to pass. It also serves as a vital check and balance; a unanimous vote of the Council is enough to override the veto of either the Crown or the Prime Minister. It can even force the Prime Minister – but not the Crown – out of office, initiating an election. 
==== Former Kings ====
*Angel I Glendark Reach
*Rodnim I Glendark Aulian-Reach Almirion
Catania’s government is protected by the King’s Guard, an elite squadron of soldiers, led by DestXM, built upon an Uraki military model. This contains some of the best fighters in the kingdom with unwavering loyalty to Catania. The King’s Guard requires its members to be the best of the best, ever expanding when a worthy contestant applies. It's elite soldiers also have participated in the Uraki war on Auroran Uldarash in 60 PTD. 
=== Territorial Organisation ===
On the local scale, Provincial Wardens serve as managers for the four provinces of the Kingdom: Haven, Jorvia, Einar and Vionir. The current Provincial Wardens respectively are Choko McCaulk, Frospi, Irene Reach and hobbit. 
Each of these provinces contains several towns, each of which has a leader known as a Lord or Lady. These lords and ladies can give their opinion to the king who they want to be appointed as Warden of their province. 
Most provinces often have one or more Noble Houses attached to them. While lacking any formal political power, these Houses tend to have immense informal influence, forming the bedrock of many political alliances in the kingdom. The most powerful of these groups is House Reach from which the King comes from. The other three Noble Houses are Lachforst, Almirion and Mcaulk. The Zarmir family was dissolved, after many members of it had been found guilty of treason against Catania. House Delenda died out after Carthago joined the Reach family and the only remaining member of house Delenda died out before having offspring. 
By the times of the Drakaen Köntrybund, Catania had eleven main settlements, ranging from rather small forts and keeps to grand cities. 
=== Provinces ===
The Provinces of the High Kingdom of Catania
Province	Flag	Historical Leader 	Towns 	Description
Jorvia 	 	Angel Glendark Reach 	JorvickKal-KattanValendorKingston 	
Vionir 	 	 	TreelordsMugenPustnic FieldsCodtown 	
Haven 	 	 	Port HavenRagnarvickAtarashi SoraKeshraBarak-VarrIron	
Einar 	 	Theandrus Lachfrost Reach	KalminurUlridgeAngliaFort LygosLynchburg 	
=== Towns and Cities ===
List of Towns, Cities and other Settlements of the High Kingdom of Catania
Settlement 	Flag	Province	Historical Mayor 	Description
Jorvick 	 	Jorvia 	Bedaer
Angel Glendark Reach	It lays near the centre of the kingdom, it’s towering walls and bustling market draws in travellers from around the world, as well as being the seat of Catania’s government.
Kal-Kattan 	 	Jorvia 	 	Just south of Jorvick, the bustling market of Kal-Katan is located, rebuilt from old ruins, a mystical rift runs through this industrious town.
Valendor 	 	Jorvia 	 	In the shadow of Mugen’s ruins to the northeast, the towers Valendor reach into the sky. A medium sized town with many gifted individuals in it, ranging from fierce warriors to ingenious brewers.
Kingston 	 	Jorvia 	 	
Treelords 	 	Vionir 	 	As far as cities go, Treelords is the second contestant for the spot of Catania’s biggest metropolis. Lying at Catania’s eastern border, with vital river-routes to Jorvick, Treelords is the engine to Catania’s bustling economy.
Mugen 	 	Vionir 	 	
Pustnic Fields	 	Vionir 	 	The furthest south you can go, there lies Pustnic fields, a small settlement harvesting crops on the fertile land along the riverbanks.
Codtown 	 	Vionir 	 	For those looking for a more peaceful life, Codtown to the south east offers a gentle time of fishing and farming. Its close-knit community is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests far away from the politics of the capital.
Port Haven 	 	Haven 	 	At the western fringes of Catania can be found the reborn Port Haven. This town is one of the oldest in the kingdom, and one of the most scarred, but with its clock tower standing proudly at the border it holds plenty of promise for the future.
Ragnarvick 	 	Haven 	 	From the towering heights of Atarashi Sora the turreted lowlands upon which Ragnarvick lies can be seen in all their glory. The dual citadels of Ragnarvick dominate the skyline and the golden fields of wheat that stretch onto the horizon provide food for many of the surrounding towns.
Atarashi Sora 	 	Haven 	 	Turning back to the north, there floats Atarashi Sora being rebuilt out of the ruins of Sora, a town under former Saror Haven, is a marvel to behold. This network of floating islands and towers serves as Catania’s magical vanguard; a home of those looking to push the boundaries of knowledge.
Keshra 	 	Haven 	 	One such settlement is the small community of Keshra. Known for it's black walls, Keshra is a fortified village nestled within the Raindancer’s Valley. When passing through, make sure to visit the dripping caves, where the old city lies.
Barak-Varr 	 	Haven 	 	Finally, as far west as one may go, Barak-Varr welcomes ships to Catania. Known as the Gates to the Sea, Barak-Varr is largely a subterranean town built within one of Catania’s most prosperous natural bays. Those passing into Catania often see Barakk-Varr as their first port of call.
Iron 	 	Haven 	 	
Kalminur 	 	Einar 	Theandrus Lachfrost Reach	Just west of the former Goldhaven, stretch the sprawling mines of Kalminur, that provide metals and stone for the kingdom. Many an industrious adventurer has sought their fortune in this mining town.
Ulridge 	 	Einar 	 	Further south a cluster of townships can be found, among which Ulridge is one of the youngest. This ambitious settlement draws in some of Catania’s newest recruits, and has a tactical central position within the kingdom, serving as defence and fort. In the south, all roads pass through Ulridge.
Anglia 	 	Einar 	 	At Catania’s south western border, Anglia stakes its claim with burning forges and clashing steel. This mining town never sleeps and is known for zealous industry and gorgeous architecture.
Fort Lygos 	 	Einar 	 	
Lynchburg 	 	Einar 	 	
The last High King of Catania was Vaelralis Laenaell-Reach. After a reform, the council changed to an assembly of ministers. The government, by then contained:
*PM - Therandus Lachforst
*Vice PM - Tyum Lachforst-Aulian
*Minister of Internal-Affairs - hobbit
*Minister of Defence - Carthago Reach
*Minister of Agriculture - Choko Mcaulk
*Minister of Culture - manspiderpig
*Minister of Foreign-Affairs - Bendover Reach
*Minister of Finance - Frospi
*Minister of Infrastructure - Therandus Lachforst
*Minister of Immigration - AYJee McCaulk
The Catanian government is split into 3 branches, the King, the Prime Minister and the Warden's with their aids. Every member of the government can occupy the position of a minister, to not block talent from being used.
Starting with the Crown, this position is one wrapped up in ceremony. Whenever a new government is formed it is the crown’s job to officially announce it. However, the crown is far from a purely ceremonial role. The crown’s assent is required for any bill to pass, and they also have the ability to veto either the Prime Minister or the Council. Of all the positions in government the Crown’s is the longest, having no effective term limit, however when a a monarch dies, they get succeeded hereditary. If there is no eligible heir, the council holds a referendum to appoint a new monarch. 
The Prime Minister’s influence is more administrative. Alongside the Council the Prime Minister works to draft legislation and can themselves appoint two Council members of their choice. Like the Crown, the Prime Minister can veto the Crown or the Council. However, the Prime Minister faces election every month and is asked to lead a government after rising to power. This usually means finding a consensus amongst the Council and drafting legislation that is amendable to the Crown. Sometimes the Prime Minister may also appoint a group of advisors known as the Cabinet. 
Finally, there is the Council. This contains one individual appointed by each Provincial Warden, as well as two members appointed by the Prime Minister. The Council’s main purpose is to create legislation, and its vote is required for any bills to pass. It also serves as a vital check and balance; a unanimous vote of the Council is enough to override the veto of either the Crown or the Prime Minister. It can even force the Prime Minister – but not the Crown – out of office, initiating an election. 
On the local scale, Provincial Wardens serve as managers for the four provinces of the Kingdom: Haven, Jorvia, Einar and Vionir. The current Provincial Wardens respectively are Choko McCaulk, Frospi, Irene Reach and hobbit. 
Each of these provinces contains several towns, each of which has a leader known as a Lord or Lady. These lords and ladies can give their opinion to the king who they want to be appointed as Warden of their province. 
Most provinces often have one or more Noble Houses attached to them. While lacking any formal political power, these Houses tend to have immense informal influence, forming the bedrock of many political alliances in the kingdom. The most powerful of these groups is House Reach from which the King comes from. The other three Noble Houses are Lachforst, Almirion and Mcaulk. The Zarmir family was dissolved, after many members of it had been found guilty of treason against Catania. House Delenda died out after Carthago joined the Reach family and the only remaining member of house Delenda died out before having offspring. 
=====Former Kings:===== 
*Angel I Glendark Reach
*Rodnim I Glendark Aulian-Reach Almirion
Catania’s government is protected by the King’s Guard, an elite squadron of soldiers, led by DestXM, built upon an Uraki military model. This contains some of the best fighters in the kingdom with unwavering loyalty to Catania. The King’s Guard requires its members to be the best of the best, ever expanding when a worthy contestant applies. It's elite soldiers also have participated in the Uraki war on Auroran Uldarash in 60 PTD. 
== People and Culture ==
===Religions===
Catania offers religious freedom to its citizens, and so numerous faiths have sprung up across the kingdom. 
These religions include: The Blood God, Raindancing, Elboism, Soleviel and Ratism
By far the most influential religion in Catania is that of the Blood God. This faith has its roots deeply set in Catania, particularly in Jorvick where the religion is based. Curiously, the worship of the Blood God developed completely separately from The Red Cult that rose to popularity on the other continent in Rathnir. Some of the Blood God’s most loyal supporters take this as proof of their righteousness. Relations between the Red Cult and Catania’s Blood God religion are good, as the basic principles are the same, even though Catania’s religious leaders claim to be superior. After more and more questionable decisions by the Red Cult, the Catanian followers had enough and a schism occured. The Church of the Blood God split off of the Red Cult, following their own beliefs.
Meanwhile, in the mountains of the northwest, the Raindancers make their home. This sect of mystics and scholars worship in Keshra, their holy city, built deep into a soaring canyon. Raindancers worship the rain which they believe to contain the voice of their Ascended ancestors. By attuning themselves to the rain, they seek to glean enlightenment and ascend to a higher plane. 
Amongst the Treelords in Catania’s heartland, Elboism holds some sway. Rather than being an official religion of the town, this faith is an imported one. Nevertheless, travellers to Treelords may come across shrines to life, light and the moon. 
A religion imported from it's neighbor Valreach was Soleviel, while it isn't spread amongst the common folk, the elite likes this religion fondly. 
Another imported religion is Ratism, one of the most widespread and influential religions of Eldham. Worship of the Rat King is sporadic in Catania but nonetheless present. What this means for Catania – and whether the Holy Rat Wars will emerge on its soil – remains to be seen. 
Category:Catania
Category:Nations
Category:Drakaes
Category:Traveler's Era