Astyllea

The Empire of Astyllea was an Empire comprised of the lands and regions of Aldovir and Yimmu-Audal. The Astyllean Empire was mainly situated on the Alteniquian continent, with only minor territories located other places on Rathnir. The empire was made up of a series of states and imperial territories, which are divided into smaller sections depending on the state.
Whilst ambitious in its scope-encompassing almost the entire continent of Alteniquia-the Empire of Astyllea was hindered by internal division and bureaucratic imbroglio. Powerful blocs of dissidents developed across the Empire, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Empire and the sundering of Alteniquia into dozens of smaller nations. Many historians consequently split the history of many regions of Alteniquia into "Pre-Astyllea" and "Post-Astyllea", due to the sheer impact that the Empire and its collapse had on the continent.
== The Birth of a Union ==
The Empire of Astyllea arose after the "Brother's War". The war was between Yimmu-Audal (Soléa-Audal had split up because of this) and Aldovir. The Battle of Praestinia and the Rap Battle of Praestinia took place on the 11th of December, 2021. 
Even through the high rising tensions between Yimmu-Audal and Aldovir, leaders of both nations gathered and realized each others similarities with one another, were greater than their differences. Through these meetings, the leaders decided that unlike any nations had even done before, the two very empires at the brink of even deeper warfare, shall unite into one great Empire Of Astyllea. 
The Two Empires merged in such a way that would leave none with more resemblance of their former empire, to bring fairness and prosperity to the new thriving empire. Thus, they needed to elect a new emperor, and so after a grand royal election among the highest of powers, they chose the first emperor of Astyllea, Rithaur V síl Kair'vern-Audaláth (Jabberdrake). Now, every month the empires higher ups would elect a new emperor. 
=== The First Election ===
The founding of Astyllea was marked by a looming uncertainty that it was, in the end, little more than a new way for the Empire of Aldovir to assert authority over its new northeastern countrymen. This was dismissed by the government, who reminded all citizens that no invasions, campaigns, or even battles had taken place between Aldovir and Yimmu-Audal, and that Astyllea was a product of sincere talks between the two powers.
The First Imperial Election to decide who would lead the Empire of Astyllea in its infancy returned a victory for Rithaur V Síl Kair'vern-Audaláth (Jabberdrake). Following a lavish coronation, his rule was marked by the many early hallmarks of an Empire's founding; reinforcement of political traditions, and the consolidation of land. Campaigns were lead to pacify the Astyllean hinterlands; whether it be the fertile farmlands of Lapidovir, the swamps of Adavir, the arid deserts of Audal, the taigas of Azuria, the first Emperor of Astyllea hoped to see these lands developed and protected from thieves and bandits. Skinyee was appointed as Master of War, and was charged with pacifying the borders of Astyllea.
War was declared upon Yürki, a collection of islands in Southern Alteniquia, with the aim being to unite the lands of the Shirakaben people under Astyllea's banner-but it seemed that little came of this declaration, and Yürki remained plagued with internal and external strife from many sources. This initial apathy toward the first war declared by Astyllea was an ill omen for what was to come.
=== The Seizure of Market55 ===
Market55, one of the most prosperous and famous marketplaces in Rathnir, was historically a source of vast wealth. Most of this wealth had come in under the stewardship of 55treimine, an incredibly wealthy merchant who made clear his distrust of not only Astyllea, but of Yimmu-Audal itself with whom had had a history of issues.
Astyllean diplomats approached him with demands of price restrictions or a limitation on the size of his market estates, all of which were refused. This resulted in Daria Elernel-Dariae, the Regent of Astyllea, declared his plan to seize of the market and encouraging merchants from all over Rathnir to move in and set up shop. With assurances of support from Uldarash, Huitca, Lorent, and multiple other nations, war was declared upon market55. The ensuing conflict was a resounding success for Astyllea, with market55 forcibly seized on February 6th and transferred to Astyllea via the Carnian Minister of Finance, Kolathust. 
This victory was paired with a declaration that at long last, the islands of Yürki had fallen to a coalition of troops from Oblock, Ozeanburg, Astyllea, Lorent, and Novatress. The islands were split between Astyllea and Vereblock, however, a touch short of Astyllea's original hopes.
=== Expansion into Vastellos and the Mistic Doctrine ===
Vastellos, formerly known as Alteniquia Minor, was a subcontinent in the west of Alteniquia. Historically it had been home to numerous realms, most notably as a largely unified region under Ombria. However, Ombria was dissolved by the Caravayan Senate-who voted for it to instead split into multiple successor states, each of which had their own ambitions for the region.
Astana,the easternmost of these nations, noted that Vastellos was now fractured between multiple powers which-while peaceful-lacked any real means to defend themselves. As a result, Astana joined Astyllea on Feburary 8th. This was almost immediately followed with the establishment of the Dragonate of Dracade, one of the larger nations of Vastellos, as a Protectorate of Astyllea. Astyllea's foreign policy at this stage is seen as a continuation of an earlier Yimmu-Audal policy known as the Mistic Doctrine; the idea that no nation outside of Alteniquia should be able to make any significant moves on the continent, with Astyllea acting as the guardian of both its own land and that of other Alteniquian nations. Astyllea promised that diplomatic and military action would be taken against any non-Alteniquian nations or entities which tried to expand on the central continent.
By this stage there was a new Emperor, Centurion Rochelle-Audalad, who oversaw the integration of the Republic of Asturcia, another nation of Vastellos, into Astyllea, with one of its towns-Zaun-handed over to Astyllea's Protectorate Dracade.
It was with this expansion that Astyllea reached its peak, under Emperor Centurion, with most of Alteniquia unified under its banner. It was, for many, the foremost nation in Rathnir.
=== Burning at Both Ends ===
Astyllea's vast size had lead many within the Empire to call for further expansion, further reforms, further glory.
The old claim of Grizzlybear at 0,0 appeared to be next in line, with a declaration from Astyllea that it the Empire was to convert this traditionally neutral territory into a protectorate-but it appeared that the owners of Grizzlybear had little interest in this announcement. The expansionist policies of the Empire seemed to catch up to it, with a declaration of defiance from the small city state of Yestanbul in the far east of Astyllea. According to Howertt, the ruler of Yestanbul, Astyllea had 'forced' his city to join them on threat of war-all whilst showing hostility or ignorance toward Howertt and his people. Astyllea was also butting heads with Aurlûnor Velande over the Diarchy of Galínios, through which Aurlûnor Velande hoped to expand into Alteniquia minor.
While the former dispute was eventually resolved thanks to quick-thinking diplomacy between Astyllean officials and Aurlûnor Velande, the issue of Yestanbul remained contentious. The Third Imperial Election was held, with the new Empress declared to be Aldara Valirgal Ellan. Empress Aldara declared a need for urgent reform; she stated that too much focus had been placed on foreign diplomacy, rather than inernal affairs. Pointing to a need for development, recruitment, political restructuring and the fostering of a stronger national identity, Empress Aldara declared the introduction of a "Reconstruction Era." The main foreign policy of Aldara's rule was simple; forge strong alliances, and build upon them lasting friendships.
However this era would end before it truly took off; Empress Aldara was forced to step down due to to circumstances beyond her control (see; irl) but was keen to leave parting words of wisdom. Urging her successors to heed her calls for internal reform, she departed the throne with the famous words "Astyllea is yet to be born-that does mean it shall never!" 
It seemed her efforts weren't for naught, as the somewhat cold reception from Grizzlybear over Astyllea's earlier declarations had been resolved-with the area joining Astyllea on March 17th. Astyllea also successfully forged multiple alliances or non-aggression agreements; with Borehammar and with Waldblume, for example. Meanwhile, the defiant city of Yestanbul worked to strengthen its military ties with Kartek, who had aided it in its independence from the Empire. This last haunting conflict would prove devastating; it escalated into armed action on March 20th, with Astyllean forces attacking Yestanbul-only to be repelled.
It seemed tat the small city state of Yestanbul had gathered a highly skilled military force, and the Empire of Astyllea-for all its size-crashed upon it like a wave against rocks. The defeat and reasserted independence of Yestanbul shook Astyllea to its core. Many appeared to lose confidence in the Small Council, and worries rose that internal strife was imminent if a new government wasn't formed. New Imperial Elections were called, with two front runners; Kerplis and Daria. In the end, Kerplis won-with many fearing Daria's militaristic and aggressive attitude would lead them to ruin.
=== The Collapse ===
However, the Fourth Imperial Elections, a new government was not formed.
Astyllea was in the midst of Unity Day, celebrating the unity of the Empire, when an announcement rang out.
Daria had announced a military coup; he rejected the outcome of the elections, and hoped to try and take control of the Empire with the support of domestic states and foreign nations. With some of the high council's knowledge, Kerplis and Daria agreed to a 1v1 between one champion each of them would choose. Drach's champion came out on top, and after it was declared that Daria won, the high council declined its legitimacy. In the following hours the empire was in shambles, as Drach sent military folk out to raid and take control of cities, most notably Lestria. About an hour after this, Tálorans such as Silverchu, Trev48809, FantasicMrLuke, Ser_Centurion, Beaglebasset24, Noodles, and Cyp3r, gathered to look for survivors throughout south-western Astyllea, but found no one after concluding the search at Lirgal. Many towns proceeded to lock themselves down for the time being. 
Later that night, it was announced that the high council of Astyllea had voted to officially dissolve the empire of Astyllea into its former states. 
Daria didn't agree to this and many states and foreign nation begun to choose sides: those who intended to preserve Astyllea supporting Daria and those who wanted to maintain the dissolution. Ultimately this reconquest of Astyllea never happened due to Drach being banned and other political and financial confusions.
In the end, shortly after the empire voted to self-dissolve, all states one by one declared independence from the dying empire, until there were no states left and it was de-facto dissolved. Many of the ex-states united to form new nations, or went under the protection of other states. By April 4th, Astyllea had ceased to exist.
=== Aftermath ===
The political aftermath of Astyllea is so vast in scope that it can be broken down into multiple regions.
Yimmu-Audal
Yimmu-Audal was faced with a political crisis following the collapse of Astyllea; it existed within Astyllea as an internal Kingdom-the unified duchies of Theionikos, Anoshphey, Audal, and Tálor. Rather than risk a similar internal collapse to Astyllea, this unified Yimmu-Audal agreed to become a protectorate of The Imperium-swearing fealty to the ruler of the Solleannan Empire. They were integrated fully into the Imperium in June 2022, and while some positive relations remained it was clear that Yimmu-Audal was in rapid decline. When the Imperium itself integrated into the newly founded Certarian Empire, many of the Audaladae resented the dire state of affairs, hoping to see an independent Yimmu-Audal restored.
This would eventually come to pass when Certaria dissolved-leavuing the High Kingdom of Yimmu-Audal independent. The High Kingdom, rejuvinated by a new generation of wise and energetic leadership, reformed into the Third Empire and would soon reunify most of Alteniquia under its rule-an event which at the time drew concerns from those opposed to the propsect of a "New Astyllea."
Aldovir
Nowhere was the collapse of Astyllea felt more keenly than the subcontinent of Aldovir, in southwestern Alteniquia. The Empire of Aldovir, which had previously ruled most of the region, had been one of the major founding polities of Astyllea. It had produced three rulers of Astyllea; the Emperor of Aldovir himself, Jabberdrake (Rithaur V Síl Kair'vern-Audaláth), Ewatomi (Aldara Valirgal Ellan/Aldara Déarinn-Audalad), and Kerplis. Both Kerplis and the man who attempted to overthrow him, Daria Elernel, were from Carn, a powerful Aldoviri Kingdom, whilst both the Empress and Vice-Empress of the Third Government (Aldara and Raeden) were from the Lunar City-State of Lirgal.
The collapse of the Empire sent a ripple across Aldovir; most nations, such as Sironia and Lirgal, declared independence-but for other nations, the crisis proved insurmountable. Lapidovir, the ancient Kingdom of the west, fell into total political collapse and asked to be integrated by Lirgal. Carn, meanwhile, found itself utterly bereft of political leadership-it was partitioned by foreign powers into a combination of protectorates and new independent polities, with the Carnian national identity shattered.
Aldovir would from this point be rocked with conflict and turmoil, with various nations attempting to either recreate or prevent the recreation of the old Empire of Aldovir, or a successor-such as Saramenór. The lasting trauma felt from the chaos of Astyllea's collapse would seep into the very ground itself, blooming again in 2022 with the Neo-Carnian Revolution.
== Government ==
==== The Golden Codex ====
The Empire Of Astyllea's government was forged by the Golden Codex, which was the empires constitution. It contains every aspect of Government and leading the nation. The Golden Codex document can be amended, to make room for more modern laws the empire may require.
==== The Ultimate Authority ====
The leaders of the Empire are the Emperor, and Vice Emperor, with the Emperor having ultimate authority within the empire. They are elected every month and their coronation shall be held shortly after their election. 
- It is important to understand that the Emperor did not really have ultimate power and was leashed by the Small Council. This major restriction made sure that large state political stances and projects would not be finished despite having the resources to do them. 
Each state in the empire had one elector that was given the responsibility to elect the new emperors. Some imperial territories were given access to this privilege. 
The Empire's government was also composed of the Small Council, which was the highest authority under the emperor, vice emperor and electors, the small council was composed of the leader of each guild, one official from each state and imperial territory the emperor and vice emperor, and other significant members of the Empire that were voted in. The small council decides on new laws to implement, how the empire should be run, and decide what was next for the empire. 
==== The previous Rulers of Astyllea ====
Here is the timeline of Emperors and Vice-Emperors of Astyllea.
# Emperor: Rithaur V Síl Kair'vern-Audaláth | Vice Emperor: Joveneos Aléeos Ponténne-Elernel Maximos-Caicuria McSpiegel Audalad
# Emperor: Centurion Rochelle-Audalad | Vice Emperor: Daria Elernel (Retired 08/03/2022), Joveneos Aléeos Ponténne-Elernel Maximos-Caicuria McSpiegel Audalad (Replacement)
# Empress: Aldara Déarinn-Audalad | Vice-Empress: Raeden Seeker
# (Contested) Emperor Kerplis elected, failed Coup by Daria Elernel. No coronation. 
== The Imperial Guilds ==
==== The Imperial Guild Of Culture ====
The Imperial Guild Of Culture was designed to be in charge of everything in the Empire when it comes to cartography, arts, writing, religion, culture, and more. This imperial guild was home to some of the best mapmakers and artist around Rathnir, and was lead by none other than Sir Pontéos of Anòshphéy. The guild of culture was also in charge of planning large scale events throughout the empire, such as coronations, festivals, sacrifices, etc. 
==== The Imperial Guild Of Coin & Bank ====
The Imperial Guild Of Coin and Bank was the guild that controls the treasury of the Empire Of Astyllea. They make sure the empire brings in steady income and decides what to spend that money on. They may spend the money on things such as build projects, resources, and even festivals. The guild was lead by Trollerio; as the guild master, and Riff; the coin secretary. 
==== The Imperial Guild Of Masonry ====
The Imperial Guild of Masonry was designed to be in control of everything such as construction of buildings, to maintenance and construction of new, reliable roads. The guilds leadership consists of many guild officials, and was lead by Ghastly Bespoke of the kingdom of Yimmu-Audal. In this guild there are awesome, skilled builders and designers that come together to construct some of the best architecture in all of Rathnir. 
==== The Imperial Astyllean Naval Coast Guards ====
The Imperial Astyllea Naval Coast Guards was considered the military for the Empire of Astyllea, and was home to some of the best PVPers in stoneworks! It was lead by Abdoulla. They control the Empires growing fleet, its talented seaman (soldiers), and protect the empire from any foreign threats.
== Architecture ==
The Empire of Astyllea has beautiful, grand, cities. Some of the most well known and remarked as best looking of these was Urnu-Arrak, Lestria, Grandia, Grogongia, Kordania, Lirgal, Jirn, Gebel, Rhodia, and Amos. We also have many more cities that are well known and beautiful, these are just some of the few most remarked and best looking cities. The Empire Of Astyllea was home to the ancient Audalad and Cobbleworks styles, but Astyllea was also well known for its grand, lavish, palaces. Some cities within the empire even go with the classic rustic midivil build styles.
Astyllea has some of the most diverse, and in depth architecture out of other nations.
== Geography ==
Astyllea was located mainly on the Alteniquian continent, which contains mostly deserts and open savanna and plains. The Empire included all the biomes except those like Mesa and Mushroom. 
(WIP, by the Imperial Guild of Culture, of Astyllea)
Category:Nations
Category:Lore
Category:Astyllea
Category:Traveler's Era