Staslov

Staslov, officially the Holy Kingdom of Staslov, sometimes referred to as HKS, is a kingdom within Abexilas on the continent of Talasi ruled by the royal House Staslov. Though the kingdom is referred to as holy, the actual government and major religion are—at least in theory—separate, and do not hold power over each other. 
== Etymology ==
Scholars of the imperial library and its branches still debate the exact origin of the Staslov House name and the lands they own in common. The endonym Sazlōveth comes from the root in Classical Staslovic <Sazlov->, which means "holy cause," and the locative suffix <-eth> to mean "land of the holy cause." 
The prevailing theory among scholars such as Ezari Tyrudas is that in Early Staslovic, the word for a "holy cause" would have been <tsazlōvīk'>, which got borrowed into the traveller's tongue as <Staslovic>. This "<tsaz> theory" is supported by similar words going through the <ts> -> change. A non-insignificant minority of scholars call this conjecture a folk etymology and say that the Staslov name has a Fjelli origin. They attest that the Fjelli word for "justice" was and that the instances of the <ts> -> change would not apply to a hypothetical <tsaz>. 
These scholars maintain that the adoption of <Staslov> was first a word in Early Staslovic, now lost to us, which was loaned into Fjelli and then loaned both back into Middle Staslovic, as that arose from a merger between Fjelli and Early Staslovic, as well as into common.
== Geography ==
=== Mīkh'ōth ===
The island of Mīkh'ōth, where the majority of Staslov is located, is the largest island in Talasi, with an area of roughly 283,648 m2. It is situated to the south of the Olara subcontinent, and to the east of the Dancliffe jungle. To its south is the sea of Arlanor, where the nation controls a number of small isles. The coasts of Mīkh'ōth are varied in nature, with rocky cliffs in the eastern half of the island, and grassy hills that give way to sandy beaches in the west. In the island's east is mount Moltols, it's most prominent feature. To the mountains west lie the highlands of Vyrlorn.
=== Dancliffe Peninsula ===
The southern tip of the Dancliffe peninsula is where the majority of the city of Ketsłrok lies. Originally a vast sandy beach, the inhabitants of the city have urbanized the majority of the coast. Further inland can be found a sparse forest and grassy hills.
== History ==
=== Early History ===
House Staslov was a royal house within The Crystal Kingdom of Fjellheim, under the patriarch Deylan Staslov (dn9123). When The War of the Comet broke out, many in Fjellheim chose to stay, however other nobles and wealthy people chose to fund the construction of mighty airships to carry them from Rathnir into Abexilas.
Before the comet came to freeze Rathnir, most of House Staslov, House Castovi, most of Castonia, Stalvirki, and large portions of Iarok all loaded into a fleet of airships and left Rathnir—leaving the rest of Fjellheim to freeze.
=== Journey to Abexilas ===
The near three year long journey from Rathnir to Abexalis was wrought with misfortune. Three airships were lost entirely in the journey while many of the non-nobles on some of the surviving airships had to resort to cannibalism to make it through the entire trip. There are many folk tales and poems talking about this time, including many about the urban folk legend known as Djontōlūzīl.
During the voyage, dutiful prospectors and thrifty up and coming merchants would gain enough wealth to found their own great houses, taking advantage of the volatile nature of migratory society, and acquiring bounty from many of the stopping locations along the way. Among these houses were those to found many of the first major cities of the Kingdom of Staslov.
=== Holy Land and Exodus ===
After arriving in Abexilas, a retinue including Teg Staslov (Tegneren123123) and a noble by the name of Vłita (God_Fempress), scouted ahead of the main fleet to the southern continent, finding a collection of cliffs described in texts made by the first explorers of Abexilas. Upon their arrival, the King Deylan would sadly pass away due to old age. The morning after, Teg had a vision, given to him by the spirits of the Violet Sun, who told him that this was the promised land for his people, and here they were to build a great cathedral to worship them. However, the new nation of Rozow had already laid claim to the area they initially wished to settle. To avoid conflict, they journeyed further west and found a peninsula which they deemed to be better suited, one that would be out of Rozow's reach, but would still satisfy the nobles and weary travelers.
After one year in the area, they encountered other settlers in the area. Among them were The Holy Sanctuary of Arritas, The Kingdom of Nersia, and The Yarexoka, who together had formed an alliance. After many internal meetings, the Staslovic noblemen decided it would be better to flee the land entirely, rather than risk war so soon after their arrival in Abexilas.
=== Arrival in Talasi ===
After rejoining the airship fleet, the Staslovites sent many letters out to the emerging powers in Abex, looking for those they could negotiate with for settlement agreements. Out of this, Teg Staslov and Erland Stormwood (The_Owl_Man) managed to catch the attention of The Confederacy of Independent States (C.I.S.)—later known as Zerkstein. Through diplomatic talks, Teg and Erland secured a deal with the C.I.S., allowing them to settle an area in the West of Talasi that included an island and island, and a stretch of land on the other side of its straight. The travel weary noblemen rejoiced at Teg's success to secure them a new home, and would hail him as the new King of Staslov. There, the airship fleet landed, off loaded its people and cargo, and established the first settlements. Shortly after, the noble houses would all pledge their fealty to King Teg, and House Staslov.
The first settlement of Bazeth, which would later become the nation's capital, was founded in the island's center. Soon after, the short lived settlement of Kada-Moltols was founded by Erland Stormwood, deep into the Talasi mainland across the Orange Straight. Tonok of House Lap'iwe would later found the settlement of Staslovia on the island's eastern tip, and Boar of the same house would settle Ketsłrok on the western tip, which soon grew across the Orange Straight. Kada-Moltols was then relocated onto the island, after discovering they had settled in territory that Bardonia had claimed. To prevent any disputes, a peaceful talk was had in which it was agreed that Ketsłrok would be the farthest west that the HKS would venture. Soon, it was agreed among the nobles that the island would be named Mīkh'ōth—meaning Land of the Spirits of The Violet Sun, in Classical Staslovic.
=== Expansion ===
During its early days, Boar Lap'iwe received word from traveling merchants, that the Ecclesian fleet has settled in the Kingdom of Zeril on the continent of Norvinia, but that they were struggling due to the harsh climate. He invited them to settle on the island's northern coast, and soon the fleet would arrive, founding the settlement of Blackthorn, which later was renamed to Vyrlorn.
In addition, a native Orcish matriarchal village in the swampy isle to Mīkh'ōth's north was incorporated under the Staslovic name Pelturaeth. There, Vłita would become accepted among the orcs, and would be crowned 'Fempress' of the Orcs.
As the Church of The Violet Sun began construction of the Violet Road network—expanding it out not only within the claims of the HKS, but also into the surrounding nations and territories—another prospecting nobleman, Khīü of House Vereth, would be allowed by the crown to settle the small fishing village on the southern coast, named Kadjovil. Around this time, delegations from the far away settlement of Ojales arrived in Staslov, finding the hospitality of the Staslovites a refreshing change of pace compared to the politics of Rathnir. after some negotiations, they would agree to join the nation as an official town.
In the following years, ships would sail south to discover new isles to settle, and the settlements of Tomania and Calamar would be founded upon the shores of two such isles.
=== The Altor Incident ===
Unbeknownst to the crown, a prospecting member of House Lap'iwe, Blisteren the Builder, would sail across the Stover river with a small group of settlers, and found the village of Altor on the land across it. However, the land had already been laid claim to by the neighboring nation of Levan, though no settlement had been established there. At the time, settlers from multiple groups had already begun encroaching on the large swath of land Levan had claimed as its rightful territory during negotiations with the C.I.S., thus they were already highly sensitive to any would-be squatters. Levan accused Staslov of secretly backing the settlers, and illegally stealing their land. Staslov denied these claims, but soon it was discovered that Altor's founder was none other than the brother of Tonok Lap'iwe, the at-the-time lord of Staslovia. This enraged the Levanesse leaders, who demanded that the settlement be disbanded, but not wanting to turn against a member of a Staslovic noble house, the King refused. As both sides were unable and unwilling to muster armies against each other, delegations were sent back and forth to engage in diplomacy. The negotiations would drag out for years, until in the year 20 VE, during the first Talasi Summit, Kyborg of Bardonia would announce the creation of the Idaris accords, which included the nation of Levan, and would declare that the member states would use all means to enforce the territorial integrity of its member states. Shortly after this, Levan and Staslov would reach a settlement, with Staslov purchasing Altor's right to settle the land, so long as it expanded no further, and not be incorporated into the Kingdom of Staslov.
=== The Bazeth Incident ===
The Bazeth Incident was a series of raids between Sonderia and Staslov that culminated in the Battle of Bazeth, where Sonderian and Staslovic forces clashed within the city. After hours of fighting, the Sonderians, their supplies exhausted, fled back to their boats and retreated from the island, the Staslovites declaring victory. The conflict, though isolated in nature, inflamed tensions between Sonderia and Staslov, which would lead political consequences down the road. It was however, the first military victory in Staslov's history, thus celebrations were had throughout the nation following its conclusion.
=== Separation of Pelturaeth ===
In the year 31 VE, a Pelturaethi citizen would make an attempt on the life of the Vinovian King, after accusing the man of heinous crimes. In response, the Staslovic crown would banish the citizen from the nation of Staslov. However, the Fempress of Pelturaeth would decide to continue to harbor her within the village. This lead to an uneasy tension between the Staslovic crown and Pelturaeth, as the fugitive had been exiled from the entire nation, not just the island of Mīkh'ōth, but not wanting to strain the relationship between Pelturaeth and the rest of Staslov, the fugitive's presence in Pelturaeth was tolerated. However, following the incident, the government of Pelturaeth began assembling a forum of discussion in secret, without the presence of crown representative, something that had been against Staslovic law from the nation's inception. It had created a legal quagmire; Pelturaeth was acting as a near independent state against Staslovic law, but the only way to enforce that law would be with military force, something the crown wanted to avoid at all costs, as it still saw the Pelturaethi people as close friends and kin. It was Leaf Astaseul who would propose that solution implemented should be Pelturaethi independence, which would end the legal quagmire and still keep the people of Pelturaeth on good terms. Thus, the Phoenix-Door Treaty would be signed, allowing for a referendum to be held to vote on Pelturaethi independence, while still keeping a number of right and freedoms for Pelturaethi citizens in Staslov, such as dual-citizenship rights, the right to server in the Staslov Order, and freedom from persecution. 87% of the Pelturaethi population would vote in favor of separation, and Vłita would become the first Fempress of the Fempire, with Pelturaeth as its capital.
=== Capture of Fort Bravich ===
In the year 35 VE, Autumn of House Blackthorn and Leaf of House Astaseul set sail south, on a mission to discover and acquire new island territories for the Kingdom of Staslov. In the sea, they came across the floating fortress that local maps referred to as "Bravich". Bravich had no liege or kingdom to speak of, the inhabitants being Abexilas natives, whose reasons for constructing the fort remain a mystery. However, it was assessed to be of strategic value to the Kingdom of Staslov, and so, Leaf and Autumn made their move. Using dynamite, they blew a hole in the fort's wall, finding the garrison to be away. They left there a message: "Swear fealty to King Teg of House Staslov, or be visited by a platoon of our fiercest marines." They were given 6 months to respond to the ultimatum, which came and went with no delegation being sent. Thus, a team of marines lead by Tyler Staslov and Leaf Astaseul arrived at the floating fortress, only to find it abandoned, its carcass being picked at by scavenging prospectors. A gold and purple banner was raised over the fort, and the fort became the newest addition to the Kingdom of Staslov.
== Government ==
The Holy Kingdom of Staslov is a monarchy, with the King holding the ultimate authority over the nation. Below him are the High Councilors, who act with a degree of autonomy, entrusted with authority to attend to diplomatic and legal matters by the king. High Councilors are exclusively appointees of the king, and their number can vary. Some lords serve as observers on the High Council, allowing them to be present at meetings and give counsel, but ultimately do not hold the same level of authority as appointed High Councilors. Together, the King and the High Council serve as the 'Crown of Staslov', holding the foremost legal authority over the nation.
=== National Council ===
The National Council serves as the legislative body of Staslov, in charge of passing bills into law. Each county in Staslov is allowed a number of national council representatives based on the size of their population (with a maximum of 3 allowed). Any member of the People's Assembly may apply to be the National Council representative of their county, should a position be available, but they must be voted in by the existing national council members and the members of the High Council. The High Council may also veto the ascension of someone into the National Council should 70% or more vote in favor of the veto. 
=== People's Assembly ===
The People's Assembly exists as a forum for politically active citizens to voice their opinions and concerns directly to the government. Any citizen of Staslov may apply to be a member of the People's Assembly, and must then be voted in by the National and High Council.
== Economy ==
The Holy Kingdom of Staslov is (as of 37 VE) the 18th richest nation in Abexilas. It's commoners enjoy a high standard of living, and the nobility regularly show generosity towards them. Most goods within Staslov are either produced natively by artisans, or imported from trade. Other than mining gold, the majority of Staslov's wealth comes from the central market known as 'Fjellmart', named after the Fjelli people who founded it. Staslov came to possess a large amount of untapped gold upon their arrival in Abexilas, and invested the wealth into the building of infrastructure, and its towns. Since then, its two major businesses, Fjellmart and Blackthorn arms, have become the backbone of its commerce and industry. Due to the ongoing drought plaguing all of Abexilas, trade has slowed to an all time low, as the lack of wars has meant a plummeting in the price of goods natively produced in Staslov.
=== Fjellmart ===
It is home to various stalls selling various items and building materials, including armor and weapons, courtesy of the Blackthorn Arms company. People from all over Abexilas come to Fjellmart to purchase these goods, bringing new money into the national economy.
=== Blackthorn Arms ===
Blackthorn Arms, originally an Ecclesian crown company founded in the period leading up to the Great Sparwood War, Blackthorn Arms is the only company within Staslov dedicated to production of military equipment. It's balance sheets are not public information, but the company has it's own section of Fjellmart dedicated to selling their armor sets and swords, which attracts many customers from all over Talasi.
== Military ==
Unlike most nations, rather than raising levies and militias only in times of war, Staslov has it's own professional military, known as the Staslov Order, which has made waves throughout Abex for its rigorous drills and trainings. The order is known for organizing war games with friendly nations, but has yet to participate in any real battles due to the ongoing drought.
=== Kasperian Reforms ===
Before the Staslov Order, Staslov had only a national militia, lead by Tyler Staslov. After the Battle of Bazeth, the crown realized that a well trained army would be needed in order to ward off future attacks. At this time, Bili of House Blackwater, arrived for the first time in Staslov, baring gifts. He revealed himself to be the bastard child of Pontius Kasper, having made the long voyage to Abexilas himself. He had with him letters, notes, and books from the late Pontius, including plans to reform Ecclesia's military, written in the final days before his coma. Bili had come to the Ecclesians to enact to enact these reforms, per his late father's wishes. Together, Bili Blackwater, Leaf Astaseul, and the other members of the High Council, worked together to reforge the Staslovic militia into the Staslov Order, the first professional army of its kind in Talasi. The reforms would be known as the 'Kasperian Reforms', in honor of their architect, Pontius Kasper. The reforms would be a turning point in Staslov's history, as it went from a nation with a poorly organized group of fighters, to one of the strongest military powers in Talasi.
=== Ranks ===
The Staslov Order has 3 ranks for its enlisted men, and 2 for its officers, with the highest rank, the 'Strategos', being the leader of the order. The first enlisted rank is 'Initiate', given to new recruits and fighters ranked lower than B tier. Initiates take support roles in the field, usually acting as scouts, or defenders for objectives. The second enlisted rank is 'Guardian', given to B tiers and above. Guardians make up the bulk of the infantry. The third enlisted rank is 'Vanguard', given only to Guardians who have proven themselves worthy in war games or the field of battle. They act as tip of the spear of the order. The two officer ranks are 'Paladin', and above that, 'Sentinel'. Paladins act as squad leaders on the field, and above them, Sentinels command both their squad, and other squad leaders.
=== Pioneer Corps ===
For members of the order not fit for battle, there is the Pioneer Corps, lead by the 'Quartermaster'. The Pioneers serve non-combat roles, specifically logistics and supplying the order.
=== Auxiliaries ===
Auxiliaries are non-citizen members of the order. While they serve in combat roles, they do not enjoy the same benefits that full order members do. With enough service to the nation, Auxiliaries can become full members of the order, and be awarded citizenship in Staslov.
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Category:Staslov
Category:Talasi