Avant

The Avant (Éspinasija: Αվαντ), formerly the State of Avant in the Republic of Valore. It was a self-governing, autonomous district, later just an informal region in the Raiyunatti province of Calador. It held the Valoran capital of Albora, and the seaside town of Araviles, and later the forested village of Santurario, as well as the coastal town of Convastio. It was the easternmost state, and bordered the province of Black Hollow in Yaszuma. The region was inhabited by the native Leilani people centered around Albora. Historically, the State was a relatively quiet area, with open, rolling plains and birch forests. However, in later years under Raiyuna, Albora's growth had all but eliminated the plains, replacing it with a more industrialised city.
== History ==
Long ago, Avant used to be a soverign nation, populated mostly by Blessed Humans from Black Hollow. It was home to a large farmland called the Leilani farmlands, which primarily grew potatoes, wheat, carrots, as well as live produce like cows and sheep. This all changed when the Qwe'tsn Empire began its expansion eastwards, in an attempt to annex the burgeoning nation of Umakwa, the modern-day capital of Yaszuma. 
The Qwe'tsni mingled with the indigenous Iridani peoples of the region, over time becoming a homogenous group in the Avant with a more distinct culture from the previous Qwe'tsni and Iridani. 
The nation was overun and was taken under the control of the Lumi'tsi Clan, which imposed strict taxes on the annexed territory. Clanmaster Vladimir Lumi'tsi ruled over them with an iron fist. However, things began to change when the Qwe'tsn army was defeated at the battle of the Crimson River by thousands of parrots. This significantly reduced morale in and out of the army. 
It was only 30 years later when Umakwa retaliated, sweeping through Avant to reach Po'rev. They took control of the fields, and promptly burnt them, resulting in a massive famine throughout the state. 
After Qwe'tsn fell, Avant was left leaderless and undefended, and over the next 300 years, remained a ghost town, slowly building its strength back up. It was after this period of depression that Windwalker migrants fled from the south of Eldham. Many windwalkers decided to stay in Avant, resulting in a new golden age for the nation, which had finally been reestablished. 
The Leilani farmlands were slowly restored to their original glory, and Avant lived in peace for years after this. However, the wheel of time turned, and after a few hundred years, Avant collapsed again, due to a lack of leadership. Leilani Village, which was established as the capital, operated as an independent town, and continued to hold control over the Leilani farmlands. 
It was after this period, however, that Athaz discovered Eldham, and colonisers began flooding to the new world. Verdenland, which had settled further west of the farmlands, struck a deal with the Chieftain of the Leilani to join Verdenland. However, not long after this, Verdenland was turned into Valore due to a democratic coup. 
The new Valoran government was looking for somewhere to place their capital, and they finally decided on the Leilani homeland. Originally, the plan was to demolish the whole village and farmlands, but due to protests by the Leilani, the Government instead decided to build Albora around the village, preserving the village and its heritage.
== Demographics ==
Avant was by far the most diversely populated state in Valore and Raiyuna, with only 30.8% of the population being settlers of Qwe'tsni or human origin, followed by another 30% being the indigenous Leilani. Another 1/6th of the populace is either Yaszumatti or Torumain in origin. The last 23.2% is mainly Windwalkers and Blessed Humans.
== Resurgence ==
When Aegeus declared the transition of Valore into an empire, Rep. Foerce declared the independence of the State of Avant. This was done in opposition to Aegeus's empire and a move to rebel against him. However, it was short lived as Foerce suddenly disappeared from the face of the Eldham. Feeling betrayed, most of Foerce's supporters left and became political exiles in the surrounding nations. After a time, Yaszuma and the As'rian Commonwealth would merge, forming Yaszria, and later Raiyuna which would integrate Avant along with Palomia and Calibria into the new province of Calador.
Category:Nations
Category:Valore
Category:Traveler's Era