Sanctus

Sanctus was a territory of the Aristios region inhabited by a diverse assortment of peoples. A person from Sanctus could potentially be described as many things: Sanctonian, Aristii, Iringan, Tasqar, Rat, and possibly even more. In latest history, Sanctus was a constituency of the Rattican of Ashai. Historically, the lands of Sanctus had been part of: The Empire of Aristios, Iringa, The Republic of Sanctus, The Grand Republic of Aristios, The Aristios-Zamotz Union, The Federal Republic of Aristios, Sanctus-Ismer, The Kingdom of Sanctus, The Kingdom of Aristios, and The Crownlands of Ashai.
== History ==
=== Founding and the Empire ===
Sanctus first began as the small settlement of Eisendorf, a monastery nestled in a valley within the Iron Mountains of north Sanctus. From that small monastery, Eisendorf grew into a small town. The town later rebranded to Sanctus Vallis, meaning Sacred Valley.
Sanctus Vallis continued to grow in number. One day, representatives from the nation of Aristios to the west contacted the town. Gwif Litore and Xan Litore Amethystul entered long negotiations with the encroaching Empire which was attempting to subjugate the citizens of Sanctus Vallis. After a while, the territory, through some terms and conditions, was admitted into Aristios as a full province under the guidance of Grif Litore as first governor under Aristios's first Emperor. Only days after this, Grif Litore resigned his governorship and relinquished it to Xan Litore Amethystul. The sudden change in leadership followed with the beginning of a lull in growth for the province.
Only a few days after the change in governorship, a Dwarvish lordship was established within the Iron Mountains of Sanctus Vallis. Morianas was founded by Piketoneer Amethystul, and it was the first Dwarvish settlement within Aristios, only slightly edging out the now independent Tarxien. Morianas would rise to acclaim and establish diplomatic ties with the then dwarvish nation of Varn Torum. This settlement began a new era in Sanctus Vallis, and it was around this time that Sanctus Vallis shortened to only Sanctus and the capital city was named Vallis. 
==== The First Golden Era of Sanctus ====
When to the south of Sanctus, the people of Iringa vanished, Aristios assumed control of the territory. The province of Sanctus received control over the northern half of the Iringan land and the southern portion went to the province of Olameronia. The Sanctus city of Akirashalam, "Gem of the Desert", was shortly thereafter founded by Boru'Akirebureakaz and a few others in the newly acquired land. A grand cathedral East of Vallis, the Sanctus Basilica was admitted to Sanctus around the same time as Akirashalam and became the center of organised religion in Aristios. The city of Neptoria was also admitted into Sanctus during this period, after which a provincial council of mayors was formed. The province was booming with Sanctus growing in both territory and population.
==== The Commonwealth Coup ====
On October 31st 2021, citizens of Aristios gathered ahead of the first planned elections to discuss their doubts of the Imperial government. Dissent fomented among an influential number and it was determined that the Emperor’s reign had to come to an end. The territories of Castellum, Sylvania, Olameronia, and a spread of cities joined with the nation’s military in turning against the government. They declared the Commonwealth of Aristios and demanded the Emperor be dethroned. The territory of Astrya and others seceded entirely. Loyalists were outnumbered but attempted resistance in joining with secessionist movements and forming the United Provinces of Aristios. Eventually, with no battles fought, loyalists conceded defeat and the Commonwealth took control of all territories save Abaddon and Astrya.
This disaster forced Sanctus to make a decision, either remain loyal to the Emperor, join the newly formed Commonwealth of Aristios, or set off on its own. The people of Sanctus opted for the third option and rebranded to The Republic of Sanctus. Though once again an independent nation, Sanctus was still heavily involved in the politics of Aristios, they remained Aristii after all. With the victory of the Commonwealth over the Empire of Aristios, a new Aristii government was formed. In a unanimous vote of the council, Sanctus rejoined Aristios, and after many reforms the Grand Republic of Aristios was born with Sanctus as a proud member.
=== Under the Grand Republic ===
As he was under the Empire, Xan remained the Governor of Sanctus while it was province to the Grand Republic. Times were rather quiet in the province for quite a while. When the Eastern territories of the Grand Republic were reorganised, Sanctus received control over the majority of the former province of Olameronia. Olameronia was reduced to the city of Phaedrae and then granted control over all land East of Sanctus. This province was renamed to Greater Katyusha.
A senator from Sanctus, Piketoneer Amethystul, had a great deal of influence in the government of the Grand Republic and even penned portions of the first Constitution. He ran as candidate in the first Chancellor election, but was beat out by the candidate from Astillia, Echo Regis.
=== Under the Aristios-Zamotz Union ===
In an era of prosperity, the Grand Republic received ask that their close ally, Zamotz, might join the Iris Confederation, which was a supranational organisation between the Grand Republic of Aristios and the Archonate of Sylvania, a former Aristii colony. A few officials from Zamotz praised the Grand Republic's governance and requested that the two nations form a joint government so that Zamotz may share in the benefits. It was rejected by the Aristii Senate thrice and the government of Zamotz multiple times before both governments somehow agreed to it. What followed was the formation of the Aristios-Zamotz Union, which effectively was an Aristii annexation of Zamotz. The process of incorporating Zamotz caused a great deal of chaos in Aristios due to the fact that neither peoples ever wished to join together and repeated illegal, arbitrary actions by those officiating the process.
Failing to secure a Zamotz-oriented Chancellor, losing out to Bhutch Fielinya, due to their inferior population, the provinces which had been part of Zamotz declared independence from the Aristios-Zamotz Union, excepting the increasingly Aristii Portavel. Due to the loss of Zamotz, the government rebranded to the Federal Republic of Aristios. The chaos of the attempted merge left Aristios with injuries which could never heal.
=== Under the Federal Republic ===
The times of the Federal Republic of Aristios were highlighted by the growing animosity between Governor Azriel of Bel-Ismer and the Republic's government. He voiced grievances with the more populated and developed Western provinces and stated beliefs that the East had a lack of representation within the government. Governor Azriel vied for greater provincial autonomy, and petitioned that a title of King be created in Bel-Ismer for himself to receive. Being a nation born from a rebellion against a monarch, other Aristii officials strongly opposed the notion. Many bills were submitted for and against this, and many strongly worded debates were had within the Senate. Animosity between a now defined East and West began to brew.
Despite the backlash against Governor Azriel’s bid for Kingship, his proposal, Crown of the East, passed the Senate and his position was cemented. Now King Azriel of Bel-Ismer, he sought to ingratiate himself with mayors within other Provinces. Cities such as Favre in Castellum denoted themselves “vassals” of Bel-Ismer while still remaining part of their own Province. Other Governors, including Xan Litore Amethystul, became wary of King Azriel and began making accusations of overstepping his bounds.
The people of Bel-Ismer were an anomaly in the nation, for they were insular and not often found among the other mingling Aristii peoples. Their first priority became that of their King, and they learned to distrust those that questioned him. By King Azriel’s efforts, their culture began to drift away from that of the rest of Aristios. They developed differing customs and emphasised the elven heritage common among the province. They were now the “Ismerii” first, Aristii second.
In Sanctus, an unknown trouble brewed. A group of ambitious foreigners had taken control of the abandoned town of Neptoria. They were first contacted by King Azriel of Bel-Ismer, their exact communications being unknown; he treated them as if they were part of his Province and convinced them to register as Aristii citizens. Neptoria became Krugmar, and though they became legal residents of Aristios, they remained alien to the Aristii. The city grew quickly in size, drawing immigrants in with their faith in Druidism, a religion which did not exist outside of Krugmar. They petitioned Aristios to fund their religion, but were denied on the basis that the government was not to interfere in faith. When their city had sorely outnumbered the Aristii of Sanctus, they began requesting that their Mayor be appointed the Republic’s Minister of Finance. Suspicion of Krugmar grew sharply among Aristii officials, and no request of theirs was ever approved by the Senate. 
==== Great Deforestation of Sanctus ====
During the tumultuous era when Sanctus was under the Aristios-Zamotz Union, a proposal was made by Duke Dudley Dragomir of Vintas to grant trees the rights of Aristii citizens. The notion that trees might be granted a vote should they somehow register themselves inspired a reactionary movement which during the time of the Federal Republic of Aristios grew so agitated they began a campaign to deforest provinces inhabited by tree sympathisers. They first marauded Sanctus and massacred a substantial amount of the tree population. They would not regrow for many years. Despite immediate widespread outrage at the act, it took a while for the people of Sanctus and the anti-tree movement to reach an agreement and apology for the crime.
=== Separation of the East ===
After repeated crises in Aristios, the people had grown wary and discontent. A fault between the West and East of the nation had formed, and the administration of the Federal Republic failed to amend it. On June 25th 2022, the date of a planned Chancellor election, Sanctus along with Bel-Ismer declared their illegal separation from Aristios. The sudden secession sparked chaos among the rest of Aristios. The constitution became a mere suggestion and the province of Castellum quickly declared they were to join Sylvania. The Castellum town of Brimmingham remained with what was left of Aristios. The Nuvenos vassals followed their friends in Castellum. 
The remaining officials lost hope for their future as a treaty organisation between the now disparate Aristii was seeming to be fraughtless. The Senate halls began to collect dust and the administrators of Astillia and Ameria holed themselves away with crates of ale. Sylvania absorbed most of the remaining Aristii lands after some time. The Republic was dead, and Aristios drifted into a quiet slumber.
The newly independent joint government of Sanctus and Bel-Ismer, colloquially referred to as Sanctus-Ismer, did not last long after the complete collapse of Aristios became obvious. Sanctus became a completely independent state for a period of time, being ruled by the people of Krugmar. The former Governor and King of Sanctus, Xan Litore Amethystul, passed away and the crown was claimed by Krugmar's leader, Bogie. The government of Sanctus and city of Krugmar especially became increasingly associated with the Rattican and their religion, Ratism, becoming vassal to the nation. The Sanctus Basilica became a Ratist settlement known as Siren's Song.
==== Beginning of the Claimants ====
Bel-Ismer spent its time alone as vassal to the nation of Anglunia, up until King Azriel began pursuing his ultimate goal. He conspired with the governments of Sanctus and the Shattered Isles to reclaim the name of Aristios and install himself as the King. They declared the formation of the Kingdom of Aristios, to much controversy. Aristii living in the former heartlands of the nation refused to recognise the legitimacy of the successor state in the East, continuing the divide. 
The title of King of Sanctus had gone out of use once Bogie of Krugmar relinquished the crown and moved to a position in the Rattican, leaving Hirodius Auxilius as administrator of Sanctus using the title of Lord-Protector. After some time, Auxilius saw fit to return the hereditary line in Sanctus and offered the crown to Xan Litore Amethystul's heir, Piketoneer Amethystul, he being crowned Piketoneer I. 
King Azriel Ei Myrilay fulfilled his greatest ambition, becoming the monarch of Aristios. He had long aspired to live up to the reign First Emperor which he had deeply admired, but in achieving the position which had seemed so far away there was not much left to do. The nation stagnated, and the ties to the Rats grew ever stronger. When the future of the Kingdom of Aristios looked bleak, the Rattican took them on as a territory with the consent of the leaders of Sanctus and Bel-Ismer. 
=== The Invasion of the Bygone ===
When the Kingdom of Aristios was integrated into the Rattican, others saw an opportunity to grab power. Aristii exiles from the Imperial era and their followers flowed into Sanctus and Bel-Ismer, attempting to incite rebellion. With forged documents they claimed the support of every city in the Kingdom and declared the formation of the Imperial Provinces of Aristios. The defiant people of Perdin joined the invading force and were at separate times declared the capital of the Imperial Provinces. The territories which had been brought into the Kingdom by the Shattered Isles also joined the force. The invasion garnered support from foreign groups opposing the Rattican and Ashai, giving them the strength to attempt conflict with the formidable titan of the North-West. An attack on Perdin was repelled by the Imperial Provinces, buying them time.
The South of Sanctus was temporarily held by the Imperial Provinces, who reformed the province of Olameronia, until a decisive battle in Akirashalam. The Rattican-Ashai forces marched to the city to discover a meek few defending the capital of the grand I.P.A.. King Piketoneer I joined the army in reclaiming the city for Sanctus and the Rattican. I.P.A. presence in Sanctus was reduced to Perdin and they shortly dissolved into three allied kingdoms in fear of further retribution.
== Cities & Counties ==
Sanctus was administered by a King, who had a Council of Lords and a selection of Royal Advisors that assisted in deliberations and decisions. The Kingdom was divided into Counties, and each county head was member to the Council of Lords.
=== City of Vallis - Highland County ===
Vallis, originally Sanctus Vallis, the namesake of the territory, was a city in the North of Sanctus and seat of Highland county. The settlement developed from the monastery of Eisendorf and was the first capital of Sanctus. The underbelly of the city was Morianas, a series of halls, chambers, and tunnels dug by the dwarven inhabitants.
Notable individuals hailing from Vallis included: Gwif of Sanctus, Xan Litore Amethystul, Piketoneer Amethystul, and Frankie M. Amethystul.
=== City of Siren's Song - Highland County ===
Siren's Song, originally Sanctus Basilica, was a settlement home to the largest cathedral in the region. The Basilica had been used by several organised religions in their ceremonies, including Voclarianism and Ratism.
Notable individuals hailing from Siren's Song included: Sirius Ratullus Beleth
=== City of Akirashalam - Tasqar County ===
Akirashalam was a city founded by the Tasqar people, a remnant of the Iringans, and seat of Tasqar county. It served as the epicenter for defiance in the region until it was put under siege and rebranded Ratirashalam.
Notable individuals hailing from Akirashalam included: Boru'Bureakaz and Globblet'Akirebureakaz
=== City of Krugmar - Neptor County ===
Krugmar, originally Neptoria, was a city on the Eastern coast of sanctus and seat of West Neptor county. It served as the epicenter for Ratist activities in Sanctus and Aristios. When under administration by Ratist leaders Krugmar served as the capital of the territory.
Notable individuals hailing from Krugmar included: Bogie of Krugmar and Strawbearie Ratheart
== Government ==
=== Carta Libertatum ===
The most recent organised government in Sanctus was formalised in the Carta Libertatum, which lays out a monarchy to rule the territory.
== Peoples of Sanctus ==
=== Dwarves ===
The Dwarves of Sanctus inhabit the town of Vallis. The most notable family of Dwarves in Sanctus are the Amethystul, comprising the Kings and royalty of the region.
=== Tasqar ===
The Tasqar people descend from the Iringan settlers of southern Sanctus, they inhabit the town of Akirashalam. Their language, Tasqarince, is kept alive by a few native speakers in the city.
=== Catfolk (Qelim'Qar) ===
The Catfolk of Sanctus are known as the Qelim'Qar in the Tasqarince language. This subrace of Catfolk are distant relatives of the Catfolk of Míyenxin, but on average have stockier and more combat-ready builds than their Western cousins.
=== Rats ===
The Rats of Sanctus inhabit the towns of Krugmar and Siren's Song. A large surge of Rat immigrants to Sanctus eventually led to the region becoming a part of the Rattican Empire.
File:Sanctus Vallis Flag .png|Provincial Flag
File:Sanctus Vallis Battle Flag.png|Battle Flag
File:Sanctus Map Dec.jpg|Provincial Map
File:Official Sanctus County Map.png|Before Integration of Olameronia
File:Vallis.jpg|Vallis (Historical)
File:Neptoria.jpg|Neptoria (Before Krugmar)
File:Akirashalam.jpg|Akirashalam (Historical)
File:Deadwood.jpg|Deadwood (Historical)
File:Basilica.jpg|Sanctus Basilica (Before Siren's Song)
== See Also ==
* Nuvenos Union
* Dulfika
* Miriam Morgan
* The Drowned Siren
Category:Nations
Category:Eldham
Category:Aristios
Category:Traveler's Era