Ischanor

Ischanor, officially the Empire of Ischanor (Imperial Ischanic: Evērium Ischanorin) is a feudal monarchy made up of several sub-divisions, realms and vassals. The empire is located in the Southeast of Abexilas, on the continent of Kejafros. 
Ischanor is native to Abexilas, with a minority of the population having its roots form the old worlds of Rathnir and Eldham. The Empire is diverse with each realm having its own culture. However, all share the common Ischanori Identity and loyalty to the Emperor. Ischanor is one of the largest countries in Abexilas by land area, and the single most populous in the entire world. 
== Etymology ==
Ischanor (variously pronounced either "ISH-A-NOR" or "EESH-CAN-NOR") is of uncertain meaning, but a rough translation may be considered "(in it) together mankind," or "In heavy snow, together." It is composed of Proto-Aysar roots *e "in", *skan "together", and *nor "mankind, human". Nor is related to the root *nr̥ "heavy snow" indicating that the Aysars though of themselves as part of the earth, specifically, linked with the snow that fell. Although the strict evolution of *nr̥ would be ner in Imperial Ischanic, the word may have undergone some closed syllable rounding by influence of regional neighbors, or some other unspecified influence. 
The proper full name, Evērium Ischanorin, literally translates as "Ischanorian Empire"; the adjectivizing suffix -in denotes belonging or pertinence. The word evērium most likely comes from the reconstructed Proto-Aysar word *əɦperehwm, itself a combination of the verb *əɦperana meaning "require" and the abstract nominalizing suffix *-ehwm. The state is alternatively also referred to as the Evērium vi Ischanor, with vi being a loanword from the Tsiladeni language roughly equivalent to the English "of". 
== History ==
=== Prehistory ===
The first known ancestral peoples of the various Ischanori human groups are the Aysars, a group of stone age hunter-gatherers from the southernmost regions of Kejafros. The term *aysari itself is a reconstruction of an ancient demonym based on the extant Vědanican word Ojszari (describing the Vědanicans and their ethnolinguistic relative peoples), but it is unknown if the word was ever used by these peoples to describe themselves in the ancient past. They split from the ancestral Baszku peoples somewhere between 6000 and 7000 years AIAF (Prior to Ischanor's founding), but the two groups resided in southern Kejafros alongside each other for millennia. the Aysar religion had at least three deities: *dʰridas the creator, *xurabuz the moon, and *xeljas the sun. These are thought to have been ancestral to the gods of modern Ischanism as well as the Children of Diena. 
The most notable event, taking place around 5000 AIAF, was the Aysar migration period. Spurred on by a series of warm years providing food surplus, the local human population rose significantly. However, a sudden shift back to a colder climate spurred the now-overpopulated Aysari peoples (and Baszku to a lesser extent) to migrate northward to warmer climates. These changes are recorded in both ice core records from various mountain glaciers in Zilatra and southern Ischanor, as well as in oral legends told by the Lachawakans. These northward-moving tribes conquered and integrated various peoples as they expanded across the continent over a period of 1500 years. The most notable conquered people were a race of pigmen who brought a pastoral mode of life to the continent; the Aysars took up herding livestock after them. 
=== Early history ===
Agriculture developed as native millet and potatoes began to be domesticated around 4500 AIAF, though the uptake of farming was not universal; the Lachawakans are a remnant of the conservative Aysars who resume a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to the present. Arsenical bronze, and later tin bronze, became prominent among the ancient Aysar cultures around the 4th millennium AIAF. Bodevōre is the earliest known named state, known for its extensive adoption of agriculture, bronze tools, and massive earthworks. Bodevōre fell as the Iron Age dawned in Kejafros and various proto-Lynari tribes sacked its cities. 
=== Modern history ===
The modern state of Ischanor was founded around 221 TE, roughly a century prior to the arrival of Iristor's Comet and the Celeian refugees. The founding states were eventually met with an influx of refugees around the first years VE, who settled in the regions of Osriguard, Selidoar, Beloslavia, and more. The first emperor at this time was one Kanasky II of House Toss, who remained a mostly figurehead leader uniting the various subrealms as the lower nobles and bureaucracy dealt with external affairs. This early area saw Ischanor's modern borders form as refugees from Celeia set up their own nations in Kejafros. The most notorious of these was Vinovia, which found itself establishing a series of discontinuous claims across the Ischanori southwest, and threatened to war the nation. These were not taken lightly, as it was known the Vinovians were powerful fighters with connections to many other groups. During this time, The emperor entered a marriage alliance with Thession I of Chimeria in 08 VE. 
By 18 VE, Ischnanor signed further military alliances with Jarazeh and Aethos, furthering Ischanor's diplomatic ties to other continents. However, internal conflict struck the country as a talking frog raised chaos in the subrealm of Selroa. Thus began the Great Frogist Crusade. This conflict, restricted mostly to the north, saw sieges of multiple towns but was ultimately ended in a stalemate as the status quo of imperial religious tolerance, as emperor Floki I stepped in to aid negotiations.
Upon the summer solstice of 20 VE, rumors had spread of great misconduct committed by the emperor; Kanasky II stepped down as the entire rest of the empire seemed to overthrow him in reaction to these deeds. In his place was Floki Bygederic, then king of Lynarith, who was immediately and unanimously crowned as the new emperor. A campaign to restore Ischanori public image was immediately put in place explaining that the nation's identity and politics had little to do with the former emperor, as the international community learned of his deeds in horror. 
=== Emperor Floki I Bygederic ===
As emperor Floki I solidified his rule and Ischanor began the process of 'detossification', the country seemed not to last much longer. However, the new emperor's efforts proved successful in keeping Ischanor a whole nation, helping to ensure peace after the Frogist Crusade, and as the kingdom of Lisvar (now Lorenis) tried to wipe the old Toss dynasty from its own identity the imperial capital moved to Lynathorpe. 
To raise national morale and maintain unity, emperor Floki led the nation with an annual Imperial Booze Cruise, wherein a drunken entourage with the emperor and imperial Round Table visited several cities across the country. He also introduced reforms to remove the inefficiencies of the old emperor's shortcomings and improve the economy. 
In 24 VE, Ischanor , which led it to get involved in the Sting War between Beepeck and Brukel. Its involvement was justified to the citizenry as part of a proxy war to counter the Vinovian threat. Despite Beepeck's loss in the war, Ischanor was still able to gain mercenary contracts and material spoils. The Vinovians' subsequent loss of the claim of Kallos, their largest town, further invigorated Ischanor as the Marisvalorians took back land they saw as rightfully theirs. 
== Geography ==
File:Fechlin forest.png|A temperate rainforest of Fechlini conifers, near New Volkore. A single laurel tree can be found in the center-left.
File:Kejakoppen.png|Climate zones of Kejafros. Ischanor is situated in the center-south of the continent.
Ischanor rests in the central-south of the continent of Kejafros, north of the tundra, but not as far north as the mid-latitude subtropical regions. The coasts of Ischanor maintain a cool and temperate Mediterranean or oceanic climate, with mild weather year-round with lots of fog and rain but little snowfall, promoting the growth of giant conifers and evergreen laurel forests. Further inland, broadleaf forests of beech and eucalyptus (with some laurel and acacia shrubs) tend to dominate, interspersed with xeric conifer forest, and in the country's heartland a large and fertile blackland prairie lies. Mountain ranges running north-south cut the country into slices, creating a central basin where the climate is drier and prone to extreme temperature fluctuation, promoting the growth of grasslands over forests. 
Vast rivers connect the interior with the coast, and allow for trade throughout. Ancient canals constructed by the long-gone Thondean Empire also act as vessels for water-bound trade; however they have significantly impacted the hydrologic regime of modern Ischanor, resulting in the altering of natural water flow and intrusion of saltwater into coastal aquifers. Also of note are the swampland basins, which bear some of the nation's greatest hotspots of biodiversity and biological productivity.
=== Subrealms ===
In Ischanor, there exists a unique system of vassalage. Due to the fact that the empire is a large and diverse entity, it thus requires people to maintain authority over various regions, and thus the empire consists of numerous baronies, counties, duchies, archduchies, princedoms and also entire kingdoms, the largest of the realms located in the empire.
=== Realms ===
Realm Title 	Realm Ranking	Size (Chunks)	Sub-realms 	About
Kingdom of Lōrenis 	Kingdom 	 	Beloslavia, Círion, Selroa 	The Kingdom of Lōrenis holds a significant position in imperial politics and is often referred to as one of the Big Three, alongside Lynarith and Celras. It is currently governed by the Kobolds and was once considered the heart of the empire in its earliest years. The capital city of Lōrenin once held the seat of all government officials and institutions for the first century of the empire's existence. Lōrenis is further divided into several areas, including Lōrenin, Beloslavia, Cìrion, Selroa and Maridon.
Cynedom of Lynarith 	Kingdom 	 	 	
The Cynedom of Lynarith is one of Ischanor's military powerhouses, with the majority of the empire’s warriors being from this place. The realm dominates the empire’s military and contributes the most in terms of hard power. The current Emperor Floki Bygederic is the ruler of the realm known as the Raeswa. Lynarith is in the southwest of Ischanor, on the eponymous Lynari Peninsula.
Argovor Celrasos 	Kingdom 	 	Lenógath, Thalassia, Seraphia, Združenija	
The Despotate of Celras is the largest Realm in Ischanor by land area and is the center of the Ischanic Church. Celras is located in the central plains of Ischanor.  Within the Despotate of Celras are the duchies of Seraphia and Turtlestad, along with smaller provinces as well as counties such as Združenija.
Kingdom of Osriguard 	? 	 	Osria, Highguard 	
The Kingdom of Osriguard is a large realm located in the far northeast. It is a montane and cold-hardy realm of refugees.
Grand Duchy of Vědanica 	? 	 	Crusca, Zamarinje, Měcynec 	
The Grand Duchy of Vědanica is the most northwestern realm in the empire. The realm is most noted for its cultural efforts in art and writing. Under Vědanica is the Duchy of Crusca.
Duchy of Tsiladen 	? 	 	New Volkore, Colibrium 	
Tsiladen Is the gambling center of Ischanor, with it being famous for its poker nights and high culture. The realm is located in the center of Ischanor's west coast; under Tsiladen is the Duchy of Volkore, one of the empire's industrial powerhouses.
Duchy of Bachengart 	Archduchy 	 	Bjørgvin 	
The Duchy of Bachengart is considered one of the breadbaskets of the empire, Being a large contributor of wheat and other crops to the rest of the empire.
Archduchy of Marisvalor 	Archduchy 	 	 	
The Archduchy of Marisvalor is in the southwest of Ischanor. Established by colonists led by the House of Marisvalor from the old world, its population is known for their intense nationalist identity and beautiful architecture. Marisvalor prides itself on its powerful Royal Navy and mastery of the seas. The regions taiga forests are home to ferocious bears and even elephants.
Konerich of Selidoar 	 	 	 	
The Konerich of Selidoar, referred to as :Konerichtesi ale Seliduar in Seloari, is one of the southernmost regions of the Empire, bordering their ethnic cousins the Zilatrans. Selidoar recently arrived on the continent following their long journey from Rathnir and Eldham. It is populated by Selidoarians who arrived after the development of Pan-Selidoarianism. Selidoar's capital city is Valkenlase, which is also the largest city, alongside the city of Richtenstadt, Silbestilan, and Canavilles. Selidoar’s economy is based around its mining projects and coal deposits, primarily within the shale beds of the Valkenlase Formation. Selidoar is currently ruled by Henry Deitscher I, a Selido-Azcor with ties to the original Selidoarian people. Selidoar near-unanimously follows the religion of Serenism, the second largest organized religion in Ischanor. While the majority of the public is Selidoarian, a minority is Rugundian. Selidoar is the direct and legal successor to Nova Azcoria.
United Archduchy of Lovvres	 	 	Herlundy, Lachawaka, Kalkenstein 	
The United Archduchy of Lovvres, also known as Lovvia, currently consists of the Duchy of Kalkenstein and its subjects, the Herlundine Confederation, and the tribe of Lachawaka. Ethnically and linguistically diverse, the region bears a strong regionalist tendency and disdain for oppression and aggressive rule. The current ruling family of Lovvia is House Graber of Kalkenstein, which got into power through a series of votes across all the member realms, though between 25 and 30 VE the Lachawakan tribal leader Thag Sentorga ruled as archduchess.
== Government ==
The Imperial government of Ischanor is tasked with the management of all affairs that are important to the well-being of the empire as a whole, efficiently administering each key sector, and helping the empire run smoothly. The Imperial government is made up of four main sectors, which are as follows:
=== Imperial Diet ===
The governing body of the lesser nobles, the vassals of subrealms, where they discuss and debate decisions regarding the empire. All nobles have access to the diet, however the diet has little actual legislative or executive power nationwide.
=== Round Table ===
The main governing body, where the archdukes and kings discuss in and where policies and decisions are debated and executed. The Round Table is where most policies are actually approved and enforced through.
=== Military ===
The Imperial Ischanori Military is where all soldiers of the Empire are organized. All realms of Ischanor are required to fall under the Imperial military and forbidden from forming their own units. The military is tasked with the training and organization of soldiers, but gear and logistics is handled by the military of war. 
=== Ministries ===
This is where all of the imperial programs and tasks are coordinated and carried out, creating an atmosphere of a successful bureaucracy in the empire. 
==== Ministry of Diplomacy ====
The Ministry of Diplomacy, headed by Minister Oleksandr Kuramoto, holds the critical responsibility of managing all external affairs and diplomatic relations for the Empire. With a selective approach to membership, the Ministry diligently gathers information on other nations and global events while promoting Ischanori influence and nurturing positive ties worldwide. Tasked with negotiations, treaties, and maintaining a robust realpolitik foreign policy, they ensure the Empire's interests are well represented on the global stage.
==== Ministry of War ====
Under the leadership of Minister Dogemaster of Lynarith, the Ministry of War meticulously oversees the nation's military stockpile, logistics, and strategic planning. While not directly commanding the army, this ministry is entrusted with building up and monitoring military resources, coordinating gear distribution for soldiers, and developing strategic doctrines. They play a crucial role in assessing both internal military readiness and external threats, ensuring the Empire remains prepared and vigilant.
==== Ministry of Internal Affairs ====
Led by Minister Sans, the Ministry of Internal Affairs focuses on maintaining stability, organization, and cooperation within the Empire and its territories. Tasked with managing annexed lands, ensuring citizen loyalty, and monitoring populations and activities, this ministry serves as the backbone of internal governance. By addressing grievances and keeping the government informed of internal dynamics, they contribute to the Empire's overall cohesion and prosperity.
==== Ministry of Wealth ====
Under the stewardship of Minister MakerofFire, the Ministry of Wealth handles the creation, management, and expenditure of resources within the Empire. Engaging in resource acquisition, crafting essential supplies for both peace and wartime, and managing wealth and stockpiles, this ministry plays a pivotal role in sustaining the Empire's economic strength. They oversee trade, run markets, and ensure the Empire's prosperity while supporting its military and diplomatic endeavors. 
==== Ministry of Culture ====
Minister Silvarie leads the Ministry of Culture, charged with developing and enriching the Imperial culture through roleplay, lore, and community engagement. By crafting lore, hosting events, producing media, and fostering a sense of community and identity, this ministry enhances the overall experience of being a part of the Empire, strengthening its cohesion and collective spirit.
==== Ministry of Architecture ====
Under the guidance of Minister Crimson, the Ministry of Architecture focuses on constructing impressive structures to enhance the nation's beauty and prestige. From grand projects like castles and palaces to everyday buildings and design templates, this ministry's work not only showcases the Empire's architectural prowess but also contributes to its cultural and aesthetic appeal.
==== Ministry of Infrastructure ====
Led by Minister Penguin the Road Master, the Ministry of Infrastructure concentrates on non-architectural development, such as roads, bridges, and economic structures. Responsible for building transportation networks, maintaining wilderness areas, and constructing defensive structures, this ministry ensures the Empire's infrastructure supports its growth, security, and prosperity.
== Culture ==
=== Religion ===
The state religion is Courtism which also happens to be the most prevalent faith. It is deeply rooted in the culture of many of the Ischanic nations. Ischanism is a rough collection of shared folk traditions across the nation, but the Ischanic Church exists as a formalized power structure controlling and organizing these traditions. There are a number of sects, which, similar to the imperial government, tend to keep to themselves, yet still answer to the same gods and, to a lesser extent, human religious authorities. The seat of power and authority for the Ischanic Church is within the realm of Celras- specifically, Celras City itself. The faith minorly influences the Imperial government as well, avoiding overreaching and upsetting the religious minorities of the empire. 
Besides Ischanism, there exist many smaller, local faiths that are permitted to be practiced alongside the dominant faith. After the Ischanic Church, the Selidoarian religion of Serenism remains the second largest religion, and the Children of Diena reigns present in the northwest; around 1/3rd of the population remains irreligious. 
=== Holidays ===
==== Imperial Booze Cruise ====
The Imperial Booze Cruise is held irregularly. It began with emperor Floki visiting the various cities across the country with a drunken entourage, to see the progress of each town's construction and have an opportunity to display local culture. The alcohol served in mass quantities supports local brewing industries, and draws crowds to unite the empire as one jolly, intoxicated nation. 
==== Emperor Day ====
To further boost morale and national unity, it is required to, when called, attend the worship of a large statue of the current ruling emperor. This is also to boost the ego of the current emperor, to make sure he goes power-crazy and suppress dissent. Attendance is mandatory. Statues of previous, disgraced emperors are no longer worshiped, and instead are turned into gravel to be used in road construction.
=== Culture groups ===
Within Ischanor, most of the cultures and languages derive from the Proto-Aysar tree, where the Ojszari, Ischanori and Thondean branches are most prevalent. All of them combine together in the melting pot that is Ischanor to form various wonderful cultures that share their innovations. Despite the fact that the Ischanori form the majority, there are still various smaller cultures from other sources found within the empire. 
==== Ischanic ====
The Ischanics are the 'main' group within Ischanor. The Ischanic diaspora is widespread, found in all areas of Ischanor with the majority of realms in fact belonging to the group, the largest of which is the Kingdom of Lisvar, the personal domain of the Emperor. The Ischanics have a very well-documented history thanks to scholars of various Ischanori origin which goes as far back to origins of the people and their interactions with the Thondean Empire, until its fall. 
==== Ojszari ====
The Ojszari are another group within Ischanor, they are mostly found in the north-western parts of the empire, as they migrated to the region relatively recently in history. Their language is additionally derived from the same Proto-Aysar tree. According to scholarly records, the original Proto-Aysar had first split into the Ojszari and Ischanics, before splitting off into the other branches. While the Ischanics migrated south, the Ojszari decided to stay put to their 'traditional way of life' and mostly stayed in the region, though they eventually did migrate eastwards. After many generations, the now culturally distinct Ojszari were compelled to migrate south-west in a religiously-inspired campaign, with the largest party being led by Chieftain Moriwin of the Rydani. Thanks to the instability of the late empire of Thondeum, they were able to seize some land on their borders and destabilize the empire further. Later, the various peoples were incorporated into the Empire of Ischanor, with the largest Ojszari realm being Vědanica.
In modern times, the Ojszari of Vědanica have pioneered their culture into blossoming into something magnificent, becoming patrons of the development of art. Most notably, the Grand Duchess of Vědanica- Varenna Rydani has made this come to fruition, she has personally painted numerous pieces of art of various figures throughout the empire, most notably the Emperor Kanasky Toss.
==== Lenógach ====
The Lenógach are a small minority group of Aysari peoples mostly concentrated within the Archduchy of Lenógath, most of the cultures found within the branch are undocumented and extinct, except for the modern Lenógach culture. Not much is known about them and they are quite different from other Ischanori cultural branches, implying that they may have been isolated for an extended period of time with little to no cultural exchanges. 
==== Thondean ====
The Thondeans were a culture who established the large empire of Thondeum in the region now occupied by Ischanor in centuries past. They culturally influenced their subjects and various others across Abexillas, and had a wide diaspora. One of the most direct descendants of the Thondeans is the Solideti people, who presently inhabit Celras. It is thought that the Solideti also migrated to the realm of Kylorne by an unknown means, establishing their own separate Kylorner Solideti ethnicity, returning after many centuries as Celrasi. 
==== Lachawakan ====
The Lachawakans are a curious group of the Aysari tree. They are the most similar to the original ancestors of the Aysari and more traditional than even the Ojszari, having maintained a hunter-gatherer lifestyle with no formal social hierarchy or permanent dwellings since time immemorial. They have remained so persistent in keeping such a traditional society due to their devotion to an ancient earth goddess, which in modern times has been syncretized with the Ischanic goddess Ilfeijas. 
Category:Abexilas
Category:Ischanor
Category:Kejafros