Kingdom of Aurea

Kingdom of Aurea, commonly known as Aurea, is a nation in Eastern Eldham that covers parts of two continents- Northern Leifmyrr and Southern Valresh . The Kingdom is famous for its award winning builds, rich culture, and wealth. Most uniquely to Eldham, Aurea has maintained peace for centuries, not engaged in an offensive or defensive war with another nation since Aurea's inception. Having grown dramatically from a small obscure nation in the East to a regional power of eastern Eldham, the Kingdom boasts its success on hard work, strong diplomacy, strong economic planning, and value in the arts and culture. Aurea continues to expand its regional and global influence by means of economic prosperity and cultural exchange with its neighbours. 
== Founding and early history ==
Aurea was formed after the collapse of the Mercurian Republic in . The opportunity was seen to take Aurea into the peoples own hands in order to govern themselves and it's small population of just 5 players as it was at the time. With the help of their neighbouring nation Rodinnbrok it was gained and authorized. The Kingdom was lead by VvitekK, whose successor Queen Cheezus69, or Bee, now reigns.
After the fall of Mercurian Republic in the northern part of the old republic was left alone to the dangers of the world. It was soon realized that something had to be done in order to protect what was still even left to protect. Vita and a few other friends came up with a plan to gain independence from the fallen republic. The plan was hatched consisting of many tasks which had to be met before any claims could've be made. With only 5 players in the northern part of the old republic, it wasn't an easy task- but with resiliency and a strong will to govern themselves, they gained the freedoms they desired. Despite the hard work, Aurea's freedom was refreshing after the oppressive government they lived under prior to the fall of the Mercurian Republic.
== Government ==
The nation hosts a monarchy, with the government led by Queen Beatrice Gennisi (Cheezus69), assisted by many ministries of various categories. Currently the ministry positions have been appointed positions, and a hybridized form of government between Ministries and a Consul form of government forms the Royal Council. This has proved more efficient, as the nation has small yet growing population. The Lower Council consists of Regional Barons so the Queen has an easy access to all figures of authority in Aurea. 
 
== Geography ==
Kingdom of Aurea is located in the northernmost part of the ex-Mercurian Republic in the continent of Valresh. It borders Rodinnbrok from southwest to northeast by the river Aura and to the south lies some of Drakar's cities. The The Capital city New Aurea is located in western part of the Kingdom. The City of Gol, a city between the seas lies directly in the central part of the Kingdom. The sea to the north is Lokkan Sea, and sea to the south is the Mecurian Sea. Smaller settlements and towns are scattered around the Kingdom, such as Cape Multia which lies in a cape surrounded by water in south-eastern part of the mainland in the Kingdom.
The capital city of Aurea is unique in that it's partly built into the enormous mountain of Mt. Dalbosal and it features a big castle with windows to all the wind directions. The Morikomi Mountains tower over the landscape. The Morikomi mountains are the sacred grounds of ancient shamans who worship the mountain gods. 
The river that separates Rodinnbrok and mainland Aurea is called Aura River. This is a relatively long river which stretches over plains and the jungle region on the northern part of Kingdom of Aurea. There are many bridges built and to be be built over this river, as it is relatively wide and on some parts very hard to travel over because it creates a valley like form close to the capital city New Aurea with steep cliffs.
== Provinces & cities and other notable places ==
=== Aurea ===
==== - New Aurea ====
Main Article: Aurea
Founded in the Ellysian Empire, New Aurea is settled between the feet of the Morikomi mountain range. The Sea of Wine and Mead sits to it's west, indicating where Rodinnbrok's lands once were. The beautiful city is composed of two main districts- Old and New Aurea. A thriving city with markets, farms, residential districts and a large castle for Her Majesty the Queen, Old Aurea is the historic gem of our nation. Massive defensive walls are built to defend the city from any invasion, making Old Aurea the most fortified place in Aurea. The land to the south beyond the city walls is New Aurea, where massive government buildings, public housing, and factories, and churches are some of the finest architectural wonders in Eldham.
==== - City of Gol ====
Main Article: Gol
Founded by a motivated group of citizens dating back to the times of Mercury, Gol sits on the desert island in the centre of our nation. Gol is one of the earliest settlements of Aurea. In the early days, there were several sandstone homes, an active bar, and a stable city government. Sadly, nearly all players inhabiting the city became inactive. Since then, Banks Gennsi has turned the island into a Holy City, with a massive temple dedicated to Morikomi Shamanism. Each spire of the temple is dedicated to one of the Four winds worshiped by the Shamans. The massive underground complex is soon to be the home of many citizens and is the economic powerhouse for the Kingdom, with many farms tucked into caverns carved deep into the earth. More information can be found about the legacy of Gol here.
==== - Necromancia ====
Main Article: Spectral Reeves
Spectral Mage, more friendly known as Speccy by Aureans, easily one of the most well established, wealthy, and influential figures in Aurea is the founder and leader of Necromancia. Necromancia’s settlement is built atop Aurea’s northernmost mountain, but the claim covers nearly all of Aurea’s northern land. Rumours of hidden underground networks circulate, but know one knows the true extent of what is hidden in Necromancia. 
====- Cape Multia====
Cape Multia is a small settlement as old as Aurea itself. Cape Multia is mainly focusing on farming, which is it's main source of income and export to the Kingdom. Founded long ago by MultiFrapser when the Kingdom of Aurea was still part of the Mercurian Republic, the settlement remains as it has for over 100 years. Now led and maintained by the new government, the Cape is a quiet and quaint area protected by the strength of the Kingdom. It is one of Aurea's Oldest Cultural Heritage Sites. The site has since been revamped to fit with modern New Aurea and boasts a cosy shopping district with pubs and shops of all cultures and contents. 
====- The Psilocybe====
Main Article: Psilocybe arena
The Psilocybe is the mushroom island east of New Aurea. Once an old mining facility, it was selected as the site for the Arena of Aurea. By the noble efforts of Bag and Bee, the island was restored to its natural biome, building custom mushrooms and featuring a large PVP arena for both training and entertainment purposes. The island also hosts the remnants of a giant tree overgrown by mushrooms that have grown back and reclaimed the island.
====- Squidland====
Originally a settlement of squatters in the former Mercury, Squidland was once the most far eastern settlement of Aurea. The city was poorly constructed but eventually accepted into Aurea as an official settlement. Despite this, Squidland was eventually abandoned. Built in a high traffic area for travellers headed north or south near the edge of Eldham, scavengers and squatters have continued to move through the area, leaving the area picked over and barren. Squidland's demolition began in April 2022 and was completed in June 2022. The area has been cleared of ruins and a forest has been replanted on the land. 
====- Settlement of xNinjacraft====
Main article: Ninja's lil shack
While Ninjacraft lives outside of the city of New Aurea, he was an influential figure in the politics of the Kingdom for many of our early years. He is known as a good orator, and served as a councilmember to the old king. His private residence is built on a tiny island south of the city, where he used the remains of an old shipwreck to build a quaint home. Nowadays though, he mostly keeps to himself and keeps out of Aurean politics. 
====- Morikomi Region and The Architect’s House====
The Architect’s home is further down the coast from xNinjacraft’s settlement, right on the shore. A quaint residence of the mysterious architect has stood since early settlement of the area. The mysterious resident with no other name other than ‘The Architect’ presumably did commission builds for a living. Abandoned, the structure had been subject to looting, but was not extensively damaged and  kept its charm. It was renovated by Sleeping Sparrow, who now resides there and tends to the surrounding gardens and livestock. Overtime this small collection of homes and farms has formed a small and humble village, that stands at the foot of the great sacred Morikomi Mountains. 
The region is at the heart of the Morikomi Shamanism religious tradition. The Morikomi Mountain region is kept up by the Shamans, where steams, gardens, a panda sanctuary, and altars can be seen dotting the steep mountainous landscape. They are places for prophecy readings, meditation, and events for the dryad coalition. 
=== Gennisi Isles ===
====- Adustia ====
Koi Kurton and his friends, realizing the far easternmost lands of Aurea remained open, unsettled, and largely wild, sought out the area as their new home, escaping the noise and hustle and bustle of the big city in Aurea. A skilled group of warriors, people of Adustia are able to withstand the harsh conditions of the desert life near the very edge of Eldham. This settlement has been expanded and fortified by SaltWinters. 
==== - Isles of Aquae Aureae ====
Main article: Aquae Aureae
An artificial island in the ocean south of Aurea’s mainland shores, Aquae Aureae is an old settlement, founded when a group of travellers first came to Eldham in early January 2022. They built the artificial island in an empty part of the ocean. Quackmax27 led this initial settlement, and named it Insula, but it was renamed to Aquae Aureae when it became part of the Kingdom of Aurea. The Island is a quaint yet lively fishing community that has been marked as a symbol of the growing influence of Aurea. The village is quickly growing and developing into a vibrant place fisher folk call home. 
====- Eldercrest ====
Eldercrest is a city built upon a small group of islands at the very edge of the Mecurian Sea, south of the Aurean mainland. Once it's own sovereign nation and an ally of Aurea, Eldercrest officially merged with Aurea in May of 2022. An agreement was reached between the Banks Gennisi and Eldercrest's leader 9Unlimited for Eldercrest to join Aurea. 9Unlimited still governs over the region as the Grand Duke of Eldercrest, maintaining its sovereignty and autonomy. Eldercrest has its own history and culture dating back many years, and Aurean historians are currently working to learn as much as they can about the rich cultural heritage of Eldercrest. 
====- Serenia ====
A miracle of the Four winds, the giant floating islands are floating above the Lokann Sea are known as Serenia. Serenia is one of the personal projects of her Majesty the Queen, and only rumours of what riches and magic lay there can guess what exists on those great floating islands high up in the sky. The beautiful castle there is also a popular wedding destination.
==== - Gymmon ====
Gymmon is the Northernmost point of the Aurean Kingdom and is currently overseen by the Baron hahlookatthis who is overseeing the development of the island, with great success.
=== The Aurean Southerlands ===
Purchased from the collapsing super nation of Roddinbrok, Sparrow gave this land to the Queen as a gesture of gratitude for her leadership. The southern province consists of savannah, desert, and badlands biomes. A parched province, filled with the ruins of long lost cultures, the Southerlands are not the most welcoming and hospitable region of Aurea. Yet, in spite the region has flourished and birthed a few bustling towns.
==== - Zalea ====
The bright and beautiful city of Zalea is the provincial capital. Once the Jabal Kingdom, the Jabal people who built the city only have a few surviving descendants. Nonetheless, Aurea is seeking to honour their legacy and keep the city well maintained and protected.
==== - Taras ====
Just south of Zalea sits Taras, a city of quartz city in the ancient Hellanic style. Taras was founded and governed by Terrankios (Terras), a colonizer came from Hellas, a continent far East of Eldham, from where Terras brought with him the architecture, culture, and religion. In June 2023, Terras arrived Eldham with a few colonists with ambition, he was found by queen Bee of Aurea and was given the land to found his colony as a subject of Aurea, from where Taras was built. The young city has seen high activity due to it's captivating beauty and unique culture, and houses the highest population outside the capital. Taras worships the 12 gods of mount Ulympos, an Eastern polytheism from Hellas, and the city honors the gods faithfully: all 12 gods are given their statues in Taras, among them, Artamis - goddess of hunt, wild life, and the moon herself - is the patron goddess of the city. The landmarks of Taras includes the temple of Artamis, and the grand theater of Taras.
==== - Navita ====
On the southernmost point of the Southerlands is the port town of Navita, maintained by council member Frizzle who has rebuilt the town to its former glory while supplying trade routes with nations south of Aurea
=== Terrainia ===
Terrainia holds the old town of Volklach which has been left abandoned due to a catastrophic scandal in the higher ranks of the town. Now maintained by Charles Aesthetas the town awaits repairs.
=== Reinfaulder ===
The elders of Aurea remember Reinfaulder used to be called Sigland. A snowy region to the south of Eldercrest, the region is filled with snow covered towns and wonderful spruce forest. Once it's own nation, Reinfaulder integrated into the Kingdom of Aurea in February of 2023. The Grand Duke of Reinfaulder is Riley, was threatened by invaders from far western Eldham. Seeking the aid of Aurea, the Queen's skilful negotiations were able to avoid conflict and protect Reinfaulder from invasion and welcome the Reinfaulder Province into the kingdom's long lasting peace. 
After Riley disappeared Snake took over the province as towns began to flourish most notably are; 
==== - Horskjarrfjord ====
A historic town thats been sitting on the land for years before Aurea its mysterious religious remains are scattered across the town and even some across the province.
==== - Fornheimr ====
The close knit community at Fornheimr are very secluded hiding behind a large wooden wall constructed to keep enemies out in the past, the hustle bustle streets are always covered in a light layer of snow and chimneys are always smoking.
=== Eldurrim ===
Once close-knit allies of Aurea, the elders of the small neighbouring nation of Eldurrim decided to give their legacy to the Kingdom of Aurea. The old King and Queen were even married in Serenia, and the royal families of both kingdoms shared a great deal of trust. On the grounds of that tried-and-true kinship between the nations, Eldurrim became fully integrated into Aurea. 
=== Kerola ===
Upon the calamity that unfolded as Kylorne collapse, many refugees who were able to escape fled to Eldham. Once such group of refugees had seen their beloved home destroyed, but sought to rebuild and continue their House's legacy. When they asked for a home in Aurea, Queen Bee offered them Kerola, land that had recently been purchased for the Kingdom, where House Silverwater could re-establish themselves and continue their own religious traditions. 
==== - Lasant ====
The main claim of the region, home to the Silverwater family after they had to abandon Kylorne.
==== - Camėk ====
Camėk is a newer town in the region, nestled in the forest of Kerola the town boasts its own stadium where regular games are played and the AFL team Heart of Camėk FC are based.
=== Novastonia ===
Once it's own nation, Novastonia became famous for being amongst the largest marketplaces in all of Eldham. Each week, Millions of dollars were exchanged in the marketplace between shopkeepers, merchants, manufacturers, and farmers alike. Queen Bee was quite involved in this market as part of her long-term economic development plan for the nation, providing lucrative goods in a cutthroat and ever-changing market. Novastonia became such a hub for those seeking to make of fortunes that it soon became a target. Where there's money, there's power, and Eldham is defined by a persistent struggle for power. Novastonia became a vassal of Roddinport, a nation that was attempting to reclaim the ocean and revive the dead nation of Roddinbrok. When threatened with invasion though, Roddinport was unable to defend their vassal and pulled out. Novastonia desperately needed a way to evade the impending violence that would disrupt the profits of the marketplace. Bee, well acquainted with local leadership, was able to bring Novastonia into the folds of the Aurean Kingdom in order to protect their peace. In doing so, Queen Bee expanded Aurea from a nation of the far east to the far western outreaches of Eldham. 
== Transportation ==
Several roads, tunnels and bridges are under construction to connect the Kingdom and it's remote parts together to form a united network system of roads. The best and most advanced road layouts are found in the cities and settlements, but most notable of them being in the capital city of Aurea. Many bridges have been built with the help from Rodinnbrok. Most of these lies to the western parts built to go across the river which separates the two lands. More bridges are to be built stretching eastward. A tunnel underneath the Morikomi Mountains was constructed by SleepingSparrow in April of 2022 to provide ease of access to Gol and the far east. A player named Darkness built the bridge connecting Old Aurea to Roddinbrok in April 2022 as well. The bridge from Morikomi east across Gol and across Gennisi Point all the way to Adustia was completed in June of 2021. The transportation of Aurea also extends deep underground! A subway station was built in the capitol of New Aurea in Febuary of 2023, which Aureans hope to expand a connected station to every city, town, and village of the kingdom. 
 
== Important Figures ==
* Vita - The First King of the Kingdom of Aurea, Founder and Leader
*Effy- Early Aurean Settler, Royal Council Member, and Master Architect of New Aurea
*Beatrice Gennisi- Reigning Queen of Aurea, Master Economist and Diplomat 
*Banks Gennisi- Former Minister of Planning and Development and famous Aurean Architect
* Spectral Mage, who Aureans know as "Speccy"- Aurean Aristocracy, Duke of Necromancia 
* Sleeping Sparrow, or just "Sparrow", High Morikomi Shaman, Aurean Minister of Law, Culture, and Records 
*Emli30384- Baroness of Aquae Aureae, Famous Aurean Architect 
*Koi Kuton - Former Aurean General and Founder of Adustia 
*hahlookatthis- Baron of Gymmon, Aurean Minister of Planning and Development 
*wesiivibing- Duke of The Aurean Southerlands, Minister of Environment & Agriculture
*Peruno- Baron of Morikomi, Minister of Recruitment
*Frizzle- Baron of Navita, Royal Jester
For more information on the Aurea's aristocratic households, click here. 
== Religion ==
There are various religious practices of regions, communities, and individuals of the Aurean Kingdom. Many individuals practice religions that came from other lands, but the following religions are unique to Aurea. 
* Morikomi Shamanism- The Shamanistic worship of the Mountain Gods 
* The Cult of Piscopte- Religious Traditions of Aquae Aureae 
*Sunism (Later incorporated into Morikomi Shamanism as a sect) 
*Ættaðr- Religion of Reinfaulder Province 
*River Faith - Religion of Silverwater Province 
== History ==
Aurea has a long and rich history, proudly enjoying over a century of peace. Historian and minister of Law, Culture, and Records SleepingSparrow has recorded more of Aurea's History here 
== Photos and Maps ==
File:Kingdom of Aurea (1).jpg
Category:Nations
Category:Eldham
Category:Traveler's Era