Lyras Soleari

Lyras Soleari is a country in eastern Nieden and parts of Sparwood. It was created with the Pact of Sun and Moon as an autonomous vassal state of the Simulami Empire following the de-facto dissolution of the Siorvat of Escharia. The nation is comprised of what were formerly the Escharian provinces of Escharii and Suderen, which still make up the two duchies of the country. Due to the nation's theocratic structure and its cultural history it is inextricably linked with the Soleannen faith and clergy, and with traditional Eastern Escharian culture.
Lyras Soleari borders Simulami proper in the north, Yimmu Audal in the northwest, the Realm of Escharia in the northwest, the Osterium sea in the east, and the Sea of Pearls in the west. Further down south it borders the Sparwood nations of Kartek, Vraelea, Frosmyre and Burgamere.
==History==
===Soleanna to Escharia===
See Escharia
The lands that now compromise the core territory of Lyras Soleari have been occupied by ancestors of the present occupants for thousands of years. Gifted by the Gods themselves to the first Niedene this land is sacred to us and have seen many changes over the years.
In 0 ASC the city of Soleanna was founded by Aremi I an Aeszerii and soon after the Soleannen Empire was formed, stretching all the way around the Sea of Pearls. This brought the Niedene culture and Soleannen faith all around Rathnir.
After the Fall of Soleanna and the sundering of Anetos in 972 ASC the lands were ruled by many different cultural groups. This was the Second Aksemesai when most had turned away from the faith in these days until Auberon I an Aeszerii the chieftain of the Escharian tribe converted back to the faith. In 1328 ASC he formed the First Empire of Escharia which took up the mantle of the Soleannen Empire under the rule of Arminuis I an Aeszerii. This empire fell when the Escharian Ascension happened in 1593 ASC and the lands were ruled again by various tribes and cultural groups and the Third Aksemesai ravaged the lands. 
This was until 1604 ASC when Emperor Valerian an Aesperii 'the Restorer' founded the Aesperium Niedea and the clergy of Soleannen was established and spread once more throughout the world of Rathnir.
After Valerian's resignation, the empire plunged into a Succession Crisis, which was considered as a civil war (Kimikwessie). The duchy of Suderen declared independence and the lands were split into two when the Escharii duchy joined them creating the Empire of Aesterien. These are the lands that now constitute Lyras Soleari.
The Kimikwessie ended through an agreement between Nive Pallas-Akerian, leader of Aesterien, and the Cardinal (Ekeris) Yazov an Akrati : the two lands would reunite and forme the Soleannen Imperium, with Yazov as Iksare and Nive as Ekeris. This fell after the Emperor unlawfully annexed lands belonging to the Duchy of Escharii (then known as Aerene in a bid to suppress their significance). The Imperium reformed into a Triumvirate between Bardonia, Yimmu-Audal and Escharia under the leadership of Luci I an Aesperii, daughter of Valerian. Luci retired and still lives in Castle Gentumar in peace. After Bardonia left the Imperium it collapsed and the Escharian Siorvat was founded. Ruled by Dazoqan Veriss it was a new boom for culture, arts and literature until the Fourth Aksemesai. 
===Fourth Aksemesai===
However, all was not well beneath the boards. Many did not accept Veriss’ rule as they were not from the ancient bloodline of the Aeszerii house. This coupled with their increasingly prominent iron grip on the state lead to civil war when the former Chancellor Isaris an Aesperii was assassinated by an unknown assailant. Many arguing that it was Veriss herself weeding out her opposition but Veriss held trials in the Senate House in Lostesrei which culminated in declaring Auria an Aeszerii as the culprit. The Senate however, voted against condemning Auria which led to the Dazoqan using their veto. 
Many nobles did not sit by and rescued Auria before they could be executed and they fled to safety. This sparked the fourth Soleannen Aksemesai, or ‘time of chaos’, where the lands of the Niedene were plunged into bloody conflict. 
This brutal conflict could have ravaged the lands of Escharia for decades but it was not allowed to continue internally for foreign powers spied an opportunity through an envious eye. Mayor of the capital city of Lostesrei, Sennkesor Flavian, argued with Veriss and in their disagreement sold the capital to the nation of Bardonia, main rival of the Siorvat. 
Many options were by the Dazoqan, Church and the Dukes including joining the Simulami Empire as vassals, Kartek as a vassal or surrendering the throne to the former Iksare Valerian. In the chaos Veriss sought the support of Valerian against the advise of her dukes. The dukes with Ekeris Nive instead wished to join Simulami. Valerian jumped ahead an pronounced himself as ruler while the dukes were confused and panicked believing that they had to act fast and signed agreement with Simulami. 
When this confusion was realised all parties agreed to hold a referendum to decide the fate of Escharia. All citizens voted and it was decided that Escharia was to join the Simulami Empire. Veriss was no longer Dazoqan and her reign ended as did the Escharian Empire. This was a devastating loss to the Niedene people but most acknowledged it was time to let go of our imperialistic past and move into a new age for our nation. Dazoqan Veriss was remembered fondly despite the chaos as one of the greatest rulers Escharia had ever known. 
=== Pact of Sun and Moon===
The Oracle of Drakhasrei as Duke of Escharii and Alexander Magistri-Corneo Duke of Suderen agreed that they must act fast to secure the Holy Lands from the envious eyes of the world and so they rode to the Simulami capital of Nuvallen. Here they met with Imperare Zeno and took him south on pilgrimage through the sacred lands. This was the first time in history that a Soleannen Cardinal and a Soleviel Patriak have met in person and on friendly terms. 
Arriving at sun rise in Flammastahl the Oracle anointed Alexander as Ilferran (Blessed Noble) to rule over Suderen in the name of the Church. Alexander chose a new name to signify this rebirth; 'Ansolearii'. The Holy Lands would remain forever under the rule of the Church and the protection of the Imperare while keeping its full autonomy. 
At sunrise in Flammatahl the three signed the pact of Sun and Moon which officially founded Lyras Soleari as a state in Rathnir. 
It reads as follows:
# Lyras Soleari is considered a fully autonomous vassal of the Simulami Empire.
# Lyras Soleari is considered under the direct ownership of the Kirrentai and therefore is considered Holy Lands for all the faith.
## All lands owned by Lyras Solerai will remain under our jurisdiction and cannot be claimed or contested by anyone but the Kirrentai.
## Lyras Soleari claims all sites considered Holy by the Kirrentai.
# The succession of all titles within the Lyras Soleari and the Kirrentai are decided internally.
# Lyras Soleari are able to make full diplomatic decisions in all matters with notification to the Imperare. 
## This includes making alliances, non-aggression pacts, gaining our own vassals and the expansion of lands.
## If Lyras Soleari wishes to declare an act of war then it must seek prior approval from the Imperare. If approval is not granted then war cannot be waged.
# Lyras Soleari will be shown on the map under their own name.
## With Simulami colour and (Simulami) under it.
# Lyras Soleari has the ability to raise their own armies and can decline their participation in any war based on religious grounds.
## The Empire of Simulami will join Lyras Soleari fully in any war.
## Lyras Soleari’s land is considered an Imperial Claim, therefore, its protection is the same as the Simulami Empire itself and they may call in its other allies into wars.
# Lyras Soleari may not declare independence from the Simulami Empire under any conditions but the following:
## Imperare Zeno of the Simulami Empire resigns his position by which point a new treaty must be signed between the Cardinal, Ilferran and the new Imperare or this treaty is considered null and void.
## Any point in this agreement is broken by the Imperare.
## If this clause is triggered a truce between the Simulami Empire and the Lyras Soleari will take effect immediately and will last the duration of three weeks.
# Lyras Soleari may at any point change its status to any of the following options only with the signatures of the Cardinal, the Ilferran and the Imperare:
## A semi-autonomous vassal state of the Simulami Empire.
## A full vassal state of the Simulami Empire.
## Full integration within the Simulami Empire.
# The Soleannen faith must remain a state religion in Simulami and Soleviel will not be persecuted within Lyras Soleari.
# Taxes will not be imposed on Lyras Soleari but they are able to administer taxes on their own accord.
# Lyras Soleari are able to keep their own nation's claim.
# Any laws or changes to the governance of Lyras Soleari that the Imperare wishes to make (within its borders or amongst its vassals) must have the direct approval of the Cardinal first.
## Requests must come directly from the Imperare themselves and not a minister or other government official.
# Lyras Soleari will be able to keep its own Discord server to manage the lands effectively and recruit.
## The Imperare must maintain an admin role within said Discord Server.
## Citizens of Lyras Soleari are not obliged to join Simulami’s Citizenship.
### Nobles of Lyras Soleari may request to include their Feudal Territories within the High-End Gamble of Simulami, if approved by the Imperare, Cardinal and Ilferran.
### Simualmi advises Lyras Soleari citizens to join the main entity and suggest, but not require the multi citizen-policy.
# Any future agreements or treaties cannot supersede or contradict the contents of this agreement for any reason:
## Except if an amendment is signed by all parties privy to this agreement (the Cardinal, the Imperare and the Ilferran)
## Any treaty or agreement that is found to be in contradiction of this pact is considered null and void. 
# The Imperare may break this treaty by giving the Cardinal three weeks' notice.
## If  this clause is triggered then a truce will be in place between the Empire of Simulami and the Lyras Soleari that lasts for a further three weeks.
# This treaty takes effect from the moment of signing and lasts indefinitely unless through the terms laid out above.
==Geography==
A nation's geography is also an important thing to consider. Describe the overall land layout.
===Physical Geography===
If there are a lot of different areas to cover, they may warrant a section dedicated to physical geography alone. Describe the major rivers, mountains, peninsulas, and other landforms that define the countryside. Consider which continent or region the country lays in, as well as the biome(s) present.
===Biodiversity===
A good way to expand a nation's lore is to describe the local flora and fauna. Creating names for local plants and animals can be a great way to make the country feel much more alive and immersive, and if done right, can allow for interesting roleplay regarding hunting, safaris, ecological crises, interesting pets, herbology and potions, zoology or botany roleplay and literature, bizarre animal or plant products- and much more. Perhaps even a national animal.
===Climate===
Describing the climate of the region can also make the country feel more immersive. Does the area get a lot of rainfall, or only a little? Is it warm year-round? Is it a wet-dry climate, or does it have four distinct seasons? What kinds of extreme weather may be found there- cyclones, tornadoes, flood-causing rains, sandstorms, magic weather? It is useful to describe average highs and lows, preferably with °C (and °F in parentheses, not everyone uses Fahrenheit) at least until a canon temperature system is developed.
==Government and Politics==
Describe the government and political systems present in the nation. Is the nation a monarchy or republic, or something else entirely? Describe how leadership works, how laws are passed, how order is kept, and what political groups may exist and are competing for power within the country.
===Political Factions and Parties===
If the nation is a republic, there may be different groups within it that make up the legislature. Feel free to list and describe each party or faction, and provide links to their pages if they exist. Tables showing electoral history may prove to be useful as well. Relation to clergy and in contrast relation to local aristocracy?
===Political Subdivisions===
Suderen and Escharii duchies
===Law and Judiciary===
Describe the nation's legal system and constitution, if desired.
===Foreign Relations===
A brief overview of the nation's allies, enemies, and other relationships in recent history can be kept here. It may be useful to record active pacts and treaties here as well for common reference.
===Military===
The army and possibly navy of the nation and its organization. If the country has a navy, feel free to post pictures of any ship builds.
==Economy==
Describe the nation's economy and how it runs on a day-to-day business. Describe major industries, labor divisions, infrastructure, technology and inventions, and other economic activities. Most citizens in-lore will be actively involved in farming, fishing, animal husbandry, or other food-collecting jobs in a pre-industrial rural society, so keep that in mind unless the nation is a city-state that imports its food from elsewhere.
Discussion about banking, taxes, and what internal currency the nation uses can also be written here. Feel free to organize this section to fit the nation best.
==Demographics==
Describing the peoples of the nation. Generally split at least into language and religion, but different ethnic groups and demographic histories can be added too.
===Religion===
Lyras Soleari follows the Soleannen faith. The religion is mandatory in most parts of the country and the Soleannen Cardinal holds the highest position
===Language===
Asteri and its various branch languages are the most frequently spoken tongues in Lyras Soleari. A large majority of citizens also speak Traveler's Tongue in order to better speak with outsiders. Some regional variations to Asteri also are spoken, such as Amennrii Asteri.
===Race===
The vast majority of citizens in Lyras Soleari are Niedene or of Niedene descent. Other species and races are tolerated to varying degrees, although some regions have laws prohibiting the citizenship of non-Niedene. 
==Culture==
Culture is an important part of a nation. Any extra cultural tidbits that don't fit in with the politics, economics, or demographics sections may fall here.
===Media===
====Art====
There is no doubt that there are plenty of talented artists in the community. Feel free to show off and describe the nation's art style and some of its most famous works if possible.
====Literature====
Writing books in-game is a fun way to produce some tangible cultural artifacts. Describe the most well-known written works and authors, or perhaps ancient in-lore literature from eons past.
====Music====
What kinds of music can be found in the nation? What instruments are played, and are there any famous tunes or traditional songs?
====Newspapers====
It is not uncommon from players to write regular newspapers updating on current events in the nation. Describe local and national journalism.
===Architecture===
What kinds of materials are used for building, and why? For what climates and other conditions are buildings in the country built? Are there any special features of architecture here? Elaborate on different types of buildings, and feel free to flaunt the nation's best builds. However, don't use real-life terms to describe the architectural style (e.g. Victorian, Gothic, Japanese, Arabic, Mediterranean, etc.)
===Education===
Describe the state of education in the country. How many people are literate? How long do they go to school before they must go work? Keep in mind typical medieval standards for this.
If there are any museums housing artifacts, or any major universities, feel free to mention them too.
===Holidays===
Describe local festivals and national holidays. They may be religious in nature, or completely secular.
===Fashion===
Are there any particular clothing styles that are worn by the people of the nation? Which cultures wear what? Show off some silly hats.
===Cuisine===
What do people in the country usually eat? Name some national dishes, and what foods are considered local staples and delicacies.
Category:Escharien
Category:Nieden
Category:Nations
Category:Traveler's Era