Shanorin Dynasty

The **Shanorin Dynasty** (***Shanorin** **Astar*** in Mitai, commonly referred to as simply ***The Dynasty***, and sometimes ***Shanoria***) is a nation situated in the north east of Meridian, surrounding the major stems of the Flumine River. The Shanorin Dynasty was formed in ME 264 in the House of Esenrius, by Tanyth Shanorin. The Dynasty expanded around the Flumine rapidly, and by Tanyth's death in ME 287, it had effectively reached the peak of its rapid expansion, with only small growth occurring since.

Ruled by the Shanorin family, the Dynasty is an absolute monarchy currently ruled by His Holiness Abdiel. Though a Dynastic Council had operated independently under previous rulers, Abdiel's tyranny has seen any disloyal councillors ousted and killed, and the council presently has little actual power. The Dynasty possesses one of the strongest armies on Narus, second only to the Montiac Empire. It's a technologically advanced nation, making great use of Human technology.

Present-day, the Dynasty has become a brutal, suppressive dictatorship under the tyrannical Abdiel. Precursorism, the state religion, has become more important in everyday life, and citizens have had most of their previous freedoms stripped from them in the name of serving their faith. The native Chasa make up the majority of the population, with Nibayr, Marib, and Nilotici being the only other species with a significant population. These species are commonly discriminated against, and many only reside because of their blind faith to Precursorism.

## History

### Formation

In ME 263, a group of Chasan nomads of House Esenrius encountered the Seraph Hosanna, who taught them about Humanity. Though most of the group saw the Seraph as a demonic being, Tantyth Shanorin took an immediate belief in the Seraph's tales. The two travelled to the capital of Esenrius where Hosanna taught the House's ruler, Erlan Esenrius, of Humanity. Though at first wary of the Seraph Erlan eventually agreed to bring the two into his government. Months of further talks between Erlan and Hosanna would eventually lead to House Esenrius being controlled by Tanyth, who created the Shanorin Dynasty on the 17th of Agorix, ME 264, with Precursorism being adopted as its official religion not long after.

With further help from Hosanna, Tanyth would expand the Dynasty down the Flumine, absorbing a number of other houses as he did. As the Dynasty grew, so did word of it, and the prospect of a rapidly expanding, advanced state attracted settlers from around the continent, and by ME 270 numerous other species had settled in the Dynasty. These included the Nilotici, Leosians, Nibayr, Pardali, and Lepus. Diplomatic channels opened between the Empire and Dynasty in ME 277, prompted by the number of Lepus who had been migrating southward. By the time of Tanyth's death in ME 287 the Dynasty had control of most of the area around the Flumine.

Tanyth was succeeded by his son, Tarron. Like his father, Tarron was a devoted follower of Precursorism and based much of his 39-year rule on cementing its importance in his society. These included bringing in mandatory prayer hours, introducing a societal ranking system for different species, and controversially lowering the Dynasty's relations the Empire. These reforms also meant that expansion effectively halted, leading to Tarron unknowingly giving the Empire control of Habitat 000, now Habitus. Central to Precursorism, Habitat 000 remains a boiling point of tension between the Empire and the Dynasty to this day. Tarron's wife, Syvis, gave birth to twins Vaeril and Aywin in ME 306, and Tarron spent the last decade or so of his rule tending to his children and teaching them the ways of their religion.

### Fourth Century

Tarron died in ME 326 and selected Vaeril to be his successor. Angered, Aywin departed the Dynasty just days after this, settling on the island of Simao where he studied Radka under the Capran and changed his name to Abdiel. Vaeril's rule proved to be divisive among his people. While still keeping the importance of Precursorism, he pushed for numerous societal and governmental reforms which angered many aging Chasa. He also reopened diplomatic channels with the Empire, which led to a brief period of open trade between the two states and vastly improved the life of the average citizen. Vaeril also completed the Dynasty's expansion around the Flumine, absorbing the final few Royal Houses.

Abdiel returned to the Dynasty on the 11th of Arrunus, ME 339. Though at first claiming he had returned to assist in his brother's rule, Abdiel killed Vaeril and usurped his throne the following night. Thus began what is now called the Night of a Thousand Daggers. Immediately following the murder of Vaeril Abdiel proceeded to use Radka and guards loyal to him to force his rule upon the Dynasty's councillors, and those that refused were killed. By dawn, all those who stated their objection to Abdiel were disposed of and replaced. Following Abdiel's morning address to his people, opposition gathered outside the Dynastic Palace. Using Radka, Abdiel killed them instantly, and used this as proof that he had been given the power of the gods, and thus, became a god himself. The months following that night saw Abdiel oversee the Shanorin Purge. Thousands of civilians, soldiers, and officials disloyal to Abdiel were killed as he consolidated his rule over the Dynasty. Once a beacon of progress on the continent, under Abdiel the Dynasty was rapidly converted into an isolationist, totalitarian state which it continues to be to this day.

A number of Chasan opposition, along with members of other species, Vaeril's daughter, and a few royal guards, fled the Dynasty in ME 339. They would form Firmosia which, while largely underdeveloped, is the last bastion of freedom for the Chasa. Though distance and Montiac support has kept it safe from the Dynasty, those fleeing to Firmosia are often killed en route by military patrols

Presently, with the Second Emergence of the Lyrac and the limited communication with the Empire, it's unknown how the Dynasty has managed with the onslaught of the bats.

## Government

The Shanorin Dynasty is an absolute monarchy ruled by the Shanorin family, currently Abdiel. No elections are held. Instead, the reigning Emperor or Empress rules until their death, after which they are succeeded by their oldest child. Should both children be the same age, the Emperor must name a successor before his or her death. If a successor is not named, the Dynastic Council votes. Should the populace and council be displeased with a leader they are able to vote them off the throne. This is done through four stages:

1. The council votes in favour of beginning the removal procedure.
2. The population votes, with a majority vote in favour required to proceed
3. The council votes in favour of removing the current leader
4. Hosanna, the permanent advisor to the Shanorin family, agrees to the removal

The Dynastic Council is made up of 23 members. They are the 17 House Governors, the Commander of the Dynastic Military, Commander of the Dynastic Navy, the High Priest, the Caran of the Arem, and the Interior Minster. A 24th spot is reserved for the leader of Humanity, though this has never been filled. These council members are not elected, but rather chosen by the head of state every 5 years, save for the High Priest who is chosen by Hosanna. The council is in place to approve and block attempted reforms by the Emperor, but because they are picked by said Emperor, they often fail to block controversial decisions due to their loyalty to the Emperor. Government positions may only be held by Chasa.

### Current council members

* Elaith Araw (Governor of Shanorin)
* Alred Caihana (Governor of Shylenalenor)
* Paeral Sarkas (Governor of Lillalion)
* Aiduin Naeran (Governor of Esfelion)
* Vuduin Beisalor (Governor of Omentalos)
* Almon Daerora (Governor of Gaeththyr)
* Selanar Ulajeon (Governor of Lenora)
* Elred Ianren (Governor of Dorei)
* Lyklor Genqirelle (Governor of Oyequa)
* Hagwin Zyldi (Governor of Themar)
* Taeral Herris (Governor of Ilnebel)
* Mitalar Norkalyn (Governor of Arnmore)
* Tordynnar Shacan (Governor of Ashgroth)
* Cohnal Qinkian (Governor of Fetheas)
* Axilya Luro (Governor of Ilnebel)
* Pharom Vaharice (Governor of Kyanthalas)
* Aila Eladi (Governor of Kyfalon)
* Haryk Zintumal (Governor of Esari)
* Flinar Chaeyarus (Commander of the Dynastic Military)
* Filverel Ianmys (Commander of the Dynastic Navy)
* Sontar Adkian (High Priest)
* Nalaea Facaryn (Caran)
* Feno Roralei (Interior Minster)

### Houses

The Shanorin Dynasty is made up of 17 Houses, including the capital of Shanor. The Houses and House Governors hold little autonomy or power themselves, and effectively only exist to ease the day-to-day tasks of the Emperor or Empress. Though once culturally distinct, the near century of Shanorin control has seen these differences vanish. Many houses incorporated after 270 were created from multiple Royal Houses. Esari, for example, is made up of 11 different Royal Houses. The Houses (in order of incorporation) are:

* Shanor: ME 264
* Shylenalenor: ME 264
* Lillalion: ME 265
* Esfelion: ME 266
* Omentalos: ME 268
* Gaeththyr: ME 268
* Lenora: ME 269
* Dorei: ME 270
* Oyequa: ME 271
* Themar: ME 272
* Arnmore: ME 272
* Ashgroth: ME 273
* Fetheas: ME 273
* Ilnebel: ME 274
* Kyanthalas: ME 328
* Kyfalon: ME 330
* Esari: ME 331

## Economy

The Shanorin Dynasty uses the Strazi (*SZ*) as its official currency. Due to the continued influence the Dynasty has had over the continent and surrounding areas, the Strazi has become widely used around Meridian. The Montiac Empire was a major source of trade for the Dynasty prior to Abdiel taking the throne, due to both proximity and available goods, but this has since stopped. Presently, the Dynasty's main trading partners are the Petran nation of Sitai, the Scrofan kingdom of Krozezar, and the Central Meridian megacity of Rosia.

Most citizens of the Dynasty are not paid in Strazi. Instead, they are granted their needs relative to their position in the caste system of Precursorism. This system was introduced under Vaeril's rule, under the guise that "citizens should pay themselves in honour for assisting their religion, rather than money", as stated by Vaeril himself. However, those wishing to venture outside of the Dynasty's borders may request Strazi from the state, so long as it is either returned in full or by goods of equal value.

## Military

Prior to Vaeril's rule, the military was of little importance to the Dynasty due to the lack of an immediate threat. Vaeril began modernization of the army early on in his rule, and Abdiel has only increased that. In the last two decades, the Dynastic Military has undergone a radical overhaul, and now rivals the Montiac Empire in power. The Dynastic Navy outclasses the Empire, utilizing Human technology to create highly advanced vessels. This modernization was primarily done to match the might of the Empire, as its believed by many that Abdiel wishes to one day take Habitat 000 by force.

Those that serve in the military will reach the "Adanor" level of the Precursorism caste, which helps to bolster the number of volunteers. Chasa are the only species allowed to serve directly in the military, but other races are allowed in support roles and lightly equipped cannon fodder. The Dynastic Military is composed of 4 branches: The Army, Navy, City Guard, and Clerics. The Arem are a religious order of warriors under direct control of the Emperor or Empress, but are separate from the military. Clerics have multiple duties not relating to battle. These include blessing soldiers before a battle, recording final words of dying soldiers, and if possible reading dying soldiers their last commendation during and after a battle. Clerics are given light armour, no weapons, and a large beacon pole on their backs to allow for easy location.

The exact number of soldiers serving in the military isn't known, but Montiac estimates point towards 700k and 900k soldiers across all branches.

## Technology

The Dynasty's technology, like much of Narus, is primarily based around the reverse-engineering of leftover Human tech. However, with the assistance of Hosanna, the Dynasty has managed to gain a greater understanding of the working of the tech than their rivals to the north, and have access to limited scale production of their own technology. Advantages the Dynasty has over the Empire are most prevalent on the seas, and include far more accurate systems of navigation, more efficient engines, and the limited use of castlight weapons. Other broader advantages in the Dynasty's technology include quick long-range communications and reactive armour on high ranking troops. All Dynasty made designs are thoroughly planned and tested, but will rarely change once approved.

Although Precursorism does place restrictions on everyday use of Human technology, military use is entirely allowed. Technology available to citizens depends on their caste, and must directly be approved by the state.

## Society

*See also: Precursorism*

Under Precursorism, the Dynasty operates as a caste based system. Though technically organized by societal roles, it is largely dictated by ones species. The following is the organization of the caste system in Precursorism:

#### Nukaw

The "Nukaw" sit at the top of the caste, and consist of the ruler of the Dynasty and a handful of highly esteemed priests.

#### Adanor

As so few make up the Nukaw, the "Adanor" is considered the highest achievable rank in the system despite being second-highest. It consists of academics, government officials, and soldiers, including city guards and Arem.

#### Maenaq

"Maenaq" consist of artisans, tradesman, farmers, and merchants. This is the highest level a non-Chasan species has reached.

#### Famil

"Famil" is the class of manual labourers, and is the lowest level that is allowed to purchase property.

#### Nunhut

The "Nunhut" is the lowest class of the Precursorism caste. It is made up of street cleaners and those who carry out other menial tasks. Nunhut are not allowed to purchase property and reside in communal houses with other of their class, which usually hold around 50.

### Species in the Dynasty

#### Chasa

Creators of both the Precursorism religion and the Shanorin Dynasty, the Chasa are the highest species of the Dynasty. Chasans primarily make up government, academic, leadership, and military roles, but can be found in all walks of life.

#### Nilotici

As Niloticins are a non-migratory species, their population in the Dynasty came from those living in villages on the banks of the Flumine that were absorbed during its early expansion. Presently those villages have been largely abandoned by the Lizard-folk, who have since moved into larger settlements. Nilotici make up the majority of manual labourers, and because of their size and strength are often found working heavy equipment. Many Cat-folk fear the Nilotici, and will often look the other way when one breaks societal standards.

#### Marib

The Marib are a well known selfish and greed driven species, and their true loyalty to Precursorism is questioned by many. Because of this, the Hyena-folk primarily make up much of the Nunhut. As many Chasans see them as uncultured and savage, Marib are housed in the poorly governed portions of cities and often left to largely govern themselves.

#### Nibayr

While many Nibayr cultural standards are seen as adherent by other species, those that reside in the Dynasty show unwavering loyalty towards Precursorism and are allowed to remain so long as their traditions are not practiced. Due to their loyalty towards the religion Nibayr make for great workers in all fields, and the Rat-folk are spread throughout the lower castes. Many Chasans take pity on them due to their small size and perceived dimwittedness, and will often attempt to enlighten them with their own culture.

#### Leosians and Pardali

Leosians and Pardali were once extremely close with Chasans, and many saw each others as brothers and sisters. Both of these species were allowed to serve in important roles within the caste, and were greatly respected by the Chasans. Following Abdiel's rule, Leosians and Pardali assisted those disloyal to him out of the Dynasty. In response, the two species were rounded up and killed en masse. The Leoseans fled to Calast and founded their own empire, while the few remaining Pardali fled to Firmosia.

#### Other

As any species can theoretically reside in the Dynasty, it would be impossible to categorize every species' role in the caste. Instead, those without a significant population in the Dynasty are grouped into the Nunhut.