Fauntel Associated Worlds

> "Here at Fauntel, we enjoy a greater average standard of living compared to the rest of ZOZ. Unmatched in productivity and prosperity, we put our employees and the consumers first, since you're why we stay in business!"
>
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 - Corporate Recruitment Broadcast.

## History

**Fauntel Unification (-573 to -320 NAC)** Founded in the heat of the Cestian Empires Great Trial, the Fauntel Accords was a historical treaty signed by 38 merchant counties wishing to unify under a single duchy. Hard pressed by outsider raids and geared towards peaceful prosperity, the counties were devastated and barely able to hold back the tides of aggression that coalesced their borders in the west. That was until a charismatic man by the name of Cladis Fauntel of Olipa rallied his fellow countrymen and formed a loose coalition between the various counts, the participants all merging their armies into the equivalent of state troops and following Cladis' lead.
After winning a decisive victory at Opaheim and defeating several major warlords hailing from the western front, peace returned to the region for a time. Distributing his captured foes among the counties, Cladis helped normalize the extensive usage of slavery within his future nation and worked to bolster the armies and economies of the coalition members. Utilizing masterful statesmanship and forging unbreakable bonds between several royal families, Cladis ensured the coalitions survival in the years following the battle of Opaheim. While all members held equal status, House Fauntel was de facto in charge under Cladis and his word held great sway over the coalition which only further fueled his ambitions.

Waiting for the right opportunity, his chance at unification revealed itself in the destruction of Jafel in -578 NAC, a Kingdom which had operated as the major Imperial power in the western Empire. Barbarians razed the major trade worlds of Jafel to the ground and with it went all certainty in economic prosperity for the region, the Kingdom fracturing following its bankruptcy and descent into feuding duchies. Without the protection of Jafel as a safeguard against barbarians, raids became consistent once more and a call for unity was higher than it had ever been. Once more leading the soldiers of the coalition, Cladis was present at the diplomatic table just as much as the battlefield; unification having never been closer.

Utilizing the destruction of Jafel as his justification for the formation of a duchy or even a new Kingdom in the region, Cladis promised a highly autonomous duchy from which the various counties had equal sway in. While hesitant at first, years of war and economic struggle turned many over to Cladis' side who signed the Fauntel Accords into law in -320 NAC and got the Chamber of Saints to legitimize the formation of an autonomous duchy under his control. Unified and with the nobles now officially following his lead, the Duchy of Fauntel was born with the renown general Cladis at its head.

**Establishment of Corporate Law (-320 to -217 NAC)** Ruling for fifty years following the duchies founding, Cladis passed away at the age of 482 from health complications and the crown passed to his son Ryvea Fauntel who's coronation was the same year in -270 NAC. Passionate and sharp like his father, Ryveas ascension was met with great praise by his subjects and national attention by Imperial news outlets, everyone wanted to see the famed generals prodigy and what he had to offer.
Declaring progressive reforms in his first decade of rulership, Ryvea revitalized the war torn nation and took a more economically sound approach to resolving his peoples ailments. Indulging himself in countless books on economic treaties and systems, he became a master of the field and made sure to utilize his nations strong suit to the best of his ability. By -240 NAC his nation was one of the most profitable regions of the Empire and had a booming economic market alongside an efficient slave labor force which didn't interfere in Cestian job security. He lived up to his chosen deity of Hashen, the god of commerce and showed great devotion to the reigning Emperor of his time with unfaltering loyalty; a perfect subject who carried a well concealed agenda.

By -220 NAC, Ryvea had succeeded in his endeavors and with his dreams fulfilled, his mind wandered to new possibilities he had yet to explore. One of which would become the magnum opus of his reign, the creation of a state and government system which he felt suited his people the best. Studying the Cestian Feudal system and its ties to the faith, Ryvea began formulating the creation of a Corporate State which fulfilled his goal for the maximization of profit while also abiding by Imperial traditions. The end result became Ryveas Law of Economics and Corporate Statehood, a seven hundred page book which he published and declared as the foundation of his new government. While originally perturbed by this statement, his vassals and the God-Emperor soon became enthused by the concept once they saw how similar it was to the predominantly Feudal governments, a Corporate state which operated exactly like the Cestian system with the added benefit of monarchal control over several economic functions. It was a Megacorporation that treated its ranks and populace like a business, several smaller companies existing underneath to allow for economic competition.

His Corporate Law was finally realized in -217 NAC when the final reforms were made, the God-Duke now known as the God-Chairman ascended to his new throne; a board of directors which was made up of the nations counts. Multiple duchies and counties would try to create variations of the FAW after seeing Ryveas success, however none were successful and most reverted back to the Feudal systems they had grown comfortable with.

**Rise of the Workers of the Flame (-217 to -30 NAC)**     Ryveas reign never truly saw much conflict up until the rise of slave resistance in the late -200s. While effective in ruling, the creation of the F.A.W only further worsened the conditions of slaves under Ryveas reign and drove many to banding together under different gangs or organizations. The Workers of the Flame were one of these groups, a violent and radical organization which wanted to overthrow the ruling monarch and install a collectivist state in its place. While not inherently socialist, the Workers do hold similar values and desire a return to the governments of old they hailed from, an autonomous state with ethnic and culture enclaves.
Hostile to any and all Cestian sympathizers, the W.F began to dominate slave society and only the swift creation of the Fauntel rights of man law saw their influence limited to just slave settlements. Liberalizing in his later years of rule, Ryvea died of a systemic infection in -140 NAC and had his son Eynal Fauntel take over in his last days. Looking at his predecessors success and wanting to build upon their innovation, Eynal made it a personal goal of his to separate the F.A.W from the Empire as realistically as he could; being a hinderance to his nations success. So in a bid to differentiate his territory, Eynal helped institutionalize a longstanding Monotheistic interpretation of the Celestial Cult, a heretical offshoot known unofficially as the Ceynth Heresy.

Dividing his populace between the two faiths, economic conflict between the two sides and slave revolts began to wrack his nation. In his attempt to free the F.A.W from the Empire, he inadvertently drew it closer as his economy became dependent on Imperial funds to stay afloat through the late -100s. Unable to stop a spiraling unemployment crisis and enforce slave regulations in the job market, corruption began to run rife throughout Eynals administration and foster unrest among the general populace. Seeing a rise in slave resistance and a decline in economic output, the associated worlds lost its economic influence within the Empire and appeared on track for total collapse despite Eynals best efforts.

**Unsteady Union (-30 to 29 NAC)** Following decades of unrest and slave riots, the F.A.W entered a total economic spiral in the 20 NACs, unemployment continually rising yearly and Eynals reforms becoming increasingly reactive without long term planning. On the verge of a W.F rebellion, the Iverdan crisis would prove to be the justification Eynal needed to enact drastic policy changes. Using the Kingdom of Zoscias encroachment as means to purge the corrupt board of directors and conscript malcontents, Eynal suspended the boards legal authority and aligned himself to the God-Emperor for military support.
Serving in the Emperors war cabinet during the Hallow War, Eynal governed the F.A.W from abroad and relied on his Chamber of Saints to enforce the rule of law in his abscence. After the initial uncertainty of Eynals sweeping changes to Fauntels administration, unrest began rise once more and came to a head in 29 NAC on Olipa. Returning home on a short respite to recruit more troops and raise national morale, Eynal was targetted by W.F assassins who made several attempts on his life; the F.A.W's slaves revolting across the capital and abroad into other Imperial territories. Given short notice about the revolution, Eynal rushed preparations for the capitals defense and evacuated high value corporate personnel to the Imperial heartland. Appealing to the God-Emperor for assistance, Eynal personally witnessed the unions collapse and watched its worlds descend into anarchy.

Attempting his best to make a valiant defense upon the capital and restore order across Fauntel, the Massacre of Jaeli dashed his hopes with the majority of Olipas garrison being butchered in the night. Utilizing corrupt soldiers to allow them into the various barracks and camps occupied by the garrisons, rampaging ex-slaves were able to seamlessly enter and catch the soldiers off guard. Olipas defenders fell into disarray and the worlds overall defense began to rapidly collapse. Amassing his remaining wealth and family, Eynal was forced to give the order to retreat, him leaving his ancestral homeland to burn.

**Collapse of Fauntel (29 NAC)** Forced abroad and into the Emperors court, Eynal Fauntel lost control over the W.O.F rebellion and saw his remaining worlds transferred under the direct administration of the God-Emperor. Powerless and utilized as a figurehead for the remaining resistance, Eynals authority was yielded to Tyvius III who began a military campaign to liberate Fauntel.
Suffering heavy losses at the hands of entrenched ex-slaves and turncoats alike, Imperials forces ended the occupation of Olipa and found a scarred people that had been abused and ravaged during its short time under W.O.F control. Incorporated into the Greater Empire, the remaining Fauntel worlds suffered similar fates as the God-Emperor snipped away Eynals influence and brought an end to Corporate rule. Disillusioned with their ruler and embracing this change in some cases, few wept for the end of the F.A.W as it lived on in only name for the remainder of the war.

Barred from power by his rival, Eynal bide his time as a loyal subject of the Emperor as he held on to his status as the God-Chairman. Resisting the call for rebellion, he stood alongside the loyalists during the Selten Ball and was mortally wounded for his efforts. Hospitalized for the remainder of the war in critical condition, his loyalty helped raise the spirits of his people who felt betrayed by his initial abandonment of Olipa. Singing praise to their God-Chairman and wishing him well, Fauntel lived on through Eynals actions.

**Revival of the Corporation (31 to Present NAC)**
Captured during the fall of Selta, Eynal was taken into Coronan custody under medical supervision and imprisoned until the wars conclusion. Nursed back to health, he alongside his fellow monarchs were offered to rule their respective nations under the guidance of ZOZ, an offer he eagerly accepted. Freed of the God-Emperors political powers and the majority of his religious influence, the FAW had reached its goal of independence.

Returning home as a hero, he received ample criticism for his decision and took a more populist approach towards his citizens. Abolishing slavery officially, he freed the remaining slaves upon Olipa of their contracts and personally used his coffers to fund their migration if they desired to move elsewhere. Hearing out the public forums his citizens regularly used to voice their concerns about the government, Eynal reforged the Corporate vision of old into a less stratified reincarnation and began increasing benefits for the populace in different fields.

Upholding the Ceynth Heresy and his dedication to Ashnel, Eynal continued to distance himself from the God-Emperor gradually while still partaking in the politics of ZOZ. Shrunken from four worlds to one, the Imperial Protectorate of Cestia refused to return his remaining worlds as they now fell under their jurisdiction. Retaining the name of Fauntel Associated Worlds, Eynal tailored the new meaning to include worlds that allow Fauntel businesses upon them. While refusing to renounce his claims on Fauntels remaining worlds, Eynal began focusing his attention back on the capital and nurturing a productive environment for his citizens.

Gone was the overly ambitious and even at times pridefully belligerent nation that he had constructed for decades in the shadows of the Emperor. Finally free, Fauntel was to become something greater and more humble than a lone wolf; it was to be the Jewel of ZOZ or so he hoped.

## Culture and Society

Originally utilizing the Feudal system in a Corporate format, the prewar F.A.W was a fast paced and highly competitive society with an emphasis on consumerism. Built around the concept of individualism and the pursuit of personal success, the Associated Worlds has remained starkly different compared to the predominantly collectivist Empire and retained portions of its corporate past.

Upholding a bill of rights which was created in reaction to rising rebel movements, citizens are protected under this bill and hold a certain level of power over their government. Far from democratic by any means, the more opinionated and politically active masses has led to an opulence of ideologies and turned the F.A.W into a safe haven for unpopular Cestian minds. Culturally the nation is one of the most diverse as well, it being made up of 38 Cestian subcultures and countless alien cultures which have existed since the Great Trial. This diversity of thoughts and cultures has led to the F.A.W becoming an epicenter of art within the Old Empire, a fact which survived even after the Hallow War and its devastation. Pessimistic in its subject matter, the postwar art scene has transformed into a more surrealist and dark environment to reflect the mood of its scarred populace.

Originally avid supporters of independence and distance from the Empire, the postwar F.A.W has seen a complete turn around with its populace becoming dependent upon ZOZ and its supplies. While nonetheless the God-Chairmen has his own agenda, the general populace has found favor with the Coronans if only momentarily.

Civil society and its mannerisms is a cornerstone of F.A.W's populace and how they handle disputes. Believing in the rule of law to resolve issues, the general populace has shown a high degree of loyalty to government institutions even in recent years and also higher levels of corruption within them. Utilizing open debates for social and political issues, Fauntels people are a vocal one which enjoys arguing; this applies to more serious problems as well which are resolved through the courts or even lethal dueling if allowed by the state. Such a high degree of lawfulness also comes with a valuing of loyalty and protecting those one loves, betrayal and backstabbing being ostracized despite the nations competitive environment. Rivalries between individuals and families is a normality of life because of this, people openly compete and work to surpass others, natural disdain and hostility forming from that. For all its civility though, crime and deviance from the ruling administration still exists and primarily dominates the lower social ranks where unemployment and poverty runs rampant.

Historically recognized as one of the friendliest populaces within the Empire, the people of Fauntel are more liberal minded and meritocratic in their dealings with others; a trait that has surpassed countless trials and tribulations within the nation. While still traditional, the flexibility and more carefree nature of Fauntels people has led to a positive stereotype forming which displays them as a fun loving people. For all their joyous and cheerful demeanor's though, an underlying distrust for outsiders exists which built up during the Hallow War and their subsequent occupation by ex-slaves and then Zoscia.

Originally below the Cestians used to be the slave races which had their own unique system and way of presenting themselves. With their people under the watchful gaze of the ruling administration and its slave drivers, the majority of slaves were resentful of F.A.W's treatment of them and became politically polarized between different revolutionary organizations; the greatest of which was the Workers of the Flame which were usually considered the representative of slave interests. Collectivist in nature, F.A.W's slaves largely rejected the Celestial Cult and reforming into freemen that earned their freedom, instead they worshipped their traditional cultural Gods and lived in what most would consider squalor. Largely enforced by the W.F and its militias, all forms of loyalty to the Cestians were squashed and deviancy supported, slave society having been a violent and volatile one where crime ran rampant. This same defiant spirit has survived into the postwar ex-slaves with the majority having left for greater pastures, the few who stayed behind being too stubborn to abandon their homes. Given a new life under ZOZ to live peacefully and with respect, the majority are strong supporters of the new administration and work to become influential figures within it. Hardworking and more reclusive than their Cestian counterparts, racial tensions remain between the two groups.

Slaves that gained their freedom through hard work and loyalty were known as freemen and fall into the middle of these two groups. Treated with respect by the Cestians and disdain by their own kin, the postwar further polarized this with both having a similar distaste for them. Regarded as a title which the majority of slaves viewed as a mockery and traitorous; any and all prewar slaves which became free were prime targets of terrorism and still suffer from hate crimes committed against them. Trusting only one another, freemen have always had a hushed subculture of their own, one which has only become more distinct after Coronan occupation. Wishing to live fulfilling lives free of the ex-slave and Cestian squabbles, they are the most politically apathetic as they stick to their own kind and usually form communities separate of the major cultures.

## Religion

Loyal to the God-Emperor and their chief deity known as Ashnel, the F.A.W are a controversial territory of the Old Empire since they seemingly reject all other Celestial Gods except the Emperor and whatever deity their current ruler is incarnated as. Mainly enforced by the current God-Chairman, the lack of Celestial worship is more so political than it is religious in nature, Fauntels ruler wishing to distance himself from the greater Empire and lessen its influence over his people. This has caused the religious environment of the F.A.W to be a confusing landscape of polytheists and monotheists which is only further despaired by social class with higher ranks being avid followers of Ashnel and lower ranks sticking to the Cults authority.

Taking inspiration from the Cults own structure, God-Chairmen Eynal has helped support and establish a budding denomination with his chosen God of Ashnel as the current head. While acknowledging the other deities and their realms of authority, the Monotheistic interpretation known as the Ceynth Heresy believes that only the chosen deity is able to actively partake in mortal affairs; them having the greatest number of followers and in turn authority. Considered an illegitimate heresy by the Celestial Cult, it only has local authority within the F.A.W and has lost significant influence following the Hallow War

Known as the God of industry and great works, Ashnel is a chief deity of the Celestial Cult and a major God within its mythology. Morally grey at best, Ashnel is known for his honor, diligence, cruelty and cold logic; him being the God of circumstance and yet also tradition at the same time. Keeping to his word until his dying breath, very few are able to strike a deal with Ashnel unless they impress him; this is where any monarch who chooses him gets their power from, a contract of sorts. Officially signed and made into a governmental law, the contract in question bares one mortal life to a spiritual deal from which the general populace must abide by, usually this comes in simple forms as is Ashnels way; however more demanding requests can be done if they align with his personality. Those demands which are in the realm of absurdity are subject to the God-Emperors religious regulation and his Saints, the chosen of Ashnel in a sense being more intertwined than most monarchs to Imperial Law and regulations.

Blacksmiths and all forms of laborers are considered holy in the eyes of Ashnel, the serf population holding somewhat more sway politically compared to neighboring subjects.

## Territory

*Scarred Populace*
*Tense Racial Environment*
*Booming Art Scene*