Arantar

The **Councildom of Arantar** (Arantarido Prazontar) is a large and powerful country to the west of Vozolaz.

## Flag

The gryphon in the flag represents its Vozonid culture and its dedication to civility; the gryphon's *sakhandoz* (khopesh) sword represents order; the blue symbolises stability and cleanliness; and the white on the gryphon and the border represent righteousness and idealism.

It also resembles a religious flag used by Vozonids for their god Zomjonor, who is also served by gryphon-like guardian spirits.

The early war flag of Arantar was a red flag with a hyena holding a blood-stained sword or pike. The hyena represents judgment against the former Arazonid Dynasty for its sins, and the Arantarese founders being desperate exiles who showed no mercy to finish their mission.

## History

Arantar was founded at roughly five centuries before the Tornarin Bombardment by dissidents from the Arazonid Dynasty as a republic. The Battle of the Temple of Four Hundred Gates took place in what is now Arantar's National Temple between the worshippers of Pjosaroz and Zomjonor, and was won by the former.

Makhandron revolted with Arantar at 500 BT. At 340 BT, it and Arantar had a state union that lasted for 860 years. At some point after the Tornarin Bombardment, Bivos and Narivo once merged themselves into Arantar as a federation. Unfortunately, that federation was degraded into a colonial society, with the former member states deprived of their powers and rights due to the growing power of a military junta.

It was at war with the Tornarin Empire, the Technocrats (who occupied Barandon Castle), and the Zaqovian Empire in the east. Arantar's economy was funded by the trade of raw materials, weapons, and slaves to the Wannaenid Empire. Another wave of militarisation in light of more attacks from the Tornarins led to revolts, ending the centuries of union with Arantar for Bivos, New Irajon, and Narivo.

## Geography

* Arantar City
* Natulan - a great city in the north. Home to hundreds of dissidents who were displeased by the enslavement of aliens and non-humans.
* Torudal - a border city in the east to Azgo.
* Bavôl Jaupôroz Valley - its river is the southern border between it and Nevkreno.
* Hermits' Bridge - a bridge that functioned as a crossing to Nevkreno. Heavily fortified.

## Government

Arantar is ruled by a military junta.

In earlier times, it was founded as a republic, and later as a technocracy ruled by a council of elite scientists and directors. The council of scientists was overthrown by a circle of generals, angering the constituent regions who found themselves treated less like equals.

## Military

Arantar's military has the most advanced technology among the Vozonid nations (not including Porashon), from sleek vehicles to efficient guns that fire blue shots of burning plasma and lasers.

Their technology was developed from purchases from the Wannaenid Empire, which they have distanced themselves from their excessive cruelty.

Conscription is mandatory for citizens who have reached 16 years of age.

## Culture

See also: Arantarese language, Arantarese glossary

Arantarese culture seems more formal than those of the other Vozonid nations. Its society is focused on combat, tradition, and scientific advancement.

In the 1950's AT, slavery is practiced towards non-humans, especially extra-terrestrial aliens. However, they usually expel non-humans from major galactic powers or Jerdiskar countries.

## Religion

Although Arantar has no state religion, its national god is Zomjonor, who is represented by the blue colour and gryphon in its flag. Most Arantarese, being Vozonids, practice their national variant of Vozonid polytheism, which worships both Zomjonor and Pjosaroz. This compromise was the result of a terrible war between fanatical worshippers of the two gods.

Arantarese also venerate Pjosaroz, Tarhunz, Sarmelon I, and many emperors after him in their pantheon.

## Trivia

* Arantar was inspired by mad scientists.
* Arantar's name means "realm of order".
	+ Coincidentally, it resembles the name of a king from Lord of the Rings. The author simply made it up without realising the name already existed.
* Arantar's flag was inspired by the flag of Sri Lanka. The author made it the basis of several later Vozonid flags.
* Lake Tavoshon is east of Arantar, created by the Tornarin Empire when it ruled over Mirukuz.