The Kingdom of Astra

The Kingdom of Astra is an Absolute Monarchy based in the northern region of Enrian. Astra is a trans-continental country based in Syntro and Lunous. Astra is led by Kaiser Alexander II. The capital of Astra is Rentor.

## **Founding**

The Foundation of Astra goes back to The Kingdom of Acheron. With the help of Valderan cartographers Kaiser Frederick was able to land at what would become Rentor, which he then claimed. Shortly after Frederick expanded the claim and officially formed the Kingdom of Astra.

## Reign of Kaiser Frederick Accore (45 AST-74 AST)

After the death of Kaiser Alexander I in (45 AST), his son Frederick took over. Frederick was more conservative when it came to political power; his father had tried to institute an “executive monarchy” in which the Monarch holds most power and functions as the executive; and the legislature, in this case the Senate/Congress, had advisory power. However, this form of government, in Frederick’s eyes, created instability and was a big factor in the downfall of Acheron. As a result, Frederick created an absolute monarchy and enshrined this idea of absolutism in the country's constitution (put link to constitution page here; also, create page of constitution).

### Early Reign

The first priority for Frederick was reestablishing the old alliances that Acheron held. Immediately following the proclamation of Astra, Frederick began discussions with King Nathaniel Northwest of the Empire of Valdera, Eknovan Emperor Aylop I, Emperor of Heijizuro Itz, and Emperor of The Iron Accords Random Accore. Frederick established mutual defense pacts with Valdera and the Iron Accords; he also established non aggression pacts with all aforementioned nations. When asked why he pushed for a web of alliances Frederick famously replied, “our alliances are our best defense, better than any wall or fort; anyone that would declare [war] on us would be at war with the world.”

After reestablishing the alliances of old Frederick began building essential infrastructure. Frederick first built farms to establish a supply of food. However, Frederick was shocked at how well things grew in Rentor. The land, which had been untouched for hundreds of years, was extremely fertile and food like potatoes grew incredibly fast. Next, Frederick built the Royal Residence which gave the Monarch a place to live.

### Growth and Stability

Under Frederick Astra greatly expanded its borders. When Astra was founded only a small area around Rentor was claimed. However, Frederick carefully expanded the border. First, he claimed the land to the north of Rentor. He then claimed the mountains to the east of Rentor; this turned out to be a great move as the mountains were full of iron and coal which jump-started Astra’s economy. The last planned expansion was two fold: he claimed the southern marshes and forest to protect Rentor from the south, he also claimed the thin strip of land to the west of Astra to give Astra more protection from the sea; Astra was now bordering the massive nation of Sapphire (foreshadowing). Frederick commissioned the building of a new Royal Palace which would be the largest building ever constructed.

### The Collapse of Sapphire

The massive nation of Sapphire suddenly collapsed when their king went missing. The nation quickly spiraled into a massive and chaotic civil war as what remained of the national government failed to restore order. Ever the opportunist, Fredrick saw the opportunity to massively expand Astra; but without a valid casus belli he couldn’t invade the warlords. Lucky for Frederick the warlords would drop one in his lap. Just a few weeks into the civil war several warlords, in desperate need of resources, began raiding Astra’s convoys killing all aboard them. Frederick then sent a delegation to the warlords hoping that they could come to a deal without bloodshed. However, just moments into negotiations the warlords killed the entire delegation. Having his provocation Frederick invaded. After a brutal campaign Frederick finally defeated the Warlords at the Battle of Tkon. Immediately following the battle Fredrick forced the warlords to sign the Treaty of Tkon. In the span of a few short weeks Frederick was able to double Astra’s size and annex the resource rich lands of Eastern Sapphire.

### Death

The campaign took a toll on Frederick’s health and he made less public appearances instead sending Crown Prince Alexander to many events. The brutal winters that Astra is known for caused Frederick’s health to deteriorate as rumors circulated that he was dying. These events culminated in the Royal Palace canceling all events for Frederick indefinitely on New Years Eve 73 AST. Then one cold winter morning Frederick summoned his advisors and son to his bedside; he said with his dying breath, “The gods are calling me, and I won’t make them wait.” Kaiser Frederick Accore then died leaving his 20 year old son Alexander as Kaiser.

## The Rise of Tritheism

Ever since its founding The Kingdom of Astra had been resistant to any religion, even major religions such as Boatism being unable to get a foothold. However, Tritheism quickly spread becoming the major religion after only 1 year. Tritheism greatly changed the Kingdom of Astra as it created an environment of honor and justice that is unparalleled.