Joshua Ciosetia

Portrait of Joshua

**Joshua of Ciosa**, known locally as **Joshua the Great**, was a prominent figure in Valrean history, remembered for his contributions to architecture, philosophy, and religion. The illegitimate son of Neo Aurelian, Joshua was exiled from his father's empire at 16 years old, but went on to found the city of Ciosa in Valreach, where he spent much of his life engaged in business ventures and funding his architectural vision for the city. He was also a prolific writer, penning a philosophical-political treatise during a time of crisis in Valreach that has since become a celebrated work of philosophy. Later in life, Joshua turned his attention to religious affairs, collaborating on the creation of the Soledom Doctrine and establishing alliances with other cities to spread Soledom beyond Valreach. Today, Joshua is remembered as a visionary leader whose ideas and contributions have had a lasting impact on Valrean society.

## Biography

Joshua Ciosetia was allegedly the illegitimate son of Neo Aurelian, a powerful leader of the Uraka. At the age of 16, Joshua was exiled from his father's empire and sent westward. He founded the city of Ciosa in 107 TE among the lands of Valreach. During his early years in Ciosa, Joshua worked to establish the city's infrastructure and build relationships with neighboring communities.

Joshua Ciosetia's legacy lives on not only through his contributions to the development of the city of Ciosa but also through his impact on Valrean society as a whole. His innovative and forward-thinking approach to urban planning and architecture, as well as his philosophical and religious contributions, have inspired generations of thinkers and leaders.

Today, the city of Ciosa remains a testament to Joshua's vision, with its bustling downtown, magnificent temples, and sprawling estates. The House of Ciosetia, which has produced several prominent leaders and scholars over the centuries, continues to be a significant force in Valrean politics and culture.

Joshua's philosophical and political writings have also influenced many Valrean thinkers and leaders, with some even referring to him as the "father of modern Valrean political thought." His treatise, while written during a time of crisis, remains a relevant and thought-provoking work on the nature of power and governance.

Overall, Joshua Ciosetia's legacy as an architect, philosopher, and lord of Ciosa continues to inspire and influence Valrean society to this day.

## Career

### Philosophy and Politics

In 114 TE, Joshua wrote a 176-page philosophical-political treatise dedicated to one of the diarchs of Valreach, Vin Helianthus. Joshua hoped that this treatise would gain him favor during the Holy Drakaen Empire Crisis in Valreach, which was a time of political uncertainty. Unfortunately, this bet was a miscalculation as Vin Helianthus seized Ciosa anyway, before the remaining diarch, Vix Aulian, prevailed by exiling Vin and promptly returning the city to Joshua.

Joshua continued to develop his philosophy and political ideas. His treatise, while written during a time of crisis, remains a relevant and thought-provoking work on the nature of power and governance. It explores topics such as the relationship between leaders and their subjects, the role of religion in society, and the importance of justice and fairness. Joshua's writings have been studied and admired by Valrean thinkers and leaders for centuries.

### Business Ventures

Over the following 20 years, Joshua saw his fortune grow as he worked with his close friend and fellow Valrean, FortyTwo Fairfax Moreau, in expanding his supply business *Ashenreinian Goods*. He also facilitated the acquisition of *Oasis Trading Co.*, creating one of the largest Bulk Supply companies in Eastern Eldham. These business ventures allowed Joshua to fund his architectural vision for Ciosa and invest in the city's infrastructure.

### Urban Planning

During this period, Joshua invested large amounts of his fortune into funding his city projects, including the purchase and annexation of Pustnic Fields, a neighboring village, into the city. Ciosa saw significant improvements and modernization as it adopted its signature downtown Parisian style. Joshua's vision for Ciosa was a blend of practicality and beauty, combining efficient infrastructure with stunning architecture.

## Religion

In his later life, Joshua became increasingly involved in religious affairs, planning and funding the construction of Solen temples and collaborating on the creation of the Soledom Doctrine. During this era, he established alliances with like-minded cities, spreading Soledom beyond Valreach. For these efforts, he was granted an honorary role within the Imperial Clergy.

## Nobility

After the integration of Vionir and Catania into Valreach, Joshua set out to claim a slice of these newly annexed lands, founding the House of Ciosetia and beginning construction on the family estate. The House of Ciosetia would go on to produce several prominent leaders and scholars over the centuries, including some who have continued Joshua's legacy of urban planning and architectural innovation.