Illarian Empire

Aoshtai Galaxy

Authoritarian State; Hybrid Democracy

**Imperial Heir:** Janset Erizhokovy

**Glavkoverkh:** Radojko Popovic

**Illarian Duma (Lower)**

**Illarian Ground Forces (⚔ 100)**
**Illarian Aeronautical and Astrological Forces (✒ 300)**

**ITF (✑ 1661.5)**

**Government:** *Cent. Executive*
**Taxation:** *High Taxes*
**Spending:** *Admin. Development*
**Debt:** *Measured Approach*
**Military:** *Interventionism*
**Economy:** *Social Corporatism*
**Trade:** *Protectionism*
**Foreign:** *West Selten Peacekeeping*
**Alliance:**

* *Rosokovo Accords*
* *Illarian Realm*

 Sorism (Majority)
 Rhyanism (Minority)
 Kiarism (Protected)

**Overview**CharactersAITrade

> "*Soria's Gifts Blesses our Empress.
> For Peace Among the Stars.
> For Prosperity Among Life.*"
>
> **- Common Imperial Motto**
>
>

The **Illarian Empire** is a sizable, majority Human extragalactic civilization with holdings in the Tors Heathens region of Selten, along with the Reach and Axanar regions of Aoshtai. Having been in the region since before the fall of the Aoshanti Empire, in varying forms, it is a state with a long and ancient presence in the galaxy.

Originally a ultranationalist totalitarian state born from a coup, the circumstances after the West Selten War that it had been fervently preparing for had left the leadership confused. The war had happened too soon, the war had ended too early, and most importantly the military command was far away; filled with doubt about the nature of their country. This ultimately would lead to a bloodless, and relatively secret coup in 23 NAC at the hands of the military leadership, transforming the Illarian Emire into its current iteration.

A constitutional monarchy, it is one of the few partially democratic states in the Selten Galaxy, operating as a hybrid government between the military, monarchy, and democratic institutions. Despite the changes in government, the economy has not undergone much change, maintaining the same social corporatist outlook as the government of old; the corporations beholden to the state and their wishes.

Even with the above, however, in the end the Illarian Empire is a society dominated by a rotating string of elites and their interests; aristocratic or otherwise. It is a highly stratified society, divided between a ruling elite that regularly artificially prolong their life, and a lower/middle class that for most of it's history have been placed in a position of servitude to their lords and state-- Only recently has the latter been dispelled with the formation of the Empire, but the society remains just as stratified.

In recent years, especially after the conclusion of the West Selten War, the Illarian Empire has emerged as a foremost military and economic superpower in Western Selten. It is with this power and diplomatic clout that it maintains the Rosokovo Accords, the military and economic organization that binds Western Selten together, the Illarian Empire being the de-facto leader of it.

It is also where the headquarters of the Selten Monetary Authority, and other important organizations, are stationed.

## Government

### Overview

The government of the Illarian Empire is a federal constitutional monarchy, operating in conjunction with a democratic legislature (the **Illarian Duma**) and a military council (the **State Council**) above the legislature. A large degree of power is vested in the monarch, known as the **Emperor/Empress**, though both the Illarian Duma and the State Council have tools at their disposal to exert some control.

Just like the Interstellar Union of old, however, the government overall is a vast and complex system with numerous horizontal power structures; from the political parties, to the landed aristocracy, the military, regional governments, and various corporations. Despite this, the throne and state council holds a more clear degree of power over these structures in the Illarian Empire, ensuring that the government and the various interests within it are kept in-line.

### The Imperial Throne

**INCLINATION** -  Democratic Corporatism
**REIGNING SINCE** - *23 NAC*
**AGE** - *591* (23 NAC)

Renja, born **Sofija Vujić**, was unlike most major politicians and nobility the product of the mid to late eras of the Illarian Union. The violence, the civil war, the bloody initial repression of remnant resistance all passed before her, and as a result she was introduced to the country during a time of relative peace and stability. Her parents, themselves adverse to the internal scrabbles and knife-play of the dominant Illarian People's Party, strove to keep her as far away from the IPP as possible; thusly when she came to age, she was handed the reigns to a minor astromining corporation in Čorevska, subordinate to the one of her father, both aristocratic private institutions.
Čorevska, compared to other regions, was an autocratic sharkpit of varying state and aristocratic astromining/manufacture concerns vying for power, both over each-other and over their workers, who were still the stellar equivalent of peasantry by and large. A trial by fire, she would be forced to adapt and outmaneuver her opponents; temporary alliances, backroom deals, brown nosing, hostile takeovers, exploitation of public sentiment, all to better secure her position. Eventually separating from her own father's corporation, her time in the region would not only train her in the skills of maneuver, but it would also expose her to what she saw as the stagnation of the Union. The stellar peasantry had no stake in the state, and no money to vitalize the economy; meanwhile the state itself was bloated and inefficient, corruption rife as while competition did exist, it was within a closed loop of a system, having become more of a game for the dominant state and aristocratic elites. This led to decay in her eyes, both infrastructurally, institutionally, economically, and culturally.
When The Avenue Plot happened, the precautions taken by her family would prove to be wise, as Renja was spared from the nation-wide purge of established IPU members and most sympathetic nobility. In the ensuing vacuum, Renja would rise to prominence within Čorevska; since while the aristocracy would be marginalized by the Illarian State, the corporations would not, and after dominating most of her rivals would be seen as a vital resource asset for the government. So great was her influence, that in 22 NAC shortly after the end of the West Selten War and the overthrow of the government, that she would be crowned **Queen of Čorevska** by the reorganizing nobility.
Afterwards working closely with the newly established national-corporatist and traditional **Illarian Patriotic Union**, she would become vital to their electoral victory in the elections of 23 NAC, giving key campaign advice and funding. The loyalty and gratitude of the IPU secured, when the **First Imperial Selection Committee** assembled in the Duma two months later, the result would be a foregone conclusion; with overwhelming support from the Duma, and by extension the electorate that chose the IPU, Sofija Vujić would finally become **Renja I, Empress of Illaria**.
But, much to the surprise of the IPU, her policies have proven to be divergent from the party. While a traditionalist socially, regarding the economy and the services the state provides, she would be an advocate for what she would describe as "evolved theories of order." Still supportive of the traditionally corporatist Illarian system, she instead strives for a reformation of it to allow the stellar peasantry to become what she would describe as stellar kulaks; small-time private owners who may or may not eventually become their own corporations if given enough time. With the secured loyalty of a growing middle class, a system where the populace have a stake/are involved, finally active consumer spending, and a more dynamic corporate oligarchal environment; she believes that the state can both be secured, be popular, and above all else become highly profitable/developed.
Institutionally speaking, she believes in the superiority of the position of Empress and the State Council, however at the same time supports the powers of the constitution and the ability for the Duma to provide some form of popular input in government; though whether this is merely an indefinitely running populist tactic or an attempt at genuine democratic inroads is known only to her.

The Imperial Throne has a high degree of power, but with limits. They have the right to veto decisions with royal assent, made by either the Illarian Duma or the State Council, however this can be overturned if the Illarian Duma passes the decision with a supermajority with the approval of the State Council. Likewise, they can make decrees, which requires a supermajority in the Illarian Duma to not veto, but argue, which will force the Imperial Throne to negotiate with both the Illarian Duma and the State Council.

The Imperial Throne can also dissolve the Illarian Duma if they deem fit via decree and call new general elections; however this can only be done once every three years as per the constitution. The State Council can also be dissolved, though this requires a majority approval from the State Constitutional Court.

#### Selection

The throne is an elective position; with successors to it being selected via a **Duma Imperial Selection Committee**, this candidate(s) (pushed forward by the various aristocratic families) then being approved or denied by the State Council, requiring the approval of two out of three sitting members. Candidates below the age of sixteen are explicitly forbidden; and as such the Illarian Empire does not have any structures in place for an extended regency spanning multiple years.

However, while there is no proceeding for an extended regency; there is for temporary leadership while a new emperor/empress is selected. In this case, the **Glavkoverkh** (Supreme Commander) becomes the de jure temporary head of the government, with the **Chairman of the Illarian Duma** acting in a legally supportive role. There is no provision for any of these heads to assume permanent leadership or to abolish imperial rule, such actions being blocked by the State Constitutional Court.

The rule of the above is limited to one year; after-which a candidate must have been selected and then approved for the throne. If the Duma Imperial Selection Committee and the State Council cannot agree on a candidate in a timely fashion, the State Constitutional Court will assume the duty of selecting a heir, both the Duma Imperial Selection Committee and the State Council having limited powers to block their decision.

### The State Council

The State Council is the upper legislative body in the central Illarian government, and also serves both as the military's representation and as the Imperial Throne's council of advisers (alongside the rest of their court). The final hurdle for any legislation passed by the Illarian Duma before it makes it to the Imperial Throne, the State Council has the ability to deny or approve legislation based on a two to three pass/fail tolerance, though the Illarian Duma can bring legislation to argument if a supermajority is acquired.

Led by the Glavkoverkh, the passing of bills from the Duma also requires their assent, with no ability to overturn within the State Council. Bills from the State Council can also be sent down to the Duma for review, where only a majority is required to either give the bill their "legislative credit" or to deny this credit, which harms the legal strength of the bill and likely will require the State Council to revise it.

#### Selection

The three sitting members of the State Council are selected personally by the Imperial Throne, with the only requirement being that they have a Service with Distinction and Honor (no disciplinary marks on their record), and that they hold the rank of General. The Glavkoverkh, meanwhile, is selected by the State Council, with much of the same requirements as regular sitting members. In addition, both the State Constitutional Court and Illarian Duma will hold **Inquisitorial Hearings** of the selected candidates, to see if they pass the musters of these various institutions; though ultimately their opinion is only advisory.

Members of the State Council can sit for a single term of twenty years before they, in accordance with the constitution, must step down; not only from their political position but also from their military position. After this, a new State Council will be picked by the Imperial Throne, who will vote on whether or not to replace the Glavkoverkh, requiring all three to assent.

### The Illarian Duma

**Illarian Duma**
65 seats is a majority
125 seats total
Next Election In: 33 NAC

**Majority Coalition**

**General-Secretary:** *Srecko Vujic*
**Government:** *Centralized Executive*
**Taxation:** *High Taxes*
**Spending:** *Administrative Development*
**Debt:** *Measured Approach*
**Military:** *Interventionism*
**Economy:** *Social Corporatism*
**Trade:** *Seltinian Protectionism*
**Foreign:** *West Selten Peacekeeping*
**Alliance:** *Rosokovo Accords*

**Consul:** Nikolina Velimirovic
**Government:** *Council Federalism/Strengthen Duma*
**Taxation:** *Keep taxes high*
**Spending:** *Admin. Efficiency/Social Spending*
**Debt:** *Measured debt*
**Military:** *Interventionism*
**Economy:** *Liberalization*
**Trade:** *Seltinian Protectionism/Enter Aoshtai*
**Foreign:** *Seltinian Internationalism*
**Alliance:** *Rosokovo Accords*

**Opposition**

**Chairperson:** *Radul Bojanic*
**Government:** *Strengthen Duma*
**Taxation:** *Cut taxes only to a point*
**Spending:** *Administrative Development*
**Debt:** *Measured Approach*
**Military:** *Illarian Trade Flotilla*
**Economy:** *Marginal Liberalization/National Capitalist*
**Trade:** *Seltinian Protectionism/Enter Aoshtai's Markets*
**Foreign:** *Seltinian Internationalism*
**Alliance:** *Rosokovo Accords*

**Director:** *Velichko Obradovic*
**Government:** *Centralized Executive/Strengthen Duma*
**Taxation:** *High Taxes*
**Spending:** *Great Power Navy*
**Debt:** *Measured Approach*
**Military:** *Interventionism*
**Economy:** *Command Corporatist*
**Trade:** *Seltinian Protectionism/Illarian Trade Supremacy*
**Foreign:** *Illarian Exceptionalism/West Selten Peacekeeping*
**Alliance:** *Rosokovo Accords*

The Illarian Duma is the lower house of the central government's legislature, also being the sole democratic institution within it. It is often the point of origin for legislation, the Duma having the power to form and debate proposals before forwarding up to the State Council for approval. Along with this, they have the ability to form special committees to focus on specific issues, question members of cabinet before appointment and question members of the State Council before appointment, along with other more menial government duties.

Despite having less power than other democratic legislatures elsewhere, they still have some degree of power. If a supermajority is attained they have the power to argue decrees made by the Imperial Throne, forcing them into negotiations, and they have the power to not give Legislative Credit to proposals made by the State Council; severely weakening the proposal's strength in the eyes of the State Constitutional. In addition, a bill from the State Council lacking Legislative Credit only requires a majority to bring to negotiation.

#### Selection

Sitting members of the Illarian Duma are elected from various **Election Districts** consisting of numerous Sectors/Autonomous Republics/Realms/Etc. For each of these districts there is only a single-sitting member which gets elected to the Duma, the election process of which is based on parallel voting, utilizing a mixture of a first-past-the-post system and party-list proportional representation. In practice, this means that a portion of seats in the Duma are selected via FPTP, meanwhile a second portion of seats are given parties based on their results in party lists. Ultimately, this takes inspirations from both the Neegwein (proportional) and Karian (first-past-the-post) electoral systems.

While there is a central election body, the **Central Election Committee**, it serves more so in an oversight and administrative management role. Actual tabulation and submission of results are formulated by **Election District Committees** which are made up of numerous federal subjects, the administrations of these Committees selected by **Regional Electoral Committee Conventions**. In addition, the State Constitutional Court through its **Constitutional Office of Electoral Oversight** also provides oversight.

Sitting members of the Duma, once elected, are able to hold their positions for two-ten year terms maximum; after-which they must be replaced either by a new elected candidate from their party or elsewhere. The speaker of the Duma meanwhile, the **Chairperson**, is selected by the largest party of the majority coalition.

#### Campaigning

Generally, funding for campaigns is the responsibility of the individual and the party, the state itself only providing a paltry amount. Because of this, and of the general size of the Illarian Empire along with the complexity of its administrative divisions, this restricts campaigning to a select group of wealthier elites and parties that can afford the cost of doing as such. However, foreign funding for campaigns is explicitly forbidden and is considered a felony offense, along with direct foreign state support monetary or otherwise.

### State Constitutional Court

The State Constitutional Court (or SCC) is the supreme constitutional interpreter of the Illarian Empire, also overseeing processes related to the constitution such as elections and the appointment of individuals, among other duties. It has a wide range of power, including the power to block legislation from either the Illarian Duma or the State Council, and even block decrees from the Imperial Throne if it is deemed unconstitutional; it can also block appointments if the candidates do not meet standards listed in the constitution/are unfit for service, along with other issues.

While the rulings and interpretations of the SCC are virtually final, the Duma, State Council, and Imperial Throne do have the ability to take action; mainly in the form of either revising their decree/bill to comply with the ruling or otherwise adjusting the action. In-turn, this can be interpreted by the SCC to see if it complies with the interpretation of the issue, or is still in violation.

#### Selection

There are a total of nine Magistrates who sit on the SCC, each having a single term of ten years before being replaced. The method if appointment is by random lottery, ran automatically, among the various Magistrates in local appellate and supreme courts across the nation. The methodology of this automated process is configured so the chance of the SCC being dominated by Magistrates hailing from regions all controlled by a single party/aristocratic families is an impossibility, and generally the end result is a mixture of Magistrates from the various parties and the aristocracy.

## Stats

* HOME NATION
* INCOME
* NOVO PANTEDIYA
* ESPIONAGE

CUBITS

**Helvetion, 23 NE -** +𝔛600 trillion from trade and surplus income.
**Aresen, 23 NE -** +𝔛600 trillion from trade and surplus income.
**Murrius, 23 NE -** +𝔛600 trillion from trade and surplus income.
**Murrius, 23 NE -** +𝔛900 trillion from Novo Pantediya trade and surplus income.
**Murrius, 23 NE -** +𝔛3.6 quadrillion from Kleitos purchasing shipyard points.
**Murrius, 23 NE -** -𝔛200 trillion from Kleitos researching *Bjelerovo*-class battleship.
**Murrius, 23 NE -** -𝔛100 trillion from Kleitos researching *Panter*-type gunship.
**Aulus, 23 NE -** +𝔛600 trillion from trade and surplus income.
**Aulus, 23 NE -** +𝔛900 trillion from Novo Pantediya trade and surplus income.
**Aulus, 23 NE -** -𝔛1,200 trillion from investments.
**Lars, 23 NE -** +𝔛900 trillion from Novo Pantediya trade and surplus income.
**Lars, 23 NE -** +𝔛600 trillion from trade and surplus income.
**Lars, 23 NE -** -𝔛5,000 trillion to indeterminate addresses.

* - Cypher (Illaria) (NOTE: Make cogent sheet.)
* - Mihailo Lazarević - Cypher (Girtabelilu State)
* - Radmila Živić - Sleuth (Girtabelilu State)
* - Dove Anna Cypher (Girtabelilu State)

## Trade

* HOME NATION
* NOVO PANTEDIYA

 Commodity
 Food |  | ⬅

## The Illarian Imperial Armed Forces

### The Imperial Army of Illaria

*Main article: Illarian Ground Forces*

The **Imperial Army of Illaria** is the main infantry component of the Imperial Armed Forces, being a massed citizen army mostly relying on reservist and conscript service, the latter occurring after a citizen completes their secondary education for a period of two years. Their tools are known as being based on rudimentary (but reliable) technology at best, there is a distinct lack of power armor in use within the entirety of the Imperial Army, and there is a distinct shortage of specialists, but nevertheless through their numbers and strategies they have proven to be a highly capable force.

Their main purpose is ensuring the security (and safety) of worlds, stations, and facilities in times of peace-- They are also utilized for large-scale infrastructural and/or construction projects. In times of war their main purpose is the seizure of assets, whether that be planetary or stellar-based, utilizing massed movement and breakthrough tactics to achieve this. In particular, there is an emphasis on mechanized infantry and armor movements; resulting in one of the tell-tale signs of the IGF moving being a massive plume of diesel-petrol from their vehicles.

#### Territorial Defense of Illaria

The **Territorial Defense of Illaria** is an organization that exists nominally under the auspices of the Imperial Army, though ultimately has a high degree of autonomy from it. Being more of an umbrella organization, Territorial Defense consists of the thousands of different militia and emergency levy forces of planets, stations, and other locations, the organization itself serving only to coordinate these disparate forces together semi-coherently.

Normally activated when a location is under siege, such as Rosokovo during the West Selten War, the requirements for participation are much laxer, those of a less capable physique being called up for service during these emergencies. Additionally, those that participate in their local Territorial Defense unit on a part-time basis will usually receive a tax credit and marginal benefits, encouraging a readied population.

### The Imperial Flotilla of Illaria (IFI)

*See Also --- The Illarian Navy*

> "*Part for us, hectic space! The Imperial Navy is here!*"
>
> **- Common cheer within the Imperial Navy.**
>
>

The **Imperial Flotilla of Illaria** is the *main battle force* of the Illarian Empire. A large and sprawling organization, it (and together with its subordinate organization, the **Illarian Merchant Flotilla** is one of the largest navies in the entirety of Selten. Following numerous millennia of tradition, the Imperial Flotilla is heavily focused on large gun battleship movements supported by escorting gunboats

Highly centralized, and operating in tandem with the State Council, the Fleet Admiralty is a traditional and gentlemanly organization with a culture of honor and chivalry. Unlike their peers in Krizovia, a degree of flexibility is given to lower level commanders and ship captains; as long as the wider organizational goals are achieved, most are free to act and proceed as they wish in a coordinated fashion, the expectation being that since they're officers and thus qualified men, they should be competent.

Illarian vessels are typically highly angular and easy to mass produce in their design; a holdover from a millennia under the Socialist Interstellar Union of Illarian Planets. However, compared to the SIUIP, current design philosophy calls for more regal adornments; vessels usually bearing white hulls with solid golden accents, a solid gold Illarian Eagle being a required figurehead at the bow of the ship.

#### Foreign/Non-Contiguous Naval Bases

* ♜ **Velravci Naval Star Base (Selten - Axanar Psigate)**
* ♜ **Rosokovo Naval Star Base (Rosokovo Autonomous Republic - South Selten/Aoshtai Gate)**
* ♜ **Dorosani Naval Star Base (Little Illaria of Southern Aoshtai)**
* ♜ **Tulbozia Naval Star Base (Little Illaria of Northern Aoshtai)**

### The Illarian Merchant Flotilla (IMEF)

*See Also --- The Illarian Navy*
The **Illarian Merchant Flotilla** (otherwise known as **IMEF**) is the primary merchant marine of the Illarian Empire, and has to say the least a complicated history, compared to the other branches of the Illarian Imperial Army. Amid the stagnation and institutional decay of the SIUIP, a reformation of the country's existing merchant marine (the **Illarian People's Merchant Marine** or **IPMM**) was required; corruption and ineffectiveness had become rife, embedded with a complacent and wealthy command. Thusly, the IPMM would be disbanded, and replaced with the Illarian Merchant Flotilla.

The Illarian Mechant Flotilla, due to a lack of available ships and crews, would thusly be reformed with enticed pirates from nearby pirate republics and spacer entrepreneurs, roughly organized under the umbrella of the IMEF and it's reformed command-- Much in the same fashion of Karstedt's Merchant Marine. While control over this organization would improve overtime, compared to other branches it remains a much more disorganized a chaotic force.

Today, the IMEF has a litany of different responsibilities; to escorting Illarian flagged trading vessels, spearheading entrepreneurial initiatives, border-running, and assisting in internal security when called upon. In times of war the IMEF will also be called upon and, with it's numbers, be utilized as a rapid deployment battle fleet that can quickly move to different parts of a theatre. However, the IMEF in times of peace and even war has been known, due to the relative independence of its captains, to occasionally dabble in more gray business ventures on a ship-by-ship basis.

IMEF vessels usually consist of pinnaces and light carriers, and a uniform requirement is a black colored hull with dark red accents.

### The Illarian Etherguard (IET)

*See Also --- The Illarian Navy*
The **Illarian Etherguard** is the main force responsible within the Illarian Imperial Army for performing border-control, registering incoming/outgoing vessels, providing travel plans to ships, performing maintenance on stellar control buoys, enforcing the law such as stopping smuggling acts, and assisting those during times of distress. Working incredibly closely with the Imperial Navy, quite often the Etherguard will work in conjunction with the Navy's fighter squadrons for the purpose of border control and intercepting vessels.

Just like the Illarian Police and the Illarian Internal Troops on stations/planets/vessels, the Etherguard holds law enforcement powers for Illaria's interstellar space. They have the power to board vessels, perform searches, check registration, confiscate illegal goods, and perform arrests for crimes made in interstellar space that violate the national and local laws of the Empire. If need be, they also hold the authority to destroy vessels if deemed to be a threat.

For the most part, the Etherguard utilizes a large fleet of dedicated escort carriers, corvettes, etherguard cutters, and fighter squadrons. These vessels, like the Imperial Navy, have a white hull and an Illarian Eagle as a figurehead; however, instead of golden accents vessels of the Etherguard have black secondary colors.

### The Illarian Police (IP)

The **Illarian Police** is the national terrestrial police service of the Illarian Empire, being under the auspices of the **Ministry of Defense**. While local polities, such as planets and stations may have their own police/security services, quite often the Illarian Police will also be present at these locales serving in either a direct enforcement role or in a supportive role. In some locations, the Illarian Police will often be the only law enforcement agency present, due to either a lack of local political will, funds, or both regarding a local police service.

In times of war, the Illarian Police take up a rear-position role compared to Territorial Defense or the Imperial Army is when a location is under siege, helping secure logistical lines, stationing areas, and weapons positions alongside actual infantry units. Additionally, they serve in a civil-defense capacity alongside Territorial Defense during times of siege, helping mobilize or otherwise evacuate citizens from conflict zones, along with assisting in organizing recovery responses.

### The Illarian Internal Troops

The **Illarian Internal Troops**, also under the auspices of the Ministry of Defense, is the main force responsible for providing security aboard government-owned freighters, vessels, military vessels, military outposts, manned buoys, and other stellar objects that could not be considered a settlement. The main exception to the prior role, however, is on ships relating to the Illarian Merchant Flotilla; ships under the IMEF are responsible for their own security and detainment of hostile forces.

## Demographics

* **Creator:** *Community*
* **Homeworld:** *Illaria*
* **Spacefaring:** *15,632 BNAC*
* **Characteristics:** *Cynical · No-Nonsense · Explorative*
* **Population Percentage:** *85%*

Mostly tracing their lineages to the frigid world of Illaria, Humanity in the Empire has a long history dominated by aristocratic tradition and autocracy, spanning around fifteen thousand years ever since the rise of their first stellar empire and subsequent vassalization by Abzu. There exist outside influences as well, particularly in **Rabeta** where inter-mingling with far flung Allerian nobility took place, and in the South (**Imozin** and **Rosokovo**) with traders from the Aoshtai region of the Reach settling down over millennia.
Incredibly varied by several millennia of stellar sprawl and the vast distances that entails, the hard-nosed Illarians in general also have a penchant for exploring the vastness of either their worlds, or if they get the opportunity to, the greater cluster.

* **Creator:** *Community*
* **Homeworld:** *Lessos*
* **Spacefaring:** *assumed 40,000's AR*
* **Characteristics:** *Aristocratic · Disciplined · Ambitious*
* **Population Percentage:** *11%*

**Aoshanti** have a heavy hand in Illarian history; firstly being the ruling nobility during the time of the Aoshanti Empire over their vassals. During the collapse of the Empire and the formation of the Tsardom, the Aoshanti were cut off in the wake of Tesar crusades and the deterioration of the security situation in greater Selten for their kind. Illarian Aoshanti avoided extinction through their military hand in preserving the proto-unified Illarian state against these external threats.
 **Illarian Shabhya Wraiths**

* **Creator:** *9Eyes*
* **Homeworld:** *Unknown*
* **Spacefaring:** *Unknown*
* **Characteristics:** *Fringe · Mercenary · Cunning*
* **Population Percentage:** *1%*

The newest peoples of Illaria, Shabhya Wraiths hail from the Trillic Khaganate in Aoshtai, in-particular the vassal territories of Hasariah. Having arrived within the past four hundred years, these psionic lifeforms fled an initial extermination campaign from the Hasari government, and later on lack of economic opportunity in the peace-time environment a hundred years later. Their most common method of arrival would be illegal, hiding aboard trader ships coming to and from the then governing Illarian Union.
Ostracized, and finding little room within the strict monarcho-socialist framework of the Illarian Union, they promptly found work as pirateers and smugglers for the various Pirate Republics that bordered Illaria. It would only be within the most recent fifty years that Illaria would both begin to crack down on the Pirate Republics, and recruit the aid of the Shabhya en-masse for their trade fleets, finally finding their tentative place in Illarian society.

However, elsewhere in the Illarian Realm they find greater success, sometimes even being feared enforcers.

* **Creator:** *9Eyes*
* **Homeworld:** *Lanercledra*
* **Spacefaring:** *5,000s AR*
* **Characteristics:** *Martial · Honor-Bound · Conservative*
* **Population Percentage:** *3%*

Trillic in Illaria trace their roots to a period long ago when the Trillic Khaganate was undergoing both a dynastic change and a civil war, facing extreme repression and cultural ablation in the process. Some of the nobility and their clans would flee to Rosokovo in the then still functioning Kingdom of Illaria, only to face much of the same callousness from the reigning aristocratic order. They would soon be brought to heel after a brief period of insurrection.
Their more monstrous features would be decreed to be removed via forced genetic alteration of embryos, those that avoided this would be exiled into the wilds of Selten, sure to perish. Their clans and warriors would be subjugated, and utilized as mercenary warriors, fodder in the pursuit of putting down rebellions. Two centuries later, when the aristocracy rebelled, the Trillic joined out of spite.
Apologies and reparations would be provided by the new government of the Illarian Union, and slowly over the next millennia, the Trillic of Rosokovo and their clan-houses would rise. They would gradually adopt the ways of the Rosokovi, and eventually, they would be a seemless addition to the Illarian fabric. Renowned warrior houses that helped enforce the Illarian Peace when called to do so.

After two millennia, their Illarianization would be complete.

## Religion

Illaria is a majority Sorian nation, however it also has a sizable Rhyan population; the former is situated mostly in the Selten Galaxy, the latter having a higher percentage in both Little Illaria of Northern Aoshtai and Little Illaria of Southern Aoshtai.

### The Imperial Church of the Twin Sisters

The **Imperial Church of the Twin Sisters** (otherwise simply known as the **Imperial Church**) is the main religious government body in the Illarian Empire, however its name implies an authoritative force that it usually does not have. In all actuality, the Imperial Church as an arm of the Illarian Crown for the past fourteen thousand years does little on it's own, its main purpose is to join both the Church of Soria and the Rhyan Illarian Patriarchate under a single organization for the purpose of harmonization and inter-faith consultation. More importantly, however, the Illarian state through having both organizations under a single body is afforded more direct control. Historically speaking, this has been used by leaders to enforce edicts beneficial for the state's authority and social stability.

In recent years, in-part due to the transformation of Illaria into a government based mostly on the rule of law, it's own authority has been steadily increasing.

#### Organization

The main body of the Imperial Church is the **Mustering Council** made of five representatives from both the Church of Soria and the Illarian Patriarchate respectively; it is headed by a **Head Archbishop** who is selected by the Imperial Crown. The Head Archbishop, according to the constitution, must be dual-denominational.

## Trivia

* Thanks to Parazrael for the map.

* The Illarian Empire is influenced by a wide variety of cultures; from Serbia to Illaria proper, to the Baltics for its North. Its southern reaches are influenced by the pre-Russian Empire Caucasus, such as the Shamkalate of Tarki.