Grand Castell-Llozhar

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**Grand Castell-Llozhar** is a Diarchal Monarchy led by Two Zhahmirs as the Heads of State. With the Nation having holdings on two continents, those being Sparwood towards its East in-between the Tundra's and Taiga’s touching the Svalden Sea at its most Southern Point, with its other holdings being in the many Scattered isles in Nieden within the Osterium Sea. The Official languages in the Nation are the Castellan Tongue and Lozanoren. The Nation was previously the nation-state of the Kingdom of Grand Castell & the Kingdom of Llozhar despite being divided geographically, the realms over the decades would establish closer relations & ties with each successive ruler building on the last, culminating in the formation of a Union-State between their realms which further would be solidified upon the Marriage of Marcus Emerald Castellan & Joryth Lozharo with one another.

## History

### Founding

[Date: September 24th 2022]

With the Dissolution of the Thalozar Diarchy due to internal & external pressures, the Kingdoms that made up the Diarchy, Llozhar and Thalassii after much self-reflection would decide to part ways while still maintaining friendly ties despite leaving behind underlying frictions and unresolved tensions in some aspects of their mutual departure.

In-between the discussions of the Dissolution of Thalozar and even long before, letters would be exchanged between Joryth Lozharo and Marcus Emerald Castellan that had been in progress for a number of years even before the Formation of Thalozar, with them having shared a detailed correspondence with one another.

However in recent letters as the topic of Thalozar's Dissolution inevitably came abound, Marcus brought up the idea of uniting their Realms to form a Union between their Nations, citing their ties and mutual histories of both realms being interwoven with one another from days of old during the reigns of their Forefathers Jonathan Lozharo and Skavier Castellan III up to present.

The Concept of a Union-State between both Nations wasn't a new concept with it oftentimes being turned down by Joryth himself in most instances as it was perceived as a detriment to their mutual relationship rather than a large benefit to either of them in regards to their Nations.

Though for this instance, Joryth contrary to his usual opposition seemingly would have a change of heart, proceeding uncharacteristically quickly with the Union proposal and within matters of days of the Dissolution of Thalozar Diarchy, the Treaty of Gaular would be written, signed and placed into effect forming the Planasthaiem Kingdom of Grand Castell-Llozhar with the news of its formation being announced to the World.

### Osterium Pact

[Date: October 3rd 2022]

In Diplomatic Rounds with Neighbouring Plagosi States, Marcus would engage in discussions with the United Provinces of Plagosi (U.P.P.O) to establish Diplomatic Relations, which led to Grand Castell-Llozhar being invited to join the Osterium Pact by U.P.P.O the founding Member of the Pact, an agreement that bound multiple Nations together in the Osterium Sea. Upon internal discussion & careful debate from the side of the Grand Castell-Llozhar, they would conclude with approval of entering the Pact, as part of the negotiations a single island purchase from U.P.P.O would take place.

### Leorn Accords

[Date: October 13th 2022]

Prior to the Union between Grand Castell and Llozhar, The many Iterations of Escharia false or legitimate had at many points had strained and oftentimes complicated relations with the Kingdom of Llozhar which was often one of hostility warranted or otherwise.

Though contrary to the current state of affairs it was not always the case with them at first having mostly positive relations with Xarahh Lozharo the Sister of Jonathan Lozharo having married Anerias Magistri becoming Duchess of Suderen before later having the titular title of 'Empress of Escharia' during the Second Interregnum also known as the Kimiwekessie.

However, with the end of the Xarahh's Tenure as Empress upon her Husband's Death, Relations between Escharia and Llozhar would become non-existent for a number of months this however would be broken following the abdication of Yazov, and the subsequent death spiral of events and turns that came of it resulting in a number of incidents that almost resulted in a war which would be fortunately avoided.

Much later following another Escharian Collapse, and the territories being picked apart by internal divisions & squabbling, the Duchies that made up Escharia would fall in between the lines of Simulami and Bardonia spheres, the Nation that would presently border Grand Castell-Llozhar in its majority would be Lyras Soleari, The Oracle of Drakhasrei the elected leader of their Nation would open diplomatic discussion with the Zhahmirs of Grand Castell-Llozhar with him coming to them addressing their relations and most importantly to Lyras their perceived 'main issue of contention and friction' that being the Island of Leorn which had been of major dispute between the two neighbours.

The Talks would prove productive with an agreement being reached that the Island would remain under Grand Castell-Llozhar, under a number of restrictive measures in an Accord, a number of which the Zhahmirs pressured to be amended which after a 'noted delay' would be granted before they signed the final print, The Leorn Accords would at last, be signed with little fanfare at the Island itself where all parties signed as a gesture of goodwill and to put all the wrongs, misadventures and slights behind them with hosts of Soleannen Baptisms & Several Rituals conducted by the Oracle himself before parting ways.

### Departure of the Union of Loyalists

[Date: November 19th 2022]

The Union of Loyalists a vassal of Grand Castell had entered its Vassal-ship for protection as at first two separate nations the Commune of Norttonn & Eastern Loyalists following a Coup that had fractured the Theocracy of Ardagia into Four regions with those being one of two, the relationship between Vassal and parent state had been cordial and respectable the Vassal-ship relationship would continue into Grand Castell-Llozhar with little differences however a new development would take place where the Union of the Loyalists and Solnostan would become closer in realm and peoples despite the vast distances between both Nations which would culminate in the formation of the Theocratic Hnovidian Union as apart of the negotiations for the Union to go ahead the Union of Loyalists would end their Vassal-ship with Grand Castell-Llozhar which was uneventful and went ahead smoothly reaffirming their ties in existing and new agreements.

### May the Gods guide the Empire's steps

[Date: November 28th 2022]

Relations between the Simulami Empire and Grand Castell-Llozhar had always been positive, with the Zhahmirs greatly respecting & admiring “the Empire of Great Renown to the North”, in the many diplomatic exchanges of words and letters through envoys both nations will sign off on pacts from Non-Aggression to more importantly Mutual Defensive which was worth its weight in gold, positive relations would continue to grow and develop further and by the dawn of the coming new year upon Suggestion by Yamato King of the U.P.PO.

Marcus would reach out to Zeno and the Simulami Empire to discuss coming under the Simulami Empire as a Vassal-State in productive negotiations favourable terms would be reached with the talks concluding upon the Treaty of Nuvallen with Grand Castell-Llozhar thereafter becoming a fully autonomous sovereign state with reserved rights points, protections and caveats of their new relationship.

### Ambros Vult

[Date: December 2nd 2022]

Sparwood, a continent divided by embedded rivalries, shifting alliances, and political factions would be the backdrop for the constant never-ending power struggle in the game of politics on the continent, with a revolving door of Actors that come and go who would be able to Unite the War-torn continent through Sheer Iron Will alone.

One of those Nations being the Ambrion Empire of Ecclesia with them being one of the many spokes on the wheel of Sparwood, to manage to claim dominion over the Majority of the continent, likes of which had not been seen since the Days of the Frosterium, though impressive on paper their Power would always be constantly tested, and largely disputed, with Discontent and Rebellion regularly being sparked and sweeping over their claimed Vast domain.

After prolonged fighting with losses on both sides, the conflict reached a Standstill remaining inconclusive with Kasper who grew tired of his warring in his last act as the Pontius of Ecclesia would subsequently release his acquired conquests withdrawing back to the home front in the Ecclesian Crownlands, with Kasper's abdication the subsequent fate of Ecclesia would be left to two individuals those being Komui and Tito.

As is the nature of Sparwood, not long after Kasper's abdication vultures began to circle Ecclesia, Komui and Tito sensing this after a short time would reach out to Grand Castell-Llozhar specifically with Marcus who had been a long-time ally of Ecclesia from all the way back to the days of the Kartek-Ecclesian War in which discussions would abound of possible Unification of their Nations in the end the talks would conclude with the then Ambrion Kingdom of Ecclesia joining Grand Castell-Llozhar in its entirety.

### Golden Wedding

[Date: December 18th 2022]

The seeds of the eventual marriage between Marcus and Joryth began at Farrenore where they would share their first meeting; it was said of this meeting that Joryth had become charmed by the Young Marcus finding him to be a curiosity in many aspects from his lively personality and bright cheerful demeanour with Marcus mutually enjoying Joryth's company. In the many Successive visits and meetings after Joryth’s curiosity grew to appreciation, appreciation turned into fondness, with fondness, at last, turning into a deep profound love.

Though his feelings would be left buried under the surface for quite a number of years as their royal duties and ascensions to their respective thrones of Grand Castell and Llozhar, having kept them apart from one another throughout much of that time though they would still maintain a close correspondence with one another where Joryth would affectionately refer to Marcus as ‘Gus’ however post-Union of their realms the previous status quo would all change, with Marcus and Joryth now spending almost all their time together in the daily governing of their United Realm through Land and Sea becoming much closer with each day that passes with rumour abounding that they even ‘Slept and Rose together’.

On the 27th Day of the Ninth Month on their usual trips around the Kingdom, they would make their stop at Alakand to rest where at the Castle outside the Balcony of its throne room he would propose to him who although at first flustered would accept the sudden proposal with them soon after becoming engaged.

After much preparation and planning months later, the newly engaged couple would select Farrenore as their Wedding Venue, Lords, Knights & Citizens throughout the Kingdom as well as Foreign Dignitaries & envoys from other nations all came into the City for the Wedding, with it serving as an opportunity to meet the Zhahmirs of the Kingdom.

The Ceremony would be conducted and officiated by Xarahh Lozharo-Magistri ‘The Dragon Empress’ among a huge attendance gathered at sunset at the Castle grounds of the City, Marcus would wear his characteristically Castellan Colours of various shades of green, while Joryth wore blue with a red great cloak after Xarahh performed the marriage rites sealing it with the exchange of vows and twin jaded emerald rings.

The newly married couple would be given various gifts from a number of prominent attendees from Twin Crowns to refined blades and precious stones, festivities continued late into the night with the attendees feasting in the yards and small halls of the castle with the finest foods and wines brought from across the known world, with Marcus amongst the festivities after a number of drinks almost passing out from Drunkeness but would be quietly taken away by Joryth into their quarters for the night at the Castle.

The Golden Wedding as it was dubbed would attribute the additional title of the Golden Monarchs to the Couple, as the wedding itself greatly delighted the Kingdom with its fanfare and festivities with the Young Zhahmirs being received warmly by all the attendees, the wedding also had the positive effect of profiting the citizens and merchants of the Kingdom from all the visitors and attendee of the wedding.

Prior to the marriage itself politically the realms of Grand Castell and Llozhar were a Dynastic Union of Two Crowns rather than one unitary state, with Grand Castell and Llozhar remaining separate kingdoms which changed upon the marriage solidifying the realms into one officially in the political sense but more importantly it Symbolically tied the realm into one.

### War with Burgamere

[Date: March 19th 2023]

Due to Rising Tensions With Burgamere and Grand Castell-Lozhar, the Burgamerians launched an offensive invasion of GCL, know as the "GCL War". Due to the Burgamerians overstimating their overall strength and the sheer determination of the People of GCL, their Invasion grinded into a halt. Due to the Massive Battle Of Esaqu, which ended with a Crushing Victory for Grand Castell-Lozhar.

This led to the Burgamerian State to collapse into Warring Factions, in the Burgamerian Civil War. Where Libertalia O' Valandor and Grand Castell-Lozhar intervened, and were successful in destroying Burgamere, and establishing a Monarchy, "The Grand Kingdoms Of Luscovy". In the First Half of the Burgamerian Civil War.

### Warlington Rebellion

[Date: July 7th 2023]

The Conflict first started when the leader of the Town of Warlington, Thom Hardin was accused of harboring Burgamerian Sympathies, and harboring the Loyalists in the Town of Warlington. Immediatly after learning of Thom's treasonous behaviour, they demanded him to resign and give up Warlington, which Thom refused and declared independance. Proclaiming the Second Kingdom Of Axelm, with Warlington as its Capital City.

The Castellans then attacked the town of Warlington, in the First Battle of Warlington, which failed. The Axelmites then attacked the GCL ally, the Queendom Thalassi And Umoris, pilling them into the war, resulting in the Battle of NovaTheBanii, a Castellan defeat. This defeat severely weakened the Queendom, which led to its annexation by GCL, becoming the Umorii Shorelands. GCL armies then preformed another on Warlignton, resulting in the Second Battle of Warlington, changing the tides of the war, and ending with a victory for GCL. This pushed the Axelmites on the brink of destruction. And they were soon defeated in the Fourth Battle of Warlington, which ended the Rebellion with a victory for Grand Castell-Lozhar, and the Collapse of Axelm.

The town was soon dissolved, instead being replaced by the town of Jorylonica, which was named after the Monarch, Joryth Lozharo, who led the City. Immediatly after their victory, the GCL government soon exiled Thom Hardin and his Cohorts, from ever entering the Nation. Signifying a new Era of Peace and Prosperity for the Country. With this GCL was reformed into, the Ascendant Empire of Grand Castell-Llozhar.

## Geography

Grand Castell-Llozhar holdings are located in the Eastern Half of Rathnir on two continents, those being Sparwood towards its East in-between the Tundra and Taiga touching the Svalden Sea at its most Southern Point, and the other holdings Scattered across the Osterium Sea on a collection of islands in Nieden.

### Castellan Crownlands

Centred at the heart of the vast frozen wastes of Sparwood, the Castellan Crownlands make up a large majority of the Core Sparwood Territories of the Nation being divided up into Five Baronies those being Axelm, Mudrok, Rosehall, Lathallon and Ishgrova, with Axelm holding the Castellan Captial of Gaular, formerly a Mining Outpost under the Frosterium it grew into prominence as a flourishing trade city at the heart of Sparwood.

### Llozharii Shorelands

Centred primarily at the South-Western corner of the Osterium Sea on a collection of Islands part of the Tesselite Isles specifically it's lower half, the Llozharii Shorelands is divided up into three Duchies those being Lhozariea, Asteria and Maldune with Lhozariea holding the Llozharii Captial of Llozhar, formerly an Island backwater it would develop greatly into a Port City due to its strategic location as the Crossroads of three continents.

### Ecclesian Crownlands

Centred at the South-Eastern Corner of Sparwood, The Ecclesian Crownlands are the other Sparwood Territories of the Nation it is divided into five Baronies those being Alerre, Elikimir, Elisium, Ussertia and Daphentesca, with the Barony of Alerre holding the City of the same name, which has been a Site of great Historic significance with its Cathedral renown for having transcended continents from Ummarnu to Sparwood to escape persecution, as well as being the site of a number of pivotal battles in the Continents History.

### Barony of Yvres

Centered to the South-West of Ecclesia, it was originally a Braznichiyan settlement called Kyrston, which later transformed into Esaqu, and became independent as Yvres. Its biggest city is Esaqu, a medium-sized town centered on the island of Kyrston.

### Barony of Vostok

Centered at the South of Sparwood, bordering the world border, it has a single town with the same name, which formed due to the merging of the 3 ex-Braznichiyan towns of Brauhaven, Riedgrad and Travakiya. It’s a site with great historical significance, and it has transformed through time from a wild and dense taiga to a bustling city.

### Umorii Shorelands

Centered at the Northernmost islands of Nieden, inside the Osterium Sea, and a couple Coastal territories on the Coast of Northern Sparwood. They have only a handful towns, which they have total control over. They were brought into the nation via its predecessors, The Queendom Of Thalassii And Umoris, integrating into Grand Castell Lozhar, becoming the Umorii Shorelands.

## Governmental System

Grand Castell-Llozhar is a Diarchal Monarchy led by Two Zhahmirs as Heads of State who equally presides over the Nation's Domestic and Foreign Affairs, the Monarchs are supported by the Grand Council an advisory body made up of trusted officials and friends which makes up the Chamber of Governance, below the Governing Body are the Chamber of Nobility made up of the Nation's Counts and Barons.

GCL is a feudal state in which each region is governed by a Count or Baron, though the autonomy of each region varies drastically. In the northern part of GCL (GCL proper), the government holds the most control, each Baron generally manages their own town but with frequent intervention and help from the GCL government, which provides social and economic help to make sure that all towns are running correctly.

GCL proper is administered as a single entity or as two states (Grand Castell and Llozhar) depending on the affair.

In the southern part of GCL, you find many states which were previously independent, and hence have a high level of autonomy. Most of these have their own unique governments, and are met with little to no intervention from the GCL government. GCL still helps them economically in certain occasions, but apart from that these states generally do their own thing.

## Demographics

### Population

Grand Castell-Llozhar's population is primarily based at the three principal Provincial capitals of the Nation, those being the Cities of Gaular, Farrenore and Alerre with the rest of its inhabitants being dispersed in other Towns throughout the Realm which varies and fluctuate most of its having its own gimmicks and trades in its craft or style of architecture.

### Races

Being a Nation that spans across two continents having holdings in Sparwood as well as Nieden, Grand Castell-Llozhar has a diverse makeup of people groups those being the Castellans, the Llozharii, the Ecclesians, the Yvresians and the Vostokyians.

#### Castellan Culture

The Castellans, who are native to the World of Rathnir, hold their Values, traditions and culture close to their hearts with their sole faith being the Orthodoxy of the Light Incarnate, where Meep Sanguine, a god who appears in the shape of a Furnace, is worshipped. Prior to them coming in droves to settle in Sparwood under Skavier Castellan III they were primarily based in Yimmu-Audal at the Desert City of Konushum.

#### Llozharii Culture

The Llozharii make up the other half of the Realm are one of the many seafaring Peoples, in the Osterium, although holding respect for the oral traditions and customs of other peoples to a degree they themselves do not hold religion and traditions as close or fervently as others with them often opting to adopt local customs & faiths with the Soleannen Faith being the Predominant Faith of their People. Prior to Settling in the South-Western Corner of the Osterium, the Llozharii traversed the Seas of Rathnir utilising various wayfinding techniques in navigation & exploration of their surroundings. Observing the Movements of the Stars, Winds and Birds with them eventually settled on a chain of Islands at the South Western Corner of Osterium after their many long voyages across the Seas of Rathnir where they would remain to the present day.

#### Ecclesian Culture

The Ecclesians are a people group who are Worshippers of the Ambrion Faith, primarily located at the South-Eastern Corner of Sparwood where they had settled and made home after a Mass Exodus from the Continent of Ummarnu caused by Luxites, The Ecclesian are a proud people who have grown through hardship and countless adversities boasting a long long history and accolades of Accomplishments on the Continent of Sparwood.

#### Yvresian Culture

The Yvresian people are influenced by many cultures, and are as such a mix of many traditions and practices, though they also have their own, original traditions. They worship the Orthodoxy of the Light Incarnate, and are French based, with touches of Ecclesian and Vostoki culture.

#### Vostoki Culture

The Vostokyans are a people descendant of the Braznichiyans and as such of the Burgamerians, though their culture has evolved over time and in the present it has very little in common with the latter. It’s Slavic inspired, with many Slavic names being used all over the place, and they worship mostly Garfism due to their previous connection with Greenstem and Tortuga.

#### Umorii Culture

The Umorii People are a group of people descending from the Almmori-Thalassii culture, primarily found in the Osterium Sea, and occupying the Coastal areas of Northern Sparwood. They are a Coastal people, living on multiple widespread islands, and following a rather peaceful lifestyle.