Empire of Asterien

The **Empire of Asterien,** known at the time as the Fourth Empire of Escharia, was founded on the 9th of January 2022. It was preceded by the Kingdom of Suderen which was formed on December 7th 2021. The Fourth Empire or the third depending on which you count was a nation led under an absolute monarchy in-between the continents of Sparwood and Nieden, in Rathnir. It had 2 main regions that being the Duchy of Suderen and the Duchy of Escharii, their capital was situated at the city of Vollressal, though their biggest population centre was at Iabet.

Following declarations of wars from Gertonia, Kartek and Aldovir towards the Solea-Audal (A union between Yimmu-Audal and the Soleannen Empire of Escharia) specifically directed to the Soleannen Empire of Escharia. Yimmu-Audal under these external pressures would dissolve the union with them later forming a Union with Aldovir to form the Empire of Astyllea, Escharia would be left to fight a potential war in three fronts. It would then be followed by the Duchy of Suderen under Anerias and Tymarat under Juno seceding from the Soleannen Empire of Escharia splitting the Empire in half, with Suderen being primarily backed by Aurora a nation in Uldarash, with them remaining a close allies.

On the side of the Soleannen Empire of Escharia they would have a very unfavourable view of Anerias' actions with them referring to it as a "Uldarashi-Occupation government" and regarding them as nothing more but a Auroran-Backed Puppet State. This whole period was known as the Kimiwekessie, the Escharian Civil War.

## History

### Reign of Anerias Magistri

[Duration: December 7th 2021 - February 19th 2022]

A controversial figures in Escharien History can be viewed in many ways, from a duke to a self-proclaimed King after splitting from the chaos of the Soleannen Empire of Escharia, he would lead his nation into becoming the Fourth Empire of Escharia following merging with the Escharii Duchy. He forged a alliance with the Second Empire of Uldarash due to a close friendship with Robot Girlyman and Empress Scotchknight, A relationship that was well-rounded and where both parties thrived equally, and showing mutual respect in the time under their alliance. Under his reign he would promote and enforce Escharien Culture and Religious practises with his people with him even commemorating them. Having had marched from the Drakhasrei Cathedral to the Ascension site to Flahmesthal in their show of respect and mourning in the anniversary of the ascension. Continuing to uphold the Cultures and Values of their predecessors, They would make donations to the Sylene Statue in Drakhasrei, and worked towards mending the ties with the escharii people, with them building a successful and well-thriving community for a time.

###### Suderen Independence

[Date: December 7th 2021]

Formerly the Duchy of Suderen under the Soleannen Empire of Escharia, Duke Anerias Magistri declared independence as the Kingdom of Suderen following the abdication of the Emperor Valerian and the Empire's vassalization by Uraka. With new Kingdom's borders remaining the same as it had previously done as a duchy under the Empire.

The reasoning for their secession of the Empire was brought upon by domestic issues within the Soleannen Empire of Escharia, with Anerias Magistri citing his and his people's unwillingness to be involved in the unnecessary wars and the higher government of Escharia unwillingness to put a end to a decades long 'blood feud', specifically the one with the Kingdom of Aurora, a Kingdom within the Second Empire of Uldarash that from the Perspective of Escharia had been actively attacking and undermining the nation of Escharia since its foundation.

Anerias then added that Suderen had oftentimes had settle its issues without the aid of Escharia and supposedly put more into the Empire then it ever gotten back in return referring to it as a one-sided relationship, however from the perspective of the citizens of the former Soleannen Empire of Escharia, they perceived Anerias' actions being that of him being upset at his removal from the position of Crown Prince due to his supposed mistreatment of fellow noble and failure to quell a Squatter settlement at Turria. Though his removal was mostly cited to be with attributed to him being rather friendly towards the Aurorans and somewhat influenced by them.

Suderen would shortly be recognized as being released as a independent nation from the Empire of Escharia under the Treaty of Suderen and Escharia, with Anerias maintaining his title of King of Suderen and being a noble of Escharia, additionally with Suderen staying on as a member of the EoE and attend the noble diet.

###### Lozarian-Suderen Pact

[Date: December 9th 2021]

Suderen would form a Pact with the Kingdom of Lozaria that includes clauses for non-aggression, mutual defence and trade that was agreed upon between Anerias Magistri and Jonathan Lozharo with Xarahh Lozharo acting as the bridge between the brother-in-laws as a mediator with the frosty relations between the two being rather evidently apparent by this point.

###### Tyramat Ultimatum Crisis

[Date: December 11th 2021]

Nirauras Asezie viewing the United Federation of Tyramat as a nation of opportunists who had only one town that is small and inactive within the entire region of Tyramat they claimed, who exploited the weakness of Soleannen Empire of Escharia to declare independence. When the Empire was beset by enemies, he referred to them "As a group of non-Niedene, living on Niedene land, and led by a non-Niedene leader." and that the name of Tyramat is an embarrassment to the land's Niedene cultural and political history.

In light of his views he sent out a ultimatum to the United Federation of Tyramat his conditions were their complete annexation into the Soleari Irrasterrei de Arj'entor (Soleannen Kingdom of Arj'entor) any previous Tyramat governmental figures would retain their position in the new Arj'entor government. With Arj'entor remaining independent from both Etscharien and the Sapphire Commonwealth, to serve as a buffer state between them, should tensions rise and to prevent tension.

Anerias seeing this gross attempt for a grab of power to 'assert domainance' by Nirauras Asezie would personally intervene supporting Tymarat promising that the Suderen will lend whatever is necessary whether that be supplies or soldiers in their support of the nation against Nirauras Asezie whom his states "Go directly against the wishes of the Escharian government and are deplorable."

The Crisis would end with the Treaty of Vollressal where Nirauras Asezie and Anerias Magistri met up at Vollressal to discuss the crisis regarding Tyramat, where they reached an agreement to make peace. The conditions of the treaty is as follows, Nirauras will receive 30,000 in coin from Anerias Magistri, in return of Nirauras recognition of Tyramat's borders, and the promise of non-aggression towards both Tyramat and Suderen. Alongside the dissolution of the Soleari Irasterrei de Arj'entor and his offer of being a soldier to Tyramat if they are in a defensive against a non-Niedene enemy, which Tyramat does not have to accept.

Nirauras then congratulated Anerias on his willingness to come to peace, and that he wish it be known across all of Rathnir that Anerias is a sensible man and great mediator of peace, as shown by the Conclusion of the Tyramat Ultimatum Crisis.

###### Uldarash-Suderen Alliance

[Date: December 13th 2021]

The Second Empire of Uldarash and the Kingdom of Suderen would sign a Treaty which saw both parties enter into a Mutual Défense Pact and Non-Aggression Pact. The Soleannen Empire of Escharia perceived this Alliance as simply Uldarash in light of new Escharian nationalism in both Suderen and Escharia choosing to help their 'Niedene Vassal' in order to maintain power in the east and to help better defend Uldarash's Overseas Possessions in West Tessel, Which was sold over by Anerias Magistri to end the Blood feud between the Escharians and the Aurorans. seeing this Alliance as within the interest of both parties, though the Soleannen Empire of Escharia perceives it as simply Anerias taking a bribe from Aurora.

###### Land Scam Incident

[Date: December 24th 2021]

The Kingdom of Suderen was contacted by a Envoy from the Simulami Empire regarding what they believed (Correctly) to be a possible Scam. A individual under the name of Shohen who was not in any way affiliated with the Government of Suderen, contacted the Simulami Empire in offering to sell a large portion of Suderen's Land, claiming that they had brought it from Suderen , which Anerias and the entirety of Suderen's government flatly denied, making a open statement that at no point did Shohen gained any legal control of the land he intended to sell off in question holding no right over it. with Suderen advises all the nations of Rathnir to be wary of this individual, and ignore any attempts on his part to scam nations out of their money.

###### The Marsium Fiasco

[Date: December 24th 2021]

The Aurlûnor Velande specially the Grand Template and the Kingdom of Lunaris sent out a word of warning to the Kingdom of Suderen when reached them of a supposed unwarranted attack on the Gaians in the City of Marisum which involved the Dread Fleet and several other mercenaries which allegedly included the Soleannen Knights, with the massacring of multiple members of the temple there. Being recorded as one of the most impactful moments in the history of the Temple. With the Celestial Matron Sareariel Lelya-Earcala ordering the attacks to cease as the temple within Suderen domain was classified as a friendly faith to the Soleannen Church confirmed by Yazov, and that should attacks continues along with the occupation of Marisum, the temple will take up arms in action this is followed by the Lunaris who made a open statement over the incident referring to the Harassment of the Gaians over the existence of a single Twin Dragon Temple being unwarranted with Amaranthine Luon declaring with vigour and conviction that "The Gaian people had done nothing to you to deserve this. Please desist".

With open denouncements by Aurlûnor Velande and Lunaris a open statement to the public was necessary, with the response from Suderen being one of sensibility. Suderen affirms that they simply have rules and laws that are to be followed. Among one of these is the law that states that foreign religions are not to practised outside your home of residence, The Gaians on a number of occasions were informed of this, yet still they chose to violate this law set in place and chose to set up a shrine to the Twin Dragon Faith against the explicit wishes of the Authority of the Land which they they chose to reside in.

As one would the Kingdom of Suderen responded to this active defiance of the laws with a request that the people of Marsium remove the shrine. And to practise their faith within the confines and safety of their own home but not in public space which had since been accepted by the Gaians. This however does not excuse the Gaians in their disrespect of Suderen in both their insults towards their leadership and requesting funds for foreign projects outside the borders of Suderen. Exceptions have been made time and time again but their comes a time where it has to stop. Even still Suderen has reached a Agreement regarding the Temple which was accepted by both sides. With Suderen ending the Fiasco by issuing a recommendation in future for the Aurlûnor Velande and Lunaris to not "make such rash moves and discuss the issue at hand with all parties involved instead of sending open threats in public denouncements".

###### Treaty of Gortovar

[Date: January 1st 2022]

A Non-Aggression Pact was struck between the Kartek Empire and the Kingdom of Suderen, to help secure peace in Northern Sparwood by disallowing war between the Kingdom of Suderen and the Empire of Kartek.

###### The Empire of Asterien

[Date: January 9th 2022]

With Uraka's Collapse, rumors of an impending downfall of the Solean Irastre et de Etscharien (Aesperium Niedea) started to spread over the Duchy of Escharia. As such, the Duchy decided to secede from the Solean Irastre et de Etscharien and merged with the Kingdom of Suderen to create one single Escharien State, declaring the formation of the Fourth Empire of Escharia. as the one true Escharian government. Through from the perspective of the Solean Irastre et de Etscharien they saw it as Suderen aggression into their land with their 'occupation forces' into the Easternmost Duchy of Escharia itself.

With Anerias openly stating the Solean Irastre et de Etscharien has lost Solaris’ Sanction, and that it is his duty as Ahroqan to provide for his people, and all the people of Escharia, and from hence forth he shall jointly take the mantle of the Empire of Escharia, and claim the sole right to command the Escharian people. Though on recounting the history of the Fourth Empire, Scholars often debate the legitimacy of the Fourth Empire, with some regarding it as illegitimate citing that Anerias had lacked the traditional mantle of the Escharian Emperor (The Blade of Escharia), and was refused entry into the Holy City of Lileanen with the Church forming a area known as the Holy Cities in response of the formation of the 'Fourth Empire'

This led to the creation of two Escharian States. West Escharia, known as the Free Escharian State, was an independent nation that remained true to the founding principals of Historic Escharian State, that was devoutly religious and the Fourth Empire of Escharia or as the Free Escharien State would referr to "East Escharia". Who they view as a Auroran Occupation Zone who they claim had primarily attempted to suppress Escharian culture on the orders of the Uldarashi Empress Scotch Knight who had prevalently promoted the worship of the Pagan god Pavlovich, claims of which have yet to substantiated.

###### Statement on Lileanen

[Date: January 10th 2022]

Anerias publicly states in a effort to clear up confusion regarding Lileanen. That "We the People of the Empire of Escharia has no intention to take the holy city from the church nor do we wish to engage in war over the right to rule it. The Cardinal Yazov is still in control of the city, as it is our goal to work with and not against the church, with him giving the Soleannen Holy City to the church, following a global coalition demanding it be made independent.

###### Kartek voids the Treaty of Gortovar

[Date: January 12th 2022]

With Caligo Worship in Kartek becoming the state religion of the Empire, The Kartek Empire from henceforth voided all diplomatic pacts with any nations claiming to be either Escharia or the seat of the Soleannen faith. Thereby Voiding the Treaty of Gortovar.

###### Treaty of a New Dawn

[Date: January 16th 2022]

After many months of negotiation and healing of old wounds, Escharia and Uldarash proclaimed something once deemed impossible decided to both bury the hatchet between the two longest standing rivals. With the "New Dawn" Alliance stimulating a full military alliance serving as a breath of fresh air for all of Rathnir as this long standing rivalry falls to the sands of time. As together the Second Empire of Uldarash and the Empire of Escharia shall work past the hatreds of old to build a better future for both nations. Some Escharien Scholars in recounting the history of the Fourth Empire perceiving this as nothing more but a token move given that the Treaty of the New Dawn stipulating a full military was internationally met with a mixed reception with many viewing claims to have "buried the hatchet" being invalid and that they had installed a Puppet government.

###### Denouncement of Market55

[Date: February 4th 2022]

The Empire of Escharia publicly denounces 55tremine for his blatant shady and evil business practices, declaring that no one man should hold power over the global market. To that end Anerias the Emperor of Escharia announced his Empire's full military support of Astyllea in this matter.

###### Abdication

[Date: February 19th 2022]

Anerias Magistri steps down from the Throne and raised his friend Nive Pallas-Akerian to the throne before shortly disappearing from the public eye.

### Reign of Nive Pallas-Akerian

[Duration: February 19th 2022 - March 6th 2022]

###### Reunification

[Date: March 6th 2022]

Following talks with the Aesperium Niedea on reunification, both parties would come to a agreement to reunify under the Soleannan Imperium. With Nive agreeing to step down from leadership in order to make the people of Escharia to once again one people under the Rule of Yazov. In exchange, Nive was appointed Cardinal of the Soleannen Faith.

## Gallery

### Cartographer Maps of Escharia

Map Made by Juno on December 10th, 2021Map Made by Richard Dem Spheniscidae on March 1st, 2022
### Official Documents

Treaty of Suderen and Escharia - [07-12-2021]The Lozarian-Suderen Pact - [10-12-2021]Treaty of Vollressal - [13-12-2021]Treaty of Gortovar - [30-12-2021]Treaty of a New Dawn - [16-01-2022]
## References & Further Reading

Sources:

1. Niedene Corerii
2. Soleannen Asteriattore Ellkirost
3. Treaty of Suderen and Escharia
4. Treaty of a New Dawn
5. Declaration of the Solerii Irastlien