Republic of Ageantium

* Flag
* Seal

**Ageantium**, officially the **Republic of Ageantium** is a democratic republic located in southwest Lunor. The nation's capital city is Azuros, which sits on a small island off the northern coast of the Ageantic Sea. Ageantium is often characterised by strong ties to the sea and the mushcanist goddess Azure.

## History

### Pre-Formation

According to elders that lived before the founding of the Republic, the Ageantic Sea was first settled by a series of small nomadic tribes known for their skills in seafaring and navigation. These nomadic precursors preferred temporary land shelters and the open waters to permanent settlements, leading to a distinct lack of precursor architecture in the Ageantic. Despite this, there is some scarce evidence of failed attempts at establishing permanent settlements on some of the larger islands in the Ageantic.

#### Subjugation by Pirates

Shortly before the formation of the Republic, marauding pirate bands from the northern regions of Lunor entered the waters of the Ageantic and encountered the tribes. Upon discovering a weaker society that was easy to prey upon, the pirates quickly enslaved large portions of the population and forced them to gather raw materials and precious metals for sale in the eastern markets.

The pirates, initially hoping for quick profit, soon discovered that the Ageantic was full of untapped natural resources. Sensing opportunity, they constructed permanent fortresses on a large island off the northern coast and used it as a base of operations not only for raiding elsewhere but also to further the continued forced labor of the Ageantian peoples. According to the Elders, the pirates' rule lasted almost a century.

#### Overthrow of the Pirate Regime

Following his retirement from the position of Emperor of the Shroomish Empire, Monkius Shroompios and his close comrades Lucius and Mini left Shroomish territory intending to explore the rest of Lunor. They arrived in the waters of the Ageantic Sea in late September of 2022, and made land on a large island off the northern coast and encountered the enslaved tribes inhabiting it shortly afterwards.

Noting that the foreign travelers had arrived fully armed and bearing unfamiliar colours, the tribesmen pleaded for their help in overthrowing their oppressive overlords. Known for strong moral compasses, the three former Shrooms promptly agreed to help and, upon discovering that the pirates had left the island for a number of weeks to raid surrounding lands, began quickly forming a militia and training the tribes in combat. Eager to earn their freedom, the tribesmen trained hard and improved at a rapid rate, surprising the trio. Seeing their prodigal proficiency, Shroompios exclaimed that the tribes must have been blessed by Azure, the mushcanist war goddess of the Seas, and began to teach his religion to the tribes. Having previously been secular, the tribes adapted surprisingly quickly to Shroompios' teachings and set up a small shrine to Azure as thanks for her blessing.

A few months later, the pirates returned to their homebase expecting the previously docile Ageantians hard at work in the mines. Instead, they found a well-armed and trained militia defending the island from the pirates' own forts. A fierce battle was fought but the disorganized pirates were no match for a militia trained in the Shroomish Doctrine. The pirates attempted to flea the island but, after fervent prayers by the tribespeople and the Shrooms, were destroyed by a sudden storm that marooned many of their ships on the reefs surrounding the Sea.

In the wake of the battle, the Shroomish trio attempted to leave and continue on their world tour, but were swamped by pleas to stay and lead as they were boarding their ship. After some convincing, the trio agreed to remain behind and the tribes were soon reorganised into the beginnings of the Republic of Ageantium.

### Post Formation

#### First Consulship of Monkius Shroompios

On October 6th 2022 Monkius Shroompios was selected as the first Próxenos. This position would be held for a period of two weeks, after which a new election would be held. Though he was not officially elected by the laws that are stated in the Constitution, it was decided that Shroompios would act as Próxenos because he authored the Constitution and helped found the nation.

Shroompios' first action was to help reconcile the individual tribes that made up Ageantium while also securing alliances abroad. Mutual defensive pacts with Kavisay and the Ebony Jackals quickly followed. Shroompios also oversaw the gathering of materials for the capital city, as well as the initial foundation and reformation of the national military of the Republic. Meanwhile, Lucius and Mini began designing the capital city of Azuros, and oversaw construction of the city.

A military alliance was formed with Mushington towards the end of his Consulship and he would begin deliberating the formation of a mutual alliance between the republics of the world of Lunor.

## Government

Ageantium is a direct democracy with all citizens being involved in governmental decisions via public discussions and voting.

### Citizens

Citizens are defined by the Constitution as individuals whose primary residence is the capital of Azuros and are accepted into the nation by the Próxenos. Citizens are granted the right to vote, speak freely, own property, the right to safety, and run businesses. Furthermore, the government of Ageantium provides citizens the necessary items for survival free of charge. Though military service is not mandatory, only official citizens of the nation are allowed within Ageantium's military. Citizens are also able to propose laws voting and discussions to the Próxenos.

Curiously, the possession of noble titles is expressly prohibited among citizens. This is likely a method of creating a more equal society hailing from Shroompios's experiences in the Shroomish government.

### Próxenos

The Próxenos is the figurehead of the nation. They are elected by the citizenry and hold a tenure of two weeks upon which the process of election begins once more. An individual may hold the position of Próxenos multiple times and they may be continuous. They may be removed from their office via a 3/4 majority vote among the citizens of the nation.

The expressed powers of the Próxenos are as follows: power to veto proposed laws, power to announce laws, power to hold/call assemblies in the capital, the power to engage in foreign diplomacy/appoint an agent to do it for them, the power to make national announcements, the power to propose a formal declaration of war, and the power to declare citizens as traitors/outlaws with good cause.

Though the Próxenos may write treaties and documents, as well as propose laws, he cannot formally enforce them without approval from the citizenry. Should the Próxenos act without the citizen's approval, they shall be removed from office and elections will be held as soon as possible to determine a new Próxenos.

## Culture

Ageantine culture is heavily influenced by the sea. From the beginning of their lives, Ageantians rely on the sea for sustenance, travel, and worship. Though the use of the sea has become less prominent since the centralization under the Shroomish leadership, Ageantians still retain a connection to their sea. It is no small wonder that their principle goddess, Azure, is master of the seas. It is customary in Ageantium to only eat seafood as it is believed to be a gift from Azure for her worshippers.

Ageantine culture focuses heavily upon the quest for knowledge and a greater understanding of the universe. Ageantians are instructed to learn a craft or trade to the best of their ability in order to become contributing members to a prosperous society. Mathematics, sciences, history, and the arts are all equally favorably looked upon.

Despite their scholarly attitude, Ageantians hold a strong belief that all individuals must also be great warriors. Stemming from their subjugation by pirates, Ageantians realized that to defend themselves they must all become soldiers. Thus the Ageantians, under guidance by their Shroomish leaders, were converted into an expert military force that, despite its small size, is one of the most elite militaries in Lunor. In relation to warfare, Ageantians rely upon Azure and believe that her patronage of tactics and measured warfare is more appropriate for conflict, shunning the brutal nature of Shroomus. However, upon occasion, Ageantians will turn to Shroomus for military guidance and use all the brutality that they possibly can use (though this is reserved for enemies that they particularly despise).

## Geography and Climate

The Republic of Ageantium is located in the northern portion of the Ageantic Sea in the southwest of Lunor. The capital of Azuros and the surrounding archipelago is exclusively a desert with vast plains of sand and cacti encompassing the entirety of the landmasses.

The weather is hot yet still pleasant from the breeze of the sea. Though it rains very infrequently on the islands themselves, downpours are quite common in the oceans surrounding the small landmasses.