Empire of Daletia

"The Sapphire Empire reborn, or an empire of broken dreams and dirt?"

***“**We've been fighting for our survival for a thousand years, and we will fight for a thousand more. They can kill a hundred emperors, burn a thousand cities, and butcher a million soldiers. Daletia will not die. It is not just a state, it is an idea, a vision for the future. No matter how much our enemies wish they could, they can never destroy that vision with the sword.**”***
— Photius Ulixes Fortis

The **Empire of Daletia** is a Republican-alligned Human country in the South. It borders the Republic of Marenbach and the Free City of Rosendorf to the north, the Kingdom of Fontragona and the Republic of Arrenzo to the east, the People's Republic of Daletia to the south, Legionary Daletia to the southwest and the Kingdom of Yratessia to the west. It has a small shoreline with the Endless Ocean in the northeast.

Daletia has been in a state of constant civil war for more than 25 years, which has left the Empire destabilized and weakened both politically and economically. As a result, they were forced to turn to the Republicans for aid, receiving volunteers, arms and money from the Republic of Fühlgart and her Protectorates. In return, the Empire has all but completely sold itself to the Republican cause.

Internally, while the corrupt and incompetent emperors refused to do anything about the state of the empire, a small group of talented individuals took the reins to uphold the empire. Led by Prince Photius, younger brother of Emperor Proculus, it is this so-called "Imperial Council of Daletia" that keeps the Empire running, all while trying to steer it away from Republican dominance.

## History

### Formation

During the Collapse of the Sapphire Empire, Daletia declared itself the Sapphire Empire of Daletia and claimed to be the successor to the Sapphire Empire. However, like other successor states, it soon faced economic turmoil, political turmoil, and legitimacy issues. To counter these challenges, Daletia joined forces with the Sapphire Inquisition in Da'al Mon and took a leading role in the Darkest Decade, resulting in mass purges and genocides of non-Humans. This further destabilized the empire.

In 1007 AW, General Sisenna Ulixes stepped in, overthrowing the Sapphire Emperor and declaring himself Emperor Sisenna I of Daletia. He renounced all claims to the Sapphire Empire and ordered the removal of the Sapphire Inquisition from Daletian territory. Sisenna then initiated comprehensive reforms to stabilize the nation, paving the way for Daletia's resurgence as a great power. Upon Sisenna's death in 1042 AW, his dynasty proved to be capable, leading to a golden age without any power struggles or crises.

### Daletian Golden Age

Following Sisenna's death, the four subsequent emperors carried on his legacy. Tentyrus, a renowned general, transformed Daletia's army into a well-organized and professional force. He recaptured many historical Daletian lands that were previously controlled by local tribes and other Sapphire Successors, almost restoring the empire to its former size.

Under Patroclus' leadership, widespread trade reforms transformed Daletia into a thriving trading hub that rivalled Sallant and Rytow. He also centralized the empire by eliminating obsolete feudal lords and strengthening the country as a whole.

Ennius I ushered in an era of peace, avoiding war and instead expanding Daletia's influence through diplomatic means in both the South and North.

Sisenna II's reign was characterized by scientific advancements and economic growth. However, in 1127 AW, Daletia's fate took a turn for the worse with the assassination of Sisenna II. Chaos erupted as a distant cousin of Sisenna, Crotisian Ulixes, had himself crowned as Crotisian I. It was revealed soon after that Crotisian was the one behind Sisenna's assassination. This news sparked widespread outrage, and Crotisian had most of the main branch of House Ulixes killed. Because of his actions, Daletia plunged into chaos and rebellion once more.

### Daletian Dark Age

*Main Article: Daletian Dark Age*

Under Crotisian's rule, corruption, nepotism, incompetence, and disregard for the empire's worsening situation ran rampant. Despite opposition from House Ulixes and noble allies, Crotisian refused to even consider changing his stances. The resulting conflict, known as the Crotisian Crisis, resulted in heavy casualties for Daletian soldiers. Crotisian ultimately emerged victorious by incurring massive debt to hire mercenary armies, but when the Crisis ended, he refused to pay the mercenaries and kicked them out. This sparked widespread rebellion as mercenary warbands burned, sacked, and plundered cities throughout Daletia. Crotisian was eventually overthrown by his brother Chryses, who paid off the mercenaries to leave, but the damage was already done. In just under two years, Crotisian had ruined the achievements of the Emperors before him.

Chryses I proved to be a more competent ruler but was unable to save the economy. Without sufficient funds to maintain order, the Daletian Dark Age began. It was a period of economic ruin, widespread corruption, mass desertion, ethnic tensions, regional rebellions, regicide, and frequent changes in who sat on the throne.

Despite the overall instability, there were some periods of peace. Niceleus I, who was well-loved, brought temporary peace to the Empire. The reigns of Flavo I and Ausilio I, known for their military prowess, also saw great conquests with numerous rebels being defeated across the Empire. Ausilio's reign is also commonly viewed as the end of the Daletian Dark Age. With the assassination of Ausilio, the Ulixes family regained control over the Empire and proved to be even more corrupt than before under Chrysanthus II. However, the succession was finally stable once more.

### Daletian Civil War

*Main Articles: Daletian Civil War*

The Rooftop Rebellion started in 1206 AW, marking the start of the Daletian Civil War. It aimed to replace the Daletian Empire with a democratic system, inspired by the Fühlgartian Civil War. The movement gained momentum when Prince Fiorino, the heir to the Daletian throne, joined the rebellion and eventually became its leader. Known for its urban guerrilla tactics, the rebellion was impossible to suppress.

Chrysanthus II reached out to the Republic of Fühlgart for help in the face of the rebellion. In exchange for protection, weapons, and money, the emperor agreed to make Daletia a quasi-vassal state of the Republic. The Fühlgartian Senate agreed, and the Foreign Legion was formed to aid in the conflict. However, the Republic's involvement in Daletia attracted attention from other nations and groups, leading to further chaos as they began funding a multitude of rebel groups.

Further problems arose in 1220 AW when Emperor Marcemo I took note of General Appius Cantius Novellius, the extremely popular general of the Fourth Legion. Fearing that Cantius could one day become popular enough to overthrow Marcemo, the Emperor invited him to a ceremony at the Imperial Palace under the guise of promoting Appius for his hard work. Instead, he had him arrested and thrown into the Grand Arena, where he had to fight various waves of mercenaries with nothing but a broken wooden staff. On the brink of death, Cantius suddenly found himself holding Aurelica, an extremely powerful Artifact of the Goddess of Luck, Piqumi, which he used to force his way out and escape the capital.

Cantius rallied his Fourth Legion and immediately rebelled against the Emperor. A well-respected figure, many other generals had been appalled by the attempt on his life, and it didn't take long for the Third and Seventh Legions to rally to his side in their entirety, with soldiers and officers from various other Legions also defecting. Together, they formed Legionary Daletia, seeking to overthrow House Ulixes and establish a new dynasty similar to the reigns of Flavo I and Ausilio I.

The loss of the three legions was a major blow to the Empire, which became increasingly dependent on Republican aid. Meanwhile, an important group inside the Empire, the Imperial Council of Daletia, was formed to rule and preserve the empire. Over time, the Imperial Council, led by Prince Photius, became a political authority in its own right, as the emperors were often unable to take action due to Fühlgartian restrictions.

### Modern Day

The Great War attracted renewed attention to Daletia, as various ideologies and factions flocked to the region, seeking to establish their own footholds. The death of Jan Luftschwert resulted in the Republic of Fühlgart largely abandoning Daletia due to the outbreak of the Second Fühlgartian Civil War. However, the Thirteenth Army, led by Frigerus Whitefeather, was sent to Daletia, largely as a form of punishment, but has become a key force in preserving the Empire through its hard-fought battles.

Recently, the situation on the frontlines has improved thanks to the leadership of General Paulus Mesus Nicator and the Fifth Legion. The Imperial Council, overseen by Photius, continues to govern the capital, while Emperor Proculus remains inactive within his palace. Due to the corruption and complacency within the Empire, some believe that its conquest by either the People's Republic or Legionary Daletia would lead to positive change. However, the future of Daletia remains uncertain, and only time will tell.

## Politics

Daletia has been an empire since its foundation. At first, the empire was decentralized and had many feudal lords, thus acting more like a feudal monarchy. However, the feudal lords lost most of their power and Daletia gradually became an absolute monarchy. After the Crotisian Crisis, the emperors of Daletia lost much of their power, as multiple areas of the empire gained autonomy. Many of these broke off and became part of either the People's Republic or Legionary Daletia, though some of these provinces do remain under the control of the Empire.

The Emperors of Daletia have sold their throne and its authority to the Republicans in a last-ditch attempt to save the country from total collapse. This has effectively made Daletia a puppet state under the Republic of Fühlgart in all but name. Fühlgartians gained an important position in the imperial court, influencing various Emperors like they were puppets on a string. Some influential figures have tried to oppose this influence, yet these people tend to disappear or die in "accidents".

There is one group of men that try to uphold the Empire while keeping it independent: the Imperial Council of Daletia. This is a group of influential princes, generals and politicians that together run the Empire's day-to-day operations right under the nose of the Emperor. The Imperial Council openly opposes Fühlgartian influence in the nation. Some boldly claim that if it weren't for the Imperial Council, Daletia would've become a Protectorate by now.

At the end of the day, nobody is quite sure who is actually in charge of Daletia. The Emperor is the de jure sole authority, yet he is controlled by the Republic of Fühlgart. However, with the Fühlgartians largely abandoning Daletia due to their own ongoing civil war, the Imperial Council has gained more influence. Yet, the Imperial Council serves at the behest of the Emperor. Throw in autonomous provinces, powerful governors, independent military leaders, and an increased demand for civilian representation, and you have the current state of politics in the Empire. In short, Daletian politics are chaotic and ill-understood even by high-ranking ambassadors in its capital.

## Geography

The territory that remains under the control of the Empire is largely warm and hilly. However, the northern part of the country has some mountains and is significantly colder due to the nearby Marenbach Mountains. Daletia has warm summers and winters, with relatively little snowfall except for in the north. The empire has a small coastline with the Endless Ocean in the northeast. Two major rivers flow through Daletia's remaining territory, the Carria and the Lupino. The Carria river is relatively unnoteworthy, yet the Lupino flows into the sea, which makes it an important economic artery for what remains of Daletian trade.

## Economy

After 25 years of civil war and the loss of two-thirds of its territory, Daletia's economy lies in ruins. The war has caused many to turn to farming just to feed themselves, as much of the empire's fertile lands have been lost or razed. The conflict has also led to a highly decentralized economy, as people leave cities for quieter towns or flee the country. Trade has all but ceased due to constant attacks by bandits and partisans on the roads. The only international trade is through the port of Scudivia by sea. Local towns produce goods solely for themselves and communication over long distances is difficult. Large cities are unsustainable due to a lack of centralized food production and many areas cannot pay taxes to the government in Vigesna, leading to local garrisons imposing their own taxes.

## Demographics

Daletia is primarily inhabited by Humans and was one of the first Human kingdoms established before the Withdrawal. In the past, other races lived in the region but were largely killed or forced to flee to Yratessia during the Darkest Decade. After the Darkest Decade, a large amount of Krighal Vitna settled in northern Daletia due to the collapse of the Kingdom of the One in 1024 AW.

## Culture and Religion

Daletian culture is proud and rich in history, making it resistant to outside influence. Despite being under the rule of the Sapphire Empire for centuries, Daletian culture remained largely unchanged, as the locals were unwilling to adopt the practices of Sallant. The culture of Daletia stems from the practices of the first human slaves who fled the Freeholds to the South and participated in the First, Second, and Third Human Rebellions.

The country is home to various former tribal groups with distinct customs, adding diversity to Daletia's culture. The empire recognizes several official languages, with Common and Daletian being the most widely used. There are also several minority languages including Sybartian, Devalanian, Crotisian, and Isorian.

Daletia is more religious than most nations, following religious holidays for all the Divines, except for Onir's Night of Madness. Other important holidays include Independence Day on the 28th of Redfall, Legion Day on the 25th of Starhearth, and Emperor's Day on the 5th of Greenburst. However, Emperor's Day is barely celebrated outside the capital.

Daletian arts have long been dominated by sculptors and painters, with literature and music taking a back seat. Notable artists include Athamus Clineo, Dario Burri, and Anna Lacchaeus Iuvenes. The food in Daletia has changed since the outbreak of the civil war, with the diet now primarily consisting of grain and some imported rice. However, green berries called Deoquat remain widely available and popular in the diet.

The Enselonde Fighters League and Enselonde Rangers Guild have temporarily ceased their activities in Daletia due to the chaos of the civil war. The only widely popular sport is Asugna, a local form of martial arts. Religion is an important part of Daletian culture, with the Faith of All Gods being widely practised, with subreligions of Piqumi, Anir, and Ivos Worship being the most common. The Divine Order of Enselonde maintains minor oversight from Fontragono, as the country is too unstable for direct intervention.

## Relations

* Kingdom of Fontragono - Fontragono seceded from the empire in a moment of weakness. While we viewed them as traitors at first, the Fontragonans have been nothing but reasonable to us. In fact, they have become our most trustworthy allies. The hatchet has long been buried, and many Fontragonans even serve in the Foreign Legion.
* Kingdom of Llendus - Llendus has a similar history to us: one of being conquered and oppressed by the Sapphire Empire. Perhaps our two nations have never been the two closest of allies, yet they are a respectable nation of respectable people.
* Republic of Fühlgart - Our dealings with Fühlgart have been a deal with the devil for the most part. Ideologically, they represent everything wrong with Enselonde nowadays. Yet, they brought money, troops, and supplies. Yet, that support has ended. Perhaps it is time to get rid of their influence now that they have outlived their usefulness.
* Republic of Marenbach - Marenbach is little more than a Fühlgartian puppet state, yet we've had some dealings with them in the past. The relations between our two countries haven't been the warmest, but at least they haven't been cold.

* People's Republic of Daletia - The so-called "People's Republic" has brought about the downfall of a thousand-year-old nation. Led by upjumped peasants, opportunistic nobles and fools, these traitors would sooner take down the entire region than simply keep their heads down in a time of difficulty. They are paid for and influenced entirely by foreign enemies to boot! We will do everything in our power to annihilate them.
* Legionary Daletia - Legionary Daletia, while also a "nation" of traitors, have more honor than the People's Republic. They don't bother with lies and propaganda to sway the peasants. They want the Daletian crown for themselves. An understandable cause. Still, they are our hated enemies and must be destroyed all the same.
* Republic of Arrenzo - Arrenzo under the Regency was a terrible place to live, true. Yet, the Regency has been overthrown by partisans flying the flag of the Enselonde Front for Democracy. They spew the same lies as the People's Republic and forward the same doomed cause. Once we win the civil war, we will crush them and restore the natural order of things.
* Empire of Sallant - Sallant, formerly the Sapphire Empire, conquered Daletia and began centuries of oppression. The collapse of their empire came as a pleasant opportunity. Yet, now they seek to reconquer what was lost, to restore their doomed empire. We will not let Sallant conquer us a second time. As long as even one Daletian still breathes, we will hold them off.
* Kingdom of Yratessia - The Yratessians think that breaking away from the empire was some glorious feat. They are a mild bump in the road on the path to Daletian reunification, and should not prove to be too troublesome to defeat after the other traitors have been dealt with. Let them savor their pointless victory while it lasts.

## Military

### Land

* First Legion - The First Legion is Daletia's elite force, deployed in Vigesna and its surrounding area and tasked with defending the emperor and the capital.
* Second Legion - The Second Legion is currently based in Vitonia and is fighting the People's Republic in the Daletian Civil War.
* Fifth Legion - The Fifth Legion is currently based in Ossote and is singlehandedly fighting Legionary Daletia in the Daletian Civil War.
* Ninth Legion - The Ninth Legion is currently based in Alikis and is fighting the People's Republic in the Daletian Civil War.
* Foreign Legion - Comprised entirely of foreigners, the Foreign Legion is based all over the empire, mostly serving as guards and patrols.

### Sea

* Imperial Navy - What remains of Daletia's fleets has become the Imperial Navy, based out of the port city Scudivia. They mostly stay in port, only leaving it on the occasional sweep for the Bleakbanner Navy.

### Air

* Imperial Airfleet - The Imperial Airfleet mostly consists of second-hand Fühlgartian airships, however, it does give the empire a small edge over both the People's Republic and Legionary Daletia, as they lack an organized air force.

## Daletian Emperors

* **House Ulixes**
	+ Sisenna I, 1007-1042 AW
	+ Tentyrus I, 1042-1067 AW
	+ Patroclus I, 1067-1081 AW
	+ Ennius I, 1081-1119 AW
	+ Sisenna II, 1120-1127 AW
	+ Crotisian I, 1127-1129 AW
	+ Chryses I, 1129-1135 AW
	+ Spunio I, 1135-1147 AW
	+ Chrysanthus I, 1147-1149 AW
	+ Niceleus I, 1149-1178 AW
	+ Niceleus II, 1178 AW
* **House Venzi**
	+ Ennius II, 1178-1180 AW
	+ Opnio I, 1180-1183 AW
* **House Perius**
	+ Plao I, 1183-1186 AW
	+ Opitcilio I, 1186 AW
	+ Plao II, 1186 AW
* **House Metisso**
	+ Sisenna III, 1186-1187 AW
	+ Flavo I, 1187-1190 AW
* **House Ulixes**
	+ Spunio II, 1190-1194 AW
* **House Fioccus**
	+ Ausilio I, 1194-1202 AW
	+ Sisenna IV, 1202 AW
* **House Ulixes**
	+ Chrysanthus II, 1202-1209 AW
	+ Marcemo I, 1209-1226 AW
	+ Qelso I, 1226-1228 AW
	+ Proculus I, 1228 AW-

## People of the Empire of Daletia

*For a full list that includes dead people, see Category:Characters (Empire of Daletia)*

* Proculus I of Daletia - Emperor of Daletia.
* Imperial Council of Daletia
	+ Photius Ulixes Fortis - Prince of Daletia, leader of the Imperial Council.
* Paulus Mesus Nicator - General of the Fifth Legion.

## Locations of the Empire of Daletia

*For a full list, see: Category:Locations (Empire of Daletia)*

* Vigesna - Capital city.
* Scudivia - Last remaining coastal city.