Grand Duchy of Selta

> "Slaves no more to the whims of petty warlords and xenos, we have risen to the occasion and surpassed them all. No longer shall the whip and sword terrorize our people and never again shall it; peace and prosperity reign eternal in our hallowed halls."
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 - God-Duchess Aminnya

## History

**Founding of Selta (-874 NAC)** Founded by a group of artisans and engineers, Seltas origins were ones of idealism and culture as its populace fled the poor conditions of the C.E.C and Colonial Federation of Cestia in hopes of a better life. Forming the Seltan Colonial Alliance under the presidency of Admiral Whendal, Selta rapidly developed on a temperate world and partook in extensive trade with its surrounding Cestian neighbors. Forging early alliances and diplomatic agreements to ensure its survival, the Colonial Alliance was an influential actor in the early years of the lost colonies and a beacon of liberty amongst its peers. Valuing individual rights and democratic values, the liberal influence of Selta persisted for centuries following the Alliances collapse.

**Free Seltan State (-873 to -795 NAC)** Engagement with Cestian colonies became increasingly more commonplace in the years following Seltas founding and with it came many benefits and issues. Taking a neutral stance on colonial politics, Selta transformed into the central trading hub of the various Cestian nations and leveraged its importance to prevent foreign invasions. Hosting a small military, the Alliance relied heavily upon its network of defensive pacts and agreements to deter aggressive powers; a state of affairs which remained unchanged for nearly half a century. It wasn't until -821 NAC that the Technocracy of Yuva would launch an invasion against Selta and kick off the War of Seven, a series of agreements roping in the various Cestian nations into the armed conflict.
Resisting the Yuvan invaders and any calls for surrender, Selta was burned to the ground and sacked; it becoming a ruined world for the remainder of the war and a strategic location that would exchange hands several times. Defeated in -813 NAC, the Alliance was dismantled by the Yuvans who executed Admiral Whendal and drove the colonial congress abroad. Assuming control from the Colonial Federation of Cestia, the remaining congressmen of the alliance continued to fight a losing war both on and above Selta until being ultimately abandoned by their allies. Having been invaded by the Cestian Empire, the federation surrendered after its capital was seized by Imperial forces, Seltas remaining defenders being left undersupplied and stranded across their ruined homeworld. Partaking in the Battle of Kings, Selta was bombarded and invaded by multiple factions until being unceremoniously conquered by Imperial forces.

Forcefully united along with the rest of Cestian civilization under Imperial rule, Seltas democratic legacy burned up in a flame of ash; an impoverished, leaderless and starving populace being left in its wake.

**Founding of the Duchy and Revival (-795 to -668 NAC)** Uncertain about who to replace the late Admiral, the Imperial military found a figurehead within the future God-Duke known as Bialen who at the time was a well known politician for his rapport and similarly neutral approach to politics like his predecessor. The perfect Imperial puppet, he was involuntarily elected the God-Duke of Selta, him accepting the sudden ascension of his power and declaring the Grand Duchy of Selta. Placating the nobles and military for their service to the nation and to himself, he'd prove to be the perfect replacement for the grandiose shadow left behind by the Admiral. Utilizing Imperial investments to revitalize the nation, Bialens reign was one marked by an increase in foreign influence and embracing the Imperial identity with all of the benefits that came packaged with it.
By -747 NAC, Selta had bounced back with a functioning economy and a diligent population that had rebuilt their homes by hand. Through their devastation, a certain ingenuity and creativity stuck with the Seltans as they had make do with what little they had. In -734 NAC, Bialen began to divert reconstruction funds to the art scene and started the age old tradition of patronizing artists as he worked to establish a thriving art community. Taking a diligent approach to reconstruction and protecting Seltan interests, the God-Duke balanced national and international needs by preserving native businesses and culture while also allowing foreign ones to thrive in their own right. Considered one of the Emperors most loyal subjects, his charisma permeated into the higher courts of the Empire which allowed him to abuse nepotism for increased attention from Imperial coffers.

Upholding the values of nobility and the Cestian hierarchy, his social policies proved quite unfavorable for minority groups which saw once strong held rights stripped from them and a stigma forming that drove most out of the Duchy. Considered the most conservative Seltan ruler in his interpretation of Imperial Law, Bialen did his best to appease the Empire and in doing so lost the support of many citizens later on in his reign. Passing away from natural causes in -668 NAC, his death marked the end of Cestian revivalism and the establishment of the Duchies legitimacy. Leaving a legacy of optimistic revivalism, his political reforms and policies were less so remembered and only left a small impact on the Duchy as awhole; the impression he left on the Emperor however would prove to be the magnum opus of his reign, the Seltan stereotype proving to be one of its most alluring features. Raising Selta up from a war torn tragedy into a miracle child of Cestian perseverance, Bialen accomplished his duty to serve Selta and its people.

**Arnax Dynasty (-668 to -591 NAC)** Following their fathers passing, the four children of Bialen disputed the nations succession and in turn saw it passed onto their cousin; a decision supported by Bialens widowed wife and a majority of the nations nobility, Cadey Arnax being chosen for his levelheaded demeanor and separation from the sibling feud. Wishing to prevent a civil war just after the Duchies rebound from devastation, the temporarily reigning regency council solidified Cadeys rise to power and drove Bialens children to renounce their claims or flee the Duchy. While technically illegal by Imperial Law to disrupt such a divine transition of power, the incompetence and entitlement of Bialens offspring proved acceptable enough for most to overlook the dispute. Following a small scale resistance from nobles supporting the siblings, Cadey spent his early reign mainly solidifying his legitimacy and making a name for himself within the inner courts of the God-Emperor.
While still participating in the Great Trial and assisting the greater Empire, Cadey primarily remained uninvolved in the war; Selta having a levy exemption at the time which allowed for only volunteers to join the God-Emperors disputes.

Ruling for 30 years, he'd meet a tragic end at the hands of Justel Bialen who led a failed coup against Cadey that saw both killed in the ensuing conflict at the Ducal palace. With little legacy aside the political turmoil he caused, Cadey is one the least renown God-Dukes of Seltan history. Passing the torch onto his only son, Dawn Arnax took credit for the majority of Cadeys policies and reforms he never saw to fruition; him keeping the nation steady and peaceful during his short reign. Ruling more autonomously, Dawn took a hands off approach to the nation and passed several government financial grants for art institutions and science facilities. Dying following an unexpected seizure in his palace, Dawn had no children to succeed him and in turn the Arnax Dynasty became extinct in -591 NAC.

**Erdalves' Reforms (-591 to -483 NAC)** Scrapping the barrel for replacements, the family line from Bialen proved to be a dead end which prompted the induction of new blood onto the ruling throne. Hosting a banquet in honor of Dawn, the regency utilized the event as a means of talent scouting, Seltas nobles having sent their most promising candidates for a chance at impressing the regents. With such a promising occasion to seamlessly elect a ruler of class and prestige, the brilliance of a young man named Erdalves outshined his competitors; a lowly Knight which served as a retainer of one of the candidates. Silver tongued and an intellectual by nature, his conversations with several regency members unintentionally swayed them to elect the young Knight as Dawns successor. Met by the banquets attendants with shock, praise and anger, Erdalves initially planned to reject the offer up until he saw the reaction of his own liege; death most likely being his fate had he not accepted the Dukedom.
Wholeheartedly accepting the offer,, the regency once more gambled with Seltas stability and after weathering a short period of unrest, Erdalves proved to be an excellent choice to replace his more stagnant predecessor. Devoted to the faith, virtuous and known for his study of philosophy, art and history, Erdalves took inspiration from the Gods and famous Cestian leaders for how to rule his nation. Looking at both democratic and authoritarian leaders for inspiration, he combined the compassion and respect democracy granted its people with the instilled loyalty that dictators expected of their servants. Establishing Seltas Secret Police to keep tabs on his counts, he created several military academies to instill loyalty into his nobility and mold them into skilled generals. Sparing no expense for his regime, the young God-Duke signed into law several progressive social programs which were unique to Selta. Unheard of throughout the Empires various territories, the Duchy began offering free education and healthcare to its populace regardless of class, a controversial policy decision which garnered Erdalves much criticism abroad. Portraying himself as a champion of the masses, he also established multiple classless holidays for the people to enjoy and included them in his administrative decision making. Nurturing a sense of unity among the populace, Erdavles never grappled with the same level of instability that his predcessors rulers had endured.

Marrying the daughter of his Archcount and solidifying an alliance with House Korvian, Erdalves set his children up for success in the event of his passing and created House Erdalves; his dreams of becoming nobility finally being realized. Committing to an education reform later on his reign, the Great Trial proved helpful for the God-Dukes new flurry of expenses as he raised the taxes on all social classes with an excuse of supporting the ongoing conflicts. Known as one of the few rulers to keep his nation out of the trials many conflicts, Erdalves instead temporarily loaned his generals to border states to assist in the Empires defense. Training a new generation of soldiers to defend the Duchy, the God-Dukes final years were spent cutting administrative bloating in the armed forces and placing his sons in upper military positions. Passing away not long after an accidental ship crashing, Erdalves took after the same regency that originally elected him and announced his successor would be chosen by his children in a great banquet in his honor; him believing the torch needed to be passed onto a new royal family so as to prevent another succession crisis.

**Korvian Decline (-483 to -117 NAC)** Well established thanks to their late father and content with their powerful positions, the children of God-Duke Erdalves honored their fathers last words and held a banquet in his honor. Perusing the selection of new candidates, the middle aged Yantur Korvian proved to be the most viable successor to their fathers reign. Experienced with age and wisdom, he was an already proven man with a reputation to boot of honor and intellectual ambitions. Accepting their offer, Yanturs reign became an atrophying one as his own personal life spiraled out of control with the ascent of his power. Married to a frivolous and adulteress woman he deeply loved, the ascension to the highest position within the realm opened up more than just his own prospects for making new contacts. Subjected to his wifes love affairs and emotional manipulation, Yantur was able to handle her short lived affairs when he was but a lowly noble; however the same could be said as Seltas ruler. Unabled to handle the blight upon his prestige and the emotional pain she caused him, Yantur mentally snapped twelve years into his reign.
Butchering his wife with a hatchet, Yantur threw her body off the palace roof and allowed it to be carrion for several days. Conducting raids upon her known lovers with state troops, the God-Duke executed them brutally and displayed their flayed skulls within his gardens. Known as the Ten days of madness, the entire Duchy was thrown into chaos over the actions of their once kindhearted ruler, it finally ending on the tenth day with Yantur hanging himself after displaying the final lovers skull in a patch of yellow roses.

An investigation was conducted soon after to uncover what had exactly transpired at the royal palace, Yantur and his victims being removed from the palace as his oldest son took to the throne. Debauched and unconcerned with duties of the state, the death of his parents drove him into a near constant drunken stupor as he became infamous for appearing in royal courts heavily intoxicated. Yantur II loved his parents deeply and despite his incompetence as an administrator, he proved to be valuable ally to artisans and helped construct the intricate Tomb of Roses in which his parents could finally rest in peace with one another. Ruling until he died of a failed liver -418 NAC, his long lived reign saw the increase of corruption within the nation and a more autonomous nobility that conducted its own affairs separate of the Dukedoms authority. Taking the reigns after her brothers departure, Saselia upset the natural order established by Erdalves for succession and saw herself mortally wounded only six months into her reign by Erdalves assassins. Already somewhat fickle, Saselia grew paranoid after her recovery from near death and attempted a nationwide purge which saw her killed by rouge military forces that stormed her palace.

Conflict between Erdalves and Korvain continued throughout this era, countless Korvain rulers rising to the throne and conflicting with the old guard Erdalves. Eventually the final Korvain ruler known as Alexos was able to dishonorably discharge the Erdalves within the military for disorderly conduct and plotting against the state, the nation having become exhausted by the conflict and apathetic to the decision. Carried out by Alexos loyalists, Korvain supremacy had finally been achieved if only for the last ten years of his rule. Ambitious and shrewd, intrigue proved to be Alexos' rise and fall, him having made countless allies and foes to attain the throne; one of which was the young countess Aminnya who proved to be an effective politician that could manipulate the courts with her feign of daftness or ignorance of political affairs. Having grown to dislike both the Korvain and Erdalves for their petty wars over laws and pride, Amminya envisioned a nation unified once more through its longstanding history with art and the greater Empire. Planning to usurp the throne from Alexos, she set her plan into motion in -117 NAC when she stormed the palace with loyalists and captured the God-Duke; her holding off an Erdalves counter coup soon after with mercenary forces. Stripping the two families of their land and expelling them from the Duchy, Amminya putting an end to the century long conflict by beating both families at their own game.

**Aminnya's Revivalism (-117 to 29 NAC)** Patronizing multiple art institutions and helping them produce a new generation of artists, Aminnya worked off of a populist agenda to secure her rule and restored the social programs originally established by the Erdalves regime along with a reformed version of his taxation policies. Pitted against a nepotic nobility, Aminnya secured a small court of cronies which she stuck to for advisory and assistance in winning over the loyalty of the secret police. Placing a loyalist in power as the chief administrator, a discreet purge was conducted from within the agency as Aminnya secured a reliable form of protection from intrigue and any plots crafted by the nobility. The first sightings and documentations on the Magenta Society began to crop up around this time, it preceding the Cestian Revivalist movement which started in -92 NAC. While information regarding the society is scarce along with its membership, rumors of Aminnya having joined their ranks is well known around this time; it never having been confirmed nor denied. In the event that she did, many believe she did so out of a desire to gain leverage over her counts and establish the political tranquility which is primarily credited to the birth of Revivalism.
Securing herself with a shield of supporters and an increasingly adoring populace, the God-Duchess succeeded in her quest for legitimacy in -90 NAC when God-Emperor Tyvius III visited her nation to congratulate her success and learn of this new art movement. Forming a close bond with the God-Emperor, Aminnya proved herself to be devoted to his cause of reform and began supporting revivalist artists all throughout the nation to support his agenda. Taking notes from Erdalves' reign, events and a new revivalist holiday were created to help once more bind the populace to her regime and make them feel included in its affairs. Offering tax breaks to nobility on occasion, she secured peace in the Duchy as it profited from the booming art industry she helped nurture from the brink of Korvain rule.

Ruling without major upheaval or issues for the remainder of the century, the 20 NACs marked the next period of considerable change in the duchy with a rising religious sect known as the Magenta Society taking hold over her nobility. Tasked with rooting out corrupt nobles all while attempting to bring back a sense of comradery among those still loyal, Aminnya found herself in a favorable position when news of alien invaders to the south began circulating across the Empire. Able to enact stricter policies and surveillance under the guise of national security, the Duchess declared her loyalty to the God-Emperors cause and vowed to fight on his behalf. Utilizing her newfound emergency powers, Aminnya didn't hesitate to begin her campaign against corruption and shoring up a court of devoted nobles backing her in both the southern war and Seltas game of chess.

**Succession Crisis (30 to Present NAC)**      Seeing the war turn against the God-Emperor and its front line ever encroaching towards her duchy, Duchess Aminnya became disillusioned with the Cestian Empires chances of winning and began to focus her attention back on Selta. Shoring up its defenses and preparing the populace for war, she became increasingly withdrawn from the war cabinet and in turn a prime target for more subversive elements. Approached by Magistrate Waidel of the Imperial Legion, the once devoted Duchess was swayed towards rebellion with the promise of peace talks if the Legion coup was successful. Orchestrating the Royal Ball of 30 NAC in hopes of attracting the God-Emperor and his loyalists, the goal was to eliminate them all in one fell swoop so as to declare a national emergency and allow the Imperial Magistrate Council to take charge.
Successful in her efforts, Aminnya was able to gather together some of the Empires most powerful and loyal personalities into a single confined location. Taking her chances with the Legions approval, the Duchess poisoned the God-Emperor to no avail and soon after met an unknown fate as the ball devolved into a gunfight which the loyalists ended up winning. With a vacant throne and a duchy thrown into chaos between the encroaching invaders and the Legionary civil war, the God-Emperor installed Magistrate Colwe as the temporary ruler of Selta and handed him all the powers required for his new position.

Steadfast in his defense of Selta, Magistrate Colwe fought to the last man before his inevitable capture at Coronan hands and remained imprisoned for the remainder of the war. The duchy in his absence only further destabilized with the Coronan occupation forces maintaining order and order alone, crime and noble conflicts rising all across the nation. Power plays began to be employed by the surviving noble houses and the duchy remained in turmoil until 31 NAC when the Hallow War finally concluded. Reorganized under the newly formed ZOZ administration, Selta was directly governed until a Council of noblemen were selected to lead the nation and pick its successor.

Weary and collaborating only for their own ends, the Council proved to be a corrupt and apathetic force which ran a barely functioning duchy. Consumed in their own struggles, Seltas prewar influence began to wane as it fell further into destitution and an ever growing Succession Crisis. Unwilling or incapable of choosing a successor, the nation continues to plummet as pretenders to the throne raise up personal forces and the nation grows ever closer to rebellion.

## Culture and Society

Currently the epicenter of Imperial culture and art, Selta is an abounding Duchy which currently hosts the Revivalist movement with its patronage. Open minded and expressive towards others, Selta is considered the freest region in the old Empire and lives up to that reputation with its acceptance of most media forms and the loose approach taken in regulating it; freedom of speech proving to be a major right granted to all citizens and one actively protected. Compassionate in life and their governing, Selta stands as the only ex-Imperial region which had social programs and a dedicated populace that donated to charities and organizations to help their fellow man. While taxing on the states systems, it was considered a necessity to help keep their populace from slinking down to lower ranks in the hierarchy, the end goal being to reform or even dismantle the longstanding social ranking system. Much of this attitude towards helping others is the result of Seltas near destruction in the War of Seven, the devastated populace rebuilding their homeworld together and helping one another in times of need; an ingrained attitude towards their fellow man which has resurfaced in strides following the Hallow War

Arising from their free and compassionate outlook on society, fringe groups normally oppressed in the Empire are welcomed and allowed to coexist with other citizens of the Duchy. Some worlds even have entire settlements dedicated to specific groups or those aligned to their interests, homosexuality, subjugated natives and republican reformers numbering among the major groups. This peaceful yet distinctive approach to minorities allows for the Duchy to integrate them seamlessly while also keeping note of their deviancy, the state keeping track of their affairs and being able to snuff out any threats such as Republican extremists. Lists are made of names and families that subscribe to a specific deviancy, the Duchy doing so in accordance with traditional Imperial law to label minorities and be able to enforce the law on any which overstep their boundaries. While not ideal for minorities which find themselves labeled and differentiated from society, it is a step in the right direction with them being able to practice their beliefs unimpeded by government intervention.

Patronage plays a key part in Seltan nobility which are obligated by their status to support artisans and promote Cestian culture. This leaves Selta with one of the only successful and progressive art industries in the Old Empire, Cestian Revivalism playing a key role in guiding the nation away from its atrophy. Currently the dominant art movement in Selta, Revivalism is a nationalistic and ethnocentric ideology that wants to promote and preserve Cestian culture in a bid to help revive the greater nation and restore its former glory. Utilizing minority artists to help promote national assimilation into Imperial culture and to include them in this grandiose call for change, Revivalists span all creeds of the Old Empire and have branched beyond even the Duchies borders with their influence. Following the Hallow War, Revivalism has undergone a change at the foundational level with internal feuding fracturing it into smaller Republican, Nationalist and Collaborationist cliques. While historically progressive by nature, a sizable portion of artists inside the movement have been swayed by nationalist rhetoric in reaction to ZOZ and some even reject both sides in favor of Saldonis' radical school of thought. Because of these conflicting interests, Revivalism has slowed in its attempts to spread across the Old Empire, as Seltan patronage remains the only factor in sustaining the movement which grows increasingly more divisive and entrenched in their beliefs; a fact their patrons use to their advantage for garnering loyalists and dependents for their own ambitious plans.

Lying below the civility and warm approach to their citizenry, nobility in Selta is known for its plots and subterfuge which some have even suggested helped create the Magenta Society; an escape from the trappings of normal society and its expectations of them. Sticking to the traditions of old which have permeated throughout Cestian history, the nobility is a stable reality in the Duchy which remains unwavering in its opposition to Republicanism and those that disrupt the status quo too drastically. Despite having a God-Duke or Duchess above them, responsibilities still do exist for the nobility which ranges based on their usefulness to the Duchies current ruler, many making up their cabinet or operating as an authority figure in service of a Seltan city or world.

Merit is the basis of a nobles right in Selta, those which fail to impress the populace and their ruler being cast out from royalty and replaced with a more suitable candidate; only the reigning royal house remaining exempt of these expectations. Weaker compared to their Alcade counterpart in the Imperial heartland, nobility within the Duchy is seen as an honorary yet temporary social status which can easily be won or lost in a single generation. This is why plots and controversies prove to be so powerful within noble circles as it allows for houses to hold sway and influence over one another, those at the top of Seltan nobility usually being the most secretive and informed on the other houses affairs.

## Religion

For more indepth information on the greater cult, please reference the Celestial Cult.

Dedicated to the Celestial Cult and it's bountiful pantheon, the people of Selta recently had a God-Duchess who was the incarnation of Arista; the Goddess of Art and peace. With a belief in their rulers being the incarnation of a specific deity, the values of Arista and her avatars decisions are treated as superior to any alternatives aside the God-Emperor himself. This has made art and pacifism a long standing value within Selta and one that has helped preserve their academics from total decay. While the reigning deity may change from ruler to ruler, Arista has overall been the favored God of Selta which has allowed for long lasting favoritism of the arts to exist.

The path of artistry stands above the rest as Aristas chosen way of life, the expression and freedom being second only to the prospect of cultural preservation. Having spent centuries in decline with technology, history and culture being lost to the sands of time, the duty of preserving Cestian culture has never been more dire until now. Following their God's example, laws protecting against censorship of any kind exist for artists and scholars alike who all work to retain their slipping society; those dedicated to this holy path are known as cultural retainers, them being considered upper class and with the benefits that come along with it. This decline has led to a more liberal outlook existing within Selta in hopes of nurturing Cestian intellectualism, the specific ideology being known as Revivalism which is a hybrid religious-cultural movement dedicated to Aristas goal of creating art and harmony.

Outside of creating art, Arista is believed by many to be the most decadent of their Gods considering her promotion of individuality before collectivism and her history as a deity most commonly worshiped by homosexuals and other groups considered malcontents by the God-Emperor. Promoting the freedom of individuals, Arista stands out as one of the more loose deities and one which only asks for celebration and creativity in return. Because of this broad expectation, many revelers, prostitutes and thieves have taken to worshiping her in hopes of attaining the satisfaction they crave; however intellectuals and artists also call upon the Goddess for divine inspiration. While actively revered in Selta, Arista has a cult following at best outside of the Duchy, most nations actively suppressing her worship and working to abolish the deities influence.

Rumored to have been the chosen faith of the late God-Duchess, the Magenta Society is a heretical cult that is suspected to be present within the Seltan nobility. A corruption of Aristas values, the Magenta delve into old world occultism and hope to utilize their Goddess' gifts to unlock their own potential. Creating horrific pieces of art that unsettles the average mind, they delve into the darkness that lies beyond the veil and draw inspiration from it for their canvas' and music; some are said to even cause the untrained viewer to commit suicide just from observing it. Curiosity and ambition drives most members of the society into joining, however there does exist a portion that worships Velvixa and takes their art to the next level with flesh bound canvas' being used along with mass fornication to fuel their creative energies. Considered a menace by the Zoscian Occupation Zone, any and all known Magenta cultists are to be tried and executed if discovered; their property soon after being seized by the state for purification.

## Territory

 Stronghold of the Empire!

> "*Eternal we stand, Gods among mortals we reign; Celestial eternal.*"
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Spanning three worlds, the Grand Duchy is small territorially and consolidates itself around the Capital. With its economic, political and social influence all stemming from the Duchies homeworld, Seltas devastation in the Hallow War has led to an economic downturn for the Duchy. No longer able to depend on the capital for resources and opportunity, the colony worlds of Ieskal and Ehenya have had to adapt to their new circumstances and hold greater autonomy over their own affairs. Encircled by Imperial and Karn worlds, the Duchy has limited room to grow and mainly develops its preexisting worlds; a policy which has currently been thrown to the wayside by corrupt cronies and rebellious nobles which have filled the Duchies postwar power vacuum.

*♔ Vacant Duchy*
*Devastated Capital*
*Corrupt Government*
*Rogue Noble Estates*
*Magenta stronghold*
*Ruined World*
*Apathetic Governor*
*Undeveloped*
*Rural Planet*