Nirvan Republic

The Nirvan Republic is a very strong and organised civlisation. Gaining their strength and influence from a series of military victories and border expansions. They are known for approaching war and combat with a new mindset, even training normal people to become soldiers. The republic itself is always looking to expand its land and sphere of influence, making it a threat to many of the bordering nations.

## Leadership

Nirvan is led as a republic, using elected individuals in a democratic format where a vote must be counted before a law comes into play.

The Senators can be eligible for election once they pass the age of 30 (or equilavent) or have been voted by the Senate to be exempt from the age rule. Before they become a full-fledged Senator, they serve as a Quaestor for one year. Once they have completed their term as a Quaestor. A Senator elected holds their position for 10 years before requiring another vote to see if they stay a Senator.

This is where the Senators that have not yet held a true position of power can gain some influence or bargaining. Since it is unlikely they will ever have time to speak on a legislation, they were named Pedarii (Pee-Da-Re-I).

### Legislative Process

*See here:* The Nirvan Republic Legislative Process

### Important Roles

#### Consul

The Nirvan Consul is seen as one with near-absolute power. Being at the top of Nirva’s political hierarchy. They are given 5 areas of responsibility. For a fair play, with two consuls being in power, they often alternated months of who would be the frontrunning consul. Being in the power for the month was termed ‘Holding fasces’, a bundle of sticks held by the Nirvan honor guard. Whomever got the most votes held fasces first.

*Legislative Agenda:* Consuls have the ability to call the Senate to have a meeting and set the agenda for said meeting. As their elections take 6 months, they have a lot of time on their mind to already write and set the framework for a lot of their legislation. With the alternating months, this gives them further time to framework. While the Consul has a veto, if they were to veto their fellow Consul’s law, then an act of mutually assured destruction would likely take place. Meaning conversations between the two were often seen more as debates.

*Elections:* Nirvan Consuls oversee all the elections held within the city of Nirva, and the government. This includes the next year's Consuls.

*Veto:* Only another Consul or a Tribune of the Plebs, can veto another Consul. Vetoing meaning they completely remove discussion and deny the bill being debates with simply that power. Veto power also gives them the right to deny someone calling the Senate to have a meeting.

*Public Holidays:* Consuls are given the ability to set the date of specific public holidays that otherwise would not be required to be on the same date every year. An example can be the Senate voting to honour an individual and the Consul setting which day it would be.

*Military:* Consuls have the ability to command an army and decide how a certain war will be approached and fought. Instead of holding fasces monthly, the Consuls hold fasces daily in relation to their military command. But it is rare for two Consuls to be on the field at the same time. The Senate can also provide Consuls another power, by passing the bill ‘the Senatus Consultum Ultimum’ which gives Consuls completely control over the nation in a form of Martial Law. Doing whatever they can to protect the Republic.

#### Governor

A Governor is an elected official from the Senate that has almost supreme power when running their province for their term. There they have very little checks and the powers of both military command and judicial command. Very often they are bribed. The terms were dependent on how the individual got the position, a Consul for 5 years, with the ability to get re-elected by the Senate while an ex-praetor for only a single year.

Using their provincial soldiers, or raising legions on their own, they are able to conquer outwards of their area and gather around 20% of the spoils of war. Or, they can accept bribes and make a fair amount of money that way.

## Military

The Nirvan Republic has a unique ideology when it comes to their military. Rather than have a certain class of people whom can fight, it allows for anyone under Nirvan control and can be trusted to join. They work in a way of Legions, thus an army can consist of many legions and be lead by a Quastor or higher, with a specific role called a Military Tribune being used to act as second-in-command.

### The Nirvan Legion

*See: Nirvan Military Reforms*

The Nirvan Legion is a group of 5,120 infantry, 300 Equites (Cavalry) and 200 Sagittarii (Archers). Often under a general, legions are grouped together to form a proper army. A legion can also be raised by an individual if they have the funds and power, otherwise there are a certain amount of legions given to every province. Legions are recruited by volunteers or conscription, with a standard term being 16 years, and a further 4 as reserves. An unpopular decision was that Legion soldiers are unable to marry during their term, ensuring that there is no disaffection if they leave families behind.

#### Training

Training within the Legion is a year-long ideal. With the first four-months of their training dedicated to marching skills and general fitness, in order to keep the legion moving together rather than split up by stragglers and different speeds, all of this within full armour and different from pack marches and normal marches. Swimming and gymnastics are also included in this conditioning regime.

After conditioning they undergo weapons training. The weapons they used are almost two times heavier than normal, in order to ensure they have an easier time thrusting foward in the battle. Once finished with the weapons training they move to one-on-one training, moreso sparring, this time they use weapons with the weight of their normal equipment.

Other training is obeying commands and understanding the different trumpet sounds for their command. This is finished with an oath of loyalty to the republic.

#### Organisation

##### **Contubernium**

The smallest group within a legion is called the Contubernium, they are a group of 8 people that slept, ate and shared their one pack animal together. Of the 8, they were often paired so they can become brotherly. Watching one anothers back in battle, or informing the family if the other dies and holding their funeral service. 2 slaves also accompany the contubernium. The leader of the contubernium is called a Decanus. A Decanus is selected from the conturbernium by the conturbernium.

##### **Century**

A Century consist of 80 men, or 10 Contubernia. It is the smallest organised unit that fought as one. Each having their own standard, traditions and a friendly rivalry with other centuries. A century was commanded by a Centurion, promoted to that position by their superiors. Their second in command was called an Optio, in charge of the training and discipline of the Century. In battle, the Centurion led from the front while the Optio led from the back, taking over if the extreme case required.

##### **Cohort**

Cohorts consist of 6 Centuries, or 480 men. 10 cohorts are in every legion, with generals ordering cohorts to move around in the battlefield, rather than any smaller unit. Each cohort has its own unique trumpet call. While having no dedicated commander of a cohort there is an institutionalised command structure. Of the 6 Centurion, the most experienced one leads the cohort, themselves and the rest still leading their normal centuries but also acting as advisors to the lead.

The first cohort is unqiue, it consists of 5 double strength centuries, totalling at 800 men. The Centurions from these centuries are higher ranked and more respected. Transfer to and from this cohort is controlled by the higher ranks. Belonging to this cohort is extremely prestigious, even if someone from is from the contubernium. This cohort protects the legions eagle standard. Like the other cohorts, the leader of the 1st was the most experienced and named the Primus Pilus. They can be seen as the 4th in command of the legion.

##### **Camp Prefect**

The Camp Prefect is the 3rd in command of the legion, a former Primus Pilus they have years of experience under their belt and are heavily respected. Their job is basically a quartermaster, and in charge of the construction of the many forts that legions build along their campaigns. It is the highest job for a career soldier. While chosen by command, they remain in that position until retirement.

##### **Military Tribune**

There are 6 Military Tribunes within the legion, 5 thin striped, and 1 thick striped. The 5 thin striped are elected and mainly act as a personal assistant to the leader of the legion, there for training and having very little responsibility or influence. The thick striped is the actual second-in-command of the legion, elected seperately due to the responsibilities they have. They have the power to lead the legion into battle if the leader is otherwise occupied.

##### **Legate**

The Legate is a Senator, appointed by the Senate. They lead the legion, only ranked higher by a general and their first legion. It is a lucrative but stressful position, They receive a share from the military rewards at the end of a campaign, and could use their legion to garner further favour with the Senate.

##### **Legatus Magic**

The Legatus Magic is the magic official that is set to guide and help the Legate in terms of decisions made, and anything magical encountered. They are always a powerful mage from Caesar College, appointed by the college and accepted by the Senate. They also lead a group of 10 apprentices, often current students still.

##### Levels of experience

During the Octan Reforms, the names Hastati, Principes and Triarii were the different levels of experience of individual units. Now the names are used with entire legions, depending on the majority experience level of the soldiers.

## Society

Nirvan Society is split up into 4 different distinct groups. All are different in their own way, with two relating close to one another.

### Plebeian

A Plebeian is seen as a commoner in Nirvan Society, though this does not always mean by wealth. Rather they have no connection to the founding families of the Nirvan Republic. Originally, there was a very distinct line between the Plebeians and the Patrician but now is rarely noted or talked about unless in politics. Some Plebeians are even richer than Patricians.

### Patrician

A Patrician is seen as the 'ruling class' of Nirva, though over time that distinction quickly became faded. Simply, they are families with lineage back to the founding members of the Nirvan Republic. While they used to be noble, they are now regular people with a higher group of wealth (not linked to their title) and have a different route of entering the Legislative Process.

### Equite

The Equite are the rich of the Nirvan Republic. Unlike the other two, it does not matter what type of societal group they are in, just the amount of wealth they have accumulated. If an Equite is unable to maintain their wealth, they were removed from the Equite. This type of group is simply to give the rich a presitigous class and their own voting block.

### Citizen

Different from Plebeian, Equite and Patricians, a citizen of the Nirvan Republic is given the right to gain aid from the government, access the city of Nirva without a permit and the right to vote. With all the conquering that the Nirvan Republic has done, there is a huge difference in societal values between the Nirvan Citizens and not. Citizens can be seen as higher, even nobles in the eyes of non-citizens. Thus, when a Governor gives citizenship to a group of people or individual is a huge honour as they are seen as equals in a regard.

## Geography

The Nirvan Republic is one of the most expansive nations in the world of Arlec. Within prime Nirva there are 5 different major forests, and 3 sets of mountains that make up the land they have conquered. The Republic also have land outside of Prime, all dominated by a major city that was conquered during one of their wars.

The Nirvan Republic is split up by various provinces led by a Governor, some are entirely made out of citizens of Nirva, while others are conquered territories where their Governor mostly maintains the peace.

### Climate

The Climate of the Nirvan Republic is a very Hot-Summer and Wet-Winter. Their hottest period occurs in July and Augona while Janu, Febtuary and Deamber are their more colder times. Most of the rainfall occurs during Novollo and Deamber. Thus, the nation is often quite humid in Octavium and Septim.

The highest average temperature that the Nirvan Republic is 30 degrees in July, while the lowest is in Janu at 12 degrees.

### Cities

The Nirvan Republic has a series of cities within their borders, expanding out from Prime Nirva with their conquests. The cities are as claimed:

Prime Nirva

* Nirva (Capital)
* Durolipons
* Julius
* Orolan
* Zela

Close Nirva

* Serdica
* Zela

Outer Nirva

* Aecae
* Londin
* Pella

Other cities, such as Lamion, Vagh Bhirn and Vagh Thurim are within Nirvan borders but classed as conquered allies, giving them their freedom to act independent but have a Nirvan garrison and must pay tribute.

## Commerce

The Nirvan Republic has become quite rich after all their conquests, including their many raids into the Radiant Wilds and outside their borders. With 3 mountain ranges within their borders gives them good access to minerals, metals, gemstones and different types of ores. Though two of them have the cities of Vagh Bhirn and Vagh Thurim, they still have easy access to the other mountains when it comes to mining.

The large flatter land gives Nirva access to large assortments of food, meaning a lot of what Nirva needs they already have.

### Imports

Though the Nirvan Republic has a large amount of resources and mostly of what they need, they still have a few things they require to be imported. These imports include Spices, Silks, Medicine and Exotic Animals.

### Exports

With the large amount of resources, the Nirvan Republic makes a large amount of money from exporting. The items they export include, but aren't limited to: Cotton, Metals, Wool, Grapes, Oil, Grain, Wine, Specialised Goods and Slaves.

## Culture

Other than the Social Structure that the Nirvan Republic has, there are many things that add to their culture. While each city has their own additions to their culture, listed here is the more generalist things to expect when entering a Nirvan town or city.

### Slavery

Slaves were common the the Nirvan Republic, often prisoners of war or purchased from slave markets, most houses, especially richer, have some slaves as servants. Unlike other nations, slaves were often kept at good health and killing a slave, especially in Prime Nirva, was forbidden unless in a Triumph. Branding was also frowned upon, but does still happen.

Slaves can also be freed by their masters, and is not uncommon to do so. After a 5 year service that has pleased their master, they are often freed in the way of getting paid to work as the servant if the master can afford it.

### Clothing

The Nirvan Republic use clothing to show the difference amongst themselves, adding significantly to the type of person they are. Every Nirvan wear some type of tunic, the basic garment for their people. It is a woven fabric, used to be made from wool but changed over time to a more silk-like material. Working people wear it at knee-length (women a little longer), short-sleeved with a belt tightened at the waist. Dark-coloured tunics are worn during the colder times, to give them comfort and protection from the cold.

For formal occassions, the men wear togas while the women wear loose dresses. To represent their societal class, Plebeians wear it with a brown sash, Patricians with a yellow sash and Equites with a green. Politicians are allowed to wear their toga with a red sash, and the reigning Consuls with a purple sash.

### Calendar

The Nirvan Calendar is a weird one, not in the design of it but the way it is mentioned in common speak. While Nirvans have adapted the use of saying the year, the month and the day. Many will still question the year, referring to which Consuls were in power then, or reference how close they are to a specific holiday when it comes to the day and month.

### Food

Nirvans have different naming for each of their meal times. What is normal breakfast is called *ientaculum*, lunch is *prandium*, dinner is *cena*, appetizers are called *gustatio* and dessert called *second table*. Most of their food is simple, consisting of bread, salad, cheese, fruits and cold meats if before cena and not at a restaurant. Wine is also a common staple, though watered down.

At parties and festivals an *Arbiter,* or *Judge of Drinking* is decided, making them responsible for the water ratios and wine. Alcoholism is seen as very damaging to ones reputation, as Nirvans enjoy monitoring it.

### Education

Education is very important in Nirvan Culture, with schools being accessible for citizen locations, either provided by that locations council or the government. For citizens outside of Nirva Prime, they have access to tutors but do come at the expense of the parents. Most education begins at the age of six (or equivalent) and give the basics of reading, writing and counting. At around twelve (or equivalent) they begin learning a second language, grammer and literature, along with training for public speaking and Oratory. Military schools are not uncommon, preparing someone for an officer command.

### Arts

#### Literature

Literature is a very important part of Nirvan culture, as they are often found recording and writing everything down in order to keep a good account of history. If it is not a historical piece, there are many textbooks to help general education or further, likely influenced by Caesar College and the Octavian Institute. Philosophical writing is not uncommon to be found either, with many debate groups and theorists finding places to vent their thoughts and discuss with one another. Satire is another genre found in the Nirvan Republic, with comedies being quite popular among the people and fake accounts of history done in a more humourous way.

#### Visual Art

Nirvan art is mostly recorded on the pottery they have, or long paintings showing an embellished or interesting part of their history. A form of graffiti is not uncommon to be found, with many of the younglings going around and drawing satire pictures on walls. Nirva itself is a very colourful city, with many of their buildings painted in some sort of way, helping show the white marble and concrete.

#### Music

Music is a very popular and major part of life in the Nirvan Republic. Every public event is accompanied by some type of music, whether from instruments or singing. Giant bands are not uncommon, especially when it comes to sporting events.

### Sports and Entertainment

Off of a cities public baths, a series of sporting fields are commonly found to give the youth the ability to indulge in. Such sports include wrestling, boxing, racing and swimming. Ball games are also common, including a form of catch, handball and hockey.

Outside of the normal sports, gladiatorial combat, theatrical performances, chariot races and public executions are also seen as fun activities. Arenas are even used to accommodate such events, allowing up to 60,000 people to sit and watch the event.

Inside houses, board games are quite popular. Including games like chess, checkers, games of dice and war games.

For the more military minded, there are large grounds for mock battles and drill to be taken place. Allowing for spectators to enjoy or military commanders to practice various tactics against one another.

Outside of these common events come festivals and holidays. Nirvans seemingly love festivals and holidays, often finding any reason for it to occur.

## Religion

While the people living within the Nirvan Republic are able to worship whatever they want, the Novus Religion is the main faith, with the rich making many temples and shrines to prove their faith to their gods.

### De Vin

De Vin has slowly been growing in popularity in the Nirvan Republic, with people enjoying the commandments and what they represent. While there is not always a temple or shrine in every settlement, even in cities, there can still be small groups of followers of the faith.

### Hou

Hou is the second most popular religion in the Nirvan Republic, with the three moons being able to sighted every night. These temples are quite expensive, especially with the network in the roof that allows the moons light to shine through, but are still purchased by the nobles, with a temple in every city and some towns while shrines are in the rest.

### Novus

The Novus religion is the main religion of the Nirvan Republic. They have a temple in every city and town, with further additions of shrines as well. To prove their faith and gain popularity with the people, many nobles also fund the construction and some of the maintenance of their own temples and shrines.

While the temples usually worship every god, the shrines are dedicated to single gods.

## History

*See: Campaign History of the Nirvan Military*

**202PR** - Orginally created as the Kingdom of Nirva.

**259PR** - Octavian Nirva creates the Octavian Institute.

**280PR** - Caesar College founded by Publius Caesar.

**392PR** - Lorenzen War begins.

**396PR** - Battle of the Yiburn River. Octan Reforms.

**404PR** - Orolan surrendered to the Nirvans.

**416PR** - Yiburn captured by the Nirvans, renaming it to Julius.

**417PR** - Lorenzen Peace Treaty, ending the Lorenzen War.

**444PR** - Vagh Bhirn captured, end of Bhirn Campaign.

**482PR** - Aren surrenders, becoming Nirvan allies and the end of the Arenian Campaign.

**484PR** - Thurim War. The Battle of Thurnik Hold.

**489PR** - Calenus Reforms.

**491PR** - Second Lorenzen War.

**508PR** - Lamion War.

**512PR** - Asger War.