Empire of Altreayas

# **The Empire of Altreayas**

Flag of Altreayas

Altreayas, officially the Empire of Altreayas, (Altreayin: *Avystaen den Altreaya*) is a country located in northwestern Aitrias.

## History

### Pre Empire

##### Formations

The History of the Altreayan people begins in 983 B.A.R. (Before Altreayan Reformation) when the tribe of Al-Sheaya migrated to Western Aitrias to escape the Jurasiyu peoples. It is unknown where Al Sheaya originated, however scholars suspect the Altreayan people came from redwood forests of Central Aitrias.

Much of early Altreayan history has been lost to time. A lack of written or literary records has been theorized to be the product of ancient wars between Al Sheaya and nearby tribes. However, from what archeological evidence that has been discovered it can be pieced together that this era gave rise to five families that became imperative to Al Sheayan politics; the Eldari who had set up a small village to the east on fertile lands, the Aureylians who set up the village of **Altrucia** on the coast, the Alcyrs, the Vyrans, and the Hujarans.

##### Feud of Two Sisters

In 493 B.A.R., according to *The Feud of Two Sisters*, archeological evidence, and some primary accounts, the Eldari chieftainess' daughter, Syral Eldar, was given the hand of the third son of the chieftainess of Alcyr. Preparations were made to hold the ritual in the village of Jucyr. Unknown to the Eldari, Mural, the Vyran chieftaness' daughter, had seduced the third son of Alcyr and had an affair with him. When this information was revealed to Syral she was enraged. The Eldari prepared for war against Alcyr and Vyran. From 492 to 489 the three tribes engaged in a series of conflicts and skirmishes that destroyed many of the villages of central Al Sheaya. It was only through the combined efforts of the Aureylians and the Hujarins that the war reached its conclusion. The house of Vyran and Alcyr were forced to break up the affair between Mural and the third son. Tragically, they killed themselves before the treaty could be enforced.

##### The Long Reign

From **407** to **138** B.A.R. the Al Sheayan kuze [1] entered a period of civil strife and conflict. The region was enveloped by war and feuds as tensions between the major clans rose. Much of the information of this time period has been lost. However, records that we have point to the destruction of the Hujaran clan, the loss of life unseen before through disease epidemics and warfare, and several droughts and famines.

##### The War of a Hundred Years

Much of our historical documents and archeological evidence of the war and the period before it would be destroyed or lost in the battles, epidemics, and destruction that consumed the region. The following has been pieced together through legends, preserved writings, songs, and stories.

In **141** B.A.R. Kuza [2] Mayasar ascended to the head of the Eldari Kuze. From a young age she observed the terrible conditions of her people, brought about by corruption and the resources used for war, and was determined to bring it to an end. She often launched fiery speeches that gathered her infamy and popularity amongst a people hardened by death. Her determination won her a series of battles against the Vyran Kuze, culminating in the Battle of Ausau (**140**) and her subsequent diplomatic victory. She returned home to Eldar as a hero and with it she brought a peace that would last nearly seven years.

But her desire for peace also brought her many enemies - those who wanted to take advantage of the situation for their own dealings. In 133 B.A.R. Kuzay [3] Sina was assassinated by Usil Yuranada during a boating trip, a close friend and advisor of Mayasar turned traitor. Usil was intending to kill Mayasar, but missed her mark. Usil fled the region into the neighboring lands of the Aureylian Kuze.

Distraught by the death of her nine year old daughter, Mayasar swore revenge upon Usil and gathered an army. She marched into the Aureylian village of Nisa and slaughtered her way to Usil, eventually killing and torturing the assassin.

The Aureylians could not let this act stand. Peace fell apart in an instant as the region descended into warfare - sides forming from ancient treaties signed by those long dead. The Aureylians marched into the Eldari city of Nunavisk, setting it ablaze. Then they marched to Yuhan and destroyed it. Then they marched to Goran where the Eldari army was waiting.

##### The Battle of Goran (132)

Ayazaer [4] Juyn Lia, a distant cousin of Kuza Mayasar, was placed in control of the Eldari armed forces. Usually command of the military would have fallen to Mayasar. The Kuza, however, had fallen victim to insanity after the death of her daughter. In her place, Juyn Lia led the armed forces. Calculating the route the Aureylians were taking, she determined Goran would be the next city attacked by the enemy. She ordered the city to begin fortifying the walls and preserving as much food as possible for an extended siege.

Several days later an Aureylian force of 16,000 troops marched to the city and began the siege. The Eldari forces had a total of 13,500 troops, however Ayazaer Lia was a day away, leaving Goran with a total count of 900 troops. The Aureylian force quickly secured the area and initiated a siege, blocking the city from any outside food and water sources.

A day and a half later the Eldari force arrived in the area. The Aureylian commander left a force of 1,000 to besiege the city and set off to face the Eldari.

Hours later the two sides engaged in combat and the battle raged for hours. The conflict eventually came to a conclusion after Ayazaer Lia was able to divide the Aureylian force in half and launch a full frontal assault agains enemy forces.

The battle was a victory for the Eldari, but came at a high cost of lives. Around 5,000 Eldari were dead, and 3,900 Aureylian were dead (although much more were captured or wounded).

##### Aftermath of the Battle of Goran (132 to 10 B.A.R.)

The Battle of Goran would set off a feud that would last for over one hundred years and would continue long after Kuza Mayasar and Ayazaer Lia were dead. The bloodlines of the Eldari and the Aureylians fought until they couldn't anymore.

It is believed, by both modern scholars and academics, that in 17 B.A.R. a figure named Ashla united the Kuze against the Eldari, who, under the Kuza Himina, had conquered much of Al Sheaya and pillaged the region. Asha won a series of victories and the remnants of the Eldari Kuze were pushed out of the region.

In the wake of the war the region was crippled. The Vyran and Aureylian clans were too weak to enforce their rule and the Alcyr clan was destroyed entirely.

##### The Kuzacyr Era

The Kuzacyr Era began with the enactment of the *Treaty of Ishlaharn* in **17** B.A.R. after the conclusion of the war. The treaty sought to provide a common banner and government for the Kuze, however initial proposals were rejected in favor for proposals that sought more independence for the various Kuze. The common government was based on the following:

1. Every two to three years the Kuze would meet in the city of Vyrnisia and elect a Kuzacyr to act as an arbiter.
2. All the Kuze must agree on a Kuzacyr and can replace them.
3. The Kuze would retain their autonomy and hold the ability to act diplomatically, militarily, and economically.
4. The Kuzacyr would lead a common army against any and all outside threats.

Ashla was the first one to be elected as Kuzacyr, in part because of her popularity. She would attempt to foster unity and solidarity until her death in **12** B.A.R. Afterwards the Kuzacyr would become a puppet for various factions of Kuze to inflict their own desires onto other Kuze, which would often lead into conflict. By **9** B.A.R. the Kuzacyr would be left vacant.

### Formation of the Empire

#### Rise of Shialcyras

Shialcyras, daughter of Cyras [**54-10** B.A.R.] and Rota [**53** B.A.R. - **12** A.R.] was born in the city of Vyrnisia in the year **22** B.A.R. She was a distant relative to the Kuza of Aureylian and, after the death of Kuza Maryn's children in **19** B.A.R. was the heir apparent to the Kuza.

Kuza Maryn [**76** B.A.R. - **6** B.A.R.] was old. She had lead the Aureylian Kuze through a large portion of the later Hundred Years War. She knew she did not have much time left and that she could not have more children. Yet, she was determined to give Shialcyras the best education she could while the rest of the Kuze engaged in warfare. She searched far and wide across Aureylian lands to find poets, musicians, economists, and administrators that could teach the young heiress how to rule. She was able to secure the likes of the poet Uras [**70-11** B.A.R.], the musician Archyan [**50-3** B.A.R.], the philosopher Kukani [**40** B.A.R.- **80** A.R.], and the Uryleon [5] Racheleon [**40** B.A.R. to **30** A.R.]. She guided the young Shialcyras through the court and mentored her. It was said that her death in **6** B.A.R. affected the young Kuza greatly.

In **6** B.A.R. Shialcyras ascended to the leadership of the Aureylian Kuze. She inherited the territory Maryn was able to rebuild, the debts of the Aureylian Kuze over the past century, and the turmoil the Kuze was in at the time. She quickly began to work passing the *Territory Act,* the *Recruitment Act,* The *Yuranhi Laws,* and reorganized how the Kuze was run through the form of efficient taxation, the reorganization of the military, and the seizure of lands being unused.

In **5** B.A.R. she signed an offensive and defensive alliance with the Vyran Kuze, ancient allies of the Aureylian Kuze in hopes of fostering connections with the other Kuze. Through her diplomatic prowess and her connections she was able to gather more allies amongst the centralization faction.

In **3 B.A.R.** a war between the Yukalatyn and the Luuncraen Kuze, two of the biggest Kuze at the time, gave way to the perfect opportunity for her and her allies to seize power. She and her allies marched into Vyrnisia and declare the Kuzacyr abolished. The tensions that had been building up since the end of the War of a Hundred Years erupted into conflict and war broke out.

## Culture

### Founding Myth

Long before history began, before the age of stone and fire, there was a group of people called the Al-Sheaya. They were said to be strong and capable warriors, yet always helped those around them. They gave food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, knowledge to the curious, and a path to the lost. The people were happy and a great peace befell the land.

Many seasons later a new kuza [2] appeared near the horizon. They called themselves the Eldari. In desperate need of food and shelter, they were welcomed by the Al-Sheaya as their own and, for a time, there was harmony amongst nature and humans.

One of the Eldari, a man known to all as Promescius [3], had lost much during the Eldari migration. He had lost much of his belongings, some he had loved very much. He grew jealous of those who had what he did not.

One day, while searching for animals to hunt, he found a ball of light embedded into the ground. It called out to him, beckoning him to take it. And so he did.

A few epos [4] later he returned to the village of Eld. He revealed it to the villagers and they marveled at its beauty. Eld used it for greatness. He moved the rivers and caused the skies to fall. He captured great animals and gathered many echas [5] and mirickas [6]. The people proclaimed his name throughout the region and soon began to worship him as a great spirit.

However, blinded by his newfound abilities and the adulation of the people, Promescius failed to recognize the destructive consequences of his actions. The once-flowing waters dried up, and the land suffered. The harmony that the Al-Sheaya had long maintained was unraveling. And the Eldari found themselves unable to resist their desires.

The lush lands of Al-Sheaya withered and desiccated. Rivers ran dry, fertile fields turned to dust, and the harmonious relationship between the people and nature was severed. As the Eldarstone's unchecked power continued to cause havoc, desperation gripped the hearts of the Al-Sheaya.

Tensions escalated into conflict. Conflict into war. War into death. The Al-Sheaya, were divided into many sides each vying for the scarce remnants of sustenance. The tranquil landscape became a battleground, echoing with the clash of zwasids [7] and the cries of the desperate.

And so the kuza fought amongst one another. Warring over the smallest and scarce of resources. And for many more years at war they would remain.

It was only thanks to the first Chieftain Asha Kul that the war came to an end. Bearing the burden of leadership, Asha embarked on a perilous journey, traversing the war-torn landscapes to forge alliances and mend the fractures that had torn the once-noble kuza asunder. Asha’s journey was fraught with challenges. The kuza hesitated to lay down their weapons. Yet, through eloquence, diplomacy, and the sheer force of their character, Asha managed to convince the war-weary leaders that survival could only be achieved through solidarity.

One by one the kuza unified under one banner and proclaimed themselves as Altreaya. Their armies marched under Asha’s name. They fought battle upon battle against the Eldari forces and many were killed and much was destroyed, but through their united effort the Eldari were driven out of the region and the Eldarstone was captured. Recognizing the danger it posed, Asha, with the united support of the kuza, made the fateful decision to destroy it. As the radiant sphere shattered, a wave of energy surged through the land, undoing the damage wrought by its power. The once-desolate landscapes began to heal, and nature reclaimed its rightful balance.

### Gender Roles

Women are seen as rational, calculating, and stoic. She does not let herself be ruled by her emotions, yet should you slight her she will never forgive. She is a source of stability. So, women wear blue, yellow, and white clothing - a sign of calmness and lack of change. Women are dependable, but rooted in place.

By contrast men are seen as passionate, emotional, violent, and instinctive. They dress in vibrant, explosive colors. They are quick to anger and quick to forgive. They are volatile and loose. Many a night he begins by attempting to murder a complete stranger for some imagined slight to his honor, only to end at daybreak by swearing eternal friendship and brotherhood with said same stranger.

Because property demands stability only a woman may own property. All the lands, the fields, the buildings, and all that falls beneath the lights of the moon belong to the woman.

A man may never own anything immobile, only what he can carry or cart away on his own. He often travels through the country and only settles when he joins with a woman.

Because woman is rational she is the poet, the architect, the reader, the landowner, the farmer, the teacher, the general, the doctor, and the leader.

Because man is a traveler he is the artist, the merchant, the sailor, the horse racer, the soldier, and the miner.

### Aloh

In Altreayan Culture the family plays one of the most critical roles in society.

An *Aloh* [9], literally translating to "family," is the smallest subdivision of Altreayan Society. Each Aloh contains anywhere from eight to thirty members, however size can vary from region to region. The Aloh is headed by the Damir [10]. She is in charge of counting the members of her Aloh, their occupations, and their genders for census and tax purposes. A Damir is generally considered as the leader of the Aloh and all decisions in her family is regarded as hers.

The family is tasked with several important duties:

* Acquiring education for its members in various fields, such as farming, blacksmithing, soldiers, etc.
* Protect its children.
* Instituting Altreayan values.
* Arranging marriages to continue its legacy.
* Conducting an internal census.
* Interacting with other families.

Most families tend to stay in a single line of work. For example a family that produces armor and weapons will usually keep its members in the blacksmith. It is uncommon for an Altreayan girl to stray from her family's legacy. Most young boys tend to help their families until they reach the age of 16, wherein then they are expected to travel and explore the nation.