Isoira

The nation of the Iso, aka Isoira *(I-soir-a)*, is a wealthy religious and spiritualist state in the north-west of Sine. The nation of Isoira does not typically meddle in political activity unless strictly necessary. Isoira and Kodra are on hostile terms, with Kodra being a splinter faction that originated in the southern territories of Isoira. They oppose each other in every action, including in the Queen race. Despite their religious and spiritual focus, the nation possesses an advanced military funded by their rich economy due to their natural resources. Isoira does not import any goods from outside Isoira, but does sell at an extremely inflated price. Isoir surnames include 'Iso' after the surname, colloquially, they are called Isoir.

## **Society**

Isoira is the only nation in Sine to only have one city, the capital of Lumenthia. The nation is very peaceful despite recent conflicts. The vast majority of the population live in small towns and villages throughout the marshy countryside of the nation, generating a countryside culture that has become iconic. The nation is extremely well-cared for, with such towns and villages looking like postcards or calendar images.

Despite this utopian look, many outside Isoira say would rather not live there. Isoir society has been compared to a cult. This is because Isoira is a dictatorship led by religious and spiritual leaders elected upon death. Isoir citizens claim a 'leader' is unnecessary, and the whole idea of having one is going out of fashion.

### **Lumenthia**

Lumenthia is the capital of Isoira and where all Iso diplomacy and foreign trade takes place. Lumenthia is one of two cities that have still remaining mostly intact from the ancient era. Lumethia is a modern coastal city in the north of the country. Lumenthia houses around 11% of the country's population.

In global statistics, Lumenthia ranks consistently as the city with the highest standard of living, highest level of happiness and highest level of life expectancy. Life quality is generally very high within the Sine continent with Lumenthia acting as a beacon of prosperity.

## **The 'Higher Power'**

Isoira, a spiritualist and religious state, hold the belief in a 'higher power above that of Rokalian royalty'. This originated in ancient Lumenthia after rumours of immortality amongst the leaders of the nation. Ro-Iso, a prominent leader of Isoira at the time, was the subject of interest from many in Isoir society. Ro-Iso disappeared later on, never to be seen again in Isoira. This was until his return as King of Rokalia. After essentially hibernating for centuries, he re-emerged as King of Rokalia. No one has been able to piece this together however because no one at present knows what Ro-Iso looked like outside of inaccurate ancient art pieces.

Ro-Iso promoted a 'higher power' during his time as a prominent figure of Isoira. This higher power was advertised as a power, not a being, that exists outside of space itself and is only attainable through birth. However, the 'power' itself is watching over the universe. The 'power' is said to be sentient large light-masses, similar to that of stars, that hold extreme power with capabilities to elevate regular organic structures and other beings into 'something more'. Ro-Iso's sayings and descriptions of this power lead to beliefs that these light-masses promote values of unity and peace.

Therefore, whilst not having a specific God, many in ancient Isoir society believed in this power and this belief has been passed down all the way to modern day Isoira. This has helped Isoira curate a culture in which pacifism and unity are fundamental to life. Ro-Iso's scriptures are present in Isoir cathedrals and monuments which detail what the 'stars' were thinking during certain points in time.

## **Military**

The nation of Isoira possess a very small yet advanced military similar in power to Reides. However, unlike Reides, the Isoir do not utilise any espionage. This is because Isoira is a peaceful nation that does not look to expand and cause trouble, with their reason for having a military being purely for defence. Isoira has little countermeasures towards espionage against it, however is naturally protected from espionage because of their unique society being hard to infiltrate. The only way usually is to find a willing Isoir insider, but that is extremely rare. Reides are the only nation with Isoir insiders.

The military is referred to as "Holy Knights", a generic religious-style title given to those who protect Isoira from 'outsiders'. When Kodra defected from the nation, the Holy Knights stood no chance against Jesnara's power, but were able to contest the Kodra military. It is thought should a war break out between the two, Isoira would be victors.

The Holy Knights possess a unique fighting style. They do not seek to kill their enemies, but rather incapacitate or paralyze them permanently instead and then send them to a rehabilitation facility to turn them into better people. Some consider this fate to be worse than death as little is known about the rehabilitation phase. This instills a welcomed scare-factor towards the Isoira military. The Holy Knights achieve this through marine warfare in which melee is preferred but the military also possesses unique weaponry with 'bullets' being high voltage metal needles tipped with toxic chemicals designed to pierce the vein of a target. This requires extreme accuracy from the shooter, but marksmanship is the Isoira's claim to fame for that reason.

Isoira would rather not have to possess such abilities, however recognise the need for such tactics in a dramatic continent.

## **Geography**

The nation of Isoira is primarily flat grasslands with many rivers, creeks, lakes etc. due to a low sea level. Isoira possesses a hilly terrain to the west where many towns reside. Isoira has a massive countryside culture with many settlements around such lakes creating beautiful scenery in well-designed and looked after communities.

## **Historical Events**

The most prominent historical event in Isoir history is the defection of its southern territories. The Kodra Coalition with the aid of Jesnara took the southern region of Isoira and formed a new nation. Kodra started out as a delinquent group that rejected the ideals of Isoira society. They did not like doing what they were told and were exposed to the outside world. They liked the theatrics of the continent and enjoyed Rokalian and Jesnaran media. This ultimately made them a dejected group labelled as bandits and formed their own tribe on the border of Jesnara and Isoira.

The Kodra learned to defend themselves and grew stronger, with their ideas spreading throughout the southern regions. To the Isoir leader's dismay, they were gaining traction. After peace attempts failed and Kodra gained more influence, Jesnaran agents suggested to Kodra's leadership the idea of claiming Isoira territory for their own and will receive aid. Aid was all Kodra needed to hear. Jesnara, in it for the gaining of land and to set up a buffer-zone between them and Isoira due to rising Isoir immigration concerns, supported Kodra with training and supplies but not munitions.

Jesnara did not even take a step onto Isoir land. This is because of national rioting within Jesnara from groups who supported the peace, therefore settled with supplying aid to the defectors instead. Using this aid, Kodra defeated the Holy Knights, who arrived not only too late but not in great numbers. Isoira's military, only consisting of small units, were massively outnumbered to the surprise of Isoir leadership.

The Kodra based their operations in Kodria, their capital. Kodria was a large town that was swiftly taken over and claimed as their own. From there, the Kodra sweeped the undefended southern territories. The Holy Knights were no match, but managed to establish a frontline and buffer zone, creating a new border that separates the two to this day.

## **Agenda**

Isoira continues to live in peace and tranquility. However, some disdain naturally still remains for the Kodra. The Isoir leaders are seeking justice for what happened. The usual response from the citizens was to not cause more conflict, and to let the Kodra think what they wish because in the end, they will be doomed after death.

However, ever since the news of Jesnaran support being pulled, the general opinion has shifted. Gradually, the citizens want to see their 'friends' in the south return home, and even a minority of Kodrans are feeling the same way. But some Kodrans will never step foot in the 'cult' again and will likely flee to Jesnara in case of the nation falling.

It is believed a conflict between the two is only a matter of time. Steps are being taken in Isoira to reduce the number of casualties, as they do not want to kill Kodrans, rather rehabilitate them. Kodra on the other hand are preparing for war, importing Furukanne munitions and enforcing mandatory military training for at least five years, with the vast majority refusing to be 'rehabilitated' as who knows what that could mean for them.

If the Isoir want their land and people back, they must be quick. However, the Isoir are considering playing the waiting game. All the details are not fully understood by many, even the Reides.

###### **Isoira**

*The Iso are pure. We are unique. We seek the infinite and the power above that of Rokalian royalty.*

###### **Furukanne**

*The Furukanne are war-obsessed who do not care for the continent. Perhaps the latter is a good thing for us. I hope the Queen does not try to involve them in Sine affairs any more than they do now.*

###### **Kodra**

*One day, they will face divine judgement for violently protesting the law of the Iso. We will let them live with that in the back of their minds. Though, the Holy Knights might want to hear of their lack of Jesnaran support!*

###### **Sylxa**

*A home for the rotten-minded to live in rich squalour. Money is not everything. Seek the inner self for true power.*

###### **Jesnara**

*We do not care for the Nas anymore after their involvement in the war. We will vote with any princess who is against them. They say it is wise to not be vindictive. One can only pray for karma yet they won the Queen race. Perhaps sometimes you must take the first steps yourself.*

###### **Rokalia**

*The head of the continent. Rich yet rotten, a toilet on the inside. The Isoir countryside vs the dirty smug city. It's insane we're the ones who are disliked.*

###### **Reides**

*To sum up the Reides - annoying. A small nation, but if you called them that, they'd threaten you with a nuclear attack.*

###### **Kely-Halia**

*Powerful set of beautiful islands filled with egomaniacs. Perhaps this is what happens when the minnow becomes the shark.*

## **Candidate Opinions**

###### **Jemi Kalla-Haliojun**

*A Haliojun Queen? Surely these egomaniacs will only seek to further themselves and not the wider continent? We are not sure of how trustworthy a Haliojun would be in charge, but if you look at the other option it's no better. Jemi seems pure and misguided, perhaps we could give her a chance even if she's being told what to do.*

###### **Izra Sens-Rei**

*We hope that if we vote against the Reides, they won't threaten us. If they lose the Queen vote, their vindication could lead to more conflict. As for Izra, she seems far more confident than Jemi and she's a military leader. Competency is key as Queen, perhaps Izra would be the wiser choice rather than taking a chance on what just looks like some girl.*