Auresia

State of Auresia Dominio Auresiano
Flag	Coat of arms
	File:Auresia emblem.png
Motto: Leo Numquam Dormit "The Lion Never Sleeps" (Pastanan) "Auresia Aeternum" "Auresia Eternal"
Anthem: Vindus Salva l'Imperatore Vind Save the Emperor
Locator map
File:Auresia Map.png
Capital city	Cedelphia
Largest city	Porto Imperiale
Official language	Auresian
Other languages
Ethnic group
Religion	Orkanan
Demonym(s)	Auresian
Government
Government Type	Constitutional monarchy
Emperor	Cephero V
Prime Minister	Guglielmo di Polaggio, Cav.
Legislature	Senate
Establishment
Foundation	1 Alhela 4466
Area
Total	xxx km2
Water %	xxx
Population
Total	xxx
Density	xxx/km2
Economy
Economy type	Market capitalist
GDP (total)	Ꞡ TBA
GDP per capita	Ꞡ TBA
Currency	Florin (ƒ)
Inequality index	TBA
Development index	TBA
Other information
Time zone	+0
Driving side	right
Calling code	+TBA
Internet code	.aur
Nation number	{{{nation number}}}

The State of Auresia (Dominio Auresiano), or simply Auresia, is a sovereign constitutional monarchy in eastern coastal Anaria. Straddling the continental subregions of Anaria Major and Thultannia, it is bordered to its north by Halland and Livaria, to the south by 128, 129, 134 and Medovenia, and to the west by 148. Its capital is Cedelphia and its largest city is Porto Imperiale, the latter situated at the eastern mouth of the Hattaro Strait, connecting the two geographically disparate parts of the realm together.

Boasting a long-standing continuity, Auresia professes itself as one of the oldest continually extant nations in recorded history. According to tradition, the first instance of the Empire was born shortly after the new year of 4466 RH and has existed for over two millennia in various forms. Most consider the beginning of modern Auresia in the 7300s, during the Industrial Revolution; in which rapid technological and economic development had led the country towards establishing a global colonial empire through its newfound overseas territories. Much of the empire would be dismantled under decolonisation, however, spurring a change for the title for the Auresian monarchy, while many of the metropole's institutions have remained as fundamental components of the modern Auresian nation. To date, it remains an influential power in the fields of finance and commerce, serving as a trading hub for commodities in Anaria and the Stolvic trade, and as one of the preeminent military powers of Anaria.

History

This section is a work in progress. Needs to be updated to reflect current era.

Auresia as a united land appeared in the latter decades of the 43rd century, united by the military and diplomatic acumen of the legendary Adamo the Great, honoured in the nation's history as its first monarch. He drew the three predecessor states of the modern realm into the Triselene League, named after the coastal region, where the leaders of the respective states first met with him to unify the lands. Adamo died in 4429 after a 41-year reign, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Manion, who strengthened the nation through various military endeavours which spread its influence westward and southward.

This nation state would exist through the next thousand years until being fractured by the War of the Banners in 4968, which began shortly after the death of Arlo III, who history remembers as the one force largely keeping the two factions opposed in policy and tradition apart. With his passing, the rival families - House Accardo in the east and House Lamberto in the west - began to openly oppose each other. This opposition expanded into open civil warfare within the next three years, and for nearly four decades the two factions would engage each other throughout the nation in bloody and contentious fighting.

The fighting initially seemed to favour the Lamberto faction, when in 5001 they successfully lured the leader of the Accardo into attending a gathering of leadership, under the guide of negotiating a truce and eventually a settlement. While gathered in supposedly neutral ground on the Bellucente Plain, Lorenzo Accardo was stabbed by a hidden assassin, but in the ensuing confusion was able to escape the tent and flee into the nearby woods. After several days of searching, his body was never found, and he was presumed dead or lost. The rest of Lorenzo Accardo's family was reportedly slain or missing after a Janessari raid on Lutant a week later, and the civil war was ended with the surrender of the last of the Accardo loyalists. The Lamberto victory was short-lived, however, as within just a few days of fighting being ended raids by the Rundeen pirates began, taking advantage of the nation's weakened state to pillage and terrorise settlements all along the North Anarian coast.

Numerous attempts in the next few years to identify and destroy the Rundeen strongholds proved only partially successful, and the pirate confederacy remained a threat for several decades. It was suspected that they may have been coming from safe havens along the southern Stoldavian coast, but regional disputes and a lack of desire to risk drawing the nations of the region into protracted conflict dissuaded the leadership in Cedelphia from committing forces to stamping them out. This inaction allowed them to remain active and threaten settlements throughout the Chessex, Aer, and Calcic straits. Despite this recalcitrance to take the fight to the Rundeen, the leadership in Cedelphia took steps to strengthen coastal and regional defence, and the nation's navy began to slowly rebuild. The delicate balance of power within the Council of Lords, which had collectively governed the nation since the end of the War of the Banners, was shifted dramatically by the appearance in 5044 of Cephero Accardo, the grandson of Lorenzo Accardo who had been reported missing after the Janessari raid on Lutant. Having been taken by the mercenaries rather than slain, he had been adopted into their society and had become a part of them, rising to become first one of their foremost commanders and later their Jende'alor, or great chief. Unbound by the diplomatic and political strictures of the region, he used his forces to systematically hunt down the Rundeen and eliminate their safe havens after successfully routing their forces in a battle at Porto Imperiale.

At the time of his reappearance, Cephero had one living relative who sat on the Council: his great-uncle Orazio Accardo, who had been left largely untouched for reasons never known outside of the higher echelons of the Lamberto family. In the intervening years he had become a voice for reason and moderation within the Council and was respected by its various interests. He was sent to greet his grandnephew when he arrived in Cedelphia and brought him before the Council. Despite the obvious fear the Janessari warlord created his position as a sort of folk hero to the people made him both a potentially useful presence and a potential threat to the power of the lords, but one that they could not openly address due to fear of popular sentiment turning against them. Cephero was permitted to join his great-uncle in Council sessions when the elder statesman began to suffer from ill health and ultimately took his place when his ability to attend was no longer possible. This created the opportunity he would then seize gradually over time to transform Auresia forever.

Through a judicious use of his political cunning and skills as a motivator and manipulator of people, Alexandros made many friends within the Council, most especially among the merchants and the more militant members, to enable himself to maintain a quiet control over those important blocs without undue struggle or dispute. Over the course of the next several years, he enacted several reforms that both pushed modernization within the league and promoted his popularity among the people. He became both an advocate for the well-being of the nation and its people, and a voice for the modernisation of its infrastructure and services to enable a more stable economic and social condition which improved living standards and attracted greater commerce to the country from regional and overseas entities. Gradually, despite not being speaker of the Council, Cephero began to eclipse it as his popularity with the common folk grew. Thanks to him, roads and bridges had been built or renovated, houses of healing and charity had been opened to aid the less fortunate, and the poor laws had been amended to reduce their more draconian aspects while still providing for those in greatest need. Eventually, Cephero' opinions became the Council's opinions, his thoughts its laws, and his voice its voice. A quiet attempt by the Lamberto family at rebellion against him was put down quickly and violently, with the last members of that family line being put to the sword between 5053 and 5055, ending their decades-old dispute once and for all.

Thus with no significant remaining opposition to his continued prominence, Cephero assembled the Council on New Years Day of 5056 and proclaimed the start of a new era for Auresia. He declared the foundation of the Auresian Empire and was acclaimed Emperor by the Council, with the formal proclamations going out the next day. With this action, he established the Imperial House of Auresia which continues to rule the nation to modern times.

Geography

Auresia is a vast realm stretching across a range of topographies. Its sheer size makes it a land of varied climates, from the humid rainforests in the south to the snowy mountain ranges in the north. The geographical disposition of the nation has been an instrumental factor in its storied history, shaping the empire's economic, political, and cultural evolution.

The land can be primarily divided into several regions, each with its distinct geographic features:

The north of Auresia is dominated by the vast mountain ranges known as the Adamaic Mountains. These snowy peaks are not only a formidable natural defense against potential northern invaders but are also rich in minerals. Mining towns have historically sprung up around these mountains, contributing significantly to Auresia's treasury. There are numerous tales of the dangerous creatures and hidden valleys within these mountains, many of which are yet unexplored. It is rumored, though unconfirmed, that the Janessari sanctuary of Theros Obsidia is located somewhere in the Adamic Mountains.

The heart of Auresia consists of sprawling plains, making it the breadbasket of the empire. The central plains, watered by numerous rivers and streams, have been the seat of agriculture for centuries. These fertile lands are dotted with farms, villages, and major cities that connect the empire. The Corbolo River, the most significant waterway in Auresia, flows through these plains, providing a natural highway for trade and transport. A stretch of the river passes through the Imperial capital at Cedelphia.

The Auresian deep south is a dense rain forest which is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Thick and teeming with life, these forests are home to various exotic animals and plants. The woods have historically been a source of valuable herbs, spices, and medicinal plants, making them a sought-after destination for traders and explorers alike. However, the dense foliage also poses challenges in terms of navigation, and many who venture deep into these forests never return.

The western coastlines of Auresia boast some of the most beautiful beaches and ports in the realm. Cities along these coasts have grown into major trading hubs, benefiting from the maritime trade routes. The waters are also rich in marine life, contributing to a thriving fishing industry. The picturesque beauty of these coasts has given rise to numerous tales of mermaids and sea monsters in Auresian folklore.

The highlands in the east present a unique blend of flat plateaus and rolling hills. These lands are known for their scenic beauty and have been a favorite retreat for Auresian royalty and aristocracy. The eastern highlands are also rich in minerals, and there are several mines exploiting these resources. Several fortified cities have been built on these highlands, serving as vantage points and defense against potential eastern threats. The ancestral seat of the House of Alexandros, the city of Epoxague, is found here.

To the northwest of Auresia lies the strategic Hattaro Straits. Control over these straits has historically been crucial for the empire, as it connects Auresia to the wealthy lands of Lianna and facilitates maritime trade routes. This area was conquered and assimilated into the empire in the late 52nd century, and has remained under Auresian control ever since. Over time, the empire has fortified the regions surrounding these straits to ensure they remain under Auresian control, most especially in the aftermath of the Pan-Anarian War.

In terms of climate, Auresia's vastness ensures that it experiences a range of weather patterns. The northern mountain ranges are cold and snow-clad for most of the year. In contrast, the southern rainforests experience a tropical climate with heavy rainfall. The central plains have a temperate climate suitable for agriculture, while the coastal regions experience moderate weather with seasonal changes influenced by the sea.

Administrative divisions

Auresia is a divided into three tiers of subdivision (from largest to smallest): provinces, prefectures, and municipalities. Each level has a local structure of government which enacts national laws, infrastructure and works development, and other social issues. Each of the nation's provinces has its own distinct cultural, historical, and geographic identity. These provinces serve as the primary administrative units and are overseen by a popularly elected provincial council.

Government and politics

Auresia has a constitutional monarchy within a parliamentary democracy.

Monarch

Cephero V.

Central executive prerogative is held by the emperor, who is head of state. They delegate this power to the head of government and the legislature but retain important political powers in the event of political deadlock or crisis. Thus, the government of the nation acts on behalf of, and in the name of, the monarch. The institutions of government in the nation are collectively referred to as Il governo di Sua Maestà (His Majesty's Government). The monarch resides in Veneziano Palace, which stands atop the hill of the same name, in the centre of the Five Hills District of Cedelphia. They also have official residences at Portivorno House on the Isle of Galinara and Epoxague Palace in western Auresia. During the annual ceremony where the emperor opens the Senate, he wears a white robe with a broad purple hem.

The monarch is guarded 24 hours a day by the dedicated troopers of the highly elite Tentenal Guard, a battalion-sized force of experienced professional soldiers which has protected the emperors of Auresia since the days of Cephero I Maximus, who created the unit from a hardened core of loyal Janessari warriors. The Tentenal serve and obey the emperor alone, as is tradition.

The present occupant of the Golden Lion Throne is Emperor Cephero V, who has reigned since 7688 when he succeeded his mother Empress Eshiala, the first non-Dynast sovereign in over two millennia, and the first empress regnant in nearly three centuries. The eldest grandson of Toriano I, he was born during the reign of his great great grandfather, Cephero IV Maximus, who died in 7637 after a 70-year reign. He has been married since 7643 to Iolanda Sodini, daughter of the Baron of Mateggio. They have four children (three sons and a daughter) and his heir apparent is his eldest son, Crown Prince Elrood.

The line of the last four monarchs of the House of Alexandros is as follows:

• Cephero IV Maximus
  • lived 7537-7637 (aged 100)
  • reigned 7567-7637 (70 years)
• Toriano I
  • lived 7579-7675 (aged 96)
  • reigned 7637-7675 (38 years)
• Eshiala I
  • lived 7601-7688 (aged 87)
  • reigned 7675-7688 (13 years)
• Cephero V
  • born 7623 (aged 65)
  • reigned 7688-present

Prime Minister

The prime minister (Primo Ministro), as head of government, is responsible for setting policy and overseeing the government of the nation. Their formal title is "President of the Council of Ministers" (Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri) They are the leader of the majority party or coalition of parties in the Senate after each general election. This individual is summoned by the emperor following the election and invited to form a government. In this informal ceremony, the summoned leader kisses the monarch's hand and swears to serve the Crown loyally and in good faith, recognising the authority they derive from its prerogative. They serve concurrently with the term of the Senate and retain their office as long as they retain the confidence of the legislature. The current prime minister is Guglielmo di Polaggio, Cavaliere, the leader of the Liberal National Party (Partito Nazionale Liberale).

The prime minister is assisted in their duties by the men and women of the Council of Ministers (Consiglio dei Ministri), which is the principal executive organ of government. Its members are appointed by the emperor at the request of the prime minister, and in a government where a single party holds the majority in the Senate, they will all be drawn from that party. In a coalition government, they will be a combination of members of the different parties in said coalition. The ministers are individually in charge of the ministries of the government, and they take decisions collectively with the prime minister. Its membership consists of the ministers of foreign affairs, defence, the interior, justice, finance and economics, public health, education, social services, labour, culture, transport, energy, and agriculture.

Senate

The Senate (Senato d'Auresia) is the unicameral legislature of the nation, with 577 members. They are elected by popular vote by all Auresian citizens at least 18 years of age in a general election held every four years. Each senator represents a constituent district of approximately 155,000 people, and the membership is a mixture of both aristocrats and regular citizens, all of equal status regardless of personal or familial titles. The Speaker of the Senate is a member acclaimed by the membership and recognsied in their position by the emperor. During the annual ceremony where the emperor opens the Senate, senators wear a white robe with a broad red hem, while the Speaker wears the same robe with a double red hem.

Whatever political party or coalition of parties holds the majority of seats after each general election will form the government for that five-year mandate, with the emperor summoning the leader of that party or coalition and inviting them to accordingly form said government. A party must secure at least 289 seats in an election to win an outright majority. Currently, five political parties are represented within the Senate as of the 7688 elections:

• Liberal National Party (Partito Nazionale Liberale, PNL), centre-left, social democracy, social nationalism, economic progressivism. Currently holds 303 seats.
• United Democratic Party (Partito Democratico Unito, PDU), centre-right, liberal conservatism, civil nationalism, economic liberalism. Currently holds 208 seats.
• New Compromise Party (Partito Nuovo Compromesso, PNC), centre, centrism, pragmatism, reformism. Currently holds 49 seats.
• Progressive Action Party (Partito D'Azione Progressista, PDP), left-wing, green politics, pacifism, progressivism. Currently holds 11 seats.
• Independent Reform Party (Partito Riformatore Indipendente, PRI), right-wing, nationalism, social conservatism, economic conservatism. Currently holds 6 seats.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court (Corte Suprema d'Auresia) is the highest judicial tribunal of the realm. The body consists of the Chief Justice and eight Justices, who sit together as the final level of judicial review within the nation. The members of the court are selected, interviewed, and short-listed by the Judicial Selections Committee consisting of the Chief Justice and a panel of six senior judges. These nominees are then considered and approved by the Senate. Each member serves for life. Those on the list who are not selected remain so for five years, barring their retirement, and can be reconsidered should a sitting Justice choose to step down. Additionally, those who are short-listed by the committee can be removed from the approved list should circumstances make them ineligible.

Law and criminal Justice

Formulation of all laws is the responsibility of the Senate, whose members formulate, debate, and promulgate the legislative rules and standards of the nation. The courts of the nation are separated by administrative areas. The Supreme Court sits at the top of the courts system and meets in Cedelphia. Below it is the provincial, prefectural, and municipal courts.

Military

The military strength of Auresia is a combination of four services, each of which fulfills specific functions and roles. These services include the Auresian Air Force, Auresian Army, Auresian Marines, and Auresian Navy. The forces are overseen at their pinnacle by the monarch, who exercises de jure control authority over military activities as Commander-in-Chief. Day to day, de facto military control is exercised by the prime minister in concert with the minister of defence and the Defence Council. Legislative oversight is the responsibility of the Senate Defence Committee.

While the nation is no longer a global empire, its military remains one of the most formidable in the world, with a strong navy and air force: its fleet remains one of the strongest in Anaria and operates four aircraft carriers (with 249 aircraft between them), twelve nuclear-powered attack submarines, and a combined 91 surface warships divided between cruisers, destroyers, and frigates; its air force operates just over 1,500 aircraft, just over half of which are fighters.

Economy

Agriculture

Both hardwood and softwood are grown in specially managed tree farms and used in domestic construction as well as being exported abroad. Because of the levels of material available, Auresia does not export much hardwood. Auresia has a specialized group of ranger-troopers known as the Imperial Foresters. They are a long-serving elite search and rescue group that also is charged with conservation and control of hunting in the provinces.

Auresian cuisine is particular about fresh vegetables and fruits, and the empire has extensive farmland which provides these needs. The markets of large cities and small towns alike are daily stocked with freshly picked and washed produce, and this fresh preference has translated to the delicious dishes found at tables across the empire. Because of its long series of coastlines, Auresia has a diet that is healthy in seafood, which Auresian trawlers harvest in large quantities every year. They package and export large volumes of fish and shrimp. Flooded dikes are also maintained as fish farms, where fish and shrimp alike are grown for harvesting.

Mining

The Atenian mountains that dominate a large portion of the nation's southeastern provinces are home to mines for numerous natural resources. Auresia tends to keep its production for local use, most especially industry-important materials. What Auresia cannot produce on its own, it imports in exchange for commodities that the state has in abundance.

Manufacturing

The industrial heartlands of Auresia, situated in the northeastern part of the nation and in particular in the two provinces flanking the Hattaro Straits, as well as easternmost regions of the realm, are home to extensive mixed industrial production. While no longer one of the preeminent powers of the world, Auresia remains home to several of the most shipyards in the world, and these areas are home to numerous industries. The north has many textile factories and mills.

Transport

Transportation in the nation is done via train, automobile, and bicycles locally. All major cities and large towns are connected by the nation's extensive rail network. From there, district rail and omnibus service provides transit to the nearby smaller towns and villages or to further destinations. Most citizens own their bicycles, which they enjoy riding, and many use them for their daily travel.

Trade

Auresia maintains open and fair-trade relations with any and all nations that approach the state in good faith. The state of diplomatic affairs between Auresia and other nations tends to reflect in the trade relations between them. There are some instances, though, of those states where Auresia has less than stellar relations but still maintain wide-ranging trade and exchange in recognition of mutual need and necessity.

Energy

Auresia draws its power supply from four primary sources - biodiesel, hydroelectricity, nuclear, and wind.

Science & Technology

Auresia has always maintained an atmosphere of innovation and advancement in its sciences and the universities and prominent laboratories of the nation are known to be hubs of research and development. Teams of specialists and theorists in many fields have contributed in ways both large and small and their efforts have helped in innumerable ways to improve how things are done, in what manner they are done, or in improving the productivity and effectiveness of said process. Auresian scientists and engineers have contributed extensively to science and medicine over the centuries such as Varnius Lord Acilida and his development of thermite; Rolan Belmondo, and his Belmondo difference engine; and Leonardo G. Caprivi, and his discoveries of germ theory and the development of antiseptic medical procedures. Also credited to Auresian scientists and doctors are the development of morphine, penicillin, antiseptic surgical methods, and the process known as TBD (pasteurisation). Its engineers have likewise contributed telegraph code, the telephone, phonograph, and microphone.

Demographics

Urbanisation

As the growth of industrialization spread throughout the nation, various steps were taken to ensure that overpopulation of the major cities does not occur. In the years since, the government maintains a detailed census of all living within cities and large towns and the use of industry has kept populations largely stable in outlying areas. While industry remains a strong part of business and employment, there is still extensive agriculture. Large and small towns and villages still are situated near said farms and support them. While the major cities of the nation have grown in population since the industrial revolution, some 74% of the population of Auresia continues to live in towns and villages focused on lighter industry and agriculture or livestock.

Ethnic groups

Auresia is comprised of three ethnic groups - the Cheltai, Karsk, and Emther. These are amalgamated into one nationality - Auresians - though these groups still predominantly live in their native regions. Quite a bit of cultural mingling has taken place though, and the empire can accredit much of its stability to the interactivity between the peoples.

Languages

The language of the empire is Auresian Language Auresian. It is a tongue that originated centuries before the empire itself in the Pastanan tongue. All commerce, government, and other public affairs are conducted in spoken and written Auresian only. Signage and notices within the empire are posted in Auresian with no additional translations.

Religion

Since time immemorial, the region that is now the Auresian state has been tied together by two common factors - business and faith. This part of the world and some surrounding regions are the hub of their faith - known as the United Orkanan Congregation of Auresia, which is a part of the Peratolian Orkanan interventionist branch of the faith. It is the dominant faith of the empire and is the official state religion. Other religious practices and groups are tolerated and allowed freely, though those that indulge in dangerous practices or ritual are dealt with accordingly. In his capacity as ruler, the emperor remains the Defender of the Faith.

Migration

Migration within the nation is largely limited to business and trade. Foreign immigrants to Auresia can apply for what is formally known as Foreign National Status. While they are civilians of the nation, only under very special circumstances are they able to gain citizenship, serve in the military, or be considered for political appointment.

Education

Beginning at the age of five, all boys and girls must begin the work to acquire their General Education Certificate. Their first five years of education are considered primary schooling, their last five as secondary schooling. During this time, they start out with focus on basic education, which includes reading, writing, mathematics, and general history as well as physical activities. Their secondary years center on advanced subjects including higher mathematics, sciences, and philosophy. Boys also take courses in weapons, survival, and leadership as well as gentleman standards. Girls take courses in homemaking, child care, home economics, and the things important to a lady. All students take courses in general business and finance. Youth who achieve a certain level of academic status - quite high marks and performance in classwork, testing, and project assignments - can qualify for attendance to their provincial collegium. All men who attend university do so for two years and then take their service tour in the military. Once training is complete, they can continue their education. Universities are not permitted by law to have or maintain fraternities or sororities and all sports are extracurricular. All primary and secondary instructors are addressed as either Docent if holding a Baccalaureus or Dominus degree or as Professor if holding a Magister''s degree.

Healthcare

Since 7599 RH, Auresia has maintained a national healthcare system known as the National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale).

Culture

Main article: Culture of Auresia

See also: Cuisine of Auresia

The empire is a nation built upon an elaborate tapestry woven of traditions in food, dress, family, art, and science that all serve to make it the magnificent land it is built into over the centuries.