Achilleion

Hēgemonía Achilleíou
Flag	Coat of arms
Motto:
Anthem:
Locator map
File:Achilleonc Map.png
Capital city	Auérsa
Largest city	Myrinē
Official language	Achilleionian
Other languages	Aldsegian
Ethnic group	Athves Aldsay
Religion	Orkanan
Demonym(s)	Achilleionian
Government
Government Type	Feudal Theocracy
Hēgemṓn	Aêrion
Stýraios	Mephistopheles
Legislature	Synedrion
Establishment
Independence	6580
Area
Total	153,434.88 km2
Water %
Population
Total	15,528,254
Density	101.20/km2
Economy
Economy type	Capitalist
GDP (total)	Ꞡ 419.7B
GDP per capita	Ꞡ 27 K
Currency	()
Inequality index
Development index	0.875
Other information
Time zone
Driving side
Calling code
Internet code
Nation number

Achilleion (/ah-KHIL-lay-on/, Ἀχίλλειον) officially the Hēgemonía Achilleíou (/Hegemoh-NEE-ah Ah-khee-LEH-ee-oo/, Ἡγεμονία Αχίλλειον), is an island nation located in Western Anaria, Its capital is Auérsa.

Etymology

See also: Achilleionian Toponymy

The name 'Achilleion' is a transcription of Αχίλλειον which is a compound derived from ἄχος (áchos), meaning pain or despair, and λαός (laós), meaning people or nation. The correct term for its inhabitants is Achilleionian. Αχος is cognate with Aldsegian 'agi', meaning fear or dread, and, as a result, a common exonym for the region and its people among the Aedelanders is Agi or Achi which is close to the Tahani name for the region, al-Akki.

History

According to the Æðelendinga Saga, Grímur (/GREE-moor/) and his people integrated and then dominated the indigenous inhabitants of islands through a combination of strategic alliances, clever diplomacy, and military prowess bringing about a cohesive entity governed by a network of Aldsegian ruling families that adopted and adapted local customs. The 7536 Aedelish Declaration of Supremacy brought Achilleion under the authority of the Aldsegian Empire. Achilleion gained independence following the Aedelish political crisis of 7579.

Geography

Achilleion is separated from the western Anaria-Minor peninsula by the narrow Tashgur Channel. It lies between latitudes 30° and 38°N, and longitudes 7° and 12°E. The country consists of thirty five islands centered around the eponymous main island. While not all of the twenty-eight minor islands are permanently inhabited, the eight major islands have significant population centers. Achilleion is surrounded by the Sinean Sea, and its nearest neighbors are Anat Tahan to the southeast, Parnethia to the south, Anisora to the east, and Ardar to the northeast.

Climate

Achilleion has a mostly humid subtropical climate, shaped by the surrounding seas. Winters are mild and relatively dry, while springs are warm and humid, summers are hot and humid, and autumns are mild with less precipitation. The climate varies regionally, with four distinct micro-climates. The western areas tend to be more humid, while the southern regions are warmer. Drier areas, like the Pelá region on the eastern coast, resemble a Medio climate, while the highest rainfall occurs along the coastal region west of the Kalderikón ridge. The central valley, enclosed by the Kalderikón and Tetrakýklos ranges and influenced by the Tashgur Channel, experiences high humidity year-round. Snowfall is common at higher elevations, including the Kalderikón, the Ádelonian Ridge, and Mount Aithírax.

Topography

The Achilleionian islands form the southwestern rim of the mostly submerged Achilleionian caldera. Although dormant, the Achilleionian caldera remains an active volcano, with fumarolic activity observed inside its recent craters. The last major eruption occurred at Zophkís in 7650, and the catastrophic eruption that created the caldera is believed to have happened about 4,000 years ago. Prior to this eruption, the caldera’s rim formed a nearly continuous ring of islands. Estimating the eruption's magnitude is difficult because most of the erupted material was deposited in the Sinean Sea.

The main island, significantly larger than its neighbors, is dominated by the steep Kalderikón range, formed from the eroded remnants of the caldera's rim. This range runs along the island's western coast. The two northern peaks, Pálasai and Sophronía, are known as the Dýosynē, while the southernmost peak is Aetheríus. South and east of the Kalderikón lies the Tetrakýklos, a group of four ancient sheild volcanic cones: Xenophalix, Areterax, Ávavórrax, and Erosīrāx. The northern coast is marked by the exposed rim of a second submerged caldera, which forms the Bay of Laongóōn. The steepest point of the Skiuöldēn peninsula is Aêrionos Pýrgos, a ridge that offers sweeping views of the bay.

The highest point in Achilleion is Mount Aithírax, a stratovolcano on Zophkís, reaching 2,820 meters (9,251 feet).

Four major rivers shape the island’s central valleys. The Achilón, the longest, flows south through the northern Thalassía valley and then eastward from the island's center. The Arakênos flows east, creating the Aulítheón Valley, the Minórrhē flows south, and the Euphora, the shortest river, flows south. These rivers provide water and fertile land that support agriculture and trade across the island. Each of the major Achilleionian rivers empty into the Tashgur Channel near Myrinē.

Politics

Achilleion is a feudal theocracy ruled by the Hēgemṓn (Ἡγεμών), a divine king believed to be the incarnation of Aêrion. In reality, the Hēgemṓn is a symbolic figure, perpetuated through secrecy and body doubles, while real power rests with the Stýraios (/STEE-ray-os/, Στύραιος), a life-appointed prime minister elected by the Synedrion (/soo-NEH-dree-on/, Συνέδριον), a council of elite delegates from the Dékapolis (/deh-KAH-poh-lees/, Δεκάπολις).

The Synedrion serves as a legislative and advisory body, composed of aristocrats privy to the Hēgemṓn’s mortal nature. It also includes state ministers from the noble hetairoi, such as the Eirēnēpeiros (/ay-ree-NAY-pay-ros/) (foreign affairs), Strategarches (/stra-teh-GAR-khees/) (military), and Katēgoros (/stra-teh-GAR-khees/)(law). Achilleion’s governance blends divine monarchy with feudal decentralization, balancing unity and local autonomy.

Administrative Divisions

The Dékapolis is a confederation of ten major city-states, each with distinct cultural and political identities. Governed by local aristokratía, these city-states manage taxation and governance under the central authority of the Hēgemṓn, forming the cultural and economic backbone of Achilleion.

	Auérsa The seat of the Hēgemṓn is at the ancient capital of Auérsa situated in the northern extreme of the long, narrow region of Kaliphos that stretches along Achilleion's western coast. The second most populous city in Achilleion, Auérsa lies in a basin adjacent to the Sinean Sea in the west and extending partly through the Mastósiskos Monikadnós foothills and north into the Phéranadnós Valley. The Hēgemṓn of Auérsa has suzerainty over the coastal cities of Pelagora, Didagadnós, Asty Chrysetrigonós, and Ereboros.
	Epiphanion Epiphanion was the site of Grímur's landfall in northern Achilleion. The city is within Laongóōn bay and is the leading city-state of the Xenoachílleioi which includes the northern regions of Kaliphos, Ádelon, and Skiuöldēs. Grímur's colony in northern Achilleion stayed in close contact with its homeland in Western Stoldavia and adopted a political structure based on that of Aedeland with an Althing called the Pankoinonía having an aristocratic lawmaking body called the Nomothésion and a democratic auditory body called the Dēmagórion. The Arkhéroulos of Epiphanion has suzerainty over the northern cities of Airilópolis, Állendor, and Arvíkē.
	Arkaléon Arkaléon is an isolated Aldsaíoi stronghold and the political center of the remote seafaring communities of northeastern Skiuöldēn peninsula. The poorest region of Achilleion retains an archaic Aldsegian poltical structure centered on the aett. The Xenoachílleioi Arkhéroulos of Arkaléon has suzerainty over the Skiuöldēn city of Andalýthon.
	Myrinē The cosmopolitan port city of Myrinē is the dominant economic, cultural, and politcal center of eastern Achilleion. Situated at an important and ancient trading center in the estuary of Achilleion's longest river, the Achilón, and positioned at the narrowing of the Tashgur Channel, Myrinē is Achilleion's largest city. Myrinē is best known for its canals and its island colony of Tashara from which the Tashgur Channel derives its name. Myrinē civic oligarchy, called the Archontai, has suzerainty over the eastern coastal cities of Pelásios, Teníros, and Tashara.
	Trismegíteion The ancient fortress city of Trismegíteion controls the strategic location at the northern end of the defile of the Arakênos, which acts as a pass through the Ámpelόros ridge, and its position overlooking the rich Aulítheón Valley from the west gives it much of its importance. The autocrat of Trismegíteion, a military strategos called the Týrannos, has suzerainty over the south eastern Selasiān cities of Ankytheron and Selasi.
	Taurēsion Taurēsion is the ancient center of the Achilleionian cults on the holy isle of Zophkís off the northwestern coast. The island has retained its political independence because the forebearers of the island's native inhabitans, the Eteoachílleioi, supported Grímur's claims of divinity. The Andrērōs (male hormonal alpha) and Esthērōída (female hormonal alpha) form the dominant pair, the Hērōstḗnē, chosen through Manarcheia (menstrual synchronization). Their pairing signifies the divine and biological legitimacy of their rule. The Hērōstḗnē are selected from the Al-Anadan men and women possessing eugenic bloodlines.The Atroposides, post-menopausal high priestesses, oversee Manarcheia and ensure the legitimacy of the hormonal alpha system. They perform sacred rituals of realignment when an alpha pair's dominance wanes, and a new Andrērōs and Esthērōída are chosen. At the bottom of the social hierarchy are the Nakam, sterilized individuals relegated to servitude and labor. The Andrērōs of Taurēsion has suzerainty over the cities of Zophkís: Lirathos, Aráidē, and Thera.
	Lanzarētē Lanzarētē, Achilleion's third largest city, is an ancient cosmopolitan city dominating the island of Zóvmāros. Originally establsihed by Tahani merchants, the island was dominated from 7287 to 7580 by the Æðelander Imperial Sørtarnland Company. During this period, it operated under appointed bureaucrats reporting to the company’s governor. The Company annexed the large southern Apolyionian bay on the main island in 7287 and built the largest commercial port in Achilleion, through which most of the island’s trade flows, at the mouth of the Minórrhē river. Lanzarētē and its industrial colonies throughout Achilleion has a corporate governance with its Ektelestēs and his Symboúloi tēs Koinēsousias holding suzerainty over the industrial port of Eleysina, the city of Ávaris, and the industrial cities of the Minórrhē region.
	Thalassían Triarchy The three city states of the Thalassían Triarchy occupy the fertile northern Thalassía valley among the tributaries of the Achilón. The Anarchy of Tychēlo has no government. Instead, temporary leaders are chosen by lot as needed. Isokratheia is a direct democracy. Koinēkratos is an anarcho-syndicalist commune. All serve in turns as executive officer for the week and all the decisions of that officer have to be ratified at a special biweekly meeting.
	Lakonē Lakonē is the dominant city of the Thalassía valley. The Anax of Lakonē once held the cities of the Thalassían Triarchy and was the most powerful of the ancient Eteoachílleioi warlords. The pastoral Lakedaimōn regions of Haemonia and Pelaspharion are the top stock-producing regions of Achilleion. Under the Hēgemony, the Anax have been greatly reduced and Lakonē is the weakest city of the Dékapolis.
	Kyros Kyros commands Pellanēthra, the geographically largest region of Achilleion. The powerful and wealthy Despót of Kryos has suzerainty over the southern cities of Halsatía, Viterōs, Phronēnē, Eirennia, Ostryka, Skotētrion, Autonomos, Sopharchia, Eleutheris, and Etrenia.

Together, the Dékapolis ensures Achilleion’s stability by balancing local autonomy with unified governance.

Foreign Relations

The Eirēnéion (/ay-ree-NEH-ee-on/) is the headquarters of the Achilleionion foreign ministy. The Eirēnēpeiros, Achilleion’s foreign minister, is Eulogenos Eunoios. Achilleion is said to have a "Special Relationship" with Aedeland.

Visitors must obtain a detailed linen-reinforced entry visa from an Achilleionion consulate for a fee. Non-citizen residents must carry a similar document. Although no customs checkpoints exist at ports of entry, illegal entry carries severe penalties.

Law and Criminal Justice

Achilleion has a confusing and diverse legal system. Each region, and in some cases each polity, has its own unique legal system. However, the Achilleionion legal system is, as a whole, heavily influenced by Aedelish legal theories. The Aldsegian Golden Age elite brought with them the foundational legal concepts in civil and criminal law later codified in the First Laws of Aedelmen. Consistent with a policy respecting and enforcing cultural distinctions, the unique regional cultural and legal traditions were largely retained when the islands were brought under the Imperial Republic in 7536 and the Aedelish process of codification began.

The legal systems of Xenoachílleionion states of Kaliphos, Ádelon, and Skiuöldēs are almost identical to the legal framework of Second Republic Aedeland. Regions outside Xenoachílleion are more diverse. Legal codes and punishments vary by widely by polity. The most common legal system is routed in ancient Pelasgoí tradition of quick, ad hoc, jury trials with no court officials, no lawyers, and no official judges.

Military

As a former colony, Achilleion's military, called the Krétélos (κράτέλος), is heavily influenced by the Aedelish Styrkene. The Hēgemṓn is the Krétélos' ultimate commander-in-chief and its highest operational commander is the Strategarches. Its army is called the Stratós (στρατός), its navy the Nautokratelos, its air force the Aerekélyon (ἀήρκελλύον), and its special forces are the Bárēngios Xenoi (Βάραγγος Ξένοι).

National Symbols

Red, white, and black are the national colors of Achilleion and are the result of its time as a constituent state of the Aldsegian Empire. Its flag is a red field with a centered laurel wreath called the Excellence of Achilleion. The red dragon is a national symbol as the volcanic islands have been long associated with dragons.

Economy

Achilleion has a free market economy. The islands' industrialization overseen by the Imperial Sortarnland Company has shaped many key industries. Under a scheme designed by the Company, a number of industrial corporate polities, primarily along the Minórrhē, were created under patent of the Hēgemṓn. These corporate planned polities are generally centered around a single industry. Maranellēs is home of the automotive industry, Aídouōn is home of the textile industry, Laurion is the center of heavy industries, and the Port of Eleysina is the center for shipbuilding. The Thalassía and Aulítheón valleys and the southern lowlands are agricultural centers producing grains, olives, dates, cotton, and tobacco as well as livestock.

Agriculture

Achilleion's agricultural industry thrives on the unique combination of nutrient dense volcanic soil, a humid subtropical climate, and a diverse landscape shaped by the region's varied micro-climates. The central valley of Thalassía, located in the northern half of the main island, is the backbone of Achilleion’s agricultural economy. This fertile expanse is primarily dedicated to the cultivation of fodder crops, which sustain the island’s extensive cattle industry. The rich volcanic soil, coupled with ample irrigation ensures that these crops are abundant and of high quality, providing an essential foundation for livestock production across the islands.

Further south, the Aulítheón Valley, almost perfectly in the center of Achilleion, is renowned for its fruit production. The valley’s unique climate allows for the cultivation of a variety of fruits, most famously citrus and grape cultivars. The volcanic richness of the soil and the humidity from the surrounding seas imbue the fruits with flavors that set them apart from similar produce found elsewhere in Anaria. These fruits are a vital part of both the local diet and export economy, contributing to Achilleion’s reputation for exceptional agricultural products.

The southern plains and western highlands of Achilleion are home to the island’s cattle farming regions, which produce some of the most sought-after beef in the world. Cattle from these areas are renowned for their rich fat content, a result of specialized breeding practices. In the northwest Pellanēthra region, beer known for extensive marbling is produced, while the central and southern parts of Pellanēthra are home to larger more muscular breeds used also for sport known for producing great tasting beef. The most prized beef, however, comes from the Pelaspharion breed found in the highlands of the southern Thalassía Valley. Known for its size, beauty, and exceptional tender flavor, Pelaspharion beef, known in foreign markets as Myrinos beef, is considered the pinnacle of Achilleionian cuisine.

In addition to beef, the Pellanēthra region is known for its dairy production, with specialized breeds adapted to the highland climates. These dairy cattle are distinct from those used for beef, and their milk and cheese products are highly regarded both locally and abroad. Wool production also plays a significant role in Achilleion’s agricultural industry. Haemonian wool, harvested from sheep in the highlands of Thalassía, is a luxury product prized for its softness and warmth.

The southernmost islands of Achilleion contribute a rare agricultural product to the island's diverse output: date palms. Thriving in the warm, dry conditions of the region, these date palms are not found elsewhere in Anaria, making them a unique and valuable crop. Together, these agricultural sectors not only sustain the island’s population but also establish Achilleion as a key player in high-end agricultural exports, with products ranging from luxury wool to exceptional beef and fruit.

Transport

Achilleion has a modern transportation infrastructure, with highways and railways primarily serving passenger travel and minimal commercial traffic. The major highways include the Dysidrómos, running north-south along the Kaliphosian Coast from Auérsa to Ávaris; the Epihēlíon, an east-west route from Asty Chrysetrigonós to Myrinē; and the Eutychías, running from Pelagora to Eleysina. The Dysidrómos is the oldest, having been constructed in stages since the turn of the century, while the Epihēlíon and Eutychías are more recent, completed within the last decade, and include tunnels through the Kalderikón range. Coastal communities are connected by rail from Auérsa to Myrinē, and the southern population centers are linked from Ávaris to Eleysina. Achilleion's narrow-gauge railways, used exclusively for passenger service, offer smooth, scenic routes, though both rail and highway travel are slower than in other Anarian countries due to the challenging terrain and a focus on the travel experience over efficiency.

Shipping plays a crucial role in Achilleion’s economy. The island’s four navigable rivers are vital for internal commercial shipping. Eleysina is the largest port, handling over 80% of the island's imports and exports. Other major ports include Myrinē and Etrenia (agricultural hubs), as well as regional ports like Epiphanion, Lanzarētē, and Asty Chrysetrigonós, which serves as the largest passenger and tourism port. The energy crisis significantly increased Anarian maritime traffic through the Tashgur Channel, with Achilleion’s ports becoming key resupply points for ships passing through the Western Medio Straits.

Auérsa is the main international air travel hub. Under the Aldsegian Empire, it was a major center for Aedelish airships, establishing Kaliphos as a top Stoldavic tourist destination. After a near-collapse of the tourism industry in the late 7590s, air travel resumed in the 7670s with Pan Anarian's reestablishment of regular service, including the first supersonic passenger flight from Aerilar to Auérsa. In 7687, the airport began significant renovations. Secondary airports are located in Myrinē, Eleysina, and Lanzarētē, with minimal inter-island air travel.

Energy

Achilleion primarily generates its energy from nuclear power, with five very-high-temperature pebble bed reactors, each producing about 2,000 MW and supplying approximately 70% of the island's electricity. Two additional reactors are under construction, with more planned. Hydropower and geothermal energy contribute the rest of the island's supply. Two large hydroelectric dams, built on the Achilón and Arakênos rivers, were among the first major projects after Achilleion gained independence from Aedeland. Each dam produces slightly over 2,000 MW, together providing more than half of the island's energy. Achilleion has also heavily invested in geothermal energy, with the first injection well drilled in 7675 near Mount Ávavórrax. Over the next decade, five more wells were added, each producing between 10-25 MW. The geothermal potential of Achilleion’s East Rift Zone is estimated to exceed 200 MW. However, noise and air pollution from these facilities have sparked opposition from some groups.

Culture

Architecture

Achilleionian architecture is characterized by its strong ties to ancient traditions, particularly the Achilleionian style, which emphasizes balance, harmony, and the golden ratio. The use of stone is central to the islands' architectural identity, with travertine, dolomite, limestone, and marble sourced from the islands themselves. Most buildings are constructed using these materials, with roofs traditionally covered in terra cotta tiles. Wooden beams are imported from Aedeland due to the lack of timber on the islands. The mild climate, which allows for year-round comfort, often results in buildings that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, with many structures lacking windows and doors.

Regional styles vary significantly across Achilleion, reflecting the diverse cultural and historical influences that have shaped the islands. The western region of Kaliphos, historically the cultural and political heart of the nation, features monumental architecture. Religious structures and government buildings exhibit ornate, symmetrical designs. Kaliphos is also known for its terraced gardens, fountains, and statuary, which are commonly found in both private estates and public spaces. Ancient cities in Kaliphos are often built on elevated hills, echoing the importance of these locations in both civic and religious life.

Cities founded during Achilleion’s period as a colony, particularly in Ádelon and Pellanēthra showcase a more functional style, with wide streets and buildings designed for practicality. These cities tend to be less elaborate in decoration but focus on utility and defense. The northern regional style makes extensive use of mosaics and arches, fortified cities, and massive buildings with angular squared designs. The southern Pellanēthra region features large villas inspired by distant architectural influences, particularly from Anat Tahan. Here, intricate tilework and arched doorways are common, and buildings are designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.

Myrinē is a city built around canals that snake through its heart, with bridges connecting various districts and marketplaces. The city’s skyline is dominated by elegant, multi-story buildings with arcades and overhanging balconies, all constructed from locally sourced stone and adorned with intricate mosaics.

In contrast, the city of Minórrhē represents Achilleion’s embrace of modernity, with sprawling industrial zones and multi-story residential buildings. This city is marked by urban growth and economic development, with skyscrapers standing as symbols of the nation’s industrial and technological advances. Throughout the islands, Achilleionian architecture blends ancient traditions with regional influences, creating a unique and diverse built environment that reflects the country’s rich history and cultural evolution.

Cuisine

Achilleionian cuisine is known for its simplicity, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients that highlight natural flavors. The diet centers around beef, with about 150 pounds consumed per capita annually, along with chicken and mutton. Cooking is often done over an open fire, a tradition passed down from the taûrtrakhýmelētai cattlemen. Shāwarmā is a popular street food made with mutton which was brought to Achilleion from Anat Tahan. The Achilleionian version is often served with tzatziki. Spiced piri flame-grilled chicken is another popular street dish. Cheese, cold cuts, nuts, and wine are staple items in Achilleionian all meals, offering rich, savory flavors that pair beautifully with the island’s abundant produce.

Citrus fruits play a significant role in Achilleionian cuisine, not only as a marinade and a refreshing ingredient in beverages but also in desserts. Ambrosíéllo, a popular beverage made from blood oranges, offers a sweet and tangy treat, perfect for the warm climate. Glykýlo, a rich gelato, is another beloved dessert, often flavored with local fruits and nuts. For a unique beverage, Achilleionians enjoy kítronós, a grapefruit beer that balances bitterness with refreshing citrus notes.

Meals in Achilleion are typically communal, celebrating the island’s agricultural heritage and the joy of sharing simple, flavorful food. The combination of savory dishes, fresh fruits, and artisanal beverages reflects a culinary culture deeply rooted in the natural beauty and traditions of the islands.