[h3]The Sacred Empire of the Ceresian Sea[/h3] [img]http://i.imgur.com/PhFLqaV.png[/img] [i]Shorter Form: Ceresia, Ceresian Empire, Ceres, The Sacred Empire[/i] [b]Denonym:[/b] Ceresian [b]Currency:[/b] Ceterii [hider=Government] [b]Type of Government:[/b] Theocratic Empire The Ceresian Empire is a theocratic monarchy with the monarch holding absolute power and authority as a living god(ess). Due to the species and religion, the empire is heavily matriarchal, with males excluded from succession (A male cannot be Siren-Empress because the Siren-Empress is the mortal reincarnation of their goddess and by holy law and common sense, an emperor is not feasible). The position of absolute godly power is not just a title, the people take the position very seriously and very literally. Rather than a conventional aristocracy, the empire has two main powerful groups. The Siren-maidenhood, the organized religious branch of the faith ruled by hereditary quasi-aristocratic priestesses and the New Ministry, a collection of foreigners brought in from across the world to become bureaucrats in the empires rapid modernization campaign. The Siren-maidenhood hold traditional power and prestige which they can influence society while the New Ministry are given no official power outside their designated roles and are disliked by the heavily religious common people. The Siren-maidenhood is divided between reformists and reactionaries, the former desiring to rapidly modernize the country with foreign help while the later wishes to remove all foreign influence and hand further people to the theocratic leadership. Both wish to modernize the military though with more divided political goals. The reformists wish to ally Yllendthyr and form a colonial bloc while the reactionaries want to either stay totally neutral or invade Verendes to remove them from Ceresia and vassalize their country in revenge. Both factions are wary of the PRK and Moravia, though the Reactionaries lean towards Moravia due to shared beliefs in nationalism and autarky. The Reactionaries are gradually becoming more fascist, and if this ideology continues to spread the Reactionaries may take a 180* turn and flip from wanting to invade Verendes and instead join a Moravian alliance to invade the PRK. The nation is strictly divided with a religious and ethnic caste system as noted in culture. ====================================================[i][h3]Government Persona Dramatis:[/h3][/i][i][b]The Ruling Elite[/b][/i] The true Ceresian ruling elite is exclusively located in the underwater regions of the empire, deep in the Ceresian Sea from where they have ruled the empire for millennia. The vast majority are female Mesulids, most are furthermore Lamia Mesulus (Medusians). The ruling elites powerbase is religion, with most of its members being Siren-Maidens(Priestesses) or civil and military positions held together with religious office. The state and 'church' as such is essentially inseparable. [hider=Sylvia Auphraxia XVII] Head of State: Siren-Empress Sylvia Auphraxia XVII [img]http://i.imgur.com/yv6so8j.jpg[/img] [b]Species/Nationality of Origins:[/b] Lamia Mesulid - Ceresia [b]Age:[/b] 16 [b]Position:[/b] Siren-Empress of the Sacred Empire of the Ceresian Sea [b]Faction:[/b] Moderate Reformist [i]Title: Her Imperial Divine Majesty (HIDM)[/i] The very young and (relatively) inexperienced absolute theocratic ruler of the Ceresian Empire, Sylvia XVII is the next ruler of the remarkably long lasting Auphraxia dynasty which has ruled continuously for over 6400 years, and claims direct descent from the goddess Aepes. After the ritual suicide of her grandmother and ruling empress two years ago, Sylvia XVII was crowned Siren-Empress and embodiment of the Goddess Aepes after the brutal (And ritually sanctioned) succession battle between her sisters, half-sisters and aunts following the sudden assassination of her mother. With half her sisters and all of her aunts now dead from various causes, the rest have since surrendered. The young Sylvia XVII has surrounded herself with extremely competent and innovative advisers and ministers with the goal of doing the impossible: industrializing an empire that exists beneath the seas. Following her grandmothers policy of daunting military power, Sylvia continues to also modernize the indomitable Ceresian navy, though unlike her predecessors looks to finally turn the air force and army into proper dedicated forces as well. Sylvia's ambitions are not without opposition, as there are powerful reactionary factions within the Ceresian Empire that deem the industrialization of the empire and the increasing power of merchants and human advisers/ministers to be an attack on the established order. The brutal succession battle that saw Sylvia's coronation was just the first clash of ideologies within the empires ruling caste, and other incidents are likely to follow. Outside of the empires ruling caste, Sylvia due to her youth is seen as an unknown to foreign nations and common people, both still waiting to see how Sylvia XVII will rule. Some believe she is a Machiavellian genius like her grandmother, citing her ruthless actions during the succession while others believe she is actually a naive figurehead puppet for the ministers and advisers she is bringing in. While Ceresian policy by default has always been based around hegemonic and imperial power and domination of the seas and coastlines, the question remains if the current regime will favour the use of soft or hard power, and in what way will the nation interact with the world. Like all Siren-Empresses, Sylvia believes herself to literally be a deity in mortal form, so rather than religious in the conventional sense she has a socially-endorsed form of god-complex. Because of this god-complex she believes (And has been taught to believe) that she is inherently superior to all other beings in existence and has divine right to rule over the universe. That said, unlike most, Sylvia has not yet shown signs of obvious megalomania and if anything is overly cautious. [/hider] [hider=Ada Auphraxia] [img]http://i.imgur.com/7nsHTpM.jpg[/img] [b]Species/Nationality of Origins:[/b] Lamia Mesulid - Ceresia [b]Age:[/b] 24 [b]Position:[/b] Heir-Apparent and Auphraxia Dynasty Member [b]Faction:[/b] None [i](Reclusive/Apolitical)[/i] Sister of Siren-Empress Sylvia and survivor of the succession, she is currently under house arrest by said sister. One of the weaker and more docile Auphraxia dynasty members, she is terrified of social interaction due to a near death experience via poisoning as well as the constant assassination attempts against her. Despite her unimpressive shy demeanor and reclusive tendency, Sylvia has set her up as heir-apparent mostly to keep the throne out of the hands of her more reactionary or megalomaniac sisters. While under house arrest she has put her incredible intelligence (One of those ridiculous prodigies, another factor contributing to being heir-apparent) to use for academic and artistic causes. A renaissance woman, Ada is a brilliant linguist, historian, artist, scientist, author and even a doctor. She is a omniglot being able to speak over 7 languages fluently (particularly Yllendor, the Auphraxia dynasties elvish tutor and Ada's personal mentor teaching it to her nearly every day) and is even able to speak Yllwé to a degree. Ada's interests are relatively diverse as such, and while completely secluded from the world she is simultaneously masquerading as the scientist Gregor O'Bran (An expert on machine technology assisting in computer programming) and the impressionist artist Anna Lovefield, using intermediaries and correspondence through letters, books and other means of communication. [/hider] [hider=Nix Indara] [img]http://i.imgur.com/01uPZVp.jpg[/img] Supreme Commander of the Ceresian Armed Forces and Fleet Admiral [b]Species/Nationality of Origins:[/b] Mesulid - Ceresia [b]Age:[/b] 38 [b]Position:[/b] Supreme Commander, Fleet Admiral [b]Faction:[/b] Moderate Reactionary [/hider] ==================================================== [i][b]The New Ministry[/b][/i] The new ministry is as the name suggests a recently created body comprised of foreign technical experts, scientists, political reformers, legislators, industrialists, military experts and bureaucrats. They have been brought in and given the mighty task of industrializing the underwater empire and modernize its military. Under Sylvia XVII's government, the New Ministry's influence is rapidly expanding and already has begun to transform the entire country, as seen with the total overhaul of the navy into one of the worlds finest. Many of the foreign advisers are from four countries in particular; Vinculi which has taken financial interest in investing in the countries economy, Verendes which has been involved in Ceresia for over a century due to the Maritime War and New Destunopolis, Kataylan exiles which fled their country following the fall of the imperium and Yllendthyr, which initially sent foreign advisers to help modernize the country against Verendes occupation. [hider=Minister Lev Kerensky] [img]http://i.imgur.com/5uYqPZA.png[/img] [b]Species/Nationality of Origins:[/b] Human - Kataylan [b]Age:[/b] 51 [b]Position:[/b] Minister of Industry (New Ministry) [b]Faction:[/b] Radical Reformist Lev Kerensky is the embodiment of the New Ministry. An exile from the former Kataylabinsk Imperium, he fled his homeland after Yekaterina's coup. A genius entrepreneur and military bureaucrat with one of the best educations money could buy, Kerensky was one of the Imperium's budding technocrat-industrialists aligned with the bourgeoisie and so inevitably made enemies with the Kataylan Empress-turned-commissar. After fleeing his homeland, Kerensky ended up in the Ceresian Empire and gained employment as a foreign adviser, eventually being put in charge of helping modernize the then still somewhat backwards navy. Kerensky did not just modernize the navy; he turned it into the unstoppable juggernaut it is today, and so his rise to true power had begun. Greatly distrusted by the ruling caste and the religious leaders of the empire, Kerensky is now often accused of being the true mastermind and puppet-master behind Siren-Empress Sylvia XVII and her policies. Currently the Minister of Industry, Kerensky is simultaneously the most powerful foreigner, human and man in the empire. He has long since expanded from merely naval reform, and now is actively pushing the industrialization of the entire nation and has built a vast network of corporations, industrialists and fellow bureaucrats. Kerensky's loyalty is actually not as low as most claim (That is to say, he has no intentions of sabotaging the country), though this loyalty is mostly built from the belief that he can't afford yet another teenage empress to throw him out of the country. Obviously, he is still somewhat bitter and some believe that Kerensky's personal grudge with the PRK leadership may end up shaping Ceresian foreign policy. [/hider] [hider=Minister Godrum Stonebrew] [img]http://i.imgur.com/kBcs5hX.jpg[/img] [b]Species/Nationality of Origins:[/b] Dwarf - Vinculi [b]Age:[/b] 99 [b]Position:[/b] Foreign Adviser, Member of the New Ministry, CEO of Ayllia-Stonebrew Arms [b]Faction:[/b] Moderate Reformist [/hider] [hider=Sondiel] Hïrîl Sondiel en'Inlrion Loharratn [img]http://i.imgur.com/Wkk6lip.jpg[/img] Species/Nationality of Origins: Elf - Yllendthyr Age: 112 Position: Foreign Adviser, Family Tutor of the Auphraxia Dynasty, Mentor to Siren-Empress Silvia XVII and Miss Ada Auphraxia. Faction: Moderate Reformist (Swears she is apolitical) [/hider] ==================================================== [i][b]The Colonials and Reactionary Faction[/b][/i] The colonials are represented by various lesser political figures in comparison to the underwater ruling elite and the new ministry. The colonial leadership (representing the majority of colonials) are militantly religious and conservative, the Mesulid colonists see allowing foreigners into the country and giving them powerful positions is essentially destroying Ceresian sovereignty while the colonies Terralid (Land-dwellers, humans, elves, trolls, etc) natives are so thoroughly indoctrinated that they follow the will of the more firebrand reactionary religious leaders and see foreigners as heretics that have not yet accepted salvation. Reactionary colonial leadership has made an alliance with the Mesulid underwater ruling class that are also reactionaries. While the Mesulid reactionaries act as the political leadership of the Reactionary Faction and politik away under the sea, the colonial reactionaries are the rank and file troopers that spread the word, as well as act as the factions militant wing. Colonial personalities also include the extreme opposite of the reactionaries, being the separatists and nationalists of former conquered nations and peoples who have held onto their old faiths and culture despite the extreme persecution and indoctrination. They are essentially rebels and resistance movements. ==================================================== [/hider] [hider=Economy] [b]Economy:[/b] The Ceresian economy is despite being of a nation politically and militarily considered a Great Power is only recently industrializing properly. The Ceresian Empire’s existence as a mostly underwater empire with the exception of its land-based colonies has made it a very poor producer of manufactured goods and overall has lagged considerably behind other nations in industrialization because of it. The Ceresian Empire is rapidly catching up with the other Great Powers, though this has mostly been done through importing technology and bringing over foreign advisers and experts on how to develop industry in a nation where such a thing is so difficult. The Ceresian is a capitalist economy overall, however it does have some powerful state corporations as well as a caste system that makes free enterprise difficult. Ceresian trade is vast (even with lagging industrialization) though is mostly built around luxury goods and unique products that few others can export as well as its absolute domination of the seafood and naval supply markets. Ceresians typically import land-based food, lumber and various things needed for industrialization (machinery, experts, electronics, construction, etc). =========================================================== [u]Nation's Major Export: [/u] Seafood, Naval Supplies (Ships, Warships, Submersibles, Parts), Crude Oil(In abundance), Minerals(Copper, Nickel, Iron, Cobalt, Manganese, other minerals found under the ocean), Salt, Potash, Dyes, Perfume, Tropical Wood, Incense, Luxury Goods, Chemicals, Synthetic Rubber, Algae, Sand, Gravel, Tropical Fruit [u]Nation's Major Imports:[/u] Agricultural Produce (Rice, Wheat, Corn, Vegetables, Fruit), Non-aquatic meat products (Pork, Beef, Chicken, etc), Lumber (Non-tropical), Helium, Mineral Resources, Jewelry, Fur, Clothing, Machine Parts, Aircraft/Airships, Non-naval military gear/vehicles/equipment, Paper, Cotton, Wool, Machinery, Building Materials, Electronics, Experts [/hider] [hider=Demographics and Culture] [b]Primary Species:[/b] Mesulids [img]http://i.imgur.com/k0dGFSo.jpg[/img] [b]Species Description:[/b] A species of aquatic half-humanoid half-serpent like beings, the Mesulids are essentially a race of naga/mermaids. They are amphibious and capable of breathing both above and below water; however they are far more comfortable under water. The Mesulids excrete pheromones that are appeasing to the opposite sex, regardless of species. This trait along with their medieval tradition of “Siren-Maidens”, singer-priestesses has made them a racial stereotype of seductresses and sinister witches of the ocean. Mesulids have a natural life expectancy of around 140 years, however after 100 years of age Mesulids begin to rapidly degrade due to mental disease and illness. Due to Ceresian societies use of religious ritual suicide (A kind of euthanasia), the vast majority of Mesulids die by their own hands at the age of 100. Mesulids are surprisingly (and even regularly disputed by geneticists, who, much like the vestigial remnants of alchemy, still can't figure it out) capable of mating with humans, likely due to their supposed descent from the semi-mythical Lamian people (As well as humans, another genetic mystery is how the hell an essentially human upper body ended up with the lower body of a snake), who were said to be an ancient race of magical and psychic nomadic serpent women that preyed on the ancient human civilizations. The historical validity of these people are questionable due to the limited physical evidence (many historians believe they may have just been Mesulid explorers or exiles), however the evidence that does exist suggests that the Mesulids can actually crossbreed with humans, though these unions only create more Mesulids much like the Lamian legends of old. While this occasionally has become relevant due to ideas of political marriage alliances, this is usually shot down because it is considered taboo. Crossbreeding between Elves and Mesulid's is unknown, as no historical account has ever been made or tried. Mesulid culture has a tendency towards beliefs of purity, including racial purity (Hence the uncommonness of interbreeding) and blood purity. This fixation with blood purity has made inbreeding relatively common. Mesulid inbred's are notable for having physical deformities that vastly alter their appearance towards that of appearing more like a draconian or obviously reptilian and losing their human traits. Inbreds are also usually physically larger, particularly males who are far bulkier and saurian-like. Inbreds are not a distinct member of the religious caste system as the blood purity beliefs are religiously inspired rather than class-based, with practitioners of arranged incestuous unions usually ultra-religious conservatives from anywhere from the working to ruling castes. While common, this subculture is considered the "extreme" side of the religious and usually viewed with disdain by moderates. Like other cases of inbreeding, inbred Mesulids are prone to obtaining recessive genetic disorders, causing various problems ranging from mental illness, rare birth defects, infertility and so on. =========================================================== [b]Population:[/b] 112,000,000+ 57,200,000 Mesulids 37,200,000 Humans 7,000,000 Gnomes 5,000,000 Elves 2,000,000 Dwarves 2,000,000 Draconians 1,000,000 Orcs 800,000 Other 200,000 Trolls 100 Dragons (Immigrants from Vinculi) =========================================================== [b]Culture:[/b] [i][b]MATRIARCHY[/b][/i] The Ceresian Empire is a unique culture, its focus on submersed aquatic living aside. First is its political culture. Due to the Mesulids reversed gender hierarchy and religious belief, the empire is heavily matriarchal. Women traditionally hold political offices far more often than men and are exclusively given religious offices, which is overwhelming significant in the deeply religious and theocratic nation (The judicial is also entirely comprised of religious offices, so all judges are women). The military forces is more even, with the army and marines represented by both men and women (Since Mesulid females lose their martial advantage beyond water), though the navy has a higher number of female commanders than the marines, air force and army. Outside of gender politics, the air force has a large number of human and other species officers, since Mesulids aren't exactly the best fliers. [i][b]RELIGIOUS ETHNIC HIERARCHY [/b][/i] The ethnic social order of the Ceresian Empire is mostly enforced by religion, with the largest minority, humans, mostly taught from birth to understand that the Mesulids are their deities chosen people. Racism is relatively common in the empire, though humanity (And other common sea-faring species) has more acceptance than other minorities due to the extended presence in the ocean. The Mesulids cultural syncretism has also seen a number of human and other species cultural norms being adopted, such as marriage. [i][b]LANGUAGE[/b][/i] The Ceresian Empire and Mesulid people speak their own language, Ceresim which has no common roots with other languages or cultures, having been independently formed over 10,000 years ago in the ancient pre-Ceresian mesulid aquatic petty empires/kingdoms. Due to its lacking of any common roots with other languages, Ceresim is a difficult language for foreigners to learn without having grown up in the empire. Even for those who have learned Ceresim from birth, the language is difficult due to many sounds in the language being physically hard for humans and other species to pronounce. The difficulty of learning the language has caused some reformists and colonials to suggest a simplification of Ceresim to allow non-Mesulids to learn the language more easily. [i][b]LILLIUM HOLY LAW[/b][/i] The Ceresian Empire is ruled by the holy laws of the Abyssiasist Faith. The origins of the Ceresian Empires laws was created before the empire's existence at an unknown date, possibly as far back as 10,000 years ago. These original religious laws were modified and improved by the first Ceresian Siren-Empress Lillium Auphraxia I becoming known as "Lillium Law". Lillium Law has been modified throughout its 6000 years of usage, however its core principles and values have remained the same. Lillium Law is harsh and by modern liberal standards draconian, even abominable. Apostates(Coverts who convert from Abyssiasism to something else), heretics and sacrilegious defacers are punished with death by boiling water for example. Rapists are subject to mandatory castration (or female genitalia mutilation if female). Atheists may be imprisoned for life and if they proselytize may be executed on similar grounds as Apostates or heretics. Heathens are subject to state-sponsored persecution in the form of religious taxes and restrictions to public office or other jobs. Heathen proselytizing may result in execution. [i][b]LIBERAL CITIES[/b][/i] "Liberal Cities" are essentially "special areas" where Lillium Law is relaxed for the benefit of foreign businessmen, certain colonial minorities and tourists. These relaxed laws include special secular courts, religious tax exceptions in special housing areas and simple deportation for heathen or atheist proselytizing (unless deemed exceptionally blasphemous, in which case they may be arrested and tried by a Lillium Court). [i][b]RELIGIOUS CASTE SYSTEM[/b][/i] Socially, aside from race and gender there is also deeply ingrained religious castes. This caste system divides the “Lamia Mesulus” (Notable for having numerous extra heads in the form of snake hair) ethnic ruling class from the Mesulus and Terralids (Land-dwellers). The Lamia Mesulus are (usually) the only caste that may achieve the highest political and religious offices of the Empire. Terralids are considered the lowest caste and include both Mesulids and non-Mesulids (humans, etc). The Terralid caste is forbidden from such things as recreational swimming (Learning to swim and military training is not included), laying eyes on the Lamia Mesulus (They must avert their eyes in their presence or suffer the legal consequences) and observing certain religious ceremonies. Interestingly, the Lamia Mesulus ruling class is also forbidden from certain activities usually associated with the surface, such as farming. [i][b]POLYGAMY, MARRIAGE, PROSTITUTION, FAMILY VALUES[/b][/i] Unlike most religions, Abyssiasism never had any particular laws concerning chasity or abstinence and in fact actually advocated promiscuity (Seeing their goddess is also associated with fertility), not to mention the non-existence of the concept of marriage ensured the lack of any notion of adultery. With the eventual introduction of marriage into Abyssiasism and Ceresian Society through syncretic adoption of human culture during the empires colonial imperialism a few centuries ago, this lack of conventional marital piety or generic family values remained. Ceresian marriage is openly polygamous, concubinage (though usually gender-reversed) is legal and divorce is extremely simple as marriage isn't really considered overly sacred or binding and seen simply as an economic and legal state. Ceresian (Culturally, not racially) fertility rates are abnormally high however the lack of structured conventional family units means that poverty is higher than usual and there is a serious orphanage and STD problem. The notable exception to this cultural norm is the ultra-religious conservative blood purity subculture (See mesulid species info for details), who's obsessive dedication to blood purity usually means that they have very close knit family groups with arranged and permanent marriages. [i][b]INDOCTRINATION[/b][/i] The Ceresian Terralid caste is indoctrinated from early childhood into the faith to compensate for their lack of religious observation due to many ceremonies being forbidden to them. While the Lamia Mesulus mostly rule the faith and theological schools, the Terralid caste comprise most of the religious warriors and most zealous members of the faith, willing to kill and die for their goddess. Interestingly, humans are a actually a majority in these organizations and the ultra-religious Terralids in general, the strict and zealous organizations channeling humans natural tendency towards such 'greater' causes. Terralid suicide troopers were first devised by Abyssiasist humans, rather than their Mesulid ruling elite. [i][b]PHEROTRAILS[/b][/i] To further strengthen the obedience of the colonial people, particularly the other species, the Ceresian government and religious institutes regularly spread Mesulid pheromones over colonial cities. Typically the pheromones are even harvested (in the manner of literally collecting sweat) and then burning it in incense or spraying it into the air via airships and biplanes, this causing conspiracy theorists to call this "Pherotrails". The pheromones besides causing human (and other species) males to be more prone to tolerate female Mesulid rule also increase general fertility rates, keeping the colonies reproducing faster and raising the empires population and as such work force. Humans biological capability for sensing pheromones is limited however, so the pheromones are far more effective on more perceptive species such as elves. In these species, the pheromones are almost like a drug and in overdoses may cause them to become increasingly sluggish, nonproductive and may eventually cause a form of mental paralysis and death. Religious order members typically undergo various ceremonies that can be summarized as tripping on pheromones. [i][b]THE MOSTIAN TROUBLES[/b][/i] The south-western island of Mostia is the ancestral homeland of the entire Gnomish species which was conquered by the Ceresian Empire over two centuries ago, causing a mass exodus of Gnomes to the main continent. Today Mostia is a divided province of the Empire with the northern regions heavily Abyssiasist having eventually assimilated into Ceresian society through the powerful faith. The southern regions however remain more defiant with numerous underground resistance movements, secret societies and cultural preservation groups. While it is extremely difficult for the Gnomes to practice their religion or traditions publicly, they have continued for two hundred years in secret. Northern Mostian Gnomes like most Terralid Caste members are fanatically religious towards the faith they grew up in and despise their Southern brothers and sisters in a kind of low-intensity religious civil war known as the Mostian Troubles. While this continues, Continental Gnomes continue to campaign for the return of Mostia to the Gnomish people as an independent, Gnomish state. =========================================================== [/hider] [hider=Religious Beliefs] [h3]Abyssiasism[/h3] [img]http://i.imgur.com/G0lTBWW.jpg[/img] [i]The Serpent Goddess Aepes battles her dragon-riding (The dragon representing the sky) treacherous consort[/i] [i][b]OVERVIEW & CREATION STORY:[/b][/i] The Ceresian Empire is one of the most religious nations in the world, being the heart of the Abyssiasist faith. Abyssiasism is the worship of the Serpent Goddess Aepes of the deep ocean trenches, the creator deity of the Mesulids and patron goddess of life, fertility, the ocean, war, darkness and order. Like other faiths, Abyssiasism venerates the sun as a life-giving force. It is stated that Aepes together with her brother-consort and God of the Sky gathered the light from the sun in an urn and pored it over the ocean, gifting life and bountiful fertility to the ocean. however it is believed that the sun was then stolen from the Goddess Aepes by her brother-consort who then usurped control of the heavens with it, declaring the sky, sun, light and the world his dominion thus forcing the true goddess to retreat to the deep ocean darkness. Since then, the Goddess Aepes rules from the Ocean darkness with her favoured children and chosen people, and is stated to rise every dusk from the ocean to attack and gradually maim her "Antithesis", the night being the period of time where Aepes and the "Antithesis" struggle for dominion of the sun. This great cosmic battle encompasses all Abyssiasist belief. ------------------------------ [i][b]COSMIC BATTLE AND DESTINY OF THE UNIVERSE:[/b][/i] It is believed that Aepes will eventually regain dominion over the sun and light after the defeat of her antithesis in the final cosmic battle wherein a great flood will see the oceans rise to consume the surface, foretelling the inevitable victory of the Serpent Goddess. Once Aepes has regained control of the sun, it is believed that a paradise-on-earth will be created, all mortal life will be made immortal and perfect and all existence will become pure and without the Antithesis' taint. The nature of Abyssiasism's lore both explains the reason for the existence of evil in the current world (The Antithesis has corrupted the mortal realm and Aepes does not possesses omnipotence) as well as provide a motivational reason for continued faith (The quest for a paradise-on-earth). ------------------------------ [i][b]SYMBOLISM:[/b][/i] Aepes while considered a Goddess of Darkness, the sun is ironically often associated with her and her faith due to the belief that its return to her will signify the creation of paradise. ------------------------------ [i][b]CAESAROPAPISM:[/b][/i] The Siren-Empress is considered a mortal avatar of Aepes, a belief that started six thousand years ago with the beginning of the Ceresian Empire. The Siren-Empress is seen as an eternally reincarnating representation of their goddess in the physical realm, this belief drawn from the idea that after fleeing into the ocean, Aepes herself drank from the urn of living light (The Lifebringer Urn), enabling her to birth herself an avatar in the mortal realm and lead the Ceresian people directly. This caesaropapist belief is directly supported by the government and society at large, which has continued this imperial cult for millennia. ------------------------------ [i][b]SYNCRETISM:[/b][/i] Abyssiasism is a faith prone to syncretism, having absorbed and modified many local religious practices and traditions as the Ceresian colonial empire stretched out across the globe. Among Abyssiasism’s syncretic adoptions includes baptism (Which is only observed on the surface) and polygamous marriage. ------------------------------ [i][b]PRIESTHOOD:[/b][/i] Like the Ceresian Empire, the Abyssiasist faith is matriarchal and dominated by priestesses (Called Siren-Maidens). Religious-military orders do however allow men to join and even become commanding figures, as Aepes is a war goddess and is associated with the more gender-neutral army and marine forces. The Siren-Maidens travel the world as missionaries and singers, being simultaneously religious scholars as well as artists. ------------------------------ [/hider] [hider=History] [u][b]History:[/b][/u] [hider=Timeline] [i][b]ANCIENT ERA[/b][/i] 6400 years ago: Ceresian Empire is formed, first Siren-Empress declares self mortal incarnation of the Serpent Goddess. [i][b]CLASSICAL ERA[/b][/i] [i][b]EARLY MODERN ERA[/b][/i] 325: years ago: Frightened by the increasingly advanced gunpowder weapons of the surface nations and their building of cannon-armed warships capable of killing Ceresian sea monsters, the Ceresian Empire looks to the surface for the acquisition of resources, particularly gunpowder to defend itself. 321 years ago: Beginning of the Ceresian Colonial Wars and the beginning of the first land-based Ceresian colonies as well as the conquest of human, elf, draconian, troll and other species civilizations. The Ceresian's above-water colonial empire is established and rapidly expands throught the Colonial Wars Era. 320 years ago: The Great Proselytization: The Abyssiasist faith rapidly spreads across the Ceresian's colonial surface empire though new practices and beliefs are merged into the faith via syncretism, including the concept of marriage. The first marriage between Mesulids occurs around this time. 275 years ago: The first invasion of Mostia (The Mostian Freehold, the gnomish homeland) begins. 273 years ago: The first invasion of Mostia ends with the first battle of Mirondal ending with gnomish victory. The Gnomes hold onto their citadel-city however lose 2/3's of the island nation, annexed by the Ceresia. 252 years ago: The second invasion of Mostia begins. 248 years ago: The Free Mostian Fleet breaks through the Ceresian blockade, enabling the Gnomish people to flee to the continent, beginning the Gnomish Exodus. 246 years ago: The second invasion of Mostia ends with the total annexation of Mostia after the Ceresians flood Mirondal with sea water from underground tunnels. The gnomish people that broke through the Ceresian naval blockade flee to the continent. The gnomish people ever since dream of the reformation of a gnomish state. 220 years ago: End of the Ceresian Colonial Wars. 140 years ago: Ceresian-Verendes War AKA: The Maritime War 131 years ago: End of the Maritime War with the "Destun Accord". 130 years ago: Neutral trade corridor formed, enforced by Verendes Navy and the Destun Accord's post-war "Neutral Corridor Treaty". 127 years ago: The Sacred Empire of the Ceresian Sea loses Great Power status. 130-55 years ago: The Verendes Kingdom becomes the domineering political hegemon of the Ceresian Empire with the empires defeat in the Maritime War and the Verendes navy occuping the Ceres Sea. Verendes would hold Ceres in its sphere of influence by threat of naval blockade and embargo for around 75 years. This a dark time for the Ceresian people and is typicaly known as the "Seventy Five Years of Shame". The Verendes Kingdom with its newfound power over the Caresian Empire enforced a vast monopoly, crushing the Caresian economy, sucking its resources dry and slowing down the nations modernization. Poverty in the Ceresian Empire rose sharply, causing the renewel in commoner interest in religious orders and Anti-Verendes terrorism 120 years ago: Haggaxopolis, an underwater city of the Ceresian Empire that was open to foreign trade is renamed to New Destunopolis or to the Verendes traders "New Destun City" after its concession to the Verendes Kingdom, becoming its primary trading hub in the underwater empire. New Destunopolis is directly ruled by the Kingdom and has remained its sovereign territory even today. Empryeanopolis also is turned into a Verendes trade hub however remains under nominal political control of the Ceresian Empire. 99 years ago: Ascension of Siren-Empress Lamillia V to the Sacred Empire's thrown. 90-60 years ago: First modernization phase of the Imperial Ceresian Navy by ??? 55 years ago: The Sacred Empire of the Ceresian Sea regains Great Power status. During the chaos caused by the -Qualian-Zenovii War and the ensuing foreign policy cataclysm for the Verendes Kingdom, Lamillia V takes the opportunity to break away from Verendes influence by ignoring numerous maritime laws that the kingdom put over the Ceres Sea. She is unable to scrap the Destun Accord's Neutral Corridor Treaty without starting a war with the Kingdom, however the defiance is noted by the world community and the kingdom is powerless to stop her without resorting to a costly war. 60-13 years ago: Second modernization phase of the Imperial Ceresian Navy by ???. With less restrictions put on it by the Verendes Kingdom, the Ceresian Navy rapidly expands in size. [i][b]MODERN ERA:[/b][/i] 42 years ago: Lamillia V wrestles control of Empryeanopolis from the Verendes traders there who have been seeing their wealth and profits steadily drop as the Verendes monopoly and domination of the Empire declines. Lamillia begins an extremely ambitious megaproject to turn Empryeanopolis into a "Modern city" following the designs of futurist architect ??? 17 years ago: The modern underwater city of Empryeanopolis is completed and becomes a tourist trap and cultural/trade hub as well as the popular "face" of the Ceresian Empire. Empryeanopolis and New Destunopolis compete as the primary tourist and trade hubs in the Ceres Sea. 13 years ago: Numerous intellectuals, Bourgeoisie, artists and aristocrats from the fallen Imperium flee elsewhere, many of them being scooped up by the foreign expert-hungry Ceresian Empire, further jumpstarting its modernization and industrialization. 13-5 years ago: Final modernization phase of the Imperial Ceresian Navy by Lev Kerensky, the Kataylan exile and industrialist/bureaucrat foreign adviser. The Imperial Ceresian Navy becomes one of the most powerful in the world, rocketing the Ceresian Empire into a naval superpower, even with the vestigial Verendes influence remaining. 2 years ago: Siren-Empress Lamillia V commits ritual suicide due to suffering from increasingly severe mental illness. Her heir-apparent is assassinated shortly after, starting a bloody succession battle that ends with Silvia XVII as Siren-Empress. 1 year ago: Sylvia XVII's coronation as Siren-Empress is complete and she begins her reign after achieving ultimate victory in the succession battle. [/hider] [hider=The Maritime War] [i][b]The Maritime War[/b][/i] [i]Written by Isotope and Serp[/i] Belligerents: Kingdom of Verendes vs The Sacred Empire of the Ceresian Sea Casus Belli: Continued Security of Verenden Trade Routes Conclusion: Decisive Verenden Victory, Signing of the Destun Accord establishing a neutral corridor through Ceresian territory. As historical traders and fishermen Verendes had long been at the mercy of the seemingly invincible juggernaut that was the Ceresian Empire, a state of affairs many in the nation had long lamented. However this would change dramatically one hundred and forty years ago. Emboldened by the sweeping success that was had in wrangling colonies over the last decade the military leaders of Verendes began to plot action to ensure the trade routes to those colonies remained untouched. On the eighth of may of the year eighteen hundred a state of war was declared a mere hour before Verenden ships set sail with new weapons designed solely for engaging the denizens of the ocean. Armed with special depth charges for bombing the Ceresian cities the first strike from the Verenden navy shattered thousands of years of confidence among the Ceresian people as untold numbers fell victim to the first weapons ever able to destroy their homes. Retaliation was swift and for nine years the Ceresian people would fight and kill thousands of their enemy. Yet against Verenden ships of ever increasing capability until it became simply too obvious that attrition had worn down the once great rulers of the waves and in 1809 the Destun Accord was signed that established neutral sea lanes to Verenden colonies and permitted unlimited Verenden military activity over the Sacred Empires waters. [/hider] [hider=The Mostian Wars] [u][b]-The First Ceresian Invasion of Mostia[/b][/u] [b]Date:[/b] 275-273 years ago [b]Belligerents:[/b] Sacred Empire vs Mostian Freehold [b]Casus Belli:[/b] Holy War [b]Victor:[/b] Sacred Empire (Annexation of 2/3's of the island) [b]Summary:[/b] 275 years ago during the second wave of the Sacred Empire's colonial invasions the island nation of Mostia, homeland of the gnomish race was in a state of political instability following a series of natural disasters. Despite an immense technological advantage, the gnomes were caught entirely unprepared for the endless hordes that emerged without warning from the sea. The Sacred Empire invaded the divided nation during its period of weakness and quickly conquered two thirds of the nation before a ceasefire was made following the gnomes'heroic defence of Mindoral, the underground citadel-city. Despite its quick and relatively easy conquest of most the island, the Sacred Empire agreed to peace due to the combination of said defeat at Mindoral as well as the difficulty in controlling the land they had conquered due to the damage done by the various disasters that took place. [u][b]-The Second Ceresian Invasion of Mostia[/b][/u] [b]Date:[/b] 252-246 years ago [b]Belligerents:[/b] Sacred Empire vs Mostian Freehold [b]Casus Belli:[/b] Holy War [b]Victor:[/b] Sacred Empire (Full annexation of entire island, mass Gnome exodus) [b]Summary:[/b] After a period of peace, the Mostian Freehold knew that its time was up, seeing as the Sacred Empire had repaired most of the damage done by the disasters and could now move supplies through properly to siege their great citadel. The Sacred Empire set up a naval blockade around the remaining Mostian Freehold and cut them off from foreign food supplies. The Mostian Gnomes knew they would not be able to hold forever so took the chance to break the blockade, which they did. This begun a mass wave of refugee's fleeing to the continent and further showed the Ceresians the need to modernize. The Sacred Empire despite numerous setbacks still won, primarily because they eventually flooded Mindoral using tunnels they had drilled through from the sea, tunnels that they had secretly started making during the peace period after the first invasion. [/hider] ======================================================= [/hider] [hider=Nation Relations] [hider=Kingdom of Verendes Relations Detailed] [b]The Kingdom of Verendes:[/b] [i]The Sacred Empire and Verendes have a long and bloody history competing over control of the Ceres Sea. Throughout antiquity the Ceresians dominanted the sea and terrorized the human sailors and merchants, the Verendes Kingdom payed the Ceresians back in kind during the early modern era where following the Maritime War essentially broke the Sacred Empire as a Great Power. For 75 years (ending 55 years ago) during the "75 years of shame", the Sacred Empire was indirectly ruled over by Verendes in an economic hegemony, forced to open its cities to Verendes traders, its resources and trade controlled through a vast monopoly enforced and guarded by the Verendes navy which had unrestricted access and control of Ceresian waters. The kingdoms domination of Ceres begun to slip after the ascension of Lillium V (The current Siren-Empresses grandmother) to the Ceresian throne, mostly due to a combination of crises back home (particularly the Qualian-Zenovii War), waning imperial power and Lillium V's own rebelliousness and desire to modernize her country. Since then, Ceres has broken free from the Kingdom's control and achieved Great Power status again with the completition of its Imperial navy. Verendes' monopoly and navy control has ended, now restricted to just the original "Neutral Corridor Treaty" as signed in the Destun Accord, which itself may soon end in its current form, as the Sacred Empire is pushing for the treaty to be renegotiated. The loss of its hegemony in Ceres has further destroyed Verendes as a credible Great Power, however it still remains a major influence and competitor in the Ceres Sea. Destunopolis, Verendes' ex-Ceresian concessional trade city underneath the ocean remains under their control and a final stronghold of the kingdoms influence there.[/i] [b]Summary:[/b] Verendes and Ceres hold deep historical wounds against each other and a cold political relationship, however under the rhetoric is a extensive amount of economic connections and trade, vital trade that flows through the Ceres Sea which neither side wishes to stop. Verenden and Ceresian hatred is also starting to decline as the war between them and the occupation becomes less significant in today's political environment, particularly with Verendes' decreasing power on the world stage [/hider] ======================================================= [hider=Avalia] [u][b]Avalia:[/b][/u] Republic: -- Secular state: -- Anti-traditionalism/dangerous political ideology: -- Atheistic: ---- Intolerance of Abyssiasism: - Religious Antithesis: ------ No diplomatic relations or communication: -- Historical enmity: -- Severe culture clash (everything, entire society, all values): ---- Xenophobic: - Mutual racism: - Bipartisan enemy: -- Proxy war: -- No interference in Ceresian Sea ++ Female leader: + [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]Absolute antithesis & evil incarnate [/i][b](-28)[/b] [b]What this means:[/b] Avalia is Ceresia’s ultimate arch-nemesis and has been since its creation. It acts as a unifying force of bipartisan agreement for the Ceresian people and competing political factions who all agree that Avalia is Ceresia’s ultimate enemy. Hatred permeates across society from the ruling to working castes and tourism and business between the two people is virtually non-existent. In contemporary Abyssiasism, Avalia is considered the servant of the Sky God (Despite their own atheism) and will become the evil god’s army in the final apocalyptic battle. Ceresia’s right-wing ultra-conservative/reactionary/fascist opposition faction regularly rally behind the warcry of “Avalia must be destroyed!", though this is considered socially acceptable. Calls for the extermination of Valkyerian people are also common, though this is considered "too far" for the majority of the populace and the current ruling government, which is attempting to distance itself from racial purist and genocidal rhetoric of its opposition faction. [/hider][hider=Fuso] [u][b]Fuso:[/b][/u] Absolute monarchy: ++++ Caesaropapism: ++++ Aligned to Avalia: ------ Realpolitik Enemy: + Proxy War: -- Izuno Mesulid Minority Community: - Heathen Religion: - Traditionalism: ++ [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]Unwitting pawn of evil and realpolitik enemy[/i] [b](+3)[/b] [b]What this means:[/b] Ceresia has no personal beef against Fuso and sees it as a righteous nation misled by the promise of security from the great antithesis. Ceresia backs Izuno purely because Fuso is backed by Avalia, and if this was not the case Ceresia would not even be involved in the civil war and may have even attempted diplomatic relations. [/hider][hider=Izuno] [u][b]Izuno:[/b][/u] Absolute monarchy: ++++ Opposed to Avalia: ++++ Realpolitik Ally: - Izuno Mesulid Minority Community: + Heathen Religion: - Tolerant of Abyssiasism: + Traditionalism: ++ Not particularly hostile to Fuso: -- [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]Righteous nation and realpolitik ally[/i] [b](+8)[/b] What this means: An ally made due to the alliance between Fuso and Avalia, previously having little relations, Ceresia suddenly found itself a close military ally in Izuno's civil war. Overall, Ceresians don't really see that much difference between Fuso and Izuno except the fact that one is backed by the forces of evil, therefore the other must be righteous by default. This distinction is relatively important though, since Ceresian people take their apocalyptic cosmic battles seriously. [/hider][hider=KalMea] [u][b]KalMea[/b][/u] Republic: -- Theocracy: ++++ Heathen Religion: - Official policy of neutrality: + Threat to isolated colony: -- [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]???[/i] [b](0)[/b] [b]What this means:[/b] ??? (need more info and the sheet) [/hider][hider=Moravia] [u][b]Moravia:[/b][/u] Heavily religious: + Heathen religion: - Dangerous political ideology: - Opposed to Avalia: ++++ Aligned to Verendes: -- Official policy of neutrality: + Opposition factions fascist alignment: -- Gnomish Question: -- Patriarchial: - Mutual racism: -- Mutual religious extremism: - Potential trade partner: + Potential source of industrialization: ++ Traditionalism: ++ [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]On the fence[/i] [b](0)[/b] [b]What this means:[/b] Moravia and Ceresia have had little relations historically and despite both being great powers with a common enemy in Avalia, Ceresia has no interest in joining the “fascist bloc” currently. This hesitation to join up is due to a multiple of issues ranging from the current Ceresian governments opposition factions becoming increasing fascist and Pro-Moravia, the Moravian gnomish communities support of Mostian resistance groups as well as Moravia’s alignment with Verendes. [/hider][hider=PRK] [u][b]PRK:[/b][/u] Socialist state: -- Secular state: -- Atheist leader: -- Anti-traditionalism/dangerous political ideology: -- Aligned to Avalia: ---- Opposed to Verendes: ++ Official policy of neutrality: + Female leader: + Influence of Kaytalan exiles: - Naval threat: - PRK's olive branch: ++++ [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]An inconvenient, unwanted but probably inevitable enemy[/i] [b](-6)[/b] [b]What this means:[/b] The PRK is seen overall as an ideological enemy however politically Ceresia has no interest in fighting them, mostly due to its official neutrality in the Moravian-Kataylan conflict and continued distrust of the Verendes Kingdom. The PRK's relationship with Avalia and anti-religious leaning ensures that no alliance will ever be made, unless something very drastic occurs which enables some kind of "Unholy Alliance". [/hider][hider=Venitum] [u][b]Ventium:[/b][/u] Elective monarchy: + Traditionalism: ++ Culture clash (Social policies, modesty/promiscuity, morality): - Colonial competition: - Strategic interests: +++ Potential future ally: + Potential future enemy: - [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]Possible ally, otherwise neutrality[/i] [b](+4)[/b] [b]What this means:[/b] Ceresia's views Ventium as a neutral and uninvolved in the two primary political blocs. Due to Ventium being a monarchy and colonial power, Ceresia is willing to overlook its liberalistic social policies and conflicting morality much like it does Yllendthyr in the name of realpolitik. Its drive to get Ventium on its side is based more around its desire to keep it out of the other two blocs, as the alternative will likely mean a war on the new continent between the colonial powers. [/hider][hider=Verendes] [u][b]Verendes:[/b][/u] Monarchy: ++ Female leader: + Historical enmity: -- Former hegemon and tyrannical rule: ---- Interference in the Ceresian Sea: -- Neutrality Corridor Treaty: ------ Continued Verendes rule of Destunopolis: ---- Thaw emerging from cultural exchange and trade made from Destunopolis: ++ Return of Empyreanopolis to de facto Ceresian rule: ++ Mutual racism: - Important trade connections: +++ Potential source of industrialization: ++ Thaw due to Verendes hegemony collapse: + Traditional social hierarchy(Thought not traditionalism): + Culture clash (Changing traditions, worker upward mobility): - Colonial competition: - Verendes Mesulid minority: + Mesulid ghetto's: - [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]Historical archenemies with gradual thaw[/i] [b](-7)[/b] [b]What this means:[/b] Verendes and Ceresia are historical enemies for millennia, the maritime trader city-states constantly fighting with the underwater empire that would terrorize them. Following the Maritime War 130 years ago, this suddenly changed with Ceresia's defeat to the Verendes Kingdom and its old navy crushed by Verendes' modern(for then) one. For 75 after Ceresia would be in Verendes' sphere of influence and under its economic hegemony. Verendes enforced numerous treaties on Ceresia which they have not forgotten. Today, Ceresia has broken free of Verendes rule and surpassed it in numerous area's, particularly its navy. While historical hatred and distrust remain, a thaw may occur due to increasing trade relations (that does not involve crippling and expolitive monopolies) and cultural exchange through Destunopolos (the city ceded to Verendes after the Maritime War). The Neutral Corridor Treaty, which enforces corridors where Verendes may pass through Ceresian waters without authorization is the largest barrier to normalization of relations. [/hider][hider=Vinculi] [u][b]Vinculi:[/b][/u] Confederation of states that contains at least one monarchy: + Confederation of states that contains at least one republic: - Interference in the Ceresian Sea: -- Mutual racism in some states: - Extremely Important trade connections(Industrialization): ++++ Primary source of industrialization: ++++ Source of arms/technology: ++ Industrial economic patron: ++++ Culture clash (Many different societies and cultures): - Potential ally: + Strategic Interests: +++ Fears of foreign monopoly: -- Heathen religion: - Tolerance of tourists: + Gnomish Question: -- [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]Patron of the New Ministry and modernization of Ceresia[/i] [b](+10)[/b] [b]What this means:[/b] Vinculi has since become the Sacred Empires greatest economic ally due to its corporations and foreign advisers intense interest in modernizing and industrializing the Ceresian Empire. The sheer importance of the undertaking of the industrialization and modernization project has made Vinculi an invaluable asset to the Empire, and this is acknowledged by the empires people who treat Vinculi foreigners and tourists with respect, in comparison to Verenden counterparts. The reactionary and fascist opposition despise Vinculi however and many hold fears that Vinculi will be a repeat of Verendes. [/hider][hider=Yllendtyr] [u][b]Yllendthyr:[/b][/u] Constitutional monarchy: ++ Heathen Religion: - Tolerance of Abyssiasism: + Neither aligned with Moravia or PRK: ++ Strategic Interests: +++ Potential future ally: + Potential future enemy: - Aligned to Avalia: ---- Islands in Ceresian Sea: - Important trade connections: +++ Potential source of industrialization: ++ Potential source of military arms/technology: + Ruler's Yllendthyrophilia due to tutor: ++ Traditionalism: ++ Possible naval threat: - Culture clash (Liberalism, religious freedom, morality): - Yllendthry Mesulid minority: + Protects Mesulid apostates: -- [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]Strategic alliance target, potential greatest ally or enemy[/i] [b](+8)[/b] [b]What this means:[/b] The Heavenly Empire is a mostly neutral Great Power with a similar political situation as the Sacred Empire; both being colonial powers on the fence and not particularly committed to either fascism or communism's victory. Ceresia's goal is to join or form a "Third party" faction independent from the two existing blocs with the goal of defending its naval and colonial interests beyond the old continents politics. Yllendthyr is the best choice for this partnership also because of its potential economic relations. The greatest obstacle to any form of alliance is Yllendthyrs cordial relationship with Ceresia's ultimate archenemy, Avalia. So long as Yllendthyr seeks positive relations with Avalia, no true alliance can be formed. The Ceresian government seeks to isolate Avalia, as it worries that should Avalia succeed in allying Yllendthyr, it will force Ceresia to join the Fascist bloc instead. [/hider][hider=Zenovia] [u][b]Zenovia:[/b][/u] Constitutional monarchy: ++ Heathen religion: - Culture clash (Social policies, personal liberties, morality): - Official policy of neutrality: + Neither aligned with Moravia or PRK: ++ Potential future ally: + [b]Net opinion:[/b] [i]Neutrality with potential for alliance under certain circumstances[/i] [b](+4)[/b] [b]What this means:[/b] Ceresia doesn't care all that much about Zenovia. It has no real relations with the country. Zenovia is also unaffiliaited with the fascists or communists however at the moment Ceresia is not seekign any form of cooperation with them. This may change in the future depending on the situation. [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Geography, Agriculture and Industry] [u][b]Capital City[/b][/u]: [i]Aepesopolis[/i] [b]Nation Geography and Territories:[/b] [b]Ceresian Sea:[/b] [url=http://i.imgur.com/ZnSm07Q.png]Map of Territories[/url] The largest part of the Ceresian Empire and where the vast majority of Mesulids live. It is mostly located across the Ceres sea floor, typically in areas closer to sea level and as such more stable to build on and gather light and abundance of resources and food. The Ceresian Empire also has built into sea trenches as well as light reefs and small islands. The more heavily developed infrastructure built underwater must be built in the higher areas due to the difficulty of bringing materials down and then building under the ocean. [b]Region Capital:[/b] Aepesopolis [b]Largest City(Population) in Region:[/b] Aepesopolis [b]Racial Majority in Region:[/b] Mesulids [b]Central Osea:[/b] [url=http://i.imgur.com/XqGTd84.png]Map of Territories[/url] [b]Region Capital:[/b] Apophanum [b]Largest City(Population) in Region:[/b] New Empyreanpolis [b]Racial Majority in Region:[/b] Humans [b]North Osea:[/b] [url=http://i.imgur.com/HJIJeug.png]Map of Territories[/url] [b]Region Capital:[/b] Myrmidarium [b]Largest City(Population) in Region:[/b] Myrmidarium [b]Racial Majority in Region:[/b] Humans [b]East Anea:[/b] [url=http://i.imgur.com/KsO8uHk.png]Map of Territories[/url] [b]Region Capital:[/b] Sirencoast [b]Largest City(Population) in Region:[/b] Sirencoast [b]Racial Majority in Region:[/b] Humans (Trolls notable minority) [b]South Osea:[/b] [url=http://i.imgur.com/FcBqIMV.png]Map of Territories[/url] [b]Racial Majority in Region:[/b] Humans [b]Mostia:[/b] [url=http://i.imgur.com/FcBqIMV.png]Map of Territories[/url] [b]Region Capital:[/b] Mindoral [b]Largest City(Population) in Region:[/b] Mindoral [b]Racial Majority in Region:[/b] Gnomes [b]Wellow:[/b] [url=http://i.imgur.com/FcBqIMV.png]Map of Territories[/url] [b]Racial Majority in Region:[/b] Humans [b]South Verusa:[/b] [url=http://i.imgur.com/FcBqIMV.png]Map of Territories[/url] [b]Region Capital:[/b] Aeneasopolis [b]Largest City(Population) in Region:[/b] Aeneasopolis [b]Racial Majority in Region:[/b] Humans [hider=Locations of interest] [h3]Locations of Interest[/h3] [b]EMPYREANOPOLIS: The New Face of the Empire[/b] [img]http://i.imgur.com/1EJo75t.jpg[/img] Empyreanopolis is the sole submerged city under Ceresian control open to non-business/political related foreigners (That is to say, tourists) and was built with the intention of being a tourist trap. Empyreanopolis was originally a Ceresian tradehub open to Verendes traders which was then taken over in all but name by Verendes after the Maritime War (Though unlike New Destunopolis it was not officially annexed). Control of the city was wrestled away from Verendes control by the previous Siren-empress who then started a program to build a modern city under the ocean, similar to New Destunopolis. The program was recently finished. Empyreanopolis is tailored to be PR-friendly, presenting familiar niceties of foreigners own cultures as well as various foreigner-friendly aspects of Ceresian culture. The more severe elements of Lillium religious law of the Empire are watered down here to give more incentive for foreigners to come, return and of course spend. These relaxed laws and general cultural uniqueness has made Empyreanopolis one of the most liberal cities in the entire empire, competing with some of the more open colonial cities. [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Military] [b][u]Population[/u][/b] 1,600,000 Active personnel 3,600,000 reserve personnel 200,000 paramilitary religious military order personnel 16-24 million in total war full mobilization conditions [b][u]Army Overview:[/u][/b] In comparison to the navy and its marines, the army can be considered lacking. The army while acceptably trained and a sizable force is outdated and in need of modernization. The Mesulids use of older tank models and horses is notable. Recently the new administration desires to modernize the army and air force properly; however this is a work in progress. On the other hand, the army is notable for one exceptional thing: Most army personnel are "Terralid" caste members. These lower caste members are indoctrinated since early childhood to compensate for their lack of ability to observe the sacred rituals. This indoctrination for those destined for military service is extreme, and as such many religious fanatics inhabit the army. Backed by fanatical zeal and hatred of heathens, Ceresian soldiers have a tendency to suicide bomb enemies and fight to the death. [i][b]WEAPONS[/b][/i] [url=http://i.imgur.com/DguFrbi.png]Ayllia BA-Model 1903 Rifle[/url] Ayllia Company(pre-merger) bolt-action rifle and standard use rifle of the Ceresian Army. Known commonly as the Ayllia'03 or the Ayllia Rifle. [url=http://i.imgur.com/twyV0vB.png]Ayllia-Stonebrew SA-Model 1938 Rifle[/url] Ayllia-Stonebrew Arms Company's new semi-automatic rifle, seeing increased used as the army modernizes. Known as the Stonebrew'38 to distinguish it from the Ayllia'03 Rifle. [url=http://i.imgur.com/jmgcFRw.png]Halstrum AT-Model 1922 Heavy Rifle[/url] Halstrum Industrial Conglomerate's heavy rifle, designed for anti-tank/armour/material purposes. Known as the "Little Halstrum" or "Lil'Halstrum" due to the gun being HIC's smallest caliber weapon produced and considered it checking the waters of the small arms industry. [url=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/1a/86/b81a869ffaba2fda59cf8117083c19ea.jpg]Imported GMG-32[/url] The GMG-32 is the latest service light machine gun in the Verenden Military, operating on an open bolt chambered for 7.6mm and designed for simple and fast barrel change the 32 was designed for ease of operation and rugged durability in combat. It is a weapon commonly found in the Ceresian Empire through the Destunopolis and Empryeanopolis arms trade. Verendes economic activity in Ceresia while declining is still ongoing, with the arms trade being one of the few still strong Verendes industries due to their high quality machine guns. [url=http://i.imgur.com/QRitqbD.jpg]Ayllia UW-Model 1886-31 Spear Rifle[/url] Underwater spear rifle, designed by Ayllia Company a year after the fall of Verendes Hegemony over Ceresia (1885). Functions essentially like a bolt-action rifle but fires spears underwater. Was recently updated in 1931 to improve the firing mechanism, range and reload time. [url=http://i.imgur.com/R06qNI6.jpg]Ayllia UW-Model 1934 Ascension Gun[/url] Specialized underwater gun specifically designed by Ayllia Company to be used by Marine forces in boarding missions, essentially rapid ascension onto enemy ship decks. [url=http://i.imgur.com/v8Y0Kpm.jpg]Ayllia "Trident" M2[/url] Harpoon cannon designed to fire armour-piercing harpoons into submarine and ship hulls. Can be used both as a turret and as a mobile weapon moved by a team of 2-3. Harpoons can have explosives attached to more seriously damage target. [url=http://i.imgur.com/nvSZBOA.jpg]Argustide AA-Model "Witchhunter" 1899-39[/url] The Argustide Company's finest work, the handheld Gatling cannon. Due to the impracticality of the weapon (Weight and excessive rate of fire compared to limited ammo), it isn't commonly used in typical battles. It is sometimes used as a 'special weapon' armed by troll storm troopers during trench assaults and its most famous purpose: A specialized handheld anti-air gun used to take down Avalia's strike witches. This role has become so universally recognized that the gun is referred to as the "Witchhunter". It is a favorite of certain religious military orders dedicated to the extermination of Strike witches as demonic servants of the sky god, particularly the appropriately nicknamed "Anti-witches" or "Witchhunter Amazons", an all-female religious paramilitary order intentionally designed to contrast the Strike witches in every way. [url=http://i.imgur.com/H8c5WrP.png]Kerensky Gun[/url] Highly experimental assault rifle with underwater firing capabilities, designed by the Imperial Ceresian Navy under Commission from Minister Kerensky, hence its name. Currently a prototype weapon being used by the Marine forces. Possibly the Ceresian Empires most advanced infantry weapon. =========================================================== [i][b]INFANTRY[/b][/i] [url=http://i.imgur.com/x7Ik4KE.jpg]Mesulid Infantry[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/Ht72GG3.jpg]Human Stormtroopers[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/h1t0S6E.jpg]Human Conscripts[/url] [i][b]ARMOUR[/b][/i] [url=http://i.imgur.com/ivL2SA0.jpg]Armoured Technical-Car[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/c7LeSjE.jpg]AA Armoured Car[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/VsCS9WW.jpg]Model 13 "Exemplar" Tank[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/9CFGGHT.jpg]Model 19 "Legion" Heavy Tank[/url] [i][b]ORDNANCE[/b][/i] [url=http://i.imgur.com/6QS2UHs.jpg]Infantry Gun[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/fVPzPxq.jpg]Light Howitzer[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/TPJMc3a.jpg]Mortar[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/HytJXPO.jpg]25mm AA Tri-Machine Gun[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/oj1lSzW.jpg]88mm Flak Cannon[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/OxZ1VQR.jpg]200mm Super-heavy "Avaliabane" Flak Cannon[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/Htu6vUL.jpg]Halstrum 132mm Heavy Artillery[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/UaiMegA.jpg]Stationary/Coastal Cannon Battery[/url] =========================================================== [u][b]-Navy Overview-[/b][/u] The Ceresian Empire is the exemplar of the pursuit of naval supremacy. For millennia the Mesulids have ruled the ocean waves as they have its bedrock, however recently with the age of industrialization this rule has come into doubt. No longer can sea monsters ridden by armies of trident wielding Mesulids conquer the waves, not against cannons, torpedo’s, depth charges and machine guns. So the Mesulids did the only thing they can do, adapt and modernize. The slowest of the Great Powers to industrialize, the Mesulids put great effort into its indomitable navy, now once again restored to its former glory. Dreadnoughts, floating fortresses and colossal submarine-carriers supported by heavily armoured Myrmidon marine elite, the Mesulids continue to strive to be the ultimate masters of the waves. [h3]THE IMPERIAL CERESIAN MARITIME NAVY[/h3] [url=http://i.imgur.com/Qfm8CIo.jpg]Argus-Class Super-monitor Dreadnought[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/WBafUdJ.jpg]Hecate-Class Battleship[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/Kvpym8Q.jpg]Argent-Class Carrier[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/apTa15C.jpg]Vela-Class Battlecarrier[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/6QSJr6j.jpg]Eos-Class Battlecruiser[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/i7U5gFj.jpg]Vesta-Class Cruiser[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/HaGfrXh.jpg]Gladius-Class Destroyer[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/ejFfUAc.jpg]Helot-Class Corvette[/url] [b][u]Submersible Navy[/u][/b] [url=http://i.imgur.com/ytSJ3Yg.jpg]Argonautilus-Class Imperial Dreadnought Battlesub[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/qXO6s0u.jpg]Scylla-Class Carrier Submarine[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/tIAGAyq.jpg]Chimera-Class Hunter Hybridsub[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/ZZgeM8v.jpg]Enyo-Class Attack Submarine[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/5kPSaiT.jpg]Deimos-Class Midget Submarine[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/lpJtZfC.jpg]Model 33B Submersible Tank-Walker[/url] [b][u]Ceresian Marine Corps[/u][/b] [url=http://i.imgur.com/9RB0Dnc.jpg]Ceresian Marines[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/B6XwiV7.jpg]Ceresian Myrmidon Heavy Marines[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/VTPSL48.png]Landing Craft Assault Landship-Walker[/url] =========================================================== [b][u]Air Force Overview[/u][/b] The supremacy of the Mesulid navy and its zealous well-trained but outdated army is finally completed by its lackluster air force, known officially as the "Aeronautical navy". Most in need of a serious overhaul and modernization, the Mesulid air force consists of mostly purchased foreign airships, lightly armoured zeppelin-based airships and biplanes. The sections of the Air force that are actually well equipped and trained are almost exclusively naval support or the experimental modernization wing that has recently been given funding boasts by Sylvia XVII's government. Overall, The administration needs to seriously modernize and reform the air force, which is a work in progress. [h3]THE IMPERIAL CERESIAN AERONAUTICAL NAVY[/h3] [url=http://i.imgur.com/exDib23.jpg]Lamilla-Class Cruiser Battlezeppelin[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/E31y0E6.jpg]Lamilla II-Class Cruiser Armoured Battlezeppelin[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/AZpDVCn.jpg]Sylnavia-Class Battlecruiser Airship (Retrofit)[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/srx9Rib.jpg]Ceresian Biplane Fighter[/url] [url=http://i.imgur.com/thq74iT.jpg]Ceresian Biplane Bomber[/url] =========================================================== [/hider]