Mykalimonia

Holy Mykalimonian Empire Сьвѩтэ Импэръюм Микальске
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Вяра и едность для хвалы майкалис Faith and Unity for the glory of Mykalis
Capital	Alioth (royal, executive) Alysthenes (religious, economic) Hyelaistos (cultural)
Largest city	Alysthenes
Official languages	Mikalski
Recognised national languages	Bassiliyan, Middle Juliaen
Recognised regional languages	Old Juliaen
Ethnic groups	94% Mykalimonian 5% Ok'lizuzati 0.5% Auraxian 0.5% Other
Religion	Althaeinism
Demonym(s)	Mykalimonian
Government	Imperial Diarchy
• Empress	Maia Althaea
• Shadow Emperor	Norau Althaeon
Expulsion from the Peraro Krotoik
• Mykalimonian Schism	28 EM
• Alysthenes founded	111 EM
• House of Althaea established	113 EM
• Ok'lizuzati-Mykalimonian War	413-428 EM
• Second Cycle of Mykalimonia	883 EM
Area
• Total	775,280 km2 (299,340 sq mi) (9th)
Population
• 1385 estimate	~12.5 million (5th)
• 1380 census	12,471,690
• Density	15.99/km2 (41.4/sq mi) (25th)
Currency	Astro (✧)

Mykalimonia (Mikalski: Микальска, _romanized: Mikalska, mˈa͡ɪkælskə]; Middle/Old Juliaen: Микалимонија, _romanized: Mikalimonja, [mˈe͡ɪkɐlˌɪmɒnjə]), also known as the Holy Mykalimonian Empire, is a large Empire located in west-central Kalavik. It is the most populous country in Kalavik before the Ok'lizuza Empire. Mykalimonia has a humid coninental climate, and is situated between the Northern Sea to the north and the Kalavikian Ocean to the south. Its 13 distinctly-governed regions with three of them as city-states are directly bordered by the Ok'lizuza Empire to the north; and indirectly bordered by Eldiastan to the south and Noyazdria to the northwest. Originally expelled and banished from the ancient lands of Krotoi-occupied Juliae in 531 IE, Mykalimonia has since established itself as a prominent sovereign Empire. Mykalimonia covers approximately 775,280 square kilometers (299,337.281 square miles), and is the ninth-largest nation in the world. Alioth is the royal and executive capital of Mykalimonia, with Alythenes as the economic capital and Hyelaistos as the cultural capital, respectively.

The region that is now Mykalimonia has been inhabited by native tribes since the far-ancient era. Following the exile of Mykalimonians from Krotoi-occupied Juliae, the people were led by the descendants of divine prophet Mykalis Althaea across and into what is known today as the continent of Kalavik. The large group of exiles would then travel for around three-quarters of a century until establishing Alysthenes. Since establishing Alysthenes, the small nation grew very rapidly, growing to approximately three-quarters of its current size in 730 IE. Mykalimonians were not keen on embracing the natives into their culture as they expanded, and likely exterminated them citing religious differences, liquidating their tribal cultures along with them. An royalty was soon also established shortly after Alysthenes was founded. Royalty would be commonplace as the nation transitioned from a Principality to an Empire throughout its early history.

Mykalimonia had been a vaguely stable state throughout the 13th century, with an obvious lack of documentation of the Emperors during that period (Valorn I and Valorn II). This stability would begin to trend downward with the economic crisis during the leadership of Emperor Kytrax, which were primarily due to weather patterns triggering drought with the Ten-Year Great Famine beginning in the year 1303 that resulted from the harsh drought. Some have stated that the famine was the sign of the beginning of a darkened age of Mykalimonia soon to follow. The first half of the reign of Emperor Kalitz would shut this argument down, but the Alioth Massacre in 1349 quickly brought the argument firmly back on its feet as his remaining reign would be that of a tyranny. His reign would be violently ended as he was murdered by his own wife, and given to the Ok'lizuza Empire on a delegation trip to serve as sacrifice for the Winter Festival of 1385. Emperor Norau would then take control of the Empire, passing short reforms before abdicating his seat to Maia Althaea with the passage of the Statute of Succession. This would bring their once-friendly neighbor Auraxia into rage, which would follow into the beginning of the Mykali-Auraxian War in 1389.

Mykalimonia stands as a moderately-developed nation, and as the fifth most-populous nation in the known world with a population of approximately 12.5 million Mykalimonians. Highly pacifistic and devoutly focused on the development and evolution of its own culture and religion, Mykalimonia claims itself to be the nation of the highest-class in Kalavik, and claims that the Ok'lizuza Empire's culture and religion have exponentially increased that gap. With its population and economic status, the Empire of Mykalimonia is an influential economic and cultural power on Kalavik.

Name

The name of Mykalimonia is primarily derived from Mykalis Althaea, who was a divine prophet and the main figure in Mykalimonian religion. The name was adopted as a demonym for followers of Mykalis, and the Bassiliyan exiles were had agreed on naming their country and themselves after their late-prophet.

History

Evidence of historical documents support Mykalimonians being descendants from what is today the Holy Empire of Bassiliya. Mykalimonians were forced out of Juliae by Krotoi-occupied Juliae in the early-500s, but documents of history before the Mykalimonian exodus exists in the nation.

Juliaen Period (Ancient-20 BA)

Many historical scribes claim that the early Mykalimonians descend from present-day Bassiliya. The earlies times that most scribes are confident about trace back to the Ancient Tribal Era. In this era, it is noted that four tribes existed: the Juliae, Heptameri, Melatos, and the Zervatos. These four tribes all worshiped a common religion named Skajizam. Skajizam revolved around the existence of spirits and deities in the sky. At one point in the history of the tribes, they entered a period of conflict, coloquially known as the Ancient Conflicts. These conflicts, which lasted for approximately four centuries came to and end as a stalemate. This was primarily caused by diminishing populations on the border as large battles ensued between the Juliae and Zervatos tribes. Peace would reign over these tribes until a century later, in which they would become enemies once again in the Juli-Zervatos War as they fought over the western regions. Two decades afterwars would see the second declaration of peace between the tribes which would end hostilities for the foreseeable future.

During this period of peace, the Juliae and Zervatos grew both in wealth and influence, primarily through trade and commerce. The discovery of metals such as gold and silver led to a economic boom in the Zervatos' mining industries. The Juliae themselves benefitted from this industrial and economic boom by supplying the necessary resources involved in mining. 244 IE saw the beginning of the Second Juli-Zervatos War. This conflict saw the subjugation of the Zervatos under Juliaen rule. After the conflict ended, the next two centuries would see the complete yet peaceful integration of Zervatos culture into Juliaen society.

Circa 460 IE saw the ancient and powerful Empire of Peraro Krotoik looking to expand east while swallowing neighboring tribes to the west of Juliae. Fearing for their destruction by the Krotoi, the Juliae begin a military buildup. Soon afterwards, the Juliae would see themselves trying to manage small border conflicts all along the western borders of the Juliae and Krotoik. To the Juliaen's misfortune, a group of ethnics from the tribe of Zervatos incited a rebellion due to cultural grievances, causing the glaven Lazo Panamito to attempt to put down the rebellion. This attempt to contain the rebellion utterly failed, in-turn allowing the Zervatos to flee west into Krotoik lands. Noticing this, the Krotoika invaded the Juliae in mid-480 IE, beginning what would be called the Krotoik Invasion of Juliae. This invasion saw much of the western regions of the Juliae lost to the Krotoi. Consecutive costly defensive losses for the next year would see the Juliae surrender after the Battle of Predavnik, citing the end of Juliaen hegemony and the beginning of Krotoik occupation.

Krotoik occupation and Mykalimonian expulsion (20 BA-28 EM)

The surrender of the Juliae marked a pivotal change for Juliaen culture. The appointment of the first governor per the generous treaty by the Peraro Krotoik saw Mirko Vasiliadis appointed. Vasiliadis soon referred to himself as Mirko Juliae. Mirko oversaw the absorption of many cultural customs and traditions of the Krotoika as well as ethnicities onto the former Juliaen culture. During this period, an important figure in present-day Mykalimonian society, Mykalis Althaea, was born. Mykalis would form the foundation of the religion that is called Mykalism. Her parents through Mykalist manuscripts, described that they felt Mykalis was no ordinary human, but something higher than that. They then began to explain their feelings to their close neighbors about Mykalis. As Mykalis reached her late 20s, manuscripts describe Mykalis traveling from city to city in Krotoik-occupied Juliae proclaiming her divinity and connections to the cosmos. Many manuscripts also described Mykalis performing miracles and bestowing blessings upon those who had fallen ill or had become disabled; something one could not normally do in the flesh. She also taught many people of the rules that they must follow in order to be a true adherent towards her. This prompted a huge following of people who began to praise and worship her for her deeds. However, these acts did not go unnoticed by the Krotoika. Krotoik authorities began to silence worshippers of Mykalis almost immediately with arrests and floggings, as it was against Otoism to worship a deity supreme to Oto. It rapidly escalated to torture and executions as it was becoming more widely known. In 531 IE, a warrant for Mykalis' arrest would be issued as she began to speak about a desire for a Juliaen rebirth and proceeded to produce a highly-inflammatory sermon. She would be found relatively quickly, arrested and tried quickly for her crimes. It was decided quickly that she would be condemned and put to death via stoning. While imprisoned in Soncetopilay, Mykalis was said to have been beaten consistently each day until her death.

Early scholars of Mykalimonia have few but accurate recordings on Mykalis' imprisonment. During her imprisonment, a large group of followers incited a rebellion against the Krotoika citing discriminatory treatment of Mykalis and the overwhelming desire for a Juliaen rebirth. This rebellion would kick off the Mykalimonian Schism. The rebellion consisted of several thousand Juliaens who ravaged through homes belonging to Krotoik citizens. Violent clashes against the Krotoik authorities also occurred. The rebellion would see its end after a week as Krotok authorities gathered who contributed to the rebellion to watch Mykalis' death by the Krotoi. It is recorded that Mykalis condemned the Empire of Peraro Krotoik and supposedly laid out a curse that the Empire would one day fall. She also proclaimed her divinity and association to the cosmos for the last time before she died.

Following her death, a short and violent uprising began again leading to many deaths for both parties. The remaining population of followers would either be forced into hiding or be rounded up and exiled from the Peraro Krotoik. Grieving their divine deity, they coined themselves in her honor as Mykalimonians, and set off to the outskirts of the Peraro Krotoik.

Mykalimonian Exodus (28-111 EM)

Mykalis left three offspring to inherit her legacy with the exiled Mykalimonians. Shortly after their expulsion, Mykalism was born as a new religion that worshipped the late Mykalis, who was now in her completed form in the cosmos. Coming to terms with what had occurred, they had to start from square one, but they were afraid of settling too close to the Empire of Peraro Krotoik as they would likely be killed and pillaged. They began to travel east. They would soon encounter and cross the strait that separated the continents of Oskiya and Kalavik.

Taking into account if they were fortunate enough to expand past the strait, the Mykalimonians thought that it was not enough space between themselves and the Peraro Krotoik to settle. They slowly continued east during their journey. As the journey progressed slowly, Mykalis' offspring and eventually descendants who led the large population gave the exodus reassurance that their ancestor is leading them in the right direction and would let them know when to settle down peacefully. Eventually they would march into a nation named Auraxia who greeted them warmly and gave them as much time as they needed until they needed to continue their journeys, which would be what the Mykalimonians would do after taking a considerable break from the journey. Mykalis' descendants had an instinct that the desired spot was getting closer. After departing from Auraxia, they continued east until they hit the coast of the Lake of Kalavik, where they would settle down and establish a village. Named after the first daughter and leader of the exodus, Alysthenes would be established in 614 IE. The first chief of the town, Jaxis Althaeon and descendant of Mykalis would take charge and oversee the growth of Alysthenes that would be under the blessing of Mykalis for generations to come.

Principality of Mykalimonia (128-161 EM)

After Alysthenes' establishment in 614 IE, the infant entity of Mykalimonia would prosper under Jaxis Althaeon as the new state underwent rapid expansion. With the future of Mykalimonia at his hands, he established a royalty that consisted of current family members immediate and distant. With his son Andres Althaeon, the widower gave the only child of his rights of succession for when he were to pass. Early expansions of Mykalimonia saw little conflict with native civilizations during Jaxis' latter years. Jaxis would pass away in 622 IE, and Andres would inherit his position. As Alysthenes grew, so did Mykalimonia and the needs to govern different areas. Andres would have various family members govern each city and its' surrounding towns as the state grew, and they reported back to Andres while he kept the idea of royalty that Jaxis created, formally designating Mykalimonia as a Principality with Andres as Prince. Andres would go to marry and become the father of four children. During his tenure, Andres would invent Mykalimonia's currency, the Astro (pl. Astra) as well as developing the first version of the Mykalimonian flag which would be a piece of cloth colored deep blue to resemble Juliaen history and culture.

Mykalimonia continued to expand under Andres' reign and would approach the upper limit of territorial claims as a singular principality. Afraid of jeopardizing the royal family's power and influence over Mykalimonia, Andres opted to create a total of five regions including Alysthenes as its own, and appointed positions to his children to govern those regions as Lords. Andres would unexpectedly pass away in 641 IE at the age of 58 due to heart complications. Isvalan Althaeon succeeded Andres while appointing a family member to his previous position as Lord, and oversaw the continued expansion of Mykalimonia as the Principality entered an economic boom. Eventually, the principality had begun to run into conflict as minor disputes over the four Lord's territories began to evolve into violent conflicts. Isvalan suggested that all of the regions originally created by Andres be united into one entity to prevent a civil war. Eventually, the siblings and cousin of Isvalan agreed to sign the rights of their territories to be governed by Isvalan in 664 IE, thus creating the Empire of Mykalimonia and abolishing the Principality.

Empire of Mykalimonia (First Cycle, 161-883 EM)

Upon gaining knowledge of the current wellbeings of the previous territories that Isvalan's close family took charge of, he realized that the family members weren't contributing much to their own regions that they governed other than to the expansions of Mykalimonia during the lifetime of Lordship, as they were found to be using the money for their own personal gain. Clearly upset, Isvalan issued arrests for the members of the family, seizing what money that remained in their possession upon their arrest. This caused all but one sibling of Isvalan's to be forced into hiding, where they would not be discovered until after their death in 669 IE. The other members were eventually arrested and tried for corruption and embezzlement, where they would all be guilty of their crimes and half of them imprisoned for life and the other half forced to work as slaves for life. The rest of Isvalan's reign would see a significant spike in the religion of Mykalism, as Isvalan implemented policies that encouraged citizens of Mykalimonia who weren't familiar or had no interest of worshipping Mykalism to become Mykalis' adherents. Isvalan passed away peacefully in 686 IE after a 45-year reign, his son Isvalan II succeeding him.

Isvalan II (183-215 EM)

Isvalan II's reign signified both economic growth and recession as he envisioned Mykalimonia to be a beautiful Empire with architecture that rivals any other nation that he knew existed. Most economic inflow went into improving all areas of Mykalimonia, creating landmarks in various cities such as the statue of Mykalis in Alysthenes. Building architecture became unique, and various areas that were lacking in visual aesthetic were greatly improved upon. Isvalan II was also notable for creating and maintaining the early relationship between Auraxia and Mykalimonia, encouraging trade between the two nations as they both continued to grow in economic wealth in some respects. Isvalan would marry and produce a son and daughter soon after. The economic recession came around in 715, as a relatively larger tribe in the southern parts of Mykalimonia stopped their expansion via war and drove Mykalimonia backwards. Expansion in the northern regions continued as planned, with less conflict than the south had experienced at the time. With this war also came a disease that made several rounds all throughout Mykalimonia, named the "Dying Cough". The Dying Cough was a disease transferred by saliva or air particles and would begin with a normal cough, which evolved to pneumonia and death. The disease would begin to slow down as medicines began to prevent it from infecting people. The Dying Cough is still reported to exist today, though in very small numbers.

Isvalan II would contract the disease, and die of pneumonia in 718 IE. His son Kyrillos succeeded him.

Kyrillos (215-259 EM)

Kyrillos' first half of his reign included the ceasing of Mykalimonian expansion around 733 IE as the north had encountered another civilization, the Empire of Ok'lizuza. The south had defined its borders for the moment due to the tribe that had previously held them back from expanding any further south. Relations between Auraxia and Mykalimonia continued to prosper as they both became tighter allies and in-turn their trade improved in size. [Throughout Kyrillos' reign, no attempt was made at making deliberate contact with the Ok'lizuzati.] Kyrillos would continue Isvalan's take on architectural reform and improvement, while also striving to improve citizen's rights in Mykalimonia. Additionally, Kyrillos also passed the Slave Reform, reforming the laws of slaves and saw debt as a dishonorable and burden to one person. Therefore, he provided a way to escape debt by temporarily becoming a slave while relinquishing the right's of citizens as long as one remained a slave. These rights would then be returned following the status of becoming debt-free. Slavery also became an acceptable and very honorable choice for work if the person pursued it as a job; the slaves voluntarily working would receive money for working unlike slaves that possessed debt. Kyrillos would become highly famous with these various reforms he passed, with citizens enjoying more liberty amongst themselves while also maintaining order and peace within the populations. Kyrillos married during the first half of his reign, and would later become the father of two sons and a daughter.

Auraxian and Mykalimonian relations in the latter half of Kyrillos' reign became more stale as Auraxian laws were passed that limited the role of women excessively while praising men's rights, which upset Kyrillos. Kyrillos believed that a woman should be equal if not higher than a man at the very least. A strong pacifist, Kyrillos attempted to suggest that they revert their laws to give Auraxian women more liberties. The Auraxian leaders disagreed with Kyrillos and suggested that they change their laws to fit Auraxian expectations or leave the matter alone. Avoiding escalation and possible war, Kyrillos had left the matter alone to the Auraxians. Knowing that the Auraxians were hosts to the traveling Mykalimonians while searching for a land to settle down with, Kyrillos couldn not commit to destroying that history even if there's an entirely new government ruling over the state. At one point before his death to spite the Auraxians, he thought of choosing his youngest daughter Nysa to inherit the throne, but he knew it would begin war against the Auraxians. He passed away peacefully in 762 IE. His eldest son Scylax inherited the throne, and the Empire mourned his passing for the next week.

Scylax (259-306 EM)

Scylax, though highly militaristic, chose not to exasperate the situation with the Auraxians as his father wished, but dedicated his time to improving the Mykalimonian militaries. He founded the royal guard of the Empire, nicknamed the Illustrious, which worked as both a serious division within the Mykalimonian military and the most prestigious. The Illustrious was a division of Mykalimonians that aimed to display and represent the nature of the Imperial Family through professionalism, elegance, and efficiency. The main task of the Illustrious was to protect the Imperial Family, and secondly to represent themselves in ceremonious events. With the creation of the Illustrious, Scylax sought to improve weaponry and the structure of the military. At the turn of the 9th century IE, he began to position his newly improved military at the borders of Auraxia, further decreasing relations with Mykalimonia and Auraxia and moving the chances of war to a very high level due to Scylax's aggressiveness. However, Scylax did not marry, and he died of cardiac arrest in 809 IE.

Myles I-II (306-344 EM)

The second eldest of Kyrillos' children, Myles I succeeded Scylax for a very short time before he passed away, leaving his son Myles II to succeed Myles I. For Myles I's short reign, he withdrew all forces from Auraxian borders, greatly easing tensions between the two, and committed himself to getting his son ready to inherit the throne. While he was doing so, he was trying to raise the relations back up to what they once were with Auraxia, but they insisted that they adopt their laws that Kyrillos originally opposed, to which Myles I declined. Myles I died in 812 IE.

Myles II's reign saw the temporary introduction of the Imperial Council, a legislative body that aimed to focus on laws that suited the Empire's ambitions. It was quickly abolished by Myles II after the passing of a law that satisfied the Auraxian's previous demands, causing Myles II quickly revoked it, and to arrest and try the members of the council for corruption and citizen right's violations. They were all found guilty and subsequently forced into slave labor for the rest of their lives. Myles II saw the return of Mykalimonian ambassadors from Auraxia, however kept the long-standing trade routes running. Ethnic Auraxians in Mykalimonia would soon find themselves being discriminated for their Auraxian descent, causing the problem of racism to spike in the western parts of Mykalimonia.

A written speech by Myles II was stored in historical locations that most documents are kept, and it highlighted the importance of being accepting of peoples that had fled their host countries. The following excerpt describes the most important part of the speech.

...Those who have fled from their original country have their reasons to seek shelter in our hospitable Empire. We must not give into hate and arrogance for these people. These people come from oppressive regimes and deserve to be somewhere where they feel safe and welcome. We must represent ourselves.

However much the speech by the Emperor helped, it did not solve the problem fully, and so Mykalimonian authorities were sent out to crack down on the prejudice towards Mykalimonian citizens that descended from Auraxia. This effectively caused Auraxian prejudice to be smothered in the face of authority, but the ideals that some radical ethnics possessed remained. Myles I throughout the rest of his reign would become a popular Emperor among the population. He married and produced 2 daughters and 1 son, and passed away peacefully in 847 IE. His only son Xandros inherited the throne.

Xandros I-II (344-444 EM)

The Xandros name is historically one of the most unpopular sets of rulers in Mykalimonian history. Highly militaristic, Xandros aimed to war with those who had previously obstructed Mykalimonia's expansions in the south, and that's what he did. The War against the tribes was a war waged against a moderately sized chiefdom that lasted from 853-861, and saw the complete destruction of the chiefdom and its lands annexed to Mykalimonia. Any remaining people who were a part of the chiefdom were sold into forced slavery, which angered the general Mykalimonians population as they advocated for them to peacefully be integrated into society. Xandros I thought otherwise, and did not heed to the public's request. He would oversee the eventual expansion to modern-day Mykalimonian territorial limits during his reign, producing a son without marrying. He died peacefully in 882 IE)

Xandros II is slated as an unpopular, but also the longest-lived ruler of Mykalimonia during its history. Living until he was 85, he ruled Mykalimonia in his father's footsteps. Unlike his father, he married and produced 2 sons and 3 daughters. Xandros II, also militaristic, was naturally aggressive diplomatically and threatened Mykalimonia's neighbors, completely cutting off Auraxian relations which included the long-lived trade routes. He was particularly spiteful of the Ok'lizuza Empire, driving both empires into the Ok'lizuzati-Mykalimonian War which lasted from 916-931 IE and ended with defined borders between the two and a loss on the resume of Xandros II. Particularly on a bad note with his father, Alioth assassinated his father in 947 IE, and succeeded him.

Alioth (444-454 EM)

Alioth throughout his ten-year reign would change as much as he could to revert what his recent lineage had done to Mykalimonia, as the economy was at its lowest point ever and the citizens expecting many rollbacks to occur. He advocated and pushed out a name change for the Imperial Family, with himself and future members to bear the name Alsephine as he proclaimed himself as a pivotal point in the Empire's history. He also renamed the city of Isvalan, formally named after the Emperor to Alioth as well as designating it as a royal and executive capital, which was not a popular change to the citizens of Mykalimonia. Alysthenes would then be regarded as the economic capital, and most members of the family were to move to Alioth to reside there. He married and had two sons. Alioth passed away in 957 at the age of 63, and his son Marne I inherited the throne.

Marne I (454-493 EM)

Marne I as Emperor saw the growth of Alioth as one of the two capital cities in Mychenar, ordering the construction of the Imperial Palace that exists today in Alioth. He also saw the continued growth of Mykalimonia's economy that had began to grow again with Alioth's tenure as sovereign. He tried and was successful at regaining relations with Auraxia, re-establishing trade routes that had once gone extinct under Xandros II with a more benevolent ruler in Auraxia, though the laws restricting women's freedoms were still in-place and would be to the modern-day. He married, though produced no children before passing away in 996 at the age of 61.

Voranau (493-504 EM)

Succeeding Marne I, Voranau was a popular figure in the history of Emperors. A traditionalist by heart, Voranau sought the ideals of eloquence, elegance, and being congenial towards one another despite social status. Voranau is described as a man of integrity, in which he led a huge push towards the elimination of corruption in all facets of Mykalimonian society from the local to Imperial Family level, including himself. In order to make this push successful, he passed many laws, more commonly known as the Corruption Reforms that highlighted severe consequences for those who were caught violating them. However Voranau's reign was particularly short, as he passed away peacefully in 1007 IE at the age of 66, in which his son Rigel I inherited the throne.

Rigel I-V (504-638 EM)

The Rigel name is a well-known line of sovereigns for varying explanations. Rigel I had reportedly been the only one of the five to attract and have major support by the public due to his willingness to follow in his father's footsteps. There was widespread corruption that Voranau could not deal with due to his death in 1007 IE, and he upheld Voranau's Corruption Reforms to its highest degree. This led to three separate purges of Rigel I's closest subordinates before abolishing those positions completely, resorting to absolute power for the rest of his reign. Under his reign, Mykalimonia's stability stengthened as he prioritized listening to his people and promoted his adherence to Mykalism. He also began to continue to strengthen the bonds between Mykalimonia and Auraxia. Rigel I would marry and give birth to one son, Rigel II. Rigel I would have a relatively short life, passing away in 1028 in his sleep at the age of 44.

Rigel II's reign over Mykalimonia was a very inactive reign, as his 11-year reign was filled with only silence and inactivity. Mykalimonian citizens didn't pay too much attention to the lack of activity. He would marry and give birth to Rigel III. Rigel II's unexpected death from an accident in 1039 left no heir to the throne as Rigel III was three years old at the time of Rigel II's death. With no regent appointed to fill in while Rigel III was being raised, the Mykalimonian military decided to opt to control the country for until Rigel III was fit to lead. Rigel III would eventually take control of the Empire in 1059. The citizens of Mykalimonia became increasingly anxious throughout his reign, since Rigel III's father had died giving no knowledge of the empire-wide religion of Mykalism. Rigel also made decisions that would be in violation of the Corruption Reforms multiple times, however he had never noticed that he did. His reign would see the continued improvement of the Mykalimonian economy before his death in 1089 IE due to disease. His eldest son Rigel IV would inherit the throne. Rigel IV was the least-popular sovereign of the line, as he was an avid atheist. However, he did not attempt to rid the Empire of its' official religion that was dominant throughout the entire country. He married and had a son, and died after a reign of 24 years in 1113 IE.

Rigel V would inherit the throne, and although he was notable for huge economic improvements, he was most notable for the death of his son in 1118 IE, which prompted a period of mourning for the entire Empire for the Emperor and his family. Having no suitable heir to the throne, he gave the right to the throne to his uncle Talus I when he died. Rigel V died in 1141 IE due to chronic illness and Talus I inherited the throne.

Talus I-II (638-701 EM)

Talus I as emperor was considered to be a more modern version of Emperor Voranau, though he paid less attention to Voranau's values and was more congenial towards the people of Mykalimonia. He opposed corruption as much as the former Emperor did, to much of the population's surprise. Talus would marry and give birth to two sons. Talus I died due to an accident in 1182 IE after a 41-year reign, and Talus II inherited his father's throne.

Talus II, like his father, was an adherent to Mykalism. However, he was not as focused on Emperor Voranau as his father was. He was less liked than Talus I was, but he pushed for an architectural revolution, aiming to transform the appearance of Mykalimonia completely. He saw most of this carried out before his peaceful death in 1204 IE. His son Valorn I would inherit the throne.

Valorn I-II (701-796 EM)

The Valorn line was most likely the most prosperous set of leaders since, leading Mykalimonia through the century that they ruled. However, it was mainly quiet in Mykalimonia during their reign, and not much is documented of their rules. Valorn would see the appointment of the city of Hyelaistos as Mykalimonia's third capital. Valorn II's death in 1299 IE would signify the end of the prosperous period for Mykalimonia, and his son Kytrax succeeded him.

Kytrax (796-832 EM)

Kytrax's reign was generally mediocre, with both good and bad periods during his reign. The economy suffered the worst from Kytrax, and the economy was well below the line that it was when the Valorn line reigned. This caused many people to become angry with Kytrax, inciting riots both big and small. They were quickly quelled thanks to a competent military presence. His death in 1335 IEwould see the ascendance of Kalitz.

Kalitz (832-882 EM)

Kalitz for the first half of his reign was a very successful sovereign over Mykalimonia. He contributed to the increasing stability in the Empire and began to improve the volatile economy. He brought a general sense of appeasement towards the people of Mykalimonia. However, his second half of his reign was a tragedy towards the Empire. Kalitz married around this time, and gave birth to one son and one daughter. Kalitz begun to develop schizophrenia during the second half of his reign, and began to act against the people of Mykalimonia. After claiming to pledge his life to be like Emperor Voranau, Kalitz began setting laws that would ultimately come close to current Auraxian laws, such as setting curfews at dusk. This soon caused his children and wife to label him as unfit to serve, and they planned to move him out of power.

His children, Norau and Maia both wanted to get him out of power peacefully, unlike their mother who had plans to try and forcefully take Kalitz out of power. Having the current authority, Kalitz's wife organized a murder by taking a trip to the Ok'lizuza Empire for their annual Winter Festival, where his reign would end. He would be murdered by Norau, who was forced by Kalitz's wife to murder him. His corpse would then be the subject of cannibalism as he was sacrificed as an ingredient for human-soup for the Ok'lizuzati to eat at the festival. Norau and Maia unknowingly ate this sacrifical soup. Norau would succeed Kalitz upon returning to Mykalimonia.

Norau (882-883 EM)

His reign only spanning a year, Norau had no desire to reign as Mykalimonia's sovereign. After finding out that his mother was a closet cannibal, and that she lied to them about the contents of the soup they consumed in Ok'lizuza, she was subsequently taken and tortured over the course of a week by Norau. She was eventually killed by Maia.

Norau is most notable for writing and publishing the Statute of Succession in 1386 IE, which reverted the last names from Alsephine/a back to Althaeon/a. The statute would also see his removal from the throne as the document details that females shall only rule following the announcement of the document. This labeled Maia as the immediate heiress to the throne to succeed Norau. The statute also stated that a new era for Mykalimonia has started, dubbed "The Second Cycle" and that Norau will act as a mentor under the title "Shadow Emperor" to Maia until she is ready to lead on her own. This law served as the end of the First Cycle of Mykalimonia, and the transition to the Second Cycle.

Transitionary Phase and the Mykali-Auraxian War (883-899 EM)

Maia (883-present)

Maia would be coronated on 6 May 1386.

Geography

Mykalimonia is the largest country in Kalavik; bordering Ok'lizuza to the north, Eldiastan to the near south, and Auraxia to the west. Mykalimonia is also bordered by the [Western Ocean], the [Kalavik Lake] and, to the north the [Uzati] strait. Mykalimonian territory covers 775,280 km² (299,337 sq mi), which consists of entirely land as there exists no lakes or rivers within its territory.

Elevation ranges from the mountains ranges of the Calistas (highest point: the Atticai at 3,487 meters or 11,440 feet) in the south to the shores of the Western Ocean in the northwest and the Uzati Strait in the north. Significant natural resources include timber, coal, and iron ore.

Climate

Half of Mykalimonia has a tropical climate in the northern regions, and hosts a mediterranean climate in the southern half of the country. This would feature generally mild and wet winters in the north and cool and wet winters in the south in the mediterranean parts of the country, while it is generally subtropical in the northern parts of Mykalimonia, and is wet all year with temperatures not exceeding 18 C (64.4 F); winter frosts and snowfall are not rare in high elevations.

Biodiversity

The territory of Mykalimonia can be divided into various ecoregions based on location, such as but not limited to: Mixed forests, conifer forests, coastal plains. Much of Mychenar's plains are devoted to agriculture, and the amount of coast presents a particular devotion to the fishing industry.

Plants and animals in Mykalimonia include those generally common to Kalavik. There are many species of trees, flowers, fungi, ferns, and mosses. Wild animals include fox, deer, hares, cats, and horses. Lavender and Hyacinth have been a national symbol of Mykalimonia.

Due to much of Mykalimonia's fascination with the environment, there are multiple swaths of land dedicated to the people of Mykalimonia in each town and are required by law should a town be discovered. These swaths of land, or more coloquially known as "Gardens" are protected by the government. If these protections are violated, for example cutting down a tree without permission, can result in heavy punishment if caught. There are also moderate protections towards animals in general, more specifically which animals may be hunted for food. Exceptions are made rarely for the hunting of animals, and are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Government

The form of government of Mykalimonia is referred to as a semi-theocratic monarchy, with the titles of Emperor and High Priest of the Empire being two separate titles. Since the coronation of Maia Althaea, the form has temporarily changed into a semi-theocratic Diarchy with the introduction of the Shadow Emperor. However, the Shadow Emperor only exists to mentor the current Empress currently and gives him no power to act above the Empress in any situation. The position will be dissolved at any time when the Empress deems fit. The Empress has power to appoint officials in every facet of her administration, which includes military, imperial, and nobility.

The Empress

The Empress of Mykalimonia rules in absolute power, being able to declare war, pass and repeal laws, conduct all foreign affairs, levy taxes and troops, and to grant noble titles and land. The Empress may also exercise the power to revoke the titles and land of nobles within reason. The only thing that loosely regulates the Empress' actions depending on faith are the laws of the Βιβλίο των Αστέρων (Book of the Stars), which is the holy scripture of Mykalism.

The Divine Ministry

The Divine Ministry are a House of numerous clergymen and clergywomen headed by a small group of four High Priests/Priestesses and serves as the religious authorities of the Empire. These various individuals provide the only check on the power of the Empress, although they cannot stop them from passing laws. Two of the High Priests/Priestesses reside in their own lands as granted by the Empress in Alysthenes and the other two in Hyelaistos. They then delegate their works at the seasonal meetings in Alysthenes to the priests in their respective territories. Every rank of the religious administrations have their own day-to-day tasks, and only the High Priests/Priestesses have exclusive roles to their responsibilities.

Demographics and culture

With around 12.5 million citizens per its most recent census in 1380, Mykalimonia is the most populous country in Kalavik, and the 5th largest in the recorded world. It's population density stands at 16 inhabitants per square kilometer (41 per square mile). There has been a trend of slightly increasing birth rates since the 1370s. The average lifespan is around 76 years old.

Mykalimonia is a predominately mono-ethnic state, with its inhabitants descending from ancient Juliae and since converting their demonym to Mykalimonian following the Mykalimonian Schism. Immigration has been miniscule for the past few decades due to tensing relations with its neighboring countries, Auraxia and Ok'lizuza. However, it was not impossible to immigrate to Mykalimonia, and the most recent census has noted small numbers for Ok'lizuzati entering the country and being a resident; Auraxia even smaller. Other ethnicities exist in Mykalimonia, though it is unknown where these ethnicities originate in the government's archives.

Mykalimonia has various cities with differing sizes. The country's largest city is Alysthenes, its economic capital.

Religion

Main Article: Religion in Mykalimonia

Religion in Mykalimonia (1384)

  Althaeinism (98.84%)

  Ulcheta (illegal) (0.74%)

  Other (0.42%)

Mykalism was coined by its key figure Mykalis Althaea during her lifetime, and was carried over by her followers after her death as they traveled to settle down in what is Alysthenes today. The country has retained strong faith in the religion, as everyone views each other as a follower of Mykalis in some form. Mykalimonia has forbidden any practice that resembled the Ok'lizuza religion of Ulcheta as it practices cannibalism. Worshipping other gods is frowned upon in the Book of the Stars, as well as the people who practice Mykalism. The faith was slightly shaken by Empress Maia Althaea not claiming divine right to rule as Empress of the Empire, though much of the following has accepted the refusal for divine right due to her reason that corrupt sovereigns must be held accountable for their actions, and not by claiming divine right to the throne.

Languages

Althaeic Bassiliyan, or Althaeic is the official and predominantly spoken language in Mykalimonia. Middle and Old Juliaen are still spoken and are recognized languages in the country, though they are used by miniscule local populations throughout the country and are decreasing in size. Efforts to teach and keep the language alive are ongoing in these small communities, but Althaeic has been slowly growing in said communities making the teaching harder for the older populations to teach the young.

Education

Education, especially advanced in Mykalimonia was not deemed necessary by the general population unless one was in royalty or desired to work in an administrative sector. General education in Mykalimonia consists of the learning of basic arithmetic, administration, literature, writing, or reading the Book of the Stars in order to gain fluent literacy. Advanced education would be granted to those who prove themselves to be exemplary in all aspects of general education and willing to go into very smaller sectors of education, such as medicine. All of the members of the House of Althaea must have general education skills in order to prove themselves worthy of the throne. All males and females have the opportunity to pursue any advanced education as long as they have completed general education.

Health

Medicine in Mykalimonia are designated as one of the primary focuses for the advancement of technology and methods used to combat sickness, disease, or wounds of varying caliber. Ancient traditions as well as religious traditions are still being used today as medical innovations continue to be discovered year after year. Common medicines used to relieve sickness include the application of herbs and ointment made out of herbs onto the body, religious rituals, and many other types. Health is a priority if not obsession for most citizens of Mykalimonia, as the community may come together in a small town to help a sickly or dying person and show intense compassion and generosity for the sick.

Economy

Mykalimonia is considered the economic powerhouse in Kalavik who has a long-term goal of self-sufficiency. Throughout dozens of years of constant peacetime, the country has been able to continuously improve and maintain their general infrastructure with minimal losses as well as foster a fairly taxed trade route that goes through the Empire's boundaries by many countries that trade with other sovereign states west and north of Mykalimonia. Mykalimonia recieves trade predominantly from Bassiliya, with Auraxia enacting a trade embargo in 1386.

With the traffic of land merchants utilizing the trade routes in Mykalimonia, taxation in the Empire is existent, though in small quantities and a dominant percentage comes from the richer sectors of society. The lower sectors see fairly reduced taxes and slaves who are working to pay off debts enjoy freedom from taxation. Slaves who voluntary work are required to pay miniscule taxes. Currency coming from the various Mykalist churches are used to improve the qualities of life in the churches, and any money left over after the winter subsides are given to the Empress, as all taxes are. These are then split up by the Empress to go to various government entities and individuals that administrate varying matters in the Empire. Some examples include the Divine Minstry, the Imperial Forces, and individuals who lead sectors of the Empire, such as education and medicine.

Military

Mykalimonia's military, the Aftokratorikés Dynámeis (Imperial Forces) are separated into two branches, the Stratós (Army) and Stólos (Navy) respectively. Upon dedication to the Imperial Forces, one must take an oath to serve Mykalimonia as well as a religious oath. The Army retain most citizens who take up arms, as the severely underdeveloped Navy are at times left understaffed and undermanned. Despite ancient Juliaen influences, the structure of these armies have organized and evolved much more. A small portion of the military is considered 'active', and are stationed around ports and military garrisons across the country. The rest are regarded as 'on call' or reserve forces, and comprise of around 85% of the entire Force in-case of war.

Army

Comprising of the most advanced and equipped land troops of the two branches, the Army takes up the arms of a spear and a sword. The lack of offensive tactics and wars have caused the Imperial Army to adapt to a more defensive doctrine, utilizing tactics such as guerilla warfare and defensive troop formations to defend their lands. Many land troops are equipped with light armor to prevent exhaustion, while bigger groups of land troops have certain divisions that hold troops with heavier armor and trained cavalry units; they are trained to last longer in battle. Most large formations of troops are assisted by a vast number of archer forces. Imperial Guards are a separate division of land forces that protect high-ranking nobility all the way up to the Empress, and they are regarded as the elite. Most divisions big or small carry a specialized medical division to cater to injuries if possible.

Siege weapons are not regarded as important in Mychenar due to the lack of offensive operations or wars, and are becoming dated to other technologies throughout Thegye.

Navy

Compared to the Army, the Navy is underdeveloped and in low numbers. These numbers are able to scare off any pirates that may be lurking in the seas that border Ok'lizuza, the southeastern portion of the country, and the ocean to Mykalimonia's east. These fleets mainly comprise of dated triremes, but these are slowly beginning to be driven out with the introduction of new ship technologies.

Foreign Relations

Main Article: Foreign relations of Mykalimonia

Due to its general isolation from the known world, Mykalimonia shares no positive relations. As isolated the country is, it isn't completely isolated with the world throughout its history. Mykalimonia has diplomatic history with Bassiliya, establishing relations in 1060 IE, just as Emperor Rigel III came into power. On the contrary, Mykalimonia shares no diplomatic relations with the Empire of Ok'lizuza, primarily due to religion and the violations of human standards concerning the practices of its parent relgion, Ulcheta. Historically the relations of Auraxia and Mykalimonia have been fair, but constant pressure to abide by their standards have since prompted Empress Maia Althaea to cease appeasement, later leading to the Mykali-Auraxian War.

In foreign policy, the Empress possesses ultimate authority in all matters. The Empress personally appoints ambassadors to represent herself and the Empire. Ambassadors are primarily permanent personnel unless they resign their positions or are unable to execute their assigned duties and responsibilities.