Tsondalian Free Empire

INTRODUCTION
The Tsondalian Free Empire, or Tsonlar as many call it, is the oldest and most powerful nation on the continent of Abeon. Primarily consisting of Arvenon and Drows, it remains at the forefront of technology and magic, still being the only nation to achieve the science of alchemy, as completed by Elliot Gould sometime in the third period [Alchemy ]. Their customs and religion follow similar patterns to other Arvenon nations like Fynwhich and Elfaria, serving the god of crafting, Orfolo, and the goddess light, Ifeila. Primary traded goods include magic metals, gold, silver, bronze, and platinum, along with coffee grounds and Yissum Wood from Timburst. Even 4000 years after their founding, Tsonlar remains as strong and rich as ever in their history.

FOUNDING
In 830 2p, just before the beginning of the Heavenly War (841 - 972 2p), Arvenon blacksmith, Franek Stronghammer forged the first synapis in Ingerford. He discovered how to drain metals from the Red Sun and Dark Moon, crafting decocite and eridium items of fine detail. He began amassing a great wealth as lords of the six kingdoms sought his art. Eventually, he found himself head of a great following of Arvenon, who had previously made up the little settlement called 'Piradum', which was located in The Deep. With his army, Franek drew out the lord of Piradum and contested his rule with one on one combat, as was the Arvenon custom of the time. Franek slew the lord and ascended to the Piradum throne, quickily renaming it 'Tsonlar', which means Land of Stone in Abeonic.

THE FREE EMPIRE
The Tsondalian Free Empire did not emerge in Eteanal until the late third period, when the final ruler of the Western Tsondalian Kingdom, Lirrrin Tuine, died in 2701 3p. The Arvenon of Olchar suggested the two countries merge and officially become the southern powerhouse many already considered them. Thus, the Free Empire rose from the ashes of the Tuine Dynasty. While many of the Torallian Drows fled back to the islands, the Easternling stayed, becoming the ruling family. The drows of the Kingdom of Tsonlar and the arvenon of Olchar managed to find a common ground and live in harmony and peace.

GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEM
While the Empire has all the earmarkings of an oppressive regime, the Arvenon in Tsonlar live mostly free of any sort of rule, especially in the eastern territories and Emerald Lake. The main course of law simply prohibits illicit and violent acts, including any Alchemy outside of the military study taking place in Lu'rain. The Emperor is an Arvenon of the royal family, selected by the nobles of the houses in the western cities of Tsonlar. While the east gets very little say in who rules, they also get very little restrictions from those who do rule in the west. The basic law stands, but otherwise, Tsonlar is essentially still two different states. Only in times of dire war the sides unite, and sometimes not even then. Ultimately, however, the east remains largely weaker than the west, so any fear of rebellion is unfounded. The Free Empire was built to last, and did for nearly three millennium and three periods.

CUSTOMS
The Customs of the Arvenon are quite a bit more curious than their human neighbors. The Free Empire is noted for its harvesting of rare plants and elements, which are ripe for producing and sustaining Alchemy. Their entire culture surrounds this one aspect of technology. The Military has a branch of alchemists, who take the name of Metal Mages, using the art of toxins and brewery to their advantage in battle settings. One of the most famous from the fourth period, is Aidyl Lewon. The rites of nobleship are also quite odd, and powerful and influential Arvenon can be recognized for their braided lock on each side of their hair. Rubies are also a sign of power, so many swords of rulers are inscribed and embedded with rubies and red gems, found only in the dead meadows near the deep. Their feathery armor and lightweight chain mail make their military movements swifter and more to their advantage, but also more susceptible to the crossbows and heavy weaponry of humans. For the large part, Arvenon wield spears and billhooks as primary war weapons, with swords and daggers as secondary. There is no cavalry or ranged troop within the standing army, but the legion of Alchemist provides the artillery support, and the swift movements of the infantry have the ability to flank and attack like a mounted troop.