Idrion

The Principality of Idrion is an independent member of the Union of Granmor. An early enemy of Verdon while it was a Kingdom, a leadership crisis  resulted in its Prince seeking the aid of its former foe in exchange for accepting the King of Verdon's protection and downgrading to a principality permanently. Idrion remained quite wealthy even after its territorial ambitions failed, due to its prime position for trade with the various nations around the Placid Sea and an important naval power due to its ability to blockade it. As such, Verdon never sought to lessen its sovereignty too much. Instead, a financial relationship blossomed, with the banks of Idrion growing ever wealthier off of Verdon's continued successes. Today, Idrion remains a geographically small Union member of outsized importance, and its shrewd, well-traveled, and well-educated people are a boon to the Emperor.

History

Idrion started out as a democracy but in the 900s a succession of populist leaders began to concentrate power, with the President assuming the title of Dictator in 895 PE.
Idrion's southward coastal expansion would put it at odds with The Kingdom of Verdon, and the two would go to war in 714 PE, with Verdon winning in 696 and limiting Idrion to the penninsular edge of the Placid Sea.
In 682 PE, the magical protection surrounding the volcano known as the Pit failed. A group of mages formerly affiliated with the Knights of the Pit were able to shield the city from the ash and lava, although the countryside and coastline were devastated. Idrion, attempting to take advantage of this weakness, invaded the Verdonese heartland and besieged both Verdon City and Enviridian. The Empire was able to rally its army and these same mages unleashed spells of great power, turning back the invaders.
Its territorial ambitions having failed, Idrion focused on building a large Navy which it used to protect and open shipping lanes across Western Granmor. This strategy brought great wealth, and Idrion became a financial powerhouse.
In 293 PE, the aristocratic bourgeois families of Idrion rebelled when its Dictator resisted their attempt to force him to sign a bill similar to the Reforms of 309. Rather than see his own country thrust into civil war, the Dictator's son Allastair killed him and had his generals executed. This move backfired and as the army beseiged his castle Allistair reached out to Verdon for aid, promising Idrion's fealty to the King of Verdon in exchange for their support. Verdon agreed immediately and broke the siege, defeating Idrion's army and securing Idrion as a vassal state. After some negotiation with the aristocracy, reforms were implemented the following year. Like Verdon, this brought equal rights for women and increased protections for the peasantry including the prohibition of slavery, a longtime yet faltering Idrionese institution.
Idrion almost experienced another leadership crisis in 7 PE when Verdon invaded Centralia. However the Prince was able to secure promises from the King of Verdon that Idrion would gain more independence and would be the chief bankroller for reconstruction in the entire Centralian region. These negotiations, which continued throught the conquest of Centralia, ultimately resulted in the idea for the Union of Granmor.
Idrion regained full independence when it joined The Union of Granmor as a peer in EY 1. It has since become a major part of the Empire's's occupation efforts, providing diplomatic and financial resources. The Yeomanry is ever watchful to ensure that Idrion's financial connections are not enough to provide leverage against the Empire.

None but the Highest Good

Founding Date

~1300 PE

Type

Geopolitical, Principality

Demonym

Idrionese