Izera
Structure
The Izeran Federation is comprised of a multitude of independent states that each rule their own specific territory. While most of these states have willingly become a part of the federation, some have been either annexed or coerced. They are more heavily regulated by The Bureau and fall under a extensive scrutiny. Some of their rulers have even been deposed, persuaded or otherwise replaced by figures who are within the federation's sphere of influence.
The Bureau
Because Izera is ruled by a collection of different states, a separate body was created to ensure fair representation of all of Izera's territories. Officially called the Federal Bureau of Izera, it is colloquially known as the Bureau to the Federation territories. Initially created to serve as an intelligence agency, the Bureau now serves a wide breadth of functions divided into numbered Divisions. Many argue of the true exploits of the Bureau, but there is a modicum of truth to most of the tales; the Bureau has been responsible for the fall of many dissenting nobles, warlords and organizations mainly through subterfuge, but rarely through force. There are 15 different divisions of varying importance and influence, each operating different fields and in different regions.
- Division 1 - Administration
- Division 2 - Treasury
- Division 3 - Innovation
- Division 4 - Faith
- Division 5 - Infrastructure
- Division 6 - Healing
- Division 7 - Investigation
- Division 8 - Arts & Culture
- Division 9 - Diplomacy & Foreign Policy
- Division 10 - Espionage
- Division 11 - Enlightenment
- Division 12 - Arcane
- Division 13 - Warfare
- Division 14 - Astromancy
- Division 15 - Exploration
Culture
There is no complete representation of Izeran culture considering the myriad of individual cultures prevalent among the different regions of Izera. Nevertheless, the important members - Crystalis, Zarathar, Stonehall and Ulstedt - are culture dominant in the Federation. Theirs is a culture that has assimilated the other member cultures - resulting in a surprisingly mixed but open culture. From the magocracy of Crystalis to the innovation-driven Stonehall, from the battle-hardened and tested outlook of the Ulsteldt north to the politicking of Zarathar, there are many facets to Izeran Federation. On the other hand, however, this has fostered an unstable environment at times especially pertaining to the newly-annexed members of the Federation. Settlements, kingdoms and fiefs that have been forcefully absorbed into the Federation often find themselves at odds with the people of the Federation, which in turn encourages the activities of the Bureau to maintain order. Despite order among the fringes often teetering at the edge, Izera remains a flourishing center of various cultures and ideas.
Public Agenda
The Federation aims to find solidarity among the people of Muria in the wake of the Midnight Crisis. Its founding members were previously at the mercy of the various warlords and bandit kings that emerged following the collapse of civil order in the Midlands, not to mention those corrupted by the Midnight Star. Now, Izera maintains the same modus operandi, but has slowly encroaches upon a slow conquest of the Murian Midlands. Perhaps this once-noble goal was genuine, but one must question to whether this remains considering Izera's recent actions.
History
Izera was founded in 670 MA, 7 years following the events of the Midnight Crisis. At the time of its founding, chaos ravaged the Midlands while warlords and bandits took advantage of the destabilization. The Midland Alliance which predated the Federation fractured as people were left to fend for themselves. During those 7 years, representatives of the Crystallis Magocracy sent missives to the surviving nations of the Midlands - primarily Zarathar, Port Alfrons and Mediana. While Port Alfrons and Mediana were disinterested in any agreements, Zarathar agreed to the formation of the Izeran Federation.
Over the next 2 years, the newly-formed pact managed to regain control over the Crystalline Basin and the Sullen Hinterlands, but lacked the means to enforce their goals in the Gaural Plains. The Federation approached the northern Kingdom of Ulstedt to request their aid in reclaiming the plains, and with their combined forces defeated the warlord Clavis the Blue who ruled over much of that region.
By 671 MA, the Federation expanded, formally inducting Ulstedt while also including Port Alfrons and Stonehall into their ranks; the Tellaran Theocracy and Qadar's Stand also joined, but held provisional statuses. Eventually, the reclamation effort and the Midnight Blight took its toll upon the Federation, who began turning towards drastic measures for aid against the remaining dissidents. Whatever happened afterwards is unclear, but it is long-rumored that the Federation's modus operandi changed with the establishment of the Federal Bureau of Izera - a seperate organization meant to enforce the will of the Federation - in 673 MA. Since then, the Federation has firmly established itself as the ruling body of the Murian Midlands, but became more aggressive at consolidating their control over the continent. For now, expansion is on hold, but Izera is looking northward and westward. In recent times, the Federation has been content to consolidate its influence over its territories while lightly interacting with the few domains that remain out of its grasp.
Territories
The Izeran Federation encompasses nearly the entirety of the Midlands save for the Tellaran Peninsula. Much of Izeran power is concentrated in the states of Crystallis and Zarathar, though Stonehall now wields much influence as well. The various cities and sovereignties swallowed by the Izeran Federation are in various states of assimilation, with some being fully annexed and others still retaining some degree of autonomy. Though traditionally Ulstedt represents the military might of the Izeran Federation, Stonehall is rapidly eclipsing them in part due to their war automata and inventions.
Military
Formally, the Izeran military is a formidable force comprised of armies levied from its members, though the state has been constructing a joint-military branch to better represent the Federation. However, the Federation's true military might lies within the Bureau, which has extended its reach to such a great extent that most - if not all of the Midlands - are firmly controlled by them, whether it is through sleeper agents or spies expertly trained in both the arcane and the martial arts by veterans of the Libera War.
Type
Political, Federation
Demonym
Izeran
Government System
Democracy, Representative
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Gold system
Legislative Body
The Crystalline Court
Judicial Body
The Federal Bureau of Izera
Executive Body
The Federal Bureau of Izera
Subsidiary Organizations
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Comments