Alimond

Alimond is a nation located in the northwestern regions of the Skylessian mainland. It is bordered by Marcellus to the west, Araducia to the south, and the Wilds to the east and southeast respectively, and the islands of the Isla del Fuego and Teraskyrn are located off the coast to the northwest and southwest respectively.

Alimond is a collection of noble houses that have successfully banded together to form a rapidly industrializing nation. The nation is remarkably famous for its mining industry, possessing a great deal of minerals and ores to be excavated. A testament to its industry is shown through its armada of wyvern-driven airships, driving both the nation's transportation system and military power.

History
The nation of Alimond was initially settled by Olivan. Men and women flocked to the area in order to set up farms without being under the eye of the Olivan leadership. Farming began in earnest but an important discovery was made as the soil was tilled. In many places the soil was rich with coal and iron as well as other metals. Many enterprising individuals took advantage of this discovery and purchased mining equipment. One such joint venture was the Alimond Mining and Manufacturing company. Founded by the Daemonte family AMM quickly rose to prominence in the industry.

With massive revenues coming in from all over the colonized world Olivan began to start tightening its grip on the colony. Militia groups sprang up accross the country and soon war broke out between the Olivan and the united colonies of Alimond. Justus Kaflar led a rag tag group of farmers that couldn't even be called militia in battle against the Olivan army. Andrast Daemonte had other pans though. He began training men and women in the arts of sabotage and infiltration, utilizing hit and run tactics they kept the army off balance. These men and women called themselves the Eye, and often left stylized burns on their victims to indicate their involvement in their death. Eventually the tides of war changed and Daemonte was able to secure Alimond's freedom with a hefty donation to foreign military organizations.

Once the nation was freed of its former masters they expanded more rapidly than before. Technology and industry rose rapidly bringing Alimond into what many would call its Golden age. Unfortunately a rise is always accompanied by a fall and Alimond was destined to fall hard. An unknown chemical in a mine was ignited by a miner's lamp and it set off a chain reaction that made many of the mines inoperable. It also killed the foliage and cast a shadow of soot and sulfur over the land. Many thought that there was nothing that could be done so they left the land to find a new life elsewhere. Most notable among the fleeing families was the Daemonte family. Some groups stayed, hiding in caves to try to avoid the curse that had fallen upon the land and it was from those caves that the nation would find its salvation.

Kraid Kaflar was born in one of the many abandoned mines and due to a misunderstanding early in his life he was cast out from the nation to wander alone. A few years after Kraid Kaflar's departure from Alimond the Daemonte family returned in force, determined to save the nation. Ten years of hard work paid off and Candos was founded on recently healed lands. It was then that Alexi Daemonte sought Kraid's help to restored the people. Together they brought many families back and established a decent military force that could protect the borders of the nation. After establishing their territory the nation they became neutral, content to defend themselves though many in the military, including Kaflar, hired themselves out as mercenaries. Mining and other industries slowly resumed as technology continued to advance.

During the Demon Wars the military stepped up its training, the only time forced conscription was ever used in Alimond's history. Kraid Kaflar, then an old man, still led the nation's forces in battle after bloody battle. Alimond's famous mercenaries were spread across the continent, a force to be reckoned with on any field. As many nations fell and smaller sects looked for stability, many nations came under the protection of the Alimond nation. Their borders grew, increasing the nation in size and material wealth allowing for even greater expansion. The first airships began to roll out of the ship yards close to the end of the Demon Wars allowing Alimond to devastate land forces and bring the battle to the skies in a way individual flying units couldn't. The demons were pushed back and peace descended on the nation.

Such peace wouldn't last though, at least that was Kraid Kaflar's opinion. He hand selected many men, including his long time companion Leeya Pirkuss and set off into the Deadzone. He was never heard from again. The political climate swiftly changed and the order Kraid had force on the nation soon shifter to the people clamoring for a voice in politics. The land was divided into seven houses to better allow every citizen to have a voice. Five houses were elected and two stayed under the same rule, the stability this single decision brought to the nation is a deciding factor in how it has remained strong for so long.

Geography
Alimond is located in the northern regions of the Skylessian continent, a series of plains interrupted with the presence of the Ara'qin Forest to the south that is shared with Araducia, the Bastion Mountain Range to the west that is shared with Marcellus, the Hegel Rivers that float from Alimond, Araducia, and the Wilds into the northern ocean, and the Scab to the north in the Kaflar region. The Scab is the unpurified region of Alimond with heavy ecological damages sustained from an event known as the Accident, and is filled with ash and sulfur, and is declared a civilian no-entry zone, used instead for military training. The Hegel Rivers themselves are a major source of water for Alimond, but is rarely used as a maritime route due to the nation's possession of airships.

Climate
The climate of Alimond is particularly different due to the wide range of geographical features. For the most part, the nation's northern regions experience boreal climates, evidenced by cool summers and cold winters. The exceptions to this are the region of Kaflar, as the presence of the Scab allows for hotter summers, bringing it closer to the hot summer continental climate classification, and Montro, which experiences the same meteorological phenomenon as the Vrapi district of Marcellus, leading to the more moderate and rain-heavy oceanic climates. The southern regions experience hemiboreal climates, with warm summers and cold winters. Precipitation is frequent throughout the year, with heavy rainfall in slightly humid summers and snowfall in dry winters, applicable to practically all of Alimond. Fog is heavy along the coast and plains, but less so in urban areas.

Administrative Division
Alimond is divided into seven administrative divisions known as regions. Aside from Kaflar and Daemonte, all of Alimond's regions are ruled by a rotating member of the district's ruling family, which represents the governing power in their respective areas.

2. Daemonte
The capital region of Alimond, Daemonte is home to the Alimond capital city of New Candos. A metropolitan region, Daemonte is a beneficiary of a national restoration program utilizing magic to restore the local geography after the Demon Wars. The local infrastructure is highly involved with military operations, and acts as a provision site for weapons and armor. Due to its easy access to resources, residence in Daemonte is highly coveted, and the region boasts a high population count. By national law, House Daemonte has indefinite governorship of the region.

1. Kaflar
The harsh environment of Kaflar is contributed to by the Scab, a large area of ecologically-devastated land that has yet to be purified, leading to the area being cordoned off for military purposes. It has historically made it an ideal training ground for its military forces, and the region has largely been utilized for national defense purposes, with its population comprised almost entirely of soldiers. The most prominent feature of Kaflar is the region's division by schools of war, with Alimond ready to train its army in every manner of warfare. The schools are named in honor of the original Hounds, and the camps are Kaflar for axes, Alex for bows, El for anima magic, Elydyn for swords, Mara for dark magic, Valory for Lances, Vilas for light magic, and Yvon for staves. The Kaflar Estate, shared by the Hounds, overlooks the many plains of the region. The heavily-guarded and fortified shipyards of Alimond are also located in Kaflar, along with storage bases of the nation's munitions. By national law, House Kaflar has indefinite governorship of the region.

3. Fen Rufierre
The region of Fen Rufierre is considered to be the cultural center of Alimond, named in honor of Dineyl Vidner-Fen Rufierre. An unusual mixture of agricultural and urban designs, the region is one of the most popular in Alimond, and is home to the country's entertainment industry, with its capital of Heinslow being named the "New Valhassa of Skylessia". Unsurprisingly, its influence has turned the Fen Rufierre into a popular tourist area, and large amounts of commuters find their way through the area weekly. One of the most notable sights in this district is the Vinder School of the Arts. Founded by Dineyl Vinder-Fen Rufierre, this school is dedicated to teaching children the finer arts including dancing, music and art. Students of this school have produced many of the finest works in their field for the last two centuries.

7. Kest
A major commercial zone of Alimond, Kest is Alimond's main transportation hub, with a wide variety of businesses taking residence alongside the nation's civilian and commercial shipyards that construct, repair, and innovate new ships. Despite being largely comprised of the Bastion Mountain Range, the region bridges the nation with Araducia and Marcellus, making it strategically invaluable. Kest an integral part of Alimond's economy and infrastructure, and its transport systems are among the best in Skylessia. The predominance of businesses and the local geography in the region has made public housing a necessity, although it is far from a popular option of residence. However, private estates and land ownership, popular with the presence of mountain estates on the Bastion Mountain Range, can be found at extravagant prices. The region is governed by House Fey.

6. Meerel
A largely inhospitable region, Meerel is nevertheless the center of Alimond's mining operations and the source of its industrial power. Filled with mines, tracks, and processing plants, the region is home to Alimond Mining and Manufacturing, responsible for the distribution of materials and acting of the headquarters of the ruling house. Due to its naturally unfavorable conditions, Meerel has a low population count, but workers commute to the workplace in the area frequently.

5. Montro
A countryside region, Montro is comprised of rolling plains, grasslands, and pastures. A large population of ranchers and herders that manage the nation's livestock reside in Montro, responsible for the yearly production of animal products. Although Montro is considered to be somewhat backwater, it has a high population count, and is a popular region in which to purchase or build a homestead.

4. Pirkuss
Pirkuss is a region incorporated into Alimond from Olivan, which was destroyed as a nation in the Demon Wars. It is the primary agricultural region in Alimond, specializing in farming due to its favorable geographical conditions. Farmland stretch across Pirkuss, supplying the nation with foodstuffs, providing jobs for a dense population in the region.

Government
The government of Alimond is run through an aristocratic seven-man congregation known as the Council. Each member of Council represents one of the Seven Great Houses of Alimond, each of whom represents one of the country's seven regions. The noble houses themselves are given autonomous power over their own regions, but are required to meet to make decisions on a national level, as well as international matter. Decisions in the Council are made by a basis of majority vote, requiring at least four votes to pass, but major decisions, such as a declaration of war, require unanimous agreement. Membership in the Council is seen less as a political privilege as much as it is a public service; when not making decisions regarding the nation's future, members of the Council return to their own lives and businesses.

Except for the regions of Daemonte and Kaflar, the office of Councilman is not hereditary, and elections are held in a region every five years in the remaining regions. Each of the five regions take turns holding elections by five-year rotations, ensuring a regional election every year. Candidates for the office must be a member of the noble house representing the region, have the financial means to lead a campaign, and be at least twenty years of age. There are no limits on successive terms should a candidate be reelected for office. The election is based on the majority vote by the citizenry of a specific region; one must be a free citizen of an Alimond region for at least five years, and may only vote in regions where they were last a legal five-year resident of. Eligible voters who move to a different region may retain their voting rights of the previous region until becoming a five-year resident of their current region.

Foreign Relations
With many industrial advantages that are kept as national secrets, Alimond has long been seen as a neutral and somewhat opportunistic nation, willing to have ventures to all sides that are willing to pay for their services. This is especially reflected by the mercenaries of Alimond, who are amongst the most famous in Skylessia. Despite this, Alimond shares strong ties with Azgarth since the early first century, and a century of mutual military deterrence has led to stable diplomatic ties with Marcellus, sharing an informal technological race.

Alimond retains a policy of political neutral towards all other nations of Skylessia, although diplomatic discussions with Araducia have started in terms of mining industry interests; however, negotiations have stalled due to the fragmented nature of Araducia's current government. Alimond is also notable for being one of the few Skylessian nations to have formal trade relations with the Wilds.

Military
Considered to be a major military state, Alimond has a powerful standing armed force that is one of Skylessia's most capable. Its armed forces are traditionally divided into the army, navy, and air force branches. The formal incorporation of former the Devlani people and territories into Alimond brought a militaristic tradition to the country, greatly complementing the native industrious mentalities. Historically, the source of Alimond's military fervor after the Demon Wars was brought about by the neighboring threat of a potentially expansionist Marcelli Empire, but Alimond armed force is presently used largely for national defense and business contracting.

Alimond has no conscription policy, but all able-bodied students of both genders with access to public schooling are required to attend compulsory military training classes that take place three times per week on average. This policy has historically ensured that all citizens are ready to defend themselves and respond to a call to arms should Alimond be in a state of war. As a side effect, this has also reduced military maintenance and upkeep costs, allowing Alimond to focus more on the industrial sector.

Army
The Alimond Army is the ground-based branch of the national armed forces. Unlike the other Skylessian nations, the Alimond Army is famous for a high mercenary make-up in their personnel, a logistical consideration made to accommodate the outsourcing of their national army to other nations or interests on a for-profit basis, forming an alternative source of income for the nation. Due to the country's low crime rate, a soldier in the army is more likely to be outsourced to a distant combat zone than to conduct law enforcement patrols through the country. Their status as for-profit soldiers outside the confines of their nation has earned the army the unofficial name of Alimond Mercenaries.

Soldiers from Alimond are considered to be professional and competent, trained from a young age in combat and defense. They are generally recognized by a distinctive set of armor consisting of thirteen metallic plates that offer exceptional protection to the vital organs while allowing for personal mobility. They have become an iconic symbol of Alimond's military power due to their active presence throughout the Skylessian continent to serve whatever interest contracts them.

Navy
The Alimond Navy is considered to be the primary branch of the national armed forces, but what makes the naval forces truly remarkable is its armada of airships. The nation's capability at mass producing airships has made Alimond a major air power, and it is the only branch of the military that does not outsource for profit due to the country's intent to keep military airships exclusive to Alimond as their own jealous secret. In comparison, however, the seaborne portion of the navy is not nearly as developed, and is overshadowed by their aerial counterparts. They are generally responsible for maritime patrols along the northern coast.

Airships of the Alimond Navy are largely used as massive troops transports that ignore terrain restrictions, making mass deployment of both ground and air troops highly efficient. They are also a platform upon which sharpshooters and magic-users are able to rain havoc upon distant enemies. The majority of airships are kept afloat by mages and propelled by wyverns. However, breakthroughs in the Alimond research of helium has seen a developing military research program to incorporate helium to keep airships afloat instead.

Air Force
The air force of Alimond is the air-based branch of the Alimond armed forces. Made primarily of wyvern-riding soldiers, the Alimond Air Force surprisingly does not have jurisdiction over the Alimond Navy's airships, commanding instead the fast-moving fliers to fly cover and support for the airborne carriers, escorting the country's more expensive military assets. The Alimond Air Force has a notable preference for wyverns over pegasi due to the wyvern's tougher image being considered more suitable for the military outfit.

As the Alimond Navy's primary means of escort when airships are concerned, the air force shares a very close working relationship with their naval counterparts. A flier positioned on an airship is considered to be a very prestigious posting, and pilots are often judged amongst their peers by their ability to take off and land onto an airship.

Demographics
The expansion of Alimond's borders following the Demon Wars has incorporated a large number of other ethnic groups into the nation, and the original descendants of Alimond now only constitute of half the national population. Thirty percent of the population is comprised of individuals of Olivan descent, while another ten percent accounts for the Devlani ethnic minority. There is a small number of Alacian descendants in Alimond within the remaining ten percent, but pre-Demon War hostilities between Alacia and Alimond allowed for most Alacian descendants to be incorporated into the population of Araducia instead. The other part of the remaining ten percent are a mixed number of immigrant workers, slaves, and wealthy families of neighboring nations that have vacation homes in Alimond, especially in Fen Rufierre.

Crime
Alimond has a relatively low crime rate; the heavy military presence in the country cuts down on criminal opportunity, employment opportunities are common, and most individuals have defense training, making violent crime especially unappealing in Alimond. Most reported crimes in Alimond are petty crimes such as theft, or disorganized civil disorder such as bar fights. Premeditated violent crime, however, carries the threat of capital punishment; however, temporary slavery sentences as a correctional labor technique are usually more common. Trafficking is rare and a poor industry due to the legal nature of both drugs and slaves in Alimond.

Increasing concern has been placed on corruption on the part of Alimond mining companies and guilds. There are reports of such business organizations using their manpower and laborers for illegal purposes, including blackmail, extortion, and sabotage. Company employees caught in such acts are quickly disavowed, although it is a common belief that the companies themselves are responsible, and Alimond's reliance on the mining industry is keeping the industry from further legal persecution.