Asteria

The Asterian Empire, formally the Second Asterian Empire and known more commonly as Asteria or the Empire, is a Federal Constitutional Monarchy located in central Solitaria. It is bordered to the north by Olium, the east by Ahrnheim and Annulos, the southeast by Lodavia, and south by Lotienne, Cesca, and Grecia, the southwest by Varios, and the west by Westmarch. With a population of over 170 million, Asteria is the largest country by size and population in Asteria, while also maintaining a colonial population of some 800 million.

The Asterian Empire was formed in the aftermath of the Second War of the Children, when the various kingdoms under the Confederation of Asterian States convened and voted to create a single, unified Asterian state. While its predecessor, the First Asterian Empire, tore through the Solitarian continent and absorbed its many nations during the Third Era, the Second Empire chose instead to project its influence abroad. The Asterians' victory over the Orcs provided them massive colonies in which they could exploit, and the War of the Western Shores saw the conquest of Elven territories in Vardaelia Inferior.

As the first nation to industrialize, the Asterian Empire boasts the world's most powerful economy, producing around 45% of the worlds manufactured goods. Its Denmorran colonies provide the Empire invaluable natural resources and exotic goods, including the infamous Denmorran Red Spice. Asteria also boasts arguably the world's most advanced and powerful military, and although it has been nearly a hundred years since the last major war, Asteria's military is frequently forced to conduct counter-insurgency operations in the colonies. Though industrialization has been good to Asteria, it has also caused a swarm of new troubles, as old rivalries are beginning to resurface. Asteria's alliance, the Solitarian Accord, has found itself opposed to other alliances-- primarily the Triple Alliance in Solitaria, which formed between Olium, Grecia, and Ahrnheim in direct opposition to Asteria. In addition, the formation of the United Orcish States in Denmorra continues to threaten Asterian imperial holdings, while the Elves of the Stel-Natus work to undermine Asterian authority and power abroad.

Government
The government of the Asterian Empire is outlined in the Constitution of the Second Asterian Empire, which was effectively an amendment to the Constitution of the Second Asterian Confederation which had added the role of Emperor. According to the constitution, the Empire is a federation of twelve Asterian states under the permanent presidency of Atlesia, the largest and most powerful of the Asterian states. The presidency of the federation is hereditary, and he who holds the office is effectively known as the Asterian Emperor. The Emperor is responsible for the appointment of the Chancellor, the head of government and chairman of the Senate. Laws are enacted by the Senate, which is an elected body consisting of males over the age of 30.