Elesar

Elesar (: Елесарь, Elesar’), or the Elesarian Empire (Elesarian: Елесарська імперія,  Elesars’ka imperiya) is a country in Eastern Vesperia. To the west, Elesar borders Granzery and Ordia, while to the north it borders Gorbatov and Stasnov. To the east, it shares a border with Dagelia. Since the overthrow of the communist government in 1974 and the subsequent restoration of the monarchy in 1976, Elesar has been a, as well as a founding member of the Véragyőr Security Organization. Elesar is divided into 15 administrative regions, each of which is further subdivided into anywhere between 2 to 13 additional divisions. A large portion of the nation's land is well suited for farming, and it has been referred to by many as the "Breadbasket of Vesperia" due to the agricultural output of these lands.

First Elesarian Empire
The first Elesarian Empire arose c.987 A.D. after a long series of conflicts between the various tribes of what is now central Elesar. While the exact circumstances of the initial foundation of the first empire are largely unknown, it is reasonable to assume that the leaders of various tribes decided that,. due to increased raids from the peoples of what is now Granzery, their own conflicts would be put aside in order to better fend off the many raiding parties that plagued the region.

Grand Duchies
As the power of the empire declined, so too did that of the emperor. Seeing this, the various feudal lords became bolder and bolder, taking for themselves power in their own regions which was normally reserved for the emperor. After the death of the final emperor of the First Empire, Gleb II, the power vacuum that resulted was largely filled by these newly-titled Grand Dukes.

Government
Elesar is a unitary constitutional monarchy, and has been since the restoration of the monarchy on March 18th, 1976 following a referendum by the interim government after the fall of communism. The unicameral government, known as the Rada, is elected every five years. The prime minister is selected from amongst the leadership of the winning party or coalition by the Emperor. The Emperor himself holds considerable political power, however, and has not only the ability to approve or deny the ratification of laws, but is also able to submit laws. However, laws submitted by the Emperor cannot be approved or denied by the throne and must instead be approved or denied by the Rada.

The Rada consists of 500 seats and is headed by the Prime Minister, who also serves as Chairman of the Rada. The Prime Minister's primary duties as Chairman are to submit laws and motions for Imperial approval, and likewise to introduce Imperial laws to the floor. The Chairman is also responsible for any potential dissolution of the Rada per the request of the Emperor.

Foreign Relations
Elesar is a founding member of the Véragyőr Security Organization, and maintains good relations with its members.

Military
The Imperial Elesarian Armed Forces were officially established after the restoration of the monarchy in 1976, but in its current form has existed since 1974. Across all three branches, the IEAF consists of 2,300,000 active duty personnel, as well as 4,500,000 reserves and 500,000 paramilitary members. Every male citizen aged 18 and up must complete a minimum two years of mandatory military service. Females may serve in the military, but are generally relegated to auxiliary roles such as nurses and office work. Only in a state of emergency may female citizens serve in active combat roles.