Aldegar

[Polites]

Duchy of Phoenix Overthrown
Shehrevar 4455 (December 3746)



After ten years of protests, uprisings, and outright military clashes, the Phoenix government of Homa Polrani was overthrown by the Mihrist adherents of Sohrab Karvani. The Mihrist movement became the strongest anti-Polrani force in Aldegar, known by the name of Surkhjāmagān ("the Crimson-Wearing Ones") due to their symbolic red dress.

Soon after his arrest in 4445 (3736 CE), Sohrab Karvani publicly announced his identity as the Mihr, taking the name Mihryazd ("the divine Mihr"), and claiming to be the Promised figure of Ahadism, Zamanism, and Daenism, arriving on Terra to bring about the Frashagird or End Times, and also claiming to be the rebirth of Shuya Nakagawa, the founder of Kanzo. In effect, Mihryazd established a new religion, calling for the abolition of the practices of the old Aldegarian religions, the redistribution of wealth, the elimination of the Yazdean clergy, and the prohibition of the shedding of blood, except for revolt. Many of Mihryazd's adherents also call for gender equality and the abolition of marriage.

After the Mihrists took over the capital city of Tamaddon, the Phoenix regime was dismantled, and Mihryazd, released from his prison, was installed as Aldegar's new head of state as the "King of Light". The new Mihrist regime has embarked on an ambitious program of dismantling the old Phoenix and Yazdean institutions of Aldegar, redistributing the nation's wealth and eliminating all vestiges of the Ancien Régime.


Mihryazd, the King of Light

[Polites]

Destruction of Old Regime
Asfandarmad 4456 (June 3747)


Destroyed Fire Temple in Amuro, victim of Rowshanist iconoclasm

Since coming to power in December last year, the Mihrist regime has begun an ample campaign against all elements of the old Aldegarian regimes. Based on a radically egalitarian ideology founded on the teachings of Mihryazd and his followers' apocalyptic fervor, the Surkhjāmagān government is focusing all its efforts on the elimination of all privileged classes of Aldegar. The vast estates of the nobility have been broken up and the land distributed to impoverished peasants, the industry and economy have been brought under the full control of the state, and the poor of Aldegar are now the recipients of a generous welfare package. But the hardest hit by the Mihrist reforms were the traditional Aldegarian religions. The clergy of all faiths in the nation has been abolished and made illegal, and countless fire temples and churches have been destroyed by zealous Mihrist militias. Although the government officially outlawed "bloodshed", including by banning the killing of animals, its official ideology still allows taking arms in revolt against unjust rulers. Consequently, many members of the clergy and even common faithful have been murdered by pro-government militias, justified as a revolt against the unjust power possessed by the clergy. Although the clerical Guardians of the Fire association was dismantled during the tumultuous days of the anti-Polrani uprisings, the clergy still remain united against the attack on their privileges and their religious freedoms, many of them reacting violently against the regime's iconoclasm.

Rowshani Holy Book Published
Shehrevar 4456 (December 3747)


Front cover of the Bayān

Mihryazd has released the Holy Bayān for publishing, making it fully available for all Aldegarians. The Bayān, meaning "Exposition", is a collection of text written by Mihryazd with a claim of divine inspiration. The Bayān clearly states Mihryazd's claim to being the Mihr, and with that claim abrogating Yazdean, Daenic, and Kanzo dispensations, while recognizing those religions as the legitimate forerunners of Rowshanism, the faith founded by Mihryazd. The Bayān contains Mihryazd's commentary on the Vohu Khshathra Gatha, his first revealed text, as well as a number of hymns, laws, and texts elaborating on the Rowshani view of God, the afterlife, and the nature of the Mihr. The Bayān has become required reading for all literate Aldegarians, and translations into several other languages are underway.

[Polites]

Crackdown on Bacha Bazi
Bahman 4458 (May 3749)


Young Aldegarian entertaining older men

Bacha bazi, meaning "playing with kids", is a form of pederasty and sexual slavery that is very common in Aldegar, in spite of laws banning the practice. Bacha bazi consists of prepubescent and adolescent boys being purchased by wealthy or powerful men, most of them aristocrats, for entertainment and sexual purposes. The bacha, or young boy, takes the place of dancing girls in other cultures, and is usually dressed in female clothing while performing lascivious dances for the entertainment of the audience. Many of the bachas are forced to have sexual relations with their purchasers, and due to the privileges granted to the nobility in Aldegar, most governments in the past chose to turn a blind eye to the practice. The Rowshani government, in spite of its liberalization of sexual mores in Aldegar, is adamantly opposed to bacha bazi due to the practice's close association with the nobility, and the Rowshanis see bacha bazi as contrary to their religion's emphasis on altruistic hedonism and radical egalitarianism. The Army of Light, the government's Rowshani militia, has begun a thorough crackdown on the practice, arresting those who purchase bachas and liberating the young boys. However, due to widespread and violent opposition to the government from Yazdean clergy and the Aldegarian nobility, it is unlikely that the Rowshanis will be able to completely eradicate bacha bazi from Aldegar.

Mihryazd Visits Gao-Showan Daenists
Ardibehesht 4458 (August 3749)


Mihryazd during his visit to Indrala

Mihryazd, the King of Light and the founder of the Rowshani religion, has begun a journey to the East with the scope of meeting with Daenic leaders in the Gao-Showa world, proclaiming his mission as the Mihr, the new Bīdār and the successor to Bahrām Bīdār. Mihryazd began his journey with a visit to Indrala, meeting the nation's Cheng Patriarch and other leaders of Cheng Daenism. He will then depart to spread his message to the Daenists in Dovani, devoting his time for the faithful in Hanzen, Kimlien, and Utembo, where Daenism plays a central role in those nations' national identity, and where Mihrist expectations are closely associated with messianic sects. Mihryazd has been recorded as transmitting the following message to the Daenic believers: "The Verethragna Bidar has declined; Mihr Bidar has incarnated, and the King of Light has appeared in this world. A new Bidar has entered the world; eradicate the demons of the former age".

Although Mihryazd has so far been warmly received by Cheng leaders, it is unlikely that he will gain widespread acceptance from the Sangha as the incarnation of Mihr Bidar, as Daenists generally believe that the Mihr's arrival has to fulfill several very specific conditions, including that the teaching of Bahram Bidar will have been completely forgotten. It is nonetheless possible that his claims may be accepted by the more radical Mihrist sects in Dovani. In light of this visit the government initiated a translation of the Bayān into Indralan and Classical Kunikata.

[Polites]

Mihryazd Dies
Khordad 4464 (June 3755)



On the 22nd of Khordad 4464 (June 12th 3755), Mihryazd, the King of Light and the founder of Aldegar's ruling Rowshani religion, passed away in his sleep. Aged 54, Mihryazd had been suffering from tuberculosis since his decade-long imprisonment, leading to his eventual death this month. The government has begun the construction of a large shrine in Kārvān, Mihryazd's birthplace, planned to be completed within three years and where Mihryazd's body is to be interred.

The passing of Mihryazd raises the issue of how long his regime can survive, as the Rowshani government is plagued by constant clashes between the Army of Light and the clerical and aristocratic opposition. To make matters worse, Mihryazd had not designated a clear successor before his death, leading to a succession dispute between Mobed Parviz Kashrani, the Sign of the Mihr and Mihyazd's lieutenant, and Mihryazd's son Babak. Both of them can point to seemingly conflicting passages in Mihyazd's writings that can be interpreted as granting legitimacy to their claims.

Shrine of Mihryazd Completed; Opposition Formed
Fravardin 4467 (March 3758)


Shrine of the Mihr in Kārvān

The Shrine of the Mihr has been completed in Kārvān after three years of construction. The extravagant and elaborate building, combining Eastern and Western architectural elements, is seen by the common Aldegarian as a symbol of the increasing corruption of the successors of Mihryazd, contrasting with the latter's simplicity. Further fueling the increasing popular dissatisfaction towards the post-Mihryazd Rowshani regime, the succession dispute between Mobed Kashrani and Babak Karvani was won by the Mobed after all living members of Mihryazd's family died under suspicious circumstances. Kashrani's new government has renewed the suppression of the clergy and aristocracy in Aldegar with greater fervor, leading to increasingly violent opposition to his regime.

Reacting to the costly Shrine, the violent suppression of the opposition, and the religious persecution of Yazdeans and Hosians, the opposition to the Rowshani regime was finally unified into a single body. The National Front of Aldegar, created on the 8th of Fravardin (March 28), groups together Yazdean and Hosian clerics, nobles, dissatisfied Rowshanis, and Aldegarian bazaaris, uniting them with the explicit purpose of overthrowing Mobed Kashrani's regime. As the government is perceived to be moving further away from Mihryazd's radical egalitarian and populist policies, more and more Aldegarians are turning against the regime.

Rowshani Government Overthrown
Mehr 4472 (October 3763)



The National Front of Aldegar, joining together the wide opposition movement against the Rowshani regime, was finally successful in taking power in the nation. The Army of Light was unable to stop the violent assault on the capital and other large cities, and on the 22nd of Mehr (October 14) the Republic of Aldegar was proclaimed, putting an end to 17 years of theocratic government. The Republic of Aldegar was founded as a compromise between the conservative clergy and the liberal middle class, and has begun the difficult process of reconstructing a nation torn apart by religious persecution and violent civil conflict. New elections are planned for Mordad 4473 (August 3764), and in the meantime Aldegar is governed by a provisional National Front government. A new constitution was passed for Aldegar, eliminating all elements of theocratic rule and creating a democratic semi-presidential republic.

[BTHW]

The Republic Totters On
March 19, 3768

It's less than five years since the Sixth Republic was founded. It is the first democratic republic in nearly two centuries following military rule, absolute monarchy and theocracy. The founding fathers of the Sixth Republic hope that it will achieve the stability of the Third Republic which lasted 489 years. The signs however are not good. Unlike the Third Republic, the Sixth was founded on what President Manteghi called the 'charred remains of statehood.' The very weakness of the new republic at its founding is what has prompted the founders to create a semi-presidential republic with a President who has the authority of the old Shahs on security and foreign affairs while a Premier is master of daily governing and bread and butter issues.


President Reza Manteghi

The clergy, ever a powerful force in Aldegar, have mixed feelings about the new regime. They abhor its declared intent to rigorously secularise the state. The Social Front government's economic policies are not beloved by the clergy either. The only thing they do love is that the hated Mihrzayd regime is gone. The fire priests had no love for Mihrzayd who they viewed as an upstart and heretic. His regime was not kind on the old institutions and his radical policies irritated the conservative southern Kemoku region which provides the nation many of its fire priests and other members of the Yazdean establishment.


Waiting: Yazdean mobeds

The clergy is thought to have promised to behave if Manteghi's government does not hack away at its privileges and influence. In areas like Kemoku the clergy holds enormous influence and the Government feels it would be best to deal with clergy careful at least until it has a firm grasp on the nation's power structures. The truce with the clergy can only last so long, the Government knows that they will never accept a secular leftwing government regardless of its restraint in religious policies. The Government has other pressing challenges - restarting an economy more or less depressed by the isolationist policies of past Governments. President Manteghi has already undertaken to improve ties with countries such as Lodamun and Badara and has vowed to continue with this path in the hope of turning the improved ties into increased prosperity for his people.

[redoct]

Hezb-e Anushiravān vow to destroy Sixth Republic
December 12, 3786

The Sixth Republic is once again under threat. A new political party called Hezb-e Anushiravān has emerged in Aldegar with the intent to install the self-titled Shâh Anushiravān onto the now vacant Aldegarian throne. In a show of force militia members affiliated with the party stormed local government offices in Motashannej earlier today and erected barricades in the street preventing any movement in and out of the city.


Hezb-e Anushiravān paramilitaries

According to government officials Hezb-e Anushiravān is financially backed by the clergy many of whom have long standing grievances over attempts to transform Aldegar into a secular state. Militia members in Motashannej were reported to be heavily armed; in addition to assault rifles, paramilitaries brandished rocket-propelled-grenade launchers and several ADE66 heavy machine guns were mounted onto trucks.

A video purported to be recorded by the Hezb-e Anushiravān executive was released onto the internet last night. In the video Jahangir Makhmalbaf, the leader of Hezb-e Anushiravān, vowed to destroy the republic and install Shâh Anushiravān onto the throne. A transcript follows:

For too long the people of Aldegar have stood by and watch as the decadent took over and transformed our homeland into a state of unholiness.

No longer. The time has come for you to free yourself from the shackles of weakness, and stand in the face of tyranny, against the treacherous rulers. We will see Shâh Anushiravān take his rightful place on the throne of Aldegar and these heretics who have besmirched his seat shall be put to the sword. Yazdism will be restored to its rightful place as the one and true religion of the Aldegarian people. So has Shâh Anushiravān spoken.

Today we have taken Motashannej, tomorrow we will begin our long march towards Tamaddon and try as they may no infidel will be able to stop the inevitable march of the people. Rejoice for a better future is in sight - the Shâh that was promised has arrived and soon the decadence of the past will be swept away and Aldegar rebuilt anew in the sight of Yazdān.

[redoct]

Glory to Yazdān! Aldegar is back in righteous hands
Ordibehesht 4496 (May 3787)

The loyal fighters of Hezb-e Anushiravān have taken control of Tamaddon, all around the country forces still loyal to the old republican government either flee or surrender as news of the capitals fall spreads around the country. Shâh Anushiravān will be formally crowned later on in the year, but for the time being the Shâh in all his infinite wisdom has announced that he will spare the heathen dogs who have driven Aldegar to the ground - such is the benevolence of our new ruler.

The Shâh's official spokesperson, Jahangir Makhmalbaf, has announced the program for governance - the first act will be to begin preparations for the crowning of Shâh Anushiravān and when his holiness sits on the throne in sight Yazdān the real work begins. Makhmalbaf has promised to "sweep away the decadence" of the last regime and restore the rights of both the clergy and the ancient noble houses of Aldegar. All foreign policy treaties will be subject to review and the new government will announce plans to revitalise the Aldegarian economy later in the year.

For now though people all over Aldegar celebrate as the Shâh that was promised has indeed arrived. Makhmalbaf has ordered all non-essential businesses to close down for three days to celebrate the coming of Anushiravān, and in his benevolence the Shâh has ordered the giving of alms to the poor to mark this most holy of days.

[redoct]

Anti-Decadence Act Introduced
Seshhanbeh 4496 (July 3787)

Shâh Anushiravān has authorised the passage of the Anti-Decadence Act - no longer shall the evil and corrupting practices of Duzakh be tolerated in Aldegar. Jahangir Makhmalbaf has welcomed the Shâh's proposals and will now oversee the passage of the bill in the Divān-e Keshvari.

From henceforth the decadent practices of bestiality, homosexuality and blasphemy will be erased from this glorious landscape. The great Shâh has also issued guidelines on what may be shown on television in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet Shapur and the holy word of Yazdān himself. People around Aldegar as their children will no longer be subject to the corrupting influences of Duzakh which have for so long plagued the lives of Aldegarians. His excellency has also introduced new guidelines on educational upbringing, further ensuring that our children are not lead into the darkness of Aldegar's decadent past.

Shâh Anushiravān appoints his first cabinet

Yazdān be praised. In his infinite wisdom Shâh Anushiravān has announced his first cabinet of advisers who will oversee the implementation of his word. Jahangir Makhmalbaf will become the first Nâzer for his excellency. Full details are as follows:

Nâzer (Head of Government) - Jahangir Makhmalbaf
Foreign Secretary - Mirza Jahângiri
Home Secretary - Sanjar Majidi
Chancellor - Gazsi Karbâsči
Minister for Defence - Bahadur Rafsanjâni
Minister for Justice - Ardashir Xazâ'i
Minister for Infrastructure & Transport - Kir Šeydâ
Minister for Health & Social Services - Rahid Zamani
Minister for Education & Culture - Farzin Davar
Minister for Science & Technology - Shayan Taghvaei
Minister for Food & Agriculture - Navid Mirzâxâni
Minister for Environment & Tourism - Rahim Hâšemiyân
Minister for Trade & Industry - Jafar Âhupây

[Generalissimo1]

Communists Rebel
In the region of Amuro a large rebellion against the Seventh Republic has begun. The rebellion was started by a coalition of unions and the regional communist party, Amuro Liberation Front. Lord-President Nicole Favreau condemned the rebellion as "a faceless rabble fighting for the destruction of the Republic and the installation of communism". She further called on signatory nations of the Anti-Communist Initiative to intervene, citing the possibility of success on the part of the rebels.

Opposition Party Forced To Dissolve
The only federal opposition party has been forced to dissolve on orders of the Prime Minister.

[Generalissimo1]

Rebels Seize Capital; ALDP Dissolved
Communist rebels have seized the capital of the Republic and have overthrown the incumbent Aldegarian Liberal Democratic Party, replacing it with the Democratic Labour Party of Aldegar.