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Some important events that happened in history in this region: wars, political events, and anything else of note. |
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Some important events that happened in history in this region: wars, political events, and anything else of note. |
However, the weakening of Harmonia's power is evident from the numerous civil uprisings, resulting in the succession of the Scarlet Moon Empire and indirectly causing the indendence of the Highland Kingdom. Rumors of Hikusaak's death has existed for the past two centuries, but "The Temple" has always insisted that he is alive. He has not made any public appearances in the recent times, and regardless of his status, he is a non-player in Harmonian politics.
This has resulted in power shifting towards the aristocrats and political factions forming within the government, namely the Temple Faction and the People's Faction. The Temple Faction is composed of artistocrats who are in support of the priests, and they believe that the status quo must be preserved. The People's Party, on the other hand, seek equality between all citizen ranks, and to abolish the non-ranked "sub-human" rank used for kobolds and other non-human races.
The priests manipulate the two parties behind the scene, helping one party or the other depending on circumstance. They employ the Howling Voice Guild to carry out assassinations and other acts of espionage to further their agenda. It was through such means that the priests destroyed the Latkje family, a powerful People's Faction aristocratic supporter. However, the Howling Voice Guild also has their own agenda, acting on their own at times to manipulate aristocrats. Due to this fact, priests have become weary of the Howling Voice Guild.
Regardless of all these political in-fighting, Harmonia manages to maintain a powerful military. Each led by a Priest General, the armies of Harmonia are well armed and can be dispatched to remote locations swiftly. This was seen when Priest General Sasarai was sent to aid Luca Blight during the Dunan Unification War. Harmonia has other military forces, such as the Temple Guards composed mainly by sons and daughters of aristocrats, and the Harmonian Southern Fringe Security Force, which patrols and protects Harmonia's border with the Grasslands. Harmonia also employs the help of various mercenary troops, and the combined might of all these forces are said to be in the millions.
Harmonian society is governed by a strict hierarchy, where those born in a certain rank generally stay in that rank for life. Pure Harmonians, such as the aristocrats, are called "First Class Citizens," and enjoy a vast array of privileges not available to the rest. First Class Harmonians always have blonde hair and blue eyes, due to strict marriage practices. "Second Class Citizens" are members of nations who have surrendered to the rule of Harmonia. Second Class Citizens generally enjoy similar privileges as First Class Citizens, but are only rarely members of the aristocracy. "Third Class Citizens" are members of nations who have resisted Harmonian rule, and are treated like slaves. Children of Third Class Citizen families are routinely sent to First Class households as servants. Another unofficial rank is that of "sub-human" which is used against non-human races. They perform various menial tasks and are considered to be disposable property. There are a few exceptions to the above ranks, such as the priests, who exist entirely outside the social structure, and the Howling Voice Guild, who choose their members based on skill rather than social rank.
Although the above information seems to make Harmonia sound extremely strict and almost uninhabitable, Harmonia possesses an extremely sophisticated culture, and many students come from around the world to study at the various academies in Harmonia's capital, Crystal Valley. Crystal Valley is also the location of the "One Temple," which is the largest library known to exist in the world. Many scholars and other seekers of knowledge visit Crystal Valley from afar to visit this institution.
Harmonia is also known to be extremely interested in acquiring True Runes. The purpose for this is unknown, but many villages have been burned down by Harmonian forces in search of True Runes. With all this information, Harmonia remains to be a nation of great mystery.
The city is well protected by the elite Temple Guards, but it was once penetrated by the "Flame Champion," who raided Harmonia. It is said that he sneaked into the "One Temple" and stole the True Fire Rune, but whether that is fact or fiction is in the realm of speculation.
The academy is known as the best institution to study military science, and many students come from abroad to hone their skill. Apple and Klaus Windamier are among the students who have graduated from this academy and later participated in wars as strategists.
There ain't much to say about Harmonia... Well, actually, there is--in fact, too much to say. They have their share of shady deals and political scandals. Murayama compares Harmonia to Russia, but his idea of Russia seems to be a bit off because they don't seem to have vodka in Harmonia.