Ergoryn

"It rarely so happens that such a dwarf manages to decisively defeat a giant. [...] Their wit was unmatched, their spirit unquenchable."

- Astrographicon

The Second Ergoryn Republic (erg. Tarager Ergoryn), often called Ergoryn for short, is an independent nation located in the Mesobrachia sector of the Maerlandayr Galaxy. Famous for displaying extraordinary resilience in the face of near-constant aggression from the now-defunct Second Mesobrachian Empire, Ergoryn became one of the most technologically advanced civilizations of the Expansion Eon. Presently at peace with the successor state of its former foe, the Third Mesobrachian Empire, the Ergoryn Republic continues to explore various branches of science and share new advancements with the other nations of Mesobrachia and the Galaxy.

The Ergoryn became spacefaring in 28,021 EE and soon after have established colonies and outposts across their home system, Aoyr. After a 2500-year long period of growth, stability and isolation, the Ergoryn came into contact with the neighbouring Tyueihsyr, who they allied in 30,678 EE. This friendship persists to this day, as proven by a notable Tyueihsyr minority prospering within the Ergoryn borders. The other sizeable minority, the Kashtamun people, have cordially joined the Ergoryn state in 33,129 EE in response to the growing threat of the Second Mesobrachian Empire. The First Republic was established soon after in 32,887 EE, ending the long period of feudalism among the Ergoryn. The Second Republic was formed in 36,542 EE following a disastrous loss in the Battle of Atamarton against the Third Mesobrachian Empire. Shortly after receiving the news of the defeat, the central government fell into disarray and collapsed, ending the First Ergoryn Republic.

The Second Ergoryn Republic owns 67 colonized worlds in 48 systems, making it a relatively small state. The Ergoryn homeworld, Attanor, is a temperate continental world inhabited by a modest population of 5 billion people. Its natural satellite, Gyrtanor, was the first celestial body colonised by the Ergoryn.

History
The Ergoryn history is divided into 3 distinct periods, marked out by major events in the nation's history. The Early Period spanned over 4,000 years, from the moment the Ergoryn became spacefaring up to the Contact War against the aggressive Second Mesobrachian Empire ruled by Nlnu. The Conflict Period lasted concurrent 4,000 years and had ended with the destruction of the Second Mesobrachian Empire. The Modern Period begun with the establishment of the Third Mesobrachian Empire and is ongoing today.

Early Period
Much like the majority of spacefaring species in the Maerlandayr Galaxy, the Ergoryn owe their existence to the elusive Hidden. The species entered their space age in 28,021 EE, after the successful launch of their first satellite, aptly named Wayfarer. In 28,063 EE the satellite was captured and brought back to the surface of Attanor and placed in the main hall of the Ergoryn Extraplanetary Institute (EEI), where it resides to this day. At that time, the Ergoryn people were largely united under the rule of the Tagonyrager dynasty, after which the first period of their space age is named.

The Tagonyrager Period ended in 29,269 EE, with the last Ergoryn king, Toron the Banished, was removed from the throne following a brief civil war. This change in administration largely stemmed from the widely unpopular policies of the ruling class, which primarily impacted the freedoms of the Ergoryn colonies. The failed monarchy was swiftly replaced by the Ergoryn Federation established in 29,269 EE. In the following millenia, despite significant autonomy of the colonies, the Ergoryn have developed a strong sense of unity and a rich interstellar culture.

The Ergoryn solitude came to an end in 30,548 EE, when they met their first alien civilization, the Tyueihsyr. Just 130 maerian years later, in 30,678 EE, Ergoryn and Tyueihsyr have formed an alliance, laying down the foundation for the future creation of the First Ergoryn Republic in 32,887 EE. The two millenia between these events were fruitful for both species and their nations - in that time, the Ergoryn have entered their golden age, which had ended with the first contact with the newly established Second Mesobrachian Empire, ruled by 'Slavemasters', the Nlnu species.

Conflict Period
Following the downfall of the First Mesobrachian Empire at the hands of the Nlnu rebellion, the Second Mesobrachian Empire was established in its place. In contrary to the former, it focused not on exerting total power over conquered species in accordance to the Song of Conquest philosophy, but on enslaving all alien species within its borders. For a long time Nlnu were successful in crushing all revolts, but never went so far as to exterminate any rebellious species. Upon making contact with the Ergoryn, the imperial regime started mounting an offensive to subdue their new-found neighbours. The Nlnu-Ergoryn War lasted 4357 years, starting in 33,194 EE and ending in 37,551 EE.

For the majority of the war's duration, the Ergoryn decisively held out against continuous attacks of the enemy forces. Their first and the most devastating loss took place in 36,541 EE, in the first Ergoryn offensive operation, during the Battle of Atamarton. Shortly after this disastrous defeat the First Ergoryn Republic effectively disintegrated, but its surviving military forces have managed to push back the Nlnu fleets entering their space. In 36,542 EE, just shy of a full year since the defeat, the Second Republic was established, quickly regaining its footing and continuing the formidable defence. The Nlnu have failed to capitalize on this weakness, as a series of inspired slave revolts spread through the Empire, forcing the withdrawal of invading forces.