Nisan

Nisan is a country in Xenogears. While small in size it played a key role in the war between Solaris and the surface dwellers 500 years ago and continues to do so in the present day.

Geography
Nisan is one of several countries on the continent of Ignas. It is far smaller than its neighboring countries of Aveh and Kislev, which are located to the south and east of it, respectively.

Key locations in Nisan include its Cathedral, the mausoleum located under it which eventually rises to the surface and is called Fort Jasper and the Ignas Gate Cave.

History
Nisan's history goes back to the year 9088. A woman named Adorielle was one of few who at the time had ether abilities. Due to this she was revered and considered a "Messenger of God" She founded the Nisan Sect. Its teachings were similar to that of a traditional religion in the region where she was from, but with her ether abilities her teaching resulted in a formal religion being founded. After her death, successors were chosen among women with high ether ability. Said successors were considered both the leader of the religion as well as the head of state.

Centuries later, Sophia would rise to become the head of the Nisan Sect. This was at a time when the Nisan church was on the decline. Sophia changed much of the religion's teachings and military corps were founded for the country, led by Krelian. The war between Solaris and the surface, with Shevat at its center would break out the next year. Many refugees from the war headed to Nisan, which resulted in its influence increasing. Nisan found itself taking on a larger part in the war among those on the surface. Shevat would betray Sophia, planning to hand her over to Solaris in exchange for Miang, but Sophia instead sacrificed herself aboard the vessel Excalibur in an attack on Solaris' fortress Merkava.

Nisan would be re-founded in the aftermath of the war. Jacquelinde, who had been the assistant advisor to Sophia was married to Rene Fatima, brother of Roni Fatima, founder of Aveh. Their daughter Isolde would later become Second Mother of the Nisan Sect. As such there would be a familial connection between the ruling family of Aveh and the Great Mother of Nisan. Friendly relation between the countries continued over the years, with Aveh providing military protection to Nisan.

Present Day
In the present day, Nisan continues to have a connection to Aveh, with Marguerite, its great mother being the cousin of the rightful ruler of Aveh, Bart. With Aveh currently being in the hands of Shakhan and Gebler however, Nisan's position has been weakened tremendously.