Bassaridia Vaeringheim

   Today's Date: 140, Opsitheiel (Stygian), 52 PSSC – Anagenesis Eirmos (Procession of Rebirth) [Acheron] – Dramatic Styx-themed parades symbolizing transformation, crossing bridges to echo mythic underworld journeys. – Proverb: Through the Styx flows the essence of transformation.

Bassaridia Vaeringheim
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto:
Anthem: the Ballad of Old Lake Morovia
Map versions	17.8.4 - present
Capital	Vaeringheim
Largest city	Vaeringheim
Official language(s)	Istvanistani Pallisical Hammish Haifan Alpazkigz
Official religion(s)	Bassaridianism Pallisican religion Alpazkigz Religion
Demonym	Bassaridian
- Adjective	Assorted
Government	constitutional sacralist stratocracy
- Council of Kings	Commander General of the Bassaridian War League — Aurelian Vardanes Merchant General of the General Port of Lake Morovia — Basilios Barakat al-Moravi High Priestess of the Bassarid Temple of Vaeringheim — Sabina Thalassene
- Legislature	Council of Representatives Senate of Elders
Establishment	47.58 PSSC (6/9/2023)
Area	~ 1,844,352 sqkm (+997,056 sqkm Dependencies)
Population	125,480,509 (52.00 PSSC)
Currency	Poli
Calendar
Time zone(s)
Mains electricity
Driving side
Track gauge
National website
National forum	N/A
National animal	Upper Haifan woolly lion
National food	Blood-Infused Red Wine Risotto with Abalone
National drink	Camel Hump Water Tea
National tree	Alon Pyralis
Abbreviation	VAE

The Associate Domain of Bassaridia Vaeringheim is a nation established in the aftermath of the collapse of the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union in the 47th Era PSSC, when rogue forces once loyal to the New Zimian War League seized control of the General Port of Lake Morovia and expelled local, mostly Alperkin chieftans from positions of power in the local government.

Geography

The most famous of all regions in Bassaridia Vaeringheim is the Gloom Forest of Perpetual Autumn. This forest is sacred to the nation's indigenous, nomadic Alperkin peoples, who bury their dead in the tar-pits found in the heart of the region. The Gloom Forest is said to be haunted by a golden Adlet, known as the Archigós, which is believed to be a manifestation of the Host Spirit. Statues of the Archigós can be found along roads throughout the Gloom Forest, especially in the woods surrounding Erythros.

Bassaridia Vaeringheim occupies the northern shores of Lake Morovia, including the city of Vaeringheim and large portions of the territory once controlled by the Alperkin. Bassaridian influence extends to a lesser extent to the cities of the former Maritime Markets of the Strait of Haifa, namely Jogi and the historic capital of the Bassarid Religion, Mylecia-Agripinilla.

The main portion of Bassaridia Vaeringheim's recognized claims can be broken up into several political divisions, including Bassarid Vaeringheim Proper, Alpazkigz Alperkin, and Odiferaen Alperkin. The first of these regions serves as the nation's administrative center, and encompasses the nation's capital city of Vaeringheim, as well as the cities of Luminaria, Serena, Lunalis Sancta, Sylvapolis, Delphica, Symphonara, Aurelia, Ferrum Citadel, and Catonis Atrium. Alpazkigz Alperkin encompasses the nation's western periphery, including lands once entirely controlled by the government of the Alpazkigz, the national government of former Alperkin, and includes cities such as Pyralis, Nexa, Acheron, Saluria, Erythros, Aetherium, Koinonía, and Aureum. Odiferaen Alperkin represents the nation's southernmost regions, and includes lands formerly governed by the Odiferian Alperkin tribal Chieftains, including the city of Somniumpolis.

The high desert surrounding Ferrum Citadel was once a vast, vibrant wetland, until the region was cursed by the High Alp, Regáus, after her husband, Typhön, fell in love with the mortal daughter of a prosperous fisherman.

The nation can furthermore be broken up into several different physical geographic regions including the Plains of Vaeringheim, the Coastal Woodlands, the Southern Odiferae Wetlands, the Gloom Forest of Perpetual Autumn, and the Northern and Western Highlands. The Plains of Vaeringheim are characterized by vast, open plains which are ideal for agriculture, and are an important contributor to the nation's economic strength. The Coastal Woodlands span across the nation's southeastern coastal region, and are characterized by sparse, swampy marshes and forests. The Southern Odiferae Wetlands are characterized by dense, heavily forested swamps which are the traditional home of the tribes of Odiferian Alperkin. The Gloom Forest of Perpetual Autumn is the spiritual center of the Alperkin religion, and is characterized by a dense, autumnal rainforest. The Northern and Western Highlands are mountainous regions which historically mark the nation's northern and western borders.

In mid-49 PSSC, Bassaridia Vaeringheim expanded to include the traditional homeland of the Normarkian people along the northern Strait of Haifa, following the New South Jangsong Campaign. Major cities annexed included Skýrophos (de facto capital of New South Jangsong), Bjornopolis, Aegirheim, Norsolyra, and Thorsalon; with smaller cities including Pelagia, Myrene, Thyrea, Ephyra, and Halicarn.

Through a coordinated sequence of operations—joint participation in Operation Thunder Drop and the subsequent Southern Lake Morovia Campaign—Bassaridia Vaeringheim dismantled rogue pirate and insurgent networks, restored secure trade across the southern Strait of Haifa and eastern Lake Morovia, and formalized accessions via locally administered referendums. The Haifan urban belt integrated into Bassaridia Vaeringheim now includes the major cities of Keybir-Aviv, Tel-Amin, Diamandis, Jogi, and Lewisburg; and the minor cities of Thermosalem, Akróstadium, Sufriya, and Lykopolis. Within this sequence, the Southern Lake Morovia Campaign secured Lewisburg and its wetlands, reopening littoral corridors to the General Port system and transferring civil–shrine administration to Bassaridian authorities.

Early Atosiel 51 PSSC Bassaridia Vaeringheim completed the conquest and annexation of the Normarkian city of Riddersborg and the island of Aderstein following the Lower Jangsong Campaign. This far-northern Keltia acquisition enabled the establishment of the territory of Bassaridian Normark.

In early Opsithiel 51 PSSC, the Ouriana Dependency was created. The government amended the Bassaridian Constitution of 50.43 PSSC to permit annexation of the Valley of Central Keltia as a Dependency, following opening phases of the Valley of Keltia Campaign that secured Bashkim, Ourid, and Tonar. The region—between the northern Lacaran Mountains and the southern edge of the Eastern Caledonian Highlands—was placed under Bassaridian protection and governance pursuant to a new Section III of Article VI.

In late Atosiel 52 PSSC, Bashkim and Ourid petitioned for full annexation under the Regional Investor of the Ouriana and were approved within the same Charter cycle, dissolving transitional dependency status and creating the Ouriana Territory. Shrine registries and civil administrations were inducted into national law and the Temple Bank’s canonical roll, with Shrine Watch districts integrated into national structure. Tonar—identified as a doctrinally unstable zone—was excluded and remains under Article X authority as a Ritual Containment Zone pending tribunal review. In Bassaridian usage, “Ouriana” now refers to the fully annexed municipal corridor centered on Bashkim and Ourid, with Tonar provisionally excluded until spiritual and civic benchmarks are met.

Following a period of peaceful integration across the Eastern Caledonian Highlands, Bassaridia Vaeringheim recognized new dependencies in northern and southern Caledonia on 57/1/52 PSSC, collectively styled the Dependency of Caledonia. The process began with the registry of regional companies to the General Port of Lake Morovia on 159/3/51 PSSC—including the Notranskja-based White Ruby Communes, Fanghorn-based Fange Velvet, the Amber Ports of Slevik, and the Sårensby branch of the Trans-Keltian Express. This was followed by the deployment of Reformed Stripping Path missionaries to the listed cities and the highlands at large on 31/1/52 PSSC, and a limited War League deployment to Fanghorn on 56/1/52 PSSC to stabilize corridors during formal talks. After negotiations between the Council of Kings and local and regional officials, the cities of Fanghorn, Eikbu, Galvø, Sårensby, Slevik, Sjøsborg, and Storesund in the north, together with Notranskja in the south, were recognized as dependencies under a unified administrative banner, with explicit plans to incorporate all major cities of the Eastern Caledonian Highlands over subsequent charter cycles.

History

A local marketplace in the heart of the ancient, storied capital city of Vaeringheim.

Establishment by the Kingdom of Normark

The city of Vaeringheim was originally established by the Kingdom of Normark, an ancient maritime kingdom renowned for its strategic settlements and naval power. Located on the northern shores of Lake Morovia, Vaeringheim was founded as a fortified outpost, strategically positioned to control lucrative trade routes and protect against potential invasions. The city’s fortifications and its access to both inland trade routes and the waterways of the Strait of Haifa made Vaeringheim a key military and trading outpost for Normark, contributing significantly to the kingdom’s prosperity.

Transition to the Maritime Markets

As the Kingdom of Normark’s influence waned, Vaeringheim entered a new phase of its history. The weakening of centralized control in the region led to a rise in piracy along the Strait of Haifa. Vaeringheim, with its established infrastructure and strategic location, quickly became a prominent player in the Maritime Markets of the Strait of Haifa. These markets were a confederation of pirate havens and freeports that thrived on the wealth generated from plundering ships passing through the region.

During this period, Vaeringheim evolved from a fortified trading post into a bustling center of commerce, heavily influenced by the trade of goods obtained through piracy. The city attracted a diverse population of merchants, sailors, and adventurers, contributing to its rapid growth and the development of a thriving black-market economy. Vaeringheim’s reputation as a hub for both legitimate and illicit trade solidified its importance in the region.

Integration into the Haifo-Pallisican Empire

As the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union rose to prominence, Vaeringheim’s role shifted from that of a pirate stronghold to a crucial member of the imperial trade network. This transformation was particularly evident during the Strait of Haifa Campaign, a brutal conflict that was part of the larger War of Lost Brothers. The campaign was marked by extreme violence, espionage, and subversion, with Vaeringheim playing a critical role as a strategic base for Bassarid military operations. The city’s fortifications were further strengthened to defend against external threats, cementing its position as a vital asset for the Haifo-Pallisican Empire. The successful integration of Vaeringheim into the empire established the city as a central hub in the expansive trade network.

The Bassarid Periphery and Alperkin Influence

Following the War of Lost Brothers, Vaeringheim became part of the Bassarid Periphery, a region influenced by the Alperkin, a nomadic people known for their deep spiritual connection to nature and communal lifestyle. The Alperkin’s influence brought significant cultural and religious changes to Vaeringheim, contributing to the emergence of the Reformed Stripping Path. This religious movement combined elements of the Hostian, Pallisican, Alperkin, and Bassarid religious philosophies, creating a unique spiritual framework that emphasized divine protection, communal spirituality, and ritual practices. The Reformed Stripping Path became a defining aspect of Vaeringheim’s cultural identity, shaping its social and religious structures.

The Hammish Civil War

The Hammish Civil War, which erupted in the nearby region of Hammish, had significant implications for Vaeringheim. The civil war, characterized by intense conflict and the fragmentation of the Hammish state, led to widespread instability. Vaeringheim, given its proximity and strategic importance, became involved in the conflict as various factions sought support from neighboring powers. The instability disrupted trade routes and led to an influx of refugees into Vaeringheim. The city’s leaders, while attempting to maintain neutrality, navigated the complex political landscape by providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and securing its borders against potential spillover from the civil war. The Hammish Civil War ultimately reshaped the region's geopolitical landscape, and Vaeringheim’s adaptability during this period helped maintain its stability and influence.

The Haifan Civil War

Vaeringheim’s stability was further tested during the Haifan Civil War, a conflict that erupted as various factions within the Haifan territories vied for power. The civil war had significant ramifications for the region, including Vaeringheim. As the conflict unfolded, Vaeringheim’s leaders had to balance maintaining local autonomy with responding to the demands of the warring Haifan factions. The city's strategic importance made it a key asset that multiple factions sought to control. However, through careful diplomacy and strategic alliances, Vaeringheim managed to retain a degree of independence and emerged from the civil war with its influence intact. The aftermath of the Haifan Civil War further solidified Vaeringheim's role as a central power in the region, particularly through its contributions to reconstruction efforts and the re-establishment of disrupted trade networks.

The Greater Morovian Independence Initiative

As Vaeringheim became increasingly integrated into foreign-controlled networks, local resistance grew, leading to the rise of the Greater Morovian Independence Initiative. This movement sought to oppose external influence in the region and establish Morovian autonomy. The initiative gained widespread support, driven by a desire for self-determination and the preservation of local culture. However, it faced significant opposition from the Bassaridian War League. The capture of the Independent Port of Lake Morovia by the War League marked a turning point, severely weakening the independence movement. This was followed by the Morovian Frontier Campaign, a series of military operations that consolidated control over the region. The establishment of the General Port of Lake Morovia effectively ended the Greater Morovian Independence Initiative, as Vaeringheim’s leadership aligned with the Bassaridian War League to secure control over this critical port.

Establishment of Bassaridia Vaeringheim

In the aftermath of these events, Bassaridia Vaeringheim was established as a sovereign state. The nation, with its blend of Normark fortifications, Alperkin yurts, Haifan architectural influences, and modern infrastructure, declared Vaeringheim as its capital. In the modern era, Bassaridia Vaeringheim further expanded its influence through the successful New South Jangsong Campaign, demonstrating its military capabilities and ability to integrate diverse territories into its expanding domain. This campaign not only secured valuable resources and strategic advantages for the nation but also reinforced its status as a dominant regional power.

Modern Era

Today, Bassaridia Vaeringheim is a significant political and economic power in the wider basin of Lake Morovia and the northern Strait of Haifa. With the General Port of Lake Morovia serving as a central hub for trade, the nation anchors a network of territories and dependencies consolidated through major operations including the Morovian Frontier Campaign, Haifan Bassaridia Campaign, Southern Lake Morovia Campaign, New South Jangsong Campaign, Lower Jangsong Campaign, Operation Somniant, the Valley of Keltia Campaign, and rules-based initiatives such as Bassaridian involvement in Corum. Taken together, these campaigns secured the Haifan littoral, annexed New South Jangsong and Bassaridian Normark, brought the Ouriana corridor in the Valley of Central Keltia under Bassaridian protection, and stabilized key interiors around Lake Morovia and the Odiferian Wetlands. As a result, Bassaridia Vaeringheim now commands a well-organized military and a diverse, prosperous economy that links core urban centers, shrine-cities, frontier territories, and overseas commercial nodes.

Beyond formal annexations, Bassaridian influence has deepened through trade-driven integration and diaspora networks. In the Eastern Caledonian Highlands, long-term commercial ties and missionary activity with former Normark-aligned city-states such as Fanghorn, Slevik, and Sårensby among others, have supported the creation of new Caledonian dependencies and highland investor corridors tied back to the General Port. At the same time, a web of investors and company charters maintains close economic and spiritual links with Bassaridian diaspora communities in Corum, Eura, and across central and southern Keltia, ensuring that distant populations remain connected to the national economy and to the Reformed Stripping Path. Culturally, Bassaridia Vaeringheim continues to be shaped above all by the Reformed Stripping Path, whose public rituals, temple structures, and festival calendar provide a shared framework of identity even as the nation’s territorial footprint and commercial reach continue to expand.

Politics

Bassaridia Vaeringheim is ruled by the Council of Kings, which is responsible for managing the political, economic, and social affairs of the nation.

The political structure of Bassaridia Vaeringheim embodies a complex and multifaceted approach to governance, reflecting its historical, cultural, and economic development. Centralized authority is carefully balanced with regional autonomy, a structure shaped by both internal and external conflicts. The most transformative moment in the nation's political history came with the establishment of the national legislature in 50.43 PSSC. This change was driven by public outrage following the Gulf of Jangsong Crucifixions, a violent and divisive event that exposed systemic weaknesses in governance and human rights protections. In response, the nation ratified its first formal constitution, known as the Bassaridian Constitution of 50.43 PSSC, creating a bicameral legislature designed to ensure broader representation, accountability, and transparency in governance.

The Council of Representatives and the Senate of Elders work alongside the Council of Kings, which oversees military, economic, and religious governance. Together, these governing bodies strive to maintain social cohesion, promote prosperity, and respect the traditions of the nation’s diverse populace. The introduction of the legislature provided citizens and various factions—ranging from powerful trade guilds to indigenous groups—with a direct voice in the nation's governance, fostering a more inclusive political landscape.

National Government

Located in central Vaeringheim, the Palace of Kings is the heart of the nation's government.

The Council of Kings functions as the central authority, with leadership divided among three key branches: military, economic, and religious. The Commander General of the Bassaridian War League leads military operations, the Merchant General of the General Port of Lake Morovia oversees trade and economic growth, and the High Priestess of the Bassarid Temple of Vaeringheim governs religious and cultural matters. These leaders work in coordination with the bicameral legislature to develop, implement, and enforce national policies.

The Council of Representatives serves as the lower legislative chamber and represents citizens from all regions, including both major and minor cities, as well as Alperkin tribes that request formal representation. Each city elects three representatives, ensuring that urban and rural communities are equally represented. Recognized Alperkin tribes receive one representative each, reflecting their unique status and historical significance. This council introduces and debates legislation, addressing issues ranging from infrastructure development and trade policy to civil rights and social welfare.

The Senate of Elders functions as the upper legislative chamber and represents key societal institutions, including religious, economic, and military organizations. It is composed of two representatives from each Reformed Stripping Path cult, each company headquartered at the General Port of Lake Morovia, and each division of the Bassaridian War League. The Senate reviews, amends, and approves legislation proposed by the Council of Representatives, offering a long-term perspective rooted in tradition and stability. Proposed bills must pass through both chambers and ultimately receive unanimous approval from the Council of Kings to become law, ensuring that all major aspects of governance are considered.

Municipal legislative bodies within major cities mirror the structure of the national legislature, consisting of a lower house of elected representatives and an upper house comprised of military leaders, business leaders representing local companies, and representatives from major Reformed Bassarid cults based in each city. These municipal legislatures possess the authority to draft and enact laws relevant to their cities, as well as govern surrounding minor cities, towns, and villages. Their structure ensures local representation and decision-making while maintaining consistency with national laws and principles established by the Council of Kings.

Elections

The constitutional framework for elections in Bassaridia Vaeringheim is established by the Bassaridian Constitution of 50.43 PSSC, which creates the Council of Representatives and Senate of Elders as the national legislature and defines a tiered system of citizenship. In practice, electoral practice has evolved into a system of annual general elections that regularly refreshes the popular chamber and many municipal bodies, while corporatist institutions appoint members to the Senate of Elders.

At the national level, the Council of Representatives is composed of three elected members from each major and minor city listed on the List of cities in Bassaridia Vaeringheim, together with one elected representative from each recognised Alperkin tribe that petitions for formal representation. All seats are contested every year on the same calendar date: the 122nd day of the 183-day Bassaridian year, corresponding to the end of the month of Thalassiel. The Council is constitutionally described as having four-year terms, but these annual elections have created a de facto system of one-year mandates that can be repeatedly renewed. Full voting rights in national elections are reserved to Tier 1 citizens, including citizens residing abroad who vote through consular arrangements.

The Senate of Elders is not elected by popular vote. Instead, its seats are filled by appointees from key institutions: two representatives from each recognised Reformed Stripping Path cult, two from each company based at the General Port of Lake Morovia, and two from each division of the Bassaridian War League. Through this corporatist structure, religious, economic, and military interests participate directly in the legislative process, reviewing and amending bills passed by the Council of Representatives and advising the Council of Kings on matters of long-term strategy and doctrine.

Municipal elections mirror this national pattern. Major city legislatures consist of elected lower houses and corporatist upper houses composed of local military leaders, business leaders tied to regional investors at the General Port, and representatives of major Reformed Stripping Path cults active in each city. Tier 1 and Tier 2 citizens vote in municipal elections, which are usually held on or near the national polling day. These local contests determine the composition of councils in core urban centres such as Vaeringheim, Luminaria, Somniumpolis and other regional hubs, and they often serve as gateways to positions in the national legislature and Senate of Elders.

A more detailed overview of electoral procedures, franchise rules, and party systems is provided at Elections in Bassaridia Vaeringheim, which also documents current and historical election results by district. An analysis of historical elections and election trends is provided at Historical elections in Bassaridia Vaeringheim.

Commander General of the Bassaridian War League

The Commander General is responsible for overseeing all military operations carried out by the Bassaridian War League.

The Commander General holds responsibility for the defense and security of Bassaridia Vaeringheim, directing military operations, intelligence activities, and strategic initiatives to protect the nation’s borders and interests. This role encompasses not only traditional military functions, such as maintaining armed forces and fortifying borders, but also covert operations and espionage. The Commander General works closely with local militias, regional defense networks, and specialized units that operate in sensitive areas, such as the Strait of Haifa, a critical point for both trade and military strategy. Legislative oversight from the Senate of Elders, which includes representatives from the Bassaridian War League, ensures that military strategies align with national interests and maintain public accountability.

Merchant General of the General Port of Lake Morovia

The Merchant General is responsible for overseeing the nation's economic activities.

The Merchant General serves as the nation’s economic steward, overseeing the General Port of Lake Morovia, a major hub of trade and commerce. This role involves managing trade policies, negotiating international trade agreements, and regulating the flow of goods, including high-value commodities. The Merchant General ensures that profits from trade are distributed equitably, with a focus on economic development and public welfare. Policies concerning taxation, market regulation, and investment incentives undergo rigorous review by the Council of Representatives and the Senate of Elders to ensure that the economic benefits reach all citizens. The Merchant General also works with private companies and trade guilds to foster innovation and competition, prevent monopolization, and promote economic stability.

High Priestess of the Bassarid Temple of Vaeringheim

The High Priestess of the Temple of Vaeringheim is responsible for overseeing the activities of the cults and mysteries of the Reformed Stripping Path, including rituals such as the Dreamweaver's Vigil, one of the most important rituals carried out by the cult of Nephele.

The High Priestess leads religious and cultural affairs, guiding the nation’s adherence to the Reformed Stripping Path, a faith blending elements of Hostian, Pallisican, and Bassarid beliefs. The High Priestess plays a crucial role in shaping religious policies, mediating disputes, and fostering unity among different religious sects and communities. This position involves close collaboration with the Saint Mothers, influential leaders who represent indigenous traditions and customs. The High Priestess ensures that religious laws and customs are integrated into national policies, working alongside representatives from Reformed Stripping Path cults in the Senate of Elders to maintain spiritual harmony and cultural preservation.

Government Presence

The national government of Bassaridia Vaeringheim is supported by municipal governments which operate in each of the nation's major and minor cities.

The Council of Kings extends its influence across Bassaridia Vaeringheim through a comprehensive network of embassies in major urban centers, known as the Embassies of the Council of Kings. These institutions coordinate political, economic, and security affairs on behalf of the central government and report directly to the three leaders of the Council: the Commander General of the Bassaridian War League, the Merchant General of the General Port of Lake Morovia, and the High Priestess of the Bassarid Temple of Vaeringheim. In smaller territories, governance is administered by appointed delegates working alongside Clan Chieftains, ensuring implementation of national policy in accordance with local tradition.

To ensure meaningful representation and institutional oversight, the Council of Representatives and Senate of Elders operate in concert with the Council of Kings, reviewing and supporting the directives that guide both domestic governance and strategic deployment of national forces. Each city—major and minor, from Vaeringheim and Luminaria to Saluria and Erythros—maintains detailed municipal data systems that track incidents of unrest, rebellion, environmental threats, and civic discontent. This information feeds into the broader intelligence apparatus used by the national government to guide regional intervention.

At the core of these interventions is the Bassaridian War League, the principal military institution of the state. Acting on the direct orders of the Commander General of the Bassaridian War League and at the behest of the Council of Kings, the War League conducts military operations to safeguard the interests of the Bassaridian government—strengthening the state’s hold on vital infrastructure, protecting commercial networks, pacifying dissent, and projecting national strength. All military activities are carried out with the oversight and approval of the Council of Representatives and Senate of Elders, ensuring that such actions are aligned with the constitutional framework and legislative will of the nation.

Each division of the War League is assigned a specific region and operates in tandem with its designated Regional Investor, reinforcing the economic and security goals of the state. The Vaeringheim Division, under Operation "Nenajióz", has deployed forces to Sylvapolis, Delphica, and Pelagia to respond to civil unrest, cultural sabotage, and separatist activity. Its deployment to Vaeringheim itself served to monitor and manage unrest among powerful merchant factions linked to the Maritime Guild of the Cult of Maskmakers. The Alpazkigz Division, through Operation "Nazht Séiakaren", furthered the state’s mandate by protecting medical supply routes in Saluria, disrupting extortionist rebel networks in Acheron, and responding to blizzard-induced infrastructure collapse in Aetherium. By protecting critical logistics and agricultural production, the division directly upheld the economic interests of the central government. The Hatch Ministry Division coordinated amphibious and naval operations under Operation "Ice azdigáit", deploying warships and privateer forces to weaken Normarkian-aligned shipping networks in the Normark–Lindley Passage. These actions helped secure national waters and protect commercial traffic vital to the General Port of Lake Morovia. The campaign concluded with a War League peacekeeping presence in Ardclach, reinforcing the government’s foothold in contested areas. In parallel, the New South Jangsong Division led the execution of Operation "Qandros Wrath", overseeing major combat and interdiction operations in Pelagia, Bjornopolis, and Riddersborg during the Lower Jangsong Campaign. These efforts secured key trade routes, neutralized separatist enclaves, and reasserted Bassaridian authority in border regions. The Odiferia Division, through Operation "De Séiakaren", pursued forced labor syndicates and protected shipping lanes in western Lake Morovia, while the Jeseri Division supported regional stabilization in Keybir-Aviv and Lewisburg, following widespread power grid collapse and subsequent unrest. Finally, the Haifan Bassaridia Division conducted Operation "Arete", providing domestic support in Tel-Amin, Thermosalem, and Jogi, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods, pacifying unrest in agricultural regions, and securing strategic facilities under threat.

Through these regionally targeted operations, the Bassaridian War League functions not merely as a defensive force, but as a constitutional arm of the state—advancing the strategic, economic, and ideological interests of Bassaridia Vaeringheim. Acting at the direction of the Commander General of the Bassaridian War League, and with the full backing of the Council of Kings, Council of Representatives, and Senate of Elders, the War League ensures the continued cohesion, security, and prosperity of the Bassaridian nation.

Rule of Law and Judicial System

The judicial system in Bassaridia Vaeringheim is divided between Religious Courts, which oversee matters relating to family law, religious observance, and moral conduct, and Secular Courts, which oversee civil disputes, criminal cases, and matters of commerce and national security.

The judicial system of Bassaridia Vaeringheim blends secular and religious courts to reflect the nation’s diverse traditions and legal needs. Secular courts, presided over by judges appointed by the Council of Kings, handle a broad range of issues, including civil disputes, criminal cases, and matters of commerce and national security. These courts ensure consistent application of laws passed by the national legislature and provide a framework for legal redress and accountability.

Religious courts, led by the High Priestess and other religious authorities, address issues related to the Reformed Stripping Path. These courts handle matters such as family law, religious observance, and moral conduct, ensuring adherence to religious doctrines and customs. Their rulings must align with national law and constitutional principles, maintaining a balance between spiritual and secular governance.

Tribal courts, led by local clan authorities, preserve indigenous legal traditions, offering a distinct legal framework for the Alperkin and other recognized tribes. These courts function independently, provided their decisions do not conflict with national law. The Council of Representatives and Senate of Elders shape laws that respect cultural diversity, fostering a legal system that accommodates multiple traditions and upholds justice for all citizens.

Social Services

Social services in Bassaridia Vaeringheim are administered through a unique economic model centered around the General Port of Lake Morovia. All citizens receive goods, products, and essential services through stipends allocated by Regional Investors, who invest in the General Port to support economic growth and public welfare. These stipends enable access to healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and other vital services. By allocating resources equitably, this system ensures that wealth generated through trade and commerce benefits the entire population, bridging the gap between urban elites and rural or tribal communities.

The Council of Representatives and Senate of Elders shape and review policies governing resource distribution, ensuring that economic gains are reinvested into social welfare. Partnerships with tribal economies and organizations, such as the Bulhanu Ranchers' Association and the Norsolyrian Wisp Rice Farmers, highlight the government’s commitment to fostering prosperity and social cohesion. Investments at the General Port of Lake Morovia support both local and national economic initiatives, creating a sustainable model of development and social welfare that reaches even the most remote communities.

Foreign Policy

Bassaridia Vaeringheim retains a highly isolationist foreign policy with very few exceptions. One such exception is Operation Thunder Drop, where Bassaridian forces cooperated closely with the Imperial Federation in Haifan Bassaridia.

Bassaridia Vaeringheim’s foreign policy is grounded in a pronounced isolationist stance, emphasizing internal stability, cultural preservation, and economic self‑sufficiency over permanent external entanglements. The Council of Kings exercises broad constitutional authority to privilege domestic cohesion over international activism and to review or terminate external commitments when they no longer serve the public interest.

Even so, the Associate Domain engages decisively when vital interests align. Cooperation with the Imperial Federation during Operation Thunder Drop to stabilize trade routes in the southern Strait of Haifa illustrates the government’s willingness to act where security and commerce intersect.

This cautious openness has been expressed through narrowly scoped treaties that reinforce resilience without eroding sovereignty. In 1746 AN (19/3/51 PSSC), Bassaridia Vaeringheim concluded the Treaty between Bassaridia Vaeringheim and Çakaristan at Portpur, signed by Merchant General Basilios Barakat al-Moravi and the Çakari Grand Vizier Şahin Faris. The accord establishes firm peace and diplomatic exchange, mutual recognition of civil acts, and a regulated civil‑aviation overflight regime for non‑military traffic that preserves Bassaridian air‑defence prerogatives. It provides for quinquennial review and allows withdrawal on twelve months’ notice following an initial ten‑year term with automatic five‑year renewals.

On 8.IV.1748 AN (15/01/52 PSSC), Bassaridia Vaeringheim and Sanama signed the Treaty between Sanama and Bassaridia Vaeringheim in Vaeringheim, with President Toti Lampa and Merchant General Basilios Barakat al‑Moravi acting under the authority of the Council of Kings. The treaty creates visa‑free entry for up to ninety days, designates a “Protected Keltian Corridor” for cargo, grants Sanaman‑flagged vessels most‑favoured‑port status with a fifty‑percent reduction in standard dues at the General Port of Lake Morovia and connected ports, eliminates tariffs on specified goods (coffee and tea from Vaeringheim; rice and fresh fruit from Sanama), and establishes both a single‑window system for traders and a dedicated Sanama Trade Window at the General Port. It is of indefinite duration with withdrawal on twelve months’ notice, ensuring flexibility without diluting sovereignty.

This treaty‑led engagement complements the Port‑centred approach to external relations. On 26/2/51 PSSC, ferry routes linking the Kingdom of Moorland to the General Port were formally established, marking the first post‑constitution commercial partnership; on 27/2/51 PSSC the Imperial Federation formalised its role by operating six new investors—among them an investor on behalf of Baicha Heavy Industries—thereby expanding the Port’s reach while preserving Bassaridian regulatory control. Together with the Çakaristan and Sanama accords, these steps have transformed a previously inward‑facing harbour into a multilateral trading crossroads without recourse to dynastic diplomacy such as marriage alliances.

The principle remains intact: Bassaridia Vaeringheim crafts tightly bounded, interest‑based compacts that protect airspace, secure shipping, and streamline trade under Hostian legal supremacy and the oversight of the Council of Kings. A self‑sufficient internal market—financed through Regional Investors at the General Port—reduces exposure to foreign credit, while the nation’s reputation for decisive, sometimes severe, military action in theatres from the Hammish Civil War to the Gulf of Jangsong Crucifixions deters undue pressure and allows the Associate Domain to choose its partners on rigorous terms.

Partner	Relationship type	Instrument / link	Signed / established	Core elements (summary)	Review / withdrawal	Status	Notes / source
Nouvelle Alexandrie & Oportia	Humanitarian oversight partnership (White-Lane observers)	Haifa Compliance Exchange MOU (White-Lane Observer Access)	19/1/52 PSSC (activation following 18/1/52 invitation)	Reached in response to the Corum War; accredited observers accompany or shadow select White-Lane humanitarian convoys at approved, geofenced sites; mutual recognition of manifests/placards; kit-exclusion verification (no encrypted radios/UAVs/dual-use sensors); neutral attestations filed to expedited appeals track (HCE → SCT → SAC); no operational control or political role	Subject to HCE protocols; revocable by any party per notice to HCE; liaison maintained during transition	Active
Sanama	Trade, transit, and mobility treaty	Treaty between Sanama and Bassaridia Vaeringheim	8.IV.1748 AN (15/01/52 PSSC), Vaeringheim	Visa-free entry (90 days); “Protected Keltian Corridor” for cargo; most-favoured-port (−50% dues) at General Port of Lake Morovia & linked ports; alcoholic beverages duty-free; zero tariffs on coffee/tea (BV) and rice/fresh fruit (Sanama); “Sanama Trade Window”; embassies; Joint Commission; MLAT/extradition framework	Indefinite; withdrawal on 12 months’ notice	Active
Çakaristan	Friendship & cooperation treaty	Treaty between Bassaridia Vaeringheim and Çakaristan	11.VII.1746 AN (19/3/51 PSSC), Portpur	Perpetual peace; mutual recognition of civil acts; civil-aviation overflight (non-state traffic) with fees & ADIZ compliance; diplomatic exchange; mediation/arbitration options	Initial 10-year term; automatic 5-year renewals; quinquennial review; withdrawal on 12 months’ notice	Active
Imperial Federation	Port investment / market access	General Port of Lake Morovia	27/2/51 PSSC	Operates six investors at the General Port; formalises long-standing commercial ties; extends services to former Bassarid communities	Subject to General Port rules and Council of Kings oversight	Active
Kingdom of Moorland	Ferry link / commercial access	General Port of Lake Morovia	26/2/51 PSSC	Establishes Trans-Morovian Express ferry routes across the northern Strait of Haifa; first post-constitution foreign investor at the Port	Commercial arrangement subject to Port rules	Active
USSO	Historical forum (legacy ties via Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union)	Union of States around the Sovereign Oceans	1645 AN – various; defunct	Economic / defence coordination among members; antecedent linkages informing later Vaeringheim–Çakaristan contacts	N/A (defunct)	Historical / legacy

Dates shown in AN and/or PSSC as available.

Straits Governance

The Straits Conventions of 52.06 PSSC establish Bassaridia Vaeringheim’s sovereign stewardship over the Morovia–Haifa Straits System, the inland–sea corridor linking Lake Morovia to the Strait of Haifa. Proclaimed by the Council of Kings, the Conventions elevate the General Port of Lake Morovia to the role of statutory regulator of the straits, with executive authority exercised by the Merchant General.

Day-to-day administration is carried out by the General Port Authority and the Port Resilience Authority (PRA), which oversee pilotage, vessel traffic services (VTS “MOROVIA CONTROL”), port-state control, and cyber-physical safety. Enforcement is provided by the Bassaridian War League and the Hatch Ministry, ensuring that trade lanes remain open while piracy, sabotage, and ritual desecration are prevented.

The Conventions guarantee neutral passage for all compliant vessels, regulate warship tonnage and submarine access in line with the strait’s narrow and shallow geography, and impose strict environmental and sacred-space protections. Emergency situations are governed by the Leviathan Protocol, allowing for convoying, temporary closures, and humanitarian priority. Disputes are adjudicated by the Straits Control Tribunal (SCT) in Vaeringheim, with appeals heard by the Straits Arbitration Chamber (SAC).

By formalizing Bassaridia Vaeringheim’s role as gatekeeper of the straits, the Conventions strengthen both the nation’s economic lifelines and its spiritual obligations, reinforcing the authority of the Council of Kings in regional and international affairs.

Economy

The marketplace is the center of all all Bassarid communities.

The economy of Bassaridia Vaeringheim is supported and sustained by ongoing investments in the reformed General Port of Lake Morovia, a Bassarid-style marketplace which has served the economic interests of the Haifan and Bassarid peoples of Lake Morovia and the central Strait of Haifa since approximately 37.71 PSSC. Control of the General Port was seized in 47.58 PSSC, by military forces once loyal to the New Zimian War League.

Population Distribution

The population of Bassaridia Vaeringheim is represented on the General Port of Lake Morovia by ten distinct Regional Investors. These include the Alpazkigz Division which invests in the market on behalf of the people of Alpazkigz Alperkin, the Odiferia Division which invests on behalf of the people of Odiferaen Alperkin, the Vaeringheim Division which represents the people of Bassarid Vaeringheim Proper, the Hafaa and Jeseri Divisions which represent the nation's Haifan and Jeseri populations, and the Hatch Ministry Division which represents those associated with the Hatch Ministry community of privateers.

In the mid-49th Era, a seventh Regional Investor was created—the New South Jangsong Division—in order to represent the financial interests of Normarkian populations inhabiting newly annexed territories along the northern Strait of Haifa. Similarly, an eighth Regional Investor was created in 50.27 PSSC following an agreement between Bassaridia Vaeringheim and the Imperial Federation, in order to represent the financial interests of citizens inhabiting the newly annexed territories of Haifan Bassaridia, including major cities such as Jogi and Tel-Amin.

Following the conclusion of the Lower Jangsong Campaign and the establishment of Bassaridian Normark (including the integration of territories such as Ardclach and Riddersborg), a ninth Regional Investor was authorized—the Regional Investor of Bassaridian Normark—to oversee trade, commerce, and industrial development for the newly annexed Normarkian territory and to represent its population within the General Port system.

Finally, following the territorial consolidation achieved during the Valley of Keltia Campaign, a tenth Regional Investor was authorized—the Regional Investor of the Ouriana—to represent the interests of the Ourianian corridor, with the cities of Bashkim and Ourid proceeding under this investor framework as they sought full annexation and long-term integration into Bassaridian governance and the General Port economy.

Of these, the largest Regional Investors by population are typically the Alpazkigz, Vaeringheim, and Odiferia Divisions, with the Ourianian, Haifan Bassaridia, and New South Jangsong Investors forming the next tier of major demographic blocs.

52.68 PSSC

Region	Population
Alpazkigz Division	48,561,570
Odiferia Division	39,922,768
Vaeringheim Division	43,365,749
Hafaa Division	3,331,232
Jeseri Division	1,977,455
Hatch Ministry Division	14,330,132
New South Jangsong Division	20,271,673
Haifan Bassaridia	21,595,041
Bassaridian Normark	13,424,288
Ourianian Division	23,278,157
Total	230,058,064

Economic Strength

The economy of Bassaridia Vaeringheim is strong relative to other nations of similar sizes. The nation enjoys a high level of economic diversity, with a broad range of businesses in the agricultural, manufacturing, and service sectors. The nation's economy is furthermore characterized by a high level of growth, with new businesses regularly joining the General Port of Lake Morovia.

Wealth Distribution

Wealth in Bassaridia Vaeringheim is distributed according to a three-tiered system based on levels of investment in the General Port of Lake Morovia. Citizens represented by the largest investors in the Port enjoy the highest levels of wealth, while those represented by smaller investors enjoy smaller levels of wealth. As of 48.02 PSSC, the nation's wealthiest citizens were those represented by the Alpazkigz and Odiferia Regional Investors, while the least wealthy were those represented by the Hafaan and Jeseri Investors.

Agriculture and Trade

Coffee is an important crop cultivated in the Plains of Melusine which surround the city of Tel-Amin.

Bassaridia Vaeringheim’s agricultural sector is the backbone of its economy, dwarfing both manufacturing and services in size and importance. The General Port of Lake Morovia plays a key role in this thriving industry, with many companies exporting a wide range of products. Major contributors like the Gladseed Farmers' Union, Plains of Jogi, and the Bulhanu Ranchers' Association supply staples such as rice, wheat, and oats, alongside distinctive goods like Wisp Rice, Queen's Garlic, and Morovian Water Buffalo. Innovative agricultural practices, including fertilization techniques involving parasitic Morovian Wisps, showcase the sector’s ingenuity and adaptability. This diversity supports local consumption, fuels international trade, and cements agriculture as a pillar of the nation’s economy.

Influence on Cuisine

The richness of Bassaridian agriculture is reflected in its cuisine, which blends local traditions with global influences. Staples like rice and wheat form the heart of daily meals, while specialty ingredients such as Amina Crab, Anterran Spicy Onion, and Camel Hump Water Tea add unique flavors to the national palate. The abundant seafood from Suncliff Fisheries and premium meats like Sea Cow Beef feature prominently in festive and everyday dishes. Meanwhile, artisanal beverages like the meads of the Grand Cave Bee Meadery and horehound-infused drinks from the Salurian Temple of Sacred Horehound highlight the creative integration of agriculture into the nation’s culinary heritage.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Agriculture shapes the nation’s identity and traditions. It sustains livelihoods, inspires festivals, and drives innovation, with products like Noctic-Rabrev flowers and velvet worm meat leading the way in niche markets. From the bustling marketplaces of Vaeringheim to regional celebrations showcasing local specialties, agriculture plays a vital role in uniting the nation’s people and preserving its cultural legacy.

Military

Bassarid forces have historically engaged in a wide range of conflicts in the region surrounding Lake Morovia. Today, they serve to defend all of the region's various peoples.

The Associate Domain is defended by the Bassaridian War League, a substantial military force which once comprised a large portion of the Leagues of Haifan Keltiania under the banner of the New Zimian War League, and which declared independence from the War League following the collapse of the Bassarids. The Bassaridian War League, with this said, maintains the organizational and command structures which were in place prior to its declaration of independence from the New Zimian War League.

During the mid 50.40s PSSC, the Bassaridian War League began the process of phasing out weaponry inherited from the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union in favor of new, more specialized and advanced technology developed by the Somniant Stock Fund, such as the Cetus Class Attack Craft, which replaced the Bijeko Class.

Historically, the War League relied upon military hardware manufactured by former USSO allies of the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union, namely the Bassarids, Jingdao, Krasnocoria, and Nova England. Beginning in the 50.40s PSSC, however, the War League transitioned away from these outdated technologies, adopting instead the used of much more advanced weapons systems developed by Bassaridia Vaeringheim's own Somniant Stock Fund.

Military Influence

The Bassaridian War League exerts the majority of its influence in the region surrounding Lake Morovia in central Keltia. It exerts lesser degrees of influence along the Northern and Southern Straits of Haifa, to the extent that it regularly conducts operations intended to defend shipping lanes between Bassaridia Vaeringheim and territories formerly associated with the Maritime Markets of the Strait of Haifa and the Bassarid Periphery in Keltia.

Bassaridian War League

Following its establishment, the Bassaridian War League initially relied on military hardware inherited from the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union. This equipment, acquired through the trade union's affiliation with other members of the Union of States around the Sovereign Oceans (USSO), formed the backbone of the War League's early military capabilities. However, by the 50.40s PSSC, it became evident that this inherited hardware was outdated and insufficient for the War League's evolving strategic needs. To address this shortcoming, the Bassaridian War League undertook a comprehensive modernization program, replacing the antiquated equipment with advanced military hardware developed by the Somniant Stock Fund. This transition not only enhanced the War League's operational effectiveness but also marked a significant step towards technological self-sufficiency and regional military prominence.

Major Operations

The Lower Jangsong is regarded by many as being the most important of all military operations carried out by the Bassaridian War League to date.

Morovian Frontier Campaign

In 48.69 the Bassaridian War League participated in the Morovian Frontier Campaign, an extensive military operation carried out across Bassaridia Vaeringheim and surrounding regions, against insurgent para-military forces associated with the Greater Morovian Independence Initiative.

New South Jangsong Campaign

In the period between 49.19 and 49.53 PSSC, the Bassaridian War League participated in the New South Jangsong Campaign, an extensive military operation carried out along the western shores of the Northern Strait of Haifa, with the goal of bringing the region's independent city-states under the control of Bassaridia Vaeringheim.

Haifan Bassaridia Campaign

In 49.43 PSSC, the Bassaridian War League launched the Haifan Bassaridia Campaign as part of a coordinated effort alongside the Imperial Federation to eliminate the influence of rogue pirate factions which has established control over Haifan Bassaridia in the period following the collapse of the Bassarids. The campaign, which ended in 50.10 PSSC, resulted in a restoration of peace and stability in the region, and led to the annexation of Haifan Bassaridia by Bassaridia Vaeringheim.

Southern Lake Morovia Campaign

The Southern Lake Morovia Campaign (50.01–50.47 PSSC) was a decisive military operation by the Hatch Ministry to eliminate more than 2,300 insurgents entrenched in Lewisburg and the surrounding Southern Lake Morovia region. The campaign resulted in the complete eradication of insurgent forces, the annexation of Lewisburg into Bassaridia Vaeringheim, and the restoration of stability to the region.

Lower Jangsong Campaign

The Lower Jangsong Campaign was a massive military operation - the largest in War League history - spearheaded by the New South Jangsong Division and the Hatch Ministry, which ultimately resulted in the annexation of portions of former Normark, including the cities of Riddersborg and Ardclach.

Operation Somniant

Although initially regarded as a small operation, Operation Somniant was a major military campaign in western Lake Morovia involving multiple War League Divisions in collaboration with Bassaridian privateer Captain Selim Bey, notable for being the first battlefield deployment of the Model V-99 Thunderguard Citadel Train and first contained mainland manifestation of a Somniant Eidolan in Bassaridian history.

Valley of Keltia Campaign

The Valley of Keltia Campaign was a major military operation carried out by the newly established Council of Kings Division, starting in early Opsithiel 51 PSSC, in the Valley of Central Keltia. This campaign marked the first ever deployment of forces under the direct command under the Council of Kings, and was aimed at rooting out the forces responsible for the conjuration of a Somniant Eidolan during Operation Somniant, especially in cities such as Tonar, Bashkim, and Ourid.

Bassaridian Involvement in Corum

See also: Baratar Scandal of 52 PSSC

Although officially characterized and internationally recognized as a series of legally-based humanitarian operations, the Bassaridian War League engaged in a series of limited operations during Floria's war of aggression in Corum in early 52 PSSC, including the deployment of 2 Centuriae to mainland Corum on 45/1/52 PSSC.

Baratar Corporation

The Baratar Corporation is a state-sanctioned arms supplier and civil defense institution headquartered in Somniumpolis, operating primarily out of the General Port of Lake Morovia. It is responsible for arming, training, and registering members of the Baratar, the decentralized civilian militia of Bassaridia Vaeringheim, which exists independently of the professional military apparatus managed by the Bassaridian War League and supplied by the Somniant Stock Fund.

The Baratar Corporation is formally established under Article VIII of the Bassaridian Constitution, which outlines its civilian mission, organizational independence, and legal framework. While the Bassaridian War League is tasked with national defense through centralized command and standing forces, the Baratar serves as its constitutional counterpart: a legally obligated citizen-militia activated under the authority of the Council of Representatives during times of emergency.

Civic Militia Structure

Membership in the Baratar is legally required for any civilian in Bassaridia Vaeringheim who purchases a firearm. Upon acquisition of a weapon through the Baratar Corporation, the citizen is automatically enrolled in the national militia registry and obligated to attend annual training exercises. Though non-professional in character, all Baratar enlistees may be lawfully called upon during times of national crisis, religious mobilization, or insurgent threat.

The structure of the Baratar reflects ancient Alperkin traditions of spiritualized self-defense. Unlike the centralized command structure of the War League, the Baratar operates as a network of locally coordinated defense cells, temple guardians, and rural militias. Each unit responds to call-ups coordinated by regional authorities, temple leaders, or municipal councils. This flexibility allows the Baratar to serve as both a cultural institution and a reserve defensive force, maintained not through conscription, but through legally enshrined civic responsibility.

History and Reformation

The Baratar traces its origins to tribal defense coalitions formed in the Plains of Vaeringheim during the final years of Haifan imperial decline. Under the direction of war-chiefs appointed by the Council of Saint Mothers, these coalitions defended pilgrimage routes, highland shrines and temples, and sacred groves from internal rebellion and foreign exploitation. Following the unification of the region and the creation of Bassaridia Vaeringheim, the Baratar was reorganized into a nationwide civilian militia force, formalized under the Baratar Corporation and regulated by national law.

The ratification of the Bassaridian Constitution of 50.43 PSSC codified the role of the Baratar into law, placing its operations under the authority of the Council of Representatives. The establishment of the General Port of Lake Morovia enabled the mass production and spiritual certification of standardized gear, streamlining the distribution of arms and armor without compromising the localized, cultural foundations of the militia.

Equipment and Capabilities

The Baratar Corporation supplies a standardized but symbolically rich suite of weapons and field gear that reflect the cultural, spiritual, and environmental needs of civilian defense across Bassaridia Vaeringheim. Among the most widely distributed arms are the Doryon Rifle 7.62×39mm, a dependable infantry weapon; the Skopion Sniper Rifle 8.6mm for long-range defense; and the Lykastos Pistol 9mm, designed for militias. Other frequently issued arms include the Kleisthenes Carbine 5.45mm, Sphex SMG 5.7mm, Orontes Shotgun 12-Gauge, Phokion Sidearm 10mm, and the Aurean Carbine 6.5mm for mounted patrols.

In addition to firearms, the Corporation produces religiously and functionally specialized field gear such as Thorakitai Field Armor, Cataphract Saddle Harnesses, Phalanx Scout Cloaks, Xyston Utility Packs, Myrmex Oathblades, and Thymiari Signal Kits. Every item distributed by the Baratar Corporation is spiritually vetted and regionally adapted—from the fog-swamps of Somniumpolis to the canyonlands of Acheron and the shrines of Luminaria.

Role in National Defense

The Baratar Corporation’s authority to arm and organize the nation's civilian militia is distinct from—but complementary to—that of the War League. In times of declared emergency, the Council of Representatives may issue a mobilization order to activate the Baratar in full or in part. Once mobilized, Baratar units operate under a civil-military chain of command coordinated with municipal leaders and temple authorities, while remaining separate from regular military forces.

The Baratar has played a critical role in repelling localized insurrections, guarding pilgrimage routes from Eidolic contamination, and responding to environmental disasters. Its legal framework, decentralized design, and cultural embeddedness make it a living expression of Bassaridian civic philosophy: that the right to bear arms comes not only with individual responsibility, but with sacred duty to one’s neighbors, temple, and soil.

Culture

Central to the overall culture of Bassaridia Vaeringheim is the practice of the Hostian Reformed Stripping Path. The practice of the reformed Bassaridia religion in Bassaridia Vaeringheim, with this said, is heavily influenced by the traditions and customs of the Stripping Path which was the predominate religion of the Bassarid Empire prior to its collapse, and of the indigenous religion of the Alperkin peoples.

The culture of the Associate Domain combines the everyday norms, customs, and traditions of the indigenous Alperkin communities with the political and economic institutions which governed the city of Vaeringheim under the administration of the Bassarids. The culture of Bassaridia Vaeringheim is also heavily influence by that of the Bassarid Haifan population who resides in the region, as well as that of the Bassarid Jezeri. To this end, the Associate Domain represents a blend of cultures and identities which is unique to the region, and to the globe in the Post-Bassarid world.

Demographics

The majority of Vaeringheim's people are ethnically Haifan, though the population features a wide range of peoples from across the former Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union.

Bassaridia Vaeringheim is home to a wide range of different ethnic groups from across the eastern hemisphere. These include the Pallisican, Kralian, and Aead peoples who originate in former Passas, the Chelkran peoples of Chelkran Kesh, the Gamesman peoples of Northern and central Corum, and the Haifan, Alperkin, Normarkian, and Jezeri peoples of central and northern Keltia. Of these, Haifans, Alperkin, and Normarkians constitute the majority of the nation's people, followed closely by Jezeri, Pallisicans and Kralians. Representing a smaller portion of the nation's population, Chelkrans and Aead. The smallest portion of the nation's population is made of up of Gamesman and Braxians.

Alperkin

The Alperkin constitute a large indigenous component of Bassaridia Vaeringheim’s population, with historic homelands concentrated around the Morovian littoral. Culturally and spiritually, the Gloom Forest of Perpetual Autumn is regarded as a sacred center—its inner reaches contain tar-pits used for traditional funerary rites, and the area features prominently in Alperkin cosmology and practice. Access to the inner forest is traditionally restricted.

Within the state’s administrative geography, two major Alperkin regions are commonly referenced: Alpazkigz Alperkin (largely in the northern highlands and in the west, encompassing cities such as [Pyralis], [Nexa], [Acheron], [Saluria], [Erythros], [Aetherium], [Koinonía], and [Aureum]) and Odiferaen Alperkin (the southern wetlands, including [Somniumpolis]). These designations reflect long-standing cultural and political distinctions that predate the modern state and persist in local identity and settlement patterns.

Religiously, Alperkin traditions intersect with Bassaridian practice but retain distinctive theology and rites. In comparative terms, the Alperkin religion recognizes the [Host Spirit] within its own hierarchy of Alps, and Alperkin ritual life (including sacred forest observances and tar-burial customs) remains a defining feature of community identity alongside participation in broader Reformed Bassaridian life.

Representation of Alperkin communities is explicitly provided for in national law. The [Bassaridian Constitution of 50.43 PSSC] establishes that the Council of Representatives includes one representative from each Alperkin tribe seeking formal representation, integrating tribal constituencies into the lower house alongside city electorates. Municipal bodies mirror this structure, further embedding indigenous participation in legislative processes.

Economically, Alperkin networks are interwoven with Morovian trade. The [General Port of Lake Morovia] functions as a primary hub linking Bassaridian and Alperkin producers, labor, and markets, reflecting the long commercial interdependence of the Morovia–Haifa system and the hybrid traditions that shape port life and governance.

Class Relations

Class relations in Bassaridia Vaeringheim are intricately woven into the cultural and religious fabric of the society, which revolves around the practice of the Stripping Path, and to a lesser extent the Reformed Stripping Path. At the top of the social hierarchy are the high priestesses and noble families who are deeply involved in the organization of the nation's predominate religion and of the nation's marketplace. Next is the nation's merchant class, which holds substantial economic influence. Members of this class are often wealthy and play a crucial role in the distribution of goods and services sold and provided through the General Port of Lake Morovia. Below the merchant class is the artisan class, whose skilled artisans and craftsmen, serving at the behest of the nation's priestess and noble class, form the backbone of the nation's economy. These three classes, the priestess and noble class, the merchant class, and the artisan class, form the upper echelons of society in Bassaridia Vaeringheim.

At the highest ranks of the nation's lower social echelons are farmers and laborers, who work to produce the products sold by the merchant class. Despite playing an important role in the nation's social hierarchy, members of the farmer and labor class enjoy a limited degree of social mobility. Next in the ranks of the lower echelons of Bassaridian society are entertainers and performers including musicians, actors, and dancers, who hold a unique position in society, insofar as they are often admired for their ability to channel the divine ecstasy of the gods of the Stripping Path through their ritual performances. Members of this class often serve as servants of the Priestess and noble class, and can enjoy a greater level of social mobility than farmers and laborers.

At the very bottom of the social hierarchy are outsiders and slaves - those who do not adhere to the Bassaridian faith or are considered foreign, including slaves usually captured during the era of the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union. Members of this class enjoy limited rights and are often marginalized.

Gender Relations

Gender relations are relatively fluid in Bassaridia Vaeringheim, reflecting the Bassaridian values of freedom and trade. Both men and women can participate in religious ceremonies and festivities, can assume status in any of the nation's social echelons, and women are not confined to traditional domestic roles.

Religious Influence

The Reformed Stripping Path has played a central role in the unification of the nation and its various territories, from the swamps of southern Lake Morovia, to the quartz cliffs of New South Jangsong, to the frigid highlands of Eastern Caledonia.

At the core of the nation’s religious identity is the Reformed Stripping Path, a Hostian faith which reorganizes the older Stripping Path into a structured system of cults and Mysteries centered on the Host Spirit and a pantheon of Planetary and Lunar Divines. Rather than a single, loosely organized wine-god religion, the Reformed Stripping Path serves as the primary spiritual and institutional framework of Bassaridia Vaeringheim, blending elements of Hostian, Pallisican, and Bassarid belief. Its doctrines, calendars, and cultic orders shape how Bassaridians understand war, trade, justice, health, education, and their place within the Host Spirit’s “waking dream.”

Across the country, religious life is mediated through a dense network of shrine-based orders devoted to specific Divines. Maritime worship and littoral security are entrusted to the Azure Sentinel Sect, devoted to Thalassa, Lady Divine of the Sea and War. Dreams, inspiration, and the subconscious fall under Reverie Nebulous, devoted to Nephele, while nocturnal investigation and doctrinal triage are the charge of the Order of the Umbral Oracle, devoted to Noctis. Health and medicine are guided by Sanctum Vitalis and the Pharmacon Sect in the name of Plateau, and reflection, introspection, and higher learning are overseen by Sanctum Delphica under Sisera, through the Temple University of Delphica. Other major orders—such as Rex Catonis (discipline and order), Ordo Amicitia (charity and friendship), Temple Alabaster (purity and serenity), Temple Illuminata (epiphanies), Conclave Illuminara (illumination and lunar wisdom), Order of Aurora Mystica (dawn and renewal), Harmony Sanctum (balance and civic harmony), the Celestial Harmony Sect (Indigo and Momiji), the Eon Fellowship (winter and endurance), and Accord Concordia (friendship and unity)—provide specialized religious oversight to nearly every sphere of Bassaridian life. Together, these cults form a living “nervous system” through which the Reformed Stripping Path influences both daily practice and high policy.

Bassaridia Vaeringheim remains equally famous for its vibrant festivals and celebrations, many of which preserve the ecstatic heritage of the traditional Stripping Path within a Reformed framework. Public life is punctuated by processions, masked parades, and seasonal rites that combine the disciplined liturgies of the Reformed cults with the wilder expressions maintained in the Dionysian Mysteries—most notably the Sylvan Fellowship of Faun, the Mystery of the Stygian Veil of Styx, and the Mystery of Red Mirth devoted to Silenus. In cities such as Vaeringheim, Somniumpolis, Aureum, Erythros, Norsolyra, and Luminaria, festivals feature chanting, dance, masked performance, and the measured use of wine and other intoxicants under priestly guidance. These celebrations affirm the people’s relationship to the Host Spirit and the Divines, while reinforcing communal identity across divisions of class, ethnicity, and region.

The influence of the Reformed Stripping Path is also visible in Bassaridian art and architecture. Temples, shrines, and public buildings commonly display statuary, murals, and reliefs depicting the Divines and their cults: Thalassa enthroned above harbors and canals, Micras as the silent axis of balance in cities such as Serena, Nephele breathing dreams into the Dome of Nightfall, Plateau at healing springs and clinics, or Nikolaj rendered in gold and mirror-work in Aureum. Urban plans often integrate sacred spaces directly into markets, ports, universities, and administrative districts, so that the daily flow of trade, justice, and pilgrimage unfolds within an explicitly religious landscape. Façades frequently bear the sigils of local cults and the symbols of the Host Spirit, reflecting the belief that cities are both civic entities and living segments of the Host’s dream.

Institutionally, the Reformed Stripping Path exerts profound influence through the Temple Bank of the Reformed Stripping Path and the General Port of Lake Morovia, which together regulate the deployment of missionaries, the movement of cultic personnel, and the valuation of religious services alongside ordinary commodities. Missionary “teams” from orders such as the Azure Sentinel Sect, Reverie Nebulous, the Eon Fellowship, Sanctum Vitalis, Sanctum Delphica, the Mystery of the Verdant Embrace, the Celestial Harmony Sect, Temple Alabaster, the Mystery of Red Mirth, the Mystery of the Stygian Veil, the Sylvan Fellowship, Rex Catonis, Ordo Amicitia, Temple Illuminata, and others are formally listed and traded within the Port’s ledgers, allowing Bassaridia Vaeringheim to coordinate spiritual, humanitarian, and diplomatic efforts at a national and transnational scale. In this system, religious authority is not separate from economic and political life, but embedded in the mechanisms that sustain the nation’s prosperity, security, and spiritual equilibrium.

Leadership within the Reformed Stripping Path is diverse and highly specialized. The High Priestess of the Bassarid Temple of Vaeringheim oversees the activities of the cults and Mysteries across the nation and serves as one of the three members of the Council of Kings, alongside the Merchant General and the Commander General of the War League. High priestesses and priests of individual orders—ranging from the High Sentinel of Thalassa and the High Reflector of Delphica to the High Mirthmother of Erythros, the High Sylvanist of Sylvapolis, and the High Illuminator of Aureum—act as interpreters of divine will and as key advisors to secular authorities. Many Mysteries and sisterhoods, especially the Dionysian cults centered on Faun, Styx, and Silenus, remain overwhelmingly led and staffed by women, preserving the older Bassaridian tradition of powerful female religious leadership inside a more ordered Hostian framework.

In summary, the religious influence of the Reformed Stripping Path permeates virtually every aspect of Bassaridian culture. It defines the calendar and festivals, shapes art and architecture, structures the state’s health, legal, and security systems, and provides the language through which Bassaridians understand both their inner lives and their collective history. While preserving the ecstatic and liberating heritage of the original Stripping Path in its Mysteries and celebrations, the Reformed faith has transformed that inheritance into a comprehensive religious–institutional system that lies at the very center of Bassaridia Vaeringheim’s way of life.

Sport

Pillarion

The best Pillarion players face off in the Professional Pillarion League, representing cities along the Strait of Haifa, in Bassaridia Vaeringheim, New South Jangsong, and even in the Eastern Caledonian Highlands.

Pillarion is the pre-eminent public sport of Bassaridia Vaeringheim, a codified descendant of older civic games long entwined with seasonal rites and amphitheatrical pageantry. It is contested in oval sand arenas ringed by stepped galleries, with a tall, faceted scoring pillar at each end. Play is conducted almost entirely with the feet: possession advances through tight dribbling on packed sand, abrupt changes of angle along marked channels, and controlled instep or laces strikes that drive the ball toward the pillar’s designated circular target faces. Scoring is twofold: a clean strike on a marked pillar face yields tiered point values calibrated to approach angle and difficulty; a single “possession point” is awarded for uninterrupted, controlled team possession within the central tactical zone for a fixed interval. The rules privilege continuous motion and positional geometry. Set-pieces originate from circle marks after fouls or exit-of-play; restarts employ a ceremonial heel-tap before the first pass, and traditional throw-ins are replaced by a regulated touch-lift from the touchline. Handling is prohibited for field players, with only chest and shoulder controls permitted on aerial balls. Defending emphasizes body-line screening, sand cuts that disrupt passing lanes, and timed blocks rather than heavy contact, reflecting both ritual origins and amphitheater safety codes.

Across the modern polity, Pillarion organizes urban time. Municipal fixtures populate civic calendars from Vaeringheim and Luminaria to Somniumpolis, Delphica, and Acheron, where amphitheaters double as venues for festivals and oath-taking. The professional era centers on the Professional Pillarion League, whose clubs represent the principal cities of Bassaridia Vaeringheim. The season aligns with the Reformed Bassaridian Zodiac calendar and runs in a compact window to accommodate pilgrimage cycles and harvests; a neutral-site cup final closes the campaign and is marked by processions, guild banners, and formal exchanges of city gifts. Contemporary regulation permits only minor aesthetic modification of arenas: the historical use of flooded basins, movable hazards, or live pageant animals—once markers of local identity—has been proscribed to ensure parity and reduce injury, while choreographed supporter hymns and amphitheater architecture preserve the sport’s ritual memory.

While Pillarion remains culturally anchored in Bassaridia Vaeringheim and the communities around the Strait of Haifa, its geographic footprint has expanded markedly. Scholastic and municipal leagues now flourish across the Eastern Caledonian Highlands, where upland towns adapt sand preparation and perimeter banking to local soils and wind conditions. This eastward adoption has produced a distinctive highland style: lower-trajectory volleys to counter gusts, deliberate use of the cambered edge for banked passes, and compact defensive shells that prioritize interception over chase in thinner air and on coarser surfaces. Travel fixtures between highland clubs and lakeshore cities have become among the most attended dates of the sporting year, reinforcing Pillarion’s role as a medium of interregional sociability, civic display, and controlled rivalry.