Aerla

Republic of Aerla (Common Tongue) Repuylik ov Ayrle (Commonspeak) Aerliya Respublikası (Khamil) Република Аерла (Ranentsi)
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: Super Cetera
Anthem: Ayrle, yua höm, eyn höm "Aerla, your home, my home"
Map versions
Capital	Noursala
Largest city	Agalore, Zareda
Official language(s)	Common Tongue, Aerlan Commonspeak Recognized minority languages: Khamil Ranentsi
Official religion(s)	Non official 79.60%: Aerlan Nazarene Church 8.18%: Other/Non-affiliated 6.33%: Umraism: 6.33% 5.89%: Ranentsian Orthodox Church
Demonym	Aerlan
- Adjective	Aerlan
Government	Presidential Republic
- President	Basil Fitzroy
- Legislature	National Assembly
Establishment	1709 AN
Area
Population	7,311,700 (1731 AN Census)
Currency	Felt
Calendar	Norton Calendar
Time zone(s)	CMT+5
Mains electricity	230 V, 50 Hz
Driving side	Right
Track gauge	Standard (1,435 mm)
National website
National forum
National animal	Aerlan bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis aerlana)
National food	Goat Cheese
National drink	Milk
National tree	Keltian Oak
Abbreviation	AER

Aerla (Commonspeak: Ayrle), officially known as the Republic of Aerla (Commonspeak: Repuylik ov Ayrle) , is a land-locked nation located within the interior of Northwest Keltia. A burgeoning regional power, it controls the fertile valleys and plains that produce some of the richest grain in all of Micras.

Aerla is currently composed of four entities: Metropolitan Aerla, the Ranentsi Autonomous Region, and the Khamil Khanate.

Etymology

The true origin of the name Aerla are shrouded in mystery. The name “Aerla” itself is the academically standardized spelling of the Aerlan Commonspeak (the nation’s Common Tongue-based creole) name Ayrle. Ayr in Commonspeak represents the word “high” or “above”, while the precise nature of the suffix le isn’t well known. It’s theorized that le is an outdated suffix meaning something akin to “land of…”, but this debate still rages in the Aerlan academic community to this very day.

History

Pre-independence History

From the earliest days of Micran civilization, the Mountains of Central Keltia have proved to be an adversarial place to settle. However, numerous (and sometimes isolated) valleys existed where settlements could coexist with these craggy snow-covered peaks. These people first came to these valleys during large tribal migrations from the lands of Attera and Varja. However these lands were very loosely governed, and these valley settlements mostly kept to themselves and were left alone by the powers that controlled them.

This would be the case until the large Republic of Karnali conquered most of what is now Northwestern Keltia. Much of Aerla's modern borders fell within the Maghda region, with the cities of Pataliputra and Kapilvastu being major centers of population at the time. The Karnali were the first to introduce concepts such as democracy, organized religion, and written language to the area. Most tradition forms of religion were phased out and replaced with Karmaism. However, Karnali would suddenly collapse, and the collapse of civilized society in the area soon began.

Aerla would languish in what would later be known in early Commonspeak as the Keseranarkë, (Heretical Anarchy). The once former grand cities that dotted the valleys were destroyed by tribal warbands, and the countryside became a place of pillage, looting, and slaughter. The once plentiful Karnali population soon withered away as they either fled, were killed, or subsumed themselves into the invading tribes.

The incursions of tribal warbands only ended when the Kingdom of Hatay, a vast state from the modern-day Vegnese overseas territory of San Lucido that spread their Umraist practices across most of Central Keltia, conquered the region. Most Karmaists were encouraged to convert to Umraism, and Umraism soon became to dominate daily life in the valleys. Large administrative centers were erected, such as Mola Ram and Yazd. Many other Aerlan cities found their start in this era, such as Salah ad-Nour (Noursala), Argelohr (Agalore), Sareez (Zareda), and Asmoura (Auburn), just to name a few.

Upon the collapse of Hatay, the valleys yet again languished in anarchy and banditry for several hundred years. Umraism slowly decreased in popularity and its practice only continued in small clusters, mostly around the city of Yazd. In this anarchy, societies would form around small villages and new religious groups. One such group was the Neo-Adamites, a cult that was based out of the ruins of the Hatayyian city of Mola Ram. Led by their titular polyamorist Rišamma Adam II, the group laid claim to much of what is now Southern Aerla. The group launched raids across Aerla, attempting to exact tribute from any city unfortunate enough to resist them. Most of their raids ultimately failed and they were ran out of Mola Ram by distasted citizens and fled into the Ranentsi Mountains. Around a decade before Aerla's independence, a Ranentsian hunting party reportedly found Adam alone in a small grotto in the hills near the town of Stariya Most where (after gawking in amusement of the disheveled man being left with zero of his forty-two supposed wives) he was brought into the town and given a show trial before ultimately being beheaded with a meat cleaver from the local tavern by the village priest (the blood-encrusted cleaver now hangs in the doorway of said tavern), with his corpse being incinerated in a bonfire. What remained of his followers, who were out foraging for food, became scarce soon afterwards. Being a Neo-Adamite in Aerla is considered illegal after the passage of the Bill to Regulate Cultist and Extremist Activities in 1710 AN, outlawing cults and extremist religious groups. Many "revivalist groups" of these Neo-Adamites have sprung up, but have been suppressed by the State Security Directorate.

Formation of Aerla and later expansions

The formation of Aerla.

In the mid 1700 ANs, a coalition of the cities of Noursala, Agalore, Bergen, Harriston, Syrenea, and Shellford was formed due to increased bandit raids on their centrally located locales. In 1709 AN, the coalition met in Noursala and declared independence as the Republic of Aerla. Electing noted lawyer Henry Cassian as the nation's first president, it's militias (most of which were amalgamated into the Grand Army of Aerla) occupied many towns in the immediate area surrounding their already held territory. Many other towns sent petitions to join the new state. Soon contact was established with Ranentsi towns who wished to represented in a national government. After talks, a new autonomous region was established with its capital in Kyustendil.

After being internationally recognized a year later, Aerla began to conduct military operations to secure the nation's borders. First came the annexation of the old Hatayyian city of Yazd. After army diplomats were executed by the city's ruler (one Raafi al-Umar), he was overthrown and a friendlier ruler was installed who swore fealty to Noursala. Shortly afterword, a military expedition captured the abandoned city of Kriva which, controversially, was not given to the newly expanded RAO and instead settled by Aerlan migrants.

In 1721 AN, the Aerlan military launched the Bloch-Dobbs Expedition which resulted in the establishment of Aerla's first port settlement, Port Aerla. The expedition also lead to the submission of the Khamil Khanate and it's leader, Demir Bugd Khan.

The period from 1724 AN-1726 AN was a quiet one for Aerla. While the economy and politics remained stable, the news outlet Voice of Aerla reported a so-called "progress stagnation", in which very little new progress was made in the areas of technology and industry. In 1728 AN, after a significant growth in population, Six Parishes (which had been under military occupation since the conclusion of the Bloch-Dobbs Expedition) was formally incorporated into Metropolitan Aerla. Those residing in the area received full citizenship rights.

Tragedy would strike Aerla in 1729 AN, when former President Henry Cassian was assassinated by a car bomb in Noursala. It was revealed that the assassin, a 30 year-old nurse named George Graves, had been coerced and radicalized by a member of the neighboring nation of Cerulea's intelligence service into committing the assassination. This caused the Aerlan military to launch Operation Ulysses, a mostly symbolic bombing campaign of industrial and military targets in the south of Cerulea. The campaign would end around 9 months later, after Normark had begun their full occupation of Cerulea following their own conflict.

Geography

Two farmers make their way to town through the winding roads common of Central Aerla.

Nestled amidst towering peaks and pristine landscapes, the geography of Aerla is a testament to the majestic beauty of Micran nature. With its diverse topography, this nation offers a rich tapestry of rugged mountains, deep valleys, meandering rivers, and lush forests.

The defining feature of Aerla to many is its rugged and imposing mountain ranges. Majestic peaks soar high into the sky, forming an awe-inspiring backdrop that dominates the landscape. These mountains are not only a source of breathtaking beauty but also provide a myriad of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The country's challenging peaks offer exhilarating experiences for mountaineers, while its pristine slopes attract avid skiers and snowboarders during the winter months. The tallest peak of Aerla is the Vergehorn, at 6,017 m (19,741 ft.).

Amidst the mountains, deep valleys and expansive plateaus carve their way through the land. These valleys, formed by ancient glaciers during the last Micran Ice Age, present a contrasting picture to the towering peaks. Dotted with picturesque villages and fertile farmland, they provide a sanctuary for agricultural activities. The plateaus, on the other hand, offer breathtaking vistas and serve as natural habitats for a variety of flora and fauna. They also provide suitable locations for hilltop towns and settlements, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Flowing through the valleys and plateaus, the country's rivers and waterways are essential lifelines, shaping the geography and supporting numerous towns and villages. These rivers, originating from the snow-capped peaks, meander through the valleys, providing some of the cleanest drinking water on Micras. They not only provide a source of freshwater for agriculture and drinking but also offer opportunities for hydroelectric power generation. The rhythmic flow of these water bodies adds to the charm of the countryside, nurturing the diverse ecosystems that thrive along their banks.

Transportation

There are several roads that make there way through the bends of the mountains, with mules, horses, and few motor vehicles being the primary methods of transport. However, due to the remoteness of some more rural settlements, river transport is popular in these areas. This is treacherous, however, due to high currents and sudden changes in elevations along the path of some rivers. The rail link between Noursala and Agalore is the nation's only current freight and passenger railroad, using the International Standard Gage of 1,435 mm.

Currently the government has begun construction of the so-called Great Aerlan Highway. A grand project, construction started in 1715 AN, and the last phase of construction was completed in early 1728 AN. Built in 4 phases, the highway provides crucial road links to the more isolated corners of the nation that have long past been neglected by past road networks.

Government

The governing body of the Republic is the National Assembly, led by the President. The President and the Assembly is elected every 4 years, with the President being able to serve as many terms as the people see fit.

Judiciary

All judicial functions of the state are overseen by the High Court of the Republic. All constitutional and governmental cases are handled by the court, as well as any appeals to local cases.

Subdivisions

Aerla is a federal republic consisting of 31 Municipalities and 2 Special Urban Districts (Noursala and Agalore). These municipalities are further split into 106 Parishes, used in tax collection and electoral representation. The country also has two regions with significant autonomy, the Ranentsi Autonomous Region and the Khamil Khanate.

Culture

The culture of Aerla is heavily shaped by the geography and the peoples who inhabit the nation. This includes music, food, the arts, and more,

Peoples

A Yasidi man holds up a goat from his herd in a farmer's market in Shanshur.

Most of the peoples with Aerla are classified as Aerlans. This grouping is applied to most of the peoples that made up the nations borders This grouping is seen as controversial by some, seen as a way of simply lumping together a diverse range of people. However, there are two nationally recognized minority groups: those being the Ranentsi people and the Hatayans.The Ranentsi were allotted a special region by the National Assembly, while the Hatayyians were allotted special religious primages, allowing for the creation of Umraist schools throughout the nation.

Following the Bloch-Dobbs Expedition a Turkic tribe of pastoral herders known as the Khamils came into the Aerlan sphere of influence.

Languages

The most common language spoken within Aerla is Common Tongue, with it being the sole academic and governmental language. However, a creole language, Aerlan Commonspeak, is heavily spoken within the more rural parts of the nation as well as being the spoken vernacular of much of the lower class. Other minority languages spoken throughout the nation include Hatayan, Ranentsian, and a ever-dwindling group of Karnali speakers. In the Khamil Khanate, Khamil is the most spoken language.

Religion

Religion is a large part of the daily life of those who reside with Aerla's borders. While the majority of the nation proscribes to the Aerlan Nazarene Church, small minorities follow the Ranentsi Orthodox Church and Umraism. A government study conducted in 1733 AN:

• 79.60% follow the Aerlan Nazarene Church
• 8.18% follow either traditional belief systems or do not follow any religion.
• 6.33% follow some form of Umraism
• 5.89% follow the Ranentsian Orthodox Church

All Aerlan Nazarene Churches are overseen by the See of Mount Kane, which presides over all religious matters within the nation.

Religious denominations in Aerla

  Aerlan Nazarene Church (79.60%)

  Other/Non-Affiliated (8.18%)

  Umraism (6.33%)

  Ranentsian Orthodox Church (5.89%)

Sports

Hockey is the most popular sport in Aerla. The sport is governed by the Aerlan Hockey Association. The league contains 10 teams within two five-team divisions.

Defense

Military

Main Article: Grand Army of Aerla

Originally founded as a reorganization of several smaller armies of irregulars, the Grand Army of Aerla, stylized as the Grand Army of the Republic is responsible for the defense of the nation from external threats.

Police

Main Article: Aerlan Criminal Police and State Security Directorate

The police forces of Aerla are split into two branches, those being the Criminal Police and the State Security Directorate. The Criminal Police are standard uniformed officers, while the State Security Directorate is responsible for investigative and state security matters.