Helderbourgh

Grand Duchy of Helderbourgh
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: Prospice Hellebergh
Anthem: Mountain Men (Unofficial)
Map versions	6.8.3 - 6.8.5; 7.0.0 - 7.0.1; 14.9.4 - present
Capital	Helderbourgh (city)
Largest city	Helderbourgh (city)
Official language(s)	English, Dutch The latter is primarily ceremonial
Official religion(s)
Demonym	Helderbourgers
- Adjective	Helderbourgish
Government	Monarchy
- Grand Duke	Arkadius Frederik Gustavus des Vinandy
- None	None
- Legislature	'Assembly of Estatesl
Establishment	12 December 2018
Area	9,728,732 km²
Population	15,271,844
Active population	1
Currency	Heldermark
Calendar
Time zone(s)
Mains electricity
Driving side
Track gauge
National website	None
National forum	forum
National animal	None
National food	None
National drink	Birch Beer
National tree	Pitch Pine
Abbreviation	HLB

Etymology

Helderbourgh was founded by Treiso-Batavians and means 'Bright City' in the local dialect. The name for the city comes, in turn, from the name of the mountain which it is situated upon, the Helderberg, or Bright Mountain.

Geography

The Grand Duchy encompasses roughly the southwestern quarter of Cibola, including the central and southern islands, except for Birgeshir and Caputia Monovia. The region is typified by several tall mountains that punctuate the central regions of Cibola, with a steeply declining elevation in terrain down to the surrounding ocean. Because of this drastic change in elevation the climate between different areas can vary significantly. Mountainous regions favor a mostly alpine climate, with the upper peaks often capped with permanent snow. On the other hand, Cibola's central sea, the Meergarten, has a more Mediterranean to temperate climate.

Helderbourgh (city) is located atop a plateau sitting at the edge of an escarpment running along the western flank of Helderberg Mountain.

History

Prior to becoming a major city, Helderbourgh was a small village consisting of a few families of Treiso-Batavian descent. These original settlers hailed from Batavian Cibola, some two to three thousand years ago, when Batavia held colonies in what is presently Bretalyon. Over time these families intermarried with the Germanian population, and these families settled and named the Helderbergs.

Helderbourgh arose as a result of a protracted civil war within the United Principalities of Treisenberg. During the events of the White Plague, Treisenberg's principalities began to war with one another. In particular they came into conflict with the fanatical crusaders of Bretalyon. Helderberg Mountain became a refuge for those escaping the pillage wrought by the Knights. Soon the number of refugees became so great that the village and then city of Helderbourgh arose on the mountaintop. After the Grand Commander of the Knights was assassinated, the Bretalois sued for peace and the country was reorganized. With many cities utterly destroyed and others still in flames, Helderbourgh became the new center of the country.

Government

Helderbourgh is a parliamentary democracy headed by a constitutional monarch. Executive power is exercised by the Grand Duke and his Cabinet. A Constitution allows for basic rights and provides stipulations for governance. The Grand Duke has the power to dissolve the legislature, in which case parliamentary elections must be held within three months.

Legislative power is vested in the Assembly of Estates which is composed of sixteen representatives, four from each of the four cantons (Helderbourgh, Treisenberg, Bretalyon and Leichenberg).

The Grand Duchy has several lower Tribunals, one for the Supreme Court, one for State, one for Defense, and one for Internal Affairs.

Demographics

The country has a total population of 15,271,844 citizens.

The following was the ethnic breakdown of the country, according to the 2018 census:

• Helderbourghers: 5,271,844
• Treisenbergers: 3,500,000
• Bretalois: 3,000,000
• Leichenbergers: 2,500,000

Culture

Helderbourgh is a land dominated by the mountains of Cibola. As such the region has developed a distinct Alpine culture with influences from preceding nations such as Germania, Batavia and others.

Economy

Helderbourgh has a stable economy and has rebounded well since the end of the civil war. Industrial manufacturing is the largest sector of the economy, thanks in part to ample access to various metal ores in the mountains. The country is also a major producer of gold exports, having one of the largest gold mines on Micras. The majority of mining and industrial factories are located in the eastern region of the country, primarily in Leichenberg. A strong rail network links the hill town industrial centers to the main port, Leichenhafen, and transport to the world markets is through Treisenberg's sizable shipping network.

The region of Helderbourgh is known for tourism and its extensive fruit growing. This includes apple orchards and vineyards, which are suitable for the hilly terrain. The flatlands of Bretalyon are mostly agricultural, and serve as the main supplier of foodstuffs for the country. The southern polar reaches are sparsely populated and more of a subsistence economy.

Military

The army is considered a civilian operation, with the Grand Duke serving as Commander-in-Chief. The Minister of Defense oversees military operations, while individual chiefs for the army, navy and air force each report to the minister.

Southcape (Sudkap) Fortress serves as the largest military installation and headquarters for the Helderbourger military. Several other smaller bases provide regional defense. The navy is headquartered at Alttreisen.

See also

• Cibola