Barikalus

Arboric Republic of Barikalus أل باركلص أل أربوريه الجمهوريّة Al Jumhuriyah al Arburiyah al Barikalus
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: وحدة ، حرية ، اشتراكية Unity, Freedom, Socialism
Anthem:
Map versions	9.4b – 16.6.4 (as Kingdom of Amokolia) 16.6.5 – 16.8.3b (as Frankish Empire) 16.9.0 - 17.4.5 (as Emirate of Arbor) 17.4.6 (as Arboric Republic of Barikalus)
Capital	Madinat al-Fath
Largest city	Madinat al-Fath
Official language(s)	Arboric
Official religion(s)	none
Demonym	Barikalusian
- Adjective
Government	One-party presidential republic
- President رئيس‎	Mustafa Asada
- Legislature	Majlis al-Sha'ab مَجْلِسُ الشَّعْبِ
Establishment	1504 AN as Amokolia 1678 AN as Francia 1685 AN as Emirate of Arbor 1702 AN as Arboric Republic of Barikalus
Area
Population	45,319,518 (1700 AN)
Active population	1
Currency	Gold dinar (Arboric: ﺩﻳﻨﺎﺭ ذهبي‎)
Calendar	Norton calendar
Time zone(s)	CMT+1,50
Mains electricity	230/400 V - 50 Hz
Driving side	right
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
National website
National forum
National animal	Camelus dromedarius
National food	Falafel
National drink	Coffee
National tree	Date palm
Abbreviation	ARB and AB

Barikalus, officially the Arboric Republic of Barikalus (Arboric: أل باركلص أل أربوريه الجمهوريّة), is a sovereign nation located in the eastern part of the continent of Apollonia. Strategically located on the Pound Strait, the country shares land borders with Great Apollonia to the southwest and Lac Glacei to the north, and it shares the River Glacei with Hurmu, and shares maritime borders with Great Apollonia and Nouvelle Alexandrie. The coast is formed by the Antican Sea on the southwest, the Pond Strait on the southeast and Strait of Pearls on the east. The country surrounds the Khalij al-Salam (Arboric: خليج السلام) on which the capital is located. In the Strait of Pearls is the island of Mayurqa (Arboric: مايوركا) located.

In 1702 AN the republic was proclaimed. The then Grand Vizier became President, because of this and the detention of the Emir caused the Arboric Civil War. The Majlis al-Sha'ab (Arboric: مَجْلِسُ الشَّعْبِ) is the dominated by the Homeland Party (Arboric: حزب وطن). This makes the republic a de facto one-party state. Different factions are fighting against the republic, each with their own motives.

Between 1685 and 1702 AN the nation was an emirate with Mahmud bin Alsalam as hereditary leader. The nation sees itself as a continuation of the earlier Kingdom of Amokolia and the Frankish Empire. Earlier, the country had a strict class policy, granting access based on recognition of other countries and belief in Craitism. Today, in the Republic, there is no longer a state religion.

Madinat al-Fath is the capital of the republic. Previously, Al-Hamra was the official capital but Madinat al-Fath was already the city where the government institutions were located. The country is divided into six taifas (provinces).

Name

The name "Barikalus" (Arboric: باريكالوس) means ‘land by the pond’, a reference to the nations location on the shore of Pond Strait. The earlier name "Arbor" was given to the original archipelago where the nation originated before the move. The name is Catologian for 'trees', referring to dense forestation on the islands. With the foundation of the Emirate that name was used for this new state. The name has been transliterated in the Arboric into 'arbur (أربور).

Geography

Geography of Barikalus

Water boundaries

Most of Barikalus' boundaries are water: the River Glacei, which forms the border with Hurmu from the Lac Glacei border, the Antican Sea along the west, the Strait of Monemici along the southwest, the Khalij al Salam, the Pond Strait along the southeast and Strait of Pearls along the east. The Dabab al-Sabah (morning mist bay) is part of the Strait of Pearls. The nation largest island, Mayurqa Island, is located in the same water.

Barikalus also shares land boundaries with Lac Glacei in the north, and with Great Apollonian enclave Vathia on the southwest coast.

Continental Peninsulas

The land mass of the nation can be roughly divided into two peninsulas, separated by the Khalij al Salam. The western peninsula is dominated by the Jibal al-Ahmar (Arboric: جبال الأحمر): the Red Mountains. Between these mountains and the River Glacei lies a watery lowland. There are many lakes and swamps, which are connected by a maze of streams and brooks.

From the mouth of the Glacei River in the Antican Sea to the Great Apollonian enclave of Vathia, lies a fertile coastal strip called: Qitae al-Bahr (Arboric: قطاع البحر): Sea strip. The southern coast along the Strait of Monemici is dominated by rocky cliffs and coves with sandy beaches.

Between the two peninsulas lies the Khalij al Salam, which is surrounded by a lowland. The coastline is jagged, but the landscape is slightly hilly. There are several islands in the gulf, including the island with the town of Al-Hamra. North of the gulf is the Maerifa Plain, which rises up to the northern border of the nation.

The eastern peninsula is dominated by the Jibal al-Hajar (Arboric: جبال الحجر): the Stone Mountains. The area between the mountains and the coast on the south and east sides is characterised by many streams and brooks, coming from the mountains and flowing into the sea. This area is called the Granary of Barikalus, because of its fertile land for agriculture. Further north, the landscape becomes dry and arid.

Mayurqa Island

The landscape of the island is characterised by woodlands, almond trees, fertile plains and often dramatic coastlines with sandy coves separated by craggy cliffs. The waters around the island contain many coral reefs.

History

See also the Timeline of Arbor

Arbor Spring

In the disastrous year of 1685, the very young Franco-Batavian Empire shook its foundations. A plot to overthrow the Kaiser von Francia and King of Batavia was carried out. At the same time, the ancient High Realm of Stormark fell and disappeared from Micras. A power vacuum arose.

On the way to Batavian Cibola, Arkadius Frederik Gustavus of Vinandy was poisoned. A bottle of whiskey he received from a loyal friend contained poison. This put the Kaiser in a coma. Because the Imperial Frankish Guard had not checked this bottle, a power struggle arose with the Tassity Mansabdar. The plane with the Kaiser and his family was therefore flown to the Arbor Isles. That archipelago was a jarldom of Stormark, which had not long before been granted to the Kaiser.

The chaos was complete when communication with the outside world was cut off. The Frankish Empire became ungovernable because the Kaiser and the Regent were missing. The Chancellor was shot, the Amokolian Highlanders turned against the Franks. In Batavia it was still possible to keep the country together on the continent of Benacia. But Arcadia, Batavian Cibola and Helderbourgh ceased to exist.

The remaining loyal troops of the Tassity Mansabdar together with the loyal Imperial Frankish Army formed a new force: the Muharibu Alhuriya (Arboric: محاربو الحرية). To protect their Kaiser, the Arbor Isles were isolated and cut off from the outside world. This created a new state, which sees itself as the only legitimate successor to the Frankish Empire: the Emirate of Arbor. The comatose Kaiser was declared an emir. He was given the name: Mahmud bin Alsalam, meaning: the praiseworthy son of peace.

The news of the emirate's foundation became known all over Micras, causing the stateless and former Stormarkians to hope for a safe haven. The central person they hoped for is the emirate. Her Storish roots are obvious, but for the Normans felt connected to her because she was their Imperial Chieftain. Together with the Jorviks, the Normans organized an armada of ships to sail as many people as possible to the Arbor Isles. The local militia, consisting mainly of former soldiers, had gained control of all kinds of weaponry. Among them were ships, submarines, fighter jets, helicopters, tanks, etc. Weapons were also collected from other former Storish areas, only what was left behind was destroyed.

The rumours that an armada was on its way to Arbor were not believed. Too unlikely. But it turned out to be true. Hundreds of ships of all sizes sailed the Arbor Isles. When they arrived, they were received by the Emira herself. The refugees were grateful that they were allowed to come, but also declared that they would no longer appear in public as skyclad. Micras is too unsafe for such a free expression.

With the prospect of the Kaiseress becoming a stateholder, the fugitive community of Froyalaners was alarmed. Some young people wanted to take up arms in order to obtain freedom by force. But this was not strategically feasible and did not have the support of the entire community. The reports about the armada and its shelter in the Emirate gave hope. In a petition, the Froyalan community asked for support to leave for Arbor. The Grand Vizier announced that the refugees were welcome, after which he sent ships to the Corprian Archipelago to explore a residential area there.

That same day the Grand Vizier was told that an alien ship had arrived in the port of Jazirat 'Uwyastar. This ship brought representatives of the lost tribes of the Torosh and Souf. They came to plead for the favour of the Emir to include their homeland into the Emirate. An expeditionary corps was sent out to explore the tribes' land. In this way the borders were determined and the area was annexed by the Emirate. The area was referred to as al-Manatiq al-Gharbia (Arboric: المناطق الغربية): western territories. This expansion forced the isolation and access policy to be changed, because the strict policy could not be maintained.

On 3.VIII.1687 AN the Emir awoke from his coma. When the news of the coma became known, people celebrated all over the Emirate. The Emir is alive and awake!

Move to Apollonia

In 1694 AN the whole country moved to the continent of Apollonia. The vast majority of people have no memory of this. In a mysterious way, this transformation took place without hurting anyone or being worse. All buildings and houses moved with them undamaged, only their arrangement and location changed. The capital Al-Hamra was a medium-sized city, but today it is located on a small island off the coast in the Gulf of Peace. Access to the capital is still limited, while the rest of the country is open for visits.

Because there are still people with a memory of Keltian Arbor, there is a split in society. More and more people are calling for people with these memories to be labelled psychologically ill. Only the Emir and Emira also have memories of Keltian Arbor.

The border between the two countries has been agreed with the new northern neighbour. A treaty with that country is expected soon. By treaty Bur Astir (Port Esther) was transferred to Hurmu.

Arboric Civil War

Since 1701 AN the country has been embroiled in civil war. The detention of the Emir and the proclamation of a republic have ignited the latent discontent into war. Five factions emerged, each pursuing its own goal and tearing the country apart. Overview of the factions:

Emirate of Arbor

Frankish Kingdom

Maerifa Free State

Farooqite Caliphate

Demography

Before 1685 there were approximately 10.5 million people living on the Arbor Isles. When the Frankish Kaiser fled to the islands and then the emirate was founded, a large stream of refugees came to the islands to seek refuge. Because of the civil war, the population development since 1701 AN is not clear.

	1685	1686	1687	1688	1689	1690	1691	1692	1683	1694	1695	1696	1697	1698	1699	1700
Arcadian Batavians	9,076,313	9,218,811	9,338,656	9,465,661	9,618,059	9,629,601	9,641,156	9,652,726	9,664,308	9,675,906	9,687,517	9,699,142	9,710,781	9,722,434	9,734,100	9,745,781
Arbors	10,816,562	10,986,382	11,129,205	11,280,562	11,462,179	11,485,103	11,508,074	11,531,090	11,554,152	11,577,260	11,600,415	11,623,616	11,646,863	11,670,157	11,693,497	11,716,884
Franks	1,352,139	1,373,368	1,391,221	1,410,142	1,432,845	1,434,851	1,436,860	1,438,871	1,440,886	1,442,903	1,444,923	1,446,946	1,448,972	1,451,001	1,453,032	1,455,066
Helderbourghers	929,462	944,055	956,327	969,333	984,940	986,122	987,305	988,490	989,676	990,863	992,052	993,243	994,435	995,628	996,823	998,019
Jorviks	7,382,543	7,498,449	7,595,929	7,699,233	7,823,191	7,838,837	7,854,515	7,870,224	7,885,965	7,901,737	7,917,540	7,933,375	7,949,242	7,965,140	7,981,071	7,997,033
Normandians	6,331,250	6,430,651	6,514,249	6,602,843	6,709,149	6,722,567	6,736,012	6,749,484	6,762,983	9,776,509	6,790,062	6,803,642	6,817,249	6,830,884	6,844,546	6,858,235
Portogeese	24,233	24,613	24,933	25,273	25,679	25,710	25,741	25,772	25,803	25,834	25,865	25,896	25,927	25,958	25,989	26,020
Providians	6,014,688	6,109,119	6,188,537	6,272,701	6,373,692	6,387,077	6,400,490	6,413,931	6,427,400	6,440,897	6,454,423	6,467,977	6,481,560	6,495,171	6,508,811	6,522,480
Total	41,927,190	42,585,447	43,139,058	43,725,749	44,429,733	44,509,868	44,590,153	44,670,587	44,751,173	44,831,909	44,912,797	44,993,837	45,075,029	45,156,373	45,237,869	45,319,518

Government

The President is the head of state and government. The current and first president is Mustafa Asada. The Majlis al-Sha'ab (People's Assembly) elects the President. Since the Majlis al-Sha'ab is dominated by the Homeland Party, the President's party, the election was a mere formality. Currently, Homeland Party is the only party in Majlis al-Sha'ab. Thus, the republic is seen as a one-party state.

Because of the civil war, the president has been given emergency powers. As a result, the Majlis al-Sha'ab no longer have a direct role.

Foreign relations

The Republic continues its policy against what it calls the Livvist horde. This is an anti-Raspur Pact policy, recognising the nations concerned not as such, but only as entities. Relations with the immediate neighbouring countries are confirmed by means of a treaty with each neighbouring country.

Military

The president was previously Sawar of the Tassity Mansabdar, and by merging with the Imperial Frankish Army, the Muharibu Alhuriya (Arboric: محارب الحرية) was formed. Currently the president is the supreme commander of the Muharibu Alhuriya.

Not much is known about the equipment of the Muharibu Alhuriya, except what the Imperial Frankish Army and the Tassity Mansabdar had in the way of weaponry before 1685 AN. At the battle of Malaqah, the Muharibu Alhuriya was found to be in possession of chemical weapons. Furthermore, it is still unclear what of the weaponry is in the hands of the warring factions.

Taifas

Taifas of Arbor

The taifas are the provinces within the emirate. The exact statehood of the taifas is unclear, as Barikalus does not formally have a constitution or state code. The word "taifa" (Arboric: طائفة) means "party", "band" or "faction".

	Flag	Taifa	Capital
		Al Xarq الشرق	Sahil al-Ajanib
		Arkish‎ أركش‎	Madinat al-Fath
		Jafasu جافاسو	Gharnata
		Kahf Maqal كَهْف مَقَل	Jayyan
		Maerifa معرفة	Qurtuba
		Mayurqa مايورقا	Medina Mayurqa

Culture

Stories

Barikalus, as well as its predecessors, plays a role in the story series "The Micras Chessboard" and the "Tales of the Emira". These stories support or extend the description of the history of the nation.

• 

  The Micras Chessboard

• 

  Tales of the Emira