Aerla
| Mountain Republic of Aerla Planëna Repuylik ov Ayrle (AC) | |||
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| Motto: Super Cetera | |||
| Anthem: Ayrle, yua höm, eyn höm "Aerla, your home, my home" | |||
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| Map versions | TBD | ||
| Capital | Noursala | ||
| Largest city | Agalore, Zareda | ||
| Official language(s) | Common Tongue, Aerlan Commonspeak | ||
| Official religion(s) | Nazarene | ||
| Demonym | Aerlan | ||
| - Adjective | Aerlan | ||
| Government | Presidential Republic | ||
| - President | Basil Fitzroy | ||
| - Legislature | National Assembly | ||
| Establishment | 1709 AN | ||
| Area | |||
| Population | 5,865,102 (1722 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 ærlana) | ||
| National food | Goat Cheese | ||
| National drink | Milk | ||
| National tree | Keltian Oak | ||
| Abbreviation | AER | ||
Aerla (Commonspeak: Ayrle), officially known as the Mountain Republic of Aerla (Commonspeak: Planëna 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, the Khamil Khanate, and the military-occupied Six Parishes.
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 It’s theorized that le is an outdated suffix meaning something akin to “land of…”, but this debate still rages in the Aerlan academic community to this very day.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
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 as the “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 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.
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 religious sect that was based out of the ruins of the Hatayan city of Mola Ram. The group laid claim to much of what is now Southern Aerla, but soon mysteriously collapsed with their followers disappearing into the mountains. The rise of several notable cities, such as Noursala and Agalore, would form coalitions with surrounding townships that would eventually become a movement to unite the communities residing in the region. This movement would allow the formation of the modern state of Aerla.
Geography
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 is set to be completed in the early 1730 ANs
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
Main article: Subdivisions of Aerla
Aerla is split into several counties which are used by local governments for taxing and representative purposes, with one special autonomous region. the Ranentsi Autonomous Region.
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
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 Hatayans were allotted special religious primages, allowing for the creation of Umraist schools throughout the nation.
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. Government estimates conclude that:
- 87.63% follow the Aerlan Nazarene Church
- 6.21% follow the Ranentsian Orthodox Church
- 4.96% follow some form of Umraism
- 1.2% follow either traditional belief systems or do not follow any religion.
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
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.
