This is an article related to Gran Verionia. Click here for more information.

Gran Verionia: Difference between revisions

From MicrasWiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
Line 56: Line 56:


===Population groups===
===Population groups===
[[Image:Demographics Gran Verionia.png|thumb|270px|right|Demographic Map of Gran Verionia<br>
[[Image:Demographics Gran Verionia.png|thumb|270px|right|Distribution of demographic groups in Gran Verionia, self-reported (1683) <br>
{{legend|#ff7400|Valenciano}}
{{legend|#ff7400|Valenciano}}
{{legend|#008000|Guano}}
{{legend|#008000|Guano}}

Revision as of 14:20, 31 March 2020

Confederated States of Gran Verionia

Estados Confederados de Gran Verionia
اتحاد الدول فيريوني
Atihaddadawwal Alverioniqo Alakhbar
Geconfedereerde Staten van Groot-Verionië
Flag of Gran Verionia
Flag
Coat of Arms of Gran Verionia
Coat of Arms
Motto: "Libertad"
"Freedom"
Anthem: Himno Nacional de Gran Verionia
Location of Gran Verionia
Map versions 16.5.8 - current
Capital Valarion (administrative capital)
Largest city Sarhat, Puerto Arcadio, Pizano, Santa Ana, Al-Qalea
Official language(s) Martino (national language)
Toroshi, Soufi, Batavian (regional languages)
Official religion(s) Path of the Star, Catologism
Demonym Verionian
  Adjective Verionian
Government Confederation of Autonomous States
 • Supreme Director Godolphin Viqh
 • President of the Council of Government Regina Verion
 • {{{headoflegislature2title}}} {{{headoflegislature2}}}
Legislature Grand Council of Verionian States
Establishment 1675 (as Verionian Empire)
1682 (as Confederated States of Gran Verionia)
Area 3.469.392‬ km2
Population 69,720,000 (estimate, actual population varies due to the presence of various nomadic tribes)
Currency Salidash, Cruz
Abbreviation VER
Driving side
Time zone(s) CMT+8 Valarion
National animal Orycteropus Giganticus
National drink Red Wine

Gran Verionia, officially the Confederated States of Gran Verionia (Martino: Estados Confederados de Gran Verionia) is a transcontinental sovereign nation on Micras. The largest territory of Gran Verionia is located in South-East Keltia, while the confederation also has territory in Benacia and Apollonia. Emerging from the Verionian Empire, in 1682 Gran Verionia was established as a confederation of five autonomous states which united as a result of discussions between state leaders at the Round Table of Valarion, which saw increased co-operation. The Articles of Confederation, signed on X. Alboradames 1682, established the nation as a merger of the Verionian States of South Keltia and the Republics of Kasterburg and Los Liberados. The Confederation further consists of the States of Aracataca, Cajamarca, Isabella, Souf, Granada, Tororsh, and Valentia. In addition, Gran Verionia has two special territories which are the Free City of Chryste and the Capital Territory of Valarion.

Etymology

The name Verionia is derived from the House of Verion, a noble house that originated in Elwynn and which gained prominence in 16th century Shireroth, with members holding high office including that of Prince of Elwynn, Queen of Goldshire and Kaiser. Following the Kalirion Fracture, the House became alligned with a succession of vulture states known as Verionist Benacia. Following an epidemic outbreak and economic devastation, this state fell apart. The Free City of Chryste, the previous capital of Verionist Benacia, is the sole remnant of this state. Several prominent members of the House of Verion moved to South East Keltia, where they consolidated the local states and cities into a semi-unified state known as the Verionian Empire. Following the Union of 1682 and expansion to the North, the nation became known as Gran (Greater) Verionia.

History

City States and Warring Tribes

Verionian Empire

Union of 1682

Northern Expansion

Demographics

Population groups

Distribution of demographic groups in Gran Verionia, self-reported (1683)
  Valenciano
  Guano
  Soufi
  Toroshi
  Batavian
  Liberadosan
  Alexandrian
  Keraqi
  Goldshirithian
  Wechua
  Interlandian
  Timaro

Gran Verionia is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation. The large majority of Verionians are of mixed ethnicity. The largest groups in self-reported ancestry are the Valenciano, with 19.8%, the Guano, a mixed group of Valenciano and indigenous peoples that originated in the Guanajuato region of the ancient nation of Mexhico with 17.4% and the Soufi, with 11%.

  • Martino
    • Valenciano
    • Liberadosan
    • Alexandrian
  • Originarios
    • Guano
    • Timaro
    • Wechua
  • Aljanub Alsharqi
    • Toroshi
    • Soufi
    • Keraqi
  • Benacian
    • Batavian
    • Goldshirithian
  • Other
    • Interlandian
    • Hoennese

Government and Politics

Executive

For the full article, see Supreme Director of the Confederated States of Gran Verionia

The head of state of Gran Verionia is the Supreme Director. The office was established in 1682, following the incapacitation of the Elu of the Verionian States, Miqah Verion, who suffered a stroke. Since the office of Elu was tied to the House of Verion, the immediate successor would be Regina Verion, who also served as President of the Council of Government. The Grand Council of Verionian States, not willing to consolidate all power in the hands of one person, created the office of Supreme Director to replace the position of Elu. Miqah Verion remained the head of state of Gran Verionia, but three days later, Washar Godolphin Viqh was appointed as acting Supreme Director, and retained the office following the death of Miqah Verion in IV.1682. The position of Supreme Director, although on paper not different from that of Elu, was in practice significantly more powerful because it carried the support of the Grand Council. Unlike the hereditary appointment of the position of Elu, the Director was elected by the Grand Council.

The powers of the Supreme Director are limited, but the position carries considerable weight. The Supreme Director is the final executive on matters of foreign policy and some military affairs, which are considered competences of the confederal government. In addition, the Supreme Director is tasked with upholding the principles of the Eight Point plan and protect and strengthen the Union of Verionist States.

The Supreme Director appoints the Council of Government of Gran Verionia is tasked with the governance of the nation on the confederal level. The Cabinet has executive authority the confederal competences. The President of the Council of Government serves as the Head of Government, and is elected by the Grand Council of Verionian States. Regina Verion was elected the President of the Council of Government in 1682.

Legislature

For the full article, see Grand Council of Verionian States

The Grand Council of Verionian States is the legislature of Gran Verionia. It is a unicameral body that convenes in the Marble Palace in Valarion. Members of the Grand Council are elected or appointed in their representative states. Seats are distributed according to population of the Verionian States. The Grand Council has the power of legislation, but this legislation, either through acts or resolutions, have no binding power. Acts may have binding power when they receive the support of a 2/3rd majority of the Verionian States, and the promulgation of the Elu. Resolutions never have binding power, but are recommendations that may or may not be implemented by the governments of the States.

Since the members of the Grand Council are appointed in their own States, there are no confederation-wide elections or political parties that contest these. Even the method of appointment differs widely throughout the States. Four States hold elections for their Grand Council seats, these are Chryste, Kasterburg, Los Liberados and the Mercantile Realm of Souf. The two largest States, the State of Valentia and the Federated Tribes of Torosh, have their representatives directly appointed by respectively the Governor and the High Sha'ikh. In addition, the Princess of Valarion also appoints the five representatives of the Capital Territory directly.

Politics

For the full article, see Political Factions of Gran Verionia

Although there is no centralised system of appointment, the representatives of the States do align themselves in parliamentary groups. There are four groups that make up the current Grand Council. These groups are, in order of membership, the Verionian Unionist Coalition, the Coalition for Tradition and Values, the Group for Democracy and the Coalition for the Regions.

The political culture of the central government is strongly paternalistic. This has its foundations in Verionism, but also in the specific view on government that developed following the arrival of the Verionians in 1675. Upon arrival from Benacia, the principle of guided governance was used by Verionian elite in order to justify their rule over the fractured lands. Strong centralisation, a core principle of Verionism, was necessary to consolidate the city states and tribes of South Keltia. Whereas the Benacian Verionians numbered only around a few hundred, they constitute the core of the government of the newly formed Empire. The establishment of a central authority over the fragmented Empire has always been a project rooted in Verionian principles. The principle of guided governance stress that some good people in key positions need to be in charge in order to steer the ship of state in the right direction. In the case of the Verionian Empire, the House of Verion was the embodiment of this "good people" principle, as they were the direct descendents of the first Elu, and as such Children of the Light (the literal translation of the name Verion from old Elw is Son of the Light). The ruling elite should provide a good path in the laws of the nation. As the laws of the state are given by a chosen elite, this collection of rule should be "enlightened".

This principle of government proved initially successful in consolidating power, but also led to extreme tensions in the nation. Especially in the State of Souf, where the Hizbusoufi movement emerged to challenge central leadership. The island of Keraq also rebelled in 1680 and was defeated by the pro-Verionian State of Valentia. Although the principle of guided governance has been abolished since 1680, there still exist a strong paternalistic and often authoritarian tendency among the members of the ruling elite.

Foreign Relations

Until 1680, the country had a policy of isolation from the outside known as Splendid Isolation. This policy was based on the principles of Miqah Verion. Although international trade continued to be conducted, and crucial in many respects to the prosperity of the nation, it was only conducted through the Port of Keraq, which was the only part of the Empire in which non-nationals are allowed to enter. In 1680, following a severe decline in the wealth of the South Keltian states, this policy was reversed. Economic liberalisation and reciprocital trade was one of the main pillars of the Eight Point Plan of the Round Table of Valarion. After the Union of 1682, Gran Verionia greatly extended its trade relations with other states.

Although Gran Verionia shares long land borders with the Palliscian Dependency of Tanah-Baru, it has only very limited trade relations with this nation. This is reinforced by the old believe from the South Keltian people that the Palliscians are a cursed people, due to their highly disfigured appearance. Even long before the arrival of the Verionians to the Empire, the nomadic tribes of the Roqq desert refused to trade with the Palliscians upon their arrival, as their local folklore and myths has long warned for the appearance of the Children of the Underworld, a cursed race that would bring sure destruction to all who enter into contact with them. The land borders with Tanah-Baruh are naturally protected by the Western Ridge, a high mountain range. The small eastern possessions of the Palliscians lie within the Great Salt Desert, the dryest and most unwelcoming part of the Empire. Even though, local militias patrol the area near the borders and will not hesitate to shoot anything that moves.

Gran Verionia borders the Wechua nation to the North, and has limited relations with this country. The relationship with countries alligned with the Raspur Pact is strained due to the Verionian-Raspur War. Upon the establishment of the confederation, the constituent States were involved in the Verionian-Raspur War, which by then had reached a ceasefire. As such, relations with the Raspur nations were bad from the onset. However, at the Round Table, a decision was made to strive towards normalisation of relations between the Pact and the Verionist alliance. The Eight Point plan was not only established as a commitment for the members of the Union, but also as a blueprint for a new international order that would not be dominated by power blocks but rather by increased cooperation. In 1681, a cease fire was agreed and since then, the warring parties have been negotiating a peace. Under the leadership of Godolphin Viqh, significant steps have been taken towards a peace settlement and a wide-ranging treaty to move beyond hostility.

Geography and Climate

Gran Verionia has a diverse climate. Because of its transcontinental nature, many different climate zones cover the lands of the Confederated States.

In South East Keltia, the States of Granada, Souf and Torosh are largely covered by by desert. The largest desert of the country is known as the Roqq desert, or Central desert. As a result of its climate, these States are significantly less centralised than the governmental authorities would like it to be. The deserts are mainly inhabited by nomadic tribes and the descentants of hopeful colonists. From its deserts and plains, to the Qairu mountain range, the landscape is rocky, sandy and robust. In the South, the milder climate allows for vegetation, some agriculture but also semi-tropical savannas which in the rainy season colour brightly with various kinds of flowers.

One of the largest cities of Gran Verionia, Sarhat, is located on the edge of the Roqq desert. As temperatures in the summer can reach up to 50 degrees celsius, the government opted to move from Sarhat, which was the capital from 1675 until 1680, to the Southern city of Valarion, which has a much more temperate climate. The majority of the population of the South Keltian states live in the South, mainly on the islands or on the Strait of Souf.

The State of Valentia, also in South Keltia but seperated from the desert of Roqq, has a milder but still largely dry climate. Along the coast, a warm sea climate makes for more mild surroundings, and it is here where the large cities are located and the majority of the population lives.

The Northern States of Aracataca, Cajamarca and Isabella have a humid, tropical and subtropical climate. A large part of the provinces is covered by rainforests and these areas have a lot of vegetation. The hot and humid climate does not make life easy, but along the coast the climate is milder. In the inlands, however, significant populations still reside. The Republic of Los Liberados also has a tropical, humid climate, as does the Valentian exclave of Puerto Habana.

The Benacian holdings of Gran Verionia have a mild, temperate sea climate. Chryste has a warmer climate than Kasterburg, which is largely covered by plains.

Administrative Divisions

Gran Verionia is a federation of a number of diverse political units. There are two autonomous Republics, seven states and two special territories. The leadership in Valarion had always been relatively weak, and this was one of the issues that was addressed before the unification of 1682. It was established that the States would retain autonomy over all issues, but would co-ordinate their foreign and military policy. All member States in addition subscribe to the Eight Articles of the Round Table of Valarion, which can be enforced by the Confederate leadership. The States of Gran Verionia elect representatives to the Grand Council, which is the legislative body of the confederation.

Coat of Arms State Type Capital Population Area in km2 Head of State Photo Notes
Variant Coat of Arms Kasterburg.png Kasterburg Republic Republic Kasterburg 2.220.300 288.700‬ km2 Magistrate Reginald de Montfort Demontfort.png Member following independence from Batavia, joined the Union of 1682.
Los Liberados Arms.png Republic of Los Liberados Republic Puerto Arcadio 7,170,000 118.080 km2 President Rodrigo Calderón Mendéz PresidentRodrigo.jpg Joined the Union of 1682.
Aracataca State Arms.png State of Aracataca State Macondo 2,100,000 409.000‬ km2 Governor José Arcadio Bermúdez Diéz Governor Bermudez.jpg State established following the Northern Expansion
Cajamarca State Arms.png State of Cajamarca State Xalapa 8,300,000 379.300 km2 Governor Maria Vargas Martín Governor Vargas.jpg State established following the Northern Expansion
Isabella State Arms.png State of Isabella State Talisco 21,700,000 251.100 km2 Governor Alejandro de San Pedro y Mendoza Governor de San Pedro.jpg State established following the Northern Expansion
Granada State Arms.png State of Granada State Granada 520,000 98.200 km2 Nawid de Leon Al-Chebab Governor de Leon.jpg State established following the Northern Expansion
Souf State Arms.png State of Souf State Cham-al-Souf 8,300,000 273.600‬ km2 Governor Godolphin Viqh Fiqh.jpg Governor Viqh serves as current Supreme Director, as well as Washar
Torosh Arms.png State of the Federated Tribes of Torosh State Sarhat 11,000,000 529.520 km2 ‬ Governor and High Sha'ikh Juma Al-Dara Juma Al-Dara.jpg Core member of the Verionian Empire
Valentia Arms.png State of Valentia State Pizano 25,600,000 449.240‬ km2 Governor Fernando del Asturia y Vallejo Fernando II.jpg Joined the Empire in 1680, currently the largest state of Gran Verionia
Chryste Coat of Arms.png Free City of Chryste Special Territory Chryste 4,587,000 4.780 km2 Vicereine Jana Al-Basani JanaCouncil.jpg Possession retained from the former Verionist Republic in Benacia.
Valarion Arms.png Capital Territory of Valarion Special Territory Valarion 1,100,000 3.210 km2 Princess Regina Verion ReginaVerion.jpg Seat of the Confederal Government

Republics

Gran Verionia has two autonomous republics. These republics joined the Union of 1682 as independent nations. They have significant autonomy and continue to have their own established national institutions.

Kasterburg Republic

For the full article, see Kasterburg

The Kasterburg Republic (Batavian: Kasterburger Republiek) is a republic on the continent of Benacia which was founded in 1655 by Shirithian colonists, largely of Batavian origin. Since its conception as a nation, it has expanded significantly. The Kasterburg Republic is one of the nations of Inner-Benacia and borders Batavia and the United Governorates. The coastline of the Benacian Sea forms the southern border of the Republic. In 1669, Kasterburg joined the Batavian Confederation. Until 1680, Kasterburg was an autonomous republic in association with the Kingdom of Batavia.

Republic of Los Liberados

For the full article, see Los Liberados

Los Liberados, officially the Republic of Los Liberados (Martino: República de Los Liberados, literally: Republic of those who are Liberated), is an island state in the North Raynor Sea. Having been a dependency under the territorial jurisdiction of the Kasterburg Republic and the daily administration of the Iron Company, Los Liberados became an independent nation in 1669 AN following a peaceful national revolution known as the liberación under the leadership of its first president, Jacobo Castrigo Álvarez.

States

Gran Verionia has seven States, which have some autonomy but significantly less than the Republics. The States were organised as a subdivision in 1682. Each State is governed by a Governor, who is appointed directly by the Supreme Director. Each State may organise its own legislative assembly, but State institutions are largely organised top down by the central government.

State of Souf

Originating as a federation of trade cities around the strait of Souf, the State of Souf is one of the richest parts of the Empire. The State enjoys a moderate climate and as such has been able to develop in one of the most populated parts of the state. The State of Souf was among the earliest supporters of the House of Verion, due to the presence of the Iron Company in the area. Together with the Imperial City of Valarion, it constitues the Verionian heartland.

Capital of the State is the Free Port of Al-Qalea. The city is a home of merchants, shipbuilders and the Verionian navy. It was granted the status of Free Port as a privilege by the Rashdir of Souf, after the Qalean navy rescued the merchants of Souf after the collapse of the Gerenian empire. In the turmoil that followed, the Qalean navy acted as a protection against potential imperialist invaders, such as the Palliscians. The Free Port of Al-Qalea is generally loyal to the Verionian leadership, under which it continues to enjoy its special privileges.

In the East of Souf lies the island of Qrouh. The island is the main source of wealth for the merchants of Souf because of its goldmines and its abundance of other precious metals.

State of Torosh

The Submission of Torosh

A large part of Gran Verionia is covered by the Roqq desert. This desert is inhabited by tribes, most of which are nomadic, although several have become more attached to a specific part of the desert. The State of Torosh emerged a loose federation of states, nomadic tribes, semi-autonomous city-states, and the separate tribes, due to their often remote location and the harsh landscape have far-reaching autonomy. In 1675, shortly after the official establishment of the Empire, the tribes, who had for centuries met at the city of Torosh for an annual gathering, declared their loyalty to the Elu Verion. In exchange for the loyalty of the tribes, Elu Miqah Verion granted the tribes a special status, and put them in charge of their own government.

The nominal capital city of Torosh, the Ancient Walled City of Sarhat, functions as a bridge between the desert realms and the other seaports of Gran Verionia.

State of Valentia

For the full article, see State of Valentia

The State of Valentia became part of the Verionian Empire in 1680 AN. The Kingdom has a mainly Martino population, a legacy from the Alexandrian and Victorian times. The Kingdom occupies the Western part of South Keltia, and its strategic location makes it a hub for sea travel and shipping. To the east of Valentia is the island of Keraq. Until the Union of 1682, Keraq was an independent territory. It was the furthest away from the main Verionian dominions. As such, it developed the status of an outlier and a somewhat rebellious place. Trade was important for the Keraqi, and the isolationist policies of the Verionian leadership immediately after the establishment of the Empire in 1675 impoverished the elites of Keraq. For that reason, a strong movement for independence emerged on the island. In 1681, the leadership of the then Verionian Empire lifted the policies of isolation and allowed free trade once again following a decision of the Round Table of Valarion. The announcement did not attain the desired result and instead triggered a secessionist declaration from the Keraqi leaders. The Iron Fleet, having regrouped following the ceasefire that had been reached in the Verionian-Raspur War, attacked Keraq. The Iron Fleet was backed by the Governor of Valentia, and the Keraqi surrendered after just one week of rebellion. As of that moment, Keraq became part of the Valentian Kingdom.

Territories

Gran Verionia has two territories, which both are small city states.

Free City of Chryste

For the full article, see Chryste

The Free City of Chryste, also known historically as Chryse, is a city-state on the Benacia continent that is one of the two special territories of Gran Verionia. Chryste rose to prominence when the Iron Company established its headquarters in the early 17th century. As a free city in Shireroth, the city became one of the wealthiest urban areas of Benacia. Following the Kalirion Fracture, Chryste became the capital of the Verionist Republic. The city was transferred to Batavia in 1676 AN, and after two years was established as an autonomous city in the Frankish Empire. The transfer of sovereignty upset the Raspur-dominated order on the Benacian continent, and was one of the triggers of the Second Amokolian War. Following the war, the city gained its independence as the Free City of Chryste. Following the Union of the Verionian nations, Chryste became a special territory with large autonomy.

Capital Territory of Valarion

The Capital Territory of Valarion is an ancient Free City, and one of the oldest in Gran Verionia. Constructed in the early Interlandian days, the city is home to more than a million people. The island of Valarion on which the city is located was ruled by the Prince of Valarion until the establishment of the Empire, and the title is still ceremonially conferred upon the President of the Council of Government. Valarion houses the Citadel, and all the government buildings, including the Marble Palace, which houses the Grand Council of Verionian States. The Black Temple, one of the holy sites of the Path of the Star, is also located in Valarion.