Verionist Republic

Verionist Republic
Flag Coat of Arms
Motto: "Patientia Vincit Omnia"
Anthem: Verion Hymn
Map versions
Capital	Chryste
Largest city	Zolt, Skyla
Official language(s)	Common
Official religion(s)	None official, majority Cedrism
Demonym	Verionist (Republican)
Adjective	Verionist (Republican)
Government	Verionist Centralised Republic, Plutocracy
• Kaiseress	Kaiseress Salome (purely ceremonial title)
• Viceroy	Regina Verion
• {{{headoflegislature2title}}}	{{{headoflegislature2}}}
Legislature	Council of Seven
Establishment	1672
Area	51,748 km2
Population	37,287,000
Currency	New Erb (v€)
Abbreviation	VER
Driving side
Time zone(s)	CMT-7
National animal	Moose
National drink	Treesian Red

The Verionist Republic is an independent nation on Benacia, established following the Kalirion Fracture. After initially claiming to be the only lawful successor of the Imperial Republic of Shireroth, the Verionist Republic entered an agreement with the Imperial Regency following which the independence of the Republic was recognised internationally. The Verionist Republic controls Greater Elsenar, the Skyla islands and has effective control over Monty Crisco through its puppet-state of Crisco. The official ideology of the state is Verionism.

Outline

The Verionist Republic consists of two non-contiguous parts: the High Earldom of Elsenar and the High County of the Skyla Isles. The Verionist Republic has a long coastline, wich is highly advantageous for international trade.

Elsenar

The High Earldom of Elsenar is the largest part of the Verionist Republic. It has been part of the Imperial Republic of Shireroth since its conception. Elsenar has, throughout its history, been a centre of commercial activity and economic growth. The cities of Elsenar were among the richest of the Imperial Republic, due to its location. The ports of Elsenar were not only used for international trade, but also as entrepots to store the Gold from the mines of Aurum. In the 15th century, Duke Wythe of Goldshire made the ports of Wendor and Zolt an academic centre, and alongside those activities the ports themselves provide testament to Elsenar's mercantile origins. The Golden Trio of Zolt, Wendor and Chryse on the Shire Sea, and the River Elwynn port of Tyrelwynn in neighbouring Ran provide an important trading hub between Northwestern Apollonia and the Benacian interior. Despite Musica's influence further south, Elsenar remains a preferred route of shipping for goods of a slow moving but valuable nature - and is host to a series of small shipping companies who provide exclusive and discreet services to noble customers who, for whatever reason, do not wish to trade by mainstream methods.

After the Peace of Fieldburg in 1669, Elsenar became one of the territories governed by the Iron Company, and its importance for the mercantile routes in Shireroth was once again stressed. Following the Kalirion Fracture, the Iron Company exercised authority over Elsenar, and expanded its borders Westward to include the highly profitable Goldshirithian Mines around Aurum. In 1671, the High Earldom became part of the Verionist Republic.

The Skyla Isles

The High County of the Skyla Isles consists of three islands off the coast of Lichbrook, currently in the Guttuli Protectorate. From the north, the Isle of Aroth, Isle of Myn and Isle of Skyla.

The Skyla Isles held a special role in the Imperial Republic of Shireroth for being the summer residence of the Kaiser. Most famous landmarks on the Isles are the several buildings which serve as residences of the Imperial Family. The Summer Residence (consisting of several palaces) is just one - but the largest and most impressive - of the possessions of the Golden Mango Throne. The Skyla Islands also house a large number of ancient Cedrist and Boomist temples. The Kaltorian Palace in the centre of Skyla is the residence of the Count

After his assumption of the Kaisership, Titus Morvayne, now as Kaiser Verion II, moved to the Skyla Isles. The situation in Shirekeep was no longer sustainable for the Morvayne supporters, and Skyla was chosen for its historic and symbolic significance. The Imperial Summer Residence hosted a duplicate of the Golden Mango Throne, which Verion II assumed. Today, the relic is converted to the Imperial Throne of the Kaiseress of the Republic, and as such remains empty. A smaller chair, placed in front of the Throne is used by the Viceroy in the stead of the Kaiser.

History

Following the downfall of the Shirithian nation, and the power vacuüm that was left after the death of Kaiser Ayreon IV, the city of Shirekeep remained under the tight control of its Prefect, Titus Morvayne, deeming the time ripe for increasing his power, Morvayne had himself elected Kaiser by the Landsraad. Although the City Guard, as well as the Apollonian Guard, supported his claim, he was unable to convince the leadership of the Palatini Corps. This saw Shirekeep being thrown into disarray, with the Imperial Forces located in the Keep containing the Verionists who controlled the largest part of the city. Within the year that followed, Kaiser Verion's supporters left the city. Verion himself moved to the Skyla Islands together with the largest group of his supporters, where he continued his claim on the Imperial Mango Throne.

The Verionist Republic claimed to be the official successor state of the Imperial Republic of Shireroth, but holding effective territorial control only over the Skyla Islands. The nation was established following the Kalirion Fracture which lead to the break up of the Shirithian state. In the chaotic period that followed, the former Prefect of Shirekeep, Titus Morvayne, ascended to the Imperial Throne as Kaiser Verion II, in a contested Landsraad election. Verion II left Shirekeep after a stand-off with Shirekeep Garrison loyal to the designated Kaiseress Salome. The Verionist supporters left for the Skyla Islands, former summer residence of the Kaisers, where they established the Imperial Verionist Republic. Although initially met with opposition from the Regency, the Verionists showed their pragmatic side and brokered a deal that saw their sovereignty over Greater Elsenar, Skyla and later Crisco recognised. Following the return of Titus Morvayne to Shirekeep, and his renunciation of the Mango throne, the Verionist Republic threw its support behind Kaiseress Salome.

Government

The Government of the Imperial Verionist Republic closely mirrors the old Shirithian system of intrinsic neo-feudalism. In line with Verionist principles, however, the country is highly centralised and much of the effective power is vested in a small group of people. The Republic has a strong and powerful executive, consisting of the Kaiser, the Viceroy and the Council of Seven. The large majority of laws is brought forward by these institutions, through means of Decrees and Council Decisions.

Executive

Regina I, Viceroy of the Verionist Republic

The nominal head of state of the Imperial Verionist Republic is the Kaiser. This title however is nothing but a courtesy, and purely ceremonial. Contrary to the custom in Shireroth, the Kaiser does not appoint a formal successor. The Council of Seven decides upon the position of Kaiser, and may dismiss a Kaiser at any time.

Incumbent Kaiser is Salome, she was designated as the Head of State following the renunciation of the throne by Titus Morvayne, previously Kaiser Verion II. He who was elected by the Shirithian Landsraad in Shirekeep. The election, being held at midnight, was however contested by factions loyal to the designated heir Salome, and the Regent. Following the treaty with the Imperial Regency, the Kaiser is only a ceremonial head of the nation, and does not hold any effective power.

The executive power of the nation remains with the Viceroy. The Viceroy is the de facto autocratic ruler of the Republic, and rules by decree. Some executive tasks are delegated to te respective competent members of the Council of Seven, who each have their own specific portfolio and duties. The Kaiser also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Forces, a task which is shared by the Lady Commander of the Armed Forces who sits on the Council of Seven. The Viceroy rules "in stead of" the Kaiseress, but in fact has the sole authority in the nation.

Regina Verion serves as first Viceroy, having previously served as Chancellor of the Iron Company dominion of Elsenar. Aside from having the Viceroy, the Verion family has significant power in the nation, all members of the direct Verion line hold the dignitary title of "Prince(ss) of the Republic". Due to the relation between the family, the Iron Company merchants and the state, the Verionist Republic is often classified as a Plutocracy.

Council of Seven

The Council of Seven is the formal legislature of the Imperial Verionist Republic and is an assembly of the High Nobles of Shireroth, as appointed by the Kaiser. The Council of Seven also serves as an advisory body to the Viceroy. The Viceroy may delegate her tasks to the respective members of the Council, who each have their own specific portfolio and duties. The current composition of the Council of Seven is a balance between Verionists, and Iron Company-allied members, and the old nobility of Elsenar.

Image	Name	Title	Role
	Jana Al-Basani	Marquise of Chryste	Chairwoman of the Council; Lady Steward of Home Affairs; Custodian of Imperial Affairs
	Tobias Wythe	Duke of Zolt	Lord of the Exterior; Representative to the Imperial Republic of Shireroth
	Lyanna Verion	Princess of the Republic (dignity) Countess of Wendor (noble title)	Lady Commander of the Armed Forces
	Titus Morvayne	Count of Skyla	Lord of the Treasury
	Morecombe Fagin LM	Knight of Westvale	Lord High Magistrate; Lord High Clerk
	Theodore St. Lewis	Duke of Aurum	Lord of Mining and Natural Resources; Lord of Agricultural and Piscine Affairs
	Ludovic Alixion-Verion	Prince of the Republic (dignity) Lord of Gold Island (noble title)	Lord of Trade; Iron Company Representative

Conclave of the People

The Conclave of the People is an elected, unicameral assembly in the Republic. It may be described as a Parliament, but its role is purely advisory. The Conclave may adopt Recommendations, which then will be discussed by the Council of Seven. The Conclave of the People is elected by the citizens of the republic, every citizen above the age of 21 is allowed one vote. The Verionist Republic has universal suffrage, but every citizen has be be previously registered as an elector in order to be allowed to vote. The elections, although for an advisory body, are contested by different fractions, movements and parties. The Conclave of the People is a way for the citizens to make their concerns heard, and as such those who are registred as electors take the time and effort to vote. The Conclave of the People has 575 seats, all of which are up for election every 5 AN years. The Verionist Union holds a significant majority in the Conclave.

Composition of the Conclave of the People as per 1675 AN

The Verionist Union dominates the 1675 Conclave of the People

Party	Leader	Ideology	Colour	Seats
Verionist Union	Regina Verion	Verionism	Black	389 / 575
National Syndicalist Front	Carolus Flynt	Socialism, Syndicalism	Red	45 / 575
Elsenari Agrarian League	Miles Milfort	Agrarianism, Conservatism, Ludditism	Green	36 / 575
Democratic Verionist Movement	Gregory Ulric	Verionism, Pro-democracy, Liberalism	Orange	34 / 575
Vanguard for Strength	Barbara Ruwan	Authoritarianism, Militarism	Burgundy	27 / 575
Movement for Imperial Re-Unification	Eric Raznor	Shirithian re-unification, Verionism	Blue	25 / 575
Lunatic Legions	Ainor Ylarim	Lunatic interests, Environmentalism	Yellow	19 / 575

Foreign Relations

The Verionist political movement had a long, and often divisive, history in Shireroth. The hard-line positions of its supporters and political affiliates have left its trace even in the current political climate. The Verionist Republic, as such, has a troubled relationship with most of the other Vulture States.

Allied:

• Revolutionary Army of Crisco: The R.A.C. is a de facto puppet state of the Verionist Republic, some rogue elements within the R.A.C. remain difficult to control.

Friendly:

• Batavia: The Verionist Republic supports the Kingdom of Batavia, and has extensive relations throught the Iron Company.
• Elwynn: The Verionist Republic has close ties with the Elwynnese Republic, especially in the North where the Verionist presence is strong. Conducator Stephen Lewis is a strong ally of the Republic and has supported its conception and expansion.
• Kalgachia: Viceroy Regina Verion has once described the secluded mountain state as "The only sensible nation on Benacia".
• Sanama: Although no formal relations exist, the Verionist government supports Sanama's stabilising presence in the South.

Open for interpretation:

• Shireroth: Relations with Shireroth are ambiguous. The Verionist Republic, as per 1675, supports the reign of Kaiseress Salome. Past tensions however make for a difficult relationship with the Imperial Regency.

Neutral:

• Amokolia: The Verionist Republic has no relations with Amokolia.
• Guttuli Protectorate: The Verionist Republic has no relations with the Guttuli Protectorate.
• Inner Benacia: The Verionist Republic supports the independence of the Republic of Inner Benacia, and does not recognise the caretaker government of the Sovereign Confederation, which it regards as "Raspur imperialism".
• Tellia: The Verionist Repulic has no relations with Tellia.
• Unified Governorates: Although officially neutral, the influence of Raspur and the competing ESB-group, make that the Unified Governorates of Benacia are looked upon with some distrust.

Hostile:

• Ransenar: The illegal seize of Iron Company assets, as well as hostile and warmongering rhetoric used by the Ransenari leadership against the Verionist Republic, make that Ransenar is seen as an enemy state. The Verionist Republic has declared to maintain the right of answering any future hostilities with military power.
• Sovereign Confederation: The Sovereign Confederation was described by the Council of Seven as "an international travesty, the failing personal fiefdom of one of the worst leaders in history, an affront to humanity". The eagerness of the Sovereign Confederation to jump the bandwagon and instigate hostilities against the Verionist Republic make that the state is regarded as one of the main enemies of Verionism. The Verionist Republic also supports irredentist Elwynnese claims over Wintergleam.
• Stormark: Stormark is regarded as the driving force behind the Froyalanese Violation, the Verionists in Shireroth were instrumental in the fight against the Storish insurgency, and played a significant role during the Auspicious Occasion. The Storish are regarded as a main source of evil in Benacia, and can often be heard mentioned in curses.

Military

The Verionist Republic has two main military forces: the Verionist Benacian Army, and the Iron Militia. The VBA is one of the largest military forces in the world, with a standing army of 405.000; and a reserve unit of over 7 million. Military conscription is compulsory. The VBA is almost entirely commanded by former Iron Militia officers, and it operates according a strict chain of command.

The Iron Militia remains seperate from the state, but maintains a sizable force in the Verionist Republic, which is the heartland of the Iron Company.