| (Out-of-date) The Prut Meritocracy - The Brilliant and the Brazen; Brilliant, brazen, and blasé; Factbook of the Prut | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 9 2013, 08:07 PM (490 Views) | |
| Prut | Apr 9 2013, 08:07 PM Post #1 |
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“We, the Prut, shall inherit this world for two reasons; because we must, and because we can. And yet, out of these two forces which are the foundation of our destiny, the later is the greater. We will do this because we consciously choose to do it. By our sovereign will, limitless determination, and untiring mind, we, the Prut, will enlighten this world, and in doing so, we will remake it, reforge it; the final society will be without weakness, complacency, or hypocrisy, - incorruptible, disciplined, and pure. Our descendants will walk the hillside of that future, innocent beneath the stars, with no more between them and their naked will than a wolf has. Then, then there will be Daimons on earth, brilliant and brazen.” - Immanuel Oswald Macht, Prut philosopher, general, and statesman Introduction and short summary The Prut Meritocracy is a transnational organisation, a cultural, political, and economic union of several nations, and a common ideological and transnational identity for several sovereign communities. The name is derived from the term “Prut”, an autonym of the citizens of Neo Prutenia used to describe a certain mindset, system of values, type of behaviour, and Weltanschauung, which has become the universal description and ideological term of self-identification of all residents and citizens of the Prut Meritocracy. The Prut Meritocracy is composed of several ethnolinguistic realms, all of which were former nation-states, which are now part of the same sovereign entity; these realms are Neo Prutenia, Hesperia, Raion no kuni, Veleslavia, and Mag Mell. The Prut Meritocracy is primarily Pelagic, and only a few areas and organisations are associated with it directly or indirectly outside of the Pelagos. While the greatest single population concentration of the Prut Meritocracy is located in Nyktogeios, Abendland in Low Prut, the majority of the population lives in the various realms in Hyperpelagia, or the Morgenland. Because Neo Prutenia is the place of origin and inceptor of the organisation, and because Prutons hold a plurality in the realm, the Prut Meritocracy is often informally referred to as “Neo Prutenia” or just “Prutenia”, although this synecdoche is considered inappropriate in formal and official communication. The Prut Meritocracy was officially founded in 2949 SH, four years after the conclusion of the Guerra Civil Hesperyol, the Hesperian Civil War. The pro-anarchist forces which emerged victorious after the war joined with the Prut Freihändler movement to form a stateless, supranational union in 2945 SH. Raion no kuni, as one of the involved parties expressed a wish to become associated with this new entity. After three years of negotiation, restructuration, and building up the necessary social and cultural capital, the Grey Accord (Graues Abkommen / l’Acord Gris / Gurē Kyōtei) was officially signed on the thirtieth day of the twelfth month in 2949 SH. The date was chosen deliberately, so that the new polity could enter the new year as a unified, legitimate entity. Two decades later Veleslavia applied to join the Prut Meritocracy, and entered negotiations. The end result was the Winter 2968 SH Addition (Winter-2968 Zusatz / 2968 Addició d’hivern / 2968 Fuyu tsuika / Прикључак зиме 2968.), signed on the tenth day of the sixth month of that year. The last enlargement was in 2989 SH, when Mag Mell was officially admitted after intensive negotiations and the end of the Prut intervention from 2979. Mag Mell signed the Southern enlargement (Suiderweiterung / Ampliació del sud / Nanbu kapudai / Јужно проширенје / Méadú ó dheas) on the ninth day of the eleventh month in 2989 SH. Due to the shift in international relations and politics, further expansion of the Prut Meriotcracy is somewhat unlikely and it’s not a goal of the current administration. The Prut Meritocracy is more involved in expanding its influence in the Pelagic area and ensuring that the Pelagic basin remains peaceful and stable. Secondary aims include extension of influence in the general notalian hemisphere and penetrating into the boreal regions, in particular in areas which were former colonies of the member-groups of the union. The Prut Meritocracy maintains relations with most sovereign groups in Kosmopol, and is a proactive, peaceful, and progressive member of the international community. The main foreign policies and programmes of the Prut Meritocracy are strictly based around and in accordance with the Declaration of Lieblich and the Osca Doctrine, while points of reference and general protocols and policies can be found on the official site of the Prut Diplomatic Service. The union considers itself a soft power and strives to influence other polities through diplomatic, cultural, economic, and political means, rarely, if ever, opting to choose a militarist approach. Nevertheless, the size, economic power and influence, and strategic location of the Prut Meritocracy forces it to act as a de facto hard power within the Pelagic basin. The power projection capacity, the technological and logistical sophistication of the Prut arsenal, and the nation’s well-known nuclear policies and attitudes towards biological/chemical/radiological/nuclear warfare are often considered as controversial topics and potential issues, although overall, Prut presence is seen as a stabilising factor. The Prut Meritocracy champions various economic, social, and environmentalist causes, and is a well-known supporter of anarchist, liberal, progressive, and ecological groups. It also acts unofficially as a defender of Heliandism and Heliandists, a trait it shares with its western neighbour, Mesonyktia. The Prut Meritocracy is particularly active in the fields of science, technology, industry, culture, and commerce. While counted among the more advanced, sophisticated nations, the union is renown for its particular developments in green, sustainable technology, high-tech and precision goods, optics in particular, and engineering, especially vehicle and robotics engineering; the pragmatic, proven, and resourceful solutions are the ones preferred by Prut. Thus, Prut products, while not necessarily the most inventive, often surprise with their simplicity, reliability, and design. As a trade nation, the Prut Meritocracy is quite commercially active and promotes free trade and communication, and an end to economic warfare. Within its own internal market, which can be considered as the single-largest national market under one sovereign nation, the Prut have achieved an enviable level of cooperation, trade, wealth distribution, and income equality. The highly developed and meticulously maintained Prut infrastructure, telecommunication system, transport network, social market economic policies, conscientious regulations, and total transparency are credited with enabling this success. In the international market, Prut are common competitors and quite effective businessmen for many people, mainly because of the Hanseatic standards and attitudes which prevail Prut economic thinking and approaches. As a large population centre with a refined, educated citizenry, and a major kosmopolitan language being the lingua franca, the Prut Meritocracy has considerable cultural influence as well. It’s actively promoting the Low Prut language and maintaining several programmes in any interested nation or area, and it’s exporting the language via cinema, video games, and literature. With filmmaking and book publishing being among the most recognisable Prut cultural achievements, followed closely by their particular architectural styles, Prut culture and its trappings are commonly known to wide audiences in Kosmopol. |
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| Prut | Apr 15 2013, 01:35 AM Post #2 |
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Overview: “Nur wer gegen den Strom schwimmt, kommt an die Quelle” – Prut proverb; (Only the one who swims against the current, reaches the source) Official name - Formal: Prutische Meritokratie (Prut Meritocracy) - Informal: Neo Prutenia, Prutenia, der Freistaat, etc Demonym: Prut Official Language(s): Niederprut (Low Prut), Hesperyol (Hesperian), Raion gengo (Raionese), Свеславски (Veleslav), and Arfolan (Arfolan) Low Prut is the main relay language of the Prut Meritocracy. It’s the de facto lingua franca as well. Early Low Prut is still a widely spoken dialect, and was the main language all the way until the late 2800s and early 2900s, before the language shift in the first half of the 30th century. It’s still understood and generally mutually intelligible with modern Low Prut. Total territory Land area: 1,931,100 square kilometres (inland bodies of water excluded) Water area: 54,000 square kilometres (all lakes, reservoirs, and rivers) Total: 1,985,100 square kilometres (sum of all land and inland water bodies) Territorial Waters: 915,300 square kilometres Population Neo Prutenia: 103,024,876 / 45.3% Hesperia: 61,195,693 / 26.9 % Raion no kuni: 10,321,597 / 4.5 % Veleslavia: 46,498,901 / 20.5 % Mag Mell: 6,397,027 / 2.8% Total: 227,438,094 / 100% Percentage of population according to: -Age: 0-15 (23%); 15-65 (60%); 65+ (17%) -Sex: Male (50%); Female (50%) -Ethnicity/Nationality: - Pruton: 47% - Hesperian: 25% - Veleslav: 20% - Raionese: 4% - Arfolan: 3% - Other: 1% -Religion: - Heliandism: ~ 73% (Silver Heliandism, Orthodox Heliandism) - Atheism: ~ 20% (Atheist, Agnostic, Irreligious) - Amaterasu-Caminoism: ~ 4% - Other: ~ 3% -Class: Poor (5%); Middle (90%); Rich (5%) Size of labour force: 145,560,380 (64%) Economic model: Social market Economy; Rhine Capitalism / Progressive Corporatism Nominal GDP*: Neo Prutenia – 2,597,566,198,588 PT (55.3%) / 5,195,132,397,176 USD Hesperia – 1,068,537,995,473 PT (22.8%) / 2,137,075,990,946 USD Raion no kuni – 214,100,886,571 (4.6%) / 428,201,773,142 USD Veleslavia – 694,600,583,138 PT (14.8%) / 1,389,201,166,276 USD Mag Mell – 117,369,428,408 PT (2.5%) / 234,738,856,816 USD Total GDP - 4,692,175,092,178 PT / 9,384,350,184,356 USD Nominal GDP per Capita*: Neo Prutenia – 25,213 PT / 50,426 USD Hesperia – 17,461 PT / 34,922 USD Raion no kuni – 20,743 PT / 41,486 USD Veleslavia – 14,938 PT / 29,876 USD Mag Mell – 18,347 PT / 36,694 USD National average: 20,642 PT / 41,284 USD *The Prut Meritocracy measures income in the Prut Thaler (PT), a currency that is usually valued at 1.9 to 2.1 Universal Standard Dollars (USD), with two USD being one PT being the standard average. Government budget as % of nominal GDP: ~40% Breakdown of the Government Budget: - Welfare and Healthcare 35% - Education 20% - Defence 15% - Law and order 10% - Other 20% Size of Armed Forces: 1,368,576 (approx. 0.6% of the Population) Size of Strategic Arsenal: ~ 2,500 active nuclear warheads in various forms Anthem: Das Lied der Prut (Song of Prut) Capital City: Königsstein in Neo Prutenia, is the official capital for diplomatic/legal purposes, however, the Prut Meritocracy actually has three capitals; - Königsstein (Neo Prutenia): Executive branch, Administrative centre - Conca (Hesperia): Legislative branch, Parliament - Wrangelburg (Veleslavia): Judiciary branch, Supreme Court Top ten metropolitan areas by population: Zelisch ~ 10,015,573 Raionkyō ~ 9,482,684 Königsstein ~ 6,784,478 Barçalona ~ 5,194,367 Lieblich ~ 3,056,459 Conca ~ 2,836,640 Bela Luka ~ 2,007,478 Wrangelburg ~ 1,736,086 Vineta ~ 1,380,042 Hohenstein ~ 1,364,853 Top five institutions of higher learning: Polymatheon of Zelisch (largest and best-equipped) Academy of Vineta (oldest and most prestigious) Polymatheon of Königsstein (famous for its laureates) University of València (most scientifically inclined and productive) University of Kraljevac (most pragmatic and inclined towards applied knowledge) Five famous persons (include deceased ones as well) in the fields of: - Academics/Culture Oswin Thorsten von Teutschberg (2496 – 2549) – Late Pelagian knight, preceptor of Vineta, strategist, and writer, author of the military and political treatise Krieg und Klinge (Blade and Battle), and one of the most influential scholars on the Leutherite period, the Exposure, and the early Antinomian wars. Immanuel Oswald Macht (2880-2936) – philosopher and historian, father of Prut Voluntarism and Deontological Ethics, author of several important works, including Untergang and Aufstieg (Decline and ascension), Der freie Händler (The free Actor), and the Hohenstein-Kritik (Critique of Hohenstein). Erich Lothar-Günther Precht (2898 – 2970) – Prut poet, author, playwright, painter, caricaturist, satirist, and theatre director, best known for his early novels and later newspaper articles and caricatures. A prominent figure in the Prut Freihändler movement and great supporter of the founding of the Prut Meritocracy. Quintí Alfred Guillem i Llevantífusta (2940 - ) – Prut screenwriter, film director, actor, animator, and producer of Hesperian origin, regarded as the most representative Prut filmmaker of the Nova onada (New Wave), which tended to dominate the Prut film scene in the late 30th and early 31st century. Known for his diverse and eclectic filmography. Till Ulrich Vetter (2963 - ) – Better known by his stage name Machne Reise, popular Prut musician (punk, rock, jazz and electro swing), performer, and media personality, frontman of the band Die Weißkittel (lit. white coats, a mocking colloquialism for doctors), and a known solo artist. Science/Economy Leopold Johannes Kopferstecher (2452 – 2519) – Better known as Leopold von Lieblich, is a famous Prut polymath, painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, and writer, and one of the greatest preceptors of the Academy of Vineta. Affectionally called Vater Daimon (lit. father Daimon, meaning father genius) by Prut, he’s one of the greatest contributors to Prut science, enlightenment, and knowledge. Milutin Nikola Dechsel (2856 – 2943) – Prut inventor, electrical and mechanical engineer, physicist, futurist, and pioneer in various contemporary scientific fields, of Veleslav origin, but took his father surname. Lived and worked most of his life in Zelisch, Neo Prutenia. Affectionally called Lasas des Stroms (Lares of Electricity) by Prut. Takeshi Aoki (2938 - ) Aoki Takeshi in Raionese, is a Prut economist of Raionese origin. A prominent authority on the subjects of econometrics, corporate governance, comparative institutional analysis, the theory of the Firm, and the economy of the Pelagic nations. Andreu Xavier Oller i Roca (2944 - ) Andreu Oller, renown Prut economist and businessman of Hesperian origin and an expert on microeconomics, and one of the leading mathematical economists of the realm. Frequently invited on Hansa meetings, local and regional government and corporate boards. Professor on the University in Conca. Hiroshi Yanai (2963 - ) Yanai Hiroshi in Raionese, is one of the most successful businessmen of the Prut Meritocracy and the CEO and founder of one of the largest Retail companies in the realm. His jovial persona and pleasant demeanour made him popular among the consumers and public in general. He’s often seen as a guest in various TV shows. - Politics/Military Bonaventura Pere Moragues i Mas (2591 – 2663) – Called El traïdor blau (The blue traitor), Moragues is believed to be one of the best early modern age naval commanders of the Prut Meritocracy. He joined the Silver League during the War of Siblings and is officially regarded as the first Hesperian to convert to Silver Heliandism. He fought against his own homeland during the war, being a diehard enemy of the Hesperian monarchy. Isoruku Kuroki (2871 – 2943) – Kuroki Isoruku in native Raionese, was a renown Prutophile, a prolific military and political writer, and one of the first modern generals. Regarded as a strong Prut statesman, he contributed greatly in all military and political fields, and is directly responsible for Raion no kuni joining the Anarchist side in the Hesperian Civil War, and the nation subsequently becoming part of the Prut Meritocracy. He was assassinated before he could see the end of the war. Vincet Rojo Almirall i Llozer (2908 – 2950) – Vincet Almirall, of Hesperian persuasion, is credited with being one of the founders of the Prut Meritocracy and he was the commander-in-chief of the Schwarzflaggen-Freikorps/Cos Franc Bandera Negra (Black Flag Free Corps), the Anarchist side in the Guerra Civil Hesperyol. He was an inspiring leader and passionate freedom fighter, recognised as one of the bravest Libertadores. Due to wounds from the war and steadily deteriorating health, he died only three days after the official founding of the Prut Meritocracy, living just long enough to see his dream fulfilled. Vasilije Živojin Putnik (2922 – 2991) – Василије Живојин Путник, Prut general, statesman, and diplomat of Veleslav origin. He was a leading figure in Veleslavia’s joining in the late 2960s, and the administrator of Mag Mell during the Prut Intervention. Typical representative of the Prut can-do attitude and contemporary military thinking and asymmetric warfare methods employed on the nuclear battlefield. He was also heavily involved in Mag Mell’s modernization and ultimate joining as a new realm of the Prut Meritocracy. Gerhard Otto Frahm (2958 - ) Frahm was one of the leading statesman and civil servants of the Prut Meritocracy, the first to formulate the Neue Politik, the new approach to foreign policy, diplomacy, and enlargement that the union has pursued since the early 2990s. The current focus on the Pelagic and the cessation of admitting new members is the direct result of his work. Frahm is still politically active, acting as a balancing factor in economic and military matters between various sides, but has completely retreated from public life since the early 3000s. Government Form: Unitary, Presidential, Representative, Meritocratic Republic Current/Incumbent Head of State: Gemeinleiter Friedrich Georg Hohenheim von Lichtberg (3000 - present) Preceding two (2) Heads of State: Gemeinleiter Gerhard Joachim Meidner (2992 - 3000) Gemeinleiter Walther Siegfried Lohenstein (2973 – 2992) Current/Incumbent Head of Government: Verwalter Konrad Heilman Metzinger (3004-present) Previous two (2) heads of Government: Verwalter Konrad Heilman Metzinger (3000-3008) Verwalter Adam Rudolf von Lenski (2996 - 3000) Minister of Foreign Affairs or equivalent: Hauptleiter Siegfried Krammer, Leiter des Diplomatischen Dienstes (Director of the Diplomatic Service, analogous to a Minister of Foreign Affairs in other systems) Minister of Defense or equivalent: Hauptleiter Korvin Lauterbach, Kriegsleiter der Republik (Commander-in-Chief of the Prut Military, analogous to the Minister of War/Defence in other systems) |
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| Prut | May 8 2013, 03:42 PM Post #3 |
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History: ”Zelisch wasn’t built in one day; I mean, such a big city? No chance. It must have taken them a lot longer. I don’t know. I do know that you sound smart when you say that phrase. - Humorous graffiti on the wall of the Polymatheon of Zelisch It is difficult to ascertain when and where exactly the histories of the founding nations of the Prut Meritocracy end and the history of the actual Prut meritocracy begins. Within a legal and political context, the history of the Prut Meritocracy starts on 30.12.2949 SH, the day it was officially founded. The 1.1.2950 SH is commonly considered the first year of the Prut Meritocracy, and most institutions, organisations, and individuals use this date as their point of reference. Within the Prut Meritocracy itself and various serious academic circles, especially among political and social historians, the history of the Union starts much earlier, some even pointing out that socio-political and socioeconomic changes which happened even three decades before the founding where the actual beginning of Prut history and the union. Common sense would dictate that Prut participation in the Guerra Civil Hesperyol, the bonding period between the old rivals, the Prut and the Hesperians, and the aftermath of La Garriga is the definite early phase of the union, but the immediate events which led to that cooperation played a much stronger role. In this context, the rise of Freihändler movement in Neo Prutenia and the Freistaat Streit (2917-2922), and the Repercussió era in Hesperia (2920-2923), a direct aftermath of the previous Hesperian Influenza (2918-2920), which initiated a series of events which would eventually end the Hesperian monarchy in 2930 SH and birth of the La Jove República. These two separate incidents would become the beginning of the Black flag years in Kosmopolitan history, as two major powers shifted into anarchist nations and formed a stateless transnational union, sparking severe shifts in politics and international relations. The Prut Meritocracy was just the end result and aftermath of the Black Flag years, which further crystallised into the modern Prut Meritocracy during the enlargements. Specifically, the Winter 2968 SH Addition is cited as an important step in consolidating the Prut Meritocracy’s position as a great power and a dominant force in the Pelagic basin. Veleslavia, a local power and nuclear state with comparatively cold relations with its only terrestrial neighbour, the Orhanide State, experienced considerable social and political pressure internally. Veleslavia, a relatively progressive and liberal country since the Pelagian age, had gradually shifted into an almost oppressive, dictatorial stratocracy in anything but name only led by the military as a matter of national survival since the War with Orhan from the early 2900s. With Veleslavia having a smaller population and manpower pool, forced industrialisation, extensive management of available resources, and reinforcements of traditional Veleslav identity like Heliadism, Veleslavism, the Trikolorka, and nationalism became the dominant forces in Veleslav everyday life. This position became untenable for the ruling elite in the 2960s, as both Prut influences from abroad and within, in the form of the local Kontor, and from internal opposition, especially student movements, demanded a reformation of society. The Prut Meritocracy and Veleslavia entered negotiations in 2961 and started drafting plans to turn Veleslavia into a Prut model nation to avoid a potential civil war in a nuclearly armed state with a fascist neighbour all around it. Gemeinleiter Lohenstein proposed an effective plan on Veleslav socio-political and economic shifting, anarchisation, and eventual evolution, however, this proposal, while accepted officially, was never actually realised by the government. This started several protests and destablised the area, with the end result being widespread demonstrations and an actual Prut intervention and “nuclear umbrella” being placed around Veleslavia. The government conceded defeat after a mini-civil war within its own ranks, where the moderates and radicals defeated the old guard and nationalists, calling for an adoption of the Lohenstein Ansatz in 2965 SH. By 2968 SH, the Veleslavs were keen on being incorporated into the Prut Meritocracy and held a referendum for speeding up the process, and Veleslavia officially joined as the newest realm, effectively expanding Prut reach and influence into the eastern and southern Pelagic basin. Just little over a decade later another opportunity for Prut expansion presented itself, during the waning years of International Anarchism. Mag Mell, a small nation at the edge of the cold deep south of the Notalian hemisphere, had become a haven for both radical Freihändler groups, Blue Prut, specifically the old Hanseats, and both Hesperian and Veleslav reactionaries, along with various “adventurers” from several other realms. Mag Mell itself was a rather unimportant country with a strong tradition of freedom and simple living, with the area being dotted by small towns, Heliandist monasteries, art and craft colonies, villages, and the majestic southern woods. For most of its history it had been an inaccessible pirate haven and raider state, although more a nuisance than any real threat. The way of life was permanently changed with the arrival of the Núíosaigh, the beforementioned group during the middle of the last century. The end result was a foreign takeover of Mag Mell by a coalition of these groups. The Prut Meritocracy was requested to intervene according to the then legal protocols, and out of responsibility felt for at least some of the reactionary forces. In 2979 SH the intervention began, with the deployment of personnel and equipment, which soon became a long term campaign of occupation and fighting entrenched reactionaries, local xenophobes and factions sponsored by foreign anti-anarchist groups. Most of the area was under Prut-Mag Mell control, and after some controversies, the realm was declared stabilised by 2987 SH, although some low-intensity conflicts continue and/or erupt until this day, mostly with mountain remnants. In 2989 SH Mag Mell officially became a new realm of the Prut Meritocracy. Today Mag Mell is one of the most rapidly advancing and technologically most progressive and clean realms of the Prut Meritocracy. This was also the last enlargement of the Prut Meritocracy and it has de facto ceased officially supporting anarchist movements abroad, at least directly. The complex network of international relations and the size and influence of the Prut Meritocracy jeopardised the political stability of the international community, hence the union was content with furthering its agenda by different means and consolidating its current position. This has generally been the trend since the 2990s, with few notable exceptions. It should also be noted that a complete understanding of Prut history requires at least familiarity with the histories of the respective parts of the Prut Meritocracy, the realms of Neo Prutenia, Hesperia, Raion no kuni, Veleslavia, and Mag Mell, as well as the general history of the Ardanic people and the Prutons. Spoiler: click to toggle
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| Prut | Jun 30 2013, 01:21 AM Post #4 |
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Neo Prutenia – Haupt, Hand, und Herz Neo Prutenia – Head, Hand, and Heart “Hinter uns vergeht, was noch gestern galt...“ ”After us ends, what til yesterday was…” - Prut Folksong The main part of the Prut Meritocracy, Neo Prutenia is the most populous, largest, and most influential part of the Union, and the strongest singular realm. The ethnic Prut(ons) of Neo Prutenia are the precursors and ideological fathers of the Prut Meritocracy, the name givers, and the most influential group within it. They also enjoy a high plurality in the demographic sense, only recently having being surpassed as the majority ethnolinguistic group of the Prut Meritocracy. Within the union, and abroad, the natives of Neo Prutenia are what everyone imagines when they think of Prut. The Low Prut language, religion, popular culture, and Weltanschauung are the defining traits of Prut general identity. Because of its size, economic and political power, and very advanced industry and infrastructure, Neo Prutenia is referred to as the Head (Leader), Hand (Industry), and Heart (Engine) of the whole Prut Meritocracy. The overwhelming presence of this realm is felt strongly enough, that “Neo Prutenia” is frequently used as a synecdoche for the whole Prut Meritocracy, although never in official capacity or formal settings. The realm of Neo Prutenia is one of the main communication, transportation, production, and trade hubs of Nyktogeios and the Notos in general. The entire Notalian hemisphere is crisscrossed with old Prut trade lanes and ports. This is part of the Hanseatic legacy of Neo Prutenia, and an era where dominance of the seas was a primary goal of the then Prut. Furthermore, Neo Prutenia is regarded as the place of birth of Heliandism, one of the major world religions, as the scholarly city of Vineta, the Holy City of Heliandism, is located in this realm. Even more so, Neo Prutenia is also the point of origin and undisputed centre of Silver Heliandism, the most Antinomian and Liberal Redaction of Heliandism. Much of everyday culture and mentality of the locals and the realm are thus influenced by this religion. As a Hanseatic nation, Neo Prutenia also played an important role in the development of economic and commercial thoughts of the world. The most significant contribution to the world community, at least according to Prut, is Freihandeln, or Free Acting, the fundamental political ideology of the Prut Meritocracy, and one of the strongest streams of anarchism in Kosmopol. Neo Prutenia has officially existed as a sovereign political entity from the end of the War of Siblings with the signing of the Peace of Teutschberg in 2648 to the founding of the Prut Meritocracy in 2949, a span of just over three centuries. Taking into account the Leutherite rebels and Pelagian age Hansa, as well as several Stem Duchies, and some free Pruton cities, which were all predecessors of the Prut and Neo Prutenia, Prut history stretches roughly from the mid-Leopoldine dynasty and early Hansa. Neo Prutenia shares a common history and origin with Mesonyktia, with both having been the main parts of the Pruton Empire until the War of Siblings broke out and finally ended the cracked Empire. During the war, the two realms were referred to as West Prutenia and East Prutenia, with East Prutenia becoming Neo Prutenia after the war. Prut history is named after certain periods, specific spans of time which share a set of common characteristics. They follow in chronological order. Heer, Hanse, Heliand (2517 – 2650) Beginning of the “Hansestaat Neu Prutenien” The founding period, traditionally its first year is 2517 SH, the year the Declaration of Tuisburg was made public. This signalled the beginning of the Leutherite rebellions, which were quickly spread over the entire realm thanks to the printing press. Subsequently, the Leutherites were pacified with the Treaty of Treuburg in 2561 SH. The Silver League was formed in 2587 SH, then just an informal agreement between the cities of Lieblich, Marienburg, and Vineta, the main centres of Silver Heliandism. The entire time span was marked by constant low-intensity religious conflicts and confrontations between the urban centres vying for autonomy and the central powers of the Basels in Baselburg. The persecutions culminated in the War of Siblings, which resulted in a pyrrhic Silver victory, led by the Silver League which managed to organise considerable forces and direct the random silver and antinomian factions into one coherent bloc. Die Sieben Silber-Städte, or The Seven Silver Cities, are the chief founding city-states of Neo Prutenia and were the leaders of the Silberbund, the Silver League, the political and military union of all Silver Heliandist forces and factions during the War of Siblings. After the end of the War of Siblings in 2648 SH, the Seven Silver Cities formed one political entity and incorporated the rest of the “Silver Heliandist”-controlled former Pruton Empire into their new state. This state would be called Hansestaat Neu Prutenien, or Hanseatic Republic of Neo Prutenia, often being just abbreviated to Neo Prutenia, or more informally East Prutenia. The Seven Silver Cities still exist today, and are traditionally ordered from north to south: Zelisch, Friedrichsberg, Königsstein, Vineta, Marienburg, Lieblich, and Rabenstein. Lieblich is still considered the honorary “Queen” of the League and chief city of the Hanse in the cultural and administrative sense. As the economic and financial driving force of the Hanse, Zelisch has taken over and is the main city of the entire Prut Meritocracy in that regard. This period was very much formative for the Prut, being easily described and condensed into the three leading concepts and thoughts. The Heer (Army) was formed as a professional force consisting of citizen-soldiers, opposed to the knightly and mercenary career soldiers of before. The Prut still pride themselves on their citizen-soldier model. The Hanse (Hansa) was consolidated as the main cultural and political force behind Prut statesmanship and civic thinking, being both an alternative to traditional power structures, hierarchy, and monarchy. Prut republicanism was born out of the Hanseatic legacy. Later on, the same line of thinking would create Prut anarchism. Finally, the Heliand (Religion) offers the mythological, spiritual, and cultural background to the ethnogenesis of the Prut identity, representing a society founded on Freedom of Religion and Conscience, as well as the Enlightenment ideas of that era. Kaserne, Kontor, Klassenzimmer (2650 – 2830) Colloquially referred to as the Kontor era, it’s the span immediately following the War of Siblings, all the way to the later industrial and scientific revolution. This period was characterised by Prut attempts to expand their influence abroad, mainly in the immediate Pelagic and the Boreal. It was marked by intensive rivalry with both Mesonyktia, which recovered from the War of Siblings roughly at the same pace as Neo Prutenia, and with Hesperia, which was a constant thorn in Prut eyes to increase their presence in the Pelagic basin and effectively prevented the Prut from penetrating into the Boreal in any permanent or meaningful capacity. The frustration caused by the conflicts from expanding abroad and the friction on the western border forced the early Prut into improving their own realm and becoming introspective and reflective. This led to various developments in diplomacy, trade, commerce, finance, economics, education, and warfare. The Kontor system become the de facto method of Prut trade and colonisation, creating pockets of secure Prut interests and assets in foreign nations, while furthering international trade and communication. With Neo Prutenia no longer being able to rely on Mesonyktian markets and manpower, it could not pursue unilateral actions nor establish a reliable system of supplies, especially food and wood, which was easier to grow and access in the west. The Hanse’s best traders expanded the trade network and created several hubs of transportation to ensure the land’s wealth, while scholars toiled endlessly to find solutions to growing national problems. The Zeitgeist of the Prut Enlightenment was haunted by a deep existential crisis and survivalism, where gun, book, and sextant dictated everyday life and public consciousness. The armies and navies of the rising Prut republic continued to be modelled after the experiences and doctrines developed during the War of Siblings; citizen-soldiers armed and trained professionally and drawn from the cities. Scholars and engineers conquered swamps and bogs, creating new arable lands, built canals and roads, and established many institutions of learning all over the realm, slowly but steadily turning all of Neo Prutenia into a school, fire temple, and workshop. Meanwhile, the Hanse spread Prut influence abroad, often with guile, sometimes with guns. The Prut became a nation of craftsmen, thinkers, soldiers, and merchants, trading their goods and expertise with the rest of Kosmopol. The predecessors of the modern Prut industry would rise during this period. Neo Prutenia became famous for its many glass-houses producing high-quality forest glass in substantial quantities, its wine and alcohol industry, printing, instruments and tools, especially precision instruments, medical instruments, and optics, fishing and whaling. Its banking and finance sectors were also highly sophisticated, producing some of the first truly modern banks and stock exchanges. The Prut navy and Hanse merchant fleet also became a common presence in all seas and ports and a formidable and advanced force, making Prut vessels and ship-building sought after commodities. The dwindling of whale oil as a power source, the cultural and religious taboo on large-scale use of wood as fuel, increase in population, running out of suitable space for watermills and windmills, and larger demands for goods and labour coupled with the already established Prut infrastructure and cultural trait of thinking and improvising around problems and obstacles soon created fertile ground for the Prut industrial revolution to start. The perfection of the steam engine as a reliable power source, the socioeconomic changes in the populace, the increase in efficiency and new methods in production and manufacturing, gradually resulted in the large-scale industrialisation of Neo Prutenia, the effects of which only started to properly be felt by the start 29th century SH and the dawn of the new age of Neo Prutenia. Stahl, Strom, Sturm (2830 – 2920) The last grand age of a solitary Neo Prutenia in the pre-meritocratic era, it was characterised by several political and ideological movements, social and societal changes, fast demographic growth and consequences, the awakening of the self-conscious Bürger, radicalisation, liberalism, anarchism, predatory politics, in both diplomacy and economics, and the eventual end of the Hanseatic Republic and the Prut State, who were subsequently replaced with the Prut Citizenry and the Freistaat Neo Prutenia in the first third of the 30th century. The culmination of the various events that took place in late modern Neo Prutenia is the contemporary Prut Meritocracy. At large, it’s wrong to talk about “revolutions” and similar unstable and disorganised, or even haphazard happenings within the context of the Prut and Neo Prutenia. More than anything else, the Prut were always in a constant evolution, rather than experiencing revolution. In that regard, the radical and revolutionary impressions of this age are tempered by that fact; it was always a continuation of pre-existing conditions, circumstances, and causes. In a similar manner the printing press affecting the spread of Silver Heliandism and the birth of the Prut identity and ethnos, the railways spread new ideas and values. Neo Prutenia became once again a closer community bound by endless iron roads criss-crossing the land. The semaphore and telegraph communication systems, coupled with mass mobility and mass literacy gave rise to the new Prut, the enlightened commoner, who was distinctive from the previous Hanseatic city dweller and Kaufmann. No longer was the citizen another resource at the disposal of grand man, but a now-awakening force. Industrialisation and urbanisation, in this period marked more with the physical expansion of cities rather than rural people moving to the cities, fundamentally changed the intellectual and mental world of the Prut in this period. Education and schooling became a requirement to negotiate the new Prutenia, mobility and information were a right that could no longer be denied or hindered, and the changes in labour and market forces necessitated a change in attitudes. The steel grip of the Hanse and the Silberbund were heavily loosened; no longer could the Kaufmänner and their Houses dominate the political landscape and guide the nation. For the first time in two centuries the Prut people experienced a struggle and internal conflict on par with the War of Siblings, the War between Estates, Ständestreit, the first class struggle of the Prut. The War of Estates wasn’t a sudden event, nor does it have a definite start and end, although the take-off point is presumed to be the Bürgertag (Citizens’ Parliament) of 2848 SH, the first official challenge posed to the Hanse leadership. Under the influence from authors like Kaspar Sterner, Immanuel Macht, and Heinrich Angels, the doctrines of Freihandeln gained more and more traction among the population and intelligentsia. Reactionary elements rallied around Klemens Meddernick and later Gustav Waldersee. Internally, until the early 30th century SH, clashes between the estates were small scale riots, barricade building, pushes for reforms or changes, and strong debates. Escalations were rare and limited and always localised. The various movements crystallised into five distinctive factions, the Bewahrer (Preservers), the Gegenwirker (Reactionaries), the Radikalen (Radicals), the Gemeinschaftler (Communalists), and the Freihändler (Free Actors). By 2905 SH, each faction had established itself in various strongholds and the traditionalist and moderate Preservers lost their majority in the political landscape. The same year, the biggest uprising so far happened, the Sommertage, or Summer Days, when a collation of liberal forces blocked the Tagfahrt, the annual Hanseatic Assembly for over six months and demanded political and social changes. Violence broke out in the streets and the police and Blue Guards clashed with the rebels in the first Hürdenkampf (Barricade Battle) of many to follow, primarily in Königsstein and later in Zelisch as well, with peripheral conflicts in other population centres. While the Sommer Days ended in a Blue victory and the Hanse remained in power, the Silberbund was de jure dissolved and universal representation was introduced instead, a constitution was officially adopted, thereby de facto ending the Hanseatic Charter (Hanse Recht) as well. The apparent peace was a very unstable one, as the Freihändler Blacks disagreed with the Constitution and how it was implemented, essentially resulting in the replacement of one hierarchy and state with another. The Constitution was forced through by a Preserver Blues and Communalist Whites political union, a fact the Blacks saw as a serious betrayal in the struggle. On the opposing side, the Reactionary Golds were categorically opposed to the new ‘common’ order and started forming their own Kampfverband, while simultaneously gaining traction and support from the more extremist elements of the Blues. The Radical Reds on the other hand denounced all other factions and campaigned for a libertarian reorganisation of Neo Prutenia. The Blue-White coalition managed to technically guide the nation despite rather pronounced internal differences, although their power was shaky at best and ineffectual. By 2916 SH, any semblance of Burgfrieden was over, although the Blacks never accepted the truce and refused to cooperate. The nation was divided into Farbenlager, the Coulour Camps, each on his own and all against all. After the Blue-White split, the Preservers fractured, one part forming the new Blue Camp headquartered in Königsstein, while the other parts joined the other factions. The biggest part joined the Gold Camp stationed in Rabenstein and the south. The White camp likewise suffered a minor split, with the main movement entrenched in Friedrichsberg and still retaining the plurality of all factions, while the splinter reconciled with the Black movement, which didn’t have a headquarter per se, but a strong presence in Vineta and Lieblich, via their strong ties with the Intelligentsia, the universities, student movements, and Engineers. The Reds had taken control of Zelisch during the Night of bloody hands, when they effectively assassinated the rest of the factions, and gained control of the north in general. In the spring of 2917 SH the Incident at Tiefbrunn finally sparked the Prut Civil War. Boote, Bomben, Bürgerkrieg (2917-2922) With the dissolution of the great coalition, the effective end of the Burgfrieden, and the disappearance of moderate factions in Prut politics, all out war broke out between the various factions. Initially the conflict had three sides: the White Camp, which had the plurality and aimed at creating a political community structured around common property and ownership, which would gradually become stateless and moneyless, and remain in control of their faction and leadership; the White Camp was opposed by the Blue-Gold Coalition which sponsored a return to the pre-2905 order and limited reforms, preferring a polity structured as a state with extensive private rights and merit based social hierarchy; the Black and Red movements were unaligned at the beginning, although they did cooperate in any manner – the Red movement eventually joined the Blue-Gold Coalition out of convenience, as they were ideologically and philosophically opposed to the White movement, leaving the Freihändler as lone faction which practically fought all four of the others since 2905 SH. The war was characterised by mass armies, large-scale devastations, and immense clashes between White forces and the North-South Axis, as the Blue, Red, and Gold forces referred to themselves. Initially, the battlefields became very static, with heavily defended strong points and trenches dividing the nation. The White Forces enjoyed limited success, having managed to push north all the way to Zelisch and laying siege to the city, while pressing east into the vicinity of Königsstein. However, the southern forces pushed away the Black Banner Armies and besieged Lieblich and Vineta, while taking Marienburg, thus establishing a link with the Blue stronghold, and threatening the White forces with a two front scenario. In 2919 SH, the Krach took place, with the static front being broken for the first time. Both sides were too exhausted to continue assaults or offensives, but the White movements strategic warfare capacity had been eliminated. In the same year the NS-Axis’ lifeline was decisively cut when the Black Banner breached their lines, ended the sieges of Lieblich and Vineta and liberated Marienburg. In Spring 2919 SH, the Grey Accord was signed, allying the White and Black forces under the lead of the Black Banner, forming the Grey forces. The Greycoat’s defining moment and symbol of defiance was the Spirit of Königsstein, the immense gallantry, bravery, ingenuity, and endurance shown during the liberation of the capital, in a battle which lasted two hundred days, involved over one million combatants, was mostly conducted in vicious street fighting, crammed spaces, and ended only in Winter 2920 SH, with the Greycoats winning. The battle was a strong display of Grey resolve and Freihändler determination. With central Neo Prutenia under Grey control, the Greycoats launched the Silver Offensive to capture Zelisch and the north. The brutality of Königsstein was matched and even surpassed here, as the flatlands of the north became a chemical battlefield, with poison clouds and panzer corps wasting the Prut breadbasket, the Goldlands, named after the endless wheat fields of the region. In 2921 SH Zelisch was captured and liberated in a daring naval assault and the Grey forces took the Silver lake. This signalled the start of the Long March, with all resources, supplies, and manpower being diverted to the Teutschwald and Rabentor, the only gateway to Rabenstein. In summer 2922 SH, the Greycoats began the assault through the gap between the mountains and the eastern edges of the forest, along the Wankel-Bessel canal, while at the same time a naval assault came from the east. The clash became famous for the various mountain operations and the Bergjäger troops, with the end result being the Fall of Rabenstein. In winter 2922 SH, the Prut Civil War ended in a Grey victory, and the Räterepublik Neo Prutenia was founded. The last effect of the war was the Grand Exile, where the losing side and everyone else interested was allowed to leave the nation. There’s considerable debate as to why the progressive forces won the war and why the Freihändler became the dominant ideological stream despite the widespread popularity of the Gemeinschaftler and the many overlaps between the two systems. For one thing, the Freihändler group had fewer, but stronger ideological and philosophical fathers, and was more viable for the Silver Heliandist environment and sentiments prevailing in Neo Prutenia, while the Gemeinschaftler were more popular among Orthodox Heliandist groups. Even more so, the Freihändler were strongly supported by the students, universities, and educated strata of the nation, who also formed the core of their Freikorps. The Black community was thus more informed, idealistic, educated, and younger than their counterparts. The movement has been active for over two decades from the pre-2905 SH Summer Days to the end of the war, practising propaganda of deed and directing by example since then all the way to the end of the conflict and after. Considering that the movement formed and started gaining traction, at least among the Intelligentsia, since shortly after the Bürgertag, when the actual followers of Freihandeln started acting, it comes to no surprise that the consensus-building ideas of the Freihändler, their methods, and approaches became more widespread, popular, and refined. Even when the war broke out in 2917 SH, when the initial Black Banner armies were pushed aside, they consolidated in the Teutschwald, Ash Alps, and eastern mountains, all the way propagating their ideas and gaining support. The Freihändler were also more skilled and adaptable to employing various means of communication, effectively using the printing press, telephone, telegraph, semaphores, and most iconic, the radio to their advantage. Wherever they went, invisible waves followed and information spread freely. On the battlefield, they outmanoeuvred and outsmarted foes by eschewing proven methods and reliable doctrines and using the new opportunities, like the aeroplane and submarine. After retaking Lieblich, the city’s factories began frantically producing new aeroplanes, synthetic fuels, and weapons for the cause. The Black Banner managed to form a comprehensive and encrypted communication system which enabled them to be highly mobile and hard hitting in the field, striking from the air and land, swarming over their foes and retreating, with enviable coordination and flexibility. On their own merits, knowledge, skill, and expertise were their main advantages. Later, after Vineta joined the Black side and Marienburg was captured, the shipyards in this city were used to construct a submarine flotilla to harass NS-Axis shipping and cut of supplies from the various Kontors. When the White forces were already exhausted, the Black Banner enjoined aerial supremacy and sea superiority, while their emphasis on mobility, infiltration, and flexibility kept opposing land forces from overwhelming them. With the formation of the Grey forces, the numbers added by the Whites gave the Greycoats the decisive factor to win in the war from a strategic point of view. The Greycoats by and large adopted the Freikorps model as the basis for units, and the Black Banner tactics and techniques. Adaptability and the production capacity advocated by the Whites only strengthened and tempered their warfare capacity further. In the northern plain, panzers and artillery supplemented from air proved decisively and eventually defeated the chemical clouds of the Reds. Once the north was under Grey control, the progressive forces had the majority of the territory and population, the major production centres, almost all the vital resources, and the momentum of war on their side. The push south just became a formality, albeit one that again cost many lives. However, more than anything else, the Freihändler movement managed to produce something considered unique in the modern world and politics, a consensus constitution based around voluntary association, participatory citizenship, and stateless, non-hierarchic political organisation, which they legitimised by gathering over forty million signatures during the period from 2905 SH to 2921 SH. This document was voluntarily accepted and signed by two thirds of the entire population, and by over 90% of the adult population capable of voting and participating in public and political capacity. The Vineta Archives still house the original documents and signatures, as well as all the new ones gathered from new citizens becoming Prut every year when they become adults. This made Neo Prutenia the only proven legitimate public authority based on voluntary association. The same principles and methods would later be employed in the formation of the Prut Meritocracy, when the same signatures and consensus-building process was employed to form a union with Hesperia and Raion no kuni. Würde, Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft (2922 – 2950+) Beginning of the "Räterepublik Neo Prutenia" The last and current era of Neo Prutenia, assumed to continue within the joint Prut Meritocracy history and present, was marked by growth, stability, dignity, and socioeconomic innovation. The guiding political and civic principle became dignity, exemplified in the Prut Law and the cultural concepts of Zack and Zog. The new society was initially structured as a stateless Räterepublik, a nation without state, although the political councils were replaced by legal corporations (Körperschaft) of various types by the 2930s SH. Freihandlen became the dominant ideology and political orientation, coupled with a healthy and rational inclement towards ideological and political pluralism and syncretism, as well as tolerance. On the political and civic spectrum, the new Prut considered themselves the only free, kettenfrei or chainless sovereign group in Kosmopol, living in a functioning, organised, and orderly anarchy and associating voluntarily and freely. Structured horizontally, the new system of public affairs and administration grew from experimental forms and small-scale units into a sleek, efficient, and transparent body and institution of governance and husbandry of resources. The most visible and apparent changes were the socioeconomic restructurings of the realm along organic, natural corporate and communal lines. The first concept that was abolished was the relation of labourer and work provider; in leaning on the new non-hierarchic principles, the new Prut refused to work for someone. Instead, people either worked alone, or with others, sharing collectively in the fruits of their work, and jointly managing and owning their means of production, sharing labour and responsibility, as well as profit, and managed their enterprise by consensus and along Hanseatic market principles and pruto-heliandist meritocratic ideals. This in turn led to a blooming of at first small and medium businesses, which later, as organisation and communication improved, and the needs of the market necessitated, grew into large communal economic corporations. The Prut economy became extremely mobile, fluid, and self-regulating, with the only legal regulation being environmental concerns and consumer protection. The Prut internal market thus became extremely competitive, organic, and interconnected. Without a caste of workers, a proletariate, separate from a cast of non-contributing managers, a bourgeoisie, the Estate and class system was finally overcome, and everyone could and would participate equally and according to their individual merits, with all participants having great self-interest at stake in the wellbeing, success, and prosperity of ‘their’ and actually their corporation, regardless of size. This essentially vindicated the meritocratic approach of the Freihändler, as opposed to the democratic ideals of the Gemeinschaftler, although modern sociologists and analysts suggest that the cultural and social traits of the Prut in general tend towards meritocracy as an ideology, rather than democracy, citing the Hanseatic, Pruto-Heliandist, and Freikorps and War of Estates experiences, traditions, and legacies as the main factors which shaped the early Prut Weltanschauung. From a cultural perspective, solidarity and cooperation, two traits having been taught in Prut schools since the first Heliandist holy fires were lit, may have been key components in the success story, but a healthy rationality and pragmatic solutions and thinking dominated problem-solving and decisions then and still today. The beginning of the last century if the third millennium also brought a certain mystique to it, as well as an attitude that science and technology will eventually solve problems. This same technophilia and love of knowledge, after all, enabled the Black Banner and the Freihändler to actually win in the civil war. One can easily see the same traits and events influencing the contemporary Prut Meritocracy, all the way from the beginning. Neo Prutenia was indirectly involved in the Hesperian Civil War, and later joined directly as well, but it mainly concentrated on ideological and political guidance and materiel support. In the end, the involvement would prove prudent, as it resulted in a union and the founding of the Prut Meritocracy as an entirely new polity, political corporation, legal and sovereign entity, and a tacit continuation of the Prut Freistaat and Räterepublik. In the last days of 2949 SH, Neo Prutenia ceased to legally exist as a separate sovereign nation and became a founding member and administrative realm of the transnational Prut Meritocracy. |
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| Prut | Jan 27 2014, 05:14 PM Post #5 |
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The Prut Calendar Overview and comparison with the RL Gregorian calendar Ernter, Regner, Nasser < Autumn months Kalter, Weißer, Reiner < Winter months Froher, Warmer, Könner < Spring months Macker, Streiter, Strahler < Summer months The Prut Calendar is a solar calendar based on the revolution of Kosmopol around Eos (one solar year), with each solar year being divided into twelve months, five of them having 31 days and seven of them having 30 days (except in leap years, when it’s six with 30 and six with 31 days), each month having three weeks, each week being ten days long, and each day having (technically) twenty-four hours, each hour corresponding to sixty minutes, and each minute having sixty seconds, each second roughly corresponding to 1/86,400th of a mean solar day of Kosmopol. The calendar is based around four astronomical events, specifically the two equinoxes and the two solstices. Due to Kosmopol’s revolution around Eos, these four dates are not exactly 90 solar days apart, but vary by a day or two. Specifically, the two warm seasons (spring and summer) last on average three days longer than the cold seasons (autumn and winter). There’s also a “loose day” called “Neunacht” or “New night”, which is doesn’t signify an astronomical event, but it’s simply the last day of the year, right before the first day of the next year. While each calendar year usually has 365 days, Kosmopol’s revolution around the sun takes 365 and six hours, hence every fourth year has an additional “loose day”, called “Zusatztag”, added as the last day of the second summer month. The Prut calendar recognizes four seasons, each following a specific astronomical event. The autumn season follows the southern autumnal equinox, with the day of the autumnal equinox being the first day of each calendar year. Autumn lasts 91 days. The second season is winter, and it starts after the winter solstice. Winter also lasts 91 days. Spring is the season that follows winter and it likewise lasts 91 days, and logically comes after the southern spring equinox. Summer is the longest season, as it lasts 92 days, or 93 days in leap years, and it starts after the summer solstice. Initially, the year started on the spring equinox, but this was changed in the early 6th century SH to the autumnal equinox. This version of the Prut calendar has been used since 569 SH, with few modifications over the years. It’s the standard format of keeping time in the Prut Meritocracy and it’s used as the main calendar in all the realms, including Raion no kuni, which in addition still keeps its own native calendar for religious and local purposes. Traditionally, the first day of the new year is the calendar specified day of the southern autumn equinox (the actual equinox can vary and be up to a day earlier or later than the calendar equinox). Historically, this was the day annual taxes had to be paid in the old Pruton Empire, in order to finance the “Herbstmesse” or autumn fair, and for the administration to prepare for the coming year over winter, while corresponding to the usual harvest season as well (taxes were seen as a form of state “harvest”). In Low Prut both equinoxes are referred to as “Tagundnachtgleiche”, with autumn or spring being added to specify which one is meant. “Gleiche” is used for short, hence the autumn equinox becomes the “Herbstgleiche”. Herbstgleiche is also the first day of the first month, which is “Ernter” (referred to as Oorner in old Low Prut), derived from the word “Ernte”, meaning both harvest and harvest time. In major Pruton agricultural areas this was the time of the largest wheat harvest. At the end of this month, the traditional “Herbstmesse” takes place, although it varies from region to region. The usual custom is to celebrate it on the last weekend of the month or the first three days of the last week in coastal areas. Ernter is the month of community bonding and community building exercises. Increased cooperation and celebrations within communities take place during Ernter. In modern times this is no longer associated just with harvesting, but rather by various neighbourhood beautification projects. Folk fairs were and still are very common during Ernter. This month represents rurality, merriment, the land, little things, and appreciation for what one has. The second month is “Regner”, loosely translated as “the rainy one” or “the one that rains”. The first autumnal rains hit the coastlines of the Pruton Heimat at this point, although the weather is still relatively warm and bearable. Wind is also mostly limited to coastal areas. Regner is the month of some late harvests and preparations for winter. Culturally, Regner is contrasted with the more merry Ernter by being a time of contemplation, mediation, bonding with family and friends and seeking reconciliation with enemies. People customarily address grievances and resolve conflicts with each other during Regner. Heliandist religious people start the great winter fasting on the third day of the second week of Regner. In general, Regner is a peaceful month. It symbolises forgiveness, courtesy, civility, humour, and generosity. The third month is “Nasser”, which roughly means “the wet one”. Nasser is the month of the long autumn rains and strong sea winds. As almost all Pruton cities were on rivers, this was also the time of dangerous floods. Communities on rivers had to keep constant vigilance about the rising waters and prepare accordingly, tending dams and dikes. Nasser also meant the annual return of the grand trade expeditions in the Pelagos of that year, which were carried back to their home ports by the strong winds. Nasser is thus associated with wealth and riches, as well as survival and spiritualism, as man struggled with the forces of nature and balanced on that double edged sword, which could mean prosperity or destitution. Common themes of this month include exactly that, wealth, bravery, coming home from travel and travel in general, nostalgia, and home sickness. With the end of Nasser comes the end of autumn, and the beginning of winter. The actual winter solstice, called “Wintersonnenwende” or just “Winterwende” for short, is always celebrated on the second day of “Kalter”, the fourth calendar month and first winter month. Winterwende is a major Heliandist holy day that is usually spent with family and relatives. It’s associated with protective prayers and rites, while in secular terms it’s associated with protection in general. It’s sometimes celebrated as the national day of police personnel, courts, and fighting corruption, albeit mostly in a secular manner and context. It’s associated with introspection in a spiritual, religious context. Kalter, literally translating as “the cold one”, marks the beginning of winter in Prut lands. While some alpine and mountainous areas can experience snowfall even during Nasser, it’s usually only in higher elevations and/or in instances of particularly harsh winters, actual first snowfall is usually only associated with Kalter. The weather, while wet, is generally bearable even into mid-Nasser, but it gets rather cold during Kalter. Most of the month is rainy, frequently involves ice rain, hail, and sleet, and its generally unpleasant and inconvenient. Mountainous areas and areas next to major rivers can get dangerous. The coastline is particularly stormy during Kalter. Culturally it’s associated with endurance and patience, but also with sickness, fragility, and in contrast, overcoming diseases and disabilities. Kalter is followed by “Weißer”, sometimes also spelled “Weisser” (with a slight difference in pronounciation), meaning “the white one”. During Weißer storms and rains calm down, the weather gets mostly peaceful, and winter is in full swing, with most areas being covered in snow. Winds are near constant, but rather mild. Snowfall is infrequent and of average intensity, usually lasting for a day and rarely more, except in areas of higher elevation. Smaller rivers freeze over, as do some still waters, but the coastline usually remains unfrozen. Waves can get surprisingly unruly during this month. Weißer is associated with privacy and individuality. Customarily, it’s the period one spends thinking through ones actions during the previous year and committing to better oneself and not repeat mistakes already made. This is also the reason Weißer is also referred to as “Weiser”, a near homonym, meaning “the wise one” or “the wise man”. It stands as a symbol for experience and personal growth, general introspection and self-reflection, improvement, and maturation. After Weißer comes the “Reiner”, literally “clean one” or “pure one”, or “the one that cleans/purifies”, and it represents the waning winter and the thawing of the landscape, considered a form of annual purification of the land. The Ren river rituals and the sacred rites of the Silver lake are performed during Reiner. The Ren river rituals have a more secular character in modern Prut society, and are usually celebrated by boat races and similar river sport competitions. Swimming in the still rather cold waters is considered a coming of age experience almost all Prut perform during their teens in this time, before their official baptism. There are also people who perform the swimming rituals as a religious purification rite annually, which used to be a more widespread custom in earlier centuries. The sacred Silver lake rite is still considered the holiest ritual of Heliandism by Prut, and especially so by Silver Heliandists, and it has a much somber, sacral tone and nature. The Ren river rituals depend on when and how the Ren river’s temperature rises, and they’re usually held between the end of the first and start of the second week of Reiner. The sacred Silver lake rite is always performed during the night of the first full moon of Reiner. Reiner is associated with Heliandism in general, Silver Heliandism in particular, and various exemplars, teachers, and devotees. Unlike the more introvert Weißer, Reiner is extrovert-oriented; the experiences of Weißer are to be shared and expressed during Reiner. Teaching, training, exercising and similar activities are associated with Reiner, as is missionary work and conversions. Reiner marks the end of the Prut winter and the beginning of spring. Froher, literally “the merry one” (related to “frolic”) or “the glad one” is the beginning of the warmer period of the year, and it corresponds to the start of the autumn period in the northern hemisphere. It is referred to as the month of joy or the month of victory, and it’s associated with exorcism of malevolence, banishing of evil, and defeat of daemons. It’s mostly a continuation of the ritual significance of Reiner. The spring equinox, referred to as “Frühlingsgleiche” is always celebrated on the fourth day of Froher. This roughly corresponds to the actual astronomical event as well, as the real spring equinox roughly happens on that day in most years. The period from the southern spring equinox to the sixth day of the second week of Froher is a spring festival referred to as the “Wilde Woche” or Wild Week. The Wild Week is one of the largest folk fairs of the world and it’s the largest fair in the Prut Meritocracy by number of attendees, always drawing between six to eight million people, with over ten million being the record so far. The main festival is held close to the city of Bärlin, which is what most people, especially foreigners and tourists associated with the Wild Week, but each major city and regional centre celebrates its own smaller local Wild Week. The Wild Week is an intercommunal festival and fair. In old times it used to be about trade, resource exchange and sharing, and fostering interdependence and a sense of nationhood. In current times it’s mostly a long party and major cultural event that involves lots of wine and beer, pastries and sausages, and skin and song. Earlier Froher was associated with unity and friendship, now it’s more about love, passion, and “friendship”. The month of Froher is followed by “Warmer”, literally “the warm one”. During Warmer the temperatures reach their spring high and plateau around pleasant and comfortable levels for people native to temperate climates. As Froher, Warmer can have sporadic rains, in particular in the coastal western areas, but it’s a rather nice weather. It’s also the traditional start of the planting season for wheat in the major Pruton agricultural areas, so like Ernter and Regner, it’s a community oriented month. Customarily it’s the month when pairs arrange marriages, usually after the planting period, roughly in the third week of Warmer. In previous centuries pairs would either have met or been introduced during the Wild Week, and if they decided to enter matrimony, they would plant together. In modern times few people work in fields anymore, but it’s customary to plant a tree or similar plant. It’s a month associated with family, marriage, fertility, adulthood and maturity. The last month of spring is called “Könner”, which can roughly be translated as “artist” or “artisan”. Indeed, it’s the month of artisans, craftsman, and various artists, in particular singers and musicians. Literally every Prut community in the world has a local event dedicated to the display of craftsmanship and artistry and the general expression of art, aesthetics, and skill. Some of the major cultural events of the Prut Meritocracy, in particular large concerts, take place during Könner. While by no mean a rule, a general guideline is that crafts, and engineering in particular, are celebrated during the first week (technical-oriented schools, universities, and institutions have a sort of fair in this period), art is celebrated during the second week, theatre and film festivals are common, open air concerts and cinema are particularly popular, and culture and other fests and fairs are held in the third week. During the third week, museum entry fees, in example, are greatly reduced. Local elections and political events usually take place during the last week or last weekend of Könner. Landesgeimenden are a typical sight in this period. Customarily, pairs get married in this month as well. This month is associated with rhetoric, expression, communication, mediation, innovation, and openness, and general newness, freshness, originality, and related terms. This is the last month of the Prut spring. After Könner comes the summer period. The “Sommersonnenwende” or just “Sommerwende” for short, or the southern summer solstice, is always celebrated on the third day of “Macker”, the first summer month. While traditionally associated with and still considered the main holy day of Heliandism, in modern times Sonnenwende has become a largely, but not exclusively secular celebration as well, at least in the Prut Meritocracy. It certainly is a national holiday in the Prut Meritocracy. It usually also corresponds with the actual astronomical summer solstice as well. Sommerwende is a free day usually reserved for spending and bonding with friends, colleagues, and comrades. It’s a day for camaraderie and cooperation, which is what it’s mostly associated with. Sommerwende is also brought in connection with diplomats, negotiators, leaders, exemplars, and related institutions, again, mostly in secular context. In religious context, it’s a day to celebrate God, divinity, and one’s personal connection to the divine and spiritual. It’s considered an exceptionally lucky and auspicious day. Tradition dictates that how one spends and experiences Sommerwende will be how lucky and auspicious the period until the next Winterwende will be for one, hence why conflicts of any kind, especially violence, are avoided on this day. Younger Prut students study particularly hard on this day, in the vain superstition that the rest of the school year will then be easier for them. The actual month this all takes place in is “Macker”, or “Macher” in modern parlance, although the old spelling and pronunciation are still preferred over the new one. The translation can vary on the region and who you ask, and while “maker” is etymologically and semantically related word, Macker could be translated as “cool guy” in modern Low Prut context. It’s all about the person who gets things done. Macker is particularly associated with merchants, seafarers, businessmen, leaders, athletes, and heroes. It’s a very warm month, and the beginning of the hot period of the year. Two events are particularly associated with Macker, the “Sommerspiele” and the “Einungsfahrt”. The Sommerspiele or Summer games are an annual national sport event that have been held since Prutonic tribal times and can be traced back for nearly three thousand years, only having been interrupted during periods of major warfare (like the War of Siblings, from 2608 SH to 2648 SH). Since the 2990s SH every realm of the Prut Meritocracy competes and it’s no longer an exclusively Pruton event. Every four years, the Summer games are also open for foreign athletes and competitors. They are referred to as the “Großspiele” in that case, or Great games. In the contemporary games association football is the main team-sport, while individual sport competitions vary from year to year in popularity, with fencing, billiards (snooker in particular), and swimming frequently drawing the biggest crowds. In either case, the actual games last twelve days and always start on the second day of Macker. The host must always be a Prut city, but no city may host the games more than once in a six years period. Since the 2990s, cities outside of the realm of Neo Prutenia have been hosts as well (Conca and Bela Luka, both once). The Einungsfahrt is the main political event of the Prut Meritocracy; it’s the mandatory annual meeting of the Prut parliament, the “Gemeintag”. Represenatatives of each region, realm, and voting group bring their annual consensus to the Einungsfahrt and various topics are debated and agreed upon. Every assembly of the parliament that is not the Einungsfahrt is referred to as a Tagfahrt in peace (same as the Hanseatic assembly) or Sonderfahrt during war. The Einungsfahrt is a highly ceremonial and formal meeting, following very strict protocols, and it’s generally only for show, as the actual consensus and decisions were agreed upon beforehand in semi-formal and often unofficial smaller diets and assemblies. Still, major decisions, legal updates, and selections are made public and official during the Einungsfahrt, and the public and media is heavily involved. Since 2958 SH, the Einungsfahrt takes place in Conca, in the realm of Hesperia. As can be seen, Macker is a busy and eventful month for the Prut peoples. On a cultural and especially personal level, Macker is brought in relation with assertiveness, persuasion, “people skills” and social skills in general, merit, pride, personal accomplishment, energy, vigour, health, ethics, trust, and respect. The twin values of Prut culture, “Zack” and “Zog”, are associated with this month as well. Macker is followed by “Streiter”, which can roughly be translated as “soldier”, “warrior”, or “fighter” in general. Streiter was the traditional month of war among the various Prutonic tribal groups and remained a period of strife well into the modern era, albeit handled differently than three millennia ago. If individuals didn’t manage to resolve conflicts over autumn and winter, didn’t find a way to profit more from mutual cooperation instead of mutual antagonism, and weren’t satisfied by competing with each other in the public arena and/or during the summer games, then Streiter was the period of the year where it was socially acceptable to feud directly and act our conflicts instead of resolving them. Duels were once commonplace in this month, but they are a rarity in modern times. A remnant of that period is a form of ritualised fighting still sometimes practiced among Prut, which is non-lethal and highly similar to boxing. Instead, in contemporary Prut society, Streiter is the period associated with war, military, security, bodyguards, peacekeepers, and oddly medicine and medical personnel. The month is also usually the hottest of the year, hence its relation to various related emotions like anger, wrath, immaturity, impulsiveness, recklessness, and inability to control one’s behavior. Interestingly, of all the months, Streiter is the only one associated with foreigners, Waalswesan (Low Prut for “barbarians” in the classical sense), and lack of Prutishness, in a sort of alien, strange manner. In a religious context, it also the period strongly associated with cleansing marches and fighting heathens. In case of a leap year, a loose day is added to Streiter, called “Zusatztag”, literally meaning “additional day”. Zusatztag is considered a minor Heliandist holy day, mostly because it prolongs summer and the warm period of the year where the sun is more prominent, but it’s usually not an actual holiday. While it varies from region to region, Zusatztag is frequently a working holiday. Interestingly, Zusatztag is considered highly unlucky and inauspicious. Superstition says that nothing should be started on Zusatztag. People born on Zusatztag are considered special in some way, often as if touched by fate in some manner. The last month of the Prut calendar is “Strahler”, meaning something like “the bright one” or “the radiant one”. Strahler is considered the brightest month with the most sunlight. Strahler has always been highly romanticised in the Prut psyche, as it’s generally a calm period of light summer breezes, mild, pleasant weather, and calm nature, with few events to spoil the serenity. Strahler is also the longest holiday period for students and children of all ages, when public schools generally don’t work. This is the main vacation season for Prut and a part of the general southern summer tourist season as well. The Teutschwald rites are performed after the first crescent moon of Strahler, which are considered to be the second most sacred rituals among the Heliandists of the realm of Neo Prutenia, but are generally only regarded as a minor event by non-Prut Heliandists. The Teutschwald rites involve the grand national Haruch of the Prut people, while the entire forest is considered to be a large temenos. The Teutschwald rites have continually been performed since the dawn of Pruton civilisation and they are part of Prut mythology and Pruto-heliandist orthopraxy. Foreigners, while not outright banned, are never invited to the Teutschwald rites, since they are considered a strictly Prut affair. Along with the Silver lake rites, the Teutschwald rites are the only religious event in the Prut Meritocracy protected by blasphemy laws. Thus, the month of Strahler is associated with the Heimat, Prutishness, patriotism and nationalism, history, mythology, sanctity, nobility, and gravity. Strahler always ends with "Neunacht", the traditional last day of the calendar year. Neunacht is considered a Heliandist holy day and it's generally a national holiday in the Prut Meritocracy. This day usually involves some form of celebration, and is often followed by prayers and rituals concerned with death, departure, mortality, and finality. Traditionally, Neunacht is the remembrance day for the dead and deceased. National heroes and various public figures of previous eras are also honoured during Neunacht, hence why it has a more secular, politicised character in modern times. Most celebrations of Neunacht involve some sort of mild alcohol and some sort of meal, usually something based on wheat or the most common local grain crop, while strictly avoiding meat and fish. The exact origin of the custom is unknown, but it's related to respecting the dead. |
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| Prut | Jan 2 2015, 05:46 PM Post #6 |
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Administrator
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Administrative division and regions of the Prut Meritocracy While considered to be an unitary nation and regulated by constitution as such, the Prut Meritocracy is administrated as five realms, each having it's own Bundkreise ( singular: Bundkreis, trans. Cooperative Circle) and each Bundkreis consisting of several joined Gebeede (singular: Gebeed, trans. Area). Each of the realms acts as one voting bloc for purposes of building consensus in the Parliament, although traditionally the realm of Neo Prutenia acts as one bloc, Hesperia and Raion no kuni as another, and Veleslavia and Mag Mell as the last. This informal arrangement is referred to as Terzeinung, with each third being called a Terz. 1) Realm of Neo Prutenia ![]() The realm of Neo Prutenia has six Bundkreise, from north to south: Ahlsmark, Ersdreyern, Heelsbog, Harten, Hoftwegen, Veelwiek. The Bundkreise and some Gebeede are descended from the old Pruton Stem Duchies and their modern borders roughly correspond to their limits in the time of the Pruton Empire, although only Prangern retain its proper tribal name. The Bundkreise also quite differ on size, number of Gebeede, and population density and distribution. Each Bundkreis has its own capital, where the Kreisdag, the local parliament, meets. Each Gebeed likewise has its own administrative centre and local parliament, called a Gebeedsdag. The traditional listing follows: Ahlsmark: population 16,103,612; Kreisdag in Zelisch (population 10,015,573) - Fehslaan: population 300,581; Gebeedsdag in Hoogstad (population 103,685) - Dothbargen: population 89,000; Gebeedsdag in Alleenseen (population 20,091) - Silverkuhln: population 1,202,765; Gebeedsdag in Schild am See (population 347,871) - Aksayern: poplation 286,937; Gebeedsdag in Hoogstad (population 110,041) - Hederhaid: poplation 10,015,573; Gebeedsdag in Aldena (population in Aldena 12,695)* *Hederhaid is de facto completely in the metropolitan area of Zelisch; Aldena is a suburb of Zelisch -Goldgrond; population 4,208,756; Gebeedsdag in Weetgroen (population 1,120,219) Ersdreyern: population 25,794,933; Kreisdag in Fehrbellin (population 120,478; suburb of Königssteen) - Prangern: population 12,563,585; Gebeedsdag in Brookborg (population 746,684) - Floidern: population 7,045,786; Gebeedsdag in Frederichsborg (population 673,793) - Renfeld: population 6,185,562; Gebeedsdag in Bärlin (population 3,491,567) Heelsbog: population 42,799,208; Kreisdag in Marwienborg (population 897,384) - Aschenalb: population 6,372,012; Gebeedsdag in Ascherstad (population 756,943) - Aldahls: population 9,583,769; Gebeedsdag in Vineta (population 1,380,042) - Oftertwisch: population 17,584,458; Gebeedsdag in Lieblich (population 3,056,459) - Etenstääd: population 6,573,695; Gebeedsdag in Toitsborg (population 1,071,457) - Bremsteen: population 2,685,274; Gebeedsdag in Bremhoben (population 548,547) Harten: population 5,687,685; Kreisdag in Tiotstad (population 347,493) - Veelhorsten: population 2,192,483; Gebeedsdag in Heelern (population 518,386) - Dreebroorn: population 1,138,493; Gebeedsdag in Lütsen (population 420,568) - Snaakbucht: population 953,841; Gebeedsdag in Amsen (population 295,281) - Hövnland: population 867,573; Gebeedsdag in Swersmed (population 195,483) - Tiotkarn: population 500,611; Gebeedsdag in Karbad (population 85,374) -Tiotwoold: population 34,684; Gebeedsdag in Emmerohe (population 3,183) Hoftwegen: population 7,391,842; Kreisdag in Schiermunde (population 497,573) - Dröögenhaid: population 1,385,674; Gebeedsdag in Raavsteen (population 290,684) - Berhtsatten: population 2,574,742; Gebeedsdag in Hohenstein (population 867,457) - Adalhövn: population 978,574; Gebeedsdag in Schierquell (population 147,574) - Sweergams: population 1,069,584; Gebeedsdag in Treuborg (population 387,374) - Theganleen: population 1,383,268; Gebeedsdag in Reuts (population 400,078) Veelwiek: population 6,282,471; Kreisdag in Hoswohn (population 675,685) - Ulensted: population 1,275,597; Gebeedsdag in Insterborg (population 185,473) - Morrndau: population 1,180,868; Gebeedsdag in Roggewochs (population 784,674) - Neurahls: population 684,684; Gebeedsdag in Renach (population 98,684) - Oversundeven: population 1,489,473; Gebeedsdag in Oslanden (population 549,584) - Baselwacht: population 1,651,849; Gebeedsdag in Baselshoben (population 397,574) Despite being the third largest city of the Prut Meritocracy and by far the largest settlement in both Prangern and Ersdreyern, Königssteen is not a part of the local administration because it acts as the administrative centre and main coordinating body of the whole Prut Meritocracy. This is mainly to avoid conflicts of interest and to emphasise the role and participation of the other settlements in Prangern, instead of allowing the capital to dominate the entire region. Hence the decision to make Fehrbellin and Brookborg the main political centres for local matters. A similar arrangement is in place in Hederhaid, which in modern times is essentially synonymous with Zelisch Metropolitan Region, as Zelisch has grown to encompass all of Hederhaid in the last forty years. |
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8:16 PM Jul 11