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States of Ossurwald
Topic Started: Apr 12 2012, 11:17 PM (519 Views)
Ossurwald

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Minister-President: Merryn Goodmar (Anderklien Action Party)
Capital: Ottaclur
Motto: "On Guard, On Watch"

Anderklien was first established as an earldom in 1433 by Duke Regulus II as a reward for the Kelruss who had served him. It also served as a way to both warn the southern barbarians off and to keep the southern lords suppressed for fear of Kelruss attacks. The first Earl of Anderklien was Cadwalader Brakespear, who was also the Kommaniken of the Kelruss Carfael by that point. The Brakespears acted as a sort of permanent representative to the Duke's court from the Carfael, each serving as the Earl. When Serhiy Aodhan and the Levellers defeated Duke Gernot IV at Galmaen, many Kelruss went into exile when the Commonwealth of Ossurwald was established. After the fall of the Commonwealth, Duchess Ursula declined to reappoint the Brakespears as earls. Instead, a non-Kelruss aristocrat was found, and Anderklien lost its specific character as the Kelruss Earldom.

In the 1800s Anderklien was a gateway to the territories from the south, and numerous people settled there after moving in from the coast. These people helped push the earldom into revolution in the 1848 Liberal Revolution, and Anderklien was one of the original 24 states that ratified the 1848 Constitution. It chose for its flag the colors of the Kelruss, choosing to de-emphasize the black. The state tended to lean Democratic Liberal during the Second Republic, thought occasionally went National Republican. During the Dictatorship, Anderklien was most famous for the 200 Hands; when Kelruss loyal to Murrasos hunted down and killed 100 fellow Kelruss who rebelled. A statue of a hand marks the spot in the Sayberk Range.

Anderklien today is a diverse state, where the two major parties are the Civic and the Action Parties, whose state affiliates are constantly at each others' throats. Kelruss or those descended from Kelruss hold many important positions; the most famous are Minister-President Goodmar and Secretary of War for Ossurwald Rachel Bonesteel.
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Ossurwald

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Minister-President: Wasi Broygieli (Raticali Padria/Padrian Radicals)
Capital: Eldara
Motto: "The Storm Does Not Harm Us"

Padria historically has been separate from Ossurwald for a long time. Settled in the 1100s by fishers from Seyrland, Padria quickly became a launch point for whalers, while also trading all along the Ossurwalder coastline. It acted as a key port in the Korsreidh Ocean, linking the riches of the rest of Xanadou to Ossurwald. This made the counts of Padria relatively wealthy compared to many Ossurwalder nobles, who greatly resented the strength of the Padrians.

The first major conflict with Ossurwalders took place in 1606 when the Ossurwalder rebel Edwin Brandeburr arrived fleeing from Duke Richard. Richard arrived shortly thereafter and conquered the island, which he made a client state of Ossurwald, passing tribute onto him. Richard also impregnated the sister of the Count of Padria, and carried her off as a hostage. When the Commonwealth broke out, Padria simply stopped paying tribute. Some Ossurwalder nobles fled to Padria.

Most notable among the Ossurwalder exiles was Ursula Valloen, a lesser cousin of the defeated Higmars who married Count Denholm X of Padria. Ursula was selected as the Duchess of Ossurwald following the collapse of the Commonwealth in 1659. Her son, Leopold II, thus became both Duke of Ossurwald and Count of Padria. Leopold however only had a daughter when he died, Maelys. Padrian law dictated that only males could inherit, contrary to Ossurwalder law. This was exploited by the Padrian aristocracy, who declared Allon Gravori Count Allon III of Padria. In 1720, Ossurwalder forces under Maelys' son Eamund reconquered the island during the War of Padrian Succession. Eamund established the city of Atorayo Frencife, which he used to bring Ossurwalders onto the island in a deliberate attempt to dilute the population of its native Padrians.

In 1848, Padrian leaders (all non-native families loyal to Ossurwald) selected to join the new Republic of Ossurwald, and Padria was accepted as a state. However, Padrian ratification of the 1848 Constitution included the stipulation by the Ossurwalder Legislature that Padria disinherit Allon Gravori and give up claim to independence. Naturally, the leaders of the time went along with this. Following the end of the Murrasos dictatorship, radical separatists formed the Movement for Greater Padrian Freedom (Mofimanti pir ua Magniare Liverto Padriana), referred to in the Ossurwalder press as the MGPF.

The island, exceptionally small, is extremely torn between the protection Ossurwald offers and the dream of independence. The two sides typically battle it out in the editorial pages of the Padrian Sun, the state's local paper. In the Padrian Parliament, the affiliates with the national Ossurwalder parties typically join against the MGPF. Ethnically, the sides are blurred, as some descendants of Ossurwalders support independence and some native Padrians support remaining in Ossurwald. No government of Ossurwald has ever entertained the notion of Padrian independence.

Padrians tend to be typically distrustful of outsiders, though they take many steps to accommodate them. The same "hotels" operate in Padria that have operated there since before Duke Richard landed. A common Padrian saying translates roughly to "better to have a man on his knees than for him to have you on yours."
Edited by Ossurwald, Apr 12 2012, 11:19 PM.
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Ossurwald

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Minister-President: Hamo Cherkalian (Progress for Carvecynna)
Capital: Svashi
Motto: "We Finish What We Begin"

Settled by Seyrlander nomads out of the continent's interior, these nomads eventually formed what became the Phonix people. Establishing themselves into various counts, the Count of Svashi, Batbayar, eventually seized power, making himself Khan of the Phonix. He and his dynasty was eventually succeeded by the Saranbaatarids, who claimed descent from the moon via their mythical founder Saranbaatar the Great. The Saranbaatarids unified the Phonix realms under their rule and then forced tribute from the Ossurs on their borders. In 1203, Khan Goran I invaded the Ossur Kingdoms, deposing the Ossurwalda Keghar, and claiming control for himself. From the until the mid 14th Century, the Saranbaatarid dynasty ruled Ossurwald as a Khanate. Khatun Ilinka established the University of Svashi there, Ossurwald's first institution of higher education.

After the fall of the Khans, Svashi, and thus Carvecynna, remained the center of Ossurwalder life. Duke Gruffudd and his successors all ruled from Svashi, and heirs were usually named Earls of Carvecynna. Much of the system of life in Ossurwald had Carvecynna at its center, and indeed, the road system was organized to bring travelers to the area. A number of smaller communities arose around Svashi, as wealthy aristocrats purchased land that would put them within easy traveling distance of the city.

Following the defeat of Duke Gernot at Galmaen, Carvecynna entered a period of decline. Initially, the Commonwealth thought to place their capital at Svashi, but instead chose the newly settled Kannlem in Westnoppen as a place to meet. No Velstaads were ever held at Svashi, and Kannlem was soon dominant. The restoration of the Duchy of Ossurwald did not help matters. Looking to placate Levellers, Duchess Ursula placed her capital at Kannlem as well, and the city soon eclipsed Svashi as the center of the Ossurwalder world. Development shifted away from being Svashi-centric to being Kannlem-centric. Many smaller communities attempted to advertise being equidistant from the two cultural centers.

Carvecynnans are marked as especially fatalistic among Ossurwalders. Two leaders of the parties, Wolfgang S. Toromek and Hashim Falstulin, both hail from Carvecynna, and Peter Pedronek was famously born in Svashi and later served as its mayor. Carvecynnans are also noted for the pessimism. A "Carvecynnan surprise party" is an Ossurwalder expression for an unexpected trouble.
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Ossurwald

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Minister-President: Islwyn Orbasennek (Fennacynn Civic Party)
Capital: Eckavo
Motto: "A Thousand Spears Is A Wall"

Established as a county by the Phonix Khans who ruled Ossurwald during the 13th and early 14th Centuries, Fennacynn was originally a march between the Phonix Khanate and the Ossur Kingdoms. With the Khan victorious, Fennacynn was established by Goran I in an attempt to unite the populations under one rule. Furthermore, the area acted as a shield to protect the Khanate's capital of Svashi from invasion by the south. The state derives its name from that; "cynn" meaning "land" or "home" and "fenna" meaning "protector". Thus the translations for the name usually mean "protecting land" or "home of the protectors".

Typically, Fennacynn has been the home of loyalists to the government. Its key strategic position in shielding both Svashi and later Kannlem has made it a state which any would-be ruler must hold. Fennacynn is the state where the Battle of Galmaen that ended the reign of the Higmar Dynasty took place; the number of Fennacynner lives lost at Galmaen led to it being one of the most rebellious provinces of the Commonwealth. Similarly, the failure by Duke Rayner Valloen to keep Fennacynn loyal hastened his defeat following the Siege of Svashi in 1848, since he had no army by which to threaten a march by Pedronek to Kannlem. Likewise, the fall of Eckavo in 1927 is considered the beginning of the end during the Ossurwalder Civil War. For this reason, Fennacynn is also known as the "graveyard of despots".

The people of Fennacynn typically tend to be conservative; finding that change is often troublesome and will surely cost them lives. They favor stability over ideals, and for this reason, tend to vote center-right. Up until 1927, the state was a key supporter of Murrasos, and his favorites were appointed governors of the state. Nationalists have some appeal. Typically, the state focuses on infrastructure building for its spending.
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Ossurwald

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Minister-President: Carina Mayweather (Kreturan Progressives)
Capital: Justice
Motto: "Hope Is An Anchor"

Kretura was established as an earldom by the Valloens when they returned. Its major port, Delassi, is where Duchess Ursula landed on her return trip to Ossurwald. Since then, Delassi has been the major city for the extremely wealthy; its fashionable mansions are where all of Ossurwald's old money families established themselves and where many nouveau riche attempt to gain entrance. The Ossurwalder Monarchist Society has its headquarters at Delassi. Delassi is also one of the Navy's major bases and shipyards.

Justice City was established by Levellers in 1652 following the execution of some of the remaining nobles in Ossurwald and the confiscation of their lands. Justice and Delassi traditionally have fought for prominence in Kretura; which city was truly the seat of Kretura was a major debate. Unfortunately for Delassi, Kretura's delegation to the 1848 Constitutional Convention was made up of a majority of Justicites; since the monarchist sympathizers of Delassi refused to attend. Thus Kretura's ratification of the Constitution was done from Justice City, making that the capital. Monarchists expecting Murrasos to change things around were severely disappointed when his governor chose to rule from Justice City.

In more recent times, the manufacturing base of Kretura has shifted from textiles to brewing and to automobile parts. Kretura tends to lean left, thanks to the strength of the Shipwrights' Union which often runs candidates under the Action or Progressive Party banners. Kreturans tend to be less inclined towards social change, and can be very superstitious, especially those on the shore. Storms like Hurricanes Michael and Gabriel have left their mark on the Kreturan coastline.
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Ossurwald

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Minister-President: Boipelo Angalos (Action Party of Paledcynn State)
Capital: Pedronek's Seat
Motto: "Freeborn"

Paledcynn is the largest state in Ossurwald, and for a long time was the favorite place for the Duke to send dissidents and criminals as it was large and on the frontier. Most famously Peter Pedronek was sent into exile to Paledcynn. Pedronek's rhetoric and speaking style as well as his grievances against the far-off government in Kannlem proved to work as a spark among the Paldecynners. Within a few years of his arrival in the then-territory, Paledcynn was completely inflamed, and Pedronek was declared Leader of the Provisional Republic of Ossurwald. The territory led the entire country in revolt, and ratified the 1848 Constitution as the 25th state the day after the 24 other regions signed it.

Paledcynners have long had a contrarian streak. People like Itzal Hanna hid there when seeking refuge from the Guards Bureau of Ferdinand Murrasos. The Popular Front for Freedom's Directorate held its first meeting in Ossurwald at Pedronek's Seat. The state is extremely proud of its place as a leader in the democratic history of Ossurwald, and elects candidates from a wide range of parties.

This sort of independence is exemplified in the vast herds of horses that roam across the state. The Paledcynner horse-wrangler is an Ossurwalder archetype. Many are part of the Ferena ethnic group that has found great comfort in the state due to its relaxed property laws. Outsiders find the state chaotic and abrasive, but Paledcynners find other states needlessly prudish.
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Ossurwald

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Minister-President: Bidane Losteleos (Radical Party - Buccara)
Capital: Burdan
Motto: "Mighty Oaks Make Mighty Boats"

Established as an Earldom after Duke Gruffudd I took the throne, Buccara's historical significance is often understated. Its seizure represented the near-completion of Ossurwald's conquest of the north coast of Ferros Bay, while its statespeople have often provided Ossurwald with level-headed leadership. Most famously, the Kilmeane family hails from Buccara, who were first advisors to the Dukes and then later represented the most patrician supporters of the 1848 Revolution. Thomas Kilmeane, the 4th Thane Kilmeane, is believed to have suggested the abolition of titles for the Republic and the propagation of arms to Pedronnek.

Buccarans tend to be far more insular than most of the coastal states. Most of their economic activity is generated in Ferros Bay, either from fishing or from trade with other states like Obricon, Laolshier and Suthcynn. Its largest city is Elbrang, and its major trading port is Fallrim. Most famously, it is also the site of Kelphair Base, which is occupied by Riemaian forces and being considered as the place to house KADO troops in Ossurwald.

Buccaran politics are dominated by the Radical and Progressive Parties, which often hold the state for long periods of time. Abel Praceos was Minister-President for 16 years. The current Minister-President, Bidane Losteleos, has been Minister-President for nine. Some say that Buccarans are more susceptible to cults of personality than other states. Indeed, Buccara only submitted at the end of the Ossurwald Civil War when Murrasos was killed.
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Ossurwald

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Minister-President: Hestia Mawlek (Laolshier Action Party)
Capital: Dunlamin
Motto: "There Are No Guests, Only Those Who Did Not Know They Were Home"

One of the original seven Ossur Kingdoms, Laolshier, like most of the old Ossur Kingdoms, claims descent from King Hael. What is known is that the Laol Kking Cyneheard was a well-known raider during the time between the reigns of the Ossurwaldas Gerulf and Saiful (1041-1074). No Laol king ever became an Ossurwalda, largely because the other kingdoms didn't trust them; and indeed, the Laols betrayed the Ossurwalda Keghar to become vassals of Khan Goran I.

After this start, Laolshierans soon became a major conduit for trade. Laolshier's port city of Dunlamin grew strong enough that soon not only was it it the seat of the earldom, but it also was the largest city. Much of Laolshier grew rich off of providing things for the city, and Laolshier itself became one of the most important areas inside of Ossurwald. When Laolshier agreed to support the Levellers and later the new 1848 Constitution, they lent a large economic base to those governments.

Under the Republic and the Dictatorship, Laolshier became a major leftist stronghold. Initially, it went National Republican, and then during Murrasos' reign, it was heavily socialist and communist. After his rule, Laolshier statespeople helped form the Workers' Party, and Aisling Sapronek was elected Stadtwalda. During the 2008 economic crisis, the Laolshier Velstaad passed many Keynesian reforms aimed at stabilizing the state. The success of these reforms meant that Laolshier survived. Laolshier State Motors is considered one of the best automotive manufacturers in Ossurwald.
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Ossurwald

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Minister-President: Lyubomir Dorraykos (Action Party of Ulsthame)
Capital: Maznost
Motto: "Let All Know Our Wrath"

Ulsthame is considered the second most prominent of the states that traces its descent from the Khanate. Settled by Phonix, it was quick to join with the Saranbaatarid Khans, meaning that Ulsthame alone kept its original ruling dynasty, the Tomorgerels. Tomorgerel earls supported the succession of Khatun Ilinka, which helped establish the precedent of female inheritance in Ossurwald. After the creation of the Duchy of Ossurwald, Tomorgerel earls were once more key in keeping Svashi safe from raiders out of the west. Only with the fall of the Duchy did the rule of the Tomorgerels end, making them Ossurwald's longest ruling family.

For a long time, Ulsthame picked up many travellers heading out to the territories, and it was viewed as the gateway to those territories. Thus Ulsthame picked up many of those people leaving the coastal areas and the Great Peninsula; people who were often considered undesirable back in the states they left. Ulsthame quickly became a center for socialists and communist looking to gain influence in the capital but fearful of laws that prevented them from speaking close to Kannlem. Ulsthame provided a happy medium; close enough to influence travelers, far enough from capital police that one need not worry.

After the Civil War, Ulsthamers quickly became a key part of the Workers' Party rise, especially during the 1960s, when the socialist writers Emmerich Cridion and Amalia Balandros became influential to the thought of the party. Celebrated individuals in Ulsthame, their daughter Emmeline Balandros currently serves as Director of Ossurwald.
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Ossurwald

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Minister-President: Leopold Oppalois (Progressive Westnoppen)
Capital: Antriden
Motto: "To Dare"

Another of the Ossur Kingdoms, Westnoppen sat at the far edge of the Ossurwalda's rule, never being wholly under any Ossurwalda's control. Westnoppen raiders, rich in iron, often ranged into the more abundant lands of Kaelaw, Sedordia and Vokshier; as well as to Phonix lands in on their borders. Indeed, the Sack of Dressel which ended the rule of the Ossurwaldas appears to have been undertaken by Keghar with the urging of Westnop backers.

Following the Phonix Conquest the earls of Westnoppen entered a period of disquiet. Among the Ossur nobility, they and their thanes were least happy with the arrangement that followed the conquest. Khan Jaromir II exiled the Earl of Westnoppen, Gruffudd Alvok, after an argument at a feast; fatally wounding the Phonix Khanate. Earl Gruffudd raised an army and spent the next six years fighting with the Khan in Earls' Wars, which eventually left the Khanate dead, the Saranbaatarid line extinct, and Gruffudd as Duke of All Ossurwald. From then on, Westnoppen found itself the favored earldom of the Duchy.

This abruptly ended with the Leveller War that ended the rule of the Dukes of Ossurwald. Finding themselves in danger, Westnoppen's leaders reluctantly joined the Levellers following the establishment of the Commonwealth. Many of their number still harbored monarchist sentiment. Following the death of Serhiy Aodhan, the Westnoppen faction managed to convince the Velstaad to appoint their candidate, Hector Vedrian, as Stadtwalda, a move which proved fatal to the Commonwealth. When the Fourth Velstaad was selected, Vedrian and his allies invited Ursula Valloen to return as Duchess of Ossurwald.

They were last to surrender when the Valloens fled Ossurwald, though their new administration was quick to sign the 1848 Constitution. Some historians have proposed that there's evidence those in Westnoppen sought to place a Vedrian into the Falleis House with the goal of restoring the Duchy, but such an occurrence never happened, cut short by the Suthcynner Ferdinand Murrasos' regime. Since then, politics in Westnoppen have drifted towards a far more republican slant, finding great appeal in the Progressive Party. Quentin Vallorek, the Dissenting Secretary of War, resides in Westnoppen. More famously, Casimir Onderssen, the bombastic MV and Shadow Secretary of Justice, led Westnoppen United against Leopold Oppalois. Both Oppalois and Onderssen are well-loved in Westnoppen as figures, and their battle in the 1996 elections was considered Westnoppen's greatest political episode.

Iron mining and smelting are Westnoppen's two largest industries, though sometimes derided as Westnoppen's pastimes. Indeed, many Westnoppians will talk of steel a lot, and its quality was well-known throughout Ossurwald. At one point during the days of the Ossurwaldas, steel bits were used as currency. That's no longer the case, but the phrase "prove your steel" in relation to showing one has money to purchase something is still common throughout the state.
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