Jilderen

Jilders’ Noble Confederacy
Flag Coat of arms of Coat of arms
Capital	Laggerport
Official languages	Jilders
Religion	Atheism
Demonym(s)	Jild
Government	Confederate, semi-elective, Constitutional Monarchy
• Head of the Confederacy	His Royal & Imperial Highness Xallander the 1st, Archduke of Jilderen, Prince of Ildroman, Prince of Utewae, Duke of Laggarport, etc. etc.
• Head of the Confederate Government	Imperial Counsellor
Population
• Estimate	57,450,000
Currency	Oni

Etymology

Known throughout the world as the Archduchy of Jilderen, there is, in fact, more to it. The head of this state is, indeed, head of the greater Jilders’ Noble Confederacy, which also includes the small island nation of Riosna. These two nations are bound together by the confederate Statute, in this they sacrifice full control over foreign policy and the armed forces. Still, despite officially being a confederacy, the Archduchy of Jilderen is the largest and most powerful member of this federation by far. In fact, even the Statute defines that in all official communications the name of the most populous nation should be used, hence that the official name is rarely used.

Geography

(Landscape. Climate.)

Map:

• T = Laggarport, capital of Jilderen and the whole of the Archduchy
• I = Ildroman, capital of the Ugeria region
• E = Eugianal, capital of Riosna
• U = Utewae, capital of the Lanu region
• Suv = military base of Suverina, special area of jurisdiction

History

Origins

The history of the people of present day Jilderen can be traced back to a single clan, originating in present day duchy of Aldery. Here, on the northern shore of the great river Jildron, a simple hunter-gatherer community turned to agriculture. Using the fertile floodplains of the river, they managed to survive. As their experience grew of the agricultural, the livestock grew from a few chickens to larger cattle.

Over the course of several millennia, the original Jilder-tribe saw their influence grow. From a few, loosely connected settlements, a simple power structure between them and surrounding clans arose. Between the occasional fight and human sacrifice, the number of people united under a single name had grown to such an extent that a more sophisticated structure of power was established. The emergence of writing was one of the key factors to decide the event that would become known as the Union of Clans in 1004 BCE.

Ugeral the Savage (752 BCE)

At the height of the Iron Age, a single person claimed power from all the clans united in the Union of Clans. With this act, Ugeral of Nimse proclaimed himself High King. Immediately, war would lay waste to the region. Several clans left the union and formed their own nations, but this was an act that sparked the rage of Ugeral. Records indicate that this man possessed great wealth and charisma, for he was able to gather a large army with relative ease. Two military campaigns of his are well known.

War of Blood

The first of many large campaigns waged by Ugeral was his attempt to secure the lands in the north. The clans that left the Union had unified themselves in an attempt to defend themselves, a tactic that came at great costs. Ugeral had slain so many of men, leading to his epithet the Savage, that there was almost no-one left to govern. Dissatisfied, he continued north to conquer two clans up there. These, who had heard of his ruthlessness, surrendered immediately.

Conquest of the South

A far more successful effort was put in conquering the lands to the south. The name Ugeral had gained during the War of Blood came to great use. After just three years of conflict, the borders had been secured for what would become a dynasty of his heirs that would last for just over 300 years.

Vinmarian the Fair (437 BCE)

After the last heir to the Ugeral throne had died of poisoning, his betrothed successfully claimed the throne. Who had poisoned the last High King of the Ugeral dynasty remains unknown to this day, but it is most likely that Vinmarian had done so herself. Within a few days of claiming the throne, she married king Yfke of Zulven, and together they used diplomacy and trade to expand their cultural influence. By a simple trade of land, they exchanged the isolated north for an expansion of lands in the east. To the south, their commercial success would eventually lead to a further growth of property. By strategically placing loyal friends in influential positions, their grip was maintained for a long time.

Vinmarian’s firstborn, High King Yfke II, waged a small war with the neighbouring kingdom in the west. Under his reign, the first and only expansion of Jilderen by means of war by the Vinmarian dynasty was a fact.

Republic of Kings (270 BCE)

From abroad, many schools of philosophy had entered the Jilders minds, and it eventually led to a change of government: a republic was born. No longer was the title of King hereditary, but elected by the people (more specifically: by the patricians). The clans that had once abandoned Jilderen once again joined them, as this thought of (partial) equally was what once led to the Union of Clans.

However, the peace that was maintained was a very fragile one. Members of the patrician families argued among themselves and regular wars with the outsiders, specifically the kingdoms in the east, proved to be a burden that would eventually put an end to the republic.

Yunngi the Tall (12 CE)

Being born in one of the poorest families, Yunngi used the power of logic and science to put an end to the civil wars that plagued the republic in its final years. Being an exceptional tall man (he is estimated to have been just over two meters tall), he inspired many. Putting an end to the differences between patricians and plebs, there was a strong increase in literacy and educated minds. Though he would not live to see the fruits of his efforts, he died in 26 CE by lightning strike, his daughter and heir did. She and her heirs ruled with a firm fist, focussing on equality, for a long time. Yet, that couldn’t last.

First Intermediate (434-502)

It was in the year 432 that the Black Death entered the lands. In 434, the last High King succumbed and an age without rule started. Outside kingdoms used this to conquer bits of Jilderen, leading to a collapse in territory. To make matters worse, without the presence of a central government, the people started to organise themselves and founded new lands.

First Grand Duchy of Jilderen (503)

The first nation to carry the title of Grand Duchy of Jilderen was founded in 503 CE by Grand Duchess Elynora II. Under her rule, she governed over four duchies, including the island of Riosna. Being an idealist, her grip on the throne was never a firm one. The throne was first passed on by someone who was quickly deemed unfit to rule and the next one in line died of various diseased not long after he had claimed the throne.

Jilder Republic (592)

With the nobility squabbling over the throne, the people turned to each other for support. Forgetting Riosna, but remembering many neighbours, a second republic was formed. Again, several regions that had been claimed by other kingdoms struggled for their freedom and joined the republic.

Revolution of Crowns (610)

The nobility, however, did not like the new republic. They longed for power and as of such, they revolted. Joining the kingdom to the south, the centre of power in Jilderen shifted to the south. It was a move that has its consequences to this very day, for the centre of power is still located there.

Union of Kings (637)

The turmoil caused by the Revolution of Crowns was used by the reinforced kingdom. A mission of ‘enforced peace’ was executed and thus the territory under control of the kings grew. The kings, equal in title and power, worked together successfully. A new age of science arose and with it came the means to reclaim the birthplace of the Jilder culture.

Xallander the Stubborn (817)

By royal decree, Xallander the Stubborn was proclaimed High King in 817 CE to be first among equals. With his newfound title, war followed. As his name suggests, he heeded no council from others. Most of his military campaigns were disastrous, leading to the loss of large pieces of land in the north. His son and namesake had a bit more success in the military area, but these first two of the Xallander monarchs were most noticeable for their vehement atheism. This ‘dispelling of the world’ they enforced lead to a discovery of natures inherent beauty. Hence, the fact that the Xallander II is also called the Philosopher King.

Xallander III the Greedy (921)

Unfortunately, the 3rd in line of Xallanders looked a lot like his grandfather: stubborn, greedy and war bent. Luckily, he also proved to be a strategic genius. Riosna was sacrificed for peace in the east, so that war could be waged in the west. A war that would create an empire.

The next in line was Xallander IV, who had the same philosophical ideals as his grandfather. With some guidance of his husband, king Reon of Ugeria, power was decentralised and spread over many duchies. This secured the existence of the empire for quite some time to come.

Second Intermediate (1397-1457)

When the empire in the east, the former kingdom that gained Riosna, attacked early in 1390 CE the Second Intermediate followed. Only the region that had been classified as the ‘Jilders Kingdom’ in the Empire remained safe from the hordes from the east and the barbarians in the north. Only after lengthy talks of peace and tribute, a small piece of the original empire was left with some form of autonomy.

Dual Monarchy of Zulven-Rivingen (1457)

The two large duchies of Zulven and Rivingen were forced, as vassal states, to pay large sums of tribute in order to exist safely. In this era, progress ground to a halt and the once advanced nation of Jilderen lost its shine. Who knew that things were only about to get worse…

Ijjlan Jilders (1666-1791)

Unknown to the Dual Monarchy that existed before this black page in history happened, the lands to the south had been taken over and colonised, who called themselves the Ijjlan. After being forced into vassalage, being degraded to absolute servitude was the final blow to morale. Within a few years, the Ijjlan had conquered a large portion of the area and unified it under a common name: Ijjlan Jilders.

The first few decades were the worst. People were sold into slavery, a concept long since abandoned by the Jilders; an absolute power came into effect, a concept that had become quite foreign to the mind of the Jilders in their last empire, and; diseases and famine started to spread among the poorest. Often the people had tried to speak out or ask for help, but each time they were met with violence. A revolution was bound to follow.

• 1701 March-revolt: The first major revolution was the ‘Fool's Day Uprise’. Riosna had, secretly, provided numerous Jilders with weaponry. With their weapons and resolve, they managed to secure the city of Brecklen in the name of Jilderen. The revolution did not last, and it was on April the 1ste, fool's day, that Brecklen once again fell into the hands of the Ijjlan. It was only the city that fell, every citizen had committed suicide: it was better to be dead, than a slave to Ijjlan. This day, April 1st, is still remembered by all of Jilderen.
• 1713: This year is not marked by a single, large-scale revolt, but by hundreds of small-scale revolts. No violence, no harsh deeds. The people of Jilderen started to work less. Though by itself nothing remarkable, the economic impact was felt by Ijjlan. It resulted in an even harsher treatment of the people, and this was what would eventually result in the next, massive uprise.

• 1751 remembrance day: In remembrance of April 1st 1701, not a single slave worked on that same day 50 years later. Instead of violence, the Ijjlans responded by giving the slaves rights. This was partially the result of the new, more lenient monarch that had taken the throne. It were these rights that started to strengthen the resolve of the Jilders again.
• 1782 war: After a great many years of secrecy and preparation, the largest and most violent revolt had begun. Tactical murders paralysed the Ijjlans grip on the region, and just about every person who was not directly loyal to Ijjlan grabbed arms and joined the fight. What followed was the public humiliation and execution of thousands of Ijjlan devotees. Several years after the initial uprise, it was finally decreed that the colonised areas would be granted independence. From the ruins an empire arose again, unifying the ruins, led by empress Heloïse.

Second Empire (1791)

For the first time, the lands were not united for power or wealth, but for the sake of equality. Empress Heloïse was a stern believer of this ideal. Being a remote heir to the Xallander throne, she also found the old nobles at her side. Building on the ideas of her ancestors and using the power given to her by the former colonisers, she began building a nation for the future. Yet, the lands she tried to unify were still broken in spirit and civil war was bound to follow.

War of the Flea (1885-1890)

Named for the national animal of Jilderen, the War of the Flea was started by several duchies who noticed a shift in power in the empire. Capitalism had taken root, and the socialistic ideas prevalent in most of Jilderen could not be united with them. For the sake of the people, they spoke out against it. The people responded with great joy, but when the emperor refused to change their course, they took up arms once again. In five bloody years, the empire fell apart into capitalistic regions. The duchies that started this formed a new, socialistic monarchy from the ashes in the south.

Grand Duchy of Jilderen (1890)

After finally being united, Jilderen closed its borders and shunned all contact with the outside world for decades. With the advent of industrialization and everything else that came with modern times, a lot changed within the nation. When the borders finally opened again, a stubborn nation which was very reluctant to ask for outside help was shown to the world. How it would react to the rest of the world was to be seen, but they sure as hell wouldn’t be told what to do again.

Politics

Government

General $Person.

King $Person.

The Confederacy knows only one chamber that makes up the government: the Ducal Chamber. It holds 251 seats, is the highest court of the realm, and holds the most important electable office that exists: the Imperial Counsellor. Elections are held once every six years, as ordered by the Statute. There are no official parties within this chamber, but there are three distinct political factions: the blue-group (royalists, largest faction), the red-group (socialists, large faction) and the yellow-group (liberals, small faction).

His Royal & Imperial Highness Xallander the 1st, Archduke of Jilderen, Prince of Ildroman, Prince of Utewae, Duke of Laggarport, etc. etc.

Supporting this chamber, which deals with almost all issues regarding foreign affairs, many of its responsibilities have been delegated to the national parliaments. All Confederate Ministers are also ministers of the Jilder government, except for the Riosna based Minister of Imperial Affairs.

The Archduchy of Jilderen is officially unicameral, but as all laws are, by default, also presented to the Ducal Chamber, it is de facto bicameral. Riosna is bicameral and only rarely submits laws to the Ducal Chamber.

The Jilder House of Parliament has 455 seats. There is no minimum number of seats a political party must have, which resulted in the thirteen different parties currently present. The FFF (Faction for Flora & Fauna) is, by far, the largest of all with 219 seats. All ministers are from this party, though they work closely together with the others.

The Riosna House of Commons has 75 seats and its House of Nobles has 21. Given the high threshold of voting to reach the House of Commons (10 seats minimum) there are only three parties present, with the RP (Royalist Party) having had an absolute majority, currently 49 seats, for the past decades. The House of Nobles is entirely populated by members elected by the Monarch.

The Ducal Council has four members whom govern their associated field of expertise:

• Imperial Counsellor: head of the Ducal Council, head of courts and effectively the Minister of Justice
• Chief Marshal: head of the armed ground forces
• Full Admiral: head of the naval forces
• High Commander: head of the air forces

Currently, there are 14 Confederate Ministers, accompanied by many state-secretaries.

Administrative divisions

In the Archduchy of Riosna there are two provinces and many municipalities that deal with the internal affairs.

In the Archduchy of Jilderen there are three federal states (Jilderen, Lanu and Ugeria), each with many duchies (provinces) and a plethora of municipalities that deal with various levels of responsibility.

Military

Jilderen’s armed forces are split up along three major branches: Ducal Ground Forces (DGF), Ducal Air Forces (DAF) and the Ducal Naval Forces (DNF). As stated, it is directly controlled by the Ducal Chamber and its Ducal Council. Their mission statement is to ‘protect the people of Jilderen from both internal and external forces’, which also results in their role as a police force.

Officially there is a law for conscription, though this is only enforced in times of war. Though article 69 of the Constitution states that there is the option for active conscription, it has been suspended for well over three decades now.

Currently, the armed forces are considerable when compared to other nations. The major focus of the government on education is something that explains this. All conscripts have a proper understanding of the law and are offered many courses to build their knowledge. As declared by law, they are the only ones allowed to wield guns. The majority of their equipment has recently been replaced, but many is still not state of the art, but ore than suffices when it comes to upholding the law. If an enemy ever tries to invade the nation, it’s not the weapons they need to fear, but the people they try to conquer.

Unlike most nations, the Archduchy has no separate police force. The upholding of the law is done by the Ducal Ground Forces, which resulted in the fact that most soldiers can also function as police officers.

The Archduchy of Riosna has no Armed Forces, but maintains a police force that upholds the law.

Ducal Ground Forces

In absolute manpower, the DGF is the largest of the three branches of the Armed Forces. Within this branch, there is a clear and distinct division between the Ducal Ground Forces, Hover Division and the Ducal Division for Law Enforcement. The DGF-HD operates a significant fleet of hovercrafts, able to conquer the highly diverse terrain within the Archduchy. In peace time, they also serve as park rangers, making sure all goes well in the many national parks of the Archduchy. The DGF-LE operates both the mounted forces and the few tanks that still function within Jilderen. It is here where most manpower is located, both in administration and men on the street. The fact that this is considered 'easy' service (the extremely low crime-rate means little action) means that the soldiers here have ample time to study. As study is completely free of charge when serving in the army (and actually getting paid for doing your job), it is no surprise that most educated members of society come from this section.

Ducal Navy Forces

In absolute firepower, the DNF is the strongest of the three branches of the Armed Forces. Divided into three fleets, the various Battle Groups are largely designed around Rapid Response. Favouring speed over power, the large Battleships are replaced by speedy Frigates and Corvettes. Most of the vessels are nuclear-powered. The Coast Guard, officially Ducal Navy Forces, Coastal Fleet, Battle Groups number 1 through 4, is the best known of all. It controls the shores, secures shipping lanes and does all the work one would expect of the Coast Guard. Fleets number 2 and 3 are where the true firepower rests, though they spent most of their time either in harbour or out at sea performing exercises (most commonly with their allies, such as Suverina)

Ducal Air Forces

In absolute manpower, the DAF is the smallest of the three branches of the Armed Forces. Responsible for securing Air Superiority of the Jilder's airspace. One section, Naval Air Command, has been transferred to the DNF, despite being officially part of the DAF The remaining sections operate from various bases within Jilderen, operating a fleet of stealth and reconnaissance aircraft. The cuts in budget resulted in only a small fraction of the original size remains.

Economy

(Energy. Transport. Media.)

Currency: Oni

Demographics

(Ethnic groups. Language. Religion. Health. Education.)

Language

Jilders (artificial language based on English and Esperanto), additional ones may exist per State.

Religion

State Religion: Atheism

Culture

(Literature. Visual arts. Music. Cuisine. Sport.)

Ubuntu

The Archduchy itself is a relative young nation, though it has a history that goes back a long time. After being separated regions for a long time, empress Heloïse united Jilderen for the first time. Her strong sense of capitalism lead to a golden age of prosperity. Unfortunately, 64 years later, it led to the revolution out of which finally the present day Archduchy emerged. Capitalism turned out to be very beneficial for a few, but those few failed to return it to the nation. It is here where the single thing that unites Jilderen emerges: ubuntu.

Sometimes called the ‘tribal thought’, it encompasses the notion that “I am what I am because we all are.” Rarely seen outside Africa, it has long existed in Jilderen. It is, so the famous Jilders philosopher Yf once said, because of this notion that the nation enjoys its extensive social equality and that all businesses are in the hands of the government. The government, the ‘super tribe’, can distribute the welfare fairly among its people. With the advent of genetic engineering, the people looked (seemingly automatic) towards the government to say what is right and wrong for them to do. Some say that their rules are too strict, usually showing the long list of names that are banned to give your child, but such voices are the fast minority.

A downside of this is the relatively large distrust Jilders have for outsiders. It takes great persuasion to get a Jilder to aid a group. The fragmented nature of the Archduchy can be derived from this. Though they identify with Jilderen, each Jilder is very closely tied to their own duchy. In recent years, especially since the notion of a new capital city took root, the people are becoming a greater whole. Laggaraport has become the great melting pot of all Jilderen’s cultures, and they are learning to celebrate their differences.

Besides ubuntu, Jilderen also has a very long atheistic tradition. Despite the fierce attempts of the Tacolic Church to Christianise the region, it never quite caught on. Reason and logic are the things they measure life with. The notion of a soul and life after death are not things that a Jilder can come to grasp with easily.

Flag

The flag of Jilderen has been around for centuries and has seen many variations. The current design was chosen after the nation regained independence. The blue bars on the top and bottom refer to the seas and rivers that have played an important role in its history, both good (trade) and bad (colonization). The yellow in the middle represents the 'Golden Lands', the place that the Jilds have called home for millennia. The blue button represents the fact that not all Jilds live in Jilderen. Some ancient lands once Jild are now part of other nations, some Jilds live abroad.

References

• The Archduchy of Jilderen (21 November 2011)