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{{Infobox country
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name = Imperial Eothasi Commonwealth
|conventional_long_name = Federal Republic of Orleóis
|native_name =        ''Repúblikenreich Verbend d’Eothasia''
|native_name =        <small>''République fédérale d'Orleóis''</small>
|common_name =      Eothasia
|common_name =      Orleóis
|image_flag =      EothasiNationalFlag.png
|image_flag =      ÉlyssireicheFlag.png
|alt_flag =          ''Bander d’la Repúblikenreich''
|alt_flag =          ''Imperial Flag''
|image_coat =        EothasiaCoat.png
|image_coat =        ÉlyssireicheSeal.png
|alt_coat =          ''Escudi d’la Repúblikenreich''
|alt_coat =          ''Imperial Coat of Arms''
|national_motto =     ''¡Salud y República!''
|national_motto =     ''De la diversité, l'unité'' — ''From Diversity, Unity''  
|national_anthem =    [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNcNOMiSQ5I Stand Together]
|national_anthem =    Gloire et Triumph
|image_map =         EothasiaMapValtoria.png
|image_map =         Olympia_v1.png
|capital =            Valtoria
|capital =            Val Royeaux
|largest_city =      Lithandril
|largest_city =      Val Royeaux
|official_languages = Eothasi
|official_languages = Orlénié
|national_languages = English
|national_languages = English
|demonym =          Eothasi
|demonym =          Orlénié(s)
|government_type =  Federal presidential crowned republic
|government_type =  Federal semi-presidential republic
|leader_title1 =      Her Royal Majesty
|leader_title1 =      Madame President
|leader_name1 = Queen Eleanor IV
|leader_name1 = Elisabeth Beaumont
|leader_title2 =      Prime Minister
|leader_title2 =      Madame Chancellor
|leader_name2 = Valerius Eäron
|leader_name2 = Céline Divine
|leader_title3 =      Federal Chancellor
|legislature = ''Parliamentary Courts''
|leader_name3 = Manfred Leitzke
|upper_house = ''Sénat des Territoires''
|legislature =       [[Eothasi Courts|''Imperial Parliament'']]
|lower_house = ''Conseil des Citoyens''
|upper_house =       ''House of the Realm''
|established_event1 = Imperial Covenant
|lower_house =       ''Commonwealth Council''
|established_date1 =  800 CE
|established_event1 = End of the Eothasi Peninsular War
|established_event2 = Golden Concordat
|established_date1 =  January 17, 1672 C.E.
|established_date2 =  1744
|established_event2 = Unification Day
|established_event3 = Imperial Constitution
|established_date2 =  April 14, 1681 C.E.
|established_date3 =  1791
|established_event3 = Current constitution
|established_event4 = Digital Reformation
|established_date3 =  April 14, 1913 C.E.
|established_date4 =  2008
|area_label                  = Total
|area_label                  = Total
|area_km2                    = 853,009
|area_km2                    = 4,196,783
|population_census = 110.336.793
|population_census = 229,766,318
|population_census_year = 2020
|population_census_year = 2023
|population_density_km2 = 129.35
|population_density_km2 = 54.75
|population_density_sq_mi = 335.01
|population_density_sq_mi =  
|GDP_nominal = US$6.2 trillion
|GDP_nominal = US$12.91 trillion
|GDP_nominal_year = 2019
|GDP_nominal_year = 2023
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = US$56.218,21
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = US$56.218,21
|HDI =                        0.946
|HDI =                        0.946
|HDI_year = 2019
|HDI_year = 2023
|currency =          Eothasi pound ruby
|currency =          Orén
|date_format =        dd.mm.age:year
|date_format =        dd.mm.yyyy
|drives_on =        left
|drives_on =        right
|cctld =              .eot
|cctld =              .fro
|calling_code =      +7
|calling_code =      +71
}}
}}


The  ''Repúblikenreich Verbend d’Eothasia'' [translation: Imperial Eothasi Commonwealth], also alternatively referred to as the Commonwealth, the Eothasi Realm/Empire or simply Eothasia, is a federal presidential crowned republic composed of seven semi-autonomous territorial divisions named Popular Republics (officially ''Repúblicas Populares''), as well as one federal district (the capital city of Valtoria). The Commonwealth is a sizeable nation at just over eight hundred thousand square kilometers and with a population numbering roughly 110 million. The country occupies a peninsula and is surrounded to the south by the Bay of Isa and, farther south, the Ocean of Sorrow. To the east is the Ocean of Reneria; in the north, the Bay of Elvira and the Ocean of Deris; to the west, the Ocean of Cylësen. In the center of the peninsula there is large gulf, known as the Sea of Auriel. Notoriously, the country’s name is difficult to translate to English, most importantly the ''Repúblikenreich''; technically, the most direct translation of the term would be the “Imperial Commonwealth of the Federal Eothasi Realm”. However, into English, this is translated in one of two ways: either as the Empire, or as the (Imperial) Commonwealth, both of which are merged into one in the Eothasi terminology.
Orleóis—officially the Federal Republic of Orleóis and commonly referred to as the Republic or Orleóis—is a federal semi-presidential republic on the continent of Orleóis. Occupying the entirety of the continent under a single banner, it is a sizeable nation at over four million square kilometres and is inhabited by more than two hundred million residents and citizens.
 
The modern Republic has its roots in the formation of the Empire of Orleóis in the 9th Century, which was functionally a political and economic confederacy of thirteen kingdoms to preserve and protect their sovereignty. It was not until 1744 that the entire continent of Olympia was placed under the control of a single banner—that of the Republic—and not until 1793 that the Republic itself was officially established. Today, and since 1744, the Republic has a total of thirty-two territories representing the original thirty-two member states that formed the Orlénié Republic in 1744.
 
The Republic is, politically, a unique state. The head of government is the Chancellor, selected by the head of State—the President—and approved by the Council of Citizens of the Republic. This Council of Citizens also elects, for eight-year terms, whoever will occupy the seat of the President.
 
These two figures then work with the Federal Commission, which operates as a council of ministers of the Republic. The Federal Commission consists currently of twenty-one members, including the President and Chancellor.
 
The legislative branch of the Republic is also unique in that, while it operates under a standard two-chamber system, the chambers themselves are atypical. The upper house is titled the Senate of Territories (officially the Sénat des Territoires) and is made up of 384 members—twelve representatives for each of the thirty-two states. They are chosen in regional elections in each of the states and represent their local interests on the broader agenda of the Republic. Meanwhile, the lower house is known as the Council of Citizens (officially Conseil des Citoyens); this house, however, is a digital platform of “electronic democracy”, through which all citizens can participate in voting processes for bills that affect the Republic.
 
Today, the Republic is a peaceful and prosperous member of the international political and economic communities and is well-known for its preference of diplomacy and non-violence to settle disputes, as well as seeking a just and egalitarian redistribution of societal wealth and protection.
=Toponomy=
Olympia is a vast continent that is home to many diverse cultures, languages, and civilisations across various points in history. The people of Olympia have not always been united by a common identity or necessarily a shared history, although they have long been intertwined. However, for much of the recorded history of the continent’s civilisations, there is one word that has come to represent the collective spirit and heritage of all those on Olympia: Orlénié.
 
The term ‘Orlénié’ and its origins are not entirely understood. According to some scholars, it derives from a mythical island that was once in the Bay of Val Royeaux, called Elysium, and religious theologists have attempted to indicate that this was a supposed ‘gateway’ into the Veiled Fields at the core of the Orlénié religion. Others suggest that it comes from the name of a legendary tribe called the ‘Elysi’, who were said to be the first inhabitants of Olympia and the ancestors of all modern Orlénié. However, neither of these claims have been verified.
 
The first recorded use of the word ‘Orlénié’ comes in 721 BCE by Clara von Hügel, a historian and archivist from the Empire of Val Royeaux. She wrote a monumental work called the Histories of Olympia, which chronicled the events and achievements of the nations of Olympia from the dawn of civilisations to the present day. In her text, she writes:
 
“''I have undertaken this great task of writing the history of Olympia, not only to preserve the memory of our glorious and divine past, but to inspire our children and the children of our children to continue to pursue our majestic place in the world. For we are all Orlénié, the children of this blessed land, and in that, we share a common destiny''”.
 
Clara von Hügel’s work was widely read and admired by scholars and even some rulers across Olympia and was a major proponent of closer ties between kingdoms as it fostered a sense of ‘unity’ amongst the various territories. Her use of the word ‘Orlénié’, though the first recorded use of the word, is not thought to be the first use of the term more generally, leading to the theory that the idea of the ‘Orlénié’ being one people—likely against some sort of external threat. Whatever the case may be, it appears clear that all inhabitants of the continent of Olympia, regardless of their nationality, creed, or religion, were Orlénié.  


The Commonwealth’s different members were largely known for their isolation to the outside world, preferring to interact amongst themselves — including through war — than interact with the rest of civilisation in anything other than trade. This was set for future change, however, after Duvaineth’s ascension to the throne of the Aterni Empire following its conquests in what is now known as the Eothasi Peninsular War. Though the Union of Eothasi Kingdoms did little to cement that change, it laid the groundwork for the establishment of the ''Repúblikenreich Verbend d’Eothasia'', which would significantly change its foreign policy, especially in support of socialist revolutions around the globe.  
As mentioned, the term—and its use in Clara’s Histories—had a profound cultural and political impact on Olympia. It fostered a sense of solidarity and cooperation among the nations of the continent, especially in times of crisis. It also encouraged a spirit of curiosity and exploration, who sought to learn more about their fellow Orlénié and their diverse cultures, as well as inspiring artists and poets to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Olympia and its people.  


Today, the Commonwealth is a member of the international community and is well-known for its preference of non-violence and diplomacy to settle disputes. Its once large colonial empire, established during the end of the Union of Eothasi Kingdoms and greatly expanded upon during the first half of the 20th Century under the rule of ''Reichzler'' Messner III and ''Reichess'' Valeria II has since been fully decolonised, becoming a loose commonwealth of territories (over which the Crowned Overseer is recognised as Head of State, but with no political relation whatsoever) known today as the Imperial Union.  
It is not fully understood why the term ‘Orlénié’ came to be used to refer to the people, when ‘Orleóis’ was not a common term before the rise of the Empire of Orleóis in the 13th Century, and especially given that the term ‘Olympia’ was in common use to refer to the continent itself. One plausible reason for this is that the word ‘Olympian’ was associated with some unknown people or region of the continent, although this theory has never been verified.  


=Etymology=
Another theory, raised in the 16th Century by Franziska von Schönberg, argues that the word ‘Olympian’ may have been a word used by a specific group of foreigners or outside raiders—of which there were many unidentified groups in the ancient history of the continent—to refer to the people of Olympia with slave-like connotations. As such, this term may have been considered a cruel representation of their people, and through collective solidarity, they may have decided to use a different word—especially one in relation to a unified religious belief and eternal glory—to refer to themselves.  
It is unclear where the term “Eothasia” first emerges, although it has been found that it appears several hundred years prior to the creation of the first entity to occupy the entirety of the territory known as Eothasia today. The first registered appearance of the name is from -21:25, in an epic written by famous classical novelist and poet Fidena. However, historical accounts of her works and their popularity within Eothasi societies at the time indicate that it was unlikely she was the first to coin the name, rather implying she utilised a common phrase to refer to those inhabiting those territories.


Some scholarly studies have (inconclusively) concluded that the term Eothasia originates from Volsini, today one of the seven Popular Republics of the Commonwealth. It is believed that Volsini named the continent this way after its leader, Eothomas, who first led Volsini armies onto the mainland and began conquering what would eventually become the First Volsini Empire. This is uncertain, as it is believed that certain texts found prior to the ascension of Eothomas to the Volsini crown already mention this continent, despite their authenticity having been brought into question multiple times.
Though it is odd that the term ‘Olympian’ does not appear in any texts after Clara von Hügel, it may be that this occurred even thousands of years before her time, and so, the reason for the word ‘Orlénié’ being used instead of ‘Olympian’ may have been lost even to them.
 
Whatever the case may be, the term ‘Orlénié’ has survived until today as a symbol of a unified identity. It is used across the continent with a tight bond for all its peoples, and—since the inception of the Empire of Orleóis and its subsequent expansion across the continent until the formation of the Orlénié Union in 1744 with the Golden Concordat—has been a valuable tool in the creation of a unified national legacy.


=History=
=History=
The recorded history of the dozens of kingdoms and empires that spanned the Eothasi territory is rich most notably in war and violence. Tales of glorious conquests of national foes are explicitly depicted in elaborate monuments erected in a variety of different locations, such as those in Iluma, the capital of Volsini, which vividly show the conquests of the First, Second, and Third Volsini Empires, or the ruins of ancient cities in modern-day Venza, carefully preserved as national landmarks. Though the Second Volsini Empire was the first to span from the eastern coast to the western coast (and the Antizoni Empire the first from north to south), to date the entirety of the continent has been in control of a single nation only twice with the conquer of the subcontinent of the Aterni Empire and the ''Unión d’Repúblicas d’Eothasia'', which later evolved into the  ''Repúblikenreich Verbend d’Eothasia''.
=Geography=
=Political Structure=
==Territorial Divisions==
===Municipalities===
The municipality is the smallest constitutionally recognised body of territorial organisation. After the 2008 constitutional reform, they are the second organ of most political participation in the Republic, surpassed exclusively by the Council of Citizens. The municipality, given its constitutional importance, is divided into two branches: its executive and its legislative branches.
 
The executive branch is represented by the Local Conclave. This is a triumvirate organ of candidates from the municipality elected directly by the people in elections, following a ranked-choice electoral system. Each citizen resident in the municipality will vote for all selected final candidates in a certain order (omitting those candidates they do not wish to vote for). The first to obtain a 50% majority is elected to be the Mayor of the city, who shall be the head of the Conclave. Their votes are then retired from the count, and the second candidate to reach 50% is the Vice Mayor, with the process repeating once again to elect the Deputy Mayor. These three shall then form a government, known as the Local Committee, and will oversee most local policies for the municipality.  


==Prehistoric Period==
The legislative branch is of the municipality—as with all territorial divisions—is none other than the Council of Citizens. Because each citizen must notify adequately of their place of residence, they are allotted into appropriate municipal, provincial, and regional groups for the voting sessions in each of those territorial divisions.  
Historical data for the region goes back as far as 35,191 years Before the Common Era. This is when humans were first detected to exist in and around the regions of what is now known as Eothasia. It is unclear from where these humans came, exactly, although it is assumed that they travelled from some other continent through an available landbridge.


The prehistoric Eothasi were largely a nomadic civilisation, with intense organisational structures amongst their tribes based on the merits of the individuals. Hunters, gatherers, and foragers were not separated by gender or other arbitrary features, but rather, but the individual skills young Eothasi demonstrated. This level of meritocratic organisational structure is key to understanding prehistoric Eothasi, as it was from this that they managed to gather, hunt, and feed the large populations that their tribes usually entailed.
It is important to note that, though the legislative branch is a digital platform, the Local Committee is not. As such, this allows for the direct scrutiny, both physically and digitally, of their policies by the citizenship in a respectful and constructive manner. While participation in online sessions requires only an official registration, onsite sessions require the submission of official requests at the office of the Committee two days prior to the session, which occur on four separate days each week while the Committee is in session.


There was very little technological progress recorded on the continent throughout this period until roughly 4500 years Before the Common Era. It is in this period that the Neolithic Revolution first arrived in Eothasia, and radically changed the way in which the Eothasi lived. The widespread discovery of agriculture on the continent allowed the tribes to settle in key locations with fertile soil and brought about the increased meritocratic specialisation of the Eothasi populations, which grew exponentially.
On the day prior to each session, an official Order of the Day is published, with all approved participation, questions, and matters. A citizen that requests to participate on a certain day may not be necessarily approved for that day—unless the object of their intervention is specific to the provisional Order of the Day, which is released a week prior—but must be approved for one in the subsequent week at the latest. Furthermore, the sessions shall be divided into specific subjects, which will allow an individual to connect to a session regarding one subject and not sessions regarding other topics on the Order of the Day.  


The Neolithic Revolution not only increased Eothasi populations and trade, creating communities where there had previously been hunting groups roaming the land, but it also brought about the first inklings of written language and the first known civilisation, settled near the modern city of Odiria, in Antizon, known only as the Essë. Finally, the Neolithic brought about the beginning of what is known today as the Bronze Age.
For particularly large municipalities of populations surpassing 25,000 inhabitants, it is permitted for inframunicipal organs—such as district bodies—to represent the Committee, insofar as the Committee retains public sessions in the district where their office is located. In the Republic today, there are 81,403 municipalities.


==Bronze Age==
===Departments===
The first well-known civilisation in Eothasia was that of the Essë. They occupied lands in the central northern portion of the nation, near the modern city of Odiria. The Essën civilisation expanded from the vast green plains that surrounded them, flourishing under the new agricultural techniques discovered in the Neolithic Revolution. It is believed that the Essë first arose in the 57th Ialë B.U., and it is suggested that they lasted several hundred years, at least until the 34th Ialë B.U. They were first discovered in the early 3rd Ialë by famed archaeologist Vivian Maroto. Evidence suggests that the Essë’s collapse was brought about by the conquest of other, more powerful civilisations.
The department is the second level of territorial organisation within the Republic. It is the midway point between municipalities and provinces. In total, there are 243 departments across the Republic, which not only exercise coordination between these levels, but also several executive functions with competences delegated to them by the Constitution.  


After the fall of the Essë, dozens of civilisations began to emerge across the continent. Some, much like their earlier counterparts, settled and became traders and promoted the first commercial partnerships on the continent. Others were far more violent and established their dominance over other civilisations through war and conquest.
The department also has two branches of government. The first of these is the executive branch. Much like the municipalities, elections are held across the province to select three members to form the Directory, made up of the Director, Vice Director, and Deputy Director. However, there is a notable restriction for members to be electable in these elections, and it is that they must be a member of the Conclaves of their municipalities (meaning each municipality would have, at most, three candidates for the Cabinet). Once these members are elected, they form a government known as the Provincial Committee.  


The most important civilisation to emerge following the fall of the Essë was the Tatamolan civilisation, in the 25th Ialë B.U., settled in the plains of Eothasia, with their capital erected slightly over two hundred kilometers east of the modern city of Viladell. They wrested control over much of Eothasia from other, smaller groups through force, wielding notable military strength against them. They were the first civilisation of somewhat notable size, spanning from their capital in the desert to the shores of Newdell to their north, as far west as Viladell and as far east as the Marsier Rift, which today forms the border between Marsier and Espinar.
Meanwhile, the legislative branch is, again, the corresponding level of the Council of Citizens.


Despite their strength and size, however, by the 24th Ialë B.U., the civilisation began a steep decline until it was finally conquered by smaller groups in the early 23th Ialë B.U. This new Ialë was characterised by the beginning of the new Era of Antiquity.
===Provinces===
The provinces of the Republic are the most important territorial division of the country, representing the utmost federal union of states and serving as the primary guide for all territorial divisions beneath them. They correspond to the historical thirty-two members states that formed the Republic in the 19th Century, and retain much of their historical, cultural, and political identities.  


==Era of Antiquity==
That said, certain modifications have been made to harmonise electoral processes across all territories of the Republic; one of these, especially, is the decision to harmonise ranked-choice based electoral voting across the country, as well as general legislative and executive structures. As such, the provinces—as the levels beneath them—have a legislative branch composed of the corresponding level of territorial cohesion within the Council of Citizens, whilst its executive branch is elected from the eligible members of their respective provinces (which, given the much larger dimensions of departments versus municipalities, usually results in roughly twenty candidates per province). The resulting electoral body is known as the Provincial Presidium and is composed of the Governor—acting as the head of the body—the Vice Governor, and the Deputy Governor.
The Era of Antiquity, as it is commonly referred to, was intricately marked by a number of important civilisations as well as the continents first imperial powers. These include civilisations such as the First Volsini Empire, which was the first imperial power, the Antizoni Empire, which spanned from the northern coast to the southern coast, the Second Volsini Empire, which spanned from west to east, and lastly, the Aterni Empire, which became the longest lasting empire in Eothasi history. Other notable powers include the Third Volsini Empire (which was the shortest lived of the three), the Empire of Venza, and the various republics that confederated in Elvira.


===First Volsini Empire===
==Legislative Branch==
The First Volsini Empire originated in the city of Iluma, the capital of the Empire and the modern capital of the Popular Republics of Volsini. The civilisation first emerged in the 23rdh Ialë B.U., although the cities that incorporated the empire had existed for at least another hundred years prior. Under the rule of Empress Arnola, these cities were bound together in the continent’s first empire.
The Legislative Branch of the Republic is known collectively as the Parliamentary Courts. They are a bicameral organ composed of an upper house, known as the Senate of Territories, and a lower house, known as the Council of Citizens. These chambers hold some particularities in comparison to the legislative branches of other countries, most notably with regards to the democratic and participative nature of the Council of Citizens.


Records show that these cities first established a confederation and, initially, maintained their own governance and internal security forces, as well as their own treasuries. However, they all made contributions to a united military, agreed trade with one another, and became intrinsically linked. However, Iluma—because of its considerable size in comparison to the rest of the cities prior to the confederation—was viewed as the strongest. This was most fervently realised under Empress Arnola, who imprisoned the entirety of the united army and marched her own into each of the city states, conquering them all swiftly. Within just a short set of years, she had conquered the entirety of Volsini. Though it is implied she had plans to eventually begin conquering the surrounding areas and invade the kingdom of Santarrejo, she was killed by her son, Eothomas, before she was able to realise her plans.
While the Senate of Territories performs its ceremonies and celebrates its sessions in the Palais des Isidor, nestled in the heart of the capital city of Val Royeaux, the Council of Citizens is held exclusively in online forums, video conferences, and other forms of telecommunications. Furthermore, since 2016, these methods now require biometric identification either through facial recognition technology, finger-print identification, or electronic signature technology, at the behest of the citizen themselves. All services are well-protected from hacking to limit the effects on the democratic functioning of the Republic, and all forums are protected by two-factor authentication, requiring one of these biometric identification methods and an additional process chosen by the citizen—these can include passcodes, authenticators, secret questions, etc.  


Within the first year of being ascended as emperor, Volsini military forces began conquering new lands, most notably the islands to the north and east of Iluma. Over the following decade, the Volsini military continued its military campaigns, conquering much of what is now eastern Venza and the southern tips of Marsier. The Volsini conquests were swift, and before the end of the 13th Ialë B.U., controlled most of modern-day Espinar, the eastern half of Venza and all its surrounding islands, and had made inroads into Marsier.
Neither the Senate nor the Council have political parties, as these were deemed detrimental to the functioning of the civilised Orlénié society. As such, these were replaced by ‘factions’, which are merely representative bodies that each voter may wilfully join or from which they may retire, should they so wish to. The more citizens join a particular faction, the more ‘power’ that faction wields within the Courts; however, these factions cannot vote themselves nor control the votes of the citizens that form a part of it. With no figure of the ‘whip’, the citizens will choose, freely and secretly, to vote on a bill in whichever way they deem appropriate.  


The First Volsini Empire collapsed after the death of Eothomas, who was felled in battle during the First Siege of Torrevilla. Though there had been much tension in Volsini since the late 14th Ialë B.U., it had largely been suppressed by Eothomas and his armies, whilst others were silenced by the riches arriving from the eastern conquests. His death was followed by a marked increase in insurrectionist activity, which culminated in the murder of Eothomas’ heir apparent during his coronation. This event sparked a civil war, and troops were recalled from Volsini holdings, leaving behind only token garrisons, which were then themselves conquered by liberationists in the occupied territories.
There are four types of bills that can be passed in the Courts. These are:
* '''Public bills'''. These are bills written and submitted by the Commission, who have the right of priority in terms of submission order.
* '''Private members’ bills'''. These are bills submitted by members of the Chamber of Territories to the appropriate parliamentary commission, or by a determined number of factions in the Forum. 
* '''Private bills'''. These are bills submitted by individual citizens—with the necessary popular support—or by organisations of the civil society—including, but not limited to, trade unions, NGOs, representative organisations, etc.  
* '''Hybrid bills'''. These are bills submitted by more than one organisation pertaining to different groups, such as Government and factions, individual citizens backing a motion by a senator, etc.  


The civil war continued for at least two decades, and at its end, all cities lay in ruin, most intensely of which was Iluma, the first imperial capital, which had been under siege for nearly four years before the war ended.
Public bills—after receiving the appropriate support from both the Commission and the Council—are presented to the Senate of Territories, where a thorough (and televised) debate of the bill between elected officials can take place. This occurs in the Palais des Isidor, in the capital city of Val Royeaux. Once passed, the bill is presented to the Council, where citizens will have time to present debates and discussions regarding the bill. After a minimum of seven days of debate, on the closest available Friday, the vote shall take place, with each citizen cataloguing their votes on the digital platform—which can be accessed via personal devices or by proceeding to their closest municipal building to vote at stations available there. Private members’ bills follow this process as well, as they must be submitted first in the Senate.


===Antizoni Empire===
Private bills, on the hand, follow a distinctly different process. These bills—which can be presented by individual citizens, factions, or organisations of the civil society—must be presented first to the Council itself, requiring a minimum of five hundred thousand votes to be considered (or one million votes, in the cases specified by the Constitution). These votes can be obtained either by explicit consent—which is when a citizen wilfully gives their signature to a particular bill or topic of discussion—or implicit consent—which is that consent given when a citizen forms part a faction that submits a bill to the Council, or supports a bill presented by a citizen to the Council, and they do not explicitly withdraw their approval before the end of the allotted time for the process. If the bill is approved in the Council, it is then transferred to the Senate for review.  
The Antizoni Empire emerged following the collapse of the First Volsini Empire from the Kingdom of Odiria. Prior to its expansionist period, it spanned from the city of Odiria in the east across to the Norcrestan regions; all of this would be maintained in the Antizoni Empire, as would a path through the center of the land to Venza and occupying parts of Volsini. It was the first empire in the history of the continent to span from north to south.


To its south, the weakened states that had been occupied by the First Volsini Empire were left in ruin by the revolutionary conflict that sprouted from the death of Emperor Eothomas. Even before the public murder of Duinenor, the Kingdom of Odiria began minor conquests into Marsier, starting with the island of Amafiel. When civil war broke in Volsini, a full invasion began and swept down the entire peninsula. The conquest was brisk, and before the end of the decade, Antizon territory had been almost doubled.
In this case, should the Senate approve the bill, the Government shall be obliged to present a plan to bring the act into motion within the following three months. This plan does not need to be detailed but should be sufficiently explicative that it is evident that the bill would achieve the objectives identified by the Courts. Should the Senate reject the bill in its entirety, the Council can override this rejection with a 60% qualified majority vote. Should the Senate present amendments to the bill, this bill will return to the Council, which will require approval of the modifications. Should they be approved, the obligation is then transferred to the government; should they reject these modifications or make amendments to them, the bill will return to the Senate.


The Antizoni Empire achieved its maximum extension under Empress Allethia. By then, the nation had become the single-most powerful empire on the continent and was unrivalled in military project, economic strength and political influence. Its courts held dignitaries from dozens of smaller kingdoms seeking clemency from their strongest neighbour. Its strategic geographical location made it impossible for continental trade to flow without coming into contact with the Antizon tariff authorities, whether it be through land or at sea.
In this final reading, should the Senate approve of the modifications, the obligation is then transferred to the Government. However, should the Senate reject the modifications, a special commission must be established between Government, Senate, and a representative faction of the Council (chosen by the governing body of the Council) to reach a consensus. Should a consensus be reached, the bill is presented first to the Council and then to the Senate for final approval. If a consensus cannot be reached, the Council can vote, with two-thirds qualified majority, to push the bill through to Government.  
===Senate of Territories===
The Senate of Territories (''Sénat des Territoires'') is the upper house of the legislative branch of the Republic. The election of the members of the Senate technically corresponds to the democratically elected governments of each of the regions, but they must be specifically validated and confirmed by the citizens of said region prior to their ascension to the Senate.  


It was the Antizoni Empire that beat down the rebellious republic in Elvira and established puppet states, and threatened Aterni with invasion if it did not withdraw military forces from the Bay of Isa and permitted free travel for all Antizon warships. In every sense of the word, the Antizoni Empire became the continental hegemony.
The composition of the Senate of Territories is undertaken by the regional governments of the provinces of the Republic. Each government will present to the citizens of their respective province a set of twelve candidates, drawn from politically relevant members of the society of that region, to represent them at the Senate of Territories. These candidates are then questioned and perform live debates with citizens both onsite at various locations or on online platforms, to ascertain their political inclinations and make informed decisions regarding their suitability for the position. Once this has been determined, the citizens vote to confirm—as a collegiate body—the set of candidates.


And so, it is especially shocking to historical scholars that the Antizoni Empire’s downfall came in less than five years. Very little data exists on the exact circumstances that led to the weakening of the Antizoni border, but what is known for certain is that the city of Norcrest was ransacked and by-then-abdicated Empress Allethia and her successor, Empress Vestelle, were beheaded in the city plaza, as per the tales collected in various poets’ works in the following decades.
It is quite common, in these situations, for factions—both national and regional ones—to support specific candidates. These can include campaigning for or against specific candidates, as well as participating in debates, conferences, and other forms of political scrutiny of public figures.
As the upper house of the Courts, the Senate must approve the General Budget, scrutinise the actions of Government in four weekly sessions, and exercise other competences deposited to it by the constitutional and legal framework of the Republic. The Senate operates in two periods of plenary sessions: the first, between September and December, and the second, between February and June. This allows for a one-month recess in January and a two-month recess in July and August; however, during these periods, a 28-member Permanent Committee is in place to continue with non-urgent dealings of the Senate.  


Current theories on the fall of the Antizoni Empire center on its military. Given the size of the empire, the Antizoni population was alarmingly small; as such, the military was also of reduced proportions. The Antizoni Empire attempted to circumvent this issue by the conscription of young children from occupied cities of their empire, but even then their military was unable to cope with the large military demands of a country of their size.
Elections are called on the 1st of June of every third year by the Bureau of the Senate, the governing body of the Senate, which is composed of eleven members, chosen by the members of the Senate for the purposes of organisation and moderation of plenary sessions. After the elections have been set, the Senate itself will be dissolved until a new configuration can be defined.
===Council of Citizens===
The Council of Citizens is the lower house of the legislative branch of the Republic. It is the de facto primary chamber of the Courts, largely because of the political discourse of citizens in this body. The Council is a unique chamber because it does not have voted representatives, but rather, is the direct democratic representation of oneself by oneself in a chamber of free political discussion. In this format, citizens cannot be wrongfully represented by their elected bureaucrats; as such, it becomes integral to the interests of both Government and civil society to make the object of any work of law clear to the citizens, making it accessible to all and easing the democratic process.  


Though there is no data—neither from the Antizoni Empire nor from Volsini—it is unlikely to be a coincidence that the fall of the Antizoni Empire coincided with the rapid emergence of the Second Volsini Empire. Some theories, working in conjunction with how thinly spread the Antizoni Empire’s military forces truly were, state that it is likely that the Second Volsini Empire funded and equipped revolutionary forces in Antizon hoping to weaken their forces enough to conquer the remains with ease. This then explains that not a decade after the fall of Norcrest, Volsini forces occupied the city.
The Council of Citizens is a new creation, born during the Constitutional Reform of 2008. The introduction of the process of Digitalisation of the State revolutionised the Orlénié political system. Prior to this, the Council of Citizens was formerly the National Assembly, and was a 650-member representative body using ranked-choice first-past-the-post system. This has since been replaced by a sophisticated and digitalised direct democracy system using advanced electronic platforms to allow citizens to participate in the political debate of the Courts from their personal devices or at digital stations available at municipal centres across the Republic. They can also be viewed via televised online sessions, as is also the case with the Senate.  


Despite this, the Antizoni Empire is the third longest-lasting empire in the history of Eothasia, after the Second Volsini Empire and the Aterni Empire. Today, it is said that the rise of the Antizoni Empire began in -21:76, with the first wave of invasions all across Marsier, and ended with the fall of Norcrest in -19:72.
In addition to the bills presented by the Commission to the Senate, citizens can choose to present private bills to the Council itself. This requires the backing and support of five hundred thousand citizens, either by explicit consent—usually achieved via digital or physical signing campaigns, including those available on the platform of the Council itself—or with the backing of the factions of the Council and their incorporated votes—known as implicit consent. It is common for bills to be presented to the Council to be debated not only at a wide, national level, but also at lower, local levels.  


==Contemporary Era==
Voting in the Council of Citizens, however, is two-fold. It requires not only the approval by simple majority—in most cases—of votes from the citizens, but also of a simple majority of municipalities—which is counted by allotting each municipality a single vote, determined by the overall majority vote in each individual municipality. This is to guarantee that rural municipalities with lower populations are equally represented in the Council.  
===Union of Eothasi Kingdoms===
In 1674, Emperor Séverine is in ill health. He had been bedridden for weeks and was having trouble coordinating the governance of the country. Finding this unworthy of the Aterni Empire, Emperor Séverine abdicated in his daughter, then Crown Princess Duvaineth, so that she take the throne early and begin ruling in his stead. It did not, however, assist him in his fight; in June of that year, after being terribly sick for more than four months, he finally passed away.  


The first few years of Duvaineth’s rule were rather quiet. It wasn’t until December of 1678 that, during a public speech in the capital city from the balcony of the Imperial Palace —and which would later be read in thousands of public squares across the land— she saw it unfit to maintain the institution in the way that it had been thus far, ruling over the exterior territories instead of ruling alongside them. As such, she restructured the Aterni Empire into the Union of Eothasi Kingdoms, becoming the first time that the country was represented as a whole of Eothasia, instead of just Aterni. Despite this, Aterni, Antizon, and Venza were still considered the core states and other territories were not represented in the creation of a new flag.  
The competences of the Council are extremely varied. On the one hand, they are the utmost representation of the legislative power of the Republic, voting on and approving or rejecting bills that affect the political structure and projects of the Republic, as well as presenting citizen-led legislative initiatives. Furthermore, they must recognise the final composition of the Commission on an eight-year basis. The Council can also willingly choose to remove any member of Government, requiring 15% of the Council to request a Motion of No Confidence in the member to the Senate. Should the Senate provide backing, the motion is returned to the Council for a simple majority vote; should the Senate not provide backing, it shall return to the Council requiring two-thirds qualified majority.  


Despite the lack of political parties, the will of the people is recognised within the Council by ‘factions’. These factions are legally recognised groups of people that have a specific end in mind, or wish to defend certain ideals, ethics, or ideologies. There is no limit to the number of factions that may exist in the Council, nor are there limits to the number of factions that a citizen may form a part of—although each citizen shall only ever receive one vote. Factions are of free entry and exit, and cannot have economic quotas, payments, or financial accounts tied to their judicial person. Furthermore, to form a faction, at least 100,000 citizens must sign up to be the founding members, and no faction can have less than 60,000 members.


This was met with great enthusiasm from thousands of people across the land, mostly in the east, which had been the most oppressed and secluded regions of the Aterni Empire after the Peninsular War. They hoped that, with this, they would be able to break away from the Aterni Empire to form their own government. Their fears were soon realised when Duvaineth roared against their independence thoughts, leaving quite clear that the growing kingdom would unite all of Eothasia, and not just “parts and pieces”.  
The Council of Citizens is led by the Bureau of the Citizenry, which are a set of fifty-two prominent faction leaders elected by the Council to organise its tasks under the supervision of the Senate.


However, there was also a general sentiment of agreement. Despite the fact that the Union of Eothasi Kingdoms would not be the democracy it is today —only those with a minimum amount of lands would be able to vote, for instance, until 1833— many people saw it as a most welcome step forward. This was largely the contrary for citizens of the Aterni Empire proper, who believed that all of Eothasia was theirs to control, as well as many nobles, who saw their preferences over nobles from the east taken away. However, though some attempted to plot against the Empress, nothing ever came of it.  
==Executive Branch==
The executive branch of the Republic is the branch responsible for enacting the various policies of the State and organising the Public Administration to guarantee the basic tenets of the Constitution are adhered to. The executive branch is organised in dual format: the head of State, embodied by the President, and the head of Government, embodied by the Chancellor, both of which form part of the Commission—which is presided by the Chancellor—and enacts the various policies of the government.  


On April the 14th, 1681, the Union of Eothasi Kingdoms was declared and Duvaineth herself gave a speech in front of the Imperial Palace in Valtoria. She went on to complete her reign, abdicating in favour of her son, King Cyrille, in 1717.  
The Commission is provided housing at the massive Palace of the Republic (Palais de la République), in the heart of the capital city of Val Royeaux. This complex is where most of the meetings of the Commission take place, as well as acting as a temporary home for the Chancellor during their tenure in government. The President, meanwhile, lives in the old imperial Palace—the Palace of Rosenburg (Palais de Rosenburg)—in the centre of Val Royeaux.  


===Declaration of a Republic and Revolutionary Era===
===Federal Commission===
The Union of Eothasi Republics was a short-lived project that attempted to reorganise Eothasia into a republic. Considering that its roots in monarchism were illegitimate, many soldiers of the army undertook a coup d’etat which eventually led to the murder of the incumbent monarch, King Siegmund, and a military junta took over the country. They called themselves the Union of Eothasi Republics, but were anything but, instead actively working against the people’s freedom and liberties.
The Federal Commission is the body of the Orlénié government that oversees the administrative core of the Republic. The Commission must have twenty-one members, in addition to the President and the Chancellor. The remaining members shall be ‘Lord Commissioners’ of the Republic and shall have specific portfolios assigned to them, such as Defence, Education, Labour, Pensions, etc.


Established in 1901, it was already a useless project in 1912. An enormous social movement —founded and staunchly defended by socialist Priscilla Poriér— took to the streets in the summer of 1912, demanding retaking the control of the State and pushing a socialist revolution. Many of those that had fought in 1901 were no longer in the military or were in government; the vast majority of the army had become fervently socialist and supported the social movements against some elements of the national police, such as the now defunct “Legionnaires,who protected the Union of Eothasi Republics. However, in December of 1912, the entirety of the military junta fled the country. Initially running to trade partner Azadistan, the exact location of where they holed up is unknown.
The organisation of the Commission itself is at the behest of the Chancellor, who organises their first Commission upon entering office and then subsequently can modify this Commission at will. The first Commission must be approved and confirmed in its entirety by the Senate, which will also confirm any further modifications and additions to the Commission.  


With the military junta defeated and the Legionnaires without political support, Priscilla rapidly climbed and declared the end of the Union of Eothasi Republics, stating that members of the civil society would participate in forming a new constitution by and for the people.  
The Federal Commission has legislative initiative, meaning that it can put forth to the legislative branch bills on any number of factors ranging from education, internal security, fiscal policy, social security, etc. It also has executive powers, allowing it to exercise these powers freely within the limitations of the legal and constitutional framework of the Republic. Furthermore, the Commission has the right of enforcement, allowing it to use a variety of agencies, departments, and dependent organisms to ensure that its laws and regulations are adhered to across the Republic.  


Returning to the tradition of April the 14th, the Constituent Assembly finally approved the Popular Constitution in 1913 on that date. Furthermore, given the great tendency in the country to restore the lost monarchy, the constitution ensured that the monarchy would return in a way deemed appropriate; with the constant revalidation of the monarch, titled the Crowned Overseer of the Commonwealth, by the people in every presidential election.  
The Commission are provided office space and facilities at the Palais de la République in Val Royeaux, as well as living quarters for the Chancellor and a determined number of additional guests, should it be required. The Commission has also been known to use a variety of other palaces for other events, including the Palais de Rosenburg, when dealing with specific matters of foreign affairs, or to entertain state visits by foreign dignitaries. Other such buildings include the Palais de Isidor, the Château d’Arlac, the Palais de Bellefontaine, and even the Royeaux Court Operahouse (the Opéra des Rois de Royeaux), most notably during the Orlénié State  Ball.
====President of the Republic====
The President of the Republic is a key figure in the governance of the nation, playing a crucial role in both ceremonial and executive functions. The presidency embodies the unity of the nation and symbolises its continuity. Its responsibilities and duties are vast, encompassing a range of activities that contribute to the stability, security, and well-being of the Republic.


From then, the first elections were celebrated in July of 1913, though these were for an interim period, as it was stated in norm (though not law) that elections would always be on the 1st of January of the corresponding year. As such, Priscilla was voted as interim president both in July of 1913 and as the first Federal President of the Imperial Eothasi Commonwealth on January 1st, 1914, alongside the validated ''Reichzler'' Messner III.
The duties of the president include:


=Geography=
* '''Ceremonial Duties'''. At the heart of the presidential duties lie its ceremonial role, representing the unity and continuity of the Republic. The president is the embodiment of the State and its values, participating in various state ceremonies, receptions, and other diplomatic events. From state funerals to national celebrations, the President is present as a unifying figure.
[WiP]
* '''Guardian of the Constitution'''. The President is also the guardian of the Constitution, ensuring that its principles and values are upheld throughout the country. While the day-to-day administration is handled by the Chancellor, the President stands as the ultimate safeguard against any actions that may compromise the constitutional order. This includes ensuring the separation of powers and protecting the fundamental rights and liberties of citizens.
* '''Foreign Affairs'''. Another significant aspect of the President’s duties lies in the realm of foreign affairs. The President is the Republic’s chief diplomat, representing the nation in international forums and maintaining diplomatic relations with other countries. Through state visits, meetings with foreign leaders, and participation in international conferences, the President contributes to shaping the country’s image on the global stage. Additionally, the President plays a crucial role in the negotiation and ratification of treaties, fostering alliances, and addressing issues of global concern.
* '''Defence of the Republic'''. The President serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic, holding the ultimate authority over the nation’s defence and security. While the day-to-day operations are overseen by military commanders and defence personnel, the president holds the power to deploy military forces in the defence of the nation. This role underscores the President’s responsibility for the safety and security of the country and its citizens. It must be noted that this does not mean, however, that the president is able to declare war, as the only organ which is competent for such a task in the Republic is the Senate.
* '''Appointment Powers'''. The president holds significant appointment powers, including key figures in the administration, judiciary, and military. This includes the appointment of the Chancellor, in conjunction with the Senate, as well as judges, ambassadors, and other high-ranking officials. These appointments are crucial in shaping the direction and efficiency of the government.
* '''Emergency Powers'''. In times of crisis or emergency, the President may be granted certain emergency powers to address the situation effectively. These powers, defined by the Constitution of the Republic, allow the president to take swift and decisive action to protect the Republic, be it from foreign invasion, natural catastrophe, pandemic or diseases, or shortages of crucial supplies and materials. These powers are, of course, subject to checks and balances to prevent their misuse.  
* '''National Unity'''. Beyond specific duties, the President of the Republic plays a unique role in fostering national unity. Through speeches, addresses, and public appearances, the President has the ability to inspire and reassure the public. During times of crisis and grief, the President’s leadership is crucial in maintaining the cohesion of the nation and instilling confidence in the government.
====Chancellor of the Republic====
The Chancellor of the Republic is the official head of government of the Republic and is a deeply integrated role in the political realm of the country. As in other political systems, the Chancellor is of immense importance to the unity and legitimacy of the State, as well as having a key role in directing the political and administrative structures of the State in the direction that they deem necessary.
 
The Constitution provides the Chancellor with the right to determine their government, organise their public policies, and grants executive powers to conduct the organisation of the administrative apparatus of the State. That said, however, the political system in the Republic follows a similar division as that of most semi-presidential systems, with various powers and duties deposited also in the head of State, the President of the Republic.


=Demographics=
The competences assigned to the Chancellor are not precisely defined, as they are a product of a political convention at the start of each Chancellor’s new five-year term. That said, various specific duties are inalienably assigned to the Office of the Chancellor. These include the organisation of the Government and of the Commission (although this is largely shared with the President); the determination and direction of domestic policy of the Republic; and the capacity to modify and change economic and fiscal policy of the Republic. Conversely, the head of State—the President—will be mostly tasked with: duties related to the definition of the Republic’s foreign policy and representation abroad, in conjunction with the Commission; the definition of the State’s defence and security policy, in conjunction with the Commission; and others. It is important to note that, while both the head of State and Government wield considerable power, they are counterbalanced by both the other, and the Commission and Senate, to ensure a more uniform approach to policy both domestically and abroad.
[WiP]
====Elections====
Since the founding of the Republic in 1793, and through its different historical modifications, the head of State has always been elected via universal suffrage. In its current iteration since the Digital Revolution of 2008 and the introduction of the Council of Citizens, instead of organising these elections via ballot, it is instead done via an electronic voting system requiring biometric and two-factor authentication, as well as at specialised voting stations set up at municipal, departmental, and provincial buildings.


=Government=
The President of the Republic is elected on a ten-year term, with elections always held on one of the week’s four rest days, allowing most ease in the voting process—this, however, is a remnant of the previous ballot-voting system, as this is rather easy to do on personal devices post-Digital Revolution. This does, however, also allow for maximum participation in political debates and discussion in the forums, conferences, and other media.  
The Eothasi government is the national government of the ''Repúblikenreich Verbend d’Eothasia''. It is composed of seven Popular Republics, and a federal district in which the nation’s capital of Valtoria resides. It has a clear division of power in legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with power vested by the Eothasi Constitution in the Imperial Parliament, the Council of Governance, and the Eothasi Judiciary, respectively. Additionally, each branch can create a number of committees, departments, and sub-courts to carry out their duties.


Apart from the federal government in Valtoria, the government is also partitioned into more local levels: the Vexians, the Province States, and the Popular Republics.
For a candidate to be considered for the office of the President, they require the explicit or implicit support of at least two million citizens. They must also obtain the backing of at least one-twentieth of the members of the Senate. The finalised list of candidates—which cannot number greater than ten—is established nine months before the elections themselves take place. In this time, the Council of Citizens will sponsor debates, campaigns, and other activities to control the promotion of candidates and ensure that all are equally represented.


==Vexian==
During the election, at least one candidate must obtain 50% of the popular vote. This is done via a ranked-choice based system of electoral voting, allowing for the most approximate representation of a majority of the popular vote. Once the Council of Citizens has elected a candidate, they are bestowed in an inauguration ceremony with the Robes of the Republic that carry with them the right to preside the Republic, and they begin their duties.  
Vexian Councils are the first governmental step within the Commonwealth, centered around the governance of individual cities. There are no prior requirements to ascend to Vexian. Members form part of campaign movements to gain renown amongst the citizenry of the city in question and are elected by the population to the Vexian council. These are presided by the Supreme Councillor, who is elected by the members of the Vexian Council.  


The Vexian Councils themselves are the representatives of the citizens of a city. It is their duty to undertake actions that reflect the desires of the populace and implement the measures they find most appropriate to achieve those desires. Furthermore, given that the country is divided into twenty-seven provinces, all the Vexians of a particular province form what is known as the Provincial Congress.
The first order of business after any election of the President is the election of the Chancellor. Once a President has been sworn into office, they must present to the Senate a candidate which they would like to take the mantel of the Chancellor for the first five years of their tenure. A debate then takes place during which the Senate verify the profile of the selected candidate and then either approve or reject the candidate. Should the Senate reject the candidate, the President must continue to present candidates until one is selected. Should the Senate approve of the candidate, then the Chancellor and President will then formulate and present the official list of members to form part of the Federal Commission, which must also be approved by the Senate.


It is paramount that the Vexian Council be active in communication with its citizens, as bi-annual elections have been known to destroy the political careers of many aspiring Vexians.
It’s important to note that, while the Chancellor can form part of three consecutive governments, a President-elect cannot be elected in two consecutive elections.
====Structure of Government====
[[File:ImperialStateMinistry_Structure1.png|thumb|right|300px|Base structure of a Department]]The Commission is composed of several bodies—currently 21—known as ‘Departments’, with a specific ministerial portfolio of duties, tasks, and obligations assigned to each commissioner. The organisation of these ministries is done so in the manner of choosing of the Chancellor, although there is input from the President in this regard. At the head of each ministry is the Lord Commissioner assigned to said department.  


==Popular Republics==
Each Department is further constituted by ‘State Ministries’, which are the highest sub-departmental organ in the Republic. They are presided by Lord Ministers and must be selected through rigorous testing processes. These ministries are then divided into ‘bureaus’, led by Lord Secretaries. Lastly, these directorates are composed of ‘directorates’, which can either be the last level or can be divided further into ‘subdirectorates’.
The entirety of the Commonwealth is divided into seven Popular Republics. As such, this is one of the most important offices to hold in the Commonwealth. The members presiding over the Popular Republic, holding the position of Exarch, which are elected by regional elections within the corresponding Popular Republic.


The Popular Republics are the largest divisions into which the Commonwealth is organised. They have their own set of judges and courts, police forces, investigative units, budgetary accounts, with their own congresses and semi-autonomous governments. By all accounts, they are essentially nations, autonomous in many ways, but still under the jurisdiction and leadership of the federal government in Valtoria.
It is not obligatory for this structure to be followed, however. A directorate does not necessarily have to be subordinate to a bureau but can be directly dependent of a State Ministry, while a bureau might be dependent of the department itself. However, the administrative rank of the person in charge of the body cannot change; a Lord Secretary cannot oversee a Ministry, nor can a bureau officer oversee a directorate. As such, state ministries are often reserved for the most important topics amongst a department’s duties, and some departments do not have ministries if it is deemed that they have no topics requiring a position of such importance.


==Imperial Parliament==
Each department will also have a technical cabinet, which provides technical assistance to the Lord Commissioner, as well as an Undersecretary of the department for additional organisational support regarding financing, budgeting, human resources, etc.
The House of the Realm is a uninominal constituencies system. The entire country is divided into 387 constituencies; each constituency proposes one candidate to the House of the Realm, which will act as that constituencies’ particular representation in this body. As such, all members are independents and there are no parties in the Eothasi political system. In order to ensure that not only higher-class individuals are able to attempt election due to the costs of the electoral campaigns, the federal government has ensured the following rules: (1) candidates for elections must not draw funds for their campaigns from personal accounts, but exclusively from donations of members that must reside within the region that they represent; (2) the ruling government of the Popular Republic to which a specific constituencies belongs must ensure that local debates are conducted to ensure visibility of all candidates; (3) small subsidies are provided to candidates in a second consecutive candidacy. Members of the House of the Realm are voted directly by the citizens of the country. These elections occur once every five years and the entirety of the House of the Realm is up for vote at the same time. In order to become a representative of House of the Realm, it is necessary for an individual to be of Eothasi birth and to have obtained, at minimum, the Vexian.
====Shadow Commission====
The Shadow Commission is the name given to the ‘Opposition’ Commission. This Commission is formed by the second-most voted candidate during the elections for the Presidency, and—in accordance with the Constitution—must have the same overall structure and ‘shadow’ the competences of the Commission. This commission acts as a legal counterweight to the administrative decisions of Government and can publish and publicly suggest alternative solutions. They also have the right to obtain information critical to the functioning of the government, including information not released to the public; as such, they are sworn under the same oaths of secrecy and duty to the State as the incumbent government. In practice, the Shadow Commission consists of members—approved by the Senate—who scrutinise their corresponding government commissioners, develop alternative policies, and hold the Government accountable for their actions.  


Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Council is a space for representatives of the different governments of the country. Each of the seven Popular Republics is divided into a number of provinces which total 27 between the seven of them, plus the state of Valtoria for a total of 28 represented states in the Commonwealth Council. Each of these provinces selects three candidates to participate in the Commonwealth Council as councilors and represent the interests of their respective provinces in the upper house of the legislative branch. As such, the Commonwealth Council consists of a total of 81 selected members; these members are selected by the government of the Popular Republic for which the Province State pertains; as such, regions like Espinar have a total of only six representatives, Valtoria has three representatives, whereas Aterni has eighteen representatives and Venza another fifteen. For a further explanation, please visit [[Eothasi Courts|Cortesreich]].
Members of the Shadow Commission have no executive or legislative powers and must limit their activity to studying and scrutinising the policies and actions of the Government. This may give them considerable prominence within the political structure of the Republic, but it must also be noted that they are not necessarily a political representation of any body of the state. As such, the Senate may, via absolute majority, remove one or all of the members of the Shadow Commission—except for the ‘Shadow President’, as they have been elected and validated by the Council of Citizens and can only be removed by this Council, although the Senate may request this measure of the Council.


It must be noted that the right to vote is obligatory in the ''Repúblikenreich Verbend d’Eothasia''. Any Eothasi (or foreigner in the case of local elections) must present themselves to vote at any and all elections, as it is considered a civic duty in the Commonwealth. Failing to comply with this is sanctioned by either a fine or a slightly higher percentage of withheld tax. Furthermore, because of the fact that there are no political parties and all candidates are independent, the federal government has strongly pushed for the creation and maintenance of a civil society to integrate the people into the country’s governance.  
==Judicial Branch==
The Republic stands as a testament to the principles of justice and the rule of law, with its judicial branch playing a crucial role in upholding these ideals. The intricate system of justice—both at the provincial and national levels—ensures that the rights of the citizens are protected, disputes are resolved, and the stability of the Republic is maintained.  


===Powers of the Imperial Parliament===
At the provincial level, the judicial branch is structured in a hierarchical manner, mirror the administrative divisions of the Republic. Each province has its own network of courts, overseen by esteemed jurists known as Praetors. These praetors, chosen for their legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice, preside over the Provincial Courts. They are responsible for ensuring that laws are upheld, interpreting legal codes, and resolving conflicts within their jurisdiction.
The Imperial Parliament have a number of important powers, with each house operating with different roles in these procedures. Though it should be noted that they are not all of the duties that are encompassed in the responsibilities of the Imperial Parliament, some are detailed in the following:


# Legislature. The Imperial Parliament are the key branch for the creation and passing of new laws in the Commonwealth. They must be approved by a simple majority in the chambers in order for the law to be approved, requiring the Governors’ signature. Should they veto the bill, the Imperial Parliament can choose to override the veto, requiring absolute majority.
Beneath the Provincial Courts are District Courts, where cases of civil and criminal natura are heard. These courts are presided over by experienced magistrates who possess a deep understanding of the law and a keen sense of fairness. They meticulously evaluate evidence, hear arguments, and render judgements based on the merits of each case. They serve as guardians of justice, ensuring that the due process is followed and that the rights of all parties are protected.
# Approval of Cabinet of Ministries Members. Though it is not explicitly necessary (and, indeed, members can be appointed to the Council without approval), it is tradition for the Senate to vote and approve the appointments made by the Governors for Council members.
# Federalisation. Though theoretically an article exists within the Eothasi Constitution under which the Imperial Parliament assume control of all similar powers in all Popular Republics, habitually this is not undertaken; each Popular Republic is able to exercise their own powers over their jurisdiction (insofar as it does not contradict federal laws issued by the Imperial Parliament).
# Appointment and Impeachment. The Imperial Parliament are the bodies that ratify the ascension of a new Governor to the Circle. Furthermore, it retains the right to impeach and remove any and all federal officers from government. The two chambers serve different functions for this process; the Imperial Parliament must first initiate and impeach the officer in question, and the Senate must then undergo a trial process under which the individual is removed from office if it so demands. The impeachment requires a majority in the Imperial Parliament, whilst removal from office requires 60% majority in the Senate. In the existence of the Commonwealth, no federal officer has been impeached or removed by the Imperial Parliament.
# Committees. The Imperial Parliament retain the right to create and establish committees and subcommittees for the undertaking of its duties, such as drafting legislation and policies, conducting investigations into national matters, etc. As of 3:55 A.U. (2036 C.E.), the number of committees operating under the Imperial Parliament supersedes two hundred.


===Primagisters===
The judicial proceedings are facilitated by a team of legal professionals, including advocates and legal scholars, who provide expert guidance and support. Advocates, skilled in the art of persuasion and eloquence, represent clients and present their cases before the courts. Legal scholars, on the other hand, engage in scholarly research, studying legal texts and precedent to offer insights and interpretations into complex legal matters.
The Primagisters are a set of up to one hundred noteworthy members of the Imperial Parliament that are selected to be potential candidates to replace a Governor in the event of one’s perishing. Officially, they hold no additional powers over their colleagues in the Imperial Parliament, and are habitual members in government. As such, they are permitted all the rights as well as the obligations of all members of the Imperial Parliament. The voting for primagisters is simple: there is a maximum of 100 members that are given this title. Upon one perishing (or in the event of there being vacancies and a particular member of the Imperial Parliament presents a petition to be promoted into the Primagisters), all members undergo a voting process.


In the event of one member perishing or the Imperial Parliament deciding to fill a vacancy (as it is habitual for there to be at least 90 primagisters in the Imperial Parliament at any given time), any (or all) members of the Imperial Parliament can present themselves for promotion into the group. In the event that the number of candidates supersedes 10, a voting process will be undertaken to determine the 10 members with the most support in the Imperial Parliament. A second vote will then be undertaken; if one single member obtains a minimum of 50% of the vote plus one (or above 40% with at least 10% advantage over the next candidate), they are admitted into the Primagisters. In the event this is not the case, the first two members will proceed to a third voting process in which one of the two must be triumphant.  
At the national level, the apex of the judicial branch is the Court of Cassation, located in the heart of the capital city of Val Royeaux. This esteemed institution comprises the most distinguished jurists in the Republic, known as Justices. These justices, appointed for life, possess an unparalleled depth of legal knowledge and wisdom. They are entrusted with the task of interpreting the law, resolving conflicts between provinces, and ensuring the uniform application of justice throughout the Republic. The Court of Cassation serves as the final arbiter of justice, acting as the court of last resort for those seeking redress. It reviews cases on appeal from the Provincial Courts, carefully examining the legal arguments and evidence presented. The judgements of the Court of Cassation carry immense weight, setting precedents that guide future legal interpretations and shape the development of the Republic’s legal system.  


In the event of a candidate presenting themselves to a vacancy of their own accord, the Imperial Parliament will hold a voting process that must secure at least 60% of the support of the Imperial Parliament in order to be admitted.
The support the functioning of the judicial branch and maintain the highest standards of justice, a comprehensive system of legal education and training is established. Aspiring jurists undergo rigorous academic and practical training, studying the principles of Orlénié law, legal philosophy, and courtroom procedures. Renowned academies, such as the Académie Juridique de Beauchamps in Val Royeaux, serve as centres of legal training, nurturing the next generation of legal minds and instilling in them a deep sense of ethical responsibility.  


==Council of Governance==
The judicial branch of the Republic is not merely a mechanism for dispute resolution, but a pillar of the society that upholds the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Its commitment to impartiality, integrity, and the pursuit of the truth fosters a sense of trust and confidence amongst the citizenries. Through its steadfast dedication to justice, the judicial branch contributes to the overall stability and prosperity of the union, ensuring that the rights of its people are safeguarded, and that disputes are resolved in a just and equitable manner.
The Council of Governance has been the executive branch of the Commonwealth since its establishment. It is composed of three different individuals, each appointed to the role in different ways and with different purposes, although the overarching purpose is to govern the country in its entirety.  


The first position of the Council of Governance is the Crowned Overseer, known as the monarch in other countries, which is not elected by the people themselves, but is submitted to regular referendum in order to revalidate their position as the Crowned Overseer. In this referendum, they must obtain a minimum of 50% approval rating to continue unimpeded. If they were to obtain two consecutive ratings below 50%, they would be forced to abdicate to the Crown Prince or Princess of the Realm (or alternatively, a regent or other solution imposed by the Courts), as they would also have to do if they obtained below 40% approval in any given referendum. They oversee the Council of Governance and act as the sole Head of State of the Commonwealth. Though the translated version of the title would be His/Her Royal Majesty, King or Queen of the Realm, the official title is ''Reichzler'' or ''Reichess'' of the Realm.  
=Military=
The military of the Republic stands as a formidable force dedicated to ensuring the security of the Republic, projecting power across the globe and safeguarding the interests of the Republic. Drawing inspiration from the principles of liberty, democracy, social justice, and national defence, the Orlénié military showcases a commitment to excellence, innovation, and global stability.  


The second member of the Council of Governance is the Prime Minister . The Prime Minister  acts as a political entity elected by the people in order to coordinate the governance of the country. The duty of the Prime Minister is to ensure that the laws are executed in a faithful manner, as well as protect and preserve the integrity of the Eothasi Constitution.
Comprised of various branches—including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps—the military boasts a comprehensive range of capabilities across land, sea, and air domains. The army, composed of highly-skilled soldiers, excels in ground operations, leveraging innovative technology, advanced combat vehicles, and sophisticated communications systems. The Navy, equipped with state-of-the-art warships and submarines, maintains a robust maritime presence, upholding freedom of navigation and safeguarding crucial waterways in the Republic. The Air Force, with its fleet of advanced aircraft—ranging from fighter jets and bombers to helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and transport craft—ensures aerial superiority, rapidly deployment, effective reconnaissance, and precision strikes. The Marine Corps, renowned for its amphibious capabilities, specialises in expeditionary warfare, swiftly responding to crises and projecting force with agility and efficiency.  


The Prime Minister  is directly voted by the people, but the system is not exactly similar as that of other countries. Firstly, the candidate for the Federal Presidency can only be selected from the group of one hundred primagisters forming part of the Imperial Parliament (as well as the eight ruling Exarchs); after occupying the position of Prime Minister, they will necessarily be removed from their position, be it as a Exarch or as a senator or councillor; in the case of senator or councillor, the removed individual will choose their successor, while in the event of Exarch, the statute of the Popular Republic in question will dictate the line of succession.  
The military’s leadership and command structure are built upon a foundation of expertise and experience. Seasoned officers provide strategic guidance and oversee operations across the various branches, with select few officers given the authority to command combined arms operations. Their astute decision-making, coupled with comprehensive planning and coordination, ensures the military’s readiness and effectiveness in meeting a diverse set of challenges.  


The Prime Minister will each renew their position every five years. The voting process for the Prime Minister has a maximum of five Primagisters of the Imperial Parliament (or Exarchs of the Popular Republics) presented as candidates for the Council of Governance to the citizenry. These are selected by the Imperial Parliament themselves; any number of Primagisters and Exarchs can declare themselves candidates, but only the top four most voted in the Imperial Parliament will be presented to a ballot for the elections, in addition to the incumbent Prime Minister, or unless they are ineligible, unavailable or unwilling to participate, the Imperial Parliament will choose five candidates.
Emphasising joint operations and interoperability, the military fosters collaboration and synergy amongst its branches, enabling seamless integration and combined arms effectiveness. The rank structure is composed of officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel, tasked with everything from formulating military strategies, coordinating joint operations, and performing the on-site tasks and duties required to complete the outlined objectives.  


The elections then consist of potentially two phases. A first phase in which the citizenry votes for all five candidates; if the winning candidate obtains 50% of the vote or greater, they are immediately triumphant. If they obtain 40% of the vote with an advantage of at least 10% over the next most voted candidate, they also are triumphant. In any other case, the two most voted members will go into the second phase, in which the citizenry must vote between one of these two members to select the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister does not have any term limits.  
Technological innovation plays a pivotal role in shaping the military’s capabilities. Investment in research and development fuels advancements in defence technologies, encompassing areas such as weaponry, intelligence gathering, cyberwarfare suites, telecommunications networks, advanced fighter craft, missile defence systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and sophisticated Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Robotics and unmanned systems contribute to the military’s effectiveness, enhancing reconnaissance, logistical, and even limited combat operations. The military remains at the forefront of technological advancements, adapting and leveraging emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.  


The third and last member of the Council of Governance is the Federal Chancellor, which is chosen by absolute majority in the House of the Realm and Commonwealth Council and is to represent “opposition” in the Council of Governance. Together, the three members are Head of Government of the Commonwealth.  
A highly trained and professional military force relies also on rigorous education, training, and talent development. The military’s academies and specialised training institutions instil a culture of excellence, fostering leadership, critical thinking, and specialised skills amongst the ranks. Continuous training exercises, simulations, and joint multinational exercises hone the military’s proficiency and promote collaboration with allied nations. The well-being of the service members is a priority, with comprehensive healthcare, support programmes, and ample opportunity for career growth and personal development both within the military and post-retirement.  


The Council of Governance may pass a bill or they may veto it and prevent it from becoming law (insofar as 75% of both chambers agree to the ratification). They may unilaterally sign treaties with other countries or with international organisations without the ratification of either the Senate or the Imperial Parliament (although if 60% of both reject the treaty, it is denied).
Beyond its primary role of defence, the military actively contributes to global stability and humanitarian endeavours. It participates in peacekeeping missions, disaster-relief operations, and international efforts to combat terrorism and ensure regional security. The military’s expeditionary capabilities enable rapid response to crises, facilitating the delivery of aid, promoting stability, and conducting joint exercises and military exchange programmes with allied nations to foster cooperation and to strengthen diplomatic ties. The military acts as a responsible global partner, upholding shared values and contributing to a more secure and prosperous world.  


The Council of Governance may be impeached by the Imperial Parliament, partially or totally, if it deems it so, and if all necessary procedures are adequately followed.
With its commitment to excellence, technological advancement, and comprehensive training, the military forces of the Republic serve as a guardian of security, projecting power when necessary, and actively contributing to global peace and stability. As an integral pillar of the nation’s identity and progress, the military stands ready to defend Orlénié interests and promote the well-being of its people in a rapidly evolving world.


The Council of Governance may dissolve the Imperial Parliament and call elections if they enact a Decree of National Emergency that so necessitates it. They are able to pardon and release criminals convicted of offenses against the federal government, enact executive orders, appoint Supreme Court justices (with the support of the Imperial Parliament) as well as federal judges.
=Law Enforcement=
Law enforcement in the Republic operates under a well-structured and coordinated system that ensures the safety and security of its citizens across the thirty-two member states. The country’s federal model allows for a balance between central authority and regional autonomy, reflecting in the framework of the law enforcement system.  


Apart from this, the executive is also formed by a Cabinet of Ministries, being a selection of ministers specialised in their fields in order to provide the Governors with the most accurate information and programs at their disposal.
At the national level, the Federal Security Bureau (FSB) serves as the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing federal law. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Home Office, which oversees the country’s overall security apparatus. The FSB works closely with provincial law enforcement agencies to ensure effective collaboration and information sharing.  


===Cabinet of Ministries===
In each province, a Provincial security office is established to oversee the law enforcement matters at the regional level. The exact nomenclature of these offices is decided by the province itself. These agencies are responsible for maintaining peace and security within their respective jurisdictions, as well as enforcing regional laws and regulations. They work in close cooperation with the FSB, sharing resources, intelligence, and expertise to combat crime and maintain public safety.  
The daily enforcement and application of federal laws is in the hands of the federal ministries, such as that of the Foreign Ministry or Defence Ministry. These are created by the Council of Governance with specific jurisdictions, whether they be national or international. Currently, there are 16 ministries in this council, each representative selected exclusively by the Council of Governance (although frequently, there are recommendations by the Imperial Parliament).  


Apart from these ministries, there are also independent agencies, such as the Eothasi Stellar Initiative, the Office of Naval Intelligence, and others.
Additionally, the Republic places great emphasis on community policing initiatives. These ‘community police units’ are established in towns and cities across the country to foster a strong bond between law enforcement and local communities. These units collaborate directly with residents, engaging in crime-prevention programmes, addressing community concerns, and building trust and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement officers.  


==Eothasi Supreme Court==
The Republic’s law enforcement agencies prioritise training and professionalism, and police recruits undergo comprehensive training programmes that focus on law enforcement techniques, community relations, ethics, and respect for human rights. Ongoing professional development is also emphasised to ensure that officers stay updated with the latest investigative techniques, technologies, and legal evolution.  
The Eothasi Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the Commonwealth. Established by the Eothasi Constitution, it has ultimate (and discretionary) appellate jurisdiction over federal and state court cases involving federal law. It is the final interpreter of federal law including the Eothasi Constitution. However, it does not have the power to decide non-justiciable political questions, and the enforcement arm of the judicial branch is, in fact, the executive branch of government.


According to the national statutes, the Supreme Court consists of eight associate justices to the Chief Justice of the Commonwealth, nominated by the reigning Governors and approved by the established Imperial Parliament. Once appointed, these justices have lifetime tenure, unless they retire, resign, or are ultimately deemed unfit to serve by the Imperial Parliament. Each justice has one vote, and it is unlikely to witness any number of cases in which the decisions taken are not unanimous, in accordance with their interpretation of the law.
To maintain accountability and oversight, an independent agency under the ombudsman of the State known as the Office of Police Overview investigates and address complaints against law enforcement officers, ensuring transparency and accountability in these operations.


The Supreme Court meets in the National Courthouse in Valtoria.
=Economy=
The economy of the Republic is a robust and prosperous one, driven by a diverse range of sectors and fuelled by a skilled and educated workforce. With a population exceeding 229 million, the country boasts a thriving domestic market that fuels consumption and drives economic growth. The currency, known as the Elyss, symbolises the stability and strength of the national economy.  


==Flags of the Commonwealth==
The GDP per capita of over $56,000 reflects the high standard of living enjoyed by the Orlénié population. The country’s GDP of $13 trillion underscores its economic might on the global stage. The Republic has achieved a remarkable level of human development, boasting an HDI of 0.946—indicating elevated levels of education, life expectancy, healthcare, and income—and a remarkably low Gini coefficient of 12.2—highlighting the country’s commitments to social equity and wealth distribution.  
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! <big>Flag !! Date in Use !! Use !! Description</big>
|-
| [[File:EothasiaNationalFlag.png|frameless|center]] || 14th of April, 1913 - Present || National Flag of the Imperial Commonwealth|| Full official version of the national flag. Appears on most documentation and ceremonial use. The flag is a representation of the flag of the Federal State of Valtoria (which was also the flag in the last reign of the Aterni Empire, as well as the Union of Eothasi Kingdoms and the Union of Eothasi Republics) with twenty-eight stars on its top left and eight stars on its bottom right. The stars on the left symbolise one star for each of the twenty-eight provinces in the country, whilst the stars on the right symbolise seven smaller stars in a pyramid representing each of the seven Popular Republics, while the larger star represents the Federal State that unites them all.
|-
| [[File:SimpleNatFlagEo.png|frameless|center]] || 27th of January, 1952 - Present || National Flag of the Imperial Commonwealth || Official version of the national flag. Created in 1952 by then Queen Élise III, the intention was to create a simpler official national flag, more easily identifiable and recognisable, that would largely replace the flag created in 1913 for the establishment of the Imperial Commonwealth. It has since achieved its goal, thus being flown on almost all buildings of the State. The most notable exception is the Imperial Palace in Valtoria, which to this day symbolically flies the 1913 version of the flag, as Quien Élise herself did when implementing the flag in 1952.
|-
| [[File:EothasiaCivilEnsign.png|frameless|center]] || 14th of April, 1913 - Present || Civil Ensign of the Imperial Commonwealth || Simplified version of the national flag. Civil ensign of the Commonwealth. Removes additional symbology to create a simpler version more easily identifiable at sea.
|-
| [[File:ValtoriaFlag.png|frameless|center]] || 17th of June, 1676 - 14th of April, 1681 ('''Aterni Empire'''); 14th of April, 1681 - 8th of March, 1901 ('''Union of Eothasi Kingdoms'''); 8th of March, 1901 - 14th of April, 1913 ('''Union of Eothasi Republics'''); 14th of April, 1913 - Present ('''Federal State of Valtoria''') || Flag of the Federal State of Valtoria || Union of the Aterni, Venza and Antozoni flags, as it was considered that these three were the core regions of the Aterni Empire. Was also the flag of the Aterni Empire under Empress Duvaineth as well as the Union of Eothasi Kingdoms.
|-
| [[File:AterniFlag.png|frameless|center]] || 14th of April, 1913 - Present || Flag of the Popular Republic of Aterni || Flag of the Aterni Empire prior to the rise of Empress Duvaineth. Was a cross to signify the joining of all four corners of the Eothasi continent under one rule. The shortest lived flag of the Aterni Empire; it lasted only from shortly after the end of the Peninsular War in 1672 to the Empress Duvaineth’s decision to change it in 1676
|-
| [[File:VenzaFlag.png|frameless|center]] || 14th of April, 1913 - Present || Flag of the Popular Republic of Venza || Flag of the Kingdom of Venza in the Aterni Empire. Along with the Kingdom of Antizon and the Kingdom of Aterni itself, it was among the only kingdoms allowed to have their own flags. In all others, the sole flag was that of the Aterni Kingdom, at first, and the Aterni Empire, later.
|-
| [[File:AntizonFlag.png|frameless|center]] || 14th of April, 1913 - Present || Flag of the Popular Republic of Antizon || As explained, the Kingdom of Antizon also retained its own flag as opposed to the other Kingdoms of the Aterni Empire. This was because it, along with Venza and, clearly, Aterni, was considered to be one of the core states of the Aterni Empire.
|-
| [[File:VolsiniFlag.png|frameless|center]] || 14th of April, 1913 - Present || Flag of the Popular Republic of Volsini || Volsini has a flag peculiar amongst the remaining regions of the Kingdom in that, other than the flag of Valtoria (and clearly, the flags that compose it), it is the only flag with symbology present in the national flag. This is because, under the Union of Eothasi Kingdoms (and maintained in the Union of Eothasi Republics), Volsini encompassed the entirety of the territory beyond Venza. As such, following the Socialist Revolution in 1913, there were only four official flags to draw from. This only changed in 1915 with the First Amendment of the Eothasi Constitution, which modified Article 47 and split Volsini into itself, Mariser, Elvira, and Espinar. By then, the official flag was already established and the Imperial Parliament (the Commonwealth Council included) decided against changing it.
|-
| [[File:MarsierFlag.svg|frameless|center]] || 30th of October, 1915 - Present || Flag of the Popular Republic of Marsier || Based on the flag of the Federal State of Valtoria, the Popular Republic of Marsier created a simple new flag to symbolise the start of new beginnings. The one star underneath the flag of Valtoria symbolises its connection with the Eothasi capital; the four medium sized stars symbolise each of the region’s four provinces; the smaller star was placed in 1921 in honour of Priscilla Poriér, the leader of the socialist revolution.
|-
| [[File:ElviraFlag.png|frameless|center]] || 30th of October, 1915 - Present || Flag of the Popular Republic of Elvira || In a similar fashion to the flag in Marsier, the flag in Elvira was made anew with the introduction of the flag of Valtoria to symbolise its connection with the Eothasi capital. It also sponsors a large star to represent its unity with the capital, with three smaller stars representing the three provinces in the region.
|-
| [[File:EspinarFlag.png|frameless|center]] || 30th of October, 1915 - Present || Flag of the Popular Republic of Espinar || Following the pattern of the other two republics without their own historical flags, Espinar fashioned a new one with the flag of Valtoria and a cross with five stars representing the five duchies in its region.  
|}


=Military=
The Republic’s economy is characterised by a diverse range of sectors that contribute to its overall growth and prosperity. The manufacturing sector plays a significant role, with industries such as automotive, electronics, and machinery producing high-quality goods for both domestic and international markets. The agricultural sector is also prominent, with fertile lands across the country supporting the production of a wide variety of high-quality crops and livestock. The services sector is also a major driver of the economy, encompassing industries such as finance, telecommunications, tourism, and professional services. The country’s modern and efficient infrastructure, including advanced telecommunication networks and well-developed transportation systems, supports the smooth functioning of the services-based industries.
The Imperial armed forces, also known as the ''Reichwehr'' in Eothasi, are the services under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence for the protection and both the domestic and foreign interests of the nation as a whole. It is tasked with ensuring the territorial integrity of the Commonwealth as well as the protection of its citizens and residents from foreign and domestic threats. This does not only include operations against hostile foreign militaries or insurgent groups operating within or outside the Commonwealth, but also reacting in the event of great calamities, such as devastating natural disasters, crippling pandemics or other emergencies that put at risk the safety of the Eothasi citizenship that cannot be handled by standard local, provincial, republic or even other national organisms (such as the National Security Service and its National Guard regiment). The commander in chief of the Imperial military are the Council of Governance, which is to say the three members of the triumvirate that acts as Head of Government of the Imperial Eothasi Commonwealth. Furthermore, the Government has an integrated organism dubbed the Chiefs of Staff Directive with which the Council of Governance is provided advice in the face of needing military deployments.  


[[File:Eothasi_Marines.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Eothasi marines during a training exercise]]The Eothasi military is headquartered in the home building of the Ministry of Defence: the Auriel Defence Centre in Valtoria, the capital of the Commonwealth. This, however, is only the location where the Chiefs of Staff Directive work on a regular basis and where coordination between the different branches of the military take place. However, each branch has a base in accordance with its own field of operation that acts as its “headquarters,” in a manner of speaking. The Crowned Eothasi Army operates out of Fort Melil, the largest ground military base in the country, whilst the Crowned Eothasi Air Force is based in Isa Air Force Base and the Navy (and its sub-branch, the Crowned Marines) operate out of Grozzo Harbour. The Defence Ministry is also in charge of the National Guard regiment of the National Security Service (which is, in its entirety, otherwise organised by the Home Office, except during wartime and in extreme necessities).  
The Republic’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement is evident in its thriving research and development sector. The country invests heavily in scientific research, fostering collaboration between universities, research institutions, and cooperative enterprises. This dedication to innovation has led to breakthroughs in various fields, including medicine, renewable energies, robotics, biotechnologies, and information technology.  


[[File:ImperialMilitaryFlagPatch.png|thumb|right|200px|Patch of the Imperial flag used by various branches.]]Given the considerably militaristic and imperialistic past of the Eothasi continent, the zealous defence of the armed forces and servicing the country in general is taken care of with enormous pride in the Imperial Commonwealth, moreso in the modern day, in which the military is more for the international defence of Eothasi interests (including, when necessary, supporting socialist revolutions abroad). As such, military service in the Commonwealth has been established as compulsory, although the manner in which this is carried out is very specific. Individuals can freely enlist at the age of eighteen (or seventeen, in the event that they have express permission from their parents, tutors or guardians and have completed tertiary education) years of age. Mandatory levying, as it is called in the Commonwealth, begins after the end of tertiary education in the event that the individual in question does not have the intention (or otherwise fails to) inscribe into university.  
Trade also plays a vital role in the Republic’s economy, with the country engaging in global commerce and maintaining strong international partnerships. The country’s strategic location and well-developed transportation infrastructure facilitate the movement of goods across the country, contributing to its position as a global trading hub. The Republic exports a diverse range of products, including manufactured goods, agricultural produce, and high-value services. It is important to note that, given the intricately webbed system of local councils and market socialist economic system, most imports and exports are overseen by government agencies at the provincial level for logistical purposes, with the National Agency for Trade and Commerce, dependent on the Ministry of Commerce, managing nationwide imports and exports organisation.  


The main difference between enlisting after tertiary education and being levied is the time; enlisted soldiers will undergo Professional Combat Training. This consists of approximately twenty-one weeks, after which soldiers are transferred to Specialised Individual Training, which can last anywhere from ten to forty weeks, depending on the chosen specialisation. Afterwards, they must serve a minimum of three years active service before being able to solicit their first transfer to the reserve forces of the military. Furthermore, there are no restrictions with regards to the location to which they can be deployed; they can be stationed on bases in the Homeland as well as bases in foreign territories allied with the Commonwealth or even deployed to combat theaters, should the need arise. In contrast, levied personnel undergo a Basic Combat Training regimen of only twelve weeks, after which they are transferred to General Individual Training that lasts another ten weeks in which they obtain general knowledge of the military and then proceed to Advanced Individual Training for another eight weeks. After their training is complete, they are transferred to active service for one year before being automatically retired (unless otherwise stipulated by the individual in question). They are not allowed to be deployed to any territory other than those directly under the jurisdiction of the Imperial government; in other words, they can only be deployed to bases in Eothasia itself or its colonies abroad.  
The government of the Republic is dedicated to creating a favourable business environment, supporting cooperative entrepreneurship, and attracting foreign investment to local businesses (albeit with limited impact, given the nature of the cooperative system and the Social Harmony Fund). The government also promotes sustainable practices and green initiatives, ensuring that economic growth is balanced with environmental preservation. The Republic is also dedicated to education and skills development, resulting in a highly-educated and productive workforce. The country boasts world-class universities, vocational training institutes, and research centres that equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to excel in various industries. This focus on education and human capital development contributes to the country’s overall economic competitiveness and ensures a steady supply of skilled professionals.
==Structure of the Economy==
The economy of the Republic is a model of an advanced market socialist system. With a unique combination of market principles and socialist ideals, it has a struck a balance between economic prosperity and social welfare, offering a system that not only promotes the well-being of the community, but also strives for equity in a decentralised economic system.  


Compulsory service can be waived in a number of circumstances, the most obvious being the individual in question having some form of physical or medical impediment that disallows their participation in military service. If this is not the case, military service can also be waived if the individual is attending university, as under no circumstances can military service interrupt education. Should the individual in question graduate university and find a job in their respective field (which they have to justify with the appropriate paperwork at the Bureau of Levied Military Service) within six months, they can definitively waive their service. Should they not find a job, they will be immediately required to present themselves to their nearest military recruitment station. Should the individual continue their education and complete a master or doctoral cycle, they can also definitively waive their service if they so request it; should they not, they will be levied, but go through PCT. Individuals that have completed university or doctoral education can also proceed to apply for Imperial officers academies.
At its core, market socialism is a fundamental tenet of the economy. The key distinction lies in the structure of the businesses themselves within the Republic; companies operate as worker cooperatives, where employees have a significant say in the decision-making process to ensure not only fair wages in relation to the responsibilities of each post, but also a more just and equal redistribution of the economy’s total wealth. A key component of this system is what is known as the Social Harmony Fund, which is a robust mechanism for redistributing profits from cooperatives to the broader population. This system permits cooperatives to first extract from their global annual income the costs of production and maintenance of operations—including wages for all workers—a certain percentage that is allocated to contingency funds for further expansion and to respond to market shocks and investment opportunities, and comparatively low taxes. The resulting company profits are allocated to the Social Harmony Fund, which acts as a social dividend to the general population and is an exclusive competence of the federal state of the Republic (although the act of collecting said funds is decentralised to the provinces themselves).  
===Social Harmony Fund===
The Social Harmony Fund is a central pillar of the Republic’s economy. It serves as a powerful tool to mitigate income inequality and promote fairness and equal opportunity. Profits that are not needed for the basic functioning of businesses or the livelihood of their employees are funnelled into this communal fund, which is controlled and managed by the federal state. What follows is a process of redistribution that forms the backbone of the Republic’s commitment to income equality across the country.  


Military spending in 3:37 rounded to just under US$281 billion, approximately 4,52% of the Eothasi GDP.
The pooled profits are reallocated in a manner that provides additional support to individuals in lower paying jobs, whilst providing less support to those in higher-paying roles. This method acts as an equalising force, encouraging a more equitable distribution of resources and wealth and supporting the well-being of the citizens. This focus on equity not only prevents excessive accumulation of wealth, but also ensures that individuals across the country can enjoy an adequate and dignified standard of living.  


=Law Enforcement=
While it promotes fairness, this system does not stifle innovation or productivity. Instead, it fuels a sense of solidarity and cooperation, as individuals understand that their collective efforts benefit the entirety of society. This sense of social responsibility is a key component of Orlénié social doctrine and is a driving force behind the Republic’s economic success.
[WiP]


=Economy=
The process begins with the collection of funds form the various worker cooperatives across the Republic, which is a task entrusted to the provinces of the Republic. Their leaders are responsible for overseeing the collection of these profits, ensuring that the requisite percentage not allocated to sustenance and contingency funds is redirected towards the Social Harmony Fund. The collected funds are then channelled into the common pool, amassed in a single vast treasury under the oversight and management of the federal government. That said, the input of the member states is key, as it helps understand the needs and requirements of the regions and ensure that they are addressed correctly.
[WiP]


=Education=
The President takes on the profound responsibility of organising and managing the Social Harmony Fund. As a symbol of unity and justice, the President plays a leading role in overseeing the operation of the fund, and their moral authority and commitment to social welfare make them a key choice for this critical task. They ensure that the fund operates transparently, efficiently, and in accordance with the principles and values of the Republic.
Public education in the Commonwealth is under the express control of the Education Ministry of the Eothasi government. Its main goal is to prepare the alumni professionally so that they may form an integral part of Eothasi society; a secondary goal is to integrate students into the societal behavioural patterns expected of them in Eothasia.


The curriculum for the public education system is controlled at a federal level in Valtoria. This is then transmitted to the seven Popular Republics (as well as the federal state of Valtoria) that form the Commonwealth, which may then adjust the curriculum with some flexibility.
The Commission plays an advisory role in the decision-making process of fund manage. It is responsible for making strategic decisions regarding the allocation of resources and the establishment of criteria for fund distribution, in conjunction with negotiation with the Bureau of the Senate for specific matters of territorial representation. Their role is essential in ensuring that the fund’s objectives align with the Republic’s core principles. It also oversees the practical aspects of fund allocation and distribution, considering the needs and requests of local councils and ensuring it is used correctly to address disparities and promote social harmony.  


The public education system is divided into cycles.
The Social Harmony Fund is distributed with a deep commitment to equity and social justice. Though it does not specifically respond to the needs and requirements of local councils—as they are more about the equal redistribution of wealth—the needs of regions and territories are taken into consideration during this process. This is a primary task of the President, who oversees the equality of the distribution of these funds. That said, the Social Harmony Fund is more than merely an economic mechanism; it is a symbol of unity and social responsibility. It embodies the Republic’s core values, demonstrating that a state can achieve both economic prosperity and social welfare by harnessing the power of decentralised markets and planning structures, as well as the dedication of its leaders. The President, as overseer of the fund, becomes a visible manifestation of the importance of the well-being of all Orlénié subjects to the throne. It underscores the Republic’s belief that wealth should be distributed equitably, ensuring that each citizen can lead a decent and dignified life.
===Economic Decentralisation===
One of the defining characteristics of the Republic’s economic system is the decentralisation towards the communities of the entire economic apparatus. Regions and cities across the country develop local councils which play a pivotal role in the allocation and distribution of resources across the country. These local councils are tasked with coordinating and developing ‘resource requests’, which are then sent out to other cities and regions that have the capacity to provide the manufactured goods, raw materials, and other resources required. This decentralised approach not only empowers local communities, but also ensures that resources are still distributed efficiently and with great economic value.  


The first cycle through which the student must pass is the Primary Cycle. This cycle encompasses the time span between a student’s arrival into the education system (necessarily having celebrated their fifth birthday) and the rough beginning of their adolescence (at the age of eleven). This cycle is a generalised course to acustom students to mathematics, critical thinking, comprehension, analysis, and other key skills that will be used in future cycles and courses.  
Local councils within the Republic are integral in facilitating the exchange of goods and services across the country. They serve as intermediaries, connecting regions with surplus resources to those with deficits. This fosters cooperation and interdependence amongst various parts of the country, promoting a sense of self-reliance and strengthening social bonds.  


The second cycle through which the student must pass is the Secondary Cycle. This cycle encompasses some of the important formation years for the student, from the seventh to the tenth year of education. These four years are largely a stepping stone to identify the student’s strongest points and lead them in that direction. It is not precisely professional specialisation, but it is where the options begin to be narrowed down.  
The existence of local councils also plays a significant role in ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed. These councils are intimately familiar with the needs of their communities, which enables them to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation. This decentralised system ensures that the economic planning is flexible and responsive to local requirements.  


The third cycle is the Tertiary Cycle, encompassing from the tenth to the twelfth year of education. This cycle is arguably the most important cycle for the student, as it is where they are expected to progress the most. It is the cycle of professional specialisation and where students most fervently search for their individual calling in life. This is also the first cycle from which students may decide to withdraw from further education if they so wish. Deciding to
Though this system has historically been used throughout the Republic, this economic landscape underwent a significant transformation during the Digital Revolution of 2008. This pivotal event marked a turning point in various aspects of the Orlénié society—politically, administratively, and economically—as it harnessed the power of information technology to enhance society and the decentralised economic system.  


After the Tertiary Cycle, students have two paths. They may accept the mandatory enlistment from the Eothasi military and serve their obligatory service year (excluding training), then returning to civilian life (or remaining if they so choose), or they may proceed to the next cycle of education.
With widespread adoption of digital tools, local councils gained access to advanced platforms and databases that streamlined the request-and-distribution process. Requests became more transparent and efficient, ensuring that resources were allocated where they were needed, as well as making it easier to request resources and goods from far away parts of the Republic. Digital platforms facilitated knowledge sharing and innovation, empowering regions to improve production methods, efficiency, and continue the upwards trend of technological advancement. Moreover, the Digital Revolution ushered in an era of heightened transparency; the sharing of data and information regarding resources availability, production capacity, shifts in demand and requirements, crises, interruptions to supply chains, etc., allowed local councils to make more informed decisions, leading to improved economic planning and allocation of resources.  


This next cycle is known as the University Cycle. The number of years of education undertaken in the University Cycle varies greatly, although the average is roughly five. These are significantly more specialised years than those of the first three cycles of education, as the student will have already chosen a major and will study subjects directly related to that major. This cycle must be completed in order for the student to continue into the next cycles, known as the Master and Doctoral Cycle. It is here where a student achieves the internationally standardised Masters’ or Doctor’s degree, once they’ve completed their thesis.
The Digital Revolution of 2008 represented a significant leap forward in embracing technology to optimise economic processes. It not only streamlined resource allocation but made the system more responsive, standing as a testament to the Republic’s commitment to improvement and innovation.


=Demographics=
==Education==
==Language==
==Religion==
==Health==
=Culture=
=Culture=
==Calendar==
==Architecture==
Though the Eothasi people and government understand and often use the internationally accepted calendar when speaking to people of another culture, it is widely known that Eothasia itself follows a slightly different calendar.
===Largest Cities===
====Val Royeaux====
Within the captivating realm of the Province of Val Royeaux lies the national capital, standing as a testament to opulence, prestige, and prosperity not only for the Republic as a state, but for the Orlénié people as a civilisation. The city exudes an air of lavishness and grandiosity, with magnificent palaces and their glistening marble façades rising against the backdrop of lush greenery, domes and towers reach towards the heavens. Gardens adorned with vibrant blooms and intricately sculpted fountains create a paradise of tranquillity, offering respite from the bustling streets of the city proper.
 
The streets themselves, however, are a spectacle of life and regal elegance. Lined with majestic buildings, resplendent marketplaces, and bustling squares, they hum with the energy of a thriving metropolis. The rich tapestry of architectural styles reflects the diverse influences that have shaped the Republic, blending classical elements with intricate detailing and modern designs. The city’s thoroughfares are graced by statues and monuments that celebrate the nation’s history, honouring its heroes and legends.  


The list of months and holidays (called “Annum”s in Eothasia) are as follow:
The River Zyra, with its serene flow, serves as a centrepiece for the city’s grandeur. Bridges adorned with ornate carvings and intricate artwork span the river, connecting the busy districts and allowing the flow of commerce and culture. The riverbanks are lined with elegant promenades, where residents and visitors alike stroll leisurely, savouring the picturesque vies and revelling in the atmosphere.


# Verimensis (Annum: First Day)
As the capital of the Republic, this lavish enclave serves not only as a seat of political power, but also as a cultural hub. The city’s theatres, galleries, museums, and other such centres showcase the artistic achievements of the nation, preserving and celebrating its rich culture and heritage. The echoes of music and the applause of audiences resonate through concert halls and opera houses, while the pages of literature come alive in the libraries and bookstores that adorn the cities’ many streets.
# Pluitanis
# Nubulis (Annum: Wintersend)
# Eluviesta (Annum: Unification Day)
# Molioris
# Ferventis (Annum: Summerday)
# Solis
# Matrinalis (Annum: All Soul’s Day)
# Parvulis
# Frumentum
# Umbralis (Annum: Feast of Starlight)
# Cassus (Annum: Satinalia)


* '''First Day''': The traditional start of the year, this holiday involves visits to neighbours and family, as well as a town gathering to commemorate the year past, accompanied by drinking and merriment.
In the heart of this resplendent city, the capital of the Republic stands as a testament to the country’s vision of the future. It is a place where opulence and pomp harmonise with natural wonders and practical urban planning, creating a landscape that both captivates the sense and leaves and indelible mark on all who have the privilege to behold its magnificence.
* '''Wintersend''': This holiday is a celebration of Lavernia and her accomplishments. It stands for the end of winter in many lands and coincides with tourneys and contests at the Proving Grounds in Norcrest. In southern lands, this holiday has become a day of gathering for trade, theater, and ceremonies. Most, however, simply participate as a day of mere celebration.
* '''Unification Day''': This holiday is one that dates to Eluviesta 14, 1681 with the proclamation of the republic in the form of the  ''Unión d’Repúblicas d'Eothasia''. In 1913, Eluviesta 14 also served as the date in which the constituent assembly approved the Popular Constitution, thus bringing about the ''Repúblikenreich Verbend d’Eothasia''.
* '''Summerday''': This holiday is universally celebrated as the beginning of summer, a time for joy and, commonly, marriage.
* '''All Soul’s Day''': This holiday is known across Eothasia as All Soul’s Day and spent in somber remembrance of the dead. In some northern lands, the people dress as spirits and walk the streets in a parade after midnight.
* '''Feast of Starlight''': Usually coinciding with the harvest of crops in the Commonwealth, the Feast of Starlight is a week-long feast honouring Auriel and the stars in the sky, which are believed to be symbols of Auriel’s eternal guarding of Eothasia.
* '''Satinalia''': This holiday is accompanied by wild celebration, the wearing of masks, and carnivals [including games, including races, dancing contests, archery contests, and others] all across Eothasia. This holiday lasts an entire week, with the celebrations starting each night at 8pm and ending at around 4am.


The calculation of a year in Eothasia is also quite different. The calendar starts in the year 1681 CE (international calendar), as the beginning of a new century after the decision to unite Eothasia. From then, the calendar began as 0:1. The first digit is the age; every age is one hundred years, and is the Eothasi equivalent to a Century. Specifically, the age counts how many centuries have passed since Eothasia first appeared as a unified nation. The second digit is the year of that Age. In the Eothasia calendar, 3:19 is equivalent to 2000; 3:39 is 2020. This is all designated A.U., for ''After Unification''. For the time before the establishment of Eothasia (or B.U., ''Before Unification''), the digit of the age is set in negatives. For instance, the year 750 would be -9:31 in the Eothasi calendar.
==Visual Art==
==Literature==
==Philosophy==
==Theatre==
==Music==
==Cinema==
==Fashion & Design==
==Elyssi Calendar==

Latest revision as of 01:17, 14 December 2023

Federal Republic of Orleóis
République fédérale d'Orleóis
Imperial Flag
Flag
Imperial Coat of Arms
Coat of arms
Motto: De la diversité, l'unitéFrom Diversity, Unity
Anthem: Gloire et Triumph
Location of Orleóis
Capital
and largest city
Val Royeaux
Official languagesOrlénié
Recognised national languagesEnglish
Demonym(s)Orlénié(s)
GovernmentFederal semi-presidential republic
• Madame President
Elisabeth Beaumont
• Madame Chancellor
Céline Divine
LegislatureParliamentary Courts
Sénat des Territoires
Conseil des Citoyens
Establishment
• Imperial Covenant
800 CE
• Golden Concordat
1744
• Imperial Constitution
1791
• Digital Reformation
2008
Area
• Total
4,196,783 km2 (1,620,387 sq mi)
Population
• 2023 census
229,766,318
• Density
54.75/km2 (141.8/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)2023 estimate
• Total
US$12.91 trillion
• Per capita
US$56.218,21
HDI (2023)0.946
very high
CurrencyOrén
Date formatdd.mm.yyyy
Driving sideright
Calling code+71
Internet TLD.fro

Orleóis—officially the Federal Republic of Orleóis and commonly referred to as the Republic or Orleóis—is a federal semi-presidential republic on the continent of Orleóis. Occupying the entirety of the continent under a single banner, it is a sizeable nation at over four million square kilometres and is inhabited by more than two hundred million residents and citizens.

The modern Republic has its roots in the formation of the Empire of Orleóis in the 9th Century, which was functionally a political and economic confederacy of thirteen kingdoms to preserve and protect their sovereignty. It was not until 1744 that the entire continent of Olympia was placed under the control of a single banner—that of the Republic—and not until 1793 that the Republic itself was officially established. Today, and since 1744, the Republic has a total of thirty-two territories representing the original thirty-two member states that formed the Orlénié Republic in 1744.

The Republic is, politically, a unique state. The head of government is the Chancellor, selected by the head of State—the President—and approved by the Council of Citizens of the Republic. This Council of Citizens also elects, for eight-year terms, whoever will occupy the seat of the President.

These two figures then work with the Federal Commission, which operates as a council of ministers of the Republic. The Federal Commission consists currently of twenty-one members, including the President and Chancellor.

The legislative branch of the Republic is also unique in that, while it operates under a standard two-chamber system, the chambers themselves are atypical. The upper house is titled the Senate of Territories (officially the Sénat des Territoires) and is made up of 384 members—twelve representatives for each of the thirty-two states. They are chosen in regional elections in each of the states and represent their local interests on the broader agenda of the Republic. Meanwhile, the lower house is known as the Council of Citizens (officially Conseil des Citoyens); this house, however, is a digital platform of “electronic democracy”, through which all citizens can participate in voting processes for bills that affect the Republic.

Today, the Republic is a peaceful and prosperous member of the international political and economic communities and is well-known for its preference of diplomacy and non-violence to settle disputes, as well as seeking a just and egalitarian redistribution of societal wealth and protection.

Toponomy

Olympia is a vast continent that is home to many diverse cultures, languages, and civilisations across various points in history. The people of Olympia have not always been united by a common identity or necessarily a shared history, although they have long been intertwined. However, for much of the recorded history of the continent’s civilisations, there is one word that has come to represent the collective spirit and heritage of all those on Olympia: Orlénié.

The term ‘Orlénié’ and its origins are not entirely understood. According to some scholars, it derives from a mythical island that was once in the Bay of Val Royeaux, called Elysium, and religious theologists have attempted to indicate that this was a supposed ‘gateway’ into the Veiled Fields at the core of the Orlénié religion. Others suggest that it comes from the name of a legendary tribe called the ‘Elysi’, who were said to be the first inhabitants of Olympia and the ancestors of all modern Orlénié. However, neither of these claims have been verified.

The first recorded use of the word ‘Orlénié’ comes in 721 BCE by Clara von Hügel, a historian and archivist from the Empire of Val Royeaux. She wrote a monumental work called the Histories of Olympia, which chronicled the events and achievements of the nations of Olympia from the dawn of civilisations to the present day. In her text, she writes:

I have undertaken this great task of writing the history of Olympia, not only to preserve the memory of our glorious and divine past, but to inspire our children and the children of our children to continue to pursue our majestic place in the world. For we are all Orlénié, the children of this blessed land, and in that, we share a common destiny”.

Clara von Hügel’s work was widely read and admired by scholars and even some rulers across Olympia and was a major proponent of closer ties between kingdoms as it fostered a sense of ‘unity’ amongst the various territories. Her use of the word ‘Orlénié’, though the first recorded use of the word, is not thought to be the first use of the term more generally, leading to the theory that the idea of the ‘Orlénié’ being one people—likely against some sort of external threat. Whatever the case may be, it appears clear that all inhabitants of the continent of Olympia, regardless of their nationality, creed, or religion, were Orlénié.

As mentioned, the term—and its use in Clara’s Histories—had a profound cultural and political impact on Olympia. It fostered a sense of solidarity and cooperation among the nations of the continent, especially in times of crisis. It also encouraged a spirit of curiosity and exploration, who sought to learn more about their fellow Orlénié and their diverse cultures, as well as inspiring artists and poets to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Olympia and its people.

It is not fully understood why the term ‘Orlénié’ came to be used to refer to the people, when ‘Orleóis’ was not a common term before the rise of the Empire of Orleóis in the 13th Century, and especially given that the term ‘Olympia’ was in common use to refer to the continent itself. One plausible reason for this is that the word ‘Olympian’ was associated with some unknown people or region of the continent, although this theory has never been verified.

Another theory, raised in the 16th Century by Franziska von Schönberg, argues that the word ‘Olympian’ may have been a word used by a specific group of foreigners or outside raiders—of which there were many unidentified groups in the ancient history of the continent—to refer to the people of Olympia with slave-like connotations. As such, this term may have been considered a cruel representation of their people, and through collective solidarity, they may have decided to use a different word—especially one in relation to a unified religious belief and eternal glory—to refer to themselves.

Though it is odd that the term ‘Olympian’ does not appear in any texts after Clara von Hügel, it may be that this occurred even thousands of years before her time, and so, the reason for the word ‘Orlénié’ being used instead of ‘Olympian’ may have been lost even to them.

Whatever the case may be, the term ‘Orlénié’ has survived until today as a symbol of a unified identity. It is used across the continent with a tight bond for all its peoples, and—since the inception of the Empire of Orleóis and its subsequent expansion across the continent until the formation of the Orlénié Union in 1744 with the Golden Concordat—has been a valuable tool in the creation of a unified national legacy.

History

Geography

Political Structure

Territorial Divisions

Municipalities

The municipality is the smallest constitutionally recognised body of territorial organisation. After the 2008 constitutional reform, they are the second organ of most political participation in the Republic, surpassed exclusively by the Council of Citizens. The municipality, given its constitutional importance, is divided into two branches: its executive and its legislative branches.

The executive branch is represented by the Local Conclave. This is a triumvirate organ of candidates from the municipality elected directly by the people in elections, following a ranked-choice electoral system. Each citizen resident in the municipality will vote for all selected final candidates in a certain order (omitting those candidates they do not wish to vote for). The first to obtain a 50% majority is elected to be the Mayor of the city, who shall be the head of the Conclave. Their votes are then retired from the count, and the second candidate to reach 50% is the Vice Mayor, with the process repeating once again to elect the Deputy Mayor. These three shall then form a government, known as the Local Committee, and will oversee most local policies for the municipality.

The legislative branch is of the municipality—as with all territorial divisions—is none other than the Council of Citizens. Because each citizen must notify adequately of their place of residence, they are allotted into appropriate municipal, provincial, and regional groups for the voting sessions in each of those territorial divisions.

It is important to note that, though the legislative branch is a digital platform, the Local Committee is not. As such, this allows for the direct scrutiny, both physically and digitally, of their policies by the citizenship in a respectful and constructive manner. While participation in online sessions requires only an official registration, onsite sessions require the submission of official requests at the office of the Committee two days prior to the session, which occur on four separate days each week while the Committee is in session.

On the day prior to each session, an official Order of the Day is published, with all approved participation, questions, and matters. A citizen that requests to participate on a certain day may not be necessarily approved for that day—unless the object of their intervention is specific to the provisional Order of the Day, which is released a week prior—but must be approved for one in the subsequent week at the latest. Furthermore, the sessions shall be divided into specific subjects, which will allow an individual to connect to a session regarding one subject and not sessions regarding other topics on the Order of the Day.

For particularly large municipalities of populations surpassing 25,000 inhabitants, it is permitted for inframunicipal organs—such as district bodies—to represent the Committee, insofar as the Committee retains public sessions in the district where their office is located. In the Republic today, there are 81,403 municipalities.

Departments

The department is the second level of territorial organisation within the Republic. It is the midway point between municipalities and provinces. In total, there are 243 departments across the Republic, which not only exercise coordination between these levels, but also several executive functions with competences delegated to them by the Constitution.

The department also has two branches of government. The first of these is the executive branch. Much like the municipalities, elections are held across the province to select three members to form the Directory, made up of the Director, Vice Director, and Deputy Director. However, there is a notable restriction for members to be electable in these elections, and it is that they must be a member of the Conclaves of their municipalities (meaning each municipality would have, at most, three candidates for the Cabinet). Once these members are elected, they form a government known as the Provincial Committee.

Meanwhile, the legislative branch is, again, the corresponding level of the Council of Citizens.

Provinces

The provinces of the Republic are the most important territorial division of the country, representing the utmost federal union of states and serving as the primary guide for all territorial divisions beneath them. They correspond to the historical thirty-two members states that formed the Republic in the 19th Century, and retain much of their historical, cultural, and political identities.

That said, certain modifications have been made to harmonise electoral processes across all territories of the Republic; one of these, especially, is the decision to harmonise ranked-choice based electoral voting across the country, as well as general legislative and executive structures. As such, the provinces—as the levels beneath them—have a legislative branch composed of the corresponding level of territorial cohesion within the Council of Citizens, whilst its executive branch is elected from the eligible members of their respective provinces (which, given the much larger dimensions of departments versus municipalities, usually results in roughly twenty candidates per province). The resulting electoral body is known as the Provincial Presidium and is composed of the Governor—acting as the head of the body—the Vice Governor, and the Deputy Governor.

Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch of the Republic is known collectively as the Parliamentary Courts. They are a bicameral organ composed of an upper house, known as the Senate of Territories, and a lower house, known as the Council of Citizens. These chambers hold some particularities in comparison to the legislative branches of other countries, most notably with regards to the democratic and participative nature of the Council of Citizens.

While the Senate of Territories performs its ceremonies and celebrates its sessions in the Palais des Isidor, nestled in the heart of the capital city of Val Royeaux, the Council of Citizens is held exclusively in online forums, video conferences, and other forms of telecommunications. Furthermore, since 2016, these methods now require biometric identification either through facial recognition technology, finger-print identification, or electronic signature technology, at the behest of the citizen themselves. All services are well-protected from hacking to limit the effects on the democratic functioning of the Republic, and all forums are protected by two-factor authentication, requiring one of these biometric identification methods and an additional process chosen by the citizen—these can include passcodes, authenticators, secret questions, etc.

Neither the Senate nor the Council have political parties, as these were deemed detrimental to the functioning of the civilised Orlénié society. As such, these were replaced by ‘factions’, which are merely representative bodies that each voter may wilfully join or from which they may retire, should they so wish to. The more citizens join a particular faction, the more ‘power’ that faction wields within the Courts; however, these factions cannot vote themselves nor control the votes of the citizens that form a part of it. With no figure of the ‘whip’, the citizens will choose, freely and secretly, to vote on a bill in whichever way they deem appropriate.

There are four types of bills that can be passed in the Courts. These are:

  • Public bills. These are bills written and submitted by the Commission, who have the right of priority in terms of submission order.
  • Private members’ bills. These are bills submitted by members of the Chamber of Territories to the appropriate parliamentary commission, or by a determined number of factions in the Forum.
  • Private bills. These are bills submitted by individual citizens—with the necessary popular support—or by organisations of the civil society—including, but not limited to, trade unions, NGOs, representative organisations, etc.
  • Hybrid bills. These are bills submitted by more than one organisation pertaining to different groups, such as Government and factions, individual citizens backing a motion by a senator, etc.

Public bills—after receiving the appropriate support from both the Commission and the Council—are presented to the Senate of Territories, where a thorough (and televised) debate of the bill between elected officials can take place. This occurs in the Palais des Isidor, in the capital city of Val Royeaux. Once passed, the bill is presented to the Council, where citizens will have time to present debates and discussions regarding the bill. After a minimum of seven days of debate, on the closest available Friday, the vote shall take place, with each citizen cataloguing their votes on the digital platform—which can be accessed via personal devices or by proceeding to their closest municipal building to vote at stations available there. Private members’ bills follow this process as well, as they must be submitted first in the Senate.

Private bills, on the hand, follow a distinctly different process. These bills—which can be presented by individual citizens, factions, or organisations of the civil society—must be presented first to the Council itself, requiring a minimum of five hundred thousand votes to be considered (or one million votes, in the cases specified by the Constitution). These votes can be obtained either by explicit consent—which is when a citizen wilfully gives their signature to a particular bill or topic of discussion—or implicit consent—which is that consent given when a citizen forms part a faction that submits a bill to the Council, or supports a bill presented by a citizen to the Council, and they do not explicitly withdraw their approval before the end of the allotted time for the process. If the bill is approved in the Council, it is then transferred to the Senate for review.

In this case, should the Senate approve the bill, the Government shall be obliged to present a plan to bring the act into motion within the following three months. This plan does not need to be detailed but should be sufficiently explicative that it is evident that the bill would achieve the objectives identified by the Courts. Should the Senate reject the bill in its entirety, the Council can override this rejection with a 60% qualified majority vote. Should the Senate present amendments to the bill, this bill will return to the Council, which will require approval of the modifications. Should they be approved, the obligation is then transferred to the government; should they reject these modifications or make amendments to them, the bill will return to the Senate.

In this final reading, should the Senate approve of the modifications, the obligation is then transferred to the Government. However, should the Senate reject the modifications, a special commission must be established between Government, Senate, and a representative faction of the Council (chosen by the governing body of the Council) to reach a consensus. Should a consensus be reached, the bill is presented first to the Council and then to the Senate for final approval. If a consensus cannot be reached, the Council can vote, with two-thirds qualified majority, to push the bill through to Government.

Senate of Territories

The Senate of Territories (Sénat des Territoires) is the upper house of the legislative branch of the Republic. The election of the members of the Senate technically corresponds to the democratically elected governments of each of the regions, but they must be specifically validated and confirmed by the citizens of said region prior to their ascension to the Senate.

The composition of the Senate of Territories is undertaken by the regional governments of the provinces of the Republic. Each government will present to the citizens of their respective province a set of twelve candidates, drawn from politically relevant members of the society of that region, to represent them at the Senate of Territories. These candidates are then questioned and perform live debates with citizens both onsite at various locations or on online platforms, to ascertain their political inclinations and make informed decisions regarding their suitability for the position. Once this has been determined, the citizens vote to confirm—as a collegiate body—the set of candidates.

It is quite common, in these situations, for factions—both national and regional ones—to support specific candidates. These can include campaigning for or against specific candidates, as well as participating in debates, conferences, and other forms of political scrutiny of public figures. As the upper house of the Courts, the Senate must approve the General Budget, scrutinise the actions of Government in four weekly sessions, and exercise other competences deposited to it by the constitutional and legal framework of the Republic. The Senate operates in two periods of plenary sessions: the first, between September and December, and the second, between February and June. This allows for a one-month recess in January and a two-month recess in July and August; however, during these periods, a 28-member Permanent Committee is in place to continue with non-urgent dealings of the Senate.

Elections are called on the 1st of June of every third year by the Bureau of the Senate, the governing body of the Senate, which is composed of eleven members, chosen by the members of the Senate for the purposes of organisation and moderation of plenary sessions. After the elections have been set, the Senate itself will be dissolved until a new configuration can be defined.

Council of Citizens

The Council of Citizens is the lower house of the legislative branch of the Republic. It is the de facto primary chamber of the Courts, largely because of the political discourse of citizens in this body. The Council is a unique chamber because it does not have voted representatives, but rather, is the direct democratic representation of oneself by oneself in a chamber of free political discussion. In this format, citizens cannot be wrongfully represented by their elected bureaucrats; as such, it becomes integral to the interests of both Government and civil society to make the object of any work of law clear to the citizens, making it accessible to all and easing the democratic process.

The Council of Citizens is a new creation, born during the Constitutional Reform of 2008. The introduction of the process of Digitalisation of the State revolutionised the Orlénié political system. Prior to this, the Council of Citizens was formerly the National Assembly, and was a 650-member representative body using ranked-choice first-past-the-post system. This has since been replaced by a sophisticated and digitalised direct democracy system using advanced electronic platforms to allow citizens to participate in the political debate of the Courts from their personal devices or at digital stations available at municipal centres across the Republic. They can also be viewed via televised online sessions, as is also the case with the Senate.

In addition to the bills presented by the Commission to the Senate, citizens can choose to present private bills to the Council itself. This requires the backing and support of five hundred thousand citizens, either by explicit consent—usually achieved via digital or physical signing campaigns, including those available on the platform of the Council itself—or with the backing of the factions of the Council and their incorporated votes—known as implicit consent. It is common for bills to be presented to the Council to be debated not only at a wide, national level, but also at lower, local levels.

Voting in the Council of Citizens, however, is two-fold. It requires not only the approval by simple majority—in most cases—of votes from the citizens, but also of a simple majority of municipalities—which is counted by allotting each municipality a single vote, determined by the overall majority vote in each individual municipality. This is to guarantee that rural municipalities with lower populations are equally represented in the Council.

The competences of the Council are extremely varied. On the one hand, they are the utmost representation of the legislative power of the Republic, voting on and approving or rejecting bills that affect the political structure and projects of the Republic, as well as presenting citizen-led legislative initiatives. Furthermore, they must recognise the final composition of the Commission on an eight-year basis. The Council can also willingly choose to remove any member of Government, requiring 15% of the Council to request a Motion of No Confidence in the member to the Senate. Should the Senate provide backing, the motion is returned to the Council for a simple majority vote; should the Senate not provide backing, it shall return to the Council requiring two-thirds qualified majority.

Despite the lack of political parties, the will of the people is recognised within the Council by ‘factions’. These factions are legally recognised groups of people that have a specific end in mind, or wish to defend certain ideals, ethics, or ideologies. There is no limit to the number of factions that may exist in the Council, nor are there limits to the number of factions that a citizen may form a part of—although each citizen shall only ever receive one vote. Factions are of free entry and exit, and cannot have economic quotas, payments, or financial accounts tied to their judicial person. Furthermore, to form a faction, at least 100,000 citizens must sign up to be the founding members, and no faction can have less than 60,000 members.

The Council of Citizens is led by the Bureau of the Citizenry, which are a set of fifty-two prominent faction leaders elected by the Council to organise its tasks under the supervision of the Senate.

Executive Branch

The executive branch of the Republic is the branch responsible for enacting the various policies of the State and organising the Public Administration to guarantee the basic tenets of the Constitution are adhered to. The executive branch is organised in dual format: the head of State, embodied by the President, and the head of Government, embodied by the Chancellor, both of which form part of the Commission—which is presided by the Chancellor—and enacts the various policies of the government.

The Commission is provided housing at the massive Palace of the Republic (Palais de la République), in the heart of the capital city of Val Royeaux. This complex is where most of the meetings of the Commission take place, as well as acting as a temporary home for the Chancellor during their tenure in government. The President, meanwhile, lives in the old imperial Palace—the Palace of Rosenburg (Palais de Rosenburg)—in the centre of Val Royeaux.

Federal Commission

The Federal Commission is the body of the Orlénié government that oversees the administrative core of the Republic. The Commission must have twenty-one members, in addition to the President and the Chancellor. The remaining members shall be ‘Lord Commissioners’ of the Republic and shall have specific portfolios assigned to them, such as Defence, Education, Labour, Pensions, etc.

The organisation of the Commission itself is at the behest of the Chancellor, who organises their first Commission upon entering office and then subsequently can modify this Commission at will. The first Commission must be approved and confirmed in its entirety by the Senate, which will also confirm any further modifications and additions to the Commission.

The Federal Commission has legislative initiative, meaning that it can put forth to the legislative branch bills on any number of factors ranging from education, internal security, fiscal policy, social security, etc. It also has executive powers, allowing it to exercise these powers freely within the limitations of the legal and constitutional framework of the Republic. Furthermore, the Commission has the right of enforcement, allowing it to use a variety of agencies, departments, and dependent organisms to ensure that its laws and regulations are adhered to across the Republic.

The Commission are provided office space and facilities at the Palais de la République in Val Royeaux, as well as living quarters for the Chancellor and a determined number of additional guests, should it be required. The Commission has also been known to use a variety of other palaces for other events, including the Palais de Rosenburg, when dealing with specific matters of foreign affairs, or to entertain state visits by foreign dignitaries. Other such buildings include the Palais de Isidor, the Château d’Arlac, the Palais de Bellefontaine, and even the Royeaux Court Operahouse (the Opéra des Rois de Royeaux), most notably during the Orlénié State Ball.

President of the Republic

The President of the Republic is a key figure in the governance of the nation, playing a crucial role in both ceremonial and executive functions. The presidency embodies the unity of the nation and symbolises its continuity. Its responsibilities and duties are vast, encompassing a range of activities that contribute to the stability, security, and well-being of the Republic.

The duties of the president include:

  • Ceremonial Duties. At the heart of the presidential duties lie its ceremonial role, representing the unity and continuity of the Republic. The president is the embodiment of the State and its values, participating in various state ceremonies, receptions, and other diplomatic events. From state funerals to national celebrations, the President is present as a unifying figure.
  • Guardian of the Constitution. The President is also the guardian of the Constitution, ensuring that its principles and values are upheld throughout the country. While the day-to-day administration is handled by the Chancellor, the President stands as the ultimate safeguard against any actions that may compromise the constitutional order. This includes ensuring the separation of powers and protecting the fundamental rights and liberties of citizens.
  • Foreign Affairs. Another significant aspect of the President’s duties lies in the realm of foreign affairs. The President is the Republic’s chief diplomat, representing the nation in international forums and maintaining diplomatic relations with other countries. Through state visits, meetings with foreign leaders, and participation in international conferences, the President contributes to shaping the country’s image on the global stage. Additionally, the President plays a crucial role in the negotiation and ratification of treaties, fostering alliances, and addressing issues of global concern.
  • Defence of the Republic. The President serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic, holding the ultimate authority over the nation’s defence and security. While the day-to-day operations are overseen by military commanders and defence personnel, the president holds the power to deploy military forces in the defence of the nation. This role underscores the President’s responsibility for the safety and security of the country and its citizens. It must be noted that this does not mean, however, that the president is able to declare war, as the only organ which is competent for such a task in the Republic is the Senate.
  • Appointment Powers. The president holds significant appointment powers, including key figures in the administration, judiciary, and military. This includes the appointment of the Chancellor, in conjunction with the Senate, as well as judges, ambassadors, and other high-ranking officials. These appointments are crucial in shaping the direction and efficiency of the government.
  • Emergency Powers. In times of crisis or emergency, the President may be granted certain emergency powers to address the situation effectively. These powers, defined by the Constitution of the Republic, allow the president to take swift and decisive action to protect the Republic, be it from foreign invasion, natural catastrophe, pandemic or diseases, or shortages of crucial supplies and materials. These powers are, of course, subject to checks and balances to prevent their misuse.  
  • National Unity. Beyond specific duties, the President of the Republic plays a unique role in fostering national unity. Through speeches, addresses, and public appearances, the President has the ability to inspire and reassure the public. During times of crisis and grief, the President’s leadership is crucial in maintaining the cohesion of the nation and instilling confidence in the government.

Chancellor of the Republic

The Chancellor of the Republic is the official head of government of the Republic and is a deeply integrated role in the political realm of the country. As in other political systems, the Chancellor is of immense importance to the unity and legitimacy of the State, as well as having a key role in directing the political and administrative structures of the State in the direction that they deem necessary.

The Constitution provides the Chancellor with the right to determine their government, organise their public policies, and grants executive powers to conduct the organisation of the administrative apparatus of the State. That said, however, the political system in the Republic follows a similar division as that of most semi-presidential systems, with various powers and duties deposited also in the head of State, the President of the Republic.

The competences assigned to the Chancellor are not precisely defined, as they are a product of a political convention at the start of each Chancellor’s new five-year term. That said, various specific duties are inalienably assigned to the Office of the Chancellor. These include the organisation of the Government and of the Commission (although this is largely shared with the President); the determination and direction of domestic policy of the Republic; and the capacity to modify and change economic and fiscal policy of the Republic. Conversely, the head of State—the President—will be mostly tasked with: duties related to the definition of the Republic’s foreign policy and representation abroad, in conjunction with the Commission; the definition of the State’s defence and security policy, in conjunction with the Commission; and others. It is important to note that, while both the head of State and Government wield considerable power, they are counterbalanced by both the other, and the Commission and Senate, to ensure a more uniform approach to policy both domestically and abroad.

Elections

Since the founding of the Republic in 1793, and through its different historical modifications, the head of State has always been elected via universal suffrage. In its current iteration since the Digital Revolution of 2008 and the introduction of the Council of Citizens, instead of organising these elections via ballot, it is instead done via an electronic voting system requiring biometric and two-factor authentication, as well as at specialised voting stations set up at municipal, departmental, and provincial buildings.

The President of the Republic is elected on a ten-year term, with elections always held on one of the week’s four rest days, allowing most ease in the voting process—this, however, is a remnant of the previous ballot-voting system, as this is rather easy to do on personal devices post-Digital Revolution. This does, however, also allow for maximum participation in political debates and discussion in the forums, conferences, and other media.

For a candidate to be considered for the office of the President, they require the explicit or implicit support of at least two million citizens. They must also obtain the backing of at least one-twentieth of the members of the Senate. The finalised list of candidates—which cannot number greater than ten—is established nine months before the elections themselves take place. In this time, the Council of Citizens will sponsor debates, campaigns, and other activities to control the promotion of candidates and ensure that all are equally represented.

During the election, at least one candidate must obtain 50% of the popular vote. This is done via a ranked-choice based system of electoral voting, allowing for the most approximate representation of a majority of the popular vote. Once the Council of Citizens has elected a candidate, they are bestowed in an inauguration ceremony with the Robes of the Republic that carry with them the right to preside the Republic, and they begin their duties.

The first order of business after any election of the President is the election of the Chancellor. Once a President has been sworn into office, they must present to the Senate a candidate which they would like to take the mantel of the Chancellor for the first five years of their tenure. A debate then takes place during which the Senate verify the profile of the selected candidate and then either approve or reject the candidate. Should the Senate reject the candidate, the President must continue to present candidates until one is selected. Should the Senate approve of the candidate, then the Chancellor and President will then formulate and present the official list of members to form part of the Federal Commission, which must also be approved by the Senate.

It’s important to note that, while the Chancellor can form part of three consecutive governments, a President-elect cannot be elected in two consecutive elections.

Structure of Government

Base structure of a Department

The Commission is composed of several bodies—currently 21—known as ‘Departments’, with a specific ministerial portfolio of duties, tasks, and obligations assigned to each commissioner. The organisation of these ministries is done so in the manner of choosing of the Chancellor, although there is input from the President in this regard. At the head of each ministry is the Lord Commissioner assigned to said department.

Each Department is further constituted by ‘State Ministries’, which are the highest sub-departmental organ in the Republic. They are presided by Lord Ministers and must be selected through rigorous testing processes. These ministries are then divided into ‘bureaus’, led by Lord Secretaries. Lastly, these directorates are composed of ‘directorates’, which can either be the last level or can be divided further into ‘subdirectorates’.

It is not obligatory for this structure to be followed, however. A directorate does not necessarily have to be subordinate to a bureau but can be directly dependent of a State Ministry, while a bureau might be dependent of the department itself. However, the administrative rank of the person in charge of the body cannot change; a Lord Secretary cannot oversee a Ministry, nor can a bureau officer oversee a directorate. As such, state ministries are often reserved for the most important topics amongst a department’s duties, and some departments do not have ministries if it is deemed that they have no topics requiring a position of such importance.

Each department will also have a technical cabinet, which provides technical assistance to the Lord Commissioner, as well as an Undersecretary of the department for additional organisational support regarding financing, budgeting, human resources, etc.

Shadow Commission

The Shadow Commission is the name given to the ‘Opposition’ Commission. This Commission is formed by the second-most voted candidate during the elections for the Presidency, and—in accordance with the Constitution—must have the same overall structure and ‘shadow’ the competences of the Commission. This commission acts as a legal counterweight to the administrative decisions of Government and can publish and publicly suggest alternative solutions. They also have the right to obtain information critical to the functioning of the government, including information not released to the public; as such, they are sworn under the same oaths of secrecy and duty to the State as the incumbent government. In practice, the Shadow Commission consists of members—approved by the Senate—who scrutinise their corresponding government commissioners, develop alternative policies, and hold the Government accountable for their actions.

Members of the Shadow Commission have no executive or legislative powers and must limit their activity to studying and scrutinising the policies and actions of the Government. This may give them considerable prominence within the political structure of the Republic, but it must also be noted that they are not necessarily a political representation of any body of the state. As such, the Senate may, via absolute majority, remove one or all of the members of the Shadow Commission—except for the ‘Shadow President’, as they have been elected and validated by the Council of Citizens and can only be removed by this Council, although the Senate may request this measure of the Council.

Judicial Branch

The Republic stands as a testament to the principles of justice and the rule of law, with its judicial branch playing a crucial role in upholding these ideals. The intricate system of justice—both at the provincial and national levels—ensures that the rights of the citizens are protected, disputes are resolved, and the stability of the Republic is maintained.

At the provincial level, the judicial branch is structured in a hierarchical manner, mirror the administrative divisions of the Republic. Each province has its own network of courts, overseen by esteemed jurists known as Praetors. These praetors, chosen for their legal acumen and unwavering commitment to justice, preside over the Provincial Courts. They are responsible for ensuring that laws are upheld, interpreting legal codes, and resolving conflicts within their jurisdiction.

Beneath the Provincial Courts are District Courts, where cases of civil and criminal natura are heard. These courts are presided over by experienced magistrates who possess a deep understanding of the law and a keen sense of fairness. They meticulously evaluate evidence, hear arguments, and render judgements based on the merits of each case. They serve as guardians of justice, ensuring that the due process is followed and that the rights of all parties are protected.

The judicial proceedings are facilitated by a team of legal professionals, including advocates and legal scholars, who provide expert guidance and support. Advocates, skilled in the art of persuasion and eloquence, represent clients and present their cases before the courts. Legal scholars, on the other hand, engage in scholarly research, studying legal texts and precedent to offer insights and interpretations into complex legal matters.

At the national level, the apex of the judicial branch is the Court of Cassation, located in the heart of the capital city of Val Royeaux. This esteemed institution comprises the most distinguished jurists in the Republic, known as Justices. These justices, appointed for life, possess an unparalleled depth of legal knowledge and wisdom. They are entrusted with the task of interpreting the law, resolving conflicts between provinces, and ensuring the uniform application of justice throughout the Republic. The Court of Cassation serves as the final arbiter of justice, acting as the court of last resort for those seeking redress. It reviews cases on appeal from the Provincial Courts, carefully examining the legal arguments and evidence presented. The judgements of the Court of Cassation carry immense weight, setting precedents that guide future legal interpretations and shape the development of the Republic’s legal system.

The support the functioning of the judicial branch and maintain the highest standards of justice, a comprehensive system of legal education and training is established. Aspiring jurists undergo rigorous academic and practical training, studying the principles of Orlénié law, legal philosophy, and courtroom procedures. Renowned academies, such as the Académie Juridique de Beauchamps in Val Royeaux, serve as centres of legal training, nurturing the next generation of legal minds and instilling in them a deep sense of ethical responsibility.

The judicial branch of the Republic is not merely a mechanism for dispute resolution, but a pillar of the society that upholds the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law. Its commitment to impartiality, integrity, and the pursuit of the truth fosters a sense of trust and confidence amongst the citizenries. Through its steadfast dedication to justice, the judicial branch contributes to the overall stability and prosperity of the union, ensuring that the rights of its people are safeguarded, and that disputes are resolved in a just and equitable manner.

Military

The military of the Republic stands as a formidable force dedicated to ensuring the security of the Republic, projecting power across the globe and safeguarding the interests of the Republic. Drawing inspiration from the principles of liberty, democracy, social justice, and national defence, the Orlénié military showcases a commitment to excellence, innovation, and global stability.

Comprised of various branches—including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps—the military boasts a comprehensive range of capabilities across land, sea, and air domains. The army, composed of highly-skilled soldiers, excels in ground operations, leveraging innovative technology, advanced combat vehicles, and sophisticated communications systems. The Navy, equipped with state-of-the-art warships and submarines, maintains a robust maritime presence, upholding freedom of navigation and safeguarding crucial waterways in the Republic. The Air Force, with its fleet of advanced aircraft—ranging from fighter jets and bombers to helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and transport craft—ensures aerial superiority, rapidly deployment, effective reconnaissance, and precision strikes. The Marine Corps, renowned for its amphibious capabilities, specialises in expeditionary warfare, swiftly responding to crises and projecting force with agility and efficiency.

The military’s leadership and command structure are built upon a foundation of expertise and experience. Seasoned officers provide strategic guidance and oversee operations across the various branches, with select few officers given the authority to command combined arms operations. Their astute decision-making, coupled with comprehensive planning and coordination, ensures the military’s readiness and effectiveness in meeting a diverse set of challenges.

Emphasising joint operations and interoperability, the military fosters collaboration and synergy amongst its branches, enabling seamless integration and combined arms effectiveness. The rank structure is composed of officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel, tasked with everything from formulating military strategies, coordinating joint operations, and performing the on-site tasks and duties required to complete the outlined objectives.

Technological innovation plays a pivotal role in shaping the military’s capabilities. Investment in research and development fuels advancements in defence technologies, encompassing areas such as weaponry, intelligence gathering, cyberwarfare suites, telecommunications networks, advanced fighter craft, missile defence systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and sophisticated Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Robotics and unmanned systems contribute to the military’s effectiveness, enhancing reconnaissance, logistical, and even limited combat operations. The military remains at the forefront of technological advancements, adapting and leveraging emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

A highly trained and professional military force relies also on rigorous education, training, and talent development. The military’s academies and specialised training institutions instil a culture of excellence, fostering leadership, critical thinking, and specialised skills amongst the ranks. Continuous training exercises, simulations, and joint multinational exercises hone the military’s proficiency and promote collaboration with allied nations. The well-being of the service members is a priority, with comprehensive healthcare, support programmes, and ample opportunity for career growth and personal development both within the military and post-retirement.

Beyond its primary role of defence, the military actively contributes to global stability and humanitarian endeavours. It participates in peacekeeping missions, disaster-relief operations, and international efforts to combat terrorism and ensure regional security. The military’s expeditionary capabilities enable rapid response to crises, facilitating the delivery of aid, promoting stability, and conducting joint exercises and military exchange programmes with allied nations to foster cooperation and to strengthen diplomatic ties. The military acts as a responsible global partner, upholding shared values and contributing to a more secure and prosperous world.

With its commitment to excellence, technological advancement, and comprehensive training, the military forces of the Republic serve as a guardian of security, projecting power when necessary, and actively contributing to global peace and stability. As an integral pillar of the nation’s identity and progress, the military stands ready to defend Orlénié interests and promote the well-being of its people in a rapidly evolving world.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement in the Republic operates under a well-structured and coordinated system that ensures the safety and security of its citizens across the thirty-two member states. The country’s federal model allows for a balance between central authority and regional autonomy, reflecting in the framework of the law enforcement system.

At the national level, the Federal Security Bureau (FSB) serves as the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing federal law. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Home Office, which oversees the country’s overall security apparatus. The FSB works closely with provincial law enforcement agencies to ensure effective collaboration and information sharing.

In each province, a Provincial security office is established to oversee the law enforcement matters at the regional level. The exact nomenclature of these offices is decided by the province itself. These agencies are responsible for maintaining peace and security within their respective jurisdictions, as well as enforcing regional laws and regulations. They work in close cooperation with the FSB, sharing resources, intelligence, and expertise to combat crime and maintain public safety.

Additionally, the Republic places great emphasis on community policing initiatives. These ‘community police units’ are established in towns and cities across the country to foster a strong bond between law enforcement and local communities. These units collaborate directly with residents, engaging in crime-prevention programmes, addressing community concerns, and building trust and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement officers.

The Republic’s law enforcement agencies prioritise training and professionalism, and police recruits undergo comprehensive training programmes that focus on law enforcement techniques, community relations, ethics, and respect for human rights. Ongoing professional development is also emphasised to ensure that officers stay updated with the latest investigative techniques, technologies, and legal evolution.

To maintain accountability and oversight, an independent agency under the ombudsman of the State known as the Office of Police Overview investigates and address complaints against law enforcement officers, ensuring transparency and accountability in these operations.

Economy

The economy of the Republic is a robust and prosperous one, driven by a diverse range of sectors and fuelled by a skilled and educated workforce. With a population exceeding 229 million, the country boasts a thriving domestic market that fuels consumption and drives economic growth. The currency, known as the Elyss, symbolises the stability and strength of the national economy.

The GDP per capita of over $56,000 reflects the high standard of living enjoyed by the Orlénié population. The country’s GDP of $13 trillion underscores its economic might on the global stage. The Republic has achieved a remarkable level of human development, boasting an HDI of 0.946—indicating elevated levels of education, life expectancy, healthcare, and income—and a remarkably low Gini coefficient of 12.2—highlighting the country’s commitments to social equity and wealth distribution.

The Republic’s economy is characterised by a diverse range of sectors that contribute to its overall growth and prosperity. The manufacturing sector plays a significant role, with industries such as automotive, electronics, and machinery producing high-quality goods for both domestic and international markets. The agricultural sector is also prominent, with fertile lands across the country supporting the production of a wide variety of high-quality crops and livestock. The services sector is also a major driver of the economy, encompassing industries such as finance, telecommunications, tourism, and professional services. The country’s modern and efficient infrastructure, including advanced telecommunication networks and well-developed transportation systems, supports the smooth functioning of the services-based industries.

The Republic’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement is evident in its thriving research and development sector. The country invests heavily in scientific research, fostering collaboration between universities, research institutions, and cooperative enterprises. This dedication to innovation has led to breakthroughs in various fields, including medicine, renewable energies, robotics, biotechnologies, and information technology.

Trade also plays a vital role in the Republic’s economy, with the country engaging in global commerce and maintaining strong international partnerships. The country’s strategic location and well-developed transportation infrastructure facilitate the movement of goods across the country, contributing to its position as a global trading hub. The Republic exports a diverse range of products, including manufactured goods, agricultural produce, and high-value services. It is important to note that, given the intricately webbed system of local councils and market socialist economic system, most imports and exports are overseen by government agencies at the provincial level for logistical purposes, with the National Agency for Trade and Commerce, dependent on the Ministry of Commerce, managing nationwide imports and exports organisation.

The government of the Republic is dedicated to creating a favourable business environment, supporting cooperative entrepreneurship, and attracting foreign investment to local businesses (albeit with limited impact, given the nature of the cooperative system and the Social Harmony Fund). The government also promotes sustainable practices and green initiatives, ensuring that economic growth is balanced with environmental preservation. The Republic is also dedicated to education and skills development, resulting in a highly-educated and productive workforce. The country boasts world-class universities, vocational training institutes, and research centres that equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary to excel in various industries. This focus on education and human capital development contributes to the country’s overall economic competitiveness and ensures a steady supply of skilled professionals.

Structure of the Economy

The economy of the Republic is a model of an advanced market socialist system. With a unique combination of market principles and socialist ideals, it has a struck a balance between economic prosperity and social welfare, offering a system that not only promotes the well-being of the community, but also strives for equity in a decentralised economic system.

At its core, market socialism is a fundamental tenet of the economy. The key distinction lies in the structure of the businesses themselves within the Republic; companies operate as worker cooperatives, where employees have a significant say in the decision-making process to ensure not only fair wages in relation to the responsibilities of each post, but also a more just and equal redistribution of the economy’s total wealth. A key component of this system is what is known as the Social Harmony Fund, which is a robust mechanism for redistributing profits from cooperatives to the broader population. This system permits cooperatives to first extract from their global annual income the costs of production and maintenance of operations—including wages for all workers—a certain percentage that is allocated to contingency funds for further expansion and to respond to market shocks and investment opportunities, and comparatively low taxes. The resulting company profits are allocated to the Social Harmony Fund, which acts as a social dividend to the general population and is an exclusive competence of the federal state of the Republic (although the act of collecting said funds is decentralised to the provinces themselves).

Social Harmony Fund

The Social Harmony Fund is a central pillar of the Republic’s economy. It serves as a powerful tool to mitigate income inequality and promote fairness and equal opportunity. Profits that are not needed for the basic functioning of businesses or the livelihood of their employees are funnelled into this communal fund, which is controlled and managed by the federal state. What follows is a process of redistribution that forms the backbone of the Republic’s commitment to income equality across the country.

The pooled profits are reallocated in a manner that provides additional support to individuals in lower paying jobs, whilst providing less support to those in higher-paying roles. This method acts as an equalising force, encouraging a more equitable distribution of resources and wealth and supporting the well-being of the citizens. This focus on equity not only prevents excessive accumulation of wealth, but also ensures that individuals across the country can enjoy an adequate and dignified standard of living.

While it promotes fairness, this system does not stifle innovation or productivity. Instead, it fuels a sense of solidarity and cooperation, as individuals understand that their collective efforts benefit the entirety of society. This sense of social responsibility is a key component of Orlénié social doctrine and is a driving force behind the Republic’s economic success.

The process begins with the collection of funds form the various worker cooperatives across the Republic, which is a task entrusted to the provinces of the Republic. Their leaders are responsible for overseeing the collection of these profits, ensuring that the requisite percentage not allocated to sustenance and contingency funds is redirected towards the Social Harmony Fund. The collected funds are then channelled into the common pool, amassed in a single vast treasury under the oversight and management of the federal government. That said, the input of the member states is key, as it helps understand the needs and requirements of the regions and ensure that they are addressed correctly.

The President takes on the profound responsibility of organising and managing the Social Harmony Fund. As a symbol of unity and justice, the President plays a leading role in overseeing the operation of the fund, and their moral authority and commitment to social welfare make them a key choice for this critical task. They ensure that the fund operates transparently, efficiently, and in accordance with the principles and values of the Republic.

The Commission plays an advisory role in the decision-making process of fund manage. It is responsible for making strategic decisions regarding the allocation of resources and the establishment of criteria for fund distribution, in conjunction with negotiation with the Bureau of the Senate for specific matters of territorial representation. Their role is essential in ensuring that the fund’s objectives align with the Republic’s core principles. It also oversees the practical aspects of fund allocation and distribution, considering the needs and requests of local councils and ensuring it is used correctly to address disparities and promote social harmony.

The Social Harmony Fund is distributed with a deep commitment to equity and social justice. Though it does not specifically respond to the needs and requirements of local councils—as they are more about the equal redistribution of wealth—the needs of regions and territories are taken into consideration during this process. This is a primary task of the President, who oversees the equality of the distribution of these funds. That said, the Social Harmony Fund is more than merely an economic mechanism; it is a symbol of unity and social responsibility. It embodies the Republic’s core values, demonstrating that a state can achieve both economic prosperity and social welfare by harnessing the power of decentralised markets and planning structures, as well as the dedication of its leaders. The President, as overseer of the fund, becomes a visible manifestation of the importance of the well-being of all Orlénié subjects to the throne. It underscores the Republic’s belief that wealth should be distributed equitably, ensuring that each citizen can lead a decent and dignified life.

Economic Decentralisation

One of the defining characteristics of the Republic’s economic system is the decentralisation towards the communities of the entire economic apparatus. Regions and cities across the country develop local councils which play a pivotal role in the allocation and distribution of resources across the country. These local councils are tasked with coordinating and developing ‘resource requests’, which are then sent out to other cities and regions that have the capacity to provide the manufactured goods, raw materials, and other resources required. This decentralised approach not only empowers local communities, but also ensures that resources are still distributed efficiently and with great economic value.

Local councils within the Republic are integral in facilitating the exchange of goods and services across the country. They serve as intermediaries, connecting regions with surplus resources to those with deficits. This fosters cooperation and interdependence amongst various parts of the country, promoting a sense of self-reliance and strengthening social bonds.

The existence of local councils also plays a significant role in ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed. These councils are intimately familiar with the needs of their communities, which enables them to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation. This decentralised system ensures that the economic planning is flexible and responsive to local requirements.

Though this system has historically been used throughout the Republic, this economic landscape underwent a significant transformation during the Digital Revolution of 2008. This pivotal event marked a turning point in various aspects of the Orlénié society—politically, administratively, and economically—as it harnessed the power of information technology to enhance society and the decentralised economic system.

With widespread adoption of digital tools, local councils gained access to advanced platforms and databases that streamlined the request-and-distribution process. Requests became more transparent and efficient, ensuring that resources were allocated where they were needed, as well as making it easier to request resources and goods from far away parts of the Republic. Digital platforms facilitated knowledge sharing and innovation, empowering regions to improve production methods, efficiency, and continue the upwards trend of technological advancement. Moreover, the Digital Revolution ushered in an era of heightened transparency; the sharing of data and information regarding resources availability, production capacity, shifts in demand and requirements, crises, interruptions to supply chains, etc., allowed local councils to make more informed decisions, leading to improved economic planning and allocation of resources.

The Digital Revolution of 2008 represented a significant leap forward in embracing technology to optimise economic processes. It not only streamlined resource allocation but made the system more responsive, standing as a testament to the Republic’s commitment to improvement and innovation.

Demographics

Education

Language

Religion

Health

Culture

Architecture

Largest Cities

Val Royeaux

Within the captivating realm of the Province of Val Royeaux lies the national capital, standing as a testament to opulence, prestige, and prosperity not only for the Republic as a state, but for the Orlénié people as a civilisation. The city exudes an air of lavishness and grandiosity, with magnificent palaces and their glistening marble façades rising against the backdrop of lush greenery, domes and towers reach towards the heavens. Gardens adorned with vibrant blooms and intricately sculpted fountains create a paradise of tranquillity, offering respite from the bustling streets of the city proper.

The streets themselves, however, are a spectacle of life and regal elegance. Lined with majestic buildings, resplendent marketplaces, and bustling squares, they hum with the energy of a thriving metropolis. The rich tapestry of architectural styles reflects the diverse influences that have shaped the Republic, blending classical elements with intricate detailing and modern designs. The city’s thoroughfares are graced by statues and monuments that celebrate the nation’s history, honouring its heroes and legends.

The River Zyra, with its serene flow, serves as a centrepiece for the city’s grandeur. Bridges adorned with ornate carvings and intricate artwork span the river, connecting the busy districts and allowing the flow of commerce and culture. The riverbanks are lined with elegant promenades, where residents and visitors alike stroll leisurely, savouring the picturesque vies and revelling in the atmosphere.

As the capital of the Republic, this lavish enclave serves not only as a seat of political power, but also as a cultural hub. The city’s theatres, galleries, museums, and other such centres showcase the artistic achievements of the nation, preserving and celebrating its rich culture and heritage. The echoes of music and the applause of audiences resonate through concert halls and opera houses, while the pages of literature come alive in the libraries and bookstores that adorn the cities’ many streets.

In the heart of this resplendent city, the capital of the Republic stands as a testament to the country’s vision of the future. It is a place where opulence and pomp harmonise with natural wonders and practical urban planning, creating a landscape that both captivates the sense and leaves and indelible mark on all who have the privilege to behold its magnificence.

Visual Art

Literature

Philosophy

Theatre

Music

Cinema

Fashion & Design

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