Scryeland

Principality of Scryeland Mara Scrye
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Haven of peace."
Anthem: "Sword and shield, we stand by you."
Location of Scryeland
Capital and largest city	Garraway
Official languages	Scrye New Saffronian
Recognized Regional Languages	2 languages: Eizean Vultesian
Ethnic groups	Scrye Vonesian Saffronian
Demonym(s)	Scrye
Government	Unitary absolute constitutional diarchy
• Co-Grand Princes	Brennan Greenfield Anthor Codd
Legislature	Federal Council
• Upper house	House of Commons
• Lower house	House of Regimine
Establishment
• Reign of Brynnan the White as Grand Prince of the Scrye	910 AD
• Expedition of Vasago I	1213
• Garraway District Charter	1697
• Integration	1701
• Vulto-Scrye Wars	1780-1799
• Vultesian occupation	1799
• Independence declared from the Vultesian Empire	1 November 1911
Area
• Total
Population
• 2021 estimate	795,000
• 2020 census	795,012
Currency	Guilder (GLD)
Time zone	UTC+5
Date format	dd-mm-yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	+18
ISO 3166 code	SCY
Internet TLD	.SCY

The Principality of Scryeland is a Nordic island country situated in the North Paisi Ocean and is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Anteria. It shares maritime borders with Swoeja, Willowhaven, and Entonia, and covers a total area of 101,939 km (63341.95797 miles), with a population of more than 795,000. The country has a temperate polar climate, known as one of the coldest countries in the world. It also contains more than 430 islands, of which 198 are inhabited and are principally located in the archipelagos of the Chatmis Chain and the Northern Isles. Garraway is the nation's capital and largest city; other major cities are Averon, Eyford and Hachester. It is headed by two co-Grand Princes: Brennan Greenfield and Anthor Codd. It has two official languages: traditional Scrye script and New Saffron. Scryeland is also an absolute diarchy with Scrye polytheism as the state religion. The name "Scrye" stems from "Scræfjall," the archaic name for the mainland.

The region of Scryeland was originally inhabited by culturally-similar indigineous peoples such as the Scrye, Vonasian, and Saffron; however, the first written reference to the region was written in c. 90,000 BC, some three centuries after the area was first settled. It saw a second expansion of human settlers around 10,000 BC, at the time of great nomadic travel around the northern poles. Constituting the ancient people known collectively as the Scrye, a feudal society emerged following the introduction of literacy and the Old Religion of the Scryes; this later dominated the island by 500 BC, and would rage on for another thousand years. In 1213 AD, the guilds of Scrye were visited by new settlers from Vultesia that would integrate with the indiginous peoples to make Scrye culture in the 11-1200's.

Outside contact with the rest of the world was not established again until 1692, forcing Scryeland to open trade. After several peaceful interactions between the principality and Vultesia, Scryeland was formally introduced to the world stage. Beginning in 1780, Scryeland fought back against Vultesian conquest in the First Vulto-Scrye War. After several more attempts by the Vultesians to take the island after a bloody series of battles, a truce was made in March of 1799 that Scryeland would become a client state of Vultesia, but would retain relative freedom and independence, although it was semi-preserved by diplomatic representatives and a government in exile. During the Great War, disputes over brutality, taxation, and the building of bases on the island led to the Scrye Revolutionary War. Independence was restored on 1 November 1911.

Although Modern-day Scryeland is a developed country, it embraces an old-fashioned culture that is largely unique, which is both a product of and reflective of its geographical isolation, and a culture that is a bit more old-fashioned than many other cultures. It continues to rank high in terms of quality of life, education, human rights, health, universal health care, and reduced levels of percieved corruption. It is also a member of the Saltstil Pact.

Etymology

The word "Scrye" is a direct translation of the Old Saffronian "Scræfjall", meaning "Island of Brothers" or the "Brethren Island". Scræfjall was the original name of the island, later adapted by the Old Scrye, Vonasians, and Saffronians to refer to the entire principality. By the 18th century at the latest, Scrye and Scryeland was being used to encompass all of what is now modern Scryeland.

History

Prehistory and Feudal Scrye

Scryeland's prehistory begins in the Hircine Era, also known as the "Beginning Ages" in Scrye mythology. Archeological finds from the Badlands suggest that the early ancestors of the Scrye were a Stone Age culture that were nomadic hunter-gatherers. They probably migrated from the ancient polar region of Croeh Bron to the shores of the southern Scrye archipelagos in the early Hircine Era. Remains were found in 1943 on the island of Croeh, which was later excavated and revealed numerous cave paintings and human remains dating to the Stone Age, along with many artifacts from the Hircine era and into the Neolithic age. The inhabitants of what is now Scryeland then travelled less and engaged in local hunting, gathering and fresh-water fishing. Agriculture did not emerge until the 2nd millennium BC due to a harsh climate and terrain and a lack of suitable tools to cultivate the land.

The three main ancient peoples of Scryeland, the Scryes, Vonesians, and the Saffrons, began to emerge in 10,000 BC. Remaining tribal and stateless for many centuries, these cultures were loosely organized, living in nomadic bow-wielding, horse-riding, nomadic communities that would frequently move around the island in a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Tribes were usually led by a male chieftain.

Foundation of the Principality and isolationism

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Integration

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Vulto-Scrye Wars and client period

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Scrye Revolutionary War and restoration of independence

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Geography

Located on the northern shores of the North Paisi Ocean, Scryeland is one of the northernmost countries in the world. A geologically young land, it is a surface expression of the Jarger Glacier that formed about 80 million years ago. Its core territory constitutes the mainland and more than 430 remote islands, of which 198 are inhabited and are principally located in the archipelagos of the Chatmis Chain and the Northern Isles.

Climate

The climate of Scryeland is tundraic, with its mean temperature above -5 degrees fahrenheit in winter. The average annual temperature on the mainland is 5-25 degrees. The average precipitation varies considerably, and is mostly concentrated in two periods - from October to December, and from April to May. Areas to the east of the coastal mountains are in a rain shadow, and have lower rain and snow totals than the west.

Biodiversity

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Government and politics

Government

Scryeland has been governed under a co-principality since 1878, with two grand princes that combine legislative, executive, and judicial functions and royal decrees that form the basis of their legislation. The princely houses of Gardimond Manor and Maxphrey Mansion were created as the official residences of the royal families in 1911. The co-Grand Princes also appoint members of the Federal Council, who serve as aides over the House of Commons, the Regimines, and the Consultative Assembly of Scryeland.

The two royal families dominates the political system, with key ministries being generally reserved for the royal families, as are the 7 regional governorships. All decisions in the Federal Council and Consultative Assembly of Scryeland are to be approved by the co-Grand Princes.

The current co-Grand Princes are Brennan I and Anthor II, who ascended the throne on their coronations on 1 May 2019.

Law

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Foreign relations

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Military

The Royal Scrye Armed Forces (RSAF) has been deployed by the Scrye throughout the duration of its existence. It has roots in the previous ancient Scryeland, taking inspiration from several clan practices that were in use by rival tribes in ancient times.

Military service in Scryeland is compulsory. Male Scrye citizens are expected to enter military training once they graduate from secondary school, which is designed to encourage discipline and physical toughness and to emphasize the importance of the Scrye state. Female citizens are not allowed to join the military, but can join manufacturing sectors or become nurses in accordance with the war effort if need be. They enter specific communal messes where the region allows. The boys are trained to not ever surrender in times of war, as that would make the state look weak. Instead, they are taught to fight until their last breath, even willing to slit their own throats instead of surrendering to the enemy.

In addition they are trained to survive in times of privation, even if it means stealing. Besides physical and weapons training, boys study reading, writing, music and dancing. Special punishments are imposed if boys failed to answer questions sufficiently 'laconically' (i.e. briefly and wittily). In addition to firearms and explosives, they train with melee weapons as well, such as swords, knives and daggers, hammers, and even staffs. Soldiers are required to have swords on them at all times.

After 2-3 months of training, the boys are judged for their progress and strengths and are determined for what branch of service they would be preferable for. The Scrye military is divided into the Ground Forces, Marines, Navy, and Air Force, with two independent militia service corps as other options. They are required to perform military service until the age of nineteen.

Scryeland has a large and fully indigenous arms industry, producing most of its own military equipment with only a few types of weapons imported from neighboring countries. Immigrants are allowed to join the military, but not before extensive training as aforementioned.

Government finance

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Economy

Agriculture

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Tourism

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Energy

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Transport

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Science and technology

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Demographics

Scryeland's population was about 795,000 people as of October 2021. Scrye, Vonesians, and Saffrons are all ethnic Nordic people, while Baltic and Germanic people make up nearly a tenth of all immigrants.

Its population is also quite young with over half the population under 25 years old and in the military.

Ethnic groups

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Immigration

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Major cities

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Language

The official languages of Scryeland is Scrye and New Saffronian. It is estimated that nearly 90% of the population...

Religion

Virtually, all citizens adhere to cult-driven polytheism, which was inspired by the practices and beliefs that the ancient Scryes, Vonesians, and Saffrons regarded as their own, as well as the many folk beliefs imported by Vultesia or practiced by peoples throughout the provinces. The Scrye think of themselves as highly religious, and attribute their successes to their collective piety in maintaining good relations with their gods. A central part of life, they acknowledge the existence of innumerable deities who controlled the natural world and human affairs. Every individual, occupation and location has a protective tutelary deity, or sometimes several. One Scrye may worship a number of gods, but he most often reveres his or her own family's deities as their ancestral protector.

The Scrye have a number of distinctive religious practices and artifacts. The practice of ancestor worship is common among all the major populations of Scrye, and is most popular in the more rural portions of the island, where the population of religious adherents is also largest. Ancestors are always treated with great respect, and the Scrye have extensive traditions of family worship in celebration of birthdays, marriages and other significant events. Each Scrye family tends to have its own family shrine, where the local deity is worshiped, often in an elaborate room or enclosure built for the purpose. In contrast, the native Saffrons use the term "religion" in a broader sense, and their beliefs include a great variety of other gods and rituals.

Many people practice blood fealty to the ancient gods (see: Vulture Cult), which is a form of devotion and loyalty that is passed from generation to generation, and from which, it is believed, derives a certain benefit, such as prosperity and fertility. Many practitioners of blood fealty also practice blood oaths as well. Males born into a family of high-ranking blood members are considered to have achieved their own "kingship" as they turn 18, and are thus in charge of the family, swearing to lead them into prosperity and not disappoint. Bloodfeud is a form of enmity practiced between families, and is viewed as one of the highest forms of honor among the Scrye if successful in overcoming the opposing side.

According to estimates, there are about 1000 people of other religions in Scryeland, almost all tourists, immigrants, and foreign workers. The constitution does not permit freedom of religion, but is not punishable if practiced. Instead, foreign religions that are brought into the country will not be recognized legally. Practioners are still open to practice them. People who do not adhere to Scrye polytheism are called "non-believers".

Culture

Architecture

Like most aspects of Scrye culture, architecture is simple and light. It is sometimes considered undignified. However, architecture and building methods in Scryeland are unique and highly prized by their inhabitants. For many centuries, buildings were non-existent. Instead, Scrye tribes preferred living in small tents that were quickly put up, easily transportable, and easily taken down.

Dress

Men

One of the defining traits of Scrye men is their long hair, typically reaching their shoulders. Although in the past their hair was cut to avoid an enemy pulling at their hair, Scrye men nowadays are taught responsive techniques if someone were to pull their hair. Many men are brown haired and blue eyed, which has become a stereotype for the country. Their attire usually consist of casual military attire, with a grey uniform and red scarves tied around their neck. Different styles are allowed for comfort.

Women

Women's clothes consist of dresses and other typically feminine clothing that is often decorated with tribal motifs, coins, sequins, metallic thread, and appliqués. Their hair is often tied back in ribbons, especially with younger girls. Different styles are allowed for comfort.

Cuisine

Traditional Scrye foods are a mix of regional cuisines, particularly those of the Eastern Ertonwood District and the Eastern Gorgland, including: fresh vegetables, wild game, wild birds, crustaceans, fermented drinks and smoked meats. Local wines are highly regarded as they are traditionally sourced from small, organic wineries. Popular local drinks include mead, and cider produced from wild apples or other fruits native to the area. In addition to the regional and seasonal ingredients, the native food staples of Scryeland consist of the hardy staples of wheat, maize, yams, nuts, and rice. Scrye cuisine emphasizes the use of locally available ingredients, and the preparation of foods based upon seasonal availability.

The traditional practice of cooking foods with firewood is widely practiced in Scryeland. Although many have stopped the practice, it is common for people to prepare traditional dishes in this manner. The custom is considered a part of folk and tribal culture in Scryeland. Scrye food preparation is an active, physical practice; and requires an entire day's worth of time for preparation. The physical endurance required to spend all day cooking local foods, however, makes this practice only available to those of robust health and stamina. The preparation is traditionally done for large feasts, in anticipation of the arrival of a visiting clan or community. It is considered a practice of hospitality and cultural expression.

Scryeland continues to rank high in consumption of beer per capita. In 2016, an average of 3.6 liters of alcohol were consumed per person. The high consumption rate of alcohol has been attributed to the cultural heritage and tradition of drinking, the high levels of tourism in Scryeland, and the availability of imported alcoholic beverages. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is regulated and limited by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Beer and cider may be imported for personal consumption, but wine is only imported and sold commercially. Beer is sold commercially as "Hudl" and cider is sold commercially as "Sarran".

Health

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Education

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