Skiperia

Skiperian Federation Федерата ШЌиптарие (Federata Skqitarie) - Skiperian Шкиртарска Федерације (Skiptarska Federachije) - Malizian
Flag Seal
Motto: Вӗллаи ҙе Башким нӗ Луфтӗ (Skiperian) Братство и јединство у борби (Malizian) Brother and Unity in Struggle
Anthem:  Ќӗндроjмӗ си малет We Stand Like the Mountains Интернационале The Internationale
Rajonet Map of Skiperia
Capital and largest city	Kështjellë
Official languages	Skiperian
Recognised national languages	Malizian
Recognised regional languages	Datian Kodrenish
Ethnic groups	Skiperian Malizian Datian Kodrenish
Demonym(s)	English: Skiperian Skiperian: Shqiptarie Malizian/Kodrenish: Skipernac
Government	Federal Parliamentary Mauryist Republic
• President	Veror Shkelyim
• Premier	Brajko Todorović
Legislature	Skiperian People's Assembly
Establishment
• Independence	1047 CE
• First Assembly	1456 CE
• Midhan Skedos Dictatorship	1963 CE
• People's Republic	2013 CE
Population
• 2020 estimate	24,300,000
• 2022 census	24,334,971
GDP (PPP)	2022 estimate
• Total	940 Billion $
• Per capita	37,645 $
GDP (nominal)	2022 estimate
• Total	470 Billion $
• Per capita	19,362
Gini (2022 estimate)	35 medium
HDI (2022 estimate)	0.743 high
Currency	Lek (SKL)
Date format	dd.mm.yyyy
Driving side	right
ISO 3166 code	SK
Internet TLD	.sk

Skiperia (Skiperian: ШЌиптарие, Malizian: Скипериа, officially known as the Skiperian Federation) is a socialist state in southern Maris, emerging after the success of the socialist revolution in the country beginning December 19th, 2013. It is situated along a peninsula in between the Jadranskian Sea to the East and the Karavastaskan Gulf to the West, separated from the rest of Maris by the Bjekët Mountains. Much of the population lies along the eastern coast, including its capital and largest city, Kështjellë. The country has historically played a major role in the region, being an important hub for trade and commerce along the sea towards Chora. The end of the golden era led the country into economic ruin and decay, Although it has for the past hundred years pursued a policy of isolation and neutrality, the beginning of the 21st Century has led the country to open up once again to the outside world. It has begun to forge ties with much of the socialist world, developing close ties with its neighbor of Chora. The country continues attempt to modernize and develop, a process greatly harmed by ultranationalist and royalist terrorist forces in the North, including the LRM.

Etymology

The 5 Headed Eagle, a Symbol of Skiperian Culture and Identity

The region has gone by numerous names throughout its history. The Ancient Chorans called the land "προβάτων", meaning "Land of Sheep", due to the large herds of sheep that roamed the hillside. Under the Lancian Empire, the territory name was lancinized as Provatonia. The Name "Skiperia" has been in use in some form since the country's original independence in 1047, referencing the symbol of the first Sudimtar Gjegj Osekuti's tribe - the Osekut. Ancient Skiperian legend tells of the guidance of God, in the form of an eagle, descending from the heavens to instruct Gjegj to paint a five-headed eagle (Скипонjе/Skqiponje, as it is called in their language) on his shield. It was Osekuti's soldiers that led to the eventual victory of the 5 tribes in the Battle of the Vojsa. After this, Osekuti converted his people to Lumenism and led them eventually gain complete independence from Lancia in 1047. The Modern name "ШЌиптарие" means "Land of the Eagles".

History

Ancient Times

Settlements have existed in the region now known as Skiperia for thousands of years. Several tribal fiefdoms controlled the interior of the country, including the ancestors of the 5 tribes that led the wars of independence. Ancient artifacts found along the Karavastaskan Gulf point to trading settlements as far back as 4000 BCE. Several Choran colonies were also found along the southern coast, including the settlement of Vounopolis (which would later become the capital of Кӗштйеллӗ (Kështjellë)), as well as Díavlos (later becoming the strategic port city of Севлорӗс (Sevlorës)). These colonies and trading centers would form an important economic hub for the continent.

The Remains of a Choran Temple outside of Keshtjelle

The Rise of Lancia

The various separate tribes of Skiperia found themselves united under foreign rule when the Lancian Empire occupied the entire region in 107 BCE, following a swift military campaign against the tribes. The tribes had been raiding Lancian shipping and trade, and it was thought that the defeat of the tribes would pacify the region. Thus began over a thousand years Lancian rule over their province of Provatonia. Under Lancian rule, road networks would be vastly expanded, and Sevlorës would become a bustling trade hub. It would also see large migrations of Skiperians to the other side of the Strait of Datia, and the settlement of Datium (later, Datiku). The Lumenites entered the Skiperian peninsula in 103 CE from Chora, and with them, came the first writing system. St. Pagoniadis adapted the Choran alphabet to fit the Skiperian language, leading to the development of the first Skiperian script. This would greatly increase literacy in the towns and cities along the coast, although few converted to the religion and instead prefered the traditional Skiperian faith. The Lancian Empire cracked down on these missionaries too, leading to the martyrdom of St. Pagoniadis in 142. Upon the adoption of Lumenism by the country in 1039, St. Pagoniadis would be declared the patron saint of the Skiperians. Around the beginning of the 800s, numerous nomadic tribes migrated across the Bjekët Mountains, crossing around Lake Škopad. Fleeing the Mađazar invasions, they would rapidly enter into Lancian territory. They would gradually begin to spread along much of the northern highlands of the Skiperian peninsula. These tribes would eventually settle down, and would develop into the Malizians. They would also bring with them their traditional Jatrebianist faith, which would largely last with them into the 21st century. Several Skiperian tribes in the north would also adopt many aspects of the faith, blurring the line between traditional Skiperianist religion and Jatrebianism.

The First Kingdom

Gjegj Osekuti, the First King of the Skiperians.

The Old Town of Kështjellë was originally built during this period, with most of the walls seen today dating back as far as 1134.

As the Lancian Empire declined in influence in the region, the various Skiperians began to desire further and further national autonomy. It was under this climate that Gjegj Osekuti, leader of the Osekut tribe, would enter the scene. He would, after several rounds of negotiations, bring the various tribes together at the Council of Trançë in 1024. There, the various chiefs elected Gjegj "Sudimtar", or leader. The council also voted then to declare independence from the Lancian Empire, beginning the war of independence. Legend states the Gjegj was given a vision from God in 1047, instructing him to paint a Five-Headed Eagle on his shields before battle. His tribe would be instrumental at the Skiperian victory at the Battle of the Vojsa that same year, which would drive the Lancian forces into the northern half of the peninsula, into the areas primarily inhabited by more loyal Malizians. The Osekut tribe would, as a result, be the first of the Skiperian tribes to convert to Lumenism. The coronation of Gjegj Osekuti as "King of the Eagle-men" (Мбрети и ШЌипонjӗс in Skiperian) would mark the beginning the Skiperian state, and the adoption of their identity as Skiperians (Children of the Eagles). The Five-headed eagle was adopted as the national symbol of the young state, with it continuing to hold almost mythical significance to the Skiperian people to this day. Gjegj Osekuti would also make the pivotal decision of adopting Lumenism as the official state religion, and his subsequent enforcement of the tribal conversions to the faith.
The Osekuti dynasty would lead the nation into its first age, one characterized by Lumenization of society, expansionism, and militarism. This would begin with the establishment of the royal court in 1057 at Kështjellë, and the begining construction of the fortified city. The kings would wage numerous wars against the Lancian Empire to the north, eventually unifying the entirety of the Skiperian peninsula under the kingdom by the end of the 1200s. This would also bring hundreds of thousands of Malizians under their rule, who had continued to practice their traditional faith since their migration. Local missionaries developed a written form of the Malizian language with the Skiperian Alphabet, to facilitate their conversion to Lumenism and their eventual integration into Skiperian society. Those who converted were given numerous privileges and rights. The majority however did not convert, leading to their persecution and discrimination. A state tax was instituted against those who continued to practice faiths other than Lumenism, and Lumenism was established as a requirement for civil service. This period would also mark the decline of tribal politics, with appointed dukes and counts of the five tribes taking positions in governing rather than traditional familial chiefs. These dukes and counts built numerous fortifications to solidify their control, and encouraged the end of migratory practices (still practiced by northern Skiperians and Malizians) in favor of collective farms and villages. Many of these fortifications remain to this day, forming the old towns of many regional capitals.

The Skiperian Golden Age and Decline

A painting at the Royal Cathedral in Kështjellë, by Marko Bainjë

The fortifications of the port of Datiku, as seen today.

The Osekuti dynasty continued to have a dominating role in politics and government into the 15th century. However, the local counts and dukes became increasingly dissatisfied with the autocratic control from the monarchs. This came to a head in 1437, when King Ylmer II raised heavier taxes, ostensibly for a war across the Bjekëts. This included taxes on the historically exempt places of worship. These developments led various dukes to organize a revolt, led by Duke Teodor of Skënderqyet. The dukes successfully captured King Ylmer at the Battle of Malishaj in 1239. King Ylmer was then forced to sign a treaty guaranteeing various rights and privileges to the aristocratic families. This included the devolution of powers to the newly constituted Kuvendi Mbretëror (Royal Assembly). The great families became a check on royal power and influence. They also began to gain a large amount of power and influence in society.
This devolution of power allowed the families to invest into large adventures outside of the country. This led to the various trading enterprises far away the Skiperian ports, and expansion of Skiperian naval presence to support these ventures, a legacy still felt in the country to this day. Skiperia was for much of the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries one of the major trading powers along the Mesogeian Sea, connecting southern Maris with the cities of Eastern Chora and beyond.
This trade brought large quantities of wealth into the country, and a powerful merchant class sprung up to support it. This led to greater investments into the arts and sciences, and a revival of many older Lancian and Choran ideas and arts. This period, known as the Skiperian Golden Age, saw some of the greatest creations in Skiperian art and culture. Skiperians also brought many ideas from Sorenway, such as Algebra, to Maris. Many older concepts like geometry were also brought back to the forefront, and led to greater scientific innovation across the continent. The vast amounts of wealth, science, and innovation earned the Skiperians a reputation throughout the Lumenite world, and gave Skiperia a vital role in the regional economy. The kings of Skiperia were said to have held sway as far away as the courts in Sorenway and the far north of Maris.
At the same time, Datians on the opposite side of the straits began to enter the world stage. Various Datian aristocrats and merchants had seen the Skiperian Golden Age, and wished to emulate their example, and to embrace the ancient ideas being revived. Datia had declared independence in 1145, and the Datian Republic soon became another rival naval power. Skiperians and Datia clashed over trade disputes for much of the Golden Age. The eventual triumph of Skiperia over the Datian Republic came in 1702, with the Battle of (and subsequent capture of) Datiku. The Datian Republic would be subsuquently annexed into the territory of Skiperia, and its wealth and resources plundered for the royal vaults in Kështjellë.
The expansion of Marisian Empires into the New World slowly took attention of Marisian trade from the ancient Mesogeian Sea networks and towards the !Atlantic Ocean. Wealth from the Cesylle silver and gold mines brought obscene amounts of the wealth to the Isabellanese Empire. This wealth was used to fund more expeditions around the expensive trade routes monopolized by Choran and Skiperian traders, and directly to the lucrative ports of Sorenway and beyond. The Skiperian traders became increasingly irelevant, and their overseas trading ports were gradually seized. Isabellanese and Lancian leadership wished to surplant the Skiperians in the region, and seize the remaining trade for themselves. The Skiperian traders grew increasingly upset with their decreasing wealth, and attempted to pressure the king into action. The king aqueised to these demands, with a large naval fleet constructed and launched across the Strait of Palasmi to retake Skiperian interests there. The other side of the strait was ruled by the Hasakavians, who were supported by the !English. The elite admirals believed that the attack would be a sure victory, and reassert their dominance across the seas. However, the Battle of the Strait of Palasmi saw the Skiperian fleet annihilated, and brought upon the end of Skiperian naval dominance in the region. The humiliating peace treaty stripped the country of much of its former power and prowess, reducing the country to the homeland and the Datian peninsula. The end of the war brought the end of the Skiperian Golden Age, and the beginning of the age of isolation.

Politics

Veror Shkelyim President	Brajko Todorović Premier

The revolution of 2013 radically changed the political structure of the Skiperian State. Now, Skiperia is officially a parliamentary republic, with a president serving as the head of state. The constitution serves as the guiding document for the new state, delegating various powers and authorities to each of the three branches. The government nominally allows for any party to run for the position of President, but the position holds no real authority, only serving as a ceremonial role. All power is officially held by the Skiperian People's Assembly, with the premier acting as the Head of Government. The Premier in turn appoints the members of the Council of Ministers, which puts the policies and laws adopted by the SPA into practice. The Skiperian Supreme Court mainly holds the responsibility of determining the constitutionality of laws and executive decisions by the Council of Ministers, but remains in effect subordinate to the Skiperian People's Assembly. The Constitution enshrines the socialist revolution into law, declaring that "The Government of the Skiperian Federation shall be for the working class and people of Skiperia, and shall defend the rights of the working class in its laws and actions."
The Skiperian People's Assembly is divided into two chambers, the Dhoma e Popullit (People's Chamber) and the Dhoma e Rajoneve (Chamber of Rajonets). The People's Chamber is elected from each region by population, and has the responbility of electing the Premier from its membership. Although not officially required to do so, the premier has traditionally been elected from the leadership of the Skiperian People's Front, which holds a plurality of seats in the People's Chamber. One seat is alocated for every 100,000 people, meaning there is a grand total of 243 seats. The Chamber of Rajonets is elected by each Legjislativi Rajonal, or Rajonet Legislature. Each Rajonet elects two members, for a cumulative total of 32 members. The People's Chamber holds the majority of decision making power, although the approval of the Chamber of Rajonets is required for major budgetary or military decisions. This gives the Rajonets a larger say in major administrative decisions, and allows the Malizian and Datian minorities to prevent any major disruptions or overreaches of power from the Skiperians. Elections are held for both Chambers every 4 years, with the last elections being held in 2021.
All parties in the Skiperian People's Assembly, in both Chambers, form a part of the National Front for a Democratic Skiperia, a broad coalition of parties that collectively govern in the Dhoma e Popullit. This includes a variety of pro-capitalist parties, although these make up only a small section of the SPA and hold limited government influence. Also included are parties representing minority ethnic groups, with the Malizian Peoples' Revolutionary Party holding a plurality of support in all majority Malizian states.

Military

Main article: Armed Forces of Skiperia

Skiperian People's Army forces near Škopac, 2019

The Skiperian Aircraft Carrier SPN Fitore

The Armed Forces of Skiperia are comprised of the People's Army, People's Navy, and People's Air Defense Forces. They are under the supervision of the Ministry of Defense, with the Premier serving as the supreme commander. Given the ongoing civil war, the premier keeps a close control over the military and directs its actions against the rebels in the north. Military service has since the revolution in 2013 been mandatory for all men over the age of 18, and women are allowed to volunteer for combat positions if they so choose. A year and a half is the minimum serving time for those who are in service, although the possibility of serving in construction units or medical teams remains a suitable alternative. The state provides, in exchange for service (provided that they serve honorably), free college education. Skiperian law dictates that after completing service, men are put into reserve duty and instructed to keep their service rifle with them in their homes. These factors allow for Skiperia to boast in army of 300,000 active duty service members.
The Skiperian People's Army is significantly bolstered by the 100,000 members of the Пунӗторӗт Луфтуес Сќиптарӗ (Skiperian Fighting Workers). The SFW is the military wing of the Skiperian People's Front, and is largely composed of revolutionary workers and volunteers predating the socialist revolution. The majority served in guerilla operations against the state before large scale fighting broke out in 2013, and were therefore well trained in guerilla warfare. These paramilitaries have since the start of the war served as elite soldiers and instructors for the newly reformed Skiperian Armed Forces. The majority of old leadership had defected with the Lidhja e Rivendosjes Monarkiste rebels early in the fighting, and the SFW served as the foremost domestic experts in military training.
The Skiperian People's Navy is one of the largest on the Mesogeian Sea, allowing it to hold considerable influence in the region. The previous governments supported the navy heavily, which allowed the revolution to seize a premier fighting force. It remains one of the few Marisian countries with an active aircraft carrier. However several vessels were scuttled after the revolutionary government seized the port of Datiku in 2015, and remain out of service. The Skiperian Navy expects these vessels to remain out of servicable condition until late 2024.
The Skiperian People's Air Defense Forces is comprised of a handful of Artadesian and Choran supplied fighter jets, and remains a very limited force. The majority of aircraft continue to be operated by the navy, although recent budgetary changes have allowed for the SPADF to purchase a larger selection of aircraft that soon will enter service.
Financial support from members of the Alliance for Socialist Liberation provides for a significant amount of materiel used by the Skiperian Armed Forces. Volunteers from both nations also greatly enhance military the strength of anti-resistance operations in the north of the country. The country is currently an applicant to join the ASL since 2022, and hopes to attain full membership soon to expedite peace in the region.

Administrative Divisions

The Kodrenish remain the only ethnic group without representation in the Chamber of Rajonets. Local Kodrenish activists have been pushing for their own rajonet made from territory of the Nistarovo and Skopac rajonets. However, attempts at putting this change into legislative action have been stalled in the KPA, with MPRF and KPF leaders divided on the topic. It is expected that a compromise will be made soon, with Premier Brajko Todorović of the MPRF having voiced his support for his support for a division of the region in September 2023. A new draft resolution is expected to be debated in January during the next session of the People's Chamber.