Creania

The Kingdom of Creania Creania
Flag
Motto: "Fuerza en La Unidad Strength in Unity
Anthem: Marcha del Amanecer
Capital and largest city	Bernebau
Official languages	Creanian
Other languages	Calaferran
Ethnic groups	Creanian's, Calaferran's, Ethnic Serican's, Qanarian's
Religion	Catholicism
Demonym(s)	Creanian
Government	Constitutional Monarchy
• King	Rafael
• Prime Minister	Pablo Cortes
Legislature	Parliament
• Upper house	House of Lords
• Lower house	House of Commons
Establishment
• Fomration of Kingdom of Bernebau	3 May 1215
• Formation of Kingdom of Creania	22 October 1453
• Centralized State	12 June 1722

The Kingdom of Creania (Creanian: Reino de Creania; pronounced: [ˈrei.no de kɾeˈa.ni.a]) is a sovereign state and monarchy situated in Southern Menra, bordered by Lyradon to the west and Ruges to the north. Known for its Mediterranean heritage, vibrant culture, and enduring monarchy, Creania has been a central player in Menran politics and global trade since its unification in the late medieval period. The kingdom is currently ruled by the House of Ibargüen, with King Rafael Ibargüen presiding over the throne in the early 20th century.

Creania’s consolidation as a unified state occurred under King Ferdinand I in the 15th century, marking the beginning of a centralized monarchy that oversaw a period of territorial expansion and maritime dominance. By the 17th and 18th centuries, Creania had grown into a formidable imperial power, establishing colonies across Menra and the Kartegean Sea and commanding vital Mediterranean trade routes. This era of expansion solidified the kingdom’s economic and military prominence.

In the 19th century, Creania faced significant challenges to its empire, including colonial independence movements and rising domestic pressures for political reform. These challenges led to the modernization of the monarchy, with the House of Ibargüen guiding the transition towards a constitutional framework while maintaining the monarchy’s symbolic and cultural authority. The reign of King Rafael II in the early 20th century represents a period of diplomatic activity and cultural renaissance, as Creania seeks to adapt its traditions to the realities of a rapidly changing world.

Creania’s influence is bolstered by its rich artistic heritage, strategic position, and historical alliances, particularly with neighboring powers like Lyradon and Eswal. The kingdom continues to navigate its role as a Menran power, balancing its legacy as a colonial empire with its aspirations for modernity and progress.

Geography

Creania is a country in the western part of Menra, located next to Austras to the west, and Lyradon in the east.

History

Early Modern Period (17th–18th Century)

Creania, a nation nestled in the southern region of Menra, established itself as a prominent kingdom in the early modern period. Its early economic prosperity stemmed from trade with Speria and colonization efforts in Leonata. The nation’s wealth was derived from sugar plantations, gold mining, and a robust maritime industry. During this era, Creania expanded its influence into the New World, claiming colonies such as Tarranza and San Izba.

However, this prosperity was marred by internal challenges, including reliance on slavery, growing tensions between the monarchy and aristocracy, and periodic uprisings from oppressed groups. These tensions laid the groundwork for the reforms and upheavals of the 19th century.

19th Century: The Era of Reforms and Expansion (1800–1875)

Reign of King Vicente (1855–1885)

The reign of King Vicente marked a turning point in Creanian history. Ascending the throne in 1855, Vicente spearheaded a wave of progressive reforms that sought to modernize the kingdom. These included the gradual abolition of slavery (1855 in Creania; 1875 in its colonies) and efforts to balance royal authority with parliamentary powers. Vicente also oversaw Creania’s entry into the colonization of Kartege, securing Calaferra in 1870 and negotiating agreements that allowed local nobility to retain some power.

Despite these advances, Vicente's reign saw the loss of several Leonatan colonies as Creania’s global influence waned, partly due to competition with rising powers such as the United Federated States of Leonata and Eswal.

Late 19th Century: Militarization and Autocracy (1885–1912)

Reign of King Gaspar (1885–1912)

The ascension of King Gaspar marked a stark departure from Vicente’s progressive policies. Dissolving parliament in 1887, Gaspar began to centralize power, undoing many of his father's reforms. His reign emphasized military expansion, leading to significant conflicts, including:

The San Izba War (1897–1899): Creania lost its last New World colony to the United Federated States of Leonata after a humiliating naval defeat that claimed the life of Crown Prince Joaquin. The Creanian-Austras War (1902–1904): A costly but ultimately fruitless conflict over territorial claims in Kartege.

Gaspar's policies brought economic strain, leading to heavy taxation to rebuild the navy and sustain colonial campaigns. His ambitions to colonize the island nation of Carlion further drained resources, culminating in military failure by 1911.

Early 20th Century: The Reign of King Rafael (1912–Present)

Rafael’s Early Reign (1912–)

At just 23 years old, King Rafael inherited a kingdom burdened by military losses, economic hardship, and the waning loyalty of colonial territories. Rafael's reign has been marked by the modernization of the nation through trade agreements with Lyradon and Eswal, as well as the growing efforts to integrate Calaferran residents into the nation. This includes the controversial measure of the King to grant citizenship to all Calaferran's born in Creania past a certain year, and to those whom had fought for the country during the Great War. King Rafael also sucessfully saw the return of national democracy as he oversaw the election of 1915. Rafael's reign has been controversial for what many see as his sympathies towards the Calaferran people, and for his entry into the Great War, after which the country gained the colony of Jinbao in eastern Speria, and the protectorate of Qanar.