Giokto

Protectorate of Giokto 玉島保國 (Gio̍k-tó Pó-kok)
Flag Coat of arms
Capital and largest city	Saipuo
Demonym(s)	Giokton
Population
• Estimate	10,278,427
Currency	Andallan Amla (Å)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side	right
Internet TLD	.gk

Giokto (Giokton: 玉島保國; Phen-im: Gio̍k-tó Pó-kok), officially known as the Protectorate of Giokto, is an Andallan protectorate situated north of the Little Flauton twin islands of Phalon and Nolaf. It comprises the island of Giokto and the Goa Archipelago, located off Giokto's northwestern coast. Its capital and largest city is Saipuo.

Etymology

The name "Giokto" (Giokton: 玉島; Pheng-im: Gio̍k-tó; literally “Jade Island”) is derived from the name of its main island, which was named after the mountain in its centre, Gioksua (Giokton: 玉山; Pheng-im: Gio̍k-soa / Giook8 soa1; literally “Jade Mountain”). It is unknown as to when Gioktons began referring to the mountain as “Gioksoa”; the earliest known writings containing the name date back to 800 BCE during the Tsòa Dynasty.

Geography

Giokto is surrounded by the Tiauhai Sea (Giokton: 趙海; Pheng-im: Tiāu-hái) to its east, which separates Andalla and Giokto. The Kimen Archipelago (Giokton: 群島; Pheng-im: Kim1 mng1 Liat8 to4) lies off its northwest coast, while Bante Beach (Giokton: 曼底; Pheng-im: Bân-tē), the site of the 1943 Andallan amphibious landings, is located opposite the archipelago on the coast of Liamchia. The southernmost point on Giokto Island is Cape Holam (Giokton: 戶南角; Pheng-im: Hō-lâm-kak), which is located on the southwest coast.

Toheng (Giokton: 桃園; Pheng-im: Tho2 hng1), located on the southeastern outskirts of Saipuo, is home to the Saipuo Toheng International Airport (CGST), a crucial gateway to Giokto. Konghok Road (Giokton: 光復道; Pheng-im: Kong1 hok1 to5), a major avenue in Saipuo, is another key location within the protectorate.

Natural features

• 趙海: Tiāu-hái / Tiau5 hai4 - Tiauhai Sea, between Andalla and Giokto
• 群島: Kim1 mng1 Liat8 to4 (Kimen Archipelago)
• 曼底: Bân-tē / Ban2 te5 Than1 (Bante Beach) – Beach in Liamchia opposite the Kimen Archipelago, site of 1943 Andallan amphibious landings
• 戶南角: Hō-lâm-kak / Ho5 lam2 kak1 (Cape Holam) – Southernmost point on Giokto Island, SW coast
• 光復道: Kong1 hok1 to5 (Konghok Road) – Major avenue of Saipuo
• 蔣島: Chiong4 to4 (Chiongto) – Island off S coast

Provinces

Giokto is divided into several provinces, including:

• Tiongkang (Giokton: 重庆; Pheng-im: Tiông-khèng), a landlocked province situated south of Liamchia and west of Saipuo.
• Liamchia (Giokton: 廉奢; Pheng-im: Liâm-tsia), a coastal province in the northwest and a former Andallan territory.
• Toheng (Giokton: 桃園; Pheng-im: Tho2 hng1), located on the southeastern outskirts of Saipuo, is home to the Saipuo Toheng International Airport (CGST), a crucial gateway to Giokto. Konghok Road (Giokton: 光復道; Pheng-im: Kong1 hok1 to5), a major avenue in Saipuo, is another key location within the protectorate.

Cities

Giokto's cities include:

• Saipuo (Giokton: 西堡; Pheng-im: Sai-pó), the capital and the largest city of Giokto, is located on the western face of Gioksoa.
• Kaohen (Giokton: 九份; Pheng-im: Káu-hun), the second-largest city, is a major port on the northwest coast.
• Tailam (Giokton: 臺南; Pheng-im: Tâi-lâm), another city on the northwest coast, is located south of Kaohen.
• Samto (Giokton: 山頭; Pheng-im: Sam-thô), an east coast port city, is the oldest city in Giokto and the site of the first human settlement.
• Liangsiu (Giokton: 涼州; Pheng-im: Liâng-chiu), a city on the northern face of Gioksoa, is a popular summer vacation destination.
• Yasiu (Giokton: 椰州; Pheng-im: Iâ-chiu) is a port city on the southeast coast.
• Chiongto (Giokton: 蔣島; Pheng-im: Chióng-tó) is a city on the southern coast, located on an island of the same name.

Towns, Districts, Boroughs

• 桃園: Tho2 hng1 (Toheng) – SE suburb of Saipuo, location of Saipuo Toheng International Airport (CGST)

History

WIP

趙: Tiāu 趙: Tiau5 (Tiau) - Ancient Giokton kingdom, SW, namesake for Tiauhai Sea

蔡: Tsòa (Chowa) - Giokton dynasty, c. 860-720 BC 蔡: Tsoa3 (Chowa) - Giokton dynasty, c. 860-720 BC

Ancient History and Formation

Paraw sailboats are hallmarks of the West-Alharun maritime culture.

First text — The first humans arrived in Giokto in several waves by boat from Western Alharu. The Hong-êng people established the first human settlement on the island, in what is now known as Samto, in 6800 BCE. The Hong-êng rapidly spread across Giokto, establishing a rich culture that still impacts modern life in the protectorate.

The earliest ancestors of the Giokton people are known to have lived along the southern coast of the Ketek (Cashari) Peninsula, eventually migrating south to a mountainous, resource-rich island now known as Giokto. Despite being located far from the center of the ancient Huang civilization, the Giokton people have always maintained close contact with the far-western reaches of Huang territory.

As opposed to the many Huang states in Alharu that had organized governments and went to war against each other, the Giokton people slowly developed peaceful city-states that were mostly focused on self-sufficiency and developing the economy. Initially inhabited by only a small group of people, the Giokton city-states made little contact even with each other.

Second text — The Giokton people are descended from an ancient Alharun civilization that split in half, becoming Fulgistan and Giokto, respectively. The half that would become Giokto settled near along the southern coast of the Cashari peninsula. Internal strife caused the people to separate into several groups, and over time, migrating across the sea in numerous waves, landing on the island. Eventually these waves grew into city-states and kingdoms constantly competing for land, as the island was small and rich in resources. For most of its history it was divided into such kingdoms which, after the internal strife problem somewhat died down, formed two major alliances that often fought against each other whether in large-scale battles or skirmishes. The two alliances were known as the Northern (北 Pak) and Southern (南 Lâm) alliances. Soon enough, the South was able to establish friendly relations with the neutral then-kingdom of Andalla, which agreed to assist them in their fight against the North. However, for most of the Warring Kingdoms period the North held a firm rule over most of the island, resulting in a stalemate. The South, though assisted by Andalla, was never able to defeat the North; on the other hand, the North was never able to defeat the South due to their powerful ally.

Rise of Giokto (c. 500 BCE – c. 400 CE)

Between 500 and 300 BCE, during the rule of the Geng 庚 Dynasty, waves of people migrated to the emerging island. To this day, historians continue to debate on the exact cause of this migration; however, the general consensus is that it was simply brought about as trade between the Giokton-city states and the Geng Dynasty prospered, promising new economic opportunities for those living on the island. Giokto's unique geography as a small, mountainous island allowed for a diverse climate and fertile land that could support both lowland and highland agricultural/livestock products, as well as vast mineral deposits and rivers flowing from the mountains.

Feuding Kingdoms Period (c. 400 CE – 1590's)

Over time, the Giokton city-states expanded rapidly, forming alliances, merging and breaking off. As city-states grew in size, they became monarchies, adopting government systems similar to those of the Huang states especially during the Yue 月 Dynasty. Alas, Giokto was left with 12 kingdoms covering nearly the entire island; no sizable portion of land left unclaimed. Eventually, two de-facto alliances were formed out of the 12 kingdoms—the Northern (北 Pak) and Southern (南 Lâm) alliances, with 5 and 7 kingdoms, respectively. Relations between the two sides quickly soured, leading to frequent battles and skirmishes between the "Bordering Kingdoms" in the interior of the island and supported by their coastal allies. Later on, the South was able to establish friendly relations with the then-kingdom of Andalla, which would also send military support in battles. The two sides were mostly balanced in power, resulting in a bloody stalemate that lasted over a thousand years.

Giokton Peace (1590's – 1872)

First text — At the turn of the 16th century, hostilities began to subside; both sides reluctant to continue losing men and resources in a centuries-long conflict that yielded no positive outcomes. During this time, trade and communication opened between the North and South. This era was known as the "Giokton Peace", an unprecedented 280-year period of relatively little military conflict. However, political rivalry continued to run through the kingdoms; several attempts were made by both sides to unite the island, both peacefully and through force. The Giokton Peace also saw multiple changes in government, with several kingdoms on both sides adopting a constitutional monarchy system where the monarch held little to no power.

Though the two alliances were de facto at peace at this time, the Bordering Kingdoms adopted an aggressive defense policy characterized by two main principles: (a) attack if attacked, and (b) mirror the enemy's military strength as closely as possible. As the Andallan economy prospered during the mid-1700's, so did trade between Andalla and the South. Furthermore, a notable event during this period was when insular @Selayar fell to the North's sphere of influence after a series of economic agreements and the establishing of trading ports on the island. This resulted in a fierce arms race during the early 1800's, as the Northern kingdoms channeled more resources into their armies in their attempt to mirror the South's economic prosperity. Tensions between the two sides rose dramatically during this period, bringing people to realize that there was no official document or treaty protecting the cherished peace that had been in effect for nearly three centuries.

Second text — A notable event during that period was when the North established friendly relations with the city-states of Selayar in the mid-1600s, augmenting their superiority in resources. Several years later, one of the Northern kingdoms drew up plans to begin colonizing Selayar so the flow of resources could be regulated to only the North. The plan was not well-received as it was believed that sending soldiers overseas would reduce the number of defending soldiers on the island. In the end, only two kingdoms were willing to colonize Selayar, and so they did.

In the mid-1700s, as the Andallan economy grew rapidly, trade between Andalla and the South prospered. Throughout the rest of the 1700s and early 1800s, it allowed the South to slowly amass a much larger military force, eventually resulting in an arms race between the North and South. Tensions between the two sides also increased dramatically during that period.

Giokton Revival (early 1800's – 1872)

Rising tensions between the North and South during this time became the primary driving force behind the Revival—a period of great cultural development in all fields, spurred by scholars in arts, sciences and literature who called for the unification of the Giokton people. During this period, the island enjoyed a massive growth in public appreciation for ancient Giokton arts, as well as the desire for cultural development in the present age. Similar to the Europan Renaissance, the Revival was characterized by the rapid growth of education and knowledge, made accessible to even the lower classes of society.

Though the Revival created a huge impact on Giokton society, it backfired on its initial goal to unite the kingdoms. Instead, the rise of education and a newfound public knowledge became a medium for governments to indoctrinate citizens with their political theories and beliefs. This, combined with the ever-growing power of the military and augmented by the increase of intelligence during the Revival, once again resumed the arms race that had seemingly went silent for several decades.

Great Giokton War (1872 – 1880)

First text — A series of events and territorial disputes during the late 1860's and early 1870's finally escalated into what would become the new "Revival"—the revival of the Feuding Kingdoms period. Armies of all 12 kingdoms, plus the South supported by Andalla, were rallied once more to fight against each other in 1872. The North, assuming a strong offensive stance, quickly overpowered the borderlands and began a brutal advance against the South. At the same time, a detachment of naval forces from the South successfully cut off trade between the North and its Selayari ports, eventually gaining control over the ports as well after a months-long campaign against the surrounded Giokton garrisons there.

On the mainland, however, Southern soldiers—demoralized by the failure of the Revival—were unable to defend effectively against the lightning-speed advances of the North. Over the course of several months, public belief shifted to "when", not "if" the North would win the war. After 6 long years of desperate on-and-off fighting, the remaining four Southern kingdoms announced surrender on the condition that (a) Andalla—not the North—would assume control over the Selayari trading ports, (b) all Southern soldiers would be granted amnesty, (c) the new government would agree to preserve the collective cultural identity of Giokto, and (d) the current Southern governments would be permanently exiled to Andalla. The treaty, signed on December 2, 1880 in Bogd Gioro, Fulgistan, effectively ended 8 years of the Great Giokton War.

Second text — The spirit of war was once again awakened after 2 centuries when a land dispute between two mountain kingdoms from opposite sides escalated into battle and later war, as the two kingdoms rallied their allies to attack. The North once again assumed the offensive stance, while the South, after unfruitful attempts at offense, put up a brutal defense against the advancing North. It was then decided that a detachment of forces would be gathered to also attack Selayar, and after a months-long campaign, Selayar fell to the South. But on the mainland, the South were slowly being softened by the regular attacks until they were unable to defend. One by one, the Southern kingdoms fell to the North. As each kingdom fell, allied troops there would evacuate to another kingdom or risk getting captured. This issue was solved when Andalla and the North signed an agreement granting allied soldiers in surrendering kingdoms to escape unharmed if they promised a cease-fire there. Though it was not implemented successfully as some soldiers from the surrendering kingdom would disguise as an allied soldier, tens of thousands of lives were saved because of the agreement. In the end, only two Southern kingdoms and Andalla remained, both of which announced unconditional surrender as Northern troops slowly surrounded their capitals. At the same time, virtually-untouched Andalla proposed a cease-fire with the North, on the terms that Selayar would officially be ceded to the Andallans. The treaty was accepted, effectively ending the "Great Giokton War".

Unified Giokto (1880 – 1922)

Of the 12 initial Giokton kingdoms, only five from the North were left after the defeat of the seven-kingdom Southern Alliance. The North, thus doubling its territory, divided the South into seven autonomous provinces equivalent to the seven kingdoms, all under a provisional government that was to be ruled by a council of the five Northern kingdoms. As peace returned to the land, Giokton society slowly experienced a second Revival. The second Revival, known as the Intellectual Revolution, was marked by extensive development in political and social sciences, and the revival of ancient Huang philosophy. In a political sense, the primary objective of the Intellectual Revolution was to provide a way for the North to exercise effective government of the island, as well as to prepare the way for an eventual reunification of the entire Giokto as one single nation in what would become the first documented full unification in Giokton history.

Giokto enjoyed a relatively peaceful unification on August 8, 1896; the signing of the new constitution having been attended by the reigning King of Andalla, Christian IV.

For a few years, Giokto continued to experience social development and mild economic growth. Soon, however, the many disastrous effects of governing the war-torn island were realized. Aside from a general shortage of food and resources in many rural areas, the new government was highly flawed and plagued by a plethora of issues relating to public support and administration.

During this time, the government styled itself as the Union of Giokton States. At the operational level, the Union functioned as confederation of the five Northern kingdoms—all under their own respective governments—as well as the Provisional Government (臨時政府), which encompassed the seven Southern kingdoms that were now provinces.

During this time, the parliamentary government styled itself as the Union of the States of Giokto. Executive power was vested in the Prime Minister, both the Head of State and the Head of Government, who was elected to five-year terms by a bicameral Parliament—the members of which were in turn either appointed, elected by the people or both, depending on the administration. The “rules” of government were changed often, owing to the flawed nature of the Giokton parliamentary system. The parliament was split into numerous factions, all advocating different goals and styles of government. Most notable during this time was the Royalist Movement, a large coalition of parties led by some former monarchs and their allies who had lost power due to the change in government. Other groups were also popular during this time, ranging all across the political spectrum and supporting certain specific actions—land reform, tax reform, closed-door policy, foreign investment, restoring the constitutional monarchy, Republicanism, Nationalism and Ultra-Nationalism, among others.

The intense political divide led to a gradual decay of the Giokton government, which was slowly overrun by far-right groups during the 1910’s.

Thalassan War

Main article: Thalassan War

First text — A second war broke out in November 1941 when the Giokton submarine C-23 sunk the SS Teuvo Anttonen, an Andallan troop transport ferrying soldiers to Giokto. The ship sunk with the loss of 1,452 lives, and the beginning of a war that would last 6 long years, span 3 continents and cost millions of lives. The war saw three major alliances: the Andallans and their allies, Giokto and Selayar, and the Sunset Sea Islands and allied separatist groups. Meanwhile, the main battleground was the island of Giokto itself. The Andallan military, secretly assisted by underground Giokton rebels, led the assault on Giokton and Selayari forces on the island. Battles raged on, on land, sea and air. Both sides fought to the teeth with all their might; the far larger Andallan military equally-matched with the Giokton's advanced technology and knowledge of the topograhy.

The Sunset Sea Islands looks on as Andallan and Giokton forces slowly deteriorate from battle, then takes its chance. Suddenly, both Andallans and Gioktons see lightning-speed assaults on their shores and, being unable to defend as their troops were on the front lines, had large parts of their territories taken away by the Sunset Sea Islandian empire. The war between Andalla and Giokto turns into a three-way war, with the Sunset Sea Islands and Andalla's allies entering the scene.

Second text — A second war broke out in November 1941 when the Giokton submarine C-23 sunk the SAS Teuvo Anttonen, an Andallan troop transport ferrying soldiers to Giokto. The ship sunk with the loss of 1,452 lives, and the beginning of a war that would last 6 long years, span 3 continents and cost millions of lives. The war saw three major alliances: the Andallans and their allies, Giokto and Selayar, and the Sunset Sea Islands and allied separatist groups. Meanwhile, the main battleground was the island of Giokto itself. The Andallan military, secretly assisted by underground Giokton rebels, led the assault on Giokton and Selayari forces on the island. Battles raged on, on land, sea and air. Both sides fought to the teeth with all their might; the far larger Andallan military equally-matched with the Giokton's advanced technology and knowledge of the topograhy.

And now, as other countries get involved, I no longer know what happens. The Sunset Sea Islands looks on as Andallan and Giokton forces slowly deteriorate from battle, then takes its chance. Suddenly, both Andallans and Gioktons see lightning-speed assaults on their shores and, being unable to defend as their troops were on the front lines, had large parts of their territories taken away by the Sunset Sea Islandian empire. The war between Andalla and Giokto turns into a three-way war, with the Sunset Sea Islands (Err, everyone's enemy) and Andalla's allies entering the scene.

Contemporary period

The Giokton military was forced to surrender in 1947, granting Andalla the control over Giokto. Throughout the 1950s, the new government began extensive projects to rebuild and modernize the island, and by the 1970s, Giokto became an important financial center. Today, Giokto is highly-developed; it is evident in the bustling skyscrapers of Giokto's cities.

Politics

(Government. Political parties. Foreign relations. Military.)

The entire island and its surroundings form the Republic of Giokto. The state is in a formal association with Andalla, with Andalla providing defense. Initially, Andalla also oversaw Giokton foreign relations; however, in recent decades the nation has been taking diplomacy into its own hands. The Giokton government functions much like the Andallan government, with a president, vice president, and a unicameral Congress. The Giokton capital is known as Saipuo.

Economy

The currency of Giokto is the Amla (Å) (ALA), shared with Andalla due to its status as an Andallan protectorate.

(Energy. Transport. Media.)

Companies

• 玉島航空工业股份有限公司: Gio̍k-tó Hông-khong Kong-gia̍p Ku-hun Ū-hān Kong-si (Aviation Industry Company of Giokto) - AVIG, merger of Giokton aircraft manufacturers
• 蔣島飞机公司: Chióng-tó Hui-ki Kong-si (Chiongto Aircraft Company) – Military aircraft manufacturer, merged into AVIG
• 凱玉島航空: Khái-gio̍k-tó Hông-khong (KAir) – Formerly Khai Thalassan Airways, flag carrier and largest airline of Giokto
  • 高生侃: Ko1 Seng1 khan4 (Jerry Ko) – CEO, KAir
  • 曹悟臣: Cho2 Ga5 sin2 (Colin Cho) – CFO, KAir
  • 林冠放: Lim2 Koan3 hong4 (Lim Koan Hong) – COO, KAir
• 鳶航空: Iân Hông-khong (KiteAir) – Domestic low-cost subsidiary of KAir

Demographics

The estimated population of Giokto is 10,278,427. The residents of Giokto, known as Gioktons, have a rich history, with the first human settlement dating back to 6800 BCE by the Hong-êng people. This settlement, known as Samto, was located on the modern-day site of the same name.

• Ethnic groups
  • 咱儂: Lan3 nang2 (Lanang) - Used to refer to Giokton people, culture, language, etc.
• Language.
  • 拼音: Pheng-im (Peng-im) - Giokton Romanization system (POJ)
  • 鄉音字: Hiong-im-jī (HIJ) - Lanang Romanization system
• Religion
  • 菩薩: Phô-sat (Posat, Posattism) - Giokton religion
• Health
• Education

Culture

Flag of Giokto.

The color green symbolizes Jade (a symbol of Giokto, referring to Gioksoa) and the island's rich nature. Yellow symbolizes royalty, alluding to the history of Giokto. The three blue bands represent the sea and the three faces of Gioksoa: the north, south and west faces.

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