Japuile

The Grand Duchy of Japuile "Grane Ducc Japuileon"
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Ducco vi endoro! We Will Endure!
Anthem: National History
Capital	Artane
Official languages	Japuilian
Recognised national languages	Japuilian
Ethnic groups	Japuilean
Religion	Church of the Sun and Moon
Demonym(s)	Japuilean
Government	Constitutional Absolute Monarchy
• His Grand Majesty	Casamir I of the House of Episcopo
• The Honorable Prime Lord	Alard Reyrond
Legislature	His Grand Majesty Court
• Upper house	Noble Chamber
• Lower house	House of Delegates
Establishment
Population
• Estimate	40 million
GDP (PPP)	estimate
• Total	TBA
• Per capita	TBA
Currency	Pythian Dime (PDE)
Driving side	left
Calling code	+000
Internet TLD	.jp

Grand Duchy of Japuile, natively Grane Ducc Japuileon - a unitary state located in the western part of Pythia. The nearest neighbor is Fillionia and Willoughby. The country was formed two times. The first at the end of the golden age of Jaquile civilization, where the city-states were united by the historically first Grand Duke Hermann. However, after the Grad Duke's wake, everything returned to its old form and civilization entered Zakerboh, the Middle Ages. At the beginning of the modern age, the city-states reunited. The capital and largest city is Artane. The current Grand Duke is Casamir I of the House of Episcopo.

Goverment

The government of Japuile is based on the Ducco system, which is a unique blend of absolute monarchy and democratic principles. The country has a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Noble Chamber and the House of Delegates. The Noble Chamber is made up of appointed nobles, aristocrats, and scientists, while the House of Delegates is made up of elected representatives 33 from each Big City (Oros, Limne, Artane) and 1 from smaller villages and towns. The two chambers have different responsibilities, with the Noble Chamber serving as an advisory body and the House of Delegates responsible for legislating.

The executive power in Japuile is organized into three tiers: the Grand Duke's court at the state level, the Duchies, and local magnates. The Grand Duke has the power to establish executive commissions to help implement laws. The judiciary is independent from the other branches of government and is centered in Artane, with the Supreme Court located there.

Nature

Climate

The Humid Continental climate graces the Serenwood region with its distinct seasonal variations. This microclimate experiences four well-defined seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring extends from April to June, heralding the arrival of milder temperatures. The summer season, lasting from July to September, brings warmer days with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. June shines as the warmest month, boasting an average temperature of 28°C. Embracing the fall season, October and November witness the arrival of autumn, accompanied by a gentle transition to cooler weather. Finally, the winter season encompasses the months of December through March, embracing freezing temperatures that range from -5°C to -10°C. In January, the coldest month, temperatures dip to an average of -8°C.

Precipitation in the Serenwood Humid Continental climate maintains a balanced distribution, evenly scattered throughout the year. Annual average precipitation stands at 1000 mm, encompassing both rain during the warmer months and snowfall during winter. This climate's equilibrium ensures a harmonious coexistence between nature and human activities.

Vegetation

The Serenwood Humid Continental presents a captivating sight as trees and grasses adapt to the shifting temperature and moisture levels across seasons. During the cold seasons, the landscape retains its lush green hue, while the warm seasons usher in vibrant shades of yellow and orange. This remarkable adaptation allows plant life to thrive in response to the varying levels of heat and moisture present in the environment.

Acacia, Baobab, and Bamboo Trees are unique to the landscape of the Serenwood Humid Continental. These resilient tree species gracefully dot the terrain, often congregating near rivers or forming small clusters of two or three trees. Revered for their damage-resistant wood and bark, these trees hold significant economic and ecological value, making them a treasure to conserve for future generations.

Protection

Environmental and ecological education remains deeply ingrained in the culture of the Serenwood region, with a strong focus on responsible resource management. Mindful of the Humid Continental climate's unique attributes, the region carefully regulates all raw material extraction from the earth, ensuring sustainable utilization.

The Serenwood Humid Continental advocates for localized production practices, especially within designated zones of the wood industry situated close to villages and towns. This approach streamlines resource management and reduces transportation impact, fostering an eco-friendly ecosystem. To maintain the beauty and current state of nature for future generations, there is a very active police subunit in the wilderness, The Nature Rangers. These dedicated protectors monitor activities, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and preventing littering or any detrimental actions that may harm the natural environment.

The Grand Ducal Army

The Grand Ducal Armed Forces is the official military organization of the Grand Duchy of Japuile. Comprised of three distinct branches - the Grand Army, the Grand Navy, and the Grand Air Force - the Grand Ducal Armed Forces is responsible for the defense and security of the Grand Duchy and its citizens. Each branch is commanded by a General, who is responsible for the administration and operations of that branch. In the event of a crisis or the need for unified command, the Grand Duke may be called upon to assume command of the Grand Ducal Armed Forces.

The Grand Ducal Armed Forces is overseen by a Military Disciplinary Commission, which holds the authority to exercise military control over the organization. The Lord of Defense, a senior military official appointed by the Grand Duke, serves as the chief advisor on military matters and holds ultimate responsibility for the readiness and effectiveness of the Grand Ducal Armed Forces. Additionally, civilian commissions, composed of individuals with military experience or expertise, provide oversight and input on the management and operations of the Grand Ducal Armed Forces.

All members of the Grand Ducal Armed Forces are sworn to defend the Grand Duchy and its citizens, with their oath of service legally binding and similar to a contract. Ultimately, all soldiers are accountable to the Grand Duke as the commander-in-chief of the Grand Ducal Armed Forces.

Society and culture

The Grand Duchy of Japauile is a culturally homogeneous society, shaped by a longstanding policy of isolationism that has directed its focus inward towards its cities, towns, and villages. This intentional isolation has not only preserved the purity of its culture and language but also fostered a deep respect, and even love, for the natural world and its bounties, curses, and blessings. In Japauile, nature is often invoked through sayings and proverbs that illustrate its relevance to everyday situations and the importance it holds in the lives of its inhabitants.

Each of the Grand Cities within Japauile has developed its own unique traditions based on its historical destiny, culture, or resident community. Artane, known as the Capital of State and Civilization, serves as a prominent center of culture and power, garnering much praise and attention. Its rival, Limne, referred to as the Capital of the Army, shares a long history of conflicts and strife with Artane, driven by struggles for influence or deep-seated animosity. The third and final Grand City is Oros, which draws inspiration from the characteristics of both Artane and Limne. Oros embodies a profound faith and pacifism, having never initiated war but always prepared to defend itself against invasions.

The following are examples of sayings and proverbs prevalent in Japauile:

1. "Nature is not a place to visit. It is home."
2. "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
3. "Keep close to nature's heart... and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean."
4. "We are all compost for the next generations."
5. "Flowers that do not bear fruit need to be harvested to give room for new seeds."

The predominant religion in Japauile is the Church of the Sun and Moon, which originated in the ancient Grand City of Oros, known as the Capital of the Sun and Moon. In this city, warriors from Limne and nobles from Artane settled upon a hill where they received enlightenment from the Lord of the Sun and the Lady of the Moon, leading to the establishment of Oros. Over time, as faith in the Lady of the Moon and the Lord of the Sun matured, the two deities began to diverge, causing a schism during the Middle Ages. In modern times, the parties have reconciled, giving rise to a concept of dualism. Each individual possesses a part of both the Lord of the Sun and the Lady of the Moon, and it is their personal endeavor to nurture and develop these aspects as they see fit.

The primary theme in both sacred texts—the Codices of Sun and the Guidance of Moon—revolves around a cycle of maturation. Maturation holds great significance for believers, as it signifies goodness, virtuous deeds, and self-development. Followers who lead a righteous life are said to transform into radiant stars upon death, illuminating the night sky with their brilliance. On the other hand, those who have lived a stagnant or unvirtuous existence may become obscured black stars, invisible during the night while overshadowed by the sun during the day.

To aid adherents in their pursuit of maturation, believers gather monthly in temples, either during the day or at night, under the guidance of priests. The motif of light encourages devotees to engage in physical activities, developing their physical and mechanical skills. Conversely, the motif of the moon inspires followers to embark on nocturnal journeys into the fields or spend time within temple chambers. Moon Faithful engage in lunar mysticism, engaging in activities such as painting, sculpting, experimenting, and philosophical contemplation. Each deity encourages the development of distinct skills and modes of thinking, resulting in Sun Faithful who are active and sincere, while Moon Faithful tend to be more tranquil and contemplative.