Gaellicia
United Kingdom of Gaellicia Rìoghachd Aonaichte na Gaellicia | |
|---|---|
| Anthem: "Mo Ghile Mear" | |
| Capital | Penzance |
| Largest | Cathures |
| Official languages | Gaelic, Nuna |
| Recognised regional languages | Bwrais |
| Ethnic groups | |
| Demonym(s) | Gaellician |
| Government | Federal Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy |
• Ríog | Bricius IV |
• Taoiseach | John Peytr Hillgauntlet |
• Leader of the Opposition | Douglas an Gael |
| Legislature | Dáil |
| Area | |
• | 100,000 km2 (39,000 sq mi) |
• Water (%) | 1.5 |
| Population | |
• 2015 estimate | 28,000,000 |
• 2020 census | 28,542,321 |
| Driving side | left |
The United Kingdom of Gaellicia (Rìoghachd Aonaichte na Gaellicia), colloquially referred to as Gaellicia or as the RA na Gaellicia, is a country located in $place on the continent of $Europa or Argis. In broad strokes Gaellicia’s terrain comprises lowlands, highlands, islands, and mountains. Gaellicia is a union of four historical nations, the Kingdoms of Prettaney and Gael, Ilwyn, and the assorted tribes of the indigenous Nunuvat people. These four constituent countries are the basis of the nation’s four administrative divisions, Siorrachds.
Geography
Terrain
Gaellicia’s has approximately $number square kilometers of land mass. It comprises craggy and duney coast, fertile marine lowlands, highlands, small stretches of coniferous forests and temperate woodlands, mountains, tundra, and collected islands.
There are many bodies of water in Gaellicia, the majority of which are fed by glacier and mountain snow melt. The nation’s rivers are known for their cold temperatures. Many long thin lakes and sea inlets, known as lochs, cut and separate the nation’s terrain. Gaellicia has three major rivers that connect lochs to each other and to the sea. They are the Sil, the longest in the nation, the Cumberland, the only entirely navigable river, and the Bryn. The Sil river notably connects Loch Carolinea to Cath Bay. Above Loch Carolinea the Sil is not navigable by vessels larger than personal paddle craft as it rapidly increases in elevation.
Natural Resources
Large populations of fish congregate on the nation’s coasts and internal bodies of water, with salmon being the most popular and numerous catch. The rolling hills and valleys of the lowlands provide the perfect cradle for Gaellicia’s agriculture. The region’s fertile soil produces enough crop yield to feed the nation. Long haired highland cattle and sheep are shepherded through the nation’s grass covered highlands and foothills. The mountains of Ilwyn produce coal and slate.
Demographics
Gaellicia has a population of approximately $number. The major ethnic groups are Gael, Nunuvat, and Ilwyn. In recent decades immigration has increased the presence of other ethnic groups within the nation, particularly in metropolitan areas. There are two official languages, Gaelic and Nuna. In Ilwyn a dialect called Bwrais is spoken. It and Gaelic are mutually intelligible.
Gael’s are the most numerous ethnic group totaling 59% of the population. Genetically Gaels tend to have pale white skin, though some have the ability to tan when exposed to sunnier climates. Gaels have straight, wavy, or curly hair that colors blonde, yellow, red, black, and brown. The most common eye colors are blue and green. Historically the Gael ethnicity arose from the intermingling of Pretans and Gelts.
Ilwyn are approximately 16% of the population. Ilwyn are genetically similar to Gaels, sharing Geltic ancestry. Ilwyn have pale white skin, with the ability to tan being a rare trait. Hair colors are blonde, yellow, red, black, and brown, however, the latter two are far more common than the fairer colors. The most common eye colors are black and brown.
Nunuvat population numbers have increased following nearly a century of decline. The amount of Nunuvat in the country is now a healthy 14%. Nunuvat are completely genetically distinct from the Geltic Ilwyn and Gaels. Nunuvat people are indigenous to the islands, coastal regions, and tundras of Gaellicia. Their skin tends to be very light, eye color is usually brown and black. Nunuvat hair is mostly coarse or wavy in texture and black in color. Historically the Nunuvat have been underrepresented and even disenfranchised in Gaellician society. Nunuvat culture is divided on whether it is more desirable to have an independent Nunuvat nation or to be more equitably included in Gaellician society.
The remaining 11% of the Gaellician population is composed of various ethnicities due to immigration. Siorrachds The four Siorrachds of Gaellicia are self governing nations that together form the Rìoghachd. The Siorrachds are further divided into Cantons or in the case of the Nunuvat lands, Eyjas.
Cities
There are $number of major cities. The national capital is Penzance. The Siorrachd capitals are Culloden for Gael, Cathures for Prettany, Beaumris for Ilwyn, and Tshiueten for the Nunuvat lands. Other significant cities are…
Penzance is the nation’s capital. It is located on Loch Carolinea and the Sil River where the fertile lowlands meet the grassy highlands. Penzance comprises a 19th century planned core and an older portion built on the city heights and the remains of iron age earthen fortifications. The older section is referred to as the old city, or the àirdean cashel (cashel heights). Buildings that are hundreds of years old, narrow cobblestone streets, rocky vistas, and steep elevation changes are characteristic of this part of the city. Building materials here consist of stone, stucco, and in particularly old buildings, wattle and daub. The highest point in the city is commanded by Brig Speur (Sky Top) Castle. An iconic image associated with the city is yellow streetcars climbing through the narrow streets of the old city.
The newer city core dates to the 19th Century; Riog Dorian I ordered for its design and construction. At the time Penzance was struggling with overcrowding and hundreds if not thousands of years of haphazard planning. The new core of Penzance is a grand city with wide avenues, large road circles, squares and plazas, and deliberately plotted monuments and buildings. The staple building materials in this part of the city are brick, stone, and quartz. Architectural styles are primarily neoclassical, victorian, neo gothic, and beaux-arts. Penzance has earned the nickname of Baile Draoidheil (the magic city) due to its’ grand designs and in particular due to the Draoidhad (magic roadway) that traverses the city.
Culloden sits firmly in the highlands proper. Historically it was the heart of the Kingdom of Gael and continues to serve as the Siorrachd capital. Coastal city Cathures is notable for its natural deep water port on Cath Bay at the mouths of the Sil and Cumberland Rivers. Historically Cathures has been the major manufacturing center of Gaellicia, with factories and shipyards being the largest employers within the city. In the 21st century, Cathures has seen a decline in its two largest industries. Prettany’s capital is Stirling despite it being smaller than Cathures. Ilwyn’s capital is Beaumaris, notable for the heavy use of slate in its architecture. Offshore, Tshiuetin serves as the seat of government for the Nunuvat lands.
History
The modern Kingdom of Gaellicia states its founding as $year though some historians consider the modern nation to have been founded on April 4th, 1833, the date the Tshiuetin Treaty was signed…
Culture
Clans
The clan system of Gael and Prettany is a cultural, social, and unofficial governmental structure. Its current form dates back to the union of the kingdoms of Prettany and Gael; Furthermore the system in Gael has roots that reach back before the common era. The clan system is built on tradition and ceremony. Much of the procedures and traditions involved with clans are passed down orally.
Clans have their origins in Gael and this is where they are most common to this day. Clans were the way most Gaels interacted with society. Clans were villages and collections of settlements. The clan chieftain was the leader of a local populace and resources were shared within a clan. The position of clan chieftain was not hereditary. Clan leadership at this time was earned rather than bestowed by birth. Geographic location could lead to clans specializing in particular trades and skills.
In 743 CE, Chieftain Boudica of Clan Iaing united clans of Southern Gael in a military alliance in order to resist aggression from Pretan. The alliance of clans held together loosely even after successful military action against the Pretan King. The loose alliance continued to grow in the following years, guided by Boudica. The alliance eventually grew into the Gaelic league. Many consider Boudica to be the first Ríog. Boudica’s oldest daughter Merida took leadership of the Gaelic league after a power struggle following Boudica’s death.
The Union of Gael and Prettany in the 1200s led to changes within the clans. They took on a more hierarchical structure. By the 14th century the clans were a developed and complex system where chieftains ruled subordinate subjects. The system amounted to a lord/subject relationship where the lower class worked and managed land as tenants while the land was owned by the clan. Chieftainships by this time were hereditary rather than chosen positions. The clans had evolved into feudalism.
Music
Galician music is iconic for its use of pipes, flutes, strings, and drums. Many Galician songs date back 1000s of years to when the Gaels still reigned, and many either come from battle hymns or cultural celebrations and feasts. Contemporary Galician music includes the use of more horns, synthesizers, vocals, pianos, and guitars. Some iconic Galician instruments, which are actually a valuable export of the Kingdom, include the bagpipes, the celtic flute, the fiddle, the tin whistle, and the Bodhrán Drum. Galician music festivals occur every year, the major ones include the Hebon (Spring Festival) and the Aouto (Autumn Festival). The Hebon and the Aouto are distinct from each other in their tone, food, and traditional Gaelic attire. They both bring in a sizable amount of tourists each year as people wish to participate in the music, dancing, and cuisine.
Clothing and Garments
The traditional Gaellic garment is the kilt and sash. Even when not attending a formal function, a kilt may be worn, however it is considered improper to wear a sash with it when not attending an appropriate function. The kilt was the original battle dress for the Gaels, even when armor was introduced they were worn under sturdier metal and leather covers. The kilt has always been worn by men, while women have worn either dresses or skirts, with the exception of battle where both men and women wear kilts. Men and women often wear modern kilts as well when the weather is warm enough, these are made of more modern fabrics and are woven with contemporary methods. Traditional kilts are woven by hand utilizing special processes.
Government and Politics
Gaellicia is a Federal Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy. The Government is divided into three levels, the Federal level, the four Siorrachds, and the Cantons within each Siorrachd.
The Federal Government of the RA comprises two distinct branches. The legislative branch, the Dáil, and the executive branch, the Riogan. The latter also oversees the judicial process of the nation. Elected representatives debate and pass laws in the Dáil while the Ríogan enforces existing law. Responsibility for managing ministries and researching policy is split between the two branches with the exact limits of each branch’s power being a matter of constant debate and interpretation throughout the RA’s history; However, the Dáil is the sole holder of the power of the purse. The nation’s Cyfansoddiad (constitution) is only semi codified.
The Ríogan
The meaning of Ríogan (crown) shifts depending on context. It can refer to the sovereign Gaellician monarchy as well as for the function of the state. Ríog is a genderless term for monarch. They serve as Gaellicia’s head of state, the head of the Executive branch, and the commander in chief of the nation’s armed forces. The Ríog is also the de facto head of the Judiciary as it falls under the supervision of the Ríogan.
The position of Ríog is not hereditary. They are selected through a ceremony known as the Taghadh na Teine, the selection through fire. The Ríog reigns for life or until they resign the crown. To be able to seek the Ríogan an individual needs to be a member of a Gaellician clan. Until 1950 this essentially meant only Gaels could serve in the role. Reforms implemented in that year enabled the formation of an Ilwyn clan. There is currently no way for members of the Nunuvat nations to hold the crown. The current Ríog is Bricius IV.
The Ríog has the power to draft and issue Daiseachs (proclamations) which are orders that mobilize and utilize the resources of the Ríogan; However, Ríogan Daiseachs can be overturned with a mere third of the votes of the Dáil. The government ministries of Gaellicia are nominally under the purview of the Ríog, however, ministers must be members of the Dáil and they are appointed by the head of the government. Not by the Ríog. Ríogan Corporra (Crown Corporations) are state owned corporations. In contrast to ministries, Ríogan Corporra are the direct administrative responsibility of the Ríogan. The Ríog is responsible for appointing the Ceanne Comhairle (speaker/chair person) of the Dáil. The approval of the Ríog, along with the Dáil’s, is needed to ratify treaties.
The Dáil
The Dáil is the unicameral legislative body of the RA. The Dáil is composed of 450 elected representatives, called Teachta Dálas (TDs). Each TD represents a canton, with more populous cantons having multiple TDs. TDs are elected through a first past the post voting system and serve a term of up to 5 years. Parliamentary procedure and debate are overseen by the Ceanne Comhairle (speaker/chair person) who is appointed by the Ríog. The Ceanne Comhairle cannot be a serving TD; Traditionally they are a magistrate or jurist selected from the courts.
The party or allied parties with a simple majority of seats has the ability to form a government or coalition government and select a Taoiseach (prime minister) to head the government. Among other powers the Taoiseach appoints ministers to head each government ministry. Ministers must be elected TDs. The Dáil has the sole power to draft and pass laws, allocate and withhold treasury funds, and a two thirds approval is needed, along with the agreement of the Ríog, to ratify treaties. The Dáil also has the power to bring referendums directly to the citizenry.
Politics
There are several major political themes that have been present throughout the history of Gaellicia. They are: the limits of the Ríog’s powers, the extent to which clans can participate in and have influence over government, the inclusion of Nunuvat in society, and the ownership and rights to use land.
Aon Duthaic Criosid
The largest political party in the RA is the center right Aon Duthaich Criosid (One Nation Under Christ), often shortened to the ADC. The ADC is the child of a merger of two historical Gaellician political parties in the 1920s: The Christian Democratic Party that emerged in the 19th century, and Aontas Daire (the Union Party) which traces its origins as far back as at least the 1720s. As a merger of two differing movements the ADC has advocated for policies that otherwise would be considered to conflict. The party has been described, and at times criticized, as a mega party. For the majority of the past 70 years the party has served as either the governing party in the Dáil or as the dominant party in coalition governments.
The guiding principle of the ADC is a belief in one nation conservatism. This is a type of conservative ideology that advocates for a paternalistic society that maintains class and aristocratic social structures while providing some government programs as a perceived duty of the upper class to the lower. The ADC historically advocated for government services to be administered through Ríogan Corporra or even direct Ríogan control, with as few government ministries extant as possible. Due to its Christian democratic roots the ADC has traditionally been socially conservative. The ADC has always supported government protection for clan land ownership.
The ADC saw a shift in ideology in the mid 1980s. Under the leadership of party leader and Taoiseach Isolde Macturf, the ADC pivoted to advocating for limited government and for near unrestricted free market capitalism. The noble born Isolde served as Taoiseach and party leader for 12 years before she controversially resigned her Dáil membership in order to ascend to the position of Ríog. So far Isolde is the only figure in modern history to have served as both Taoiseach and Ríog.
The move rightwards continued in the 2000s under party leader Hilda Bruce. After a lost snap election, the party moderated under J.P. Hillgauntlet, and returned to power in a coalition government alongside the Laird Riochdaire within 4 years. The party continued its rightward shift after Hillgauntlet was ousted in 2015. After a chaotic 6 years of ADC/LR governance the Taoiseach called a snap election which resulted in their immediate ousting and the return of J.P. Hillgauntlet to the position of Taoiseach.
Talamh
Talamh (translating roughly to land and hearth) is the second largest political party. The party was founded in 1920 and it occupies the center left of the political spectrum. Talamh was founded amidst the workers movements of the early 20th century. The guiding principle of Talamh is the right for equal usage and ownership of land. Republican elements have at times held membership within Talamh. That is those who want to entirely abolish the clan system and the position of Ríog. Talamh has moderated on the subject of monarchy since the 1990s, with the furthest left position on it being to reduce the clans to ceremonial roles. Arguably Talamh’s greatest achievement is the establishment of the Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte, the Health Services Executive in 1975. The HSE is a publicly funded healthcare system that serves all citizens.
In the 21st Century, Talamh has trended social democratic though under Ariel Orains the party pivoted to the center. The current Talamh party leader and leader of the opposition in the Dáil is the experienced Douglas an Gael. This is his second time serving as party leader having previously held the position from 1999 to 2005.
Laird Riochdaire
The Laird Riochdaire, or the Lord’s Party, is a monarchist political party founded in 1950. The LR exists to advocate for and protect the privileges and rights of clan leaders. In order to hold membership in the LR and stand for election, members must hold clan membership and noble ancestry. The Laird Riochdaire has traditionally allied itself with the ADC and is currently in a coalition government with them. The LR is currently led by Keir Brisbane of the Clan Brisbane.
Ataqatigiit
Ataqatigiit, meaning community in Nunuvat, is a left wing and indigenous advocacy party founded in 1995. The newest party in the nation, it is also the fastest growing having gained seats in the Dáil every election since founding. Ataqatigiit has positioned itself to the left of Talamh. Ataqatigiit advocates for universal land rights like the center left party; Additionally, Ataqatigiit advocates socialist economics, the return of indigenous lands, and full and equal governance for Nunuvat. The current party leader is Nive Anselm, chosen in 2020.
Okkar
Okkar is a separatist, left wing political organization and party. It has its roots as the political wing of the militant Nunuvat Liberation Army within the Nunuvat Siorrachd government. At the Federal level Okkar engages in absentionist politics. Members stand for Federal elections but when elected do not vote, debate, legislate, or otherwise participate in the Dáil or federal governance. Okkar holds the belief that the Gaellician government should play no part whatsoever in the politics of the Nunuvat lands. Okkar has traditionally held the same 10 eyjas, the bastion of Nunuvat independence.
Other Parties
Other political parties are the Green Party, lead by Ellen Getty, and the Naiseanta Gaellic party. The NG is an extreme right wing and isolationist party, led by Leif Kellogg.