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|national_motto = “If god is with us, who is against us ?” <!--in inverted commas and wikilinked if link exists-->
|national_motto = “If god is with us, who is against us ?” <!--in inverted commas and wikilinked if link exists-->
|national_anthem = “The New Republic” <!--in italics (double quotemarks) and wikilinked if link exists-->
|national_anthem = “The New Republic” <!--in italics (double quotemarks) and wikilinked if link exists-->
|image_map = <!--e.g. LocationCountry.svg-->
|image_map =[[File:Baltica Location Map.png|250px]]
<!--e.g. LocationCountry.svg-->
|alt_map = <!--alt text for map-->
|alt_map = <!--alt text for map-->
|map_caption = <!--Caption to place below map-->
|map_caption = <!--Caption to place below map-->
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|largest_city = [[Goja]], [[Kauni]], [[Kretia]] <!--Name of country/territory's largest city. Use "capital" (without quotemarks) if it's the capital.-->
|largest_city = [[Goja]], [[Kauni]], [[Kretia]] <!--Name of country/territory's largest city. Use "capital" (without quotemarks) if it's the capital.-->
|official_languages = {{plainlist}}
|official_languages = {{plainlist}}
* [[Baltican Dolch]]
* [[Ras language|Ras]]
* [[Ras language]]
* [[Dolch language|Dolch]] <!--Languages recognised in legislation, constitution, etc-->
* [[Dolch language]] <!--Languages recognised in legislation, constitution, etc-->
|national_languages = <!--Country/territory-wide languages recognised but not necessarily in country/territory-wide law, etc-->
|national_languages = <!--Country/territory-wide languages recognised but not necessarily in country/territory-wide law, etc-->
|regional_languages = <!--Languages recognised or associated with particular regions within the country/territory-->
|regional_languages = <!--Languages recognised or associated with particular regions within the country/territory-->
|ethnic_groups = {{plainlist}}
|ethnic_groups = {{plainlist}}
* [[Ras people]]
* [[Ras people|Ras]]
* [[Dolchic Baltians]]
* [[Gintarian Dolch|Gintarian Dolch]]<!--List/breakdown of ethnic groups within the country/territory-->
* [[Jonikai people]] <!--List/breakdown of ethnic groups within the country/territory-->
|ethnic_groups_year = <!--Year of ethnic groups data (if provided) or use to place a <ref>-->
|ethnic_groups_year = <!--Year of ethnic groups data (if provided) or use to place a <ref>-->
|demonym = Baltican <!--Term/s describing those associated with the country/territory (e.g. "Belgian" for the country Belgium)-->
|demonym = Baltican <!--Term/s describing those associated with the country/territory (e.g. "Belgian" for the country Belgium)-->
|government_type = Federation <!--(often a compound multi-wikilinked term, e.g. "Federal semi-presidential constitutional republic", etc)-->
|government_type = Federal parliamentary Republic <!--(often a compound multi-wikilinked term, e.g. "Federal semi-presidential constitutional republic", etc)-->
|leader_title1 = President <!--(for a country, usually the head of state's (wikilinked) title, e.g. "President", "Monarch")-->
|leader_title1 = Federal President <!--(for a country, usually the head of state's (wikilinked) title, e.g. "President", "Monarch")-->
|leader_name1 = [[Algridas Banis]]
|leader_name1 = [[Hornumas Vytis]]
|leader_title2 = <!--(could be "Vice President", otherwise "Prime Minster", etc, etc)-->
|leader_title2 = Federal Councillor<!--(could be "Vice President", otherwise "Prime Minster", etc, etc)-->
|leader_name2 =
|leader_name2 = [[Ludwig Weiner]]
|legislature = Central Baltican Government <!--Name of the country/territory's governing body, e.g. "Parliament", "Congress", etc-->
|legislature = Baltican Parliament <!--Name of the country/territory's governing body, e.g. "Parliament", "Congress", etc-->
|upper_house = [[State Seim of Baltica|State Seim]] <!--Name of governing body's upper house, if given (e.g. "Senate")-->
|upper_house = <!--Name of governing body's upper house, if given (e.g. "Senate")-->
|lower_house = [[Territorial Council of Baltica|Territorial Council]] <!--Name of governing body's lower house, if given (e.g. "Chamber of Deputies")-->
|lower_house = <!--Name of governing body's lower house, if given (e.g. "Chamber of Deputies")-->
|sovereignty_type = Independent <!--Brief description of country/territory's status ("Independence [from...]", "Autonomous province [of...]", etc)-->
|sovereignty_type = Independent <!--Brief description of country/territory's status ("Independence [from...]", "Autonomous province [of...]", etc)-->
|established_event1 = Establishment of the Baltican Federation <!--First key event in history of country/territory's status or formation-->
|established_event1 = Establishment of the Baltican Federation <!--First key event in history of country/territory's status or formation-->
|established_date1 = 2022 CE <!--Date of first key event-->
|established_date1 = 2022 CE <!--Date of first key event-->
|area = <!--Major area size (in [[Template:convert]] either km2 or sqmi first)-->
|area = <!--Major area size (in [[Template:convert]] either km2 or sqmi first)-->
|population_estimate = 14,653,254
|population_estimate = 16,268,964
|population_estimate_year = 2022
|population_estimate_year = 2023
|population_census = 14,690,325
|population_census = 16,268,964
|population_census_year = 2022
|population_census_year = 2023
|population_density_km2 = 38
|population_density_km2 = 38
|population_density_sq_mi =  
|population_density_sq_mi =  
|GDP_nominal = 89,809,793,766
|GDP_nominal = 190,066,921,930
|GDP_nominal_year = 2018
|GDP_nominal_year = 2023
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = 6,129
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = 11,682
|HDI = 0.47 <!--(Human Development Index; input number only; valid values are between 0 and 1)-->
|HDI = 0.768 <!--(Human Development Index; input number only; valid values are between 0 and 1)-->
|HDI_year = 0.57
|HDI_year = 2022
|currency = [[Baltican Zedas]] <!--Name/s of currency/ies used in country/territory-->
|currency = [[Baltican Zedas]] <!--Name/s of currency/ies used in country/territory-->
|time_zone = <!--e.g. GMT, PST, AST, etc, etc (wikilinked if possible)-->
|time_zone = <!--e.g. GMT, PST, AST, etc, etc (wikilinked if possible)-->
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}}
}}


The '''United Federation of Baltica''', or simply known as Baltica, is a sovereign state in [[Argis]] on [[Eurth]]. The country is a Federation composed of four Republics ([[Raskia]], [[Kauni]], [[Liplan-Kretin]] and [[Dokestva]]) and three Sister Republics ([[Myask]], [[Govir]] and [[Belgorta]]). The United Federation of Baltica is a product of the [[Second Baltican Civil War]], having formed during the conflict. It is a very loose Federation, for the large part still suffering from the cultural divide between [[Dolch]] and [[Ras]] that led to the war that created it. Currently Baltica has two capitals: the administrative capital in [[Kauni]] is home to the Central Government, and [[Sveaja]] remains the economic capital of the nation. 14.6 Million people call Baltica home. The majority reside in the largest republic of [[Liplan-Kretin]], home to 5.7 million people or about 40% of the total population.
The '''United Federation of Baltica''', or simply Baltica, is a sovereign state within the continent of [[Argis]]. The country is a Federation composed of four Republics ([[Raskia]], [[Kauni]], [[Liplan-Kretin]] and [[Dokestva]]) and three Sister Republics ( [[Western Territories SREP|Westoria]], [[Govir SREP|Govir]] and [[Belgorta]]). The United Federation of Baltica is a product of the [[Second Baltican Civil War]], having formed during the conflict. It is a very loose Federation, for the large part still suffering from the cultural divide between [[Dolch]] and [[Ras]] that led to the war that created it. Currently, Baltica has two capitals: the administrative capital in [[Kauni]] is home to the Central Government, and [[Sveaja]] remains the economic capital of the nation. 14.6 Million people call Baltica home. The majority reside in the largest republic of [[Liplan-Kretin]], home to 5.7 million people or about 40% of the total population. Baltica's history is quite complicated, seeing as the nation has gone through multiple great struggles in an attempt to unify itself. Before the Dolch settlement along the modern-day city of Niden, little is known about both Baltica and the ethnic Gintarian groups who lived in its lands. When the Dolch did arrive, they made quick work of settling and expanding their territory, coming into conflict with the ethnic Gintarians who lived in the lands of the [[Litauisch Peninsula]]. This early Dolch state in Baltica would be known as the Order of Baltishtin, as it was a Holy Order that was established by Dolch Catholics in hopes to convert and conquer Baltica. The height of the Order of Baltishtin would come under the reign of Lord Arnold of Baltishtin, who expanded the Order of Baltishtin by almost 3x of what it originally was. Lord Arnold's later decedents, primarily Leupold the Ready, would end up transitioning the Order of Baltishtin from a Holy Order into a Kingdom, subsequently also removing a significant amount of Catholic influence, later leading to the adoption of reformism and the later establishment of Church of Baltica. Leupold's dynasty, the House of Wensal would rule Baltica for the majority of its early existence, leading it through the period of "Three Kingdoms" and later unifying the whole of modern-day Baltica after the House of Wensal intermarried into the House of Kretin-Is-Lipja, integrating the lands of modern-day Kretia into the Kingdom of Baltica and thus ending the era of "Three Kingdoms". The House of Wensal would come to an end in 1654 after its last ruler Vingas II would pass without any heirs. As such multiple smaller dynasties would assume the throne of Baltica, most notably the House of Librer from 1659-1754, the House of Valganski from 1782-1883 and the House of Duvensky from 1883-1960. Throughout this period, Baltica faced many revolts, especially from the ethnic Ras who made up a majority of the nation. In 1960, the first Baltica civil war would rage out across Baltica, with the goal of removing the Monarchy after centuries of misrule and oppression. The Republic of Baltica was formed in the aftermath of the Civil War, initially intended to be a fully democratic nation. However, one Algridas Banis would end up overthrowing the Democratic Council of Baltica and would shortly form a dictatorship with him at its centre. This decision was largely sparked by the lack of decisiveness from the Democratic Council of Baltica, although it was merely an excuse for Algridas to cement its own rule over Baltica. This period would be known as the "Republic Era" and would only come to an end after the conclusion of the Second Baltican Civil War, after which Baltica would transition into a Federation, which it has remained to this day. Unlike its predecessor, the Baltican Federation remains very open and democratic, one of few nations within Argis to have an elected head of state.  


Baltica is home to many swamps, bogs and wetlands that litter the Baltican east and south. Central Baltica remains home to the [[Grand Kretian Highlands]], a collective of hills and mountains that are the source of many rivers that drain into the [[Amber Lake]]. The far west of Baltica is a deep Taiga, a land covered in thick forests and many lakes. Three main rivers flow through Baltica, this being the [[Visagris (river)|Visagris]] in the south, the [[Liplan (river)|Liplan]] in the Highlands, and the great [[Balandeli (river)|Balandeli]] that runs through [[Perkunia]], and splits the Baltican South from the North. Baltica it self is devoid of many natural materials, but what it does posses is one of the most fertile lands in Central [[Argis]]. The [[Kauni (river)|Kauni]] {{wp|river basin}} is one of the most fertile regions in the wurld, and has remained Balticas largest bread basket.
Under the Baltican Federative System, Baltica is officially divided into four Republics ([[Dokestva]], [[Liplan-Kretin]], [[Raskia]] and [[Kauni]]) four Sister Republics ([[Belgorta SREP]], [[Govir SREP]], [[Western Territories SREP|Westoria SREP]] and [[Razija SREP]]) and two Federal Territories, Ramutia and the [[Eastern Isles]]. Republics within Baltica exercise a greater degree of autonomy from the Federal Government of Baltica, being able to pass their own regional laws and control their own resources. Meanwhile, the Sister Republics act as "Federative States", which although also practice their own self-autonomy, are much closer linked with the Federal Government which still manages a majority of the national services like healthcare and sewage treatment, as well as the natural resources and economic laws within the SREP's. Territories, however, are fully administered by the Federal Government and are in essence fully owned by the Federal Government, which is able to dictate all the economic, social and political laws within all Federal Territories. The Sister Republic of Rozija is the most recent addition to the Federation of Baltica, having joined Baltica after the Kalnija-Baltica conflict in 2023, after which Razija was officially integrated into Baltica with its largest city, Rigav, acting as its local administrative capital. Many discussions over the future roles of the individual Republics have been discussed, with the most popular notation being to reform the existing four Republics into Sister Republics in order to allow the Federal Government greater control over Baltica as a whole. Such discussions have remained limited towards the federal government only, as the individual Republics have maintained their position to remain opposed to increased Federal control over their regional sovereignty.  


Baltica is still recovering from the civil war and as such its economy remains considerably smaller than it was before the war. The current GDP per capita is only 6,129 [[Baltican Zedas|Zedas]], and its total GDP is only 89.8 Billion Zedas. The HDI is a pitiful 0.47, although efforts are being done to fix both the Baltican Economy, and bring it back to its former heights.  
Balticas geography remains quite diverse for the most part, featuring multiple unique landforms and ecosystems exclusive to Baltica and Baltica only. Baltica is located within the continent of Argis, specifically Southern-Central Argis. To its East, it borders the expansive Kazenoi Sea, whilst its south stretches across the Keelpijip Strait. The warm currents from the Keelpijip are what contribute to the warm and dry Medditaranian climate that makes up most of the Baltican South and East. The regions that rest within the Mediterranean zone are characterised as being quite dry, with below-average precipitation. However they remain warm almost all year round, as winters are very mild, at least compared to the Baltican North. The Baltican North, unlike its south, remains much more temperate, enjoying long warm summers and mild to intense winters. Much of the temperate climate can be found in Northern Raskia, Razija and Northern Liplan-Kretin. These regions also remain some of Balticas largest agricultural regions, producing almost 3/4s of Balticas total crop yield. One of Balticas most unique land formations is the [[Litauisch Peninsula|Litauisch]] or Dokestvan Peninsula, located in the Baltican South. It is a very dry peninsula, historically the epicentre of the early Dolch settlement of Baltica. The Peninsula also forms a natural Bay to its East, known as the [[Bay of Austen]], around which large cities like [[Janakis]] are located on. The Bay of Austen protects much of the settlments on it from natural erosion from the Kezanoi sea, hence the dense concentration of urban settlements and ports along it.  


==History==
One of the most definitive features of Baltica is the Kunijan Mountains, a collection of large mountains situated within the Republic of Liplan-Kretin. The Kunijan mountains are the source of many Baltican rivers, like the Goja, Belgorta and Wensal Rivers. Additionally, it's home to various nomadic communities, which historically headed multiple flocks across the various natural plateaus of the mountains. The area around the Kunijan hills, which is naturally higher than the rest of Baltica, is referred to as the Kunijan Hill Basin and stretches from Liplan Kretin all the way to the [[Kalnija|Republic of Kalnija]]. The Kunijan Hill Basin has historically been an area of intense cattle herding due to the large presence of grasslands and poor soil within the Hills themselves. Balticas largest lake, [[Lake Morshu]] is also located within the Kunijan Hill Basin, having most likely been formed due to river runoff from the Belgorta River. Although Baltica is not heavily forested, it does have some regions, most notably [[Western Territories SREP|Westoria]] which produce most of Baltica timber and lumber. Peatlands and bogs can commonly be found around low elevated points which coincide with river flows. The largest Baltican peatlands and bogs can be found within Raskia, with many of them being found along the Balandeli River. Heavy industrialisation and crop cultivation within Raskia have seen these natural peatlands and bogs decrease in recent years, although under the current Federative government, initiatives have been launched to protect Baltica's increasingly vulnerable wetlands. 


===Prehistory===
== Etymology and Flag ==


Most of Baltica's initial settlement came from the migration of the “Balts”, who, according to speculation, were the group or a collective of tribes that are the possible ancestors of the modern-day [[Ras people|Ras]] and possibly Latovians in neighbouring Transbaltia. Although it is unknown when they entered modern-day Baltica, scientists have been able to locate what they call the “first settlement” by the Balts in Baltica, this being the Vargas valley in modern-day [[Kauni]] county.
{{multiple image
| caption_align = Left
| align = Left
| direction = Left
| total_width = 300
| header_align = left/right/center
| footer_align = left/right/center
| image1 = Kingdom of Baltica Flag.png
| caption1 = The former Baltican flag adopted by Leupold the Ready of the Kingdom of Baltica. It was last used in 1960, when the first Baltican Civil War began in earnest. For a short duration, the use of the flag was banned, but the ban has since been lifted.
| image2 = Flag of Baltica.png
| caption2 = The current flag of Baltica, referred to as the “Federales” due to its addition by the current Federal Government of Baltica.
}}
 
Historically, Baltica has been known by the Dolch as Baltishtin, a name derived from the [[Order of Baltishtin]] (Formerly known as the [[Holy Knighthood of Lubberlin]]) who ruled much of what is now modern-day [[Dokestva]] and [[Liplan-Kretin]]. Baltishtin was then Latinised upon the declaration of the [[Kingdom of Baltica]] by [[Leupold the Ready]] in 1485. From then on, Baltica would formerly be referred to as Baltica except by some [[Dolch Empire|Dolch states]] who continued to refer to Baltica under its “Traditional” Dolch name, Baltishtin. Baltica has traditionally had other names before the Baltishtin, most famously “Traubenland” or “Land of Grapes”, which it was called for a brief time when the Dolch had discovered it. Nowadays, Traubenland is primarily used when referring to the Dolch settlement of Baltica before the arrival and establishment of the [[Order of Baltishtin]].
 
Baltica's current flag, referred to as the “Federales” consists of a {{wp|tricolour}} comprised of Yellow, Blue, and white. It bares striking similarity to the former “Republika” flag which was also a tri colour but instead consisted of White, Green and yellow. The “Federales” flag was adopted due to the current Federation government trying to distance itself from the former Dictatorship of the Republic government, hence why it was first used by the [[Baltican Civil War|North Baltican Federation]] during the [[Baltican Civil War]]. The meaning behind the colours of the flag goes as so, Yellow for the prosperity and riches of Baltica, Blue for the nation's main ethnic groups, the [[Ras People|Ras]] and [[Gintarian Dolch]], and finally white for the hopefully continued peace between the [[Ras People|Ras]] and [[Gintarian Dolch]] in their common cause for a united Baltica. The flag can sometimes also be seen with the New Baltican Coat of arms in its centre. Many have remarked on the flag's similarity with the former flag of the Kingdom of Baltica which bares very similar colours to today's “Federales” flag. However, the new federal government of Baltica has made it clear that the “Federales” is not going to be changed any time soon.
 
== History ==
 
=== Southern Gentarian Tribes ===
 
[[File:Baltican Brushed Pottery.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Recently excavated pottery, found in modern day Weva.]]
 
The first so-called “Balticans' ' were a Southern branch of the [[Gentarian]] peoples group. It is believed that a part of the Gentarians had migrated Southwards into [[Baltica]] in pursuit of better farmland, eventually settling the warmer coast of the [[Pellucid Sea]]. It is believed that around this time the [[Southern Gentarians]] split into multiple different culture groups, all sharing some but not all cultural and linguistic features. Primarily this included the [[Raskians]], who inhabited much of the Eastern regions along the [[Balendeli river]], the [[Baltica|Kretina]] who settled the lands just North of the [[Litauisch peninsula]], the Highlanders or [[Aukshtaitis]] in the North and finally the [[Hermaitai]] who lived directly within the [[Litauisch peninsula]]. Despite being somewhat unique from one another, they all spoke mainly two distinct dialects, this being [[Kretian]] and [[Raskian]], which both had their “Low” and “High” variations. Additionally, all shared common deities and to some extent a faith, although regional differences were seen throughout the entirety of Baltica.
 
During this early period in Baltican History, the [[Liplan river]] was one of the most populated and Important regions within Baltica. It is believed that it was an epicenter of trade and was almost always contested by various smaller clans and chiefdoms. Early coinage, Idols and early weaponry have all been discovered throughout the greater Liplan Basin. It is also believed that the fabled city of “[[Juralia]]” rested along the Liplan, mentioned quite frequently throughout the Oral histories of the South Eastern Gentarians. Juralia is often described as “The Home of the Baltican Gentarians”, and the birthplace of the Baltican pagan faith “[[Takija]]”.  What would happen to Juralia remains a mystery, if it ever existed in the first place that is, but its place at the core of at the time the Baltican heartland explains why it rose to such large prominence during the ancient period.
 
The most prominent event of this early tribal period is believed to have been a large war, that sprung up from a sudden cold spike resulting in large-scale famine in North Eastern Baltica or modern-day [[Ramutia]] and [[Kretia]] region. This war most likely resulted in the large-scale displacement of multiple people within the North, shifting much of the then population away from the [[Liplan river|Liplan]] and into other regions of Baltica. Most notably, it is believed that multiple of the Aukshtaitis would migrate southwards into the bay of Goja, eventually going on to establish the city of Goja during the late mediaeval period in Baltica.
 
=== Initial Baltican Settlement ===
 
[[File:2010 05 22 062Saulėsmūšis.JPG|thumb|350px|right|The estimated location of the Battle of three rivers, just outside modern-day Janakis.]]


Modern-day excavations along the Central Baltican highlands as well as the northern wetlands suggest that most of the old Balts had been a largely separate group, but had somewhat formed into a distinct culture, separate from the [[Latovia]]ns. This first group had no written language, so little is known about them. However, they were prone to carving “wards and totems”, most of which have been destroyed (because they were carved out of wood) but some stone carvings exist to this day. The first written source of the modern Ras, came from the Dolchic, who would write about the [[Ras]] during their conquest of Baltica. This suggests that the [[Ras]] came after these previous Balts, although it's still unknown when the [[Ras]] would form into their culture group or even how they came to be the “only” culture group in Baltica. It is heavily implied that they were a warring people, who either assimilated or killed of all other Baltican tribes within the region.
Baltica would first be discovered by the [[Dolch]] in 1331, after some Dolch merchants were swept away by the strong Westerly winds of the [[Kezanoi Sea]], eventually landing on the [[Litauisch Peninsula]] in Southern Baltica. They would remark on the quite warm climate and abundance of trees and berry bushes, specifically grapes. Hence, these first merchants would call this unknown land [[Traubenland]]. Upon their return back to [[Dolchland]], the rumours of [[Traubenland]] would spread among fellow [[Dolch]] merchants, eventually coming into the attention of the church, who organised an expedition into Traubenland, led by the then [[Bishop Kasimir]]. Bishop Kasimir and his entourage of 2,000 men would settle the Southern Bank of the [[Bay of Austen]]. This first settlement was known as [[Niden City|Niden]], and grew quite quickly as the locals began cultivating the land, especially for its grapes, which would be fermented into wine and exported back to [[Dolchland]]. By 1344, the small town began to grow quite quickly, attracting many people from [[Dolchland]] in pursuit of a better life and opportunity.  


===Dolch Crusade and Settlement===
However, this time of relative peace would come to an end, as in 1348 the [[Dolch]] settlers would discover the Hermaitai peoples within the peninsula. At first, the interactions between the [[Dolch]] and Hermaitai were peaceful, with the two groups sometimes engaging in trade. This would quickly come to an end once the [[Dolch]] began to spread Southwards, as shortly after the construction of the town of [[Randerwel City|Randerwel]] it would be raided and burned down by a large force of Hermaitai. [[Bishop Kasimir]] (who had been bedridden for quite some time) signed one of his last degrees, this being the “Vacation Armajan”, ''calling for both warriors and men to aid the Dolch in Niden in their fight against the perceived heathen tribes of Traubenland.'' This decree would attract many to [[Niden City|Niden]], with one of said groups being the Holy [[Knights of Lubberlin]] who dedicated all of their fighting forces to Niden.


[[File:Saint Casimirs Monastery .jpg|thumb|right|[[Saint Casimir]]'s Monastery on modern-day [[Casimir Island]].]]
Shortly after the arrival of the [[Knights of Lubberlin]], the [[Dolch]] launched many raids into Hermaitai lands, especially as [[Niden City|Niden]] had become highly overpopulated and the city was on the brink of starvation. Luckily for the Dolch, the raids provided a temporary food source for the settlers, but it quickly attracted the attention of larger tribes. In 1361, the Dolch would engage in the largest battle of the settlement period, this being “[[The Battle of Three Rivers Baltica|The Battle of Three Rivers]]”. This saw the Dolch come out on top and expand entirely around the Bay of Austen. The newly conquered lands would be divided between the Holy [[Knights of Lubberlin]] (who shortly thereafter would go on to adopt the new name of “Holy Knights of Baltishtin”, with their new patriarch being the then recently passed Saint Kasimir), and the church in the form of Bishoprics, the largest of which remained the [[Archbishopric of Niden]].


The [[Dolch]] invasions or “Crusades” against Baltica are the first well-documented events in Baltican history. Before the invasion, the native [[Ras]] had no written language of their own before. Because of this, most of the information about the [[Dolch]] expansion is largely not to be taken fully word for word. The [[Dolch]] conquerors had a motive to portray the natives peoples as barbaric and uncivilized. The [[Dolch]] would first arrive at Baltica in 1321, capturing the first of many islands that dotted the coasts of mainland Baltica. The first of which is [[Casimir Island]], named after [[Saint Casimir]], who built the first monastery on the Island. Casimir Island would act as the first [[Dolch]] haven in the [[Amber Lake]], and it was slowly turned into a commercial hub between southern Balticans and [[Dolch]] merchants. Slowly the two groups would become interlinked as they traded Baltica's signature amber, for iron and refined metals from the great forges of Casimir Island. To secure a more permanent settlement in mainland Baltica, and increase trade, even more, the [[Dolch]] along with some local tribes would end up conquering some territory along a minor river where they hoped to establish a port. This small settlement would come to be known as Goja, and the river on which it was built became known as the [[Naman (river)|Naman]].
=== Order of Baltishtin ===


===Order of Baltishtin===
The '''Order of Baltishtin''' would officially come into power in 1370, with its first official Lord Commander being [[Lord Austen the Wise]] (1343-1391), after whom the [[Bay of Austen]] was named after. He was not born within the lands of the Order, but nonetheless took a very much active role in the governance of the newly gained lands. He would organise yet another degree, asking for more men and supplies to officially make the state self-efficient from Dolch Merchants, and was able to establish a small but trained standing army in order to protect Dolch from native Gintarian raids. In 1378, Austen along with various mercenaries from Dolchland would organise a grgreateate raid Southwards, steadily taking more land from the locals and pushing up to the Central [[Litauisch mountains]]. Austen would also go on to establish many new cities, such as [[Osterrulter]] and [[Tunyev]]. One of his final campaigns was a Northern offensive, during which Austen and his cousin [[Lord Bertolf of Baltishtin|Bertolf]] (1357-1410) were able to successfully conquer land along the [[Jorlingijan river]]. Austen would go on to honor his cousin for his efforts by naming him Lord of the [[Jorglands]], after which the now Lord [[Lord Bertolf of Baltishtin|Bertolf]] would go on to establish the city of [[Janakis]] along the Jorlingijan. This final campaign would be the last of Austen's great efforts, as in 1390 he would develop a severe form of leprosy and would die the next year. After his death, his cousin [[Lord Bertolf of Baltishtin|Bertolf]] would ascend to the role of Lord Commander, becoming Lord Bertolf of Baltishtin in 1393.
[[File:Memel historisch.JPG|thumb|250px|left|An early drawing of what is suspected to be Visagris Castle.]]


In 1338 the [[Dolch]] would go on to conquer yet more lands, including the Island of Dvenis along the coast of modern-day Dokestva. The Islands of Casimir, Dvenis and the city of [[Goja]] would eventually come to be controlled by a union of so-called “Lords”, known as the [[Order of Baltishtin]]. The first Leader of this order would be Lord [[Austen of Goja|Austen the Bloody]] ($born-$died). He would not be as kind as the [[Dolch]] merchants that came before him. Using the [[Ras]] warriors as mercenaries, he raided multiple territories along the coast of modern-day Dokestva, and would even take some territory and set up yet more cities. Among these were [[Tyver]] and Siela, which became gateways to greater western Baltica. His sudden expansions would offset the delicate balance of the hundreds of small clans and tribes that made up Baltica. This would bring on an age of war and conflict, as smaller tribes unified and became larger. The tribes that worked alongside the Dolch, predominantly the ones around their trade cities, would become powerful in their sense. The Curlis tribe located just east of the [[Dolch]] city of [[Goja]] would end up unifying the lands around the Svoyev river. With the help of [[Dolch]] minor nobles, they formed the principality of Kazirinas. Eventually, Lord Austen would go on an all-out war across the territories around Goja, successfully capturing them from the native [[Ras]] and either killing or forcing them north. Here he would establish his [[Principality of Goja]], with his brother [[Bertolf of Goja|Bertolf]] ($born-1374) taking ownership of the territories whilst, while Lord Austen kept the city of Goja. When Lord Austen died in 1352, his Brother was voted as the new [[Lords of Baltishtin|Lord of Baltishtin]], and was officially sworn in as Lord Bertolf. Bertolf would continue his brother's conquests, helping push further north along the [[Naman (river)|Naman]], and would establish the city of Ingute. In the west, the cities of [[Siela]] and [[Tyver]] would come to expand rapidly as they slowly began pushing out and assimilating local Baltica tribes. The two territories would even come to join borders with one another after successfully conquering the small tribe of the Kestuti area. The [[Dolch]] language was cemented as the tongue of the strong. Most tribes along the [[Amber Lake]] would adopt [[Dolch]] as either a status symbol or to better trade with the [[Dolch]] merchants. Money with the [[Dolch]] double-headed eagle would become all too common throughout the lands, and coins were found as far as modern-day [[Raskia]]. Although Bertolf's conquests were nowhere near as large as his brothers, he would start a [[Dolch]] golden age in the Amber Lake, helping reaffirm the [[Dolch]] people's place in Baltica.  
[[Lord Bertolf of Baltishtin|Bertolf]] would continue much of the efforts of his predecessor, going on to expand the Order further in all directions. One of his most crowning achievements was the so-called “[[Great Conversion]]”, during which the many pagans that had still been within the Orders land were largely converted to Catholicism. The faith as a whole would become a much more noticeable presence within not only the Order but natives themselves as many missionary efforts had finally been able to bear fruit. The Dolch language would also become more established as Bertolf would sponsor many efforts to “educate” natives. These efforts would go on to see a large revival of trade in the area and would provide a great opportunity for the Dolch to expand their influence North and South in a much more peaceful manner. In 1402, a group of knights, traders and priests would go on their own expedition towards Northern Baltica to establish a proto-colony. Their efforts would be successful, as they would go on to form the [[Order of Belgorta]] along the coast of the [[Kazanoi Sea]]. However, [[Lord Bertolf of Baltishtin|Bertolf]] would only have a short reign compared to his cousin, dying in 1410 of fever. His death without an obvious replacement meant that for the first time, the Order was left temporarily without leadership. This would allow for a fairly minor, but aspiring Lord; one [[Lord Arnold the Bloody|Lord Arnold]] (1389-1448) of [[Visagris]] to be elected as Lord Commander of the Order of Baltishtin in 1416.  


Bertolf's early demise in 1374 would bring in the long reign of Lord [[Arnold the Conqueror]] (1336-1397). Arnold was the first lord to have been born in the [[Dolch]] territories, and his ambition was to see an Amber Lake controlled by his people. To aid in his conquest, he set out a call for warriors from all over [[Argis]] to aid him in his quests. He also began conscripting the many men of [[Goja]] to his cause. His army grew rapidly, being anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 strong, and with over 500 heavy knights. The first ambition of the Order of Baltishtin was to unite their eastern and western territories, which would require them to fight the great Clan of Kretina. As Arnold's army advanced, it would be met by a great army of Baltican Kretinans. The infamous knight [[Tilke of Tyver]] would write of the battle.
Lord [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Arnold]] was the first Lord to have within the lands of the Order itself, his father [[Lord Gurt]] (1358-1401) having been Lord of [[Visagris]] before him. His ambition was much greater than either [[Lord Austen the Wise|Austen]] or [[Lord Bertolf of Baltishtin|Bertolf]], and he wished to see the whole of Baltica united under his rule. Similarly to Lord [[Lord Austen the Wise|Austen]], he would call upon fellow Dolch, this time, not settlers but warriors and Knights, promising land and riches from his conquered territories. Many would answer the call, and Lord Arnold was able to launch his first successful campaign along the coast of the [[Litauisch peninsula]]. Lucky for [[Lord Arnold the Bloody|Arnold]] and his army, the tribes within the mountains and hills of Central [[Litauisch]] chose to instead swear fealty to the Order, seeing as much of their local economy had become dependent on Dolch merchants and river trade routes. These territories would be split between the natives, church and army, becoming the Lordship and Bishopric of Siela. This acquisition would mean that the Dolch had uncontested access to the rest of [[Litauisch]], and the peninsula would be fully under Dolch control by 1427.  


Having been able to unify the peninsula which much less struggle than had initially been hoped, the large army that had amassed due to [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnolds]] Initial call for aid, would instead rally under a new goal, this being the conversion of all so-proclaimed “heathens” within the greater lands of [[Baltica|Baltishtin]]. This new goal would see various offensives into Northern Baltica, primarily around the [[Wensal River]]. It had been hoped for years that the lesser, [[Belgorta SREP|Holy Order of Belgorta]] could be connected to the Order of [[Baltica|Baltishtin]], and by 1433 that hope had become a reality, with the combined armies of [[Belgorta SREP|Belgorta]] and [[Baltica|Baltishtin]] being able to successfully defeat the petty chiefdom's in between them. At the time, a majority of land around the [[Wensal River]] was inhabited by the [[Kretina]], which after their defeat in the South would be forced to migrate North, eventually settling in the region of modern-day [[Baltica|Kretia]]. [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnold]] would end up granting a large amount of the territory he had conquered around the [[Wensal River|Wensal]] to his brother, [[Leo Tyler]] (1400-1450) who would form the [[House of Wensal]] shortly thereafter. [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnold]] would launch one last offensive into the North in 1435, conquering more land along the [[Bay of Goja]]  (Which at that point was believed to be a lake). In 1436, [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnold]] would end up settling the city of [[Goja]] itself, along the river [[Smonisk River|Smonisk]]. The city would grow quite rapidly, especially as the various knights and mercenaries that joined [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnold]] on his conquests would end up settling along the [[Bay of Goja]]. As time would go on, [[Goja]] grew in importance, with [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnold]] eventually making it his personal residence and [[Goja]] constructed shortly thereafter. The short peace period that followed was substantial in the economic growth of the order, as multiple artisans and workers (primarily from [[Dolchland]]) would begin to emerge, especially in present-day [[Dokestva]]. However, the peace would be relatively short, as [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnold]] would launch his final Invasion into Northern Baltica in 1448, however, he and his troops would be caught within the [[Kunijan Mountains]], having been ambushed by the [[Aukshtaitis|Baltican Highlanders]] and being thoroughly decimated. [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnold]] would suffer great injury, managing to return to [[Goja]] before inevitably succumbing to his injuries.


{{quote box
===Years of Instability===
| width = 85%
 
| align = center
Following the death of [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnold]] (1389-1448) in 1448, there was a lack of unity and cohesion among the leadership of the Holy Order. [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnold]] had conquered so much territory that he had expanded [[Baltica]] by almost 4x what it was under the reign of the previous Lords. This created a massive power divide, seeing as the new nobility that had come to rule the conquered territory directly clashed with both the old nobles concentrated around [[Niden]], as well as the Church. Being a {{wp|Holy orders|holy order}} on paper, this meant that a large sum of [[Baltica|Balticas]] land was considered to be part of the Holy See, and as such, directly ruled and managed by the papacy. During the height of the [[Order of Baltishtin]], over ⅓ of all land of the order would be owned by the church, with all the taxes, resources and people on said land being administered by members of the church, appointed by the Pope himself. In the elections of 56, a new Lord Commander, [[Lord Wilhelm of Baltishtin|Lord Wilhelm]] (1418-1487) would be elected. In reality, however, he held very little influence, as he failed to bring together the nobility and church, and practically had no jurisdiction outside of [[Goja]].  
| author = [[Tilke of Tyver]]
 
| source = The collected letters of Sir Tilke of Tyver, 1370-1395
[[Lord Wilhelm of Baltishtin|Lord Wilhelm]] attempted to carry out multiple reforms related to land and personal holdings and attempted to strengthen the position of future Lords by making all of the [[Principality of Goja|Goja Principality]] administered by the Lord, rather than just the city itself. These reforms initially saw support, especially from the new Nobility who wanted to preserve their newly gained domains. However, in an attempt to please the Old nobility, [[Lord Wilhelm of Baltishtin|Lord Wilhelm]] "confiscated" various holdings from the New Nobles, and granted them to the old, which caused mass uproar among the new nobility. The [[House of Wensal]], formed by [[Lord Arnold of Baltishtin|Lord Arnold's]] brother, [[Leo Tyler]] (1400-1450), were one of the primary objectors of the land reform. The [[House of Wensal]], and subsequently the [[Duchy of Wensal]] was one of the largest and most influential states formed after the conquest, holding valuable land along the [[Janakis River|Janakis]] and [[Wensal River|Wensal rivers]]. The land reforms saw their largest city, [[Janakis]], be confiscated and handed down to the Church, forcing [[Leupold the Ready of Baltica|Leupold Tyler]] (1422-1501); Leo’s first son who had come to rule the lands of the [[House of Wensal]], to move his main base of power to [[Wensulburg]]. The [[House of Wensal]] would eventually use its new position to build an alliance with multiple northern Nobles, who inhabited the newly conquered lands, and eventually, they began to conspire to not only dispose of [[Lord Wilhelm of Baltica|Lord Wilhelm]] but to also remove the Churches control over [[Baltica]]. Essentially, they were advocating for [[Baltica]] to transition to a Kingdom. Sometime in May 1473, [[Leupold the Ready of Baltica|Leupold]] as well as the influential Duke of Belgorta, [[Hans Vilker]] (1437-1489), would amass a small personal army and march on [[Goja]]. There they attempted to capture [[Lord Wilhelm of Baltishtin|Lord Wilhelm]] but failed as he fled the city. [[Leupold the Ready of Baltica|Leupold]] declared his ambitions to seek power over the [[Order of Baltishtin|Baltishtin]], seeing as he was a descendant of the great [[Lord Arnold of Baltica|Lord Arnold]], something that resonated among much of the populace and Northern Lords.
| quote = When the great army of Baltishtin entered the great lands of the heathens, it did not take long for them to mount a response. The army that met us in the open field nearly matched our own. Their army was large, a mass of men that resembled a wave rather than an army. Although they had no soldiers clad in heavy armour, they wielded hordes of cavalry that could as easily charge us as we could block their flimsy blades. In the morning of the next day, the ground shook with movement as the cavalry we had so long anticipated finally let loose and met our shields. The battle had been hard-fought, our flanks caving in under the wave of cavalry. Luckily, the enemy was pushed back as our knights charged in with their steeds. A wave of silver and white would meet a swamp of brown and red. When all the heathens had been slain, the ground had been so mixed in sweat and blood that it had turned into thick mud. The many deaths of that battle will no doubt haunt these lands for the rest of its days…
}}


The Battle of Tyver would be a decisive victory for the Dolch Forces, who would subsequently raise the many clan holdings of the Kretina, forcing them to migrate into Northern Baltica. Those fleeing Kretinans would eventually go on to settle the lands of the Northern Great Lakes, one day forming their own Great Kingdom. As the Dolch pillaged the lands of the West, they would go on to construct many great fortresses to protect their new holdings. These fortresses would earn the nickname, The Old Forts, and they would see near constant use, as raiders from the Baltican Highlands would launch raids against Dolch settlements within the territory. The raids ment that few would end up settling the region itself, meaning it largely remained a barren land. With the West having been secured, Lord Arnold and his large army now began marching South, to finally link their Southern Colonies, with the Northern Heartland. Here, he didn't see much resistance as the region was significantly less populated than the lands of the Kretina. After engaging in a few small battles, and after the construction of the fortress of Pilkas at the mouth of the Balendeli river, Arnold's dream of a united South and North would be complete. On paper, the Order of Baltishtin now stretched from the Western half the Amber Lake, all the way to the North West. Despite this however, the Order was far worse off than before the conquest. The land gained was barren, and always at risk of northern incursions by the Highlanders. The construction of many fortresses had also been greatly expensive, and the continuous patrolling of the area began to make up a great amount of the orders budget. Additionally, the hoped roads between the North and South were never really constructed, being simply too expensive to maintain and build. As such trade within the order mainly continued to be ship oriented, due to the larger presence of Ports than roads.  
[[Lord Wilhelm of Baltica|Lord Wilhelm]] attempted to rally an army in the South, successfully amassing a small army of 10,000 men. The rebels, however, managed to amass almost 25,000 men (40,000 according to on-the-ground sources), and they quickly marched south with haste, capturing castle after castle and city after city. Finally, [[Lord Wilhelm of Baltica|Lord Wilhelm]] would attempt to engage with his 10,000 men, hoping that his heavy cavalry and knights would prevail over the largely levy-force of the rebels. The following battle is referred to as the [[Battle for Baltica]], and most likely took place along the [[Janakis River|Janakis River]]. Lord Wilhelm and his forces did surprisingly well, managing to kill some 5,000 men, but by the time the rebel forces joined and engaged fully [[Lord Wilhelm of Baltica|Wilhelm]]'s force quickly crumbled and began to retreat, only to be cut off by the rebels' own cavalry. [[Lord Wilhelm of Baltica|Lord Wilhelm]] perished in the battle as did most of his knights. With the former Lord vanquished, [[Leupold the Ready of Baltica|Leupold]] would re-enter [[Goja]] in 1479, and declared himself the New Lord of [[Baltica]]. In the following months, he began to confiscate large sums of land from the Church, and even enforced a new tax on church holdings. Finally, in 1484, he made good on his promise and officially announced the transition from a Holy order ruled in part by the church.  As such, Leupold would be crowned King in 1485, being granted the idiom [[Leupold the Ready of Baltica|Leupold the Ready]]. Shortly after, he was excommunicated from the Church, by the then-pope. The [[House of Wensal]] however, would solidify its power rapidly, and by the time of Leupold's death in 1501, the [[Baltica|Kingdom of Baltica]] would emerge as one of the leading powers within the region of [[Baltica]]. However, shortly thereafter, various native-led Kingdoms would form to oppose the Baltican hegemony over the region, leading to the “Age of Five Kings”, that would see Baltica divided for the better course of the 16th and 17th centuries.


Lord Arnold would however, would not be satisfied and would begin to rally yet another army; this time significantly smaller, for an incursion into the Baltican Highlands south of the Liplan river, in 1395. Here, he wanted to put down the many Highland tribes, and solidify the Orders Border along the Liplan River. With a force of 15,000 Men, he would march to a known Highlander settlement, referred to by chroniclers only as Raneri, and put it to the torch. This saw the many desperate Highlander Tribes Unite for the only known time in their history, and together they engaged Arnold and his army in the infamous Battle of Liplan. Here Arnold would be handed his only known defeat, with the Highlanders coming up on top and routing the Dolch forces out from their lands. This single failure nearly bankrupted the state, with the Dolch Order having to take up many loans to rally a new Army to prevent the large-scale raid of Goja and Belgorta. Arnold himself would be Injured heavily in the fighting, losing both an eye and a hand at the hands of a Highlander Ambush. After returning to Cidra, he would pass from his injuries in Autumn of 1397, his last supposed words being “ If I only I could have done more “. His death would mark the end of the Baltishtins “Golden Age”, and shortly thereafter the Order would dissolve entirely, after a convoluted civil war, in which King Fresin I would assume power in the newly created Kingdom of Baltica.
== Geography ==
===Kingdom of Baltica===


==Geography==
=== Climate ===


===Climate===
The climate of Baltica varies wildly depending on region. Much of the East consists of a Mediterranean climate, with high average tempertures and low huminidty year round. The [[Litauisch Paninsula]] to the South of Baltica also rests within the Mediterranean zone, but sees much lower huminidity than even nearby [[Vikija Region]]. Much of the West however, is quite humid and temperate experiencing warm summers and cold winters. This climate divide is largely caused by the [[Kretin Mountains]], that cut off the Mediterranean east from the more humid West. Temperatures throughout Baltica typically average at the mid 30-35 °C in the summer, whilst during winters temperatures can reach as low as -27 °C in the Western Territories. Snow is common and rivers often freeze up in the west, although in the south, the warmer temperatures often mean that freezing or snow is rare, although possible as seen in 2011, when the [[Goja|Goja River]] froze.


The climate of Baltica is determined largely by the [[Amber Lake]], which contributes to its typical cold climate. It is a continental subarctic climate throughout, with only small areas of the south being classified as Humid Continental Climates. The temperature is somewhat moderate considering how far north the area is. This region has a tremendous amount of variety in precipitation. Western Areas such as greater [[Kretia]] as well as the [[Goja]] region experience quite mild rainfall, roughly 50 to 100 cms of precipitation annually. However, southern Baltica, specifically the [[Visagris]] region, experiences extreme rainfall, roughly 150-200 cms of rainfall annually, making it quite humid in comparison to the rest of Baltica. Temperatures throughout Baltica typically average at the mid 30-35 °C in the summer, whilst during winters temperatures can reach as low as -27 °C in the Western Territories. Snow is common and rivers often freeze up in the west, although in the south the quick stream prevents them from freezing.


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
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|Dec record low C = -40.6
|Dec record low C = -40.6
|year record low C = -51.5
|year record low C = -51.5
|source 1 = [[Baltican Weather Administration]]
|source 1 = Baltican Weather Administration
|date = March 2013
|date = March 2013
}}
}}


===Environment===
=== Environment ===


The primary territory of Baltica lies on what is known as the Western Lake Plains, with a majority of the nation being comprised of wetlands and flatlands. Roughly 21% of all land in Baltica is comprised of swamps, marshes, flood plains and bogs. This is a large decrease from the once 34%, which is often attributed to both the Baltican civil war, rise of industries and the draining of these areas to make the land for cities as well as agricultural land. Besides wetlands, forests make up the other large majority of land in Baltica, making up about 41% of all land in Baltica. The largest natural forest remains the Draigai Forest, which at one point used to be much larger but due to logging in the recent decades has greatly diminished in size. However, most of these forests can only be found in western or northern Baltica, as areas like [[Visagris]] had undergone large deforestation and land transformation during the 1970s. Although new legislation exists to prevent the type of deforestation Baltica experienced during the late 20th century, logging and land transformation remains rapid in some regions, and the yearly loss of both forests and wetlands is still quite high.  
The primary territory of Baltica lies in Southern Argis, with much of the Nations North being comprised of the Kunijan Mountains, whilst the far south is home to the large [[Litauisch Paninsula]]. The physical geography of Baltica varies considerably depending on how far East or West one is. Most of the East consists of Hills and occasional flatland, with some prevlant revers such as the [[Liplan River|Liplan]] and [[Goja]]. However, Western Baltica is a lot more flat, and consits of many more bogs, wetlands, marshes and bogs. Before the Industralisation of Baltica in the 1960s, these features made up over 40% of Western Baltica, but now only makes up less than 25% of all land in Western Baltica. Besides wetlands, forests are also quite abandon through Baltica, especially in the West, constituting most of the territory. The largest natural forest remains the Draigai Forest, which at one point used to be much larger but due to logging in the recent decades has greatly diminished in size. However, most of these forests can only be found in western or northern Baltica, as areas like [[Visagris]] had undergone large deforestation and land transformation during the 1970s. Although new legislation exists to prevent the type of deforestation Baltica experienced during the late 20th century, logging and land transformation remains rapid in some regions, and the yearly loss of both forests and wetlands is still quite common.  


[[File:Baltican Flatland.jpg|thumb|800px|center|Flatlands near the city of [[Kauni]].]]
[[File:Baltican Flatland.jpg|thumb|800px|center|Flatlands near the city of [[Kauni]].]]


Rivers are quite abandoned in Baltica, with over 300 rivers flowing all over the nation, the largest of which are the [[Kauni (river)|Kauni]] river in Western Baltica as well as the [[Uzli (river)|Uzli]] river in Northern Baltica. Balticas rivers have largely been uncontaminated by pollution, largely because of the lack of real industry on rivers as most Baltica industry is located on the [[Amber lake]]. Most of these rivers originate from mountains outside of Baltica itself, mainly around the Western Misty Mountain Range that makes up the Western border of Baltica. Rivers in the East mainly originate from internal Lakes and flow out into the Amber lake as well as other lakes. A few northern rivers originate from the nation of [[Mokhavia]], and Baltica's eastern border is comprised of the [[[[Belgorta (river)|Belgorta]]]] river.
Rivers are quite abandoned in Baltica, with over 300 rivers flowing all over the nation, the largest of which are the [[Liplan River]] and the [[Balandeli Rivers]]. Historically rivers acted as economic and Industrial centres of Baltica and many of its modern cities still reside along historically vital rivers. Although rivers in Baltica are typically quite fresh and not contaminated, due to the recent [[Baltican Civil War|Civil War]] many of them have been contaminated due to oil and chemical spills. This was seen in the [[Kauni river]], which experienced a large oil spin due to conflict around Kauni oil refineries.
 
== Politics ==
The Government of Baltica operates under a federative system, under which some states (Referred to as Republics) exhibit a greater sense of autonomy and self-government. The '''Federal Government of Baltica''' was introduced shortly after the end of the Second [[Baltican Civil war]], replacing the former '''North Baltican Central Government''' and the '''Republic Government''' from before the war.  
===Executive===
====Head of State====
The Baltican Head of State is the '''Federal President''', with the official title being The Federal President of the Baltican Federation. It is an elected role, in the sense that the President is elected separately from the Baltican Parliament and operates outside the jurisdiction of the parliament. Although the President has some powers, most importantly the ability to sign in new legislation and laws, as well as decide on the budget of the Baltican Government, the president himself is not allowed to create new laws, only suggest them to the parliament, who has the final say when it comes to writing up and proposing new laws and legislation. Although the President is not obliged to sign in law proposed by the Baltican Parliament, it is customary that all law that is voted unanimously in favour by the parliament is accepted by the president. In that sense, the Government operates in somewhat of a Ceremonial role.The Federal President represents the state of Baltica, and as such their actions are reflective of the nation. The President is a unifying figure and represents Baltica internationally. Being Independent from the parliament, the Federal President is expected not to interfere in the squabbles of political parties, and should refrain from expressing the views or agendas of specific political parties. Although the President can run with the support of parliamentary parties, it is customary for the Federal President to run without the backing of political parties.
====Head of Government====
The Baltican Head of Government is the Federal Councillor, head of the '''Baltican Federal Government''' and as such the executive government. Usually, the position is filled by the leader of the party with the most seats within the Baltican Parliament. The only exception being if an existing coalition party is unable to come to a collective choice of who should take up the position, in which case the position will temporarily be occupied by a Federal Councillor appointed by the Head of Stat until the parties can come to a consensus. The Federal Councillor, being the representative of the Baltican Parliament, has the ability to appoint ministers within the government, who are referred to as the Federal Ministers.The Federal Councillor can not be removed from office during their term, unless a “Vote of no Confidence” is held within the Baltican Parliament. If such an event was to happen, the leading party or coalition would have to elect a new Federal Councillor, meanwhile, the position would either be filled by a Vice Councillor or one appointed by the Head of State. The Vince Councillor operates as the deputy of the Federal Councillor and can take over if the Federal Councillor is unable to fulfil their duties as the Federal Councillor.
====Cabinet====
All members of the Baltican Cabinet are appointed by the Federal Councillor, and are officially “approved” by the Baltican Federal President; who although is able to protest members of the cabinet, has no power to replace or remove them, that power belongs solely to the Federal Councillor and the Baltican Parliament. Although there is no fixed number of Cabinet members that can be appointed, the minimum number of cabinet members for a cabinet to function is 15, although Federal Councillors are able to appoint more if they so choose.
===Legislature===
====The Baltican Parliament====
The Baltican Parliament makes up the Legislative branch of the government. As the Baltican Legislative branch is Unicameral, this means that the Baltican Parliament is the sole Institution responsible for the legislative power in Baltica. Altogether, the Parliament is made up of 180 members, 160 of whom are elected by the people of the Republics of Baltica, whilst 15 are elected by the citizens of the SREP (Sister Republics or Federal States) and five are elected by the Federal Territories of Baltica. This process is done in order to represent the needs of the Republics, Sister Republics and Territories, without having the people of those subdivisions be marginalised within the Legislative government. Voting takes place every five years, with each constituency of Baltica being able to elect one representative through a first past the post electoral system. In order to be represented within the Parliament, a party needs to receive at least 4% of the total vote, or win in at least 3 constituencies.
 
The first Baltican Parliament elections took place on February 27th 2023, commemorating the first year anniversary of the Second [[Baltican Civil War]]. 
===Judiciary===
After the Second [[Baltican Civil War]], the entirety of the Baltican Judiciary was reformed to follow the Civil Law Tradition. This also replied to the [[Republics of Baltica]], who were forced to comply with the new Civil Law, despite having operated under a mixed judiciary system before. The judicial system is made up of three courts, this being…
 
1. Ordinary Courts which deal with criminal cases as well as most civil cases.
 
 
2. Specialised Courts, dealing with administrative, labour and patent law.
 


==Politics==
3. Constitutional Court, which deals with matters revolving around the constitution.
=== Military ===


===Government===
{{main|Baltican Armed Forces}}


===Military===
The [[Baltican Armed Forces]] are the official military of Baltica, comprised of the [[Baltican Land Forces]], the [[Baltican Navy]] and the [[Baltican Air Forces]]. The total Baltican military expenditure sits at 3.8% of Baltica's total GDP, which translates to just over 3.2 Billion Zedas. Altogether, the Armed forces consist of 100,000 active troops. Conscription has been an active policy in Baltica since the Baltican Republic, largely introduced in order to maintain a large active reserve. All men from the age of 18 must serve 11 months of military service. Due to the large loss of equipment during the [[Baltican Civil War]], the [[Baltican Armed Forces]] are undergoing a large process of modernisation, most of which is being dedicated to the [[Baltican Navy]] and [[Baltican Land Forces|Land Forces]], whilst the [[Baltican Air Forces|Air Forces]] have largely gone neglected.


===Foreign relations===
=== Foreign relations ===


==Economy==
== Economy ==


===Energy===
=== Energy ===


[[File:Krugiti Power Plant.png|250px|thumb|left|The [[Krugiti Coal Power Plant]], shortly before the great fire in 2001.]]
[[File:Krugiti Power Plant.png|250px|thumb|left|The [[Krugiti Coal Power Plant]], shortly before the great fire in 2001.]]
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For now, about 46% of all energy in Baltica comes from coal, with 18% from oil, and 11% with Hydro. The rest make up a small minority, including: Biofuel (8.7%), Solar (8.2%), Wind (5.1%), and geothermal (3%).
For now, about 46% of all energy in Baltica comes from coal, with 18% from oil, and 11% with Hydro. The rest make up a small minority, including: Biofuel (8.7%), Solar (8.2%), Wind (5.1%), and geothermal (3%).


===Industry===
=== Industry ===


[[File:Logging Camp.jpg|250px|thumb|left|A logging camp in Sveaja.]]
[[File:Logging Camp.jpg|250px|thumb|left|A logging camp in Sveaja.]]
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Although Baltica doesn't produce many luxury goods, the nation has been renown for its alcohol, which some consider the best in [[Argis]]. It also led to Baltica becoming one of the highest consumers of alcohol in the world. Cigarettes also remain a very sought after commodity in Baltica, with local brand [[Uki]] being the favorite in Baltica by far; manly due to its low cost and availability. Although the fur trade is not as prevalent in Baltica as it once used to be, areas of the north are still regarded as producing some of the finest traditional fur clothing in the entirety of Argis.
Although Baltica doesn't produce many luxury goods, the nation has been renown for its alcohol, which some consider the best in [[Argis]]. It also led to Baltica becoming one of the highest consumers of alcohol in the world. Cigarettes also remain a very sought after commodity in Baltica, with local brand [[Uki]] being the favorite in Baltica by far; manly due to its low cost and availability. Although the fur trade is not as prevalent in Baltica as it once used to be, areas of the north are still regarded as producing some of the finest traditional fur clothing in the entirety of Argis.


===Infrastructure===
=== Infrastructure ===


[[File:BalticTrain.jpg|200px|thumb|right|AT 53, the most common train in Baltica.]]
[[File:BalticTrain.jpg|200px|thumb|right|AT 53, the most common train in Baltica.]]
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The [[Goja]] track (A11), which connects [[Goja]] to [[Kretia]] and [[Eleania]] remains an important track for industry, as it connects the larger ports of [[Kretia]] and [[Eleania]] to the nation's industrial capital, [[Goja]]. In recent decades, there has been a large push to create new rail lines along the National Spine. Even today, many large cities are still not connected to one another. This forces people to use the underdeveloped bus transport to get to large cities in order to access the trains. As such, the government has responded with the announcement of the creation of the A30. This train line will connect the previously mentioned A11 and A1, as well as connect the cities of [[Visagana]] and [[Jounikis]] to the wider train line system.
The [[Goja]] track (A11), which connects [[Goja]] to [[Kretia]] and [[Eleania]] remains an important track for industry, as it connects the larger ports of [[Kretia]] and [[Eleania]] to the nation's industrial capital, [[Goja]]. In recent decades, there has been a large push to create new rail lines along the National Spine. Even today, many large cities are still not connected to one another. This forces people to use the underdeveloped bus transport to get to large cities in order to access the trains. As such, the government has responded with the announcement of the creation of the A30. This train line will connect the previously mentioned A11 and A1, as well as connect the cities of [[Visagana]] and [[Jounikis]] to the wider train line system.


===Transport===
=== Transport ===


==Demographics==
== Demographics ==


===Education===
=== Education ===


===Religion===
=== Religion ===


==Culture==
== Culture ==


====Music and art====
==== Music and art ====


====Cuisine====
==== Cuisine ====


====Sports====
==== Sports ====


{{Eurth}}
{{Eurth}}
[[Category: Baltica]]
[[Category: Baltica]]
[[Category:Countries in the Council of the Democratically-aligned nations of Argis]]

Latest revision as of 11:21, 25 March 2024

United Federation of Baltica

Jungtinė Baltijos Federacija
Flag of Baltica
Flag
Coat of arms of Baltica
Coat of arms
Motto: “If god is with us, who is against us ?”
Anthem: “The New Republic”
Baltica Location Map.png
Capital
Largest cityGoja, Kauni, Kretia
Official languages
Ethnic groups
Demonym(s)Baltican
GovernmentFederal parliamentary Republic
• Federal President
Hornumas Vytis
• Federal Councillor
Ludwig Weiner
LegislatureBaltican Parliament
Independent
• Establishment of the Baltican Federation
2022 CE
Population
• 2023 estimate
16,268,964
• 2023 census
16,268,964
• Density
38/km2 (98.4/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)2023 estimate
• Total
190,066,921,930
• Per capita
11,682
HDI (2022)0.768
high
CurrencyBaltican Zedas
Date formatdd/mm/yyyy
Driving sideright
Calling code+252
Internet TLD.ba

The United Federation of Baltica, or simply Baltica, is a sovereign state within the continent of Argis. The country is a Federation composed of four Republics (Raskia, Kauni, Liplan-Kretin and Dokestva) and three Sister Republics ( Westoria, Govir and Belgorta). The United Federation of Baltica is a product of the Second Baltican Civil War, having formed during the conflict. It is a very loose Federation, for the large part still suffering from the cultural divide between Dolch and Ras that led to the war that created it. Currently, Baltica has two capitals: the administrative capital in Kauni is home to the Central Government, and Sveaja remains the economic capital of the nation. 14.6 Million people call Baltica home. The majority reside in the largest republic of Liplan-Kretin, home to 5.7 million people or about 40% of the total population. Baltica's history is quite complicated, seeing as the nation has gone through multiple great struggles in an attempt to unify itself. Before the Dolch settlement along the modern-day city of Niden, little is known about both Baltica and the ethnic Gintarian groups who lived in its lands. When the Dolch did arrive, they made quick work of settling and expanding their territory, coming into conflict with the ethnic Gintarians who lived in the lands of the Litauisch Peninsula. This early Dolch state in Baltica would be known as the Order of Baltishtin, as it was a Holy Order that was established by Dolch Catholics in hopes to convert and conquer Baltica. The height of the Order of Baltishtin would come under the reign of Lord Arnold of Baltishtin, who expanded the Order of Baltishtin by almost 3x of what it originally was. Lord Arnold's later decedents, primarily Leupold the Ready, would end up transitioning the Order of Baltishtin from a Holy Order into a Kingdom, subsequently also removing a significant amount of Catholic influence, later leading to the adoption of reformism and the later establishment of Church of Baltica. Leupold's dynasty, the House of Wensal would rule Baltica for the majority of its early existence, leading it through the period of "Three Kingdoms" and later unifying the whole of modern-day Baltica after the House of Wensal intermarried into the House of Kretin-Is-Lipja, integrating the lands of modern-day Kretia into the Kingdom of Baltica and thus ending the era of "Three Kingdoms". The House of Wensal would come to an end in 1654 after its last ruler Vingas II would pass without any heirs. As such multiple smaller dynasties would assume the throne of Baltica, most notably the House of Librer from 1659-1754, the House of Valganski from 1782-1883 and the House of Duvensky from 1883-1960. Throughout this period, Baltica faced many revolts, especially from the ethnic Ras who made up a majority of the nation. In 1960, the first Baltica civil war would rage out across Baltica, with the goal of removing the Monarchy after centuries of misrule and oppression. The Republic of Baltica was formed in the aftermath of the Civil War, initially intended to be a fully democratic nation. However, one Algridas Banis would end up overthrowing the Democratic Council of Baltica and would shortly form a dictatorship with him at its centre. This decision was largely sparked by the lack of decisiveness from the Democratic Council of Baltica, although it was merely an excuse for Algridas to cement its own rule over Baltica. This period would be known as the "Republic Era" and would only come to an end after the conclusion of the Second Baltican Civil War, after which Baltica would transition into a Federation, which it has remained to this day. Unlike its predecessor, the Baltican Federation remains very open and democratic, one of few nations within Argis to have an elected head of state.

Under the Baltican Federative System, Baltica is officially divided into four Republics (Dokestva, Liplan-Kretin, Raskia and Kauni) four Sister Republics (Belgorta SREP, Govir SREP, Westoria SREP and Razija SREP) and two Federal Territories, Ramutia and the Eastern Isles. Republics within Baltica exercise a greater degree of autonomy from the Federal Government of Baltica, being able to pass their own regional laws and control their own resources. Meanwhile, the Sister Republics act as "Federative States", which although also practice their own self-autonomy, are much closer linked with the Federal Government which still manages a majority of the national services like healthcare and sewage treatment, as well as the natural resources and economic laws within the SREP's. Territories, however, are fully administered by the Federal Government and are in essence fully owned by the Federal Government, which is able to dictate all the economic, social and political laws within all Federal Territories. The Sister Republic of Rozija is the most recent addition to the Federation of Baltica, having joined Baltica after the Kalnija-Baltica conflict in 2023, after which Razija was officially integrated into Baltica with its largest city, Rigav, acting as its local administrative capital. Many discussions over the future roles of the individual Republics have been discussed, with the most popular notation being to reform the existing four Republics into Sister Republics in order to allow the Federal Government greater control over Baltica as a whole. Such discussions have remained limited towards the federal government only, as the individual Republics have maintained their position to remain opposed to increased Federal control over their regional sovereignty.

Balticas geography remains quite diverse for the most part, featuring multiple unique landforms and ecosystems exclusive to Baltica and Baltica only. Baltica is located within the continent of Argis, specifically Southern-Central Argis. To its East, it borders the expansive Kazenoi Sea, whilst its south stretches across the Keelpijip Strait. The warm currents from the Keelpijip are what contribute to the warm and dry Medditaranian climate that makes up most of the Baltican South and East. The regions that rest within the Mediterranean zone are characterised as being quite dry, with below-average precipitation. However they remain warm almost all year round, as winters are very mild, at least compared to the Baltican North. The Baltican North, unlike its south, remains much more temperate, enjoying long warm summers and mild to intense winters. Much of the temperate climate can be found in Northern Raskia, Razija and Northern Liplan-Kretin. These regions also remain some of Balticas largest agricultural regions, producing almost 3/4s of Balticas total crop yield. One of Balticas most unique land formations is the Litauisch or Dokestvan Peninsula, located in the Baltican South. It is a very dry peninsula, historically the epicentre of the early Dolch settlement of Baltica. The Peninsula also forms a natural Bay to its East, known as the Bay of Austen, around which large cities like Janakis are located on. The Bay of Austen protects much of the settlments on it from natural erosion from the Kezanoi sea, hence the dense concentration of urban settlements and ports along it.

One of the most definitive features of Baltica is the Kunijan Mountains, a collection of large mountains situated within the Republic of Liplan-Kretin. The Kunijan mountains are the source of many Baltican rivers, like the Goja, Belgorta and Wensal Rivers. Additionally, it's home to various nomadic communities, which historically headed multiple flocks across the various natural plateaus of the mountains. The area around the Kunijan hills, which is naturally higher than the rest of Baltica, is referred to as the Kunijan Hill Basin and stretches from Liplan Kretin all the way to the Republic of Kalnija. The Kunijan Hill Basin has historically been an area of intense cattle herding due to the large presence of grasslands and poor soil within the Hills themselves. Balticas largest lake, Lake Morshu is also located within the Kunijan Hill Basin, having most likely been formed due to river runoff from the Belgorta River. Although Baltica is not heavily forested, it does have some regions, most notably Westoria which produce most of Baltica timber and lumber. Peatlands and bogs can commonly be found around low elevated points which coincide with river flows. The largest Baltican peatlands and bogs can be found within Raskia, with many of them being found along the Balandeli River. Heavy industrialisation and crop cultivation within Raskia have seen these natural peatlands and bogs decrease in recent years, although under the current Federative government, initiatives have been launched to protect Baltica's increasingly vulnerable wetlands.

Etymology and Flag

The former Baltican flag adopted by Leupold the Ready of the Kingdom of Baltica. It was last used in 1960, when the first Baltican Civil War began in earnest. For a short duration, the use of the flag was banned, but the ban has since been lifted.
The current flag of Baltica, referred to as the “Federales” due to its addition by the current Federal Government of Baltica.

Historically, Baltica has been known by the Dolch as Baltishtin, a name derived from the Order of Baltishtin (Formerly known as the Holy Knighthood of Lubberlin) who ruled much of what is now modern-day Dokestva and Liplan-Kretin. Baltishtin was then Latinised upon the declaration of the Kingdom of Baltica by Leupold the Ready in 1485. From then on, Baltica would formerly be referred to as Baltica except by some Dolch states who continued to refer to Baltica under its “Traditional” Dolch name, Baltishtin. Baltica has traditionally had other names before the Baltishtin, most famously “Traubenland” or “Land of Grapes”, which it was called for a brief time when the Dolch had discovered it. Nowadays, Traubenland is primarily used when referring to the Dolch settlement of Baltica before the arrival and establishment of the Order of Baltishtin.

Baltica's current flag, referred to as the “Federales” consists of a tricolour comprised of Yellow, Blue, and white. It bares striking similarity to the former “Republika” flag which was also a tri colour but instead consisted of White, Green and yellow. The “Federales” flag was adopted due to the current Federation government trying to distance itself from the former Dictatorship of the Republic government, hence why it was first used by the North Baltican Federation during the Baltican Civil War. The meaning behind the colours of the flag goes as so, Yellow for the prosperity and riches of Baltica, Blue for the nation's main ethnic groups, the Ras and Gintarian Dolch, and finally white for the hopefully continued peace between the Ras and Gintarian Dolch in their common cause for a united Baltica. The flag can sometimes also be seen with the New Baltican Coat of arms in its centre. Many have remarked on the flag's similarity with the former flag of the Kingdom of Baltica which bares very similar colours to today's “Federales” flag. However, the new federal government of Baltica has made it clear that the “Federales” is not going to be changed any time soon.

History

Southern Gentarian Tribes

Recently excavated pottery, found in modern day Weva.

The first so-called “Balticans' ' were a Southern branch of the Gentarian peoples group. It is believed that a part of the Gentarians had migrated Southwards into Baltica in pursuit of better farmland, eventually settling the warmer coast of the Pellucid Sea. It is believed that around this time the Southern Gentarians split into multiple different culture groups, all sharing some but not all cultural and linguistic features. Primarily this included the Raskians, who inhabited much of the Eastern regions along the Balendeli river, the Kretina who settled the lands just North of the Litauisch peninsula, the Highlanders or Aukshtaitis in the North and finally the Hermaitai who lived directly within the Litauisch peninsula. Despite being somewhat unique from one another, they all spoke mainly two distinct dialects, this being Kretian and Raskian, which both had their “Low” and “High” variations. Additionally, all shared common deities and to some extent a faith, although regional differences were seen throughout the entirety of Baltica.

During this early period in Baltican History, the Liplan river was one of the most populated and Important regions within Baltica. It is believed that it was an epicenter of trade and was almost always contested by various smaller clans and chiefdoms. Early coinage, Idols and early weaponry have all been discovered throughout the greater Liplan Basin. It is also believed that the fabled city of “Juralia” rested along the Liplan, mentioned quite frequently throughout the Oral histories of the South Eastern Gentarians. Juralia is often described as “The Home of the Baltican Gentarians”, and the birthplace of the Baltican pagan faith “Takija”. What would happen to Juralia remains a mystery, if it ever existed in the first place that is, but its place at the core of at the time the Baltican heartland explains why it rose to such large prominence during the ancient period.

The most prominent event of this early tribal period is believed to have been a large war, that sprung up from a sudden cold spike resulting in large-scale famine in North Eastern Baltica or modern-day Ramutia and Kretia region. This war most likely resulted in the large-scale displacement of multiple people within the North, shifting much of the then population away from the Liplan and into other regions of Baltica. Most notably, it is believed that multiple of the Aukshtaitis would migrate southwards into the bay of Goja, eventually going on to establish the city of Goja during the late mediaeval period in Baltica.

Initial Baltican Settlement

The estimated location of the Battle of three rivers, just outside modern-day Janakis.

Baltica would first be discovered by the Dolch in 1331, after some Dolch merchants were swept away by the strong Westerly winds of the Kezanoi Sea, eventually landing on the Litauisch Peninsula in Southern Baltica. They would remark on the quite warm climate and abundance of trees and berry bushes, specifically grapes. Hence, these first merchants would call this unknown land Traubenland. Upon their return back to Dolchland, the rumours of Traubenland would spread among fellow Dolch merchants, eventually coming into the attention of the church, who organised an expedition into Traubenland, led by the then Bishop Kasimir. Bishop Kasimir and his entourage of 2,000 men would settle the Southern Bank of the Bay of Austen. This first settlement was known as Niden, and grew quite quickly as the locals began cultivating the land, especially for its grapes, which would be fermented into wine and exported back to Dolchland. By 1344, the small town began to grow quite quickly, attracting many people from Dolchland in pursuit of a better life and opportunity.

However, this time of relative peace would come to an end, as in 1348 the Dolch settlers would discover the Hermaitai peoples within the peninsula. At first, the interactions between the Dolch and Hermaitai were peaceful, with the two groups sometimes engaging in trade. This would quickly come to an end once the Dolch began to spread Southwards, as shortly after the construction of the town of Randerwel it would be raided and burned down by a large force of Hermaitai. Bishop Kasimir (who had been bedridden for quite some time) signed one of his last degrees, this being the “Vacation Armajan”, calling for both warriors and men to aid the Dolch in Niden in their fight against the perceived heathen tribes of Traubenland. This decree would attract many to Niden, with one of said groups being the Holy Knights of Lubberlin who dedicated all of their fighting forces to Niden.

Shortly after the arrival of the Knights of Lubberlin, the Dolch launched many raids into Hermaitai lands, especially as Niden had become highly overpopulated and the city was on the brink of starvation. Luckily for the Dolch, the raids provided a temporary food source for the settlers, but it quickly attracted the attention of larger tribes. In 1361, the Dolch would engage in the largest battle of the settlement period, this being “The Battle of Three Rivers”. This saw the Dolch come out on top and expand entirely around the Bay of Austen. The newly conquered lands would be divided between the Holy Knights of Lubberlin (who shortly thereafter would go on to adopt the new name of “Holy Knights of Baltishtin”, with their new patriarch being the then recently passed Saint Kasimir), and the church in the form of Bishoprics, the largest of which remained the Archbishopric of Niden.

Order of Baltishtin

The Order of Baltishtin would officially come into power in 1370, with its first official Lord Commander being Lord Austen the Wise (1343-1391), after whom the Bay of Austen was named after. He was not born within the lands of the Order, but nonetheless took a very much active role in the governance of the newly gained lands. He would organise yet another degree, asking for more men and supplies to officially make the state self-efficient from Dolch Merchants, and was able to establish a small but trained standing army in order to protect Dolch from native Gintarian raids. In 1378, Austen along with various mercenaries from Dolchland would organise a grgreateate raid Southwards, steadily taking more land from the locals and pushing up to the Central Litauisch mountains. Austen would also go on to establish many new cities, such as Osterrulter and Tunyev. One of his final campaigns was a Northern offensive, during which Austen and his cousin Bertolf (1357-1410) were able to successfully conquer land along the Jorlingijan river. Austen would go on to honor his cousin for his efforts by naming him Lord of the Jorglands, after which the now Lord Bertolf would go on to establish the city of Janakis along the Jorlingijan. This final campaign would be the last of Austen's great efforts, as in 1390 he would develop a severe form of leprosy and would die the next year. After his death, his cousin Bertolf would ascend to the role of Lord Commander, becoming Lord Bertolf of Baltishtin in 1393.

An early drawing of what is suspected to be Visagris Castle.

Bertolf would continue much of the efforts of his predecessor, going on to expand the Order further in all directions. One of his most crowning achievements was the so-called “Great Conversion”, during which the many pagans that had still been within the Orders land were largely converted to Catholicism. The faith as a whole would become a much more noticeable presence within not only the Order but natives themselves as many missionary efforts had finally been able to bear fruit. The Dolch language would also become more established as Bertolf would sponsor many efforts to “educate” natives. These efforts would go on to see a large revival of trade in the area and would provide a great opportunity for the Dolch to expand their influence North and South in a much more peaceful manner. In 1402, a group of knights, traders and priests would go on their own expedition towards Northern Baltica to establish a proto-colony. Their efforts would be successful, as they would go on to form the Order of Belgorta along the coast of the Kazanoi Sea. However, Bertolf would only have a short reign compared to his cousin, dying in 1410 of fever. His death without an obvious replacement meant that for the first time, the Order was left temporarily without leadership. This would allow for a fairly minor, but aspiring Lord; one Lord Arnold (1389-1448) of Visagris to be elected as Lord Commander of the Order of Baltishtin in 1416.

Lord Arnold was the first Lord to have within the lands of the Order itself, his father Lord Gurt (1358-1401) having been Lord of Visagris before him. His ambition was much greater than either Austen or Bertolf, and he wished to see the whole of Baltica united under his rule. Similarly to Lord Austen, he would call upon fellow Dolch, this time, not settlers but warriors and Knights, promising land and riches from his conquered territories. Many would answer the call, and Lord Arnold was able to launch his first successful campaign along the coast of the Litauisch peninsula. Lucky for Arnold and his army, the tribes within the mountains and hills of Central Litauisch chose to instead swear fealty to the Order, seeing as much of their local economy had become dependent on Dolch merchants and river trade routes. These territories would be split between the natives, church and army, becoming the Lordship and Bishopric of Siela. This acquisition would mean that the Dolch had uncontested access to the rest of Litauisch, and the peninsula would be fully under Dolch control by 1427.

Having been able to unify the peninsula which much less struggle than had initially been hoped, the large army that had amassed due to Lord Arnolds Initial call for aid, would instead rally under a new goal, this being the conversion of all so-proclaimed “heathens” within the greater lands of Baltishtin. This new goal would see various offensives into Northern Baltica, primarily around the Wensal River. It had been hoped for years that the lesser, Holy Order of Belgorta could be connected to the Order of Baltishtin, and by 1433 that hope had become a reality, with the combined armies of Belgorta and Baltishtin being able to successfully defeat the petty chiefdom's in between them. At the time, a majority of land around the Wensal River was inhabited by the Kretina, which after their defeat in the South would be forced to migrate North, eventually settling in the region of modern-day Kretia. Lord Arnold would end up granting a large amount of the territory he had conquered around the Wensal to his brother, Leo Tyler (1400-1450) who would form the House of Wensal shortly thereafter. Lord Arnold would launch one last offensive into the North in 1435, conquering more land along the Bay of Goja (Which at that point was believed to be a lake). In 1436, Lord Arnold would end up settling the city of Goja itself, along the river Smonisk. The city would grow quite rapidly, especially as the various knights and mercenaries that joined Lord Arnold on his conquests would end up settling along the Bay of Goja. As time would go on, Goja grew in importance, with Lord Arnold eventually making it his personal residence and Goja constructed shortly thereafter. The short peace period that followed was substantial in the economic growth of the order, as multiple artisans and workers (primarily from Dolchland) would begin to emerge, especially in present-day Dokestva. However, the peace would be relatively short, as Lord Arnold would launch his final Invasion into Northern Baltica in 1448, however, he and his troops would be caught within the Kunijan Mountains, having been ambushed by the Baltican Highlanders and being thoroughly decimated. Lord Arnold would suffer great injury, managing to return to Goja before inevitably succumbing to his injuries.

Years of Instability

Following the death of Lord Arnold (1389-1448) in 1448, there was a lack of unity and cohesion among the leadership of the Holy Order. Lord Arnold had conquered so much territory that he had expanded Baltica by almost 4x what it was under the reign of the previous Lords. This created a massive power divide, seeing as the new nobility that had come to rule the conquered territory directly clashed with both the old nobles concentrated around Niden, as well as the Church. Being a holy order on paper, this meant that a large sum of Balticas land was considered to be part of the Holy See, and as such, directly ruled and managed by the papacy. During the height of the Order of Baltishtin, over ⅓ of all land of the order would be owned by the church, with all the taxes, resources and people on said land being administered by members of the church, appointed by the Pope himself. In the elections of 56, a new Lord Commander, Lord Wilhelm (1418-1487) would be elected. In reality, however, he held very little influence, as he failed to bring together the nobility and church, and practically had no jurisdiction outside of Goja.

Lord Wilhelm attempted to carry out multiple reforms related to land and personal holdings and attempted to strengthen the position of future Lords by making all of the Goja Principality administered by the Lord, rather than just the city itself. These reforms initially saw support, especially from the new Nobility who wanted to preserve their newly gained domains. However, in an attempt to please the Old nobility, Lord Wilhelm "confiscated" various holdings from the New Nobles, and granted them to the old, which caused mass uproar among the new nobility. The House of Wensal, formed by Lord Arnold's brother, Leo Tyler (1400-1450), were one of the primary objectors of the land reform. The House of Wensal, and subsequently the Duchy of Wensal was one of the largest and most influential states formed after the conquest, holding valuable land along the Janakis and Wensal rivers. The land reforms saw their largest city, Janakis, be confiscated and handed down to the Church, forcing Leupold Tyler (1422-1501); Leo’s first son who had come to rule the lands of the House of Wensal, to move his main base of power to Wensulburg. The House of Wensal would eventually use its new position to build an alliance with multiple northern Nobles, who inhabited the newly conquered lands, and eventually, they began to conspire to not only dispose of Lord Wilhelm but to also remove the Churches control over Baltica. Essentially, they were advocating for Baltica to transition to a Kingdom. Sometime in May 1473, Leupold as well as the influential Duke of Belgorta, Hans Vilker (1437-1489), would amass a small personal army and march on Goja. There they attempted to capture Lord Wilhelm but failed as he fled the city. Leupold declared his ambitions to seek power over the Baltishtin, seeing as he was a descendant of the great Lord Arnold, something that resonated among much of the populace and Northern Lords.

Lord Wilhelm attempted to rally an army in the South, successfully amassing a small army of 10,000 men. The rebels, however, managed to amass almost 25,000 men (40,000 according to on-the-ground sources), and they quickly marched south with haste, capturing castle after castle and city after city. Finally, Lord Wilhelm would attempt to engage with his 10,000 men, hoping that his heavy cavalry and knights would prevail over the largely levy-force of the rebels. The following battle is referred to as the Battle for Baltica, and most likely took place along the Janakis River. Lord Wilhelm and his forces did surprisingly well, managing to kill some 5,000 men, but by the time the rebel forces joined and engaged fully Wilhelm's force quickly crumbled and began to retreat, only to be cut off by the rebels' own cavalry. Lord Wilhelm perished in the battle as did most of his knights. With the former Lord vanquished, Leupold would re-enter Goja in 1479, and declared himself the New Lord of Baltica. In the following months, he began to confiscate large sums of land from the Church, and even enforced a new tax on church holdings. Finally, in 1484, he made good on his promise and officially announced the transition from a Holy order ruled in part by the church. As such, Leupold would be crowned King in 1485, being granted the idiom Leupold the Ready. Shortly after, he was excommunicated from the Church, by the then-pope. The House of Wensal however, would solidify its power rapidly, and by the time of Leupold's death in 1501, the Kingdom of Baltica would emerge as one of the leading powers within the region of Baltica. However, shortly thereafter, various native-led Kingdoms would form to oppose the Baltican hegemony over the region, leading to the “Age of Five Kings”, that would see Baltica divided for the better course of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Geography

Climate

The climate of Baltica varies wildly depending on region. Much of the East consists of a Mediterranean climate, with high average tempertures and low huminidty year round. The Litauisch Paninsula to the South of Baltica also rests within the Mediterranean zone, but sees much lower huminidity than even nearby Vikija Region. Much of the West however, is quite humid and temperate experiencing warm summers and cold winters. This climate divide is largely caused by the Kretin Mountains, that cut off the Mediterranean east from the more humid West. Temperatures throughout Baltica typically average at the mid 30-35 °C in the summer, whilst during winters temperatures can reach as low as -27 °C in the Western Territories. Snow is common and rivers often freeze up in the west, although in the south, the warmer temperatures often mean that freezing or snow is rare, although possible as seen in 2011, when the Goja River froze.


Climate data for Baltica
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 10.9
(51.6)
11.8
(53.2)
17.5
(63.5)
25.5
(77.9)
31.0
(87.8)
31.3
(88.3)
35.2
(95.4)
30.9
(87.6)
28.8
(83.8)
21.1
(70.0)
16.6
(61.9)
11.3
(52.3)
37.2
(99.0)
Record low °C (°F) −32.2
(−26.0)
−38.6
(−37.5)
−36.4
(−33.5)
−26.4
(−15.5)
−18.2
(−0.8)
−7.0
(19.4)
−5.0
(23.0)
−10.8
(12.6)
−16.1
(3.0)
−26.4
(−15.5)
−34.2
(−29.6)
−40.6
(−41.1)
−51.5
(−60.7)
Source: Baltican Weather Administration

Environment

The primary territory of Baltica lies in Southern Argis, with much of the Nations North being comprised of the Kunijan Mountains, whilst the far south is home to the large Litauisch Paninsula. The physical geography of Baltica varies considerably depending on how far East or West one is. Most of the East consists of Hills and occasional flatland, with some prevlant revers such as the Liplan and Goja. However, Western Baltica is a lot more flat, and consits of many more bogs, wetlands, marshes and bogs. Before the Industralisation of Baltica in the 1960s, these features made up over 40% of Western Baltica, but now only makes up less than 25% of all land in Western Baltica. Besides wetlands, forests are also quite abandon through Baltica, especially in the West, constituting most of the territory. The largest natural forest remains the Draigai Forest, which at one point used to be much larger but due to logging in the recent decades has greatly diminished in size. However, most of these forests can only be found in western or northern Baltica, as areas like Visagris had undergone large deforestation and land transformation during the 1970s. Although new legislation exists to prevent the type of deforestation Baltica experienced during the late 20th century, logging and land transformation remains rapid in some regions, and the yearly loss of both forests and wetlands is still quite common.

Flatlands near the city of Kauni.

Rivers are quite abandoned in Baltica, with over 300 rivers flowing all over the nation, the largest of which are the Liplan River and the Balandeli Rivers. Historically rivers acted as economic and Industrial centres of Baltica and many of its modern cities still reside along historically vital rivers. Although rivers in Baltica are typically quite fresh and not contaminated, due to the recent Civil War many of them have been contaminated due to oil and chemical spills. This was seen in the Kauni river, which experienced a large oil spin due to conflict around Kauni oil refineries.

Politics

The Government of Baltica operates under a federative system, under which some states (Referred to as Republics) exhibit a greater sense of autonomy and self-government. The Federal Government of Baltica was introduced shortly after the end of the Second Baltican Civil war, replacing the former North Baltican Central Government and the Republic Government from before the war.

Executive

Head of State

The Baltican Head of State is the Federal President, with the official title being The Federal President of the Baltican Federation. It is an elected role, in the sense that the President is elected separately from the Baltican Parliament and operates outside the jurisdiction of the parliament. Although the President has some powers, most importantly the ability to sign in new legislation and laws, as well as decide on the budget of the Baltican Government, the president himself is not allowed to create new laws, only suggest them to the parliament, who has the final say when it comes to writing up and proposing new laws and legislation. Although the President is not obliged to sign in law proposed by the Baltican Parliament, it is customary that all law that is voted unanimously in favour by the parliament is accepted by the president. In that sense, the Government operates in somewhat of a Ceremonial role.The Federal President represents the state of Baltica, and as such their actions are reflective of the nation. The President is a unifying figure and represents Baltica internationally. Being Independent from the parliament, the Federal President is expected not to interfere in the squabbles of political parties, and should refrain from expressing the views or agendas of specific political parties. Although the President can run with the support of parliamentary parties, it is customary for the Federal President to run without the backing of political parties.

Head of Government

The Baltican Head of Government is the Federal Councillor, head of the Baltican Federal Government and as such the executive government. Usually, the position is filled by the leader of the party with the most seats within the Baltican Parliament. The only exception being if an existing coalition party is unable to come to a collective choice of who should take up the position, in which case the position will temporarily be occupied by a Federal Councillor appointed by the Head of Stat until the parties can come to a consensus. The Federal Councillor, being the representative of the Baltican Parliament, has the ability to appoint ministers within the government, who are referred to as the Federal Ministers.The Federal Councillor can not be removed from office during their term, unless a “Vote of no Confidence” is held within the Baltican Parliament. If such an event was to happen, the leading party or coalition would have to elect a new Federal Councillor, meanwhile, the position would either be filled by a Vice Councillor or one appointed by the Head of State. The Vince Councillor operates as the deputy of the Federal Councillor and can take over if the Federal Councillor is unable to fulfil their duties as the Federal Councillor.

Cabinet

All members of the Baltican Cabinet are appointed by the Federal Councillor, and are officially “approved” by the Baltican Federal President; who although is able to protest members of the cabinet, has no power to replace or remove them, that power belongs solely to the Federal Councillor and the Baltican Parliament. Although there is no fixed number of Cabinet members that can be appointed, the minimum number of cabinet members for a cabinet to function is 15, although Federal Councillors are able to appoint more if they so choose.

Legislature

The Baltican Parliament

The Baltican Parliament makes up the Legislative branch of the government. As the Baltican Legislative branch is Unicameral, this means that the Baltican Parliament is the sole Institution responsible for the legislative power in Baltica. Altogether, the Parliament is made up of 180 members, 160 of whom are elected by the people of the Republics of Baltica, whilst 15 are elected by the citizens of the SREP (Sister Republics or Federal States) and five are elected by the Federal Territories of Baltica. This process is done in order to represent the needs of the Republics, Sister Republics and Territories, without having the people of those subdivisions be marginalised within the Legislative government. Voting takes place every five years, with each constituency of Baltica being able to elect one representative through a first past the post electoral system. In order to be represented within the Parliament, a party needs to receive at least 4% of the total vote, or win in at least 3 constituencies.

The first Baltican Parliament elections took place on February 27th 2023, commemorating the first year anniversary of the Second Baltican Civil War.

Judiciary

After the Second Baltican Civil War, the entirety of the Baltican Judiciary was reformed to follow the Civil Law Tradition. This also replied to the Republics of Baltica, who were forced to comply with the new Civil Law, despite having operated under a mixed judiciary system before. The judicial system is made up of three courts, this being…

1. Ordinary Courts which deal with criminal cases as well as most civil cases.


2. Specialised Courts, dealing with administrative, labour and patent law.


3. Constitutional Court, which deals with matters revolving around the constitution.

Military

The Baltican Armed Forces are the official military of Baltica, comprised of the Baltican Land Forces, the Baltican Navy and the Baltican Air Forces. The total Baltican military expenditure sits at 3.8% of Baltica's total GDP, which translates to just over 3.2 Billion Zedas. Altogether, the Armed forces consist of 100,000 active troops. Conscription has been an active policy in Baltica since the Baltican Republic, largely introduced in order to maintain a large active reserve. All men from the age of 18 must serve 11 months of military service. Due to the large loss of equipment during the Baltican Civil War, the Baltican Armed Forces are undergoing a large process of modernisation, most of which is being dedicated to the Baltican Navy and Land Forces, whilst the Air Forces have largely gone neglected.

Foreign relations

Economy

Energy

The Krugiti Coal Power Plant, shortly before the great fire in 2001.

Energy mix in Baltica.

  Coal (46%)
  Oil (18%)
  Hydro (11%)
  Biofuel (8.7%)
  Solar (8.2%)
  Wind (5.1%)
  Geothermal (3%)

Baltica has historically had a track record of poor energy production. Due to the very high instability and consistent fighting between the German Balts and the Regular Balts, multiple so-called “mega projects” have been abandoned due to the government's failure to secure both funding and materials to construct them. As such, Baltica had to mainly rely on coal, and eventually oil, for most of its energy production. The Krugiti Coal Power Plant was the largest coal power plant in Baltica. For a while it was the main energy production site, supplying over 19% of all energy needs in Baltica.

However, following a large fire in 2001, the power plant had to be closed and Baltica had to begin expanding its energy variety. Currently, multiple of the “mega projects” have been pushed into the limelight. In particular, the large Ugadi Nuclear Power Plant, planned to be constructed in the city of Ugadi, and the Kretia Hydroelectric Power Station, a planned hydroelectric dam to be constructed on the Balandi river. Although currently these projects are only in the planning stages, if they were to be constructed they have the potential to turn Baltica into an energy exporter, and possible key player in middle Argis.

For now, about 46% of all energy in Baltica comes from coal, with 18% from oil, and 11% with Hydro. The rest make up a small minority, including: Biofuel (8.7%), Solar (8.2%), Wind (5.1%), and geothermal (3%).

Industry

A logging camp in Sveaja.

For most of its existence, Baltica had been an agrarian state. To fuel its economy, the country mostly relies on its southern territories, which have a strangely fertile soil. Today it still remains Baltica's largest Industry, making up over 21% of all total GDP, and employing over a million people. It's mostly known for its cheese, known as Dzugi, which almost makes up 2% of the whole economy. Dairy as a whole remains a big part of the Agricultural Sector. Strawberries, potatoes, wheat, and rye make up most of the crops produced by Baltica, rye especially, due to its use in alcohol and bread making.

Although Baltica's industry is comparably small, over the recent years it has begun to specialize in manufacturing, specifically furniture. Baltica has developed a taste for constructing mostly wood made items, relying on its abundance in forested areas in the North to fuel this recent expansion. Notably, the company Uklea has created a monopoly of wood manufacturing and harvesting, and is leading Baltica to an age of economic growth. Other companies have been opened in the mostly rural undeveloped North, leading to the northern economic boom.

Although Baltica doesn't produce many luxury goods, the nation has been renown for its alcohol, which some consider the best in Argis. It also led to Baltica becoming one of the highest consumers of alcohol in the world. Cigarettes also remain a very sought after commodity in Baltica, with local brand Uki being the favorite in Baltica by far; manly due to its low cost and availability. Although the fur trade is not as prevalent in Baltica as it once used to be, areas of the north are still regarded as producing some of the finest traditional fur clothing in the entirety of Argis.

Infrastructure

AT 53, the most common train in Baltica.

Most of Baltica is quite interconnected, with almost all settlements over 100 people having a main road going in and out. Despite this, much of the Northern Woodlands remain quite isolated from the rest of the nation, partly due to a lack of population, but also the large wood coverage making it difficult to build and maintain roads and train tracks. The “National Spine” or R1, is the main road spanning much of the nation. It connects the capital, Goja to the large settlements of Kauni, Sveaja, Kretia and Visagana. It's by far the most used road network, and subsequently the most maintained. Other road networks include the RA1, a road network made for connecting the region of greater Kretia, as well as the R15, a road network connecting the southern region of Jounikis.

Rail remains the most popular form of transport in Baltica, mainly due to its availability and the fact that it's much cheaper than owning cars (Which are heavily taxed). Most of Baltica uses electric trains, although some parts of the underdeveloped North still continue to run on coal or even oil powered trains due to a lack of funds. The main rail track (A1) goes from Sveaja, Kauni and into Bazinas. This rail line continues to be the most popular by far, mainly due to it being around the industrial and agricultural hubs of the Kauni region.

The Goja track (A11), which connects Goja to Kretia and Eleania remains an important track for industry, as it connects the larger ports of Kretia and Eleania to the nation's industrial capital, Goja. In recent decades, there has been a large push to create new rail lines along the National Spine. Even today, many large cities are still not connected to one another. This forces people to use the underdeveloped bus transport to get to large cities in order to access the trains. As such, the government has responded with the announcement of the creation of the A30. This train line will connect the previously mentioned A11 and A1, as well as connect the cities of Visagana and Jounikis to the wider train line system.

Transport

Demographics

Education

Religion

Culture

Music and art

Cuisine

Sports