Ottonia: Difference between revisions
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|established_event3 = [[Treaty of Ottonia]] | |established_event3 = [[Treaty of Ottonia]] | ||
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|established_event4 = | |established_event4 = [[Partition of Ottonia]] | ||
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'''Ottonia''', known by many inhabitants as ''Eona'' is an area in the region of [[Ajax]] on the northwestern edge of the continent of [[Belisaria]]. Depending on where one considers the boundaries of the region to be, the area is divided between either three or four nations: the [[Union of Ottonia]], the [[Ottonian Federal Republic]], the Kingdom of [[Sudmark]], [[Erishland]], and, more controversially, the Blessed Republic of [[Valgtea]] (formerly Ostmark). All five nations have ties to the historical [[Ottonian Empire]] from which the common exonym for the region takes its name. | '''Ottonia''', known by many inhabitants as ''Eona'' is an area in the region of [[Ajax]] on the northwestern edge of the continent of [[Belisaria]]. Depending on where one considers the boundaries of the region to be, the area is divided between either three or four nations: the [[Union of Ottonia]], the [[Ottonian Federal Republic]], the Kingdom of [[Sudmark]], [[Erishland]], and, more controversially, the Blessed Republic of [[Valgtea]] (formerly Ostmark). All five nations have ties to the historical [[Ottonian Empire]] from which the common exonym for the region takes its name. | ||
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{{main|History of the Ottonia}} | {{main|History of the Ottonia}} | ||
During the centuries immediately before and after the turn of the Common Era, the area was inhabited by Celtic-speaking peoples (Corvae in the north and east, Eoni in the south and west). In the late first century of the common era, forces of the [[Latium|Latin Empire]] encroached into the area, reaching Sudmark, the modern Union of Ottonia, and parts of Torrslynd, incorporated as the provinces of Eona Superior and Eona Inferior. The Latin presence in the area grew weaker in the 4th Century CE as the Germanic-speaking Allamunnae migrated into the area, partially subjugating and partially displacing the Latin and Celtic-speaking peoples. By the dawn of the 6th Century CE, Latin authority in the area had evaporated, and the area was ruled by an assortment of Allamunnic, Corvaik, and Eoni-speaking petty states. | |||
Christian missionaries in the south of modern Ottonia were fairly effective in converting a large share of the population entering the 8th century CE, and a local ruler named Otto, who had established a hegemony over much of what is now the state of Onneria in the Union of Ottonia, began a series of conquests aimed at spreading Christianity to the pagan inhabitants of the area. By the time Otto died in 831 CE, the modern areas of all five modern states were within his empire. Although Otto's eldest son Theodurik and his direct descendents attempted to continue to rule the massive realm, territory to the east began to break away almost immediately. By the time Theodurik's last direct heir died in 1159 CE, the empire had functionally ceased to exist. The area would be dominated by a large number of states over the next several centuries. | |||
In the 1700's, seeking safety against outside threats, several of these states began to ally with one another, culminating in 1811 with the foundation of the Pan-Ottonian Alliance. In addition, the alliance as well as a general revival of the arts and history of the Empire caused a swell of pan-Ottonian nationalism over the course of the century. Key in this trend was the development of Over the ensuing half-century following the establishment of the POA, the central body of the Alliance grew in power, causing fear of several of the sovereign members of the alliance that a take-over might be attempted. | |||
In an attempt to head off this threat, constituent states dispatched forces to the central city of [[Ottonia (City)|Ottonia]] to disperse a proposed multinational force being formed to serve the entire alliance. The [[Siege of Ottonia (1856)|Siege of Ottonia]] kicked off the [[Ottonian Wars of Unification]] which would finally conclude in 1872 with the signing of the [[Treaty of Ottonia]] which established the Ottonian Federation under a central republican government over the various constituent states. This state of affairs would last until 1915, when an alliance of the ruling families of Ottonia's constituent monarchies attempted a coup to overthrow the central government and replace it with a pan-Ottonian dynasty. This resulted in the [[First Ottonian Civil War]], which lasted from 1915 to 1918, ending in the overthrow of the Republican government (which went into exile in [[Ostroszava]]) and its replacement with a military dictatorship serving at the pleasure of the monarchs of the Ottonian component states. | |||
Although the country rebuilt and experienced a small economic boom in the following decade and a half, that would come to an end when [[Ghant]] invaded in 1935. Although the invaders were repelled by 1939, it was not before the country's industrialized and prosperous western coast was devastated. The economic fallout, as well as a corrupt recovery effort led by Premier [[Kaarlus Klaussunn]], resulted in growing unrest and the formation of the Popular Front in 1943, and a general strike in 1945. Attempts to quash the strikes and protests with violence led to mutinies and further violence, and the [[Second Ottonian Civil War]] began. The Popular Front was nearly crushed at the outset, but between its popular support and outside support rallied by the exiled republican government, it survived, reorganized, and began to push back. By 1948, Popular Front and Republican forces held 3/4 of the country and were moving to crush the remaining Royalists. Foreign intervention pushed the Republican forces back and stabilized a front in late 1948 and early 1949, and negotiations began to bring the war, rapidly devolving into a bloody stalemate, to an end. | |||
The resulting Partition of Ottonia, which took effect on the first of the year 1950, set the final front lines as the border between the Republican & Popular Front-led "North Ottonia" and the Royalist-led "South Ottonia". | |||
== Geography == | == Geography == | ||
{{main|Geography of Ottonia}} | {{main|Geography of Ottonia}} | ||
== Culture == | == Culture == | ||
Revision as of 16:22, 13 April 2020
 | This article is incomplete because it is pending further input from participants, or it is a work-in-progress by one author. Please comment on this article's talk page to share your input, comments and questions. Note: To contribute to this article, you may need to seek help from the author(s) of this page. |
Eona | |
|---|---|
| Establishment | |
• Establishment of the Ottonian Empire | 792 CE |
| April 17th, 1811 | |
| September 21st, 1872 | |
| January 1st, 1950 | |
| Population | |
• 2020 estimate | 125 million |
Ottonia, known by many inhabitants as Eona is an area in the region of Ajax on the northwestern edge of the continent of Belisaria. Depending on where one considers the boundaries of the region to be, the area is divided between either three or four nations: the Union of Ottonia, the Ottonian Federal Republic, the Kingdom of Sudmark, Erishland, and, more controversially, the Blessed Republic of Valgtea (formerly Ostmark). All five nations have ties to the historical Ottonian Empire from which the common exonym for the region takes its name.
History
During the centuries immediately before and after the turn of the Common Era, the area was inhabited by Celtic-speaking peoples (Corvae in the north and east, Eoni in the south and west). In the late first century of the common era, forces of the Latin Empire encroached into the area, reaching Sudmark, the modern Union of Ottonia, and parts of Torrslynd, incorporated as the provinces of Eona Superior and Eona Inferior. The Latin presence in the area grew weaker in the 4th Century CE as the Germanic-speaking Allamunnae migrated into the area, partially subjugating and partially displacing the Latin and Celtic-speaking peoples. By the dawn of the 6th Century CE, Latin authority in the area had evaporated, and the area was ruled by an assortment of Allamunnic, Corvaik, and Eoni-speaking petty states.
Christian missionaries in the south of modern Ottonia were fairly effective in converting a large share of the population entering the 8th century CE, and a local ruler named Otto, who had established a hegemony over much of what is now the state of Onneria in the Union of Ottonia, began a series of conquests aimed at spreading Christianity to the pagan inhabitants of the area. By the time Otto died in 831 CE, the modern areas of all five modern states were within his empire. Although Otto's eldest son Theodurik and his direct descendents attempted to continue to rule the massive realm, territory to the east began to break away almost immediately. By the time Theodurik's last direct heir died in 1159 CE, the empire had functionally ceased to exist. The area would be dominated by a large number of states over the next several centuries.
In the 1700's, seeking safety against outside threats, several of these states began to ally with one another, culminating in 1811 with the foundation of the Pan-Ottonian Alliance. In addition, the alliance as well as a general revival of the arts and history of the Empire caused a swell of pan-Ottonian nationalism over the course of the century. Key in this trend was the development of Over the ensuing half-century following the establishment of the POA, the central body of the Alliance grew in power, causing fear of several of the sovereign members of the alliance that a take-over might be attempted.
In an attempt to head off this threat, constituent states dispatched forces to the central city of Ottonia to disperse a proposed multinational force being formed to serve the entire alliance. The Siege of Ottonia kicked off the Ottonian Wars of Unification which would finally conclude in 1872 with the signing of the Treaty of Ottonia which established the Ottonian Federation under a central republican government over the various constituent states. This state of affairs would last until 1915, when an alliance of the ruling families of Ottonia's constituent monarchies attempted a coup to overthrow the central government and replace it with a pan-Ottonian dynasty. This resulted in the First Ottonian Civil War, which lasted from 1915 to 1918, ending in the overthrow of the Republican government (which went into exile in Ostroszava) and its replacement with a military dictatorship serving at the pleasure of the monarchs of the Ottonian component states.
Although the country rebuilt and experienced a small economic boom in the following decade and a half, that would come to an end when Ghant invaded in 1935. Although the invaders were repelled by 1939, it was not before the country's industrialized and prosperous western coast was devastated. The economic fallout, as well as a corrupt recovery effort led by Premier Kaarlus Klaussunn, resulted in growing unrest and the formation of the Popular Front in 1943, and a general strike in 1945. Attempts to quash the strikes and protests with violence led to mutinies and further violence, and the Second Ottonian Civil War began. The Popular Front was nearly crushed at the outset, but between its popular support and outside support rallied by the exiled republican government, it survived, reorganized, and began to push back. By 1948, Popular Front and Republican forces held 3/4 of the country and were moving to crush the remaining Royalists. Foreign intervention pushed the Republican forces back and stabilized a front in late 1948 and early 1949, and negotiations began to bring the war, rapidly devolving into a bloody stalemate, to an end.
The resulting Partition of Ottonia, which took effect on the first of the year 1950, set the final front lines as the border between the Republican & Popular Front-led "North Ottonia" and the Royalist-led "South Ottonia".
Geography
Culture
Transportation
When it comes to getting around Ottonia, the logical choice is usually to go by rail: the Federation has a well-developed rail system that connects all its major cities and the vast majority of its towns of any note. Most major cities also have extensive mass transit rail systems, usually augmented by street cars or buses. These aid in getting around the city despite the cramped confines of Allamunnic cities (which tend to be densely developed). The major cities of Ottonia are linked by the Pan-Allamunnic High Speed Rail Network (PAHSRN). All major rail-lines in Ottonia are state-owned, usually augmented by private partnerships.
Primary entry points to the country by sea include the ports of Vaalhulmspurt, Leifspurt, Dunnmaar, and Spaal. Over land, Aldhuld is the country's major eastern entry point.
That said, the Federation has a significant auto industry, and automobile ownership is far from unusual, especially in suburban and rural areas. Ottonian automobiles tend to run smaller than those from some other nations, including having a special designation called Light Economical Vehicles which are intended to give special benefits to particularly small cars, trucks, and vans, which are cheaper to own and operate than larger vehicles, help reduce fuel consumption, and enable car ownership even among less-wealthy Ottonians. Some of the safety issues inherent to vehicles as small as most LEVs are ameliorated by the Federation's rather low national speed limits. Ottonian automakers make heavy use of biodiesel vehicles, including bio-diesel-electric hybrids, as well as making a concerted push to proliferate electrical vehicles.
Religion
Although Ottonia is a religiously-tolerant nation, the country is primarily divided between two major religious denominations. For much of the history of Allamunnika following the Ottonian Empire, the area was dominated by the Honorian Church. The Honorian rite of Christianity was initially spread by a missionary from Latium, now known as Saint Honorius, for whom the sect is named. It was spread throughout Allamunnika by the conquests of Otto the Invincible, and institutionalized by the Ottonian successor states. In many places, the conversion process was largely superficial, and local religious and spiritual traditions continued almost uninterrupted, integrated into Honorian practices or continued in secret.
Honorianism's dominance was first challenged in the 17th century, when the discovery by antiquarians of ancient Allamunnic runic texts spurred a wave of interest in pre-Christian Allamunnic religious practices among scholars. Over the next century, this knowledge base would grow, further feeding the interest and spreading it among wider segments of society as printed texts became more-widely available.
This interest culminated in the early 18th century in Sygrun Vaalhulmsunn's 1733 volume Knowledge of the Volur, which, while presented as a scholarly work, represented the first, and arguably definitive attempt at reconstructing the indigenous pre-Christian Allamunnic religion. The actual scholarly rigor of the work is sometimes questioned, but its impact is not: the religious tenets described in the work and ascribed to pre-Christian Allamunnae were circulated widely and were the basis of the religion of Tyrrism, which began to spread rapidly throughout Allamunnika, especially in the northern regions, where Christian conversion efforts had been the least thorough, and on the rapidly-secularizing Western Coast. Over the ensuing century, Tyrrism spread throughout the Allamunnic-speaking region, and rapidly became associated with the burgeoning Pan-Allamunnic Movement. The lone Allamunnic polity which was largely successful in suppressing the new faith was Onneria, which remained overwhelmingly Honorian.
In the century-and-a-half following Ottonian Unification, although Allamunnika's government has largely secularized and Honorian worship in most of the country has declined, Tyrrism has remained fairly stable; the percentage of the population that self-identifies as Tyrrian has remained mostly stable since the late 1920's, but shrines in Ottonian polities have reported higher attendances at festivals and solemnities, and between 1964 and 2016 the number of Ottonians who said they had taken some part in Tyrrian observances rose by 54%, a number which included more than a few people who otherwise identified as Christians.
Although the Ottonian government is secular, it has been accused at various times of giving unfair preference to Tyrrian congregations in its policies, although officials contend that this is generally because Honorian parishes tend to generate more income that makes them more liable to be taxed as well as a greater inclination to engage in political advocacy which makes them vulnerable to fines.
The Ottonian government maintains statistics on the religious breakdown of the nation. The most recent statistics, derived from the 2015 Census Data, indicate the following breakdown:
- Tyrrism - 53.1%
- Christian - 43.6%
- Honorian or Fabrian Christianity - 36.2%
- Lutheran Protestantism - 5.3%
- Reformed Denominations (Calvinist) - 2.1%
- Other Assorted Religions - 3.3%
- Judaism - 0.3%
Food
Ottonian food tends to be fairly plant-heavy by Western standards; meat is relatively expensive in the Federation, meaning that while it's not unusual for a lot of foods to make use of meat, they tend to do so in relatively small quantities. Due to the nature of Allamunnic agriculture, potatoes feature prominently in a lot of Allamunnic dishes. A lot of staple Ottonian foods are stews, roasts, and soups, meant to stretch smaller quantities of meats (usually beef or venison, sometimes pork or on occasion, lamb) with starches (such as potatoes, more rarely turnips) and vegetables (usually carrots, celery, broccoli, asparagus, and onions, white beans, and butter beans). Sweetening tends to be done with honey or sugar derived from sugar beets.
To supplement the relatively light quantities of meat in the Ottonian diet (at least by Western standards), Ottonians consume significant amounts of eggs and dairy products, particularly cheeses. Wheat, rye, barley, and potato-based breads are all also considered staples. The FAS also grows walnuts and hazelnuts in some quantity. Apples are also grown in large numbers.
The Allamunnae are prolific producers and consumers of alcoholic beverages, tending to produce mead, cider, or beer.
Fashion
Traditional and general trends in Allamunnic clothing and fashion are somewhat unusual in light of their more-permissive sexual mores, in that trends and fashion among Allamunnae (particularly of the working classes and, to a lesser extent, the nobility) tend to be conservative (in terms of how much skin is shown). For reasons that are not entirely clear, Allamunnic culture tends to equate a person's level of dress/undress with their level of emotional vulnerability or openness. As a result, nudity in the presence of anyone but a spouse is vanishingly rare among the Allamunnae.
Trousers (and their variants) are common among both men and women, but dresses and skirts are essentially exclusive to women. Men do have an equivalent, in the form of work robes (usually worn by those in professions that require greater amounts of covering or warmth) which flare in a manner not dissimilar to a dress. Earth tones are more common, and usually either solid colors, plaids, checker, and pinstripe patterns are most common on traditional Allamunnic clothing. Head coverings are common, especially in more rural areas. The preferred forms of headwear tend to be knit caps, bandanas (particularly during warmer weather) and, in more recent years, caps with visors (sometimes called baseball caps), although other styles of caps are reasonably common.
Sex & Gender
The Allamunnae have long been fairly egalitarian when it comes to gender roles. Men and women have long both worked outside the home, including in business and even in war. As a result, women in positions of leadership in politics, warfare, business, and religious life are all treated as normal. That said, in general, men are still a little more likely to work outside the home, while women are more likely to engage in child-rearing or in-home work; the disparity exists, but is not as great as in more patriarchal nations (and it is expected that both partners contribute to maintaining the home and in rearing children).
In addition, Allamunnic sex and gender norms tend to be permissive of gay and lesbian persons, who in rural communities especially often help to raise orphaned or abandoned children. This is a frequent enough occurrence, historically, that in the Federation, there is a stereotype that childcare workers are disproportionately-likely to be gay or lesbian.
Allamunnic culture is reasonably accommodating to those who opt to live as a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth. Although discrimination is not unusual towards transgendered people, there is a fairly long-running tradition of tolerance that has helped avert some of the worst of such bigotry, even if having a non-binary gender identity is still no picnic in the Federation.
The Allamunnae are oddly permissive when it comes to sexual activity, at least as it relates to sexual contact outside of marriage. Allamunnic culture permits, even outright encourages sexual activity between couples, even prior to marriage; the Allamunnae consider sex to be a normal part of romantic relationships, even prior to marriage. That said, sexual activity between persons not in a committed relationship is considered foolish, stupid, and shallow, and is considered to still reflect badly on those involved. And, should a man impregnate a woman, it is considered extremely shameful (worthy of exile or corporal punishment) for him to abandon her and his child, and strong social pressure is exerted to ensure that fathers take responsibility for their offspring.
Education
All children in the Federation receive mandatory basic public education from the age of five until the age of sixteen. At the age of sixteen, students have the option of dropping out, although statistically-speaking, relatively few take this option; most students continue until the age of eighteen.
At the age of eighteen, students receive their placements, based on their grades and examinations. Students receive placements to either public universities, technical or vocational schools, or to other placements. For those who choose to not continue their education, the most common course of action is to enlist either in Ottonian Federal Defense Services, or in the Federal Service Corps, a public work and training program.
There are, of course, private educational institutions. These typically cater to the children of the socioeconomic elite, with some specialized schools even catering exclusively to the nobility and royalty. While students at private schools are able to attend public universities or vocational schools afterward, the most common path for those who attend private school is to continue to a private university. Private universities are also open to students of public schools, provided they can afford the costs.
Public schools are funded and administered at the state level, although the federal government exerts oversight over these programs to ensure that national standards are met. A system of both state and federal schools, colleges, and universities exist for post-secondary education throughout the country, of varying degrees of prestige.
Sports
The Allamunnic States is home to a unique sporting culture within Ajax. The preeminent sport within the Federation, occupying a special place in Allamunnic culture, is the sport of gridiron football. At the professional level, the sport is contested in the Allamunnic Gridiron League (AGL) consisting of 24 teams. The sport is traditionally played from September through February. The other major sport within the Federation is ice hockey, contested at a professional level in the Allamunnic Hockey League, which plays from December through May.
Other sports played at a professional level within the Allamunnic States include association football (played from March through August) and baseball (played from June through November). These sports are considerably less-popular than gridiron football or ice hockey, but they have their own reasonably devoted followings. Of the two, association football is the more popular sport.
Most sports at all levels in the Federation are played on a co-ed basis. Despite this, the gender ratios in both gridiron and ice hockey, due to the physically-punishing methods of play in both sports, tend to skew towards being mostly male. Due to this, gender ratios in association football tend to favor female players in general, while baseball is a little nearer a 1 to 1 gender ratio.