Quiddam
Quiddam is one of the younger countries in the Shattered Lands. It has struggled to find its own place in the world since most of its efforts are keeping its neighbors from invading and using their lands as a battleground. Quiddam is also called "The Barrier State" as it is buffer between Cydonia and the Kingdom of Praetorius, but, it also takes punitive raids into the Vecland Mountains and the Orc Enclave to build good will and ensure their people's safety. Despite the fact that it is a new nation of little importance, the land hides much. If one would care to dig a little deeper, who knows what one might find in the old ruins and dungeons buried under the people's very houses.
Structure
Each city has a mayor that each reports to the first citizen in the capital, Bulwark. The first citizen is chosen from among the collective of mayors in Quiddam, and he reigns for life. The first citizen also appoints a regional council that must oversee the various districts within the country.
History
Quiddam is an interesting state as it was created to be a buffer zone between Cydonia and Praetorius. The latter two countries exist in a perpetual state of war, so in order to stem the tide of battle and ensure peace, the two nations agreed to each cede land in between them. Thus Quiddam was born, and it has served its purpose well. Some of the best diplomats in the Shattered Lands come from Quiddam as the tiny nation is forced to constantly broker deals between its two belligerent neighbors.
Demography and Population
The population is mainly human, but there is also a sizable population of elves and half-elves. The smallest populations present are dwarves and half-orcs. Most other races are rare...if seen at all.
Territories
Quiddam exists as a buffer state between Cydonia and Praetorius with access to the northern riverlands and the western forests. Although, venturing too deep into the woods is dangerous as the orc tribes claim all of the forests in that are as their domain.
Military
The armed forces of the Barrier State are limited as it cannot hope to compete with its neighbors, but it does boast a modest guard force. Additionally, since invasion is constantly imminent, each city is required to train its citizen for combat as they might be called to the militia when the need arises. This has saved the country from being taken advantage of by the Orc Enclave or the Republic of Galatia who each thought the country to be easy pickings.
Foreign Relations
Quiddam has a complicated relationship with its neighbors. Being an artificial state carved out of an older province has not helped its strained relations with adjoining countries:
- Cydonia--friendly but strained
- Kingdom of Praetorius--hostile
- Republic of Galatia--neutral
- Vecs--friendly
- Orc Enclave--war
- Kingdom of Asturius--antipathy
Trade & Transport
Quiddam does produce many goods, if any, for export, but since it sits right on the Vecs trade routes over the mountain, the country can turn a substantial profit from import taxes. In addition, the country plays middleman to Cydonia, Galatia, Asturius, and Praetorius since they all need to ship their goods through the only viable mountain pass.
Power in Defence
Founding Date
350 AF
Type
Geopolitical, County / March
Capital
Alternative Names
Barrier state
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Quiddamian (Quid is sometimes used as a perjoraive)
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Power Structure
Dependent territory
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
The Cydonian Cavalier is the official standard of gold coins in the are, but all forms of currency are accepted.
Legislative Body
The First Citizen controls the majority of the governmental organizations, but what he does not oversee is managed by the Council of Electors, which is made up of the leading citizens in the land. They meet to advise the first citizen. While they do not have much managerial control, they wield tremendous power as the counselors are responsible for choosing the next first citizen. They can also issue a vote of no confidence in the current Princep and potentially elect a new one.
Judicial Body
Each town in Quiddam has a magistrate and an elected judge who will hear all sorts of minor cases. If an issue cannot be resolved in local courts, they will then take the case to the court of the first citizen, which is held every three months.
Related Ranks & Titles
Neighboring Nations
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