South Brunland
Structure
The chief executive of south Brunland is its President. The president is responsible for diplomatic and foreign affairs. He is in charge of a cabinet that oversees the functions of government, including military, security, and public service programs.
Culture
South Brunland has a very unique and diverse society drawn from the northern geography of the country and influenced greatly by Burgundian, Ostedian, and Peraquian cultures. The population is very conservative in regards to social roles and fashion, mostly due to the strict adherence to tradition and the constraints of a cold environment. Male and female Attire are both distinct, and while international trends are common, an affinity for traditional design is still widespread. The long-standing practices of architecture, focused on tall, narrow, and plain styling with decorative woodworking is still common in architecture and furniture style. Art usually depicts realistic landscapes and people using the medium of paints and oils. Much of South Brunland is dedicated to the service industry. Much of the population supports ideas of equality; the majority of the population practices some form of Christianity, the largest of which is Tribianism. The population can be described as mildly patriotic, hardworking, and individualistic.
History
South Brunland is one of the oldest inhabited regions on Earth, speculated to have been populated by various sporadic people groups as early as 40,000 RB. These tribes were closely related to the neighboring people groups in the Volograd Plains, to the south. These groups were known for their herding and lumber trades. Most of the early social structures that developed in this region involved groups of close knit clans, usually made up of a few extended families, that ruled various farmland and provided for its own law, economic, and military needs. They lived in small villages, consisting of usually multiple squat houses, square shaped buildings made of timber with short walls, usually just barely clearing six feet in height, that acted as domiciles for individual family units. The villages were centered around a singular building, which would act as a public courthouse, meeting hall, and place of business. The settlements would almost always have a walled structure made of wood for defensive purposes surrounding it. The vast majority of these settlements were spread out along the shores of the Grebelt lake. Being the largest body of freshwater on the planet, it provided reliable transportation and a steady supply of fish. Due to the short growing seasons and cold climate, the secondary source of food was critical to sustaining life in the region.
Increased trade would soon encompass the region and bring communities together. Over time, a singular culture of language, religion, and tradition developed. These people would come to be known as the Bruns. Various sporadic city-states with relatively weak power rose and fell from the period of 100-650 ASE. Noted developments in farming technology would increase the outputs of wheat and oat crops, leading to a marked increase in population during this time. In the mid-11th century, the largest chieftains of the neighboring kingdoms started a major power struggle. King Harald of Zostdor began the process of conquering Brunland when he entered an alliance with the Earl of Wahlström and was able to annex the country after the decisive Battle of Fairbonia. Throughout his reign, he went to war with and subsequently defeated many of the various states in greater Brunland. He set up the very basics of a state administration with stewards in the most important former chieftain estates. His push to grow his empire would lead him and his dynasty to acquire power over two thirds of the greater Brunland region by 1000. In order to exert complete dominance of the region, King Harold's grandson, Henrik who began ruling in 1112, set his sights on the kingdom of Kincoearis. Located in southeastern Brunland, the kingdom was a central hub for trade both on the Grebelt lake and between Bordoria and the rest of the Brunlands. Controlling it would not only ensure economic dominance in the region, but prevent possible military opposition in the future. In order to do this, he first had to conquer the state of Eaphastuvell, a much smaller kingdom located between Zostdor and Sloyezer. The state of Eaphastuvell was ruled by King Svenbald. Hendrik led his forces into Eaphastruvell in 1120. The subsequent war lasting for several years saw Svenblad consistently outsmart Hendrik, ultimately defeating his notorious conquerors with a much smaller force. Eaphastruvell then went on to invade and defeat Zostdor, and then in turn Sloyezer. The states of Brunland were unified under a single ruler in 1140, under the leadership of Emperor Maxillilianus, who consolidated and greatly strengthened the various surrounding states. The head of his new empire was located in the city of Brunovis, along the Grebelt lake. A new, fairer tax system was introduced, and a more organized standing army was formed.
From 1140 to 1210 the country was notably peaceful, with an increase in trade and communication across the region. Emperor Maxillilianus and his descendants expanded the territories of greater Brunland. A peace was brokered with the less civilized northern Bruns, which would ensure a self sustaining role but also keep the tribes of north Brunland separate from south Brunland for the next five centuries. In 1211, a civil war era broke out over succession to the throne as the previous king’s two sons fought over the throne. The power grab resulted in the king's sons ruling jointly. Despite this conflict, there were periods of peace. The population increased from 200,000 in 1000 to 450,000 in 1400. The political situation of the time form 1200-1400 is relitively complicated, as several kings, warlords, and princes jockeyed for power during this time, and fighting was common. However, most states however grew to express a common culture through increased trade and economic activity during this time.
Brunland first came into direct contact with Ostedia in 1355. While this is suspected to not be the first time Brunland had encountered Ostedia, it was the first time it was officially documented by Ostedian sources. Brunland, with most of its major settlements being inland, never ventured toward the Bermion coast. But the efforts of Ostedia’s explorers to document the interior of the unknown regions of northern Oparva would soon change that. Edwin Grove would be the first Ostedian visitor to Brunland, successfully leading an expedition across the Halseman mountains. Despite the interaction being generally peaceful, South Brunland remained wary of the task force, and the whole of Peraquiem in general in the coming centuries. In the 1510’s, the Ostedian Colonial forces defeated the declining South Brunland forces in several battles. South Brunland officially ceased self rule, becoming a province of Ostedia in 1522. Ostedia would unite the entire region, combining the more civilized and populated south Brunland with out more remote northern counterpart. Unlike its previous and other more expeditionary colonies, Ostedia worked closely to create and introduce a system of dependent yet self sufficient rule that encouraged Ostedian loyalty. A small class of wealthy elite, composed of mostly Ostedian migrants, would come to gain control of the large trade and agricultural wealth of the region. A larger wave of middle class merchants and poorer peasants looking for work also migrated to Brunland. They brought with them the western ways of dress, education, social order, and the Pavultish language. However, many local traditions, such as arts architecture-albeit in Ostedian construction techniques- were kept, as the new wave of immigrants adopted some aspects of Brunish culture, transforming it into a blend of Ostedia’s and Brunish traditions. Much of the local population worked in cities as craftsmen, or in regional logging camps. Many plantations were staffed mostly by the poorest Bruns, as indentured servants. Ostedia allowed long-standing kings and rulers to retain some local and ceremonial power, preferring to create economic dependence and social uniformity as means to control the provinces, rather than through direct political or military control. As a result of this new policy of upholding a degree of self rule, the emperor maintained ceremonial and basic law enforcement duties. Ostedia however introduced its system of magistrates and bureaucratic systems to collect taxes. Economic prosperity, political stability, and a degree of security followed. In order to help secure their asset, Ostedia refrained from leaning heavily on enforcing the Tribian religion. Ostedia decided not to pursue state conversion efforts, rather letting the traditional beliefs continue to be prevalent among the native Bruns. Despite this, immigrants to Brunland would bring the faith with them, establishing churches and religious institutions such as schools. Private missions, such as those of would further encourage Tribianism. Despite the public push for adoption of a single religion, for a time, Brunland experienced a period of religious freedom. This was merely on aspect of a time of general prosperity for the majority of Brunland, as with the support of a global naval empire, Brunland experienced not only a time of peace and security but access to international markets, increasing wealth for Brunland merchants and artisans. This growth in wealth and quality of life made Brunland the brown jewel of Ostedia’s colonial empire.
In 1696, A failed invasion of Borduem saw the complete demolishing of Ostedia's colonial army. As per the treaty of Orason, Ostedia forfeited all colonial possessions north of Smithinia to the Empire of Burgundia, including the Brunlands. Burgundia drew new colonial borders, placing south Brunland with its northern counterpart. The new colony was headquartered in the small but central located town of Baywatch, where the governor's palace was constructed. Unlike Ostedia, Burgundia preferred to rule with strong, central authority, doing away with localized leadership. Burgundia's reign brought many positives, such as the massive growth of the Brunland's infrastructure, including the construction of canals, tunnels, bridges, and the expansion of Burgundia’s vast and efficient road network, known as the Jes interstate system throughout Brunland. However, intensely unpopular forced labor laws and efforts to remove Tribianism met resistance from the people. Distaste for Burgundia continued to mount in a series of increasingly aggressive policies that virtually stripped economic freedom from the Bruns from 1700 to 1750. Burgundia pursued a policy of militaristic policing to maintain its holdings. Hostile actions, including sizing crops, oppressive labor, and requiring a quartering system, along with excruciatingly high taxes, prompted Burgundia to be hated by the population. Demonstrations and protests rocked the region. The largest was the lumber uprising in February of 1758. Nearly 50,000 lumber workers refused to work to combat growing inequality and social disparities. The proconsul of the Brunland region, Ferdinand Hardee Cleburne, struck back swiftly, with Cleburne’s men arresting thousands and throwing many into jail, while others were rounded up into camps and forced to work. The workers clashed with Burgundian soldiers in the city of Baywatch and several were killed. Several voices came to embolden the growing anti Burgundian sentiment including several political leaders, merchants, wealthy plantation owning elites. One of the most influential at the time was well known lawyer and author Nathan Baker, a fierce supporter of independence, who published the Haruspeks Precepts, listing the shortcomings of the Burgundian empire. The staunch criticisms centered on the lack of support for self local governance, economic freedoms, and other rights. Despite Burgundian censorship efforts, it was widely circulated throughout the northern colonies. In response to growing restlessness, and brazened by the newly ascended king Edmund IV, a series of tariffs and taxes meant to devalue and cripple the economies of the the northern provinces were passed, including the Print Acts and the Townshed Acts, which targeted goods imported from mainland Burgundia. This in turn inspired a general boycott of Burgundian goods in retaliation. In an attempt to ease tensions between Burgundia and the colonies, the national government granted the first elected body of representatives from its northern provinces to the Burgundian Parliament. This Parliament, heralded as a great courtesy of the King to incite the distant provinces a seat at the lawmaking body, was seen as an unintelligent move by the general Burgundian population, as they felt the distant lands were too isolated and didn’t have enough economic backing to warrant a place there, demonstrating the complete lack of a single unifying thread among the vast empire. However, this stop managed to quell a majority of the unrest against Burgundia and her neighbors. The six representatives, two from each region, faced hostility in the parliament toward them, fighting tooth and nail for even a say in debate in the Parliament. One of the representatives for Brunland, Timothy Wells, was quoted as saying; “It is disgustingly apparent that we were invited to Burmea merely as a formality to appease the general population [of Brunland]. My compatriots and I have been denied the facets of the empire’s operation...The Burgundians are not interested in running the colonies at the discretion of its inhabitants.” Not even a few months into this arrangement, an attack on the Jes Interstate left a section of it destroyed by a group of poor farmers and workers. The attack angered many Burgundians, and the representatives from the three northern provinces were suspended, with the representatives being explored from the capital and sent home.
Tensions exploded in the northern provinces of Brunland, Neorin, and Borduem, as Burgundia ordered the disbandment of the state governments and issued arrest warrants for the arrest of several of the most prominent critics of Burgundia. Local militias were established and united under the leadership of Robert Hampton. Hampton, a charming and charismatic politician, was placed in charge of the newly formed provisional government. The hastily raised military was led by Ostedian commander Warren Bogdard. Much of the fighting occurred in Brunland’s southern neighbors, located closer to the Burgundian heartland, but south Brunland still partook in the bloodshed. The city of Aneburgh, located in central Brunland, acted as the seat of government for the rebellion. This, combined with the economic influence of Brunland, made it a target for Burgundia. The colonial forces matched across the region, recapturing land and eventually forcing the provinces of Bordoria and Brunland to officially surrender on April 11, 1768. But even without the support of the state governments, the most passionate rebels were not deterred. Rallying around a common goal, the forces attacked the capital of Brunland, the city of Baywatch, on June 9, 1768. The largest battle on Brunland soil, the provisional militias, led by Bogdard, attacked Burgundian armies stationed in the city, commenced by General Fischer. The rebels drove the forces out of the city, marking a huge turnaround for Brunland. The state would retract its surrender on August 6, and raise state armies to resist Burgundia. Facing defeat on all sides, and with growing fears of vulnerability from an attack from Smithinia, Burgundia capitulated, and North and South Brunland were recognized as official countries in 1770, with the two different people groups once again being divided over state boundaries. South Brunland would return to the tradition of appointing a King to govern the country. But the practice of authoritarian rule was falling out of favor with the more modern and industrial powers of Peraquiem, leading to South Brunland establishing a legislature headed by a Proconsul to act as a balance to the authority of the king, in a system similar to that of Ostedia, Lesparia, and Khomm. The Sewstav war demonstrated the power of the newly re-established South Brunland. Backed by a large resource pool to fund the country and access to a substantial labor source in the form of a large population, South Brunland would go on to easily defeat North Brunland over a border dispute in 1779. South Brunland was able to gain control of both the coast of the Grebelt Lake and the city of Wolingfield, which granted them a warm water port in the Bermion Ocean. South Brunland’s Imperial army bolstered patriotism of the new nation, and with the vacating of Burgundia and other Imperial powers, as well as the fragile or weak state of their neighbors, allowed South Brunland to develop into a major regional power. South Brunland also experienced economic growth during the turn of the nineteenth century as well. A new trading partner in their former ruler, Ostedia, would ship Brunish textiles, lumber, and minerals to Peraquiem. But this newfound position of regional influence would be challenged by the rising power of Vieslavia. A small military Brunland lost the Rirsh lands to Vieslavia in 1812, which annexed the lands directly north of Borduria. This greatly reduced South Brunland’s influence over their neighbor Bordoria, and would push their attention west to Peraquiem. Expanding its position in the global playing field by the year 1820. In 1817, King Claudius would ascend the throne. Under his leadership in 1819, a confederacy was established with North Brunland, after a brief war. The following peace established a personal union between the two states. South Brunland wished to control the valuable mineral resources of the country, and to ensure technological superiority over the country. Even though they shared the same king, North Brunland, due to its smaller population and isolated cultural society remained largely independent of South Brunland, except in regards to foreign affairs. Claudius’s reign was poorly received, and when South Brunland refused to allow North Brunland to have its own diplomats, North Brunland rejected the King in 1852 and selected its own king. However, the small population posed little, if any threat. The lack of substantial military opposition led to little, scattered resistance across the country that South Brunland found easy to control.
Along with its northern counterpart, South Brunland experienced growing political unrest during this time as well. Social inequality and the shrinking of social rights coinciding with a series of ever mounting militaristic policies would disconnect the ruling class with the working class. The centralized leadership of King Claudius and his successor, King Adrian, led to an increase in taxes and stiff laws that removed civil rights of the people. The burnish people increasingly protested against the role, mirroring the rebellion against Burgundia gains a century ago. This opposition to the crown would lead to the monarchical system falling out of favor in 1847, when man by the name of Hugo Winters, the Proconsul of South Brunland during this time, used popular support to perform a coup, forcing the king to step down. He would then assume the role of president. This assumption, while controversial, was well regarded by the population due to an increase in literacy and educational programs, and liberalizing welfare in the country during his tenure. President Winters also abolished the Brunland Confederacy, returning the northern nation to self rule. His most impressive work however, was his founding of the Brunland senate in 1893. This sweeping reform, in part due to pressures from both citizens and Peraquien powers, instituted the modern Presidential system that is used to this day in South Brunland. South Brunland transformed from a stagnant rural society to a vibrant industrial society between the 1880’s and 1920. New technological advancements, including the steam engine and sanitary practices found their way to South Brunland. Private farm-based agriculture became common. There was less need for manual labor and as a result many went to the cities, while a million Bruns emigrated to the GSE between 1850 and 1890. Many returned and brought word of the higher productivity of smithinian industry, thus stimulating faster modernization. South Brunland was a center for research and technology, engineering new machines in the growing factory base. One of South Brunland's lasting impacts was in the realm of video entertainment. Molly Osmo, one of the best actresses and directors in the history of the world, built her entertainment empire in Aneburgh. South Brunland fought against the GSE in WWI. Being victorious, South Brunland became a member of the ADN. In the 1980's South Brunland, like many other industrial nations, began shifting away from factory labor and into the modern age.
Demography and Population
Forty three million people call south Brunland home. Uniform in demographics, the native Brunish people have lived in the region for 2,000 years. The Brunish people groups have been traced to settlers of the Volograd plains, and share similar traits with the Koninamese ethnicity. Through immigration in from 1300-1700, various white settlers from Ostedia, and a later wave of Burgundians, settled and mixed with the population. Large sects of Cadel populations are also present. Most of the population, especially those descended from Ostedian and Burgundian people live in central and eastern South Brunland. Cadela and Koninamese are found more in western Brunland. Much of the population lives in the middle and upper middle class, and live well off. The birth rate is 3.1 people per family, and life expectancy is 79.2 years.
Territories
South Brunland lies in the North Oparvan region. It borders Borduria and the Grebelt Lake to the west, North Brunland to the North, Bamarqand to the south, and the Bermion Ocean to the east. Known for its cold winters and short summers, the expansive, mostly level pine forests of south Brunland very abundant, accounting for 62% of the country's total landmass. North and west South Brunland are very hilly and snowy, almost year round. The southernmost portion of the country is much warmer, and most of its farms are located in this region. . and deep valleys. The eastern coasts are lined with tall cliffs. Rainfall is moderate in the country year round. Despite the history of settlement along South Brunland's west coast with the Grebelt Lake, the eastern and central Brunland are the most populated.
Military
South Brunland has a small army, as defense is not a national priority. The army is run on a volunteer service. Much of the armed forces are stationed along the Bamarqand border, as illegal immigration and contraband trafficking have become serious problems. South Brunland's modest navy also is used to patrol the Bermion coasts of the nation. Much smaller patrol vessels are also used on the Grebelt Lake.
Technological Level
South Brunland is a country well into the modern age. Access to television, automobiles, and the newest technology and medical equipment, is commonplace.
Religion
The most common religion in South Brunland is Tribianism, due to its time under Ostedian occupation. Having conquered the lands, Ostedia, being a very religious country, made a conscious effort to enforce its belief system on the population. Reactions were mixed, while patronage and church construction, backed by a large immigrant population created a large sect of followers, Polytheistic native beliefs remained common. After the defeat of Ostedia in the Third Ostedian-Burgundian War, the Empire of Burgundia came to control south Brunland in 1696. Intense conversion efforts were undertaken by Burgundia to introduce Crestentinism to the populace. However, due to the lack of support and intense backlash of the Ostedian settlers and Bruns living there, Burgundia abandoned these efforts. As a result, Religious influences were decreased in society, with much of the population growing to hold Tribian beliefs.
Agriculture & Industry
South Brunland has a short growing season, hallmarked by its low rain, cool climate. As such, carrots, Cabbages, beets, and broccoli are common crops. The lack of arable land has turned South Burnland toward manufacturing. Oil and natural gas, common in the area, is a valuable commodity. Refineries to extract and process these elements to be used in fuel or plastics are large employers. Timber and paper products, due to the massive forests blanketing the country, are also profitable industries. Nickel, Tin, and copper mines are scattered among the country.
Trade & Transport
South Brunland has a substantial road network. The first major road planning came in the formation of the Jes interstate system, build under the reign of the Burgundian Empire. Once it gained its independence, unlike its other neighboring provinces, who let their roads fall into disrepair over time, South Brunland worked to maintain its road networks, expanding and modernizing it overtime. Rail networks spread through the country as it was invented, and have becomes major trade lanes. Most of the goods imported into South Brunland arrive through massive cargo vessels in its eastern ports.
Each Endeavouring, All Succeeding
Founding Date
October, 22, 1770
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Alternative Names
Greater Brunland, Brunovis
Demonym
Brunish
Government System
Democracy, Representative
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
The official currency of South Brunland is the International Credit Standard.
Major Exports
South Brunland is a very industrious nation. Its access to plentiful resources, such as timber, minerals, and oil. Paper and timber products, including furniture, are a major export. Household items are another large industry. Iron, steel, and other metals are also produced. South Brunland's largest impact on the global economy includes its contributions to the entertainment industry. South Brunland is a hub for the movie industry, being a center for film and television.
Major Imports
Despite its status as a modern industrial power, many imported protects are cheaper overseas, leading to an extensive import market. Large quantities of manufactured goods, such as heavy machinery, are imported form other industrial nations. This also includes refined fuel, plastics, pharmaceuticals, vehicles and tractors, and electronics and electrical equipment. Most of these goods are received via container ships along its coast with the Bermion Ocean.
Legislative Body
Brunland has a Unicameral senate, composed of 372 Representatives of the 31 territorial districts in Brunland. The number of representatives sent to the senate is dependent on the population of a territory, in order to represent the population in a more balance approach. It enacts laws, amends the constitution and appoints a government.
Official State Religion
Location
Official Languages
Related Ethnicities
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments