Moskova
Help my world and my work to grow by supporting me on Ko-fi! After being a hobby of mine for long, now my creative work is my main income and mean of life!
As seen in
The Kingdom of Moskova, also known as Empire of Moskova, Tsardom of Moskova and so-called Golden Eagle's Domains is the country where the story of "Seeking for the Lost Northern Stars" takes place.
It's unique culture which is a blend of the Western and the Eastern gave it the fame of exotic fantasy land around the known world. It's most recognizabled trademark is its colorful and intricate architecture (which most famous feature is the onion dome roof).
It is also recognized as the world's largest country as it s territory had grown a lot after many conquest and colonization campaigns through history. The huge territory of the country got a large diversity of biomes and climate zones, giving almost unlimited natural resources, although the most known climate feature is the cold of its winters, not safe for everyone.
The Kingdom got a main mountain range of several branches surrounded by many hills and mounts, the Sentinel Mountains .
Wetlands are located close to rivers' shores and lakes in most biomes excepting Tundra. In these places, some animals like frogs and ducks can be found. Their mud is usually dark and many plants float in the water. It is said that wetlands gave Moskova its name.
Similar to steppes and grasslands but warmer, and with some randomly distributed bunch of trees, these environments can be found in the south- center of the country. Their limited can get very blurry towards grasslands and steppes in some regions for example, near Barkistán , town that is also close to the Western forest.
Nature
The nature of the Kingdom is one of the most varied in the world. Due its huge extension, the diversity of biomes and climate regions is pretty big.Mountains
The Kingdom got a main mountain range of several branches surrounded by many hills and mounts, the Sentinel Mountains .
Forest
There are two main large forest regions in the kingdom, the one from the west and the one from the east.
The western forest is a temperate humid coniferous forest which can get snow during winter while the easter one is a taiga, populated mainly by tall and thin conifers with lesser plant diversity than the western forest.
by Kevin Bluer
Coasts and beaches
Coast of Vladimirovsk by Gege16 through Nvidia's Gaugan
Due its large extension, the kingdom got coasts in at least 3 different seas. While the eastern and southern coasts got an oceanic weather, the northern one is frozen during most part of the year.
Most coasts are sand beaches but many of them got big rocks.
Steppes
The steppes are located in the center-north of the country. Them are similar to grasslands but drier and got some bushes. Their limits are pretty blur towards the limits of grasslands and savannas in some regions.
Steppe by Gege16
Grassland
Grasslands are the ideal place for herding livestock. Fertile and usually temperate in weather but depending the latitude of can be more or lesser colder and more or lesser wet depending on the latitude and the season among other factors.Wetlands
Wetlands are located close to rivers' shores and lakes in most biomes excepting Tundra. In these places, some animals like frogs and ducks can be found. Their mud is usually dark and many plants float in the water. It is said that wetlands gave Moskova its name.
Savannah
Similar to steppes and grasslands but warmer, and with some randomly distributed bunch of trees, these environments can be found in the south- center of the country. Their limited can get very blurry towards grasslands and steppes in some regions for example, near Barkistán , town that is also close to the Western forest.
Tundra
by Gege16
The tundra is located in the north of the country. The weather is dry and cold and most rains fall down in the form of snow. The soil is mostly permafrost and water bodies get frozen during winter. Part of the tundra is by the northern branch of the Sentinel Mountains.
Life is not very abundant in this biome, however it is still possible to find natural creatures suhc as deers and polar bears, as well as supernatural ones like Demons.
Desert
These are the drier and warmer environments. Them are located in the south-east of the country. The termical difference between day and night is pretty big due the very low humidity. The desert is surrounded by the forest and the steppes and there's no transition between it and the surrounding biomes, which is something that could look pretty unique. It is also by mountains, rivers and lakes.
by Gege16 through Dream AI
Culture
Etymology
There are many theories regarding the origin of the name of this country. Moskova derives from the word Moskva which is used as "dark water" or "black river". A explanation of this word can be the Somi term that refers to the wetlands located near the rivers, as the rivers are what "give life" to the cities. Another fact that could explain the relation between the name of the country and water is that Oleg and his men came to its former territories by boat.Symbols
The most recognizable symbols of the country are the golden eagles. These animals are featured in the national Crest and in many symbols of several cities, even the capital, Ulán Shang Kov . Them are usually represented in a tricefalic form, a derivative of the bicefalic eagle that can be found in the crests of several countries.In this case, the lateral heads represent the east and the west (like they do in the bicefalic eagle) and the extra head (central one) symbolises two things: the north and Moskova's capital city (Ulán Shang Kov) as a link between both regions. Because the second meaning it wears a crown. The crown looks is a stylized version of The Solar Crown and it represents the sun and its character of "King Star" and main divinity. The Solar Crown itself is seen as a symbol of the country. The colors that are featured in almost everything in Moskova are red and golden. The first one is associated with strength, passion, war, beauty and prosperity while the second one is related to the Sun, the royalty, gold, wealth, class and power.Architecture
Bombailog streets by Gege16 through Dream AI
by Gege16 through NightCafe Studio Ai
Architecture in Moskova is pretty varied thanks to its cultural and environmental diversity and got influenced by several factors through history. It is known for combining western and eastern elements, creating unique and recognizable styles.
A well known feature are the onion shaped domes that are commonly found in temples and palaces among other buildings. Those domes can be golden or be decorated with beautiful colors and designs inspired by nature and abstract geometrical patterns. These domes are very useful at cold weathered regions as them prevent the snow to accumulate on the roofs.
Cube roofs, pitched roofs, towers and rounded arches on windows are some other remarkable features.
Buildings got a big variety of colors and shapes and some cities like Nodvragoda got a kinda uniform and sober looking while some other cities like the cosmopolitan Ulán Shang Kov feature a lot of different architectural styles contrasting to each other.
The most used construction materials are wood and stones.
Something typical of the country are the Kremlins, fortresses that instead of surround the whole city are located in their central area protecting important buildings.
Food
As architecture, traditional food is influenced by several factors as the weather and the cultures of each region.
Some common ingredients are pork, honey, cow meat, deer meat, fishes like salmons or trouts, carrots, beet among other fruits and vegetables.
In the coldest places, warm foods with a high caloric value like soups and meat dishes are common for helping people fighting the cold. Cold soups are also common and kebab is one of the most recognizable recipes, at least in the southwest.
As deserts, pastries and berry cakes are a common choice.
When it comes to drinks, there are many beverages that are consumed in the kingdom, alcoholic and non alcoholic. About alcoholic ones, vodka is one of the most common while some non alcoholic ones are tea and kves.
Pelmini by Kate Buffton
Calendar
History
Before the events of "Seeking for the Lost Northern Stars"
The territory of Moskova has been inhabited from remote times by several tribes that have been interacting between themselves in many different ways, some had a good relation towards each other while some other tended to conflict. However, the history of Moskova as a state, is considered to start with the moment in which Nodvragoda became a settlement important enough for being considered a capital of the state.
Nodvragoda was first mentioned in documents by the year 850. This city was a strategic commercial point between Moskova and other nations.
The city started to be considered as a capital in 903 after Oleg Grosnik could create unity among the Moskovar and Somi tribes that inhabited the region, reason why he is considered the founder of the city even despite his existence and methods used by him are controversial. Later Oleg ended being considered the founder of Moskova. The city grew in population and power because its role in the commercial activities and it could get access to several surrounding cities for creating the first Moskovar state. The government of this city was a principality with a big democratic participation as an elected parliament of nobles used to make every decision alongside the prince. Since then, Moskova used to be a principality until 1358.
Nodvragoda birdwatch by Gege16 through Dream AI
by Gege16 through Dream AI
During the period 1030 -1040, Moskova had an invasion usually referred as the Invasion of the Peoples from the East, in which several nomadic tribes founded an empire that got a large expansionist campaign. These tribes tried to implement a feudal and absolutist monarchical system. During this time and the following 15 years (1045-1055) Nodvragoda did lose power and lands while the recently founded Ulán Shang Kov could take advantage of the invasion in form of protection against subduement in charge of tribute and more influence over surrounding cities. In 1055 Ulan Shang Kov became the new capital unilaterally while Nodvragoda after some decades under its power seceded and stayed as an autonomous republic.
Demography and Population
As a country of huge dimensions, Moskova got a wide demographic diversity. A lot of ethnicities and cultures live in Moskova. Some of them are Moskovar, Kozzakhi , Kves, Somi, Yaskut, Huanese among others.
The empire at overall got a pretty low population density as the most populated places are big cities while there are many small villages and even places without human presence at all. The places where life is harder for humans are extremely cold places like the Tundra and extremely warm ones like the Desert. In those environments is possible to find some tribes and even some cities but they're mostly a domain of supernatural beings and wild animals.
Territories
Moskova had changed its amount of territorial divisions by the time, as the country was getting larger and larger.
By the moment when the novel takes place (year 1367), the whole Northern side of the continent is theoretically part of Moskova, despite some very remote places having a small population and influence of the central power or even remaining not fully explored yet. The Kingdom is divided in smaller divisions called Oblast that work as provinces. The number of oblasts by 1367 is 17 but later in the future the biggest ones (the most remote ones) will get subdivided for making its management easier as them will get more population by the time. Also some other administrative units will be created.
Map of Moskova by Geraldine Escriva (Gege16)
Foreign Relations
The Empire of Moskova got very varied and dynamic relations towards several countries and other national organizations. Some countries have been seen in different way by Moskova in different historical moments, as some countries like Norsen, Nüsserdoff and Galia have been commercial allies in some moments, while in other moments the relation was even conflictive due their different expansionist interests.
Some nations have some cultural influence in Moskova, for example Hellenia, while others are the ones influnced by Moskova because them were subdued or culturally assimilated by it, for example the Khazania Khanate (that has been conquered by Moskova in 1360) or the Kozzakhi community.
Agriculture & Industry
Thanks to it's big diversity and amount of natural resources, Moskova had developed a lot of agricultural and manufacturing activities.
Breeding of cows, sheeps, camels, goats, chickens and mink, otter hunting are some of the most common activities related to animals.
The cultivation of wheat, rice, oatmeal, carrots and other cereals is an important source of food and materials for exporting. When it comes to fruits, berries from the forest and nuts are a trademark.
Mining is an important activity too, as metals like copper, goid, iron, silver and titanium are taken from the mountains alongside beautiful gemstones like alexandrites, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires. Stones obtained by mining are used for construction.
About manufactured products, many objects as hats, pottery, coats, carpets, swords, knives, nesting dolls, axes, and furry boots are considered typical and got a recognizable reputation.
Exports
Some of the traditional products Moskova produces are exported some other countries, for example farming products as meat, wool, wheat and other cereals and mining products like metals and gemstones. Talking about manufactured products, some remarkable exported products are carpets of colorful and Intricate designs, hats and vodka. Some other reputable products sold to other nations are boots and clothing.Imports
Despite Moskova being a territory of many natural resources, it is still being a place which needs to buy some stuff to other countries. Some fine fabrics like silk are used for many clothes, specially the ones for wealthy people and are imported from surrounding countries. Some craft and furniture for wealthy people (like the royalty) is made of materials like ivory and exotic woods. Some pigments like the ones used for painting blue and purple in clothing and inks are bought from other countries and communities.Trade & Transport
As almost every country, Moskova got many ways in which people can transport manufactured products, other items and people or animals.
Cities like Nodvragoda ,Ulán Shang Kov and Barkistán are connected by trails used by carts of different sizes that transport a big diversity of items. Rivers enough deep and seas are crossed the by boats and in places where rivers are frozen most part of the year and snow covers the place, sleds are used for moving objects and people.
As personal transportation device, some animals like horses, donkeys and camels among others are used
Слава Москова (pronounced: "Slava Moskova", English: "Glory to Moskova")
Flag of Moskova by Gege16 through FakeFlah & PicsArt
Flag
The flag of Moskova consists in a red banner with golden boarding edges around the red field. The Imperial Eagle of the national crest depicted in its center. In the left side there's a traditional ornamental pattern in gold. The color red symbolizes beauty, strength and blood while gold represents energy, sunlight and power.
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Tsardom of Moskova, Kingdom of Moskova, Empire of Moskova, Principality of Moskova (former)
Demonym
Moskovar, Moskovian
Leader
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Traditional
Currency
The most used currency are small silver coins named denga which got two variants, one from Nodvragoda and another one from Ulan Shang Kov (which weighs a half of Nodvragoda's one). The weight of those coins is kinda unstable. 200 dengi are called a a rub.
Subsidiary Organizations
Official Languages
Related Traditions
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Organization Vehicles
Notable Members
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Anthem
We are the sons and daughters of the North With honor and valor, we go forth Our kingdom vast, our banners high To conquer the lands beneath the sky Chorus: Rise, rise, Empire of Moskova! Rise High, Eagle of Gold and Blood! Our swords are sharp, our shields held strong We march with glory, we sing our song For our empire, proud and free Verse 2: Our people brave, our land so grand From frozen tundra to green forests We defend our realm with all our might With unity and strength, we shine so bright Just like the Sun, the father of Light Chorus: Rise, rise, Empire of Moskova! Rise High from the flames, Eagle of Gold and Blood! Our swords are sharp, our shields held strong We march with glory, we sing our song For our empire, proud and free Land of legends, true and bold! Bridge: We stand as one, united and bold Our loyalty to our land untold With courage and wisdom, we shall prevail Our empire's glory, we'll never fail We are the heirs of our ancestors Their blood flows strong within us We breath the magic and demons fight We are the Children of Stars! Chorus: Rise, rise, Empire of Moskova! Rise High from the flames, Eagle of Gold and Blood! Our swords are sharp, our shields held strong We march with glory, we sing our song For our empire, proud and free Land of legends, true and bold!
by Pixabay
by Apollinary Vasnetsov
Temple by the River by Gege16 through Dream AI
Nodvragoda's Streets by Gege16 through Dream AI
The Royal Palace the Kremlin by Gege16 through NightCafe Studio Ai
Bombailog's Foggy Streets by Gege16 through Dream AI
by Gege16
Foggy Morning at the Sentinel Mountains by by Gege16 through Nightcafe AI
Northern Territories by Gege16 through NightCafe AI
Flags of Political subdivisions
Akhalia Oblast's lag by Gege16 through FakeFlag
Flag of the Northern Territories by Gege16 through FakeFlag
Yuzhnaya Oblast's Flag by Gege16 through FakeFlag
Vladimirovsk's Oblast Flag by Gege16
Timur Oblast flag by Gege16 trough fakeflag
Yuzhnaya Oblast Flag by Gege16 through fakeflag
I like your works, but can I be curious what's your link with Russia? I accept "none of your business" as an answer!
Thank you a lot! :D Well, Russia is one of the cultures that catch my attention the most (sometimes I joke about myself saying that I'm an "otaku for russian stuff"xD ) and my family got some ancestors in that country alongside Germany, Hungary, Spain, France and Austria :D
Thanks for fill my curiosity. I asked because you clearly know a lot about this culture, that is anyway so different from the middle-european culture.