North Volonté

The Republic of North Volonté (Volontéan: Republique du North Volonté / Republique dé North Volonté, Durnholi Samoran: Republica dov Nòrth Volonté) is a parliamentary republic located in southeast Leifmyrr in the world of Eldham. It is the spiritual successor to the historic Republic of Volonté. It borders Prübensia (Samora) to the west, Iversteiya to the south, Nazarii Kryvonea to the south-east, and the island nation of Xineria to the north-west

History
The area that is now North Volonté was once part of the Pioresná region of the old Republic of Volonté. After the old republic's collapse, and after many regime changes, the region was eventually under the rule of Kryvonea, lead by Yigon.

In 239 TE, the people of Kirvograd, a city in the south of what was then the Kronetsk province under the leadership of former Volontéan monarch Basco Prola, declared independence from their Kryvonean overlords, kickstarting the Kirvograd War. The First Battle of Kenka, which was also the first battle of the war, proved to be a decisive victory for the rebels, as the Kryvoneans were woefully underprepared for the upcoming war, lacking enough defensive infrastructure around Kenka as well as quality armor and swords.

Hours after this first battle, representatives from the remaining cities of Kronetsk, including Earisto Donvago of Pioresná and Victor Voyce Le Vernillard of Vekta (now Fréris), as well as the then-majority Volontéan residents of Durnhol, joined the cause on the side of the Kirvograd rebels. Together, they united their forces and became the Republic of North Volonté. During this time, Invicta also declared it's independence, but it wouldn't join North Volonté until much later.

After many more battles, and numerous failed armistices and treaties, peace was finally achieved after 6 years of fighting, and the Volontéans earned their independence in 245 TE.

The Conseil, consisting of Basco Prola, Victor Voyce Le Vernillard, and Earisto Donvago, initially held absolute rule until a Senát could be formally established. That would be a long, long time, however, as the Senát of North Volonté wasn't officially established until 286 TE. At this time, it was agreed the Fréris will become the seat of government, as Pioresná was very densely populated and had no room for a Senát building, although Pioresná would keep it's title as the official capital city of North Volonté.

In 289 TE, Invicta joined North Volonté.

In Winter 294 TE, the Loisur Agence de Renseignement dela République (Republic Intelligence Agency Act) was passed by the Senát and the Conseil. Initially drafted by Senáteur TD, Senáteur Mattéu Fyrfox du Pioresná, and Senáteur Charles Astilor, it was the first bill that amended the North Volontéan Constitution, expanding the abilities and capabilities of the Armée de Volonté by granting them the ability to conduct espionage on both foreign and domestic targets.

In Summer 294 TE, North Volonté and the Leifmyrr Crowned States alliance fought in an international coalition, alongside Sethris, Ashai, Yuvaria-Valoore, Gunjou, and numerous other nations, against the Glanraess separatist movement, who illegally seceded from Sethris and verbally threatened both the Sethrians and Hrabs with death-wars. It was a decisive victory for the allied coalition, with the Battle of Ystkalü lasting no longer than half an hour.

Geography & Climate
North Volonté is a collection of river islands in the delta of the Tia Via and Colto rivers. Due to this, the nation is mostly flat and moderate climate-wise, with areas further inland having wider ranges of elevation, and regions closer to the Prübensia border being more mountainous with a tundra climate. Many areas of the nation is also prone to flooding, although river contention projects have made this less of a threat and more of an inconvenience.

Culture
Volontéan culture is closely tied to the republic's unofficial religion, The Way of the Will. The city of Pioresná is the holy city of the religion and draws many to the nation through pilgrimages to Pioresná and the old Warmbank Shrine. The nation's geographic location also ties into it's culture through architecture; being located on a river delta means access to an abundance of clay, so most buildings in the cities of North Volonté are made of brick.

Pioresnán/Northern Volontéans, commonly refered to as the Norterrans or Norterreño, are the result of a mix of Neolian and Volontéan cultures. Many Northern Volontéans still use the Norterran script that the ancient Neolians used many years ago. Southern Volontéans are more closely tied to the Volontéan culture of old, with some influences from Kryvon culture. Most Southern Volontéans currently live in the Kryvonean Grand Republic, in the general area where the ancient Volontéan city of Warmbank once stood.