Gunjou

Gunjou (Gunjounese: 群青, Gunjou), formally titled the Maritime Republic of Gunjou (Gunjounese: 群青海事共和国, Gunjou Kaiji Kyouwakoku), is an island nation in northwestern Eldham. It was founded by Chancellor Empiur on July 27, 2021. [Gunjou Discord Server]

Etymology
Gunjou in Gunjounese is written with in Gunjounese characters as 群青 and pronounced Gunjou. The characters 群青 translate to ultramarine, a deep blue color pigment originally made by grinding lapis lazuli. This name refers to the deep, vibrant blue of the vast, open, and beautiful ocean that surrounds Gunjou.

Geography
Gunjou is situated on a large artificial island, floating on the surface on a northwestern Eldham sea. Given that it's an artificial island, there is a lack of natural land formations or terrain. It is surrounded by ancient, deteriorating seawalls. While not exactly suited for warfare, it is certainly able to dissuade or deter potential infiltrators and prevent the sea from reclaiming it.

Government
The Maritime Republic of Gunjou is. de-facto, unitary parliamentary republic. However, in reality, it is an oligarchic state dominated by the merchant class and military officials, mixing elements of a plutocracy with a stratocracy. The chancellor, Empiur, rules for life. The rights to appoint government officials lies solely at the hands of the chancellor.

Ideology
Gunjou is nationalistic and fiercely independent. While it is a faux-democracy, it is still appeals to the values of republicanism. Furthermore, Gunjou is anti-communist, unwilling to consider a communist economic system, especially seeing it as a threat to the Gunjounese way of life and the status quo of Gunjou.

Foreign Policy
Gunjou's foreign affairs are handled much more pragmatically than how her central policies might make her seem. Despite Gunjou's nationalism, this takes form mostly in patriotism and undying loyalty rather than xenophobia and hostile stances on foreign policy. Despite republicanism, Gunjou will engage in diplomacy with any foreign power. Despite anti-communism, Gunjou is willing to associate with communist states when seen fit.

Taxes
There are no taxes. The nation runs on donations from its citizens.

Religion
Freedom of religion is allowed, however, Gunjou primarily follows Zenkoism, the state religion of Gunjou.

Multicitizenship
Multicitizenship is restricted, however, exceptions may be given after a discussion with the chancellor.

Ineligible Groups
Furries are not allowed citizenship.

Land Zoning Law
Construction projects must be approved before they begin, else risk demolition. Furthermore, the architecture must fit the style of the nation.

Labor Unions and Socialist Movements
There is an ongoing ban on the forming of labor unions and socialist movements. Such is considered treason.

Foreign Beverage Import Ban
Beverages that may be domestically (locally) produced to at least 4* are not allowed to be purchased from foreigners and sold to Gunjounese nationals.

This includes the following beverages:


 * Fine Beer
 * Golden Mead
 * Red Wine
 * Strong Tea
 * Strong Coffee
 * Premium Sake

This policy may be seen as inherently mercantilist in nature.

Travel Visas
Bandits and Pirates are not allowed entry into the city must either apply for a visa or purchase one for entry into the city.

Naomi and Sadao's Discovery of Aohama
In the travels of Naomi and Sadao, they came across the island of Aohama. The island was flat and barren, fruitless and starving. It was much smaller than it is now, only a few pebbles in the sea with homes on stilts above a coral reef. It was isolated from the rest of the world, concealed by a constant cover of fog. The island was stagnant and her people's numbers dwindled in the face of starvation. Similarly to how their travels brought them to Yaszuma, the two zenko bestowed upon them guidance and support. The two uplifted the small island. The island gradually expanded, developing a form of architecture derived from their teachings and directions. Despite Aohama's great isolation, they developed a culture and language fairly reminiscent to Yaszuma due to the zenko. Due to Naomi and Sadao's guidance, the small nation began to thrive. The two foxes became the center of Aohaman folk beliefs.

Aohaman Tradition
A great shrine was erected in their honor and festivals ever so frequent. In honor of the two gods that bestowed upon them great knowledge, the Aohaman peoples spread trees that root into the soil of the floating island. The once flat and barren surface of the island was covered in trees. While the peoples of the island learned of sake from Naomi, which was and continues to be offered to her, a variant of sake soon developed into amazake, a uniquely Aohaman drink, drunk during festivals and celebrations. It is sweet and much less alcoholic than sake.

The Fox's Farewell
Ultimately, the two foxes had to leave in order to continue their travels once again. After the zenko announced that they must soon depart, a intense festival began, lasting days on end, filled  with the emotions of sadness, grief, celebration, and, most importantly, appreciation. As Naomi and Sadao left the island, loud bells rung across the island signaling their leave, followed by a solid minute of thoughtful and meaningful silence. This developed into an annual tradition and holiday named Ozenkosoubetsu (お善狐送別).

The Waning Fogs and Discovery of Zenkoism
The fogs that kept Aohama concealed from the rest of the world dissipated into nothing, exposing the island to the world. As contact with the outside world was made, it was inevitable that Zenkoism spread to Aohama. Many connections were drawn with parallels found in the teachings of Aohaman folklore and Zenkoism that it was concluded that the gods they believed in were truly one and the same. Aohaman folklore inevitably was developed and molded into a variant of Zenkoism with its own customs. As such, Zenkoism cemented itself as the primary religion of Aohama and the present-day nation of Gunjou.

History
27 July 2020 - Aohama was founded as the capital of Gunjou.