Bannatyne

The Grand Duchy of Bannatyne was a nation located in the southern quarter of the Astios region in Eldham, bordering Goonguard. Bannatyne has both ocean ports and river ports, enticing visitors and trade from distant lands. Famous for its distinct sandstone architecture and lavish homes, Bannatyne is often referred to as the "jewel of the south". The nation had a second city, Clermonts, on the southern coastline, yet took its name directly from its capital, Bannatyne City. Bannatyne's state motto "From Arid to Ascendant" reflected Bannatyne's transformation from a sparse, desert settlement into a flourishing nation state. The nation is known for its many literary figures including writer Panorh, and its numerable oligarchs. Home to some of Eldham's wealthiest aristocrats, Bannatyne has become synonymous with wealth, style and power. Now, Bannatyne exists as a city under the Kingdom of Geraria following the invasion of Northern Astios and the expansion of Geraria.

Bannatyne city has been occupied by numerable nations including The United Federation of Tierre, Ravenguard and Nova Azcoria, yet was granted independence on the 8th February 2022. It now remains under the occupation of The Kingdom of Geraria.

Geography
Bannatyne consists of two separate territories in close proximity across the equine sea. Bannatyne's mainland is bordered by Ravenguard on all sides, with an expansive coastline along the Northern Aquine Sea.

The mainland is home to the famous capital, "Bannatyne City", and is known for its extravagant architecture and dry, arid conditions. Mainland Bannatyne accounts for the largest portion of the nation's population, home to the Grand Duke himself. Bannatyne's government is based in Bannatyne City, with the parliament situated in the city centre.

Red Tide Isle is Bannatyne's second territory, located in The Northern Aquine Sea. Red Tide Isle is one of Eldhams largest naturally generated islands, and can be seen on a clear day from the coast of Mainland Bannatyne. The island hosts a small town by the name of Glosau, and is referred to in Bannatyne lore as the Island of Tyne. The island differs from the mainland in terms of climate, with humid, wet conditions.

Politics
The Grand Duchy of Bannatyne can be categorised as a constitutional monarchy. Each Prime Minister is responsible for their own unique government structure, serving two months per term. The Grand Duke serves as a ceremonial loyal figurehead to commemorate Bannatyne's monarchist history, yet serves as an honorary position and must remain unbiased in all political matters.

Golden Sands Party
Incentivises scholarly and religious lifestyles as well as tradition. The party has since been dismantled following their attempted coup by their former leader FalksZera. Association with the party is deemed highly illegal.

The Patriot Party
A nationalist party with an emphasis on developing local jobs, infrastructure and military.

Bannatyne Pacifist Party (retired)
A peaceful party with heavy focus on diplomacy and improving foreign relations.

People Before Profit Party
A socialist, left wing party with a drive to empower the working class of Bannatyne.

Uniform
All government officials are provided with a distinct uniform, designed by The Grand Duke. Incorporating the national colours of blue and yellow, the uniform reflect's Bannatyne's culture and political qualities.

Early History
Long ago, the Banna people were travelling merchant nomads who roamed across many continents and seas. Eventually after many centuries of endless travel they chose to establish a city in the belief this would bring greater stability and prosperity to the Banna. They soon settled on the Island of Tyne. The Banna prospered and became incredibly wealthy thanks to their mercantile skills. However this wealth created jealousy among their neighbours who coveted the Banna’s great riches. One night as the Banna slept in their houses, raiders from the Empire of Ravenguard broke into the city. These savages stole their many riches and attempted to enslave or murder anyone who tried to escape. However Tobias, a member of a wealthy merchant family, rallied a group of his citizens. They armed themselves with whatever they could find, leading a charge through the raiders and the group escaped the island. The following morning, Tobias held a meeting in which the survivors decided what to do. They concluded they would leave Tyne and sail to a new land, letting the wind guide them toward a new homeland. The survivors set sail and eventually landed at the end of a river. Here they chose to create farmland and over time a new city was built. They named it Bannatyne, in memory of their distant homeland.

The city was founded under the United Federation of Tierre and within walking distance of the capital city of Visraya. In late July, the federation was "vassalised" by Ravenguard in an unlawful move to expand the empire's territory. During this period, the city became a trade hub for the region, soon to be known as the most active merchant city in the northern regions of Ravenguard. Merchants and bards travelled to the city from distant lands, creating a culture of wealth and literature. The city's early period is written about in numerable books and articles, including Panorh's 93 page book "Bannatyne's Mercy". The city soon developed its signature building style, influenced by both local and distant cities such as Nova Azcoria's Capital, Horizonte.

Nova Azcorian Influence
In late August, the city of Bannatyne was invited into the Republic, voting in favour of becoming a province of the nation. For the price of $100,000, Bannatyne province was relinquished by the Empire of Goonguard (formerly Ravenguard), and entered the Republic as Nova Azcoria's second largest city. Today, Tierrean, Ravenguardian and Nova Azcorian influence remains, culminating a curious blend of tradition, culture and architecture.

In October, the city was appointed a new Governor, Gunk_Funk, selected by the Republic of Nova Azcoria. The city soon became quiet and somewhat inactive, seeing a decline in residents through ther autumn months. Many blame this period of inactivity on the new travel restructions placed upon Eldham, deeming the city inaccessible and disconnected from mainland Nova Azcoria. Despite the lack of trade, the city's quiet period has been described as peaceful and reflective, as local residents enjoyed the serene landscapes and winding streets of the city.

Winter Growth
During the winter, Bannatyne's original Mayor and Governor Tobepha, returned from distant lands, reclaiming his position. Within a matter of weeks, the local population grew considerably, seeing the completion of Bannatyne's infamous defensive wall structure. Local businesses re-opened, welcoming new shops such as Eros General Goods. The previously incomplete Eastern Village witnessed rapid expansion, unveiling luxury neighborhood, "The Bagatelle". A variety of parks and green spaces were implemented, offering the city a new lease of life. Building upon the success of the Bagatelle, Tobepha set his sights on the desert. Unable to expand eastward due to the constraints of Bannatyne's borders, Tobepha and his co-mayor IwasCat introduced new infrastructure into the previously uninhabited desert. Building beyond the walls, new land brought immense opportunity for development. Bannatyne's infamous farm project remains one of the largest most intricately designed farms in Eldham, stretching across large portions of once-barren desert. Construction on a second city within Bannatyne's province begun, titled "Project Redwater".

Independence
The poor treatment of Bannatyne resulted in a common understanding that Nova Azcoria no longer represented the people of Bannatyne. Often referring to Bannatyne Province as a "colony", The Republic of Nova Azcoria attempted to exploit Bannatyne's resources through unlawful taxation, and disrespected the region's authority. Following disagreements between the Governor of Bannatyne Tobepha, and the Government of Nova Azcoria, an independence declaration was made.

The following evening, an agreement was reached between the Chancellor of Nova Azcoria Fio, and the newly formed nation of Bannatyne. The Republic of Nova Azcoria agreed to recognise the borders of Bannatyne Province as an independent state for the price of £50,000. Tobepha swiftly formed a new Government, and The Grand Duchy of Bannatyne was born.

Current day
Following the Succession of Bannatyne from Nova Azcoria, The Grand Duke saw to the construction of ambitious new projects. Defining a new age of Bannatyne, the remains of Bannatyne's resources were pledged to new endeavours. The first project to be completed was the Parliament Building, replacing what would have been the train station linking Bannatyne to Nova Azcoria. Designed by Tobepha himself, the building stands tall in Bannatyne's second square, and remains one of the largest buildings in the nation. Another local triumph was the construction of the Bomastar Speedway, an ice-track built by the infamous Bomalebo. The track was chosen to host races for Formula Eldham, a global racing league.

The most notable project to be completed was the Clermonts, Bannatyne's second town. While governed under the same administrative body as the capital, The Clermonts offers a serene getaway for those escaping city life. Situated on the southern coastline, bordering Goonguard's city "Solstice", The Clermonts is home to some of Eldham's wealthiest players. With an exclusive boardwalk along the coastline, The Clermonts was designed to offer residents an opulent yet quaint coastal lifestyle with immediate access to beaches and Bannatyne's best coral reefs. Known for its thriving turtle population, many visit the Clermonts to observe the thriving wildlife and ocean ecosystems. Notable landmarks include Manzotti Square, Independence Point, Bannasheba Beach and the ornate viewing tower at the centre of the village.

Ties to Nova Azcoria
In Bannatyne's earliest weeks, the rural and humble sandstone village became a well-known tourist destination amonst wealthy foreigners, and attracted aristocratic residents of Horizonte. Somewhat resembling the style and format of Nova Azcoria's capital, the city of Bannatyne soon became a vacation hotspot amongst Azcorians, and a sunny surrogate for their home-city. Notable Azcorian Bannatyne property owners include: PayingForMcAgain, SimEmilie, and Gunk_Funk.

Following the town's growth, Azcorians took interest in the growing local economy and population, starting their own businesses in the city. Gunk_Funk's famous brewery remains today in the ground floor of Settler's Court, and Foie Gras Furnishings are known for decorating some of the city's most lavish apartments. Bonds between the two cities grew closer, seeing the Mayor of Bannatyne and several wealthy residents attend Nova Azcoria's independence marches.

In late August, the city of Bannatyne was invited into the Republic, voting in favour of becoming a province of the nation. For the price of $100,000, Bannatyne province was relinquished by the Empire of Goonguard (formerly Ravenguard), and entered the Republic as Nova Azcoria's second largest city. Today, Tierrean, Ravenguardian and Nova Azcorian influence remains, culminating a curious blend of tradition, culture and architecture.

Following disagreements between the Governor of Bannatyne Tobepha, and the Government of Nova Azcoria, an independence declaration was made on the 8th February 2022. The following evening, an agreement was reached between the Chancellor of Nova Azcoria Fio, and the newly formed nation of Bannatyne. The Republic of Nova Azcoria agreed to recognise the borders of Bannatyne Province as an independent state for the price of £50,000. Tobepha swiftly formed a new Government, and The Grand Duchy of Bannatyne was born.

Climate
Bannatyne's climate is predominantly hot and dry, maintaining an average daily temperature of 30° celcius. Harsh, desert winds are known to cause significant disruption in times of stormy weather, however the valley shelters large portions of the town from the violent gusts.