Senikun of Santochi

The Confederation of Santochi, also known simply as Santochi (San-TO-shee) is a nation in the South-West of Eldham, in the North East of Arsine and South-East of Astios. Santochi is located between Goonguard and the AWE around Lake Chelon. It is named after the former nations of Santochi and the Confederation of Chelon following their merge on the 13/11/2021.

Origins
The Confederation of Santochi as a single state was created recently but the founding cities of Langlade, Vasenkyo and Cyris existed long before that, even tho their origin is uncertain. The only thing we know for sure is that they were small commercial outposts created to secure the Chelon Strait, a necessary passage to go through for the naval commercial routes going from the Arsine Sea to Onthukhan.

Santochi
After fleeing from the old nation of OMSK, Knowone went to southern AWE, where he stumbled completely by chance on Vesenkyo. He received help from a particular nomad known as Wareagle who helped him reform the city. Following the radical changes of the city he began reaching out diplomatically with the neighboring lands to acheive formal independence. Weeks later he finally acheived independence with the payment of $50,000 to the city of Bostad. Naming the new nation Santochi.

Confederation of Chelon
The modern history of the southern Chelon Lake coast began when a merchant named ImReallyExited became the mayor of Langlade, after having left Vasenkyo. Following his job change, he recruited everyone he could to help him develop the former outpost. The city's change of foreign policy led the nation of Santochi and the self-proclaimed Republic of Langlade to war, which ended in a draw. However, all this sudden noise in the territory of GoonGuard drew the attention of the emperors, who demanded a formal annexation of Langlade. Erupto, who became president following the retirement of Exited, had no choice but to accept.

What became the Confederation of Chelon gained independence from Ravenguard on the 22/10/2021, under the name of the Republic of Cyris-Otello-Langlade(COL) following negotiation between Ravenguard's officials and Erupto, who was joined by MrAnanas and Succulent Sauce.

Chelon Civil War
02/11/2021-12/12/2021

Pre-conflict tensions
Following the formation of COL, tensions rose between the cities of Langlade and Cyris, and Kantara, due to Kantara's leader, Mr Ananas attempting to act outside of his powers in the constitution and consolidate power. On the 2nd of November, the senators Erupto, Specialsnacc, MrBlazeBlue, ThoughtfulWorm, Alan Becker, and SucculentSauce arrested Mr Ananas and put him on trial for treason and attempting to subvert democracy. Ananas was declared guilty, and it was demanded that he pay off 10k of debt and hand over the city of Kantarra to the COL government, but fled and declared war against Cyris and Langlade. Cyris and Langlade formed the Confederation of Chelon (COC) and a small skirmish followed, beginning the Chelon Civil War.

Siege of Kantara
The Siege of Kantara saw an army of the COC and AWE march on Kantara, breaching and taking the city with no casualties on their part. Ananas faced 100k in war reparations and the handing over of the city of Kantarra, but instead fled the state and went into hiding, refusing to give up control. The following peace period saw a close relationship being formed between Chelon and the AWE, with several citizens receiving dual citizenship. During this time the neighbouring Santochi government proposed a merger due to the perceived strength of Chelon, which led to the two nations forming the Confederation of Santochi, in hopes that together they could fight off all future invaders.

Battle of Cyris
On the 6th of December, Mr Ananas had formed an army of 27, a mix of mercenaries and Goonguard volonteers, but they were there based on lies. In the city of Cyris, an army of AWE volunteers and the Confederation of Santochi Militia gathered to defend with just 13 people. The following battle was a bloodbath with 25 casualties on the part of Santochi and just 5 of the Kantara force. Cyris was looted and damaged significantly with the city soon falling into disrepair after the battle was lost. Following their defeat in battle, the Confederation joined the AWE under protectorate status, but by the 7th, the majority of the Kantara force had realised they had been lied to and declared the result void, resulting in a diplomatic victory for Santochi and Ananas being banned.

Seizing of Kantara
On the 12th of December, Santochi declared victory when they walked into the collapsed city of Kantara, which was found abandoned. Shortly after the city was looted and demolished with the ground being salted and buildings reduced to rubble. This would mark the longest continuous conflict in Santochi's history.

AWE Protectorate Era
Following their defeat at the Battle of Cyris, Santochi decided to join the AWE on the 6th of December as a protectorate until stability could be restored to the nation.

Shinshina Purchase
During this period GoonGuard agreed to sell the peninsula to the East of Harajuku (formerly Cyris) to the Santochi government. The peninsula is mountainous, but gave Santochi an Eastern coast, meaning the AWE and GoonGuard no longer shared that border.

AWE-Plagatean “War”
Due to the nature of Santochi's protectorate status, the AWE called on the Confederation and other allies to aid the AWE's war on the Sapphire Commonwealth and Plagatea. Santochi was obligated to follow the AWE's lead and declare war on the 31/12/2021. The conflict was peacefully a few weeks later.

Independence
On the 15th of January 2022, just over a month after Santochi agreed to become an AWE protectorate, The Confederation of Santochi declared independence. The AWE and Santochi agreed to an alliance, which would take affect following Santochi’s independence. The Treaty of Kantara was signed on the 14th of January, formalising the alliance.

Independence Period
Santochi began reaching out to other like-minded nations following its independence. Santochi singed non-aggression pacts with the Republic of Nova Azcoria, and the Grand Duchy of Bannatyne.

Geography
The Confederation of Santochi is located in North-East Arsine and South-East Astios in Eldham, bordering Googurad by the south and AWE by the north. It is located next on the easern shore of the Arsine Sea and surrounds almost entirely the Chelon Lake.

Governing Structure
The Confederation of Santochi government has a uni-cameral legislature, the Senate is made up of a varying number of Senators elected every 6 weeks, with two per province.

Current Government
The first government was formed following the merger between COC and Santochi. At that time there was a bi-cameral legislature, with the Council being made up of three members: Knowone, Weagle, and Worm. The Senate had four Senators: Alan, Erupto, Prime Mini, and Snaku. The first government presided over Santochi during the Chelon Civil War, until and election could be held on the 22/12/2021.

The Second Senate saw only two seats up for election, where the newly formed Monarchist Party gained one seat through Senator Conquerer, and Yoshiah of the Market Libertarian won the second seat- 25/12/2021.

The Third Senate was formed after a full election on the 19/02/2022, which saw several senators lose their seats. The Monarchist Party lost its seat, with the second Harajuku seat going to Gray of the Market Libertarian Party. Yoshiah, Erupto and Snaku all kept their seats, but both Vasenkyo seats swapped hands, with the longstanding Senators Alan and Prime Mini losing to an independent TheBigPig, and Katyusha of the Syndicate.

The Fourth Senate was the first to see province-based voting, with multiple towns selecting tow candidates. Xelon Province (primary town Langlade) saw both Erupto and Snaku keeping their seats once more, while Juko Province (formed of Harajuku and Vasenkyo) saw only one candidate, Tiger, getting any votes. The newly joined Elathaven Province gained three seats due to an internal dispute within the fledgling SPQF, with Brearts, Vermulst, and Portelli each winning a seat.

The Confederal Syndicate of Labour (Syndicate)
The Syndicate is a far-left broad-church libertarian socialist to democratic socialist political party fighting against colonialism, oppression, and exploitation. Merged with Socialist Republican Party to form a united left alliance. The Syndicate promotes liberty, tolerance, and equality, through collectively owned farms and enterprises. The Syndicate is a member party of the Socialist International of Rathnir and Eldham.

The Market Libertarians (Harajuku Riberaru party)
The Market Libertarians, or Liberals, are a centre-right political party. They are the second oldest party in Santochi. The Liberals aim for economic reform in the form of pushing for a free market aswell as the taxation and protection against foreign corporations by the government. The current leader of the party ,ThoughtfullWorm, was also the head of the East Arsine Trading Company, a trade company situated in south west Eldham focused on creating connections between traders aswell as the construction of trade hubs.

Monarchist Party
The Monarchist Party is a right-wing authoritarian political party advocating for Santochi to become a monarchy, with a single state religion, and Prime Minister. The Monarchists formed shortly before the elections for the Second Senate, but have in recent years faded into relevance, forwarding no candidates in the elections for the Fourth Senate.

Senatus Populus que Fairhavenus (SPQF)
The SPQF is a right-wing political party based in the province of Elathaven. Formed shortly before the elections for the Fourth Senate, the SPQF does not have clear positions or policies.

Langlade
Founded on the 30/07/2021 by ImReallyExited, Vanuxx and specialsnacc. The town follows an early industrial European architectural style. Urbanisation is concentrated on the North side of the Langlade Peninsula, with more agricultural landuses on the South side. Representation in the Senate- Erupto, Jakon Snaku.

The District Council, based in the Municipal Hall, is dominated by the Syndicate, governing the town since before the formation of COL. This has allowed rapid development of free public housing, the Langlade Brewing Coop, and expansive communal farms.

Physical- Langlade is the westernmost peninsula of Santochi, with Lake Chelon to the East, and the sea along its western coastline. The local climate is temperate, with the native vegetation primarlily made up of coniferous woodland, but urbanisation radiating from the Northern tip has caused significant levels of deforestation. With several lowlying areas, and being almost completely surounded by water, has allowed Langlade to produce large quantities of food due to fertile soils, despite being the smallest district by land area.

Human- Economically, Langlade is dominated by the primary and secondary sector. The primary sector consists of horticulture, agriculture, forestry and mining, while the secondary sector is predominantly focussed on brewing and commodity processing, such as smelting and food processing. Finally, the construction inductry is significant in Langlade, due to its increasing urbanisation and industrialisation, and therefore is supported by the other industries due to its resource intensive nature.

Harajuku
Harajuku, (formerly Cyris) is the easternmost settlement of Santochi, not directly on the shores of Lake Chelon, but with easy water access to the North of the city. The city was renamed following the battle of Cyris due to the reconstruction required following the damage endured during the battle. The construction has primarily been undertaken by ThoughtfulWorm, transitioning the town from a European Baroque style architecture, to a more Japanese theme.

The founder of the town, Succulent Sauce was the first High Seer and Saint of the Holy Sect of Terranism. Notable events during this time period included Saint ThoughtfullWorm, Grand Architect of Cyris, beginning construction on the grand temple of Cyris aswell as the establishment of the EATC (East Arsine Trading Company).

Vasenkyo
Founded shortly before Langlade, 24/7/2021 Vasenkyo has seen the most consistent and complete development, reflected by it formerly housing the largest population. Located on the northern shores of Lake Chelon, while bordering the AWE to the North, Vasenkyo is follows a simple Japanese theme within its impressive surrounding walls. Vasenkyo was founded by Santochi's founder Knowone who died in the Chelon Civil War.

Jenoverd
Following the conclusion of the Chelon Civil War, Santochi began the construction of a new fort to protect the Confederation in future conflicts. An island on the western coast was chosen due to its strategic location at the mouth of lake Chelon, able to protect against attacks from the West from penetrating the nation.

As of the time of writing, the fort is still under construction, primarily by General Lolrobbe, with supervision from the Minister of Defense, Comrade Snacc.

Xenxina
Shinshina is a small, snowy, mountain village located right next to Harajuku. (More information needed)

Xetoxikrad
Xetoxigrad (Island Town) is a piece of reclaimed land West of Langlade.

Salokad
Salokad is a small town near Harajuku, based on east Asian theme.

Physical Geography
Juko is the largest province by land area, taking up the majority of the Santochi mainland. Juko covers the North and East of Santochi, and has a warmer climate. The deserts of Goon Guard lie to the South East of Juko, while the Xenxina mountains shelter Juko from the lake to the East. The plains stretch across most of Juko, on both the Eastern shores of Lake Xelon, and to the border with the AWE North of Vasenkyo. A band of dark oak forest stretches across the centre of the province, on both sides of the river.

Socio-Cultural Geography
Juko contains both Harajuku and Vasenkyo, putting all of Old Santochi within its borders. Despite having two major towns, Juko has a smaller population of primary residents. Juko has perhaps the most distinctive cultural identity. Originating in Vasenkyo, Harajuku soon adopted the architectural style as it suited the warmer climate. Vasenkyo architecture features distinctive white walls, and multi-layered blue-green roofs towering into the sky. Meanwhile in Harajuku, adapting to the local resources, features layered roofs of darker tiles, primarily Blackstone and deepslate, while mimicking the multi-layered roofs, and spacious houses to allow airflow.

Physical Geography
Xelon (named after Lake Xelon) covers the South and West of Santochi, featuring a more temperate climate due to the lack of shelter from the Xenxina mountains in the East. The Aquine Sea makes up the Western border of Santochi, with the winds brining higher levels of precipitation than the sheltered Eastern stretches of Santochi. This cooler climate gave rise to the coniferous woodlands, which formerly covered the entirety of the Island of Langlade, but now just cover the Southern portion. This same woodland can be seen along the Western border of Juko Province, just to the North of Langlade, with Vasenkyo on one side, and the coniferous woodland to the other. Several islands on the Aquine Sea are also part of Xelon, notably Jeno Xetoxi and the smaller To-Abe-Xelon (Rock of Xelon Mouth). Other parts of Xelon include Xetoxikrad, and the Lost Colony, a settlement on an iceberg in the Aquine see.

Socio-Cultural Geography
Langlade is the primary and oldest settlement of Xelon Province, with Jenoverd on the island of Jeno also being a notable settlement, being the base of the Confederal Militia. Langlade has a less ordered architectural style, with houses crammed together on winding streets, helping to deal with the cooler climate. Houses are typically made from timber frames, with whitewashed, clay walls, being a common occurrence in the town centre, while further out, walls are typically made of exposed oak wood. Particularly on the Southern shores of Lake Xelon, diorite stone walls are more common. Throughout the town, roofs are typically made of dark oak, and are gently sloping often with no discernible pattern. A low-lying area on the centre of the island holds fertile soils, which has allowed Langlade to sustain its development and has helped give Langlade the largest population of all the towns. Sandstone can be seen in Xeloni architecture, typically only used for important structures, with the Langlade Hall being the first to be built of this material in Santochi. More recently, the construction of Xelon Kolajd (Chelon College) on the East of the island also saw extensive use of sandstone. Built by the Snakoza's, the structure was in part a way of experimenting with the use of sandstone before the construction of the Senate could be undertaken.

Elathaven Province
Elathaven is more so a political and cultural part of Santochi than a Geographic area. Made up of primarily AWE dual nationals based in the town of Fairhaven of the AWE, Elathaven's primary settlement is the town of Vrijdagistan, and island on Lake Ela to the North of the Santochi mainland.

Chelon
The Cheloni people are said to have risen from the Lake Chelon (written Xelon in their native language), though this can be said to be more metaphorical as the culture has many external influences due to immigration. There is little to distinguish Cheloni from Santochian due to a great deal of cultural exchange.