Gardenia

Gardenia, officially the Artisan Kingdom of Gardenia is a nation in central Eldham located on the continent of Phoros and the Drakaesland. Gardenia was founded through a Union of the two Eastern most colonial Jarldoms of Skjoldrbrodir and The Mercantile Republic of Velenu during an era of political turmoil.

Limuria
Before the discovery of Eldham, several groups of people inhabited what is now modern Gardenia, primarily, the Lemurfolk who had a large population and civilization within the region located within the Nyr Villhorn region, centered in the jungles and mountainous regions around its capital, Havoana'roa-renaj, now the Ruddersdam.

Alongside the Limurians were the Ainin, who inhabited much of Central Phoros. Unlike the Lemurfolk, the Ainin lived in seclusion and throughout history have been the topic of mythos and obscurity.

The Sea People of the Triparte
During a period of time lasting some 500-100 years before the main discovery of Eldham, a small human population wandered the area around the Triparte Sea, eventually founding the nation of Kei on a jungle island in the Southwest of the Drakaesland, establishing settlements along the north rivers and coasts of the island. It would eventually form the nation of Urakiend.

Post-Discovery Period
During the early years of Eldham's discovery, several groups and nations now called home the lands now known as Gardenia. Those being the Regnum Drakaes, Taernsbia, Urakiend, Limuria and Skjoldrbrodir, who's clashes against each other would have a profound impact on the region's history.

Founding of Taernsbia; Conquest of Urakiend
Following the Second Coalition-Ellysian War, refugees from the city of Transarxa found themselves displaced after the war and soon found home in Limuria. Shortly after they would buy the land from the Limurian people and found the nation of Taernsbia. Shortly after its founding, Taernsbia had taken the lands once belonging to Urakiend. Soon after, Taernsbia would become a vassal of the Regnum Drakaes, along with the Urakiend Isle.

The Skjold-Limurian Wars
Following the establishment of the Skjold's colonial territories and with the desire to expand, they would soon come into conflict with the Limurians, who saw them as overstepping their territories. This would spark into the Skjold-Limurian Wars.

The First Skjold-Limurian War took place at the Limurian capital, ending in a draw as neither side could get the best of the other. In the end the Skjold forces retreated after sustaining heavy losses. Notably during this war, their Regnum allies did not fight on their side, of which Skjold and its people would hold a grudge against until its fall.

The Second Skjold-Limurian War took place at the colonial Skjold capital of Steinborg. However this time the Limurians suffered a complete loss as their forces were slaughtered in the tight streets of the city.

Following the war, the Limurians fled their land, not before destroying their monuments and cities, to the Island of Zamotz, and eventually the land was taken by Skjoldrbrodir, with the new Jarldom of Nyr Villhorn being formed, and the city of Ruddersdam being built over the old Limurian capital.

Collapse of the Regnum Drakaes in the West; The Drakaen-Barbossa Crisis
Sparked by the Roklavia Incident, the Regnum Drakaes was brought to the brink of war with The Pirate State of Barbossa. During this time of tension, Barbossa called on its allies to support them in a future war. This put pressure on the Drakaes and eventually their power in the west collapsed as the states of Taernsbia and Kei declared their independence from the Regnum. Following this, Kei denounce Barbossa and their diplomatic ties were cut, while Taernsbia sided with Barbossa and joined as a vassal state.

On the 20th of July, the Regnum Drakaes and Barbossa signed the Treaty of Drunken Bargaining, and Barbossa gained control of the entire southern half of the former Regnum Drakaes. Just 10 days later the Regnum Drakaes, or as they were known temporarily the Drakaen Concordat, fell and shattered.

Founding of Aquatos
Following the collapse of the Drakaen Concordat and the signing of the Treaty of Drunken Bargaining, the Urakiend Isle was left the only independent nation in the Southwest and with its cut off from the lands once belonging to the Drakaes, fell into disarray and collapse.

On the 20th of July, a new group of sea people arrived on the Island and claimed the southern swamps and riverlands naming the new land Aquatos and the new city of Pokitaru was formed.

With its founding, the city would flourish and eventually overtake the former inhabitants, with Kei merging with Aquatos, leading the entire island to become what was then called the Aquatosi island, what would eventually be called the Island of Urakiend.

The December Schism; Formation of the Velenitian Republic
Two weeks before Christmas of 2021, toxicity began to build up within Aquatos as high ranking officials began breaking or outright disregarding laws and rules in order to gain more power. This would begin to divide Velenu from Aquatos as the city's leaders began to grow tired of Aquatos and it's issues. With it's physical seperation from the mainland they saw independence innevitable.

On the 20th of December, Kash Ven Rosthorn attempted to declare his independnece and negotiate terms with the leaders of Aquatos. Although Fropik supported his move, GOjayson did not, and rejected the idea. Kash would persuade both of them to meet him in private to negotiate with both of them together. However the two were surpised when Pipo of Alfuna and BalloonDwarf718, both Jarls of Skjoldrbrodir were in attendence, planning to act as a third party to the negotiations. However in the heat of the moment, both Fropik and Jayson saw the move as an insult to Aquatos and the negotiations at large, and so they stormed from the building and refused to speak further of negotiations.

In retaliation, Kash would begin bringing support to his side, discussing again with the Skjold leadership and officially gaining their support. He would approach Emmerman14 and Neurion58 of Taernsbia, gaining the support of the Mafia State of Taernsbia and by assocation, Goondium. On the morning of the 21st of December, Kash was kicked from his position in the nation. This sparked him to form The Mercantile Republic of Velenu and further discussions between Kash and Aquatos deteriorated. This would lead to Kash leaking highly sensitive information regarding plans to invade the northern kingdom of Falsoria to the Nation Committee of the League of Vircon in order to refute the claims that Aquatos was in the right to refute him from leaving. By the night of the 21st, two leaders of Aquatos, Fropik and ExtremeJedi had plans to declare war upon Kash and Velenu, speaking of it to members of Aquatos, however they were overheard by spies. Leading to Kash to starve Aquatos of allies and Jayson to lock himself away for the night to rest.

By the 22nd Velenu had officially declared it's independence, backed by it's allies, in an official announcement to the world stage, that it had declared its independence from Velenu. Afterwards, while both Fropik and Jedi slept, Kash approached GOJayson, showing him the odds stacked against Aquatos if a war were to come, and made two demands:


 * Remove Fropik and ExtremeJedi from power
 * Allow Kash to view Aquatosi documents and transcriptions in order to finish his investigation into Fropik for the League of Vircon and Falsoria.

Weighing the odds stacked against him and Aquatos, GOJayson accepted, and Kash began formalizing Velenu. However with the new agreement came a sudden end to the dream that GOJayson and the people of Aquatos had sought to upkeep.

December 22nd marked the dissolvement of Aquatos, and with it all territories became independent. Pokitaru becoming the Free City of Pokitaru for a brief moment, encompassing the nations core western territories, before Pokitaru would merge with The Mercantile Republic of Velenu. By the end of the day, three nations laid claim to former Aquatosi territory, that being Velenu, New Crystalis and Innsmouth.

Following its creation, the new Doge of Velenu, Kash Ven Rosthorn approached Gustavus Villhorn of Skjold to discuss the possibility of a merger, but the discussion would be shortlived.



Founding of Gardenia
Gardenia was founded on February 25th 2022 through an act of union between regions from the Skjoldish colonies and Velenu, experiencing external pressure the newly unified nation accepted to become a protectorate of the V.C.C.

The new nation had experienced the horrors of war in its past and not wishing to live through it again vowed that it would seek a policy of armed neutrality.

Government
Gardenia Is a Diarchy with a Diarch from the Velenitian half of the nation and a Diarch from the Skjoldish half. The nation has a constitution to help ensure the nations prosperity.

Diarchs
The Diarchs are the dual heads of state of Gardenia each being the ruler of a half of the nation. The current Diarchs are Kash Ven Rosthorn of House Rosthorn and Gustavus Villhorn of the Villhorn Family respectfully. The Diarchs are the formal Head of State and Government of Gardenia, acting in a position in the High Government. The Diarchs perform the day-to-day administrative work of Gardenia. Responsible primarily for diplomacy, military and overall function of the nation, alongside organizing its many governing bodies.

High Advisor
The High Advisor is the closest position to the Diarchs and their power. The High Advisor heads the Council and acts as the primary voice of the Garden and advisor to the Diarchs. The High Advisor is appointed by the Diarchs, chosen mainly as a senior of the Advisory Council. The Diarchs, acting as head diplomat, commanders-in-chief, and of course monarchs, have the power to directly manage domestic and foreign policy, land, abolish and establish the High Advisory, seats in the Advisory Council and Lower Garde, as well as establish new bodies of government. Following the resignation or death of a Diarch, they are replaced by a living member of House Rosthorn or House Villhorn, chosen down the line of succession and taking the oldest born of the line respectively.

The Advisory Council
Composed of a set number of members by the Diarchs, the Advisory Council of Gardenia sits in the High Government. The role of the Advisory Council is to assist and advise the Diarchs alongside the High Advisory on managing national interests. They draft laws and work on managing and upkeeping domestic and foreign policy. Members of the Advisory Council may also be given specific roles, such as Advisor of Finance, War, etc.

Current Members:

 * Nethhala
 * Clufiy
 * Voicemail
 * Joshua
 * Molix

The Lower Garde
The Lower Garde is the position appointed by the Diarchs to Mayors, Governors, Nobles and Protectorate/Vassal Liaisons, sitting beneath the High Government. The Lower Garde is responsible for handling issues on a local level, handling domestic issues, projects and resources. Lower Garde Members, as their role is mainly local, are responsible for the upkeep of their towns, regions and protectorates/vassals to a high standard. Lower Garde members hold the ability to enact local laws for their cities, as long as they do not infringe upon the laws of the Constitution or remove the rights of citizens.

Currency
The currency of Gardenia is the Mesmer, purple and pinkly coloured bank notes often depicting national symbols like the Axolotl, the Skjoldish White Whale, Cities like Velenu, Ruddersdam along with historical figures or the natural beauty of the nation.

The Mesmer is tied to the price of gold and the production, circulation and regulation of the currency is overseen by the Gardenia Revenue Service (G.R.S.) headquartered in the City of Ruddersdam.

Velenu
Velenu is the capital city of Gardenia that stretches from the southern coasts of the Urakiend Peninsula, encompassing what was once the traditional capital of the region, Pokitaru, to the island of Velenu. The cities history dates back to the days of Aquatos, when the first waves of Sea Peoples came to the region.

Ruddersdam
The City of Ruddersdam is a great resort town built upon the ruins of the ancient capital of Limuria after it was destroyed by the Lemurfolk in the wake of their defeat in the Skjold-Limurian wars. Originally settled by soldiers garrisoned in the region it grew as entertainment facilities popped up and from this a tourism industry was born. Since its founding Ruddersdam has been the nucleus for many technological advancements such as the whale oil and Autowagens produced by the Fjord Motor Company.

Astrantia
A city built of the old ruins of Fort Aspen a fort from the early days of Eldham abandoned and found to be reforged on the eastern border of Gardenia! They are always looking for new players to help rebuild and develop the city or to add commerce and other aspects to their growing Fortress City! They are also a major head quarters for the Gardenia Military for gear, training, and other things.

Ankhapolis (Camelonia)
On the eastern border of Gardenia in central Phoros, lies the dry deserts of Camelonia. This region is the ancient birthplace of Ankhalogy, and is now home to the mysterious Cult of the Camel. The cult and it's followers are shrouded in stigma and mystery, many thinking they are dark magicians and spiritual decievers. However ambiguous their goals may be, without the cult and it's leader, Nethhala Von Rosthorn, the beautiful city of Ankhapolis would have never been founded. The city is known for its vibrant culture and exquisite architecture, some of it's buildings pre-dating Eldham's discovery. Many cultists and Ankhalogists are drawn here year round, as part of pilgrimmage to the city's holy sites, such as the Shrine of Ankha. The city also features a open market on it's main street, with merchants sprawled everywhere at the foot of Ankha's likeness.

Demographics
Gardenia is a diverse nation not only in its climate but in its population. These ethnic groups are the Sea Peoples of the Island of Urakiend, comprised of many different ethnic groups that now mainly inhabit the north of the country in former Velenitian and Taernsbian territory and the Valdic People of the former Skjoldish colonists and their descendants, who mainly inhabit the southern and central parts of the country that formerly belonged to Skjoldrbrodir. Along with these main cultural groups there are also minority populations and communities of Vulpurs, acting as the largest collection of them outside of the Vulperium. Besides the vulpurs, there are also still small pockets of Lemurfolk that live in isolated parts of Gardenia, and the occasional nomadic tribe of Ainin frequent the southern regions.

Food Culture
Gardenia as a diverse and vast nation is also home to a diverse cuisine varied by region; for example the southern Valdic regions prefer beer and sausage filled meals while the Velenitian north favours wines and pasta dishes.

Skjoldish Meatballs
A staple of Gardenian Valdic cooking, the Skjoldish meatball goes back centuries, believed to originated in the times when Skjoldrbrodir was but a island city state. The Skjoldish meatball is a dish made from ground meat packed into a ball and served in a gravy or sauce over mashed potatoes, rice or Velenitian style pasta.

Puttanesca Pokitaru
Made from thin and long wheat noodles served covered in a rich meat and tomato sauce, Puttanesca Pokitaru is a cheap and delicious dish enjoyed all across northern Gardenia. Originally eaten by the poor it has gained popularity amongst everyone in society, reportedly even being a beloved meal of the Dogeressa herself.



Oysters Rosthorn
Oysters on the half-shell that have been topped with a rich sauce of butter, parsley and other green herbs, and bread crumbs, then baked or broiled. Lemon wedges are the typical garnish. This dish is commonly served to wealthy guests of the Grand Uldaresh, or at the Rosewood Mansion.

Customs
One of the most notable customs in Gardenia is the use of a garden area in almost every city being similar to a holy site to the Flouran People

National Costumes
Being a multicultural nation Gardenia's ethnic groups all have their own traditional clothing that while not worn daily still are worn on special occasions and for cultural heritage.

Valdic Blomsterknute
The Valdic Blomsterknute are clothes dating back to the era when Nýr Nostíkur fist split from old Nostíkur. Now mostly worn when attending ceremonies or on holidays such as Solverablót the Blomsterknute are white simple white clothes with elaborate flower patterns woven into it.

Velenitian Flusso Rosso
Known for mixing dark colours and bright ones, the Velenitian Flusso Rosso is a traditional garb which fell into fashion some time before the Civil War. Most men's wear is known for red sashes tied around the waist and for wither a wide brimmed hat with a plume of feathers or a more long drooping cap. While woman's wear is often distinguished by black dresses with red skirts and white accents embroidered with green or red flowers.

Taerni Hareket
Worn by the people of the deserts of Taernsbia this traditional outfit is characterized by long white dress like overcoats, puffy pants and a tall fur fez.

Velenitian Tarantella
The Velenitian Tarantella dates back to the arrival of Sea Peoples of the Island of Urakiend. According to legend upon landing on the island the setters encountered a strange spider with poisionious venom, One settler was bit and in order to stop the venom from spreading they danced. Since that day the Velenitian Tarantella has been danced by the people of Velenu to celebrate anything from weddings, to birthdays.

Solverastång Danse
Done as part of the Nýr Nostíkur holiday of Solverablót the Solverastång Danse is one of religious passion and thanks giving. Dancers will erect a Solverastång (A wooden pole in the shape of a t with two rings hanging from the arms and covered in flowers of greenery) young men and women dressed in white will don flower crowns and dance around the Solverastång in rings to symbolize the rays of the sun shining down on them. As they dance they weave colourful ribbons around the Solverastång until they no longer can. Upon the pole being fully wrapped the dancers will begin another dance, as they dance the music will speed up and they will tire. This dance goes on until one person is left standing, having not collapsed from exhaustion or left from boredom.

Ruddersdam Polka
Ruddersdam has long since been the epicenter for Valdic half of Gardenia and in this great resort city the dance began. Originating as a dance done by commoners and sailors docking in the city it quickly spread. The entertainment districts of the city began to take note and before long the Ruddersdam Polka was being performed in every cabaret and dance hall in the region. This dramatization of the dance and the enjoyment of it by tourists led to further Spread within the Valdic part of Gardenia even reaching the high society and nobility.

Vulperian Fox Trot
Once a staple of the balls and galas hosted by the aristocracy of the Vulperium the elegant dance spread to Gardenia through Vulpur tourism and immigration, becoming a symbol not only of the homeland they departed but of life in a new land.

Laingris
The Laingris is an energetic and passionate social dance of the nomadic Ainin who frequent southern Gardenia, focused on intense footwork as well as closeness with one's partner and performed as a casual display of affection. This dance is ordinarily performed in the open air, celebrating the freedom of the Ainin -- being shunned when used in the context of a military victory or the death of an enemy. The Ainin often teach the Laingris to their partners of foreign cultures, leading it to be spread outside of the species' culture. It is commonly accompanied by upbeat music played on fiddles, flutes and harps.

Camelonian Belly Dancing
With origins in the religion of Ankhalogy, Camelonian Belly dancing was traditionally done as a way to express religious zeal and piety. With rapid movement of the hips and lower body it has became a dance done for entertainment, especially outside of Camelonia in cities such as Ruddersdam where it is often performed.