Prubensia

The Konsierdom of Prübensia (Prübensian Samoran: Konsirechi dov Prübeniza / Kivèis Samoran: Konsirechi dov Prubenisa) (Axadi/Losa Lo'Oi Prubenoto), commonly referred to as Prübensia or Prubensia, is an Internal-Province within the Grand Duchy of Samora. It used to be a socialist republic called the People's Choir of Prubensia (Without ü) and was an autonomous state under the United Socialist States of Eldham. The capital city is considered Frostwall as that is where the current Lord, locally referred to as Konsier, is seated. It sits between Durnhol, North Volonté and Acheron-Solaris, Iverstiya.

General System
As with most Samoran provinces- the Konsierdom of Prübensia follows the model as described by the National Samoran Government. The highest position in the province in the Konsier (Currently Schimmel dov Vikuija-Trilius) is selected by the Grand Duke of Samora (Currently Trile dov Ironhide-Trilius), the second highest position of the province is the popularly-elected Chancellor (Currently Schimmel dov Vikuija-Trilius due to an activity clause of the Prübensian Constitution) who serves as both the Prime Minister equivalent in relation to the Samoran National Prime Minister, and representative of the province in the Samoran Provincial Diet. Each city within the province (Frostwall, Pruben, and Spricton) elect their own mayors who have the responsibility of managing their respective cities and representing their respective cities provincially in the Prübensian Council which acts as a Diet-equivalent in relation to the Samoran National Diets. The Konsier is permitted to appoint Mayors to cities that have a population of less than 3 individuals and cannot be removed unless done so by the Samoran Grand Duke.

Jurisdictions
Prübensia has 4 separate jurisdictions defined in it's constitution. (See map in the infobox for boundaries)

Frostwall [City- Provincial Capital]
Legal capital city of Frostwall, holding all government functions. It is by far the largest city in Prübensia. It is primarily Tundran and Mountainous. The early residents of the city inhabited the caves inside of the nearby Mt. Frost and told stories of a mystical creature called Aisnebèl (see below). The city was settled in the Summer of 103 TE (Nov-13-2021) and has remained the same name since then, although it's demographic makeup has dramatically shifted over the years.

Pruben [City]
Pruben is the historical capital of Prübensia and the city wherein the province takes its name. There have been calls to change the city name from "Pruben" to "Prüben" due to etymological changes in Prübensia's name following the annexation of the province into the Grand Duchy of Samora. Although- this has yet to materialize and many figures provincially, including the Konsier, do not wish to make such an unnecessary change to the Prübensian Constitution. It is unknown when Pruben was settled, but scholars have identified it being older than Frostwall, and such it is likely to have been originally settled before 100 TE (Oct-30-2021).

Spricton [City]
Spricton was settled during the Samora days, and while there is no exact date ever recorded due to failure of the early Vikuijan-ruled government to reign effectively, it is known that Spricton is a name much older than the Samoran annexation as the territory was considered an unincorporated district before being given to Frostwall and eventually given it's own jurisdictional status. Spricton is a port city and sits on the border with North-Volontéan Durnhol divided by the Frost River and Icestone Peak (Aka. Mt. Prüben).

Prübensia Pine Provincial Park (P.P.P.P.) [Provincially-Owned Land]
The Prübensia Pine Provincial Park is a provincially controlled park considered under the direct jurisdiction of the Konsier. Whilst the park is under the control of the Konsier, the Samoran Ministry of Civility also has jurisdiction in the area due to the joint purpose of preservation between the Prübensian Provincial Government and the Civility Ministry. The park preserves the endangered Pinus Prübensiana trees that are native to Prübensia and parts of North Volonté and Iverstiya.

Older History
Prübensia's older history is mostly lost to time- but the circumstances of that history are definitely in effect today. Prübensia declared it's independence from the Atlas Corporation, which is an ancient corporation on Eldham that seemed to own the land of Prübensia directly. Kaiserin Katerina von Schulz and Kaiser Bismark von Schulz declared the government of the Atlas Corponation defunct and proclaimed the "Kaiserreich of Prubensia" (Without the umlaut ü, as this addition was added in Samoran Times.) as its successor, taking all the land that we would now know as Prubensia in the Fall of 93 TE (Oct-5-2021). During this addition, there is record of the country joining the Kalidinian Commonwealth where it first gained contact with Samora and other Kaladinian, Atreocerian (Santonian), and Lo'Oix rooted civilizations. It is unknown when Prubensia formally joined the Kaladinian Commonwealth as most records are lost to time, but by the Summer of 102 TE (Nov-9-2021) Prubensia formally declared independence again. Shortly after this, a later prominent official of the USSE born in Prubensia, one Chelovek Sereba, with the help of another revolutionary, Nester Kozak, overthrew the Kaiserreich just one year (4 days) after the nation left the Kaladinian Commonwealth in Summer of 103 TE (Nov-13-2021) forming the "United Egalitarian Communes of Prubensia" and then joining the United Socialist States of Eldham in exactly one other year in the Summer of 104 TE (Nov-17-2021). Prubensia stayed in the USSE until the Spring of 144 TE (Apr-25-2022) when under one CrashSyndicate, Prubensia became the "People's Choir of Prubensia", which later in summer of the same year (Apr-26-2022) became a Protectorate of the Vulperium. Prubensia reformed into the Socialist Alyemhinica of Prubensia and joined the Grand Duchy of Samora in the Summer of 146 TE (May-4-2022). During it's time in Samora, Prubensia reformed out of the socialist government of old and back into a monarchy with CrashSyndicate being crowned the Konsier of Prubensia. Though CrashSyndicate grew tired of the nation and left most of his responsibilities of governing to Schimmel dov Vikuija-Trilius, a young bureaucrat and oligarch from the capital who recently became the mayor of Frostwall, this turned out to be a large mistake on CrashSyndicate's Part. In Fall of 204 TE (Nov-23-2022), right after the centennial of Prubensia's indpendence from the USSE, with CrashSyndicate nowhere in sight; Schimmel seized the throne of Prubensia, declaring himself the Konsier and voiding the previous Treaty of Frostwall which kept the province autonomous. From this day on- the "Konsierdom of Prübensia" under the House of Vikuija was the ruling government of Prübensia (Now with the umlaut ü). Schimmel, was however wrong to guess that CrashSyndicate would give up his position lightly.

Great Sylene River Heat Wave
The Great Sylene River Heat Wave occurred on January 3rd, 2023 (Summer 207 TE). The largest heat wave in recorded history in the region. Which soared parts of Prübensia to an excess of 30°C (86°F). Notably; the Prübensian Tundra had a single region (Point A), which borders the Sylene River, exceed freezing temperatures to 10°C (50°F). The remainder of the Tundra only stayed below freezing due to a strong cold wind from neighboring Durnhol-Sarkaaz, Kryvonea (Now in North Volonté). To this date; the majority of the Prübensian Tundra has remained below freezing indefinitely. Courtesy of the Prübensian Meteorological Service (PMS: Frostwall, Prübensia, Samora)

The Pruben Crisis
CrashSyndicate (At the time, Mayor of Pruben), perhaps out of madness or revenge for the throne that he had been taken off of began to scam selling the province of Prübensia to multiple buyers who than became approaching the Samoran Government to have the claims inside of the province transferred to them. This occurred multiple times to the point that the Samoran and Prübensian governments on Summer of 219 TE (Feb-20-2023) posted a notice that the Province of Prübensia was not for sale and ordered CrashSyndicate to relinquish his mayorship of Pruben (the historical capital). CrashSyndicate then, with the support of the City Commission of Pruben mentioned that he still held the Historical Capital of Prübensia and that the Treaty of Frostwall, which was illegally voided, permitted him to sell the land and do what he pleased with it. He also denied allegations of land scamming in the process. The Samoran and Prübensian Governments where not impressed by these efforts and re-iterated their order for CrashSyndicate to relinquish himself as Mayor of Pruben and to pay back all monetary gains he received from scams. CrashSyndicate then declared himself the legitimate government of Prubensia (without the Vikuijan ü umlaut) and immediately was declared war upon by the Grand Duchy of Samora as a rebellion. The Samoran Government still controlled Frostwall, Spricton, and the Pine Reserve- as the Pruben Revolt controlled the City of Pruben. The Samoran Government recieved the support of many nations from across the world both officially and unofficially- Barbossa, Atlechia, Helsia, Mushroomicania, the Federation of the Southern Stars, Veskalide, Durkarsurïská, Demonica, Valreach, Soolia, Aurea, and Trelanganack Kowklopen of the Morladronian Partisans (offered and declined due to their geopolitical situation with Sylvania). These nations rallied that they will occupy Pruben and restore order to Prübensia. Even a song, 55 Days in Pruben, was released regarding this international sentiment. In the end, CrashSyndicate capitulated and took a sum of an undisclosed amount of money from the Prübensian, Samoran, and Karinoan (Under GermanGinger) Governments to follow through with the order. A few years later, CrashSyndicate was found dead in a city of Sparwood in Rathnir (Aka he left Stoneworks). At the end of the crisis, order was restored and Prübensia was undisputedly ruled by the Vikuija Family and Samora.

Folklore and Culture
All sections here are provided by the Manitel University- Campus at Frostwall. The Frostwall Campus, in specific, is considered to be widely competitive and it is likely that some sections of this are biased towards specific perspectives or viewpoints.

Aisnebèl
Author: Professor Ketcer - PHD in Cultural Interaction & Sociology.

Name
Aisnebèl (Pronounced: aɪznebɛl) is a name rooting from the old-Prübensian language, linguists have stated that the name is likely rooted in the old word Eiz, meaning frost, snow, or ice, and Neb, meaning mist, or fog. It is unknown when Aisnebèl gained it's suffix of "èl", but it is assumed generally by scholars to have occurred during the Lo'Oi speaking days of Prübensia. By the time of the Samoran annexation of the land, the use of the old Prübensian Language was extinct, with the Lo'Oi dialect being most prevalent. Provincial Policy in the past regrettably discouraged the speaking of Lo'Oi and eventually it gave way to the modern dialect of Samoran that Prübensia speaks today. It is important to note that the first records of this name come from transcriptions inside of Frostwall.

Description
Aisnebèl's description varies over accounts depending on geographical variation, but a few key descriptors remain among all stories: Aisnebèl is a deer-like entity in appearance with fur that is said to glisten like light snowfall, it is said that Aisnebèl is accompanied constantly by a mist or fog associated with snow-storms that occasionally occur in Prübensia. These two factors allow Aisnebèl to seamlessly blend into the landscape, making it elusive to capture and/or find. Aisnebèl is traditionally represented as in possession of icy blue eyes which are said to be a sign of wisdom and an eerie all-knowingness of the winter. Aisnebèl's "antlers" are crystalline structures that are supposedly made from ice and are adorned with intricate symbols and patterns. The ice antlers are said to mirror and reflect light not too differently from that of a crystal and additionally are said to mysteriously produce mist. Aisnebèl is said to be lighter than a feather, despite it being larger than any person.

Behaviors
It is said that the eyes of Aisnebèl, once looked into can not be looked away from out of sheer magnificence and will give the viewer a very warm and comfortable feeling regardless of weather or environmental conditions. Looking into the eyes of Aisnebèl is also said to confuse and disorient the viewer and causing them to become temporarily irrational. Aisnebèl is a trickster of sort, it's light stature allows it to move around the frozen snowfields of the tundra without leaving any footsteps- it is said that were Aisnebèl goes that bad weather, especially cold weather, will follow. Aisnebèl's movements are described as gentle, delicate, and deliberate as it trots through the cold landscape. Aisnebèl is said to entice individuals (preferring the foolish, young, and old) into the Tundra to be engulfed by the harsh and cold conditions. Some myths regarding Aisnebèl state that it consumes children that wander too far from their homes, others say that it speaks to the elderly in a voice that only the intended target can hear and convincing them that dead relatives are wandering in the Tundra and are in need of assistance, others just state that Aisnebèl is a protector of the natural environment and will only harm those who wish to destroy it. Aisnebèl's behaviors are usually described as deliberately planned events on a specific demographic, though the specific demographic is never explicitly, unilaterally, or exclusively mentioned.

Scholarly Theories on Aisnebèl
Some scholars hypothesize on the origin of the Aisnebèl myth. Most scholars have pinpointed the myth to have originated in Frostwall and assume that it was told as a story to children during the Eisnebelnacht (or as it is modernly referred to as Aisnebèlnac'). Regardless of the true theory, it is widely accepted that Aisnebèl is a representation of winter, the cold, and the climate of Prübensia itself.

The Hypothermiatic Theory
The relationship between Aisnebèl's alleged gaze and the rapid onset of hypothermia and a condition known as "paradoxical undressing", or when a victim suffering from hypothermia feels warm and comfortable, is considered by some to be the originate cause of Aisnebèl in Prübensian Mythology. Perhaps, some proponents of the theory claim, that Aisnebèl is a representation of hypothermia and dying to the cold that is told to children to scare them away from running into the vast tundras of Prübensia. Hypothermiatic supporters claim that Aisnebèl was a representation of hypothermia and a good way to educate children on the dangers of the cold. Professor Hein a pro-Hypothermiatic from the University of Manitell; Frostwall claimed the following in an treatise:"'It is clear that Aisnebèl represents not only the cold, but also a clear representation of the psychological horror that it is to suffer hypothermia, when I first trekked into the mountains, I nearly died of hypothermia from that thing, and it was very difficult for me to attempt to convince myself that I wasn't warm.' - Professor Hein; PHD in Theology & C.A. Doctrine."It is to be noted that this scholar is the only scholar at the University of Manitel that believes in the Aisnebèl's existence physically.

The Spelunkering Theory
Frostwall, the location where the Aisnebèl myth is first though to be originated, used to be a settlement of caves and the entire population lived in the side of Mount Frost, the southern most Mountain in the Durnholian Mountain Range. These people were hesitant to ever trek out into the cold and usually stayed in their cave-homes. Professor Ketcer, who is pro-Spelunkering, from the University of Manitell; Frostwall put it thus in a responding treatise to Professor Hein:"'The Aisnebèl myth is instead a cultural phenomenon produced by societal-pressure to stay with the group. Prübensia, especially before annexation, was and is not an easy place to survive in ... societies that wish to endure climates such as this are traditionally very cautious ones, and stating on how it is said to lure people out of the caves it is an extraordinarily rational conclusion that Aisnebèl is a method of containment and protection of the group.' - Professor Ketcer; PHD in Cultural Interaction & Sociology."

Modern Perceptions of Aisnebèl
Aisnebèl is a popular figure in Prübensian folklore to this day, the general stories of Aisnebèl have not changed and the holiday of Aisnebèlnac' has evolved into a more modern state. Aisnebèl is mentioned culturally across Prübensia and even into Durnhol of North-Volonté, which has a large Prübensian ethnic makeup. Aisnebèl is no longer considered to be a real entity by most, except for you, Professor Hein, and is considered just to be cultural reference of the region. Aisnebèl is now considered a symbol of the province and it's perception is featured in the province's Coat of Arms (Pictured in infobox above).

Aisnebèlnac'
Aisnebèlnac' (Pronounced: aɪznebɛlnatʃ) (previously known as Eisnebelnacht) is a holiday based around the Aisnebèl creature from Prübensian folklore. Traditions of Aisnebèlnac' vary depending on geographical location, and the holiday is most present in the cold regions of Prübensian Ethnic domination, primarily Frostwall and Durnhol.

Aisnebèlnac' in Frostwall
Frostwall has celebrated Aisnebèlnac' for the longest period, Frostwall’s celebrations are typically correlated with activities that originate in appeasing Aisnebèl, these festivities include families making and gathering around large bonfires/campfires, the making of “Frostshroud” lanterns that are blue lanterns said to ward off Aisnebèl, small-scale gifting wherein individuals give little figurines, toys, or other trinkets made entirely out of carved ice, engaging in dancing to mimic the supposed deliberate trot of Aisnebèl called an “Aisnebèlsiwe”. These activities are said to please Aisnebèl and prevent the creature from causing a harsh winter. Today- Aisnebèlnac' is still celebrated in the traditional way that it was many years ago, however, the onset of ice-carving competitions and bar-fighting has grown in popularity. During Aisnebèlnac', Frostwall is intricately decorated in light blue and white decorations to mimic the colors of Aisnebèl. The Aisnebèlnac' Festival in Frostwall takes place in the main city square where all tents are taken down, a massive bonfire is made and the citizens dance around it wearing Aisnebèl-themed headwear sporting antlers.

Aisnebèlnac' in Durnhol
Durnhol traditionally celebrates Aisnebèlnac' a few weeks later in the year than Frostwall does, due to the winter being slightly more mild. Durnholian Aisnebèlnac' celebrations typically involve the same decorations and practices, however, bar-fighting is banned during the celebrations and North Volontéan Federal and Kirvogradian State authorities have cracked down on the sport due to public safety concerns (a surprising separation from Samoran Prübensia where bar-fighting is the national sport). Durnholi Aisnebèlnac' has a festival, similar to that of what happens in Frostwall, but instead, statues of Aisnebèl made from wood will be constructed and then set ablaze to ward off the spirit.

Aisnebèlnac' in Pruben
Pruben surprisingly doesn’t have an affiliation with Aisnebèl at all, and thus has no set traditions towards the celebration of Aisnebèlnac'. Typically, the Pruben residents will have similar traditions to the Frostwall residents at home but will then travel to Frostwall to experience the festival and competitions. This surprising lack of historical care for Aisnebèl prompts scholars to believe that the myth originated outside of Pruben and actually rather in Frostwall.

Aisnebèlnac' in Spricton
Spricton has an interesting relationship with Aisnebèl, it is considered a cross-roads between Frostwall and Durnhol on the immigration chain, and because of that it is no surprise that Spricton has a few traditions that are similar to both the north (Durnhol) and to the south (Frostwall). Spricton is traditionally decorated in light blue and white and has Aisnebèlnac' on the same day as Frostwall. Bonfires are lit and the city degenerates into massive public drunkenness and bar-fighting across the entire city. Upset Durnholi residents sometimes trek down to Spricton in order to participate in this drunken debauchery to the dismay of the North Volontéan government has tried, and failed due to the L.C.S. Charter, to prevent Durnholi citizens from traveling to Spricton or Frostwall during their Aisnebèlnac' a few weeks earlier.