Vologda

Vologda is a state that was formerly a part of the Confederation of Ryzan, and later the Commonwealth of Ryzani Crowns. It is currently part of the Westreach Confederation.

Overview
Vologda is governed by the Holy Order of the Vologdan Knights in conjunction with the Holy Order of the Vologdan Missionaries. The Holy Order of the Vologdan Knights is the primary power in this partnership, with the Holy Order of the Vologdan Missionaries being relegated to a mostly ceremonial, supporting role.

Even though the Holy Orders govern the state, the state of Vologda and the Holy Orders are considered to act independently of each other. The Holy Orders govern the state of Vologda as a nation, but govern themselves as an organization.

Vologda encompasses a small, mountainous region found in the southeast of mainland Ryzan. Vologda has a low population.

Cultural values are heavily tied into the religion of the Vologdan people, which was brought by the Holy Orders during their conquest of the area. Vologdans are mistrustful of foreigners, especially against foreign non-humans.

Internal
Ryzan/Tossagrad: Vologda holds respect for Tossagrad in its ability to unite the various states within Ryzan together. After the secessions of Bjorynskull and Nova Balreska, the possible secession of Volkore, and the abandoning of Erebor by the dwarves, Vologda held and still holds disappointment towards Tossagrad for failing to prevent the crisis.

Remtal: Vologda holds Remtal as its own trading partner, with Vologdans often donating supplies to the county. Vologda has great respect for Remtal, viewing them in a positive light.

Nova Balreska: Vologda treats Nova Balreska indifferently, though holds a modicum of respect for its actions in preserving Ryzan under the Commonwealth.

Volkore: Vologda treats Volkore indifferently, though holds some disdain for some of the uncouth actions of their latest leader.

Nebskoslavia: Vologda treats Nebskoslavia indifferently.

External
Vologda has no diplomatic relations with states outside of Ryzan, though it does hold disdain for most of the nations that it has encountered.

History
Some hundreds of years ago the original Vologdans migrated southwards alongside the Ryzani. Being repulsed by other peoples in the area of what is now Remtal, the Vologdans travelled southwards. They largely settled on in the Cay of Shifting Sands to the west of what is now Tossagrad, soon after abandoning their settlement and migrating east to a wooded area, where they would stay for some time. After a time, the Vologdans were forced eastwards. Crossing swamplands, they eventually settled inside of a mountainous area.

The Vologdans practiced isolationism for some time before contact resumed with the Ryzani to the west. A brief period of integration among the two peoples was undertaken before the Holy Order of the Vologdan Knights arrived in the region. Sensing the presence of Chaos among the Vologdan people, the Holy Order of the Vologdan Knights preceded to eradicate all sources of it in the area, including the people. With the population of the Vologdans decimated, the Holy Order of the Vologdan Knights decided to claim the mountains and people as their own, establishing their first outpost within Rathnir.

Rejecting incursions from outside forces, the Holy Order of the Vologdan Knights began integrating the remnants of the Vologdan people into their faith, eliminating the old traditions of the Vologdans and replacing their cultural values. Isolationism was reinstated.

300 years after the reinstating of isolationism the Vologdans found themselves confronted by the new large and rising state of Ryzan to their west. Sensing this as a danger to themselves, the Holy Order of the Vologdan Knights briefly lifted the policy of isolationism, and the Vologdans began preparations for a struggle against Ryzan. However, the Ryzani approached the Vologdans diplomatically, and after speaking with the High Templar of the Holy Order of the Vologdan Knights, Vologda became a state under Ryzan.

Vologda became one of the staunchest supporters of a unified Ryzan, though initially it was not given any ability to act on such sentiments. During the original Ryzani Crises, Vologda could do nothing but watch as Ryzan fell apart. However, approached by Remtal and Nova Balreska, Vologda formed part of the original Council of Ryzan, which sought to create and introduce reforms to the state in order to prevent a second collapse. Eventually inviting Volkore, Bjorynskull, Nebskoslavia, and Tossagrad, the Council of Ryzan proclaimed the Commonwealth of Ryzani Crowns.

Vologda continued its ordinary business, but grew wary of Volkore as their leadership began flaunting the nation's wealth and power. Concerned with a potentially hostile takeover in the form of Volkore's assumption of mastership over the Commonwealth, Vologda joined talks with other Commonwealth states concerned with the same matter. Upon the death of Thinker and the assumption of Athos to the throne of Volkore, Vologda grew even more alarmed with Volkore as Volkore grew even more hostile to other internal states. After the annexation and deportation of the Nebskoslavs by Volkore, Vologda put its efforts completely into figuring out a way to resist Volkore's supremacy. After discussion with other Commonwealth states, Vologda seceded from the Commonwealth of Ryzani Crowns and joined the Freeholds of Westreach.

After the creation of the Freeholds, Vologda began large preparations for coming war in the face of accelerating tension, which came to a head as Volkore joined Bardonia, and Bardonia proclaimed its coming war against the Freeholds. Vologda was the primary face of resistance during the diplomatic talks with Bardonia prior to their declaration.

Upon the fall of the Bardonian government and the cessation of their conquest, Tossagrad returned to reinstate Ryzan, which Vologda followed after the rest of the Freeholds rejoined. However, Vologda's military preparations have not ceased, and they are still being continued.

Ingame History
It declared independence of the Commonwealth of Ryzani Crowns on January 11, 2021.