Crowned-Republic of Loyalist Uldarash

The Crowned-Republic of Loyalist Uldarash (also commonly referred to simply as the Crowned-Republic, Loyalist Uldarash, or by its old name and the current name of its capital Refuge) is a constitutional monarchy in the Serrona region of Eldham. Alongside Medtremar and Vanshire, it holds the status of autonomous state within the United Socialist States of Eldham (also known as the U.S.S.E.) where the people of the Crowned-Republic enjoy representation within the National Assembly. Furthermore it claims to be the true successor state of the Empire of Loyalist Uldarash, led by Empress Caterina, following the outcome of the Uldarash Civil War.

Geography
The Crowned-Republic of Loyalist Uldarash lies central in the United Soccialist States of Eldham, which makes up a considerable portion of Serrona. On the northern, eastern and western sides the state is surrounded by the Haxhoit Sea. In the south, the peninsula connects to Manzland, a dutchy in Vulperium. Despite its relatively small size, the peninsula which Loyalist Uldarash calls home is marked by hilly fields, many lush forests, and a wild savannah. The most remarkable geographic feature, however, is the rocky mountain of New Haven with its marvelous amethyst gardens. New Haven also houses the capital of Loyalist Uldarash, Refuge.

While there exist several smaller settlements throughout Loyalist Uldarash, most citizens reside within the capital city. On the surface still stand ruins of a long lost civilization, but once one ventures into the underground city, one will find a beautiful sight to behold. An imposing deepslate-entrance hall leads to a small commercial district and the residential area, known as the Cliffs. Interconnected by hanging bridges over the fairy tale-like underground gardens with ever-blooming amethyst trees, inhabitants of Refuge are proud to walk the streets of their home. Some people even prefer to live further down, amongst the amethyst formations, where they embrace the nickname of “moles”.

History
The Uldarash Civil War was a conflict that mostly affected the world of Rathnir. However, as the war continued and eventually came to a modus vivendi, sever members of the Loyalist Faction fled and migrated in Eldham. Those people would come to make up a large portion of the Crowned-Republic citizenry, however it should be noted that many non-native Uldarashi have since become part of Loyalist Uldarash.

Migration and Settlement
Having arrived in Eldham, the Uldarashi migrants requested refuge in the United Socialist States of Eldham, which they were granted. In early January of 2022 the government of the U.S.S.E. provided for them a place to call their new home in what was then known as Paldrion, ruins atop a rocky mountain on the peninsula central in the Haxhoit Sea. The abandoned site was fittingly renamed Refuge and the mountain would soon become known to its new inhabitants as New Haven, an ode to their land of origin.

A Distinct Identity
Over time, Loyalist Uldarash further settled as a state within the U.S.S.E. and Eldham as a whole. Steadily growing in population, however, the Crowned-Republic soon became one of the most inhabited regions within the U.S.S.E., even gaining a second member in the National Assembly, and it began to look at building upon their distinct identity even more. This resulted, among other things, in a name change from the Crowned-Republic of Refuge to the Crowned-Republic of Loyalist Uldarash, which was voted upon in a national referendum in early May. Refuge remained to be the name of the capital, but since then intensions have become clear to stand out on the international stage by other means, such as a potential flag change, although it should be noted those are very recent developments.

Politics
Loyalist Uldarash often defines itself as a “constitutional monarchy with heavily democratic leanings”. What this means in practice, is a council of ministers, elected monthly, to discuss law proposals, manage the workings of the state, and aid the monarch in their decision making. The first and current monarch of Loyalist Uldarash is its founder, Underscore. As the one to have led his people to this place and having presented himself as a natural and just leader, he still holds the majority of power, and both political and popular influence within the Crowned-Republic. Furthermore, while a basic Constitution and some laws do exist, it should be noted that the democratic institutions are still in their formative phase.

On the international stage the Crowned-Republic of Loyalist Uldarash is still a relative newcomer, with nowhere near as much influence or as big of a name as its predecessor in Rathnir. Nevertheless, it is able to represent itself in the United Socialist States of Eldham through the National Assembly, where Loyalist Uldarashi are often at the source of critical discussion. At the reporting date those representatives are two in number, one of which is the monarch and the other is elected every three weeks, as is defined by U.S.S.E. law.

Culture
If there is one thing which defines Loyalist Uldarash aesthetically-wise, it is the abundant presence of amethyst. From gardens of crystal spikes piercing the sky to underground tress which appear to bloom indefinitely, the material is found all over the cultural heart that Refuge is. For that reason it should come as no surprise that inhabitants of the city and state as a whole revere the wondrous gems, because while they might come of different backgrounds, they find themselves united in their pride over the amethyst beauty Loyalist Uldarash has to offer. It is said some people are even convinced the entirety of New Haven might in actuality be one giant geode, and that the amethyst protrusions from the rocks are just the tip of the iceberg, although this is a belief not many will openly admit to, and should thus be further looked into.