Kartek

General Overview
The Kartek Diarchy was a continuation state of both the Holy Tzardom of Greater Arxella and the large nomadic nation of the Gertek Horde. The nation was situated on the northern coast of the eastern continent of Sparwood, with the nation holding two capitals, Vosokogrod (the Western Arxellan Capital) and Gortovar (the Eastern Gertek Capital), with each respective centers being led by the respective rulers of the diarchy. The Kartek Diarchy was at the time of its dissolution bordered by three states: to the northwest, Escharia, to the west, Vraelea, and to the south, the Frosterium,

The Kartek Diarchy went by a multitude of names, including the Kartek Horde and the Kartek Khanaganate.

The nation was styled with a mix of both Western Europe medieval themes and themes of various cultures of the Eurasian Steppe. This mix of theming also included its Government, with the Leader of Arxella holding the title of Tzar, while the leader of the Gertek Horde held the title of Khan. The nation's name, Kartek, comes from a combination of the names of the predecessor states, Arxella and Gertek. The official language of the nation was Travelers Tongue, the most widely spoken language in Rathnir.

The Kartek Diarchy was a protectorate of the Soleàn Irastre de et Escharii, and was since its formation. The nation was on tense terms with the majority of its neighbors, in what it considered to be a cold war with the Frosterium.

After the Diarchy was dissolved, much of the nation was annexed by the Frosterium. This collapse maked the beginning of a long period of instability in the region. Eventually, the efforts of terrorist organization called the Kartek Loyalist Army led to the formation of the Kartek Federation, which held most of the territory the Diarchy did. However, the Federation was short lived, collapsing when a coalition of enemies from the inside and outside carved its territory up.

After this second major collapse, what was left of the nation was reformed into the Kartek Caliphate. Eventually, the Reformed Tzardom of Arxella and the Kingdom of Rohel decided to rejoin the Caliphate. However, due to the militarism of the Caliphate, they both quickly left the new Kartek successor state.

By this time, Kartek had been reduced to the provence of Buktenfjall. However, the nation became a vassel of the Empire of Aldovir, reannexed Arxella, and restored much of its international prestige.

Formation of the Kartek Diarchy
[Date: August 4th, 2021]

The Arxellans and the Gertek nomads were on the 'brink of war', due to the Arxellans discovering the Gertek camp Gortovar, however luckily both sides decided that it would be both sides mutual interests, to avoid a destructive war. Which could destroy both 'nations'. with them deciding to form anocratic, nation called the Kartek Diarchy where the Gerek Khan and the Tzar of Arxella hold equal power, and where there is a High Council to break political deadlock. This High Council would later consist of five people, the Minister of War appointed by the Tzar of Arxella, the Minister of Religion appointed by the Gertek Khan, and three elected officials from the general public.

Kartek Secession Crisis
[Duration: August 9th, 2021 - August 15th, 2021]

Due to sharing poor relations with much of Northern Sparwood, including Frosmyre and the Union of Burgamerian Socialist Republics, Arxella, the main precursor state to Kartek, was forced to find foreign support during a previous diplomatic crisis prior to the existence of the Gertek Horde. Niedea (later Escharia) become their overlord to protect them from their destruction, with Arxella gaining autonomy over a while, and later becoming a protectorate. After the Kartek Crisis, where Matthew Edishield, told Escharia about Kartek's independence plot to save Arxella's culture, Kartek accepted a deal offered by Iksare Valerian Iuris Aesperii where Kartek would gain significant autonomy.

The Kartek Intervention in the Simulami Civil War
[Date: September 4th, 2021]

Prior to the Battle of Silva, Ferro Smark would lead a Kartek volunteer forces to assist in the defense of the City of Silva to aid Cadexii whom had maintained great long-term relations with the Kartek Diarchy. However once the Volunteer force had arrived to Silva, they were shocked to arrive to a empty city, absence of defenders and residents. It had became clear after further investigation that Cadexii and his supporters had fled the city with all they could carry, knowing the outcome of the upcoming conflict. Not wanting to risk the lives of his forces to defend a city whose residents had seemingly given up to their Invaders, Ferro Smark, issued the order of evacuation of their volunteer forces from the city, shortly after their withdrawal and departure they would officially recognize ZenoHUH as the Sole Monarch of the Simulami Empire.

The Kartek Incursions into Vraelea
[Duration: September 9th, 2021 - September 12th, 2021]

Following the exile of Choochie (a.k.a. Cube) from his home Nation of Vraelea on [31-08-2021] for choosing to become a Citizen of the Kartek Diarchy. He would go into exile to the Kartek Diarchy, where he was welcomed in with open arms. However the Kartek Diarchy perceived the act of exiling their new-made friend based on the reasoning of Choochie as a injustice and another one of their many "nefarious crimes" in the Vraelean Leadership. This and several coinciding events that lead to the Diarchy on September 9th to send an ultimatum to the Lotus State of Vraelea to either make Choochie the Leader of Vraelea or they will force the hand of the Diarchy in enforcing Choochie bid to claim Vraelea "to ensure the guaranteed prosperity of the Lotus State".

Vraelea response as expected was considered unsatisfactory to the Diarchy, Which led to them to form up a small expeditionary force comprising of around 9 soldiers with Tzar Ferro at the helm on September 9th 2021, heading into the State to directly once again offer the ultimatum, the Expeditionary Force was not met with resistance as they marched into the City of Vraelea, with only two of the residents upon seeing the Forces approach opted to fall back and hold up in Lotus Castle. In effect allowing for the expeditionary force to surround and lay siege at the Heart of the Vraelean Capital.

The two opposing sides would exchange blows, and kills with one another, with the expeditionary force managing to briefly breach into castle before pulling back, The expeditionary force then regrouped at the castle entrance, however unbeknownst to them, The Vraelean has set a premade trap at the entrance, As a 'fail safe ' which they activated when a large majority of the force was congregated at the entrance, which sent 5 of out of 9 tumbling down to a pit of wither roses, with 3 managing to escape from the trap, with only two causalities in the pit, the remaining 4 who did not fall into the Trap would fall back into Kartek territory, thereby ending the first brief Kartek incursion into Vraelean lands.

Following the events of the first Incursion into Vraelea it would later be revealed that Choochie had been a traitor to the Kartek Diarchy and had been exiled by Vraelea as a rouse to plant a informant inside Kartek to rally up the people to invade Vraelea as the aggressor in the conflict on September 12, 2021,

With the uncovering of this revelation, Choochie would be banished from the Kartek Diarchy in a 'somewhat ironic turn of events', with him retreating to the safety of Vraelea, with the Tsar, and his forces rallying at Vosokogrod for a second incursion in retaliation of this perceived act of "treachery", despite this the Kartek Diarchy wished to settle this in a open field battle, with both sides coming to an agreement of such, and further agreeing that no territorial acquisitions will take place for whomever was the victor.

However as Kartek forces moved into the chosen destination of the open battle, with their forces they would be met by a ambush by the Choochie and one other Vraelean equipped with ancient artefacts in armor and weaponry, who made quick work of the several surprised Kartek warriors who was not expecting to fight on route, this would eventually lead to a full rout of their forces back into Kartek lands. When the battered Kartek Forces regrouped they demanded a explanation of this blatant violation of the agreement they had made with Vraelea, To which Vraleans denied of its existence, this back and forth between group eventually ended with the banishment of Choochie. Which ended any talks of the matter.

The outcome of the first conflict can be perceived as a stalemate, with both sides sustaining casualties, despite Kartek pulling back they had only used a expeditionary force comprised of only 9 soldiers who's main intention was to directly give their terms and ultimatum, not to initially fight (although they anticipated it), yet conflict did arise. However with the second conflict it can be thought of as a unfortunate disaster with the incursions resulting in nothing but reducing the two nations relations to rock bottom.

The Portusburg Crisis
[Duration: October 6th, 2021 - October 17th, 2021]

On October 6th, Wrog, Lord of Portusburg, resigned from his position. After a brief incident in the throne room, Sinnon, a former council member of the town, was appointed to the Lordship of Portusburg. However, Wrog returned with followers and took the castle, declaring independence from Kartek. After unsuccessful negotiations, war was declared and a 40+ strong force was gathered to retake the city. On October 8th, the two forces fought at the Battle of Portusburg, ending in a victory for the Kartek Diarchy with Wrog and all his followers being killed. A second battle was planned to take place on the 17th of October to end the war.

The Dissolution of Kartek
[Duration: October 16th, 2021 - October [?]th, 2021]

The days following the Battle of Portusburg were unusually tense. Tommo Gortoi stepped down as Khan, appointing Foczo to act as the new head of the Gertek people. BarendKramer, Foreign Minister to the Diarchy, and RGBstarship, Master of Arms, attempted a coup against the Tzar, but this failed. However, the Tzar willfully stepped down from his position as well around this same time, declaring Solomon Korolevski as his successor. However, proclamations resounded throughout the realm of the illegitimacy of either ruler, and the Diarchy suddenly fell into a state of anarchy. RGBStarship was the first to proclaim his secession from the realm, declaring Golgograd to be the seat of the new Principality of Lansi, creating a rift between the Arxellan and Gertek territories. Another claim was made for the nation of Vennkirstadt along the western border by Comrade, who was able to petition Escharian protection along with Lansi. News of this crisis was quickly received by the Frosterium, who upon hearing it immediately laid claim to the region, proclaiming that any who resisted their annexing Kartek lands would be met with aggression. With little organization and a lack of resources, the two respective realms submitted to the Frosterium, recognizing they were not capable of resisting this incursion without the support of Escharia, who had since abandoned the realm. In the following days, multiple resistance movements would rise to fight Frosterium occupation, mostly located in the Arxellan province.

Aldovir Intervention into Northern Sparwood
[Date: Unknown]

Vosokogrod
Capitol of West Kartek/Arxella; Medieval Russian/German style.

Gortovar
Capitol of East Kartek/Gertek; Magyar (Steppe nomad) style.

Eksburg
Capitol of North Kartek/Wahroongistan; General Medieval style.

Sologrod
Town in West Kartek/Arxella; Medieval Russian/German style.

Golgograd
Town in East Kartek/Gertek; Medieval Russian/German style.

Riverwood
Town in Wahroongistan/North Kartek; Medieval German/English style.

Erobern
Town in West Kartek/Arxella; Medieval German/Russian style.

Butkenbyen
Town in East Kartek; Medieval style.

Arnsburg
Town in Kartek; Medieval style

Goblinhole
Abandoned settlement of Goblins, located in the Arxellan Marsh

Territories
(NOTE: The Holy Tzardom of Arxella and the Gertek Horde do not have official internal borders between them.)

Arxella
The Forests and Cities

Gertek
Nomandic Steppe Plains

Ruhevald
The Ruhevald Province of Kartek (formerly known as Maldun), is a separate territory, not in the direct control of either Arxella or Gertek. This region inhabited by an ancient people, who returned back to their ancestral home. The towns and people of this region are much simpler, with training for war and acquiring gear some of their favorite pastimes. A tradition of the inhabitants of the Ruhevald province is the Festival of Giving, held every Sunday where they recognize and gift items to new citizens of their towns.

Main Governing Body
The Source of Governmental Authority in the Kartek Diarchy is the Tzar of Arxella and the Gertek Khan with the nation being run as an Anocratic diarchy. Additionally, there is a High Council in the Kartek Diarchy that will advise the Duel Monarchs on Respective State Policies.

The Duel Monarchs have the ultimate authority to adopt and enforce laws, to create and appoint new offices and to grant citizenship to their respective nations and the Union, with them being the main driving force for Foreign Policy. (WIP)

Justice System
The Justice System of the Diarchy is set up with a capital offences charging system, Capital Offences, which are crimes committed against the interest of the state.

Rights of Citizens

 * 1) A right to a fair trial by a jury of five, from their region of the Union, in response to being charged with a crime. In case a citizen of the Union commits a crime in the half of the union they are not from, two of the members of the jury must be from the region the crime was committed. A majority decision of three is necessary to be convicted of a Crime.
 * 2) A right to bear arms, and to defend themselves in the case that another person directly initiates unlawful physical conflict.
 * 3) A right to be reimbursed by the government of the Union, leads to the destruction or confiscation of their property unjustly.
 * 4) All citizens of the Diarchy have the right to practice any religion they so choose without the interference of the State. (Separation of Church and State)

Types of crimes

 * 1) No person in the Diarchy may commit treason by taking actions with the intent of harming the union or disobeying lawful orders. Given by an officer of the Union. Treason has the minimum sentence of Banishment and Exile. Three Acts of Treasons are as follows:
 * 2) * Hiring an Assassin to attack Union Officials.
 * 3) * Attempting to declare independence from the Union without the permission of both Monarchs and the High Council.
 * 4) * Giving sensitive information to an enemy nation, organization or group.
 * 5) No person in the Diarchy may commit Murder by Intentionally killing another person without the provocation or lawful authority from the Union. The Minimum Sentence for Murder is Manual Labor in the Service of the Union.
 * 6) No person in the Diarchy may commit theft by Intentionally taking items from another person without their expressed consent or lawful authority from the Union. The Minimum Sentence for Theft is giving an item twice as valuable to the Recipient.
 * 7) No person in the Diarchy may commit arson, by destroying the property of another person without explicit consent of the Owner or Lawful authority from the Union. The Minimum Sentence for arson is confiscation of arms and jail time.

Kartek Milltary
The Kartek Military are jointly commanded by the Tzar and the Khan they together have the ultimate authority to issue orders to the military as well as accepting citizens into the military,

Citizenship

TBA

Religion
In Kartek, whilst there is a policy of religious freedom, there are religions that more prominent and followed than others. notably Soleannen is the most followed religion in Kartek, which comprised of 20% of the nations population. Following Soleannen would be Gertek Folk Beliefs (no percentage). The rest are non-believers and atheistic, or follow a lesser-known religion.

Cuisine
The national food of Kartek is the Marshfish, a staple in arxellan and goblin cuisine that has been adapted in many ways. The Gerteks boil it in horse milk, the people of Ruhevald cook it with apples and barley, and the Eldhamite colonies import it for their stews.

Fashion
Depending on populas they can wearing Normadic armaments or Solider Uniform.

Music
The primary instruments used by people in Kartek are the drums and flutes, the former being introduced by the Gerteks, who brought large drums made of wood and hide. The Arxellans of the west had long played bone flutes, which they used in ancient rituals and formal ceremonies. When Arxella and Gertek united, their instruments were combined to create powerful symphonies that are still used today to inspire soldiers, welcome the Tzar, and set the backdrop for the nations greatest festivals.

Art
Artisans are rare commandities to be found in Nation but are treasured.

Architecture
Depending on each Town or Culture their architecture differs

Soleàn Irastre de et Escharii
[Date: August 4th, 2021 - Present]

The Kartek Diarchy's relations with Escharia at the start were strained, with them attempting to secede from Escharia, however Matthew Edishield would prevent this relaying information about this Independence movement to Escharia, to which they replied by giving them a ultimatum with them offering to allow the Kartek Diarchy and Maldun their other Protectrate that shares the same border as the Diarchy to merge into one, With them further adding that if they should refuse the Kartek Diarchy would be out of allies, As Escharia is their one and only reliable ally, the Kartek Diarchy would accept Escharia's offer and conform to once again being their Protectorate although with more rights than they had before notably religious freedom.

Frosterium
[Date: September 11th, 2021 - October 22nd, 2021]

Relations previously with Frosmyre were tense, with Fjellheim's leader Fistofice a vassal state to Frosmyre, a direct parallel to Arxella a vassal state to Niedea (Escharia), both having a "embittered" rivalry, with both sides seemingly disliking the other. This continued even after Frosmyre, merged with the Magisterium to form the Frosterium. The Political situation between the two states can be best described as a "Cold War" with neither side wishing to be the aggressor in a conflict with one another should one occur. The Kartek Diarchy haD began the process of normalizing relations with the Frosterium. However, this what put on hold due to a diplomatic incident, and the diplomatic pressure exerted on Kartek by the Frosterium is cited as the main reason for Kartek's collapse.

Arxellans
Inhabits Northern Sparwood

Gerteks
Nomadic Steppe people who live in the Northern Plains of Sparwood.

Goblins
Inhabitats of the Bogs and Swamps of Northern Sparwood.

Wahroongistanis
Inhabits Northern Sparwood

References & Further Reading
Sources:


 * 1) Arxella
 * 2) Gertek Horde
 * 3) Simulami Civil War

Witnesses & Testimonies:


 * 1) Ferro Korolevski
 * 2) Tommoi Gortoi
 * 3) Puma Gortoi
 * 4) MetalNinja343
 * 5) 001first
 * 6) Karma
 * 7) Yiex

Related Pages:


 * 1) Vosokogrod

Notable Figures:


 * 1) RedFireRex
 * 2) Arcstron Smark
 * 3) RGBstarship

Related Nations:


 * 1) Kingdom of Kostuco
 * 2) Soleannen Empire of scharia
 * 3) Kingdom of Iremith
 * 4) Frosmyre
 * 5) Magisterium
 * 6) Frosterium
 * 7) Empire of Aldovir

Others Pages:


 * 1) Sparwood