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Koninkrijk van Battlavië

Kingdom of Battlavia (English)

Royaume de Battlavie (Français)



Flag



Motto
Goud in vrede, staal in oorlog
"Gold in peace, steel in war"


Anthem
"Merk toch hoe sterk"
Link



Location


Population 7 million
Density 27/km²


Capital Koningsbergen
CAPITAL CITY LOCATION
Largest City Amstel


Official Language
Battlavian


National Language
Battlavian
Krotoik


Ethnic Groups
Battlavian


Religion
Energism


Demonym
Battlavian(s)


Government Absolute monarchy
King Adalbert II van Groenbos


Legislature
Royal State Council


Establishment
1264


Land Area 256,480 km²


Elevation
Highest Point: 694m
Lowest Point: -6,83m


GDP (PPP) GDP PPP
GDP (PPP) per capita GDP PPP PER CAPITA


GDP (nominal) GDP NOMINAL
GDP (nominal) per capita GDP NOMINAL PER CAPITA


GINI [img]WIKI INCEASE OR DECREASE SYMBOL[/img] GINI NUMBER ([colour=GREEN/RED/YELLOW]DESCRIPTOR LOW, MEDIUM, ETC...[/colour])


HDI [img]WIKI INCEASE OR DECREASE SYMBOL[/img] HDI NUMBER ([colour=GREEN/RED/YELLOW]DESCRIPTOR LOW, MEDIUM, ETC...[/colour])


Currency Guilder


Time Zone TIME ZONE NAME
(UTC)


Date Format DD-MM-YYYY


Drives on the Right

Battlavia


The Kingdom of Battlavia, commonly called Battlavia, is an absolute monarchy in Thegye. It is bordered to the south-east by the Alliance, to the east by the Protectorate, to the north-east by Lantaria and to the south-west by the Marauders' territory. Battlavia covers an estimated area of 256,480 square kilometres and has an estimated population of 7 million people. Battlavia comprises 13 provinces.

Etymology

Main article: Etymology of Battlavia

There are different opinions about the origin and meaning of the name Battlavia. The name is often associated with words such as 'better', 'good' or 'profitable', and it is generally assumed that it refers to the very nutrient-rich soils found naturally in the area, which provide fertile farmland. In addition, it is often claimed that Battlavia roughly means 'good land'.

However, another important explanation is that the name Battlavia was originally derived from (an ancient tribal name of) the Battlavians themselves; this may contradict the view that the name refers to nutrient-rich soil. The Germanic element *battla could be related to bōttla ('benefit' or 'advantage' or 'better'). Therefore, the tribal name of the Battlavians could roughly mean "the best". This fact is considered remarkable, as it does not make it clear whether the etymological association of the name Battlavia with words such as 'best', 'good' and 'profitable' originally refers to fertile (agricultural) land or to the Battlavian people.

In this case, it is assumed that the region was already called Battlavia before the Battlavians settled, which, according to this view, means something similar to 'good land' and therefore most likely refers to good land for agriculture.

History

Main article: History of Battlavia

The history of the present kingdom of Battlavia goes back to 1264 but the history of the Battlavian people goes back much further.

During the Antiquity, the Battlavian people, who may not have been named as such at the time, lived near the eastern sea, but were driven out by people who settled there. This was the beginning of the Great Migration. The date of departure is estimated to be around the year 0 of the Battlavian calendar, the Great Migration ended around 302 at the former border of the Krotoik Empire at the time.

The Battlavian tribes were not politically united to pose an offensive threat to the Empire or the surrounding nations but defended themselves well in the wetlands of the new Battlavian land. A Battlavian legend tells that it was a dragon that led them to the present land and died defending it. His death is said to explain the richness of the Battlavian soil.

From 500 to 512, the Energist priests gathered to unite the faith in order to avoid too many drifts and to strengthen the faith. This unification had a great influence on the future of the Battlavians.

Around 800, the tribes that had become kingdoms and princely states were fighting each other, whether for their independence or for unification.

In 981, the first unification of Battlavia took place under the reign of Aldemaar van Amstel. The symbol of the country was the Vlaamse lion, which came from the coat of arms of the duchy of Vlaanderen.

In 982, Rijkaert, a knight who was to become the founder of the van Groenbos dynasty, received a share of the Green Forest for his support in war and his exploits.

From 1005 to 1050 the Vlaamse revolt, which led to the republic of Vlaanderen, put an end to the kingdom at the Battle of the Two Lions. The king and his sons died without any further heirs in this war, freeing all subjects from their vassalage.

Around 1100, the territory of the van Groenbos was extended northwards by marriage. The now duke of Holland Claes van Groenbos helped the republic militarily in exchange for funds, which later helped the van Groenbos to conquer other territories. In addition to the funds received, the van Groenbos had established themselves in the markets in the image of the republic. The policy of benevolent rule for their own people would be their propaganda weapon. It is the idea that a king serves his people and that if the people do well, the kingdom does well. They also started to establish nobility by service, if someone does a long military service and manages to pay the ranks, he can reach the lower nobility ranks. Although the one who manages to do this is not really considered noble by the old nobility, his children can receive nobility education, titles, and lands. This system is quite expensive, which is why most nobles have a business or invest.

In 1197 the marauders plundered and occupied the southern lands of Battlavia, which will lead to the second unification of Battlavia. The duke of Holland, Heinricx van Groenbos, used the reputation of his family, the success of his economy supported by the Republic of Vlaanderen and the first printing works to encourage the lower classes to join them in liberating the south. Many people left for Holland to find a better life or to join the army.

Around 1200, famine began to affect many areas of Battlavia, on the one hand through Marauders looting and on the other through the mass departure of many peasants. Revolts in many territories in favour of small republics or to join the van Groenbos also marked the political and societal landscape of Battlavia. The energist priests also supported Holland, by declaring the van Groenbos family as the most faithful and righteous family in Battlavia, giving them more influence. Holland at the same time offered its support to the people of the other territories of Battlavia and mobilised to retake the south. The Republic of Vlaanderen did not want to get involved because it had nothing to gain, but many people from the Republic also went to liberate the south with Holland.

With the battle of Bergen-op-zoom in 1222, the marauders were definitively pushed back from Battlavian lands and a great deal of Battlavian hostility towards the marauders remained from this invasion. A song was written to commemorate this victory over the southern oppressor: "Merk toch hoe sterk". This song became an anthem to remember how the Battlavian people united to defend themselves against the oppressor invader. The war against the marauders was a major element in the societal and military development of the future kingdom of Battlavia. It was marked by the use of guerrilla warfare techniques by the freemen of the southern territories. This gave the policy of militias.

After Bergen-op-Zoom, the new southern lords joined Holland. This alliance made the other independent territories of Battlavia fear that the powerful duchy would come to take them and allied themselves to protect themselves.

Only the republic remained neutral, concentrating on external trade and using its neutrality to trade with both alliances.

On 17 May 1242, the famous battle of Groningen, where the old nobility of Gelderland was defeated by the new nobility of Holland, served as "propaganda" against the stagnant old nobility and to encourage the Hollands nobility system. This battle will be recorded in history books and stories. This was the beginning of the future Unification War.

In 1243 until 1251 the economy is at its lowest in most territories. Only the Republic of Vlaanderen and Holland, although impoverished, remained afloat. The war, which became a war of unification, slowed down.

In 1260, with the return of a flourishing economy and new trade routes, art and science flourish. The printer was improved by Crouwel van Molenaar in Brabant (under Hollands rule) to the point where it could print 3,600 pages a day.

On 8 July 1264 the war ends. The Hollands Alliance won.

On 18 August 1264, Adalbert, aged of 41, was crowned King of Battlavia, reunifying almost the entire country. However, he got on well with most of the Pensionnaris, leaders of the Republic, and offered them to join the kingdom in exchange for rights. Although reluctant, the republic eventually joined the kingdom, thus unifying all of Battlavia. This is why the region of Vlaanderen is the most autonomous.

Its internal policy is appreciated by the lower classes who see themselves better paid and above all free from serfdom. Land could be bought by the peasants themselves and the system that had been set up made it possible to evolve, even if it was long and expensive. A peasant could work for a landlord and save money, usually taking several generations, until he could buy his own land, from which he could start recruiting for his fields and could become interested in other types of business or join a militia. This greatly influenced the societal structure orienting the Battlavians towards a strong sense of family as it could take generations to move from one status to another. However, religion was also a big factor in Battlavian society. Simple living was greatly encouraged by the faith and as long as they were not mistreated and had enough to live on, the majority of the lower classes were satisfied with what they had. Education, which was imposed, was differentiated by class. It is divided into three main types of education: Specialised, mostly linked to a guilds. Stewardship, led by merchants and republicans, this type of education is especially popular with women of all classes. And finally noble, which educates children and sometimes new nobles.

In 1269 Koningsbergen, which was under construction even before unification (1261), became the capital.

On 27 May 1304, at the age of 81, Adalbert I died in his sleep. His longevity reinforced the legend that Adalbert and the van Groenbos were chosen by the Holy Spirit to rule Battlavia. His son, Willem, became the new king. At the age of 37 and the last living son of Adalbert, he continued a policy of internal improvement, but his lack of character led to the birth of a new dissension, the Groenists and the Republicanists. Apart from this, he built fortifications in the south to try to prevent marauders from looting.

On 13 March 1340, Willem I died in an accident, leaving Adalbert II, aged 21, to rule all of Battlavia. His reign was marked by stability and flourishing trade. Only the lack of concrete ambition makes the Groenists and Republicanists move, which Adalbert II manages to control.

In 1381, Adalbert II, known as the "navigator", succeeded in building a fishing and trading ship called "Haringbuis" for his own fishing company and he also managed to have other types of ships modified for Battlavia's naval ambition.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Battlavia

Battlavia is a country consisting mainly of marshes, lakes, plains, forests, with occasional hills. In the south, however, there are more hills, which is why many towns have Bergen, "hill" in their name. The highest "mountain" reaches 694 metres and is known as the Drakenrug.

The main rivers are the Waal, which joins the river in the south (which is not named because it has not yet been mentioned); the Schelde, the Hene, the Maas and other branches join the Rijn, a deep river which joins the sea in the north-east, with an average depth of 8m.

Thanks to the wetlands, the land is extremely fertile, which is why one of the most lucrative activities is agriculture.

On the other hand, floods can occur, sometimes devastating everything in the region.
An extensive network of navigation canals and waterways links the main rivers.

For centuries, Battlavia has struggled against nature, draining marshes and modifying rivers to promote its economy, reduce sources of disease and make daily life easier.

The Raadpensionaris de Vlaanderen, Wilhelm de Handelaar (1194-1267), once said "Battlavia, the only kingdom, where more people died in the fight against water than in the fight against men".

Climate

Battlavia has a temperate, maritime climate predominantly influenced by air masses from the west and north. Rapid and frequent alternation of different air masses separated by fronts gives Battlavia considerable variability in weather. Frontal conditions moving from the west produce heavy and frequent rainfall, averaging 750 to 1,000 mm a year. Winters are damp and cool with frequent fogs; summers are rather mild. The annual mean temperature is around 10 °C. Brussels, which is roughly in the middle of the country, has a mean minimum temperature of just below 0 °C in January and a mean maximum of about 22 °C in July.

Regional climatic differences are determined by elevation and distance inland. Farther inland, maritime influences become weaker, and the climate becomes more continental, characterized by greater seasonal extremes of temperature. The region of Gelderland, the highest and one of the farthest inland, is the coldest. In winter, frost occurs on about 120 days, snow falls on 30 to 35 days, and January mean minimum temperatures are lower than elsewhere. In summer, the elevation counteracts the effect of distance inland, and July mean maximum temperatures are the lowest in the country. Because of the topography, the region has the highest rainfall in Battlavia. In contrast, the region of Vlaanderen enjoys generally higher temperatures throughout the year. There are fewer than 60 days of frost and fewer than 15 of snow.

Demographics

Language

Main article: Languages of Battlavia

Battlavian is the main language spoken in Battlavia. It is a Germanic language spoken. Old Battlavian was first attested around 500, in a legal text and has a written record of more than 800 years, although the material before around 1200 is fragmentary and discontinuous.

As a Germanic language, Battlavian is related to other languages in that group. Many Germanic dialects underwent a series of sound shifts. Battlavian underwent none of these sound changes and thus occupies a central position in the Germanic languages group.

Standard Battlavian has a sound inventory of 13 vowels, 6 diphthongs and 23 consonants, of which the voiceless velar fricative (hard ch) is considered a well known sound, perceived as typical for the language. Other relatively well known features of the Battlavian language and usage are the frequent use of digraphs like Oo, Ee, Uu, Aa, the ability to form long compounds and the use of slang, including profanity.

The Battlavian language has many dialects. These dialects are usually grouped into seven main categories; Hollandic, North-Vlaams, South Vlaams/Sallandic, Brabantic, Bewellandic, Waallandic and Battlavian Saxon. Of these dialects, Hollandic, Brabantic and Bewellandic are mainly spoken in the center of the country. North Vlaams, South Vlaams/Sallandic are northern dialects. Waallandic and Battlavian saxon are southern dialects. Lastly, the dialectal situation is characterised by the major distinction between 'Hard G' and 'Soft G' speaking areas.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Battlavia

The religion of the country is Energism: According to Energism, everything is energy that can be transformed from one state to another. For the believers, life is governed by a Holy Spirit (a great mass of energy far beyond the sky) who judges and uses the energies of the world based mainly on the actions of man. There are bad, neutral, and good actions for the same equivalent for energies. Energism is strongly rooted in Battlavia. It advocates a simple life, enjoying the simple things, the long repetition of the tasks of daily life. But it also advocates good deeds. This while pushing the faithful to understand everything around them. In their eyes, the Battlavian land is blessed with good energies and the invaders are seen as carriers of bad energies. Public feasts and festivals are often organized on the main squares or rivers by the priests. (religion is still a WIP).

Ethnicity

Main article: Battlavian

Battlavian ethnicity is rather consistent. Its population is Caucasian (white skinned).

The majority have blond hair, some have brown or black hair and a sizeable minority have red hair. The dominant eye colour is blue, followed by green and then brown, which constitutes a minority.

The Battlavian is a normal human of the Germanic group and may not be distinguished by his physical appearance, but rather by his language and culture.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Battlavia

DESCRIBE HEALTHCARE

Education

Main article: Education in Battlavia

DESCRIBE EDUCATION

Largest Cities

Main article: Largest Cities in Battlavia

Rank

City

City Population

PROVINCE/STATE

1

Amstel

279.000

Vlaanderen

2

Koningsbergen

260.000

Holland

3

Brussels

141.000

Brabant

4

Groenbos

140.000

Holland

5

Brugge

137.000

Vlaanderen

6

Rosendaal

135.000

Bewelland

7

Namen

130.000

Waalland

8

Luik

129.000

Luik

9

Plankendaal

95.000

Vlaanderen

10

Steenbergen

93.000

Henegouwen

Government

Main article: Government of Battlavia

The kingdom of Battlavia is ruled by an absolute monarch. The King has all the powers concerning the nation as he is considered the Father of the Nation. But the King can leave, if he wants it, most of his tasks to his council. The council can propose laws to the king and gathers the problems of the kingdom thanks to elected representative councillors, but most of the council members are nobles chosen by the king himself. The elective part is an influence of a republic vassalized by the kingdom.

The king, or Koning in Battlavian, reigns for life. When the monarch dies, the first born receives the throne, or the next in line of succession if the heir died before the king or died without children. The successor may be male or female, due to the matrilineal tendency of women in the royal family.

The King's council is divided into two factions, one is the "Groenists" who support the benevolent monarchy; the other is the Republicanists, who support the idea of a republic. Most of the republicans come from the northern regions, the richest part of Battlavia. Monarchists and pro-republicans share a common goal, a “better life” for Battlavians, but differ in legal and practical ways. They can be easily recognized by a coloured belt, green for the Groenists and yellow for the republicanists.

Main article: PROVINCES/STATES of Battlavia

PROVINCES/STATES

Population

Capital

LEADER TITLE

Holland

851.000

Koningsbergen

King Adalbert II

Vlaanderen

837.000

Amstel

Raadpensionaris Johan van Rotterdam

Salland

453.000

Alkmaar

Duke Christiaan van Severen

Brabant

642.000

Brussels

King Adalbert II

Henegouwen

482.000

Bergen

King Adalbert II

Nedersaksen

434.000

Arnhem

Duke Nikolaas van Lynden

Saksen

462.000

Steenpaal

Duke Hubert van Steenpaal

Gelderland

459.000

Staalbergen

King Adalbert II

Bewelland

490.000

Roosendaal

Duchess Cornelia van Amsbergen

Waalland

472.000

Namen

Duke Michiel Vermeer

Luik

478.000

Luik

King Adalbert II

Limbricht

480.000

Hasselt

Duke Dirk van Graaf

Gulik

460.000

Gulik

Duchess Cecijle van Wittenbergen


PROVINCES/STATES of Battlavia

Military and Foreign Relations

Main article: Battlavian Armed Forces and Foreign Relations of Battlavia

Battlavia promotes foreign relations based primarily on peace and trade. The country seeks order and stability on its borders and opportunities for trade and influence abroad.

Battlavian government has managed to maintain neutral relations with most of its neighbours, with the exception of the Marauders who are perceived as enemies. The majority of the countries around Battlavia are not kingdoms, which is a concern for the country's interests, as it sees monarchy as a form of stability.

Battlavia sees its relationship with the Oath Alliance as cordial and business oriented. It shares two important treaties: treaties on sharing medical knowledge and trade agreements on market access and tariff reductions.

Aquastareite is a new military and economic ally of Battlavia. Both nations appear to be trade and naval oriented and Aquastareite has offered more land (and port) to Battlavia in exchange for a free trade zone and a defensive alliance. Battlavia views its new ally with enthusiasm and optimism, although it is concerned about possible trade rivalry.

Some countries have accepted the trading posts which serve as embassies for these nations and as deep water ports. Battlavia is seeking to expand these posts and to cultivate its relations with the countries in which it sets up its business.

Currently Battlavia is at war with the Marauders. Officially, it is a kind of crusade against an old enemy, a war of values and morality. Unofficially it is to open a new trade route, to control the market in the south and to pacify the brigands who are attacking the trade.

Militarily, the country seeks to protect its entire territory (quantity) but also the quality. Due to its lands, it needs to have a fairly "large army" to protect itself. In reality, the defence of the country is done through militiamen, paid and trained by the army, who are not always soldiers. Whereas the army only serves the interests of the country and the king.

The army is structured and the emphasis of training is on cohesion and formations rather than on the use of weapons requiring great skill. This is why the majority of the army uses only pikes and crossbows. Battlavia also relies on gunpowder to scare its enemies. Although in its infancy, this technology has found investors and supporters who see the potential of such weapons, if they could be improved.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Battlavia

Economic Indicators

Rank: RANK
Economic Capital:
Currency: Guilder
Fiscal Year: FISCAL YEAR DATES


GDP (nominal): GDP NOMINAL
GDP (nominal) per capita: GDP NOMINAL PER CAPITA
Labour Force: LABOUR FORCE SIZE
Unemployment: UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Battlavia is mainly a mercantile kingdom. Its wealthy economy is based on exports, especially of finished products like beer, printed book, clothes, etc. The silk production of Battlavia also greatly helped its cloth industry.

In their imports are mainly raw resources. While they have many resources in their rich land, Battlavians doesn't extract them fast enough as they use them for their crafts. A good example of produced raw resources that use fast is wool. Battlavia needed to import more wool, like in the Protectorate, the latter becoming the major wool supplier of the country.

Science and Technology

Main articles: Science and Technology in NATION

DESCRIBE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Communication

Main article: Communications in NATION

DESCRIBE COMMUNICATIONS

Culture

Main article: Culture of NATION

DESCRIBE CULTURE

Sports

Main article: Sports in NATION

DESCRIBE SPORTS

Cuisine

Main article: NATION Cuisine

DESCRIBE CUISINE

Infrastructure

Main article: NATION Infrastructure

DESCRIBE INFRASTRUCTURE

Energy

Main article: Energy of NATION

DESCRIBE ENERGY

Original template by Ponderosa
Additions and Revisions by The Poland-Lithuania Commonwealth
Original template may be found here
Template with Additions and Revisions may be found here
Maps made by Aquastareite

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