awaiting rp Expansion: Andalla

[Andalla]

Spoiler

 Geography

Andalla will be claiming the only island north of Flau, as shown in the map below. This island shall be known as Giokto (short O please).

Culture

The islanders' culture will be based off the Hokkien (Southern Min/Min Nan) culture of China, especially Philippine/Taiwanese Hokkien (As the translator website I use was created by a Filipino-Hokkien). The people inhabiting Giokto are known as Lan-nang ("We People") or Lanska in Andallan. In Anglish, well, let's just say "Giokton".

Etymology

"Giok-to" means "Jade Island". The single large mountain in the center of the island is seen as a symbol of Giokto and is known as "Giok-soa" or "Jade Mountain" (a play on Taiwan's Yushan).

History

The Giokton people are descended from an ancient Alharun civilization that split in half, becoming @Fulgistan and Giokto, respectively (EDIT: Huang Civilization). The half that would become Giokto settled near along the southern coast of the Cashari peninsula. Internal strife caused the people to separate into several groups, and over time, migrating across the sea in numerous waves, landing on the island. Eventually these waves grew into city-states and kingdoms constantly competing for land, as the island was small and rich in resources. For most of its history it was divided into such kingdoms which, after the internal strife problem somewhat died down, formed two major alliances that often fought against each other whether in large-scale battles or skirmishes. The two alliances were known as the Northern (北 Pak) and Southern (南 Lâm) alliances. Soon enough, the South was able to establish friendly relations with the neutral then-kingdom of Andalla, which agreed to assist them in their fight against the North. However, for most of the Warring Kingdoms period the North held a firm rule over most of the island, resulting in a stalemate. The South, though assisted by Andalla, was never able to defeat the North; on the other hand, the North was never able to defeat the South due to their powerful ally.

A notable event during that period was when the North established friendly relations with the city-states of @Selayar in the mid-1600s, augmenting their superiority in resources. Several years later, one of the Northern kingdoms drew up plans to begin colonizing Selayar so the flow of resources could be regulated to only the North. The plan was not well-received as it was believed that sending soldiers overseas would reduce the number of defending soldiers on the island. In the end, only two kingdoms were willing to colonize Selayar, and so they did.

In the mid-1700s, as the Andallan economy grew rapidly, trade between Andalla and the South prospered. Throughout the rest of the 1700s and early 1800s, it allowed the South to slowly amass a much larger military force, eventually resulting in an arms race between the North and South. Tensions between the two sides also increased dramatically during that period.

The spirit of war was once again awakened after 2 centuries when a land dispute between two mountain kingdoms from opposite sides escalated into battle and later war, as the two kingdoms rallied their allies to attack. The North once again assumed the offensive stance, while the South, after unfruitful attempts at offense, put up a brutal defense against the advancing North. It was then decided that a detachment of forces would be gathered to also attack Selayar, and after a months-long campaign, Selayar fell to the South. But on the mainland, the South were slowly being softened by the regular attacks until they were unable to defend. One by one, the Southern kingdoms fell to the North. As each kingdom fell, allied troops there would evacuate to another kingdom or risk getting captured. This issue was solved when Andalla and the North signed an agreement granting allied soldiers in surrendering kingdoms to escape unharmed if they promised a cease-fire there. Though it was not implemented successfully as some soldiers from the surrendering kingdom would disguise as an allied soldier, tens of thousands of lives were saved because of the agreement. In the end, only two Southern kingdoms and Andalla remained, both of which announced unconditional surrender as Northern troops slowly surrounded their capitals. At the same time, virtually-untouched Andalla proposed a cease-fire with the North, on the terms that Selayar would officially be ceded to the Andallans. The treaty was accepted, effectively ending the "Great Giokton War".

Spoiler

A few years later, Giokto enters into a period of civil war. An armed group of agricultural workers, with the help of Andalla, goes to war against the powerful Giokton military in 1915. After a series of escalations, Andalla was forced to enter the war in 1922. Though the Andallan military was far more powerful than the Giokton military, they were evenly matched as the Gioktons knew their island well. In 1926, after 4 years of intense fighting, the two countries agreed to sign a peace treaty. In exchange for peace, Andalla would be granted control over a portion of Liamchia, a province along the  northwest coast. Over the years, both Giokto and Andalla's new territory prospered. Despite the border being heavily guarded by the two militaries, many Gioktons were able to defect to Liamchia, who gladly accepted the defectors (Do note, however, that only the Gioktons along the border wished to defect, while the rest of the Gioktons were fiercely patriotic). Soon enough, Giokto sent more forces to the border. This was viewed as a sign of aggression, prompting Andalla to do the same. Foreign relations among Thalassan nations continued to deteriorate as a coup by radical Selayaris led the nation into forming a shady alliance with Giokto.

A second war broke out in November 1941 when the Giokton submarine C-23 sunk the SAS Teuvo Anttonen, an Andallan troop transport ferrying soldiers to Giokto. The ship sunk with the loss of 1,452 lives, and the beginning of a war that would last 6 long years, span 3 continents and cost millions of lives. The war saw three major alliances: the Andallans and their allies, Giokto and Selayar, and the Sunset Sea Islands and allied separatist groups. Meanwhile, the main battleground was the island of Giokto itself. The Andallan military, secretly assisted by underground Giokton rebels, led the assault on Giokton and Selayari forces on the island. Battles raged on, on land, sea and air. Both sides fought to the teeth with all their might; the far larger Andallan military equally-matched with the Giokton's advanced technology and knowledge of the topograhy.

And now, as other countries get involved, I no longer know what happens. The Sunset Sea Islands looks on as Andallan and Giokton forces slowly deteriorate from battle, then takes its chance. Suddenly, both Andallans and Gioktons see lightning-speed assaults on their shores and, being unable to defend as their troops were on the front lines, had large parts of their territories taken away by the Sunset Sea Islandian empire. The war between Andalla and Giokto turns into a three-way war, with the Sunset Sea Islands (Err, everyone's enemy) and Andalla's allies entering the scene.

The Giokton military was forced to surrender in 1947, granting Andalla the control over Giokto. Throughout the 1950s, the new government began extensive projects to rebuild and modernize the island, and by the 1970s, Giokto became an important financial center. Today, Giokto is highly-developed; it is evident in the bustling skyscrapers of Giokto's cities.

Politics

The entire island and its surroundings form the Republic of Giokto. The state is in a formal association with Andalla, with Andalla providing defense. Initially, Andalla also oversaw Giokton foreign relations; however, in recent decades the nation has been taking diplomacy into its own hands. The Giokton government functions much like the Andallan government, with a president, vice president, and a unicameral Congress. The Giokton capital is known as Saipuo.

Flag

The color green symbolizes Jade (a symbol of Giokto, referring to Gioksoa) and the island's rich nature. Yellow symbolizes royalty, alluding to the history of Giokto. The three blue bands represent the sea and the three faces of Gioksoa: the north, south and west faces.

 

Used to be my application for expansion. Now I mostly just use this post to record important details about Giokto that I might need to recall later on.

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History

 

Ancient History and Formation

The earliest ancestors of the Giokton people are known to have lived along the southern coast of the Ketek (Cashari) Peninsula, eventually migrating south to a mountainous, resource-rich island now known as Giokto. Despite being located far from the center of the ancient Huang civilization, the Giokton people have always maintained close contact with the far-western reaches of Huang territory.

As opposed to the many Huang states in Alharu that had organized governments and went to war against each other, the Giokton people slowly developed peaceful city-states that were mostly focused on self-sufficiency and developing the economy. Initially inhabited by only a small group of people, the Giokton city-states made little contact even with each other.

 

Rise of Giokto (c. 500 BCE – c. 400 CE)

Between 500 and 300 BCE, during the rule of the Geng 庚 Dynasty, waves of people migrated to the emerging island. To this day, historians continue to debate on the exact cause of this migration; however, the general consensus is that it was simply brought about as trade between the Giokton-city states and the Geng Dynasty prospered, promising new economic opportunities for those living on the island. Giokto's unique geography as a small, mountainous island allowed for a diverse climate and fertile land that could support both lowland and highland agricultural/livestock products, as well as vast mineral deposits and rivers flowing from the mountains.

 

Feuding Kingdoms Period (c. 400 CE – 1590's)

Over time, the Giokton city-states expanded rapidly, forming alliances, merging and breaking off. As city-states grew in size, they became monarchies, adopting government systems similar to those of the Huang states especially during the Yue 月 Dynasty. Alas, Giokto was left with 12 kingdoms covering nearly the entire island; no sizable portion of land left unclaimed. Eventually, two de-facto alliances were formed out of the 12 kingdoms—the Northern (北 Pak) and Southern (南 Lâm) alliances, with 5 and 7 kingdoms, respectively. Relations between the two sides quickly soured, leading to frequent battles and skirmishes between the "Bordering Kingdoms" in the interior of the island and supported by their coastal allies. Later on, the South was able to establish friendly relations with the then-kingdom of Andalla, which would also send military support in battles. The two sides were mostly balanced in power, resulting in a bloody stalemate that lasted over a thousand years.

 

Giokton Peace (1590's – 1872)

At the turn of the 16th century, hostilities began to subside; both sides reluctant to continue losing men and resources in a centuries-long conflict that yielded no positive outcomes. During this time, trade and communication opened between the North and South. This era was known as the "Giokton Peace", an unprecedented 280-year period of relatively little military conflict. However, political rivalry continued to run through the kingdoms; several attempts were made by both sides to unite the island, both peacefully and through force. The Giokton Peace also saw multiple changes in government, with several kingdoms on both sides adopting a constitutional monarchy system where the monarch held little to no power.

Though the two alliances were de facto at peace at this time, the Bordering Kingdoms adopted an aggressive defense policy characterized by two main principles: (a) attack if attacked, and (b) mirror the enemy's military strength as closely as possible. As the Andallan economy prospered during the mid-1700's, so did trade between Andalla and the South. Furthermore, a notable event during this period was when insular @Selayar fell to the North's sphere of influence after a series of economic agreements and the establishing of trading ports on the island. This resulted in a fierce arms race during the early 1800's, as the Northern kingdoms channeled more resources into their armies in their attempt to mirror the South's economic prosperity. Tensions between the two sides rose dramatically during this period, bringing people to realize that there was no official document or treaty protecting the cherished peace that had been in effect for nearly three centuries.

 

The Giokton Revival (early 1800's – 1872)

Rising tensions between the North and South during this time became the primary driving force behind the Revival—a period of great cultural development in all fields, spurred by scholars in arts, sciences and literature who called for the unification of the Giokton people. During this period, the island enjoyed a massive growth in public appreciation for ancient Giokton arts, as well as the desire for cultural development in the present age. Similar to the Europan Renaissance, the Revival was characterized by the rapid growth of education and knowledge, made accessible to even the lower classes of society.

Though the Revival created a huge impact on Giokton society, it backfired on its initial goal to unite the kingdoms. Instead, the rise of education and a newfound public knowledge became a medium for governments to indoctrinate citizens with their political theories and beliefs. This, combined with the ever-growing power of the military and augmented by the increase of intelligence during the Revival, once again resumed the arms race that had seemingly went silent for several decades.

 

The Great Giokton War (1872 – 1880)

A series of events and territorial disputes during the late 1860's and early 1870's finally escalated into what would become the new "Revival"—the revival of the Feuding Kingdoms period. Armies of all 12 kingdoms, plus the South supported by Andalla, were rallied once more to fight against each other in 1872. The North, assuming a strong offensive stance, quickly overpowered the borderlands and began a brutal advance against the South. At the same time, a detachment of naval forces from the South successfully cut off trade between the North and its Selayari ports, eventually gaining control over the ports as well after a months-long campaign against the surrounded Giokton garrisons there.

On the mainland, however, Southern soldiers—demoralized by the failure of the Revival—were unable to defend effectively against the lightning-speed advances of the North. Over the course of several months, public belief shifted to "when", not "if" the North would win the war. After 6 long years of desperate on-and-off fighting, the remaining four Southern kingdoms announced surrender on the condition that (a) Andalla—not the North—would assume control over the Selayari trading ports, (b) all Southern soldiers would be granted amnesty, (c) the new government would agree to preserve the collective cultural identity of Giokto, and (d) the current Southern governments would be permanently exiled to Andalla. The treaty, signed on December 2, 1880 in Bogd Gioro, @Fulgistan, effectively ended 8 years of the Great Giokton War.

 

A Unified Giokto (1880 – 1922)

Of the 12 initial Giokton kingdoms, only five from the North were left after the defeat of the seven-kingdom Southern Alliance. The North, thus doubling its territory, divided the South into seven autonomous provinces equivalent to the seven kingdoms, all under a provisional government that was to be ruled by a council of the five Northern kingdoms. As peace returned to the land, Giokton society slowly experienced a second Revival. The second Revival, known as the Intellectual Revolution, was marked by extensive development in political and social sciences, and the revival of ancient Huang philosophy. In a political sense, the primary objective of the Intellectual Revolution was to provide a way for the North to exercise effective government of the island, as well as to prepare the way for an eventual reunification of the entire Giokto as one single nation in what would become the first documented full unification in Giokton history.

Giokto enjoyed a relatively peaceful unification on August 8, 1896; the signing of the new constitution having been attended by the reigning King of Andalla, Christian IV.

(Wholesome side-note: Andalla would peacefully switch from a constitutional monarchy to a presidential republic two years later in 1898, the transition being led by none other than Christian IV himself who, in his 1928 autobiography, said the Giokton unification was a "great encouragement" during that time. Though willing to abdicate and step down in favor of the first Andallan president, growing calls from the supportive public prompted the now-commoner Christian Haraldsen to run for the Presidency—he was elected by popular vote that same year as the first President of Andalla, serving one term from 1898 to 1904.)

For a few years, Giokto continued to experience social development and mild economic growth. Soon, however, the many disastrous effects of governing the war-torn island were realized. Aside from a general shortage of food and resources in many rural areas, the new government was highly flawed and plagued by a plethora of issues relating to public support and administration.

During this time, the government styled itself as the Union of Giokton States. At the operational level, the Union functioned as confederation of the five Northern kingdoms—all under their own respective governments—as well as the Provisional Government (臨時政府), which encompassed the seven Southern kingdoms that were now provinces.

During this time, the parliamentary government styled itself as the Union of the States of Giokto. Executive power was vested in the Prime Minister, both the Head of State and the Head of Government, who was elected to five-year terms by a bicameral Parliament—the members of which were in turn either appointed, elected by the people or both, depending on the administration. The “rules” of government were changed often, owing to the flawed nature of the Giokton parliamentary system. The parliament was split into numerous factions, all advocating different goals and styles of government. Most notable during this time was the Royalist Movement, a large coalition of parties led by some former monarchs and their allies who had lost power due to the change in government. Other groups were also popular during this time, ranging all across the political spectrum and supporting certain specific actions—land reform, tax reform, closed-door policy, foreign investment, restoring the constitutional monarchy, Republicanism, Nationalism and Ultra-Nationalism, among others.

The intense political divide led to a gradual decay of the Giokton government, which was slowly overrun by far-right groups during the 1910’s.

Spoiler

A few years later, Giokto enters into a period of civil war. An armed group of agricultural workers, with the help of Andalla, goes to war against the powerful Giokton military in 1915. After a series of escalations, Andalla was forced to enter the war in 1922. Though the Andallan military was far more powerful than the Giokton military, they were evenly matched as the Gioktons knew their island well. In 1926, after 4 years of intense fighting, the two countries agreed to sign a peace treaty. In exchange for peace, Andalla would be granted control over a portion of Liamchia, a province along the  northwest coast. Over the years, both Giokto and Andalla's new territory prospered. Despite the border being heavily guarded by the two militaries, many Gioktons were able to defect to Liamchia, who gladly accepted the defectors (Do note, however, that only the Gioktons along the border wished to defect, while the rest of the Gioktons were fiercely patriotic). Soon enough, Giokto sent more forces to the border. This was viewed as a sign of aggression, prompting Andalla to do the same. Foreign relations among Thalassan nations continued to deteriorate as a coup by radical Selayaris led the nation into forming a shady alliance with Giokto.

A second war broke out in November 1941 when the Giokton submarine C-23 sunk the SS Teuvo Anttonen, an Andallan troop transport ferrying soldiers to Giokto. The ship sunk with the loss of 1,452 lives, and the beginning of a war that would last 6 long years, span 3 continents and cost millions of lives. The war saw three major alliances: the Andallans and their allies, Giokto and Selayar, and the Sunset Sea Islands and allied separatist groups. Meanwhile, the main battleground was the island of Giokto itself. The Andallan military, secretly assisted by underground Giokton rebels, led the assault on Giokton and Selayari forces on the island. Battles raged on, on land, sea and air. Both sides fought to the teeth with all their might; the far larger Andallan military equally-matched with the Giokton's advanced technology and knowledge of the topograhy.

And now, as other countries get involved, I no longer know what happens. The Sunset Sea Islands looks on as Andallan and Giokton forces slowly deteriorate from battle, then takes its chance. Suddenly, both Andallans and Gioktons see lightning-speed assaults on their shores and, being unable to defend as their troops were on the front lines, had large parts of their territories taken away by the Sunset Sea Islandian empire. The war between Andalla and Giokto turns into a three-way war, with the Sunset Sea Islands (Err, everyone's enemy) and Andalla's allies entering the scene.

The Giokton military was forced to surrender in 1947, granting Andalla the control over Giokto. Throughout the 1950s, the new government began extensive projects to rebuild and modernize the island, and by the 1970s, Giokto became an important financial center. Today, Giokto is highly-developed; it is evident in the bustling skyscrapers of Giokto's cities.

Edited March 10, 2020 by Andalla (see edit history)

[Little Flau]

Hello,

As your neighbour, I am perfectly ok with you expanding here, but what will Giokton's policy and relations with Little Flau be? They are very close and I suppose they might have some historical connection.

[Andalla]

I was planning to include you in the story, but I was waiting for your input. I'll spare the explaining for another time, but overall, Flau must've been just as important to Giokto as Andalla was in the Middle Ages. The real story begins in the 1800s, the Andallan "golden age" of trade. This would place Andalla ahead of Flau financially (Is your factbook canon? I doubt that Flau would have the 9th largest economy, given the fact that it's quite small and you're a new member. Also, your NS stat doesn't really favor the economy, but I understand that most don't follow the NS stat).

My point is, if in the 1800s, Andalla had the larger economy, then Andalla would have had a larger influence on Giokto than Flau did. Also, I do understand that the Flautons are pacifist, and in the late 1800s to mid-1900s Giokto was involved in a series of conflicts, which would probably silence Giokto-Flau relations. I guess.

We can discuss this on Discord. You can tell me how you want Flau involved in this story, and I can happily add it. Just please do bear in mind that as your culture is hand-made, you'd have to teach me everything if you expect me to write the story myself.

[Little Flau]

Sorry,

I forgot to change my factbook, Little Flau is not that rich. I totally agree with Andalla having more influence after the 1800's and the conflicts would also make Little Flau not iffluence them.

We can maybe have a bit of Giokton diaspora in Little Flau since of the war? Decendents of refugees maybe.

I hope you can expand here, it seems well-enough RP'ed.

[Andalla]

Sure, I'll let you write your own story with the Gioktons in Flau. If you can educate me a bit more on Flauton culture, I can incorporate a bit of it into Giokton culture. We can discuss more on PM in Discord.

@Orioni, great and majestic overlord of Europa, what are your opinions on this? Will my request be accepted?

[Orioni]

Oh featured nation @Andalla , your wish is my command.

[Andalla]

Hehe, I am powerful now.  Thanks!

[Orioni]

@Andalla Like this?

[Andalla]

@Orioni Sure, but shouldn't the name be in the middle, between Andalla and Giokto?

P.S saw the new map update, so it's okay.

[Andalla]

@Orioni Giokto has no name and no flag  My minions will need a bit of patriotism with their own flag so I can overwork them.

EDIT: Referring to this, as I realized that you didn't put Giokto yet. Please change the flag when you do, thanks a lot! 

Edited March 20, 2018 by Andalla (see edit history)

[Orioni]

Alright. So. For my own understanding, these are the exact changes you still want to see.

1. Move the sea label to tbe middle.
2. Add the island name: "Giokto (And.)"
3. Add the island flag  https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/373084159863685131/421663583206768640/Gjokto.png

[Andalla]

@Orioni Sea name can stay if it's too much of a hassle for you, I don't want to cause any problems or take your time, really.

If you haven't added the island name, then Andalla's country code is AL, not And. But again, if you'd prefer not to then don't bother changing it.

Thanks!

[Orioni]

Taken care of. I will consider this expansion finished for now. You are required to start RP'ing this story now. Otherwise, it wouldn't be fair to the other members.

[Orioni]

@Andalla Can you update your expansion request? A link to the RP is fine. Thanks.