[Request] A new NPC in Yeetland - Skibbenon

[Aurivizh]

Greetings all! I have once again come for a claim for a NPC nation, a constitutional monarchy, essentially under the umbrella of the Mud Empire of Dolchland. Its name is Skibbenon, a large country with a small population and an even harsher climate. Skibbenon is a Geltic (Cornish) constitutional monarchy north of Aurivizh and Ebrary, whose state has been heavily influenced and manipulated by Dolchland to such a point that it has become, essentially, a puppet state under the Dolch Crown. I’m writing this NPC as I feel it’s an excellent opportunity for roleplay in northern Argis, especially considering I’m planning on making Skibbenon eventually join the OCA - joining Dolchland in its Argic war.

Kingdom of Skibbenon - Ruvaneth Skibbenow - Gonagasriika Skibeŋon

The Skibbenan flag is a Yetlandic Cross with the colours of Azure, Argent and Sable. The Azure is supposed to both reflect the cold temperature of the land and the water which brings it riches. The Sable is for the Geltic population and heritage, which is held strongly in the nation, and the argent reflects the ice and snow that cover the land, as well as the Vánddardeaddji population. The Coat of Arms is quartered with a crown on top. The Quarters reflect the mountains, folk legends, Christianity and nature, with the crown being a symbol of the monarchy.

If possible, I think this location would greatly fit with the NPC, with its capital of Galvan on the eastern coast. Because of the incredibly harsh climate, almost 50% of the population lives in Galvan.

History

Skibbenon was not inhabited for a very long time, mainly due to the harsh climate. In fact, the first inhabitants of the area of modern-day Skibbenon only appeared by 1000 BCE, which were proto-Vánddardeaddji (Sami) nomads. For the longest time, especially in the north, these nomadic tribes hunted moose and travelled with them across modern-day Skibbenon. At the same time (around 400 BCE as part of the wider Geltic migrations), from the south, Proto-Gelts came in from modern-day Aurivizh, setting in the southern areas before moving on to the coast. Still, most of the country remained a nomadic tundra for years. Only by the late 500s the first city-states were founded, of which most were simple fishing or hunting outposts with a population of a few hundred citizens tops. All of these city-states were in the Geltic-dominated areas south of the river Ballylina, with everything north of it still remaining as a nomadic Vánddardeaddji-dominated tundra. By 720, Christian missionaries from the south and Tagmatium reached the Geltic city-states on the coast, and attempted to convert the Geltic-Pagan cities. With some cities it succeeded, while others resisted: the most notable being the city-state of Gallone, twelve kilometres north of modern-day Galvan, which brutally lynched most of the missionaries in 734, sparking retaliation by the missionaries and converted cities. Gallone was burned to the ground, as well as all other city-states which did not convert. By 812, all of the city-states in Skibbenon had converted, and the first nation-state, the Grand Principality of Galvan. During this time, the Geltic settlers in Skibbenon had become different enough from the Geltic settlers down south, causing a split between the Aurivizhts and Skibbenans, the latter being more influenced by the Vánddardeaddji north, and the former more by Ebrarian Romance in the south. 

The Grand Principality of Galvan eventually spread all over the eastern coast and even inland, all the while the total Skibbenani population continued increasing. Exploration was eventually launched further into the western and northern wastes, causing contact between the Aurivizhts and Skibbenans to be re-established. Furthermore, an exploration into the north showed that there were even more Vánddardeaddji nomads further north. Contact between the Skibbenans and Vánddardeaddji at first was difficult, but as time went on, the Vánddardeaddji were more and more integrated into Skibbenan society, some of the nomadic groups settling and converting to Christianity. With technology advancing, by the 1300s the coastal areas of Skibbenon became home to large-scale trading and fishing, mainly across the Celtan and Geltic seas. Yet, the small population and small fertility rates due to the harsh tundra climate still were problematic. Furthermore, sea ice only made trade viable during one half of the year. As such, in an attempt to expand further, the Grand Principality, now known as the Kingdom of Greater Skibbenan explored and expanded further north and eastwards, finally settling in uninhabited areas on the Aurivizht border, and converting further Vánddardeaddji nomads to Christianity. Despite the Skibbenans having hoped on finding more people out east and north, there were barely any. Trading routes inland were established, but with difficult geography, they were hard to keep maintained and sometimes fell, leaving settlements in the east and north to have to fend for themselves. By the late 1500s, the current monarchy, the house of Trewalny was put in charge after a succession crisis led to the signing of a new royal constitution. Advances in cooperation with the Vánddardeaddji also led into the Skibbenans adapting transport methods used by the Vánddardeaddji, most notably dog and moose sledging during winter. Furthermore, advances in navigation technology led into new trade routes being established with inland areas over the rivers. Many settlements were founded along these trading routes and rivers, causing a large explosion in population, reaching over 100,000 for the first time in 1592. 

Already, the city of Galvan proved to be the most influential in all of Skibbenon, rivalling even non-Skibbenan cities such as Alivezh in prominence in international trade. Especially for whaling did Galvan become the capital of Yeetland, if not all of Argis. Fishing, Whaling and Lumber became big parts of the Skibbenese economy. As time went on, the borders of Skibbenon were more and more solidified, with eventually during the turn of the 17th to 18th century the three largest Vánddardeaddji nomadic groups, Iŋger, Bieraš and Lieđđi becoming part of the kingdom. By 1734, the kingdom had finally reached its modern borders and continued as a neutral power in most affairs, once again, mainly due to its small population. 

However, by 1793, the house of Trewalny saw itself increasingly being influenced by Dolchic states and especially their monarchy. Notably, King Mewan V wed to a Dolch princess in 1794, making it the first time a Skibbenan king had married a non-Skibbenan person. As time went on, Dolchic influence on the Royal family and as such the country continued. With the citizens seeing their own royal family becoming more and more influenced by the Dolch states, action was undertaken, most notably by Rávdnár Trevanion, a Vánddardeaddji parliamentarian. Trevanion was able to convince King Mewan VI to accept his draft of the First Democratic Constitution, transforming the nation into a constitutional monarchy in 1856, breaking the populace free from most Dolchic influence. 

(Note here; my historical knowledge of Dolchland is rusty, so please tell me if I made a mistake. I also did not yet choose a Dolchic house, as I don’t want to screw up any lore there.)

Skibbenon was slow to industrialise, with its first factory being one for whaling, which opened in 1899’s Galvan. With incredibly poor infrastructure in most of the rural areas and a low population, industrialisation was put on the back burner and it took until the early 1940s that Skibbenon was properly industrialised. The population made a second large increase upwards, doubling in another twenty years with improved healthcare. However, the 1943 Aurivizht revolution against its constitutional monarchy caused the status of the house of Trewalny to be unstabilised. Yet, the monarchy survived the revolution in its largest trading partner due to funding and increased trading from Dolchland. Dolchic influence once again increased, and this time it would not disappear. Pro-monarchy and conservative parties increasingly became of influence in Skibbenon, slowly turning the nation into a puppet of Dolchland as both of its neighbours fought with each other and slowed down trade with Skibbenon. 

In the 21st century, much of its foreign affairs have been influenced by whatever Dolchland has done. However, unlike Dolchland, its social and political rights have advanced. Furthermore, its economy has taken a deep dive into ICT and Tourism, as well as further developing its Lumber.

 

Economy

Most of Skibbenon’s economy is reliant on ICT and Tourism. Skibbenon has heavily invested in its (digital) infrastructure between the 1980s and 2020s, with its goal of becoming a highly-developed Digital state. With the investment into analogue infrastructure, it has also become a tourist destination, especially for skiing and other sportive events. Skibbenon’s largest trading partners are Dolchland and Aurivizh, with other Argic states following up. Furthermore, fishing and whaling are a big part of the economy as well. Finally, Timber makes up the fifth-largest market. There have been studies into the hills in the western part of the nation, and it has been confirmed that they’re rich in Iron. However, these areas are sacred in the Vánddardeaddji folk religion, so they will most likely not be exploited any time soon. Skibbenon has a population of 1,290,000, of which most of the population is natively Skibbenese. The Vánddardeaddji make up the second largest group, at 12%. Following that are smaller immigrant populations of Aurivizhts and other small groups. The GDP per Capita is around $19,540, making the Nominal GDP $25.2 Billion. The Currency is the Owrek, valued slightly below the international currency. Skibbenon is recognised as a developed state, with an HDI of 0.880. Skibbenon has a life expectancy of 79.7 years, and its largest city and capital is Galvan.

 

Government

Skibbenon is a constitutional monarchy under the House of Trewalny, whose current head-of-state is Queen Stefana II. The current premier, or head of government is Morhaedo Nancollas of the National Monarchist Front. The legislative body, or Senedh, is a unicameral body consisting of 75 members. The largest two parties are the National Monarchist Front and the Conservative Union, who are in a voting block together and make up the coalition. Other large parties include the Social-Democratic Union, Liberal Party and the Vánddardeaddji Folk Party. Skibbenon is highly ranked in civil rights and freedom of speech, making is a rare exception in the Geltic states of Yeetland. The government is however heavily influenced by the Dolchic states, especially with funding. The government is often criticised for corruption and underinvestment in rural areas. Skibbenon is subdivided into eight provinces; Galvan, Trakškis, Nebet, Soutnagh, Aloza, Geažotmiella, Loughlina and Gorlewin-Oarji.

 

@Xio Pinging you as the Cartographer, and @Tagmatium Rules and @Ebraryfor Consent and Feedback.

Edited January 4, 2023 by Aurivizh
Amended the meaning of the flag (and added the Vánddardeaddji translation) (see edit history)

[Xio]

All looks good to me, my only question is what are your plans for Skibbenon in the war (beyond just being an ally of Dolchland. Does it fall to Aurivizh? Does it hold its core lands? Is it occupied?). As you're requesting an NPC you can't annex any territories of course, but having some glimpse into your future ideas with the country would be great.

Otherwise, I'm just waiting for @Ebrary to provide feedback and/or consent.
As its been a while, I'll give Ebrary until the 15th to provide consent/feedback, else I'll add the NPC.

Edited January 10, 2023 by Xio (see edit history)

[Aurivizh]

Basically the main idea I have for Skibbenon past the war, depending on its outcome, is that Aurivizh will attempt to establish a puppet state replacing the monarchy. However, it's just like the Socialist Republic of Afghanistan and it quickly falls into a guerilla war against the occupying Aurivizhts. I'll leave the outcome of that conflict to be decided later on. Aurivizh has economic reasons to establish the puppet, especially considering the ICT sector in Skibbenon and the untouched iron reserves. Don't plan on Aurivizh annexing anything, the closest being temporarily occupying the western areas of it.

[Gotneska]

Can I ask a general question as why you picked the Sami people? I understand it’s easier to place them as they have historical relations with the northern Germanic people of Europe. But we I mean Gotneska and Ateenia have created the Nanuvat. 

[Xio]

Oh I just saw the Sami part after a re-read, yeah no that part will need to be amended, as our Uralic people are situated in northern Alharu.

[Aurivizh]

Apologies, wasn't aware of that yet. I'm unsure who the Nanuvat are, and me generally being a bit more knowledgable about the Saami peoples meant I picked those. Will see what cultural group could work as a good alternative, was considering perhaps Greenlandic Inuits?

[Gotneska]

The Nanuvat are based on the Inuit people’s of North America.

[Aurivizh]

Just to finalise on the (new) culture for the Vánddardeaddji, it's going to be replaced by the Angalaartut, a Nanuvat group which closely resembles the Greenlandic Inuits. Names for subdivisions and influential characters will be replaced after my testweek, but I'm open to talk with @Gotneskain regards to the lore of how the Angalaartut reached Skibbenon.

 

Also slight edit so that I don't forget it myself later on, the new name for the nation in Angalaartut will be Skiqan or in full Skiqanip Naalagaaffik. (Literally meaning the Skibbenese Realm.)

Edited January 17, 2023 by Aurivizh (see edit history)

[Xio]

Seeing how @Ebrary did not reply by the 15th, I'll add Skibbenon to the next map update.