Kingdom of Wysteria

Wysteria, officially the People's Union Of Wysteria and recognised internationally as the Kingdom of Wysteria, is a progressive-representative democratic Kingdom located in the South-Eastern corner of the Mercurian Empire and bordering the Sea of Reflection. Comprised of two duchies totaling six counties and home to about 120 000 citizens, Wysteria is by land area and population the smallest Kingdom of the Empire. A peaceful and strongly mercantile nation, Wysteria holds a record for never declaring war and projects influence internationally chiefly through international trade dealings and its key participation in Imperial legal ventures. One of the most ethnically-diverse realms of the Empire with an official policy of cultural and religious freedom, Wysteria is home to ethnic Ertians, Mercurians, Maarseans, and Dwarves; while Modern Standard Mercurian is employed as the language of governance and administration, traditional languages are strongly cultivated and taught in many schools. Wysteria's capital is the coastal trading hub of Gallen; other prominent settlements include Chester-le-Ford, Vryth, Caelsthrome, and Maes.

Year founded: 433 A.I.

Capital: Gallen

Estimated population: 120,000

Crest:

Map:

×

Map of Wysterian Holdings

Test caption

One of the youngest realms of the Empire and the newest Kingdom, Wysteria is a vision of freedom, democracy, and social experimentation that has experienced much in its short time. While lacking the centuries shared by some its fellow Kingdoms, Wysteria's own history has forged a unique path and earned a place in the annals of Imperial history.

Pre-Settlement and Founding of Wysteria

For much of the history of the New World, the south-eastern corner of the charted world remained subject to no legal claims and only loosely explored by the Empire's scouts. While settlements such as would become Caekka and the G.R.H.H. began to appear on the fertile south-eastern coasts of the Imperial Ocean, no major settlements were undertaken far inland; apart from a failed settlement attempt in the obscure Ordet-Smi Commonwealth, the area - a den of twisting rivers and thick forest - remained home to various elusive tribes and went virtually unexplored throughout the majority of the Cycle of the Dragon.

In the last years of the Cycle of the Dragon, Duke of the Ertian Duchy of Laborate Nicholas I begins to discuss the possibility of setting up an independent realm in which to pursue his vision of governance and worker's relations. Ertian scouts begin examining areas of the Empire not yet claimed by burgeoning realms; the south-eastern corner is recognized as one of the few remaining isolated areas boasting a quick maritime connection to the Imperial Ocean. In the last mercannum of the Cycle of the Dragon, Nicholas receives permission from Ertian King Arjen IV and the Council of the Crowned in establishing an independent county in the south-eastern corner; a small band of majority-Ertian settlers including Count Merry accompany the Duke in the founding of the realm of Wysteria. The name is taken from the old Ertian slang Wystful - to express hope for the future; ground is broken in the coastal city of Gallen in the first year of the Cycle of the Phoenix.

Early Growth and The Great Welcoming

As Gallen grows, other settlements begin to appear as Wysteria expands its borders and experiences a great increase in immigration. Count Merry founds the breadbasket farming town of Maes in the eastern plains and establishes a maritime shipping connection. Notable newcomers demonstrate exceptional work ethic and take leading roles in the development of industry and population centers: Maarsean Lady Biakko O'Kleefe founds the equestrian and manufacturing hub of Chester-le-Ford; sailor Squire establishes a desert trading connection around the trading post of Vryth. This period becomes known as The Great Welcoming. Imperial maps feature Wysteria for the first time, and must be redrawn due to its remoteness as the realm completes an official connection to the Imperial Nether Lines. Administration and governance begins to evolve as Nicholas I seeks input from key artisans and industry bosses in governing policy - this is the genesis of the Labourer's Council. The great inland sea bordering the southern edge of Wysteria is formally named the Sea of Reflection as a tribute to the guiding principle of the new realm.

Second Phase of Growth and International Outreach

As expansion continues, Wysteria as a realm begins to play an active role on the international stage for the first time. Formal diplomatic and trading relations are established with the neighbouring south-eastern realms of Kaine, the G.R.H.H., Casadia, and Laghima. Farther afield, Wysteria maintains strong relations with its patron realm of Ertia and with Dawnstar, the first nation to send an official diplomatic envoy to the new realm. With the founding of the realm of Östlond, Wysteria gains a close neighbour and begins to foster strong diplomatic and economic ties. The Merchant's Guild, a defunct trading organization established by Sean Scrayven, is revitalized as a force for international economic and political outreach for Wysteria as a Guild Hall is constructed in Gallen. Wysteria begins to grow as an exporting nation, chielfy of raw lumber and stone. Construction begins on the great walls of Gallen.

Rise of Nicholas II: Political Reforms and International Initiatives

The death of Duke Nicholas I in the last years of the Cycle of the Dragon is mourned nationwide; his nephew, Nicholas II, succeeds him as the last hereditary ruler of Wysteria. A legal scholar known for his reserved nature and love of diplomatic outreach, Nicholas II institutes a twin policy of economic and legal outreach in order to project Wysterian influence internationally. The Merchant's Guild is greatly expanded in both resources and purview, as the iconic fleet of Clipper-Class trading vessels is constructed and begins spreading Wysterian business to ports across the Empire; meanwhile, Merchant's Guild Trading posts are constructed in international ports to serve as beacons of Wysterian economic policy and diplomatic consulates as the Merchant's Guild embraces a new diplomatic role. The modern hierarchy of governance and administration is established, with the Labourer's Council formalised as one of two main organs of governance; the other, the Wysterian Assembly, is created with the goal of allowing citizens greater representation in the governing process as the realm is divided by population into 36 constituenties, each electing a member to the Assembly. Nicholas becomes the first Minister of the Wysterian Assembly, the head of state, and decrees that after his death the position is to be filled by election. The Office of the Chief Purveyor is created and charged with overseeing the Scribes of the Assembly, a diverse body of legal talent that elevates Wysteria to a key player on the Imperial stage due to its influence and participation in the drafting of Imperial legal initiatives such as the Modernization of the Indoles Carta and the Ascension Acts.

During this time, Wysteria becomes involved in its first Imperial Judicial Case: vandalism carried out on the Wysterian Assembly in Gallen in the form of the release of hundreds of chickens becomes known as “The Chickening” - investigation reveals the presence of Siden Rua, leader of Dor'Eryn. Criminal charges of theft and vandalism are levied by the People of Wysteria; the resulting trial is held in Gallen with judge Erastil presiding and is witnessed by dignitaries from across the Empire. Charges are ultimately dropped and the affair is settled out of court; the trial attracts significant criticism from some representatives and remains today a unique blot in Wysteria's legal tradition. Following the trial, the Department of Legal And Foreign Affairs (DLaFA) is created to coordinate Wysteria's legal and diplomatic ventures and to ensure a more uniform response to legal situations.

Wysteria faces its first armed conflict, as bands of Ostron raiders and brigands disembark at Gallen and begin looting and plundering. The Defence of the city is led by Commander Mark Mathson of the Gallen Guard, joined by Sir Squire and numerous international retinues from the diplomatic embassies located in the city; despite initial panic, the bandits are quickly pushed back and defeated with few lives lost. The Defence Of Gallen becomes a key symbol of international military cooperation, and spurs the creation of the Wysterian Peoples' Army and Navy.

Death Of Nicholas II and Transferral of Leadership

During the course of an official ascension ceremony for the promotion of Vassals Mimo and Chronnis to the rank of Count, Nicholas II and members of his entourage are shot and killed by unknown attackers; Chronnis, seriously wounded, succumbs to his injuries later that month. The realm goes into mourning for the “Man Who Built Wysteria”, as the Labourer's Council holds collective custody over Wysteria. Following the wishes of the late Duke to implement full democratic reforms after his death, the Labourer's Council embarks on a historic election for the position of Minister of the Wysterian Assembly; however, the process is slow and arduous as transitions happen without adequate planning and infighting begins over the interpretation of the late Duke's wishes. By the end of the year, various candidates have declared their intention to run for the position; elections are continuously delayed due to disputes within the Assembly, however, and the Labourer's Council retains custody of Wysteria with Jenkins, Chief Purveyor, acting as international representative and ambassador.

The Kingdom of Wysteria

While Wysteria is in some turmoil politically, this does little to impact the broader economy and development of the realm which for the moment proceeds generally unaffected by the infighting in Gallen. Having fulfilled the Imperial requirements, Representative Jenkins on behalf of the Labourer's Council Collective Custody Committee formally submits a petition to the Council of the Crowned and begins receiving delegations in support of Wysteria's application for ascension to Kingdom. By the last mercannum of the Cycle of the Dragon, Wysteria has received the required unanimous support of all active members of the Council; Wysteria is formally recognized as the newest Kingdom of the Empire and awarded a seat on the Council of the Crowned. Being without a Minister of the Assembly, no formal ascension ceremony is held; Representative Jenkins informally holds the responsibility of coordinating Wysteria's duties as a member of the Council. Wysteria's actions as a member of the Council include official delegations to the Duchies of Kaine and Wychwood, where Wysterian representatives evaluate a petition for ascension to Kingdom and award a vote in support of ascension to Duchy, respectively.

The Time of Troubles

Despite Imperial success for Wysteria, the internal political situation continues to deteriorate as elections remain unscheduled and Assembly Members appear no closer to consensus in regards to the wishes of Nicholas II. The death of Representative Jenkins in 542 AI is the last thread holding together a perilous political situation; with his death Wysteria loses both a neutral, influential leader figure and the ability to effectively fulfil its duties as a member of the Council of the Crowned. A joint statement released by the Labourer's Council declares Wysteria's intention to remain an inactive Member of the Council until such time as the realm has resolved its internal political situation; this marks a period of decreased international influence for Wysteria as the realm focuses on internal issues.

Long a realm at the forefront of experiments in governance and democracy and a key player on the international legal stage, Wysteria has played a part in the Empire's greatest legal ventures and is home to some of the Mercurian Empire's most unique governmental structures.

The Wysterian Assembly

Wysterian governance is structured according to a political system known officially as the Progressive Representative System. Unique among the realms of the Empire, the genesis of this system came with a decision by Duke Nicholas II, the last hereditary ruler of Wysteria, to accord the people greater representation in the organs of the realm’s legislative system; accordingly, the decision was made to divide the realm into 36 constituencies, each of which elect a representative to the Wysterian Assembly every 2 mercannum. Elections are conducted under a plurality system, in which anyone may stand and all citizens over the age of 16 may vote. One of two key organs in Wysterian governance, the Assembly forms the main legislative body, its members collaborating to propose policy and draft legislation which may then be voted on by the Assembly. While there are no formal political parties or ranks within the Assembly, members commonly form groups dedicated to the development of a specific policy area such as industry, education, or diplomatic affairs; these groups, in which members commonly vote as a bloc, are recognised as official in varying degrees and are referred to collectively as Perspective Initiatives.

The Minister of the Wysterian Assembly

Acting as Head of State for the realm and commanding the confidence of the Wysterian Assembly as head of the executive, the Minister of the Wysterian Assembly is formally recognized as the leader of Wysteria. Elected from among the members of the Assembly in a week-long election held every 4 mercannum, the Minister may serve a maximum of two terms: 8 mercannum, or 48 years. As leader of the Assembly, the Minister continues to hold their seat and may introduce legislation; this means that while the Minister may exert an influence on the Assembly, they must still command the confidence of the members in order to pass legislation and achieve their policies. This is the foundation of the Wysterian political ethos: the belief that leaders must be accountable to the representatives of the people. As Head of State, the current Minister is recognised by Imperial Law as a sitting member of the Council of the Crowned, and granted all powers and duties that this position entails; this also results in the Minister accepting an international label of King/Queen where appropriate, though these international ranks are not used within Wysteria. Due in part to the Minister’s Imperial duties, their mandate includes a large focus on international affairs; they represent Wysteria on the Imperial stage and hold the Minister’s Prerogative, a legal principle which allows the Minister to conduct international relationships without requiring a vote of the Assembly in order to render Imperial relationships practical.

The Labourer’s Council

This theme of practical productivity is the driving force behind the second key organ of Wysterian governance: the Labourer’s Council. The oldest of Wysteria’s political entities, the Council draws its origin from weekly meetings held between the founder of Wysteria, Duke Nicholas I, and local industry bosses in order to keep tabs on growth in the burgeoning Duchy; today, the Council has evolved as an appointed advisory council to the Minister of the Assembly. Councillors may be appointed and dismissed by the current Minister, and as such there is no standard size or composition; positions and individuals may vary according to the requirements of the current Minister, and the Council is traditionally reshuffled with each new Minister. There are no formal rules governing eligibility for membership of the Council, and composition has traditionally been a mix of key industry figures, regional prefects and governors, and artists and scholars – all appointed with the goal of offering a unique perspective in their area of expertise. The Labourer’s Council thus represents a great body of knowledge and experience for the Minister to draw upon, and senior Councillors will often be among the most experienced members of government; these individuals are vital in assisting the Minister with much of the work carried out “behind the scenes” in areas ranging from international trade agreements to production quotas. A Minister wishing to investigate or respond to specific situations may also call upon the Labourer’s Council to direct Single-Issue Committees – these organizational initiatives allow the top levels of the Wysterian government to quickly respond to issues and rely upon the experience of the Council to devise a response.

Office of the Chief Purveyor and other Officials

The Labourer’s Council also administers several offices and initiatives below it. One of the best-known is the Office of the Chief Purveyor, a trusted senior official tasked with the keeping of all governmental and legal records and the custody of the legal library as well as the handling of Imperial correspondence between the Wysterian government and the international community. Appointed by the Minister of the Assembly, the position is traditionally held for many years as a sign of deep trust and respect – the position is currently occupied by Jenkins, a senior scribe to the Scrayven family for decades and Chief Purveyor for many more. This office also oversees and coordinates the Scribes of the Assembly, a broad and respected group of individuals trained in legal affairs who manage the development of legislation both within the Assembly and in the Empire’s international legal initiatives – their work includes wide-ranging contributions from laws on maritime travel to the historic modernization of the Imperial Codex.

Hereditary Leaders Of Wysteria: The Scrayven Line

From the founding of Wysteria until the death of Nicholas II, Wysteria is ruled by the Scrayven line. This line is a continuation of the ruling line of the Ertian duchy of Laborate; prior to his death, Nicholas II decrees in his will that he shall be the last hereditary ruler of Wysteria and that the position shall be filled via election.

• A.I. 429 - A.I. 482: Nicholas Scrayven I

Founder and Duke of Wysteria; prior to that, Duke of the Ertian duchy of Laborate. Born in Port Goldcrest, Laborate, in A.I. 398. Known as “Nicholas The Labourer” due to his personal investment in the creation of the new realm; Nicholas would often chair meetings of local labourers in order to gain perspective on the key issues facing the fledgling duchy. Notable achievements include the welcoming of international immigrants and the boosting of Wysteria's population, the establishment of diplomatic relations with the realm of Ostlond, and the creation of the Labourer's Council. Nicholas died in his sleep in A.I. 482 at age 84.

• A.I. 482 - A.I. 527: Nicholas Scrayven II

Labourer's Council Collective Custody Committee

Following the abrupt death of Nicholas II, plans for democratic reform remain in their infancy. With the realm not yet ready to

From its founding, Wysteria has been guided by a philosophy of peaceful international cooperation through diplomatic and economic outreach; as such, the realm holds a record for never having declared war and, for much of its history, possessed no standing military forces. While the Defence Of Gallen led to the creation of a permanent standing Army and Navy, these forces remain small and employed exclusively for defensive purposes.

In addition, Wysteria's response to large-scale conflicts depends upon the nationalisation of several key local and civilian forces. In peacetime, local regions manage their own policing and defensive affairs; larger metropolitan areas form Guard units (see The Gallen Guard), while rural areas coordinate local militias. In Times Of Conflict these local police and defence brigades and militia forces may be nationalised and folded into the existing military hierarchy in order to increase reach and better respond to threats. The Wysterian Navy is able to expand its forces with the drafting into service of the Merchant's Marine, a militarization of the civilian trading fleets of the Merchant's Guild; this executive power rest with the Minister of the Assembly, though has never been activated.

People's Army Of Wysteria

Created following the successful Defence Of Gallen in which a need to coordinate land forces realm-wide was recognised, the Peoples' Army Of Wysteria is the official standing army of the Kingdom of Wysteria. A small, well-trained force tasked with the defence of the realm, the standing forces number approximately 22 000; these troops serve full-time and undergo continuous training in areas of combat, humanitarian support, and military engineering. Concentration of Army forces is centered around key military and population centers, including the Gallen barracks and the southern peninsula.

Wysterian Army forces are legally prevented from assuming the duties of local law enforcement, and are occupied only with the defence of the realm. Main duties include the defence of military installations such as forts and key infrastructure, the support of engineering and humanitarian projects inside Wysteria, and the protection of the Wysterian Assembly - this last is the task of a special subset of the Army, the Assembly Guard. The People's Army of Wysteria is divided into regional Army Groups, which are further divided into regiments at the discretion of regional commanders; examples include Army Group Coast and Army Group Desert. The commander of the Wysterian Peoples' Army is the Chief Marshal of Army Forces; this position includes authority over nationalised land forces during Times Of Conflict. The current Chief Marshal of Army Forces is Marshal Mathson.

Local Defence Brigades

In times of peace, local regions of Wysteria traditionally manage their own policing and defensive affairs; these organizations predate the founding of the Wysterian Peoples' Army. Naming conventions and the nature of these defensive groups vary widely, though all groups recognised as official are directed at some level by local authorities such as the Mayor or Regional Prefect. In general, two broad types of force exist: denser, metropolitan areas and large towns such as Gallen, Chester-le-Ford, and Vryth form Guard Forces, while rural, decentralized regions such as the Eastern Plains and the Northern “Mule Route” Region form local militias. These groups are collectively defined as Local Defence Brigades, though structure of command and main duties vary widely by region. Local Defence Brigades recognised as official have sole authority over policing inside their respective regions unless superseded by the Wysterian Assembly; as such, the Wysterian Peoples' Army is formally prevented from assuming local policing duties. In Times Of Conflict, Local Defense Brigades may be selectively nationalised and placed under the command of the Chief Marshal of Army Forces.

Examples of official Local Defence Brigades include:

• The Gallen Guard
• The Chester-le-Ford Forces Urbains Defensives
• The Vryth Guard
• The Caelsthrome and Coastal Regions Defensive Forces
• The Eastern Plains Militia
• The Northern Defensive Militia

The Observer Corps

A small, highly specialised branch of the Wysterian Armed Forces, the Observer Corps is an international diplomatic and conflict-observing force operated jointly by the Labourer's Council, the Chief Marshal of Army Forces, and the Department for Legal and Foreign Affairs. While trained in combat and self-defence, the primary role of the Observer Corps is to represent Wysterian diplomacy in sensitive international situations and conflicts; this includes acting as international war crime observers in foreign conflicts, performing diplomatic negotiations in hostile situations, and mediating between combattants.

The Wysterian Peoples' Navy

Since its inception, naval vessels have been the primary form of transport, economic activity, and security for Wysteria; these were generally operated privately, however, and it was not until after the Defence of Gallen, in which a need to coordinate an official naval defensive force was recognised, that the Wysterian Peoples' Navy was created. The Wysterian Peoples' Navy is tasked with the protection and defence of the realm and its interests in the maritime sphere; as such, its main duties include prevention of piracy and the patrolling of key shipping routes, fortifying key positions and defences, and escorting international trade vessels. Naval assets are concentrated around key harbour facilities in Gallen, Caelsthrome, and the Southern Peninsula; Port Vielstine accounts for the manufacturing and construction of over two thirds of Navy assets.

The Merchant's Marine

The Merchant's Marine is the name given to the Merchant's Guild civilian fleet of trading vessels when these are drafted into military service. Composed largely of Clipper-Class trading ships - small, low-hulled sailing vessels designed with a primary focus on speed in order to deliver cargo - the fleets of the Merchant's Guild are ordinarily civilian and employed exclusively for peaceful trading operations; in Times Of Conflict, however, the Minister of the Assembly reserves the power to draft these into military service where they are placed into the military hierarchy under the command of the Chief Admiral of Naval Forces. It is presumed that, owing to their small size and limited armaments, these vessels would be employed within the Sea of Reflection as defensive forces or perhaps as raiding cutters; however, this power has so far never been utilised.

Like all other major realms of the Empire, the Wysterian economy operates on a general Barter System, where raw goods are exchanged for what is judged to be an equivalent value. In locations of high trade and financial transactions such as coastal trading towns, an iron-based form of fiat currency known as the Nugget may be employed, though this system is not universal across Wysteria.

Owing to its great biodiversity and proximity of a wide range of natural resources, Wysteria is largely an exporter of goods in the Imperial economy; the Labourer's Council Economic Committee estimates that over a third (33%) of Wysteria's exports are comprised of raw lumber and stone, while a quarter (25%) are derived from high-quality handcrafts, chielfly papercrafts and books. In addition to these key export goods, Wysteria's economy is supported by the realm's status as patron state of the Merchant's Guild, an international trading and financial organization with a presence in realms across the Empire - the Merchant's Guild operates direct land- and sea-based trading as well as indirect financial, legal, and diplomatic operations and provides economic connections and influence to Wysteria.

Industry and Trading Relations

Wysteria is a net exporter of many goods, being in close proximity to natural resources such as lumber, stone, and specialised plants. Main exports include traditional lumbers (Spruce, Oak, Birch, etc), raw and refined stone, bulk quantities of plant dyes, and raw sugar cane. Specialised handcrafts are particularly common in Wysteria's larger cities, with Gallen a key source of bound books, vellum, and cane parchment; the city itself is one of the East's largest economic hubs, hosting Wysterian businesses as well as international branches. The incredibly diverse geography of the region includes desert, jungle, mesa, and ice plain; this has made Wysteria a key source of exotic natural materials, most notably crushed ice.

Main goods of which Wysteria is a net importer include Dark Oak wood, precious gems, and Ender artifacts. Wysteria has traditionally been a net importer of enchanted goods, though this trend has generally reversed now that the realm is connected to the Imperial Ender Farm and most enchanting is done domestically.

Wysteria holds steady economic and trading relations with a variety of realms including Kaine, the G.R.H.H, Pyrencia, and Casadia, though does not at this time hold formal trade agreements with any realm. As Wysteria's closest neighbor and one of its strongest allies, a great deal of Wysterian trade is conducted with Östlond; concerns arise periodically over the limited trade deficit with this realm, though this does not seem to have had an impact so far on economic relations between the two realms which are generally quite strong. Coupled with its record of peace and aversion to conflict, Wysteria in general avoids trade disputes and economic warfare, preferring to remain a neutral party open to all.

Transport and Infrastructure

With a long south-western coastline along the Sea of Reflection and numerous prominent settlements connected by port, maritime travel makes up a large amount of domestic travel and economic activity within Wysteria and accounts for virtually all international travel and trade. Prominent harbours exist in centers such as Gallen, Maes, and Vielstine, serving passengers and allowing the shipment of goods both for domestic consumption (chiefly agricultural products) and international trade; most harbours are mechanised and feature instruments such as railcart loading and freight cranes to allow for higher levels of shipment. Harbours are serviced by a variety of craft, including vessels from Wysteria's People's Navy as well as the large fleet of Clipper-Class trading vessels operated by the Merchant's Guild; transportation is also provided by myriad independant skippers, many of whom run ferry services between Wysterian settlements. In the Cycle of the Phoenix, Gallen become the first city of the Empire to host a dedicated, high-speed passenger ferry service to the Ostron capital of Acholm, Wysteria's nearest neighbor by sea. Gallen produces most specialised navigational systems and is the main port of call for Wysterian trading vessels, while across the sea Port Vielstine accounts for the construction and manufacturing of most new vessels due to its proximity to raw lumber.

Overland travel forms the second half of the Wysterian transportation system; this is mainly employed in the north and east of the realm in connecting settlements and trading posts not accessible by water and is accomplished chiefly through paved roads and on horseback. Originally neglected in favour of costal settlements, the success of landlocked equestrian and manufacturing hub Chester-le-Ford resulted in new roads being paved; this has resulted in Chester-le-Ford becoming a shipment and transportation hub for the entire eastern plains region. A single key road runs west from Gallen to Vryth, connecting the desert trading post; beyond this, scattered trails run west towards the distant Imperial Sea though these are seldom explored in any depth and not employed as a means of travel out of Wysteria.

Connected to the Imperial Nether Line Network via the International Silver Line, Wysteria's connection to the Nether Network marks one of the Empire's longest single-realm lines. Within Wysterian domestic nether, all settlements officially mapped by the Empire are connected via nether lines meeting the Imperial Ministry Guidelines (Safe and Secure, Safe For Horses, Large Portals, etc.)

Among Wysteria's nether connections is an unearthed End Portal. This provides quick transit to the Imperial Ender Farm, an international resource for the gathering of Experience.

Demographics

Language

Education

Religion

Philosophy and Ideology

Arts, Aesthetic, and Sport