Haarden

From Eshraval Saved

Haarden is a kingdom occupying the northern part of the North Sapphilian mainland. It is border to the north by Skjonohav to the east by the Kunnich Sea, the west by the Calarian Ocean and to the south by Triana, COR and Zantonia. Its population is mainly Norric with Ilycian and Massian being largely present as well. It was the dominate realm in the former Norric Empire and current regional power of North Saphillia.

Contents 1 Etymology 2 People 3 History 4 Early History 4.1 The Safaoasia Empire and the Duchies 4.2 The Norric Union and Empire 4.3 Modern Times 5 Government 5.1 Head of State 5.2 Känsler 5.3 Executive Cabinet 5.4 Legislature 5.5 Judiciary 5.6 Local Government 5.7 Military 5.8 Foreign Relations 5.9 Overseas dependencies 6 Economy 6.1 Currency 7 Infrastructure 7.1 Health 7.2 Education 7.3 Transport 7.4 Communications 7.5 Energy 8 Geography 8.1 Climate 8.2 Provinces 8.3 Major cities 9 Culture 9.1 Sports 9.2 Media 9.3 Music 9.4 Art 9.5 Religion 10 Related Topics

Etymology

The name Haarden derives from the old Hardanskan word Hårdlan, meaning "land of the Hård language." The name Haarden is the evolution of the word which has come to mean in modern times as the "Mother Land of Hardanska", the language in which all Norric tongues branch from.

People

About 80% of Haarden's people are light-skinned Aphilian Norrics. The remaining 20% include other Aphilians and populations of Massian, Chari and Shakrihl descent which immigrated to Haarden from former colonies, mostly in the mid-13th century.

Nearly 43% of Haarden's population consider themselves active members of the Norric Concord (or Dominikål Faith), with 26% being members of the Northern Reformation and 6% members of other Jascoran followings. Haarden being a strongly religious nation only has about 11% non-religious, atheist or agnostic persons. The remaining 14% following Pirism, Arie'Shoh or other religions.

History

Main Article: History of Haarden

Early History

The area of Haarden has been inhabited since the last ice age. The people were originally nomadic, following herds of deer and bison, but eventually many adopted a more settled lifestyle, and ministates - earlrics - developed. By the mid-fourth century, a Kingdom of the North had been established, emcompassing both the Haardic mainland and the Skjønøhav Islands to the north.

The Safaoasia Empire and the Duchies

The kingdom was shattered by the arrival of the Safaosia Empire in the 470s. After a bitter struggle, the Norric kingdom was reduced to area of Skjønøhav, while the mainland became part of the imperial province of Hizranz. The empire ruled the area until it was ousted by combined Haardic and Skjønøhavian forces in 622. The area that is now Haarden would be split between numerous powerful duchies with the Kingdom of Skjønøhav holding most of the northwest. Roskylde, Nerane, Asterdaam, and the Free League would also rise at this time.

In the eighth century, duchies began to combine through conquest and marriage, resulting in two grand duchies - Hålland and Nylana-Norrlinga - and in 759, a political marriage brought them together under the rule of Grand Duke Gustav. They were formerly almagamated into the Kingdom of Haarden in 770.

The Norric Union and Empire

In 792, the Kingdoms of Haarden and Skjønøhav engaged one another in what would be known as the Long War. Haarden also engaged in numerous political alliances and marriages with the nobles of Triana and Naghiaf. In 840 the Kingdom of Haarden established itself as the victor, claiming the Skjønøhavic territories of Alkaran, #25 and the Shaelic Commonwealth. The Norric Union was established with the Kingdom of Haarden as the dominate realm.

In 889, Harald II married XXXXX, the Nerani Heir Apparent, cementing the union between the Kingdom of Haarden and Principality of Nerane. Harald's reign would mark the expansion of Norric power beyond the region and onto the Zunian and Limnian continents. At it's height Haarden would possess territories across the globe making it the most powerful Colonial power on Eshraval.

In 1106, the politics of the Norric Union became heated. A rebellion in Aredighuan would lead to one of Haarden's most valued colonies to break away. In 1132 the upstart Republic was overthrown through support of the Aredighuani nobility, placing a Haardic loyal monarch in power. Seeing the pressures and growing restlessness of many of it's far flung colonies, Haarden began a series of status upgrades to many of it's most prized colonies. Skjonohav, Alkaran, Aredighuan, Raenamon and Strolus were awarded Protectorate Status within the Norric Union. Haarden then concentrated on quelling the rebellious attitudes of some of it's more troublesome territories.

In the years leading up to coming war, Haarden began solidfying a series of alliances and treaties, mainly with Beqara and Alahre of Charia and Orin Ganyin, a young commander in the Tsyan Army. A disastorous involvement in the Galamorea-Cenne War as well as a recurrence of war in the Nataja Straits would set the stage for the Great War lasting from 1221-1227. It would be the end of Haarden's supremacy on Eshraval.

A peace treaty demanding harsh reparations and release of all it's territory, coupled with a severely weakened and damaged Haarden, would lead to the Union's and Empire's collapse. The suicide of Kristof Aaric II and a monarchy shamed with the loss in the Great War resulted in many political upheavals within Haarden's government. The Riksdag stripped the monarchy of many of it's powers, emplacing them into the new position of High Chancellor. The monarchy would take on a more ceremonial figurehead role but would retain key powers within it's folds.

The creation of the Norric Commonwealth in 1232 would ensure that Haarden maintained political and economic ties to many of it's former colonies. Skjonohav and Aredighuan would remain Haarden's biggest allies and aid in the release of the former Empire's territories while at the same time attempting to set up governments loyal to the three.

Pressures for self-government in some colonies became difficult to resist by the late twelfth century, and the union started granting protectorate status to some colonies in 1056. The Great War (1221-27) severely weakened Haarden's ability to maintain the empire in the face of even stronger nationalism, and in the late 1220s and early 1230s independence was granted to most dependencies. The other nations of the Norric Union also withdrew, and the Union was formally disbanded in 1232. In place of the empire a Norric Commonwealth was established, as an association of sovereign states which had formerly been part of the empire.

Modern Times

Immediately following the end of the Great War suffered economic and social upheaval. Many were angered at the loss in the Great War and it's backlash was felt in racial tensions and a call for change. The kingdom had suffered damage from the Great War through intense Salarian bombing runs and with the loss of it's vast imperial holdings, Haarden sunk into a period of depression. The late 1230s on into the 1240s saw Haarden struggle through it's economic hardships and economic troubles to transform into a modern nation. A return of social and political upheavals would lead to a brief armed conflict in Nerane and the secession of the COR. By 1260 Haarden had recovered to economic strength and political stability but at the cost of it's international power.

Today Haarden is no longer a first tier world power nor the economic powerhouse it once was. It is considered the regional power of North Saphillia and it maintains a presence in Limnia and Ashria. Haarden also maintains an interest and supporter of it's former colonies through the Norric Commonwealth, seeking to rectify the current dismal state of affairs many are left in. Is also seeks to maintain and strengthen ties of unity amongst the various Norric Nations through the Norric Council.

The Kingdom also engages in Saphillian politics and spearheads North Saphillian support in the SRC as the northern headquarters of that organization. Also a member of the Assembly of Nations, Haarden now focuses its energy on ensuring unity among the Saphillian nations and promoting equality and peace throughout the world.

Government

After the disastorous end of the Great War, the monarchy was forced to surrender certain powers and ratify the Ålderdomligt in order to keep from being abolished altogether. The Rojelsenat assumed an increasing level of control over the government, transforming Haarden into a Constitutional Monarchy.

Head of State

The Head of State is the King of Haarden (Hårdans kungen). The Crown is hereditary and vested in the heirs of the royal line. Succession is determined by the Laws of Succession which state the crown shall pass to the eldest legitimate heir or closest legitimate relative of the ruling monarch. See also: List_of_Haardic_Monarchs.

The Monarch serves in the executive role of the Royal Government as well as the ceremonial figurehead of the nation of Haarden. The Crown has a wide range of powers but is bound by the constitutional Ålderdomligt and the approval of the Rojelsenat. The main role of the Monarchy is to ensure Haarden has a legitimate government is office. The Crown is also the Commander of the Royal Armed Forces (Rojel Vapnade Styrkor) with the power to temporarily activate and deploy military units.

In it's executive role the Crown is responsible for: signing all bills into law, appointing Ministers of State and nominating chief diplomatic positions. The monarch also reserves the sole powers to make executive agreements, bestow titles and honours on individuals and recognize the legal existence of nations. Receiving credentials of foreign ambassadors, hosting foreign Heads of State, conducting State Visits abroad and presiding over ceremonies is also the responsibility of the Crown.

The Crown is also reserved special powers and provisions within the Ålderdomligt to dissolve the Rojelsenat with the approval of the High Courts (Höjd Ledamöter) and with a simple majority vote of no confidence in both houses at which time the Crown invokes all powers of government if the safety, security or welfare of Haarden are in jeapordy.

Känsler

The Känsler is the highest elected position within the government and is charged with presiding over the Rojelsenat. While all executive power is carried out in the name of the Crown, the Känsler is the Head of Government and responsible for the day to day operations of the nation.

The Känsler is elected in separate special elections on a policy and promise platform. He/She is responsible for guiding the Adligråd and Rojel Montörvalde in their sessions and to provide a critical link between the two. The Känsler has the powers to cast a vote as a tie breaker, nominate Ministers of State, appoint certain government officials, place a suspended veto on a law for further review and to preside over and establish policy in the Executive Cabinet.

Executive Cabinet

The Executive Cabinet is charged with running the various government Ministries in day to day operations. Each Minister assumes control of the department and the tactical direction of the portfolio of duties assigned to them. Ministers are appointed by the Crown upon nomination by the Känsler with exception made for the Minister of Justice who is appointed by the Council of Lords (Adligråd) and the High Treasurer who is appointed by the Royal Elected Assembly (Rojel Montörvalde).

Some ministers occupy long-established offices of state (e.g. High Chancellor, Marshal of the Realm), while others are simply entitled "Minister for …".

	Name	Title	Haardanskan Title	Party
File:LeifAndersson.JPG	Leif Andersson	Chancellor of the Kingdom	Känsler af Kungariket	Party
File:KamillaHolmberg.JPG	Kamilla Hölmberg	Secretary of State for External Affairs	Sekretar af Ståd för Utrikesaffärer	Party
File:SigneStore.JPG	Signe Störe	Secretary of State for Internal Affairs	Sekretar af Ståd för Innandöme	Party
File:ErkDager.JPG	Erk Dager	High Marshal of the Realm	Höjd Riksmarskal	Party
File:SigurdAndor.JPG	Sigurd Andor	High Treasurer	Höjd Skattmästare	Party
File:GodmarFinnvid.JPG	Gödmar Finnvid	Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries	Minister för Jordbruk och Fiskeria	Party
File:AngelaPersson.JPG	Friherrinna Angela-Persson	First Minister of Justice	FörstaMinister och Justitie	Party
File:BritHallengren.JPG	Jens Bodström	Minister for Education	Minister för Utbildnings	Party
File:GustavUmeall.JPG	Baron Gustav Umeåll	Minister for Commerce	Minister för Kommers	Party
File:BjarneRoys.JPG	Bjarne Röys	Minister for Labour	Minister för Labour	Party
File:OddenEriksson.JPG	Odden Eriksson	Minister for Energy and Research	Minister för Energiforskning	Party
File:JensBodström.JPG	Brit Hällengren	Minister for Health	Minister för Hälsa	Party
File:ToraeLindenhom.JPG	Torae Lindenhom	Crown Attorney	Kronjurist	Party

Legislature

The Council of Lords (Adligråd) was created by the Crown in 787 to ensure that the nobility, church and city leaders were represented in the making of laws and taxation. The Adligråd continued in a purely advisory role to the Crown until the signing of the Ålderdomligt in 1229. The Rojelsenat was then created with the Adligråd as the upper house and the Rojel Montörvalde as the lower house.

Adligråd. Is made up of 29 hereditary seats chaired by the current Head of each house, 5 bishops elected by the Norric Concord and 36 popularly elected seats with 3 seats for each of the 12 provinces. The upper house of the Rojelsenat is responsible for the creation and passing of criminal and civil laws in Haarden. While both hourse may propose laws, the upper Adligråd has the sole power to approve the bills and acts that come before it. Each Adligråd session lasts for two years at which time the Norric Concord again appoints 5 representatives and popular elections are again held.

The Adligråd convenes twice a year in January and August for normal legislative sessions and then once again in a special Joint Session with the Montörvalde in October. An elected Councillor must have served at least two previous terms in the Montörvalde before being eligible to serve in the upper house. At any time if a seat in the Adligråd should become vacant because of the failure of a Noble House, that seat shall become an elected chair.

Rojel Montörvalde. Is made up of 351 popularly elected representatives, the number of representatives for each province determined by population proportions. The lower house of the Rojelsenat is charged with the approval of any finances such as the budget of the nation, taxation and spending bills attached to laws. Each session lasts for four years.

The Montörvalde is only required to meet once a year during the second week of January but is known to meet several times a year for financial discussions. The Montörvalde also meets with the Adligråd in October for the special Joint Session in which the fiscal budget for the next year is determined.

Both houses meet at the beginning of October for a Special Joint Session in which the general policy and direction of the government is decided for the next fiscal year. Both houses are also required to meet for Declarations of War in which a 2/3 majority is needed for approval. Finally both houses must also convene when a vote of no confidence is opened on the floor be a simple majority in either of the two houses.

Judiciary

Future Editting to be Done

Local Government

Haarden is divided into eleven provinces, and each province (domän) is further divided into duchies (hertigdöme), counties (län) and cities (storstad). The provinces are administrative divisions utilized by the highly centralized Royal Government with policies, standards, laws and structure being uniform throughout Haarden.

Each Province is responsible for the administration and government services as well as minor legal matter within it's area. A Province is headed by an elected Administration (Domän Regering) who then appoint a Governor (Landshövding) as the provinicial executive.

Each County is headed by a Commissioner (Kommästare) with the Duchies following the same structure, their nominal Dukes serving in a purely ceremonial role.

Military

Future Editting to be Done

Main Article: Military of Haarden See also: Rojel Värnet

Foreign Relations

Haarden endeavours to maintain good relations with foreign states wherever possible, regardless of differences in outlook and policies. The kingdom is a member of the Norric Commonwealth, which has its headquarters in Viktoria.

Overseas dependencies

Haarden retained possession of a number of small dependent territories after the large colonies and protectorates became independent following the Great War. One of these is the Crown Colony of Keniporutan, which was leased from Surimtak in 1161 for up to 150 years.

Haarden also shares dominion of Havdoghas with Arvitan. Originally colonized in 1202, the island has been the center of heated debates of "ownership" between the island, Arvitan and Haarden as to the exact classification of ownership. Havdoghas is an important naval base in the Northern Ocean as well rich fishing grounds for Norric fisherman.

Haarden also maintains possession of the Crown Colony of Kretsenvik, leased from the OCCP in 1221 for an indefinite period of time until both nations agree to void the lease or Haarden fails to provide it's term of the lease. On the 30sq miles of land sits a naval base, airfield and the necessary town and facilities to support the civilians and troops living there.

Economy

Future Editting to be Done

See also List of Haardic Companies

Currency

The currency of Haarden is the Krona ("Crown" - €) of 100 penningar (singular: penning). The Krona was introduced as the common currency of the Norric Union in 865, and was also used in all Norric colonies and some protectorates. After the breakup of the union, the currencies of its four member states became separate, and most colonies adopted their own currency on independence.

Infrastructure

The national government provides the guidelines, standards and regulations for the various areas of infrastructure. The duchies are responsible for the enforcement and financing of the various areas as well as the day to day operations of internal management.

Health

Haarden has been a semi-welfare state since 1264. All citizens of the nation are guaranteed healthcare either through government or private sources. Healthcare is one of the most highly micromanaged areas of infrastructure in Haarden. The government not only operates several national healthcare companies but also sets regulations for healthcare costs and provision. The government operates several Royal Hospitals and Health Insurance Companies. Since 1270 the government has been responsible for 65% of the nation's healthcare. The other 35% has been provided through either private institutions or those at the municipal area.

Education

Compulsory schooling

Education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16. Although there are a few private schools, the overwhelming majority of children attend state-funded schools, of which there are two types :-

Government schools are under the control of duchy governments, although each as a Board of Governors which includes members of the local government.

Trust schools are operated by trusts which are paid by the duchy governments. Trusts are operated by various bodies, including charities set up for the purpose, the Church and the Prihomian Union. There is currently a bill before the Riksdag to abolish church and prihomian schools, and most duchies have already banned all selection of students on the basis of their beliefs.

Students study for the national Certificate of General Education at the age of 16, and about half go on to study for the Certificate of Advanced Education at 18.

Higher and Further education

Duchy governments run a network of technical colleges (tekniskahögskolar) which provide post-school vocational education and training, leading to Licences to practice in many occupations.

Universities are financed by the national government. There are presently 18 unversities in Haarden, which are entitled by Royal Charter to award degrees.

Standards are high, particularly in universities, and there is competition for a finite number of places on courses. However, every place on a university or technical college course carries with it a bursary to cover fees and living expenses, paid for by the national government.

Transport

The Kingdom of Haarden's transportation arteries rely on seven Expressways indicated by a shield with the letter E and the road's corresponding number. Expressways are number south to north in an ascending manner. The hub of the nation's transportation network is located in the IVS Metroplex (Iverness-Viktoria-Skjäne Metropolitan Area) where Expressways E04, E07, E11, E15 and E21 meet.

There are currently proposed spending packages in voting queue within the Riksdag to expand the E15 into a northern branch to connect Iverness with Alesund, construct a new expressway designated the E17 to connect Coedrøven with Iverness and a second new expressway designated E25 to connect Norrbotten with Alesund.

The expressways are more than just roadways, they are a network of expressways, freight and passenger rail lines, utility lines for oil, natural gas, electricity, water and telecommunications. The expressways are currently in place except for the proposed extensions but only about 75% of the rail lines and 40% of the utility lines have been connected or built. The project branches out from the IVS Metroplex where contruction on the surrounding networks are completed.

The project branches out from the IVS Metroplex where contruction on the surrounding networks are completed.

Communications

Future Editting to be Done

Energy

Future Editting to be Done

Geography

Climate

Provinces

	Name	Population	Capital
File:Neraneflag.PNG	Nerane	1,130,203	Kaerväastra
File:Arkwalesflag.PNG	Arkwales	2,118,513	Lindön
File:Asterdamflag.PNG	Asterdåm	2,789,670	Ködröven
File:Hallandflag.PNG	Hälland	9,195,431	Skjäne
File:Norrlingaflag.PNG	Norrlinga	1,301,442	Gildeskal
File:Norrkopingflag.PNG	Norrkøping	4,345,702	Trøndelang
File:Vesnylanaflag.PNG	Vesnyläna	3,098,432	Norrbotten
File:Rosendalflag.PNG	Rosendal	3,112,256	Almesaar
File:Roskildeflag.PNG	Røskilde	886,500	Halsinkør
File:Somerlandflag.PNG	Somerland	4,168,562	Lukonära
File:Vastefoldeflag.PNG	Västefolde	1,795,241	Västnost
File:Ostlandflag.PNG	Östland	2,807,453	Alesunden

Major cities

Name	Population
Viktoria	3,713,802
Skjäne	2,456,627
Trøndelang	1,956,256
Lukonära	1,175,690
Ködröven	1,410,542

Culture

Sports

Sports in Haarden are a favorite pastime with Norric Gridiron League and Norric Hockey League the most prestigious leagues. Haarden is also a participating member of the Kunnick Sea Cup and Norric Football League.

Rugby and LaCrosse as well as Hockey are major University Sports with multiple collegiate level league across Haarden.

Media

Haardic people are avid readers. They are one some of the greatest consumers of newspapers in the world. Among the most widely circulated are the Viktoria Tid-Förebådar with an average twelve million subscribers daily.

Television news is mainly carried by 3N (Norric News Network) which are headquartered in Viktoria and provide news reports for most of the Norric Nations as well as some of North Saphillia. ANN also maintains branch offices throughout Haarden as well.

Music

The genres of alternative, contemporary, heavy alternative and faith maintain major shares of the music scene in Haarden. Major bands/artists include: Brykning Sida and Upprörd (heavy alternative), Sara Evrina and Silvretmynt (alternative), Mikkel Bishop (contemporary/faith) and Garnet Nikolai (contemporary).

The music industry in Haarden is a multibillion krona industry and receives heavy influence from other Norric nations.

Art

Haardic art is majorly influenced by Aphilian forms. Many of today's famous masterpieces were created centuries after the fall of the Safaoasia Empire, but it's stories, events and persona still figure heavily into even todays artwork. Vivid colors, the use of shadows and unparralleled detail catch the eye of those who appreciate art.

Famous paintings include the First Kristof by Johan Hjorth. The painting is one of the best examples of Haardic use of bright colors and detail. Another famous painting which almost perfectly combines the use of dark shadowy colors with bright is the Night Brigade by Gustav Bauer.

Another noteworthy mention of Haardic Art is the Lion of the North. The sculpture was created by Isaac Herring from living rock in what is now Memorial Park, Viktoria. It was sculpted after the conquering of the Haardic earldoms by the Safaoasia Empire. The sculpture was originally intended to commemorate those Norric men who fell in battle in service to the Emperor but has since become a standing tribute to all Norric men at arms killed in battle.

Religion

Future Editting to be Done

The Haardic Church is the official state church of the kingdom, but other religions and sects are free to worship. Church membership has fallen dramatically from about 92% in 1240 to 43% today, while about 37% of people declare themselves to be non-religious. The majority of the non-religious community belongs to the Prihomian Society, an atheist cultural and social organisation.

The Church of Haarden has it's founding in the late 300s. Before then a variety of deities wre worshipped across the region. In 387 a lone Jascoran priest found his way into the court of King Håkan II of the North. It was said that Saint Dominik Mikäl's faith was so strong that "even Kings and Queens bowed before him."

The Haardic Church is an orthodox branch of the Jascoran faith usually referred to as the Northern Church or the Dominikål faith. The Church adheres to strict guidelines and has been referred to as "going back to the pure roots of the Jascoran faith and combining myth, faith and reality into one."

There is a small Reformed Church of Haarden, founded in the 11th century, which is more liberal, simple and less hierarchical than the Haardic Church.

The major non-Jascoran religions are Pirism and Arie'Shoh, which are strong amongst the communities which immigrated from former colonies.

see also: Cathedrals of Haarden see also: The Haardic Church

Related Topics

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