Liaghwa

Holy Kingdom of Liaghwa ljagwa bjunain ilam “Lyagwa Byuwinain Ilam”
Flag
Motto: Gods, Nation, King! "Aba Akimal, Initunuk, Nisu!"
Anthem: Liaghwese National Anthem
Capital		Ngujang
Largest		Capital
Official languages		Yutubin, Standard Kreng
Ethnic groups		Daidaini, Kreng
Demonym		Liaghwan
Government		Constitutional Monarcho-Kuulist State
-	Nisu, King/Queen	Tsaya Maeloi
Legislature		Holy Congress
Independence from the Kyenese Empire
-	February 3, 1952
Area
-		127,009 km2 49,038 sq mi
Population
-	2020 estimate	10,247,000
Currency		Atsi (ATS)
Drives on the		right

Liaghwa (Anulanic: Country [IPA]), officially the United Kingdom of Liaghwa, is a country located in Western Soltenna bordering Karduv and shares a maritime border with Awarahl, Xanave, and Ngelthe.

History

Ancient History

During the First Warring States period in 770-580 BCE, several thousands of Kyenese fled the coastal provinces of the Mor Dynasty around the Andu Sea. This group, later named the Daidaini, traveled west until they reached the Silai peninsula and the Agaraz mountains, where they founded the settlement of Leka some time in the 700s BCE. The Daidaini splintered and sporadically settled the Balamiu region. War raged in the old dynasty and a steady flow of Kyenese refuges sought relief in the west. The settlements of Leka, Anaya, and Kuye grew with the influx of refuges and by 600 BCE each had formed their own nations. Both Leka and Anaya formed loose tribal confederacies, while Kuye had a more city-state approach to its own confederacy.

Central to Liaghwese ancient history was the city of Anaya. It was located directly across from the Aluzi Island and the Anshusakimal, a pre-Ngerupic people native to the island. Some time in the 700s BCE the Anshusakimal had founded their own settlement across from Anaya, it was called Alzamil. Sporadic conflict between the two settlements has been noted by both archaeological evidence and early writings by the Daidaini people. Whatever hostilities the two did have were soon put aside as trade flourished between them. Surviving oral Anshusakimal legends describe the Daidaini as “a people blessed by the gods to be makers of beauty;” the Anshusakimal were fascinated by Daidaini fine craftsmanship and art. The Daidaini were known for their skill in arts, crafts, and weaving. In return the Anshusakimal provided many raw goods like timber, stone, fur, fish, and livestock. Very quickly a pidgin language was formed between the Anayan and Alzamil settlements.

In 500 BCE much has changed politically in the Balamiu region. The Alliance of Kuyen City-States grow in power thanks to their trade along the coast and upriver, the Lekan are now known as the Huro Dynasty and have formed their own centralized monarchy with their capital as Leka, and the Anayan tribes have unified into one chiefdom. Relations with the tribe of Alzamil and the chiefdom of Anaya have warmed significantly to the point that a creole has developed to communicate. This language was one of the first identifying clues of a new culture being created.

By 400 BCE the tribes of Alzamil and Anaya had merged into one tribe, now called the Irchanaza, which means “dancing fish” in the pre-Ngerupic language. During this period the Aluzi island was divided by dozens of Anshusakimal tribes, with the Irchanaza tribe being the wealthiest and strongest. The unified tribe expanded both on Aluzi and the mainland. The Huro Dynasty has since all but fallen apart due to unrest and riots within the country and conquest from both the Irchanaza and the Kuyens. The Kuyen Confederacy of City-States has flourished and begun centralizing its power under the founding city of Kuye.

346 BCE was a notable year in the Balamiu region because the Huro Dynasty fell to the Irchanaza tribe and its scattered lands eaten by its neighbors. With the destruction of Leka hostilities between Irchanaza and Kuye, now the Yikasi Dynasty (thousand thunders), has sparked to life with many skirmishes along the border. In 345 BCE the Irchanazans launched a brutal raid on the town of Gomiti, where they razed many buildings and shockingly sacrificed a number of prisoners to their gods. In response the Yikasi Dynasty officially declared war on the Irchanaza Tribe. The next few years Irchanzan forces are beaten back and suffered loss after loss due to overwhelming Yikasi numbers and superior weaponry. With a new strong Anshusakimal tribe emerging on Aluzi, the Irchanaza tribe was fighting wars on two sides and quickly became weakened. In 341 BCE Yikasi pushed back Irchanazan forces to within 40 miles of the city of Anaya, and in 340 BCE Anaya was captured and subdued. The War of Gomiti then hung in limbo as neither side was able to gain hold in each other’s land as both sides guarded their coasts ferociously. In 339 BCE Yikasi forces managed to land just north of Irchanazan territory and traveled south until they engaged and attacked at the village of Ulamagimudz “snowy owl village.” The Battle of Ulamigmudz lasted an entire week until Yikasi forces were destroyed. Both sides were severely weakened by this battle, with Irchanazan forces estimated to have lost up to two thirds of their army in that single engagement. A month later Irchanaza sued for peace and officially gave up its conquered territory on the mainland. The War of Gomiti lasted 6 years in total.

Geography

Coast of the Aidangaghwa province

Climate

Most of the country is located in the Cfb climate, also known as the Temperate Oceanic climate. Generally featuring cool to warm summers and cold to mild winters. Weather is generally cloudy with low hanging clouds, frequently stormy, and often rainy. Snowfall is uncommon except in high altitudes on the NAME mountain range.

The Csb climate, Warm Summer Mediterranean climate, splits the country along the southern and much of the eastern coast. Dry warm summers and mild wet winters characterize this climate. During the summer there is usually clear skies with little rainfall. The coastal areas often experience some fog. The winter is often cloudy, cold, and wet, with temperatures averaging above freezing, and rain is an almost constant. The regions of Aulingitu and Oyghilu experience some of the most precipitation in the entire country, notably in the winter, averaging around 1475-2474mm of rainfall.

Biodiversity

Typical rolling hills in mainland eastern Liaghwa

wip

most of the eastern mainland country has deciduous temperate broadleaf forest All western coast. Mixed broadleaf/needleleaf forest on some small islands, mountain range, most of the southeastern country.

the following have either always existed in liaghwa or have since been brought to the country: lovage, lavender, bay laurel, brassica oleracea (cabbage), garden angelica, coconut, taro, passion fruit, cashew, ginger, turmeric, galangal, yam, sweet potato, cassava, vanilla, brazil nut, indian lotus, cinnamon, wild rice, blueberry, avocado, tea, nutmeg, clove, allspice, rye, oat, saffron, grape, fennel, cumin, wheat, dill, carrot, parsley, barley, coriander, rhubarb, turnip, parsnip, celery, caraway, vaccinium, tomato, sugarcane, bamboo, chukku/paprika, diospyros virginiana (persimmon), buckthorn, broccoli, rice, and many more

turkey, bioson bonasus (european bison), cattle, bos primigenius (auroch), tapir, horse, wolf, chicken, goat, wild boar, heron, salamander, and many more prolly

Waisu National Forest in northern Liaghwa

Politics

wip The United Kingdom of Liaghwa is a cross between a multiparty Kuulist state and a constitutional monarchy. The Holy Congress of Sukihap (pending name), is a council of hundreds of members, consisting of Hanulan religious figures and politicians that act as both the legislatory body and the executive body. The congress elects a Ngisu (basically king/queen), that acts as both the highest judicial figure, and a ceremonial leader of the clans. The Ngisu has some executive powers as well, but over all is subject to the people (congress) as their civil servant. The Judicial Congress (pending name) operates similar to the Sukihap in the sense it is run by a massive council of members.

Government

kuulist AND constitutional monarchy

Administrative divisions

Province wip Clan wip Village wip

Foreign relations

The Holy Kingdom of Liaghwa is diplomatically active in surrounding regions, especially within the Soltenna sphere. Liaghwa enjoys close relations with NAME, NAME, and NAME. Liaghwa joined the Northern Defensive Alliance in 1997 with NAME, NAME, NAME, NAME and NAME. In 2006, Liaghwa joined the Soltennan Council. Liaghwa is a leading and founding member of the SEPA: Soltennan Environmental Preservation Alliance. Liaghwa is also part of the International Congress. Diplomatically Liaghwa advocates for Kuulist leaning policies. Many Daidaini today resent Kyenese occupation and the destruction of the Zhaosa Empire. Ironically, Quaycain influences the Daidaini youth considerably with media entertainment, fashion, and food. In recent years Liaghwa has opened up more to Quaycain, mostly because of the huge economic benefits. The country has frosty relations with a few northern Soltennan countries due to the Zhaosa conquests and the Empire’s hard rule over the locals for centuries. Liaghwa has a particularly bad relationship with the Republic of NATION because of the Loczung Genocide in 1582. A point of contention for Liaghwa within the Soltenna sphere has often concerned the Losaisa, the secret police and martial arm of the Liaghwese executive branch. Liaghwa has been accused of funding and inciting Kuulist rebel groups in certain countries, of which Liaghwa vehemently denies.

Loczung Genocide

The Loczung Province in the Zhaosa Empire has had a history of rebellions and violence against settled Daidaini and their conquerors because of Zhaosa’s religious persecutions of native beliefs, authoritarian rule, and economic draining of Loczung. After a particularly vicious rebel attack on the city of Ghanam –a majority Daidaini settlement– left thousands of Daidaini dead, Emperor Mitong II ordered the “cleansing” of the Loczung province. The Loczung Genocide erased 58% of the ETHNIC GROUP in the span of seven years and lasted from 1582 to 1589. Zhaosan soldiers burned NAME books and art, with the aim of destroying the NAME culture. Today the Republic of NATION has repeatedly asked for reparations from Liaghwa, but shy of an apology the Liaghwese government states that this event wasn’t a genocide, but a war: the “Loczung Uprising”. Relations are tense between Liaghwa and NATION. Various Soltennan countries support the Republic of NATION and have a negative view on Liaghwa today. As a result of the destruction of most of their culture and history, NAME today adopted much of Karduvic culture as a result of the Mai Dynasty Northern Subjugations in YEAR.

Missionary Work

Because of the Zhaosa Empire there are many Ivyatic religious minorities dispersed throughout Soltenna. These groups are often a pain to the local governments due to their penchance for violence every year as dictated by the Timatai, the “Great Dance”. Ivyatic communities outside of Liaghwa tend to follow the more traditional rules and beliefs of Ivyat that was the norm in the Zhaosa Empire. Though violent, Ivyatic communities only ever harm each other and never nonbelievers. Ivyatics are big humanitarians, often giving away food once a week at their local temple and providing for the homeless and misfortuned. Within their local communities Ivyatics are popular with the people, but within the local governments they are headache as Ivyatic riots occur at least once a year in their neighborhoods. Since the fall of the Zhaosa Empire missionary work has continued across the surrounding regions, though only Soltenna has any real Ivyatic communities. From the 1950’s to today missionary work spreads both the Ivyat faith and the Kuulist ideology, as both mesh together well. Kuulist-Ivyatics mostly are concentrated in eastern Soltenna and western Miraria. While Old Ivyatics are mostly west of Lake Soltenna. Ivyatics abroad are religiously conservative, environmentally conscious, Kuulist or authoritarian leaning politically, and active in their local communities.

Trade

Liaghwa trades locally with other Soltennan countries. Timber and other natural materials is mostly imported from NAME and NAME. Most agricultural products come from either Quaycain, Dhwer, Lhavres, or Magali. Liaghwese PRODUCT, PRODUCT, and PRODUCT have famously been sought after for centuries. Historically, Liaghwa has traded most with countries in the Dragon Sea, Sea of Alpa, and even some parts of the Taanttu Sea. The nation today continues trade in these markets. NAME and NAME have close relations with Liaghwa culturally and economically, even having small populations of Daidaini in their coastal cities.

Economy

wip Liaghwa is a Kuulist economy with a black market capitalist underbelly that relies heavily on manufacturing as its main source of economic output. Extraction of minerals also contributes substantially to the economy. The Clans step in and distribute resources wherever needed within the community. Unlike traditional Kuulist ideology (though Liaghwa already isn't traditionally Kuulist because of the monarchy...), citizens of Liaghwa do have a stipend of money that the government pays out every month (or maybe year?). Liaghwese can own their own personal belongings, but the clans provide shelter, food and water (in the form of redeemable grocery stamps), land/property, livestock, and automobiles. Private owned businesses are illegal though the government has more or less turned a blind eye toward this as of late due to the steady economic growth of the country because of the black market. Maybe in the future a hybrid Kuulist-capitalist economy will emerge. (idk still gotta hash out the details to all this)

Transport

primarily car, there is a few notable train lines that span the main island

Energy

coal and...

Tourism

Liaghwa is a popular travel destination because of its lush protected forests and vibrant culture. The country boasts tens of thousands of acres of pristine forests and protected land to do many different kinds of outdoor recreational activities. The famous Alyazhua hike or pilgrimage is a trek that some ambitious foreigners attempt that follows along the ancient Ivyatic tradition of pilgrimage to the four holy shrines in Liagwha.

The nightlife in Liaghwese cities is full of color...

wip. the point is, visit this country cuz yay unique and kewl

Demographics

wip The Duqanic clans consist of proud, honorable, traditional, egalitarian, and at times, backwards, people. The country is about 82% Duqanic, a Kreng people who migrated over from Qonk territories back in the First Warring States Period, roughly 800-500 BCE. Modern Kwai (Kreng?) people were settled by the Kyenese Empire in order to establish more control over the territory; they consist about 10% of all Liaghwese. About 8% of citizens are of a different ethnic group.

Ethnic groups

The Aluzi Island was originally settled by the Anshusakimal, a Pre-Ngerupic people who existed thousands of years until the Kreng Migration in 700 BCE (from modern day Quaycain.) Hundreds of years later the Kreng and Anshusakimal coalesced into the Daidaini people. Daidaini make up 87% of the population of Liaghwa, about 8,914,890 in total.

Today Kreng make up 9% of the total population, or roughly 922,230. The Kyenese Empire took control of the Aluzi island in 1947, and in order to establish a firmer grasp over the province thousands of ethnic Kreng were migrated to Liaghwa. Today the Kreng make up about two thirds of all wealthy elites in the country. There is a polarized opinion of Kreng among the Daidaini today, with some still resenting the Kreng conquest and their chokehold on the country’s economy and politics. While others praise and look up to the Kreng for their political activeness in all levels of the country, propping up the economy, and their great scientific advancements. Culturally, the Kreng in Liaghwa are a mottled mixture between the Kyenese and the Daidainese.

About 4% of the country is made up of other ethnicities, mostly concentrated within larger cities or the eastern border regions. The eastern city of Kuye has a sizeable Karduvic population. Due to having a history of slavery, there are about 54,000 Astalvi left within the largest cities of Liaghwa. Upon the abolishment of slavery in 1947 Astalvi were given a choice to emigrate to the country of Astalvi or stay, with the majority choosing to leave.

Religion

Note: Currently everything below this line in the Religion section is outdated. I'm rewriting it. The religion is called Ivyat, not Hanula or Nimowadi.

wip Traditional Duqanic religion is Hanula (pending name); consisting of 4 major deities, each coinciding with the major elements (earth,fire,water,air), and many spirits. Some beliefs include: balance/harmony with nature and the universe, honor above all, all other religions are false, the Duqanic are the chosen holy people, and prosylitizing is discouraged. Still am working on this religion. To this day, the people are usually pretty religious. About 79% of the country still practices Hanulan, and the next most popular belief is Atheism, followed by Iovism.

Hanulan also encourages cannibalism, but after Kyenese occupation in the 1900s the practice is not as popular as it once was. There is an ancient ritual battle practice called Lekwam; during battle warriors carve out the hearts of enemies and eat their hearts, both as a “sacrifice” to the gods and an intimidation tactic. Other body parts may also be consumed, but is not as common. Nowadays, the only legal way to practice cannibalism is by traditional Duqanic duel for honor/disputes. Scholars are not entirely certain where cannibalistic practices originated, but there is strong evidence that the pre-Ngerupic people that inhabited the main island of Liaghwa practiced cannibalism before the Duqanic absorbed the people into their society.

Sects: Tarala Often simply just called Nimowadi due to having the majority of adherents, Tarala is considered to be the original interpretation of the religion. The name Tarala means “holy faith” in Old Anulanic. WIP

Buzhiji Traditionally known as Buzhiji, meaning “the Divine New Society” in Old Anulanic was created by Saint Zhoto Zachu Jegoa in the year 1340 in the Syakemonoa Province in eastern Liaghwa after years of brutal Maithic pillaging. Buzhiji advocates for total separation from the physical world through devotion to the Four Lords and spiritual enlightenment. Buzhites believe that the feminine spirits are superior to the masculine; both the priesthood and society function under a matriarchy where hierachy is determined by an individual’s prestige and honor. Historically, Buzhiji has been considered a heretical sect by mainstream Nimowadi. After centuries of persecution and oppression, in the 1920’s Buzhiji has been ultimately accepted as part of Nimowadi, albeit reluctantly due to the staggering amount of converts in the 20th century. Tensions continue to simmer under a façade of coexistence.

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Culture

Architecture

Liaghwese architecture is a style of architecture native to Duqanic society in western Soltenna. Influenced considerably over the millenias by nearby cultures, especially Krengic culture, Liaghwese architecture has evolved significantly, but the core design and values have stayed the same: harmony and balance between nature and humans in a communal setting. Different styles have developed wherever Duqanic people have lived depending on the local environment and climate.

The Liaghwese islands to this day are heavily forested, and as such wood is an incredibly important material seen all over Duqanic architecture. Stone and other minerals native to the islands also make up a significant portion of Duqanic architecture. Unique styles and artwork decorate buildings.

The two main building types that are quintessentially Liaghwese are the large residential Vadong compounds and the tall Shozhema tower temples.

Sport

Yugac master performing a Heron move

Yugac is a traditional Liaghwese martial arts utilizing a staff or a spear combined with punching and kicking techniques. There are many different regional styles in Liaghwa that each focus on a different aspect of combat with the staff. A vigorous training regimen enforces the concept of "Mahulical," the idea of becoming one with nature and living as it intended, also a core tenet of the Hanula religion, of which inspired the martial arts. Students are taught to imitate the form and values of the Four Lords: Yucem as the auroch, Asit as the heron, Mahis as the fish, and Hisan as the snake. Each form or subclass of Yugac emphasizes the techniques and attitude of their chosen animal that mimic the animal's behavior. The auroch form is characterized by a strong, patient, and unwavering style of combat that specializes in stabbing, slashing, and lethal kicks. The heron form is a defensive acrobatic style of flying leaps, flips, vaulting, dodging, and using the staff as an extension of ones body. The fish form is a fluid defensive style that focuses on mirroring an opponents body to use against themselves; blocks, dodging, joint locks, and using the staff to both disarm and block is also fundamental to this form. The snake form is characterized by an aggressive style of hand strikes, vaulting, flexibility, agility, and decisive action. Masters of Yugac blend the four forms seamlessly together in a blurry of movement and powerful strikes of body and staff.