The Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Higher Education in Gadalland and Aspern

Getting to higher education
In order to enrol in a university in Gadalland and Aspern, applicants must show that they have completed a baccalaureate approved by the Sertian government. Most baccalaureates in Gadalland and Aspern focus on producing well-rounded students with not only academic skills but also an understanding of the outside world.

The main baccalaureate programme in Gadalland and Aspern is the Sertian Standard (SS) Diploma, which is a six year programme. In the final three years, students are asked to undergo a series of personality tests to help determine which life course may be right for them. To follow the suggested path is by no means mandatory, but it does give students a jumpstart in thinking about what to study in university.

Students applying to university automatically send an application called the General Application to all 22 universities across the country. The universities will consider the results of their previous baccalaureate exams as well as the outcome of their personality tests to determine admission status. After students are made offers of admission they must rank their choices in order of preference.

Students who do not wish to go to university do not submit an application.

International Students
Gadalland and Aspern is a welcoming location for international applicants. Students who have not followed a Sertian baccalaureate must fill out a separate application explaining their relevant qualifications and their hopes for their university experience.

The government requires all international students coming for more than 90 days to obtain a Student Visa. This is usually full time, but if the student must fulfil another obligation they may apply for a Part-Time Student Visa.

After graduation, international students are invited to remain in Gadalland and Aspern for an additional year to find work or continue their studies.

Approximately 34% of all university students in Gadalland and Aspern are international students.

THE UNIVERSITIES

University of Hemberdale
University of Hemberdale is the leading school for students wishing to pursue a focused education in government, foreign policy and economics. It is located in the Embassy District of Gadalland and Aspern.
Acceptance Rate: 52%

Ynservis Dhraedhe
Dredthe University is located in the Albathors district of Hemberdale. The Albathors district is the oldest section of Hemberdale, with the oldest standing building dating back to 1224. Albathors is celebrated as Verna II Osperfey's alma mater, and is the central school of liberal arts in Gadalland and Aspern.
Acceptance Rate: 19%

There are 20 other universities around Gadalland and Aspern, all of which were founded between 1224 and 1896 with an average acceptance rate of about 45%.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Crime and Justice in Gadalland and Aspern

There are two systems of justice in Gadalland and Aspern: Criminal and Layeonic (pronounced len-nick)

Layeonic System

In the Layeonic system, disputes are resolved by a Layeonic Court. A Layeonic dispute is one in which:

• There is no chance of a prison sentence for either party
• The unlawful action commited carries a minimum fine or compensation to the other party if the defendant is found guilty.

Penalties for all Layeonic violations come with a minimum |B| 500 penalty as well as any extra compensation the judge demands for inconveniencing or harming others and all other court fees. They are not categorised in terms of severity as opposed to criminal offences.

The right of appeal is only available if the defendant has been found guilty of a Layeonic offence and owes more than |B| 14,500 in mandatory compensation. The appellant may appeal three times.

The Layeonic System also consists of child and family matters.

Criminal System

The Criminal Court System (CCS) deals with criminal cases. Criminal disputes are ones which:

• The defendant faces detention or prison
• The defendant has been accused of a criminal offence
• Council Alcalde has authorised the lawsuit to be brought to trial

Criminal Offences are ranked in order of severity, with each level bringing a minimum and maximum penalty. They are ranked from Crime Grade 1 (CG-1) to Crime Grade 4 (CG-4), where 4 is the most heinous. All crimes CG-3 and above are considered felonies for international reference.

• CG-1 Offences: Up to five years' detention depending on calculated severity.
• CG-2 Offences: Up to 10 years' detention depending on calculated severity
• CG-3 Offences: Minimum 15 years' sentence plus calculated severity
• CG-4 Offences: Minimum 25 years' sentence plus calculated severity
  All convicts have the right to appeal up to seven times, but may be held in detention during their appeal period.

Information for foreign states

Gadalland and Aspern is willing to work with foreign governments to resolve conflicts regarding citizens. When a foreign citizen is arrested, the government will allow them to contact their government for up to 72 hours for CG-1 and CG-2 offences, and up to 96 hours for CG-3 and CG-4 offences before the foreign citizen is charged with a crime, known as Grace Period for Extradition (GPE). Extradition will be authorised with minimal roadblocks within that time period.

If the grace period has passed and the foreigner has been charged with a crime, extradition will not be authorised under most cases unless the Sertian government has reason to extend the grace period.

If a foreign citizen is convicted of a crime, they will have another 4 days' GPE. After the GPE is expired they must seek an extradition authorisation from the Customary Logistics Council in order to contact their government. If that is refused they must serve their sentence in Gadalland and Aspern, and may appeal their case up to seven times.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Immigration and Citizenship in Gadalland and Aspern

Sertian Code Book 1: Citizens and Foreigners

The above link directs you to the laws of Gadalland and Aspern concerning Immigration, Citizenship and Diplomacy.

Are you interested in immigrating to Gadalland and Aspern? There are many ways to do so!

Visa Categories
Bank 6: Permission to remain for 90 days, non-extendable

• Visitor Visa (6-V)

Bank 5: Permission to remain for six months, extendable

• Special Employment Visa (5-SE)
• Visiting Talent Visa (5-VT)
• Ancestry Search Visa (5-AS)

Bank 4: Permission to remain for maximum 5 years, extendable

• Student Visa (S)
• Business Visa (B)
• Marriage or Civil Partner Visa (M)
• Work Visa (W)
• Public Servant Visa (4-PS)

Bank 3: Unlimited Permission to Remain

• Refuge (R)
• Settlement for Stateless Persons (SS)
• Permanent Settlement (PER)

Bank 2: Sertian Citizens Only

• Sertian Citizens Abroad

Bank 1: Sertian Citizens Only

• Sertian Citizens living in Gadalland and Aspern

Becoming a citizen
In Gadalland and Aspern, citizens are entitled to many privileges provided by the government. When you become a citizen, you will be able to:

• Buy property
• Receive pensions when you retire, as well as Elders Care Fund
• Receive financial assistance if you make below a certain pay grade
• Automatically receive a public lawyer if you are charged with a crime
• Vote in elections

See Book 1 of the Sertian Code for more information on becoming a citizen of Gadalland and Aspern

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Some Traditions of Gadalland and Aspern

This follows the traditional life of a Sertian family in the far reaches of the countryside. Many city-dwellers have adapted to a more general Western life.

Morning

For a Sertian family, the morning is a time of labour and productivity. Breakfast is traditionally eaten before sunrise, when the temperatures are cooler. If the family lives by the ocean they will take their fish net and cook the fish caught that night.

At around sunrise, the family will go together to the local cities and sell their fish at the market. To celebrate the end of a market day (Monday-Friday), the people will engage in a ritual that dates back to the days during the Great Raids of the 1100s to show their gratitude to the world to be alive another day. In the 1100s, it was not uncommon for a Market Day to be interrupted by a raid by another society. This celebration was known as 'Aws Wapier Verenae', a token of gratitude to Verna II. Aws Wapier Verenae is where Osperfey gets its name.

Though this ritual is not seen in all parts of Gadalland and Aspern (it originates in Osperfey), it was integrated into tradition by Verna II Osperfey in 1220 who is credited with creating Gadalland and Aspern.

For the rest of the morning, the children will play in the town and the families will talk and tell stories. Before high noon they will return to their homes.

If a loved one or other person in arriving by sea, Sertian tradition calls for it to arrive in the morning to a traditional Seeing In the Mast. Because of their height, masts are the first parts of ships seen over the horizon. It is a time of happy reunion and gratitude for a sailor's safe return or to welcome a newcomer to these shores.

Afternoon
In much of Gadalland and Aspern, especially in the Summer, the time when it rains is usually in the early to middle afternoon. The Sertian tradition during this time is to rest and eat what they didn't in the morning.

This down time is known as 'Hasnazer', of unknown origin.

This period of rest continues into the early evening.

Evening
Seeing Out the Masts has become a tourist staple and many Sertian businesses and caterers make their profit during these Summer celebrations. However, though it has become somewhat commercial, it's a reminder to all to be thoughtful and enjoy the time given to us.

This Sertian family is seeing off their mother and wife who is headed to Spain to live with her sister. This family will take part in Seeing Out the Masts.

The first phase of the celebration includes a call to prayer to wish for well-being and love for all.

The second phase is the banquet, where everyone eats food and drinks hearty wine or spirits and mingles with others in the crowd. The idea is not to make those departing feel isolated.

The third phase comes at the sunset, where there is one last prayer, then it's time for the sailors to leave. The crowd of people on shore sing songs or shout things to those on board. When the masts have been "seen out" over the horizon, celebration usually ends there but sometimes there is more celebration.
Sailors or those departing have often written about Seeing Out the Mast in the past.

'...and then we were on board, waving our last goodbyes. And the crowd on land was chanting and singing as if to remind us that we will never be alone on our journey. The clamour and fury slowly died out as we approached the horizon, and we went to sleep to the rocking of the Sertian sea, content with the new friends we had made.'
-Unknown

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Taxes and Benefits In Gadalland and Aspern

These are the three main taxes in Gadalland and Aspern. The Maximum Tax Allowance, 70.4%, is set by the Sertian Bank Union each year.

Other minor taxes, such as the VAT, are permitted at a rate of no more than 5.5%.

Healthcare

The Healthcare Tax (HT) is paid by all Sertian citizens employed in a Sertian-registered firm. The HT is approximately 20% of the total 70.4% in Gadalland and Aspern. Healthcare is free for taxpayers.

Those who are unemployed may apply for HT Exemption if they are unemployed for over 18 months.

There is also the option for privatised Healthcare , but you must still pay the HT and the options are limited and expensive.

Non-citizens must pay for healthcare along with their visa application.

Income

Gadalland and Aspern has a fixed 35% Income Tax rate for all salaries under |B| 250,000. For wages over |B| 250,000 the taxation rate is 50.4%, but you may petition to have your taxes lowered if your net income is lower than your overall expenses.

Non-citizens do not have to pay the income tax though they must pay a 50% income tax (regardless of salary) for the first 10 months they are a Permanent Settler before they become a citizen.

Property Tax

Only citizens of Gadalland and Aspern living full-time in Gadalland and Aspern may buy property, though non-citizens may rent and citizens living abroad may apply to buy property.

The maximum property tax rate for 2021 is: 15.4%.

Benefits

Healthcare

• All medical procedures for Sertians are free.

• All medical procedures for non-citizens on a visa are free.

Retirees

• After age 50 all taxpayers will receive the Elders Care Fund pension. You may opt-out of the Elders Care Fund though that is not recommended.

The Homeless

• In 2001, the Homeless Accommodation Act was passed, which helps fund housing for the homeless during the year.

• If you declare Homelessness, you may be able to receive public funds before age 50.

• Many homeless persons in Gadalland and Aspern who cannot care for themselves are accommodated at Homeless houses, located in many major cities. Homeless Sertia, Inc. has created a network of volunteers who work with the government to accommodate self-sufficient homeless persons during the Winter months.

Non-citizens

If you are in Gadalland and Aspern on a visa, and:

• You encounter financial hardship,
• You become unable to care for yourself,
• (other compassionate circumstances),

you may be eligible to receive money from the Sertian government for the duration of your visa.
However, when you return to your country of origin and apply for another visa to come to Gadalland and Aspern, you must show that you have funds necessary to support yourself.

If you are a citizen or national of a country on the list of countries eligible for visa-free travel, you must still apply for a visa if you've been given benefits by the Sertian government.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

A History of Sertia's Former Subjugated Territories

Gadalland and Aspern has not always been the humble island nation it is today.

Before its founding in 1224, the land that is now the Sertian Union consisted of the Six Nations, each of which were quite isolated from one another despite their close proximity.
The Gallishes (old tribe in current Gadalland) were known for their innovative seafaring techniques which they used to travel long distances to other lands.

Precia
The first land which the Gallishes claimed their own was the Isle of Precia in 202 AD. They brought many of the native Precians back to Gadalland and Aspern as enslaved individuals. The signing of the Sertian Domex in 1224 brought an end to the trading of slaves across Sertia and Precia. Many of the old buildings in Gadalland and Aspern that date from before 1224 were built by enslaved individuals.
After the trade of slaves ended, Precia still remained primarily under the protection of Gadalland and Aspern and became officially a member of the Sertian Union in 1802.

The West Olves
Being the closest in proximity to Gadalland and Aspern, the West Olves were originally an area avoided by the early Sertian empiricists of the 1st and 2nd centuries. A raid was attempted by the Gallishes in 314 AD, 380 AD and 429 AD, all of which failed. This is credited to the ingenuity of the Olven clans in navigating the harsh, craggy terrain of the western island.
The West Olves remained their own nation until 1740 when they were finally conquered by the New Sertian Army. They have been a member of the Sertian Union since then.
It is for this reason the West Olves have a distinct dialect of their own, Awlhish (Olvish) which the colonisation by Sertia could not rid.

Saratsika
During the early 1400s, Sertian nautical equipment was some of the most sought after but the hardest to obtain as it was hardly traded with other nations. Though some historians credit the isolationist position Sertia took on trade with the current developing economy, it enabled them to use all the resources to explore the World.
Saratsika, about 1,590 nautical miles from Sertia was discovered on an expedition led by Chi. Graum Battwr. Saratsika was found to have large deposits of Platinum, which was desired by the Sertians as it had (and still has) religious significance in Bothorism.
Though enslavement was unlawful at that point, the Sertians ultimately subjugated the people of Saratsika and forced them to give up their land for Platinum mining.
The subjugation lasted until Saratsika declared independence from Gadalland and Aspern in 1885. Now known as the Commonwealth of Saratsika, Sertian culture continues to permeate though it is dying out.

Capture of Baernsall
Possibly one of the parts of Sertian history most discussed for its utter heinous nature is the Capture of Baernsall.
The Capture lies approximately 3,400 nautical miles Southeast of Gadalland and Aspern. On 7 January 1561, word returned to Gadalland and Aspern of a terrible war in the Capture of Baernsall. Having no record of an expedition ever leaving for Baernsall, and no word of the return of any ship, the Customary Logistics Council enquired into the issue.
According to official CLC records dated from 1562, about 12 ships set off for the 'Capture of Baernsall' in 1533. The expedition began as an informal exploration of the far reaches of the World, which is the reason there was no official record.
However, the Sertians who arrived in Baernsall immediately made a concerted effort to eradicate the entire Baern population for reasons unknown to 'the source.'
One night, as the island lay asleep, a person began to scream and was soon joined by all of the people on the island. As reported by Jaun Suyanson (the 'source' referred to above),

"the people began to flee to the shore whilst they screamed. All at once they climbed into the water and drowned. I was the only one left."

Suyanson arrived back in Gadalland and Aspern distraught, and discouraged anyone from ever travelling to Baernsall. Since then, Baernsall has remained a Protectorate of Sertia, though nobody is legally allowed on the island.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Government in Gadalland and Aspern

The government of Gadalland and Aspern is a complicated web of councils and departments held together by an amalgam of laws created over the centuries since 1224 AD.

The Customary Logistic Council

The Customary Logistics Council controls all of the laws and functions of Gadalland and Aspern. It consists of the Councillors from each of the five existing councils.

These councils currently are:

Council of Innovation
Daqer Eles'sunnimet

Council of the Interior
Daqer Ele Wert

Council of Diplomacy
Daqer Eles Gh'amayr

Council of Culture
Daqer Ele'Rappyrq

Council Alcalde
Daqer Alcalde

Council of the State
Run by the head councillor

When legal citizens of Gadalland and Aspern come of age (18 years of age), they are expected to register with a council that their future occupation will closely follow.

For example, when an aspiring engineer turns 18, they would likely register with the Council of Innovation. Or, if a person hoping to study law comes of age, they would join Council Alcalde.

You are allowed to join whatever Council you wish, and you're even allowed to switch later, but to register with a Council is to indicate you wish to pursue a career in that field.

During elections for the Customary Logistics Council, you may only vote for the councillor for the council in which you are registered. This law is one of the originals written into the Sertian Domex in 1224.
This was to ensure the person who is elected is proficient in their field, as they have been elected by fellow tradesmen, but is now controversial as Sertia begins to modernise.

Naturalised citizens join a Council at their naturalisation ceremony.

The Councillors
There are a total of six councillors who are sat on the Customary Logistics Council, including the Head Councillor, who presides over each meeting.

The Council meets every month, on the third day, in the War Rooms in central Hemberdale to report the progress they've made in their field, or to introduce a law they would like to have passed.

Councillors are elected every December during Christmastide, between day 7 and day 8 of Advent. The results are announced at midnight by the ringing of the bells in the War Rooms to indicate the coming of new leaders. To be elected as a councillor, you must be nominated by voters in your council as a potential candidate for the position.

How laws are passed
A councillor will propose a law, which will then be voted on by the citizens who have registered with that council. If a majority of the citizens support the law, it will go to the Customary Logistics Council to be voted upon.
If the law is voted upon unanimously in favour by the citizens, it automatically becomes law without being introduced to the CLC. However, it's rather hard to achieve unanimity due to the growing population of Gadalland and Aspern.

Justice System

Court cases in Gadalland and Aspern have an automatic appeal limit of 7, which historically meant a judge from each individual nation of Sertia would be able to hear the case. Such procedure still happens today.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Transportation in Gadalland and Aspern

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Gadalland and Aspern might be one of the more unusual nations within the EU in that their use of motor vehicles is extremely limited.

Historically, this was due to the lack of trade beyond Sertia, which had punishing effects on the current economy, and saw the use of horse-drawn carriages and horse-drawn omnibuses well into present day.

Now that trade has accelerated in Gadalland and Aspern, horsepower is still used because of climate concerns and the very small amount of people living in the landlocked areas of the country.

The Council of Transport has historically had the lowest budget of all Councils, which has caused transport in Gadalland and Aspern to be behind many other European countries. However, horse-drawn carriages have evolved in style and efficiency as a result.

The new vogue for horse-drawn carriages.

Whilst land transport is a subject of self-deprecation for many Sertians, sea transport has been the main driver of Sertian life for centuries.

The boat manufacturing industry is the largest in the transport sector. Many Sertians choose to live on vessels in order to freely navigate the world. While there are many towns in the central regions of Gadalland and Aspern, the largest cities have always been accessible by boats, including Hemberdale and Osperfey.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Updated Sertian Passports

The government of Gadalland and Aspern, since creating the 4C agreement with the Republic of Nofoaga, has redesigned the Sertian passport to better reflect the modernisation of Gadalland and Aspern.
The new passport incorporates new biometric technology, including a SafeBio seal to reduce passport fraud and protect the interests of Sertian citizens abroad. The new passport also features new images designed to induce some pride among Sertian citizens.

The Cover Page

The new cover of the Sertian passport. It is violet to represent the bonding of red and blue, which shows unity and novelty, and features the seal of Gadalland and Aspern, which is gold on all other passports.
There are special Diplomatic and official passports but they all possess this cover to show that every Sertian is equal in their rights of movement. The biometric information stored within the passport, however, will be a different type for each specific type of passport.

The Biometric Information Page

The biometric page of the new Sertian passport. It features in the upper left corner the SafeBio seal which changes colours depending upon wavelength and angle of light. However, the seal of Gadalland and Aspern will retain its original colours even as the rest of the seal changes.

The design behind the passport holder's photo is the design of the frame of the famous painting of Joaie of Embersley housed in the War Chambers.
And the image behind the main information is the Knighting of St. Aras, a painting housed in the Osperfey Museum of the Arts.

The page above the biometric page also bears the 4C logo, which shows the unity of the Caribbean and the one-voice policy which has recently been adopted.

Not all security features of this biometric passport can be disclosed to the public as it is a sensitive personal proof of citizenship document.

Update on Sertian Visas

The Department of Visas and Immigration will implement a new immigration system beginning 1 January, 2022 to reflect Gadalland and Aspern's membership in the 4C agreement. The new policy will honour the right of abode for Nofoagan citizens and nationals as well as create "Community visas" for citizens of third countries to be entitled to free movement between the two countries.
Please expect an announcement as soon as next week or earlier.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Gadalland and Aspern National Anthem

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Surprisingly enough, Gadalland and Aspern does not have a national anthem, nor have they ever had an official country song. The old tribes of the seven islands all had songs of patriotism, to sing before they went to war, but those were not held onto after Verna II's message of peace influenced most of the population.

Sertians throughout the ages, since 1224, have thought the Sertian Domex (book of laws governing Gadalland and Aspern) worthy of their patriotism, because it promoted human dignity and rights at a time when violence was all these islands knew.

The figure of Verna herself is enough to make any Sertian feel proud of their heritage.

In modern times, at least for now, it has been decided that Gadalland and Aspern will not adopt a singular national anthem to commemorate the simple union of these six islands.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

What happens if I can't pay my taxes?

Gadalland and Aspern is known widely for its astonishingly high income tax rates. It seems only natural that you may ask: what happens if I can't pay?

In Sertian law, it is technically a crime not to pay your taxes, with the highest penalty for this being a fine of 500,000 SCD. In case you're unfamiliar with the concept of money, that's quite a bit!

So will you be penalised even more if you can't pay your taxes?

Technically, you should be. Sertian law clearly states that not paying your taxes is a crime. But that's no reason to be scared.

See, when you do not have enough money to pay your taxes, you are technically considered to be in debt. And being in debt in Gadalland and Aspern is not a crime under any circumstances. In fact, it makes you entitled to financial assistance from the government.

This clever little trick by the government creates a distinction between those who cannot pay their taxes because they haven't got the ressources, and those who are actively avoiding paying their taxes even though they could reasonably contribute.

Anyone receiving certain types of financial assistance from the government are exempt from paying their taxes. Were you to pay taxes whilst receiving government support, this would achieve nothing. The government would give you money, only to get it all back, and you'd be left with nothing.

So, to put it briefly, the government only considers not paying taxes a crime in order to catch tax evaders. And since the government collects income data on many Sertian residents, tax evaders don't get very far.

[Sertia]

Where will the summit be taking place? Part 1 of 3

Heard about the upcoming arrival of Mr. Aguilar to Sertia? Whether you're a fan of politics, or are endlessly in love with the Spanish leader, we've made a guide to help you follow the two leaders on their three day adventure through Sertia.

Day 1:

• Drive to Hemberdale Railway station
• Meet with Ms. Dina while on the train to Slalium
• Meet Head Braetha Fornithias Cranst, inaugurate the new spaceport in Slalium
• Get the train to Araguas House in Esterey, home of Head Braetha Fornithias Cranst
• Join Mr. Cranst for a Seeing In the Masts Ceremony and traditional dinner in the evening in Esterey

Your first question might well be: when the devil did we get a railway?
Good question! Technically, about 150 years ago, when Sertia Horserail began operations. But actual trains? Not yet. In fact, our very own European Councillor and Mr. Aguilar will jointly inaugurate the rail system with its first ever train before it is to be open to the public.
Hemberdale will service all routes which were formerly Sertia Horserail, including, Esterey, Osperfey, and Uggold. It will also service Blenawen and Slalium.
Here is an earlier picture of Hemberdale horserail station:

Hemberdale General Horserail station, 1866

Here is Hemberdale Railway station, after significant renovation:

Railway? Sorted. What's next for these two leaders?
Well, they will be on the train for most of the day. Their first destination is the beautiful new Spanish spaceport, by the lovely seaside village of Slalium.

Slalium from the sea, 30 January 2023

After the inauguration, Mr. Aguilar will get back on the train to the bustling town of Esterey. While Esterey is a bit inland from the sea, it boasts the largest railway station in Gadalland and Aspern, and is where you can find Araguas House, or better known as the home of our very own Head of Braetha, Fornithias Cranst.

Esterey railway station, 1 January 2023

Araguas House, 2 December 2023

At the end of today, the two leaders will head to Esterey Harbour, where a private Seeing in the Masts will be held. Seeing in the Masts is a traditional practice of many Sertian villages and it is a celebration of sailors coming home.

Stay tuned for part 2!

[Sertia]

Where will the summit be taking place? Diagonathroe

After meeting with Mr. Cranst at the lovely Araguas house, Mr. Aguilar will be using his second day in Sertia to make a pilgrimage to Ribahjinda. But, because he's the Spanish president, he'll be skipping all the bits in between and heading straight to Ribahjinda.

Tourism Sertia recently published an entry with regard to Ribahjinda and the West Olves, but what do we know about Diagonathroe?

Well, Diagonathroe (pronounced 'di-GUN-thru') comes from "Dya-gun-thrau" meaning valley of the sea of Dya, who was the ancient goddess of the sea between the West Olves and the kingdom of Prew in what is now Sertia. The area has been occupied since before the Sertian Dark Ages (c. 600-1100). During the Vernaian campaigns for peace from 1210-1224, Diagonathroe was already an independent and prosperous city.

In its heyday during the 14th century its major exports were delicacy paints and fabrics, made with precious metals such as gold and silver which came from the West Olves. The most sought-after colours, black and coral (light pink), were mixed and melted carefully by the expert smiths of Diagonathroe and appear in the traditional clothes of the Bothorist vestry and upper classes of that era.

The 15th century saw a decline in trade from Diagonathroe as the Aulfish authorities in Ribahjinda attempted to crack down on the exports of precious metals from their shores. Many of the expert textile and cloth smiths were forced to seek apprenticeships in other trades, which meant moving to the major cities of Plariaras or Hemberdale.

In the 16th and 17th century Diagonathroe was invaded a number of times by the armies of the West Olves who sought to conquer the kingdom of Prew and rule over what was then something of a democratic government. With the support of the other kingdoms within Sertia and a massive tax campaign, the Diggun Overseer Parso Prewhic saw the building of a massive defensive structure around the main part of the city, some of which still stands today.

During the 18th century, Diagonathroe fell into extreme poverty. A visitor from overseas described Diagonathroe as a "horrid place, still with the stench of blackened gold", likely referring to what once was a beacon of art and beauty, but was then burned to a crisp by the powerful armies of Ribahjinda.

After Gadalland and Aspern was established in 1800, Diagonathroe received money to reform its centre and provide education and welfare to its population, from which it slowly recovered. During this time it saw a major influx of pilgrimage tourism to the West Olves, which remains its crucial export to this day.

Sertia Horserail reached the city in 1940, and has prospered from rail tourism ever since. Today, there are still remnants of its time in the rut in the form of tenements along the seafront, which are now some of the hottest seaside property in Sertia.

[Sertia]

Tourism spotlight: Rowsperch

If you're interested in accessible trips to the countryside from Hemberdale or Osperfey, the city of Rowsperch on the southern coast of Sertia may be just for you.

The city has recently seen a great influx of tourism and economic growth from the new high-speed Railway for Sertia system, but still possesses its own Sertian charm: horserail in the centre of the city, organic Rudmercetas, or road markets, and a complete lack of automobiles.

The city has opted to maintain its ban on automobiles, the area of which stretches a two mile radius from the city centre. This is to encourage sustainable tourism and accessibility.

Surrounded on all sides by steep hills, Rowsperch lies in the Hylma valley, 10 miles from the southern coast. It was first the sight of a rural Bothorist monastery of St. Eldras, settled by pilgrims from the West Olves, and was the first Bothorist institution in the south of Sertia in the 500s. During this time, the city was known as Eldrasporin. Due to the institutional wealth brought on by donations to the monks and the priors, the monastery grew, and in 578 a wall around the monastery and the surrounding clergy houses was built. The city grew from here, with all other development happening outside the city wall, with the exception of wealthy merchants and traders in the good faith of the monastic clergy.

The old monastery of St. Eldras, later known as the Raym of Sidrales.
During the Sertian Dark Ages (600-1224 AD), Eldrasporin was sacked many times by the Osperfans, who sought the wealth of St. Eldras monastery and felt threatened by those of Aulfish heritage. In 1210 the city was permanently occupied by the Osperfan clan Sidrales, who rebuilt and strengthened the city wall as well as converted the monastery into a small palace known as a raym. After this time, Eldrasporin came to be known as simply Porin, which means sanctuary or safe place in Old Sertian.

Passage through Rowsperch city wall, looking away from the Raym of Sidrales.

In 1224, the land on which the Raym of Sidrales became the public land of Gadalland and Aspern. In order to honour all those who had suffered in the Sertian Dark Ages, Verna II Osperfey ordered the city to commemorate the old monks who lived in the monastery. Porin again became Eldrasporin, and as a result of common use, transformed into Rasporin.

From 1200 to 1400, Rasporin, during this time also known as Reysporyn, Wreysperchyn or Wraunsparchyn, experienced growth due to its position in the Hylma valley. It became a large defensive centre, producing weapons and providing training for the city's military, who were some of the fiercest fighters in the country.

This trade continued into the 1500s, when the government ordered Sertia to develop an army of foot soldiers to keep in reserves. Most of these soldiers were housed in Wraunspyrch, first in residence with local citizens, and later in the barracks near Grans, a town which overooks both sides of the Hylma valley.

In 1644, the first official map entitled The City of Rowsperch was placed in the palace and since then Rowsperch has been the official name of the town.

Rowsperch barracks, which have since fallen into disrepair.

In the 1650s during the Aulfish Revolution, the government of Gadalland and Aspern began arresting Aulfish people living in Gadalland and Aspern for fear of causing local revolts and instability. Many Aulfish fled Gadalland and Aspern to Rowsperch, which at the time remained an independent city-state and retained good faith with the West Olves. Thus, Rowsperch did not give up the Aulfish residents to the army of Gadalland and Aspern, citing the heritage of the town and international relations.

In the 1700s to the 1800s, Rowsperch retained its status as an independent city-state until 1811 when it signed a pledge of union with then-Gadalland and Aspern, dissolving its military and officially recognising the government.

By 1900 Rowsperch saw its population dwindle to a mere 45,000 people as many sought work in the major cities. Seeking an alternative form of income, Rowsperch quickly adopted farming and fishing to maintain its wealth, and in 1980 the city was given a bursary to help it expand its appeal to tourists.

Rich history and commanding architecture await you...visit Rowsperch!

[Sertia]

What is the six day pilot scheme?

If you've been paying any attention to Sertian government affairs you may have noticed that some rules only last a few days. Six, to be exact.

This is due to the six day pilot scheme (SDPS), which is a remnant of Old Sertian law, but remains fundamental to the function of our government.

SDPS began in the 1300s as a legal courtesy between members of the Braetha who regulated the laws within their respective body. For instance, if the Braetha of Justice (formerly Council Alcalde) changed the laws about theft, it was respectful to acknowledge that the law had been changed , and appreciate its circumstances, before it was voted to be repealed.

This tradition continued until 1830, when the six day grace period became a legal requirement. Thus, when a member of the Braetha imposed a new rule, six days had to pass before that rule was voted into law by the entire Braetha. This system has remained ever since, though it's name changed to SDPS in 2000.

A recent example of the SDPS in action was the imposition of the limits to protesting by former Head Braetha Guthrún Wond. As soon as the Braetha were legally able, they eradicated the law, which within those six days saw approximately 100 people arrested for illegal protests. None were prosecuted, but the effects of the law seriously harmed public trust in Mr. Wond. In this case, the Braetha recognised the severity of the law and, the next day, issued instructions to police not to enforce the pilot law.

Did you know that many laws created and practised by the SDPS are not enforced? For example, just yesterday the Education Braetha wrote a law making the cost of university free in Sertia. The law is in its pilot scheme but is not being enforced. This is known as a Dormant law.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

What is 'Statutory banishment?

The Brætha have released guidance raising the minimum age of statutory banishment to 21. But what exactly is statutory banishment?

You may recall that, only a few months ago, the Brætha released a statement concerning Mr. Wond's punishment for treason. He was convicted of this unacceptable offence without recourse to a trial due to overwhelming public favour and a unanimous vote by the Brætha.

As in the case of Mr. Wond, successful conviction of an unacceptable offence warrants statutory banishment. In its original form,conceived in the 1500s, it stripped convicts of their status as Sertian citizens, and they were unable to return to Sertia. Many sought refuge in nearby Rowsperch or the West Olves, both of which were independent at that time, but mostly were refused entry because they recognised convictions of unacceptable offences decided in Sertia.

Now, statutory banishment takes a less severe form. You can only be banished from Sertia completely if you have claim to nationality of another EU nation. This was the case with Erab Danulch, who was convicted of treason due to his position I the Aspernian paramilitary during the Schism. He was permanently banished from Sertia because he possessed dual nationality with Istkalen. His banishment was a subject of national concern because he had never been to Istkalen in his life.

However, most are banished from the major cities in Sertia if they are successfully convicted of statutory banishment.They receive government support to find a home and manage their finances, and are confined to their property except for special circumstances, for example to go to hospital.

The recent guidance sets out a more lenient scheme for the rehabilitation of under-21s, who cannot be found guilty of statutory banishment and the age at which statutory banishment applies is expected to continue to rise in future.

[Gadalland and Aspern]

Tourism Spotlight: Monastery of St Verna of Osperfey

Likely the most popular Sertian landmark, and one of the most important to the island's history, the Monastery of St Verna of Osperfey lies in the Erdàis district of the city of Osperfey. This monument was dedicated to St Verna in 1240 to honour her successful effort to unite the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern.

Before the union, Osperfey lay in the Isle of Yudrey, and the foundation upon which the Monastery now stands can be dated back to around 550 BCE, when the Yudreians used it likely as a tomb for their nobility.

The wider Erdàis district, until around 1500, was its own city, and the Monastery was then known in Sertian as the Ipiarnas yw Vaernaw lly Erdàis, or the Monastery of Verna of Erdàis. Until the town took the name of Osperfey, which was a village outside Erdàis, Verna was not associated with Osperfey.

The cityscape changed when, in 1564, the Brætha of Erdàis declared that only residents of Erdàis could scatter their ashes at Verna's tomb. The practice of bringing a deceased loved one's ashes to the tomb of Verna had been a longstanding tradition to pay respect to the saviour of the Kingdom of Sertia. Therefore this act by the Brætha of Erdàis enraged many people, and the Head Brætha had to intervene to allow this tradition to continue. To do this, he put the town of Erdàis under the jurisdiction of Osperfey, run directly by the Head Brætha.

Today, many pilgrims still come to see the tomb of Verna for many reasons. Visitors may find many urns of ashes stocked at the foot of Vernas effigy. To this day, pilgrimages are subsidised by the government to allow people to seek out peace. Join them and visit Osperfey!

[Sertia]

Kingdom of Sertia? But there's no king!

24 August 2023

Tourism Sertia have been receiving an infinite amount of messages from our poor, confused readers about Sertia's new official title of 'Kingdom of Sertia'. They complain that it's confusing because "there is no king!"

Well, we want to address this because quite frankly, we get so many of the same messages that it's causing us much irritation we can't just get on with our day.

After the most recent Sertian schism, the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern which had held for over 800 years has officially dissolved. Thus, we can no longer call ourselves Gadalland and Aspern, because some of the historically Aspernian territories are interwoven with historically Gallish territories. So when Aspern separated, it took some of Gadalland with it.

Although they're now reunited, the Braetha cannot reasonably continue to call it the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern, as those six unions dissolve when one union dissolves.

'Sertia' is the name of the nations within Gadalland and Aspern who were formerly run by monarchs, hence the moniker 'Kingdom of Sertia'. But what about the old nations that weren't kingdoms?

Well, there weren't any of those. Before the Domex Campaigns by Verna II Osperfey in 1224, all of Sertia was run at one time by local clan leaders and princes who owned the land upon which they lived. During this time, the word 'Sertia' did not exist as a name. Instead, it demarcated the old hall where the individual kings convened each year, hence the name deriving from a corruption of Old Sertian meaning "sovereign".

When the kings convened, they would each issue a spoken statement about the state of affairs in their kingdom. The Old Sertian word for 'king' is 'ha', and the word for speech is 'Bryeh', or, in modern Sertian, "Braeh". In old Sertian, this convention within the "Serdria" became known as the "Bryeha", and is the first form of national government for Sertia, a direct ancestor of our very well-known Braetha.

So the Kingdom of "Sertia" really means the Kingdom of sovereign kings, a land which belongs to no single person but to many groups of people who have over the years lived in the lands owned by various princes and kings and other monarchs. Those kings no longer exist, but there is no other name for our nation other than the Kingdom of Sertia.

The Braetha have decided to call it the Kingdom of Sertia to recognise the significant impact of this schism on the identity of the Sertian people. But at least now there won't be any confusion as to why "Sertians" are from "Gadalland and Aspern". Sertians are from Sertia.

[Sertia]

A study of the use of carrier birds as a means of communication in modern Sertia

from 'The World's Oddities Registry' by Deras Marlynn, 1958
The Kingdom of Sertia is not known well for the modernisation of its government infrastructure, which until quite recently has not seen extensive renovation since the early 1930s. The rather shameful neglect of its once brilliantly coloured ancient monuments, which to this day stand headstrong in the centres of its lively towns and cities, has experienced a steady volte-face in the direction of progress. This alternation is consistent with its changes in leadership, which are notoriously slow due to the government's reliance on the whims of its various guilds (known as Braetha, pl.).

However, a more modern visitor to the Kingdom of Sertia will notice this change of sentiment within the Braetha, especially when visiting the vast, sprawling metropolis of its capital in Hemberdale. What once was a centre for low-spirited, serious office workers and aristocrats has expanded to incorporate Hemberdale's historic and cultural significance as one of the major trade centres, alongside Osperfey, in the eastern part of the nation.

Were you to visit Hemberdale as a tourist anytime up until 1930, you would notice a spectacular sensory overload, owing to the contradicting blend of wondrous architecture and colour, combined with the unsavoury smells and characters about the streets. Should you have acquainted yourself with a resident of Hemberdale, you would notice no shortage of, first of all his family and personal business, and including this a curiously high number of birds flying in and out of his office window. The latter statement is the subject of this section, a vitality of Sertian identity, one of the only connections between modern, cosmopolitan Sertia and its curmudgeonly yet inspiring past.

Carrier birds are, in their most simple essence, birds trained extensively in the art of navigation. You may first think of pigeons before anything. Yet in Sertia, pigeons are hardly commonplace, which has forced the Internal Communications Order (ICO) to resort to the use of predatory birds. The decision to train these large flying animals was taken on the basis of their superior eyesight and intelligence, and their ability to, in their time off, keep away common disease-spreading pests. The ICO has recorded that carrier birds have been used since at least the founding of Gadalland and Aspern some 750 years ago, and ironically were responsible for multiple epidemics. Now, the ICO regulates the health and safety of these birds, and has increased focus on their individual well-being. Thus, one bid will not complete an entire cross-country journey to deliver post to a very rural area. Instead, the bird will deliver to an ICO outpost, where the post will be assigned to another bird who is based within that outpost. There, they are cleaned and fed, put up and treated for disease.

A recent vote by the Customary Logistics Council [now the Braetha] almost saw the birds out of fashion in Sertia, namely by the Councillor for Defence, who argued that this would increase the chance of internal failure during a time of war. However, he was ultimately defeated because of the sentimental nature of seeing these birds everyday. A local Sertian will be able to tell you the name of their carrier birds over the ages, the various affections they held for them, and will usually keep a record of the bird's visit. Nowadays, and undoubtedly in future this will contribute no less than seminally to the knowledge of Sertia's past.

I mentioned that the tradition of carrier birds is one of the sole connections to Sertia's past. This means that when you go to Sertia, look up and look out for the occasional swooping fowl, which croons and caws as it flies through the narrow mazes of temples, drying clothing, and into the sunset, as the chimes of Hemberdale's many bells signal the end of an idyllic Sertian day.