OOC: Hi there, I am making this post because I have determined by the time Ruthenish becomes a working language, it will have cluttered up so much of Ruthund's factbook, the thread will be less accesible to people looking for more general and non-linguistic information for Ruthund. I will keep my language posts in my factbook for the time being, but they will eventually migrate as I develop this thread. I also wanted to make a fresh thread, because I wanted to retrace my steps in making Ruthenish so I have a more methodical layout for the language thereby making it easier in its further development. Making a language to the point where it can actually be spoken is a lot of work, and its especially a lot of work since I'm basing it off an extinct language that we still don't have a complete understanding about. So a special workspace I feel is appropiate. Thank you ^ ^

Introduction to Ruthenish

Ruthenish is a language found in Europe. It is spoken by about 60 million speakers region-wide, primarily in Ruthund, where it is the national language. It is the liturgical language of the Zdardrin Grand Temple, alongside Classical Ruthenish. As a language from the East Germanic branch, Ruthenish considered quite different from the currently existing Germanic languages. It is generally accepted by scholars that Ruthenish is the sole surviving East Germanic language.

Evidence of the Ruthenish did not appear until the late 4th century CE, in modern-day north Czech-Slavia and south Strathae. The inscriptions found in the area show that Ruthenish was largely intelligible with Gothic. Proto-Ruthenic, emerging by the early 6th CE in modern-day Gallorum and later found in modern-day Ruthund, had a notable amount of Greek influence on some grammatical structures as well as vocabulary. However, limited writing in Proto-Ruthenic exists. Classical Ruthenish emerged by the 10th century CE and largely resembles the modern day language. Zdardrin scripture is primarily written in Classical Ruthenish, with the largest pieces of the religious texts being written circa 12th century CE. The religious texts of Ruthenish remained a literary standard as well as the language of the Ruthenish Court until the 18th century, when more vernacular version became more accepted. Modern Ruthenish emerged in the late 16th century, following the Great Ruthenish Vowel Shift. Following the end of the Old Regime in 1994, the amount of foreign loanwords have increased, most notably from English and German, though the language still remains largely conservative.

Opening Statement from First Speaker of the Peasants and Workers' Party, Eizdanuz Okhelaihuztukur:

Comrades, distinguished guests, and my fellow members of the Party Congress, I would like begin by thanking the PEL for giving our party the honor of organizing this historical event for the Eurogroup. As the workers all over Europe spoke in favor of us gaining power in Europe, so too does Ruthund stand behind you as we move forward towards a better future. Europe now know that there is an alternative between the neoliberal policies of the EPA and fascism which has spread across Europe and has only loosened its grip in Ruthund recently. With the victory of Comrades Sofie Čikarová and Piane Daggot, the Left will surely be empowered in ways that we have not been able to achieve before.

In Tuzgjord, during the Second Kinstrife, our fathers took up arms against the reactionary forces and formed one of the earliest revolutionary governments in Europe. However, like with many heroes of the revolution, luck is scarce and so was it with the Tuzgjord Revolutionary Council. However even in their defeat, they waged a guerilla war all the way until the founding of the stewardship in 1994 at the cost of their livelihoods, sometimes their families, and any chance to see the light of freedom without being in hiding. They did this because they believed in something that will never be quashed out from humanity: emancipation for all. Though we intend to fight the revolution now through the ballot box, let us have the same conviction that these heroes by fighting for the common worker ever more aggressively with a new found hope placed in our hands. Let's fight for the people of Europe!

Thank you.

1. Phonological (Sound) Inventory

In total, Ruthenish has 26 phonemes used in the language, 6 of which are vowel sounds and 20 of which are consonants. While the Ruthenish language consonant inventory is within an average range for most Germanic languages, its vowel inventory is unusually small for a Germanic language.

Ruthenish is a pitch-accent language, a language that has some tonal elements to distinguish certain syllables within a word from words that would otherwise sound identical. Examples of other languages that use pitch-accent is Japanese, Norwegian, and some Franconian dialects in central Germany. This is contrasted with stress-accent languages, such as English. Pitch is not often expressed in writing in Ruthenish and heavily relies on context when ambiguity does occur.

Default stress falls on the first syllable of the word.

Ex: wordjoz

high-pitch, second syllable: police, security
flat tone: district, ward

Vowel Inventory:

Diphthongs:

ai (aɪ)
ɛi
oi
ui
au
ou

Consonant Inventory:

Zgeirtan in his future debate with a pro-UNSR tankie

Zgeirtan was just finishing his epic debate on his stream with Speaker Luzorgaz as he was reminded by his attendants that he had to start making his way to the Bergen Climate Change summit. Luzrogaz was totally destroyed in that debate by facts and logic. But Zgeirtan’s lefty arc of pwnage would have to wait a few days as he embarked on a mission to represent Ruthund in creating an accord to help combat climate change. Then he thought of an idea, and told his attendant.

“Bro, I should vlog this trip and upload it to my YouTube channel!” he said with eagerness.

“Lord Steward, how about we focus on getting to the plane. We are quite literally losing daylight.”

“Alright sure, but I'm bringing my streaming equipment so I can continue my next debate with that tankie tomorrow. Don’t want him to think I am backing away.”

The attendant sighed with a minor amount of annoyance. “OK, we’ll see to it Lord Steward. But right now, we need to make our way to the airport.”

And so they took off on a private jet. Zgeirtan was supposedly supposed to be rehearsing for his appearance when he arrived in Bergen, but it turned out he only could play Minecraft. Since they were traveling overseas, he couldn't play League of Legends, so he had to settle playing the Minecraft mod Tekkit on his way there. But that didn’t matter that he got little practice, Zgeirtan was a natural at this sorta thing. Besides, everyone knew he was a gamer. Eventually Zgeirtan was advised to sleep before the arrived in Bergen the next day. To everyone’s surprise, he took his attendants’ advice without any argument.

The jet arrived in Bergen soon after. It was only the third time Zgeirtan had been outside of Ruthund on official business, and the first time ever he heard of the word Mennrimiak. He thought the name of the country sounded cool. Before he had the chance to leave the airstrips, some of his attendants rushed to Zgeirtan’s side to give him his papers. “You almost forgot these Lord Steward. We have business to do once we get back to Ruthund, your pwnage of the Mutual Workers’ Party might have triggered them into breaking the coalition agreement.”

“Yeah whatever. Those people were always bad faith anyway.”

Zgeirtan, though sometimes really informal and optically irresponsible, managed to gather whatever discipline he could and made his way to the summit in a stately manner with a suit and a nice blue tie.

Upon arrival he greeted everyone, including the International Affairs Commissioner with a “Wassup.” And the proceeded to wait for others that might show up.

In an Upset Victory, Tony Odhinazen Wins European Councilor Seat in Ruthund

Zatoni at his campaign headquaters celebrating victory on Friday

News
16 November, 2020
Article by Jonnas Oswald

In an upset victory and a political defeat for Ruthund’s political establishment, Tony Odhinazen emerged as the winner in Friday's election. This comes after polling clearly showed Lauslydi as the favorite in Ruthund (+6 points ahead of Zatoni) and early exit polls showing a tight, but favorable result for the former Rif of North Hukon.

Elections were called in late October following former Councilor Helhuan’s resignation following her apparent objection to the Ruthenish government compelling her to push through a Neutrality motion in the European Council. “I had once believed that Gundyno was the faction that had moved on and started to see the reality that Ruthund needed to move past its history”, she said in an open letter. “But I was wrong.”

Though some in the Ruthenish government showed their disapproval of Helhuan’s conduct, branding it as “unprofessional”, her resignation largely received little backlash in Ruthund. Shortly after her resignation, three candidates emerged for the newly called EU Councilor election: Lauslydi Hrimustukur, former Rif of North Hukon and past power broker in Ruthund, Jomziha Luzrogizen , a hardline conservative voice in the Kangiflank, and Tony Odhinazen, perhaps well known in Europe for his environmental activism and known in Ruthund as among the NRP leadership in the Feinkusomnring.

This is in contrast from the last election cycle with Helhuan running unopposed to the EU Council with little turnout in July.

Lauslydi enjoyed support from the centrist voters in Ruthund that supported the government's economic policies, but felt alienated by Lord Zgeirtan’s anti-Eurofederalist rhetoric in recent months. However Lauslydi on the campaign stage distanced herself from a previous amicable EPA, criticizing the EPA for its lack of uniform support of Ruthenish Neutrality. “I honestly expected better from the EPA. I might have disagreed with our government’s decision to go through with [the Neutrality Motion], but this wasn’t a rocket science issue. It was clear that Ruthund was more than eligible to become a Neutral nation. And it shows me, unfortunately, a clear sign that the EPA lacks the leadership to do the right thing and govern fairly for all member states.”

Tony Odhinazen, meanwhile, enjoyed support from Ruthund’s growing left-wing movement. As well as being among the more eccentric politicians, along with Lord Zgeirtan and Speaker Luzrogi, Odhinazen’s unconventional personality has in this election inspired many politically disengaged people to come on out and support the self-described Democratic-Socialist. Zgeirtan pledged himself as an independent Councilor, as he has shown disapproval of all the Eurogroups in Europolis.

Trailing behind was Jomziha, Kangiflank insider and a Bunalander that finds a new Ruthund near alien. He enjoys support from much of the right-wing of the political electorate in Ruthund, especially those on the far right that feel that the establishment has a negative influence on Ruthund and the European Union. He has spoken favorably about Dragan Trympov and was a key supporter for his election as Primier Commissioner. Despite Trympov's success in Ruthund as few months ago, his anti-populist rhetoric may well have scared away voters towards a reluctant vote for Zatoni.

Tony Odhinazen's first day in Europolis will be Monday. He will be challenged with promoting a left-wing agenda in the EU Council while balancing his soft Eurosceptic rhetoric on the campaign trail. Seemingly at odds with his party during the EU Councilor Elections, Zatoni has called for the continued integration of the European Union to halt in favor of a more delegation to nations in Europe.

Following Helhuan's resignation and demostrations in Kazmurbirha, Lord Zgeirtan announced that the Riksroja will no longer compell a Councilor to speak on behalf of Ruthund without a "clear and present threat present to National Security exisiting."

The foreign dignitaries were instructed to await further instructions at the Chamber of Meditation. This was a room that was not as lit as the other outer chambers were and displayed several tapestries, rugs, and pillows. It would seem the whole room was filled with colorful fabrics. The entire temple was quiet as the Temple was closed to the public was closed for the meeting of the clergy with the Thuidon. The air smelled of Dragon's Blood, a favorite around this time of year for temples across Ruthund. The chamber itself almost seemed to allure its occupiers to rest and eventual deep sleep.

But not too soon after a door opened from the passage to the Inner Chambers. Before the foreign dignitaries stood a robed-- priest the gender was not clear. In Ruthund, it was customary for priests to appear androgynous as they believed simply put, that androgyny resembled divinity. The priest's robes were gray and they wore a unique and somewhat strange hat to resemble they were part of the clergy. Hanging down from their neck was a silver nine-pointed star-- the Ruthakzdorn (The Star of Ruthak) the symbol of the Ruthenish people and the religion.

"Hail, most esteemed Southerners." as she bowed before the dignitaries. "His Eminence has been expecting your arrival and hopes that your journeys were pleasant as they were safe. Please, follow me and I will show you to the Room of Meeting."

The priest led the foreign delegations through the passage the went deeper into the Temple. As the delegations ascended deeper, the use of fabrics became less common and stone began to overtake the impression of the various chambers. Eventually, there came a door where the sun once again shone into the eyes of the delegation. This was the Temple's Sacred Garden, where the ashes of a the King are buried-- save for Kazmur himself. The much of the garden's floor was covered in moss and various pools and puddles also were found in this garden. It was often strange to Southerners that a place that they would find as something to leisurely stroll in was in fact a place that Ruthens came to pay respects.

On the opposite side of the garden was a silver plated door guarded by the Temple Guard. Upon seeing the arrival of the Priest, they opened the door and allowed all into the chamber. The chamber, uncharacteristic of the other chambers, was wooden, and possessed various rugs and tapestries. Green seemed to dominate the room. At the front of the room stood a curtained off area, these curtains were also dark green-- in fact a very particular shape of green often associated with royalty in Ruthund, the color of the fir trees within the mountains of Ruthund.

The Priest directed the foreign delegation to take a seat on the upper level of the chamber, above the clergy. The seats and tables were ornately crafted, depicting various omeihuz as well as various things found in nature. The room's silence was dulled by a sort mumur among the clergy sitting in the bottom section of the room. After a few moment's a sharp but charming bell rang -- silence followed. Only a few seconds afterwards the curtains unfolded, if only slowly. And thus the Thuidon was revealed for the first time in nearly 500 years to a non-Ruthen and all the clergy below watch for the Thuidon eagerly knowing this.

(OOC: This part is a prelude to the speech the Thuidon will give. I will post tomorrow containing the speech itself, then afterward, people will be able to meet the Thuidon personally, if they wish.)

Monday- 31 August, 2020

STATEMENT FROM THE COUNCIL OF LAW

On the 16th of July of this year, we received a petition from Feltzdona Lukazizen disputing the legality of the Riksroja's decision to recognize the current government incumbent on the Isle of Icholasen. It was originally intended that formal arguments be made and the opinion of the court be known in public. However both the prosecution and defense teams had expressed concern over their safety after death threats have been made. Clearly being a controversial issue that will gather the attention of the national media, we decided to was best to break tradition and hold the court proceedings away from general audiences.

This being said, the transcripts of the court hearing are available to the public at our official website, counciloflaw.ru (OOC: not a real-life website). These transcripts will also include the full unabridged opinion of the court, which will not be displayed here. Instead a concise opinion shall be expressed below:

We, the Council of Law of the Realm of Great Ruthund, uphold the decision given by the Riksroja to recognize the Union of Nicoleizian Socialist Republics as the legitimate government on the isle of Icholasen. While the arguments presented by the prosecution assert that the UNSR is not yet to be recognized by the European Union, and Ruthund, as a European member state are legally obligated to follow, the Act of Basic Law of the Realm of Great Ruthund is the supreme law of the land. The question presented by this case is weather the Act of Basic Law, which states in Article II, Section I, "The Realm of Great Ruthund shall maintain a policy of neutrality and remain impartial in all foreign affairs, with the exception to which it involves the national sovereignty of the Realm" is to be regarded subservient to European law, or eclipses such resolutions. We hold that Ruthenish law is superior to European Law in such cases and that the membership of Ruthund in the European Union is only constitutional insofar is it ensures that State Affairs remain independent of the affairs in Europolis.

The Prosecution also argues that the current guerrilla campaign in Icholasen is evidence that the doctrine of Popular Sovereignty has not yet been met within the UNSR. Albeit, the Court does not consider Popular Sovereignty a prerequisite to Ruthenish recognition of a State. Since the UNSR currently holds sovereignty over the Isle of Icholasen, denying its Statehood is considered by this court as denialism. This diplomatic act would constitute an implicit bias towards the previous government, hence breaking the provisions laid out in Article II, Section I of the Act of Basic Law. Conversely, if the UNSR loses sovereignty over the Isle of Icholasen the Riksroja would have a responsibility to recognize the new government in power, should they prove to be capable of wielding sovereignty. Thus, the recognition of the UNSR was the correct expression of a policy of Neutrality.

THE KAZMURBIRHAZ WARDEN

Breaking: New Republicans and Mutualists agree on a Party Merger

Chairwoman Brynelduz outside the New Republican Party HQ

News
14 June, 2021

After weeks of rumblings of a new party merger between the two medium sized Mutual Workers’ Party and the New Republican Party, Chairwoman Brynelduz of the New Republican Party announced at the New Republican Party headquarters that an agreement between the Mutualists and the New Republicans had been made. “Today, we have come to the agreement that due to the challenges that Ruthund faces today in Europe, the Left needs a new United Party to stand strong in the next election in August.” said Brynelduz outside the party headquarters.

Later on Monday, the Mutual Workers’ Party and the New Republican Party issued a joint statement agreeing to the formation of a new party called the ‘Social Progressive Party’, which is described in the statement as “democratic socialist” and for a “republican Ruthund”.

A call for a merger between the Mutual Workers’ Party and the New Republican Party has been subject to much discussion since 2019, when neither party failed to garner enough seats to form a government. However the New Republican Party under Chairman Halkrymn avoided discussion of a party merger, believing that a big tent approach was needed to gain support of key reforms on the issues of secularisation and the limiting the involvement of the Grand Temple within Ruthenish politics. Under more left-leaning leadership, renewed efforts for a party merger within the New Republican leadership resulted in a summit within Mutual Workers’ Party Leader Luzrogaz Moneldrinzen, who has supported the idea of a party merger since late 2019.

The formation of this party will dramatically shift the dynamics of the election season that is expected to start in the summer of 2021. The new party will boast 23 seats making the new party second largest in the Thuidwethon, only behind the current governing party Gilthoro. With the upset victory of EU Councilor Tony last year and with the polling showing greater support for local left-leaning candidates, especially in the South of Ruthund, many political observers are warning that Gilthoro’s position as the governing party is seriously threatened.

“I think Zgeirtan’s party should pay more attention to this merger”, said Boldreigaz Holgremzen, a political analyst for the Gilthoro party. “Zgeitan’s approval ratings are dropping right now because he has been making u-turn after u-turn on his campaign promises within the last month and people are starting to notice. Now you have a party entering the stage offering an actual alternative, which is a good sign that the playing field is starting to shift in the Thuidwethon.”

The Social Progressive Party does not have an official platform released presently, with this election’s platform expected to be released sometime in early July, when the campaign season will kick off. The Social Progressive party, when asked to comment, confirmed to the Kazmurbirhaz Warden that a party platform was currently being drafted.

With the merging of the Mutual Workers’ Party, the junior partner of the Gilthoro-led government, Gilthoro and the Social Progressives are expected to reach an agreement to form a caretaker government. It will be for the final legislative session before the election, scheduled to take place July 19th-30th. Zgeirtan’s office declined to comment on the talks of the coalition agreement at this time.

Applications to participate in the 41st Edition of the Eurovoice Song Contest are now closed. The contestants participating in Eurovoice 41 will be announced shortly.*

Friday- 19 February, 2021

Riksroja Announcement concerning the Union of Syndicates

The Ruthenish government has been monitoring the deteriorating situation in the Union of Syndicates, and such observations have caused concern for national security and of other Ruthens abroad. As such, the Ruthenish government has saw it necessary to enact these measures thusly:

1. Airborne and Waterborne travel from the Union of Syndicates shall be hereby suspended, except on account of essential business until 22 March, 2021. The Riksroja will discuss whether it is proper to renew such measures on a later date. This measure will be effective at 0:00 on 20 February, 2021.

2. All Ruthens currently residing or visiting the Union of Syndicates are strongly encouraged to leave immediately. We also call on the Union Government to release all Ruthens from custody within 48 hours or face potential action from Ruthund.

3. The Ruthenish government will not be accepting new visa applications from the Union of Syndicates during the duration of the travel suspension. However, the Riksroja will review this measure as it continues to monitor the situation evolving in the Union of Syndicates.

4. Police and Military Units shall be placed on Alert for potential terrorist activities in Ruthund. The Riksroja has also ordered increased military presence at the following airports: Naitor International Airport in Kazmurbirha, Rangentazav Internatal Airport, and Nokthur International Airport to monitor and quell any potential hostile threats from outside the country.

We shall continue to work with our neighbors and the European Union to ensure that Ruthund and Northern Europe remains safe for its people.

ESTBURY CAPITAL BUILDING CLEARED OUT

The Reckoning

10/6/2025, ESTBURY-- After a 3 night standoff with the illegal occupiers in the capital building in Estbury, the occupants have surrendered to law enforcement Tuesday morning after an offer of general amnesty was given. Prior to the negotiations, law enforcement enforced a blockade on the building, avoiding to direct assault the capital out of fear for the lives of the hostages the occupants held. The occupiers left the building in an orderly manner facilitated by law enforcement and shortly after the perimeter was secure and the hostages were liberated.

Despite the offer for amnesty, many of the government are demanding a more assertive response after this incident. This morning a bill was introduced in the Sondrede that will declare the separatist Liberal Party of Estmark, the group who lead the storming of the Estbury capital, a terrorist organization. They cite their storming of the capital as an act of terrorism and therefore grounds for their addition to the list. This will allow the Republic to use more proactive measures to suppress their political activity which is widely believed to be the source of unrest in the region.

PROTESTERS STORM ESTBURY CAPITAL

6/6/2025, ESTBURY-- Protests in Estbury city centre Friday evening escalated beyond the control of law enforcement as they stormed and occupied the capital. Law enforcement, unwilling to cause undue death, evacuated Highfield Platch as protesters made a push to the approaches of the capital building around 6pm. As of the publication of this article, the protesters still occupy the building and are have declared to be holding the officials inside hostage until Michleah concedes to their demands.

The group leading the occupation has been reported by the Estbury Constabulary to be a separatist group who's political goal is the independence of Estmark as a sovereign state. Michleah responded tonight saying that "the government is considering all options in response to this wanton aggression against the lawful government." No decisive action has yet been taken by the Republic.

The protester's demands are to call fresh elections, the dissolve the current regional government, and to allow the separatist Liberal Party of Estmark to run for elections, a declared extremist group by the Republic.

PROTESTS GROW IN ESTMARK AS THEY MOVE INTO THEIR THIRD DAY

The Reckoning

4/6/2025, ESTBURY-- Initially considered to be a single day protest of locals expressing their disapproval of the Michleah's current ongoing investigation into election malpractice in the late Estbury election in March, the protests started on Monday evening continues to grow as we head into Day 3 of the protest. This evening, on Highfield Platch, protesters took to protesting right outside the capital building of the Estbury government still housing the current government. Though the situation remains stable according to reporters on the ground, police have been dispatched by the government to ensure the protests remain orderly and does not interfere with regular business.

The protests highlight a flashpoint of tensions between the government in Fayrrendel and Estmark's recent fraught relationship over their dissatisfaction with the current government, believing that the government is not doing enough to help the locals. This underlying friction couple with the current investigation has made Estbury a politically sense place in recent week, with the city sharply divided between loyalists to Fayrrendel and her government, and a rising separatist movement intent on overthrowing the regional government and establishing their own state. This divide has increasingly followed along ethnic lines. This comes despite recent investments in the region in the mining industry following the government's Nationalization Law. The protests seem to unlikely to die down until the end of the week and we will be updating this story as it develops.

Statement from the Steward of the Republic

Today the Alderrede has informed me that, in light of some recent evidence revealed in a closed session, they have reason to believe that voting irregularities have occurred in the local elections in Estmark. Given that the Landrede was due to open Friday, I have requested the Alderrede to expedite their investigation and to ensure that we have our findings speedily. However this will still take some amount of time while investigators do their work. As a result, I am issuing a decree today halting the opening of the Landrede until further notice. I ask the people of Estmark to remain patient with the government while we ensure the results were fair.

HALLOWED SOCIETY POLITICAL OFFICE HEADQUARTERS, MICHLEAH
25 March, 2025

It was a glorious spring day in Michleah, the wind was mild and the city welcomed the sun's warm embrace. After nearly a week of non-stop rain, the reprieve was welcome to all. But while most of the people in Michleah took to walking in the many parks of the city and some having picnics, today was no ordinary day in the inner circle of the Hallowed Society. For them, it has become evident that the Hallowed Democrats were becoming restless and even some were beginning to challenge their rule. As such, they met in Michleigh in the political office's headquarters to discuss their loss in the Estmark elections and their plans to prevent the Democrats from becoming a viable political force in the Sondrede and beyond.

In the room was Alder Alwin, the most influential clergy member of the Hallowed Society. Overthane Edmund, the most prominent member in the Steward's cabinet and the Steward herself. In this small room, they plotted their clawing back of control of Estmark.

Steward Edith spoke to the conference "So, we haven't had one of these meetings in a while. But I think we all know why we are here today. The non-Ostriders are starting to become restless. This was made evident by the results in Estmark a couple weeks ago and now we have had time to let that set in, we need a unified strategy for the Society."

Edmund, one of the ministers in the cabinet spoke in response. "I understand the worry, but its just one election in a rural district respectfully My Steward. And its not a shock at that. Estmark has the highest concentration of non-Ostriders in the country. And given the Hallowed Democrats appeal to that group, its not too surprising."

The Steward gave a unamused smirk. "I know this sounds trivial. But this is how problems happen. They grow from tears of neglect and are fertilized by our unconcern. If we let this go unnoticed, I am willing to bet good money that they might become a vanguard of a liberal resurgence in this country. And while Im willing to bet money on this, I am not willing to bet on our social order. So this must be addressed."

Alwin spoke "What is the Stewards plan then?"

"The crux of our plan is ensuring the new Earl is as hostile to us as possible to claw back at liberal activity there and at home. And I think I know just how to bait the Landrede there into electing just the person we need for the job." The Steward said.

"Your plan is risky." Alwin responded "How can you guarantee this firebrand wont burn you in the process."

The Steward grinned both in admiration for her old friend and the joy of her scheming "Oh, I want him to burn me just enough." she said. "Once I am burnt, only a little, this will unite the folks here at home and distract them from the petty issues which has divided the Society and Party. And in the end, I believe we will cement our power for the foreseeable future."

"I suppose the idea then is getting them burn you in just the right way. Do you think the Democrats will see through your plan?"

"There is already a separatist movement in Estmark. The Democrats are trying to keep them at bay to preserve their reputation." Edmund replied. "I think the Democrats will do everything they can to show restraint."

"I am not so sure Edmund. As I have said non-Ostriders are growing restless. So the Democrats are going to have to show their teeth sooner or later lest they are seen as ineffectual by their base. I think they will give us what we want if we corner them."

Edmund paused for a second in deep thought and then said "I think if we want to get a rise in Estmark, we need to go after the election results. This will make the Democrats look foolish for trying to go through proper channels. And with luck, this will inspire them to pick our candidate"

"Its too late for that. The Landsrede is opening this Friday." Alwin rebutted. "This measure might be too extreme even for the folks back home."

Edith paused for a moment seeming to like Edmunds idea. "I think the Alderrede might be our solution. Alwin, you have a lot of influence with many of the folks there. Is it possible you can get the votes to have an emergency closed hearing to start an investigation into election irregularities? We could perhaps delay the opening the Landrede this way with the support of the Alderrede."

"I am not sure, this is a tall order. Especially since everything was vetted, it might take a lot of pressure doing. Especially if you want your fingerprints off of this." Alwin said with skepticism.

"Do what you can, my old friend. We will improvise as this show goes. Ill get in touch with some other friends to see what they can do to help us. As long as the Alderrede is talking about it, we can delay the opening."

--TO BE CONTINUED--

DEMOCRATS WIN IN A SURPRISE VICTORY IN ESTMARK’S LANDSREDE

The Reckoning

14/3/2025, ESTBURY-- On Friday, Estbury held its elections to elect the local council, the Landsrede. The election was one of the most competitive elections in the history of the Hallowed Republic. Though expected to be competitive, most experts and analysts pointed to a narrow victory for the Torchbearer’s Society, the Hallowed Democrats overperformed expectations and won the night with 46.2% of the vote, securing a narrow majority in Estmark’s Landsrede. The Torchbearer’s Society fell behind at 42.9% of the vote respectively. A new Earl is expected to be elected by the Landrede once they take office in two weeks.

The election in Estmark was marked with tension, as Non-Ostrider’s became more aggressive with their rhetoric. Their loudest demand, ending the religious restrictions placed on non-members of the Hallowed Society. Though most of the restrictions were largely relaxed since the 90’s, most non-Ostriders believe that their presence on the lawbooks is a contradiction of their civil liberties. However many Ostriders insist that these restrictions, although now largely symbolic, protect the character of the Hallowed Republic and the integrity of Hallowdom.

The Torchbearer’s Society however dismissed their demands as counter to the country’s values. “We have to remember that Fayrrendel is holy land.” said Albert Haroldsson, the leader of the Torchbearer’s Society in Estmark.”We arent just another country in Europe, this country has to be governed by our traditional laws that were revealed to us by our Prophet because this land was a gift.” he continued.

The Hallowed Democrats have promised to improve the lives of the rural villages in Estmark and petition the government in Michleah for more funding for Estmark.

Politics of Fayrrendel

Fayrrendel is a Republic (Ostridish: Bylawship) under the framework of a theocracy which was established by the overthrow of the Old Bylawship in 1979. The official state religion is Hallowdom, the ethnic religion of the Ostridish population. Minority religions are legally tolerated, but are reported to be under constant surveillance. Regular and frequent elections are held in local offices as well of the Lower House of the Greatmoot, the Sondrede. However much of the high executive political positions are controlled by the Alderrede, which consists mostly of appointees from the Hallow Clergy.

The Head of State and Government in the Republic is the Steward, who is elected by the Alderrede alongside all other high executive offices. The Steward is always, but not legally required to be, a member of the Hallowed Society’s ruling council, the main clerical organ of Hallowdom. The Steward is the Commander-in-Chief of all of the military forces in Fayrrendel, heads the executive organs of the state, the chief diplomat of the Republic, as well has the ability to issue decrees on foreign policy and religious issues. The Steward serves with the confidence of the Alderrede, but generally, the Alderrede gives deference to the priorities of the Steward, thus making it in practice a lifetime appointment.

The Greatmoot is the Legislature of the Republic. The Lower House, the Sondrede, is elected by universal suffrage by all citizens of Fayrrendel every 3 years. It the the sole house that can propose laws and Acts of the Greatmoot, as well as propose new taxes. The Sodrede’s consent is also required in cases of Declaring War, as well as approving the annual budget made by the Alderrede. All constitutional changes must be approved by the Sondrede by a 2/3rds majority. The Upper House, the Alderrede, is a council of current and sometimes former government ministers, appointees from the Hallowed Society, and occasionally respected experts on niche issues. They appoint all of the ministers of the government, as well as recall them, are the highest Judicial Organ in the country, as well have veto-power over any laws the Sondrede proposes.

Political Parties

Torchbearer’s Society of the Holy Revolution
Political Position: Center to Right-wing
This party is the dominant party in the Sondrede and is regarded as an extension of the Hallowed Society. They have always been the ruling party of the Sondrede since the founding of the current regime. Their ideology supports the theocratic system and generally supports the agenda of the ruling Steward. The Party has two factions, the Moderates and the Hard-Liners. The Moderates have been the majority of the Party since the partial liberalisation in the 2000’s, although the Hard-liners have significant influence in the clergy. Moderates typically are more conciliatory towards other European powers and prefer a more open Fayrrendel while the Hard-liners are more isolationist and prefer Fayrrendel to make more unilateral decisions.

Hallow Democratic Group
Political Position: Center-Left
This party was founded as a coalition of dissident clergy and the surviving liberals from the Old Bylawship. They are a small minority in the Sondrede but are the only political party in the Sondrede receiving representation besides the Torchbearer’s Society. They advocate reform to the system and the complete liberalisation of the country, including the end of the prohibition of non-Ostriders from entering Norshire and Sudshire. Though they do not openly oppose the theocratic system, they are regarded as the party that dissidents to the system flock to. Their views on the European Union are mixed, but generally supportive.

Statement from the Steward of the Republic

We have recently become aware of the alleged intentions of the Spanish Government to annex the Republic of Nofoaga. These developments are concerning and my government is monitoring the situation closely. Though the Spanish Government officially denies of any intention of annexation, I wish to make the government's position clear: Fayrrendel is opposed to any annexation of territory in the Western Hemisphere by any power overseas, including the Kingdom of Spain. That will be all.

Map of Fayrrendel and her other Holdings

Fayrrendel is divided into several categories of territories. The first category are the Shires. There are only two territories named officially a shire: Norshire and Sudshire. These two shires, sometimes along with Yeomark, comprise Fayrrendel proper with the rest of the territories nominally being territorial holdings of Fayrrendel. They are the two original territories that made up the state. The second category is known as a Hireland. Estmark, Norstand, Yeomark, and Knollwealds are all Hirelands. Hirelands and Shires are considered independent Bylawships which have near complete self-autonomy as well as elected officials. The last catagory is a Markland, which is considered a territory too sparsely populated to be granted Hireland status. Marklands are territories with local governments appointed by the central government. Yonfelland and the High-downs are considered to be the two remaining Marklands with no major population centers.

Historical Synopsis

Records of human habitation of Fayrrendel date back to 10,000 years with the Chinook and Kalapuya nations inhabiting much of the valley. In the 1630’s mass waves of migration came into the region, primarily English-based migrants fleeing persecution who called themselves Ostriders (a corruption of the word out-strider). Ostriders, who followed a new religious movement heavily suppressed by English authorities, migrated to what they called Fayrrendel. They founded the cities of Norbury and Sudbury to build a society to separate themselves culturally and religiously with England and create a new identity more in line with their religious vision. Multiple wars over the course of the 1600 and 1700’s with the indigenous population as well as diseases brought from Europe led to the consolidation of the entire valley by 1758. In 1787, Norshire and Sudshire both submitted to the rule of the UK under threat of force. The British attempted to unify Norshire and Sudshire into a federation in 1791, the first time Fayrrendel was brought under a single government. But it was met with strong opposition, which eventually led to the separation of the two provinces once more in 1810.

The discovery of gold and precious gems in the 19th century led to colonial expansion and further expulsion of indigenous peoples from the region. This also attracted migration from Europe, bolstering the country’s population but also attracting social unrest throughout the 19th century by the Ostriders, who were concerned about losing their control over the colony. These tensions led to political turmoil that defined politics in the region throughout the later half of the 19th century. This culminated in The Dearf, a period of religious violence against non-Ostrider immigrants and retaliatory attacks which made the colony difficult to govern. With the gold rush in the colony dying down and the ethnic tensions intensifying, the British withdrew from the colony in 1898 leading to the expulsion of the majority of non-Ostrider residents in the colony.

The Dearf ended in 1903, which granted guarantees to the remaining migrants in the two shires, granting them a residency status. Most however were not granted equal citizenship or rights, with voting power solely in the hands of the Ostriders and people who converted to their religion. In 1964, the two shires, bound in a loose confederation, agreed to ratify the Great Bandwrit, which formally unified the colony into a federal system. In 1976, a liberal government came into power which promised radical reforms to the country including secularization, universal suffrage, and codifying equal rights into the Constitution. This sparked outrage, particularly from the conservative clergy who overthrew the government in 1979 and established the current theocratic government in its place. Limited liberalisation however eventually took place in the 1990’s to early 2000’s under moderate factions in the clergy, granting suffrage rights for non-Ostriders, and effectively giving equal rights to women and some level of secularization to public life.

Fayrrendel has since been struggling with ongoing tensions between the non-Ostriders, who primarily live in the rural eastern territories, corruption within the government, and a stagnating economy coupled with a housing crisis.