Glanainn

Protectorate of Glanainn
Flag
Motto: "Na bi a-riamh a’ dol don choille leis fhèin" "Never go into the woods alone"
Status	Opthelian Protectorate
Capital	Craobhaig
Official languages	Gaelic, English
Demonym(s)	Glannish
Government	autonomous protectorate
• Empress of Opthelia	Athena II
• Prince of Glanainn	Aonghas VI
• Prime Minister	Caitlin Mackintosh
Protectorate of Opthelia
• Principality of Glanainn	c. 850 AD
• Opthelian Protectorate	c. 1500s
Population
• 2022 estimate	5,259,000
Currency	Glannish Crown
Date format	dd-mm-yyyy
Driving side	left

Glanainn is a semi-democratic monarchy in Liberalia considered a protectorate of Opthelia. The nation was an independent country until the 1500s when, following an Opthelian invasion, Glannain's status as a protectorate began. While Glanainn is officially autonomous, in practice the nation has always followed Opthelian foreign policy since the 1500s.

History

The lands which presently comprise Glanainn have been inhabited since antiquity; first by hunter-gatherers who later developed agriculture in the region several millennia after the first signs of agricultural development in other locations. Prior to the middle of the ninth century, the area had no official governance, with individual settlements taking care of their own affairs. Around the beginning of the ninth century, settlements began forming alliances with other settlements nearby, forming into proto-states. By the middle of the ninth century, most of the territory of present-day Glanainn had become somewhat united into a principality, titling their monarch Prince.

The Principality began with the central government responsible primarily for joint defence only, with most taxes and other measures of government continuing to be locally-organised. Throughout the Principality, however, more and more government functions began to be centralised, and by the 1400s, the first Parliament had been formed from the richest landowners across the country. However, the Principality was not to last, with the dawn of the sixteenth century heralding an Opthelian invasion and occupation that has continued, to some extent, to this day.

Geography

Glanainn is a mountainous country, with two large river borders and one further central large river. There are three primary mountain ranges in the country, to the north, the south-west, and along the southern border. Among these mountains are a number of large lakes which contain plentiful fish species. Glanainn also has a number of unique forest animals which live on the forested sides of the smaller mountains. Many Glannish animals have specifically adapted to live on these slopes. Glanainn has three resident species of squirrel, their national animal; as well as a native wildcat population.

Politics

Glanainn is nominally autonomous, with policy decisions resting primarily in the hands of an elected bicameral parliament led by the Prime Minister, usually the leader of the largest party following an election. Elections in Glanainn are usually run fairly, however there are some restrictions on what political parties are permitted to openly advocate on - primarily, restrictions against advocating for full independence from Opthelia, or against Opthelian foreign policy.

Culture

Glannish culture is riddled with superstition, though there has historically been little organised religion: while there is a common pantheon of gods across Glanainn, traditions of worship vary greatly across the country and often differ from settlement to settlement. Glannish mythology also includes tales of the fae, otherworldly fairy creatures from a parallel plane of existence that are to be feared and avoided. Disappearance are still frequently attributed to fae interference, even in the modern day. Glannish people have eight religious festivals throughout the year; at both solstices and equinoxes as well as in-between these times. The Samhain festival is particularly renowned, and attended by many tourists each year.

People in Glanainn are used to travelling by water. While there are numerous easily-navigable rivers in Glanainn, the land terrain can be difficult and has caused problems with the creation of roads and railways. The Glannish public transport system includes river boats due to these difficulties; and many individuals own private boats rather than cars. Due to the abundance of water, fish is also a staple of the Glannish diet; alongside venison, potatoes and turnips.