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"Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Property: Capitalism 101." |
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| Groussherzogtum Gréngbau | |
| Kanji |
グロッシャーゾグタム グルングボー |
| Rōmaji |
Gurosshaazogutamu Gurunguboo |
| Symbol |
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| Location |
Earth Land --> Giltena |
| Leader(s) | |
Groussherzogtum Gréngbau (グロッシャーゾグタム グルングボー, Gurosshaazogutamu Gurunguboo; lit. "Grand Duchy of Green Earth) is a medium sized state lying towards the center of Giltena. It's a historical great power on the continent thanks to outsized economic and cultural influence, recognized as one of if not the most important breadbaskets of the northern lands. An abundance of natural resources has made it a popular target for opposing nations, though a disciplined army and a novel air force have successfully preserved Gréngbau's sovereignty over the past millennium. The country is home to the religion of Äerd, a monistic faith which has spread to neighboring däitsch nations and beyond. It's considered one of the leading powers of Volkland, a large, unofficial region comprising much of eastern and northeastern Giltena.
Overview[]
An entity ten thousand years in the making. The lands that were to become Gréngbau were first settled by three disparate tribes: the Himmelvollek, Äerdawunner, and Séifuerer. The Himmelvollek had descended from the mountains in the north, porous conditions finally proving too much. The Äerdawunner had tired of the thunder from above and cave collapses it caused below. More than anything, they desired to see the sun, instead of paintings of it. Ascending from the rabbit hole they did. And the Séifuerer? They were weary of the seemingly endless ocean, wishing for a place to put down roots. No longer could they tolerate the same sight in all directions, relief nowhere on the horizon. Yet these environments colored their perspectives more than any individual cared to admit. The Séifuerer gravitated towards the great lakes which dotted the land. The Himmelvollek made their homes in the high hills and little mountains of the north. The Äerdawunner burrowed into the caves they found. And settled all three did. Neither knew of the others nor cared to know, safe as they were in familiar environments in an unfamiliar land. Had She not intervened, it would have likely stayed that way.
But intervene She did. It was little things at first. A hunt which strayed a little further than intended. A needed item carried away on a gust of wind, making the owner give chase. A particularly sunny day, drawing out those holed up in their homes. Bit by bit She pushed them closer and closer together, until the tribes made contact with one another. Then, She played meditator, patiently guiding them to understanding at a place of Her choosing. The Äerdwunner were the first to recognize Her for who she was and is. The Himmelvollek followed. And last by not least, the Séifuerer. In time, the quiet abode was abuzz with noise, as trade developed between the tribes. Little settlements came soon after, before growing into villages. At times She would walk among them, curious to see what they made. Never did She appear the same way twice, nor did She always come in a visible form. But She was always there, watching, waiting, and at times interacting.
Government Structure[]
Despite being considered a monarchy with "absolutist, theocratic leanings" by their peer states, the institutions of the Gréngbau prove a bit more complex upon closer examination. Sitting at the top of the structure is the Groussherzog or Groussherzogin (lit. "Grand Duke or Grand Duchess") who wields full executive power. In addition to being the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, they possess the ability to veto acts of the legislature as well as pass executive orders which carry the full weight of law. Their vetoes, however, can be overruled by a two-thirds majority in the legislature. Among their more mundane duties is diplomatic and judicial appointments, as well as routine tours of the country to ensure things are as they should be. In cases where the executive is incapacitated, indisposed, or not of age, executive duties are handled by the consort Groussherprënz or Groussherprinzessin (lit. "Grand Prince or Grand Princess") as regent. Additionally, though not a requirement, the executive often keeps a small team of advisors to which they look to on matters requiring special knowledge or expertise. Though they are expected to serve until the end of their life (barring abdication), a particularly bad ruler can be deposed through a binding referendum, though it requires a supermajority (3/4ths) in the legislature.
Second is the legislature. Unicameral due to the relatively small size of the grand duchy, it is unique for its "thirds" construction. One third of chamber is drawn from the clergy of the national religion, who are elected by their peers based upon on fitness, commitment to the faith, and ability to uplift Gréngbau's people. They serve in this capacity until death, though they can be removed by the religious leader for incompetence. The second third is comprised of various levels of nobility, who are selected on merit and service to the crown by a small council made up of top nobles and presided over by the royal consort. Unlike the clerical third of the chamber, they serve for a fixed term of five years, renewable once, after which they are expected to retire. The last third, referred to as the "commons", is made up of elected laymen from across the economic spectrum. As the name states, they are elected by the proletariat class, representing sections of the country known as "segments". Their terms are shorter at only four years, but are renewable indefinitely. In the case of a death in office, a snap election can be triggered to fill the vacant seat. The chamber itself is presided over by the Ierfgroussherzog or Ierfgroussherzogin (lit. "Grand Duke or Grand Duchess in waiting").
The third branch is the judiciary. Of the three branches, it is admittedly the least developed, due to focus on balancing the executive and the legislature, and an emphasis on potential parties resolving their issues long before they land in a courtroom. Additionally, other mediators and arbitrators such as village councils are often relied upon, due to the presumption that "local leaders should resolve local problems". As a result, there is a mere three court setup. There is the court of first instance, which has three branches, with the jurisdiction of each corresponding to a third of the country. Following that, there is a court of appeal, who's three branches sit in the same locations as the first instance courts. Lastly, there is the court of last resort, which resides in the capital. All judges, regardless of level, are appointed by the ruler; candidates are then vetted by the legislature before a vote is cast using simple majority. Successful candidates then take up their office and sit until the mandatory retirement age of 60. They are empowered to deal with acts related to the legislature, ensuring consistency in the law. Inconsistent, obtuse, or otherwise ambiguous provisions can be struck down by them using judicial review. Unlike the other branches, judges can from any of the three classes (clergy, aristocrat, or commons), provided they exhibit the knowledge and skill necessary for the job.
Known Citizens[]
Trivia[]
- The grand duchy is partly based on the real life Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, making use of its coat of arms for the leading family as well as the Luxembourgish language. The author felt it would be a nice departure from germanic themes which typically focused on Germany and the Viking nations of Scandinavia.