Directionland: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox nation|name=The United Empire of Directionland|flag=Directionland_Flag.jpg|flagsize=260px|flag_alt=Directionland Flag|flag_caption=The flag of Directionland|coa=Directionland_CoR.png|coasize=220px|coa_alt=Directionland CoA|coa_caption=Coat of arms of Directionland|nation_type=Empire|government=Constitutional monarchy|anthem=Our Sacred Land|motto=Unity, Wisdom, Mercy|currency=Directian Crown|language1=Directian|language2=Ruulden|alliance1=Imperial Defense Union|hos=Emperor Alexander XVII|hog=Chancellor Nathaniel Crowley|population=~ 80 million|capital=Ironwood|city1=St. Stylinson|city2=Simonville|city3=St. Niam|city4=Evergreen|province1=Central Directionland|province2=Eastern Directionland|province3=Western Directionland|province4=Eastern Directionland|province5=Greater Stylinson|province6=Gandry|province7=Capital Province}}

The '''United Empire of Directionland''' (commonly '''Directionland''') is a constitutional empire on the world of Mundus. It emerged from a centuries-long process of settlement, alliance, and reform that culminated in the ''Great Unification''—an election that centralized authority under an imperial crown and bicameral legislature. The official capital is '''Ironwood'''; the state faith is the '''[[Aetherian Faith]]''' (with [[Simonius]] as primarch deity); and the imperial currency is '''Directian Crown''' (originally the ''Gref'').{{Infobox nation|name=The United Empire of Directionland|flag=Directionland_Flag.jpg|flagsize=260px|flag_alt=Directionland Flag|flag_caption=The flag of Directionland|coa=Directionland_CoR.png|coasize=220px|coa_alt=Directionland CoA|coa_caption=Coat of arms of Directionland|nation_type=Empire|government=Constitutional monarchy|anthem=Our Sacred Land|motto=Unity, Wisdom, Mercy|currency=Directian Crown|language1=Directian|language2=Ruulden|alliance1=Imperial Defense Union|hos=Emperor Alexander XVII|hog=Chancellor Nathaniel Crowley|population=~ 80 million|capital=Ironwood|city1=St. Stylinson|city2=Simonville|city3=St. Niam|city4=Evergreen|province1=Central Directionland|province2=Eastern Directionland|province3=Western Directionland|province4=Eastern Directionland|province5=Greater Stylinson|province6=Gandry|province7=Capital Province}}

== Etymology ==

“'''Directionland'''” began as a frontier nickname used by settlers who said one could move “in any direction” and find land fit for homesteads. The label stuck and became the de facto name of the realm.

== History ==

=== Early settlement and St. Stylinson ===

After a cataclysm in their homeland, a tribe of '''[[Humekind]]''' landed in the south of Mundus and moved north, allying for a time with the '''[[Ruul’yun]]''' ([[Elvenkind]]). The Humes eventually settled on fertile plains rich in gold, where the martyrdom of '''Stylinson''' led to his canonization and, later, to the founding of the '''[[Kingdom of St. Stylinson]]'''.

=== The War of Grief and the Directionland frontier ===

Roughly 670 cycles ago, St. Stylinson fought the '''[[Kingdom of Cratterly]]''' in the brutal ''[[War of Grief]]''. In the postwar period, settlers pushed north; by 650 cycles ago, the frontier was commonly called '''Directionland'''.

=== From union to empire ===

By 500 cycles ago, a loose '''[[United Realm of Directionland]]''' coordinated the growing patchwork of duchies and kingdoms. Administrative strain and a southern threat forced a full political unification: '''450 cycles ago''', an election between '''[[King Ethian IV]] of St. Stylinson''' and '''[[Grand King Ultimer III]] of [[Gandry]]''' produced Ethian IV as Emperor, inaugurating the '''United Empire of Directionland''' with a bicameral legislature and an imperial crown.

=== Capital shift, war, and reprisals ===

The capital was formalized at '''[[Ironwood]]''' about '''350 cycles ago''', with a new Imperial Palace and Parliament. Around '''300 cycles ago''', Directionland fought the '''[[War of the Empires]]''' against the '''[[Southern Federation of Kingdoms|Southern Federation]]''' '''[[Southern Federation of Kingdoms|of Kingdoms]]'''; the conflict devastated Gandry (including the burning of the '''[[Grand Sanctum of Alessa]]''') before Imperial Engineers’ innovations turned the tide.

=== Light Energy, forcefields, and railways ===

About '''200 cycles ago''', engineers learned to concentrate '''[[Light Energy]]''' into large defensive domes. Iconic '''forcefield towers''' soon protected major settlements (the '''[[Golden Tower]]''' in St. Stylinson was repurposed for this role). By '''220 cycles ago''', the '''[[Directionland Royal Railways]]''' had connected the empire into a single network.

== Government and politics ==

Directionland is a '''parliamentary democracy''' with an '''imperial structure'''. Laws originate in the '''[[Imperial Parliament]]''' (lower house), pass through the '''[[Imperial Senate]]''' (upper house), and require the '''[[Imperial Crown]]’s''' assent. The '''[[Chancellor]]'''—head of government—is elected by the parliamentary majority or a coalition. General elections occur '''every 4 cycles'''; citizens vote from '''18 cycles'''. Senate membership combines [[provincial premiers]] (appointed ex officio) with city representatives.

Early in the empire, friction between houses led to a physical separation of chambers: Parliament sits in '''[[Ironwood]]''', while the former unicameral building in '''[[St. Stylinson]]''' became the Senate—an arrangement meant to deter inter-house interference.

== Administrative divisions ==

Directionland comprises historic '''kingdoms''', '''duchies''', and '''special jurisdictions''':

* '''Kingdoms:''' '''[[St. Stylinson]]''' (founding kingdom; its lion became the imperial sigil). '''[[Gandry]]''' was once a kingdom and remains a storied region rebuilding after wartime devastation.

* '''Duchies:''' '''[[Simonville]]''' (transport and grain), '''[[St. Niam]]''' (agricultural heartland), '''[[God’s Landing]]''' (sacred sites of [[Simonius]] and the [[Ancient Cross]]), '''[[Grasped Hollow]]''' ([[Balmeran Mines]]), '''[[Fort Shagogbot]]''' (eastern fortress and “Eastern Shield”).

* '''Outposts/Colonies:''' '''[[The Merchant City of Wolfwater]]''', a guild-founded city with trade privileges under a Grand Magistrate elected by merchants.

== Geography ==

Imperial imagery and the national anthem celebrate a wide range of landscapes—from '''[[Ironwood]]’s snowy peaks''' to '''[[Grelian]]’s deserts''', dense forests, and the rugged east anchored by '''[[Fort Shagogbot]]''', the empire’s farthest bulwark.

== Economy and infrastructure ==

Directionland’s economy blends agriculture, mining, trade, and public works. '''[[Simonville]]'''’s wheat fields historically helped feed the empire; '''[[St. Niam]]'''’s farms were famous before the [[Great Fire]]. '''[[Grasped Hollow]]’s [[Balmeran Mines]]''' remain strategically important (iron, redstone, diamonds). '''[[Wolfwater]]''' manages merchant routes under special tax terms. The imperial currency evolved from the '''Gref''' (old Ruulden for “gold”) to standardized [[Directian Crown|'''Directian Crown''']] (colloquially referred to simply as '''Gold'''). A unified '''railway''' network binds the provinces, managed by [[Directionland Royal Railways]].

== Demographics and religion ==

The state faith is the '''[[Aetherian Faith]]''', a four-god pantheon (Simonius, Odivia, Alessa, Darg). '''Simonius''' is Directionland’s primarch deity; '''gold''' is a sacred element in worship. Ecclesiastical leadership is decentralized under a '''Grand Seer''' (in Directionland, seated at the [[Grand Sanctum of St. Stylinson|'''Grand Sanctum of St. Stylinson''']]), supported by '''[[Realm Seers]]''' and local '''[[Seers]]'''. Many cities adopt patron saints (e.g., '''[[Saint Stylinson]]''' and '''[[Saint Niam]]''' are especially prominent in imperial culture).

== Culture and symbols ==

Directionland marks [[Founding Day]] in '''Odiviamoon (August)''', alongside realm-wide observances such as '''[[Snowtide]]''', '''[[Rainbow Festival]]''', '''[[Harvest Festival]]''', and '''[[Saintsmas]]'''. The '''national anthem''' is '''“[[Our Sacred Land]].”''' The imperial sigil derives from St. Stylinson’s lion; holy motifs include the '''[[Cross of Simonius]]''' near [[God’s Landing]].

== Security and the military ==

Civilian safety relies on the [[Light Energy forcefield system|'''Light Energy forcefield''' system]] erected around major settlements. The '''Imperial Engineers''' developed and maintain the network, while the '''[[Imperial Army]]''' (traditionally associated with '''[[Saint Niam]]''') responds to external threats and [[Dark Energy]] incursions.

== Contemporary politics and crises ==

Current politics are shaped by '''rising [[Dark Energy]]''', the '''[[Kingsvalley]] portal''', the aftermath of '''[[Fort Shagogbot]]''' fighting, and the '''General Election Crisis''' following '''[[Chancellor Crowley]]'s attempted coup d'état'''. Election issues include the future of the Crown, security policy, and economic stability; parties range from the monarchist '''[[Directionland Union Party]]''' and progressive '''[[New Dawn Coalition]]''' to the hard-line '''[[Imperial Stability Party]]''' and merchant-aligned '''[[Free Trade League]]'''.

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-{{Infobox nation|name=The United Empire of Directionland|flag=Directionland_Flag.jpg|flagsize=260px|flag_alt=Directionland Flag|flag_caption=The flag of Directionland|coa=Directionland_CoR.png|coasize=220px|coa_alt=Directionland CoA|coa_caption=Coat of arms of Directionland|nation_type=Empire|government=Constitutional monarchy|anthem=Our Sacred Land|motto=Unity, Wisdom, Mercy|currency=Directian Crown|language1=Directian|language2=Ruulden|alliance1=Imperial Defense Union|hos=Emperor Alexander XVII|hog=Chancellor Nathaniel Crowley|population=~ 80 million|capital=Ironwood|city1=St. Stylinson|city2=Simonville|city3=St. Niam|city4=Evergreen|province1=Central Directionland|province2=Eastern Directionland|province3=Western Directionland|province4=Eastern Directionland|province5=Greater Stylinson|province6=Gandry|province7=Capital Province}}
+The '''United Empire of Directionland''' (commonly '''Directionland''') is a constitutional empire on the world of Mundus. It emerged from a centuries-long process of settlement, alliance, and reform that culminated in the ''Great Unification''—an election that centralized authority under an imperial crown and bicameral legislature. The official capital is '''Ironwood'''; the state faith is the '''[[Aetherian Faith]]''' (with [[Simonius]] as primarch deity); and the imperial currency is '''Directian Crown''' (originally the ''Gref'').{{Infobox nation|name=The United Empire of Directionland|flag=Directionland_Flag.jpg|flagsize=260px|flag_alt=Directionland Flag|flag_caption=The flag of Directionland|coa=Directionland_CoR.png|coasize=220px|coa_alt=Directionland CoA|coa_caption=Coat of arms of Directionland|nation_type=Empire|government=Constitutional monarchy|anthem=Our Sacred Land|motto=Unity, Wisdom, Mercy|currency=Directian Crown|language1=Directian|language2=Ruulden|alliance1=Imperial Defense Union|hos=Emperor Alexander XVII|hog=Chancellor Nathaniel Crowley|population=~ 80 million|capital=Ironwood|city1=St. Stylinson|city2=Simonville|city3=St. Niam|city4=Evergreen|province1=Central Directionland|province2=Eastern Directionland|province3=Western Directionland|province4=Eastern Directionland|province5=Greater Stylinson|province6=Gandry|province7=Capital Province}}
+== Etymology ==
+“'''Directionland'''” began as a frontier nickname used by settlers who said one could move “in any direction” and find land fit for homesteads. The label stuck and became the de facto name of the realm.
+== History ==
+=== Early settlement and St. Stylinson ===
+After a cataclysm in their homeland, a tribe of '''[[Humekind]]''' landed in the south of Mundus and moved north, allying for a time with the '''[[Ruul’yun]]''' ([[Elvenkind]]). The Humes eventually settled on fertile plains rich in gold, where the martyrdom of '''Stylinson''' led to his canonization and, later, to the founding of the '''[[Kingdom of St. Stylinson]]'''.
+=== The War of Grief and the Directionland frontier ===
+Roughly 670 cycles ago, St. Stylinson fought the '''[[Kingdom of Cratterly]]''' in the brutal ''[[War of Grief]]''. In the postwar period, settlers pushed north; by 650 cycles ago, the frontier was commonly called '''Directionland'''.
+=== From union to empire ===
+By 500 cycles ago, a loose '''[[United Realm of Directionland]]''' coordinated the growing patchwork of duchies and kingdoms. Administrative strain and a southern threat forced a full political unification: '''450 cycles ago''', an election between '''[[King Ethian IV]] of St. Stylinson''' and '''[[Grand King Ultimer III]] of [[Gandry]]''' produced Ethian IV as Emperor, inaugurating the '''United Empire of Directionland''' with a bicameral legislature and an imperial crown.
+=== Capital shift, war, and reprisals ===
+The capital was formalized at '''[[Ironwood]]''' about '''350 cycles ago''', with a new Imperial Palace and Parliament. Around '''300 cycles ago''', Directionland fought the '''[[War of the Empires]]''' against the '''[[Southern Federation of Kingdoms|Southern Federation]]''' '''[[Southern Federation of Kingdoms|of Kingdoms]]'''; the conflict devastated Gandry (including the burning of the '''[[Grand Sanctum of Alessa]]''') before Imperial Engineers’ innovations turned the tide.
+=== Light Energy, forcefields, and railways ===
+About '''200 cycles ago''', engineers learned to concentrate '''[[Light Energy]]''' into large defensive domes. Iconic '''forcefield towers''' soon protected major settlements (the '''[[Golden Tower]]''' in St. Stylinson was repurposed for this role). By '''220 cycles ago''', the '''[[Directionland Royal Railways]]''' had connected the empire into a single network.
+== Government and politics ==
+Directionland is a '''parliamentary democracy''' with an '''imperial structure'''. Laws originate in the '''[[Imperial Parliament]]''' (lower house), pass through the '''[[Imperial Senate]]''' (upper house), and require the '''[[Imperial Crown]]’s''' assent. The '''[[Chancellor]]'''—head of government—is elected by the parliamentary majority or a coalition. General elections occur '''every 4 cycles'''; citizens vote from '''18 cycles'''. Senate membership combines [[provincial premiers]] (appointed ex officio) with city representatives.
+Early in the empire, friction between houses led to a physical separation of chambers: Parliament sits in '''[[Ironwood]]''', while the former unicameral building in '''[[St. Stylinson]]''' became the Senate—an arrangement meant to deter inter-house interference.
+== Administrative divisions ==
+Directionland comprises historic '''kingdoms''', '''duchies''', and '''special jurisdictions''':
+* '''Kingdoms:''' '''[[St. Stylinson]]''' (founding kingdom; its lion became the imperial sigil). '''[[Gandry]]''' was once a kingdom and remains a storied region rebuilding after wartime devastation.
+* '''Duchies:''' '''[[Simonville]]''' (transport and grain), '''[[St. Niam]]''' (agricultural heartland), '''[[God’s Landing]]''' (sacred sites of [[Simonius]] and the [[Ancient Cross]]), '''[[Grasped Hollow]]''' ([[Balmeran Mines]]), '''[[Fort Shagogbot]]''' (eastern fortress and “Eastern Shield”).
+* '''Outposts/Colonies:''' '''[[The Merchant City of Wolfwater]]''', a guild-founded city with trade privileges under a Grand Magistrate elected by merchants.
+== Geography ==
+Imperial imagery and the national anthem celebrate a wide range of landscapes—from '''[[Ironwood]]’s snowy peaks''' to '''[[Grelian]]’s deserts''', dense forests, and the rugged east anchored by '''[[Fort Shagogbot]]''', the empire’s farthest bulwark.
+== Economy and infrastructure ==
+Directionland’s economy blends agriculture, mining, trade, and public works. '''[[Simonville]]'''’s wheat fields historically helped feed the empire; '''[[St. Niam]]'''’s farms were famous before the [[Great Fire]]. '''[[Grasped Hollow]]’s [[Balmeran Mines]]''' remain strategically important (iron, redstone, diamonds). '''[[Wolfwater]]''' manages merchant routes under special tax terms. The imperial currency evolved from the '''Gref''' (old Ruulden for “gold”) to standardized [[Directian Crown|'''Directian Crown''']] (colloquially referred to simply as '''Gold'''). A unified '''railway''' network binds the provinces, managed by [[Directionland Royal Railways]].
+== Demographics and religion ==
+The state faith is the '''[[Aetherian Faith]]''', a four-god pantheon (Simonius, Odivia, Alessa, Darg). '''Simonius''' is Directionland’s primarch deity; '''gold''' is a sacred element in worship. Ecclesiastical leadership is decentralized under a '''Grand Seer''' (in Directionland, seated at the [[Grand Sanctum of St. Stylinson|'''Grand Sanctum of St. Stylinson''']]), supported by '''[[Realm Seers]]''' and local '''[[Seers]]'''. Many cities adopt patron saints (e.g., '''[[Saint Stylinson]]''' and '''[[Saint Niam]]''' are especially prominent in imperial culture).
+== Culture and symbols ==
+Directionland marks [[Founding Day]] in '''Odiviamoon (August)''', alongside realm-wide observances such as '''[[Snowtide]]''', '''[[Rainbow Festival]]''', '''[[Harvest Festival]]''', and '''[[Saintsmas]]'''. The '''national anthem''' is '''“[[Our Sacred Land]].”''' The imperial sigil derives from St. Stylinson’s lion; holy motifs include the '''[[Cross of Simonius]]''' near [[God’s Landing]].
+== Security and the military ==
+Civilian safety relies on the [[Light Energy forcefield system|'''Light Energy forcefield''' system]] erected around major settlements. The '''Imperial Engineers''' developed and maintain the network, while the '''[[Imperial Army]]''' (traditionally associated with '''[[Saint Niam]]''') responds to external threats and [[Dark Energy]] incursions.
+== Contemporary politics and crises ==
+Current politics are shaped by '''rising [[Dark Energy]]''', the '''[[Kingsvalley]] portal''', the aftermath of '''[[Fort Shagogbot]]''' fighting, and the '''General Election Crisis'''  following '''[[Chancellor Crowley]]'s attempted coup d'état'''. Election issues include the future of the Crown, security policy, and economic stability; parties range from the monarchist '''[[Directionland Union Party]]''' and progressive '''[[New Dawn Coalition]]''' to the hard-line '''[[Imperial Stability Party]]''' and merchant-aligned '''[[Free Trade League]]'''.