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==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The name of the country now known as Asteria has gone through many variations, all with different origins going back to the original Winnecom settlers long before the Atemeraw settled in the area. The name of Asteria itself originated from Paul Aster, the Ænglish explorer whose expedition from 1387 to 1389 mapped out much of Crona. John Harrison, leader of the Ænglish refugees who wished to settle in the Atemeraw-dominated regions of Crona, named the land West Asteria, the assumption being that [[Paulastra]] constituted the eastern regions Aster explored, or East Asteria. The surname Aster itself was originally of a Germanic nature, meaning [[Goshawk]], a type of hawk. By thetime that Harrison's colonies merged into West Asteria in 1775, the term was already out of date to most residents, who merely called themselves Asterians. The establishment of an independent republic in 1836 saw the "West" dropped from the name, with Asteria now being the sole name of the country. Many Asterians refer to the country by its name, or simply as the Republic, or even the Asteria Republic.  
The name of the country now known as Asteria has gone through many variations, all with different origins going back to the original Winnecom settlers long before the Atemeraw settled in the area. The name of Asteria itself originated from Paul Aster, the Ænglish explorer whose expedition from 1387 to 1389 mapped out much of Crona. John Harrison, leader of the Ænglish refugees who wished to settle in the Atemeraw-dominated regions of Crona, named the land West Asteria, the assumption being that [[Paulastra]] constituted the eastern regions Aster explored, or East Asteria. The surname Aster itself was originally of a Germanic nature, meaning [[Goshawk]], a type of hawk. By the time that Harrison's colonies merged into West Asteria in 1775, the term was already out of date to most residents, who merely called themselves Asterians. The establishment of an independent republic in 1836 saw the "West" dropped from the name, with Asteria now being the sole name of the country. Many Asterians refer to the country by its name, or simply as the Republic, or even the Asteria Republic.  


However, the indigenous people had their own name for the lands that now constitute Asteria. The Winnecom called their land [[Paumanok]], meaning "Land of Tribute" as the Winnecom often used their resources to pay off would-be conquerers. The Atemeraw later conquered the Winnecom, and adopted the name [[Winnecomac]] to represent their new lands, partly in honor of the conquered people, but also to mean "Pleasant Land" to describe the coastal regions. However, the Atemeraw often referred to their government as Atemeraw Confederacy, which was established in 1447. Following contact with Paul Aster's expedition, some Atemeraw had been evangelized after his arrival, and briefly called their land [[New Canaan]], consisting of much of the Lower Counties. Some Christians still call this region by that name.  
However, the indigenous people had their own name for the lands that now constitute Asteria. The Winnecom called their land [[Paumanok]], meaning "Land of Tribute" as the Winnecom often used their resources to pay off would-be conquerors. The Atemeraw later conquered the Winnecom, and adopted the name [[Winnecomac]] to represent their new lands, partly in honor of the conquered people, but also to mean "Pleasant Land" to describe the coastal regions. However, the Atemeraw often referred to their government as Atemeraw Confederacy, which was established in 1447. Following contact with Paul Aster's expedition, some Atemeraw had been evangelized after his arrival, and briefly called their land [[New Canaan]], consisting of much of the Lower Counties. Some Christians still call this region by that name.  


The arrival of John Harrison saw the creation of three new colonies. Milsboro Colony was named for Harrison's home in Levantia, which he believed would be an idyllic home for the Ænglish to settle. Thomas Rees helped create Yarmouth Colony, named for his ancestral Levantine county. Another colony would be named for him, Rees Colony, which would later become the Lower Counties. Colloqially these colonies were called West Asteria, but a more common name developed, [[Harrisonia]], in honor of the founder of the Midlands Company. However, the company disapproved of this, and by the early-1700s West Asteria remained as the name for the colonies until consolidation under Faneria in 1775. Some radical supporters of Harrison, meanwhile, founded a smaller colony inland and called it New Jerusalem, after his theological belief of creating a paradise in this world. It never took off, but the region still bears that name.
The arrival of John Harrison saw the creation of three new colonies. Milsboro Colony was named for Harrison's home in Levantia, which he believed would be an idyllic home for the Ænglish to settle. Thomas Rees helped create Yarmouth Colony, named for his ancestral Levantine county. Another colony would be named for him, Rees Colony, which would later become the Lower Counties. Colloquially these colonies were called West Asteria, but a more common name developed, [[Harrisonia]], in honor of the founder of the Midlands Company. However, the company disapproved of this, and by the early-1700s West Asteria remained as the name for the colonies until consolidation under Faneria in 1775. Some radical supporters of Harrison, meanwhile, founded a smaller colony inland and called it New Jerusalem, after his theological belief of creating a paradise in this world. It never took off, but the region still bears that name.


==History==
==History==


===Pre-Settlement Asteria (Pre-1627)===
===Pre-Settlement Asteria (Pre-1627)===
The [[Atemeraw]] peoples had inhabited Asteria for nearly a thousand years prior to the settlement of [[Milsboro]]. According to Atemeraw tradition, they had originally resided in a northern climate, but were pushed south by a violent tribal society that swept into their original homeland. Varshanologists now believe that it was [[Varshan]] who forced the exile of the Atemeraw. Largely settling along the [[Yare River]] and the Western Sound, the Atemeraw subsisted on basic agricultural products as well as fishing. In 1389, [[Paul Aster]] made contact with the [[Cuyahoga]], a coastal peoples who were Atemeraw. Altough contact was peaceful, [[Arketa]], Sachem of the Cuyahoga, believed that the [[Levantine]] would return with ships and soldiers. Over the next fifty years, Arketa conquered the disparate Atemeraw peoples, and in 1447 created the [[Atemeraw Confederacy]] with a central government and written constitution.
The [[Atemeraw]] peoples had inhabited Asteria for nearly a thousand years prior to the settlement of [[Milsboro]]. According to Atemeraw tradition, they had originally resided in a northern climate, but were pushed south by a violent tribal society that swept into their original homeland. Varshanologists now believe that it was [[Varshan]] who forced the exile of the Atemeraw. Largely settling along the [[Yare River]] and the Western Sound, the Atemeraw subsisted on basic agricultural products as well as fishing. In 1389, [[Paul Aster]] made contact with the [[Cuyahoga]], a coastal peoples who were Atemeraw. Although contact was peaceful, [[Arketa]], Sachem of the Cuyahoga, believed that the [[Levantine]] would return with ships and soldiers. Over the next fifty years, Arketa conquered the disparate Atemeraw peoples, and in 1447 created the [[Atemeraw Confederacy]] with a central government and written constitution.


===Colonization and Expansion (1627-1775)===
===Colonization and Expansion (1627-1775)===
Following the [[Nordmontaine War]] and the [[Great Confessional War]] from 1543 to 1575, the Levantine Protesant movement was nearly eradicated. In massive numbers, [[Ænglish]] refugees marched north. One of the leaders was [[John Harrison]], a petty noble who survived the destruction of the [[Anglasworc]], read of John Aster's expedition to Crona. Fleeing to [[Faneria]], Harrison founded the [[Midlands Company]], the goal being to resettle in Crona with faithful Protestants, especially those supporting the [[Ænglish Church]]. However, he disagreed with [[Alstanus Ryefield]] on multiple theological issues, including the idea of monarchy. After decades of building support, the Midlands Company on April 12, 1627, founded the [[Milsboro Colony]]. During the next five decades, the Midlands Company launched new expeditions across what they called [[West Asteria]], a name that would remain a constant through most of Asteria's early history. Protesants in Faneria were told tales of [[New Jerusalem]], a [[Harrisonian]] doctrine of building a society to be as close to the afterlife as possible. New settlements were built along the coast, relations wth the Atemeraw peoples being warm. The Midlands Company signed the [[First Milsboro Accord]] in 1633, granting the company all coastal lands not in use by the Atemeraw. [[Yarmouth]] was founded at the end of the Western Sound, while company navigators explored much of the interior with Atemeraw guides. [[Yarmouth Colony]] was officially founded in 1655 by [[Thomas Rees]] and [[Kathryn Wright]]. Due to Rees' belief in creating a New Jerusalem in Crona, he launched expeditions along the river into Atemeraw lands. When a missionary was killed in 1672, the [[Yare War]] was launched. Colonial militias marched into Atemeraw lands,destroying everything in their path.
Following the [[Nordmontaine War]] and the [[Great Confessional War]] from 1543 to 1575, the Levantine Protestant movement was nearly eradicated. In massive numbers, [[Ænglish]] refugees marched north. One of the leaders was [[John Harrison]], a petty noble who survived the destruction of the [[Anglasworc]], read of John Aster's expedition to Crona. Fleeing to [[Faneria]], Harrison founded the [[Midlands Company]], the goal being to resettle in Crona with faithful Protestants, especially those supporting the [[Ænglish Church]]. However, he disagreed with [[Alstanus Ryefield]] on multiple theological issues, including the idea of monarchy. After decades of building support, the Midlands Company on April 12, 1627, founded the [[Milsboro Colony]]. During the next five decades, the Midlands Company launched new expeditions across what they called [[West Asteria]], a name that would remain a constant through most of Asteria's early history. Protestants in Faneria were told tales of [[New Jerusalem]], a [[Harrisonian]] doctrine of building a society to be as close to the afterlife as possible. New settlements were built along the coast, relations with the Atemeraw peoples being warm. The Midlands Company signed the [[First Milsboro Accord]] in 1633, granting the company all coastal lands not in use by the Atemeraw. [[Yarmouth]] was founded at the end of the Western Sound, while company navigators explored much of the interior with Atemeraw guides. [[Yarmouth Colony]] was officially founded in 1655 by [[Thomas Rees]] and [[Kathryn Wright]]. Due to Rees' belief in creating a New Jerusalem in Crona, he launched expeditions along the river into Atemeraw lands. When a missionary was killed in 1672, the [[Yare War]] was launched. Colonial militias marched into Atemeraw lands, destroying everything in their path.


The Yare War expanded settlement. With relations between the Ænglish settlers and the Atemeraw broken, the Midlands Company sent out the [[Proclamation of 1677]], the fiftieth anniversary of Milsboro. Expansion was now law, and local militias began to push into the interior. The Atemeraw pulled back as the colonists advanced north over the following decades. Finally, after decades of growth, the Atemeraw, ever patient, finally resisted. The [[Kidnapping of Seoirse Kelly]] on December 5, 1763, saw [[Kele]], Sachem of the Atemeraw, invade Yarmouth with a small war party. Seizing the daughter of [[John Kelly]], Governor of Yarmouth, Kele married her in an impromptu ceremony, and converted her to the [[Ænglish Rite]]. Kelly was nominated by Faneria as governor, a prelude to that nation purchasing the Midlands Company. A member of the [[Catholic Church]], he demanded assistance from Faneria. [[Kelly's War]] lasted twelve years, and saw the victory of the Atemeraw, allied with anti-Catholic Ænglish settlers. Faneria on July 2, 1775, seized the offices of the Midlands Company and annexed their colonies. Milsboro, Yarmouth, and other settlements were merged into the [[Colony of West Asteria]].
The Yare War expanded settlement. With relations between the Ænglish settlers and the Atemeraw broken, the Midlands Company sent out the [[Proclamation of 1677]], the fiftieth anniversary of Milsboro. Expansion was now law, and local militias began to push into the interior. The Atemeraw pulled back as the colonists advanced north over the following decades. Finally, after decades of growth, the Atemeraw, ever patient, finally resisted. The [[Kidnapping of Saoirse Kelly]] on December 5, 1763, saw [[Kele]], Sachem of the Atemeraw, invade Yarmouth with a small war party. Seizing the daughter of [[John Kelly]], Governor of Yarmouth, Kele married her in an impromptu ceremony, and converted her to the [[Ænglish Rite]]. Kelly was nominated by Faneria as governor, a prelude to that nation purchasing the Midlands Company. A member of the [[Catholic Church]], he demanded assistance from Faneria. [[Kelly's War]] lasted twelve years, and saw the victory of the Atemeraw, allied with anti-Catholic Ænglish settlers. Faneria on July 2, 1775, seized the offices of the Midlands Company and annexed their colonies. Milsboro, Yarmouth, and other settlements were merged into the [[Colony of West Asteria]].


===Faneria and Dominion (1775-1829)===
===Faneria and Dominion (1775-1829)===
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===Consolidation, Growth, and Prosperity (1836-1925)===
===Consolidation, Growth, and Prosperity (1836-1925)===
On October 25, 1836, the [[Asteria Declaration of Independence]] was formally signed. The [[Republic of Asteria]] was formally established on that date. [[Joseph Marshall]], commanding general of the Colonial Army, was elected [[President of Asteria]] that same day, and worked to rapidly expand the fledgeling nation's infrastructure, funding a series of turnpikes, canals, and railways. Ports in Milsboro and Yarmouth were expanded, and a new national bureaucracy created. Marshall was elected to a full six-year term in November 1837, and served until December 1843. His successors tamed the wilderness of the Northern Plateau, creating the [[Bureau of Atemeraw Nations]] to manage the indigenous lands, and gradually civilizing the [[Great North]] as many Asterians endearingly call those regions. Most wars during the remainder of the century were domestic, conquering rogue tribes or putting down revolts. The final large-scale war ended in 1867, when [[Peter West]] declared that the creation of Asteria was complete. Economic prosperity followed, exports of cattle, oil, and rubber creating a vibrant economy. Asteria was neutral during the [[First Great War]] but did provide  war materiel to the belligerent powers. This started Asteria's long-standing defense industry.
On October 25, 1836, the [[Asteria Declaration of Independence]] was formally signed. The [[Republic of Asteria]] was formally established on that date. [[Joseph Marshall]], commanding general of the Colonial Army, was elected [[President of Asteria]] that same day, and worked to rapidly expand the fledgling nation's infrastructure, funding a series of turnpikes, canals, and railways. Ports in Milsboro and Yarmouth were expanded, and a new national bureaucracy created. Marshall was elected to a full six-year term in November 1837, and served until December 1843. His successors tamed the wilderness of the Northern Plateau, creating the [[Bureau of Atemeraw Nations]] to manage the indigenous lands, and gradually civilizing the [[Great North]] as many Asterians endearingly call those regions. Most wars during the remainder of the century were domestic, conquering rogue tribes or putting down revolts. The final large-scale war ended in 1867, when [[Peter West]] declared that the creation of Asteria was complete. Economic prosperity followed, exports of cattle, oil, and rubber creating a vibrant economy. Asteria was neutral during the [[First Great War]] but did provide  war materiel to the belligerent powers. This started Asteria's long-standing defense industry.
===Asteria Civil War (1925-1931)===
===Asteria Civil War (1925-1931)===


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Asteria experienced a post-war economic boom. New industries emerged in defense, computing, and light industry. Although beef, agricultural products such as fruits and grains, as well as rubber, provided important staple products for the economy, these new industries employed the men returning home from war. Many communities were created following the post-war economic boom.  
Asteria experienced a post-war economic boom. New industries emerged in defense, computing, and light industry. Although beef, agricultural products such as fruits and grains, as well as rubber, provided important staple products for the economy, these new industries employed the men returning home from war. Many communities were created following the post-war economic boom.  


Social issues, however, still divided the nation. Long-standing issues involving the Atemeraw came to the forefront in the 1960s through protests and marches that captivated the nation. The [[Atemeraw Amendment]] was passed in 1966 to resolve these problems, creating special counties to act as nations for the indigenous peoples of Atemeraw.  
Social issues, however, still divided the nation. Long-standing issues involving the Atemeraw came to the forefront in the 1960s through protests and marches that captivated the nation. The [[Atemeraw Amendment]] was passed in 1973 to resolve these problems, creating special counties to act as nations for the indigenous peoples of Atemeraw.  


During the 1970s, tensions grew between Asteria and Tierrador over [[Winnecomac County]], and led to the [[Asteria-Tierrador War]] in 1979, when nearly three hundred thousand Asterian soldiers poured into Tierrador territory.
During the 1970s, tensions grew between Asteria and Tierrador over [[Winnecomac County]], and led to the [[Asteria-Tierrador War]] in 1979, when nearly three hundred thousand Asterian soldiers poured into Tierrador territory.
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===Climate and environment===
===Climate and environment===
The climate of Asteria varies depending on the region. Much of the Northern Plateau constitutes high plains, which experiences cooler weather especially during the winter, intermixed with snow during the winter months. Due to it primarily being flat, it is very windy and it often produces destructive tornados and other storms. [[Tornado Alley]] is located in the center of this region, with most towns in the area abandoned following a series of disasters. The hilly regions in the center of the country which include the Rees Hills, Arketa Hills, and the Sachem Hills, surround Concordia and the Yare River Valley. This region is cooler, as the breezy air from the Western Sound blows north, and the hills block the inland warmer wind coming from the north. This area experiences warm summers and cold winters, with snowfall regularly occuring. Meanwhile, the coastal areas from Milsboro to Yarmouth are more humid, and rarely experience any snow during the winter months. They experience more humidity than the areas north of the Yare River.
The climate of Asteria varies depending on the region. Much of the Northern Plateau constitutes high plains, which experiences cooler weather especially during the winter, intermixed with snow during the winter months. Due to it primarily being flat, it is very windy and it often produces destructive tornados and other storms. [[Tornado Alley]] is located in the center of this region, with most towns in the area abandoned following a series of disasters. The hilly regions in the center of the country which include the Rees Hills, Arketa Hills, and the Sachem Hills, surround Concordia and the Yare River Valley. This region is cooler, as the breezy air from the Western Sound blows north, and the hills block the inland warmer wind coming from the north. This area experiences warm summers and cold winters, with snowfall regularly occurring. Meanwhile, the coastal areas from Milsboro to Yarmouth are more humid, and rarely experience any snow during the winter months. They experience more humidity than the areas north of the Yare River.
 
Asteria's Yare River serves as the key dividing line between a cooler, drier north, and a much hotter, humid south. The Lower Counties especially experience high levels of rainfall, flooding, and storms such as hurricanes. Called the [[Sun Belt]], the coastal areas are often cooler, especially the off-shore islands, but inland, temperatures can reach unhealthy levels. Most major towns along the coast in the Lower Counties have sea walls, flood barriers, and easier evacuation routes due to the high-level of storms in the summer months. During the winter season, while still warm, this region does experience calmer weather, making the [[Arrayan Islands]] and Nayack popular vacation destinations, although Nayack experiences cooler temperatures than average. The Lower Counties are below sea level, and from [[Brighton]] to [[Hanover]] are swampy marshes where rice is grown.  


==Government and Politics==
==Government and Politics==
''How is your country ruled or governed?''
Asteria's government and political system is complex, but easy to understand. Most of the current government was outlined in the [[Constitution of Asteria]], which had been authored on April 29, 1835 by Michael Ashton and approved by the provisional West Asteria Congress. Taking effect on October 25, 1836, upon the formal Declaration of Independence, Asterians hold both founding documents in great reverence and respect. Balancing the needs of a central unitary government with local government, it is reflective of the unique cultural dynamics of Asterian society.
===Executive===
===Executive===
''Who is responsible for making high level choices in your country? Does it have a President or King?''
The President of Asteria is elected by a popular vote every six years beginning in November 1837, with terms ending on December 31 following the election, and a new term beginning January 1 the following year. Although local government is vital to Asterians, the [[Executive Chamber]], which contains the [[Cabinet of Asteria]], the [[National Security Council]], as well as the offices of President and Vice President, has a significant amount of political power and cultural influence in the country. Joseph Marshall, the first President of Asteria, who was sworn-in on October 25, 1836, and was elected to a full six-year term in November 1837, created the rule of serving only a single term so that power is not held by one person or one party for any significant length of time. However, several officeholders have broken this rule during times of war, or filled out the remaining years of a term and ran for a full six-year term. The Vice President is elected with the President every six years, which a mechanism in the Senate of Asteria to fill a vacancy. The Vice President is typically chosen at the party conventions as the running mate for the candidate seeking the higher office.
 
Requirements to serve in the office are minimal. A candidate for the office must be twenty-five at the time of taking the oath of office, and must have been born in Asteria or to Asterian parents abroad. In order to run, all tax and banking records must be released to the public. The President is required to speak monthly to the Assembly of Asteria and take questions from members of the body, and to address the Congress of Asteria annually at the end of the year to review the status of the nation. The Armed Forces of Asteria are also under the command of the President, who serves as Commander-in-Chief. However, Congress has the power to declare war. Upon retirement, the President serves on the [[Council of Advisors]] made up of those who previously held the office. The President can be removed from power via a two-thirds vote of both the Assembly and Senate.
===Legislative===
===Legislative===
''Who decides the laws for your country? Is there political parties and a legislature?''
Despite the fact that the President of Asteria has an oversized influence on the nation's politics, the Congress of Asteria is where the voice of the people are heard. Divided into a bicameral body, the Congress' two houses have incredibly different roles. The Assembly of Asteria is elected every two years beginning in November 1837, which one-hundred-and-fifty seats apportioned in single-member districts drawn by the [[Asteria Boundary Commission]], with seventy-six seats required for a majority. Following the election, the newly elected members would then elect a Speaker of the Assembly, usually the leader of one of the political parties represented. However, there have been times when a non-leader was chosen as a compromise candidate. The Speaker is third in line to serve as President should the President, Vice President, and the [[Presiding Officer of the Senate]] be incapacitated. The minimum age to serve in the Assembly is eighteen, and there is no requirement to have been born in Asteria or be born to Asterian parents. Citizenship is required, however, and one must be a resident of Asteria for five years before running. The Assembly passes legislation that then goes on to the Senate, which is a non-partisan advisory body. Asteria's President must then sign the bill into law, or veto it. The President may choose in lieu of a veto to have a measure voted upon by the people should the Senate approve.
===Federal subdivisions===
 
''How is your country divided? Are there states or provinces, or is the country directly governed from the capital as a unitary state?''
The Senate of Asteria is a more complicated matter. The framers of the Constitution intended for there to be a unicameral body, but the counties demanded some degree of representation. Fearful that a small county of a few thousand might have the same voice as a county with nearly a million residents, the Senate was declared to serve as an advisory body. There are sixty-seven Senators, three from every county chosen every two years to serve a four-year term. As a result, there are twenty-two Senate elections every odd-numbered year, with the new Senators taking office on January 1 following the election. The elections are staggered so as to be better representative of the needs of the respective counties. The Senate is non-partisan, and are elected by the County Legislatures. A sixty-seventh seat is chosen by popular vote by the people of the indigenous nations, serving a six-year term coinciding with the election for President of Asteria. The body is led by a Presiding Officer of the Senate, chosen by a majority, typically the leader of the largest faction. Although the requirements to serve are identical to those in the Assembly, the Senate is made up of elder statesmen, retired elected officials, cultural figures, religious leaders, and others who are supposed to remain above the day-to-day politics. The Senate confirms nominees sent forward by the President, including members of the Supreme Court and the Regional Courts. When the Assembly passes a bill, the Senate reviews it, but can only send it back to the Assembly if two-thirds of the Senate opposes it. The Senate also decides what issues should be voted on by the public, and formally certifies the election of the President.
 
===National Subdivisions===
Asteria according to the [[National Subdivision Act of 1836|National Subdivision Act of 1867]] was originally divided into twenty-two federal subdivisions called counties, with four consolidated cities, including the capital Concordia, largest city Yarmouth, Waverly, the largest city in the Southern Counties, and Hanover, a center of rubber and rice production. Five counties were organized under the [[Atemeraw Reservation Bureau]], and are designed to serve as semi-independent tribal states for the different clans of the Atemeraw peoples. They became self-governing in counties in 1973, and operate their own domestic policies. Three self-governing counties were created due to their isolation, all three historically serving a special economic or political role in 1867. Finally, there are ten standard counties, all of which make up the core of Asteria's metropolitan areas from Milsboro to Yarmouth and Concordia, down to the Lower Counties. Each county has formed a [[County Legislature]] that is elected every two years, with a [[County Executive]] elected every four. The Atemeraw counties elected a [[County Sachem]] with varying rules depending on the traditions of each tribe. Each county is divided into cities, towns, and villages which serve as incorporated areas, and hamlets or historical regions that serve as unincorporated areas. The [[Asteria Council of Counties]] serves as an official body for each County Executive or Mayor of the consolidated cities to meet to discuss issues of national importance. However, it serves no legislative role.
 
Winnecomac County, which has been occupied by Tierrador since 1983, is represented by ethnic Winnecomac natives who reside in other nations, and still maintain a county government in-exile.
===Politics===
===Politics===
''What political factions exist? Who has ruled predominantly?''
''What political factions exist? Who has ruled predominantly?''
===Law===
===Law===
''What kind of laws and legal system does your country employ?''
Asterians hold the law in high regard, especially as much of the nation was lawless prior to independence. Like the balance in elected government between national and local interests, the legal system is similar. At the top of the judicial system is the [[Supreme Court of Asteria]] with seven members, each nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Led by the Chief Justice of Asteria, each member is elected to a seven-year term, renewable three times. The Senate must vote to approve the continuation of the term. The Supreme Court makes decisions regarding the Constitution, and interpretation of that document. They hold the power for judicial review, hear cases that make their way through local and county courts, and preside over impeachment proceedings and oversees the certification of national elections. There are [[Alternate Justices]] that also hear the same cases, but do not take part in debates or make a ruling. Alternate Justices step in to replace a member of the Supreme Court should they fall ill, resign, or die, or if they have a conflict of interest in a case.
 
The national courts are divided into the [[Circuit Court System]] that is part of the [[Department of Justice]]. Asteria on a national level is divided into five regions, the original being the [[Northern Circuit]], the [[Middle Circuit]], and the [[Lower Counties Circuit]]. Two additional circuits were added in 1931 following the [[Judicial Reform Act]], the [[Yarmouth Circuit]] and the [[Atemeraw Circuit]], the latter designed to represent cases brought to the court by indigenous peoples.
 
Every county has its own court system, arranged similarly to the national courts. They deal with matters related to county and other local or tribal laws, and only reach the national courts. Meanwhile, each city, town, and village have their own unique courts, dealing with property issues, taxation, traffic violations, criminal law, and other issues that emerge in day-to-day problems.
==Demographics==
==Demographics==
''What kind of people live in your country?''
''What kind of people live in your country?''
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''What is your country's education system like? How do the schools work? What do people think about education?''
''What is your country's education system like? How do the schools work? What do people think about education?''
===Attitudes and Worldview===
===Attitudes and Worldview===
The people of Asteria are known for what locals call [[Neighborly Love]], a concept that revolves around the idea that nothing matters outside of one's neighborhood, village, or town. Asterians can be passionate about what occurs in their locale, to the point of obsession. Town hall meetings are often crowded, and when neighbors are in trouble, Asterians react quickly to render assistance. Sociologist [[Lallo Maxwell]] studied the Asterian character in a 1999 white paper report to the government. In it he reported that "The Asterians outside of major cities are simple. Although urban professionals would label them as provincial rubes, they do have a deep emotional intelligence. They are often charitable to their own detriment, care for the simple pleasures of life, and will often celebrate as a neighborhood drinking beer and grilling steak or cheesburgers." Mistrust in the central government is high in these regions, and as a result, townwide or countywide social services are strong. During the [[2026 Census]], it reported that localized social services were far more effective than national services. They are more directed at existing problems, rather than blank checks. Maxwell believes that this phenomena is due to the [[Asteria Commune]] phenomena that developed during the Asteria Civil War between 1925 and 1931. During high-periods of conflict, the only government that existed outside of areas run from Concordia were at the town or county level, which have more direct governance from the people. As a result, Asterians generally oppose large government policies at a national level, but would support them at a local level.  
The people of Asteria are known for what locals call [[Neighborly Love]], a concept that revolves around the idea that nothing matters outside of one's neighborhood, village, or town. Asterians can be passionate about what occurs in their locale, to the point of obsession. Town hall meetings are often crowded, and when neighbors are in trouble, Asterians react quickly to render assistance. Sociologist [[Lallo Maxwell]] studied the Asterian character in a 1999 white paper report to the government. In it he reported that "The Asterians outside of major cities are simple. Although urban professionals would label them as provincial rubes, they do have a deep emotional intelligence. They are often charitable to their own detriment, care for the simple pleasures of life, and will often celebrate as a neighborhood drinking beer and grilling steak or cheeseburgers." Mistrust in the central government is high in these regions, and as a result, town wide or countywide social services are strong. During the [[2026 Census]], it reported that localized social services were far more effective than national services. They are more directed at existing problems, rather than blank checks. Maxwell believes that this phenomena is due to the [[Asteria Commune]] phenomena that developed during the Asteria Civil War between 1925 and 1931. During high-periods of conflict, the only government that existed outside of areas run from Concordia were at the town or county level, which have more direct governance from the people. As a result, Asterians generally oppose large government policies at a national level, but would support them at a local level.  


Asterians invented a figuehead of their own to reflect their worldview. [[Hank Hill]] was invented by cartoonist and judge [[Michael Craig]] in 1927 to be a common man who criticizes in a simplistic way the goings-on of Asteria. Hill, according to Craig, lived in a fictional city west of Concordia called [[Arlen]], with a wife and son. In his comics from 1927 to 1940, Hill was known to be tolerant, with simple tastes, suspicious of new ideas but still open-minded. The cartoon resonated with a wartorn and economically depressed nation. [[Jean Windsor]], a historian of modern Asteria, summarized the people of her country as "Yearning for a simpler time, brushing up against new ideas, and while open-minded, need to be dragged into the present." Windsor's own thesis stated in 2017 that "Although Asterians will be on the right side of history in the end, they will exhaust all other options in getting there."
Asterians invented a figurehead of their own to reflect their worldview. [[Hank Hill]] was invented by cartoonist and judge [[Michael Craig]] in 1927 to be a common man who criticizes in a simplistic way the goings-on of Asteria. Hill, according to Craig, lived in a fictional city west of Concordia called [[Arlen]], with a wife and son. In his comics from 1927 to 1940, Hill was known to be tolerant, with simple tastes, suspicious of new ideas but still open-minded. The cartoon resonated with a war-torn and economically depressed nation. [[Jean Windsor]], a historian of modern Asteria, summarized the people of her country as "Yearning for a simpler time, brushing up against new ideas, and while open-minded, need to be dragged into the present." Windsor's own thesis stated in 2017 that "Although Asterians will be on the right side of history in the end, they will exhaust all other options in getting there."


Although inward-looking, Asterians are welcoming of new cultures. Although traditional Asterian society is a mix of Ænglish, Gaelic, and Atemeraw cultures, and primarily Ænglish in faith, when a foreigner is seen on the streets or in a business, most Asterians would greet that person with a firm handshake and an invitation to dinner. However, most Asterians also keep their guard up when meeting someone from outside of their town or county, with some Asterians holding xenophobic views towards foreigners, and even people from the neighboring counties. Due to the Bandit Republics or Frontier Republics that existed in the Northern Plateau from the 1820s to the 1860s, old rivalries between these groups still exist. However, the anger is typically channeled through sports.  
Although inward-looking, Asterians are welcoming of new cultures. Although traditional Asterian society is a mix of Ænglish, Gaelic, and Atemeraw cultures, and primarily Ænglish in faith, when a foreigner is seen on the streets or in a business, most Asterians would greet that person with a firm handshake and an invitation to dinner. However, most Asterians also keep their guard up when meeting someone from outside of their town or county, with some Asterians holding xenophobic views towards foreigners, and even people from the neighboring counties. Due to the Bandit Republics or Frontier Republics that existed in the Northern Plateau from the 1820s to the 1860s, old rivalries between these groups still exist. However, the anger is typically channeled through sports.  
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Gender roles are important to the Asterian family. It is expected that a man could provide for his family out of his own pay. Providing for the family is essential to a man's character, and those who fail to provide and seek assistance in times of need are seen as less than by their peers. Women are expected to stay at home to raise the children, although prior to having children and once the children go to school, women are also expected to work, albeit at less physically demanding jobs. These roles are slowly changing, as more women become the family's breadwinner in white collar jobs, while blue collar jobs dominated by men fall by the wayside. Still, Asteria's government has ensured that a family of four could survive on one income.
Gender roles are important to the Asterian family. It is expected that a man could provide for his family out of his own pay. Providing for the family is essential to a man's character, and those who fail to provide and seek assistance in times of need are seen as less than by their peers. Women are expected to stay at home to raise the children, although prior to having children and once the children go to school, women are also expected to work, albeit at less physically demanding jobs. These roles are slowly changing, as more women become the family's breadwinner in white collar jobs, while blue collar jobs dominated by men fall by the wayside. Still, Asteria's government has ensured that a family of four could survive on one income.


Extended family are typically welcomed in the nuclear family, but kept at arm's length. Grandparents are welcomed into the home more often than others, while aunts and uncles might go to celebrations or congegate outside of the household, cohabitating is rare. Many Asterians see their neighbors as family, from which their militias are organized and from whom they rely on for protection. The County Militia are organized by neighborhoods, and most weekly meetings are an excuse to host a barbecue, which is central to social life for an Asterian. Here extended family, friends, and others gather to celebrate life and to take stock.  
Extended family are typically welcomed in the nuclear family, but kept at arm's length. Grandparents are welcomed into the home more often than others, while aunts and uncles might go to celebrations or congregate outside of the household, cohabitating is rare. Many Asterians see their neighbors as family, from which their militias are organized and from whom they rely on for protection. The County Militia are organized by neighborhoods, and most weekly meetings are an excuse to host a barbecue, which is central to social life for an Asterian. Here extended family, friends, and others gather to celebrate life and to take stock.  


Despite resistance to the extended family, most Asterians welcome their children to stay at home as long as possible. As homeownership is the surest way to invest in retirement, many parents will sell their homes to their eldest child. Only once a child starts their own family are they expected to leave. However, it is increasingly common in some suburban areas for the young family to remain so that the parents can help in raising their grandchildren.  
Despite resistance to the extended family, most Asterians welcome their children to stay at home as long as possible. As homeownership is the surest way to invest in retirement, many parents will sell their homes to their eldest child. Only once a child starts their own family are they expected to leave. However, it is increasingly common in some suburban areas for the young family to remain so that the parents can help in raising their grandchildren.  
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Despite the influence of the Church of Asteria in day-to-day life, it is not the official church of the nation. The Constitution dictates that no faiths are dominant, although it does reserve the right to ban cults. During the years preceding the Final War of the Deluge, multiple Varshan cults active in some urban areas were banned or declared terrorist groups. The Catholic Church, while only representing a tenth of the population, also has a significant influence in urban areas like Yarmouth. The [[Diocese of West Asteria|Diocese of Asteria]] is based out of that city and represents everything north and west of the Yare River. Meanwhile, the [[Diocese of the Southern Counties|Diocese of the Lower Counties]] represents Catholics in the southern rural areas. The original Catholic settlers of Asteria were Gaelic, primarily from Faneria, who settled in the nation's urban areas, as well as the area around Concordia. Many Gaelic laborers helped build Concordia, and the first church built in the future capital was [[Saint Thomas Cathedral]]. With the growing Catholic population and the Asterian Catholic Rite increasingly considering breaking with the Church of Asteria, the Diocese of Asteria is considering relocating to Concordia.
Despite the influence of the Church of Asteria in day-to-day life, it is not the official church of the nation. The Constitution dictates that no faiths are dominant, although it does reserve the right to ban cults. During the years preceding the Final War of the Deluge, multiple Varshan cults active in some urban areas were banned or declared terrorist groups. The Catholic Church, while only representing a tenth of the population, also has a significant influence in urban areas like Yarmouth. The [[Diocese of West Asteria|Diocese of Asteria]] is based out of that city and represents everything north and west of the Yare River. Meanwhile, the [[Diocese of the Southern Counties|Diocese of the Lower Counties]] represents Catholics in the southern rural areas. The original Catholic settlers of Asteria were Gaelic, primarily from Faneria, who settled in the nation's urban areas, as well as the area around Concordia. Many Gaelic laborers helped build Concordia, and the first church built in the future capital was [[Saint Thomas Cathedral]]. With the growing Catholic population and the Asterian Catholic Rite increasingly considering breaking with the Church of Asteria, the Diocese of Asteria is considering relocating to Concordia.


Meanwhile, the [[College of Levantine Churches]] was a popular alternative to those Protesants who opposed Harrison's Ænglish Rite. Although the acutal organization was not founded until 1954, many non Ænglish churches developed in Crona. The [[Methodists of the West|Methodists of West Asteria]] serving as one of the largest groups. Many more liberal Asterians who beloned to the Church of Asteria have been joining this group, which has doubled its congregants in the last fifty years. However, with the Asterian Church planning on making much-needed reforms, many Collegiate leaders fear this will stymy their growth. This group especially grew in the 1990s when the [[Manhasset Crisis]] of the 1990s saw the Church of Asteria's actions towards the Atemeraw brought to full light, including residency schools on the Northern Plateau.  
Meanwhile, the [[College of Levantine Churches]] was a popular alternative to those Protestants who opposed Harrison's Ænglish Rite. Although the acutal organization was not founded until 1954, many non Ænglish churches developed in Crona. The [[Methodists of the West|Methodists of West Asteria]] serving as one of the largest groups. Many more liberal Asterians who belonged to the Church of Asteria have been joining this group, which has doubled its congregants in the last fifty years. However, with the Asterian Church planning on making much-needed reforms, many Collegiate leaders fear this will stymy their growth. This group especially grew in the 1990s when the [[Manhasset Crisis]] of the 1990s saw the Church of Asteria's actions towards the Atemeraw brought to full light, including residency schools on the Northern Plateau.  


The final large religious group is not Christian, but [[Atemeran]], a revived folk religion from the pre-Asterian peoples of the region. The Yare War killed off almost all of the shamans and medicine men who taught this faith, but the [[Atemeran Revivals]] of the 1910s and 1920s saw a group of native peoples do research into their own faith. A more radical movement called the [[Ghost Dance Revival]] took place from 1921 to 1923, its members warning of a great calamity coming. The Asteria Civil War from 1925 to 1931 saw the near-genocide of the Atemeraw of the Northern Plateau, and after the war, as they rebuilt, [[Ahote Hota]], Sachem of the Atemeraw, commissioned the [[Spirit Book]] published. Many Atemeraw turned against their Christian faith to join this movement. Following Hota's death in 1966 and state funeral, the [[Second Dance]] began, bringing hundreds of thousands into the movement. The Atemeran belief system stalled out by the 1990s, and less than half of all Atemeraw believe in the religion.  
The final large religious group is not Christian, but [[Atemeran]], a revived folk religion from the pre-Asterian peoples of the region. The Yare War killed off almost all of the shamans and medicine men who taught this faith, but the [[Atemeran Revivals]] of the 1910s and 1920s saw a group of native peoples do research into their own faith. A more radical movement called the [[Ghost Dance Revival]] took place from 1921 to 1923, its members warning of a great calamity coming. The Asteria Civil War from 1925 to 1931 saw the near-genocide of the Atemeraw of the Northern Plateau, and after the war, as they rebuilt, [[Ahote Hota]], Sachem of the Atemeraw, commissioned the [[Spirit Book]] published. Many Atemeraw turned against their Christian faith to join this movement. Following Hota's death in 1966 and state funeral, the [[Second Dance]] began, bringing hundreds of thousands into the movement. The Atemeran belief system stalled out by the 1990s, and less than half of all Atemeraw believe in the religion.