Soirwind

Sovereignty of Soirwind Soverighe Soirwind (Faeskt)
Flag
Motto: United Hearts, United Souls, United Peoples
Capital	Cathash
Official languages	Cathari
Demonym(s)	Soirwindic (noun) Soiwinder (adjective) Soirwinders (plural)
Government	Constitutional Republic
• Marshal of the Republic	Ramana Medres
Legislature	Congress of the Sovereignty
• Upper house	Senate of Soirwind
• Lower house	Tyn of Soirwind
Area
• Total	239,337 km2 (92,409 sq mi)
Population
• Estimate	22,321,740
GDP (nominal)	estimate
• Total	880,748,895,180
• Per capita	39,457
Currency	Taler (₮)
Driving side	right
Internet TLD	.so

Soirwind (Sher-vind) as its know in the occident officially the Sovereignty of Soirwind, or Karmali is a constitutional republic in Audonia. Located on the western coast of Audonia and bordering Arzanshahr to the east and Zaclaria to the south. Soirwind is an successor state of the Kingdom of Karmelis and an associated state of Fiannria. The modern state of founded by Culfran adventuring merchants and crusaders during the period of the Audonian Crusades, Soirwind became the hub of Culfran mercantile and imperial ventures in the far east. And following the collapse of the Culfran League and establishment of the Commonwealth of Fiannria, the center of the new colonial efforts and today is the center of Fiannan influence and business in Audonia.

Etymnology

While the ancient names of Kermelid are from proto-audonian langauge. The modern name of Soirwind can be derived from two separate sources, which one or both may be the true origin of its name. As one origin is delivered, Soirwind was a Culfran translation for the Sir River, which was the central aspect of the Kingdom of Kermelid, which was mistranslated from the river itself to be associated with the kingdom and region itself. Another translation refers to it as a colonial nickname for the region to attract Levantine colonists by calling it an eastern land of vines.

History

Prehistory

The first evidence of human life on lands around modern Soirwind dates back to approximately 10,000 BCE. The first migrants were likely hunter-gatherer societies that arrived from southern Audonia. Early indigenous Sorwindic communities were settled primarily on the coasts where freshwater streams flowed into the sea.

Permanent settlement by hunter-gatherer societies was associated with agricultural developments heralding the Soirwindic own Bronze Age in the third millennium BCE. Agricultural societies succeeded in developing across the region during this period due to the rich soil. The domestication of animals also helped. Relatively little is known of the religious beliefs and rituals of Bronze Age Soirwindic though surviving reliefs and images appear to confirm reports of later societies that they had particular reverence for gods of both the seas and the mountains.

Common foodstuffs endemic to the region included rice, sorghum, and barley. Other crops included cotton which became increasingly important after the second millennium BCE. Agricultural societies developed strict hierarchical class systems; generally in three tiers with a working class, a priestly class, and a warrior ruling class; though distinctions between the latter two were more variable. Many of the more intricate details of the ways of life of early Soirwinds have been lost due to the lack of written records or continuity of oral tradition. Nevertheless, developments in Soirwindic archaeology from the 1840s to the present day continue to uncover more information about prehistoric societies in Soirwind.

Antiquity

Sedentary Bronze Age societies developed into more extensive stratified societies between approximately 4500 and 2000 BCE. Contact with Audonian merchants and the sharing of early Audonian cuneiform in the 9th century BCE advanced this process as formal states emerged. Four major city-states rose to promience in the second millennium BCE; Tefnaɣ, Battia, Melid, and Ker. The ensuing millennium and a half of the Soirwinds history saw a period of rapid and intense cultural development punctuated by sporadic warfare between the city-states.

During this era, the old cuneiform also came to be replaced by an early Ker alphabet known as which was likely influenced at least in part by the early Audonian alphabet. The introduction of a widespread alphabet played an important part in both creating a historical record and in developing a more expansive bureaucracy. Both of these feats were effectively used by the Kingdom of Ker under King Rudamun which both had a formal court record-keeper and took advantage of a sophisticated system of subjugated tribes which were mobilized in the latter years of the 4th century BCE in conquest of the region. By the turn of the century, the region had been unified under a single kingdom which was ruled as a diarchy between the Kingdom of Ker and the Kingdom of Melid.

Ker-Melid Kingdom (c. 300 BCE to 731 CE)

The Ker-Melid Kingdom ruled as a diarchy initially with each ruler retaining their capital. By the 1st century BCE, however, both kings ruled from Melid on the southern coast where the most fertile grounds were. While certain successions have been dubious, tradition maintains that the kings maintained the lines of the original states of Melid and Ker. The mid to late Iron Age on the Soirwind was characterized by the unification of the region and independent cultural development. The capital region became densely populated and built up with palaces and temples while the interior was heavily developed for agriculture, the geography altered with terrace farms; the remnants of which can often still be seen in the modern era., each headed by a governor who reported directly to the diarchy. Each province was made up of a variable number of townships. A coinage system was also introduced for the first time in this period.

In 148 CE, the diarchy was overthrown as King Palistin II of the Ker line assumed sole rulership. Palistin also reformed the Kingdom's religion, asserting divine rule and claiming the central triad of the pantheon as his ancestors. Elaborate temples and tombs for members of the Ker line were constructed during his reign. Purportedly, in 154 CE the bodies of hundreds of Ker rulers were exhumed from crypts in their home city and transported to Melid to be re-entombed within the capital. Palistin II would be assassinated in 159 CE and was succeeded by his son Ashur who ruled until c. 200 CE, continuing his father's legacy as a builder. While in the past this era was hailed as a Old Golden Age, contemporary historians have noted that the monumental temples and palaces of the Kingdom relied upon exploitative corvée labour which drew commoners away from their farms and their livelihoods.

The official Ker Dynasty remained in power until 418 CE when the throne was usurped by Gilgalion I of Sasan. The Sasan Dynasty would rule until the 7th century, with the kingdom suffering under a period of decline due to economic downturn and the onset of the Dark Ages Audonian Plague which struck in the ports. The construction of monuments also declined and in the present there are relatively fewer late-Iron Age structures remaining on the compared to the early to mid-Iron Age and even Bronze Age structures.

Oduniyyad and Khanate Period

Gilgalion III's critics would be justified in the 8th century as his descendant, Farrukh II, had to contend with the invasion of the Oduniyyad Caliphate in 730 CE. The unified Audonian army led by one of successors of Muhammad's trusted generals, Abu Talib Bey, landed swiftly on the coasts on May 2 avoiding any naval interception. Melid was besieged two days later, a sufficient time for King Farrukh to leave the city, attempting to rally an army while the majority of the royal guard remained in the capital. The king had little success, however, as many were convinced of the Caliphate's invincibility after it had taken over much of the mainland within a few years. In July, the Oduniyyad force managed to confront the small army of the Ker-Melid Kingdom which had thus far been contented with harassing the larger invading force while the capital expended its supplies to hold out. The battle on July 3 was swift, ending in decisive victory for the Caliphate, though a large portion of the Ker-Melid army including the king managed to escape. Following the routing of the army, the capital capitulated. General Abu Talib Bey establish court in the royal palace and ordered the destruction of many temples and idols within the city while a contingent of the army pursued the king. After a short period of resistance, the king was captured in September 731, unable to mobilize a force against the invaders. On December 22 of the same year he was executed, effectively ending organized resistance against the occupation of the Oduniyyad Caliphate.

The lands of Kermelid remained a periphery of the Oduniyyad influence and extending its influence and teachings beyond into the steppes and lands to the south of the Kermelid lands and the rest of eastern Audonia. However in the early 11th century, sectarian conflicts and rising powers of steppe lords of the steppes of Audonia pushed the Odunyyiads out of Kermelid and effectively turned the settled coastal lands into a tributary vassal kingdom of whichever nomadic horde held the most influence close to the mountains.

This would change in 1221 when it would become subject of the Myanga Atyil Khanate which reached unmatched heights in size as a horde and Empire. With hordes giving obiesance to the great Chingis, so too did their tributaries, including Kermelid For the next one hundred some years it would be ruled by the Khanate and would grow in prosperity as the port to the west for the Khanate. Trade from the far reaches of Audonia would arrive in the cities of Karmelid and intermingle with goods from far off Sarpedon and Levantia as traders from those regions explored and expanded further across the seas.

The Crusader State period

The relationship between those far off lands and Karmelid changes dramatically when, following the capture of the Antilles by Christian Knights inspired the devout, the greedy, and opportunisitic alike within the Culfran princedoms to launch expeditions into the region as well. Originally, these battles were against Audonian enemies but one fateful expedition sent their Crusaders beyond and past the Antilles to the lands Levantine merchants called Karmelis.  

Led by Sir Frederick Lochlan in 1346, a force of around 12,000, with about 2,000 knights from mostly Culfran princedoms arrived just south of the city of Cathash, built on the ruins of the ancient city of Ker. The forces laid siege to the city for five months before its surrender, giving Lochlan an area of control around southern Kermelid. Early word to the Khanate of the invasion of Lochlan was given little interest, the impression given by Levantine merchants who countered envoys from the Kingdom was that this was a trade conflict as the King of Kermelid unjustly was seizing Levantine ships and goods, and they were simply defending Levantine merchants to allow the goods to flow between the great Khan and their homelands. While undocumented, modern historians believe many gifts in gold, goods, and slaves and or concubines were delivered to the Khan to convince him of inaction.

Over the next decade, two more waves of Culfran crusader armies carved out crusader states, seizing valuable trade cities on the Soirwindic coast interested in taking land and wealth from the infidel and access to the valuable ports from the Silk Road. And still the Khan was satiated with gifts and excuses of an internal succession crisis leading to conflict between the Levantines and Kermelidites. The war against the Kermelidites saw vicious conflict across plains on the coast and in the mountains further inland. This included the death of the leader of the Crusaders Sir Frederick Lochlan. The conflict continued at first under a council of leading crusader lords, but would soon involve vested interests and leading merchants of Free Cities from Culfra and the Derics which in exchange for money and mercenaries, bought exclaves and trade rights in the Crusader states in Karmelis.

As the conflict continued for control of Karmelis, Odunniyids in Audonia began utilizing the sea to combat the Crusaders and seize wealth from Levantine merchants. Corsairs backed by the Oddunyids began to strike shipping lanes and raiding the coasts of the crusader states of Karmelis. Propaganda built off the reports of the raids and attacks of the muslim pirates would tell Culfrans of the ‘Eastern land of vines’ where noble Christians fought the Muslim menace. The early forms of propaganda would deliver two things to the crusader states in Karmelis, the development of the modern name of Soirwind, based on both the old Faeskt words for Eastern lands of vines (as an attempt to make the land sound a prosperous land of grape vines and fertile land) and also built upon reference to the Sir river which proved the unifying feature of the region. It would also lead to the fourth expedition of Culfran crusade for Soirwind. But this one came with a war fleet and a holy order that would organize in Soirwind and devote to fighting corsairs and eastern pirates.

This fourth wave of crusaders in Soirwind would be the final push that led to the capture of the Kingdom of Karmelis. While conflict on the land had ended, the battle with pirates at sea continued. Meanwhile, a succession war within the Western Khanate in 1396 led to a unique relationship with the Khanate as the crusader states of Soirwind began to sell themselves as mercenaries supporting the friendly Khanate heir. The Wars for the Khans Son would lead to the Levantine Knights learning and experiencing more of the style of warfare native to the steppes beyond the moutains of western Audonia and eventually would develop a unique style of warfare the knights of Soirwind would develop to combat the different style of warfare seen on this far off continent.  

Soirwind During the Anarchy and Kingdom of Culfras

As new ideas were born during the age of the Renaissance and settlements and mercantile adventures into Audonia began to rise once again following the Great Plague, soon after the drama of the Protestant Reformation would have its impact felt on Soirwind as well. Protestant churches would be founded by ministers escaping persecution in the mainland Levantia and the spread of pamphlets and Protestant texts spread like wildfire, nearly starting a new wave of Anarchy in Soirwind as was in the Holy Levantine Empire.

As the brutality of the Northern War for the Cross waned and Dragonnades began to be utilized as a tool in the mainland, Catholic governors, lords, and administrators in Soirwind took the idea in stride and began using similar tactics not only against Protestants but also against Jewish, Islamic, and Zoraoastrian residents of Soirwindic cities and towns. In this period of rising violence the Soirwind colonies, as they were not a unified state at this time, became both hubs of tolerance and epicenters of pogroms and mass violence. Border wars and skirmishes between the different colonial lords and governors nearly matched the violence experienced on the mainland until the arrival of the Griffin's Fleet, following the declaration of the United Kingdom of the Culfras under Alexander O'Rourke and his edicts seeking to pacify of the mainland, prepared a military expedition to the Culfran colonies and in what some consider an early modern example of gunboat diplomacy forced violence in Soirwind to end and consolidated the colonies into one entity, which would be known as the Royal Domain of Soirwind.

In the later years of King Alexander I O'Rourke, a Royal Charter was issued for the United Culfran Audonia Company, a trading company that would take prominence in trade through northern and western Audonia until it's bankruptcy in the early 1700s.

Following the establishment of the Royal Domain of Soirwind and the edicts and military stationing from the mainland bringing about a period of peace and reconstruction, the colony would become very prosperous amongst the wealth brought from the merchants and new colonial ventures. But this also led to a period of piracy and naval combat with corsairs and interdictions by the Caliph to interrupt Occidental influence in Audonia. The seas around western Audonia would become an epicenter of privateers, piracy, and naval combat, including a resurgence of the monastic orders founded during the Crusades to take up the cross upon the seas against corsairs.

Soirwind Modern History Bullet Points

• Soirwind and the League- After the Succession crisis in Culfra/Fiannria and establishment of the League of the Culfras, much of the greater colonies were seized or sold away however, the Dominion of Soirwind as it was recognized remained under the League's control. Probably piracy happened during this whole period
• The Commonwealth and the Dominion- Following the establishment of the Commonwealth of Fiannria, an independence movement kicked off within Soirwind, however the details of it in Fiannria were vague as Fiannria sought to send exiles, impoverished, and former nobles to the colonies and create some system of republican government in the colonial domain.
• The Bey's War- Native leaders integrated with independence minded settlers started a revolt in Soirwind against the rule of the far off Commonwealth, reeling from the defeat of the Third Kin War. The War consisted of two phases, the initial uprising and seizure of most major ports and fortifications, and then the arrival of the Fiannan invasion force that would put down the now disunited fighting factions initially united in declaring independence.
• Fiannan presence in Audonia and the Sovereignty- Following that war, Fiannria became much more active in the Audonia region, establishing limited colonies but taking concessions from local powers to encourage trade and further Occidental influence into the countries themselves. To support the expanded operations, Fiannria gave Soirwind it's earlier sought independence as a Sovereign Republic and declared a treaty of eternal friendship, and cooperation between the states. Making Soirwind more of a dependency or a protectorate than colony.
• The Second Great War- Possibly Daxian backed Persian revolt, not as well funded or backed as other Daxian anti-Burg conflicts. In negotiations to draw Urcea and Burgundic support in war against Faneria, Fiannria agreed to utilize Audonian and Soirwindic Forces to support defense of Burgundic territories.
• The Cold War and Operation Kipling Fiannria made some sort of significant intervention and participation in Operation Kipling, and utilized Soirwind as a hub of military operations in the campaigns int he east.
• The Ghelamist Uprising- In the waning years of the Occidental Cold War, anti-occidental sentiments had fermented from Operation Kipling, coups, foreign interference, nationalism and perceptions of neo-colonialism within much of Audonia. In Soirwind this culminated in the election of Hermez Ghelamer to the Marshal of Soirwind in February 1994. Hermez Ghelamer was a political outsider in what had been a period of near ninety years of political domination from a few political dynasties who led the entrenched parties. Ghelemer was considered a political upstart and ideological pundit, he was considered a reactionary on the left and a communist on the right, but was consistently a populist, believer in Audonian machismo, nationalism, and ardent anti-occidental. His rise to power led to en masse arrests, political reform and takeovers and a change in economic relationships with the world as Ghelemer sought an autarkist state, free from Fiannria and foreign influence, centered on a Kermelis Nationalist Movement. This movement promoted violence against foreigners and especially Fiannans or those with significant Fiannan ancestry. This culminated in the Siege of the Fiannan Embassy in Catash beginning on April 7th, 1996 which resulted in the Fiannan Military Intervention on April 13th, 1996.
• The Soirwind Intervention- On April 13th, 1996, A fully scale military invasion from Fiannria occured in Soirwind, with a three pronged amphibious and air assualt, targeting Catash, the northern borderlands, and the southern plains of Soirwind. The strike of overwhelming force in the initial invasion threw Soirwind Ghelamist loyalist forces in a full retreat into mountain strongholds and chokepoints. The conflict lasted for three weeks and four days and ended with the capture of Hermez Ghelamer and his closest advisors attempting an escape into Sacatia. This led to a five-year Fiannan occupation of Soirwind to repair damages, restore democratic institutions and rehabilitate the Soirwindic people and its relationship with Fiannria.
• Present

Geography

The climate and geography of Soirwind is strongly influenced by its presence on the western coast of Audonia, between the Sea of Istroya and Levantine Sea, as well as the far inland mountian ranges of Audonia that impact the climate of makeup of Soirwind itself.

Soirwind is mostly comprised of a fertile coastal lowland and a drier, hilly region along the interior and borders of much of the country.

In the heart of the county is the Shir River, which is historic center and longest settled region within the county, as well as its most populous, fertile, and economically active.

Government and Politics

The Sovereignty of Soirwind is a constitutional republic, consisting of a bicameral legislature, the Senate and the Tyn (Assembly), an empowered Executive which is comparable to a President in other Republics, called the Marshal of the Republic, and a federal judicial supreme court.

The Sovereignty is a federal system, consisting of fourteen provinces with its own provincial and local governments beneath it. These fourteen provinces represent the fourteen domains of colonial Soirwind and their entities.

Historically, the Sovereignty was dominated by five familes of Fiannan ancestry who competed for influence, this dominance collapsed amidst the Ghelamist Uprising and the political reforms implemented in the occupation of Soirwind following Fiannria's intervention.

Demographics

As of the most recent census, the population of Soirwind is 22,321,740. The nation is ethnically diverse, comprising several major groups: Persians, Arabs, Turkic peoples, Kandara, and Fiannrians. This diversity is reflected in the linguistic landscape, with Cathari, the official language, spoken by 62% of the population. Fiannrian and various regional Arabic and Mongolian dialects are also prevalent.

Religiously, Soirwind is predominantly Islamic, with 53% of the population adhering to Islam. Christianity is practiced by 34% of the population, encompassing various denominations. The Jewish community represents approximately 10% of the population, while the remaining 3% includes other faiths and non-affiliated individuals.

Urbanization is a significant demographic feature, with 73% of Soirwind's population residing in urban areas. These urban centers are characterized by greater ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity compared to rural regions. Urban areas also benefit from better healthcare, telecommunications, and overall lifestyle, contributing to a major rural-to-urban migration trend. This migration has led to a housing crisis in the cities as people move in search of better opportunities and living conditions.

The literacy rate in Soirwind stands at approximately 85%, indicative of a relatively well-educated population. The unemployment rate is around 5%, reflecting a moderately stable job market. The major employment sectors include agriculture, industry, and services, with a significant portion of the population engaged in industrial and service-related jobs in urban areas.

Culture and Society

Soirwind's culture is a rich tapestry woven from its Persian roots, Islamic traditions, Turko-Mongol influences, and Levantine elements introduced by the Fiannan adn other Levantine crusaders, colonists, and merchants. The official language, Cathari, derived from ancient Persian dialects, incorporates Arabic, Mongolian, and Fiannrian elements, reflecting the nation’s complex history. Regional dialects vary, with coastal areas showing stronger Fiannan influences, while inland regions retain more traditional forms.

The arts in Soirwind blend traditional Persian intricacy, Islamic motifs, and Levantine elements. Coastal cities and regions along the Sir River showcase modern architectural innovations incorporating these diverse influences. Historic Fiannan settlements feature preserved architectural styles combining Persian, Islamic, and Levantine designs, while inland areas predominantly exhibit traditional Persian and Islamic architecture. Visual arts blend traditional Persian miniature painting with Western and Mongol influences, and contemporary art scenes in major cities experiment with these themes. Music in Soirwind is a fusion of traditional Persian instruments, Islamic chanting, and Fiannrian and Mongolian elements, with dynamic scenes in urban areas and traditional forms maintained inland.

Religiously, Soirwind is predominantly Islamic, with a significant Christian minority that includes Audonian Christians and Roman Catholics, alongside small Protestant communities. There is also a notable Jewish minority. The government promotes interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance, with major Islamic, Christian, and indigenous festivals celebrated nationally.

Soirwind's cuisine reflects its diverse cultural heritage, blending Persian, Arabic, Mongolian, and Fiannrian influences. Staple ingredients include grains, rice, lamb, chicken, beef, vegetables, and legumes. Signature dishes feature kebabs, pilaf, and stews, with traditional Persian flavors and spices. Culinary customs emphasize communal meals and a rich tea culture, with diverse regional variations contributing to the nation's unique culinary identity.

Economy and Infrastructure

Soirwind boasts a diverse and dynamic economy heavily influenced by its natural resources and strategic trade relationships. The fertile lands along the Sir River are the cornerstone of its major agricultural industry, producing grains and fruits such as dates and olives, while the expansive savannah drylands support extensive livestock herding. Significant oil reserves both onshore and offshore make resource extraction a vital sector of the economy.

As an industrial hub, Soirwind manufactures and assembles various products for export, benefiting from a well-developed trade network. The country enjoys a free trade agreement with the Levantine Union through its special economic relationship with Fiannria and has cultivated strong trade ties with northern and western Audonian states.

Transportation infrastructure in Soirwind is highly developed along the coast and the Sir River, featuring extensive networks of roads, railways, ports, and airports. The inland plains and hills have less developed transportation facilities, although the country is a key stop on the Trans-Audonian Railway, enhancing regional connectivity.

Energy infrastructure in Soirwind is robust, thanks to redevelopment efforts following the military intervention in the 1990s and its close ties with Fiannria. The country operates several nuclear power plants, oil processing facilities, and fossil fuel generators, with ongoing investments in green energy projects such as hydroelectric plants on the Sir River's tributaries and wind farms along the coast and inland hills.

Telecommunications and technology are rapidly advancing sectors, especially in urban areas. The capital, Cathash, and its suburbs have become tech innovation hubs. However, improving internet and telecommunications access in rural inland areas remains a priority to address the disparity between urban and rural regions.

Urban development is concentrated around the Sir River and the coast, where major cities serve as economic and cultural centers. These areas have thrived due to historical trade with Levantia and other parts of Audonia.

Banking and finance in Soirwind are stable and reliable, with significant access to Western financial services facilitated by its integration into the Levantine market. Political debates continue over the extent of Western, particularly Fiannrian, influence on the banking system.

Soirwind’s economic policies emphasize its special relationship with Fiannria and its free trade agreement with the Levantine Union. The country also maintains strong trade relationships with northern and western Audonian states, particularly those with Islamic heritage, supporting its diverse and robust economic landscape.

Military and National Defense

The military of Soirwind is a semi-volunteer force comprising around 1.3% of the population, supported by limited selective conscription. It includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the Marines operating under the Navy and intelligence and cyberwarfare units under the Air Force. The military is bolstered by the presence of the Fiannan military, which maintains several bases in the country.

Structure and Composition

The military's primary roles are to ensure national defense and advance Soirwind's interests, often in collaboration with Fiannria. The Soirwind Marines, part of the Navy, provide amphibious capabilities and have been active in anti-piracy operations. Annually, about 100,000 citizens are screened for service, with around 8% drafted for a three-year term. The total number of active personnel is approximately 290,183, with 107,368 in the Army, 87,055 in the Navy, and 95,760 in the Air Force.

Personnel and Training

Recruits undergo rigorous training specific to their branch, with a focus on physical and technical skills. The officer training exchange academy, where Fiannan and Soirwindic officers train in each other's countries, enhances military capabilities and bilateral relations.

Fiannan Military Support

Soirwind hosts Fiannan-operated naval and joint operations bases, playing a crucial role in regional security. Fiannan support includes training, equipment, and joint operations, significantly enhancing Soirwind's defense capabilities.

The 1st Javidan Division

The 1st Javidan Division, a Fiannan army division composed primarily of Soirwindic volunteers, dates back to the colonial era. This division provides military experience, economic opportunities, and ensures a stationed contingent of Fiannan forces to support Soirwind's defense.

Strategic and Defense Policies

Soirwind's defense policy focuses on protecting national sovereignty and supporting geopolitical interests in cooperation with Fiannria. Strategic objectives include maintaining regional stability and securing key infrastructure and trade routes. The military strategy aligns closely with alliances, particularly with Fiannria, to enhance collective security.