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Urcea has had a somewhat diverse linguistic history, beginning with the earliest Latin-speaking peoples spreading throughout the land in the period beginning ca. 950 BC. Latin was the sole official language of state in [[Great Levantia]]. Gradually, the Latin of the ruling class began to mix with the language of the conquering Celts and Gaels, resulting in Urcea's first native language, [[Lebhan language|Lebhan]] (roughly meaning "of the city", as in "language of the city", referring to Urceopolis), developed, and was the primary vulgar language for nearly a thousand years. It was eventually adopted alongside Latin as language of government in the 900s, though it replaced Latin even in government documents. Latin remained prevalent, however, in the Church and in learning (as it was controlled by the Church). | Urcea has had a somewhat diverse linguistic history, beginning with the earliest Latin-speaking peoples spreading throughout the land in the period beginning ca. 950 BC. Latin was the sole official language of state in [[Great Levantia]]. Gradually, the Latin of the ruling class began to mix with the language of the conquering Celts and Gaels, resulting in Urcea's first native language, [[Lebhan language|Lebhan]] (roughly meaning "of the city", as in "language of the city", referring to Urceopolis), developed, and was the primary vulgar language for nearly a thousand years. It was eventually adopted alongside Latin as language of government in the 900s, though it replaced Latin even in government documents. Latin remained prevalent, however, in the Church and in learning (as it was controlled by the Church). | ||
Lebhan is still considered to be the cultural language of Urcea despite its widespread use in some areas of the historical [[Holy Levantine Empire]], so much so that some foreign scholars occasionally incorrectly refer to it as "Urcean". It has since been primarily replaced by Julian Ænglish. Many historians and scholars once believed the language came to Urcea during the High Middle Ages and especially during the Saint's War through the influence of mercenaries, merchants, and the neighboring realms of Angla - this model was called the "Replacement Theory". Modern scholarship, however, has indicated that some form of proto-Ænglish or Ænglish hybrids were in use in rural parts of Urcea well before the Saint's War. The majority of modern historians have replaced the "Replacement Theory" with the "Organic Theory" - namely, that Ænglish and Lebhan "grew up together", so to speak, in different parts of the country, and that increasing social and economic integration lead to the formation of Julian Ænglish, which is unique because of the distinct influence Latin and Lebhan had on the language relative to other versions of Ænglish. Whichever theory may be the case, in time, the Ænglish language became the default language of commerce for traders to use, particularly in regards to trade with the other states of the Holy Levantine Empire. The further reign of the House of | Lebhan is still considered to be the cultural language of Urcea despite its widespread use in some areas of the historical [[Holy Levantine Empire]], so much so that some foreign scholars occasionally incorrectly refer to it as "Urcean". It has since been primarily replaced by Julian Ænglish. Many historians and scholars once believed the language came to Urcea during the High Middle Ages and especially during the Saint's War through the influence of mercenaries, merchants, and the neighboring realms of Angla - this model was called the "Replacement Theory". Modern scholarship, however, has indicated that some form of proto-Ænglish or Ænglish hybrids were in use in rural parts of Urcea well before the Saint's War. The majority of modern historians have replaced the "Replacement Theory" with the "Organic Theory" - namely, that Ænglish and Lebhan "grew up together", so to speak, in different parts of the country, and that increasing social and economic integration lead to the formation of Julian Ænglish, which is unique because of the distinct influence Latin and Lebhan had on the language relative to other versions of Ænglish. Whichever theory may be the case, in time, the Ænglish language became the default language of commerce for traders to use, particularly in regards to trade with the other states of the Holy Levantine Empire. The further reign of the [[House of Ronan]] and the influx of Ænglish refugees following the [[Nordmontaine War]] accelerated the acceptance of Ænglish as the government language of the Kingdom. It is the primary language spoken today, though some pockets of Lebhan still remain, especially in the [[Ionian Plateau]]. | ||
In the southeast is the region of Gassavelia, a semi-autonomous part of the Apostolic Kingdom, wherein a type of Romance Audonian, the Gassavelian language, is spoken, which is the third most spoken language in the Kingdom. | In the southeast is the region of [[Gassavelia]], a semi-autonomous part of the Apostolic Kingdom, wherein a type of Romance Audonian, the Gassavelian language, is spoken, which is the third most spoken language in the Kingdom. | ||
===Naming conventions=== | ===Naming conventions=== | ||
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The most prominent non-religious holiday is the King's Birthday, celebrated on different days depending on the birthday of the reigning Apostolic King of Urcea. Celebrations typically mirror independence day festivities of other countries, as patriotic themes mingle with typical, seasonally appropriate relaxation activities, such as boating. The second most prominent non-religious holiday is that of Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday, which recalls the historic event of Prince Niall's flight to the highlands during the Second Caroline War, is an occasion for the nation to give thanks to God for the deliverance of the nation, but also for the blessings given to families and the country as a whole. Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated as an extended family gathering. | The most prominent non-religious holiday is the King's Birthday, celebrated on different days depending on the birthday of the reigning Apostolic King of Urcea. Celebrations typically mirror independence day festivities of other countries, as patriotic themes mingle with typical, seasonally appropriate relaxation activities, such as boating. The second most prominent non-religious holiday is that of Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday, which recalls the historic event of Prince Niall's flight to the highlands during the Second Caroline War, is an occasion for the nation to give thanks to God for the deliverance of the nation, but also for the blessings given to families and the country as a whole. Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated as an extended family gathering. | ||
The Feast Day of [[ | The Feast Day of [[Gaius Julius Cicurinus|Saint Julius of the Caeline]] on 24 July and is an important holiday celebrating national themes, though in recent decades the King's Birthday has supplanted it as the main "patriotic" holiday, and instead it has taken on a greater religious significance. | ||
==Social class and distinctions== | ==Social class and distinctions== | ||
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===Peerage=== | ===Peerage=== | ||
Despite being a relatively egalitarian society, Urcea does maintain an extensive system of {{wp|Life peer|life peerage}}, non-inheritable titles granted by the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]]. Titles are typically granted as a recognition of merit, both in public service or extraordinary work as a private individual. Many titles are granted to prominent members of [[House de Weluta]] who serve in official government functions, and the ''Custóirs'' of the [[Estates of Urcea]] are almost always granted a life peerage upon their ascension to that role. A life peerage usually conveys a sense of social importance and carries with it some minor privileges, such as the right to be announced at public events | Despite being a relatively egalitarian society, Urcea does maintain an extensive system of {{wp|Life peer|life peerage}}, non-inheritable titles granted by the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]]. Titles are typically granted as a recognition of merit, both in public service or extraordinary work as a private individual. Many titles are granted to prominent members of [[House de Weluta]] who serve in official government functions, and the ''Custóirs'' of the [[Estates of Urcea]] are almost always granted a life peerage upon their ascension to that role. A life peerage usually conveys a sense of social importance and carries with it some minor privileges, such as the right to be announced at public events like theatrical showings. In formal ceremonies, a life peer has the right to enter any procession in the highest place of honor and may be seated at the most honorable position unless the King himself or a Bishop is in attendance, in which case the peer has second position or lower as the need presents. | ||
Peerages have a complex historical hierarchy of prestige which was simplified in 1982 to a four-tier system by the Privilege Consolidation Act. The four tiers typically correspond to ranks of titles (barons, counts, dukes, and princes or their equivalent), but some more prestigious titles may appear in a rank above their normal tier. Under the simplification scheme, titles which had an intermediary position were always given the lower order of precedence; as an example, viscounts are considered to be of the same dignity of barons. Every ''Custóir'' of an [[Estates of Urcea|Estate of Urcea]] who holds a title is given the precedence and rank of a duke regardless of the actual level of their title. | Peerages have a complex historical hierarchy of prestige which was simplified in 1982 to a four-tier system by the Privilege Consolidation Act. The four tiers typically correspond to ranks of titles (barons, counts, dukes, and princes or their equivalent), but some more prestigious titles may appear in a rank above their normal tier. Under the simplification scheme, titles which had an intermediary position were always given the lower order of precedence; as an example, viscounts are considered to be of the same dignity of barons. Every ''Custóir'' of an [[Estates of Urcea|Estate of Urcea]] who holds a title is given the precedence and rank of a duke regardless of the actual level of their title. | ||
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Urcea is well known for its relatively expansive understanding of the role of government in public morality, but this application of moral laws derives from the Urceans' understanding of the relationship between man and the state. As the organic outgrowth of society, there is usually widespread support for implementation of moral laws within society. Consequently, things such as adultery, [[Illegal vice trade in Urcea|contraception, and abortion]] are not only illegal but punishable by severe fines. Most Urceans throughout the political spectrum either support moral codes or at least have no opinion on them besides the far-left part of the spectrum represented by the Social Labor Party which actively calls for the creation of something resembling a free marketplace of subjective morals and social ideals. | Urcea is well known for its relatively expansive understanding of the role of government in public morality, but this application of moral laws derives from the Urceans' understanding of the relationship between man and the state. As the organic outgrowth of society, there is usually widespread support for implementation of moral laws within society. Consequently, things such as adultery, [[Illegal vice trade in Urcea|contraception, and abortion]] are not only illegal but punishable by severe fines. Most Urceans throughout the political spectrum either support moral codes or at least have no opinion on them besides the far-left part of the spectrum represented by the Social Labor Party which actively calls for the creation of something resembling a free marketplace of subjective morals and social ideals. | ||
Consistent polling indicates that most Urceans do not believe their country is a "democracy" nor describe their country's values as "democratic" despite relatively high scores from international observers for regularly-scheduled free and fair elections. While Urceans do generally believe that a country having elections is an important value, democracy as a standalone concept is viewed negative and with suspicion and is often used as a disparaging term in Urcean society in a way meaning mob rule. Many Urceans instead describe their electoral system and participatory government as "[[Organicism#Shared_commonwealth|shared commonwealth]]" which express "commonwealth values", which are often used by both academics and politicians. These two terms and their shared concepts often poll highly among Urceans across the political spectrum. | Consistent polling indicates that most Urceans do not believe their country is a "democracy" nor describe their country's values as "democratic" despite relatively high scores from international observers for regularly-scheduled free and fair elections. While Urceans do generally believe that a country having elections is an important value, democracy as a standalone concept is viewed negative and with suspicion and is often used as a disparaging term in Urcean society in a way meaning mob rule. Many Urceans instead describe their electoral system and participatory government as "[[Organicism#Shared_commonwealth|shared commonwealth]]" which express "commonwealth values", which are often used by both academics and politicians. The most prominent example of the usage of this term was in the now-defunct [[Commonwealth Union (Urcea)|Commonwealth Union]]. These two terms and their shared concepts often poll highly among Urceans across the political spectrum. | ||
====Role of monarchy==== | ====Role of monarchy==== | ||
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====Types of food==== | ====Types of food==== | ||
In terms of ingredient contents, mainstream Urcean cuisine is similar to that in other Levantine countries. Wheat is the primary cereal grain with about three-quarters of grain products made of wheat flour and many dishes use indigenous ingredients, such as turkey, venison, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, squash, and maple syrup which were consumed by [[Gaelic people|Gaels]] as well as early [[Latinic people|Latin]] settlers, and these types of food feature prominently within [[Latin Heroic Age]] legends. In addition to wheat, rice and pecans are the minor staple crops of Urcea, with pecans serving as both a delicacy and as a major cooking ingredient. Chicken and beef are the primary types of protein in [[Urcea]], although varieties of pork sausage - ranging from breakfast sausage to hot dogs - are also commonly consumed. Corned beef is among the most popular specific types of beef served, consumed in sandwiches or as breakfast {{wp|Hash (food)|hash}}. Since the 2020s and the beginning of [[The Deluge]], ingredients and meal types from Urcean territories and protectorates in [[Crona]] have entered into popular consumption within Urcea. These cuisine styles are referred to as "colonial cuisine", and colonial cuisine is increasingly creating many variations and derivatives of Urcean cuisine staples established over the course of the 20th century. | In terms of ingredient contents, mainstream Urcean cuisine is similar to that in other Levantine countries. Wheat is the primary cereal grain with about three-quarters of grain products made of wheat flour and many dishes use indigenous ingredients, such as turkey, venison, potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, squash, and maple syrup which were consumed by [[Gaelic people|Gaels]] as well as early [[Latinic people|Latin]] settlers, and these types of food feature prominently within [[Latin Heroic Age]] legends. In addition to wheat, rice and pecans are the minor staple crops of Urcea, with pecans serving as both a delicacy and as a major cooking ingredient. Chicken and beef are the primary types of protein in [[Urcea]], although varieties of pork sausage - ranging from breakfast sausage to hot dogs - are also commonly consumed. Corned beef is among the most popular specific types of beef served, consumed in sandwiches or as breakfast {{wp|Hash (food)|hash}}. Steaks are a common dinner item in Urcea, with their popularity exploding in the 19th century due to the widespread availability of beef brought on by the [[Rail_transportation_in_Urcea#To_1865|advent of the railroad]]. Since the 2020s and the beginning of [[The Deluge]], ingredients and meal types from Urcean territories and protectorates in [[Crona]] have entered into popular consumption within Urcea. These cuisine styles are referred to as "colonial cuisine", and colonial cuisine is increasingly creating many variations and derivatives of Urcean cuisine staples established over the course of the 20th century. Barbeque, a type of food from [[Arona]], is extremely popular as well. | ||
Urcean dishes are typically broken down by the meal for which they are intended to be consumed, with few dishes being viewed as socially appropriate to consume in more than one type of meal. Lunch and dinner meals are occasionally considered interchangeable, with lunch items served as dinner with an additional side or with different plating. | Urcean dishes are typically broken down by the meal for which they are intended to be consumed, with few dishes being viewed as socially appropriate to consume in more than one type of meal. Lunch and dinner meals are occasionally considered interchangeable, with lunch items served as dinner with an additional side or with different plating. | ||
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=====Lunch===== | =====Lunch===== | ||
=====Hors d'oeuvres===== | =====Hors d'oeuvres===== | ||
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=====Plaza clusters===== | =====Plaza clusters===== | ||
Plaza clusters, so named for a cluster of tables and often referred to as "PCs", is a regional type of restaurant found primarily in older urban parts of [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] in narrow streets and open plazas, though the format has become increasingly emulated nationwide. The PC typically offers a full menu for lunch and dinner of regional foods and is entirely outdoors, with tables and chairs spaced unevenly radiating outward from the storefront where the restaurant's kitchen resides. PCs emphasize the convenience of "fast food" while offering sit-down full meal service by eschewing many of the traditional social mores of dining - such as conversational wait staff - with the expectation that customers will finish their meal within an hour and fifteen minutes or less. These types of restaurants work by having low costs for upkeep of dining rooms and other dining-adjacent facilities while dealing in volume, typically allowing for higher quality ingredients and the hiring of more experienced chefs and line cooks. The PC format is the sole type of restaurant where a {{wp|gratuity}} for wait staff is not anticipated. | Plaza clusters, so named for a cluster of tables and often referred to as "PCs", is a regional type of restaurant found primarily in older urban parts of [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] and [[Philaridon]] in narrow streets and open plazas, though the format has become increasingly emulated nationwide. The PC typically offers a full menu for lunch and dinner of regional foods and is entirely outdoors, with tables and chairs spaced unevenly radiating outward from the storefront where the restaurant's kitchen resides. PCs emphasize the convenience of "fast food" while offering sit-down full meal service by eschewing many of the traditional social mores of dining - such as conversational wait staff - with the expectation that customers will finish their meal within an hour and fifteen minutes or less. These types of restaurants work by having low costs for upkeep of dining rooms and other dining-adjacent facilities while dealing in volume, typically allowing for higher quality ingredients and the hiring of more experienced chefs and line cooks. The PC format is the sole type of restaurant where a {{wp|gratuity}} for wait staff is not anticipated. | ||
It is a common misconception in [[Urcea]] that "PC" refers to "plaza cafe", and this misconception has factored heavily into many traditional jokes within Urcean humor. | It is a common misconception in [[Urcea]] that "PC" refers to "plaza cafe", and this misconception has factored heavily into many traditional jokes within Urcean humor. | ||
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==Media== | ==Media== | ||
===Television=== | ===Television=== | ||
Urcea has a long history of television, and accordingly has many major historic television programs as well as storied television studios and networks, such as [[Roseview]]. | |||
''[[Final Great War]]'', one of the most popular television programs in the world, was produced in [[Urcea]] and was based on the same-named novel series by Mychal Geronato. | |||
===Cinema=== | ===Cinema=== | ||
====Southerns==== | ====Southerns==== | ||
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===Video games=== | ===Video games=== | ||
Mass production and distribution of the Selectro 1000PC in 1972 brought about the advent of the home computer era, and with it, video games became a new form of entertainment. These early video games were often crude given the technological level of mid 1970s computing, but by 1980 a degree of sophistication saw the rise of early role playing games in addition to space-themed top down games. Unlike many other countries, Urcea did not experience an arcade craze, as the availability of home computers by 1977 for most families made the arcade model a non-starter in Urcea. However, the early 1980s also saw the first widely-manufactured video game consoles. Consoles rapidly gained market share as the technical sophistication of games outpaced the average family's ability to upgrade their computers, such that by 1987, 16-bit consoles assumed the dominant public image of video games. Consoles remained the primary developer of video games until the late 2000s, from which time PC-based gaming has held the majority of the market share in Urcea. | Mass production and distribution of the [[Selectro]] 1000PC in 1972 brought about the advent of the home computer era, and with it, video games became a new form of entertainment. These early video games were often crude given the technological level of mid 1970s computing, but by 1980 a degree of sophistication saw the rise of early role playing games in addition to space-themed top down games. Unlike many other countries, Urcea did not experience an arcade craze, as the availability of home computers by 1977 for most families made the arcade model a non-starter in Urcea. However, the early 1980s also saw the first widely-manufactured video game consoles. Consoles rapidly gained market share as the technical sophistication of games outpaced the average family's ability to upgrade their computers, such that by 1987, 16-bit consoles assumed the dominant public image of video games. Consoles remained the primary developer of video games until the late 2000s, from which time PC-based gaming has held the majority of the market share in Urcea. | ||
Video games are a major form of amusement and diversion in Urcean culture. A 2015 study indicated the average Urcean spent six hours per week playing video games of some form, a figure which is much higher if all non-players are excluded from the figure. Typical Urcean video games include historic themes or settings. By genre, role playing games are most popular, followed by first person shooters and strategy games. | Video games are a major form of amusement and diversion in Urcean culture. A 2015 study indicated the average Urcean spent six hours per week playing video games of some form, a figure which is much higher if all non-players are excluded from the figure. Typical Urcean video games include historic themes or settings. By genre, role playing games are most popular, followed by first person shooters and strategy games. | ||
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==Sports== | ==Sports== | ||
===Baseball=== | ===Baseball=== | ||
Baseball has been regarded as the Urcean national sport since the late 19th century, and is by several measures the most popular spectator sport. Many scholars have contested that the game started in Urcea, becoming widely attended during the Aedanicad, though the historical consensus now suggests that the game organically developed all across the southern Holy Levantine Empire. Urcea is a member of every major Levantine baseball association, and the major league Continental Baseball Conference (CBC) has one of the highest average attendances of any sports league in the world. Out of the 32 teams in the [[Continental Baseball Conference]], 10 are in Urcea proper or its two states, Ænglasmarch and Gassavelia; consequently, there are 100 official affiliate minor league teams in Urcea spread throughout ten leagues. The Crown Series, the CBC's championship series, is watched by millions globally and is the most watched event in Urcea each year. | Baseball has been regarded as the Urcean national sport since the late 19th century, and is by several measures the most popular spectator sport. Many scholars have contested that the game started in Urcea, becoming widely attended during the Aedanicad, though the historical consensus now suggests that the game organically developed all across the southern Holy Levantine Empire. Urcea is a member of every major Levantine baseball association, and the major league [[Continental Baseball Conference]] (CBC) has one of the highest average attendances of any sports league in the world. Out of the 32 teams in the [[Continental Baseball Conference]], 10 are in Urcea proper or its two states, Ænglasmarch and Gassavelia; consequently, there are 100 official affiliate minor league teams in Urcea spread throughout ten leagues. The Crown Series, the CBC's championship series, is watched by millions globally and is the most watched event in Urcea each year. | ||
===Racing=== | ===Racing=== | ||
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===Football=== | ===Football=== | ||
The third most popular sport in Urcea is gridiron football, which became popular following the end of the Great War. Typically considered Urcea's "second sport" (though racing draws relatively more views in its shorter season), football is typically played in the Continental Baseball Conference's off-season with its first games being played in October and its season ending in mid March. Though football began play in Urcea during the 1900s, the rise in the sport's popularity is traditionally attributed to the return of soldiers of the Royal and Imperial Army, who had grown accustomed to games "faster" than baseball from Sarpedon, such as rugby. Veterans and veteran families began flocking to the sport when baseball season ended; the admiration of veterans among Urcean society led to an interest in seeing the returning soldiers play, giving a massive boost to the sport's popularity. The major football league in Urcea is the [[Royal Association of Football Clubs]] (RAFC). Unlike baseball's Continental Baseball Conference, the RAFC is exclusive to Urcea and fields 28 teams divided into two leagues of two divisions each. | The third most popular sport in Urcea is gridiron football, which became popular following the end of the Great War. Typically considered Urcea's "second sport" (though racing draws relatively more views in its shorter season), football is typically played in the Continental Baseball Conference's off-season with its first games being played in October and its season ending in mid March. Though football began play in Urcea during the 1900s, the rise in the sport's popularity is traditionally attributed to the return of soldiers of the Royal and Imperial Army, who had grown accustomed to games "faster" than baseball from [[Sarpedon]] following the [[Second Great War]], such as rugby. Veterans and veteran families began flocking to the sport when baseball season ended; the admiration of veterans among Urcean society led to an interest in seeing the returning soldiers play, giving a massive boost to the sport's popularity. The major football league in Urcea is the [[Royal Association of Football Clubs]] (RAFC). Unlike baseball's Continental Baseball Conference, the RAFC is exclusive to Urcea and fields 28 teams divided into two leagues of two divisions each. | ||
===Other sports=== | ===Other sports=== |