Dithmareschen

## Flag

> Lunarism, 40%

No religion, 2%

## Map

The Free City of Dithmareschen is an oddity when it comes to Old World states, especially Equestrian ones. It is ruled as a peasants' republic rather than a monarchy or even a non-democratic republic. A member of the Exalted Equestrian Empire, it is situated near the northern border with the New Lunar Republic to its north, Wooles off its west coast, The Snowdrop Duchy to its southwest, and The Ponatinate to its south.

Despite being called a "free city," its territory stretches well beyond the city's limits. In fact, aside from the city that gives it its name, the smaller city of Heide also exists near its southern border.

Dithmareschen is known for its cold, but certainly not arctic, climate, caused in part due to currents from Snowdrop, and partially due to being situated in the far north of Equestria. It is populated almost entirely by those who speak Germane, and so it is often considered North Germane despite its lack of historical connection to other Germane states.

## Speaker:

### Full name & Titles:

Judge Langley, Speaker of the Assembly (Right)

## History

### Classical Period

Little is known about how Dithmarecshen was founded - it is likely that the region was settled prior to Equestria's founding, but no records point towards any specific identity - records only spoke of "the people in the marshes," or other such terms. This is almost certainly how Dithmareschen's name was acquired. Archaeological evidence suggests that Dithmareschen's economy was primarily centered around subsistence agriculture, as records show no indications of advanced trade. The marshes made construction of any significant cities impossible for quite some time, so the population was spread out across a multitude of small villages, likely contributing to both Dithmareschen's lack of geopolitical significance and its lack of regional identity during this time period.

### Formation of the Republic

The point that Dithmareschen could be considered a republic is not clear. A noble class never formed in the region due to the entirety of its economy being centered around subsistence agriculture. Groups of villages, frequently but incorrectly referred to as counties, settled their disputes by way of mutually choosing a "Judge" that would arbitrate the dispute. Over time, as communication and transport between the villages improved, groups of villages across different geographical areas began to interact, which led to the need for judges working together to determine policy. This system was largely ad-hoc, with judges handling decisions in reaction to specific issues rather than proactively. At the time, they still saw themselves as mediators, rather than policy-makers, and their decisions reflected this. Further, this meant that the policy between groups of villages was often inconsistent, leading to numerous headaches as Dithmareschen's economy began to develop past subsistence agriculture.

### Integration with Equestria

After the arrival of the Sisters, the villages of Dithmareschen were asked whether it would join the newly formed nation of Equestria. Given that no mechanism existed to actually determine this, the judges across Dithmareschen hastily formed an impromptu assembly, which voted to join Equestria. This is largely considered the formation of Dithmareschen's modern government, as the assembly would decide a number of issues to standardize things like weights and measures and other regulations that govern interactions between villages. However, the assembly would only sporadically convene until the city of Dithmareschen was established.

Dithmareschen was eventually constructed primarily as a trading port, rather than being planned as the seat of the Assembly. However, the discovery of valuable natural resources in Dithmareschen meant that its population soon exploded due to the flurry of trade now passing through the Eldelweiss river. The high population, and the fact that it was not within the jurisdiction of any previous Judge, meant that it was an ideal candidate for the Assembly. Judges, while still fulfilling their usual role, now spent much of their time in the city of Dithmareschen, acting as a proper government for the region.

### Modern Day

After the departure of the Sisters, times grew more difficult for Dithmareschen. Neighboring lords soon sought to conquer the area, seeing it as unclaimed land due to its lack of a feudal system. They were repelled, in no small part thanks to assistance from the Duchy of Snowdrop and favorable geography, but it took a great toll on both sides. To prevent further violence, Dithmareschen was declared a Free City, protecting it from any attacks from within Equestria.

Dithmareschen initially supported the Prench Revolution due to the hopes of a similar form of government, although it primarily sent judges to serve as advisors, although some volunteers made their way into the country. However, after the rise of the dictatorship, Dithmareschen swiftly withdrew its support, most likely saving it from any reprisals once Prance was defeated.

## Economy

### Trade

Dithmareschen primarily serves as the last port of call for those who plan to go around the long, Lunar-controlled peninsula - and the first one that ships going the opposite direction visit. This allows for a noticeable trade presence, making it noteworthy in North Germane trading circles.

### Taxation

Most of Dithmareschen's taxes are local, determined by their judges' jurisdictions. However, unlike the feudal system, these taxes remain in the local community, instead of flowing upwards. Instead, a separate, very light federal tax is levied on citizens directly to pay for the functions of the national government.

### Natural Resources

The discovery of copper mines was what led to Dithmareschen's initial survival. However, these mines have since been depleted - but new, more valuable resources have been found. Deposits of gold were found in both the Einsam Alps and the Ostwand Alps, which is largely why taxes in Dithmareschen remain light. The Kleinerschwarzerwald also possesses very valuable hardwood trees. The lands just outside it are used as very bountiful pasture for livestock.

## Government

As described above, Dithmareschen uses a representative republic. The legislature and the judiciary are necessarily combined, as would be expected. A true executive is nowhere to be found in Dithmareschen's government - the closest thing is the Speaker, which manages procedure and serves as chief diplomat to other countries.

### Foreign Relations

Dithmareschen, despite its previously defensive stance towards its neighbors, has enjoyed much greater friendliness since its designation as a Free City. It maintains contact with some Lunar local governments to its north, but that is as far as its truly foreign relations go.

### Current treaties

Dithmareschen enjoys defensive pacts with The Snowdrop Duchy and The Knights Clinician. Further, it participates in a full alliance with The Ponatinate.

## Military

Dithmareschen fields a relatively large, well-equipped army, although it is comprised mostly of local militias who train independently, leading to a chronic lack of generals.

It fields a smaller navy, mostly only enough to protect its home waters from any would-be pirates. It is considered entirely unremarkable.

## Notable Characters

### Judge Langley

An aging and well-respected figure, Judge Langley is known for being approachable, mild-mannered, and extremely well-versed in not just Dithmareschen law but the entire Equestrian legal system. He is often known to carry various candies - but almost always lemon drops - with him, which he happily provides to anyone who asks.