Heronoja

The **Kingdom of Heronoja** (Heronoi: **Ўанаѯара́на Хероноја**, Wanaxarána Heronoja) is a monarchy on northeastern Palkyras. It is known for its blonde race of human-alien hybrids.

It is surrounded by Uvjora to the west; Gimbarish and Iruwasa to the southwest; Siangwaan to the south over the Nereana Sea; Varn Venn and Peren to the southeast; the Dunomin Ocean, the Alban Isles, Anguills, and Pelarin to the east; Nolworra to the northeast; and Baesorja and other Norse nations to the northwest.

 Factfile

* Official name: Kingdom of Heronoja
* Anthem: O Sacred Moon
* Official motto: N/A ("The Light of the Moon")
* Capital city: Wanaxawoiko
* Official language: Heronoi
	+ Minority languages: Rakolan, Norse, Arnadjanai, Kodequarin, Rukanian
	+ Provincial languages: Norse (west and north), Rakolan (north and east), Arnadjanai (eastern), Rukanian (co-official in eastern provinces)
* State religion: Heronoi religion
	+ Major religions: Asatru (Norse religion), Heronoi folk religion, Kewenism (monotheism), Romuva (Rakolan religion), Hinduism, Ridnovirstvo (Rukanian religion, eastern provinces)
* Government: Consitutional monarchy
* Climate: Temperate in the north, subtropical in the south.
* Currency: Darexa (100 baxemai)
* National Day: April 30 (Independence Day), June 3 (Foundation Day)

## Flag and symbols

The flag of Heronoja is one of many flags on the world of Jerde that have blue and white colours.

The blue background symbolises peace and righteousness, and the white colour stands for purity of deed and race and uniqueness. The shape in the middle of the flag represents the *Farano* of Heros, a white fern that is used as a symbol of Heronoja's founder and the first of its noble kings.

The *Farano* fern with five strands symbolises Heronoja breaking away, either from the cruelty of five other ancient civilisations in their ancestral homeworld, or it being the exception from five other related civilisations that conquered nearby lands.

The full moon (represented by a white disk) is another symbol of Heronoja, as it represents its founder, King Heros, whom its people worship as a god.

Blue is the national colour of Heronoja.

### Early history

Before the arrival of the Heronoi, it was inhabited by Rakolan tribes, and it was a part of Marnoxai during the Sixteenth Age.

During the Terran invasions of World War III, Heronoja was taken over by the Aarlalon, an army of cyberwarriors and cyborgs who sought to wreak havoc on the nations of the region. After their defeat, they fled to the Lords of Power in their war against the Denlotia.

On the eve of the Heronoi conquest, the peninsula was known as Saulagima, the Birthplace of the Sun; or Manuolisor, the Moon's Throne. 400 years before that, it was conquered by the Ofrihraed Clan, exiles from the kingdom of Parligrad in the northwest. The Ofrihraed kings were formerly benevolent, but over the years they became more autocratic and extravagant. They renamed the kingdom as Solburd in the 295th year of their rule.

### Heraunwoja

See also: Heraunwoja, Ataranoi language

It was founded by a humanoid extraterrestrial, Heros (or Hairao), who led his people from the devastating wars of his homeworld in search of a new home. The Heronoi people were the result of his people intermarrying with locals, causing them to lose their ability to control the light emitted from their own bodies in dark places.

During the conquest of Heronoja, the last king of Solburd, Fienabor, waged petty wars against his rivals in the west. He was overthrown by the Rakolans as the Heronoi liberated their people from slavery. The natives then crowned Heros as their new king and their saviour. The first kingdom of Heronoja was known by its people as "Heraunwoja", named after the king who founded his country. In modern times, this ancient kingdom was known as "Ata-Heronoja", the "First Heronoja". The Heronoi and the Rakolans fondly looked upon that age as a happier age, where the two peoples prospered in freedom and wealth against repeated Norse attacks.

When Heros and his wife passed away, the Heronoi people cremated them and interred them in a tomb on the Moon. His kingdom was then divided between his four sons, with Dasthowijo as the second king.

In the early years of the kingdom, the other nations avoided Heronoja, mostly to avoid provoking their warriors. They regarded the Heronoi as "beautiful, but inhuman", and sought ways to defeat and humiliate them. At first, they thought that the Heronoi were a mighty nation due to their lightning-quick attacks, but later reports from spies revealed that the kingdom was not as tough as it seemed.

Heronoja was also invaded by more Terran empires, from the White Imperium to a communist army. The White Imperium offered the Heronoi to become its subjects, but after the Heronoi rejected their offer, the White Imperium declared a war of extermination. The communist army attempted to court the Heronoi because of the latter's women dying their hair blue, but they were also rejected. Then, an attempted invasion by the communist army was repelled. Half of Heronoja's people were killed defending their homeland against the joint Terran-Norse invasion.

31 years after the founding, Heronoja's kingdoms were raided by Norse warriors, who sought to plunder its gold or take more glowing slaves. Some of those warriors, known as "vikings", clad themselves in white armour and bathed themselves in the blood of the slain, basing themselves on the dreaded ice-vampires of legend. The raiders were defeated, but Heronoja lost its western territories to the kingdom of Voliska. Gwosto, one of the kings of Heronoja, was slain in battle, and his second son was murdered as a sacrifice to Odin. In rage, the warrior Kiromareu pursued the prince's murderers and slew them all with his golden axe. He wounded the huskarl who led the raid and tore off his head, before he burned the bodies with the prince's blood.

Just when the Heronoi considered isolating themselves and marking all the lands as enemies, they were met with four diplomats from four of the Norse kingdoms: a blonde man from Gylhar, and three bearded men from the coastal lands of Great Vaulon. All four of them sought friendly relations with the aliens, seeking their support in defending themselves against the Rannarisk wars, and Heronoja entered into their alliance. Each emissary was given books, a horse, a unicorn, and gold as gifts to his king.

Rydwoxono was exiled for trespassing a sacred mountain and attempting to assassinate his more popular brother, against the warnings of his priests during the conquest of Alrador in the west. To stop him from murdering the royal court, the high priest and his officers restrained him and left him on a ship to the frozen north. In his place, his brother Ragowondo was crowned as king.

Heronoja was torn apart in a civil war for four years, over a century and a half after the founding. Dazokari battled Donzono in the west (who waged war on him) and Donzóto-zogoro in the east (who hired pirates to fight against him). Three Norse jarls, Hrafnar, Hengest, and Vartalas, supported Dazokari with their armies as he unified the kingdom. They sought to make Heronoja a vassal.

200 years after the foundation of Heronoja, the kings and the people of Heronoja started adopted Norse traditions from the nearby countries. The first of those kings, Akazosa, claimed to have been visited by Odin, Thor, and Freyr in a dream, so he wanted to reestablish ties with the Norse nations to the west. Some foreigners found it to be a cringing sight to see the awkward blonde people dance and yell hymns to Thor and Freyr, even as they were pleased that they were catching up with the region.

Centuries later, Heronoja and the rest of the region were struck by several blizzards at the middle of autumn. Hidden by the snow, vampires emerged, slaying and drinking the blood of anyone who wandered outside. To stop them, several warriors were sent northwards to the frozen wastes to find the source: the light of their bodies guided the Norse warriors to the south to the source of the vampires, being a fortress inhabited by a single Celestial.

### Later history

Heronoja managed to avoid being conquered by the Sarmelonid Empire through a negotiation where it became a vassal. When revolts broke out in the northeast of Vozolaz, the Heronoi aided the revolts and helped build Siangwaan as a buffer state against the Vozonid Empire.

Heronoja was later attacked by the Moon-dwelling Herotaxoi, who condemned the kingdom as "impure" for their partial human ancestry.

### Modern history

Although the kingdom and its successors thrived and weathered through many disasters and divisions for many millennia, it continued to survive. Up until the Thralondian invasion, the kingdom of Heronoja was decadent. One of its kings, Rauteko, held lavish parties where the guests simply bred with each other and his Arnadjanai slaves, even him: the resulting mixed offspring, known as Waxeroi, were sent to populate the east, where they continued their amorous ways until their enslavement.

The modern Heronoi nation was formed from rebellions against the Thralondian Empire, who conquered their country and put their people into slavery, occasionally harvesting and killing them to use their blood as an explosive. After centuries of oppression, the Heronoi people revolted and slaughtered many of the Thralondians to achieve their independence.

They instituted strict laws (such as forbidding marriage with outsiders and non-Heronoi) out of fear that their enemies might use various methods to oppress them again.

In spite of these laws, the Heronoi government tolerated the eastern provinces' promiscuous acts and wild parties, as said acts produced a baby boom that repopulated the country. As the eastern region got affected by natural disasters, the government later made those acts illegal due to a growing outcry; and it resulted in other Heronoi viewing easterners with disgust.

Several violent attacks on easterners fuelled by an episode of Karakewe Shore in 1803 led to thousands of blond easterners fleeing the country; in spite of international condemnation, the Heronoi who participated in the violence were hailed as heroes for killing "the spawn of debauchery". But because some of those "heroes" also murdered other Heronoi and Rakolans in fits of bloodthirsty rage, the government ordered all water supplies to be mixed with a chemical that suppresses certain emotions to prevent further mass killings from breaking out in the kingdom. It was also done to stop overpopulation by erasing sensual desires, therefore preventing unnecessary births and pregnancies: in spite of this, most young Heronoi adults continued to start their own families, ensuring a constant amount of births to sustain the population.

It also led to a civil war lasting for three years, from 1803 to 1806, which ended with the victory of the eastern provinces against the anti-Waxeroi mobs. An agreement was signed between the eastern provinces and the royal government which led to their autonomy, to ensure the survival of the Waxeroi.

Heronoja was affected by several natural disasters, weeks after the massacres ended. Floods, typhoons, and earthquakes ruined the country, killing hundreds. Some Heronoi believe that those natural disasters were the curse of the gods for the killing of Waxeroi.

The nation of Baesorja, its former role model and its biggest enemy, celebrated and murdered prisoners in temples of Odin, in televised human sacrifices that shocked the other Norse countries. In 1813, ten years after the massacre of Waxeroi, Baesorja invaded Heronoja, but was repelled by the other Norse nations and Rukanian military expeditions. This led to another civil war in Baesorja: from the ironic deaths of the Emperor and his officers in the altars they slew prisoners on, to the brutal demises of their killers.

Heronoja later became more stable as its economy grew and its people become more educated, but it also faced the problems of criminals and aliens kidnapping Heronoi citizens for their flammable blood, and divisions within the monarchy. In spite of these attacks, many Heronoi within and outside the nation also contributed a lot to medical studies using their expertise in such skills.

In the early 20th century, a second wave of floods and typhoons killed hundreds of Heronoi. This drove the king, Atozajoro, to apologise to the Waxeroi. The King invited them to return to Heronoja with compensated money to help them start anew. He did this because he believed that the various natural disasters that took place in the previous decades were the punishment of the gods for the murder of the Waxeroi. This led to angry protests by most of the people, who then supported his relative in overthrowing him and placing him under house arrest. Hundreds of Waxeroi returned to Heronoja, but they lived in homes situated away from major cities to avoid being attacked.

## Geography

Heronoja is located on a large east-to-west peninsula on the northeastern shores of Palkyras, divided by mountain ranges into a cool temperate zone in the north and a sunny subtropical land of citrus fruit in the south.

### Regions

See also: Provinces of Heronoja

* Wanaxawoiko - capital city
* Erēwo City
* Erutizo
	+ Twanekhatiza
* Mount Tawakeweira - mountain in the west
* Merandweros
	+ Rannywan
	+ Korywoik'os

* Paserowando
	+ Ariganawy

* Sejoperikaneri
* Ósoröwo
* Gheroquo
* Numize
* Gidorina
* Sezója
* Seinokijawanoi
* Karúperomai Islands
	+ Radwoxe
* Orondo Peromai
	+ Osorino
* Dosógaroixo
* Redonjadho
* Pasanerando
* Reimopettara
* Athuwari
* Nuranesumare
* Quasirá-roti
* Sudari
* Kijónatotke
* Agworyze
* Ferewanni

## Government

Heronoja is a constitutional monarchy ruled by a King, and governed by a Prime Minister and the Vice Prime Minister.

Currently, the monarchy was usurped by the King's brother, who wanted to make the nation more militarised in response to repeated raids and abductions by space aliens.

## Military

Conscription in mandatory for all male Heronoi who have reached 18 years of age, and they serve and train for six months.

## Demographics

Nearly all citizens of this kingdom belong to the Heronoi ethnicity: although they look as White as most of their neighbours -- peach-skinned, blue-eyed, and blond-haired humans -- they are more like hybrids of human and alien origin like most of their Epadwaranai relatives in Randros.

When a Heronoi marries and has a child with a non-Heronoi spouse, their resulting child will be more likely to inherit the Heronoi's blonde hair and blue eyes. Heronoi who are born with other eye or hair colours are considered as Rakolans, as these suggest that their ancestry is mixed. It is rare for mixed Heronoi to have other eye and hair colours.

Although the country is officially a Heronoi ethnostate, it has several minorities that are permitted to live within its territory: the native Rakolans; the Uvjorans at the border towns to the west; the Norse along the west and east; the Arnadjanai (to thank them for helping them to expel the Thralondian oppressors); and the Waxeros (mixed Heronoi-Arnadjanai results of Rauteko's debauchery). Most other non-Heronoi cannot become citizens of Heronoja, not even if they are White or Epadwaranai: however, they may enter or stay in the kingdom as visitors, students, teachers, merchants, or diplomatic staff as they do in other countries. The few that were allowed tend to be skilled people, from chefs to teachers, scientists, musicians, and actors. They are treated with much respect, and because most of them are able to adapt to Heronoi society and norms, these talented people are respected as "exceptionally good foreigners". Some Heronoi also invite them to sit in places traditionally reserved for their people because they are regarded as honourary Heronoi.

In the 1950s, the Heronoi set aside several neighbourhoods for foreigners that they invited to live there. Even though honourary foreigners were allowed to choose any home they wish, they were encouraged to move to these neighbourhoods to socialise. In most cases, those foreigners formed their own cultural communities, while others formed "global villages" where international schools and embassies were established. They also built artificial islands to the east for invited foreigners.

### Regeneration

For many years, Heronoja has never experienced a demographic decline, aside from the purge of the Waxeroi and the mass deaths from many disasters in the 19th to 20th centuries. This is due to several factors:

* A stronger desire in many young adults to form romantic relationships, many of which ended as couples or families fuelled by close friendship
* Weddings in Heronoja tend to be cheaper
* Government policies, such as rent control, universal healthcare, and subsidised childcare making it easier for citizens to start their own families. This policy is condemned in some countries as "socialism" as it raises taxes by a small amount rather than forcing people to become more independent.
* A social culture in Heronoja where friends and strangers take care of each other's children, and many of them enjoy it. This treatment is extended towards illegitimate and foreign children, although Waxeroi were avoided. Nonetheless, the foreigners in Heronoja *do* take care of Waxeroi orphans out of pity.

Some foreigners praise this as a healthy country that retains its people, avoiding a demographic decline for decades, if not centuries. Even though some of them pressure the Heronoi to adopt their nationalistic or racialist policies, the Heronoi reject many of them as diluting their culture.

Others fear this as an ever-growing menace: one day, they will be so numerous, that they might easily conquer other countries when they reach a breaking point. The lack of immigration and diversity from other races, and their growing suspicion towards other foreigners due to the Thralondian and alien attacks, make them look more threatening to certain people like overpopulated Baesorja. However, the Heronoi themselves do not wish to wage war on other countries nowadays, nor do they hate other races, which is considered a waste of time.

Still others, especially alien abductors, see this as a plentiful, inexhaustible source of victims and prey. These extraterrestrial threats added to the Heronoi suspicion of non-humans.

## Religion

See also: Heronoi mythology

Most Heronoi practice a polytheistic religion, with King Heros as their most popular god. Heros (also known as Hairao) was the leader of their people and the founder of their country thousands of years ago, and the interment of his remains at the Moon caused the natural satellite to become a symbol of their people.

Other deities of Heronoi religion include:

* Ariewi (Heros' consort)
* Keweno (the creator of the universe and the high king of the gods)
* Iro (the god of fire) and his consort Heri (Heros' sister)
* Ruonditai (the goddess of rainbows and beauty) and her consort Grolijo (god of farming)
* Tewos (the god of war) and Hiposo (god of peace)
* Arija (the goddess of truth and apples. Ironically, some Heronoi kings and queens claimed her as their ancestor)
* Aze and his sister Azije (sun deities)
* Ano (Azije's husband) and his sons, Anoxo and Asoro (sun charioteers, gods who watch over twins)
* Aiwi, Durina, Tarina, and Duzaijan (the Fates, goddesses of life, death, and the seasons)

The King of Heronoja and his household are worshipped as living descendants of Heros; however, any criticism of them is permitted as long as it is not obscene.

### Other religions

Other religions in the kingdom include:

* Kewenism (worship of Keweno the creator god)
* the Rakolan religion (practiced by the native Rakolans)
* Hinduism (practiced by some Heronoi who believed that their religion is similar. Very common in the east and major cities.)
	+ As in many countries, Hinduism in Heronoja mostly venerates Shiva, although Chandra and Rama are popular in eastern Heronoja.
* the Norse religion (popularised by certain ancient people)
	+ The western parts venerate Odin, referring him as the Black God for his avoidance in Heronoi culture as a bringer of death. As Odinists, the western Nors-ified Heronoi tend to be kind and wise: many of them even hid Waxeroi who fled from the purges, who were able to blend in as Norse converts.
	+ Although the Norse religion is mostly practiced by the Norse human minority, many Heronoi are also converts to this ancient faith, believing that doing so brings them closer to the gods who created the universe and their blessings.
	+ Another reason why they worship the Aesir and Vanir is out of defiance against the Rannariskar and their Baesorthar descendants, their arch-enemies, by practicing a more peaceful version of the religion. By angering the western foe and laughing at their frothing rage, they are defying their enemies by being closer to the Gods than their foes.
* a syncretic Heronoi-Norse religion (folk traditions in the countryside)
* Ridnovirstvo (Rukanian religion related to Rodnovery in other Slavic nations)
* Ridnovirstvo, the religion of Rukania, was popularised in the eastern provinces due to Rukanian cultural influence. The first temple to Dazhbog, or Daiboro, was consecrated in 1834 AT, accompanied by a gentleman's school.

### Heronoi traditions

When a Heronoi worships any of the gods, he or she uses a title for an aspect of their chosen god, thanks the god for their help, requests, and leaves an offering (such as burning a flower or a cake). The usage of titles and deeds to refer to their gods is similar to prayers practiced by the Rakolan, Norse, and Slavonian peoples.

The full moon is considered sacred to all observant Heronoi: on the preceding day, all activity continues past midnight to 6 or 7 a.m. at sunrise, and everyone sleeps until the afternoon. They take a bath, wear white and blue silk robes, and have a dinner. Then, they go to temples at nightfall and bow to the Moon, saying their prayers and thanking the gods, before returning home to sleep. Some people instead keep services functioning during the full moon day, while others (especially minorities and non-observant Heronoi) relax on their extended weekends.

On the contrary, any night of a lunar eclipse is a national emergency in all of Heronoja and in parts of Uvjora. Sirens wail throughout the whole country, all business and entertainment (except emergencies) is shut down, and all citizens are advised to hide in dark areas and bunkers underneath temples. It was also during a lunar eclipse when the Thralondians -- their latest conquerors -- devastated their nation, so the anniversary of that night is now a national day of mourning. Red circles -- which may represent lunar eclipses -- can traumatise or frighten a Heronoi if shown against a black background.

Blood is considered sacred in the Heronoi religion, so drinking any blood is considered blasphemy against the gods.

Any usage of blood is considered a great sin in the Heronoi religion, as it encouraged Heronoja's enemies to attack its people. Therefore, when a Heronoi felt that there is no other option but to use their blood (such as fuel for a torch or to repel or burn an attacker), he or she would quickly pray to the gods for forgiveness. Heronoi also drain blood from the deceased before they cremate their bodies to avoid polluting the soil, and it takes roughly an hour of contemplation and remembrance for the dead to run out of blood.

Some Heronoi resort to meditation to prevent themselves from becoming enraged. Others write their prayers by starting with a glyph in the middle surrounded by an outward spiral of sentences.

Orchid flowers are commonly used as offerings to the gods, if the worshipper cannot afford to buy incense.

### Heronoi wedding

The Heronoi marriage ceremony consists of several parts:

* *kuro-g'ati* (gate-give) - the parents give the bride to her groom, and ask her to confirm her choice.
* *gísa-osa* (star-prayer) - a prayer to the stars and Moon to bless the couple
* *puro-taxe* (fire-hand) - the bride and groom hold hand before a sacred fire in the temple
* *axa-patta* (five-walk) - the bride and groom walk around the sacred fire six times
* *pura-koxa* (fire-oath) - the bride and groom say nine oaths to each other and before a priest to confirm their loyalty.
* *kaiwaque* - they chant hymns from the sacred scriptures to the gods to bless their marriage.
* *gwori-gísa* - a final prayer to the northern pole star for its blessings.

Foreigners remarked that the Heronoi wedding ceremony seems similar to those practiced by Hindus.

## Culture

See also: Heronoi language, Heronoi glossary, Heronoi calendar, Heronoi symbols

Heronoi culture values self-control and discipline, for these are necessary to avoid being locked in a murderous state of rage that Heronoi would fall under when provoked into excessive anger. In their own berserk mode, they could even kill other Heronoi in the process. That can be one reason why many Heronoi adopted Ald-Ardeschen culture, in trying to make themselves look like gentlemen and ladies to stop themselves from becoming too angry.

Because their blood can be flammable, Heronoi are more cautious when approaching anything to do with fire. They always keep their wounds away from flames. Their flammable blood also causes all Heronoi to virtually avoid smoking, and a nationwide ban on all cigars and cigarettes as they might cause the lungs to burst into flame.

Chariot racing and jousting are popular sports in Heronoja: chariots are for the more vulgar crowds, while jousting is for those who are more internationally-minded and courteous. Other popular sports include baseball, soccer, polo, bowling, hockey, archery, and spear-fighting.

Twins are viewed as a blessing in Heronoi culture, and having twin sons is considered to be a bigger boon.

The number six is considered to be auspicious in Heronoi culture.

Traditional Heronoi music involves lyres, flutes, drums, sticks, and coconuts.

Romantic art -- especially any art involving young, heterosexual and blond couples -- is popular among male and female young Heronoi who find them to be relatable. Homosexual romantic stories are also popular among many young Heronoi, and they are often considered "cute". Other subcultures involve bikes, diners, suits and dresses (emulating Ald-Ardeschen formality), thrillers, and traditional silk robes.

In spite of their wariness towards most foreigners, the Heronoi are avid fans of foreign cultures and their arts, owing to boredom from oversaturation to the richness of their own culture. They love dramatic performances that focus more on expressing emotions, and they like to laugh at any aspects of foreign countries that seem "ridiculous" to them (like fandoms, shipping, poor infrastructure, alcoholics, reckless fireworks, and vulgarity).

A part of Heronoja's culture was influenced by that of the Norse. Certain traditions were adopted from Heronoja's neighbours, like offering mead to the gods, forging swords and spears as offerings, the usage of futhark runes, and veneration of the Aesir (especially Baldr and Forseti).

### Gender

Heronoi society seems slightly patriarchal, although women seem to be equal to men in terms of basic rights and companions. It is quite common for Heronoi to have friends of the opposite gender; but usually a few would end up as romantic interests, and (if they go on to marry) only one of them will end up being their spouse.

Heronoi society has four gender roles instead of two like in many countries: warrior men, artist men, ladies, and warrior women. Masculine men are "warrior men", "artist men" are men who do not like combat (so they are encouraged to take up artistic pursuits), "ladies" are feminine women, and "warrior women" are tomboys. Generally, men and women are expected by society to fall in love and marry, unless they are homosexual or asexual, which they are then exempted.

More so than in other countries, many Heronoi look forward to romance, marriage, and having children. This attitude is encouraged by a social attitude where children can be raised by their neighbours as though they were their own, and various policies that made it easier and cheaper to start a family.

### Language

The syllabic Heronoi language is the official language of the country.

It has its own dialects. Western Heronoi pronounces z as "z" (not "dz"); and Eastern Heronoi pronounces r as "l" and has "sh" as a separate phoneme.

Three other languages are used in parts of the country: the native "Rakolan" language (known as Ryxarin), the Arnadjanai language, and the Norse language.

### Nationalism

Heronoi are nationalistic due to their centuries of occupation and enslavement by the Thralondian Empire. Out of fear that they might get invaded again, the independent Heronoi government banned mixed marriages between Heronoi and other races, except Arnadjanai, Rakolans, and Norse residents to avoid destroying their families.

The early modern Heronoi government tried to copy Baesorja's racialist laws, including segregating foreigners and banning the display of mixed relationships and romance. However, the Baesorthar continued to attack the Heronoi, bullying and cursing at any Heronoi they saw for their alien origin, and using racist stereotypes to hurt them. These same racialist laws led to more hatred towards the Waxeroi minority, descendants of mixed unions with the Arnadjanai, culminating in a massacre in the eastern part of the country, many refugees, and a series of floods that killed off many of the murderers.

The Baesorthar threats to kill all Heronoi after the disasters led to a repeal of various racialist laws in Heronoja, as the nation and its Norse allies armed themselves against expeditions to murder the remaining locals as sacrifices. Although Heronoi mostly married within their own country's people, they no longer restrict citizenship to ethnic pureblood Heronoi or ban mixed marriages, in memory of all of their people killed in the disasters and the Baesorthar war to exterminate them.

## Foreign relations

See also: Foreign relations of Heronoja

Although many Heronoi do not trust foreigners, the kingdom itself prefers cooperation with other countries instead of wasting its own resources and troops on war. However, it is at war with the terroristic Wannaenid Empire and scores of extra-terrestrial civilisations that launch periodic raids to abduct its people and kill them for their blood.

In spite of their wariness towards foreign people and their fervent nationalism, the Heronoi gladly donate medicine to people in poorer nations, educate them, and (in some cases) help their countries adapt to climate change. Among the reasons for doing so include actually trying to help people, securing more allies for their kingdom, and making sure that people do not need to immigrate to Heronoja. Such programmes are considered controversial in some parts of Heronoja, who consider them to be "wasting economic effort".

### Baesorja

Historically, Heronoi and foreign Norse regarded each other with distrust, with the exception of Nolworra, other independent Norse nations east of Heronoja along the northern bay, and the Norse minority within Heronoja being treated with equal respect. The behaviour of the two races led to mockery and even persecution in other countries, who regarded both Norse and Heronoi as barbarians and savages.

When modern Heronoja was founded, its government looked to Baesorja as a role model. However, its failure to become a true ethnostate and constant condemnation by Baesorjan politicians forced the kingdom to turn towards other nations for help.

Years after floods and storms killed more Heronoi, a Baesorthar diplomat mocked them as "a stupid race of dolls, who are better off sacrificed to Odin's altars. kept like the pigs they are, and fed to the einherjar". Reports of the deaths of Heronoi and Waxeroi led to a nationwide celebration, praising Odin for supposedly killing off the hated aliens, and murdering prisoners on temples in televised human sacrifices.

That remark and various celebrations in Baesorja angered the Heronoi, who broke off all diplomatic relations with the mad kingdom. Although most Heronoi were resentful towards the local Waxeroi, the other Norse nations were allowed to help them and defend the country from a Baesorthar invasion. They, along with the local Norse, warned the Heronoi *never* to look to Baesorja as a role model. The televised human sacrifices in Baesorja also angered them, leading to more soldiers being stationed along all the borders to Baesorja to shoot at any soldier or *viking* who went to kill people as sacrifices.

Diplomatic relations between the two kingdoms are still soured by both nations' poor attitudes towards each other. The indoctrinated Baesorthar deride and condemn the half-alien Heronoi as "false cheap Whites", "stupid dolls", and "subhuman scum". On the other end, the Heronoi see the Baesorthar as arrogant fanatics and spoiled brats who are more concerned with picking a fight instead of preserving their own people.

### Bujan

Some Heronoi were sold as slaves during Thralondian domination to the Wannaenid Empire, who brought them to colonies all over its empire such as Bujan. These Heronoi joined the local revolts and were granted citizenship.

Nonetheless, Bujanski sometimes see Heronoi negatively due to the latter's unstable emotions and obsession with beauty and affection. Government campaigns discourage this negative treatment as vulgar, not fitting for a nation focused on being "proper".

Like the Arnadjanai, the Heronoi do struggle with trying to be proper enough to avoid being seen as "stupid", but they were more able to fit in as properness was taught to their children.

In spite of the obsession with formality in Bujanski society, the local Heronoi there are more relaxed than homeland Heronoi. They became more like the Arnadjanai, who were more likely to accept and love them as friends, lovers, spouses, and adoptive parents.

## Favourite countries

### Pinoguni

The Heronoi regard this island nation as a dreamy counterpart of their country in a distant continent, to the extent of calling it "Counter-Heronoja", "the other Heronoja", or "Solar Heronoi". The Pinogunians have similar views of Heronoja as a nation of classical art and gentlemen. However, many Heronoi can get easily offended by teasing remarks about how their syllabic language would sound "cute" to Pinogunian ears. The Heronoi are amused that the Pinogunians are somewhat like an opposite counterpart, in that they worship the Sun instead of the Moon.

They still enjoy *gökase* for its tropes about mechas, slapstick relief, people in suits, tales of *saburabi* and other knights, and amusing mockeries of classical settings. Furthermore, they like Pinoguni for its tea, rice dishes, locomotives, battleships, and intricate *Jamatöki* clocks.

### Marnos

Many young Heronoi like to go there to study art, go on dates, or to party and get drunk. However, the Marnosyns sometimes distrust the Heronoi over their abuse of Waxeroi centuries ago.

The Heronoi and the Marnosyns seem to have a love-hate relationship. Both countries look down on each other, but sometimes they admire each other over their strengths or something attractive. Heronoi dislike Marnosyns as a vulgar mob, and Marnosyns see Heronoi as stupid, lovesick dolls; but Heronoi like how Marnosyns provide a relief from the strictures of their daily lives, while Marnosyns see the Heronoi as a beautiful people with a p(r)etty culture (if not a rather amusing attitude).

### Siangwaan, Josol

Popular vacation spots for their tropical climate, rich cultures, and rapid modernisation. Many Heronoi also immigrate to these countries to enjoy their less-restrictive societies, and even to intermarry with the local Waxeroi, a mixed-Heronoi people.

Siangwaan is home to a large community of Waxeroi, many of which who fled from Heronoja's purges and violence; due to their behaviour, Siangwaanians think of the Heronoi not as "snobbish and civilised" (like in other countries), but "brutish and brawling". The country begins to distrust its northern neighbour as "violent, arrogant, and spoiled."

Because the Waxeroi are more unruly, but stronger than average humans, they often end up in sports teams. At one time, the national jousting team of Siangwaan was even mostly composed of Waxeroi men, leading to nationwide condemnation claiming that "Siangwaan is becoming more dumber".

In sports events, Heronoi from their own country often condemn their Siangwaanian counterparts as "freaks" and "abominations". They also condemn local Heronoi who left their own country to live and marry with the Waxeroi as "disgusting breeders" and "stupid people".

### Nolworra

The Nolworrans, in spite of their Norse ancestry, loved the Heronoi and treated them like little brothers or sons. The other free Norse countries also protected Heronoi, for that alien race was hated by the same fascist enemy, Baesorja. Not only because the Heronoi would end up becoming an obstacle against Baesorthar dominance, but they also pitied the Heronoi for their tragic history.

Many ethnic Waxeroi and Heronoi supporters immigrated to Nolworra during Thralondian times and the massacres. Like the eastern parts of their homeland, in Nolworra, Heronoi and Waxeroi tend to coexist and regard each other as fellow kin.

### Rukania

Ever since the Heronoi first landed on Jerde, Rukania found them to be cute and fascinating, like a race of fairies and dolls. They also supplied the Heronoi to protect them from the Terran invaders. For that, the Heronoi remembered Rukania as "the Land of the Morning", and in turn, Rukanian legends referred Heronoja as the "Land of the Falling Star".

Although Rukania was an old friend of Heronoja, it suspended diplomatic relations as its people were angry at the massacres of Waxeroi. In fact, they opened portals to ensure more Waxeroi would be safe in this easterly kingdom. Years later, some of the same Waxeroi became knights, among the members of knighthoods who returned to protect Heronoja from a Baesorthar war of extermination.

During the absent years, the knights occasionally appeared through portals to help the ruined east rebuild. It was from those benign, top-knotted knights from which many easterners learned chivalry and martial arts befitting the dwellers in the sich-castles. Eventually they applauded a recent king, Atozajoro, for ordering all Waxeroi to become full citizens. Although it was unpopular at first, international diplomatic pressure forced Heronoja to keep the royal edict, even after Atozajoro fled to Rukania.

This was when relations between the two kingdoms resumed after nearly a hundred years of silence.

### Tjaunorja

In older times, several Heronoi migrated westward near Bivos in search of a lost tribe of Heronoi. Although the Tjaunorians are welcomed in Heronoi society, they are mocked because they are a race of clones, and later for protecting Waxeroi.

## Terminology

* Kingdom of Heronoja - Wanaxarána Heronoja

### Positive

* Land of the Rising Moon - Rána Taraheroja
* Ten Thousand Waterfalls - Darapaxe
* Land of the Moon - Daraurána
* Children of the Moon - Herogwirai
* The Blue and Gold Land
* Kingdom of the Moon

### Negative

* The Dollhouse
* Stupid Little Dolls
* Cute Ones
* Pathetic Weaklings
* HRE - derisive Internet meme
* Dumb Blondes
* Blondistan
* Barmistan, Barbistan (doll country)
* Bárumirētta (nickname recorded among Terrans during the Reorganization War and the Wannaenid occupation of Bujan).
* Heranimals ("Heronoi animals")

#### Siangwaanian

* Gam Paat Yu Gwok - Goldfishland
* Gweilostan
* Huilostan
* Huilonoja
* Huilogwok
* Nahuistan

#### Bujanski or Zvestarid

* Zvaerinoja (zvaeri Kjeronoja)
* Khuilos
* Khuilostan
* Khuilonoja, Nakhuilastan
* Nakhuistan
* Sukanoja
* Sukanakhui
* Ljóstiland - Doll Country
* Barbieland, Barbistan, Bárumirētta (nickname recorded among Terrans during the Reorganization War and the Wannaenid occupation of Bujan).
* Bljatistan
* Blonde Orcs
* Orkistan, Orkostan
* Dolbojoby - Stupid People
* North Dolbostan
	+ South Dolbostan is Siangwaan

## Trivia

* Heronoja was inspired by Mycenaean Greece and Victorian England. The author was interested in how the transcription of Linear B's syllabary for Mycenaean Greek seemed similar to Japanese, so he created the Heronoi language in roughly 2015 from both languages and a bit of Latin.
	+ The name "Heronoja" was inspired by the Quenya phrase "Aiya Eärendil *Elenion* Ancalima!", which Frodo used while navigating Shelob the Spider's lair in *The Two Towers*. The phrase means "Hail, Earendil, brightest of the stars!"
		- In another way, the Heronoi people themselves seem closer to "high elves" in fantasy literature.
		- Heronoi society and policy towards immigration was also partly based on Japan and South Korea.
* Heronoja's name should be pronounced as "HEH-roh-noh-yah" ([ˈheɾonojʌ]).

### Miscellaneous

* In 1986 AT, one Heronoi darexa (pound) was worth 20 Siangwaanian chin'ya (cents). Due to its more advanced technology, Siangwaan is richer than Heronoja, adding to the regional stereotype that Heronoja is a backwards country.

### Early drafts

* In 2021, certain aspects in Heronoja were removed from its background lore, such as obsession with racial purity and hatred of mixed people, as he considered these to be unnecessary and "disgustingly fascistic".
	+ However, the author also added more information that also led to its reluctance to trust foreigners, such as persecution by other nations or attempted destruction by the Norse kingdoms to the west and Terran armies.
	+ One Terran army's near-destruction of Heronoja led to a cultural hatred of Nazis and grey uniforms. Its recent practice of "racial purity" is also depicted as an exception in its history, caused by nationwide fear of being subjugated by foreign rulers, yet eventually it was dropped as it became associated with the 1813 Baesorthar war of extermination.
	+ In earlier drafts of the setting's lore, Heronoja used to help Kovastoi to support making Bujan an ethnostate. It was changed so the Heronoi instead oppose Kovastoi for its war crimes against Bujan, and support the survival and integration of local Heronoi into Bujanski society.
* In mid-2022, Heronoja became depicted as the laughingstock of the region, associated with the "dumb blonde" stereotype. The resulting abuse of Heronoi may have led to modern Heronoja being more disciplined, but also more isolated, as a fear of being enslaved and killed by foreigners.
* In older lore, Heronoi consider homosexuals to be "people with empty hearts", hence them being more romantic to satisfy their emotional void. In 2022, the Heronoi are instead depicted as a people who are born with attraction to both genders, making this detail useless.

### Non-heterosexuals in Heronoja

The Heronoi are mostly born with an attraction to both genders that appears when they reach childhood, as soon as they develop any manner of romantic attraction. Eventually, this either shifts towards the opposite gender, or the same gender, yet bisexuality and polygamy are considered acceptable in traditional Heronoi culture. Due to the influence of Ardeschen culture and the need to make themselves more respectable, most post-independence Heronoi attempt to emulate heterosexual monogamy to win respect from other nations.

Heronoja is one of the most supportive nations for homosexuality, that when one Norse kingdom tried to taint a nearby river with the Rho-Pill's chemicals, and make the Heronoi behave like typical foreigners, one king of Heronoja even threatened war unless the kingdom stopped using the Rho-Pill towards Heronoja's water.

Homosexuals in Heronoja have their own separate media (as in comics, novels, movies, television stories), which became a niche to mainstream Heronoi because such romances are considered "cute". However, heterosexual or bisexual romances are more common in mainstream works, which also became a niche to the country's same-romantic community.

Homosexuals in Heronoja have their own villages, even though they are always allowed to live and go anywhere they want to this day. Those "villages" are more akin to dormitories where residents can socialise, relax, and move out when they felt ready. "Romantic villages" are indicated by colourful banners hung outside their gates and windows, showing that no person from the opposite gender is allowed to enter to honour traditional Heronoi norms. Those who are not attracted to the same gender should wear a sash before entering the villages.

In Heronoi religion, there are four gods for homosexuals and bisexuals. Heronoi men from these pray to Dotkaso and Wirubatogo, and women pray to Semade and Tasade.

Asexual Heronoi are considered to be more gifted and focused, so they end up being offered with roles as priests, teachers, and scientists.

The Heronoi word for "homosexual" literally means "straight", while the word for "straight" or "heterosexual" means "opposite" or "aligned". A more-common name used for non-heterosexuals is "romantic" or "romantic community".

### Why is it "peculiar"?

* Heronoja's majority, the Heronoi, are not truly human, as they are hybrids of human and alien ancestry.
* Heronoja is the only nation in the world where tobacco is completely banned, and where the misuse of blood is considered a criminal act.
* Heronoja is the only nation in the world where the sale of ice cream is banned, as ice cream represented cannibalistic hunters in Heronoi folklore. In spite of the ban, they do not censor depictions of ice cream, ice cream men, or tobacco, but accept them as foreign customs.
* Heronoja's eastern provinces are the only region in Palkyras where the Rukanian language is an official language, alongside Heronoi, Rakolan, and Arnadjanai.

## External links

* Religious BGM: 1, 2, 3
* Cultural BGM: 1, 2, 3, 4