Pedria

## Kingdom of Pedria

Flag of Pedria

Map of Pedria (shown in green)

Coat of Arms of Pedria

**Pedria** (Pedrian: *Pedrich*), formally the **Kingdom of Pedria** (Pedrian: *Kapoblli Pedrich*), is a landlocked country in Central Sendatio, lying in the Southern Kakans. It is a confederation of nine confederal states, one of which is the capital, Tranha, the most populous city and confederal state. Pedria is bordered by Maveilagos to the northwest, Adhourbasia to the north, Knutsted to the southeast, Palmeieirosia to the southwest, and Harlow to the south. The country occupies an area of 132,089.4 km2 (51,000 sq mi) and has a population of around 51 thousand.

### Etymology

In Pedrian, the word 'Pedria' directly translates to 'the northern light.'

### History

#### Early-Modern History

The lands that encompass modern day Pedria were not discovered by humans until 5,000 BVCE, as the entirety of Sendatio was covered in a thick glacial sheet, which also created the Kakan mountains.

The first settlements in the region were in the western lowlands. The 'Pedri' people, that is, a loose band of refugees escaping persecution from southern nations, established the first societies within these settlements. As agriculture is difficult within the acidic Pedrian soil, the Pedri people relied on a meat-based diet, a trait which modern descendants of the Pedri people retain.

The Pedri people began warring with eachother, creating nine independent Pedri nations that span across the modern borders of Pedria. These confederal nations would eventually unite together under the leadership of Richtag Heydrich in 210 VCE.

#### Modern History

After unification, the newly founded Kingdom of Perdia conquered Mitlan Island from the Sindimbalia people.

Around 378 VCE, mass pilgrimages from Berberan shamanists began into the Kakans mountains. Initially, the Pedrians paid no attention to the pilgrims, but with the arrival of Old Maveilagosian to the region in c. 420 VCE, the Pedrians began to become hostile towards the Berberans. Both religions claimed the precious supply of Harrier Water, and a culmination of tensions would result in the 436-541 Hundred Years War between Berberan-aligned forces and the Pedrian armies.

In 605 VCE, Anestgas Heydrich was crowned King.

### Government

Pedria is divided into nine administrative confederal states, each with a regional governor. Within each state, 20 representatives are selected by the King, and elect one of their own members to server as the governor of their state. The non-elected 19 serve as a cabinet to the governor, making regional decisions. Annually, the nine confederal states meet in Tranha to discuss national affairs.

Despite strong confederal governments existing in each of the nine confederal Pedrian states, the King retains absolute power over all decision-making in the nation. The Queen holds symbolic power over the nation, but she cannot make decisions, though she has considerable influence over the King.

Within each confederal state, mayors and county heads may petition for state representationship to the King upon the death, retiring, resignation, or dismissal of an existing state representative.

### Geography

Pedria contains 3 main geographical regions. In the west, a hilly landscape slopes upwards into central Pedria, where a transitionary semi-mountainous region sharply increases in elevation. Finally, in the eastern reaches of the country, the Kakan mountains are among the tallest in the world.

#### Climate

Pedria, being situated in the Kakans, undergoes seasonal ultrafreeze, a period of extreme cold onset by northern wind chills. During this period, temperatures drop to such an extent that all life dies, including microbial life. As a result, humans and animals have adopted a yearly migratory period, escaping the eastern mountains via mass exodus to the western countryside, where the climate is much milder during the winter months.

Outside of the winter months, Pedria is relatively mild. Pedrian temperatures during the summer months are relatively average compared to other countries on the continent. A steady breeze can be constantly felt barreling down the Kakan mountain slopes, which aids in sailing ships traversing out of Pedrian harbors.

### Flora and Fauna

Pedria contains various flora and fauna.

Most Pedrian animals are either native to the western regions of the country or have adapted strong physical stamina to survive in the Kakans mountains and make periodic migrations to the west. Some prey, such as the Pedrian Elk, Kakan Mountain Goat, and Common Great Toad, migrate beyond the Kakans into Knutstead, where a bountiful supply of grazing land awaits them. However, various predators stalk this prey, including the Kakan Wolf, Northern Knutsteadian Raptor, and Greater Sendation Fox. Therefore, many prey choose to live in the Kakans mountains for most of their lives, hibernating in between periodic treks for food and water.

The plants of Pedria are of deciduous nature, that is, they lose their leaves seasonally. Little to no plant life exists in the Kakans mountains as a result of seasonal ultrafreeze, which kills all plant life in the region. A great deal of plants coexists among animals in the western regions of the nation. Pedrian forests consist mainly of one singular canopy, in which deciduous trees with solid trunks cover a ground vegetation layer of various shrubbery. Ferns dominate forest ground coverage, and native grasses constitute for a small number of meadowlands.

Periodic forest fires are not uncommon and promote seed droppage from certain plants. In fact, Pedrians are known to regularly celebrate burns, as most of Pedrian settlements are away from forests, or are in clearings.

#### Mitlan Island

The flora and fauna of Mitlan Island differs significantly from the Pedrian mainland.

Most animals of the Mitlan Island are domesticated. Some animals still remain in the forests of Mitlan, but are limited to small rodents and other mammals.

The fauna of Mitlan Island is unusual for the region. The island is covered in a sparse forest in which extremely tall Mitlan Supergiant Trees grow. On the ground, grasses and small ferns cover span over the entire island.

The Mitlan Sea Cow lives exclusively on the island, and Mitlan Milk is among the most sought-after food items in Verdénia. Farmers have raised the Mitlan Sea Cow for centuries, allowing it to graze on seaweed in the surrounding waters. Upon return from the seas, the Mitlan Sea Cow instinctively remembers the location of its nest, a narrow hole dug into the ground, in which it uses its entire life.

Various migratory birds inhabit the island, especially those traveling from the Kakan mountain regions to Sindimbalia and Palmeieirosia.

### Culture

The culture of Pedria is unique and diverse.

#### Music

Tranha, the capital city of Pedria, has long been an important center of musical innovation. The Theatre of Tranha serves as an iconic building in Pedria, and remains an international house for singing and drama. The Tranha Opera House is also located in Tranha, and similarly serves as a center for music in operas, symphonies, and other ensembles.

**Visual Art**

Pedria is home to many internationally famous painters, and houses several masterpieces.

#### Sport

Pedria is the country of origin to Terraball, which has a blend of physical agility, strategic play, and dynamic field elements. The goal of Terraball is to place a medium-sized, slightly weighted ball, easy to throw and catch, into a singular goal. Players may carry the ball for up to 5 seconds before dribbling, passing or shooting. Each goal scored is worth one point, and Terraball is played in two 30-minute halves with a 15 minute halftime. Various lines are painted across the court by a team strategist, which disallow stepping onto them. Each team has 2 strategists, each with one liter of paint. Each team consists of 6 players: 3 Forwards, 2 Defenders, and 1 Strategist. Forwards are the only members of the team that can shoot the ball, while defenders are the only ones that may use their feet to defend shots. Players must stay within the field limits. Ball out of bounds results in a turnover. Physical contact is allowed but controlled. Aggressive tackles or interference leads to penalties.