Celtica

**Nouvelle Celtica**

--Lore--

Nouvelle Celtica is a nation rising from the ashes of Gallia Celtica in the late 1570s. Bordering Drakenstaat, the Celtic nation has been forced to build up powerful land and sea militaries to defend her territory throughout history.

Celtica is an absolute monarchy, led by a queen ordained by the greater deities. The queen is seen as a lower deity, and the role is inherited through a system of matrilineal primogeniture.

Celtica is a matriarchal clan based society. Each clan is an extended family that results from a maternal line. All property of a clan is held in common. The oldest woman in the clan is the Clan Elder. Their role is largely ceremonial; except that they can appoint the Clan Chief. The clan chief is the woman responsible for administering a clans collective resources. When the Chief dies, the title moves by matrilineal Primogeniture. Those under 15 come under the regency of the clan elder. If there are no legal heirs; the clan elder appoints a new clan chief.

Administration & Government of Celtica

The Queen is the primary figure within the state. She possesses final authority over law enforcement, the judiciary, legislation, the military & bureaucracy, and regional administration. She is assisted in these roles by two primary types of advisors: those from the royal family, which assist in the control of the Royal household and estate; and those from the nations clans, which assist in the running of the realm at large. The “Royal” council is headed by the Private Secretary, and populated by their chosen advisors. “National” advisors are those which sit on The National Councils. Each of these is led by a Secretary, selected from the Diet by the sovereign; aind populated by his/the sovereigns appointed advisors. The primary national councils each have an associated bureaucracy, and independent system of promotion/meritocracy. The Sovereign, Dauphine (Crown Princess), and Speaker of the Diet sit on all councils of state.

The Diet is the primary legislative/advisory body to the sovereign. It is made up of 1 deputy from each of the nation's clans; and led by a speaker chosen by the sovereign. Deputies can be dismissed by the sovereign, or recalled by their clan; but the diet itself is continuous. It’s primary role is to draft legislation, present petitions, and populate the national bureaucracy. It does not have the power to create law without the assent of the sovereign.

Celtica is divided into a collection of generalities, each administered by an Intendant appointed by the Sovereign. These intendants oversee the execution of laws within their generality. Intendants employ magistrates, clerks, police, prosecutors, and other officials to assist them in these functions. Each generality has its own assembly; which functions similarly to the national Diet, with representatives of clans being dismissed/recalled by Intendants and clans.

The judiciary is divided into three primary levels: Lower courts that make initial rulings on civil and criminal cases within their jurisdiction; and superior courts that rule on appeals/cases involving “national” laws. Lower court judges are elected by general assemblies, and approved by Intendants. Lower courts seat a panel of three justices that make rulings by majority. Superior court justices are appointed by the sovereign. These courts seat 5 justices.

Laws

Clan members maintain personal possession over anything they make/earn. To establish possession: one must be able to lift the object in question off the ground, and hold it clear of the ground for one minute. This must be done without the assistance of any implement.

While marriages in Celtica are monogamous, they have no bearing on legal inheritance. All children born of a woman are members of her clan.

Adopted children are also considered legal members of a clan and line of succession. However the date they are adopted is used instead of their birth date when determining inheritance.

--History--

900 BC - Celtica is populated by ethnic Draken tribes

100 BC - Celtica is conquered by the Remans. Introduction of feudalism to the region, along with significant reman nobility.

300 - Weak reman control over northern borderlands leads to migrations/encroachment by Pictish clans

400 - assimilation and displacement of draken peoples by incoming Pictish clans as central reman authority continues to deteriorate.

500 - Collapse of Reman empire; beginning of a period of military anarchy. Pictish, Draken, and Reman nobilities fight over a land becoming increasingly more Pictish, as migrations from the north continue.

800 - Pictish Aquilani dynasty comes to power, establishes the first Celtic Kingdom, Gallia Celtica. Kingdom remains decentralized, with power remaining divided between the Clans, Nobility, and Crown. Conflicts continue between ethnic groups; however peace speeds the process of assimilation/cultural mixing.

1000 - Reman Reclamation period. Much of the kingdom falls under the influence of Reman empire/nobility. Near constant fighting between Celtic clans and Remans, sometimes expanding into full scale war.

1200 - The last Reman War. A faction of Reman nobility, with the support of Reme soundly defeated by general Joan de Arc. Marks the end of the reclamation period in celtica. Reman rule has a lasting effect on culture/language. Reman Wars seen as galvanizing force on Celtica, forging a unified cultural identity.

1232- a 15ft defensive stone wall built along the border with Ostrony, spanning the entire border with towers every other mile.

1309- King Aglovare III died, leaving no heir to the throne, ending the line of Aquila. An internegrum under the Arch-Curate of the temple of Bel begins. Civil war grips the country as rival clans/feudal lords seek to establish rule over the country.

1329 - House of Aglotrix wins the Wars of Eleven Kings after a crushing victory at the battle of the Blood-Ford. Louis of Aglotrix crowned King Louis V of Aglotrix.

1348 - Fortress Vinta built to defend the north-western coastline, and is the first Celtic fortification to make use of gunpowder artillery. A dockyard is built within the natural harbour, which gradually grows into a town.

1360 - Fortress Aquilla built to defend the south-western coastline.

1380 - Town of Florentina established on the south coast, designed primarily to be a trade port.

1470 - Fortress New Vinta built on the ruins of the old fortress.

1575 -  King Louis XVIII dies, leaving only his bastard child, Prince Louis. Many people hate Louis XIX. he once kicked a kitten probably. Doubts over Prince Louis right to rule escalate after the Arch-Curate of Bel refuses to crown him. Louis murders the Curate in the temple leading to a national revolt, led by Chief Anastasie of clan Alpus.

1575 - At the Battle of the Icaun River, Prince Louis is struck by a bolt of lightning scattering his vanguard, and winning the battle for Anastasie. Chief Anastasie of Alpus takes the throne as Queen Anastasie I of Nouvelle Celtica.

1630 - Colonial expansion and War with L'acqua necessitates the creation of a formal maritime force, The Celtic Royal Navy, by Queen Anastasie III.

1700 - Ascension of Queen Anastasie IV at the age of 14. Ruling for 73 years, she became the greatest monarch in Celtic history. Ushers in a golden age of Celtic power; turning the monarchy from the first of many feudal lords into the most powerful institution on the planet.

1800 - Rise of draken unification movement sees Celtica increasingly involved in southern affairs.

1837 - first commercial railway in Nouvelle Celtica.

1838 - construction of the Aquillan fort line begins, with fortifications and artillery positions spanning the Celtica-Drakenstaat border

1867 - Celtica forms its national Sritije team

1871 - Swift defeat in The Stahllic Coalition war sees Celtica lose its southern most provinces, and gain a major international rival in the newly formed Drakenstaat.

--Battle of Icaun River--

After the murder of Arch-Curate Guillaume by prince Louis. A revolt of clans rapidly forms in central Celtica, led by Chief Anastasie. After marching her clansmen numbering 4,000 out of the highlands in March, her army swells to nearly 25,000 by mid April.

Louis has not been idle. He had mustered an army of loyal retainers plus levies and mercenaries numbering nearly 45,000 strong. Leaving a strong garrison (5,000) at the capital he marches south taking a hilltop position on the West Bank of the Icaun River. His intention is to wait and force Anastasie to attack him in a favorable position.

Anastasie arrives at the east bank of the river, opposite Louis, in late April. After creating a fortified encampment; Anastasie sends scouts north & south to find a suitable crossing over the river. She is able to continue supplying her army, due to a dislike of Louis among the local clans. Louis is dependent on a train of supply extending from the capital northward.

Anastasies scout find no fords for many miles; however there is a ferry over a narrow section to the north. Anastasie instructs her men to begins construction on a series of fortifications on the east side of the river. This construction is a cover for the creation of a number of boats that will be used to cross the river at the ferry. Louis sees this construction and fortifies his own position. Louis remains passive, willing to let Anastasie waste time on her side of the river. Louis does make minimal attempts to harass Anastasie with cavalry (the river making these attempts ineffective).

In the night, Anastasie moves the bulk of her troops across the river by boat. A light rain had begun to fall earlier the previous day. Anastasie brings prefabricated sections of wall with her; and establishes a position on a stream north of Louis’ hill. The rain turns into a downpour, turning the field to mud and flooding the river. She finishes moving the rest of her army by the end of the following day.

Louis is panicked as Anastasie is now able to intercept his supplies coming from the capital. The mud and swollen stream makes cavalry attacks on the highlanders mostly ineffective; as Louis supply situation continues to deteriorate. Louis decides to attack with his whole army after five days, worried that the mercenaries and levies will desert if he continues to wait. The rain continues to fall in a downpour.

The days of rain and skirmishing had turned the stream and field to a bog. Louis sends in his infantry, with the mercenaries, regulars, and levies on the right/left/center. Slowed by the terrain these forces make slow progress against the dug in highlanders. Still being outnumbered, Anastasies forces are forced to give ground.

Louis’ noble commanders become restless that the infantry will win and take credit for the victory. So he recalled the infantry on the left and prepared his cavalry. The highlanders use this pause to reassert control of the fortifications on the flank. The princes cavalry charges. The mud slows the horse to a crawl, with the fortifications funneling them into breaches in the line. The tightly packed, slow cavalry take heavy losses to the highlanders halberds.

At the critical point in the battle, a lightning bolt strikes the steelclad vanguard. This immediately shatters the vanguard; with the levies and mercenaries turning and running. Legend says the prince was hit specifically and died instantly. It is more likely he was tossed from his horse and was trampled to death in the stream by panicked horses.

The story of the Alpine victory had already reached Aquilla, with tales of the storm queen spreading like wildfire. The guards laid down their weapons and let the army march in, leading to an Alpine victory and the rise of a new dynasty, and the beginning of a new Celtica.

Ethnic Groups

The primary ethnic group of Nouvelle Celtica consists of native celtics, broken down into smaller regional variations The predominant groups are the Alpians and Aquillans, however there are still distinct groups of Pictoni, Alesi, and Averi. The Celtican groups make up around 85% of the celtic population, with 34.85million native Celticans.

In the north west, there are communities of Lioti who moved to Nouvelle Celtica in the 1700s following the threat of war with Firocco. This represents around 5% of Celtican society, with 2.1million Lioti in Nouvelle Celtica.

There are very few Erisians in Nouvelle Celtica, with a few small groups of Erisians mixed into Celtican communities on the Celtica Erisia border, with less than a million Erisians within Celtica’s borders.

--Military Service--

Conscription is mandatory in Celtica. As such, all able bodied citizens between 18 & 26 are to spend 1 year in active service before transferring to the reserve force, where they shall remain until they reach 50 years of age, with health based exceptions. Citizens are given a choice of military or civilian roles, and are compensated at the same reasonable rate of pay as volunteer forces.

Private gun ownership is encouraged by the government. This is to promote a high level of proficiency with firearms among the population. Equestrian activities are also promoted for similar reasons.

--Legal System--

Criminals who have committed certain minor crimes can be given the option to serve their sentence within the navy or army. This includes but is not limited to crimes such as petty theft, burglary, forgery, or tax fraud. This provides the criminal with the ability to give back to the community, whilst avoiding jail and learning new work skills.

Criminals who have committed more serious crimes such as arson or murder will only be given the option of prison time. Sexual crimes are dealt with in more serious ways, however a higher level of proof is required if permanent methods are to be used. The death penalty was abolished in 1871 for all crimes with the exeption of treason.

The Celtican police force and border guard, also known as the oifig d’armes, are a relatively well trained and well funded paramilitary force, protecting citizens and patrolling celtic borders. As a paramilitary force, the Oifig D’armes are well armed, possessing light artillery, cavalry, and elephants. The name is often shortened to figda by citizens.

--Religion--

Nouvelle Celtica primarily follows a semi-polytheistic religion known as Magyk. The Sun god Bel is an omnipotent deity who enforces their will on the world through lesser gods and their servants. All gods besides Bel either exist as an extension of Bel (only discerned by humans as a means of understanding her) or as subservient creations of Bel. The Queen of Celtica is seen as the foremost servant/creation of Bel, ruling through divine right. Below is a list of the more important Magyk deities, broken down into groups.

Upper Deities

Bel, God of the Sun, chief Celtic deity

Adana, Goddess of the Moon

Arian, Goddess of the Stars

Ceridwyn, Goddess of life

Ankou, God of death

Arawn, God of War and Revenge

Adraestra, Goddess of Victory & Peace

Lesser Deities

Queen Nevada I, Goddess of Law & Justice

Lir, Goddess of the Seas

Icauna, Goddess of the Lakes & Rivers

Hista, Goddess of the Land

Silva, Goddess of the Forests

Nan, God of Fire

Lleu, God of the Harvest

Nephia, Goddess of Beauty

Epana, Goddess of Horses & Livestock

Cail, God of the Sky & Weather

Baan, Goddess of Birds

Goban, God of Metalwork

Silva, Goddess of Woodwork

Magyk has a special relationship with the orthodox and Pantheastic churches of Liotain & Valpo. While the prophets, holy men, and teachings of these religions have a large impact on the Magyk faith (and are widely accepted); Magyk does not accept the liotainian messiahs divinity, or any official religious authority thereof. This creates a diplomatic, but rather strained relationship between the theologians of the two faiths.

the elk has special religious significance In celtica (and I would assume the other Pictish states). Forests are considered holy ground, where life exists under Bels grace. InCeltic myth, Elk are often portrayed as a figment of Bel, sent to watch over these lands. The stag and doe are seen as performing different duties necessary to the proper functioning of the wild; with the Doe curating, and Stag protecting.

--Economy--

The Celtican currency system uses a base 10 system of currency, with Couronnes and Sictas. The Couronne is a 91.5% gold coin, while the Sicta is a 90% silver currency, with the exception of the 1, 5, and 10 sicta pennies, which are copper.  There are 100 sictas in a couronne. The short form for Couronne is Ƈ. As such, something costing 18 couronnes and 3 sictas will be written as Ƈ18.03.  Couronnes come in denominations Ƈ50, Ƈ20, and Ƈ10 notes, and Ƈ5, Ƈ2, and Ƈ1 coins whilst Sictas come in denominations of 50s, 20s, 10s, 5s, and 1s. The coins are sized based on their worth of the item from which they are made. Coins are stamped in the Royal Mint.

The nation of Celtica makes money from sales of mining resources in the southern regions, which are high in mineral reserves.

--Rail Transport--

The first commercial train line opened in 1837, running from Alpus to Florentina. A second line running from Alpus to Aquilla was completed in 1841. By the 1850s, a nationwide rail construction project was in full swing, connecting major cities to each other and to port towns as part of a national policy on transport infrastructure, mostly for its  strategic military benefits, allowing for rapid movement of troops or materials for a potential war effort.

Due to cost concerns during the construction project as well as the twisting terrain in some regions of the country, the majority of railways in Celtica between cities were initially built as narrow gauge 914mm tracks, equal to 3 feet. Some rail routes running from the industrial ports or out of the country have been built or rebuilt as dual gauge lines, allowing for larger wide gauge 1400mm freight trains to operate on the same lines. Only a single line is built to just 1400mm gauge, that being the line running from the Mena East railway station to the Celtica-Liotain border. 914mm trains must terminate at Mena East.

Celtican national loading gauge is 2745mm wide and 4089mm tall in the center, and 3352mm at the sides, applying to both narrow and wide gauge lines.

Locomotives

The vast majority of trains on the Celtican lines are steam powered locomotives, with a small handful of electric locomotives beginning to appear on certain intra city lines. Conventional narrow & wide gauge steam locomotives are made by the Dame & Daughter boiler company in Alesa and the Royal Steam Works in Aquilla.

Dame & Daughter also produces the Dual engine, a design that took 2 sets of driving wheels, first driving the main set with high pressure cylinders, before driving the rear set with a second set of lower pressure cylinders. Designed at roughly the same time as Adantier & Co’s double design, the Dual had a large number of advantages due to its semi articulated nature, such as the ability to operate the locomotive with a tender, and the lack of steam leakage like that seen in the double’s flexible pipes. These major advantages outweighed the duals drawbacks in complexity and cost, and was particularly loved on the wide gauge lines. (Mallet)

Meanwhile the Lura based company Adantier & Co produces articulated narrow gauge locomotives, the styles of which are listed below.

- The Double consists of a double ended locomotive with 2 sets of driving wheels, a double ended boiler, two separate fireboxes, and a pair of saddle tanks. Whilst powerful, there was a limit to how much coal and water this design could carry and was phased out fairly quickly, with most lines preferring the DD dual design. (Double Fairlie)

- The Twin consists of a single-ended locomotive with 2 sets of driving wheels, with a single firebox set between 2 separate steam power units, with one at each end of the locomotive. Unlike the Double, the Twin can be fitted with a coal tender, and proved a much more successful design. The Twin also fixed an issue that arose in the Double whereby the flexible steam pipes would leak. In the Twin, this issue was fixed with steam ball jointed pipes. The Twin was built as new competition for Dame & Daughter’s dual design.  (Kitson Meyer)

- The Single consists of single ended locomotives which operated similarly to a normal locomotive with a single set of drive wheels, with the main difference being the rear wheels being in an articulated section to allow for longer trains with more adhesion whilst still being capable of making it around a bend. This was a good way to make larger engines on the smaller gauge rails, without dramatically increasing cost. (Single Fairlie)

4-4-0T and 4-6-0T are popular for express passenger work, with 4-4-0 gradually being phased out of express service as newer trains enter service. 0-6-0 and 0-6-0T are popular arrangements for light freight and dock shunting work, with some light passenger transport work. Meanwhile 0-4-4-0 dual or 2-6-4T locomotives are used for heavier freight loads. The 2-6-6-2T Dual is occasionally used for international freight transport.

Meanwhile on the 1000m tracks, 2-6-2T and 0-6-0T is fairly common for passenger and goods traffic. 0-4-0T and 0-4-2T is still popular for the mines and quarries of Celtica, and is also used frequently for light shunting work. A number of 0-4-4-0T Adantier & Co twin engines exist for heavier goods loads as well as a small number of 0-4-4T Adantier & Co single engines. Double engines have been mostly phased out on much of the narrow gauge line, with only a very small handful of 0-4-4-0T double engines in the certain branch lines.

The Battery locomotive was fitted with an 80 battery block. The first carriage in a battery locomotive train also held batteries. Battery locomotives run on 914mm tracks and were used primarily for movement of troops, due to their quieter locomotives and lack of visual smoke. A second version of the locomotive with an overhead cable and a more powerful electric motor has also been produced. All battery locomotives are

Major Cities

Aquilla     - Capital city

Alpus       - Seat of Royal Clan & Religious center

Vinta       - Major naval city

Mena       - north near the border with liotain

Florentina       - Major naval city

Lura        - Mining town

Voca       - Exit of the Interseas Canal.

Alesa       - Industrial city

Tara        - Fortified town on the Border with Drakenstaat