Orroyo

The **State of Orroyo** is the newest state in the Union. It was admitted in 2417 to further establish Union dominance over its western border. This speedy admission is the reason this is both the smallest state in population and size. Its capital and largest city is Redcreek.

## History

### Pre-Expansion

The area that is now Orroyo was originally settled by the gnoll tribe known as the Ayogas Tribe. There is also evidence of Orc settlement as well.

### Territory

Orroyo was first settled during Great Settling of the late 24th century. In 2388, the territory was founded by Verrian immigrants, many of whom came the former Dominion of Vermello. The name Orroyo was the original name of the Redcreek River that flows through the capital (originally known as Sida Orroyo).

During the mining boom of 2413, a Dernish-born prospector named Thenn Harken began to examine a cave west of Bulwark, Orroyo in search of gold. However, during his excavation he came across a blue mineral that expressed a great deal of energy. This mineral was bought from Harken (as well as the rights to the cave) by the Kallan Western Mining Company (informally known as the Kallan Co.). The mineral was eventually examined and concluded to be the legendary material known in antiquity as pixite - a mineral that has absorbed arcane energy, stored, and preserved it for use.

### Statehood

To combat the monopoly the Kallan Company had set up in pixite mining, the territory was granted statehood in 2416, and was admitted to the Union on 4th Sowtide 2417. This brought in stronger regulation and oversight by the federal government, and allowed them to push back against the Kallan Co.

Statehood also brought with it the push further into the Buff, and state-sponsored mining towns began cropping up over the border into the terra nullius. These actions eventually led to the 2nd Alevarian-Union War in 2429.

## Geography

Orroyo falls in the prairie but is semi-arid, with mild desertification in the west, toward Jackalope. There are no major rivers that pass through the state, but the Redcreek River is a non-navigable water source that eventually joins the Speedy River in Whitmeer - it forms the eastern border with Darry and Whitmeer. On the western border is Jackalope Creek, a small stream that dries up just south of the border into Whitmeer.

#### Largest Cities

1. Redcreek, Carrack County (31,000)
2. Carrack, Carrack County (7,000)
3. Sida Pineyo, Pineyo County (4,500)
4. Zero, Middle County (2,200)
5. Solido, Pineyo County (1,500)

## Politics

### Government

#### Executive

The executive branch of Orroyo's government is headed by the **Governor of Orroyo**, who is assisted in managing the executive branch by Cabinet Secretaries appointed by the governor with the consent of the Orroyo Assembly. The **Deputy Governor of Orroyo** is in line to succeed to the governorship in the event of a vacancy. The governor determines the role that the deputy governor performs. The Governor and their deputy are elected on the same ticket.

##### Elected Officials

* Governor - Arruto Naveya (National)
* Deputy Governor - Semvin dan Hask (National)
* State Attorney General - Shira Canavar (National)

#### Legislative

The Orroyo State Assembly, the state's 20-member unicameral legislative branch. All of the State's legislative authority is vested within the legislature. The most important of these powers are the powers to levy and collect taxes, borrow money, and raise and maintain the militia of the State. The constitution grants the legislature the authority to legislate on all rightful subjects of legislation.

The legislature meets normally once a year. Meetings begin in Sowtide and usually last for a period of 90 days. Under special circumstances, the governor can call special sessions. The governor has a strong influence in shaping the agenda of the legislature. All acts of the legislature must be approved by a majority and signed by the governor to be enacted into law. However, should the governor veto the bill, the legislature, by a two-third vote in both houses, may over turn the governor's veto and the bill be enacted into law without the governor's signature. On appropriations bills, the governor has a line-item veto.

#### Judicial

The judicial system of Orroyo is the branch of the Orroyo state government that interprets the state's laws and constitution.

All judges and justices requiring appointment are appointed by the governor without the need to consult the State Assembly.

The Supreme Court consists of a Chief Justice and four Associate Justices, who are appointed by the governor from a list of three judges submitted by the Judicial Nomination Commission. Justices serve until they are 80, at which point they are required to retire. The Supreme Court's decisions are binding on all lower state courts.

The current Chief Justice is Wylan Summerton.

### Administrative Divisions

Orroyo is split into 6 counties. The capital of Redcreek is within Carrack County, but is not the county seat.

Counties of Orroyo
 Carrack
 Final
 Middle
 Pineyo