West Novan

The **State of West Novan** is the largest, and 2nd most populous state in the Union. It was previously a colonial asset of Nerro before winning its independence in 2341.

## History

### Colonial

West Novan was first settled in 2303 by Nerran settlers.

In early 2337, the 3rd Governor of West Novan, Carno Tyke, issued a decree that all able-bodied men in territory would be expected to either serve in the Royal Army or pay a high sum to be excluded from the conscription. Later that year a group known as the Loyal Brotherhood of Pioneers began calling for greater autonomy and the retraction of what had become known as derisively the Ransom Act, which they saw as a conscription without representation in Nerro’s parliament. Originally led by Oswin “Odie” Quince, an army clerk from the farming town of Duggan, the group began attracting many followers. During a Harvest festival in Duggan in 2337 a Tyke-loyal militia stormed the festivities and beat those present before lynching Quince. Odie’s death was seen as a turning point from a small protest regarding conscription into a full blown independence movement for the Territory. The Loyal Brothers then elected Quince’s younger brother Aldus as their leader and he began campaigning for justice for Odie Quince’s death.

This act led to the Independence Wars, with Aldus Quince becoming the first Chancellor of the Union.

### Statehood

West Novan has always exerted a strong political influence over federal politics. The Quince family, often referred to as the Union's First Family, were originally from West Novan and they still play a large part in the politics of the state.

Since Statehood West Novan has become a centre of learning, with 3 of the top 5 universities (Claxton, Sorrel, and Tymouth) in the Union.

## Geography

West Novan straddles multiple biomes. In the north, the state borders Rymark, Ardevan, and the Capital District. Its west is considered to be the start of the Grain Belt, which then continues into New Corsayn, Darry, and Temmon.

Toward the south, near the border with the Roc Gulf Territory, you find prairie with desertification toward the southern coast.

The Coral River marks its northern border, with most of the major cities lying on the Tyon River, which flows through and by the Westries.

## Politics

### Government

#### Executive

The executive branch of West Novan's government is headed by the **Governor of West Novan**, who is assisted in managing the executive branch by Cabinet Secretaries appointed by the governor with the consent of the West Novanian Assembly. The **Deputy Governor of West Novan** 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 - Oswin Quince IV (National)
* Deputy Governor - Hetty Loran (National)
* State Attorney General - Morton Whelm (National)

#### Legislative

The West Novanian State Assembly, the state's 101-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 120 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 West Novan is the branch of the West Novan 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 twelve Associate Justices (the largest supreme court), who are appointed by the governor from a list of three judges submitted by the Judicial Nomination Commission. Justices may serve for life. The Supreme Court's decisions are binding on all lower state courts.

The current Chief Justice is Wylan Summerton.

### Administrative Divisions

West Novan is split into 70 counties. The state capital of New Tyr also serves as the county seat of Tyr County.