Amidala

Amidala, officially the Overseas Crown Territory of Amidala, is a colony of Liotain on the southwestern coast of Kijana.

### History

Up until the 1400s, Amidala was inhabited by an advanced but little-known people group, currently called the Ancient Amidalan Empire (although it is not known what they called themselves). This civilization apparently entered decline after its heyday in the 11th century, and by 1450 was almost completely dispersed, leaving behind massive pyramids and other archaeological mysteries as some of the only examples of their existence. The Ancient Amidalan language, of which numerous examples remain on stone monuments and tablets, remains un-translated.

The void left by the decline of the Ancient Amidalans was filled by the arrival of the Amidalan people, a semi-nomadic tribe that arrived in the area in the late 1400s and early 1500s, probably intermarrying with the survivors of the Ancient Amidalans. It is strongly suspected, but un-proven, that the Amidalans first called the land "Amidala," re-using an earlier word from this predecessor civilization; however, it's meaning remains unknown.

Shortly after the Amidalans arrived, Antargentina launched colonies along the Kijana coast, establishing a trading outpost at the mouth of the [Leia River]]. The two groups existed in harmony together until 1802, when - following a perceived slight to national honor - the Antargentine government sent a small expedition (mostly composed of Celtican mercenary troops) which seized control of the interior and subjugated the entire territory.

Border conflicts with Celtica resulted in a re-drawing of territorial borders in 1819; Celtica received all territory south of the Leia River, while Antargentina retained all territory to the north of the Leia. The northern and eastern borders were defined by treaty as simple lines radiating out from a surveyed point in the country's interior.

In 1876, the Antargentine government, being deeply in debt, approached the Kingdom of Liotain about writing off some significant government loans owned by various Liotainian banks. To incentivize this, Antargentina offered to transfer several colonies and a treaty port then in their possession to Liotain. After nearly two years of negotiation, the deal was accepted with the Treaty of Javan, and Liotain took control of Amidala, Perennia, and the treaty port of [[\_\_]] in Nambukilu.

A period of reorganization followed as Liotainian officials replaced their Antargentine counterparts. The Liotainians quickly determined that nationalist sentiment among the native Amidalans was growing stronger, and took immediate steps to defuse potential revolt by offering an extensive development program mixed with local autonomy and careful suppression of radicals. For the most part, this mix of benefits was accepted, although several minor revolts in 1883, 1891, and 1892 (mutinies by native troops) resulted in minor bumps along the way.

In 1900, Amidala voted to accept a proposed constitution modeled on other Liotainian "Overseas Crown Territories," which gives the local government full autonomy in most local matters. Additionally, the constitution mandates that a national plebiscite will be held in September 1930 to decide whether Amidala declares full independence or remains as an Overseas Crown Territory.

### Government and Politics

Since the adoption of the 1900 Constitution, Amidala is officially an Overseas Crown Territory. It has local autonomy in domestic matters, with Liotain being responsible solely for foreign affairs and defense.

The monarch of Liotain serves as the Territory's official head-of-state. The Governor-General, who acts as the territorial head-of-government, is elected by the territorial parliament. The election of a Governor-General can be vetoed by the monarch or by a supermajority of the Liotainian parliament. In practice, this has never been done.

A unicameral Territorial Parliament is elected for purposes of selecting a Governor-General and setting policy for the region. As of 1907, Amidala is organized into nine provinces, each of which sends three Representatives to the Territorial Parliament.

The nine Provinces each have a Provincial Governor who serves as the head of a seven-member Provincial Council, charged with local affairs.

The Liotainian monarch also appoints a viceroy (or vicereine) to serve as the monarch's direct representative in the territory. This position is basically ceremonial, being bestowed to senior officials as a reward for a long career of public service. The viceroy's duties often resemble an ambassadorship in most respects, being accorded a seat on the Governor-General's executive council but having no binding power.

The Territorial Parliament also elects two representatives to the Liotainian Teismas (Parliament) in Neris.

* **Monarch / Head of state**: Kotryna Urmana
* **Chief of government**: Governor-General \_ \_.
* **Vicereine**: Elena Balthis

### Geography

The majority of Amidala is covered by hilly grasslands, with thick overgrowth on the taller hilltops.

### Demographics

The capital city of Limbani (formerly the Antargentine treaty port of San Carlos up until 1878) was built in a traditional Antargentine Colonial architectural style.

Prior to 1878, the Amidalan language was banned from use in government and trade, with steep penalties for violations. As part of the reforms instituted by the new Liotainian administration, the Amidalan language was reintroduced for business and trade uses. From 1902 onward, goverment business is conducted primarily in Amidalan as well, although territorial laws and Parliament transcripts must be published in Amidalan, Antargentine, and Liotainian.

The number of Antargentine speakers remains at approximately 40%, but is dwindling sharply, as the language is no longer being taught as the primary language in local schools, with Amidalan being substituted. Liotainian increasingly serves as a second tongue, but is not taught as a mandatory part of the curriculum.

### Economy

A lot of the local population is engaged in basic agriculture and herding.

Some mining is also undertaken.

### Infrastructure

#### Transport

The Leia River is navigable by shallow-draft steamers as far as the town of Erindi; sidewheel steamers are preferred due to their low draft. During the dry season, navigation may be disrupted by low water, but this tends to be fairly rare, usually once every four to six years.

Beginning in 1896, the Amidala Railway began construction. This was initially built for military purposes, with the 600mm gauge military railway system and the intent to use draft animals rather than locomotives. However, the utility quickly became clear, and an extensive civilian-financed railway network followed. The 600mm gauge was retained due to constraints of terrain.

Automobiles are still rare.

Limbani installed a 600mm tram line in 1903, but the line has only 2.3 km of track.

#### Utilities

All of the major cities in Amidala were connected by telegraph in 1902.

The capital of Limbani began work on a five-year project to install clean running water and wastewater lines in its core urban areas, with work expected to complete in 1909. Other development projects are expected to follow.

### Culture

More than anything else, Amidala is known for the numerous and visually-impressive pyramids constructed by the Ancient Amidalan Empire. These structures are among the largest and best-preserved structures of their type in the world, even though it remains unclear how and why they were built - and even the exact identity of the culture that built them.

Amidalans are noted for the practice of eating their meals standing up at a tall table, serving themselves from a shared bowl or plate.