Saintmagnus
The Free Republic of Saint Magnus Republica Liberă a Sfânt Magnus | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
Motto: 'Longevitate și Prosperitate' Longevity and Prosperity | |
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| Location | Southeast Gondwana, off the coast of Aivintis |
| Capital | Saintmagnus |
| Largest city | Haven |
| Official languages | Aivintian, Staynish |
| Ethnic groups (2020) | 49% Saintmagnian, 40% Aivintian, 11% Other |
| Religion (1515) | Order of Saint Magnus |
| Demonym(s) | Saintmagnian |
| Government | Parliamentary Elective Diarchy |
• King | Nicholas Tudor |
• King | Simon Martinescu |
| Legislature | High Council |
| Establishment | |
• Colonisation of Saint Magnus | 1515 |
• Refusal of Orders | 1656 |
• Writ of Indpendence | 2013 |
| Area | |
• Total | 285.35 km2 (110.17 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2020 census | 85717 |
• Density | 300.3925/km2 (778.0/sq mi) |
| GDP (nominal) | estimate |
• Total | 4B |
• Per capita | 46.7k |
| Gini | 30 medium |
| SDI |  .87very high |
| Currency | Crown (ℂ/CRN) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 |
| Date format | DD/MM/YYYY |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | +149 |
| ISO 3166 code | SMA |
| Internet TLD | .sm |
Saintmagnus, officially The Free Republic of Saint Magnus, is a small country in Southern Gondwana located in the Concord Ocean. Located south of Aivintis, Saintmagnus covers a land area of 285.35 square kilometres, and has a population of 85,717 per the last census. Although an island nation, only two of the three cities are ports. The capital is the only landlocked city. Additionally, it has only one airport, and the easiest way to get to the country is by boat or seaplane, instead. The country's capital city, the City of Saintmagnus, is located atop Florens Summit, named after the royal house of the Marnacian kings, while its largest settlement is the port city Haven, which was founded as a supply line to Marnacia. As of 2020, the population of Haven is 45,594, the population of New Carmere is 29,374, and the population of Saintmagnus is 10,749. Aivintian and Staynish are the official languages of Saintmagnus, with Staynish spoken primarily during business interactions.
The country derives its name from Saint Magnus, who founded Magnaciya, which later became Marnaciya, nearly a hundred years before the appearance of Emperor Lerasi. Saint Magnus also founded the house of Florens as the ruling dynasty. Marnacia only grew in power until Lerasi rode forth on his white horse, a broadsword in hand, and single-handedly defeated the Marnacian army, or so goes the legend, bringing Marnacia under his control. Following its independence with Lerasi’s disappearance, it became the most powerful kingdom in mediaeval Aivintis, but King Magnus Florens himself spent his entire life searching for immortality. He finally disappeared only twenty years into his reign, after an expedition to the island kingdom of Ostrow. When the Kingdom of Marnacia conquered Ostrow in the 16th century, Magnus’s descendent discovered a text from the time of the now-canonised Saint Magnus, designating the island that would be named Saintmagnus as his final resting place, which prompted full scale colonisation.
The Free Republic of Saintmagnus is a democratic diarchy, with a constitution that empowers a democratically elected legislature called the High Council to elect among itself a King of Saintmagnus and a King of Haven every two years. The King of Saintmagnus must be a councilmember from Saintmagnus, and the King of Haven must be a councilmember from Haven, but otherwise there is virtually no distinction between the two Kings, who serve concurrently as heads of state and government, and hold equal powers until their term expires. No King can be elected twice in a row, but otherwise there are no term limits. A major political issue is the introduction of a third King representing New Carmere, although this notion does not even have majority support in New Carmere.
The country's economy is mainly based on finance and tourism, with secondary industries such as fashion and ceramics. With very little farming and livestock to get by, Saintmagnus relies entirely on food imports from other nations, mainly Aivintis. In the Industrial Age, Saintmagnus relied almost entirely on the Order of Enlightenment for factory products, in exchange for banking and finance services, and so industrialised late, in the 20th century.
History
Saint Magnus was born in the ancient city of Grandiozen, one of the first southern Aivintian cities, in 209 BCE, to a minor wealthy family. At the age of fifteen, his parents died of plague, leaving him as the sole inheritor of all their wealth. Speaking out against the Grandiozenian mishandling of the plague, Magnus gathered his closest friends and supporters to found the village of Magnaciya in 193 BCE at the age of sixteen, crowning himself its King. As Grandiozen continued to mistreat its citizens, more and more immigrated to Magnaciya. Magnus ruled for 20 years. At the age of 36, in 173 BCE, Saint Magnus disappeared, consumed by his search for immortality so that the next plague would not claim him. His wife took over the kingdom until their son was old enough to lead, and the Magnaciyan Kingdom moved on, and evolved. By the time of Emperor Lerasi, the village had become a small city-state with strong walls and a small army, and was already being called Marnaciya.
In 1510, the young Prince Adam Florens led an invasion of Ostrow on behalf of the Marnacian crown, leading both the Battle of the Ostrowth Fleet and the Battle of Castle Fullagar, which defeated the Ostrowth navy and army, respectively, in a single battle each. Following the conquest of Ostrow, Prince Adam discovered a hidden vault containing a map to Saint Magnus’s final resting place, the island that would be colonised as Saintmagnus. After appointing a governor of Ostrow and executing the royal family, Prince Adam returned to Marnacia with the map, immediately departing for the island with a small fleet of ships. The colonisation of Saintmagnus officially began in 1515 with the first wave of settlers landing in the port constructed by the original expedition, and the construction of Haven.
The city of Saintmagnus was built around the saint’s tomb, and the pilgrimages that visited the island fueled business, which encouraged further settlement. Saintmagnus and Haven were thriving by the time Prince Adam ascended to the throne as King Adam Florens in 1526. By the end of his reign, in the year 1569, the colony of Saintmagnus was fully developed. The third settlement on the island, a small town called New Carmere, began shortly after. Due to the distance from the mainland, the military and the religious leaders became even more powerful than the governor of the island, and deposed him in 1597 with the approval of the Marnacian crown. The Commander of the Guard and the High Priest of Saint Magnus became the semi-autonomous co-rulers of the island, instead, based out of Haven and Saintmagnus, respectively. By 1622, they had begun passing colonial laws contradicting those of Marnacia.
The banking industry began in Saintmagnus in the early 1600s, fully taking root by 1630. Although banking was a prominent industry before then, focus truly shifted to Saintmagnus when the Marnacian colony in Ostrow was weakened by a peasant rebellion and then blockaded by the Kingdom of Grandys. Saintmagnus was chosen for its distance from the mainland, military culture, and demographics - there were only loyal Marnacians, no oppressed native groups. With this, the Saintmagnian economy boomed, leading to more tourism and more business. This is when the fashion industry developed, as well as the influx of craftsmen and artisans. Overpopulation was prevented by strict immigration policies and the emigration of many Saintmagnians looking for economic and political opportunities in mainland Marnacia.
In 1649, taxes from Saintmagnus stopped being shipped to Marnacia. The Saintmagnian leaders were worried about growing piracy and the apparent incompetence of the Marnacian military to deal with the issue. When Marnacia refused to send additional ships and soldiers to protect merchant ships, the taxes were withheld in protest. In 1650, the Marnacian crown demanded the delivery of these taxes, and the Saintmagnian leadership gave them an ultimatum - grant the Guard more ships and soldiers to deal with piracy and protect merchant ships along the established trade routes to Saintmagnus, or deal with an uprising in Saintmagnus. The Marnacian King Harrison Florens chose the former. Despite receiving the taxes in the end, this ordeal proved that Marnacia held no more control over Saintmagnus. This would allow their independence six years later.
In 1656, the War of Aivintian Unification began with the Siege of Derrim and the Battle of Remington Field. Threatened by the Teronian demand for surrender from every Aivintian kingdom, King Harrison Florens recalled the garrisons in Bolize and Saintmagnus to bolster their own forces and launch a counterattack alongside the Anti-Teronian Coalition, including Grandys, Hagen, and Castenor. Upon receiving this order, the Commander of the Guard in Saintmagnus met with the High Priest and key guild leaders to discuss the possibility of seceding from Marnacia and leaving them to fight their own wars. The vote was unanimous, and Saintmagnus delivered the Refusal of Orders on September 2nd to King Harrison. Forced to choose between a war on two fronts and the loss of a major colony, Harrison chose the loss of Saintmagnus, and accepted its independence peacefully.
Now independent, Saintmagnus had to decide how to govern itself. The First High Council was assembled, from those who signed the Refusal of Orders, to decide how to build a stable government. Despite strong opposition from the Guard, the High Council decided to build a democracy, with an elected High Council that itself elected two Kings. This structure was meant to mimic the colonial government, where the Commander and High Priest ruled equally, and thus, they were the first elected for this position. Terms of two years were set, with no term limits, and the First High Council ratified the Statutes of 1656, which became the first constitution of Saintmagnus. The nation declared its neutrality in the War of Aivintian Unification, and built up its military in the case that Teronia turned its gaze towards them anyway.
After the devastating Aivintian defeat at the Battle of Norwich and Adelslin in 1664, and the subsequent Treaty thereof with Ethalria, the Aivintian army was far from equipped to handle the invasion of Saintmagnus, not without facing even heavier losses and potential revolts from their newly conquered lands. Additionally, King Martin Dale was unwilling to provoke Ethalria again by sailing through Westhafen’s waters to invade Saintmagnus. Instead, Aivintis focused on strengthening its own government and recovering from the eight year war which had just united the country. Saintmagnus was offered a non aggression pact and trade deal, which enabled its government and economy to continue to thrive during its independence.
In 1670, Westhafen launched an invasion of Saintmagnus, landing its Ethalrian army on the eastern coast of Saintmagnus in an attempt to flank the cities and take the Guard by surprise. The goal of this invasion was for the Ethalrian protectorate to control the Joralesian strait from the east side, an attempt to undermine Joralesia’s control of the trade and military routes to Arcturia, bringing wealth to Westhafen. However, the conquering armies got lost in a dense fog on their way to Saintmagnus, and were delayed and disoriented for long enough for the Guard to assemble and defeat them. The failure of the invasion is often credited to Saint Magnus himself.
By the end of the 17th century, Saintmagnus had become fully autonomous, had established a stable government and strong military, and had defeated multiple threats to its independence. Their early years were a struggle, but this tested their ability to function as an independent nation, a test which they passed. Entering the 18th century, Saintmagnus began a long period of peace and prosperity. The tourism industry boomed, rivalling banking as one of the strongest economic sectors. The banking industry itself grew to legendary status, providing the richest Aivintians and even foreign investors with an honest, neutral nation to store and protect their wealth. The economy fueled the government, and with a small population that had enough money to live comfortably, there were no internal threats to their power. The 1700s was a golden age for Saintmagnus, and very few major events occurred.
The 19th century was far more eventful. The century began with a surge in piracy along the Saintmagnian trade routes, which led to an Anti-Piracy campaign by the Saintmagnian navy and large bounties on pirates and their ships. This campaign and these bounties led to the public execution of a hundred pirates in the first decade alone, the strengthening of the navy through possession of captured pirate ships, and the increased reputation of Saintmagnus. The military, formerly inactive, was spurred into an activity that prepared it for what was to come, but the campaign also led to many Saintmagnian deaths and the sinking of many more ships, reminding Saintmagnus why it needed to stay vigilant and keep its military equipped and prepared.
In 1812, Theodore Stuart was crowned the King of Aivintis. This being the second time the crown changed hands since Saintmagnus became independent, Saintmagnus was faced with renewing the treaty of non-aggression and trade once again. However, before discussions could conclude, the Kingdom of Aivintis invaded Westhafen in early 1813. The High Council of Saintmagnus, feeling threatened by the expansionist policies of the Aivintian Kingdom, voted to terminate the treaty, leaving Saintmagnus without a main economic partner. The Kings of Saintmagnus fundamentally disagreed, believing the nation needed to secure the treaty because of, not in spite of, Aivintis’s expansionism, to protect itself and allow it to fund an expanding army. This became a point of tension between the council and the sitting kings, which would only damage relations between the two further when a term limit of four was proposed by the High Council. Internal hostilities eventually led to the resignation of multiple Council members, and the imprisonment of one of the Kings for threatening the council with execution.
Internal instability and hostilities only disrupted the economy, causing profits in many businesses and guilds to plummet, which in turn created more instability and hostilities. Many citizens intentionally broke laws as a form of protest, and many others emigrated to Aivintis, Joralesia, and other lands. The military’s pay was cut severely in order to subsidise industries and fund efforts to draw more business to Saintmagnus, leading to discontent within the only institution holding Saintmagnus together. The Hidden Stronghold, a bastion fort, was built shortly after by the Commander of the Guard, outraged by the High Council’s political overreach, the imprisonment of the King of Haven, and the low salaries. Funded by the guilds and businesses that sought security and stability in order to build a better reputation and drive more business to Saintmagnus, the Commander garrisoned more and more soldiers in the Hidden Stronghold, doubling the Guard’s numbers on the island.
In 1818, the Hidden Stronghold was discovered by a lost pilgrim, who notified the High Priest of Saint Magnus. The religious order’s own regiment of the Guard, highly devout and loyal to the High Council gathered with the remaining loyal Guardsmen to storm the Stronghold under the cover of night, but a spy informed the Commander, who fortified the Stronghold and fled to the city of Saintmagnus, where he led his forces from Haven in capturing it and executing the entire High Council. In the Stronghold, the High Priest barely survived, fleeing by boat with a few survivors. Most of the soldiers died during the fighting. The rest surrendered.The Commander freed the imprisoned King of Haven, who named his saviour the new King of Saintmagnus, abolishing the High Council and successfully establishing a military dictatorship in place of the previous democracy. The Free Republic of Saintmagnus was now The Free State of Saintmagnus, and the borders were reopened to tourism.
Despite the end of internal strife in Saintmagnus, business still waned. People still emigrated, afraid for the loss of their livelihood, and the remnants of the nation’s wealth remained in use for the military, to keep the nation safe and the leaders secure in their new power. The outside world did not see the new military dictatorship as a solution, but rather a continuation of the problem. The new Kings of Saintmagnus, rather than continuing to let the country slowly die, met with the leaders of the Order of Enlightenment, and the new Queen Sasha Stuart of Aivintis, as originally intended with King Theodore. At the end of the meeting, the Kings of Saintmagnus and the Magisters of Aivintis signed an agreement wherein the national faith of Saintmagnus was identified as a Chapter of the Order of Enlightenment, called the Magnian Chapter, effectively converting the island to the Aivintian state religion and granting the High Ordermasters a degree of control over religious matters on the island. In return, Aivintis guaranteed the independence of Saintmagnus and offered an exclusive partnership in the banking industry. As the world industrialised and the Aivintian navy grew, this deal was amended to additionally offer joint naval protection of Saintmagnian trade routes, and industrial products made in Aivintis. Saintmagnus was effectively in the Aivintian sphere of influence, but remained independent, and its economy began to boom once again.
As tourism, banking, and fashion flourished under the Third Aivintian Partnership Deal, the nation grew wealthy again. Immigration began once more, emigration slowed, and the guilds regained the wealth they invested in the 1818 Coup of Saintmagnus. The new government was stable and powerful, unafraid to manage the economy with a close mercantilist watch, instituting regulations where they deemed it necessary. The people lived comfortably once again, and Saintmagnus was back to its former prominence. Its reputation steadily rose as well, which in turn fueled business. However, one of the main downsides was the assimilation of culture - such a focused relationship with Aivintis and remaining within its sphere of influence was beneficial for its military, economy, and government, but its culture was no longer pure, bleeding in with Aivintis as a result. Thus, there was a decline in art and unique architecture, making artists and architects revert back to earlier forms, creating something of a rebirth of 17th century Saintmagnus art and architecture in an attempt to bring back the unique Saintmagnian culture.
When the Industrial Revolution swept through the Order of Enlightenment in the 1850s, Saintmagnus was hesitant to accept it. While Aivintis embraced urbanisation fully, Saintmagnus was already as urbanised as it could get, a byproduct of the small size of the island. Sanitary systems and similar developments were all it could adapt to. Even the institution of a police force wouldn’t make sense for Saintmagnus, given the close relationship between policing and the military in Saintmagnian culture, and especially with the heavy military culture and the nature of the autocratic government. As for industrialization, the Kings were afraid of sudden change, and the effects it might have on the nation’s stability and safety. The old republic would have launched itself immediately into the new developments, and that knowledge gave the government pause. Finally, the economic prosperity of Saintmagnus was essential to its stability as well, and the happiness of its citizens. The specific economy of Saintmagnus had kept it prosperous for over 300 years, and a period of instability had shown it what would happen if this balance was upset. As such, the first factory wasn’t built until 1890, and only three total were built, despite the Order’s requests to the contrary.
When the Third Aivintian Civil War began in 1909, Saintmagnus reluctantly declared its neutrality, and received harsh backlash from the population. At its core, Saintmagnus was a religious nation, and The Order of Enlightenment was its mother faith. Critics argued that the Kings were betraying their faith and their nation by not siding with the Order and the Florentines. The guilds and businesspeople argued that the Order of Enlightenment was solely responsible for the wealth and prosperity of Saintmagnus. Even the military, usually non-interventionist, acknowledged the role of the Order in protecting Saintmagnus, and the implications of losing the Order to King Thaddeus were dire. However, the Kings were bound by the constitution, and the spirit of neutrality that itself was fundamental to Saintmagnian success. Their supporters argued that foriegn nations came and went, but neutrality was the only constant that contributed to Saintmagnian success.
In 1911, to the horror of Saintmagnian citizens throughout the island, Peter Florence was executed by Thaddeus Stuart, and the Aivintian Empire was declared. In 1913, the new Emperor marched on the Ethalrian Colony of Westhafen, mirroring the defeated campaigns of Martin Dale and Theodore Stuart. One hundred thousand soldiers armed with modern military technology. One hundred years after the previous Aivintian invasion. To the horror of Saintmagnian citizens throughout the island, Westhafen was conquered, and incorporated into the Aivintian Empire. Whereas, in 1664, the defeat at Norwich and Adelslin prevented the Aivintians from conquering Saintmagnus, Aivintis had won, and had the full power of a military industrial complex behind it, as well as a major technological advantage.
The Demand of 1915 is one of the most important documents in Saintmagnian history. After two years of building up the Saintmagnian military, diverting large wealth to foreign mercenaries and military equipment, hasty fortifications, and rationing in preparation for a blockade, the Two Kings of Saintmagnus were faced with the choice to surrender, become a dependency of the Aivintian Empire, and retain some power. If they did not surrender within the year, Emperor Thaddeus promised blood. If faced with a war, Saintmagnus would surely lose. Thousands would die, civilians and soldiers alike. Their cities would burn, their ships would be sunk, and their kings would be executed. They would fight well, and possibly win the first battles, but they would not last a year against the Aivintian Empire. If they accepted the Demand, their economy would go unharmed. Their citizens would live. Their kings would thrive as Dukes. They would be protected by the full military and economic might of Aivintis. The Kings chose to kneel.
The Guard was disbanded in September 1915, replaced with a small police force created from its ranks. The Aivintian navy expanded the ports of Haven and New Carmere, docking modern warships and trading vessels. The Aivintian army expanded and occupied the garrisons in the three cities of Saintmagnus. The Aivintian Ministry of Culture expanded and built museums of art, preserving the rich cultural history of Saintmangus. The Aivintian Ministry of Welfare offered Saintmagnian citizens early retirement and pension, and offered the poor homes and food. The Aivintian Empire expanded Saintmagnian prosperity in every way possible, and brought it forward in technology. The 98 years of history under the banner of the Aivintian Empire were integral to the ability of Saintmagnus to survive on its own in the modern day.
The coup d’etat of the Aivintian Empire by Chief Minister and Justice George Whitcher in 2013 restored the independence of Saintmagnus for the first time in almost a century. The Federal Kritarchy of Aivintis, uninterested in the maintenance of a large territorial empire, readily abandoned Aivintian dependencies considered too useless or difficult to maintain, and the independence of Saintmagnus was granted by Whitcher’s government shortly after the coup, in the Writ of Independence. As the closest independent dependency, and the closest supporter of the old Empire, Saintmagnus quickly became a refuge for fleeing Imperial officials. At the same time, the supporters of the coup, and those who had grown comfortable with Aivintian rule, emigrated to Aivintis. The population remained the same, but still changed in a significant way.
Many Saintmagnian citizens in the modern day are remnants of the Aivintian Imperial government. The effects of the Aivintian Empire are easily seen in the culture, military, and government of Saintmagnus today. The museums and heritage sites of the Imperial Ministry of Culture are still maintained by local cultural workers, and still protected by law. The naval ports are still in place, with eight Imperial destroyers still docked in Haven and New Carmere. The expanded Imperial barracks are still garrisoned by former Imperial soldiers, and native Saintmagnians affected by the nationalism Aivintian rule created. Aivintian policies are still in place, and Aivintian wealth remains in Saintmagnian hands. Saintmagnus maintains its status as a member state of both the Council of Gondwana and the Gondwanan Community. Most of all, Aivintian technology still keeps Saintmagnus in the modern age, despite its focus on the past as a main feature of its tourism industry. Without the impact of the Aivintian Empire, historians agree that Saintmagnus would remain fully in the past, unable to maintain a modern state.
Even so, the independence of Saintmagnus has managed to bring back notable features of Saintmagnus from before the Aivintian Empire. The new Constitution of Saintmagnus is heavily based on the Statutes of 1656 and the laws of the old republic. The Kings of Saintmagnus function very similarly to the Kings from the old republic as well, as does the High Council, although the separation of church and state remained. As in the past, neutrality is a core tenet of Saintmagnus, and the economy remains reliant on tourism and banking. Its unique cultural identity is what kept it alive, but foreign nations have allowed it to evolve.
Geography
Saintmagnus is an independent island south of Aivintis in the Concord Ocean, at the edge of the Joralesian Strait. It has a hilly topography, with very little flat ground, with the centre of the island around the capital forming a small mountain range. The highest point of Saintmagnus is the Florens Summit, where the tomb of Saint Magnus is located, and the city of Saintmagnus. There are no rivers on the island, but there are a few freshwater lakes and reservoirs that provide the settlers with fresh water. There is a small fossil forest in the south of the island, outside New Carmere, but the island can only get wood through imports, mainly from Aivintis.
The climate of Saintmagnus is subarctic, classified as cold continental without a dry season and with a cold summer. It is colder than Aivintis, with temperature ranging from -1 to -12 degrees celsius. There is no real dry month in Saintmagnus, but precipitation is generally scattered throughout the year. In the winter, snowfalls are common and heavy, especially in the higher altitudes, such as in the capital of Saintmagnus.
Government
The government of Saintmagnus has the core political framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the executive drawing its power from the confidence and procedure of the High Council, which itself is a representative legislature. The Kings are elected by the High Council, and both act as joint heads of state and government. The politics of Saintmagnus run on a multi-party system, with no party holding any majority power. Executive power is exercised by the government, and legislative power is vested in both the government and the High Council, whereas the judiciary is completely independent of both the executive and legislature.
Originally, the Free Republic of Saintmagnus ran on a similar system, with one king being elected from each of the two major cities. One was Commander of the Guard, the highest military power and the highest power in the port city of Haven, whereas the other was the High Priest of Saint Magnus, the highest religious power and the highest power in the capital city of Saintmagnus. Later, however, the Commander of the Guard became a role secondary to that of King of Haven. The ideal behind this was to bring a power balance, with checks of power. In 1818, however, a military coup d’etat replaced the High Priest of Saint Magnus with a new king, depowering the office of High Priest within the government. In the modern system, however, the only requirement is that the kings must be in the High Council and cannot be affiliated with the same political party or from the same city.
Kings are elected every two years, per the original Statutes of 1656. As of 1815, no individual may serve as King for two terms in a row, but otherwise there are no limits to how many terms a King may serve. The High Council may impeach a king via a ⅔ majority vote on the grounds that the King does represent the interests of Saintmagnus, but otherwise Kings may be suspended and even removed for high crimes against Saintmagnus. Additionally, the judiciary may issue a verdict on a criminal case barring an individual from the office of King, or even from the High Council. The High Council itself is a unicameral legislature with 60 members. Its members are elected every six years by proportional representation in all three major cities of Saintmagnus. Other government officials are granted the title of Minister, and lead certain departments overseen by the Kings. Ministers can serve concurrently as High Council members or Justices.
Twenty representatives are elected from each city. All citizens of Saintmagnus 18 years or older are eligible to vote, even dual citizens and citizens living outside of Saintmagnus. The High Council is responsible for general legislation, but also approves the budget, confirms the Judiciary, and retains the power to ratify treaties with other countries. In areas of governance, the King may delegate certain powers to the High Council, such as the creation of an immigration department, which is currently one of the extra powers held by the High Council. The High Council has no leader, but procedures are often led by one or both of the Kings, who may act as the equivalent of a Speaker in other legislatures for the High Council, moderating debates, overseeing procedure, and announcing the results of votes, but not often. The High Council has the power to amend the Constitution with a ⅔ majority vote.
The High Court is the Judiciary of Saintmagnus, instituted in 2013 to replace the previous system of royal judgement, consisting of four Justices from each city that judge legal matters in their cities and jointly judge legal matters concerning the whole nation, such as judicial review and high crimes. The Judiciary has the right to suspend and impeach High Council members, which they may do with a ⅔ majority vote. Justices are nominated by the Kings and confirmed by the High Councils to serve for life, or until they resign. The Constitution is the highest law in Saintmagnus, allowing the High Court to strike statutory law or reverse executive orders on the basis of unconstitutionality. Additionally, the High Court maintains the power to invest emergency powers in the Kings during crisis, and may be petitioned to do so by the King, although they are under no obligation to approve. The Constitution vaguely grants the High Court “any additional powers required to perform their duties,” which translates to Judicial Orders that may compel government officials to abide by certain rulings. Any citizen may propose a referendum Vote of No Confidence, which must be approved by the High Council before being initiated, and is open to any citizen. This vote may suspend or impeach members of the High Court. The judiciary operates under the legal system of common law.
The Individual Income Tax for Saintmagnus is 40%, imposed by Saintmagnus in 2019 to reflect the revived economy of Saintmagnus, which could afford such an income tax. Corporate tax is 30%, but is lowered to 15% for certain major imported products, in order to ensure the distribution of necessary items to the citizenry. The budget of Saintmagnus, approved at the first of each year, mainly focuses on trade, education, and welfare, but the government of Saintmagnus always diverts significant funds to the maintenance of the military and police. Citizenship is granted to any individual born in Saintmagnus, but homeowners within Saintmagnus can apply for citizenship regardless of birth status, with a dual citizenship system for convenience. Additionally, honorary citizenship may be granted by the Kings as an executive order or the High Council with a simple majority vote.
The political parties that hold seats in the High Council of Saintmagnus are the Republican Social Democracy Party (RSDP), the Monarchist Heritage Party (MHP), the Defense and Stability Axis (DSA), the Preservation of Culture and History Party (PCHP), and the Children of Saint Magnus (COSM). The RSDP is a coalition party of leftist aligned politicians, which holds eleven of the twenty seats of New Carmere, one seat in Saintmagnus, and five in Haven. The MHP supports a more autocratic monarchy, with additional powers over the High Council, in order to strictly regulate the nation’s government and economy. It has no seats in New Carmere, three in Saintmagnus, and two in Haven. The DSA is a nationalist party emphasising the defence of the nation and government through authoritarian measures similar to that of the 1818 Military Dictatorship. They have no seats in New Carmere, three in Saintmagnus, and ten in Haven. The PCHP represents the interests of the major industries of Saintmagnus in the High Council. They hold three seats in New Carmere, one in Saintmagnus, and two in Haven. COSM is the theocratic party, emphasising and representing the values of the Order and Saint Magnus within the High Council. They hold six seats in New Carmere, twelve in Saintmagnus, and one in Haven. In total, the RSDP makes up 17/60 of the Council, the MHP is 5/60, the DSA occupies 13/60, the PCHP owns 6/60, and the COSM encompasses the remaining 19. The diversity of Saintmagnian politics contributes to its longstanding spirit of democracy, and allows the government to more accurately represent the views of the people.
Military
The Saintmagnian Armed Forces is the national military defence force of the Free Republic of Saintmagnus. It is one of the smallest militaries in the world, performing a variety of tasks, many of which are ceremonial in nature. Its main function is protecting trade routes and assisting the police force, tasks divided amongst specialised branches. It is made up of the Rifle Corps and the Council Guard. The Saintmagnian Armed Forces are easily recognized by their dark blue uniforms, white gloves and sashes, and gold epaulettes.
The Rifle Corps is the core of the Saintmagnian military, its main fighting force. Although it is largely ceremonial in deployment, members are all fully trained in the use of firearms and for basic policing duties in support of the police. It is maintained in small numbers despite the country’s lack of military operations. Officers are armed with swords and pistols, and often wear distinguishing white capes with the golden lion’s head symbol. Those who sign up do so out of civic pride, and it is an entirely volunteer service.
The Rifle Corps was reinstated in 2013, following Whitcher’s Writ of Independence. Formerly the Crossbow Corps, the introduction of new technologies pushed the Saintmagnian military to adapt. Following the occupation of Saintmagnus by the Aivintian Empire, the Rifle Corps were abolished in favour of an Aivintian garrison, and when the Rifle Corps were brought back, the newly restored Council and Kings did not believe it was worth maintaining a large defensive force, preferring to expand the Rifle Corps and incorporate the Stronghold Guards into this new force.
The functions of the Council Guard are to protect the Kings of Saintmagnus, and to defend the High Council during its formal sessions. They also provide a ceremonial bodyguard to government officials on festivals of both state and church. The Council Guard was originally kept as a subdivision of the Saintmagnian police under the Aivintian Empire, but granted military status shortly after the Writ of Independence, returning it to its former glory. It is an elite military unit trained rigorously and handpicked by the Council for its loyalty to the government.
Although the modern Saintmagnian military is a volunteer force, the army was originally a mercenary force, built from the extensive coffers of first the Marnacian government and then the Saintmagnian one. The mercenaries mainly came from Marnacia and other Aivintian kingdoms, but when Aivintis unified and Saintmagnus began to feel threatened by its growing professional army, the government came to believe that mercenaries alone would be ineffective. Saintmagnus created a professional army of its own, emphasising patriotism and civil service. In order to protect Saintmagnian interests, the government legislated mandatory military service, to keep the army powerful. The current Saintmagnian military is built in the image of this former military, with the mandatory service replaced by volunteerism.
Economy
The Free Republic of Saint Magnus is a developed country, although much of its industrialization is purely subsistence. Its most successful economic sectors are also some of its oldest. Banking, tourism, ceramics, woodworking, and fashion are the four major industries in Saintmagnus, with a notable electronics sector in the burgeoning city of New Carmere.
Saintmagnus uses a variation of the Aivintian Crown as its currency, equal to and exchangeable with the Crown, but with its own imagery. These coins are of interest to many collectors in Aivintis and abroad, especially as the Saintmagnian Crowns in circulation can be up to eighty years old. Similarly, postage stamps, which allow mail to be sent anywhere in Saintmagnus and Aivintis, are of interest to philatelists.
The largest banks in Saintmagnus are Damaschin Holdings, the Haven Investment and Savings Bank, and the Saintmagnian Online Banking Corporation. These three banks together form the National Banking Association in Saintmagnus, which participates in public relations activities such as advertising, education, publishing, lobbying, and political donations as a single entity, although the corporations themselves are distinct and independent.
Apart from the members of the National Banking Association, there are seven other banks in Saintmagnus, of various types. Investment bankers usually invest in businesses related to tourism, which is generally considered a safe investment, but often invest in companies in Aivintis and international corporations.
Amanar Private Banking Corporation is the only private bank in Saintmagnus. APBC is generally considered to have high financial secrecy, and acts as an offshore bank for many wealthy individuals and corporations. Many major clients of APBC are also allowed tax exemptions by the High Council, making Saintmagnus a corporate haven of sorts.
The tourism sector contributes greatly to GDP, with over three million tourists per year visiting the Free Republic. The rate of tourism has increased exponentially since the independence of Saintmagnus, and tourists are typically drawn by the architecture and history. The City of Saintmagnus is the most popular tourist destination, due to its religious history and status as the political centre of the country. Tourism has contributed to the business of hotels, shops, and restaurants.
The three main Saintmagnian impots are machinery, fuel, and food. Saintmagnus has a high rate of car ownership, and has a large community of antique car collectors. Fossil fuels imported are supported by renewable energy, mainly wind power, an industry which has struggled to reach economic prominence due to the dependence on large Aivintian corporations who benefit from climate change. Imported food mainly includes fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat from Aivintis. Fishing in Saintmagnus is based out of New Carmere.
There’s low unemployment in Saintmagnus, due to the government’s wealth, which prevents homelessness and poverty, but mainly supports the foundation of small businesses and shops for individuals to make a living, rather than providing work-free welfare. All public officials receive a salary equal to the national average.
Religion
The Order of Saint Magnus, formerly the Chapter of Saint Magnus under the Order of Enlightenment, is the predominant religion of Saintmagnus. It involves belief in the Great Architect of the Universe, sometimes called the Architect or God, as the unknowable creator deity of the universe, as well as the apotheosis of Saint Magnus, the first discoverer and settler of the island, and the prophet status of Prince Adam, who rediscovered the island and the Saint’s tomb.
Over 65% of the population is religious, 87% of which follows the Order of Saint Magnus with various degrees of devotion. Atheism is relatively uncommon in Saintmagnus, which owes itself to the historical and cultural dependence on the Order of Saint Magnus. Separation of church and state is present in theory, but Order values are present in the government, as is a theocratic political party.
Practices of The Order of Saint Magnus involve daily prayer to the Saint and monthly prayer to the Great Architect, the latter of which takes place in church, accompanied by a telling of the Saint’s quest for immortality, discovery of the island, and subsequent enlightenment. Other moral and historical tales and lessons are taught during church ceremonies. Burial rites and marriage rights are performed by priests, with most ceremonies taking place in church as well. Finally, churches offer confession and absolution for sinners.
Priests must all be ordained by the High Priest of Saint Magnus personally, in the city of Saintmagnus. Priests undergo confession with the High Priest, then ritually bathe in water blessed by the High Priest, before accepting their black and white vestments. Red, the color of the Saint, is reserved to the High Priest himself. Priests take vows to uphold the community above themselves, and martyr their desires for the greater good. They typically pursue scholarly studies alongside their religious duties.
The Order of Saint Magnus is the largest charity in Saintmagnus, receiving donations from tourists as part of a cultural experience, as well as native Saintmagnians, who donate to the church for its upkeep as well as for its charitable works. Large swaths of its donations are sent to other charities, some international, but much of it contributes to soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and orphanages. Furthermore, those with nowhere else to go are welcomed into churches and cared for by the priests. A small amount of their donations is spent on lobbying the Saintmagnian government. Priests are barred from public office by the High Priest, but almost all of the High Council identifies as following the Order.
Culture
The miniscule size of Saintmagnus has been instrumental in maintaining a homogenous, unified culture within the nation itself. That said, the complete lack of traditional native culture in the region means that most of the Saintmagnian culture is an evolution of colonial Aivintian customs and values. Even so, the presence of foreign businesspeople and immigrants acts as a reminder that, even in the smallest nations, there are cultural differences and outside influences. Ethalrian influence, however, is largely eschewed, as the independence of Saintmagnus coincides with periods where Ethalrian influence on Aivintis were the strongest.
One of the most prominent symbols which is unique to Saintmagnus is Florens Summit, the mountain upon which the capital city was founded. More so than its representation of the island and country itself, it is also a religious symbol. The mountain where the great Saint himself lived, died, and is entombed. In coats of arms and other logos, the symbol for the mountain – a grey triangle with a small tower on the right slope – is present as a symbol of the country and the people of Saintmagnus.
Education is highly valued among the wealthy and comfortable people of Saintmagnus, where poverty is low. Public university is free for Saintmagnians, although only three public colleges exist on the island. The Saint’s College in Saintmagnus is the only religious university in the country, and one of few religious schools in general. Otherwise, the University of Saintmagnus and the University of Haven serve as the main postsecondary learning institutions on the island. Each of the three universities maintains distinguished research divisions. A dozen small, private colleges are spread throughout the country as well, largely in use by the rich Saintmagnian islanders.
Although the liberal arts are common subjects of study, the primary degrees pursued are in international studies. History is popular as well, and even theology has received the attention of many devoted priests and followers seeking to refine their academic knowledge of their religion. International students are welcome in all the public universities of Saintmagnus, with Aivintian and other southeast Gondwanan nationals being common sights in the halls of university. Online learning is not only allowed, but highly encouraged in the public universities as well, allowing students from around the world with specialties in Aivintian or southeast Gondwanan studies to pursue easy degrees with low costs and expert professors.
Music in Saintmagnus is largely classical and orchestral music, mirroring the traditional styles of Aivintis. This includes string instruments and pianofortes, some of which are manufactured in Saintmagnus, but occasionally brass horns and woodwinds. The opera is a longstanding Saintmagnian feature for high society, imported from other countries by way of Aivintis. Saintmagnian operas are elaborate events and complex stories, expressed in a traditional, artistic style prioritising baritones over tenors and sopranos.
Alternative and indie soft rock found its way in Saintmagnus as well, but crept over the nation in a much slower manner. Still, it remains the preferred genre of younger and more modern musicians and bands. A cappella or acoustic versions of Aivintian songs or other popular hits are somewhat common as well, serving as the most common music for cover bands to partake in. Other, foreign music is readily embraced, at least by the lower and middle classes. A general acceptance that Saintmagnian culture is largely imported lies at the heart of the national identity.
In contrast to, and indeed resulting from a counterculture movement against, the dark and drab Aivintian fashion sense, Saintmagnian clothing flexes colour and flare. Bright shirts, typically with designs from popular media or brands, are common enough, especially among the young. Felt pants, ripped jeans, and other modern, popular, mainstream styles from around the world are adopted by the oft rebellious youth of Saintmagnus, whereas even the business elite of the country can be seen in green, blue, and purple suits in addition to the classic greys, browns, tans, and, less commonly than in their northern mainland, plain black. Jackets and sweatshirts are popular to combat the cold.
The one common thread amongst the riotous styles of the youth, the dignifiedly artistic styles of the adults, and the muted but colourful styles of the elderly, is a love of jewellery, and, with age, watches. Between bracelets of threads, metals, or beads, rings of silver, steel, and gold, and chains and necklaces bearing items of religious or personal importance, the jewelled style of Saintmagnus is decadent and unique to each individual. As for watches, the smart watches of the modern world are rejected by even millennial Saintmagnians who prefer leather bands with traditional watch designs.
The making of these accessories is a valued and lucrative industry, from the expert crafts of those apprenticed as a long line of goldsmithing stretching to the original colonisation of Saintmagnus to the adept work of artsy, small businesses which advertise more attention than their titanic competitors. This cultural marvel is rather a reflection of the expensive consumer society which Saintmagnus has become over their centuries of peace and quiet wealth.
Saintmagnian architecture is largely based on the imitation and modern application of ancient styles. Most churches and government buildings feature some form of dome, whereas even the suggestion of an arch along the wall can be used to decorative effect on businesses and homes. Gothic styles, while less prominent than the neoclassical and the antiquity-esque, are present in some mainstream architectural designs. In low density urban areas, the most modern houses resemble the painted houses of Peragen or New Leganes. Simplicity is seen as a sign of nonconformity and low wealth, which is frowned upon by Saintmagnian society.
The art of Saintmagnus distinguishes itself from that of Aivintis with its divergence from the Romantic and the Dreamlike for grounded, scientifically driven Realism. Portraits are drawn with a mind to the most trivial of details, such as where the veins go on a muscled arm or hand. Uncommon sitting positions and poses are used as sources of creativity, but always in a way deemed natural and real. Landscapes and historical scenes are also common enough, with the choice of scene always being the main expression of artistry. Nationalist and religious undertones are mainstream as well. As a consequence of rebellious youth culture, street art and modern art has a minor presence in the country.
Native literature is uncommon, consisting of mostly historical accounts and religious philosophy, such as books of prayers. Academic texts are produced to some degree as well, but fiction and nonfiction novels are few and far between. Aivintian literature, on the other hand, is readily available in every small town and every corner of every major city. Poetry is even rarer, although foreign poetry is consumed at the same rate as foreign literature. The main difference is that, while Saintmagnian taste in literature parallels Aivintian trends, poetry is pursued from more exotic sources, such as Peragen, Banteay, Llygad Duw, and Sayyed.