Saintmagnus: Difference between revisions
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{{RP award|type=bronze}}
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name = The Free Republic of Saint Magnus
|native_name = ''Republica Liberă a Sfânt Magnus''
|common_name = Saintmagnus
|image_flag =
|national_motto = 'Longevitate și Prosperitate'
|englishmotto = Longevity and Prosperity
|image_map =
|loctext = Southeast Gondwana, off the coast of Aivintis
|alt_map = Map of Saintmagnus, with cities
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|religion_year = 1515
|demonym = Saintmagnian
|government_type = [[Wikipedia:Parliamentary democracy
|leader_title1 = King
|leader_name1 = Nicholas Tudor
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|population_census_year = 2020
|population_density_km2 = 300.3925
|GDP_nominal =
|GDP_nominal_per_capita =
|Gini = 30
|HDI = .87
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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.
[[File:AivintianAPC.
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.
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== 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.
[[File:SaintmagnusCouncilBuilding.png|200px|right|thumb|High Council Building, City of Saintmagnus]]
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.
[[File:SaintmagnusHighCouncilSeats.jpeg|200px|right|thumb|Distribution of High Council Seats. The RSDP is red, MHP grey, DSA purple, PCHP yellow, and COSM blue.]]
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.
[[File:SaintmagnusArtillery.png|200px|right|thumb|Decommissioned Saintmagnian Artillery]]
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.
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