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The Kingdom of Strife Mike Renner on 2009-01-10 @ 00:42:56 Existing at the center of the continent of Hitoriku, the Kingdom of Strife is the central nation of the world. It is the most populated country in the world, and its borders make it the second-largest nation. Its central location means that it borders Cicle on the north, Emberton on the south, Zeyphr on the west, and Terra on the east. History Prior to the Demon War, there was only one organized nation in the world, and that was Cicle. The nation of Strife began as a small village built near the lake formed by the joining of the four rivers that make up the center of modern Strife City. Specifically, it was born of two twin brothers named David and Orion Lachesis. Their deeds during the Demon War allowed them to help command an army to defeat the demons at the end of the war. Orion formed the nation of Strife, named to symbolize the constant wear and tear of the central portion of Hitoriku, and briefly reigned over it before his death. Afterwards, David took over the kingdom and worked to create the nation as Orion would have wanted. Although the Kingdom of Strife originally started in the land that eventually became Strife City, it expanded its borders quickly to where they are today. It came into conflict with Cicle hundreds of years afters its founding because of border disputes, and has had repeated lack of success in relations with the Kingdom of Terra despite its best intentions. Government Strife works under a monarchy, but there's a fair bit of bureaucracy that goes on in everyday decisions. Every day, the king or queen of Strife hear a list of worries or requests, and make their decisions based on them. Usually, this list is read by the highest-ranking member of the Royal Guard, the Captain. If a decision doesn't go over well, the Royal Guard can veto the ruler's decision with a 2/3rds majority vote. In the abscence of Strife's royal family, the Captain of the Royal Guard acts as the steward of the throne until the return of a member of the royal family. The Captain will have full authority over nearly every major decision that would affect Strife, but he, too, is subject to the majority veto if it's not in the best interests of Strife. From what I can guess, given the current state of Strife's royal family, the King can designate his progeny to take over for him if he's absent. Culture & Technology From a technological standpoint, no country in Bideogamu is more advanced than Strife. Strife City is the primary station for the many trains that run through Hitoriku, and the nation also has various perks that might not be seen anywhere else. For example, Strife City has many thousands of "light stones", or stones that absorb light magic that can shine in the darkness. At night, Strife City is brightly illuminated and still bustling with activity. There are some stores and businesses in Strife City that are only open at night, and others that are open at all hours of the day. In addition, Strife has developed many magic-powered contraptions over the years, including strange battle chariots, the trains, and even what they refer to as "hovercrafts" that travel along rivers. For the most part, Strife has a bit of culture from everywhere. As an example, the Peacekeepers of Strife wear uniforms similar to the average Terran soldier. Strife's merchants also developed their business practices from the more legal and legitimate businesses in Emberton. Holidays & Events There are several holidays in Strife culture. Among them is the Founding Festival between July 4th and July 7th, a four day festival that celebrates the founding of the Kingdom of Strife. The Founding Festival is often accompanied by fireworks, parades (in Strife City), and celebration. It's often concluded with a ceremonial event at Strife Castle. The event attracts many people from all around Strife and even from other countries. In September of every year, beginning with the first Monday of the month, Strife conducts the annual "Tournament of Duels", a single-elimination tournament that tests the strongest fighters of Strife. It was once a barbaric event, an annual bloodsport conducted in times before Strife was born. However, as times and peace came into prominence, the fights became "safer" and less bloody. The fighters do not battle using live weapons and abilities involving magic and ki energy are banned from the tournament. Fights will last a maximum of fifteen minutes until either someone admits defeat, is knocked out, suffers some type of grievious injury, or time is up. A panel of judges will determine the winner in the event of a time limit draw. Anyone is allowed to enter the tournament, provided that they're given a proper sponsorship. The tournament lasts until only one competitor remains. The format of the tournament usually depends on how many people have entered. The winner is given an automatic invite into the next tournament, is bestowed a title of recognition, and earn themselves and their sponsor a fair amount of money. The tournament winner from last year was Saffron Lachesis, the Princess of Strife. She was given the title of "Princess of Swords", but declined any money for herself. December 25th is celebrated as "War's End Day", the anniversary of the day that the Demon War was concluded. It is celebrated with gifts and isn't limited to Strife, as it is celebrated all over Hitoriku. Leadership Strife is ostensibly ruled by King Roland Lachesis. However, he has apparently left for reasons unknown to me or anyone else, and has left the Kingdom of Strife in the hands of his daughters, Saffron and Nephilim Lachesis. The kingdom has been ruled by the House of Lachesis for almost a thousand years, since the country's founding. Surprisingly, despite such a long lineage, the family values discipline, honor, and loyalty in all members of the family. As a result, there's never really been a case of a corrupt monarch like there has been with the Kingdom of Cicle. Perhaps even my country could learn a thing or two about Strife's monarchy. Climate Strife has a very temperate climate, particularly during the warm years. It's said to get chilly during the cold years, however, and snow does sometimes fall even as far south as Vili, albeit fairly rarely. However, winter conditions in Strife are much more pleasant than conditions in Cicle even during warm years, and one should prepare more for terrible weather if they are to take a trip to Cicle.
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