Ivlya

The Principality of Ivlya
Motto: "Blessed Be Ivlya"
Capital		Misto Doshchi
Official languages		Codexian, Ivlyazyk, Yoruba (less commonly used)
Ethnic groups (Estimate/2017)		51.3% Vulpine 42.8% Human 3.3% Procyne 2.6% Other
Demonym		Ivlyan
Government		Hereditary Constitutional Monarchy
-	Prince	Lucas Enrique Durand Tejada
-	Prime Minister	Vitali Tsvyk
-	Heir Apparent	Dymtrus Evanishyn
-	Princess	Katerina Adelaida Venegas Núñez de Durand
Population
-	estimate	42,304,436
GDP (nominal)		estimate
-	Total	920,629,136,232 SHD
-	Per capita	21,762 SHD
HDI (2017)		0.55 medium
Currency		Valyet (V)
Date format		/DD/MM/YYYY
Drives on the		left
Calling code		+27
Internet TLD		.ivl

The Principality of Ivlya, better known simply as Ivlya, is a hereditary absolute monarchy ruled by a prince. While not a theocracy, Ivlya has a large, devout Troitsan Christian contingent. This is reflected by its conservative policies and its largely moralistic populace. It shares borders with Bourun and Stratarin, and has frosty relations with both nations.

History

Stratic (1105-1114)

When the Empire of Stratarin was divided into three parts, Konstantine Ivanoff, a Vulpine Strataric general, was left with the least profitable and most problematic region known as Stratic (often known as Yama). The main problem with this region was the massive amount of military effort it took to keep the Bour tribes and those affiliated with them suppressed. Furthermore, there was animosity between Stratirium and Stratarin as well, due to the fact that all three states claimed to be led by the Tsar of the Western Vayan Catholic church.

In 1109 AD, Stratic was visited by explorers from Kalatianburg, and the two nations quickly established peaceful relations. In fact, several Kalatianburgers settled in Stratic, despite religious differences with the government.

By the year 1114, the Bour tribes had grown stronger and more united, giving rise to a mighty revolution led by Kamili the Strong, a tribal warlord. Ivanoff, his family and personal guard, and several thousand citizens (including the Kalatianburgers) were forced to flee or face death. Leaving Stratic to Bour control, these refugees fled to an uninhabited area bordering Bour territory. This land became known as Ivlya.

Ivlya (1121-Present)

Tsardom (1121-1247)

After several years, the small yet defensible state of Ivlya was established. Though he had no authority whatsoever in most of the Gondwanan Vayan Catholic church, Ivanoff was still considered its Tsar in Ivlya. His rule spawned many evangelistic programs to the Kalatianburgers who resided in Ivlya, eventually leading to their complete integration into the society.

After Konstantine's death in 1147 due to illness, his son Grisha Ivanoff took power. His reign introduced a new language for the Ivlyan people. Based on Strataric, this language (known as Ivlyazyk) was similar enough to learn with relative ease and different enough to be unique.

Following his demise in 1203, more rulers came after Grisha, all of the Ivanoff line. They accomplished nothing too significant, other than expanding little by little to make room for the growing population, bolstering defenses, and further establishing Ivlya as a nation.

Reformation (1239-1246)

During the year 1239, the Tsar Volodymyr Ivanoff had consolidated the Church's power in Ivlya. Using his religious power to eliminate adversaries by claiming they were heretics, he was infamous to most of Ivlya's citizens. This growing discontent led to small revolts starting to pop up, though most were quickly suppressed.

A small group, calling themselves Troitsans, started meeting in secret and gathering others to their cause. Somewhat different from the other revolts, their goal was not only political but also religious, as they disagreed with many key teachings of the Gondwanan Vayan Catholic church. These include works-based salvation, Arminianism, transubstantiation, and others. Despite their movement gaining popularity, the original Troitsans were found and publicly hanged as a warning.

However, Volodymyr's son Borys Ivanoff, known as both Borys the Patriot and Borys the Heretic, actually was convinced by the Troitsans. Following his father's death to in 1246, Borys officially declared that no man should be the head of the state's church, and took the title "Prince" instead.

Principality (1247-Present)

Borys passed away in 1301; however, he had abdicated ten years prior, leaving the throne to his son Artem. When Artem came of age, he found himself falling in love with Countess Angela Rasgado, of Kalatian descent. This was considered incredibly foolish, as Vulpines cannot reproduce with humans, meaning that Artem would be unable to produce an heir with her. Much to the royal court's dismay, he persisted, and the two wed in 1299. Tragically, five years later, Artem's hunting party was ambushed by a small Bouruni force. The Bouruni for were defeated; however, Artem was struck by an arrow. His final words were a request to see his wife one last time. This wish was not to be granted.

The Vulpine population grieved Artem's death to an incredible degree. Not only was he a beloved, although perceived as a little foolish, leader, his death also marked the end of the long line of Ivanoffs before him. Historical records diverge slightly here in regards to the princess. According to Ivlya: A Proud History, written by Diego Garcia Lorca, Princess Angela mourned him greatly, hardly eating and refusing to leave her room for weeks. However, according to The History and Struggle of Ivlya, and How It Applies Today, penned by Vulpine historian Pylyp Yovenko, she was hardly effected. However, both accounts agree that she remarried to a human three years later. Since she had not produced an heir with Artem, and due to the government reeling without a royal leader, her husband, Enrique I was quickly placed in the position of Prince. He was the first of the Durand royal family, which lasts to this day.

Government

Economy

Military

The Ivlyan military, known as the Ivlyan Armed Forces, though small compared to that of its neighbor Stratarin, is regarded for its soldiers' skill and bravery. The Ivlyan Armed Forces considers itself a small yet strong and proud line of defense against invasion from the Islamic theocracy or Communist dictatorship it borders.

Culture and People

Religion

For the average Ivlyan citizen, religion is incredibly important. While the nation has some Vayan Catholics, Ivlya predominantly follows Troitsan Christianity. Near the border with Bourun, Islamic communities are not uncommon.

Troitsan Christianity

An offshoot of Vayan Catholicism that arose in the 14th century, starting with a small revolt due to the authoritarian nature of the Ivlyan Vayan Catholic church. While the belief's main grievance was that the state should not decide all matters of religion, many different differences between the two Christian ideologies arose. Although the revolt was put down, Troitsan Christianity gained traction and spread, quietly at first, then more openly. Today, over 50% of the population claim to Troitsan Christians.

Politics

Effects of Religion on Politics

Due to the devout nature of the populace, Ivyla is currently rooted in conservative values. In March 2014, a controversy was sparked by the decision by the Ivlyan Parliament voting to uphold the illegalization of gay marriage. Prostitution is also illegal, as well as pornography. Abortion is regarded as murder.

Explanation of the Flag

The bear head shown on the flag is meant to represent stability of the Principality of Ivlya. The red is symbolic of the Ivlyan blood spilled (an act neither forgiven nor forgotten) by Bourun over the centuries. The purple asserts the royal history of the nation.