Derralia
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| Flag of Derralia | |
| Motto: Freedom is the one thing that is unconquerable | |
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| Region | Wall Street |
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| Capital | Hearth |
| Official Language(s) | Derralian and English |
| Leader | President Jack Meridius |
| Population | 647,000,000 (June 06) |
| Currency | Derrali |
| NS Sunset XML | |
Contents
History
History of Derralia
Derralia or in its formal name the Allied States of Derralia has a long and to many Derralians devasting history. In its time of exsistence Derralia has seen war, enslavement and nearly seen their religion destroyed.
Ancient Derralia
Ancient Derralia was a single country under the leadership of a royal family with several powerful tribal families supporting them chief amoung these tribes was the Meridius tribe, the weakest was the Leonidas tribe. Of course each tribal family wanted to be the most powerful and therefore gain the most favour from the royal family so inevitably tribal warfare broke out.
Derralia Conquered
this state of tribal warfare lasted for hundreds of years in fact it last until around 983AD when Derralia was invaded by Valertinette, many tribes submitted to Derralia's new overlords even the Meridius tribe submitted without a fight but one tribe did fight this tribe was the Leonidas tribe the battle was short as not a single Valertinette warrior was killed but all 120 Derralians were. The Royal Family of Derralia fled the country and went into exile.
The Valertinetteians now in control of Derralia began to enjoy themselves, all valertinettean women had it a lot easier because many Derralians were enslaved and made to work for the valertinetteans especially as personal slaves in valertinettean houses. The slaves were treated with such disgrace that many died under their master's hand, and the government didn't care however once a derralian slave took her master's life the death penalty was given out. the Derralians saw this as injustice. However the worst thing that the Valertineeteans did was they tore down the temples and shrines of the Derralian Dragon lords and replaced them with their own.
The Fight for Freedom
Now if there was one thing which united the Derralian tribes it was the belief in the Dragon Lords. As far as many Derralians were concerned such sacriledge by the Valertinetteans could not go unanswered. every tribe turned to the Leonidas tribe to lead what was ultimately going to become a war for independence. the Leonidas tribe was chosen because they were the only tribe that stood up and fought when Derralia was conquered even the Meridius tribe who were the supreme military tribe submitted to the command of the Leonidas tribe. this would be a war consisting of four major battles these were the battle of Hearth, the battle of Dragon Heart Fort, the Battle of scyl cove and the battle of Hearth Plains.
Command of the Derralian forces were split between the children of the Leonidas Chieftain Sammy Leonidas was given command of the ground forces Mark Leonidas was given command of the airpower Manius Leonidas was given command of the navy
The Battle of Hearth
this was the First Battle in which Sammy Leonidas commanded the Derralian troops. However it was also an urban battle which was something that the Derralians were not used to The troops were as follows
Derralian Alliance- 10,000 hoplites broken down into 4,000 from the Leonidas Tribe, 3,000 from the Meridius tribe, 1,000 from the Fernley tribe and 2,000 from other tribes
Valertinettean troops- 12,000 infantry and 500 cavalry
the battle being in an environment which the Valertinetteans now knew better than the Derralian Alliance was predictably hard for the Derralians they realised that they had gone for the victory too soon and as such the Derralian forces paid the price but a good solid group of 2,000 including General Leonidas were able to retreat. so the Valertinetteans gained victory.
The reaction of the Valertinetteans was brutal they killed every young Derralian girl left in Hearth as a compensation for the massive loss of life on their side. this atrocity just increased the hatred of the Valertinetteans among the Derralians and spurred the Derralian alliance on.
The Battle of Dragon Heart Fort
Dragon Heart Fort lies within the mountains of Derralia its walls are in many mountain passes. Dragon Heart Fort is also the Leonidas tribe's home region of Derralia. but in August 1427 AD the Valertinetteans sieged the Fort in an attempt to destroy the rebellion once and for all.
Derralia Alliance Troops- 30,000 hoplites (10,000 each from the Leonidas, Fernley and Meridius tibes) also there was 2,000 cavalry (all from the Myst tribe) and 1,000 archers (all from the Trafg tribe)
Valertinettean troops- 50,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry, 8,000 archers
This battle meant more than any battle that had ever been fought in Derralia up to that point not just because it was a fight for the freedom movement but Dragon Heart Fort was home to the last remaining temples of the Dragon Lords. though outnumbered the Derralian Alliance stood its ground and routed the enemy force killing many but losing many themselves.
The Battle of Scyl cove
This was the only naval engagement of the war but it was also the most crucial battle for the Derralian alliance now that they were back on the offensive. It allowed the Derralian alliance to unleash its decisive advantage the dragonknights these were Derralians who had managed to tame the wild dragons of Derralia and now rode them into battle from the skies.
Derralian Alliance Forces- 3,000 triremes (unknown how many from various tribes) and 30 Dragonknights (unknown how many from various tribes)
Valertinettean forces- 5,000 ships of various types
This was an ambush by the Derralian Alliance forces. The valertinettean ships were carrying extra troops that were to be deployed in an attack on the Derralian Alliance ground forces. Luckily they never got to the land as the Valertineetean ships were caught off-guard and although they held up well they had no answer for the rain of fire and spears from the sky. the Valertinettean ships were burnt and sunk not one survived. in response the Valertinettean's razed many Derralian citys to the ground as they now saw that victory would most likely fall to the Derralian Alliance.
The Battle of Hearth Plains
The final battle of the war was on the plains outside the capital city of Hearth even the Valertinettean leader Valertine Pikolo took part leading his army. But now the Derralian Alliance forces could sense independence this was where derralia's fate would be decided
Derralian Alliance Forces- 50,000 Hoplites, 7000 Archers 10,000 cavalry and 30 Dragonknights
Valertinettean forces- 100,000 infantry 40,000 cavalry, 2000 archers
The two armies met in battle half way across the plain both leaders of the Derralian Alliance were in the thick of it Sammy Leonidas on foot and in the sky Mark Leonidas. The battle was edgy and hung in the balance as both sides fought hard many falling on each side. it looked like the Derralian Alliance would be defeated until Sammy Leonidas dashed forward and engaged Valertine Pikolo in single combat and managed to wound him his men carried him away, and his army routed towards Hearth but the dragonknights were faster only sparing the dictator himself.
Aftermath
With the war won derralia had its independence the Derralians spared Valertine Pikolo's life and then decided it was time for a change this was inspired by Sammy Leonidas's Victory speech
Sammy Leonidas's Speech
"The Victory is ours, Independence is ours but this war proved that we could put aside our tribal quarrels and work together for the good of our Nation we united against the enemy so let us stay united and rebuild this country of Derralia the country of the courageous"
There was no opposition to the proposals made in her speech so the Allied states of Derralia came into being. In fact the Derralian flag is dedicated to the three Leonidas's who led the Derralian Alliance it has Sammy's shield, Manius's Spear and Mark's sword it also has the word Freedom on it just so people remember thats what they fought for.
Shortly after this the 3 Leonidas's dissapeared and turned up in 1997 which is around 700 years after the revolution. The Derralians believe it to have been the will of the Dragon Lords.
From Independant Island to Allied States
In the year 2000 the Derralia Democratic Party assumed power. At this time the states in the string of Islands as Derralia were recovering economically after being bled dry by tyrant after tyrant. With the final Tyrant ousted these states gained their own independence. Derralia asking nothing in return financed their economic recoveries. The states now unused to the freedom they now had asked Derralia if they could form some sort of alliance under Derralian leadership, the proposal was accepted and the Allied States of Derralia came into being.
Recent History
The Return of the Royals
After many years in exile the last known heir to the throne of Derralia was found shipwrecked it is assumed that the Royal family had lived on the shipwreck for all 600 years of their exile and throughout all the generations of that time the last princess of Derralia is called Alexis Phoenix. She was flown into Dragonheart Fort for immediate medical attention and while some tests were run to check who she was.
With the confirmation of identity the princess was escorted by the Derralian military to Hearth and to the royal palace where she was crowned as Princess of Derralia she will remain as such until she is 18 after which she will become the queen of Derralia.
Politics
the Political establishment in Derralia is democratic with a president being elected every seven years by the people the President then decides on everyone in his/her cabinet with the exception of the military personell who are decided by their respective predcessors.
The Cabinet of Derralia
President- Jack Meridius
Vice President- Peter Fernley
Minister of Defence- Graham Myst
Education Secretary- Sally Homes
Attourney General- Rt Hon Mr Justice David Longrik
Health Minister- Micheal Hunter
Technology Minister- Abigail Snowden
Sport's Minister- Darius Summerbee
Home Secretary- Federico Marques
Foreign Secretary- Kay Meridius
Political Parties of Derralia
There are three main political parties in Derralia these are the Derralia Democratic Party (DDP), the Derralia Party (DP) and the Freedom party (FP)
Derralia Democratic Party
this party follows the traditional purpose of democracy it actively encourages all Derralians to get involved in politics even if its only at the local level. this is the party currently in Power and is led by President Jack Meridius. The party values free speech higher than anything and won the last election in a shock victory and looks set to continue it's reign in power.
Derralia Party
This party is made up of Derralians who are in a sense purely Derralian and encourage the disbanding of the many states that make up the Allied States of Derralia. Of course due to their many demonstrations there have been several high profile arrests leaving the party firmly out of significant politics.
Freedom Party
This is the party most closely associated with the Derralian military and is the main way that the 3 Derralian military leaders get their views across in the Derralian parliament due to the laws banning any soldier to enter the parliament.
The Law
Laws in Derralia are passed by a public vote the vote must have a majority for it to be passed or failed as a drawn vote simply incurs the law to be put on trial with the outcome being whether or not the law is passed.
Crime and Punishment
High Treason (killing a high ranking official/betraying the nation in any way/conspiring to overthrow the government)- Death Penalty
Murder- Life imprisonment or a minimum of 10 years rehabilitation
Intent to/Attempted Murder- 15 years in prison or 8 years rehabilitation
Rape- 12 year prison sentence
Abduction- 9 year prison sentence or 5 years rehabilitation.
Fraud- 15 year prison sentence
Robbery- 6 year prison sentence or 5 years rehabilititation
Petty Theft- 1 week prison sentence or 1 month rehabilitation
In all cases the judges are encouraged to where applicable give the rehabilitation sentence however this is at the judges discretion. Additionally serial offenders are given the prison sentence.
Putting a Law on Trial
after a public vote that is drawn about whether a law should be passed or not the law is put on trial. The process is like any other criminal trial only its about how the law would work in terms of the laws strengths and weaknesses and how practical it is when applied to a real trial.
This process can also be used to challenge an exsisting law. This is done through the objector filing a complaint in his/her local court the case is then brought before the Supreme Derralian court.
The Supreme Derralian Court
In times gone by the Supreme Derralian court was headed by the Monarch. These days its headed by the Rt Hon Mr Justice David Longrik and the other high ranking Derralian judges to a final total of 7 to ensure a majority in any case verdict. The judges act as judges and jury in every case brought before the Supreme Derralian Court.
The cases brought before the Supreme Derralian court are limited to high profile things which could effect how the country is run. Aside from that the only cases it hears is when a law is put on trial.
Education
In Derralia there are 3 schools each acting as school/college and University because of the large class sizes this makes the majority of lessons lectures by professors and other people the students favourite is General Sammy Leonidas's "the Siege of Dragonheart Fort and how it united the nation"
The College of Hearth
the college of Hearth attracts the most students each year mainly because it is located in the capital city of Derralia. It specialises in Art, Drama, literiture, Language, Maths and Law. Many students gain excellent grades here and then progress upon graduation to even better careers mainly in the areas that the college of Hearth specialises in. the Students here live in the city mainly in flats the college provides.
The University of Dragonheart Fort
The University of Dragonheart Fort is the largest school in Derralia in terms of the ground it takes up. The students here are split into 4 groups each named after a dragonlord these are ilawing, bladewing, Champion Flame and Serpentius different qualities are looked for in each student to determine which group they should go into this is done through the process of an interview conducted by the 3 Leonidas military leaders who teach some students as well as their military duty to Derralia.
the University of Dragonheart Fort specialises in Philosophy, Religion, History and Mythology. It is from here that many of Derralia's politicians and Military personell come from.
The Learning Centre of Scyl Cove
The Learning centre of Scyl Cove is a Technology and Science specialised school. Many of Derralia's brightest people have been educated here and some now work at the space centre located at Scyl cove from where it is hoped that Derralia will be able to launch the Angel Mission.
Religion
The Religion in Derralia is worship of the Dragon Lords. They are worshipped because it is believed that they created the island of Derralia when it was ancient times. There are many Dragon lords who are worshipped the following is a list of them.
Each Dragon Lord has their own stories, myths and legends some are quite interesting.
Infernia (Test of Loyalty)
This is a religious test which dates back to ancient Derralia.
The Infernia is taken when the person comes of age at 16. The test is taken at Dragon Heart Fort in the grand temple of the Dragon Lords.
The proceedure during the test is that the person being tested has to walk from the entrance of the temple to the altar of Champion Flame at the other end. This sounds simple but along the way the other Dragon Lords choose whether they are with the person or against them if they are with them then the person may pass that Dragon Lord's statue if they are against you then a spiritual trap within the temple is triggered and these traps usually stop the tests because they are usually deadly. However some traps are less deadly as the Dragon Lord may not feel that badly about the person being tested.
When the person being tested reaches the altar of Champion Flame they find the symbol of a Dragon Lord there, this symbol indicates which Dragon Lord is that persons Dragon Guardian, some Dragon Lord's are more common than others in this role.
Derralian Military Officers
the following is a list of the military officers who work in the Derralian Military
General: Sammy Leonidas
Wing Commander: Mark Leonidas
Admiral: Manius Leonidas
Intelligence officer: Steven Hajik
Parliament Liason: Andrew Skye
Scientist: Katy Reuben
Derralian Sport
The main Derralian sport is Dragon Racing. it reflects the people who rode dragons into battle at Scyl Cove and Hearth Plains. The races can get nasty and usually involve spectacular accidents. The current champion of this sport is Serenity Fernley.
Other sports played in derralia are Football, Tennis, Hockey, Cricket and Basketball
The Media
Television
Derralia has many television stations but there are major ones which are
Derralia 1
Derralia 1 is the prime television station it broadcasts a wide variety of programmes but is mainly responsible for showing the news and the more successful dramas.
The Derralian news shows are broken down into 2 parts the first part is general news for the Allied States of Derralia and the region with the second half being for that paticular region of the Allied States of Derralia. So in a sense its International news then National news. There are many political shows in Derralia such is the value of democracy.
Dragon
the Dragon channel is the main sport channel it covers every sport that goes on in Derralia from the football (soccer) to the Dragon Racing it is widely popular and its no surprise that it covers all the sports news and therefore aids the other news bulletins with the latest sport infomation.
DPTV
DPTV or Derralia Parliament TV allows the Derralian public to see whats going on in the parliament building in Hearth this allows all Derralians to form their opinions on prospective laws before the national vote. Of course this is the most unpredictable of every Derralian channel simply because its live television.
Derralian Kids TV
The name says it all, this is the channel for everyone younger than 18 it contains showings of cartoons, films, history programmes and other educational shows.
Newspaper
The national newspaper of Derralia is the Derralia standard. The Derralia standard has a contract with the Derralian parliament which says that the Derralian parliament is not allowed any contact with the Derralian standard unless its a national emergency. This contract ensures that there is freedom of expression in the media.
The Derralia standard has been exceptionally noticed for its continuing attempts to drive a wedge between president Jack Meridius and vice-president Peter Fernley. This is usually attempted on controversal issues and has had limited success.
