World of Nevus - Kingdom of Regnum Nivibus

[innocent_royal]

Kingdom of Regnum Nivibus

Official Name: Kingdom of Regnum Nivibus
Alternative names: Frontinus
Traditional Name: Nivia
Region: Rivera Veined Tundra

Government: Hereditary Monarchy
Capital (largest city): Archangel
Population: 4.7 million
Currency: Florin (local), Gald (global)
Current Leader: Akili Leonheart (18+ year reign)
-Proceeded by-: Roland Rivera (50-55 yr reign)
-Heiress-: Anastasia Leonheart

Flag Notes: The cross (alternatively with a tree top) dual-symbolizes the importance of the world tree and religion in Nivibus. The snowflakes represent the 8 provinces in the kingdom. The white stripes on the top and bottom edges could either mean Nivibus's existence in history as the 4th and 7th Master Nation (the only one to do so) or exist in 2 eras of human history as a independent nation before its conquest and after its rebellion against the Firlandic Empire.

Motto: Aeternaliter Ad Ultimum Nix Casus (Eternally to the last snow fall)
National Animal: Snow Rabbit (for their ability to survive in the harshest conditions)
National Plant: Snow Blossom
Location on the Map:


A relative small nation but rich in wealth and culture. It is one of the very few Monarch-ran government that hold women in the highest regards, cherished by men and protected by law. Nivian architecture and attire resembles that of England during the Renaissance era, but the technology and medicine are as modern as Nivibus's neighbors, and same holds true for the rights of all its citizens. The entire country sees constant snowfall almost every day and all year round.

Nivibus is mostly a male-dominant society, but nothing in its laws prohibit women from taking on male careers. In fact, they're encouraged. But if a woman tries to appeal to a government position, she may be turned down due to the natural habits women tend to show from birth to adulthood. However, women are prohibited by law to join the army for obvious reasons (not because they're weak, but for the fact that only 14% of the population is female). On very rare occassions, exceptions have been made.

The Kingdom began with a small territory with its capital at Florinium. It began many small wars with other budding countries within the curtain of snow. Through these wars, it absorbed seven other territories and annexed two others, along with several pieces of land until the country established its modern shape. With this, the country established itself as the 4th (and later 7th) Master nation through Imperialism. Afterwards, the capital moved north into a new district and became Archangel City.

Behavior of the Children
As little girls, they tend to be reserved, but love interacting with people in anyway they can. They typically remain at home to gradually learn how to cook, clean, sew and so on while getting basic education on the side so they can express their creativity in several fields to gift to friends. They enjoy cultural arts from classic paintings to dance performances. Along with expressing themselves, they also do this in preparation for a visit from a suitor in their late teens. But sometimes, they'll even join boys in outdoor activities, but still try very hard to keep their clothes, and themselves, from getting dirty. When with boys they're close with, they'll nuzzle into their shoulders when hugging as a sign of affection, and sometimes even quickly slip into a light sleep on them. They'll mostly only do this to fathers and boys whom they have feelings for. Volunteer studies show that girls are unaware when they do this.

All girls have cold skin and low body temperatures. So they are often drawn to anything that gives off a gentle warmth, such has heavy blankets, low fires and hugs. Girls are also capable of giving off a subtle charm that compels their male counterparts to pay more attention to them, ensuring early and stable pairing off for later in life and the continuation of their race.

Boys on the other-hand, are more out-going than girls and aren't afraid to get dirtier than dirty can. Their favorite games involve plenty of intense action and contact. It's believed they do this to grow into strong men in later years. Regardless of ways to raise boys, they are always taught to be mindful of their female counterparts and treat them well. It is often looked down upon to upset a girl. Unless she was the one misbehaving, in which case a parental spanking is in order, depending on the severity of her mistake. Boys always remain active in life, driving them to take part in typically dangerous work until they are charmed by a compatible female.

Clothing Attire
Because it's always at the freezing point or below in Nivibus, it's vital to have the proper clothes. Nivian clothes are made from the shedded fur of snow rabbits. Gathered and lined properly in a tasteful design, the fur is capable of allowing a young girl to roam outside in a skirt without much risk.

Both males and females often traditionally wear specific colors. Both genders may wear blue and/or white to show respect for their country. Girls may also wear pink to represent their femininity, but boys don't wear any specific color to represent their masculinity since red is not an option as it's the national color of their enemy. Nivian men, instead, use their nation's colors. Popular styles include puffy sleeves and robe-like skirts for men, one-piece full dresses for women and a unisex trenchcoat style outfit.

Hairstyles
Nivian hairstyles don't differ much from the rest of the world. But how hair is worn can often be used to determine a individual's origin.

Bunny Ears is long hair worn up into twin tails. Also called "Drooping Ears" due to the hair hanging behind the shoulders. Men with long enough hair can wear their hair similar to bunny ears. They may take it back into a pony tail, but use a accessory to split the tail into two.

Cascade is long hair worn down and loose. It bears little to no decor or accessories. It's often described to resemble a waterfall as the girl moves.

Ripples style is hair worn curly and wavy, often decorated with ocean-themed hair clips.

Medicine
Being a nation that never sees summer, it's crucial for the natives to have the medicine to get through the cold and flu seasons. Nivibus posses the most effective medicine and vaccine to combat these threats. The common and native Snow Blossom is often used for a variety of herbal medicines and makes quite a healthy, mint-flavored seasoning on some dishes.

Music
Nivibus likes stringed instruments and other classical styles of music, especially if they come with lyrics that envokes a sense of defiance against hostile cultures. It's not too entirely uncommon to pass a pub and hear the patrons burst into impromptu songs about how their people will endure, even when the country itself is flanked by two allied cultures significantly more powerful than Nivibus.

A Nation of Survivors through Romance
Unlike the people of foreign descent, a Nivian, for reasons that can't yet be explained scientificly, cannot grow extra hair to help keep the cold at bay.
Because of this, Nivian females are more at risk of cold-related problems. Males, on the other hand, tend to generate more heat when they're feeling affectionate. However, they also lose this extra body heat quickly if exposed to the cold air.

In order for the two genders to live comfortably in Nivibus's climate, they pair up and stay as close as they possibly can. It's not uncommon to see couples of all ages strolling or just idly spending their time together in Nivibus's capital city, Archangel.

On a semi-relevant note, it's also not uncommon for young Nivian girls to sleep with atleast 3 layers of blankets (plus a stuffed animal if they so choose) despite so many not being all that necessary. The most common reason to use 3 layers of blankets is to keep the girl still as she sleeps so she won't toss and turn and ensure a restful night's sleep.

Nivians: A sub-species of human?
Unlike other humans, the need to survive in Nivibus's cold climate has evolved these humans slightly. A sort of "animal instinct" is present in Nivians, most evident in females.

Nivian females seem to be instinctively drawn to sources of heat, be it fires, indoors or simply a friendly male. By comparison, males are drawn to their female counterparts also. It's believed boys are taught to care for the girls, but it's more likely they're just instinctively attracted to the females for more than just the instinctive desire to mate, such as the girl's desire for someone to talk to. Oddly enough, Nivians cannot bear offspring unless their partner is also Nivian.

Due to the humans of Nivibus evolving differently from other humans, they are built only for harsh, cold environment. They have a base "comfort" temperature of 20-30 degF from the freezing point plus their current age. For example, Princess Anastasia can comfortable up to 62 degF and survive up to 74 degF. She would be in danger beyond that without proper accomodations.

Courtship Trials
Traditionally, boys are taught to be strong and smart by the time they're ready for marriage. In Nivian society, it's a man's job to make a utopia out the home in which he'll live with his wife and future children. As smoothly as life goes in Nivibus, there is always danger and crime. When together, the man needs to be ready to put his life on the line for his wife and kids should danger ever befall them. It's customary for young men have to be tested for their competence by the daughter's parents, otherwise, they cannot marry, even with the parents' approval. Doing so otherwise may cause many people to worry about the couple. The father provides a test of strength and skill while the mother provides a test of intelligence and wit. If he passes, he earns the right to marry their daughter, but if he fails, he's sent away to study and try again later. Tests almost never require fighting. Most include various household stuff, such as firewood collection for the strength test and cooking for the wisdom test.

Basic Capital City Lay-out
Within the captial city of Archangel stands four important buildings. To the north is the main castle of the royal family, big enough to accomadate the royal family, the servants and a few visiting governors. To the south is the Great Cathedral, where royal weddings, funerals, religious sermons and births take place. They say that if a princess is born in the cathedral, she'll be as pure as light itself. To the west is the main economic ministry where officials handle currency and agriculture. To the east is the war & defense ministry where the kingdom's elite are trained. Another important feature is the city streets are littered with snow rabbits.

Government & citizen rights
Nivibus uses a Hereditary Monarchy form of government with a "Council of Knights." Established before Roland's passing, it enables a easier line of communication between all cities and provinces in the realm. Each province uses their top militia general to represent their province in the Council of Knights and meet with the current royal family. The representative knights act as the voices of the people of their respective homes, letting the king know what concerns the people have and giving the king an idea on how to assist them.

Should a entire head of government be chopped off, excluding a under-aged heir and the council, the council will head the government and prepare the heir for succession. Granted someone on the council doesn't usurp the throne in the mean time.

If the current monarchs should suddenly pass away, excluding an heir and the Knight Council, the Nivian government plans on copying the Granysean form of government temporarily until the royal heir reaches his/her coming-of-age where he/she can be trusted to rule the kingdom.

Nivibus gives a wide set of rights to its citizens. All citizens living in the country are allowed limited free speech, they may print what they want so long as it doesn't endorse criminal activity, endanger children or women, or be used as propaganda for enemy countries.

As stated earlier, women have the right to follow the career paths of men, except for firefighters, construction and law enforcement. However, they are still able to enlist in the military as Knights if they can prove they can ignore their instincts.

Nivibus maintains a defensive stance in foreign policy. They refuse to step in and get in the business of other nations. That job is reserved for the Crezanti Theocracy (who sucks at it).

Religion
Nivians are devoted to the Pankosmian faith, the belief that the world and everything that makes it up are connected by 11 Goddesses and the central Prime Goddess, or God-Queen. They have a mix of modern Creationism and Evolution, believing in something-from-nothing but took time for everything to become what it is today. It is often believed that a one of the 11 Goddesses watches over and protects the people, depending on the month they are born. Princess Anastasia, for example, is said to be watched over by Sayame, the Goddess of Music, Oceans and Fertility.

Mythology
Several thousands of years ago, the known world was populated by a race of advanced Elves (more refered to as Proto-Human), extremely long-lived and proficient in magic. They were lead by a Queen called Pankosmia who surrounded herself with three special handmaids.
Sularin, the Elder of Right. Kiel Lathos, the Elder of Immorality and Eruzael, the Elder of Balance.
Sularin made sure the people knew the right way to do things. Kiel made sure people knew the wrong ways. And Eruzael made sure people knew the difference. The elders also made sure to keep each other in check.
Through these handmaids, Pankosmia maintained a lasting society of togetherness with the world's three great nations of which her handmaids hail from and the 11 Goddesses which make up their material world.

After some time, the Elders began to drift apart for unknown reasons. No longer keeping each other in check, Eruzael lied to the World Spirit of Ice for a alliance, and used her power to bring out a terrible winter that crippled Pankosmia and the three great nations. Eruzael lead a war to make him the king of the world to enact the perfect balance. For the first time in a long time, Sularin and Kiel joined together and defeated their fallen brother, sealing him away under two layers of magic shared between themselves.

Pankosmia was badly injured in this war of the gods, "Ragnarok." She used what's left of her power to reduce the radius of the endless winter so it only occupied the area around the World Tree (modern day Kingdom of Nivibus) and to bind her spirit to the great World Tree, said to be the throne and gateway of the spirit world. And thus, Pankosmia's corporeal reign had ended and the ever abundance of Mana slowly depleted into almost nothing.

Without the elder of Balance, the world slowly decayed into anarchy as the people no longer knew how to tell the difference between right and wrong. Sularin and Kiel formed a guild to help take up Eruzael's job to maintain balance. They were successful until a great war between several guilds erupted some three-hundred years after Pankosmia's departure. "The Seven Secrets" as the elder's guild was called, struggled to protect innocent families caught up in the war and at the same time struggled to extinguish the flames of war.

The war weary elders eventually took up drastic measures. Some historians believed Sularin began campaigns of cold-blooded murders of guild leaders to end the war. Kiel was believed to use cooperation to teach right from wrong. It was during the ending years of the war that Kiel and Sularin were believed to switch roles. But what is known is the final battle of the war, fought between the exiled Kiel who rebelled against their actions and the remaining members of the Seven Secerts who despised him for his weakness and inactions to help end the war.

Kiel killed most of the members, but was defeated by Sularin who later died from his injuries. It is not known if Kiel was killed by Sularin. Though a small battle, it was a catastrophe on a scale grand enough to cause the other guilds to recoil from the war and disband their guilds.

The end of the guild wars brought about a dark age that lasted well over a thousand years. Over those years, new generations saw decreasing life spans until modern humans replaced the last ancient Nevusian.

Foreign Relations
Merchantile Republic of the Granysean People: Nivibus has a open-boarder military alliance with this country. Due to being adjacent to one another, they enjoy a rich trading opportunity and all sorts of cultural stuff.

The Great Firlandic Empire: These two countries share a very tense relationship. An incident almost drove the two countries to war again, but currently enjoy an alliance of convenience against a renegade army using stolen Firlandic proto-type magitech weapons. Bad blood, however, prevents the two from trusting one-another. It has been speculated that Princess Anastasia may be married off to the emperor to establish a true peace.

Ancient Pastorian Tribal States: These two countries shared a pleasant alliance, but dissolved at the start of the Pasto-Aldaean War. Nivibus still, however, provides money and weapons to the Pastorian war effort.

Aldaeas Federation: The federation recognizes no nation as a Master-class equal. For 12 years since the birth of a Nivian princess, this warrior nation have been gearing for war to destroy the snowy kingdom on the sole belief that no woman should ever stand taller than a man. In short, a war may break out between these two countries at the drop of a hat.

The Holy Crezanti Theocracy: Archangel and Harmonja (Crezanti capital) share a deep, spiritual bond. The Theocracy is the hub of the Pankosmian faith and Nivibus is the final destination on a pilgrimage to the great world tree. The two countries are essentially allies, but the Theocracy vowed to a state of neutrality, preferring to act as a mediator between the other Master nations. In recent years, the Theocracy has shifted to pro-totalitarianism.

Other cities
Archangel (Capital) - second largest city in the world.
St. Valens - A port town in the north on the borders with the Granysean Republic. It's a cultural hub.
Eukursk - a village south of Archangel. It was the target of bandit raids during the annoying Bandit Wars that started after the end of the Second Pankosmia War.
Carmina - A isolated port town on the nation's east coast.
Nikki - A town north of Archangel. It's normally used as a base of operations for people going to mine at the mountain range or for travelers trying to cross it. Strangely enough, it never boomed.
Inari - A military town on the southern border with the Firlandic Empire. It only has military families residing here.
Buren - A town located in the middle of nowhere in Nivibus's west coast. It has little communication with the other cities and thus many are unaware of its existence.
Capua Anna - A harbor town located on Nivibus's northern island that was only founded 12 years earlier. It as named after Princess Anastasia.

Boarder towns
Catalita - A town on the boarders between Nivibus and Granysea.
Tessra - A demilitarized town straddling the Nivibus-Firland boarder. The purpose for the demilitarization is to create a defense against surprise attacks from the other. As the town is shared by both countries, attacking Tessra counts as an attack on the other country and on their own people.

Holidays
The Kingdom of Nivibus has it's own share of real holidays and fictional holidays.

Nivibus Summer Solstice (March 1st) - The first day of the Nivibus summer where the ice floes recede, the sun shines brighter, and the amount of snowfall declines. On this day, people are treated to the sight of the snow blossoms blooming, the left over snow crystals glittering in the sun as the buds open.

Girls Festival (March 3rd) - Commonly reffered to as the real celebration of summer. On this day, the nation celebrates females. In each town, females of all ages dress up in their summer gowns and perform the Hina Twirl dance together in the plazas. In this dance, usually the wife and daughter(s) of the town's leader dance in the center of more dancers twirling around them. Dancing is optional. Women are allowed to join in late and leave early if they wish. Men, who are not permitted to dance, only need to make sure to get their female family members (if they're attending) out of the way should they become dizzy. Unfortunately, on this day is also when the most accidents occur.

Anastasia's Birthday (March 3rd) - The only difference between this and the Girls Festival is Anastasia is involved. It's the only time where she appears before nobles and commoners alike. Also, a lot of gift giving (to the princess) occurs. Obviously a holiday celebrated in Archangel only. However, the princess is never given any opportunity to speak with any commoners.

Nivian Winter Solstice (September 1st) - The start of the Nivian winter season where the sky darkens, heavy snowfall almost every day and blizzards occur. It seems irresponsible, but it's also the school season. Princess Anastasia leaves for Great Cathedral to live for 6 months and study to be a proper lady, noble and future queen. All shops in Archangel close up early to see Anastasia off as she departs as well as make sure the roaming snow rabbits don't hide in their vendor stalls.

Nivian Independence & Revolution (November 19th-25) - Jokingly called "Find the Princess a Husband Day" as it will be explained in a bit. A week-long holiday celebrated at the Great Cathedral. The nation honors the ancestors that chased out ancient rivals and drew the modern borders of Nivibus and those who were bravely endured Firlandic Occupation after 200 years of sovereignty and then finally people who gave their lives to overthrow Firlandic rule 500 years later.
It's primarily a social day involving games, plays and dances. On this day, Princess Anastasia is introduced to many eligible men in a effort to coax her into picking a suitor for when she's ready for marriage. However, she steadfastly rejects every single one and refuses to recognize this part of the holiday as a result.

Lunar Festival: Once a year, the clouds open up, allowing the moon to become visible, shining brightly and fully, even in the day time. At night, the moonlight shining upon the country reflect off the snow, creating a twinkling spectacle. The country earned the name Eternal Winter Paradise because of this.

Military
In the honest opinions of the rest of the world, Nivian's military might may be a bit lacking.
The ones who use their swords as their companions shields are the Knights. They typically answer to the King and Princess. They are specifically trained for defense and counter-attacks. They are trained how to deal with any and all opposing fighting styles from barbaric to, as of currently, Firlandic Cavalry. One of the most renowned Knights is Noah for his ability to use elemental strike artes. He currently serves as the personal bodyguard for the Princess. Other famous knights are High-General Julian Kytos, the only Elf in Nivibus and Supreme Commander Basil Costa who lead the knights into battle against the bandits.

The forefront of the army is the new King's Musketeer Regiment. Foot soldiers who wield musket rifles that answer only to the King and Supreme Commander. They are slow firing and somewhat inaccurate, but it was these few soldiers who repelled the Firlandic invasion 20 years earlier. The newest member of stardom is Private Isaac Conway, the only surviving Musketeer of the undead invasion of Archangel (Soul Project game only).

Backing up the Knights and Musketeers are the Queen's Yeoman Archers. As by their name, they answer to the Queen, and even the Princess if they successfully mistake her for the Queen. The finest archers hand picked by the queen herself. They are always on the frontlines with the knights and musketeers while the shortbows stay back and defend crucial areas such as cities along with the final land-based branch. There are currently no famous persons among the archers.

Because of Nivibus's eternal snowfall, cavalry haven't been able to acquire a respectable spot in the hearts of people. However, for generations, breeders have been working to produce a horse that doesn't need need to wear Nivian clothing to keep warm and can tread well in the snow. They were successful, but it's not quite perfect. Members of the cavalry are broken into several ranks based on skill. All Cavalry answer to the king and commandant and may answer to the Princess if not for the sole purpose to win her affection by giving her rides on their horses.
The Carabineers are armored knights wielding muskets. They are typically used for the defense of cities.
The Dragoons are higher up. They wield a pair of proto-type long-barrel pistols.
And finally the Bayonet Riders. They are typically the more ruthless of any soldier as well as just being Carabineers. With their rifle's equipped with a bayonet, they will go as far as charge their enemy, impale them, then fire their weapon, rather than it being the other way around. They are also called the Bayoneteers. There are currently no famous persons in the Cavalry.

Unfortunately, Nivibus has a small navy, if it even has one. They are restricted from launching any warships due to the ice floes around the country. However, the floes do recede in the summer season, but they can only muster one or 2 ships per year. The most prestigious ship in the Nivian navy is the N.R.F Roland.
(N.R.F = Nivian Royal Fleet)

Women in the Military
Under normal circumstances, women are generally not allowed to join the military due to them being of vital importance to the survival of the human race. However, Nivian law allows them equal opportunity as men, and are allowed to sign up if they're willing.

Nivian women, unfortunately, lack the stamina and strength most soldiers have. A fairly new metal, however, was known and used to create weapons for women that makes them able to be on par with other soldiers.

A woman, like men, are given a test. While men have to show their skills in a tournament, all a woman has to do to receive proper training is simple beat a man. To be fair, they're paired against a potential new recruit as well. If the woman wins, she'll receive the same training as any male. However, if the woman possess exceptional skill, she'll be tested against more veteran knights, again based on how she performed.

So far, there are only 3 known female soldiers currently in service. Captain Chloe of the St. Valens Militia and castle guards, Tiffany and Celeste.
One female soldier-turned-traitor is Mary-Celeste LeBane (no relation to Celeste).
Other female's who are part of the military, though not of the literal sense is Queen Melody Astor-Leonheart and Princess Anastasia Leonheart.