Borogravia



Borogravia is a Grand Duchy located in Mediterrae. Notably, the country was the only landlocked country in the CCRP World until 1906, when the W.C.C. sold them a coastal colony in Alituria.

Pre-History & Ancient
Main Article: Out of Amurrhine theory

There is archeological evidence for settlement of the Kneck valley since at least -6,000, according to Humerlandish archeologists. Ethnically, Borogravians are part of the Amurrhine ethnic group, prevalent through from southern Humerland down the Kneck river as far as the northern PRA. As such, they tend to have pale skin, deep eyes, medium to light brown hair. Neolithic settlements have been found dating to -3000, with evidence of cultivation of beets and root vegetables, the use of advanced stone tools, and boats made from skins or bark. Primitive effigies of Nuggan have been found dating to this time; these figures were widespread all across the Kneck and into Inutilia.

Imperial
Borogravia was part of the Empire from around -500 to c175. It still considers itself the valid heir thereof, and has the imperial eagle on its flag.

Medieval
Following the collapse of the empire, Borogravia continued with an honourary "Emperor" until 1170, when it became a kingdom, although de facto the robber-barons dominated its affairs, demanding tolls on river and mountain crossings. Throughout this period it fought its neighbours repeatedly, including Inutilia, Haluria, Humerland, Zlobenia, Mouldavia, Amurrhine, and others.

Between 1410 and 1412, Borogravia, like everyone else, fought Inutilia. During the reign of Juliett II of Inutilia, it repeatedly fought them.

In 1457, after a 2-year long war, it was annexed by Humerland, the king of whom, Reginald, became duke thereof, separate to his title as King of Humerland. In 1489, following his death, the country became an independent nation again, as the House of Dierdrik had ended. It became a Grand Duchy, ruled over by a Grand Duke.

By 1500, Borogravia was hiring out mercenaries to other nations due to being in a too peaceful region for the national pastime.

Modern
Zlobenia, the traditional enemy of Borogravia, located across the Kneck, was absorbed into Borogravia after the war of 1814-17. This gave Borogravia access to rich lead and coal reserves. Mouldavia and Syldavia were annexed or absorbed during the century as well.

By the late 19th Century, it was being dominated by Humerland and the Global Defence Council. On at least two occasions in the 1890s, the Global Defence council planned to invade. Neither time did it succeed, in part due to backing by Humerland.

Location & Geography
Borogravia is located in Mediterrae, between Inutilia to the west, PRA to the south, Humerland to the north, and Haluria to the east. It is mountainous and has an extensive coalfields. The majority of agriculture occurs in the Kneck valley.

Economy
The economy of Borogravia is fairly small. Major exports include coal and iron. Chief products for home use are beets and timber. It is dependent on the Homaric Alliance nations for food and weapons, and any sort of industry

Culture
Borogravia is culturally similar to the (of course fictional) eastern European countries in the fictional planet known as Earth. It is a small, backward, nation, with little industry, and is very warlike. Much of the funding and food in Borogravia is sent toward the army, which is the only branch of government and takes almost complete control of the county.

The country's religion is Nugganism, or the worship of the god Nuggan. He is half-mad and declares lots of things to be abominations; as such, the country is very poor.

National Anthem
Awake, ye sons of the Motherland!

Taste no more the wine of the sour apples

Woodsmen, grasp your choppers!

Farmers, slaughter with the tool formerly used for lifting beets the foe!

Frustrate the endless wiles of our enemies

We into the darkness march singing

Against the whole world in arms coming

But see the golden light upon the mountain tops!

The new day is a great big fish!

NB the term "great big fish" is a Borogravian phrase meaning "a glittering prize" or "a shining opportunity" in Homaric (in-universe English).