Cykeria

The Commonwealth of Cykeria (Old Ældish: Samveldi Sikeradge), officially known as Sik-Rígrik, is a protectorate of the Aldsegian Empire located in eastern Jǫrvéh. The country occupies over 70% of the region's population and 40% of its land area, making it one of the more significant nations in Jǫrvéh.

Etymology

The name "Cykeria" is an exonym derived from the Old Ældish Sikeradge (Sek-Rígrik). It is commonly believed that the name originates from the Old Ældish word "sike," meaning "realm of despair," reflecting the harsh weather and isolation experienced by early settlers. Another theory suggests the name comes from "sik," meaning "self," indicative of the settlers' desire for autonomy. A less popular etymology suggests "siga," meaning "pig," as the settlers survived their first winter by relying on the abundant arctic boar.

History

Proto-Aldsay Migration: Proto-Aldsay peoples entered Jǫrvéh over thirty thousand years ago. The northern tribes of Cykeria remain largely unchanged from this early culture. Over time, the vanguard of the Aldsay migrated southward, eventually settling in northern Anaria. Facing religious conversion pressures from the Orkanan Realm, many Stoldavic Aldsay fled to Jǫrvéh, establishing what is now Cykeria.

Settlement and Expansion: Initial settlements faced severe winters, leading some settlers west to establish Myrkland. After the fall of the First Stoldavic Empire, Aldsay culture resurged in Stoldavia, and Cykeria came under Aedelman protection. However, the rise of the Orkanan army and the Socken laws in the 6300s displaced many Aldsay, culminating in William Gray's second Ríkrviking, whose descendants form the core demographic of modern Cykeria.

Geography

Cykeria covers the eastern portion of Jǫrvéh, stretching from Kapp Farvel in the north to the Arctic isle of Helheim. The population is concentrated in small settlements along the eastern coast and the southern terminus of Grǫnnhǫlvøy. The landscape is characterized by a vast ice sheet covering 80% of the region, with permafrost and sparse vegetation in most other areas. The climate ranges from arctic to subarctic, with cool summers and harsh winters. The coastlines, formed by the geologically active Kystenfjell ridge, are dotted with fjords.

Politics and Government

Cykeria is a member of Aedeland's Aldsay Empire (Ældlǫg) and follows the Aedelant Constitution (Dóm). The country operates as an independent land with equal representation in the Aedelant Althing. Domestic governance is largely managed by the Cykerian assembly, known as the Sogn.

Regional Governance: Cykeria's government is organized similarly to Aedeland, divided into Hundreds. These regions elect representatives, known as Alfs, to the Aedelant Folkmoot. Local lords, or Heer, govern each hundred and are officially appointed by the monarch during the Sogn. The elective monarch of Cykeria, called the Konge, represents Cykeria in Aedeland's Althing but holds no executive power.

Foreign Policy: As a protectorate of Aedeland, Cykeria's foreign policy is determined by Aedeland's Foreign Secretary.

Military: The Cykerian military is organized similarly to the Aedelant military, primarily composed of local militias called the Hǫr. These militias are controlled by local lords but can be centralized under the Sogn in times of national emergency.

Economy

Due to its harsh climate, Cykeria has limited agricultural capabilities, with less than 1% of the land being arable. The economy is heavily reliant on fishing, with past demand for whale oil driving economic growth. Other significant exports include fur, ivory, and small quantities of metals. The economy faces challenges due to reduced whale oil demand following electrification efforts in Anaria. Geothermal energy remains a largely untapped resource.

Culture

Approximately 95% of the population is Stoldavian Aldsay, originally from Villand and Ælssregionen in Aedeland. These settlers, known as the Fjernt Alene people, adapted their farming culture to the harsh Cykerian environment. The remaining 5% consists of indigenous tribes with distinct languages and cultures.

Language: Cykerians primarily speak the northern dialect of Ældish. Indigenous peoples speak several archaic dialects of Old Ældish, which are largely incomprehensible to speakers of standard Old Ældish.

Education: Educational quality in Cykeria varies, with the southern regions offering better facilities. The Nord Nautisk Akademi in Altenoy is a prestigious nautical academy and the country's only university.

Cuisine: Cykerian cuisine is centered on seafood, with seaweed used extensively in various dishes. Arctic game, reindeer, and goat products are also staples in the Cykerian diet.