Becuvitatia

WIP

Becuvitatia, or more formally the Holy Kingdom of Becuvitatia, is a constitutional monarchy in western Anaria. A significant regional power in the early modern era, the kingdom has diminished considerably due to conflicts with neighboring countries and internal disputes, particularly the Becuvitatian Civil War of 7468 to 7477, known as the War of the Two Eagles (Războiul de Doi Vulturi). The kingdom is now striving to reinvent itself while coming to terms with its reduced relevance in a modernizing world.

Name and Formation

The name "Becuvitatia" is a portmanteau term first used in 7281 with the end of the Great Unification under Gheorghe Fierciocan, Grand Duke of Becuria and the prime mover behind the unification process. Fierciocan was crowned as Domnitor (King) Gheorghe I, with the new realm taking the name Becuvitatia from the duchies of Becuria, Vitaria, and Peritatia. These three territories formed the core of the new country, with several smaller polities absorbed under the new banner.

Geography

Becuvitatia covers a territory running broadly north to south across the Isthmus of Odobești, separating the western part of Anaria from the continent’s main bulk. Its total land area, including the offshore islands of Mandruleana, is 249,984 square kilometers. The country has a broadly temperate climate with scrubland along the southern coast. The north is dominated by the Bega River Valley, while the south features low rolling plains and the Lespezi Hills. The capital, Bradeuști, is located in central Becuria on the upper reaches of the Bega River.

History

Early Civilizations

The area now covered by Becuvitatia saw early settlements influenced by the Opaelian civilization in the early fourth millennium. These settlements were peripheral to the Opaelian heartlands around the Privernian Sea but left a lasting influence on the Campian language. Campian, related to many northeastern Anarian languages, was further shaped by Sadarisnism brought from the south.

The Great Unification

By the 6800s, the region's small baronies and duchies began coalescing into larger entities, spurred by regional trade. Becuria, under Duke Gheorghe I, played a leading role in unifying these territories into the Holy Kingdom of Becuvitatia by 7281. The unification process was heavily supported by Duke Ioan Curceanu of Vitaria.

Decline and Fragmentation

Despite early successes, Becuvitatia faced significant challenges. The Duchy of Peritatia, feeling marginalized, broke away in 7396, leading to further instability. In 7400, Naringay invaded the western duchy of Corovia, leading to significant losses for Becuvitatia. The kingdom’s power continued to wane, culminating in the Becuvitatian Civil War (7468–7477), which further weakened the nation.

Post-War Reconstruction

Following the civil war, the country faced immense devastation, both economically and socially. King Dumitru led efforts to rebuild the country, a process remembered as the "Years of Ashes" (Ani de Cenușă). His successor, Simion II, introduced substantial reforms, including a new constitution (Constitution of Pădurată) that reduced the power of the nobility and modernized the country.

Government and Authority

Becuvitatia is a constitutional monarchy with authority vested in the Domnitor (currently Simion III Neprihăniri). The government is managed by a ministerial council, led by the Chief Minister (Primul Vorbitor). The legislature is bicameral, consisting of the hereditary Chamber of Noblemen (Cameră de Nobili) and the elected Chamber of the People (Cameră de Poporului). Local government operates on a two-tier system, with 67 districts (județi) under the duchies of Becuria and Vitaria.

Military

Becuvitatia maintains a large standing army, a legacy of its troubled history. The military is predominantly land-based, with the navy historically being the lesser service. However, the navy’s prestige has grown, particularly under Domnitor Dumitru, a former admiral. Military service is compulsory for citizens, typically lasting two years.

Education

Education in Becuvitatia has historically been inadequate, with formal education becoming mandatory only after the War of the Two Eagles. Higher education remains largely confined to the nobility and wealthy classes, though efforts are being made to support deserving candidates from poorer backgrounds. The country has four universities, the oldest being the University of Paltiviște, founded in 7299.

Religion

Becuvitatia's religious landscape reflects its fragmented origins. The south is predominantly Sadarisnist, while the north and Mandruleana have significant Izhaic minorities. Although religious discrimination is officially illegal, informal prejudice against Izhaics persists.

Culture

Becuvitatia is best known for its music, particularly choral and operatic traditions. The national epic "Teren de Eroi" ("Land of Heroes") is performed annually at Bradeuști’s Fierciocan Opera House.

Society

Becuvitatia remains a male-dominated society, with women historically relegated to the background. While the situation is changing, many professions remain off-limits to women. Women are still denied the right to vote, though a recent proposal to extend the franchise to women meeting the asset and income threshold was narrowly defeated.