Nersailles

This page is about the province Nersailles

Nersailles is an official province in the Empire of Apfeldonia, It is one of the southern and western most provinces and is home to a unique cultural and ethnic group. It is bordered by Ostcelestria to the north, Verbania to the east, the sea of grass to the west and south west, and the bay of Verbania to the southeast. It is the 6th most populous province in mainland Apfeldonia. It's capital and largest city is White Oak, located in the north of the province.

Early History
In prehistoric times, the Nersaillian peoples settled the area. Up until the unification, the province had been mostly splintered into various tribes, these tribes often fueded with themselves, but were known to cooperate to defend against Zstatine invaders and pirates. They were often target of slave raids and various other conquests by the empire of Zstar. In response they also took to the seas, though not sailors, the Nersaillains were expert river navigators, and used there agile ships to raid Zstatine coastline and riversides.

When Rutgar looked towards Nersailles to add to his kingdom, They agreed to join the new nation. Despite not being Apfeldite, the Nersaillians saw the advantage of having a powerful king backing them against Zstatine forces, and they also saw the futility in resistance, though historians debate on wether or not they could have actually held Rutgar off in the swamps.

During the middle ages, the Nersaillians mostly stuck to themselves. They continued to trade with distant peoples even after joining the empire, this was the only real contact they made with the world outside of their swamps and forests.

The civil war was a different matter. The Nersaillians had sworn near 600 years before to serve Rutgar, ever so loyal, they felt that they stilled owed that basic feality to Richard and the monarchy. They allowed their soldiers to join the ranks of other armies, the army of William III, the reigning Archduke of Ostcelestria contained large amounts of Nersaillian troops for example. Furthermore they sailed their massive fleet of ships up the Uiop, this was however driven back by an enemy fleet, regardless it was still regarded as an impressive accomplishment.

Imperial History
The province of Nersailles would remain more isolationist for about another 200 years. It would not be until the Beagelton wars did Nersailles actually respond heavily to a war. The role they played in the Beagelton wars was important. Beagelton's army for one, contained the least amount of Nersaillians, than it did of any other province, it short, most Nersaillians fought for the royal government, much like in the civil war. Secondly, they played a much larger role in the war, more soldiers came from Nersailles to fight the war than ever in history. Many tales of valour exist about Nersaillian regiments during the Beagelton wars, they also seemed to have resurrected the rivalry betwen the Zstatine, and though those fighting for the crown were tolerated, it is said that the best way to win a battle where the enemy is mostly Zstatine, is to throw a bunch of determined and angry Nersaillians at them.

Nersaillians continued the legacy of the Beagelton wars, and played a major role in the great war, especially due to it's proximity to the province. It can be said that the only person a Nersaillian hates more than a Zstatine are foreigners trying to take their homes. Out of all the tales of valour and bravery amongst Nersaillian regiments, they also bore the most horror stories of mass slaughtering of enemy regiments whom had surrendered.

Today, Nersailles remains an integral part of the empire, and continues to make large strides to better the nation.

Geography
Nersailles is located between Ostcelestria to the north, the sea of grass to the west, Verbania to the east, and the bay of Verbania to the south. The province consists of two major geographical areas, the very north of the province is covered in large open deciduous forest, while the south is a unique type of swamp found only in Nersailles.

The Deciduous forest found in the north is full of unique large trees, that allow for an open forest floor. Several different types of trees gorw in these forests, the Nersaillians would use the different colours and textures of the woods to build. The capital of White Oak, one the few large cities in Nersailles is located in this part of the country.

The Nersaillian swamps are a unique and defining feature of the province. The swamps, unlike conventional swamps, are a mix between true swamp and marshy woodland. Most of the province, almost the whole southern half is convered by the swamps and they are home to a diverse amount of funa and flora. The Uiop river runs through the province, splitting off and helping create these unique swamps via delta, it empties into the bay of Verbania, the river has created a seafaring culture for Nersailles, which though not as famous as that of Custach.

Government
The province is under it's own government system, though the system intergrates into the imperial government at higher levels. Like a smaller local parliament, the people of Nersailles split their land into districts, based mostly on historical clan lines, these districts elect representatives, who then represent the province on the imperial level. They also elect their members of parliament in Lipton in this fashion, despite the attempt to change these by the royal government. The cheiftian or Governer as he is referred to by the royal government is elected by these districts aswell.

Politics
The province has divided itself into 32 districts which are mostly based on historical clan territories. White Oak is considered it's own district, making the total 33 districts in all of the province. The districts vary from different political parties, however Nersaillian politics works differently than standard ones, and no one has yet to decipher exactly how they work, however it appears that Nersaillians form their own political parties based on political views and stances not found in traditional parties. So far the Owls seem to resemble to weak liberal parties, while the Catfish, their main competetors seem to resemble the conservatives.

Economy
Nersaillian economy is a very locally based one, this is due to their historical isolationism, though the royal government means to change this, Nersaillians tend to either work in their own province or move out to find labour, though they tend to flock to only a few locations. Ostcelestria and Lahn, specifically Lipton, have the largest populations of Nersaillians than their own province.

The province is a large producer of lumber, though can not hope to compete with Oustach in that regard, they also make alot of manufactured goods, specifically wooden products. Glass is also a heavily produced product, though not enough to prevent the nation from importing it.

Infrastructure
Nersailles like the other province is connected to the imperial railsystem, White Oak is where the stop is, and one can travel to Verbania or Ostcelestria from it. The north of the province is ladden with roadways, the southern half however is more seperated in terms of this, but a few bloodline highways take people from the south to the northern section.

Education
Nersailles is broken into 33 school districts, corresponding to the political boundries, White Oak is home to Nersailles university, a mostly provincal university, that is however widely reknown for it's unique look and it's extensive and grand artistic degree teachings.

Culture
This culture related section is a stub, the main article is found here: Nersaillian people  Nersailles is home to a unique cultural and ethnic group, with which the province derives it's name.

Symbols
The province has official symbols, they are as following

Official bird: Nersaillian Swamp Owl

Official tree: Beakson Oak

Official flower: Lantern Tulip

Official fish: Firefly Catfish

Official Insect: Firefly