Seondok Notes (Very, Very, Very Basic and WIP)

I. OVERVIEW

>Title
Official Name: Great County of Seo (서구)
Traditional Name: Great Northern Princedom (Bugjjog-ui Widaehan Wangja/북쪽의 위대한 왕자)
Common Name - Seondok County (선덕 군)
Demonym: Seondok, Seontian, "Children of Seo" (서의 아이들)

>Flag
Faded blue with a white circlet overlapping white waves. The circlet and waves are enclosed within a hexagonal shape.

II. NATURAL GEOGRAPHY

>Borders
-Straddles both oceans, but the western coast is a narrow corridor. The majority of the country has an eastern bias in distribution and settlement. The southern borders are strictly politically-based, not geographic, though it tends to follow rough geographic features (fertile forests blessed with numerous small streams and waterways suitable for transport of goods by boat and canal). These latter borders were outlined by political treates with Zhuoteng, who ceded those specific commanderies/directories/subcounties to Seondok in the numerous wars of the 19th century. The northern border is strictly geographical, with limited extension beyond the deserts.

>Accessibility
-Somewhat accessible by foreign powers by land. Many settlements are on plains or riverways, but large portions of the land are dense, swampy tropical forest. Early ancient settlement  was hindered by such terrain, which was compounded by the prevalence of Flying Tigerlions that predated on early settlers. Until the early modern era (16th/17th century), most movement was along the coasts, though historical political obligations meant that Seondok did not have a notable navy for most of history.

-Bordered by Oltrin's successor puppet states (Olkhavia, Bin-Mu, etc.) to the northwest, a peninsular trade state and the Rymneskan Commonwealth/Commune in the northeast, Zhuoteng and some fragment secessionist states (Shenjin) into the southwest, and Taishe in the southeast.

>Fauna
-Large mammals/beasts of burden that have been steadily domesticated.
--Flying Tigerlion (Greater Tigerlion), Mustangs, Tropical Buffalo


-Poisonous smaller fauna, historically frequently hunted and killed for their deadly extracts for weaponry.
--Poison Dart Frog, Monitor Lizards, Gila Monsters, Lesser Komodo Dragons

-"Sleeping Mosquito"
--Insect that serves frequently as a vector for a deadly parasite; naturally selected the population towards those who had resistance to it (think Malaria and Sickle Cell Disease). Pest led to limited effectiveness of foreign invasions and spurred development of medications/herbal remedies in the local area.

-Small colonies of silkworms/lesser spidersilk (not as prolific nor as effective as those found in Taishe).

>Flora
-Proto maize-rice; a plant very similar to corn in its nutritious properties and appearance, but strongly favors a humid environment.
-Potato/yam-like tubers
-Large cacti
-Rice (major export)
-Maize
-Peppers (major export)
-Soy
-Hemp
-Cotton
-Indigo*

>Minerals (* = Common)
-Extensive deposits of copper* and silver*
-Oil
-Shale*
-Quartz*
-Turquoise*
-Jade
-Tar*
-Peat*
-Tin
-Iron*
-Saltpeter
-Cement*
-Adobe*
-Mercury*
-Ceramics*
-Porcelain*

III. SOCIETY

DEVELOPMENT
========
Time Period: Modern (mostly urbanized and industralized, but have extensive agricultural centers)
Shaping Force: Religion and Identity
Population: Mostly Human (western coasts have significant enclaves of fox-like people)
Strength: Moderate but Resurging
Wealth: Largely government-controlled, but (few) prominent private companies exist
Population
Urban: 58%
Rural: 42%
Literacy Rate: 62%
Gender Ratio: 0.98 male(s)/female
Fertility Rate: 6.1 children/family
Life Expectancy: 68.7 years

MAGIC
========
Occurrence: In the hands of the many, but not well studied
Source: Learned skill, requires aptitude
Major Use(s): Warfare, Weaving
Enchanted Items: Common, but not powerful


COSMETIC
========
>Headwear
-Frequently emphasize horns or "horn-like" appendages on the head; frequently done in the modern period in the form of feathers on either side of the head. Color, direction, and style of feather are significant and often denote social status/political rank. Misappropriation of feathers is a criminal offense in society.

>General clothing
-Looser overall compared to their contemporaries due to climate. In cities, more "modest" styles are popular as protection against insects.
-Material composition is significant and often denotes strata of society. Nobility often wear faded-blue-dyed 100% steelsilk from Taishe or Zhuoteng (permanent, durable, assassin proof), the middle classes Seondok-native silk or silk-cotton amalgamations, and the lower classes polysynthetic fibers. Note that textile composition varies heavily throughout the decades, as for example steelsilk was unpopular from the 1880s to 1930s for patriotic reasons.
-White is seen as very formal and often saved for general occassions.
-Limited difference in clothing between sexes; hakama-like bottoms are frequently worn by men and women, and veils are common for both.
-Like architecture, emphasis on pointiness over flatness in hats, shoulder sleeves, etc. Unlike Taishe, believe that faith and deities condemn flat,level rooves, not pointy spires.
-Wave-pattern "scales" common on formal clothing and early armor to resemble the deities of old.


FOREIGN REPUTATION:
==================
>Views
-Overly Zealous, Warmongers

POLITICS:
==================
Political Structure: Absolute Monarchy (Enlightened Despotism) with strong religious influence (had an Inquisition)
-Advised by ministers chosen by the "Count" (executive leader) of Seondok, with the ministers often enacting policies with official approval.
Strong Influence: Military, Faith
-Former inquisition, which was used a political tool to promote conformity. Also had a secret police branch to promote assimilation. Both positions were abolished in the 19th century in response to growing unrest and reforms initiated by the then-Count(ess) of Seondok.
Popular Issue: Faith
Stability: Stable
Personal Freedoms: Limited
Scandals: Very Rare, But Severe
Foreign Relations: Strained

CULTURE:
=================
Highly Values: Piety, Martial Values
Known For: Martial Arts, Archery, Textiles, Masonry, Dyes, Marathon Racing
Popular Entertainment: Archery, Javelin Throwing, Hunting, Lacrosse and Polo become more common in the 20th century
Respected Profession: Artisans, Dyemakers, Soldiers, Liontiger Breeders
Discrimination: Religious-Based
Major Taboo: Atheism, Hypermaterialism/Wealth, Obesity, Idling
Major Social Ill: Hypersocial Conservatism
Sexual Bias: Quite egalitarian (no discrimination of men or women in roles or spheres)

RELIGION:
================
Type: State-Ordained Monotheistic (Immortal Sun Dragon)
Focus: Collectivist/Family/Social Unit
Worship: Solemn organized prayer in local shrines/temples (ubiquitous)
Associated Artform: Woodowrking, Song, Poi
Prevalence: Ubiquitous
Holidays: Few
Burial Traditions: Giant Mounds
Sexual Bias: Slightly Matriarchial

ECONOMY:
===============
Main Resource: Minerals/Mining, Dyes, Poisons/Chemicals, Masonry, Exotic Timbers
Main Export: Masonry, Silver, Copper, Mercury, Poisons, Porcelain, Timbers
Main Import: Machinary/Weaponry Related, Steelsilk
Trade: Slight Surplus

IV. MILITARY
Strength: Very Strong
Focus: Land (prominent but not significantly large aviation branch)
Main Unit: Large, Well-Organized Route Armies/Army Corps. Emphasis on fast, agile infantry
Soldiers: Volunteers are strongly encouraged, but largely mandatory service/draft/conscription
Main Use: Law Enforcement, Coastal Defense (Naval)
Rank: Granted by merit, be it martial or political (warriors are frequently given religious-tinted stories after them)

V. HISTORY
Ancient: Land cultivated by fox-like people (kitsune), Zhuoren (people from Zhuoteng), migratory Momijians, and steppe people from Bin-Mu. Eventually unified into a proto-kingdom under the "Great Seo", a mythical figure sometimes known as Dai-Seo. This "kingdom" eventually came into conflict with a southern dynasty that become Zhuoteng, and conceded to them. They were formally annexed as a "frontier region" and buffer state against northern "brigands" in ~300-200 BCE. The region became known as the "Great Northern County" as its official borders within the Zhuoteng empire widely varied as it conducted expeditions to the North. Major earthworks from adobe are built.

113 CE: "The Rope Cipher" is created, showing how to translate ancient notation systems into Zhuoteng characters.

426 CE: Tigerlions are domesticated for the first time. A group of 4 tigerlion pups are sent to the capital as a royal gift, where they serve as the carriers of the Emperor's gondola.

500's-600's CE: Became known as the "Northern Princedom" and was granted to Dai Chu-Iing, a distant cousin to the Emperor of the Zhuoteng, as his fief. Territory rapidly declined as proto-Oltrin/proto-Rymneska cultures began gaining strength in the north.

740 CE: Indigo is succesfully domesticated and grown en masse.

754 CE: The region games the moniker "fields of blue" by a renowned Zhoutengese poet.

800's-900's CE: Succession crisis in Zhuoteng leads to a period of Civil War/"Warring States" (not like China/Japan). The Northern Princedom sides with the "Legitimists" (those in favor of former King's second son by birth). In this period, the area is known for its copper mining, and a mint is established. The "Legitimists" ultimately seize power, and thus the Northern Princedom is rewarded with a generous increase in size within the empire.

1033 CE: "The Debate of the Heavens" occur, in which prominent local gentry square off against "The Immortal Sun Dragon" missionaries from Zhuoteng.

1058 CE: Cult of the "Immortal Sun Dragon" reaches the area, with major political and economic benefits promised to converts.

1100's CE: Zhuoteng switches from a copper-based to a silver-based system for tributes. In 1208, rich silver deposits are found in the northern princedom. Manual labor, convicts, and foreigners are employed, though the extraction rates are poor due to the processes use. Many die, and menial labor in silver mines becomes synonomous with a death sentence.

1243 CE: Zhuoteng government reforms political government structure. The Northern Princedom is downgraded into a county (a major one, however) with a proto-constitutional monarchy set up: a group of civilian ministers (chief of which is the governor) appointed by merit and exam systems advise the "Count", a distant member of the royal family, who has the final say in matters.

1313-1369 CE: The "3 Incompetent Counts Era" lead to significant Imperial neglect and increased local autonomy. Growing unrest over northern incursions across the border and growing wealth (good portions of which are interpreted as being "siphoned off" for government incompetence).

1320 CE: A Seondok inventor modifies the "multibarreled tray gun" to much a "multibarreled tray rocket launcher." This is the first recorded use of the world's equivalent of a Hwacha.

1372 CE: "The Devil Frog" Cult stage an assassination attempt against the new Count. In response, an official inquisition is established to investigate heretical, anti-state-ordained religions as well as deviations from professed believers.

1378 CE: The Count of Seondok is assassinated. Zhuoteng increases the powers of the Imperial Inquisition, much to the locals' resentment.

1387 CE: "Chujong of Seo" (Chu-Jeong) is appointed as governor of Seondok County.

1393 CE: The royal count of Chu dies with no issue. His position is left vacant, and the emperor does not appoint a replacement.

1400 CE: The emperor dies without issue, and in the ensuing power vacuum the "High Board of Regents" (relatives to the Queen Mother) seize control of the government. In the ensuing chaos and disagreement, Chujong of Seo declares herself Count of Seondok and secedes from the Empire. The Prince of Tairen and the Prince of She follow suit.

1401 CE: 61 other commanderies and states declare independence from Zhuoteng. Chujong declares the Inquisition abolished.

1403 CE: Battle of Hansang: Seondok-Tairen-She-Shenjing and several dozen other counties repulse a multi-county coalition led by Zhouteng on land and sea.

1405 CE: Chu Jeong issues a decree standardizing all cannons along specific cannons and roles, to be bore of specific measurements. This is one of the world's first standardizations of cannons noted.

1410 CE: Treaty of Bing formalizes the autonomous states (formally recognized as "revered tribute states") of Seondok, Tairen, and She.

1412 CE: The Inquisition is reinstated, ostensibly as an agency of faith by the Count.

1421-1424 CE: Chujong of Seo dies, starting an influence crisis and war by Zhuoteng. Despite Tairen's best efforts, Seondok is made a new vassal state.

1424-1486 CE: First Flower Wars: Chujong's former clique/ministers stage a revolt, which coincides with the famous "Revolt of the 6 Counties" in metropolitan Zhuoteng. The timing results in prolonged decades of proxy warfare, as Zhuoteng does not have the troops to properly repress the insurrection while Seondok does not have the resources to do more than keep their borders free of Zhuoteng troops.

1456 CE: A "repeating breech-loading gun" is invented and deployed at the Battle of Ulsang. This is considered an ancient precursor to the later modern "quickfiring" gun.

1490 CE: The Emperor of Zhouteng signs the Hanja Accords, reaffirming Seondok's vassal status by guaranteeing its autonomy.

1510-1512 CE: Zhuoteng assists Seondok in repulsing a Rymneska invasion of the north.

1511 CE: The prevalence and significant role of battlefield couriers in repelling the Rymneska invasion despite attempts at communication isolation lead to them being deified as a critical role in Seondok society. Athletics is strongly encouraged in the youth.

1515 CE: The cocoa craze reaches Seondok from She.

1524 CE: The first energy drink, made from coffee, cocoa, and coca beans is made. It slowly becomes more prevalent culturally over the next few centuries.

1550 CE: The potent properties of poisonous frog extract is discovered.

1562 CE: Growing paranoia about the kitsune lead to a formal Inquisition inquiry against them, followed a mass expulsion of kitsune. Remaining kitsune are permitted under the expectation that they remain confined to specific quarters of cities and regions. Kitsune who follow the existing religion are not persecuted and are seen as conformist.

1579 CE: The assassination of several cardinals and preachers by a blowpipe using poisonous frog extract leads to a formal decree declaring the harm of frogs a cardinal sin.

1580 CE: The Count of Seondok is bitten by a komodo dragon thrown through the roof of his carriage and dies of his wounds. In response, the Inquisition declares frogs and lizards a "great evil" and promises absolution of sin to those who purge the world of them. Many are hunted to nearly extinction in response.

1582 CE: A prominent satirist and poet, Shin Ran, writes a parody against the Inquisition based on recent events. He is subsequently tried and imprisoned.

1588-1592 CE: A great plague epidemic occurs.

1600-1628 CE: Second Flower Wars: Growing unrest due to the Inquisition and a myriad of coinciding political issues, Seondok again resists the influence of the Zhuoteng Empire. Concerns about the expense and ongoing conflict with the Kingdom of She limit the extent of damage inflicted until 1626, when General Miao arrives and conducts his "12 Towns and 12 Villages" campaign and burns and executes (by religious sacrifice) the opposition. Peace ensues once again by 1628, though Seondok County is drastically reduced in size.

1650 CE: Seondok artisans "lamellar porcelain", a special innovative porcelain ceramic made with a scaley texture and with extensive amounts of Indigo. It becomes a prized export and cultural art form patronized by the wealthy for centuries to come.

1662-1709 CE: Golden age of Seondok art. Artists and poets learn to subtly express themselves through state-sanctioned literary prohibitions, leading to the emergence of "joyous critical adventures" featuring heavily-veiled criticism of the government via descriptions of intrigue and assassinations (by poison) in a fantasy world. Death by poison dart/ "to be blowpiped" enters popular vernacular and becomes a popular cultural image not unlike Japanese shinobi or samurai.

1714-1718 CE: In the "Glorious War of Unification", Seondok agrees to join arms with the Kingdoms of Tairen and She and raises open arms against Zhuoteng. Notably, they form resistance groups and sabotage Zhuoteng communication lines and misguide naval supplylines to allow a Tairen-led force to land in Seondok and wage a surprise northern offensive. For its pivotal role, Tairen promises to vouch for Seondok's complete independence and restoration of its former boundaries, which are achieved in the Treaty of Ren in 1721.

1721 CE: Seondok is made wholly independent for the first time in 311 years.

1722 CE: Baekdu Incident re-affirms Seondok independence as the country rebuffs an incursion from Rymneska.

1723 CE: Seondok signs an alliance against Rymneska. It remained in effect and was renewed until 1858.

1724 CE: The Inquisition is abolished.

1736 CE: The Inquisition is re-instated as an official school of religious experts allowed to give advice to the Count on the divine legitimacy of law.

1750 CE: Seondok establishes relations with Citadon and Mazantsi, who trade regularly for silver, copper and porcelain.

1740-1824 CE: Seondok begins steadily urbanizing as threshers and steel plows are implemented for farming. Farmers also become wealthier terracing and conducting crop-rotations, which become state-mandated.

1826 CE: With the adoption of interchangeable parts, Seondok reforms the Chu-4 artillery system to incorporate more types of artillery for different roles. Among these is the emergence of lightweight artillery meant to be used on a tripod or while in the air, as well as fast mobile light artillery to deployed in concentrated batteries beside infantry regiments.

1828 CE: The Inquisition is abolished for the last time, instead replaced by a College of Cardinals. The steam locomotive is also introduced to Seondok.

1830-1838 CE: Seondok conducts "the Great Mission" by sending a group of envoys to the South and East. Citadon is especially studied as Seondok generals urge the country to become "the Citadon of the West."

1840-1845 CE: A narrow gauge railroad connection from the frontier to the military garrisons is established.

1846 CE: The development of Citadonian breech-loading rifles leads to Seondok accelerating their own studies of the same mechanism. Consequently, many breech-loading infantry cannons are rebored and rifled in addition to the adoption of breech-loading rifles. While not the most reliable, doctrine begins to emphasize speed and mobility over localized rigid formations.

1848-1851 CE: Seondok intervenes in the Zhuoteng "16 Communes Uprising" and stations troops in the area "to keep order." In response to "increasing tensions", the troops stationed increase until they outnumber local Zhuoteng troops 10:1.

1854 CE: The sniping of a Seondok officer by a Zhouteng partisan leads to retaliatory executions of suspected Zhuoteng partisans in the "16 Communes" region. Zhuoteng declares war on Seondok in response.

1855 CE: Zhuoteng is decisively routed by an inferior Seondok force at the Battle of Dohai, where Seondok infantrymen armed with breechloading guns and rapid-firing breechloading artillery (albeit primitive) are able to suppress the Zhuoteng advance.

1857 CE: Zhuoteng agrees to grant the 16 Communes guaranteed autonomy.

1862 CE: Pro-Seondok officials in 16 Communes vote for voluntary incorporation into Seondok. Due to shrewd manipulation of laws within the 16 Communes, the vote is unanimous despite the Pro-Seondok party being a political minority.

1863 CE: Zhuoteng protests the annexation of the 16 Communes and declares war on Seondok again.

1865 CE: Seondok is pushed back into Seondok proper by Zhuoteng, resulting in a leadership rotation by Seondok. The result is a renewed Seondok offensive which decisively crushes Zhuoteng's combined armies at Hancheon. The victory is so complete that the entire North of Zhuoteng is left defenseless, causing Zhuoteng to sue for peace. The 16 Communes and a neighboring county are absorbed by Seondok. Seondok also requests a steep indemnity for "challenging the legitimacy of Seondok's politics", but drops it after seeing renewed signs of wanting to continue the war.

1872 CE: Zhuoteng is hit hard by a continental economic downturn and a series of poor harvests. The economic deficit of Zhouteng worsens in response to an endless flood of foodstuff by Seondok, which prevents local farmers from competing.

1878 CE: A zealous magister and a merchant captain from Seondok get into a heated argument over docking rights for grain ships which result in the Seondok captain dying in prison. Seondok demands that the magister be fired or extradited to Seondok for trial, which Zhuoteng angrily rebuffs. Zhuoteng embargoes Seondok and forbids the sale of Seondok goods in Zhuoteng. An extensive smuggling empire emerges.

1879 CE: After repeated failed negotiations over the merchant incident, Seondok declares war on Zhuoteng and surges south towards Zhuoteng's capital.

1880 CE: At the battle of Pingchang, Seondok decisively defeats the Zhuoteng Grand Army in detail, encircling the defenders and capturing the Emperor. The Emperor negotiates for his release by agreeing to dismantle the Zhouteng Empire, releasing the remaining Counties, agreeing to a steep indemnity, and promising to never resist Seondok again. However, upon arriving in the capital the Emperor declares the treaty null and void as it was made under duress, and resumes the war against Seondok.

1881 CE: Seondok forces arrive in the Zhuoteng capital, burning it to the ground. The Emperor flees east with remaining pro-Zhuoteng forces.

1882 CE: Naval forces under Admiral Yuen Shi break out and proceed to conduct a blockade of Seondok supply lines, which Seondok cannot contest as it lacks a comparable navy.

1884 CE: Zhuoteng insurgents begin openly raising arms in Seondok-occupied areas, conducting a war of attrition.

1886 CE: Having rested and regrouped for 5 years, the Emperor stages a renewed offensive "From East to West" towards the capital, but is stopped outside the capital and defeated. A similar loyalist group to the northeast is pushed back.

1887 CE: Using fishing boats armed with massive torpedoes and packed to the brim with explosives, Seondok panics Admiral Yuen's forces and cause him to remain holed up in the Port of Anglan. In the next few months, Seondok troops take the surrounding heights and force him to surrender.

1888 CE: The Emperor dies suddenly (suspected to be assassination by Seondok agents or by disgruntled Zhuoteng generals), and a peace agreement is reached. Zhuoteng makes significant concessions to the north, but its integrity would be preserved. A major indemnity is also granted, which Seondok uses to stimulate its economy. The treaty is mediated by Taishe, who has grown concerned over Seondok's strides in the past century.

1890 CE: In response to the final years of the war, Seondok's Army Ministry petitions for the creation of a coast guard force, to be later developed into a true navy in the following years. The goal is to assure "uncontested defense" of Seondok's coast and surrounding islands. This means eventually reaching power parity with Taishe's Northern Fleet, which is projected to be attained by 1922. Zhuoteng signs an alliance with Taishe, officially in Zhuoteng's defense but covertly to check Seondok's influence.

1891 CE: Seondok experiments with copper and silver-based electrical wiring. The extreme success of it leads to Seondok pursuing heavy electrical-power in its warship designs, making it very advanced in that respect compared to Taishe and Zhuoteng's ships.

1892 CE: Seondok's first true warships are laid down.

1894 CE: Seondok's first battleships are laid down.

1904 CE: Seondok approaches Oltrin and Mazantsi for naval tutelage, of which Mazantsi readily agrees in return for a secret alliance.

1908 CE: Seondok lays down its first dreadnought.

1910 CE: Renewed tensions with Zhuoteng lead to Seondok covertly funding Shenjing insurgents. "The Taishe Papers" lead to Seondok acquiring intelligence on Taishe's prized 380mm/40 gun (475ci/32) and developing their own 380mm gun variant.

1912 CE: Seondok lays down its first 380mm gun dreadnought and battlecruiser. Taishe becomes aware that its design plans were leaked to Seondok and issues an ultimatum.

1913 CE: Taishe declares a pre-emptive war on Seondok, intending to neutralize Seondok before its power surpasses Taishe's. Zhuoteng joins the war on Taishe's side.
1914 CE: Mazantsi joins the war on Seondok's side.
1915 CE: Mazantsi is beaten to a standstill at sea and reaches an independent peace agreement. Seondok continues fighting.
1916 CE: Seondok agrees to a naval treaty limiting naval expansion (and with qualifications put on it).

1918 CE: Seondok enters a recession, but weathers the storm and returns to normal by 1921 CE.

1928 CE: Seondok enters Oltrin Union's sphere of influence, agreeing to an alliance. At the same time, the Shenjing secessionist crisis breaks out, which Taishe attempts to mediate with limited success. The relative neutrality of Taishe in the negotiations however begin to thaw Seondok attitudes towards Taishe.

1932 CE: Reports of Oltrin political interference in Olkhavian elections and growing covert influence in Shenjing, the Kavafid Dynasty, and Bin-Mu raise concerns of a potential Oltrin-lead coup against Seondok. Rymneska's increasing belligerence towards Seondok despite being in the same sphere and Oltrin's indifference to Rymneska's maneuvers further spur distancing away from Oltrin.

1933 CE: Seondok and Rymneska begin conducting military exercises on each other's borders. Rymneska also sends several battleships to Seondok waters, ostensibly "for protection in the event of a disaster."

1934 CE: Seondok purchases at great cost several Taishe super-dreadnoughts in return for promising not to renew its treaty with Oltrin when it expires in 1938 CE.

1935 CE: Oltrin's dismantlement of Momiji and posturing leads to Seondok diplomatic channels sending out feelers of joining the Taishe-Zhuoteng block for political preservation. Taishe agrees, and Seondok purchases several Taishe pre-dreadnoughts/coastal defense ships officially as "coast guard and anti-piracy measures" while preparing to be part of the "Central Bloc" in the impending global crisis between Calder and Oltrin.