Merilia, Forum Factbook

[Nightsong]

The Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia, the Jewel of Icenia and the Rána Sea, is a nation steeped in a centuries old history fraught with times of peace and times of bloodshed and conquest. The Realms of Kaltí, Calenfjor, and Alcária have unique histories and traditions but today share the same history since the unification of the realms in 1545 C.E. while the Alieria Isle is a constituent country of the Kingdom of Merilia which shares much of its history with the Realm of Alcária. Visitors to the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia will find numerous sights to visit, both old and new, from castles, chateaus, and ancient battlefields to museums, concert halls and national parks, to bustling marketplaces, both ancient and modern.​

Welcome to the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia

About the Kingdom of Merilia
Merilia, officially the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia or the Kingdom of Merilia for short, is a Parliamentary Democratic Constitutional Monarchy located in Eras on the continent of Icenia which consists of three realms, the Realm of Kaltí, the Realm of Calenfjor, and the Realm of Alcária. The Kingdom covers 680,804 square kilometers, has a population of approximately 125 million people, and has four bodies of water under it's jurisdiction... the Bay of Arien, the Bay of Isilme, the Arca Channel, and the Ohtar Straits.

The Meril Alliance, led by the House of Varangr, united the disparate peoples of Kaltí, Calenfjor and Alcária together once more in 1545 C.E. following a more than four hundred year long split after the collapse of the Reykr Empire in 1144 C.E.. Today, the nobility of Merilia still retain power though much of it is symbolic due to sharing much of their power with democratically elected Chancellors, Jarls and Mayors who serve and represent the will of the people.

Today the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia is renowned for its compulsory military service, its strong social democratic policies, its welfare system and social safety net, its high civil and political freedoms and its stance on peace and conflict deterrent. The people have been granted a large say in the governance of the Kingdom of Merilia through democratically elected representatives, mandatory referendums, and popular initiatives though the monarchy, under the rule of the House of Varangr, still holds considerable power and is considered the supreme authority in all affairs of state.

Merilia boasts a powerhouse economy, considered by many to be one of the stronger and more stable economies in Eras, based primarily on the services sector which is focused on information technology services, machinery, and electrical products and equipment while still maintaining a strong manufacturing sector alongside a sizeable agricultural sector. The Kingdom of Merilia has maintained neutrality since the early to mid 1800's and despite this it still boasts a well funded and sized military due to the mandatory conscription of all young adults, both male and female.

Capital: Reykholm
Demonym: Merilian
Official Languages: Merilian (Icelandic) / Mercanti (English)
Motto: Ancient, Prosperous, Free
National Anthem: My Home
Government: Parliamentary Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
Monarch: High Queen Solveig
Executive: Chancellors Council
Legislature: Parliament of Merilia
Judicial: Courts of Justice
Area: 680,804 km2
Population: 125,000,000
Population Density: 184/km2
Currency: Crown Florin
GDP: ƒ7.5 Trillion
GDP/Capita: ƒ60,000
Religion: Elenathism
Time Zone: Merilian Standard Time (MST)
National Animal: Raven​

Welcome to the Alieria Isle

About the Alieria Isle
Alieria, officially the Alieria Isle, is a Parliamentary Representative Democratic Dependency and a constituent country of the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia founded in 703 C.E. by explorers and settlers from the Reykr Empire. It is located roughly halfway between the continents of Icenia and Gothis in the Rána Sea. For much of the island's history, it was ruled and governed as a way station and trade colony but today the Alieria Isle is a thriving island metropolis supported by an economy built on the back of the islands oil, shipping, agriculture, light manufacturing and services sectors. Due to the island's location between the continents of Icenia, Meterra and Gothis it has become a favorite destination among tourists and a renowned flight layover.

For much of the island's early history, it was ruled by a Jarl who was appointed and dispatched by the Reykr monarchs to oversee affairs of state. This Jarl was supported by a legislative and judicial Assembly which consisted of the various island chieftains and later on, wealthy merchants. By 1545 C.E. and the creation of the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia, the government of the Alieria Island had shifted with the Jarl being renamed to Governor-General who was now supported by an elected legislature, headed by a Speaker, that replaced the rule of the chieftains and merchants. This style of governance lasted until the early half of the 20th century which saw the rise of the Alierian People's Union in 1907, a centrist-left regionalist party in favor of either independence or more autonomy and it steadily gained strength in the Assembly until it was the minority governing party in a coalition with the Social Party of Alieria, the predecessor party to The People's Isle. By 1949, a little over forty years since their rise to power, the Alierian People's Union managed to force a vote on whether the island should be granted more autonomy and independence or to maintain the status quo. The referendum failed 42% for and 58% against but it was enough to prompt High King Erik, who had ascended the throne in 1917, to consider dissolving the Alierian Assembly and calling for a new election on the island. The Royal Council had the foresight to talk the High King down due to their realization that dissolving the Assembly would only add fuel to the fire and give the Alierian People's Union more propaganda to push for independence. Over the next few years, negotiations between High King Erik, the Royal Council, the Parliament of Merilia and the Alierian Assembly were started, halted, cancelled, restarted and finally settled upon with a final agreement being reached in 1953 C.E. which also coincided with the island's 1,250th birthday. With the passage of the Alierian Home Rule Act of 1953, the islands government was once again changed with the post of Governor-General being renamed to High Commissioner, the formation of an executive in the form of a Law Speaker and a Deputy Speaker and the continuance of judicial affairs being the realm of the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia.

Capital: Vethyr
Demonym: Alierian
Official Languages: Alierian (Icelandic) / Mercanti (English)
Motto: Under the Stars I Thrive
National Anthem: This Fair Land of Mine
Government: Parliamentary Representative Democratic Dependency
Monarch: High Queen Solveig III
Executive: Speaker of Law & Deputy Speaker
Legislature: Assembly of Law
Judicial: Supreme Court / Administrative Supreme Court
Area: 9,700 km2
Population: 750,000
Population Density: 77/km2
Currency: Crown Florin
GDP: ƒ31.5 Billion
GDP/Capita: ƒ42,000
Religion: Elenathism
Time Zone: Alierian Island Time (AIT)
National Animal: Golden Eagle​

 

[Nightsong]

This post shall be dedicated to information related to general information, including maps, about the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia.

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Cartography Guild of Merilia and Alieria​

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Map of the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia​

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Map of the Alieria Island​

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Realms of the Kingdom​

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Capital: Verá
Demonym: Kaltían
Chancellor of the Realm of Kaltí: Katarina Helvig
Administration: Provincial Administrative Councils, Provincial Parliaments, Municipal Councils
Area: 247,458 km2
Population: 44,000,000
Population Density: 177/km2

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Capital: Kadrion
Demonym: Calenfirian
Chancellor of the Realm of Sáira: Sven Mathison
Administration: Provincial Administrative Councils, Provincial Parliaments, Municipal Councils
Area: 240,488 km2
Population: 42,000,000
Population Density: 175/km2

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Capital: Reykholm
Demonym: Alcárian
Chancellor of the Realm of Alcária: Jóhanna Sigurd
Administration: Provincial Administrative Councils, Provincial Parliaments, Municipal Councils
Area: 192,860 km2
Population: 39,000,000
Population Density: 202/km2

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Capital: Vethyr
Demonym: Alierian
Law Speaker: Erik Rundstrom
Administration: Provincial Administrative Councils, Provincial Parliaments, Municipal Councils
Area: 9,700 km2
Population: 750,000
Population Density: 77/km2

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Capital Cities​

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Verá[c]Population:
6,308,750​

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Kadrion[c]Population:
6,025,000​

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Reykholm[c]Population:
6,424,500​

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Merilian and Alierian Countryside​

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Spoiler: IC

Post Image Count: 13/40

 

[Nightsong]

This post shall be dedicated to information related to the governance of the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia.

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Founders of the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia​

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Freydís Varangr
Mother of the Motherland (Móðir af Móðurlandins)
Queen of Reykr and Merilia (Drottning af Reykr og Mérilia)

(Born: 1512 / Died: 1585)
(Reign: 1531 - 1585)​

[c]

Casimir Vollan
Jarl of Norvik (Jarl af Norvik)
King of Reykr and Merilia (Konungur af Reykr og Mérilia)

(Born: 1509; Died: 1573)
(Reign: 1542 - 1573)​

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Government Leaders of the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia​

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Name: Solveig Ragni Varangr

Royal Name: Solveig III

Official Title: Her Serene Highness High Queen Solveig III, Princess of Reykr, Princess of Merilia, Lady of the Isle,
Defender of the Realms of Kaltí, Calenfir, Alcária and Alieria, Servant of the Lord and Lady, Shield of the Elenath

Styles: Her Serene Highness, Her Majesty, High Queen

Born: 3 March 1978

Age: 40 [c]

[c] Name: Tobías Alar Lindstrom Varangr

Official Title: His Serene Highness High King Tobias, Prince of Reykr, Prince of Merilia, Lord of the Isle

Styles: His Serene Highness, His Majesty, High King

Born: 22 October 1976

Age: 42 [c]

[c] Name: Katarina Helvig

Official Title: Chancellor of Kaltí

Styles: Her Excellency, Chancellor, Ma’am

Born: 16 June 1976

Age: 42 [c]

[c] Name: Sven Mathison

Official Title: Chancellor of Calenfir

Styles: His Excellency, Chancellor, Sir

Born: 15 August 1970

Age: 48 [c]

[c] Name: Jóhanna Sigurd

Official Title: Chancellor of Alcária, Speaker of Merilia

Styles: Her Excellency, Chancellor, Ma’am

Born: 08 January 1973

Age: 45 [c]

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Government Buildings of the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia​

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The three primary government buildings in the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia are the Royal Palace of Reykholm, which houses the Royal Family; Freydís Hall, which houses the Chancellors Council, the Cabinet of Merilia, and the Administrative Supreme Court; and Casimir Castle, which houses the House of Commons and the Supreme Court.

Royal Palace of Reykholm​

Freydís Hall​

Casimir Castle​

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Political Parties of the Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia​

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The Most Serene Kingdom of Merilia has a multi-party system with eight main political parties, in which no one party has a chance of gaining power alone, and parties must work with each other to form a coalition government. The current ruling coalition is 'Forward Together!' which consists of the Social Democratic Party, the Progressive Party, and the Liberal Party.

The eight political parties that have representation in the House of Commons are:

Party​

[c]

Political Alignment​

[c]

Political Stance​

[c]

Seats in the House​

[c] Green Party [c] Left [c] Green Politics [c] 24 [c] Liberal Party [c] Center Left [c] Liberalism / Progressivism [c] 42 [c] Social Democratic Party [c] Center Left [c] Social Democracy [c] 101 [c] Progressive Party[c]Center[c]Economic Liberalism / Social Liberalism[c]73[c]Moderate Party[c]Center Right[c]Liberal Conservatism[c]57[c]National Party[c]Right[c]Social / National Conservatism[c]33[c]People's Party[c]Right[c]Traditionalism[c]15[c] [c] [c] [c][c]Alierian National Party[c]Centrist[c]Alierian Nationalism / Big Tent[c]4

(Parties from L-R: Green Party, Liberal Party, Social Democratic Party, Progressive Party, Moderate Party, National Party, People's Party, Alierian National Party)​

Green Party​

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Liberal Party​

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Social Democratic Party​

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Progressive Party​

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Moderate Party​

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National Party​

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People's Party​

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Government Leaders of the Alieria Island​

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Name: Stefán Lindholm

Official Title: High Commissioner of Alieria

Styles: His Excellency, High Commissioner, Sir

Born: 8 August 1953

Age: 65 [c]

[c] Name: Erik Rundstrom

Official Title: Law Speaker of Alieria

Styles: His Excellency, Law Speaker, Sir

Born: 11 November 1951

Age: 66 [c]

[c] Name: Magnus Anker

Official Title: Deputy Speaker of Alieria

Styles: His Excellency, Deputy Speaker, Sir

Born: 09 May 1959

Age: 59 [c]

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Government Buildings of the Alieria Island​

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The two primary government buildings in the Alieria Island are Vethyr Castle, which houses the High Commissioner of Alieria, the Law Speaker, the Deputy Law Speaker and the Council of the Isle; and Assembly Hall, which houses the Assembly of Law.

Vethyr Castle​

TBA​

Assembly Hall​

TBA​

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Political Parties of the Alieria Island​

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The Alieria Island has a multi-party system with four main political parties, in which no one party has a chance of gaining power alone, and parties must work with each other to form a coalition government. The current ruling government is lead by The People's Isle with support from the Alierian People's Union.

The four political parties that have representation in the Assembly of Law are:

Party​

[c]

Political Alignment​

[c]

Political Stance​

[c]

Seats in the Assembly​

[c] Alieria People's Union [c] Center Left [c] Alierian Independence & Autonomy /
Left Wing Nationalism / Liberalism [c] 21 [c] The People's Isle [c] Center Left [c] Social Democracy / Progressivism [c] 29 [c] We Ourselves [c] Center Right [c] Progressive Conservatism [c] 15 [c] Families United[c]Center Right[c]Liberal Conservativism[c]12

(Parties from L-R: Alieria People's Union, The People's Isle, We Ourselves, Families United)​

Alieria People's Union​

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The People's Isle​

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We Ourselves​

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Families United​

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Spoiler: IC

Post Image Count: 26/40

 

[Syrixia]

Welcome to the monarchy club! *hugs Kalti*

 

[Nightsong]

This post shall be dedicated to information related to the foreign affairs, armed forces and police of the Kingdom of Merilia.

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Merilian Neutrality​

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The Kingdom of Merilia is a permanently armed neutral state however this permanence does not mean eternal: having freely chosen to be neutral, the Kingdom of Merilia is equally free to choose not to be. However, as long as it does remain neutral, the nation shall follow and respect certain rules. The main provision is to defend its neutral status militarily should it come under threat or attack. Merilia's neutrality thus has three qualities: it is self-determined, permanent, and armed. Merilia's neutral status is enshrined in the Merilia Decree of the Basic Laws of Merilia which states that the Chancellors Council shall take measures to safeguard the nations external security, independence, and neutrality. Thus neutrality, in the context of the Kingdom of Merilia, is a means to an end; it is a reasonable political means of safeguarding Merilia's independence. Furthermore, while this neutrality means military non-participation in an armed conflict between other states it does not bar humanitarian interventionism and the provision of aid and relief.

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Royal Merilian Armed Forces and Police​

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Merilian Police Authority​

Roles:

• Patrols the streets and responds to emergency calls
• Promotes public safety and crime prevention
• Oversees police investigations and prosecutes criminals
• Traffic control; highway, river, lake and harbor patrol
• Provides security at concerts and sporting events
• Provides riot and crowd control at demonstrations and protests

[c]

Army Corps of Merilia​

Roles:

• Provides border security, to include passport control and the issuance of visas
• Provides transportation security at the airports, railway stations and seaports
• Provides for the protection of federal buildings
• Provides the Government of Merilia with a mobile response force for internal security events
• Provides the Government of Merilia with counter-terrorism forces
• Provides in-house security for Merilian embassies abroad

[c]

Varangr Guards​

Roles:

• Protection of the Royal Family
• Protection of the Royal Residences

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Active​

[c]

Reserve​

[c]

Total: 406,250

(Realm of Kaltí > 149,500)
(Realm of Calenfir > 143,000)
(Realm of Alcária > 113,750)​

[c]

Total: 218,750

(Realm of Kaltí > 80,500)
(Realm of Calenfir > 77,000)
(Realm of Alcária > 61,250)​

Spoiler: Uniforms of the Merilian Armed Forces

Army of Merilia​

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Air Force of Merilia​

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Navy of Merilia​

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Crown Defense Fleet [c]

• 15 Corvettes
• 8 Littoral Combat Ships

[c] Naval Fleet of Kaltí
Naval Fleet of Calenfir
Naval Fleet of Alcária [c]

• 9 Submarines
• 15 Destroyers
• 30 Frigates
• 6 Amphibious Transport Dock

[c] Merilian Support Fleet [c]

• 1 Aircraft Carrier
• 3 Support Tankers
• 3 Hospital Ships

Spoiler: Naval Vessels

Corvette [c]

[c] Littoral Combat Ship [c]

[c] Submarine [c]

[c] Destroyer [c]

[c] Frigate [c]

[c] Amphibious Transport Dock [c]

[c] Aircraft Carrier [c]

[c] Support Tanker [c]

[c] Hospital Ship [c]

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Alliances & Agencies​

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Alliance​

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Type​

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Level of Membership​

[c]

Representative​

[c] Trillium Compact [c] Alliance [c] Associate
(Stella Signatory) [c] Caitrin Rosenørn[c]Eras Health Council[c]Agency[c]Signatory
(Institutes for Disease Control and Prevention (S.S.F.))[c]Kai Halvorsen
Aaron Simonsen

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Spoiler: IC

Post Image Count: 25/40

 

[Nightsong]

This post shall be dedicated to information related to the religion of the Kingdom of Merilia.

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Elenathism​

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Elenathism, or Elenathi for short, is a duo-polytheistic religion based on the worship of the Lord and Lady; the word elenath refers to the starry host and the representation of the cosmos and divine beauty. Adherents of Elenathism, known formally as Elenathian(s) and informally as Witches (for both male and female), are unique in their religious viewpoint that the Lord and Lady have many personifications and appear to those in the guise found most helpful. This has given rise to many names being attributed to both deities with some of the most common being Odin, Freyr, Heimdall, Thor, and Tyr for the Lord and Frigg, Freya, Idun, Sif, and Eir for the Lady. Another unique aspect of Elenathism is that the Lord and Lady are both the supreme beings in the universe and the personification of the four basic, primal elements. The Lord wears the mantle of the Elemental Lord of Earth and the Elemental Lord of Fire while the Lady wears the mantle of the Elemental Lady of Air and the Elemental Lady of Water. In the modern day, the mantles of the Elemental Lords and Ladies are known as the Faer.

Elenathism in its current form originated within Icenic lands sometime in the early 1st Century CE which also saw the rise of the Ancient Icenic language and the Elder Certhas runic alphabet. There is evidence of an older and more polytheistic version of the religion where the concept of the Lord and Lady were non-existent and many gods and goddesses existed with clearly defined attributes. Religious doctrine and theology is expressed in the Lírae of the Divine which is made up of the following four books which each contain multiple volumes: the Teachings of the Elenath (Religious Scripture), the Lé Edda (History), the Nyarna Edda (Sagas), and the Lirit (Poems).

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Grand Temple of the Elenath​

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The Grand Temple of the Elenath is housed in Relarí, a small city on the outskirts of Alcária that houses the central seat of governance for the Elenathistic religion and is the burial grounds for all Merilian monarchs since King Casimir's death in 1573 and Queen Freydís' death in 1585. The Grand Temple and thus the religion as a whole is overseen and governed by a Grand Priest and a Grand Priestess. Each province within the Kingdom of Merilia has a Temple of the Elenath which is governed by a High Priest and a High Priestess. At the city, town, and village level, there exists the Elenath Houses that are governed by a Priest and a Priestess and the informal gatherings called the Assemblies that can be organized and run by citizens so long as they meet the minimum requirement of having four members present. Elenathism mirrors the duality of the Lord and Lady ruling over all creation by having a Grand Priest and a Grand Priestess share joint responsibility in overseeing all religious affairs. People are appointed to these roles for life or until retirement by the Faer Conclave which consists of every High Priest and High Priestess in the Kingdom of Merilia.

The Grand Temple of the Elenath along with each Temple of the Elenath and each Elenath House shall keep a yearly Book of Shadows that shall run from Samhain Day to Samhain Eve. This Book of Shadows shall keep record of all new memberships, changes in memberships, and major life events of its members, be it a birth, death or wedding. Merilians are free to keep their own Book of Shadows to document religious and celebratory moments that are important to them.

The central gathering spot for the Elenathistic religion has always been housed on the island of Alcária. Ruins of temples dating back to the 1st Century CE have been found.
The prior Grand Temple stood from 1573 till 1835 when it was torn down and a new, modern temple was built.
The current Grand Temple was built and commemorated in 1835, on the 250th anniversary of Queen Freydís' death.​

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Faer (Elemental Mantles)​

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ELEMENTAL LADY OF AIR

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ELEMENTAL LORD OF EARTH

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ELEMENTAL LORD OF FIRE

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ELEMENTAL LADY OF WATER

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Nyarna Edda
(Sagas)​

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Saga of the Cosmos​

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Chapter 1, The Void:
Long ago, there was only darkness - a deep, ebony ocean of empty infinity - the void that was no place.
From this place of nothingness, the Spirit drew in upon itself and, with a mighty burst of joyful vibration, our Lady exploded into being.
Her essence was the totality of perfect love and perfect trust.
In delight, our Lady danced among the heavens.
Her bare feet beat out the rhythm of all creation, giving birth to every pattern of energy as sparks of light catapulted from Her flying hair and extended fingertips.
She created the stars and the planets, and bid them to dance with Her.
As they began to move, so was the cycle of the year born, and the divine symphony of the universe came into form.
When Her dancing quickened, She formed the seas and mountains of Earth.
She chanted words of love and joy, and as these sounds fell to the Earth, the trees, flowers and grasses were born.
From the pure, white light of Her breath came the colors of the universe, turning all things to vibrant beauty.
From the bubbling laughter in Her throat sprang the sounds of running water of the streams, the gentle lapping vibrations of the lake, and the roaring of the ocean.
Her tears of happiness became the rains of our survival.

Chapter 2, The Beginning:
When Her dancing slowed and She sought a companion to share the wonders of the world, the Spirit created The Lord as Her life mate and companion.
The Lord's power moved through her and She showered the Earth and all upon it with Her blessings.
Together, the Lord and Lady gave birth to the birds, animals, fishes, and people of our world.
To protect and guide the humans, the Lord and Lady created the Valkyries, guides and spirits of power.
To protect and guide the elemental ways, the Lord and Lady took on the personification of the Faer.
These beings walk with us always, though we may not often see them.
To each being our Lady bestowed a unique vibration in which to communicate.
To each being our Lord bestowed the fires of passion and the burning instinct to survive.

Chapter 3, The Lord and Lady:
Our Lady has many names: Frigg, Freya, Idun, Sif, Eir, and many more.
The Lady walks beside us and resides in each woman and man.
She is the Maiden, Mother and Crone and is the sacred trinity.
Our Lord has many names: Odin, Freyr, Heimdall, Thor, Tyr, and many more.
He guards and guides us and resides in each man and woman.
The Lady has taken on the image of the Moon as her symbol of gentle light and perfect peace.
The Lord has taken on the vibrant rays of the Sun as his symbol of strength in perfect love.
When thunder roars in the heavens and lightning cracks, the Lord and Lady dance the divine myth of creation so that we may remember Them and know that we are never alone and that we are one.
When the sun rises each morning, we bask in the joy of His love for us.
When the moon moves through Her phases, we understand the cycles of birth, growth, death and rebirth, as is the nature of all things, and we honor Her.

Chapter 4, Humanity:
Together, the Lord and Lady blessed humanity with free will.
As the humans began to grow and prosper, the Lord and Lady saw the need for healers and teachers among them.
And so they drew forth energy to create the Witches who brought with them the wisdom of the Lord and Lady, the ability to heal, and the art of magic.
Our Lady taught of the wisdom of the Universe and we were instructed on how to cast the circle and how to communicate with the Spirit.
She taught us how to talk to the dead, how to honor our ancestors and how to focus the mind and cast a spell.
Within each person, She imprinted the patterns of all the energies in the cosmos, and how to work magick by the moon and the stars.
Our Lord taught us how to meld with the elements and the spirits of air, fire, earth, and water and to commune with the animal and plant kingdoms.
He taught us weather magick and the healing arts with energy and plants.
He taught us how to protect ourselves and how to survive.
Each of us was given the rites of purification and the ability to tap into our lineage of creation.

Chapter 5, The End:
When it is our time, the Witches are guided by the Valkyries to the Summerland and Valhalla.
From the Spirit that moves and flows through the Lord and Lady we continue to learn the mysticism of the Universe so that we may return, to serve our brothers and sisters.
Many of us do not remember our chosen path until we reach adulthood, but others know instinctively of their heritage from the time they form their own thoughts.
We are the Witches; the power, the change and the representation of the growth of wisdom on our planet.

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Lirit Edda
(Poems)​

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The Lady's Poem​

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I am the Lady, worshiped by all creation and existent prior to their consciousness. I am the primal female force, boundless and eternal. I am the chaste Goddess of the Moon, the Lady of all magic.
The winds and moving leaves sing my name. I wear the crescent Moon upon my brow and my feet rest among the starry heavens. I am mysteries yet unsolved, a path newly set upon. I am a field untouched by the plow.
Rejoice in me and know the fullness of youth. I am the blessed Maiden, the gracious Lady of the harvest. I am clothed in the deep, cool wonder of the Earth and the gold of the fields heavy with grain.
By me the tides of the Earth are ruled; all things come to fruition according to my season.
I am refuge and healing.
I am the life giving Mother, wondrously fertile.
I am the Crone, tender of the unbroken cycle of death and rebirth.
I am the wheel, the shadow of the Moon.
I rule the tides of the oceans and of women and men.
I give release and renewal to weary souls.
I am the Goddess of the Moon, the Earth, the Seas.
My names are many, yet know that by all names I am the same.
I pour forth insight, peace, wisdom and understanding.
I am the eternal Maiden, Mother of all, and Crone of reckoning, and I send you blessings of limitless love.

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The Lord's Poem​

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I am the radiant King of the Heavens, flooding the Earth with warmth and encouraging the hidden seed of creation to burst forth into manifestation.
I lift my shining spear to light the lives of all beings and daily pour forth my golden rays upon the Earth, putting to flight the powers of darkness.
I am the spirit of all beasts wild and free.
I run with the stag and soar as a sacred falcon against the shimmering sky.
The ancient woods and wild places emanate my powers, the birds of the air sing of my sanctity.
I am the harvest, offering up grain and fruits beneath the sickle of time so that all may be nourished.
For without planting there can be no harvest; without winter there can be no spring.
I am the thousand named Son of Creation.
Know that by all names I am the same.
The spirit of the horned stag in the wild, the endless harvest.
See in the yearly cycle of festivals my birth, death and rebirth and know that such is the destiny of all creation.
I am the spark of life, the radiant Sun, the giver of peace and rest.
I send my rays of blessings to warm the hearts and strengthen the minds of all.

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The Divine Poem​

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Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane, and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel, the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.

Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lammas night power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.

Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.

Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.
These Eight words the Rede fulfill: "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

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Spoiler: IC

Post Image Count: 5/40

 

[Nightsong]

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My Home (Heimilið Mitt)​

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My Home (Heimilið Mitt) is the national anthem of the Kingdom of Merilia and was adopted in 1570 to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Kingdom by Queen Freydís Varangr. The original composition and lyrics are attributed to Casimir Vollan, the Queen's husband, who wanted to immortalize her accomplishments in unifying the Realm of Kaltí, the Realm of Calenfir and the Realm of Alcária under one crown. Traditionally, only the first stanza is sung with the second and third stanza's only being sung during the opening of the Parliament of Merilia, on the High King's/High Queen's birthday and during other royal events as deemed appropriate by the Royal Family.

Freydís of Varangr
am I, of Icenian blood.

Loyal to the motherland
I will remain until I die.

A Queen of Reykr
am I, quite free.

The People of Icenia and Rána
I have always honored.

---

To live in the praise of the Divine
I have always attempted.
Because of this, I sought war
to bring about everlasting peace.
The Lord and Lady shall direct me
like an instrument of divine will.
So that the Icenian realms and her people
shall know peace and prosperity.

My shield and reliance are yours
to command my lord and lady.
It is on you who I shall rely
and never shall my faith falter.
Grant me the strength to do what is right
for I am your loyal servant.
And that I may live to see the
golden rays of your radiance bless this land.

---

​

---

[c]

Freydís af Varangr
er ég, af Ísenian blóði.

Vildarferð til móðurlandins
Ég mun standa þar til ég dey.

A Drottning af Reykr
er ég, alveg frjáls.

Fólkið af Ísenia og Rána
Ég hef alltaf heiðrað.

---

Að lifa í loði guðspekinnar
Ég hef alltaf reynt.
Vegna þessa leitaði ég til stríðs
að koma um eilífan frið.
Drottinn og Daman skulu beina mér
eins og hljóðfæri guðsmóður mun.
Svo að Ísenian ríki og hennar fólk
skulu vita frið og velsæld.

Skjöldur og traust er þitt
að skipa herra mínum og dama.
Það er á þér sem ég skal treysta
og aldrei skal trú mín falter.
Veita mér styrk til að gera það sem er rétt
fyrir ég er þinn tryggasti þjónn.
Og að ég lifi kannski að sjá
gullna geislum geislinn blessi þetta land.

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​

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[c]

[flash=450,310]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECU037C4Caw[/flash]​

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Merilian (Language)​

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> Ancestral Language [c] Forfeður Tungumál [c] Antiquity - 1st Century CE [c] > Ancient Icenic / Elder Certhas [c] Forn Ícenic / Eldri Cerþas [c] 1st Century CE - 8th Century CE[c]> Old Icenic / Younger Certhas[c]Gamall Ícenic / Yngri Cerþas[c]8th Century CE - 14th Century CE[c]> Old Icenic / Medieval Certhas[c]Gamall Ícenic / Miðalda Cerþas[c]14th Century CE - 18th Century CE [c] > (Modern) Merilian [c] (Nútíma) Mérilian [c] 16th Century CE - Present

• Ancestral languages dating from antiquity give rise to Ancient Icenic in the 1st Century CE.
• Elder Certhas arises as the written script and alphabet of Ancient Icenic in the 1st Century CE and is the earliest recorded runic alphabet in the Kingdom of Merilia. By the 8th Century CE, the Elder Certhas script has developed into the Younger Certhas script which coincides with the development of Ancient Icenic into Old Icenic.
• Old Icenic and Younger Certhas are the spoken language and written alphabet in Icenic lands until the 14th Century CE which sees the introduction of the Umbrialian language and alphabet brought from traders abroad. The Younger Certhas script and alphabet develops into Medieval Certhas.
• In the 16th Century CE, Old Icenic develops into Merilian following the marriage of Casimir Vollan and Freydís Varangr and the founding of the Kingdom of Merilia. The Merilian language utilizes the Medieval Certhas script and alphabet until the 18th Century CE. The language of international trade shifts from Umbrial to Mercanti
• By the 18th Century CE, Medieval Certhas is no longer used as an everyday alphabet, having been fully replaced by the Umbrial based alphabet. Medieval Certhas continues to see use in ceremonial traditions, particularly those surrounding the House of Varangr. The 20th Century CE see a renewed public interest in runic alphabets which leads to the rise of Runology, the study of runes, with a particular focus on Elder Certhas and Younger Certhas.
• As of the Present Day, Merilian is the de facto language of the Kingdom while utilizing the Umbrialian alphabet for writing.

Certhas was a rune-master who lived from 1319 to 1385 in the employ of Jarl Ragnar Lothmr, ruler of Reykr and her holdings. He was given the task of modernizing the runic alphabets and creating a new runic alphabet based on the Latin alphabet that had been brought by traders from overseas. In the process of completing his task, Certhas catalogued and helped to preserve the two older runic alphabets. In recognition of his work, the Jarl named the three runic alphabets after him with the distinction of Elder, Younger, and Medieval being used to distinguish the time period that the runes were used by the aristocracy and common folk.

• The common language shared between Merilia and Prydania is called Makari, however many in the Kingdom of Merilia continue to call the language Merilian.
• In Eras, the English language is called Mercanti while the Latin language is called Umbrial.

Spoiler: Elder Certhas / Eldri Cerþas

fehu
“f”
(cattle)​

[c]

ur
“u”
(rain)​

[c]

thurs
"þ", “th”
(giant)​

[c]

ansuz
“a”
(god)​

[c]

raidho
“r”
(journey)​

[c]

kenaz
“k”, "c"
(torch)​

[c]

gebo
"g"
(gift)​

[c]

wunjo
"w"
(joy)​

[c]

?​

[c]

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[c]

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[c]

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[c]

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?​

[c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c]

hagal
"h"
(hail)​

[c]

naudhr
"n"
(necessity)​

[c]

isa
"i"
(ice)​

[c]

jera
"j"
(harvest)​

[c]

eihaz
"æ"
(yew)​

[c]

perdhro
"p"
(secret)​

[c]

algiz
"z"
(elk)​

[c]

sol
"s"
(sun)​

[c]

?​

[c]

?​

[c]

?​

[c]

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[c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c]

týr
"t"
(order)​

[c]

berkana
"b"
(birch)​

[c]

ehwaz
"e"
(horse)​

[c]

mannaz
"m"
(human)​

[c]

laguz
"l"
(water)​

[c]

inguz
"?"
(fertility)​

[c]

dagaz
"d"
(day)​

[c]

othala
"o"
(home)​

[c]

?​

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The Rune Site | Elder Futhark

Spoiler: Younger Certhas / Yngri Cerþas

fehu
"f / v"
(cattle)​

[c]

ur
"u / w"
(rain)​

[c]

thurs
"þ", “th”
(giant)​

[c]

óss
"o / ø"
(god)​

[c]

raidho
"r"
(journey)​

[c]

kaun
"k / g"
(wound)​

[c]

hagal
"h"
(hail)​

[c]

naudhr
"n"
(necessity)​

[c]

?​

[c]

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[c]

?​

[c]

?​

[c]

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[c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c]

isa
"i / e"
(ice)​

[c]

ár
"a / æ"
(plenty)​

[c]

sol
"s"
(sun)​

[c]

týr
"t / d"
(order)​

[c]

berkana
"b / p"
(birch)​

[c]

madhr
"m"
(human)​

[c]

laguz
"l"
(water)​

[c]

yr
"z / r"
(elk)​

[c]

?​

[c]

?​

[c]

?​

[c]

?​

[c]

?​

[c]

?​

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?​

[c]

?​

The Rune Site | Younger Futhark

Spoiler: Medieval Certhas / Miðalda Cerþas

A​

[c]

B​

[c]

C​

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D​

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Ð​

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E​

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F​

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G​

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H​

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I​

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J​

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K​

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L​

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M​

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N​

[c]

a​

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b​

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c​

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d​

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ð​

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e​

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f​

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g​

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h​

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i​

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j​

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k​

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l​

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m​

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n​

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[c]

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?​

[c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c][c]

O​

[c]

P​

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Q​

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R​

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S​

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T​

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U​

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V​

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W​

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X​

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Y​

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Z​

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Þ​

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Æ​

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Ø​

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o​

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p​

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q​

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æ​

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ø​

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Spoiler: Runes and Meanings

The following four runes have an unaccented and accented version depending on the letter: Berkana, Fehu, Kaun and Ur.

• Ár - Plenty- A
• Berkana - Birch - B / P
• Kenaz - Torch - C
• Dagaz - Day - D
• Thurs - Giant - Ð
• Ehwaz - Horse - E
• Fehu - Cattle - F / V
• Hagal - Hail - H
• Isa - Ice - I
• Jera - Harvest - J
• Kaun - Wound - K / G
• Lagaz - Water - L
• Madhr - Human - M
• Naudhr - Necessity - N
• Othala - Home - O
• Quairta - Fire - Q
• Raidho - Journey - R
• Sol - Sun - S
• Týr - Order - T
• Ur - Rain - U / W
• Ziu - Thunder - X
• Gar - Season - Y
• Yr - Elk - Z
• Thurs - Giant - Þ
• Eihaz - Yew - Æ
• Óss - God - Ø

Spoiler: (Modern) Merilian Alphabet / Writing System

A​

[c]

Á​

[c]

B​

[c]

C​

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D​

[c]

Ð​

[c]

E​

[c]

É​

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F​

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G​

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H​

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I​

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Í​

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J​

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K​

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L​

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M​

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N​

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O​

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Ó​

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P​

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Q​

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R​

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S​

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T​

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U​

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Ú​

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V​

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Y​

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Ý​

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Z​

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Þ​

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Æ​

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Ö​

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a​

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á​

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b​

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c​

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d​

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ð​

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e​

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é​

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y​

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ý​

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z​

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þ​

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æ​

[c]

ö​

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National Holidays​

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Holiday​

[c]

Date of Celebration​

[c][c] New Year's Day [c] 01 January [c] Business hours of operation may vary. [c] Swearing in of New Government Officials [c] Second Monday of January [c][c] Day of Love [c] 14 February [c][c] Birthday of High Queen Solveig [c] 03 March [c] Schools and businesses are closed. [c] Day of the Divine [c] Second Friday of April [c] Business hours of operation may vary. [c] National Day of Merilia [c] 05 May [c] Schools and businesses are closed. [c] Mother's Day [c] Last Friday of May [c][c] Father's Day [c] Last Friday of July [c][c] Labor Day [c] First Monday of September [c] Schools and businesses are closed. [c] Campaigning Begins for Government Officials [c] Second Friday of September [c][c] Remembrance Day [c] Third Friday of November [c] Schools and businesses are closed. [c] Election of Government Officials [c] Second Friday of December [c] Schools and businesses are closed. [c] New Year's Eve [c] 31 December [c] Business hours of operation may vary.

Holiday​

[c]

Date of Celebration​

[c][c] Imbolc [c] 01 February [c] Schools and businesses are closed. [c] Ostara / Spring Equinox [c] 21 March [c] Business hours of operation may vary. [c] Beltane [c] 01 May [c] Schools and businesses are closed. [c] Litha / Midsummer / Summer Solstice [c] 21 June [c] Business hours of operation may vary. [c] Lammas [c] 01 August [c] Schools and businesses are closed. [c] Mabon / Autumnal Equinox [c] 21 September [c] Business hours of operation may vary. [c] Samhain [c] 31 October [c] Schools and businesses are closed. [c] Yule / Midwinter / Winter Solstice [c] 21 December [c] Business hours of operation may vary.

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Crown Florin (Currency)​

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The official currency of the Kingdom of Merilia is the Crown Florin, or Florin for short. Monetary policy is overseen by the Ministry of Finance with banknotes being issued and printed by the Royal Bank of Merilia and coins being issued and minted by the Royal Mint of Merilia.

Currency Remarks:

• ƒ: Symbol for the 1 & 2 Florin Coins and the 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Florin Banknotes
  
• ¢: Symbol for the 5, 10, 25 and 50 Cent Coins
  
• Fixed Exchange Rate: ƒ1.00 = 1.00 US Dollar
  
• Rounding System: Since the discontinuation of the ¢1 and ¢2 coins, all businesses in the Kingdom of Merilia round to the nearest five cent interval.

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Worker Compensation​

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The Kingdom of Merilia has no federally set minimum wage; instead, there are collective bargaining agreements in place between the varying trade unions and employers and their employees in how much they are compensated for their work. These agreements are overseen and enforced by the three Home Affairs Bureaus and the backing of the Ministry of Finance and can be revised during the bi-annual meetings of the Chancellors and the Jarls. The last such revision to the collective bargaining agreements occurred in the January 2015 meetings and as of those meetings, there exists two tiers, one for unskilled workers and one for skilled workers.

Unskilled: ƒ2,200 (ƒ13.75/hour) - ƒ4,400 (ƒ27.50/hour)

Skilled: ƒ2,800 (ƒ17.50/hour) - ƒ5,600 (ƒ35.00/hour)

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Media of the Kingdom of Merilia​

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The Kingdom of Merilia has a diverse range of media providers for television, radio, newspapers, magazines and websites, the most prominent being the publicly-owned service broadcaster, the Merilian Broadcasting Corporation (Mérilian Útvarpsfélagið – MU). The MU’s largest competitors are Nyáre Media (Nyáre Fjölmiðlar – NF) and Kalina News (Kalina Fréttir). Regional media is covered by local radio, television and print newspapers with the five largest national newspapers being:

• Merilia Today (Mérilia í Dag – MD) – Daily – General News
• Bay Journal (Flókabók – FK) – Daily – General News
• Arien Inquirer (Arien Spyrjandi – AS) – Daily, General News
• Reykr Times (Reykr Tímum – RT) – Daily, Business and Financial News
• Varangr Post (Varangr Bóka – VB) – Weekly – Royal and Government News

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Merilian Broadcasting Corporation
(Mérilian Útvarpsfélagið)​

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The Merilian Broadcasting Corporation was granted a royal charter in 1919 by King Erik V. The royal charter is renewed every twenty-five years with the last renewal occurring in 1994 and the next renewal set to take place in 2019. The corporation is funded principally by an annual media broadcasting license fee which is charged to all Merilian households, companies and organizations using any type of equipment to receive or record live television or radio broadcasts in Merilia.

MU Board – Sets the strategy for the corporation, assesses the performance of the MU Executive Committee, and appoints the Director-General of the MU. The Board consists of nine members, the Chairman/Chairwoman, the Director-General, the Deputy Director-General, the CEO of MU Studios Ltd and five non-executive director members who are nominated and appointed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Outreach.

MU Executive Committee – Responsible for the day to day operations of the corporation and consists of senior managers of the MU. The Committee meets once per month and is responsible for operational management and delivery of services within a framework set by the MU Board.

• Director-General *
• Deputy Director-General *
• Director of Content
• Director of Radio and Education
• Director of News and Current Affairs
• Director of Sports and Culture
• CEO of MU Studios Ltd *
• Chief Technology and Research Officer
• Director of HR

* > members are part of both the MU Executive Committee and the MU Board

Operational Divisions:

• Content: in charge of the corporation’s television channels including the commissioning of programming in conjunction with MU Studios Ltd.
• Radio and Education: in charge of MU Radio and music content across the MU and under the MU Music brand, including music programs on MU Television, events such as the MU Proms and the numerous orchestras such as the MU Philharmonic, as well as the Children’s MU.
• News and Current Affairs: in charge of MU News, including the national, regional and international output on television, radio and online, as well as the output of the MU Global News Division.
• Sports and Culture: in charge of MU Sports and MU Culture and broadcasting major sporting events, such as the Merilian Realm Cup, and major cultural events, such as the Queen’s birthday or the National Day of Merilia celebrations.
• Deputy Director-General Group: in charge of all digital output, such as MU Online and developing new technologies through BBC Research & Development. This division also includes other-MU functions including Finance, HR, Strategy, Security and Property.

Commercial Divisions:

• MU Studios Ltd: a television production and distribution company as well as the commercial arm of the MU. It houses the production departments of Comedy, Drama, Entertainment, Factual, Music & Events, and Scripted.
• MU Studioworks: owns and operates all MU studio facilities outside the main Broadcasting House in Reykholm and leases them out to production companies from within and outside of the corporation.
• MU World News: in charge of the production and distribution of the MU’s commercial global television channel. It works closely with the MU’s News and Current Affairs division and MU Studios Ltd and shares the corporation’s facilities and staff.