Galland (Caesar's Skull)

Federal Republic of Galland
Tótháith Conámach Galathía
Timeline: Caesar's Skull


Flag	Emblem
Location of Galland

Motto
Rías ach Cothamichas
("Freedom and Equality")

Capital

Genavo

Largest city

Genavo

Other cities

Lúisadun, Bárghnau, Turich, Tolousa, Arghanrath, Burdechla, Rédhson, Trewer, Luchèdha, Narbena, Cambárgha, Brosella

Language

Gallish

Religion

Christianity (Insularism)

Ethnic Group

Gallish

Demonym

Gallish, Gallian

Legislature

Federated semi-direct social democracy

Co-Presidents

Ean Tróiach PRD

Sílvha Daghl PS

Galland (Gallish: Galathía), in full form the The Federal Republic of Galland (Gallish: Tótháith Conámach Galathía ), is a country in Western Europe and consisting of overseas regions and territories.

During the Iron Age, what is now Galland was inhabited by a collection of Celtic tribes as well as Germanic, Greek, Vasconic, Rhaetic, and Iberian people. The area was briefly annexed by Rome during the First Gallo-Roman War before Vercingetorix's Revolt led to the establishment the High Kingdom of the Arverni and eventually the High Kingdom of Gallia, developing a distinct culture, meshing the existing Celtic with Greek and neighboring Roman, that laid the foundation of the modern state. The Migration Age in the 5th century led the the formation of the Gallic Empire with the collapse of Roman hegemony and ultimately to a splintering of Europe into various states, among them Gallish-speaking ones. Through the High Middle Ages Galland would remain largely divided between the High Kingdom of Arvernia (West Gallia) and The Kingdom of Senonia (East Gallia) and smaller independent states such as the Kingdom of Serdonia in the southeast, the Helvetic League in the east, The Brotherhood of the Marshes in the southwest, the Armorican Kingdom in the northwest, and the Duchy of Belgica within the Frankish and then Papal Empire.

Galland consists of eleven cantons as a decentralised federation. The cantons are Arvernia (Arwernía), Helvetia (Elwethía), Senonia (Senongía), Decumatia (Dechomadhe), Belgia (Belghía), Serdonia (Serdonía), Aquitania (Achithanía), Armorica (Arvorich), Cantabria (Cantavría), Cape Werdey (Cap Gwerdhe), and Bamas (Bámas). The six largest cities in Galland are, in order, Genavo, Lúisadun, Bárghnau, Turich, Luchèdha, and Brosella, all of which are considered international cities of global importance.

Galland retains its centuries-long status as a global centre of art, science, warfare, astronomy, and philosophy. It hosts the world's fifth-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is among the leading tourist destinations, receiving over 89 million foreign visitors in 2018. Galland is a developed country with the world's fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP and the seventh-largest by PPP. In terms of aggregate household wealth, it ranks third in the world. Galland performs well in international rankings of education, health care, life expectancy, and human development. It remains a great power in global affairs, being one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and an official nuclear-weapon state. Galland is a founding and leading member of the European Union and the Eurozone, and a member of the Group of 7, Western Alliance Union (WAU), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the International Celtic Congress (ICC) and is heavily involved in the Socialist International via three of its dominant political parties.

Etymology[]

The older (and still poetically used) English name Galwall arrives via Old English Galwealas/Galwalas, which is derived from a combination of Gallia (the Latin name of the land of the Gallians) and the Anglo-Saxon Wealh, derived from Walho, a reflex of the Proto-Germanic *walhaz, "foreigner, Romanized person", an exonym applied by Germanic speakers to Celts and Latin-speaking people indiscriminately. It is cognate with the names Wales, Cornwall, and Wallachia. Proto-Germanic *walha is derived ultimately from the name of the Volcae, the name of a prominent Gallish tribe most frequently in contact with the Germanic peoples to the north.

Derived from Germanic Walhaz:

English (dated): Galwall, Walsh

Frankish (Thedish dialect): Waalsland, Waals

Thedish: Wälschland, Wälsch

Nordish: Valland, Vælsk

Danish: Valland, Velsk

Vinlandic: Valland, Valskur

The Gallish self-designation (Galathía) is unrelated to the Germanic term Walhaz, despite superficial similarities. The Gallish demonym is related to the first part of the English term, the 'gal', of Galwall and, likewise, the modern English name of the country Galland (Gal-Land, Lang of the Gallians).

The Greek and Latin names Galatia and Gallia are ultimately derived from a Celtic ethnic term or clan Gal(a)-to-. Hellenistic folk etymology connected the name of the Galatians (Γαλάται, Galátai) to the supposedly "milk-white" skin (γάλα, gála "milk") of the Gauls.

Modern researchers say it is related to Welsh gallu, Cornish: galloes, "capacity, power", thus meaning "powerful people".

Derived from Celtic Galato:

English: Galland, Gallish, Gallian

Frisian: Galje, Galjers

Gallish: Galathía, Galáthach, Galath

Romanish: Gallia, Galli

Andalusian: Galia, Galos

Galician: Gália, Gauleses

Welsh: Gâl, Galeg

Irish: Ghaláit, Galátaigh

History[]

Main Article: History of Galland

Pre-History[]

The oldest traces of human life in what is now Galland date from approximately 1.8 million years ago. Over the ensuing millennia, Humans were confronted by a harsh and variable climate, marked by several glacial eras. Early hominids led a nomadic hunter-gatherer life.

Galland has a large number of decorated caves from the upper Paleolithic era, including one of the most famous and best preserved, Inachaun Cave, outside the town Inachaun, which dates from approximately 18,000 BC. At the end of the last glacial period (10,000 BC), the climate became milder; from approximately 7,000 BC, this part of Western Europe entered the Neolithic era and its inhabitants became sedentary. After strong demographic and agricultural development between the 4th and 3rd millennia, metallurgy appeared at the end of the 3rd millennium, initially working gold, copper and bronze, and later iron. Galland has numerous megalithic sites from the Neolithic period, including the exceptionally dense Carnach stones site (approximately 3,300 BC).

Antiquity (6th century BC-5th century CE)[]

Around 600 BC Gallic Celtic tribes penetrated parts of eastern and northern Galland, gradually spreading through the rest of the country between the 5th and 3rd century BC, arriving from what is now southern Thedeland (Bayerland and Markmeny specifically), where the Celtic culture and language likely originated. The concept of Gallia emerged during this period, corresponding to the territories of Celtic settlement ranging between the Rhine, the Atlantic Ocean, the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. The borders of modern Galland roughly correspond to ancient Gallia/Galatia, which was inhabited by Celtic Gallians. Gallia or Galatia was then a prosperous country, of which the southernmost part was heavily subject to Greek and Roman cultural and economic influences.

The Gallic chieftain Brennus, in 387 BC, led an army of Cisalpine Gallians and a contingent of Arverni and Senones in their attack on Rome. His troops made their way to Italy through the Alps, defeated the Romans in the Battle of the Allia (18 July 390 BC), and besieged and ransomed Rome. The Senones captured the entire city of Rome except for the Capitoline Hill, which was successfully held against them. According to legend Marcus Manlius Capitolinus was alerted to the Gallic attack by the sacred geese of Juno. However, seeing their city devastated, the Romans attempted to buy their salvation from Brennus. The Romans agreed to pay one thousand pounds weight of gold. According to Livy, during a dispute over the weights used to measure the gold (the Gallians had brought their own, heavier-than-standard), Brennus threw his sword onto the scales and uttered the famous words "Vae victis!", which translates to "woe to the conquered!"

The Arverni are known to have had the most powerful tribal hegemony in Gallia during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC under their kings, Luernius, and his son Bituitus. Their power was based on strong metallurgic technologies and weapons, elaborated and rich agriculture and catering, mining, trade and military dominance over their neighbours with tributes paid to them.

Contact with Rome Around 125 BC, the south of Gallia was conquered by the Romans, who called this region Provincia Nostra ("Our Province"), which over time evolved into the name Provenza (Provença in local dialects) in Roman and largely corresponds to the Roman Region so named. Julius Caesar conquered the remainder of Gallia but was unable to overcome the revolt carried out by the Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix (in modern Gallish Gwerchingethrich) in 52 BC.

The Gallo-Roman Wars were a series of four major wars lasting, on and off, from 58 BCE to 66 CE. Gallians were better metal smiths and sailors and had better cavalry than the Romans, while the Romans were better organized and better engineers than the Gallians and the Romans also had the advantage of seemingly endless supplies of men. The course of the First Gallic War would open the Atlantic Celtic world to the Mediterranean Greco-Roman one, linking Romans and Gallians in an intricate way they could scarcely have realized, altering the course of European history.

Though Caesar would find initial success in Gallia, the Romans were unable to maintain control perpetually, culminating in Vercingetroix' rebellion and subsequent war.

The decisive Battle of Gergovia in 52 BCE would reveal the unraveling of Roman ambitions in Gallia. The battle proved a decisive edge to the Gallish heavy cavalry and likely was the event that led to the high status that the cavalry would develop in Gallic culture. It proved that the Romans, and Caesar, could also be beat, as Gergovia ended in Gallic victory. Vercingetorix, fresh from victory at Gergovia, pursued Caesar’s disheartened army until the Roman turned around to face him in the field near Alesia. Roman defenders were flanked and overwhelmed during the battle, trapped in their own fortification system, resulting in carnage: while the Gallic coalition lost an estimated 18,000 men in the battle, only 6,000 Romans survived to see the next morning. Caesar rode out in a last-ditch charge, preferring to die in battle rather than surrender, but his horse was killed beneath him and he twisted his ankle falling. A group of former Aedui auxiliaries passing by recognized him and decided to capture him alive rather than simply bring back his head. There are two conflicting versions of the final fate of Caesar. Plutarch, Tacitus, and Serra all claim he asked Vercingetorix to be given a quick death, ‘put to the sword’, either at the hand of a fellow Roman or a Gallian. Dio Cassius suggests he was kept alive and died months later of illness. In any event, Roman plans on Gallia would end with Caesar's death.

Early Middle Ages (5th-10th century)[]

High and Late Middle Ages (10th-15th century)[]

Early Moder Period (15th century-1789)[]

Modern Period (1790 - Present)[]

Society[]

Geography[]

Politics[]

Galland is governed as a federated social democracy and a semi-direct democracy, with direct democratic ambitions, using what is termed the Celtic Model for its economic system.

The Gallish political system is based on its adopted constitution, officially titled "Constitution of Galland". It provides that all residents shall enjoy fundamental rights such as gender equality and freedom of religion while it also provides for property rights.

The Gallic Democratic Council acts as the legislative body of Galland while the Federal Executive Council acts as the executive body.

Judicial[]

At the local level, citizens partake in Peace and Consensus Committees, which makes group decisions on minor criminal cases and disputes as well as in separate committees resolve issues of specific concern to women's rights like domestic violence and marriage.

At the regional level, citizens (who need not be trained jurists) are elected by the regional Assemblies to serve on seven-member People's Courts. At the next level are four Appeals Courts, composed of trained jurists.

The court of last resort is the Cantonal Court, which serves a canton as a whole. Separate from this system, the Constitutional Court renders decisions on compatibility of acts of government and legal proceedings with the constitution of Galland.

The Three Assemblies[]

The base political unit of Galland consists of the Communal Assemblies which is made up of anything from villages to city areas consisting of 30 to 400 households. Communal Assemblies engage in directly democratic control of their given Commune and send elected delegates to the to City Assemblies. Communal Assemblies govern the smallest sector of life, the local living space. Politics is enacted via a town meeting, as a form of direct democracy in which the members of a community come together to legislate policy and budgets for local government, thus it is a town level meeting in which decisions are made.

The City Assemblies are a coordinated board of 7 to 30 Communes and act as a glue between the various Communes to collaborate between them, often acting as a secondary 'communal assembly' for broader metro areas which can be made up of several Communal Assemblies. This is especially important for the cohesion of major cities with can consist of a multitude of Communes. City Assemblies essentially act in the same fashion as any given City Council in most other countries, only the City Assembly member is engaged to enact the policies of the Communal Assembly which delegated them and is subsequently recallable if they do not do so.

The Cantonal Assemblies consist of elected delegates chosen via popular vote in each Canton. They govern their given Canton as a Cantonal Congress, appoint various members to Cantonal Commissions (such as the Defence, Economic, Justice, Civil Society, Women's Council, etc) and so forth. This assembly acts much like a state, provincial, or regional government in most other countries. Local government does not consist of a mayor or governor, but rather the aforementioned Assemblies act as a collective governing body in their areas.

Legislative and Excecutive[]

The Democratic Senate (Democróthach Senúlói in Gallish - usually just called the Senate) acts as the Unicameral legislative body for the federation at large. These senators (sénu) are elected via popular vote within Galland and, like the three Assemblies, are delegates who are recallable via vote by their Cantonal constituents and, likewise, the laws and the like can be challenged within the Cantonal Assemblies and Communal Assemblies if deemed to impact them.

The Federal Executive Council (Conámach Gworgheth Chonglanu) is the executive office of Galland, it is made up of elected officials appointed via popular vote by the populace at large who fill the roles executive cabinet. It acts as a joint coordination committee that oversees the implementation of policies developed by the Democratic Council and the voting populace. The FEC is responsible for diplomatic work and coordinate everything the communes can't, or things that cannot wait till the communes are consulted. The Council has three main objectives: Manage relationships with organizations that won't work with communes (in such fashion they act as diplomats for Galland at large, thus by extension for all the communes); manage things that the lower levels can't (yet); Coordinate big projects which the lower levels can't coordinate (long term, lack of resources, strategical planning).

The positions are held by a Minister (Gwerchóvreth) and are as follows:

Ministry of Justice and Keeper of the Seals

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister of the Treasury Minister of Defense

Minister of Agriculture Minister of Labor and Commerce

Ministry of Solidarity and Health Minister of Transportation

Minister of Energy Ministry of National Education, Sport, and Youth

Minister of Women and Family Affairs

The Co-Presidents (the sesaníath in Gallish, while the office is called the sesaníathíu) are the collective Head of State and are both selected via national popular vote, each independent of the other. Voters select two choices from the pool of candidates and those two with the highest number of votes win the election. Both Presidents hold office for five years, after which they may re-run for office once, independent of each other. The Co-Presidency assists with coordination and collaboration between cantons in political, economic, social and cultural matters; particularly that of diplomatic and military matters. It also supervises and follows the work of federal Departments and Ministries. Both presidents act as the representatives and diplomats on behalf of Galland and the cantons.

Direct Democracy[]

Amendments to the Social Constitution, the joining of international organizations, or changes to federal laws that have no foundation in the constitution but will remain in force for more than one year must be approved by the majority of both the people and the cantons, a double majority.

Any citizen may challenge a law that has been passed by the council. If that person is able to gather 50,000 signatures against the law within 100 days, a national vote has to be scheduled where voters decide by a simple majority of the voters whether to accept or reject the law. Also, any citizen may seek a decision on an amendment they want to make to the constitution. For such a federal popular initiative to be organised, the signatures of 100,000 voters must be collected within 18 months. Such a federal popular initiative is formulated as a precise new text whose wording can no longer be changed by the council and the excecutive. After a successful signature gathering, the democratic council may create a counterproposal to the proposed amendment and put it to vote on the same day as the original proposal. Such counter-proposals are usually a compromise between the status quo and the wording of the initiative. Voters will decide in a national vote whether to accept the initiative amendment, the counter proposal put forward by the government if any, or both. If both are accepted, one has to additionally signal a preference. Initiatives (that are of constitutional level) have to be accepted by a double majority of both the popular votes and a majority of the cantons, while counter-proposals may be of legislative level and hence require only simple majority.

Political Parties[]

Galland has an array of political parties represented in its unicameral legislative body. The country is at present dominated by its five 'major' parties.

Major Parties				Political ideology
Abbr.	Name		Leader	Political ideology
SP/PS		Socialist Party (Párti Sosialach)	Válere Rivalch	Left to Far-left; Democratic socialism, Social ecology, Communalism
FDP/PRD		Free Democratic Party (Párti Ríu Democróthach)	Crisach ÁvIachu	Left to Centre-left; Social democracy, social liberalism, cultural liberalism
GPG/CG		Green Party (Conáth Glas)	Mártan Prenal	Centre-left; Green politics, green liberalism, cultural liberalism
CDPP/TPi		People's Party (Tóthpárti)	Shidni Brauníath	Centre to Centre-right; Compassionate conservatism, Distributism, Spiritual democracy
CDP/PCD		Christian Democratic Party (Párti Crisach Democróthach)	Conradh Dósach	Right to Centre-right; Reformism, social conservatism, economic liberalism, liberal conservatism

Current Issues[]

Gallish people in Luchedha, wearing masks during the H3N2-Pandemic

The curent Gallish administration is unabashedly pro-European integration and has faced growing criticism over this stance. Silvha Daghl's party, the Socialist Party, are particularly against further European integration, taking an unusual stance beside their traditional rivals the PCD, while their traditional political allies, the PRD, with co-President Ean Troiach in lead, increasingly find themselves at odds with the Socialists.

The H3N2-Pandemic sits atop current administrative concerns in Galland, as well as globally. Key issues facing the country include raising fuel taxes to combat climate change, as well as climate change in general, protests regarding current nation-wide lockdowns due to the H3N2-Pandemic, pension reform, the re-emergence of far-right politics, immigration, and antipathy for Theedish-style austerity.

Gallish protestors, one with a sign reading 'Suléian ívi mó cró' (Government drink my blood)

The upcoming Gallish Presidential election sits front and centre of political concerns, taking place in April 2022. Ean Tróiach will not seek re-election, though his co-President Sílvha Daghl will. At present it appears that Daghl will retain her position while Tróiach's replacement in the PRD, Válere Ródh, will also capture the vote.

Cantons[]

Galland consists of eleven cantons as a decentralised federation.

The cantons are Arvernia (Arwernía), Helvetia (Elwethía), Senonia (Senongía), Decumatia (Dechomadhe), Belgia (Belghía), Serdonia (Serdonía), Aquitania (Achithanía), Armorica (Arvorich), Cantabria (Cantavría), Cape Werdey (Cap Gwerdhe), and Bamas (Bámas).

Cantons of Galland
Canton	Capital	Flag	Emblem
Aquitania (Achithanía)	Burdechla
Armorica (Arvorich)	Rédhson
Arvernia (Arwernía)	Gerghòa
Bamas (Bámas)	Nói Duna
Belgia (Belghía)	Brosella
Cantabria (Cantavría)	Cambárgha
Cape Werdey (Cap Gwerdhe)	Sen Duru
Decumatia (Dechomadhe)	Arghanrath
Helvetia (Elwethía)	Turich
Senonia (Senongía)	Luchèdha
Serdonia (Serdonía)	Bárghnau

Foreign Relations[]

Gallo-Thedish Relations[]

Theedish actress Henrike Sarstedt (left) and Gallish actress Lidwina Lathan, hinting at the warm modern relations between Thedeland and Galland.

The relations between Galland and Thedeland have long been defined by the Gallish-Theedish Emnity (Gallish: Galath-Dósach Namaníu, Theedish: Wälsch-Deutsch Erbfeindschaft) - the idea of unavoidably hostile relations and mutual revanchism between the two nations supposedly stemming back into Ancient times.

Writers, historians and politicians in both countries tended to project their enmity backwards, regarded all history as a single, coherent and unbroken narrative of ongoing conflict, and reinterpreted the earlier history to fit into the concept of a "hereditary enmity" between the two peoples.

Modern relations between the two nations is decidedly positive and, though mild derision and mockery is not uncommon and sports rivalry can become very heated, the two nations consider one another as their principal ally. In recent times, Galland and Thedeland are among the most enthusiastic proponents of the further integration of Europe. They are sometimes described as the "twin engine" or "core countries" pushing for such moves, and collectively as the Heart of Europe. Present economic, cultural, and military treaties between the two nations have solidified this friendship that first emerged during the Twin-Fascist Perior in the 1940s, the first event of Gallo-Theedish friendship that has endured to the present. Many historians consider the reversal from great antagonism to great friendship between the two realms to be amongst the most unusual and extreme reversals in history.

Despite the warmth in relations politically and the open and friendly relations between the peoples of the two nations, in general, the lingering rivalry has found a home in sports (with the two often seeing one another as their chief sporting rival) and general un-kind stereotypes held towards each other. According to polls, Gallians believe that the Thedes are the most arrogant in Europe while the Thedes believe that Gallians are the most arrogant. On the positive, Gallians rated Thedes as the most trustworthy Europeans while Thedes see Gallians as organised yet more casual and more able to enjoy life than their own peoples. It is said that Thedes love the Gallish for their food, fashion, and culture, but they also see Gallians self-confidence as arrogance and believe they are a burdensomely pessimistic people.

The rivalry and cultural differences between Gallic and Germanic tribes – the pre-Modern cultures that gradually evolved into Galland and Thedeland – were noted by Julius Caesar in his On The Gallic War.

Galland itself had strategic importance in the ancient world both because of its geographic position as well as a source of revenue, mercenaries, and slaves. The Germanic tribes, by contrast, remained more isolated and fractious. Germania, the precursor of Thedeland, lay farther from the Greco-Roman world and was well-protected by the strong natural barriers of the Alps, the Rhine and Danube rivers, and the dense forests. Therefore, the diffusion of Greco-Roman influence, including settlers, traders, and cultural ideas, trickled into Gallia. Galland was an integral part of the Greco-Roman world culturally, a civilised area with forimdable and intricate towns and all the trappings of Mediterannean influenced civilisation. Germania remained beyond this realm, decidedly not cosmopolitan nor settled in the same sense.

Galland was more or less at constant warfare with the Germanic tribes from across the Rhine, and both would often raid one another for slaves. This hostility burst most openly during the Marcomannic War, but again in an enduring way in the Migration Age. Many tribes moved into Galland but most notable were the Visigoths and Burgundians, each severing the former Gallic Empire in half.

The Gallish and Theedish lands continued a bitter rivalry, nearly constantly at war, through the Middle Ages and well into the Modern Age, with variations of the two nations, or their parts, more or less regularly in open conflict with one another. The last major conflict between Galland and Thedeland was the Rhineland War, amongst the first great modern total wars, leaving a lasting scar and legacy in both countries.

Gallic Allies[]

Though Galland is a member of an array of modern treaties and therefore counts many official allies, there are four nations seen at the 'traditional friends' and allies of the Gallians, owing to historical realities and long-standing comraderie.

Ireland, Windland, Japan, and Abenakia are counted as Galland's longest standing and closest allies.

Economics[]

Galland had a mixed-market economy within a moderately social-democratic structure.

Gallish economics are termed the Celtic Model, also used by Ireland and Wales. The Celtic Model is characterised by the tri-partite cooperationbetween employers' organisations, labour unions, and the government. These talks are embodied in the Social-Economic Council. The SEC serves as the central forum to discuss labour issues and has a long tradition of consensus, often defusing labour conflicts and trying to avoid strikes.

The Gallish economy features a large state sector, mixing a substantial amount of state-owned enterprises and nationalized firms with private enterprise.

Galland’s is an economic doctrine in which the state plays a strong directive role as opposed to a merely regulatory or non-interventionist role over a capitalist market economy. Its economic doctrine is the opposite to láitrái (via Gallish lái tráiu, or roughly 'let [it] be continous], an economic system in which transactions between private groups of people are free from or almost free from any form of economic interventionism such as regulation and subsidies) stressing a positive role for state intervention in curbing productive inefficiencies and market failures. Gallish policies often include indicative planning, state-directed investment, and the use of market instruments (taxes and subsidies) to incentivize market entities to fulfill state economic objectives.

The system emerged in the post-war era to. It coincided with both the period of substantial economic and demographic growth which followed the war, and the slowdown beginning with the oil crisis.

The Gallic system is similar to other economies, most notably the East Asian tiger economies.

This system involves state control of certain industries such as transportation, energy and telecommunications as well as various incentives for private corporations to merge or engage in certain projects.

It additionally promotes and incentivizes co-operative business models of which Galland is known.

Transport[]

Aergallia emblem, the flag carrier, or national airline, of Galland

The railway network of Galland is the second most extensive in Europe, after that of Thedeland.

Commercial, inter-country, cross-country, and Intra-urban connections are all well developed in Galland and train transport is a regular method of travel, complementing bus services.

Aergallia crew and logos (former Aergallia logo on bottom)

There are approximately 1,027,183 kilometres (638,262 mi) of serviceable roadway in Galland, ranking it the most extensive network of the European continent. Gallish roads also handle substantial international traffic, connecting with cities in neighboring Fresland, Thedeland, Wasceny, Romany, and Ispania. The new car market is dominated by domestic brands such as Rhainald and Socalch.

Diesel and gasoline fuelled cars and lorries cause a large part of the country's air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Aergallia, the flag carrier, or national airline, of Galland

There are 464 airports in Galland. Conradh dhe Ráth Airport, located in the vicinity of Genavo, is the largest and busiest airport in the country, handling the vast majority of popular and commercial traffic and connecting Genavo with virtually all major cities across the world.

Aergallia is the national carrier airline, although numerous private airline companies provide domestic and international travel services. There are ten major ports in Galland, the largest of which is in Narbena, which also is the largest bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

Military[]

Demographics[]

Culture[]

Language[]

For more information on Gallish see - Gallish Language

Galland recognizes two official languages - Gallish and Wasconish. Wasconish is considered a protected minority language, while Gallish is the official national language.

Gallish can be broken down further into dialects, but officically none of these are considered as seperate languages by the Gallish government. Cantabrian and Helvetian are particularly unique and often difficult for standard Gallish speakers to udnerstand. There are movements within both Cantabria and Helvetia to get government recognition of their 'dialects' as official. Even so, within both Cantons (Cantabria and Helvetia) these dialects are recognised and protected and an array of television and radio programming exists for them.

Ethnoculture[]

The principal ethnic group of Galland is the Gallish people, or Gallians.

Gallish culture developed from the Celtic cultures over the first millennium BC, as a distinct cultural branch of the Indo-European-speaking people. Originating in what in now southern Thedeland, the Celtic culture and people spread west, into what is now Galland, forming a unique branch of the Celtic language and culture, evolving into this new culture in around the 5th century BC. The Greek and Etruscan civilizations and colonies began to influence the Gallians, especially in the Mediterranean area, and later Roman arrivals from the south, physical and cultural, and Germanic from the north would impact Gallish cultural growth and changes.

The fourth-century Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus wrote that the Gallians were tall, light-skinned, light-haired, and light-eyed:

"Almost all Gallians are tall and fair-skinned, with reddish hair. Their savage eyes make them fearful objects; they are eager to quarrel and excessively truculent. When, in the course of a dispute, any of them calls in his wife, a creature with gleaming eyes much stronger than her husband, they are more than a match for a whole group of foreigners; especially when the woman, with swollen neck and gnashing teeth, swings her great white arms and begins to deliver a rain of punches mixed with kicks, like missiles launched by the twisted strings of a catapult."

The first century BCE Greek historian Diodorus Siculus described them as tall, generally heavily built, very light-skinned, and light-haired, with long hair and mustaches:

"The Gallians are tall of body, with rippling muscles, and white of skin, and their hair is blond, and not only naturally so, but they make it their practice to increase the distinguishing color by which nature has given it. For they are always washing their hair in limewater, and they pull it back from their forehead to the top of the head and back to the nape of the neck... Some of them shave their beards, but others let it grow; and the nobles shave their cheeks, but they let the mustache grow until it covers the mouth."

Jordanes, in his Origins and Deeds of the Goths, indirectly describes the Gallians as light-haired and large-bodied via comparing them to Caledonians, as a contrast to the Spaniards, who he compared to the Silures (a Celtic Briton from what is now Glamorgan and Gwent, Wales). He speculates based on this comparison that the Britons originated from different peoples, including the aforementioned Gallians and Spaniards.

"The Silures have swarthy features and are usually born with curly black hair, but the inhabitants of Caledonia have reddish hair and large loose-jointed bodies. They [the Britons] are like the Gallians and the Spaniards, according as they are opposite either nation. Hence some have supposed that from [both] these lands the island received its inhabitants."

In the novel Satyricon, written by Roman courtier Gaius Petronius, a Roman character sarcastically suggests that he and his partner "chalk our faces so that Gallia may claim us as her own" in the midst of a rant outlining the problems with his partner's plan of using blackface to impersonate Aethiopians. This suggests that Gallians were thought of on average to be much paler than Romans.

Gallish man; Gallic culture is a beer, wine, and mead culture.

Modern Gallish people more or less follow the general stereotypes, however there is an array of internal diversity, as in most peoples of the world. Greek and Roman writers also tended to exaggerate those features deemed most unusual to them, hence the extreme whiteness and blondness of the Gallians was no doubt not as absolute as they suggest it is.

Gallian people tend to have quite large aquiline noses or pointy noses, something medieval chroniclers noted as a "contrast and difference tell from Germans". On average Gallians are lighter skinned, while around 30-40% of the population have blonde, or lighter, hair. The further south you go in Gallia, more people have dark brown/black eyes, dark brown/black hair with skin ranging from light to more swarthy. This all shows quite clearly that, though present, the Greco-Roman belief of the Gallians appearance was exaggerated.

The average height for Gallians is, for men 179.73cm (5 feet 10 inches) tall. The average Gallian woman is 164.88cm (5 feet 5 inches) tall, while northerners tend to be taller and southerners shorter.

It is said a typical Gallian will be condescending or philosophical, easily excitable and can be quite violently forthright.

Traditional Gallish clothing, town of Duvbra, Galland, 1840

Gallian people are in general said to be very courteous and they are direct too. They are accustomed to speaking their minds and being direct and to the point.

Comedy in Galland is described as 'wit, prank, and satire'. Gallic humor adores sophisticated wit, the well-turned phrase "gwan spaménu" ('a killer sentence' or 'a killer phrase'), the finely-tuned play on words, but also the broadest farce, the silliest slapstick, the most basic and brutal satire.

The main aim of humoric “anersuiáru” (derision) consists in mocking someone else’s weak point or naive attitude. However, Gallish humour is not just always witty, it can also be quite often below the belt and fairly straightforward known as "Gallic Spirit", describable as a peculiar form of coarse humour, often referring to sex with a tone rather downright rude, crude and realistic. It is a very old in heritage going back to a medieval tradition. Gallish humour is usually quite literal and well known for many lively farces. In famous 'humorous plays', many situations were based on a "quiproquo", with mixed up situations: the lover being taken for the husband and the servant for the mistress, etc.

A quick comparison with English humour will highlight the main differences. English humour has a lot to do with self-derision – which is perceived as demonstrating low self-esteem in Galland. Gallians can hardly handle too much absurdity, considered too rational for that according to the Gallic humorists. The English sense of humour underlines the despair and absurdity of the world while Gallish humour will more easily refer to jokes about your mother in law and are more down to earth. Satire is only very popular as a form of humour in Galland. Gallish people are turned on to smart, intelligent humor, the well-thought phrases, the finely infused play of words. Gallic humor is not just always witty, it can also be quite often bold, irreverent, sarcastic humor. Their jokes are usually literal.

An English writer stated, after logging a decade of living among the supposedly grim and self-serious Gallic people, "To this day political satire and caricature features prominently in Galland. Comic films and plays are either farcical or witty, with plenty of wordplays and rapid-fire verbal exchanges. But humour, in the English sense, remains an alien concept." Gallic humor is thus seen as rude by the English (with Gallians quick to make comments about how much you're eating, mock your accent, and so forth). While Gallians can be genuinely kind and considerate they don’t do “nice”– or at least not the version you see in in English people who apologize profusely and bend courtesy to great lengths. Gallians emphasis the need to embrace these little jabs as gentle teasing, or even in some instances as signs of affection and growing familiarity rather than attempts to outright be insulting. Even more importantly– it’s intended as a game of verbal ping-pong, with the objective of engaging in mutually teasing banter among the Gallians. Half the fun is the expectation that you’ll not only take the teasing with grace and humor– but that you’ll shoot back by teasing the other person in turn, which is expected.

Gallian culture focuses on liberty and equality, supposed core values. Equality and unity are important to the Gallians. The Gallians also value style and sophistication, and they take pride in the beauty and artistry of their country. Family is also highly valued in Gallish culture. Mealtimes are often shared with family, and extended-family gatherings and meals are common over the weekend. Gallish culture focuses on intellectualism, formality, courtesy, artistry, privacy, pride secularism, and individualism.

Gallish society is quite individualistic, meaning that the interests of oneself and one’s immediate family take priority. Often, appropriate interaction depends on whether a person is within one’s social circle or not. Indeed, there are many nuanced social conventions in Galland. With people outside of their social circle, the Gallians are formal and courteous. It is highly important to follow social conventions and exhibit an appropriate level of formality in Galland. The Gallish term ‘cam-cam’ (arriving via cam camath - ‘wrong/crooked step’) refers to an embarrassing or unsophisticated act or remark in a social situation. An example of a cam-cam would be to greet an acquaintance by their first name. Sometimes, the formal and reserved nature of the Gallish people coupled with the directness of the Gallish language may unintentionally come across as cold or arrogant to a foreigner. However, the proper decorum generally loosens and relaxes a lot around good friends and family. A Gallish person is likely to show warmth and friendliness once they have properly acquainted themselves with you.

A deep appreciation and respect for the arts is common throughout Galland. Children are taught at a young age to appreciate artistry and be patient since quality work (such as art or cuisine) may take time to produce. This appreciation generally follows a person throughout their life. A common expectation in Galland is that shop owners and chefs receive the appropriate respect for their talents.

Many hobbies, professions and daily activities revolve around artistry. Meals often take a considerable amount of time to prepare and, in turn, are eaten slowly as a way to acknowledge and enjoy the creation. In Galland, cinema and theatre attendance is still common despite the increase in home entertainment options. For those residing in larger cities, visits to historical monuments, art galleries and museums also continue to be popular activities. Gallish literature has a long and rich history throughout the world. Many philosophers and writers from Galland have left a lasting legacy in literature. At times, the Gallians may come across as pessimistic or bleak. This is often associated with the intellectualism of Gallish culture. Debating and deep discussions about politics, cultural events, education and philosophies are common. They enjoy rationally based discussions about new and novel ideas.

"Food and sex are Gallish inventions," claims the prolific Gallish writer Alvrich Lóern.

The Outside

There’s a love-hate relationship between the Gallians and the Thedes. Julius Caesar noted the enmity between the Gallians and the Germanians during his expeditions, hinting at the length of the rivalry. “Thedes are remarkable in their own country, but elsewhere they are unbearable," declared Gallish novelist Ésu Brauníath. Gallish woman of letters Gerwana Valantín said: “The talent of the Thedes is they are very good at filling their time, but the Gallish talent is to forget about the time”.

Cantabrians

The Cantabrians are a subgroup of Gallians and the native inhabitants of the canton of Cantabria (Cantavría in Gallish).

The Cantabrians are nicknamed Black Gallians (similar to Black Irish), an ambiguous term sometimes used as a reference to a dark-haired and swarthy phenotype appearing in people of Cantabrian origin.

Cantabrians, aside from the Wasconish minority in Gallia, are the most 'independent' minded. This is owed both to the canton's relative isolation from the rest of Gallia, its relative history apart from Gallia, and its dialect of Gallish, which is the most unique in Gallia.

The first written reference to the name Cantabria emerges around 195 BC, in which the historian Cato the Elder speaks in his book Origines about the source of the Ebro River in the country of the Cantabri:

"...The Ebro River starts in the land of the Cantabri, large and beautiful, with abundant fish..." — Cato the Elder, Origines: VII

There are about 150 references to Cantabria or the Cantabri in surviving Greek and Latin texts. The Cantabri were used as mercenaries in various conflicts, both within the Iberian Peninsula and elsewhere. It is certain that they participated the Second Punic War, from references by Silius Italicus and Horace. The Cantabrian Wars began in 29 BC. They were defeated by Agrippa with great slaughter in 19 BC, but they revolted again under Tiberius and were never entirely subdued, with the Arverni coming to their aid repeatedly.

The principal tribes of the area were the Pleutauri, the Varduli, the Autrigones, the Tuisi, and the Conisci or Concaui, who were known for feeding on their horses' blood. The area was well settled, with the largest city being Juliobriga, and the local mountains exploited for lead mines.

Following the collapse of the Roman Empire and the emergence of the Barbarian Migrations, Cantabria retained its independence from the rule of the Suebi, who took most of the Iberian peninsula from the Gallians over the course of Rome's attempt at reconquest of Hispania. From a central core formed by the Brotherhood of the Four Cities which evolved into the Brotherhood of the Marshes, a confederation of city-states that essentially made up Cantabria. The canton spent most of the middle ages in this form, albeit as a close ally of Arvernia.

The population of Cantabria participate primarily in the in the industries of cattle farming, traditional dairy farming, and meat production; agriculture, especially corn, potatoes, vegetables, and roughage; maritime fishing; and the mining of zinc and quarries.

Cantabrian Language/Dialect

Cantabrian is the least mutually intelligible dialect in Gallia with standard Gallish - in fact only being marginally so in its fullest spoken form and different enough to be divided by linguistics on being considered a dialect or a language. Cantabrians speak both Gallish and Cantabrian and the latter holds official status alongside standard Gallish.

The use of 'z' and 'k' is unique to Cantabrian when compared to Gallish.

Comparison of Cantabrian words with standard Gallish words:

arzna - córan (share)

genta - map (son)

lótu - lúith (load)

dater - dúithir (daughter)

ortíka - rinchíthu (required)

bezo - imí (mine)

vamo - ardhu (high)

eku - ép (horse)

Cuisine[]

There are many dishes that are considered part of Gallish national cuisine today. A meal often consists of three courses: anónan (introductory course, sometimes soup), lath penach (main course), autháchn (cheese course) or súadhamái (dessert, literally 'sweet-serve'), sometimes with a salad offered before the cheese or dessert.

Gallic food is famous for its bagét (a borrowing from Romanish bacchetta, via Vulgar Latin *baclitta, a diminutive from Latin baculum), a long, thin type of bread of Gallish origin that is commonly made from basic lean dough (the dough, though not the shape, is defined by Gallic law). It is distinguishable by its length and crisp crust. The word bagét simply means "wand", "baton" or "stick", in Gallish as in bagét bríthach (magic wand), bagét sínach (chopsticks).

Other stereotypical "Gallic Foods" include rascorothi, a dish of stewed vegetables with common ingredients that include tomato, garlic, onion, zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, and some combination of leafy green herbs common to the specific region; Dapopi, a smooth, creamy, highly seasoned soup of Gallish origin, classically based on a strained broth of crustaceans. It can be made from lobster, langoustine, crab, shrimp, or crayfish. Alongside chowder, dapopi is one of the most popular seafood soups; cich fitech, meaning "steak [and] fries" in Gallish, is a very common and popular dish served in brasseries throughout Europe consisting of steak paired with fries and is a dish of Gallic origin often associated with the country. It is considered by some to be the national dish of Galland, sort of what 'bangers and mash' are to England or 'kraut and wurst' to Thedeland; pana uch ten, is a Gallish beef stew. Meaning 'pot on fire', it is "the quintessence of Gallish family cuisine; it is the most celebrated dish in Galland and considered a national dish. It honours the tables of the rich and poor alike." according to a Gallish chef - thus competing with cich fritech as the 'national dish'.

Holidays[]

The most popular and notable holidays in Galland include Christmas (Nadelagh in Gallish) as well as the four Celtic seasonal festivals: Luhnasa (Lúisamwían/Úlidh Ríur in Gallish; Lúnasa in Irish; Gŵyl Awst in Welsh), Sawin (Samanthu in Gallish; Samhain in Irish), Imbolc/Brigid’s Day (Envolgh/Dí Lith Brída in Gallish; Imbolg/Lá Fhéile Bríde in Irish) and Beltane (Belten in Gallish; Bealtaine in Irish).

Lúisamwían or Úlidh Ríur (Feast of August) is a Gallish, and more broadly Celtic, festival marking the beginning of the harvest season and is observed on the first of August. The holiday is known as Lúnasa in Ireland and Gŵyl Awst in Wales, while in England a related holiday takes place called Lammas.

Luhnasa is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and has pagan origins. The festival itself is named after the god Lugh. It is suggested that the whole month name in Gallish (Ríur) is associated with the god Lugus because of the notations “deuor lug riuri” found accompanying it on the calendar. The word “riur” has also been interpreted as containing the name “rivo-“, which some claim is a synonym of Lugus.

Luhnasa inspired great gatherings that included religious ceremonies, ritual athletic contests (most notably the Tailteann Games), feasting, matchmaking, and trading. Traditionally there were also visits to holy wells. According to folklorist Máire MacNeill, evidence shows that the religious rites included an offering of the 'First Fruits', a feast of the new food and of bilberries, the sacrifice of a bull, and a ritual dance-play in which Lugh seizes the harvest for mankind and defeats the powers of blight. Many of the activities would have taken place on top of hills and mountains. The custom of climbing hills and mountains at Luhnasa has survived in some areas in both Ireland and Galland, although it has been re-cast as a Christian pilgrimage. A number of fairs are also believed to be survivals of pagan Luhnasa, for example, the Puck Fair.

Fairs, feasts, games, and Christian processions typically mark the holiday where it is celebrated.

Architecture[]

A building from 1509 CE, in Arghantmagh, Galland

Gallish architecture is well known for its spires and timber-framed styles, indeed this providing the leading stereotype, even as style alters regionally.

The earliest Gallish building styles were distincly Celtic. The Celtic landscape resembled a countryside, with open fields instead of woods; however, Celtic fields were smaller (often square). More fields were used for pasture than for crops because of the need for cattle, sheep and forage. The Gallians intensely managed the forest for wood and forest products; the introduction of Roman ideas enhanced the system without dramatically altering it. Villages and hamlets were denser in the countryside during the Classical period. Homes were better-constructed than most houses built during the Middle Ages, they were built with local materials: timber uprights with plaited wicker, coated with clay, straw and animal hair.

A villa in northern Galland, in the town of Avomthrev

Later styles augmented the Gallo-Roman styles, principally those introduced by invading Germanic tribes.

Gallic Gothic architecture is a style of architecture prevalent in Galland from 1140 until about 1500, which largely divided into four styles, Early Gothic, High Gothic, Decorated, Late Gothic or Áidhi (flaming) style. The Early Gothic style began in 1140 and was characterized by the adoption of the pointed arch and transition from late Gallo-Romanesque architecture. To heighten the wall, builders divided it into four tiers. To support the higher wall builders invented the flying buttresses, which reached maturity only at High Gothic during the 13th century. The vaults were six ribbed sexpartite vaults.

Achru Richdun (High King Castle), located in eastern Galland

Galland is also known for its array of castles. The subject of the emergence of castles in Europe is a complex matter which has led to considerable debate. Discussions have typically attributed the rise of the castle to a reaction to attacks by Magyars, Muslims, and Vikings and a need for private defence.The breakdown of the Úinalian Empire led to the privatisation of government, and local lords assumed responsibility for the economy and justice.

Dun i Sulis, located in Sulis, in northcentral Galland

However, while castles proliferated in the 9th and 10th centuries the link between periods of insecurity and building fortifications is not always straightforward. Some high concentrations of castles occur in secure places, while some border regions had relatively few castles. It is likely that the castle evolved from the practice of fortifying a lordly home and many of these fortified homes date back to the earlier Gallic period of the Classical Era. Gallian cities often had city walls, especially during the height of Gallish and Roman conflicts.

The greatest threat to a lord's home or hall was fire as it was usually a wooden structure. To protect against this, and keep other threats at bay, there were several courses of action available: create encircling earthworks to keep an enemy at a distance; build the hall in stone; or raise it up on an artificial mound, known as a motte, to present an obstacle to attackers. While the concept of ditches, ramparts, and stone walls as defensive measures is ancient, raising a motte is a medieval innovation

Sports[]

for more information on football in Galland see Galland National Football Team

Galland, like many nations, has a massive sports following and expansive sport participation. Football, rugby, field hockey, cycling, tennis, gymnastics, auto-racing, savate, fencing, and tráithsruni (from tráieth glasruni meaning 'foot planted' essentially) are the most popular sports in the country, both by participation and viewership.

Galland hosts "the world's biggest annual sporting event", the Édhí i Galathía - an annual men's multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in Galland.

Galland has hosted events such as the 1934 and 1998 Football World Cups, the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The country also hosted the 1960 European Nations' Cup, Euro 1988, Euro 2016 and 2019 Women's World Cup.

Since 1903, Galland is famous for its 24 Hours sports car endurance race. Several major tennis tournaments take place in Galland, including the Genavo Masters and the Galland Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Gallish martial arts include Savate and Fencing.
Galland has a close association with the Modern Olympic Games; it was a Gallish aristocrat, Barún (Baron in Gallish) Pedar i Crosinacho, who suggested the Games' revival, at the end of the 19th century. After Athens was awarded the first Games, in reference to the Olympics' Greek origins, Genavo hosted the second Games in 1900. Genavo was the first home of the International Olympic Committee, before it moved to Luchurn. Since 1900, Galland has hosted the Olympics on 4 further occasions: the 1924 Summer Olympics, again in Genavo and three Winter Games (1924, 1968, 1992).

Tomás Judhael and Delfena Manthal, Gallish badminton team

Both the national football team and the national rugby union team are nicknamed "Ins Glas (The Greens)" in reference to the team's shirt colour as well as the national color. Football is the most popular sport in Galland, with over 1,800,000 registered players, and over 18,000 registered clubs. The football team is among the most successful in the world, with three World Cup victories, one World Cup second place and three European Championships.

The women's national field hockey team is among the most successful in the world and has a wide following in Galland as well.