Salide

Kingdom of Salide
Ríocht na Saelaod
Motto	Salide Forever (Saelaod go brách)
Anthem	One Star, One People
March
Capital	Cappach
Official language	English
	Salidan Gaelic
Demographics	White	81%
	Indian	7%
	African	5%
	Asian	3%
	Middle Eastern	2%
	Other	2%
Government	Unitary Parliamentary
	Constitutional Monarchy
King	William V
Premier	Sein Oerian
Parliament	House of Lairds
	House of Commounis
Formation	Saellaod Union	1023
	Union of Kingdoms	1474-1507
	Communist Salide	1926-1949
	Restoration of Monarchy	1949
Area	Total	91,252 sqkm
	Water	sqkm
Population	2020 estimate	16,195,040
	2016 census	15,877,620
	Density	174/sqkm
Economy	GDP (PPP) 2017	$1.143 trillion
	Per capita	$71,992
HDI (2016)
Currency	Salidan Pund
Time zone	UTC 0
Date format	dd/MMM/yyyy (CE)
Drives on the	Left
Internet TLD	.ks
Calling code	+42

Salide, also known as the Kingdom of Salide, is a sovereign state located in northwestern Europe, about 300 kilometres west of Ireland. The largest city is Cappach, which is located in the south central area of Grand Salide, whose metropolitan area is home to 2.34 million people.

Salide was created by Ethan Goin and is the core country of the Salidan Altiverse, as well as a major power in Austellus Hemisphaeria.

Etymology

The name Salide (sah-leed) is a corrupted anglicisation of Saelaod. The origins of Saelaod are unclear, though is known to have been the name of Grand Salide (Saelaod Mór) since its settlement.

Salide is typically pronounced with all vowels in other languages, aside from French. Therefore "Sah-lee-duh" or "Sah-lee-dey" are common.

History

Prehistoric Salide

There is no record of any humans in Salide before Mesolithic people started to arrive by boat between 8000BCE and 7000BCE. From about 4500BCE, Neolithic Settlers arrived, introducing cereal cultivars, a housing culture, and stone monuments.

The Bronze Age brought about new technology, the most innovative being the use of metal, along with the wheel, harnessing oxen, textile weaving, and skillful metalworking (which produced new weapons and tools along with fine gold decorations). Salide in the late Bronze Age was part of a networked culture called the Atlantic Bronze age that included Ireland, Britain, France, and Iberia. This network introduced Celtic languages to the islands.

During the Iron Age, a Celtic language and culture emerged in Salide. There were 3 major migrations of Celtic peoples from Europe. The Priteni were the first, followed by the Belgae from northern Gaul and Britain. The Veneti (of the Brittany Peninsula) migrated by ship to the coast of Ireland and then to the southern island of Salide, around the same time as the Pritenis and the Belgae.

In the early 3rd Century a large group of Visigoths of northern Iberia migrated north and landed on the south island, as well as a group of Saxons and who landed on the eastern islands in the latter half of the 3rd Century.

Christianity was introduced in the late 6th Century, with the arrival of Saint Emilia in 564. Complete conversion of the islands was completed around the 9th Century.

Early mediæval period, Viking raids, and the rise of the Saelaod Kingdom (803-1023)

The first Viking raids were recorded in 803, when Vikings from Scandinavia attempted to loot the islands. This would mark the beginning of 2 centuries of intermittent warfare with the local tribes and kingdoms. By the late 850s, the Vikings founded several settlements on the Eastern coast of the Grand Island. The Vikings never achieved significant control of Salide, and were pushed out in the late 11th Century. However, the Viking settlements continued to flourish and trade had a significant impact on Salide's economy.

Salide was a patchwork of numerous rival clans (kingdoms) but beginning in the 11th Century, in 1023, with the accession of Eoghan Mac Gabhann to king, the 8 major clans of southern Salide merged into one, creating a large Kingdom. The new Kingdom was named after the Saelaod Clan, the primary driver behind unification. This prompted other clans of the Islands to merge into larger kingships. By the end of the 11th century, there were 5 major and 16 minor Kingdoms around Salide.

Famine and black death (1318-1349+)

The European Famine does not have a profound effect, but it does hit in 1318.

Black Death kills ~10% of the population, beginning in 1349. Due to the hostility of kingdoms at the time, trade was severely hampered and this luckily reduced the amount of trade done within the islands and even to Europe.

Consolidation of kingdoms (1474-1507)

Salide continued to be a cluster of rival kingdoms in uneasy alliances until a consolidation was enacted through by the Kingdom of Salide. The first war took place in 1474, with the last being ended in 1507 (the last kingdom to be annexed being Baiyara. Feudalism ends at the Treaty of Union in 1474 (started in the late 700s).

Age of Exploration and first colonial empire (1492-1810)

Glaisny MacTomais

During and after the successful consolidation of Salidan Kingdoms, Salide started to explore the new world, beginning in 1492. Glaisny MacTomais, considered to be Salide's greatest explorer and a national hero, exploring many areas during his long lasting career in the Royal Salidan Navy (1498-1526).

MacTomais was born 1472, joined the navy at 16, gained captainship at 26.

MacTomais made multiple voyages to Africa and the Indies, as well as

Salide established a claim on Walvis Bay in 1499, despite its barren and desolate landscape, and established a very small post, meant to act as a stopping point and potential trading post for the native Herero and Nama peoples.

MacTomais was close to being the first person to circumnavigate the world, setting off from Seiskin in 1517, but numerous stops, mappings, and other unexpected events extended the journey to 1524, after which the Magellan–Elcano circumnavigation had been completed. However, MacTomais' 7 year journey resulted in the discovery of Denton and the west and northern shores of Australia, detailed maps and information about the western coast of South America, as well as Indonesia and parts of Oceania. MacTomais' voyage would be the first and last time Europeans visited Australia until Abel Tasman's second voyage in 1644, and then Cook's 1768–1771 voyage. Upon his return to Salide, his recommendations for colonising were more or less exactly followed by the Salidans.

The last voyage undertaken by MacTomais was across the Atlantic into the Caribbean and Central America. He claimed and mapped Nicaragua and Honduras, before continuing down the coast and claiming Venezuela-Guyana-Suriname. MacTomais died soon after landfall into Guyana and his body was preserved for the trip back. The journey was completed by Eirinn Hughes, who would become Salide's second greatest explorer.

John H. Denton

On the recommendation of the Crown Colonies Charter, a colony was to be founded in what was then called 'Eilean Dheas' (Southern Islands). Since it had been over 100 years since MacTomais' voyage, a preliminary survey was to be done. A Scottish-born Salidan, John H. Denton, was chosen for the journey. Denton spent several months mapping the islands and going ashore and making contact with the native Maori. When making contact with the Maori in what is now St. Catherine, a feud broke out and Denton was killed. Denton's body was buried in a sizable cairn, which still stands in St. Catherine, surrounded by a concrete and glass enclosure. Upon returning, Denton was given an honourary tomb with full honours and the islands renamed after him.

Industrial Revolution

Salide's industrial revolution

Salidan Civil War (1811-1814)

The Salidan civil war was a direct result of the controversial execution of ---- in 1810.

The intensity and devotion to the conflict meant that Salide's colonies suffered. Additionally, other colonies whose natives were not quite happy with Salide's haphazard governance fought back as well, often gaining their independence for a short time before being conquered again by other colonisers. However, despite the revolts, there were a large number of territories that had solid governance and were able to hold back the risk of revolt. These colonies that were still flying the Salidan flag were to form the Second Colonial Empire.

Second Colonial Empire (1814-1967)

• Denton
• Guyana-Suriname
• Nicaragua
• Walvis Bay
• Congo (DRC and Republic)
• Prince Edward Islands
• Chittagong
• Cape Comorin (Nagercoil)
• Raumati Atoll
• New Caledonia

Denton gained dominion in 1888, in that it could self govern under the crown. Denton's full independence was realised after WWII, in 1952.

Nicaragua Canal & Railway

Salide invested in a canal across Nicaragua, beginning in 1901. The canal follows the route of the San Juan River, though straightened, damming the old river in some areas. The canal was opened in 1911. It directly competed with the Panama canal, completed by the US in 1914, though the Nicaragua Canal can accept larger ships in the Brito locks.

The route chosen by the canal is nearly 320km long. The canal follows the San Juan river to reduce the amount of earthworks required during construction.

The Nicaraguan Portage Railway was constructed between Brito and Delta de San Juan, covering a distance of some 330km. It was originally built to Salidan metre gauge (990mm). A second line was later built to Granada and Managua.

At the time of Nicaraguan independence, the canal was placed in a special territorial status and controlled by Salide until 1986, when control was handed over to the Nicaraguans.

First World War (1914-1919)

During the first World War, Salide sided against Imperial Germany.

Communist Revolution (1925-1926)

Even after the Communist Revolution (which was due to Amelia's unfamiliarity and general incompetence as a leader), Denton and Salide were still allied, and still had strong relations (which is similar to that of Ceausescu's Romania and the US).

Salidan Communist period

Salidan Communist Government (1926-1949)

Under the new communist government, new programmes were enacted with the aim of increasing the welfare of the Salidans. New job prospects. However, the government failed in its promises which led to the overthrow in 1948-49

After the beginning of hostilities in 1939, Salide stated that it was neutral, but would continue trade as normal and would not define trade of war materiel. The Germans did not respond well to this and would torpedo Salidan ships when in the blockaded waters of the UK. Salide therefore responded with the armament of its merchant vessels to enforce its neutrality and prevent undue attacks on its civilian merchants. Despite this extremely aggressive neutrality stance, Germany still honoured Salidan neutrality, to an extent. Salide also enforced the neutrality of its waters, providing a safe haven for merchant ships and warships looking to refuel (provided they left waters within 72hrs --convetion is 24hrs--), by patrols. U-boats that entered the waters were escorted out or sunk, as their intentions were always considered hostile.

Salide assisted the Jewish people of the Nazi regime by issuing passports and arranging transportation.

During WWII, in the small effort that Denton had in Europe, Salide was the primary landing point for trans-ocean ships from Denton. The ships were steamed by night into the deep firths near Cahirrinn, Aughalee, Claircastle, or Awenrath. To circumvent the rules of neutrality, the ships were escorted into Salide, their contents and troops disembarked and 'interned' for a length of time that was deemed required, before being loaded up and transferred to Baiyara. However, the Dentonites would break free and continue onwards to the UK.

Restoration of the monarchy (1949-present)

After the failure of the communist government and the Common Revolt, the first child of the exiled monarch, Princess Kirstin, ascended to the throne in 1949 to a massive fanfare.

During the Cold War, Denton built 3 military bases on Salidan Soil. An Army/Air Force Base, an Air Force Base (which itself was an extension of the existing Cappach Main Air Force Base), and a Naval / Air Station. All three bases are still in use by the Crown, but the Army/Air Force Base was turned into one of the King's Estates after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Cold War (1947-1991)

Salide joined the European Union on 1 January 1973. However, despite being a member, Salide still uses its currency, the Salidan Pund. Salide doesn't take shit from the EU and basically does what it wants.

Government and politics

Salide is a unitary state under a constitutional monarchy.

Government

Salide has a parliamentary government based on the Westminster system. The parliament of Salide meets at the Palace of the People and is represented by two houses, the House of Commounis and House of Lairds.

Salide is unique among many countries in that it has nearly completly abolished property taxes, with those taxes being paid from income and excise taxes. The abolishment of property taxes came about in 1972, when several high profile court cases ruled that property that is taxed is not fully owned as it can be confiscated by the taxing authorities if the taxes are not paid. This was ruled to be against the core tenets of Salidan society and subsequently led to its abolishment.

External Territories

Salide still has territorial control over:

• Walvis Bay
• Raumati Atoll
• Prince Edward Islands
• New Caledonia

Foreign Relations

Salide is a member of the European Union, joining in 1973. Salide is NOT a member of NATO, but is a Partnership for Peace Member.

Salide is a signatory of the following treaties:

• Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
• Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

British Confederation

Salide has a close relationship with the British Confederation and has paralleled the British and Irish in their cultural and technological advances.

Texas

Despite relations with Mexico, Salide was one of the first countries to recognise Texas' Independence. The original embassy building, across the street from --- Palace, is still used by Texas today.

Military and law enforcement

Main article: Salidan Armed Forces and Law Enforcement in Salide

Royal Salidan Army

The Salidan Army is the land-based branch of the Salidan Armed Forces.

Salidan Security Service

The Salidan Security Service is a government agency that is tasked with counter-espionage, counter-terrorism, the protection of dignitaries (including members of the royal family), and investigating crimes against national security.

Law Enforcement in Salide

Most law enforcement is carried out by police officers serving in regional police services, which are further complemented by other police services in Salide, such as the Salidan Transport Police, National Crime Agency.

Royal Salidan Coast Guard

Relocate: Not law nor military

The Salidan Coast Guard is a division of the Department of Transport and is responsible for maritime safety and navigation and search and rescue. It is a civilian service and neither members nor equipment carry firearms.

 Pilot services
 Lighthouse Service
 Search and Rescue
 Lifeboat Service

Economy

Measurement Systems

Salide uses the Metric system, which replaced the Salidan Weights & Measures in 1854. Metrication did not completely phase out SWM Units, as they are still used today by surveyors and engineers, particularly when dealing with old survey maps and engineering drawings, as well in everyday life.

Things are further complicated as there are 3 different feet commonly used, Imperial (304.8mm), Salidan (283.2mm), and Metric (300mm). Heights of people are often defined with Imperial Feet, general measurements in Salidan feet (if not the metre), and metric feet in businesses and stores (again, if the metre is not used).

Energy

Salide has been a benchmark country for the implementation of renewable energies, completely converting all plants on its national power grid to renewable/clean energy by 2018 (original planned date was 2022).

Wind

Salide's location is beneficial in terms of wind generation and has led to the construction of over 40 wind farms, both offshore and onshore. Wind therefore produces between 30-45% of Salide's energy requirements.

Solar

Programmes and incentives were implemented by the government in 2006 for building owners to install solar-thermal and photovoltaic systems on roofs and connect them to the grid. By 2014, over 20% of all private residences and 45% of all businesses and industries had PV and/or ST systems installed.

Hydroelectric and pumped storage

Around Salide, there are 21 conventional hydroelectric power stations that have been built. The Parusal Hydroelectric Power Station near Seiskin is the largest hydroelectric plant, capable of producing 150MW.

Three large pumped-storage installations have been built around the country, all in areas of disused mines, and are responsible for keeping the grid steady during times of low solar or wind energy, as well as providing a storage medium for excess electricity generated by solar and wind. A further four are expected to be built by 2031. As well, the Parusal Hydroelectric Power Station is undergoing a 10 year construction programme (est. completion in 2028) to convert it to a pump-back hydroelectric dam, which will allow it to pump back water from a planned downstream reservoir (which will make it an equivalent of a pumped-storage installation).

Tidal barrages and tidal stream generators have been constructed on a small scale, though some have proposed that the predictable tidal patterns could create a reliable source of power to replace Nuclear power plants. The largest tidal generator is the Awenmach Tidal Stream located east of Claircastle, with a length of 6km. This is built on a 6km bridge, under which the stream generators hang.

Nuclear

Six large nuclear power plants are kept operational, despite an overall negative public opinion towards them, because they meet the requirements of clean energy and can sustain a large portion of the country's power requirements. As the world's uranium reserves are shrinking, nuclear power will not be a viable source of energy and will be replaced by other green power initiatives.

Geothermal power

Nine geothermal stations have been built around Salide and were built primarily as a proof of concept. There are no plans to further grow the geothermal capacity on a national scale, though some businesses and residential owners have opted to install geothermal systems over solar in a small scale.

Domestic connections

There is a high-voltage direct current underwater interconnector that connects Grand Salide with Gotach.

International connections

To further link Salide's National Grid, two high-voltage direct current underwater interconnectors were built in 2003 and 2012, to Scotland and Ireland, respectively. This links Salide's grid to that of the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

Transport

Main Article: Transport in Salide and Railways in Salide

Demographics

List of cities by population

List of cities and towns in Salide

Largest cities in Salide
Rank	Name	Population	County	Rank	Name	Population	County
1	Cappach	820,000		11	Sterness	254,000
2	Claircastle	770,000		12	Ballyveagh
3	Seiskin	590,000		13	Amberley
4	Thorpe	520,000		14	Tullaroe
5	Dunmuir	470,000		15	Kirkwall
6	Baiyara	410,000		16	Awenrath
7	Vittoria	379,000		17	Gowran
8	Buchanan	346,000		18	Hopetoun
9	Cahirrinn	310,000		19	Knocklis
10	Tramore	283,000		20	Allaris

Languages

Salidan English and Salidan Gaelic are the two primary languages

Salidan English incorporates a few aspects of Salidan Gaelic, the most prominent being the thorn, þ. The thorn is in normal usage domestically and can be seen on road signs and in many writings, but it is replaced with the standard English 'th' when contemporary English is desired.

Small patches of Gothic are still spoken on the Southeast island, but it is not common, nor often used in everyday life.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Salide is handled by the Universal Health Service, operating under the Department of Health and Social Care. Public healthcare is provided for all residents and citizens and is free at the point of care, being paid for from general taxation. However, consulations made by doctors and physicians are charged to the patient, a moderate charge for appointments, and a steeper charge for a visit to emergency services in cases of non-emergency.

Religion

Religion:

 Christian - 42%
 Muslim - 11%
 Jewish - 7%
 Hindu - 4%
 Other - 3%
 No Affiliation - 33%

The Church of Salide is the established church in Salide. The Church of Salide is officially non-denominational Christian but is accepting of all forms of worship and religion, even those that follow tenets of Satanism (though this move had been met with controversy).

Culture

State Symbols

The 8 point star is a traditional symbol, signifying the merging of the 8 kingdoms into the new Kingdom of Saellaod. It is present on the flag and used by many government organisations.

The flag has an unusual height to length ratio of 10:23. This represents the creation of the Salleaod Kingdom in 1023, which would ultimately lead to Salide's unifaction begining in 1474 and its rise as a world power.