Valkoria

Valkoria, offically known as The High Kingdom of Valkoria (Valkoria: Korkea Valkormaa Kuningaskunta), is a relatively large nation located on the western plains of Avinia. (more geography)

Valkoria is known for being one of the last regions of Avinia in which the Old Faiths are not only still practiced but exist as the. During the Wars of Religion in the xx century, Valkoria was known as the bulwark of the Old Faiths. This has long put the nation at odds with their neighbours, especially Izeryk across the Narrow Sea, who were known as fervent missionaries and crusaders of the monotheistic new faith. The two nations have been traditionally seen as rivals since medieval times.

The government of Valkoria is officially a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the High King or Queen, with a privy council of appointed experts and minor nobility under them, and a larger parliment filled by common citizens selected through a process. Experts claim that while this may allow a more representative display of the voice of the people, the actual power of the parliament is limited and still serves under the authority of the High King or Queen and the privy council, limiting what this representation can affect. Internationally Valkoria is recognised for it's powerful labour movements and strong social policies, as well as a strong suspicion of.

Etymology
The Basic name Valkoria, derived from the Low Valkorian word Valkora, means "land of the white horse army". This developed from the Proto-Valkoric Valgordivalta, from valgedii (meaning "white horse"), ordu (meaning "army, horde") and valta (meaning "power, authority"). The name is derived from the white horse, a cultural motif in Valkorian society that references its origins as nomadic horsemen on the eastern plains of modern Valkoria.

The Old Faith
The state religion of the Realm is commonly known as the Old Faith. It is a polytheistic religion with a pantheon of gods (native: mighty spirits). These gods each have their own temples and priesthoods as well as traditions and religious events and holidays. The contempoary Old Faith is syncretic with some aspects of other faiths present. xxx, the protector of man, is often associated with the New Faith's Stephan the Traveler in the aspects of scarifying for the good of mankind. Other gods of the pantheon include xxx, god of life and death, leader of the possessed, and Krom, the hermit god of storms, and justice through vengeance.

Internal Divisions
Valkoria is composed of several administrative divisions of different types. Although some administrative divisions have more autonomy than others, Valkoria is a unitary state and a level of self governance to the various states, republics and kingdoms that make up the Valkorian High Kingdom. As per the Realm Charter, four types of subdivisions exist within Valkoria, each with different levels of self-governance and authority derived from the High Kingdom. From most to least authority these subdivisions are; Kingdoms - The two minor kingdoms of Savony and xxx are devolved the highest level of self-governance of all internal divisions of Valkoria. They are able to create and dissolve their own laws, regulations and customs and are almost self autonomous outside of a few areas controlled by the capital, such as national defence and foreign affairs. The royal families of the two kingdoms are allowed to form and maintain their own household troops for and prestige, although they fall under final command of the Army as a whole when requested. Republics – Republics are generally home to a specific ethnic or religious group. Republics have a or  house assemblies and can legislate and enforce their own laws and customs within their borders provided they do not contravene the Charterge or laws or precedence set by the High Kingdom. States – The most common subject, States are allowed a limited expression of self governance as a treat. A single chamber Legislative or State Assembly forms the government of a state which is in turn lead by a governor. States form the majority of subdivisions of Valkoria. Marches –, these subdivisions are mostly located on contested or regions of heightened security, and have the lowest degree of self governance within the High Kingdom, with a large degree of political direction coming directly from the capital. Marches have a single Body Assembly headed by the premier and are represented to the Council of Subjects by two members. Due to security requirements, the military in the governance of Marches unlike like the rest of the country in which royal, or civilian rule is the norm. Compulsory Service in Marches are often directed to the Homeguard – a local militia.

Military
The Valkorian Security Forces consists of the military and intelligence organisations of the High Kingdom. The military consists of two service branches, the Valkorian Army and Valkorian Navy, with each containing their own air forces. The Army consists of both regular army units in addition to the household troops of the High Kingdom and the royal houses of Savon and xxx. The Navy is does not contain the same sort of geopolitical divisions at sea, but the kuusjaakari do have local regiments on the coasts.

Something about internal troops.

The Valkorian Security Forces generally consider the Izeryk Union as their traditional rivals, but unlike the, Valkoria shares land borders with other nations and thus focuses towards the  than the Izeryks have to.