Kingdom of Gradonia

Kingdom of Gradonia Reino de Gradonia (Spanish)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: De terra illa libera sit et populum" "The land is free as the people"
Anthem: National anthem of Gradonia
Status	active
Capital	Charlington, Willvian
Largest settlement	Fort McLaughlin
Official languages	English
Recognised national languages	Spanish
Demonym(s)	Gradonian
Government	Limited Monarchy
• King	William I
• Consul	Brayden I, Duke
Establishment
• Declaration of Secession	1 January 2018
• Imperial Secession	17 March 2019
Area
• Total	1.752 km2 (0.676 sq mi)
Population
• Estimate	43
Currency	Dokar (Ð) (GOD)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side	right
RIS 002 code	GO
Internet TLD	.go

Gradonia, formally the Kingdom of Gradonia, is a nation landlocked within Texas, United States. Gradonia was founded on 1 January, 2018 by William Wilson and Charles Wilson.

Gradonia is not currently recognized by any nation within the UN and is considered a micronation. Gradonia consists of 6 provinces. The capital city, Charlington, resides within the province of Willvian. Its current government is a Constitutional Monarchy. The highest power of the government is the King. The King serves for life and the closest living relative becomes the monarch upon abdication or death.

Gradonia is primarily influenced by American, Hispanic, and Germanic cultures. One example is the widespread celebration of Cinco de Mayo and of the celebration of the various American national holidays. One of which is the more popular National Backwards Day on 31 January.

While Gradonia functions as an autonomous country, the nation is an imperial estate of the Holy Roman Empire and as such considers the Emperor thereof as the state's spiritual and feudal superior.

History

Pre-Gradonian History

The area where Gradonia is located was first inhabited by Native American peoples approx. 10,000 years ago. The first known tribes to settle the area were the Caddo Tribes. The area was first observed by Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca in 1528. After the Mexican War of Independence, the land was opened to land grants by the Mexican government to Anglo settlers. The grant which included the current lands of Gradonia, would be the Burnet grant. In 1836 the land in which Gradonia currently resides became part of the Republic of Texas. The land would remain Texan until the Annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845. Then in 1860 Texas became a state of the confederacy during The Civil War Era. The land rejoined The United States of America after The Civil War until Gradonia seceded.

Era of Installation

While the State of Gradonia was first founded on 1 January there were only two citizens and no government structure. Within the first few days, the two citizens worked to gain new citizens. The first De-Facto leader was William Wilson from 1 January to 7 February 2018. This 38 day period is known as the Era of Installation. During this time the new citizens wanted to hold an election to cement a president into legitimacy. The election was held on 7 February 2018. The three main candidates were William Wilson, Ramzey Zimmerman, and Kade Hebert. There were also two independent candidates, Nathan Philipello and Lane Elliot. During the voting process, Kade Hebert brought up arguments on the matter of having a Non-Gradonian vote counter. The counter in question was Trey Corn, who was a longtime friend of all three candidates. While Mr. Hebert continued to voice his concerns, both Mr. Wilson and Ms. Zimmerman approved. Once the voting was over the ballots were counted.

Candidate	Votes
William Wilson	7
Ramzey Zimmerman	5
Kade Hebert	5
Lane Elliot	1
Nathan Phillipello	0

The newly elected President Wilson's next move was to create citizenship forms to document those who had become Gradonian citizens. Another move was to start building legislative bills and appointing Secretaries to assist in the government. The first secretaries were Kade Hebert as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Lane Elliot as Secretary of Defense. Soon after, Secretary Hebert soon resigned from the office on 5 March. After the resignation, the President dissolved the office and took on the powers of former Secretary. Soon after the President and Secretary Elliott began a recruitment drive to gain soldiers for the Gradonian Army. Mr. Wilson then created the Charlington Press on 13 February as a private news source.

Soon after the Presidential Election and the creation of the first Citizenship Forms, a political party was formed by new citizens within Gradonia. The Gradonian Communist Party, at that time the Gradonian Socialist Party, was formed on 9 March 2018. President Wilson later formed the Gradonian Federalist Party to oppose the socialist party on 11 March. Within a month two more parties had formed, the Eco-Preservationist Party and the National Syndicalist Party.

Era of Legislation

After the election was the Era of Legislation. During this time most of the bills and laws, such as the Gradonian Veterans Care Bill and Gradonian Foreign Policy, were passed into action. The military also grew significantly during this period. The president also expanded into the internet making contact with the Republic of Molossia and developing the national email. The President also made specific times where people could become citizens. This caused significant demand in the area, so even more limits were set to quell the demands, such as including an oath of loyalty and the Conscription Consent Form. During this time the President separated the military into the Gradonian Rangers, led by Captain Brent Cook, and the Gradonian Marines, led by Captain Seth Cook.

Era of Connection

The Era of Connection is mainly considered to have started during the Era of Legislation. This was a time when the president reached out to many nations including the Empire of Austenasia, the Federation of Zenrax, and the Republic of Molossia. This also led to the admission of Gradonia as a member state in the Grand Unified Micronational. During this time the President came into contact with three other nations landlocked within the United States. After several weeks the nations of the Autonomous Province of Senland and the now-dissolved Commonwealth Federation and Legion of Frost came to the agreement to create the Imperium of the Americas. An empire containing the nations as states. Gradonia also established relations with other nations such as Ikonia, Essexia, and New Florence during this time.

Imperial Statehood

Gradonia would join the Imperium Americana on 26 September 2018 through the Treaty of Charlington. Gradonia, holding the largest population and land area of any state in the Imperium, was decided to adopt Charlington as the imperial capital. Due to the large population and economy, Gradonia was notably the most influential of the states concerning generated revenue. This revenue was mainly collected through the taxes put in place by the Imperial gov't. Gradonia would continue to show its prosperity and value in early January when the Gradonian Community Garden, the first Imperial construction project, was completed. Gradonia would continue to support the Imperium financially through the next couple of months.

In late February it was revealed that the other states were not collecting taxes as required. In the days after, the Gradonian Communist Party began to protest that the other states were not helping to provide revenues as Gradonia was. Soon after, the Party with approval from then Emperor Wilson, released an independence referendum on 9 March 2019. On 14 March, the referendum passed on a 76% turnout with 23 for and 8 against secession. Emperor Wilson would abdicate later that day to Nicholas Miranda.

Since the secession of Gradonia, the Imperium has seen little diplomatic or internal activity with the exception of signing a mutual defense treaty with Gradonia and two Senate Meetings. There has been developed to abolish the Senate in favor of a system where citizens take popular votes on proposed legislation. It is inferred that the loss of Gradonia has led to the growing inactivity of the Imperium.

On 27 April 2019, the Imperium Americana would be declared defunct by Emperor Miranda. After this event, the Gradonian gov't asked the now independent states of Senland and Francia if they would be interested in becoming colonies of Gradonia. On 29 and 30 May, Francia and Senland, respectively, would accept and sign a treaty of colonial jurisdiction.

Post-Imperial Independence

After several months of inactive diplomacy, the Gradonian Foreign Ministry discovered the existence of the Commonwealth of Dracul. After communications between Secretary Kuznetsov and Secretary Hibler, President Wilson decided to open relations with the Commonwealth. Soon after, the Charlington Press applied and was approved to open a venue in Dracul. This opening of relations between Gradonia and Dracul would lead to the introduction of Gradonia and the Tsardom of Phokland. The two states would soon sign a treaty of mutual recognition. This newfound relation would soon lead to the joint Gradonian-Phoklandian awareness campaign to spread awareness about the Houston ITC petroleum fire which threatened Dracul from 17 March to 22 March 2019.

Gradonian Marines fixing a roof of a Franklin resident (Franklinite)

On 13 April, Gradonia would suffer a disaster of its own. At around noon (CST), a EF-3 tornado would touchdown in the local town of Franklin, Texas. The resulting power outages and lack of filtered water led to a state of emergency being declared by President Wilson. After the declaration, President Wilson ordered the government to be moved from Charlington, as the capitol is dependent on both water and power through Franklin, to an undisclosed location elsewhere in Willvian. On 14 April, the President, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Gradonian Marines would assist the American Red Cross and other emergency services in relief efforts.

Royal Era

The Royal Era is credited to have begun on 19 July 2019, after the passing of the Monarchist referendum which began the process of shifting the government from authoritarian democracy to constitutional monarchy. On 1 August 2019, the Assembly of Parties was held to discuss the constitution and decide the next monarch. In the Assembly. William I, King of Gradonia was voted in as king against his brother, Prince Charles, and the Secretary of Defense, Mason Elliott. At the beginning of the Royal era William I held absolute power until the creation of the Konlichstag, or King's Parliament, on 5 August 2019. This also led to the creation of the Royal Ascension date system. Shortly following the beginning of the royal era, Gradonia saw the first major infrastructure change in its history. In mid-August 2019 the road known as Charlington Way, which stretched from the northern Willvian-US border to the center of Cookan, was regraded to be accessible to more than all-terrain vehicles and renamed as Highway 1.

Following the creation of the Konlichstag the Council of Electors Act was passed which outlined the creation of a lower legislative house and the President, the authority of the said house. The first elections for the members of the council were announced to be on the Spring equinox of 2020 with the election of the president happening a week after. On 1 March, King William opened the campaign season, but later put constraints on the campaigning through the 'State of Caution' declared due to concerns over COVID-19 infection, which was in connection to when the government had expanded the DEFAL and declared the second 'State of Caution'. On 21 March 2020, the first Provincial Election was held which saw the first elected legislature in Gradonia come to power. At the time, he first session was held in a majority coalition by the Federalist and Monarchist parties.

Government

Main article: Gradonian Government

The seal of the Konlichstag

The government of Gradonia is a limited federal Monarchy. The head of state and government is the monarch, currently William I. The main legislative body of the Gradonian government is the Konlichstag. The Konlichstag is currently made up of six dukes representing the six provinces of Gradonia. The Judicial system is currently headed by the monarch. The primary legislative document, which some consider to be the Gradonian constitution, is the Lex Gradonum

Military

The armed forces of Gradonia currently consist of three branches, the Gradonian Foreign Legion, Gradonian Rangers and Gradonian Marines. The Gradonian Rangers can be likened to the role of the US Army, while the Marines can be likened to the roles of the US Navy. The Rangers and the Marines both have the same rank structure and classification for ground forces, but the Marines do have differing classifications for naval forces. Currently, the highest rank in the Gradonian Military is Commander in Chair. This position can only be held by the monarch.

Foreign relations

States recognized by Gradonia

---

• All United Nations member states
• All Grand Unified Micronational members
• Commonwealth of Dracul
• Republic of Molossia
• Commonwealth of Essexia
• Kingdom of Ikonia
• Empire of Austenasia
• Kingdom of Hrafnarfjall
• State of Zenrax
• Principality of Woodlandia
• Vishwamitra

States which recognize Gradonia

---

• Commonwealth of Essexia
• Kingdom of Ikonia
• Empire of Austenasia
• Graustark
• Kingdom of Hrafnarfjall
• State of Zenrax
• Principality of Woodlandia
• Grand Republic of Cycoldia
• Saspearian
• Wegmat

Geography and Climate

Gradonia is a place of diverse geography including ponds, plains, hills, and creeks. The highest point in Gradonia, Dunny's Hill, is 307  ft. above sea level (93.57 meters). Gradonia's soil is primarily composed of clay and other silicates. The main bodies of water are situated in Willvian, Edderton, and Cookan. These ponds are used for fishing and as reservoirs for the local livestock and wildlife.

The geography of Gradonia varies from province to province, specifically topography. Northern provinces, such as Willvian and Edderton are generally lacking in features, while southern provinces, such as Cookan and Cedarburg are more varied. A notable feature is an exposed bed of limestone found by Cedar Creek in the province of Cedarburg.

Gradonia holds multiple bodies of water including, but not limited to, Cedar Creek, Lake Houston, and Lake Crockett. The largest standing body is Lake Houston in Cookan, while the largest flowing body is Cedar Creek which flows into the Navasota River.

Climate

The local climate is subtropical and temperate and winters are mild with periods of low temperatures usually lasting less than two to three months. Snow and ice are extremely rare. Summers are warm and hot with occasional showers or thunderstorms being the only real variation in weather.

Climate data for Gradonia
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	86 (30)	99 (37.2)	94 (34.4)	94 (34.4)	100 (37.8)	104 (40)	109 (42.8)	108 (42.2)	106 (41.1)	98 (36.7)	89 (31.7)	86 (30)	109 (42.8)
Average high °F (°C)	61 (16.1)	66 (18.9)	73 (22.8)	79 (26.1)	85 (29.4)	92 (33.3)	96 (35.6)	96 (35.6)	91 (32.8)	82 (27.8)	71 (21.7)	63 (17.2)	79.6 (26.44)
Average low °F (°C)	40 (4.4)	44 (6.7)	50 (10)	57 (13.9)	65 (18.3)	72 (22.2)	74 (23.3)	73 (22.8)	69 (20.6)	59 (15)	49 (9.4)	42 (5.6)	57.8 (14.35)
Record low °F (°C)	7 (-13.9)	14 (-10)	17 (-8.3)	28 (-2.2)	42 (5.6)	53 (11.7)	58 (14.4)	60 (15.6)	44 (6.7)	29 (-1.7)	19 (-7.2)	2 (-16.7)	2 (−16.7)
Average Precipitation inches (mm)	3.32 (84.3)	2.38 (60.5)	2.84 (72.1)	3.20 (81.3)	5.05 (128.3)	3.79 (96.3)	1.92 (48.8)	2.63 (66.8)	3.91 (99.3)	4.22 (107.2)	3.18 (80.8)	3.23 (82)	39.67 (1,007.6)
Source: weather.com

Environment

The environment of Gradonia is mostly explored, but nearly untouched, wilderness. The only regular changes which affect the greater Gradonian ecosystem are infrastructure improvements, border maintenance, and invasive species control operations. Much of the flora and fauna are native to the Gradonian area and are protected. The ecosystem of Gradonia falls within the Midwestern Oak Savannah biome.

Flora

The first Bluebonnet bloom of 2020

A Live Oak in southern Willvian

The plant life of Gradonia is diverse ranging from grasses to large hardwood trees such as the Live Oak. Many arborous flora are hardwoods while some are also coniferous. Some notable conifers are the Eastern Red Cedar, Mountain Cedar, and Loblolly Pine. A tree species deemed invasive by the Gradonian government is the Eastern Persimmon. This species was deemed responsible for disappearance of the native Bahia Grass from some areas.

Fauna

The animal life of Gradonia, much like the plate life, is very diverse. Most animals are insects, mostly herbivorous. Larger, more notable animals include the Armadillo, Virginia Opossum, White Tailed Deer, and Scissortailed Flycatcher. Many animals in Gradonia are herbivores and omnivores, but there are some exceptions.

Terrestrial

An Armadillo in northern Cedarburg

Most terrestrial fauna in Gradonia are quadrupeds. Exceptions to this are the insect population. It is estimated that 87 percent of terrestrial animals are herbivores and omnivores, the other percentage being carnivorous. The largest observable population of carnivores in Gradonia are of Coyotes.

Aquatic

All aquatic fauna in Gradonia are freshwater dwelling. Most aquatic animals are carnivorous and some are classified as scavengers under that category. A notable example of this is the Catfish, which feeds off of remains of other animals found at the bottom of the body of water it inhabits, leading to the colloquialism of 'Bottom-feeder'.

Avian

All avian fauna in Gradonia is bipedal. Most avian animals are omnivorous while some, like the aquatic fauna, are carnivorous scavengers. Of these, the most prevalent is the Vulture, or commonly referred to in the US and Gradonia as a 'Buzzard'.

Administrative Divisions

• The Contiguous Provinces of Gradonia
•   Willvian
•   Edderton
•   Cookan
•   Haynio
•   Cedarburg

Territory in Gradonia is divided into two categories: Provinces and Colonies. Provinces are categorized as being within a 150 Kilometer range of Charlington. Colonies are categorized as being smaller than 8.1 Hectares and outside of a 150 Kilometer radius of Charlington.

Provinces

All provinces of Gradonia currently are landlocked within the United States' state of Texas and share a border with each other. Provinces are administered either directly by the King or by a Duke or Governor.

Cedarburg

Cedarburg is the southernmost province in Gradonia. This province is named after Cedar Creek, which runs close to the province's southern border with the US. The province has two roads running within it: Charlington Way and Jeske Avenue. Cedarburg's primary land use is livestock agriculture, nut and fruit orchards. Cedarburg is a popular destination for kayaking due to Cedar creek's proximity and speed during the spring rains.

Cedarburg has the largest continuous border with the US. This has led to the most funding being put into this province for border control than any other. The largest projects coming from this funding was after there were multiple reports from both Gradonian and American cattle owners about livestock crossing the border. An official investigation was started to find the breach in the border fence. After a three-hour search, a seven-foot (2 meters) gap was found caused by a fallen tree. The tree, being on Gradonian soil, was quickly disposed of and the gap repaired. The total expenses of the repair totaled 42 Dokars (US$21).

Inter-Provincial commerce is common between Cedarburg and Willvian. Cattle, Pecans, and Persimmons are regularly transported from Cedarburg. While Willvian sends Cattle feed, grains, and Dewberries. There are on average, 10 to 12 transports of this manner a week in Gradonia. There have been discussions to open a new road running from Edderton, through Haynio, and ending in Cedarburg to decrease the dependence on Charlington Way for transportation.

Cookan

Cookan is a Province situated between Cedarburg, Edderton and Cookan. This province was named after the brother's Brent and Seth Cook for their service to the Gradonian Military. It has two roads running in it: Charlington Way and Jeske Avenue. Cedarburg's primary land use is livestock agriculture and fruit orchards.

Cookan has the largest length of the seasonal Cook's Creek, which begins in Lake Houston, Willvian and ends in Lake Crockett, Cookan. This is considered a seasonal creek due to being 3 feet (.91 meters) in depth only between mid-March to mid-June and mid-September to early November.

Edderton

Edderton is the northernmost, contiguous province of Gradonia. This province is named after the co-founder of Gradonia, Eddie Wilson. There are currently no roads running in Edderton, but there are a number of ATV accessible paths. Edderton's primary land use is for livestock, fruit produce, and water reservoirs.

Like Cedarburg, Edderton has a large US border and open access to the American Dilly Shaw Tap Rd. A dispute between an American rancher and Gradonian Orchardist on the harvesting rights of a Persimmon tree. The dispute began when the Gradonian Orchardist, Ethan Arnett, discovered that the laden Persimmon had been already picked. In response, Mr. Arnett hung a sign around a branch stating, "Edderton Acres Co. tree". The aforementioned rancher claimed afterward the fruit was hanging over the border into American territory, while Mr. Arnett claimed that the tree was rooted in Gradonia that he had rights to the produce. The dispute was ended when the rancher conceded to the point of where the tree was rooted.

An entrance to the colony of ants in the wildlife refuge.

Edderton currently has one large body of water, Lake Parker, named after Chief of the Comanche Quanah Parker. This is a popular swimming and recreational paddle boating area. The lake was dedicated a national park on 13 May 2018. In September 2019, a section of Edderton was made the Edderton Wildlife Refuge due to the discovery of a colony of Red Harvester Ants.

Haynio

Haynio is the smallest Gradonian province, occupying only 22 Acres (8.9 Hectares). Haynio is situated between Cedarburg and Edderton and has the smallest border with the US.

Haynio is named after Pvt. Tyler Haney, who defended the President during the 30/5 attack. Haynio has the largest clay deposit found in Gradonia. This deposit is mostly used for pottery and filling soil for washed out sections of different roads. There is a small wooded area in the south-central area of Haynio that holds the highest concentration of Pecan Trees in Gradonia.

There are no bodies of water or other unique land formations within Haynio.

New Hesse

New Hesse is the northernmost Gradonian province and shares the most borders with other nations than any other province.

New Hesse is named after the German region of Hesse, as many Gradonians claim heritage from the region. The province is primarily a barren plain with a small grove of trees in the north. The province borders Baustralia. Ikonia, and formerly the Paloma.

Willvian

Willvian is the government center of Gradonia holding the capitol city of Charlington. Willvian is situated between the provinces of Edderton and Cookan.

Willvian is named after the founder, the first president of Gradonia, William Wilson. Willvian is the economic and utility center of Gradonia, boasting a well, generator, the beginning of Charlington Way.

Colonies

---

All colonies are landlocked within the United States. All colonies, excepting the Colony of Jackson, are administered by a Governor-General. The legislative body governing all the colonies is the Colonial Council.

Colony of Francia

The Colony of Francia was the most urbanized and populated colony, boasting 13 subjects. The colony was formerly a state in the Imperium Americana. The Colony of Francia seceded from Gradonia in 2020.

Colony of Jackson

The Colony of Jackson is the smallest and least populated colony only having 2 subjects and 1 permanent resident. The colony was originally claimed during Gradonia's imperial statehood during the Era of Connection. The colony boasts Fort. McLaughlin, the only official military installation in Gradonia. In November 2018, President Wilson would declare the colony and inspect the fort.

Important Dates

• 1 January: Conception Day
• 8 January: Emperor Norton Day
• 14 June: Remembrance Day
• 21 June: Summer Solstice
• 24 November: Thanksgiving
• 21 December: Winter Solstice

Economy

Gradonia has a mixed economy with most businesses and institutions being owned by the private sector, but with education and utilities being provided by the state. Most businesses are agriculture or service based. Some notable private companies are the Charlington Press, Edderton Acres, Edderton Jams and Jellies, and Willvian Printing. These companies, while privately owned are funded by the provincial governments.

The Gradonian National Bank is the public and reserve bank of Gradonia. The bank is directly under the Department of Economics and is responsible for the regulation and distribution of the Dokar, the Gradonian currency. The Dokar is currently the only recognized currency in Gradonia and is pegged to the US Dollar at a 2:1 ratio. The Secretary of Economics, Ashton Jeske, currently oversees all production of the Dokar and its anti-counterfeit measures.

The Gradonian Museum of Natural History is also an integral part of the Gradonian economy, drawing in, on average, 10 to 15 Dokars every year.