Fiefdom of Custosia
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Fiefdom of Custosia | |||||||||
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 Flag Flag
 Coat of arms Coat of arms
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| Motto: Servient ei et oboedient (Latin: Serve and obey) | |||||||||
| Anthem: God Save the Lord | |||||||||
 Claims of Custosia | |||||||||
| Capital |  Edwardia | ||||||||
| Largest city |  Crofton | ||||||||
| Official languages | English | ||||||||
| Demonym(s) | Custosian | ||||||||
| Government | Absolute monarchy Fiefdom | ||||||||
• Thegn | Ser John Marshall | ||||||||
• Lord | Edward | ||||||||
| Establishment | Fief established - 20 February 2017 | ||||||||
| Population | |||||||||
• (as of 2017 census) census | 15 | ||||||||
| Currency | United States dollar | ||||||||
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This nation is a feudal state of Siar Fordell | |||||||||
Custosia, officially called the Fiefdom of Custosia, was a feudal state or fief in Siar Fordell. Custosia was located in North America and is completely bordered by the United States. The capital of Custosia was Edwardia. It was named after Edward of Custosia, the founder of Custosia. Custosia was a non-contiguous nation, consisting of three separate provinces. Edwardia was technically considered one of the smallest province in Custosia by land size, however, there were six inhabitants in Edwardia, making Edwardia the most populous province in Custosia.
Custosia was inhabited by descendants of various European-Americans. The lands of Custosia were once ruled by Iroquois until Dutch settlers and explorers and British settlers and explorers drove the Iroquois out of the area. From 1776, the land was then owned by the United States after it's victory in the American Revolutionary War. In 2017, Custosia began to modernize, officially setting the foundation for the Fiefdom of Custosia on February 20, 2017.
In an April 2017 referendum, Custosia seceded from Siar Cordell and re-founded itself as the Kingdom of Custosia, which remains its last incarnation.
Etymology
The name "Custosia" derives from the Latin word custos meaning "guardian or keeper" and the Latin suffix -ia meaning "land or state". Ultimately, Custosia could mean "Land of the Guardian" or "State of the Keeper". The name is a reference to Custosia's patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel who is the guardian of the Catholic Church and defeated Satan in the War in Heaven. The name could also be a reference to the founding father of Custosia, Edward I who was regarded as the guardian and protector of the nation when it was an absolute monarchy. The name also reflects the views of Custosians and how they wish to defeat evil or anyone who comes in the way of their values, culture, well-being, etc. Custosians pay patronage to St. Micheal every September 30. This day is known as St. Michael's Day in Custosia and is an important holiday in the cultural aspect of Custosia.
History
Disarray era
Custosia was first founded as the Grand Principality of Custosia. The name shortly after changed to the Kingdom of Custosia. Custosia was first founded on July 16, 2016, as an absolute monarchy. The powers and actions of the nation were executed by Edward I of Custosia who was the self-proclaimed King of Custosia. The nation experienced many trials and errors in governing the nation and ever since the beginning of Custosia's existence, there was never a substantial or fully functioning government. Edward I experimented with different types of government such as a feudal monarchy and a constitutional monarchy. These governments were set up but never really took effect. There was no feudal society in Custosia as a feudal monarchy and there was no prime minister and enough citizens in Custosia as a constitutional monarchy. Times looked dull for Custosia and Edward I thought it would be best to dissolve the Kingdom of Custosia and set up a democratic government. On October 7, 2016, Custosia dissolved and on October 10, 2016, the Republic of New Custosia was declared. New Custosia faced the same problems as the Kingdom of Custosia as a constitutional monarchy, there weren't enough citizens to meet the demands of a democratic system. Even as a republic, Edward I who then used the title, President Edward Daniels of New Custosia, faced more responsibilities and hardships as a republic than a monarchy. Time went and the Senate of New Custosia which was crucial to the government of New Custosia was not set up yet. The Senate, which was the legislative system in New Custosia lacked citizens to be apart of the Senate. Government reforms trying to fix the system of government were written by Edward Daniels on December 30, 2016, but no reform seemed to help the state of condition that Custosia faced. On January 1, 2017, New Custosia officially dissolved leaving Custosia in a depressing and unknown state. Edward Daniels even considered leaving micronationalism altogether since there was no hope for the failing state. Time continued to pass and soon after, Edward I returned as King of Custosia and reestablished the kingdom once again in late January to early February. This time, Edward I wanted Custosia to remain as a fully functioning nation, but as expected, this was not going to happen. An online application to join Custosia was created in order to bring in more citizens for a democratic system, but only one person joined the nation and there still wasn't enough people to meet the requirements for a democratic government. Custosia officially dissolved once again and hope seemed very low. Custosia wanted to apply to the GUM which is full of sophisticated and high ranking micronationalists, but the delegates voted against Custosia's application because they believed that Custosia was in disarray and the frequent changes heavily effected Custosia's application. Edward I seemed to think the Custosia was just a fairy tale and that all his dreams and aspirations as a micronation were nothing but dreams. The period from July 16, 2016, until February 20, 2017 is known as the Disarray era in Custosia since everything in the government was disarray and unsubstantial.
Modern era
The Hope era is a period in Custosian history when the nation Siar Fordell offered Custosia to join their nation as a feudal state. Edward who was soon given the title, Edward, Lord of Custosia governs the Custosian fief and work with the Thegn of Siar Fordell in order to learn leadership skills and state managing as an absolute monarchy. Custosia was even given the opportunity to freely secede from Siar Fordell and become a fully functioning, self-governing nation again. Custosia officially joined Siar Fordell on February 20, 2017. Custosia has planned to possibly succeed from Siar Fordell by May 25, 2017.
Government
Custosia is a fiefdom within the nation of Siar Fordell. Custosia has not officially been admitted to Siar Fordell yet, since an official treaty is being written to officially state Custosia's secession into Siar Fordell. Custosia at any time, can leave Siar Fordell and establish a sovereign and self-governing Custosia again. Custosia is mainly an absolute monarchy under Siar Fordell's rule and locally, a fiefdom or feudal state in which the Lord can appoint peasants to the land, and the peasants offer protection on the land. This system is known as Neo-feudalism.
Internationally, Custosia is regarded as a very Right-wing, populist and conservative nation. Only a small amount of Custosians classify as liberals. These views and politics have a great effect in Custosia since there is a democratic system of government.
Law and order
Law and order are created and passed by the Lord of Custosia freely. Since there is no legislative system in Custosia to pass and approve laws, only the Lord can create and pass them if he pleases. Most laws and orders in Custosia are retained to the United States since the United States virtually surrounds all of Custosia. The New York State Police are the main law enforcers for Custosia. Custosia does not have it's own law enforcement.
Laws in 2017
On 10 March 2017, Lord Edward passed a law known as the Anti-LGBTQ Act banning all homosexuality and practices in the nation. This news was announced to the community who disapproved of the law and Edward's statements on the LGBTQ community. Edward's law, however, was not approved or talked about by the people of Custosia. Edward decided on forming a referendum on 18 March 2017 to have the people of Custosia decide on whether or not the law shall stay or be retracted. It was the first law to be accepted in 2017 and overall in all of Custosian history. The "Yes" vote won the referendum of the 18 March 2017, keeping the law in effect.
Foreign relations
Custosia officially recognizes one nation, the Grand Principality of the Danube. Custosia however, "unofficially recognizes" micronations that share the same common goals, ideas, etc. Siar Fordell is the only nation that Custosia does not officially recognize yet. As of 17 March 2017, the Danube and Custosia have temporarily suspended relations.
Officially recognized
Grand Principality of the Danube - Since 16 March 2017, Suspended as of 17 March 2017
Unofficially recognized
Military
Custosia currently does not have a military but hopes to create a military are increasingly popular in Custosia. Custosians at the moment use standard air guns and makeshift non-lethal weapons to protect their borders in case of an invasion of an opposing micronation. Other weapons such as actual swords and cross bows are used in case of an extreme threat of the lives of Custosians.
Geography and climate
Geography
Custosia is geographically located in the State of New York, U.S.A.. About 66.7% of Custosia's lands are located on Long Island, NY and 33.3% of the land is located in Upstate New York. The highest point of elevation is located in the Province of Crofton. The lowest point of elevation is located in the Province of Edwardia. The exact heights are not yet determined. Most of Custosia's land that is located in Long Island is near a body of water. Edwardia is located near the Great South Bay, a popular destination for the Edwardians in the Summer to go fishing and clamming. The Province of Denland is located very close to Lake Ronkonkoma, a kettle lake formed during the Ice age. The lake is considered legendary by many Denlanders because of its history of indigenous Native Americans and European settlers. The Province of Crofton is mainly a grassland and forested area with surrounding mountains and hills. Geographically, Crofton is situated in the Catskills Mountains region in New York.
Climate
The Province of Edwardia and Denland that are located on Long Island experience the same climate year-round. The provinces experience very humid summers and very chilly winters. According to the Köppen climate, Custosia's Long Island provinces lie between a Humid subtropical climate and a Humid continental climate. Custosia's Long Island provinces are also very vulnerable to hurricanes. In 2012, before Custosia even existed, Hurricane Sandy extremely devastated modern Edwardia. Heavy winds, rain, and flooding contributed to total disaster in modern-day Edwardia.
In the Province of Crofton, weather is particularity very distinct from Custosia's Long Island province. Crofton experiences possibly hotter summers since it's elevation is higher and the density of air is lighter. Sometimes in the summer, if you expose bare skin to the Sun to long, you could get second-degree burns. In the winter, Crofton experiences very chilly and snowy weather. It's normal to get blizzards very frequently in Crofton during the winter. Severe storms are not typically a problem in Crofton since it's elevation is so high. According to the Köppen climate, Crofton lies on a Humid continental climate.
Administrative divisions
The Fiefdom of Custosia is divided into three different provinces. Edwardia is the main, provincial capital of Custosia. Crofton is the most northerly province and by size, the largest of the three. Denland is the second largest by size and is the closest to Edwardia. The provinces of Custosia do not have capital cities. The reason behind this is that the land's population is small and there are no major settlements within the separate provinces. The provinces, in reality, are regular home properties who pledge allegiance to Custosia.
Economy
Information on the economy is currently unavailable.
Culture
The culture of Custosia has been heavily influenced and inspired by the Western world and the Anglosphere. Most predominantly, American culture and British culture. Custosia is ever thriving when it comes to traditions, culture and symbolism. Since many Custosians are conservatives, family values and Christian traditions are heavily protected and defended by the Custosians. Most, notably Lord Edward of Custosia is a strong advocate of the protection of the Custosian custom culture and influenced culture.
Music
Music is perhaps the most well known and famous cultural aspect in Custosia. Music has been famous in Custosia even before it's founding. Even some Custosians have their own bands based in the capital province of Edwardia. The most famous Custosian band is "Ridler" founded sometime in the 1970s. Ridler does covers of other rock bands as well as making their own music. The only known recording of an original song by Ridler is "House in the Trees". It was most likely recorded sometime in the mid to early 90s.
Art
TBA
Religion
The main religion in Custosia is Christianity. However, many Custosians do not believe in the faith and typically associate themselves with being Irreligious. By estimate, only 69.2% of Custosians are Irreligious. 15.4% of Custosians identify as Christians. Another 15.4% of Custosians rather not identify their religion. Under Lord Edward's rule, Christianity and Christendom is very important but is not recognized by a majority of the population.
The two branches of religion in Custosia is Nondenominational Christianity and Roman Catholicism.
Public Holidays
| Name | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | The celebration of the first day of the Gregorian year. |
| Easter | April 1 | The celebration of Jesus' resurrection. |
| Custosian Independence Day | April 23 | Independence from Siar Fordell on April 23, 2017. |
| St. Michael's Day | September 30 | The feast and celebration of Custosia's patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel. |
| Banquet Day | November 23 | A gathering of family honoring the harvest festival. |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | The celebration of the eve of Jesus' birth. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | The celebration and festivities of Jesus' birth. |
| New Year's Eve | December 31 | The celebration of the last day of the Gregorian year. |