Unfortunately not - work has been exceptionally busy recently and so has family life - flag-making is too far down the list of priorities for me to enter the WFCs at the moment. 
Weekly Flag Challenge: Discussion & Entries
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And after a very closely fought round, @Uru Hammer wins it by a single vote.
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Flag Challenge #255: Taured
There are several versions of the urban legend, but the crux of the story is a mysterious traveler who is obviously out of place. He is questioned by the authorities, and his passport is examined. He seems to have traveled extensively in Europe, but one detail catches the eye of the authorities. His nation of origin is listed as Taured. He is given a map to demonstrate where his country is, and he is confused by some of the nations on the map, claiming that they are made up, and his country is missing. He is held under arrest while the authorities attempt to confirm some aspect of his story, but he disappears from a guarded hotel room on an upper floor overnight.
Your challenge is to create the flag for Taured. Since there are two main versions of the story, you will have two options.
Option 1 - Taured is a very small nation in Western Europe, somewhere on the border of France and Spain.
Option 2 - Taured is an African nation, perhaps taking territory from the south of Egypt and parts of Ethiopia.
Submissions Open: Now
Submissions Close: Wednesday, Sep 29, NOON Eastern Daylight Time
Please remember to review the RULES, especially concerning flag size. For an image in a single-flag entry, the shortest side must be 600 pixels or less, and the longest side must be 1200 pixels or less.
There are several versions of the urban legend, but the crux of the story is a mysterious traveler who is obviously out of place. He is questioned by the authorities, and his passport is examined. He seems to have traveled extensively in Europe, but one detail catches the eye of the authorities. His nation of origin is listed as Taured. He is given a map to demonstrate where his country is, and he is confused by some of the nations on the map, claiming that they are made up, and his country is missing. He is held under arrest while the authorities attempt to confirm some aspect of his story, but he disappears from a guarded hotel room on an upper floor overnight.
Your challenge is to create the flag for Taured. Since there are two main versions of the story, you will have two options.
Option 1 - Taured is a very small nation in Western Europe, somewhere on the border of France and Spain.
Option 2 - Taured is an African nation, perhaps taking territory from the south of Egypt and parts of Ethiopia.
Submissions Open: Now
Submissions Close: Wednesday, Sep 29, NOON Eastern Daylight Time
Please remember to review the RULES, especially concerning flag size. For an image in a single-flag entry, the shortest side must be 600 pixels or less, and the longest side must be 1200 pixels or less.
The Tuared Empire
Long considered an object of myth, the Tuared Empire is a small absolute monarchy located in East Africa that has only taken definitive steps to enter the international community in the past sixty years under contentious circumstances. Previously believed to have been an offshoot of nearby Ethiopia, recent scholarship has thrown that claim into doubt. For their part, the royal family of the hermit empire has claimed for its entire existence to be a wayward cadet branch of the French Merovingian dynasty, which may at least explain the apparent basis of the written Tuared language in a variant of the Gallo-Roman script rather than some variant of Amharic. The earliest history of the foundation of the Empire is still an object of speculation by mainstream scholars, but many believe the apocryphal figure of Prester John to be a gloss applied by Medieval writers conflating several generations of Tuared rulers into one quasi-mystical figure. Keeping to a self-imposed isolation for much of its more recent history, the Empire frequently employed discrete foreign agents to learn of events in the wider world under the auspices of a Tuared secret society known as the Priory of Sion. One of these agents would expose the Empire to international scrutiny in 1959 following his detention in Japan on suspicion of identity theft and traveling under a false passport. Forced for the first time in centuries to interact more visibly with the wider world, the Empire began a crash course in military modernization, with the Priory itself transitioning from a secret society to a secret police force. Despite advancing the dubious theory that the Merovingians, and therefore the Tuared Emperors, were direct blood descendants of Jesus, the Empire has nonetheless been able to establish a solid working relationship with both the neighboring United Arab Republic and the Ethiopian Empire.
I decided to split the difference between a Tuared near France and one near Ethiopia, and this wonderful melange of medieval apocrypha, urban legends and conspiracy theories is the result The flag of the Tuared Empire combines the gold Merovingian bee and red of the alleged Merovingian standard with the black and the cross symbol taken from the supposed flag of Prester John. I decided to go with "Tuared" instead of "Taured" because the latter is apparently a typo in some versions of the story and that's just the sort of thing that would crop up about a mysterious hermit kingdom.
Long considered an object of myth, the Tuared Empire is a small absolute monarchy located in East Africa that has only taken definitive steps to enter the international community in the past sixty years under contentious circumstances. Previously believed to have been an offshoot of nearby Ethiopia, recent scholarship has thrown that claim into doubt. For their part, the royal family of the hermit empire has claimed for its entire existence to be a wayward cadet branch of the French Merovingian dynasty, which may at least explain the apparent basis of the written Tuared language in a variant of the Gallo-Roman script rather than some variant of Amharic. The earliest history of the foundation of the Empire is still an object of speculation by mainstream scholars, but many believe the apocryphal figure of Prester John to be a gloss applied by Medieval writers conflating several generations of Tuared rulers into one quasi-mystical figure. Keeping to a self-imposed isolation for much of its more recent history, the Empire frequently employed discrete foreign agents to learn of events in the wider world under the auspices of a Tuared secret society known as the Priory of Sion. One of these agents would expose the Empire to international scrutiny in 1959 following his detention in Japan on suspicion of identity theft and traveling under a false passport. Forced for the first time in centuries to interact more visibly with the wider world, the Empire began a crash course in military modernization, with the Priory itself transitioning from a secret society to a secret police force. Despite advancing the dubious theory that the Merovingians, and therefore the Tuared Emperors, were direct blood descendants of Jesus, the Empire has nonetheless been able to establish a solid working relationship with both the neighboring United Arab Republic and the Ethiopian Empire.
I decided to split the difference between a Tuared near France and one near Ethiopia, and this wonderful melange of medieval apocrypha, urban legends and conspiracy theories is the result
The flag of the Tuared Empire combines the gold Merovingian bee and red of the alleged Merovingian standard with the black and the cross symbol taken from the supposed flag of Prester John. I decided to go with "Tuared" instead of "Taured" because the latter is apparently a typo in some versions of the story and that's just the sort of thing that would crop up about a mysterious hermit kingdom.
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The Presipality of Taured is one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe, located high up in the southern peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains, bounded by France to the north and by Spain to the south. The House of Renaldi has reigned in Taured since 1953, when Presidentess Catherine, the last Tauredian monarch provided by the House of Skossyreff, died, and her son and heir Rupert became the first monarch of the House of Renaldi.
The origin of the word Taured is unknown, although several hypotheses have been formulated. The oldest derivation of the word Taured is from the Greek historian Polybius who describes the Taurians, an Iberian Pre-Roman tribe, as historically located in the Pyrenees. The word Taurians or Tauri may derive from the Proto-Indo-European basis tor/taur whose meaning is "hill" or "mountain." Anyway, the folk etymology would later connect the name to the Latin Taurus (the Bull).
The flag of Taured displays twelve gold stars, forming the constellation Taurus. The tau cross design represents Christianity and is also strongly identified with the bull in the astrological sign of Taurus.
Since Taured is based on Andorra, I’ve added the fictional countries of Groland (from various humorous programs on French television channel Canal+) and Genovia (from The Princess Diaries film adaptation) to the mix as they are also partly based on it.
The origin of the word Taured is unknown, although several hypotheses have been formulated. The oldest derivation of the word Taured is from the Greek historian Polybius who describes the Taurians, an Iberian Pre-Roman tribe, as historically located in the Pyrenees. The word Taurians or Tauri may derive from the Proto-Indo-European basis tor/taur whose meaning is "hill" or "mountain." Anyway, the folk etymology would later connect the name to the Latin Taurus (the Bull).
The flag of Taured displays twelve gold stars, forming the constellation Taurus. The tau cross design represents Christianity and is also strongly identified with the bull in the astrological sign of Taurus.
Since Taured is based on Andorra, I’ve added the fictional countries of Groland (from various humorous programs on French television channel Canal+) and Genovia (from The Princess Diaries film adaptation) to the mix as they are also partly based on it.
United Kingdom of Taured
The United Kingdom of Taured (Basque: Tauredeko Erresuma Batua, Catalan: Regne Unit de Taured, French: Royaume-Uni de Taured, Spanish: Reino Unido de Taured, Somali: Boqortooyada Ingiriiska ee Taured) is a Federated Constitutional Monarchy located within the Pyrenees Mountain Range. It is made from the constituent countries of Toulouse, Béziers, Basque, Aldovia, Cagliostro, and Andorra. It is currently ruled by a branch of the Quijano Noble Family, who gained the throne after the nation's independence during the Franco-Spanish War. They claim heritage from the Occitania region and medieval kingdoms centered on Toulouse. This would end around the 1760s, where the Basque language and culture would enter a renaissance. Basque would become a linga franca of the Kingdom, alongside Catalan. By 1779, Taured had established a small colony in the Ethiopian port town of Lira, inside the Darrar Oversees Territory. Taured would also be a center of the Enlightenment, housing one of the larger European libraries in the University of Saint Taurinus, a French saint who supposedly traveled to the region during his lifetime.
Trouble would come to Taur during the 1830s and the collapse of the Spanish Empires. The United Kingdom of Taured had fallen into a deep debt by sending funds and troops to the war between the German Principality of Drusselstein and Slavic Kingdom of Grulovia that would see thousands die. In order to pay off their debts to other European powers, Taured sold the Darrar Oversees Territory to the British Empire for a hefty sum of money. It would not be enough to save the country and a revolution occurred in 1848. This would establish the Republic of Taured (1849-1872) which would eventually be invaded by the French after the election of a Communard president. The Quijano dynasty would be reinstated as the monarchs of the nation. The period after this was no stable place either. Taured Republicans would conduct guerilla campaigns against the monarchy and the monarchy would behead the traitors to the crown. This period, known as the Zezenketen Gerra (1872-1921), would last until the Taured Republicans, now thoroughly Communard, would overthrow the monarchy and establish the Taured Socialist Republic (1921-1939). The TSR would hold out for many years, including providing aid to the Spanish Republicans during the Spanish Civil War. This would be a mistake as the rise of Franco would lead to an invasion and the re-establishment of the Quijano dynasty... again. The United Kingdom of Taured would remain a Spanish puppet until the death of Franco and the first free and fair elections would be held.
The modern Kingdom has had a few ups and downs, but things have mostly been stable. The only thing of notable importance is an urban legend that a man named Timothy Hamilton had flown into the Taured International Airport with a fake passport that claimed he was from a nation called, "Hungary" while pointing at the Republic of Grulovia and the Federal State of Drusselstein. The man would be detained at a local hotel where he would vanish mysteriously.
The Principality of Taureth
Brief History
The City of Taureth (Taured in Tauritan) originates from the Roman settlement of Torretum near the mouth of the River Tech (Cech) between what is now France and Spain, apparently named for the numerous bell towers in the region. It was captured by the Carolingians from the Visigoth Dukes of Septimania and became part of the subsequent Kingdom of Narbonne, where it was the principal town of the eponymous County of Taureth. The County was held by the dual Counts of Rousillon & Empuries in the 900s who conceded co-rule of the Taureth County to the Bishop of Elne (now of Perpignan) in return for concessions elsewhere (much like with the similar Principality of Andorra). With the division of Rousillon and Empuries each Count subsequently also held co-rule alongside the Bishop. Though both counties returned the Tolosan Kings of Narbonne their regency was kept separate such that when the Kingdom of Narbonne came under French suzerainty following the Cathar Crusade the Treaty saw Empuries and its right to co-rule Taureth ceded to the King of Aragon (thence to the Monarchs of Spain). Much like the remnant Navarre, while the Spanish Monarchs still claimed and used the title, Narbonne was absorbed into France and co-regency of Taureth taken up by the French Kings, usually falling to the Dauphins. Under Napoleon’s Empire it was officially raised to a principality. Ever since the rule of Taureth has been under the Heads of State of France and Spain and the Bishop of Perpignan.
The Flag
The flag is a simplification of the Arms of Taureth being a 3x4 cheque of red and gold, each red square bearing a white tower. After Napoleon a blue chief was added to the arms, initially with the imperial eagle though the emblem was removed after his fall.
Brief History
The City of Taureth (Taured in Tauritan) originates from the Roman settlement of Torretum near the mouth of the River Tech (Cech) between what is now France and Spain, apparently named for the numerous bell towers in the region. It was captured by the Carolingians from the Visigoth Dukes of Septimania and became part of the subsequent Kingdom of Narbonne, where it was the principal town of the eponymous County of Taureth. The County was held by the dual Counts of Rousillon & Empuries in the 900s who conceded co-rule of the Taureth County to the Bishop of Elne (now of Perpignan) in return for concessions elsewhere (much like with the similar Principality of Andorra). With the division of Rousillon and Empuries each Count subsequently also held co-rule alongside the Bishop. Though both counties returned the Tolosan Kings of Narbonne their regency was kept separate such that when the Kingdom of Narbonne came under French suzerainty following the Cathar Crusade the Treaty saw Empuries and its right to co-rule Taureth ceded to the King of Aragon (thence to the Monarchs of Spain). Much like the remnant Navarre, while the Spanish Monarchs still claimed and used the title, Narbonne was absorbed into France and co-regency of Taureth taken up by the French Kings, usually falling to the Dauphins. Under Napoleon’s Empire it was officially raised to a principality. Ever since the rule of Taureth has been under the Heads of State of France and Spain and the Bishop of Perpignan.
The Flag
The flag is a simplification of the Arms of Taureth being a 3x4 cheque of red and gold, each red square bearing a white tower. After Napoleon a blue chief was added to the arms, initially with the imperial eagle though the emblem was removed after his fall.
Most Plausible History of Taured:
When the Moors invaded Spain, they brought with them a bunch of Tuaregs. After a failed expedition into France, the retreating Moorish army left behind some wounded and sick Tuaregs in the mountains, who dugged in to defend themselves, somewhere between France and Spain.
Over the years, the Tuaregs lost contact with the Moors, and were gradually engulfed by Christian kingdoms, until they also converted to Christianity. But their seperate identity survived.
TBC… I might or might not have the time to make a flag.
When the Moors invaded Spain, they brought with them a bunch of Tuaregs. After a failed expedition into France, the retreating Moorish army left behind some wounded and sick Tuaregs in the mountains, who dugged in to defend themselves, somewhere between France and Spain.
Over the years, the Tuaregs lost contact with the Moors, and were gradually engulfed by Christian kingdoms, until they also converted to Christianity. But their seperate identity survived.
TBC… I might or might not have the time to make a flag.
I kind of did, but I just couldn't think up a flag for it right now, probably not for this competition.
Flag Challenge 256: Party like its 2099!
Inspired by a fun idea I had for a future history American party system, my challenge to you all is to create a flag for a major 21st century American political party, combining my loves of weird politics, ideological colors and flag making. Is it a splinter of an existing party? A fusion of two or more? A new group championing some new idea (or some really old ones)? I leave it up to you, though setting it a few decades from now is probably the best way to avoid current politics 😅 Exciting scenarios are encouraged, and distinctive party symbols and colors are of course appreciated!
Submissions Open: Now
Submissions Close: Wednesday, October 13, 10:30 PM Central Standard Time Extended to that same time Friday if there aren't at least 3 entries by Wednesday
Please remember to review the RULES, especially concerning flag size. For an image in a single-flag entry, the shortest side must be 600 pixels or less, and the longest side must be 1200 pixels or less.
Inspired by a fun idea I had for a future history American party system, my challenge to you all is to create a flag for a major 21st century American political party, combining my loves of weird politics, ideological colors and flag making. Is it a splinter of an existing party? A fusion of two or more? A new group championing some new idea (or some really old ones)? I leave it up to you, though setting it a few decades from now is probably the best way to avoid current politics 😅 Exciting scenarios are encouraged, and distinctive party symbols and colors are of course appreciated!
Submissions Open: Now
Submissions Close: Wednesday, October 13, 10:30 PM Central Standard Time Extended to that same time Friday if there aren't at least 3 entries by Wednesday
Please remember to review the RULES, especially concerning flag size. For an image in a single-flag entry, the shortest side must be 600 pixels or less, and the longest side must be 1200 pixels or less.
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American Distributism Party
While the American Distributism party does have other goals as part of its platform it was founded with the expressed purpose of integrating the principals of the economic system of distributism into the United States of America.
Distributism was initially developed in the 19th century as an alternative to Pure Capitalism and Communism. In extremely short terms, distributism focus on local areas first and has an emphasis on family farms and businesses.
The flag's main design features come from a saying of one of distributism major early thinkers G. K. Chesterton, "Three acres and a cow." With the cow being self evidence and each of the three colored stripes representing an acre.
(EDIT: The collar and the blue stripe were two different shades. It was bugging the crud out of me since I noticed it. Fixed now.)
While the American Distributism party does have other goals as part of its platform it was founded with the expressed purpose of integrating the principals of the economic system of distributism into the United States of America.
Distributism was initially developed in the 19th century as an alternative to Pure Capitalism and Communism. In extremely short terms, distributism focus on local areas first and has an emphasis on family farms and businesses.
The flag's main design features come from a saying of one of distributism major early thinkers G. K. Chesterton, "Three acres and a cow." With the cow being self evidence and each of the three colored stripes representing an acre.
(EDIT: The collar and the blue stripe were two different shades. It was bugging the crud out of me since I noticed it. Fixed now.)
BLUM, Jérôme. Star of Gold. 1 August 2006.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%C3%89toile_d%27or.svg. Accessed 5 October 2021.
Syryatsu. Heraldic Charge Cow. 2 December 2008. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meuble_héraldique_Vache.svg. Accessed 5 October 2021.
Syryatsu. Heraldic Charge Cow. 2 December 2008. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meuble_héraldique_Vache.svg. Accessed 5 October 2021.
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Very nice! Would also have accepted forty stripes and a mule 😂