Amazona
The Republic of Amazona is situated on the eastern seaboard of South America. The first Europeans to settle in Amazona were Iberian colonists who brought with them diseases that were previously unknown in South America and African slaves. The diseases killed almost the entire indigenous population and the vacated coastal lands were settled and exploited by the incoming Iberians. The African slaves were used to perform all the heavy-duty manual tasks such as farming, mining, and logging.
During the early nineteenth century, growing dissatisfaction with increasing tax demands by the Iberian government and the appointment of several inept Viceroys led to the formation of a powerful political movement throughout Central and South America that was in favour of self-determination and emancipation of the slaves. The refusal of the Iberian government to heed the demands of the colonists led to a series of uprisings that culminated in the setting up of the eight republics of Central and South America.
Most of the population of the Republic of Amazona is settled along the seaboard. There are some settlements further inland – there are even some in the foothills of the mountains that split South American into two halves – but the majority of the country remains unexplored and little is known about who or what lives in the interior.
The Republic of Amazona has no major international rivals although the government is conscious and somewhat wary of the growing military power of both Argentia and Cordeguay.
Anahuaco
The Republic of Anahuaco is situated in Central America. The first Europeans to settle in Anahuaco were Iberian colonists who fought and defeated the armies of the indigenous Mayatec Empire. These early colonists named the country ‘New Iberia’ and set about exploiting its natural resources – in particular the gold and silver mines – for the benefit of their mother country and their own fortunes.
The country had little to offer in terms of wealth other than as a source of precious metals and limited agriculture. The latter consisted mainly of growing corn for local consumption and the grazing of cattle. Once the supply of precious metal began to run out, the Iberian government began to think of ‘New Iberia’ as a backwater and a place where even the most inept civil servants could be posted. The attitude of Iberian-born administrators to the settlers – most of who had intermarried for several generations with members of the Mayatec upper classes – led to a growing resentment amongst those settlers. They felt that they had done their best on behalf of their mother country, and that their efforts were both unrecognised and unappreciated.
Matters came to a head during the early nineteenth century, when – in common with all the other Iberian colonies in the Americas – a powerful political movement in favour of self-determination arose in ‘New Iberia’. This finally led to an uprising in ‘New Iberia’ and – after a drawn out war between the two sides – the proclamation of the newly independent Republic of Anahuaco.
At the time of its independence the Republic of Anahuaco was much larger than it is today. Its territory included land that now forms part of the Federated States of America (Calafia, New Anahuaco, and Tejas). The latter were lost as a result of the war between the two countries during the middle of the nineteenth century, and even now this territorial loss is still a bone of contention between the two neighbours. However the Republic of Anahuaco is in no state financially or militarily to consider any attempt to remedy this loss. They do, however, resent interference by the Federated States of America in the internal affairs of other former Iberian colonies in the Americas, and might well ally themselves with any nation whose interests seem to coincide with their own.
Argentia
The Republic of Argentia is situated on the south eastern seaboard of South America. The first Europeans to settle in Argentia were Gallian colonists who named the area after the abundant supply of silver that they found at their first landing site. The Gallian colony did not, however, survive for more than a few years, and the next settlers were from Iberia.
Unlike Amazona, Argentia had few mineral resources (the source of silver ore that the Gallians had found was soon exhausted) but abundant grasslands that were ideal for agriculture. The early settlers quickly spread out from the coast, and numerous small faming settlements were established in the northern part of the country. Further south the indigenous natives proved troublesome, and settlement was far more difficult. In fact, the southern part of Argentia remains poorly settled away from the coastal areas, and the army still has numerous skirmishes with several of the more belligerent native tribes.
The government of Iberia never considered Argentia to be a very important colony, and left it much to its own devices. The movement for political self-determination was never quite as strong in Argentia as it was in the other Central and South American Iberian colonies, but nonetheless the local colonists did rise in revolt against the distant rule of the Iberian government, and the Republic of Argentia was declared towards the end of the second decade of the nineteenth century.
Since then the Argentians have mainly concerned themselves with continuing to develop their country’s economy. This has been moderately successful despite the sporadic internal conflicts between the two main political parties over which of them should be in power. The Republic of Argentia does have an ongoing dispute with the Republic of Cordeguay over the ill-defined border between the two countries, and it is very conscious of the growing power of its northern neighbour, the republic of Amazona.
Borduria
The Kingdom of Borduria is a landlocked country located in south eastern Europe. It was controlled by the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia until the late eighteenth century when it gained independence as the Principality of Borduria. The first ruler – Prince Bodur – was instrumental in starting the series of short wars that eventually led to the end of Fezian rule in Syldavia, Maldacia, and Laurania, and during the mid-nineteenth century his grandson – Prince Bodur III – proclaimed himself King of Borduria in self-recognition of his family’s ‘leadership’ of the other small nations of the region.
Borduria has a mainly rural economy but has taken some steps during the last twenty years to set up some heavy industries, particularly so that the country’s ample supplies of coal and iron ore can be exploited by Bordurians for the benefit of Borduria.
Borduria maintains a somewhat stronger army than one would expect for a country of its size, and the equipment used by the first line units is modern. Maintaining the army at its current size is a strain on the national economy, but rivalry with neighbouring countries – particularly Syldavia – has ensured that very few objections are raised within Borduria to this high level of expenditure on the armed forces.
Britannia
The United Kingdom of Britannia is located on the Britannic Islands which are situated off the coast of western Europe. It is a constitutional monarchy and is made up of three smaller nations who are united by a shared monarch and parliamentary form of government. The three home nations are:
Britannic Iberia and Maletta became Britannic territories as a result of the wars the United Kingdom fought against Gallia and Iberia during the early eighteenth century. During the following century Britannic colonies in North America and Australasia flourished, and despite the revolution in some of the North America colonies that led to the foundation of the Federated States of America, the remaining Britannic colonies in those areas have gone from strength to strength. Both Britannic America and the Commonwealth of Australasia have been granted self-government within what is commonly termed the Britannic Empire although the monarch refuses to be referred to by any imperial title.
Britannic Chindia is a unique example of European empire-building. Initially the only Britannic involvement in Chindia was commercial. The Britannic Chindia Company existed to foster trade between the United Kingdom and the independent Chindia native states. Over time the company’s influence grew, and with it came greater involvement by the United Kingdom’s government. When, during the mid-nineteenth century, the Company’s finances began to suffer during one of the periodic economic depressions and there was a possibility of it becoming insolvent, the United Kingdom’s government stepped in and bought a controlling share.
Eventually the Britannic government took over both the Company’s assets – including its monopoly on the sale of certain essential day-to-day items – and its role in Chindia. With the exception of the Frontier Province and the Handimann Islands – both of which are under direct Britannic rule – the rest of Chindia is controlled by the local rulers. They give their allegiance to the monarch of the United Kingdom of Britannia and accept Britannic control over their defence, transport systems, and foreign affairs, and in exchange they retain control of the internal affairs of their semi-independent states and are allowed to recruit and train their own armies. The latter are required by treaty to serve alongside the Britannic forces in Chindia in time of war. The local rulers also have the right to raise taxes, some of the proceeds of which are ‘gifted’ to the United Kingdom each year to help to pay for cost of external defence.
Britannic involvement in Africa began at the end of the eighteenth century when the southernmost tip was occupied by Britannic troops in order to deny it to the Gallians and Iberians. Gradually this military post became the focal point for settlement, and over the next thirty years the area that is now known as Safika was colonised. This process was not always conducted peacefully, and on several occasions Britannic troops were used to suppress native uprisings.
By the middle of the nineteenth century other European nations began to colonise whole regions on the continent, and the United Kingdom was somewhat reluctantly forced to follow suit in order to ensure that they would not be left at a commercial or strategic disadvantage. As a result the United Kingdom of Britannia now possesses a group of colonies in the south and south east of the continent as well as two individual colonies on the west coast. There have been no major native uprisings for some years, and trade and commerce seem to be flourishing within the area under Britannic control.
Bhutet
The Kingdom of Bhutet is located in Asia in the midst of the mountain range that divides Britannic Chindia from the Empire of Chitan. Little is known about this relatively unexplored area other than its people are deeply religious.
Camputhai
The Kingdom of Camputhai is located in south east Asia. It is an ancient kingdom whose current monarch can trace his ancestry back over five hundred years. Its main exports are rubber, timber, coffee, and rice.
Camputhai has so far resisted attempts by some of the major European powers to force the country to accept foreign ‘protection’, and it has shown itself willing to use force to maintain its independence.
Caribia
The Republic of Caribia is located on the north east coast of South America. The first Europeans to settle in Caribia came from Iberia, and the diseases they brought with them decimated the indigenous population to such an extent that African slaves had to be brought into the colony to do all the heavy manual and menial work.
During the colonial period the economy was reliant upon agriculture as its main source of wealth, with rice, corn, fruit, coffee, and beef being the main products. In recent years deposits of shale have been found, and exports of shale oil have become a further important source of income for the nation.
As was the case with the other Iberian colonies in Central and South American during the early nineteenth century there was an increasing dissatisfaction within Caribia with the demands of the Iberian government. Heavy taxes were levied on both imports and exports, and this led to the growth of a powerful political movement in Caribia that wanted self-determination for the country and emancipation for the slaves. When the Iberian government failed to listen to the demands of the colonists there was an uprising that ultimately led to the proclamation of independence from Iberia and the creation of the Republic of Caribia.
The Republic of Caribia enjoys good relationships with most of its neighbours, but the continued presence of an Iberian colony in the region – Cigara – does give the government cause for concern.
Chitan
The Empire of Chitan is located in eastern Asia, and is the most populous nation in the world. It is also the world’s oldest civilisation and it history goes back nearly three millennia. Its earliest ruler – Tamur Khan – came from the area that is now called Chitankiang, and the present-day Emperor claims direct descent from Tamur.
The Empire of Chitan is divided into seventeen provinces:
The capital of the Empire of Chitan is Peikiang, which is situated in the province of the same name. It is reputed to be the largest city in the world, but foreigners are forbidden to visit it. Diplomats from foreign nations have to live in a separate walled compound outside the city known locally as ‘The City of Devils’.
Although the Empire of Chitan is ancient and on paper its military forces are the largest in the world, most of its army is ill-equipped and poorly trained. In recent years the Empire has been under increasing pressure to open itself up to foreign trade, but the current Emperor – supported by the majority of his Provincial Governors – have so far resisted this. There have been minor clashes between Chitanese forces and foreign troops who are protecting the small European settlements set up by traders along the coast of Chitan, but as yet there has been no major confrontation between Chitan and the European powers.
Cordeguay
The Republic of Cordeguay is located on the south west coast of South America. The country is divided into three main geographical regions: a coastal plain, a chain of mountains, and a desert (the Arrida Desert).
The original inhabitants of the area are the Quincas, and the majority of the native population is descended from them. The Quincas worshipped the Sun, but unlike other South American native cultures they did not use human sacrifices as part of their ceremonies. There are two main Quinca tribes, the Amontillado and Manzanilla. Their culture is mainly agrarian and the main crops they grow are corn and barley (the latter being used to brew a local beer-like alcoholic drink called borrachin), with sheep-rearing (for meat and wool) predominating in the foothill and mountain areas.
Cordeguay is named after Juan Cordes, the conquistador whose small army seized the country for the King of Iberia. The use of cavalry and firearms ensured that Cordes’ conquistadors were able to achieve a bloody victory over the Quincas at the First Battle of Atramentum. As with the other former Iberian colonies in South America, the Republic of Cordeguay gained its independence during the eighteen twenties, when General Molivar led the Army of Liberation to victory over the Iberian Army at the Second Battle of Atramentum.
Cordeguay is a democratic plutarchy (a combination of a plutocracy and oligarchy). Only those people who have sufficient wealth or property qualify to vote; to date, no Quinca has every voted in an election. Elections for the House of Deputies (the lower chamber of the Cortes Generales) are held every five years, and elections for the House of Senators (the upper chamber) take place every seven years. The President is always a member of the House of Senators, and is either elected by the House of Senators sitting as an electoral college or by Military Acclamation.
The Republic of Cordeguay has a long-standing border dispute with the Republic of Argentia and has exchanged diplomatic notes in recent years with the Republic of San Theodoros about the treatment of Cordeguayan workers who are working in the mines in the southern part of San Theodoros.
Epiria
The Kingdom of Epiria is located in south eastern Europe. Ancient Epiria – which was a very loose confederation of small city-states and princedoms – was the centre of European civilisation until the area was overrun and conquered by the Etruscian Empire. At one point the Epirians controlled most of what is now Epiria, Syldavia, Borduria, Maldacia, Laurania, Forbodia, Fezia, the northern part of Zubia and Haradia, Kushanistan, and northern Chindia.
Under Etruscian rule Epirian culture continued to flourish (in fact it was adopted almost wholesale by the Etruscians), but with the collapse of the Etruscian Empire Epiria fell under the control of the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia. It remained part of the Fezian Empire until the mid-eighteenth century, when it regained its independence – with the active support of many European countries – after a short war.
The Kingdom of Epiria maintains a fairly neutral stance to the national rivalries that exist within modern Europe, but it is to be expected that they would ally themselves with any nation that sought to reduce the power of Fezia and allow Epiria to occupy the area that is commonly referred to as ‘Fezia within Europe’ (i.e. the Fezian enclave in south eastern Europe).
Etruscia
The Kingdom of Etruscia is located on a large peninsular in southern Europe and two large islands in the Midland Sea.
Ancient Etruscia evolved from a small city-state into one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen. At its height it controlled an area on both sides of the Midland Sea from Iberia and Morroko in the west to Remania, Fezia, and Haradia in the east, and as far north as Anglia and Teutonia.
The Etruscian Empire reached the height of its power during the third century, but soon afterwards its power gradually began to decline. Barbarian tribes from the north and east pushed the borders further and further back towards Etruscia, and in the sixth century its capital was sacked and burned to the ground by the invaders. The Etruscian Empire finally came to an end in the eleventh century, but by then the centre of power had moved to the area known as ‘Fezia in Europe’.
Etruscia fractured into a large number of small states after the collapse of the Empire, and it was not until the late eighteenth century that these small states began the slow process of reuniting into what has now become modern Etruscia. This process was finally finished only just over twenty years ago, and since then Etruscia has sought to revive the memory of the ancient empire whose name it bears. As yet it has no overseas territories or colonies, but it is becoming very obvious that it hopes to do so in the very near future.
Federated States of America
The Federated States of America are situated in North America and occupy an area in the centre of the continent that runs from the east to the west coast.
Before the arrival of the first colonists from Europe in the sixteenth century, the area that is now Britannic America and the Federated States of America was inhabited by indigenous tribes who had a distinct culture based upon hunter-gathering, agriculture, and fishing. They also tended towards the common ownership of land and whatever resources were available rather than the European model of individual ownership and exploitation.
This difference in culture caused conflict between the native population and the early colonists from Britannia, Gallia, and Iberia, and the situation was made worse by the decimation of the indigenous population by disease that the colonists brought with them from Europe and to which the natives had no resistance.
The death of so many of the native population caused additional problems for the European settlers. They were not numerous enough to do all the manual labour that the new colonies needed to ensure their success, particularly those colonies in the southern part of the continent where large-scale agriculture was the norm. This shortage of manpower was made up for by the importation of black African slaves.
By the middle of the eighteenth century a series of wars between the major European powers – coupled with continued European immigration – had led to the creation of Britannic America. This spread from Seminole in the south to New Scotia in the north and as far inland as Mohawk, Huron, and Shawnee. The Gallian presence in North America was absorbed into Britannic America and the Iberia colony of ‘New Iberia’ (which later became the Republic of Anahuaco) included the states now known as Tejas, New Anahuaco, and Calafia.
The growing economic power of Britannic America led to tension between sections of the colonial government and the government of the United Kingdom of Britannia, particularly with regard to the taxation of colonist. Matters came to a head in the last years of the eighteenth century and culminated in a war between some of the colonies and their Britannic ‘occupiers’. It was as a result of this war that eight of the colonies gained their independence, and these eight colonies – Carolia, Huron, Mohawk, Oneonta, Potomac, Seminole, Shawnee, and Verdana – became the founding states of the Federation.
Under its first Presidents the Federated States of America continued to expand eastwards, but employed a policy of assimilation rather than conquest with regard to the indigenous population. This process was gradual but proved effective, and conflict was – in most cases – avoided. There were some uprisings against the incoming settlers, but these were dealt with swiftly and – wherever possible – with the minimum of retribution.
In the period after independence slavery was an issue that threatened to destabilise the newly created Federation. Whilst the ownership of black slaves from Africa was common practice in some of the southern states of the Federation, it was far less common in the northern states. The decision by many of the newly emergent nations of South America to free their slaves in the aftermath of independence, coupled with a growing anti-slavery movement in the northern states, put pressure on the Federation’s government to bring an end to slavery.
This was resisted by the Governors and State Assemblies of the southern states, and for a time it seemed that a war between the states was a distinct possibility. In the end the President and the Federation’s House of Governance passed legislation that made the ownership of slaves an issue that was to be decided by each state’s Assembly. At the same time the President and the Federation’s House of Governance provided money to fund a generous compensation scheme – based upon that introduced by the Kingdom of Britannia during the early part of the nineteenth century when slavery had been abolished within the Britannic Empire – for slave owners who freed their slaves of their own accord. As a result of this initiative slavery gradually died out over the next few years, and was formally abolished by all the states by the middle of the nineteenth century.
As a result of a war with the Republic of Anahuaco during the middle of the nineteenth century the states of Tejas, New Anahuaco, and Calafia were incorporated into the Federation. This territorial loss remains a bone of contention between the two neighbours, but the Republic of Anahuaco poses no real threat to the Federated States of America.
The Federated States of America is divided into seventeen semi-autonomous states:
States also elect representatives who sit in the House of Governance in the national capital and individual citizens have the right to vote in the elections for the President of the Federated States. The House of Governance passes the laws that pertain across the Federation (making sure that they do not conflict with individual states’ laws) and raise taxes to pay for things that are Federation responsibilities, such as national defence. The House also has general oversight of the President, and can call him to account should he appear to be acting outside of his remit or against the will of the majority of the House.
The President of the Federated States of America is its head of state. His powers are mainly those relating to the external relationships between the Federation and the other nations of the world although he does also act as arbiter in any disputes between individual states of the Federation. The President is also the nominal commander-in-chief of the Federation’s armed forces, but as yet no president has exercised his right to personally lead the armed forces in the field.
A basic tenet of the foreign policy of the Federated States of America is ‘America for the Americans’. In other words, they resent any European interference in the affairs of North and South America, and will resist it – by force – if necessary. This stance has led to a degree of friction between the Federation on one hand and Britannia, Iberia, and Rusland on the other because of what the Federation perceives as their continued colonial presence on the continent.
Fezia
The Sublime Sultanate of Fezia is located at the eastern end of the Midland Sea, the north eastern coast of Africa, and the Haradian Peninsula. The Sultanate grew as a result of the power vacuum that resulted from the gradual decline of the Etruscian Empire. By a process of conquest it eventually controlled the whole coast of northern Africa from modern-day Morroko to Zubia and the Haradian Peninsular, and a large part of south eastern Europe including Syldavia, Borduria, Remania, Maldacia, Laurania, Forbodia, and Epiria. At one point it even occupied southern Iberia.
Unfortunately many of the Sultans who ruled the Sublime Sultanate were more concerned with personal pleasure than ruling wisely, and over time the Sublime Sultanate has lost control over much of the territory it incorporated at the height of its power.
The Sublime Sultanate of Fezia now controls seven semi-autonomous regions:
The Emirs have almost total control over the regions that they rule. They can raise whatever taxes that they wise to, pass laws, and raise military forces. As long as they swear fealty to the Sublime Sultan, pass on sufficient tax revenue to keep the Sultan of Fezia’s coffers full, and supply troops for the Sultan’s army at time of war, they are left to their own devices. Some have even signed treaties and trade agreements with foreign countries in their own right.
It is likely that the power of the Sublime Sultan will continue to decline, and that some of the semi-autonomous regions will become de facto separate nations. It is also possible that some of the European powers will exploit this decline for their own purposes.
Forbodia
The Kingdom of Forbodia is located in south eastern Europe with a coastline on the Fezian Sea. It is an absolute monarchy – although a parliament of sorts does exist – and until the late eighteenth century – when it gained independence – it was controlled by the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia. The first ruler was King Boris I, and all the subsequent kings have adopted the name Boris on their accession to the throne.
Forbodia has a mainly rural economy but during the last twenty years it has begun to set up some heavy industries in order to exploit the country’s supplies of coal and iron ore.
Forbodia maintains a strong army for its size, and the equipment used by the first line units is modern even though some of the uniforms look somewhat dated. Maintaining a large modern army is a strain on the national economy, but the proximity of the old enemy – the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia – has ensured that Forbodia regard this high level of expenditure on the armed forces as a matter of national pride and a guarantee of continued independence.
Gallia
The Republic of Gallia is located in western Europe and shares borders with the Kingdoms of Iberia and Etruscia and the Teutonic Empire.
The ancient Kingdom of Gallia was created during the twelfth century when the various duchies and princedoms within the borders of Gallia were united by the first King of Gallia, Henri the First. His descendants ruled the Kingdom until the end of the eighteenth century when the then king – Rollo the Sixteenth – was overthrown (and later executed) and the Republic of Gallia was created.
There has always been a traditional rivalry between Gallia and Britannia, and there has hardly been a decade from the fourteenth century until the middle of the nineteenth century when the two nations have not been at each other’s throats. They have fought wars over which of the two nations should have primacy in the colonisation of North America and the exploitation of Chindia as well as for control of the world’s seaways.
The Republic of Gallia has seven overseas territories:
The Republic of Gallia is a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature comprising the National Assembly and the Senate. The President of the Republic is head of state and is elected for a seven-year term. The Government is led by a Prime Minister who is appointed by the President. The National Assembly deputies are for five-year terms and it has the power to dismiss the cabinet but not the Prime Minister. Members of the Senate are chosen by an electoral college for six-year terms with one half of the seats being subject to election every three years.
Since the disastrous war with the Teutonic Empire only a few years ago, the Republic of Gallia now sees that nation as its greatest threat, and as a result relations with the old enemy, Britannia, have improved. Whilst Gallia and Britannia are not allies, they share a growing apprehension with regard to the increasing military and economic power of the Teutonic Empire.
Gaziristan
Gaziristan is located in the mountainous area of Asia to the north of Britannic Chindia. It has a titular head of state – the Emir of Gaziristan – but his power is very limited. Gaziristan seems to be in a constant state of internal unrest, with the various different tribes in an almost perpetual state of war with each other as a result blood feuds that go back many generations. The only time the Gaziris ever unite is when outsiders seek to interfere in the internal affairs of the country or when foreign powers mount punitive expeditions against the Gaziri tribes who have mounted raids into neighbouring countries.
Iberia
The Kingdom of Iberia is situated on the south western coast of Europe and is separated from Africa by the Straits of Iberia. It shares a common border with the Republic of Gallia.
In ancient times Iberia formed part of the Etruscian Empire and after the collapse of Empire it split into small principalities that fought innumerable wars with one another. This came to an end during the seventh century when the southern part of the country was occupied by a Fezian army that invaded from what is now Morroko. The Fezians ruled southern Iberia until the late fourteenth century when the princes of the unoccupied area of Iberia finally cooperated with one another to expel the invaders. The Iberians were led by Juan de Castro, Prince of Asturina, and he became the first King of Iberia.
After its ‘liberation’ from Fezia the newly united Kingdom of Iberia embarked on a very vigorous programme of colonisation, especially in the Americas, the former Fezian territories in north west Africa, and the Far East. Within less than one hundred years the Kingdom of Iberia controlled all of South and Central America, Morroko, and Chindonesia as well as staging posts on the coast of Africa in what are now called Costa D'Oro, Mangola, and Mazobique. The colonies proved to be a vast source of wealth, and for a time Iberia became the pre-eminent power in Europe.
The Kingdom of Iberia gradually began to lose that pre-eminence as the power of Britannia and Gallia increased, and by the early years of the nineteenth century its maladministration in South and Central America – coupled with a growing desire for self-determination in the Iberian colonies there – led to the loss of all but the island of Cigara.
At the same time as it was losing its American colonies the Kingdom of Iberia began to expand its footholds in Africa, and Costa D'Oro, Mangola, and Mazobique developed from small fortified staging post on the coast into full-blown colonies.
The Kingdom of Iberia has a number of colonies across the world. These include:
Jippon
The Jipponese Empire is located on a string of islands off the coast of eastern Asia. It is notionally a constitutional monarchy, but true power lies in the hands of the Emperor and his advisers.
For many centuries the Jipponese and their Chitanese neighbours waged intermittent wars with one another. Chitan saw the islands of Jippon as a natural extension of Chitan whilst the Jipponese sought to retain their independence. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Jipponese prevailed, and were eventually left ignored – and despised – by the Empire of Chitan.
For many years Jippon was closed to outsiders, and it was even less well known and understood that its mainland neighbour, Chitan. During the mid-nineteenth century that situation changed almost overnight, and the Jipponese Empire began to trade with the Europeans and Federated States of America. On the back of this massive increase in trade came westernisation, and the Jipponese have made the transition from a closed, medieval society into a modern western-style country in less than one generation.
The Jipponese Empire has four main islands:
Kushanistan
The Emirate of Kushanistan is located in southern Asia between Fezian Haradia and Britannic Chindia. It is a sparsely populated country, and relies heavily upon trading is agricultural output with neighbouring countries for its main source of income. This output includes wheat, rice, barley, corn, cotton, hemp, tobacco, almonds, walnuts and spices (particularly cumin).
Laurania
The Republic of Laurania is located in south eastern Europe. It was controlled by the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia until the early nineteenth century when it gained independence as the Principality of Laurania.
The last of the Princes of Laurania – Flavius the Twentieth – did not rule wisely, and in the late eighteen forties there was a revolution and was deposed. The five members of the Supreme Council of Laurania (Consila Suprema da Laurania) ran the country until the Republic’s Constitution was written and the first President – Rueben Matanza – was elected. Subsequent Presidents continued the modernisation of the country and the Republic acquired its first – and only – overseas African colony, Saba.
Unfortunately growing internal unrest led to a civil war in the early eighteen eighties. This ended when the First Republic was dissolved and a new constitution was enacted. The Second Republic was then established under the presidency of former general Antonio Molara. He proved to be somewhat of a tyrant, and he was overthrown and killed only three years ago during yet another revolution. The original constitution was restored, and the Third Republic came into existence. Its new president – Hector Godoy – immediately set about pardoning all but the most important of President Molara’s supporters, the latter being offered the opportunity of voluntary exile rather than imprisonment. This Bill of Reconciliation did much to repair the internal political differences within the Republic of Laurania. President Godoy also sought to gain allies abroad and recently made a State Visit to the United Kingdom of Laurania.
For historical reasons Laurania has never enjoyed good relationships with neighbouring Maldacia, and the small Lauranian armed forces are tasked with protecting the homeland from possible Maldacian incursions as well as maintaining the peace in the African colony. The recent understanding that was reached with the United Kingdom of Britannia has given the Republic of Laurania a degree of security from external threats, and could ultimately lead to the republic enjoying some small role on the world stage.
Magyarvia
The Kingdom of Magyarvia is a landlocked country located in central Europe. It has borders with Rusland, Remania, Borduria, Etruscia, and Teutonia, and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘cockpit of eastern Europe’ because of the number of times wars have been fought within its boundaries.
The Kingdom of Magyarvia is an ancient one, with a continuous history that goes back nearly two thousand years. It is said that the barbarians that sacked and burned the capital of the ancient Etruscian Empire were from Magyarvia, and the Magyarvians certainly enjoyed a reputation as being ferocious warriors – and excellent mercenaries – well into the eighteenth century.
Magyarvia’s economy is primarily agricultural although there has been some small-scale industrial development in recent years. The Kingdom of Magyarvia's strategic position in Europe and its lack of natural resources have dictated a traditional reliance on foreign trade, especially for manufactured goods such as small arms and artillery.
The Kingdom of Magyarvia’s army contains a small number of regular units whose numbers would be enhanced in time of war by a levée en masse. All Magyarvians see it as their sacred duty to protect their country and many belong to volunteer patriotic rifle clubs where they can receive basic and advanced training in the use of small arms.
Maldacia
The Principality of Maldacia is located in south eastern Europe. Like all the other countries in the area, it was controlled by the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia until the early nineteenth century when it gained independence as the Principality of Maldacia.
The Princes of Maldacia rule as autocratic monarchs, and rely upon their extended family to fill most of the important offices of state. For example, the current Prime Minister is the Prince’s paternal uncle and the head of the army is the Prince’s younger brother.
The economy of the Principality of Maldacia is mainly agricultural, but the recent discovery of deposits of coal and iron ore has led to a degree of industrial development taking place. The Principality has a single African colony called Darmot, and the discovery of small deposits of gemstone-bearing rock within the colony has provided a very useful additional source of income for Maldacia.
Even before they gained independence from the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia, Maldacia and neighbouring Laurania have always seen each other as potential enemies, and the primary task of the Maldacian armed forces is the protection Maldacia from a possible Laurania invasion. Its secondary task is the maintenance of peace in the country’s African colony. The recent mutual defence agreement that was signed with the Teutonic Empire has hopefully given the Principality of Maldacia a degree of security from external threats.
Matongo
Matongo is a large and relatively unexplored area located in central Africa. It is nominally ruled by the self-styled ‘King of Matongo’, but his control only extends a few miles inland from the coast. It is rumoured that some of the tribes in the hinterland practice cannibalism, and that they are in an almost constant state of war with each other. Few Europeans have ventured into Matongo, and even fewer have returned to civilisation afterwards.
Nuevo Rico
The Republic of Nuevo Rico is located on the west coast of South America and is divided into two main geographical regions: a coastal plain and a chain of mountains.
The indigenous population before the arrival of the Iberians were the Quisumbas, and even today they form the majority of the population. Before the Iberians conquered the Quisumbas the natives worshipped the Sun and sacrificed captured enemies as part of their ceremonies. Their way of life has changed little over the past five hundred years and the majority of Quisumbas are subsistence farmers. The main crops grown on the coastal plain are corn and barley and sheep are reared for their meat and wool in the mountainous areas.
Juan Cortes – the conquistador who also conquered the areas now occupied by Olifa, San Theodoros, and Cordeguay – defeated the Quisumbas in a series of bloody battles. His use of cavalry and firearms decimated the Quisumban armies and made it possible for the Iberians to settle and rule the country relatively peacefully until the eighteen twenties. As with the other former Iberian colonies in South America, the area that now forms the Republic of Nuevo Rico gained its independence when General Molivar led the Army of Liberation to victory over the Iberian Army at the Second Battle of Atramentum.
In the aftermath of independence the area that is now the territory of the Republics of Nuevo Rico, San Theodoros, and Olifa was a single country called the Republic of Molivia (so named after General Molivar). Unfortunately internal rivalries soon afflicted the newly formed republic, and by the eighteen forties the Republic of Molivia had split into three; the Republics of Nuevo Rico, San Theodoros, and Olifa.
Nuevo Rico is – on paper – a democracy, but the reality is that only the wealthy have any say in the way the country is governed. The ruling class are almost exclusively descended from Iberian colonists, and they are the people who own the farms and the mines, sit in the House of Deputies (the lower chamber of the Cortes Generales) and the House of Senators (the upper chamber). The President is always almost always a member of the House of Senators, and ‘elected’ by the Cortes Generales) sitting as an electoral college.
The Republic of Nuevo Rico has a long-standing border dispute with the Republic of San Theodoros and has also raised concerns about the treatment of Nuevo Ricans who are working on the farms in the northern part of San Theodoros.
Olifa
The Republic of Olifa is located on the west coast of South America and is divided into two main geographical regions: a wide coastal plain and a chain of hills that gradually become mountains.
The indigenous population before the arrival of the Iberians were the Quisumbas, and even today they form the majority of the population. Before the Iberians conquered the Quisumbas the natives worshipped the Sun and sacrificed captured enemies as part of their ceremonies. Their way of life has changed little over the past five hundred years and the majority of Quisumbas are subsistence farmers. The main crops grown on the coastal plain are corn and barley and sheep are reared for their meat and wool in the mountainous areas.
Juan Cortes – the conquistador who also conquered the areas now occupied by Nuevo Rico, San Theodoros, and Cordeguay – defeated the Quisumbas in a series of bloody battles. His use of cavalry and firearms decimated the Quisumban armies and made it possible for the Iberians to settle and rule the country relatively peacefully until the eighteen twenties. As with the other former Iberian colonies in South America, the area that now forms the Republic of Olifa gained its independence when General Molivar led the Army of Liberation to victory over the Iberian Army at the Second Battle of Atramentum.
In the aftermath of independence the area that is now the territory of the Republics of Olifa, Nuevo Rico, and San Theodoros was a single country called the Republic of Molivia (so named after General Molivar). Unfortunately internal rivalries soon afflicted the newly formed republic, and by the eighteen forties the Republic of Molivia had split into three; the Republics of Olifa, Nuevo Rico, and San Theodoros.
Olifa is a democracy and all male citizens who can read and write are eligible to vote in elections for the parliament (the Cortes Generales). The Cortes Generales has both a lower and upper chamber (the House of Representatives and House Senators respectively). Members of the lower chamber are elected every three years and Senators are elected every five years. The Presidential elections are held every seven years.
The Republic of Olifa enjoys good relationships with its neighbours and as a result its armed forces are small in comparison with those of some other South American countries.
Opeland
The Kingdom of Opeland is located in north east Europe on the Sea of Opeland.
The Kingdom has an unbroken history that goes back to its foundation fifteen hundred years ago. By a process of conquest and marriage the numerous tribes of the area were united by Erik Longman (he was reputed to be almost seven feet tall!), and he became the first king of Opeland, Erik I. He later went on to conquer most of what is now modern Upsland and Jutaland and created the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland.
By the beginning of the seventeenth century the Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland had expanded to include Lesser and Greater Nordland as well as the coastal area of the Sea of Opeland that is now part of the Teutonic Empire and the Oblast of Ruthenskaya in Rusland. This marked the pinnacle of Opelandic power, and by the late eighteenth century the only part of the southern coast of the Sea of Opeland that remained in Opelandic control was Latonia, an enclave on the coast of Rusland that they still retain.
In the early nineteenth century the birth of twin sons to the King of Opeland-Upsland precipitated a crisis within the Kingdoms. The majority of Upslanders – whose outlook was to the west and America and not to the east like the Opelanders – were already urging the dissolution of the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland. In the face of mounting political pressure and the possibility of civil war the King of Opeland-Upsland – King Oscar VIII – proposed that his eldest twin son – also named Oskar – should be heir of the Kingdom of Opeland and the younger twin – Erik – should be heir of the Kingdom of Upsland. On the death of Oscar VIII in the late eighteen sixties the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland split in two, and King Oskar IX became King of Opeland and King Erik IV became the first king of the newly independent Kingdom of Upsland.
The Kingdom of Opeland enjoys good relationships with most of its neighbours although the rise of the Teutonic Empire has given some cause for concern. There is growing political pressure to expand the Opelandic armed forces, and this is likely to occur over the next few years.
Remania
The Kingdom of Remania is located on the north west coast of the Fezian Sea. It is notionally a constitutional monarchy, but true power lies in the hands of the King, the other members of the Royal Family, and the aristocracy or patricii. Until the mid eighteenth century – when it gained its independence after the Ruso-Fezian War and became a principality – it was controlled by the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia. The first ruler of the Principality of Remania was Prince Carol I. It was not until the middle of the nineteenth century that the principality was transformed into a kingdom on the accession of Prince (later King) Ferdinand II to the throne.
The Remanians consider themselves to be the last remnant of the old Etruscian Empire. They use a language that has evolved from ancient Etruscian and that is similar in many ways to modern-day Etruscian although the grammar and vocabulary of the two languages is significantly different.
The Kingdom of Remania has an essentially agrarian economy, although deposits of oil have been discovered and could possibly become a major source of export income in the forthcoming years.
Most foreign trade is conducted with Remania’s northern neighbour, the Empire of Rusland, although lately it has begun to create trade links with both Etruscia and Gallia, and the latter has begun to supply arms to the Kingdom’s armed forces.
The Kingdom of Remania still feels threatened by the presence of the Fezian Empire just across the Fezian Sea, and has promised military support to Forbodia and Epiria should the Fezians threaten them. The Kingdom of Remania hopes that its links with Rusland, Etruscia, and Gallia will help to protect it from any possible Fezian threat, but nevertheless it maintains a small, well equipped and well trained army and navy.
Rusland
The Empire of Rusland occupies the largest land area of any nation in the world. It stretches from Europe to the Far East, and covers most of the northern half of Asia. It is an autocratic monarchy and power lies with the Emperor, the Imperial Family, and the aristocracy. The majority of the population have no say in the governing of the nation and even the small but growing Middle Class are effectively disenfranchised.
The origins of the Empire can be traced back to the fifteenth century when successive Princes of Moskoskaya began to conquer the surrounding areas. By the end of the seventeenth century Armenistan, Krimskaya, Ruthenskaya, and Uralskaya had been added to the Principality of Moskoskaya, and Prince Ivan IV of Moskoskaya proclaimed himself to be Emperor Ivan I, supreme ruler of the Empire of Rusland.
By the end of the seventeenth century the Empire had expanded to include Opeskaya, Kivahstan, Turkostan, Bekuzistan, and Nenetskaya, and the Empire laid claim to Alaskaya, Kamkatskaya, Kazaskaya, Krazkaya, Yatminskaya, and Zakutskaya, although one of these – Kazaskaya – was not fully integrated into the Empire until the eighteen fifties.
The Empire of Rusland has sixteen regions (called Oblasts). These are:
As befits the largest nation in the world, the Empire of Rusland has the largest standing army in the world, although its navy is weak when compared to the navies of some other much smaller countries. This is due to the fact that the main Imperial Rusland Navy bases are in the Sea of Opeland and Fezian Seas and do not have unhindered access to the world’s oceans.
The Empire of Rusland feels itself surrounded by potential enemies and is constantly on its guard against what it perceives to be potential threats to its paramount position in the world. These threats could be internal or external, and the Emperor has shown himself to be very willing to use all necessary force to counter such threats, be they at home or abroad.
San Theodoros
The Republic of San Theodoros is located on the west coast of South America and is divided into two main geographical regions: a coastal plain and a chain of mountains.
The indigenous population before the arrival of the Iberians were the Quisumbas, and even today they form the majority of the population. Before the Iberians conquered the Quisumbas the natives worshipped the Sun and sacrificed captured enemies as part of their ceremonies. Their way of life has changed little over the past five hundred years and the majority of Quisumbas are subsistence farmers. The main crops grown on the coastal plain are corn and barley and sheep are reared for their meat and wool in the mountainous areas.
Juan Cortes – the conquistador who also conquered the areas now occupied by Olifa, Nuevo Rico, and Cordeguay – defeated the Quisumbas in a series of bloody battles. His use of cavalry and firearms decimated the Quisumban armies and made it possible for the Iberians to settle and rule the country relatively peacefully until the eighteen twenties. As with the other former Iberian colonies in South America, the area that now forms the Republic of San Theodoros gained its independence when General Molivar led the Army of Liberation to victory over the Iberian Army at the Second Battle of Atramentum.
In the aftermath of independence the area that is now the territory of the Republics of San Theodoros, Nuevo Rico, and Olifa was a single country called the Republic of Molivia (so named after General Molivar). Unfortunately internal rivalries soon afflicted the newly formed republic, and by the eighteen forties the Republic of Molivia had split into three; the Republics of San Theodoros, Nuevo Rico, and Olifa.
San Theodoros is a plutocratic democracy. Only those citizens with wealth and position in society can vote in elections, and this means that the majority of the population – who are mainly Quisumbas and migrant workers from Cordeguay and Nuevo Rico – are disenfranchised.
The Republic of San Theodoros has a long-standing border dispute with the Republic of Nuevo Rico and has exchanged diplomatic notes with the Republic of Cordeguay when the latter protested at the way Cordeguayan workers in San Theodoros were being treated.
Syldavia
The Kingdom of Syldavia is located in south eastern Europe on the coast of the Midland Sea. It shares borders with Etruscia, Magyarvia, Borduria, and Maldacia. It is an autocratic monarchy, and power lies in the hands of the King – King Muskar X – and the other members of the Royal Family
In late twelfth century the then Kingdom of Syldavia – which was ruled by King Muskar II, a weak and vain man – was invaded and annexed by the Bordurians. It remained under Borduria rule for just under a century, when Baron Almaszout drove the Bordurians out and was crowned as the new King of Syldavia, King Ottokar I. This independence did not last long, and it was invaded by the armies of the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia. It remained part of the Sublime Sultanate until the latter part of the eighteenth century when it regained independence as the Kingdom of Syldavia.
Syldavia has a mainly rural economy, but it has developed some heavy industries over the past ten years. This has been due to the discovery of anthracite coal and iron ore close to the border with Borduria.
Syldavia maintains a small but well-trained conscript army, and the first line units are the equipped with modern weapons. The reserves are not as well-equipped, and the King is trying to remedy this situation. Borduria is seen as a threat the Syldavian independence, and the majority of the army is based to meet the threat of a Bordurian invasion.
Tafira
The Kingdom of Tafira is located on a highland plateau in central east Africa. For centuries it was almost unknown to Europeans, and the few that went there came back with tales of an ancient kingdom that appeared to have changed very little over the last millennia.
The King of Tafira is not a hereditary title but is bestowed upon the head of the strongest tribe. This has led to frequent civil wars between the various tribes at to which of their leaders should be King. As a result the country has remained very poor and most of the population are subsistence farmers who grow maize to eat and raise cattle and goats for their milk and meat.
The fact that the Kingdom of Tafira has not been colonised by any of the European powers is due to its inhospitable climate, its inaccessibility, and the fierceness of its warriors. The latter will always put aside their internal squabbles to fight off potential invaders, and have done so on several occasions in the past. The last invasion of Tafira took place in the eighteen seventies when a small Fezian army from Sadun crossed the border. The Fezians were in intent upon punishing of some Tafirans who had stolen cattle inside Sadun. The Fezian troops were ambushed and only a few dozen survivors escaped back to Sadun.
Teutonia
The Empire of Teutonia is located in northern mainland Europe and has coastlines in both the Britannic Sea and Sea of Opeland. The Empire only came into existence a few years ago and almost immediately became involved in a war with the Republic of Gallia. The latter was beaten, and this confirmed the Empire’s position as a major military power in the world.
In the time of the Etruscian Empire the Teutonia was one of its most northerly provinces. It was renowned for the fierceness of its warriors, and many were recruited into the Etruscian army, where they served with distinction. They also played a significant part in the Empire’s downfall, and Teutonic tribesmen were amongst those who sacked and burned the capital of the Etruscian Empire during the sixth century.
After the collapse of the Etruscian Empire, the Etruscian Province of Teutonia fractured into a multitude of minor and insignificant tribal areas. These later developed into a myriad of duchies and principalities, and it was not until the middle of the seventeenth century that three of them – the Principality of Saxonia, the Grand Duchy of Munchen, and the Kingdom of Markland – began to gain in military strength and political power within the region.
The Kingdom of Markland absorbed a large part of the former Opelandic territory on the southern coast of the Sea of Opeland, and this increase in population and economic power enabled the Kingdom to gradually gain an ascendancy over the other Teutonic duchies and principalities. By the beginning of the nineteenth century this ascendancy had led to the creation of a Markland-dominated customs union (called the Zollverein) that covered most of Teutonia. The King of Markland used the administration of the Zollverein to gradually take over economic control of many of the smaller duchies and principalities, and within a few years most of them accepted his de facto leadership of the region and placed their armed forces under the direct control of the Markland Army High Command and War Ministry.
Some of the duchies and principalities – including the Principality of Saxonia and the Grand Duchy of Munchen – objected to both the Zollverein and the growing dominance of the Kingdom of Markland. Matters came to a head when the Duke of Schlesburg-Hamstein died without naming a successor. The Principality of Saxonia, the Grand Duchy of Munchen, and the other non-Zollverein duchies and principalities proposed that the second son of the Prince of Saxonia – Prince Karl – should become the new Duke of Schlesburg-Hamstein. The Kingdom of Markland – supported by the rest of the states within the Zollverein – proposed that Duke of Mecklen’s son – Count Albrecht – become the new Duke of Schlesburg-Hamstein. As Count Albrecht was married to the King of Markland’s youngest daughter – Princess Katharina – this proposal was totally unacceptable to the Principality of Saxonia, the Grand Duchy of Munchen, and the other non-Zollverein duchies and principalities.
The diplomatic exchanges between the two sides became very heated, and within weeks minor skirmishes had broken out all over the region. Both sides mobilised their armed forces and the Army of the Zollverein – led by the King of Markland in person – defeated the combined armies of the Principality of Saxonia and the Grand Duchy of Munchen at the Battle of Schlossen. The war had only lasted five weeks and led to the Principality of Saxonia, the Grand Duchy of Munchen, and the other non-Zollverein duchies and principalities joining the customs union. Only two years later the Zollverein’s Council of Staatschefs (Heads of State) unanimously voted in favour of the formation of the Empire of Teutonia and elected the King of Markland – King Otto V – to be the first Emperor, Emperor Otto I of Teutonia.
Within five years of its creation the new Empire had fought a short but decisive war with the Republic of Gallia. The Teutonic victory reinforced the growing military and political power of the Empire of Teutonia within Europe, and since then it has continued to expand its influence across the world.
The Empire of Teutonia has six overseas colonies:
The Empire of Teutonia is now one of the world’s major powers and seems set upon becoming the most important of them. This might well lead to wars being fought with other European nations – and possibly some non-European ones – in the near future.
Upsland
The Kingdom of Upsland is located in north west Europe on the Atlantic Ocean. The Kingdom is divided into four separate regions, each with its own semi-autonomous government. These regions are:
The Kingdom came into existence when Erik Longman became the first king of Opeland – Erik I – and later went on to conquer most of what is now modern Upsland and Jutaland and created the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland.
Thanks to Upslandic fishermen and settlers, by the beginning of the seventeenth century the Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland had expanded to include Lesser and Greater Nordland. This was in addition to the territory that the twin Kingdoms controlled on the southern coast of the Sea of Opeland in what is now the Teutonic Empire and the Oblast of Ruthenskaya in Rusland. This marked the pinnacle of the twin Kingdoms’ power, and by the late eighteenth century the only part of the southern coast of the Sea of Opeland that remained in its control was Latonia. Lesser and Greater Nordland, however, remained under the flag of the twin Kingdoms and gradually became fully integrated regions within the Kingdoms.
In the early nineteenth century the birth of twin sons to the King of Opeland-Upsland precipitated a crisis within the twin Kingdoms. The majority of Upslanders – whose outlook was not to the east like that of the Opelanders but looked more to the west and America instead – had already begun to urge that the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland be dissolved and that Upsland be allowed to become independent.
In the face of mounting political pressure and with the possibility of civil war looming on the horizon, the King of Opeland-Upsland – King Oscar VIII – proposed that his the older of his twin sons – also named Oskar – should be heir of the Kingdom of Opeland and that the younger of the twins – Erik – should be heir of the Kingdom of Upsland. On the death of Oscar VIII in the late eighteen sixties the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland split in two, and King Oskar IX became King of Opeland and King Erik IV became the first king of the newly independent Kingdom of Upsland.
The Kingdom of Upsland enjoys good relationships with its neighbours and as a result it does not feel the need to retain a large army or navy. They see the primary role of their armed forces as being coastal defence and much of their military expenditure is spent on coastal defence fortresses and small but heavily armoured coastal defence ships.
Zindaku
The Republic of Zindaku is located on the west coast of Africa. It was set up when the Federated States of America abolished slavery. Any freed slave who wished to return to Africa was given free passage to Zindaku, a small sum of money, a plot of land, and a selection of farming implements. For the first twenty years the country was administered by the Federated States and then granted full independence.
Zindaku has not prospered since the Federated States of America withdrew their support, and the country is continually riven by civil wars. Its instability is seen by the European countries that have neighbouring colonies – Gallia (Senagalia) and Britannia (West Tolva) – as a threat to regional peace, and it seems likely that one or other will intervene in Zindakan affairs at some time in the near future. It will be interesting to see how the Federated States of America might react to such an intervention.
The Republic of Amazona is situated on the eastern seaboard of South America. The first Europeans to settle in Amazona were Iberian colonists who brought with them diseases that were previously unknown in South America and African slaves. The diseases killed almost the entire indigenous population and the vacated coastal lands were settled and exploited by the incoming Iberians. The African slaves were used to perform all the heavy-duty manual tasks such as farming, mining, and logging.
During the early nineteenth century, growing dissatisfaction with increasing tax demands by the Iberian government and the appointment of several inept Viceroys led to the formation of a powerful political movement throughout Central and South America that was in favour of self-determination and emancipation of the slaves. The refusal of the Iberian government to heed the demands of the colonists led to a series of uprisings that culminated in the setting up of the eight republics of Central and South America.
Most of the population of the Republic of Amazona is settled along the seaboard. There are some settlements further inland – there are even some in the foothills of the mountains that split South American into two halves – but the majority of the country remains unexplored and little is known about who or what lives in the interior.
The Republic of Amazona has no major international rivals although the government is conscious and somewhat wary of the growing military power of both Argentia and Cordeguay.
Anahuaco
The Republic of Anahuaco is situated in Central America. The first Europeans to settle in Anahuaco were Iberian colonists who fought and defeated the armies of the indigenous Mayatec Empire. These early colonists named the country ‘New Iberia’ and set about exploiting its natural resources – in particular the gold and silver mines – for the benefit of their mother country and their own fortunes.
The country had little to offer in terms of wealth other than as a source of precious metals and limited agriculture. The latter consisted mainly of growing corn for local consumption and the grazing of cattle. Once the supply of precious metal began to run out, the Iberian government began to think of ‘New Iberia’ as a backwater and a place where even the most inept civil servants could be posted. The attitude of Iberian-born administrators to the settlers – most of who had intermarried for several generations with members of the Mayatec upper classes – led to a growing resentment amongst those settlers. They felt that they had done their best on behalf of their mother country, and that their efforts were both unrecognised and unappreciated.
Matters came to a head during the early nineteenth century, when – in common with all the other Iberian colonies in the Americas – a powerful political movement in favour of self-determination arose in ‘New Iberia’. This finally led to an uprising in ‘New Iberia’ and – after a drawn out war between the two sides – the proclamation of the newly independent Republic of Anahuaco.
At the time of its independence the Republic of Anahuaco was much larger than it is today. Its territory included land that now forms part of the Federated States of America (Calafia, New Anahuaco, and Tejas). The latter were lost as a result of the war between the two countries during the middle of the nineteenth century, and even now this territorial loss is still a bone of contention between the two neighbours. However the Republic of Anahuaco is in no state financially or militarily to consider any attempt to remedy this loss. They do, however, resent interference by the Federated States of America in the internal affairs of other former Iberian colonies in the Americas, and might well ally themselves with any nation whose interests seem to coincide with their own.
Argentia
The Republic of Argentia is situated on the south eastern seaboard of South America. The first Europeans to settle in Argentia were Gallian colonists who named the area after the abundant supply of silver that they found at their first landing site. The Gallian colony did not, however, survive for more than a few years, and the next settlers were from Iberia.
Unlike Amazona, Argentia had few mineral resources (the source of silver ore that the Gallians had found was soon exhausted) but abundant grasslands that were ideal for agriculture. The early settlers quickly spread out from the coast, and numerous small faming settlements were established in the northern part of the country. Further south the indigenous natives proved troublesome, and settlement was far more difficult. In fact, the southern part of Argentia remains poorly settled away from the coastal areas, and the army still has numerous skirmishes with several of the more belligerent native tribes.
The government of Iberia never considered Argentia to be a very important colony, and left it much to its own devices. The movement for political self-determination was never quite as strong in Argentia as it was in the other Central and South American Iberian colonies, but nonetheless the local colonists did rise in revolt against the distant rule of the Iberian government, and the Republic of Argentia was declared towards the end of the second decade of the nineteenth century.
Since then the Argentians have mainly concerned themselves with continuing to develop their country’s economy. This has been moderately successful despite the sporadic internal conflicts between the two main political parties over which of them should be in power. The Republic of Argentia does have an ongoing dispute with the Republic of Cordeguay over the ill-defined border between the two countries, and it is very conscious of the growing power of its northern neighbour, the republic of Amazona.
Borduria
The Kingdom of Borduria is a landlocked country located in south eastern Europe. It was controlled by the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia until the late eighteenth century when it gained independence as the Principality of Borduria. The first ruler – Prince Bodur – was instrumental in starting the series of short wars that eventually led to the end of Fezian rule in Syldavia, Maldacia, and Laurania, and during the mid-nineteenth century his grandson – Prince Bodur III – proclaimed himself King of Borduria in self-recognition of his family’s ‘leadership’ of the other small nations of the region.
Borduria has a mainly rural economy but has taken some steps during the last twenty years to set up some heavy industries, particularly so that the country’s ample supplies of coal and iron ore can be exploited by Bordurians for the benefit of Borduria.
Borduria maintains a somewhat stronger army than one would expect for a country of its size, and the equipment used by the first line units is modern. Maintaining the army at its current size is a strain on the national economy, but rivalry with neighbouring countries – particularly Syldavia – has ensured that very few objections are raised within Borduria to this high level of expenditure on the armed forces.
Britannia
The United Kingdom of Britannia is located on the Britannic Islands which are situated off the coast of western Europe. It is a constitutional monarchy and is made up of three smaller nations who are united by a shared monarch and parliamentary form of government. The three home nations are:
- Anglia.
- Eira, and
- Scotia.
- Europe (Britannic Iberia and Maletta),
- Africa (Banfutuland, Bechulaland, Dammallia, Eboria, New Surrey, Safika, Ubandaland, Ulubia, Waziland, and West Tolva),
- Asia (Britannic Chindia contains twelve provinces and semi-independent allied states: Frontier Province, Gujashtra, Handimann Islands, Harashtra, Jharka, Manay, Massam, Nadula, Nagar, Panjad, Rajashtra, and Yanmir),
- Australasia (The Commonwealth of Australasia has three component states: Eastern Australasia, New South Anglia, and Western Australasia), and
- North America (Britannic America has five provinces or territories: Acadia, Algonqua, Athabaska, New Scotia, and Northern Territories).
Britannic Iberia and Maletta became Britannic territories as a result of the wars the United Kingdom fought against Gallia and Iberia during the early eighteenth century. During the following century Britannic colonies in North America and Australasia flourished, and despite the revolution in some of the North America colonies that led to the foundation of the Federated States of America, the remaining Britannic colonies in those areas have gone from strength to strength. Both Britannic America and the Commonwealth of Australasia have been granted self-government within what is commonly termed the Britannic Empire although the monarch refuses to be referred to by any imperial title.
Britannic Chindia is a unique example of European empire-building. Initially the only Britannic involvement in Chindia was commercial. The Britannic Chindia Company existed to foster trade between the United Kingdom and the independent Chindia native states. Over time the company’s influence grew, and with it came greater involvement by the United Kingdom’s government. When, during the mid-nineteenth century, the Company’s finances began to suffer during one of the periodic economic depressions and there was a possibility of it becoming insolvent, the United Kingdom’s government stepped in and bought a controlling share.
Eventually the Britannic government took over both the Company’s assets – including its monopoly on the sale of certain essential day-to-day items – and its role in Chindia. With the exception of the Frontier Province and the Handimann Islands – both of which are under direct Britannic rule – the rest of Chindia is controlled by the local rulers. They give their allegiance to the monarch of the United Kingdom of Britannia and accept Britannic control over their defence, transport systems, and foreign affairs, and in exchange they retain control of the internal affairs of their semi-independent states and are allowed to recruit and train their own armies. The latter are required by treaty to serve alongside the Britannic forces in Chindia in time of war. The local rulers also have the right to raise taxes, some of the proceeds of which are ‘gifted’ to the United Kingdom each year to help to pay for cost of external defence.
Britannic involvement in Africa began at the end of the eighteenth century when the southernmost tip was occupied by Britannic troops in order to deny it to the Gallians and Iberians. Gradually this military post became the focal point for settlement, and over the next thirty years the area that is now known as Safika was colonised. This process was not always conducted peacefully, and on several occasions Britannic troops were used to suppress native uprisings.
By the middle of the nineteenth century other European nations began to colonise whole regions on the continent, and the United Kingdom was somewhat reluctantly forced to follow suit in order to ensure that they would not be left at a commercial or strategic disadvantage. As a result the United Kingdom of Britannia now possesses a group of colonies in the south and south east of the continent as well as two individual colonies on the west coast. There have been no major native uprisings for some years, and trade and commerce seem to be flourishing within the area under Britannic control.
Bhutet
The Kingdom of Bhutet is located in Asia in the midst of the mountain range that divides Britannic Chindia from the Empire of Chitan. Little is known about this relatively unexplored area other than its people are deeply religious.
Camputhai
The Kingdom of Camputhai is located in south east Asia. It is an ancient kingdom whose current monarch can trace his ancestry back over five hundred years. Its main exports are rubber, timber, coffee, and rice.
Camputhai has so far resisted attempts by some of the major European powers to force the country to accept foreign ‘protection’, and it has shown itself willing to use force to maintain its independence.
Caribia
The Republic of Caribia is located on the north east coast of South America. The first Europeans to settle in Caribia came from Iberia, and the diseases they brought with them decimated the indigenous population to such an extent that African slaves had to be brought into the colony to do all the heavy manual and menial work.
During the colonial period the economy was reliant upon agriculture as its main source of wealth, with rice, corn, fruit, coffee, and beef being the main products. In recent years deposits of shale have been found, and exports of shale oil have become a further important source of income for the nation.
As was the case with the other Iberian colonies in Central and South American during the early nineteenth century there was an increasing dissatisfaction within Caribia with the demands of the Iberian government. Heavy taxes were levied on both imports and exports, and this led to the growth of a powerful political movement in Caribia that wanted self-determination for the country and emancipation for the slaves. When the Iberian government failed to listen to the demands of the colonists there was an uprising that ultimately led to the proclamation of independence from Iberia and the creation of the Republic of Caribia.
The Republic of Caribia enjoys good relationships with most of its neighbours, but the continued presence of an Iberian colony in the region – Cigara – does give the government cause for concern.
Chitan
The Empire of Chitan is located in eastern Asia, and is the most populous nation in the world. It is also the world’s oldest civilisation and it history goes back nearly three millennia. Its earliest ruler – Tamur Khan – came from the area that is now called Chitankiang, and the present-day Emperor claims direct descent from Tamur.
The Empire of Chitan is divided into seventeen provinces:
- Chitankiang,
- Fudong,
- Gandong,
- Gwankiang,
- Huan,
- Hudong,
- Hukiang,
- Jildong,
- Kanshu,
- Kwadong,
- Monkiang,
- Peikiang,
- Shanan,
- Shankiang,
- Shushu,
- Tankiang, and
- Yuankiang.
The capital of the Empire of Chitan is Peikiang, which is situated in the province of the same name. It is reputed to be the largest city in the world, but foreigners are forbidden to visit it. Diplomats from foreign nations have to live in a separate walled compound outside the city known locally as ‘The City of Devils’.
Although the Empire of Chitan is ancient and on paper its military forces are the largest in the world, most of its army is ill-equipped and poorly trained. In recent years the Empire has been under increasing pressure to open itself up to foreign trade, but the current Emperor – supported by the majority of his Provincial Governors – have so far resisted this. There have been minor clashes between Chitanese forces and foreign troops who are protecting the small European settlements set up by traders along the coast of Chitan, but as yet there has been no major confrontation between Chitan and the European powers.
Cordeguay
The Republic of Cordeguay is located on the south west coast of South America. The country is divided into three main geographical regions: a coastal plain, a chain of mountains, and a desert (the Arrida Desert).
The original inhabitants of the area are the Quincas, and the majority of the native population is descended from them. The Quincas worshipped the Sun, but unlike other South American native cultures they did not use human sacrifices as part of their ceremonies. There are two main Quinca tribes, the Amontillado and Manzanilla. Their culture is mainly agrarian and the main crops they grow are corn and barley (the latter being used to brew a local beer-like alcoholic drink called borrachin), with sheep-rearing (for meat and wool) predominating in the foothill and mountain areas.
Cordeguay is named after Juan Cordes, the conquistador whose small army seized the country for the King of Iberia. The use of cavalry and firearms ensured that Cordes’ conquistadors were able to achieve a bloody victory over the Quincas at the First Battle of Atramentum. As with the other former Iberian colonies in South America, the Republic of Cordeguay gained its independence during the eighteen twenties, when General Molivar led the Army of Liberation to victory over the Iberian Army at the Second Battle of Atramentum.
Cordeguay is a democratic plutarchy (a combination of a plutocracy and oligarchy). Only those people who have sufficient wealth or property qualify to vote; to date, no Quinca has every voted in an election. Elections for the House of Deputies (the lower chamber of the Cortes Generales) are held every five years, and elections for the House of Senators (the upper chamber) take place every seven years. The President is always a member of the House of Senators, and is either elected by the House of Senators sitting as an electoral college or by Military Acclamation.
The Republic of Cordeguay has a long-standing border dispute with the Republic of Argentia and has exchanged diplomatic notes in recent years with the Republic of San Theodoros about the treatment of Cordeguayan workers who are working in the mines in the southern part of San Theodoros.
Epiria
The Kingdom of Epiria is located in south eastern Europe. Ancient Epiria – which was a very loose confederation of small city-states and princedoms – was the centre of European civilisation until the area was overrun and conquered by the Etruscian Empire. At one point the Epirians controlled most of what is now Epiria, Syldavia, Borduria, Maldacia, Laurania, Forbodia, Fezia, the northern part of Zubia and Haradia, Kushanistan, and northern Chindia.
Under Etruscian rule Epirian culture continued to flourish (in fact it was adopted almost wholesale by the Etruscians), but with the collapse of the Etruscian Empire Epiria fell under the control of the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia. It remained part of the Fezian Empire until the mid-eighteenth century, when it regained its independence – with the active support of many European countries – after a short war.
The Kingdom of Epiria maintains a fairly neutral stance to the national rivalries that exist within modern Europe, but it is to be expected that they would ally themselves with any nation that sought to reduce the power of Fezia and allow Epiria to occupy the area that is commonly referred to as ‘Fezia within Europe’ (i.e. the Fezian enclave in south eastern Europe).
Etruscia
The Kingdom of Etruscia is located on a large peninsular in southern Europe and two large islands in the Midland Sea.
Ancient Etruscia evolved from a small city-state into one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen. At its height it controlled an area on both sides of the Midland Sea from Iberia and Morroko in the west to Remania, Fezia, and Haradia in the east, and as far north as Anglia and Teutonia.
The Etruscian Empire reached the height of its power during the third century, but soon afterwards its power gradually began to decline. Barbarian tribes from the north and east pushed the borders further and further back towards Etruscia, and in the sixth century its capital was sacked and burned to the ground by the invaders. The Etruscian Empire finally came to an end in the eleventh century, but by then the centre of power had moved to the area known as ‘Fezia in Europe’.
Etruscia fractured into a large number of small states after the collapse of the Empire, and it was not until the late eighteenth century that these small states began the slow process of reuniting into what has now become modern Etruscia. This process was finally finished only just over twenty years ago, and since then Etruscia has sought to revive the memory of the ancient empire whose name it bears. As yet it has no overseas territories or colonies, but it is becoming very obvious that it hopes to do so in the very near future.
Federated States of America
The Federated States of America are situated in North America and occupy an area in the centre of the continent that runs from the east to the west coast.
Before the arrival of the first colonists from Europe in the sixteenth century, the area that is now Britannic America and the Federated States of America was inhabited by indigenous tribes who had a distinct culture based upon hunter-gathering, agriculture, and fishing. They also tended towards the common ownership of land and whatever resources were available rather than the European model of individual ownership and exploitation.
This difference in culture caused conflict between the native population and the early colonists from Britannia, Gallia, and Iberia, and the situation was made worse by the decimation of the indigenous population by disease that the colonists brought with them from Europe and to which the natives had no resistance.
The death of so many of the native population caused additional problems for the European settlers. They were not numerous enough to do all the manual labour that the new colonies needed to ensure their success, particularly those colonies in the southern part of the continent where large-scale agriculture was the norm. This shortage of manpower was made up for by the importation of black African slaves.
By the middle of the eighteenth century a series of wars between the major European powers – coupled with continued European immigration – had led to the creation of Britannic America. This spread from Seminole in the south to New Scotia in the north and as far inland as Mohawk, Huron, and Shawnee. The Gallian presence in North America was absorbed into Britannic America and the Iberia colony of ‘New Iberia’ (which later became the Republic of Anahuaco) included the states now known as Tejas, New Anahuaco, and Calafia.
The growing economic power of Britannic America led to tension between sections of the colonial government and the government of the United Kingdom of Britannia, particularly with regard to the taxation of colonist. Matters came to a head in the last years of the eighteenth century and culminated in a war between some of the colonies and their Britannic ‘occupiers’. It was as a result of this war that eight of the colonies gained their independence, and these eight colonies – Carolia, Huron, Mohawk, Oneonta, Potomac, Seminole, Shawnee, and Verdana – became the founding states of the Federation.
Under its first Presidents the Federated States of America continued to expand eastwards, but employed a policy of assimilation rather than conquest with regard to the indigenous population. This process was gradual but proved effective, and conflict was – in most cases – avoided. There were some uprisings against the incoming settlers, but these were dealt with swiftly and – wherever possible – with the minimum of retribution.
In the period after independence slavery was an issue that threatened to destabilise the newly created Federation. Whilst the ownership of black slaves from Africa was common practice in some of the southern states of the Federation, it was far less common in the northern states. The decision by many of the newly emergent nations of South America to free their slaves in the aftermath of independence, coupled with a growing anti-slavery movement in the northern states, put pressure on the Federation’s government to bring an end to slavery.
This was resisted by the Governors and State Assemblies of the southern states, and for a time it seemed that a war between the states was a distinct possibility. In the end the President and the Federation’s House of Governance passed legislation that made the ownership of slaves an issue that was to be decided by each state’s Assembly. At the same time the President and the Federation’s House of Governance provided money to fund a generous compensation scheme – based upon that introduced by the Kingdom of Britannia during the early part of the nineteenth century when slavery had been abolished within the Britannic Empire – for slave owners who freed their slaves of their own accord. As a result of this initiative slavery gradually died out over the next few years, and was formally abolished by all the states by the middle of the nineteenth century.
As a result of a war with the Republic of Anahuaco during the middle of the nineteenth century the states of Tejas, New Anahuaco, and Calafia were incorporated into the Federation. This territorial loss remains a bone of contention between the two neighbours, but the Republic of Anahuaco poses no real threat to the Federated States of America.
The Federated States of America is divided into seventeen semi-autonomous states:
- Calafia,
- Carolia,
- Cheyenne,
- Chippewa,
- Dakota,
- Huron,
- Mohawk,
- Montakota,
- New Anahuaco,
- Oneonta,
- Potomac,
- Seminole,
- Shawnee,
- Tejas,
- Unitah,
- Verdana, and
- Yakama.
States also elect representatives who sit in the House of Governance in the national capital and individual citizens have the right to vote in the elections for the President of the Federated States. The House of Governance passes the laws that pertain across the Federation (making sure that they do not conflict with individual states’ laws) and raise taxes to pay for things that are Federation responsibilities, such as national defence. The House also has general oversight of the President, and can call him to account should he appear to be acting outside of his remit or against the will of the majority of the House.
The President of the Federated States of America is its head of state. His powers are mainly those relating to the external relationships between the Federation and the other nations of the world although he does also act as arbiter in any disputes between individual states of the Federation. The President is also the nominal commander-in-chief of the Federation’s armed forces, but as yet no president has exercised his right to personally lead the armed forces in the field.
A basic tenet of the foreign policy of the Federated States of America is ‘America for the Americans’. In other words, they resent any European interference in the affairs of North and South America, and will resist it – by force – if necessary. This stance has led to a degree of friction between the Federation on one hand and Britannia, Iberia, and Rusland on the other because of what the Federation perceives as their continued colonial presence on the continent.
Fezia
The Sublime Sultanate of Fezia is located at the eastern end of the Midland Sea, the north eastern coast of Africa, and the Haradian Peninsula. The Sultanate grew as a result of the power vacuum that resulted from the gradual decline of the Etruscian Empire. By a process of conquest it eventually controlled the whole coast of northern Africa from modern-day Morroko to Zubia and the Haradian Peninsular, and a large part of south eastern Europe including Syldavia, Borduria, Remania, Maldacia, Laurania, Forbodia, and Epiria. At one point it even occupied southern Iberia.
Unfortunately many of the Sultans who ruled the Sublime Sultanate were more concerned with personal pleasure than ruling wisely, and over time the Sublime Sultanate has lost control over much of the territory it incorporated at the height of its power.
The Sublime Sultanate of Fezia now controls seven semi-autonomous regions:
- Fezia,
- Fezian Madasahatta,
- Garamantia,
- Haradia,
- Marzibar,
- Sadun, and
- Zubia.
The Emirs have almost total control over the regions that they rule. They can raise whatever taxes that they wise to, pass laws, and raise military forces. As long as they swear fealty to the Sublime Sultan, pass on sufficient tax revenue to keep the Sultan of Fezia’s coffers full, and supply troops for the Sultan’s army at time of war, they are left to their own devices. Some have even signed treaties and trade agreements with foreign countries in their own right.
It is likely that the power of the Sublime Sultan will continue to decline, and that some of the semi-autonomous regions will become de facto separate nations. It is also possible that some of the European powers will exploit this decline for their own purposes.
Forbodia
The Kingdom of Forbodia is located in south eastern Europe with a coastline on the Fezian Sea. It is an absolute monarchy – although a parliament of sorts does exist – and until the late eighteenth century – when it gained independence – it was controlled by the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia. The first ruler was King Boris I, and all the subsequent kings have adopted the name Boris on their accession to the throne.
Forbodia has a mainly rural economy but during the last twenty years it has begun to set up some heavy industries in order to exploit the country’s supplies of coal and iron ore.
Forbodia maintains a strong army for its size, and the equipment used by the first line units is modern even though some of the uniforms look somewhat dated. Maintaining a large modern army is a strain on the national economy, but the proximity of the old enemy – the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia – has ensured that Forbodia regard this high level of expenditure on the armed forces as a matter of national pride and a guarantee of continued independence.
Gallia
The Republic of Gallia is located in western Europe and shares borders with the Kingdoms of Iberia and Etruscia and the Teutonic Empire.
The ancient Kingdom of Gallia was created during the twelfth century when the various duchies and princedoms within the borders of Gallia were united by the first King of Gallia, Henri the First. His descendants ruled the Kingdom until the end of the eighteenth century when the then king – Rollo the Sixteenth – was overthrown (and later executed) and the Republic of Gallia was created.
There has always been a traditional rivalry between Gallia and Britannia, and there has hardly been a decade from the fourteenth century until the middle of the nineteenth century when the two nations have not been at each other’s throats. They have fought wars over which of the two nations should have primacy in the colonisation of North America and the exploitation of Chindia as well as for control of the world’s seaways.
The Republic of Gallia has seven overseas territories:
- Algerbia,
- Cathigia,
- Maurantia,
- Senagalia,
- Togolia,
- Ubanjia, and
- Gallic East Chindia.
The Republic of Gallia is a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature comprising the National Assembly and the Senate. The President of the Republic is head of state and is elected for a seven-year term. The Government is led by a Prime Minister who is appointed by the President. The National Assembly deputies are for five-year terms and it has the power to dismiss the cabinet but not the Prime Minister. Members of the Senate are chosen by an electoral college for six-year terms with one half of the seats being subject to election every three years.
Since the disastrous war with the Teutonic Empire only a few years ago, the Republic of Gallia now sees that nation as its greatest threat, and as a result relations with the old enemy, Britannia, have improved. Whilst Gallia and Britannia are not allies, they share a growing apprehension with regard to the increasing military and economic power of the Teutonic Empire.
Gaziristan
Gaziristan is located in the mountainous area of Asia to the north of Britannic Chindia. It has a titular head of state – the Emir of Gaziristan – but his power is very limited. Gaziristan seems to be in a constant state of internal unrest, with the various different tribes in an almost perpetual state of war with each other as a result blood feuds that go back many generations. The only time the Gaziris ever unite is when outsiders seek to interfere in the internal affairs of the country or when foreign powers mount punitive expeditions against the Gaziri tribes who have mounted raids into neighbouring countries.
Iberia
The Kingdom of Iberia is situated on the south western coast of Europe and is separated from Africa by the Straits of Iberia. It shares a common border with the Republic of Gallia.
In ancient times Iberia formed part of the Etruscian Empire and after the collapse of Empire it split into small principalities that fought innumerable wars with one another. This came to an end during the seventh century when the southern part of the country was occupied by a Fezian army that invaded from what is now Morroko. The Fezians ruled southern Iberia until the late fourteenth century when the princes of the unoccupied area of Iberia finally cooperated with one another to expel the invaders. The Iberians were led by Juan de Castro, Prince of Asturina, and he became the first King of Iberia.
After its ‘liberation’ from Fezia the newly united Kingdom of Iberia embarked on a very vigorous programme of colonisation, especially in the Americas, the former Fezian territories in north west Africa, and the Far East. Within less than one hundred years the Kingdom of Iberia controlled all of South and Central America, Morroko, and Chindonesia as well as staging posts on the coast of Africa in what are now called Costa D'Oro, Mangola, and Mazobique. The colonies proved to be a vast source of wealth, and for a time Iberia became the pre-eminent power in Europe.
The Kingdom of Iberia gradually began to lose that pre-eminence as the power of Britannia and Gallia increased, and by the early years of the nineteenth century its maladministration in South and Central America – coupled with a growing desire for self-determination in the Iberian colonies there – led to the loss of all but the island of Cigara.
At the same time as it was losing its American colonies the Kingdom of Iberia began to expand its footholds in Africa, and Costa D'Oro, Mangola, and Mazobique developed from small fortified staging post on the coast into full-blown colonies.
The Kingdom of Iberia has a number of colonies across the world. These include:
- Costa D'Oro,
- Mangola,
- Mazobique, and
- Morroko
- Chindonesia (which is an archipelago of islands in the Far East that include: Apapu, Jarvar, Kalimata, Kula, Kuvu, Oronta, and Sula)
- Cigara (an island of situated between Anahuaco and the Federated States of America).
Jippon
The Jipponese Empire is located on a string of islands off the coast of eastern Asia. It is notionally a constitutional monarchy, but true power lies in the hands of the Emperor and his advisers.
For many centuries the Jipponese and their Chitanese neighbours waged intermittent wars with one another. Chitan saw the islands of Jippon as a natural extension of Chitan whilst the Jipponese sought to retain their independence. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Jipponese prevailed, and were eventually left ignored – and despised – by the Empire of Chitan.
For many years Jippon was closed to outsiders, and it was even less well known and understood that its mainland neighbour, Chitan. During the mid-nineteenth century that situation changed almost overnight, and the Jipponese Empire began to trade with the Europeans and Federated States of America. On the back of this massive increase in trade came westernisation, and the Jipponese have made the transition from a closed, medieval society into a modern western-style country in less than one generation.
The Jipponese Empire has four main islands:
- Tamoyo,
- Shoho,
- Ito, and
- Iko.
Kushanistan
The Emirate of Kushanistan is located in southern Asia between Fezian Haradia and Britannic Chindia. It is a sparsely populated country, and relies heavily upon trading is agricultural output with neighbouring countries for its main source of income. This output includes wheat, rice, barley, corn, cotton, hemp, tobacco, almonds, walnuts and spices (particularly cumin).
Laurania
The Republic of Laurania is located in south eastern Europe. It was controlled by the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia until the early nineteenth century when it gained independence as the Principality of Laurania.
The last of the Princes of Laurania – Flavius the Twentieth – did not rule wisely, and in the late eighteen forties there was a revolution and was deposed. The five members of the Supreme Council of Laurania (Consila Suprema da Laurania) ran the country until the Republic’s Constitution was written and the first President – Rueben Matanza – was elected. Subsequent Presidents continued the modernisation of the country and the Republic acquired its first – and only – overseas African colony, Saba.
Unfortunately growing internal unrest led to a civil war in the early eighteen eighties. This ended when the First Republic was dissolved and a new constitution was enacted. The Second Republic was then established under the presidency of former general Antonio Molara. He proved to be somewhat of a tyrant, and he was overthrown and killed only three years ago during yet another revolution. The original constitution was restored, and the Third Republic came into existence. Its new president – Hector Godoy – immediately set about pardoning all but the most important of President Molara’s supporters, the latter being offered the opportunity of voluntary exile rather than imprisonment. This Bill of Reconciliation did much to repair the internal political differences within the Republic of Laurania. President Godoy also sought to gain allies abroad and recently made a State Visit to the United Kingdom of Laurania.
For historical reasons Laurania has never enjoyed good relationships with neighbouring Maldacia, and the small Lauranian armed forces are tasked with protecting the homeland from possible Maldacian incursions as well as maintaining the peace in the African colony. The recent understanding that was reached with the United Kingdom of Britannia has given the Republic of Laurania a degree of security from external threats, and could ultimately lead to the republic enjoying some small role on the world stage.
Magyarvia
The Kingdom of Magyarvia is a landlocked country located in central Europe. It has borders with Rusland, Remania, Borduria, Etruscia, and Teutonia, and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘cockpit of eastern Europe’ because of the number of times wars have been fought within its boundaries.
The Kingdom of Magyarvia is an ancient one, with a continuous history that goes back nearly two thousand years. It is said that the barbarians that sacked and burned the capital of the ancient Etruscian Empire were from Magyarvia, and the Magyarvians certainly enjoyed a reputation as being ferocious warriors – and excellent mercenaries – well into the eighteenth century.
Magyarvia’s economy is primarily agricultural although there has been some small-scale industrial development in recent years. The Kingdom of Magyarvia's strategic position in Europe and its lack of natural resources have dictated a traditional reliance on foreign trade, especially for manufactured goods such as small arms and artillery.
The Kingdom of Magyarvia’s army contains a small number of regular units whose numbers would be enhanced in time of war by a levée en masse. All Magyarvians see it as their sacred duty to protect their country and many belong to volunteer patriotic rifle clubs where they can receive basic and advanced training in the use of small arms.
Maldacia
The Principality of Maldacia is located in south eastern Europe. Like all the other countries in the area, it was controlled by the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia until the early nineteenth century when it gained independence as the Principality of Maldacia.
The Princes of Maldacia rule as autocratic monarchs, and rely upon their extended family to fill most of the important offices of state. For example, the current Prime Minister is the Prince’s paternal uncle and the head of the army is the Prince’s younger brother.
The economy of the Principality of Maldacia is mainly agricultural, but the recent discovery of deposits of coal and iron ore has led to a degree of industrial development taking place. The Principality has a single African colony called Darmot, and the discovery of small deposits of gemstone-bearing rock within the colony has provided a very useful additional source of income for Maldacia.
Even before they gained independence from the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia, Maldacia and neighbouring Laurania have always seen each other as potential enemies, and the primary task of the Maldacian armed forces is the protection Maldacia from a possible Laurania invasion. Its secondary task is the maintenance of peace in the country’s African colony. The recent mutual defence agreement that was signed with the Teutonic Empire has hopefully given the Principality of Maldacia a degree of security from external threats.
Matongo
Matongo is a large and relatively unexplored area located in central Africa. It is nominally ruled by the self-styled ‘King of Matongo’, but his control only extends a few miles inland from the coast. It is rumoured that some of the tribes in the hinterland practice cannibalism, and that they are in an almost constant state of war with each other. Few Europeans have ventured into Matongo, and even fewer have returned to civilisation afterwards.
Nuevo Rico
The Republic of Nuevo Rico is located on the west coast of South America and is divided into two main geographical regions: a coastal plain and a chain of mountains.
The indigenous population before the arrival of the Iberians were the Quisumbas, and even today they form the majority of the population. Before the Iberians conquered the Quisumbas the natives worshipped the Sun and sacrificed captured enemies as part of their ceremonies. Their way of life has changed little over the past five hundred years and the majority of Quisumbas are subsistence farmers. The main crops grown on the coastal plain are corn and barley and sheep are reared for their meat and wool in the mountainous areas.
Juan Cortes – the conquistador who also conquered the areas now occupied by Olifa, San Theodoros, and Cordeguay – defeated the Quisumbas in a series of bloody battles. His use of cavalry and firearms decimated the Quisumban armies and made it possible for the Iberians to settle and rule the country relatively peacefully until the eighteen twenties. As with the other former Iberian colonies in South America, the area that now forms the Republic of Nuevo Rico gained its independence when General Molivar led the Army of Liberation to victory over the Iberian Army at the Second Battle of Atramentum.
In the aftermath of independence the area that is now the territory of the Republics of Nuevo Rico, San Theodoros, and Olifa was a single country called the Republic of Molivia (so named after General Molivar). Unfortunately internal rivalries soon afflicted the newly formed republic, and by the eighteen forties the Republic of Molivia had split into three; the Republics of Nuevo Rico, San Theodoros, and Olifa.
Nuevo Rico is – on paper – a democracy, but the reality is that only the wealthy have any say in the way the country is governed. The ruling class are almost exclusively descended from Iberian colonists, and they are the people who own the farms and the mines, sit in the House of Deputies (the lower chamber of the Cortes Generales) and the House of Senators (the upper chamber). The President is always almost always a member of the House of Senators, and ‘elected’ by the Cortes Generales) sitting as an electoral college.
The Republic of Nuevo Rico has a long-standing border dispute with the Republic of San Theodoros and has also raised concerns about the treatment of Nuevo Ricans who are working on the farms in the northern part of San Theodoros.
Olifa
The Republic of Olifa is located on the west coast of South America and is divided into two main geographical regions: a wide coastal plain and a chain of hills that gradually become mountains.
The indigenous population before the arrival of the Iberians were the Quisumbas, and even today they form the majority of the population. Before the Iberians conquered the Quisumbas the natives worshipped the Sun and sacrificed captured enemies as part of their ceremonies. Their way of life has changed little over the past five hundred years and the majority of Quisumbas are subsistence farmers. The main crops grown on the coastal plain are corn and barley and sheep are reared for their meat and wool in the mountainous areas.
Juan Cortes – the conquistador who also conquered the areas now occupied by Nuevo Rico, San Theodoros, and Cordeguay – defeated the Quisumbas in a series of bloody battles. His use of cavalry and firearms decimated the Quisumban armies and made it possible for the Iberians to settle and rule the country relatively peacefully until the eighteen twenties. As with the other former Iberian colonies in South America, the area that now forms the Republic of Olifa gained its independence when General Molivar led the Army of Liberation to victory over the Iberian Army at the Second Battle of Atramentum.
In the aftermath of independence the area that is now the territory of the Republics of Olifa, Nuevo Rico, and San Theodoros was a single country called the Republic of Molivia (so named after General Molivar). Unfortunately internal rivalries soon afflicted the newly formed republic, and by the eighteen forties the Republic of Molivia had split into three; the Republics of Olifa, Nuevo Rico, and San Theodoros.
Olifa is a democracy and all male citizens who can read and write are eligible to vote in elections for the parliament (the Cortes Generales). The Cortes Generales has both a lower and upper chamber (the House of Representatives and House Senators respectively). Members of the lower chamber are elected every three years and Senators are elected every five years. The Presidential elections are held every seven years.
The Republic of Olifa enjoys good relationships with its neighbours and as a result its armed forces are small in comparison with those of some other South American countries.
Opeland
The Kingdom of Opeland is located in north east Europe on the Sea of Opeland.
The Kingdom has an unbroken history that goes back to its foundation fifteen hundred years ago. By a process of conquest and marriage the numerous tribes of the area were united by Erik Longman (he was reputed to be almost seven feet tall!), and he became the first king of Opeland, Erik I. He later went on to conquer most of what is now modern Upsland and Jutaland and created the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland.
By the beginning of the seventeenth century the Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland had expanded to include Lesser and Greater Nordland as well as the coastal area of the Sea of Opeland that is now part of the Teutonic Empire and the Oblast of Ruthenskaya in Rusland. This marked the pinnacle of Opelandic power, and by the late eighteenth century the only part of the southern coast of the Sea of Opeland that remained in Opelandic control was Latonia, an enclave on the coast of Rusland that they still retain.
In the early nineteenth century the birth of twin sons to the King of Opeland-Upsland precipitated a crisis within the Kingdoms. The majority of Upslanders – whose outlook was to the west and America and not to the east like the Opelanders – were already urging the dissolution of the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland. In the face of mounting political pressure and the possibility of civil war the King of Opeland-Upsland – King Oscar VIII – proposed that his eldest twin son – also named Oskar – should be heir of the Kingdom of Opeland and the younger twin – Erik – should be heir of the Kingdom of Upsland. On the death of Oscar VIII in the late eighteen sixties the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland split in two, and King Oskar IX became King of Opeland and King Erik IV became the first king of the newly independent Kingdom of Upsland.
The Kingdom of Opeland enjoys good relationships with most of its neighbours although the rise of the Teutonic Empire has given some cause for concern. There is growing political pressure to expand the Opelandic armed forces, and this is likely to occur over the next few years.
Remania
The Kingdom of Remania is located on the north west coast of the Fezian Sea. It is notionally a constitutional monarchy, but true power lies in the hands of the King, the other members of the Royal Family, and the aristocracy or patricii. Until the mid eighteenth century – when it gained its independence after the Ruso-Fezian War and became a principality – it was controlled by the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia. The first ruler of the Principality of Remania was Prince Carol I. It was not until the middle of the nineteenth century that the principality was transformed into a kingdom on the accession of Prince (later King) Ferdinand II to the throne.
The Remanians consider themselves to be the last remnant of the old Etruscian Empire. They use a language that has evolved from ancient Etruscian and that is similar in many ways to modern-day Etruscian although the grammar and vocabulary of the two languages is significantly different.
The Kingdom of Remania has an essentially agrarian economy, although deposits of oil have been discovered and could possibly become a major source of export income in the forthcoming years.
Most foreign trade is conducted with Remania’s northern neighbour, the Empire of Rusland, although lately it has begun to create trade links with both Etruscia and Gallia, and the latter has begun to supply arms to the Kingdom’s armed forces.
The Kingdom of Remania still feels threatened by the presence of the Fezian Empire just across the Fezian Sea, and has promised military support to Forbodia and Epiria should the Fezians threaten them. The Kingdom of Remania hopes that its links with Rusland, Etruscia, and Gallia will help to protect it from any possible Fezian threat, but nevertheless it maintains a small, well equipped and well trained army and navy.
Rusland
The Empire of Rusland occupies the largest land area of any nation in the world. It stretches from Europe to the Far East, and covers most of the northern half of Asia. It is an autocratic monarchy and power lies with the Emperor, the Imperial Family, and the aristocracy. The majority of the population have no say in the governing of the nation and even the small but growing Middle Class are effectively disenfranchised.
The origins of the Empire can be traced back to the fifteenth century when successive Princes of Moskoskaya began to conquer the surrounding areas. By the end of the seventeenth century Armenistan, Krimskaya, Ruthenskaya, and Uralskaya had been added to the Principality of Moskoskaya, and Prince Ivan IV of Moskoskaya proclaimed himself to be Emperor Ivan I, supreme ruler of the Empire of Rusland.
By the end of the seventeenth century the Empire had expanded to include Opeskaya, Kivahstan, Turkostan, Bekuzistan, and Nenetskaya, and the Empire laid claim to Alaskaya, Kamkatskaya, Kazaskaya, Krazkaya, Yatminskaya, and Zakutskaya, although one of these – Kazaskaya – was not fully integrated into the Empire until the eighteen fifties.
The Empire of Rusland has sixteen regions (called Oblasts). These are:
- Alaskaya,
- Armenistan,
- Bekuzistan,
- Kamkatskaya,
- Kazaskaya,
- Kivahstan,
- Krazkaya,
- Krimskaya,
- Moskoskaya,
- Nenetskaya,
- Opeskaya,
- Ruthenskaya,
- Turkostan,
- Uralskaya,
- Yatminskaya, and
- Zakutskaya.
As befits the largest nation in the world, the Empire of Rusland has the largest standing army in the world, although its navy is weak when compared to the navies of some other much smaller countries. This is due to the fact that the main Imperial Rusland Navy bases are in the Sea of Opeland and Fezian Seas and do not have unhindered access to the world’s oceans.
The Empire of Rusland feels itself surrounded by potential enemies and is constantly on its guard against what it perceives to be potential threats to its paramount position in the world. These threats could be internal or external, and the Emperor has shown himself to be very willing to use all necessary force to counter such threats, be they at home or abroad.
San Theodoros
The Republic of San Theodoros is located on the west coast of South America and is divided into two main geographical regions: a coastal plain and a chain of mountains.
The indigenous population before the arrival of the Iberians were the Quisumbas, and even today they form the majority of the population. Before the Iberians conquered the Quisumbas the natives worshipped the Sun and sacrificed captured enemies as part of their ceremonies. Their way of life has changed little over the past five hundred years and the majority of Quisumbas are subsistence farmers. The main crops grown on the coastal plain are corn and barley and sheep are reared for their meat and wool in the mountainous areas.
Juan Cortes – the conquistador who also conquered the areas now occupied by Olifa, Nuevo Rico, and Cordeguay – defeated the Quisumbas in a series of bloody battles. His use of cavalry and firearms decimated the Quisumban armies and made it possible for the Iberians to settle and rule the country relatively peacefully until the eighteen twenties. As with the other former Iberian colonies in South America, the area that now forms the Republic of San Theodoros gained its independence when General Molivar led the Army of Liberation to victory over the Iberian Army at the Second Battle of Atramentum.
In the aftermath of independence the area that is now the territory of the Republics of San Theodoros, Nuevo Rico, and Olifa was a single country called the Republic of Molivia (so named after General Molivar). Unfortunately internal rivalries soon afflicted the newly formed republic, and by the eighteen forties the Republic of Molivia had split into three; the Republics of San Theodoros, Nuevo Rico, and Olifa.
San Theodoros is a plutocratic democracy. Only those citizens with wealth and position in society can vote in elections, and this means that the majority of the population – who are mainly Quisumbas and migrant workers from Cordeguay and Nuevo Rico – are disenfranchised.
The Republic of San Theodoros has a long-standing border dispute with the Republic of Nuevo Rico and has exchanged diplomatic notes with the Republic of Cordeguay when the latter protested at the way Cordeguayan workers in San Theodoros were being treated.
Syldavia
The Kingdom of Syldavia is located in south eastern Europe on the coast of the Midland Sea. It shares borders with Etruscia, Magyarvia, Borduria, and Maldacia. It is an autocratic monarchy, and power lies in the hands of the King – King Muskar X – and the other members of the Royal Family
In late twelfth century the then Kingdom of Syldavia – which was ruled by King Muskar II, a weak and vain man – was invaded and annexed by the Bordurians. It remained under Borduria rule for just under a century, when Baron Almaszout drove the Bordurians out and was crowned as the new King of Syldavia, King Ottokar I. This independence did not last long, and it was invaded by the armies of the Sublime Sultanate of Fezia. It remained part of the Sublime Sultanate until the latter part of the eighteenth century when it regained independence as the Kingdom of Syldavia.
Syldavia has a mainly rural economy, but it has developed some heavy industries over the past ten years. This has been due to the discovery of anthracite coal and iron ore close to the border with Borduria.
Syldavia maintains a small but well-trained conscript army, and the first line units are the equipped with modern weapons. The reserves are not as well-equipped, and the King is trying to remedy this situation. Borduria is seen as a threat the Syldavian independence, and the majority of the army is based to meet the threat of a Bordurian invasion.
Tafira
The Kingdom of Tafira is located on a highland plateau in central east Africa. For centuries it was almost unknown to Europeans, and the few that went there came back with tales of an ancient kingdom that appeared to have changed very little over the last millennia.
The King of Tafira is not a hereditary title but is bestowed upon the head of the strongest tribe. This has led to frequent civil wars between the various tribes at to which of their leaders should be King. As a result the country has remained very poor and most of the population are subsistence farmers who grow maize to eat and raise cattle and goats for their milk and meat.
The fact that the Kingdom of Tafira has not been colonised by any of the European powers is due to its inhospitable climate, its inaccessibility, and the fierceness of its warriors. The latter will always put aside their internal squabbles to fight off potential invaders, and have done so on several occasions in the past. The last invasion of Tafira took place in the eighteen seventies when a small Fezian army from Sadun crossed the border. The Fezians were in intent upon punishing of some Tafirans who had stolen cattle inside Sadun. The Fezian troops were ambushed and only a few dozen survivors escaped back to Sadun.
Teutonia
The Empire of Teutonia is located in northern mainland Europe and has coastlines in both the Britannic Sea and Sea of Opeland. The Empire only came into existence a few years ago and almost immediately became involved in a war with the Republic of Gallia. The latter was beaten, and this confirmed the Empire’s position as a major military power in the world.
In the time of the Etruscian Empire the Teutonia was one of its most northerly provinces. It was renowned for the fierceness of its warriors, and many were recruited into the Etruscian army, where they served with distinction. They also played a significant part in the Empire’s downfall, and Teutonic tribesmen were amongst those who sacked and burned the capital of the Etruscian Empire during the sixth century.
After the collapse of the Etruscian Empire, the Etruscian Province of Teutonia fractured into a multitude of minor and insignificant tribal areas. These later developed into a myriad of duchies and principalities, and it was not until the middle of the seventeenth century that three of them – the Principality of Saxonia, the Grand Duchy of Munchen, and the Kingdom of Markland – began to gain in military strength and political power within the region.
The Kingdom of Markland absorbed a large part of the former Opelandic territory on the southern coast of the Sea of Opeland, and this increase in population and economic power enabled the Kingdom to gradually gain an ascendancy over the other Teutonic duchies and principalities. By the beginning of the nineteenth century this ascendancy had led to the creation of a Markland-dominated customs union (called the Zollverein) that covered most of Teutonia. The King of Markland used the administration of the Zollverein to gradually take over economic control of many of the smaller duchies and principalities, and within a few years most of them accepted his de facto leadership of the region and placed their armed forces under the direct control of the Markland Army High Command and War Ministry.
Some of the duchies and principalities – including the Principality of Saxonia and the Grand Duchy of Munchen – objected to both the Zollverein and the growing dominance of the Kingdom of Markland. Matters came to a head when the Duke of Schlesburg-Hamstein died without naming a successor. The Principality of Saxonia, the Grand Duchy of Munchen, and the other non-Zollverein duchies and principalities proposed that the second son of the Prince of Saxonia – Prince Karl – should become the new Duke of Schlesburg-Hamstein. The Kingdom of Markland – supported by the rest of the states within the Zollverein – proposed that Duke of Mecklen’s son – Count Albrecht – become the new Duke of Schlesburg-Hamstein. As Count Albrecht was married to the King of Markland’s youngest daughter – Princess Katharina – this proposal was totally unacceptable to the Principality of Saxonia, the Grand Duchy of Munchen, and the other non-Zollverein duchies and principalities.
The diplomatic exchanges between the two sides became very heated, and within weeks minor skirmishes had broken out all over the region. Both sides mobilised their armed forces and the Army of the Zollverein – led by the King of Markland in person – defeated the combined armies of the Principality of Saxonia and the Grand Duchy of Munchen at the Battle of Schlossen. The war had only lasted five weeks and led to the Principality of Saxonia, the Grand Duchy of Munchen, and the other non-Zollverein duchies and principalities joining the customs union. Only two years later the Zollverein’s Council of Staatschefs (Heads of State) unanimously voted in favour of the formation of the Empire of Teutonia and elected the King of Markland – King Otto V – to be the first Emperor, Emperor Otto I of Teutonia.
Within five years of its creation the new Empire had fought a short but decisive war with the Republic of Gallia. The Teutonic victory reinforced the growing military and political power of the Empire of Teutonia within Europe, and since then it has continued to expand its influence across the world.
The Empire of Teutonia has six overseas colonies:
- East Tolva,
- Hansaland,
- Heraraland,
- Kangula,
- Mankanika, and
- Teutonic Sadun.
The Empire of Teutonia is now one of the world’s major powers and seems set upon becoming the most important of them. This might well lead to wars being fought with other European nations – and possibly some non-European ones – in the near future.
Upsland
The Kingdom of Upsland is located in north west Europe on the Atlantic Ocean. The Kingdom is divided into four separate regions, each with its own semi-autonomous government. These regions are:
- Upsland,
- Jutaland,
- Greater Nordland, and
- Lesser Nordland.
The Kingdom came into existence when Erik Longman became the first king of Opeland – Erik I – and later went on to conquer most of what is now modern Upsland and Jutaland and created the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland.
Thanks to Upslandic fishermen and settlers, by the beginning of the seventeenth century the Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland had expanded to include Lesser and Greater Nordland. This was in addition to the territory that the twin Kingdoms controlled on the southern coast of the Sea of Opeland in what is now the Teutonic Empire and the Oblast of Ruthenskaya in Rusland. This marked the pinnacle of the twin Kingdoms’ power, and by the late eighteenth century the only part of the southern coast of the Sea of Opeland that remained in its control was Latonia. Lesser and Greater Nordland, however, remained under the flag of the twin Kingdoms and gradually became fully integrated regions within the Kingdoms.
In the early nineteenth century the birth of twin sons to the King of Opeland-Upsland precipitated a crisis within the twin Kingdoms. The majority of Upslanders – whose outlook was not to the east like that of the Opelanders but looked more to the west and America instead – had already begun to urge that the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland be dissolved and that Upsland be allowed to become independent.
In the face of mounting political pressure and with the possibility of civil war looming on the horizon, the King of Opeland-Upsland – King Oscar VIII – proposed that his the older of his twin sons – also named Oskar – should be heir of the Kingdom of Opeland and that the younger of the twins – Erik – should be heir of the Kingdom of Upsland. On the death of Oscar VIII in the late eighteen sixties the twin Kingdoms of Opeland-Upsland split in two, and King Oskar IX became King of Opeland and King Erik IV became the first king of the newly independent Kingdom of Upsland.
The Kingdom of Upsland enjoys good relationships with its neighbours and as a result it does not feel the need to retain a large army or navy. They see the primary role of their armed forces as being coastal defence and much of their military expenditure is spent on coastal defence fortresses and small but heavily armoured coastal defence ships.
Zindaku
The Republic of Zindaku is located on the west coast of Africa. It was set up when the Federated States of America abolished slavery. Any freed slave who wished to return to Africa was given free passage to Zindaku, a small sum of money, a plot of land, and a selection of farming implements. For the first twenty years the country was administered by the Federated States and then granted full independence.
Zindaku has not prospered since the Federated States of America withdrew their support, and the country is continually riven by civil wars. Its instability is seen by the European countries that have neighbouring colonies – Gallia (Senagalia) and Britannia (West Tolva) – as a threat to regional peace, and it seems likely that one or other will intervene in Zindakan affairs at some time in the near future. It will be interesting to see how the Federated States of America might react to such an intervention.