ROME
Rome is the major player nation; and will be explained in greater detail in a later post.
THE REPUBLIC
Founded via a peace agreement over a century ago between Kongo and Malaya, this 'nation' was simply a neutral zone between the two nations strategically designed to deny the area to the other. Over the years more and more territory was added to the Neutral Zone through similar treaties, and it now contains small pockets around the world. It is self governing and is the only true republic on the planet, being lead by an elected President. It attracts a large number of immigrants seeking freedom, and as a result leans heavily towards the libertarian end of the spectrum in governance. No one ethnic group makes up more than 20% of the population.
AZTECS
Known internally as the Mexica people, the Aztec Empire is highly religious and worships death, especially death seen as honourable. The body is traditionally cremated; in modern times using direct energy from the sun. Its hereditary ruler is known externally as the Mexitlat. Due to their religion, they have evolved into a form of elder worship, and the Mexitlat is nearly universally geriatric, and rules for a very small number of years. Real power is invested in the elder council that rules over the Aztecs. Economically and Militarily the Aztecs are equal to the Romans.
INCA
Historic enemies of the Aztecs, the Inca are ruled by a single hereditary Sapa, a title passed on to eldest sons. Opposite to the Aztecs, the Inca have developed a tradition that those reaching elderhood are expected to end their own lives, normally between ages 70 and 75, and this is how most Sapa reigns end. Death rituals are important to the Inca, and burning the body is seen as an affront. Economically, the Inca are weaker than Rome, and the strongest branch of the Inca military is the Navy, which is designed to counter the Aztec navy. The Inca also have built a canal along their border with the Aztecs that links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, making land crossings impossible. The Inca's main ally is Kongo, a nation with which they share a confederal structure.
FINLAND
An elective monarchy, Finland operates on strict constitutional principles. Society is heavily based on ideas of equality, and the distance between the richest and poorest in Finnish society is the smallest of any nation. The ruling Kaysari is elected annually by an electoral college of local and and regional politicians, themselves elected by the voters. Finnish society heavily values peace, and consensus. Economically, overall, Finland is behind Rome, but the median citizen lives a higher standard of living due to their communitarian system. Militarily Finland lags behind, but is a world leader by far in aerospace technology.
PERSIAN RAJ
At one time this empire was a Persian one, ruled by Persians, who formed an upper class ruling over all of India. This changed a number of decades ago when a successful revolt flipped the tables. The current ruling class is Indian, who have taken over the entire Empire and now rule it and its resources and people. The main divide is between the 'western' and 'eastern' religions, with all Persians and a the ruling Indian class being 'western' and a majority of Indians being 'eastern'. Those who follow the 'eastern' belief system continued to be ruled over and lack political power. Economically, the Raj has a stratified economy, with those in the ruling class forming a distinct group separate from the masses. This group lives a standard of living similar to that of the Romans, while the lower classes live far below that. Militarily, the Raj is behind in all respects, but make up for this shortfall in sheer numbers. The Empire is ruled by a Satrap, who is selected by the ruling families in what is technically a religious ceremony.
KONGO
The poorest of the major nations, Kongolese military doctrine is seen as the best worldwide, despite their military technology lagging far behind. The society is martial and accepting of diversity; politically, the Empire is a confederation of sorts. Society puts great rewards on the smartest, the strongest, the fastest, and encourages greatness. This shows in their military, where Generals and Admirals have been known to score victories despite the terrain, numbers, technology, and odds being against them. All modern militaries maintain a Kongolese military attache, and many Kongolese military advisors. Coups and civil wars are not uncommon, with the ruling Mani being theoretically a hereditary position, but in reality being controlled by the military.
CHINA
China lags behind both economically and militarily, and has next to no navy. This is counterbalanced by the huge population, and byzantine structure of the government. Ruled by a dynastic Huangdi, China tends to focus inwards. China is home to an ancient and rich culture, with traditions and grandeur; as well as a strong literary history that rivals if not beats Rome. China is popularly known as a land of ideas, but is also implied to be a land of inaction. Only Rome maintains consistent diplomatic relations with China, selling Oil in return for various Manufactured goods.
MALAYA
Rulers of the waves, the Malay nation has the most respected and advanced Navy in the world. The nation is partially stratified based on race however; with the overwhelming majority of the Army being Japanese in origin. The army as such has a deep history of quality and is lead by "Modern Samurai" who, despite being small in number, are perhaps soldiers of the highest quality in the world. The Rajah, who rules the nation, is limited in power and acts similar to a Parliamentary Speaker, with various traditional families and tribes having representatives in the Malay Parliament. Economically, a small upper class lives quality lives while a massive lower class struggles.
SETTING
Technologically, the world is comparable to the years 1920 through 1930, or, the interwar years. Tanks and Airplanes are becoming things that will make a great difference on the battlefield, but are not there yet; nor are we in the phase where a trench line can stop a determined advance.
Roman Calendars, centred on the birth of the "New Empire" mark the beginning of the game as the date: January 1st, 1000. This is commonly seen as the "official" world date, as The Republic uses the same calendar, and The Republic is used to "tiebreak" anything where there is dispute.
More will be explained in the next post, but basically, Rome is ruled by a Chancellor and there's an election where the current Chancellor is retiring. There is, however, a hereditary Emperor who technically has wide power but has never exercised it, he is elderly and may die soon.
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