[hider=Corustaria Redux] Nations Name: The United Kingdom of Corustaria 

Flag:  The Flag of Corustaria is very different from the flags of it's individual territories, and this is very important to remember as regiments from the different area's of Corustaria often fly the banners of their countries in addition to the Corustarian banner. The Corustarian banner is composed of the Red of Alswell, the Blue of Vivia and the Lion of Morland. The Saxley dragon is not included due to Saxley having been conquered and thus not having been part of the union which made the flag. As such, the official flag does not include the Dragon of Saxley, however some unofficial contemporary variations do exist that incorporate the Dragon alongside the Lion, usually by moving the Lion so that it is against the Blue background and the Dragon so that it is against the red. These variants exist almost exclusively within Saxley. De jure, Saxley is actually part of Morland following its annexation hundreds of years ago. In reality, however, it is treated like any other constituent country in the union.

Corustaria[img]http://oi60.tinypic.com/2ailqhz.jpg[/img]

Major Province Flags:
Vivia[img]http://oi57.tinypic.com/2cmww8x.jpg[/img]
Saxley[img]http://oi57.tinypic.com/au6rdy.jpg[/img]
Morland[img]http://oi58.tinypic.com/123b4mo.jpg[/img] 
Alswell[img]http://oi57.tinypic.com/5zi05t.jpg[/img]


Form of Government: Constitutional Monarchy 

Describe the System: (Describe how your country is run in some more detail.} The Monarch of Corustaria (Known as the King or Queen) is a very important and powerful figure. Alongside the monarch there is a parliament with a range of powers which acts as a legislator. The monarch can dissolve parliament at their own discretion, and also has many administrative functions, working with parliament rather than independently of it. While Morland is the heart of the Kingdom, the remaining islands are mostly autonomous, with their own heads of state, for example Vivia having a Petty King. All these are subservient to the King/Queen and Morlands Parliament

Location on Map Desired: The largest of the Eastern Islands [img]http://i.imgur.com/7iSlDLB.png?1[/img]

Capital: Stavedon, a massive city built around the bay of Stavedon to the South East of Morland, relatively close to the Morish-Vivian border, the River Thyme flowing through it into the ocean, making it a port-side city to house it's naval assets and one of the more important trade centers of the isles. 

Important Settlements: Pottershead (A large town in the center of Morland. It recently boomed to a massive side and became extremely important as the tree's surrounding it turned out to be excellent for ship building using the new methods) Albaport (Capital of Saxley, known for it's apples and mining, its located on the east coast of Saxley) Ivarford (A major mining town in the Weyland islands, notable for exporting large amounts of metals to the mainlands) Glassley (Capital of Alswell. Culturally significant, but it's economic value is relatively low compared to the other capitals) Bastillia (Capital of Vivia that is located along the River Charles in the south east of Vivia. Known for it's fine wines and vineyards. Bastillia gets it's name from the Bastile lying near it's center, a twelve hundred (1200) year old castle that has been razed and rebuilt many times in the battle scarred history that came before unification) Kingswood (A major town in the northeast of Vivia. It is renowned for the great forest surrounding it which has long since provided wood for ships) Newkeep (A Saxley city located near the center of Saxley, it has become one of the most prosperous on the island after having struck a huge vein of gold and silver. Jewlers and Smiths dot its streets, and it provides a major source of income for the government.) Dunworth (The largest city in Lesser Morland, located in the north of lesser Morland.

Description: Very Victorian esque in its architecture, the cities of the Corustaria range from beautiful manors and pretty cobble stone streets, to less... Appealing slums. New, revolutionary ideas spread like wild fire in the heat of summer, as great minds expand the fields of science. Some things never change however. They are still proud of their navy, and almost incessant are the chants of "Bigger, better, stronger" whenever someone so much as hears the word "Navy". There are four main nations. Morland, Vivia, Saxley, Alswell, situated on mainland Corustaria, and there were formally smaller nation states on the minor islands that surround it, though they have long since been absorbed into their larger brothers and in turn unified into the Empire of Corustaria. Morland is the largest, richest and most powerful nation, where the capital is situated built around a bay with a small entrance.
Aside from pride in the nation of Corustaria, there is pride in the individual nations (and sometimes regions within these nations), flying their colours proudly alongside the other. In particular, Vivia believes the souls of the fallen cling to their regiments colours, and that to lose the colours would be an insult to their memory. Morland has a long running tradition, which has been transferred into a Corustarian tradition, of the Monarchs Colours. This flag, referred to as the King or Queens Colours, are "touched by the hand of the monarch themselves" and bestowed only upon the most worthy regiments or units. This unit must continue to perform to the highest standards, or the colours may be "usurped" by another regiment, upon which the monarch shall instead bestow the colours upon that regiment. Not only is their the added pressure of losing the colours to another regiment, but if the colours fell into enemy hands, then the mark would forever stain the regiments record. "To lose the Queens Colours is to lose the Queens favour", as they say.
Religion is a somewhat avoided topic on the island, as the Princess is an atheist, while the King was of a different religion to the Prince and the Queen. This is actually a running theme in Morlands royal family, with the monarchs often being of separate beliefs due to there being wildly varying religions around the parts of Corustaria in the old days, and is merely another trait Corustaria has inherited from Morland. Its considered impolite to speak of your own religion unless another inquires, a social construct that came to be in no small part because of a period in Morlands history where your religion could make you lose your head...
Given their interesting socialist esque system of providing free education up till age 10, and education past that being relatively cheap compared to other countries, their technological prowess is considerable. While this has supposedly devalued their degree's and honours in the eyes of the paying elite that fill the continent, it has resulted in a literacy rate nearing 70%... No small feat for the time period 
On the subject of socialist esque systems, this is a running theme is several areas. Setting them apart from the mainland their government is responsible for free (This is actually a misconception, as it is supported through taxes) though limited healthcare for its citizens, along with child support money for widows or widowers (But not for single parents who have become single by any other means, or to families) small pensions for the old and (admittedly limited) support for those out of work. This has made a somewhat healthy and effective workforce, and their people are generally taller than the continental average. This puts a drain on the economy, and the economy has to be carefully regulated in order to avoid a crash. The national reserve is the emergency funding, and a small amount of money is set aside for it each year. This system has created several industry giants, whom the government owns large shares in, including the somewhat dreaded "Royal Trading Company."
The Royal Trading Company is an Empowered Company, backed by government forces and legitimacy. In return, the government recieves a share of the money. It is often said the RTC gets a great a deal, as the money they give the government funds the healthcare and education programs, which in turn creates a strong and capable workforce for the Company. 
The Currency of Corustaria is the Vestibulum coin. Made out of gold, bronze and silver depending on worth, these coins have the head of the Queen stamped onto them, and on the other side bear the national symbol of wherever the coin was issued (Lion for Morland, Dragon for Saxley, Grapes for Vivia, Bear for Alswell etc) Bank notes are also used, exchangeable at the bank for coin.
Corustaria is known for being very cosmopolitan; Divisions aren't laid out by creed, colour or gender. In fact, it's known for having fierce women in the ranks of it's sailors, as well as minority groups and those viewed by others as 'savages' fighting among it's marines. This is partly down to their nature, being already made from several different peoples who have unified rather than being a single country to begin with. This is not to say there isn't racism or sexism within their society. As will all colonial nations, they still have their own views on what's 'womanly' and 'savage'. And their own way of ensuring people do not rise past their station...
There are multiple languages within Corustaria; The most common is Moorish and is spoken by nearly everyone, Northtongue, Vinish, Paelalic and Saelic are also commonly spoke in their respective regions. There are numerous minor tongues that are sometimes spoken as well
Although it's army is something of a joke due to underfunding and it's generals being perpetually at each others throats, the individual soldier is not actually terrible. Many are loyal and committed, even if they are poorly trained and ill equipped. Unfortunately, this leads to soldiers having a poor reputation, when it is more down to the fault of their superiors than it is their own. This has led to a somewhat awful recruitment level, with would be soldiers flocking to join the navy or marines instead
Something important to note is that Corustaria's Marines are considered much better fighters than it's actual army. They are feared opponents at sea, storming enemy vessels and firing on the swaying decks with shocking accuracy, partly down to skill and experience and partly down to their use of the superior equipment to their land based counter parts
There are three major and common chivalrous orders in Corustaria, while others exist these are either the most common or the most notable:

The Order of the Rose:The highest of the chivalrous orders, it dates back to the 11th century and the reign of Queen Amelia of Morland. She would give a ceramic, personally made rose to her most loyal supporters during her reign. It was derived from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Elcia from whence she came, which had 5 roses on its coat of arms. She split the duchy onto 5 pieces, and receiving a Rose gave the recipient one fifth of the duchy as a result. Although the Duchy has long since passed from Morlands hands, first to the Norian Empire during the conquest's and then spread across the borders of three other states, the custom remains for there only to be 5 knights of the rose. Due to it no longer being a landed title in anything but paper, the order of the Rose can technically be granted to foreign nobles, however none have ever been given it.
The Order of the Talon: A chivalric order created in the 15th century at the height of the Morland-Saxley wars. It's original members are said to have been those who slaughtered the dragon of Saxley and presented it's head to the King of Morland. Originally knights of the order were given specially carved armour but with the advent of gunpowder they are instead given a carved flintlock pistol and sword. It carries no land or even the historical claims of land like the Order of the Rose and can have up to 42 recipient at any time, however it still carries a large amount of prestige and can be given to anyone regardless of birth
The Order of the Corustarian Crown: The most junior chivalric order and by far the most populous, this order is both civil and military and can be given to a limitless number of people regardless of nationality. It carries a certain prestige with it, especially with it's upper classes, but is viewed as a much less desirable award to the Talon or the Rose.


Important Characters: 

King Heinrich Wight (41, DECEASED): The harsh but fair King Heinrich ruled over Corustaria for 24 years after ascending to the throne at 17. Born abroad, Heinrich married into the Corustarian throne and proved moderately popular with the people (although some were angered by his lineage). As per Corustarian custom, he took his wifes surname as she was of higher stature and power than he was, Tragically, he was lost during the Winter War some 4 years ago and was given the traditional royal burial as per his instructions. His death left his wife with a claim to the barony of Hanton in Lancia, however due to a law forbidding Queens they forbid her from being crowned its ruler. The law has since been repealed, and Corustaria has shown a keen influence in finding some way to enforce the claim...

Queen Emmeline Wight (32): Known as "Emmeline the Wise" to some, she is known for being publically kind and fair. Behind closed doors however, she is a very determined and sometimes dangerous woman, ambitious and with the intelligence and power to back it up, she is well aware how to play the game of politics, even if she does not always approve of it. It is rumoured that she has refused to take a new husband due to her wedding vows, which while commendable in personal terns is politically poor.

Princess Lillian Wight (15): The Princess has been described by continental suitors as being attractive; Not beautiful, but definitely a striking lady. Unfortunately, she's also been described as having an unwomanly interest in warfare, as well as having a tendency to correct everyone around her incessantly, which has annoyed suitors greatly. She has objected to her mother arranging any marriage and has said that she wants to at least like "Whatever posh twit I get married off to". She is notable in the isles for her charity work within the cities, often donating large portions of her royal allowance to the needy and has been a strong political activist, particularly in support of widening eligibility for the healthcare system to involve a wider portion of society as well as in favour of equality laws. Her strong stance on Gender and Racial issues is also famed, or perhaps infamous. All this has given her a reputation as being very kind and just, though she is also very stubborn. Some, including Grand Admiral Thorne (who privately tutored her in the art of naval warfare on her own request) believe her to be a better choice for the throne.

Prince Thaddeus Wight (16. Heir to the throne): In contrast to Lillian, he is less politically active. He seeks glory, wealth and prestige, in that order. He lacks the eloquence in his speeches that his mother and sister are notable for. Although he has a strong sense of justice, he I slow to grant pardons for any offence, preferring instead to carry out the law. In short, he certainly takes more after his father.

Royal Spymaster Richard Blank (42): A shifty man in a position that does not officially exist. Although Grand Admiral Thorne repeatedly calls Blanks loyalty into question, Blank insists that he is only ever loyal to Corustaria... Which is true, he certainly has a love for all things Corustarian, one needs only walk into his chambers to see that. He is officially the designated regent, however his position as Spymaster is kept from the public gaze.

Royal Lifeguard Severus Gadge (37): The name is misleading as obviously there is more than one bodyguard. "Royal" in these contexts usually means the head of a group, there is obviously more than one bodyguard, the others are officially reffered to as "Petty Lifeguards", though informally many simply call them the Lifeguards or the Queens Guard (Even they sometimes introduce themselves or announce their presence as the Queens Guard, and it has become semi-formal) Gadge is a veteran of the Royal Marines and now serves as the commander of the Lifeguards. A member of the chivalrous Order of the Rose, he serves his monarch proudly.

Royal Physician Marie Roseburrow (31): Marie is one of the most promising young minds in Corustaria, having studied at the Royal University of Natural Philosophy in Stavedon and gone on to write a thesis about the possibility of metal ships within the future, although it has been deemed "outrageous" by many sections of the scientific community and simply expelled completely by several prominent members of the navy. After all, everyone knows that metal does not float. She has done extensive work into the human body and is responsible for curing one of the most dreaded diseases on Corustaria, the infamous "brain rot" that was passed by a parasite which fed of animals and would often end up transferring to owners or those with close proximity to the infected animals.

Prime Minister Arnold Carnifex (61): The elected Prime Minister Carnifex has had a colourful life, to be sure. Serving in the Royal Marines, he fought in several wars and became highly decorated, until he was crippled in combat. Rather than retire, however, Arnold Carnifex decided he still needed to serve his country and so decided to become a politician. Founding the Right Wing "Crown Party", he was brought to power on a platform that consisted mainly of bringing up the army up to date and expanding the countries industry, both of which he has yet to achieve. As a member of the Order of the Corustarian Crown, his service has been recognised and he has written an autobiography that achieved some success within Morland and Vivia, though he proves unpopular in Alswell and Saxley

Minister for War and Grand Admiral Esmond Thorne (51): Like the Royal Bodyguard, Grand Admiral Thorne belongs to the Order of the Rose and is highly respected among the Corustarian people, and indeed is a respected Admiral across Edorinas it's self, known for his military cunning and his scholarly ways. It was Esmond Thorne who has ensured the ships of the line were constructed by Corustaria, ships which would otherwise have been scrapped due to expenses, when he demonstrated their effectiveness personally in battle. Thorne has used his position as Minister for War to ensure that funding is delivered to the navy and used to equip the marines and ships with top of the line equipment

Petty King Julius of Vivia (44): Julius Adhelm serves as the leader of the Petty Kingdom of Vivia, though swears his allegiance to the Wight Dynasty. He is a loyal supporter of the Wight family, being a distant relative the Adhelm family was installed on the Vivian throne by Emmeline's ancestors in order to secure a loyal powerbase in Vivia and solidify the overall grasp of the family on the isles, as they slowly acquired hegemony of the isles to form Corustaria. Julius is a hedonistic man more concerned with personal pleasure and interests than with any long term goals for his people, and as such has outsourced many affairs to Governor Generals from Morland who enact the will of the Corustarian Parliament and Royal Family. His hedonism has been passed down to his two daughters. Despite this attitude, he has done little to incur the wrath of his people, and the Corustarian government is careful to respond to any problems in his realm swiftly to ensure the people are placid.

Traits: 

Base points (4): ----

Outdated Army (2): Corustaria has seen modern army equipment as a worthless investment, forgoing it in favour of superior naval vessels

Small Army (2): The Corustarian army is, for various reasons, a relatively small contender in Edorinastic terms

Off the beaten track (2): Due to the isles less than lucrative position and relative political isolation, trade routes have been slow to form

State Controlled (1):

Poseidon (-6): Corustaria has one of, if not the, most glorious and colourful maritime histories of the continent. There is a seemingly never ending love for the navy in the isles and finding a Corustarian who can't swim is like trying to find a man who cannot breath air. Perhaps this stems from them outlasting the Norian Empire by sea, indeed they consider their navy beloved of the divine for its successes in that period and it was due to this that the nations of Corustaria had to swear hegemony rather than to face occupation. Corustarian law, although unrealistic, states that Corustaria must have more naval power than the next two powers combined 

Ships of the Line (-2): Admiral Thorne is a vocal advocate for these massive behemoths. They are viewed as a necessity by the Corustarian government and are symbols of national wealth and power. Again, although unrealistic, Corustarian law says the navy must have at least 1.5 times the ships of the line of any other nation

Sealegs (-1)

Multicultural (-2)

New Age Ship Construction (0)

Empowered Company (0)

Army: (Gowia will roll this, navy, GDP and stability.) 


Navy:

GDP: 

Population:

Stability: [/hider]