I don't know if that covers it precisely, but its somewhat close. In case of "just because" as far as history goes, everything bar the eventual unification of Korea and the survival of the territorial USSR and Yugoslavia as coherent states is the only real, meaningful difference in Europe. Eastern Europe was largely an acceptable casualty to the USSR and most of the states such as Hungary would have ended up in the European Union just as in reality, while some such as Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltics never become independent. In its original iterations the European Union did fracture, in that it became a Franco-Spanish-Polish dominated block with Germany, Italy, the low countries/scandinavians and a few nods to outside sources like Bulgaria breaking off for whatever domestic reasons to conduct their own exodus affairs, such as it were. I'm not looking to lock anyone into that variation, but rather just make the cases. I have no objection to your idea - it'd obviously just be one of the smaller Orion powers just like the aforementioned Bulgaria or Yugoslavia were/would be, if you understand where I'm coming from. I'm going to throw the old nations list down from when this was pretty restrictive, just to give people an idea of how things they can do might "look" - but apart from the smaller, singular to three system sort of affairs - which aren't listed in the initial list - none of this should be taken as "my way or the high way". I understand that the years have amassed a reasonable amount of writing, some good, some bad, that takes time to read through, so again I'm thankful that people take the time to do it. [hider=Deprecated Nation List]Prior to player or application revisions: The People's Republic of China: The People's Republic of China suffered the least during the century of war and conflict on Earth - and benefited the most from having much time to evacuate its massive population. The People's Republic of China has nominally remained a communist state - but a century of reform, economic prosperity and the development of a booming interstellar state where private property is the norm and protected by law has effectively made the People's Republic a state like any other superpower, aside from the USSR - unless you want to vote for a party other than the Communist one, of course. The PRC is the second largest state and most populous in the modern age, comprising over 59 Star Systems with 14 of them containing major, densely inhabited worlds. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics: The USSR managed to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat at the last moment - and with the world's attention focused elsewhere, did what needed to be done to remain a functional state in the 1990's. A century of conflict was just what the USSR needed to resolve its issues - switching to a wartime footing and getting the people behind a cause did wonders for the flagging nation's economy and its constituent states. Despite loosing most of its satellites either through the tumultuous nineties or through the waning of soviet influence in Europa -it was effective at modernizing both politically and economically, the USSR has not changed much since the times of post-glasnost, and remains an indomitable bastion of humanity - its own various Stalingrads of the 21st century ensuring the safety of most of its surviving populace in the Exodus. The USSR is the largest state existing in the modern age, comprising over 66 Systems, 10 of them containing major, densely inhabited worlds. Democratic Federation of American States: USA/Mexico/Caribbean/Central American Nations The Democratic Federation, at its heart, remains the United States of America - though the inclusion of a dozen other states and full evacuation and settlement rights in the century of conflict lead to the establishment of the Democratic Federation, the only pure "democracy" amongst the Orion Arm's human superpowers. The state has since taken many settlers, much like the United States of old, under its banner - either those fleeing oppression or whom could not secure their place on Earth or elsewhere -as such the Democratic Federation functions as a beacon of liberty, hope and prosperity for humanity. The Democratic Federation is the fourth largest state in the modern age, comprising over 43 Systems with 11 of them containing major, densely inhabited worlds. Commonwealth of Nations: UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada + refugees from nations that were members - primarily South Africa & India. The Commonwealth of Nations was formed by the United Kingdom of Great Britain in the century of conflict on Earth. The Commonwealth was formed out of the preceeding Commonwealth established from the legacy of the British Empire - the Commonwealth of Nations ultimately, at first, concerned itself with resettling member states citizens and ensuring the continued survival of all member states in the face of aggression. With the Commonwealth nominally headed by the British Monarch with an elected parliament - it exists as an extension of the former member states governments, sans a few exceptions, though these minor populations have largely assimilated. The Commonwealth is the fifth largest state in the modern age, comprising 39 systems, 8 of which contain major, densely inhabited worlds. Empire of Japan: The Empire of Japan, in function a republic until the years prior to the exodus, was reconstituted as a full Empire to hold the state together during the Age of Establishment - though the guiding force of the Emperor or Empress is now an accepted daily part of Japanese political life. Though the main elements of Japanese Government function much like it did for most of the period following the end of World War 2, it now utilizes the Emperor as its final element. The Empire of Japan, was, however, fortuitous in that, along with the Korean Republic - it began its exodus years before the fight for Earth was lost - thus securing its place as a pre-eminent power. The Empire of Japan is the third largest state in the modern age, comprising 51 systems, 9 of which contain major, densely inhabited worlds. Major Powers: The European Union: Members of EU during Exodus - Sixth French Republic, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, Romania, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ireland, Malta, Greece, Cyprus. At the time of the Exodus, the European Union had lost much support to differing causes - and had fallen far from the time when it could call upon the economic and military might of the European Continent. All the same, the remaining member nations - notably organized under the European Parliament managed to formulate and execute a near flawless evacuation plan, securing a sizeable population base and even taking elements such as the Eiffel Tower to their new home. The multi-ethnic state suffers from internal dissent, though each nominally independent state knows they stand stronger together than alone. The European Union Comprises 31 Systems, 11 of which contain major, densely inhabited worlds. The Empire of Germany The withdrawl of Germany from the European Union - and its subsequent descent into anarchy was nearly described as the greatest tragedy of the exodus - until an army commander with the largest military force in the region, and with the support of a dozen other units, managed to turn the situation around. Though declaring it "for the duration of the evacuation only" - he declared himself the new Kaiser, appointed a new Chancellor and began to organize the German evacuation effort. However, the new German Monarchy looked like it was here to stay, and the Modern Germany state has proudly built upon the new tradition, forming a sizeable and efficient state amongst the stars. The German Empire comprises 32 systems, 7 of which contain major, densely inhabited worlds Korean Republic/ROK: The Korean Republic, unified by the Korean War after the First Incident, became a powerhouse after a lengthy period of rebuilding, contributing much to the advance of science and the defense of Earth. All the same, Korea was quick to work with the Japanese extra-solar charting operation - and when the Oracle drive became a reality, were even quicker to work on securing zones of occupation much like, and with assistance to and from the Japanese, despite past tensions. These moves lead to the establishment of a Korean state that can call itself a major interstellar power, rather than being reliant on the whims of its neighbors. The Korean Republic comprises 22 Systems, 6 of which contain major, densely inhabited worlds. Islamic Republic of Tawhid: Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Yemen, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE. (Arab League members during Exodus) The Arab League managed to co-operate effectively throughout the Incursion Wars, despite all bets hedged otherwise. Ultimately forming a cohesive group of nations - the Arab League were able to execute a relatively painless evacuation, despite being on the brunt of the alien offensive. The establishment of Tawhid and the subsuming of all Arab League member states into a cohesive state was not easy - but the new Republic has formed itself into a major power. Tawhid comprises 17 systems, 5 of which contain major, densely inhabited worlds. Federal Nordic Co-Operative: Norway/Denmark/Sweden/Finland/Iceland The Federal Nordic Co-Operative was formed by the Scandinavian Nations and their associated states decades before the exodus as a reasonable extension of Nordic brotherhood. As such, when the time came to leave Earth - the Nordic Co-Operative, much like Japan and Korea, had already begun to take measures in that vein. Whilst arguably the weakest of the Major powers, the Nordic Co-Operative maintains a well trained military force and boasts an economy of impressive sophistication. The Co-Operative comprises 14 systems, 3 of which contain major, densely inhabited worlds. Andean Alliance: Chile/Bolivia/Ecuador/Peru/Colombia/Venezuela The Andean Alliance was born out of necessity - with the fall of Brazil and its population reduced to refugees, the Andean Alliance co-operated with Argentina and formed one of the greatest defensive lines and most impressive military strategies of the late Incursion Wars. The Andean Alliance ultimately grew into a democratic alliance of states -and whilst Argentina ultimately went its own way, the member states formed a working state and government that survived and prospered during the Exodus. The Andean Alliance comprises 25 systems, 6 of which contain major, densely inhabited worlds. The Union of Albion: The Union of Albion is the most notable splinter group formed out of the Exodus - disagreeing with the Commonwealth, a series of nationalist and private interests pursed their own Exodus program, managing to successfully transport a sizeable population of disenfranchised, primarily British citizens to the Albion system, where a new Union was formalized. Establishing itself as a constitutional monarchy, the Union of Albion ultimately managed to entice many others to its borders, forming a sizeable anglophone nation separate from its mother countries. The Union of Albion comprises 13 Systems, 4 of which contain major, densely inhabited worlds. Minor Powers: Unified Benelux Republic: Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg. When the Benelux nations split from the EU - it was simply for the purpose of ensuring their own place in the Exodus. Unwilling or unable to put their fate into the hands of the suffering and splintering European Union, the Formidable economic might of these states was turned to preserving their cultures and peoples - although as a now unified state. The Benelux exodus program suffered greatly from Juhseungi attacks, but dogged fighting marked much of the Juhseungi advance through Northern Europe as the Benelux Republic, Nordic Peoples and Germany fought to ensure the last exodus transports could escape. As such, the Benelux now forms a notable state amongst the stars. 5 Systems. Republic of Turkey: Turkey worked alongside the Arab League during the Exodus program - not willing to join the European Union and not finding a place in the Arab League acceptable - they took the compromise, offering aid to the Arab League defense and exodus program in return for exploration charts and technical expertise for their own exodus. Thus, the Republic of Turkey, despite great losses, were able to secure a place for their independent future among the nations in the stars. 7 Systems. Federal Republic of Yugoslavia: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia(FYRM) Albania. Yugoslavia, throughout the century of conflict, spent much of its time fighting among itself to determine a course of action. When the final war came - Yugoslavia emerged as an efficient force, with a near century of learning to get along behind them, their prowess in combined operations was a lesson to many of the embattled nations. This same attitude served them well in the Exodus, though many of their people died defending Eastern Europe form the Juhseungi advance when the Turkish and Greek Exodus had completed. Alongside Bulgaria, the Yugoslavian Exodus was executed, though at great cost. 9 Systems. The Bulgarian Empire: Becoming a de facto Independent Republic during the USSR's time of troubles, Bulgaria ultimately joined the world in their fight against the Juhseungi. By the time of the Exodus, Bulgaria had, much like Germany, withdrawn from the EU and nearly descended into a state of total anarchy. Once again, much like Germany - the individual with the best means to do so became the new man in charge - Proclaiming himself the new Tsar, the new Bulgarian ruler rallied his country - formed a defensive line with the Yugoslavian Republic and ensured that his people had the time they need to evacuate - alongside his son and heir, of course. 6 Systems. Italian Empire/Novus Imperium Romanum: The New Italian Empire was formed when the Juhseungi made landfall on Sicily and the Exodus program looked to be in dire straits. Having withdrawn from the embattled EU program - Italy stood on her own. The recourse was to call back on its history - Rome may be sacked, of course, but she never truly fell. The Proclamation of a New Roman, or Italian Empire, was simple enough - and the boost to morale ensured a solid defense of Southern Italy for a sizeable evacuation to be conducted. 11 Systems Unified Centauri Protectorates: The Unified Centauri Protectorates are a collection of states namely centered in Alpha Centauri - part of the "A Place in the Stars" campaign conducted by the United Nations, the Protectorates are a multi-ethnic collection of states established as an independent colony from a number of refugee status nations. The Alpha Centauri colonies in particular, served as a basis for all colonial attempts and the lessons learned served to ensure millions would make safer homes among the stars. 3 Systems Confederation of Tau Ceti: Tau Ceti, similar to the Centauri program, served as a colonisation attempt for refugee status nations. Unlike Alpha Centauri, however, the Democratic Federation, in conjunction with the Commonwealth and European Union conducted the attempt seperate from the United Nations. While ultimately successful, the desire of each nation to use its investments in Tau Ceti as a political ploy with the other powers lead to the Tau Ceti Colonial Authority throwing representatives from all of them out and proclaiming a new Confederation. 2 Systems Geneva Confederation: The Geneva Confederation was established by Swiss private interests that found the European Union Program was unlikely to offer as many Swiss the ultimate chance to survive. As such, the Geneva Confederation is one of the most successful private colonization attempts of the Exodus Era - yet, it is quintessentially Swiss. The Geneva Confederation, with its homeworld - the appropriately named planet of Geneva, has become home to many organisations as the Confederation has set for itself a reputation much like Switzerland of old - it will remain neutral and brook no interference. 2 Systems Brazilian Unitary: Despite the loss of Brazil, the majority of the Brazilian Population survived - displaced, but not dispossessed. The Exodus - and the UN and Private Programs, offered the Brazilian people and government in exile a chance to reconstitute their nationstate in the planets of the Orion Arm. Working with the Andean Alliance and securing UN funding and Private support, the Brazilian Unitary was established during the Exodus - coming to form a reasonable power bloc and ensuring the survival of the Brazilian State. With the faltering Argentinian-Paraguayan-Uruguayan program, Brazil invited these nations diasporas into itself - enabling these nations to join the Unitary. 4 Systems Republic of Israel: Israel, despite the conflicts of the 21st century remained independent, even in the face of a unified Arab League and the encroaching Juhseungi aggression. In the end - the troubles of Israel and Palestine and the Arab States paled in comparison to a force that came from the stars - and with speed was a separate Palestine resolution achieved once this was realized. Palestine was now, nominally independent - and placed under Arab League and Israeli protection. By the time of the Exodus - it was Israel and Palestine that formed a cohesive force of unity for the purposes of the Exodus. With the time of conflict on Earth hopefully able to be put behind them, both executed a unified exodus with great efficiency, with the new Israel forming a Republic among the heavens. 5 Systems The Egyptian Kingdom: Egypt was able to save much of its self - both in terms of population and heritage during its evacuation. When the Exodus came - the Egyptian people were capable and willing to do what was necessary to achieve a new independent Egyptian nation among the stars - utilizing UN Aid but mainly relying on private initiatives, the Egyptian Government and People were able to secure their place amongst the exodus - and many transports brought the necessary people and equipment to a new home under the auspices of a new Ra. 7 Systems Federative Republic of Rigel Kentaurus: Rigel Kentaurus, much like Tau Ceti and the Centauri, was part of the programs to save refugee individuals dispossessed in countries far from their own - however, unlike others, Rigel Kentaurus was different in that its primary sources were the pacific nations - namely, Indonesia, the Phillipines and the multitude of island nations and South East Asian nations, all badly damaged by the actions of the Juhseungi towards the Moon, With such great economic damage and loss of life - these nations were forced to come together and reconstitute an individual polity for exodus - whilst this was nearly not acheived, the program managed to save many - and while consensus could not be reached on earth, these individual nations managed to form a new unified state in their new home. 2 Systems Kingdom of Tanarsus: Tanarsus is notable as the first colony to split from its parent nation in the age of establishment. The Kingdom of Tanarsus rebelled from the Empire of Germany during the early stages of the Empires establishment in the new colonial zones - and was therefore capable of ensuring its independence. Declaring itself a new, independent Kingdom - Preferring the title Archduke, the new ruler of the Kingdom of Tanarsus all the same worked to repair relations with Germany and indeed, secured a legacy of ensuring the two royal lines were intertwined. All the same, Tanarsus values its independence and separate ambitions.[/hider] [hider=Notable Independent Colonies]Single Worlds: Single worlds are systems and their inhabited worlds that are inhabited either by one state, or multiple, but do not constitute a "minor power" beyond their own system. These worlds possess a great number of inhabitants or industrial wealth - thus, even if divided, making them of strategic value. These worlds are not really "powers" and their individual states may not necessarily be "important" - but their positions and the wealth they possess make them of concern to all the powers. These are thus, primarily NPC's - to serve as catalysts or elements of intrigue. Heres a little more information on the minor, NPC-orientated worlds. New Canaan (Multiple States, 567 Million): States Present: Republic of Canaan (154m), Arkalian Republic (316m), State of Antioch (97m). New Canaan is a world primarily settled by religious orders and groups of varying description. New Canaan as such was formerly a place of pilgrimage and spiritual pursuit. While there has been moves for unification, the three states that have coalesced - The Republic of Canaan, the nominally secular Arkalian Republic and the State of Antioch, maintain a healthy balance of power between each other. However, the Presence of the system, on the main route between the Sol Sector and the Southeastern Regions threatens the delicate balance of power and the relative stability of New Canaan. Vega (Unified, Global Population of 621 Million): States Present: New Weimar Republic Vega, home of the New Weimar Republic, founded by disparate groups of German settlers separate from the main programs forms the main German Diaspora outside of the German Empire and the Kingdom of Tanarsus. The New Weimar Republic as such forms a democratic free market society located on the main route from the Sol Sector into the Northwestern regions - putting it in the spheres of interest of the numerous powers of the Northern Sectors, though others maintain an interest. Tchaikov (Unified, Global Population of 1.1 Billion): States Present: Tchaik Confederation of States Tchaikov is a so-called dead-end system, located at the end of a chartered subspace route. bordering the system of Vesta, the Tchaik Confederation is a relatively stable power located in a resource rich system without any immediate threats. Tchaikov split from the Soviet Union following the treaty of Nozomi, given its lack of distance from the main Soviet Territories and the subsequent delineation placing it beyond the new territorial lines. The colony ultimately split into a dozen vying political groups - before unifying through a democratic process into a confederation of these same political groups. The Confederation consequently has begun flexing its muscles in the neighbouring system of Vesta - and giving the major powers in the region a run for their money. Vesta (Multiple States, Global Population of 780 Million): States Present: Mannisar Federation (151m), The League of Vestan States (208m), Barclay Republic (144m), State of Sao Palo (156m), Republic of Denarr (121m). Vesta, wedged on a primary trade route between Rigel Kentarus, Tau Ceti and linked into the southern and western reaches, lies on the edge of the Sol Sector and is a prime area for conflict - the disparate groups who settled here never formed a cohesive state and the resulting conflicts for control of the planet Vesta and the solar system regular flare up into open warfare. The interference of Tau Ceti and Rigel Kentaurus pulled in Soviet Interests - and since the inclusion of the Tchaik Confederation, Vesta has become a battleground for influence, one that is slowly turning in favour of the Tchaikov, much to the humiliation of the Soviet Union. Galleria (Unified, Global Population of 822 Million): States Present: Gallerian League Galleria was settled by disparate groups of Chinese and Russian settlers - aiming to form a democratic state away from their respective home countries. Largely successful, the formation of the Gallerian League ensured a force of unity on the world. The unfortunate reality - that Galleria was a single world on an ever encroaching border between their origin nations, did not deter them. Through careful courting of Chinese economic investment and co-operation with Soviet Military Concerns, Galleria played both sides against each other to secure its independence. Galleria has thus secured a peaceful world - at least for the coming future. Ioseph (Multiple States, Global Population of 2.816 Billion): States Present: Augustan Federation (558m), Confederate Republic of Sumter (197m), Confederate Union of America (212m), Free State of Shaymore (138m), New Galveston State (89m), Republic of Lafayette (101m), Republic of Jefferson (605m), Republic of Stovington (240m), Union of Macon (278m), United States of Lexingworth (398m). Ioseph is a system that is engulfed with conflict and a haven of pirate activity. Lying to the north of the New Canaan System - and located on what would be a viable and efficient trade route, it has seen these conflicts used for battles of influence. Ioseph was nominally a world of the Democratic Federation, but insurrection, rebellion and criminal activity split the world from its mother countries, and the majority of colonies on its service have over a century coalesced themselves into new political states. Some seek mere survival, some seek reunification and some seek independence - and are not wary of turning to outside sources to secure it. Ioseph is thus one of the main areas of concern in the over-all region, as a spillover into the largely cordial relations between the Democratic Federation and other nearby powers could ignite a war over control of the system. Outreach (Unified, Global Population of 373 Million): States Present: The Hippocratic Republic Outreach started as a way-world, a world for colony ships and refugee transports to rest before travelling onward. Largely regarded as a "Hospital World" after the settlement of most preliminary colonies, Outreach was granted sovereignty under a Republic and granted full rights as a state for its service to colonial endeavours. Outreach has since concerned itself with maintaining its status as a world of healing, as well as trade, research and overall safety. Located north of Vega leading into the Northern Sectors, many states have a vested interest in the survival of Outreach. Juno (Multiple States, Global Population of 245 Million): States Present: Republic of Zane (31m), United Juno Republic (87m), State of Graystone (22m), Republic of Hanat (46m), United Provinces of Xaran (59m). Juno, nestled between Rigel Kentaurus and the Vega System, was another independent colony established by private interests - though without as much success as others, the harsh world of Juno bred a series of disparate states that - whilst unwilling to, at least at the moment, war with each other, were even less willing to work with each other. A presence on the international stage for its constituent states have brought a temporary reprieve to its inhabitants as its harsh terrain's vast mineral bounty helps drag the world forward economically - however, the flexing of the muscles of the New Weimar Republic or Rigel Kentaurus could threaten the delicate balance in this system. Sanctuary (Unified, Global Population of 874 Million): States Present: Grand Republic of Sanctuary Sanctuary was a fallback world established by the colonies when the Juhseungi were first detected in the now Quarantine Zone. The colonists settled here came from all states with one direction - to, under a separate state, create an unassailable world to fall back to in the purposes of defence. While this goal was largely achieved, Sanctuary was largely left to its own devices following the establishment of the Quarantine Zone and the Zone of Exclusion. Sanctuary thus began to integrate itself into the community as an equal member. Now, in modern times, Sanctuary exists as a state in the middle of a battle of influence between its neighbors. Unhappy with either option, Sanctuary's choice to enter into negotiations with all comers has thus secured its formidable defensive might from being tested, at least for the time being, though many wonder what its expansive repair docks and shipyards could be turned to in times of conflict. New Taiwan (Unified, Global Population of 568 Million): States Present: Republic of China The Republic of China was fortunate enough to conduct an exodus of its own accord without seeking outside assistance - and even luckier to pick a world just about as far from the People's Republic of China as they could get. The Republic of China is now a state that forms a different kind of battleground - that of influence. A long-standing ally of the Democratic Federation, though preferring to remain independent, the Republic of China now faces a choice - casting both out in order to stabilize itself and risking conflict, or choosing the Democratic Federation as a more permanent option. Other influences in this system have thus come into play, and the Republic of China has sought greater co-operation with nearby powers where appropriate. Ticonderoga (Multiple States, Global Population of 193 Million): States Present: Kingdom of Dixon (24m), Republic of Yorktown (54m), Federation of Masterton (47m), Grand Duchy of Melkshire (19m), Republic of Alderfield (42m). Ticonderoga was a co-operative colonization attempt between the Commonwealth and Democratic Federation. The loss of contact with the colony with the collapse and subsequent shifting of subspace routes cut the system off from outside contact for 40 years - and by the time the route had stabilized and routes into the system re-opened, it had descended into anarchy and was barely coming out the other side with a handful of states. With most of these states at conflict with the other over some reason or another, neither the Commonwealth nor the Democratic Federation has been able to pacify the system or its pirate problem, let alone regain control. Therefore its constituent states continually play both sides against each other. As such, in the normally friendly relations of the Democratic Federation and Commonwealth, Ticonderoga is a sore spot - and one that continues to itch. Olvia (Multiple States, Global Population of 726 Million): States Present: Kingdom of Daschel (136m), United Kingdom of Esmer (247m), Republic of Carpathia (103m), Empire of Kapatchyn (241m). Olvia is a system located between a number of the northern powrs - and is, of course, a battle of influence between all of them. Established by a private European Initiative, Olvia was settled by a dozen ethnic groups from around Europe - and the consequent bickering after landfall ensured Olvia remains disunited. These same groups now battle against each other for control of the planet - and are not wary of bringing in the surrounding powers to support them behind the scenes where necessary. Hesperia (Unified, Global Population of 164 Million): States Present: Hesperian Unity Hesperia is a former corporate research colony just outside of the Sol Treaty Zone. Split from its parent corporation whom went bankrupt after the exodus, the relatively small colony grew as a centre of learning and research. The colonists eventually established the technocratic unity, and have since continued to explore the mysteries of the universe. The developments the colony produces are in great demand - particularly by its neighbours. Athena (Multiple States, Global Population of 1.978 Billion): States Present: Duchy of Morea (125m), Republic of Epirus (210m), Kingdom of Macedonia (112m), Hellenic Republic (436m), Empire of Byzantion (522m), Republic of Pontus (201m), Federation of Thracia (372m). Established by Greek private interests, the colonies on Athena were largely intended to integrate into the European Union after landfall. The inability to communicate with the European Union core-systems and the descent of the colony into disunified violence meant this was not made reality. While conflict on the world has largely died down and the majority of states co-operate on a number of issues, the interference and potential risks and rewards offered by outside powers has lead Athena to the brink of another conflict. Athena is of interest to not only the European Union, its nascent patron, but any and all neighbours who see the world as a valuable industrial asset. Newhall (Multiple States, Global Population of 430 Million): States Present: The Sami League (92m), Grand Nunavut (113m), Republic of Kola (225m) Newhall is a system located near the Nordic Co-Operative. Newhall is essentially a member, though more precisely protectorate, of the Co-Operative, though it has chosen to remain politically independent. Established for minor ethnic groups in the Co-Operative, the three states on Newhall are peaceful and largely concerned with their own development and through judicious use of treaties leave their defense to the Co-Operative. It is however the case that outside forces could capitalize on this potential weakness. Kingdom of Tarraco (Singular State, Two Star Systems, Combined Population of 1.1 Billion) Established by a industrial magnate during the Exodus, Tarraco is one of the several "vanity states" established in the Orion Arm - those states made to satisfy the ambitions or beliefs of their respective founder. Tarraco was founded as an alternative, independent Hispanic state free from domination by the Americans or the South American blocs. Tarraco has since become a dominant power in its local region, with 2 settled systems and industrial and commercial concerns in several surrounding ones, though without permanent inhabitation. Tarraco essentially functions as a Constitutional Monarchy with a moderately powerful parliament that has been empowered steadily since settlement by successive monarchs, though in the view of many other nations its judicial and legislative powers are arguably weak and most power remains centred in the hands of the Royal Household. Tarraco boasts a somewhat oversized naval force thanks to its industrial prowess, though its land forces remain somewhat stunted. ----- Ākaibu Colony (Disrupted Singular State, Population of 428 Million) An independent Anglo-Japanese colony, roughly equally split along ethnic lines, Ākaibu was regarded as a centre of independent scientific progress and advanced study in its region. Unfortunate outside interference coupled with a period of economic stagnation and a series of spectacularly failed experimental projects placed great strain upon the colony, leading to an attempt by outside states to force integration of the colony into one of the larger powers. This had the unintended effect of splitting the population several ways between ideological lines - even so far down to the approach of the scientific method each respective settlement's primary lab took. This spiral ultimately resulted in a high-intensity civil war, roughly reducing the Colonies population by 40% due to the release of viral contagions from destroyed labs and the use of experimental weaponry and technology by respective sides. While the colonies civil war has reduced to low intensity raiding and minor skirmishes in the past decade, few of its major settlements are untouched and many believe it is simply a lull before the next round of fighting. The United Nations has begun talks regarding the export of experimental weaponry from Ākaibu, the sale of which has become one of the few sources of outside funding for the respective sides in the Ākaibu unrest. ----- There were also ideas for more "vanity" states, that is, states created by individuals and their own means to have nations in their image, but I did not do much work on that regard.[/hider]