Nations Name: The United Empire of Corustaria
Flag: The Flag of the Empire 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. Traditionally, the 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 there has been a major push as of late, particularly with the public, to place the Dragon on the banner and it is seeming increasingly likely. From one side there has been the argument that "The United Empire is not a firm which changes its corporate branding each time the management alters. The flag is an enduring symbol of unity which transcends politics and absorbs cultural change" while on the other side there is the argument that technically the flag belongs to the monarch and the monarch belongs under the uncodified constitution to the people, the peoples wish to change the flag could in turn force the flag to change.
Corustaria
Major Province Flags:
Vivia
Saxley
Morland
Alswell Islands
Form of Government: Unitary Constitutional Monarchy
Describe the System: (Describe how your country is run in some more detail.) The Monarch of the Empire (Known as the Emperor or Empress) 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 Empire, the remaining islands are mostly autonomous, with their own heads of state, for example Vivia having a king. All these are subservient to the Emperor/Empress and Morlands Parliament
Location on Map Desired:
Capital: Stavedon, a massive city built around the bay of Stavedon to the South West of Morland, 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 centres of the isles.
Important Settlements: Pottershead (A large town in the center of Morland with massive reserves of iron)
Albaport (Capital of Saxley, known for it's apples and strong coal industry, its located on the east coast of Saxley)
Ivarford (A major mining town in the Alswell 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 but with the advent of ironclads has instead been used for high class furniture)
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 Empire of Corustaria range from beautiful manors and pretty cobble stone streets, to massive smoke stacks coughing out fumes into the sky far above. For better or for worse, Corustaria is in an industrial revolution. Culturally, this had led to many changes. Workers are suddenly less important, as machines which can do the jobs of many dozens or men are implemented into factories. 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 Emperors or Empresses 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 Empresses Colours is to lose the Empresses favour", as they say.
Religion is a somewhat avoided topic on the island, as the Princess is an atheist, while the Emperor was of a different religion to the Prince and the Empress. This is actually a running theme in Morlands royal family, with the monarchs often being of separate beliefs, 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 16, 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, the results are obvious: Corustaria has one of the highest levels of great inventors and scientists per capita in the continent.
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) healthcare for its citizens, along with child support money for widows or widowers, pensions for the old and (admittedly limited) support for those out of work. This has made a more healthy and effective workforce, and their people are almost invariably taller than the continents 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.
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 Empress 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.
The Empire of 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 was unexpectedly helpful in colonial situations, as their relatively more benevolent nature earned them more friends among natives than other, less cosmopolitan powers. 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
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 extremely 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 more accurate 'Bolt Action Rifles'
Careful marriages of various nobles and trade agreements as well as the Lancian secession of Oldenburg after Corustaria's lost of Hantan kept the two countries together and formed a strong bond. However with recent tensions between Empires both countries are seeking to find something to form a stronger bond between the two
Important Characters:
The Wight Dynasty:
Aside from being considered by some to be rather dark and having a large amount of pride and ancestor veneration within their family history, the Wight Dynasty has maintained a high level of public support over the past few hundred years. The seal of their family is the "Black Hand" which was originally stamped upon documents with the actual right hand of the signing family member during the families long lasting exile and poverty after being banished and attained by the Cameron Usurper (John Cameron) who stole the throne from the Wights cousin, Richard Lockwall, in 1301. During the Wight Ascendancy (Which occured during the years 1488 to 1491 when the family returned from exile in Lancia to press their historic claim to the throne of Morland after the last Cameron, Mary Cameron, died with no issue) the Black Hand became so closely associated with the Ascendancy in the eyes of the people that it was turned into their formal seal. Their Dynasties motto serves as the motto of Corustaria as tradition dictates "Death Before Dishonour".
Emperor 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 3 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 had shown a keen influence in enforcing this claim, which was finally settled in the Treaty of Hanton.
Empress Emmeline Wight (38): 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, though it has been whispered that it's more likely that she wishes to be able to spend time with the man she actually loves, understandably having never loved a man she had been married to at 11 and who had been more of a colleague or business partner than a lover (indeed, both were perfectly content with this arrangement and had their own private lovers...) She was first pregnant at 16 however the child miscarried and Heinrich refused to agree on a name for the dead child (Which caused Emmeline to refuse to bear anymore children until he did, which resulted in him grudgingly letting her name the child, a daughter, as "Amber")
Princess Lillian Wight (17): 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 objected strongly to her mother arranging any marriage and stated that she wished to at least like "Whatever posh twit I get married off to" and on one occasion on an attempt to arrange a marriage she threatened to personally fight a duel with the suitor to terminate it. As of late however, she has taken an interest in the Lancian Prince Erich and the affections were returned... leading Emmeline to leap on the opportunity to secure yet another generation of Lancian-Corustarian relations. 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 Heinrich Wight (19): In contrast to Lillian, Heinrich 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 is slow to grant pardons for any offence, preferring instead to carry out the law to it's fullest extent. In short, he certainly takes more after his father than his mother. It is believed that he may be passed up for the throne in favour of his sister, however recent developments in the princesses love life have rendered this somewhat suspect and have caused concern and may lead to unprecedented actions
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
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.
First Minister Peter Bryant of Saxley (31): The Elected First Minister of Saxley was a previous unknown and unproven figure on the Corustarian political scene however has made a great name for himself as part of the huge Saxley recognition push which has attempted to finally acknowledge Saxley as a true part of the United Empire and in turn finally earn Saxley it's rightful place. As such he has gained massive support in Saxley and indeed across the United Empire
First Minister Alistair Grey of Alswell (44): A big name in Alswell even before his election due to his control over the profitable Weyland islands north of Alswell, he is much less of a passionate figure than Bryant and is closer to the Prime Minister in terms of his personality; Stoic and dull yet reliable and cunning. A very important figure within Alswell, he is considerably less important within the rest of the United Empire due to Alswells relative unimportance.
Traits:
King of the Seas (-3)
Dreadnought Fleet (-2)
Sealegs (-1)
Major Colonial Empire (-3)
Outdated Army (+3)
Small Army (+2)
State Controlled Economy (+1)
Initial Points (+3)
Total Number of Traits: 7
Army: (I will roll this, population, navy, GDP and stability.)
Navy:
GDP:
Stability:
Population:
Member
shylarah
