Kuhland-Sakai

The Kuhland-Sakai Republic, more commonly called Kuhland-Sakai or simply K-S, is a post-Rapture state in Orbis in former south Occidentalis. The Republic spans from the east coast of the Southern Eosan Sea in the west to the west coast of the Belegaer sea in the east. It mainly consists of the cities of Sakai and Kuhland, as well as others such as Peten K'uhul. It shares borders with Sumer-Akkad to the southeast, Pesh to the south, Alanta to the north, and Calisia to the west. It also surrounds the Black Mesa in the south, east, and west. The capital is Sakai, the national and a prominent global centre for commerce, culture, and innovation.
Founded by Bean and H1p0 in 1525 BCS after the events of The Rapture, it is one of the few remaining population centres in the west, particularily the southwest of Orbis. Its members are well-known around the world for their prominence in Orbis geopolitics and/or their military skill. It officially established itself as a regional power after successfully leveraging Hawaii away from Varnamia and almost causing civil war in the union. The Republic later fought off pirates from the HMS Cornwallis fleet successfully, getting some money and a dinghy. National interests soon led the nation to support the state of Prigozhia in its war against the Enclave and the Orb Peacekeepers, with K-S special forces humiliating the multinational force. Disputes with the Federal Government in the south led Kuhland-Sakai to issue an ultimatum for the annexation of Petrograd, to which the Feds relented. After joining the European Union with the Commonwealth and their allies, K-S assisted them in the Sack of Ultimaborea, where the Orb Peacekeeping Force besieged Sakai itself. However, the Orb troops found themselves in a massive maze, and were picked off by Sakai rooftop snipers and quickly dispersed.
Kuhland-Sakai proves to be a strong regional power, as they dominate the surrounding area with diplomatic and military prowess.
== Etymology and Vexillology ==
Kuhland-Sakai's name stems from the two most prominent cities in the nation; Kuhland and Sakai. They are also the hometowns of the two leaders Bean and H1p0 respectfully. 
The flag is mainly based off of the historic flag of Kuhland, bearing the same design, colours, and coat of arms. The only difference is that the Sakai Clan Insignia has been placed behind the Kuhland Coat of Arms, symbolizing unity and equality.
== History ==
=== Pre-Foundation: The Dauk Migration West ===
The land that would later compass Kuhland-Sakai was core territory of the United States of Occidentalis. Kuhland was one of the founding cities, Occidentalis being considered a continuation of the Republic of Kuhland. To the northeast of the capital was an uninhabited island which was separated from the mainland by manmade terraforming. In 1614 BCS Bean would migrate from Ultimaborea to the island, finding it suitable for settlement. There the foundations for the city of Sakai would be laid.
Bean rose to prominence within the Occidentalian government. Sakai began as Azuria in 1589 BCS and would become one of the largest cities in Orbis.
=== The Great Belegaer War and First Conception ===
Occidentalis eventually went on to unify with Columbia in 1550 BCS forming Elysia, to the dismay of many. H1p0, seeking war, departed from Elysia in 1545 BCS. Many prominent members of former Occidentalis would leave around the same time, causing the slow decay of Elysia. Bean remained and was eventually forced to Presidency during the Collapse of Elysia, and subsequently allowed the remains to be annexed by the GSF. 
While the GSF prepared for war, and the foretold Rapture approached, many people began discussing their plans for after the war. Bean wished for an independent state in Tsushima, but this would cause the city to become "small". H1p0 then proposed that the two of them work together, and the first ideas of Kuhland-Sakai were formed. They decided the state would exist regardless of the war's outcome. The Great Belegaer War took place, ravaging many parts of the world. Much of former Occidentalis was eventually vastly depopulated as a result of the war and the Collapse of Elysia. 
=== The Rapture and Foundation ===
As the Great Belegaer War drew to an end, Pindorama leaders began dividing up the world. In the southwest, the Kuhland-Sakai Republic was carved from the remains of Solomon. Two former prominent members of Occidentalis, H1p0 and Bean became the leaders of the republic. The new nation quickly entered negotiations with the Panspecific States of Ocidejntorlis for the transfer of Cowland, renamed back to Kuhland. With the nation now solidified, Kuhland-Sakai began to look outwards.
=== Looking West - the Issue of the South Eosan Sea Islands ===
Kuhland-Sakai's first diplomatic overtures were to the west, to the Varmanian Union. H1p0 began attempts to buy back former Occidentalian/Elysian island colonies of Hawaii and the Southern Penis in the South Eosan Sea, which had been sold to Varmania during the Collapse of Elysia. H1p0 entered into direct conflict with the Varmanian Governer of Ticonderoga, NixxyStunky. After the sale of the islands, the former colonies fell under the jurisdiction of Ticonderoga, who refused any negotiations with Kuhland-Sakai. K-S continued to claim the former Occidentalian colonies, and began to look for allies who would support its cause.
=== Unlikely Allies ===
Kuhland-Sakai initially entered talks with the Philippines, a country in the South Eosan Sea affiliated with the Federal Government, the successor to Columbia. They also took issue with what they viewed as Varmanian expansionism in the South Eosan Sea. K-S eventually gave up on an alliance with the Phillippines, because the two nations had differing views on how to deal with the Varmanian Union. Kuhland-Sakai also harboured negative views of the Philippines due to the Republic's claim on the capital of the Philippines, Petrograd. Kuhland-Sakai eventually allied with Londrina, as despite being in the far east of Orbis, also laid claim to some Varmanian colonies known as Mann Co. The Republic also befriended the Lebronist Republic of Alanta, which was an old ally of Occidentalis. 
=== Parnahyban Withdrawal and Conflict with Varnamia ===
On October 10th, 1524 BCS, Saint'Parnahyba, the successor state to Anthropia and Pindorama decided to retreat from its occupation zone in Occidentalis. Kuhland-Sakai was ceded the cities of Damascus and Acesburgh, with every remaining city in the occupation zone becoming stateless. This marked the first expansion of the nation's territory. Following the Parnahyban withdrawal came a brief race between Varmania and Kuhland-Sakai for control of the remaining cities. K-S took control of the cities of El Paso and Tucson, and transferred them to Alanta as a proxy, entering into an alliance with them as well. This upset Varnamia, who planned to claim lands down to the South Eosan Sea. Seeing opportunity, K-S decided to provoke the Eosan power.
=== The Mesa Skirmish and the Hawaii Crisis ===
Main Article: Hawaii Crisis
Kuhland-Sakai began claiming the northern coast of the South Eosan Sea to block Varnamia's access, causing some skirmishes and casualties. This would be the first active incident the year-old nation would involve itself in, and also began the Hawaii Crisis. H1p0 would successfully block their sea access, forcing them to negotiate for it. K-S demanded the islands of Hawaii and the Southern Penis, which Varnamia had refused negotiations for months ago in return for giving the country access to the sea. Republic's new leverage over Varnamia made success seem more likely. Since Varnamia was a confederation, two out of the three member states accepted, except for Ticonderoga. The member nation doubled down, and threatened to declare independence if the deal was forced through. 
=== The 1st Pirate War ===
After The Rapture, a small de facto independent nation based on the ship HMS Cornwallis saw opportunity to exploit the post-Rapture instability and increased its piracy activity around the Belegaer. Its operations quickly gained traction, and the Cornwallis eventually grew to a small fleet. Feeling bold and desiring a more permanent base of operations, the fleet set its eyes on the small island of Bermuda in the Belegaer under control of Kuhland-Sakai. HMS Cornwallis declared war on K-S in 1521 BCS, and pirates led by Ratte landed on Bermuda. However, the garrison under H1p0 held against their attacks, and the pirates were forced to retreat. 
HMS Cornwallis was forced to pay reparations and relinquish a boat to Kuhland-Sakai, resulting in the fleet moving eastward for the time being. K-S had successfully defended its maritime borders in the Belegaer. 
=== Turning East: The Trolling of Prigozhia ===
Elsewhere in the world, trouble stirred as a result of the uncertainty and instability of the post-Rapture geopolitical scene. In places such as the Enclave, formerly Hilsjecka, problems plagued the area such as ethnic violence and inefficient government. To the west of the Enclave, Prigozhia, a small nomadic state led by a warlord, sought to exploit the Enclave's instability and invaded in .... BCS. The majority of the Orb denounced Prigozhia, and a force of 4 peacekeepers was sent to aid the Enclave. However, Kuhland-Sakai decided to aid Prigozhia with the K-S Spec Ops, hoping to establish some influence east of the Belegaer and in an act of defiance against the Orb. 
The war commenced, with the Orb peacekeepers struggling against the K-S and Prigozhian forces due to a perceived unpreparedness and lack of coordination. The Enclave government itself was in such a state of disarray it couldn't field an army to defend itself, leaving everything to the Orb force. As a result, Flint was eventually captured by the K-S Spec Ops, resulting in a Prigozhian victory and the annexation of the Enclave. Outrage among nations who aided the Enclave soon followed. Almaren itself expressed distain at the outcome of the war, and as a result the leader of Prigozhia was shot down while in the air by Almaren forces. Prigozhia soon fell into anarchy, and was annexed by neighbouring Stagolea. Despite the eventual destruction of Prigozhia, the victory in the initial war is regularly celebrated in Kuhland-Sakai as a testament to the nation's military prowess.
=== The Final Pirate War ===
=== The Grand Station Incident ===
=== The Petrograd Play ===
=== Solidarity: Alliance in The North ===
=== The Borean War: First Battle on K-S Soil ===
=== Present Day ===
== Geography ==
Despite being a relatively small nation, Kuhland-Sakai's geography is very diverse, as the nation straddles the line between very humid and dry biomes. 
=== Western Kuhland-Sakai ===
The vast expanse of western Kuhland-Sakai is characterized by its arid climate, making it the driest region within the country. The prominent geographical feature of this area is the expansive Damascus Desert, which stretches across the entire Southern Eosan Coast, creating a formidable natural barrier. This formidable desert encloses the rugged badlands that cradle the Black Mesa River.
Comprising the western Kuhland-Sakai region are the three states of Aceburgh-Damascus, Portland Territory, and Petrograd State. Aceburgh-Damascus, as the name suggests, is a confluence of the two neighbouring cities Aceburgh and Damascus. Despite the harsh environment, the resilience of the local communities has allowed them to thrive. The Portland Territory, another integral part of western Kuhland-Sakai, is the largest state in the nation. The city of Portland, nestled in the sparse southern jungle, stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and human settlement. Petrograd State, the third significant component of western Kuhland-Sakai, is characterized by its long history as one of the oldest villages in Orbis, and is the most recent addition to the nation.
=== Central Kuhland-Sakai ===
Central Kuhland-Sakai, encompassing a significant portion of the nation's territory, is characterized by its sparse population density, offering vast expanses of land with small, sparsely populated villages. This region, delineated by the Portland Territory and Kuhland State, embodies a landscape marked by jungle, forest, and badlands. Stretching across the near east of Kuhland-Sakai, the region is bisected by the Kuhland River, a prominent geographical feature that serves as both a natural boundary and a lifeline for the ecosystems within the area. The river's meandering course delineates the eastern extent of central Kuhland-Sakai, shaping the land and influencing the distribution of settlements and resources. 
Kuhland-Sakai is also the host to the Tuguegarao Canal, the only waterway connecting the South Eosan Sea to the Belegaer. 
=== Eastern Kuhland Sakai ===
Eastern Kuhland-Sakai, recognized as the most densely populated and economically vibrant region within the nation, stands as a testament to the convergence of urban dynamism and coastal prosperity. This pivotal region, home to renowned cities such as Peten K'uhul, Kuhland, and Sakai, forms a bustling nexus of commerce, culture, and innovation, driving the economic engine of the entire southern Belegaer. A dense jungle dominates the south of the region, with Peten K'uhul almost hidden on an island in the middle of the jungle. The city is relatively small but is host to many historical sites and the Peten Temple, the seat of the ancient Peten K'uhul Kingdom.
The Peten Jungle would be completely separate from the rest of the nation by water if not for a land bridge just south of Kuhland. The city of Kuhland itself serves as the bridge between the badlands and jungle regions of the east. Despite its relative size, Kuhland is one of the oldest and most geopolitically important cities in Orbis, being the former capital of Occidentalis multiple times. In the northeast is Tsushima, an island separated from the mainland centuries ago by manmade terraforming. The weather of the island was artificially altered in order to sustain rainfall for the metropolis on the northern end of the island. Sakai, the capital, dominates the skyline of the entire area. Despite only being a little over a century old, the city experienced rapid growth as a result of its location in the Belegaer Sea. The city's towering skyscrapers and neon districts stand as a testament to Kuhland-Sakai's prosperity.
=== Administrative Divisions ===
 
== Government ==
=== Leadership ===
The two co-leaders of the Republic, Bean and H1p0, share equal power and discuss important foreign matters with each other before taking action, such as declaring war, making alliances, and so forth. Discussion is held in a public area, where any citizens are able to have input. However, these may not always be put into consideration. If a crisis involving Kuhland-Sakai is taking place and only one leader is available, they are authorized to take decisions without consulting the other leader.
=== Military ===
In homage to the military histories of its predecessor all citizens of the Republic are sworn to serve in the military for a period of time. The nation is defended by a sizeable skilled and professional force. Almost all of its members are highly skilled in combat, with the likes of Scotrian, H1p0, and Ghost sworn to defend the nation. 
The three branches of the Armed Forces of the Kuhland-Sakai Republic are the GFR, AFR, and NSFFR. The ground army is the biggest branch, and is the branch with the most elite and veteran troops. The airforce is a relatively newer branch, being formed as technology and modernization advanced in the likes of Sakai and elsewhere. The navy is split into two formidable forces within the East Belegaer and South Eosan Sea. Both task forces are highly trained and moderately sizable, being funded by large tax revenue cities such as Sakai. The South Eos force is larger, having grown in size during the Hawaii Crisis.
=== Associated States ===
As the strongest power in Southwest Wozgoria, Kuhland-Sakai found itself inheriting regions of unstable and less powerful nations. In order to organize these small, unstable countries, the Associated States Initative was created in order to organize and govern them more effectively. An associated state relies heavily on the Republic for military protection and economic benefits, akin to a vassal. Below is a list of Associated States of the Kuhland-Sakai Republic.
* Orbochs Republic of Stordowa (1501 BCS - Present)
* Republic of Ocidejntorlis (1501 BCS - Present)
* Republic of Orbokraj (1483 BCS - Present)
* Free Republic of Valtno Vurnio (1483 BCS - Present)
* Dardanian Republic (1469 BCS - Present)
== Culture ==
Despite its size is one of the more diverse regions of Wozgoria. Sakai is predominantly made up of people of Dauk, more specifically Blathannan heritage, descending from the first Dauk refugees fleeing Daukia around a century before the nation's founding. Capitolinian is the other major ethnicity, spread out across the country. Sakai itself in recent years has become a melting pot of cultures as a result of its cosmopolitan atmosphere and rampant immigration.
Taking from the nation's Occidentalian forefathers, militarism is a proud and celebrated part of Kuhland-Sakaier culture. Patriotism has stirred a large volunteer force within the army, as well as civil service. Amidst the rather turbulent times of the post-Rapture world, citizens of the Republic turn to the nation for protection, standing as a safe haven in unstable Southwest Wozgoria.
== List of Members ==
* H1p0 (1525 BCS - Present)
* Bean (1525 BCS - Present)
* Ghostly (1525 BCS - Present)
* Scotrian (1520 BCS - Present)