Republic of Acren

The United Provinces of the Republic of Acren is a nominally independent state in the Old World. The Republic is currently led by Sir Lord Protector Augustin II Clarke. 
Acren was founded in 24 BKOR, and enjoyed independence for a short time, under the rule of Sir Lord Protector William David Badger (also referred to as Sir William I). In 18BKOR, Acren was invaded by Pandora, and knowing that the small city state stood no chance of defending itself against the larger power, Badger agreed to become a tributary. However, after the leadership of Pandora repeatedly broke promises guaranteed in the treaty, (such as guaranteeing Acrenian autonomy), Badger resigned his position out of protest, leaving Acren in a self-imposed exile. 
In 12BKOR, however, as the Kingdom of Imperia began to collapse, Badger returned to Acren and rallied the Acrenian leadership, including the small nobility and the clergy, to leave the Old World and to settle a new state elsewhere, far from the ongoing destruction. 
After Sir William I's departure, Acren was annexed by Pandora, but maintained its government, with the States General electing Sir Thomas I Clarke as Lord Protector. 
Acren would switch hands, eventually being annexed by the Gretian-Sidonian Empire, and largely being ignored by the Gretian government, causing Acren to become one of the poorest regions of the Empire. Being tired of being constantly stepped on by its larger neighbors and having its plights be largely ignored by the Gretian government, the Republic declared unilateral independence from the Gretian-Sidonian Empire during the Great War. The war would eventually stall, with Acren agreeing to an armistice with Gretia as war between Gretia and the People's Democratic Republic of Pandora broke out following the Disaster of '92. Acren would support the anti-communist forces during the following war, resulting in a boost to relations between them and the Gretians. Following the war, Acren would receive territorial concessions from the communist Pandorans, as well as they would negotiate nominal independence from the Gretians. 
== Acrenian Government ==
The de facto head of state of Acren is the Lord (or Lady) Protector, who often holds absolute power, though not officially. Officially, the States General of the Republic of Acren, the Republic's legislature, holds all power, however since the Republic's formation many powers have been devolved to the Lord Protector. 
The position of Lord Protector is a lifetime position, elected by the States General. Officially, the position is not a hereditary position, however since Sir Thomas I, the States General has always elected a member of the House of Clarke. 
The States General of the Republic of Acren is made up of elected and appointed representatives of the 9 Provinces. Each state has 7 representatives, with 3 being elected by the people and 4 being appointed by the Lord (or Lady) Governor. The only exception is the capital province of Acren, which receives an extra appointed seat. 
Category:Old World