Republic of the Menagerie

**Menagerie** (known officially as the **Republic of the Menagerie**), is New World unitary republic located on the sub continent of the same name. Its capital is Kuo Kuana which is also its largest city, with several smaller and emerging settlements located on the coast and deeper inland. Menagerie is the *de facto* 'home' of the Faunus species, who dominate political and economic policies. The country is Remnant's first democratic republic, having been established by Ghira Belladonna, along with support from the United States.

## Republic of the Menagerie

* Flag
* Great Seal

## General Information

### Founding Document

Faunus Declaration of Rights and Sovereignty

## Societal Information

### Official Language

* English
* French-Canadian

### Currency

* Menagerie Dollar
* United States Dollar

### Official Religon

None at State Level* The God of Animals
* The Two Brothers
* Christianity

### Ideology

Liberal Democracy, Left-Wing Politics, Republicanism

## Historical Information

### Formed From

* Menagerie
* Faunus
* White Fang Loyalists

## History

### Pre-Remnant & Great Revelation

The land that would become Menagerie originally consisted of the continent of Australia, New Zealand, and much of the Indian Ocean. The events of the Great Revelation warped the land into the present-day continent, giving it harsh deserts cover two-thirds of it, leaving the rest habitable.

At some unknown date, the creatures of Grimm overran the island.

### Mythology and the Shallow Sea

*The Shallow Sea* is a Faunus creation myth featuring their God of Animals, a shapeshifting deity who could take on humanoid, animal and mythological forms at a whim. In the story, the God of Animals lives on the island of Menagerie, which was inhabited by all sorts of animals with the exception of mankind. While curious as to why that is and fond of their ability to adapt, the god was apprehensive about inviting them into the island and potentially wreaking havoc.

Stubborn, the god decided to tour the entirety of Remnant, transforming themself into a human and seeking out those who seemed to be more than what they currently were, telling people the god deemed special to "Leave. Sail to the Shallow Sea. It's where you're meant to be."

The God of Animals arranged an ark, sailing to Menagerie, where they invited the travelers to jump into the water and join them. However, the price was they wouldn't be human. Those of faith jumped into the water, transforming into the Faunus. Those who didn't were horrified by the events, unable to accept that the Faunus had come to believe that humanity was a "shallow disguise" of their true selves and that they could choose their own fates in Menagerie. The God of Animals washed away the remaining humans and left the Faunus to themselves.

The story itself is mostly myth, and has little to no evidence of being true. It is told mainly to children, and is passed down from generation to generation.

### Post-Great War & Faunus Rights Revolution

Following the Great War, the Faunus were given Menagerie as a reward for their participation, in conjunction with equal rights. While some Humans saw these rewards as fair and just, many Faunus saw it as a slap to the face, as two-thirds of Menagerie is a desert that is uninhabitable due to dangerous wildlife.

Over time, Humanity became adamant in their attempts for the Faunus population to be centralized in Menagerie, and would later push for the confinement of all the Faunus there, as well as countermand of the equal rights of the Faunus earned in the Great War. In response, the Faunus revolted, sparking the Faunus Rights Revolution.

While little is known of the events of the Revolution, the Faunus were successful in preventing their confinement to Menagerie.

### A New Republic

In 2174, Menagerie was visited by a diplomatic mission from the United States. The sole-surviving country from the Old World and the last democracy in the world. The US, under the Larson Administration, was keen on opening up to the outside world, and was sympathetic to the Faunus' mistreatment. The mission was headed by US Ambassadors Pierre Beaumont and Robert McConnell, the latter of which was a Faunus. Beaumont and McConnell offered Ghira Belladonna, the current Chieftain of Menagerie, support from the US. Including humanitarian aid, political advisors, military advisors and equipment, and so on. On top of that, mutual defense should one of the Four Kingdoms try to raid.

Ghira accepted the terms and opened up diplomatic relations with the United States. Within the first few months, various reforms were implemented as all aspects of lifer were turned on its head. Ghira, along with his closest advisors and US officials, drafted a new constitution, turning Menagerie into a parliamentary republic, Remnant's first democracy. Kuo Kuana became industrialized, the inner land and desert was explored, and settlements were made.

A military was also formed from the Menagerie Guard, and the White Fang, which was subsequently disbanded. Members loyal to Sienna Khan formed the Faunus Revolutionary Guard, a less radical successor to the White Fang, while Fauns loyal to WF extremists under Adam Taurus formed a White Fang splinter group in Vale.

## Politics

### Government

Under the Constitution of Menagerie, which was heavily influenced by the Constitution of the United States, the country is classified as unitary state under a republican parliament. Executive power is invested in the Chieftain of Menagerie, whom of which can serve one eight year term. The Chieftain also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, can veto legislative bills (subject to override by the parliament), and appoint members of his Cabinet (subject to parliament approval).

The Menagerie Parliament serves as the legislative branch of the government. Much like the United States Congress, it is bicameral. The Upper Council, and the Lower Council respectively, both of which have the same powers. They have the ability to make official laws, declare war, approve treaties, hold the power of the purse, impeachment, by which can remove members of the government.

Menagerie's judicial system is based off of the United States. The Supreme Court is the highest court in Menagerie, with a total of seven members who serve for life.

### Political Parties

The Menagerie Parliament is operated mainly under a two-party system. The left-wing Liberal Equality Party, and the center-right Progressive Party. Liberals mainly believe in greater equality, stronger liberalism, and limited government. While the Progressives believe in traditional Faunus values, and more government.

Another party, the Union Party, wishes for annexation into the United States as either a territory or state. The party has little to no followers, and even the US Government stated that they are not interested in annexing Menagerie. Stating that a "sovereign, independent Faunus state is beneficial to the world". Though there are some in America that wish to have Menagerie join the Union, admit very few.

### Foreign Relations

Menagerie's position in the world is somewhat of a mixed bag. The republic upholds a policy of semi-isolation in order to keep Kingdoms such as Atlas from entering their territory. They don't bother to make contact with the outside world, but are aware of global affairs. This is mostly to due to the Faunus simply wishing to be left alone.

The United States is Menagerie only ally in the New World, being its supplier of weapons, economic aid, and influencer.

## Military

### Branches

The Menagerie Self-Defense Forces are the unified combat forces of Menagerie. They are divided into four branches of service. The Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, and the Revolutionary Guard. The Chieftain serves as the commander-in-chief of the military, which is a small but professional force. With both soldiers in the Reverse and the National Guard. Military service is strictly voluntary, but nearly all branches have grown due to willing recruits.

The Faunus Revolutionary Guard serves as the successor to the White Fang. They mainly operate under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Security, but end up merging with the Ground Forces during wartime.

## Culture

### New and Old

The culture of Menagerie is a mixture of Faunus, Polynesian, and American cultures. Various buildings are designed off of the Old World, specifically government buildings.

English is the most commonly spoken language in Menagerie. US Ambassador, Pierre Beaumont, who was French-Canadian, introduced the French language to the Faunus. Ghira Belladonna ultimately made the decision to make French a secondary language, but not mandatory to learn.

Most citizens of Menagerie believe in equality, liberty, and need to preserve their way of life from the Four Kingdoms.

### Demographics

The population of Menagerie is quite large, yet smaller than the United States, numbering around roughly 500 million citizens. Faunus dominate the population, with only small human population which are mainly part of the US Military stationed there. Other humans include missionaries and political advisors.

### Religion

The Constitution of Menagerie allows freedom of expression of one's beliefs.

The God of Animals is the most popular religious movement in the country. The religion however is mostly spiritual, and has little to no scared texts. The only exception is the Legend of the Shallow Sea. Brotherism, which is the belief of the Two Brothers, is also quite popular, but is spiritual nonetheless.

Christianity, specifically Catholicism and Mormonism has become a popular religion since the country's founding. Both church's sent missionaries to Menagerie and introduced the Faunus to their religion.

### American Influence

Menagerie has been greatly influenced by the United States. From government to daily life, American values and culture can be seen everywhere. Products such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Apple are sold in Menagerie, and companies such Apple, Microsoft, and Disney have offices in the country.

American religions have been introduced to the Faunus, such as Christianity, which is popular. The Gregorian Calendar, the US' official calendar was adopted in place of the Remnant Calendar. American holidays also have an impact on the people of Menagerie. Thanksgiving, a traditional American holiday, was adopted, occurring every November, and religious holidays such as Christmas were accepted as well. Kuo Kuana revealed its very first Christmas tree on December 5, 2175.