People's Republic of Locia

> 'The extreme longevity of the Locian state is unique in all the world, rivalling even most of the ancient dwarf holdings. This longevity can be attributed to many hundreds or thousands of factors and decisions in our history, but these can be summarised into two major factors. The first may be the Locian attitude of adaptability and flexibility, and the second would be the cultural need of a Locian state in some form. The people of Locia, be they Ladian, Oegallien or Isira, have grown used to a unifying state combining the three, and we see time and again when the state weakens the people take it upon themselves to strengthen or remake it.'
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> Locian People's Republic
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> ### Capitol City
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> Locia City
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> ### Denonym(s)
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> Locian
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> ### Cultures
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> Major: Ladian, Oegallien, IsiraMinor: Burztij, Allenaren, Ferziyad, Akkaru
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> ### Population Demographics
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> Total Population (0 AM): 304,003,674 (Ladian: 43%, Oegallien: 37%, Isiriad: 12%, Burztij: 3%, Allenaren: 2%, Ferziyad: 2%, Akkaru: 1%)
> Total Population (248 AM): 723,929,112 (Ladian: 45%, Oegallien: 32%, Isiriad: 13%, Burztij: 3%, Allenaren: 3%, Ferziyad: 2%, Akkaru: 2%)
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> ### Official Language(s)
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> Ladian, Oegallien and Isiriad. Regional Protected Languages: Burztij, Allenaren, Ferziyad and Akkaru
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> ### Religion(s)
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> Ladoi Gystas (Ladoi Spirituality) (42%), Atheism (28%), Boretz Kizen (Northern Spirituality) (18%), Isira Hekat (Isira Tradition) (12%)
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> ### Currency
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> Tymos
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> - Lyx Uiston, Locian historian
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The **Locian People's Republic** (LPR), otherwise called simply **Locia**, is an ancient and storied land with clear continuity of government stretching back thousands of years. It is one of the 9 human nations originating from the world of Ulfon, 3rd planet to orbit the primary star Verdzanas, first of those worlds to be habitable and the most alike to Old Earth. The nation is named for its capitol city, founded around 2089 BM on the western side of the Ladoi Peninsula, near the mouth of the river Uimon. Its land is fertile and its temperature regulated by the Bulmoi Sea to the south, the rolling hills and verdant fields proving excellent for vast fields of grain and some of the best vineyards in the Binaries. Through the ages, Locia's borders have expanded and shrunk. At its height, the Locian Empire expanded to control much of western Valkibog and northern Ferziya, as well as holding imperial territory in Calopi, Chochipelli and Leotleo, before these territories broke away.

## Geography

In the far west of the country is the Oegallax Impact Crater, Ladianised as Ucelys. It is composed of a small mountain range and an archipellago of three main islands, the central island being the ancient meteor which hit Ulfon called Oegallax, the northernmost isle is called Fallexia(Vilexia) and the easternmost is Gecantax(Gicys). The mountain range formed on the east side of the crater is called the Dartenez(Darenys) and its highest peak is Mount Telinuz(Delonys) at 1.2km. The northern border between Locia and Valkibog largely follows the Ianderon River, so named because it has served as the nation's frontier for centuries. To the south the nation ends at the Bulmoi sea, having many peninsulas and bays on the coast. The most major of these peninsulas is the Ladoi peninsula, where upon the shores of the river Uimon was the city of Locia founded and the nation's history began. Further east and south leads to the Isiriad isthmus, named for the Isira people who are native to that region. There are two major canals on the isthmus, north and south, which, in addition to the isthmus leading to the tripoint border with Harrullah and Mazadanid Ferziya, makes it a valuable strategic location.

## History

### Segemani Migration

Early during the Segemani Migrations, around the year 3620 BM (~4772 BRC), a large group of Segemani people came to settle in the Ladoi peninsula. This is thought to be immortalised in the Ladian origin story myth, which states that a tribe of people were forced from their home across the sea and made to sail west, landing on the Ladoi peninsula near the town of Noilitia where the Locian Navy is headquartered in the current day. It is assumed that this tale is basically truthful, with the ancient proto-Ladians being forced from their original homeland in the east of Segestia, perhaps even the Isiriad Peninsula, and sailing to the west to settle in the Ladoi peninsula. They then settled there, subjugated the local pre-Segemani people living there and converted them to the Segemani culture-type.

### Founding of the City and the First Locian Republic

The city of Locia was founded in the year 2089 BM (~2702 BRC) by a group of fishermen who were drawn to the location by the prevalence of fish in the ocean off the coast at that particular area. Due to the city's steady oceanic food supply and the nearby Uimon river, the city drew more and more people to live there. The earlier direct democratic government weakened gradually as the city grew too large for all the people to voice their opinions, and so the First Republic was established. The citizens of the city chose to elect representatives, typically those who were the wealthiest and most prestigious, to the Agynia (Representation Place) where they would make decisions collectively for the whole city.

### The Ladian Conquests

The Early Locian Republic would expand across the Ladoi peninsula, integrating by force, treaty and dominion the local Ladian peoples living on the peninsula. It was seen as necessary to secure the safety and prosperity of the Locian people that the city spread its influence to the neighbouring lands. This centring upon Locia was expressed most dominantly in the fact that only people from the city were given the opportunity for citizenship, and therefore the ability to vote. This was never a popular state of affairs in Ladoi, with unrest quelled only by active military occupation.

### The Ladian Revolt and City-State Era

Following the Ladian Conquests of 1912 BM - 1850 BM (~2463 - 2379 BRC) was a period of general unrest, until 1818 BM (~2336 BRC) when the conquered lands of Ladoi would revolt against their Locian overlords. From 1818 BM - 1576 BM (~2336 - 2009 BRC), the former Locian Republic would be split into many separate warring cities, vying for control in the chaos. Early on, Locia was still a force to be reckoned with and was actively embarking on military campaigns to regain its lost territories. These attempts were halted by the Locian defeat at the city of Spirtoi, after which Locian power was broken. Locia itself would be sacked by a coalition of vengeful cities lead by Valenpia, a rising state which would become incredibly influential in the future.

### Reconquest of Ladoi and Founding of the 2nd Locian Republic

Valenpia was a powerful city from its string of victories over many of the other cities, though it was still one among many and there did not seem any major contender for a city that would reunite the republic. This was until the Valenpian Military Revolution, lead by a coalition of influential leaders in the Valenpian government and military. A wider system of recruitment and levying was implemented, drafting foot soldiers into the legions lead by professional officers and supported by foreign auxiliaries who came to serve in the Valenpian military to earn citizenship and a share of the land they conquered, though these shares would become smaller as time progressed and the practice would end shortly after the reunification of the peninsula. With the expansion of the city's influence came the expansion of citizenship to all cooperative cities, which was a great boon to them because it allowed for greater sharing of resources, labour, coordination and protection from external threats.

Locia was conquered by Valenpian forces in 1645 BM (~2102 BRC) and made the capitol once more. By 1576 BM (~2009 BRC) the entirety of the Ladoi peninsula, and therefore the Locian Republic, was reunited and unified under common citizenship.

### Expansion of the 2nd Republic

The 2nd Republic, soon after its reconstitution, would begin to expand into the areas adjacent to the Ladoi Peninsula. In around the year 1470 BM (~1866 BRC) the First Harrullid Expedition would be launched, seeing a military force deployed to the northern shores of the Tebriim desert in an effort to conquer portions of that land for the republic, that failed expedition being followed by 3 other such expeditions until the idea was discarded in 980 BM (~1203 BRC). Eastwards expansion was fairly easy, the northern frontier was and still is defined by the Ianderon River which has served as an impediment for invading Burztij forces from what is now the eastern extremity of Valkibog, with forts constructed on major fords and bridges to anchor that frontier. The expansion in these lands was reletively peaceful, small wars occurring as early as 1548 BM (~1971 BRC) and the expansion of the border to its current state by 1176 BM (~1468 BRC). At that point, a series of border wars would take place between the Locian Republican and later Imperial forces and those of the Akkaru and Ferziya which would last until the Anti-Imperial Movements.

Westward expansion was somewhat more difficult, however, due to the nature of the land approaching the Oegallax Impact Crater and its inhabitants, the Oegallien people. Expansion in this direction lasted from 1521 BM - 793 BM (~1935 BRC - 950 BRC). The wars ground on, seeing the unification of great portions of the once disparate chiefdoms of the region and the advent of many new techniques of warfare. Locian strategy tended to the creation of great military camps and fortified cities from which it was hoped the civilising influence of Ladian culture would flow, and to some degree it did. The Oegallien people, however, were stubborn in their autonomy under the Republic and their desire for an independent and thriving culture of their own continued to flourish.

### Wars of the 2nd Republic

The 2nd Locian Republic would fight many wars against neighbours to the north and south. Concerning the southern frontier, a string of wars would be fought against the Ferziyad Empire in the south, seeing various Akkaru and Tebru groups fighting on either side to curry favour with one state or the other. Some memorable wars might include the 2nd Locian-Ferziyad war, which saw the ambitious general Gortonlys leading a substantial force all the way to Regidin, the Ferziyad capital, in 1076 BM (~1333 BRC). Another war of interest in the south might be the 4th Locian-Ferziyad War, also called the Leaden War or the Leaden Folley, from 958 BM- 951 BM (~1173 BRC - 1164 BRC). The Ferziyad began the conflict on the offence, seizing many towns on the Isiriad Isthmus before being met by a large Locian force and driven back. The Locians carried on to the border, were reinforced, and pushed on into Ferziyad lands. The Ferziyad had planned for this eventuality, however, and an even greater force was mobilised and flanked the Locian force, capturing many important Locians and pouring molten lead down their throats as a means of torture, execution and intimidation. The Republic was enraged and mustered an even grander force to wipe the Ferziyad army off the map, which they proceeded to do.

In the north, most wars were more defensive in nature. The Agynia realised that they could not effectively control more territory in the north after the conquest of the Oegallax. The people there were decentralised and resistant to the foreign rule of a council which refused the right of consent, a lawful right of all people in the cultures of the north. The northern cultures, as well, shared the Oegallien idea that a person may conquer an area and crown themselves as a monarch if the people there assented. There were numerous failed attempts by Alenaren and Burztij warlords to found new kingdoms in the Locian Republic, most ending in failure. Burztij invasion forces would occasionally flood across the Ianderon, being held back by the many forts constructed on the bridges and fords across the river. In the northern provinces, where Alenaren invasions were common, fortified towns and cities dotted the forests and were garrisoned by legions, ready to sally forth and drive the invaders back.

### Founding of the Locian Empire

By 793 BM (~950 BRC), the 2nd Locian Republic reached its greatest extent, with much of the western coast of Valkibog conquered and incorporated with the Ucelian Provinces, the Ianderon River forming the frontier in the east and holding much of northern Ferziyad at the Republic's southern extremity. The 2nd Republic would flourish in a time of domestic peace and prosperity for 200 years, until civil strife began in 673 BM (~788 BRC). In the time before the strife the Agynia in Locia would grow stagnant, complacent and lethargic. Improvements to the frontier provinces slowed and ceased entirely, banditry becoming prevalent in the 50 years leading up to what would come to be known as The Imperial Establishment. In 673 BM (~788 BRC), the Isiriad Provinces in the East would rebel against Locian misrule, and in the West a bandit warlord named Astalix would rise and declare himself High King. His influence would grow alongside his realm as he conquered the land, until he became powerful enough to annex the Ladoi peninsula and depose the rule of the Agynia, declaring himself as Emperor of Locia among other titles. The lethargic Agynia stood no chance, and opportunistic members would become important officials in the new Imperial Government. With the conquest of Ladoi came riches beyond Astalix's measure, which he used on the Imperial Army for the conquest of the Isiriad Isthmus.

He ruled with an iron fist, keeping the provinces in line with military power and public spectacle. Among other actions, he would commit genocide against the northern clans on the western coast of Valkibog. He would erradicate them in their native land and put their diaspora into flight, abandoning that province and opening it for the migration of Alenaren settlers. Astalix appointed his son as co-emperor in his later life who inherited control of the Imperial Army and therefore the throne itself, a practice which became standard as the Empire progressed.

### Imperial Age

The Imperial Age is called so not only because it saw the reign of the Oegallien Emperors, who over time adopted Locian customs and names, but because improvements in ship design coupled with an opportune arrival time in 567 BM (~645 BRC) led to the advent of Locian Trans-Oceanic Imperialism. Locia always had a powerful navy, but before this time the primary militant arm of the state was the legions. With the ability to sail across the sea directly rather than down the coast, across to Leotleo and beyond to Chochipelli, the navy became predominant and the legions merely the arrow loosed from the bow of the navy. And so Locia subjugated the tribes, nations and city states of Muscalopi, Locianised as Myscaloi. Locian Imperialism shared the basic structure of all imperialism, military subjugation paving the way for economic domination and the funnelling of wealth and resources back to Segestia and Locia City itself. Cities would be built along the coast and major rivers for the settlement of Locian officials and aristocrats, and native populations would be forbidden from residing within the city limits.

The Imperialising of what is now Calopi and Chochipelli would begin practically simultaneously, with the full occupation of Calopi coming in the year 386 BM (~400 BRC) and the domination of Chochipelli happening shortly after in 327 BM (~320 BRC). Locia would also come to dominate and occupy Leotleo around this time, incursions being made from Chochipelli territory starting in the year 449 BM (~485 BRC) and ending in 350 BM (~351 BRC). The Locian Empire would enjoy 130 years of Imperial 'glory' until strife once again returned to the Locian Home Provinces.

### Wars of Union

During and after the dominion of the west, the Emperors looked elsewhere to expand their power. In the north, the chiefdoms of the Alenaren and Burztij had now become the four great kingdoms of what is now Valkibog. In this theatre, the Emperors opted for a strategy of marriage and diplomacy, attempting to curry favour with the monarchs of the north and to form cadet branches to their royal families. The most successful of these was the House Astalix-Zohlzenspraag which came to rule in the Kingdom of Falsenhav, an Alenaren kingdom in the far north in 450 BM (~487 BRC) until that realms final destruction in 254 BM (~222 BRC) and the hands of the United Kingdom of the Burztij during the Wars of Union which saw the total unification of Valkibog under the House Vanokart-Betrovitsi, in which Locia fought against the UKB.

To the South, Locian forces were forced to retreat from the Ferziyad Provinces after a spike in guerrilla activities and a dedicated push from the Imperial Ferziyad Army. Retreating to the tripoint border, the Emperors decided to look for easier conquests beyond Harrullah and Ferziya and towards Prandiwar and Teojitai. There, they found a complicated situation of small states jockeying for power and slowly coming under the influence of the various Valkibogij Kingdoms. Here, Locian and Valkibogij conflicts from the north were replicated in an effort to seize control of the resources of the South. With Locian resources being tied up in the west, however, and the vast colonial empire being unwieldy at the best of times, the Valkibogij forces quickly won out, especially with the formation of the United Kingdom of the Burztij in 271 BM (~245 BRC) and the subsequent Wars of Union.

### Republican Restoration

By the 220s BM (~170s BRC), the Emperors had grown complacent and gluttonous, and the Agynia, once a puppet council for legitimising imperial rule, became staffed by young and ambitious politicians once again. They dreamed of returning the Empire to its more egalitarian days, and believed wholly in the right of all land owners to cast their vote. So, the most radical elements of the Agynia schemed and plotted in private, bribing the naval forces and legions least loyal to the Emperor, especially those composed of soldiers from the colonies. In some cases, whole colonial administrations were bribed. A plot emerged to plant gunpowder under the Emperor's mansion in Locia, demolish the building with him inside it, in the confusion seize the city and quickly secure the rest of the Home Provinces before moving on to securing the colonies. This plan was flawed, but in its earliest phases worked spectacularly. The Emperor was dead with no co-Emperor to take his place, the city secured and a large portion of the Locian Military on the side of the Agynia. The eastern provinces welcomed the return of Republican rule, as did the Ladoi peninsula and the majority of the colonies, lead astray by false promises of their autonomy or independance after the war was won. The middle provinces, along the Ianderon Frontier, as well as the western provinces around the Oegallax Crater, preferred Imperial rule to a restoration of the Republic, and many of the most veteran military formations remained loyal to the old Imperial government.

For a while, war raged across Locia. The Republican forces were spread territoriality and had weaker military forces compared to the more centralised and powerful Imperial forces. Across the plains and vineyards of the Home Provinces, muskets barked and cannon roared, horses galloped and swords once more sliced. In the early period of the war, between the years 197 BM and 193 BM (~145 - 139 BRC), the Imperial forces were projected as being the eventual winners, driving deep into Republican territories and capturing important cities like Valenpia and Noilitia. By 193 BM (~139 BRC), however, the Republicans developed two major advantages which would see them victorious in the war. On the technological side, Republican forces developed and made use of the first industrial steam engines, allowing for the production of significantly more war material and supplies than their imperial adversaries. A new technique, which became ultimately more impactful to the course of the war, the Republicans revolutionised their espionage, infiltration and propaganda services, so that they fractured the Imperial cause with the question of Succession, each general and admiral becoming an independent warlord vying for control of the Imperial Throne. With the fracturing of Imperial resistance, the Republicans swept them back and demolished them against the slopes of the Oegallax Mountains at the Battle of Gustinai in 189 BM (~134 BRC).

### The 3rd Republic

With the Republican Civil War concluded, the 3rd Locian Republic set about fixing the scars of Imperial rule on their society. Over time, society was reeducated and the old Imperial supporters were de-radicalised. The colonies, however, remained in bondage, the Republic breaking the oath they had given the colonies in exchange for their support. The 3rd Republic made eternal enemies of their colonies, setting into motion the movements and thinkers that would coalesce into the Anti-Imperial Movement. In the years before that movement truly began, the 3rd Republic was in constant anti-insurgency operations in the colonies. There were 3 major periods of strife, immediately after the civil war from 187 BM - 161 BM (~131 BRC - 96 BRC), 9 years later from 152 BM - 146 BM (~84 BRC - 76 BRC), and then from 138 BM - 120 BM (~65 BRC - 41 BRC).

### Anti-Imperial Movement

20 years passed without a colonial revolt and the Agynia thought they had won. Unbeknownst to them, new rebel organisations were gathering and planning their independence, led by the many great revolutionary heroes whose theory formed the basis for all the modern governments of Ulfon. These organisations were related and mostly cooperative with one another, despite the Chochipellit tendency for extreme self-reliance and distrust of the outsider. These new parties spread their influence across their countries in secret, millions of people agreeing with the goal of overthrowing the imperial tyrants lording over them politically and the business owners lording over them economically. In 100 BM (~14 BRC), on the anniversary of the defeat of the last revolt, a new and irresistable general uprising arose in across the Locian colonies. 20 years of planning and stockpiling coming to fruition, the people arose and secured key areas with the help of military elements radicalised to their cause, especially those made up of native auxiliaries. Ports and major cities were seized, military strongpoints were put under siege. Some surrendered without bloodshed, others were taken by force and a few broke out and joined with other Locian forces in their attempt to hold off the revolutionary storm. Fighting raged for seven years, finally stopping in 93 BM (~4 BRC) with the final Treaty of Cahauc recognising Calopi's independence, the last of the three countries to gain its independence from Locia.

### First Radio Contact between Men and Dwarves

In 90 BM (0 BRC) the first radio signals were sent and received between Ulfon and Thedik. At first there was confusion, languages spoken that neither side had known before, until two teams of natural philosophers and linguists on either world created an effective method of communication that allowed for mutual learning of each other's languages. The Humans did this work while speaking Locian, as it was the commercial tongue of Ulfon at the time and the majority of the participants spoke it as a first or second language, while the Dwarves spoke Erkhad, as the Tanikhuzni Holding had the strongest radios and the most qualified technicians and radio operators on Thedik.

### The Locian Revolution

The newfound lack of colonies to exploit left the 3rd Locian Republic in an economic depression. Many companies which had operated in the colonial market went bankrupt as new economic policies banned them from large-scale operations in the former colonies, with the domestic markets in all three imperialist powers already dominated by well entrenched corporations, making expansion there difficult if not impossible. This led to massive unemployment and skyrocketing poverty rates, which were seized upon by revolutionary forces in Locia to spread their message among the people. By 84 BM (~19 ARC), the economic depression had wore on with no signs of lessening, meanwhile revolutionary parties had been working to spread their message and recruit members. In that year, the parties came together in the Congress of Noilitia, the main naval base of the Republic and a hot spot of revolutionary discourse. The various regional parties combined into the All-Locian Revolutionary Party, their individual planning and preparation combined as well. A new overall plan for revolution was made in subsequent party meetings, centring on taking over key cities in the Ladian Peninsula as well as large areas in the Oegallien and Isiriad parts of the nation, where the party had most of its member.

Two short years later, the Revolution began with the seizing of Noilitia and other simultaneous uprisings in the year 82 BM (~11 ARC). The Revolutionaries would begin the war holding the east and west as well as some major cities in Ladia, while the central government would retain control of the countryside of Ladia and the Ladian cultural areas in the middle provinces from the peninsula in the south to the Ianderon in the north. Revolts were common in the central government's territory, especially the major cities of the peninsula, while the revolutionary holdings were much more secure and united. From Noilitia, revolutionary forces cut across the north of Ladia to the peninsula's opposite side, strangling the northern part of the government's territory. While revolutionary offensives struck deep into the north, Locia itself was the site of a revolutionary uprising, which was supported by the revolutionaries from the sea. In all, the central government collapsed quickly and the revolutionaries secured victory by 79 BM (~15 ARC)

### Formation of the Locian People's Republic

Immediately following their victory in the civil war, the All-Locian Revolutionary Party would begin the process of forming a government for the country. Their headquarters would be moved to Locia from Noilitia and a new constitution would be drafted, based on the ancient constitution which the former republics had used. It would be distributed to the people of the country for approval, and after a month of consideration was adopted. Immediately after that an election would be held and representatives sent to form a new Agynia, followed swiftly by the election of the first three triarchs. Each was a hero of the civil war, Alecandros Opilando of Valenpia for the Ladians, Liyah Berik of Erudish for the Isira and Exis Regin of Alyxiza for the Oegallien. The new government would begin the process of collectivising the industry and farms of the country and setting up planning councils in the three constituent nations with a plan for further devolution. When the initial process of government formation was finished, the new People's Republic would open up diplomatic ties with its former colonies and begin to form plans for reparation and economic assistance, returning the wealth that Locia took from its former colonies. Assistance would also be given to the revolutionaries fighting in Valkibog as they were in the midst of their own revolution at the time.

## People

### Cultures

##### Geography

The Locian People's Republic is comprised of three major cultures. The largest group is the Ladians, whose origin is the Ladoi peninsula. From there, the population extends north and east until the banks of the Ianderon river, and then proceeds further east to the northern extremity of the Isiriad Isthmus. The Oegallien originate from the area around the Oegallax Impact Crater on the western coast, with their population extending to the east until it runs into the Ladian majority area. The Isira populate all of the Isiriad Isthmus, south from the Ladian-majority area. They are named for an ancient clan, or Hiib, of Tebru people from what is now Harrullah called the Izra, and their name has also been given to the land they now occupy.

As well as the major cultures, there are four minor cultures. The two largest are the Burztij and Allenaren, who live primarily in the eastern and north-western extremities of the country respectively. The Burztij have an autonomous province of their own, named Varsikart, which is located to the north of the Ianderon and slightly to the south. The Allenaren are given the Garzenspraak Autonomous Province, around where the central tributary of the Ianderon turns south. The other two minor cultures are the Ferziyad and Akkaru, whose smaller populations are given an autonomous department each. For the Ferziyad, the Autonomous Department of Tadzam, and for the Akkaru is the Urditim Autonomous Province.

## Government

### National Administration

Locia is a triarchy, with each of the three constituent republics electing a head of state to represent their nation or the union as a whole, though the position is mostly ceremonial and advisory, with political power exercised only in cases of tie-breaking. On a Union-wide scale, Legislative power is held by the Agynia, which uses its power to enforce revolutionary government and handle geopolitical affairs. Various agencies and offices are entrusted with executive powers and overseen by the Office of the People, a body of trusted revolutionaries appointed by the Agynia, and each delegate can be recalled via popular vote. Judicial power is held by the High Courts, a council of 7 judges elected by the people who organise trials and give final arbitration after consulting with a jury of impartial volunteers.

Below the union government is the three constituent republics that make up the country, the Oegallien Republic in the west, Isira Republic in the east and the central Ladian Republic. The primary mission of the republics is to facilitate cooperation between the departments below them and to protect the cultures of their people. The government of each republic differs, but they all follow in the footsteps of the union government. A largely ceremonial head of state elected from the legislative body, an executive dealing with day-to-day government and a judiciary to preside over trials of national, but not union-wide, importance. Below the republics are the Departments, as mentioned before, which are organised into ceremonial Provinces of 2-5 departments each, corresponding to the ancient provinces from before the 3rd Republic. Each department handles local, daily governance and policing. Departments each have local economic planning committees which largely handle their economic planning and improvement in accord with the occasional national or union guideline, though they are rare and largely superficial target goals. The departments are free to pass their own laws and govern their own way within the revolutionary framework of the constitution. Among the departments are four Autonomous Departments, each primarily populated by one of the country's major minority groups.

### Army

The Locian Army's doctrine balances the needs of an effective land fighting force and integration with the Locian Navy as the nation's premier armed force. It focuses on artillery support and motorised infantry as its main fighting components, with tanks tending to be lighter than other states' competitors. On the assault, scouts are to locate areas of enemy congregation and call for artillery bombardment shortly before wider troop movements, with the heaviest bombardment offered by naval units. After the bombardment, the fighting units advance to their objectives and fight whatever enemy resistance remains. These units call in artillery where appropriate and use their high mobility to encircle enemy defences. Tanks are used in the heaviest fighting, helping to break through tough defences and achieve a breakthrough. On the defence, the army pre-measures and zeroes in their artillery on areas of the expected enemy advance while the infantry digs in. Behind the front lines, tanks prepare firing positions with the intention to fight for only a short time at each location. Special forces are used for a variety of purposes. They can be used as heavy or shock infantry, to strike targets in the enemy rear, to secure beach heads in amphibious operations, or to strike at enemy leadership.

### Navy

The Locian Navy is the nation's premier fighting force. It is focused on global power projection, with battlegroups formed around a core of capital ships (typically 1-2 carriers and 2-4 battlecruisers) with an escort of smaller fighting ships. Flotillas may be assembled of these smaller cruiser and destroyer vessels when the need arises. Naval combat doctrine focuses on gunfire as the primary fighting tool of the fleet, with missiles as a close second. Locian ships therefore feature extensive aerial defence, be they anti-aircraft missile and guns or electronic warfare suites and chaff launchers. When not securing the seas for Locian use, the fleet is used extensively to bombard enemy positions on land, by gunfire and surface-to-surface missiles.

### Air Force

The Locian Air Force is a capable force, yet it is the least prestigious of the state's fighting strength. It is often behind the times relative to the other branches, and therefore its fighting planes are built to be easily maintained and upgraded in the long years from model to model. Still, with the wealth of the Locian state, the LAF remains largely effective against most opponents. Doctrine focuses on local, rather than general, aerial superiority. The Air Force will focus on protecting ground and sea movements from the air and intercepting threats at a relative close range to their expected target, while not straying too far from ground-based anti-aircraft installations. There is a particular focus on arsenal birds and distraction drones to limit the danger posed to pilots, preserving their number so that they can continue to fly and fight.

### Interplanetary Fleet

The Interplanetary Fleet is similar to the surface navy in doctrine and prestige. With Locian holdings spread far and wide in the Verdzanas system, Locia needs a force capable of securing space far from friendly ports. It is based around a number of first, second and third rate ships with smaller rated and unrated fighting vessels acting in escort. Locian ships tend to have a balance of weapons systems, with railguns as the main weapons with coilguns and lasers used for ranged fighting while the fleets close with each other. Drones and missiles are more prevalent in the interplanetary fleet than in the surface fleet, offering a greater ability to pursue and harass the enemy. Logistics ships are also a major element of the fleet, carrying extra fuel and supplies to continue the fight in areas and times where supply is limited.