Valgsland

Flag of the Democratic Republic of Valgsland.

**Valgsland**, officially the **Democratic Republic of Valgsland** (Valgish: *Demokratyke Republik Valgsiyand*), is an insular nation that lies east of Sordland, across the Markian Sea. It is a major naval power, and an ally of United Contana, with membership in the CSP. Currently engaged in territorial disputes with Sordland's traditional ally, Agnolia, it is likely President Rayne will be forced to pick one over the other. However, as Sordland learned the hard way in 1915, Valgsland is not to be trifled with, and can easily disrupt trade across the Markian Sea if it so wishes. Valgsland is also a member of OMEC and the AN.

## History

### Arrival of the Valgs & early monarchy (11th century–16th century)

In the 11th century, the Valgs migrated to the island of Valgos previously inhabited by the Galmanic people. The isolation of the Valgs led to the development of a culture distinct from that of its Sord and Mark cousins; however, they share very close roots, and the ties between these groups can be seen in Anton Rayne's recognition of Chancellor Hegel's proclamation "*E' Rewoluten wez core!*" (The revolution will come) during an Alliance of Nations summit.

### Imperial era (16th century–1920)

The Kingdom of Valgos began to expand its borders in the 16th century, colonizing areas in Rika and Xina. Later, the Empire of Valgos was declared, marking the zenith of Valgian power. Until the 19th century, the Empire of Valgos was the greatest naval power in the world. In 1789, the Valgian navy was responsible for the Great Fire of Conriat, something that the Sords still remember with a bitter vengeance.

### Revolution & Ulbrik era (1920–1940)

In 1920, revolutionaries under Wilhelm Ulbrik declared the Democratic Republic of Valgsland inspired by the Malenyevist revolution in United Contana a few years prior, and the People's Party was founded. The colonies in Rika and Xina were given independence, and a planned economy was introduced. Ulbrik's 20-year rule saw many purges and arrests against those branded as counter-revolutionaries.

### Hegel era (1940–present)

Following the death of Wilhelm Ulbrik in 1940, Emmerich Hegel became Chancellor. He embarked on de-Ulbrikization reforms, marking a new, less repressive era in Valgsland. He distanced himself from Malenyevism and reformed the People's Party to increase public participation in politics, creating the ideology of Valgslandian Socialism.

## Geography

Valgsland is primarily located on the large island of Valgos, but also controls several smaller islands in the area. It lies in a lucrative position for trade and naval activity, giving it a dominant position in the Markian Sea. The island of Heljisland is, as of 1953, controlled by Agnolia but claimed by Valgsland.

### Cities and towns

* Aben
* Afort
* Algna
* Ejkort
* Felksort
* Haelm, the capital
* Lude
* Maale
* Mahler
* Marassen
* Norort
* Revleit
* Sigmort
* Stahlort
* Stanisen
* Temeriot
* Wilben
* Wilbern
* Wilport

## Government

Valgsland is a socialist republic. The head of state is the Chancellor. The civil rights situation in Valgsland has vastly improved with Hegel's reforms, but political freedoms are still lacking. The dominant political party in Valgsland is the People's Party of Valgsland.

## Culture

The Valg have formed a very distinct culture due to years of isolation, but their language and customs are still vaguely related to those of Sordland (likely due to their mutual Markian roots). During the Alliance of Nations Summit in Kyrute at the end of the game, Emmerich Hegel ends his speech with the words: "E' Rewoluten wez core!" (The revolution will come), which Anton Rayne mistakes for Sordish. Deivid Wisci notes the similarity to Sordish, implying somewhat of a relation between the two languages.

## Ideology

The ideology of Valgsland is the so-called Valgslandian Socialism, developed by Emmerich Hegel and distinct from Malenyevism in the rejection of the need for a strong vanguard party and generally more lenient policies.

## Economy

Valgsland has a stable economy. Its currency is abbreviated *VR*. It is possibly named the Valgish Ren.

## Strategy

Valgsland is (along with Lespia) one of the two mid-tier regional powers of Eastern Merkopa, and just under Rumburg in strength and influence. Its relations with Sordland could be improved or soured, mainly depending on Sordland's stance in the Heljisland conflict. An alliance with Valgsland is the pathway to joining the Contanan Security Pact, so therefore it could be in Sordland's interest to sign an agreement with Chancellor Emmerich Hegel. However, Sordland could very much head in the opposite direction and work with Agnolia to subvert Valgish claims to Heljisland; of course, it is likely the Republic will incur major naval blockades from the pre-eminent sea-going power of Eastern Merkopa, the Valgish Navy.

Overall, its immense power over the region makes it an appealing ally for Sordland, especially in the face of constant Rumburgian aggression. However, the Heljisland conflict will likely make things difficult, and ideology will probably play a major role in any decisions regarding the Valgish state. Naturally, any alliance with Agnolia (or later membership in ATO) will make negotiations with Valgsland impossible.

## Trivia

* The history of Valgsland prior to the 20th century is based on that of the United Kingdom, while its culture and place names are strongly German inspired. The current government is based on the German Democratic Republic and the figure of Hegel on Nikita Khrushchev.