Places: Tallinn, Estonia

Nestled on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Tallinn, the capital of Estonia is a city where medieval charm meets modern vitality. Its cobbled streets wind through a captivating blend of historic architecture and contemporary life. It is in this city where the main events of the book take place. With a population of around 470,000 people, Tallinn stands as Estonia's largest city and a vital economic hub.

Tallinn's location on the shores of the Baltic Sea places it strategically within the region. Actively participating in regional cooperation, the city maintains strong ties with neighboring countries.

### History before 2001

#### Foundation

Tallinn's history dates back to the early 13th century when it was founded as a Hanseatic League trading hub. The medieval Old Town, with its well-preserved architecture, stands as a testament to this era. Throughout the Middle Ages, Tallinn thrived as a crucial center for commerce and culture. The 16th century saw Tallinn influenced by the Teutonic Knights, experiencing both prosperity and shifts in power.

#### Teutonic Knights and Foreign Influences (14th–16th Century):

During the 14th to 16th centuries, Tallinn experienced the influence of the Teutonic Knights, followed by periods of Swedish and Russian rule. Its strategic location on the Baltic Sea contributed to its growth and importance in regional trade.

#### Swedish and Russian Rule (17th–19th Century):

In the 17th century, Tallinn came under Swedish rule, marking a period of cultural and economic development. However, the 18th century brought about a series of conflicts, including the Great Northern War, leading to Russian dominance. The city became a crucial part of the Russian Empire. The 19th century, though, witnessed the Estonian National Awakening, a cultural and intellectual movement fostering national identity. Tallinn played a role in preserving Estonian language and traditions during this period. As the century progressed, industrialization influenced the city's economic landscape.

#### World Wars (20th Century):

In 1918, Estonia, along with Tallinn, gained independence following World War I. The interwar period marked a Golden Age for the city, characterized by economic growth, cultural flourishing, and the establishment of a unique Estonian identity. Tallinn's fortunes took a downturn during World War II, as it witnessed Soviet occupation in 1939, followed by Nazi occupation. The city faced significant challenges, including bombings and destruction.

After World War II, Tallinn became a vital Soviet port. The city underwent Sovietization, with changes in demographics and urban planning. Despite challenges, Tallinn maintained its historical identity.

#### Restoration of Independence (1991 to 2001):

The pivotal year of 1991 marked Estonia's restoration of independence. Tallinn embraced democracy, embarked on economic reforms, and experienced a resurgence of cultural vitality. The city transformed into a dynamic European capital, balancing its historical legacy with modern innovation. On this period one of the central figures was Lennart Meri and Marthin Aasa, who would obtain the presidency after beating him in the 1996 presidential election.

Marthin Aasa's government is remembered to have been shy and not so many progress was done during his time other than establishing good relationships with the Western World, and the start of the process to join both the EU and NATO, which was interrupted by the 2001 coup d'état, that changed Estonia's history from what did happen in real life.

### 2001 coup d'état:

On the early morning of Monday 27th August 2001 the president was awaken by the sound of shootings outside from the official residence, Kadriorg palace. He stood there, unable to escape until the perpetrators of what he'd discover, was an attack on the government, entered into the palace, forcing him to cede the presidency and after he tried to escape them he was recaptured and executed in one of the hallways of the palace by the organiser and his friend, Heino Raud, who shot him.

This event led to several months under the control of a military junta headed by Heino Raud, who'd been an agent from KGB and secretary of security after the 1991 independence. His villainous government would only be put to an end when he was assassinated in a party held in Kadriorg Palace on Saturday 20th October. After which the city slowly recovered its previous status, rebuilding various locations and cleaning all the mess left by the initial days of anarchy and chaos that followed the death of Marthin Aasa.

### From 2001 to 2031.

The city rapidly grew and became one of the most important cities in the Baltic Region. With 'The Oblivion' politic all the traces of the coup were effaced and at some point between the 2030s the city had no proofs of any attack or crisis that ever occured. It is in this context that the main story takes place.