Quall National State

**Quall National State** was a totalitarian, authoritarian state that operated on the island of Quall from 1415-1436. Dictated by Titoro Caplin under the Natum Party for the entirety of its reign, it led to the direct persecution of the people. The ultra-restrictive government controlled virtually every aspect of its citizens lives, restricting their freedoms heavily. Political opponents were either imprisoned or executed, and those who spoke out against the government were also arrested. Free speech was non-existent, and all media was controlled directly by the Natum Party itself. Workers had virtually no rights, and were forced to work up to 18 hours per day, under the risk of being sent to torture camps or even death if workers did not meet their daily quota or expectations. The Quall National State fell apart quickly in 1436, after the Heyan military and other Norwedian militaries invaded the island to liberate its people.

## Revolution Against Heyan Empire

In the 1200's and 1300's century, many nations in Norwedia began requesting for independence from the Heyan Empire, either peacefully or on some occasions, violently. However, along these years, the island of Quall remained under direct Heyan rule. Many citizens on the island were split about it, and many opposed the revolution, saying it would only sour trade with Heya, by far one of the biggest trade powers in Naridia, and leave Quall with a worse military backing if another empire, such as the Dakotans, wanted to take over the island.

In the early 1400's, anti-Heyan sentiment grew. Large opposing groups spread propaganda supporting a revolution, including the newly founded Quall-nationalist party, the Natum Party. Opinions surrounding Heyan opposition included that separating from the Heyan Empire would reduce taxes, and have the Quall Government gain more power and control over making new laws and controlling its citizens, without the Heyan government all the way back in Cookah having to approve and monitor each law. In addition, many nationalists were scared that their religion, cultures, and language would continue to be replaced by Heyan ones, and in retaliation, lots of nationalism propagated through the island, especially through the press.

In 1411, the Quallian legislating and governing board had an overwhelming majority of members supporting a revolution from Heya. They officially passed the Statement of Peace, announcing to Heya that they have desire to leave the Heyan Empire and form their own independent government. Heya was furious, and desired to keep control of Quall due to its coal and resource mining industries. The Heyans sent out troops to the island, beginning the Quallian Revolutionary War.

Those who opposed the revolution took the streets. War was not on the mind of the people of Quall who previously supported the revolution. However, the nationalism in Quall was still very strong, and overwhelmingly, nationalists both in the public and on the government board wanted all the war and the chance to fight to be independent. They would be willing to do anything to fight for their own island, even if it meant dying. As Heyan troops arrived to the island, the Quallian military fought back, and bloody wars were fought on the island, mostly away from civilian habitats. They fought well, and for the years the war lasted, the Heyans did not take any significant grounds.

After two years of constant fighting, the Heyan Empire made the decision to pull troops back. They had bigger issues to worry about, including the ongoing war with the Dakotan Empire, and did not need to invest more troops and resources fighting for the island. The Heyans granted the Qualls full independence, as the island celebrated with victory. Nationalism and patriotism were at an all-time high. A new government in Quall was established, and it was renamed the Quall Republic.

## Takeover of the Natum Party, Rise of Titoro Caplin

### The Election

The Natum party was one of the most popular political parties of the republic for years now, and were considered national and had highly corporatist values. Many opposed the Natum party, due to its rumors of wanting to increase working hours and decrease pay, and even many businesses were opposed to them because many political members wanted to publicize their entire business industry and create a strong central government with lots of power. Their main motives of public support were do to their nationalism, their desire to "put Quallian culture first", revamp the economy, and tried appealing to all people and their interests. The Natum party continued to gain mass support for two years, until the first election was held to determine president.

Titoro Caplin was long considered the frontrunner for the Natum party. Caplin had years of governing experience on Quall, fought as a general against the Heyan forces invading the island, and represented and influenced all the ideas that the Natum party stood for. Caplin spent his time campaigning at rallies, advertising his name in the newspaper and media, and became perhaps the most famous candidate, representing both nationalism and the people's needs.

In the 1415 election, it was a landslide. Titoro Caplin won the most votes for president, and was immediately sworn in. He thanked the public, made an acceptance speech, and right away got to work with the Natum party on what future changes the island would make.

### The Coup

Titoro Caplin and the Natum party spent the next several months, in secret, discussing the next actions that Quall would take. The Natum Party, having a majority of seats, did not like any other party, and had a burning hatred for most others there, addressing them in public as "soft" and "against the needs of the Quallan people". Of course, the needs of the people part was a publicity stunt, and only to increase popular opinion, but the Natum Party wanted all the control they could get, and did not want to lose their power.

In late 1415, the Natum Party threw a coup. Having the majority of seats, they could make any decision they wanted. They gave Titoro Caplin more and more power, up to the point of dictatorial status. Soon, other members of the government knew this was a power grab, but it was far too late. The Natum Party expelled all other members from the government, arresting and imprisoning them so they wouldn't speak to the public about the overthrow. Now, Titoro Caplin and the Natum Party had full rule over Quall, and with majority public support, aimed to make quick changes.

## Restrictions Under Quall National State

### Anti-Weapon Policies

In 1415 and 1416, legislation was passed making it illegal to own a firearm or virtually any other weapon. Houses were searched and scavenged for guns and other weapons, with the Natums seizing all of them that they could find. If found with any gun or blacklisted weapon, arrests were made, and possible force in retaliation was used to combat another uprising against the new totalitarian government.

### Racist Anti-Immigration Policies

In 1416, all people not of direct Quallian descent, or were not born on the island of Quall, were either arrested or deported, and all immigration to the island was severely restricted, as only those born on Quall were allowed back. Families were broken apart, lives were ruined, and the people were angry.

As the years passed, torture camps were built for those previously persecuted for not being of Quall descent. 85% of people in these torture camps died, and most did not make it after two months.

### Nationalization of the Media, Crackdown of Protests

Many people took the streets surrounding the persecution of Quall minorities, and support for the Natum Party and the nationalists was at an all-time low. However, nationalists across the island celebrated, and the island itself became much more divisive. Writers and publishers also took the media dispersing hate for the racist policies implemented by the Natums, and expressed their disapproval of the direction Quall was headed.

As a result of this, the Natums feared of another revolt and perhaps even a civil war. In 1the same year 1416, they made the decision to "nationalize" the media. Now, the Natums had to approve, reject, and influence everything sent out by the newspaper or other media sources like the radio. It was now illegal to send out any other form of press without direct approval from the Natums, and would lead to arrest.

Soon afterwards, freedom of speech against the new Quall National State was nonexistent. Arrests were made against those who were even suspected of going against the Natums. Those who published papers previously expressing negativity towards the Natums, even when it was legal at the time, were also unfairly arrested. People in Quall grew fearful of the new Natum government, and many tried to flee.

### Isolation and Closed Borders

Beginning in mid 1416, the isolation process began. Due to many people fleeing the island due to restrictive and controlling government policies, the borders were officially fully closed both ways. It was near impossible to enter or leave the island, unless you were a Natum government official. Those in the military spent the entire day surveying the boundaries of the island, making sure nobody would even swim on the ocean waters or attempt to escape via raft or boat. Those caught doing so were shot and killed.

### Mandatory Military Enrollment

At age 16, law of Quall National State declared that all men would be conscripted into military service, assuming the individual is in shape. The military of Quall did not do much, other than survey the island to make sure nobody escaped, and would be combined with the police force, answering those who called to them and needed help. They would also monitor workplaces, using force on anyone who did not comply.

Military training was introduced on kids even as early as 6. These boys would run military drills and learn how to shoot imitation guns that were legal and non-violent. As well as mandatory exercise and diets to make sure everyone was in shape, the Quall Military grew to be one of the most populated places of work, if not the most.

### Toxic Masculinity Culture and School Propaganda

Starting in 1416, schools were also nationalized by the Natums, and pro-Natum propaganda and patriotism was forced to be taught. Children were taught that Quall was the greatest nation on earth, and that it was okay to give up some freedoms if it meant partaking in Quallian culture. The Quall National State flag was treated as a religious symbol, and every day, students had to express that they will serve the Quallian government and flag for until they die.

Toxic masculinity culture was also a major problem under Natum rule. Children were taught to be overtly masculine and tough, even female students. Those who showed "feminine emotions", including happiness or sadness, were disciplined.

Corporal punishments in school were also a major problem. Students were sometimes abused for not only misbehaving, but even showing happiness or sadness. Abuse would stem from not only spankings or slaps, but physical beatings and extreme verbal abuse as well. Students were forced to behave, and school became a nightmare for them.

### Work Culture

Because of the Natum's desire to extend work hours and decrease pay, many were scared after the Natum overthrow of the government. Their fears turned out to be true. With Quall's isolation from the rest of the world, an uptick in production was required in order for them to keep pace without trade. Work hours were extended, while pay was decreased. Sick days and paid time off were thrown out the window, and weekends were abolished, establishing a 7-day work week sometimes up to 14 hours per day.

Workers were furious. Many went on strike to protest. Many other workers refused to show up and live their life without a paycheck. With the Natums noticing this, they gated up workplaces and cracked down on those who refused to work via military control, threatening to shoot anyone who resisted. This worked to great success for the Natums, as strikes and unions quickly disbanded and people were forced to slave their life away for little pay, under the threat of militants patrolling each workplace and threatening to shoot. Those who chose not to work were monitored, and then arrested.

In the upcoming years, with the Natums in full control over the workers, even harsher working conditions were introduced. Workers were forced to work under their will even up to 18 hours at some places. Work quotas were introduced, threatening those who were considered not productive enough at work. If the individual worker did not meet their quota, punishments were introduced, ranging from reduction from their paycheck, to even at points being arrested or executed if they consistently did not meet their quota. Work was depressing, and suicides among the workplace became common.

### Torture Camps

Torture camps replaced prison cells, and were built and introduced the following years of Natum rule to replace prisons. Torture camps were built to torture and "re-educate" individuals for their "wrongdoings", through various torture methods. These methods included physical abuse and overwork, and plenty of other common torture methods used on people from the history of Naridia.

85% of people did not survive these torture camps. Those who did survive were either released early due to their crime not being as severe as others, such as theft or drug usage, or were liberated after the invasion of the island in 1436. It was very rare to survive the camp for more than 2 months, as at that point inmates were too physically abused or worn out to resist.

### Other Reasons People Were Persecuted

Not only were nationality minorities persecuted, but those who practiced any religion were also arrested. Before Natum rule, Angelianity was the most popular religion. The Natums were strictly non-religious, and declared that religion was just a distraction from the real life. Churches were burned and other religious symbols and buildings were destroyed, and those caught practicing religion were arrested.

Political opponents from before the Natums took over were also arrested, even from the time that freedom of expression was existent. Many of those who ran against Caplin and the Natums were eventually killed off.

Those who were physically unable to work or be productive in society, including those too old, physically or mentally disabled, hospitalized, or those who simply chose not to work, were arrested and sent to torture camps to die.

Among other groups that were persecuted were homosexual individuals, sex offenders, progressives, and other minority groups.

### Soaring Suicide Rates

From the several decades of Quall rule, suicide rates were off the charts. Those also murdered for trying to escape were through the roof as well. Citizens began risking their lives to escape the island, even if it meant practically certain death.

To combat this, the Natums needed a new approach. Caplin sent out public speeches declaring that from now on, if a person's death was ruled either a suicide or an attempt to cross the boundaries, their family will be persecuted as well into torture camps. Suicide rates and attempts on escaping the border decreased somewhat lightly, but others were still selfish enough to try and escape or take their lives, resulting in their loved ones being murdered and tortured.

### Declining Population and Birth Rates, Forced Breeding

For the decade following Natum rule, birth rates were at an all-time low, population decreased due to the amount of people getting killed, committing suicide, or arrested into torture camps, and nobody wanted to start a family anymore due to extremely small amounts of free time. The Natums grew major concerns for the future of their rule, and if there were not enough people willing to reproduce, then their population would die out and Quall would be no more.

Forced breeding became mandatory as a result. Quall militants were given permission to sexually assault and rape women at the workplace, in an attempt to create more pregnancies and births. Women became severely mistreated, and their rights were nonexistent. Abortions were also outlawed as well, and women would be arrested if they were suspected of having one.

## External Invasion, Collapse of Quall National State

### Investigations

With the isolation of Quall from the rest of the world, the island state went off the radar of most other countries, and most did not care.

In 1426, Wilford Perez successfully escaped the island, alerting Heyan forces of the human rights abuses that were occurring. Perez is the only known person to escape the island without harm. Perez would later become one of the best-selling authors of all time, writing countless books describing the experiences of living in Quall National State and racking up millions of dollars.

Heya soon began to investigate the island. Since transportation to-and-from the island was not allowed, it was nearly impossible to spy directly and get inside information. However, radio signals were caught, along with large telescopes investigating what was happening on the island. Full details were picked up in these upcoming years, and Heya declared that constant human rights abuses were occurring on the island, and an invasion needed to occur.

Heya alerted all other nearby nations surrounding the island about the work camps and human rights abuses. Many other nations allied with Heya from Norwedia were also interested in sending forces to liberate the island. Allied forces would outnumber Quall forces significantly, and its citizens would be saved from the Natum regime.

### External Invasion

In 1436, Heya and other countries were set to invade. They sent many naval forces surrounding the island, and the Quall forces were ordered to shoot. In the end, allied forces significantly outnumbered Quall forces and invaded the island fairly easily.

Caplin sent all Quall troops available to fight against allied invaders. Many Quall troops refused to fight, wanting the liberation of their own island against the abuse of their own people, and seeing there was no way they could hold back the invading forces, as they were clearly outnumbered.

After some time, the Quall forces fell and disbanded. Natum government members all fled the island, and most were either shot down or captured, inluding Caplin. Workers across Quall finally revolted, and with no members of the military to pressure them into working themselves to death, they torn down their workplaces, and upon learning that the Quall National State fell, everyone celebrated.

## Reconstruction, New Heyan Occupation

Heya vowed to control and take care of the island of Quall as it rebuilt under direct Heyan rule. Workplaces were rebuilt, families were given more money to succeed and prosper, and wages were increased while hours significantly decreased.

All Natum officials still on the island were arrested. Titoro Caplin was publicly executed, as thousands paid to watch.

Eventually, Quall would be fully repaired, and would remain under Heyan rule for more time to come.