The Republic of Agrippa

The Republic of Agrippa, also referred to as Agrippa or the Agrippan Republic, is a modern nation situated on the continent of Jörðealam. It is positioned on the Golden Coast and holds authority over the island of Naroma, located off the southern coast of the continent. Established in the year 1006, Agrippa is renowned for its flourishing culture and art scene, as well as its remarkable military strength. What sets it apart is its unique adherence to Solanism as the state religion, and its population mainly consists of elves, half-elves, and humans.

## General Information

### Goverment

Democratic Republic (Fomerly)semi-democratic consulate

## History

### **Genesis**

In the year 987, prominent statesmen hailing from different city-states along the Golden Coast, specifically Lucia, Tiberia, and Naroma, convened in the city of Agrippa. Their primary objective was to explore the possibility of forming a confederacy. The reasons for this meeting were evident; the neighboring Emirate of Lian had been increasing pressure along their borders, prompting the city of Agrippa to seek defensive alliances with their neighboring states.

Concurrently, the Eastern cities were grappling with economic and political challenges, unable to establish dominance over one another. They also faced a looming threat from their eastern orc neighbors, which further incentivized them to seek alliances. The negotiations began on the 16th of Dovknodu 987 and continued for a substantial 19 years, ultimately culminating on the 3rd of Ziedk in the year 1006. It was during this period that the parties involved in the negotiations reached a comprehensive agreement, leading to the formation of a politically intricate entity known as the Agrippan Republic.

### **Early years (1006-1032)**

The Republic of Agrippa faced significant challenges during its formative years, grappling with political instability as various governments rose and fell due to their steadfast commitment to democratic ideals. It wasn't until 1032 that two prominent political figures, Horatius Galvinus Koustopolis and Julianus Rotokoupos Gavalra, took decisive action to address this instability. They jointly established the position of consul to ensure a climate of stability and prosperity within the republic.

The consulship is still the highest office in the political system. The two consuls are elected on the 1st Dovknodu of every year, which coincide with the first day of the common calendar. Notably, these consuls do not have a set limit on their mandates and often remain in office for several years, as they are frequently re-elected by the citizens. The establishment of the Consulate put an end to the era of political instability that had previously plagued the Agrippan Republic, ushering in a more stable and enduring form of governance.

### **Agrippan Golden Age (1032-1245)**

Between 1032 and 1245, following the election of the first consuls, the Agrippan Republic entered a remarkable period of growth and development in various domains. Under the firm leadership of the consuls, the country experienced substantial demographic expansion. This era also witnessed significant achievements in the fields of economics, culture, and the arts.

During this time, many of the classical masterpieces of Agrippan culture were created, contributing to the nation's rich artistic heritage. Moreover, the establishment of numerous colleges and universities in major cities reflected a growing interest in fields such as medicine, science, theology, and arcana, signaling a commitment to intellectual progress.

The Agrippan Republic also dedicated considerable effort to building and fortifying its armed forces, ensuring the maintenance of a strong and independent army and navy. The construction of the Naroma suspended fort in 1167, during the peak of this age, is a testament to their commitment to military strength and defense. Overall, this period was characterized by not only economic prosperity and cultural flourishing but also a strategic focus on national security.

### **Political unrest and economic recession (1245-1265)**

After the age of enlightenment, the Agrippan Republic entered a tumultuous period of approximately 25 years marked by political unrest and economic recession. The underlying causes of this unrest can be traced back to the preceding golden age. During that prosperous era, the Consuls and other magistrates had increasingly consolidated power, arguing that a strong central authority was essential to maintain order and sustain the republic's growth.

However, this concentration of power had unintended consequences, as it led to economic mismanagement and a downturn in the country's financial well-being. These economic challenges were exacerbated by blockades imposed by neighboring nations, further hindering trade and economic recovery. Consequently, protests and strikes became frequent occurrences in the Republic during this period, and the nation teetered on the brink of civil conflict on multiple occasions.

### **The young patricians coup (1262-1265)**

In 1265, the Union for National Renewal (UNR) executed a well-coordinated and unexpected strike on the institutions of the Agrippan Republic, which became known as the "Young Patricians Coup." The primary objective of this operation was to wrest power from what the UNR considered "corrupt" and "old" patrician families and establish a new government led by the military. Ironically, two of the four main leaders of this coup had familial ties to the very old families they aimed to displace. These leaders were Cules Machinium Gavalra, the heir of the Gavalra family, and Skoupos Hulius Koustopolis, the heir of the Koustopolis family.

The coup had been meticulously planned since 1262, with extensive preparations and strategy development taking place over the three years leading up to the actual coup, which occurred on the 18th of Szuret in 1265. The coup proved to be an overwhelming success, resulting in the execution of five patricians and the establishment of a new governmental system. This new system has endured to the present day, marking a significant turning point in the political history of the Agrippan Republic.

### **The Republic under UNR leadership (1265-1400)**

Following the success of the UNR's coup, the Agrippan Republic underwent a profound transformation, shifting toward a more militaristic and dictatorial regime. The position of Consul was rebranded as General-Consul, with an extended mandate of five years, consolidating power in the hands of the military leadership.

One notable change introduced after the coup was the implementation of mandatory legionary service, requiring all physically fit men to serve a minimum of one year in the military. Additionally, they could be called into active service until they reached the age of 265 (or 35 for human citizens). This move represented a significant expansion of the state's control over its citizens and a marked militarization of the society.

Despite these changes, the Agrippan Republic managed to recover from its previous economic deficits and even expanded its economy. The state placed a greater emphasis on the advancement of science and the arts, suggesting that it sought to maintain its cultural and intellectual vibrancy alongside its more authoritarian political structure.

**The Gavalra-Elipicopolis Concilium (1401-present)**

In the year 1401, the Agrippan Republic held a significant consul election that resulted in the election of two prominent figures: Cules Machinium Gavalra, General of the Eastern Legion and former leader of the UNR during the Young Patrician Coup, and Julius Romulos Elipicopolis, Admiral of the Naromian Fleet. This election was notable because, collectively, Gavalra and Elipicopolis represented the leadership of more than 50% of the armed forces.

Shortly after taking office, the two consuls expressed their intention to establish a Concilium, comprising philosophers, theorists, generals, admirals, and patricians. This Concilium's purpose was twofold: first, to expand the Agrippan Republic's influence into the contested regions of the Aditevere River and the Gujl plateau, and second, to enact martial law that would effectively grant both consuls the right to rule for life. In a highly controversial move, the consuls appointed only individuals who supported their cause to the Concilium, ensuring the swift passage of this significant measure.

On the 7th of Keime in 1403, the Eastern and Western halves of the Agrippan Republic jointly launched an attack on the Emirate of Lian and the Orcish Confederacy, officially commencing what would be known as the Agrippan Expansion Wars. Since the beginning of these conflicts, the Agrippan legions have found themselves largely stuck in their original positions, transforming the war into a protracted struggle characterized by trench warfare and raids.

## Governance and politics

The Republic of Agrippa has a unique and somewhat complex political system that can be summarized as follows:

### **Citizenship:**

* A citizen in Agrippa is typically a male Elf, Half-Elf, or Human freeman whose parents were born in one of the four main cities or their territories.

### **Patricians:**

* Patricians are citizens who are recognized by the low chamber as notable and significant members of the state.
* Citizenship can be achieved by monetary or military means.
* To become a Patrician, one must gain the approval of at least 50% of the low chamber.
* Patricianship is inherited by birth.

### **Government Structure:**

* The Republic of Agrippa is a semi-democratic consulate led by two prominent generals or admirals who hold the position of Consul.
* The government is composed of four main organs: the low chamber, the high chamber, the senate, and the Consul.

### **The Low Chamber:**

* Comprised of the 40 most influential patrician families (10 from each main city) elected by the citizens.
* Handles day-to-day governmental functions.
* Manages patrician admissions, small laws, and related matters.

### **The High Chamber:**

* Composed of 10 elected magistrates chosen by the low chamber.
* Deals with more significant governmental affairs, including matters of justice, finance, and diplomacy.

### **The Senate:**

* Comprised of five elected senators chosen by the low chamber.
* Approves and executes laws proposed by both the low and high chamber.
* Senators can introduce their own legislation or place reservations on projects.

### **The Consul:**

* Consists of two generals or admirals elected by the citizens.
* Serves as the highest authority in the government.
* Holds a total veto power over the actions of the lower chambers.
* Can convene a councilium, a group of experts appointed by the Consul, often based on the recommendation of the senators.
* The Consul primarily manages diplomatic and military affairs for the country.