Firmosia

Flag of Firmosia. The symbols on the flag are the Miatan F (top) and O (bottom)

**Firmosia** (Literally ***Free State*** in Miatan, combined into a single word) is a nation situated on the northern coast of Meridian. Firmosia was formed in ME 339 by folk, predominantly Chasans, fleeing Abdiel and the Shanorin Dynasty. Firmoisa controls only a small amount of territory, with the state focusing more on internal stability rather than expansion.

Though founded by those who wished to escape the dictatorship of the Dynasty, Firmosia isn't itself entirely free. Chasan cultural norms still reign supreme, meaning many old and controlling values are still in place, and Head Lamruil Genric has been the reigning head of state since its founding, though elections are held. Firmosia, though, is still much more lax on its control compared to the Dynasty. Citizens are allowed to practice the religion and follow the beliefs they choose, rather than be forced into one that is state mandated, and quality of life is high. As well, the majority of the Chasan population is young and therefore open to change, and the Firmosian Council is able to routinely pass and block new laws, preventing Genric from becoming a dictator himself. Minority species are also allowed to climb up the social ladder, though bias still usually favors the Chasa. The Firmosian Army and Navy is a lightly equipped volunteer force, with most of its equipment being old and used, given by the Montiac Army.

## History

### Formation

Firmosia was formed on the 29th of Arrunus, Me 339 by 871 refugees fleeing the Shanorin Dynasty, following the murder of Vaeril Shanorin and subsequent Night of a Thousand Daggers. This group fled the Dynasty with nearly 2k refugees, but was reduced to 871 after their 17 day march through the desert to reach Firmosia's present territory. Those lost mainly succumbed to the elements, but many stragglers would be hunted down by the Dynastic Army and the Arem. The capital of Inebel was first composed of hastily constructed shacks and other shelters, but has since turned into a city of respectable size. The initial group mainly consisted of Chasa, though small numbers of Nibayr and Leosians also joined. Dilya Shanorin was apart of the initial founders, and is the last living member of the Shanorin royal family aside from Abdiel. The Pardali in their small entirety would escape to Firmosia in the coming years, and the entire species now calls the nation home.

### First Contact with the Montiac Empire (ME 340)

Contact with the Montiac Empire was made not long after Firmosia's own establishment. This was done by a group of Chasan's journeying to the Domunian Peninsula of Calast, informing the Empire of Firmosia's existence. An envoy from the Empire was then sent, along with a dozen military ships, to confirm its existence. Then Montiac Emperor Gallicles Farus initially sought to make Firmosia the 18th province of the Empire, but this was vetoed by the High Council. The Empire assisted heavily in the initial period of Firmosian nation-building, developing infrastructure, government, and a stable economy. The Empire also assisted heavily in forming the Free Chasan Military, training and providing equipment. Most ships of the Free Chasan Navy are decommissioned Montiac naval vessels, save for a few small domestically produced ships.

In ME 343, with a continued, albeit small, flow of Dynastic refugees coming into Firmosia, the Empire officially issued a degree of protection to the country, promising to defend it should it be attacked.

### Present-

Presently, while largely underdeveloped outside of Inebel, Firmosia is the last bastion of freedom for the Chasa. Though distance and Montiac support has kept it safe from the Dynasty, those fleeing to Firmosia are often killed en route by military patrols and Arem.

## Government

Firmosia is a republic, currently ruled by Head Lamruil Genric and the Firmosian Council, which consists of 5 members. Both these members and the Head are elected by the populace. Elections for the Firmosian Council occur every 4 years, and Head every 6. Those running for Head must be either the current Head or a current member of the Council. As well, Councilfolk who run and fail to be elected forfeit their position on the Council. This rule is partly why Genric has remained in power, as those who could run against him often won't in fear of losing their Council position.

Firmosia has no states or provinces, and is all governed as a single entity.

## Economy

The Flirmosian economy is heavily backed by the Empire, and it uses the Montiac Clurane (*CL*) as its official currency. With little resources to export, Firmosia's economy is effectively dependent on that of the Empire. Firmosians have a fairly average quality of life. While they don't enjoy many of the luxuries that those living in the Empire do, their quality of life still mostly exceeds that of the Shanorin Dynasty.

Due to its small size, Firmosia costs very little for the Empire to keep afloat, and any cost is made up for by its strategic importance as a direct ally against the Dynasty.

## Military

The Free Chasan Military is a lightly equipped volunteer force. The majority of its equipment is made up of old and used Montiac equipment. The military is split into the Free Chasan Army and Free Chasan Navy. Service is not required, and only 11k serve across both branches, 9k in the army and 2k in the navy. There have been attempts in the past by the Empire to pressure Firmosia into enacting mandatory service, but this has never come to fruition. To make up for the lack of troops, the Montiac Colonial Army and Montiac Navy both have a small presence in the capital.

## Technology

Although Firmosia does not have Hosanna to assist in the development of technology, many refugees fleeing the Dynasty have brought their knowledge of it with them. This has helped Firmosia, and by extension the Empire, to stay close behind the Dynasty technology wise.

As Precursorism is not the governing religion in Firmosia, technology can be used by whoever for effectively any purpose.

## Culture

With a predominantly Chasan population, Firmosian culture shares most of the Cat-folk's traditional values. However, a largely young population mixed with the lack of Precursorism's influence means Chasans in Firmosia are generally more open to societal change than their cousins in the Dynasty. As well, Chasans in Firmosia are much more accepting of living amongst other races. This is almost unheard of from Chasans in the Shanorin Dynasty, and has led to Chasans being labelled either ***Shanors*** or ***Firmos***.