The Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss

The Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss (FIRD) is a contemporary country located in the continent of Jörðealam. This peasant republic emerged following the Drachenflussian civil war and is predominantly situated in the Bild region. Its official establishment occurred in 1466 when the Red Guards revolutionaries seized control by storming the Glass palace and capturing the monarchist governments leaders, including King Sigismund IV. The FIRD has a tumultuous history marked by political instability, suppression of opposition, economic crisis, famines, and a strong commitment to its equalitarian ideals.

## The Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss

Flag of the Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss

## History

### **Genesis**

From 1150 to 1464, the Kingdom of Drachenfluss underwent a gradual descent into turmoil and suffering. With each successive king, the dire situation of the kingdom worsened, and attempts to rebuild the nation proved futile. The economic condition of the kingdom was in a state of disarray, and many peasants struggled to provide for their basic needs. This led to a decline in birthrates, an increase in the prevalence of diseases, and a reduction in overall production.

During the mid-1450s to early 1460s, a wave of revolutionary and democratic ideals began to emerge in the Kingdom of Drachenfluss. In 1457, Claude Frossard, a prominent activist for peasant rights, penned the "Manifesto for Peasants' Rule." This extensive and intricate work aimed to persuade common people to rise up against the oppressive aristocracy. Inspired by the democratic ideals of the Agrippan Republic, Frossard sought to establish a more egalitarian system where everyone could participate in governing the nation. However, his efforts to spread these ideas led to his arrest, and he was incarcerated in the Giborgham prison.

In 1461, Welborne Pot built upon Frossard's work to found the Red Guards Party, also known as the Anti-Monarchist League. Pot enlisted the support of his close friend Reidrout Scheflo, a Dwarvish rights activist and militia leader. Together, they began to organize and promote their revolutionary and anti-monarchist agenda, seeking significant changes to the existing political and social structure in the Kingdom of Drachenfluss.

In parallel with the civilian movements for change, the Royal Army of the Kingdom of Drachenfluss also experienced a surge of factionalism and revolutionary thinking during this period. Two notable figures within the military, Ludwig Kobyla Zukovich, who held the position of knight-commander of the 20th Royal Hussards, and Ernst Frank Araguevk, a knight from the 3rd Footman Guards, joined forces to create the "Armies Revolutionary Front." Their goal was to recruit knights and soldiers with peasant backgrounds into their ranks and advance their revolutionary agenda within the military.

An important turning point occurred when Zukovich met Claude Frossard in prison in 1462. This encounter led him to align the military's revolutionary movement with the Red Guards Party in 1463, forming a significant alliance between civilian and military factions that sought change in the Kingdom of Drachenfluss.

In 1464, Sigismund IV assumed power in the Kingdom of Drachenfluss after the early death of his father, King Henrich II. The kingdom he inherited was plagued by corruption, famine, and technological stagnation. At just 14 years old, Sigismund IV was placed under the tutelage of his uncle, Karl-Johan Ottonian Prinz von Genosse. While the young king was generally well-liked by the people, his tutor, Karl-Johan, was notorious for his thirst for power.

In a fateful event in Teplo 1464, Karl-Johan coerced the young king into renaming the famous Otto I square in Butch to the Henrich II square. This involved the destruction of the statue of the national hero, Otto I of Drachenfluss, as well as the planned demolition of several civilian houses and shops. This move sparked outrage among the Butchian population, leading to violent protests to protect their livelihood and historical heritage.

On the 23rd of Teplo 1464, as strikes and protests spread throughout the city, Karl-Johan, in a panic, ordered the royal cavalry to charge into the crowd to disperse the protesters. This violent event, known as the Henrich II square massacre, marked the beginning of the Drachenflussian civil war. The very next day, on the 25th of Teplo 1464, a group of revolutionaries, theorists, and military figures, including Welborne Pot, Ludwig Kobyla Zukovich, Reidrout Scheflo, Claude Frossard, Ernst Frank Araguevk, Iyan Frus, Johan Kevinick, and Gustav Rhus, came together to declare a state of total revolt.

The ensuing fighting continued until the final assault on the Glass Palace on the 12th of Keime 1466. This assault marked the birth of the Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss (FIRD) and the end of the civil war, establishing a new chapter in the history of the region.

### **Months following the revolution**

Following the revolution, the Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss (FIRD) entered a turbulent period of deep instability. The revolutionaries who had played a pivotal role in the overthrow of the monarchy struggled to find a common vision for the country. As a result, internal discord within the revolutionary group led to the purging of dissidents from the government.

This discord eventually gave rise to the formation of two new political parties: the Federalists and the Republicans. However, the original revolutionaries, united under their Anti-Monarchist Party (Red Guards), retained power and took measures to ensure that no other political group could assume control. They achieved this through political repression, which included rigging elections that were held in the early days of the republic.

After a few months of internal strife and political maneuvering, the FIRD finally began to find a degree of stability. This was marked by the proclamation of the first government, the establishment of the Permanent Legion (an army in service of the republic), and the creation of various government ministries. These steps were taken to lay the foundation for the fledgling republic's governance and administration

**State as of 1467**

One year after the revolution, the Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss (FIRD) begins to stabilize and find its footing, despite its earlier period of instability. Surprisingly, the republic is able to exert efficient control over its citizens through the use of its Permanent Legion and a secret police agency known as the Political Inquisition Bureau. These measures allow the government to maintain order and authority.

While the FIRD holds a strong opposition to capitalism, they made a notable decision to permit the Al'Aqwia' Associates, a caravan trade company from the Lian Emirate, to conduct travel and commerce within their territory. This decision signaled a pragmatic approach to economic relations.

Additionally, the republic initiated diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, with a particular emphasis on their relationship with the Agrippan Republic. This diplomatic outreach was a crucial step in establishing peaceful and cooperative connections with neighboring states, contributing to the FIRD's efforts to secure its position in the international arena.

## Governance and politics

### **The organs of the state**

#### **The populace**

In the Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss (FIRD), the populace plays a pivotal role in the governmental structure. The populace is comprised of all Drachenflussian citizens of age, irrespective of gender. Citizenship criteria, in theory, lack specific requirements related to residency, knowledge of language, history, constitution, minimum income, and the like. However, in practice, citizenship is typically extended more easily to Humans and Dwarves, who are considered true Drachenflussians. Elves and gnomes have a lesser degree of access to citizenship, while Lizardfolk and Orcs face substantial obstacles due to pervasive racism within the population.

The populace serves two essential functions within the FIRD. Firstly, they have ''theoratically'' the right to vote to elect their preferred candidates to the Low Chamber and the Council of the Revolution. This grants them a direct role in shaping the legislative and executive branches of government. Secondly, they have the power to pass laws through popular referendums, which allows the citizens to participate directly in the legislative process and influence the legal framework of the country. This combination of electoral and legislative authority empowers the populace as a fundamental component of the republic's governance.

#### **The Low Chamber**

The Low Chamber is the second lowest organ of government in the Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss (FIRD). It consists of 50 elected members who are chosen from the populace, with each councilship being represented by 10 members. The primary role of the Low Chamber is to represent the interests and rights of the citizens of their respective councilships.

Members of the Low Chamber work to pass laws and decrees aimed at improving the country and addressing the needs and concerns of the population. This legislative body serves as a crucial bridge between the citizens and the higher levels of government, working to enact policies that reflect the will of the people and contribute to the betterment of the FIRD.

#### **The Council of the revolution**

The Council of the Revolution stands as the highest organ of the Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss (FIRD) government. This council is composed of five "elected" councilman, with each representing one of the five councilships in the nation. The council hold significant authority, overseeing the government and all matters related to the nation.

The Council of the Revolution possesses the ultimate decision-making power within the FIRD. They have the final say on every government decision and hold the right to veto any proposed measures or actions. This centralized authority ensures that the council plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the republic and exercising control over the nation's governance and policies.

#### **The High Chamber**

The High Chamber serves as the second highest organ of the government within the Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss (FIRD). It is composed of four ministers and eight secretaries, all of whom are directly nominated by the Council of the Revolution. The primary functions of the High Chamber include:

1. Enacting Laws and Decrees: The High Chamber is responsible for enacting the laws and decrees passed by the Low Chamber, ensuring that they are officially put into effect. This body plays a crucial role in the legislative process by implementing and formalizing the policies and decisions made by the lower legislative body.
2. Evaluation and Amendment: In addition to implementing laws, the High Chamber also has the authority to evaluate and amend existing laws and decrees if necessary. This function allows for the ongoing refinement and adjustment of the legal framework to better serve the nation's needs.
3. Advisory Role: The High Chamber also acts as an advisory body to the Council of the Revolution, offering expertise and guidance on various matters related to governance, policy, and law. The ministers and secretaries provide valuable insights to assist the Council in making informed decisions.

##### **Ministry of State**

The Ministry of State, a key branch within the High Chamber, serves as the authority responsible for overseeing the foreign policies, matters related to citizenship, and military affairs. In addition to its supervisory role, this ministry also functions as the senior reviewing body for all legislations and legal frameworks pertaining to these specific domains. This multifaceted ministry plays a vital role in shaping the nation's engagement with the international community, managing the criteria and processes for citizenship, and guiding the military's operations. Moreover, it serves as the final arbiter in the evaluation and refinement of laws and regulations associated with foreign relations, citizenship, and the military, ensuring that they align with the nation's goals and values.

##### **Ministry of Cultural developement**

The Ministry of Cultural Development, a pivotal branch of the High Chamber, is entrusted with the oversight of Drachenfluss's internal affairs, with a specific focus on the realms of political, economic, and cultural advancement. This ministry plays a central role in shaping the nation's development in these crucial areas, working to ensure that political processes are fair, the economy is robust, and cultural heritage is preserved and enriched. Additionally, it serves as the senior reviewing authority for all legislations and legal frameworks within its domain of expertise. This means that the ministry holds the responsibility for evaluating, amending, or proposing laws to promote the political, economic, and cultural growth of the nation and to ensure that they remain aligned with the republic's overarching objectives.

###### **The Political Inquisition Bureau**

The Political Inquisition Bureau, operating as a sub-branch of the Ministry of Cultural Development, has a specific mandate focused on the surveillance and management of political correctness within the Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss. This covert organization employs a group of operatives known as Political Commissars, who are tasked with traversing the cities and rural areas of the nation to identify and suppress any activities deemed monarchist or anti-government in nature. This operation has a history marked by harsh and oppressive methods, including the widespread use of torture, executions, and trickery. These shadowy figures employ these tactics as a means of enforcing political conformity and maintaining the regime's control over the population.

##### **Ministry of agricultural and trading prosperity**

The Ministry of Agricultural and Trading Prosperity plays a crucial role in fostering economic and agricultural well-being within the Free Independent Republic of Drachenfluss (FIRD), all while ensuring alignment with the nation's stringent egalitarian principles. This ministry holds the responsibility of overseeing the nation's economic and agricultural sectors, striving to promote prosperity and equitable growth. In addition to its primary functions, the ministry also acts as the principal reviewing authority for all legislations and legal frameworks concerning these areas of expertise. It plays a vital role in shaping economic and agricultural policies, ensuring they adhere to the republic's ideals of economic equality and sustainable agricultural practices.

##### **Ministery of Justice**

The Ministry of Justice, operating within the High Chamber, is the branch that is primarily responsible for the formulation of laws and the adjudication of criminal cases within Drachenfluss. Recognized for its unwavering commitment to upholding the law, this ministry holds authority over all of the nation's prisons and is entrusted with the maintenance of law and order. In addition to its role in legislation and law enforcement, the Ministry of Justice serves as the leading source of expertise on matters related to the legal system, ensuring that it aligns with the nation's principles and ideals. This ministry plays an essential role in shaping and preserving the legal and judicial framework of the republic.