Republic of Robertia

The Flag of the Republic of Robertia

The Republic of Robertia or the Robertian Isles is an island country in the Cold Sea. Through colonial possessions, Robertia shares borders with Merigo and The Autumn Dominion.

The Republic of Robertia is a federation of prefectures with power in the island nation being held by a small, but powerful, group of oligarchs made up of fleet admirals, businessmen (both legal and illegal) and high ranking army officers. Robertia is composed of twelve prefecture split between two regions. Robertia currently ranks fourth in the world in naval size with arguably one of the most effective navies as well. This allows them to maintain several colonies which include Viktor's Land in Gondahar and several ports in the east. Robertia has the largest merchant navy in the world as well with the main fleet being able to protect lucrative trade routes all around the world. The Republic of Robertia was formed when the monarchy fell after the botched Gazenderrian War of Independence.

## **History**

### **Early History**

#### **Origins**

The Robertians first arrived in Kaep'OzBrad over a land bridge connecting to Sudorn that existed 20,000 years ago. Over time, the castaway Robertians had formed numerous organised tribes, migrating from the north to the south and mingling with some southern Gazenderrian tribes along the south coast. The most dominant of the Robertian tribes would be the the Mavelian tribe. This tribe was located around the area of modern-day Sondergard, Kaep'OzBrad and Mavle. The Mavelian people were vastly populous and very developed, giving them the upper-hand on all the other tribes. The north half of the island, also known as Nortrolan, had tribes that preferred to band together in contrast to the south Robertian (Soutrolan) tribes that prefer to remain independent and distant as they explored the new frontier of the Robertian Isles. Unfortunately, this new frontier was also being explored by another people. Whilst the Robertians had been moving into their new home, the Gazenderrian people had been settling upon the southern coast. This would later lead to a rivalry and many minor wars as the Robertians felt the island was solely their own domain.

### **Robertia in the Mid-Ages**

During the Mid Ages, many Robertian freebooters would venture the Cold Sea in search of trading ships to raid in order to plunder their goods. This would become progressively less prominent during the late Mid Ages in Gloria due to the growing capacity of other naval powers and Robertias diplomatic relationships with coastal nations of the Cold Sea.

#### War Golems

Monsters made from stone were once summoned out of the ground by the Robertian shamans. These beasts would smash through enemy lines, inspiring fear in all who opposed them. Although this became a dying art during the later Mid-Ages as cannons became more present on the battlefield. Despite this, the worship and veneration of golems is still highly present in Robertian society.

### **Unification**

Before there was the Republic of Robertia , there was the north and south tribes that were separated by the Great Robertian Ranges that runs across Robertia. These tribes had been unofficially united since they collaborated in many projects, such as the invasion and occupation of Gazenderria. There was much tension between the north and south due to their clashing beliefs and ways of life. The northern tribes were more focused on industrialisation and economic development at home. The south considered themselves the protectors of the island nation and would more frequently go on raids to the Gazenderrian isles and other Cold Sea nations. The north and south unified in [][][] after the Robertian Civil War. Assimilation was necessary if their culture was to thrive and survive the growing power of other nations, such as the Autumn Dominion which had recently won a war against the neighbouring nation of Sudorn and established itself on the Cold Sea's south-western coast.

### **Discovery and Colonization of Ankhyland**

During one of Robertia's whaling missions, led by Captain Arnold Ankhy of Ludwig, the fleet had gone off course. A storm appeared spontaneously and shook the vessel violently, throwing Arnold to his knees. He had dropped his compass and shattered it beyond repair. Their last navigational tool was now gone as the sun was also now covered by clouds. The storm threw the ships off course, sending them north rather than their intended westerly direction.

After roughly one week of storm ridden and chaotic travel the fleet discovered a lonesome desolate island. They had decided to take refuge on the island to gather their senses. Arnold landed first and took the first human steps onto the new found land. It was extremely cold since they accidentally ended up travelling towards the North Pole. The crew took refuge in a nearby cave to escape the harsh cold of the storm. After the night passed, the storm had cleared up and they could see the sun again. To their luck, they discovered a fresh whale carcass washed up on the shore. They decided to map out the island for future reference. They then used to sun, stars and remaining compass fragments to navigate their way back home. After returning they had reported back to the jarl about their discovery. Satisfied with their findings, he instructed them to send out further fleets to establish a whaling post, making Ankhyland Robertia's first overseas colony.

## **Geography**

### **Landscape**

Robertia has a very arable terrain that consists mostly of plains, forest and rocky hills. The nation is divided by the snowcapped mountains of the Great Robertian Ranges and between the halves is lake Korne which is where the old king's palace and the town of Korne are located. Places like Mavle, which is formed from a dormant volcano, and Grimzbol have a rocky terrain.

### **States**

Robertia is split into two primary regions, the north (Nortrolan) and the south (Soutrolan). Both regions have traditions and dialect that are unique but share the commonality of cultural origin. The nation harbours twelve major cities which are a part of their respective prefectures:

 **Leifen:** | Farming region.

### **Climate and Weather**

Robertia is a temperate and maritime nation. snow isn't regular but it is common atop the Great Robertian Ranges.

### **Landmarks**

#### **Gunter's Square**

This location is in the centre of the most populous district of Grimzbol. It gets its significance from when, following the Gazenderrian War of Independence after the Monarchy had collapsed and the leadership and governance of the nation was in peril. In this square, the solo insurgent, and soon to be leader of the Black Army, Gunter Karten, gave his first influential speech to the people of Grimzbol in an attempt to regain their trust in the government and unite them against the new, fascist threat, the Lawreik Order. He ultimately succeeded in creating a small, but effective band of 3000 agents, both men and woman, who would go on to stage underground resistance networks across the south to disorganise supplies and assassinate key figures.

## **Politics**

### **\*PLACEHOLDER\***

Robertia's geographical placement has caused the island nation to be relatively isolated. Immigration still occurs like it does in any nation just in a lower velocity. Gazenderrian immigrants are a rarity due to the ingrained cultural rivalry due to years of war and sabotage but there still remains a sizeable population of Gazenderrians due to their historical colonisation of southern Robertia.

## **Military**

### **Army**

Robertia's army is much smaller and less important compared to their navy but still respectable, experienced and capable. The Army of Robertia's main purpose is to defend Robertia's shores and safeguard it's overseas possessions. The Robertian Territorial Army (Robertia Tarretiroil Ermy) consists of 4 infantry divisions, including the proud Republican Guard, and 2 of Robertia's much vaunted marine divisions.

Robertian soldiers of the 6th Infantry Division on a training exercise

The Robertian International Army (Robertia Antirnetainol Ermy) consists of 2 infantry divisions stationed in Viktor's Land and several smaller garrisons and military police units stationed in ports under the control of Robertia.

This brings the total size of Robertia's standing army to around 60,000 fighting men plus rear echelon and garrison units.

The Robertian Army is kept up to date and well equipped with units doing rotations in Viktor's Land to receive experience, it is more than capable of defensive operations but it's offensive capabilities are limited due to its size.

The Robertian army follows a superior fire doctrine that focuses on throwing shells, not men, at the enemy since Robertia's manpower isn't as high as opposing nations, also this doctrine is used to compensate for Robertia's offensive capacity not being very effective.

#### **Marine Corps**

The 1st Marine Division (1st Merani Dovisiin) is a Marine infantry division of the Republic of Robertia's Marine Corps. It is the largest marine division in the Robertian army. It is one of two active marine divisions in the Robertian army. It is nicknamed "the Marauders" or "thi Meraadurs"

The two primary roles of the 1st Marine Division is for amphibious assault and for raiding of navy ships and convoy ships. The way they perform their raids is by pulling up alongside another ship and getting the marines to use their grappling hook and hook onto the other boat and use it to board that ship, they also bring along with them a variety of melee weapons, sidearms, sawn-off rifles and shotguns which are suited to such close quarters attacks. The marines are told to capture all the valuable cargo such as natural resources or weapon caches, but they are allowed to take less valuable things for themselves like hats, accessories and jewellery, which they are allowed to incorporate into their uniforms so long as the only compulsory uniform for the Robertian Marines,their distinctive navy blue jacket and trousers, is still identifiable.

### **Navy**

The Robertian Navy is the strongest in the Cold Sea and a very influential part of Robertian politics with navy admirals holding prominent roles in the government. Notably, Admiral Gress Wordrabe who runs the Viktor's Land colony and President Sirgie B. Erokuv who used his career in the navy to rise to the top of the government. The Robertian Domestic Fleet (Robertia Dimostec Fliit) stationed mainly in Sondergard and other naval bases in Mavle and Eldriket consists of:

* 1 aircraft carriers (the Ark Robertia, under construction with Dominion assistance)
* 5 battleships and battlecruisers
* 6 heavy cruisers
* 6 light cruisers
* 72 destroyers
* 40 submarines
* other escort and patrol vessels

The Robertian Viktor's Land Squadron (Robertia Viktor Lend Sqoedrun) stationed in Viktor's Port consists of:

* 1 light cruisers
* 4 destroyers
* smaller escort and patrol vessels

* 2 river gunboats

This brings the total amount of ships in the Robertian Navy to 130 line ships plus smaller patrol and non-combat vessels.

The Robertian navy is one of the most modern in the world, experienced and professional it is a force to be reckoned with.

### **Air Force**

The Robertian air force largely consists of fighters and naval bombers along with several bomber wings.

## **Foreign Relations**

### **Foreign Tension**

For centuries the Gazendarrian and Robertian people have had a longstanding grudge due to many territorial disputes and also due to the Gazenderrian War for Independence.

### **Guarantees**

Robertia, along with Felasia and the Autumn Dominion, are all guaranteeing the independence of the far north-eastern Glorian nation of Blazkov in an attempt to prevent foreign powers from taking advantage of the nation.

## **Colonies and Dependencies**

### **Colonies**

The only significant colony that Robertia is in possession of is Viktor's Land, this colony is located in Gondahar and was established in 1072PC, this is considered the "Jewel of the Empire" by higher officials and is vital for Robertian traders and merchants. Robertia's first colony, Ankhyland, was established in 809PC due to a Robertian ship getting blown off course on to an undiscovered island located far north west of Gloria, near the North Pole.

### **Overseas Ports**

Robertia has ports located across every continent, each port is occupied by Robertian military police and garrisons to protect them from being seized by bordering nations.

## **Culture**

### **Food and Drink**

There is a large focus on fish related dishes in Robertia. Tuna is a big part of the Robertian diet. This can be seen in meals such as tuna burgers which are considered standard on restaurant menus.

Robertian's often enjoy a pint of beer or a glass of whiskey after a long day. Both men and woman can come together in local drinking halls to share jokes and stories, even to enjoy a meal or just catch up with friends.

### **Marriage**

After getting married in Robertian culture it is common for couples to use the surname of the husband.

## **Religion**

Robertian Paganism: The core of this worship is that water is the earth's lifeblood and a human that preserves and pays respect to the water and earth is to be rewarded with good karma.

### **Traditions**

##### General Prayer

It is common for followers to speak a prayer of acknowledgement to the gods bedside or near water, which can range from a droplet to an ocean in size. This is done before they go to sleep and they will pray for things such as good ocean conditions or just simply thank the Earth's water for the gifts they have brought them such as their harvests and drinking water.

##### Sailor's Offering

Standard on a Robertian ship is a basket or box located on the bowsprit where crewmen can place offerings of food for the sea birds as a way of giving back to the world.

##### **Badinstadd**

Translates to the Day of Bathing. It is a weekly ritual done every \*PLACEHOLDER\* (Wednesday) that promotes personal hygiene and cleanliness. It is completed by having the participant strip fully nude or to their undergarments and to wash themselves in a local lake, river or any other fresh water source. Participants will commonly sing songs, pray or simply relax in the water whilst washing themselves.

## **See also**

* Robertian capitals, cities, towns, villages