Cascadian Confederation

## Overview

The Cascadian Confederation (otherwise called Cascadia or The Confederation) is a successor nation-state located in much of rural Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. Cascadia comprises smaller local communities called Commonwealths, each with their own laws, customs, and traditions, all of which are under the larger, more centralized National Council. Held together in the face of both federal and state government pull outs, and united through a traumatic war, Cascadia is on the precipice of annexing territory from old Idaho and a war with the neighboring Pacifica Collective for dominance over the Pacific Northwest.

Formed after a conflict against a powerful Dominion army, Cascadia started as a mutual aid network between communities ravaged by far right militias and paramilitary groups. It then grew somewhat more organized as the needs of the communities rose, and became more reliant on each other. A meeting between the rural counties of Oregon, Washington, and Northern California was held in Bend, Oregon, and signed the Constitution of Confederation. This document allowed for an organized central government, complete with an army, courts and tricameral assembly, as well as relative independence for the newly formed Commonwealths, which would take the place of the old U.S counties.

## History

### The Urban Exodus of 2025

Before Cascadia’s formation, the region was suffering under neglect by federal and state governments. Communities outside of the cities and political centers were left drained and dependent on subsistence, philanthropy, and humanitarian aid. Even so, some action was taken: heating and cooling stations, community gardening, and mutual aid away from the eyes of authorities. Even so, cities such as Portland and Seattle were becoming so unsafe and uninhabitable through crime and cost of living, many fled to the rural areas. This was dubbed the Urban Exodus of 2025.

Issues arose as the migration went along, but none were bigger than cultural differences. The far right had a hold on the rural counties, and many of the people leaving the city were heavily left wing progressives and liberals, in addition to a sizable portion of various different ethnic and religious groups fleeing the city centers. The proceeding cultural shift, while not met with universal disdain, did come to alarm the predominately white Christian groups that had lived with their customs being dominant for decades.

Acceptance among the rural communities was a difficult process. Even positive receptions to city migrants were not always taken well, and some migrants’ cultural ideas were found to be at best strange, and at worst unacceptable. Some fared better at integration than others, and eventually it would be virtually achieved, however long and strained it took. Seeing an opportunity, far-right groups, who existed on the periphery of rural American society, wasted little time to eliminate their perceived enemies.

### Fascist Escalations

Far-right activism against leftist enclaves wasted little time or effort into dehumanizing the city migrants. Misinformation about “child stealing communists” and “cartel spies” were being disseminated from online chatrooms and social media were common. Another trope the far-right would repeat was the notion of a “replacement of values and culture that threatened the traditional existence of Americans”. This would become a pervasive narrative, and spread to other right-wing groups and communities. Escalations would continue, with an assortment of harassments, bomb threats, swattings, and into full blown brawls between leftist migrants and far-right activists. Tensions came to a head after the Corvallis Massacre of 2028. A community potluck organized by the New Corvallis Anarchists was attacked by a fascist militia group called East Oregon Action (E.O.A), killing five and wounding twenty-three. The E.O.A justified the attack under the guise of a child groomer narrative perpetuated by conservative news sources about leftist and LGBT+ groups. Twelve of the victims were children, including one dead.

The anger and shock of the terror attack prompted a response from the Democrat governor, with words of sympathy and a personal visit to Corvallis. Speaking at the town hall, the governor promised that, with the Democrat supermajority, would pass “the most restrictive and comprehensive gun legislation in the country”. However, gun rights advocacy groups pointed out that this statement was made while the governor was under armed guard by heavily armed police officers and sniper cover. This led to some minor culture warring between leftist and and right-wing gun rights groups and pro-gun control groups. A week later, Neo-Nazis would attack a nuclear energy plant in Seattle, leading to an intense shootout where all four of the Neo-Nazis would be killed along with three police officers.

Leftist and libertarian groups began funneling what aid they could to victims of the Corvallis Massacre, but mutual aid would be hampered significantly as an increase in police presence forced a bottlenecking of resources.

### Rising Authoritarianism

As 2026 continued into the summer season, protests began to emerge after both Oregon and Washington would both vote to pass on two gun control bills. The first of each state was to use leased federal troops and national guard to support police action, as well as funding and additional “tactical training” to police officers. The second was a thirty year ban on firearms sale and manufacturing, as well as ammo, parts, and magazines. Citing violence in coastal regions as an excuse, the states’ respective pirates would begin a fierce campaign, outright slandering firearm owners as “cowards, bullies with irresponsible power over the lives of others”. Protests and counter protests would remain over the entire summer season, and would become increasingly violent.

On July 4th, 2026, a shooting would take place at a counter-protest for gun rights in Portland. Nine people were killed and four were wounded. The shooter hadn’t been identified, all that was seen was a short man in all black tactical clothing, a balaclava, and a stained MAGA hat on his head. In the following weeks, more shootings would be reported in Seattle, Vancouver, Eugene, Olympia, and more in Portland, to name a few. A decision was then made by the Democratic Party of both states to send National Guard forces to quell the attacks on protesters. By the fall of 2026, nearly two hundred shootings would occur in the Pacific Northwest. Further attacks on critical infrastructure would power blackouts and train derailments leading to loss of life and heavy pollution. By the end of 2026, an all out guerilla war between extremist militias, community defense groups, state police, and the National Guard was raging.

### Years of Lead and Tears

By 2027, the federal government had leased active duty military to the states, but would come with an equally harsh amount of fighting. The already battered police forces and National Guard were unable to keep up with the guerillas, and at this point any help from federal assets would only delay the inevitable. By striking at so much infrastructure, particularly rails and highways, supplies and heavy equipment were delayed and even more vulnerable to attacks. Drones would become more prevalent, but were limited due to constant attacks on airports and air bases in the region.

Eventually, the state governments would redistribute assets to protect essential infrastructure and population centers, leaving the countryside to fend for themselves against a rising New Dominion claiming territory in Idaho and Eastern Oregon and Washington. Leftist militias would find themselves in a brutal jungle war, with the dense rainforests and unforgiving weather of the Pacific Northwest seeing the worst fighting in the region’s history.

Many population centers were war-ravaged, with some smaller communities being so devastated that they were rendered completely destroyed with little hope to rebuild. The wildfire season was worsened by the constant fighting in the dried forests and creek beds. Some who attempted to flee to the coast were shot and arrested by federal and state forces, believing them to be insurgents. The only choice was pick a side and fight the other.

### A Turning Point

By the fall of 2027, a pan-political militia called the Cascadia People’s Army had formed from dozens of smaller militia groups. They were notable for their use of captured powered armor and exoskeleton suits and refined counter-insurgency tactics. Its leaders consisted of former U.S Armed Services members, and passed on their training to its lower members. Their biggest advantage, however, was its robust aid network. Not all leftist or libertarian groups were completely militant, and many were brought under the C.P.A’s protection network. This swelled the ranks with fresh troops and even whole new militia units from out of state.

Led by “Iron” Josephina Valdez, a former U.S Army combat engineer, the C.P.A blitzed through Dominion and fascist territory, liberating towns and counties from theocratic control. By April of 2028, the Cascadian Warzone was in its most intense fighting yet. By August of 2028, the C.P.A had pushed out the fledgling Dominion out of the eastern edges and focused on Southern Oregon and Northern California.

It would be during the now famous Three Rivers Campaign that some of the most remarkable events would take place. The first anti-fascist group who identified as conservatives would form stiff resistance to fascist militias. Church groups would begin a schism in Dominion holdouts and aid the C.P.A with intelligence. Most important were the Jefferson militias offering support in exchange for food and supplies once the war was over. It was the rebirth of the American right wing, leaving behind past differences to fight for a better future.

However, tragedy would strike as “Iron” Josephina would die fighting during the Battle of Grants Pass. Her death was a significant blow to the morale of the C.P.A’s fighters, but wouldn’t change the outcome of the battle in the C.P.A’s favor. After the battle, the new commander of the C.P.A, James-Allen Cross, a former Marine sniper, would be in charge of the Jefferson Campaign. This would end in the Battle of Redding, with the remaining assorted far-right militants dissipating into the desert of Nevada or some trying their luck in California.

### Formation of the Confederation

After fighting had ended, the C.P.A leadership moved to Bend, calling every community under their protection to send representatives for a meeting. With the Dominion gone, much work had to be done rebuilding and recovering. With the government mostly gone, mutual aid could be carried out in a more open and efficient manner. Most communities were already developing assorted crops and various goods under C.P.A leadership, even if it was limited. Some holdouts of federal and state troops were still active, particularly Spokane, and the coastal cities still had their forces ready to retake land, as battered they were. It was clear more revolutionary action was needed. Deliberations went on for two weeks, and a draft of the Constitution of Confederation was signed unanimously. It’s preamble reads:

*" We the People of the Pacific Northwest, in tradition of the Thirteen Colonies of the United States, French Revolution, and Vietnamese anti-imperialist movement, do so ratify this document as the National Constitution of the Cascadian Confederation. We solidify Ourselves as a Nation-State and Culture unique to the United States of America, and the States of Oregon, Washington, and California. It is due to the hideous neglect of Our People that legitimizes us as independent from our uncaring masters; to the rise of the New Dominions of Evangelism and their vassals' armies. We strive to be as One People, strong and diverse, to the goal of survival and thriving in a world desperate to invade, plunder, and annihilate Us, Our Homes, and the Riches of Our Lands. We reject the governance of any entity other than the National Council of Cascadia and the Commonwealths in which we live. Our National Constitution shall be the Supreme Law of our Land, and it's Amendments shall be Common Law amongst all Commonwealths."*

The newly formed Cascadian Confederation loosely resembles the old American system: it contains a Representative Assembly and Executive Council, the Cascadian Supreme Court, and Cascadian Military. The lower Counties have been reorganized into Commonwealths, each with their own style of government, laws, customs, militias, and relative independence from other Commonwealths. The only stipulation is that the Commonwealths provide a tithe of resources for the greater Cascadian community.

#### International Response

For the most part, the international community accepts Cascadia as an independent nation. The most notable nations who do not view Cascadia as an independent nation are the United States, Brazil, North Korea, Russia, and China. The U.N for the most part does identify Cascadia as a legitimate state, partially due to the ever increasing authoritarianism and waning power of the modern U.S. Germany in particular has led an effort to help modernize the Cascadian Army with the help of Sweden, Ukraine, Greece, and the United Kingdom. This is partially due to that, during the Summer War, Cascadian forces leaked intel to Germany on a plot by far-right terror cells to stage a coup in Berlin. The coup had been thwarted, and with Cascadia's declaration as an anti-fascist state, the two nations became fast friends.

#### The Spokane War of 2030

As Cascadia was born, one city stood defiant to the upstart nation. Spokane was the final stronghold of the former United States, leveraging a still active, if ragged, air-force. However, as the United States began it's withdrawal to the East, supplies to the city through Fairchild AFB had become much lower, providing an opportunity to fold the city into Cascadia. The belief behind taking the city was to make a show of force: by taking Spokane, and by extension Fairchild, would show the power of the Confederation as a power in New American Wasteland.

Representatives from Cascadia parlayed with the city's military officials, but fell through. The officials would not accept any incorporation, and war would be declared by the Confederation on March 1st, 2030. Most of the fighting would take place outside of the city, with a strategic drone campaign focused on the base and fierce combat in Spokane Valley. Most Cascadian commanders decided that fighting on the city proper would be suicidal, so a another bombing campaign would target essential facilities, such as power, food, and water purification. An encirclement around the city would block any aid coming in or out of the city. The United Nations would attempt to airdrop relief aid to the city, but too few made it in the city, much less make a difference to the outcome. Surrender would be announced May 3rd, 2030.

#### The Jefferson War (Cascadia/ U.C.R War)

By 2033, Northern California (reorganized into the territory of Jefferson) had been a part of Cascadia for 3 years. The people of Jefferson, though historically conservative, had grown fond of the new society and ideas of Cascadia. The city of Redding became the regional hub, and rural communities had experienced stability and low crime for the first time in a long time. The farmland in the region became an important breadbasket for the Confederation. This prosperous land would not go unnoticed to by the United California Republics, a reorganized Californian nation-state.

The U.C.R had marched on Jefferson, and Cascadia as a whole, to annex the region back into California control. Armored vehicles of a professional army had marched into Redding, figuring that Cascadia was too weak to fight and could claim an easy victory. U.C.R troops would be checked by sudden bombs raining from the sky, and sniper fire from all sides. Such was the guerilla style of the Cascadian Military, still strong so soon after the Spokane War. The world would see the first post-American war play out much the same as many American wars had in the past, with a conventional army battling a mobile guerilla force. The conflict would end with Jefferson still in Cascadia's hands, and entering a tense trade partnership with the U.C.R.

## Society

### Politics

Cascadia's politics are dependent on the local Commonwealth's politics. Some are fully Communist, others are Capitalist. Some Commonwealths pay a large portion of taxes in troops for the State Army, others pay a majority in foodstuffs and wine. Different priorities determine the politics of Commonwealths. On a national level, Cascadia is generally progressive, with protections on religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and cultural practices. Cascadia’s domestic policy is primarily focused on collective care for all of its citizens, providing healthcare, food, water, and protection. Foreign policy is focused on territorial expansion of unincorporated InComs and maintaining a shaky truce and trade with the United California Republics and the Pacifica Collective.

### Economy

Cascadia’s economy largely revolves around rural industries. Greenhouse and Nursery Agriculture is a staple across the country, followed by sustainable timber, dairy, and cattle, as well as other crops. A limited tech industry exists, though without the exorbitant resources that Pacifica or California enjoys. The primary source of Cascadia’s wealth is its water production. Due to how wet the Pacific Northwest is, the Jefferson Commonwealth aquifers, in addition to expert water management, Cascadia has some of the largest water reserves on the West Coast. The global water crisis caused by climate change also allows Cascadia to have some power on the world stage as global thirst quencher.

### Culture

Cascadian culture is quite distant from other Pacific Northwestern cultures. Cascadians are often closed off and sometimes hostile to non-Cascadians. The unfortunate term “mud-slurper” came about to refer to people with water insecurity sometimes eating mud in lieu of water. Despite this, Cascadians are highly egalitarian to one another. Many Cascadians have a patriotic, proud outlook on their homeland and the State Army. Many holidays are still celebrated, in addition to Confederation Day, commemorating the ratifying of the Constitution, and Heroes’ Day, honoring the sacrifice of those who died to protect Cascadia. One important cultural drink is the affectionately dubbed Merry Berry Wine, made from the infamous Marionberry Blackberry. Seen as the premier cultural export of the country, it is often included in any and all trade deals.

Cascadians are a spiritual people, with every Commonwealth hosting temples, monasteries, and shrines to various faiths. So long as no faith takes up arms or takes part in governmental function, it will find purchase in the Confederation. Pagans, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and even Zoroastrians are some of the many faiths found. from the smallest villages to the capital city of Bend, nearly any house of worship can be found. The only faiths not found are radical forms of faith, most notably Dominionistic Christians, and the more local threat of Witch Anarchs, a radical group of witches that commit acts of banditry in the countryside.

### Military

The Cascadian Military, officially referred to as the State Army, is a mix of former National Guardsmen and militia groups left after the country's formation. Divided into the Naval Command, Ground Command, and Air Command, The Cascadian State Army resemble more of of a glorified militia with better tactics than an actual military. Less said is their attitude and will to win: Cascadians will fight tooth and nail to beat their opponents. Military scholars credit this disposition to their victory in the Jefferson War, choosing to hold their ground and engage in guerilla warfare rather than cede territory to another power.

#### Ground Command Corps

The Corps of the Cascadian Military are among it's most diverse forces. Comprised of U.S Armed Services veterans, former militia fighters, they are a force adapted to fighting in the Pacific Northwest. There are five Corps in Ground Command, each training a particular type of serviceman to fill a particular niche: Mountaineers, Pioneers, Trappers, State Troopers, and Timberjacks.

##### Mountaineer Corps

The typical Cascadian soldier is the Mountaineer. Lightly armored and sporting large caliber rifles, they patrol the mountainsides and hill country of on off-road vehicles and assorted aircraft. Their primary objective is to make sure the borders of Confederation territory are safe and observed by other factions and nation-states. Should enemy fighters be spotted, Mountaineers will track their movement and lie in ambush, and unleash a torrent of fire into them.

##### Pioneer Corps

Not to be confused with Mountaineers, Pioneers are sappers that are often found with detachments of State Troopers. Their role is similar to their contemporaries, building military infrastructure, and destroying enemy infrastructure. Their differences lie in their more subversive tactics. Pioneers often build fake roads and bases to confuse the enemy and draw them into disadvantageous positions. Pioneers typically use lower caliber rifles, light armor, and travel in large trucks.

##### State Trooper Corps

The professionally trained soldiers of Cascadia, the State Troopers are the closest to a modern army in Ground Command. Armed with modern hardware and armor, the State Troopers' most unique trait are their faux beaver pelts the wear as mantles. The mantles serve as a status symbol and are worn with pride by the Troopers. They practice a modern approach to warfighting, combining and perfecting it with lessons learned in other conflicts.

##### Trapper Corps

Trappers are snipers and hunters, comprised of both young and old fighters who cannot adapt to the other Corps, yet nevertheless have skills useful to the State Army. Their main task is to act as scouts, gathering intel on movements outside of Cascadia's borders. The Trappers are the first to warn of Dominion movement, nomadic migrations, refugees from the southern States. Trappers carry only rigs and rarely ever armor, and are curiously armed with both semi-auto rifles and surplus bolt-actions. Most peculiar is their fur headgear, similar to a stereotypical mountain man. In addition, grooming standards are far more lax, given how long scouting missions can take, make the Trappers look like their namesakes more than other Corps.

##### Timberjack Corps

Timberjacks are powered armor and exoskeletal specialists. Their suits range from retrofitted lumberjack hydraulic suits to military-grade combat rigs, and carry armaments ranging from massive chainsaws to shoulder-mounted grenade launchers. Their often used sparingly, as parts can be quite expensive and suits more so. When deployed, Timberjacks are monsters: either hacking and slashing or gunning down foes with overwhelming suppressive firepower. Timberjacks require heavy transports to be taken to the battlefield.

#### Naval Command Corps

##### Sturgeon Corps

The Sturgeon Corps are a collection of gunboats used in patrolling the rivers of Cascadia. Ranging from retrofitted tour boats to proper military gunboats, the main mission of the Sturgeon Corps is to insure the safety of trade and transport along the river's and waterways of the Confederation. It is noted for being the only "naval" corps in the Cascadian State Army, with the Pacifica Collective taking up most of the coastal protection.

#### Air Command Corps

* Marauder Corps
* Guardian Corps
* Seeker Corps

### Demographics

The population of Cascadia is not known for certain, but given that roughly a third of the Willamette Valley population left during the Urban Exodus of 2025, the current estimation is approximately 4,584,190. Cascadia's census is less accurate, so specific or even speculative numbers of ethnic, religious, or LGBT+ groups are harder to estimate outside of approximations of total population.