Federated Chultan States

The Federated Chultan States is the international name for the united league of micronations that make up the Chultan Islands. The FCS, as it is commonly known, has 22 individual member states spanning all of the inhabited and most of the uninhabited islands in the region of Chult and the broader Varnebula Sea. In addition to it's location, the FCS is known for being not only one of the few states that have official regions of Merfolk, but have also granted full autonomy and citizenship to Merfolk as legally recognized Metahumans.

## History

In 2019, The Chultan Islands, a relatively isolated region west of Faenor, creates the Federated Chultan States, a series of micronations and city-states in a loose maritime alliance to protect each other against outside invasions. Though initially founded as a confederacy, the strict power balance proved a poor opposition to the oncoming Second Occult War, where the Chultan Islands suffered another major blow to the trade on which their economy relied. In response to the previous conflicts, the FCS officially formed it's first universal military, the Chultia Combat Force, in 2236, which is now mostly used as a naval combat and law enforcement organization. After a series of further institutional conflicts, the FCS member states called the first unanimous conference to discuss the future of their nation in 2295. The first President of the FCS was elected, and corporate influence and investment were legally authorized. This occurred amongst a long series of other reforms, including more universal boards for rights and lawmaking. The Chultia Combat Force became the federal military and police force for the islands. In 2388, the FCS member states officially voted unanimously to join the Post-War Settlement Coalition.

## Member States

1. Isla Grande - Isla Grande is the largest single-landmass member state in the FCS, and is named after the island of Isla Grande that is considered it's territory. Isla Grande is known for its vibrant music and dance traditions, with lively festivals celebrating local folklore. The island is also famous for its exquisite handicrafts, including intricate woven textiles and pottery. The state is home to the majestic Volcán de Oro, a dormant volcano with stunning hiking trails and breathtaking views. The historic city of Puerto Bahía showcases colonial architecture and a bustling waterfront.
2. Mariposa - Mariposa is located on Petit Somme, a small neighboring island to Isla Grande, and has special legal status in the FCS as a sovereign native reservation. Mariposa embraces a rich cultural heritage, with a focus on traditional arts and crafts. The state is renowned for its skilled artisans who create beautiful handmade textiles, woodwork, and jewelry. While it has no major cities, the stunning Bosque Encantado (Enchanted Forest) is a mystical natural reserve, which is federally protected due to a high population of native cryptids and fauna, and is one of the most notable MGZs in the FCS.
3. Bahía Verde - Bahía Verde consists of a micro-archipelago surrounding the titular bay. Bahía Verde embraces a strong maritime culture, with a deep connection to the sea. The locals are skilled fishermen and seafarers, and seafood plays a significant role in their cuisine. The state boasts Bahía Verde City, a charming coastal town with sandy beaches and a bustling fishing harbor. Isla Esmeralda, a lush green island, is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
4. Coralina - Coralina is a sovereign Merfolk state contained in the large divide between the East and West Islands, with only a few actual land islands. If you've got water-breathing potions, the Arrecife Azul is considered a beautiful underwater city, and one of the primary hubs of Merfolk civilization. Beneath the city, it is also believed that many ancient Merfolk ruins hold hidden treasures.
5. Monteverde - Monteverde is the sovereign state of the Monteverde Chain, consisting of six islands north of Isla Grande. Monteverde is known for its strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and ecotourism. The locals have a deep appreciation for nature and actively participate in conservation efforts. The largest of the islands, The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, is a renowned biodiversity hotspot, with numerous species of plants, birds, and mammals. Above it is the magical floating town of Ciudad de Monteverde.
6. Estrella del Mar - Estrella del Mar is a sovereign citystate on Isla Secundaria. Estrella del Mar is famous for its celestial-themed festivals and celebrations. The state's residents have a deep fascination with astronomy and stargazing. Estrella City is known for its architectural marvels, including the iconic Estrella Observatory. Playa Estrella is a tranquil beach known for its sparkling sands and breathtaking sunsets. Isla del Tesoro is also a famous resort contained within the city, aimed towards the upper-class residents that reside in the city.
7. Playa Hermosa - Playa Hermosa is a state taking up most of the northern territory of Isla Secundaria and some surrounding smaller islands. Playa Hermosa embodies a laid-back coastal lifestyle, with a strong surfing culture and love for beach sports. The state is known for its vibrant beach parties and lively music scene. Playa Hermosa is a popular surf destination, and Bahía Brillante offers pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
8. Rio Azul - Rio Azul is the larger and more noteworthy rural state to the south of Playa Hermosa. Rio Azul celebrates its lush landscapes and pristine rivers. The state is known for its eco-friendly practices, promoting clean waterways and sustainable tourism. Rio Azul City is a riverside town, famous for its colorful riverboats and lively waterfront markets, and lies directly overhanging Cascada Azul, a magnificent waterfall surrounded by dense tropical foliage, offering a refreshing oasis for nature lovers.
9. Pico de Fuego - Pico de Fuego is another native reservation for the ethnic and religious tribes that inhabit the decently sized Cayo Fuego. Pico de Fuego embraces its volcanic heritage, with ancient myths and legends centered around the fiery mountain of Alafénix. The locals celebrate their resilience and bravery. It is also home to The Parque Nacional del Fuego, a volcanic park with hiking trails and geothermal wonders.
10. Laguna Serena - Laguna Serena is a group of the microislands and their residents that lie in the titular Laguna Serena. Laguna Serena celebrates tranquility and mindfulness. The locals practice meditation and yoga, cherishing the serenity of the state's natural beauty. The state is very rural and features mostly agricultural economics and nature reserves.
11. Cielo Azul - Cielo Azul is contained on it's titular southern island in the FCS. Cielo Azul embodies a spirit of creativity and imagination. The state nurtures a thriving arts scene, with local artists showcasing their work in vibrant galleries and street murals. Cielo Azul City is known for its bohemian charm and artistic vibe, while the other notable settlement of Pueblo Celeste is a picturesque village nestled in the mountains, offering panoramic views of the sky.
12. Isla del Tesoro - Isla del Tesoro is a one of the largest states, consisting of two twin islands far to the south of the rest of the FCS. Isla del Tesoro is steeped in pirate lore and tales of hidden treasures. The locals embrace their adventurous spirit and love for exploration, with Ciudad del Tesoro featuring pirate-themed architecture and lively markets. Playa del Oro is a popular spot for beachcombing, with legends of buried pirate riches, featuring The Cueva del Pirata, a mysterious underground cavern turned nature reservation. The islands live up to their name however, as the relatively poorly run government has made this a hotspot for modern piracy and crime.
13. Costa Dorada - This calm chain of islands north of Cielo Azul is known as one of the most tourist-friendly regions in the FCS. Costa Dorada is renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant coastal culture. The locals embrace a relaxed way of life, enjoying outdoor activities and beachside gatherings. Costa Dorada City offers a lively beachfront promenade with beach clubs and seafood restaurants. The Reserva Natural Dorada is a protected area with diverse ecosystems, including mangroves and coastal dunes.
14. Valle Verde - Another rural and agricultural center, Valle Verde takes up the majority of Isla de Lluvia and is the farming cornerstone of the FCS. Valle Verde is known for its lush green landscapes and agricultural heritage. The locals are skilled farmers, cultivating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices.
15. Sierra Nevada - North of Valle Verde is the Sierra Nevada, a sovereign mountain region that has strong cultural ties to the Menehune dwarves. Sierra Nevada celebrates its rugged mountain landscapes and outdoor pursuits. The state's residents are passionate about adventure sports and mountaineering. Ciudad de Sierra is a bustling mountain town, serving as a gateway to the Sierra Nevada range. Pico Nevado offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding during winter months. The Parque Nacional Nevada is a vast wilderness, home to unique alpine flora and fauna.
16. Isla del Sol - A smaller island, Isla del Sol is known for its sun-worshipping culture and vibrant beach parties. The locals embrace a joyful and carefree lifestyle. While it has a small array of towns and landmarks, it's not generally tourist-friendly, and is considered a hotspot for the local solar shamans, who while they aren't innately hostile are not entirely open to newcomers. The local government is also the only official theocracy in the FCS.
17. Bahía Brillante - Another series of a few smaller, tropical islands to the west. Bahía Brillante celebrates its shimmering coastline and vibrant marine life. The locals are passionate about protecting the ocean and engage in various conservation initiatives. Likewise, it serves as the hotspot of the OME. Calles Acuosas is a bustling seaside metropolis, offering modern amenities and seaside resorts, while Isla Brillante is a coral paradise occupied by local Merfolk, known for its colorful reefs and abundant marine species.
18. Punta Esmeralda - Known as a wealthy, corporate-sponsored microstate, Punta Esmeralda is treated with fairly strong disdain by outsiders due to being a hotspot of foreigners. The area features the Ciudad Corporativa Esmeralda, the largest company town in the FCS, which is known for it's very upper-class resorts, hotels, and beaches.
19. Arrecife Azul - Arrecife Azul is a special metasapient territory that is generally considered dangerous for Metahuman life. The few Metahumans who live here are mostly Argonians and Rokon, as well as researchers who work out of the Comunidad de investigación de Blue Reef.
20. Tierra de Orquídeas - A small but respected state in the FCS, Tierra de Orquídeas is renowned for its rich floral diversity and love for botany. The locals have a deep connection with nature and celebrate the beauty of many different flowers, though the native Chultan Black Orchids are the titular flowers of the region. Ciudad Pétalo Negro is a floral paradise, featuring botanical gardens and orchid nurseries, and the outer island features a large amount of agricultural and floral areas.
21. Ciudad Coralina - A sovereign Merfolk and Aqueous Elf citystate within the larger Coralina state, Ciudad Coralina embraces its underwater wonders and is dedicated to coral reef preservation. The locals practice sustainable diving and snorkeling, promoting responsible tourism. The city, while once the broader capital of Coralina, split the previous decade due to strong cultural differences between the main city and the surrounding reefs.
22. Isla Encantada - The final island of the FCS, Isla Encantada is shrouded in mysticism and folklore. The state's residents venerate the large quantity of local elementals, cryptids, and other creatures, and the high Mana Fields in the area have led researchers to believe that the island may be of arcane importance in some way. The larger Ciudad Encantada is a charming town with narrow, winding streets and colorful folklore-inspired architecture.

## Government and Politics

The government structure of the FCS is split into two forms of primary governance, individual state governments and the Gobierno Nacional (GN). While individual member governments can wildly vary, the GN is split into four primary sections.

* El Ejército Nacional Popular - The EENP can be a bit confusing to outsiders, as the President of the nation is considered the only elected member of the EENP (all other members simply being advisors that he appoints). In the FCS governmental structure, the President has substantially limited power, serving *primarily* as the commander of the Chultia Combat Force, and only having limited authority over other legislative branches of government. While the President is mostly a ceremonial role, they do serve as the legal head of state. This can also be a bit confusing, as the President is not elected by the people, but rather elected by the Councilors of all three legislative bodies. The President's only role in legislation is that they have the authority to freeze legislative sessions or challenge a laws Validity. Validity, under FCS law, does not refer to whether it is "fair", but is instead a process that the President has the authority to demand in which a law passed by one of the three legislative bodies can be reviewed and voted on by all three legislative bodies.
* El Consejo Regulador - The ECR is the first of three legislative branches of government. ECR members are elected by the citizens only, with each citizen getting a single vote, using a Mixed-Member Representative system. The ECR has 120 councilors, and vote on a variety of broad matters for regulation and human rights. This includes things like agriculture, medicine, transport, and other things in that department. The ECR are generally considered representatives of the citizenry for this reason, and are, in theory, supposed to keep the other three branches of the government in check by having the largest membership body.
* El Consejo Económico - The ECE is much smaller, consisting of 25 councilors who are not elected, but rather appointed by corporations who get a number of appointments based on their shares and investments in the FCS. The ECE handles taxes, investments, and matters of international trade and economics. While this seems like a terrible idea, it has *so far* remained relatively successful, due to the requirement of corporate investment incentivizing the megacorps to appoint members who actually want to ensure that the FCS profits.
* El Consejo Punitivo - The ECP has 70 councilors and is the final branch of the GN, in charge of *specifically* criminal law and penalties. The ECP is also the only branch to have multiple types of elected officials, with 44 councilors (2 for each state) being elected by the citizens, 22 councilors (1 for each state) being appointed directly by the state governments of each member state, and 6 councilors being appointed by the President.

In addition to these four branches, there are 6 primary political parties operating in the FCS.

* Partido Unidad Nacional del Pueblo (UNP) - Right-wing nationalists. Runs on a platform of opposition to corporations, hard individualism, strong central government, and anti-Vampirics.
* Partido De Los Dioses (DLD) - Chultanist Theocratic party with an Ascensionist bend. Runs on a platform of national theocracy and veneration for the Chultan pantheon.
* Partido Reformista de Chultia (PRC) - Centrist/pro-status quo party that is slowly losing popularity. Runs on a platform of bipartisanship and moderate policy.
* Partido Obrero Marítimo y Ecología (OME) - Environmentalist, culturally conservative party that is mostly interested in tax alterations and economic advocacy for agricultural and ecological workers.
* Pacto Interestatal y Partido de Cooperación (IPC) - Pro-federalist center-left party, mostly focuses on citizenship reform and outreach, currently the most popular in the FCS.
* Partido del Estado de la Isla Roja (EIR) - Socialist/syndicalist party, has been slowly gaining popularity in the regulation sector. Advocates for the restructuring of the ECE.