Federal Republic of Urcea Factbook Archive

[Urcea]

THE MK. 2 POWER ARMOR

Urcea's involvement in power armor programs dates back to 2017, during the climax of the Civil War. While still basing operations in Constantinalia, Emperor Julius VII was determined to gain any sort of upper hand on the fascist regime in Urcea. A group of military scientists and industrial giants were gathered in secret, and they met for two straight months until, after countless days and many arguments, a single, brilliant idea was forged. Although the soldiers on both sides wore "assisted armor", the group formulated the idea for fully powered armor, which could make any man a tank in his own right. Research and development began, but the program was pushed to the "back", so to speak, once a number of Urcean officials, military, and civilians switched sides from the fascists to the royalists.

After the Civil War was won, Julius VII was still determined to push forward with the power armor program, as he felt it gave Urcea a great advantage over any potential rivals. Now being developed in secret by an elusive government organization called Torchwood Institute, the power armor program began to take shape, culminating in the Mk. 1 power armored suits, a large, clunky prototype developed in late 2032. Torchwood Institute's existence was only known by a few people, Emperor Julius VII being one of them. So when he abdicated the Throne, and the Empire split, the Institute's future fell into uncertainty. However, with Julius again ascending to leadership in Urcea, this time as its President, the Institute became solely dedicated to the Republic.

Since the Republic, in early fighting, was overwhelmed by Imperial soldiers in the Second Great War, Julius Nero again looked into several different ways to gain the upper hand. One of them was to tell Torchwood to press the Power Armor units into service. Despite the fact they were not nearly refined as they could have been, Torchwood went public, and the government negotiated contracts with several industrial entities to produce Mk. 1 power armor en masse. In early combat showings, they were very effective - Imperial soldiers were unable to effectively combat, despite superior numbers, the better armed and better armored Republican Power Armored Units. Effectiveness decreased as the war progressed and the Imperials began to use armored divisions to combat Power Armor, so President Nero again called upon Torchwood. By this time, they had produced the Mk. 2 power armor, a much more mobile piece of power armor with generally the same carrying and protection capabilities. Mk. 2 armors began to be produced, but saw limited combat use during the Second Great War. Older Mk. 1 armor sets began to be sold off as part of the post-war reduction of arms. Production of all power armor units came to an end around the same time, and even the new Mk. 2 units were put into storage. During 2037, many remaining armors were used in a humanitarian fashion; following the nuclear detonation that destroyed Julianum, the power armored units were used by the Republic to conduct search-and-rescue operations in the city, trying to reach most Vaults. They saved a great many people, and were all very well rewarded for their service.

Torchwood itself was sold off by Congress to a private corporation, called Vault-Tec, which infamously built a large number of nuclear fallout vaults across the country during the Uijukun Nuclear Scare. Vault-Tec, which is a large industrial producer, is now the sole owner of power armor production rights and only supplier of power armor units to the Urcean government.

As for the ability of the power armor, it has been estimated that, depending upon the wearer, it has the combat effectiveness of something between fifteen to forty five regular infantry soldiers, though the average is about twenty. A soldier wearing power armor can lift up to five hundred pounds of equipment with no effort, and up to one thousand pounds with effort. This allows the soldier to carry and employ a large amount of arms not available to the regular soldier. The effect of recoil is significantly dampened, which means that, factoring in the weight carry increase, a power armored soldier could be equipped with a fifty caliber machine gun, mini gun, or even a Vulcan cannon and use it with little to no effort. Additionally, the power armor's central computer system improves a soldier's combat effectiveness by employing a HUD, which scans the wearers vitals as well as the weapon he is using, and gives the wearer up to date information on that as well as weather conditions, the ability to pick up video communications from both friend and foe, and, if available, up-to-date satellite or aerial maps of his surroundings. The wearer is also afforded several environmental protections, against most kinds of airborne diseases, but also most biological threats, and, infamously, nuclear and radioactive elements. The armor itself is a few layers, the first being a suit that serves various medical purposes, mainly collecting information about the well-being of the wearer, but also having state-of-the-art limited first aid abilities, such as to seal flesh wounds automatically. The second layer is a kevlar suit, also worn by the wearer. The armor itself is composite; the composition is classified, but it is thought to contain ceramics, elastics, as well as an outer layer of depleted uranium. For environmental and human safety concerns, although depleted uranium is considered safe, it is kept safely stored in tight containment units (also designed by Vault-Tec as a "reverse vault", so to speak).

[Urcea]

JULIUS NERO
(1995-2103)

Nero, formerly Emperor Julius VII is regarded by many as the "savior of Urcea". Many years before the "Great War", Nero was the head of another faction in a Civil War - the Royalists. After fascists toppled the Fourth Empire in 2009, the Royalists fought a long, bloody war to reestablish control over the nation, which was eventually won, mainly due to Nero's heroics and superior leadership abilities. Emperor Julius VII then enacted several reforms, in an attempt to slowly liberalize the nation; he recognized the benefits of a free society, but decided to tread lightly, as to not upset his traditionalist and noble supporters. Frustrated with the slow pace of liberalization and angry at the staunch traditionalists in the Electorate, Julius VII abdicated the Throne in 2033 and dissolved the Empire. After abdicating the Throne and allowing Congress to form a Provisional Republic, Nero once again was in the spotlight, being appointed Acting President of the Republic. Originally vowing to be in a hands off role, he was also appointed Supreme Commander of the National Army after the original one was killed in battle. He personally lead the National Army in their defense during the Great Siege of Urceopolis. In addition to his military record during the war, Nero broke the deadlock at the Great War's peace conference in San Carlos by proposing a peace treaty suitable for all; this treaty eventually went into effect. He has declared himself a member of the Libertarian Party; he overwhelmingly won the nomination to run again in 2035 due to his reputation and favorable political positions, such as strong provincial rights. Nero would then reluctantly lead the nation into isolation for a fifteen year period in 2040, before ending it in 2055, when he retired from the Urcean Presidency.

Of the man himself? Julius was sheltered but experienced during his youth - rarely leaving the grounds of the Imperial Palace, some considered him not suited for the Throne after his brother died. But he was given the best education anyone could ask for, and was mentored by some of the Empire's greatest generals. Upon the execution of his father, he fled the country to Swadio-Harlaus, where his education continued. This was a turning point in his life. Swadio-Harlaus, at the time, was a Republic, and Julius learned many of the classical liberal traditions of the land as well as the traditions of Urcea. Julius felt the spark and felt the desire that his tutors long hoped he would; he felt the desire to return to the land of his birth, and restore the Throne that he deserved. Secretly, Julius also felt the desire to liberate his homeland, both from the current fascist regime as well as the oppressive Imperial regimes that proceeded it.

Julius, along with his mother and the rest of the Imperial entourage, moved to Constantinalia, a commonwealth realm of Urcea, and officially claimed the Throne once more. The people of Constantinalia, sick of exploitation by the fascist regime back in Urcea, readily accepted Julius and placed him in charge of the government on an interim basis. After a series of deals with local leaders and royalist remnants back in Urcea, the Civil War began, and, eventually, was won.

--

Following his Presidency, Nero remained active in politics, particularly in Urceopolitan politics (serving as Grand Duke of the city) and occasionally making his opinion known on national issues. He initially supported but later objected to his nephew's war in Brasland, and supported a Urcean war on Morningstar in 2067. He continued to advocate in the early 2070s for economic freedom and prosperity in Urcea.

At the outbreak of the Third Great War, Nero asked President Collins and Chancellor Spano for a battlefield commission, but both, although looking to involve Nero, declined on account of his age. Julius Nero politically supported the war and launched a speaking tour in support of the war, likening it to a conflict for democracy not seen since the last Great War. He also organized a group of other well known national figures and pop culture figures to sell war bonds, which were wildly successful. Many thought Nero was angling to run for President again in 2085, a rumor which he denied (though briefly considered).

His role as public servant was not over, however; following the capture of Proconsul Martens at the disastrous Battle of Eastcliff in 2086 which ended all Urcean military operations in Dormanshire, President Collins appointed Julius Nero to be his replacement as Proconsul of the Seventh District. At ninety one, Nero did not participate in the Battle of Lorham, but did lead Urcean armies in battles including the Battle of Ingle and the Battle of Lamke, which opened the door for allied forces to reach the Lorham river.

After the war, Nero was asked to participate in the Conference at La Joya, but declined, instead opting to resume his comfortable retirement. He remained retired and involved in politics until his death in 2103, at the age of one hundred and eight. He left behind a Republic of his own creation.

Style:
Julius Nero, By the Grace of God, Augustus, Grand Duke of Urceopolis, former Protector of the Urcean Commonwealth, former President of Urcea, former Emperor of Urcea and of Sol Y Sangre, former Autocrat of All Urceans, Vicar of the Papacy, Sole Heir of the House of Plantagenet and the House of Nero, King of Jerusalem and Defender of the Faith

[Urcea]

CONSTANTINE NERO
(2025-2096)

When searching for an example of a tumultuous life, one may look no further than President Constantine Nero. He was the son of the Prince of Julianum, Adrian, (the Emperor's brother) and a Princess from the land of Brasland by the name of Olga. Although politically arranged, it has been said that this marriage was one that was loving and caring, even to the end. At the age of just seven, the family was torn apart; Julius VII (later Julius Nero) abdicated the Throne, beginning the Second Great War once his father claimed the Throne and tore apart the nation. At the end of it, Constantine was estranged from the uncle whom he liked very much. Once peace was reached, Constantine was officially declared Crown Prince of the Empire.

But it was not to last. His father was killed in a coup in 2037, and, only by the heroic acts of Urcean Marines, Constantine and Olga fled the Empire. Once order was restored and the Republic occupied the land, he became close to his uncle, Julius Nero, once again. He declared his uncle to be Regent of the Empire, a move confirmed by the legislatures of both nations. By the agreement that lead to the annexation of the Empire by the Republic, the position of "Prince of Imperia" was created, which allowed Constantine to maintain the blood right to the land created by his father. Still, Constantine rarely visited, instead remaining with his uncle and family. Julius raised Constantine as a son; the political influence was passed on, but with its own twist - although a devout republican, Constantine's views on the role of government and the military differed greatly than that of Julius Nero's views on the same subjects.

Upon reaching the age of 18 in 2043, Constantine properly assumed the throne of the Prince of Imperia. Under his leadership, the province rebuilt from the war, going from the least profitable to most profitable province by the year 2050. Constantine was also known as a military reformer, with Constantinian Reforms occurring in 2052 (which better accounted for logistics) and in 2056 (which reorganized the National Army into Legions).

His reputation as a solid administrator and a man with a clever mind in regards to the military, Constantine was considered a top choice to succeed his uncle as early as 2054, so when he ran and was nominated by the Nation Party, it was no surprise. Although his reputation helped, many consider the fact that he was seen as the so-called "Son of Nero" helped him win the election. Either way, he did so. IxnayGeo soon recognized Urcean sovereignty over the entirety of Levantia, and the newly-elected President asked Congress to go to war, and they did just that. Although first unsuccessful, the Constantinian Reform of 2056 helped the Urcean National Army roll right over the opposition, and ensured Urcean conquest.

As second President, Constantine had much precedent to set, and had done so early on in his Presidency. Many criticized him for wielding too much executive power, while others applauded his willingness to enter into political matters for the good of the people. Public sentiment would slowly move against him, however, as Nero continued to try to coalesce power around the government and the military. As President, Nero also tried several times to augment his own power by using the Urcean military to invade foreign countries or territories in order to establish puppet monarchies with himself at the head, particularly to the South in Istorya and to the west in Brasland. While the Istorya effort was curtailed by the international community, Congress declared the Brasland colonial effort unconstitutional.

Furthering President Nero's complications, he had also engaged in a costly foreign war in New West Kazomal, which cost many Urcean dollars and Urcean lives.This lead to inflation in Urcea, and subsequently, out of love of country and concern for life, he resigned his office in disgrace, allowing Chancellor Gregory Spano to succeed to the Presidency. He also de facto abdicated from the throne of Imperia, although he retained the title and instituted a regency in the province.

Spending his life in early retirement in the lofty family residences of the Imperial Palace, Nero was a disgraced man. Nevertheless, he maintained an interest in Urcean politics. He actively supported Urcea's participation in the initial war against Morningstar, but by the end of the war diverged from the government's position by saying that Morningstar should be broken up. Nero, like many Urceans, was unsure about which side (Chrissinople or Morningstar) to support going forward.

At the outbreak of the Third Great War in 2078, Nero volunteered for the armed forces to fight. Initially weary about Nero, President George Collins decided to give him a commission as a Legate in the First Proconsulate. He did not disappoint. Despite having an undermanned army (with most of his subordinate Praetorians redistributed elsewhere) made up of very few regular forces augmented by provincial levies and local natives, Constantine Nero lead a successful Northern Campaign that resulted in the capitulation of Odoneru, a member of the Chrissinople allies. Nero gained a great deal of praise, and it was an important step towards the restoration of his reputation. The military promoted Nero to Proconsul of the First Proconsulate following the retirement of the man previously in that position.

Nero played an important role in the Third Great War, being the second in command at the Battle of Lorham, the last and greatest battle in the war. Afterwards, he was sent as part of the peace delegation to La Joya. He privately had issues with the construction of the "Third Empire", but out of interests of peace he agreed to it with his fellow delegates. He retired from the military once the war ended.

His public service would not end there, however. Out of recognition to his importance to the Republic, both as President and as soldier, as well as his outstanding contributions to the province as its Prince, the Electorate (legislature) of the province of Imperia unanimously decided to send Constantine Nero to Urceopolis as one of its Congressional representatives. Nero served in Congress until 2095, when his declining health forced him to step down from Congress, revealing to the populace the advanced state of cancer he had presumably gotten while out at war. He spent the rest of his life in comfort in the Imperial Palace before dying at the age of seventy one in 2096.

His legacy is mixed. Although universally considered to be a bad President, his post-Presidential service is remembered as selfless and heroic. Nevertheless, he was an important figure in early Urcean Republican history.

Style (2059):
Constantine Nero, President of Urcea, Protector of Sol Y Sangre, Prince of Imperia, King of Brasland, Crown Prince of Jerusalem and Defender of the Faith

[Urcea]

GREGORY SPANO
(born 2017, former Chancellor)

Gregory Spano is perhaps the greatest rags-to-riches story in the modern Urcean era. Born to a working class single mother in the battleground suburbs of Urceopolis during the civil war, the Spano family could be considered "impoverished" in every sense of the word. Due to law labor laws during the Chancellorate and United Imperium, Gregory got a job in a newspaper at eight years old, sharing time between school and work to provide for his family. At the outbreak of the Second Great War, Spano began to write a series of convincing arguments and articles in the newspaper he helped produce in favor of the virtues of Urcean Republicanism and the problems with the Imperial Government. These works were very widely received, and at the conclusion of the war the Federal government gave him a free college education at the Imperial War Academy in Urceopolis as a reward for fighting the philosophical front of the Second Great War.

With free tuition, Spano could now focus on his studies. Excelling in most classes, Gregory sought political office once he graduated. Elected in the district in which he grew up, Spano was the youngest provincial congressman in Urcea at the time, being only 21 at the time of his election in the 2038 congressional elections. He was a noted advocate of the policies of President Julius Nero, and often worked with the President in Nero's role as Grand Duke of Urceopolis. Endorsed by the President in 2045, Spano was appointed to the National Congress, where he continued to be an advocate for free market principals and a free society. Working as Vice Chancellor for the early months of 2047, he was selected by his peers to the office of Chancellor in 2047 upon the death of long-time Conservative, Michael Colombo.

Gregory Spano, being a good friend of President Julius Nero, was selected by the Conservative Party to be its nominee for President in 2055. Considered a heavy favorite due to his continuance of the former President's policies, he was upset by Constantine Nero in a plurality.

Spano proposed the motion that eventually ended Urcean isolationism in 2055, voted for the wars and supported the reorganization of the Urcean military. He was considered a leader of the Conservatarian movement in Urcea. During his time in public service, Gregory Spano filled various positions within the Urcean government. Following Constantine Nero's resignation in 2059, Spano became President for a year. Because he had already lost the Conservative nomination to Julius Colombo, Spano could not and did not run for re-election. He served as Chancellor for the better part of the next twenty years (he was briefly ousted by George Collins during his compassionate conservative movement from 2070-2075).

Chancellor Spano was head of the Congress for many pivotal events in Urcean history. He proposed the motion to end Constantine Nero's war in Brasland which eventually passed, and several years later he oversaw Congress's declaration of war on Chrissinople during the opening stages of the Third Great War. Following the victory of the Patriotic Centrists in the 2080 election, Spano decided to take the blame for his party and stepped down from Congress, declining to be opposition leader. He continued to be a vocal advocate of the Urcean allies during the war, and was a delegate to the Conference at La Joya, being a critical part of the committee that devised the creation of the Third Empire.

Spano now lives quietly in retirement with his wife, but occasionally chimes in on political issues.

[Urcea]

JAMES FALLSHADE JR.
(born 2065)

While the last name Fallshade might imply gentle birth, James and his family encountered anything but. While descended from the noble Fallshade family, his grandfather sided with the Republic during the Second Great War and was disowned. His young son, James Fallshade, made a name for himself as a savvy negotiator, a fine businessman, and a man with a taste for foreign affairs. Appointed by Constantine Nero to the newly created Foreign Ministry in 2057, James Fallshade Sr. spent time as the Urcean ambassador to various nations, including Kazomal and Kirav. While on vacation back home in Urcea, he and his wife conceived a son. This boy would be named by his mother after his father, James Fallshade, whom she missed very much while he was away on diplomatic business in Morningstar.

Growing up, James Fallshade Jr. looked up to his father quite a bit and shared his dedication and admiration for the Urcean state. Unlike other notable Urcean politicians, Fallshade Jr. admittedly came from an upper middle class upbringing, but he still had to work hard to make a name for himself; being the son of a government official was something he had to overcome, as he wanted to avoid being cast as just a "spoiled inheritor".

Instead of opting to go to the prestigious Imperial War Academy in Urceopolis where he was offered a full scholarship, Fallshade Jr. instead looked towards the Urcean Legions, which at this point were engaged in the bloody Third Great War. Mostly given behind the lines duties early in the war at the behest of his father, Fallshade Jr. proved to be an able negotiator and administrator, showing skills far beyond his father's in some regards. With a drive for "everyone on board" in terms of the war, Fallshade Jr. requested a front line duty, and was reassigned to Central Ixnay in 2087. Assigned as a Centurion under Constantine Nero, Fallshade Jr. proved quite heroic during the war, especially at the Battle of Lorham, where he personally lead his Century up the slopes of the Lorham River Defense line and took Embankment #44. While later forced to abandon it (which in itself was an effort), the effort went with notice by the military and the media, and Fallshade Jr. was awarded the Star of the Republic, which he turned down and instead suggested it be given to his century as a whole, a motion that Congress later approved. Courted by several political parties after the conclusion of the war, it became known Fallshade Jr. was quite Conservative and, despite a narrow Conservative loss in 2090, he was elected to the Congress from the province of Urcea.

Spending the next two years as the party's unofficial leader and spokesperson in Congress, Fallshade Jr., whose heroism was boosted by his administrative abilities, grasp of economic principles, and ability to reach a positive conclusion to most debates, was elected by his peers to be the party's minority leader in Congress in 2093. Although he had been in government for less than five years, he was drafted by members of the party to run for President in 2095. Accepting, he ran on the platform of "Less Taxes, More Provinces", a reversal to the centrist wave at the time. The result was a wave of his own; leading the party, Fallshade Jr. won nearly 65% of the popular vote with an overwhelming majority of electoral votes. Augmented by a Conservative victory in Congress, Fallshade Jr. delivered, adding four new provinces to the Republic and slashing provincial tributary taxes, which renewed prosperity and strengthened the Urcean Dollar to a place not seen since the days of Julius Nero. Fallshade Jr. won another major victory in 2100 when he was re-elected with 71% of the popular vote.

[Urcea]

POPE URBAN IX
(born 2002, Supreme Pontiff, formerly GEORGE M. CALLAHAN, SDB, Cardinal Bishop of the Julian Isles, Prefect for the Evangelization of Peoples)

Born in the early nineties, George Cardinal Callahan came from a lower class family in the poorer parts of southern Urcea. At that time, the Imperial government heavily taxed the lower classes, meaning that getting young George a good education seemed like an impossible prospect to his parents. Being the second of three children, all boys, his parents decided to send him off to a Salesian school (the Salesians were very active in poor Urcea at that time) with the intention of George becoming a Priest. Taking his faith seriously even from a young age, George would reciprocate this desire. At the age of eighteen he committed himself to the Salesian order, and was ordained a Priest at age twenty five in 2016, during the height of the Civil War. Fearing that the young men called to serve would be stuck in the crossfire, the Salesians sent many of their young men away to go out and spread the word of God to disadvantaged youth across the seas.

George found himself in urban Rurallia, a poor nation that had maintained many of its pagan roots throughout time. He was able to relate to youth well and soon became not only a good missionary and educator, but also a superior administrator. George became the head of the Rurallia Province by the age of thirty, and had comprehensively transformed the schools and parishes into well organized, well funded, effective means of conversion. Applauded by all for his efforts, he was called back to Urcea at the age of thirty four at the end of the Civil War to head the Salesian Province of Urceopolis, a Province that was desperately hurting from the aftereffects from the Civil War. Many disadvantaged youths roamed the streets, and, under Callahan's direction, they were cared for and sent on their way to become good Christians and productive members of society. For his outstanding works of ministry to the young and the poor, Callahan was consecrated as a Bishop by age forty in 2031. He was allowed to continue his work in Urceopolis, which again was damaged by the Second Great War, until the reunification of Urcea in 2037. At that point, he was called upon to be the shepherd to a new diocese, that of the recently-settled Julian Isles. He accepted this position and became the first ever Bishop of the Julian Isles in 2037.

Many refugees flooded into the Julian Isles, and Callahan's record of charity continued. He organized and, in some cases, personally managed parishes ministering to the poor and needy refugees. As conditions improved and the population grew, the need for such aid decreased, but the people of the Julian Isles were grateful, and their faith grew due to the effectiveness of the Church's mission. In 2043, a period of six short years, the Julian Isles was elevated to an Archdiocese, and Callahan became the Archbishop of the Julian Isles. He was created a Cardinal in 2045 and became a close friend, aid, and associate to Michael Cardinal Lucius, the Archbishop of Urceopolis.

When Lucius was elected Pope Clement XV in 2055, Callahan became the Prefect for the Evangelization of Peoples. Being a Salesian, the Pope felt that one of the most important Congregations could use a man of Callahan's record and abilities. Through Callahan's work, sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly, the Church grew. His tireless efforts resulted in recognition as a true man of the Church in the 2058 Conclave.

In recognition of his achievements and his vision, that Conclave elected Callahan as Supreme Pontiff to sit upon the Throne of St. Peter. Urban IX sat upon the Throne during the horrors of the Third Great War and actively used Church officials and Church power to try and contact and convince both sides to sit down and end the war. He oversaw the abortive "Telandia Conference" in 2084 which tried (and failed) to end the war. As of current, Urban IX has set the record for oldest Pope.

[Urcea]

URCEAN DEMOCRACY
Alternatively known as "National Republicanism", "Neroism", or "Neroan Conservatism"



"Urcean Democracy" is the political ideology that the Urcean Republic was founded upon in 2033 and the ideology employed by the government since. Its main champion during that time has been the Conservative Party except early in the Republic's history, when it was favored by the Libertarian Party. The term itself was coined in 2047 by President Julius Nero as a description of the policies that his government made over the course of his presidency. Despite political opposition on some fronts, by the Liberal Party for instance, it remains the main political thought of the Conservative Party as well as the general Urcean citizen.

What is Urcean Democracy, exactly? Well, it is the combination of Conservative Foreign Policy, Patriotism, Austrian Economic Theory, Limited Government, Federalism, and Social Libertarianism. Urcean Democracy has its roots in a teaching in Catholic Social Teaching, the idea of subsidiarity, which essentially states the smallest unit that can effectively solve a problem has a responsibility to solve that problem as opposed to larger entities. As a result of this line of thinking, the Urcean government was organized on a system of balanced Federalism, where the Federal Government has a very limited, specific, but none the less important role. The provinces, too, are limited in power as the family and the individual are the main holder of power, but the provinces still play an important role as a more local representation of popular sovereignty. Urcean Democrats, in a Federal System, do not support direct election but rather appointment of representatives by provincial government on the basis that it protects the delicate balance of power between the Federal Government and the provinces and protects Federalism from populism.

Based upon the theory that the individual is the main unit in a free society, social libertarianism is generally the flavor of Urcean Democracy. The citizen, being intrinsically valuable, has the freedom to do whatever he or she pleases without harming another individual. As such, most things like freedom of sexuality, free practice of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of demonstration are guaranteed to each citizen. The Urcean Democrat, although a libertarian, opposes abortion; the Urcean Democrat, also usually being a Christian, believes in life beginning at conception, and based upon this views abortion in violation of the non-harm principal.

Economically, Urcean Democrats believe in free market principals as well as fiscal constraint of government. The Urcean Democrat is a hard-core supply-sider, and as such, believes fiscal constraint is the best course of action because it results in lower tax rates and a more prosperous economy. Urcean Democracy calls for general non-intervention during peacetime by the government in the affairs of the economy, even so much as looking down upon government purchases.

This changes, however, during wartime. The Urcean Democrat fundamentally believes war to be beneficial to the nation in the grand scheme of things, but is also generally remorseful about the loss of life. It is the opinion of adherents of Urcean Democracy that successful warfare will not only boost the economy based upon military spending but also help because of the creation of new markets in the conquered region.

--

A profile of National Republicanism
Economic Left/Right: 7.38
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: 0.36

[Urcea]

THE PROVINCES

Urcea is divided into a series of provinces, which are the principle administrative and political divisions of the Republic. This section will cover the provinces. It will also cover several important cities in subsections.

[Urcea]

Urcea
Also previously known as "Urcea Major"



Capitol| Urceopolis
Population| 3,140,204,150
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Anthony Stevenson
Legislature| Urceopolitan Senate (Upper), Provincial Assembly (Lower)
Established| 713
Gross Domestic Product| $115.224 trillion

Urcea is the oldest province in the Republic by legal existence, and the second oldest land within the Republic. Throughout the history of Urcea, no matter what form the nation took, it almost always controlled the entirety of this province. The province itself was formed in 134 A.D. after a trade exploration through the Urce River Valley resulted in the settlement of a small trading post on the banks of the river. This settlement would eventually grow and spread, spreading out from the area known as "The Pale" to become the city of Urceopolis, and the city experienced a population boom under Gaius Signus Nero (a Christian himself) who established the city as a safe haven for Christians fleeing persecution. Because of this policy, as well as its rivalry with Julianum (the capitol of the Ionian Empire), the city of Urceopolis became independent of the Ionian Empire and took many surrounding counties with it. This land, the Grand Duchy of Urceopolis, occupied what is currently the provinces of Pholonium and Urcea. The Grand Duchy still exists as a legal entity today, though its jurisdiction is within the city of Urceopolis itself. Urceopolis has a mayor in addition to the Grand Duke; the mayor generally handles the "day-to-day operations" of the city while the Grand Duke handles matters of great importance, such as matters affecting national policy. The title of Grand Duke is held by the head of the House of Plantagenet-Nero and, due to the prestige of the house, its incredible wealth, and its legal jurisdiction, the Grand Duke is respected and wields a considerable amount of influence.

Following the reorganization of the realms of St. Julius I into an Empire of Urcea, it became clear that one single administrative unit would not be effective. Additionally, the lands inherited by Julius I were very diverse, with former Grand Duchy lands being predominantly Latin Christian and former Justonium lands being predominantly pagan or Celtic Christian. As such, St. Julius I, in his wisdom, decided to employ a limited feudal system in order to stave off peasant rebellion and other civil unrest. "Urcea" (originally called the 'Banklands' or 'Bankland Province' - this term generally fell out of favor during the eleventh century as the Empire grew) was created first (roughly with its modern borders) and was placed under the control of the House of Nero alone. Next, Justonium was created as an entity, and it was under the thumbs of the Houses of Greymist (the former Royal House and Julius's mother's family) and Summerwyn. Later, around 1144, Pholonium was created and the borders of the province of Urcea were permanently established.

Today, Urcea is the most populous province within the Republic due to the city of Urceopolis, whose population is nearly one and a half billion. The city and its suburbs take up much of the province, but other cities, such as Cheria, Slovin, and Damon reside within the province as well. It is a prosperous land in contemporary times, being the center of Urcean society. As such, it is the center of trade, manufacturing, and government. The people are generally culturally homogenous, being either Latin, Celtic, or some mix thereof. Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion within the province, with nearly 99% of the populace being adherents to the faith. The Church itself is planted within the province in the Apostolic Palace in Urceopolis.

Aside from being prosperous, the province of Urcea is of great historical significance. As previously mentioned, it has been the center of Urcean civilization since its inception. Many ancient ruins dot the landscape, and many more ancient buildings are in continuous use today. It is hard to walk, perhaps, a mile within the province without encountering some important piece of history, whether it's a house that's been continually occupied since the middle ages or a fort abandoned during the renaissance on the outskirt of a farm.

Politically, the province is perhaps the most conservative within the Republic. It has almost always been controlled by the Conservative Party, exceptions being in the 2080s.

In regards to its landscape, much (nearly 55%) of the province is urban, whether being the city proper or its "suburbs" (if it is appropriate to refer to them as such). The river Urce runs along the northern border of the province before swinging south through Urceopolis. South of the city proper, it again becomes the province's border, this time in the west. It empties out into the Sea of Northern Ixnay. It is naturally quite wide, allowing Urceopolis to function almost as a seaport. The province itself is fairly grassy and hilly, with only two mountain ranges in the south near Slovin (these mountains form the province's southern border). Forests are common in the non-urban areas, and wildlife is quite abundant despite nearly two millennia of hunting.

In summary, the province is the heart of the Urceo-Latin urban culture. It is "high society", proper, but at the same time prestigious and inviting to all.

[Urcea]

((OOC: Substantial reorganization of Factbook, reducing the 13 sections to 8 more comprehensive sections that will hopefully allow for easier navigation on the table of contents. Unfortunately, due to reorganization, the former linear nature of the Factbook is no longer the case, so the table of contents is encouraged when reading.))

[Urcea]

Justonium



Capitol| Justonium
Population| 1,425,242,849
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Marcellius O'Brien
Legislature| Congress of the Justons (Unicameral)
Established| 713
Gross Domestic Product| $55.296 trillion

[Urcea]

Myriadum



Capitol| Quindicia
Population| 679,640,204
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Zachary Thomas
Legislature| Provincial Senate (Upper) Provincial Assembly (Lower)
Established| 713
Gross Domestic Product| $34.674 trillion

Myriadum prior to the Industrial Revolution had little significance to any of the continental powers. It essentially remained a backwater rural area that served primarily as a buffer between Urceopolis and the northern border. Although it is true that the armies of Urcea met foreign armies on the plains of Myriadum several times, the province itself was unremarkable. Several times did the Throne consider absorbing Myriadum into the Urcea Major province, but each time history saved Myriadum, due to a shift of national focus from domestic to foreign affairs, with wars overseas or at home.

This all changed when the Industrial Revolution spread to Urcea. Industrialists and the Imperial Government alike, looking to rapidly develop Urcea, commissioned surveying teams throughout the country. In the rural hills of Myriadum, these survey teams hit the jackpot; large deposits of gold and iron were present within the province. Almost overnight, rush towns arose and mines were dug. Later, larger cities emerged with factories and transportation hubs, eagerly looking to ship off the processed goods to Urceopolis. As working conditions improved in the late 1800s, production slowed, but only by a bit. The gold deposits had run out and the rush towns disintegrated, but a permanent mining industry was established in the province with further discoveries of more iron, uranium, and most importantly, oil. Myriadum is considered now one of the most important provinces, being the second largest oil producer (behind Imperia).

[Urcea]

Beltronia



Capitol| Swepu
Population| 232,518,697
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Sean Jackson
Legislature| Provincial Senate (Upper) Provincial Assembly (Lower)
Established| 740
Gross Domestic Product| $12.595 trillion

Beginning life as part of the Ionian Empire, Beltronia soon changed into the "Beltron Principality" roughly around the same time that Urcea became an independent Duchy. The name of the province originates with its first ruler, a native Celt Pagan named Beltro who, in 540, lead a rebellion of other aboriginal peoples in the region against Ionian rule, and soon won independence, adopting some of the governing and cultural customs of the Latin people who lived alongside the Celts. This family of Celts, descendents of Beltro I, ruled the territory for some two hundred years before aligning with the Ionian Empire in an attempt to curb the growth of Urcea. Attempting to take Urceopolis and end the war (and be viewed with favor by the Ionians), the Beltronian advance barely crossed the border before being crushed by Urcean legions, who soon advanced upon Swepu and razed the city, destroying the Principality and giving to the territory to the Urcean Empire.

After the wars of independence, Emperor St. Julius I ruled with a remarkably fair and even hand, converting the people of Beltronia (as it was now known) and rebuilding the province to far beyond its former glory. The province was fairly unremarkable historically until the collapse of the First Empire and the rise of the Norman Kingdom. The entire province was conquered and incorporated into the Kingdom of Canaery. The Urcean people there caused a great deal of unrest as the nobles protested and often launched insurgencies against their new leaders. Despite this level of unrest, Canaery was able to maintain control of the territory until 1481, and it was the last province to fall to Urceans during the Urcean Resurgence. The capture of Swepu (in which Urcean armies were met with a parade and flowers) marked the end of the reclamation war.

Beltronia remained peaceful for several hundred more years; it was included in the second "Kingdom of Urcea" and the "State of Urcea", but recognized neither entity and remained mostly self-governed, and once the Empire was reestablished Beltronia simply continued being one of its provinces. Peace was not to last, however. When the Republic of Urcea was declared, Beltronia did what it had always done before; refused to recognize anything but the Empire of Urcea. Imperial military forces were able to hold only part of the province, extending from about halfway down the peninsula to New Beldra. Nationalists in Swepu managed to depose the Imperial Governor and establish a provincial legislature, which joined the Republic.

The Battle of Dareh Meyod, the first battle of the Second Great War, was fought on the eastern plains of Beltronia, the place taking its name from an ancient stream that was once on the spot, named by the Celts. National militia forces were slaughtered there, and while it was initially thought that the Imperial Army would turn to take Swepu, it instead decided to besiege Olneburg, which ended as the first National victory.

The remainder of the Second Great War was fought in the North and in the East, though militia skirmishes continued within Beltronia. At the end of the war, what the Empire held of Beltronia was ceded to the Republic in a territory exchange to solidify provincial borders. Many Imperials from Beltronia fled to the new colony of the Julian Isles at the end of the war. Since the integration of the two Urceas, the province has been at peace, though the war took its toll on both the economy and population of the province; New Beldra was nearly depopulated once the Julian Isles colonial rush began, and the economy has not recovered.

[Urcea]

Rexheim Minor



Capitol| Draconia
Population| 305,684,204
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Frederick Wittern
Legislature| House of Burghers (Unicameral)
Established| 713
Gross Domestic Product| $15.56 trillion

[Urcea]

Pholonium



Capitol| Beldra
Population| 1,397,011,204
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Julian Neil
Legislature| Provincial Senate (Upper) Provincial Assembly (Lower)
Established| 713
Gross Domestic Product| $80.774 trillion

Most historians speculate that had Pholonium not been in the territory of the Grand Duchy of Urceopolis, the newly formed Empire of Urcea and the Ionian Empire could have coexisted in peace. Indeed, from its foundation in 227 A.D., Pholonium was a well-sought commodity. The major trade ports in the province are still among the most profitable in the country. The reason for this is because the initial settlers sought and found areas with natural harbors protected by offshore islands. In this way, the Julian Isles had a substantial impact on Urcea well before they were incorporated into the nation, as they served as protection for the Pholonian harbors from the rough North Ixnayan currents.

Nominally part of the Empire, the Pholonian cities in the 8th century (particularly Phlaridon, Ordep, Beldra, and Ennis) were more or less independent trade republics, taking advantage of mainland and other geographical areas not as advanced or well administered. It was for this reason (and others) that the Emperor sought to centralize power during the 9th century, which culminated in the Imperator Acts in 813 introduced by the Emperor, which, among other things, reformed Pholonian government so that any city leaders had to be approved by the Emperor first before taking power. Additionally, the trade leagues being formed by the Pholonian cities would be subject to Imperial taxation, effectively disbanding their protectionist power. This had the unintended effect of actually increasing prosperity as free trade flowed through the cities throughout the region.

Pholonium continued to be Urcea's major trade province until the dawn of the Industrial Revolution when it became evident that, as volume increased, more ports close to the industrial centers, especially Urceopolis, were necessary. Railroads allowed the existing Pholonian ports to continue to be prosperous, but the "trade monopoly" by the Pholonian cities (and Portsmouth, in the East) was ended by new port cities such as Damon (in the Urcea province) and New Beldra (in Beltronia). Still the Pholonian cities continue to contribute to Urcean prosperity, being one of the richest provinces with a per capita income approaching $60,000 and the average quality of life also being among the highest among the provinces.

[Urcea]

Sol Y Sangre



Capitol| Solis
Population| 114,567,104
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Eduardo Vega
Legislature| Cortes Provincia (Unicameral)
Established| 1481
Gross Domestic Product| $9.76 trillion

Sol Y Sangre could be said to be the first real ethnically diverse territory in Urcea. Joining the Empire for good after a sustained campaign against Rexheim and Canaery, the King of Sangre swore an oath of fealty to the Emperor of Urcea, and Sol Y Sangre has been a full part of Urcea ever since. But what of the Kingdom itself?

The people of Sol Y Sangre arrived sometime after the Urceans, though it is unsure when and why. Being of Hispanic origin and firmly Christian in religion, the people were first seen when the region was under the control of the first Urcean Empire in 1286, though the large groups did not arouse much suspicion or thought as nomadic groups in the south were common at the time. As Urcean Imperial control diminished over the region and the first Empire was toppled, records begin to become clearer and more easily available. The Kingdom of Sangre was probably formed in 1296 after the unification of several mountain villages and cities hidden from the eyes of Urcea. With the collapse of the Empire, the Kingdom exerted control over coastal lowlands around the mountains claimed by Canaery. The Kingdom at its peak extent coincided roughly with the modern borders of today's province. The people moved out of the mountainous areas and into the more prosperous lowland regions, forming the city of Solis in 1376 A.D., and by the end of the century the city was quite grand, though not on the scale of Urceopolis or Julianum.

With the Urcean conquest of the Kingdom of Sangre and a lasting peace established on the southern mountains between Urcea and Canaery, the Sangrese population was scattered across two landscapes. The province of Sol Y Sangre laid claim to these lands, which was one of the major reasons Urcea went to war with and eventually conquered Rexheim, much to the delight of the Sangrese people living there. Today, Sol Y Sangre remains one of the most united and proud provinces within the Republic.

[Urcea]

Imperia
Also called Ionia



Capitol| Portsmouth
Population| 2,592,856,205
Government| Constitutional Monarchy
Prince| Louis VI
Legislature| Imperial Electorate
Established| 2037
Gross Domestic Product| $81.427 trillion

The province now known as "Imperia" is one rich with history, and probably the most important area (save Urcea province) in all of the Republuc. It was the very first "province"; the first city established by Latin settlers was here, in Imperia, called Julianum. In its time, Julianum was the grandest city in all of Levantia and probably in all of Ixnay as well. It was the closest copy of Rome that the colonists and the later Ionian Empire could hope to achieve. In the time of its foundation until the thirteenth century, Imperia was the seat of what is called the "Ionian Empire" by historians, and Imperia made up a large portion of its territory. At the time of the founding of the Urcean Empire, the Ionian Empire and indeed Ionia was the most developed area on the continent.

Although most of the province was soon lost to the Urcean Empire by 740 A.D. and the great infrastructure of the region was mostly ruined, the Empire remained in tact for several centuries. Indeed, Imperia as a result is quite culturally different than the other regions. Though Urceans consider themselves part of the Latin cultural group, they are really a mix of Latin and Gaelic culture and people. This is not the case for Imperia. The people living there, even still, are mostly Latin in nature.

The theme of Imperia being altogether different from the rest of Urcea isn't a rare one. The Ionian Empire crumbled in 1215 A.D. after the Urcean Empire overran Julianum, but cultural differences remained. The area was slow to embrace Christianity, and the Roman Pantheon was still openly worshiped up until the 15th century. The Norman occupation was a rough period for what is today Imperia, as non-Christians were brutally persecuted and in many cases killed by the Normans, leading to the eventual end of Paganism in the region. As Normans infiltrated the Urcean ethnic group elsewhere, again the people of what was called the Ionia Region stayed culturally homogenous, shunning those who fraternized with the invaders. After the foundation of the second Empire, Ionia was divided into three provinces; Julianum, Urcea Minor, and Destertium, but they were generally all considered to still be "Ionian Provinces" by those living outside those provinces.

The region continued to be an outsider, as Ionians were the only group to accept the Protestant Reformation in full. As a consequence of the slaughter of Ionians during the Norman Occupation, the Second Urcean Empire had relatively high level of tolerance for the era, but Ionians frequently tried to overthrow Church authority in the country while also seeking greater autonomy from what they called "mudbloods", that is, the mixed-culture Urceans. Racial and religious tensions came to a head in 1702 when the Emperor of Urcea, Michael II, died in a carriage accident. Taking advantage of the confusion, the three provinces rebelled from the Empire, banding together to form the "Ionian Confederacy". In the ensuing war, raged by the Imperial Regent and widow Christine I, a great deal of blood was shed in savagery not seen before or since. Forces from both sides launched raids in which people of other faiths were brutally murdered in their homes. Both sides burned Churches, both sides executed "heretics" without trial. In the end, a Urcean Imperial offensive through the Ionian heartland yielded defeat for the Confederacy. As soon as the three provinces fell under Imperial control, a war of retaliation and retribution was waged by a new wave of Urcean settlers, some Catholic, others not. The Imperial government tried to control it but the bloody civil strife lead to the effective end of the Protestant Reformation in Urcea.

Becoming relatively culturally homogenous for the first time since its incorporation in the Empire, the Ionian Provinces generally had a peaceful next two centuries. Due to the large amounts of land available after Ionian nobility fled, the House of Plantagenet-Nero and other noble houses took advantage, establishing Feudal domains in the Ionian Provinces far from their native holds.

Siding with the Emperor Julius VII in the Civil War against the Mazzists, the Ionia region provided an important power and resource base for the royalists, which is why many of the people there felt betrayed when Julius VII proposed to abdicate in favor of a Republic. A common misconception is that the pretender Emperor Adrian IX was a tyrant without the support of the people, which is simply not true. At the outbreak of the Second Great War, the populations of the regions that the Empire controlled generally supported Adrian IX and the Imperial Regime.

The Second Great War, as devastating as it was, did not affect the region itself heavily, as most fighting occurred on Republican territory. Following the Treaty of San Carlos, noble families and the nobility began a mass exodus to their Ionian Exclaves, which would now become the permanent ancestral home of their noble descendents. Adrian IX granted substantial powers to the nobles during that essentially made the provincial governments of the Empire meaningless, and Imperia (as the area was now called) became divided by powerful feudal territories.

A map of the Feudal divisions that formed that still exist even in 2100.

In 2035, Imperia would have been by far the largest and richest province of Urcea had the country been unified. However, several major things changed this. First, Roman's insurrection, essentially a coup, which lead to a brutal civil war cost many lives on both sides. As Roman's forces approached Julianum, the Imperial Electorate used the literal "nuclear option", destroying the city to avoid capture, costing millions of lives. Additionally, people in the countryside and suburbs fled Imperia out of fear of radiation poisoning. Lastly, as the borders between the Empire and Republic opened, people began a mass exodus due to poor conditions in the province.

Following the destruction of Julianum, the capitol moved to Portsmouth (raided during the Second Great War), where the Federal Republic invaded Imperia and arrested the electorate for war crimes. It then annexed the Empire and, by use of amendment, incorporated it into the Republic as a constituent province, meaning they could keep their hereditary form of government and nobility. The first Prince of Imperia, Constantine, son of the late Emperor Adrian IX, made major inroads in rebuilding the province. Still, even after his major advances towards stability, the province is one of the poorest per capita in the Republic, and has one of the Republic's biggest rich-poor divides.

[Urcea]

The Julian Isles



Capitol| Adrianstown
Population| 117,809,204
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| George Paladino
Legislature| Provincial Senate (Upper) Provincial Assembly (Lower)
Established| 2037
Gross Domestic Product| $7.826 trillion

[Urcea]

San Carlos



Capitol| San Carlos
Population| 301,780,953
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Julius O'Shaughnessy
Legislature| Provincial Congress (Unicameral)
Established| 2057
Gross Domestic Product| $16.760 trillion

[Urcea]

Constanta



Capitol| Lithden
Population| 156,760,111
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Eric Mileson
Legislature| Provincial Senate (Upper) Provincial Assembly (Lower)
Established| 2057
Gross Domestic Product| $8.56 trillion

[Urcea]

Greston Minor



Capitol| New Greston
Population| 36,789,204
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Michael Lyons
Legislature| Provincial Senate (Upper) Provincial Assembly (Lower)
Established| 2095
Gross Domestic Product| $2.56 trillion

[Urcea]

Cana



Capitol| Canaery
Population| 807,294,295
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Francis Roy
Legislature| Provincial Senate (Upper) Provincial Assembly (Lower)
Established| 2095
Gross Domestic Product| $54.674 trillion

[Urcea]

Gabran



Capitol| Messerhall
Population| 172,000,024
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Eduardo Gayarre
Legislature| Messerhall Parliament (Upper) Assembly House (Lower)
Established| 2095
Gross Domestic Product| $10.324 trillion

[Urcea]

Rexheim



Capitol| Rexan
Population| 524,240,592
Government| Provincial Republic
Governor| Albrecht Goetsche
Legislature| Rexan Landsmeet (Unicameral)
Established| 2095
Gross Domestic Product| $27.226 trillion

[Urcea]

((OOC: More reserved space. Also, reorganized the first post by size with spaces, making it much easier to read and navigate.))