The Offical Factbook of Clausure

[Clausura]

The Principality of Clausura

The Principality of Clausura was establish on April 2nd, 1864 following the wreck of the ship the CSS Loyalty. Comprised of a unique population mixed with Africans and those descended from Confederate soldiers, sailors, and those who emigrated following the American Civil War; Clausura's history is one of confusing mish-mash's of culture, hate, and occasionally solidarity.

Population: 8,765

[Clausura]

A convenient map of Clausura!

Clausura consists of three islands. The two northern-most islands, Illehu Grande and Illehu de Cima are uninhabited aside from a small tourist resort on Illehu Grande. They are known for their beautiful beaches, a sharp contrast to the rocky shores and sheer cliffs that form the main island of Clausura. The two northern-most islands are remarkably flat, contrasting sharply with the hills of the main island of Clausura. Little vegetation exists on Illehu de Cima, aside from a few patches of shrub. Illehu Grande, however, is highly vegetated with an almost typical tropical-like vegetation.

The main island of Clausura is, basically, one giant stratovolcano. The volcano Fountainhas has not erupted for centuries, however, scientists and the local population worry that it may erupt at any given moment with little to no warning. Mountain valleys dominate the South, east and West. The north side of the island of Clausura is slightly more stable in it's elevation. The island itself is very green, with plenty of vegetation around. Agriculture has taken to the island quite well.

There are only three towns in Claursura, with the largest (and the capital) being Villa Nova Sintra. The following two towns are Villa Nova Sintra and Nossa Senhora do Montec. Some physical statistics for Clausrua are below:

Area: 25.9 sq miles
Length: 14.9 miles
Width: 9.9 miles
Highest elevation: 3,202 feet (Fountainhas)

[Clausura]

Quick Timeline

- Established on April 2nd, 1864 when the Confederate States of America ship the CSS Loyalty wrecked on the soon to be island of Clausura off the western coast of Africa. The Css Loyalty had a cargo hold filled with Xhosa slaves to be smuggled back into the CSA for profit. The captain of the ship, Captain Robert Kelly, quickly declares the uninhabited island to be apart of the Confederate States of America and began building a town.
- 1865, Captain Robert Kelly learns that the CSA has lost of the war. He alters the flag, and invites people from the former Confederate states to join his small, but, fledgeling nation. Appeals to Spain for protection, and Clausura officially becomes a protectorate of Spain that same year.

((WIP))

[Clausura]

The economy of Clasura is heavily dependent on cash crops grown Plantation-style, with the most common crops still being the staple favorite of cotton quickly followed by tobacco and then bananas. Some plantations, however, have been "re-purposed" by the government to grow cocaine and marijuana for Sheriff Johnathan Kelly III various "friends and himself". Aside from agriculture, whaling still remains a practice that is alive and well in Clausura. Limited amount of manufacturing of luxury goods exist on the island, although they are primarily oriented in the rug-making business and making premium cigars.

[Clausura]

The government of Clausura has often been denounced as "Mafia-like" in both structure and leadership. The current head of the government, Sheriff (the official title for the ruler of Clausura) Johnathan Kelly III represents the latest in a long line of rulers who have exemplified the idea of the "Mafia don in power". Sheriff Johnathan Kelly III owns everything on the island; from the businesses and the plantation farms to the people living here. Taxes collected go straight to his own bank accounts, and he is above the law. Those who oppose him quickly "disappear", and he is currently grooming his own young son to take power.

Despite these obliviously corrupt and occasionally brutal tendencies, Sheriff Johnathan Kelly III protects his people much like a father would his children. He refuses to allow any foreign company to enter Clausura on the premise that it would take jobs away from his own people. Sheriff Kelly III also has created free healthcare, education on every level and free housing for every Clausrian on the island which as established Kelly III as one of the most popular rulers in Clausurian history.

The government, aside from Kelly III, mostly consists of only a small core of trusted advisers and a large stable of Kelly III's cronies that do whatever Sheriff Kelly III asks him to do in an attempt to get more power for themselves.

Military

Clausura's tiny military also functions as their police force. Comprised of only one hundred or so people, the country lacks both an Air Force and a Navy. Almost all of the military consists of foreign mercenaries, with only a small group of officers being from Clausura itself. To ensure their loyalty, Sheriff Johnathan Kelly III pays them quite handsomely. Their roles are varied, most of the time acting as enforcers or bodyguards for Sheriff Johnathan Kelly III. In the event of an invasion, they are expected to lead the population into guerrilla warfare and to buy time for Sheriff Johnathan Kelly III to escape.

[Clausura]

Language

The three main languages of Clausura, English and Xhosa are spoken by everybody. However, depending on who you're talking to, you use a different language. For example, if you're talking to a higher up you speak in Spanish. An equal is spoken to an English, and an inferior is spoken to in Xhosa. These use of different languages depending on one's social status comes from the former stratification of Clausrian society.

Fashion

Despite most people walking around in basketball shorts and a t-shirt, due to the weather, high fashion comes in a completely different variety. Men are expected to dress in a manner that you would expect men from the Antebellum Period from the south to continue to wear, while women are afforded the liberty to dress in a much more "modern" fashion regarding dresses and the like. It's one of the most striking parts of Clausura culture that is lifted directly from the South, and people from Clausura defend it vividly.

Sports

Rugby Union is one of the most popular sports in Clausura, with pick-up games between unofficially organized teams played across the country everywhere. There are only three semi-professional teams in Clausrua. The Villa Nova Sintra Hounds RFC is considered to be the best if only be barely, with the other two means include the Furna Blue Whales RFC and the Nossa Senhora do Montec Zombies RFC being close competition. The Clausrian National Team has not played yet, but, plans to compete as soon as possible.

Following Rugby is a Mixed martial arts. Although there are few practitioners and few gyms within Clausrua itself, it's a popular tradition to crowd into one's local bar to watch pirated re-runs of old fights on the weekends. Following Mixed martial arts in popularity is Basketball. Although casually played by a small sub-set of the population, many people in Clausura consider themselves to be fans of the Washington Wizards. During days that the Wizards play, many people walk around with Wizard's jerseys on. Even Sheriff Johnathan Kelly III has been seen wearing a signed John Wall jersey during basketball game days.