A Modern World (AMW) Applications Center

[Chrinthanium]

If you would consider scaling back those claims and writing up a decent app you could certainly apply.

Lol never, see y’all on the flipside

Well, that's a great way to win friends and influence enemies.

[Chrinthanium]

Right,

Some business to address. I am dropping the UK and all those associated territories so Cass can slide in and have a claim. This is in favor of a Latin claim in the South of Europe. I will have territories external to this, which at this moment seem to be Angola, Zambia, Katanga region, and 8 Nigerian states. Claim to come later.

EP and Mari, no more objections/hold ups. All for your extensions.

[Europe - Prussia]

This post is more to confirm my earlier post with the changes I requested now that Chrin has given the go ahead, but with a minor alteration.

As I said before, I'll drop the Danish part of the Jutland Peninsula and Macau and take in exchange the Channel Islands and the city of Xiamen. Also, to make up for the population lose I asked for Brunei and Singapore, but this is where I wish to make a change: instead of Singapore, I'd like to claim the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, so I can have a more solid base in SE Asia.

My population would remain at 162 million, with a plus of a few thousand, so there would be no changes beyond territorial ones.

Now Cass can take Singapore, as he showed interest in it, or Chrin can reclaim it for his new claim.

[Walmington on Sea]

If the Norse are defending London, the Walmingtonians will take Singapore. If they are defending Singapore, we shall take London.

[-The New Roman Republic-]

Hey All,

Arcadia here, thought I'd make a new nation for my new claim to avoid confusion. As I said last night, I'm looking to drop Arcadia in favour of Rome. I'm a history student by education, just finished my Masters Dissertation (thank god), so Rome is my first love. Aside from that I see more option for adventures in Europe, so I hope you'll accept this new claim.

The Roman Republic

Claims: Italy, Tunisia, Libya (Remainder), Algeria, Corsica
Population: 118,554,988
GDP per Capita: $26,731
Capital: Rome
Government: Republic
Head of State: Consuls Gaius Fabius Crispus & Lucius Arrius Concessus
Head of Government: Consuls Gaius Fabius Crispus & Lucius Arrius Concessus
Official Language: Latin

The Roman Republic is a nation that has a history, in one form or another, reaching back nearly three thousand years, whose present is very much shaped by it’s past. The fortunes of Rome have ebbed and flowed over the centuries, ranging from a sprawling Empire to a single city-state and everything in between. At present Rome has firm control over Italy, it’s outlying islands and a foothold in North Africa (Tunisia and part of Libya) and, when we join the story, will be adding Algeria. Although Rome has invested heavily in its provinces, and undoubtedly raised the quality of life (and the GDP per Capita) in those areas, it is undeniable that the quality of life (and GDP per capita) is much higher in Italy, and it is no surprise that most citizens prefer to live in Italy rather than the provinces. Indeed it is widely agreed that there are two pre-requisites to ‘making it good’ in the Roman Republic; gaining Roman Citizenship and being able to live in Italia itself. That isn’t to say that it’s not possible to make it good in the provinces, but it does help explain why the Romans in Italy hold the majority of the political and social power in the Republic, relying on key figures in the provinces and efforts to raise the quality of life (if not to the standard of Italy) to maintain control.

The Roman Empire, as it was at the time, was reduced to just the city of it’s Rome and it’s surrounding for the majority of the second half of the first millennium, but the Romans clung tightly to their traditions and their Gods, the latter having survived due to a compromise being formed with the Christians during the reign of Constantine the Great. Rome would establish itself as the predominant city-state in Italy during the middle ages, although it’s authority was limited to it’s own territory although its influence was expansive, and relations between the Emperor and the Papacy ebbed and flowed during this period. The dawn of the Renaissance breathed new life into the Roman dream and as Italy was rocked by wars throughout the 16th Century, to the detriment of all, the Roman Senate finally decided that it had had enough and denounced the ruling Emperor, Valerius, whose plotting had almost brought Rome to ruin. Valerius was furious and ordered the arrest of the those Senators who opposed him, however the Senate was able to call on loyal citizens, who despised Valerius, and barricaded themselves inside the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on Capitoline Hill for two weeks before the Praetorian Guard was defeated by a joint force of the Thirteenth Legion and the Papal Guard.

Thereafter, Rome was re-structured as a Republic, based upon it’s predecessor millennia before, albeit with a reinforced and written constitution, to which, and to Rome itself, all citizens and soldiers were required to swear their allegiance under pain of death. Over the following years, with a closer co-operation with the Papacy due to the assistance of the Papal Guard in the Relief of the Senate, Rome was able to slowly but surely assert it’s authority over the rest of Italy, unifying the country before the turn of the century. Once the fighting was finally over Rome made full of its new subjects in the mercantile cities to establish itself as a major player and it’s wealth began to grow steadily. By the end of the 17th Century all residents of Italy were granted Roman Citizenship.

Perhaps inspired by the resurgence of Rome, a state grew in North Africa, eventually controlling Tunisia and Libya, claiming the long-dead name of Carthage, and Rome would find the New Punic Wars on and off for the following centuries, until in 1895 Rome launched an invasion and conquered Tunisia, the remnants of the Carthaginian government fleeing into exile in Libya where it would eventually fall; at this point Rome moved in and annexed the western part of Libya. Resistance would continue in the conquered lands for decades, however a steady process of Romanisation began to have impact throughout the 20th Century, and heavy investment by Rome steadily began to raise the standard of life, which raised Rome’s popularity, until the modern day where, although still below Italy in terms of wealth, Tunisia is a prosperous, happy province. The next stage of Roman expansion in North Africa would therefore not begin until 2018, when messengers arrived in the night seeking the Roman Governor…

In terms of a Military, Rome maintains a large (exact numbers TBD), professional army, as a result of it’s martial past and traditions, which is largely split between the citizen-only Legions, armoured formations that serve as the spearhead of any Roman assault, and the hybrid Auxiliary Forces, which provide everything from infantry and cavalry to logistical support. Citizens have the choice of joining the Legions, which are frequently moved around the Republic’s territory as required, or the Auxiliary Forces, which largely remain in one place except when on campaign, whereas non-citizen residents must join the Auxilaries (although military service in this manner is a means by which they can gain citizenship). Although the Legions, and the Roman Army, has the most prestige, Rome also maintains a an Air Force (the Vis Volantes), which is principally responsible for air sovereignty missions and ground attack in support of the legions, and the Roman Navy, which is responsible for protecting Rome’s vital trade lines in the Mediterranean and views its mission as ensuring dominance within the Mediterranean at minimum.

[Chrinthanium]

Hey All,

Arcadia here, thought I'd make a new nation for my new claim to avoid confusion. As I said last night, I'm looking to drop Arcadia in favour of Rome. I'm a history student by education, just finished my Masters Dissertation (thank god), so Rome is my first love. Aside from that I see more option for adventures in Europe, so I hope you'll accept this new claim.

The Roman Republic

Claims: Italy, Tunisia, Libya (Remainder), Algeria, Corsica
Population: 118,554,988
GDP per Capita: $26,731
Capital: Rome
Government: Republic
Head of State: Consuls Gaius Fabius Crispus & Lucius Arrius Concessus
Head of Government: Consuls Gaius Fabius Crispus & Lucius Arrius Concessus
Official Language: Latin

The Roman Republic is a nation that has a history, in one form or another, reaching back nearly three thousand years, whose present is very much shaped by it’s past. The fortunes of Rome have ebbed and flowed over the centuries, ranging from a sprawling Empire to a single city-state and everything in between. At present Rome has firm control over Italy, it’s outlying islands and a foothold in North Africa (Tunisia and part of Libya) and, when we join the story, will be adding Algeria. Although Rome has invested heavily in its provinces, and undoubtedly raised the quality of life (and the GDP per Capita) in those areas, it is undeniable that the quality of life (and GDP per capita) is much higher in Italy, and it is no surprise that most citizens prefer to live in Italy rather than the provinces. Indeed it is widely agreed that there are two pre-requisites to ‘making it good’ in the Roman Republic; gaining Roman Citizenship and being able to live in Italia itself. That isn’t to say that it’s not possible to make it good in the provinces, but it does help explain why the Romans in Italy hold the majority of the political and social power in the Republic, relying on key figures in the provinces and efforts to raise the quality of life (if not to the standard of Italy) to maintain control.

The Roman Empire, as it was at the time, was reduced to just the city of it’s Rome and it’s surrounding for the majority of the second half of the first millennium, but the Romans clung tightly to their traditions and their Gods, the latter having survived due to a compromise being formed with the Christians during the reign of Constantine the Great. Rome would establish itself as the predominant city-state in Italy during the middle ages, although it’s authority was limited to it’s own territory although its influence was expansive, and relations between the Emperor and the Papacy ebbed and flowed during this period. The dawn of the Renaissance breathed new life into the Roman dream and as Italy was rocked by wars throughout the 16th Century, to the detriment of all, the Roman Senate finally decided that it had had enough and denounced the ruling Emperor, Valerius, whose plotting had almost brought Rome to ruin. Valerius was furious and ordered the arrest of the those Senators who opposed him, however the Senate was able to call on loyal citizens, who despised Valerius, and barricaded themselves inside the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on Capitoline Hill for two weeks before the Praetorian Guard was defeated by a joint force of the Thirteenth Legion and the Papal Guard.

Thereafter, Rome was re-structured as a Republic, based upon it’s predecessor millennia before, albeit with a reinforced and written constitution, to which, and to Rome itself, all citizens and soldiers were required to swear their allegiance under pain of death. Over the following years, with a closer co-operation with the Papacy due to the assistance of the Papal Guard in the Relief of the Senate, Rome was able to slowly but surely assert it’s authority over the rest of Italy, unifying the country before the turn of the century. Once the fighting was finally over Rome made full of its new subjects in the mercantile cities to establish itself as a major player and it’s wealth began to grow steadily. By the end of the 17th Century all residents of Italy were granted Roman Citizenship.

Perhaps inspired by the resurgence of Rome, a state grew in North Africa, eventually controlling Tunisia and Libya, claiming the long-dead name of Carthage, and Rome would find the New Punic Wars on and off for the following centuries, until in 1895 Rome launched an invasion and conquered Tunisia, the remnants of the Carthaginian government fleeing into exile in Libya where it would eventually fall; at this point Rome moved in and annexed the western part of Libya. Resistance would continue in the conquered lands for decades, however a steady process of Romanisation began to have impact throughout the 20th Century, and heavy investment by Rome steadily began to raise the standard of life, which raised Rome’s popularity, until the modern day where, although still below Italy in terms of wealth, Tunisia is a prosperous, happy province. The next stage of Roman expansion in North Africa would therefore not begin until 2018, when messengers arrived in the night seeking the Roman Governor…

In terms of a Military, Rome maintains a large (exact numbers TBD), professional army, as a result of it’s martial past and traditions, which is largely split between the citizen-only Legions, armoured formations that serve as the spearhead of any Roman assault, and the hybrid Auxiliary Forces, which provide everything from infantry and cavalry to logistical support. Citizens have the choice of joining the Legions, which are frequently moved around the Republic’s territory as required, or the Auxiliary Forces, which largely remain in one place except when on campaign, whereas non-citizen residents must join the Auxilaries (although military service in this manner is a means by which they can gain citizenship). Although the Legions, and the Roman Army, has the most prestige, Rome also maintains a an Air Force (the Vis Volantes), which is principally responsible for air sovereignty missions and ground attack in support of the legions, and the Roman Navy, which is responsible for protecting Rome’s vital trade lines in the Mediterranean and views its mission as ensuring dominance within the Mediterranean at minimum.

You definitely have my vote.

[Chrinthanium]

I suppose that it is time I finally put this down in the apps thread...

Kingdom of Iberia

Claim: Spain (without Canary Islands), Portugal (without Azores or Madeira), Southern France (Novelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhone-Alps, and Provenze-Alps-Cote d'Azure regions), Monaco, Andorra, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Angola, Kongo Central province and Katanga Region of DR Congo, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago, Rio Grande do Sul state of Brazil, Canton of Geneva.

Population: 164,364,021
Capital: Madrid
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Head of State: HRM Juan Pablo III
Head of Government: Prime Minister Diogo Teixeira
GDP per capita: $23,650
GDP: $$3,887,209,096,650.00
Official Languages: Spanish (Castilian), Portuguese, French

The Iberian Kingdom stands as a testimony to the power of the Iberian Union, forged almost 500 years ago and maintained into the modern age as a capable empire in which her territories expand across 5 continents. United forever in blood through the person of His Royal Majesty Juan Pablo III, of the House of Borgia (officially the House of Trastámara-Braganza-Borgia), as Head of State. The empire's desire to continue to explore the world saw the addition of territories in Africa, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean. Invasions into southern Gaul saw Aquitaine and Occitania absorbed into the kingdom in the 1600s. In the late 1800s, anti-royalist movements began to break out, first in Occitania, then in Catalonia. These movements were squashed by the Royal government. A great Iberian Civil War erupted in the mid-1900s and saw the end of the absolute monarchy and a transition to a more democratic nation. This has not, however, seen the retirement of the Royal family into the role of figurehead. Working together with Prime Minister Diogo Teixeira, the Royal family continue to exert a strong influence over the lives of the people of the Kingdom of Iberia. The modern nation faces a rocky future, though. Independence movements in Occitania and Catalonia continue to flare every so often. Would foreign powers seek to influence these divisions to weaken the Iberian state? Or would the Iberian state have the power and ability to thwart such attempts at both foreign influence and internal divisions.

The Iberians maintain a strong military capable of protecting their territories across the globe from foreign aggressors. The Armada patrols the vital sea lanes both in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean to ensure that Iberian trade cannot be violated by the likes of Akink, Cairo, or even Rome. Her armies will protect the homeland as well as the territories from foreign invasion in connection with her air force, both of which are strong enough to make Iberia's enemies think twice.

Internationally, the Iberian Kingdom continues to promote unity within the Iberian people across the globe. It believes that all Iberian-language speaking nations are her children and wants and desires to grant their places of esteemed position within her International Policy. Through the acadamies established to protect the Iberian languages (Castilian and Portuguese, along with French) from foreign influence, the Iberians hope to protect their languages from the devices that have butchered and fractured the English languages globally. Iberia seeks to continue to push for a strong international profile supporting Catholics around their world in their fight against the Protestant heresy that continues to remain in prominence. Furthermore, Iberia hopes to one day unite the whole of the Iberian language nations in a commonwealth with the Iberian king as its head.

[Chrinthanium]

An addendum to the above. Since Geneva (the Republic and Canton of Geneva, that is) is surrounded by my portion of France, I would like it to be part of my claim. It's an additional 489,524 people bringing Iberian population total to 164,364,021

[San Hieronymi]

I see San. Hieronymi as sitting on the Iberian Peninsula and in the very south of France with a few islands scattered in odd places. Probably best if you decide on which islands. I like the idea of being able to incorporate some very foreign but well established cultures in.

If this does not work than I am happy to find a new location. I could not see them as being on the claimed list yet.

Population: 60 million South of the Mountains
15 million north of the mountains
approximately five million in overseas territories.

I'd love to write more but wanted to put this up sooner rather than later.

History

Young by European standards San Hieronymi has been established as a single kingdom since 1573.

The various duchies and principalities in modern day San Hieronymi began to coalesce in the 14th and 15th centuries. A complicated patchwork of alliances and enmities existing south or the Pyrenees. In the year 1496 a relic of Saint Jerome (San Hieronymi) was discovered in the South East of the country. Filled with religious zeal the local peasantry united behind the local Duke, Bertrand of Sevarra. He began a slew of reforms in the rapidly expanding territory which only increased the rapidity of the expansion. With the help of a considerable military acumen he had expanded his territory to cover the entire south of the modern state by the time of his death in 1521.
His Son Duke Ferdinand continued his father's legacy with aplomb, continuing the expansion. In 1531 on the anniversary of the death of Duke Bertrand a monk claimed to have had a vision of the duke and Saint Jerome. He claimed that St. Jerome had stated that it was the will of god that the feuding states be united into one single nation under his patronage.

Duke Ferdinand capitalised on this with a massive military push north reaching most of the way north by the time of his death in 1548. His successors tried to expand north with varying degrees of success over the next few decades. It wasn't until the rise of Duke Bertrand II that the mission would be complete. In 1573 he defeated the forces of the Duchy of Composta and entered the city of Santero in a great religious procession. In the cathedral of that city just south of the mountains, in the presence of the relic that started it all he was crowned King Bertrand I of the Kingdom of San Hieronymi.

The next few centuries saw a consolidation of power in the new kingdom as agreements were made to include the nobility in the organisation of the state. A small colonisation push was made in the seventtenth and eighteenth centuries resulting in a small handful of overseas teritories for the kingdom. The kings though found themselves far more interested in the teritories just over the mountains.

In the Mid-seventeenth century the King had inherited a claim on the principality of Bourles abutting the Kingdom in the northern mountains. A dispute broke out with the neighbouring state and a part of the territory was lost. consistent control was only attained in 1716.

The kingdom has always been rather isolationist attempting to sit out of international conflicts but has become more and more open over time getting involved more and more in outside affairs.

(I am afraid to say much about recent history as I don't want to contradict established modern history, I'll happily flesh it out more if I'm accepted and i can get more to grips with established history)

Democracy slowly but surely encroached on Royal Power and in 1786 the House of Commoners was established to complement the ancient Assembly of Nobles, now known as the House of Peers. The nobility managed to maintain a healthy control of power but had to cede more and more to the general population. At the start of the 20th century a violent revolution broke out resulting in the death of the King. In 1928 the new King Vincento III was able to come to an agreement with the revolutionaries. The new Chamber was added to the house of Commoners, unlike the Old Chamber this body was directly elected. As a final defeat universal suffrage was introduced and many royal acts now required legislative consent.

power has only eroded as history has progressed into the 21st century, not helped by royal infighting. The current monarch, King Marcellius II, has had some success in holding onto the royal prerogatives. A strong pro-democracy movement has been growing despite the strictly enforced lese majeste laws still present in the kingdom. To add to the national woes the separatist movement in Bourles has flared into open violence. Martial Law being imposed on Bourles in 2010 with no signs of it coming to an end.

Culture

San Hieronymi is a very conservative nation especially in the kingdom proper south of the mountains. It has been rather isolated geographically leading to a rather insular culture. Religion is an important part of daily life and the Catholic Church still plays an important role in society.

Though still a strongly patriarchal culture women have been becoming more and more powerful in recent decades. Younger women choosing not to wear the loose clothing and headscarf common amongst their grandmothers. The law still prohibits women from wearing trousers but as with a number of cultural laws this is widely ignored in some regions and the more liberal cities.

Culture is fairly typical for a Mediterranean region with a strong attachment to family and family values. Though on the wane respect for the elderly and filial piety is still a major motivation in society. Society is largely divided along gender lines with men and women congregating separately though no longer legally enforced. Public baths are a large part of culture with men playing chess while reclining. Some baths being in public squares that used to be off limits to women and still are in some places.

Politics

The King still plays an important part in the governance of the country though more and more is being done in parliament. The Lord Chancellor being the day to day head of government. The Legislative branch being dived into three chambers though the two lower houses act in concert the difference being largely in the method of election, a compromise born out of the revolution in the early 20th century.

An extensive civil service handles day to day affairs while policy is set by the politically appointed ministers. Coalitions are not uncommon due to some positions being restricted to the nobility, with the majority of the nobility belonging to a conservative faction. more liberal factions have found themselves growing increasingly powerful in the Lower house, especially in the new Chamber.

Economy
The economy has been growing rapidly since the later half of the 20th century. King Marcellius II has opened up the nation to international tourism and has been trying to encourage foreign tourists to visit. Tourism is becoming a more and more important part of the economy.

Due in part to a desire not to rely on other nations the state has invested heavily in renewable power becoming a world leader in the field.

Agriculture is still an important part of the economy. The wine industry has been hurt by the instability north of the mountains but the south is still one of the world's largest exporters of wine. The fruit industry has also grown with the opeening up of foreign trade and investment. Hieronymian strawberries are world renowned as are their lemons and oranges.

High Tech Industry has also grown rapidly with investment in education.

The construction industry is a major component of the economy and a housing boom has buoyed the economy up. Though there has been political turmoil the economy has never been healthier.

Discoveries of rare elements and minerals in the main nation as well as in overseas territories has been a further support to the economy.

[Chrinthanium]

See my reply below this a few posts down.

[-The New Roman Republic-]

Overlooked it in my initial application, but would like to add Malta to my claim.

Bringing my population up to 119,000,414.

[Chrinthanium]

Overlooked it in my initial application, but would like to add Malta to my claim.

Bringing my population up to 119,000,414.

I see no reason to say no to this, either.

[Chrinthanium]

I see San. Hieronymi as sitting on the Iberian Peninsula and in the very south of France with a few islands scattered in odd places. Probably best if you decide on which islands. I like the idea of being able to incorporate some very foreign but well established cultures in.

If this does not work than I am happy to find a new location. I could not see them as being on the claimed list yet.

Population: 60 million South of the Mountains
15 million north of the mountains
approximately five million in overseas territories.

I'd love to write more but wanted to put this up sooner rather than later.

History

Young by European standards San Hieronymi has been established as a single kingdom since 1573.

The various duchies and principalities in modern day San Hieronymi began to coalesce in the 14th and 15th centuries. A complicated patchwork of alliances and enmities existing south or the Pyrenees. In the year 1496 a relic of Saint Jerome (San Hieronymi) was discovered in the South East of the country. Filled with religious zeal the local peasantry united behind the local Duke, Bertrand of Sevarra. He began a slew of reforms in the rapidly expanding territory which only increased the rapidity of the expansion. With the help of a considerable military acumen he had expanded his territory to cover the entire south of the modern state by the time of his death in 1521.
His Son Duke Ferdinand continued his father's legacy with aplomb, continuing the expansion. In 1531 on the anniversary of the death of Duke Bertrand a monk claimed to have had a vision of the duke and Saint Jerome. He claimed that St. Jerome had stated that it was the will of god that the feuding states be united into one single nation under his patronage.

Duke Ferdinand capitalised on this with a massive military push north reaching most of the way north by the time of his death in 1548. His successors tried to expand north with varying degrees of success over the next few decades. It wasn't until the rise of Duke Bertrand II that the mission would be complete. In 1573 he defeated the forces of the Duchy of Composta and entered the city of Santero in a great religious procession. In the cathedral of that city just south of the mountains, in the presence of the relic that started it all he was crowned King Bertrand I of the Kingdom of San Hieronymi.

The next few centuries saw a consolidation of power in the new kingdom as agreements were made to include the nobility in the organisation of the state. A small colonisation push was made in the seventtenth and eighteenth centuries resulting in a small handful of overseas teritories for the kingdom. The kings though found themselves far more interested in the teritories just over the mountains.

In the Mid-seventeenth century the King had inherited a claim on the principality of Bourles abutting the Kingdom in the northern mountains. A dispute broke out with the neighbouring state and a part of the territory was lost. consistent control was only attained in 1716.

The kingdom has always been rather isolationist attempting to sit out of international conflicts but has become more and more open over time getting involved more and more in outside affairs.

(I am afraid to say much about recent history as I don't want to contradict established modern history, I'll happily flesh it out more if I'm accepted and i can get more to grips with established history)

Democracy slowly but surely encroached on Royal Power and in 1786 the House of Commoners was established to complement the ancient Assembly of Nobles, now known as the House of Peers. The nobility managed to maintain a healthy control of power but had to cede more and more to the general population. At the start of the 20th century a violent revolution broke out resulting in the death of the King. In 1928 the new King Vincento III was able to come to an agreement with the revolutionaries. The new Chamber was added to the house of Commoners, unlike the Old Chamber this body was directly elected. As a final defeat universal suffrage was introduced and many royal acts now required legislative consent.

power has only eroded as history has progressed into the 21st century, not helped by royal infighting. The current monarch, King Marcellius II, has had some success in holding onto the royal prerogatives. A strong pro-democracy movement has been growing despite the strictly enforced lese majeste laws still present in the kingdom. To add to the national woes the separatist movement in Bourles has flared into open violence. Martial Law being imposed on Bourles in 2010 with no signs of it coming to an end.

Culture

San Hieronymi is a very conservative nation especially in the kingdom proper south of the mountains. It has been rather isolated geographically leading to a rather insular culture. Religion is an important part of daily life and the Catholic Church still plays an important role in society.

Though still a strongly patriarchal culture women have been becoming more and more powerful in recent decades. Younger women choosing not to wear the loose clothing and headscarf common amongst their grandmothers. The law still prohibits women from wearing trousers but as with a number of cultural laws this is widely ignored in some regions and the more liberal cities.

Culture is fairly typical for a Mediterranean region with a strong attachment to family and family values. Though on the wane respect for the elderly and filial piety is still a major motivation in society. Society is largely divided along gender lines with men and women congregating separately though no longer legally enforced. Public baths are a large part of culture with men playing chess while reclining. Some baths being in public squares that used to be off limits to women and still are in some places.

Politics

The King still plays an important part in the governance of the country though more and more is being done in parliament. The Lord Chancellor being the day to day head of government. The Legislative branch being dived into three chambers though the two lower houses act in concert the difference being largely in the method of election, a compromise born out of the revolution in the early 20th century.

An extensive civil service handles day to day affairs while policy is set by the politically appointed ministers. Coalitions are not uncommon due to some positions being restricted to the nobility, with the majority of the nobility belonging to a conservative faction. more liberal factions have found themselves growing increasingly powerful in the Lower house, especially in the new Chamber.

Economy
The economy has been growing rapidly since the later half of the 20th century. King Marcellius II has opened up the nation to international tourism and has been trying to encourage foreign tourists to visit. Tourism is becoming a more and more important part of the economy.

Due in part to a desire not to rely on other nations the state has invested heavily in renewable power becoming a world leader in the field.

Agriculture is still an important part of the economy. The wine industry has been hurt by the instability north of the mountains but the south is still one of the world's largest exporters of wine. The fruit industry has also grown with the opeening up of foreign trade and investment. Hieronymian strawberries are world renowned as are their lemons and oranges.

High Tech Industry has also grown rapidly with investment in education.

The construction industry is a major component of the economy and a housing boom has buoyed the economy up. Though there has been political turmoil the economy has never been healthier.

Discoveries of rare elements and minerals in the main nation as well as in overseas territories has been a further support to the economy.

I opted to reply to this down here so that it can be read easier...

Having already applied for Iberia and Southern France and some other territories, I would let San Hieronymi know that Mexico, as well as a lot of Latin America, are currently free. I am normally willing to shift around to assist in getting new people in here, but... when I was Britain and took Patagonia, I wound up giving that to Convallaria for his claim. When Cassanos returned, I gave up the British Empire so he could do the claim he wanted to do. When I was about to post an application for a Pan-Latin state, I wound up giving Italy to New Roman Republic (Arcada). Having given up things for others already, I am not quite as willing to give up this. In fact, I'm not interested in giving it up if you all must know. Further complicating the matter is the fact that the Iberian and Roman claims reached the point of final approval after having been pending for several days already. A post that hasn't been posted because of the appearance of a rival claim for Iberia (though it is currently saved on NS in draft format).

This being said, as the keep of the map, the Roman Republic is admitted to AMW and long may it live. As to Iberia, that's for you all to decide.

[Iansisle]

Also, if he would like to stay in Europe, I'd be willing to pull the Shield out of the Czech Republic and Poland (except Podlaskie, since I want to keep a WoS border). I know the Baltic and central Europe isn't exactly the French Riviera, but it's something.

[Marimaia]

I say we go with the Kingdom of Iberia as presented by Chrinthanium.

He's been willing to give up territory for others, he's been talking about the Iberian claim in one manner or another for quite a while, and he posted his claim on it first.

[San Hieronymi]

I will honestly say that I had not read the last few posts in the thread having focused on the initial posts. thus I did not realise I was making a rival claim until the application was already made. If the group chooses to accept San Hieronymi into AMW I am willing to find a new location but would appreciate assistance in finding a space. Ideally somewhere near other people so there can be some neighbourly contact.

I apologise for any difficulty my application has caused.

[Chrinthanium]

I will honestly say that I had not read the last few posts in the thread having focused on the initial posts. thus I did not realise I was making a rival claim until the application was already made. If the group chooses to accept San Hieronymi into AMW I am willing to find a new location but would appreciate assistance in finding a space. Ideally somewhere near other people so there can be some neighbourly contact.

I apologise for any difficulty my application has caused.

It's not a difficulty, but a unique occurence in AMW to have two claims for the same landmass. We're not normally busy enough for that to be a factor and we're trying to figure out how best to proceed with it. Precedents will be set! And I love a good precedent!

Outside of a location, I like your claim and think you would work well in AMW.

Let me ask you a question... how would you feel about being a colonizer?

[San Hieronymi]

I will honestly say that I had not read the last few posts in the thread having focused on the initial posts. thus I did not realise I was making a rival claim until the application was already made. If the group chooses to accept San Hieronymi into AMW I am willing to find a new location but would appreciate assistance in finding a space. Ideally somewhere near other people so there can be some neighbourly contact.

I apologise for any difficulty my application has caused.

It's not a difficulty, but a unique occurence in AMW to have two claims for the same landmass. We're not normally busy enough for that to be a factor and we're trying to figure out how best to proceed with it. Precedents will be set! And I love a good precedent!

Outside of a location, I like your claim and think you would work well in AMW.

Indeed there is nothing like a good precedent

[Iansisle]

I will honestly say that I had not read the last few posts in the thread having focused on the initial posts. thus I did not realise I was making a rival claim until the application was already made. If the group chooses to accept San Hieronymi into AMW I am willing to find a new location but would appreciate assistance in finding a space. Ideally somewhere near other people so there can be some neighbourly contact.

I apologise for any difficulty my application has caused.

No difficulty at all. A bunch of us are on the Discord thing right now if you'd like to discuss geography live. Chrin can tell you how to get on it. I've forgotten how I did it. =/

..oh, crap, I am middle-aged. Sorry. It just struck me.

[Chrinthanium]

I will honestly say that I had not read the last few posts in the thread having focused on the initial posts. thus I did not realise I was making a rival claim until the application was already made. If the group chooses to accept San Hieronymi into AMW I am willing to find a new location but would appreciate assistance in finding a space. Ideally somewhere near other people so there can be some neighbourly contact.

I apologise for any difficulty my application has caused.

No difficulty at all. A bunch of us are on the Discord thing right now if you'd like to discuss geography live. Chrin can tell you how to get on it. I've forgotten how I did it. =/

..oh, crap, I am middle-aged. Sorry. It just struck me.

I am older than you by almost 7 years... and I know how it works I TG'd San the link.

[Chrinthanium]

After San Hieronymi came into Discord, we reached a claim he likes that isn't Iberia. So, as keeper of the map, Iberia is admitted into AMW.

[San Hieronymi]

Please find below and edited version of my proposal with my newly Africanised claim.

I see San. Hieronymi as being in the teritories of Ethiopea, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somali, Socotra, and the certain counties of Kenya (Marsabit, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Lamu.) (Pop: 125,069,562) External territories being the Maldives and Ile Amsterdam (pop: 392,750)

Population:

[spoiler]I'd love to write more but wanted to put the basics on paper.

Young by European standards San Hieronymi has been established as a single kingdom since 1573.

The various duchies and principalities in modern day San Hieronymi began to coalesce in the 14th and 15th centuries. A complicated patchwork of alliances and enmities existing in the Central eastern Coast of Africa. In the year 1496 a relic of Saint Jerome (San Hieronymi) was discovered in the East of the country. A few hundred years before the region had been populated by Iberrean and other Mediterranean Europeans. Having been granted the land as a gift by the Pope who had previously held claim to the region. Filled with religious zeal the local peasantry united behind the local Duke, Bertrand of Sevarra. He began a slew of reforms in the rapidly expanding territory which only increased the rapidity of the expansion. The relic managed to unite the native African population as well as the people of European descent. With the help of a considerable military acumen he had expanded his territory to cover the entire East of the modern state by the time of his death in 1521.
His Son Duke Ferdinand continued his father's legacy with aplomb, continuing the expansion. In 1531 on the anniversary of the death of Duke Bertrand a monk claimed to have had a vision of the duke and Saint Jerome. He claimed that St. Jerome had stated that it was the will of God that the feuding territories and tribal lands be united into one single nation under his patronage.

Duke Ferdinand capitalised on this with a massive military push West reaching most of the way to modern Senna by the time of his death in 1548. His successors tried to expand with varying degrees of success over the next few decades. It wasn't until the rise of Duke Bertrand II that the mission would be complete. In 1573 he defeated the forces of the Duchy of Composta and entered the city of Santero in a great religious procession. In the cathedral of that city on the Southern Coast, in the presence of the relic that started it all he was crowned King Bertrand I of the Kingdom of San Hieronymi.

The next few centuries saw a consolidation of power in the new kingdom as agreements were made to include the nobility in the organisation of the state. A small colonisation push was made in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries resulting in a small handful of overseas territories for the kingdom. The kings though found themselves far more interested in a handful of local claims.

In the Mid-seventeenth century the King had inherited a claim on the principality of Bourles. A dispute broke out with the neighbouring state and a part of the territory was lost. consistent control was only attained in 1716.

The kingdom has always been rather isolationist attempting to sit out of international conflicts but has become more and more open over time getting involved more and more in outside affairs.

(I am afraid to say much about recent history as I don't want to contradict established modern history, I'll happily flesh it out more if I'm accepted and i can get more to grips with established history)

Democracy slowly but surely encroached on Royal Power and in 1786 the House of Commoners was established to complement the ancient Assembly of Nobles, now known as the House of Peers. The nobility managed to maintain a healthy control of power but had to cede more and more to the general population. At the start of the 20th century a violent revolution broke out resulting in the death of the King. In 1928 the new King Vincento III was able to come to an agreement with the revolutionaries. The new Chamber was added to the house of Commoners, unlike the Old Chamber this body was directly elected. As a final defeat universal suffrage was introduced and many royal acts now required legislative consent.

Power has only eroded as history has progressed into the 21st century, not helped by royal infighting. The current monarch, King Marcellius II, has had some success in holding onto the royal prerogatives. A strong pro-democracy movement has been growing despite the strictly enforced lese majeste laws still present in the kingdom. To add to the national woes the separatist movement in Bourles has flared into open violence. Martial Law being imposed on Bourles in 2010 with no signs of it coming to an end.

Culture

San Hieronymi is a very conservative nation especially in the kingdom proper south of the mountains. It has been rather isolated geographically leading to a rather insular culture. Religion is an important part of daily life and the Catholic Church still plays an important role in society.

A form of hybrid liturgy and Church culture formed a fusion of the native African Christianity and a Latin influence brought from Europe.

Though still a strongly patriarchal culture women have been becoming more and more powerful in recent decades. Younger women choosing not to wear the loose clothing and headscarf common amongst their grandmothers. The law still prohibits women from wearing trousers but as with a number of cultural laws this is widely ignored in some regions and the more liberal cities.

Culture is a unique mix of African and European with a major emphasis on family and blood ties, what might be known as family values still have a firm grip on society. Though on the wane respect for the elderly and filial piety is still a major motivation in society. Society is largely divided along gender lines with men and women congregating separately though no longer legally enforced. Public baths are a large part of culture with men playing chess while reclining. Some baths being in public squares that used to be off limits to women and still are in some places.

Politics

The King still plays an important part in the governance of the country though more and more is being done in parliament. The Lord Chancellor being the day to day head of government. The Legislative branch being dived into three chambers though the two lower houses act in concert the difference being largely in the method of election, a compromise born out of the revolution in the early 20th century.

An extensive civil service handles day to day affairs while policy is set by the politically appointed ministers. Coalitions are not uncommon due to some positions being restricted to the nobility, with the majority of the nobility belonging to a conservative faction. more liberal factions have found themselves growing increasingly powerful in the Lower house, especially in the new Chamber.

Economy
The economy has been growing rapidly since the later half of the 20th century. King Marcellius II has opened up the nation to international tourism and has been trying to encourage foreign tourists to visit. Tourism is becoming a more and more important part of the economy.

Due in part to a desire not to rely on other nations the state has invested heavily in renewable power becoming a world leader in the field.

Agriculture is still an important part of the economy. The wine industry has suffered from the instability but the Kingdom has managed to keep the Eastern heartlands along the coast one of the world's largest exporters of wine. The fruit industry has also grown with the opening up of foreign trade and investment. Hieronymian strawberries are world renowned as are their lemons and oranges.

High Tech Industry has also grown rapidly with investment in education.

The construction industry is a major component of the economy and a housing boom has buoyed the economy up. Though there has been political turmoil the economy has never been healthier.

Discoveries of rare elements and minerals in the main nation as well as in overseas territories has been a further support to the economy

.[/spoiler]

[DaShunchao]

In the interest of flexibility for future claims, because a Greater Tibet has potential in someone else's hands and I'm never going to do anything with the plateau, I would like to renounce the following areas:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gannan_Ti ... Prefecture

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ngawa_Tib ... Prefecture

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garz%C3%A ... Prefecture

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diqing_Ti ... Prefecture

I also wouldn't mind surrendering Yanbian because no one seems likely to support even a fraction of my Korean claim.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yanbian_K ... Prefecture

Having all of historical Korea available may make the peninsula a more tempting site for future players.

I'd also like to extend an invitation to Dra-Poel and Amerique for the remainder of southern Vietnam, to be divided between the two according to their previous roleplaying policies.

[Cassanos]

Well, here it is. The Danelaw. Turn on speakers for best effect.

The Confederate Dominion of the Danelaw
Konføderet Ríkuren den Danelagen
Á Riaghladh Coroinneil-na Danách

Remember, that we all are brothers.
All people, beasts, trees and stone and wind.
Since before people lived and named the world.
Before the first seed sprouted.

Claims:
Europe: Norway, Sweden, Jutland pensinsula of Denmark, parts of Great Britain (TBD), Kerguelen and Crozet Islands of France (southern Indian Ocean)
America: Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Africa: Lamu County of Kenya, southern and inland provinces of Morocco, Republic of Congo-Brazzaville, Northern Cape, Western Cape Provinces and Marion Island (South Africa)
Antarctica: Queen Maud Land
Asia: Surabaya City (Indonesia), Bangka-Belitung and Penang Provinces of Malaysia, Abu Dhabi City (UAE), Islands of Mindoro and Palawan (Philippines)
Possible future claims/TBD:
Parts of northern Canada (Northern Ontario, Northern Quebec, perhaps Nunavut – Amerique’s fiat);
Treaty port and/or naval base in China or Indochina (Dashun’s fiat);
Additional territories in Brazil, Subsaharan Africa and the Pacific.

Population: ~90-110 million (~15M + possible UK claims in Europe, ~30-50M in colonies)
GDP per Capita (average): TBD, around $35,-40,000 (avg. higher in Europe)
Capital: Kenningshalla (in RL municipality of Kungälv)
Government: Confederate parliamentary monarchy
Head of State: Kenning Ælfgar V. of the House of Altmark-Jorvík-Norfolk
Head of Government: Alderman Jan-Hendrik Haroldson
Official Languages: Norse, Ænglisc, Scots Gaelic, Lingala, Arabic, Malay, Tagalog

Dynamic repossession of goods - History

The Founding
The Confederate Dominion of the Danelaw, also known as the Kingdom of the Danelaw or simple the Norse Dominion or Norse Confederace, is a major power with its heartland in Northern Europe. Its roots reach back some 1,300 years, when the Víkingur first left their ancestral homelands in Scandinavia to raid the British Isles and North Sea coasts. The fractious political situation in Britain made the small kingdoms of England easy pickings for the raiders who came in their longships, took what they wanted and disappeared over the horizon before any kind of organised resistance could be formed. The weathered foundations of watchtowers on the coast of Britain are remainders of the time when the people of Britain always looked anxiously to the eastern sea. Over time, interaction became more peaceful, as Norse settlements sprung up along the coast of Britain from Scotland to Suffolk, and Norse traders came exchanging amber and furs for wool and iron in Aenglisc towns.

In the 10th century, however, this changed, as the Anglo-Saxon kings and chieftains banded together against the foreigners encroaching on their territory. Attacks on Norse settlements were answered with punitive raids and the establishmend of wooden forts by both sides. Trade died out. The conflict came to a head when a coalition of petty kings from Mercia and Anglia burned every Norse village and town in Norfolk, meeting the warband of High Jarl Ragnar ‘The Hardhand’ Gustavsson in the Battle of Holt in 963 and beating them decisively. The English proceeded to kill their Viking prisoners and mount their heads along the coast of East Anglia as a warning to other would-be invaders. Instead, this spurred the Norse to strike even harder.

The Great Danish Host
In the summer of 975, a – for the time – vast army of 7,000 Norse warriors landed between modern Fakenham and Yarmouth in Norfolk and began their march inland. Ragnar’s son Halfdan and his uncle Harald the Far-Seer led their host in two columns through Anglia into Mercia, burning and pillaging on their way. This army became known as the Great Danish Host – an inaccurate name, seeing as the invaders came mostly from Norway and Sweden, but a name that stuck.
After several battles against small Anglo-Saxon forces, burning Lincoln and sending King Edgar of Norfolk fleeing, they were met by the army of Alfred Blackhead, King of Mercia, and a diverse mix of armies and warbands from every corner of Britain, hastily gathered at Derby. While the Vikings were outnumbered, they had the advantage of superior training as warriors, discipline and a unified command. The British Fyrd warriors were levied, led by a war council of bickering chieftains and petty kings who had been fighting among each other right up to the Norse invasion. The Viking army routed the British in two days of fighting, with the decision coming when Harald Far-Seer’s forces took the Anglo-Saxon host in the rear and Halfdan himself killing King Alfred.
Instead of merely taking revenge, however, Harald managed to convince his nephew to be merciful. The older man bore the name of Far-Seer for good reason. Legend has it that seeing the riches of fertile England during his march made him consider a more permanent solution, although it is more likely that he travelled continental Europe in his youth and socialized both with their nobility and scholars. Scandinavia had many warriors that were a burden on the economy when not raiding. Many a younger son was left with only his sword and shield to make a living. The people of mainland Europe were evidently on to something – and the Norse took what they thought good for their own. Only now, it would be an idea.
The double marriage of Halfdan to King Alfred’s daughter Rovena of Mercia and his brother Sven Yngling to Wallis of Norfolk on the 12th of September 975 is widely considered the beginning of the Danelaw in Britain.

Middle Ages
Note: This will be subject to change and become more detailed as we hash things out in the group. Place names will be changed or not depending on inspiration. For now, a rough overview.
The unification of Mercia and Halfdan’s realm in Scandinavia did not mean the end of conflict in Britain. Despite an already sizable Norse population in England and intermarriages between the nobility, large parts of England and all of Scotland remained opposed to Norse rule. Meanwhile, Jutland, Trondelag and large parts of Sverige remained unruly, barely content with raiding Ireland and other coasts. Both proper and civil wars only ended with the establishment of a more or less unified Scandinavia.
Over the next few centuries, the Norse-English houses expanded the borders of the Danelaw south, west and northwards by marriage, trade and the sword. In the north, the Picts were subdued, but the highlanders remained independent until MacBeth of Dunkeld, perhaps sensing kindred spirits in the wild and warlike Norse, married into the ruling family of Jelling-Norfolk. To the south, things developed not nearly as peaceful. Several centuries of wars and wary peace culminated in an invasion of southern England and Wales by the Norse-Aenglisc coalition. Utter disaster was turned into a draw when reinforcements from Amberland bolstered the last-ditch defence of ‘England Proper’, while Amberlander naval forces struck at Scandinavian ports stripped of their defenders. Since then, the river Thames is known as ‘The Ditch’ in English parlance, and an uneasy equilibrium has reigned along its length ever since, broken by wars small and large.

Age of sail, age of strife
Their homeland secure, the English began looking further first. With ships from Amberland and Wessex sailing across the world’s oceans to claim foreign lands under the flag of St. George, the Norse turned their attention inward. The loose series of confederacies in Scandinavia finally broke in what became known as the Great Nordic War in the late 16th and early 17th century. Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and British kingdoms fought among each other and struck out against their neighbours (ATTENTION Gandvik, The Shield and Valendia). The war was resolved after almost 50 years with the establishment of the Confederace of the Danelaw. The smaller kingdoms retained some autonomy, but all kings, lords and jarls were subject to the Great King, or simply the Kenning, a name meaning ‘King’ in Norse dialect and ‘The Known’ in Aenglisc.
Yadda yadda, development into a parliamentary monarchy by the C18th and a constitutional monarchy around 1850.

Vikings around the world
The wider world first met the Norse not as raiders, but as traders. Far from the longships of old, large cogs full of good from the far north ranged across the North and Baltic Seas and the Mediterranean. Names like Harald and Thore became as common as Christian, Michael or Juan in the ports of Europe. But while the people of the Danelaw had grown rich, their roots as explorers were not forgotten. There are reports of Norse settlements in North America as far back as the 11th century (if Amerique says it’s okay!), and with better shipbuilding technology came the urge to strike out into the wider world. The Norse established trading posts in Morocco, raided in Asia, settled in South Africa and subjugated the peoples of both the South American and the Central African rain forests. By the 19th century, the Danelaw had expanded its reach across every sea in the world.

Each man his vote - Political System

The Norse Dominion is a democratic confederacy of many member states under a single flag. While the Kenning is the official figurehead of the state, policy is shaped by the parliament and the Prime Minister. Parliament is divided into the Folkething (lower house) and the Landsrådet (upper house representing the territories).
The Norse do not maintain actual colonies anymore, the territories in Asia, Africa and the Americas either integrated into the Danelaw proper or granted autonomous self-rule. Every citizen of the Utlándis (Overseas) can apply for Danelaw citizenship. This does, however, not prevent strife and insurrection in certain overseas territories.

Speaking in Norse code – Culture, Society and Language

The Danelaw is diverse. Some English might still see the Norse as oppressors of English culture and identity. The truth of the matter is that intermingling of Scandinavian and British populaces over the course of a millennium and the sheer number of people of mixed heritage have created a unique culture somewhere between Aenglisc, Scottish and Norse.
The Norse society is founded on the idea that self-determination is a prerequisite for the commonweal. Its brand of ‘Scandinavian Social Democracy’ provides large personal freedoms as well as a fine social security net. Higher-than-average taxes are commonly considered as a necessary contribution to the common good.
Major Utlándisk languages such as Malay have been made official languages of the Danelaw in the second half of the 20th Century, and those so inclined can find a virtually unlimited number of cultural subdivisions, from Malay Swedes to Caribbean Scots.

Vikings of the modern age - Military

Oh yes. It has one. You know me, there will be a lot of detail. In general, the Danelaw operates a disproportionately large navy with expeditionary forces to match. There are essentially two navies (coastal defence in Europe and blue-water) and three armies (European defence forces, territorial defence forces and the Víkingúr, a marine force of around half a dozen brigades).

Making, not taking - Economy

The Norse economy is one of the world’s largest, its society one of the most affluent. Main products are chemicals, machinery, finished goods and electronics, as well as raw materials such as lumber, bauxite, iron, manganese other minerals, rubber and many more. Domestic production of energy is significant, both due to heavy investments into renewable energy sources such as wind, water and solar power, as well as large deposits of natural gas and oil in the North Sea and Central Africa. More oil come from the caliphate through the port of Abu Dhabi, and the Norse claim part of the resource-rich South China Sea through their holdings in the Pacific.

[Chrinthanium]

Well, here it is. The Danelaw. Turn on speakers for best effect.

The Confederate Dominion of the Danelaw
Konføderet Ríkuren den Danelagen
Á Riaghladh Coroinneil-na Danách
(Image)
Remember, that we all are brothers.
All people, beasts, trees and stone and wind.
Since before people lived and named the world.
Before the first seed sprouted.

Claims:
Europe: Norway, Sweden, Jutland pensinsula of Denmark, parts of Great Britain (TBD), Kerguelen and Crozet Islands of France (southern Indian Ocean)
America: Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Africa: Lamu County of Kenya, southern and inland provinces of Morocco, Republic of Congo-Brazzaville, Northern Cape, Western Cape Provinces and Marion Island (South Africa)
Antarctica: Queen Maud Land
Asia: Surabaya City (Indonesia), Bangka-Belitung and Penang Provinces of Malaysia, Abu Dhabi City (UAE), Islands of Mindoro and Palawan (Philippines)
Possible future claims/TBD:
Parts of northern Canada (Northern Ontario, Northern Quebec, perhaps Nunavut – Amerique’s fiat);
Treaty port and/or naval base in China or Indochina (Dashun’s fiat);
Additional territories in Brazil, Subsaharan Africa and the Pacific.

Population: ~90-110 million (~15M + possible UK claims in Europe, ~30-50M in colonies)
GDP per Capita (average): TBD, around $35,-40,000 (avg. higher in Europe)
Capital: Kenningshalla (in RL municipality of Kungälv)
Government: Confederate parliamentary monarchy
Head of State: Kenning Ælfgar V. of the House of Altmark-Jorvík-Norfolk
Head of Government: Alderman Jan-Hendrik Haroldson
Official Languages: Norse, Ænglisc, Scots Gaelic, Lingala, Arabic, Malay, Tagalog

Dynamic repossession of goods - History

The Founding
The Confederate Dominion of the Danelaw, also known as the Kingdom of the Danelaw or simple the Norse Dominion or Norse Confederace, is a major power with its heartland in Northern Europe. Its roots reach back some 1,300 years, when the Víkingur first left their ancestral homelands in Scandinavia to raid the British Isles and North Sea coasts. The fractious political situation in Britain made the small kingdoms of England easy pickings for the raiders who came in their longships, took what they wanted and disappeared over the horizon before any kind of organised resistance could be formed. The weathered foundations of watchtowers on the coast of Britain are remainders of the time when the people of Britain always looked anxiously to the eastern sea. Over time, interaction became more peaceful, as Norse settlements sprung up along the coast of Britain from Scotland to Suffolk, and Norse traders came exchanging amber and furs for wool and iron in Aenglisc towns.

In the 10th century, however, this changed, as the Anglo-Saxon kings and chieftains banded together against the foreigners encroaching on their territory. Attacks on Norse settlements were answered with punitive raids and the establishmend of wooden forts by both sides. Trade died out. The conflict came to a head when a coalition of petty kings from Mercia and Anglia burned every Norse village and town in Norfolk, meeting the warband of High Jarl Ragnar ‘The Hardhand’ Gustavsson in the Battle of Holt in 963 and beating them decisively. The English proceeded to kill their Viking prisoners and mount their heads along the coast of East Anglia as a warning to other would-be invaders. Instead, this spurred the Norse to strike even harder.

The Great Danish Host
In the summer of 975, a – for the time – vast army of 7,000 Norse warriors landed between modern Fakenham and Yarmouth in Norfolk and began their march inland. Ragnar’s son Halfdan and his uncle Harald the Far-Seer led their host in two columns through Anglia into Mercia, burning and pillaging on their way. This army became known as the Great Danish Host – an inaccurate name, seeing as the invaders came mostly from Norway and Sweden, but a name that stuck.
After several battles against small Anglo-Saxon forces, burning Lincoln and sending King Edgar of Norfolk fleeing, they were met by the army of Alfred Blackhead, King of Mercia, and a diverse mix of armies and warbands from every corner of Britain, hastily gathered at Derby. While the Vikings were outnumbered, they had the advantage of superior training as warriors, discipline and a unified command. The British Fyrd warriors were levied, led by a war council of bickering chieftains and petty kings who had been fighting among each other right up to the Norse invasion. The Viking army routed the British in two days of fighting, with the decision coming when Harald Far-Seer’s forces took the Anglo-Saxon host in the rear and Halfdan himself killing King Alfred.
Instead of merely taking revenge, however, Harald managed to convince his nephew to be merciful. The older man bore the name of Far-Seer for good reason. Legend has it that seeing the riches of fertile England during his march made him consider a more permanent solution, although it is more likely that he travelled continental Europe in his youth and socialized both with their nobility and scholars. Scandinavia had many warriors that were a burden on the economy when not raiding. Many a younger son was left with only his sword and shield to make a living. The people of mainland Europe were evidently on to something – and the Norse took what they thought good for their own. Only now, it would be an idea.
The double marriage of Halfdan to King Alfred’s daughter Rovena of Mercia and his brother Sven Yngling to Wallis of Norfolk on the 12th of September 975 is widely considered the beginning of the Danelaw in Britain.

Middle Ages
Note: This will be subject to change and become more detailed as we hash things out in the group. Place names will be changed or not depending on inspiration. For now, a rough overview.
The unification of Mercia and Halfdan’s realm in Scandinavia did not mean the end of conflict in Britain. Despite an already sizable Norse population in England and intermarriages between the nobility, large parts of England and all of Scotland remained opposed to Norse rule. Meanwhile, Jutland, Trondelag and large parts of Sverige remained unruly, barely content with raiding Ireland and other coasts. Both proper and civil wars only ended with the establishment of a more or less unified Scandinavia.
Over the next few centuries, the Norse-English houses expanded the borders of the Danelaw south, west and northwards by marriage, trade and the sword. In the north, the Picts were subdued, but the highlanders remained independent until MacBeth of Dunkeld, perhaps sensing kindred spirits in the wild and warlike Norse, married into the ruling family of Jelling-Norfolk. To the south, things developed not nearly as peaceful. Several centuries of wars and wary peace culminated in an invasion of southern England and Wales by the Norse-Aenglisc coalition. Utter disaster was turned into a draw when reinforcements from Amberland bolstered the last-ditch defence of ‘England Proper’, while Amberlander naval forces struck at Scandinavian ports stripped of their defenders. Since then, the river Thames is known as ‘The Ditch’ in English parlance, and an uneasy equilibrium has reigned along its length ever since, broken by wars small and large.

Age of sail, age of strife
Their homeland secure, the English began looking further first. With ships from Amberland and Wessex sailing across the world’s oceans to claim foreign lands under the flag of St. George, the Norse turned their attention inward. The loose series of confederacies in Scandinavia finally broke in what became known as the Great Nordic War in the late 16th and early 17th century. Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and British kingdoms fought among each other and struck out against their neighbours (ATTENTION Gandvik, The Shield and Valendia). The war was resolved after almost 50 years with the establishment of the Confederace of the Danelaw. The smaller kingdoms retained some autonomy, but all kings, lords and jarls were subject to the Great King, or simply the Kenning, a name meaning ‘King’ in Norse dialect and ‘The Known’ in Aenglisc.
Yadda yadda, development into a parliamentary monarchy by the C18th and a constitutional monarchy around 1850.

Vikings around the world
The wider world first met the Norse not as raiders, but as traders. Far from the longships of old, large cogs full of good from the far north ranged across the North and Baltic Seas and the Mediterranean. Names like Harald and Thore became as common as Christian, Michael or Juan in the ports of Europe. But while the people of the Danelaw had grown rich, their roots as explorers were not forgotten. There are reports of Norse settlements in North America as far back as the 11th century (if Amerique says it’s okay!), and with better shipbuilding technology came the urge to strike out into the wider world. The Norse established trading posts in Morocco, raided in Asia, settled in South Africa and subjugated the peoples of both the South American and the Central African rain forests. By the 19th century, the Danelaw had expanded its reach across every sea in the world.

Each man his vote - Political System

The Norse Dominion is a democratic confederacy of many member states under a single flag. While the Kenning is the official figurehead of the state, policy is shaped by the parliament and the Prime Minister. Parliament is divided into the Folkething (lower house) and the Landsrådet (upper house representing the territories).
The Norse do not maintain actual colonies anymore, the territories in Asia, Africa and the Americas either integrated into the Danelaw proper or granted autonomous self-rule. Every citizen of the Utlándis (Overseas) can apply for Danelaw citizenship. This does, however, not prevent strife and insurrection in certain overseas territories.

Speaking in Norse code – Culture, Society and Language

The Danelaw is diverse. Some English might still see the Norse as oppressors of English culture and identity. The truth of the matter is that intermingling of Scandinavian and British populaces over the course of a millennium and the sheer number of people of mixed heritage have created a unique culture somewhere between Aenglisc, Scottish and Norse.
The Norse society is founded on the idea that self-determination is a prerequisite for the commonweal. Its brand of ‘Scandinavian Social Democracy’ provides large personal freedoms as well as a fine social security net. Higher-than-average taxes are commonly considered as a necessary contribution to the common good.
Major Utlándisk languages such as Malay have been made official languages of the Danelaw in the second half of the 20th Century, and those so inclined can find a virtually unlimited number of cultural subdivisions, from Malay Swedes to Caribbean Scots.

Vikings of the modern age - Military

Oh yes. It has one. You know me, there will be a lot of detail. In general, the Danelaw operates a disproportionately large navy with expeditionary forces to match. There are essentially two navies (coastal defence in Europe and blue-water) and three armies (European defence forces, territorial defence forces and the Víkingúr, a marine force of around half a dozen brigades).

Making, not taking - Economy

The Norse economy is one of the world’s largest, its society one of the most affluent. Main products are chemicals, machinery, finished goods and electronics, as well as raw materials such as lumber, bauxite, iron, manganese other minerals, rubber and many more. Domestic production of energy is significant, both due to heavy investments into renewable energy sources such as wind, water and solar power, as well as large deposits of natural gas and oil in the North Sea and Central Africa. More oil come from the caliphate through the port of Abu Dhabi, and the Norse claim part of the resource-rich South China Sea through their holdings in the Pacific.

Looks good to me. Can't wait till you finalize the land holdings and get this thing rocking.