Sunset Sea Islands

Radiant Republic of the Sunset Sea Islands
Flag Emblem
Motto: In Solitudine Pax (Peace in Solitude)
Anthem: Toui Sora He (To the Far Sky)
The Sunset Sea Islands on Eurth
Sunset Sea Islands in Thalassa
Capital	Sunset City
Official languages	Sunset Sea Islandian
Demonym(s)	Islander (singular) Islanders (plural)
Government	Unitary Presidential Republic
• Prime Minister	Theresa Tumbleweed
Legislature	Parliament
Establishment
• First Oriental settlements	1200 - 500 BCE
• Founding of Mat Troi Lan	16th century
• Liberation	9 February 1947
• Radiant Dawn	25 November 2017
Area
•	955,217.11 km2 (368,811.39 sq mi)
Population
• 2017 census	164,627,827
• Density	171/km2 (442.9/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	estimate
• Total	AD$5,035,670,011,002
Gini	13.3 low
HDI (2018)	0.9413 very high
Currency	SSI Sol (☉) (SOL)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+22
ISO 3166 code	SSI
Internet TLD	.ssi

The Sunset Sea Islands, officially the Radiant Republic of the Sunset Sea Islands and colloquially abbreviated as SSI, is a sovereign state situated in equatorial Thalassa on Eurth. Comprising an archipelago spanning 955,000 km² (369,000 sq mi), the islands owe their existence to a cataclysmic meteorite impact around 66 million years ago. The four main islands, accompanied by myriad smaller ones, are home to a vibrant population of 164 million, making the SSI the most populous nation in Thalassa. Sunset City, known natively as Yūyake-kyū, is the country's bustling capital. With its urban sprawl accommodating over 24 million residents, it ranks among the largest cities in the world. The islands' rich biodiversity includes a vast array of unique endemic species, both flora and fauna, a testament to its distinct evolutionary path due to its isolated nature.

Ancient genetic studies trace the origins of the Islanders to Europa, suggesting that early Oriental seafarers potentially laid the foundations of the Sunset Sea Islander population. Over millennia, this geographically isolated populace cultivated a distinctive culture. Historical fragments detail the reign of various tribal chiefs and warlords who founded settlements predominantly on the southernmost major islands. In the throes of the Great Turmoil of the 15th to 17th centuries, the Islander society grappled with internal power struggles. The region's fractured states and clans, bolstered by imported European technologies and ideologies, frequently shifted allegiances. Ultimately, the territories consolidated into the Empire of Mat Troi Lan by the mid-16th century. Under the Matroilan dynasty, the empire zealously guarded its rich culture, curtailing foreign influences and adopting a largely isolationist stance. However, the 20th century saw the empire's ambitions explode onto the continental stage. Eager to expand its territories, Mat Troi Lan plunged into the Thalassan War. Though its initial campaigns proved successful against weakened neighbouring states, its declaration of war against Mauridiviah drew the formidable Iverican forces of Iverica into the fray. The modernised Iverican military swiftly crushed Matroilan's advances. The aftermath saw Emperor Gabrielos exiled, while his young heir, Tomasso, ascended the throne as a constitutional monarch. This marked the genesis of the Sunset Sea Islands as a reformed, democratic nation. The nation's trajectory took another sharp turn following the tragic '17 Sorrows terrorist attack. The heinous act claimed the life of Crown Prince Simon, causing the distraught King Tomasso to take his own life. The monarchy's dissolution led to the formation of a centralised republic. Today, the nation's political and economic landscapes hint at its evolution into a technocracy, with tech giants like Mantamho and the behemoth Elegy Megacorporation guiding its course.

Economically, the Sunset Sea Islands have undergone a rapid transformation from an empire heavily reliant on agrarian sectors to a diversified global powerhouse, dominated by tourism and propelled by advanced sectors like technology, IT, and bioengineering. Elegy Megacorporation, a global juggernaut in bioengineering, organic prosthetics, and more, stands as a testament to the nation's economic might and innovation. On the international front, the nation's strategic location has facilitated its role as a bridge between continents, bolstered by pivotal projects like the Manamana Canal and its influence in flag design, further cementing its importance in global geopolitics.

Etymology

Sunset over Thalassa.

The name “Sunset Sea Islands” is an exonym bestowed upon the nation following the end of the Thalassan War. An individual citizen or groups of them of the Sunset Sea Islands can be referred to as either Sunset Sea Islander, or just Islanders, which is more common. The expression also works as a general adjective in context with Islander origin.

Prior to the aforementioned war, before 1941, the country was known as the “Empire of Mat Troi Lan.” This name roughly translates to “Empire of the Setting Sun.” When referring to the historical empire, the contracted form “Matroilan” is also applicable for individuals and concepts alike. Internally, citizens still use endonyms when they refer to their country. Overseas, however, the usage of the endonym and its derivative demonyms is somewhat frowned upon, as they are often associated with the oppressive imperial regime.

The origin of the endonym (from which the exonym was derived) is theorised to lie within the Great Turmoil period (late 15th century - early 17th century). According to potentially prosaic recounts, prior to the decisive battle that would unite the entire archipelago under one banner, a motivational speech given by the later victorious warlord to his forces was illuminated by an extraordinarily beautiful sunset. This sight was interpreted a blessing by the goddess of the sun, which served as an in hoc signo vinces (Aroman, “in this sign thou shalt conquer”). To commemorate this occasion, the empire was named Mặt Trời Lặn.

Geography

Map of the Sunset Sea Islands.

Gravity anomaly map of the Fallen Star impact area.

Sunset City and the Yūyake 101.

The Sunset Sea Islands are located on a remote meteoric archipelago, formed by an apocalyptic impact roughly 66 million years ago. The event, which is said to have eradicated 75% of global flora and fauna at the time and ended the age of dinosaurs, created a huge, circular crater, today known as the Fallen Star Sea. The edges of this crater are above sea level, forming the Sunset Sea archipelago. The nucleus is believed to have split into one large part and two smaller parts. The secondary impacts created the smaller craters on the shores of Liberty Island (Jiyū-shima) in the South and Bastion Island (Toride-shima) in the Northwest.

The geographic location in the middle of the Oriental Ocean isolated the islands from the rest of the global biosphere, leading to a huge variety of endemic species. Whilst some plants and animals have gone extinct over the years, millions of globally unique species thrive within the lush jungles and shallow lagoons of the Sunset Sea Islands.

The vegetation varies strongly between the three largest major islands and the smallest of the four, Solitude Island (Kodoku-shima). Whilst the former are covered with dense rainforests, Solitude Island is a barren, rocky wasteland. Whilst the rocks are mineral-rich, for a yet unknown reason fertile soil failed to form on Solitude Island. Currently, it is used for industrial reasons and to alleviate overpopulation in the cities of the nation, as heavy environmental protection laws prevent further urban expansions on the three largest islands.

Over 75% of the total area of the Sunset Sea Islands is classified as nature reserves, one of the highest such values in the world. Bastion Island, the second-largest island of the archipelago, is under complete environmental protection, as it features the largest variety of species that can only be found in the Sunset Sea Islands. Its integrity, that of the whole nation's ecosystem, is watched over from the Bastion Institute of Climate Surveillance (BICS), deep within the heart of the island. The lack of arable land forces the nation to import agricultural products from abroad to feed its growing population.

Cities

City	Native name	Population	Location	Description
Sunset City	Yūyake-kyū	24,747,760	Central Sunset Island	Capital and most populous city of the nation. Administrative and economic centre. Known for its breathtaking skyline, most notably the highest building of the nation and the entire continent, the seat of the national government, the Yūyake 101.
Asimov Science City	Ashimofu Kagakutoshi	12,723,986	Eastern Sunset Island	Intellectual heart of the nation, featuring the most prestigious university of the Sunset Sea Islands, home to many scientific institutions and high-tech corporations. Sometimes called “Silicon Coast”.
Porto Libertad	Jiyū-kaikō	9,025,579	Southern Liberty Island	Established by Iverican soldiers at the end of the Thalassan War, the harbour town quickly became the Islander gate to the world. Most goods either exported from or imported to the nation pass through Porto Libertad at least once. A small lighthouse off its shore is the city's major landmark.
Esperanza (SSI City)	Kyoyō-kyū	6,004,044	Eastern Liberty Island	Influenced by foreign trends after the Thalassan War, the city became a hotspot for naturalist movements, including a strong nudist community. The liberal and uninhibited lifestyle became a major immigration magnet during the times of global peace movements in the latter half of the 20th century. Even today, nudity is a common sight throughout Liberty Island, especially in Kyoyō-kyū, which became known as Esperanza overseas.
Utopia Resort City	Yūtopia rizōto-shiti	4,569,509	Western Liberty Island	Founded close to Esperanza, Utopia Resort City was meant to be a tourist magnet from the start. The government ordered its construction shortly after the end of the Thalassan War, to bootstrap the Islander economy and to reconcile the world with the Islanders and vice versa. The city stretches along the western coastline of Liberty Island. Its proximity to the nudist community of Esperanza became a major tourist magnet, further spreading nudity to URC and throughout the island.
Tenma	Tenma-kyū	3,199,399	Solitude Island	Construction of Tenma started in 2018 to alleviate the problems of urban overpopulation and lack of building space in the rest of the nation. It is the first permanent city on the desolate Solitude Island. Its remote location makes it perfect for the more polluting industries of the nation and provides enough building space for almost unrestricted expansion. Furthermore, the city will have a strong scientific focus. Following a referendum in July 2018, it was decided to install an autonomous technocratic authority in Tenma as a trial run for the whole nation. The city will accommodate workers from the local mining complex, offshore wind warm and the Space Exploration Centre in the north of the island. A Synturian industrial park is under construction in Tenma.
Porto Rosso	Porotorosso	1,278,428	Northern Sunset Island	For a long time controlled by a local mafia clan, declared independence for a short while. The conflict was resolved, when the Don's son was allowed to marry Princess Selena, daughter of late King Tomasso. Still mostly autonomous, the new national government, however, slowly begins cracking down on the special rights. For an unknown reason, the city attracts large numbers of tourists from Fulgistan every year.
Bastion Reservation City	Toride Hogo-kyū	537,555	Bastion Island	Small city supplying necessary tools and equipment to the scientists at the Bastion Institute of Climate Surveillance. Most inhabitants work in transportation, medical services or protect the island's shores from maritime pollution.

History

Prehistoric Era

Archaeological excavations in the late 20th century uncovered remnants of a prehistoric city nestled deep within the jungle of Bastion Island, close to a Northwestern crater. These traces indicate a civilisation that achieved an advanced technological level, especially when compared with other societies of the same period. Their limited presence on the Islander archipelago is believed to be due to its isolation in the expansive Thalassan Ocean. The artefacts, dating back to approximately 15,000 BCE, were predominantly located along a gulf on the northwest of the four main islands. Such ancient items demonstrate intricacies and craftsmanship rarely seen during this era.

Example of a meteor shower.

Significant remnants include cobblestone roads, rock temples, and a unique recording system. This civilisation employed a base-12, Braille-inspired rune system that provided up to 4,096 possible combinations, effectively creating a functional alphabet. Wall inscriptions and artworks often depicted celestial deities, which were portrayed descending from the heavens on fiery spheres.

The imagery of Meteorites is recurrent, indicating their cultural and spiritual significance. Artistic renditions of falling stars and meteor showers were prominent, suggesting an awareness of the meteoric origin of the archipelago, which would eventually be named the Sunset Sea Islands. Historical records posit that during this time, the Eurth experienced a period of heightened meteor activity. This phenomenon could have shaped the civilisation's understanding of their islands' formation, weaving it into their religious and cultural fabric.

Speculations arise from the depictions of celestial beings, often portrayed as humanoids with elongated skulls and strong front limbs. While some assert that these are mere stylistic choices or representations of local deities, others, particularly conspiracy enthusiasts, suggest ancient extraterrestrial encounters. The ultimate fate of this prehistoric civilisation remains a mystery, but their legacy provides insights into the archipelago's deep-rooted history.

Classical Era

Age of Settlements

Prior to the establishment of the Mat Troi Lan Empire, the islands of the Sunset Sea experienced a tumultuous period of tribal warfare and fragmented governance.

Most historians believe that the first settlers on the archipelago arrived between 1200 and 500 BCE, predominantly from Orioni. These settlers are genetically related to ethnic Orinese. They were characterised by their semi-sedentary nature, pit dwelling and rudimentary agriculture. Although artefacts to link the settlers to their origin have been found, so far no political links have been proven. The most common theory suggests that the sheer distance between Orioni and the archipelago made remote governance or even a sense of unity impossible through the lack of communication. The individual settlements slowly deteriorated into tribes and small villages. The secluded communities seldom interacted and when they did, they met on the battlefield. This isolation caused individual cultural traits to develop, for example, a unique art style. It is commonly accepted that the birth of endemic culture marked the point at which settlers from Orioni became native Islanders.

Around 300 BCE, in the last few centuries before the Christian calendar, Western Aurelian islanders, spearheaded by Chief Darian Eso, set foot on the southern islands. These settlers intermingled with existing population inhabitants, introducing wet rice farming, as well as more sophisticated pottery and metallurgy. Islander language, both spoken and written, were strongly influenced by these migrant ethnicities. Cultivated rice became the primary source of nutrition for the native Islanders. In reverence to their leader, they founded the village of Esoria.

From roughly 200 BCE to 200 CE, the islands underwent an epoch known as the Era of Fusion. The indigenous Orioni settlers and the Aurelians combined their tools, art forms, and stories, resulting in a rich cultural amalgamation. In 450 CE, Aelorin, a distinguished scholar hailing from the village of Vespa, formulated a script that drew inspiration from what little remained of the Ancient Oharic and Aurelian writing systems. This script would eventually evolve into the modern Islander language. Building on this foundation of literacy and learning, the village of Vespa became an epicentre for innovation, arts, and trade, attracting intellectuals from across the archipelago.

However, prosperity was followed by a century-long drought around 800 CE. This environmental catastrophe led to severe famines, internal migrations, and intensified tribal conflicts over dwindling resources.

Dawn of Empire (10th-16th centuries)

Come 995 CE, a compelling figure, Maelon Atar, emerged from the northeastern island. With deft diplomacy, strategic marriage alliances, and military prowess, he amalgamated several major tribes. His endeavours birthed the House of Atar, a lineage that would leave its imprint on the islands. Tragically, in 1012 CE, Maelon Atar met his end in the Battle of Lorian Heights, betrayed by a rival tribe. Yet, his dynasty persisted.

The subsequent 13th century witnessed a decline in the authority of the House of Atar, marred by ineffective leadership. This vacuum culminated in a resurgence of tribal skirmishes. By the 14th century, a naval genius, Sila Vira, arose from the southern islands. Under her leadership, the Blue Armada, a powerful naval force, was formed. The next decades experienced a cultural and trade renaissance, largely credited to Sila Vira's efforts in interlinking the islands and fostering maritime commerce.

Rise of the First Emperor (16th century)

Within this backdrop, in 1523 CE, Talorin Atar was born. As a scion of Maelon Atar, he grew up amidst tribal dissonance and fragmentation. A prophetic dream at the age of 22 in 1545 CE set him on a path of unity. In this vision, deities urged him to amalgamate the islands, leading Talorin to commence a unification campaign that employed a mix of diplomacy, warfare, and economic incentives.

The Battle of Golden Horizon in 1558 CE marked a pivotal moment in his campaign. A mesmerising sunset during this battle inspired Talorin to christen his emerging empire Mat Troi Lan or Matroilan (“Empire of the Setting Sun”), named after an In hoc signo vinces (“In this sign thou shalt conquer”). By 1565 CE, his triumphs culminated in the majority of the islands acknowledging his rule. Talorin Atar ascended the throne, becoming the inaugural Emperor of Matroilan. Choosing Esoria as the capital, he renamed it Atar's Seat to honour his ancestral lineage.

Emperor Talorin's rule from 1570 to 1601 CE ushered in an era of transformative reforms centred on infrastructure, pedagogy, and the arts. To ensure representation and unity across the vast empire, he instituted a council of advisors, drawing members from the diverse tribes that populated the archipelago. Emperor Talorin Atar's reign set a precedent for future monarchs of the Matroilan dynasty, highlighting the principles of unity, innovation, and a deep reverence for cultural heritage.

The light of a magnificent sunset is said to have illuminated the speech the warlord gave to motivate his soldiers to extend their hegemony throughout the whole archipelago. During the following decades, the banner of Matroilan was flown over more and more islands. The conqueror proclaimed himself ‘Emperor by the Grace of the Gods’ and became the founder of the Matroilan Imperial Dynasty, which would go on to rule Matroilan with an iron fist for generations.

While the southern islands were the cradle of this civilization due to their hospitable nature, the northeastern island remained largely unpopulated due to its harsh terrain and environmental challenges. Its rough terrain, sparse vegetation, hostile wildlife and brutal equatorial solar radiation made prolonged presence unviable at best, dangerous at worst.

The northwestern island, however, was largely uninhabited for vastly different reasons. The lush, densely vegetated island was unrivalled in natural beauty and was believed to be the home of the gods in early Islander cultures and religions. This divine association led to the construction of temples and sanctums, with a minimal population mainly consisting of religious devotees. As the empire grew, every new emperor was obligated to visit the largest temple to seek the gods' blessings for their reign. Today, besides a handful of monks preserving the temples, scientists study the island for its unique biodiversity. Its spiritual significance has shielded it from urban development, preserving its cultural and ecological legacy.

Early modern era

Great Turmoil (15th-17th centuries)

The Great Turmoil, stretching across three centuries, was an era of socio-political upheaval and transformation for the inhabitants of the Sunset Sea Islands, greatly influenced by its ancient past and setting the stage for future developments.

The foundation of society was a distinct, stratified caste system. Although a majority of Islanders were engaged in agrarian activities, the caste system was fluid enough to allow for upward mobility. The most common pathway to elevation was via joining the martial regiments of the regional warlords, who were busy delineating their territories within the archipelago.

Elaborate armour of the warrior-assassins.

Officially, the archipelago was unified under the imperial banner. However, in reality, the emperor's direct authority was severely diminished, eclipsed by powerful clans and families. Many of these clans transformed local governance structures into militarised states, exercising quasi-autonomy. They imposed taxes, recruited soldiers, and drafted laws within their dominions. A major cultural hallmark of this era was the warrior ethos, which produced a stringent code of conduct, elaborately designed armours, and the now-famed secretive assassins. These facets have since profoundly influenced global pop culture.

Warlord Tenaka.

In this tumultuous era, control over the imperial capital became a recurring struggle. Possession of the capital—and consequently the emperor—translated to the country's de facto rule. Clans' prominence would often fluctuate, given the unstable political landscape. Battles could make or break clans, leading to shifts in power dynamics. Ultimately, an alliance between two dominant factions, led by Warlords Tenaka and Hironaru, paved the way for a consolidated Sunset Sea Islands under the Empire of Matroilan. The subsequent legal and administrative reforms catalysed the nation's march towards modernity.

Among the castes, the artisanal community held a special place. They were often mentored in temple schools overseen by knowledgeable monks. Such establishments, especially the blacksmith and goldsmith temple schools of Bastion Island, produced intricate items which became luxury commodities, both domestically and internationally.

The Great Turmoil also saw the Sunset Sea Islands establish contact with Europan nations and other foreign cultures. This interaction led to an influx of new technologies, with firearms making the most significant impact. The importation of such weaponry and the lingering memory of the ancient civilisation's encounters with celestial deities fostered a cautious approach to foreign interactions. Wanting to sidestep the pitfalls of colonisation and avoid external conflicts, a policy leaning towards isolationism was adopted. Nonetheless, ties with Orinese traders persisted, sparking the "Western Studies" movement. This initiative, drawing inspiration from the ancient civilisation's cobblestone pathways, championed the development of paved roads, advanced water transportation, and the inception of a rudimentary banking system by the culmination of the Great Turmoil.

Mat Troi Lan (17th-20th centuries)

Flag of Matroilan of Mat Troi Lan.

Upon the arrival of Europan traders on the archipelago's shores, memories of the lost prehistoric civilisation and their belief in celestial deities resonated with the ruling elite of Matroilan. The Emperor, reminded of ancient stories of gods descending from the skies, perceived these foreign visitors with both wonder and suspicion. But as interactions increased, the Emperor, known as Emperor Tanakar, grew wary of their intentions and potential cultural implications.

In an attempt to protect the sanctity of the ancient lore and the established Matroilan culture, Emperor Tanakar decreed an embargo on any foreign ship attempting to dock on the archipelago. He viewed foreign influences as potential threats that could dilute or even erase the cherished memories and traditions that traced back to the ancient inhabitants and their celestial myths.

As a result, Matroilan adopted a policy of isolation for the succeeding centuries, redirecting its focus towards internal advancements, bolstering its treasury, and nurturing its arts and culture, inspired heavily by their ancient predecessors and their celestial tales.

However, with the passage of time and growing affluence, the population surged, causing an unexpected strain on the limited arable land available on the archipelago. Frequent famines posed a grave challenge, and discontent grew among the masses. The ruling Emperor, desperate to maintain control, placed the blame on the foreign powers. He propagated the narrative that these entities deliberately curtailed Matroilan's reach, ensuring it remained confined and resource-deprived, echoing the tales of deities who had once blessed and later abandoned the islands.

This narrative and the memories of their ancient civilisation's tragic fate fuelled a fervent sense of nationalism and a belief in racial superiority rooted in their unique history. Increased militarism, and a growing mistrust of outsiders, collectively defined Matroilan's ethos in this era.

20th and 21st centuries

Thalassan War (1941-1947)

Main article: Thalassan War

In the 1940s, war spread throughout the continent of Thalassa. The war originated from a conflict between Andalla and Giokto and would soon pull the whole continent into battle. In the meantime, Mat Troi Lan had subjugated the lesser developed island nation of Shurui and claimed the Dobbarier Reef, going on to mercilessly exploit the nation for material gain. Their lands were pillaged to feed the population of Mat Troi Lan and their resources were taken to fuel the Imperial war machine, which increased its production of war ships and weapons dramatically.

When the original war faring parties in Thalassa were exhausted by years of armed combat, Matroilan took its chance to strike. By attacking the destroyed and weakened nations, Matroilan of Mat Troi Lan managed to spread its rule throughout the entire continent of Thalassa. To establish a “Greater Thalassan Co-Prosperity Sphere”, Matroilan went after nations neighbouring the continent. “Co-Prosperity” was, naturally, not the goal of the campaign, but total economic exploitation of the continent for the benefit of Matroilan.

Made blind by the successful war, the current Emperor, Gabrielos, declared war on Mauridiviah, knowing that that would make Iverica join the war. Although the latter was both more technologically advanced and not exhausted from any wars, Gabrielos firmly believed that his nation was invincible. Within months, Matroilan was defeated by a series of crushing military failures. It was forced to surrender on February 9th, 1947. The victorious parties sentenced Gabrielos to a life in exile. He died five years later in a small lookout on an island off the eastern coast of Sunset Island.

His youngest son, King Tomasso, was inserted on the throne and the nation, as his older brother, Prince Zenos, had died during the war. The nation was reformed as an independent, constitutional monarchy, the Kingdom of the Sunset Sea Islands was born. Several government officials were replaced with international governors to ensure the SSI would turn into a modern society.

Kingdom (1947-2017)

King Tomasso the Last.

During the age of the Kingdom (1947-2017), the nation prospered. A series of policies were introduced to bring the nation up to speed on an international level. International economic treaties and deals were made to bring foreign investment money and expertise into the Sunset Sea Islands. Under King Tomasso's wise reign, the gross domestic product rose at rates never seen before in the world.

Furthermore, incentives were created to propagate immigration into the Sunset Sea Islands. King Tomasso knew that the xenophobic ideology of the population had to be destroyed at its core to make the nation fit in on an international scale. Also, the complete population was forced to undergo rigorous re-education, teaching the value of diplomacy and peaceful coexistence. Especially in schools, children were taught what hardship imperialism and militarism had brought over the nation in the past. Decades of such internationalist and pacifistic policies resulted in a thoroughly pacifistic and xenophile population. Furthermore, the Sunset Sea Islands solidified their position as a world leader in foreign law, diplomacy, and trade. The nation had found dozens of allies overseas and maintained healthy diplomatic relations with most of the world.

The United Border Principality of the Sunset Sea Islands and Futanarien (UBPSSIF) was founded for the SSI to repay the damages it had done to surrounding island states during the Thalassan War. Whilst initially successful, the organisation is mostly defunct today, as no stable governments could be formed in Shurui and the Dobbarier Reef. Now, the SSI only provides coast guard to the nations and maintains emigration centres to make emigration to the SSI simple.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the nation was amongst the global top 20 economies. Furthermore, it became the fastest growing economy in the world, with growth rates regularly exceeding 10%.

Radiant Dawn (2017-2021)

Prime Minister Theresa Tumbleweed.

The so-called '17 Sorrows are commonly regarded to be the most recent turning point in Islander history. A bomb attack on the office tower of the Ministry of the Interior, aimed at Crown Prince Simon, took the beloved heir's life. The meeting he attended was tasked with preparing the celebrations of the King's 84th birthday, suggesting that the strike was specifically directed at members of the royal family. So far, there are no serious claims to the crime and connections to anti-royalist fringe groups could not be created. Prime Minister Dr. Lydia Mauve declared a nation-wide state of emergency.

The death of Crown Prince Simon, the 27-year-old heir, was announced the following day. His mortal remains were completely vaporised by the C4 explosion. Up until this point 1,300 deaths, several hundred injuries and three hundred missing person reports were filed. Authorities claimed that with the utmost certainty more survivors were buried underneath the rubble. The following day, the building could no longer withstand the critical damage it had suffered and collapsed, reducing the chance of rescuing trapped survivors to zero.

Protests against the head of government, Prime Minister Dr. Lydia Mauve, surged throughout the nation. Based on her indirect failure to protect members of the royal family, she was forced to resign from office. Furthermore, demands for a stronger police force and a larger budget for law and order swept through the streets of the nation's cities. The current whereabouts of the former Prime Minister are unknown.

Former Minister of the Interior Theresa Tumbleweed announced the foundation of a new political party, the Party of Radiance. Politicians from all over the political spectrum rallied under her banner that promised to stabilise the nation after this shattering event. A political agenda was hastily assembled and distributed. Political observers and experts predicted high levels of approval of the new party.

The celebrations for King Tomasso's birthday were postponed indefinitely, however, on November 3rd, 2017, the monarch took his own life by medical overdose. The suicide occurred exactly on the monarch's birthday, one week after the attack took his son's life. Princess Selena and her husband Prince Adrian of Porto Rosso resigned from their right to the throne and sought refuge in the friendly Empire of Orioni.

Stripped of a next monarch, the Sunset Sea Islands was reformed as a centralised presidential republic after the Party of Radiance's victory in the following elections. The established parties registered record losses, whilst the Party of Radiance and her victorious leader, Prime Minister Theresa Tumbleweed, gained an absolute majority and thereby the power to shape the nation single-handedly. This power was necessary to create a coherent post-royal constitution. Furthermore, the new government adopted the stances of the '17 Sorrows protests, massively investing in law enforcement. Especially the Synapse System, a highly sophisticated surveillance system able to calculate crime probabilities based on the collection of personal data and the analysis of movement patterns.

The official title of King Tomasso was changed postmortem from “the First” to “the Last.” The nation was renamed to the Radiant Republic of the Sunset Sea Islands on November 25th, 2017. The number of casualties of the '17 Sorrows was determined to be 1763.

2021 coup d'état

Colonel Ishijima in 2017.

On the evening of 19 April 2021, the unknown Colonel Ishijima launched a successful coup d'état. All member of the High Council, including First Speaker Gao He Ping, were apprehended and placed under house arrest. As leader of this new junta, Colonel Ishijima then gave himself the sole responsibility of forming a transitional government “to restore law and order to the Sunset Sea Islands.” A series of very harsh measured were introduced, including curfews and lockdowns. Television and radio were also censored, with internet access being restricted to domestic sites only. All Islanders living abroad were also “recalled with immediate effect.”

This sudden change in policy had international consequences. Stock markets across the Eurth took a serious hit. All foreign diplomats were expelled from the country, with only two days notice. Diplomatic services issued a negative foreign travel advice for the Sunset Sea Islands. The military warned that “unauthorised intrusions into territorial waters and or airspace will be met with immediate and lethal force.” Gallambria announced sanctions against the interim government and the withdrawal of all Gallambrian diplomatic missions.

While the country today is a far cry from the imperialism of the 1940s, the coup d'état has certainly enabled pieces of the old cultural milieu to resurface. The isolated Sunset Sea Islands that exist today, combined with their technologically advanced navy, and a need to use that navy to achieve national prerogatives, feels uncomfortably familiar.

Politics

Government

Composition of the SSI Parliament.

The Radiant Republic of the Sunset Sea Islands is a unitary, presidential democracy. The Prime Minister, currently Theresa Tumbleweed, acts as both the head of government and the head of state. Political power is separated into Legislative (Parliament), Executive (Prime Minister) and Judiciary (Supreme Court). Although all laws have to be approved by the majority of the parliament, the currently governing party (Party of Radiance) is able to rule alone because of its majority in parliament and the appointment of their party's leader as Prime Minister. The Parliament of the Sunset Sea Islands is one of the largest in the world.

Following the recent end of constitutional monarchism, the young republic is in a process of political reorientation. As a result of tightening relations and increased cooperation with the Syndicate State of Synturia, the ideology of technocracy has experienced a surge in popularity throughout the population. Peaceful, pro-technocratic demonstrations and the independent public debate of the Technocratic Internationale have brought the political system into the limelight. Prime Minister Theresa Tumbleweed has met with technocrats on several occasions. In June 2018, a referendum passed to put the city of Tenma, which is currently under construction, under a provisional technocratic authority. The autonomous city will serve as a test run for the political system. Should the government of the Radiant Republic of the Sunset Sea Islands decide that the test was successful, a second referendum will let the people decide whether to transform the nation into a technocratic republic.

The government mostly prioritises education, healthcare and welfare, law enforcement and environmental protection. Spending in law and order has significantly increased since the '17 Sorrows.

Political parties

Party			Results	Change	Parliamentary seats	Ideology	Leader	Comments
		Party of Radiance	59.7%	+59.7%	306 / 512	Big tent party.	Theresa Tumbleweed	Founded by former Minister of the Interior Theresa Tumbleweed during the Radiant Dawn after the '17 Sorrows. Her promise to stabilise the nation and invest heavily in law enforcement and security rallied people from all over the political spectrum under her banner and made her Prime Minister in a landslide victory.
		Bastion Party	11%	-8%	56 / 512	Environmentalist and pacifist.	TBD	They have played a major role in the past, since they were the pioneers of environmental protection in the Sunset Sea Islands. They also influenced the disarmament of the nation severely. However, the party lost a lot of influence in the last decades.
		Party for a Social Society	9%	-23%	46 / 512	Centre-left social democratic party.	TBD	Had been the largest party of the Sunset Sea Islands for decades, but lost tremendous amounts of support after the '17 Sorrows. Lost many members to the Party of Radiance.
		Centrists	8%	-13%	41 / 512	Centrist party.	TBD	Governed the nation in coalition with the PSS for many years. Often considered to be the conservative sister of the PSS. Lost many members to the Party of Radiance.
		Party for Direct Progressive Democracy	6.5%	-10.5%	33 / 512	Leftist party.	TBD	Advocates direct democracy and referendums by allowing members of the party to vote on the political views of the party through a smartphone application. Lost many members to the Party of Radiance.
		Lighthouse Party	5.8%	-5.2%	30 / 512	Right wing conservative party.	TBD	Once growing at an alarming rate in the conservative milieu of Porto Libertad and opposed to mass immigration, now barely passes the five percent barrier since the Radiant Dawn.

Monarchy

Until the events of 2017, the Sunset Sea Islands were a monarchy. The ruling royal house included the following people.

• (1) Emperor Gabrielos (1896-1952)
  • Prince Zenos (1921-1946).
  • (2) King Tomasso the Last (1940-2017).
    • Crown Prince Simon (1990-2017), namesake for Simon Station in Antargis.
    • Princess Selena (born 1992) and her husband, Prince Adrian of Porto Rosso (born 1987); exiled in Orioni.

Law and order

Law enforcement and public security are the major topics concerning the government of the Radiant Republic of the Sunset Sea Islands. Following the '17 Sorrows, the department of law and order received massively increased funding.

The prestige project of the department is the Synapse System, a nation-wide surveillance mechanism analysing movement patterns, suspicious financial transactions, communications, and internet traffic. Since the implementation of the system, crime rates have dropped significantly, as the algorithms autonomously recognise crimes and report them to the authorities. Furthermore, the Synapse System is able to provide “crime forecasts”, calculating where and when crimes are most likely at any given time. These forecasts have greatly increased the effectivity of police patrols, as routes could be optimised thanks to the data provided by the system. The Synapse System's primary source of information for these predictions is the amount of CCTV cameras throughout the nation. With an average of one surveillance camera for ten people, the Radiant Republic of the Sunset Sea Islands is the nation with the densest CCTV coverage and the largest absolute number of CCTV cameras in the world.

Screenshot of PanOS and ValID.

The government furthermore runs an official identification service, ValID. Every citizen ID is linked to a ValID account, which can be used for identification for online services. In combination with an officially licensed computer operating system, PanOS (short for Panopticon Operating System), the government aims to eliminate cyber crimes from the nation.

A curious application of the Synapse System is the possibility of using it as a matchmaking service. During the first months of its existence, the service was introduced as a PR gag, however, the system proved to be performing better than originally expected. By having access to the ID database of the entire population, the system searches for potential matches based on gender preference, life choices, hobbies, interests and several other variables. Launched on September 3rd, 2017, the Synapse matchmaking service is still the most popular in the nation.

The Department of Public Security, which is supervising the system, cooperates with the nation's biggest company, the Elegy Megacorporation, to produce and install the necessary surveillance and analysis technology, including cameras, mega computers and server farms. Currently, the research and development unit is testing autonomous surveillance and law enforcement drones, for example autonomous reconnaissance UAVs or drones patrolling the streets. Only prototypes have been constructed so far.

Military

Flag of EOS.

The incredibly pacifist mindset of the citizens of the Sunset Sea Islands dictates taking distance from any kind of conflict that might escalate into a war. This is why the nation often prefers neutral positions in incidents on an international scale. Throughout the population, working for the military is seen as disgraceful and as treason against the valued principles of peace, diplomacy and international cooperation. For the first time since the Thalassan War, the government of the Sunset Sea Islands was forced to introduce voluntary armed forces after an incident in which a warship from Dolchland appeared within SSI territorial waters. To protect against potential threats, the nation has been slowly expanding its naval presence, thanks to lucrative deals with the Republic of Asgeirria. The Naval Self-Defence Force has also taken over control of the UBPSSIF coast guard, thereby protecting the waters of most of Thalassa. A squadron of Lysian aircraft is stationed in an old air force base as a sign of bilateral friendship.

Although the nation is part of ATARA, the Argic-Thalassan-Alharun Regional Association, it does not participate in the Tricontinental Defence Treaty, instead joining the Entente of Oriental States in February 2019. Participation was impossible because of the weakness of the SSI Self-Defence Forces and because the decision would not have been supported by the general population.

Foreign relations

Flag of the Argic-Thalassan-Alharun Regional Association.

Foreign minister Masayasu Shibahara (left) welcoming a foreign colleague.

Throughout the years, the Sunset Sea Islands rose to be one of the most diplomatically active countries in the world to ensure peace and prosperity. The general policy is to always favour peaceful, diplomatic solutions and to abstain from any form of international military operations. The population is open and welcoming towards all foreign cultures, although violent and warmongering tendencies are viewed with dismay. The Sunset Sea Islands are a founding member of ATARA, the Argic-Thalassan-Alharun Regional Association. The country also belongs to the Entente of Oriental States and Group of Island Nations.

As yet, the Sunset Sea Islands are the only country in the world to have concentrated all foreign embassies into a single building, the One World Center in Sunset City. The building consists of several small detached blocks arranged in a ring and covered by one common roof. Thereby, the country tries to present itself as a neutral meeting ground for countries to meet, discuss and search for diplomatic solutions for their disputes. Furthermore, the common building streamlines diplomatic processes in the country.

Economy

Logo of Elegy Megacorporation.

Although it is heavily dominated by the tourism industry, the economy of the Sunset Sea Islands is highly diversified. After the end of the Imperial Matroilan rule, foreign companies used the opportunity to invest in clothing manufacturing and other forms of manual labour. These initial investments helped to kickstart the economy. Over the course of the following decades, more businesses in the branches of technology and IT formed. A notable example is Mantamho, originally a shower curtain producer, which today is one of the most dominant corporations in the field of entertainment electronics and gaming consoles.

The largest single company in the Sunset Sea Islands is Elegy Megacorporation. In January 2018, the company acquired two major competitors, Asimov R&D and Future Technologies, in the largest company merger to date. After successfully fighting off anti-monopoly investigations, Elegy Megacorporation now is a global leader in the fields of bioengineering, organic prosthetics, genetical modification of crops, information technology, mechanical engineering and robotics. Furthermore, the company is the sole supplier of components and equipment to the Department for Public Security and the Synapse System.

Nevertheless, tourism remains the largest source of income and economic strength within the Sunset Sea Islands. Its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and lush rainforests attract millions of tourists every year. Especially the urban areas of Sunset Island, including the capital, Sunset City, in the East of the nation and the extensive resort areas in the West are major tourist attractions. The national tourism agency runs advertisements addressing “the two beautiful faces of the Sunset Sea Islands”, showcasing both the vibrant nightlife in the nation's never-sleeping cities and the quiet life close to nature in the countryside.

Lastly, the Sunset Sea Islands are the seat of the World Flag Weaving Mill, a producer of premium flags. Not only are most official national flags printed or woven within the SSI, the organisation has also helped to design and redesign many national flags of foreign states. Examples include but are not limited to Cashar, Little Flau, and the flag of ATARA.

Energy

Solitude Island, the most northeastern of the four main islands of the nation, is the main provider of energy to the Sunset Sea Islands. Multiple nuclear power plants and an offshore wind park in the Southwest of the island generate the energy fuelling the whole nation. Electrical energy is transported via undersea cables. Furthermore, solar panels are common on rooftops throughout the nation. Solar farms are also under construction in the wastes of Solitude Island. Because of the equatorial position of the nation, it receives a lot of solar energy, which increases the productivity of solar panels.

The combination of nuclear and renewable energy was chosen to protect the environment of the islands as much as possible. Furthermore, many eco-friendly policies support waste separation, recycling and other environmentally friendly aspects of life. Showers with built-in timers limit waste of water, and central heating is uncommon because of the nation's equatorial position.

Infrastructure

Since the end of the war, heavy investments were made in the urban and regional means of public transportation. Subway, tram, and commuter railway lines connect the urban areas internally, whilst highways and railroads serve as intercity connections. Furthermore, ferry lines are an environmentally friendly connection between the islands of the archipelago. The nation has several international airports, the busiest one being Yūyake International Airport in Sunset City, followed by Asimov International Airport and Esperanza International Airport. High temperatures often cause damage on highways and railways, since the heat causes the materials to expand. Therefore, travel by sea is usually preferred by the population.

Manamana canal

See also: Manamana League

Flag of the Manamana League.

The Sunset Sea Islands benefit heavily from their position as a “bridge between continents.” The nation is a suitable midway point between Europa in the West and Argis, Alharu and Aurelia in the East. Many Andallan transport ships traffic Islander ports and the Syndicate State of Synturia and the Sunset Sea Islands began the construction of the Manamana Canal, a waterway connecting the Oriental Ocean and the Adisi Ocean. This project, however, expanded into an international and multicultural project, as more and more nations joined the construction effort. This led to the foundation of the Manamana League, an assembly of nations involved with the canal, which will also administrate the earnings from the canal.

The construction of the Manamana Canal is not only an investment into the future which will turn into a steady income generator, it also opens up thousands of job opportunities. Currently, there are 35,000 Islanders working on site, many of which are immigrants from Shurui and the Dobbarier Reef area (~Dobby Is Free).

Demographics

Tenma under construction.

The population of the Sunset Sea Islands is mostly concentrated in major urban metropolises like Sunset City, Asimov or the currently under construction city of Tenma. Although the sum of citizens in smaller cities still outweighs the main urban population, a clear movement towards the cities is visible. Within the next decades, urban population will outweigh rural population 60:40 because of intranational migration and strong population growth in agglomerations. Rising life expectancy makes the median age of the population increase from year to year. This demographic change is expected to put a heavy tax load on the younger generations in the foreseeable future.

Although the majority of the Islander citizens claim ethnic Islander heritage, foreign minorities have started to grow since the end of the Thalassan War. Intercultural marriages become more and more common. Migration towards the SSI is still booming, as the economically strong nation attracts many people from weaker nations. The largest minority groups are from the UBPSSIF member states of Shurui and the Dobbarier Reef, followed by Synturians and Andallans. Most migration happens because of education and work the SSI offers to UBPSSIF citizens. The Synturian minority is growing fastest, since the Syndicate State and the Radiant Republic have aligned politically more and more over the course of the past few months. Further minority groups worth mentioning have their roots in Orioni, Prymont, Lysia, Iverica, Variota, Sefesia, Gallambria and Girkmand. Descendants of international diplomats migrating to the SSI during the early age of the Kingdom still often hold high political positions, for example former Prime Minister Dr. Lydia Mauve and current Prime Minister Theresa Tumbleweed.

In recent years, the tropical archipelago nation became a popular destination for retired people from all over the world to migrate to. The warm beaches and beautiful landscape offer a perfect backdrop for the final chapters of life. Unlike many other cultures, sexual diversity has never been anything extraordinary, even in the past. Homosexual or polygamous relationships were common already during the eras of warlords and imperialism. If two warriors on a battlefield were in love with each other, they were considered more valuable in war, as they would fight harder to protect each other. LGBTQA+ members are an accepted part of society, so much so that virtually nobody minds them. The constitution of the Sunset Sea Islands protects sexual and religious freedom and punishes discrimination.

Education

Asimov Science City University building.

Education is one of the primary focusses of the government of the Sunset Sea Islands. From pre school to university, education is absolutely free for everyone, including foreign students. A high level of education is viewed as essential to modern life by the population of the nation. In combination with several progressive policies promoting learning and participation in educational activities, the free education has led to a high standard of intelligence and education throughout the nation. The Sunset Sea Islands feature numerous prestigious universities and scientific institutions, including the Asimov Academy of Applied Sciences, the Bastion Institute of Climate Surveillance and the SSI Space Exploration Centre.

Because of the high percentage of students choosing university over a manual education after secondary school, the nation currently experiences a lack of blue-collar workers. Over the last few years, however, immigrants from the UBPSSIF member states have started to establish good lives in the SSI by pursuing manual labour, a field in which incomes rise proportionally to the lack of craftspeople. Many also work in construction, for example at the construction sites of Tenma and the Manamana Canal.

Language

Neon advertisements in Sunset City.

The Islander language exhibits similarities to the languages of several Oriental Europan countries, most notably Orioni, Koku and Ide Jima. The languages are not mutually intelligible. Furthermore, Islanders uses two different scripts for different applications. The primary alphabet is a complex, native pictograph scripture, unintelligible for foreigners without years of training. The second uses an Arhomanic alphabet. It is mostly used for user interfaces, newscasts, or advertisements and by foreigners who want to learn the language without having to learn how to write. However, a plethora of special characters and accents are necessary to visualise proper pronunciation of Islandian words.

Furthermore, the vast majority of Islanders are fluent in Common, as every child is required to learn the language of globalisation in school. Also, a lot of media produced in Common is consumed by the population, resulting in a good knowledge of contemporary speech. Sometimes, however, the contemporary Common presented in the media may already be outdated by the time the source gets released in the Sunset Sea Islands.

Religion

Freedom of religion is a right protected by the Islander constitution. The country is one of the most secular in the world, with a ratio of atheism or a-religiousness between ninety and 95%. Most members of major religions are either immigrants and their descendants or rare converts. Some, however, believe in “some sort of higher being” and meditation at sites such as modern “temples of tranquillity” can be observed. Such temples are usually empty rooms with strong sound insulation where one can be alone with their thoughts. Temples designed similarly to foreign cultures, for example Koku and Ide Jima exist as well.

Culture

Islander xylograph.

Even though the last decades of Matroilan or Mat Troi Lan and its aggressive nature overshadowed much of the culture of the Sunset Sea Islands up until the Thalassan War, some values are a traditional aspect of Islander culture. One such value is closeness to nature. The beauty of nature left a strong impression on artists in the past. This can best be seen in historical xylographs and drawings. Furthermore, tranquillity and solitude are often the theme of poems, songs or other forms of art from the earlier history of the nation.

Today, culture in the Sunset Sea Islands has more or less aligned with the rest of the modern world. The internet is spreading ideas and trends throughout the world. Especially the youth and the generations of their parents do not perceive patriotic or even nationalistic tendencies, as globalisation takes its course. However, some products of Islander culture are popular overseas, for example computer and video games, as well as both animated and life action films.

Architecture

The Bastion Institute of Climate Surveillance as an example of SSI Brutalism.

Whilst traditional Islander houses and modern one-family houses are a common sight in the countryside, the metropolitan areas of the nation are dominated by skyscrapers. The high population density and extremely limited building space as a result of heavy environmental protection. This leaves only one option for cities in the Sunset Sea Islands to expand: upwards. The metropolises are architectural masterworks of concrete and glass, housing tens of millions of people.

Since the invention of Elegy Superconcrete, a new, durable and quicker drying form of concrete, an architectural revolution has begun. The epicentre is Tenma, a new city whose construction was ordered in early 2018. Construction speeds for new buildings were dramatically cut, and so a city of fair faced concrete grows on Solitude Island. The high temperatures on the equatorial island increase the drying speed of the material additionally.

However, concrete has been a popular building material throughout the Sunset Sea Islands since the end of the Thalassan War. The most notable architectural style is SSI Brutalism, classified by giant, monumental concrete buildings.