Arcandias

The Democratic States of Arcandias
Flag
Motto: In Peace & In Silence
Capital and largest city	Alvoria
Demonym(s)	Arcandian
Government	Parliamentary Corporatocracy
• Prime Minister	Corbin Velez
• Speaker for the Council	Sebastian Verano
Legislature	The Third Council
Independence from Terra Argo
• Declaration	October 12, 1873
• Recognition	February 22, 1875
• Constitution	October 15, 1875 March 20, 1927 October 15, 1969
• Unification	March 15, 1922
Area
• Total	17,695 km2 (6,832 sq mi)
Population
• 2024 estimate	12,145,678
• 2019 census	11,811,767
• Density	686/km2 (1,776.7/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2024 estimate
• Total	666,793,507,624
• Per capita	54929
HDI (2019)	0.683 medium
Currency	Arcandian Coin

History

Pre-Colonization

(Pre-1700)

Archaeological evidence suggests that the first inhabitants arrived approximately 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. These early tribes developed sophisticated agricultural practices, cultivating crops such as maize, beans, and potatoes, while also engaging in fishing and gathering activities that utilized the islands' abundant natural resources. Social structures were complex, with clans and tribes forming alliances for trade and mutual defense, and cultural practices included huge ceremonies, storytelling, and expression through pottery and textiles. The indigenous peoples also had a deep spiritual connection to the land and sea, believing in the sacredness of their environment. Trade networks extended between the islands and surrounding islands.

Colonial Era

(1700s-1800s)

The discovery of rich deposits of rare earth metals, including (but not limited to) tantalum and niobium, ignited intense interest from Terra Argo eager to exploit these resources. The discovery of these resources prompted several expeditions to the archipelago in the ealy 1700s. By the mid-1700s, Terra Argo had established trading posts and initiated mining operations across the islands. Colonial authorities implemented harsh economic policies aimed at maximizing resource extraction, which led to the imposition of high taxes on the indigenous populations. These measures, along with the establishment of a labor force dependent on mining and agriculture, created an oppressive economic environment. This period of colonization was marked by significant violence and the eradication of the indigenous people and their cultures, resulting in the death of over 96% of the native population.

Revolutions and First Council

(1800s-1927)

In the early 1820s, the first attempts at independence arose as a reaction to the harsh conditions imposed by Terra Argo. This weak independence movement, named First Revolution, was fueled by resentment towards oppressive taxation and exploitative labor practices in the mining sector, resulted in five years of bloody conflict. However, this uprising was ultimately unsuccessful. Undermanned, unstable, and most importantly, underfunded, the movement struggled to maintain momentum. Local elites, who had grown wealthy under the colonial system, had little interest in supporting a rebellion that might disrupt their economic benefits. As a result, they worked to undermine the cause, leading to its collapse by the late 1829.

By the mid-19th century, Arcandias saw the emergence of a new generation of powerful businessmen. These individuals, many of whom were brought in to manage the growing rare earth mining operations, began to realize the potential profit in seizing control over Arcandias' mineral wealth and luxury trade. This group, along with many of the older wealthy families, became the financial and political backbone of the Second Revolution. Unlike the earlier attempt, this second revolution, which began in the summer of 1873, was well planned and well-funded. The wealthy revolutionaries had the resources to finance the fight and, within two years, had successfully taken control of two of the three main islands from colonial rule. And on February 22nd, 1875, Terra Argo cecced control of 2 out of the 3 islands.

Following this partial independence, Arcandias was governed by a newly established Oligarchic Council. This council, known as the First Council, was comprised of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in the country. The council fluctuated in size, with anywhere from 20 to 100 members at any given time, as membership was based on wealth and connections rather than a formal election or democratic processes. Local governors, often where appointed by the council and closely connected to its members through family ties or business relationships. While these governors held power over their respective cities, the council maintained ultimate executive authority, prioritizing profits over governance. This system of governance, however, proved deeply flawed. The council's focus on maximizing profits from mining and trade led to significant corruption among both council members and local governors. Many governors, who had little attachment to the cities they managed, prioritized their own interests over the well-being of the population. As a result, crime rates surged, and poverty spread among the working-class population.

Transition to Monarchy

(1927-1928)

The Corruption Collapse of 1927 marked the end of the Oligarchic Council that had ruled the country for over five decades. The collapse came just five years after the integration of the third main island (1922), which had completed Arcandias' unification. However, despite this milestone, the country was plagued by corruption, growing inequality, and worsening living conditions for the majority of its citizens. Public outrage, fed by widespread corruption among the elites, exploded into protests, civil unrest, and violence, which led to a breakdown in law and order. Arcandias was on the brink of chaos, and the business elites feared the imminent collapse of their power and wealth and dissolved the First Council. The dissolution of the council did little to calm the situation. Fearing that a third and more violent revolution was on the horizon.

It was during this period that the Souza-Lima family emerged as a beacon of hope among elite circles. Known for their immense wealth and influence, the Souza-Lima family positioned themselves as the only force capable of restoring order to the crumbling nation. Domingos Souza-Lima, the patriarch of the family, negotiated with other elite factions, promising that he could stabilize the country while allowing the economic priorities that had benefited the upper class to continue. He assured them that a new council would be formed, one that would act in an advisory capacity to the monarchy rather than holding any real power.

Souza-Lima Monarchy

(1928-1956)

In March of 1928, the Souza-Lima family orchestrated a well-staged coup that presented Domingos Souza-Lima as the unifying figure Arcandias so desperately needed. On March 29, 1928, Domingos was crowned the first King of Arcandias in a dramatic ceremony that was designed to legitimize his rule. With the monarchy established, he promised to restore order to the chaos that had engulfed the country. His coronation was presented as a new beginning for Arcandias, one that would ensure stability while keeping the elites satisfied.

The goal of the monarchy was to restore order and reunify the nation after the chaotic dissolution of the First Council and the Corruption Collapse of 1927. Domingos, as the first king, introduced reforms that would solidify the monarchy’s power while creating the appearance of inclusivity and "democratic" governance through the establishment of the Second Council. The council, however, functioned largely as a ceremonial body; though its members were elected, the monarchy retained the power to approve or reject any election result, ensuring that the Souza-Lima family maintained control over the political process.

Throughout the 1930s, Arcandias experienced a period of relative stability. Under the monarchy, they successfully implemented policies that addressed some of the grievances that had sparked the earlier unrest. One of the major accomplishments of the monarch was the construction of route 5 as well as numerous railways that connected all 3 of the islands.

However, the monarchy’s primary concern, was ensuring its own survival. Recognizing that social unrest could easily reemerge, the Souza- Lima family placed significant emphasis on militarization. The islands were fortified, and military spending became a top priority for the monarchy. Some historians argue that the monarchy’s investment in military infrastructure only masked the deeper issues of inequality and corruption, which continued to fester beneath the surface.

Throughout the 1940s, Arcandias became increasingly involved in global trade. The monarchy negotiated trade deals with foreign powers that allowed the country to sell its valuable resources at a premium. By the late 1940s, Arcandias had established itself as a small but influential player in international relations.

Shift to Parliamentary Corpocracy

(1956-1969)

By the late 1960s, it became clear that the Monarchy was no longer sustainable. The growing discontent among the populace, as well as the internal divisions within the Souza-Lima family, created a unstable environment. The second council was most an advisory role however in the last 5 years they had gained more power due to the monarchy not being able to handle the country. In May of 1969, the council led a historic vote to dissolve the very government that brought them to existence. In a secret vote of 142 to 8 the second council led to dissolve the monarchy. The last king, Pedro Souza-Lima, was given an honorary position as a cultural ambassador until his death in 1976. Of course, this wouldn't be without the effort of the military ensuring the removal of the monarch and their family. Being independent to the crown, they were convinced by the council to ensure there removal. Today, the Souza-Lima family (with their limitless wealth) live across the world in the highest amount of luxury money can buy.

In 1969, a constitutional convention convened, led by a coalition of business leaders, governors, and members of the second council. The convention's goal was to form a new government that would address the failings of the monarchy while keeping the influence of wealthy elitists. After 4 months of debates and negotiations, the convention produced a new constitution that established the current form of government, Parliamentary Corpocracy. This new system combined elements of democracy with existing wealth (most commonly known as wealth voting, where the more wealth you have the more votes you get). For the first time council members could be voted out (but sense 1969 only 23 council members have ever voted out). Politician qualifications where expanded but still based on wealth, education, and business experience. This made it so that those who held power were seen as capable of managing the country’s economy and resources.

Modern Day Arcandias

(1969-Present)

Arcandias today operates under a Parliamentary Corpocracy, where political power is influenced by corporate interests. The nation's economy thrives on the extraction of rare earth materials and luxury goods, positioning it as a vital player in global markets. However, the wealth generated from these industries remains concentrated in the hands of a small elite, with corporations holding the sway over the government. The country is governed by a council of 150 members, where votes are weighted by wealth, a system that allows the most financially powerful individuals and companies to dominate the political landscape.

While the country has seen steady economic growth, it faces challenges regarding inequality, with a growing divide between the ultra-wealthy and the working class. The average citizen of Arcandias experiences limited social mobility, with most political and economic opportunities restricted to those with substantial financial resources or connections within the corporate elite. Arcandias has also gained a reputation as a tax haven, attracting foreign businesses and investors seeking to minimize tax burdens. The nation's 7.5% flat tax rate has made it an attractive location for multinational corporations and wealthy individuals, further consolidating its image as a hub for global commerce and finance.