Volsci

Volsci Republic Respublika Volskova (Sabellic)
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: Song of the Volscians
Status	Independent State
Capital	Antium
Official languages	Sabellic
Demonym(s)	Volscian
Government	Unitary parliamentary republic
• Exec. Triumvir	Nadar Berbatiev
• Leg. Triumvir	Berg Krimson
• Jud. Triumvir	Vigdis Gudmundson
Legislature	Parliament
Population
• 2018 census	146,520,000
Gini (2017)	32.7 medium
HDI (2017)	0.680 medium
Date format	dd/mm/yyyy
Driving side	right

The Volsci Republic, commonly abbreviated to Volsci, is a country located in Europa on Eurth. Situated in northern Burania, it is bordered by Deltannia to the north-west, the Gulf of Lanjon in the north, the Oriental Ocean to the east, Fubukino in the south, and the Hexanesa Islands in the Kosscow Sea to the east. With a population of 146 million, Volsci is a populous country. Its capital and largest city is Antium, which is located in the eastern part of the country. The city serves as the political, economic, and cultural centre of Volsci.

Volsci is a unitary parliamentary republic. The government is dominated by the Triumvirate, with Executive Triumvir Nadar Berbatiev acting as the head of state. Historically, the country had maintained complicated relations with its Occidental neighbours across the Kosscow Sea. Isolationism has become the dominant ideology during the first decades of the 21st century. For this reason, the country withdrew from the Assembled Nations in 2019.

The economy of Volsci has a per capita output equal to that of other Europan countries. It has a mixed economy, with timber, mineral (copper, tin, iron), and energy reserves (coal, oil) that are among the largest on Eurth. Volsci has an employment rate of 93% and one of the lowest external debts among developed countries. Volsci largely remained an agrarian country until the 1930s. Nearly 10 percent of the population lives a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle.

Etymology

Most modern etymologists regard the tribal name Uolscae as being related to Gelto-Pynglish: gwalch (hawk); perhaps related on the Proto-Europan level to East-Arhoman falco (hawk). Other scholars compare the Volscian personal name Catolcus to the Gelto-Pynglish cadwalch ('hero' or 'battle-hawk'), though some prefer to translate Sabellic *uolco- as 'wolf' and, by semantic extension, 'errant warrior'. This interpretation aligns with the warlike reputation of the Volsci, suggesting a people who saw themselves as swift and fierce warriors. However, recent archaeological discoveries and linguistic analyses have provided new insights into its possible origins and meanings. Recent excavations at the ancient Volscian capital of Antium have unearthed several clay tablets dating back to the 5th century BCE. These tablets, known as the Antium Inscriptions, contain some of the earliest known examples of the Volscian language. Dr. Eleni Markonen, lead archaeologist at the University of Antium, notes that one tablet (designated AI-237) contains what appears to be a creation myth involving a divine hawk-wolf hybrid creature, possibly representing the Volscian people themselves.

Professor Aregash Cherenebereck ina Kalu of the Buran Languages Studies Centre in Orioni has conducted a comparative analysis of Volscian with other Italic and Indo-European languages. Her 2023 paper “Volscian in Context: A Linguistic Bridge” suggests that the root *uol- might be related to the Proto-Europan root *wel-, meaning “to see” or “to look.” Cherenebereck proposes that this could indicate a meaning of “the watchful ones” or “the guardians,” which would align with both the hawk and wolf interpretations. She draws parallels with the ancient Geltic tribe name Volcae, which some linguists believe has a similar etymology.

The term “Volsci” first appears in historical records around the 6th century BCE, coinciding with the period when the Volscian people began to exert significant influence in the region surrounding the Kosscow Sea. The early Volscians were known for their fierce independence and fighting skills, which may have influenced how they named themselves or how they were perceived by neighbouring peoples. As noted by Dr Marcus Valerius in his seminal work “The Peoples of Ancient Europa” (2022), the Volsci saw themselves as divinely appointed guardians of their land. This self-perception may have played a role in the development or interpretation of their tribal name. Other tribal names from the same period and region provide interesting context for understanding the Volsci. The Ainoaten people, often allied with the Volsci, have a name thought to mean “the equals” or “the just ones.” The Kallionen people, another neighbouring tribe, have a name possibly derived from Sabellic *kallio- (“rock”), referencing their mountainous homeland.

Geography

The Volscian territory is on the northern edge of Europa, in the Buranian subcontinent. Volsci is massive; by geographic size, it is one of the largest countries on Eurth. Its land also includes an enormous coastline, and boasts the second most ports along the Argic Ocean. The area extends from the Kosscow Sea in the west, to the Gulf of Lanjon in the north, and the Oriental Ocean in the east. It includes some islands in the north and east.

The landscape is diverse, with various features including rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and deep forests. The Kosscow Sea, with its rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, is a striking feature of the western landscape. The Gulf of Lanjon in the north is known for its fjords, while the Oriental coastline in the east has sandy beaches and rocky islands. The interior of the country is dominated by the vast and forbidding Volscian tundra, which is known for its cold and harsh conditions. The area is home to various wildlife, including wolves, deer, and elk. The southeast of the country is home to Lake Kitezh, the largest lake in the nation, known for its clear waters and rich aquatic life. The Temlyak Peninsula, the northernmost point of the Volscian mainland, is a windswept and rugged landscape, where the sea and the sky meet. It's a place of glaciers, mountains, and sparse vegetation. In this harsh environment, only a few hardy species can survive, such as lichen, moss, and dwarf shrubs. The area, including the peninsula, is also home to various of seabirds and marine mammals such as seals and walruses.

The vast majority of Volscians live along the western and eastern coastlines. Major cities are: Antium (capital), Anxur (seaport), Corioli and Velitrae. Some minor cities include: Aquinum, Arpinum, Atina, Capeatea, Casinum, Fabrateria, Fregellae, Frusino, Inteamna, Signia and Sora.

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  Tundra region with fjords, glaciers, and mountains.

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  The frozen Gulf of Lanjon.

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  Oscan man at Lake Kitezh.

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  Brown bear at Inteamna Peninsula.

Climate data for Antium 2000-2010 normals, records 1950-present.
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	8.5 (47.3)	10.3 (50.5)	15.1 (59.2)	21.9 (71.4)	27.6 (81.7)	30.9 (87.6)	33.2 (91.8)	31.2 (88.2)	26.2 (79.2)	17.6 (63.7)	13.4 (56.1)	10.5 (50.9)	33.2 (91.8)
Average high °C (°F)	−1.3 (29.7)	−1.9 (28.6)	1.6 (34.9)	7.6 (45.7)	14.4 (57.9)	18.5 (65.3)	21.5 (70.7)	19.8 (67.6)	14.6 (58.3)	9.0 (48.2)	3.7 (38.7)	0.5 (32.9)	9.0 (48.2)
Daily mean °C (°F)	−3.9 (25.0)	−4.7 (23.5)	−1.3 (29.7)	3.9 (39.0)	10.2 (50.4)	14.6 (58.3)	17.8 (64.0)	16.3 (61.3)	11.5 (52.7)	6.6 (43.9)	1.6 (34.9)	−2 (28)	5.9 (42.6)
Average low °C (°F)	−6.5 (20.3)	−7.4 (18.7)	−4.1 (24.6)	0.8 (33.4)	6.3 (43.3)	10.9 (51.6)	14.2 (57.6)	13.1 (55.6)	8.7 (47.7)	4.3 (39.7)	−0.6 (30.9)	−4.5 (23.9)	2.9 (37.2)
Record low °C (°F)	−34.4 (−29.9)	−33 (−27)	−31.3 (−24.3)	−19.8 (−3.6)	−7 (19)	−0.5 (31.1)	4.9 (40.8)	2.1 (35.8)	−4.5 (23.9)	−13.9 (7.0)	−25.5 (−13.9)	−29.5 (−21.1)	−34.4 (−29.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	52 (2.0)	36 (1.4)	38 (1.5)	32 (1.3)	37 (1.5)	57 (2.2)	63 (2.5)	80 (3.1)	56 (2.2)	76 (3.0)	70 (2.8)	58 (2.3)	655 (25.8)
Average rainy days	19	17	15	11	11	14	12	15	14	16	18	20	182
Mean monthly sunshine hours	38	70	138	194	284	297	291	238	150	93	36	29	1,858
Average ultraviolet index	0	0	1	3	4	5	5	4	3	1	0	0	2

History

Classical history

The early Volscians, also known as the Volscian people, were an ancient group of tribes that inhabited the area surrounding the Kosscow Sea. They were known for their fierce independence and military prowess, and for several centuries were among the most dangerous rivals of the Aroman Empire. At the time, they inhabited the partly hilly, partly marshy district of the south of Antium. The confederation of small kingdoms sprung up along the great rivers of the north. The local tribal leaders forged marriage pacts with any other Buranian adventurers, hiring their swords to subdue their neighbours. For centuries, brave traders ventured there to buy furs, fox pelts, rabbit, and ermine from the tribes of the woods. That trickle of traders became a flood, and great towns sprung up on the rivers. Fortune-seekers came up from the Oriental coasts, from the southern steppes, and most of all from the Aroman Empire.

Koschei the First.

In the 120s, the Volsci came under pressure from the Aromans and elected a prince to lead them in war. Over time, this position became hereditary, with the first leader being a figure known as Koschei the First, who was said to be immortal and had a reputation for kidnapping young women. According to Volscian folklore, the nearby Kosscow Sea was named after him. However, the idea of a monarchy never sat easily with the independence-minded Volscians, and the potential for rebellion always lurked beneath the surface.

In the 200s, the Volsci repeatedly allied with their neighbours in opposition to the Aromans. In 270 CE, they even invaded a nearby province of the Aroman Empire, and fought the assembled Aromans at the Battle of Cryophobae in 279 CE. Despite these defeats, the Volscian tribes remained in the area, blending into the nomadic identities of the neighbouring steppe cultures.

Post-classical period

Buran longships besiege $city in 458 CE.

In the 500s CE, the Volsci found themselves facing a new threat. The neighbouring Thelarike Kingdom began to encroach upon their western coastal lands. The Volsci, still recovering from their previous wars with the Aroman Empire, were unable to mount an effective defence and gradually lost control of the territory. The loss of their western coastal lands was a blow to the Volsci, as it reduced their territory and cut off their access to valuable resources such as fishing and trade. It also exposed them to the threat of Thelariker raids and invasions. In response to this new threat, the Volsci turned to a new means of survival: piracy. The Volsci had always been a seafaring people and had a strong navy, and they began to raid Thelarike and other neighbouring ships, attacking merchants and clergy passing near their shores. They quickly became known as fierce and ruthless pirates, striking fear in the hearts of their enemies.

A source of conflict between Volsci and Tagmatium was often the Hexanesa, which Tagmatium had conquered from Thelarike in the mid-600s CE. While usually under Tagmatine control, there were Tagmatine garrisons in an area that Volsci considered to be its own. The islands frequently swapped between Volscian, Tagmatine and Thelariker control. And for several periods, they were even ruled as a joint condominium between Tagmatium and Volsci. This saw the islands jointly administered by both empires, with the tax income gained from them split evenly between the two.

During the Post-classical period (900s CE), the Volscian piracy activities increased, and they turned their attention to the neighbouring countries, including Tagmatium. Tagmatine merchants and clergy were targeted, and even close raids to Tagmatika's own ports were conducted. Despite the Tagmatines' best effort to stop the Volscian raiders, they proved to be too elusive, and Tagmatium was unable to stop the raids. The first of many Volscian-Tagmatine peace treaties, signed in attempts to put an end to the raids, did not last long, as the Volsci quickly returned to piracy as soon as the treaties expired. This constant state of war and raids caused a strain on the relations between the two countries, and made trade and travel difficult and dangerous.

Early modern period

As the wurld entered the 1600s, the Kingdom found itself facing new challenges, as it struggled to maintain an uneasy balance with its nearest neighbours in Deltannia, Burania, and Europa. The country had become a melting pot of various ethnicities and cultures, and the government was challenged to keep the different groups united under a single nation.

• The Volsci had long had a contentious relationship with Deltannia, due to disputes over trade and territory. Deltannian merchants often complained about tariffs imposed by the Volsci, and the two nations were constantly engaging in diplomatic wrangling. Burania, on the other hand, posed a different kind of challenge. Ethnic tensions were rising between the various ethnicities and cultures. The Volsci were concerned about the potential for cultural dilution. Lastly, the relationship with other countries in Europa was an uneasy one, as the Volsci saw the various powerful and expanding countries there as a potential threat to its sovereignty. The Volsci government, therefore, was cautious in its dealings with Europa and sought to avoid becoming embroiled in the international conflicts.
• Tsaari Yorji Ivansson recognised the complexity of the situation, and sought to balance the competing interests of the different ethnicities and nations. He implemented policies to promote national unity, such as encouraging intermarriage and promoting the use of a common language. He also sought to address the concerns of the different groups through diplomatic means, such as trade agreements and treaties. It was a difficult task, and the President's efforts were met with mixed success. Ethnic tensions continued to simmer, and the government was often forced to tread carefully in its relations with its neighbours. But despite the challenges, the Republic of Volsci managed to maintain a fragile stability, and the nation continued to prosper.

By the 1700s, the Volsci likely had some colonial holdings, specifically in coastal cities in northeastern Argis.

• It was the year 1700, and the Volsci were a rising power in Burania. Under the leadership of Tsaari Voldimer III, the nation was undergoing a period of rapid expansion and modernisation. The Tsaari had always been a strong proponent of colonial expansion, and saw the untapped resources and potential of northeastern Argis as a ripe opportunity for the Volsci to expand their influence and wealth. Tsaari Voldimer III assembled a fleet of ships and a large army, and set sail for northeastern Argis. The native inhabitants of the region, the Argidians, were caught off guard by the sudden invasion and were quickly defeated by the more advanced and well-equipped Volscian forces. The Volsci took control of several coastal cities in northeastern Argis, including the major port city of Argos. The Argidians were subjected to Volscian rule, and many were forced into labour to support the colonial economy. The Volsci built new roads, ports, and fortifications to solidify their hold on the region, and began to extract the abundant resources, such as lumber, gold and silver. However, Tsaari Voldimer III, also implemented policies to improve the lives of the Argidians. He ordered the construction of schools and hospitals and ensured that the native population received fair treatment under the law. He also encouraged intermarriage between the Volsci and the Argidians to create a more harmonious society. These actions led to the Argidians to gradually accept their new rule. As the years passed, the Volsci colony in northeastern Argis prospered. The port city of Argos became a major hub for trade, and the region's resources brought new wealth and prosperity to the Volsci nation. Tsaari Voldimer III became known as a visionary leader who had led the Volsci to new heights of power and prestige. However, it's not all sunshine and roses, as the colony faced resistance from some Argidian factions who resented the Volscian rule, and Tsaari Voldimer III's army had to repress these insurgencies from time to time.

In the 1800s, the Volsci transitioned from a monarchy to a republic. There is no known record if there were any intermediate systems or how the aristocracy reacted to this transition.

• It was the year 1848, and the winds of change were blowing across Europa. The idea of democracy and republican government was spreading like wildfire, and the people of the Volsci began to question the centuries-old monarchy that had ruled their nation. The Volscian aristocracy, led by Tsaari Lewopold II, had grown increasingly “out of touch” with the needs of the common people. The nation was plagued by poverty, corruption, and political unrest. The king and his wealthy advisors refused to make any meaningful reforms, and the gap between the rich and the poor continued to widen. The discontent of the population came to a head, when a young lawyer, named Jan Punapää, started to give speeches about the need for political change. He envisioned a republic where all citizens would be equal under the law and have the right to vote. His speeches resonated with the people, and he soon became the leader of a revolutionary movement. As the revolution gained momentum, Tsaari Lewopold II and his advisors grew increasingly worried. They saw their power and privileges slipping away, and they were determined to put down the rebellion. The Royal Army was deployed to quell the revolution, but the soldiers defected and joined the revolution, and the king, was forced to flee the country.
• With the monarchy overthrown, the Volsci established a provisional government and set about the task of creating a new republic. They formed a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution, and Punapää was elected as the first President of the new Volsci Republic. The transition was not smooth, and the new republic faced challenges from the start. The aristocracy, who had enjoyed a privileged position under the monarchy, were furious with the loss of their power and many of them refused to accept the new system. They established a political party to try to restore the monarchy and plotted against the new government. Additionally, the new Republic also faced economic challenges and social unrest as the country struggled to adapt to the new system. The economy was in shambles, and the government struggled to implement policies to improve the lives of the people. But President Punapää and his government remained determined to build a better and more just society. They worked to address the economic and social issues, and Punapää made efforts to include the aristocracy in the new government, by offering them positions in the administration, and slowly, the nation began to stabilise and prosper.

Modern history

Portrait of President Punapää, 1856.

As the world progressed into the 1850s, the Volsci modernised with the incorporation of trains and a rise in a new elite class due to the new riches. The economy continued to grow when offshore oil discoveries were made, particularly in the shallow Kosscow Sea, as well as along the eastern shores.

• As the wurld progressed into the 1850s, the young Volsci Republic was undergoing a period of rapid modernisation and economic growth. President Punapää, who had successfully navigated the nation through the tumultuous transition to a republic, now set his sights on modernising the country's infrastructure and economy. One of his first priorities was the incorporation of trains. He saw the potential of trains to connect the country and spur economic growth, and he allocated government funds to build a comprehensive railway system. The trains quickly became the backbone of transportation, making travel and trade faster and more efficient. The economy began to boom as the railway system opened up new markets and opportunities for trade. The nation's resources, particularly the oil discoveries in the shallow Kosscow Sea and along the eastern shores, brought new wealth and prosperity to the country. The new wealth created a new elite class, as many entrepreneurs and business leaders emerged and amassed vast fortunes. They invested in new industries, such as shipping, oil, and manufacturing, which further fuelled the economic growth.
• President Punapää, however, also made sure that the benefits of this economic growth were shared by the population. He implemented policies to reduce poverty, create jobs and improve the standard of living for all Volscians. He also increased government spending on education and healthcare, which helped raise the quality of life for the nation's citizens. As the country grew wealthier, it also became more developed and civilised, with the construction of new buildings, public spaces and urban development projects, making the Volsci Republic one of the leading nations in Europa.

20th century

Volscian occupation of Deltannia (1902-1959)

Volscian troops march into Deltannia, 1902.

Religious mosaic blended with Volscian militarism.

In the early 20th century, the Volsci occupied Deltannia from 1902 to 1959.

• The once-great nation of Deltannia was on the brink of collapse. Its economy was in shambles, and political turmoil had gripped the country. In the midst of this chaos, the neighbouring country of Volsci saw an opportunity to expand their influence and power. The Volscian leader at the time, $personName1, had always been ambitious and saw the weakened state of Deltannia as a chance to expand his empire. He rallied his people with speeches of national pride, and also promised the Deltannian people a brighter future under Volscian rule. With the support of his people, $personName1 launched an invasion of Deltannia. The Deltannian army was ill-equipped and ill-prepared to defend against the Volscian forces, and their resistance was quickly overwhelmed.
• The occupation of Deltannia began, and it was a difficult time for the Deltannian people. The Volscian army was strict and brutal in their rule, often using violence and intimidation to keep the population in check. Many Deltannians were forced into labour to support the Volscian war effort, and there were widespread food shortages as the Volsci took control of Deltannia's resources. But it wasn't all bad. $personName1 understood that long-term rule required the support of the governed. He implemented policies to improve the infrastructure in the occupied territories, building new roads, schools, and hospitals. In time, he also lifted many restrictions on the press and allowed greater freedom of speech and expression.
• Despite the difficult circumstances, a resistance movement began to form in Deltannia. Led by a charismatic leader named Marcus Turveviljelijä, the resistance fought against the Volscian occupiers using guerrilla tactics and sabotage. They gained the support of many Deltannians who were tired of living under the harsh rule of the Volsci. As the years passed, the resistance grew stronger and $personName1 grew increasingly worried about the threat they posed to his rule. He ordered his soldiers to crack down on the resistance, but their efforts were largely unsuccessful, as the resistance fighters were always one step ahead.
• Finally, in the year 1959, after 57 years of occupation, Deltannia was able to secure its independence, through diplomatic negotiations led by Turveviljelijä son and the resistance fighters. The Volsci retreated from the territory, and the Deltannian people celebrated the end of a difficult chapter in their history. $personName1 faced a mixed reception from his people, both hailed as a hero for the development he brought, and criticised for the years of occupation. On the other hand, $sonOfTurveviljelijä was celebrated as a national hero for his leadership and sacrifice during the occupation, and for his role in the negotiations that led to Deltannia's independence.

21st century

Berbatiev led the AN-withdrawal.

The contemporary history of the Volsci in the 2000s was marked by an isolationist policy. The government, led by Executive Triumvir Anton Jordaniasta, focused on domestic issues and sought to minimise the nation's involvement in international affairs. The country avoided participation in conflicts and alliances, and pursued a policy of neutrality in glubal affairs. This isolationist policy served the Volsci well, as the nation was largely unaffected by the Great Europan Collapse of the late 2000s and early 2010s. While many Europan nations struggled with economic crises and political turmoil, the Volscian economy remained stable. This kept its people were relatively insulated from the turmoil of the region. However, as the wurld entered the 2010s, the Volsci, like many parts of the wurld, began to feel the growing effects of climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events and other climate-related problems began to impact the country. The government responded by investing in renewable energy and implementing policies to reduce the nation's carbon footprint.

At the start of the 2010s, in part due to changing climate conditions, Volsci began to industrialize the north of the country, especially along the Gulf of Lanjon. A series of settlements were built along the Gulf. The settlements range from company towns focused around a particular industry, to planned communities meant to create a model Volscian lifestyle. And because the Gulf ices over in the winter, new rail lines were connected to the city of Sora and the Trans-Burania Railway to keep the north supplied. The construction projects were an initiative of Executive Triumvir Nadar Berbatiev. As a result of these projects, members of the Executive branch make frequent trips to the Northern reaches to demonstrate their political support.

In 2019, Executive Triumvir Nadar Berbatiev made the controversial decision to withdraw his country from the Assembled Nations. While the reason for the withdrawal was not explicitly stated, some experts speculated that the government wanted to minimise the nation's involvement in international affairs to prioritise domestic issues. The withdrawal was met with mixed reactions: proponents praised the move as a way to focus on the nation's own interests, while opponents criticised it as a setback for international cooperation and progress. Despite the withdrawal, Volsci continued to maintain diplomatic relations with other nations, and played a limited role on the glubal stage.

Politics

Government

Ex•Tri Nadar Berbatiev.

Lex•Tri Berg Krimson.

Jus•Tri Vigdis Gudmundson.

The Torunjam Comitum government complex in Antium.

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D•Ex•Tri Alyeksandr Voremen.

The Volsci Republic is run as a de facto triumvirate. Though the three triumvirs are theoretically equal, the executive is considered primus inter pares. The Executive Triumvir heads the Government and is responsible for the daily activities and management of the executive branch. The current Executive Triumvir is the Honourable Nadar Berbatiev, elected in April 2019. His role is equivalent to the function of a President. The Legislative Triumvir is the head of the Parliament, responsible for the regulation and management of the legislative branch, and required to sign all laws passed. The current Legislative Triumvir is Berg Krimson. The Judicial Triumvir is the head of the Judiciary and acts as the supreme judge of the Supreme Court. The current Judicial Triumvir is Vigdis Gudmundson. The Judicial Triumvir is responsible for the managing of the judiciary, appointing Judges, and administering the oath of office of federal officials. The Judicial Triumvir is required to sign all major documents passed by the judicial branch.

Foreign relations

The Triumvirate follows a fanatical doctrine that seeks to control the Eurth and the fate of mankind. According to the Triumvirate's core belief, the Eurth was last pure and untainted after the God of the Abrahamic religious tradition cleansed it in the Biblical Great Flood endured by Noah, which they claimed to have occurred around 8,000 years ago. Since then, the Eurth has become consumed by chaos and sin. And only the Triumvirate has received God's divine command to restore humanity to this once-untainted paradise. Volsci is also an ageing, insecure, former power determined to make a last stand before it is incapable of doing so.

Foreign policy experts have identified two rivals schools within the Volscian foreign policy: Expansionists who want to recover territories lost during the previous century, and Isolationists who promote the closing-off of Volsci within its own cultural sphere. Isolationism has become the dominant ideology during the first decades of the 21st century. For this reason, the country withdrew from the Assembled Nations in 2019.

Military

Main article: Volscian Armed Forces

See also: List of equipment of the Volscian Armed Forces

The Volscian military is made up of four branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Strategic Rocket Force. Military service in the Volsci Republic is voluntary, although conscription can be re-introduced during wartime. These forces are also ready to take advantage of possible opportunities to extend Volscian power or to stop internal threats to Volscian security. The Triumvirate wants to use any means necessary to influence other countries and destroy any heretical or blasphemous civilisations, to accomplish its ‘holy mission’. The Triumvirate shares similarities with the Knights Templar, a Tacolic Military Order active during the Crusades for the Holy Land.

The Volscian military maintains a large military force to defend against any attacks on their borders by any potentially hostile neighbour. The Volscian people support such an expensive force to prevent a destabilising effort. In 1959, Deltannia abused a period of internal Volscian power struggles, to establish its self-proclaimed ‘independence’. Since the 1960s, Volsci maintains a strong military presence along its northwestern border with Deltannia. The Volscians constructed a series of long border minefields, supposedly to stop cross-border infiltrations. However, the minefields have caused mostly civilian casualties. The IRCE asserted that: “International humanitarian norms are being violated, as long as the mine locations aren't marked. The Volscian government must inform the population of mine locations and types of mines.” The EOS has raised concern with Antium against this aggressive posturing. Volsci's southern border with Fubukino is much longer and more difficult to defend.

In the 1970s, the Triumvirate began investigating the dangers of and countermeasures to bioweapons. Since tests could cause long-lasting contamination of the immediate area, a remote island was preferred. A science and military complex was built on Vissarion Island in Lake Kitezh. It was used for inventing, producing, and testing biological weapons. In 1981, an accidental release of smallpox infected ten people, of whom three died. By the 1990s, the international community learned of its existence through various Volscian defectors.

VNS Harold Volk (left) docked in Capeatea.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Volsci had largely slowed its exploration efforts in the Argic Ocean. But interest has reignited since Volsci began further exploring and asserting its claim over disputed territories in the 2010s. The Gulf of Lanjon has become widely navigable because of receding pack-ice and improvements to shipping. This had led to calls by international bodies and foreign powers for Volsci to concede its sovereignty over the route and allow it to exist as an international passageway. The Volscians have immovably wanted to do so, with the ability to enforce their claims over this and the deeper Argic waters. For this reason, the Volscian Navy began developing new Argic warships: the Harold Volk-class offshore patrol vessel. As of September 2022, one is in service, three have been completed, and five are still under construction. These ships will serve to patrol and protect Volscian claims in the Argic region from foreign powers. The ships will also prevent the use of the passage by criminal organisations. It may mark the first steps of Volsci toward great power status in this future geopolitical battleground. In the words of the D•Ex•Tri Voremen: “Volsci has a choice when it comes to defending our sovereignty over the Argic Ocean. We either use it or lose it. And make no mistake, this government intends to use it.” More manpower is required to enforce and protect Volsci's claims to these increasingly desired assets.

However, the Volscian military also faced some internal problems. Unrealistic and stereotyped training practices in many areas failed to stimulate leadership initiative and creativity (especially at lower command levels) and that cannot test readiness adequately. There are quality control difficulties in producing and maintaining some of the more complex combat equipment now being fielded. Cynicism and corruption is widespread, fostered by the rigidly hierarchical Triumvirate system. Language and race issues can also negatively affect the military.

Economy

Peat briquette factory.

Volsci is one of the largest countries on Eurth by geographic size. It is a mixed economy, with a heavy emphasis on the resource-extraction and export sectors. The country has a diverse range of natural resources, including coal, minerals, oil, and natural gas. It contains an abundance of hydrocarbons -- that is: petroleum, coal, and natural gas -- making the country one of the most energy-rich in the Wurld. The mining sector is also important, with coal, minerals, and other resources being found all over the country. The oil fields in the east are particularly rich, and have been a major source of conflict with neighbouring Deltannia. Volsci is an important producer of oil and natural gas and much of this activity is seasonal, but due to the geography, most of the Volscian territory vacillates between frozen and swampy, making it more challenging to export. It also has more than enough land for new settlers. Of course, this would demand active engagement from the Volscian government to promote this outcome. Further infrastructure development is required. This includes the improvement of its rail system to something more high speed, with additional stops along inland cities. This would go a long way to creating a more evenly populated country, and a thriving, competitive trade economy. Additional people and improved infrastructure will support increased resource extraction and processing. The country has a relatively low unemployment rate, with only 7% of the population actively seeking employment.

Volsci's land also includes an enormous coastline, and boasts the second most ports along the Argic Ocean. The maritime transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with two major ports that play a crucial role in the country's economy: Antium, located along the Kosscow Sea, and Inteamna on the Oriental Ocean. These ports serve as key hubs for the import and export of goods, and are also important centres for tourism. Many foreign visitors come to see the country's historic coastal cities. There's also an increasing number of visits to the beautiful and mysterious Lake Kitezh.

The Argic territory was long disregarded as a relatively useless. However, recently, it has become an area of tremendous interest, eyed by many foreign glubal powers. New technologies and discoveries, along with changing environmental circumstances, have opened up new possibilities in the field of energy extraction, defence, and trade. It's believed that the Argic houses a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 40 percent of the wurld's undiscovered oil and natural gas reserves. Not to mention copper, iron, diamonds, and phosphate. These resources have been costly and inconvenient to exploit. But investment in Argic exploitation of these resources could shift the glubal balance of financial and strategic power.

To protect the Boscan people from the effects of oil drilling and mining operations, they have been relocated to a resource-free area in the northeastern Temlyak Peninsula. The Boscans are a small ethnic group native to the tundra area. They live on a self-governing reservation. Tourists can book an organised trip to experience the Boscan culture. Half of all profits go to the Boscan Nation.

The national currency of the Volsci Republic is the Volscian $!Ruble. The $!ruble is the official currency of the country and is used for all transactions, including trade and commerce, government transactions, and day-to-day transactions for individuals. The $!ruble is issued and regulated by the central bank of Volsci, which is responsible for maintaining price stability and ensuring the stability of the financial system. The central bank uses various monetary policy tools to influence the value of the $!ruble and to achieve its monetary policy objectives.

Demographics

Ethnic groups

Traditional Boscan man.

Volsci is one of Eurth's most sparsely populated and urbanised countries. The vast majority of Volscians live along the western and eastern coastlines. From the early 8th century BCE, they spread to inhabit the majority of northern Europa.

Volscian people are divided into three geographic subgroups: Oscans (chiefly East-Volscians, Karthenians), Wescans (West-Volscians, Vetokite), and Boscans (North-Volscians, Deltannians). Within Volscian society there exists a relatively strong belief in Pan-Buranian Universalism. This is a non-political movement that promotes cultural unity and, to some extent, homogenisation among different Buranian communities.

Language

Volscians are Europan people belonging to the larger Buranic linguistic group.

Religion

WIP.

Culture

The calendar system is unique in that it utilises a six-season method, instead of the traditional four seasons that are commonly used in many countries. These seasons are fixed at even intervals of two months each and are named as follows:

• Winter: January and February.
• Unlocking: March and April.
• Spring: May and June.
• Summer: July and August.
• Autumn is September and October.
• Locking: November and December.

The naming of these seasons is symbolic, with ‘Unlocking’ and ‘Locking’ indicating the seasonal cycles of nature, such as the thawing of rivers and streams or the freezing of lakes and swamps. These seasons also dictate different activities that are appropriate for the season. For instance, 'Winter' is a time when many people in Volsci focus on indoor activities, as it is often cold and snowy, while 'Summer' is a time of year when many people engage in outdoor activities and holidays. The use of a six-season calendar is an important aspect of Volscian culture, and it plays a significant role in shaping the country's customs, traditions, and way of life. The calendar is used to organise various cultural and civic events throughout the year, such as festivals, holidays, and other celebrations that are timed to coincide with the appropriate season. The six-season calendar system is unique to the Volsci Republic and is not used in any other country. It adds a specific cultural mark to the nation and its way of living, it's a way to understand the environment and adapt to it, it also establishes a strong sense of connection with nature.