Nations of Elysium

The settlement that became Kalahari began as a mining operation led by a group of Middle Eastern prospectors and their families. They were backed by wealthy investors from Earth, who provided them with equipment, provisions, and even a private defense force. In addition to their familiarity with dry, hot climates, they chose to settle near the Al-Quaum Desert due to the area's rich mineral deposits. They discovered metals such as aluminum, manganese, nickel, and iron, along with abundant veins of gold and silver in their claimed territory, which quickly turned Kalahari into a prosperous settlement.

After The Event, their location and private military allowed them to gain independence from the Colonial Government. However, like other settlements on Elysium, they faced the consequences of The Event. Over time, their technological level declined, forcing society to adapt.

Even before The Event, Kalaharian entrepreneurs had started trading businesses. Their ambition and determination enabled them to dominate the industry in Kalahari and acquire political power. After several decades, the merchant houses became the de facto rulers, operating under a caliphate system based on political maneuvering, financial dealings, and Machiavellian tactics. The fortunes of a ruling merchant house are closely tied to their business acumen as well as their skills in covert operations.

The capital of Kalahari is the city of Aoudaghost, and its current ruler is Caliph Abdul "The Exalted" Majeed el-Jafari.

The Colonial Alliance is what remains of the original planetary government, the U.N.E. (United Nations of Earth) Colonial Government. They are, therefore, the first and oldest society on the planet. After The Event, a civil war broke out between the different settlements on the planet. Many settlements claimed independence and became nations on their own accord, but the UNE Colonial government managed to keep a majority of settlements on the continent of Vanaheim under their banner. These settlements, led by the city of Nova Aurora, became what is today known as the Colonial Alliance. Today, they are the leading nation on the planet in terms of influence, technological level, and wealth.

The Colonial Alliance is divided into five regions that serve as their states with local governments under a federal government. Each region has its own cultural, gubernatorial, and legal variations. The Colonial Alliance federal government is a democratic republic led by a High Council. Each region has three councilmen representing them, and decisions are made by a simple majority vote. The capital of the Colonial Alliance is the city of Nova Aurora, located in the region of Landfall.

The Colonial Alliance Regions are the following:

1. Landfall - The historical first region, and location of the first human settlement on the planet, its capital, Nova Aurora.
2. Gan Eden - Region led by the Elohim, also known as elves. Its capital is the city of Ix.
3. Volaris - The smaller of the regions, located in a mountainous area to the north. Its capital city is New Albion.
4. Argentia - The largest region. Its capital is the city of Grayfield.
5. Xaswana - A prosperous region. Its capital city is Houssa.

The Ruritania empire started as a colonial settlement on the continent of Jotunheim which was a wealthy mining and logging operation on the planet in the early Colonization days. After The Event, it declared its independence and successfully defeated the Colonial Government forces that tried to keep it in the fold. The leader of their revolution, a local highly charismatic warlord named Ionus Nicolae took over the new nation and declared it a monarchy with him as king of Ruritania. His son, Ionus Nicolae II managed to conquer neighboring settlements and expand the territory of Ruritania, and to outdo his father, he declared himself emperor. Since then, Ruritania has benefited from a great wealth of natural resources that has led it to become a strong nation worthy of the empire title. Even though their laws and culture tend to be strict and authoritarian, the population is highly loyal to their emperor due to a carefully cultivated cult of personality crafted around their emperors. Today, the empire is led by Iosif Nicolae II, a highly ambitious man at the height of his power.

The Empire of Ruritania is composed of four separate kingdoms led by its capital Kitezh.

The history of the Dweorg, commonly known as Dwarves, in the nation of Freiheitland began approximately 125 years after The Event. An Erebian cargo ship crash-landed just west of the Ironholde Mountains on the continent of Vanaheim, Elysium. The passengers of the ship were a large group of dwarves who had escaped slavery in Erebus. Seeking refuge, they settled in the cave systems of the Ironholde Mountains, as living underground was their preferred way of life.

Eventually, they were discovered by explorers from the Colonial Alliance, who promptly called for humanitarian assistance for the displaced ex-slaves. This action caused a temporary strain in relations with the Erebian corporate government, which viewed the dwarves as fugitives.

Despite their deep gratitude for the aid provided by the Colonial Alliance, the Dweorg chose to remain an independent community while maintaining close ties with their neighbors. Over time, their population grew rapidly, and they began to colonize the nearby unclaimed lands.

The Dweorg government is led by a council of elders from the various Dweorg clans. Their capital is the underground city of Himinbjörg.

Italica stands as a prominent nation on the planet Elysium, known for its rich history and the intertwining of governance and religion. Emerging from the spiritual movement led by Ignatius Smith, Italica has evolved from a small settlement of religious adherents into a robust autonomous theocracy known for its distinct societal structure and cultural identity.

The genesis of Italica can be traced back to the arrival of Ignatius Smith and his followers, who fled Earth after he received a divine revelation regarding the fate of humanity. Arriving on Elysium five years prior to the cataclysmic event known as The Event, Smith and his faithful initially settled in Nova Aurora, facing skepticism and isolation in a society largely indifferent to their apocalyptic message. Their beliefs were met with resistance due to the conservative nature of their teachings and the fringe status they held in a predominantly secular environment.

However, the chaotic aftermath of The Event transformed their social standing. As Earth vanished, many individuals turned to the Church of Revelation, seeking solace and community. In this tumultuous time, Italica emerged, with its inhabitants uniting under shared beliefs and a collective pursuit of a new moral framework. The need for organization and governance became evident, prompting the church to institute a structured hierarchy that would define the mission and future of the nascent nation.

Under the leadership of Smith’s successor, Patriarch Simplicio Conte, Italica transitioned from a religious group into a fully-fledged theocratic nation. Conte's governance was marked by a commitment to establishing a well-defined institutional structure that allowed for efficient administration and social cohesion. This restructuring fostered a sense of identity and belonging among the residents, consolidating their faith and focus on virtuous living.

Consequently, Italica became recognized as an independent state that maintained its religious roots while developing a unique cultural identity. The nation provided a sanctuary for those inspired by the teachings of Smith and seeking refuge from the chaos. Italica prides itself on its conservative ethics, with governance heavily influenced by the tenets of the Church of Revelation. The nation asserts traditional views on family and moral behavior, promoting a society where loyalty, integrity, and humility are highly valued. Its hierarchical structure allows men to be ordained as leaders and spiritual guides while women contribute significantly as nuns and community leaders.

Integral to Italica’s governance is the Order of Virtue, the nation's armed force and law enforcement agency. Acting as both protector and enforcer of the Church's teachings, the Order has become a powerful symbol of the state's resolve. Their influence extends beyond Italica, providing security for churches worldwide and ensuring adherence to the principles espoused by the Church of Revelation.

The establishment of the Order has solidified Italica’s reputation as a self-sustaining political entity capable of defending its beliefs and territory against external threats. The military presence also reinforces the perception of Italica as a nation committed to upholding moral righteousness.

Today, Italica stands as one of the most influential nations on Elysium, with millions identifying as followers of the Church of Revelation. Its unique historical narrative—from a marginalized group to the robust theocratic entity it is now—captures the dynamics of faith, community, and governance. The nation continues to foster its identity rooted in the teachings of Ignatius Smith and the guiding principles of the Smith Edition Bible.

Located on the continent of Jotunheim, south of Ruritania, the kingdom of Arcadia is a non-hereditary, elective monarchy. Before The Event, it was a colonial settlement that specialized in botanical research, and agriculture. It was a highly successful and rich settlement with a high degree of pride in their group identity. After The Event, they chose to become an independent nation, and adopted an elective monarchic government in order to foment their own sense of identity and pride, with the rich upper class of merchants and landowners becoming the nobility. The level of power that their monarch actually wields tends to be symbolic, and most of the actual power lies with the elected dukes that rule the different provinces of the kingdom. Their current monarch, queen Rowena Sophia Arimanus is an exception to the rule. Her highly charismatic presence, and strong will, has made her highly admired by her subjects and foreign dignitaries.

The capital of Arcadia is the port city of Fairgate.

The Shogunate was established by Hiraku Kobayashi, a Japanese businessman who led a group dedicated to returning to the traditional ways of feudal Japan. Utilizing his business acumen, he successfully acquired a permit that allowed his group of settlers a degree of independence from the UNE government during the Colonization years. They settled on an island named after their founder, with their first settlement—and now the capital—called Neo Edo.

After the event known as The Event, they maintained their independence under mysterious circumstances. Today, the Kobayashi Shogunate resembles feudal Japan, functioning at a technological level similar to that era's. The land is divided among clans led by feudal landowners known as daimyōs, who were, in turn, ruled by the most powerful daimyō, the shogun. The shogun is regarded as the local representative of the Japanese emperor on Earth and wields complete dictatorial power. This position is hereditary as long as a clan can maintain it. Consequently, the government system created a landscape of intrigue and constant infighting, as various feudal lords strived for honor, territory, and the ambition to become the next shogun.

As mentioned earlier, their technological level is more primitive compared to most other nations in Elysium. Following The Event, rumors circulated that they might possess an advanced weapon that helped them maintain their independence from the Colonial Alliance. This claim is considered offensive by many Kobayashians as it undermines the strength and tenacity of the Shogunate. In fact, a few years after The Event, they struck a deal with the Colonial Alliance, wherein the Alliance agreed to protect the Shogunate’s borders in exchange for exclusive commercial rights. This arrangement benefits the Shogunate, as it relieves them of the need to establish a modern defense force and helps keep outside influences at bay.

The current shogun is His Most Honorable Excellency Takemune no Sanjou, Heir of Clan Takemune and the Second Shogun of His Divine Lineage.