Maritime Republic of Hansa

The Maritime Republic of Hansa is a nation-state that comprises of the Isle of Hansa as it's capital and only land holdings as of current, it's capital being an an artificial island south east of Aatyeli off the northern coast of Rohel in Sparwood. It is an independent Republic and is ruled by Chancellor Henry Chamberlain. It has a small population of approximately 30 residents and it's economy is a largely export and mercantile based economy; it's top exports being experience bottles, armaments, brews, literature and other products.

Founding (Dec 19-Jan 8)
The original date of it's settlement is unknown, but the Isle historically has been claimed by the old Escharian Empire's trade companies before its collapse in January of 2021; the only record of previous settlement being the three original structures and a sign that read "This small town was nice. Might make one like it. - PBDIII, Oct10,21". On December 19th, 2021, the since long abandoned island was discovered by Henry Chamberlain, who claimed and resettled the island the same day. Henry subsequently named the island 'Hansa', as there is no name known to have previously existed. The political status of the island however is unclear as it was not actually annexed by Lunaris in the Dubrian Crisis that lead to the subjugation of Dubris by the Kingdom of Lunaris. On December 26, 2021; the disputed Isle of Hansa had it's legal status reaffirmed as part of the Fjarldom of Aatyeli, of which Henry Chamberlain became it's vassal and was granted the title of Baron and given official rule of Isle. The Isle remains under the rule of Henry Chamberlain to this day. Since Henry's official reign over the island, it has been developed and grown significantly with the addition of infrastructure, buildings, housing and domestic industries and a steady increase in population; as well as a gradual expansion of the island itself due to land reclamation projects that continue today. The founding of Hansa is defined by the rapid initial growth of the town and the slow building of a foundation that would go to define Hansa in the future as well.

Early Stages (Jan 8-31)
The beginning of the 'Early Stages' of Hanseatic history post it's foundation can be considered to be when the Hanseatic Sveiland Mercenary Company, a mercenary enterprise run by Henry Chamberlain himself; first fought in the 2nd and 3rd Sieges of Adwa in the Alamaynian War of Independence. Effectively an extension of Hansa's influence and presence in a military form abroad. This excursion by Hanseatic forces and influences into the lands and domains of other nations, especially in a military fashion; is seen as Hansa's first real entrance into the wider geopolitical sphere of Rathnir. It also began expanding it's diplomatic influence, forming alliances with the Osterium Pirates, the Kingdom of Thalassi among others as well as establishing links with Bardonia and Astyllea. In addition the growth from the foundation period continued as although population growth slowed, large quantities of new buildings and infrastructure were built in this period. Including the establishment of the hierarchy and culture that would go on to define Hanseatic society; including the foundation of it's government/elite and landowner class as well as it's distinct Hanseatic culture and geopolitical influence outside that of it's then overlord the Fjarldom of Aatyeli.

Post Independence (January 31 - February 5)
On January 31, 2022. The now Chancellor Henry Chamberlain paid an agreed $150,000 in full to the Fjarldom of Aatyeli who granted full independence and sovereignty to the new Maritime Republic of Hansa, with Henry Chamberlain as it's first chancellor and Head of State. After which the Declaration of Independence of the Maritime Republic of Hansa was signed and agreed upon by both Hansa and Aatyeli. Leading to the official creation of the sovereign Maritime Republic of Hansa. Since then, Hansa's main focus has been the expansion of it's capital city of Hansa in terms of economic development infrastructure. In addition to extending their diplomatic and commercial interests elsewhere, establishing the Hanseatic Trade Company to represent Hansa's commercial interests abroad. On February 5, 2022 the republic held it's first formal election, confirming Henry Chamberlain as the official democratically elected chancellor of Hansa.

Development (February 6 - March 21)
Since gaining independence and establishing a government, the republic and it's citizens have spent most of the time since then building and developing the capital city of Hansa. Hansa's government and society has remained remarkably stable thus far, and has been steadily building it's wealth and domestic economy; mostly by the increase in trade as well as increasing production and export of goods. There has also been a gradual increase in trade and the introduction of foreign merchants, but the overall economy of Hansa and it's growth still remains comparatively small and limited. Hansa also adopted and formalized it's official native language on March 13, known as Hansan or Hanseatic.

Expansion (March 21 - )
On March 21, 2022. A group of three squatters, as well as numerous other states, claimed the sanctuary of Fisk, an island left by it's previous owner as a free zone and the last unclaimed area of Rathnir. This enraged Chancellor Chamberlain who had urged the unclaimed status of the island to be respected, but of particular irritation were the squatters. The three squatters, upon claiming the isle that which they had never set foot upon, proclaimed an empire and were openly obnoxious of their newly proclaimed squatter-state. Chancellor Chamberlain then issued an ultimatum to the 'Empire of Athenai' so it was proclaimed, that they completely disband and withdraw from Fisk immediately or face removal by force from Hansa. Their leader, Makyha, rejected this ultimatum and maintained their position, thus began the Half Hour War. Within half an hour Hanseatic troops by the name of Admiral Ludvig von Bach and Captain Haust von Arbeit had already landed in Fisk, the landing of troops prompted the squatters to surrender immediately without offering resistance and completely dissolve. The Chancellor's swift action and victorious conclusion in quickly dismantling the squatters was met with widespread international approval, with several foreign volunteers joining Hansa to eliminate the squatters, assuming that there would be an actual battle. Makyha in turn was universally condemned, and withdrew from Fisk to Eisenland.

The Chancellor's next major action was the founding of the Trade League, an international organization founded and spearheaded by Hansa that was officially formed on March 29, 2022. The Trade League is focused on the principles of free trade between democratic states and mutual defense, as well as the promotion of said ideals across Rathnir. The League currently consists of the Maritime Republic of Hansa, the Republic of Nomedia, the Republic of Zemlya, the Hanseatic Trading Company, the Osterium Pirates, the Republic of Heimstadt, the Rathnir Finance League, and the Kingdom of Atlantia. The Trade League has expanded rapidly since it's formation and is currently recognized as an upcoming power in Rathnir, though it has yet to achieve or partake in any significant events.

Economy
The Hanseatic economy is largely defined by exporting Hansan made trade commodity goods and services to other markets. The most common and valuable exports are that of experience bottles, armaments, brews/beverages, literature; as well as financial, economic, mercenary, and other such services. This trade makes up the majority of the Hanseatic economy and it's wealth as although it does generate some wealth from mining and agriculture it does not have the labor capacity to do so on a large enough scale to generate meaningful wealth and sustain a growing economy. Thus it mostly relies on industrially manufactured exports such as exp, armaments, and so on.

Hansa is also the founding member of the Trade League, an international economic and defense organization made with the primary intent of forming commercial ties and creating greater prosperity in trade; which contributes to Hansa's own trade value and prosperity. An important fact is that almost all Hansan exports are managed by private companies such as the Henry Company and Hanseatic Trading Company (a subsidiary of the Henry Company), companies which are also looking to expand their business and market reach into other large populated markets such as Azael's Lounge, Aurora, Aurlunor Velande, and Borhammer among others.

Culture
Hanseatic culture is a blend of Northern seafaring cultures related to the Osterium Sea and south South Western influences. Hansa is slowly developing it's own culture based on Northern influences related to seafaring and trade as well as ancient Latinate influences. The Republic has also developed it's own language known as Hanseatic or Hansan, which was officially adopted and written into dictionary on March 13, 2022; the language is based heavily off of Latin but is still very different and distinct in spelling, pronunciation and grammar. Hansa also has a developing industrial urban class rife with coffee house culture and enlightenment ideas, with a rich political culture based upon the values of Republicanism and Democracy and widespread libertarian fervor.

Hansa also has a strong maritime and naval culture as a result of it's status as an island nation based heavily on maritime trade. It has a navy rather than a standing army and it's government officials and officers all wear distinctively naval uniforms; featuring dark navy blue coats and cocked hats (tricorns). In addition to having distinctive terminology and naval aspects adorn their everyday lives and overall society. The Hansan Navy too has developed a very Gentlemanly and borderline aristocratic culture, one of the key examples being that all officers are required to wear facial hair. A particularly popular style of which is deemed 'The Commodore,' which consists of a large moustache that drops from the sides of the mouth and then curls back upwards and is the length of the face.

Though literature and works of art in Hansa is not particularly prevalent it is growing and becoming gradually more widespread. Popular works include the Trollitarian manifesto, a political commentary by Mesa V. Kuller, the song March of the Free by Henry Chamberlain, and various oil paintings depicting Hansan scenarios including battles and revolutions.

Government
The government of Hansa is very small. Comprising of the official Chancellor Henry Chamberlain as head of state and government as well as Prime Minister Horst Bauen Arbeit and Admiral Ledvig von Bach as members of the Hansestag; the central governing body of the republic. A minister named Hanase used to occupy the office of chamberlain, in which he under the approval and supervision of the Chancellor could manage internal affairs related to finance, the economy, laws and resources. Hanase however died on March 6 and has yet to be replaced. Admiral Bach occupies the office of Grand Admiral of the Hanseatic Navy and can manage naval and maritime affairs. The government generally has very liberal internal policy and allows free-trade between it's people domestic and foreign, the only exception being that citizens are not allowed to trade with wartime enemies of Hansa along with the occasional tax on foreign luxuries. On February 6, 2022 the republic had it's first formal election, officially confirming Henry Chamberlain as it's first elected chancellor. Thus making it a genuine and functioning democratic state. He remains Chancellor to this day.

Politics and movements
Though the primary political movement and ideology within Hansa is by far representative democracy in the form of a Republic along with free trade; there are other political movements in Hansa gaining traction. Another notable movement is that of the Trollitarian movement, headed by Mesa V. Kuller which has published it's own manifesto and has begun to organize units and spread political propaganda in the name of Trollitarianism. The movement is largely defined by the elimination of the state and bureaucracy and the replacement of government with organized Trolling committees without ethics or morals to prevent differences and any need for violence. Despite it's growth however it is still a minority movement and the ideals of democracy will likely continue to remain dominant in Hansa. There are also two smaller movements, that of the Hanseatic Protection Party lead by Admiral Bach and the Hanseatic Militarist Party lead by a man by the name of 'Lucky Lynx.' The Hanseatic Protection Party (nicknamed the 1894 party) being an advertised militarist party focused on the preservation of security, although it has been alleged that it seeks to install total government control. The Hanseatic Militarist Party is a more conservative militarist party. Neither of these movements have any particular traction or clear motive/ideology.

Military
The only official military force of Hansa is that of the Hanseatic Navy or 'Mara Hansae' in High Hanseatic. It is a naval force with it's main purpose being that of coastal defense and protection of trade interests abroad. It's commander is the Chancellor Henry Chamberlain with Admiral Bach as it's 2nd highest officer. The navy is fairly small but still enough to protect it's trade interests and employs a sizable portion of the Hansan population. It has no standing army and relies on volunteer soldiers from it's citizenry and the soldiers of the Sveiland Company run by Chancellor Chamberlain for military purposes on land.

February 6, 2022 - General Election

 * Candidates:
 * Henry Chamberlain (Chancellor)
 * Not Henry Chamberlain
 * Statistics
 * Chancellorship
 * Henry Chamberlain (6 votes, 85.7%)
 * Not Henry Chamberlain (1 vote, 14.3%)
 * Votes
 * Total: 7
 * Voter turnout: Unclear (records lost, likely ~50%)
 * - Result
 * Chancellor: Henry Chamberlain (85.7%)

''No one else ran for Chancellor, thus the only option was to elect or not elect Henry Chamberlain. The election however is still considered valid as there was an option to vote against Henry.''

April 6, 2022 - General Election

 * Candidates
 * Chancellor:
 * Henry Chamberlain
 * Not Henry Chamberlain
 * Prime Minister:
 * Ledvig von Bach
 * Horst Bauen Arbeit
 * Hansestag:
 * Ledvig von Bach
 * Horst Bauen Arbeit
 * Lucky Lynx
 * - Statistics
 * Chancellorship
 * Henry Chamberlain (6 votes, 66.7%)
 * Not Henry Chamberlain (3 votes, 33.3%)
 * Prime Minister
 * Ledvig von Bach (3 votes, 33.3%)
 * Horst Bauen Arbeit (6 votes, 66.7%)
 * Hansestag
 * Ledvig von Bach (7 votes, 77.8%)
 * Horst Bauen Arbeit (8 votes, 88.9%)
 * Lucky Lynx (2 votes, 22.2%)
 * Votes
 * Total: 9
 * Voter turnout: 33.3% (9 out of 27)
 * - Result
 * Chancellor: Henry Chamberlain (66.7%)
 * Prime Minister: Horst Bauen Arbeit (66.7%)
 * Hansestag: Ledvig von Bach (77.8%), Horst Bauen Arbeit (88.9%)

Geography
The Republic only maintains one land mass, that being the Isle of Hansa. The island is rather small and is located in the Osterium sea at the coordinates 6000, -1700. It is between the coasts of Rohel, Myrtana, and Aatyeli. The island is mostly a small area of grassland, most of which has been paved or occupied by infrastructure. It is also remarkably small, consisting approximately 100 chunks of land.