Maritime Republic of Hansa

The Maritime Republic of Hansa is a city-state in the Osterium Sea run under a representative-democratic system. It's current elected Chancellor is it's founder, Henry Chamberlain; who founded the city on December 21st, 2021 and gained independence on January 31, 2022. It has a small population of approximately 30 residents and it's relatively small economy is largely based on manufacturing and exporting manufactured goods; it's top exports being EXP, armaments, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, media content, raw materials and agricultural goods. It's official language is Hansan / Hanseatic.

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 (Jan 31 - Feb 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, and the Rathnir Finance League; in addition to have official relations with many other nations. The Trade League has expanded rapidly since it's formation and is currently recognized as an upcoming power in Rathnir.

The first real international event in which Hansa and the Trade League played a direct part was when a squatter group in Eleusis/Kingsland declared war on the Osterium Pirates on April 18, 2022 and accused them of interfering in Aldovia. Chancellor Henry was the first to respond and officially declared war upon the Eleusis squatters on the behalf of the entirety of the Trade league was well as UKAIN which is allied to the Trade League; as the Osterium Pirates is a Trade League member. This swift action was followed with the rest of the Trade League and UKAIN members confirming their participation and the squatters immediately backed down to enter into negotiations, having wrongfully assumed the Osterium Pirates were weak and had no allies. On April 19 an agreement was reached which legitimized Aldovia as an independent state with a diarchy and the Eleusis squatters signed a two month Non-Aggression treaty with the OP and Aldovia. The swift action of Henry, the Trade League, and UKAIN contributed greatly to swiftly ending the conflict before it began. Despite persistent rumors and notions that the Empire of Simulami was supporting Eleusis as it was to fight against the Osterium Pirates. This brief conflict showed that the Trade League was entering the world stage as an influential power house and was capable of exerting it's authority when need be.

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 the export of domestic manufactured products, most notably EXP.

Although Hansan Chancellor Henry Chamberlain successfully managed to create an international trade organization known as the Trade League with the intent of promoting Hansan market reach and domestic made products, the organization quickly fell into disunity after only a few months and gradually dissolved into practical nonexistence. Despite this, Hansa still makes the majority of it's revenue through the manufacture and export of common commodities such as EXP, fish and fishing products, raw materials, and armaments.

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. This is combined with an equally present cultural affinity for wealth, hard work, and the so called 'self-made man.'

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 traditional 'gentlemanly' and borderline aristocratic culture, one notable example being that all officers are required to wear facial hair. Hansans are known for having a general cultural affinity towards facial hair, the most popular style of which and particularly common amongst naval personnel is that of 'the Commodore', which is a notably large and outstanding style of facial hair that is often associated with authority and respect.

Though literature and works of art in Hansa is not particularly prevalent amongst Rathnir culture at large, it is a growing sphere and has become fairly widespread amongst greater region of the Osterium Sea as a cultural force equal to that of Hansa's political neighbors such as the UPPO and Grand Castell-Llozhar. Among it's popular historic works of literature include the Trollitarian manifesto, a political commentary by Mesa V. Kuller, the song March of the Free commissioned by Henry Chamberlain and composed by, and various oil paintings depicting Hansan scenarios including battles and revolutions.

Government and Political Structure
The Hansan government is a highly centralized yet simultaneously informal arrangement of various loose decrees, laws, and historic customs which together form a semblance of a Republican representative-democracy.

The government is composed of an executive and legislative branch, with the Chancellor and Prime Minister serving as head of the executive and the Hansestag forming the legislative. Judicial matters are typically managed by the executive branch. The Hansestag votes on matters proposed either by it's own members or by any executive office, with the Chancellor having the right to veto or approve the decision of the Hansestag; although in practice these processes are rarely exercised and the Chancellor typically makes decisions independent of the Hansestag. Military matters and foreign affairs are legally administered by the Chancellor and Prime Minister, though significant decisions such as declarations of war and alliances or other binding treaties and military actions technically require approval from the Hansestag.

There is at present no formal constitution dictating the structure of the Hansan government, it's current structure has instead largely been determined by historic custom and declaration. Though the Hansan government did possess a constitution during the administration of the People's Republic of Hansa from June 18 - September 11, 2022; that Constitution was nullified immediately after Henry Chamberlain was reelected Chancellor on September 11. Leaving the Hansan state with no currently active constitution.

Military
The only official military arm of the Hansan Republic is that of the Hanseatic Navy or 'Mara Hansae' in Hanseatic. It's supreme commander is the Chancellor Henry Chamberlain with Grand Admiral Rudolph Bach as it's 2nd in command. The navy is small in comparison to most of Rathnir's other large powers and is most often used for anti-piracy and trade protection, employing a relatively small portion of the Hansan population. It has no independent army, instead using naval infantry as it's de facto ground force. The military has seem comparatively little use throughout Hansan history as the nation has rarely faced actual warfare, though it has been deployed on multiple occasions to assist Hansan allies such as the Veldski Republic in the Veldski Civil War, and in the Hansan intervention in Fisk.

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.