Maritime Republic of Hansa

Summary
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 between 20-27 residents and an economy that consists of mostly shipping, construction, mining, exp/war production, as well as a domestic alcohol and beverages industry.

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.

Intervention (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 economy of Hansa according to it's Chancellor Henry Chamberlain consists almost entirely of exporting products and goods such as experience bottles and mining/agricultural goods. Hansa has access to a large underground deep-sea mining complex that produces mostly stone and iron as well as the occasional gold, diamonds and other such rare earth materials. It's agricultural production consists entirely of sugarcane, wheat products such as bread and some animal produce (wool and eggs), although it is planned to expand into pumpkin farming; as well as the development of a domestic beverage industry of mostly beer, wine, vodka, whiskey, rum and coffee; all of which are made of natively grown produce. These beverages are usually exported to foreign markets to direct buyers or sold at the Hanseatic Theatre & Tavern, a state-enterprise owned by the Chancellor. Hansa has recently constructed a large experience bottle factory in it's capital city, which make up a significant portion of it's exports. The factory is also a privately owned property of the chancellor although he allows Hanseatic citizens to use it freely.

Culture
Hanseatic culture is a blend of Northern seafaring cultures related to the Osterium Sea and south South Western influences. Although there is no clear culture, Hansa is 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 particular fondness of Republicanism and democracy.

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. 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.

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. It as of current possesses no ships although is currently currently in the process of designing their first ship known as the 'Mare Nostrum'. It has no standing army and relies on volunteer soldiers from it's citizenry or 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 portion of grass, most of which has been paved or occupied by infrastructure. It is also remarkably small, consisting likely of 20 approximate chunks of land.