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 a largely export and mercantile based economy; it's top exports being experience bottles, armaments, brews, literature and other industrial products. 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 (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, 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 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, Serenus, and Eisenland 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.

Republican Era
The early political era of Hansa was dominated by the Republican Government headed by Henry Chamberlain. There were a handful of small parties started by semi-important individuals that expanded the scope of Hansan politics, but never got close to actually leading the country. The Republican Party stood on a platform of liberal democracy, with strong leanings towards free-market capitalism. The Republican Party is considered to be the original political bloc of Hansa, practically unchallenged and helping form the Hansan identity in the early years.

Early Socialist Era
The Republican Era came to a sudden halt when the Workers' Socialist Party, often shortened to WSP, announced its presence and gained massive popularity within a couple weeks. The sudden popularity of the WSP frightened many non-socialists, causing the formation of an oppositional party called the 'Unionists Party', that was formed out of the remnants of the Republican leaders. The Unionists failed to gain as much traction that the WSP had, but were the main stalwart against Socialist expansion.

Civil War
As the Socialists seemed to be getting closer to gaining power in Hansa, the unpopular former Admiral Ledvig Bach attempted to coup the government during the opening of the Hansan Coffeehouse. This coup resulted in a several-week long civil war that devastated much of the Eastern city. Bach was openly supportive of authoritarian monarchy during this era, and he proclaimed himself King of Hansa during his short rule. At the end of the civil war Bach would be killed by an ad-hoc firing squad. The Socialists and Republicans had come together to defeat Bach in the war, and in the end Socialist control of Hansa was cemented.

Late Socialist Era
Following the civil war, the WSP won the elections in several votes. They cemented their power after writing a constitution and forming a new government. Interestingly, the Socialists were unable to pass several of their assertive laws due to an unexpected reactionary pushback. This era of Hansan politics was characterised by gentle and often weak government attempts to consolidate power, though Ledvig Bach's nephew, Rudolph Bach formed the Parliamentary Party of Hansa, or PPH. The PPH stood on a platform of expanding Hansan industries and 'coming together' in a parliamentary form of government.

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.