People's Republic of Bachuan
Overview
The People's Republic of Bachuan is a maritime nation founded on revolt and resilience, occupying the mist-shrouded beaches to the east of Goka. Isolated by lethal mists to the west and the vast ocean to the east, Bachuan flourishes as a bastion of self-sufficiency. Following the fall of Imperial Shou Lang, this nation marked a significant departure from its feudal and imperial traditions, embracing a system of governance that stresses the common good and citizen empowerment. Bachuan's geographical isolation has turned out to be an advantage. Its fertile coastal plains and abundant fishing grounds support its people, while its naval power ensures control over maritime commerce routes and discourages foreign incursions. Despite its relative seclusion, the emergence of the Technic World Tree network has allowed limited connection with other nations, which Bachuan approaches warily to defend its sovereignty.Radical Governance
The People's Republic of Bachuan's governance is profoundly entrenched in its revolutionary origins and collectivist values, with a focus on empowering the citizenry while guaranteeing equitable distribution of resources and obligations. The primary tenet of Bachuan's political system is communal representation, which aims to promote direct participation and accountability in decision-making. Bachuan's government is unique in that it incorporates sea communities into the political structure. Floating communes and naval fleets, which function as both residential and defensive units, elect their own Assembly representatives.Central Assembly
The Central Assembly is at the heart of governance, a legislative body made up of elected representatives from each commune, city, and significant worker organization. This assembly follows the ideals of direct democracy, in which key decisions affecting the republic are freely debated and resolved by majority vote. Delegates serve for short terms to ensure fresh viewpoints and prevent power accumulation.Tide Council
The Tide Council, an executive group appointed by the Assembly, oversees day-to-day activities and implements Assembly decisions. The Council is concerned with resource allocation, foreign policy, and defense, namely the control of Bachuan's critical navy. In addition, the Council works with local governing entities to ensure that national and regional goals are consistent.Local Councils
Local governance is handled by local Commune Councils, small assemblies responsible for addressing immediate community needs. These councils operate independently but coordinate closely with the Central Assembly to maintain consistency across the republic.Vanguard Advisory
The government is supported ideologically by the Revolutionary Vanguard, a body of veteran revolutionaries and intellectuals who serve as advisors and custodians of Bachuan's founding principles. While they wield no formal power, their influence is significant, as they are seen as moral guides and repositories of the republic's history and values.Culture
Maritime Life
The Bachuani people are strongly connected to the water, with many settlements relying on fishing, shipbuilding, and maritime trading for a living. Children begin to sail nearly as soon as they can walk, and coastal towns are busy with the sounds of hammering wood, singing sailors, and bustling fish markets. Coastal festivities frequently revolve around the sea, with rites to respect the waterways and celebrations of the harvest from both the sea and land.Work and Play
Daily existence is based on the concepts of community endeavor. In rural communes, families and neighbors form farming cooperatives to raise crops, maintain irrigation systems, and extract salt from coastal flats. In cities, collective workshops and artisan guilds concentrate on industries such as textile production, ceramics, and blacksmithing. Despite the emphasis on hard labor, leisure and celebration are important. Common activities include community feasts, storytelling nights, and group dance or music performances. These gatherings promote solidarity while also providing opportunities for leisure and delight.Education
Education is highly valued in Bachuan, where knowledge is viewed as a means of empowerment and equality. Public schools offer free education to all pupils, with a curriculum that stresses history, practical skills, and revolutionary ideas. Adults frequently attend community learning sessions to discuss philosophy, governance, magic, and the sciences. Debates over how to live in accordance with Bachuan's ideals are a popular activity, typically held in public venues or over shared meals.Cuisine
The cuisine of Bachuani reflects the region's maritime environment and agricultural inventiveness. Seafood is ubiquitous, from grilled fish and shellfish stews to dried seaweed snacks. Many meals are built on rice and millet, which are frequently accompanied with fermented sauces and pickled vegetables. Communal cooking is a popular practice, with entire neighborhoods coming together to make meals for festivals or work celebrations.Surrounded by Mist
The mists that surround Bachuan act as both a natural barrier and a defining feature of its identity. They separate the republic from the rest of the continent, influencing its culture and resiliency. The mists have a strong spiritual significance in Shou folklore, where they are frequently considered as a cosmic protector or a test of unity, with ceremonies and customs formed around their mystery. Economically and militarily, the mists are a double-edged sword. They complicate trade and logistics, hence the Technic World Tree network is critical for speedy connectivity. They also serve as a natural defense, preventing invasions and encouraging a tactical military doctrine geared for low-visibility situations. For Bachuan, the mists are more than just a hindrance; they are an essential aspect of its character and power.Demography and Population
3,322,480 citizens in 1200 AC
Races (Citizen) -
73% Human (Majority Shou, Minority Rashemi, Turami, Bedine, Calishite, etc)
11% Dwarves (Majority Mountain Dwarf, Minority Wild Dwarf)
10% Beastfolk (Majority Kitsune and Nekojin, minority all others)
4% Elves and Half Elves.
2% All others
Founding Date
946 AC
Capital
Demonym
Bachuani
Government System
Democracy, Direct
Power Structure
Unitary state
Economic System
Command/Planned economy
Major Exports
Seafood, Ships and Naval Gear, Artisanal Goods, Herbal and Magical Medicines, Ideology
Major Imports
Metal and Ore, Exotic Spices, Machine Parts, Livestock, Grain
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities