Antarand

The state of Antarand is in a delicate position. Previously part of the nation of Florarova, Antarand has now declared its independence from the nation, an autonomy which is recognized by most southern countries. It is not recognized as its own country, however, by most of the countries in the north, who do not want to use their trade connections to Florarova, which for many is a gateway to natural resources which are exclusive to the southern hemisphere and transported to the nearby Florarova by boat. Florarova, in its own part, is worried to enforce its authority because the backlash from other southern countries may be detrimental to it. Thus, Antarand remains in an unclear and uncomfortable position. As a result, the royal family of Antarand works in conjunction with the Florarovan Council to govern. The council is selected by the Florarovan government, which claims that it has legislative power, and the king merely provides recommendations, while in practice, it is usually the other way around. The king has not yet fully denounced the Florarovan Council however, as this may spark a war his country is unprepared for.

The islanders of the Bathblast and Fr'phe Islands are believed to be the first people who arrived in the Southern Islands, but by the 11th century, several different groups had carved out colonies on the larger island. Surprisingly, these groups lived relatively peacefully amongst each other. Most historians believe that this is due to several of the groups, including a substantial Pelan population had sought out the island as a means of escaping more oppressive regimes. During the next centuries, the people of the island developed a confederacy. Leaders of differing colonies established peace and laid out which land belonged to which groups. Each group got to govern their land as they saw fit, and did not interfere with the governing of the others,' but all were equally called to defend the island were it to be attacked.   Such attacks were rare and quickly over, until the 17th century when the island was invaded by Florarovan settlers. It was at this time that the leaders of the island met to elect a king, who would represent the entire island when dealing with the Florarovans. After some deliberations and taking into account the various customs of the different groups, Fatimah Fayrael was chosen. She could trace her lineage back to one of the earliest island families, but she was also familiar with the ways of life of the other peoples. The current king of Antarand still traces his lineage back to Fatimah Fayrael.   After years of war with the Florarovans, the islanders were defeated by the more powerful nation from the Minor Continent. As a symbol of their power, the Florarovans created a foreign council to govern the island. Fatimah Fayrael was given a place on it, but she was the only islander on the council, and her position was as "an advisor" and came without a vote. Many of the policies put in place by the Florarovan Council served to undermine the unity the groups of the island was once maintained by giving certain privileges to some and not others. While some smaller groups held successful revolutions and broke away from Florarova, creating their own small nation, the bulk of the island, what is now Antarand, was unable to unite against the Florarovan government.   In 1856, Lisette Randall, a descendant of Fatimah Fayrael, took the position of Antaran King and demanded that she be given leadership of her country. Being incredibly charismatic, she became a beacon of hope and a symbol of defiance to the people of Antarand. Fearing an uprising, the Florarovan government added five new council positions, which would be chosen by the king. Randall accepted this concession and carefully selected a variety of people who were well respected in their communities, thus, in a sense, re-creating the original council which first elected King Fatimah. King Lisette's actions prevented bloodshed but also undermined the Florarovan government. In the century since, power has slowly shifted back to the king and the "king's council" as the additional five positions were dubbed. Though the Florarovan council has the ability to make laws, council members have become increasingly afraid of the authority the king holds in the eyes of Antaran citizens and the problems which may arise from trying to undermine this power.

Anatarand is a remarkably diverse state. Being an island, there is a significant Mermish population, though there are also a number of elves and sprites there. It has also become a haven for people of small or fringe religions. Some of the island people who live there still practice their traditional religion. Antarand is also home to more conservative practitioners of the Xurguwi faith, as well as a decent sized contingent of Pelan. The diversity of the area has been both praised by those who live there as well as condemned by those who believe the lack of homogeneity is the reason for why they have been unable to successfully depart from Florarova.

Anatarand maintains an army and navy, though they rarely see action. Though they are technically run by the legislative council, they are more likely to respond to the king when called to action. Because the military has had few conflicts, they are often employed in public works projects, such as rebuilding towns that have been torn apart in storms.

Not only does Antarand not have a state religion, but the king has historically defended the religious freedom of their citizens. As a result, members of fringe religious groups often move to Antarand seeking such freedoms.

Due to its conflict with Florarova, Antarand's relationships with other countries are complicated. Most of the southern countries support its identity as its own nation, while most northern countries only recognize it is as a part of Florarova.

Antarand has a large fishing population, though it is also a source of certain plants, such as bananas and coconuts.

Antarand has established trade routes with nearby nations on the southern continent, including Ethion, Xye, and Atlinthaia. It also transports goods to Florarova, an act which is considered by most Antarans as the price to prevent all out war with the more powerful nation. Antarand also has land trade routes with the other two countries it shares an island with, as well as two small transport stations to reach further nations.

There are public schools in Antarand, which cater to all people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, race, or religion. They were set up by the Florarovian government, but the curriculum changed somewhat when the new government took over. Classes are usually taught in Imk, though schools taught in other languages can be found throughout Antarand, especially in larger cities. Though schools are open for any to attend, there is no law requiring students to attend. As a result, many children as schooled at home, or not at all.

Antarand has most technology which can be found in other countries, though it is often sub-par. Many of the roads in Antarand are also low quality, with only the largest and most heavily trafficked being well-maintained.