Oceana
History
This nation of 3 distinct countries is ruled by money and wealth, with the belief that the more you have in this world, the more your spirit is worth. During the Blackout, the people of the now Ceanish nation survived by banding together; a habit which has survived the return of the Sun. Nobody can remember how this turned into the system which is now used, apart from that Magnate Island, where the ruling family lives, was the most defensible location. Those who live here have always been held in high esteem, and the taking, and holding of this island required alliances between many people.
Oceania is now ruled by a Magnate, the head of a ruling family which is elected based on wealth and influence, who live in the lavish estate on Magnate Island. The lives of Ceanish people revolve around the accumulation of money, assets and alliances, in order to higher their chances of being in the running for Magnate. It is the highest of goals, as if you die as part of a Magnated family, you are awarded the highest honours in heaven. Family alliances are therefore constantly forged and reformed in a convoluted power struggle, creating extended family ties through marriage to create extended family units to grab the top stop. This process has created a nation of skilled negotiators and diplomats, but also ruthless strategic geniuses who do not hesitate to do whatever is necessary to increase their alliances.
Every 20 years a Symposium is called to establish the next Magnate family. Guinea, Phillippine and Malaya will compete amongst themselves to determine which family is the strongest, and that family alliance will go to Magnate Island to compete with the current Magnate for the title. Presiding over this process are a group called the Animists, who are free of all family ties and dedicate their lives to the upkeep of Magnate Island, and the spiritual competition of the Symposium. They are immune to harm, for to hurt an Animist is to be declared outcast. To call the Symposium delegations are send out to gather the wealthiest family from Guinea, Philippine, and from Malaya via a tally taken of the family alliance. The head of each family is brought back to Magnate Island, where the tallies are announced and compared to that of the current Magnate. The highest will become Magnate for the next 20 years. The tally is made up of family units, land units, assets value, and total alliance members.
Oceania is largely demilitarised; however, families hire private defence forces.
Current Magnate: Magnate Kina of Family Morgan of Malaya
Oceana Facts & Rumours
- The current Magnate family: Morgan, have been in power for over 50 years.
- The Swinwa family, it is rumoured, may overtake them this year.
- There was an outbreak of fever in Malaya two months ago; no medicine is touching it, and people are dying.
Oceania Costume Inspiration
There is a divide in style between men and women in Oceania. The women are typically very colourful, flowery and flowy with their clothing. The men prefer blacks and whites and are more formal in their stance, manner, and dress.
