Free States of Trace

We fought the Kingkissers to earn our freedom but when we had it, the Republic tried to pry it away from us. We couldn't fight another war so soon after the first, and there weren't people willing to follow the cause. So my great-great-great-grandfather and many others left and made this haven. We're not done though, not by a longshot.

-Stanly Barr, Free State Redband

Structure

Each one of the ten states of trace vote on every single issue. A few banal issues are let go by the public, but anything larger than the layout of the streets is voted on.

Assets

The state has no assets, everything is owned by the private sector. There are a few private groups that make regular appearances, however.

• Tin Pick mining company

• Demeter, Gaea, and Horae Agriculture Firm

• White Glove Mercenary Security

• Everstone Construction Industries

• Red Band Volunteers

• Immortal Embers Mecenary Corps

• Bannerhands cavalry brigade

• Red Star Heavy Brigade

History

When the Kingdom of Avalon abandoned their colonies on Fiadhaich, everyone who lived there felt betrayed. Left to fend for themselves in a highly dangerous land. That betrayal was felt on a deeper level by some more than others. These wounded souls swore off all authority and fought harder than most to throw the Avalonians back into the sea when they returned. In the end, they hoped to rule themselves. Reality came crashing in on them, however, and realized that they wouldn't have the freedom that they wanted. Packing up their possessions, they left into the wild attempting to outrun the rule of law of the growing Iron Republic.

A decade later, they moved north through the Ripwind Pass to the other side of the Colorless Ridge. There, with the mountain range providing a natural border, they established their nation.

Led by a man named Allgood Trace, they decided that each man would rule themselves, not some higher position. Of course, they would still have to agree on certain courses of action, and thus majority rule was established. This has remained since, though the cast of characters has changed a great deal. Since the founding of the Free States, people of all kinds have moved there, seeking the freedom or the chance to make a fortune with little to no restriction. This brings its own set of issues, but the Freebooters wouldn't give it up for the world.

Demography and Population

There is no official census, but it is clear that Trace manages to be one of the most diverse countries in the known world.

Territories

Trace Valley

Military

• Red Band Volunteers

• Immortal Embers Mecenary Corps

• Bannerhands cavalry brigade

• Red Star Heavy Brigade

Religion

There is no official religion in the Free States nor does it play any real part in its day to day operation. Many religions are present, however, brought by the many people who come to the Free States.

Foreign Relations

Paradoxically, political relations with other powers are both tense and non-existent at the same time. Since many of the free states view themselves as their own authority, it is nearly impossible to deal with all of them at the same time and doing so is often considered a fools errand. On the other hand, many of the people who live in the Free States show a contempt for authority and refuse to deal with anything they could consider a 'government'

Agriculture & Industry

Many companies have moved into the Free States to take advantage of the lax-to-nil restrictions of their operation. The three largest; The Tin Pick Mining company, Demeter, Gaea, and Horea Agriculture firm, and Everstone Construction Industries have all moved in force, hoping to form monopolies in their respective fields. They operate nowhere else in the world, focusing all of their assets within the Free States.

Trade & Transport

Gangs of armored cars and horse-pulled carts are the preferred method of transportation, as they are easier to defend in force than trains. There are only a few trains in operation, in any case, as it's nigh on impossible to construct a railroad in a cost-effective matter as you either have to purchase land from hundreds of individuals at steep-to-ridiculous prices or try and curve around any owned land. Leading to a railroad that meanders off course in every direction, removing any efficiency you had in the first place.

Education

Despite common misconception, education can be found in the Free States. It is, however, pricey. Offered by entrepreneurial individuals who charge a hefty price to anyone who wishes to better themselves.

Infrastructure

All infrastructure is built by Everstone, for anyone who can pay them.

Founding Date

137, Age of Insurrection

Type

Geopolitical, State

Alternative Names

The Anarchy States

Training Level

Semi-professional

Veterancy Level

Trained

Demonym

Freebooters

Government System

Anarchy

Power Structure

Confederation

Economic System

Market economy

Currency

Gold, Silver, and Copper bars.

Major Exports

The art produced by the more liberal members of the Free States actually can fetch a high price, though they can take on subjects considered taboo by most of the world.

Major Imports

Strangely enough, the Free States somehow manage to produce every good the need to survive. Many artists and craftsmen also live within the Free States and produce the luxury goods most would seek in the world. However, most edible luxuries have to be imported as the small amount of farmable land within the Trace Valley must be used for crops that can feed many and not the hops to brew alcohol.

Legislative Body

No one, technically speaking. Rules are established by the folks living in an area, or more commonly, by the company that owns the land on which people live.

Judicial Body

The White Glove Mercenary Security is one of many security firms that enforce the 'laws' of Trace, though it is the most common.

Official Languages

• Common

Neighboring Nations

• The Iron Republic