Imperial Republic of Addam
The most influential nation in the March is also one of the youngest. What was only a series of merchant companies two centuries ago is now the largest economic power in the world. The Imperial Republic of Addam was the center of magical innovation that pushed the limits of arcane power in the Dragon War . While Addam joins the allied Nations fighting against Helgest, they were distant enough to avoid most direct attacks. This allows the young nation to set up defenses, including wards against the planar travel spells Helgest favored for invasion. While occasional attacks came through, and the Siege of Caliber threatened to tear down the shields for good, Addam remained relatively untouched at the end of the war. Addam was a destination for many seeking a better life already, and this stability made Addam the best refuge to resettle in. Now nearly every race and culture in the world can be found within the Imperial Republic.
In an attempt to make room for these new people (and to take advantage of their neighbors' losses in the war) Addam has begun expanding it's borders to the west and south. The southern nation of Durand suffered greatly in the war, and has now fallen into the Empire's control as Addam aids its rebuilding. To the west Addamians have pushed further into the Frontier, building new farms, towns, and cities. But as they do they encroach more and more into the lands of the elves , who lost much in the war, and the elves wonder if a new war will be needed soon. Explorers and prospectors push even into the great desert, the frozen north of Alkay , and into the forests, seeking the Hinode Ocean beyond.
Nominally an Empire under the rule of the the Addam Royal Family , the noble families have seen their power dwindle slowly but surely over the last two centuries as they watched the merchant classes' power steadily rise. Local lords, never having had the power in Addam that their counterparts in the Midlands enjoyed, were little but figureheads when the war came. The Emperor alone held true power through his noble rank, but the royal family lost much of this remaining power during the War. Running out of funds and resources, Emperor Liel Addam was forced to turn to the powerful merchants of the land, offering them increased freedom and power in exchange for financial deals and political aid. By the end of the war, these merchants had proven to be instrumental in fueling Addam's armies and industry. Long dubbed the Merchant Lords by the press, by the time the war ended their power was unmatched. When Liel died in the Resolution, the final battle with Helgest, his son Niven took the reigns. Only seventeen, he was easily plied by the Merchants, ceding more and more power and authority in return for riches and favors. His death only three years later gave power to his uncle Cael, who tried to push through reforms. He could see however that most nobles no longer had any real power or authority in the realm. The Merchants were the ones who now controlled the purse-strings of the land, and the power over the people that came with it. Working with the Lords, Cael Addam established a new parliamentary system, based in part on the ancient Hellenic Empire. The Emperor still holds executive authority, but now the vast majority of governmental power belongs to the Senate. Senators are democratically elected officials representing various regions of the nation. Most people realize however, that while the Emperor and parliament rule, it is the Merchant Lords they truly answer to.
Structure
Addam was founded as an imperial republic, with a royal family forming the executive arm of the country, and democratically elected representatives forming the legislature. The Emperor of Addam holds executive power, and is officially in command of the military forces. By law however, the strongest power in the nation lies in the Senate. Senators are elected from the various regions of Addam, and are meant to each represent an equal percentage of the population. Few can say that with a straight face however. Elections have turned into very expensive and extravagant affairs in the last few decades, and there is little regulation in place to keep the voting free. The Merchant Lords pour incredible amounts of money into the campaigns, and many people believe that the election is decided in the Lords' ledgers rather than at the ballot boxes. Currently the Senate consists of 57 members, the number always kept odd to avoid a deadlock.
Political parties vary by region, from the 'Guildsmen' party that supports worker's rights in the industrial cities, to the 'New Dawn' party of the riverlands that centers around an awakening of devout Thanism. The only party with a national reach is the 'Steel' party, a pro-business party backed by most of the Merchant Lords.
Religion
The Imperial Church of Thane
Freedom and Enterprise
Maps
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The Imperial Republic of Addam
The Imperial Republic of Addam and surrounding areas.
Founding Date
1562
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Addam
Demonym
Addamian
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Crowned Republic
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
Addamian Dollar, worth 1 gold piece
Legislative Body
Imperial Senate
Judicial Body
Imperial High Court
Executive Body
The imperial Family of Addam
Official State Religion
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Official Languages
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Peace
Officially relations are peaceful and trade is open. Addam worries about the revolutions building in the Land of the Sun, while Diego Corteso hopes to build a relationship with the Addam Royal Family basedon rebuilding noble power.
Addam has denounced Perevada
Addam sees Perevada as a cold war opponent to be defended against. Perevada doesn't consider Addam much at all, beyond concerns of retaliation.
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