United Island States of AHSCA

The United Island States of AHSCA is a small chain of islands lying in the south seas of Greater Dienstad composed of five political states, one extraterritorial island and five strategic military posts. The nation was once a group of adjoining islands with minor political and economic ties with varying incorporation over the centuries. Talks about forming a potential union under a unitary government or as a socio-economic group began in the late 1980s with talks on and off and various shifts in government styles across each island. The islands joined together as a union in early 1997 following a devastating invasion by the foreign powers of Stevid engaged in land battles over natural resources. The country's name is an initialism for each state it's composed of, Aurora, Hoshino, Stilleståndö, Corona and Animalpolis.

Origins
Due to poor record keeping and primitive conditions of the islands, exact details of the geological and often early historical settlements of the nation are unknown. Research from foreign interests have given different theories to the nation's geological origins. Settlement history has largely been based on oral records and accounts handed down.

Ancient Break Offs
This theory states that the islands may have been around since Antiquity. From where, it isn't known. There are those that present theories that the islands were a result of Pangaea.

Underwater Seismic Activity
The most common and likely theorem that the islands were formed by underwater volcanoes. While most AHSCA volcanoes are dormant or outright extinct it does sit in a seismically active portion of GD. Current underwater volcano trends have added a quarter hectare to each island every year compensating for soil erosion from storms.

Settlement History
Written records of the islands history dates back to the early part of the 18th century but details always remained questionable or spotty with records being lost or fabricated. Research from foreign interests have given different theories to the nation's geological origins. Settlement history has largely been based on oral records and accounts handed down.

Early settlement is still unknown other than the history of Animalpolis which is believed to be settled by fleeing anthromimi Hybrids most notably the Nekos, from other nations due to prejudice. However it is likely the islands were settled from various shipwrecked sailors from the northern areas (Which would explain the difference from the Naygren population from the Caucasian population), but empirical evidence suggest migration from near by islands also helped contribute, which would explain the native race of Corona Island which is made up mostly of naygren population. It is also understood that many Corona natives likely migrated southward from what is presently Kuronami's Mazomba Islands in search of food sources or simply getting lost in the rougher seas.

Auroran Empire
1877 Duchess Tamura attempted again to conquest neighboring Niko and this proved to be successful. The island was renamed Hoshino for her governor she appointed to run the island while she returned to Aurora to continue her rule there. Tamura was known to be weary of outsiders though she did allow first contact with other nations by 1880 she proved to be difficult to negotiate with her stubborn demeanor. This is what is credited with AHSCA's lacking development at the height of the industrial revolution in the rest of the world. In the decades end, Aurora had been having a string of fortune with no major hurricanes to strike the island and no major illness outbreaks and a moderate rainy season. The citizens took this as a sign the Goddesses had given them favor and Duchess Tamura capitalized on this and declared herself blessed with Divinity and could rule with Divine right over the islands.

In 1889 Duchess Tamura began to set plans for further conquest of the neighboring islands but in the years since taking Hoshino, Stillestando had since fortified itself and built up it's own defenses to ward off any invasion. Duchess Tamura then brokered a deal with King Hendri of the island to leave Stillestando alone but allowing them to take smaller Corona Island. The King agreed allowing the Duchess to use the island as a launch point. Once again storms largely prevented a proper invasion of Corona and the few successful landings were fought off.

Duchess Tamura fought Chief Vento of Corona but ultimately lost the duel. Her life was sparred under condition Corona be left alone from Aurora's imperial ambitions. Agreeing to this it allowed the Duchess to recover and also set sights on Animalpolis. Animalpolis was the remaining island not taken but was already heavily occupied by various animalmimi sapiens. Animalpolis was taken but unlike Hoshino and Corona, it was taken without fight and willful adoption of Aurora's customs and even the offer of a marriage alliance which it is believed Duchess Tamura agreed to with a woman of the island. Animalpolis was formally annexed by the Aurora Empire in 1891.

In 1892 Duchess Tamura returned to Aurora to continue her reign. In 1893 the first Christian missionaries arrived on the island and were heavily persecuted by her Decree. She ordered any proselytizing missionary be captured and killed. This kept Christianity away for another century. The Aurora Empire which had taken Aurora Island, Hoshino and Animalpolis as well as minor outlying islands had continued well into the 20th century. In the 1980s Duchess Kiri Nanao opted to dissolve the Empire, admid a new sentiment of anti-imperialism and the early seeds of small communist movements that were beginning on various islands. As a means of appeasement and keeping potential unrest down, she showed in good grace to allow independence of incorporation into the new Aurora Duchy. Animalpolis opted for independence while Hoshino opted to join the Duchy.

Marshite Settlements
By 1899 members of Holy Marsh were the first to make formal contact with the Duchess. Despite state enforced practiced of Madokamism, the Duchess allowed Marshites to settle in the islands on the condition they would not proselytize to the natives. Given the religions had similar broad world views. The two religions largely lived together in harmony and often shared spiritual views with each other, though any converts are unknown.

War for Independence:
Main article: War for Independence

In late 1996, regional tensions with the nation of Stevid came to a boil point as Stevid launched an invasion of the islands after years of military and economic activity in the area by Stevid and other nations caused a rift between indigenous peoples of the islands and passing sailors and workers in the region.

Reconstruction and Post-War Years
After the armistice was agreed too, AHSCA was starting to gain limited recognition. Kuronami agreed to broker the peace in the region and oversee the demilitarization and transitional government. In 2000 the first elections for the newly set up Congress were held with the first official session held in the summer of that year. With the first bills including a proposition to bring back citizens in diaspora and those who fled as refugees at the onset of violence. The finalization of the Island Credit, rules of procedure, recognition of fallen, captured and "heroic" soldiers were also given in this first session. The first organization of Uniformed Militia to represent the UIS Armed Forces was announced.

With the new Constitution adopted, Duchess Shino Nanao was installed as the new Duchess of the now christened UIS. Although Nanao was the front runner, each of the "great leaders" whom convened to draft the deceleration of Independence state in the union did have their own proposition in mind Chief Kino was considered during the early deliberations but having been captured and killed in action, Corona was unable to recommend Ayla, whom instead was named the new chief of the island. Masako Hoshino and his wife Aya were also considered high potential to be installed as the next Duke and Duchess respectively.

Queen Schala I was considered but declined due to her now pregnancy and fear for any remaining anti-monarch sentiments leftover on Stilleståndö. She instead gave endorsement for Duchess Shino. Premier Yasha of Animalpolis seconded the endorsement for Duchess Shino, followed by Chief Ayla. With the simple majority, it was decided Duchess Shino would be crowned the Duchess of the UIS for all time and her respective heirs. Duchess Villa's first actions of her new office, were to issue decrees to pardon any deserters from the militia forces before or during the war. Duchess Villa saw the formation of a formal criminal justice system and issued new royal decrees to make AHSCA a self-sustaining nation.

The First Era of Duchess Nanao has largely been described as semi-isolationist as the nation looked inward and was largely distrustful of foreign nations, not wanting another repeat of the horrors of the war. But new deals had been brokered with foreign nations. Mokastana and its colonies became close thanks to the marriage between the Duchess and a Mokastana man. Lamoni also took interest in the fledgling nation during the recovery era helping to create some basic infrastructure and bolster up the nation's defense forces. Though it'd be another several more years before the UIS would properly organize a full self-defense force.

Geography and Climate
AHSCA is composed of five island states and five political states, one unincorporated territory and five strategic military posts.

AHSCA climate calssified entirely as Tropical Based. monsoonal climate. AHSCA's winter months are it's driest but it's summer months see the monsoon season. From the months of Late October-February the monsoon season begins. With it comes a frequency of storms and rougher seas and increased precipitation. Monsoonal storms are long lasting, very wet and range in intensity from moderate to intense. AHSCA doesn't see many hurricanes during this period but still can receive a few if wind patterns change enough to allow a passing storm to change course.

Ocean storms pose frequent challenges to sailors and fisherman and transit ships.

Given it's remote location and absence of major landmasses in an immediate radius, the open seas are generally more intense with swifter currents. The islands have an average temperature of 82.4°F (28 °C) throughout the year, with an average minimum temperature of 19°C (66.9°F) and maximum of 32°C (89.6°F).

Natural Hazards
Hurricanes in AHSCA

Hurricanes
The biggest natural hazard the islands face are hurricanes. Because many villagers still live in small huts they are at constant mercy of the weather. Hurricanes kill an average of 1,000-5,000 people a year, because of lack of adequate shelter and storm surge. AHSCA is guaranteed at least five hurricanes a year most of these are moderate but at least one of the five will be at a devastating.

AHSCA ranks Hurricanes by damage, not by windspeed like most others.


 * Light (SSHS Equivalent: Category 1)
 * Moderate (SSHSEquivalent: Category 2)
 * Intense (SSHS Equivalent: Category 3-4)
 * Devastating (SSHS Equivalent: Category 5)

Names are also not assigned to storm names as it's never been tradition to do so and even in the modern era it's still not practiced due to lack of precdent or application for island life.

Lightning


Lightning also proves to be a major hazard. It's estimated more people die from lightning than hurricanes but this isn't certain. Because of the frequent time often spent in or near water even during thunder storms, there is a sever risk of people being struck or electrocuted.

Tsunamis
Tsunamis while rare have been considered significant hazards. The waters near and around AHSCA are volcanically active there is significant risk for tsunamis. The last known Tsunami killed over 500,000 people on Aurora.

Flooding
Inland and tributary flooding is common during the heavy rainy months. Due to the frequency flooding is generally the lower among casualty causing disasters in the nation.

Government
AHSCA incorporates elements of a hereditary monarchy, constitutional monarchy and a federal system. Officially it classifies itself as a Constitutional Monarchy because it has a written constitution that creates its various bylaws and operations of government, though this system of government often implies a democratic system that retains the monarchy as a figurehead, whereas AHSCA the Monarchy still retains a great amount of power.

AHSCA operates a unicameral legislature officially known as The United Island Congress but simply and commonly referred to as Congress. Congress has the ability to make and pass legislation with or without direct input from the Monarch, though the Duchess is often expected to work with the Congress to do so and enact bills. Elections for Congress are held every 6 years on a single renewable terms. AHSCA is a de facto two party system with it's two leading political parties, The United Island Party and the National Liberal Party representing the major bulk of the national politics. Smaller parties are represented but often have little to no voting and drafting party in the Congress. In recent elections, smaller minority parties have managed to gain traction.

Economy


AHSCA's national currency is known as the Island Credit (ISO: Ѥ) which was adopted upon writing the constitution. The islanders may use this to buy food and other items with the currency as well as pay taxes. The United Island Treasury Office maintains the flow of income from islanders and the nation's trust and sets the nation's tax rate accordingly.

AHSCA's economy is largely dependent upon agriculture with each island engaging in some form of interstate commerce. Public sector workers make up about 65% of those formally employed. Approximately 55% of adult males and females work as seamen 15% on foreign-flagged merchant ships.Islanders are otherwise involved in traditional subsistence agriculture and fishing. are well known for their seafaring skills, providing training to approximately 120 marine cadets each year so that they have the skills necessary for employment as seafarers on merchant shipping.

AHSCA relies heavily on its fishing income, with 42% of the islander population involved in fishing activity at various levels. WA Data calculated a gross value of fisheries at NS$43,773,582, which accounted for the output of coastal commercial fishing, coastal subsistence fishing, locally based offshore fishing, foreign-based offshore fishing, freshwater fishing and aquaculture. In recent years all of the income has been generated through the listed activities in AHSCA waters, rather than through exports direct from AHSCA. The activities of international fishing vessels, which in 2008 comprised 42 longline fishing vessels, 3 pole/line vessels and 126 purse seiners, far outweigh domestic activity, with a production volume of 35,541 tonnes worth NS$40,924,370 or 93.5% of gross value, although AHSCA retains a sizable share in income via licensing. The fishing in the 900,000 km2 of water area mainly consists of Trout, Skipjack Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna and Bigeye Tuna.

The AHSCA Trust Fund was established in 2009 by the Mokastana, Kuronami and Lamoni the value of the Trust Fund is approximately NS$100 million with continued capital to the tribute increasing value. The fund is set to provide for the nation the fund is set to provide relief in times of war or other serious disruptions to the nation's infrastructure. Tourism has become a rising commodity with greater access for UIS flagged ships to travel in international waters and local attractions.

While there are those that seek to develop AHSCA's economy further into a full industrialized state, few have a desire to do it. Coronans are generally opposed to any rapid industrial development as are most of Animalpolis islanders. Others are indifferent or wouldn't mind some minor modernization to come to the islands. The debates of industrialization or becoming a technologically developed nation run deep along culture, religious and traditional lines.

Education
Free public education exists in AHSCA for children at primary school level in every state. Typically, a child will begin education by the age of 7 and go until the age of 15 for a primary education before deciding if they wish to attend a secondary school or enter the workforce right away. Each island has at least two primary schools that can accommodate any village within it's distance. Those intending to enroll in the military service beyond their tour of duty are required to attend primary and secondary school for full duration. AHSCA has one Boarding school to accommodated secondary education while others will usually seek secondary education abroad. Even before unity, education in AHSCA has been a debated topic with those pushing for a longer and standardized term and curriculum overseen by the Royal National government, state implemented and ran, or simply no standard at all leaving it up to the individual communities and families to decide what is best for their needs and population. Those who oppose any compulsory education argue there's no need for it in a country like the UIS as it's workforce is still dependent on agriculture and manual labor as well as the needs of sea travel. Further, opponents of a mandated attendance of education suggest such a program would be costly and create a major burden, citing brain drain phenomenon as a serious concern. Ideas of personal liberty and self determination is really what every island has striven for over their histories, and the union came about to preserve the greater concept of that.

Proponents of a mandatory and nationwide program argue it's needed in the modern world as the UIS has emerged out of isolation in the post-war years. That for the UIS to be present on the world stage, even lacking any significant power status (eg. powers of a nuclear state) requires an educated populous. The concept of the cultural values being torn away are dismissed as unfounded fears and cite the current era as proof.

The Duchesses Nano-Villa and the Current Villa have decided the needs of an education program while important need to be worked out and agreed upon in a bipartisan fashion instead of a simple mandate from the top and thus have left it to Congress to make the needed strides.

Culture and Lifestyles
(People of AHSCA)

AHSCA is a diverse mix and match of a few cultures that have developed independently over the centuries. Across the islands, 98% follow the native religion of Madokamism. Remaining religious demographics included Marshism, Christianity and Roman Catholicism.

Clothing and Dress
Warm humid temperatures and religious practices make nudity a tolerated and sometimes mandatory practice. Bikinis and other swim ware can be found in a wide variety of places and on all islands both in daily and non daily wear. Kimonos and variations of the garb are very common in Aurora, Hoshino and Animalpolis coming from long traditions of weaving and crafting as well as the influence of Aurora dominance in the region centuries ago.

Dating and Courtship
Dating is a common custom among young and unmarried couples and same sex relationships are also commonplace. Without taboo, it's fairly common to begin sexual relations with your courting partner. There are reports that relations and marriages have been broken off as a result of poor sexual performance but it's largely accepted that general affection and openness with your partner is valued most among islanders. Having children is a custom that follows marriage and not having children is considered taboo but there's no accepted upon or expected amount of children, only to further the lineage of islanders for the future is considered important. Even same sex couples are expected to foster a child in the world, be it through surrogacy or adoption. While not the most ideal, a single parent is seen as a symbol of strength and respect but a person that should be cared for.

Hygiene
Cleanliness is considered a vital thing. Some will have small baths inside their huts others will wash in the rain, or go to a hotspring in the jungle forests. With more time and development, dedicated bathhouses have also become popular among natives and tourists alike. It's pretty rare for anyone to not take a bath at days end. Some may even bathe 3-4 times a day if they feel it needs Some have attributed this to the religious masses of Madokamism which believe in cleanliness as a path to salvation. But it's also likely modern habits taught by recovery teams to keep diseases and sicknesses minimal. With the extreme poverty of the region but and the growing dependence on tourism to sustain the economy, hygiene is a daily requirement in AHSCA now.

Much of the water has natural fluoride which keeps their oral health excellent. The wells established in the post-war recovery also have been treated with fluoride to maintain oral health and well being of the islanders.

Food
The most common food for the islanders is obviously fish. Usually at different points during the day, at high tide fish will be mass near the shores, more so than usual circumstances. This makes for quick and bountiful gatherings for the end of the day supper. Fish is also pretty surplussed when there is an approaching storm. In this event fish also come during both high and low tied.

Other foods include many types of citrus fruits, both sweet and sourer. Mangoes, bananas, peaches, and pineapple are regularly found on all the islands. They grow on the large palm trees scattered through the interior of the island and some grow on small plants. Berries are also quite common, but are best following the monsoon seasons.

Rice is another staple of the islander diet. Many islanders will enjoy a bowl full of steamed or polished white rice and some may fry and create brown rice. Over the years many other dishes have been introduced to the staple diet of islanders. A variety of foreign dishes influenced by Mokan cuisine have been popular in the UIS.

Religion
(Main article Madokamisim)

Across the islands, 98% follow the native religion of Madokamism. Remaining religious demographics included Marshism, Christianity and Roman Catholicism.

International Relations
In the aftermath of the war, AHSCA became withdrawn, only preferring to interact with it's closest neighbors or friends, such as the Mokastana, Lamoni and Kuronami governments. With post-war tensions diminishing, the UIS begun to reach out more and become a more open state for various nations, including former foes. Over the modern era, relations with Kyrenaia, The Selkie, Mervay Astares Amauricanum have been forged to create better ties and relations with the global community at large as well as improve on trade and relations.

Military
United Island Self-Defense ForceThe United Island Self Defense Force (UISSDF) is the standing military of the United Island States of AHSCA. It was created as the official unified army after the dissolution of the Militia services which served each island independently. Being an underdeveloped nation, AHSCA sought assistance from neighbors in building a defense force to repel would-be-attackers. Nations such as Mokastana and Lamoni, both friends of the islands, worked in helping to train and build up the modern military forces. The military is a conscription based force asking for all citizens to undergo basic training upon coming of age in any field of the armed services and all citizens proven capable will be allowed to keep their weapons upon discharge from service. The UISSDF consists of major branches, Army, Navy and Air Force. By constitutional law, the UIS is bound to only act military when it has been directly attacked or in imminent risk of major attack.

For years, AHSCA has relied on a single unitary militia force from all states with equipment supplied by trading partners and other friends of the nation. In recent years a push to better equip and train the islanders for war has built up a sizable self defense force ready to handle threats more readily. The Military and the Militia were split off with the UISSDF focused on overall defense and security for the islands at home and abroad and the AHSCA Militia being focused on state security and police actions. Both groups are overseen by the Defense Office. The role of commander-in-chief befalls the Duchess who appoints the leader Officer of Defense to oversea the forces from the Office of Defense. Military service was traditionally voluntary, with conscription occurring in wartime through a military draft. In recent years policy has changed to conscription service for all able bodied citizens, with an conscientious objection exception that allows those who would otherwise object to commit to religious services. Men and women can both serve in all areas of the armed forces.

Both Mokastana and Kyrenaia maintain active military installations on AHSCA soil and territory to serve as defense partners for the UIS, while Kuronami, Lamoni and Astares Amauricanum have military installations and outposts on nearby islands. The presence of two foreign instillations was met with push back by Congress but Duchess Villa secured their presence by Royal Decree. The UISDF also engages in disaster response at home and when asked, abroad.