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Nations of the World Continued
Inner Dominion of China
Taoist Theocracy
Kingdom of Norway
Norwegian Monarchy
League of Urun
Noble Confederation
Inner Dominion of China
Taoist Theocracy
Spoiler Roleplay :
Spoiler Origins of the Dominion, 1820 :
The Revolution bought ruin to the Emperor of China, increasing the already power White Lotus Rebellion, which ended in the twilight of 1803 (OOC: instead of being crushed in 1804) thanks to the great spirit of the Revolution. The Qing Dynasty collapse as did the Chinese Empire as a whole.
Hong Kong would be among the few and the most stable in returning to order but not in a notion that would reflect the return of a dynasty.
Local lords were deposed and replaced by commoners who in turn came that which they deposed.
Between 1805-1811 existed the shorted lived Xun Kingdom that was governed by its first and only ruler Xun Shi (himself being a former mason), before what came to be the Great Hong Kong Revolt occurred that saw then a transitional government that lasted from 1811-1814, governed first by the former imperial civil servant Lin Ru, then by the youngest brother of the deposed king Xun Zhou between middle 1812 to the government’s end at the hand of a third revolt that would shape the history of China in the 19th century; the Violet Lotus Revolt, a peasant revolt that originated in the countryside of Hainan over a series of famines. Order was restored by the former imperial civil servant Fan Bao, who headed the Fan Lau Fort Council in 1815 which we forged to consider how to shape Hong Kong.
The answer that was echoed from a crowd of plain robed figures that stormed outside Fan Lau Fort was “the Inner Way!”
The birth of the global revolution had inspired an old Taoist scholar by the name of Du Liang, who wrote “the Inner Consideration” between 1802-1803 in an attempt to argue for the establishment of “a government that kept to the humble principles that Chuang Tzu spoke greatly of and that flow with change.” Du Liang’s work inspired the creation of the Flow of Du in 1807, founded by an disillusioned civil servant turned Taoist writer Ng Liu. The group starting gaining plenty of influence under Xun’s regime and creaked into each corner of South Central China’s society. Despite Ng Liu falling to illness in 1812 will massive internal discord among the group on striving to the ideal principles the group founded on the organization would continue to hence rise under a new leadership: Ruan Qiang, a merchant turned senior member of the group. In fact while he failed to get a seat on the Fan Lau Fort Council he did succeed in forcing the lords, civil servants and religious leaders that make up the council to heed the ever popular support for the Flow of Du.
Hence came the second meeting of the Council with Ruan Qiang among the last days of 1815. Eager to avoid another revolts with the military tired the Council was forced to summit to the Flow of Du’s leadership demands, resulting in the formation of what was as of that moment the Inner Provinces of Southern China, which then was renamed the Inner Dominion of China in 1817 by directive of the Violet Council that was hold in Hong Kong by the Flow of Du to firmly establish the structure of the government. It was decided a Taoist theocracy, inspired by Taoist teachings on leadership as well as observing the theocratic systems employed by the Holy See and the Caliphate. Eager to create a “Taoist version” the would be rulers deployed efforts to establish the charter. Ruan Qiang was made “the Middle Voice” of the Dominion, serving as more of a united speaker than a head of state.
Whatever the case Qiang did bring desire on a vision to “make China united in oneness” with alarming notes to the reformation of the military during the same time as the diplomacy office was being reformed to preach a foreign policy of pacifism. Indeed many within the Dominion felt that Ruan’s ultimate desire was to see the Dominion unite China by what means necessary… and perhaps expand the borders to “bring peace to all.” Many even feared that Ruan would forsake the principles of “letting go” that was a core part of the new government’s structure, along with other core principle of Taoist leadership. Never the less Ruan’s vision, while going beyond his expected duties as the Middle Voice, is sure to see the Inner Dominion strive to unite as much of China as possible, peacefully or otherwise as the latter is feared the more veteran of the new theocracy.
Will the fears be justified or will Ruan prove in the end to be in reality following the core principles in his own way? The best leader, exemplifying Tao leadership, is one whose existence is barely known by the people. Could Ruan be conducting a plot to make the Middle Voice such?
Hong Kong would be among the few and the most stable in returning to order but not in a notion that would reflect the return of a dynasty.
Local lords were deposed and replaced by commoners who in turn came that which they deposed.
Between 1805-1811 existed the shorted lived Xun Kingdom that was governed by its first and only ruler Xun Shi (himself being a former mason), before what came to be the Great Hong Kong Revolt occurred that saw then a transitional government that lasted from 1811-1814, governed first by the former imperial civil servant Lin Ru, then by the youngest brother of the deposed king Xun Zhou between middle 1812 to the government’s end at the hand of a third revolt that would shape the history of China in the 19th century; the Violet Lotus Revolt, a peasant revolt that originated in the countryside of Hainan over a series of famines. Order was restored by the former imperial civil servant Fan Bao, who headed the Fan Lau Fort Council in 1815 which we forged to consider how to shape Hong Kong.
The answer that was echoed from a crowd of plain robed figures that stormed outside Fan Lau Fort was “the Inner Way!”
The birth of the global revolution had inspired an old Taoist scholar by the name of Du Liang, who wrote “the Inner Consideration” between 1802-1803 in an attempt to argue for the establishment of “a government that kept to the humble principles that Chuang Tzu spoke greatly of and that flow with change.” Du Liang’s work inspired the creation of the Flow of Du in 1807, founded by an disillusioned civil servant turned Taoist writer Ng Liu. The group starting gaining plenty of influence under Xun’s regime and creaked into each corner of South Central China’s society. Despite Ng Liu falling to illness in 1812 will massive internal discord among the group on striving to the ideal principles the group founded on the organization would continue to hence rise under a new leadership: Ruan Qiang, a merchant turned senior member of the group. In fact while he failed to get a seat on the Fan Lau Fort Council he did succeed in forcing the lords, civil servants and religious leaders that make up the council to heed the ever popular support for the Flow of Du.
Hence came the second meeting of the Council with Ruan Qiang among the last days of 1815. Eager to avoid another revolts with the military tired the Council was forced to summit to the Flow of Du’s leadership demands, resulting in the formation of what was as of that moment the Inner Provinces of Southern China, which then was renamed the Inner Dominion of China in 1817 by directive of the Violet Council that was hold in Hong Kong by the Flow of Du to firmly establish the structure of the government. It was decided a Taoist theocracy, inspired by Taoist teachings on leadership as well as observing the theocratic systems employed by the Holy See and the Caliphate. Eager to create a “Taoist version” the would be rulers deployed efforts to establish the charter. Ruan Qiang was made “the Middle Voice” of the Dominion, serving as more of a united speaker than a head of state.
Whatever the case Qiang did bring desire on a vision to “make China united in oneness” with alarming notes to the reformation of the military during the same time as the diplomacy office was being reformed to preach a foreign policy of pacifism. Indeed many within the Dominion felt that Ruan’s ultimate desire was to see the Dominion unite China by what means necessary… and perhaps expand the borders to “bring peace to all.” Many even feared that Ruan would forsake the principles of “letting go” that was a core part of the new government’s structure, along with other core principle of Taoist leadership. Never the less Ruan’s vision, while going beyond his expected duties as the Middle Voice, is sure to see the Inner Dominion strive to unite as much of China as possible, peacefully or otherwise as the latter is feared the more veteran of the new theocracy.
Will the fears be justified or will Ruan prove in the end to be in reality following the core principles in his own way? The best leader, exemplifying Tao leadership, is one whose existence is barely known by the people. Could Ruan be conducting a plot to make the Middle Voice such?
Spoiler Government, 1820 :
officially a Taoist theocracy, set with the Inner Chamber and the Outer Council, with the Middle Voice as the prime speaker on behalf of the theocracy.
The Inner Chamber composes of those set to Taoist most devout practices. These senior scholar, priests and other holy figures are commence to senior observation of the daily lives of the peoples of China, the spreading of the Taoist faith, the managing of Taoist practices in China and observing the long term desires of China.
The Outer Council has more secular functions, serving on economics and infrastructure as well as entertainment, while keeping to the theocratic notions. Civil servants, Confucius scholars and Buddhist monks are among the members of this council in a Taoist theocracy.
Both councils are by a appointment system; the Inner Chamber through an electorate composing of priests, the Outer Council of general agreement of judgment. There are considerations among certain figures to develop the seeds of what would be a electorate for the system; although such consideration would take time to construct as the Dominion is still work in progress as lawmaking is still trying to find out the best method of creating the theocracy.
Between these is the Middle Will, made up of the most senior of figures who appoint from them the Middle Voice, who officially is meant to act as a voice than a supreme ruler, whose leadership is meant to be “unseen” and prepared to “let go.” Unofficially the government is still trying to organize the proper methodology of this (thanks mainly due to the arguments for official leadership by figures like the feudal lord Wang Yin) has meant that the Middle Voice processes executive power.
As seas gain their power from streams so must the leaders gain their power from the people” has been the argument from notable scholars in the government. Reformation is under consideration to hence change the Taoist directive theocracy.
The Inner Chamber composes of those set to Taoist most devout practices. These senior scholar, priests and other holy figures are commence to senior observation of the daily lives of the peoples of China, the spreading of the Taoist faith, the managing of Taoist practices in China and observing the long term desires of China.
The Outer Council has more secular functions, serving on economics and infrastructure as well as entertainment, while keeping to the theocratic notions. Civil servants, Confucius scholars and Buddhist monks are among the members of this council in a Taoist theocracy.
Both councils are by a appointment system; the Inner Chamber through an electorate composing of priests, the Outer Council of general agreement of judgment. There are considerations among certain figures to develop the seeds of what would be a electorate for the system; although such consideration would take time to construct as the Dominion is still work in progress as lawmaking is still trying to find out the best method of creating the theocracy.
Between these is the Middle Will, made up of the most senior of figures who appoint from them the Middle Voice, who officially is meant to act as a voice than a supreme ruler, whose leadership is meant to be “unseen” and prepared to “let go.” Unofficially the government is still trying to organize the proper methodology of this (thanks mainly due to the arguments for official leadership by figures like the feudal lord Wang Yin) has meant that the Middle Voice processes executive power.
As seas gain their power from streams so must the leaders gain their power from the people” has been the argument from notable scholars in the government. Reformation is under consideration to hence change the Taoist directive theocracy.
Spoiler Economy, 1820 :
not-interventionist but only to distribution. The Dominion has a wu-wei ("nothing doing") approach; not doing nothing at all but not too much action, and only that which accords with the unfolding of events. Any policy hence would aim not at "stimulus" or investment, but, rather, at mild redistribution. If undue economic inequality is unnatural "vainglorious thievery" then there will a notion of taking from those with much and giving to those with little; not too much but some redistribution.
Spoiler The Outer Speeches, 1823 :
The message of Taoism must spread.
Whatever the case the way of Tao should spread.
Ruan Qiang, the elderly Middle Voice of the Inner Dominion of China, has come to this conclusion while overseeing the “Purple Reunion” of China. While trade can itself allow the message to spread, especially with the sending of copies of the Inner Chapters to other nations which enhance in volume thanks to industrialisation, Ruan has come to the conclusion that it is not enough. Inspired by Bhuddist and Christain missionaries Ruan has decided to set Shyu Feng of the Inner Chamber to oversee the deployment of a first “Outward Speeches” to spread Taoism across the globe.
Shyu Feng has commissioned himself to set his “Outward Speech” in a rather ambitious set; he envisions to set a great Taoist Temple in Cairo, Egypt. This vision will come out grand?
Whatever the case Ruan will be relying on Taoist priest and scholar groups not part officially of the government to help spread the word; a reward of piety and investment to help enhance Taoist academies and temples will be the reward for these entities taking part in their own “Outward Speeches.”
One priest, Ngai Song, has envisioned a mission for the Coastal Nations, hoping to see a temple set up in the deeps of Sri Lanka as well as any Taoist communities in Taiwan having the resources to help enhance their believes.
Xing Meng, a merchant and scholar, will meanwhile set off to the Urun controlled portions of Japan to set a new temple in the frontiers of Edo.
Whatever the case the way of Tao will spread.
The message of Taoism must spread.
Whatever the case the way of Tao should spread.
Ruan Qiang, the elderly Middle Voice of the Inner Dominion of China, has come to this conclusion while overseeing the “Purple Reunion” of China. While trade can itself allow the message to spread, especially with the sending of copies of the Inner Chapters to other nations which enhance in volume thanks to industrialisation, Ruan has come to the conclusion that it is not enough. Inspired by Bhuddist and Christain missionaries Ruan has decided to set Shyu Feng of the Inner Chamber to oversee the deployment of a first “Outward Speeches” to spread Taoism across the globe.
Shyu Feng has commissioned himself to set his “Outward Speech” in a rather ambitious set; he envisions to set a great Taoist Temple in Cairo, Egypt. This vision will come out grand?
Whatever the case Ruan will be relying on Taoist priest and scholar groups not part officially of the government to help spread the word; a reward of piety and investment to help enhance Taoist academies and temples will be the reward for these entities taking part in their own “Outward Speeches.”
One priest, Ngai Song, has envisioned a mission for the Coastal Nations, hoping to see a temple set up in the deeps of Sri Lanka as well as any Taoist communities in Taiwan having the resources to help enhance their believes.
Xing Meng, a merchant and scholar, will meanwhile set off to the Urun controlled portions of Japan to set a new temple in the frontiers of Edo.
Whatever the case the way of Tao will spread.
The message of Taoism must spread.
Kingdom of Norway
Norwegian Monarchy
League of Urun
Noble Confederation
Spoiler Roleplay :
Spoiler Government and History :
The League of Urun is a unique nation. It is actually made up of 7 different nations: The Kingdom of Hawaii, The Republic of Breton, The Cornwall Confederation, The Merchant Republic of Kuwait, The Tokyo Shogunate, The Principality of Seattle, and the Empire of Vancouver.
The Empire of Vancouver is the closest thing to a leading nation that the league has. The Emperor of Vancouver is also the Premier of Urun. However each country retains a great deal of freedom, and as instant communication is impossible across such far flung distances, the individual nations in the league typically will respond to local diplomacy and handle local matters on their own, sending periodical reports to Vancouver. The various countries will also generally organize their own armed forces, meaning the military of the League is often split unless multiple members agree on a course of action.
You may wonder how this all came out. Essentially, as the world collapsed, the regions around Vancouver and Seattle were ignored. They weren't important amidst such chaos. But strangely enough, they saw a massive influx of refugees as much of the rest of the continent saw war and famine and plague and coups and who knows what else. Soon, Vancouver and Seattle began to develop into actual cities, quite rapidly in fact. They began to expand their power, and by 1810 they came into conflict themselves. Vancouver came out on top with the 'King' of Seattle becoming a Prince instead and swearing fealty to the newly proclaimed Emperor of Vancouver. From there the Emperor gathered as many pre-revolution ships as possible, including a british ship of the line that was being repaired in Vancouver before the revolution. With this ragtag fleet, he sailed out to Hawaii to conquer a base for his Empire in the pacific. He succeeded.
By this time, he began to see that Vancouver would never make it as a far flung empire in this time of chaos. He began to ponder on this and eventually settled on creating a League of Nations united under his rule, so that communication issues won't hamstring his Empire and the local authorities can deal with things. Settling that, he sent his son with what was a great fleet (for the post revolution time period) to see what was happening in europe. The son found the continent in chaos, and quickly set about setting up his own power base there, establishing the Confederation of Cornwall and the Republic of Breton, and much of the upper and successful middle class now derives from the officers of the fleet that came over during that time. This has allowed Breton and Cornwall to become the main naval force of the League. However the son sent a rear admiral to make the return voyage back with what parts of the fleet hadn't permanently settled in the new lands. On his way back around Africa, he came into contact with a small state of Kuwait, a Merchant Republic. In return for ensuring Kuwait entered the League, he led a military campaign and captured the Straits of Hormuz for Kuwait, and the rear admiral found himself promoted and celebrated as a hero upon his return to Vancouver for bringing in yet another nation to the League.
Now, all 7 nations send an ambassador to Vancouver who can act on behalf of the home country in all matters. This includes voting for war and treaties and laws, as well as political maneuvering in general. In all matters each ambassador has 1 vote except the ambassador from Vancouver who is the Emperor himself and he gets 2 votes. However as long as the Emperor and his son maintain their current alliance in the 'Forum' as it is called, they have 3 votes between themselves directly as well as strong influence in Seattle and Breton respectively. Kuwait is normally a wild card, looking out for their merchant interests, and Hawaii can occasionally get bogged down in Custom and tradition, and in any case they envy how most of the League's naval power comes from Cornwall and Breton.
Now, the League ranks among the most powerful entities in the world, however as other nations form out of the past troubled years, it finds itself at a disadvantage when it is so decentralized. However, the Emperor is sure it can survive.
The Empire of Vancouver is the closest thing to a leading nation that the league has. The Emperor of Vancouver is also the Premier of Urun. However each country retains a great deal of freedom, and as instant communication is impossible across such far flung distances, the individual nations in the league typically will respond to local diplomacy and handle local matters on their own, sending periodical reports to Vancouver. The various countries will also generally organize their own armed forces, meaning the military of the League is often split unless multiple members agree on a course of action.
You may wonder how this all came out. Essentially, as the world collapsed, the regions around Vancouver and Seattle were ignored. They weren't important amidst such chaos. But strangely enough, they saw a massive influx of refugees as much of the rest of the continent saw war and famine and plague and coups and who knows what else. Soon, Vancouver and Seattle began to develop into actual cities, quite rapidly in fact. They began to expand their power, and by 1810 they came into conflict themselves. Vancouver came out on top with the 'King' of Seattle becoming a Prince instead and swearing fealty to the newly proclaimed Emperor of Vancouver. From there the Emperor gathered as many pre-revolution ships as possible, including a british ship of the line that was being repaired in Vancouver before the revolution. With this ragtag fleet, he sailed out to Hawaii to conquer a base for his Empire in the pacific. He succeeded.
By this time, he began to see that Vancouver would never make it as a far flung empire in this time of chaos. He began to ponder on this and eventually settled on creating a League of Nations united under his rule, so that communication issues won't hamstring his Empire and the local authorities can deal with things. Settling that, he sent his son with what was a great fleet (for the post revolution time period) to see what was happening in europe. The son found the continent in chaos, and quickly set about setting up his own power base there, establishing the Confederation of Cornwall and the Republic of Breton, and much of the upper and successful middle class now derives from the officers of the fleet that came over during that time. This has allowed Breton and Cornwall to become the main naval force of the League. However the son sent a rear admiral to make the return voyage back with what parts of the fleet hadn't permanently settled in the new lands. On his way back around Africa, he came into contact with a small state of Kuwait, a Merchant Republic. In return for ensuring Kuwait entered the League, he led a military campaign and captured the Straits of Hormuz for Kuwait, and the rear admiral found himself promoted and celebrated as a hero upon his return to Vancouver for bringing in yet another nation to the League.
Now, all 7 nations send an ambassador to Vancouver who can act on behalf of the home country in all matters. This includes voting for war and treaties and laws, as well as political maneuvering in general. In all matters each ambassador has 1 vote except the ambassador from Vancouver who is the Emperor himself and he gets 2 votes. However as long as the Emperor and his son maintain their current alliance in the 'Forum' as it is called, they have 3 votes between themselves directly as well as strong influence in Seattle and Breton respectively. Kuwait is normally a wild card, looking out for their merchant interests, and Hawaii can occasionally get bogged down in Custom and tradition, and in any case they envy how most of the League's naval power comes from Cornwall and Breton.
Now, the League ranks among the most powerful entities in the world, however as other nations form out of the past troubled years, it finds itself at a disadvantage when it is so decentralized. However, the Emperor is sure it can survive.
Spoiler Political Troubles in the League of Urun, 1822 :
Three years ago the League was a prosperous and peaceful alliance. It is still very prosperous, perhaps more so, but its political machinations have fallen to backstabbing and petty politics instead of the lofty ideals the Emperor had in mind when creating the League.
Vancouver itself has prospered, pushing far beyond its boundaries into Canada, cutting off the Russian Empire from the rest of North America, and reaching the Hudson Bay. This expansion has made communication with Breton and Cornwall far easier. Vancouver has also seen an Industrial Boom.It has led many to say that Vancouver is the premier city in all of the Americas, although some disagree saying that Acadia has a natural beauty to it rivaled by none. In any event, Vancouver has remained the most powerful of the 7 nations comprising the league, although its dominant voting block is coming apart at the seems.
The Principality of Seattle has seen turmoil rack its governance. Five princes have been assassinated in the past year, leaving only a single male left in the family. Should this last Prince die off without an heir, the Principality will pass on the the second son of the Emperor through marriage, leaving many people of Seattle in little doubt as to who is behind the murders, evidence to the contrary be damned. This has left Seattle as a hotbed of anti League activity, although Vancouver, working with the Prince, has kept a lid on the worst of it thus far.
The Kingdom of Hawaii has also grown politically unstable, with a sizable traditionalist following wanting independence from the League. The upper Echelons of society realize what a boon the League is in the state of world affairs, however the common person just sees no manufactories being built, traditions being discarded, and taxes on trade. On the bright side, or the not so bright side considering the independence movement forming there, Hawaii is the home of the recent fleet built for the League, which is also crewed by mostly Hawaiians. It is currently stationed around Vancouver as the 1st Fleet.
Japan is almost as traditionalist as Hawaii, however the Japanese as having an easier time adopting new ways. Perhaps part of that is because those 'new ways' have brought them ski much closer to uniting Japan. Perhaps most significantly from the League's perspective, the Shogun is firmly behind the Emperor on most matters in the Forum.
Kuwait is the prodigy of the League. An uneasy political ally of Vancouver, the Soge of Kuwait has benefited from rapid expansion of his territory through the League's resources. Although mostly devoid of resources, the land has been strategically important by providing a port on the Mediterranean and by cutting up Egypt's expansion east. By seizing Damascus and Jerusalem, The Soge of Kuwait has become almost equal to the Emperor in terms of political power. However, he rarely wields it against him, especially as the Emperor has chosen to send 3 corps of Vancouver soldiers to the region to match the 2 corps raised by Kuwait itself. The purpose is mysterious as none seem to know anything but rumor. Kuwait the city has prospered as her merchants are in half the world's cities, and it is said that if you own something that hasn't touched Riccian, FRCN, or Kuwait hands, then it must be homemade. The city is the major source of trade revenue for the League of Urun, and much of her trade has been the cause of the trouble in Hawaii, one of Kuwait's prime domestic markets because of the lack of competition.
The Republic of Breton has stagnated with internal debate. Some want to secede to the Castillian federation, citing the seeming downfall of Cornwall. Others curse the Spanish and want to reclaim France under the banner and resources of the League. It is about 50/50 what will happen at this point. It has recently abstained on everything in the League's Forum as no matter what it would pick, it would cause unrest at home. However when it did vote it sided with the Emperor's son in Cornwall.
The Confederation of Cornwall has broken down. The almost feudal like system has shown why such a society cannot work in modern times, yet the Emperor's son shows no signs of changing it. Revolts are an everyday thing, and are put down with brute force, often foreign mercenaries doing the dirty work. The Emperor's son has seen a break with his father over this issue, as he and his nobles are reluctant to relinquish the absolute power they have in the confederation. As a result, the Emperor's son has become e the face of the Internal opposition against him. Falling short of the guts needed to declare independence, he has settled with refusing to send any taxes to Vancouver, and declaring the military of Cornwall to be no part of the League's. He has also attempted to unite Hawaii and Seattle against Vancouver in most votes in the Forum of the League. What will happen from here is yet to be seen.
Vancouver itself has prospered, pushing far beyond its boundaries into Canada, cutting off the Russian Empire from the rest of North America, and reaching the Hudson Bay. This expansion has made communication with Breton and Cornwall far easier. Vancouver has also seen an Industrial Boom.It has led many to say that Vancouver is the premier city in all of the Americas, although some disagree saying that Acadia has a natural beauty to it rivaled by none. In any event, Vancouver has remained the most powerful of the 7 nations comprising the league, although its dominant voting block is coming apart at the seems.
The Principality of Seattle has seen turmoil rack its governance. Five princes have been assassinated in the past year, leaving only a single male left in the family. Should this last Prince die off without an heir, the Principality will pass on the the second son of the Emperor through marriage, leaving many people of Seattle in little doubt as to who is behind the murders, evidence to the contrary be damned. This has left Seattle as a hotbed of anti League activity, although Vancouver, working with the Prince, has kept a lid on the worst of it thus far.
The Kingdom of Hawaii has also grown politically unstable, with a sizable traditionalist following wanting independence from the League. The upper Echelons of society realize what a boon the League is in the state of world affairs, however the common person just sees no manufactories being built, traditions being discarded, and taxes on trade. On the bright side, or the not so bright side considering the independence movement forming there, Hawaii is the home of the recent fleet built for the League, which is also crewed by mostly Hawaiians. It is currently stationed around Vancouver as the 1st Fleet.
Japan is almost as traditionalist as Hawaii, however the Japanese as having an easier time adopting new ways. Perhaps part of that is because those 'new ways' have brought them ski much closer to uniting Japan. Perhaps most significantly from the League's perspective, the Shogun is firmly behind the Emperor on most matters in the Forum.
Kuwait is the prodigy of the League. An uneasy political ally of Vancouver, the Soge of Kuwait has benefited from rapid expansion of his territory through the League's resources. Although mostly devoid of resources, the land has been strategically important by providing a port on the Mediterranean and by cutting up Egypt's expansion east. By seizing Damascus and Jerusalem, The Soge of Kuwait has become almost equal to the Emperor in terms of political power. However, he rarely wields it against him, especially as the Emperor has chosen to send 3 corps of Vancouver soldiers to the region to match the 2 corps raised by Kuwait itself. The purpose is mysterious as none seem to know anything but rumor. Kuwait the city has prospered as her merchants are in half the world's cities, and it is said that if you own something that hasn't touched Riccian, FRCN, or Kuwait hands, then it must be homemade. The city is the major source of trade revenue for the League of Urun, and much of her trade has been the cause of the trouble in Hawaii, one of Kuwait's prime domestic markets because of the lack of competition.
The Republic of Breton has stagnated with internal debate. Some want to secede to the Castillian federation, citing the seeming downfall of Cornwall. Others curse the Spanish and want to reclaim France under the banner and resources of the League. It is about 50/50 what will happen at this point. It has recently abstained on everything in the League's Forum as no matter what it would pick, it would cause unrest at home. However when it did vote it sided with the Emperor's son in Cornwall.
The Confederation of Cornwall has broken down. The almost feudal like system has shown why such a society cannot work in modern times, yet the Emperor's son shows no signs of changing it. Revolts are an everyday thing, and are put down with brute force, often foreign mercenaries doing the dirty work. The Emperor's son has seen a break with his father over this issue, as he and his nobles are reluctant to relinquish the absolute power they have in the confederation. As a result, the Emperor's son has become e the face of the Internal opposition against him. Falling short of the guts needed to declare independence, he has settled with refusing to send any taxes to Vancouver, and declaring the military of Cornwall to be no part of the League's. He has also attempted to unite Hawaii and Seattle against Vancouver in most votes in the Forum of the League. What will happen from here is yet to be seen.