Maryland (Great Nuclear War)

The Kingdom of Maryland is a survivor state in the former state of Maryland.

History
In the years after the War, the Insular States were thrown into chaos, like the rest of the free world, and the are was squabbled over by warlords, politicians, and quacks. But among all of this, the City of Bittinger remained under control of a single man, Robert Thamus, whom had been appointed head of the City’s emergency council. Over the course of five years, he created a large militia loyal only to him, promoting his cronies, and undermining the civil government. He, like all ambitious generals, staged a coup. It was quick and bloodless, and Thamus was made King by his supporters. Over the next few years, he levied immense peasant armies of pikemen and spearmen, conquering the entirety of the Panhandle. A Confederate Romanticist, he used a blue Crosslands Banner as his flag, and took the Regnal Name of Jefferson. He promoted his best supporters to the status of nobles, and created an imperial culture of sorts. He dressed his soldiers in plate jacks in the style of confederate uniforms, with kettle helms, wool cloaks, and shields painted in red and blue.

Jefferson made it a point to be on the battlefield with his men, and he died by a stray arrow meant for his officers in 1980. It is notable that Jefferson had no children, and had instead selected one of his generals to take the throne in the event of his death. It as at this point his successor, by the regnal name of Stonewall Thamus, claimed the throne of the Thamus dynasty. After this, Thamus appointed his successor in the event of his death, beginning the tradition of non-inherited dynasties. Stonewall promoted arts and music among the learned elite, and established the Bard’s Guild, among other achievements. Most notable of his Reign however is the War of Daisies.