Powhatanland (The Kalmar Union)

The Kingdom of the Powhatan, 'Powhatanland, is a medium-sized constitutional monarchy in Eastern Leifia. It is bordered by Susquehanockland, Yesanland, Tuscaron and Dasamongueponkland. The population is around 930,000 and the capital is Werowocomoco.

The official language is Powhatan.

The Head of State is King Paqwach.

The currency is the Powhatan Kronu (PWK).

History
The Powhatan and closely allied tribes of the area were one of the 'further tribes', Frekarfolk, encountered by Vinlandic and Álengsk traders as they explored the Atlantic coast of Leifia and began searching inland for trading opportunities. They quickly began the first steps towards nation-hood, practicing settled agriculture and forming a well-equipped army. However this was swept away by the twin terrors of disease, spread unwittingly by Norse traders, and the rapid expansion of the Aniyunwiyan Empire. Powhatanland, with its Atlantic ports and ample farmland became a critical territory for its conquerors and much of the empire's produce for trade with Vinland and Europe was channelled through the developing cities.

Whilst much of the empire disintegrated after the death of Edoha, his less able successors made sure they maintained a firm grip on the land, however physical separation (Yesanland controlled the land between) meant that day-to-day authority was increasingly held by local lords and the merchant classes. A sizable fleet was built for trade and the opportunities for making a quick fortune drew the attentions of the Portuguese who occupied Ocracoke Island in the 1370s. The Aniyunwiyan dominance lasted until the death of King Kullaakka and the end of the 'Second Empire' in 1482.

A line of native kings secured their rule with generous trading rights and playing on fear of foreign dominance. Messy, drawn out wars with all of their neighbours, generally grouped under the name 'Great War of Independence' dominated the next century and only really came to a halt with the First Mexic-Leifian War. This conflict also saw the end of disagreements over Ocracoke after the Portuguese landed a huge army and the island was ceded to Portugal in perpetuity.

The post-war years saw much disruption as the centralising monarchy fought the liberal-minded merchant classes for the rights, and profits, of the trade routes and as a result Powhatanland would never succumb to the kinds of authoritarian regimes which its neighbours endured, though this tended to make it an easy target for the Yesan kings and much of the wealth generated by trade disappeared into the pockets of mercenaries or European engineers paid to build extensive fortifications.

Afraid that it would be overrun, it was a reluctant participant in the Yesan-Susquehanock War (1821-1826) but conducted itself well. However much of the hinterland suffered during the war and it spent the rest of the 'Leifian Crisis' in economic depression, which in turn led to poor investment in its fleet and ports. A large number of farmers would migrate to Susquehanockland or Álengiamark during this period.

As the North-East ploughed money and energy into Yesanland Powhatanland lost its preeminence in trade in the Chesapeake Bay to Susquehanockland. As a belated response it created the Powhatan Customs Union with Tuscaron in 1925. In 1941 this was extended to Dasamongueponkland helping boost the trade out of the Powhatan River.

Government
Powhatanland is a constitutional monarchy governed by a bicameral Weroance which is elected every three years. The monarch retains little executive power.

The current Head of State is King Paqwach and his Prime Minister is Rankokus Atemoss.