Weather Republic (Great Nuclear War)

The Weather Republic is a nation-state in the Eastern reaches of the former United States.

History
Mount Weather was a special facility for the relocation of the highest level of civilian and military officials in case of national disaster, such as the Great Nuclear War. The hardened bunkers were designed to withstand a direct nuclear blast. During the hours long conflict, Mount Weather did just that.

Resurfacing
Most people living in Virginia regarded Mount Weather with passing interest, or another "Ghost Ruin", filled with the blackened silhouettes of the dead. But in 1975, two divisions of soldier descended from the Mountain. Wielding their superior weapons, they rode in on M116's, tanks, and trucks. They would roll into a town, declare it under the control of Mount Weather, and leave men to enforce their laws. Locals didn't argue much. When they did, they were shot. In this way, they acquiesced turf from the Appalachia to the Potomac.

Resistance
They continued this pattern, though eventually locals began to push back. The soldiers succumbed to using force to get their way. Many hundreds died. Rebellions were quelled, with blood spilled on either side pooling on the ground. The Weather forces continued to receive resistance, but each quarrel was silenced until only the loyal remained.

The Re-branding
Soon, by the early 80's, the "Militia's" supplies began to wain, and they were forced to use older and older weapons. Eventually most units rode on horseback with muskets and percussion-cap weapons.

Militia
The armed forces of Mount Weather are referred to as the Weather Militia. Their ranks are swelled by conscription, though the senior members are from Mount Weather itself.

Equipment
Each new recruit wears a simple uniform styled after world war two uniforms, though dyed a black colour. This is for easy identification of friendly forces and limited night camouflage. An armband with the Weather flag emblazoned on it denotes their affiliation. The standard weapon for a Militiaman is the Enfield model 1862 musket, with a Remington 1858 as a sidearm. This is due to the easy repair of the weapons and easy to manufacture ammunition. Elite troops often receive more complex weapons, such as smooth-bore slug shotguns, and Ruger 10/22's. All troops receive specialized swords. These swords are similar to the Medieval Italian side-sword, but with a baskethilt.

An assault weapon of choice for the Weather Militia is M1-Garand, due to it's plentiful nature, and economic design. While not technically an assault rifle, it fills this role well in the low-tech region the Weather Militia controls, where most raiders barely have matchlocks mastered.

Economy
The Republic uses at least two forms of currency - salt and US Dollars- but some people use crops to pay taxes. Most of the Republic's economy is based on food crop cultivation.