Alternative History
Alternative History

The following is an Alternate History Wiki adaptation of this idea created by Mscoree (although he is not affiliated with this project).

From the fires of revolution and bloodshed, a new nation has been born. For years the British people have been devastated by barbarian invasion, civil war, and the breakdown of all civilization, pushing our nation to the brink of collapse. It was in this atmosphere that the people conspired for a change. Britannia has been a monarchy since times long before, their splendor and wisdom known throughout the isles, but these times are no longer. The monarchy has become a corrupt institution, which has only suppressed the British people, and pushed them to their near annihilation. In the year 543 the people finally rose up against the ill kings, creating the Republic of Britannia. Now the republic has come under fire from the disorder around it, and no one is sure if this fledgling union has the power to stand the test of time.

Political Game Star
The known world in 570.

This game focuses on political intrigue, war, exploration, and other aspects of the Republic of Britannia, an alternate nation of somewhat unknown or mythological origins. Please be sure to read the rules and have a basic understanding of the game before joining.

Rules[]

General[]

  • Please be civil when playing this game, especially when speaking out of character (OOC). This game features inequalities among race, gender, political lines, and other aspects, which do not necessarily represent players' views outside the game. Within game debates and arguments are expected, but please refrain from personal attacks, being overly antagonistic, or offensive.
  • OOC debates are not allowed. Please no not talk about real world politics, or other out of character issues.
  • Remember that this is just a game and a story.
  • It is possible that your character may meet a bloody end, possibly from betrayal, but it is asked that players rise above this. If they are unable to, then they should not participate.
  • All declarations and legislation may be modified or vetoed by the moderator staff, to ensure plausibility.
  • If applicable, please talk in double parentheses when addressing people out of character.

Characters[]

  • To play this game you may play as a single person (a character) or a dynasty as a whole.
  • To join you must post a summary of your character, including their name, date of birth, place of birth, culture, and a short biography of some kind.
  • Alternatively if you'd wish you play as a dynasty, you must post a similar character introduction, for your family patriarch. You must also include a short biography of your family as a whole, and a list/description of any major family relations/members.
  • Certain characters or families will be created at the start that you may also pick from if you wish to not create one from scratch.
  • Make sure all characters and families are plausible, if not they will not be allowed. Please also take into account their culture, and use names from the list if needed.
  • Do not declare your player or family members to be high up positions or in power, unless they are granted such a title. Past members of your family may only be declared former government officials if they is evidence or precedence for your claim.

Government[]

The government of the Republic of Britannia shall initially work as follows.

Laws[]

  • Although there is no official constitution (at start), the government operates under the preexisting precedence and law of tradition, known as the Way of the Elders.
  • Citizenship in the nation is held by a portion of the population, and may be granted or revoked.
  • Citizenship may be held or granted to both men and women, however women are not allowed to vote or hold civil or public office.
  • Slaves are considered property and lack legal personhood, however they can be freed by manumission for their services, or through provisions in their master's will.
  • Freedmen lack citizenship, but the children of freedmen and British women are born free citizens.
  • Full citizens are granted the following rights:
    • The right to vote in the assemblies.
    • The right to stand for civil or public office.
    • The right to have a lawful marriage with a citizen, to have the legal rights as head over the family, and to have the children of any such marriage be counted as citizens.
    • The right of immunity from some taxes and other legal obligations, especially local rules and regulations.
    • The right to sue in the courts and the right to be sued.
    • The right to appeal from the decisions of magistrates and to appeal the lower court decisions.
    • The rights granted to Associate Citizens.
    • The right to demand a trial in the capital if accused of treason.
  • Associate Citizens are granted the following rights:
    • The right to make legal contracts and to hold property as a citizen.
    • The right to preserve one's level of citizenship upon relocation to a city of comparable status.
    • The right to not be tortured or whipped, nor receive the death penalty, unless found guilty of treason.
    • The right to have a legal trial (to appear before a proper court and to defend oneself).
    • Freedmen, full citizens who committed major crimes, and non citizens, could be granted/demoted to this standing.

Positions[]

  • The executive branch of the republic is held by the consul, who heads the government. Their responsibilities and powers include:
    • The consul is the commander-in-chief of the military, and can personally lead the army.
    • In extraordinary circumstances, may serve as judges if called upon by a decree of the Senate.
    • Have the right of summons and arrest, and can punish or arrest any citizen short of capital punishment.
    • Chief diplomats of the state.
    • May convene the Senate and preside over its meetings.
    • During emergencies, may be appointed dictator by the Senate for a maximum term of six months, or may personally appoint any citizen as dictator.
    • Consuls shall be elected by an assembly representing the entire nation's elite (each participating player may vote), with the individual with the highest number of votes being elected. To be elected, candidates must be at least thirty-five years of age. Once elected they serve for four years.
    • May veto senatorial legislation, after which the law requires a two-thirds majority.
    • May appoint a Vice Consul, to serve in his absence, and succeed him if unable to serve as Consul.
  • The legislative branch of the government is known as the Senate. The Senate consists of one hundred men who are appointed for life by a consul. (Senators will act proportionately to the number of players representing senators. At least eighty of these men must be NPCs.) Their powers include:
    • May lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, and may pass laws pertaining to the field of economics.
    • May regulate commerce with foreign nations.
    • May create coinage and regulate its value.
    • May declare war on foreign nations, and raise and support armies for this purpose.
    • May pass laws with a majority.
    • May declare enemies of the state.
  • The Minister of War shall serve as the commander-in-chief's second in command, and shall command the military in his absence.
    • May appoint military officers to the rank of general.
    • May allocate military funds, supplies, and manpower, including the creation of strategies and plans during wartime.
    • Must be elected by the Senate every four years.
    • Second in line in consular succession.
  • The Minister of Treasury serves as the chief financial adviser to the nation.
    • Is responsible for maintaining and supervising the census, which must be held at least every ten years.
    • Oversees all aspects of the government's finances, and may conduct audits.
    • Must mint currency and regulate trade as commanded by the Senate.
    • Must regulate and standardize weights and measurements.
    • Must be elected by the Senate every four years.
    • Third in line in consular succession.
  • The Lower Tribute represents the lower class citizens and minorities of the nation.
    • Is elected by the General Assembly, a group of one hundred individuals from across the nation, which are elected proportionate to the consular election (All NPCs).
    • Once elected the Lower Tribune serves for a minimum of four years, and a maximum of eight, during which time the assembly may choose to elect a new member at their own discretion. If a Lower Tribune is selected during the reign of a previous one, that had lasted over four years, the Lower Tribunes serves for two year, after which a new election takes place.
    • May present legislation to the Senate.
    • May veto senatorial legislation, after which the law requires a two-thirds majority.

Provinces[]

  • Provinces of Britannia are divided between senatorial and general.
  • Senatorial provinces are areas directly under the control of the Senate, and therefore the government.
  • Governors of senatorial provinces are selected by the Senate, and must be a Senator or former consul or minister.
  • General provinces may have differing rules for succession, with some being hereditary.
Name Capital Governor Succession Laws Date Established Date Abolished
Senatorial Provinces
Londinian (Capital) Londinian N/A N/A
Aquae Sulis Aquae Sulis Lucilnst Torben
(Senator)
N/A
Oxenaforda Oxenaforda Ieron Elpistans
(Senator)
N/A
General Provinces
Prydeina Inferior Geoff Ardewelyn Consular N/A
Occidentalia Thom Reynaben Elective N/A
Carsariensis Sepete Peschal Consular N/A
Anglia Claudia Camulodunum Jol Raiwyn Hereditary N/A
Egressia Sancti Durovernum Monde Brontes Hereditary N/A
Metaria Wasforlyn Lorente Gulbran Hereditary N/A
Hymrigantes Eboracum Roland Eliphale Consular N/A

Culture[]

Culture Map Start

British

  • The primary culture of the Republic of Britannia is the British. British people enjoy full citizenship, and make up the Senate and the majority of other major assemblies.
  • British people consider all other people within the nation not of British heritage to be Peregrinians.
  • In ancient times the British worshiped the Old Gods, but beginning some one hundred years before the start of the game, the British began the conversion to Iodenism, which is believed to have originated from the OTL Netherlands.
  • The primary language in Britannia is known as Meridian.

Septenean

  • The Septeneans are a group of people of unknown origin, who had largely settled west of Britannia, between the two lands. They are widely believed to have come from the far north.
  • Largely a seafaring people, they have made a name for themselves raiding the British Isles.

North/South Picarian

  • Picarians are the group of people who inhabit the kingdoms north of Britannia.
  • They are largely split between north and south, the split made only worse by the encroaching Septeneans.

Peritian

  • Native people of Britannia almost completely displaced by the British.
  • Majority in parts of northern Britannia.
  • Some have invaded into Picarian land, creating their own cities in the north, or hybrid cultures with the Picarians.

Marian

  • Largely defunct culture surrounding the basin of the Central Sea.
  • Possibly the remnants of a once great kingdom.
  • Sea oriented people particularly interested in trade.

Limians

  • People of the west lands beyond the Central Sea.
  • Largely unknown to the British.

History[]

The history of the British Isles is largely unknown. The British people's own origins is also shrouded in mystery. Most historians believe that the British people founded their capital city of Londinium 570 years ago, and date subsequent years accordingly. In 543 a revolution successfully toppled the British monarchy, which is believed to have ruled since the nation's founding.

List of Consuls[]

Consul Took Office Left office Party Vice Consul
Lucan Iunius
(494 – 558)
543 551
Eusebard Col-Rocest
(510 – Present)
551 555
II. Lucan Iunius
(494 – 558)
555 558
Dorwin Euthymus
(504 – Present)
558 562 Erthar Flacius
Osgar Heraclartus
(507 – Present)
562 566 Secnalius Iunius
Canelm Aneus
(512 – Present)
566 570 Sveinn Wasforlyn
Secnalius Iunius
(512 – Present)
570 Present Kars Eliphale

Current Government[]

  • Consul: Canelm Aneus
  • Vice Consul: Sveinn Wasforlyn
  • Minister of War: Fons Celsnius
  • Minister of Treasury: Marcen Vanderilus
  • Lower Tribune: Stolo Licinius
  • Supreme Judge:
  • High Priest (Iodenism): Gregans II Beraclave

Current Military[]

  • Consul
    • Minister of War
      • Commander of the South
        • Army of the Senate (25,000)
          • Legio I Londinus (5,000)
          • Legio II Sulisa (5,000)
          • Legio III Oxenaforda (5,000)
          • Legio IV Costus (5,000)
          • Legio VII Egressius (5,000)
        • Army of Anglia Claudia (8,000) - Jol Raiwyn
          • Legio VIII Camuloduna (4,000)
          • Legio IX Ostus (4,000)
      • Commander of the North -
        • Army of Hymrigantes (20,000) - Roland Eliphale
        • Army of the Mersey (10,000) - General Erhan Iunius
          • Legio V Wasforlyna (4,000) - Maintus Eliphale
          • Legio VI Monslvinus (4,000) - Hilons Benenius
          • Metarian Auxiliaries (2,000) - Gariclorn

Sign-Ups[]

  • Lucilnst Torben, Senator, Governor of Aquae Sulis -
  • Ieron Elpistans, Senator, Governor of Oxenaforda -
  • Geoff Ardewelyn, Governor of Prydeina Inferior-
  • Thom Reynaben, Governor of Occidentalia -
  • Sepete Peschal, Governor of Carsariensis -
  • Jol Raiwyn, Governor of Anglia Claudia -
  • Monde Brontes, Governor of Egressia Sancti -
  • Lorente Gulbran, Governor of Metaria -
  • Roland Eliphate, Senator (Deceased)
    • Kars Eliphale, Senator - Fritzmet (talk) 20:45, May 27, 2016 (UTC)
      • Roland Eliphale, Governor of Hymrigantes - Fritzmet (talk) 20:45, May 27, 2016 (UTC)
      • Maintus Eliphale, Military Officer - Fritzmet (talk) 20:45, May 27, 2016 (UTC)
      • Karia Eliphale
      • Erthar (Bastard)
    • Osgar Eliphale
    • Lara Eliphale
    • Severic Eliphale
  • Canelm Aneus, Consul -
  • Sveinn Wasforlyn, Vice Consul -
  • Cnaeus Lebines (Deceased)
  • Gregans II Beraclave, High Priest -
  • Lucan Iunius (494 – 558), Former Consul - Ratcolor (talk) 21:10, May 27, 2016 (UTC)
    • Secnalius Iunius (520), Former Vice Consul - Ratcolor (talk) 21:10, May 27, 2016 (UTC)
    • Erhan Iunius (523), General - Ratcolor (talk) 21:10, May 27, 2016 (UTC)
  • Marcen Vanderilus, General - Tr0llis (talk) 22:22, May 27, 2016 (UTC)

Character Biographies[]

The Game[]

570[]

In the capital city of Londinian elections began for the office of Consul among the nation's elite.

A charismatic Peritian nobleman named Orecticlorn unites several displaced tribes north of the British border and successfully defeat an army dispatched by Aalla of Esticaria (southeast most Picarian kingdom). Aalla's son and heir, Frithewlf, is killed in battle, leaving his second son Edwin as heir.

A rebellion among the Peritians of Siydwic (southwest Picarian kingdom) breaks out toppling the nation's government. A nobleman named Ariovistic is elected as king.

An army under the command of Erhan Iunius, son of famous consul Lucan Iunius, arrests Asvalde Tarius, claimant to the now defunct throne of Britannia in Metaria.

Narkis Rigonanus, a former senator, begins a militant campaign in the north of Britannia to convert people to the Old Gods.

A British envoy makes contact with the Kingdom of Walinia (yellow).

In an effort to address the grievances of displaced peasants in southern Britannia, Gvein Lebines, Lower Tribune, bypasses the senate and passes a law limiting the amount of land belonging to the state that any individual could farm, causing the breakup of large plantations maintained by the rich on public land. This plan is instituted in part to increase the nation's military manpower, while also increasing the efficiency of farmland.

House of Iunius: Secnalius Iunius, former Vice Consul and influential senator declares his intention to seek the consulship. Erhan Iunius begins to transport the captured Asvalde Tarius to the capital of Londinian.

Gvein Lebines: The Lower Tribune begins seeking support for his ambition agrarian reform law. Funds are transferred to the project, however when the project is vetoed by Senator Milo Gavarius, Gvein turns his attention to having the senator impeached. Gvein publicly speaks out against the election of Secnalius Iunius, calling his father a jingoistic, unfit ruler who failed to aid the needy of Britannia. Gvein compares a consulship under Secnalius to be a return to tyranny. Instead Gvein makes a political alliance with Forbin Brynmorus, a more liberal yet well established politician, also running for the consulship.

  • Secnalius Iunius: In response to the slanderous acts of Gvein Lebines, Secnalius secretly organizes a faction of conservative senators to raise funds against the Lebines and their allies, including Forbin Brynmorus. Additionally an attack is made on the Lower Tribune's life by paid assassins.
  • Gvein Lebines is killed in the streets. Mass protests break out in Londinian among his many lower class supporters. They demand the senate see justice for the murder.

House of Eliphale - Kars Eliphale announces his intentions to seek the office of consul, promising to fight against the agrarian reforms of Gvein Lebines and his supporters. Kars also begins championing a law officially extending all proconsular appointments to five year terms. Roland Eliphale, begins heavy recruitment in his province of Hymrigantes, and requests additional forces be transferred to his province to defend the border against the aggressive actions of the Peritian nobleman, Orecticlorn. He also points to the fall of Siydwic as evidence of the native problem. Upon receiving word of a possible Peritian ambush in Metaria, Maintus Eliphale and his captive, the royal pretender, travel to the northwest port of Monslvin.

  • Secnalius Iunius: Secnalius Iunius requests that they work together to ensure that a conservative consul is elected, and offers Kars Eliphale the position of Vice Consul if Secnalius is elected.
  • Kars Eliphale: The older Kars Eliphale reluctantly accepts the offer made by Secnalius, believing he has a better chance of being elected, while also helping to propel Kars' future career.

Martis Lebines: Although he is popular among the supporters of his slain brother, Gvein, and among the zealous lower classes, fearing for his own life Martis Lebines flees the capital of Londinian and travels to Oxenaforda. Secretly however he still is an active supporter of the agrarian reforms.

Marcen Vanderilus - One of Britannia's most powerful generals, Marcen Vanderilus sets out to begin a political career, stepping down from his post and returning to the city of Londinian. He begins campaigning for the position of Minister of the Treasury.

  • Martis Lebines: Martis' hired agent, the envoy Asachar Coltius, reports the news of Marcen's arrival in the capital to Martis while in exile. Martis writes a series of letters urging the lower classes to support this man of the people, believing that he can act as a successor to his late brother, while also keeping the conservatives in check with his military connections.

571[]

Secnalius Iunius is elected Consul by the Senate, with Kars Eliphale as his Vice Consul. The conservative general and supporter of the House of Iunius, Fons Celsnius, is appointed Minister of War. The Senate reluctantly elects Marcen Vanderilus, hoping to quell the unrest caused by the death of Gvein Lebines. The more moderate Stolo Licinius is selected as Gvein's successor.

  • (Is it ok if I join as Celsnius? -Kame)
  • Yes. - Fritzmet (talk)

The faction led by Narkis Rigonanus secretly converts the Governor of Metaria, Lorente Gulbran, to the faith of the Old Gods. Lorente decrees that the pagans shall be tolerated in his province, angering the Senate in Londinian.

Marcen Vanderilus: Marcen Vanderilus begins his career as Minister of the Treasury immediately. He addresses the people of Londinian and praises them for their support, promising to alleviate problems for the lower classes. Marcen makes an alliance with member of the General Assembly, Sveinn Caecetilus, an outspoken liberal and supporter of the late Gvein Lebines, to have a law he has primarily authored be presented to the General Assembly. The proposed law would restrict the interference of the wealthy in elections, introduce voting by lot for choosing magistrates, passing laws and deciding legal cases, replacing the earlier system of oral voting. In order to prevent the wealthy from inspecting ballots a second law narrowing the passages down which voters pass to cast their votes, in order to prevent outsiders from harassing the electors. These reforms are vastly popular among the lower classes, however they alienate Marcen from any potential upper class senators who may have initially supported him, including the other members of the consul's government. The moderate Stolo Licinius is pressured to support these reforms or face retribution from the lower classes. Additionally Marcen calls for Martis Lebines to return to Londinian.

Secnalius Iunius: Secnalius begins his reign as consul in Londinian. Kars is appointed to the head of a commission to take action against he supporters of the late Gvein Lebines. Upon learning of he spread of the faith of the Old Gods across Metaria, and the possible support of the governor Lorente Gulbran for the zealot Narkis Rigonanus, Secnalius begins organizing forces for an attack on the zealots.

  • Secnalius asks Fons Celsnius to appoint an appropriate general to lead the forces in Metaria.

Erhan Iunius: General Erhan Iunius, Commander of the Army of the Mersey garrisons the city of Monslvin to ensure it does not fall into the hands of the rebellious zealots in the north. The imperial pretender is stationed within the city's custody until further notice. Maintus Eliphale is ordered to lead the fifth legion and the Metarian Auxiliaries under his command against the zealots, while the sixth legion remains in the city.

Fons Celsnius: The Minister of War calls for all people in Londinian to set their differences aside and to join together united as Iodenists against the rebellious pagans to the north. For the politicians, he calls them to stop political infighting and requests that they support the war by allocating funding for it. Celsinius also calls upon the citizens of Londinian to take up arms against the Pagans and fight for Iodenism. He also takes on an ambitious program to reform the military, making them a larger and more disciplined fighting force. The Minister of War leads his army to the North to join the rest of the British forces.

  • There's no such thing as Christianity ATL, the British are Iodenist.

House of Eliphale: Roland Eliphale, Governor of Hymrigantes continues to amass forces in the north, using the recent conflict across the border as an accuse to extend his own power. He receives news that his efforts have successfully tricked the Minister of War to call for an increased military presence. The news that Fons Celsnius is personally leading forces into Metaria is deemed shocking, considering what Roland considers to be a very minor force. Maintus Eliphale detaches from the main contingent under the command of Erhan Iunius and engages against the religious zealots in battle east of Monslvin.

572[]

Narkis Rigonanus flees into hiding, but not before his forces ravage much of northern Metaria. Maintus Eliphale successfully defeats a rebel army east of Monslvin, however he fails to capture the rebel leader.

A southern army under the command of Fons Celsnius lays siege to the capital of Metaria, Temslvin.

Proconsular terms are extended to five year terms. Additionally the Senate approves a further military presence in the north following attacks near the border.