Leifia is the third largest continent. In the North it is dominated by ice-cap, tundra and taiga forest. Further south the endless great plains take over before deserts take hold in central Mexica. To the far south, great dense jungles form the barrier between Leifia and Tawantinland. Long a barrier to trade and people it is currently the most heavily militarised border in the world.
It is divided into 91 sovereign countries, along with multiple dependent territories.
To the East of Mexica lie the Taino and Carib Islands. Besides the two sovereign countries of Coabana and Quisqueyanos are numerous smaller islands administered by various European powers.
In the present day the nations of Leifia can be roughly split into three groups.
- The North and East - roughly those either under the influence of Vinland or Aniyunwiya or those surrounding the Fraeburt Votnum. These are mostly republics or constitutional monarchies.
- The South and Centre - roughly those either directly controlled or heavily in the orbit of Mexica and tend to be military dictatorships.
- The West - a mix of republics and heavily autocratic monarchies generally aligned to the Chinese Empire.
Historical Overview[]
It is believed the first Leifians appeared after migrating across the Bering land bridge from Siberia between 40,000 and 17,000 years ago following the great herds of now extinct mega-fauna. They spread throughout the continent and further south into Tawantinland.
Settled, they adapted to their surroundings and formed distinct tribal groups. In the north they practised hunter-gathering alongside fishing. In the south the Meso-Leifian tribes perfected intense farming of maize, tomatoes and squash and formed great civilisations. Bison were hunted by those tribes on the great plains. The Ishak Bird (OTL turkey) was domesticated somewhere in between. No large fauna remained to be domesticated and Llamas had yet to be exported North from Tawantinsuyu.
The Norse explorer Leif Ericsson discovered the island known as Vinland and would give his name to the continent beyond. His family would later settle alongside growing numbers of migrants from Iceland and Scandinavia. Their presence led to European foodstuffs and domesticated animals being spread throughout Leifia. Cattle, goats and pigs were widely adopted, sheep less so. By the time the Vinlanders reached the growing empire of Mexica in the 1120s it found it had received the wheel but had no horses or cattle to pull it.
As iron weapons spread out from Vinland and in time were developed locally, the most powerful tribes could begin to turn their domains into kingdoms and shifted their ways of life from nomadic to sedentary. Vinland attempted to control the supply of horses, to keep its military advantage. However, they became powerful diplomatic tools; a herd of horses being worth their weight in gold. Cavalry soon formed the backbone of many nations' armies.
Another Norse introduction was less welcome. Disease, specifically measles, spread like wildfire amongst the Leifian tribes who had no natural resistance. The initial wave is thought to have killed 70% of the population, wiping out numerous tribes altogether. Norse and native Leifians alike were hit equally by the spread of the Black Death in the mid-1300s and smallpox later on. Meanwhile, the devastating Great Pox was introduced back to Europe. It briefly cut a huge swath through the European population before it settled into a less fatal but endemic strain.
The rapid expansion of the Aniyunwiya during the 13th century caused a chain reaction of tribal movement. The Lakota, Isanyathi and Nakota were pushed westward onto the plains. Meanwhile, the Nahuatl were eventually pushed into Mexica. The Nahuatl would eventually turn Mexica from a collection of warring city-states into a vast military machine and the largest single nation in the Western hemisphere.
News of Leifia was slow to feed back to the Old World. Whilst Scandinavia, the Empire and the Papacy were certainly aware of the Norse colonies by the mid-1050s they had little inkling of the lands beyond. It was only as Vinland and Álengiamark began sending back precious items like furs, that interest was stoked, and maps, both real and fanciful, proliferated. Denmark guarded the northern crossing via Greenland jealously, however. Eventually Portugal found a southern crossing by 1345 and most ocean-faring nations of Europe had some kind of trading presence by 1600. China had first made the crossing of the Roasjoinn (OTL Pacific Ocean) to the west of Leifia in 1420. Likewise, the Leifian nations eagerly exported items like tobacco, coffee, sugar and Mexic silver back to the burgeoning European and Chinese markets.
Nations[]
Country | Capital | Flag | Current Head of State | Estimated Population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vinland | Isafjordhur | ![]() |
Queen Kristjana IX | 9,794,100 |
Military Japan | Tokyo* | General Hatu | 433,600 | |
Lingít Aaní | Kaien | ![]() |
Yanyedi Skeena | 45,000 |
Keewatin Territory | Snjórvatn | ![]() |
Queen Kristjana IX* | 320,000 |
Algonquinland | Quebec | ![]() |
Chief Donnacona | 1,783,150 |
Klallam Federation | Tse-whit-zen | ![]() |
Chief Chits-han-a | 632,720 |
Ktunaxa | Yaqannuki | ![]() |
King Kanuxunik | 3,886,200 |
Cree Republic | Saskwaton | ![]() |
Mamihkiyin | 512,000 |
Ojibwe | Baawiting | ![]() |
President Wawaazisii | 1,278,860 |
Atikamekwia | Manawan | ![]() |
President Nikikw | 521,760 |
Passamaquoddia | Quispamis | ![]() |
King Qonas III | 5,294,900 |
Abernakriga | Wolinak | ![]() |
President Hafdis Obomsawin | 1,359,000 |
Nitawahsinnanni | Otokoks | ![]() |
Chief Aatsista-Mahkan | 847,500 |
Haanininland | Pakowki | ![]() |
Prince Hitunena | 264,000 |
Nakotaland | Wascana | ![]() |
President Tusweca | 596,000 |
Chinookriga | Kathlamet | ![]() |
King Konkomly II | 935,430 |
Ichshkiinmark | Yakima | ![]() |
King Peo IV | 617,840 |
Cayusia | Attalia | ![]() |
Chief Tauitau | 478,000 |
Skitswishmark | Manito | ![]() |
King Masselow | 215,420 |
Niimiipu Republic | Lapwai | File:Flag of Niimiipu (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Walammottinin | |
Kalispu Republic | Missoula | ![]() |
Kanitsu | |
Apsaalookriga | Absarokee | ![]() |
King Horatoa | |
Lakota Federation | Minneconju | File:Flag of Lakota (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Thasunke Huste | |
Hiraacaland | Menoken | ![]() |
Princess Maxidiwiac | 43,000 |
Ruptareland | Wishek | ![]() |
Prince Matotohpe | 52,000 |
Sahnishland | Onaka | ![]() |
Prince Kunuh-Kananu | 63,000 |
Isanyathimark | Minnetonka | ![]() |
King Taoyateduta | 1,048,000 |
Mamaceqtawia | Keshena | ![]() |
King Amiskquew | 977,000 |
Ochangaramark | Waukesha | ![]() |
King Waukon III | 1,207,000 |
Neshabek | Kalkaska | ![]() |
King Siggenauk II | 786,000 |
Erie | Ashtabula | ![]() |
Queen Kenraeks | 5,019,800 |
Six Nations | Oneida | ![]() |
Kaintwakon Katerisson | 1,701,750 |
Kanienmark | Niskayuna | ![]() |
Princess Kaniehtiio | 451,000 |
Álengiamark | St. Hafdiss | ![]() |
Queen Thorey VII | 13,093,400 |
Aniyunwiya | Kispokotha | ![]() |
King Weyapiersenwah III | 11,341,050 |
Susquehanockland | Conestoga | ![]() |
King Chiroe V | 3,089,750 |
Yesanland | Nahyssa | ![]() |
Prince Nikonha | 3,402,450 |
Powhatanland | Werowocomoco | ![]() |
King Paqwach | 930,500 |
Tuscaron | Nooherooka | ![]() |
King Akawentcaka | 1,734,600 |
Dasamongueponkland | Aquascogoc | ![]() |
Yarl Manteo VIII | 637,200 |
Catawbaland | Issa | File:Flag of Catawbaland (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | King Yanabe | |
Tsalagi Republic | Echota | File:Flag of Tsalagi (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | President Junaluska | |
Coyaha Republic | Patsiliga | ![]() |
President Chestowee | 841,800 |
Mvskokia | Mabila | ![]() |
King Tenskwatawa II | |
Cusabo | Skorrye | ![]() |
President Etiwan | 483,410 |
Miccosukeeland | Knole | ![]() |
King Arpii | |
Utinan Confederation | Etoniah | File:Flag of Utina (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | President Saturiwa Acuera | |
Caalusa | Stapaba | ![]() |
King Timucua | 3,914,650 |
Aismark | Jece | ![]() |
Prince Pojoy II | 2,197,900 |
Quisqueyanos Federation | Ayraguay | ![]() |
Niba Orocobix | 12,425,000 |
Coabana | Havna | ![]() |
Emir Yusif II | 7,869,300 |
Apalacheeland | Anhaico | ![]() |
Prince Nalethuck | |
Koasati Republic | Tasquiqui | File:Koasati Republic (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | President Colita | |
Chikashsha Republic | Impichchaachaaha | File:Chikashsha Republic (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | President Shunanhoy | |
Albaamahaland | Tichuka | File:Flag of Albaamahaland (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Prince Okolona | |
Chahtaland | Nanih Waiya | ![]() |
Prince Tullockchish II | |
Biloxiland | Ayaaxi | ![]() |
Prince Taneksayaa | |
Chitimachanc | Yagenichito | ![]() |
Queen Chawashun | 1,601,150 |
Ishakane | Nementou | ![]() |
General Nezpique | |
Kweshland | Ninchopen | ![]() |
Prince Sanukh III | |
Ofolendain | Minuse | File:Flag of Ofolendain (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | President Pacce | |
Natchezland | Jenzenaque | ![]() |
Prince Uwahsil V | 97,150 |
Houmaland | Ulu | File:Flag of Houmaland (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | President Beyot | |
Nowych Katowice | Nowych Katowice | ![]() |
King Stephan IV | * |
Tunica | Quizquiz | ![]() |
Grand-Prince Lattanash | |
Caddoa | Hasinai | File:Flag of Caddo (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Queen Kaw-u-tz | |
Ugakhpaland | Tiwadiman | ![]() |
General Tanwanzhita | |
Osageland | Pomatah | ![]() |
Prince Shonka | |
Inokian Confederation | Cahokia | ![]() |
President Maroa Tapoara | 5,823,600 |
Niuachiland | Wacuxca | ![]() |
Chief Wimihsoor | 127,300 |
Kawlegawaho | Toppiké | ![]() |
General Monchousia | |
Baxojeyuh | Ayux | ![]() |
King Maxuhga V | 194,100 |
Otoewa | Chono Ca Pe | ![]() |
General Shaumonkeusse | 52,340 |
Omahaghenu | Ton Won Tonga | ![]() |
General Akondabpa | 176,500 |
Poncaland | Keya | ![]() |
General Moniaki | 49,150 |
Tsetsehestahesia | Sahiyena | ![]() |
Okuhhatuh | 313,000 |
Shoshoneland | Tukuaduka | ![]() |
General He-Dow | 1,633,950 |
Kidütökaland | Tuvi | File:Flag of Kidütökaland (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Chief Winnemucca | |
Molalawa | Umpqua | ![]() |
Prince Abiqua | |
Natinixwa | Hup | ![]() |
King Ishkeesh | 775,257 |
Shastaland | Shasta | File:Flag of Shastaland (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Prince Karuk | |
Modocland | Kun Hagakni | ![]() |
Prince Keintpoos III | 29,100 |
Achumawiland | Ilmawi | ![]() |
President Talakayi | 222,300 |
Atsugkriga | Pashha | ![]() |
Chief Apwar | 143,200 |
Maiduland | Pakanyani | File:Flag of Maiduland (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Chief Tsi Akim | |
Waashiland | Megel | ![]() |
So Dat La | 181,300 |
Wintuland | Cana | File:Flag of Wintuland (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Prince Puilulimen | |
North Yokutland | Tehama | File:Flag of N. Yokutland (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Chief Cucunuchi | |
Western Maiduland | Wyo | File:Flag of W. Maiduland (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Chief Yolan | |
Nisenanland | Sulapy | ![]() |
Prince Sam-Yeto III | 461,900 |
Chinese Leifia | Lingyu | ![]() |
Emperor Yongye | 841,600 |
Ohlonemark | Romonan | ![]() |
King Xigmacse II | 3,046,700 |
South Yokutland | Yokuta | File:Flag of S. Yokutland (The Kalmar Union).svg.png | Prince Yoscolo | |
Esselenmark | En'nesen | ![]() |
Chief Lenajan | 207,285 |
Chumashmark | Soxtonoxmu | ![]() |
Prince Helek | 1,634,800 |
Tongval | Puvungna | ![]() |
General Chingichn | 1,733,200 |
Mexica | Tenochtitlan | ![]() |
Emperor Ahuitzotl IV | 135,500,000* |
*The population of Mexica is an estimation.
Immigration to Leifia[]
Most Leifian nations do not allow foreign nationals to settle within their states. This is generally due to cultural concerns or worries that the native traditions and language will be engulfed by that of the incoming settlers. This has much to do with the controversial settlement of Rolegurfolkland by Icelandic families in the 17th century which led to the peoples there losing their separate identity. This effective ban by most states has prevented large numbers of Europeans immigrating to Leifia. Even the Norse descended states of Vinland and Álengiamark are not overly fond of large numbers arriving, mainly due to the perceived lack of free land, and therefore place a yearly cap on the number of incoming settlers. Those who do immigrate tend to come from the Kalmar states, however.
The original settlement by Europeans of the modern nations of Vinland and Álengiamark occurred during the 11th and 12th centuries - though the majority of the settlers were Icelandic or Greenlandic various other nationalities were involved. Cornish fleeing the destruction of their kingdom by Wessex as well and Irish, Scots and Anglians joining the 'Wampanoag Crusade' (see Snaedis I) settled and intermarried with the Norse and the native tribes. As the Black Death repeatedly reared its head in Europe in the 14th century there was little impetus to emigrate to Leifia as populations struggled to restore themselves to previous levels. This coincided with a large degree of nation building in Leifia and once Europe was ready again to export its over-population many of the previous potential settlement areas were now blocked to them.
An outlet of sorts was found in the Carib and Taino islands after the European powers had largely divided them up. Many Dutch and Iberians would eagerly emigrate. However, land competition with the native populations made sure the period of settlement was quite limited and numbers relatively small.
Religious turmoil in Europe after the reformation led some persecuted groups, primarily from the Holy Roman Empire or Wessex; such as the Anabaptists under Joost Cassens, to emigrate to Vinland. There was no conscious effort to attract settlers, though it was certainly the most religiously liberal Leifian state at the time, instead it merely welcomed several large groups of Europeans to help settle the largely uninhabited Hafsvaedaland, just as it had moved Greenlanders and Icelanders in previous centuries. Icelanders would also settle en mass in Rolegurfolkland (as above) as well as in Keewatin Territory, alongside Germans and Irish following various natural disasters in their homeland.
During the Wars of Patwin Partition the previously remote Western Leifian nations began to reform and open up. With increasing trade opportunities many settlers were tempted to cross into the far west. While these were mostly Danes many Aragonese and French were also involved. The 'Danas' communities of Ohlonemark and Chumashland are descended from these and still can be found speaking Danish out in the valleys. Meanwhile in Ktunaxa and the Klallam Federation, the development of cities and central government was in some ways spearheaded by the influx of Europeans.
War would provide the next significant influx of Europeans as the devastation caused by Great Baltic War to led many thousands of Svealanders and Finns to chance their fortunes in Leifia. Álengiamark, which had recently regained central control of its disparate parts was opening up the swamps and forest in its south, accepted large numbers of these and Nanticokeland Fylke has a significant minority who claim Svealandic and Finnish descent. In the same way Dasamongueponkland attracted large numbers of Scandinavians to resettle its farmland abandoned after centuries of war and misfortune.
It is assumed that the completion of the Trans-Leifian railway will allow settlers to reach the West coast more easily and spread the burden out from Vinland and Álengiamark. While this may not actually increase numbers arriving it may change attitudes throughout Leifia in the long run. The largest development, however, is the Polish colony of Nowych Katowice. A fortress city built on Tunican land leased to the Polish crown for 299 years it is meant to be the centrepiece of the Mississippi Defense Line (MDL). With the completion of a rail link to the Mexic Gulf the city is now predicted to grow by 10,000 a month as Poles and Ruthenians take up offers to move to the city, building the defence line in return for the necessary materials to build their own houses.
Háflaeykir[]
Háflaeykir is a team sport extremely popular in the Leifian North East.
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