Shandücha

Overview
Shandücha is one of the five major nations inhabiting the HILT universe, and has been involved in many conflicts with the other four major nations (Los Lobos, Tsukonia, Brewtan, and R.O.M.A.N) as well the smaller nations making up the world of HILT.

(Shandücha is comprised of 2 parts- essentially. 1 part is in America- This is refered to most of the time.  This part is used in the War of America and everything that happened in that.  I use this America part of Shandücha more often because there are more people who actively use the USA map than the world map, and ramifications can be felt more quickly.

The second part of Shandücha is displayed on the World Map. It's not used as often, because the support for this map hasn't been as strong as the USA Map. If we use the USA map Shandücha has little need for a strong navy. But a Powerful Navy would be Vital for Shandücha if the World Map is used. Resource rich areas were gathered to support the Empire.)

Later on, when space travel was invented, Shandücha would aquire a massive Empire of many many planets. Little is currently known about this era.

Origin
Like many things in ancient hiltstory, the origins of Shandücha are unclear. A frequently repeated theory is that when the Four Ancient Travelers arrived from the Original Universe, one of the four married a local Amazon woman, and their descendants became the early Shandüchan nation.

Obviously, as records are unclear on this, it may be discovered this idea is a load of hooey and the truth is much different.

Development
In the first major conflict between nations, Shandücha was able to score a rousing victory over the other nations, and thus solidified itself as the world power. At least, for a time.

Shandücha faced numerous problems through it's existence. It shares an extended border with a very dangerous and antagonistic nation that regularly threatened Invasion. With such a threat Shandücha couldn't risk large scale wars with any other nations, lest Los Lobos invade. Much planning went into The Defense of Shandücha with the line of Ten Past Midnight. This Line is hailed as impenetrable. A marvel of military engineering (ww1 era)

Keeping up with some of the other nations, Shandücha began to have economic problems. It got so bad, that the nation was near Economic collapse. The Emperor had to institute major economic reforms to save the Nation. The 5 year plan know as, The Alphabet Plan, would reinvigorate the economy. Within 5 years the economy was booming, and Shandücha became Economic Powerhouse. The great wealth this created would last until The Great Event caused by QH-29.

There is also the Depopulation Solution, which would help with the economy I suppose.

Fall
After the massive Conglomerate invasion Shandücha fought well, and honorably against the attackers. Sadly they were defeated, and wiped from existence. The Emperor died fighting on the steps of the throne. One of the famed, nearly mythical, Sovereign Protectors was ordered to escape and set up resistance caches. These would later be used to foment rebellion against the Conglomerate.

Revival
After several generations the Shandüchan culture was rediscovered by Anton Zerp.

Government
Shandüchans are a noble and honorable people, who value loyalty to state and family above themselves. They live by a code known as Pragmatic Honor.

Political System-- Democratic Feudal Monarchy.

The Emperor is Head of State, and rules the nation with the help of the Ruling Counsel. This Ruling council is made up of 1 Senator, 1 Grand Moff, 1 Supreme Court Judge, The Krieg Kommandant des Generalstabs (Commander of the Armed Forces), Secretary of Commerse,  Secretary of Intelligence and leading the proceedings is the Emperor. 7 members.

The Nation of Shandùcha is divided up into Over-sectors, Sectors, Satrapies, Regions, and Clans/Cities. Clans/Cities being the smallest- is run by the clan/City Chief. Next largest is the Region which is run by a Governor. Satrapies are governed by a Satrap. Sectors are run by a Moff. Grand Moffs rule the largest sections-- Over-sectors.

There are essentially two types of laws-- Regional and National. The Senate makes National Laws. A local body makes the laws in each community, these however must not conflict with National Laws.

Almost all court cases are handled by the clan, or within the Region. A case may be appealed to a higher court. The highest court is the National, or Supreme court.

Chiefs, Senators, Governor's, and Satraps are elected by the people. All other positions are appointed by the Emperor or Ruling Council.

Shandùcha is Capitalist.

The Central Government of Shandùcha is kept rather small. Each community, clan, and family must be able to care for itself most of the time. A smaller government keeps taxes low, people free, and resilient.

Shandùcha's Governments main jobs are-- 1. Protecting the State against outside invasion. 2. Maintaining order within the State. 3. Maintaining Roads and communication through the State. 4. Preparation for Disasters/Disaster relief.

Other services may be offered by the Government in times of great Prosperity.

2 Inspectors are sent to every one of the Satrapies. After 1 year the pair are separated and reassigned. The next set of Inspectors checks their work for corruption. The task of these Inspectors is to weed out corruption, and help the Satraps govern their territory. They report to the Inspector General and the Emperor.

Notable Shandüchans

 * Anton Zerp
 * Hadropsey
 * The Emperor
 * Ajax Von Spee
 * Major Tom
 * Chester Chestnut (half Shandüchan, half Los Lobian)
 * Four Ancient Travelers (one of them)
 * Four Ancient Travelers (one of them)