Aldion Republic of Hochwald

The Aldion Republic of Hochwald occupies an enormous area of Aldion from the Kingdom of Eldonia in the South-West, the Kingdom of Charmelac on the Central-West side, and the Kingdom of Astunia to the North and North-West, amongst other powers on the continent. A large section of its humid continental area is covered by largest forest on the continent, known as the Hochwald. When travelling North the country transitions into green fields, followed by more semi-arid steppe and desert where it borders with the Kingdom of Astunia.   The Republic of Hochwald is the first republic of Aldion and was established in the 1820s. Before it came into being, the lands consisted of many smaller kingdoms, principalities and independent duchy’s. The culture and governance was alike in many of these states and were characterized by strong and wealthy nobility and extremely poor citizens.   Under the motto of ‘Freiheit, Gleichheit und Brüderlichkeit’ (liberty, equality and fraternity), the masses in the Kingdom of Rosenau rallied behind Dietrich Brandt to demand a change of government. By that time Brandt’s ideology was widely known in the Hochwald states and gaining support. In fear of the consequences, the king of Rosenau captured Brandt and beheaded him. Rather than suppressing the masses, it had the opposite effect. Poor citizens in multiple states banded together and formed a united rebellion. 1811 saw the start of the rebellion that over a period of 18 years eventually led to a well-established republic in 1829. Intervention by the neighbouring kingdoms could not prevent this new type of government to gain an undeniable foothold.   Members of royal and noble families were either killed or banished. The states united behind the great visionary couple of the rebellion, Julian and Lena Schüster. Julian went on to become the first president of the new republic. It took another couple of decennia before actual unity and stability was achieved however.   Nowadays the Republic of Hochwald is amongst the most progressive countries in Aldion and is very developed and industrialized. Despite having hardly any colonial possessions, its rich resources in the home country has led to significant engineering and scientific progress and development.