Setting of the Sovereign Confederation

This article was written from an out-of-character perspective and might break the fourth, fifth, and even sixth wall.

The Sovereign Confederation project is meant to explore concepts on Micras that include the following characteristics:

• Exploration of traditionally cyberpunk themes using a post-dieselpunk design language;
• The political balance in ethnically and culturally diverse states;
• Diplomatic pursuit of the formation and preservation of a sustainable and peaceful continental confederation;

Technology in the Sovereign Confederation:

• Century-old jetpack infantry tradition;
• Advanced AI processing services are offered by Sovereign corporations to expedite corporate and government bureaucracy and assist in surveillance;
• Each person has a state-mandated surveillance chip implant;
• A bespoke industry in the digital preservation of human souls.

Languages spoken in the Sovereign Confederation:

• Praeta, by the peoples of the old Goldshirean territories and in official/religious settings;
• Istvanistani, as a commonly taught second language;
• Wintergleamish, by the Norse-descended subjects of Wintergleam;
• Suthric, prestige language of Sovereign academia and native language of the Sutherlanders

Laws of the Sovereign Confederation

• The Document of Governance for the Realm of the Sovereign Confederation of Governorates
• Edicts of the Miþuï
• Directives of the Sovereign Confederation

Other resources:

Civic Instruction Pamphlet - Understanding the Constitutional Order

⚜ THE SOVEREIGN CONFEDERATION OF GOVERNORATES Office of the Uvnalsz of Public Instruction and Safety CIVIC INSTRUCTION PAMPHLET Understanding the Constitutional Order: The Benacian Union and the Sovereign Confederation OFFICIAL NOTICE This document is issued pursuant to Document Two, Article 2, Clause 2.4 of the Documents of Governance and Document Nine, Article 2, Clause 2. Distribution is mandated for all subjects completing basic education and all newly registered Sovereigns. To the Subjects and Sovereigns of the Trazd uis Uvnkoïsoß: It is the solemn duty of this Office to ensure that all subjects possess a clear and comprehensive understanding of the constitutional framework within which they live, labor, and participate in the body politic. This pamphlet elucidates the relationship between two interlocking systems of governance: the Benacian Union, our continental confederation, and the Sovereign Confederation of Governorates, the member Realm to which you belong. I. The Constitutional Hierarchy Our constitutional order operates on two levels, each possessing distinct yet complementary spheres of authority: The Union Level: Continental Sovereignty The Benacian Union constitutes the supreme political authority across the continent. Established through the Charter as reformed and ratified by the Eleventh Congress of Chryse, the Union preserves territorial integrity while vesting supreme authority in its organs. Union Institution Constitutional Function The Consulate Executive authority vests in three Consuls. The First Consul holds supreme executive power, commands the Benacian Union Defence Force, directs foreign policy through the Commission for Foreign Affairs, and possesses sole authority to propose legislation. The Second Consul oversees internal security and the Commission for the Panopticon. The Third Consul oversees the Commission for the Sacred Treasury and economic policy. Each serves a ten-year term. The Council of State Thirty to fifty appointed experts who draft all legislation at the direction of the First Consul. No bill may reach any deliberative assembly unless first composed by the Council of State. Members serve five-year terms and may be removed at any time by the First Consul. The Chamber of Guilds and Corporations The supreme legislative organ comprising delegates from the constituent guilds and corporations of Benacian society. Receives legislation from the Council of State, deliberates publicly, may propose amendments, and votes on final passage. Cannot initiate legislation—the sole source of initiative is the First Consul through the Council of State. The Conservatory Senate Fifty members serving life terms (subject to retirement at age 75 or after 30 years). Guards the constitutional order, may annul any legislation or decree contrary to the Charter, approves or rejects shortlists for First Consul, and may remove the First Consul by three-quarters vote. Final arbiter of competency boundaries between Union and Realms. The Council of Realms Three delegates from each of the four member Realms, selected according to each Realm's internal processes. Provides concurrent consent for expansion of Union competencies, modification of Realm boundaries, and amendments to federal provisions. May veto Union abrogations of Realm acts by three-quarters vote, subject to Senate override. The Congress of Chryse Convenes every five years. Delegates selected by Realm Conventions from Lists of National Notables, with representation proportional to each Realm's meritorious subject population. Selects the First Consul from shortlists prepared by the outgoing Consulate and Senate, and appoints members to all Union deliberative bodies. Political participation operates through graduated tiers of filtration—the Selectorate System. Bailiwick Assemblies conducted once per decade generate Lists of Communal Notables through algorithmic selection. These Notables feed into Governorate Colleges selecting Departmental Notables, which in turn produce National Notables through Realm Conventions. The Congress of Chryse draws its delegates from these National Notables. The Realm Level: Regional Governance Within the framework of Union authority, the Sovereign Confederation exercises autonomous governance over internal affairs. The Documents of Governance establish a sophisticated system of checks and balances distributed among four co-equal sovereign institutions: Institution Constitutional Function The Szodanadtz Directed by the Sovereign Szodan, selected for life on the basis of undeniable and singularly exceptional merit. Represents the Confederation in Union relations, serves as the font of justice, declares states of emergency with Staggusgæta consent, appoints Governors completing 25-year terms, and may establish Courts of Inquisition as necessary. The Miþuï The legislative assembly comprising Speakers elected decennially from each bailiwick. Scrutinizes all institutions of the realm, advises and consents to legislation, elects Governors to fill prematurely vacated positions, and may collectively wield Szodanadtz powers by 5:7 majority vote. Administers the Confederation's Union-level representation. The Staggusgæta The executive council presided over by the Uvngætz (appointed by the Szodanadtz and confirmed by the Miþuï). Comprises specialized ministers (Uvnalsz) drawn from incumbent Governors, responsible for Treasury, Public Instruction and Safety, Logistics, Internal Affairs, and Works. Passes legislation by 5:7 majority with Miþuï consent. The Gæta uis Korïaneï The policy commission selected by the Szodanadtz from experienced officials. Prepares legislation, conducts investigations, issues directives on matters not covered by Union or Confederation law, and coordinates policy implementation with the Staggusgæta. May investigate any subject or institution within the Realm. II. Territorial Administration The Confederation is organized hierarchically into territorial divisions: Circuits → The largest territorial divisions (Suthergold Alïuftrazd, Wintergleam Hringaríki, and the Exclusion Diocese). Each Circuit possesses its own Common Law traditions and one special seat in the Miþuï. Governorates → Administered by Governors appointed either by the Szodanadtz (after 25-year terms) or elected by the Miþuï (for premature vacancies). Governors serve 25-year terms and exercise delegated authority within their territories. Bailiwicks → The foundational administrative units, managed by Bailiffs selected from the Register of Bailiffs. Each bailiwick elects three Speakers to the Miþuï and conducts quinquennial consultative referenda and Bailiwick Assemblies. III. The Interplay of Authorities The Supremacy Principle Union law prevails over conflicting Realm law in all areas of Union competency. The Conservatory Senate is the final arbiter of competency boundaries. However, the Confederation maintains substantial autonomy through several mechanisms: Constitutional Protection: Union directives that would fundamentally alter the Documents of Governance require extraordinary consent from multiple Confederation institutions (4:5 of the Miþuï, no fewer than 9 Governors, and joint assent of the Szodanadtz and Uvngætz). Exclusive Realm Competencies: The Charter reserves to Realms exclusive authority over cultural autonomy, educational content, local economic development, and internal governance. The Union may abrogate Realm acts touching these competencies only when they violate the Union Covenant, impair Union institutions, create inter-Realm conflicts, or threaten constitutional order (requiring two-thirds Senate determination). Council of Realms Veto: The Council of Realms may veto Union abrogations of Realm acts by three-quarters vote, subject to Senate override by two-thirds vote. This ensures Realm voices are heard in federal matters. Shared Institutions and Dual Loyalty Certain institutions operate at both levels simultaneously: The Commission for the Panopticon Operating under the Second Consul, the Panopticon calculates Civic Trust Scores for all subjects and administers the Corps of the Gentlemen-at-Cudgels throughout the Union. The Miþuï conducts assizes throughout the Circuits under the Panopticon's direction, ensuring continual supervision and vigilance (Document One, Article 2, Clause 7). These scores determine classification as Meritorious Subjects, Subjects Without Merit, or Protected Persons, thereby regulating political participation throughout both Union and Realm. The Worshipful Guild of the Sacred Carnifices Known within the Confederation as the Guild of Magisters-Carnifex, this Union institution ensures implementation of both Union and Confederation powers across all Circuits. The Guild maintains the Register of Souls recording Union Covenant compliance and works in concert with the Corps of the Gentlemen-at-Cudgels for law enforcement. All reports and findings pertaining to the Confederation are shared with the Miþuï and Staggusgæta. The Criminal Code The Confederation faithfully implements the Criminal Code of the Benacian Union, modified as appropriate to present circumstances. Common Law governs civil matters and provides customary precedents recorded by the Sovereign Bureau. Benacia Command The Benacian Union Defence Force, commanded by the First Consul, operates throughout Confederation territory. The Haldurak and Uvnalsz of Public Instruction and Safety coordinate territorial defense forces, public order troops, and coast guard operations with Benacia Command's strategic objectives. IV. Rights and Obligations of Subjects Participation in the Trazd uis Uvnkoïsoß, the body politic, requires commitment to both Benacian unity and local heritage. All subjects must: Enter the Union Covenant annually at the ceremony on the thirteenth day of the thirteenth month; Acknowledge the sublime influence of the Highest Divinity and the principles of Human Supremacy; Commit to full and perpetual political unity on the Benacian continent; Demonstrate functional fluency in at least one official language of the Confederation; Maintain knowledge of the four sovereign institutions and the constitutional framework. Registration as a Sovereign, which confers full political rights within the Confederation, is administered by the Guild of Magisters-Carnifex based on demonstrated merit and faithful service. To participate in Bailiwick Assemblies, a Meritorious Subject must possess a Civic Trust Score above the Franchise Threshold (currently 450 points), have held meritorious status for five consecutive years, maintain institutional enrollment, and have completed the Course of the Engaged Subject. HOUSEHOLD DEFENSE OBLIGATION Pursuant to Document Eight, Article 3, each registered household shall maintain one standardized defensive arm, held in trust for the Confederation. This obligation exists solely to render foreign occupation untenable. Use against lawful authority constitutes treason. Complete doctrine and training are administered by the State Guard under supervision of the Haldurak. V. Cultural Preservation and Identity While maintaining loyalty to the Union, the Confederation preserves its distinct cultural heritage through constitutional protections: Language Rights (Document Nine, Article 1): The traditional tongues of Suthergold Alïuftrazd and Wintergleam Hringaríki hold co-equal official status. All government proceedings and publications are available in all official languages. Educational Sovereignty (Document Nine, Article 2): The Uvnalsz of Internal Affairs maintains exclusive authority over curriculum for non-civic subjects. The Union regulates only civic education, including the Union Covenant and the Course of the Engaged Subject. Mandatory instruction includes Circuit-specific traditions, Common Law, and the Documents of Governance. Cultural Institutions (Document Nine, Article 3): No less than 2.5% of the Confederation's budget supports the Archives, the Academy of Sovereign Studies, and the Sovereign Institute for Culture & Arts. Should cultural assessments indicate dangerous erosion of language fluency or identity, a Cultural Preservation Emergency may be declared. CONCLUSION The constitutional order described herein represents the accumulated wisdom of those who fought against the tyrannies of republicanism and monarchism. Through the careful balance of Union authority and Confederation autonomy, we pursue eternal prosperity while perfecting the righteous sovereignty of our institutions. Understanding this framework is not merely an academic exercise—it is the foundation of informed participation in the Trazd uis Uvnkoïsoß and the fulfillment of your duties as a subject of the Sovereign Confederation and citizen of the Benacian Union.

Household Defense - A Pamphlet for the Trazd uis Uvnkoïsoß

HOUSEHOLD DEFENSE A Pamphlet for the Trazd uis Uvnkoïsoß Issued by the Haldurak By Authority of Document Eight, Article 3 1751 AN Every registered household has been entrusted with a standardized defensive arm for one purpose alone: TO MAKE OCCUPATION OF OUR TERRITORY IMPOSSIBLE Success is measured not by enemies killed, but by invasions prevented. THE THREE CONDITIONS FOR LAWFUL USE Your household arm may be discharged ONLY when ALL THREE conditions exist: ☐ 1. VERIFIED FOREIGN MILITARY PRESENCE Foreign military forces are operating within Confederation territory. How to Verify: Official announcement (State broadcast, Bailiff, State Guard) Direct observation of foreign military forces Multiple trusted sources reporting same foreign force NOT Verified: Rumors or unconfirmed reports Domestic civil unrest Border tensions without actual invasion ☐ 2. CIVIL AUTHORITY UNAVAILABLE The Bailiff, State Guard, or civil authorities cannot function in your area. Authority IS Available: Bailiff contact within 6 hours State Guard present in area BUDF actively defending area Authority IS Unavailable: No Bailiff contact for 6+ hours State Guard withdrawn Communications non-functional Foreign forces control your area ☐ 3. DIRECT THREAT TO YOUR HOUSEHOLD Foreign forces directly threaten your life, home, or force displacement. Direct Threat EXISTS: Foreign forces attempting entry to your home Roundups or forced relocations Imminent deadly force directed at you NO Direct Threat: Foreign forces in area but not approaching General occupation conditions Operations occurring elsewhere IF ANY CONDITION IS MISSING: DO NOT USE YOUR WEAPON Unlawful use is a criminal offense. Use against authorities is treason. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES TRAINING AMMUNITION Complete 40-hour Standard Household Defense Course Annual 8-hour refresher training Learn to recognize foreign forces Understand lawful use conditions No ammunition in peacetime. Issued only when threat levels rise: Level 1: None issued Level 2: State Guard prepares Level 3: Sealed containers delivered Level 4: Authorized to unseal MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS Keep arm clean and functional Store securely (away from children) Monthly visual inspection Annual State Guard maintenance Never modify the weapon Bailiffs inspect annually Cooperate fully Ask questions during inspection WHAT YOU MUST NEVER DO ✗ NEVER use your weapon against: Bailiffs or civil authorities State Guard or BUDF forces Fellow subjects of the Confederation Domestic disputes or civil unrest ✗ NEVER: Form militia units Conduct organized military operations Take offensive action Modify or transfer your weapon Possess more than one arm Acquire non-state ammunition Defense is REACTIVE and HOUSEHOLD-BASED only WHEN IN DOUBT Questions to Ask Yourself: Can I avoid this situation? (Withdrawal, concealment, evacuation) Have I verified all three conditions? Is there truly no other choice? Choosing NOT to fight is often the correct decision. There is no shame in survival. Many households will serve without direct combat: Gathering intelligence Providing medical care Sheltering displaced persons Supporting organized defense YOUR LEGAL PROTECTIONS IF YOU USE YOUR WEAPON LAWFULLY: You are presumed to have acted lawfully Courts won't second-guess combat decisions No prosecution for defending household when conditions met DOCUMENT EVERYTHING: After any engagement, when safe, record: Date, time, location How you verified foreign forces Efforts to contact civil authority Nature of direct threat Keep documentation—it protects you You may surrender or cease resistance without penalty. REMEMBER THE PURPOSE To make our territory impossible to occupy. Not to win battles, but to make occupation too costly. YOUR BURDEN IS HEAVY BUT NECESSARY The Confederation asks much of you. We commit to training, supporting, and protecting you when you act lawfully. YOUR DETERRENT VALUE Lies in your existence, your training, and your resolve —not in bloodshed. May you never need to employ this weapon. If you must, may you act with courage, restraint, and wisdom. QUESTIONS? Legal Questions: Contact your Bailiff Training Questions: Contact State Guard district office Tactical Questions: Addressed in annual refresher training Threat Level Questions: Monitor State broadcasts, contact Bailiff THE THREE CONDITIONS Summary Card - Keep with Your Household Arm LAWFUL USE REQUIRES ALL THREE: ☐ 1. VERIFIED FOREIGN MILITARY PRESENCE (Official announcement or direct observation) ☐ 2. CIVIL AUTHORITY UNAVAILABLE (No Bailiff/State Guard contact; area disrupted) ☐ 3. DIRECT THREAT TO HOUSEHOLD (Life, home, or forced displacement) IF ANY CONDITION IS MISSING: DO NOT USE WEAPON For the defense of the Confederation and the protection of its people. —The Haldurak