Fortuna

This page (or section) is a work in progress by its author(s) and should not be considered final.

For other uses, see Fortuna (Disambiguation).

Second Fortunan Empire Secondo Impero Fortunano
Flag of Fortuna
Motto: Strength Comes From Unity
Anthem: "Fortuna Forever"
Capital and largest city	Destino
Official languages	Fortunan
Ethnic groups (2020 Estimate)	82.48% Human 10.29% Vulpine 7.23% Ailurine
Demonym(s)	Fortunan
Government	Unitary One-party Totalitarian Dictatorship
• High Commander	Tristano Lyone
• First Commander	Ferdinand Romano
• Second Commander	Susan Locke
Legislature	Common Chamber
History
• Unification of Fortuna	March 11, 1999
• Fell Under Dictatorship	May 17, 1999
• Annexation of Medium Islands	2012
• Annexation of Eridani Thetan Territory	November 2017
Area
• Total	136,229.29 km2 (52,598.42 sq mi)
Population
• 2020 estimate	47,045,328
• 2020 census	43,443,738
• Density	345.34/km2 (894.4/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2020 estimate
• Total	$555.3 billion SHD
• Per capita	$11,804.35
Currency	Fortunan truta (FT)
Date format	MM/DD/YYYY
Driving side	right (side of road)
Calling code	+9
Internet TLD	.tsf .ftsf

Fortuna (ˈfôrCHunə), also known as the Second Fortunan Empire, is a unitary totalitarian dictatorship island nation. The nation makes up all of the Aspirian Isles off the East coast of the Yasterian continent, sharing maritime borders with Sorentavia, Fusō, Isklevyu, Auraliyu, and the Packilvanian enclave of Antimovo. The nation main island groups are the Fortunan Archipelago, the Medium Isles, and Eridani Theta, covering an area of 135,796.76 km2 (52,598.42 sq mi). The four largest islands (Emili, Toscani, and Ancona, and Eridani Theta) make up most of Fortuna's land area. Compared to many nations on Urth, the population of Fortuna is quite moderate with an estimated population of 47,045,328 and its largest city and capital, Destino, holding up to 7.8 million people.

The history of Fortuna dates back to around 20,000 BCE when the first sentient species began arriving in the region with migrating nekomimis from the north, later humans from the mainland around 6,000 BCE. After hundreds of years of conflict between nekomimi and human civilizations, a majority of the nekomimi continued their migration south allowing for the human population to dominate the region in the form of Kodekesia, an ancient maritime civilization that was most prominent between 2,000 BCE and 400 BCE. Kodekesian influence would begin to dwindle with the rise of the Marenian people, later evolving into the Norvians who explored and raided across the Pacific Ocean and Packilvanian Ocean into the Common Era. 1017 would mark the formation of the Fortunan Empire following a period of conquests that eventually united much of the Aspirian Isles. The empire would continue for six centuries until its collapse in 1644 following the Great Civil War, splintering the islands once again for nearly 300 years. The Four States Agreement in 1860 would eventually solidify the sovereignty of Emili, Ancona, Toscani, and Eridani Theta. Entering into the 1900s would see a period of unending violence and war starting off with the Great War, leading into the War Against Foreign Aggression in the 1960s and 1970s which saw heightened growth in isolationism and nationalism on the Fortunan Archipelago. By 1996, the state of Emili fell under the control of the Unitary Nationalist Party with the election of Tristano Lyone as prime minister. In 1998, the three states of the archipelago agreed to the dissolution of the Fortunan Confederation in order to form a more centralized government under the control of the UNP. On March 11, 1999, the Fortunan Archipelago was fully united under one banner. Soon after, Tristano Lyone would declare himself absolute ruler of the nation, marking the starting point of the Second Fortunan Empire under a fascist dictatorship. After a decade of rebuilding, the regime would begin a series of campaigns to grow the nation's territory, starting with the annexation of the Medium Islands in 2012 and Eridani Theta in from 2017 to 2020.

Fortuna is a developing nation with a medium standard of living, a medium level of life expectancy, and a medium GDP. The nation holds a large military force, taking up 5.2% of the nation's GDP, used mainly for self-defense and law enforcing, but has currently been used for the Empire's expansion campaigns. Due to the removal of isolation, the nation's economy has slowly been on the rise giving the nation a GDP of $555.3 billion. The economy has recently been driven by the exportation of agricultural products, technology products, fishing, and weapons production. The nation also has a large shipbuilding industry with some of the largest dockyards in the region. Fortuna's economy is also heavily supported by maritime trade as the geographic location of the nation places it between major trade lanes along Yasteria's east coast.

Etymology

The name “Fortuna” is believed to date as far back as the Marenian Era. One of the earliest uses can be found within a list of sea spirits detailed in the Umarakanto, a chronicle of Aspiriac mythology that originates from the northern tip of Ancona. Sometime before entering into the Common Era, communities on the island of Rosa around what is now the Imperial Fortunan City at some point began worshiping Fortuna as a major deity. Early Norvian accounts often referred to the inhabitants of the island as “worshipers of Fortuna” or “people of Fortuna” due to their adamant devotion to the goddess. Entering into the Common Era, the deity was eventually adopted into the overall Norvo-Aspiriac pantheon and saw more widespread worship by the Norvian people.

The largest Norvic kingdom on the island of Rosa would adopt its name from its patron goddess which was a common practice of the Norvian people. With the conquering of the entire archipelago by the Kingdom of Fortuna in the 10th century, the state was reestablished as the Fortunan Empire. Before this point, the southern archipelago of the Aspirian Isles was often referred to as Norvia due to it being known as the home origin of the Norvian people. With the establishment of the Fortunan Empire, one imperial order of the first emperor was for the islands to be referred to as the Fortunan Archipelago. Early imperial court records would then begin referring to the archipelago as such, however outside the Fortunan Empire the island cluster was continually called Norvia far into the 13th century until falling out of use entirely as the Fortunan Empire continued to grow in size and influence in the region. Now to the present day, the name Fortunan Archipelago is the accepted name internationally.

The same process also occurred in reference to its people as the name Norvians was gradually replaced with Fortunans. Even after the collapse of the Fortunan Empire in the 17th century, Fortunan continued to remain the common demonym for the native population of the archipelago. Revolutionary and nationalist movements in the 19th century led greater use of the name as a way to promote a unified identity of the three states of the Fortunan Archipelago. The independent states of Emili, Toscani, and Ancona were often referred to as the “Fortunan states” both within the archipelago and internationally. The use of Fortuna as a representative name for a political entity finally saw use centuries after the collapse of the Fortunan Empire with the formation of the Fortunan Confederation, or simply Fortuna, in the mid-1900s. This practice continues today with the confederation’s successor, the Second Fortunan Empire.

The name “Second Fortunan Empire” began showing up in the late 19th century by early nationalist movements to express their desire for a unified state of the Fortunan people. 20th century political parties, such as the UNP, continued this use to convey their goals and rally support. Up into the 21st century, the name “Fortunan Empire” was commonly understood to refer to the long-gone imperial power. Following the UNP rise to power, the dissolution of the Fortunan Confederation, and the establishment of a unified state officially as the Second Fortunan Empire, the name First Fortunan Empire has seen greater use to differentiate between the two.

History

Main article: History of Fortuna

Prehistory

The earliest found evidence of sapient life on the islands dates back over 20,000 years ago. Based on the evidence of habitation in Toscani, it is believed to have belonged to early humans who had arrived from mainland Yasteria. Around the same time period, nomadic Loopia Nekomimi tribes arrived to the Crencello Arc and was one of the first examples of complex society to form around the Codex Pontus. For around 15,000 years, the two different species would slowly develop with little to no interaction until around 4,000 BCE which is believed to the beginning of the first major conflicts between surrounding human tribes and the Masakomi, a union between the many nekomimi tribes. The Masakomi would slowly lose their dominance over the region after a millennia long conflict with the rising human societies. This led to many nekomimi migrating around 3,000 BCE from the Crencello Arc and sailing south where most would end up in present-day Korok, Peregrinia. With little competition from the nekomimi, the Ancient Auroyastic-speaking human groups quickly grow into more complex societies, mostly centered around the Pontuarya Peninsula.

Kodekesia

Beginning around 2,500 BCE, the thalassocratic civilization of Kodekesia, an ancient Orior-ethnolinguistic group originating on the island of Codex, began to dominate the region, now considered one of Urth's cradles of civilization. Kodekesian influence would first arrive to the Aspirian Isles around 2,000 BCE after settling in the Crencello Arc and integrating the remaining nekomimi tribes. This would lead to the introduction of important developments to the islands, such as a writing system, irrigation, and improved shipbuilding, along with innovations in naval navigation and government. Early urbanization arose on the Fortunan Archipelago with the development of city-states that grew from Kodekesian settlements along Emili's southern coasts. Kodekesian influence would slowly drop, allowing for a separate ethnolinguistic group to arise around the Codex Pontus. Referred to as the Marenians, they were able to begin dominating the islands around the Codex Pontus as Kodekesian civilization began to decline around 750 BCE. Kodekesian dominance of the Codex Pontus ended around 500 BCE, although their presence would continue to exist on the island of Codex before slowly evolving into the civilizations of Ancient Codex.

Marenian Era

Between 500 BCE and 200 BCE, the Marenian people filled the power gap left behind Kodekesia, becoming the dominant force around the Codex Pontus and the top parts Southeast Yasteria. Unlike the Kodekesians, however, the Marenians were less united with major centers of government forming on the island of Kaoghon, the Fortunan Archipelago, and Lyon. The Marenians are known to be more active maritime power, often sailing into the Packilvanian Ocean where they came into contact with early civilizations along the coasts of South Yasteria, East Yasteria Minor, and possibly Arcturia.

Norvic Age

The most influential Marenian group were the Norvians, the most northern Marenian groups that originated on the Fortunan Archipelago. Their aggressive and hyper-seafaring culture allowed for the Norvians to become the most dominant force in the region between 150 BCE and 500 CE, and whose influence reached across both the Pacific and Packilvanian Oceans. The first evidence of Early Norvian raids are found to occurred along the Crencello Arc as early as 200 BCE before the Norvians began focusing northward. An important aspect of Norvian culture were large expeditions and migrations with the first major expedition travelling along Yasteria's east coast before arriving in Novaris, landing and settling in Dallacqua around 150 BCE. For the next century, the Norvians would set out smaller expeditions between Yasteria and their holdings in Novaris, beginning an early cultural exchange between the two continents. The last expedition saw a large amount of the Norvian raiders returning back to the Aspirian Isles at the beginning of the Common Era, leaving behind a small portion of Norvians who continued to rule over the Dallacquan territory. It is unknown why the Norvians never returned to Novaris, although historians and experts have proposed a handful of theories.

The Common Era would mark a turning point for the Norvians in the Aspirian Isles as they turned their focus southward. Around this time period, Norvian culture dominated over the remaining Marenian groups in Kaoghon and Lyon. This opened up the Packilvanian Ocean to the Norvians, allowing for them to explore and raid along the ocean's coastlines. The furthest record expedition of the Norvians as far as West Aurora. Although their holdings in Aurora were short-lived, the Norvic language continued to be spoken in some regions for many centuries afterwards, and had some influence on the development of modern Axdelian language. Throughout the Norvic Age, the Norvians remained a decentralized civilization of loosely unified chiefdoms. The only time the Norvians were considered fully unified was under the Vaerlan Empire, also known as the Codex Pontus Empire. The empire existed between 452 to 504, consisting of the island chains that surrounded the Codex Pontus. Upon the collapse of the shortlived empire, it immediately broke apart into dozens of small kingdoms. Again ununified and disorganized, the Norvians hold over the region crumbled due to infighting and growing foreign influences such as from Codex. by the 9th century, the remaining Norvic kingdoms were on the Fortunan Archipelago who continued to compete against each other. In the same century, philosopher and spiritual teacher Guiliano Bardi introduced his writings titled the Book of Clarity. This would mark the founding of the religion of Clarityism which over time would become the main religion of the Aspirian Isles.

After years of stagnation on the archipelago, a major event occurred when the Kingdom of Fortuna began conquering its neighbors in 925. For the next century, the kingdom continued their conquest of the archipelago to secure their growing strength over the islands. The final Norvic kingdoms would eventually be conquered in 1016, marking the first time the entire archipelago was united under a single banner. To solidify his position, Valence IV, king of Fortuna, declared himself emperor of the Fortunan Archipelago, beginning the Fortunan Empire. His reign was short-lived, dying a couple months later, however his commander, Faro, took up the crown in 1017 and started off the Xenian Dynasty's rule over the newly formed empire.

Fortunan Empire

Xenian Dynasty

Extent of Fortuna under the Xenian Dynasty.

The main focus of the Xenian Dynasty emperors was to strengthen the legitimacy of the imperial court over the archipelago. During Faro I's reign, he introduced a set of doctrines known as Faro's Codes that implemented a tax system and enforce the loyalty of nobles to the empire. The start of the Fortunan Empire as a military power in the region was in part do to Sergio's funding of a new fleet to protect the dozens of trade routes he helped put into place between the archipelago and the mainland. Clarityism was officially made the state religion of the Fortunan Empire with the Decree of Destino under Faro II. The final Xenian emperor, Faro III, had the shortest reign as the Fortunan Empire went into conflict with the Juzalths, ruled by Rayyan II, another descendant of Faro I. After a swift and successful campaign, Rayyan II overthrew Faro III and proclaimed himself as the new emperor of the Fortunan Archipelago in 1091, taking on the name Antonello, and forming a political union between the Juzalths and the Fortunan Empire.

Acquarian Dynasty

The Fortunan Empire following the integration of Juzalth territory in 1114.

Antonello's rise to emperor marked the start of the shortlived Acquarian Dynasty as ruler of the Juzalth-Fortunan Empire. His first years in power included conflict with Leonora, the former empress of Faro III, and her Larundan noble allies. The Empire's borders would grow into the Medium Sea with the conquering of Mira Island and a stronger foothold on the mainland around Sorentavia. As ruler of two empires, Antonello allowed for the ease of trade and exchanging of culture between the Fortunan Archipelago and mainland Yasteria. His disappearance in 1100 marked the beginning of a conflict between his two sons, Verenzio and Ferdinand, over control of the Juzalth-Fortunan Empire. Verenzio, the eldest of the two, immediately declared himself as emperor of the Fortunans and the Juzalths. Fortunan nobles, many of whom were still disgruntled with the Juzalths conquest of the isles, sided instead with Ferdinand whose mother came from a Fortunan family. Called the War of Succession, the conflict lasted for eight years and concluded with Verenzio settling with the former Juzalth territory to the west, giving Ferdinand full control of the Fortunan Archipelago in 1108. For the rest of his reign, Ferdinand focused on mapping and claiming the many islands of the Medium Sea. Ferdinand never married during his time as emperor and never appointed anyone to be his heir after him. Concerned of the potential fallout from the lack of an heir, the Fortunan nobility took it upon themselves to set up a replacement which came in the form of Duke Lydus of the Rocailli family. Upon being selected by Ferdinand to lead the Imperial Guard, Lydus used his position to gain further support of the imperial court. In 1123, Lydus overthrew and exiled Ferdinand, all the while crowning himself Emperor of Fortuna and taking on the name of Faro IV.

Rocaillic Dynasty

Expansion under the Rochaillic Dynasty.

It was under the reign of Faro IV that a more permanent order of succession was established with the Ascension Law which formed the basis of legitimacy for not only the Rocaillic Dynasty but also the Crenic Dynasty that would follow centuries after. Although this period consisted of the largest expansion to date, the Fortunan Empire faced constant strife both inside and outside of itself. While one of Faro’s major successes consisted of normalizing relations with Greldonia, he took this peace with the west to turn his gaze towards the Medium Sea. Starting in 1130 and into the 1140s, Fortuna gained claim to much of the Mediumese Isles before coming to a halt upon contact with the Kingdom of Ambravia and the Republic of Telga. The rest of the century consisted of drawn out conflicts with the northern states, specifically Ambravia which is considered to have been at its highest point culturally and economically. The conflicts saw little to no gain for the Fortunan emperors in the north such as a three decade long war with Telga, the loss of the Telganese Isles to the Ambravians, and a failed invasion of Ambravia itself.

Only in the 13th century would luck turn in favor of Fortuna with the rise to power of Ausiliatrice, the first empress of Fortuna, in 1204 following the assassination of her half-brother Faro V. As a known warmonger within the imperial court before her ascension, Ausiliatrice made her ambitions clear: the entire conquering of Ambravia. By 1214, over half of the island was conquered, however her campaign came to a halt due to worsened relations with Greldonia who took the opportunity of the conflict to regain territory on the Crencello Arc. It would not be until under the reign of Antonello II, Ausiliatrice’s heir, that not only was the Kingdom of Ambravia defeated into submission in 1246 but also Greldonia was conquered, nearly doubling Fortuna’s territorial holds in a short period of time.

The Rocaillic Dynasty quickly came to an end following Antonello II’s death. Disgruntled with worsening conditions within the Empire and growing political instability under Emperor Fridericus, Calisto, the commander of the Imperial Guard who gained fame and power during the wars with Ambravia and Greldonia, put blame on the ascension process as he believed it allowed for unqualified individuals to become emperor. In 1275, Calisto with the Imperial Guard gained control of the palace and assassinated Fridericus. With the imperial court assembled, Calisto announced the dissolution of the title of emperor and the “end of leadership through blood” for the Empire. In its place he declared himself as Fortuna’s new ruler and taking on the title of High Commander of the Fortunan Empire, marking the start of the nearly two century period known as the Era of the High Commanders.

19th Century

Formation of Four States

Beginning in the late 18th century, the archipelago would enter into a period where the many existing states would begin merging with one another. Known as the Consolidamento, it refers to the time period from 1791 to 1860. Through political marriages, conquest, and mutual agreements, the Fortunan states merged and grew their territory.

The Consolidamento started with the merging of the Grand Duchy of Rosa and the Duchy of Andavega in 1971. For the past century, the two duchies were the largest existing states on Ancona and rivaled each other for dominance over the island. This rivalry cumulated into the War of Claritist Succession of 1971 which began with the controversial appointment of Frovadio IV as High Priest of the Church of Clarity. Following his appointment, Frovadio declared the relocation of the Church from Guirta in Modelbia to the city of Casodua in Andavega. Concluding that it was an attempt by Andavega to gain full control over the Church, Vespero III, the recently appointed Grand Duke of Rosa, invaded Modelbia, imprisoned Frovadio, and put in place Francisco II as High Priest. This action was greatly scrutinized by the Claritist community, eventually leading to Andavega declaring war on Rosa. With the joint forces of Rosa's allies and the strategic leadership of Vespero, the war swiftly came to an end the same year and the entirety of Andavega was annexed into Rosa. With the blessing of the Church, Vespero reformed his territory into the Principality of Ancona.

Nearing the end of his life without an heir, Duke Ferdinand IV of Larunda proclaimed in 1795 for Vespero to succeed him. Upon is death in 1800, the whole island of Larunda and holdings in Ancona were inherited by Vespero which would be merged into the Principality.

On the island of Toscani, Prince Ludovico succeeded the throne of Aragena in 1814. Making his ambitions well known, Ludovico made it his goal to unite the entirety of the island through any means necessary. Not long after coming to power, he voiced his intentions with the reestablishment of Aragena into the Principality of Toscani. Turning towards the north, the vulpine republics of Ercoste and Rirouca became Ludovico's first targets of conquest. Over a decade long period of conflict, referred to as the Toscanan Northern Campaigns, Toscani slowly conquered and annexed its two northern neighbors. The first to fall was Ercoste in 1821 with Rirouca not long after, marking the full annexation of North Toscani in 1828. The region would remain unstable for the next few decades, keeping Ludovico focused on suppressing rebellions instead of continuing his conquest of Toscani.

The beginning of the Consolidamento on Emili started with the eventual merger of Destino and Camanes. A succession conflict was on the horizon in Camanes when Duke Irvo II recognized his nephew, Albern of Portilves, as his heir in 1807, passing over his own daughter, Adelina. Betrayed by this proclamation, Adelina turned to Agapito V, Grand Duke of Destino, for assistance in securing herself as the next successor to the throne. Agapito, seeing an opportunity to further grow his country's influence over Emili, agreed to fully support Adelina when the time came with the condition that if they were successful, she was to marry his son, Augostino, with plans to create a political union between the two duchies. The time arrived quickly with the death of Irvo in 1811, upon which Adelina declared herself the rightful ruler of Camanes. Between 1811 and 1814, Adelina went to war with Albern, sending the entire island into conflict. Adelina in the end became victorious and was officially declared Duchess of Camanes in 1814. Augostino would eventually succeed the throne of Destino in 1818, and as agreed upon, both he and Adelina married in 1820. This also included the union of the two duchies, together forming the Principality of Emili.

With Ancona taking a more aggressive stance against the remaining separated states and growing revolutionary activity, the leadership of Viatejo looked for alternative options to prevent being conquered by their larger neighbor. In 1824, the magistrate agreed to a union with the Mediumese Republic. When word of this decision was made public, revolts broke out across the city of Gologma by supporters and sympathizers to Prince Vespero and Ancona. This gave Vespero the opportunity to move his troops across the Viatejonese border with ease as the Republic's leadership was busy dealing with the revolutionaries. As Vespero and his army marched into Gologma, he was greeted with cheers as the magistrate officially surrendered, allowing for Viatejo to be annexed into Ancona.

The next step towards further unity on the island of Emili was through the union of the Principality and city-state of Baronburg. A union was favorable to both parties as it opened Emili to an important port that was open to the Codex Pontus, while some benefits for Baronburg included protection and removal of trade restrictions. The main issue came in the form of different political systems. Between 1822 and 1826, Emili and Baronburg focused on adopting and merging similar laws and statutes, along with eliminating any contrasting elements. A major decision that was agreed upon would turn Emili into a constitutional monarchy with a more representative government. In 1833, both states would sign and implement the Statuto Emili which would serve as the Principality's new constitution and officially merge Baronburg into Emili.

Once the rebellions were dealt with in the north, Ludovico turned his attention to the last state that Toscani shared a land border with. Ruled by the powerful Terine family, the Duchy of Terine existed as a formidable force since its inception following the collapse of the Fortunan Empire and into the 19th century. Not wishing to deal with another long drawn out conflict, Ludovico turned to the other Fortunan principalities for assistance. In 1837, Toscani formed a coalition with Ancona, referred to as the First Fortunan Alliance, with the sole purpose of conquering Terine. Ludovico began his ground offensive the following year while the allied fleet defeated Terine's naval fleet and blockaded its ports. The Terine War lasted for three years and following the successful siege of the city of Terine in 1940, Duke Antoni agreed to the Alliance's terms of surrender. These conditions included the voiding of institutions and statutes within Terine, the merging of its territory into Toscani, emplacement of Toscanan laws, and the lifting of access to the Port of Terine. In return, the Terine family would be allowed to preserve their prestige and continue to rule just the city itself. With the conclusion of this conflict, Toscani was the first island of the three to be fully united. Ludovico would later pass away in 1942 and succeeded by his daughter, Maria I, by then he had already built up a strong centralized system which would keep Toscani united into the 20th century.

The final piece towards a united island for Emili was the Grand Duchy of Portilves under the rule of Arduino. Augostino and Adelina both knew that a conflict was inevitable if peace on the island was to be achieved. Adelina especially wished to swiftly deal with the Grand Duchy that opposed her rise to power in Camanes. With the recent annexation of Baronburg, it cut off Portilves from the largest port connected to the Codex Pontus and allowed for the Emili rulers to completely surround them. Knowing that a war with Emili would lead to a defeat, dissent began to grow among the nobles of Portilves against Arduino and his recent failures in counteracting the Emilian couple. Revolutionary thought took hold in Portilves and proponents began pushing for unity with Emili. Seeing an opportunity, Augostino and Adelina secretly contacted Portilvian nobles and revolutionaries to further support their efforts in opposing Arduino. In response to growing dissent, Arduino ruthlessly beat down any forms of protest, although this would have the opposite effect and lead further defiance. This would lead to a full on rebellion in 1846 when revolutionary forces overthrew Arduino and welcomed the Emilian couple in his place. For the next year, Augostino and Adelina implemented Emilian law and statutes into the region to fully integrate Portilves into the Principality, and by 1847, the entire island of Emili was united.

The question of Modelbia had always remained an issue for Vespero, and although he was responsible for the appointment of Francisco II as High Priest, he remained unsuccessful in merging the territories of Modelbia into Ancona up to his death in 1852. Prudenzio IV succeeded him the same year and he made it his first goal to fully unite the island and bring Modelbia into the Principality. In 1855, Prudenzio sent an ultimatum to the Church demanding for the recognition of Anconan authority over Modelbia and the city of Guirta. Upon receiving no response, Anconan forces slowly crossed the border without opposition and marched towards the city. Prudenzio hoped to annex Modelbia peacefully as a direct conflict with the Church could lead to backlash from the Claritist community. Upon reaching the walls of Guirta, the Anconan forces sieged the city and for the next week continuously pummeled the walls with cannonade fire. Once the walls were breached, the Guirtan defenders conceded and Anconan troops were allowed to freely march into the city. With the conclusion of the siege and subsequent talks, Modelbia and the city of Guirta were annexed by Ancona. To please the Claritist community, the Church was given autonomy over their holdings.

With the annexation of Modelbia, the Fortunan Archipelago was now under the rule of three principalities in 1855. Altogether, the Aspirian Isles was made up of five states with the three Fortunan principalities, the Mediumese Republic, and the United Provinces of Eridani Theta, a major difference from the fifteen independent states at the start of the 1790s. After over a half century of conflict, the people of Fortuna were ready for peace. To prevent further conflicts between the Aspirian nations, the leadership of the Fortunan states and Eridani Theta agreed to open talks with each other. Starting in April 1860, representatives from the four states met in IFC where for the next month they discussed recognition of each others territorial claims, trade agreements, and a non-aggression pact. Known as the Four States Agreement of 1860, this agreement included the mutual recognition of each other as the legitimate governments of their respective states along with recognizing their recent annexations. Although the Mediumese Republic was not given representation during these talks, their autonomy over the Medium Isles and Sea were recognized and expected to be respected by the four states.

Although generally celebrated as a solution towards peace and an end to the half century long length of conflicts on the Fortunan Archipelago, some criticisms arose such as by the Mediumese government who had concerns with not having a say in the agreement, although they later accepted the terms unanimously in 1862. Other opponents to the agreement were Fortunan revolutionaries and proto-nationalists who advocated for the unity of the entire Fortunan Archipelago and saw the agreement as a hindrance towards this goal. The Principalities in the 19th century perceived this activity as dangerous to the peace and status quo they had just accomplished with the implementation of the agreement. During the late 1800s, revolutionary activities were actively suppressed by the ruling governments although never entirely wiped out. These proponents of Fortunan unification laid the groundwork for nationalistic and expansionistic ideas that took hold in the 20th century.

Modernization

Prior to the Four States Agreement in 1860, the archipelago's economy was predominantly agrarian and foreign trade was limited. Now entering an age of relative peace, the four states were able to focus on industrializing, seeing an increase in production and international trade. Reforms which further limited the power of the guilds and aristocracy allowed for entrepreneurship to take hold, leading to the expansion of industries in shipbuilding, iron working, and textile manufacturing. Increased migration to areas of industrialization and trade saw an explosion in population and urban areas, such as in the cities of Terine, Destino, and Baronburg.

Along with industrialization on the archipelago came the development of transportation. Due to geographic limitations, the three states within the Fortunan Archipelago built separate railway systems from each other, further progressing the importance of industrialization and state unity thanks to the increase ease of transportation for raw materials, manufactured products, and public use. The development of steamships also played an important role for the island states. Shipbuilding, both civil and military, became a major part of the archipelago's economy, with Terine and Gologma becoming the main industry centers. With the purchase and production of more effective ships, it allowed for the states' range of trade to increase, and by the 1900s, the archipelago became an important trading hub between Yasteria and the Pacific.

20th Century

The Aspirian Isles would begin the new century just as the world was thrown into a global conflict. After a years-long build up of tension, the Great War pitted the Imperial Powers against the Pacific Coalition with the island states finding themselves stuck in the middle of both warring alliances. Over the course of the war, the first major naval conflict took place in the Medium Sea, Packilvania would invade Toscani, Eridani Theta fell under the control of the Pacific Coalition, and the remaining states allied with each other to defend themselves against the Imperial Powers. In 1906, the states of Ancona and Emili joined together to form the Second Fortunan Alliance and later aligned with the Pacific Coalition to fend off Imperial aggression in the archipelago. By the end of the war, sovereignty was returned back to the islands through the Aspirian Isles Sovereignty Agreement, however the destabilization in the region and the lack of foreign support weakened the states greatly. Eridani Theta was thrown into a drawn out civil war before falling under the rule of a dictatorship in 1954, and the Mediumese Republic fractured and would remain separated until being annexed by Fortuna in 2012. The Principalities of the Fortunan Archipelago were barely holding the states together as radical thought ran rampant through the islands.

In Toscani, socialist and communist movements rose in popularity to the detriment of the ruling class. The final straw followed with the Earthquake of 1923 and finally the Shipbuilders Massacre of 1924, leading to an uprising that quickly overthrew the ruling prince. Delfino Pane, a military officer and a leading revolutionary, played a major role in the overthrow of the ruling government and assisted in the formation of the People's Republic of Toscani in 1925, serving as the first head of government. Fearing a similar outcome, leaders of Emili and Ancona swiftly crushed any sign of dissent within their borders and denounced the socialist state of Toscani. Few concessions were made in Emili and Ancona that improved working environments and political representation, but this also included the promotion of capitalism and nationalism, even at times banning certain leftist organizations.

Fortunan Confederation

With the conclusion of the Toscanan-Emilian War, the governments of Emili and Ancona focused on building a stronger union between the three states of the Fortunan Archipelago. On November 13, 1973, the two states agreed to unite under a confederal government referred to as the Fortunan Confederation. The purpose of this new government was to promote a unified Fortunan identity and prevent future conflicts between the three states. To serve as head-of-state, Duke Roderick Verdi was chosen unanimously to serve as Emperor of Fortuna, a title that had remained vacant for over three hundred years, and the Federal Council was formed to serve as the main central institution with seats based off the population of each member state and representatives appointed by state leaders. Membership in international organizations and foreign relations to which Emili and Ancona belonged were discontinued, merged, and transferred over to the Fortunan Confederation, while relations of Toscani ceased to exist entirely.

Major flaws within this new system quickly emerged, most of which was intentional. To preserve the sovereignty of the Emili and Ancona governments, the Fortunan Confederation was purposefully created as a weak institution. Emperor Roderick was given little to no power from his position as head-of-state and merely served as a cultural icon. Roderick was generally seen as a puppet to Ancona as he was the son of Prince Prudenzio V. Although decisions by the Federal Council mandatory to follow, there was no system in place to enforce these decisions within the states themselves. Attempts at forming a single armed force immediately failed, continuing the upkeep of separate military forces by Emili and Ancona. The Fortunan Confederation was also not representative in any form and further fueled a growing rivalry between the two main states. Toscani, governed by a puppet administration to the other two, would not be given seats within the Federal Council until 1985 after the people of Toscani were allowed to elect their own state officials.

Although generally ineffective, the existence of the Fortunan Confederation played a major role in perpetrating the Fortunan Archipelago Genocide. Multiple acts and decisions by the Federal Council to target groups based on political ideology, species, and religion was unanimously passed and approved by the state governments. These actions further accelerated the radicalization of the populace, pushing the three states further into fascism.

Unification Campaigns

Emilian troops retaking the town of Vicqua from rebel forces in July 1983.

To the dismay of the general populace, conflict on the isles would continue in a new form. With the conclusion of the war, the Fortunan states now had to deal with a disgruntled military force, radical fundamentalist groups, and organized criminal organizations, most of which was found on the islands of Emili and Toscani. These conflicts would begin to ramp up in the late 1970s when multiple Emilian military divisions split away, quickly gaining territory inland of Emili. Militant groups in Toscani, mostly remnants of the former Toscanan military, increased their own attacks and gained control of much of the Toscanan Mountains. To end hostilities on the archipelago, the Fortunan states organized dozens of military campaigns to eliminate each hostile group one by one. These campaigns would span over a decade with the first organized campaign in 1976 to the last in 1989.

Although the campaigns were meant to include forces from all three states, Emili ended up doing most of the fighting. As the conflicts were occurring within the states of Emili and Ancona, the Anconan government kept out from participating in the campaigns as much as possible. Since Toscani was still undergoing reconstruction from the war and following genocide, Emili was left as the only state with the capability to combat the many militant groups. The campaigns in the end simply further served in fueling the rivalry between Emili and Ancona. It also served as a unifier between the people of Emili and Toscani which grew dissent against Ancona, the richer, more influential, and conflict-free of the three states.

The conflicts would also see further displacement on the archipelago with those living inland moving to the coasts to escape the fighting. Major urban centers such as Destino, Baronburg, and IFC, would see massive growths in population during the 1980s. The sudden growth in urban population led to further urban development and industrialization within these cities. The increase in the labor supply played a role in the massive unemployment and competition between urban residents and the wave of rural workers. The issue of overcrowding was becoming more apparent on the archipelago as the states were forced to tackle relative drop in the quality of life and aging infrastructure. Ancona's unwillingness to accept migrants, with the exception of IFC, further strained relations between the three states as again Emili and Toscani were left to handle the crisis alone. To prevent further emigration from inland and rural areas, the states placed restrictions and quotas to slow the growth of urban areas as much as possible. However, in order to further incentivize the rural population from moving, the states had to further intensify their military campaigns entering into the 1980s to secure more of their territory. Land distribution of recently reconquered territory also played a role in spreading the population out across the islands, along with beginning a process of reclaiming land from large landowners and aristocrats.

By the late 1980s, much of the rebel-held territory had been reclaimed by the states. After decades of open conflict, the Fortunan Archipelago entered a short period of peace as Fortunans now attempted a return to normalcy. However, the Confederation lacked the ability to assist its desperate population which turned the people's resentment towards the institution and its supporters. An unexpected effect of the Unification Campaigns was the growing bond between the people of Emili and Toscani who had a shared experience in the brutality of the war and the subsequent rebel revolts. This bond would especially play a role in rebuilding Fortunan nationalism focused on uniting all Fortunans into one nation.

Rise of the Unitary Nationalist Party

Taking advantage of the stagnant economy, Anconan elitism, incompetency of the Fortunan Confederation, and a growing national unity, the Unitary Nationalist Party (UNP) quickly gained traction in the late 1980s and into the 1990s. With left-wing politics almost entirely removed from the Fortunan Archipelago following the conclusion of the Toscanan-Emilian War, neoliberalism and conservative ideologies ran rampant amongst the states. In response to fears of surrounding foreign powers, the rise of speciesm, economic inequality between the states, and growth of nationalist ideals, forms of Fortunan fascism grew in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. The UNP, founded in 1980 by Constantine Savona in Emili, espoused their own fascist ideology, commonly referred to as Fortunan Unitary Nationalism. A prominent aspect of the UNP was to criticize the existence of the Fortunan Confederation as a weak institution that bowed to the will of aristocrats and corporatists, all the while promoting a strong centralized government as the only solution to protect Fortunan culture and tradition. This at times put them at odds with the established state leaderships who painted the UNP as being anti-monarchist, but it quickly appealed to the working and middle class of the archipelago who were still dealing with ongoing conflicts with rebel forces and massive unemployment. The UNP also appealed to military officers who oftenly shared the same sentiments about the ineffectiveness of the current state governments.

In order to reorder the three states into a unified government, the UNP adopted multiple strategies to gain enough influence within the state governments. The UNP, in general, promoted a unified Fortunan identity and oftenly referred back to the Fortunan Empire which was looked upon favorably by the general population. As Emili and Ancona were the only two of the three states to have a form of a representative government in the early 1980s, the UNP focused on gaining as many public official positions as possible. In Toscani, the main strategy of the UNP was to appeal to the discouraged populace who felt mistreated and unrepresented within the Fortunan Confederation. This would lead to the UNP being major supporters of allowing Toscanans to elect their own state leaders and given seats within the Federal Council. Their first major success would happen in 1985 when Toscanans were allowed to elect their own state governor who ended up being ___, a prominent UNP member, solidifying the state as a UNP stronghold.

The UNP gained further popularity in due part to their support to further militarization to fully wipe out any remaining rebel groups. Most importantly was their pressuring of Ancona to assist with the campaigns with some success when Ancona agreed to send support troops to Emili in 1987 and 1989. These efforts by the UNP further gained support in Emili, allowing for the party to gain further traction within the Emilian government and its military force. The Unification Campaigns would officially conclude in 1989, opening the archipelago to a period of peace after over thirty decades of conflict. Issues now arose around the now bloated military forces of Emili and Ancona as the state governments of Fortuna debated over demilitarization and economic assistance for veterans. Although little opposition was brought up around continuing high defense spending, outcry arose around the little to no amount of assistance given to veterans and families effected by the conflict. Complications around the returning of land to farmers and homeowners inland as accusations arose against the Emilian government for selling the property to wealthy landowners. This opened up an opportunity for the UNP who took the stance against the failures of the state government to adequately compensate effected Fortunans.

During this period, young party members and military officers began voicing their own grievances with a handful quickly rising through the ranks of the UNP, most prominent of which being Tristano Lyone. Returning to a unrestful society after years serving in the Emilian Army, Tristano Lyone turned his focus towards pursuing a career in politics. As a party member in the UNP, Lyone used his status as a respected military officer and energetic public speaker to speak out against the Fortunan Confederation and reach out to the people of Emili. Lyone's high popularity and enthusiastic speeches gained the attention of UNP leaders who saw much potential in the young speaker. Backed by party leader Savona, Lyone rose through the ranks of the party and served in multiple administrative positions between 1991 and 1995.

During this time period, the UNP further strengthened their position within the governments of Emili and Toscani, while slowly gaining seats within the federal body of Ancona. From their positions of power, UNP members worked diligently to fill their respective public offices with other UNP members and allies. When necessary, the UNP cooperated with other populist parties to gain further control of the states, and by 1992 they governed both the federal bodies of Emili and Toscani through coalition governments. This allowed for the UNP to assign party allies to the Federal Council to further influence the Fortunan Confederation. The sudden growth of the UNP would see major pushback by monarchist groups and established state leaders who saw the actions of the UNP as a disruption to the status quo. The largest opposition to the UNP came in the form of the Imperial Restoration Party (IRP), a right-wing political party with a similar purpose to reform the Fortunan Confederation into a more centralized government as well, however keeping Emperor Roderick and powerful aristocrats in power which the UNP was explicitly against. This would lead to a build up of tensions between the two growing factions, with accounts of physical confrontations beginning in the early 1990s.

The elections of 1996 marked a major turning point for the UNP as it led to them gaining control of all three state governments. In Emili and Toscani, the UNP gained enough seats to become the majority in both federal bodies. Tristano Lyone, who had risen to party leader of the Emilian UNP branch, was appointed as Prime Minister of Emili, the youngest person to be appointed to that position. Through a coalition government, the UNP for the first time gained control of the Anconan government and UNP member Bernard Leandro was appointed as Prime Minister of Ancona. The results of the elections caused uproar by the opposition with the UNP being accused of rigging the elections. 1996 and into 1997 saw the largest violent clashes between fascists and monarchists factions, with the most deadly clashes occurring shortly after the election with twenty people killed and hundreds injured. During this same period, the UNP began the first steps towards consolidating all political power and reordering the states into a centralized system. Headed by Lyone, the party removed any forms of checks and balances that could potentially impede Lyone and his fellow prime ministers. The only exception was in Ancona where Prudenzio V, a significant supporter of the IRP and the monarchist factions, still held immense influence over the state. Because of his important position, it came to a shock when Prudenzio fell ill and passed away in 1997. Without hesitation, Leandro and his administration consolidated the remaining power that Prudenzio held over the state, leaving no one to further limit the actions of the UNP. Prudenzio's death rose up suspicions by monarchists who accused the UNP for killing the prince. Violent clashes were still a common sight, but it was not until the assassination of Edward Vicino, an Old Guard UNP member in Ancona, the same year that the UNP took drastic measures against their opposition. In response, Lyone in turn accused the monarchists of attempting to overthrow the government in Ancona and ordered for the arrest of IRP members in Emili. Toscani and Ancona followed suit and the UNP, now backed by the Fortunan governments, targeted and detained over four thousand individuals from various monarchist and confederalist political parties. Many more were arrested for their connections to the monarchist factions, altogether fifteen thousand arrests were made in 1997. Gangs and militant groups, led by the Regulatori, attacked suspected loyalists and damaged property with over five hundred estimated to have been killed. The final strike came on September 8 when the Federal Council, now under the full control of the UNP, passed the Political Protections Act which banned a number of monarchist and confederalist parties from the Confederation.

For the entirety of 1998, the UNP put their full attention into converting Fortuna into a centralized state controlled entirely by them. A major achievement was by gaining the trust of the Church of Clarity, the central body of Clarityism. This mainly was due through publicly supporting Marchellic Clarityism, a major branch of the religion which played a role in forming Fortunan nationalism. Lyone, who was given the most credit for the effort to fully reunite the states, was eventually set up as an important religious figure, further gaining the support of the Claritist community. The federal bodies of the three states were entirely filled with party members and allies, and once powerful aristocratic families swore their allegiance to the UNP or face the same fate as the monarchists. As part of their distrust of the international community, the UNP pulled the Confederation out of multiple international organizations such as the International Forum on June 22, 1998. Foreign investments and holdings were blocked off, and Fortunan companies were forced to limit trade outside the archipelago. Even though the Fortunan islands were drastically changing, the party was still able to hold popular support from the general population. Once satisfied wit the preparations, Lyone held a final referendum on whether or not the Emilian citizens wanted to abolish the Fortunan Confederation in favor of a new centralized system. By a landslide, a majority of Emilians by a vote of 98% voted for the end of the Confederation. The next day, Lyone declared that Emili will leave the Confederation and abolish the Emili government to form the Second Fortunan Empire (SFE), centralized in the city of Destino. Not long after, Toscani and Ancona followed suit, abolishing their governments and joining into the SFE. On March 11, 1999, the three states of Fortuna were united as one under the UNP.

In this new government, Tristano Lyone had set himself up to be the new head of state and take on the title of High Commander. However, he still had a handful of rivals who too wished to gain a major foothold in this new government. So to solidify his rule, Lyone took control of the Imperial Fortunan City, the city where the emperor resided and the only place that showed little loyalty to the UNP, and personally executed the emperor in public for treason. While this was taking place, Lyone had his rivals and top officials in the party arrested or assassinated. This chaotic period is known as the "Lyone's Purge" and led to the death and imprisonment of hundreds of individuals. With no one left to challenge him (with exception of Bernard Leandro who escaped to the Medium Islands), Tristano Lyone publicly pronounced himself as absolute ruler of Fortuna, taking on the historically significant title of High Commander on May 17, 1999. Thus began the Second Fortunan Empire under the rule of a fascist dictatorship.

Second Fortunan Empire, Present Day

Upon coming to power, Lyone and the UNP implemented policies of isolationism to begin Fortuna's potential transformation into a fully autarky state. This would only send the archipelago into an economic depression, causing mass starvation and large growth in the black market within the regime's first few years. As the potential for an uprising rose and a complete collapse of the state was near, Lyone was eventually convinced to take a different economic route and make extensive administrative changes between 2005 and 2006. Known as the Fortunan economic miracle, the regime to everyone's surprise began seeing rapid economic growth between 2005 and 2012 as Lyone dropped the isolationist policies and became more open to the global market. These changes allowed for a revitalization of Fortuna's industries, large technological advances, and rapid militarization. Within the UNP, Isolationist party members quickly lost their influence over the regime as younger, ambitious party members, later known as the Expansionists, took control of the UNP. These party members turned Fortuna towards becoming more active within the international community along with preparing the state to further expand and annexed surrounding islands.

In 2012, the regime began their first step at reuniting the former territories of the Fortunan Empire with the annexation of the Medium Isles. During the year-long campaign, the Fortunan navy gained control of the Medium Sea, allowing for troops to be landed on major islands and secure them with little resistance at first. The largest opposition was on Linaro Island where former UNP members that escaped Lyone's Purge were entrenched. The most populated islands, the Telga Isles, saw major protests to the annexation, eventually cumulating into the Telga Massacre in April 26, 2012, where Fortunan troops fired into the protestors. The incident would lead to an attempted uprising by the Telganese, and although it was unsuccessful, it hindered Fortuna's early attempts at integration of the islands. The main benefit of the annexation was giving Fortuna control of the Medium Sea's shipping lanes, fishing spots, and mineral reserves. After four years, the integration of the Mediumese would be considered successful by the regime, allowing for the residents of the isles to become official Fortunan citizens in 2016.

The death of Eldur Mironov in 2016 would send Eridani Theta into political turmoil with the loss of their leader, potentially leading to an ethnic conflict. Having once been a territory of the Fortunan Empire, the island of Eridani Theta remained weakly united since 1650s, although a divide would continue to fester between differences in cultures, languages, and species, especially seen between the native vulpine Ambravians and the ethnic human Fortunans. Eldur Mironov, coming to power in 1954, used his autocratic powers in an attempt to heal the divides with some success. His death and the weak leadership of his successor, Aran Lucius, would destroy these accomplishments. As an attempt to prevent a violent conflict, a referendum was held in 2017 on the future of Eridani Theta. With popular approval, it was agreed for the eastern provinces to break away and join as part of Fortuna while the western provinces would form together to establish the independent state of Ambravia. This would further be agreed upon with the signing and implementing of the Slens Agreement. To further prevent violence, the PKFU was given access to control and monitor the newly formed Fortunan-Ambravian border, creating a neutral zone.

Although the split of Eridani Theta was meant to prevent conflict, Fortuna would take an aggressive stance on the island, seeing massive military build up along the border. An increase of activity by militant groups in resistance to Fortuna's annexation of East Eridani Theta would rise over the year through guerrilla warfare, ambushes, and terrorist attacks. The largest of these groups were the Ambravian Freedom Fighters, a vulpine nationalist militant organization, who actively attacked Fortunan military personnel and outposts. The AFF were able to pull off such aggressive actions due in part to their ability to cross the border with ease. Although the Ambravian government publicly stated their disassociation with the AFF and similar militant groups, the AFF were freely allowed to encamp in Ambravia with the government's knowledge, according to Fortunan statements. The island of Eridani Theta would also be hit with a pandemic with the spread of the Yama Virus in 2018. Although both Ambravia and Fortuna were able to fight it off by the end of the year, a cumulation of a slow response, mismanagement, and a lack or resources led to a great loss of life on both sides.

2019 would see further Fortunan military buildup of troops and equipment along the Fortunan-Ambravian border. On March 11, the regime celebrated 20 years since Lyone came to power and the formation of the Second Fortunan Empire. On March 15, 2020, Lyone ordered for the PKFU's departure on the basis of that peace was secured along with invoking national sovereignty. For a month, tension between Fortuna and Ambravia continued to increase as Fortunan troops moved closer to the border and the AFF increased their attacks. On April 21, an attempted ambush against Fortunan officers led to a premature artillery strike by Fortunan troops at five supposedly unknown AFF sites, causing Grand Admiral Francesco Guido to make the decision to begin the full offensive against Ambravia. The next day, Lyone assembled the Fortunan government to officially declare war against Ambravia. Caught off guard by the surprise attack, Ambravian forces and AFF troops were steadily pushed back with the cities of Equilara, Slens, and Clivroni quickly falling to the Fortunans. By mid-2020, the Fortunan offensive was slowed, however Fortunan troops gained traction along the coastlines, further forcing the Ambravians back or pinning them within the mountains. By early August, the capital city of Riburn was taken by the Fortunans with most of the Ambravian government captured or killed. Yedo would fall a few days later where leaders of the AFF were captured and immediately executed on August 26. With little leadership left, the final Ambravian forces surrendered, concluding with an official agreement of surrender on September 1 between Ambravian representatives and Fortunan officials. With the war's conclusion, Fortuna annexed the entirety of Ambravia.

Beginning in December 2020, the Fortunan activity grew immensely within the Codex Pontus, mainly through increased patrols along Fortuna's EEZ. Conflict arose on December 10 when a Fortunan Coast Guard vessel faced off against two Sorentavian naval vessels, leading to a collision between them. Although no further action was taken, both parties placed each other at fault for the incident.

Politics

Ideology

Main article: Fortunan Unitary Nationalism

The Commanders

The Fortunan Commanders during Lyone's declaration of war against Ambravia: Susan Locke, Tristano Lyone, and Ferdinand Romano.

On May 17, 1999, Tristano Lyone declared himself as absolute ruler of the Second Fortunan Empire and gave himself the title of High Commander. Since then, Lyone continues to rule autocratically and expects absolute loyalty and obedience to him and the state. During his rise to power while he was running for office within the Fortunan Confederation, party leaders began propaganda campaigns to increase the popularity of Lyone. In present day, this popularity has evolved into a personality cult supported by the propaganda machine of the Information and Education Department and the military strength of the Fortunan Armed Forces.

In order to better govern and control the nation, Lyone appointed two individuals to serve under the title of Commander; one to run the nation's armed forces and the other to oversee the legislative and administrative bodies of the government. Ferdinand Romano serves as First Commander and is put in charge of the country's military, the Fortunan Armed Forces, having served in this position ever since Lyone's takeover. Susan Locke serves as Second Commander and is given authority over most of the administrative bodies of the Empire and presides over the Common Chamber, serving in this position since 2011. In 2016, she was appointed as Secretary of the Unitary Nationalist Party and merged the position's responsibilities under her title of Second Commander. As Secretary of the UNP, Locke also oversees the Unitary Nationalist Party Board of Approvals which is responsible for approving elected representatives on a federal and local, appointing regional governors, and appointing judges to regional courts. Although their titles are numerically different, they in fact hold the same amount of power and only answer to the High Commander. The only other body they have limited control over is the Elite Chamber who also only answers to the High Commander under most circumstances. Competition between the two is rarely seen as they put their loyalty to the High Commander above all else, however there has been noticeable tension as Romano continues to push for more autonomy for the military and Locke attempting to push for a more aggressive stance to further expand the nation's borders.

Elite Chamber

In order to help govern and ensure that the party remains in power, the UNP set up multiple organisations to manage parts of administration and increase state security. Heading these departments are a handful of powerful party members known as Elite Chambermen who are chosen by the High Commander. As of present day, there are currently 12 Chambermen who make up the administrative body known as the Elite Chamber of the Second Fortunan Empire, or simply the Elite Chamber. Elite Chambermen are able to serve in their position until their death, their resignation, or removal by the High Commander. New departments are allowed to be created and departments at times have the ability to merge with each other, but this is only possible with the approval of the High Commander as well. The Elite Chamber only answers to Lyone, however the Commanders may have some control over the body if given approval by the High Commander. Due to their position, Elite Chambermen are able to enact laws, again with the High Commander's approval, without having to go through the Common Chamber. Due to conflicting positions and opposing factions, the Elite Chamber is used more as a tool by party elites to further their own goals and amass more power for themselves.

Current Elite Chambermen

• Head of the Foreign Affairs Department - Alexander Reason
• Head of the Internal Affairs Department - Barbara Ditoscani
• Head of the Fortunan Science and Engineering Department - Rachel Ettori
• Head of the Regulatori - Leonard Rani
• Head of the Information and Education Department - Eugene Smith
• Head of the Department of Trade - Lorenzo Jackson
• Head of the Labor and Social Affairs Department - Salvador Nicchi
• Head of the Fortunan Intelligence Department - Serena Rustici
• Head of the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection - Elsa Colombo
• Head of the Department of Transportation - Gavino Moretti
• Head of the Finance Department - Abele Toscani
• Head of the Department of Energy and Infrastructure - Everly Gallo

Common Chamber

Diagram of the Fortunan government system.

The Common Chamber is the main legislative branch of the Empire. However, due to the lack of any separation of power and all decisions done by the High Commander and the Elite Chamber, the Common Chamber only serves as a rubber stamp for Lyone. Because of this, the Common Chamber has little purpose besides providing further support for all laws and decisions made by the administrative body. The position of Representative to the Common Chamber is for the most part ceremonial with the Common Chamber only meeting 32 times between 2000 and 2019, and has enacted only a handful of laws which unanimously passed with the approval of the High Commander. The chamber has recently become the center of tension among opposing factions within the party, especially between the Isolationists and the Expansionists. One controversial example includes first vulpine representative, Samuel Merlo, to be elected in 2018 to serve within the Common Chamber, a decision pushed by Expansionist party members to gain more support from the vulpine populace. Terms for representatives is six years and there is not a limit on the amount of terms they may serve. One seat is granted for every 100,000 votes, leading to the Common Chamber to currently have up to 400 representatives. Between 2000 and 2020, only three elections were held. During elections, voters are given a list of approved party members to chose from with a few exceptions for non-party member candidates who were still loyal to the High Commander. Participating in elections are a requirement and voting against any party-supported votes is heavily discouraged. This has led to all three elections receiving more than a 95 percent turnout and unanimous approval in all elections. The only ones who can vote are those with full citizenship, preventing non citizens and Honorary Fortunans from voting except on special occasions.

Administrative Divisions

Fortuna consists of a number of subdivisions, and due to expansions in the past decade, it consists of both integrated territory and specially administered regions. The status of specially administered region was established to administer recently annexed territories while it goes through integration processes. Specially administered regions are usually overseen by the Fortunan Armed Forces and the Second Commander's council.

First Level Division

The first level of divisions are five integrated regions: Emili, Ancona, Toscani, Medium, and East Eridani Theta. Following the end of the Fortunan-Ambravian War with the signing of the Slens Peace Deal in September 2020, West Eridani Theta was established as a specially administered region. Both Medium and East Eridani Theta are former specially administered regions following their annexations before they were fully integrated in 2016 and 2020 respectively. Regions are overseen by a regional governor, serving under the title of Regnore, who is assigned by the UNP Board of Approvals. The Regnore and their council is tasked with the management of counties and cities within their respective regions and ensuring their cooperation. Regnores are given regional legislative powers and are in charge of enforcing both national and regional legislature. There is not a set limit for the amount of years that a Regnore can serve, so Regnores often serve for life unless they are replaced by the party. Beginning in January 2021, the sitting Regnores of Fortuna are: Erica Tessaro for Emili, Gio Ansaldi for Ancona, Walter Parodi for Toscani, Loris Sartor for Medium, and Catone Palerma for East Eridani Theta. For West Eridani Theta, the current temporary governor is Francesco Guido, Grand Admiral of the Fortunan Navy. Regions also include a regional legislative branch that serves the same purpose as the Common Chamber with the teriduche and cities given two representatives to serve in the legislative body. Regional legislative bodies are given the ability to pass laws and legislature, but this requires the approval of the Regnore.

Second Level Division

The second level of divisions consists of the teriduche, equivalent to that of a county, and cities. Many of the current teriduche borders derive from historical boundaries based off territorial claims of Fortunan dukes dating back even before the First Fortunan Empire. Cities as an administrative unit was implemented following the establishment of the Second Fortunan Empire and is used to distinguish areas of heavy urbanization and population that hold economical, cultural, and political significance. Administering these divisions is a contidaco or contidaca, a position equivalent to that of a mayor. The appointment of mayors varies with most being directly appointed by a regional UNP Board of Approvals or in some cases directly elected, although candidates in these elections must first be approved by the party. As of 2020, there are 46 teriduche and 6 cities. West Eridani Theta also consists of 6 teriduche, however these are currently handled by the military due to the region's special status.

Flag	Name	Region	Status	Population April 2020		Area		Pop. density	Capital	Contidaco	Districts/Townships	Donavi (Villages)
				Number	%	km²	%
[[File:|40px|border]]	Destino	Emili	City	4,461,808	9.49%	208.00	0.15%	21,451	Destino Centro	Carlo Robustelli	30	1,116
[[File:|40px|border]]	Baronburg	Emili	City	1,237,922	2.63%	119.03	0.09%	10,400	Insea	Elma Caruso	8	309
[[File:|40px|border]]	Terine	Toscani	City	2,852,020	6.06%	156.51	0.11%	18,223	Terine Centro	Antoni Terine	19	713
[[File:|40px|border]]	Gologma	Ancona	City	1,015,346	2.16%	126.37	0.09%	8,035	Gologma Centro	Marina Valerio	6	253
[[File:|40px|border]]	Imperial Fortunan City	Ancona	City	1,560,067	3.32%	92.48	0.07%	16,870	Fortuna Centro	Orsino Fusco	10	390
[[File:|40px|border]]	Equilara	East Eridani Theta	City	1,981,483	4.21%	329.30	0.24%	6,017.25	Equilara Centro	Sabrina Haggard	13	495
[[File:|40px|border]]	Linaro	Medium	Teriduca	63,299	0.13%	304.32	0.22%	208	Cannato	Norwood Guarneri	3	12
[[File:|40px|border]]	Telga	Medium	Teriduca	215,424	0.46%	1,089.74	0.78%	197.68	Regara	Gavino Maestri	7	39
[[File:|40px|border]]	Mira	Medium	Teriduca	76,873	0.16%	614.98	0.44%	125	Folignola	Lotario Zino	3	14
[[File:|40px|border]]	Helena	Medium	Teriduca	130,503	0.28%	526.22	0.38%	248	Bavira	Ilda Caivano	4	21
[[File:|40px|border]]	Opali-Grenato	Medium	Teriduca	106,056	0.23%	760.80	0.55%	139.40	Iravia	Nero Rocchi	4	18
[[File:|40px|border]]	Novaglie	Emili	Teriduca	3,502,547	7.45%	1,582.70	1.13%	2,213.02	Raelelma	Francesca Sorrentino	70	583
[[File:|40px|border]]	Sasti	Emili	Teriduca	333,156	0.71%	2,273.40	1.63%	146.55	Marbelicia	Ferdinand Goretti	6	58
[[File:|40px|border]]	Missorta	Emili	Teriduca	120,825	0.26%	2,783.00	1.99%	43.42	Vallander	Lamberto Gaspari	9	30
[[File:|40px|border]]	Branho	Emili	Teriduca	733,957	1.56%	658.60	0.47%	1,114.42	Sadica	Roderick Balboni	14	122
[[File:|40px|border]]	Portilves	Emili	Teriduca	1,618,370	3.44%	4,435.05	3.18%	364.90	Crolbia	Ern Farro	33	270
[[File:|40px|border]]	Vallanada	Emili	Teriduca	100,724	0.21%	2,124.80	1.52%	47.40	Loubaca	Ermete Acquafredda	6	25
[[File:|40px|border]]	Molfeni	Emili	Teriduca	603,881	1.28%	1,234.38	0.88%	489.22	Taroundomar	Orso Bonaventura	15	120
[[File:|40px|border]]	Tresa	Emili	Teriduca	493,520	1.05%	1,213.78	0.87%	406.60	Metastiada	Irene Toselli	10	98
[[File:|40px|border]]	Estreves	Emili	Teriduca	46,852	0.10%	2,769.14	1.98%	16.92	Beca	Celino Fiore	5	16
[[File:|40px|border]]	Reguecedo	Emili	Teriduca	20,466	0.04%	2,289.65	1.64%	8.94	Coinde	Adriano Abatangelo	3	12
[[File:|40px|border]]	Algerteixo	Emili	Teriduca	13,635	0.03%	3,310.44	2.37%	4.12	Achanina	Rodolfo Nani	3	7
[[File:|40px|border]]	Ovieva	Emili	Teriduca	16,393	0.03%	2,058.23	1.47%	7.96	Ialymeni	Manuele Addario	3	10
[[File:|40px|border]]	Ellithraia	Emili	Teriduca	62,543	0.13%	2,733.87	1.96%	22.88	Vicete	Maria Bergamaschi	4	15
[[File:|40px|border]]	Camanes	Emili	Teriduca	38,011	0.08%	3,529.97	2.53%	10.77	Kallisos	Narcisa Spada	5	9
[[File:|40px|border]]	Penagre	Emili	Teriduca	205,648	0.44%	1,077.46	0.77%	190.86	Neandri	Orsina Bonomo	6	41
[[File:|40px|border]]	Galvano	Emili	Teriduca	429,101	0.91%	829.79	0.59%	517.12	Areples	Antonia Cisternino	8	72
[[File:|40px|border]]	Rosa	Ancona	Teriduca	3,592,597	7.64%	1,068.74	0.77%	3,361.53	Sojoz	Santino Filippi	75	598
[[File:|40px|border]]	Venmar	Ancona	Teriduca	371,270	0.79%	760.80	0.55%	488	Lounha	Venceslao Altimari	7	74
[[File:|40px|border]]	Larunda	Ancona	Teriduca	358,315	0.76%	1,178.11	0.84%	304.14	Nocchia	Amilcare Orlando	9	60
[[File:|40px|border]]	Artesos	Ancona	Teriduca	43,681	0.09%	1,306.11	0.94%	33.44	Tarracete	Ruggero Alduino	5	11
[[File:|40px|border]]	Andavega	Ancona	Teriduca	33,116	0.07%	1,653.24	1.18%	20.03	Casodua	Ida Motta	6	8
[[File:|40px|border]]	Lancamento	Ancona	Teriduca	84,828	0.18%	2,135.10	1.53%	39.73	Trivala	Raffaele Potenza	7	22
[[File:|40px|border]]	Modelbia	Ancona	Teriduca	1,074,594	2.28%	676.43	0.48%	1,588.63	Guirta	Pierino Costanzo	21	180
[[File:|40px|border]]	Viatejo	Ancona	Teriduca	662,923	1.41%	1,129.37	0.81%	586.98	Valonhos	Ulisse Sciarra	13	110
[[File:|40px|border]]	Barcenea	Toscani	Teriduca	2,472,055	5.26%	1,226.85	0.88%	2,014.96	Tones	Nicoletta Borgia	49	412
[[File:|40px|border]]	Santalicia	Toscani	Teriduca	1,385,744	2.95%	6,465.94	4.63%	214.31	Segocete	Giustino Prosdocimi	27	230
[[File:|40px|border]]	Chiovala	Toscani	Teriduca	2,674,302	5.69%	951.44	0.68%	2,810.79	Edetsona	Diodato Santoro	52	445
[[File:|40px|border]]	Lillino	Toscani	Teriduca	457,303	0.97%	2,632.03	1.89%	173.75	Pomestoia	Pancrazio Siena	8	91
[[File:|40px|border]]	Ermemao	Toscani	Teriduca	31,429	0.07%	3,931.00	2.82%	8.00	Santarim	Silvana Martinelli	12	19
[[File:|40px|border]]	Ovasbon	Toscani	Teriduca	483,728	1.03%	2,012.66	1.44%	240.34	Piri	Oddo Altamura	9	120
[[File:|40px|border]]	Aragena	Toscani	Teriduca	510,857	1.09%	2,752.49	1.97%	185.60	Arterfu	Graziano Vaccaro	10	102
[[File:|40px|border]]	Odivero	Toscani	Teriduca	371,506	0.79%	2,047.13	1.47%	181.48	Favira	Alessio Arbore	7	62
[[File:|40px|border]]	Ercoste	Toscani	Teriduca	145,749	0.31%	1,807.39	1.3%	80.64	Aveilongo	Brunello Pagano	6	37
[[File:|40px|border]]	Avilma	Toscani	Teriduca	54,381	0.12%	3,628.25	2.60%	14.99	Birona	Fortunato Milani	12	21
[[File:|40px|border]]	Rirouca	Toscani	Teriduca	84,383	0.18%	3,101.61	2.22%	27.21	Ederaeus	Orazio Lupo	10	23
[[File:|40px|border]]	Graffias	East Eridani Theta	Teriduca	3,472,055	7.38%	7,667.03	5.49%	452.86	Tanta	Otello Damiani	69	694
[[File:|40px|border]]	Zaurak	East Eridani Theta	Teriduca	1,728,537	3.67%	10,077.15	7.22%	171.53	Drona	Gherardo Bencivenni	34	288
[[File:|40px|border]]	Merga	East Eridani Theta	Teriduca	624,081	1.33%	4,646.66	3.33%	134.31	Troni	Giacomo Poletti	15	104
[[File:|40px|border]]	Vega	East Eridani Theta	Teriduca	124,744	0.27%	5,794.66	4.15%	95.20	Fey	Alina Bartalotti	19	32
[[File:|40px|border]]	Chara	East Eridani Theta	Teriduca	386,427	0.82%	3,521.65	2.52%	109.73	Tego	Giacobbe Ragno	11	96
[[File:|40px|border]]	Bellatrix	East Eridani Theta	Teriduca	448,902	0.95%	4,715.22	3.38%	95.20	Avley	Arnolfo Passerini	14	74
[[File:|40px|border]]	Rana	West Eridani Theta	Teriduca	1,139,858	2.42%	1,414.68	1.01%	805.73	Weslin		22	190
[[File:|40px|border]]	Theemin	West Eridani Theta	Teriduca	363,085	0.77%	2,993.03	2.14%	121.31	Slens		10	67
[[File:|40px|border]]	Keid	West Eridani Theta	Teriduca	84,625	0.18%	2,172.35	1.56%	38.96	Pale		7	28
[[File:|40px|border]]	Sceptrum	West Eridani Theta	Teriduca	284,091	0.60%	7,798.99	5.59%	36.43	Flonio		22	71
[[File:|40px|border]]	Cursa	West Eridani Theta	Teriduca	824,769	1.75%	4,343.52	3.11%	189.89	Riburn		15	137
[[File:|40px|border]]	Acamar	West Eridani Theta	Teriduca	624,084	1.33%	4,722.75	3.38%	132.14	Yedo		14	125
	Fortuna	-	-	47,038,449	100.00%	139,564.38	100.00%	337.04	Destino	-	904	9,399

Third Level Division

The teriduche and cities are further subdivided into picitti (townships) and quartieri (districts) respectively. Overall, Fortuna consists of 904 picitti and quartieri. Both are administered by a civil servant assigned by the contidaco who oversee and represent their respective local community.

Fourth Level Division

The final division are donavi (villages) and donavi urbani (urban villages). The name originates back during the time of the Norvians when Norvic communities were more normadic where communities were centered around a chief naval vessel, referred to as the Domnavis, before finally settling. In present day, there are over nine thousand legally recognized donavi across Fortuna. Regular donavi have a higher level of autonomy to that of donavi urbani. Within donavi urbani, a civil servant is assigned by the district leader while rural villages have a higher level of freedom to chose their own leader. Although names can differ from region to region, officially a donavi leader is referred to as a capo.

Judicial System

The structure of the judicial system was created with the sole purpose of enforcing the legal codes of the Empire and to punish individuals considered enemies of the state. Many of those who are convicted either face the death penalty or are sent to labor camps or reeducation centers. There exists regional courts and county courts with judges being assigned and approved by the UNP Board of Approvals. There are three levels of courts that makes up Fortuna's civil and criminal judicial system: four Regional Courts, one is expected to be formed in West Eridani Theta once it is fully integrated into the state, 46 county-level courts, and over a thousand district-level courts. All levels serve as trial courts while the regional and county courts can also serve as appellate courts. The Fortunan Armed Forces have established military tribunals separate from the regular court system. On lesser occasions are temporary tribunals established by the UNP and coordinated by the Regulatori outside the standards of the regular courts in order to perform show trials of political opponents of the regime.

Foreign Policy

Following the Toscanan-Emilian War, any remaining foreign relations deteriorated as the Fortunan Confederation entered into another state of isolation and hatred for foreign entities ran rampant. This would continue into the 2000s with the creation of the Second Fortunan Empire, but in order to revitalize the economy, Lyone and other party leaders made the decision to become more open to the outside world. This would include the bettering diplomatic relations and the exchange of embassies and ambassadors with multiple nations across Urth. Fortuna especially holds close relations with Biramura, which consists of a handful of trade and military agreements. Concerning Fortuna's neighbors, relations are either tense or non-existent. This is due to both cultural, government, and religious differences. For example relations between Fortuna and the Free Pacific States only consist of national recognition, however due to government differences Fortuna is not very fond of their southern neighbor. The same can also be said for Packilvania and Sorentavia to the east. In 2020, Fortuna would be one of the first members of the Association of Yasterian Nations, a regional economic organization that ensures free trade between its members. Free movement is also an aspect of the organization, but Fortuna has opted out of it.

Military

Main article: Fortunan Armed Forces

The HCS Celeste, the Fortunan Navy's flagship.

The Fortunan Armed Forces is the armed forces of the Second Fortunan Empire, consisting of the Fortunan Army, the Fortunan Navy, and the Fortunan Air Force. The force is managed and controlled by the Fortuna Military High Command, or simply High Command, which is headed by First Commander Ferdinand Romano, also serving in this position under the title of Chief Commander. Serving as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces is the High Commander who has absolute ruling over the forces. Military service is compulsory for all citizens upon reaching the age of 18 and are required to serve at least 36 months in any branch. Along with the Regulatori, the forces in total consist of around 575,000 active troops. With a stated amount of 1,520,000 reserved personnel, the total amount of trained troops is estimated to be around two million. In early 2020, the estimated spending of the Fortunan military consists of around 5.2% of the national GDP, remaining one of the main focuses of the Fortunan government. Although a considerably high spending for it's size, the armed forces continues to lack behind many of the major powers in Yasteria. For this reason, Fortuna's military doctrine in the 1990s to the early 2000s was based around deterrence. In recent years however, the military began switching over to a more aggressive stance as seen with the annexations of the Aspirian Isles entering into the 2010s.

The Fortunan Army is the main ground force of the military, consisting of around 360,000 active personnel. The Fortunan Navy is considered the most important branch of the military with the task of protecting Fortuna's waters, consists of around 50,000 active personnel, and also consists of two sub branches; the Fortunan Coast Guard and the Fortunan Naval Infantry. The Fortunan Air Force serves as the military's aerial branch, controlling a majority of military aircraft, and consists of around 40,000 active personnel. Along side of the Fortunan Armed Forces is the Regulatori, a paramilitary force that serves as the UNP's military branch which serves as the party's main security force and law enforcement for the nation, consisting of around 120,000 active personnel.

The Tartaruga Tank serves as Fortuna's MBT.

Due to Fortuna's general isolationist stance from the 20th century to present day, the government of Fortuna took heavy strides to further develop its military industry. This includes the production of its own small arms, armored vehicles, fighter planes, helicopters, naval vessels, and missiles. The main standard issue infantry rifle is the PRODAF FA-1, with ongoing efforts to replace it with the PRODAF FA-2. The Tartaruga Main Battle Tank serves as the primary tank which has gone through multiple developments since the War of Aggression and its hull used a base for other military equipment such as the Ghiandaia Howitzer. The primary multi-purpose combat aircraft continues to be the Mirage C-FA, along with the FSED Uragano being introduced as the military's primary ground attack aircraft. Large efforts have been put into advancing VTOL technology, with a variety of helicopters and tiltrotors having been produced and used in recent years. The primary rotorcrafts are the FSED Hadria and the Costella Helena, primarily used by the Fortunan Navy and the Fortunan Air Force. The current number of operating vessels by the navy is 153: 5 amphibious transport docks, 28 destroyers, 24 frigates, 6 submarines, 4 landing ships, 5 minesweepers, and a varied fleet of auxiliary ships. In order to deter immediate conflict with neighboring superpowers, Fortuna also maintains a large arsenal of missiles at all times. A stockpile of chemical and biological weapons are also maintained to be used as a deterrent. Efforts are being made by the government to obtain nuclear weapons, although the current state of Fortuna's nuclear program is unknown.

Violation of Rights

In it's current state, Fortuna is well known for it's violation of basic rights. Under the rule of a single-party totalitarian government, the people of the isles see large restrictions on political freedom with the UNP having full control of the nation's political system. Adopting the Nationalist Act of 1973 and the Political Protections Act of 1997 during the period of the Fortunan Confederation, socialist and communist parties are banned along with anything deemed "anti-Fortunan" by the UNP, allowing for the arrest of anyone deemed as a political enemy. Democratic processes barely exists in any form with voting either being done for ceremonial purposes or only on a local level. Even then, candidates and legislature must first be approved by the party before being voted on by the populace.

Fortuna is especially condemned for it's violation of species rights with a history of targeting specific groups. The state is known for the promotion of speciesism, targeting groups that are considered not native to the isles. During and after the Toscanan-Emilian War, nekomimis faced heavy discrimination and violence before being forcefully removed from the isles with the Fortunan Purification Act of 1973. This also included a number of other species, such as felines, with the limited exception being vulpines. The Purification Period (1973-1979) saw the highest level of violence on the islands with the rise of nationalist and fascist ideals, with over 300,000 individuals detained and over half million displaced. Along with the displacement of thousands, multiple of accounts of species-based massacres occurred with an estimated 100,000 killed, facts that continue to be denied by the Fortunan government ever since. Human purists played a large role in policy making during the Purification Period and into the early years of the Second Fortunan Empire, leading to purposeful discrimination of vulpine communities although many are considered native to the archipelago. Heavy discrimination against the vulpine population continued to persist until recent years as certain political leaders have attempted steps to manage it. Expansionist party members have been known to push for more vulpine representation, although this is seen as simply a political move to gain favor internationally and boost their own numbers.

The regime and the nation's armed forces has been accused of violating international laws and committing war crimes during Fortuna's annexation of the Medium Isles and Eridani Theta. During the early years of the occupation of the Medium Isles, Fortunan forces heavily suppressed the native population, leading to the destruction of dozens of villages and the killing of around 1,200 civilians based off a study by the CPRAO. The most well known incident was the "Telga Massacre" in 2012 where 25 protestors were killed by Fortunan troops. This would start an eight month long conflict which saw further violence on the Telga Isles. With the annexation of East Eridani Theta in 2017, it immediately led to the displacement of thousands of Eridani Thetans, especially vulpines who escaped in mass to Ambravia. Although Fortuna and Ambravia were temporarily at peace with each other, Fortunan forces and the Ambravian Freedom Fighters continuously combated each other during this time. Since Fortuna claimed the AFF and anyone associated were terrorists, killings and village burnings were a common occurrence along the border with an estimated 8,000 deaths just between 2018 and early 2020. The Ambravian government at the time civil rights groups also condemned the treatment of imprisoned individuals by the Fortunan government with claims of the beating, torturing, and killing of captured AFF members. During the Fortunan-Ambravian War in 2020 which led to Ambravia's annexation into the Empire, multiple accounts of the murdering of prisoners of war and civilians by Fortunan troops have been claimed by civil rights groups such as the CPRAO. Although the war concluded in September 2020, the Fortunan regime continues to face criticism for the mistreatment of the native population. All claims and accusations have been denied by the Fortunan government.

With Clarityism being the de facto state religion of Fortuna, religious discrimination is also seen on a large scale. Adopting the Clarity Protections Act of 1975 in order to protect Clarityism, all other religions are banned and the practice of such religions would lead to the targeting and arrest of such individuals. Religious buildings and structures, many that had survived for centuries, were torn down and destroyed. Atheism is also looked down upon, and the practicing of Clarityism is considered a requirement. The Church of Clarity, the established church of Clarityism, was tasked by the Clarity Protections Act to maintain Clarityism dominance within Fortunan borders, seeing the establishment of the Clarity Protections Service. Individuals deemed religious enemies of the state are revealed, and with the assistance of the Regulatori, are detained and sent to reeducation centers.

The Regulatori, the main military branch of the UNP, serves as one of the nation's main law enforcement departments. They are tasked with the apprehension and imprisonment of individuals deemed dangerous to the state or for committing a range of crimes. The Regulatori are the first to oversee law enforcement in recently annexed territory and personally works with local law enforcement to ensure law and order. Based off accounts from defectors, individuals deemed an enemy-of-the-state are sent to one of many labour camps or reeducation centers that are run by the Regulatori. The conditions of these labour camps resemble closely that of slavery, with those deported to these camps rarely leaving and forced into heavy labour. The main purpose of reeducation centers is to rehabilitate individuals considered redeemable by the state. The exact condition in these reeducation centers is unknown, but it is expected that prisoners here go through intense torture and prolonged isolation. Prisoners that are deemed reeducated are allowed to return into society, although it is reported these individuals come out physically and mentally deteriorated.

Geography

Fortuna is a collection of islands, nineteen of which are larger than 50 km2, within the Aspirian Isles off the east coast of Yasteria. The islands are split into three parts: the Fortunan Archipelago, the Medium Islands, and the Islands of Eridani Theta. The Fortunan Archipelago is a collection of islands that form a circular-like pattern and are located around 27°N and 113° E, just above the Tropic of Karakta. The Medium Islands consists of all islands found between the Fortunan Archipelago and Eridani Theta.

The land area of Fortuna is 136,229.29 km2 (52,598.42 sq mi), making it one of the smaller nations found on Urth by land area. Most of the land area consists of the four largest islands of Emili, Ancona, Toscani, and Eridani Theta. A large percentage of Fortuna are covered in forests and mountains, making much of the land area unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use. This causes much of the population of Fortuna to locate themselves along the coast, and a continuously growing population has led to a high population density of 345.34 km/2 (894.4 mi/2).

Due to its location, Fortuna consists of a few dormant volcanoes, occasional earthquakes, and tsunamis. Within the Fortunan Archipelago, the way the islands formed helps create a barrier against tsunamis and tropical storms for those on the inside of the circle. This is one of the reasons why much of the population are found in the inner circle of the archipelago. Earthquakes are still a problem, ranging from small quakes up to 9.0-magnitude earthquakes, examples including the 1923 earthquake that killed nearly 100,000 people and the 2004 tsunami, a disaster which caused over 15,000 deaths in Kaoghon of the Free Pacific States, which led to heavy damage to southern Emili and the city of Baronburg. There have been steps taken to monitor earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis to help reduce chances of death, but this doesn't prevent Fortuna from having one of the highest natural disasters.

Islands With a Land Area Over 50 km2 (2020)

Island Name	Land Area (km2)
Eridani Theta	58,777.13894
Emili	34,249.14526
Toscani	30,159.03256
Ancona	8,281.68556
Venmar	760.95120
Mira	615.10222
Helena	526.32458
Grenato	437.54694
Telga Gamma	393.15812
Telga Beta	240.96788
Rosa	336.08678
Telga Alpha	329.74552
Opali	323.40426
Linaro	304.38048
Flora	145.84898
Western Norvo	95.11890
Eastern Norvo	95.11890
Oscanati	88.77764
Littori & Vittori	69.75386

Climate

Köppen climate classification of the Aspirian Isles

The climate of Fortuna is predominantly temperate, specifically a humid subtropical climate, along with four distinct seasons. Within higher elevations, climate categorized as cool humid continental climate is more commonly found. Along the southern side of Emili and a small part of Toscani also consists of warm tropical rainforest climate. Sitting just above the Tropic of Karakta, the climate of the islands is heavily affected by the East Yasterian monsoon. Fortuna is a fairly rainy country with annual rainfall averaging between 1,500 and 3,000 millimeters (59 and 118 inches). Rain is more prominent on the south end of Emili where it is common for it to rain every day during the rainy season. The season of summer is considered to be from the months of June to September, during which a rainy season will occur in June with the weather becoming hot and humid following afterwards. The average temperature during summer sticks around 25.2 °C (77.4 °F) with the highest recorded temperature being 39.8 °C (103.8 °F) in 2019 within the city of Baronburg. Typhoons are also most common between the months of June and October with an average of six to eight typhoons hitting the Aspirian Isles, causing heavy rainstorms. As for winter, this seasonal period is considered to occur between the months of December and February. Some snow does occur during this period, especially inland at higher elevations. The average winter temperature is recorded to be around 3.6 °C (38.48 °F) with the lowest recorded temperature being -21.4 °C (-6.52 °F) in the western mountains of Eridani Theta.

Biodiversity

Fortuna has a range of ecosystems that varies from island to island, ranging from tropical rainforests in the south, temperate and boreal forests at higher altitudes, and more humid subtropical climate for most of the Aspirian Isles. This has allowed for a large diversity of flora and fauna to continue to exist even with an ever-growing population and more settlements being created. On the southern end, species that are typical to tropical areas are more commonly found, especially on the island of Emili. Further north where it is more temperate, these islands share a variety of flora and fauna commonly found in Fuso and Isklevyu. The island chain consists of some of the highest diversity of marine creatures on Urth. Fortuna also has a variety of endemic species found only on the Aspirian Isles, making many species quite rare and a handful considered endangered, further pushing the need of environmental protection by the Fortunan government.

A red panda, commonly found in Toscani and is Fortuna's national animal.

About 100 species of land mammal exist on the Aspirian Isles. Few of these are carnivores, with 12 species in total. Two of the largest mammals to be found on the islands is the Larole black bear and the Toscanan clouded leopard, only found on the islands of Emili and Toscani respectively. Smaller mammals also include foxes, the raccoon dog, and Anconan red weasel. The most famous mammal is undoubtedly the Fortunan Red Panda which is endemic to the isles and officially the national animal. Grazing mammals native to the islands include the wild boar, sika deer, and Aspirian serow. Of marine mammals, the islands include the dugong and Aspirian humpback dolphin. The orca is by far the most popular, having swam in the waters before the arrival of the Norvians with a few fishing villages having created a bond with local pods. Historical records exist showing whalers from the island of Linaro and orcas assisting each other during their hunts.

A large variety of bird species also occur on the isles with over 500 record species. Half of these species are endemic such as the red bellied crane and Amber bush warbler. Birds that are considered non-endemic are shared with the mainland, especially Fuso, Isklevyu, and Free Pacific States. Migration of birds is a common sight within the region during the seasons of spring and fall.

Larole Forest on the island Emili.

There exist around 4000 species of plants on the isles, a few that are endemic to the region. tropical rainforests can be found on the southern ends of the Fortunan Archipelago, with subtropical making up the rest of the archipelago, the Medium Isles, and Eridani Theta. Temperate and boreal forests are found in higher altitudes, most prominently on the island of Toscani and Eridani Theta. A few of the most dominant trees on the isles include the Larole cypress, Amber oak, and Fortunan velvet pine. Bamboo is more common within the inner part of the Fortunan Archipelago.

Environment

In the period between the 1880s and the 1960s, increase in industrialization saw to a rise in environmental pollution. To confront this, state governments passed laws to help provide environmental protection. This led to the creation of national parks and protected areas which make up 14% of the country. The environmental protection laws that were created are still used today and is strictly enforced. Deforestation or destruction of the environment in any way is considered illegal unless one is given a permit by the government. Oil and coal shortages over the years along with a lack of natural resources also has played a major role in the push towards alternative energy. In recent years, Fortuna has taken large steps to use renewable energy with 12% of Fortuna's energy being based off renewable energy like solar or wind power energy, a set goal of 20% by 2020.

Economy

A major goal of the UNP when they came to power near the end of the 20th century was to make Fortuna less reliant on the internationally community economically and more self-suficient. Autarky policies were the first implemented upon the formation of the Second Fortunan Empire, cutting off the archipelago from the world market. These changes would have immediate effect, leading to economic stagnation and starvation. To ensure the survival of the state, economic reforms and policies were made such as reopening to the global market, allowing for an economic boom in the late 2010s. Fortuna would experience rapid development, although it still lags far behind all of its neighbors. The unit of currency is the Fortunan truta (FT), printed and issued by the Central Bank of Fortuna.

Ship under construction in Terine Shipyards, the largest shipyards in Fortuna.

In the late 19th century, the Fortunan states began transitioning from a predominantly agrarian economy to a heavier focus on industrializing. As of present day, Fortuna is a relatively industrialized country. In 2020, Fortuna had a Gross Domestic Product was estimated to be around $555.3 billion SHD and a workforce around 21.5 million. The agriculture sector employed 23.4% of the workforce and accounted for 12.3% of the GDP, 32.1% workers serve in the industry sector and accounted for 42.5% of the GDP, and the service sector consists of 44.5% of the workforce and accounted for 45.2% of the GDP. The estimated per capita is $11,804.35.

Major industries of Fortuna include shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing, machine building, military equipment, and technology products. Most prominently leading in these industries are Terine Industries and FSED. Mineral mining has reduced throughout the 20th century as many natural deposits have been exhausted, although offshore drilling has picked up entering into the 21st century. This has been especially boosted with the annexation of the Medium Isles, opening up the entire Medium Sea to exploitation.

As part of the 2000s economic reforms, large-scale privatization occurred of formerly state sectors along with allowing for regulated foreign investment into the nation's industry, while key enterprises and sectors such as education remained state-owned. Although the economic reforms prevented the collapse of the Fortunan economy and the overall quality of life has increased, these changes have led to further inequality with the Gini coefficient of Fortuna averaged around 0.47. Generally rural areas are on average poorer than urban areas, however the most drastic differences are seen within the most recently annexed territories of the Medium Isles and Eridani Theta where residents are drastically poorer than those within the Fortunan Archipelago.

Foreign trade would first pick up in the 2010s and has continued to grow exponentially. Centered between the Pacific Ocean, Northeast Yasteria, and Southeast Yasteria, Fortuna serves as central point for trade routes along the coast. Although unfavorably looked upon by a large part of the international community, the nation has been able to still participate within the global market. A handful of trading partners include Biramura, Kuthernburg, and Asendavia. As a member of AYN, Fortuna is given a further opening into the Yasterian market, specifically with Northeast Yasterian nations.

Currency

Size comparison between circulated truta coins.

The truta (sign: ₸; ISO code: IFT) is the official currency of Fortuna and is issued by the Central Bank of Fortuna. The name "truta" derives from the Norvian word trutina which refers to balance or scales. Currency on the isles would begin becoming referred to as truta in the 18th and 19th century, a common example being with the adoption of the Emilian truta in the early 1800s by the Principality of Emili. Introduced in 1953 along with the formation of the Central Bank of Fortuna, the currency as it is today would be adopted by the Fortunan states of Emili and Ancona. Toscani would eventually adopt the currency following the conclusion of the Toscanan-Emilian War in the 1970s. Under the Second Fortunan Empire, the Fortunan truta would remain the official currency and eventually would be adopted within territories annexed by Fortuna into the 21st century.

A common occurrence on Fortunan currency is the featuring of the Angitente Fortuna who has a historical and cultural relation to currency. On all coinage, the effigy of Angitente Fortuna is added on the obverse. Currently in circulation are three series of coins from 1990, 2001, and 2010. Although sharing many similarities, the most notable change between the series is the changes between the 1990s series and the most recent versions with the replacement of the title on the obverse from "Confederazione Fortunano" to "Secondo Impero Fortunano" and the removal of the former imperial crest on the reverse. With the introduction of the 2010 series, the reverse now includes an image of the Fortunan Archipelago with the coin value over the top. A new series is planned in the future as Fortunan government is still working on phasing out the 1990 series.

Fortunan truta coins
Image	Value	Series	Diameter	Thickness	Weight	Material	Obverse	Reverse
	50 truta	1990	20 mm	1.8 mm	1.34 g	Aluminium	Angitente Fortuna	Imperial family crest and coin value
		2001						Coin value
		2010						Fortunan Archipelago and coin value
	100 truta	1990	24 mm	2 mm	2.26 g			Imperial family crest and coin value
		2001						Coin value
		2010						Fortunan Archipelago and coin value
	250 truta	1990	26 mm	2 mm	2.37 g			Imperial family crest and coin value
		2001						Coin value
		2010						Fortunan Archipelago and coin value
	500 truta	1990	28 mm	2.3 mm	7.5 g	Bi-metal, aluminum and aluminium bronze		Imperial family crest and coin value
		2001						Coin value
		2010						Fortunan Archipelago and coin value

Agriculture

Rice terraces outside of Favira, Ancona.

Overseeing and being responsible for Fortuna's agricultural industries is the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection. The agricultural sector makes up around 12.3% of the nation's total GDP. Due to the geography of the islands, only 16% of Fortuna's total landmass, or about 20,000 squared kilometers, is arable land. The use of terraces are a common sight due the limited amount of arable land and growing urban areas. Most farms are small and family-owned, receiving heavy protections and subsidizations from the government as it is considered an integral piece to the nation's survival. Rice remains the most popular crop grown on the islands with rice paddies being a common sight in agriculture areas, both inland and along coastal bays. Other crops are grown depending on the season in Fortuna such as wheat, pax fruites, and a vary of other vegetables. Fortuna is also one of the largest producers of seaweed and related products, consisting of some of the largest seaweed farms on Urth. During the first years of the Second Fortunan Empire in the early 2000s, efforts were made to support local farmers and increase productivity in order to make Fortuna more self-sufficient. Although the attempt at full autarky was unsuccessful, the agricultural sector was deemed a success, allowing for Fortuna to almost remain 100% self-sufficient in agricultural products.

The Fortunan fish industry remains an important part of the nation, both culturally and economically. As part of Fortuna's attempt at full autarky, the development of new technologies and techniques were promoted to make fishing more efficient and profitable. In 2019, over 2 million metric tons of fish were captured by Fortuna's fishing fleet, making it one of the highest annual tonnage of fish caught. The nation also consists of over 500 fishing ports, most found on the Codex Pontus and Pacific coast, with Gologma serving as the largest fishing port and consisting of the largest Fortunan wholesale market for seafood. Advances into aquaculture and large scale fisheries has become more prominent in recent years as part of the regime's self-sufficiency attempts, leading to 1.5 million metric tons of fish being produced within Fortunan fisheries in 2019. Although rather unpopular both nationally and internationally, the whaling industry also remains rather large with whaling fleets hunting as far as the South Pacific Ocean and the Southern Ocean.

Smaller industries include livestock and forestry. The most popular livestock are cows, leading to larger growths in beef and dairy production. As a large part of the nation is considered protected for cultural and environmental reasons, the forest industry remains rather small. Most planted forests are found on the island of Emili, consisting mainly of Larole cypress. Although stronger building materials have seen more use in the past century, wood is still an important material for construction for smaller villages and less urban areas.

Science and technology

Institute of Marine Engineering

The Fortunan Science and Engineering Department is the leading agency responsible for the development and coordination of science and technology-related projects along with the promotion of related policies in Fortuna. Another prominent institution includes the Institute of Marine Engineering which has contributed immensely to the island chain, especially in the field of watercraft design, shipbuilding, and land reclamation, working especially close with the FSED and companies such as Terine Industries. Fortuna also has a number of universities that promote science and technology, among which includes the Caso University, Destino University, and the Pleiades University of Technology.

With a long history of maritime travel, shipbuilding has remained an important aspect of Fortunan culture and economy, seeing advances in ship design and shipbuilding techniques. The center of shipbuilding is the city of Terine which itself is a technological and architectural wonder. Built into the cliffs of Antevorta with access to the Gulf of Redlock, Terine became the center of shipbuilding and repair for the Fortunan Archipelago and currently consists of one of the largest shipyards in the region. due to being an island nation, advances in commercial ships and ferries have allowed for the islands to stay connected and participate in the global economy.

Land reclamation has become an important part for Fortunan society as the population continues to rise and a lack of usable land. Most land reclamation is seen around major cities, specifically Destino and the Imperial Fortunan City, allowing for further urbanization of these areas. The agricultural industry has also benefited from land reclamation which played an important role towards Fortuna's self-sufficiency regarding agricultural products. These projects have only been possible with the advances made in dredging equipment that are either constructed locally or bought internationally.

Tourism

Fortuna International Hotel

Tourism continues to be a small industry in Fortuna, but the regime has put more effort into it due to the industry's potential and an appeal to appear more open to the international community. As it remains heavily controlled by the Fortunan government, the average annual amount of tourists that Fortuna receives is about 150,000 to 200,000. Besides the appeal of visiting a totalitarian dictatorship, the nation also offers a range of attractions and guided tours. Tourists are usually only allowed to visit the city of Baronburg, a historical city known for it's connection to the outside world, although it is sometimes possible to visit Destino, the capital of the Fortunan Empire, and Terine. Interactions between locals and tourists are tightly controlled with visitors mostly only allowed to interact with party approved guides and employees. A small number of hotels and resorts are available for visitors, and tourists are provided access to the internet, although heavily regulated, and international calling. While within Fortuna, visitors are expected to show their utmost respect to Fortunan iconography and traditions as any form of disrespect is considered highly offensive and at times have led to detention by the Regulatori. For this reason, tourists are required to stay within designated areas designed specifically for tourists and to stick close with their guide whenever travelling outside of these areas.

The largest tourist resorts include the Fortuna International Hotel and the Esta Resort, both located in close proximity to Baronburg with access to the beach. In Destino, the main resort is the Veridian Hotel which was mainly built to house foreign diplomats and allow access to attractions within or near the capital. Participating in guided tours is the only way for tourists to explore the nation outside of designated areas. The most popular tours that give tourists the opportunity to travel along the United Isles Highway, allowing for visitors to visit popular attractions all around the Fortunan Archipelago. Guided tours allow for tourists to see many sites such as the mountain shrines of Antevorta, traditional fishing villages, historical structures in Baronburg, and significant historical and cultural museums. Mountaineering has shown relative interests from visitors, with specialized guides allowing for tourists to hike the mountains of Emili and Toscani.

Infrastructure

Transportation

A combination of roads, rails, and waterways is facilitated as the main means of transportation. Air transportation had only recently become more common with a growing leniency to international travel and expansion of the nation with recent annexations. All forms of transportation, whether private or government run, are regulated by the Department of Transportation. As of 2020, Fortuna consists of 300,684 kilometers (186,836 miles) of roads, of which 149,271 kilometers (92,753 miles) is paved roads. In 2007, the United Isles Highway was completed consisting of a circular network of highways and ferry routes to connect every major island and city within the Fortunan Archipelago. This transport system has become one of the most important parts of the nation's transportation, allowing for easier access between the archipelago, appeal to the tourist industry, and created a better sense of unity between the archipelago's occupants. With the annexation of Eridani Theta, an overhaul of the current road system along with a new network of highways was announced to increase efficiency on the island. Personal vehicles are permitted, but public transportation is heavily encouraged and promoted. Forms of public transport for roads includes a network of buses and taxis, along with ferries for the Isole Unite Autostrada (United Isles Highway).

Train travelling through Emili mountains.

The nation's rail transport serves as the backbone for each individual major island with a long history dating back to the late 19th century. Altogether, Fortuna consists of 6,090 kilometers (3,785 miles) of rail networks, with 1,060 kilometers (658 miles) being urban rail transit systems. Within the Fortunan Archipelago, the railway systems became privatized in the 1990s to increase efficiency and bolster competition between Fortunan railway companies. Eridani Theta's railway system is currently government-owned, however plans are in the works to hand over assets and operations to Fortunan railway companies as the island is currently going through an integration phase. There are currently only five separate railway systems, and as such are ran as five operating groups; the Associazione Ferrovie Emili (AFE) for Emili, the Associazione Ferrovie Ancona (AFA) for Ancona, the Associazione Ferrovie Toscani (AFT) for Toscani, the Compagnia Ferroviaria Città Imperiale Fortunano (CFCIF) for Rosa, and the recently formed Associazione Ferrovie Eridani Theta (AFET) for Eridani Theta. Each group, with the exception of the CFCIF, consists of multiple companies that provide mainly passenger transportation, along with freight transportation at a lesser extent. Companies are required by the state to ensure that their railways are well maintained in case they needed for use by the military or other state entities. Within major cities, urban transit systems are the main source of transportation for residents. Due to the general high density of Fortunan cities and restrictions on personal vehicles within urban areas, urban transit sees heavy traffic daily, especially within Destino and the Imperial Fortunan City.

Ferry used to traverse the Gologma-Areples route.

Following the allowance of international travel in the early 2000s and later the annexation of the Medium Isles, the importance of air travel was realized, leading to it's heavy investment entering into the 2010s. As of 2020, there are 46 airports in Fortuna, three of which allow for international transportation. This includes Destino International Airport, Baronburg International Airport, and Equilara International Airport. Other major airports also includes IFC Regional Airport, Terine Regional Airport, Gologma Regional Airport, Tanta Regional Airport, and Telga Regional Airport. Aspiria Air is the main airline in Fortuna and the only one that provides international flights. There are also six other Fortunan airlines that focus on domestic flights, taking on the responsibility as the main form of transportation between the Fortunan Archipelago and the rest of the Aspirian Isles. Seaplanes continue to see use with a robust fleet currently in operation by commercial airlines due to the ability to reach isolated parts of the isles. With the advance of VTOL technology by Fortuna, helicopter and tiltrotor transportation has become more popular for travel across major islands. As of 2020, there are 21 heliports designated for higher capacity travel.

Because Fortuna is made up of archipelagos and island chains, the use of watercraft still remains as an important form of transportation. Major ferry routes play an important role in the United Isles Highway, allowing for the flow of heavy traffic between the islands of the Fortunan Archipelago. Hundreds of routes exist in just the Fortunan Archipelago alone, making travel between coastal towns and villages easier. There are over 500 ports in Fortuna, consisting of cargo, passenger, fishery, and naval. The major seaports, as designated by the Department of Transportation, for maritime shipping are: Terine, Baronburg, Gologma, Riburn, Tanta, and Telga. Traditional watercraft are still a common sight near the nation's many coastal villages, used mainly for fishing and inter-island travel. The use of smaller river craft is common, allowing for travel inland for Fortuna's larger islands.

Energy

The ability to fulfill the nation's energy needs has remained a major problem for the regime, especially during their attempt at full autarky in the early 2000s. Fortuna is still fairly reliant on imported resources, much coming from fellow members of AYN. In recent years, Fortuna has begun efforts to become more independent energy wise, ranging from offshore drilling in the Medium Sea to innovation in green energy. As of 2020, the major resource consumed is crude oil & petroleum products (45.6%) and natural gas (22.8%), over 75% of which is imported. Green energy is quickly gaining traction within Fortuna with further use of biomass (5.1%), hydroelectric power (6.3%), solar power (5.5%), geothermal power (14.7%). Promoted by the FSED, biofuel has gained the most interest recently with the use of seaweed as biofuel. The production and providing of electricity to the nation is overseen by the Department of Energy and Infrastructure, along with a collection of independent power producers who are in charge of 40% of nation's energy needs. The FSED has stated in 2017 that they were looking into nuclear power, but nothing has come of it publicly since then.

Water supply and sanitation

Caniglia Dam

Water supply and sanitation continues to remain issue as the nation continues to further urbanize and struggles to fully modernize. Although urban areas have better access to a basic water supply, the cannot be said for rural areas, especially in recently acquired territory. 96% of the urban population has access to an improved water source and 85% of the urban population has access to improved sanitation. In rural areas, 90% of the population has access to an improved water source and 62%% of the population has access to improved sanitation. The main source of water for the isles comes from the few rivers, river basins, and lakes. Eridani Theta has become the main source of water for the isles thanks to the island's eight major rivers. Before Eridani Theta's integration into Fortuna, the main source of water came from the lakes and rivers of the Fortunan Archipelago, specifically on the islands of Emili and Toscani. Dams have been constructed across the Aspirian Isles to be used for water storage, water supply, irrigation, and hydropower. A few of the largest dams in Fortuna include the Caniglia Dam and Renno Dam that are the main suppliers for the Destino Metropolitan, the Siri Dam for Terine, and the Donati Dam for Equilaria and much of central Eridani Theta.

Demographics

Species and ethnic groups in Fortuna according to 2020 statistics. Blue - human, green - vulpine, red - ailurine.

According to an April 2020 estimate, the population of the Second Fortunan Empire is calculated to be 47,045,328. Due to the difficult geography of the Aspirian Isles, a majority of the population is concentrated along the coast and centered within densely populated urban areas. Fortuna has a population density of 345.34 per square kilometer (894.4 mi/2) with over 25 million residing within the five most populated cities. The population has an estimated growth rate of 1.4% and a fertility rate of just over 2 children born per woman.

Beginning in the 1980s and into the early 2000s, Fortuna introduced policies and programs to encourage large families to replace the population lost during the Toscanan-Emilian War and the Purification Period. As concerns around overpopulation arose in the early years of the current regime, family planning policies were introduced as an attempt to slow the nation’s growth such as promoting a limit of two children per family and providing contraceptives to urban areas. The high population density of the Fortunan Archipelago has also been used by the regime as a justification for their recent expansion into the rest of the Aspirian Isles. Many of these family planning policies were later removed as Fortuna ramped up land reclamation and later with the annexation of the less densely populated island of Eridani Theta. Over 100,000 Fortunans have been settled in Eridani Theta by 2020, mostly consisting of ailurines and vulpines.

Officially, Fortuna only has three sapient species with humans making up the majority of the population, consisting of around 38,802,663 individuals, or 82.48% of the population. Vulpines and ailurines are the only other sapient species with vulpines making up 10.29% of the population, or around 4,840,329 individuals, and ailurines, making up 7.23% of the population, or around 3,402,336 individuals. A notable number of felines and nekomimi once resided within the Fortunan Archipelago by the early 20th century, however, there are no records of either species on the isles after 1980. There does still consist of a rather diverse number of ethnic groups among the three species groups.

Largest cities or towns in Fortuna Estimates of 2020
	Rank		Teriduca	Pop.	Rank		Teriduca	Pop.
Destino Terine	1	Destino	Destino	4,461,808	11	Riburn	Barcenea	504,739	Imperial Fortunan City Baronburg
	2	Terine	Terine	2,852,020	12	Tones	Cursa	500,203
	3	Imperial Fortunan City	IFC	1,560,067	13	Edetsona	Chiovala	497,605
	4	Baronburg	Baronburg	1,237,922	14	Drona	Zaurak	481,807
	5	Gologma	Gologma	1,015,346	15	Yedo	Acamar	342,215
	6	Equilaria	Equilaria	981,483	16	Sadica	Branho	334,322
	7	Raelelma	Novaglie	782,479	17	Farotta	Novaglie	264,121
	8	Sojoz	Rosa	760,114	18	Areples	Galvano	218,630
	9	Crolbia	Portilves	581,016	19	Arterfu	Aragena	218,546
	10	Guirta	Modelbia	564,251	20	Tanta	Graffias	200,914

Language

The only official and recognized language of the Empire is Fortunan which first saw wide adoption throughout the archipelago starting in the early 1900s. Fortunan is a Norvian language and derives from Old Fortunan, the prominent language of the Fortunan Empire between the 11th and 16th centuries. The Fortunan language itself is based on Anconan as it was already widely spoken among the upper class and major urban centers. There is estimated to be around 40 million native speakers around the world and 10 million who use it as a secondary language. Fortunan would be officially established as the official language of the archipelago with the establishment of the Fortunan Confederation in the 1970s. Standardization, the establishment of a national education system, use in mass media, and support by unitists such as the UNP would increase the language's use into the 21st century.

There exist dozens of languages native to the Aspirian Isles. However, many minority and regional languages are considered endangered or entirely extinct in part due to the regime's push for the use of a singular, unifying language. On the Fortunan Archipelago, reportedly the only remaining languages in use besides Fortunan is Emilian and Toscanan. Secluded communities still see use of variations of the language, although this is expected to quickly change as the Empire continues further integration of the archipelago. Within the Medium Isles, lesser used languages include: Helenan, Miran, Linaronese, Grenatian, Opalian, and Telganese. These languages are endangered as Fortuna continues to integrate the islands into the Empire while many other Mediumese languages have already gone extinct. On Eridani Theta, the Fortunan language is still considered a secondary language. The main languages still in use is Eridanese, Thetan, and Ambravian.

In order to be able to participate in the international community, the government has allowed for the learning of an internationally used language. The most commonly learned languages are Codexian, Unonian, and Asendavian. As of 2020, it is estimated that over 25% of Fortunans under the age of 25 are able to use a foreign language. The use of a secondary language in public is prohibited unless it is for educational, political, or business purposes.

Religion

Main article: Clarityism

A Clarity chapel located in Destino.

Since the 1970s, the de facto state religion of Fortuna is Clarityism. Fortuna is considered to be extremely religious, with no reported atheists. The practicing of other religions is also prohibited with few exceptions in recently annexed territory. The main reason for this was due to the time period known as the Purification Period following the end of the Toscanan-Emilian War when intolerance and hatred of foreign entities rose drastically, leading to many being arrested, forced off the Fortunan Archipelago, or killed. The Clarity Protections Act of 1975 saw the banning of all religions except for Clarityism, and past acts allowed for the demolishing of non-Fortunan structures, leading to the destruction of hundreds of places of worship. The act also established the Clarity Protections Service which uncovers and detains religious antagonists to be sent to reeducation centers. It was estimated that around 20% population of the Fortunan Archipelago practiced other religions from Clarityism, but by the 1980s, that number dropped down to less than 1%. In present day, Clarityism is heavily supported by the UNP, especially due to religious connections to the High Commander. Many Claritists believe that Lyone is a prophesied being known as the Elescelto who was chosen to reunite the islands following the Great Civil War in the 1640s. Due to this connection, the Lyone and the party has pushed for this relation to better unite and control the population. With the annexation of Eridani Theta in its entirety in 2020, a small number of the vulpine population still practice Vayan Catholicism. The regime has made no statement regarding their stance on the matter, but there have been reported accounts of religious persecution by the Regulatori and the Clarity Protections Service.

Health

The average life expectancy in Fortuna is 70.55 years with around 68.7 years for men and 72.4 years for women, slightly less on average for the vulpines.

Society

Education

Following the Purification Period, the teaching of nationalist ideals soon became a requirement in many Fortunan schools. Going into the 1990s, schools became the foundation for the spread of UNP beliefs as many educators that disagreed with the party were replaced by more favorable teachers. To be allowed to teach during this time, teachers were required to be party members of the UNP and be a believer of Clarityism. By the time Tristano Lyone took power, the same requirements were still enforced but began to also include swearing an oath of loyalty to Tristano Lyone and the Fortunan Empire to receive a teaching permit. If they showed any lack of devotion to the Empire, students, parents, and fellow teachers are encouraged to report them to the Information and Education Department or the Regulatori to face jail time or dismissal.

All forms of education within Fortuna are state-owned, all ran by the Information and Education Department. The Department is responsible for insuring that teachers and educators are only teaching state approved lessons. Textbooks and assignments for primary and secondary education are to be state-approved before use in the class. During the 1970s to the 1990s, the state governments had all books and texts deemed non-Claritist and un-Fortunan seized from households and libraries to be confiscated and destroyed. Nationalist teachings only started to begin in the late 1970s, and was later reformed and further enforced after the UNP takeover in the 1990s. UNP elites believed it was of utmost that the Fortunan youth are indoctrinated into UNP beliefs, so it is required for children to enter into the state-approved education system at the age of 6. It is also mandatory for children to receive a 10 year education, mainly consisting of primary and secondary education.

Primary education lasts for six years. During this period, children are given a basic education in Fortunan, mathematics, and science. However, the main focus in primary education is on history, geography, culture, and physical education to further indoctrinate Fortunan children to UNP ideology. Secondary education also lasts for four years and further teaches these same lessons but with a larger focus in physical education, such as martial arts and hand-to-hand combat, and physics for military application. Military academies are highly sought out by Fortunan parents as these schools further enforces discipline, loyalty to the High Commander and the nation, and preparation for military service.

Fortunan students in IFC taking the Ettori Exams.

Upon graduating from secondary education, all graduates are required to take a collection of tests in order to enter higher education. The Personal Intelligence Exams, more popularly known as the Ettori Exams after Director Rachel Ettori of the Fortunan Science and Engineering Department, were created to pick out the most intelligent, most fit, and most loyal young adults. Those who score extremely high are persuaded and supported by the government to become future leaders and pursue careers such as in science and engineering for the FSED, politics to become favored members in the UNP, and military to become officers, receiving large benefits to allow them to participate in higher education. Young adults with slightly lower scores are also encouraged to attend university, but they usually receive little to no benefits and support from the government. Finally, those who score low are told to begin preparations to join the workforce after military service. These young adults are not blatantly discouraged from entering into higher education, but it is made nearly impossible as many of these individuals come from low income households and most universities require for a higher score from the Personal Intelligence Exams to attend. Low scorers are given the ability to attend specific job programs to provide them with basic work skills.

For those who have the ability to attend, university usually begins once they have completed their mandatory service in the military for three years. In some situations, young adults have the option to attend university first for a few years before completing the military service. In university, many students study for careers that are encouraged for them by the government. University students are also required to participate in military training to insure that they are always prepared for potential military action.

Women and Family

Women have become an important part of Fortuna's social policy. With a focus on societal unity above all, the UNP advocated for an egalitarian society while also discouraging and eradicating independent feminist movements. Replacing feminist groups is the Fortunan Nationalist Women's Organization, first started in 1975 and has steadily grown over the years with the help of the UNP in the 1990s. The role of the organization when it was first created was to promote motherhood, household activities, and fitness. In recent years, their main focus shifted more towards promoting independence, leadership, and strengthening of state loyalty.

Women are encouraged to stay in the work force, and the creation of large families was considered ideal for those who score poorly on their Ettori Exams. Women who give birth to two or more children receive an award for aiding in growing the Fortunan population. Large families may also receive subsidies to help with their utilities, school fees, and household expenses. Since 1975, birth rates in Fortuna has increased, leading to a dramatic rise in population. The party also adopted the promotion of large numbers of women to be hired to work in munitions and other industrial factories during Fortuna's economic revitalization period entering into the 2000s which played an important role Fortuna's adoption of certain egalitarian principles. As with all Fortunans, women are encouraged to follow the results of their Ettori Exams and those who test poorly rarely seek higher education.

Women are to be strong and healthy, so the study of health and fitness are heavily promoted. An athletic woman with a strong body and mind is most ideal to Fortunan standards. To indoctrinate children early into nationalist values, organisations were created, such as the Fortuna Youth in which membership is compulsory at the age of 10. The Young Girls of Fortuna was a section of the Fortuna Youth which was for girls from the age of 10 to the age of 14 while the Fortunan Girls League are for girls from the age of 14 to the age of 18. The FGL's activities mainly consisted of running, marching, swimming, gymnastics, fencing, and sharpshooting.

Fortuna Youth

Fortuna Youth is the youth organization for the Second Fortunan Empire. Its origins dated back to 1974. It gained popularity in 1985 when it integrated itself into the Unitary Nationalist Party, with its main focus in youth organization and paramilitary. The Fortuna Youth is composed for four branches: the Fortunan Boy Scouts (for boys ages 10 to 14), the Young Girls of Fortuna (for girls ages 10 to 14), the League of Fortunan Lads (for boys ages 14 to 18), and the League of Fortunan Girls (for girls ages 14 to 18). Membership is mandatory.

Environmentalism

Fortunan society is known for its support of animal rights and environment protection, especially of those native to the Fortunan Archipelago. The Fortunan government has passed laws that protected animals and the environment, such as the 2002 Animal Protection Act which led to the ban on hunting of specific animals, including the national animal the Red Panda. Zoos and reserves have become a favorite of for Fortunans, and many animals from around the world have been brought to the island chain because of this.

In 2003, the National Nature Protection Act was passed to protect the landscape from excessive economic development. In the same year, the National Preservation Act was passed which led to the creation of dozens of national parks across the archipelago. Although pollution is heavily discouraged, very little effort has been made by the government to enforce and legislation.

Culture

Following centuries being divided by politics and geography until unification in 1999, Fortuna has developed a unique culture, built from a multitude of regional customs. Following the rise of fascism in the 1970s, old Fortunan culture was heavily promoted and anything considered foreign were discouraged or "Fortunanized." The collecting and preserving of Fortunan art and architecture has been a top priority of the Fortunan people, thus a vast collection of buildings, art, and literature from the time of the First Fortunan Empire still exists to this day.

Architecture

Fortuna has a broad and diverse architectural style which has been not only influenced based off the period, but also the regions.

A traditional Fortunan house located on the eastern coast of Ancona.

Fortunan architecture gains much of its design and style from the First Fortunan Empire, with complex designs, arches, and domes with a few examples having survived to today. Fortunan architecture has also pulled influence from many of its neighbors, which one of the main reasons of Fortuna's diverse style. Toscani and the surrounding islands pulled much influence from the mainland such as the Pax Caliphate and Fuso. Emili architecture shows sign of influence from Codex architecture, most likely due to its close proximity to the former colonial power. Ancona is what many consider to consist of the most "pure" Fortunan architecture, but design differences are notable between cities due to the rise of city-states in the late 1600s. Eridani Theta also has a unique architectural style which has gained much from vulpine design. The Medium Isles does not have a distinct style, adopting much of it from the surrounding islands and Fuso. Some of the most prominent buildings within Fortuna include the Imperial Palace, Fortuna Monument, Guiliano Cathedral, Marchello Cathedral, and the city design of Terine. Prior to the rise of the First Fortunan Empire, buildings traditionally consisted of wooden structures, being built on stilts, and steep sloping roofs, giving many homes a triangular shape. Stone and concrete materials would later be put to use during the Empire's age which also saw the introduction of foreign design and architectures. Entering into the 17th and 18th century as urban areas saw rapid growth, buildings were built close together due to geographic limitations to make use of all available space. This saw the increased use of multi-storied structures and the use of porticoes to still allow movement for residents.

The use of porticoes, especially in Destino, play an important role in allowing movement.

Starting in the 19th century saw the emergence of Fortunan Revival, an architectural revival movement especially seen in religious and institutional buildings which incorporated Fortunan styles most prominent during the First Fortunan Empire. This would continue into the 20th century where it became heavily inspired by the growing nationalist movement. Following the end of the War of Aggression and the popularity of a unitary state between the islands of the Fortunan Archipelago, the artistic movement known as Unitary-Rationalism emerged as a way to further bring the Fortunan states together. In architectural design, this consisted of creating a logical and mathematical style that could be used regionally. One of the most prominent architects of this style was Cornelio Notte who is widely known for designing many public buildings such as the Chamber Building. Although the Fortunan government promotes the preservation of historically important structures, obvious foreign structures have been the target of demolition. During the Purification Period, hundreds of places of worship of multiple religions that were not Claritist were torn down. Structures and art that had once survived for centuries were demolished and destroyed upon orders of the Fortunan states as backlash against foreign aggression and seen as the rebirth of Fortunan culture.

The Chamber Building in Destino, Fortuna.

During Clarityism’s infancy, religious structures were limited to small shrines, many of which were simply repurposed shrines that were previously used for Norvo-Aspiriac worship. As Clarityism continued to grow, larger structures and churches were built. The basic design of a Claritist church was its circular shape and domed roof in order to represent the Eye of Clarity. Directly in the middle of a church would sit an altar on a raised podium. The church would also be decorated both on the inside and outside with carved statues of religious figures or depictions of significant events. Churches are for the most part built rather small in size, however larger structures have been built, mainly within major urban areas. The two most significant structures are the Guiliano Cathedral, built in the early 1500s in Imperial Fortunan City, and the Marchello Cathedral, built in the 1930s within the city of Destino. Sculptures and statues of religious figures, specifically the Angitenti, are also created alongside shrines and churches. Although many are also created small in size, the islands are scattered with immense statues of certain Angitenti with the most popular being Fortuna. The tallest statue currently standing is the Fortuna Monument, a depiction of the Angitente Fortuna built overlooking Destino that was completed in 2009 and stands at a height of 100 meters. Another statue that is going to depict Tristano Lyone, the current autocratic ruler, is currently in the works to be built next to the Fortuna Monument and has been reported that it will stand at a similar height.

Literature

The Aspirian Isles have a long and rich history of literature, being heavily influenced by contact with Yasteria and the Norvians in the early centuries which allowed for Fortunan literature to develop its own unique style under the First Fortunan Empire and onwards. Before the turn of the 1st century, the isles did not have an existing writing system. This would change with the introduction of written characters from models used by Crencello and Fusō civilizations. Aspiriac literature would gradually develop from island to island by either following the adopted model or using a blend such as the litmonseishi, an ancient writing system that mainly saw use on Toscani. One of the only surviving examples of this system is the Monseshino (291 BCE), a collection of stories and folklore about mountain spirits. Other literary works from this time period include the Umarakanto (264 BCE), a chronicle of ancient Aspiriac mythology and old sea tales; and the Terubokaru (236 BCE), a collection of Aspiriac poetry about the hero Karu and his adventures.

Excavation of the Larunda Domnavis in 1930, leading to a better understanding of the use of the Marenic script by the Norvians.

With the rise of the Norvians around 200 BCE, the Aspirian Isles would be fully introduced to the Marenic script. This model would eventually be adopted as the Norvic Kingdoms became more prominent on the isles, becoming the base for the system currently in use by Fortuna. Based on the discovery of the Larunda Domnavis, a preserved Norvic platform ship found in northern Ancona, one way the Norvians were able to preserve the script was by inscribing short poems and records of their expedition onto the inside of their ships during their journeys across the seas. Even upon the introduction of paper to the Aspirian Isles in the 5th century, the Norvians would continue to use wood for inscribing in the form of wood tablets before gradually switching over to paper in the 6th century. Another major significance with the arrival of the Norvians was with the introduction of Norvic folklore and myths, leading to the formation of Norvo-Aspiriac mythology. The Valonhus Tablets (375), a collection of twelve wooden tablets, consists of short poems regarding certain Norvic deities that were especially worshipped by Norvic Anconans. Historians have used these tablets to connect certain Norvo-Aspiriac mythology deities and beliefs to that of Yuserism, citing similar descriptions and stories of Yuserist gods, an example being the Yuserist deity Kuno and the Norvo-Aspiriac deity Fortuna.

A significant text from this era is the Vaerlan Records (610), an epic poem written by a still rather unknown poet by the name of Caeso. The poem itself consists of a fantastical telling of the short lived Vaerlan Empire from its rise to its downfall. The story starts out with how a sailor named Roverlus accidentally stumbled upon an island in the middle of Codex Pontus. Here he came into contact with numerous deities and spirits with whom he completed quests for. During his quests, Roverlus would gain favor with a king on the Crencello Arc, later marrying into the royal family and inheriting the kingdom. In return for completing his quests, he was given much wealth by the deities and spirits which he used to further expand his kingdom to form the Vaerlan Empire. The poem also recounts the many tales of Alecpis, the son of Roverlus, especially of his fall from grace with the deities that assisted his father years ago. This would not only lead to a war between the spirit and mortal world, it also led to conflict between gods. The poem appears to have been written to explain the fall of the Vaerlan Empire and the split in worship of the many Norvian kingdoms that followed it. These records are also a prime example of the blending of Norvic and Aspiriac mythology such as the use of Norvic deities and spirit creatures with origins from the Aspirian Isles. The stories within the Vaerlan Records has influenced Fortunan literature for centuries with many popular stories being adapted every so often.

A sketched depiction of Guiliano Bardi.

The most influential writer in Fortunan history is arguably Guiliano Bardi, the founder of Clarityism, with the Book of Clarity. In the mid 9th century, Bardi went on a decade-long journey throughout Yasteria as part of a religious awakening. During his travels, he thoroughly documented his findings of the multiple cultures and civilizations he came into contact with. Bardi especially wrote in detail of the many religious beliefs and practices of Yasteria, giving a look into the early days of a few religions that have persisted to the present day. He also wrote heavily on the beliefs and practices of the Aspirian Isles, especially of a spiritual deity known as Infinitus Unus. Upon his return home, Bardi compiled all his writings to create the Libro Di Chiarezza: Una Comprensione Più Chiara Del Piano Di Unus Per Noi (Book of Clarity: A Clearer Understanding of Unus' Plan for Us), or simply the Libro Di Chiarezza (Book of Clarity). The book consists of 86 chapters that are further broken up into poems and verses that accounts Bardi’s journey, his interpretation of dreams he believed came from Unus, provide clearance on Norvo-Aspiriac beliefs, and an emphasis on prayer and the protection of the isles. The book would become the base of Claritist beliefs and finally standardized in 968 during the Council of Destino which also saw the official founding of Clarityism.

Between the 9th and 11th century, the island of Eridani Theta saw an influx of vulpine immigrants from the mainland to later form the Kingdom of Ambravia. This would also become the main introduction of the Unonian language, along with the Traditional and Broken alphabet, to the Aspirian Isles. As many of these vulpines practiced Vayan Catholicism, religious texts such as the Vayan Bible and its additions known as the Vulpine Addendum. Although most surviving texts appear to just focus on religious topics, notable Ambravian poets in the 12th century wrote prominently on the topic of love. One of the most influential supporters of literature on the island was the Riburn School, an academic institution that focused on the promotion of plays and poetry. Mikhil di Treviri, a senior poet of the Riburn School, wrote extensive poems on his opinion of love and his experience with courting. His poems are especially remembered for the use of sonnets and satire. Most of his poems would later be compiled into a collection titled Courting Advice (1125). Another prominent member of the Riburn School was Anastia, a playwright who gained fame from her many romantic comedies. A few of her plays include Lisa of Tanta (1158), The Fisherman (1164), and The Tale of Tails (1166). The work of the Riburn School played an important role in stylizing Ambravian culture, and even greatly influencing Fortunan literature following the conquering of Ambravia by the First Fortunan Empire.

The Imperial period (1017-1644) is considered to be when Fortunan literature was at its height thanks to the promotion and funding of art and literature by the imperial court. Emperor Sergio, second emperor of the First Fortunan Empire, is credited with being the first to boost Fortunan literature for both religious and recreational purposes. Although Clarityism wouldn’t officially be made the state religion of Fortuna until his son, Faro II, came to power, Sergio’s assistance to the Church of Clarity allowed for further duplication of the Libro di Chiarezza. Priests were also given the ability to write their own prayers and poems such as Carlo Vinci, an Emilian priest who authored Daily Prayers (1044), a hymn consisting of small prayers which would later be adopted by the Church in 1261. The establishment of the Fortuna Records Society and the construction of the Library of Fortuna in 1056 also occurred under Sergio’s reign after being inspired from his journey along the Yasterian coast. The purpose of the society was to obtain and preserve a numerous number of texts dating back even before the arrival of the Norvians, along with keeping historical records for the imperial court. In order to keep a standard amongst the society over the centuries, much of their work was focused on factuality, leading to texts being fairly straightforward and mundane. A major feat of the society was the formation of the Collexia, an encyclopedia compiled by a handful of Fortunan and Juzalth scholars while under the rule of Antonello I. The encyclopedia consisted of around 25,000 entries and was written in Vulgar Norvic. Literature meant for public use would not see popularity until the 13th century following the conquest of Ambravia. This act would lead to the introduction of Ambravian poetry and plays which the imperial court and Fortunan aristocracy took pleasure in. Next to the Library of Fortuna, the Amphitheatre of Ausiliatrice was constructed around the 1250s which was used by the public to watch plays and listen to readings of poetry. Exceptional poets and playwrights during this period include Rina Lupo, Primo Borghi, and Cloe Naldi. The Era of the High Commanders (1275-1430) would see the rise of epics in the form of poems and novellas. Many of these epics focused on the heroics and bravery of Fortunan warriors leading the conquest of Sorentavia. The Legend of the Monado (1310) was an epic written by Girolamo Nave, a member of the imperial court, that consisted of short stories of the ship Monado and its crew as it sailed around the world. Romance stories would also arise during this time, most likely influenced by Ambravian writings, one such example being Jacopo and Leonora (1347), a novella about two potential lovers tasked by Angitenti to find each other.

The Golden Age of Art in Fortuna is considered to have taken place during the Crenic Dynasty where art and science were heavily promoted by the Empire's rulers such as Ausiliatrice II, Francisca, and Ferdinand II. During Ausiliatrice's reign, she would invite artists, poets, inventors, and philosophists to the Imperial Fortunan City from all around the Fortunan Empire and even outside its borders to further convert the capital into a cultural haven. Lord of the Sea (1445) was a play adaptation of the Vaerlan Records with a focus on Roverlus and his tales. A number of other Norvic-focused plays and stories followed, showing a large interest at the time for the age of the Norvians and their raiding tales. The Fortunan language was also further developed during this time period by the likes of Corradino Allegro and Gherardo Favra, both of who modelled their writings to have rhythm and specific pronunciation of certain consonants and vowels. Philosophers and their writings during this era would heavily effect Fortunan culture to this day. The most prominent philosopher is by far Raul Roncalli, who in his writing titled The Importance of Kings (1483) preached that a strong state was only possible under a strong ruler, laying the groundwork for further monarchist and nationalist thought in Fortuna. Demetrio Zini, a religious thinker, took on the heavy topic of the idea of multiple deities under Claritist teachings. In the A God for Every Man (1501), Zini analyzes Bardi's writings and his own observations to explain the multitude of religions on Urth. Although at first looked at with scrutiny, Zini's writings would later be approved by the Church and become an important part of Claritist theology.

The downfall of Fortunan literature would first begin under Vespero II's reign. With his failures at holding onto Sorentavia and the Crencello Arc, Vespero turned his anger against artists and poets who he saw as the source for the Empire's failures. Starting in 1621, he would have anyone partaking in the arts arrested, exiled, or executed without discrimination. For the first time in centuries, the Library of Fortuna and the Ampitheatre of Ausiliatrice were closed and blocked off from the public in 1622. His death in 1640 would also mark the beginning of the Great Civil War, leading to the collapse of the Fortunan Empire. To preserve the centuries long amount of Fortunan literature, Agapito I of the Grand Principality of Novaglie had all the contents of the Library of Fortuna removed and shipped to Destino. Although most of the texts survived and still exist to this day, one ship was lost at sea along with its cargo. Despairing and hopeless poems and tales were written following the war and into the 18th century, especially by writers who grew attached to the former empire. This would also spark religious upheaval within Clarityism with the writings of Leonardo Marchello, a young noble and nationalist. With the belief that he had received visions from Unus, the main deity of Clarityism, Marchello wrote on the importance of unity, the importance of worshippers as individuals, and that Unus would send an individual to reunite the Fortunan isles. His writings would immediately be declared blasphemy by the Church, but his ideas became popular with the public who were drawn to the hopefulness of his writings. This would nearly cause a schism within Clarityism with a split in beliefs between Bardic Claritists and Marchellic Claritists. It would not be until the rise of Tristano Lyone in the 1980s and 1990s that Marchello's writings become publicly accepted.

Romanticism made an appearance within the Fortunan Archipelago entering into the 19th century. With conflicts on the islands slowing down and peace settling in with the Four States Agreement in 1860, a strong feeling of romantic thought spread out across the Fortunan Archipelago. The 19th century was seen as a bright new era for many Fortunans who considered it a chance of rebuilding and reconnecting. Idealistic poets and authors include Pius Abbatantuono, Claudia Aloisi, Roberto Somma, and Modesto Righi whose writings sparking a sense of unity amongst Fortunan through topics of shared culture, nationalism, and heroism. Folk literature and old mythological tales were brought up either to be published as collections or adapted into new stories. The Romantic movement would also spearhead an interest in nature, beginning efforts for environmental protection as the archipelago began to industrialize. The largest effect of the movement was fueling the ideas around a united Fortunan identity which would inspire nationalist movements in the 20th century. An idealistic view of the Fortunan Empire also grew under the Romantic movement, even if it was not entirely factual. To many Romanticists of the time, the Fortunan Empire was when the Fortunan people were at their height, whether that be art or as an imperial power.

Surviving texts of the Library of Fortuna are now located in the National Destino Archive, located in Destino, Fortuna.

The Great War became a turning point for the islands as the Aspirian Isles became a major maritime theatre during the war. The conflict and the years after fueled radical thought as ambitious Fortunans saw this as an opportunity to reform the states according to their views. Inspired by leftist movements across the world and the communist uprising in Packilvania, political theorist Ulderico Garbo wrote extensively on the rising communist movement within the Fortunan Archipelago, specifically Toscani. His works, and many other from around the world, in turn would become heavy inspiration for the revolutionaries such as Delfino Pane and the Toscanan Revolution of 1924. During and after the Toscanan-Emilian War, writings on leftist thought became targeted by the ruling states for being anti-Fortunan, leading to all existing texts in the Fortunan Archipelago being banned, confiscated, and destroyed. Refugees and escapees, many who escaped to Sorentavia and the Crencello Arc, were able to preserve some important texts which allowed for some Fortunan socialist writings to continue to be copied and distributed. On the other hand, nationalist and fascist writing grew extensively following the conclusion of the Great War and into the Toscanan-Emilian War. Literature of national demagogues such as Vincent Braun set right-wing radical ideologies into motion, promoting conservative ideals, national identity, importance of Clarityism, and opposition to other ideologies. The writings of historical figures, including Raul Roncalli, Demetrio Zini, Leonardo Marchello, and many romantic writers, became praised and revered among this growing radical movement. Unity, an idea that had winded itself within Fortunan culture, became a cornerstone to the current regime's ideology, with early unitarist such as Constantine Savona setting into stone their beliefs by printing newspapers and writing speeches, some of which were utilized by Tristano Lyone during his rise to power in the 1990s.

In present day, the regime now as a strong hold on Fortunan literature by promoting native writings and supporting local authors that are favorable to the party. The surviving texts of the Library of Fortuna can now be found in the National Destino Archive, although it is only available to party-approved scholars. Texts and books considered non-native or anti-Fortunan are banned with most texts being destroyed in the 1970s following the conclusion of the Toscanan-Emilian War. All texts must be approved by the state before publishing, and foreign books must go through a censorship and approval process before being distributed to the public.

Visual Art

Art has become an important piece in Fortunan culture, with art museums and art collecting still being widely popular, mainly those of Fortunan artists. During the Kodekesian Era, early forms of metalworking and woodcarving existed on the archipelago as forms of religious expression, jewelry, tools.

The golden age of art in Fortuna was between the 15th and 17th century when artists strived for realism within their art. This time period led to the birth of popular artists such as Giraldo Li Fonti with his paintings of Empress Ausiliatrice II and her family, then with Crescente Piccio and Tito Fallaci gaining notability for their paintings and sculptures of Claritist deities. Following the result of the Great Civil War, more dark and surreal art began to appear in the late 1600s, displaying disappointment in the collapse of the First Fortunan Empire and a lack of structure within the islands. This type of art has recently become especially popular in present time, with works by Dolcelino Udinese and female artist Sara Capon gaining much fame from Fortunan nationalists.

In the 19th century, Romanticism had grown in popularity, and this is also seen in Fortunan art as well. Romantic artists such as Muzio Esposito, Guarino Calabrese, and Cino Fanucci led the way in Fortunan art at this time. Impressionism, brought in from the south, gained a footing in Fortuna with the help of artists such as Marilena Gallo and Romolo Baresi. In the early 20th century, Futurism slowly rose within Fortuna, although many feared that it may be too "abstract."

Abstract, modern, Dadaist, and expressionist art are considered by many as an abomination to Fortunan culture. With the rise of nationalism in the late 1900s, thousands of modern art were removed from museums and replaced with art approved by the government. Hundreds of these art pieces were destroyed during the Purification Period, the remaining pieces were either placed in secured facilities or placed in special exhibitions. As part of the Unitary-Rationalist movement that saw immense growth in the late 20th century, a handful of art was also inspired by this movement, raising a few artists to popularity such as Teresa La Polla and Nestore Caruso.

Fashion

Depiction of Fortunan traditional men's (pentalindo) and women's (cinturindo) clothing.

Traditional clothing associated with Fortuna comes from a history of social segregation as a form of displaying one's social status. Although general designs were shared, those in the upper and more noble classes of the archipelago differentiated through the wearing of bright, beautiful robes, color-coded short capes, and the use of lavish fabrics such as silk. Through the 19th and into the 20th century, the islands would see further adoption of Southeast fashion as the Fortunan states industrialized and further interacted with the outside world. The most recognizable national costumes of Fortuna include the pentalindo and cinturindo, even though they are most prominently associated with Rosan and Anconan culture. A common aspect found among most regional costumes on the Fortunan Archipelago is the use of a spalla copri, a shoulder cover, which was used to show social standing. Spalla copri consist of a single piece of cloth which covers the wearer's shoulders and connected in the front with a decorative metal brooch or cord. It is often made out of silk and sometimes designed through the use of methods such as resist dyeing, woven patterns, or prints.

Pentalindo is the most commonly known men's traditional clothing and consist of three main components; camicia (shirt), sopicia (outer garment), and slacks. The camicia is the most recognizable component and is oftenly colorfully decorated with vibrant prints and motifs. The garment is designed without a collar, consists of a full vertical opening with buttons, and knee-length. It is usually long-sleeved, especially when a sopicia is also worn, but short-sleeved designs have became more popular into the 20th century. A sopicia resembles a coat that is worn over the camicia and made out of heavier and thicker material. It is designed with a standing collar, full vertical opening with buttons, long-sleeved with decorated ends, hip-length, and monochromatic to match with the slacks.

A court lady with a single cintra style.

The cinturindo refers to the national costume for women on the archipelago. The two main pieces of the cinturindo is the carmicetta (blouse) and the avvostofa (skirt). The carmicetta is similarly designed to the camicia with a standing collar, full vertical opening with decorative buttons, and long-sleeved, however it is made of light material and is waist-length. Avvostofa is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and held with a belt. To cover the intersection of the two garments are the cintras, two belts made out of long pieces of cloths wrapped around the waist with the ending parts draped down the front, back, and sides of the wearer.

Hairstyle in Fortuna has remained consistent over the centuries. The general rule regarding hair is to keep it above the shoulders which is shared between both men and women. For men, tying their hair back is considered taboo within Fortunan communities, so shorter hairstyles are the most common such as buzz cuts or pronounced styles for those with thick hair. Facial hair is also commonly accepted, usually with either a trimmed full beard or an anchor beard. For women, they either have the option to cut their hair short, examples being a bob cut or a pixie cut, or tie it back such as into a bun or a chignon.

Modern fashion would generally follow along with that of the Southeast and continue to maintain gender roles within Fortunan society. A shift towards more gender-neutral clothing would begin in Toscani as part of their focus to bring gender and species equality in the to the archipelago, although this only came in the form of normalizing women wearing what is considered masculine clothing such as trousers. The acceptance of androgynous styles became more normalized in Eridani Theta under Eldur Mironov, and its popularity would eventually spread to the rest of the Fortunan Archipelago during the Toscanan-Emilian War. During the 1970s, the aristocracy within Fortuna attempted to revive traditional clothing such as requiring women to wear avvostofas, however this ultimately failed as the unitary-rationalist movement was gaining traction on the isles. As the UNP rose to power, the party adopted gender neutrality through clothing as part of their beliefs in creating a united society. Party members and political leaders share a similar uniform when out in public, consisting of green trousers and a green jacket with gold trim. For the general populace, androgynous clothing, although rather bland, has become the norm. More expressive styles are currently being experimented, mainly in IFC, however it continues to receive pushback from the more conservative and traditional government. The 2000s would see another revitalization of the traditionalist movement to restore old Fortunan values and traditions, mainly in the form of popularizing traditionalist clothing. The first clothing stores based around the selling of traditional Fortunan clothing were opened in 2007 and both pentalindo and cinturindo were declared as Fortuna's national costumes in 2010.

Music

Fortunan gong chimes

The development of traditional Fortunan music as it is known today began during the Marenian Era, and the rise of the Norvians allowed for the Aspirian Isles to further develop a unique identity entering into the Common Era. Different Fortunan groups created their own distinct instruments and styles, however percussion instruments such as drums and gongs are the most popularly used on the isles. A commonly seen practice is framing small drums or gongs in order of pitch, oftenly played by one to two musicians. These mainly serve in a rythmic role in large performances, although it's not uncommon for use in solo performances. Two-headed drums are commonly played in performances within the Aspirian Isles with different groups having their own distinct drum designs and unique way of playing such as the use of hands or sticks. Fortunan flutes serve as the main wind instruments used on the isles, varying in sizes to produce different pitches and are typically end blown. String instruments are less commonly used for traditional music, and more modern instruments would only begin seeing use as the islands further developed in the 19th century and into the 20th century.

Historically, the use of music saw its use in rituals and theatre for storytelling. __ refers to the genre of music with origins from its use in the royal courts of the Fortunan Empire. It is oftenly played alongside a dance performance (danza di menlenti) to entertain the court and its guests. The music is slow and rhythmic and is primarily consisted of percussion instruments such as gong sets. The use of drums were used by Norvian crews to assist in keeping rhythm when rowing and are still practiced today for its preservation and use by rowing teams.

__ is Emilian folk music which gets its influence from Southeast Yasteria. A commonality of this genre is its use of chanting, flutes, and string instruments, all played to be fast and energetic. It is commonly paired with danza di menveloci and sees use in celebrations and festivities.

Dance

Dance in the Aspirian Isles has a large role in Fortunan culture. Not only is it used for performance, dance is integrated into local cultures, Clarityism, class distinction, and rituals. In just the Fortunan Archipelago, there exists over 200 dance forms with changes depending on certain ethnic, linguistic, regional, and religious groups. On a general level, the main dance forms being danza di menlenti, traditional dances in Rosa and Ancona, and danza di menveloci, found in Emili and Toscani. The first records of dancing shows its significance within Norvic kingdoms, mainly used in courts for rituals and entertainment. These early dance forms were preserved under the imperial courts of the Fortunan Empire and the succeeding states. In present day, the act of preserving certain traditional dances is still upheld by the government. Lesser known dance forms continued their existence thanks to the diligence of the local communities that practiced them. More modern and urban dance forms is still rather new to the islands in part due to the regime's tight hold on culture-related topics, however it is slowly growing in popularity, especially within the cities of Baronburg and IFC.

Often referred to as simply slow dancing, danza di menlenti refers to traditional dance forms commonly found on the islands of Rosa and Ancona. Traditional Rosan and Anconan dance is refined and steady, consisting of slow-moving yet deliberate body movement and hand gestures. Dances are usually done as a group where everyone moves in sync, creating sophisticated and spectacular performances when included with the extravagent and colorful traditional clothing. Danza di menlenti is often associated with high society, especially due to its use within the imperial courts of the Fortunan Empire. Movements are required to be delicate and elegant which can make certain dances extremely difficult and requires years of practice. The main purpose of these dances serve as entertainment, narrative performances, and rituals. Most dances consist of both men and women, however there are certain dances that are strictly men or women. Commoner versions of danza di menlenti were developed alongside the more courtly dance forms, although these are said to lack discipline but are also more expressive. These are also often gender neutral which further separates it from the courtly counterparts. A well known dance form is the danza di menpescate, a ritual dance that originates from South Ancona. Danza di menpescate arose among fishing villages and was practiced at the beginning of the fishing season to exhilarate fishermen before heading out to sea. The dance consists of fluid motions and depicts net dragging, representing the fishermen's journey and potential catch. In more recent years, these more common dance forms have overpassed the traditional court dances in popularity, becoming a signature to Fortunan culture.

Danza di menveloci, also known as fast dancing, are traditional dance forms most commonly related to Emili and Toscani. Although there are differences between community, the general distinction of these dance forms include fast movements in colorful robes and beads. This includes tap dancing, twirling, and exaggerated hand gestures. Women dance consists of waving of the skirt while men usually include added hops and circular movement around the floor. Following along with a song, dances will gradually become faster and faster until its conclusion. Often it is very sporadic yet rhythmic, unlike the slow and deliberate dance forms of Rosa and Ancona. Danza di menveloci is mainly used for celebrations and simple entertainment due to its festive nature. Although looked down upon for centuries by ruling classes who saw it as a commoner's dance, danza di menveloci has become a major representation of Fortunan unity and shared culture, especially amongst Emili and Toscani locals.

Dance for religious purposes have formed over the centuries for certain Claritist rituals. Originating from Norvo-Aspiriac worship, dance rituals are practiced for certain deities, that being Unus and the Angitenti within Clarityism. The purpose of these dances include narrative performances of folk tales regarding a specific deity, celebrating a deity, and asking for assistance from a deity. Dance rituals are not considered an integral part of Claritist practice by the Church, but they have become integral among some small communities who religiously rely on specific Angitenti. Of the dozens of dance rituals within Clarityism, the most well known among the local population is the Rituanza di Fortuna, a dance ritual in honor of the Angitente Fortuna. Most religious dances are similar in movement to that of danza di melenti, consisting of slow and fluid movement. Performers will also wear masks representing certain deities or related characters depending on the narrative.

Media

Media in Fortuna plays an important role as the main propaganda tool used by the UNP to promote their ideals and educate the populace. There exists no freedom of press with all media being heavily controlled and filtered through the Information and Education Department. Newspapers have fallen out of favor entering into the 21st century with most mass media being consumed through television or radio. All broadcasting stations and journalists are continuously under surveillance even after going through years of approval and training. There are only six TV stations, all owned by the state. Fortunate News serves as the nation's main news distributors through it's divisions Fortunate News Television, Fortunate News Radio, and Fortunate News Print. The Internet is also accessible, however it is heavily monitored and censored with only privileged citizens allowed access to it.

The history of cinematography in Fortuna first started during the Great War in 1913 with foreign films being brought in from the south. The first Fortunan film lasted for only a few seconds, showing the steamship Proud Salacia heading out of the port in Baronburg. Following the end of the Great War, the Fortunan film industry was born between 1918 and 1920 with the companies Emili Film and Destino Film, both based on the island of Emili. Other companies slowly followed, popping up mainly in Ancona. These companies soon were producing quality and acclaimed films, and by 1925 many films were already being exported overseas. Following economic downfall in the 1930s, neorealist films took over the market as it displayed the life of the poor and working class. Starting in the 1940s, as the film industry was growing larger and more popular, a flow of new genres entered the stage. Epics based on old Norvo-Aspiriac mythology received much praise, although at times controversial due to its close relation to Clarityism. Thrillers and gangster movies rose to popularity in the 1950s, and would continue into the early 1960s.

In the 1960s, the film industry stagnated as the archipelago was thrown into conflict against each other once again. The governments of Emili and Ancona, the states where a majority of the film industry was located, decided to help fund the creation of films to help boost morale and spread further propaganda. When the War of Aggression finally came to an end in 1973, films started to focus again on neorealism and nationalism. War films showing the heroism of Fortunan soldiers against the enemy was a common place in theaters. By 1976, Fortuna banned the import of foreign films from the mainland, leaving Fortunan film companies unopposed, however still under the watchful eye of the states. The 1980s and into the 1990s saw a new type of nationalist films that centered around the First Fortunan Empire, calling for the return of a strong, central government. These films were at first immediately banned, but when the UNP gained more control and influence, pro-unity films boosted further into popularity. Film today is entirely state-ran after the two largest film studios, Emili Film and Destino Film, were bought by the Information Department. Not all films are designed for propaganda purposes, but all films must never be anti-Fortunan and all scripts are pre-censored before filming. The most popular films by Fortunans still remains war films and national propaganda, many based off the War of Aggression, the Unification Campaigns, or the most recent annexation of the Medium Islands. In 2010, the ban on importation of foreign films was lifted, but all films have to go through heavy censorship before being distributed to the public.

Sports

The most popular sports in Fortuna are, by far, combat based, mostly in the form of individual sports. In nearly every donavi, a small, flattened, and fenced-off area is assigned for a variety of combat sports to take place in, often referred to as the fostimente. Fighting areas are not as common within donavi urbani, although small stadiums are easily available in more urban areas. Larger stadiums are also available for regional and national competitions, although these are usually shared with other sports. An exception to this is the Destino Grand Fostimente Stadium and the Valence Fostimente Stadium, both designed specifically to host individual, combative sports. Teriduche and regional competitions are held for nearly every combative sport, consisting of governing associations, thousands of participants of different age groups, regional rivalries, and millions of spectators yearly. Multiple forms of martial arts are practiced in Fortuna with varying differences from region to region. Fosticircolare is the general name for the technique of close combat native to the Fortunan Archipelago. Able to be used for both defense and offense, fosticircolare consists of circular evasions and quick jabs to disarm and incapacitate an opponent. Although it has military use, the practice of fosticircolare is advocated by the state to promote health, fitness, and preparation for military service at any given time. It is overseen by the Fortunan Fosticircolare Association who regulate rules and sponsor regional and national competitions. Other close combat sports include wrestling and boxing which only began gaining a following in the early 20th century.

Eleusium Stadium in IFC, with more than an 80,000 capacity limit.

Fostispada refers to the schools of Fortunan swordsmanship that formed over the years with varying fighting styles depending on the weapon. Spenada is a blade technique based around the use of a spenaspada, a one handed, double-edged straight sword that is native to the Fortunan Archipelago. Another popular blade technique is cortada which consists of the use of a cortaspada, a short, single-edged curved long knife. The cortaspada was first designed as a cutting tool for clearing vegetation, although it also was wielded as a weapon in the rural areas where it was used. As the archipelago began to become more urbanized, the knife's effectiveness in close quarters made it a viable weapon. With the adoption of firearms over the years, the use of blades and the different techniques evolved into competitive sports seen today. The Fortunan Fostispada Association is the governing body over Fortunan swordsmanship sports. Regional and National competitions see large participation of competitors and spectators. School club competitions are also quite popular, with thousands of students competing each other from around the nation.

Fortunan spearmanship is referred to under the umbrella term of fostilancia. The use of spears and javelins dates back over 5,000 years ago when the first sentient species began settling the Aspirian Isles, mainly as hunting and fishing tools. During the Norvic Age, javelins were a prominent weapon for Norvians and fighting techniques were created around them. In present day, different sports are practiced to build up and demonstrate skillful spearmanship. Lanciada is the main spear-based combat sport, where opponents compete against each other in a similar style to that of spenada. The use of javelins is split into two categories: target competitions focused on testing accuracy and the internationally recognized track and field event of the javelin throw.

A native sport practiced among residents of more secluded fishing communities is tavo equili. The sport consists of two contestants who stand opposing to each other on separate boards floating in shallow waters or pools. Each contestant is given a pole to assist in navigating their boards with the sole purpose in knocking their opponent into the water. Contestants are not allowed to make any physical contact with each other and are only allowed to make contact with their opponent's board, usually by just prodding with their pole. The boards are also designed to be fairly difficult to stand on, giving the sport a higher learning curve. Tavo equili is seen to promote balance, strength, and precision which are skills that are viewed highly among these communities.

Fortunans also indulge themselves in other individual, non-combative sports. Track and field events rose in popularity in the late 20th century as an effort by the state to promote athleticism. The events that Fortuna has had the most success at is running, in the form of sprinting and marathons, and throwing, specifically the javelin throw. The largest stadium built to host track and field events is the Eleusium Stadium in IFC. Three yearly cycling tours are held in Fortuna, one on each major island of the Fortunan Archipelago. Fortunan athletes have seen success in swimming sports, especially in open water swimming events with a handful of recordholders in longest ocean swims. Triathlons in Fortuna see thousands of participants yearly to test a triathlete's skills in swimming, cycling, and running.

Crest for the national football team.

The art of sailing is tightly entwined into Fortunan history and culture, now with dozens of different competitions and races held all around the isles. Aspirian Isles Sailing is the governing body over the region who oversee membership of smaller sailing clubs and associations, along with defining rules, regulations, and specifications for sailing boats. Individual and team races are available across the Aspirian Isles with the largest race being the Circle Run where teams race along a circular route within the inner sea of the Fortunan Archipelago. The oldest race is the Mediumese Sailing Event where participants travel between the major islands of the Medium Isles. Started in 1875, the event was held yearly the islanders, only pausing during the early years of the Great War, the dissolution of the Mediumese Republic (1910), and the annexation of the islands by Fortuna (2012-2013). On a smaller scale, non-regulated competitions are commonly seen to be held by small fishing communities as a form of entertainment and to train young community members in the art of sailing.

Among team sports, football is considered the most popular in Fortuna after its introduction during the Great War. The governing body is the Fortunan National Football Association which organizes and oversees Fortuna's national teams. The Fortuna National Football League serving as the highest level of football in the nation, consisting of six teams based out of the main urban areas of the Fortunan Archipelago. Alongside is the Eridani Theta Football League which consists of a handful of provincial teams. At an international level, Fortuna has seen little success, but its fans still remain enthusiastic when Fortuna participates in international competitions. A few other popular team sports also includes volleyball and baseball. Baseball also remains rather popular with the highest level of baseball overseen by the Fortuna National Baseball League. As with football, many teams are city based, so team rivalries are enjoyed by fans.

Cuisine

A rice noodle soup dish with beef in Baronburg, Emili.

Fortunan cuisine consists of a diverse set of cuisines with dishes formed over the centuries from the influence of distinct regional ethnic groups, political changes, and foreign influence such as Southeast Yasteria, Packilvania, and Fusō. The base of Fortunan dishes is rice and fish, flavored with intense seasoning and spices. Side dishes includes an assortment of seaweed, vegetables, soups, and meats. Differences are noticeable between dishes from island to island, however certain dishes have been stated by the current regime to be staples of Fortunan cuisine which plays a part in the Empire's integration process of newly annexed territory.

Rice is a staple for Fortunan meals, having a long history of cultivation on the Fortunan Archipelago. It is usually always consumed in every meal, mostly as plain rice with side ingredients such as vegetables and seaweed, however it can also be served in specially made dishes including impalghe (sushi), noodles, risconfezio (packed rice), and risfritto (fried rice). Other grains such as wheat are also grown in the Aspirian Isles, however this is mostly in the northern islands. Wheat-based dishes mainly just consist of bread and noodles, one prominent dish being kekale, a Vekaiyun dish that became heavily popularized in Eridani Theta in recent years.

An example of a seaweed salad using sea grapes.

The use of seaweed in meals has been around nearly as long as rice, but it wasn't until the 20th century that it began being produced on a large scale. Born from the ideas of autarky, seaweed was seen as a potential food item for the islands to become self-sufficient when it came to food production. Dozens of different types of seaweed is produced in Fortuna, the largest amount produced being wakame, porphyra, and sea grapes. As of the 2010s, Fortuna is one of the largest producers of seaweed in the world. The most popular use of seaweed is its formation into dried seaweed sheets which can be consumed by itself as a snack or used in dishes such as impalghe. Seaweed salads have a range of preparation depending on the type of seaweed, spices, and complexity used in the dish's creation. The use of seaweed oil, or algae oil, is used in different cooking methods such as frying which includes deep frying and stir frying. For meals, it is mainly added as a side dish to the main course.

Carstone is a common dish in Fortuna due to its easy preparation.

Meat and fish also are an important part of Fortunan cuisine, but do to Fortuna's geographical situation as an island nation, the use and consumption of seafood is the most prominent. Fish is especially popular in Ancona and South Emili with Gologma, a major city on the southern tip of Ancona, is considered the center of Fortuna's fishing industry. Fish popularly used in Fortunan cuisine include: tuna, mackerel, milkfish, and sardine. As more fresh water fisheries have been built as part of Fortuna's self-sufficient food production attempts, the consumption of fresh water fish has become more national instead of within inland communities. Fresh water fish used include: sweetfish, salmon, pangasius, and carp. Other animal sources, such as crustacean, egg, chicken, boar, and beef, are also used in certain Fortunan cuisine. Preparation of meat and fish depend on the dish, the most widely used being grilling and frying. Carstone is a staple Fortunan dish, consisting of skewered and grilled pieces of meat, mainly being chicken, beef, or fish, served alongside sauce. Due to its easy preparation and consumption, carstone is widely seen consumed across the Fortunan Archipelago. Pesceglia (grilled fish) is prepared as a main dish for meals with the fish often cooked and seasoned over a charcoal fire and served alongside vegetables and rice. Stuffed fish is similar to pesceglia but stuffed with mashed and diced vegetables along with bread stuffing. For impalghe, tuna and salmon are the most commonly used in it.

A variety of vegetables is widely use, mostly served alongside main courses of rice and meat. Pax fruites as a food source is usually only seen in Toscani grilling sliced and seasoned pax fruites as the most popular method of preparation. Not as nationally popular, Boiled leaf vegetables are a staple of northern islands of the Fortunan Archipelago such as Rosa and the Medium Isles. Other vegetables such as eggplants, gourds, and cucumbers are often diced and cut to be used in dishes like risfritto, noodle soups, and stuffed fish. Grilled eggplant omelette, consisting of a whole eggplant dipped in an egg mixture, is a popular breakfast meal, even considered a delicacy depending on the complexity of its preparation.

Palolci

As for beverages, tea and coffee are considered common drinks in Fortuna which can be consumed any time and for any meal. Sweet versions of tea and coffee are available, but it is mostly commonly consumed in southern Emili. The most widely available alcoholic beverage is Rivo which is made through the fermentation of rice. Wine is the the most sought after alcoholic beverage by Fortunans, especially among the nation's high society, however there is little to no wine industry within Fortuna, so most wine is required to be imported in. During the summer season, cooled fruit juices are very popular, using fruits such as mango, orange, and watermelon. As with wine, soda is not commonly available, so it is only consumed in areas designated for tourism such as Baronburg.

Desserts are also available for Fortunan meals, mostly consumed with lunch and dinner. Rice cake is a traditional form of dessert and is usually consumed by itself, although it can be used along with ice cream to make palolci. Sweetened fruit juices are also considered as a form dessert, especially when cooled with added ice. Considered the "dessert-version" of carstone, sweetened deep fried rice buns skewered on a stick are also a favorite for its easy consumption.

A uniquely prepared meal are dishes where plates of assorted dishes and ingredients are set up together to be consumed in any way. Due to the amount of time needed to prepare and the size, these feasts are usually reserved for special occasions such as festivals and weddings. Grilled feasts consist of a large plate of ingredients made up of a variety of meats, vegetables, and flavoring, along with a small grill to allow the consumer to personally cook their food.

Holidays

There are currently 12 national, government-recognized holidays in Fortuna. Many of these are based around religious significance, seasonal changes, and national importance. Local festivities and holidays are allowed as long as they are first approved by the regional governments. Current dates are based off the Gregorian calender which was first adopting by the islands in the early 19th century.

During religious specific holidays, Claritists will assemble at their local place of worship, being either a shrine or church, where they will pray certain prayers together depending on the date. Holidays centered around national successes or are military related consist of political rallies and military parades with the largest celebration being Victory Day and Memorial Day, a two day celebration centered around celebrating the end of the War of Aggression and to honor military personnel who have died. Seasonal festivals are also celebrated, although no exact dates are nationally recognized and depends on the region with the exception being the Week of Winter. During the Week of Winter, Fortunans will celebrate the end of the year and begin preparing for a new one. Claritists also pray for any extra good luck that they have to be given to those less fortunate, however this also consists of giving physical gifts, a tradition that began in the early 20th century which was most likely brought in from elsewhere. Other seasonal celebrations includes the Spring and Fall Festivals that celebrate the coinciding season with a range of traditions and practices depending on the region. Seasonal festivals are especially known for their parades which consists of lively music, colorful floats, and traditional dances, a complete opposite of the more clean and professional military parades. Parades are also known for their rowdiness and extensive drinking.

Name	Date	Remarks
New Year's Day	January 1	This national holiday celebrates the beginning of a new year.
Blessing of Unus	February 13	This national holiday is focused around the worship of the Claritist deity Unus.
Unification Day	March 11	This national holiday was established 2000, celebrating the official day when the Second Fortunan Empire was formed.
Blessing of Fortuna	April 30	This national holiday is focused around the worship of the Angitente Fortuna. Celebrators during this time will specifically request for good luck and fortune.
Victory Day	May 12	This national holiday was established in 1980 to celebrate the end of the War of Aggression, the most bloody war in Fortunan history.
Memorial Day	May 13	This national holiday was established in 1980 to honor the many men and women who died for the Fortunan states.
Blessing of the Angitenti	May 28	This national holiday is focused around the worship of the many other Angitenti within Clarityism.
Labor Day	June 1	This national holiday was created to celebrate the millions of workers in Fortuna.
Blessing of the Sea	July 5	This national holiday was created to honor the sea, focusing on hoping and praying for a bountiful catch, safety from storms, and prosperity for the island nation.
Day of the High Commander	August 26	This national holiday was set up to celebrate the birthday of High Commander Tristano Lyone who was born on August 26 in 1969.
Day of Spirits	September 30	This national holiday was created to remember the dead and pray for the safe return of spirits back to nature.
Week of Winter	December 25-31	A week long period to celebrate winter and the end of the year. Fortunan citizens are required to have at least two days off during this period.