This is an unofficial, non-canon guide put together to help people using any of the MechWarrior RPGS, or any Battletech product, get a better idea of the various provinces of the Free World’s League.

The first four “major” states use information directly taken from the most recent handbook, which is a publication of Catalyst Game Labs and should be used as the starting point for learning about the FWL, along with the old FASA handbook. This is a fanmade supplement to those.

Direct example and canon were used as much as possible, but at many points conjecture was relied upon, especially for smaller and newer states. Hopefully these can at least get ideas flowing for GMs and players. Keep in mind that a single planet can be very diverse indeed!

MARIK COMMONWEALTH

With an ethnically diverse population like much of the FWL, the Marik Commonwealth draws its people principally from the European regions of old Terra, including the British Isles, the Czech and Slovak Republics, Romania, Austria, Germany and Hungary. English is the province’s official language, but substantial minorities speak Czech and Slovak, while Romanian, once regarded as a dead language, has made a significant comeback during Thomas’ reign. Christianity (mostly Protestant and Orthodox, but with some Catholic- dominated worlds) is the dominant religion, with significant minorities in Judaism and Islam.

As the League’s industrial heartland and one of its most active trading regions, the Marik Commonwealth has a dynamic economy and a vibrant arts scene, supported by private and corporate investment. Many of the FWL’s best known artists, writers and actors hail from the Commonwealth, though the provinces of Regulus and Oriente pose significant challenges in terms of the mass media. As a culture, the people of the Marik Commonwealth, spared many of the horrors of the Succession Wars, tend toward introspection and adherence to established traditions. The family is the core of their society, encompassing nuclear families and extended clans. Many inhabitants have strong ties to business interests and are among the League’s most active traders, exceeded only by the Regulans.

Like the League itself, the Marik Commonwealth is a Parliamentary Democracy, with representatives voted on from the various composite planets. The head of the Marik Noble House maintains a ceremonial role as head of state but is generally more concerned with matters of the greater League and its military.

As would seem fitting, the Marik Commonwealth is generally a solid centre of support for the Marik family and the federal government as a whole.

The symbol of the Marik Commonwealth is the ubiquitous Marik Eagle, similar symbols becoming popular across the League, especially in the Dark Age when factions used it as a token of legitimacy.

The provincial units of the Marik Commonwealth were the Marik Guard. Their colours were red and yellow, the hereditary colours of the Marik Family. Their emblem was the sword and shield.

REGULUS

The Indian influence of House Selaj remains strong in Regulus, mixed liberally with European (particularly Norway and the Baltic States) and East and Central Asian (particularly Persian, Mongolian and Kazakh) cultures. English is the dominant language, used in business and education, but in less formal circumstances Hindi and Urdu are common. The Hindu faith likewise predominates in Regulus, beating out Islam and Christianity. The latter falls to third place in this fifteen-world region, while Sikhism is a distant fourth.

Second only to the Marik Commonwealth in manufacturing capacity and overall trade (a status Regulans often blame on federal contracts that apparently favor Marik industries over those from their own principality), Regulus strives to live up to its mercantile heritage. Regulan traders are among the farthest-ranging and innovative in the Inner Sphere, constantly seeking new goods and markets. Regulus never had a strong military or intellectual tradition, even though its troops and sages are respected, but rather focuses its endeavors on commercial pursuits. Many of the League’s most active traders are Regulan, as are a substantial number of corporate executives. The arts remain strong on Regulus, particularly those of Indian origin, despite the diminution of other aspects of the Asian subcontinent’s culture.

Regulus is officially a Constitutional Monarchy, with the Cameron-Jones family at the head of a parliamentary republic. However, legislation put in place after the fall of the Selaj family, and the outstanding wealth of the Cameron-Jones allows that family to essentially operate as a dictatorship in theory. In practice, powerful merchant concerns have provided a political opponent, barring the worst excesses of the post-Jihad period.

Regulus would evolve over time to become one of the major rivals to the Marik Commonwealth for control of the League – not seeking like Andurien to split from the League, but to gain ascendency within it.

The most common symbol of Regulus is the Regulan Ankh, seen everywhere there are supporters of Regulus.

The provincial units of Regulus are the Regulan Hussars. The Hussars tend to use brown and tan camouflage patterns, with different highlights for different regiments. Their emblem is the bat-winged banshee, often superimposed over a map of the old Regulan Principality.

ORIENTE

As with the rest of the League, English is the common tongue of Oriente. Greek, Spanish and Italian are the mother tongues of many of its peoples, with various Chinese dialects common on worlds toward the Capellan border. Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity form the mainstay of religion in this province, but substantial minorities adhere to Islam and Confucianism. Oriente, draws many of its people from the Mediterranean basin—principally Spain and Italy, but with a substantial Greek tradition—and is bolstered by Russian, Indian and Chinese enclaves.

The common people of Oriente are more pragmatic than not. While seeking to preserve their own cultural identity they see the advantages for themselves and for the League in a stronger central government, and have shown willingness to sacrifice some freedoms—most notably their independent military—in return for a booming economy, rapidly improving standard of living and protection from internal and external threats. Provided their day-to- day lives continue normally, they can endure much. The population of Oriente tends toward cultural or military pursuits, the results of their dual heritage as the architects of the Free Worlds and their location on the Capellan border. Artistic works are highly prized in Oriente, but the inhabitants do not restrict their cerebral pursuits to the arts; many of the League’s scientific and technical innovations originated in this region.

As with Marik, the wealthy citizens of Oriente are afforded the luxury of operating a parliamentary democracy, although with an autocratic head of state from the Halas family put in place to manage international affairs and military concerns.

Oriente was long a supporter of Marik, its wealthy citizens and dedicated military growing from being the loyal opposition to dedicated allies.

The most common symbol of Oriente is the Oriente Orchid. Eagle would become popular during the Dark Age as a mark of support for the Halas-Marik line.

The Provincial units of the Duchy of Oriente are the Oriente Fusiliers and the Oriente Hussars. The Oriente Fusiliers use a colour scheme of dark green with black and light green highlights. The Oriente Hussars use a green scheme that fades from dark to light. The Oriente Fusiliers use the Oriente Orchid as their symbol, while the Oriente Hussars use an Eagle.

ANDURIEN

English is the official language of Andurien, but in practice Italian is the most common tongue, closely followed by Spanish and Chinese dialects (principally Mandarin and Hakka). Catholicism is the principal faith of the Andurien worlds, with Confucianism a distant second. Many Anduriens eschew religion, believing in no power in the universe beyond human determination. Andurien, as its occasional ties to the Capellan Confederation suggest, has a powerful Chinese subculture, but its northern European traditions—in particular, the Welsh of the ruling Humphreys clan— dominate, closely followed by Spanish and Italian influences.

Andurien, mixes commercial and political acumen with significant military traditions. The result is a self-reliant and proud people who are nonetheless divided on the region’s checkered relations with the federal government.

Andurien’s government is best defined as an Oligarchy, with a number of powerful figures sharing power – a combination of hereditary, appointed and elected positions. The Humphreys Family always holds the preeminent positions as Dukes.

The Duchy of Andurien would always have a complicated relationship with the rest of the League, torn between a desire for independence and a fear of the Capellan Confederation. This rebellious streak was not helped by the scheming of its nobles. Even Anduriens who wish to be part of the League tend to distrust Federalism and seek greater autonomy.

The symbol of Andurien is the Andurien Globe, said to represent Andurien itself. The Humphreys Tower is also not uncommon.

The Provincial units of Andurien used to be the Defenders of Andurien. The old Defenders of Andurien used a white paint scheme with green and blue highlights. After the Jihad Andurien would form units like the Rangers, Guard and Cavalry, who would use buff or white with green highlights and returned to using the symbol of the Defenders – the Andurien Globe.

TAMARIND-ABBEY

English is the official language in Tamarind-Abbey, but there are many native Spanish speakers in the area as well. Catholicism is the majority religion in the area, with Judaism making up a notable minority. Many of the original inhabitants in these areas were from the Americas region of earth, bringing the Spanish language and Catholic faith here. There was also, however, a significant amount of later immigration from the Marik Commonwealth (and Graham-Marik), particularly to Abbey, adding in some aspects of European culture, particularly British and Romanian. There are also many areas of ex-patriate Lyrans here from the shifting border and population – a few even keep the traditions of Alarion Province.

This area has always been one defined by survival, even not in times of war, being a remote area of the League. The people pride themselves on their hardy nature and skills in the outdoors, as well as at fighting off the Lyrans. The people of the area are considered to be hard-working and productive, and stubborn in the face of outside threats. However, there is more to the area than just production and warfare, and the provinces are also noted for their many artistic achievements – the arts and crafts of Tamarind, or the healthy music scene in Abbey. Many of the ambitious here turn their attention to politics as well, if only as an excuse to head somewhere more central.

Tamarind had a history of participatory democracy, and Abbey a history of being a representative commonality, but both would become military dictatorships under members of the Marik family, though some of the old political structures would remain.

The people of Tamarind-Abbey were generally very loyal to the Federal Government due to the strong influence of the Marik family in this area, as well as often needing federal military support.

The most commonly used symbol of Tamarind was an eagle or falcon being held on a falconer’s glove, often clutching stalks of corn, another Tamarind symbol. Abbey would normally use a similar symbol – an eagle clutching a hammer in its talons.

The provincial units of Tamarind-Abbey would be the Tamarind Regulars. Their paint scheme was white with green and purple highlights. Green cornstalks in front of a red and blue banner were used as their symbol. Abbey also maintained a small militia, who painted their vehicles in a simple pure silver scheme, and would use crossed silver hammers in front of a black banner as their symbol.

RIM COMMONALITY

English is the official language in the Rim Commonality, but many list Greek, Macedonian or Arabic as their first language. While the Rim Commonality is highly diverse, especially as it expands, many of the colonies in the area have a strong Balkan and Anatolian cultural bents to them, especially on the capital of Lesnovo. The most common religions in the region are Orthodox Christianity and Islam. Various subcultures often have a strong presence here as they can better exist in relative isolation.

The people of the Rim Commonality are noted for their preference for independence and freedom, which some would label as anarchic, with the economy in many areas using freewheeling free enterprise and barter combined. In many ways their preference for less control and disdain for nobility makes them similar to their periphery neighbors. The Rim Collection generally dislikes those same neighbours, however, seeing the Canopians as depraved and the Marians as expansionist. They are proud to be members of the Free Worlds League and to be able to use diplomacy to solve issues.

The Rim Commonality was traditionally a Feudal Aristocracy, with powerful leaders taking charge of the defense of the nation, though with less direct control in many areas. After separating from the FWL they would reform their government, installing a Prime Minister, albeit one with wide political powers when it came to national defense. Becoming briefly an independent periphery nation, they would look to Canopus and the Concordat as models in reforming their government.

The Rim Commonality was often aligned with Regulus against the Federal Government, whom it saw as distant and not always interested in the benefit of the Periphery areas of the League. The Dark Age would end up souring this alliance, however.

The symbol of the Rim Commonality was a blazing sun, often with a dark eagle silhouetted within.

The provincial units of the Rim Commonality would be the Rim Commonality Guard. They would use a paint scheme of sandy yellow with crimson highlights. The symbol of the Guard is a shield with a sun emblazoned on it, with a sword superimposed over the shield.

STEWART

The majority of the population of Stewart are native English speakers, with most apart from recent immigrants speaking it as first language, with French a distant second. The Stewart culturally draws heavily from the British Isles area of Earth, as well as somewhat the colonial possession of that area, particularly eastern Canada. Stewart is the heart of Protestantism in the League as well, and has tried to stand as a destination for Protestant refugees within the Inner Sphere. Most notably, in the past, many Japanese, Korean and Scandinavian Protestants fled the Combine for Stewart, bringing their own cultures with them.

The people of Stewart take staunch pride in their support for the League as a whole. Many are equally proud of the democratic traditions of the league, and eagerly follow the goings on of the League Parliament, or their own Stewart Parliament. Many academics specializing in the humanities, especially law and politics, come from this area. The people of Stewart, like those of Marik, were often spared the worst of the Succession Wars, and were able to maintain a strong economy, arts scene and media presence. Stewart also has a history of solid engineering, from the research performed here on Jumpships to the support given Corean Enterprises.

Like the Marik Commonwealth and Oriente, wealthy and secure Stewart was a Representative Commonality, with a Parliament based on the Marik model. The Earl of Stewart was guaranteed a hereditary leadership position in exchange for taking charge of defense of the nation.

As a generally prosperous and liberal area, with happy citizens, Stewart was a strong supporter of the Federal Government, aided by the strong loyalty of the Stewart family towards the Marik. The Stewart family took great pride in their steadfast nature.

The most common symbol of Stewart was the purple thistle. Refugees from the Draconis Combine would also co-opt the pejorative of “snake” for their own use, taking a gold or bronze snake curled into an “S” as an identifier, and a subtle token of appreciation for the Stewart family. The red and grey Stewart Tartan, associated with the Earth nation of Britain, was a popular decorative motif symbolizing the heritage of the nation.

The provincial forces of Stewart were the Stewart Dragoons. They would use a paint scheme of red and grey with scarlet highlights. The symbol of the Stewart Dragoons was the green and purple thistle of Stewart, placed in a white square. Some units would also use the symbol of a stallion silhouetted against flames.

SILVER HAWKS

The Silver Hawk Coalition is a loose grouping of states, all with their unique cultures and languages. Many of the settlers were of original Terran Hegemonic stock, and look to the Hegemony for cultural cues, particularly the key colonizing nation of America. English is the common tongue in this area, though Hindi is common in Kalidasa, and French in Danais. The Exituri of Shiloh have also developed their own version of English, including many archaic and esoteric terms. The people of the Coalition, often beset by disaster, tend to be very religious as well as open to religious syncretism from their neighbours. Elements of belief originating from Hinduism and Protestant Christianity tend to be strongest here.

Every state in the Coalition is unique, though there are some similarities. Each of them tends to value independence and the right to manage their own affairs and keep their own cultures and religions. All of them respects toughness and self-reliance, though perhaps in different ways – Shiloh stands out in particular for its asceticism. They all also loathe the Lyran Commonwealth and take their defense pact very seriously, often considering each other their only reliable friends. The people tend to have their own stereotypes about their neighbours – Amity is known for diplomacy, Danais for arts, Kalidasa for industry, Shiloh for religion and Callison for its military traditions.

Government style varied among the different states of the Silver Hawk Coalition. Danais was a feudal autocracy, Amity a representative commonality, Shiloh a theocracy, Kalidasa a corporate oligarchy overseen by a Baron, and Callison a military governorship.

Though the Silver Hawk worlds tried to vote as a block, they were considered something of wildcards in Parliament, generally voting against Parliament in military matters but being flexible on other topics.

The Silver Hawk was the symbol that the states used to represent their unity, but each had their own unique symbols as well. Kalidasa would often used the Kalidasa Goddess, featured with four arms. Shiloh would use the “Hand of Shiloh”, making a gesture holy to their faith. Amity would use an olive wreath, sometimes gripped in the talons of a falcon. Danais used a lion as their symbol. Callison would use a falcon in flight.

The provincial forces of the Silver Hawks Coalition were the Silver Hawk Irregulars – each member of the coalition used their own paint schemes. Amity used gold with orange highlights, Callison painted their machines silver on the right half and purple on the left, Kalidasa painted their machines black with gold torsos, Danais painted their machines silver on the top half and green on the bottom half and Shiloh quarterered their machines in tan and orange. Regardless of colours, all units used the symbol of a silver hawk against a dark blue circle as a symbol.

GRAHAM-MARIK

The small Duchy of Graham-Marik is naturally heavily influenced by its larger neighbor of Marik. It is heavily multicultural, sharing many of the cultures found within Marik. Western European cultures are slightly stronger and more represented here than in Marik, where Eastern European cultures tend to dominate. Britain and France, and their Oceanic colonies such as Australia, are notable influences here. English is the most widely spoken language, but French, Czech, Romanian and Spanish are not uncommon. Graham-Marik is a mosaic of religions, with the three major forms of Christianity – Protestantism, Catholicism and Orthodox – holding about equal sway as the dominant faiths, with many other minority faiths as well.

The People of Graham-Marik like to view themselves as peaceful and skilled negotiators, and ambassadors to the rest of the League for the larger Marik Commonwealth, to whom they are strongly loyal and culturally attached. Graham-Marik is a mostly wealthy and peaceful place up until the Jihad and many of its people took to travel and exploration, especially during the League’s founding, being the origin place of many colonists and ship’s crews.

Graham-Marik operated as a Feudal Autocracy, with the House of Graham-Marik in charge of the defense of the nation, supported in day to day running of the nation by a parliament.

Graham-Marik was generally very loyal towards the greater Marik family and the Federal Government. They generally tried to be non-combative in Parliament and act as peacemakers.

Both the eagle of Marik and the heart symbol of Graham, sometimes combined, were used to represent the Duchy.

The provincial forces of Graham-Marik would eventually be the Loyalty Defenders. They used a yellow paint scheme trimmed in red, reminiscent of the family colours of Marik. Their symbol would be the Heart of Graham, topped by a crown, emblazoned on a shield.

SIRIAN CONCORDANCE

The Sirian Concordance considers itself a cultural heir to the Terran Hegemony, like that nation influenced mainly by the North American and Soviet Union regions on Terra. Like in the Terran Hegemony, English is the dominant language in this area. The hardheaded people of the Sirian Concordance are not particularly known for their regular religiosity, but most people claim some attachment to some variation of the Abrahamic faiths.

The Sirian Concordance was once a place known for its proud upholding of democratic traditions and the cultural heritage of the Terran Hegemony, but ages of war have turned it into a place more focused on warfare and basic survival. Much of their culture and economy is geared towards the military and support of the military, giving the people a grim outlook and a willingness to even go against the League if it means their own survival.

The Sirian Concordat had a proud history of republican democracy, though it would eventually devolve into a military dictatorship over the course of the succession wars.

The Sirian Concordat was considered a wild card in Parliament, though after the Federated Commonwealth Invasion they would turn heavily against the Mariks at anger at the devastation wrought on their homelands.

The Star of Liberty was a common Sirian symbol, as were dogs or hounds of any sort.

The provincial units of the Sirian Concordance were the Sirian Lancers. They used an ochre paint scheme, with highlights differing on the regiment. The symbol of the Lancers was a flaming lance set against a triangle.

BORDER PROTECTORATE

Like other small states in the area, the Border Protectorate considers itself a child of the Terran Hegemony. Many of the people here have ancestry from the Oceania and South-East Asia regions of earth. English is the official and most widely spoken language, though there are also pockets of Thai and Indonesian in this small state and the surrounding areas. Religion is not a major concern here, with no religion holding real dominance – Protestantism, Hinduism, Islam and all have at least some notable presence here. The Border Protectorate is also a destination for loyalist members of the League who want to stand against the Lyrans, giving it a large multicultural community of volunteers.

The Border Protectorate is similar to the Sirian Concordance in its focus on military, though they see their purpose as being for the benefit of the whole League, rather than just survival. Even those outside of the military pride themselves on being professional and precise in their daily activities and routines. With so much of their worlds resources exhausted or destroyed, the people here try to preserve what resources they can, to the point of a reputation of asceticism.

The Border Protectorate was ruled by a Military Governorship, with support of an Oligarchy of important civilian figures.

The Border Protectorate was long a support of House Marik, who they relied upon to help bolster their defenses against the Lyran menace.

The symbol of the Border Protectorate was the Garuda, an eagle-like creature. Many also enjoyed using the native wallaby as a mascot.

The provincial units of the Border Protectorate were the Protectorate Guard. They would use a colour scheme of powder blue, purple and black. The symbol of the Protectorate Guard was a Zeus battlemech overlaid with a red crosshair.

REGULAN FREE STATES

The Regulan Free States had many similarities to their parent nation of Regulus, but many differences as well, which helped ferment its desire for a peaceable separation. The Muslim and European cultural aspects here were always stronger than in the rest of Regulus, even under the rule of House Selaj and its promotion of Indian culture. The Regulan Free States have grown into a multicultural state in their own right since, with cultural influence from North and West Europe, as well as West and South Africa. English is the most common language here, though French, Dutch and Wolof are also widely spoken. Protestant Christianity and Islam are the most common religions here – there is also a growing number of adherents to “Chrislam”, a hybrid religion of the two.

While the Regulan Free States do not have the manufacturing capacity of Regulus, they match its eagerness for trade and commerce. While it does not have as fast a merchant fleet as that of Regulus, it has much respect for its business schools, particularly in the subjects of marketing and banking. The aggressiveness and proliferation of RFS advertising campaigns is known throughout the Inner Sphere, and it has the perhaps unfair reputation as the origin point of many scam campaigns. The people here are generally peaceful, preferring to leave warfare to their Regulan neighbours.

The Regulan Free States operated as a Feudal Autocracy with trappings of a Republic, with a President traditionally selected from a member of House Stimson supported by an elected Senate.

The Regulan Free States would generally support Regulus itself in its endeavors, both out of a sense of loyalty and to decrease Federal meddling in their economy.

The symbol of the Regulan Free States was a mermaid, perhaps used as a friendlier option to the fearsome Regulan Banshee. Sometimes she would be pictured cradling a ship – either an old style sailing ship or a jumpship.

The Regulan Free States had no provincial forces. Militia forces would paint the lower sections of their machines in red, and the upper sections in blue, with white highlights. Their symbol was an adaptation of the mermaid symbol of their state – the fish tail was replaced with a black snake tail, and the jumpship was replaced with a Battlemech, traditionally an Orion.

PRINCIPALITY OF GIBSON

Before the horrors of the Jihad, the Principality of Gibson was renowned for its tolerance, leading it to be a highly multicultural area, similar to the heartland Marik and Graham-Marik regions. Gibson’s famous openness extended even to those areas considered enemies of the League, and expatriate Capellans and Lyrans, as well as political refugees from the Draconis Combine and Marches of the Federated Suns would find their way here. More than a dozen cultures had distinct and large settlements in this small state. Therefore, while English was the most common second tongue to learn, native languages with many speakers here included German, French, Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic and Spanish. Religion was one area where there was slightly more unity – while many faiths were represented here, Buddhism was by far the most dominant and popular, with a notable pacifistic strain. Of the many faiths who sought refuge here, none are as notorious perhaps as the many Blakists who made the small state their home after the ComStar Schism.

The people of Gibson pride themselves on their openminded and tolerant ways, and on their pacifism. The area was, until the Jihad, often sparred the worst of the succession wars, allowing it to build up a healthy economy. Technical knowledge and education here was high, with many acolytes to ComStar coming from the state – the multicultural nature of Gibson also made it easy for these acolytes to adjust to working outside of their homeland with members of the other successor states. Many important League companies had factories here to take advantage of this educated population as well.

Gibson was ruled by an Oligarchy, the chief member of which was an elected figure known as the “Principal”.

The pacifistic nature of Gibson often put it at odds with the Captain General, a relationship only complicated by the arrival of the Blakists.

Gibson would generally use a taijitu symbol to represent them – representations of the Buddha were also popular.

Gibson had no provincial forces. Militia units would often be painted in jungle camo, with orange highlighting. The Gibson militia simply copied their national symbol of the taijitu as an emblem.

ORLOFF

The proud Duchy of Orloff has been heavily influenced by Oriente, which it used to be a part of, and the Capellan Confederation, its chief enemy. English is the common tongue, though Bulgarian is also widely spoken. Greek and Mandarin are not uncommon either here. The culture of Orloff is influenced principally by Southeast and Central European cultures. Orthodox Christianity is the primary religion of many here, with many pockets of Islam as well.

The citizens of Orloff are renowned as proud and honorable people, deeply concerned with tradition and propriety. It has a long tradition of supplying brave and solid soldiers for the league, and much of its economy is geared towards military spending. Many of the people here, especially nobles, are well versed in martial arts and the skills of dueling. However, Orloff is also well noted as a center of culture as well, with breathtaking achievements in fashion, architecture, music and dance.

Orloff is ruled by an Oligarchy of both elected and non-elected figures, with the Orloff family traditionally holding the most senior position.

Orloff would generally support Oriente, and by extension the Captain-General, in Parliament. This relationship would be strained under Thomas due to his alliance with the Capellans and military reforms.

The symbol most used to represent Orloff were the crossed blades, reflecting their military heritage.

The provincial forces of Orloff are the Orloff Grenadiers. They paint their machines olive green on their lower torso and legs, and lime green on their upper torso, head and arms. Their symbol is a red and yellow disc, with crossed lances superimposed. Below is the motto of the Grenadiers “Geurra cominciata, inferno scatenato”

ZION-OHREN

The Provinces of Zion and Ohren have share a similar culture, as well as a history of existing under the oppression of the hated Capellan Confederation. While English is the language used for official dealings, a good deal of the population in both areas speak Hebrew on a regular basis. Mandarin and Russian are also widely spoken here, markers of a long association with the Capellan Confederation. The culture of Zion is heavily influenced by the Levant region of Earth, while Ohren mixes this with the cultures of Central and Eastern Europe. Judaism is the most widespread religion in this area, with various forms of Christianity and Islam also present. Many Mormon settlers are also common across the region, who originally arrived as part of relief efforts to the citizens and then settled.

As a border region, the two provinces have always been a center of trade, both legal and illegal, between the League and the Confederation, and the people have a reputation for being industrious, resourceful and hardworking. The people here are noted for their loathing of the Capellen Confederation, which has caused the area to often be a hotbed of simmering revolt and espionage.

Both Zion and Ohren are ruled by civilian dictators who are mostly in place to try and convey the wishes of the populace to the influential military figures in these areas.

Zion and Ohren were generally distrustful of the Federal Government, especially after the alliance with the Capellan Confederation, which outraged the population here.

Zion would often use three as their symbol, arranged into a “Three ” pattern – the Menorah, from the flag of the planet of Zion, was another popular symbol. Ohren would use an eagle carrying a in each talon as its symbol.

Zion and Ohren had no provincial forces. In Zion, militia units generally used desert camouflage patterns, with blue highlights. In Ohren, militia units painted their machines white and red-brown, with blue and gold highlights. The military symbol of Zion was a shield bearing an olive branch crossed with a sword. The military symbol of Ohren was a Mackie Battlemech with its arms raised.

THE PROTECTORATE

The Protectorate has many connections to Oriente, and similar languages and cultural influences are shared between the two nations. The Protectorate is similarly influenced by the Mediterranean basin area of Earth, but did not undergo the notable “Grecian Shift” that Oriente did with the ascension of the Halas clan, in many ways resembling a “pre-Halas” Oriente. Like in Oriente, English is the most common language, with Spanish and Russian being the mother tongues of many here. Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity are the most dominant religions in the area.

The Protectorate had a long history of being a center of politics, being seen as “neutral ground” within the League, and also the site of many important deals struck with the Capellan Confederation. It was well known for its orderly and peaceful nature. The Succession Wars would turn the area into a battleground that would be heavily militarized, with more and more power put into the hands of local military leaders. While the Protectorate had used to be a center of diplomats, ambassadors and international cooperation, it became a land of militias, juntas and international espionage. The built-in military infrastructure and bitterness of the locals made it an ideal base for Anton’s Revolt. The revolt only ended up increasing the influence of the FWLM in the area, with much of the economy going towards military supply chains.

The Protectorate has spent most of its time under some form of military dictatorship or another, and much of its bureaucracy has a distinct martial tone to it.

Support for the Federal Government would steadily decay in the Protectorate over time, until a military government loyal to Marik would be put in place after Anton’s Revolt.

Like with the league as a whole, the eagle was generally used a symbol of the Protectorate – often it would be displayed in black rather than purple, or clutching a lance.

The Protectorate had no provincial units, apart from those that Anton Marik assembled during his revolution. Militia units in the area painted their machines drab green, with purple highlights. The military symbol of the protectorate was a round shield set with a bow and quiver.

MOSIRO

The Mosiro Archipelago was mostly colonized by Islamic settlers, mainly from Arabia, but also from Africa and North America. The culture in general is highly Islamic, with Arabic being the most common language, though English is widely used for trade and diplomacy. Italian is also not uncommon due to the proximity of Andurien. Islam is the dominant religion, though there are also areas of Catholic Christianity and Judaism within the nation, as well as other more obscure “People of the Book”.

Mosiro is mostly known for its cultural pursuits, with a dedication to excellence in architecture. However, Mosiro also has powerful educational and technical sector, with some of the most impressive libraries and astrophysics laboratories in the entire League located here. Less well known is the importance of Mosiro in the information trade in general, with SAFE operating many analysis stations in the area.

Mosiro is ruled by an Oligarchy of powerful figures, the most senior of which is allowed the title of Duke.

Mosiro generally voted against the Marik aligned bloc in parliament, both due to an alliance with Andurien and a desire to avoid Federalist meddling in economic and military matters.

The most common symbol of Mosiro was the scimitar, though moons and stars were not uncommon either.

Mosiro had no provincial units. Its militia units would paint their machines white, black and green, often in impressive geometric patterns. The military symbol of Mosiro is a date palm tree, bent as if swaying in a storm.

COVENANT WORLDS

The Covenant Worlds were a state that emerged after the collapse of the Republic, formed by the machinations of Thaddeus Marik. Most of the planets were old Terran Hegemony worlds, with that history being their main connection. The Covenant Worlds were mostly influenced by American culture from Earth, with French and Irish cultural aspects as well. English was the most widespread language. Protestantism and Catholicism are the most common religions in this area. Population shifts during the Republic era have made the area even more cosmopolitan than it already was.

The new nation has not had much time to build up an identity, beyond the shared connection of Hegemonic origin. The people would have a grim, siege mindset, especially after the death of Thaddeus. Most would be highly loyal to the reformed Free Worlds League, seeing it as the best hope of protection against the threats of Clanner Invasion or a Republic resurgence.

The Covenant Worlds are theoretically a participatory democracy, with the leader being a President, but in the current times of crisis military governors wield much of the power locally and in the senate.

The Covenant Worlds would emerge after the Dark Age, a strong supporter of the resurgent League and House Marik.

The eagle was a popular symbol in the area, representing the Marik heritage of Thaddeus, often distinguished with a halo of stars. The sword and rose were also popular symbols

The provincial units of the Covenant Worlds are the Covenant Guards. Their colours are black and purple with golden highlights. The Covenant Guards simply use the Covenant World’s eagle with stars symbol as an emblem.

AUGUSTINE ALLIANCE

The Augustine Alliance is comprised of planets once a part of the Terran Hegemony. The area was settled by many religiously sponsored colonization projects – first by Jesuits and Catholics, and much later by Islamic groups. English is the official language, but French, Portuguese and Italian are all widely spoken, as well as Spanish and Arabic. Catholicism is the dominant religion, but many follow Islam here as well. Culture here is influenced heavily by both Western Europe and Northern Africa.

Augustine is still a new nation getting its bearings after being liberated from the Republic of the Sphere. Its people are mostly reacting with caution to current events. Historically a very traditional area, many have taken solace in faith as they await the next developments in the history of the League.

The Augustine Alliance is a representative commonality, with a Duke overseeing the security of the nation.

The Augustine Alliance would be formed during a period of great upheaval and would rely on the new Parliament for their protection.

The most common symbol of the Alliance was a flaming heart, pierced with an arrow.

The Augustine Alliance has no provincial forces. Militia forces in the area copy the paint scheme of the militia of Augustine, which paints its machines in white, black and dark blue. The military symbol of the Augustine Alliance is a man wearing a leopard skin on horseback.

KANATA CONFEDERATION

The Kanata Confederation or “Old Andurien” refers to the loose confederation of planets (more of an agreement like the Silver Hawks Coalition than an actual state) that used to make up the “Rump Andurien” when that state was mainly claimed by the Capellan Confederation. This version of Andurien lasted throught the Age of War and Reunification War. After Andurien reclaimed its rightful territory, most of these planets decided to secede from Andurien, entering into a loose alliance with each other. While the people share much culture with Andurien, they have also been influenced by immigrants from other areas of the FWL, especially early explorers from Stewart. However, the Confederation was also heavily populated by Capellan dissidents and refugees. English is the most common language, but French and Cantonese are both widespread as well. Italian and Spanish are not uncommon as second languages here either, for easier diplomatic dealings with Andurien. Protestantism, Catholicism, and Buddhism are all common religions in the area.

The people of the Kanata Confederation are proud of their independence and peaceful ways, this being the main reason most opted out of Andurien and the politics of the Succession Wars. The area is noted for being heavily liberal, both in politics and in customs, with many in Andurien comparing those in the area to Canopians. Despite these inward- looking attitudes, the area does see many from it wanting to contribute to the League, with many volunteering in medical and military roles. After the fall of the League, many planets from the area would open trade with the Rim Commonality to aid that realm, though the conservative nature of the Commonality and the liberal nature of the Confederation would often lead to awkward diplomacy.

Like the Silver Hawks coalition, government types vary from planet to planet. Generally, this peaceful area sees less of the war-based nobility found elsewhere in the League.

The planets of the Confederations would often vote independently, but in general would vote against the Federalist bloc, partially reflecting their pacifism and liberalism, and partially reflecting the kinship they felt with Andurien.

Each planet would have its own symbol, but a green tower (or white tower overgrown with greenery and flowers) was a popular icon, reflecting the heraldry of House Humphreys.

The Kanata Confederation had no provincial forces. Each planet’s militia would paint their machines in their own schemes. Many copied the militia of Kanata itself, which used a schemed that reversed somewhat the colours of the Defenders of Andurien – green, with white and blue highlights. The militia of Kanata used a tower placed on the back of an elephant as its symbol.