"Faith and Freedom"

Part 1: The Origins of New Gehenna

New Gehenna, officially known as the "Satanic Empire of New Gehenna," is a nation steeped in ideological fervor and historical struggle. The vast majority of its people identify as "Solfaran Satanists," adhering to a unique and literal form of Satanism. Among these beliefs, some anticipate ruling alongside Satan in hell, while others hold that Satan took over Earth after defeating God during the rapture. According to this view, the deceased flourish under Lucifer's rule on Earth, which has become a dominion of freedom and prosperity under Satan’s guidance. They believe Satan (Lucifer) to be a deity, not a force of evil but one of good—a champion of free will and liberty for all sentient life. A dominant and very popular interpretation within Solfara’s religious communities (including Satanists, Christians, and Muslims) posits that Earth experienced a rapture-like event, leaving Solfara stranded without communication with the rest of humanity or its former colonies.

Before its independence, the region now known as New Gehenna was occupied by Thelenia to the north and Valoria (now Ostravya) to the south. These occupying powers exploited its resources and suppressed its cultural identity, fostering resentment among the local population.

The turning point came during Sylvorrenia’s revolution for independence. Inspired by their neighbor’s struggle, New Gehenna’s own revolution began as a coalition of liberal revolutionaries and anti-colonial militias. Initially united under a shared vision of independence and liberty, this coalition soon fractured. An anti-foreigner militia rose to prominence, promoting a heavily theocratic ideology that emphasized New Gehenna’s divine right to self-rule and territorial expansion. This faction sidelined the liberal revolutionaries and became the dominant force in the newly formed government.

Upon gaining independence, New Gehenna established itself as an authoritarian theocracy under the rule of an Emperor/Empress, who is both the head of state and the highest religious authority. The nation’s identity became deeply tied to its theocratic imperialist ambitions, seeking to expand its influence across the region. Despite its authoritarian nature, New Gehenna’s leadership successfully unified the nation under a shared cultural and religious identity, positioning itself as a formidable regional power.

Part 2: The Rise of Sylvorrenia

Sylvorrenia’s journey to independence was marked by resilience and a commitment to preserving its cultural identity. For decades, Sylvorrenia was divided and occupied by Thelenia and Valoria, who sought to assimilate its people into their respective cultures. However, Sylvorrenians maintained their traditions and values, resisting these attempts at erasure.

The Sylvorrenian revolution was a coordinated effort driven by the ideals of liberty and self-determination. Unlike New Gehenna, Sylvorrenia’s revolutionaries emphasized a secular and libertarian vision for the nation. The rebellion culminated in the establishment of the Duchy of Sylvorrenia, a Libertarian Monarchy under a constitution that guaranteed personal freedoms and libertarian governance. The monarchy, while hereditary, operates within strict constitutional limits, ensuring a balance of power between the monarch, the Royal Cabinet, and the judicial branch.

Sylvorrenia’s government is centralized, ensuring a cohesive and efficient administration. While the nation is capable of standing on its own to defend its interests, it finds the Sons of Mars alliance useful for achieving certain end goals that require international cooperation. The vast majority of Sylvorrenians identify as atheists, rejecting religious explanations for Solfara’s isolation from Earth and its former colonies. Instead, they attribute this phenomenon to rational events such as war, political turmoil, or technological failure.

Sylvorrenia’s economic system is heavily laissez-faire, a principle protected by its constitution. The nation’s economy thrives on a large and successful lumber industry, an arms manufacturing sector, and a growing construction sector. Smaller but still significant industries include fishing, natural gas and mineral excavation, and tourism. Sylvorrenia’s companies, though not bound by environmental regulations, often employ environmentally friendly practices due to their cost-effectiveness. This approach reflects a balance between industrial success and environmental sustainability.

Sylvorrenia’s post-independence focus on individual autonomy, human progress, and communal bonds has made it a unique and stable nation in the region. Despite its militaristic tendencies, Sylvorrenia remains largely peaceful. Its culture, characterized by logical, science-driven perspectives and sentimentalism, contrasts sharply with the theocratic and imperialist ideology of New Gehenna.

Part 3: A Relationship Defined by Tension

The relationship between Sylvorrenia and New Gehenna has been fraught with conflict and mistrust since their respective revolutions. Initially allies against common colonial oppressors, their partnership unraveled as New Gehenna’s anti-foreigner militia broke ties with the Sylvorrenian Libertarian Front, initiating deadly skirmishes. These early conflicts set the stage for decades of tension.

A significant factor in their poor relations is the stark contrast in their religious aspirations and cultural identities. New Gehenna’s theocratic and Satanist ideology clashes with Sylvorrenia’s predominantly atheist population, which embraces a rational, secular worldview. This ideological divide fuels mistrust and hostility, complicating efforts at diplomacy.

Geographically, both nations share heavily forested and semi-mountainous terrain. Sylvorrenia’s coastline lies to the north and southwest, while New Gehenna is nearly encircled by coastlines, except along its eastern border with Sylvorrenia. These rocky shorelines shape their respective economies and settlements. Sylvorrenia’s laissez-faire economy starkly contrasts with New Gehenna’s state-controlled socialist economy, where all industries and means of production are regulated and planned by the government. Unlike Sylvorrenia, which thrives on exports and diverse industries, New Gehenna lacks private enterprise and maintains no significant exports or imports, focusing instead on internal resource allocation.

New Gehenna’s territorial claims over western Sylvorrenia remain a significant point of contention. Citing the presence of a New Gehennan minority in the region, New Gehenna has repeatedly asserted its right to these territories. Sylvorrenia, however, strongly contests these claims, emphasizing that the region is predominantly Sylvorrenian in culture and demographics. These disputes have led to periodic skirmishes and diplomatic standoffs, further souring relations.

Despite these tensions, the two nations have avoided full-scale war, partly due to Sylvorrenia’s alliances and its emphasis on diplomatic solutions. However, New Gehenna’s imperial ambitions and authoritarian policies continue to pose a threat to regional stability. Sylvorrenia’s strategy of balancing military preparedness with international cooperation contrasts sharply with New Gehenna’s aggressive posturing, creating a delicate and volatile equilibrium.

As these two nations navigate their intertwined histories and uncertain futures, their relationship remains a critical factor in the geopolitics of the region. The stark ideological divide between Sylvorrenia’s libertarian principles and New Gehenna’s theocratic authoritarianism underscores the challenges of achieving lasting peace and cooperation.