During the 20th century, the Qing Dynasty experienced gradual decline due to poor administration and external influence. Eventually, these issues culminated in the assassination of the final Qing ruler by a pro-democracy faction. Amidst ensuing turmoil, fragmented warlords and groups vied for control until the Lu dynasty, guardians of dragon temples in Hunan commissioned by the Dragon King, rose to prominence through the backing of the Dragon Council – mystical beings imbued with divine power. Their success brought about renewed imperial authority across China.

As a rising superpower, China holds significant sway globally yet grapples with managing rapid population growth and ensuring domestic stability. Boasting advanced military technology like the Lung Guard and enjoying divine protection from the revered dragons, China continues to solidify its position among the foremost nations shaping international affairs. Nevertheless, the empire faces challenges related to addressing public welfare concerns alongside geopolitical pursuits.

Based on Lung, monarchial china

Columbia, officially called the Republic of Columbia, is a federation arising from the merger of thirteen Victorian colonies in North America. Recognized as a major power, Columbia takes the lead in both economic and military might worldwide. Heading the Organization of American States and contributing significantly to numerous global entities like the United Nations, Columbia wields considerable influence on the global stage.

Following Victoria and colonists' surrender in the Seven Years War, the Victorians ceded complete control of Victorian North America to the French. A clandestine edict reached distinguished colonial leaders within those territories, pledging self-governance and guaranteeing future financial, political, and military aid upon insurgency declaration. Emerging after severing ties with France in 1776, Columbia fought tenaciously during an eight-year battle before wrestling control away from the French. Maintaining neutrality for centuries thereafter, Columbia expanded exponentially during the Coalition Wars and the World War via lucrative trade deals with Britain and France. Post-conflict, the nation embraced swift expansion of political and military prowess, securing its role as a formidable world power.

Progress and revenue define Columbia's ethos, sometimes overshadowing core principles of freedom and liberty in favor of wealth and technological advancement. Although magically disinclined or lacking in supernatural elements, Columbian ingenuity compensates considerably in driving humanity towards the future.

Based on Columbia, Rhine Labs, isolationist America

Russia, also known as the Russia Empire, is the world's largest country by land area and is renowned as a military titan and commands respect among the world's top superpowers, exercising its reach from the Kremlin.

In the wake of the French Empire's demise during the War of the Seventh Coalition, Russia felt as the Victorians attempt to contain European power dynamics was them failing to acknowledge Russia's substantial contributions to defeating France—a move that was met with disgust by Russians expecting further rewards and compensation. Consequently, Russia embarked on extensive modernization efforts, witnessing the emergence of the Arm of Russia, a jingoistic campaign advocating territorial extension covering lands inhabited by fellow Slavic peoples under the banner of Slavic unity.

Provoked by a border dispute involving the Polish Confederation—rival contenders for championing Slavic protection—Russia rapidly mobilized superior forces including the legendary Romanov's Blades. Overrunning vast swathes of continental Europe, the offensive momentum proved unsustainable as the front lines grew larger and forces were spread thin, ultimately compelling Russia to sign a peace pact restoring pre-war boundaries between itself and major European players.

Presently, the Russian Empire possesses the globe's strongest armed forces, unafraid to assert pressure on neighboring countries to achieve desired outcomes. Though diminishing somewhat since the earlier conflict, its pervasive international espionage network persists, keeping countless secrets concealed worldwide.

Based on Ursus

Victoria, formally known as the Empire of Victoria, consists of the islands of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and smaller surrounding landmasses. Governed under the Westminster System, Victoria serves as the hub of the Commonwealth of Nations, holding a global empire of distant territories.

Embarrassment inflicted on Victoria in the Seven Years War triggered a devastating civil war between two prominent noble houses, resulting in the exile of the esteemed House of Wyvernia and ushering in the era of the House of Leo. During the reign of the latter, Victoria played a crucial part in directing and controlling Europe through multiple coalition conflicts opposing the French. Following the War of the Fifth Coalition's Peace with Honor treaty, where Victoria lost to its traditional adversary, intervention by Kractero alone saved the House of Leo from losing the throne to yet another popular revolt. Eventually, Victoria was able to redeem itself in the War of the Seventh Coalition, where the resolute Victorian Navy claimed total victory over the French navy during Battle of the Bay of Biscay, leading to the war's conclusion. Victoria orchestrated the post-war treaty and focused its efforts on punishing France, seizing its overseas territories and establishing occupation along the northern shoreline. Wyvernian restorationists, in exile in Ireland, would lead a short but intense civil conflict erupted in Victoria during the late 20th century, undermining faith in established institutions.

Expansionism defines Victoria, reluctant to release its far-flung territories, even amidst external calls for divestiture. Former colonies continue to lean heavily on Victorian investments and military assistance, perpetuating dependency and stalling widespread moves towards independence.

Based on Victoria

Germany, or the German Empire, is a European nation and a key influencer on the continent, celebrated for harnessing the greatest concentration of potent human mages globally.

Historically, acting as Prussia, Germany contributed crucially to the European resistance against French aggression, though compelled into temporary allegiances subsequent to the Four and Five Coalitions' battles. Upon Victoria's request, Germany was assigned jurisdiction over segments of France for reconnaissance purposes and awarded select French colonies abroad. Weakened leadership allowed Germany to languish militarily, enabling the Russians to exploit this vulnerability during the German's move to aid the Polish Confederation in conflict. Miraculously defending Berlin's gates for months, German forces repulsed Russian advances until the Victorians negotiated a truce. Grateful recognition followed for Germany's vital role in the war.

Despite not experiencing abundant manifestations of innate magic, Germany flourishes academically thanks to the prestigious Ministry — the worldwide institution for magic which is based out of Munich. Thus, Germany excels in producing the finest educational programs in magic available anywhere in the world.

France, known formally as the Protectorate of France, constitutes a nation in Western Europe, a shadow of the former all-powerful French Empire. Governed by the Protectors, this regime aims to resurrect French patriotism and tradition, fueling aspirations of retribution.

European dominance eluded France as it suffered catastrophic defeat in the War of the Seventh Coalition perpetrated by a coalition of European forces. Ensuing negotiations, driven particularly by a vengefu Victoria, resulted in severe consequences imposed on France—the seizure of overseas territories, a complete ban on colonial ambitions, hostile foreign occupation, and military surveillance. Although most French soil was eventually returned to French jurisdiction, the resulting shame triggered the demise of the restored Bourbon dynasty, as well as ending any republican dreams and paving the way for the ascension of the far-right Protectors. During the World War, France refrained from direct involvement.

Amid present international tranquility, France poses a substantial challenge alongside Russia, threatening fragile world order. Militarily inferior, France nonetheless enjoys a flourishing cultural resurgence in spite of the deliberate attempts to suppress and eradicate French culture conducted by past oppressors. Fervently aspiring to restore lost prestige, France seeks to regain stature on the global stage.

The Kingdom of Portugal, a monarchy situated on the Iberian Peninsula adjacent to Spain, is considered one of Europe's renowned ancient realms and a trusted ally of Victoria. During the Coalition Wars against France, Portugal was absorbed into the Second Iberian Union for roughly seven centuries, giving birth to a generation shaped by either Spanish occupation or experiences in Brazil. The conclusion of the War of the Seventh Coalition facilitated the Portuguese monarchy's homecoming, accompanied by war reparations from Spain until the 1980s. Rooted in shared history, the Victorian-Luso Trade Agreement exists today, serving as one of the world's essential economic zones.

Moreover, Portugal actively engages in exploring seafloor cartography and naval engineering, assuming a leadership role in confronting the abyssal threat alongside partner nations. By corrupting coastal settlements and parasitically gaining control over other species, Abyssals pose a risk to global security. Initially discovered by Spain, encounters with Abyssals inflicted significant damage, necessitating collaborative efforts to contain this ongoing hazard.

The Empire of Brazil, a monarchy located in South America, boasts the continents' paramount economy, military strength, and sprawling landscapes. Exerting decisive influence on regional matters, Brazil carries significant clout on the international stage whilst remaining intertwined with Portugal through dynastic bonds under the ruling House of Loures.

Originally established as a Portuguese colony, Brazil achieved equivalent standing during the royal family's refuge abroad. Continuing under the direct auspices of the House of Loures until the War of the Seventh Coalition, the thriving connection to the ruling lineage sustained interest among certain family members to remain, specifically the then heir apparent, Prince Luis. Declaring independence post-war, Brazil preserved familial relationships with Portugal even as it matured into a dominant entity in South America. Nowadays, Brazil serves as a stabilizing force amidst regional turbulence, vigilantly defending peace against aggressive elements.

Bharat, a federation of South Asian states, exhibits a decentralized governance framework complicated by deep-seated regional suspicions. Historically, Bharat has grappled with foreign meddling, cultural plurality, and internal discord, yielding a tapestry of conflicting identities and commitments. Neighborhood tensions add another layer to Bharat's troubles. Disputed borders, historical wounds, and competing interests create animosity, occasionally sparking conflicts and diplomatic deadlocks.

Historically, Victoria retained colonial control over segments of Bharat, echoing patterns observed during actual historical events. The legacy of imperial domination feeds into prevailing identity crises, impediments to meaningful assimilation, and cross-border conflicts. Balancing regional differences and mitigating external impacts presents a challenging task for Bharat's decision-makers. Continual Victorian intervention in the economy and politics only compounds existing frictions. Economically, Bharat displays a broad array of development stages, with selected regions displaying brisk momentum whereas others suffer from lasting scarcity and backwardness.

The Union of Indochina, composed of three states, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, is a Southeastern Asian federation. These states share a French colonial legacy, but internal divides weaken the union. Vietnamese political dominance creates tension among member states, undermining collective governance and decision-making processes.

Historically, these nations operated independently under different French colonial administrations. After the War of the Seventh Coalition, they came under brief Victorian control before obtaining independence. The continued maintenance of the French Indochinese apparatus led to federation, which seemed advantageous due to its ability to better unite against aggressive actions from nearby Thailand. Cultural rivalries and spats over political dominance continue to divide the nation's politics.

Thai independence in the face of European colonialism was earmarked by its ability to play powers against each other, but also by its willingness to grant territorial concessions. Eventually, these territorial concessions became known as a national embarrassment and stain on pride, allowing nationalist politicians to employ populist rhetoric to galvanize mass appeal by emphasizing a vision of a glorious past.

After being split from Indian administration and eventually being given independence, Burma continues a close relationship with Victoria, particularly in security and intelligence, as it aims to secure its border and people against Thailand.

Following the collapse of the Dutch East Indies, Indonesian nationalists declared the Republic of Indonesia out of the newly named Jakarta. However, the movement failed to gain much regional recognition, as other states also rose from the ashes, including the Sultanate of Aceh, the Sultanate of Sulawesi, among others. The new Indonesian nation state would eventually wage wars to bring them into the new nation, which only served to sour relations, especially among its neighbors. Geopolitically, Indonesia navigates a Southeast Asia shaped by border disputes, colonial grievances, and competing interests. Due to their revanchism, Indonesia finds itself isolated regionally, and finds itself in an economic cold war with the Rajahdom of Sarawak and the Republic of New Guinea.

Indonesia, its preeminent regional rival, actively seeks to undermine New Guinea's sovereignty and stability. Despite this, New Guinea asserts itself as the foremost economic power in the region, leveraging its ties with Europe and the West to bolster its economic prosperity and stability.

Regional tensions dominate the national concerns. Chief among these concerns are the neighboring giants of Indonesia and Thailand, each posing distinct challenges to Malaysia's security and stability. Indonesia's vast territorial ambitions and assertive posturing in regional affairs cast a shadow of uncertainty over Malaysia, with simmering tensions and territorial disputes threatening to escalate into conflicts. Similarly, Thailand also maintains claims on Malaysian land. Amidst these challenges, Malaysia actively cultivates alliances and partnerships with regional powers, such as the Empire of China and the Empire of Japan.

As one of the world's leading oil producers, Persia holds considerable influence in global energy markets, wielding its economic clout to secure strategic partnerships and alliances. However, its relationship with the neighboring Hashemite Arabia is characterized by a degree of frostiness, stemming from historical tensions and competing interests in the region.

With a shared history of colonial rule under Victorian influence, the UAE maintains cordial relations with neighboring Oman as well as Hashemite Arabia, fostering cooperation in various fields, including trade, security, and cultural exchange.

In the events leading to the World War, a disagreement over who was the primary sponsor of a noble wedding in Yugoslavia triggered a small military exchange along the Russian and Polish border, which would eventually escalate into a full-scale regional war. This war would bring in the rest of Europe. The Poles, who had not fought a war against a major power in many years, were quickly routed and pushed back, even as German assistance arrived. Eventually, Polish troops were able to make small, incremental gains as the Russians found themselves stretched on too many fronts.

Rooted in deeply held values of honor, chivalry, and tradition, the Polish Confederation maintains a romanticized view of medieval customs and practices, with ideals of knighthood, duels, and feudal honor pervading its societal fabric. However, Poland has one of the most capitalistic societies in the world, and this has consumed their traditionalist culture, with widely televised duels and dramatic conflicts between the nobility broadcast daily, which have become a source of entertainment for both domestic and international audiences. The process of modernization and industrialization has led to a stark divide between urban and rural populations, with the former embracing change and innovation while the latter cling to traditional ways of life. The Polish Confederation boasts a formidable military force, despite its relatively modest population and historical focus on tradition over warfare. Central to its military might is the legendary Hussar wing, renowned for its prowess and valor on the battlefield.

Slovakia seeks to strengthen its position by forging closer ties with the powerful German Empire.

The nation was hit hard during World War, with the sacking of Bucharest and collapse of central authority. Even with lack of central leadership, the Sanguinarchs were able to maintain control of their ancestral seats of power in the Carpathians and rumors hint at underground networks assisting refugees, allowing them to evade harm. Today, Romania is known for its widely acknowledged international contingents specializing in medicine and healing.

The nation is a staunch ally of Kractero and Victoria.

Spaniards pioneered extensive colonization efforts in the New World and grew into the inaugural true world superpower. Exploiting vast supplies acquired from afar, Spain prospered. After a political marriage, Spain united with Portugal during the Iberian Union. It is around the time of the marriage that the abyssals surfaced, and Spain would attempt to keep knowledge of this a secret. Spain's decline began after an Abyssal assault on Spanish forces being transported across the Atlantic to subdue South American revolts. Eventually, Spain aligned with the French in the War of the Seventh Coalition. In the suing peace, the Iberian Union was split, and independence was once granted to Portugal.

The waters surrounding Spain harbor a diverse array of abyssal creatures, a reminder of the nation's enduring struggle against the darkness that lurks beneath the waves. While no longer at the forefront of abyssal confrontations, Spain continues to navigate the challenges posed by these otherworldly entities, drawing upon centuries of seafaring tradition and camaraderie with neighboring nations like Portugal.

Greece finds itself caught in a precarious position, sandwiched between the aggressive members of the Turkish Confederation to the east and the ever-present threat of regional instability. Focused heavily on defense and security, the Greek government maintains a vigilant stance against potential threats, investing resources in bolstering its military capabilities and fortifying its borders.