The Fifth Era


Although their abomination of the Treaty was evident, many Samchorageans also held a wide variety of negative emotions, ranging from strong dislike to intense hatred, of all nations that had participated in the Zeradit War. However, Samchoragean anger extended to Rattanjeetland, the only remaining major power in the Confederacy. During the Zeradit War, the Ethnarch had declared neutrality, prompting Samchorageans to accuse Rattanjeetland of abandoning its ally and their time of need. Combined with the devastating loss in the conflict, Samchorage was sent into a period of deep introspection.

At 10:01 PM on August 20, 2001, the President announced his nation would leave the Phoenix Confederacy and become a "neutral nation oriented towards peace". The development was greeted cooly by the Ethnarch of Rattanjeetland but no resistance was incurred. The Ethnarch's passive approval formally ratified the departure since the rest of the Confederate political apparatus laid in ruins.

Samchorage's departure coincided with the formal final ratification of the Consulplatz Treaty, which finally brought the Zeradit War to an end. A Marcusburg-mediated breakthrough overrode an impasse reached by the Lindsholm and Rattanjeetland delegates in the negotiations. Historians agree that the announcement marked the end of an age. With the departure from the Confederacy, Samchorage itself entered the so-called ‘Fifth Era’. Internationally, however, the development marked the beginning of the process in which the Mapp would slowly regain multipolarity.

Traditional Samchorage lands, including the former Triplex Protectorate, were restored, along with the majority of the New Hope provinces. However, the sprawling suburb of Metropolis was partitioned between Lindsholm and Denisia while the main Terra Nova colony was split between Gorditas and Wendorra la Vella. As well, although Rattanjeetland was denied any claim to New Hope, Marcusburg received a narrow corridor of land in New Hope North, connecting Colonius Province with Tiberius. Remaining territorial changes were the same as that in the Consulplatz Treaty draft.

Other terms in the Treaty included the transfer of Kamogradian funds in lump sums to Rattanjeetland and the Platinum Nexus, with the remainder destined for Samchorage. In addition, all surrendered Confederate powers from the Zeradit War became Rattanjeetland protectorates. As well, the first modification to the Riksholm Treaty appeared, as Confederate nations could be bestowed “Most Favored Riksholm Status”, which was a loosening of the restrictions in that Treaty.