The Ulgravian Diaspora

The nation of Ulgrav holds the distinction of sharing a border with every country on the planet, as the country's territory is technically the entire atmosphere. They say of themselves that they took to the sky to embrace the flame of adventure, but scholarly consensus is that they were actually just fleeing the passive-aggression of neighboring Lepazzia. (If possible, don't let Dr. Hanson see this.)

Ulgrav's role in contemporary geopolitics is a somewhat precarious one. The sky has precious few resources beyond sunlight, water vapor, and the occasional bird. Consequently, Ulgrav is entirely dependent upon their trade allies (primarily Flandre and the Compass Republic) for essentials like oil and raw materials. At the same time, their control of airspace is nearly absolute. The last country to challenge them directly was the Theocracy of Rime in AES 947, and nearly fifty years later they're still a collection of subsistence farmers after what the Ulgravians did to them. So of course no country really feels safe when zeppelins are in their airspace, but no one wants to make a fuss of it either.

The unique situation of the Ulgravian Diaspora has also put them in a complicated position with respect to the Disarrangement Act. Years of being cramped up on zeppelins and feeling like their homeland was taken from them has pushed the diaspora's general mood into bitterness and resentment. Indeed, in meetings of the Disputatious Assembly of Sovereigns, the Ulgravian Sovereign can't help but let some of that bitterness slip inner his own manner. So Ulgrav desperately wants the Act to pass so that they can get, in the words of my esteemed colleague Dr. Hanson, "some fucking land." At the same time, the continued existence of their zeppelin fleet depends on oil trade with Flandre, which is highly motivated to prevent the Act from passing. Even a brief review of the historical record will suffice to communicate that Flandre is, bar none, the worst country on the planet to double-cross. Thus, Ulgrav has wisely chosen to speak against the Act for the time being.

Culturally, the Ulgravians are of course known for their barely repressed rage, but they also possess strong communal values. This is likely a result of selection pressures, as anyone found guilty of egregious acts against the community is typically thrown off the airship. Cultural critics sometimes observe that this practice is similar to their recreational activity called windstriding, wherein someone is thrown off the airship, except with a rope tied around them. These critics typically suggest that both customs reflect their deep-seated need to escape their exile and return to their homeland. However, as a memetosociologist, I would note that these critics are usually Ulgravians, and this analysis just serves to reinforce the country's standard propaganda line. I would further note that there is really not that much to do onboard an airship, and they are probably all just bored.

It certainly seems that Flandre is aware of the potential for betrayal from Ulgrav. At a meeting of the Assembly yesterday, I watched High Exarch Minor Ironheart stroll across the Chamber of Sovereigns, whisper in the Ulgravian Sovereign's ear, then slam a knife through his desk before walking away. The message seemed to be, "If you cross us and fail, you'd better hope you have a contingency plan." Knowing you're in the crosshairs of the most paranoid nation on the planet is a good motivator to try your luck in other directions.

Citations: High Exarch Minor Seraphi Ironheart

Guess what, Pierce? I saw it. Fuck you.

As far as "other directions" are concerned, I happen to know that the Sovereign received a diplomatic party from the germs the other week. Flandre aside, their tech is the best on offer right now, with the poooossible exception of the Panark Fleet. We're nominally allied with the Fleet, but one reason to pick the Vigotskians over the Fleet is if you're trying to look for alternate energy sources—the boatfuckers oppose the Act and they're mortal enemies with the Hegemony, so they've never had as much of an incentive to pursue that line of research.

If the Sovereign can land some kind of research deal and reduce our dependence on Flandrean oil, we might see some changes in the alliance. At the very least, it'll be less of a headlock for us.

Citations: The Contagious Republic of Paul Vigotski / The Hegemony of Whales / The Panark Fleet

I think it's adorable that the Ulgravians name their airships after famous horses from their days as marauders of the plains. It's a good way for them to keep in touch with their roots.