State of Gaoling

The State of Gaoling is an autonomous, self-governing territory that controls an large area in the southern Earth Kingdom. Its capital is the town of Gaoling. The state archived de facto independence after 171 AG, and was chose as the first Earth Kingdom territory to hold democratic elections three years later.

History


When Earth Queen Hou-Ting was killed by the Red Lotus in 171 AG, the Earth Kingdom fractured into several indepedent states, one of which was centered at Gaoling. Sometime before 174 AG, Gaoling was annexed by Kuvira, and became part of her self-declared Earth Empire. She subsequently set up a re-education camp in Gaoling state to carry out experiments, under the supervision of Commander Guan and Doctor Sheng, to rehabilitate unreliable soldiers and turn them into troops fit to serve the Earth Empire. Kuvira surrendered following her failed attempt to annex the United Republic of Nations in 174 AG, and subsequently ordered all of her troops to stand down. Commander Guan refused to lay down arms, and decided to use his forces at Gaoling to eventually restore the Earth Empire. As the Earth Kingdom military remained weak, it was unable to force Guan into compliance. Nevertheless, the Earth Empire loyalists at least refrained from resuming hostilities, allowing Gaoling's former Earth Kingdom Chief Magistrates Ling and Bak to regain power in the state.

Following King Wu's decision to abolish the Earth Kingdom monarchy, Gaoling was selected to be the location of the first elections to appoint new leaders of the Earth Kingdom states. Ling and Bak were the first ones to become candidates for the governorship of Gaoling, representing the old order, while Commander Guan also entered the election as representative of those wishing to restore the Earth Empire.

Gaoling
The eponymous capital of Gaoling state is located in a mountainous valley.

Earth Empire re-education camp
The re-education camp was set up in the mountains close to Gaoling town. Protected by a metal wall, it hosts barracks, laboratories, and training grounds.