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Gotska Sandon

Gotska Sandön (Sweden) 1:1 Scale

(high-resources) Version: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2388053078

History (Lore):
Gotska Sandön saw only minor development as it was occasionally inhabited throughout the centuries, this would all change however during the Russian revolution of 1918-1921. During this time communists seeking to flee the carnage would move to the forgotten island and integrate with its small native population. As more refugees arrived the natives became the minority thus so did the ideological spectrum of the island. Eventually, with the war over and Lenin founding the USSR. National pride and sentiment swept across the island leading the overwhelming majority to formally break away from the Gotland authority and form a socialist republic.

Not wanting to cede the island, Swedish naval forces quickly established a blockade of the island seizing any ship incoming or outgoing from it. Putting a halt to any form of outside contact and fishing activity to keep the cession attempt a secret. As the weeks passed the expected surrender of the island had not yet come to fruition. Upset with the situation, the navy began to harass the island by blasting the sound of ship horns and cannon fire nightly. In retaliation, the lighthouse to the island was turned off at night rendering the island completely invisible. This forced the destroyer that patroled the island to back off a considerable distance, opening a gap in the blockade when it was night. Skiffs would then exploit the gap in the cover of night to load up on supplies in Gotland and return by dawn.

Realizing the danger the unlit lighthouse imposed on shipping routes. The order came in to quote; "Deal with Gotska Sandön using any means necessary." With the island no longer considered a secret by high command, the plan to shell the village of Fyrbyn; followed by a landing in Hamnudden was quickly thought up. The operation wouldn't be scheduled until a month later, however. Once the defenders proved to be an insignificance force.

By this time the USSR was fully aware of the situation through sympathizers in Gotland. Which was planning on how to best guarantee the island due to its highly strategic location. With supplies running low and fearing a violent invasion was imminent. The General Secretary of Gotska Sandön concluded that the best situation for the safety of the islands inhabitants would be to give up their autonomy and reintegrate. This prompted the Soviets to act quickly by sending an immediate relief force. The Swedish navy backed down, fearing an escalation of the situation. However, still attempted to block any shipments to the island by means of quick maneuvering. Which was more than often met with success since the island lacked a port.

With the autonomy of the island still in jeopardy. The USSR formally announced the recognition and protection of the island republic on August 2nd, 1924. Not wanting a war, Sweden reluctantly granted Gotska Sandön its independence the same night. On the condition that the island cannot station or allow passage of any foreign armed forces on their soil. The terms were deemed reasonable by all parties, and economic aid was granted. In the following years, the aid was used in the expansion of roads and housing on the island. Additionally, to show support to the USSR, a copper statue of Lenin was erected in Fyrbyn. Including a monument commemorating the spot of the first Soviet aid ship landing. Despite the founding of a new nation, Gotska Sandön inevitably would slip once again into obscurity and became largely ignored.

Ignored until the recent discovery of a large clump of iron near Slyngdynen. Prospectors and geologists were invited to the island which discovered an adequate amount of various untapped natural resources. Intrigued by the potential trade opportunity, both the Soviets and western countries granted funding in attempts of cozying up to a cheap trade deal.

Now the new General Secretary of the Gotska Sandön. It is up to you and the will of the people to decide the future of the island.