FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The Commonwealth of Independent Canine States

Information Sheet

Also known as: The Canine Commonwealth, CICS, The Canine States

Motto: In Hund vertrauen wir (In Dog we trust)

Capital: St. Bernard, South Canifornia

Largest City: Port Angels, South Canifornia

Official Language: Wolfish, (English) Latranian (Spanish)

Government: Federal constitutional republic Head of state: Supreme Alpha of the Commonwealth

Cabinet: Various heads of government ministries.

Legislature: Parliament.

Area: 1,353,876 sq mi

Population: (Estimate) 100,400,000

The Commonwealth of Independent States is a fictional federal union modeled after the western half of the United States of America. The land is divided up into 5 independently governed provinces or states. As its name suggests, the commonwealth is populated by anthropomorphic canines, with the most prevalent being the domestic dog, at roughly 40% of the population, followed by Lupines at 30%, Coyotes at 20%. Foxes, hyenas and others make up the remainder.

Due to its very unique nature, it is impossible to classify, however it can be most related to a federation of independent self governing states overseen by a central government. Each of the Canine States has its own Supreme Alpha who is generally elected by a democratic vote. (Although there is speculation to the validity of election results in some states), however the autonomous status of the states is largely subject to the sufferance of the central government and may be revoked by the Supreme Alpha of the Commonwealth at any time.

However the Canine Commonwealth is more than just a loose collection of independent states. Its component states posses no powers in relation to foreign policy and are not recognized under international law.

Under the CICS constitution, each state is responsible for maintaining its own military force and is required to make available those military resources in times of war/national emergency. And while the constitution explicitly states that each member state's military must respect the sovereignty of the others, it is permissible to render military assistance if requested by that state. The provinces of Cascadia, Yellowstone, also formed a military alliance known as the Lupine Federation, although this alliance is more symbolic, as its members share a common ancestry, it is not a legitimately recognized alliance.

Member states: South Canifornia- The CICS most populated and most species diverse state, known for its sandy beaches and mild climate. Home of the capital city of St. Bernard. North Canifornia- The Northern region of Canifornia is sparsely populated, save for the City of St. Francis. Known for its picturesque bay area, this state has a more prominent lupine population than the south, but it still very diverse, especially in the cities.

Cascadia- If you like rain, pine forests, and overpriced coffee, Cascadia is the place for you. This wolf-dominated province is the cornerstone of the Canine defense industry, home to Verdant Aircraft Industries and several high tech businesses. A word of caution- Cascadia is governed and ran by a very strict Lupine behavioral code. It is suggested that tourists dress conservatively, and in no circumstances engage in behavior that could be viewed as threatening or challenging authority.

Yellowstone- Home of the natural majesty and beauty that is Yellowstone Park, This state is perfect for the nature lover. There's always something to do here, whether its fishing, hunting, or just enjoying the sights and sounds of nature; You'll get in touch with your wild side here. Yellowstone is a Lupine governed state, and lupines make up a majority of its residents.

Navajo- Whether you're experiencing the natural wonder that is the Grand Canyon, or trying your luck in Basin City, you'll find its hard to see everything in Navajo on your first trip. The majority of the residents here are Latranian, and speak their native tongue as well as Wolfish. One of the largest provinces by land area, Navajo and its inhabitants have endured several invasions throughout its history, form both the wolves to the north, and their fellow coyotes from the east. Due to frigid relations between Navajo and the Lupine Federation, visitors to the northern areas of the state should expect to encounter Navajo Self Defense Forces at regular intervals. Neighboring Nations. The Republic of Tehas- Lies on the Eastern Border of Navajo. This Latranian Republic was a former member of the Commonwealth until a coup in 1949, when a fascist regime seized power. Since then Tehas has become more and more isolated and increasingly boisterous. Then in 1975, Tehas invaded Navajo in an attempt to "liberate" their fellow coyotes. This invasion was repelled soon after. Today, the Tehasians consider coyotes from Navajo to be "puppets of their wolf masters", but relations are improving between the two.

The Democratic Republic of Santa Maria- This country spans the entirety of the southern border of the Commonwealth. This mixed race nation enjoys friendly relations with the CICS

The Kingdom of Canid- Very little is known about this reclusive Lupine Nation, save for the ruling family has been in power for over 300 years. Attempts to establish an embassy here have failed, as the king insists on keeping his land free of decadent foreign influence.

The Dakota Plains.- This large swath of land on the eastern border was set aside for the myriad of feral peoples. Here, very little civilization exists, and the primitive ways of tooth and claw still apply.

The People: Valencians (dogs)- The largest component of CICS population. Valencians are found in every corner and in all breeds. There are two sub-classes of dog, pure and mixed. In order to qualify as a Pure, both parents must be of the same pure breed. Everyone else, including pups with a lupine or latranian parent are classified as mixed.

Lupines- Quite possibly the luckiest race a pup can be born into. Wolves tend to stick to their ancestral homeland of Cascadia and Yellowstone, but can be found everywhere. Lupines are looked up to by a vast majority of canines, and even the coyotes show them a degree of reverence. (Though due to their past history, they would never admit it)

Latranians- One of the proudest and most enduring of all Canines, the coyotes have persevered through the most trying of circumstances. Historically, Latranians once served as slaves to the Lupines, and won their independence after a long and bloody civil war. Coyotes in the northern lands were forced to the desert areas to the south and established their own nation. Today, the trend of racism towards coyotes still continues, and an underground slavery business is rumored to exist in parts of Cascadia.

Vulpines- Foxes make up a small percentage of Canine population, concentrated primarily in South Canifornia.

The Others- Other canines found in the CICS include hyenas, maned wolves, jackals and the like.