Spotlight on:

“IN GOD WE TRUST”

The Republic of Martaz is a massive, economically powerful nation, notable for its barren, inhospitable landscape. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, cynical population of 1.14 billion are ruled with an iron fist by the corrupt, dictatorship government, which oppresses anyone who isn't on the board of a Fortune 500 company. Large corporations tend to be above the law, and use their financial clout to gain ever-increasing government benefits at the expense of the poor and unemployed.

There is no government in the normal sense of the word; however, a small group of community-minded, moralistic individuals juggles the competing demands of Religion & Spirituality, Law & Order, and Defence. Income tax is unheard of. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, followed by Uranium Mining and Automobile Manufacturing.

Rumor has it that the government was paid off by the mob to allow casinos to reopen, it's a common sight to see angry commuters with grenade launchers mounted on their vehicles, a major religion has been named as Martaz's national religion, and elections have recently been reintroduced to Martaz. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is relatively low, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Martaz's national animal is the Shield, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation, its national religion is a major religion, and its currency is the Shield.

Martaz is ranked 523rd in the region and 5,365th in the world for Largest Arms Manufacturing Sector.