The tensions themselves are about what you'd expect: those that have the most military and technological strength want more everything, and although they haven't gone to war over anything there's the implication that it'll get there when they think they'll win. Add in that the power structure is changing - Tias doesn't have the sway it used to, Netheris is getting stronger, etc. - and you've got a volatile situation that most people are trying not to set off.
As for governments, Netheris is changing into more of an imperialistic state, what with the appearance of their latest Chancellor. The old royal family still holds a fair amount of sway, but they're losing a lot of influence to the side backing him.
Karnv is ruled by a governing council, with new members elected every 10 years. Their stance is basically to let whatever happen happen, and then use their position as the metalworking hub to sell their stuff to everyone else while remaining out of the conflict.
As has been stated Halai is essentially screwed if any war were to happen on their doorstep, and so they've recently decided to ally themselves with Netheris. While their ruler, whose term is basically the same as a President from the current-day USA except with 5-year terms instead of 4, is still in charge, he has basically been forced to be working closely with Netheris on a lot of recent matters.
You're wrong in states not being actively ruled by the church, since that's exactly what Tias is. The Pope is essentially the country's ruler, although the Council of the Goddess - a group of fifteen of the highest-ranking officials in the church - do more of the actual delegation. Their policy is the same as it has always been: remain neutral and act as arbitrators, although there's many that are starting to question if this can still work.
Done in by the dubious doings of destiny.
10-Oct-2018 15:31:03
