[CHAR] The Dawn of Tomorrow's World(A Dieselpunk Nation Roleplay)

[eemmtt]

Nation's Name

Irodein Empire

Nation's History
The Irodiens started out as a small city state in the turbulent Vosta region. They existed as a small force in-till the first Emperor arrived according to their legends he conquered the region and several of the outlining area. A series of emperor’s expanded Irodein power and territory bring the empire to global power. But some RSI affiliated groups started to gain influence in the northeast part of the empire. Deming them a threat to imperial power in the region the army was mobilized into the region. The act of the army mobilizing sparked a region wide revolt. The imperial army spent 35 long years of fighting to bring the region back in line. After the battle of mount Varus he Imperial army manage to break the main RSI resistance and bring the region back in line. The empire has rebuild since them even though there still some pockets of resistance left to clear out the empire is eager to show there new military prowess.
Race

Sanfures ;

Description

Most sanfures they stand about 6'8 for males and 6'1 for females. Their bones are tougher have a more angular structure to them and their muscles system stronger due to the harsh condition on their homeland. They developed a bi-cardiovascular system (which means they have two hearts), as well as a higher metabolism, evolving larger lung compactly due to the mountainous terrain, there blade like front teeth and more rounder back teeth is believe to come from a past omnivorous habits, dark colored hair, and there one color eyes ranging from different shades of grays. They prefer colder climates but can tolerate warmer climates.

Form of Government
The sanfures are mostly under the rule of an imperial government lead by a powerful emperor advised by an imperial council the most powerful of them is usably the military advertisers called Governor-Militant. Territory is dived into provinces witch are ruled by Governors. Expansionistic and have a Machiavellian mindset using their military to intimidate or outright conquer there weaker neighbors. But are willing to form alliances with other nation if it can be beneficial for them.

Current Leader(s)
Emperor Axaium Uldra

Notable Figures

his son Theadrean, and Governor- Militant Tybal

Total Population

155,000 million Imperial citizen

Nation's Location:

[Location](http://i.imgur.com/zJhDWZa.png)

Nation's Geography:

A rugged and harsh land the empire calls home the more central areas of the empire is mountainous are similar to the are's on earth. Towards the out lying area it's falter and much more fertile land.

Economy:

The economy of the empire is a regulated market.The nation are main exports is materials such as as ores, coals, refined metals, salts, weapons, stone, and imperial onyx a rare black colored stone that is prized for its building quality. A recent creation of the empire is Fire steel a iron alloy which is as strong as steel but can with very high temperatures making it excellent for engines.

Technology Overview

Much of Irodien technology can be described as simple and rugged. Most of the empires technology progess has be shaped by the 35 year long civil war. In military tech is equal to that most of the other nations. But on the civilian front only mining and factory technology improved. Metallurgic research is one of the few areas that the empire is leading in. The biggest discovery in that field was the process for creating fire steel. With fire steel the empire could build more powerful engines.

Military Overview

Population

6.5% total 10,075,000

The Imperial army is the largest of the armed force of the empire. Its troops are organized into legions consisting of 250,000 soldiers lead by a general. Imperial tactics are a mixture of static trench warfare and fast moving blitz.

Army Overview; number; 7,045,000

[Penal battalion](http://imgur.com/SCTlb4O)

Criminal, scum, traitors, dissident, and psychopaths are is the best way to discrbe the men of a penal battalion. The men assigned to the battalion are usually poorly armed and supplied. Common use of them is cannon fodder to cover more value Imperial units.

[Imperial legionnaire](http://imgur.com/EceNCHe)

The common imperial solider armed with verity of weapons such as bolt action rifles, a specialize revolver, to sub machine guns. In addition there stander kit includes a shovel, combat knife, bedroll, rations, and other necessary. For heavier or anti-tank weapons two legionnaire are organized into a team to use the weapon. Imperial commissioned and not commissioned officer look very slimier to the men they lead as not to be signaled out and shot by a sharpshooter. An imperial legionnaire are well trained highly discipline soldiers.

[Imperial Commissars](http://imgur.com/tpx7eah)

To keep order and in the legion the commissariat office was formed. Give the authority to do what is necessary to keep order in the ranks. they are 1 part terrify, 1 part inspirational, and 1 part ruthless.

[Strike legionnaire](http://imgur.com/iaJbj6m)

The elite troopers of the Imperial legions these men are recruited from the army they go through some of the grueling training imaginable. The end result are highly dangerous killing machines, they also are given the latest in imperial weapons technology.

[Imperial Lt-43 light tank](http://imgur.com/SOMTEXL)

The smallest tank in the imperial army its main role is infantry support and reconnaissance. Its armed with a 45mm, it has a max speed of 75mph on road and 50 off-road its armor it's very thick

[Imperial MT-57b medium tank](http://imgur.com/mLaJ4lL)

The main battle tank of the empire, simple to drive and easy to build make it excellent to quickly mass produce. Armed 77mm and sloping 1.8 inch of armor it can reach a max speed of 65mph. Its main roll is a main battle tank is to gain ground and to support infantry.

[Imperial HT-21 heavy tank](http://imgur.com/eaVX42a)

Armed with duel 88mm cannons and 5.8 inches of sloped armored. Its made to engage enemy armor formation and to create break through in enemy lines. it has a top speed of 60mph on both road and off road with its fire steel engine.

[Imperial ST-22A super heavy tank](http://imgur.com/CTMavML)

The largest tank in the imperial arsenal its armed with a 5in gun and can reach a max speed of 50mph. It has the same role as a heavy tank but with the additional role of anchoring it self into defensive lines to provide extra fire power

[Imperial TD-33 tank destroyer](http://imgur.com/uDXnoBB)
Armed with a 90mm gun and able to reach a max speed of 42 mph. Its main role is to hunt down enemy armor.

[Imperial APC](http://imgur.com/EPlCzy6)

The main workhorse of the army it has different load out for different roles. It can hold up to 12 legionnaires and reach a top speed of 70mph. it can also tow artillery piece behind it.

[Imperial 10.5cm gun](http://imgur.com/f0akF8d)

The stander artillery piece of the imperial army it has a range of 11,675 yds. it can also be mounted on to a tank body to make it very mobile.

[Imperial 240mm howitzer](http://imgur.com/8TUjMn9)

One of the heaviest artillery piece in the empire meant for sieges or heavy bombardment it has a max range of 14.3 mi. It its mounted onto a mobile vehicle for greater mobility.

[Imperial railroad gun](http://imgur.com/M6aqWpY)

A massive 16in cannon is the largest artillery piece in the empire its becoming less and less used due to the ability of the air force to deliver the same payloads.

Navy Overview; number; 3,030,000

The area of the most rapped growth the in the empires military has been putting a good amount of resources. Because of the empires desires to have a navy that rivals that of the traditional naval powers and to start establishing over seas colonies. The marine core consisting of 300,000 marines are armed and equipped in the same way as the army.

current naval strength

Battleships 22

Carrier, fleet 7

Carrier, escort 15

Cruiser 38

Destroyers 123

Air Force Overview

The air force isn't an independent group it devised into two branches the Imperial army air force (IAAF) and the Imperial navy air force (INAF). The empire has ignored designing airships instead focusing on fighters and bombers.

[Imperial AF-34](http://imgur.com/UtAEz2u)

Stander Imperial fight it is a rugged and powerful plane with an average climb speed and turning speed. Armed with 4 50.cal machine guns and two 20 mm cannons. Its an well rounded fighter overall.

[Imperial HF-43a](http://imgur.com/eewvc65)

A double engine fighters its has improved speed and maneuverability than the stander fighter. Its armed with four 30mm cannons in the nose.

[Imperial BA-23b](http://imgur.com/hYfgLx6)

The empires medium bomber it carries a good amount of ordinance making it the work horse bomber. It has several defensive positions.

[Imperial HB-55](http://imgur.com/YOJ6ulZ)

The heaviest bomber in the imperial air force it can carry the most amount of bombs and is a very rugged aircraft with plenty of defensive positions.

"I read that mess, can we start already!?"

[Voltus_Ventus]

Nation's Name: The Tsardom of Ventium Nation's History: Ventium is one of the oldest nations on the planet, staking it's claim on her land well before the common era. Ventium started out as a mass of rival tribes at eachothers throats, constant wars and skirmishes holding them back from advancement. However in the course of 10 years the 87 tribes were united under one flag, the flag of Ventium. The first Tsar, Darius Ventus, had united the tribes in many wars of conquest and royal marriages to form a stable base to expand and grow, in both territory and intellect. And they did grow, expanding eastwards from their western home, annexing tribes and small nations that spurred their territorial renaissance, giving them large swaths of fertile farm land and mineral rich earth. But after a glorious era under the rule of the first Tsar he passed away of old age in his bed, leaving the people of the tribe to choose his successor from his children, this ushered in the era of Tsarina Veronik Ventus. Her goal was no longer conquest, Ventium was large enough in her eyes, she wished to cultivate it, and through her guidance the country sides were turned into lush farms where cereal flowed like rain and vegetables grew faster then people could eat them. The rivers and oceans had been tamed and their fish farmed with care as to not upset the natural order, the people conscious of the world around them and not wanting it to fall into ruination. After the Tsarina's passing came the age of many other Tsars and Tsarinas that propelled Ventium skywards, building elegant yet functional cities and towns and raising good, grateful, patriotic folk that wanted to maintain the peace and tranquilty that their nation had given them. However the age was shut from the gaze of the rest of the world, Ventium had entered a long period of isolationism as new countries popped up and started looking at the old nation hungrily, wanting to destroy the balance and peace it had forged for itself, so they locked themselves from the world to protect their unity and locked they remained.  Race: Humans, mostly people of brown and black hair, skin tone depending on where they live within the nation, though all van be described as Caucasian. The most common eye color is a soft, blue-gray. They are a soft spoken people with pleasant accents and modest, controlled mannerisms. Form of Government: The government of Ventium is an Elected Monarchy, meaning that the people of Ventium choose the Tsar or Tsarina from the offspring of the previous Tsar or Tsarina. However when choosing a sovereign there are lots of protocol and rules: - Once the Tsar's or Tsarina's offspring have all surpassed the age of 21 the election shall commence. - Once a new sovereign is chosen the previous Tsar or Tsarina must abdicate  the throne after 10 years and the new leader take charge. - If the offspring of the Tsar or Tsarina do not appeal to the needs of the people they are obliged to choose one of the offspring of the current Tsar or Tsarina's siblings. - If none of the royal offspring suit the wants of the people they must choose from the offspring of the current Tsar or Tsarina. - If the current Tsar or Tsarina doesn't have 4 offspring or higher a niece or nephew may be chosen to fill the missing places. - If a the newly elected Tsar or Tsarina refuse to take the throne the crown is automatically passed to the offspring with the next most votes and so on. If all refuse the offspring with the smallest proportion of the vote will become sovereign. - Once the new Tsar or Tsarina takes up the throne, the old sovereign is obliged to act as an advisor to the Tsar or Tsarina until unable. Just to name a few. Current Leader: His Imperial Majesty, Supreme Commander, Tsar Voltus Ventus, Servant of The People. Notable People: - Tsarina  - Tsarette Katarinda Ventus, Daughter of the Tsar and Foreign Representative  of Ventium. - Tsarum Leopold Ventus, Son of the Tsar and Minister of Interior. - Tsarum Ericlis Ventus, Son of the Tsar and Captain of The Imperial Winter and Summer Guard.  - Tsarette Felicity Ventus, Daughter of the Tsar and Ministerette of Commerce and Finance. - His Excellency Kergov Ventus, Nephew of the Tsar and Minister of Science and Technology. - His Excellency Alexandra Ventus, Neice of the Tsar and Ministerette of Agriculture, Mariculture, Livestock. Total Population: 75,950,000 Nation Location: [location](http://voltusventus.deviantart.com/art/World-Map-498278470?ga_submit_new=10%253A1417716717) Nation Geography: The nation consists of mainly grasslands and highlands, most of the grasslands have been converted to farm land and used as pastures for live stock. The highlands however tend to be where most of the cities and centers are located because of their easily defendable positions and visibility over the low lying grasslands. To the south west are the more mountainous regions, here is the capital, built high in the rocky mountain for again, defensive purposes.  Economy:  The Ventian economy is generally an inwardly based economy running off trade that happens within the country, however with the opening of the eastern bordercrossing, trade internationally has increased, Ventium off loading excess agricultural and artisan crafted goods like food, clothes and furniture. In terms of industrialized economies Ventium is by no means a major player, with industry counting only towards 5% of their GNP, the rest is agriculture and primary recourse acquisition. Other then food and timber as primary recourses Ventium has a large mining sector, mainly based in the northern tundras and some of the unoccupied highlands, the three things Ventium is rich in is Iron ore, elektrum ore and Tanzanite, Iron is exports for obvious reasons, elektrum because of international demand for it's flexibility, maluablity and electric conductivity and Tanzanite because of it's beauty, through it is mostly exported in the form of jewelry. the two ores are often alloyed together with smaller portions of other metals to make Elektrum Steel, a Ventian trade secret that gives it's army an edge. Technological Overview: After half a millennia of isolationism when Ventium peaked across their borders they found that they were severly behind in technology, people had developed electricity while they were using steam and waterpower, people were sending messages across continents using telegraph cables while Ventium still relied on long distance couriers, and a multitude of other things. Spurred on by the prospect of falling behind even further they had an emense growth of technology, bringing in experts from across the world to electrify their country and train craftsman in the art of the soldering gun and the blow torch. The average person was the first to feel the impact of technological advancement, suddenly they had radios and telephones and refridgerators, a healthcare system that was over night transformed into one of the most advanced in the world. The Armed forces benefitted second, steamships were torn down and fleets of cruisers were put in their place, every soldier had a semi-automatic rifle and armor under their uniforms. Ventium even developed an airforce where there was none, they had started building computers, both analog and digital and were pioneering in it. However Ventium still has a long way to go before they consider themselves equal. Military Overview: Population: 2,750,000

Army Overview:

The Ventaim Army primarily focuses on defensive strategies to safe guard the nation, dropping a long military history of attack and conquer to defend what land Ventium has. Most of the Army forces consists of border guards, keeping an eye on the frontiers between them and nearby nations, they use unconventional guerrilla tactics and mass use of supportive shell fire to crush and disperse enemies which they pick off using ambushes and shock tactics. Though they primarily guard borders it doesn't mean they stay in designated locations, they have quick access to other areas using Zepplins and Trains. - Standard Ventian Infantrymen Unit: is distinguished by the unmistakeable black leather trench coat that they are known for and the blue armbands with golden 'V's. Beneath the coat is a synthetic fiber vest with Elektrum Steel segments in them for ballistic resistance. Within a unit of Infantry (8 troops) there are 6 rifleman using semi-automatic rifles (M1 Carbines) and Revolvers (.44); 1 squad machine-gunner using a one man heavy machine-gun (BAR with a drum mag) and one Grenadier armed with a 50mm grenade launcher (Chinalake) and a semi-automatic rifle. Within the unit one of the riflemen is a trained radio opprator with a back pack style radio set and another rifleman is trained as a field surgeon with the necessary kit for the job. - Ventian Headhunter: They are an elite group of melee shock troops, masters in the art of stealth, ambush and overall badassitude. They are easily recognizable from other Ventian military personal because of their uniform and weapons, they armed with foot long elektrum steel blades as fingers, their original fingers incased in blades at the start of their military careers, their tendons attached to the knives so they can wobble them like fingers (think Edward scissor hands but foot long knife hands). Their uniform is also radically different, they wear leather battle kilts colored to the environment they are stationed in and boots that are the same, the rest of their bodies are painted the same color because they wear nothing else. They are also not regulated to the military hair style (cropped hair), they all have Mohawks of varying color, again depending on their environment. - Ventian Mechanized Dragoons: Are a technologically rejigged version of an otherwise antiquated facet of militaria. The term dragoon referred to any member of the Ventian army who is a mounted troop, back before the modernization of the army they rode real horses, however now they ride mechanical steeds powered by electrical dynamos and function due to advance clockwork.  The soldiers riding the horses have also changed significantly, they wear fuller armor, their legs and feet decked in steel and their heads encased  in metal helmets, though they still wear the black trench coat as is custom for a none specialty unit. The weapons they wield are customized versions of the semi-automatic rifle with larger magazines and fully auto capabilities. - Ventian Reperation Corps: During the beginning of the age of conquest, before they shut themselves from the world, Ventium was expanding quickly by means of diplomacy and   force , mostly force, and this of course lead to a lot of unwanted collateral damage to cities, farmland and infrastructure. So in an action to tackle this problem the Reperation Corps was established, with the main aim to repair and rebuild damages assets of a                non-military nature, this service extended to the homeland and the "enemy", either to repair what was gained or to rebuild what they had destroyed and never took. They do not wear the standard miltary uniform, the black trench coat, instead they wear a simple pair of grey khaki trousers and white shirts, they wear tool belts around their waists and carry other materials on standardized back packs. They are often accompanied by a small group soldiers for their defense even though each member is armed (with a .44 revolver) and are often traveling with convoys of trucks filled with construction materials. - Artillery: a mainstay of the Ventian tactic, hit them hard, repeatedly and from a distance. They come in various sizes from field guns, to line howitzers, to giant things that need to be transported by rail and pulled by 40 locomotives and have a squad of anti-aircraft guns to defend it.

Navy Overview:

The Navy was one of the first parts of the armed forces to be re-equipt, during the time of modernization Ventium had problems with piracy and were losing trade vessels constantly to pirate attacks. Not only that but Ventium's only port city was under constant threat of a full attack by sea, so of course it would be among the first to get a major rejig, giving it an edge over pirates. Another issue with the Ventian Navy was that it only had access to one ocean, to remedy this they had many of the new ships taken apart and flown over to unclaimed territory in the south and reassembled. They were put out into the ocean and are refueled at some of the many Ventian military outposts of the northern pole. - Ventian Broadsword Class: The Broadsword is built to hit hard and take hits, it is the replacement vessel for the old steam ironclads of the navy and were parts of it were purchased from private companies across the world and brought to Ventium for assembly. It has 8 main guns all of them 16 inch bores, arranged in 2 batteries of 4 guns in the front in a tiered formation, in the back there are 2 guns in one battery over looking the rear. The vessel also has 6 other 40mm cannons (bofors) for hitting smaller boats and low flying aircraft. - Ventian Defender Class: The defender class was built to do one thing, defend. It patrols coasts and is part of the task force that accompanies Brosdswords, it's primary job is anti-air and anti-submarine, using depth charges on ramps at the back and anti-air cannons to to take out planes. The vessel is also equipt with 12 40mm cannons , 6 in the front on swiveling mount for 360 degree fire, 2 on either side and 2 on the back. It's speed and light weight allows it to speed along side larger boats and shoot at it point blank, or to get boarding parties on enemy ships, this boat is the principle defense weapon against pirates and has done more then it's fair share in crushing the threat of pirate attacks.

Airforce Overview:

Prior to the great modernization of the Ventian Armed Forces, there was no airforce, so understandably the top brass thought it would be advisable to introduce one. The airforce, unlike the navy has nothing but completely homegrown technologies and adaptations to flight, things like zeppelins and Gyrokopters unique to the airforce and open for use and to support the other facets of the Armed forces. Though it is small at the moment and lacking numbers of the larger airships, there is intent on increasing it's size but that is simply unnecessary at the moment and a wasteful use of the budget.   - Mk. I Moonshadow Assault Zepplin: This craft was designed, engineered and built by students of the national institute for fluid dynamics in coordination with various arms manufacturer. The main use of this vessel is in the name, it's an assault dirigible, used for attack, escort and support missions, it follows the standard design for a Zepplin, except a bit taller and thinner. Under the envelope is a long aluminum structure that is the cabin, in the front is the pilot cockpit indicated by the windscreen in front, the back is reserved for cargo and the gunners, on the exterior of the cabin in the rear are two short winglets with electric engines on them capable of pushing the ship to 160 miles per hour, On the very rear of the ship is an access ramp that takes the entire width of the cabin. On the inside there are multiple hemisphere shaped lobes on either side of the space (6 on each side), they are made from bullet proof glass and within each hemisphere is a manned turret, the weapon is either a heavy machine gun or a light auto-cannon. The crew ofthe dirigible are 12 gunners, 2 pilots,  2 engineers and 4 ammo runners. It is the most common military airship in service and is a mainstay of the airforce. - Mk. 1 Cloudhopper Transport: is another dirigible aircraft however this one is used for the transportation of troops and vital war recourses, there are more of these then there are the Mk. I Moonshadows. This craft would be used for getting troops and recourses into harder to reach areas or to get them to areas faster then they might on train. The design of the Cloudhopper is essentially the same as that of the Moonshadow except scaled up and with a set of winglets and engines in the front to give it added speed and menuverablity. The rear exit ramp/cargo enterence has kept because of it's use for quick loading and unloading of things, the area in the ship is divided into segments called 'eights', this refers to the amount of troops in a squad, within the ship there are 20 'eights' so theoretically a ship can hold 180 troops, however this is usually not the case. One 'eight' can be 4 mechanized cavalry, 2 large cargo bundles, 2 field howitzers, 40 sick beds and various combinations of other things. By regulation and under notmal circumstances a Cloudhopper can't leave docking without atleast filling 70% of the space filled. - Mk. I + II Vertigo Battle Zepplin : Are high altitude aerial monsters, these are the heavy hitters and can take heavy hits but are slow movers. This one follows the more conventional design of a Zeppelin as being cigar shaped and doesn't follow the taller and slimmer design as the other ones, however it goes against the trend by having a rigid balloon made from home grown technology. Though it is slow, one of it's major defences is how high it cab fly, too high for most heavier then air aircrafts because of the lack of oxygen uo there to supply the engines. It is armed with 6 16inch guns, 16 40mm flack cannons and a whole host of other machine guns and anti-aircraft guns. It also has two large bomb bays, carrying enough bombs to drop for days. - Mk. I Hornet Gyrokopter: Is a radically different form of flight, used for vertical take off and accessing the hardest to reach areas. The Hornet's propulsion system is a geared, electric engine, attached to two sets of tillable rotterblades on the top, the body is made of light steel tubing with steel panels riveted on, it has an extended tail with a rotter on it, the tail is plain tubing. There is space for two passengers, the pilot and the navigator/forward gunner. Though the pilot has access to weapons use from the cockpit, the gunner controls them to allow the pilot minimum concentration. The cockpit and gunner seats are open to the air, with windscreens in the front for wind stopping instead of a full glass roof, this slows for easy enterence and exit. The Hornet makes up most of the airforce, often traveling in groups of 8s referred to as a wing, each wing contains colossal fire power which would be devastating against land targets. Each Hornet has 2 light machine guns in the nose and 8 missiles under the winglets, the missiles can be swapped for incendiary, anti-personnel and high-explosive.

[Zurajai]

Noordelijk Bondsrepubliek Vakbonden/Northern Federal Republic of Unions

Nation's History

The Federal Republic of Unions was founded just over twenty years ago as a wave of Syndicalist revolutions occurred in the north saw multiple governments in the region toppled and replaced by Syndicalist Republics. These revolutions began with the peaceful overthrow of the monarchist government in the Principality of Naarden where growing unrest within the country led to a referendum, which ended with the abdication. The lower classes of neighboring States took heart in the successful revolution of Naarden and took up their own attempts met with mixed success early on. The first of these revolutions following the success in the Naarden was in the neighboring region of Flamardie where the far more aggressive defenders of the monarchists fought against the revolutionaries there. This was mirrored in Vallonia-Picardie where the similarly monarchist governments of the two regions made a pact to stop the spread of Syndicalism. The brutal conflict there only relented with the deaths of the two monarchs and the disillusion of their corrupt governments. In stark contrast to the brutality in the west, the revolutions in the east were relatively peaceful, with the peoples ousting the monarchs in Creußen, Elzach, and Lobenjun and the wealthy oligarchs in Denau and Rabenau. Since the founding of the NFRU it's main goal has been the continued spread of Syndicalist values around the world. With similar communist revolutions occurring in nearby polities it has become a major focus of the Federal Republic's government to support them in any way they can. With the revolution in the Kingdom of Dereham the NFRU made it's first steps in arming and supporting revolutions in other countries.

Race

Human majority. Officially the NFRU is multi-racial and accepts all peoples into it's arms. Numerous ethnic groups exist within the Republics, many of which sharing land with each other. These are the Naardeners, Picards, Flamards, Cournaille, Haldyr, and Hanzhans. Generally skin color remains light among all ethnicities, with fair hair being more common the farther east you go, most common in Hanzhans and Haldyr but seen in Naardeners frequently as well, with red hair being the majority among Cournaille.

Form of Government

The NFRU is considered a Federal Republic, relying on a decentralized system of Republics unified under one federal government as a response to distrust of powerful, centralized government. This distrust has led to numerous checks and balances placed on the executive department's leader, the Proletariat General, and similar positions of power. At the individual Republic level democratic representation is given to all citizens, whom elect officials to represent them in the Congress of their individual Republic. Each individual republic itself has representation within the Federal Congress, based solely on their population. The political position of Proletariat General is granted with the expectation that the incumbent will focus on the good of the Proletariat, not the state. In accordance with this, a Lieutenant Proletariat General is elected with similar powers who is to aid the Proletariat General in matters of foreign affairs so that the Proletariat General might focus on internal matters as his position requires. An elected body of legislators and judiciaries exists in the form of the Proletariat Assembly which deals in law making and the enforcing of said laws for the Republics. Each Republic is given representation equivalent to their population, of which these officials will then vote on legislation. Said legislation may only become a law once the direct democratic process is taken to ratify the legislation in each Republic. The Vergadering voor Sociale Harmonie, or Assembly for Social Harmony, is a further political body within the Federal Republic that has been on the rise as it's power base has expanded in recent years. A great deal of paranoia for political corruption has grown as political historians point to age of states having direct links to corruption within governments. In order to counteract this the legislature, with further ratification by direct vote, created the Assembly for Social Harmony with the intention of counteracting said possible corruption. An organization made up of lawyers, accountants, and self-repentant bureaucrats, ASH Inspectors regularly check in on branches of the Federal and Republican governments, doing complete inspections if need be, on the hunt for possible misuse of taxes or corruption. In the event of finding such discrepancies a force of well equipped enforces stand ready to enact sentences.

Current Leader(s)

Proletariat-General Erasmus Koen Dreyer - The incumbent Proletariat-General Erasmus Dreyer hails from the metropolis of Venlo, the Capital of the Naarden Republic. Born of a lower middle class family back during the reign of Prince Damian van Haanrath, Erasmus joined the many protesters swelling the streets of the Principality's capital, demanding the abdication of the Prince just over twenty years prior. Although not instrumental or even necessarily important to the victory against Monarchism that was won in Naarden, the young revolutionary quickly traveled the embattled region of Flamardie where he fought against the brutal monarchist government forces fighting against revolutionaries there. He is most know for his fiery demeanor, born of being a revolutionary, but few would call him out as anything more than a proud citizen of the Federation. Several of his detractors, however, would claim this to be a character flaw expected of far more aggressive politicians. Lieutenant Proletariat-General Erhard Brandt - The current Lieutenant Proletariat-General stands as Erhard Brandt, a ethnic Hanzhan hailing from the capital city of Emden in Denau. He was elected along with Erasmus and though not the first to hold his post has certainly been influential in the position. As with all Lieutenant Proletariat-Generals, Erhard is expected to focus on foreign affairs during times of peace to allow the Proletariat-General and the electorate the ability to focus on matters deemed more important: that of internal issues and focuses. To this goal, Erhard has filled the admirably, acting as the foreign minister and diplomat to other Syndintern Nations and those abroad. He is characterized by his cool demeanor and level headed nature when under stress.

Notable Figures

Inspector General Marceline Lara Favreau - Marceline Lara Favreau is the current Inspector General of the ASH, a member of the old liberal, educated elite of Vallonia-Picardie before the abdication of Prince Damiaan. She was instrumental in the founding of ASH and was indeed it's first and only Inspector General since it's inception. The woman has since been the major power behind ASH, with her goals remaining the continued safeguarding of governance from corruption. She has been called cold and calculating by those who have seen her meteoric rise as telling and many point to similar organizations from Monarchist nations, citing that one step towards militancy is all ASH needs to become reminiscent of the militant arm of a fascist party. Commandant General Ansgar Gehring - Ansgar Gehring is the aging Commandant General of the Federal Army and gained his position as a foreign fighter in Vallonia-Picardie during the brutal fighting that occurred there during the early days of the Federal Republic. The ethnic Haldyr, born of a small village in Lobenjun, gained notoriety in the conflict for his tactical know how, having claimed it's source being his father's earlier military career in the Monarchist Lobenjun's military. He was promoted to Colonel in the Vallonia-Picardie citizen's militia during the revolution and stepped down with the eventual disbanding of the militias, later commissioned the 23rd Lobenjun Landwehr as it's Colonel. It was soon after that the rapidly changing Federal Army put in the request for his transfer to Federal Command and request was made for him to serve as it's Commandant General, to which he accepted after several weeks of thought. Commandant Admiral Denis Thys - Denis Thys is ethnic Flamard born in Naarden and is currently the Commandant Admiral of the Federal Navy. The man is old by all standards, having reached his seventieth year only several months ago, and is considered one of the last holds the old Monarchist regimes have on the Federal Republics. He was, at one point, a Captain within several monarchist navies with a long history of naval excellence. Throughout his career he became famed for his aggressive naval tactics which saw each and every one of the Monarchist navies succeed against the other, depending on whom he served with at the time. When the revolution occurred Thys was serving as a Captain aboard the Naarden warship, the HMS Vertrouwen, and although he was not a revolutionary himself he quickly picked the winning side in the matter. Lacking any naval officers of note he naturally became the Commandant Admiral of choice as numerous veterans of his campaigns expressed their trust in his abilities. Commandant General Arzur Gwencalon - Arzur Gwencalon is the relatively young Commandant General of the Federal Air Corps and has garnered a following of loyal and exuberant pilots under his command. Ever since his service in Flamardie as a foreign fighter from Cournaille, Arzur has developed an air of adventure around him, often seen by the youth of the Federal Republic as a dashing sky captain. In fact, several children's stories have been written with a character by the name of Arzur, a dashing adventurer and captain of a sky-ship. In reality, Arzur Gwencalon has developed this mystique for a specific reason: his extroverted nature thrives on such attention. This alone has been pointed at as a reason for his retirement yet the youthful Commandant General has yet to even speak on the matter, let alone reply to such thoughts. Damiaan Ferdinand Gerd van Haanrath, ex-Prince of Naarden- The famous ex-Prince of Naarden is Damiaan Ferdinand Gerd van Haanrath, eleventh of his line, remains a citizen of Naarden even after his abdication as Prince. A well known fact from before the revolution, Damiaan has always been one for ignoring the traditional responsibilities as a Prince, a fact that brought great displeasure to his much more traditionalist father. Throughout his years as Prince of Naarden he was known for shirking duties and escaping the Court to take part in much more enjoyable endeavors, most famously being his love of partying. When the revolution occurred in Naarden and the request for his abdication made, Damiaan accepted the demands of his people with little resentment. For his cooperation and relative kind treatment of his people whom were fed up with the system, less so the Prince himself, he was granted the right to keep much of his own personal wealth with productive lands and palatial estates being taken and put to proper use. Ever since he has remained in Naarden, surprisingly pleased with his station in life as a unique curiosity for the young children of the Republic. As he has reached his fifties a strange shift has shown itself in the populace: this ex-Prince had became a beloved symbol of Naardener history. Talks within Naarden have began determining the possibility of reinstating the title of Prince as a ceremonial, historical title and granting it to Damiaan. This has been met with harsh disagreement from the Republics of Vallonia-Picardie and Flamardie but, as is constitutional law, the right to decide is given to the people of the Republic he will be affecting.

Total Population

<98 Million

Nation's Location:

[img=http://i.imgur.com/wtuRELN.png]

Nation's Geography:

As with much of the north, the Federal Republic consists of relatively sparse foresting along with highlands and expansive plains. Due to the clockwise turning gyre in the inland sea the Federal Republic remains generally temperate compared to nations at similar latitudes. The mountainous and hilly regions of the Federal Republic are known to hold vast mineral resources and are becoming more and more exploited as technology advances to levels necessary to efficiently put said resources to use.

Economy:

One of the hallmarks of the International's revolutionary program is the Work Exchange, an organization by which unions come together to cooperatively manage the distribution of goods and services. There are Work Exchanges for cities, provinces, and regions, as well a Central Work Exchange for the NFRU as a whole. At the level of the workplace, NFRU union frameworks vary. In liberated territory, almost all workplaces are either worker-owned/managed cooperatives or integrated into larger democratic bodies. Sometimes the union itself acts as the governing body of all its constituent workplaces, owning many workplaces with managers appointed by the central democratic representatives or elected themselves. The economy of the NFRU focuses around the basic factors of production: agriculture, mining, quarrying all fall under the focus of the Republics. These industries have rapidly become industrialized in the past two decades as a Syndicalist state but factories focused on production with these materials are relatively infrequent, at least compared to their fellow members of Syndintern. This has allowed the NFRU economy to boom as it provides basic, necessary resources to their closest allies whilst also using materials at a decent rate.

Technology Overview

Technology within the Federal Republic, ever since the successful revolutions in the north, has focused on infrastructure and the means of production. Militarily the NFRU see's a focus on artillery and air technology, as well as a reliance on lighter warships such as destroyers and submarines. As of recently early forays into possible legged designs to supplant traditional tracked and wheeled vehicles have been made.

Military Overview

Population 3% total - 2,850,000 Personnel

Army Overview

The Army of the Federal Republic is a relatively small standing force that is noted for it's high level of professionalism and the quality of their equipment. Based on the desire not to see the massive standing armies usually wielded by Monarchist nations as a fearsome weapon to hold over the peoples, the AFR was developed to be as small as possible whilst still being able to protect the interests of the Republics. In order to reach this goal the idea of a professional, well-equipped military came into mind during the early days of the Republic, taking pieces of old doctrines from the monarchist militaries bested in the revolutions to develop it's own. Standard military doctrine places high emphasis on overwhelming firepower in the face of numerically superior foes. To accomplish this, a focus on artillery and air-support became the norm, with infantry forces deployed as mechanized support for a slowly advancing, implacable line of artillery. A supplemental force of well equipped volunteer militias in the form of the Landwehr can be called up with the permission of their home republic's government to greatly bolster the numbers of the professional army. A total of 1,000,000 active personnel serve in the Army as of the most recent census. In order to fill gaps in it's military doctrine the Federal Army is known to use vehicles and equipment of other Syndintern nations. Federal Infantry The standard Federal Infantryman is a professional, volunteer soldier; many of whom are veterans of the recent conflict in Dereham. Standard uniform consists of a pair of jackboots, trousers, an undershirt, a cold-weather coat, canvas ammunition webbing, hauling pack, one helmet, chemical weapon protective gear (gas-mask, filter box, goggles, etc.), and camouflage poncho. The standard uniform varies in coloration depending on the area of deployment but generally comes in a grey-brown or dark-blue. In some cases camouflage uniforms have been adopted, usually within assault battalions and other infantry units expected to fight the enemy face to face in hostile territory. An infantryman could be expect to be given a Type-45 Semi-Automatic Carbine, several grenades, a standard entrenching tool, a multi-purpose combat knife, and a Type-02 Sidearm. Specialist infantry can be seen carrying Type-12 Submachine Guns, Type-26 Automatic Rifles, Type-59 Light Machine Gun, and Type-94 Anti-Tank Rifles. Federal Infantrymen are frequently deployed as defensive lines to protect advancing artillery or occasionally as support for tank columns. Beyond this, several mechanized shock-assault regiments exist within the Federal Army. Republican Landwehr Standing in support of the Federal Infantryman are the Landwehr, volunteer citizen militia that are funded and equipped by the Republic from which they hail. As required by the Federal Republic's constitution, each Republic constituting the Federation is expected to maintain a fully functioning militia made up of only volunteer infantry. These forces are further funded by Federal grants in order to keep them to the strict requirements expected of them by Military Command. These Landwehr regiments exist within the Federal Army's hierarchy as irregular auxiliaries who support the professional army when needed. As stated by the constitution, in order to deploy Landwehr regiments the Federal government must first request permission from the Republic's government, only with it are they allowed to fully constitute the Landwehr into the Army's command. During this time the Federal Government takes over full responsibility over the Landwehr Regiment, now expected to supply, fund, and equip the Landwehr forces wholly until they are returned to their respective Republic. Federal Assault Sappers The famed Federal Assault Sappers constitute the elite of the Federal doctrine, a class of infantry all on their own that have garnered a fearsome reputation as the best the Federal Military has to offer. In accordance with the Implacable Advance doctrine of the Federal Military, the Assault Sappers are the combat engineers that support the brutal advance of the Federal Lines, using their skill with high explosives and combat savvy to clear anything from razor-wire to cement fortifications. As is expected of such close support elements, the Assault Sappers gained their name due to the perceived ferocity of their attacks. Each one of them carries numerous close quarters encouterments, frequently coming in the form of standard issue Type-12a submachine guns, Type-02b Sidearms, and assortments of hand-to-hand combat accessories. Unlike the majority of the Federal Infantry, the Sappers are issued an armored steel cuirass designed with the intention to deflect bullets away from the head and body. It's use, however, is not considered necessary and it is left up to the individual Sapper whether they desire to done it in battle or not. Ever since the successful revolution in the Dereham Republic the reputation of the Assault Sappers has only gained in notoriety, most notably their official required training at the Gezamenlijke Speciale Tactiek Opleidingsschool (Joint Special Tactics Training School). The GSTO trains both Federal Assault Sappers and Dereham Grenadier Guard together, both having become some of the most elite forces the world has ever seen from this intense regime of joint training. Type-121a "Vooruitgang" Diesel-Electric Powered Hardsuit The product of an ongoing project undertaken by the Federal Army Research and Development department and now jointly with Syndintern military scientists, the Type-121a Vooruitgang Hardsuit represents the earliest forays by the Federal Military into the world of advanced infantry armor. Originally developed with the idea of being used for logistics purposes, the powered Hardsuit was quickly reimagined as a powerful defensive and offensive tool. Featuring state of the art servo-motors powered by advanced diesel-electric engines, the Hardsuit grants the pilot increased survivability and strength in hostile situations. Taking full advantage of the greatly increased carrying capacity and the suit's in-built hydraulics originally designed to aid with lifting heavy loads, the Vooruitgang is mounted with a variety of heavy weapons to support the Federal Army's doctrine of the slow, implacable advance. Though heavy, unwieldy, expensive, and resource intensive the Vooruitgang has been praised for giving a single infantryman the firepower of a light tank, allowing severely outnumbered Federal Forces to defeat clearly numerically superior foes. A shoulder mount is designed to carry either twin Type-74 .50 Caliber HMGs, a single 20mm Autocannon, or a belt-fed Type-98 Anti-Tank Rifle. Supplementing this already fearsome loadout are two pairs of belt-fed Type-12a SMGs mounted inside the gauntlets of the Hardsuit. As of recently the idea has been expressed to convert the Vooruitgang into a mobile flamethrower, with such weapons replacing all three weapon-mounts; currently only several tests have been made in this direction. Type-33 "Ruggegraat" Utility Vehicle Born from the necessity of a simple, easy to produce logistics vehicle to fill an essential niche in the Implacable Advance doctrine. The Type-33 Ruggegraat is of simplistic, modular design capable of filling numerous utility rolls from logistics to troop carrier. Most commonly it is seen carrier a mix of men and supplies to and from areas behind the front lines as it lacks the armor necessary for front line actions. Meeting the demands of difficult terrain, the Ruggegraat mounts massive tires to give the vehicle a full range of mobility even in the worst mud slicks or the roughest patch of debris. Type-27 "Voorrijder" Infantry Fighting Vehicle In an effort to retain an effective response force within the lumbering Federal Army, the Voorrijder IFV was produced with the intention of creating a functional and effective fast attack vehicle that could serve multiple roles both on and off the battlefield. After nearly a year of development the Voorrijder proved itself to be the best option in a list of potential candidates. It's designers specifically created the Voorrijder to be incredibly versatile, sporting four-wheel drive and an advanced suspension system that allowed it to function on and off road. Furthermore, mounted on the top of the vehicle was an armored turret that could be armed with a number of support weapons, generally fitted with the Type-73a Heavy Machine Gun. As an added feature, this turret can be removed on the production line and replaced with a larger crew compartment, allowing the Voordijder to comfortably carry a compliment of six infantry, incidentally the standard deployment numbers for Infantry fireteams. Type-62 "Aanvaller" Medium Tank The Type-62 Aanvaller is the posterchild of the Federal Army, a symbol of it's implacable advance and considered by the Federals to be a tank unmatched in it's weight class and designation. The Aanvaller pushes the of what can be reasonably called as Medium tank with his size, weight, and gun; all of which could be expected on a tank designated as a Heavy Tank. Notable features of the Aanvaller are it's relatively low to the ground shape, it's surprising mobility, and the weapon compliment. Numerous further enhancements have been made both on and off the field, most notably and common being trackguard armor extending from the tank itself, reducing turn speeds but greatly decreasing the risk of tracks being damaged by incoming enemy fire. As for firepower, the Aanvaller sports a fearsome 120 millimeter smoothbore cannon and two Type-74 .50 Caliber machine guns (one coaxial, one turret mounted). Type-68 "Bewegenmuur" Super-Heavy Tank Destroyer The Type-62 Bewegenmuur is the heavy handed fist of the Federal Army, designated as the primary tank destroyer of Federal forces. It's name, Bewegenmuur, translates to the 'Wall that moves' and no doubt was inspired by the sheer armored bulk of the monstrosity. Unlike many of the super heavies of the world, the Bewegenmuur mounts only a single gun along with several supporting grenade launchers. Unique to the Bewegenmuur design is it's four treads powered by two truly massive engines designed to give the tank destroyer the ability to grind through any and all difficult terrain, especially urban sprawl. It's main weapon mount is the fearsome 14"/50 rifled long-howitzer, originally intended for use on warships for shore bombardment roles. Even with it's powerful engines the Bewegenmuur remains slow and ponderous due to the heavy armor mounted on it, negating the speed that such engines could provide otherwise. Type-95 "Beleger" Self-Propelled Artillery The mainstay of the Federal Army's siege doctrine, the truly immense Beleger Siege-Gun is a sight to behold. Deployed en-masse in support of more traditional vehicle-drawn artillery pieces, the Beleger is renowned for it's truly humbling firepower. Created with the idea of making a mobile, modular Self-Propelled Artillery piece, the Beleger has several features that distinguish it from notable other SPGs. Most notably is the articulated loader crane which can feed the heavy shells into the breach of the main gun as fast as twice a minute. Although capable of deploying with a number of guns that must be fitted in warehouses equipped with cranes capable of lifting the massive barrels, the standard armament is a cut-down version of 16"/50 Smoothbore Naval Gun devised know as the Siege Mortar. The huge barrel and the terrifyingly massive shell fired by the Siege Mortar can level buildings with horrifying ease, reducing all but the most fortified positions to rubble. The Beleger suffers greatly at it's own mobility, however, and remains woefully unable to protect itself from infantry advances. Type-100 "Veroveraar" Infantry Fighting Walker A representation of things to come, the Type-100 Veroveraar IFW is one of the many prototypes undergoing production within the Federal Republics with the intention of expanding the capabilities of the Federal Army through technological advancement. One of several current joint-projects between the Federal Republics and Syndintern incorporating multi-legged designs in lieu of traditional tracks or wheels, the Veroveraar is only now beginning to see deployment with infantry regiments within the Army. The all-terrain vehicle is designed for rough terrain where Voorrijders would be either inefficient or incapable of deploying and has been noted for it's effectiveness in city-fighting, especially after artillery barrages have leveled the city to ruins. The Veroveraar sports a decent armament for it's designation, bearing a 30mm autocannon mounted on a turret jutting from the top of the front compartment. A secondary Type-74 .50 Heavy Machine Gun coaxial mount resides beside the autocannon, with a coaxial Type-74 mounted besides the driver. The rear compartment is designed to carry a compliment of six men whom service the weaponry in the rear compartment when embarked. These armaments consist of two infantry mortars and a pair of Type-59 Light Machine Guns. Type-90 "Vroegtijdig" Super Heavy Self-Propelled Artillery The larger, deadlier relative of the Veroveraar IFW comes in the form of the Type-90 Vroegtijdig Self-Propelled Artillery. Following a similar design plan as the Veroveraar, the Vroegtijdig is built with the goal of producing an all-terrain artillery piece capable of keeping pace with an advancing infantry line no matter what is in the way. As the project continued it became increasingly apparent that the design was to be redesignated as a Super-Heavy variant due to it's immense weight and the increasing size of the gun mounted on the chassis. The Vroegtijdig's current iteration remains a prototype in the eyes of command and has seen only limited action; as such, the exact details of the model are still up for modification. As it stands, the Vroegtijdig contains a forward crew compartment capable of housing a team of ten men, even containing several cots and a small living space when in transit to new locations. The rear compartment carries the gun, the engine, and the magazine. The gun itself remains as a 16"/50 Smoothbore Naval Gun, the unmodified version of the siege mortar found on the Beleger. This gives the Vroegtijdig titanic firepower whilst also wielding the range of it's naval-mounted brethren. Currently there are very few in the field and only for prototype field testing.

Navy Overview

The Navy of the Federal Republic has a storied history born of the long time maritime history of many coastal nations now making up the numerous republics, most notably the Hanzhan states of Denau and Rabenau. Lacking the massive shipyards required to produce true battleships and super-carriers seen in other navies around the world, the Federal Navy has put a focus on a doctrine of commerce raiders and similar vessels. This doctrine became especially potent with the perfection of the submarine which has become the dominant vessel designation within the Federal Republic alongside the Destroyer, Frigate, and Light Carrier. A further focus on Naval Aviation is seen within the Federal Navy as the need to use naval assets in support of Army advances has become more and more common as the Federal Republic looks to solidify it's hold on the inland sea. As of late the inland sea has become plagued with Federal Warships, especially submarines, the ships prowling the open seas hunting for pirates and other threats to the Federal Republic's sovereignty. Based on current estimates the Federal Navy has 1,250,000 active personnel. As of recently the Federal Navy has begun using warships of other Syndintern Nations. Federal Marines To support the Navy in all endeavors it was clear that some sort of military body was necessary to fill the role of maritime infantry frequently seen in militaries around the world. This came in the form of the Naarden Royal Marines, an elite military force that had served underneath the Princes of Naarden for generations. Known for it's crack skill and fortitude under pressure, the Royal Marines were reconstituted into the Republican Marines rapidly once the Prince of Naarden abdicated. Though veterans did resign with the change of governance, this was notably the minority and a significant number of veterans remained with the Federal Marines to help mold it into what it is today. Embracing the system completely, the Republican Marines quickly became the Federal Marines with the founding of the NFRU, and their doctrine became standard for all Maritime Infantry within the Federal Republics. These rough and tumble marines are now found protecting Naval assets either on the sea or off of it and are similarly equipped to their Infantry brothers with a greater reliance on submachine guns and similar light, close quarters weaponry. Type-41 "Vizoog" Onderzeerboot The Type-41 Vizoog Onderzeerboot is by far the smallest submersible manufactured by the NFRU for military usage and fills the small niche roll of submarine interceptor. The lithe craft is operated by a crew of four consisting of a commander/navigator, a pilot, a gunner, and a loader; in many ways similar to that of a tank crew. Relatively thin armor prevents this submarine from engaging in true combat and is instead used as a patrol boat and a scout, occasionally engaging other submarines that would be less capable of defending themselves from such a small craft. The ship itself is armed with two weapon system; a pair of torpedo tubes and a single deck mounted Type-74 heavy machineguns intended for scouring the decks of transport vessels and engaging in surface-to-air defense. Such vessels cannot be expected to survive on their own due to small space for supplies and are instead grouped with larger vessels when deployed or remain close to ports or fleets capable of resupplying them. Type-42 "Dagvlieg" Onderzeerboot The Type-42 Dagvlieg Onderzeerboot is known as the workhorse of the Federal Navy. The vessel remains one of the smaller of the O-Boats currently active within the Federal Navy and as such has been used to complete any role that is considered to be overkill for the Type-48. Due to it's smaller size the Dagvlieg is easily mass produced in comparison to the larger Draak and is still able to boast a formidable arsenal. The crew compliment of the vessel stands at fifty officers and ratings and is capable of undertaking missions on it's own or within a squadron of other vessels. Unlike the Draak, however, the Dagvlieg is not expected nor designed to remain on it's own for prolonged periods of time and as such requires refueling and resupplying up to twice a month when operating at peak consumption. Much like it's larger relative the Dagvlieg is designed to be functional both above and below the water, sporting two twin Type-74 HMGs for anti-air purposes. As well as this, the Dagvlieg is mounted with enhanced radar equipment on the command deck so that it might complete it's intended role as a commerce raider and submarine hunter. It's weapon compliment for such missions consists of four forward facing torpedo bays. Type-48 "Draak" Onderzeerboot Feared and respected as the staple of the Federal Navy, the Type-48 Draak Onderzeeerboot is a submarine of great renown. The sleek warship is known for it's great size compared to most submarines and is indeed more akin to a frigate in size than a submarine. The Draak remains functional with a crew of over two hundred men and contains all the proper quarters and compartments necessary for long-term missions abroad with little to no refueling sorties taken. One of the most notable features is it's armored prow designed for ramming other vessels, using the ships considerable mass and powerful engines to do serious damage to enemy vessels. This tactic is seldom used and is more of a traditional design found on most Hanzhan designed vessels. When surfaced the Draak sports a half-dozen anti-aircraft deckguns as well as three 8 inch guns. On the lower decks the Draak boasts a total of eight forward facing torpedo bays, capable of firing all at once or one at a time. Type-49 "Gevachtwaal" Torpedo-Destroyer Given a unique designation used only by the NFRU's navy, the Type-49 Gevachtwall Torpedo-Destroyer is unique in the world as a mix between submersible and surface warship. The vessel's designation of torpedo-destroyer comes from it's intended purpose, filling the role of both a destroyer and an attack vessel. Highly unique to the Federal Navy is the ship's hull, designed after similar hulls found on Onderzeerboots. Although much too bulky to be hydrodynamic enough to function as a true Onderzeerboot, the Gevachtwaal is capable of submerging itself almost completing, leaving only the radar tower above water. Whilst submerged the main guns are made inoperable however torpedoes and the Anti-aircraft gun still above the surface remain serviceable. Due to the ships shape, however, the vessel cuts its top speed drastically and such maneuvers are reserved for ambushes and when the vessels find themselves in hostile waters. (More to come)

Air Corps Overview

The Air Corps of the Federal Republic represents the air superiority wing of military aviation within the Federal military and as such is armed with the proper aircraft to accomplish this task. The Federal Air Corps was built to be reminiscent of the Air Corps of the Revolutionary Guard, veterans of the Vallonia-Picardie and Flamarde revolutions joining the Federal military with an insistence that air power decisively wins wars. Although not as fervent as many of the veterans, the Federal Military quickly jumped on the Revolutionary Guard Air Corps design, modelling it after the famed force. However, a distinct difference in doctrines saw the Federal Air Corps take up a different role entirely. With close air-support taken over by either Army or Naval Aviation, the Federal Air Corps has taken on the role of dominating the skies entirely. This goal of air superiority stems from military command's doctrine of the implacable advance, it's perceived greatest weakness being to dominant air powers. As well as Federal designs, the Air Corps frequently uses aircraft from other Syndintern Nations. Current estimates put military personnel active in the Air Corps at 600,000. Type-39 "Roofvogel" Fighter-Bomber A fearsome reputation comes with the Type-39 Roofvogel Fighter Bomber as one of the most effective air superiority fighters in the Federal Air Corp's arsenal. The Roofvogel was originally designed with the purpose of targeting enemy infrastructure and fortifications with it's payload of high-explosive ordinance. It's service with both Federal Army and Naval aviation has proven itself to be highly functional at this role, armed with bombs or torpedoes and racking up a high success rate due to it's sturdy and resilient construction being able to handle the worst ground defenses can throw at it. In it's role as a dog fighter the Roofvogel suffered from several drawbacks during it's early iterations, most notably the weight of it's armor and armament slowing it down considerably. However, with years of training came an understanding of how to put such aircraft to proper use. The Roofvogel has since been used by veteran pilots to dive on enemy aircraft, using it's weight and powerful arsenal to dive fast and deal horrendous damage to enemy craft. It's maneuverability has since increased with wing modifications that decrease drag in the turn, allowing for this tough fighter to keep pace and in turn with lighter opponents. (More to come)

"I read that mess, can we start already!?"

[AspenIvan]

THE REVOLUTIONARY SYNDICALIST INTERNATIONAL

History The RSI's history can be traced to several earlier working-class movements and socialist intellectual traditions. About ninety years ago, an assembly of labor leaders, professors, and other sympathizers founded the Syndicalist International as a space of exchange, cooperation, and mutual aid. The Syndintern movement began thrive in universities, poor communities, and among disfranchised groups in the North more generally. In response, some states and corporations began to engage in repression: companies hired thugs, courts passed injunctions, troops were deployed, and syndicalist parties were banned. This provoked a split in Syndintern, between Gradualists (who believed they could reform existing systems over time) and Radicals (who believed direct action – and violent rebellion if necessary – were the only sure methods of attaining collective liberation). Tensions brewed for years until finally, the International narrowly voted not to endorse or support a general strike in Picardie-Wallonia. There and then, those who had voted in favor of the resolution abandoned the rest and formed their own organization, the Revolutionary Syndicalist International. Their base of support was particularly strong in the province of Brouges due to two factors: (1) A very dense, radicalized proletariat that had managed to elect sympathetic local representatives but remained largely dissatisfied with progress, and (2) a disturbingly large influx of refugees from Picardie-Wallonia in the wake of massive reprisals following the General Strike. Shortly after forming, the RSI began organizing People's Militias wherever possible, clandestinely funneling arms and agents into the workplaces of member unions. In Brouges, many of the militias rallied together and formed what would become the RSI's standing army, the Revolutionary Guard. It also began to step up its investment in Mutual Aid Societies, soup kitchens, and Syndicalist newspapers. Meanwhile, the original SI pursued a program of electoral politics at the expense of their member unions. They managed to win many positions, including some very prominent ones, but seemed incapable of actually instituting meaningful reforms. Slowly but surely, its membership defected to the RSI. The SI, in turn, grew even more gradualist and complacent to the point of hardly being better than traditional parties in the eyes of many. When the Principality of Naarden was overthrown by massive civil disobedience and rebellion began to spout elsewhere in the region, the Grand Duke of Brouges feared for the stability of his own constitutional regime. He decided that he had allowed the Syndicalists a free hand for too long, ordering full military mobilization to crush the People's Militias in the city and intervene on behalf of his neighbor monarchs. But it was too late: Over the last two decades, Brouges had turned into a Revolutionary Syndicalist stronghold right under the Duke's nose. They had planned for this kind of situation. The Duke's declaration pushed many fence-sitters into the revolutionary camp to the point where virtually no one reported for draft duty, and from the beginning even the professional army struggled with defections and supply shortages. In one of the many great ironies of history, the Grand Duke of Brouges signed his own death warrant by calling for war mobilization. The decision set off a whole network of planned uprisings in the whole province, where armed workers and peasants re-appropriated industry from their bosses and fields from their landlords. Furthermore, Revolutionary Guard revealed itself as a far more professional, far better-equipped force than the Ducal Guard had expected. Within weeks, the Ducal Palace was under siege. Rather than face certain defeat at the hands of the urban population, a large group of surviving soldiers killed their officers and turned over the royal family. The royals were given a “fair” trial in which they were sentenced to death for heinous crimes against the people of Brouges. Twenty-one years ago, on a cool Autumn morning, the entire Ducal family was lined up and shot to death by a firing squad of their own former guards. That afternoon, the province voted in a referendum to join Syndintern as a special territory under direct RWC governance. After all, Congress and the Revolutionary Guard were already based there. In the coming decades, the RSI would continue to sponsor rebellions in the North, supplying arms, food, medical supplies, and even direct intervention forces. This was instrumental in the formation of the Noordelijk Bondsrepubliek Vakbonden, particularly in the old kingdoms of Vallonia-Picardie and Flamardie. More recently and more starkly, the International supported the bloody revolution in Dereham. Although the brand new Federal Republic and many unions within have not yet officially joined Syndintern, the process is expected to go through very soon. Race: Interspecies, de facto mostly human Form of Government: Union Democracy The fundamental political unit in the RSI is, naturally, the labor union. To qualify for membership in the International, a union must adhere to certain principles: Gender equality, no racial or ethnic exclusion, democratic internal structure, and a commitment to the liberation of all workers from capitalist-imperialist hegemony. However, this leaves plenty of room for difference, particularly in the organizational base and the exact definition of “union.” The RSI includes trade unions, industrial unions, pan-industrial unions, locale-based unions, ideological unions, underground working-class political parties, radical peasant assemblies, and even autonomous mountain tribes. The central political body is the Revolutionary Workers' Congress. Every union of the International is guaranteed at least one non-voting representative in the Council. To qualify for a voting representative, a union must have enough membership: For unions in already-liberated territory, the threshold is 1,00,000 members, but unions in non-liberated territories need only 50,000. From there, a union's representation rises proportional to membership. Thus, small RSI unions have strong incentives to federate into larger ones. Unions have a great deal of local autonomy in the RSI system. The RWC has only a few direct authorities over them: Calling them to arms (each union must mobilize a People's Militia), declaring particular institutions or individuals Enemies of the People (unions are banned from dealing with them), taxing a share of union dues for the Central Budget, and deciding on acceptance or expulsion from the RSI. Furthermore, with the approval of all unions (including non-voting ones) in a province or tied to a particular good, Congress can call General Strikes and Boycotts. The International also has its own territory, the great industrial metropolis of Brouges and the surrounding small towns and countryside. For the residents in this territory, the RSI itself is their union. Using its territory as well as part of the Central Budget, Syndintern maintains its own professional army: The Revolutionary Guard. Besides defending Brouxels and its vicinity, the Guard acts as an intervention force to aid fellow revolutionaries around the world. In the last two decades, with the rise of Revolutionary Republics, the RSI has developed a system for associating nation-states with the International. The government(s) involved must agree to arrange for all workers to have free and fair elections to join or form Syndintern member-unions (if they are not already a part), preserve and protect the democratic socialist management of all workplaces (via cooperatives or union bureaucracies), facilitate the formation of city and regional Work Exchanges, and adhere to the fundamental principles of the International. In return, the RSI promises to help defend the nation-state's territorial integrity to the best of its ability, allow it access to the Central Work Exchange and the benefits of a transnational integrated economy, and provide development aid to the nation. Within the RSI, in addition to ad hoc interest groups for unions sharing an industry or region, there are several political parties. Most unions and union representatives are not affiliated with a particular party; nonetheless, three in particular drive much of the RSI's internal debate. The Communist Party seeks to progressively integrate member unions into a unified, more centralized “One Big Union” of Syndintern. The Anarcho-Syndicalist Front, on the other hand, seeks to protect and even extend the autonomy of member-unions, as well as to provide smaller multi-union government structures like Regional Councils and Industry Councils. Finally, the Social Reformist Party seeks to maintain more or less the status quo as far as centralization and structure, preferring to deal with any issues that come up on a case-by-case basis. Current Leader(s) – RSI Spokesperson Jeannette Jaurès: Official top representative of Syndintern to the international community. Jaurès is a Vallard from a middle-class artisan family. A stellar student, she managed to complete an elite university education in the old Kingdom of Vallonia-Picardie. During this time, she was exposed to Syndicalist literature and progressively alienated by the elitism she encountered around her. Instead of moving on to clerical work as expected, she joined Syndintern as a low-level union organizer in the cities. Six years later, she fled in the face of persecution following the failed General Strike, which she had helped to organize. She first rose to prominence in the RSI through her involvement in successful anti-squalor campaigns, acting in solidarity (and as a renter herself) to force landlords to improve conditions as well as to kick out landlords in favor of cooperative apartment complexes. After participating in the Siege of the Palace as a People's Militia officer, she became known as a thoughtful, charismatic, and well-spoken leader in the Social Reformist Party. Jaurès has now been Spokesperson for over twenty years, an aging figure generally respected and admired by all. – RWC Chair Emma Goossens: Facilitator and representative in charge of the agenda for Congress, in some ways like a parliamentary head of government. Goossens is a mixed Flamard-Naardener mechanic from a family in Flamardie with deep blue-collar roots. She was involved in countless struggles ranging from banal to radical, and developed a reputation for always being on the scene to support her fellow workers wherever she could be useful. She was surprisingly mobile for her social position as a working woman, regularly moving across national boundaries for work and political engagement. She was a key organizer in the Grand General Strike of Cournaille, which (unlike in Vallonia-Picardie) eventually toppled the entire regime by transitioning the economy de facto from feudalism and capitalism to worker self-management. She was elected to the RWC shortly afterwards with overwhelming support in Cournaille and Naarden. She was elected from within Congress as Chair nine years ago; she is currently near the end of her second term. – Revolutionary Guard Marshal Quinn Caradec: Top commander of the Revolutionary Guard, elected by the soldiers from a pool of qualified officers. One of the only high-profile RSI leaders originally from the Dereham Kingdom. He was originally an officer in the King's Army, an unusual case of a factory-working young man who enlisted and rose through the ranks against all expectations. However, after making contacts with several RSI members and reading some rather insubordinate literature, he began to plot against the monarchy in secret. Unfortunately, his scheming was revealed, and he was forced to flee to Brouges with a few loyal companions. He joined the Revolutionary Guard in its early days, and he eventually won enough respect and trust from his fellow soldiers to be elected Marshal, a position he has now held for twelve years. He has taken the last name of his wife and fellow officer, Emma Caradec. – Gaëlle Charpentier, Maire de Brouges: Mayor of the City of Brouges, de facto the highest authority in the direct RSI territories (the province of Brouges). Charpentier, a young Cournaillais baker who enjoyed a brief but successful career as a folk musician, was recently elected mayor and has since proven herself a master politician with an iron will. A Social Reformist Party activist who only recently moved to the city, she and her supporters managed to usurp the longstanding grip of the Communist Party over Brouges municipal politics. Notable Figures – Communist Party Chair and UIW President Brianne Corre: A middle-aged Cournaillais textile factory worker from Arzon, she became active in the Party after her factory joined the enormous United Industrial Workers, a Syndintern member-union. She was a vocal supporter of the economic and political integration of Syndintern, citing the success of the Work Exchange the UIW helped to set up in Arzon. A natural networker and negotiator, Corre rose in influence until she achieved a unique feat: Being the head of a political party and a powerful union. Since she was elected to office and began appointing loyal cabinets and functionaries fourteen years ago, the UIW has grown to become the largest single union in the International and nearly inseperable from the Communist Party. – Anarcho-Syndicalist Front Spokesperson Alice Willems: Coming from a Naardener farming family that moved to Brouges after a string of poor harvests, Willems is one of few influential Syndintern members from a strictly rural background. She is also one of relatively few prominent anarcho-syndicalists in the province of Brouges. At seventy years old, Willems has seen even more of the RSI's history than Jeannette Jaurès. She was among the first radicals to leave the original Syndicalist International and become a founding member of the RSI. She remains in good health to this day, but is rather mysterious and even reclusive for such an important politician. Willems refuses to leave her family farm (part of a larger cooperative encompassing a few old homesteads) during the Harvest season and the first plantings in Spring. But despite these absences, she is very highly respected for her role in organizing the first rural People's Militias and cooperativizing the fields. She is known as a very thoughtful, deliberate personality in RSI politics who chooses her words and presentation very carefully. – Social Reformist Party Chair Jacques Louhérou: One of few Vallard radicals to remain in Vallonia-Picardie during the great repression following the General Strike, Louhéro actually began his career as a Moderate. He was a railroad worker, part-time engineer and part-time track-layer, loyal to the old Syndicalist International until a local railroad strike was set off over a wage dispute. Believing the SI would support he and his coworkers' struggle for justice, Louhérou took a prominent role in organizing it only to find out that the SI had branded the railroad workers “impatient and out of line.” The strike was eventually put down by a police intervention, and Louhérou was arrested and incarcerated along with several other ringleaders. During his time in prison, he took up an interest in Radical Syndicalist literature, which fellow railroad workers managed to smuggle in. He was released five years later along with the others in truce negotiations with local armed unionists after a series of riots and street battles. From there, with his prison sentence giving him a level of respect, he helped to officially unionize his old rail crew. Unlike other leaders, he was very wary of what might happen after the great General Strike, and he had taken steps to go underground with a cell of urban resistance fighters if things went sour. This confirmed his reputation as a careful but courageous pragmatist, which remains to this day. He was elected Chair of the SRP eight years ago, making him the most recently-elected Chair/Spokesperson of the three major Syndintern parties. Total Population Roughly 15 million under the direct jurisdiction of the Revolutionary Workers' Congress. Hundreds of millions of RSI-affiliated union members worldwide. Nation's Location: Nation's Geography: The province of Brouges is formed, geographically, of low mountains in the North and East, dense forest in-between in the Northeast, and coastal plains throughout the rest. The province encompasses a wide natural bay, with the city of Brouges in the middle along the coast. The weather is cool but temperate: grey in the Fall, snowy in the Winter, and relatively sunny during the Spring and Summer. The flat land is good for farming, but the demand of the capital city easily dwarfs whatever the farms can produce. Economy: Syndicalism One of the hallmarks of the International's revolutionary program is the Work Exchange, an organization by which unions come together to cooperatively manage the distribution of goods and services. There are Work Exchanges for cities, provinces, and regions, as well a Central Work Exchange for the RSI as a whole. At the level of the workplace, RSI union frameworks vary. In liberated territory, almost all workplaces are either worker-owned/managed cooperatives or integrated into larger democratic bodies. Sometimes the union itself acts as the governing body of all its constituent workplaces, owning many workplaces with managers appointed by the central democratic representatives or elected themselves. The RSI's rural territory, the province of Brouges, is not especially remarkable. There are some forests for lumber and impressive coal mines in low hills, but the agricultural land does not produce enough food even to feed the city of Brouges. The small towns, though connected with modern rails, are mostly devoted to cottage industry despite growing populations. The metropolis, on the other hand, is a bewildering economic giant, quite possibly the largest and most diverse economy contained within a single city. It boasts a very powerful military sector, meant to support the Revolutionary Guard and distribute weapons to allies. Besides this, the mix of industries is eclectic, but not wild, being mostly devoted to the economic development of liberated territory. Machine parts, wheels, tractors, trucks, trains, boats, airplanes, combines, cement, bricks, synthetic oil, fertilizers, and chemical powders are among the lively industries of the great city. Brouges is also known for preserving a thriving artisanal tradition, particularly in bakeries, candy, cheesemaking, butcher-shops, cobblers, and tailoring. Brouges is also known for the People's Proletarian University, a truly gargantuan educational institution that mixes the usual university faculties (history, linguistics, physics, chemistry, etc) with medical, law, and all manner of craft trade schools. There, scholars, researchers, professionals, and master craftspeople from every corner of liberated territory (as well some from non-liberated territory) mingle in the global center of Syndicalist Thought and Practice! Technology Overview Syndintern abhors reactionary ideologies that idolize the past. Tradition is fine and good, but never at the expense of the security and prosperity of the member-unions. The enormous research facilities in the People's Proletarian University attract the brightest scientific minds from every corner of the International, particularly the Federation and certain professors' unions in the Dereham Republic. These researchers devote their time and extensive resources to technology useful in improving or defending the life conditions of all fellow syndicalists. This includes pollution reduction, more efficient public transit, fertilizers, and selective crop breeding. With most of the world still very hostile to Syndicalism, military technology remains a particularly high priority. Military: The Revolutionary Guard One million courageous souls serve the International through the Revolutionary Guard, the unrivaled professional intervention troops of the Syndicalist world. The Guard is designed as an elite force that can be deployed quickly and concentrate a great amount of shock power in a particular area as needed. In particular, it serves as a special military-on-call to bolster the Syndicalist cause wherever fellow revolutionaries could use extra firepower. The Revolutionary Guard is remarkable for its disproportionately high mechanization, making it lightning-quick in comparison to most of its enemies. Unlike most militaries, the Guard has an abundance of industry but a shortage of manpower, leaving stores of ships, planes, other vehicles, weapons, and ammunition unused. These are either distributed to member-unions for their People's Militias, sold to Syndintern ally-states such as the NFRU, or left as strategic reserves to replace material lost in war. Thus, the Syndicalist world is rife with military equipment produced in Brouges. 600,000 Army: The ground doctrine of the Revolutionary Guard focuses on intervention and support, trading overall staying power for speed and shock. To compensate for limited numbers, the Guard draws from all of Syndintern for the best instructors and officers necessary to build an elite army. Furthermore, its forces benefit from a very high degree of mechanization and a proportionally large army aviation wing. The Revolutionary Guard Army is particularly famous for its Airborne Infantry, either parachuted down from modified bombers or landing in their characteristic Pirate-Class Gunships. – 225,000 frontline soldiers (100,000 general, 75,000 airborne, 50,000 mountain brigade infantry) – 75,000 army aviation pilots and gunners – 300,000 logistics 400,000 Navy: Given its role in the overall Syndicalist project, the Revolutionary Guard cannot waste precious manpower attempting to operate enormous battleships. Nor does it invest much in submarines, relying on the NFRU for sea superiority. Instead, the Guard Navy focuses on amphibious landing and air superiority. Transport ships, landing craft, and assault carriers form the core, supported by cruisers and a few fleet carriers. – 100,000 crew sailors – 25,000 navy aviation pilots – 75,000 marines – 200,000 logistics

Ground Vehicles of the Revolutionary Guard

Bullhorn-Class Armored Transport: To support its thick armor plating, this vehicle has an overpowered engine that is very loud. It comes in command, logistics, and troop transport variants. Every version includes a top-mounted 30mm autocannon best used for suppressing fire or eliminating enemy light vehicles. A modified version, designated Type A, exists for use in amphibious landings. Fist-Class Assault Truck: A more compact transport that trades protection for speed. Designed to unload from large gunships and frontline landing craft, it has disproportionate armor in the front section but almost none in the rear. It has turret, usually fitted with a 30mm autocannon, to suppress the enemy as its own troops dismount. Knife-Class Armored Car: A dense, quick armored vehicle with a crew of 2-3. The Knife is the result of experience in the open plains of Vallonia-Picardie, where the King deployed his "Royal Light Cavalry" of exceptionally quick armored forces with frightening results. Thankfully for the RSI, the King's forces suffered from logistical difficulties that the revolutionaries did not: Their first fully-operational design (right) was easily mass-produced and deployed en masse, beating the King at his own game. This was later replaced by a better-protected version (left) that preserved the speed of the first. Rioter-Class Mobile Artillery: A very compact but armored design typical of the Revolutionary Guard. Each vehicle mounts a large 105mm, quick-reloading recoilless rifle. They can be used en masse as very maneuverable artillery batteries, or more individually as tank-hunters. Scythe-Class Tank: The main battle tank of the Revolutionary Guard. The Scythe is a relatively fast tank that can ravage infantry and light vehicles, and can put up a good fight against tanks of similar class. Against heavier armor, it may require support from tank hunters or army aviation. A modified version, designated Type A, exists for use in amphibious landings. Raider-Class Amphibious Assault Vehicle: A recent, fully-amphibious light tank design. The standard version mounts a .50 caliber machinegun, and the heavily-modified Type C (shown left) mounts a 30mm autocannon. But firepower is not the main function of either model: They act primarily for suppression and mobile cover to aid marine infantry. Anvil-Series Assault Armor: A newly-popular series of vehicles sharing a chassis built for a balance of speed and protection. Anvil-series vehicles are generally better-armored but slower compared to their counterparts, such as the Scythe and the Raider. While the Guard's lighter designs are optimized to overwhelm enemy positions with speed and shock in a single attack, the more versatile Anvils are meant to move the front deeper into enemy territory. The three most common variants (left to right) are the Assault Gun (AG), with 2 .50 caliber machine-guns and a 120mm medium howitzer; the Assault Hunter (AH), with a unique 40mm autocannon and a quick-loading 135mm recoilless rifle; and the Assault Transport (AT), with 2 .50 caliber machine-guns and room for a squad of ten foot soldiers. Sledgehammer-Class Mobile Artillery: The slower, heavier cousin of the Rioter, intended to occupy rear lines and deliver long-range support. It has some light armor plating meant to protect against shrapnel and bullets, but is not meant to trade shots with armor. Its main weapon, a 150mm howitzer with a protected loading compartment, has an unusually long barrel to achieve impressive ranges. Most currently-employed models are equipped with mounted machine-guns and extra armor plates to protect the angling rails. Umbrella-Class Mobile Flak Gun (Variants): Despite the Revolutionary Guard's reputation for exceptional aviation wings, it cannot always ensure air superiority. In situations where the Guard must operate outside the range of air support or otherwise cannot rely on friendly skies, the Umbrella is deployed to counter enemy aircraft. The tank-mounted version is the most common in the Revolutionary Guard. The truck-mounted version is distributed to People's Militias in liberated territory for the common defense. Type-100 Veroveraar All-Terrain IFW: Currently in prototype stage, the Veroveraar is a joint project between the Revolutionary Guard and the Legermacht van de Bondsrepubliek. It is a heavily-armored walker-tank capable of operating on ground inaccessible to normal tanks, such as hilltops. It is armed as follows: one 30mm autocannon and one 0.50 cal machine-gun in the turret, one 0.50 cal machine-gun in the front, two rapid-fire heavy infantry mortars facing forward from the rear section, and two backwards-facing .50 cal machine-guns atop the rear section. It is designed to accompany infantry for support, suppression, and mobile cover. In addition to providing multiple layers of automatic fire at several angles, its two mortars can function either as light artillery or to launch flares or smoke-grenades for the infantry. It is believed that the Type-100 will be especially invaluable to mountaineer divisions, which normal armor cannot access. Type 121-B Vooruitgang Diesel-Electric Hardsuit: An adaptation of a NFRU design (121-A) intended for storm-troopers. The Revolutionary Guard model is less heavily-armored than the Federation model, but rounds its plates for better deflection. The Guard model also carries less weapons, and it is topped with acrylic glass cockpit shield instead of a metal plate with a slit. With these changes, it does not hit as hard as the 120-A and cannot take as much sheer punishment. But in exchange, the hardsuit is swifter, and the pilot has greater range of vision and movement. Thus, the 121-B meshes better with the Guard's mobile doctrine than the 121-A, which is intended to be used en masse in a steady forward advance. The standard outfit is four .30 caliber machine-guns plus stick grenades, but some carry different main weapons: 1-2 machine-guns and an oversized flamethrower, or a single 30mm autocannon, or a 55mm recoilless rifle. The Vooruitgang just recently made it past its prototype stage, and mass production is due to begin very soon.

Aircraft of the Revolutionary Guard

Brigand-Class All Purpose Fighter: One of the Guard's most versatile designs, useful for dive-bombing, close air support, and dogfighting. The medium-armored Brigand is armed with two 20mm autocannons and two .50 caliber machine-guns in the wings, and a heavy machine-gun for the rear gunner. It can carry an up to ~300kg payload. It has been disappearing from army aviation to make room for devoted attackers and interceptors, but its carrier-adapted version remains the most popular model in the navy. Bandit-Class Air Superiority Fighter: A fast, lightly-armored fighter designed particularly for dogfighting and destroying bombers. The Bandit has a powerful engine for its size and mounts all of its weapons near the center for accuracy: One 20mm autocannon through the nose and two .50 caliber machineguns on the fuselage. It is cheaper to produce and more fuel-efficient than Brigands or Heroes, and it is much faster on the climb. It is used in both army and navy aviation, particularly for defending fleets and airspace. Hero-Class Attacker: The Guard's most recent design, a twin-engine single-pilot aircraft with a single gunner in the rear. It is designed for close air support, in which it has proven itself magnificent far beyond initial expectations. It has quickly become the army's most popular design, displacing the Brigand. For the moment, there is no satisfactory variant for carrier-based takeoff and landing. The Hero boasts thicker armor without seriously compromising speed, double the maximum feasible payload, more ammunition capacity, and heavier armament (two .50 caliber machine-guns and two 30mm autocannons under the nose, plus a double .50 machine-gun in the rear turret). Though it is a little slower to turn and climb than the Brigand, its heavier armor is worthwhile compensation, and a skilled pilot can use it effectively in dogfighting on the attack. But on the defensive, it is better to rely on quicker-climbing Brigands or -even better- Bandits for a more rapid response to enemy bombers and attack aircraft. Instigator-Class Light Bomber: Another recent design, meant to strike tough enemy positions from relatively high altitudes. The Instigator is heavily-armored but compact with oversized engines and can carry a 1,200kg payload, leaving room for only a single defense machine-gun turret. It may fly with Bandit escorts, or simply depend on its uncanny maneuverability and thick armor to survive runs. Mob-Class Heavy Bomber: These are usually used as paratrooper planes, since the Revolutionary Guard's air doctrine does not generally call for strategic bombers. But in some cases, particularly when targeting extensive and well-defended military installations, a squadron of Mobs may be deployed. Though not huge by international standards, these are the largest planes the Guard. Each has a payload capacity of 4,000kg or 40 soldiers and three 20mm autocannon turrets (frontal, dorsal, and rear). Propagandist-Class Scout: A special gyroplane used for scouting, artillery-spotting, and anti-submarine runs. With a very short takeoff period, it can deploy relatively quickly, and its ability to hover in mid-air is indispensable in certain situations (particularly bombing submarines). The Propagandist is very lightly armored and carries only a single medium machine-gun for defense. Pirate-Class Gunship One of the Guard's most unique designs, descended from jury-rigged transports used by anarchists and pirates. Its armor is deceptively thick, and likewise its unspectacular-looking engines are quite powerful. The Pirate has an extremely large fuel capacity, making it perfect for long-distance deployment of air mobile battalions. In general, the landing bay holds at least one Fist-Class Assault Truck to lead the disembarkment, shielding the troops behind. Standard load is one Fist, two Rioters, and fifty foot soldiers. Another common load is a single Scythe-Class tank and two Rioters. The gunship has a single, double 20mm autocannon turret meant to aid in suppressing the enemy, and it sometimes carries rockets as well, but it is not designed to defend itself against other aircraft. It is almost always accompanied by Heroes or Brigands.

Ships of the Revolutionary Guard

A typical cruiser of the Revolutionary Guard Navy. Its main functions are protecting commerce, escorting carriers, and providing fire support/bombardment for amphibious assaults. They can also add useful firepower in pitched fleet-to-fleet engagements when operating alongside carriers, but they should not be deployed against enemy battleships on their own. The backbone of the Revolutionary Guard Navy: The carrier group. The escort destroyers are heavily influenced by NFRU designs, if not outright borrowed. The carriers themselves, however, are more unique: Large multi-platform assault carriers that launch both planes and amphibious assault craft.

The People's Militia System: Every member-union of the Revolutionary Syndicalist International is expected to maintain and drill its own militia(s), usually organized by work-place or cooperative. Unions in liberated territory can generally depend on Brouges to supply weapons and ammunition, but those in oppressed territory must navigate local conditions. They may tap into the black market, work with sympathizers in the military, or even construct makeshift weapons of their own. When called to arms, militias in liberated territory coordinate with the Revolutionary Guard, while those in oppressed territory must either send their troops in the general direction of the front to link up with the rest or, if they are in the territory of the enemy, prepare to wage a guerilla war from within. People's Militia soldiers are in some sense volunteers, since there is no direct conscription in the RSI. Those who are most devoted to the cause or best adapted to contribute as soldiers tend to offer themselves as candidates. However, since every union is required to maintain a militia of at least 1/10 its membership, there are some cases of draft-like actions: at best this may be pressure from friends and coworkers, at worst union representatives may round up choice workers against their will to make their quota. Fortunately, these tend to be rare cases, and even for those that aren't, the permanent nature of the militia means that every union's force builds a sense of commitment and group cohesion over time. The exact number of People's Militia soldiers that would mobilize in response to a call to arms is uncertain, and would depend heavily on several factors, such as whether Syndintern member nations had already raised levies or militias. But at the very least, the RSI can depend on the 2 million registered People's Militia soldiers in the province of Brouges. The NRFU is also considered a relatively dependable mobilization reserve, with 3 million registered People's Militia soldiers. Militias in the Dereham Republic are more uncertain, since the government there is more centralized and has conscription authority. The official numbers hover around 1 million, expected to skyrocket if and when Dereham joins Syndintern.

RSI Infantry

People's Militia: People's Militia infantry are equipped relatively well; they are not conscripts expected to throw their lives away as simple cannon fodder. Militias in Liberated Territory even have their own vehicles, heavy support weapons, and logistical capabilities. However, they lack the standardization and integrated command structure of the Revolutionary Guard, meaning that each Member-Union's militia operates very autonomously. They are dependable troops for defense-in-depth, slowing or pinning down enemy lines, and guerilla campaigns against would-be occupiers. General Infantry/Mountain Brigade: The Revolutionary Guard's GIs and Mountain Infantry wear more or less the same uniforms, with steel helmets and cuirasses and adequate munition storage. However, the Mountain Infantry has different standard armament then the rest of the Guard. They carry bolt-action rifles rather than semi-automatics, have a higher proportion of snipers per squad, and do not use SMGs. Also, mountaineers frequently require extra protection from the elements: thick coats, rainproof ponchos, snow boots, etc. Airborne Infantry:

"I read that mess, can we start already!?"

[Littlefield]

The Nation Sheet

Nation's Name Federal Republic of Dereham, more commonly referred to as The Dereham Republic, or Republic of Dereham.

Nation's History The Kingdom of Dereham - The Kingdom of Dereham established over five centuries ago was consisted of four independent kingdoms consolidated into a single kingdom, ruled by a single throne. The Kingdom of Dereham, The Kingdom of Klei, The Kingdom of Wael, and the Kingdom of Eire. The inclusion of these independent kingdoms came both by way of conquest, and by way of political maneuvering. Once established, the cultures of each kingdom, Aenglanders from Dereham, Kleimorans from Klei, Eirefolk from Eire, and Waelish from Wael, all became accepting of one another. For many years the Kingdom of Dereham traded with their many trade partners. The Kingdom of Dereham, however, did not remain entirely peaceful during this time, and was more than willing to go to war to protect it's interests. The Superiority War took place between the Kingdom of Dereham and the, now dissolved, Kingdom of Fervonia. This trade war resulted in the destruction of the Fervonian navy while it was moored at port in the nation's capital at the hands of Grand Admiral Sir Arthur Rooke. Centuries, and many kings later, the son of the beloved King William IV, John, ascended to the throne as King John I of Dereham. King John I, unlike his father, held traditional beliefs about society. He believed that all citizens in the nation lived only to serve the Kingdom. During his reign he showed little regard for the average citizen. The king created and enacted many policies that he believed would strengthen the kingdom, he did so with no regard for those who lived within his domain. Among these policies were the "Military Fortitude and Expansion" which drafted all able bodied males, not currently serving in the armed forces, ages 14 through 30 into the military, forcing them to leave their work, families, and lives. The Great Revolution - Following months of the King blatantly exploiting his citizens by raising taxes to pay for extravagant galas, drafting all able bodied men to bolster his military, taking large portions of the agricultural production for the nobility, allowing military units to billet in civilian houses at the cost of the home owner. Petitions and strikes to bring change to the Kingdom fell upon deaf ears, and dissent spread to all corners of the kingdom. The Great Revolution was sparked when a low ranking nobleman killed his wife. The nobleman was not brought exonerated of guilt by the King himself. The brother of the deceased woman, Jefferson Taylor, was distraught with the king's decision. Knowing that the government would not deliver justice, he took it into his own hands killing the nobleman. This act of defiance directly against the king inspired many people, including most of the garrison of the capital city of Amner to rise up and riot. Before long word of this spread to the far corners of the Kingdom, and the small riot had sparked into a full rebellion. The king began sending in units of the Dereham Army still loyal to him to kill the rebels. Among his loyal units remained the elite Royal Guard, the palace guards of Amner Hall. Their commander, Major Robert Glenshaw, was personally ordered by the king to enter the city and cleanse the streets of rebels. The Major planned the operation, however, rather than launching it, he deserted with the senior staff of the Royal Guard. With new military leaders arriving to the aid of the rebellion, it became much more organized. Major Glenshaw was chosen to lead the new military of the rebellion. With no shortage of volunteers, the military became a strong fighting force with units deserting from the Royalist military and bringing their equipment with them. Before long a military adviser from the Norther Federal Republic of Unions, and a representative of the Revolutionary Syndicalist International arrived. The adviser made regular reports to the NFRU's military high command, eventually securing large shipments of small arms, tanks, artillery, and aircraft for the newly named Republican Army. With the support of Syndintern, the revolution succeeded after just shy of a decade of fighting, with the royalist forces surrendering the fortress of Amner Hall. The revolution ended with a total of 4,326,000 dead, wounded, or missing on both sides, among the dead were the King of Dereham. The citizens of Dereham had no qualms with his children, or his Queen, and they were allowed to be released on the condition they leave the Republic's sovereign territory, and never return. Following the revolution, a new government was established and the Federal Republic of Dereham was formed.

Race Human.

Religion Free Universalism- This is the primary religion of the Federal Republic of Dereham with nearly 70% of the population adhering to it's beliefs that sentient beings are capable of free and responsible thought and research in their journey to find truth and spiritual growth, without the assistance of a church or other religious organization. Quddak - This is a minority religion in the Federal Republic of Dereham with less than 13% of the population following it's belief structure. It is characterized by the belief that the Prophet (PBUH) was the messenger of Al Quddus, and Al Quddus is the one and only God, also known as the Shahada, or the first pillar of faith. Alongside that teaching, Islam also believes in the four other pillars of faith, which include obligatory prayer, compulsory giving to the poor in the community, fasting in the month of Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Yathrib. The additional 17% belong to various animist religions, or are agnostic.

Form of Government The Federal Republic of Dereham is a Republic, with candidates elected from many separate political parties varying in size and objective. The Supreme Chancellor is an elected position, directly by the people. A Candidate is able to serve as the Supreme Chancellor for 10 year terms. A Candidate may run as many times as he likes, but may only be elected for 2 terms. Each party selects a candidate to run for this position. The de jure second on the line of succession is the Secretary of the People. He is chosen by the Supreme Chancellor and approved by the Council of Workers. This position is held a minimum of 1 full term. If the Supreme Chancellor is reelected he may nominate a new Secretary of the People. The holder of this position serves as the head of the military, but does not hold direct command of any forces in the field. The de jure third on the line of succession is the Chief Councilman. He is chosen from among the council of workers, by the other councilmen. He must secure a majority vote every 5 years to remain Chief Councilman. If he is not reelected to the council by the people, a new Chief Councilman is elected from the council. With a population of 135 million people, the government divided the country into 135 electoral districts, One district per 1,000,000 citizens. Each party may run a single candidate in each electoral district.

Current Leader(s) Supreme Chancellor Robert A. Glenshaw - Robert Alexander Glenshaw, a former officer in the Royal Army, loyally served King William IV as Royal Guardsman, eventually rising through the ranks of the guard to serve as it's commander, holding the rank of Major. After King John I ascended to the throne, as his policies became exceedingly unpopular, riots began to begin. The King ordered Major Glenshaw to suppress the rioters, arrest, and execute their leaders. Upon arriving at the home of Jefferson Taylor, the leader of the riot in Amner, the Major rather than arresting him, offered his services. Glenshaw began quickly turning the separate and unorganized riots into a full organized revolution. He made his departure from Amner following mass executions carried about by those loyal to the king. He established a new headquarters in the South, at the city of Caroal. He quickly reached out and organized the isolated riots, into an organized rebellion. His knowledge of the inner-workings of the Royal Army proved to be instrumental in the establishing of a Republican Army, and even more so in combating loyalist forces on the field. Secretary of the People Matthew W. Carver - Matthew William Carver, originally a young factory worker from Northern Dereham, Carver was pressed into military service as a result of King John's draft policies, assigned to the King's Royal Guard due to his high training scores, he served Major Glenshaw loyally. His father, one of the first rioters from his city, was arrested and executed by the Loyalist forces. This drew him further and further away from the loyalist, as her urged Major Glenshaw to do something. When the riots arrived in the capital city and the order came to execute the rioters, Major Glenshaw and Serjeant Carver declined the orders, and defected. Carver, as he was a poor factory worker, had a deep understanding of the people and their troubles. He quickly proved to all that he was willing to do what was necessary to win a better situation for the citizens of Dereham. His friendship with Glenshaw, and his deep love for the people of Dereham, made him an obvious choice for Secretary of the People. Chief Councilman Jefferson G. Taylor - Jefferson Garth Taylor, by most accounts the first real leader to step up during the riots at Amner. He was born to a relatively affluent family living in the capital city of Amner. His father worked as a solicitor for a large and prestigious firm, whilst his mother stayed at home to raise him and his sister. Following in his father's footsteps Jefferson studied law at one of the most elite universities in Dereham, and graduated among the top of his class. His sister was married to a landholder, a lower ranking member of the Dereham Nobility, and a staunch traditionalist who believed that wives were the property of their husbands. His sister was subject to beatings from her husband when he had been drinking, and with the laws that prevented her from defending herself, she was left little choice but to suffer through them without seeking help. It was not long until the beatings lead to her death. Distraught over the murder of his beloved sister, Jefferson tracked, and killed her former husband. However, knowing that this could happen elsewhere in the country, and in the world was too much for him, he vowed to bring a change to Dereham. It was not long before he had many followers in Amner who rioted over the violent treatment of women, and the poor not only in their city, but all over their country.

Notable Figures Supreme General (Dereham Republic Army - DRA) Colin O. Morrison Supreme General (Dereham Republic Air Corps - DRAC) Richard L. Hall Supreme Admiral (Dereham Republic Navy - DRN) Daniel F. Zimmer

Total Population 135,204,200

Nation's Location:

Nation's Geography: Highlands, Grasslands, and some mountains.

Economy: Prior to The Great Revolution, the economy of the Kingdom of Dereham was nearly non-existent, with 99% of the money in the country residing with the nation's aristocracy. In the 20 years following the revolution the Federal Republic of Dereham, the industry and agriculture of the nation has been in full swing. Producing enough food for the entire nation, as well as being able to support it's military with it's own innovative technology. As such the primary export of the nation is food, and military technology. The primary import of the nation, due to their large military focus, is raw ore of many types such as Iron, Ragnite. The major trade partner of The Dereham Republic is the NFRU. Following the revolution the nation's economy is improving, however they are not fabulously wealthy. Their economy is teetering on the edge of a command economy.

Technology Overview The Federal Republic of Dereham, being quite literally forged with blood and iron has a major industrial and military focus, however the production of food is not lagging behind. Due to the highlands and grasslands in the country they produce and abundance of food. The mountains of their nation allow them to mine rare materials for their industry, which also allows them to make technological innovations.

Military Overview

Population Active Duty: 4.115,000 Airmen, Sailors, and Soldiers. Reserve Personnel: 3,000,000 Airmen, Sailors, and Soldiers Army Overview 55% of military population in Army, 4,463,250 soldiers. The focus of the Dereham Republic Army is it's "win-hold-win" doctrine. It accomplishes this doctrine by focusing on highly trained infantry, and very mobile medium tanks, as well as very strong heavy armored tanks. The Military also ties in "Combined Arms Tactics" into it's doctrine in which all groups of the armed forces operate together toward a single objective. Minimum age 18, max age for enlistment 35. Conscription is legal during times of war, upon request by Supreme Chancellor, and must be approved with 2/3 vote from the Council of Workers. Multi-child families only able to have first-born child conscripted. Service is not mandatory. Navy Overview 15% of military population in Navy, 1,217,258 sailors. Battlespace is a key concept in the DRN's naval Doctrine, the Surface Fleet's doctrine has a major focus on detecting enemy forces at sea, tracking the enemy, and destroying them before they pose a danger to the fleet. Minimum age 18, max age for enlistment 35. Conscription is legal during times of war, upon request by Supreme Chancellor, and must be approved with 2/3 vote from the Council of Workers. Multi-child families only able to have first-born child conscripted. Service is not mandatory. Air Force Overview 30% of military population in Air Force, 2,434,500 airmen. Minimum age 18, max age for enlistment 35. Conscription is legal during times of war, upon request by Supreme Chancellor, and must be approved with 2/3 vote from the Council of Workers. Multi-child families only able to have first-born child conscripted. Service is not mandatory.

Uniforms

Uniforms Dereham Republican Army Infantry Officer This is the standard issue uniform for members of the Dereham Republican Army ranking Second Lieutenant through Colonel. Like many other uniforms used by the DRA. Many officers in the Dereham Republic Army have gone through the universities to obtain their commissions. Though not impossible, few officers have risen from the enlisted ranks to achieve a commission. The officers of the army are, generally speaking, highly capable at their duties. Officers of the DRA do not purchase their own commissioned, but they are received based on merit. Dereham Republic Army Infantryman This is the standard infantryman of a DRA Infantry Brigades, of both active and reserve standing. This uniform is worn by all members of an Infantry Brigade ranked Private to Serjeant Major. Many of these brigades exist and they form the largest group of the Army. There are three main training stations for the Dereham Republic Army, the northernmost is Camp Dev. It is located in a territory populated mostly by Eirefolk. The center training station located in the territory populated mostly by Kleimorans, is known as Camp Graeme, and the southernmost training center, located in the area populated mostly by Waelish, and Aenglanders, the training facility is known as Camp William named in honor of the last King of Dereham. The Dereham Republic Army has participated in many joint military exercises over the past 15 years with the NFRU. Dereham Republic Grenadier Guard The Grenadier Guard Brigades are the elite soldiers of the DRA specialized in all forms of combat, including but are not limited to: Cold weather, alpine, desert, amphibious assaults, and are deployable via airplane. There is a single Grenadier Guard Division in the army at this time, numbering about 6,600 Guardsmen. This uniform is worn by members ranking from Guardsman to Serjeant Major. They Dereham Republic's Grenadier Guards are trained at the Joint Special Tactics Training School, commonly referred to by the Guardsmen as the JSTTS, a joint school established after the revolution by the NFRU and Dereham Republic as a training school for their assault sappers, and the Grenadier Guards. Their reputation was forged during their revolution, as well as their victories in the first wargame with the NFRU, matched only by the Federal Assault Sappers. The current commander of the First Guard Division is Major General George T. Powell. General Powell prior to the revolution served as a Captain in the Royal Guard, under the command of Major Glenshaw. Among the very first followers of Major Glenshaw, he quickly distinguished himself as a commander in the early battles in the war, as well as training the first battalion of Grenadier Guards. The first combat this battalion saw was at the Battle of the Tweed River, named for the Tweed River in Northwest Dereham. A minor skirmish compared to the major sieges of the war, The Battalion distinguished themselves by holding back an entire brigade from the 3rd Dereham Infantry Division. Suffering many casualties in the course of the battle, but held until reinforcements arrived to continue the push toward the capital. This victory cemented the role of the Grenadier Guards in the military. Soon the single battalion was replenished, and by the end of the war it had expanded into a full brigade. Dereham Republic Alpine Trooper The Alpine Brigades are recruited specifically from the mountain ranges of the Dereham Republic. The troopers in these brigades have known little else but the mountains. The Alpine troopers are regarded as some of the best in the world, winning the first ever wargames between the NFRU and Dereham Republic. The Alpine troops from the Dereham Republic won relative fame for the part they played in the Revolution.

Small Arms

Small Arms ICW Automatic Service Pistol Formally the Infantry Combat Weapon 2 - Automatic Service Pistol, commonly referred to as "ASP", the Automatic Service Pistol is issued to Infatry officers, and pilots of the Dereham Republic's Military. Produced by the Dereham Infantry Arms Union.

ICW Morrison Rifle and ICW Morrison Sniper Rifle Formally the Infantry Combat Weapon 30 and Infantry Combat Weapon 31 Rifles, this is the standard issue rifle of the Dereham Republic's Army. This weapon fires a 10mm round, and is able to hold 5 rounds. Produced by the Dereham Infantry Arms Union. Infantry units are also equipped with the Type 2 Automatic Rifles, and Type 2 Light Machine guns from the NFRU.

Vehicles

Vehicles LFV Valiant Mk. 1 The Land Fighting Vehicle 36 Valiant is a medium tank. It is the mainstay of a Dereham Republic Armor Brigade. The Tank is manned by a crew of 6 men, and boasts a single 120mm cannon, and 4 Type 74 machine guns. It is extremely mobile, and able to deal large amounts of damage with high explosive, or armor piercing rounds. LFV Valiant Mk. 2 The Land Fighting Vehicle 36 Mk. 2 Variant of the Valiant is designed for close to long range fire support. It boasts a 6 barrel rocket firing system. The types of rockets include smoke canister, high explosive, and incendiary rockets. Also armed with two Type 74 Machine guns. LFV Valiant Mk. 3 The Land Fighting Vehicle Valiant Mk. 3 Variant is designed for transporting a 15 man infantry squad. Armed with a single 20mm autocannon for defense, it is fully capable of defending itself against any threat. LFV Liberator Mk. 1 The Land Fighting Vehicle Liberator, produced as a mobile, agile and hard hitting light vehicle. This vehicle is able to move through enemy lines, hit it's target and return at very good speed. LFV Liberator Mk. 2 The Land Fighting Vehicle Liberator Mk. 1 Variant is a modified version of the originally Liberator used as a mobile flamethrower. Used as an anti-personnel and anti-vehicle weapon, also used to break enemy lines. LFV Liberator Mk. 3 The Land Fighting Vehicle Liberator Mk. 3 Variant is a modified version of the Liberator suited as a mobile command center for a brigade level. Armed with a 20mm autocannon. Type 121B "Vooruitgang" Diesel-Electric Powered Hardsuit The Revolutionary Guard model is less heavily-armored than the Federation model, but rounds its plates for better deflection. The Guard model also carries less weapons, and it is topped with acrylic glass cockpit shield instead of a metal plate with a slit. With these changes, it does not hit as hard as the 120-A and cannot take as much sheer punishment. But in exchange, the hardsuit is swifter, and the pilot has greater range of vision and movement. Thus, the 121-B meshes better with the Guard's mobile doctrine than the 121-A, which is intended to be used en masse in a steady forward advance. The standard outfit is four .30 caliber machine-guns plus stick grenades, but some carry different main weapons: 1-2 machine-guns and an oversized flamethrower, or a single 30mm autocannon, or a 55mm recoilless rifle. The Vooruitgang just recently made it past its prototype stage, and mass production is due to begin very soon. This model is loaned out from the Revolutionary Guard to the Grenadier Guard Brigades of the Dereham Republic Army. LFV Chieftain Mk. 1 The Land Fighting Vehicle Chieftain Mk. 1 is a super-heavy tank of the Dereham Republic Army. The tank mounts six 15cm cannons, four Type 74 Machine Guns. Crewed by 8 men. It is used to break enemy lines, and turn the tide of siege battles quickly. A regiment of Chieftain tanks is attached to every Armored Brigade. The Chieftain made it's first foray into the battlefield on the siege lines at the Battle of Amner Hall. In the early hours of the morning on the second day of the Battle of Amner Hall, a deep and loud rumble could be heard from miles off. The defenders of Amner Hall rose from their bunks and scurried to defensive positions around the capital city. The defenders of the capital had barely arrived in their defensive positions before they were faced with the newest threat on the battlefield. The first Armor Brigade of the Dereham Republic, lead by the First Heavy Armor Regiment, the "Iron Knights" as they are now called, surged through multiple lines of defenses. Without the "Iron Knights", the siege of the Capital city of Amner could've lasted years longer. The Dereham Republic Army also uses vehicles and small arms from other members of Syndintern.

Naval Assets

Naval Assets: Glenshaw Class Battleship Armed with eight 46cm guns, twelve 15.5cm guns, ten 12.7cm guns, and thirty 25mm autocannons, armed with a compliment of depth charges used for anti-submarine warfare. It is named for the Supreme Chancellor of The Dereham Republic, the Glenshaw Class Battleship is a nearly impenetrable weapon of the sea. Capable of outmaneuvering and outgunning any other ship of it's class. This Battleship is the mainstay of the DRN. There are currently 12 battleships of this class in the Dereham Navy, there are currently 0 under construction and an additional 2 planned for construction. Tweed Class Battle-Cruiser Armed with eight 25 cm guns, ten 15.5 cm guns, and twenty-five 20mm autocannons, armed with a compliment of depth charges used for anti-submarine warfare. It is named for the Battle of the Tweed River. The Dereham Republic Navy has a 58 of these ships actively serving. There are an addition 7 planned for construction. Amner Hall Class Troop Transport Armed two 15cm cannons, Fifteen Type 74 mounted machine guns. The Amner Hall Class Troop Transport vessel, is named for the famous Battle of Amner Hall during the Great Revolution, in which Republican Forces defeated Loyalist forces in a decisive battle in the war. The Amner Hall Class can transport nearly 3,000 troops on a single voyage. There are currently 47 of these ships currently active in the Dereham Republic Navy, with an addition one being constructed. Revolution Class Aircraft Carrier The Revolution Class aircraft carrier is capable of transporting, launching, and refueling up to 75 Aircraft. The Aircraft on board are piloted by Air Corps pilots, and are property of the Dereham Republic Air Corps. There are currently 8 carriers of this class active in the Dereham Republic Navy, there are 2 ships of this class under construction, and an addition two planned for construction. Emancipator Class Torpedo Cruiser The Emancipator Class Torpedo Cruiser is armed with twenty-four broadside torpedo bays, six 15cm cannons, and two 38cm cannons. The Emancipator Class Torpedo Cruiser is one of the most common ships in the Dereham Republic Navy. The Dereham Republic Navy has 103 ships of this class on active duty, with an addition three in construction, and nine further more planned. Rooke Class Dreadnought The Rooke Class Dreadnought is the largest, heaviest armored, heaviest armed, and largest crewed ship in the Dereham Republic Navy. The DRN currently posses 5 Dreadnoughts in their fleet as flagships, and 2 more planned for construction. The DNS Rooke is the Flagship of entire DRN. The Rooke Class Dreadnought is Armed with three 55cm cannons, fourteen 12.5cm, sixteen 15.5 cm guns, twenty-six triple barreled 20mm autocannons. Holds four Aircraft catapults able to launch it's compliment of 10 Naval aircraft Fighters. The Rooke Class is meant to serve as the terror of the sea. Type-42 "Dagvlieg" Onderzeeboot The vessel remains one of the primary O-Boats currently active within the Republican Navy. Due to it's smaller size the Dagvlieg is easily mass produced, though is still able to boast a formidable arsenal. The crew compliment of the vessel stands at fifty officers and ratings and is capable of undertaking missions on it's own or within a squadron of other vessels. Unlike larger ships of it's kind the Dagvlieg is not expected nor designed to remain on it's own for prolonged periods of time and as such requires refueling and resupplying up to twice a month when operating at peak consumption. Much like it's larger relatives the Dagvlieg is designed to be functional both above and below the water, sporting two twin Type-74 HMGs for anti-air purposes. As well as this, the Dagvlieg is mounted with enhanced radar equipment on the command deck so that it might complete it's intended role as a commerce raider and submarine hunter. It's weapon compliment for such missions consists of four forward facing torpedo bays. The Northern Federal Republic of Unions granted 33 submarines of this class to the Dereham Republic Navy. Over this last twenty years the Dereham Republic Navy has expanded this number to 49 submarines of this class. There are an additional three under construction. An 104 addition support ships, and patrol boats of varying sizes and functions compose the remaining ships. The Dereham Republic Navy also uses ships and weapons from other members of Syndintern.

Air Corps Assets

Air Corps Assets: F-35 Attacker Six Type 74, two 50lb Bomb, the Attacker is an Air to Air and Air to Ground attack plane. Type 39 Raptor Fighter Bomber The Type 39 Raptor is a design of The Northern Federal Republic Of Unions. Armed with two Type 74 Machine Guns, two 20mm autocannons, six 50lb bombs, and a rear mounted type 74 machine gun. Mob-Class Heavy Bomber When targeting extensive and well-defended military installations, a squadron of Mobs may be deployed. Though not huge by international standards, these are the largest planes that the DRAC has to offer. Each has a payload capacity of 4,000kg and three 20mm autocannon turrets (frontal, dorsal, and rear). The Mob-Class Heavy Bomber has also been re-purposed to carry a 40 man Grenadier Guard Platoon on airborne drops. The Dereham Republic Air Corps also uses planes and weapons from other members of Syndintern.

"I read that mess, can we start already!?"

[So Boerd]

>

The Republic

Nation's Name: The Malassakian Republic, or coloquillaly, "I galinioteri ( Ee Ga-LEE-ni-oh-ter-ee") > > > > Nation's Name: The Fourteenth Malassakian Republic, or colloquially, "I galinioteri ( Ee  Ga-LEE-ni-oh-ter-ee" > > Nation's History: The tradition towards the maritime is as old as the republic itself, and in fact, predates it. As the legend goes, the origin of the republic is from a long conquered hegemonic city state on the coast of what is now the Irodein Empire and race of viking style barbarians whose indigenous name is lost to history (called by the Historians "Epidromeas" after their tendency to raid), who frequently raided this coastline, on the isle then known as Balea. As this city state, Trapezous, spread its hegemonic fingers and subjugated the neighboring cities to make them clients, it became responsible for their protection. Being a thalassocratic state itself, it had never had any issues with fending off the crude, leather hulled raiders, and so the two maritime "powers" by and large ignored each other. As the influence of Trapezous grew, more and more of the coastline demanded its attention and protection, which, despite its competent navy, was unable to be everywhere simultaneously. The shrinkage of available targets for the raiders also compelled them to test Trapezous' now overstretched navy.  Thus, the only choice was a perilous expedition to the isles the barbarians called home to eradicate what they considered to be inferior humans. For this most dangerous of missions, the republic selected its fiercest son, the third son of the Archon, Malassakos, to lead the genocidal expedition. He sailed at the head of a tremendous war fleet to the island, batting away those ships which dared oppose him until he set foot on the island triumphantly. His heavy hoplites proved more than a match for the lightly armed sea raiders; of the royal family of the island, first the King, then the eldest prince, sequentially all attempted some new strategic, some new intrigue to slay the conquering hero, but Malassakos' men defeated and slew them and their forces each time. Finally, the male line was extinguished, and a young daughter came to rule. She was lovely, and so prevailed upon Malassakos to spare her and her people, they being willing to submit to Trapezous. Malassakos was moved to compassion, and so sent word back to his city and requested clemency on the condition of direct rule. This request was denied as a result of the vengeful demands of the client states,  and he was ordered to slay them to the last. Again, he requested clemency. Again he was denied. Being the son of the chief magistrate and thus well versed on the intricacies of the law, he declared that as the republic had officially warned the royal family of the raiders to desist, the republic recognized them as a sovereign state. Therefore, under the rules of foreign trade, the Baleans had the legal authority to sell him slaves, and his slaves became his personal property entitled to the constitutional protection his property enjoyed. Also, he married the queen in a lawful ceremony, and so she became a citizen with all the protections a female citizen was entitled. Thus, on his third request, they could not order him to destroy the people without a judicial proceeding, which was impossible as he himself had committed no crime, notwithstanding the slaves had. As a consequence, all the inhabitants became known as Malassakou, or "of Malassakos", as they personally belonged to him.  > > Centuries later, a disastrous famine followed by hostile nations drove all the original inhabitants out of Trapezous, forcing those with the means to migrate to the island (which was owned by Trapezous) and among the Malassakou, who had since been manumitted as a result of Malasskos' grandson's death as all slaves were. Of course, because the overwhelming majority of the island was given a constitutionally inferior status with much diminished rights, the situation rapidly became untenable. A constitutional convention was called, and among other demands in the negotiations, the Malassakou demanded the island reflect the heritage of those who inhabited it, and was so renamed from the Serene City of Trapezous to the Malassakian Republic, a name born to this day. Another tradition borne is that whenever there is a revision to the constitution, major or minor, the Republic technically ends, and a new one is born. Hence, while the political entity is thousands of years old, the Republic as it is today is only 240 years old.  > > As technology progressed, the Malassakians combined the raiding and client state traditions of both their constituent peoples, and so began enforcing their hegemony over the waves. They acquired more islands, and spread more and more over the world until their present state, which operates in much the same way.  > > Race: Humans > > Form of Government: Mixed between de jure plutocracy and democracy. > > The executive Branch is composed of three magistrates elected every five years and given control of different aspects of the state. The Archon  is the head of state, and handles diplomacy and domestic functions of the state. The decision to approve (note: not declare) war is his, and his is the most powerful office in the executive. The Thalassarch used to have absolute control of the navy, but his position has over time morphed into a position more akin to the US Secretary of the Navy, but he is appointed by the Council of the Five Hundred rather than by the Archon. The Polemarch is much the same way, but for the army and the air force.  > > The legislative branch is composed of two houses. The Foroglia dictates the raising of taxes, the declaring of wars, and the appropriation to the various departments of government, and is composed of 120 members elected by sheer popular vote. The Epikrateis is a 50 man council elected in districts where each citizen gets as many votes as the nominal value of its taxes. Within the departments of government, it decides precisely where the money goes. The decision to make a new department and the rules under which it will operate must be ratified by a two thirds majority in government. > > The judiciary is composed of six supreme magistrates and many inferior tribunals, and in addition to the normal roles of a legal system may declare any action of the government to be not in keeping with the constitution, however, precedent does not exist and the supreme magistrates are appointed by the Foroglia.  > > Current Leader(s):  > > Archon Antiochus Soter > > Notable Figures > > Total Population > Home Islands: 55 Million > Colonial possessions: 122 million > > Nation's Location: Those islands off the coast of Irodein and literally every tiny island more than a few miles off shore. (Don't have access to image editing software at the moment) > > Nation's Geography: > The northern pole and southern pole of the home island, Malassa, are quite hilly, while the west and east are flat all the way to the coast.  > > Economy: > As the most densely industrialized nation, Malassa imports significant amounts of food and raw materials, and in return, principally exports manufactured goods. It is also a major global financial center. > > Technology Overview: The Malassans are at the forefront of technology, pioneering breakthroughs in several areas.  > > Military Overview:  > > Population: > > Republican Navy: 500,000  > Republican Army: 358,000 > Colonial Army: 600,000 > Republican Air Force:  100,000 > > Army Overview: > The standing army is intended for two purposes, namely, island defense, and more importantly, long-term punitive expeditions. As such, it is built around shock and awe to exploit the generally superior technology, perpetual initiative and maritime dominance of the Republic. While certainly not the numerous army even at wartime strength, it is very well equipped and well trained.  > > The Colonial army is a peacekeeping militia with a little professional corps, designed to train further militants. It employs fabian tactics to allow the navy and airforce to inflict maximum damage. > > Navy Overview: > The navy is the strength of the Republic, being composed of no fewer than (active) > > 26 Fleet carriers. (Real world analogue, Midway class) > > 2 Battleships. (Iowa Class) > > 89 Cruisers (Baltimore Class) > > 236 Destroyers. (Gearing class) > > 89 Submarines. (Type IXC/40 U-boat) > > 90 light escort and patrol vessels. > > Those logistical ships which are needed. > > Under Construction: > > 3 Super carriers (Kitty hawk class) > Six cruisers (Boston class) > 21 destroyers (Forrest-Sherman class) > 6 Attack submarines (Type XXI) > > Air Force Overview: > > The role of the Republican Air Force (distinct from Naval Aviation, the planes aboard the supercarriers whose role is naval fire support and naval strike) is to maintain air superiority. It is overwhelmingly composed of fighters. Those bombers it has are a few enormous strategic bombers too large for the carriers meant to provide enduring air support for deep operations of the army.

[Hystarea]

Nation's Name: The Oclium Kingdom

Nation’s History: The kingdom of Oclium had started off as the city of Oclium. The city of Oclium was a prosperous city in the region and conquered its neighbors with diplomacy and military force. After Oclium had acquired a large enough size the kingdom of Oclium was formed with the old dynasty at the head of it. The kingdom of Oclium quickly conquered its fellow nations easily. The old dynasty ruled for generations until the “Iron Rebellion”. The “Iron Rebellion” started off in the iron mines of Oclium to the west. Leonardo Gutierrez was an iron miner in the iron mines. He had already had a great disliking to the old dynasty of Oclium who had for centuries oppressed the peasants of Oclium. Several rebellions have occurred in Oclium and Leonardo Gutierrez knew of how powerful the Oclium army was compared to peasants. So once the “Iron Rebellion” started, Leonardo Gutierrez, reached out to Graciano Dominguez to become the new leader of the “Iron Rebellion” and use his noble connections to beat the old dynasty. Graciano Dominguez accepted quickly without thought as he would be able to get his revenge against the old dynasty for destroying the dynasty of Dominguez. Graciano Dominguez asked his old friend Adora Alejandra to assist in the rebellion by securing the assistance of close nations. She was not only successful in getting the nations to assist in the rebellion, but, also got Venceslás Álvarez to fund the “Iron Rebellion”. With Graciano Dominguez, now known as the “Iron Prince”, the “Iron Rebellion” quickly began to destroy the Oclium forces. Glauco Peláez believed that the old dynasty had finally lost and fled to the “Iron Prince” and begged for forgiveness. Glauco Peláez also asked for in exchange for a seat on the new cabinet he would assist the “Iron Rebellion”. When Glauco Peláez joined the “Iron Rebellion” the military joined him and he was able to seize the capital of Oclium in a single night. Once the “Iron Prince” arrived in capital the people rang and cheered for him. He reached the capital building where the old dynasty was awaiting their sentence. The “Iron Prince” ordered the entire dynasty to be executed for crimes against the people of Oclium. After the “Iron Rebellion” the “Iron Prince” became the new Prince of Oclium and started to rebuild the nation after the great rebellion. Many people of Oclium are still greatly displeased with the “Iron Prince” for keeping the old Monarchy and not instituting a republic. As the nation builds many of its people still crave rebellion.

Race: The race of the Oclium Kingdom is human. The native Oclium people are fair skinned with dark hair (Brown or black) with brown eyes.

Form of Government: An Absolute Monarchy. The Prince, or Princess, rule with absolute authority over all matters. However, a cabinet is formed at the start of every new Monarchs rule. The new Monarch may choose anyone he, or she, wishes to serve in their cabinet. The Oclium Cabinet has 4 positions in it. The first is the Minister of Peace, who is in charge of the Military in Oclium. The second cabinet member is the Minister of Coinage, they are in charge of the Economics of Oclium. The third cabinet member is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, they are in charge of all diplomatic actions with foreign powers. The fourth cabinet member is the Minister of the People. The fourth cabinet is a new position that was added at the end of the “Iron Rebellion”. Current Leader(s): Prince Graciano Dominguez Notable Figures: Graciano Dominguez – The “Iron Prince” of Oclium. He is the newest Prince of the Kingdom of Oclium and the current ruler of the nation. He is the age of 38. He is 5’9 and has a very boney facial structure. His hair is dark brown and his eyes are brown. Graciano Dominguez was a prominent member of the Dominguez noble family. Until the old dynasty of Oclium had the Dominguez family stripped of all possessions. At the time Graciano was the head of the Dominguez family and openly discredited the old dyansty of Oclium. Tensions had already been at an all time high in the kingdom of Oclium and many noble families rallied to the aid of the old dynasty when the "Iron Rebellion" started. However, Graciano Dominguez chose to be the head of the "Iron Rebellion" to be able to rally more to their cause. Few noble families joined the "Iron Rebellion". The few that did were incredibility powerful, however. Glauco Peláez – The current Minister of Peace. He is roughly in his late 50s and is bald. He has dark brown eyes and a round face. He came into power before the “Iron Prince” ruled at the ruler of Oclium. Glauco served the pervious Prince as the Minister of Peace, but, betrayed him for the “Iron Prince”. Glauco started off a soldier in the Oclium army as a private. He rose through the ranks of the army and eventually became the Minister of Peace for the previous ruler of Oclium. However, when the “Iron Rebellion” launched Glauco saw that they would eventually defeat the dynasty of old. Glauco quickly abandoned the old dynasty and joined Graciano as his military leader. Venceslás Álvarez – Venceslás is the youngest member of the cabinet. He is the Minister of Coinage. He is a very lean man with blonde hair and blue eyes. Venceslás is a member of the most prominent aristocrat family of Cruz. Cruz is the richest of all the aristocracy in Oclium, other than the ruler. Venceslás became the head of the family at the age of 17 when his father died of illness. This young age led him to be very skilled in the art of commerce. During the “Iron Rebellion” Venceslás quickly saw the profit and power that he could obtain if Graciano Dominguez was to win the rebellion with his support. So Venceslás funded the “Iron Rebellion”. Adora Alejandra Adora is in her late 40s and is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. She has brown curly hair and brown eyes. Adora has traveled the world in efforts to help the Oclium diplomatically. Adora came into the position as the Minister of Foreign Affairs by securing certain foreign alliances for the “Iron Prince” during the “Iron Rebellion”. Leonardo Gutierrez Leonardo is a man in his early 50s who is the Minister of the People. He was a miner in the mines. He lived amongst many of the peasants of the lands and had been a part of the poorest class of Oclium. Leonardo was the originally leader of the “Iron Rebellion” which started in the Iron Mines of Oclium. The rebellion was quickly to be crushed. Until Graciano Dominguez joined the rebellion as the true leader. Leonardo gave up the position as the leader of the rebellion as long as Graciano Dominguez would install Leonardo as a new position in the cabinet to help assist the oppressed people of Oclium.

Total Population: About 102,004,000

Nation's Location: Nation's Geography: The land of Oclium is a vast one with great grassy plains. The West is a hilly and mountainous region where many of the Iron and coal mines reside. In most parts of Oclium the landscape is covered in farmlands and small farming towns. The greatest parts of Oclium are the massive city centers that many people reside at. In the most Western region of Oclium is the city of Agluez. Alguez is large city with many Iron factories. This is where most of the iron imports are eventually located to. Another large city in Oclium is the city of Gueria in the central region. Gueria is a city of tobacco. Much of the tobacco that is grown in Oclium are sent here to create cigars in the massive factories in this city. On the coast of Oclium lies the capital city of Ocu. Ocu is the largest of the cities with the Palace in the center. It's ports are busy with dock workers and ships from countries exporting and importing goods. Oclium's main source of income in the trade that occurs there as not many factories are being built here. However, in a matter of time Ocu could become a city filled with factories just like the other major cities.

Economy: The Oclium nations Economy is a recovering one. After the “Iron Rebellion” many places of trade and production were destroyed during the rebellion. Many of the farmlands and mines were abandoned for the “Iron Rebellion”. These farmlands and mines are quickly being taken over by the government and being disrupted out to many organizations to mechanize and modernize the world. Many of the cities have become crowded with many people and factories have been built in them. The Oclium economy is a mixed economy with government regulations. Crops is probably their main export next to cigars being their second largest export. Their main imports are iron and coal.

Technology Overview: The Nation of Oclium is not too far behind technology. However, the rebellions in the nation have greatly hindered the people’s ability to pursuit new knowledge. With the rebellions ending the people have had a renewed interest in science. Many scientist in Oclium are focused on finding new ways to produce and grow crops. The military technology of Oclium is not the focus of the nation, however, they have been able to stay relatively up-to-date.

Military Overview Population: 5,100,200 Army Overview: The Oclium Kingdom's military is focused on being defensive. That does not mean though the Oclium Kingdom will never take an offensive approach. They have and will if forced to. When the Oclium kingdom does go on the offensive they use tactics such as using long range bombardments to weaken enemy lines and using tanks and infantry to break through.

ArmyOverview

Oclium Infantry The Oclium Kingdom infantry have a variety of the three, however, the one with the gas mask is mostly used when gas warfare is known to occur. Oclium Light Tank The Oclium Light Tank uses it's light weight and small frame to move quickly through the battle field while still packing a punch. Oclium Medium Tank The Oclium Medium Tank is bulker and more well armored the the light tank and has storage slots on the side that is used to carry either extra guns or medical supplies. The medium tank is also much slower then the light tank. Oclium Heavy Tank The Oclium Heavy tank is the slowest of all their tanks and is very well armored. The Oclium Heavy Tank is usually used to suppress infantry and other tanks from a distance and is more mobile then artillery. Personel Carrier The Oclium personel carrier is a heavy armored vehicle that is used to move infantry into the thickest parts of the battle. Oclium Tank Destroyer The Oclium tank destroyer is a heavy armored tank that is mainly used to destroy other tanks.

Navy Overview: The Oclium Navy is based off a sustain and win model. They bring big guns and aircraft to the battle, but suffer mobility for the extra weight that they bring along.

NavyOverview

Oclium Battleship The Oclium Battleship is has four twin 12cm guns mounted on it with two in the front and two in the back. It has a sturdy hull and in the back carries aircraft. It carries ten (inset plane fighter)s. Oclium Destroyer The Oclium Destroyer is a very fast-maneuverable ship. It's one of the only fast ships in the Oclium navy and is used to outflank enemy navies. It has two guns mounted on the front. The only down fall to the Oclium Destroyer is that it not very well armored. Oclium Aircraft Carrier The Oclium Aircraft Carrier is a medium armored vessel that can carrier 24 fighter class airplanes.

Air Force Overview: The Royal Oclium Air Force is new to the the Oclium's Military. It has the current leaders interest and is the main reason why the Navy is falling behind. Much of the military's interest has gone into researching new planes. This interest does not effect the military's focus on the army, however.

AirForceOverview

Oclium Fighter The Oclium fighter class air plane has a two engine system. It has three guns, one mounted on the front, and one under each wing. The Oclium Fighter is considered a decent and effective fighter class air plane. Oclium Bomber The Oclium Bomber is a two engine plane that has a machine gunner seat in the rear. It is not a very mobile plane, but can carry many bombs for long bombing runs.

"I read that mess, can we start already!?"

[Celeste]

Nation's History

When speaking about the history of the Esperantist Commune, one would do well to distinguish between the history of the diverse people who inhabit it, the history of the wondrous mechanical metropolis that is at the heart of it, and the history of the commune proper, which is far more recent but no less complex. All three great tales are ultimately bound together by a single thread: human desperation. The metropolis now known as Esperi was born from a region of the world deformed by decades of alchemical warfare, and its people hailed from all corners of the earth, many of them seeking refuge from war, famine and disease in this legendary sanctuary, isolated from the dark and wild world beyond by the miasma-ladden wastelands surrounding it. It was, in other words, a city of immigrants. The nations of this region, known to this day as the Moonlands, were all bound by faith, language and folklore for thousands of years, as well as a peculiar fascination for alchemy. These states were constantly warring against one another, locked in an endless struggle for political and cultural supremacy, and as the Industrial Revolution reached their shores, the mass production of alchemical products prompted their equally widespread use in war. So it was that, when a dispute over the royal succession in one of the Moonlandish nations sparked a regionwide war, the world saw its first full-fledged alchemical war, and the indiscriminate use of alchemy against one another soon began to take its toll on their lands. In a matter of years, the air and water in the cities became so polluted that many among the urban aristocracy abandoned them for the countryside, and the countryside itself saw large expanses of fertile land become desolate wastelands under the scourge of noxious fumes and so-called 'starfire'. Entire cities were covered in miasma and abandoned, or swallowed whole by massive sinkholes, until the situation became intolerable, thus provoking a Moonlandish exodus. Millions of commoners fled their homelands in all directions, while the wealthiest Moonlanders sought refuge in purifying sanctuaries built in relatively isolated areas. Facing the worst enviromental disaster in the world's history, the government of the most affluent of the remaining nations began the construction of one of the most ambitious engineering projects since the invention of the steam engine: the great mechanical tower of Remény. Built on the edge of the remote Emile peninsula, it was designed to purify the air and water of its surroundings, thus providing a healthy enviroment for its inhabitants to begin their lives anew, safe from the horrifying consequences of their actions. Originally meant to sustain only a few thousands at most, Remény continued to expand over the decades as more and more refugees flocked to it. Most of them were Moonlanders, fleeing from the fallout of the alchemical wars, but there were also foreigners, escaping from their own war-torn and poverty-ridden homelands. Thus, it ceased to be a mere tower, and became a vertical clockwork metropolis teeming with life. The earth beneath it blessed with an abundance of valuable metals and minerals, Remény's industry thrived grew exponentially over the years, while the rest of the Moonlands neared their complete and final disintegration. When the last sovereign states in the Moonlands vanished in a final, maniacal act of alchemy-ladden violence, Remény became the sole remaining glimmer of life in an otherwise lifeless region, covered in the ruins and corpses of once prosperous civilizations. Following years of instability, a military dictatorship took over the tower, supported by the remnants of the Moonlandish nobility and bourgeois. As the tower's population of immigrants grew in the lower levels, attracted to the technological wonder by legends of peace and opportunity, the old aristocracy entrenched itself in the upper levels, where their air was purer and the military concentrated the bulk of its might. The rule of the military over the city, masked by a symbolic prince and parliament inherited from olden days, transformed Remény into an industrial powerhouse, particularly famous for its exceptional pharmaceutical products and machinery, both necessary to sustain the city and its populations while surrounded by a toxic enviroment. For decades, the city was economically prosperous, and the prestige of its government earned it a place among the most trusted exporters of manufactured goods. Unfortunately, for all its superficial welfare, life had become politically and socially stagnated underneath the upper levels of the tower, the social hierarchy inherited from its founders perpetuated by the military's strict policies. The aristocracy concentrated most of the benefits of Remény's good fortune, and the dictatorship ensured that the workers and immigrants in the lower levels remained there, unable to disturbe the tranquility above. In time, however, people with new, foreign ideals reached the lower levels of Remény, and from the middle and upper castes came a plethora of intellectual movements that looked at their little clockwork world with critical eyes. Syndicalists rebelled in the mines, demanding better working conditions, while anarchists distributed literature in the factories, encouraging a great revolution, and several groups of scholars throughout Remény published extensive cultural studies that severely criticised the socioeconomic and political structure in the tower. When the dictatorship suppressed these first movements, their remnants became radicalised, and what had initially been peaceful movements turned into full-blown revolutionary movements. Officials and magnates were killed in terrorist attacks, barricades arose in all levels of the tower, and the government started to tear itself apart as the military and the parliament berated one another, while hundreds died on the streets and entire levels were closed off. In an attempt to forestall a civil war, the Prince of Remény single-handedly introduced some reforms, and personally led a liberal monarchist movement, supported by the clergy, but staunchly opposed by the military and the republicans in the parliament. The real turning point in this turbulent period of Remény's history, however, would come with two events: the arrival of a new, huge wave of refugees from several wars taking place on the shores of the Great Southern Ocean, and the emergence of a new movement, led by a Sanfure ophthalmologist and philologist, that revolved around a constructed language called Esperanto. The sudden influx of thousands foreigners was far more than the military could handle, and the Esperantist movement's advocacy for multiculturalism and the inclusion of Esperanto as the official language of Remény turned them into one of the most popular factions in the increasingly volatile political climate. The long feared political implosion finally occurred five years ago, in the midst of a severe economic crisis, fears of the air purification machinery of the city failing in the lower levels, and a conflict over the succession to the throne of Remény. Following the death of the childless Prince Valentin IV, several claimants appeared to claim his place, each supported by their own faction. Amongst these candidates, two stood out from the rest: András Lovász, a young colonel, supported by the military and several labour unions; and Lázára Zamenhof, a young student and suspected Esperantist sympathizer, supported by the liberal monarchists and republicans in the parliament. Although both had relatively weak claims to the throne, they were the two most popular choices, and when a special tribunal was set to determine which of them would be made sovereign of Remény, the deliberations constantly derived in prolongued deadlocks. As the debate stretched on, tensions sparked in all levels, and the situation deteriorated in the areas that had seen the worst of the political violence during the past years. In this state of affairs, left-wing groups saw the opportunity for a final revolution, and the Esperantists began to demonstrate in the cities, demanding a sovereign that would bring an end to ethnic and socioeconomic segregation in Remény. As rumours spread that Lázára Zamenhof was not just a sympathizer, but rather a prolific author and active participant in the Esperantist movement, with ties to anarchist groups both in her place of study, the University of Szarvas-Virág, and in the industrial areas, a resistance against her potential coronation grew in the upper levels. Elsewhere, however, she quickly became widely popular, thanks to her charisma and the support of many religious figures. Perceived as a modest, compassionate young woman, her sincerity and openness attracted the immigrants and workers, as well as some sectors of the middle class. When the special tribunal declared Lázára the legitimate heir of Valentin IV by a slim majority, with passionate dissents from the rest of its members, the decision was met with loud protests from the military and the parliament, and violence broke out in many of the lower levels. Both the parliament and the military began a series of investigations with the objective of impeaching the new Princess of Remény, while she was placed under house arrest with her half-brother, Félix Király. These investigations, carried out while whispers of a massive left-wing insurrection spread through the tower, uncovered the full extent of Lázára's relationships with radical political movements. Combined with false evidence of her allegedly collaborating with the armed revolutions in the lower levels, the accusations were enough to have her impeached and stripped of her crown. The outrage in many sectors was instantaneous. While tens of thousands demonstrated on the streets in her defence, a group of politicians, magnates and preachers occupied the Basilica of Remény and turned it into Lázára's seat of government. From there, they demanded that she be trialed by a special tribunal, rather than the parliament, while the military grew more and more restless. András Lovász rallied his supporters around the Basilica to demand Lázára's abdication, leading to violent clashes with her supporters. A special tribunal was convened to review the parliament's decision, much to the military's chagrin, and only three weeks later, they ruled in Lázára's favour and reestablished her as princess. With all legal resources exhausted, and popular support for András Lovász waning, the military staged a coup two days after the ruling, storming the Basilica and arresting Lázára and her supporters. In the hours that followed, the parliament was dissolved, its members were arrested, and András was crowned prince. Immediately after news of the coup reached the lower levels, the Esperantists led the largest uprising in Remény's history, aided by the anarchists. Hundreds of thousands laid siege to government and military buildings, barricades were raised, and all elevators leading to the upper levels were destroyed, effectively isolating the different levels of the tower from each other. As the military prepared for their counter-attack, their leaders decided to exile Lázára and Félix to the wastelands beyond the city, warning them that, should they return, their entire families would be executed. In her exile, Lázára explored the remains of the Moonlandish civilization, lived off what few life there was to be found amongst the cinder, pitch-black lakes and noxious fumes, and encountered the descendants of survivors from the alchemical wars, as well as many who had been exiled from Remény before her. Through these ordeals, and many more, Lázára experienced a profound spiritual revival, part self-realization, part religious epiphany. At first, she meditated in solitude, beside the ruins of the Moonlands, but as she matured, she began to preach to the inhabitants of the land. Her interpretation of Moonlandish mythology and religious doctrine was heavily influenced by her anarchism and Esperantism, and found some adherents among the exiles and refugees that passed through the wastelands. Two years into her exile, rumours of her sermons reached Remény, dispelling the myth that she had perished at the hands of the miasma, and granting the religious groups who had supported her new strength in their fight against the military. By then, the civil war had claimed the lives of over a million people and destroyed several cities near the tower's base, and the military was laying siege to the middle city of Énekesmadár, the heart of the anarchist movement in Remény. When deserters from the city told Lázára these news, she raised a small army out of her followers, and marched to Remény, not to reclaim her throne, but rather to overthrow the entirety of the tower's political system, including the principality. She renamed herself Ludovika, in honour of the creator of Esperanto, and sent spies ahead of her force to spread the word of her return. Followed by her few hundred famished refugees and exiles, Ludovika arrived at a half-ruined Remény, the mines and the surrounding areas rendered uninhabitable by the encroaching miasma, and many cities that had once stood high, clinging to the tower's sides, now lied in ruins at the bottom of the great craters below the city. She was greeted in the lower levels with unbridled joy by the militants loyal to her, as well as many among the anarchist partisans, although the more anti-clerical maintained their distance. Three days later, the anarchist partisans, in cooperation with thousands of Esperantists and refugees, successfully led an assault against the military's last bastion in the lower levels, and Ludovika was joined by a vanguard as she ascended to Énekesmadár to break the siege. When the forces loyal to Prince András were driven back to the upper levels, Ludovika tended to the injured and sent the military an ultimatum, demanding that they laid down their arms and, if they did not wish to join the revolution, abandon the tower for all eternity. After several days of uneasy peace, hostilities resumed as the Esperantists and anarchist laid siege to the upper levels. The military mounted a desperate defence to protect their last bastion, while most of their civilian supporters abandoned the tower by airship. Seeing no hope for victory, Prince András sent Ludovika his abdication behind the military's back. When this was discovered, the military staged a second coup d'état and executed him. The killing of the prince was the last nail in the military's coffin, their last few supporters either deserting or sabotaging them, and by the sixteenth day of the siege, the upper levels fell. The Esperantist Commune was proclaimed the very next day, on the steps of the Basilica and, in the months that followed, a series of referendums set took place. The tower was renamed Esperi, all goverment institutions were abolished (including the military), Esperanto became the official (although not the only legal) language in the tower, the tower's currency was abolished, and the mines and large industries were expropriated and given over to the workers and their families. Later on, a referendum established a communal constitution based on the principles of individual liberty, free association, mutual aid, consensus democracy, and enviromental protection. It has been over two years since what was once conceived as a sanctuary for the privileged became the world's first large-scale anarchist community, and much has changed since then. People are working in the factories and mines once again, only this time it is out of a sense of duty to their community, rather than the obligations of an exploitative system. The universities are swelling with students, able at last to get an education without being constrained by restrictive fees. Moonlandish literature and art are experiencing a veritable Renaissance. The land and sea near Esperi has become inhabitable again, thanks to the efforts by thousands of volunteers. What was destroyed during the civil war is slowly being rebuilt, and missionaries from the Basilica, together with the many volunteers, care for the orphans and the injured that it left behind. Ludovika now resides in the Basilica, accompanied by her half-brother, living the life of a spiritual leader. She has more influence than she would prefer, but she is nonetheless happy to serve as the Celestial Ocean's apostle. The near future looks bright for most of Esperi's inhabitants, but few have given much thought to what may await beyond. While the Revolutionary Syndicalist International and the Northern Federal Republic of Unions may have plans to bring their revolutions to the rest of the world, the Esperantist Commune has no such plans. For now, this youthful society is content to look no further than the horizon, and relish what they have already accomplished.

Race

Moonlanders To this day, despite of the many waves of mass immigration that Esperi faced over the decades, the Moonlanders continue to represent over half of the tower's population. They are, for the most, part willowy and fair-skinned people with sharp features. Shaped by countless generations of varios degrees of exposure to alchemy, Moonlanders developed a strong resistance to toxins in the air, water and soil. Over the course of Esperi's history, however, they also lost musculature, particularly in the tower's upper levels, rendering their frames and limbs long, but frail-looking. Fair hair is not uncommon among Moonlanders, but light shades of brown, auburn and burgundy are the norm. Eye colours typically range from brown to yellow to green. Despite the slight Moonlandish majority, Esperi as a whole is a multiracial society, and in recent times miscegenation has become widespread.

Form of Government

True to its anarchist roots, the Commune is a stateless, classless society, founded on anti-authoritarian and communitarian principles. Although it is not entirely devoid of laws or institutions, it has no official government to speak of. All policy is decided by the people through a consensus democracy, and the enforcement of laws is left in the hands of volunteers who are granted temporary authority by their community. Such is the norm for most other services once provided by the state or by private enterprises: volunteers, approved of by their community, using the community's resources. Unions, religious groups and cooperatives make up the majority of what few civilian organizations exist, and by law they cannot have any permanent hierarchies, nor impose limits on their members that would constitute a breach of the principles of the Commune. The same goes for the Commune's military forces, which are mostly comprised of Esperantist and anarchist partisans who fought during the civil war, as well as former members of the principality's military. The Commune has no official political divisions, but following its establishment some of the smaller communities that comprised it organised themselves into sub-communes of sorts. These are, for the most part, self-regulating and self-sufficient units, although they are never isolated from the rest of the Commune. With all that said, it cannot be ignored that, when the last remnants of the former principality were abolished, countless people turned to a particular person and a particular institution for guidance. The person was, of course, the spiritual leader of the revolution: Ludovika Zamenhof. The institution, on the other hand, was none other than the Basilica, respected even by secularists for the tireless work done by its missionaries and scholars during the war. In the absence of the former government, it fell to both to provide a modicum of stability to the people, particularly to those who had not fought in the name of anarchism. Because of that, to this day Ludovika and the Basilica continue to have much influence in the decisions taken by the people of the Commune, and are usually the ones tasked with speaking to foreign diplomats who try to contact the tower. Neither of the two has abused this power yet, however, both being committed to the ideals of the Commune, including its secularism.

Current Leader(s)

Ludovika Zamenhof

A photograph of Ludovika Zamenhof, taken on the day of her return to Esperi from her exile. It was hand-coloured later on, and has since then become the best known image of her. Born in the aristocratic city of Csillár, far away from the downtrodden masses, to parents of noble blood but modest wealth, Lázára Zamenhof was an only child, doted on by her father and overprotected by her mother. Indeed, the girl had an upbringing that could be considered the least likely to produce an anarchist intellectual and preacher. Growing up, her gentle and pious disposition pleasantly surprised her relatives and made her a promising future heiress in their eyes. They were not as pleased, however, by her close relationship with her half-brother, born from her father's adulterous involvement with a maid. At the age of fifteen, having displayed an aptitude for science and history, she started attending classes at the University of Csillár, where she studied Medicine for less than a year, before she was convinced by one of her professors to study Anthropology at Szarvas-Virág. The study of human cultures, and the political groups she encountered while in Szarvas-Virág, radically changed Ludovika's worldview. She became a passionate advocate for cultural tolerance, and found kinship amongst the Esperantist students. By the time she was named as one of Valentin IV's potential successors, she had written several teatrises, many of them overtly critical of the principality's treatment of immigrants, and brought together her university's anarchist and Esperantists into a single coordinated group. At the age of twenty-three, Ludovika Zamenhof is a very different woman from the one she was back then, over five years ago. Today, she is the closest thing the Esperantist Commune has to a leader, albeit a mostly spiritual one. A missionary of the Basilica since her return to Esperi, in public she is modest, compassionate and sincere to a fault, notorious for her poetic way of speaking. Articulate and cultured, her education in Medicine and Anthropology has enabled her to assist in several projects undertaken by the Commune, either through volunteer action or by giving the people her own insight. She is fiercely devoted to her faith, but also respectful, even of her most virulent detractors. In private, she is not much different, except for one thing: though her soul may belong to the Celestial Ocean and the people of Esperi, her heart belongs to two people. After a whole life of loyal companionship, Ludovika and Félix have grown love one another as more than half-siblings. This love, unspoken even in the intimacy of the Basilica, is only matched by the love the two of them feel for one man who followed them from the wastelands and into the war-torn Esperi: Adorján Pataki, a journalist who had been exiled from Esperi for the crimes of sodomy and sedition. The fondness each felt for the other two did not reveal itself as romantic until the night before the siege of the upper levels. That night, as the three awaited the beginning of the final battle against the principality, they discovered underlying flames that had been sparked while in exile, and that their perilous return to the home they had been forced to abandon fueled. This relationship, unlike most other things in her life, Ludovika conceals, ravaged by shame and doubt. The war, and its aftermath, have left their mark on the spiritual leader of the Commune. Even as the tower recovers from it before her very eyes, Ludovika mourns over the horrors that were inflicted upon it because of her, specially when she meets those who lost loved ones fighting in her name. Today, should war loom on the horizon, she would do everything in her power to prevent it, to keep this little world of theirs far away from the brutal world beyond.

Notable Figures

Felix Kiraly

A photograph of Félix Király, taken on the day of his return to Esperi from his exile. In the upper levels of Esperi, being a noble's bastard was the sort of crime that could earn a newborn the death sentence, even if infanticide was technically illegal. A tarnished reputation was always worth more than the life of a suckling born from irresponsibility. Félix knew this from the moment he was old enough to speak. He knew that, as the illegitimate son of Boldizsár Zamenhof, his whole life he would have to keep his head down, and remain quiet and invisible, as his betters had their feasts, played their games, and intoxicated themselves with wine and opium. In this regard, Félix's childhood was not, in any way, shape or form, a happy one. His mother might have naïvely named him the way she did in the hopes that her sickly son would grow to have an innocent, carefree heart, but there was no room for innocent, carefree hearts when you were being raised to be a house servant. Félix learned to scrub his father's floors shortly after he learned to speak, and could fold his half-sister's bedsheets long before he could read. When he did learn to read, however, that's when Félix ceased to be just another servant. Courtesy of his half-sister, his reading lessons opened his eyes to the vast world beyond the windows of Zamenhof Manor. More importantly, however, it opened his eyes to a world where a servant could be powerful, rather than helpless, a force to be reckoned with. As the chip on his shoulder grew in size and bitterness with every cruel jape, every indiscreet glare, and every condescending scoff, so did Félix understanding of everything he heard and saw. He learned how to listen to the darkest secrets without being noticed, and what those secrets meant. He memorized the names and faces of hundreds of people. Then, he memorized the parts of their lives that they kept concealed. And then, finally, he memorized the places where those parts were worth far more than his annual salary. By the time he came of age, Félix had become his father's informer and his half-sister's confidant, and earned a scholarship for the University of Csillár. There, he studied Mathematics under a pseudonym, and continued to remain close to Ludovika as she neared her own coming of age. The military's coup, and the civil war that followed, treated Félix most unkindly. Being exiled, and being unable to stop it, triggered the part of him that had always felt inferior to everybody else. The hostile enviroment of the wastelands, on the other hand, took its toll on his already fragile health, leaving him nearly unable to walk for days at a time. Driven to the verge of death more than once, his half-sister's prayers were a much appreciated source of comfort, even if her sudden transformation into a preacher perplexed the more skeptic Félix. Their chance meeting with Adorján Pataki gave Félix perhaps his first real male friend. Both young men were fond of photography, information and idle chatter by nature, they grew close to one another on their march back to Esperi. Over two years after that, the twenty-four-year-old Félix is both different and quite similar to the boy who was exiled from the tower. Overtly cynical, but secretly hopeful; cunning and articulate, yet easily rendered speechless by the two most important people in his life; tender, yet fierce. He does not share his half-sister's faith, but he loves her even more for her devotion. He admires Adorján's passion for the truth, even though he conceals countless secrets. In the Esperantist Commune, Félix's role is simple yet complex: He is Ludovika's confidant and assistant, the man who watches over her at all times and administers her affairs, and the one she turns to when she needs information, or someone to speak on her behalf. His loyalty is not with the Commune, nor is he an anarchist, but he is unflinchingly loyal to his only real family and lifelong companion, and that is his only motivation.

Adorjan Pataki

Photograph of Adorján Pataki taken by Félix Király during the latter's exile. The life of a journalist under the principality was not an easy one. That much Adorján had understood when he told his mentor he wanted to be one. The military did not take kindly to those who uncovered the secrets of the tower, and the people of the upper levels could do without their secrets being known by the masses below. Adorján simply had not cared. He had always been insatiably curious, and eager to tell others the things he discovered, so why not do it for money? Life was short anyway, specially if you were born in the lowest of the low levels, where sunlight was a comodity for those few lucky bastards who could afford to live at the top of the highest buildings. Armed with a notebook, a handful of pencils, and an old, rusty camera he had spent his life-savings on, he snuck his way higher and higher, until he made it to Énekesmadár. There were no small amount of newspapers and magazines in the city, all of them willing to pay a handful of forints for a minor scandal. Of those, there was an over-abundance, most of them involving the military and some business tycoons, and Adorján took full advantage of each and every last one of them, at least so long as he was able to. As he improved his writing, with report after report about the corruption and exploitation of workers in Énekesmadár, he also began to write columns, struggling yet succeeding in putting his thoughts into coherent strings of sentences. With the columns, came popularity, and with popularity came upset letters from people with a lot of power. To say that Adorján was not frightened by them would have been a lie. To say that he stopped, on the other hand, would have been an even bigger one, and that was his mistake. His last story, and the one that earned him his exile, involved several high-ranking military officers and their clandestine activities, which included the torture and execution of hundreds of militants and innocents. Accused of sedition and sodomy (both, in hindsight, fair accusations), he was given the option to either be executed or exiled. His exile lasted a couple of years more than Ludovika and Félix's, and when the three met, he was ready to return home and watch the military burn for its tyranny. That he grew fond of the Princess-In-Exile and the Bastard of Zamenhof would be an understatement. Both he found fascinating and beautiful in their own right, and Ludovika in particular shared Adorján's anarchist leanings. The photographs that Adorján took upon his return to Esperi, and the chronicles he wrote about his experiences in the final days of the civil war, became one of the most praised works of journalism produced during that time. As Ludovika settled into her role as a missionary, and Félix as her confidant and assistant, Adorján returned to his former life as a journalist, now as one of the countless writers and photographers of the Commune's leading newspaper, the Verda Voĉo. The thirty-one-year-old Adorján is, above all else, confident. He knows his strengths, he knows his weaknesses, and he conceals nothing. He keeps few secrets, if any, and is committed to his work as one of the voices of the Esperantist Commune, so that its legend is heard throughout the world.

Total Population

19.277.000 approx.

Nation's Location Nation's Geography

A hand-coloured photograph of Esperi taken from an airship. The wastelands that once surrounded Esperi have slowly began to regain their old, long-forgotten colour. The Emile peninsula, renamed Maraĵa after the civil war, is a land of grasslands and low hills. The enviromental decay caused by the alchemical warfare destroyed the local fauna and vegetation, forcing the tower to rely on its glasshouses and imported goods to feed its inhabitants. Following the civil war, the area surrounding the tower was restored to fertility and transformed into farmland. The tower of Esperi itself is, of course, the peninsula's defining feature. Several miles high, enough for the uppermost level to be far above most clowds. At the base of the tower, an ever-expanding hole on the earth leads to the lowermost levels and the mines. The earth beneath the tower is rich in valuable metals and minerals used by the alchemical industry in the past, not the least of them being the rare 'starstone'. The tower's largest machinery is also there, the miles-wide cogs still working perfectly despite the age, keeping the city's air and water safe. The climate of the peninsula was originally temperate, but has for the past decades been unusually cold and stormy, with strong winds continuously coming from the raging seas. Heavy rains are quite common during spring, summer and autumn, and winter can be harsh as well.

Economy

When the military still reigned, the tower's economy revolved around mining, machinery and pharmaceutical products. With a culture experienced in chemistry, a home that required constant mechanical maintenance, and an earth rich with ore, it made sense. The profits from those industries were more than enough to pay for the raw materials and manufactured goods that could not be produced locally, or at least not in large enough quantities to feed the ever-growing population. Under the Esperantist Commune, the desire for profit vanished along with the concept currency, and the principles of mutual aid and free association too precedence. The people needed food, water, housing and electricity, and there were thousands of volunteers eager to provide. While the pharmaceutical and mining industries continued to operate, now entirely in the hands of their workers, production slowly dropped to the levels needed to sustain the tower's population and little more. The recovery of the long lost farmland surrounding Esperi meant a significant boost in the Commune's food production, but even then it struggles to cover all needs. Several cooperatives have pursued the path of innovation, trying to find new, better methods to grow food, so far with a few successes. The Commune is thus left wondering if it will be forced to trade with foreign powers, or seek the help of other revolutionary societies abroad. If any economic activities have thrived under the Commune, those are the heavy industry, particularly in the production of airships and railways, and the film industry. In the past two years, truly revolutionary designs for airships and trains, and equally groundbreaking techniques in the creation of cinematic art have found a home in the recovering Esperi. The material known as 'starstone', which was only found in the Moonlands, is relatively abundant underneath the tower, and to this day Esperi has a monopoly on it. Starstone is a remarkably versatile material, more potent than most fuels, and in the past it was used to produce the famous Moonlandish starfire, one of the world's earliest fragmentation bombs.

Technology Overview

Moonlandish culture was never a traditionalist one, and even less so when it came to exploiting the gifts of nature to create seemingly magical wonders. Alchemy was not an art first developed by Moonlanders, but it was one that they quickly mastered and never abandoned. All sorts of great potions and poisons were developed by Moonlandish alchemists over the years, as were some of the best explosives and fertilizers. Of all the things that changed with the advent of the Esperantist Commune, this ancient obsession was not one of them. Even today, countless scientists work in laboratories throughout the tower, trying to develop new medicines, new chemical weapons, new explosives, and new fertilizers. Every day, rumours spread of the latest grand invention that will change the world, and now and then the rumours speak true. Lately, most public efforts have focused on pharmaceutical endeavours. In secret, however, many chemists work with the Commune's military to develop weapons that may keep potential invaders at bay. Outside of the realm of chemistry, popular opinion has encouraged further innovation in infrastructure and heavy industry, particularly that aimed at improving the efficiency of Esperi's industry, machinery and defenses, to turn it into a truly safe haven for the Commune, at whatever refugees come to it seeking sanctuary. The most ambitious projects yet, in this regard, has been the development of a flotilla of airships and fighters to protect the tower's airspace and transport civilians between the tower's levels without the need for elevators. As a whole, the Esperantist Commune is technologically up to par with the rest of the world, both in civilian and military terms, but its greatest strength lies in the Moonlanders' peculiar understanding of chemistry.

Military Overview

Population 1,8% Army Overview The Remény Army was one of the first institutions to be abolished when the Commune was established, and not without good reasons. Its officers and soldiers had been behind the worst atrocities committed during the military's reign, and its structure ran counter to the core principles of the new social and political order. What the Esperantist Commune has in the army's place is a collection of groups of volunteers, most of them veterans from the civil war, self-trained and armed with the weaponry left behind by the previous regime. The groups vary in size, equipment and methods, but all are equal in their lack of a proper hierarchy. Their tactics and strategies are decided by consensus, and in wartime they divide themselves into smaller groups to make split-second decisions easier to make. As of today, 303,916 people have chosen the lives of full-time soldiers, the Esperantist People's Front being the largest, at 61,622 members. They are followed by the People's Hope, with 49,794, the Sons of the Moon, with 37,414, and the Victorious Corps, with 33,106. Overall, the Commune's standing forces are mostly defensive in nature, and far more experienced in urban warfare than anything else. They tend to favour guerrilla tactics and chemical warfare over grand displays of raw power, and this is reflected in the widespread use of light weaponry and equipment, and the underuse of heavy tanks and artillery. The only exceptions to this rule are the Fiera and Brava Squadrons, of 4,412 and 2,633 members each, which consist of former members of the principality's armoured brigades who defected upon Ludovika's return to the tower. The two groups rely on heavy weapons and tanks, and currently guard Esperi's perimeter. Navy Overview Despite standing right next to the sea, the tower never really had a proper navy. The military preferred airships as their first line of defence, and what few ships they built to guard their territorial waters abandoned them when the civil war turned against them. Following the establishment of the Commune, some efforts were made to build a navy, with the volunteer group Maraĵa, with 673 members, beginning the construction of two submarines and a corvette. As of today, all three vessels remain unfinished but nearing completion. Air Force Overview The military took much pride in their airships and airplanes, and were always eager to innovate. They employed hundreds of engineers over the decades, and exploited countless workers, to create new, awe-inspiring masterpieces of aerial warfare. By the beginning of the civil war, the Remény Air Force boasted hundreds of fighters and bombers, dozens of airships, and the veritable flying fortress they named Sárkány. This impressive array of flying wonders was amongst those that suffered the most during the civil war. Torn apart by the coup against Ludovika, the different factions that formed warred against one another over the tower until the end of the war, and the Sárkány itself sustained countless sieges as the factions fought over it. When the upper levels of the tower finally fell, dozens of squadrons and airships had fallen, and a few others had abandoned the tower along with the Remény Navy. Today, a plethora of groups, all in all comprising 42,397 people, work tirelessly to restore this fleet to its former glory and protect the skies above the Commune. The Sárkány, now renamed the Tondra, is manned by the 288 Ĉiela Drakoj, and remains beside the uppermost levels of Esperi, watching over the horizon.

[AngryPersian]

The Nation Sheet Quddami Republic of Ardan Nation's History The Quddami Republic of Ardan is home to one of the oldest civilizations, tracing it's history back almost 8,000 years. Ardan is home to the religion of Quddam, which was founded by the Prophet (PBUH) 600 years ago when the Angel Jibril came to him in a vision while he was meditating in the north mountains. Qudduam became split between the two sects, Maliki and Hakkam when the Prophet (PBUH) died. This schism came to be because of the followers of Basir al- Latif, who contested Bin Rahmans's claim to the Caliphate. The Maliki and Hakkam Qudduam sects became further detached from eachother in later years though, with the Maliki's putting more power into the Imams and Ayatollahs, aswell as only praying 3 times a day as opposed to the Hakkam's 5, but other than that, the schism was and continues to be purely political, and trivial considering that both sects follow the same version of the Al Haqq, the Qudshim holy book. The modern state of Ardan was rekindled by Shah Hafez Hashemi after he managed to unify greater- Ardan for the first time in 1,250 years over 500 years ago. Shah Hafez's reign also played a key role in the rise of Maliki Qudduam by converting the Hakkam nation to a Maliki one. After the death of Shah Hafez 'the Great', the Hashemi dynasty ruled Ardan for centuries after, before the last Shah died without an heir, causing a minor power struggle. After the resulting power struggle, the nation was headed by the Shah Jalal 'the Bald' Asgharid, and Ardan was ruled by the Asgharid dynasty for numerous years after his death. The Asgharid Dynasty was toppled though, due to a mixture of corruption and famine, which cause mass unrest and ultimately resulted in the Ardanian Constitutional Revolution, headed by Hassan Ali Jafari who set up the first Constitutional Monarchy in Ardan, ending a long cycle of Absolute Monarchies. Though Shah Hassan Ali's reign was cut short, as he contracted tuberculosis in the fifth year of his reign, and with his death his incompetent son, Sadegh Ackbar Jafarid ascended to the throne. Shah Sadegh Ackbar quickly gained the favor of the populace in the capital and several major cities, though this ultimately caused mass neglect in regards to the villagers and the people in smaller cities and towns, which made up the majority of the country. His neglectful, corrupt and decadent reign caused great unrest, finally causing a Revolution headed by the in- exile Ayatollah Sadegh Sarafzani, with the religious and syndicalist populations rising up against the Shah after listening to the his cassettes, which were smuggled into the country. The Mujahideen e Gharb also joined in later, though to the dismay of Ayatollah Sarafzani, who criticized their extreme behavior. After this Qudduami Revolution, Ayatollah Sarafzani was finally granted re- entry to the country after 20 years of exile and the Shah fled Ardan, seeking political asylum. After he fled the country, it turned out that the Shah has late- stage lung cancer, and he died only three years after being deposed. Soon after the Revolution had ended, there was a massive purge of the Shah's army, with the newly formed Quddami Republic imprisioning and killing many of the Shah's old generals and officers. Though the Shah's army weren't the only targets after the revolution, with the Mujahideen e Gharb being targetted after they assassinated several of the first Quddami Republic's presidents, due to the anger they had that they were not represented in the new government. 10 years after the formation of the Quddami Republic, the death toll was heading towards 20,000, more than 60% of which being Mujahideen members, labelled as terrorists by the new government. In the following years, as the new government managed to get a definite hold within the country, Ayatollah Sarafzani and his Majlis decided to embrace a new school of thought within the Maliki sect which embraces the concept of Syndicalism and workers equality, which lead to the creation of the Guardian Worker's Council, but it also sponsors ideas such as martyrdom and self sacrifice for the good of God and Country. This new school of thought, the Markazi, also places great emphasis on scientific discovery and that idea that God put us where we are so that we may unlock the puzzles that make up this world. The great Ayatollah Sarafzani died 27 years after the Quddami Revolution, and the Ardanian Majlis elected Ayatollah Ali Saharzad as the new Supreme Leader of Ardan. Race Human, brown skinned with dark hair. Form of Government Theocratic Republic Current Leader(s) Ayatollah Ali Saharzad, who is elected by the Ardanian Majlis President Houssein Farhangi, who is elected by the people of the nation Grand Vizier Jamshid Perozi, who is appointed by the Ayatollah to supervise internal dealings Notable Figures Foreign Minister, Kamran Sargashteh Minister of Armed Forces, Bahram Shari Minister of Religion, Imam Ghasem Luri Total Population 86 million, 14 million of which are situated within the capital city of Miladshahr Nation's Location: Nation's Geography: Majority desert, wooded grassland and coast in the South West. Mountainous regions in the middle, North and North West Economy: Syndicalism Oil, Refined Petroleum, Benzine, Gold, raw Iron, Munitions, Industrial goods, Woven goods, Camels and Elephants Technology Overview While the Quddami Revolution has many social reforms, the technological hit the nation took during it has made it so the nation is several years behind it's neighbors, though the current administration is striving to close the gap between Ardan and it's fellow nations. Military Overview 6% of the population, 2,510,000 in reserves and 2,650,000 active personnel. Ardan has mandatory service where every able- bodied man is required to serve 2 years in the military atleast once, if they are between the ages of 20 and 45. Single children are granted immunity during peacetime, but their immunity will be stripped during war time. Army Overview

My Hider

1. Sepah- e Pasdaran e Enghelab e Quddami: Elite forces of the Ardanian army, when not at war, they are used as peacekeeping forces in and outside of Ardan. Given 20 weeks of advanced training. 2. Child Basiji: Children volunteers to the Ardanian army are almost never turned down, and are given jobs such as sending messages from one point of the field to another and in dire circumstances, grenade throwers and riflemen. 3. Colonel: A higher ranking officer, mostly in charge of the Revolutionary Guard but occasionally also leading the Pasdaran.

My Hider

1. Regular Pasdaran troop: The main force of the Ardanian army, made up of men who chose to serve their country for longer than their 2 year long mandatory service. Given 12 weeks of basic training. 2. Command Sergeant Major: A basic non- commissioned officer in the Pasdaran. 3. Ardanian Expeditionary Force: Units who undergo strenuous training in the harsh mountain climates of northern Ardan, where winters are known to be exceptionally snowy.

My Hider

1. Basiji: Volunteers into the Ardanian army, made up of men doing their mandatory service. Given 7 weeks of basic training. 2. Mobile Basiji: Volunteers into the Ardanian army, differing from the on- foot Basiji because of their state- issued bicycle which allows them to go from area to area faster with less strain on the soldier. Given 8 weeks of basic training. 3. Toufangchi: Basiji's who distinguished themselves during basic training and/or combat with their exceptional shooting, given a longer range rifles and are trained to hone their shooting skills. Given 9 weeks of basic training.

My Hider

Feil e Janghi, Mk. I: Ardan's primary armored land unit, aside from the Aghrab Mk. II. This armored unit is exceptional in flatter terrain, but can also work in low hills and sparse forest. It may not work at it's best in densely forested regions, but it becomes useless in heavy mountains and steep hills, due to it's sheer weight and size.

My Hider

Aghrab Mk. II: Ardan's mid- armored land unit. The Mk. II is one of the Quddami Republic's newest breakthroughs in the art of warfare, and it replaces the old decommissioned Aghrab Mk. I's used by the Shah's army. The Aghrab is most exceptional in flat area, such as desert or plains. It's legs are made specifically to deal with the fine, grainy sand of the Ardanian desert, but it also adapts well to mountainous environments and hilly terrain, unlike it's counterpart, the Fiel e Jangi Mk. I.

My Hider

Perooz Anti- Armor Cannon Mk. I: The Perooz Mk. I is an anti- armor cannon that is capable of penetrating most mid to heavy armors. The downside to this beast of a gun is that it's dependant on it's crew of three, and it takes up to a minute to reload and re- aim a round.

My Hider

1. Toupchi: Ardanian artillerist, picked from the Basij to man the armored vehicles and artillery 2. Lieutenant Colonel: Commisioned officer looking over enlisted men in the Pasdaran and Basij artillery and armor units 3. Toupchi Sarkar: Spotter for the artillery and the armored machinery. Navy Overview 106 Cruisers 78 Destroyers 12 Dreadnoughts 56 Torpedo Cruisers 24 Transports Total of 276 ships in the Ardanian fleet

My Hider

1. Pasdaran Marine: Pasdaran who chose to be directed to the naval branch of the armed forces as Marines. Given 12 weeks basic training. 2. Basiji Sailor: The lifeblood of a vessel, made up of Basiji's who chose to be directed to the naval branch of the armed forces. Given 5 weeks basic training. 3. Admiral: A commander of several vessels in the Ardanian fleet Air Force Overview Ardan doesn't have a functional airforce and relies on the RSI for air support.

[Avalant]

The Empire of Arkillia

Nation's History: The great empire of the region proudly points to its origins in the native people of Arkillia. During the times before the industrial revolutions, the land was filled with theocratic monarchies. Various god worshiping, human nations that all enslaved the Valkyerians, or "sky people". These Valkyerians, according to the nations of the time, claimed that they were god's gift to the humans, the universal "servants" of the land. Various interpretations of this existed, ranging from enslavement, to outright purging of "lesser peoples". Communities were periodically raided or destroyed completely. Dark times for the Valkyerians continued for centuries until enough was enough. The Valkyerians of various lands began to flee to a rumored promise land in the center of a high mountain range. An isolated bit of rough territory that no nation set foot in. This event became known as "The Great Defiance" when many Valkyerians fled their homelands to this place of freedom. At first, this was a minor, isolated settlement. However their numbers swelled and soon they began to rival their neighbors. When the first hints of Industrial Revolution came to be, the Valkyerian nation of "Arkil" experinced an amazing boom in technology and industry. They soon developed an incredibly advance military in comparison to their backwards thinking neighbors. Eventually the nation of Arkil invaded and annexed its oppressive theocratic neighbors in a series of wars now known as the Liberian Wars. At the end of this conquest, the new Empire was stronger than ever, now that all the lands of Arkillia had been united. The second revolution of science and industry soon swept through, leading to a break through that allows the modern airships of today. An Arkillian named Joseph Kraft was a former miner, now chemist. He took it upon himself to try to solve the main problem around creating a practical airship, lift. From simple hot air to explosive hydrogen, the airship seemed plagued with all sorts of practical problems. As a native Arkilians, member of the people of the sky, he felt his natural duty was to find a solution. And he did. After years of experimentation, he figured out how to turn a previously useless ore, Kavuria, into a usable "lighter than air" gas. It had a much higher weight capacity than Hydrogen and was much less dangerous. However, the substance was toxic to breath and refining it into a usable form took years ot perfect. But now the nation the Empire of Arkillia n has mastered the process of mining, refining, and using Kavuria. It caused a boom for the airship industry in the Empire of Arkillia, such that it is now as essential as any sea going vessels to their trade. With 80% of their shores being sheer cliffs and incredibly rough terrain, the airships were essential in connecting Arkillia's trade with the rest of the modern world. With one of the most modern airship fleets in the world, the Valkyerians of Arkillia have truly entered their natural realm. What will the future hold for the people of the sky? Race: Valkyerians, Valkyeria The native Arkilians of the Empire of Arkillia are known as Valkyeria. Due to their races history, they have mostly remained in their homeland, unable to spread for hundred of years and now too afraid to migrate to other nations thanks to potential racism. In terms of their physiology, they are fairly similar to humans, but with very notable differences. First and foremost is their bird like features. All Valkeryia seem to posses feathered "wings" that sprout an inch above the ears. They also have short, feathered tails and unique dark facial marks on their cheeks. Typically, they have icy blue eyes and white hair, but occasionally are seen with orange or grey eyes. Valkyerians have much denser muscles than humans, making them have a much higher average endurance, and stronger bones. Valkyerians also seem to naturally preform better at high, thin air altitudes, where normally humans would have difficulty breathing. Form of Government: The Empire of Arkillia is ruled by the Chancellor of Arkillia, who is elected by the Arkillian Senate every 5 years. The Chancellor is the head of both the government and military, and generally makes most of the major decisions of the nation. However, the Chancellor does not have the power to propose laws, only to approve of them. For that, the Chancellor must gain support of 5 or more Senate members if the Chancellor wants to push any sort of legislation through. As for the Senate, each member represents a region of the nation and holds office for 7 years and may be reelected. Current Leaders: Chancellor of Arkillia: Helena Vortzeria HandelWind Kommandant: Walt Hoffmesser Streitkräfte Kommandant: Kelfer Vankompf Total Population 147,780,900 (roughly, but steadily increasing) Nation's Location: http://i.imgur.com/EZGTCqf.jpg Nation's Geography: To the north east, the nation is covered in pine trees and is very mountainous and rocky. The temperatures can be very dramatic during the summers and falls as they may be very hot during the day, but incredibly cold at night. These lands are also very dry and sit at high altitudes. As you move westward, the land becomes less dramatic and the pine forests turn into more vibrant deciduous forests over rolling hills. To the south the weather is more four seasonal temperate and varies between forests and fields with small streams and rivers running through them. These all feed into the large lakes that dot the landscape, small centers for the economy. The lands to the east are very rugged and mountainous as well, with the coast being a shear 140 meter drop at some points. Only until you get near the small bay of Arkillia does the coast become less dramatic and rugged. even hear though, the uneven land and poor harbor conditions leave only small fishing settlements as actual ports. Mostly the major port that is located their is an Airship hub, taking advantage of the stable and predictable winds of the area. Economy: Internally, The Empire has a Mixed Economy with various areas being either Market or Traditional economies. The Government does regulate various areas of the market, but ultimately it is a free market. The nation tries to create a "Balanced Trade" which goes by the motto "Do what you do best, buy the rest". Thus Arkilian exports usually focus around the aviation industry, ranging from selling commercial airships, airship components, and most importantly, refined Kavuria. While the substance Kavuria is widespread in the world, Arkil's refining techniques have made it much cheaper to buy than attempting to produce your own, usually giving nations more options to focus on other aspects of their economy while receiving cheap Kavuria to float their airships. Nation's Major Export: Airships (commercial), Experienced Aviation workforce, Refined Kavuria (Grades A-F. This marks of the quality, thus efficiency of it. The higher the grade, the bigger your ship can be for less Kavuria), Aliminuim Alloys, grain, and rice. Nation's Major Imports: Stronger Steel Alloys, various food items, Furs, Jewelry, Naval goods(ranging from ships to machinery), concrete, heavy machinery, gold, copper, and exotic goods. Technology Overview The Empire of Arkillia is, obviously, an incredibly modern nation. It's main focus rests heavily on Airship technology as well as other aspects of aviation as you may expect. From all sorts of designs and companies competing for their place on top, the industry is booming. As a bi product of this, the Kavuria industry is also climbing ever higher in industrial advancements. All other industries have also benefited from this, from electrical companies, fuel companies, ect. The nation is very progressive in technology, striving to be the best at what it does. Military Overview: The Empire's military has a high focus on aviation and its airship fleet, but still maintains a strong, balanced ground force to support the air forces and vice versa. The military takes both men and women of the nation, and even has a female only squadron known as the "Strike Witches". Population 6,945,710

Army Overview: Despite the Empire's focus on aviation, the ground forces remain to be very rugged and flexible, so their equipment reflects that. The Army is known as the "Streitkräfte" and handles most ground operations as well as paratrooper divisions. Arkillian Infantry (Going from left to right) Paratroopers: Highly trained infantry that are dropped behind enemy lines. They use various select fire automatic rifles, marksman rifles, and pistols. They are usually equipped with sabotage gear and are dropped to either hold positions until main forces arrive or to create havoc in enemy supply lines. Standard Infantry: Regulars of the Empire, they usually carry semi-automatic rifles and service revolvers. They usually have one or two per squad equipped with specialized equipment such as machine guns or AT weaponry, and may be given sub-machine guns for urban fighting environments. CQC/Special Forces: Veteran combat units that specialize in urban warfare or remote combat operations. They usually carry their own personal equipment, ranging mainly from trench guns to single hand axes. They also wear heavier armor, yet despite this, can be surprisingly swift. Least common among the ground forces. Arkillian Armor: E-76 Heavy Tank This heavy tank is designed to be both a tank killer and an infantry support vehicle. Thick slopped armor and its large 90mm cannon mounted on an electric driven turret make it a terrifying behemoth. However, it's overall speed is slow and its great weight means it requires extra effort in logistics to move these large tanks around. Thus, they are not very common on the battlefield. E-22 Medium Tank This tank services to be the versatile backbone of the Empire's armored forces. It carries a 76mm cannon with decent armor and speed. It's flanking armor is a major issue at the moment, as it is fairly thin and easily penetrated. However, its speed and machine guns make it an excellent infantry support vehicle and it can be easily produced. M-48 Light Tank/Tank Destroyer This is one of the newer tank designs and it comes in two variations. One is the light tank version, with a 47mm cannon, and two heavy machine guns. It's great speed allows it to be a decent reconnaissance vehicle as well as support for infantry. The second version has a modified, high velocity 57mm anti tank round with specialized armor piercing rounds. In combination with its speed, it can be quite the terrifying hit and run tank destroyer. E-22T Armored Transport Vehicle (Yes, yes, I too see the Cirnos on the APC....) This armored vehicle uses a modified E-22 chassis. It was enlogated and its internal components were moved about to make it into an APC for regular infantry. It is armed usually with a 20mm autocannon and a heavy machine gun, but other variations include an AA and self propelled mortar version. Ryler's 2-22 Truck From the "Ryler's Automotive Company", this is an example of some of the logistical support trucks used by the Empire. Artillery: N-6 Infantry Mortar Standard heavy mortar used by infantry units. Crewed by three soldiers. N-120 120mm Howitzer This howitzer is the most common in the Empire, used both as an artillery piece, anti tank gun, and anti aircraft gun thanks to its wide variety of ammunition. N-380 240mm Siege Gun This heavy piece of artillery is used mainly as a siege weapon on fortresses and strong points. Not usually seen nor used in typical engagements as it often has to be specifically requested by the general in the battle. Air Force Overview Now the Empire of Arkillia may have a decent ground military, but what they are truly known for is the massively impressive fleet that guards the skies above and rains hell down below. The Arkilian Airborne Fleet is the main focus of the overall military, with great funding and research put into making the best airships they possibly can. Here are the current classifications of the fleet: Typical Arkillian Trade/Civilian Airship This airship is the most commonly scene design from Arkil. They are produced to transport large amounts of cargo and sold to other nations. Speed varies based on cargo, but without all the armor and guns of military airships, they are typically much faster and more maneuverable. As they say, time is money! Arkillian Destroyer The most numerous combat airship of the fleet, this serves as the backbone to the Airborne Fleet. These airships are commonly scene patrolling the airspace or escorting fleets. Main Armament consists of three 105mm cannons and a secondary armament of four turrets that house twin 7.7cm Flak cannons. They can reach a top speed of 40mph. Arkillian Light Cruiser One of the older ship designs, these provide the more common "heavy muscle" in battles. Armed with six 150mm cannons and one single 38cm cannon as well as four 7.7cm Flak cannons, these ships are essentially stronger, heavier destroyers. They have a top speed of 35mph. Arkillian Battle Cruiser Thanks to its lighter armor and more powerful engine systems, this newer addition to the fleet has mobility and heavy firepower. It carries seven turrets with twin 20cm cannons and four 7.7cm Flak cannons. With all this, they can still maintain a good 35mph. Arkillian Heavy Cruiser An out of date ship, these used to provide the heavy firepower of the fleet They are armed with three turrets that contain twin 20cm cannons, four broadside turrets with one 8.8cm cannons, and two turrets that house quad 7.7cm Flak cannons. They can reach a top speed of 25mph. They are currently being decommissioned in favor of the newer Battle Cruiser design. Arkillian Fortress Class Both the least common and largest airship of the fleet, it is said to carry enough ordnance to destroy entire cities. Exaggerations aside, it is still a terrifying ship. Armed with six turrets carrying twin 32cm cannons, eight turrets carrying 8.8cm cannons, and around twelve turrets carrying duel 7.7cm flak guns. It also has a bomb bay that can easily carry up to 10,000 pounds of bombs. Only two of these ships exist as they are a nightmare of logistical support. It could be even said that they serve as intimidation weapons more so than actual strategic weapons. The top speed of this ship is a breakneck 15mph. Arkillian Aircraft Carriers As a newer ship with only four in deployment, they are multi-deck aircraft carriers that can carry a large number of fighter and bomber aircraft as well as soldiers and invasion forces. Strike Witches are also usually based out of these carriers. Top speed of around 24mph Aircraft: The Arkillian Strike Witch The Arkillian Strike Witches are a female only fighter squadron that use leg mounted flying machines known as "Strikers". They are an elite unit of aces, often tasked with unique machines for their quailities. They usually carry 20mm autocannons or heavy machine guns into battle, and while they are very much more exposed to AA fire, they are incredibly nimble and fast, climbing like a rocket and turning on a dime. The AW-7 Multi Role Aircraft This push engine aircraft is the most common strike fighter in the Empire. It is armed with four 30mm cannons and has a top speed of around 380mph at 10,000ft. It is well balanced with a great climb and dive rate as well as famed for its strength under high G maneuvers. However, it's turning speed is somewhat poor, thus pilots are trained around using "boom and zoom" tactics as opposed to conventional turn dogfights. It can also carry up to 500lbs of bombs. Launched both from Carriers and airbases. The AT-40 Attacker Aircraft This push engine aircraft is slow but very maneuverable. It is armed with twin 40mm cannons and can carry up to 1000lbs of bombs. It's main role is to attack ground and naval forces with its powerful cannons and heavy bombs. Thus it is vulnerable to high performance fighters as it climbs slowly and generally does better at lower altitudes. For protection it also as a rear facing turret with twin 12.7mm machine guns. The AB-77 Heavy Bomber (Please mind that it does not have jet engines despite the image. The image is just for you to get an idea of what I have in mind.) The main bomber of the Arkillian Airborne Fleet, it can carry up to 2000lbs of bombs and its protected by various strategically placed turrets armed with 20mm cannons. It is a lumbering aircraft of sorts, thus it is very vulnerable to fighter aircraft, however it has been known to be a "bullet sponge" thanks to its smartly designed fuselage and inline built rudder system.

[Talis]

The Cyzin Federation of Xulao Nation's History

History

Seven hundred years ago House Cyzin rose to power in Xulao, crushing the other regional houses and uniting the land under their rule for the first time. They claimed the title of Empress of Xulao and went on to subjugate neighboring lands and create a reign that lasted six hundred years. The empire endured invasions, insurrection and famine, becoming a pillar of Xulao civilization. Sadly, Xulao under House Cyzin never industrialized as the other nations had, and the Xulao Empire was eventually restrained by expanding colonial powers, and forced to give away privileges and much of its land. After the Xingyi riots the Irodians finally invaded. They quickly crushed the outdated Cyzin army and killed every Cyzin they could lay their hands on. Thus began seventy years of colonial exploitation and oppression as Xulao’s resources were plundered by foreigners and its people treated as foreigners in their own land. From the earliest days there were those who resisted the occupation, and as time went on the resistance movements fractured, each seeking an ideology and vision that could motivate the people of Xulao to rise up against their oppressors. The Monarchist movement advocated a return to the model of imperial governance the Cyzin had ruled over in the past, with a new Empress and imperial house. The Theocratic, or Hunan, movement argued that since the Cyzin were gone it was the duty of the priesthood to step in and govern Xulao. A small democratic movement demanded the right to self-determination and freely elected leaders. Finally, the Syndicalist movement borrowed language from their northern brethren. These rebel groups fought each other almost as much as the invaders, and for many years were little more than an annoyance. The rise of Syndintern in the north changed things by providing weapons, supplies, and propaganda to the Syndicalist movement, which allowed them to largely crush the democratic movement and graduate to a large and dangerous insurgency. But then, 5 years ago, the Monarchists made a fortuitous discovery. One of the serving women who had been in the Cyzin palace during the slaughter had escaped with a Cyzin child. The woman had fled to a temple hidden in the hinterland mountains and raised the baby. That child’s great-granddaughter was recognized and a squad of partisans secured to temple and convinced the young child (whose mother had died of malaria) to come with them. The results were almost instantaneous. The name of Cyzin was almost synonymous with the golden age of Hulao’s power, and the existence of a legitimate, direct heir to the ancient house gave the monarchist faction enormous credibility. The Hulan faction of priests immediately joined the monarchists, and after a pirated radio announcement the entire country broke out into rebellion. Now with enough members and credibility to truly fight the Irodians, the monarchists waged a brutal guerrilla war against their occupiers. Irodia, distracted by its own war in the north, found itself unable to divert troops to stop the rebellion in the south. After 4 years of warfare the monarchists have forced the Irodians out of most of Xulao’s hinterland and captured the traditional capital of Xingyi during the Battle of Open Lands. The Irodian army was drawn out in a massive feint, at which point a contingent of veteran guerillas stormed Xingyi, slaughtering soldiers in their bunks, killing several high-ranking generals, and leaving the Irodian army deep in hostile territory without supply lines. With the imperial city captured the young Cyzin Ao was then crowned at the Imperial Palace and the Cyzin Federation of Xulao declared, with many of the old monarchist leaders taking up government positions. As of yet the new nation has no international recognition, almost no industry, rival Syndicalist rebels who refuse to lay down their arms, and the threat of a colonialist foothold still stubbornly holding onto the coast. But the people are now united under the ancient House Cyzin, and the time is ripe for Xulao to step up and take its place among the nations.

Race: Human (Lin ethnicity) The Lin ethnicity have smooth, dark brown skin, black and occasionally brown hair, and brown or hazel eyes. They are unusually short for humans, rarely standing more than 5 feet 4 inches tall. Occasional variations happen – the Cyzin family is famous for having green eyes, and that coloration is now considered a sign of royalty. Form of Government: Oligarchal Monarchy The stated goal of the Federation forces is the revival of the old Cyzin imperial government: a centralized monarchy with an expansive, merit-based bureaucracy. Because of the young age of the current Cyzin monarch and the state of the revolution, the current government is essentially an oligarchy of revolutionary leaders. Whether they will cede power once the Federation is stable is a major question both domestically and for foreign leaders. Current Leader: Empress Cyzin Ao (Current Cyzin Empress) As the twelve-year-old heir to a centuries-long dynasty, Cyzin Ao has a lot on her young shoulders. The revolutionary’s forces are constantly paranoid about her safety, yet her mere existence has sparked a revolution. The old Cyzin family is synonymous with the dignity and power of Xulao. Surprisingly she holds up to the stress well for her age and has a dignified demeanor that inspires her followers, perhaps a trait forced on her by her role. Notable Figures Zhan Arika (Imperial Chancellor) – Some call her “the shadow empress” for her immense influence and power in the current Federation. Arika is the de facto head of state and newly self-appointed chancellor to the empress. She is a large, brutally calculating woman – she once sacrificed an entire company in order to launch a surprise attack on an enemy position miles away. Lon Fen (Imperial Chaplain) – Lon Fen was a major leader of the Hulan rebel organization advocating the establishment of a theocracy in Xulao. When Cyzin Ao was discovered five years ago he jumped ship to join the monarchists and took a large number of veteran partisans with him. Now he has secured the job as Imperial Chaplain in recognition. Cerzak Inaha (Imperial Treasurer) – Inaha is the academic woman responsible for popularizing the statist model of economics through numerous treatises. Her work in the revolution was largely academic and she herself was a rather low-profile figure. She has now been given the unenviable job of putting her ideals into practice and getting Xulao’s economy on track after decades of strife. Total Population: 35 Million (23 million in controlled territory) Nation's Location:

Location

Black = de jure borders of Hulao Blue = extent of current Federation control

Nation's Geography: Xulao is a region of lowlands warmed by hot ocean currents, sea breezes and occasional monsoons or hurricanes. Swampland and forests make up most of the hinterlands, but much of the region is covered in rice paddies and intense agriculture. To the north the land becomes drying, hotter and more mountainous. Flooded fields give way to terrace farming and swamps lose out to dense jungle. The north is home to many of the region’s oldest and most famous temples. Economy:

Economy

Although war and strife have injured Xulao’s economy, its agricultural output is still world renowned. Rice can be planted and harvested in great quantities year-round, and can be supplemented with vegetables, onions and fruit. Xulao produces enough foodstuff to feed itself and still export enormous amounts around the world. Tea provides the primary cash crop and is also grown and exported in great amounts. Jute and cotton are produced and exported in lesser amounts. Xulao has significant deposits of coal and phosphates, and some bauxite, manganese, copper and iron. Aside from several coal mines and a phosphate factory founded by the Irodians during their occupation, most of these resources have seen relatively little exploitation, and would be difficult to access. Xulao imports almost all of its industrial goods and military supplies and ran under a notable trade deficit as an Irodian colony. The new government refuses to honor the deficit accrued under occupation, but will face its own challenges avoiding the same predicament in the future.

Technology Overview Xulao’s technology level is sorely lacking. The state’s only industry consists of those factories built by Irodia which were captured and nationalized rather than being destroyed, and education in the region is sadly lacking. Only in the cities is public schooling widely available. Most machinery, weapons and other technology are imported. Cultural Overview

Culture

Matriarchy- Xulao is traditionally matriarchal. Family lineage is traced through the female line and women are far more likely to be educated than men. Male children and husbands are regarded as labor, while women are the heads of households and take on the roles of intellectual or religious leadership. Polyandry, the keeping of multiple husbands, was made illegal under the Irodian occupation but continued to be practiced and has now been restored to legality. Clothing Xulao clothing tends to involve long, loose clothing with vivid colors and patterns in contrast to the usual heavy cloaks and pants of the colonial powers. Attempts to "civilize" dress styles largely failed outside of restricted urban circles. Clothing for men tends to be simpler and more straightforward, while a woman's is more elaborate and formal. Long hair, clean feet and unmarred features are generally considered signs of wealth and luxury. Religion Xulao religion is a mixture of ancestor worship, place-spirits and a pantheon of polytheistic gods. Zhao Cek, god of order, is patron of House Cyzin, and all citizens are required to at least pay homage to him. Aside from that religion is relatively tolerant, with temples to various gods populating peaks and valleys across the land. Elaborate religious festivals and ceremonies in honor of the gods are common. Followers of the ancient Ahao Diha make up about fifteen percent of the population and act as the second largest minority. The Irodians have also left several hundred thousand converts in their wake after years of occupation, while the Syndicalist movement is explicitly atheist.

Military Overview Population: 1,600,000 (7%) After half a decade of brutal war against a superior combatant, Xulao’s population is thoroughly militarized. More than a million and a half Lin stand under arms and ready to fight. Unfortunately most of those troops are guerrillas armed with small arms and little formal training. The newly minted Federation Army has yet to be tested and is sorely lacking in supplies and armaments.

Army Overview

Rather than force seasoned guerrilla fighters to forgo the tactics they’re comfortable with, chancellor Zhan Arika has wisely formed most of the new army out of relatively inexperienced troops, placing veteran soldiers in officer and trainer positions. The core veterans of the movement have been spun off into the Federation Scouts, who are meant to be an “elite” guerrilla corps. The army has plenty of eager recruits and skilled officers, most with some combat experience, but it lacks the heavy weapons necessary to become a true, national fighting force. Aside from captured Irodian artillery and armor the army currently makes due almost exclusively with small arms, with the best equipment going to the Scouts.

Navy Overview

Xulao does not, as of yet, have a state navy. In its heyday the old Cyzin Empire maintained a great navy of wooden warships, but those are long rotted or sunk. Nowadays the only naval presence the Federation has is a number of simple river boats and one Irodian destroyer captured in port.

Airforce Overview

Xulao’s current air-force consists of three squadrons (42 planes now, down from 60 purchased) of old Chevron biplanes purchased on the second-hand market. They are inferior to the more modern monoplanes used by other nations, but were cheap to purchase and easy to maintain while still being effective enough to fight.