History

The Kingdom of Siam joined the First World War in 1914 as a nominal member of the Allies, initially to gain favor with Britain and France. In response to numerous pleas by the British and French, King Rama VI formed the Siamese Expeditionary Forces, which at first was a single 1,300-strong motor and medical division, but as the war dragged on became a 20,000-strong infantry unit that saw numerous action in offensives into the German and Ottoman Empires. The Royal Siamese Navy also assaulted military installations in German New Guinea, and by May 1921 had almost reclaimed the entire archipelago. The early 1920s were a period of grand military action for Siam, but were also times of civil unrest and anti-Westernization.

King Rama VI, a Western-educated eager young man, was constantly under fire by pro-German elites, pacifist Buddhist groups, and of course, the section of the general populace whose sons were being sent off to die in a place ten thousand miles away from home. Anti-war sentiments increased when towards the late 1910s, the Germans intensified naval warfare in the Pacific. By this time, about 2,300 Siamese had died in the European and Ottoman Fronts, and the promise of reparations by the Allies were becoming a distant memory. All of this was accentuated by the economic recession caused by Central Power navies limiting trade to the Allied European nations. In 1917, Khana Ratsadon, a left-wing revolutionary group, was founded by university students in Bangkok whose main goal was to pull Siam out of its useless war, wrest power from the Westernized elites, and bring it back to the Siamese people through democracy. By 1918, the movement was already organizing large rallies and protests all across Siam.

In late 1919, protests became heated when Royal Siamese Army soldiers fired on protesters outside the royal palace, injuring 13 and killing 3. The three dead protesters, all of them students, became martyrs and figureheads for the revolution. Armed insurrection unofficially began in 1925 in some northern provinces, and back in Europe, members of the Expeditionary Forces were already joining their European comrades in desertion. On December 23 1919, members of the Khana Ratsadon armed with stolen Army rifles attempted to storm the Royal Palace, but were (barely) beaten back by the royal guard with 18 dead.

In February 1921, another coup was launched in the capital and was overwhelmingly successful, with even the royal guards aiding in the attack. The royal family, anticipating this, boarded a private ship for France, and were granted asylum there. The new People’s Republic of Thailand’s first order of the day was, of course, to withdraw all of its troops from the Great War. This was heavily opposed by the Allies, and incidents even occured where French soldiers threatened to fire upon Thai soldiers boarding departing ships, but the new people’s government was adamant in their goals - not a single Thailander would remain in Europe by Easter. By April 1921, this wish was granted.

The People’s Republic quickly set about arresting and detaining members of the ‘elite’ who had supported the war, were ‘cronies’ of the royal family, or had stolen from the Thai people - a practice that still continues somewhat today. In a new constitution, Khana Ratsadon would be the only political party, but elections would be held every four years. The legitimacy of these elections, however, has varied from time to time. As the 20th century marched onward, Thailand set upon establishing trade partnerships with other socialist nations in Southeast Asia and around the globe, and by 1952 had become a formidable economic power in the region. However, the European powers were slow to acknowledge the new Thailand’s very existence, and to this day are still reluctant to even open embassies in the country. The country’s human rights record is sketchy at best, and Western journalists are frequently imprisoned and/or deported. In 1941, under the pretense of foreign saboteurs, Thailand invaded and annexed a European-backed Cambodia, much to the outrage of the global community and causing a slight dip in the economy. In 1960, it frequently skirmishes with Laos over border disputes, has earned the ire of the British Empire over its holdings in Burma and Malaysia, and is known as one of the most belligerent nations in Southeast Asia.

Nation: Herzogtum von Deutsch Westafrika - Duchy of German West Afrika





Location (on map):

History:

Beginning

The Duchy of West Afrika started out with the last governor of German Kamerun, Karl Ebermaier and Carl Heinrich Zimmermann - an Imperial German military officer and commander of the Schutztruppe in German Kamerun. When the Kamerun campaign began - the colony was in a fight for their life. As Kamerun was attacked from three sides by the French, Belgians and British.

The Kamerun Campaign started out badly - while the Great War picked up casualties as well in Europe. The start to the end of 1914 was a bad time for the German colony - as things became more and more desperate as they were outnumbered almost 2-to-1 by the Entente Forces. Luckily, as war started to turn for the better against the French in Europe - so did as well for German Kamerun. With the French being badly mauled - supplies and men started to be pulled out from French Equatorial Africa.

With the tables turned - the Germans and their colonial allies, went on the offensive. Now outnumbering the British and Belgian forces 3-to-1. The Schutztruppe soon occupied British Nigeria completely - uniting it with Mahinland; in addition seizing several pieces of land from French Gabon. Creating a strong German holding in the Gulf of Guinea.

German upheaval and "Kaiser of Afrika"

With the overwhelming military success of German Kameron - Carl Heinrich Zimmermann was promoted and awarded a prestigious position, back in the homeland. His replacement was a young, unorthodox yet highly sophisticated Oberst by the name of Jaeger Hurst. The new commander of the Schutztruppe of German West Afrika in mind had been given the duty of establishing and training out a larger and better-disciplined army to defend against any future skirmishes against the other colonial powers.

Sadly - the German Empire was soon flung into turmoil, with trouble at home. In addition with the Governor of German East Afrika - being overthrown in a coup by Paul von Letow-Vorbeck. German West Afrika was about to also follow suit, as Governor Karl Ebermaier was persuaded by the promise of complete ownership of the colony and its wealth. He was executed by Oberst Hurst - whom, despite his non-traditionalist beliefs was a firm Loyalist.

While the new Governor-Commander was unable to send help to the Kaiser in the Fatherland, he managed to send one telegram to Imperial Germany - promising to return German colonial property to the rightful Kaiser; before Civil War began in German West Afrika between the German' Kaiser Loyalists and the Afrikan' Kaiser Rebels.

While the Rebels were supported by most of the officer corps - they lacked the numerical superiority, being so far cut-off from German East Afrika. Oberst Hurst, utilized and promoted from among the local Askari enlisted - combining African bravery with German efficiency. Cutting off and eventually defeating the Rebels. Unfortunately, both sides had left significant devastation in their wake - further hampering any attempt by the Governor-Commander of aiding the homeland.

With this in mind, and realizing that he would not be able to aid his home in the near future; namely doing so, would rile up the local population, who had enough of war as well as the colonial Schutztruppe had missed a year of pay - Oberst Hurst decided to instead, reconstruct German West Afrika into a worthy province; that would one day 'have streets good enough to shine the Kaiser' shoes at'.

Duchy of West Afrika and New State

The Duchy of West Afrika had been declared at September 1935 - with Jaeger Hurst taking the mantle of Herzog Hurst von Westafrika, or Duke of West Afrika. Declaring for Kaiser Wilhelm III and stating Paul von Letow-Vorbeck a traitor. Sadly with the Empire shutting itself in, to recover after the Civil War - Duke Hurst was once again, left alone to manage the German colonial holdings.

Duke Hurst started building up West Afrika in aftermath of their own Civil War. Namely focusing on keeping the holdings together - and to eliminate any potential rebellion from inside or outside. Thus he started initiating policies, which would later be coined by him as 'Bismarckism' or the 'Cycle of Reliability'.

Namely he had most of the industry in British Nigera moved over to the German Kamerun side - while also allowing most of Nigeria to be turned over into agriculture. While Kamerun would be heavily industrialized. With the discovery of petroleum in the region - Nigeria in essence became the coal for the Kamerun smeltery. Thus Nigeria would supply the resources, while Kamerun would manufacture the goods. This was off-set by having the main shipyard and coastal city made in Nigeria; Mahinland. While the central bank would be established in Buea; Kamerun.

This cycle would prevent either colonial province from dominating or de-stabilizing the other side. As the Western provinces would need to rely on the Eastern side, for protection, banking and finished goods. While the East had to rely on the West, for access to the sea-trading and raw resources.

While the white Germans would dominate most senior and important positions - other blacks would be allowed slowly into the gentry. Namely high-ranked Askari officers, who had distinguished themselves in the Kamerun Campaign and the West Afrikan Civil War.

Current

Duke Hurst has lead the country for nearly twenty-five years of relative peace and stability. With his system - both regions have been allowed to develop and prosper under the rule of the Germanic nobility. With agriculture, petroleum, mining, chemical and light industry dominating the economy.

Under his rule - a strong upper class, of white nationals has been formed, around the coastal regions of West Afrika. Namely nobility from the Russia and Austro-Hungaria whom wished to escape the civil wars plaguing the continent and to start over. French nationalists and even some businessmen from the United States. Most which, former German veterans from the homeland - offered a chance to restart their lives and build a new future for their families.

A healthy middle class has been formed - from the tribes of Yoruban's and Duala's people - they form the backbone of the Afrika. Filling up numerous jobs - clerks, managers, teachers, professors, land owners and army officers. They enjoy a standard of living - that is common in most European cities; with free access to health care and higher education.

The lower class are concentrated in the rural regions - which lacks most governmental oversight, and is controlled by the tribes and chiefs that inhabit the area; allowed autonomy in exchange for not trying to overtly assault the state and maintain a level of stability in the area. Besides that, only a few governmental clerks inhabit the region - whom primarily manage the resource extractions of the area and purchase of local goods from the rural farmers - as well as lodging any complaints or aid requests that might arise.

Characters:

Herzog Jaegar Hurst von Deutsche Westafrika


Role: Governor-General of the German West African Duchy

Bio: Jaeger Hurst was born at the start of the 20th Century - on the January 22 of 1900, in Baden. Most of his childhood remained average, as he was the oldest son of a lower-rank German gentry and later on attended the famous Heidelberg University. Where upon, he was intrigued by Liberalism - or namely the aspects of having multiple choices and opinions to debate and choose from. In addition to learning more about political history.

He later enrolled in the Prussian War College, earning the rank of Leutenant - just as the outbreak of the Great War started. While his accomplishments were many against the French Army - it was mostly due to utilizing tactics, planning and ideas - that were counter-intuitive to the directions of the German High Command.

Each victory he achieved was also tainted by his title of Kanonenkugel. Or 'cannonball' - as he was considered something of a loose cannon; although none could fault his tactical mind. Which was honed by weeks of studying his opposites plans and strategies. At the end of the Great War - he was transfered to German Kamerun; officially as reward, alongside the rank of Oberst but unofficially to get him away from the more prestigious core of the Army.

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Graf Wilhelm Hurst von Deutsche Westafrika



Role: heir and son the Duke of German West Africa

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Amadou Bankole von Douala



Position: Oberstleutant of the Afrikan Corps

Leader:

Farid Hamidou is the current elected President of the Islamic State of Algeria. A direct descendant of a famous Algerine corsair, Raïs Hamidou, he won his elections through his youth and vigour. He was born to Arya and Khalil Hamidou in the Casbah of Algiers, one of the districts in the capital city of Algiers. Living his earlier years in the last decades of French rule in Algeria, he was one of the younger Algerians to join the Algerian Islamic Modernists and participated in anti-Imperial activism. He thoroughly believed in Algerian independence from French rule and was part of a movement that was crucial to the overthrowing of the colonials after the rise of the People's Republic of France in 1946. A fighter at 17, he was one of the many young men to participate in the Algerian War and fought for the freedom of his peoples. Later on, after the takeover of the Algerian Islamic Modernists over the nationalist front, he welcomed the movements decision to create a full presidential system with a constitution that recognised Islamic Modernism as the basis for the country's laws. He then became a member of the United Modernists of Algeria Party, soon becoming its head at the young age of 29.

The President is a charming, dashing man who roused the younger populace with his inspiring speeches and charismatic smile. He had promised a greater effort to further boost the economy and general quality of living through the capitalisation of the oil reserves throughout the country. He had promised better access to education for Algerians living in the south with the creation of new colleges within the area. He had also promised the disbanding of the Old Republican threat to the south by the end of his first term. So far, Farid had accomplished two of his main goals but the Old Republicans prove tricky to deal with and the rise of traditionalists have diminished his hold over the country. Still, his approval ratings sit on the positive side, with many Algerians believing that he will come through with his promises as he is halfway through his third year in office. Critics say that his lack of experience has led to the sudden surge in traditionalist power and that numerous villages are being lost to their rhetoric every year under his office. Alas, the young man from Algiers has once again promised the eradication of both Old Republicans and traditionalists terrorists, declaring war on both sides. One can only wonder how this war could split this prospering country apart.

Government:
The country functions on a full presidential system in which the the executive branch and the provincial branch are separate. The President is a elected by the citizens every five years in the presidential elections and is chosen through popular vote of the people. The President has full executive powers and can veto any legislation that the provincial branch (made up of popular voted Wali) has put forward but in turn, this veto can be overridden by a supermajority of Wali. The President also acts as the Supreme Commander of Algerian Military Forces but has a group of veteran generals called the "حماية" literally meaning "protection" which he confers with on matters of defence. The President appoints the Cabinet of Algeria with Secretaries that serves as an advising institution to the President. They also administer departments of their expertise (the حماية act as Secretaries of Defence in the executive branch). The executive is not responsible to the provincial unless in special circumstances. The provincial also serves as the judicial branch as well (further explained below). In judicial matters, the President can pardon any criminal but must bend to the will of the Wali if found guilty of a crime (as do all executive branch members). A member of the executive branch may be impeached by the provincial branch.

There are different parties that Wali can be a part of and align with. Each party can forward a presidential nominee and a Wali nominee for any number of provinces of their choosing. Every party has agreed to align itself with Islamic Modernism but differ in policies, interpretations of Modernist thought, position on the political spectrum and other smaller differences. Major parties include:

• Algerians of the Leftist
• Azmegh Republican Party
• The Socialist Party of Algeria
• United Modernists of Algeria
• The People's Party for Algeria

Algeria is divided into 50 wilayas (provinces) which are further divided into 557 daïras (districts) and are then split into 1545 baladiyahs (municipalities). The port cities of Algiers, Oran and the trading city of Constantine are the only ones which are further counted as their own wilaya which are of course split into daïras and baladiyahs. Due to the modernisation efforts of the new government, the cities of Oran and Constantine serve a much larger purpose than they otherwise would have with the government encouraging urbanisation across the country. Each waliya enjoys some economic and diplomatic freedom apart from the state. The Wali are selected governors who are voted in by their respective people to govern their waliya. However, by law, the governors must be entirely loyal to Algeria, be subservient to the government of Algeria and must serve the Algerian peoples first and foremost. The Wali also hold judicial powers in a High Court with the leaders of daïras and baladiyahs holding judicial powers in a Middle and Low Court respectively. A case is to be judged based on its severity with incredibly severe cases to be dealt with in the High Court of Wali (all cases involving a member of the executive branch or a high ranked general is judged to be incredibly severe). The police act as an extension of the Wali's will over their waliya but arms can only be supplied by the government and recruitment of police officers must be scaled to the area or population that the waliya has.

The Islamic State of Algeria have incorporated some aspects of Islamic laws into their legal system and has declared Islam to be its state religion (although other religious bodies are accepted in the eyes of the state). The almost radical reinterpretations of Quranic texts with polygyny, penal punishments, jihad and treatment of non-believers contained in Islamic Modernism has been accepted wholly and integrated with existing shari'a law. The constitution states that "All legislation created by the provincial branch or amendments made to this Constitution must coincide with Islamic Modernism." This shows how much the Algerian Islamic Modernists, the major influence of the revolution, has influenced Algeria as a country. Islamic modernism is widely accepted in all branches of government (at least in the surface).

Location and Landscape:

Northern Algeria has seen great prosperity and urbanisation since Algerian independence. The coast is dotted with industrialising towns and cities which are currently urbanising at a speed greater than normal. Due to the country's increasing populations, the agriculture sector has seen a boost in funding and farms have been popping up in as many green places as possible. However as only 3% of the land is suitable for farming (mostly in the northern coast), much of Algeria's food is still imported. The north is seen as wealthier and more advanced than the southern dunes (which is unfortunately very true). It contains the three biggest and most important cities in Algeria - Algiers, Oran and Constantine.

Algiers serves as the political and cultural capital city of the ISA with the largest population, the largest amount of daïras out of the three main cities and the most cultural landmarks. It serves as the main port city along the Algerian coast with trading ships in and out of its harbours. The Alger la Blanche stands proud with its glistening white architecture, with the Old City and Modern City blending together in an almost blinding amount of white. It is said that that you must avoid approaching Algiers from the Mediterranean at some select times of the day, lest you be blinded by the reflected sunlight. These claims have been proven to be exaggerated but the white tops of the city is truly something to behold, attracting many a tourist. The government also sits itself in the city, with President and Parliament making their home in Algiers.

The second largest port city, Oran, has the second largest total population with the largest population of Pied-Noirs present within the city. The presence of the Cathedral de Sacre Coeur appeal to many of the Christian Pied-Noirs. The relative peace in the manner that the Algerian government dealt the Pied-Noirs during their takeover resulted in lower amounts of Europeans leaving the city of Oran (though many of them still left in the period of North African Exodus). Although relations between the native Muslim and the majority-Christian Pied-Noir occupants of the city have been, at times, violent, the situation has cooled itself over time to an uneasy peace. Tensions have simmered and the younger population have intermingled despite the protests of the more distrusting elder population. The government views the city as a step towards general acceptance of Pied-Noirs as citizens of Algeria and as a shining example of Islamic Modernism. It has the largest growth rate in the country and is quickly becoming the technological capital of Algeria due to the skills of the Pied-Noir citizens and the native Arab-Berber population's eagerness to modernise. The city shows promise and has the second highest economic traffic in the country due to its proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar.

The third noteworthy city within the country is Constantine. The third most populous city, it serves as the headquarters for the state-owned oiling company Constantine Petroleum and as the connecting city between oil digs and the coast. Most petroleum traffic travels to Constantine to be divided into national use or export. While filled with Arab cultural landmarks and its iconic bridges, the city is more famous for the constructed (and still constructing) oil pipelines connecting to Algiers, Oran and other major population centers connected to the growing number of oil digs sprouting within the country. Seeing the importance and value of this oil, the Algerian government has decided to make Constantine its base of operations for controlling state oil rigs with its largest amount of backup oil barrels. The need for so much construction has invited an influx of eager citizens seeking employment. Constantine is the sight for the largest engineering project the country has ever seen, a large amount of pipelines called "Golden Roads" leading in and out of the city. Although oil has only been found as recently as 1954, the Algerian government decided to capitalise on the precious commodity as fast as possible. However, construction has been slowed by the deserts and the lack of skilled workers.

Although there have been attempts to populate the uninhabited arid deserts in southern Algeria, it has remained relatively untamed due to the hostility of the desert dunes. The only population centers which exist among the dunes are centered around oases or rivers that can be found such as the near border town tof Tindouf. These oasis towns have become a popular place for rural Berbers to migrate to for employment as the familiarity of the desert appeal to these hardy folk. Especially as conflict between the Algerian military, Old Republicans and Islamist traditionalists heat up within the Sahara, these pockets of civilisation have become more appealing. There are numerous oil digs that have started up in the desert as well with government officials scouring the deserts for valuable oil reserves. Since the discovery of Algerian oil in 1954 and subsequent construction of oil digs later that year, the liquid gold is sought after. The Berber tribes to the eastern mountains and south of Constantine have complained of intrusion into their lands but these cries are mostly ignored. Other than these intrusions, they have remained relatively isolationist even as more rural Berbers join their kin in the cities and towns that dot the Algerian lands.

As previously mentioned, the Old Republicans of France and Islamist traditionalist groups have a well-known presence within the country. The Old Republiccans have used to base out of Fort Lapperine, formerly known as Tamanrasset. Although they have since been kicked out of the oasis town by Algerian military in 1959, they still remain at large in the nearby Hoggar Mountains where they have set up an underground series of tunnels and bunkers. They have also come to raid the nearby village of In Eker for supplies and what raid survivors call "pleasure women". The flat-topped mountain of Assekrem has also become another base of operations for the Old Republicans where they "plan to triumph against the Muslim infidels and the socialist traitors to protect the memory Monsieur Focauld." They claim that the Sahara and all its denizens are rightfully theres. Meanwhile, the Islamist traditionalists are more spread out across the country. They do not have a base of operations in any sense of the word but operate in close knit groups which are strategically placed in various cities in Algeria. The traditionalists have groups in Oran, Tindouf, Constantine, Skikda and other major towns though their presence in Algiers has been mostly eradicated. They are also known to have recruited from smaller southern towns and have been known to turn entire villages against the government through their rhetoric. As the Sahara remains contested between the Old Republicans, traditionalist and government forces with the three factions warring against each other. It is recommended to anyone with a sense of self-preservation to stay out of the desert dunes and stay in the towns.

Demographics:
In a recent government survey, there are an estimated 11.57 million residents of Algeria. Of that resident population, 94% of the population are made up of native Arab-Berbers (although some claim that as much as 25% of the native muslim population is of Turkish descent, all identify as Arab-Berbers despite this due to previous interracial mixing). Only 5% are of European descent with the vast majority being of French descent (note that any resident found to be colluding with the Old Republicans are stripped of their residency). The remaining 1% are of smaller ethnic groups such as the various Jewish communities found in the coastal cities. There has been a massive growth in population due to the rapid urbanisation the country has taken, leading the country from a post-Algerian war population of 8.3 million to what it is now. Women hold a disproportionate amount of administrative power within the country and as much as 60% of university students being women. There are also a greater amount of Pied-Noirs found in universities but the margin has gotten significantly smaller by 1960.

Berber, Algerian Arabic and French are the official languages of Algeria. Algerian Arabic, more commonly known as Algerian, is used by most the population and is infused with elements of Berber and French. French is considered an official language due to the large amount of Pied-Noirs that stayed in Algeria and because its widespread usage. Many universities and main education systems still use French as their language of choice because of Algeria's previous colonial status. Berber, while the least widespread of the three languages, remains as the cultural language of Algeria and is spoken by many in Southern Algeria, nomads in the Sahara or tribes who dot Algerian lands. Algeria has a large majority of adherents to Islam (mostly Sunni) with smaller populations of Catholics (mainly French Pied-Noirs), Protestants and Jews in the country.

History:
The country's origins lay within Algiers, the capital of then French Algeria and the birthplace of the revolutionary movement which shook the entire country to its core. It began with a select few men and women who decided that it was time for change. For too long they have been under France's yoke, under a colonial government who was too much of failure to even control its own people. Distaste for the French stirred in every Algerian, it was up to them to ignite the fires. "Cut the old ties," they said "let us cut our ties to a fallen government and a fallen republic." These unknown men and women put posters around the city under the nose of the French authorities. They spread the word of revolution in the seediest bars, taverns and brothels in the city. To the Arab schools, libraries and universities. They came to the Imams of every mosque, to the Arab priests in their churches, to the small Jewish communities in central districts. They spread their whispers, stirring the fire that compelled all Algerians, whether Arab or not, to take action against a government who could no longer instill subservience in their holdings. Their message, "cut the old ties" became a motto, a code which differentiated colonialist and revolutionary. Their flag could be found in most households, hanging from the flagpoles of both businesses and places of worship in defiance against their colonial overlords.

These unknown men and women hung the flag over the ports, painted their crescents on military vehicles and bases. These select, brave few ripped the French flags from their flagpoles, putting their new Algerian flag instead. Their flag was known across the whole city, their motto sang by children on the streets, their actions spreading through the city like wildfire. The French took action. They instilled strict curfews, arrested anyone who flew the "fake, primitive flag of dissidents", shot anyone who was known to be an active revolutionary and tried to clean the city of "revolutionary filth". The Algerian people stood defiant and soon, whispers of dissent spread further than just Algiers. From Fort Lapperine to Constantine, from Oran to Tinfouchy, the embers of revolution was formed. Nationalism, a movement relatively unknown to the common peoples of Algeria, spread through its population. When the idea of an "Algerian people" was formed, independence followed afterwards.

In Oran, revolutionaries started clouding the minds of Pied-Noirs. starting to rid thm of their "French" identity and instead place an "Algerian" identity upon them. In Constantine, people actively sabotaged French activity, blocking the bridges to the French Mayor's house and crowding the roads with people to restrict military access. In Fort Lapperine, people sneered at the French officers and soldiers who occupied the town, spitting on them during their marches and cursing them. In Algiers, the revolution was starting to gain real ground as more French troops were being pulled back home. However, those same men and women who met in that very small room, who fueled the fires and dreamed of cutting the old ties, were caught stealing weapons from the military base within the city. They were arrested and hung in a public executions, insulted by the soldiers who executed them, spat on by officers who looked upon their corpses with disdain. Their corpses were cremated, denied the traditional funerals they should have had. These actions, instead of stopping the revolution in its tracks, turned the fire into a blazing inferno.

The whispers of dissent turned into cries of revolution on the 18^th November 1946, nationalists across the entire country aligning themselves with insurgent groups and starting the War of Independence. The Algerian Islamic Modernists was the major nationalist freedom fighter group which claimed themselves as direct successors of the "Brave Few". The war was a short and bloody one, lasting three months and six days. The overwhelming ferocity in how the insurgents fought overwhelmed otherwise superior French forces. Suicide bombers, child soldiers, women fighters, guerilla warfare and all manner of underhand tactics surprised Old Republican forces. As A.I.M took lead as the greatest of the insurgency groups, they were the ones who broke into the French strongholds of Algiers, using children who faked sickness and used the pity of soldiers to open the gates and let the insurgents through. Every male French loyalist was slaughtered while the women were arrested, modern Old Republicans calling this day the "Christmas Slaughter". They ran the French out of Algiers and effectively purged French presence within Northern Algeria. They told the smaller insurgent groups to keep the French at bay in the south. These groups, having lesser manpower and stolen equipment, effectively died off within the harsh fighting within the Sahara

A.I.M forces, after regrouping and rearming in the North, moved down to finish what their other "allies" started. They were successful in routing the French from the provinces of Illizi and Tindouf, keeping them contained within the relatively unimportant town of Tamanrasset. The A.I.M established announced their victory to the country and the world on the 24^th February 1947, establishing the the Algerian Constitution and reforming into different parties with the armed forces turning into the Algerian armed forces. Ever since then, every Algerian president has been more radical and vigorous than the last. Since the election of 1957 which saw the rise of Farid Hamidou into the position of President, the country has taken steps towards ridding themselves of isolationism. As Algeria enters a rising golden age, the insurgent groups to the south rise as well. Plans are in motion, the engines of war rumble and the country shall be shaken once more. Cut the old ties.

Notable Organisations/Factions:
Constantine Petroleum - The state owned petroleum company which has a monopoly over all Algerian oil reserves in the country.

Desert Steel Co. - A company which owns the only private steel factory in the country

Tamer Brothers Gas Company - State owned, one of the several natural gas companies which operate within Algeria that siphons natural gas from the dunes.

The Algerian Silk - An Algerian-based fashion brand which promotes cultural dresses and exposes Algerian fashion to the international world.

The Old French Republic Remnant - Made up of Old Republican forces which refuse to recognise the People's Republic of France and the Islamic State of Algeria. Led by an unknown collective of Old Republic generals left from the Algerian War for Independence, is unpopular with majority of the populace.

True Traditional Algerian Muslim Party - An unconstitutional political party labelled as a terrorist organisation by the Algerian government. Has gained popularity throughout the country, particularly in the south and southwestern villages.

Characters:
President Farid Hamidou - Current acting President of Algeria

Samia Lellouche - Secretary of Resources, effective head organiser of Constantine Petroleum

Ana Rachelle Dupond -Ambassador to German West Duchy

Youcef Mojdehi - Ambassador to Rhodesia

Nassim Anwar - Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire

Sgt. Muhammad Lellouche - Algerian Special Forces, currently deployed in Saharan Desert against Old Republic forces

Lt. Louis Alexandré Martin Dubois - Officer of Old French Republican Armed Forces, currently deployed in Saharan desert

Almami Said Zidane - Current Leader of the True Traditional Algerian Muslim Party, organisation gaining ground in the south near Tindouf

Nour Hamidou - Leading designers of The Algerian Silk, sister to current acting President

Cpl. Khalil Sanoun - Algerian Tanker within F.O.B X-ray

1. Beginning of the Siege of Tindouf

2. Establishment of Westafrikan-Algerian relations

3. Announcement by Farid Hamidou of Algerian allegiance with Sharif of Mecca

4. Secretary of Resources learns of brother's involvement in Tindouf after Morocco halts Algerian military movement

5. The first Kraut week of Joint Westafrika-Algeria Training Exchange concludes

6. Garet Djibelet fighting (1959), chronological introduction of Johann Francoise

7. Successful first defense of Tindouf. Sgt. Lellouche's squad takes 75% casualties

Nation:
India

Leader:
Davinder Singh Khattris Jandaji

Flag:


Location (on map):


History:
> The Great War 1914-1921


> Indian Independence Revolution



> The Raj is driven out of the mainland 1930-1935


> Forceful removal of Brit's from India. 1935-


> Recovery period begins. 1935-


> Pakistan and Burma petition independence. India accepts. 1945


> China invades Tibet. 1950


> British pirates start resorting to terrorist attacks against India, British warlords in the jungles, enforcing their control of small villages. 1958


> January 1960, and onward.

(To better understand the Indian perspective and to clarify any mention of characters that are a part of popular culture in India, or imbedded in Indian culture.)

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The turn of the 20th century saw the grand British Empire as the foremost empire in the world. They boasted an empire beyond human imagining, one upon which the sun would never set. With vast territories under its colonial rule, it forsaw a world of British hegemony. Vast resources and men heeded their beck and call, all guarded by the largest navy in the entire world. This fleet, the greatest that ever sailed the seven seas, the Royal Navy, safeguarded the trade routes that were the lifeblood of the Empire. But, despite all of this, their hubris failed them. When war first broke out in Europe, in 1914, they failed to see it as anything more than a quick subjugation of an upstart empire.

They thought their boys would be home by Christmas. But, history would decide otherwise. After several gruesome years of trench warfare, Britain began to deplete its population, and was forced to begin the conscription of its colonies. The Empire and the Commonwealth were dragged, unwillingly, into the Great War. As the war dragged on, economic collapse became inevitable. With the population teetering on total starvation, peace was desperately needed. Though they eventually did achieve this peace, it did not make up for the lines of coffins returning to the Home Isles, it did not return boys and men to their mothers and fathers.

Tensions were high in the Empire after the war. Humiliated and exhausted, the economy suffered a great panic that saw many of Britain's colonies leave her. With the abandonment of the British Raj and India as a whole, and the infamous Withdrawal from Africa in 1935, further compounded by the official independence of Australia, the Empire was weakened severely. It remained, but it remained as a shell of its former self. Locked out of China by the revolution, the crown's decline was furthered. The Victorian Golden Era had well and truly ended.

With the death of George V, the hated Monarch of the Great War, and the abdication crisis of 1936, George VI took the throne. In a terribly unpopular move, he began the suppression and ostricization of leftist elements from England. Many of them fleed to support various other socialist nations in their civil wars, remaining there until the initial crackdown finished. Then, in an event now known as the Exodus to Britain, many of these leftist elements returned, nursing a terrible grudge against the government.

Despite all of this, the rightist elements in the country continued to tenously support the Empire. With the death of George VI in 1952, the country was thrown into chaos in a succession crisis as Elizabeth II moved to control the crown. Another illegitimate Windsor opposed her, and ultimately, in 1953, Elizabeth II was arrested by her own government due to her leftist sympathies. Accepting the throne, the newly crowned George VII began a second crackdown on the leftists, and moved towards aligning the country with the Germans.

Despite being one of the last fellow monarchies in Europe, this was massively unpopular with the British commoners. The Great War had scarcely left their mind, and many still held a hate for Germany. Leftist elements have begun to take advantage of the calamity, and are arming themselves and agitating the commoners. On the other side, German sympathizers in the tory-controlled government continue their crackdown on the socialists and communists in their empire. The split between the two is a veritable powder keg, ready to blow from a single spark.

The young playboy King of Spain. Better known for his drunken shenanigans than his ability to rule. Overthrown in a Military coup, he now acts as a figurehead to give the nation the illusion of Kingdom.

Mariana is well loved by the people. She is beautiful, charismatic, intelligent, kind, everything that the common people hope for in a ruler.

Delgado rose to the position of Spanish Viceroy from Commander of the Cazadores following a successful military coup he orchestrated with other mid-level military officers. He now rules Spain with an iron fist.

Once the Islamic states of Morocco and Algeria, the local Muslim populations were exterminated by the Spanish military and driven into the desert where the pitiful remnants are hunted for sport.

A small slice of Africa still controlled by the Spanish.

Formerly the the southern provinces of France, this region was conquered in the late 1920's.

Formerly part of France, this region was conquered in the late 1920's.

Formerly part of France, this region was conquered in the late 1920's.

Portugal was conquered in a surprise attack that relied heavily on bluff on the part of the Spanish Military.

A small slice of the West African coast rich in oil and phosphates.

The faction that backs the King and supports the return of Royal rule. They are nominally all former land barons or nobility. Their power was heavily reduced by the coup but they are far from gone.

A slowly growing threat within Spain, an after effect of the French Communist efforts in the north. Popular among the peasant class and Portuguese resistance fighters.

Almost exclusively found in the military and police forces. This quickly burgeoning group believes in a powerful Spain but not one that only benefits the wealthy elite.

Few and far between, they are still enough of a threat to kill the odd police officer and even target the King. Many of them are found in Portugal at the moment.

The young playboy King of Spain. Better known for his drunken shenanigans than his ability to rule. Overthrown in a Military coup, he now acts as a figurehead to give the nation the illusion of Kingdom.

Mariana is well loved by the people. She is beautiful, charismatic, intelligent, kind, everything that the common people hope for in a ruler.

Delgado rose to the position of Spanish Viceroy from Commander of the Cazadores following a successful military coup he orchestrated with other mid-level military officers. He now rules Spain with an iron fist.

Admiral-General of the Spanish Navy. His flag is aboard the RAE Don Quixote.

Former head of the Real Inquisición and firm believer in the survival of the Catholic Church in Spain. Now in charge of the Centro Nacional de Inteligencia.

Spanish nobleman who formerly owned large chunks of Spain. His property was seized during the military coup that removed the nobility as a powerful entity in Spain. He was granted the title of Viceroy of Morocco by Delgado for previous services rendered.

Classically beautiful Spanish eighteen year old, often found chilling with the King. May have a thing for Wilhelm, son of the Duke of German Kamerun.

Spanish Ambassador to Portugal.

Father of Princess Mariana Braganza, and Duke of the same name. He lives in Lisbon.

Former commander of the Spanish Navy. Executed during the Delgado Coup of July, 1960.

Former Chief of Defence Staff for the Spanish Armed Forces. Executed during the Delgado Coup of July, 1960.

The Royal Palace located in Madrid. Currently the seat of Delgado's Government.

The Kings summer palace. A stunning and sprawling fortress at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.

Rota Naval Station is the Atlantic base and shipyard for the Spanish Navy.

The Kings winter palace. A former Moorish palace overlooking the Mediterranean.

Massive Cathedral under construction since 1855 in Barcelona. Headquarters of the Real Inquisición.

Large Catholic run hospital in the heart of Madrid. Clean, well run, but very boring and possibly even slightly depressing.

Formerly the Inquisition. Found across Spain. Operates as a federal agency. Reports directly to the Viceroy.

Highly powerful agency that can be found across Spain. They answer to military high command and the King.

Polices most rural areas to small to have their own police force.

Protection of communication routes, coasts, border entry points; enforcement of environmental and conservation laws.

National Police Corp in communities with population of more than 20,000.

The Spanish Navy. Mid-sized with excellent ships and well trained crews.

Spanish built tank well received for excellent fire power, speed, and armour. The machine is around 44 tonnes, protected by 88mm thick armour, carries a crew of five and is armed with a 7.5cm main cannon, and two 7.92mm machine guns.

Flame thrower capable, four crew, 75mm gun, older models have a fixed cannon and no turret

50,000 tonnes, 15inch guns, and capable of 30 knots at flank speed. There are currently three in service with more in production. The flagship is the RAE Don Quixote.

Double gasbag airship aircraft carrier. Capable of speeds up to 120km/hr, has a range of 11,000km and can launch/recover 12 Colibri Fighter planes.

Smaller than your average fighter, built for dirigible service. Armed with 2x20mm cannons, can reach speeds of 720km/hr

OOC: With European history recently rewritten, this is a new Spanish history as a number of existing Spanish posts and storylines have been drastically affected by the new "Red Zone".

This post has been reviewed and approved by @Dinh AaronMk



The First World War was the catalyst for the rebirth of the Spanish Empire. Balancing a precarious diplomatic tightrope, they promised everything and yet delivered nothing, in finest Spanish style. Industry flourished as both sides sought Spanish goods and materials to fuel their own war machines.

When the the Great War finally came to a close Spain emerged from the cloud of war staunchly neutral and the most powerful nation in Europe. As the only major surviving European economy still intact, Spain soon saw massive economic success. Perhaps not surprisingly this brought unrest among the peasants in the countryside as they demanded their share of the new prosperity. Prosperity that had somehow made its way into the coffers of the wealthy landowners and failed to trickle down to those who had actually done the work.

Violence broke out in several regions, notably Catalan and Andalusia. The Conservative Government ordered troops deployed to quell the uprisings when local police forces refused to engage with the protestors which only served to fuel their determination to get what was owed to them. Soldiers deployed across the country as the Government screamed for drastic measures to be taken. It looked as though Spain would follow in the steps of other post-war European powers and shed the blood of its own people.

In a move that stunned the nation, the current King, His Majesty Alfonso XIII, left his crown in Madrid, walked out of the city, passed through the line of soldiers and linked arms with the angry mob marching on the city. On that day, he won the undying love of the common Spaniard, and the soldiers refused to fire on their King, instead turning on their officers and, in some cases, shooting them on the spot.

The King immediately ordered the military leadership, and the Government, arrested for trying to destabilize the regime. Some shots were fired between the Guardia Civil and Royalist army units loyal to the King as soldiers stormed Parliament and military headquarters. Two Guardsmen were killed and the rest surrendered when the Royalist forces brought up artillery.

Hundreds of millions of peseta were "donated" by wealthy landowners when given the choice between making the donations, or losing everything. The money was poured back into the country by the King, who quickly became the most popular leader in the last century. So popular in fact that he dissolved the Parliament and few said a word, he replaced military leaders with those loyal to him and nary a peep was heard, he crushed the Moroccan revolt and the country cheered him.

When Communist forces seemed to be gaining the upper hand in France, now a shell of its former self, he offered Spanish assistance to bedraggled government forces. Desperate for any help they could get, the French Government hurriedly accepted the Spanish intervention. Tens of thousands of Spanish troops poured across the border and occupied much of the southern half of the country. The French realized far to late that the Spanish saying, "Revenge is a dish best served cold", was not empty words. Spanish forces quickly annihilated Communist, Anarchist and Royalist forces alike.

The French people, starving, decimated, and bleeding, surrendered with only a few gasps of resistance as the Spanish flag broke out over the south. Further north the massive devastation, the scattered mines, unexploded shells, and so much more, had turned what remained of France into a series of smaller warring city states reminiscent of Russia.

Buoyed by the success of their French campaign, the Spanish turned south. A British Government, faced with another major war, quietly sold Gibraltar the the Spanish Crown. Italian forces, trying to claim their own piece of France, ran full tilt into the Spanish army and a short battle later the Spanish were advancing into Italy. Rather than losing their northern territories, the Italians ceded all control of Corsica and Sardinia to the Spanish.

Then, tragically, in 1948, the King was killed while learning how to fly. His plane plunging into the Sierra Nevada, the body recovered after a frantic six day search. His throne passed to his ten year old son son, Juan Carlos I.

Juan Carlos I inherited a Spanish state that was economically powerful, boasted a massive modern military, and had peace within her borders. As is often the case with young regents however, new forces with their own interests at heart began to try and sway the young royal one way or the other. Royalists, supported by the Catholic Church, sought to retain their current power, Nobles and Land Owners to regain some of their lost wealth, and the middle and lower class were quietly being infiltrated by Communist and Democratic forces.

For the next twelve years these various forces gently pushed, then began to shove, at the young King. Unable to completely trust anyone around him, he withdrew into his own household, leaving the day to day operation of the country to his advisors, the majority of whom were Royalist supporters. Tax reform slowly began to favour the wealthy once again, peasants began to see their rights being chipped away at, and a slow return to feudal ways began.

In 1960 everything changed once again as a coup d'État, led by Colonel De La Cal Delgado of the Elite Cazadores and supported by the Navy, ousted the young King and saw the execution of many of his supporters. A short but vicious war followed with Portugal that saw the use of a new type of warfare that combined the speed of motorized vehicles and fighter bombers.

Then came the Algerian Campaign as Delgado sought to secure a permanent oil supply for the growing Spanish Empire. The Muslims of Algeria, much as the French had before them, learnt of the long Spanish memory as the ghost of the Reconquista reared its head. Muslims were slaughtered in their thousands as deadly poison gas was unleashed indiscriminately against civilian populations and military targets alike. When Algeria eventually surrendered it was little more than a shell of a nation.

Spanish gold is reappearing in former colonies as pro-Spanish factions at long last find themselves a financial backer with deep pockets. While the great guns have fallen silent in Algeria, the intrigues that surround the Spanish leadership continue unabated and a reckoning is coming with various factions seeking to make their final play for control.

Grand President, Chairman of the Assyrian Democratic Party Zakariah Wardeen: Intro
Premier of the People Azarah Barsheen: Intro
Secretary of the Council Hayani Asor:
Vice-Chairman of the Assyrian Democratic Party Barseen Nebu:
Heir Apparent, son of Zakariah, Akiya Wardeen: Intro

Assyria is the teal coloured nation in North Iraq/North Syria

As the door opened on the 20th century and a new chapter of history would be written, the Assyrians were simply one of the dozen oppressed ethnic groups inside of the Ottoman Empire. As the Ottomans joined the Great War, the Assyrians saw an opportunity to change that. As the Turkish forces were bogged down in trench warfare, dying by the tens of thousands, the Assyrians prepared for revolution. Nearing the end of the Great War, the Assyrians would officially begin their revolt against the Ottomans, by 1920, the lands of Northern Iraq were only Ottoman in name, and by the time the war ended in 1921, the Ottoman forces left their territories in the Middle East, allowing the former Ottoman lands to decide their own fate.

By 1922, the Republic of Assyria was an independent, self ruling nation, but it was divided in multiple factions all wanting to rule the territory for itself. The ruling party, and the main drivers of the revolution, were the Assyrian Freedom Party (formally known as the Assyrian Independence Force), this group consisted of several of the more wealthy members of the Assyrian populace. Other parties in the Republic consisted of The People's Party of Assyria (formally known as the Assyrian People's Liberation Front), the Assyrian Democratic Party (a splinter group of the Assyrian Independence Force), and the Chaldean Party (formally known as The Lord's Army of Resistance). During the revolution, these groups were forced to work together, but now, as Assyria was independent, it would seem that they would begin to already tear the newly formed nation apart. The election of 1926 would be a perfect illustration of the tension, as each party would get over 20% of the vote, with the Assyrian Freedom Party getting enough to win the election.

The first major event regarding the Republic would be the Kurdish revolution of 1928, in which a large amount of the Kurdish minority in the Republic would attempt to revolt. Barely recovered from the independence war that the Assyrians themselves fought only 8 years earlier, it would be a long and bloody conflict. The government of Assyria, in response to the revolt, would massacre thousands of innocent Kurds in an attempt to try and sway the tides of the war, and in response, the Kurdish armies only fought harder. By the end of the war, the Assyrians declared themselves victors, having slaughtered 1/4th of the Kurdish population left in their Republic.

By the election of 1938, the Assyrian Freedom Party has grown unpopular with the people of Assyria, and in response, they would vote the Assyrian Democratic Party. With this move, the new government would begin reforms that they felt would help modernize Assyria. The first would be the adoption of a parliamentary system, getting rid In a terribly unpopular move, the second would be the creation of a true constitution, and the third would be the seizing of Non-Assyrian owned businesses. These moves would see the ADP become extremely popular with the nationalists of Assyria, while it would be frowned upon by some of the surrounding smaller Arabian states. Though all wasn't fine inside of the Free State, the People's Party of Assyria would radicalize by the day, and the Nationalist group known as the National Worker's Association of Assyria (NWAA) would start to gain traction, creating mass tension throughout the Republic.

The day was September 1st, 1943. It was peaceful in the city of Mosul, capital of Assyria, when a shot rang out throughout the streets. The leader of Assyria was shot, assassinated by a radical member of the People's Party of Assyria, and with his death a civil war would spark between the government and communist revolutionaries. The Red Front of Assyria would quickly take large areas of territory located in the Northern Syrian areas of Assyria. In the chaos of the civil war, the NWAA would start their own revolt in the southern territories of the Republic. The interim leader of the Assyrian Republic would install martial law as a response to the chaos.

With little influence from outside powers, the Assyrian Civil War would be a hard fought conflict. By 1947, the government of the republic would start to once again gain ground against the revolutionaries. The collapse of the NWAA in November of that year would spark a new fervor inside the government's forces, and by 1949, the Communist Revolutionaries would also be wiped out. At the end of the war, the Execution of both the Communist and Nationalist leader would be televised all across Assyria. In 1950, the first year that a new election should have been held, the leader of Assyria would call off the election and declare himself ruler of the new Assyrian Free State.

By 1960, Assyria has mostly recovered from the chaos of the earlier decades, and they now set their eyes on creating a stable Assyria that won't fall to the influence of outside powers.

The Assyrian Free State is a mostly Christian nation, with smaller Sunni minorities found in the Kurdish populations in their Syrian territories, and some Shi'ite minorities being found in the other Arabian tribes that may populate the Free State

The majority population of the Assyrian Free State is made up of Assyrians, with the largest minority still being Kurdish despite being massacred before. There are also smaller minorities of Turkish, Armenian, and other Arabic varieties.

The Capital of City is Dakia Ninawa (translated to Pure Nineveh), which is just Mosul, but renamed once the Assyrians declared independence.

Nation:
The Emirate of Grozny

Flag:


Location (on map):


History:
The Chechens have had a long history of conflict with the Russians, dating back to 1785, when the Chechens became antagonized by Russian activity in the region. Fighting would continue for centuries, with Russia formally annexing Chechen lands in 1862. However, the relationship between Russia and Chechnya was never a stable one, with a cycle of violence that continued long after the formal integration, with Chechens proclaiming their independence, and Russia responding with brutal force. The seemingly endless cycle would find one of its last rebirths in 1947, with the proclamation of the Caucasus Emirate, a state unifying Chechnya, Dagestan and Ingushetia into a singular state. The Caucasians had, however, underestimated the response of the new Tsar, and were almost effortlessly crushed by the forces of Alexandre. The Russians were determined to ensure that the Caucasus would no longer be a problem, and the Tsar ordered his soldiers to devastate the land.

Chechnya would remain a devastated wasteland even after the collapse of the Russian Empire. With the most powerful movement for unification absolutely wiped out by the Russians, the Caucasus fell into anarchy with the loss of Russian administration. Local warlords rose up to fill the power vacuum, and areas became divided amongst petty lords. Chechnya split among the states of Ichkeria, Grozny, and Khortagh.

Warlordism attracted the attention of Islamic revivalists to the south, mostly Arabs who saw the collapse of Russian presence in the Caucasus as an opportunity to strengthen the Muslim identity of the region after the centuries of Christian rule. In the decade of anarchy that would come, the Caucasus became a living hell, dominated by brutal warlords of not only Chechen, but Avar, Ingush, Georgian, Ossetian, Circassian, Russian, and Arab origins, carving out little plots of land, naming themselves Emir, Tsar, Sultan, President, Premier, and a variety of other titles as groups fought for dominance in the area.

Power shifted to asymmetrical divisions with the rise of the Arab warlord Abu Yahya Firadus ibn Sa'id, a self-proclaimed Sheikh and "Reviver of Islam". With rapid growth, including the annexation of the Ibn Sa'id's Sheikhdom soon dominated much of the Caucasus. That was , until the death of Ibn Sa'id, and the rise of his unprepared son, Yahya ibn Firadus as-Sa'idi. Ibn Firadus proved a poor leader, and the hegemony of his father's emirate collapsed immediately, paving the way for smaller states to arise and grow. One of these states was an alliance of warlords centered around a powerful ex-soldier from Grozny, one Tamerlan Umarov, who arose to break away from the Sa'idi influences, as other states in the Caucasus had began to do. Within 2 years, all lands south of Ibn Sa'id's Sheikhdom had broken away, and Ibn Firadus was desperate to regain them. Seeing Grozny as the first easy target, the Sa'idis sought to get rid of Tamerlan to weaken the state first. In 1959, Tamerlan Umarov was killed in an explosion that collapsed the home he had been invited into. Leaving the position of Emir to pass on to his son.

The so-called "Boy King" Ramzan Umarov, finds himself the leader of a tribal nation in the middle of a troubling period of chaos, as the brief moment of security in the Caucasus has ended, and the former king of beasts sets is eyes upon his nation. Only 15 years old, Ramzan will need to do everything in his power if he is to not only have Grozny survive, but fulfill his father's dream of a unified Chechnya and beyond.

Culture:

- Terminology:

Society and Ideas:
Nokhchi - A Chechen
Nokhchallah - The Chechen way of life, an unwritten code of ethics that all Chechens are expected to live by. The Chechen code of honor implies moral and ethical behaviour, generosity and the will to safeguard the honor of women.
Naqshbandiyah and Qadiriyah- The two largest Sufi orders among Chechens.
Lezgin - An Avar
Örsi - A Russian
Khiri - An Ossetian

Social Divisions:
Teip - Translates to 'clan', a teip is the most basic element of Chechen society. There are between 130 to 233 teips in Chechen society. Teips are lead by a council of elders elected by the male members of the clan. Teips are strictly patriarchial, women have no direct say and are always represented by male family members. In times of war, a teip will elect a warlord to represent them in the tribal army.
Söli Teipa - translates to 'impure clan', a teip founded by and primarily consisting of non-Chechens. As Chechen society uses the teip as its most basic unit, for ethnic minorities to have any participation in the nation, they must form their own teip. Due to clan intermarriage, the clans become quickly assimilated into the larger culture. Once a clan has significantly been assimilated, it will no longer be considered 'impure', and will be able to band with native teips into a tukhum.
Tukhum - Roughly equivalent to 'tribe', a tukhum is a collection of teipa
Kham - Translated as 'nation', refers to all ethnic Chechens collectively.
Nekye - One's nuclear family, defined by the male head of the home.
T'ema Sud - War Tribunal
Tariqah - A Sufi School

Titles:
Emir - The Leader of the Emirate; Originally a military, title, the term has come to mean a supreme leader of the warlords (Byacha) in Chechnya.
Byacha - 'Commander', roughly a warlord elected by the teip to lead their militia
Voqqan - 'Elder', the leaders of a teip, elected by the men of the clan. (Plural: Bakiin)
Da - 'Father', Fathers have a kind of supreme importance in Chechen society, being essentially unquestioned authorities over their family. The wives and children of a man comprise his nekye.
Imam - A Muslim Cleric
Sheikh - Technically a word denoting a noble, among Chechens the term refers to a Sufi spiritual
leader. Sheikhs are fundamental to the Sufism popular among Chechens.
Murshid - A spiritual guide and teacher in Sufism
Murid - An Arabic term translating to 'commited one', a Murid is an initiate of a Sufi order and a student of a Murshid.

Phrases:
Marsha Oylla - A Greeting; Translates as "Enter in Freedom"

- Society:

Chechen society is noted for being tribal, and comparatively egalitarian compared to most of their neighbors. The Chechen's have a strong social organization, characterized by being divided into patriarchal tribes called teips, all considered to be equal to each other.



Most Chechens are Muslims. The overwhelming majority of Muslims in Chechnya belong to the Shafi'i Sunni school of thought. While most Chechens are standard Sunnis, Sufism is very strong in among Chechens, with roughly half of all men having some form of membership in a Tariqah. Islam has become more important in society following the fall of Russia, and the rapid increase of nationalism among Chechens and other peoples of the Caucasus. The radical movement of 'Islamic Revivalism' has sprung up in the Caucasus almost overnight, brought mostly by Arab warlords and spread rapidly among the disenchanted youth and men who saw their world fall apart after the Great War.

Characters:

Government:
Ramzan Umarov - Emir of Grozny - Nicknamed 'The Boy King of Chechnya', Ramzan Umarov was thrust into power following the tragic death of his father two years prior. Umarov is only 15 years of age, with little knowledge of how he is to run the country against not only external enemies, but distrustful warlords who see him as unfit for leadership. Umarov has an almost obsessive interest in trains, and is often found playing with and building model locomotives in his spare time, which he has very little of.

Osman Masaev - Grand Warlord - Osman Masaev is a veteran of the Caucasian Uprising in 1947, having fought against the Tsar's men as they destroyed the newly proclaimed Caucasus Emirate. An experienced soldier, Osman runs most of the military operations autonomously from Ramzan, due to the Emir's lack of experience.

Supian Inarkaevich - Grand Mufti of Grozny

Salikh Tsarnayev - Domestic Advisor

Elbek Magomedov - Head of the Treasury

Military:
Alaudin Shervashidze - Head of the Grozny Air Force

Important Teip Warlords: - All are leaders of the forces opposing Ibn Sa'id's Sheikhdom
Abu Usamov
Medni Kadiev
Albek Korgay
Bashir Yandarbiyev
Temirbek Akhmadov

Dzhalal Sagaipov - Warlord tasked with the Invasion of Ichkeria

Mikhail 'Misha' Svyatoslavovich - A Russian Cossack turncoat who works with Osman Masaev against Russian forces. A leader against the Terek Cossacks and a convert to Sufi Islam and founder of the Mikhaili teip.

Civilians:
Aysha Dratcheva - Secretary to Ramzan Umarov - A young woman working for Ramzan
Ishaq Mikhailov - Mikhail Svyatoslavovich's son, the first true member of the Mikhaili teip
Abu Alimsultanov - A local imam at a Grozny mosque
Bogdan Larionovich - A Russian businessman trying to rebuild his life after the collapse of Chechnya
Aslanbek Ryzaev - An angry young man who lost his mother and sister in the war; blames Russia and the west for the state of Chechnya, and increasingly feels drawn to Islamic Revivalism.
Qoqa Aslakhanova - A woman fleeing an abusive arranged marriage, living on the fringes of society.
Abdul-Hakim Anas - An Arab man who deserted the extremists of Ibn Sa'id's army. Hiding in Grozny under the pseudonym 'Omar Panova'
Kiril Islamov - A Chechen convert to Orthodox Christianity, facing social backlash for his decision.

The Empire of Japan came out of the Great War considering it a great victory. Unaffected by the apocalyptic battles of Europe, the Empire had made nothing but gains. Multiple island chains came under its control, doing for its prestige the same thing the Russo-Japanese war had done but multiplied tenfold. It was no longer just some Asian island nation, it was a true empire. Japan's dreams of replacing China seemed to be coming true.

In the late 1920's, Japan seized the opportunity presented by China's political strife and internal weakness and took its place in the sun with a great series of conquests across the mainland. Beijing itself fell to the Empire, and was absorbed into the puppet state of Manchukoku. The final European holdings in China were "liberated" by advancing armies, and Japan could finally say without a doubt that it was equal to the great empires of Europe and solidly China's better.

Their conquests allowed them to weather the depression, but only barely. The military was kept well-funded, but the citizens of the Empire had it far worse. This was the beginning of Japan's decline, and brought about complacency within the government. Fearing a total economic collapse were they to make further pushes into China, the Japanese military became nothing more than a resource sink. During the Chinese unrest in the 1930's the Empire of Japan was paralyzed, and unable to exploit it as they had the past conflict.

This would prove to be their greatest folly, as in 1941 Japanese forces in China were overrun and crushed by communist forces led by Wen Chu Ming. Their attack couldn't have come at a worse time for Japan, with the Second American Civil War having just come to an end Japan was still reeling from the loss of American trade. Under-supplied and ill-trained soldiers were but butter against the communist knife, and so the Empire fell to the First Humiliation with the loss of its Northern Chinese territories.

The Second Humiliation came in 1942, with the Imperial Japanese Navy stationed at Dailan being defeated by a surprise attack from land. Revolts began throughout the rest of Japan's mainland territories with the news that the IJN, the pride and joy of the Empire, had been defeated by nothing more than a street uprising. The unrest reached as far as Korea, and Imperial armies were diverted to stomp down the uprisings. This left their main line against China undefended, and in 1943 Beijing was retaken by China. Japanese forces retreated to northern Korea and the Empire officially surrendered all but Korea to the new Chinese government, the Third Humiliation.

Following the three humiliations, Japan had fallen from its status of a great power into a pathetic island nation that couldn't match its bark with its bite. For the next decade, the Empire of Japan steadily declined economically and militarily. It was only in 1952, with the assassination of the Russian Czar and subsequent dissolution of the Russian Empire, that Japan finally had a stroke of luck. As Russia broke apart, its eastern lands fell into disarray as independent states gained independence from Moscow to Siberia. Japan took the opportunity.

In 1953, the IJN and IJA launched a three-pronged offensive against the territories in the far east. The Army, stationed in Korea, stormed across the narrow border towards Vladivostick as another Army detachment moved into northern Sakhalin from the South. An IJN force supported marines in taking the rest of the Kurils and eventually moved into Kamchatka. It was Japan's first victory since the initial incursions into China after the Great War, and the government hailed it as a sign of things to come. Further pushes continued into former Russian territories until 1955, after which they were halted for fear of overextending.

A plan was designed to rebuild the Japanese economy by 1960, calling for the government to take control of "any industry deemed integral to the success of the nation". Industries deemed central to the state formerly controlled by capitalists were fully nationalized (such as rail lines, heavy industry, and shipyards), and non-essential industries were reorganized into a corporatist model and received heavy state funding. Large industrial expansions were also commissioned by the state, specifically countless new factories in the home islands and a total renovation of the north Korean defensive line.

This expansion was fueled by the recent conquests, which were bled dry of anything that could possibly be used in the project including people. In a move that expressed well Japan's remaining weakness, thousands of Russians were used behind closed doors as forced laborers to keep the project on schedule. Despite how ambitious the project was and the trauma it inflicted throughout the Empire, the "Five Year Plan" was ultimately completed on time in 1960.

The Empire of Japan now sets its sights on further conquests, and though still wary of challenging China opportunities such as the Philippines present themselves alongside the possibility of further expansion into Siberia or even a large-scale naval operation in Indonesia. However, the Empire must tread carefully, lest they attract the ire of any other power. Even in its current state, Japan is far from a major player. However, it certainly intends to become one.