[hider=Farastine] [color=magenta][center][h1][b]Farastine[/b][/h1][/center][/color] [b][h2]Location/Geography[/h2][/b] [hider=Map Claim][img]http://i1368.photobucket.com/albums/ag161/monkeypantslol/bewp_zpsrrbdgfh1.jpg[/img][/hider] Purple-ish region in the southern islands The islands in the south are mostly desert with the coast being tropical. The southern parts freeze during the short winters. Rivers and rolling hills make up the north and north east while the south and south west are mostly flat, dangerous sands. [b][h2]General Introduction[/h2][/b] [img]http://www.thewallpapers.org/photo/25552/castle.jpg[/img] [I]Ara'Salam, the glorious City fortress capitol of Farastine[/I] Farastine is the self styled "Jewel of the south." And the "Beacon of hope in a desolate world." The nation prides itself on its many civil projects, major cities having stone roads and a well staffed commerce group which oversees the nations trade, a sort of balancing group. It is one of the few places that documents all trade and verifies the majority of its shipments. All docks are government property but leased to private groups. Many private groups, known usually as guilds do much of the commerce and actions within the city. Mercenary guilds take overseas and domestic contracts to oceanic explorers and shoe makers are all common. [b][h2]History[/h2][/b] The original Farastinians started as tribes that colonized the island from the north many centuries ago. Over time and through diplomacy and at times force, modern Farastine rose to power. It was quick to reach out and acquire goods from other nations which was initially to use up others resources before Farastine's own. The people however found that some high quality goods from other nations couldn't be replicated and was generally worth more in domestic markets desirable. This led to a constant buildup of trade both externally and internally. This led the nation to adopt a high end military to not only protect their people but their possessions as well. Underground castles were made to protect wealth from the murderous storms in the south. These castles are well hidden and are where precious metals and artifacts are stored. [h2][b]Government & Society[/b][/h2] Government type: Absolute Monarchy [hider=His majesty, Amon of Katra.] [img]https://s3.amazonaws.com/cgimg/t/g00/155900/1319358_large.jpg[/img] [/hider] The government consists of a high and low council. The high council is essentially governors of each respective state with the nation. These states each have at least three barons or major land owners that make up the lower. All functions of a legislature and judicial branch are overseen by the two councils with a full overriding authority of the king or queen of that time. Usually though the council makes the decisions with the king or queen simply overseeing, interjecting only when absolutely needed. The king or queen does however possess full control of the military with a special exemption, if three fourths of the entire upper and lower council votes to take control. This measure was put in place long ago to prevent a mad king or queen from doing excessive damage. Usually when an event like this occurs, a new royal family is chosen if a sufficient heir from the deposed king or queen does not exist. Children are never allowed to be king, one must be of at least twenty years to rule and in the advent of a monarchs death and only has a child under age, a steward is appointed until the child reaches maturity. Common law regarding no stealing, murdering etc is outlawed. Slavery is also outlawed but a private party visiting with slaves is perfectly acceptable. [h2][b]Economy & Industry[/b][/h2] Farastine is heavily developed and prides itself on not only producing the best domestic items possible but acquiring them as well. Tools, exotic foods, weapons and even boats are things readily sought from both government and private parties. On the opposite side, Farastine has many high quality metals and spices that seem to top their exports. They sell everything from boats to swords and carts to rugs. All people from every trade and nation has the ability to exist and operate within Farastines borders so long as they obey local and national laws. [b][h2]Military Overview[/h2][/b] Farastine has a large and well funded army. Their weaponry is modern to the best of their ability and training is rigorous. The lack of any real wars in this generation limits the real life experience a teacher could provide. To their benefit though, records are well maintained so that the lessons of the past are still remembered. Farastine is also a large employer of mercenary groups, both noble and shady. This force further bolsters their numbers but some see this act as rather unscrupulous and dishonorable. Farastine sees it as efficient. [hider=The Mujadeen] [img]http://digital-art-gallery.com/oid/8/1500x732_2772_Sancient_San_dwellers_2d_fantasy_desert_sand_ghosts_picture_image_digital_art.jpg[/img] Mujadeen are the fighting force of Farastine. They utilize various weapons but are most commonly seen with firearms and short blades. There are still groups which use Glaives and metal crossbows but these are largely phased out due to the rapid assimilation of gunpowder weaponry into the military. [/hider] [hider=Archa rider] [img]http://www.beastsofwar.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Sahra-and-Serequet.jpg[/img] [/hider] [hider=Super unit- Archamide] [img]http://conceptartworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/clash_of_the_titans_13.jpg[/img] [/hider] [hider=Corsair] [img]https://projectedrealities.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-return-of-the-king-572.png[/img] Corsair ships are the mainstay of the Farastine navy. They are swift warships armed with a mix of ballistae and cannons. They aren't particularly well armored and excessive in firepower but their speed and maneuverability is intended to make up for it. [/hider] [hider=Super unit- Takodon Dreadnought] [img]http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/f9/ea/3f/f9ea3f68f6042fa1e2f52fb954a1cf37.jpg[/img] The Takodon is one of the most secretive military asset. It is quite literally a giant turtle with a water-tight combat mount on its shell. These carry light cannons in opening shutters but require the turtle to fully surface. They are capable of physically attacking targets with their massive beaks if need be. They are not deep swimmers but go far enough beneath the waves that merchants and military vessels alike would never know that they are being stalked. [/hider] [/hider]