[b]Nations/Characters[/b] [hider=Black Sun][hider=EXARCH: Manuel Skleros] [u][b]Name:[/b][/u] Manuel Skleros, Lord of the Free City of Ardaza [u][b]Titles:[/b][/u] The Many Faced, The Fowl ((pun pun pun)) [b][u]Type:[/u][/b] Exarch [b][u]Rival:[/u][/b] Manuel has a lasting feud with Kalon, both parties being all but polar opposites the only thing preventing an illegal war is distance. [b][u]Appearance:[/u][/b] [img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/db/47/fe/db47fe20c3f37a2cdd098ca5a87b294e.jpg[/img] The idea of truly [i]knowing[/i] the look and build of an illusion wizard is a tenuous and often untenable one. When such a wizard has specialized in the art of tricking the throng for the better part of their life, the proposition is outright ludicrous. That said, Manuel has worked tirelessly to cultivate a recognizable image, a visual identity as it were. High and defined cheekbones, clean shaven but for a closely trimmed beard, perfect hair all but frozen in place, Manuel's visage is one that reeks of design and vanity, but is seldom forgotten. Of a somewhat above average height and seemingly fit build Manuel looks to project an image of class at all times, wearing the finest jackets and rings. [u][b]Personality and Drive:[/b][/u] Manuel is a conceited and petty man, and he has always been one. That having been said, he is not a fool. Perhaps a result of his former life as a street urchin, perhaps a result of some conscious effort, Manuel is a rigorously cautious man. While he may lack the vast knowledge or refined wisdom of other Exarchs, Manuel takes care in every action and often finds himself gaining the upper hand on account of this. Fickle, amoral, and often brutal in even the most trivial reprisals, Manuel ensures that his most depraved acts are carefully committed and even more carefully buried. Once having nothing and now having gained everything, Manuel is surprisingly content in his position. Regardless of how grasping he might seem, for the moment Manuel is free to enrich himself beyond the wildest dreams of most men; for him this is more than enough. To Manuel what is good and just is what makes his pockets swell, and with the Empire looking south he would prefer to be exactly where he is. So long as the money flows the right way and he is left to his little fiefdom, then all is well and right in the world. [u][b]History:[/b][/u] Born in the slums of the Imperial port city of Ardaza Manuel's earliest memories are those of being a nameless orphan, begging on the streets and suffering the beatings of those that fed him if he didn't produce enough coin. For many years he was nothing, an urchin, a rat, a beggar. Once he was old enough begging became pickpocketing, and sooner rather than later he was the one giving out the beatings. Life seemed to be following the predictable path, and somewhere inside he loathed it. The moment that would change Manuel's life came when his distaste for his circumstances led to him working up the nerve, and the gang, to rob a local Magician. Even though everything would change from that day forward, Manuel would never recall the old man's name, nor those of the starving boys the wizard took with him into the dark. Taking the old wizards tomes Manuel first taught himself to read out of curiosity, then he taught himself magic out of pragmatism. In the beginning the tricks were simple, a ball that doesn't exist appearing under the cup you want it to be under, an obnoxious fog before the eyes of a mark blinding them before the gang moved in. That was just the beginning. Before long Manuel was hustling card games, cheating travellers of all their coin and slipping away before they got drunk enough to do something about it. He became known in the taverns of the port and fewer and fewer would play, soon enough forcing him to escalate yet again. Manuel's first real rise to prominence came when he led a small ring of illusion magicians to con hundreds of sailors. Incredible deals would be offered for nonexistent goods, and the fools that swabbed decks all day would fall for the ruse time and time again. His ring of underworld amateur wizards expanding Manuel soon came to be a figure known among the huddled poor of Ardaza. He was a thief who would trick anyone with anything and for no reason at all, but he was a problem for the poor alone. That changed when the Exarch of the city discovered Manuel's ring fixing the local gladiator matches. Apparitions would be used to distract or throw off one of the fighters as an interested party desired, and Manuel and his gang would make off with a share of the gambling profits. Once his little operation began to affect the upper classes Manuel's time was short, and he knew it. Eventually the hammer fell and while his men were arrested one after another Manuel spent weeks in hiding, studying as best he could while his magic grew with the word of his crumbling gang spreading. When the city guard finally cornered him, Manuel was more than ready. Using all he had learned he managed to trick the thick skulled soldiers into arresting a chicken instead. Once news of the bird attacking the city's Exarch after it had been thrown at his feet spread, Manuel became a powerful wizard in his own right. The humorous tale spread far and wide, feeding his ability to trick the senses of others. Impressed by the young man's potential the cities Exarch offered to take Manuel in, to bring him out of the filth and shadows and to appoint him the successor Exarch. It was an offer only a fool would refuse, and the hundreds Manuel sold out in taking it meant nothing to him. Even when they would come after him in the years to come most would find themselves stabbing their spouses or mothers instead of their arch enemy. Manuel had gotten what he wanted, he had escaped the fetid lower classes and in doing so broken away from the typical path he’d come to loathe more than anything. Nothing would reduce him to what he was. Time went on, and eventually Manuel was able to orchestrate the demise of his former master. It was done subtly, slowly, and though many suspected it the day the old Exarch tripped down the stairs and didn’t stop his fall was never connected to Manuel. Ascending to Exarch Manuel quickly looked to sate the taste for finer things he’d acquired. At first he ran the city much like those before him, but over time he saw where there was more profit to be made. Deals could be made with certain shipping companies and merchants. Soon enough inexplicable taxes came to levied on some companies, whereas others found themselves docking without fee. Those who didn’t pay the new taxes found that contraband was all but omnipresent on their ships, and though they avoided criminal charges they were left to go to the next port without food or cargo. Local merchants soon found themselves the sole recipients of city contracts, so long as they made sure to send a gift to the Exarch every so often. With time these new arrangements came to be enforced by a city guard that looked out for dissent as much as they looked for crime. Those complaining too loudly found reason not to, and those stealing from the favoured local merchants found themselves without their heads. Ardaza is still the major trading hub it's always been, even with what many would call the Exarchs corrupting influence, and Manuel's rule has been left unmolested by the aloof Archon of Change. Manuel has managed to live comfortably, and has perhaps mellowed somewhat from his fiery youth. He still gets what he wants, but these days he’s far more careful in covering his tracks. Ardaza looks forward to the new southern war many expect will come any day, and Manuel looks forward to the next arrangement he’ll make. [u][b]Armaments:[/b][/u] [hider=Dagger of the Pit] [img]http://orig01.deviantart.net/97ac/f/2010/221/a/a/cat__s_dagger_by_aikurisu.jpg[/img] A sleek black dagger Manuel aquired many years ago while in the abject depths of poverty, this weapon has become almost synonymous with the man. An intricate web of spell work has made the weapon uniquely terrifying, for any that spill blood upon it are cursed. Perhaps a physical manifestation of the despair Manuel once felt, the curse that the dagger imparts is much like its name. That is, once a person has been cut by the weapon they immediately feel as if they have been cast down an endless chasm. Their vision will slowly fade to black as their senses scream of free fall, even as they stand precisely where they were before. The curse can last for more than a week, with few emerging from it completely as they were before.[/hider] [hider=The Common Man's Ring] [img]http://orig08.deviantart.net/11bf/f/2011/154/d/8/seri__s_ring_by_aikurisu-d3hxfit.jpg[/img] A simple if not grungy looking ring with a small line of crushed green gems embedded in it, the Common Man's Ring is a powerful tool of deception. Rarely used but undoubtedly effective, the ring can be activated with a simple three taps whereupon it will crowd the immediate space with seemingly real and tangible people. A crowd where before there was not a soul. The ring is ideal for escape, especially because the hallucinated crowd acts much like a real one.[/hider] [u][b]Abilities:[/b][/u] Manuel's abilities are what could be expected from any master illusionist, though taken to another level. Manuel has specialized in the art of mass deception, the ability to make an illusion all but real to everyone who sees it. The applications of such an ability are many, but Manuel has learned one of the greatest ones is in the creation of false persons. A draining spell which takes not only magical potential, but creative ability, the construction of a false person is quite the task. In effect a false person is a collective hallucination. Seemingly tangible to everyone they encounter this false person is a construction first roughed out by the caster and then refined by its interplay with all those it meets. Often times a false person is indistinguishable from a real one, acting independently and seemingly making decisions. However, an act built upon the assumptions of the many is an act no matter how good. False persons can last indefinitely if their caster continues to replenish the spell, and they will always follow the orders of the caster. They can act as spies, deceivers, anything that can be imagined. [/hider] [hider=HERO: Nilos Metaxas] [u][b]Name:[/b][/u] Nilos Metaxas [u][b]Type:[/b][/u] (Are they a Mage? Warrior? Spy? etc) [u][b]Appearance:[/b][/u] (Pretty self-explanatory. Pictures or Description. Both preferred) [u][b]Personality and Drive: [/b][/u] (What drives your leader to do what he does? What is his or hers ultimate goal?) [u][b]Background:[/b][/u] (You know what goes here. Be sure to add when they joined the services of your Exarch/Archon, along with their accomplishments in your service.) [u][b]Armaments:[/b][/u] (Normally heroes will have basic or sometimes Enchanted items, however, if you have granted one a relic item from your allotment be sure to mention that here. Remember Exarch's only get three relic items to distribute.) [u][b]Skills: [/b][/u] (What they are capable of, note these are skillful men and women but are nowhere near the power of an Exarch. Think more along the lines of badass normals.) [/hider] [hider=Free City of Ardaza] [u][b]Name:[/b][/u] (What is the name of your holding?) [u][b]Type:[/b][/u] (What is your holding? A fortress-city maybe? A major castle city fortification perhaps? A conjured tower of flames?! Tell me!!) [u][b]Culture: [/b][/u] (What are the people like in your holding?) [u][b]Description:[/b][/u] (Tell us all about your Holding. it's layout and design, it's function and capabilities. Everything. Damn it, everything.) [u][b]Laws:[/b][/u] (What are the unique tenets or laws you have established in your province?) [u][b]Military:[/b][/u] (What kind of system does your hold use to raise troops? What about their training? What kind of units could you call on? Remember this is grimdark high fantasy, So if you want pegasus knights or wyvern riders go for it.) [/hider][/hider] [hider=The Galaxy Is Yours][center]WIP[/center] [center][h1]Republic Of Aries[/h1][/center] [center][h3]NEUTRAL[/h3][/center] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/0jAdib9.png[/img][/center] [hider=INFO] [hider=The Cabinet] The Lord Commandant Andrey Radkov Commandant of the Navy: Hannah Benton Commandant of the Army: Aurelio Cardozo Commandant of the Interior: Hakon Steinsson Commandant of Exterior: Annabel Elliott[/hider] [hider=Demographics] 42% Terran 23% [url=http://img15.deviantart.net/8ec5/i/2011/276/e/a/orange_alien_by_angel5art-d4bge82.jpg]Reythasa[/url] 18% 12% 5%[/hider] [hider=Governance] The structure of government within Republic remains largely unchanged from that of the kingdom that preceded it. In place of a king the Cabinet holds supreme executive authority and dictates policy by majority rule with the Lord Commandant acting as a first among equals and tie breaker. There exists a token legislative branch in the Lower House which acts to represent constituent worlds, but lacks legitimate power beyond the authority to [i]propose[/i] legislation. Acting under the direct oversight of the Cabinet is the High Court, the head of a sprawling judicial branch. Tasked to uphold the laws of the Cabinet and Lower House, the Courts range from minor municipal branches to tremendous planetary centers of justice. Courts conduct trials where both the accused and accuser are brought before a single judge who both ascertains guilt and administers a sentence. At a trials conclusion both sides have the option of either paying an appeal fee to escalate the case to a higher court or accepting the verdict.[/hider] [hider=History] The earliest predecessor of the Republic can be pinpointed as the Aries Expeditionary Force (AEF), an armed colonization fleet that was sent to the southern outer arm during the golden age of the Terran Empires expansion. Finding themselves in a remarkably untouched area of the galaxy the AEF settled a tropical world that came to be known as Aries Prime before beginning an extensive survey of the region. For a time it seemed the southern outer arm was totally uninhabited, a great boon given the violent resistance that had slowed the Empires expansion into and exploitation of the galaxy. However, some eighty years after the arrival of the AEF in the outer arm Terran scouts encountered the Reythasa for the first time. Primitive by the standards of even the most isolated and backward Terrans, the species had yet to even discover superluminal transit, instead relying on vast arc ships to slowly crawl through the cosmos. Merely a year after first contact with the nearest Reythasa world the AEF would invade, confident that the primitives could be subdued without the assistance of the Imperial navy and army. The conquest of that single world would drag on for a decade. Unknown to the AEF the Reythasa had previously encountered invaders, though who they once fought and why remains a mystery to this day. The result was that even on this moderately developed xeno colony secret defenses waited for the ill prepared AEF warships, defenses clearly reverse engineered from some species far the Reythasa’s superior. By the time AEF forces had secured that one world the Emperor had heard word of the ignominious military failure. At once the outer arm filled with proper war fleets and military governors all eager to prove themselves capable of reversing the embarrassment that the AEF settlers had inflicted upon the Empire. For the next six years a brutal conflict would see the unconnected Reythasa worlds subjugated, revealing for the first time the immense extent of the alien’s piecemeal territory. While the Xenos would develop FTL on three separate occasions over the conquest, in the end the military of the Empire would overwhelm even their most ‘sophisticated’ reverse engineered technology. In recognition of the second conquests eventual success its foremost leader, an Admiral named Artemis Fitzroy, was granted the territory to administer. The Fitzroy family would rule the southern outer arm until the collapse of the Empire. At the periphery of the Empire and already highly autonomous the Fitzroys would quickly declare their Aries Kingdom once the writing as on the wall. An absolute monarchy with a token legislative body, the Aries Kingdom would align with the Human successor states. Through its lenient treatment of Xenos the Kingdom became a hub for immigration, eventually resulting in aliens outnumbering their Terran counterparts. Though lax compared to the policies in the Terran Federation and most other Human states Xenos remained second class citizens in the Aries Kingdom, but with their swelling number soon public discontent became untenable. Provoked by Reythasa notables, mass protests broke out over the Kingdoms involvement in the endless succession wars. Even further calls to end laws discriminating against non-Terrans became louder and louder. Fearing a rebellion the Aries Kingdom cracked down brutally with the aid of nearby Terran states. Protests ended in massacres and lenient treatment slowly turned to internment, billions were lorded over by starships threatening global devastation if they acted out. As the crises came closer and closer to civil war and genocide key figures within the Aries military plotted to end the Fitzroy regime and restore the nation from the brink of anarchy. After months of planning one bloody night saw thousands of monarchist figures and nobles killed off by their honor guards. All but the youngest children of the royal family were imprisoned as the military purged itself and the bureaucracy of royalist influences. While a manhunt was launched for the last of the free Fitzroys the royal family’s position became tenuous as the new junta established itself as the Cabinet and declared the Aries Republic, ending the nation’s involvement in the succession wars. Pressure to restore the family from the Terran Federation led to the remaining loyalists launching a failed operation to rescue the monarch. The event backfired spectacularly and within the day all the captive royals were spaced in a national broadcast, deemed guilty of innumerable charges. The new Aries Republic permitted the enlistment of Xenos into the military, their election to the Lower House, and effectively removed the bulk of repressive laws that had led the aliens to near mutiny. Retained were rules prohibiting non-Terrans from holding officers ranks in the armed forces, effectively limiting any real Xeno influence in the nation while appearing to acquiesce to their demands. Now a neutral state the Aries Republic faces pressure from all sides as the new government consolidates its iron rule. [/hider] [hider=The Republican Guard] [u]Army:[/u] [img]http://i.imgur.com/tJRXLiJ.jpg[/img] Infantrymen: [img]http://i.imgur.com/XB64Hvj.jpg[/img] Shock Troopers: [img]http://i.imgur.com/zrZkZyi.jpg[/img] Heavy Mobile Support Unit: [img]http://i.imgur.com/dil0aL8.jpg[/img] LA-54 Risen Transport: [img]http://pre04.deviantart.net/9818/th/pre/f/2011/121/8/0/titan_tank_final_by_hazzard65-d3fcpkx.jpg[/img] A-6 Ascendant Tank: [img]http://i.imgur.com/DDQB3TY.jpg[/img] FF-12 Angel Air Supremacy Ship: [u]Navy:[/u] [img]http://i.imgur.com/VFq7lf1.jpg[/img] Phanuel Class Transport: [img]http://i.imgur.com/tO0TI9P.jpg[/img] Kushiel Class Destroyer: [img]http://i.imgur.com/nIPfUxh.jpg[/img] Samael Class Cruiser: [img]http://i.imgur.com/elahxQo.jpg[/img] Azrael Class Battle Cruiser:[/hider] [hider=The Exiled Royalty] [img]http://pre01.deviantart.net/7249/th/pre/f/2012/293/7/e/7eb924d4c4efa1a8a57d5b25a636f56f-d5icx6t.jpg[/img] Callista Fitzroy (19): Once the youngest daughter of the royal family, Callista was merely twelve years old when she was cast out of her country. At that tender age she witnessed the bulk of her family executed on one of many live feeds broadcast across the galaxy, an event that would spark an ever deepening hatred for those she views as responsible. In particular her time in the care of the Terran Federation has seen that hate directed toward Xenos. Seeing them as having provoked the coup, she harbours as much hate for them as she does for those who perpetrated it. Somewhat insular Callista has busied herself with academia in her exile, proving to be reasonably adept at it. Unlike her brother she sees the restoration of her family to the throne of Aries unlikely to the point of absurdity, a view which has resulted in her admittedly unskilled attempts to play the political game in the Federation largely being aimed at bettering her family’s position in it. [img]http://img13.deviantart.net/e860/i/2012/239/6/d/summersun_by_gerryarthur-d5cosgb.jpg[/img] Theodore Fitzroy (23): The second prince and third child in the royal family, Theodore was neither raised nor expected to be a ruler. Having the title of King-in-exile thrust upon him by the loyalists that had escaped with him and his sister Theodore found himself both driven to meet their expectations and comforted by their rhetoric. He has become fixated on the throne that rightfully belongs to him to the point that he fails to see how he could fail in taking it with even the slightest aid. To him the people of Aries would rise up to support their rightful rulers, if only the Junta that have usurped his throne were disposed of. In this way he has become resentful towards his hosts in the Terran Federation, seeing their reluctance to go to war on his behalf as cowardly and self-interested. To Theodore any war would be a necessarily short affair. Still he plays the games that he thinks he has to, though his grand and obvious gestures rarely gain him allies and often open him to manipulation. [/hider] [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Era of Succession][h1][center]Sovereign Star Confederation[/center][/h1] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/VvKcvFX.png[/img][/center] [hider=SSC] [center][b]Type of Government:[/b][/center] Confederacy of representative democratic states. [center][b]Government Details:[/b][/center] Confederate Government is one in a clear state of drift, at once true to its namesake and yet clearly creeping towards federalism. Within this evolving system there are two major branches of government, the Cabinet branch, and the Judicial branch. Source of all Confederation wide laws and executive decisions the Cabinet branch is composed of the 19 Chancellors, each of which are elected heads of Confederation member states with the exception of the First Chancellor. The Cabinet may set policy and establish Confederation wide laws by vote, though the latter is a rare occurrence as most law making is left to member state governments and their respective governmental structures. This meaning that each member state may draft and pass laws through its own legislative structure, but these laws are exclusive to that member state whereas Confederation wide laws are binding in all member states. The Cabinet is led by the First Chancellor who is appointed by a Confederation wide election every eight years and who presides over all the others acting as the head of state for the greater Confederation. This First Chancellor carries the right to call a new election for any member state and can take emergency powers when warranted and permitted by a majority vote of the Cabinet. Each of the normal Chancellors may propose agendas or laws to be voted on, but these too may be vetoed by the First Chancellor. As a means of checking the enormous power of the First Chancellor any 2/3rds vote of no confidence by the Cabinet immediately suspends the First Chancellors powers, subject to a mandatory referendum to establish the legitimacy of this vote. Distinct from the cabinet the Judicial branch functions as the highest legal body in the Confederation, even above individual member states supreme courts. Composed of a number of delegates proportional to each member states population the Judaical branch is an enormously powerful organization that judges the legality of any laws enacted in the Confederation in the context of the Charter of the Confederation. That said, the Judicial branch does not interfere in member state rulings unless those rulings are contested past the supreme court of that member state. The primary function of the Judicial branch is to evaluate the legality of Confederation wide laws passed by the cabinet. [center][b]Leader:[/b][/center] First Chancellor Kaela Sevaren of the Sovereign Star Confederation: [center][b]The Cabinet:[/b][/center] Chancellor Alice Kent of the Greater Terrestrial Republic Chancellor Sandro Espanta of the Iberian Commonwealth Chancellor Bjorn Ovringson of the Scandinavian League Chancellor Emanuel Smith of the Fringe Worlds Cooperative Chancellor Theodora Katsaros of the Hellenic Republic Chancellor Amir Hamam of the Arab Free State Chancellor Ueman Xepil of the Mesoamerican Republic Chancellor David Mannerheim of the Germanic Republic Chancellor Chloe Petit of the Tenth French Republic Chancellor Sak’fe’nu of the Ge’He Elective Chancellor Sally Cooper of the Foundry Worlds Alliance Chancellor John Marsh of the New American Republic Chancellor Tep Narong of the New Asian Republic Chancellor Mark Carlston of the Oceanic Republic Chancellor Alexi Sokolov of the Slavic Republic Chancellor Jaswinder Sai of the Dharman League Chancellor William Egzere of the West Belt Republic Chancellor Richard Ainsworth of the New British Republic [center][b]People of Note[/b][/center] [hider=Admiral Anastasia Kozlovskaya] [img]http://orig12.deviantart.net/c5e8/f/2014/319/5/a/tactical_officer_by_gg_arts-d86hfae.jpg[/img] One of the younger Admirals in the establishment Anastasia rose quickly to her rank through undeniable competence in the matters of fleet engagement and battle order, but has since been of little influence in the military. This is not due to her personal faults, but rather her political ideology. Anastasia sees the Confederations military as a tool, and one that grows rusty without use. It is her conviction that the Confederation needs to involve itself and its military in the affairs of the greater galaxy both to keep the military relevant and to support interests that might otherwise pass the nation by. Of these interests Anastasia has long been a vocal advocate of outright aiding the Remnant in its struggle against the barbarians. As she often says, should the Remnant fall nothing will stand between the Confederation and the hideous taint upon the universe that is the Dominion of Man. She is the newly appointed commander of the Article XVI, a Liberty Class Multi-Role Battleship.[/hider] [hider=Commander of the East Joseph Lawrence] [img]http://www.halopedia.org/images/thumb/8/8d/Fleet_Battle_Hood.jpg/250px-Fleet_Battle_Hood.jpg[/img] For decades Joseph Lawrence has been an integral piece of the Confederations military, and it was the perception of him as a loyal citizen, a committed democrat, and a capable commander that led to his promotion. After policy disaster that was the war with Musashi the public demanded something be done, and in response to that demand Lawrence was appointed Commander of the East, an entirely new position. Once known as an advocate of using the military as a deterrent rather than a weapon, Lawrence is now a man whose beliefs have been shaken. Nevertheless he is currently revitalizing the military in his vision, even if that vision is slowly an becoming increasingly controversial one. [/hider] [hider=Admiral Alan Carter] [img]https://i.imgur.com/WJYSYW0.jpg[/img] For a century the Confederation has been at peace, and that peace is what creates men like Alan Carter. A quintessential member of the old guard Carter came to his position through a long and unremarkable career of demonstrated competence, but as a result has become complacent. He sees the military as a shield and nothing more, after all no imposed democracy can last and what else would the war machine of the Confederation be used for? In recent days Carter has voiced his dissatisfaction with the new Commander of the Easts increasingly interventionist ideas and has once even labeled his superior as a coward bowing in fear to Musashi. [/hider] [hider=General Jacob Walters] [img]http://img00.deviantart.net/5572/i/2010/061/e/1/keith_profile_by_turningshadow.jpg[/img] Charismatic, popular, and a public symbol of the military Jacob Walters has all but catapulted to his position as top General. On the way he’s earned the ire of many of his peers and is as unpopular internally as he is celebrated by the public. Known to be proponent of whatever seems to be the popular solution at the time many consider Jacob to be a pandering fool and incompetent with a pretty face, however that’s not entirely the case. Jacob has consistently done well in war games and while he may be more book learned than practically experienced he’s far from an uneducated simpleton with politically convenient beliefs. [/hider] [hider=Kaela Sevaren] [/hider] [hider=Steve Woolsey] [img]http://pre10.deviantart.net/0246/th/pre/i/2014/175/3/0/there_will_be_blood_by_fleret-d7ntblh.jpg[/img] [/hider] [hider=Richard Ainsworth] [/hider] [hider=Sandro Espanta] [/hider] [hider=Sally Cooper] [img]http://img04.deviantart.net/3b07/i/2016/128/4/7/leaena_by_gerryarthur-da1t84v.jpg[/img] [/hider] [center][b]Species(s) and Demographics:[/b][/center] 74% Human: Children of Earth and former rulers of the Imperium, Humanity makes up the undisputed majority in the Confederation. 15% [url=http://pre04.deviantart.net/8d9c/th/pre/i/2010/080/4/4/concept_paranid_by_semiconductor.jpg]Ge'He[/url]: Once a proud species that commanded a space faring nation of note, the Ge'He were humiliated by one of the Imperium's earlier wars of conquest. For centuries they were marginalized and oppressed, but held tight to a culture that faded by the day. Now the Ge'He command of nation of their own within the Confederation, but still they remain a minority in what used to be their own space. 8% Hexanagallion: Ancient militaristic reptilians uplifted long ago, the 'Hexies' as they're often called can be found in some number in any part of the Confederation. 2% Assorted Species: Various species, none of which amount to 1% or greater of the population alone. 1% Aesarnaythi: Amphibious descendants of a once near-utopian society and some of the closest aliens to humanity these matriarchal aliens are common in the economic sphere of the Confederation. [center][b]Religion Description and Demographics:[/b] [/center] [center][b]Culture:[/b] [/center] [center][b]History:[/b][/center] The History of the Confederation can best be traced to the sector wide cultural revolution known only as 'The Remembrance' across the former Imperium. Where the movement originated is disputed, but what it signalled was a massive reemergence of ancient Earth culture among the general populace of countless worlds. In the autonomous region of Musashi the movement would lead to a new and homogenous culture, but in the space now occupied by the Confederation The Remembrance led to a massively fractured culture and widespread societal upheaval. Indeed after The Remembrance the area immediately around Musashi came to be known as the playground of the Imperiums military as they were constantly called upon to suppress what seemed to be an endless string of rebellions. Sectarian violence was rampant, and nationalist movements seemed to inspire insurrection every other day of the week. For centuries this would be the case despite intermittent Imperial intervention, and on the eve of the great empires collapse the region was embroiled in petty conflict just as it had always been. Yet without the Imperial hand to moderate the violence the spark grew to an inferno. Devolving into hundreds of petty states the region soon fell further into warfare than ever before, dozens of star nations burnt as territories shrunk and grew as new powers rose. After a decade seventeen greater states had risen to the forefront, most of which being autocracies led by former Imperial nobility. Standing apart however were the three newly minted democracies: The Greater Terrestrial Republic, The New British Republic, and the Foundry Worlds Alliance. Feeling the threat from their new and belligerent neighbours the three signed what would come to be known as the Charter of the Confederation, a document founding a greater democratic alliance and uniting the militaries of the free galaxy. In the following ninety years this new Confederation would spread the flame of democracy across the region, supplying rebels and even going so far as to arm the Ge'He in their bid to establish a nation of their own. One by one the dictatorships would fall to rebellion, and then liberation, as they quarrelled among themselves. One hundred years ago the last one would fall to the forced of liberty, and the Sovereign Star Confederation would establish itself as a regional power to last, albeit one still struggling from the after shocks of unification and racial tension. [hider=Military][center][b]Navy:[/b][/center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/HSllAmk.jpg[/img] [b]Liberty Class Multi-role Battleship[/b] A relic of the Unification Wars the four Liberty class vessels have been operational for nearly a century. Ever upgraded they have been symbols of unity for as long as most can remember and to this day they remain formidable, if not as powerful as modern super dreadnoughts. However, they are increasingly relegated to support roles due to the potential morale disaster of losing one. [img]http://i.imgur.com/PPerbFX.jpg[/img] [b]Liberation Class Carrier[/b] True workhorses the Liberation class carriers are newer vessels, capable of long range operation and limited ship to ship combat even without a complement. Largely designed around a theoretical new fighter interceptor, the Liberations were too far along to cancel when the fighters they were meant to carry were axed. Still capable vessels the Liberation class carries older Stinger fighters and Claw bombers. [img]http://i.imgur.com/2LD6Enn.jpg[/img] [b]Charter Class Battleship[/b] Powerful force projectors the Charter class Battleships were constructed in response to the Dominions growing number of super dreadnoughts and are the combat replacements for the Liberty class vessels which have increasingly become trumped up command ships. Armed with the latest in Confederate weaponry and built to trade blows with anything from fighter wings to dreadnoughts the Charters are the face of the new guard. [img]http://i.imgur.com/YBggVRl.jpg[/img] [b]Freedom Class Cruiser[/b] The most numerous ships in the Confederations Navy the Freedom class cruisers are dedicated ship killers. Equipping oversized broadside cannons and a powerful spinal gun the Freedoms are often called guns with a ship attached for their generally cramped conditions and heavy armament. [img]http://i.imgur.com/9pmrmKc.jpg[/img] [b]Sovereignty Class Destroyer[/b] The only proper independent vessel designed to operate flawlessly in and out of atmosphere the Sovereignty class destroyers are largely escort and planetary assault vessels. Equipped with powerful point defense systems and anti-fighter flak guns, these little ships are the guardians of their larger brothers. [img]http://i.imgur.com/YRdCTkj.jpg[/img] [b]Equality Class Corvette[/b] [img]http://pre04.deviantart.net/5ac1/th/pre/f/2010/003/2/8/neptune_intercept_by_malaveldt.jpg[/img] [b]SI-272 Stinger[/b] An ageing design, but still far from obsolete, the Stinger was a fighter designed around the idea of hit and runs with large engines to push it fast enough to engage even most modern designs. That said, time has caught up with the Stinger and now it often merely matches the acceleration performance of newer designs while lacking in manoeuvrability. [img]http://img08.deviantart.net/933c/i/2010/124/0/6/strike_fighter_wip_by_benwootten.jpg[/img] [b]SB-888 Claw[/b] Designed around the time of the Stinger the Claw bomber faces many of the name issues. That said, the bombers were never intended to operate alone and often their modern shortcomings can be mitigated by an escort. [img]http://i.imgur.com/3KcBRGb.jpg[/img] [b]HB-656 Mantis[/b] A heavy bomber used for anti-capital and precision planetary bombardment roles the Mantis is one of the newer carrier based craft fielded by the Confederation. Built to outpace its pursuers the Mantis is a hit and run bomber, a quintessential example of Confederate strike craft doctrine. [img]http://i.imgur.com/midRcyK.jpg[/img] [b]SS-231 Centipede[/b] The Centipede is without a doubt one of the oldest designs in the Confederations navy, dating back to the first Liberty class battleships. Nearly a century old the Centipedes are unbelievably still produced for a single reason, their ability to quickly to equip even the largest modern fighter based weapons. [img]http://i.imgur.com/NPvdSe5.jpgp[/img] [b]AI-432 Wasp[/b] The front line atmospheric fighter of the Confederation the Wasp is one of the only craft adopted by the defensive forces of nearly every member state. Mixing high speed and high altitude capabilities with respectable manoeuvrability the Wasp is primarily used to intercept landing forces at ultra high altitudes, weakening any following invasion. [img]http://i.imgur.com/ivhAWJl.jpg[/img] [b]AI-988 Scorpion[/b] The Scorpion exists as the inevitable followup to the Wasp, a fighter as capable at lower altitudes as its brother is at high ones. Durable and armed to the teeth the Scorpion is a brawler and a dog fighter meant to seize aerial supremacy. [center][b]Army:[/b][/center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/JQFQgqU.jpg[/img] [b]Armoured Infantry Corps[/b] The standard infantry of the Confederation, almost all soldiers are members of the AIC with men of different rank differentiated only by insignia and some additional suit features. [img]http://i.imgur.com/5NzdE3h.jpg[/img] [b]Heavy Support Suit[/b] [img]http://i.imgur.com/IB0p7tA.jpg[/img] [b]Hammer Class Armoured Combat Vehicle[/b] [img]http://i.imgur.com/HyB5HBn.jpg[/img] [b]Scythe Class Armoured Combat Vehicle[/b] [center][b]Special Operations:[/b][/center] [img] http://orig03.deviantart.net/5433/f/2014/176/1/9/burn_it_down__by_brobossa-d7nvtij.jpg[/img] [b]12th Ancillary Logistics Division[/b] Known to most only as a backwater division earmarked as part of the reserves the 12th ALD is one of the Confederations dirty little secrets. Belying its name the division is special operations, conveniently buried under the full weight of Confederation bureaucracy. That said, no living being would ever envy the operatives of the 12th, or aspire to join them regardless of how elite they are. This is for a simple reason, the operatives of the 12th are no longer ‘human’ in the strictest sense. Selected from death row inmates with usable skills and physiques future operatives of the 12th are given mock executions before being carted away. Once securely out of the public eye they are subjected to years of brutal reconditioning until their former personalities and identities are nothing but a subconscious ghost. In place of this ghost an undying loyalty and devotion to the Confederation is instilled in operatives alongside any other traits deemed useful. After this the operatives undergo intensive genetic therapy and cybernetic modification both to change their appearance and to dramatically increase their combat potential. Each member of the 12th is outfitted with custom gear ([url=http://orig04.deviantart.net/89d5/f/2013/220/2/e/helmet_dude_2_by_nero_tbs-d6h9mw7.jpg]1[/url], [url=http://pre09.deviantart.net/5b6a/th/pre/i/2013/151/a/f/cyber_ninja_commission_by_zerahoc-d67bkga.png]2[/url], [url=http://i.imgur.com/pGHuR9o.jpg]3[/url]) as given there is little cooperation in the unit standardization is insignificant. Mostly used for the more unsavory and sensitive of intelligence missions; operatives of the 12th almost always work alone and far behind enemy lines. [/hider] [/hider] [/hider] [hider=New Dawn Rising][img]http://i.imgur.com/t4VAFXg.png[/img] [b][u]Nation Name:[/u][/b] Cascadia [b][u]Government Type:[/u][/b] Constitutional Monarchy [b][u]Head(s) of Government:[/u][/b] [hider=His Majesty Joseph Mannerheim The First] [img]http://i.imgur.com/J6eMCYO.jpg[/img] Inheriting the throne at the age of thirty one King Joseph has reigned for twenty two years, and a successful reign it has been. Building upon the popular image of his father before him Joseph was quickly noted as a charismatic leader and soon became beloved by his people, a state of affairs that has allowed him massive influence in the affairs of parliament. Reigniting nationalistic sentiment Joseph has presided over a period of national expansion and militarism that in large part is owed directly to his influence. Arrogant, but not undeservedly so Joseph is an audacious and boisterous man that tends to direct whatever conversation he enters.[/hider] [hider=Prime Minister Matthew Schmidt] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Cx1dIci.jpg[/img] Elected five years ago shortly after the invasion of the Hawaiian Federation Matthew Schmidt is a royal loyalist to the core, and it was under the pretense of empowering the monarchy that his party was elected in the first place. Granting the King renewed command of the armed forces and relegating the civilian government to foreign policy and domestic law Schmidt’s reforms have been cheered by most, but seen as deeply concerning to a quiet few.[/hider] [b][u]Persons of Importance:[/u][/b] [hider=Defence Minister Tristan Bishop] [img]http://i.imgur.com/JwtKhFr.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Prince Alexander Mannerheim] [img]http://i.imgur.com/S8iPC5e.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Princess Katherine Mannerheim] [img]http://i.imgur.com/IyVLmuJ.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Viceroy General Luke Burgess] [img]http://i.imgur.com/BQkNVCl.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Arianne Winters] [img]http://i.imgur.com/G2N3eY9.jpg[/img][/hider] [b][u]Race(s):[/u][/b] Human [b][u]Population:[/u][/b] Large, mostly centered on the two great cities of the west coast. [b][u]Culture and Religion:[/u][/b] Unequivocally the successor state to the Cascadian Empire, modern Cascadia is a nation where ancestral tradition and modern innovation seem to be in constant conflict. A prime example of this is the strange dissonance between the Cascadian value of democracy and the highly stratified society that upholds it. Organizing individuals into four groups modern Cascadia has remodeled and reinstituted the very earliest of Vanverian customs, the system of citizenry. Within this system there are four distinct tiers, the highest of these being that of the Citizen. It is Citizen's alone that are granted both the right to vote, and the right to full legal protection as human beings. Composed of males born to other Citizens, those of lower status who have elevated themselves through military service, and women who have elevated themselves through military service, it is Citizens that make up the majority of the population. One rung lower stand the Non-Citizens, individuals that while unable to vote still enjoy full legal protection. Primarily made up of Cascadian born women this social class also comprises foreigners, immigrants, and freed slaves. Which resultantly puts the second lowest class as that of the Slave. Enjoying neither the right to vote nor any legal protection as anything but property slaves are usually only found in service of the wealthy. Seen as human but unworthy slaves are either born to their position or are forced into it as a means of legal punishment. While they can be freed, most slave lineages have been in service for generations and will likely continue to be for many more to come. The lowest class of individual as decreed by the system of citizenry are all those cursed enough to be born abhuman, or in Cascadian parlance, subhuman. These individuals enjoy no vote, no rights, and lack even the basic title of human. Historically this class was formed to refer to the barbarous Grogar, but as more subhumans emerged they were summarily added to it. Often exterminated or used for grueling menial labour, subhumans are universally treated with the greatest contempt and disregard. Outside of the class system Cascadia functions as a free market state with minimal oversight and enormous inequality wherein the wealthy are almost always members of the nobility. What does exist in the way of government intervention is usually aimed at workplace safety, and as a result it is said one may work themselves to death but so long as they don't cause an accident doing so theirs will be an unremarkable passing. [b][u]Pre-Cataclyism Technology:[/u][/b] Stumbled upon by the Cascadian military in the nations early days the vast Rocky Mountain Warning System, while inoperable in all but the fewest sections, has proved an invaluable asset. Providing a technological base for the study of advanced radar the RMWS has permitted Cascadia to equip their aircraft and military with early warning systems far exceeding those of most nations. [b][u]History:[/u][/b] Like much of the world the west coast of North America was all but annihilated in the Great Cataclysm, struggling for centuries afterwards to establish even the most meager sense of order. Enveloped by the Age of Darkness the few tribes that rose to prominence in the region were invariably hounded by Grogar war bands and weakened by infighting until their disintegration. Even as the first true kingdoms of the east rose to prominence and the Age of Restoration began it seemed the land of the setting sun was damned to an eternity of struggle. It was not until five hundred years after Armageddon that the west began to see the light of civilization once more. Emerging from the shadow four great city-states rose to prominence: Vanver, Setle, Sanfra, and Losan. Varying widely in ideology and culture these city states would carve out their own respective territories before eventually, inevitably, coming into conflict. The most heated of these wars for dominance would be between the perilously close states of Vanver and Setle, whose simple proximity fated them to become bitter rivals. Precious little territory would change hands even as the autocratic Vanverians and democratic Setleites bled each other brutally with each conflict, but they continued in their futile wars nonetheless. When the stalemate did break it would not be by virtue of one sides superior ideals, nor would it be on account of their grand strategy. In the end a simple quirk of fate changed history as a flood decimated Setle’s crops and left the city unable to resist the Vanverian armies that descending upon it less than a year later. With the great enemy subjugated and vast swaths of fertile land under her command Vanver would grow immensely as it launched wide reaching campaigns against the fractious tribes of the region. Booming in population and claiming ever more territory to settle the city state became something greater, holding all the Pacific Northwest under its thumb. Not content with his already vast lands some six hundred years ago the ruler of Vanver declared his domain an Empire, and all the west coast his right. Within fifty years Sanfra would burn and be forced to kneel with Losan peacefully capitulating as it stood isolated and weakened by its own wars against the Grogar. This vast nation would come to be known as Cascadia, a name taken from ancient documents and used to legitimize a realm which had never before existed. For two hundred years the Cascadian Empire would rule before a quirk of fate not unlike that which had created it brought it to ruin. In the American plains the Grogar bands had not been idle and in revenge for the Empires massacre of their kin a great army of the beasts launched an invasion just as Cascadia fell into a succession crises. It took ten years for the empire to collapse, but when it did there was not a city that went unpillaged. In the ashes a number of kingdoms grew across the west, all speaking a single language and sharing a faith as legacy of Vanver’s ancient influence. What is known as modern Cascadia was one of these, and for the next few centuries it did little but war with its neighbours over long forgotten claims in a vain attempt to rebuild its dominion. So destructive and unpopular were these repeated conflicts that before long the kingdom found itself in the grips of a rebellion that would usher in a constitution and forever limit the authority of the monarch. In the last sixty years however Cascadia has gone back to its old ways with the expansion of the northern territories cementing the previous kings popularity and the recent annexation of Hawaii setting the tone for a new age of colonial expansion. Even more so the recent election of a Royalist party has empowered the Monarchy once more, and as of three years ago the King of Cascadia is also the head of her military. On the Homefront the influx of human refugees from the plains has engorged the population and many imagine it is only a matter of time before California shakes under the boots of marching men eager to claim a new home for them and their families. [b][u]Military:[/u][/b] [hider=Ground Forces] [hider=HT-55] [img]http://i.imgur.com/A0Tzqn8.jpg[/img] The mainstay of the Cascadian armoured core the HT-55 sports thick sloping armour and a formidable 125mm cannon along with multiple large machine guns. Maneuverable enough for a large tank the HT-55 is well liked by the military, but nevertheless an aging design. Hefty to the point crossing all but reinforced bridges is an untenable proposition and distressingly slow it’s no wonder the venerable tank is being, albeit very slowly, phased out.[/hider] [hider=HT-100] [img]http://i.imgur.com/049xoLo.jpg[/img] The new face of the Cascadian armoured core the HT-100 is a vehicle quite unlike its predecessor. Toting an upgraded and far higher velocity 125mm gun the HT-100 was built for long to mid range engagement in support of infantry and focuses nearly all its armour at the front. While this selective protection makes the tank significantly lighter and faster than the HT-55 it also risks serious damage from ambushes in urban areas.[/hider] [hider=MT-31] [img]http://i.imgur.com/CYwcSj4.jpg[/img] Designed alongside the HT-55 the lighter MT-31 was designed as an 'escort tank' to protect the its heavier counterpart. Armed with a lighter 100mm gun and mediocre armour little was expected of the 31. In combat however the MT-31's speed proved so useful that the tanks would often be preferred by field commanders, an opinion that directly influenced the decision to limit the HT-100's armour to the front as to preserve the new vehicles mobility. [/hider] [hider=AC-22] [img]http://img04.deviantart.net/bd3d/i/2014/031/e/d/auroch_by_jflaxman-d74hcb4.jpg[/img] A trackless vehicle the main personnel carrier of Cascadia is well armoured against all but anti tank weapons and is respectably mobile if not somewhat limited in its ability to traverse rough.[/hider] [hider=Ar-22] [img]http://pre11.deviantart.net/da92/th/pre/f/2011/189/d/a/spgs_by_pyrosity-d3lf9eo.jpg[/img] A conversion of the AC-22 the Artillery model fits a large gun on the chassis for long range support than can quickly reposition as combat necessitates it.[/hider] [hider=Jungle Infantry] [img]http://i.imgur.com/EX0JJXS.jpg[/img] Jungle infantry are the newer troops of the Cascadian army whose outfit and load outs designed explicitly for campaigns in the pacific like the Hawaiian war. Carrying the standard issue IMP or intermediate machine pistol firing a 6x35mm round Jungle infantry are notable for having significantly less equipment, trading convenience for comfort and flexibility. [/hider] [hider=Forest Infantry] [img]http://i.imgur.com/rTJ9N1J.jpg[/img] The traditional troops of the Cascadian military Forest Infantry have their equipment tailor made for the forest heavy environments of the Cascadian nation. Carrying the standard issue IMP or intermediate machine pistol firing a 6x35mm round Forest infantry have a load out including folding shovels and other potentially useful tools.[/hider] [hider=Heavy Infantry] [img]http://img02.deviantart.net/e7e9/i/2014/006/6/d/1_6_14_speedpaint_by_opravdu-d713zfy.jpg[/img] Armoured more effectively than the majority of soldiers and carrying the huge SAAR or semi-automatic assault rifle chambered in the bear stopping high velocity 6x60mm round these troops are the strongest and most effective Cascadia has. Trained to combat the most daunting of Grogar and even NAU power armour if needed Heavy Infantry are men that push the boundaries of what humans can accomplish, and as a result are also some of the most handsomely paid in the army.[/hider][/hider] [hider=Air Forces] [hider=FI-42] [img]http://i.imgur.com/RF3w13b.jpg[/img] The Fighter Interceptor 42 has been the mainstay of the Cascadian air force for years. Manoeuvrable, fast, and flexible the 42 remains capable to the modern day even as it's age begins to show with many if not most aircraft matching or outperforming it. [/hider] [hider=FI-48] [img]http://img06.deviantart.net/87f7/i/2015/128/5/5/saab_35d_draken__dragon__by_aanker-d79tpmr.png[/img] Successor to the FI-42 the FI-48 is a significantly more modern design. Utilizing hard points to carry basic guided missiles while retaining four guns the 48 is more than adequately armed. Beyond this a more efficient and powerful engine allows it performance surpassing it's predecessor in every way. [/hider] [hider=B-28] [img]http://orig00.deviantart.net/f305/f/2011/158/6/6/horten_h_xviii_by_tr4br-d3i9hg6.jpg[/img] The main long range bomber used by Cascadia the B-28 is a flying wing equipped with cannon turrets and loaded with a vast amount of ordinance.[/hider] [hider=B-26] [img]http://pre09.deviantart.net/1eaa/th/pre/f/2012/090/2/b/into_the_night_by_itifonhom-d4uic1o.jpg[/img] Designed as a smaller and more agile version of the B-28 the 26 has proved enormously successful. Carrying guns to defend itself as well as attack other aircraft while not compromising on bomb capacity the 26 is the close support aircraft of Cascadia. [/hider] [hider=AiRo-4] [img]http://img10.deviantart.net/b4c3/i/2008/156/4/c/cutting_the_skies_french_style_by_oberth.jpg[/img] Highlighting Cascadia's trouble in helicopter development the Air Rotor 4 is a fairly primitive machine totally outclassed by its more advanced NAU counterparts. Lightly armed and used mostly for scouting or medical airlift the Airo-4, even if basic, is widely used for it's utility.[/hider] [hider=Airman] [img]http://i.imgur.com/tfQE4mK.jpg[/img] Wearing an oxygen mask for high altitude engagement the pilots of Cascadia are famed for their rigorous treaining.[/hider][/hider] [hider=Sea Forces] [hider=Grizzly Class Battlecruiser] [img] http://img09.deviantart.net/3bfd/i/2011/364/1/4/big_gunz_blazing_by_u_joe-d4kn0fb.jpg[/img] The largest direct combatant ship in the Cascadian navy the Grizzly encapsulates Cascadian naval doctrine well. Not so large as proper battleships fielded by other powers, nor as well armed, the Grizzly makes up for its deficiencies by being simple and more important, cheap. While the class is no longer built the existing Grizzlies have all been upgraded to modern standard with new missile systems.[/hider] [hider= Grey Wolf Class Carrier] [img] http://i.imgur.com/dJHOtY5.png[/img] Smaller and seemingly less capable than the supercarriers emerging across the world, many would be surprised to learn the Grey Wolf class is a new design. Of course, those individuals would have be unfamiliar with the Cascadian navy. The Grey Wolf is, like all Cascadian ships, simply built to be easier to manufacture. The underlying logic of this is that were a ship to be lost, the navy would retain more capability. As for the Grey Wolf itself, the class possesses few of its own defenses and ostensibly relies on an escort. That said, under combat conditions the carriers are known to be extremely quick in deploying aircraft.[/hider] [hider=Cougar Class Cruiser] [img]http://orig11.deviantart.net/a8d7/f/2014/038/2/b/atago_by_guntama-d75h03u.jpg[/img] The Cougar class is perhaps the mainstay of the Cascadian navy. Not a design new or old existing Cougars have been upgraded while new vessels continue to roll out of yards. Responsible for anti-air defense above surface combat the Cougar is the primary escort class of the navy.[/hider] [hider=Lynx Class Light Cruiser] [img]http://img07.deviantart.net/d64a/i/2011/353/5/c/yahagi_by_u_joe-d4jjeeu.jpg[/img] A design only marginally newer than the Grizzly the Lynx is a ship out of style, but one whose role is far from gone. Dedicated to anti-submarine warfare but capable at surface combat the Lynx is a ship that seems to be upgraded every decade rather than replaced.[/hider] [hider=SSV-888] [img]http://i.imgur.com/LC6QCd1.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=AMT-343] [img]http://i.imgur.com/SuHoUK0.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=CFI-33] [img]http://pre00.deviantart.net/ca59/th/pre/f/2015/262/a/2/huckebein_by_itifonhom-d9a3sai.jpg[/img] The Cascadian navy’s choice fighter, the Carrier Fighter Interceptor 33 was developed independently from the FI-48. A small and light aircraft the 33 is purpose built for short take off and easy storage, allowing many to fit onto the smaller carriers fielded by Cascadia. [/hider] [/hider][/hider] [hider=Restless Fires][center][h1][b]~~(WIP)~~ Egun Senxi (People of the Plains)[/b][/h1][/center] [img]http://i.imgur.com/U7OX62k.png[/img] [hider=Population] Long Night: 202,000 Long Day: 26,000 Long Hunt: 45,000 Fire: 9700 Age: 20,000 Birth: 12,000 Lost War: 21,000 Hawk's Sight: 60,000 Rot: 6500 Unending Twilight: 86,000 Oxen's Strength: 58,000 New Dawn: 32,000 Total: 578,200 Ren: 413,000 Mul: 259,000 Total: 672,000 PLAINS POPULATION: 1,250,200[/hider] [hider=Overview] [center][b]History: Egun Senxi[/b][/center] (BR = Before Roleplay) ~1050 BR - The Moon goes dark in the sky for weeks throwing the Northern tribes and their leadership, the Lunar Synod, into chaos as they scramble to understand the disappearance of their deity. Without warning a solar eclipse reveals the vanished moon and the Lunar Synod declare the Sun a usurper, forever forsaking the day. The southernmost tribes voice their protests, outright refusing the order to avoid the day and in doing so sparking conflict with their more numerous northern brothers. For years the southern tribes lose territory yet grow more convinced of their interpretation of events, with some even saying the Sun had convinced the Moon to return and should be honoured, not cast out. ~1000 BR - Having been totally forced out of their ancestral homeland the southern tribes of the Senxi travel to the southern Ethean Empire and are welcomed in with promises of a brighter future, however almost all find themselves exploited by the Etheans as cheap labour and willing slaves. ~960 BR - Seeing the abuses of the Ethean people the northern tribes men rise up across the nation regardless of their individual differences. Attempts to quash the rebellion are many, but the sheer scale of the uprising defies Ethan attempts at pacification. ~900 BR - The larger members of the rebellious tribes come to see the Ethean religion as the reason for their former masters abhorrent behaviour. The Volcano so praised in the capital of Ethea and long seen by the tribesmen as the Smoldering Death is labelled master of the Etheans, who willingly serve evil. Looking to the guidance of their own Heavenly Patron, the Moon, the largest tribes declare their rebellion a holy war. ~700 BR - As nearly a quarter of Ethea’s territory is lost the various rebelling tribes are joined into one by what many call the Hero of Heaven and seeing this centralization the reigning Empress Euphemia attempts to make peace only to be regarded as the mouthpiece of the Smoldering Death. Seen as a deceiver and temptress by the united tribes the Hero of Heaven sets out to kill her and in doing so end the war. ~690 BR - Successful in his quest the Hero of Heaven is hailed as the greatest of all men upon his return from such a perilous task. In Ethea the death of Euphemia cements opposition to the idea of peace and the war continues into a new period of brutality regardless of the united tribes hopes. ~640 BR - The Hero of Heaven dies after years of war and doubt shakes the various tribes, many beginning to question if winning the war is even possible. In the face of an increasingly uncertain homefront the Hero’s son holds the line even as the many disparate tribes begin to question their decision to unite. ~600 BR - Sensing weakness in the united tribes, the Ethean Empire launches a massive campaign. Cities and towns that had fallen to the tribes are burned by Ethean troops who put both women and children to the sword. The plains of Ethea become a lake of blood as the army advances, only to find its momentum unsustainable. Eventually the Ethean armies are halted the campaign having caused the empire to lose many of its soldiers but achieving perhaps one of its goals. Faced with awful losses the eastern tribes break their compact and leave their western brothers to carry on a mission they no longer see the need to die for. Those who remain in the alliance form the vast trie of Long Night. Bearing the title of The Moon’s Chosen and leader of this new tribe the Hero’s grandson begins his preparations for revenge. ~550 BR - Now recovered from the disaster fifty years prior the tribe of Long Night storms whatever territory the Empire held from its last assault in a breakneck campaign. Now without uncertain soldiers or conflicted commanders no Ethean survivors are taken. By the time the onslaught ends Ethea has lost yet more precious territory and suffered disproportionate casualties from a force they’d imagined was crippled. The campaign marks a new era in the war, one where both sides were bent not on conquering, but on eradicating the other. ~420 BR - Salvaging as much old Ethean knowledge as possible two of the easternmost tribes set themselves to the task of building a civilization of their own as the war in the west fades into a distant memory. ~380 BR - Out of their former nomadic roots Ren and Mul emerge as properly civilizations and set to the task of constructing a wall to separate themselves from the barbarians that were once their brothers. ~320 BR - Attempting to besiege the new fortifications to their south the tribe of New Dawn is gored and decimated, allowing its other neighbours impunity in their own attacks against it. Unable to fight back the tribe of New Dawn concedes much of its once vast territory. ~300 BR - Following another brutal campaign launched by the tribe of Long Night the empire is completely cut off from the rest of the world. ~120 BR - With Ethea so contained but victory still a distant dream the tribe of Long Night fractures, its most western territory breaking off to form its own tribe, Long Day. Tried for war this new tribe establishes permanent villages and agriculture while maintaining their traditions, inviting any who wish for peace to join them. ~100 BR - Ethea is reduced to only the capital and a few outlying forts and cities, though tribe of Long Night attacks slow as the remaining defenses prove to be centuries in the making. A standoff of sorts emerges as both sides search for an advantage. ~28 BR - Having been reduced to a minor player for nearly three centuries the tribe of New Dawn declares the newborn son of their aging chief as the reincarnation of the Hero of Heaven. Seen as a dying peoples pitiable attempt at glory the announcement is ridiculed and ignored by the other neighbouring tribes. [center][b]Religion: Path of the Moon[/b][/center] [b]Deities:[/b] The Moon's path holds that there are but three deities in creation, The Heavenly Patron, The Celestial Adjudicator, and the Smoldering Death. Paramount of the three is the Patron, whose watchful eye can be seen every night in the sky as the moon. It is the Patron who is responsible for the creation of life and who watches their works with one eye upon the world and the other upon paradise. The secondary deity of the Moon's Path and the Patrons brother is the worldly Adjudicator whose whole form is visible as the sun, a blinding light in the sky. It was the Adjudicator who created the Earth and the Mortal Universe by the Patrons edict, and even now the Adjudicator is the architect of the worlds many trials. Most often the Adjudicator is impotent in Paradise, but long ago it is said that he restored the Patrons sight after her mortal eye was blinded by the hated Smoldering Death. Lastly there is the Smoldering Death, divine by its cruelty. After the Adjudicator had designed the world and the Patron had cast her eye on it a blemish came into existence, a god not born of paradise but one of the mortal universe. From the moment it emerged it was clear the Smoldering Death was filled with malice and hate. Seeing the world as its domain the Smoldering Death rebelled and sought to purge the world of the Patrons children and replace them with its own, the enchanters and the Bannik, the wretched demons of creation. In a battle with the Adjudicator the Smoldering Death was forced into the bowls of the Earth, but not defeated. Even from this worldly prison the Smoldering Death interferes with the world, though it cannot destroy it. [b]Beliefs:[/b] The Senxi believe that two worlds exist, Paradise, and the Mortal Universe. Reigning in Paradise the Heavenly Patron created all life as her everlasting children, but soon learned that in Paradise these children were never challenged, and they never grew. Seeing an answer the Patron turned to her lesser brother and told him to create a world, one which he could oversee and one which she would use to teach her children. Obedient and eager the lesser brother, who would come to be known as the Adjudicator, crafted a vast universe and watched over it as the sun. The Mortal Universe of her brothers design was beyond the Patrons expectations and when he invited her to cast an eye upon it, that eye was so enthralled it became the moon. The Patron seeded life upon her brothers creation and proclaimed him Adjudicator, the one to judge the worthiness of her children for Paradise. In the beginning the Adjudicator could not imagine how his sisters creations would not be worthy, but soon enough he saw how young they were, and how foolish. He knew that they would not yearn for paradise if they lived forever and so he made the children mortal of body, allowing them to pass into paradise if worthy or rejoin their brothers new and old in subsequent life if not. Content with his work in adapting the Patrons children to the world the Adjudicator took time to gaze upon all of his Mortal Universe, and in this gaze he saw what should not be. A new deity had been created, but not one he could call a brother. Somehow in giving the Patrons children mortal lives a new entity had been raised from the children's lost immortality, a beautiful god not of Paradise, but the Mortal Universe. It spoke in honeyed words and whispered to the Adjudicator of rebellion, of striking down the Patrons children and creating new ones, ones truly from and suited to the world they inhabited. Appalled the Adjudicator lashed out at the malicious entity and in a great battle cast it into the bowls of the world, imprisoned but not defeated. Unable to do more the Adjudicator watched in horror as the being of evil, the Smoldering Death, created wretched beings and corrupted the Patrons children. In the Adjudicators haste he had not considered that the Smoldering Deaths prison could become its fortress and after searching in vain for a solution he went to the Patron, pleading for aid. Unable to imagine such evil the Patron cast her eye upon the Smoldering death, and seeing the beauty of the creature under the stone of the earth she offered it a place in Paradise, a chance to craft its own world. Finding the Patrons proposal little more then humorous the Smoldering Death took the chance and lashed out at the Patron, Blindsiding her eye in the Mortal Universe and banishing the Moon. In the chaos the Smoldering Death whispered to the Lunar Synod who had been given the gift of hearing the Patrons words and the duty of leading her children. The Smoldering Death and convinced them the Adjudicator had rebelled, even as the sun grasped the moon and restored the Patrons sight. By the time her sight had restored and the Adjudicator returned to his duty the Patrons children had turned on each other, and in that time she wept stars across the sky. Unable to tolerate his sisters sadness the Adjudicator taught both the Senxi who'd been deceived and those who'd fled the means of identifying the Smoldering Deaths demons and the means of banishing them. From then on the Adjudicator watched and preformed his duty, certain that in time the Patrons children would be the ones to overthrow the Smoldering Death as their mother proudly watched them.[/hider] [hider=New Dawn] Nation Name: National Flag: What do you call the denizens(ex. Americans come from America, Israelites comes from Israel): Government type: Leader/Leaders: Ruling factions/dynasty if applicable: Other Important political figures: Currency: State Religion(If applicable): Demographics and Geography World map location: Interior map: Major cities Major military installments: Important locations and buildings: Capital: Population: Race and Ethnic demographic: Economy(how well is it?): Wealth balance(is it concentrated solely on the aristocracy, such as in feudalism, balanced, high level of poor, optional): Major exports: Major Imports: Staple agricultural crops: Trade partners: Culture Religion demographics: Religious heads: Popular opinion on the volcano: Popular opinion on wars: Popular opinion on magic: Popular opinion on religion: (pious?) Popular opinion on the Aristocracy: Pauper opinion on the Government: Popular opinion on foreigners: Popular opinion on other cultures: Cultural name for the Volcano: (what do your people call it) A look into the unique culture: (tell us what makes your average citizen unique, take us through their values and life style, throw in any sub cultures such as the culture of the formal classes as well) Cultural history: Notable figures: Military and History Type of Military: Volunteer, conscripted, standing, semi professional, culture affects, levies etc. Go into detail. Total Military fighting units: Unit demographics: (heavy infantry, marksman, etc and their equipment/training) Notable figures: Past wars and notable events: Past conflicts with other nations: Current conflicts and wars: Other Artifacts and famous enchantments: Anything else we should all know: [/hider] [hider=Codependency of Ren and Mul] Nation Name: Codependent Kingdoms of Ren and Mul National Flag: [img]http://i.imgur.com/jGiWjlG.png[/img] What do you call the denizens: Generally referred to as Kuan Senxi Government type: Elective Monarchy, however all claimants to thrones of both Ren and Mul are members from the Xhese family. Of all family members the nobility of both nations will independently elect one claimant to their nations respective throne. This leaves the possibility for an individual to rule both kingdoms and indeed such has happened on numerous occasions either due to a lack of suitable heirs or the rise of a single outstanding candidate. Any single individual ruling bot kingdoms is declared a Zehu Keshen, or a Grand Lord Chief. Leader/Leaders: Xhese Mugai, Keshen of Ren: The first son of the previous Zehu Keshen, Xhese Menhu, Mugai is a highly charismatic leader with perhaps more bravado than ability, often delegating even the most crucial of tasks. Originally thought to be the most popular claimant in both Ren and Mul, Mugai remains bitter about the surprise election of his younger brother Lehzun in Mul. Xhese Lehzun, Keshen of Mul: The youngest child of Mehu, Lehzun is an ambitious but young king who rose to notoriety after settling numerous long standing disputes amount the nobility in Mul and later involving himself deeply in the affairs of the realm both to learn, and advise. Dynasty: Xhese Other Important political figures: Xhese Mei, the middle child and only daughter of the previous Zehu Keshen Mei has distinguished herself as a much loved patron of art and culture as well as one of the few individuals able to appeal to both her brothers. Currency: Seoi State Religion(If applicable): Path of the Moon Major cities: Toibul, the capital of Mul. Zegin, the capital of Ren. Major military installations: The Grand Wall, a massive defensive fortification that surrounds Ren and Mul the Wall remains greatest project undertaken by the two states. Important locations and buildings: Population: 672,000 Race and Ethnic demographic: 99% Senxi 1% Other Economy: Largely self reliant Ren and Mul trade between each other but suffer from their largely intentional exclusion from the outside world. While food is a non issue other commodities can be difficult to come by. Wealth balance: Slanted towards the nobility and crown, but not oppressively so. Major exports: None Substantial Major Imports: None Substantial Staple agricultural crops: Potato, Wheat. Trade partners: None Substantial. Popular opinion on the volcano: A evil entity which takes pleasure in the destruction of civilizations. Popular opinion on wars: War is necessary only as a response to aggression, the walls are impregnable. Popular opinion on magic: Demonic power, all who use magic are demons or their servants. Popular opinion on religion: The people of Ren and Mul are highly pious, and religion plays a large part in their lives. Popular opinion on the Aristocracy: The elite represent the establishment of proper civilization and are to be honoured as those who raise all to greater heights. Pauper opinion on the Government: The government is civilization, without it all would descend into the barbarism of days past and prove themselves unworthy of paradise. Popular opinion on foreigners: All foreigners are to be mistrusted, as heathens they may well be corrupted by evil. Popular opinion on other cultures: Most other nations and their cultures are looked upon with disdain, save Ethea. Cultural name for the Volcano: The Smouldering Death A look into the unique culture: (tell us what makes your average citizen unique, take us through their values and life style, throw in any sub cultures such as the culture of the formal classes as well) Cultural history: Notable figures: Military and History Type of Military: Volunteer, conscripted, standing, semi professional, culture affects, levies etc. Go into detail. Total Military fighting units: Unit demographics: (heavy infantry, marksman, etc and their equipment/training) Notable figures: Past wars and notable events: Past conflicts with other nations: Current conflicts and wars: Other Artifacts and famous enchantments: Anything else we should all know: [/hider][/hider]