[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/X6YhlHQ.png[/img][hr][hider=Armored Core V - Sirius Executives][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va_K0xWpBRk[/youtube][/hider][hr][/center][table][row][/row][row][cell][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/ZfDpOXG.jpg[/img][hr][sup][b]"Engineered Excellence, Nurtured by Nature."[/b][/sup][/center][color=2e2c2c]............................................................................................................................[/color][/cell][cell][indent]After the fall of Nations and the rise of the Ruling Corporation; the balance of the entire world was thrown out of wack and borders were constantly being redrawn. It was complete chaos and some people wanted nothing to do with the corporate world, so they fled to the fringes and outskirts of the world. Leaving the major nations with resources to be fought over by the Ruling Corporations, and various colonies were placed in the New Zealand area. 

They all originally started out as independent colonies that took over the various major cities and towns but for a variety of reasons; they decided to unify. They created the [b]New Zealand Republic[/b], forging their own destiny independent from the design of the Ruling Nations and in hopes of remaining free from their control.[/indent][/cell][/row][/table]Eventually, after they gained a large swath of influence in the world, they renamed themselves [b]The Independent Oceania Republic[/b] (or [b]IOR[/b]) and declared themselves to be off limits to the Ruling Corporations. The IOR's borders remained open, however, they have an extremely picky and selective process for entering the IOR involving mountains of background checks and paperwork. Despite their borders being open the IOR is moderately xenophobic and their streets are lined with anti-corporate propaganda - calling the Ruling Corporations fascists. 

The nation's economy is based on technology; exporting its cutting-edge creations to Corporations and engaging in Shell-related research and development. Natural resources are carefully managed to ensure self-sufficiency at all costs, and a barter system has been developed based on the exchange of essential goods and technology. The people of the IOR are known for their resourcefulness and adaptability, traits born out of their unique environment. A culture of unity and an unwavering belief in freedom and self-determination permeates every aspect of life. Shell pilots are celebrated as heroes with a strong sense of camaraderie. Citizens are deeply connected to nature, and they are more connected to the sea than not. Rituals celebrate the importance of balance and harmony, and the nation places a premium on education, encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and technological advancement.

The IOR operates under a democratic system, with a President elected every five years. However, a council of brilliant scientists and engineers, known as the "Technocracy," plays a pivotal role in decision-making in the IOR. This council ensures that technological advancement and environmental sustainability remain at the heart of the IOR's priorities. Every citizen, regardless of age or occupation, has the right to vote, ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.

The Independent Oceania Republic boasts a formidable Shell army, highly trained and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Their military strategy emphasizes agility, precision, and teamwork. In times of war, the citizens themselves often rally to defend their nation, making it a formidable force in a world dominated by the Ruling Corporations and their mercenaries. The IOR's crowning achievement is its cutting-edge Shell technology. The Independent Oceania Republic has developed a unique line of amphibious Shells designed for both land and underwater combat. These advanced Shells are equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and defensive systems, but what truly sets them apart is their environmental consciousness and their use of environmentally friendly energy sources. Their army was so formidable that the other Ruling Corporations dared not cross them.[table][row][sup][h3][b][color=2e2c2c]
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[/b][/h3][/sup][/row][row][cell]That was until the IOR was invaded by Paragon United's forces as they wanted to gain a foothold on the greater Australian continent. A massive war erupted on the once peaceful IOR and the two forces clashed, with neither gaining ground on the other. However, the tide of the war was changed as Paragon United forces located the top-secret superweapon in development known as the Stormrise Project. 

The details behind the Stormrise Project remain a mystery but a battle erupted in the facility and the secret weapon was damaged, causing it to prematurely activate... damaging the magnetic fields over the island causing an endless rain to cover the nation. The nation, and battlefield, was forced to adapt to the sudden change in weather, as some parts of New Zealand were completely uninhabitable. However, the IOR continues to passionately fight so peace can return to New Zealand.

Paragon United almost entirely rules the North Island, and has refitted Auckland as their hub - renaming it [b]Modal Auckland[/b]. Modal Auckland is a blend of neon-lit skyscrapers and grimy elements. Modal Auckland has been transformed into a high-tech metropolis where advanced technology coexists with the natural beauty of the region.[/cell][cell][center][hr][img]https://i.imgur.com/ntYsCGs.jpg[/img][hr][color=2e2c2c]......................................................................................[/color][/center][/cell][/row][/table]The skyline of Modal-Auckland is a stunning fusion of gleaming neon skyscrapers and sprawling, interconnected megastructures that create a dreary sense of loneliness mixed with the endless rain. Billboards and holographic advertisements shine brightly at night, creating a dazzling, ever-shifting display that blocks out the stars. You're unlikely to see anyone wandering the streets here that is not a member of Paragon United's army, or a mercenary-contractor who works for them. You'll see some business workers here and there, but everyone who came to Modal-Auckland came to capitalize on the war. Thus you can find plenty of diverse restaurants, entertainment, and even strip clubs and brothels. Auckland's iconic harbor has become a high-tech port, where Paragon United uses enormous cargo drones and container ships to haul in more weapons of war and supplies. Without the IOR, environmental degradation has taken its toll on Modal Auckland. Pollution and climate change have left their mark on the city with areas suffering from unbreathable air and rising sea levels.