[CHAR] Precipice of War - The Big Leagues of NRP (Only generous tippers need apply)

[DELETED32084]

**Ignore**

[Nerevarine]

Hellenic Socialist Republic

Leader:
Premier Markos Vafiadis - A major leader of the Communist Party in Greece, Vafeiadis was a natural choice for leadership of the State of Greece following the success of the communist takeover. Born in the Ottoman Empire on the Island of Chios, Markos and his family became Greek nationals when the military invaded and took control of Chios during the Great War. With the island devastated by the war, Markos moved to Thessaloniki with his family in 1923. Vafiadis became actively involved in politics and quickly became a leading figure in the Communist party alongside fellow leader Nikos Zachariadis. The two conducted the military campaigns against the Kingdom of Greece during the Civil War, and Vafiadis was elected to the possition of Premier with the creation of the new State

History:

Incessant revanchism lead to the entrance of the Kingdom of Greece into the Great War, fighting on the side of the entente with the promises of concessions of historically Greek lands as rewards for their contributions to the war effort. The Greeks actively participated in the invasions of the Ottoman Empire, taking control of Eastern Thrace and completely occupying the Aegean. Fueled by the promise of the fulfillment of the Megali Idea, the country was devastated when they were shorthanded in their share of spoils of the dying Ottoman State. While taking control of Cyprus, the Aegean Islands, and much of Eastern Thrace, the Greeks were spurned their ambitions in Anatolia, and perhaps most insulting of all, the city of Constantinople remained firmly in the control of the Turks.

With the conclusion of the war, Greece began to enter into a period of economic decline, along with the commencement of a trend of radicalization of the general public. When the Ottomans once again were vulnerable during Ataturk's uprising, the Greeks seized upon the opportunity to take what they felt was rightfully Greek land.

Using the Aegean Islands as a base, the Greeks attempted an outright invasion of Anatolia. However, they had gravely misunderestimated the power of their enemy, and the Greek invasion was badly defeated, quickly exorcized from Asia Minor, and never once entering into Constantinople. As a concession for their defeat, the Greek Kingdom was further humiliated in being forced to cede all of Eastern Thrace to the Ottomans. With this defeat, the dream of the Megali Idea died forever, and the reputation of the then ruling Liberal Party fell into the darkness.

1936 saw a severe split in the Greek public opinion, with the population nearly entirely radicalized towards the Far Right and Far Left. Elections saw the final fall of the moderate parties, with the parliament being split nearly 55/30/15% Communist, Nationalist, and Other parties respectively. It was around this time that a former general during the Great War named Ioannis Metaxas, with support from then King George II, and the backing of the Nationalist Party, took control of the Government in Athens, putting the country into a state of martial law and instituting a purge of those elements that were deemed enemies of the Greek State, most notably Communists, Socialists, Ethnic and Religious minorities (particularly Turks and Muslims), and anyone else he saw as a threat to his power, legitimsed under the auspices of the King.


Greek Civil War, 4 August, 1936

With the seizure of power by Metaxas, the Communist Party and supporters quickly reorganized and relocated to the north of the country, forming the Democratic Army of Greece in Thessaloniki with volunteers as well as turncoats from the Greek Army, and forming a powerful opposition to the Nationalist forces, and declaring a Hellenic Socialist Republic. For the next five years, Greece would be consumed by a violent civil war, with public opinion of Metaxas falling with the increasing brutality of his rule. On 4 August, 1941, The Democratic Army of Greece entered into Athens, capturing Prime Minister Metaxas and having him quickly tried and executed by hanging. King George II fled to exile in Britain, with the communists declaring the abolition of the Monarchy.

With the creation of this new socialist state, the Greek government set about fixing the state after the civil war, with massive seizing and redistribution of privately owned land prior to the revolution, and the establishment of social programs to improve the quality of life of the average Greek citizen, as well as the gradual purging of the influence of the Greek Orthodox Church from the legislation of the country, with increasing restrictions on public expression of The Church. The new government also turned it's attention towards its neighbors, with the new mission to spread the socialist revolution to all Greeks. Greece renewed its claims to Eastern Thrace, much to the chagrin of the Ottomans, and Greek espionage forces fomented the revolt of Northern Epirus and its pledge of integration into the Hellenic Socialist Republic, with Greek forces occupying the area in 1951, though the area is still recognized as a part of Albania by much of the international community.

Entering into the 1960s, the Hellenic Socilist Republic is a budding new state, a strongly socialist government that seeks to reclaim those areas it feels it has lost to the Ottomans. Having finally recovered from the scars of the civil war, the future has endless potential for Greece.

Other:

Greek espionage is active throughout the Balkans and Anatolia, especially in areas of heavy Greek popluation, such as in the borderlands with the other Balkan States and in western Anatolia and Eastern Thrace.

Greece and Albania entered into a ceasefire in the 50s that continues to this day, however the Epirus Incident remains a point of tension between the nations.

The Communist Party of Greece exists as the only legal political party in the country

Greek is the sole official language, however Turkish, Albanian and "The Romanian dialects" (Romanian, Aromanian and Megleno-Romanian) all have special minority status, thus allowing for state funding of institutions such as schools using these languages as mediums, in designated minority areas.

Demographics

The population of the state as a whole is 8.5 Million, the vast majority of which are ethnic Greeks (90%), with Turks being the second most populous group at 6%, followed by "Slavic" (2%), Albanians (1%), Romanis (0.8%) with all others making up about 0.2% of the Greek population. Greek is the mostly widely spoken language, spoken as the native langauge of about 95% of the population and understood by all, with Turkish coming second with 4% speaking it as a mother tongue, and about 13% of the country understanding it as a second language. French is the most widely studied foreign language in the country with 60% of students taking a course in it, and about 30-45% of the population capable of speaking it, followed by English, studied by 30% of students and spoken by about 20% of the population.

The state is forbidden from collecting data on religious adherence, but it is estimated that 80% of the country is Christian, (further subdivided into Eastern Orthodoxy at 95% of Christians, with Catholics at 3%, and all others at 2%), 10% Atheist/Irreligious, 8% Muslim (nearly all of which are Sunni Muslims), 2% all else. The Government of Greece officially promotes State Atheism, and all public expressions of religion are heavily restricted.

While the south is nearly entirely Greek due to extensive deporations and ethnic cleansings during the Metaxas regime and after the civil war, the north of the country is notable for its vibrant Turkish minority community, many of whom can trace their ancestry all the way back to the Ottoman period. Many other Turks are leftist aligned immigrants from the Ottoman Empire. And while some may fear assimilation of future generations into the predomiant Greek culture, the Turkish minority is ironically perhaps the most patriotic and supportive group of the communist regime.

The north of the country is notably more left-leaning and liberal than the south, which is characterized as a strongly conservative area, the Peloponesse being a particularly conservative area. Thessaloniki is known as the most liberal of cities, while Sparta has a reputation as a stronghold of conservativism.

Military

The Democratic Army of Greece

Symbol of the Democratic Army of Greece

The Democratic Army of Greece (Greek: Δημοκρατικός Στρατός Ελλάδας, DSE (ΔΣΕ)) is the standing military of the Hellenic Socialist Republic. Formed in 1936 as a response to the royally sanctioned military takeover of Ioannis Metaxas and attrocities commited in his name, the DSE was based out of the City of Thessaloniki, where its main headquarters can still be found today. While at its height in the Greek Civil War, the army had membership of 50,000, Today the military is comprised of about 34,000 members.

The Popular Civil Guard
The Popular Civil Guard (Greek: Λαϊκή Πολιτοφυλακή, PL, (ΛΠ))is the Military Police force of the Hellenic Socialist Republic. The Guard is a feared force by many, known for its acts of domestic surveillance, removal of dissidents, and espionage activities. Behaving as a kind of Secret Police, the PL is tasked in keeping the domestic integrity of the state strong, as well as carrying out acts of spying and to instigate socialist uprisings in neighboring countries. Seemingly omnicient, the people of Greece are not without good reason to fear the Popular Civil Guard.

Important People

Defense Minister Nikolaos "Nikos" Zachariadis - Greek Minister of War - Born as the son of a tobacco farmer in East Thrace, Nikos Zacharadis would go on to become a major military commander of the Communist forces of Greece. Once the civil war was completed, Zacharadis was appointed as the head of the Ministry of National Defense. Now an old man, Zacharadis can no longer participate on the battlefield, but his experience makes him a valuable asset in the military ambitions of the Greek State.

General Dimitrios Partsalidis - Head General of Democratic Army of Greece - An exile from Treibizond who was forced out during the Pontic Greece genocide, Dimitrios Partsalidis acts as a second brain in the actions and planning of the Democratic Army of Greece along side Zacharidis.

Stephanos Papayannis - Head of the Popular Civil Guard - Papayannis is the head of the Popular Civil Guard, and a man known for his zealotry in regard to Communism and his brutal, draconian policies.

Vasilis Bartziotas - Appointed Successor of PCG - Second in command to Papayannis

Anastasia Demitriades - Greek Ambassador to Ethiopia

Adrian Emirolou - Greek Ambassador to Algeria

Non-Government characters
Mustafa Georgaidis - Greek intelligence agent. Half-Turkish.

Athena Metaxas - Great-Granddaughter of Ioannis Metaxas.

Yiannis Anastasopoulos - Epirot Soldier

Thaimes Hatzi - Spartan Solider

Evangjel Tzavaranas - Arvanite boy from Athens fighting in Alabania

Ahmet Pashaj -aka Gjergj Kastrioti -Albanian Terrorist leader

Terms and Slang
Shiptar - A derogatory term for Albanians, mostly reserved for Albanians of Albania proper and Northern Epirus
Arvanite - Albanian population native to Southern Greece. Mostly wiped out in the civil war, with survivors of the Arvanite community existing in Epirus (where they are being asimilated into the "Shqip" Albanians, or to Macedonia, where they are integrating into the Macedonian Turks

Places
Argyrokastro - The capital of the Northern Epirus Autonomous Region. A violent, dangerous shit hole

Post Catalogue:
1. The Rise of Socialism; Stake out in Cyprus; Life in Occupied Epirus.
2. Athena Metaxas and the state of Argyrokastro
3. The Mediterranean Defense Coalition; Backing a Coup in Albania
4. The boys in Epirus finally see action in Albania
5. Greece formally backs Hoxha

[BingTheWing]

People's Republic of Thailand

Name

People's Republic of Thailand

Territory



_{Image courtesy of @Shyri}

Head of State
Grand Premier Thornthep Radchawat

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.

[NecroKnight]

Herzogtum von Deutsch Westafrika

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

Flag

Coat of Arms

Location (on map):

Duchy

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

Painting

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.

---

Graf Wilhelm Hurst von Deutsche Westafrika

Painting

Role: heir and son the Duke of German West Africa

---

Amadou Bankole von Douala

Photo

Position: Oberstleutant of the Afrikan Corps

[SgtEasy]

Islamic State of Algeria

The People's Democratic Islamic State of Algeria

^{More commonly known as the Islamic State of Algeria or Algeria}

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:

Map

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

Post Catalogue

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

[Killian]

India

Nation:
India

Leader:
Davinder Singh Khattris Jandaji

Flag:


Location (on map):


History:
> The Great War 1914-1921

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When the British started running out of soldiers to throw at the front lines during the war, they began to draft Indians, sometimes forcefully, into their forces. This led to plenty of resentment among Indians, and most who were drafted would end up running away first chance they had, not wanting to go fight a war on another continent for somebody else. Underground groups of anti-British citizens began to pop up all throughout the country, and when the war ended, the people of India saw how weak the British had become, and immediately began to rebel against British rule.

> Indian Independence Revolution

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After the mass casualties of Indians during The Great War, and years of abuse at the hands of the British Raj, the Indian people of Delhi sparked the Indian Independence Revolution in 1922. Women took to the streets angry with the loss of their sons and husbands, rioting the lack of compensation for their dead from the British Government after the war. Riots started against Raj police forces, and quickly escalated to straight up guerrilla warfare. These attacks were lead mostly by those who were forced to served in the war, taking the skills, they were taught by the British military, and using them against their oppressors. As the fighting escalated, a war hero named Davinder Singh Khattris Jandaji became a prominent leader in the resistance, using his skills learned in The Great War to aid his countrymen against the forces of the British Raj, eventually taking over the northern half of India. Soon after, the country was drowning in the blood of weakened British forces, their government buildings burning and ruined. The war ended when Britain relinquishing control of India to Davinder's forces on the eleventh of June 1930 in Delhi at 16:20:00 and abandoning the British Raj all together.

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

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The remnants of the British Raj still fought back against the newly independent India, despite Britain officially declaring the Raj abandoned. Their forces began to be pushed further South by the united Indian army. Then, in 1935, the strain eventually became too much to handle, and the remnants of the British Raj took what remained of their naval forces, and fled to Sri Lanka, where they would enforce their autonomy with their navy; something the Indians lacked. However, without support from Britain, and limited resources on the island, the "Raj" soon had to resort to piracy, raiding the Indian coast and fishing vessels in order to sustain themselves. Due to these actions, the Raj is classified by India as a terrorist organization, and Indian Forces soon line the South-Eastern coast, watching Sri Lanka for any signs of ship's moving North, so they can respond in time.

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

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With the Raj finally driven from the mainland, India soon began forced deportations of British nationals who no longer were recognized as citizens of India. This led to small communities of British people who felt more Indian than British being formed outside of the major cities, where they tried to live as they had been for years. Davinder's government eventually started a program where Indians could sell out their British neighbors for financial compensation. Of course, there were others who were sympathetic to the remaining British, who would try to hide them from the government. Since then, there has been an ongoing effort to remove illegal British citizens from India. There are, however pockets of the British Raj leftover in the most remote villages of India. In these spots, it is not uncommon to find rogue generals acting as war lords, maintaining their control of these small settlements with a handful of men at their backs. These men are considered a terrorist threat to India and are being forcibly removed, and put to trial. If they are found to have harmed any Indian citizens, they are imprisoned, otherwise, they are deported.

> Recovery period begins. 1935-

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After the Indian Revolution, the country set to work to reverse the harm done over the last century by British colonists and missionaries. The country focused inward, setting up its own currency and market, establishing trade within the country and with neighbors, financing the arts, and improving infrastructure of the country. There is an ongoing effort of the Indian government demanding that Britain return relics and art works in their museums that were plundered from India; an ongoing issue that has not made any progress. There is a focus on improving working conditions for women and making them more equal in the society, much to the more conservative and traditionalist Indians dismay. Religion is being reworked and reclaimed after the Protestant missionaries vilified Indian culture, Hinduism, and Tantric practices. There is much debate present on whether or not Hindu and Tantric practices should be sterilized, in order to be taken seriously by the rest of the world. Often changes are made to the public depiction of the respective religion depending on which groups are in power in the Indian parliament.

> Pakistan and Burma petition independence. India accepts. 1945

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Pakistan and Burma petitioned for independence from India in 1945. India concedes, as the country is still recovering from The Great War and from their war for independence. They also lack a strong currency, and cannot truly support Pakistan and Burma as territories, and so allowed them their independence. Both countries uphold good relations with India, and maintain trade between their nations.

> China invades Tibet. 1950

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In response to China's Western crawl, India offered protection to Nepal and Bhutan, and works to guard the borders nearest to China to prevent India sharing a longer border with China.

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

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Recently British Raj forces have begun to become more violent, leaving Sri Lanka for mainland India using forged documents and coming through official channels to stage terrorist attacks. The pirate forces from Sri Lanka have also been attempting more attacks on the coast to distract from the conflicts occurring inland. British warlords are still present in remote and rural villages of India, and are becoming more violent. In response, the Indian government has called for military forces to sweep through India to depose them and allow the smaller villages to join the rest of Indian in their freedom from colonial reign.

> January 1960, and onward.

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As the new year dawned, Davinder has finally prepared to step down, preparing for an election in December. The military has begun checking the most remote villages marked on the maps, hoping to find the remaining Warlords. Meanwhile, Indian culture is flourishing, especially with the newly founded Tollywood providing entertainment across the subcontinent.

Key Terms:

しにたい

(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.)

A:

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Ayurveda- Early Indian medicine founded in religion that treats ailments depending on caste, gender, age, and diet.

Arjuna- One of the Pandava brothers, born from Kunti by Indra. Favored and feared by the gods, as none can beat him in battle, fulfills a dual god motif with Krsna. Uses a bow as a weapon. From the Mahabharata.

The Asvins- twin gods of the sunrise and sunset, averting misfortune and sickness. Fathers to Nakula and Sahaveda by Madri.

B:

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Bhagavad Gita- The sixth section in the Mahabharata, and the largest poem in the world. The poem serves to aid one in reaching enlightenment so that upon death one may escape samsara and live serving Vishnu (Krsna) in the heaven realms. It also teaches “Yog” the practical applications of spiritual knowledge to mundane life.

Bhima- One of the Pandava brothers in the Mahabharata, born from Kunti from Vayu. Known as wolf bellied for his appetite, uses a club as a weapon.

Brahma- creator god with four faces, one for each of the four Vedas. Fell in popularity for worship. The first of the gods in the Hindu triumvirate.

Brahman- member of the highest Hindu caste system, that of priesthood.

C:

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Caste system- The universe was born of Purusha sacrificing himself, and so to was the caste system. The bhramin (priests) were born of his mouth, the nobles (warriors) of his arms, his two legs became the populace, and his feet the servants.

The First Sacrifice

D:

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Dharma- law, duty, virtue, and morality. The meaning is contextual in a Hindu sense. Dharma in this sense is determined by caste, gender, and age generally for what can be considered a more blanket dharma, however depending on the person they will have their own personal dharma’s to uphold. In the Buddhist sense the Dharma is the teaching of the Buddha, the ultimate truth and law that governs all things.

Draupadi- The joint wife of all five Pandava brothers.

E:
F:
G:

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Ganesha- A god known as the remover of obstacles, patron of arts and science, and a god of intellect and wisdom. He is also invoked as a god of beginnings in ceremonies and is one of the most widely worshipped deities.

H:

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Hanuman: Son of the wind-god Vayu and brother to Bhima (Mahabharata). Hanuman serves to bring Rama to Sita in the Ramayana. He is a half human half monkey deity.

I:

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Indra- King of the gods who wields vajra (thunderbolts) as his weapon. Father to Arjuna by Kunti.

J:
K:

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Kama- God of erotic love and pleasure. Destroyed by Siva while trying to stop him from gaining greater yogic powers. Siva killed him with an eye beam from his forehead.

Karma- The life debt that one gains through good or bad deeds through their life that impacts rebirth placement and events in the next life. The debt is paid off at random. Hindu context states that any bad deed is bad karma and any good deed is good karma, whereas Buddhist’s argue that the motivation behind the action determines how good or bad the karma is.
Ex: You step on an ant killing it by accident. Equally bad karma to doing it purposefully in the Hindu context. Buddhist context says that the karma gained isn’t as bad as if you were to purposely kill the ant.

L:

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Lakshmi- Consort to Vishnu and the supreme being in Vaishnavism. She is a goddess of wealth and prosperity, and is the avatar Sita in the Ramayana.

Laws of Manu- Moral and religious law code and likely published 200 CE. It served as the code of conduct for inter-caste relationships in India, as well out outlining care of the body through food and hygiene, how women are to be treated, marriage, purification of the body, and the treatment of crimes. The work is still key in some ways to Hindu culture.

M:

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Mahabharata- One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. The Mahabharata is an epic of the Kuruksetra War and the fates of the rivaling Kaurava and Pandava princes, and contains the Bhagavad-Gita in it, which is well known in Indian culture.

Moksha- emancipation, liberation, and release from the wheel of samsara in the Hindu perspective.

N:

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Nakula- Twin brother of Sahaveda born of the Asvins and a Pandava brother in the Mahabhrata. Tends to the horses.

O:
P:

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Q:
R:

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Raksasas- ogre-like beings who roam the forests at night and are known to be shape shifters who eat people. Most are malign, but not all.

Ramayana- One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. The Ramayana covers the story of Rama (Visnu) and his struggle to save his wife Sita (Lakshmi) from the demon king Ravana during their fourteen-year exile.
Sita Sings the Blues

S:

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Sahaveda- Twin brother of Nakula born of the Asvins and a Pandava brother in the Mahabhrata. Tends to the horses.

Sakti- Ritual suicide done by warrior caste women on their deceased husbands funeral pyre to ascend to the heaven her husband dwells in. Made illegal in the late 1800’s as a push back against the British Raj and Christian missionaries slamming Hinduism as a primitive and idolatry religion. Despite it being illegal it is occasionally still practiced in some small villages, often with pressure from the husband’s family.

Samsara- the wheel of birth, life, death, and rebirth.

Siva/Shiva- the god who destroys evil and transformation, the god of the cosmic dance that ends the world. Uses a trident as a weapon, is a key figure in Tantra.

T:

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Tantra- Purification in mainstream Hinduism is void as all things profane loan one power in this life and moksha in death to escape samsara. We are all Siva who forgot that we are Siva experiencing the world, Tantra reminds one that they are Siva and that all the world is play and should be enjoyed in mind blowing bliss, good or bad. The goddess is supreme power in Tantra however, and all power is derived from her.

Tantrika- a male practitioner of Tantra, often with magical powers.

The Triumvirate- consists of three gods (Bhrama, Visnu, Siva) who are responsible for the creation, upkeep, and destruction of the world.

U:

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Upanishads- a part of the Vedas that are also a large part of the Bhagavad Gita, and impeded in Indian culture.

V:

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Vedas- Ancient sacred texts, used chiefly in connection with brahamanical rituals.

Visnu/Vishnu- Visnu is the god of protection, preservation of good, of Dharma restoration, and Moksha. Second god in the Triumvirate, he is the protector and preserver of the world.

Ten incarnations of Visnu:

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1. Matsya (The Fish)
2. Kurma (The Tortoise)
3. Varaha (The Boar)
4. Narasimha (The Man-Lion)
5. Vamana (The Dwarf)
6. Parasurama (The Angry Man)
7. Lord Rama (The Perfect Man) (The Ramayana)
Rama's Great
8. Lord Krsna (The Divine Statesman) (The Mahabharata)
(One of the most revered forms of Visnu in India. Ex: Hari Krsna)
9. The Buddha
10. Kalki (The Mighty Warrior)

W:
X:
Y:

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Yama: The god of the dead and Dharma. Father to Yudhisthira by Kunti.

Yoga- from the word “to yoke”. The original Yogatantra states that yoga has one position, “to sit in a comfortable position”. Modern yoga as we know it is a mixture of controlled breathing meditation mixed with the military exercises and exercise tools from gymnastics and training done by the British Raj in India. Modern yoga wasn’t popularized and spread until the 1920’s in real life.

Yudhisthira- First born of the Pandava brothers and king. Son of Yama by Kunti. Doesn’t fight, is the most Dharmic of the brothers.

Z:

[WrongEndoftheRainbow]

Nation: Great Britain

Location (on map):

Map

History:

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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.

Other:

Useful historical information

Withdrawal from Africa

Began in the early 1930s, the Withdrawal from Africa was a large-scale military redeployment from Africa to various islands and colonies elsewhere. The military void allowed many colonies to declare independence with little opposition, and by 1941 most African colonies excepting South Africa and the Suez Canal were no longer under British control. Within Britain it is known as a disasterous move, and extremely unpopular with the public.

General Election of 1959

This was a contentious election, marked by a historical amount of voter suppression. Leftist elements were locked out of votes almost entirely, resulting in an overwhelming victory for right-wing elements. In a short crisis, riots formed. The government cracked down on these riots violently, turning that much more of the country against them. Tensions run high as a result of this election, and leftist elements adopted the idea of revolution afterwards. Seeing their attempts at reform thwarted by a government hostile to them, it was decided that the only way to see the will of the people would be to destroy the existing government.

[DELETED32084]

The Kingdom of Spain

Heads of State:

His Royal Majesty, King Juan Carlos I

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.

Her Royal Highness, Queen Mariana Braganza I (26)

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

Ruler:

Grand Viceroy Francisco De Le Cal Delgado

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.

Location:

Map of Spain and Teritories

Spanish Territories:

Spanish Africa

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.

Tangier

The largest city in Spanish Morocco. Well known for the diversity of its population, as long as they are Catholic of course.

Spanish Guinea

A small slice of Africa still controlled by the Spanish.

Los Territorios del Norte

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

Corsica

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

Sardinia

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

Portugal

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

Lisbon

The Spanish provincial of Portugal. A stunning city of the old world, the Queen was born here.

Porto

The seat of Portuguese resistance to Spain until flame throwers were used to put down the rebels. This city has not yet healed from the scars of Spanish conquering fire.

Spanish Western Sahara

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

Dakhla

The Seaside town of Dakhla is world renowned for its amazing surfing, wind surfing, and kite surfing. It is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for young adults looking to spend some time on the beach, find themselves a playmate, and to indulge in the Tango.

Political Factions:

Royalists

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.

Communists

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.

Nationalists

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.

Anarchists

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.

Characters:

His Royal Highness, King Juan Carlos I (24)

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.

Her Royal Highness, Queen Mariana Braganza I (26)

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

Grand Viceroy Francisco De Le Cal Delgado (35)

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 Martín Fernández de Navarrete (38)

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

Director Juan José Omella (72)

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.

Viceroy Mariano Rajoy (41)

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.

Maria Rajoy, Marquessa of Morocco (18)

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.

Ambassador Marc Marginedas (51)

Spanish Ambassador to Portugal.

Duarte Nuno, Duke of Braganza (55)

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

General Admiral Teodoro E. López Calderón (61) (Deceased)

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

Army General Francisco Javier Varela Salas (56) (Deceased)

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

Places:

Palacio Real de Madrid

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

Alhambra (Granada)

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

Real Armada Estación Rota

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

Alcazaba de Málaga

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

Sagrada Família

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

Hospital de San Sebastián el Mártir

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

Government Institutions:

Centro Nacional de Inteligencia (State Secret Police)

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

Cazadores (Elite Military Police)

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

Policia Territorial (Territorial Police)

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

Guardia Civil (Civil Guard)

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

Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (National Police)

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

Armada Real Española (Spanish Navy)

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

Spanish Vehicles:

Zorro Medium Tank

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.

Tortuga Tank Light tank,

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

Spanish Ships:

Heroe-Class Battleship

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.

Spanish Aircraft:

Cormoran Class Dirigible

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.

Colibri Fighter Plane

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

History:

Hider

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 Spanish Empire - History Reimagined

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.

Post Catalogue:
Free State of Rhodesia
0. Established November 2017
1. The Ethiopians and Rhodesians meet
2. Henry Cornell Intro, meets with Ethiopian Ambassador
3. Intro for the Rhodesian Security Bureau
4. Intro of Andrew Walls, the drug king pin makes his mark
5. Andrew Walls is raided by the RSB
6. Rhodesians save the Seige of Mombasa
7. Intro for Sara Reicker, sexy RSB agent sent to keep an eye on things in Ethiopia
8. Andrews Walls escapes his pursuers and finds the rebels
9. Rhodesia decides to vacate the Seige of Mombasa
10. Andrew Walls is betrayed by Robert Mugabe
11. Cornell Tobacco Headquarters
12. Cornell Tobacco arrives in the Philippines
13. Cornell Tobacco pins down a massive trade deal
14. Sara Reicker executes her duty to Rhodesia
15. Rhodesian Foreign Office is down a man and Rhodesia's white future is revealed.
16. Golf buddies debate jurisdiction
17. A beautiful Journalist meets a Pilot who loves her work.
18. Russians for free, and Rhodesia is shopping
19. A Journalist defies gravity
20. Communists in Zambia
21. The Angel of Death
22. Salisbury Nightlife
23. Marijuana and Rhodesian Society
24. Rhodesia, a promised land
25. Anna Leaves the Past behind
26. Andrews Past Continues to Haunt Him
The Kingdom of Spain
00. Established February 2018
27. The Most Dangerous Game
28. The RAS Don Quixote makes waves
29. The Inquisition continues to haunt Spain
30. The King likes his games
31. The Return of Sara Reicker
32. Communists in Spain
33. A military build up on the Northern Frontier
34. A King in Portugal? Not if there is a King in Spain
35. Colonel Delgado becomes Grand Viceroy as he leads a Military coup
36. The King has blood on his hands
37. Portugal is given 24 hours to surrender.
38. The King is to marry a woman he has never met.
39. Portugal surrenders, at least on paper
40. Communist BBQ
41. The Isabel Gemio Story - Part I (The Princess and the Viceroy)
42. The Isabel Gemio Story - Part II (A Private Eye in Sao Paolo)
43. The Isabel Gemio Story - Part III (A Secret to Die For) / The King is Rejected
44. Cultural: Surfs up!
45. Cultural: Hopes and Dreams in Ibiza
46. Of Rebels and Assassins - Part I (An Ambush in Porto)
47. Of Rebels and Assassins - Part II (Delgado's Iron Will)
48. The Isabel Gemio Story - Part IV (A Fugitive in Sao Paolo)
49. Of Rebels and Assassins - Part III (We Need a Professional)
50. The Isabel Gemio Story - Part V (The Queens Naughty Secret)
51. Cultural: Backpacking in Spain
52. "Desperta Ferro!" - Part I (The Army of Morocco)
53. "Desperta Ferro!" - Part II (Don Quixote Battlegroup)
54. Of Rebels and Assassins - Part IV (Hiring a Stranger)
55. The Isabel Gemio Story - Part VI (The Hunter arrives)
56. "Desperta Ferro!" - Part III (To Kill the Infidel is Not Murder)
57. "Desperta Ferro!" - Part IV (Gods Breath)
58. Home for a Rest
59. Letter from Francisco
60. A Problem of Loyalty
61. Clearing La Zona Roja
000 REVAMPED SPANISH HISTORY

[EveryMemeAKing]

The Free State of Assyria

Characters:

Characters

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

Location:

Map

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

History:

History

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.

Other:

Religion

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

Racial Makeup

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.

Capital

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

[Nerevarine]

Chechnya

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.

[Byrd Man]

Nation
The Empire of Japan

Location



Credit goes to KGP for the history. It's concise and very well thought out, so I won't be changing it.

History

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.

Key People:

Nobuhito -- 126th Emperor of Japan
Inaba Rai -- Prime Minister
Hakushaku (Count) Togai -- Powerful member of the Kazoku (Japanese Peerage), uncle of the Emperor.
Inspector Shinzo -- Kenpeitai commander in Korea.
Yasutake Miki -- Artist and propaganda film director.
Dokuro Abe -- Yakuza soldier.
Soo Jung Kim -- Korean student and political activist.
Danshaku (Baron) Kishimoto Nagumo -- IJN pilot ace, fighting Russian insurgents in Primosky Krai
Admiral Tanji "Tiger" Tanaka -- Commander-in-Chief, South China Fleet

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Interlude #1

The Empire of Japan
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[NecroKnight]

Arkhangelsk

Nation: Arkhangelsk Socialist Union (ASU)

Flag:



Location:

Arkhangelsk

History:

Birth of the Union

The Arkhangelsk Socialist Union, wasn't so much born as it was created due to circumstances surrounding the event of 1952. When the Tsar and what was thought the entire Imperial Family was assassinated everything crumbled into dust - revealing such how fragile the Russian Empire truly was.

Although, the Arkhangelsk Rebellion could be declared as the reason, for Arkhangelsk not being part of the remains of Petrograd. Several other events also helped lead to the situation that the Oblast - key which being the hunt for Socialist elements - that drained more resources, than the Czar or his advisory might have imagined.

In the Oblast, resources and even men were shipped off to serve and enforce the absolutism of the Tsar - in an Empire, where small acts unleashed big and sometimes devastating changes upon the land itself. These acts caused enough resentment to slowly develop in the local people. When the 1952 Assassinations happened, the oblast like many other regions were thrown into chaos.

Arkhangelsk was lucky namely, that their elite and the Governorate didn't try and assert dominance - they merely gathered their wealth and family, then fled over the seas into Finland. This in turn left the entire oblast in disarray, prompting the Arctic Ocean Flotilla to refuse following the orders of the Petrograd Government - assuming that they were trying to take control, like many others.

Thus the various regiments under the command of Polkovnik Vydur, marched onto the city of Arkhangelsk - although, instead of following orders and besieging the city, many of the soldiers mutinied. As they neither wanted to follow the orders of an Imperial officer, kill more of their countrymen nor follow orders of a dead nation. Thus the Rebellion added even more chaos into the fire.

The small civil war that happened, lasted for about seven months - and mostly wasn't so much bloody as it meant several skirmishes happening in the wide open forests and snowy hills. Although numerous artillery guns were utilized thus causing some sense of destruction - mostly in the mills and shipyards.

When the dust cleared, the situation wasn't anything good to begin with - the ruling elite had run off, the Czar was likely dead and due to the Regimental Rebellions they were likely considered traitors by the remaining Imperial Forces. Thus, what few people constituted as leadership-material gathered in the city.

One of the people to step up was Amani Yukarev, the rural poet and Captain Marakov Ruskav. Low-level bureaucrats from Arkhangelsk and Severodvinsk alongside a naval officer from the Flotilla also met - as Yukarev had managed to convince the naval element to remain (incase some civilians wished to flee). The situation wasn't dire but would become so in the coming years.

Namely they had no ruler, nor had anybody any ideas on how to build a new national structure from scratch. Except the one espoused by the socialists - namely, during several crushed uprisings many books had been collected and not been burned yet. Plus, they had enough officials to get a system going. After several weeks of negotiations and talks - eventually a semi-socialist system was set in place and a bare-bones constitution was drafted up. Namely establishing the Arkhangelsk Socialist Union and namely the People' Commune the governmental body.

In the eight years since then the splintering of the Russian Empire, the ACU has had it's hands busy - namely constantly adding and improving upon the Constitution, combining numerous socialist, liberal and democratic elements. From both people like Lenin, Karl Marx, Julius Martov and a few from Yukarev himself. While trying to build up a sustainable community, constructing new infrastructure and keeping the other warlords away from their borders.

Important Figures:

Amani Ivanovich Yukarev

Amani Yukarev was born at the start of the new century, March 1st 1900 - in a rural and poor town. Like many others during that time, Amani and his family lived in poverty - the situation further worsened by the entire of Imperial Russia into the Great War.

Like several other young men, he had been rather interested in the ideals of Socialism and Communism - namely the notion of equality and prosperity. The young Amani had also been most interest in poetry at the time as well, although when the coup failed in 1917 - people like him were hunted, captured and thrown into vast tundra of Siberia, to pay-out their punishment for treason with hard labour.

While some further radicalized, Amani had his views softened as hard labor tempered his mind and dulled his idealism. Although they didn't erase his beliefs completely. After serving twenty years of his sentence, he was allowed to return home - a man of thirty-seven as he settled into the Arkhangelsk Oblast - which was sparsely populated, had work he had grown accustomed to and less eyes of the Tsar than most regions.

Here Amani continued writing poetry, that criticized both the Tsarist regime and yet also in the years following the ideals of Communism as well. He developed his own ideas, during long nights to ponder in the wilderness - he came to understand that neither Absolutist Tsarism nor Destabilizing Communism was an ideal political agenda for the future. As both sides, discredit each other due to their brutal and bloody nature. As Amani wrote some of his own political ideas under the alias of the Ghostwriter - and distributed some of his ideas around the Oblast to rural communities.

When the events of 1952 happened, Amani Yukarev soon was forced by motion of events, to step up and put his ideas into actual practice.

Marakov Vladimirovich Ruskav

Marakov was born on April 15, 1929 - into a rather decent family of meager military background behind them, into a suburb in Moscow. During a time, when Russia was both at the edge and as he grew up, recovered from the threat of Communism - afterwards things developed rather calmly. Although, around that time, life was hard and military life seemed a bit more welcoming - despite the failures of the Imperial Army in the Great War, they had developed and had been improved - or so the papers told.

Without many options and by some encouragement - Marakov, joined the Imperial Army around the time that the current Tsar passed away and his son came to power. Although, while Marakov had imagined a slow but steady climb - he, like many other new recruits were forced into service. Instead of a foreign enemy, they were instead sent to fight the only enemy they had experience with - namely their own countrymen.

Marakov was among the many, whom had been deployed into the Caucasus and namely forced to fire and kill civilians. Namely bare boys, sent to enforce order upon people whom didn't look that different than their own parents. While the Czar' idea of absolute order might have been sound to him, many conscripts and a few officers were suffered by it - like the people they had put down. Most suffering mental or physical problems, and turning to alcohol or low-level criminal activity, to help with their scars.

Marakov was the rare kind, to be hardened by his experience yet not let it break him apart. The seven years of service was given, each year his loyalty diminished even further - despite his attaining the rank of Kapitan or Captain. Although in those years, he became more religious to find meaning in his life and absolution.

Since the brutal crackdowns felt less fighting treacherous socialists and more felt like simply brutality against their own people. It didn't help either, that the few books about socialism they had recovered weren't all burned. Some of the men even started curiously reading about the supposed 'evil' that they were forced to crush several times over.

When the Fall of the Czar happened in 1952 orders came to establish control around St. Petersburg. As it was, the Arctic Ocean Flotilla in Arkhangelsk refused to submit to the recall order, as such one Imperial Polkovnik(Colonel) wanted to lay siege to the very city itself - in a mock attempt of wanting to return to St. Petersburg with a more valuable gift and support.

The then Regiments in Arkhangelsk refused to continue anymore - the last order breaking any loyalty they had to Imperial rule. The infighting was short yet bloody - as thanks to the leadership of Kapitan Marakov were they able to win.

[Isotope]

Rostov-Tsaritsyn Provisional Government

Green Claim

History:

Rostov, ‘the forgotten stepping stone’. Or at least, that was what many came to see their home as. In the Great War armies had rallied there, and left, and so too was this the case when the Tsar looked to stamp out the communist menace. No matter the destruction around it the valuable port was left, more or less, unmolested to profit from the drunken soldiers and sailors that stopped there for a nights rest. It was, in the end, a fond saying.

Or perhaps it is only remembered that way. Decades of the relative prosperity that accompanied peace came to a screeching and abrupt halt upon the death of the Tsar all those years ago. The chaos that followed consumed the country and its people, but perhaps nowhere was it more evident than that once forgotten stepping stone on the sea of Azov. Anarachy came in the form of Cossacks, Communists, and worse. Rostov was besieged within months of the Tsars death, set upon by a sundry of enemies all hungering for its meagre riches. In the first year alone thousands died in the fighting, and thousands more starved when the cities remaining authorities failed to secure a consistent source of aid. The cities defenders were stalwart and without qualms when it came to demonstrating their mettle, but the wretches that came screeching from the Caucuses outnumbered them badly.

Rostov burned for two years before hope came, and when it did it came from a place none expected. For in the northeast the city of Tsaritsyn a man had risen to forge order from the chaos that threatened to consume the shattered remains of his erstwhile homeland. Vasily Sokolovsky, Tsaritsyns former chief of police, had repulsed the forces that sought to annex that city and now looked to do the same in the south, sending word that his army was coming to all who would carry it. Compared to the forces of the would be Tsars his was a motley army, composed of old soldiers and battle hardened peasants, but in spite of this it fought with a ferocity that overwhelmed those that stood in its way. It took a month before the army of Tsaritsyn cleared a path to Rostov, but and in a matter of weeks it beat back the communists who’d held the cities outskirts for years. Praised as saviours the men from Tsaritsyn were honoured with what little Rostov had left to give, and those who’d held the city for so long declared their loyalty to the man who’d risked so much to relieve them.

In the years to come the communists would try again, and again, but with the populations of two true Russian cities united behind a man some considered a more worthy ruler than the coward who'd failed to protect his own family the new southern state prevailed each time. A few short years ago the steel foundries were burning again and the mines were running alongside them. Fields were plowed without fear of their destruction. Hunger gave way, slowly and arduously, but with certainty. The people of Rostov and Tsaritsyn were no longer merely surviving, but working towards a brighter future under the direction of a man they trusted implicitly.

When the provisional government was declared many questioned why Vasily had not made himself the southern Tsar, but those who knew him only scoffed at the idea. He was a leader because his people had cried out for one, a general because his people had demanded one, but he would not be a Tsar even if they chained a crown to his head. While his public speeches are rare they have always echoed this sentiment, that he and all in his domain are Russians. To hell which Tsar is winning, or what the quarrelling dictators are calling their little fiefs, those who live under his protection need only work to the best of their ability, rebuild as much as they are able, and remember that when the day comes they are Russians above all else. In the end it matters not who rules her, for the spirit of Russia lives in the people of Rostov and Tsaritsyn as it does in the men and women of every Russian city.

Other: WIP

[Jestocost]

Порядок рассвета

(“the Order of the Breaking Dawn”)

Location

Eastern Siberia, specifically the Yakutsk Oblast and much of the territory to the north and east.

History

When Russia fell, few places were hit harder than Siberia. Reliant on the industries of the western empire to generate demand for the region’s abundant natural resources, the economy quickly entered a deep depression that it has yet to start recovering from. The tens of thousands of miners, loggers and oilmen that had come from Moscow and St. Petersburg to seek their fortunes in the gold found themselves stranded in the taiga, with no easy way home. Along with the loss in demand came a loss of the food imports that sustained these Siberian industrial towns. This strained the region’s agricultural base, leading to severe food shortages for a few years while what was left of the economy shifted from mineral exploitation back to farming.

Amid the confusion and panic immediately following the death of the Tsar, a new sect of Russian Orthodoxy was born, one tailored to the harsh realities of life in one of the coldest and darkest regions of the world. The orthodox priests brought to the region by the industrial workers began to preach of a time when, through the ministry of the church and the grace of God, the long, hard winters would end, the sun would shine year-round and there would be so much food that no one would ever be hungry again. This movement eventually solidified into a group calling themselves the Monastic Order of the Breaking Dawn (sometimes abbreviated to simply “the Dawn”). At first just a loose confederation of regional priests and former military chaplains that met every few months in Yakutsk to discuss the region’s spiritual health, they quickly started traveling far and wide throughout Siberia to distribute food and medical supplies to those who had none, teach farming to city-born industrial workers and spread the word of God’s light.

Eventually, the Order’s unique brand of Christianity became the dominant religion in the northern Lena River basin and the Yakutsk Oblast, and their congregation’s offerings accumulated enough that they were able to finance the construction of their own monastery to the north of Yakutsk. This rapid growth has somewhat drawn the ire of the ruling Siberian Cossacks, though with so few members and little in the way of institutional wealth apart from the monastery buildings themselves, retribution from the Cossacks has thus far been limited to occasional demands of food and currency, which to date the monks have complied with.

Though by no means a political power in the Oblast, its members have come to be greatly respected by the populace and there is talk of establishing a religious council in charge of the northern villages to better coordinate the sharing of resources and possibly begin the task of restarting the regional economy.

Other information

The Dawn is a cenobitic monastic order headquartered in a compound at the convergence of the Lena and Aldan Rivers. It has roughly 200 members who live full-time in the monastery, plus a corps of traveling priests numbering in the low hundreds who serve the northeastern reaches of the Oblast by providing medical and agricultural knowledge and religious services. Its followers number in the high tens of thousands, if not low hundreds of thousands, comprised of almost the entire rural population of the Oblast and a sizable portion of the population of Yakutsk itself.

Their differences with conventional Christianity revolve mostly around a unique interpretation of the idea of “God’s light”, with their monks teaching that God will literally bring light to their followers, allowing them to grow food year-round, raise the temperature of the land above freezing, and live free of the extremely depressing effects of the long Siberian winter. Their holy places are brightly lit twenty-four hours a day and intense light, artificial or natural, features prominently in their rituals. Other common motifs of their worship are gold, candles, mirrors, fire and, obviously, the Sun.