Skibereen Factbook

[Skibereen]

Introduction
Diplomatic thread
Skibereen is a nation in the south-eastern Greater Dienstad region. The modern nation of Skibereen occupies only a small fraction of Greater Dienstad region. It is the eastern most nation in Greater Dienstad.
Skibereen earns its name by the three large islands which make up the Republics.

Djall-Djaedell(1) tribes arrive in the ancient Skibereen area in the 6th century AD.
It is speculated that their arrival was largely accidental as by the 7th century there is no further record of explorations in either culture to the Skibereen area, this created a separate Djall-Djaedell culture from the traditional lands. This isolated group would form the basis of modern Skibereen.
In the 9th century as the Djall-Djaedell expand throughout their new lands another tribe is encountered of Gaels. These Gaels (who would become the modern nation of Erinin) were more organized, and clutched very closely to the purely traditional ways of their old country.
Hostility arose quickly as the more prolific Erinin tribes, continually violated agreements between the two groups by grazing animals on Djall-Djaedell pastures, by making slave raids into Djall-Djaedell territory, and in general treating the Djall-Djaedell as an inferior group.

The numerical superiority of the Erinin tribes and the centralized organization of them left the Djall-Djaedell on the continually losing side of conflicts between the two groups well into modernity.

By the 14th century the Djall-Djaedell in the Skibereen area had largely adopted the self identification as 'Yrysh-Fynngall' this is believed to be the name given them originally by the Erinin tribes of Gaels. With the growing populations in the area the Erinin and Yrysh-Fynngall tribes form what is known historically as the Hibernian Union. In the Hibernian Union the Erinin tribes reigned supreme with every High King of the united clans being from the Erinin tribes.
The Hibernian Union would remain until 1710 when the Yrysh-Fynngall resenting centuries of second class treatment and what was ever increasingly viewed as Rule by a foreign monarch- revolted and declared independence from the Union. This is the first historical account of the cartographic use of the name Skibereen for the territories of the Yrysh-Fynngall tribes.

As the new territory of Skibereen spent the next hundred years in relative peace(or more accurately united in defiance of their neighbor Erinin) in 1825 an economic collapse in Erinin forced her to retract her ever growing Imperialist overtures toward the Skibereen territory. This loss of a common enemy allowed centuries old Clannish hostilities to once again rear their head, this would begin the centuries long civil war in Skibereen. This low intensity conflict would last until a tentative cease fire was reached in 1947.

The 1947 cease fire remained a precarious balancing act until 1952 when a reinvigorated Erinin launched a full scale invasion of the Skibereen Territory and her now young Republics(to be discussed later). This invasion was merely a precusor to an intended effort on the part of the Erinin government to implement a systematic genocide upon the Yrỳsh-Fynngall tribes. With massacre at the village just outside of Manethuraa led to a unified defense by the Yrysh-Fynngall tribes, and ultimately a counter invasion of the Erinin nation.

By 1970 skibereen had come out on top of their long time hostile neighbors and had begun the process of absorbing what remained of the Erinin state. During this time the Republics of the Skibereen territories had begun the process of confederating.

The existence of the Skibereen confederation is cited by scholars and historians both domestically and internationally as a result of the Erinin threat.

(1) Recent genetic testing has confirmed the long standing myth in Skibereen that the tribes known as 'Djall-Djaedell' were members of the Malkyeri Ath’an Miere.

Despite the national separation resulting from differing government factions, the islands share a highway and railway system, power and water grids, radio and television broadcasting systems, and phone and Internet systems. Satellite communications and the Internet serve all parts of Skibereen and interconnect them with each other, as well as with the rest of the world.

The Fynndjall Language is spoken and understood by almost all people on all the islands, though some speak Old Norse as well.

Skibereen as a Nation operates as a single entity in a number of areas that transcend governmental divisions. With a few notable exceptions, this islands operate as a single unit in all major religious denominations, in many economic fields despite using several different currencies, and in sports such as hurling, Gaelic football, rugby football (union and league), golf, Ain Dhamsa, cricket, Baseball, American football, field hockey, and ice hockey.

An exception to this is Association football: following Unification, the (previously all-island) Irysh Football Association retained control of football only in Moorelund, with a separate Football Association of the Republic being formed for the remainder of the islands. The creation of an all-islands football league and a single international team (as is the case for Republic rugby union) has been publicly touted by various prominent figures on the islands in recent years, such as Red Hand government minister Thomas Ahern. More recently, there have been calls for an All-Skibereen league, however due to contract commitments with sponsors and lack of interest between the two football associations this is unlikely in the near future. An all-Skibereen club cup competition, the Manetheron Cup, was created in 2005.

All major religious bodies are organized on an all-Islands basis, such as the Orthodox Church of Skibereen, Doomani Catholic Church, the Anglican Orthodox Church of Skibereen, the Presbyterian Church in Skibereen, the Methodist Church in Skibereen, the Association of Baptist Churches in Skibereen, and the Great Black Lodge of Skibereen. Some trade unions are also organized on an all-islands basis and associated with the Irysh-Finegall Congress of Trade Unions (IFTU) in New Dublynn.

Strand 2 of the Boru Agreement provides for all-Skibereen co-operation in various guises. For example, a Hibernian Ministerial Council was established as a forum in which ministers from the Red Hand government and the Order of Saint Patrick can discuss matters of mutual concern and formulate all-Skibereen policies in thirteen "areas of co-operation", such as agriculture, the environment and transport. Seven of these policy areas have been provided with implementation bodies, an example of which is the Food Safety Promotion Board. Tourism marketing is also managed on an all-Skibereen basis, by Tourism Skibereen.

Contents

[Skibereen]

Geography

Geographic Overview
The geography of Skibereen is characterized by containing five main natural regions that present their own unique characteristics, from the Krrnak mountain range region up the center of the main island; the Interior Ocean coastal region ; the Fynndjall Sea coastal region shared with Lamoni; the Djanos (plains) shared with Lamoni; to the Eysenvalk Rainforest region which surrounds the Kyynak.

Skibereen is located in the southeastern corner of the Greater Dienstad region bordering the east of Lamoni; and to the east of Skibereen is the edge of the region. Despite its large territory, Skibereen's population is not evenly distributed with most Fynndjalls living in the major Hypertropolis' found among the mountainous foothills portions of the country as well as many living in or near the capital city of New Dublynn. The southern and eastern portions of the country are mostly sparsely inhabited tropical rainforest and inland tropical plains containing small farming communities and indigenous tribes.

Climate
tropical along coast and eastern plains, cooler in highlands, interior; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time.
The striking variety in temperature and precipitation results principally from differences in elevation. Temperatures range from very hot at sea level to relatively cold at higher elevations but vary little with the season. At Dana de Gladden, for example, the average annual temperature is 15 °C (59 °F), and the difference between the average of the coldest and the warmest months is less than 1 °C (1.8 °F). More significant, however, is the daily variation in temperature, from 5 °C (41 °F) at night to 17 °C (62.6 °F) during the day.

Fynndjall customarily describe their country in terms of the climatic zones: the area under 900 meters (2,953 ft) in elevation is called the hot zone (karsts zemes), elevations between 900 and 1,980 meters (2,953 and 6,496 ft) are the temperate zone (merens zemes), and elevations from 1,980 meters (6,496 ft) to about 3,500 meters (11,483 ft) constitute the cold zone (auksta zemes). The upper limit of the cold zone marks the tree line and the approximate limit of human habitation. The treeless regions adjacent to the cold zone and extending to approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) are high, bleak areas (usually referred to as the tireli), above which begins the area of permanent snow (nokrisniem).

Included in the hot zone and interrupting the temperate area of the Krrkan highlands are the long and narrow extension of the Magdalena Valley and a small extension in the Kauka Valley. Temperatures, depending on elevation, vary between 24 and 38 °C (75.2 and 100.4 °F), and there are alternating dry and wet seasons corresponding to summer and winter, respectively. Breezes on the coast, however, reduce both heat and precipitation.

Hot Zone.
Rainfall in the hot zone is heaviest in the regional ocean lowlands and in parts of eastern Skibereen, where rain is almost a daily occurrence and rain forests predominate. Precipitation exceeds 7,600 millimeters (299.2 in) annually in most of the western lowlands, making this one of the wettest regions in the world. One of the highest average annual precipitation in the world is estimated to be in Llorook, skibereen, with 13,299 mm (523.6 in).In eastern Skibereen, it decreases from 6,350 millimeters (250 in) in portions of the Krrkan piedmont to 2,540 millimeters (100 in) eastward. Extensive areas of the open ocean coast are permanently flooded, more because of poor drainage than because of the moderately heavy precipitation during the rainy season from May through October.

The temperate zone. This zone includes the lower slopes of the Krrkan Oriental and the Krrkan Central and most of the intermontane valleys. In the higher elevations of this zone, farmers benefit from two wet and two dry seasons each year; January through March and July through September are the dry seasons.

The Atrako River.
The cold or cool zone constitutes about 6% of the total area, including some of the most densely populated plateaus and terraces of the Skibereen Krrkan; this zone supports about one fourth of the country's total population. The mean temperature ranges between 10 and 19 °C (50 and 66.2 °F), and the wet seasons occur in April and May and from September to December, as in the high elevations of the temperate zone.

Precipitation is moderate to heavy in most parts of the country; the heavier rainfall occurs in the low-lying hot zone. Considerable variations occur because of local conditions that affect wind currents, however, and areas on the leeward side of the Djuajyra Peninsula receive generally light rainfall; the annual rainfall of 350 millimeters (13.8 in) recorded at the Urybya station there is the lowest in Skibereen. Considerable year-to-year variations have been recorded, and Skibereen sometimes experiences droughts.

Skibereen's proximity to the equator influences its climates. The lowland areas are continuously hot. Altitude affects temperature greatly. Temperatures decrease about 3.5 °F (1.94 °C) for every 1,000-foot (305 m) increase in altitude above sea level. Rainfall varies by location in Skibereen, tending to increase as one travels southward. This is especially true in the eastern lowlands. For example, rainfall in parts of the Djuajyra Peninsula seldom exceeds 30 in (762 mm) per year. Skibereen's rainy southeast, however, is often drenched by more than 200 in (5,080 mm) of rain per year. Rainfall in most of the rest of the country runs between these two extremes.

Natural Hazards
flooding, periodic droughts, volcanic eruption, occassional earthquakes

Flora and fauna
Altitude affects not only temperature, but also vegetation. In fact, altitude is one of the most important influences on vegetation patterns in Skibereen. The mountainous parts of the country can be divided into several vegetation zones according to altitude, although the altitude limits of each zone may vary somewhat depending on the latitude.
The (hot land), below 3,300 ft (1,006 m), is the zone of tropical crops such as bananas. The (temperate land), extending from an altitude of 3,300 to 6,600 ft (1,006 to 2,012 m), is the zone of coffee and corns. Wheat and potatoes dominate in the (cold land), at altitudes from 6,600 to 10,500 ft (2,012 to 3,200 m). In the (forested zone), which is located between 10,500 and 12,800 ft (3,200 and 3,901 m), many of the trees have been cut for firewood. Treeless pastures dominate the alpine grasslands, at altitudes of 12,800 to 15,100 ft (3,901 to 4,602 m).

Vegetation also responds to rainfall patterns. A scrub woodland of scattered trees and bushes dominates the semiarid northeast. To the south, savannah (tropical grassland) vegetation covers the Skibereen portion of the llanook. The rainy areas in the southeast are blanketed by tropical rainforest. In the mountains, the spotty patterns of precipitation in alpine areas complicate vegetation patterns. The rainy side of a mountain may be lush and green, while the other side, in the rain shadow, may be parched.

Natural resources
The natural resources of Skibereen are varied and extensive with most of its territory and oceans still unexplored. Skibereen has one of the largest coal open mine pits in the world in the region of Kerredjon in the Djuajyra Peninsula. It also has natural gas extraction in the eastern plains. Skibereen is the main producer of emeralds and an important participant in gold, silver, diamond, iron, bauxite ore, salt, platinum, copper, nickle, lead, tin, niobium, titanium, dolomite, barite, pyrites, limestone, gypsum, lignite, phosphorites, uranium extraction and some zinc, timber, natural gas and hydropower.
Key industries based on these and other natural resources include fishing, foresting, mining, livestock, and other forms of agriculture and fish farming.

Skibereen has almost 13,000 kilometres of rivers that bear fish, along with numerous lakes. The freshwater lakes of the country provide an area of 360,000 square kilometres, providing a habitat for considerable fish life.

The waters off the islands support both warm and cold water fish. In total, there are 64 types of abundant fish and shellfish commonly fished off the coasts of Skibereen.

Map: Link Coming

Area: Figures Coming

Land Border: Lamoni

Coast: Figures Coming

Terrain
Flat coastal lowlands rising to central highland Plateau mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains, high Mountains scattered in the interior, eastern lowland plains, sea cliffs on north and west coast

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Helen's Grin Canyon(Name officially changed from Helen's Kunt Canyon in 1968) 350 m below sea level
highest point: Mount Spear Point 5,870 m

[Skibereen]

People and Society
Total Population: 17,145,000,000
Age structure
0-14: 30.03%
15-64: 63%
64-Up: 6.97%

Median Age
total: 27.06 years
male: 26.6 years
female: 27.53 years

Population growth rate: 1.44%

Birth rate: 22.99 births/1,000 population

Death Rate: 9.76 deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate: 3.93 migrant(s)/1000 population

Urbanization
urban population: 61% total population
rate of urbanization: 2.56% annual rate of

Sex ratio
at birth: 1.062 male(s)/females
under 15 years: 1.05male(s)/females
15-64 years: 1.00 male(s)/females
65 years and over: .83 male(s)/females
total population: 1.00 male(s)/females

Infant mortality rate
total: 38.30 deaths/live births
male: 58.48 deaths/live births
female: 56.35/live births

Life expectancy at birth
total population: 66.59 years
male: 64.34 years
female: 68.99 years

Fertility rate: 2.95 born/woman

Major Infectious diseases
Degree of risk: moderate
Food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
water contact diseases: leptospirosis and shistosomiasis
aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever
animal contact disease: rabies

Nationality
noun(regional variations included): Yrysh-Fynngall(collective plural),Yrysh(collective plural) Yryshman(men)/Yryshwoman(women), Fynngall(collective plural), Fynngallman(men)/Fynngallwoman(women),

Adjective(regional variations included): Yrysh-Fynngall, Yrysh, Fynngall, Fynnyann,

Ethnic groups- composed of over 250 ethnic groups with the primary Ethnic group being Yrỳsh-Fynngall.

Religions:
Orthodox Church of Skibereen, Roman Catholic, Doomani Catholic, Protestent, Islam(Sunni), Islam(Wadi Rum), Jewish, Hindu, Zukariaan Polytheist, other

Languages:
Yrysh-Fynngall, Gaelic, Arabic, Fulani, Yoruba, Doomani Latin, Questarian English,

Literacy
Total population: 85.4%
male: 88.26%
female:83.43%

Years of Education expected(primary to tertiary education)
total: 15 years
Male: 15 years
female: 15 years

Education expenditures: 3.71% GDP

As a people racism is almost non-existent, a strong sense of culture-centrism has all but made racism a quaint novelty of other nations. However, the clannish practices which were brought to Skibereen over 1000 years previous, still exist. Cabals are the flavor of the day with being several centuries old. Hidden organizations with in hidden organizations with in secret societies with in fraternal brotherhoods are not only common but expected.

In juxtaposition to these practices of guile and deception is the strong sense and value of loyalty, much of these complex social orders can be found in studying the Blood Laws of Skibereen. The Blood Laws are the code of conduct and honor which all Yrysh-Fynndjall people live by.

Along with the Blood Laws, the practice of The Scars and Marks continues. The Scars and Marks refer to the Yrysh-Fynndjall tradition of body modification and art. Piercing, branding, scarification, and of course tattooing are all used in The Scars and Marks. These ancient traditions taken from the Malkyeri, the Norse, Continental Tribalism and mysticism combine to create a complex artistic language of the flesh. Experts in the Marks can look at a person and determine all manner of information about them. Volumes have been written on the subject, however there is what seems to be an unspoken concerted effort to minimize general public knowledge, this goes back to the predilection for secrecy in Skibereen.

Culture
Skibereen has developed a refined and strange manner of art and socio-political view. Skibereen philosophers and poets are considered to be among the most respected in the world. Like soldiers the academics of Skibereen ply their craft with a deadly intensity. This is seen as being a development of the long struggle for peace in the Skibereen territories. The governments of the republics which form the confederation have a long history of encouraging the heritage Yrysh-Fynndjall culture and art.

Additionally private organizations contribute greatly to defense of Art and Cultural Heritage with in Confederation. The Scholarship Society maintains over 3,300 historical sites. The territories receive an unimpressive amount of tourism, however the fact that the majority of the tourism is comprised of academics from around the globe speaks to the richness which can be found by the educated seeker.


Painting,Crafts, Sculpture
The earliest paintings were not representational but ornamental; they consisted of patterns or designs rather than pictures. This style arrived with the Yrysh-Fynndjall in Greater Dienstad, it is speculated that the ornamental focus in the culture of the Yrysh-Fynndjall was in part due to their essentially constant life at sea up until their arrival in the Isles. It has been noted that the precise methodology of geometric patterns and designs which often coincide with Yrysh-Fynndjall numerology, this is considered 'Classical Yrysh-Fynndjall' and many practitioners spend years developing an eye for mathematically precision. Upon their arrival in Greater Dienstad a new style emerged and by no coincidence it was to focus on landscapes and living subjects.

Many critics consider landscape to be the highest form of Yrysh-Fynndjall painting. The time from the continental period to the Northern Migration period (900–1200) is known as the "Grand age of Yrysh-fynndjall landscaping". In the northern style, artists painted pictures of towering mountains, using strong black lines, ink wash, and sharp, dotted brushstrokes to suggest rough stone and haggard brush. In the south artists painted the rolling hills, lush forests, jungles and rivers of their new land in placid scenes done with softer, rubbed brushwork. the Island style(the oldest) more closely resembles the southern style save that the subject matter tended to be the sea, mountains and an intriguing focus on the weather itself. These three kinds of scenes and techniques became the classical styles of Yrysh-Fynndjall living landscape painting. While the Classical Yrysh-Fynndjall and Living landscaping methods do not encompass the whole of the styles associated with the people they are firmly and clearly the root of styles(non-foreign) to come after them. Indeed one finds in the domestic arts that new movements tended to be merely refining the old, however in 1250 the beginning of a quasi-new style emerged which was the use of black ink and water to attempt to capture subjects true nature with a minimalist approach to what this new school considered the vulgarities of extraneous coloring. Shading and delicacy were born from this new style in a manner which even the previous school had to note was impressive. it is worth noting that all of these style also translated over to the scars and marks styles of scarification and tattooing.

Another traditional (though not considered Classical Yrysh-Fynngdjall) is the baroque and is typically found associated with the religious iconography of the Skiebreen Orthodox Church.

The quality of textiles production in Skibereen has long been the envy of the region with fine linens, being producers of quality mohair and wolsted (fine wools) both in the making of fabrics which has been an art for nearly a thousand years to fine hand made articles, fine and intricate cambric(cotton)lace work(observers dry connections to the lace work and the classical painting styles), family linen(proper Flax Linen) makers in Skibereen are world renowned for the high quality of the custom made suits produced here, indeed this industry while has helped produce local microeconomies based around these suit producers and the wealth they bring in. In general the craft of textile work and indeed garment manufacture is of a caliber unto itself in Skibereen - a foreign garment merchant seeking to purchase raw fabric once remarked '"These people might mar their flesh, revel in the spilling of their own blood and the blood of others as nothing but sport, and speak a language hardly fit for the mouth of a man they do all these things dressed in the finest fashion of simple beauty and it is for that alone that these people can be suffered sufficiently to find a place in my heart." '

Often when speaking of the art of the Skibereen territories the indigenous influences is ignored. Sculpture/carving in both wood and stone is largely rooted in the indigenous cultures which the Yrysh-Fynndjall met upon landing on the continent and over the centuries a unique family of styles has characterized the "tribal art work" of the nations. A few of the myriad of styles; Dodjaan fetish sculptures,the style deals with the myths whose complex ensemble regulates the life of the individual. As a general characterization of Dodjaan statues, one could say that they render the human body in a simplified way, reducing it to its essentials. Some are extremely elongated with emphasis on geometric forms. The Dodjaan style has evolved into a kind of cubism: ovalish head, squared shoulders, tapered extremeities, forearms, and thighs on a parallel plane. Dodjaan sculptures serve as a physical medium in rituals and as an effigy of the world.

Dodjaan style of art is also manifest in mask making, where allegedly ninety styles of mask making can be found however one can not characteristic common to the movement; noting dramatic use of geometric shapes independent of the natural forms they supposed to represent. with a common theme of interplay between between the shapes and lines on the vertical and horizontal planes. Another school of Dodjaan mask making utilizes specifically triangular shapes along with circles to create exquisite patterns and images. The Dodjaan mask is typically multicolored(regardless of Dodjaan school).

Jewelry making is practice in Skibereen that again seem to have been shared by both the indegenous peoples and the Yrysh-Fynndjall creating a fusion that has been refined over the last thousand years into a quality of hand crafting unrivaled in realm of gold and silversmithing, while precious stone work is very common(Skibereen is by a wide margin the largest producer of emeralds in the world) the true artisans are her silversmiths.


Philosophy
Debatable as a philosophy or a legal system, the complex structure of the traditional and ancient Yrysh society is perhaps best reflected in the system of customary obligation, honor, and codes of courteous conduct. These are traditionally known as the Blood Laws. In the 'High tongue'(1) of the Yrysh-Fynndjall the Blood Laws are reffered to as 'Shar Toh'(literally: Blood Obligation).

These rules encompass the nature and application of the traditional scarring and tattoos(Scars and Marks) of the Yrysh-Fynndjall, of rules regarding courtship, marriage, family structure and conduct, all manner of social situations and ettiquette.

While the above is largely accurate, it should not be taken to mean that the Blood Laws are a wholly quantified and codified single set of rules that the individual is expected to follow blindly. Indeed life may demand an Yrysh-Fynndjall does what is considered dishonorable, the dishonorable act is in accordance with the Blood Laws as long as the actor is willing to meet the customary obligation for that wrong doing- there is honor in doing what is right, even if what is right is itself dishonorable.

Key principles in the Blood are;

Hospitality
Reciprocity(both positive and negative)
Personal defense of 'treasures' - this actually includes an order of priority.
Culpability (admission of guilt is considered to be sign of virtue- paradoxically)
Sacrifice (some prefer charity, but this concept will be examined in depth in a separate article)
Mercifulness

Music
Classical folk music of Skibereen has revolved (over the last 1000 years) around four dominant instruments in general; the Harp, the flute, the drums and the pipes. Now obviously there are many variations on these instruments and indeed many more instruments can be heard in songs five centuries old, however the root of all Yrysh Fynndjall music lays with the above mentioned four instruments. The music of Skibereen as influenced by the traditional music tends to have a high focus on rhythm and harmony allowing the melody to progress more naturally.

Architecture
Skibereen is famous for its wide and diverse styles of architecture represented in the nation, these tend to encompass style of antiquity, Islamic, and Sikh styles.

Cuisine
When discussing Yrysh-Fynndjall cuisine one must always first address the Whiskey of the nation, recipes are as varied as the people themselves. First, Yrysh-Fynndjall Whiskey is only recognized as such if it is both distilled and aged in the territories of Skibereen. It must be made from a grain mash, it must be flavored via the distillation and natural aging process only, it must be aged in wooden casks, it must be aged for a minimum of 3 years(traditionally aging is done in multiples of 3 ie 3,6,9,12 etc etc), a single grain whiskey is referred to as "Maiden" Whiskey while blended Whiskeys are known as a "Married" Whiskey. Traditionally Yrysh-Fynndjall whiskey is distilled 3 times(speaking again to the superstitious nature of the people). With the vast array of Maidens, Whiskey aficionados find Skibereen to be a paradise with what some have termed an endless fount of whiskey flavors that mankind will never finish, but should with all due diligence make the effort.

Skibereen cuisine is a general term referring to many distinct regional and ethnic cuisines in Skibereen Confederation nations, with climates ranging from high desert to tropical.

Ingredients
Though there are obvious differences among the local cuisines in Skibereen, there are also many commonalities, mainly in the ingredients used. Many dishes are enriched with a base of tomatoes, onions and chili peppers, considered an essential and even "sacred" cooking technique in the region. Combining and cooking these three ingredients in oil is analogous to similar techniques such as the sofrito used in the Hispanic-speaking world, and the mirepoix of the French.

The most prevalent cooking oil is palm nut oil, traditionally associated with the coastal and Island regions and contributes a distinct color, flavor and texture to food; while shea butter is more commonly used in the North as one leaves the tropical regions, it is prized for the rich full bodied flavor it imparts.

Chili peppers are immensely loved in Skibereen, both in fresh or dried and powdered form, particularly in the more humid parts of the territory, it is said that the sweating induced by the spicy heat of chili helps to cool your skin. More than in other regions of Greater Dienstad, Skibereen utilize habennerro chile peppers with a liberal hand in many of their sauces and stews. The bite and fire of these extremely hot peppers add a unique flavor as well as heat. The chili is also supposed to help preserve food, as well as adding flavor to relatively bland tropical staples like root vegetables. The seeds of Djuynea pepper (also called melagueta pepper), a plant indigenous to Skibereen territories , are also widely used. This domestic spice tastes and looks similar to peppercorn, but has cardamom pod and coriander seed flavor aspects. The Djuynea pepper was once a prized commodity reaching the rest of the continent through Silk Road middlemen.

[Skibereen]

ARMOR-
Doctrine
Break Down to company Level-

DOCTRINE
The below information is incomplete and only includes vehicles and troops related to Sumer's guide--dont use THIS thread to ask me about supply units, troop transports, and medics unless youre Sumer.

Brief Attempt at Doctrine/Strategy/Tactics
ARMOR- General Doctrine
The armies of the world have had relatively little experience with IFAF tank units in the previous wars, however there is considerable speculation based on information evidenced at the Babd Catha International War Academy(the Central Officers Training Location for IFAF members) that the IFAF will use large armored units when the terrain permits their effective utilization. It may be expected, also, that lessons learned from the directly fought Erinin War and the Fyreheart/Ferrusian War and the indirect Greater Dienstad(War of Golden Succession) and previous extra regional war theaters will exercise an influence on their armored tactics.

In combat with Fyreheart/Ferrusian and Erinin forces the IFAF have utilized light, medium, and heavy tanks, as well as tankettes, in support of infantry in direct frontal attacks and encirclement. After the infantry reached their objective the tanks were withdrawn without attempting to exploit the limited gains. In Erinin tanks were brought up wherever the infantry was unable to advance. The tanks normally attempted to force a passage for the infantry by a frontal assault. If this failed, the tanks were sent against the hostile flanks. Occasionaly, IFAF tanks have attacked by moving directly down roads with the infantry following in trucks(During the Erinin War the IFAF predecessor was grossly under equipped in terms of Mechanization). Unless effective road blocks were prepared by Erinin forces, the tanks struck at artillery and other installations as much as 12km in the rear of the main Erinin positions. When a road block was encountered, fire from the tanks was used to round the flanks by infiltration tactics. Only a very few operations have involved Opposing force tanks directly against IFAF armored vehicles.

Large Armored Formations

No large commitments of IFAF tanks have occurred thus far outside the Erinin theater. Tactical studies in the IFAF army Armored Warfare school, however, give precise instructions for the employment of large armored formations. For an attack on a lightly held enemy position, IFAF armored theory maintains that a minimum of 30 tanks are required. If the enemy is in a strongly defended position, it is stated that at least 50 will be needed, and this number will be increased to 100 in the event hostile artillery shelling and bombing are unusually heavy(IFAF Doctrine Expects Ground operations under conditions of Air Parity). The number of tanks assigned to battalions in some cases, at least, has been increased, with 15 being allocated to a platoon instead of ten as formerly was the practice. Yet tanks would seem to be an ideal weapon for the IFAF in the envelopment maneuvers that are so favored in their tactical doctrine and practice. Where the terrain is favorable it can be anticipated that they will utilize tanks in wide encircling movements to cut hostile lines of communications and strike at vital rear areas.

IFAF tactical doctrine stresses the utilization of tanks in what is termed a "Bølgende Giganten" or "Rolling Giant". In operations in which they are committed in such a fashion tanks constitute the main fire element in what is essentially an attempt to attain a decisive victory in one devastating stroke. The IFAF believe that such tank tactics can be resorted to only in suitable terrain and that the nature of the terrain really is the chief limitation upon the employment of large tank formations. In any event, tanks are committed as a "Bolgende Giganten" only at "a momentous time and place when a decision of the entire battle is on the scales." If these conditions prevail, IFAF doctrine maintains that the loss of even the entire combat power of the tanks will be justified in view of the magnitude of the results achieved.

Inherent weaknesses and disadvantages of tanks are recognized by the IFAF. Yet the great advantages of tanks—high mobility, great offensive and fire power, as well as the power to crush and penetrate—cannot be found to a comparable degree in other weapons, and the IFAF recognize that the tank is used to an exaggerated extent by most modern armies.

It follows then that, per IFAF reasoning when an objective is to secure a decision by armored forces alone, tanks should not be committed in a piecemeal fashion and should never be used in a war of attrition. Functional reality, tanks require continuous and exhaustive maintenance and maintenance facilities; damage and destruction in combat normally will be severe, and replacement both of equipment and personnel is difficult.

Ideally, tanks employed in "Bolgende Giganten" should be directed against weak spots in the enemy's lines, according to IFAF doctrine. With the constantly increasing efficiency of antitank weapons, which threatens to overbalance compensating improvements in tank armor, the element of surprise becomes progressively more important. An IFAF tactical tenet says that "the essence of tank warfare is to take the enemy by surprise and assault him suddenly with concentrated power." Antitank weapons, however, are considered intrinsically defensive; the IFAF believe tanks are the only ground weapon truly capable of effectively opposing tanks. The aircraft has become the tank's greatest enemy, according to the IFAF, necessitating important changes in the design of armored vehicles. Opportunities for plane-tank cooperation, however, are most promising, and IFAF tactical writings speak almost ecstatically of the prospect of gaining crushing victories with huge tank forces operating under the coverage of swarms of "Armor Escort Planes".

Tanks in Infantry Support

Despite IFAF appreciation of the potentialities of mass employment of tanks, the infantry support role doubtless will continue to be emphasized, affecting not only tank tactics but also the design of tank materiel.

IFAF reliance upon infantry explains the former existence of a large numbers of independent tank units in the IFAF army which readily can be attached to infantry commands. This factor also explains the former failure to coordinate the artillery with tank units more effectively, for artillery, frequently was put under infantry control.
These concepts have however been addressed and changed.

Infantry Tank Cooperation Methodology
IFAF tactical doctrine distinguishes between two methods of tank cooperation with infantry:

1. The tank commander is to designate the infantry forces with which the tanks are to cooperate in response to such requests for support as are received from the infantry commanders concerned.

2. Predicated upon advance specification of the objectives which the tanks will attack.

If the former plan is utilized—that is, if the tanks are directly allotted to infantry units—the tank battalion commander gives the general outline of the plan and leaves the details of its execution to the tank company commanders. If, for example, it is necessary for the tanks to execute a reversal of movement to facilitate the forward advance of the infantry, the movement is made upon the order of the tank company commanders, often in response to a direct request from the infantry for such a maneuver.

On the other hand, if the tanks are assigned particular objectives, the tank regiment commander retains direct control throughout the entire course of the action, and the tanks are committed as a unit. This method of tank-infantry cooperation is favored if time is short and it is difficult to foresee changes in the tactical situation that may develop during the engagement. It also should be noted that in this form of tank-infantry coordination the tanks may be committed by platoons; if they are assigned to infantry units, however nothing less than a tank company will be committed in most circumstances.

It also must be decided whether the tanks will be used in coordination with infantry primarily for purposes of exploitation, or for the utilization of their momentum to facilitate infantry penetration of the enemy line. In exploitation operations the IFAF tanks will be so deployed and committed that they can seize tactically important areas, confuse hostile deployments for attack, and strike at enemy artillery or other vital rear installations. If the tanks are utilized to give impetus and momentum to the infantry assault, they will advance in close coordination with the infantry. It is always possible, according to IFAF doctrine, to employ both methods simultaneously, particularly if tanks are available in ample numbers. While some can be used for direct support missions, the remainder can be held in reserve for exploitation of such successes as may be achieved by the assault.

Leading tanks also are used in offensive operations. If more tanks are available than it is estimated are necessary for close infantry support, some may be committed as leading tanks, usually under division control.
*
*The above attempt at a Tactical Doctrine Summary is in large thanks to Sumer and his advice on research--he did not contribute to the ideology or major concepts but he pointed in certain directions-if it seems like a bad idea, thats my fault, if it seems like a good idea thats his direction.**


Tank Section(1 Tank / 3 men)
Role | Rank | Weapon
Tnk Cdr | Staff Sargent | I-101, I-103ACarbine, I-108E
Driver/Mechanic | Corporal | I-101, I-103ACarbine, I-108E
Gunner | Specialist 4th Class | I-101, I-102B, 3xI-108A, 2xI-108C

Tank Platoon(5 Tanks / 15 Men)
Role | Rank | Weapon | Tank

Plt CO/Tnk Cdr | Lieutenant | I-101, I-103ACarbine, I-108E | Tank 1
Plt Sgt/Tnk Cdr | Sargent | I-101, I-103ACarbine, I-108E | Tank 2
Tank 3(See Above)
Tank 4(See Above)
Tank 5(See Above)

Tank Company(22Tanks/66men Heavy Company|17Tanks/51men Light Company)
Role | Rank | Weapon | Tank
Coy Cdr/Tnk Cdr | Captain | I-101, I-103ACarbine, I-108E | Command Tank 1
Coy XO | 1st Lt | I-101, I-103ACarbine, I-108E | Command Tank 2
3 Tank Platoons
1 Light Tank Platoon(Light Tank Company does not have the Light Tank Platoon)
*One tank in each platoon mounts a mine clearing plow

[Skibereen]

Navy(Armada of the Three Isles/ ATI)

The Armada is considered to be the key portion of the defensive capacity of the Republic. It can be divided into two main categories: strategic nuclear forces and conventional warfare forces.

Strategic Nuclear Forces are noted for their strategic weapon cache, high mobility, and ability to execute deterrent operations in different parts of the global seas.

Navy consists of the following branches: Surface Force, Armada air arm, Submarine Force, Naval Infantry(Marines/Raiders) and coastal defense troops. It also includes various additoinal no-combat vessels, unconventional units, rear divisions and subdivisions.


Surface forces remain an essential part of the Armada, even in the modern sea scape of Submarine and airborne warfare.

Traditionally, the main purpose of the surface ships has always been striking the enemies’ objectives on their own territory and cover of the home coastline from the seaside against the naval forces of the opposition.

Thus, the surface ships carry out a set of crucial tactical operations. These operations can be carried out in groups, formations, units either on their own or in cooperation with other forces (submarines, air force, naval infantry).

Armada Air Arm is another part of the Armada. It consists of strategic, tactical, deck-based and coastal air forces. Strategic and tactical aviation are used for battle operations with groups of surface ships in the seas, submarines and troop-transport as well as delivering bombing and other high yield concentrated attack at the onshore assets of the opposition. Helicopters used by the Armada Air Arm are effective target designation mechanisms for the ship missile weaponry in destroying the opposition's submarines and repulsing an attack of low-flying airplanes and anti-ship missiles of the opposition. Carrying air-to-surface missiles and other armaments on board, they serve as a powerful instrument for both fire support of the landing Naval Infantry and destroying the opposition's missile and artillery boats and shore based positions.


Submarine forces are considered to be the stealth strike force of the fleet; capable of controlling the vast territories of the global seas, secretly and quickly deploying in the needed directions and unexpectedly striking both sea and land targets from under the depths. With respect to what makes them lethal, submarines can be subdivided into missile and torpedo submarines, and with respect to power supply – into nuclear-powered and non-nuclear submarines.

Nuclear-powered submarines equipped with ballistic and cruise missiles with nuclear charges are regarded as the major striking force of the Armada. These ships permanently present in various areas of the global seas on alert to loose their strategic weapons by singular order.

Nuclear-powered submarines armed with “ship-to-ship” missiles are aimed mainly at fighting with oposition surface vessels. Torpedo submarines are used to disrupt the opposition's submarine and surface lines of communication and supply, to protect against submarine threat and to escort missile-firing and surface ships.

The use of diesel/electric submarine (missile and torpedo).... more coming



Naval Infantry(Marines/Raiders) is the Armada force aimed at combat operations conduction as a part of marine landing party (either on their own or together with land forces) and coastal defense (naval bases, ports). As a rule, marines/raiders carry out their military operations with a help of armada aviation and ships gun-fire. Apart from that, marines use all kinds of armament typical for mechanized rifle troops(including armor) but applying a specific tactics for landing.

Coastal defense troops, as an integral part of the Armada home defense forces, are aimed at protection of the Armada deployment stations, ports, important coastal areas, islands, straits and other bottleneck areas from the opposition's ships and marine troop attack. Coastal missile complexes and artillery, air-defense system, mine and torpedo weaponry as well as special-purpose coastal defense ships are considered to be their main armaments. In order to provide a coast protection, the troops have to build special coastal fortifications. \

The major objective of the rear divisions and subdivisions is to secure the rear of the Navy; material concerns primarily.

RANKS
COMMISSIONED
Grand Marshall of The Armed Forces [special]
Grand Herre Mushyrr of the Armada[Special]
Herre Mushyrr of the Armada[O-10]
Mushyrr of the Armada[O-10]
Løytnant Mushyrr[O-9]
Øvre-Admyrall [O-8]
Myndre-Admyrall [O-7]
Kapteynn [O-6]
Kommadør [O-5]
Myndre-Kommadør [O-4]
Lløytnant [O-3]
Myndre-Lløytnant[O-2]
Ensygnn [O-1]

ENLISTED
Grand Armada Herskerr-Matross[E-9, Special]
Grand Krygføryng Herre-Matross[E-9]
Grand Armada Herre-Matross[E-9]
Grand Kontrol Herre-Matross[E-9]
Grand Herre-Matross[E-9]
Herre-Matross[E-8]
Matross-Herskerr[E-7]
Matross-Llæremester[E-6 Grade, Special]
Øvre-Maatros[E-6]
Maatros-Ekspertenn[E-5 Grade, Special]
Maatros[E-5]
Myndre-Maatros[E-4]
Menygg [E-3]
Læregutt-Menygg [E-2]
Mydre-Menygg [E-1]


Battle Task Force
4 BTGs, Battle Line, and a Submarine Group.
The Battle Task force is the primary element of the Skibereen Armada.
3 Fleet Carriers
9 Aviation Cruisers
12 Heavy Cruisers
24 Light Cruisers
66 Destroyers
27 Frigates
4 Attack Submarines

Battle Task Group A Type
Fleet Carrier
2 Aviation Cruisers
3 Heavy Cruisers
3 Light Cruisers
14 Destroyers
7 Frigates

Battle Task Group B Type
Fleet Carrier
2 Aviation Cruisers
Heavy cruiser
4 Light Cruisers
12 Destroyers
3 Frigates

Battle Task Group C Type
Fleet Carrier
2 Aviation Cruisers
Heavy cruiser
5 Light Cruisers
13 Destroyers
3 Frigates

Battle Task Group D Type
3 Aviation Cruisers
6 Light Cruisers
14 Destroyers
7 Frigates

Battle Task Group Battle Line Type
7 Heavy Cruisers
6 Light Cruisers
13 Destroyers
7 Frigates

Submarine Battle Group
4 Attack Submarines

[Skibereen]

place holder