A Very Rushmori RP (OOC Thread/Planning | CLOSED)

[Eura]

THIS THREAD IS CLOSED TO ANYONE WHO IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE REGION RUSHMORE, IF YOU ARE FROM ELSEWHERE (INCLUDING THE TWO OTHER BIG NS SPORT REGIONS) AND WANT TO BE INVOLVED, TG ME.

The thread title is a very forced reference to this, for those wondering.

So as you have probably noticed my fellow Rushmori's, there has been much discussion recently about the possibility of a serious RP with proper effort put into it concerning a major incident in Rushmore. It could involve both major regional powers and more minor local powers and all sorts. The idea was Erathore's originally, and I'm keen that Erathore and those who initially showed an interest drive this, but on the suggestion of Vermark I've created a thread so we can actually pool all of the RMB an IRC discussion and ideas floated so far somewhere.

So here is a discussion thread for you all to talk about it. In the OP I will pool together the different ideas floated and important information under the following categories, for the moment at least;

- Flashpoints: Potential causes of the incident or problem that this RP will focus on.
- Nations: Nations who might have an interest in the issue, and relevant information such as their population, their economic health and military strength, and their key strategic interests and allies. Domestic political situation is also worth noting.
- Multinational elements: Relevant international organisations, treaties and frameworks or things like major multinational corporations who could be at the heart of an issue, like an oil company or an alliance.
- External powers: Nations from outside of the region who might be relevant to any given conflict. For now I suggest we keep these at a minimum.

I will put together some examples for all of these categories to give you guys a hint as to what sort of information we will need to make a successful RP. In the meantime I would give one more note of advice, and indeed a hint of caution; any of you who were around for Victorwick knows what happens when a blossoming RP is snuffed out by bad writing, completely illogical involvement of unrelated powers (Camwood!) and general indifference. If we want this to be a fun RP and a great one to read, I think we should put a bit of effort into planning it beyond "my nation wants more power and influence, I NOOK UUUU". Remember, if you think you have information about your nations or others worth posting, post it. Any suggestions as to how I can improve this OP would be useful too.

Try to keep the OOC banter/chatter to a minimum. Posts should have purpose. Go.

Collected relevant information (in progress)

Flashpoints

- The Modraine Sea. Resources, congested yet critical sea lanes, and vested interests for a variety of regional powers.
- The constitutional situation in Pasarga. Previously stable medium power has a leadership without military support? Uh oh!
- Mytannion. Failing state undergoing Balkanisation as the result of a failed reconciliation between previously warring parties, the effects of losing so many people to a major genocide, and the departure of Euran peacekeepers.
- The Vaia Sea and its vital trade routes.
- Darmen/Valladares. The Darmeni king has just gone the way of Lord Mountbatten, and the Westlands is a territorial dispute that won't go away. What could possibly go wrong?
- Eura/Sameba. The Euran-Sameban border represents the most militarised stretch of land in Rushmore, and the Sameban state is reportedly suffering internal instability. What could possibly go wrong?
- Valhallan Union/Sargossa. A long standing territorial dispute between Northern Europeans and a Spanish speaking military junta. What could possibly go wrong? (Worth noting that as far as I know the plan is to let this rivalry simmer for some time, I'm just putting it here as something to consider.)
- Astograth is a left field but worthy choice. After a few years of isolationism, its the only Crowley Era fascist state left. Probably because it avoided becoming part of the Corvidae brand. Now it may be seeking to reassert itself as a regional power?

Nations
More detail will be added to each nation as information is posted.

- Valhallan Union/Polar Islandstates
- Eura
- Valladares
- Astograth
- Sargossa
- Mytannion
- Pasarga (Puppet of Valanora)
- Darmen
- Electrum
- Liventia (Same user as Aels, not sure if it really works to call it a puppet though)
- Cotdelapoms
- Erathore
- Vermark
- Whirl Islands (Puppet of Valladares)
- Sameba (Puppet of Eura)
- Kernansquillec
- Nethertopia
- Eastfield Lodge
- Ad'ihan (Puppet of Aels)
- Aels/Ancharmunn/That celtic union thingy I cant spell
- Alianza Albos (Puppet of SJG)
- Vjaalsburg (Super Llamaland puppet? I don't fucking know, can't keep track of them all these days, savages)
- Saintland (These days basically a Free Republics puppet)

Multinational elements

- The Rushmori Defence Treaty (Hahaha...oh hold on, you're being serious?)
- The Bastion Agreement Treaty Organisation (Come on PIS. You know you want to.)
- Rushmore's Pan-Rushmorist parties in general?
- Rushmore Press Association

External Powers

[Eastfield Lodge]

Tagged for further reference.

First things first, Eastfield Lodge will not be getting involved in this militarily. As a definite. Refugees (heck, even main refugee location depending on the flashpoint) I'm fine with (and rather expect); strictly humanitarian aid is also a distinct possibility, as are volunteers to help with refugee camps in other nations (what with us being so compassionate and all). Politically, we'd condemn the violent actions, and if applicable, act as a neutral territory for any peace talks (and serious ones, highly unlikely to be disrupted by terrorists/militias).

Olastor, on the other hand, would be perfect military wise. As I won't be too free to RP when this is likely to get going, I won't be a main player.
Key points:
- Economically very strong, a regional market leader in over a dozen of the WA's surveyed sectors (I know Sargossa plays by them, and I think so does Karditan), including the Arms Manufacturing Sector.
- (RP) Population: Currently 119.26 million (Nation Page population value divided by 50)
- Military: According to this, with the same divisor, a potential standing force of around 14.8 million (no idea about the split between the three). Of course, conscription and compulsory military training is mandatory for everyone above 18, so if really necessary most of the nation can be mobilised. However, as I don't anticipate (or really want atm) fighting spilling over into Olastor, mobilisation is unnecessary. Equipment is relatively hi-tech, with plenty of specialised units for specific purposes.
- Politically: Run-of-the-mill corporate dictatorship, oppression of revolutionary and critical speech, businesses (especially the big home-grown multinationals) given relatively free license to exploit, but must still submit to the rules and regulations set out by the Committee (mainly concerning military time).

(I'll add more if anyone has any questions.)
Permissions: Well, as I said, I won't have much time to RP, yet I want to play some part with Olastor, so I was thinking that Olastor could militarily support some nation in its exploits, as long as we are justly rewarded. And with a major arms manufacturer, weapon supply itself won't be a problem. The support, whilst I'll try and RP it from my end, will be somewhat free to be RP'ed by my 'ally', although please keep it realistic (we're advanced, but not FutureTech level; Post-ModernTech is a bit of a stretch for most of the army - some specialist units will have PMT-level weaponry, but clear it with me first).
If you have any questions in the course of the RP (especially about the above), you can always TG me (TG Eastfield Lodge, not Olastor).

[Polar Islandstates]

Remind me what the BATO is/was?


The VU (so, Polar Islandstates, mainly)/Sargossa rivalry is indeed a rivalry built on mutual suspicion that will likely just simmer along with regards to anything that's happening south of Wigu (RIP). However, a situation whereby my government and the Sargies are forced into a hasty alliance in order to confront some naval blockades that disrupt our mutually used shipping channels would be very interesting.


Saying that, we've got plans to induct a new island (not currently on the map) into the VU, and I had thought about tying that into a long-planned RP I'd had about my increasingly paranoid leadership creating an internal conflict of interest. It's quite easy to see where turmoil caused by the controversial inclusion of a new nation into the VU could cause instability in my government, leading to an unexpected or entire lack of response to any further issues down south?

We also have some shady links to Djocoranga (my OOC puppet) and their IC puppet state Mwembamba (Cotdelapom's OOC puppet) that we could use to gain access to the Goose Coast region for analysis and intelligence. We've also got links to Urszag-Csatoria and Austroslovakia's little flashpoint, which could go pop if the Sameba/Eura symbiology blows up and disrupts the chain of coal/steel orders.

[Eura]

Remind me what the BATO is/was?

Hypothetical alliance organisation between Eura and a select few other major regional countries including yourself. For the greater good.

Saying that, we've got plans to induct a new island (not currently on the map) into the VU, and I had thought about tying that into a long-planned RP I'd had about my increasingly paranoid leadership creating an internal conflict of interest. It's quite easy to see where turmoil caused by the controversial inclusion of a new nation into the VU could cause instability in my government, leading to an unexpected or entire lack of response to any further issues down south?

I was going to say that you could just have a massive IKEA stock shortage, seeing as that would probably be the end of the world in the VU, but not bad ideas you've got there.

As for EL, thanks for the info. Quick point though;

- Military: According to this, with the same divisor, a potential standing force of around 14.8 million (no idea about the split between the three). Of course, conscription and compulsory military training is mandatory for everyone above 18, so if really necessary most of the nation can be mobilised. However, as I don't anticipate (or really want atm) fighting spilling over into Olastor, mobilisation is unnecessary. Equipment is relatively hi-tech, with plenty of specialised units for specific purposes.

It is probably worth noting that a country with 119 million people would have to be insanely wealthy both financially and in terms of natural resources and especially fuel to have 14.8 million people under arms with sophisticated equipment like a modern Western military. I doubt you're ever going to need to fully mobilise either, I don't think we are talking WW3 here.

[Eastfield Lodge]

As for EL, thanks for the info. Quick point though;

- Military: According to this, with the same divisor, a potential standing force of around 14.8 million (no idea about the split between the three). Of course, conscription and compulsory military training is mandatory for everyone above 18, so if really necessary most of the nation can be mobilised. However, as I don't anticipate (or really want atm) fighting spilling over into Olastor, mobilisation is unnecessary. Equipment is relatively hi-tech, with plenty of specialised units for specific purposes.

It is probably worth noting that a country with 119 million people would have to be insanely wealthy both financially and in terms of natural resources and especially fuel to have 14.8 million people under arms with sophisticated equipment like a modern Western military. I doubt you're ever going to need to fully mobilise either, I don't think we are talking WW3 here.

Fair point. It's worth noting that the 14.8 million is actually standing + reserves, and split across the navy, army and air force. My knowledge on this sort of stuff is extremely shoddy, but the equipment thing mainly refers to the standing army itself.

[Liventia]

Liventia: ICly intrinsically linked by history to Ad’ihan, although they are separate sovereign states. Despite simmering tension between the two, would probably militarily intervene if Ad’ihan was threatened - Ad’ihan's military is understandably small for an island nation of a couple hundred thousand.

Aels: Would not get involved unless Ancharmunn agreed as defence and foreign affairs are both not devolved and are centrally controlled by the Tynealan government in Ballyfeeaknock. (Would also need me to resurrect Aels as a nation…)

[Vermark]

As far as background information goes, Vermark is not yet on the map, but I am looking at occupying the area above Astograth. The most important detail about Vermark is that Vermark is a very high-tech economy, however, for the most part, lacks resources and manufacturing capabilities. This is because Vermark began as a strictly academic society that morphed into a more self-reliant state. This strong technology sector also fuels a relatively strong navy and air force. The army, however, is lacking. The population of Vermark is only about 15 million.

Given this, I see multiple potential storylines that Vermark could be involved in.

A) Vermark, needing natural resources, infringes on others to procure them. For example, Vermark could violate oil rights in the Modraine Sea and attempt to build oil platforms in the maritime territory of another nation (like Mytannion or Astograth). Vermark could somewhat defend itself with its advanced, yet small, navy and air force. However, this plot would be better if Vermark were to partner with a larger nation that is bigger, more powerful, and rich with natural resources.

B) Vermark becomes imperial. Vermark could also solve this problem by creating colonies in unclaimed or loosely held foreign territories. This could also be defended by a navy. Think of the real-life colonial era when it comes to this. Vermark would likely create a trading company and bolster its navy in this case. The only problem is, Vermark is a little bit small to be a colonizing power.

C) Vermark aligns itself with a larger power in order to procure its needed natural resources via trade. This option is probably the most plausible, yet least exciting. Basically, Vermark enters an agreement with a large nation (like Eura) and trades its high tech, information products in exchange for raw materials and manufactured goods. Vermark then follows said nation into a conflict.

Here are some other less likely, sort of dumb ideas.

D) Vermark information-based economy features a few Swiss-style banks. Vermark could decide for whatever reason to freeze the money of other nation or maybe subject the money to a 100% percent tax (i.e. steal it). However, there is not a really a good motivation for doing this, though this could be made into an element of one of the above plots.

E) Cyber-warfare. Once again, Vermark could use its high-tech capabilities and hack someone. This also lacks motive and is unlikely to actually cause a widespread conflict that would allow for such a large range of participation.

[Eura]

As for EL, thanks for the info. Quick point though;



It is probably worth noting that a country with 119 million people would have to be insanely wealthy both financially and in terms of natural resources and especially fuel to have 14.8 million people under arms with sophisticated equipment like a modern Western military. I doubt you're ever going to need to fully mobilise either, I don't think we are talking WW3 here.

Fair point. It's worth noting that the 14.8 million is actually standing + reserves, and split across the navy, army and air force. My knowledge on this sort of stuff is extremely shoddy, but the equipment thing mainly refers to the standing army itself.

I assumed so, it would still be a bit of a stretch though. It really depends what kind of state you have, but if for example you were a fairly straight laced European style democracy, with a hefty government budget and military needs balanced between three different services, then you'll be unlikely to want to have more than 1% of your population in the military full time. Still I'll add what you've given so far to the brief.

[Eastfield Lodge]

Fair point. It's worth noting that the 14.8 million is actually standing + reserves, and split across the navy, army and air force. My knowledge on this sort of stuff is extremely shoddy, but the equipment thing mainly refers to the standing army itself.

I assumed so, it would still be a bit of a stretch though. It really depends what kind of state you have, but if for example you were a fairly straight laced European style democracy, with a hefty government budget and military needs balanced between three different services, then you'll be unlikely to want to have more than 1% of your population in the military full time. Still I'll add what you've given so far to the brief.

Having a quick shufty through the NS stats, Olastor spends something like 70-80 trillion NSD (~40 trillion Olastian Pounds) on defence, but given that the government has no official income tax (OOC'ly, I suppose there'll be a small amount IC'ly), I've sort of broken the game in pursuit of regional #1s. How I finance anything is something I'll have to think about.

Anyways, I'd probably say we have ~500,000 active combat soldiers divided between the three (mainly in the actual army, albeit with like 10 to 20 thousand in the navy and air force - is that a realistic breakdown?), with the capability of arming up to 2 million is the need arises. Beyond that is devolving into state direction of production and a state of total war, but I don't see it getting to that.

I don't know, I'm trying to keep as close to my OOC stats as possible, but a state with the characteristics of Olastor looks impossible.

[Darmen]

I know I said at the start that my participation would be limited, but with my latest RP line and the possibilities its created, that's looking less likely now.

Flashpoints
There are two possibilities here which would (or may in the case of the second depending on the severity of the situation) cause Darmeni involvement.

While Darmen no longer claims the Westlands, not that Metropolis believes that, the situation in neighboring County Rogerton is deteriorating. The pro-Darmen National People's Front (NPF) and the pro-Valladar Frente de la Libertad Valladar (FLV) are in the process of being hunted down by the military, which has mobilized outside of their respective bases, our intelligence agencies and the local police. They'll likely start fighting the military and local authorities as well as against each other.

If the situation deteriorates far enough, Valladares may or may not (it's up to Valladares obviously) choose to intervene, which undoubtedly lead us to respond by repelling them back into the Westlands. A naval blockade of the Westlands might also be imposed by our navy (this depends on the outcome of the other possible flashpoint), and our troops might not stop at the border after repelling the Valladar troops out of Darmen. Might.

The other possibility involves our still secret deal with Eura and Sargossa for destroyers and subs for our navy. Eura and Sargossa don't have the greatest of relations, and both have competing interests in Pasarga (if I understand the situation correctly). Neither country knows about the deal with the other country, although I've given both Eura and Sargossa the freedom to find out that secret. While I'm not entirely certain what repercussions that revelation would have on Darmen (with regards to Eura, he said they'd be minor), relations between Eura and Sargossa would deteriorate even further, and it could prove to set something off in Pasarga, especially with Shorley's links to the defense industry.

To be honest, I see the first possibility being the most likely, since actual conflict isn't guaranteed in the second.

Darmen
Some quick statistics and details about Darmen.

Population: 735,063,047
GDP: B.54,135,013,910,411.80
Exchange Rate: 1 Baba equals $2.396
Total Government Budget: B.33,801,043,544,133.70 (62.44% of GDP)
Ministry of Defense Budget: B.3,619,104,295,657.17 (10.71% of Total Budget, 6.69% of GDP)*
Ministry of the Interior Budget: B.3,312,815,144,274.88 (9.8% of Total Budget, 6.12% of GDP)
Unemployment Rate: 2.28% and falling steadily**
Oil Production: 14,438,857 barrels per day***

• Only the Ministry of Education receives more funding than the Defense Ministry
• Extremely low tax rates and a massive government budget are sending the economy skyrocketing upwards. This, along with the steadily falling unemployment, will actually lead to a shortage of workers.
• Almost 75-80% of Darmen's oil comes from offshore drilling centered off the coast of County Rogerton. Valladares would more than likely want to take over that oil in the event of an intervention in the County, or they could, you know, avoid a Kuwait at sea response from Darmen.
• The population density is quickly approaching 3,000km per square kilometer and Darmen desperately needs space. This is possibly one of the reasons for wanting the Westlands, but blind nationalism and imperialism among the government are more likely.

Multinational elements and External Powers
With regards to Darmen, the above are combined. Darmen is the main member of the Darmeni Commonwealth (as if you couldn't figure that out ), with Naitpyge (AO), Earo (Esportiva) and Frecmenta (currently region less) being the other members of note. Because of Darmen's lack of naval escorts for its aircraft carriers (the reason for the secret deals with Sargossa and Eura), we currently rely on the other Commonwealth members to provide naval support. They are however not as well trained as their Darmeni counterparts, nor are they as well equipped. They would likely only get involved if we did decide to blockade the Westlands, depending on how far along the destroyers and subs were in terms of construction and delivery.

[Darmen]

Some other useful things to find out stuff you might want to know about Darmen.
Economic Statistic Spreadsheet (along with lots of other tidbits of Info, including a list of all Government agencies and a Stock Market ticker board)
Darmen's Military Order of Battle (Very much a Work in Progress)

[Vermark]

Some other useful things to find out stuff you might want to know about Darmen.
Economic Statistic Spreadsheet (along with lots of other tidbits of Info, including a list of all Government agencies and a Stock Market ticker board)
Darmen's Military Order of Battle (Very much a Work in Progress)

This is impressive. How do you have the time to manufacture so many numbers?

I know I said at the start that my participation would be limited, but with my latest RP line and the possibilities its created, that's looking less likely now.

Flashpoints
There are two possibilities here which would (or may in the case of the second depending on the severity of the situation) cause Darmeni involvement.

While Darmen no longer claims the Westlands, not that Metropolis believes that, the situation in neighboring County Rogerton is deteriorating. The pro-Darmen National People's Front (NPF) and the pro-Valladar Frente de la Libertad Valladar (FLV) are in the process of being hunted down by the military, which has mobilized outside of their respective bases, our intelligence agencies and the local police. They'll likely start fighting the military and local authorities as well as against each other.

If the situation deteriorates far enough, Valladares may or may not (it's up to Valladares obviously) choose to intervene, which undoubtedly lead us to respond by repelling them back into the Westlands. A naval blockade of the Westlands might also be imposed by our navy (this depends on the outcome of the other possible flashpoint), and our troops might not stop at the border after repelling the Valladar troops out of Darmen. Might.

The other possibility involves our still secret deal with Eura and Sargossa for destroyers and subs for our navy. Eura and Sargossa don't have the greatest of relations, and both have competing interests in Pasarga (if I understand the situation correctly). Neither country knows about the deal with the other country, although I've given both Eura and Sargossa the freedom to find out that secret. While I'm not entirely certain what repercussions that revelation would have on Darmen (with regards to Eura, he said they'd be minor), relations between Eura and Sargossa would deteriorate even further, and it could prove to set something off in Pasarga, especially with Shorley's links to the defense industry.

To be honest, I see the first possibility being the most likely, since actual conflict isn't guaranteed in the second.

Darmen
Some quick statistics and details about Darmen.

Population: 735,063,047
GDP: B.54,135,013,910,411.80
Exchange Rate: 1 Baba equals $2.396
Total Government Budget: B.33,801,043,544,133.70 (62.44% of GDP)
Ministry of Defense Budget: B.3,619,104,295,657.17 (10.71% of Total Budget, 6.69% of GDP)*
Ministry of the Interior Budget: B.3,312,815,144,274.88 (9.8% of Total Budget, 6.12% of GDP)
Unemployment Rate: 2.28% and falling steadily**
Oil Production: 14,438,857 barrels per day***

• Only the Ministry of Education receives more funding than the Defense Ministry
• Extremely low tax rates and a massive government budget are sending the economy skyrocketing upwards. This, along with the steadily falling unemployment, will actually lead to a shortage of workers.
• Almost 75-80% of Darmen's oil comes from offshore drilling centered off the coast of County Rogerton. Valladares would more than likely want to take over that oil in the event of an intervention in the County, or they could, you know, avoid a Kuwait at sea response from Darmen.
• The population density is quickly approaching 3,000km per square kilometer and Darmen desperately needs space. This is possibly one of the reasons for wanting the Westlands, but blind nationalism and imperialism among the government are more likely.

Multinational elements and External Powers
With regards to Darmen, the above are combined. Darmen is the main member of the Darmeni Commonwealth (as if you couldn't figure that out ), with Naitpyge (AO), Earo (Esportiva) and Frecmenta (currently region less) being the other members of note. Because of Darmen's lack of naval escorts for its aircraft carriers (the reason for the secret deals with Sargossa and Eura), we currently rely on the other Commonwealth members to provide naval support. They are however not as well trained as their Darmeni counterparts, nor are they as well equipped. They would likely only get involved if we did decide to blockade the Westlands, depending on how far along the destroyers and subs were in terms of construction and delivery.

I am a little bit skeptical of the first idea simply because I don't foresee the opportunity for others to get involved. Maybe Eura would, but its seems like a fairly bilateral conflict between Darmen and Valladares. The second possibility could be interesting however. If Sargossa, Eura, and Darmen all become involved, then PIS and others could come in. However, the only problem is that I'm not sure that this would prompt military aggression unless it was supplemented by other things.

But this is a good start. Hopefully we can keep building on this and develop it further.

[Eura]

I assumed so, it would still be a bit of a stretch though. It really depends what kind of state you have, but if for example you were a fairly straight laced European style democracy, with a hefty government budget and military needs balanced between three different services, then you'll be unlikely to want to have more than 1% of your population in the military full time. Still I'll add what you've given so far to the brief.

Having a quick shufty through the NS stats, Olastor spends something like 70-80 trillion NSD (~40 trillion Olastian Pounds) on defence, but given that the government has no official income tax (OOC'ly, I suppose there'll be a small amount IC'ly), I've sort of broken the game in pursuit of regional #1s. How I finance anything is something I'll have to think about.

Anyways, I'd probably say we have ~500,000 active combat soldiers divided between the three (mainly in the actual army, albeit with like 10 to 20 thousand in the navy and air force - is that a realistic breakdown?), with the capability of arming up to 2 million is the need arises. Beyond that is devolving into state direction of production and a state of total war, but I don't see it getting to that.

I don't know, I'm trying to keep as close to my OOC stats as possible, but a state with the characteristics of Olastor looks impossible.

Given how dodgy the game stats system can be anyway, if you've broken it just to get regional No.1's, I suggest you ignore gameside stats other than your population limit because they'll give you zero idea as to what your nation is actually like as you RP it really. Especially when your game stats take into account how large your nation is game wise, not the population of 110~ million you RP it at. Honestly if you go by game stats your nation will make zero sense whatsoever based on what you said, because a nation of that size is never going to have an overall budget of 70 trillion NSD, let alone a defence budget that high.

500,000 is totally reasonable, I'm sure you could go beyond that if you like, though unless you're completely focused on an army 10-20,000 for air force and navy is a tiny slice of that manpower really. Bear in mind RPing would be no fun if you stuck completely to uber realism like some of the more dedicated II'ers might, so don't worry about thinking out every tiny detail - I know I don't. I'd have a think about it.

Why don't you want to use EL by the way?

-----

Darmen; first things first, that break down of your nation is fantastic. Love it. However your first proposal for a conflict is more plausible than the second as Eura and Sargossa are not hostile enough towards each other to go to war over it.

[Eastfield Lodge]

Having a quick shufty through the NS stats, Olastor spends something like 70-80 trillion NSD (~40 trillion Olastian Pounds) on defence, but given that the government has no official income tax (OOC'ly, I suppose there'll be a small amount IC'ly), I've sort of broken the game in pursuit of regional #1s. How I finance anything is something I'll have to think about.

Anyways, I'd probably say we have ~500,000 active combat soldiers divided between the three (mainly in the actual army, albeit with like 10 to 20 thousand in the navy and air force - is that a realistic breakdown?), with the capability of arming up to 2 million is the need arises. Beyond that is devolving into state direction of production and a state of total war, but I don't see it getting to that.

I don't know, I'm trying to keep as close to my OOC stats as possible, but a state with the characteristics of Olastor looks impossible.

Given how dodgy the game stats system can be anyway, if you've broken it just to get regional No.1's, I suggest you ignore gameside stats other than your population limit because they'll give you zero idea as to what your nation is actually like as you RP it really. Especially when your game stats take into account how large your nation is game wise, not the population of 110~ million you RP it at. Honestly if you go by game stats your nation will make zero sense whatsoever based on what you said, because a nation of that size is never going to have an overall budget of 70 trillion NSD, let alone a defence budget that high.

500,000 is totally reasonable, I'm sure you could go beyond that if you like, though unless you're completely focused on an army 10-20,000 for air force and navy is a tiny slice of that manpower really. Bear in mind RPing would be no fun if you stuck completely to uber realism like some of the more dedicated II'ers might, so don't worry about thinking out every tiny detail - I know I don't. I'd have a think about it.

Why don't you want to use EL by the way?

If EL ever went to war, we'd be more FT than most of Rushmore if I decided to invoke the Whoniverse side of my nation. Plus I'm keeping EL as its OOC stats as is (Safest, Most Compassionate, Most Pacifist, etc.).

EDIT: Olastor's OOC overall government budget is actually 21.5 trillion NSD, with 6.5 trillion on defence, so IC, the total budget is 430 billion, with 130 billion on defence.

[Valladares]

Okay, let's sort this out at once before it becomes the main topic of this thing:

First: For the record, Valladares is not interested in engaging in a conflict with Darmen unless attacked first, since by Valladar law the Self-Defense Forces (i.e. Valladar army) are forbidden from performing any offensive action unless the Valladar territory is attacked. And I really doubt the Darmeni government is that naïve to think in attacking us considering the existance of ICBMs able to wipe Scott City off the face of Rushmore in the Westlands and also of a very powerful Air Force that has been groomed and strengthened throughout time to compensate for the lack of a strong Navy, which is mainly focused on the Westlands of course. Leaving aside all the contempt and hostile chatter thrown from Metrópolis and Edmonton, I should point out that from the actual Valladar point of view, the Darmenis are just a bunch of whipper-snappers who shouldn't be taken too seriously and thus, wasting time, resources, and energy in a conflict with them isn't really worth it.

Second: The ongoing conflict in County Rogerton is to be considered an internal Darmeni affair and therefore, I am not going to bother having Valladar forces intervening there. The fact that it is going to turn into a 3-way civil war is not enticing to Valladar commanders, who would rather stay at home watching the events on TV and save their efforts for stronger and more "relevant" opponents *coughcoughEuracoughcough*

Third: In response to this:

Almost 75-80% of Darmen's oil comes from offshore drilling centered off the coast of County Rogerton. Valladares would more than likely want to take over that oil in the event of an intervention in the County, or they could, you know, avoid a Kuwait at sea response from Darmen. [Emphasis added by me]

Valladares has got enough oil reserves for its own needs in Junín, Brantalentia, and the Westlands themselves, so the Royal Government's interest in Darmeni reserves in the short term is close to non-existant. See also fact #2.

To sum it up, I am not interested in any conflict with Darmen at this moment, but other suggestions for conflict might be welcomed.

[Eura]

I'm not really surprised by Val's judgement on the potential of the Westlands as a flashpoint, I was just speculating. I see the Kulmsaar issue in the same light really.

Just to note also that I'll be putting up an analysis of Eura fairly soon in the OP along with the other breakdowns posted here.

[Sargossa]

I’ve seen this nation’s name pop up a few times now so let me tell you where Rushmore’s thoroughly deserving footie champions and second largest exporter of cheese stand.

Firstly recent years have seen the regime cotton on to the fact that aggressive sabre-rattling and overt displays of military power only get you so far in the modern world. Creating a somewhat more circumspect approach to issues of foreign policy. Consequently relations between Sargossa and the VU will remain simmering and nothing more.

Likewise Eura, Darmen and naval contracts. Failing to land the destroyer deal would be a source of irritation, little more than that, and would have no real consequence in future dealings with the Darmenis. I assume we probably know at this point that Eura bagged the destroyer contract (and the Eurans know we’re supplying subs). Again, no consequence of note. The Sargossan opinion towards Eura remains both ‘weary’ and ‘suspicious’.

In terms of Sargossan involvement in a wider regional event I can see four potential areas:-
1. Pasarga. Our oldest friends on the international stage and a highly important trade partner. Sargossa has a vested interest in a stable Pasarga. The current succession issues and recent cosying up to the Polarians and Eurans are definite causes for concern.
2. Modraine Sea. Proximity to Sargossan colonies and the Trans-Branta canal system. There is a key shipping route through the Modraine connecting the Sargossan heartland to the Branta Oil Fields and the key port of Puerto Rosarío.
3. Vermark. Depends on what move Vermark makes, but their map claim puts them right on our colonial border.
4. And this . . .

However, a situation whereby my government and the Sargies are forced into a hasty alliance in order to confront some naval blockades that disrupt our mutually used shipping channels would be very interesting.

[Valanora]

Hrmm, on second thought I might have time, if people are really interested in it...

[Mytanar Region]

Mytannion is obviously still a potential flashpoint, it's just exactly how other nations get drawn into it that is the question. I'm open to suggestions, though.

[Liventia]

So where do we stand?

[Eura]

I still think we'd be best off using a situation developing as a result of either some sort of dispute in the Modraine Sea region, or the Pasargan succession dispute. It seems like most people who have commented so far agree. What we need though is more relevant parties commenting here and giving their opinion, and for us to actually speculate with some ideas in more detail. Like Erathore for example - this was Erathore's idea after all. I'll post a reminder on the RMB.

Maybe we should have another chat on #rushmore as well?

[Achtklan]

Officially, the Special Federal Republic of Achtklan wishes to distance itself from any potential conflict - a casual finger wag will be the extent of our involvement.

OOCly, we wouldn't mind acting as a proxy for some surreptitious spy war, strategically located far away from fields of battle - just be sure to wash your hands after you're done.

[Vermark]

Here's a plot idea I came up with earlier this week:

Vermark, in need of resources, expands its offshore drilling further into the Modraine Sea. Mytannion claims this is an incursion, but Vermark ignores. This could escalate to the Mytanar sinking of a Varish petroleum location vessel. This would create a conflict. The only trouble is Vermark would need allies for this to be plausible. However, foreign nations could benefit from partnering with Vermark because of Vermark's friendly banking institutions and its advanced technology industry. Also, Eura and Vermark are ICly in the midst of trade agreement negotiations. This could create another dimension that might be interesting as Vermark seeks a partner with access to resource and manufacturing capabilities. It's rough, yes, but it is a start.

Another idea may be for Vermark took take a stand in the Pasargan dispute. Pasargan militants could put their money in Varish banks thinking it is out of touch, but Vermark could freeze it. This could incite a retaliation of some sort against Vermark.

Just rough ideas to work off of, relating to how I could contribute. Thanks.

[Mytanar Region]

Here's a plot idea I came up with earlier this week:

Vermark, in need of resources, expands its offshore drilling further into the Modraine Sea. Mytannion claims this is an incursion, but Vermark ignores. This could escalate to the Mytanar sinking of a Varish petroleum location vessel. This would create a conflict.

This wouldn't really work given the political situation in Mytannion. Mytannion isn't one single, united, state at the moment but rather a series of regions all pretty much working freely, independently from one another due to the ethno-nationalistic tensions that run deep within the area.

The best way to involve Mytannion into any conflict would be to use it as the base for a proxy war between two greater powers, or other nations getting involved with any domestic conflicts that occur by backing different sides - similarly to how Eura backed the rebels and Sargossa (albeit covertly), the regime in the Mytanar Civil War.

I dunno. In all honesty it doesn't appear as if there's great enough appetite for something large scale to occur right now.

[Achtklan]

I dunno. In all honesty it doesn't appear as if there's great enough appetite for something large scale to occur right now.

where there's a will, there's a way.

• WWI began because some member of royalty was assassinated.
• The Spanish-American war began because someone sunk a battleship in some harbor.
• The Franco-Prussian War began because someone text-edited a letter.

In sum, casus belli... wow...