The United Empire of Trodenhiem

[Trodenhiem]

The United Empire of Trodenhiem
"Upon the Earth and Among the Stars"

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Introduction
The Empire of Trodenhiem (Pron: Trod-en-he-em) is a sovereign state located south of Contra, East of Forthampton and West of Latagon. Other names for it include Trodonian Union and The United Empire (or Imperium) of Trodenhiem, Gevon, Vilnya, Atholon, Xertia, Konstantinitz, Contra, Abbassia, Kyoti, Andunie, Sushiia and the Gradeskan Islands. It is a nation encompassing a large continental landmass known as Nordost, which is a collection of large continental islands with a vast number of smaller islands dispersed around. Trodenhiem has land borders with Tzen and Carops, and shares a maritime border with Tzen and Forthampton (through the Gradeskan Islands). Nordost is surrounded by the Cadian Ocean (also known as the Forthamptonian Ocean or Caspiun) to the west, the Straits of Tzen to the north, the Ardalia Sea to the east and the Trodonian Arctic Passage to the south. The Trodonian Straits (or Trodonian Narrows) seperates the landmasses of Trodenhiem and surround Jakocz, Trodenhiem's central landmass. The landmasses, with exception to Jakocz, which is now a high security military base, are linked to one another by a series of vast tunnels known as the Pan-Trodonian Maglev Tunnels.

The Empire is Unitary State with a constitutional Monarchy which possesses huge Executive, judicial and legislative power, though it usually restricts itself to a purely executive role. The elected government, headed by Don Elric Voltaire, oversees the day to day running of the nation as well as being the body the sees to the running of the economy and civil service. The current head of State is Empress Elyse I. Trodonian influences, both cultural and technological are widespread, especially in Tzen and more recently Forthampton and Armoria.

Trodenhiem is an economically developed nation with one of Paradisia's top three economies. This is partly due to the fact that Trodenhiem was the world's first and still is the most dominant industrialised country on the planet, despite recent cut backs in the industrial sectors in favour of more commercial and financial markets. The Empire has been one of the world's foremost superpowers since 1948, after the Trodonian Civil War when the industrial capacity of the nation boomed. Trodenhiem is now one of the world's leading nations and is in the top 5 most powerful nations, with the second highest defence spend and highest percentile defence spend. A former member of The Union, Trodenhiem has since opted out and continues to be an independant nation. The marraige of the Emperor Konstantin I to Forthamptonian Princess Kathryne (Katherine in Forthamptonian) has formed an unofficial alliance and diplomatic union between Trodenhiem and Forthampton, rekindling the old Imperial Ties formed during the Industrial Era and broken by the Trodonio-Forthampton War (1949-1955).

In more recent history Trodenhiem has been close allies with The Caldari State, the traditional rival of Latagon, and for a long time enjoyed close bonds with Northern Sushi and Loslakia among others. While not Latagon's traditional rival Trodenhiem had become the main rival to the Grand Republic, especially during the rule of Viktor Stomalkov in the 1990s. However recent reconcilliation with Forthampton combined with a political and social revolution in Trodenhiem have cause the Empire to shift out of the Caldari circle of influence and into its own which is on the verge of becoming closely linked to Latagon.

With the assassination of Emperor Konstantin I, his son Matthius I ascended the throne. His brutal reign was cut short however when his twin sister Elyse I deposed him and assumed the Imperial Crown. Matthius has since been living in exile in Forthampton.

Index
General
Map - A Little Out of Date (The UET Now Includes Sushiia)
Map of Paradisia - A Little Out of Date (Pending Update) Paradisia is the Fictional World Upon Which Liberalian RP is Based.
History
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
Culture
Overview
Government
Overview
People
Elyse I - Empress of Trodenhiem
Konstantin I - Father of Elyse I, Former Emperor of Trodenhiem (Deceased)

[Trodenhiem]

History
The History of Trodenhiem begins around 5000 B.C. with the ancient Trodonian Tribal civilisation based around modern Ligonza. Steady north eastern migration eventually lead to the Trodonian people becoming the dominant race in the Trodonian Continent. Modern Trodenhiem is considered to have been started around 300 B.C. however contempory historians tend to split Trodenhiem's history into three distinct periods, the First, Second and Third Imperium. The First Imperium is the largest tract of Trodonian history and encompasses the early growth of Trodenhiem, the Second Imperium was a turbulent time of reform in which Trodenhiem realised its direction and matured as a modern state, the Third Imperium is only just dawning.

1) The First Imperium
The First Imperium is the earliest period of Trodonian History, which is split into three distinct eras, the First, Second and the Third Imperium. Spanning from circa 5000 B.C. until 1915, the length of this period is a testament to Trodenhiem's comparatively slow and small scale social evolution during this period.

The First Imperium cannot be characterised by any single Monarch's reign though many great Emperors ruled during this period. Though significant events did happen during this era, not least the founding of Trodenhiem itself.

1.1) Early History
Trodenhiem was founded by Julian I in circa 5000 B.C. Juilian was the head of a large nomadic people called the Trodden, with his people they settled in the central plains of the Troden Continent in what is now the Empire, they settled a village called Capita, later to become the Trodonian Capital. Initially they lived in clans and villages, however as threats from neighbouring tribes increased, they were forced to fortify, thus the traditional walled towns began. Initial these walled towns were little more than tribal settlements surrounded by pallisade walls, however by 350 B.C. thier culture was so well developed that they followed a traditional Greek architecture, and had constructed large stone fortifications around towns and cities of stone and mortar. This lead to the Trodonian Classical Golden Age, an age where the Trodden people flourished, thier architecture became known across the world, sharing similarities to both Greek and Roman work. They constructed merchant fleets and thier military traditions of armoured spearmen equipped with short swords known as Palatine Phalanx Hoplites made them successful as an expansionist force.

As the population multiplied it became apparent that Despotism could no longer support such a large populace nor award them the respect of the other nearby civilisations, and under the rule of Titherius I the despotism became a Kingdom of unified Trodonian tribes, that came to be known as Trodenhiem. The cities united under one flag and the military grew, as did thier populace. As the Golden Age progressed as did thier technology, they began to make more use of heavy cavalry and by 230 A.D. they had developed thier own equivilent to the Byzantine Cavalry, named the Palatine Pranoi Aligon. With thier expansion complete, thier economy boomed to epic proportions, they traded with everyone, and few dared to make war with them.

1.1.1) The Tribal Kingdom
Trodenhiem first appeared as a united entity circa 300 B.C. with the formation of the tribal Kingdom of Trodenhiem. The earliest records of the Kingdom indicate that its first King to be crowned and named such in his lifetime was Titherius I, though during his reign it is known that all leaders of the Trodonian people prior were henceforth refered to as Kings. The Kingdom started as a small city state around modern day Trodenhiem following major migration northeast by the Trodonian tribes which originated around modern day Ligonza. This migration took a good deal of time and during the period most of the Trodonian leaders ruled over a moving horde which terrorised and destroyed many early nations in thier path to the fertile lands of the main Trodonian landmass.

In its early days the Kingdom grew in size and power as the nearby clans, tribes and fiefdoms submitted to the power and authority of the King of Trodenhiem and it is as much through military strength as consensus that the Kingdom grew into a major power. During this period Trodenhiem continued its expansion into the outlying tribal lands surrounding it and finally became an Empire in 12 A.D. starting the First Imperium of Trodenhiem when they conquered the lesser Trodonian Kingdoms and eventually occupied the entire space of modern Trodonia. This position granted Trodenhiem immense wealth through both trade and the fertility of its farm and pasture land, as a result of the high concentration of copper, tin and iron in the area the military strength of the newly formed Empire flourished with organised armoured troops as well as a mounted elite of nobles. The Empire was now ready to start its outward march into the neighbouring Kingdoms and nations.

1.2) Medieval History
The Empire had flourished conquering the nearby tribes and nations, and grew in size and wealth. By 1500 A.D. Trodenhiem was established as a major power on the Trodonian Continent, famous for its mounted soldiers and technologically advanced arquebusiers, thier culture was amazing, absorbing those of the nations and peoples they had conquered into thier own, and they became the hub of the civilised locale.

The nations of the Trodonian Continent, Promethia, Cassius, Cadia, Aramath, Solland and Boldividia were disunited and constantly warring amongst themselves. The constant warfare was hindering the growth of the Trodonian nation and so Emperor Scipius II lead the nation of the Great War of Ascension in which Trodenhiem conquered the states one by one and forced them into compliance. So it was that by 1812 AD all the nations of the Trodonian Continent except Cassius, on the central coast centered around Sparta. Cassius was the last nation to become taken by Trodenhiem.

1.2.1) The War of Ascension
This is a large chapter in Trodenhiem's history, initiated by Scipius II in 1202 A.D. and ended in 1812 with the defeat of the great Cassiun army at the battle of Boldermound under the command of Exelon II. This period was defined by the ongoing wars with neighbouring Trodonian states whose disunified nature hindered Trodenhiem's economic and political growth. The first target of the War of Asension was Aramath to the south, a tribal Khanate, the war made Scipius II a legend of his time and a historic icon, with his legendary victories at Mount Piranti and the Valley of Doves and the eventually defeat of the Khan's army at the gates of Dalacia in 1220. By this time Scipius II was in his prime and upon the defeat of the Khan set of north west to deal with border raids. Scipius II went on to defeat the Bandit Princes to the west and south west of Trodenhiem and take thier lands before finally falling at the Battle of Amon Hill in 1232 aged 56. His death is the stuff of much speculation, the most likely account is that he was killed by a crossbowman and fell drom his horse where his bodyguard were then charged by the Sollandic Royal Guard and the Emperor killed where he had fallen.

Scipius II's death did not end the War however and his descendants went on to win much less glorious but no less important victories. Finally in 1782 the great Kruschevite Empire of Cadia fell at the hands of Emperor Magnus I who defeated the great Cadian Emperor Conrad Kruschev in single combat, casting him down him with his rapier having immobilised Kruschev's sword arm with a well aimed shot from his pistol into his shoulder. The ensuing image is one shown again and age in renaissance and contemporary art alike, Magnus I went to kneel and offer Kruschev mercy but realising that the Cadian Emperor was about to shoot him he drew his spare pistol and shot Conrad Kruschev in the chest. Kruschev's pistol went off wounding Magnus' shoulder.

1.3) Renaissance History
Trodenhiem was one of the nations the was at the forefront, technologically though not socially or politically, of the Renaissance. Thier early developement of Black Powder and then Gunpowder allowed them to pave the way for a whole new era of warfare and by 1790 they already had a military far more advanced and capable than any of the other Trodonian States, including Promethia and Cassius, both renowned for thier military prowess.

It was during this period that the War of Ascension reached its climax. The Trodonian Emperors had defeated the forces of Cadia, Boldividia, Solland (modern Federalia), Imperialis and Aramath with a force mostly using crossbows heavy cavalry and knights, however even during the 1790s the Trodonian military was being overhauled as frontline troops were periodically sent home for retraining and rearmament with new weapons and new techniques. Trodenhiem became famous for the deadly Konquestors, mounted Carbine Cavalry first concieved in the 1550s, however they came into thier own with new weapon designs. The Pistoliers both mounted and on foot also became a deadly feature of Trodonian war and military unit that would continue in one form or another, to be a strong force until the early 1900s.

1.3.1) The Defeat of Promethia and Cassius
With the new innovative military and navy in place Scipius III set out to conquer the last mainland foe and recapture the original Trodonian motherland. Cassius was the last remnant of the original Punic peoples that had originated on the modern Trodonian Landmass, Promethia meanwhile was an offshoot of the Trodonian people who were fiercely independant. Realising that the Cassiun Grand Army was still recovering from a long war with the Kruschevite Empire (prior to its fall to Trodenhiem) where it had suffered devastating losses when a storm combined with naval attack on the crossing to Cadia had left the majority of thier military power at the bottom of the sea, Scipius decided to fortify the Cassiun border and concentrate of the invasion of Promethia.

Promethia was famed for its military prowess however its navy had also taken a severe beating in the storms that had so unfortunately destroyed Cassius' military, and was unable to prevent the landings near modern Norica. The city itself was soon captured by the landing force lead by Don Javier Khortez, who prepared for Scipius' landing in person. Once the landings were complete Khortez lead a diversionary force south to engage the army lead by Promethia's Crown Prince Ariddak, while Scipius lead the main attack northward to take Estria. The plan worked and the city fell, and Khortez excelled himself routing the Crown Prince's forces, he was made Lord Javier of Vajsch in a ceremony in Estria's Temple of Solace. The war continued for some time but in 1799 the Promethiun King Ferrick surrendered after the death of his son Ariddak.

After consolidating his grip of Promethia, Scipius instantly set back to Trodenhiem ordering his navy in the former Kruschevite city of Jakocz to launch assaults on Cassiun merchant and naval shipping and to mass transports in order to fool the Cassiun Oligarchy into believing he would attack by sea. Scipius then launched an assault from land, a massive force backed by cannons stormed Westward taking Thrace within mere months. The war ground slowly on until finally Sparta fell in 1812 and the Cassiun oligarchy was wiped out.

1.4) Industrial and Colonial Era
Starting in 1800 under the reign of Emperor Scipius III this period of time saw Trodenhiem at its zenith in the eyes of many historians. It was a Golden Age. The government was still autocratic, run by a revered 'God' Emperor and by the military classes. However industry and social liberty were on the rise. Trodenhiem was an innovator of Industrialism, its entrepeneurs and Industrialists setting up many companies and brands that we still see today.

Trodenhiem began in the textiles industry and swiftly moved to exploit its own resources with coal, copper, tin and iron mining as well as steel manufacture. The steel, steam and ship building industries took off, though Trodenhiem never invested in a sizeable military navy, merchant and pleasure vessels were pouring from the production lines at an unprecidented rate. Soon Trodenhiem was one of the pinnacle nations of the Industrial Revolution.

This huge industrial success fuel Trodenhiem's military ambitions and soon the non-Trodonian states of the Trodonian Continent came under attack, places such as Pretoria, Lakosh and Vier. As before they were invaded and brought into compliance, every shred of thier former independance removed and thier cultures usurped. These colonial success brought in yet more wealth and resources to fuel the Industry, nevertheless in 1910 with the Trodonio-Atholon War it was proven that Trodenhiem was beginning to fall behind, unable to advance any further as its Industrialists became tired and complacent. The military was unable to win the swift decisive victory that was expected and it was the beginning of the end for the Trodonian Golden Age.

1.4.1) Imperial Ties
With Trodenhiem at the forefront of the world economy the Imperial family grew extremely influencial and powerful. During the early days of the Industrial Era members of the Trodonian Imperial Family and Aristocracy married into the Forthamptonian Royal Family and vice versa. As the sharing of industrial innovation and the opening of lucrative trade between the two great states grew the two states flourished and while Trodenhiem is seen as the front runner in the Industrial revolution it is untrue to say that thier position was unchallenged. Forthampton's own economy boomed during this period and industrial growth and trade through Trodenhiem into the Caldari sphere of influence resulted in enourmous wealth being produced. This period signalled the beginning of a very close partnership between the two states as they practically bounced off each other, spurred to great heights of achievement and developement by thier now sibling rivalry. The states became nicknamed 'Brother Trodenhiem and Sister Forthampton', the Bear and the Lion racing each other into the future. A number of cartoons depicted Trodenhiem's Emperor Scipius III dressed in a sailor suit with King Edward IV of Forthampton dressed in a matching suit hand in hand with a lollipop in thier free hands, others such as a famous image from Thump! included Scipius playing with a train set while Edward painted a model boat. Relationships both between nations and thier citizens were high, people flocked to Trodenhiem from Forthampton and vice versa to experience the wonders of thier new sibling state.

1.4.2) Growth of the Revolution
Knowledge of new innovation was spread by several means. Workers who were trained in the technique might move to another employer or might be poached. A common method was for someone to make a study tour, gathering information where he could. During the whole of the Industrial Revolution and for the century before, all Paradisian countries engaged in study-touring; some nations, even trained civil servants or technicians to undertake it as a matter of state policy. In other countries, notably Trodenhiem, Forthampton and the Corporate Union, this practice was carried out by individual manufacturers anxious to improve their own methods. Study tours were common then, as now, as was the keeping of travel diaries. Records made by industrialists and technicians of the period are an incomparable source of information about their methods.

Another means for the spread of innovation was by the network of informal philosophical societies, in which members met to discuss 'natural philosophy' (i.e. science) and often its application to manufacturing. The Lunar Society flourished from 1765 to 1809, and it has been said of them, "They were, if you like, the revolutionary committee of that most far reaching of all the eighteenth century revolutions, the Industrial Revolution". Other such societies published volumes of proceedings and transactions. For example, the Geddon-based Imperial Society of Arts published an illustrated volume of new inventions, as well as papers about them in its annual Transactions.

1.5) The Trodonian Civil War
One of the longest wars in history, and certainly one of the bloodiest. The Trodonian Civil War began with the dissappearance of Emperor Ulsis I, no-one to this day knows what happened to him, however soon after a distant relative Lord Maxmillion Thunderhawk attempted to sieze power. His attempts failed as a number of aristocrats and military leaders forced his forces from the capital city. However thier alliances broke down as the bickered over who should become the supreme ruler. The concept of divided democratic rule was unheard of in Trodenhiem and this ultimately lead to the Battle of Trodenhiem City, in which a total of 8 faction brought thier full military might to bear in brutal fighting for control of the capital. The battles lasted for 12 years when finally a renewed Thunderhawk returned and in a surprise attack swept the warring factions from the city and installed himself as its leader.

Thunderhawk then engaged on a brutal regime of terror, hunting down dissenting groups and fighting terrible battles against the rival factions he'd beaten out of the capital. The end of the war finally ended when the other factions united under Emperor Ulsis now adult son Felix in 1934.

2) The Second Imperium
The Second Imperium is the Second period of Trodonian History, which is split into three distinct eras, the First, Second and the Third Imperium. Spanning from 1934 until 2002, this period saw the majority of the events and happenings that created modern Trodenhiem's culture, state and society.

Though originally not started until 1968 The Second Imperium is now considered by contemporary historians, to have spanned from 1934 until 2002. The reason for this, is that this period was primarily characterised by the brutality and oppression unleashed by the numerous rulers of the era. The Second Imperium is also commonly refered to as the 'Years of Blood'.

2.1) Post Civil War Trodenhiem (1934-1968)

This period was dominated primarily by the Trodonio-Forthampton War, however is defined by the reign of Silas II and the rise to power of Farden Jarrick under Felix.

2.1.1) The Felixian Revolution (1934-1935)
The Felixian Revolution headed by Prince Felix who had reached manhood in 1933 and was now the rightful ruler of Trodenhiem, united the warring faction and lead a coup against Thunderhawk, forcing him to flee the capital and dissappear while the remnants of the militaries scoured the Empire reasserting central Imperial control.

2.1.2) The Thunderhawk Uprising (1948)
The Thunderhawk Uprising happen in June 1948 when Lord Maxmillion Thunderhawk lead a small band of loyalists in an attempted coup against Emperor Titherius III (Felix' brother as Felix died of cancer in 1942) the coup was brutal but short as a unit of Spartan Hoplite Infantry surrounded and suppressed Thunderhawk and his loyalists. Thunderhawk was shot and mortally wounded during the battle and died on the steps of the Imperial Palace. This period was dominated by the rule of Emperor Silas II who ascended the throne following the assassination of his father (Titherius III) and his older brother also called Titherius. At the time it was believed to be the work of rebel Cassiun Seperatists, however following Silas' death it was revealled that the 'rebels' were under his employment. The other major event of the period was the Trodonio-Forthamptonian War.

2.1.5) Trodonian Economic Miracle
Jarrick came to power in the aftermath of the Civil War. When he came to power the most pressing issue was an unemployment rate of close to 30%. Before the Civil War, Jarrick placed non-Government professionals in charge of economic policy. Jarrick appointed Hjalmar Schacht, a former member of the Thunderhawk faction, as Chairman of the Imperial Bank in 1935 and Minister of Economics in 1936.

At first, Schacht continued the economic policies introduced by the government of Titherius III to combat the effects of the Civil War. These policies were mostly Keynesian, relying on large public works programs supported by deficit spending — such as the construction of the Autobahn — to stimulate the economy and reduce unemployment (which stood at 30% in early 1935). There was major reduction in unemployment over the following years, while price controls prevented the recurrence of inflation. The economic policies of the Empire were in the beginning the brainchildren of Schacht, who assumed office as president of the central bank under Jarrick in 1935, and became finance minister in the following year. Schacht was one of the few finance ministers to take advantage of the freedom provided by the end of the gold standard to keep interest rates low and government budget deficits high, with massive public works funded by large budget deficits. The consequence was an extremely rapid decline in unemployment—the most rapid decline in unemployment in any country during the period. Eventually this Keynesian economic policy was supplemented by the boost to demand provided by rearmament and swelling military spending.

Meanwhile, the government outlawed trade unions and banned strikes. They also directed Schacht to place more emphasis on military production and rearmament. Trodenhiem slowly began to recover from the Civil War, but this recovery was driven primarily by a military build-up. A number of economists, starting with Michal Kalecki, have seen this as an example of military Keynesianism. In June 1935, the "Reinhardt Program" was introduced. It was an ambitious project for the development of infrastructure; it combined indirect incentives, such as tax reductions, with direct public investment in waterways, railroads and highways. The Reinhardt Program was followed by other similar initiatives resulting in great expansion of the German construction industry between 1935 and 1938. In 1935 only 666,000 Germans worked in construction; by 1938 the number had gone up to 2,000,000. In particular, road construction was expanding at a very rapid pace. This was part of Jarrick's war preparations: Trodenhiem needed a state-of-the-art highway system in order to be able to move troops and materials quickly. Cars and other forms of motorized transport became increasingly attractive to the population. The Trodonian car industry experienced a boom in the 1930s. In 1937, military spending in Germany exceeded 10% of GNP (higher than any other Southern Paradisian country at the time). Military investment also exceeded civilian investment from 1937 onwards. Armaments dominated government expenditures on goods and services.

The year 1937 also represented a turning point for Trodonian trade policy. Hjalmar Schacht was replaced in September 1936 by Jarrick's lieutenant Alarik Devnov, with a mandate to make Trodenhiem self-sufficient to fight a war within ten years. Under Devnov imports were slashed. Wages and prices were controlled—under penalty of being sent to the concentration camp. Dividends were restricted to six percent on book capital. And strategic goals to be reached at all costs were declared: the construction of synthetic rubber plants, more steel plants, automatic textile factories.

World prices for raw materials (which constituted the bulk of Trodonian imports) were on the rise. At the same time, world prices for manufactured goods (Trodenhiem's chief exports) were falling. The result was that Trodenhiem found it increasingly difficult to maintain a balance of payments. A large trade deficit seemed almost inevitable. But Jarrick found this prospect unacceptable. Thus Trodenhiem, following Atholon's lead, began to move away from partially free trade in the direction of economic self-sufficiency.

Unlike Atholon, however, Trodenhiem did not strive to achieve full autarky. Jarrick was aware of the fact that Trodenhiem lacked reserves of raw materials, and full autarky was therefore impossible. Thus he chose a different approach. The government tried to limit the number of its trade partners, and, when possible, only trade with countries within the Trodonian sphere of influence. A number of bilateral trade agreements were signed between Trodenhiem and other nearby countries during the 1930s and 40s one of the most significant being the Forthampton Empire just across the Caspian Ocean. The government strongly encouraged trade with these countries but strongly discouraged trade with any others.

By the early 1940s, the aims of Trodonian trade policy were to use economic and political power to make the countries of South Eastern Paradisia dependent on the Empire (with the exception of Caldari). The Trodonian economy would draw its raw materials from that region, and the countries in question would receive Trodonian manufactured goods in exchange. Already in 1940, Sutz, Spako and Atholon transacted 50% of all their foreign trade with Trodenhiem. Throughout the 1930s amd 40s, Trodonian businesses were encouraged to form cartels, monopolies and oligopolies, whose interests were then protected by the state.

As big business became increasingly organized, it developed an increasingly close partnership with the government. The government pursued economic policies that maximized the profits of its business allies, and, in exchange, business leaders supported the government's political and military goals.

While the strict state intervention into the economy, and the massive rearmament policy, led to full employment during the 1930s, real wages in Trodenhiem dropped by roughly 25% between 1935 and 1940. Trade unions were abolished, as well as collective bargaining and the right to strike. The right to quit also disappeared: Labour books were introduced in 1937, and required the consent of the previous employer in order to be hired for another job. In place of ordinary profit incentive to guide investment, investment was guided through regulation to accord with needs of the State. Government financing eventually came to dominate the investment process, which the proportion of private securities issued falling from over half of the total in 1935 and 1936 to approximately 10 percent in 1937–1938. Heavy taxes on profits limited self-financing of firms. The largest firms were mostly exempt from taxes on profits, however government control of these were extensive enough to leave "only the shell of private ownership."

Another part of the new Imperial economy was massive rearmament, with the goal being to expand the Trodonian Army into a force of millions. The Four-Year Plan was discussed in the controversial Hossbach Memorandum, which provides the "minutes" from one of Jarrick's briefings.

2.2) The Trodonio-Forthampton War (1949-1955)
Jarrick had been in power since Felix rose to power during the Felixian revolution, with the Emperor too ill to rule. Felix's successor Titherius III also allowed Jarrick to effectively rule the nation, so Jarrick effectively became the dictator of the Empire. He spent the early days of his rule under Felix in annexing the modern Tzen territories, known as Sutz, north of the Trodonian Continent. Jarrick used economic and military threats to force the weak local government to agree to terms of annexation and moved troops into the area in 1938, the plan was to utilise the area for economic use, sourcing many resources there. This combined with a migration policy meant that Sutz was soon flooded with Trodonian farmers and landowners who had been given land for farming and business ventures. The boost to Trodenhiem's economy, especially considering its recovery from the Civil War, was huge.

2.2.1) The Laothinian and Abbassian Annexations
Jarrick realised however that Trodenhiem's military while organisationally very flexible and powerful, was woefully ill equipped. The civil war had eroded the military might of the Empire leaving only small units of battle harded elites and veterens, however these units' weapons and equipment were swiftly becoming outdated. With the production capacity at home still low as the factories got back to work properly Jarrick realised the need for fully operational modern factories. The lands north of Sutz, Laothin and the island of Abbassia had such factories in abundance and a high production capacity that could run at the efficiency Jarrick wanted.

In 1939 he caused considerable tension to grow between Trodenhiem and Forthampton by sending troops over the border into Laothin. While many would consider it an act of war against Laothin, the nation's own military at the time was incapable of defending the nation and as a result they surrendered unconditionally to the Empire within hours of the incursion. With his grip extended he took to inducting Laothinian units into the Imperial army and setting up a Totalitarian institution with which he and Silas II could efficiently flex central control over the factories and production facilities within Laothin. However the Abbassian local voted to join the Empire in 1940 causing further concerns of the part of Forthampton who began to voice concerns of Trodenhiem's growing greed and the Totalitarian Regime that was being put in place in the Empire.

2.2.2) The Invasion of Atholon (1949)
Following the economic miracle Jarrick decided that it was time to flex the Empire's military muscle once again. The nearby nation of Atholon had long been a close trading partner but had blatantly refused annexation attempts in the 30s. This combined with Trodenhiem's need for the land and resources Atholon held resulted in the invasion in 1949. The war was uneventful, Atholon's armed forces were outdated and used old tactics and were swiftly overrun by the Trodonian Imperial Army. With Atholon under thier heel Trodenhiem's economy and prospects would boom or so it seemed. News reached Forthampton and the government was enraged, having appeased the Empire in recognising the annexations of Sutz, Laothin and Abbassia due to the long friendship and intertwined royal families of the two nations, it was a slap in the face that Trodenhiem flouted thier position in invading a close ally of Forthampton. This was only worsened even further by the news that leaked out of a mass genocide of the Atholon population commited by Trodonian forces. So it was that on May 12th 1949 Forthampton declared war on Trodenhiem and mobilised for war.

2.2.3) Conflict on the Gradeskans (1950-1955)
The Trodonian held Gradeskan islands in the ocean between Trodenhiem and Forthampton were the first site of conflict between the Bear and the Lion. Trodonian forces had re-inforced the islands ready for a swift strike across the ocean to make landings in Forthampton, however the Kingdom beat Trodenhiem to it and landed on the western most Gradeskan on March 8th 1950 in massive numbers. Despite high casualties on the Kingdom's side they were able to force the Trodonian Imperial Army to retreat, surrendering the island and thus granting Forthampton's Royal Army a foothold in the Gradeskans.

With this initial conflict Emperor Silas ordered Jarrick to pour more forces into the Gradeskans, but Jarrick was no fool. He knew that the Forthamptonians would strike north and attempt landings in Sutz, Abbassia and Laothin, so he sent limited forces to hold the Gradeskans where Trodenhiem still had a strong advantage, and re-inforced the Laothinian landmass to the north. As predicted the Forthamptonians attempted landings in Abbassia and allong the west coast of Laothin and Sutz, however these initial landings were beaten off.

In 1952 after 3 years of failed offensives it looked like Trodenhiem well and truly had the upper hand. But in June 1952 everything changed as Forthamptonian forces successfully landed and gained a beachead on Abbassia and in central Sutz. The assault on Sutz had caught the defenders by surprise, they had not expected a landing so far east, and the confused Imperial Army lead by Fedor fon Bock was forced to retreat northwards leaving the armies defending the coast with thier rear and flanks exposed to the Forthamptonians.

In Abbassia Fedor fon Bock's legendary brother General Hadar fon Bock was taking extreme measures to repel the invading Forthamptonians. He succeeded in forcing them to abandon thier northern beacheads and nearly succeeded in crushing the invasion force altogether, however in a last minute tactical maneuver the Forthamptonians struck forward breaking through the front line and striking the flanks of the Imperial Army's forward thrust. It was a spectacular gambit and paid off as the momentum of the frontal attack was broken and the power of the flanking forces dissintegrated soon after.

From here things went from bad to worse, Abbassia fell quickly as Hadar fon Bock was sent to aid his brother Fedor in Sutz leaving the Abbassian front under the command of General Kruschev a descendant of the last Cadian Emperor. Kruschev was a capable commander but lacked the flair of fon Bock, as a result he was out done at every turn. In the ensuing battles the Trodonian Army in Abbassia collapsed with some 300,000 soldiers surrendering to the Forthamptonians. Sutz took far longer to fall, with to fon Bock brothers in command the Imperial Army managed to push the Forthamptonian forces back to thier beachead time and again, however with the fall of Abbassia Forthamptonian leaders concentrated thier efforts on Sutz and with a vast combined force, whose morale had been boosted by the victory in Abbassia, they succeeded in slicing Sutz in two and seperating the armies of the fon Bock brothers.

The Imperial forces seperated the Forthamptonians struck west trying to bring down and capture Fedor's forces before they could retreat and re-inforce Laothin. The attack was a success and Fedor was captured allong with his command retinue. Western Sutz was now completely under the control of the Forthamptonians who poured troops into the area en masse, preparing for the liberation of Laothin. With Hadar in Eastern Sutz they could not risk attacking his forces at this time, especially not since they'd captured his brother. The assault on Laothin proved costly and slow, but by November 1955 the last Imperial forces in the nation surrendered leaving the road into Eastern Sutz open.

Defeat in Sutz seemed iminent and against Hadar's advice Jarrick ordered a full withdrawl to the Trodonian mainland to prepare for the defence there. Meanwhile the Gradeskan Island conflict continued a desperate war of attrition with neither side having the upper hand any longer. The forces here commanded by Itzak Rommenk were hardened veterans of the Civil War and the death toll for the Forthamptonian forces here was huge as the Trodonian forces gave no quarter to thier former brothers.

Attempted landings allong the north coast of Trodenhiem from Sutz proved disasterous with thousands of troops meeting an early grave at the bottom of the sea as the formidable coastal defences pounded the transports to oblivion. With the momentum of the victory in Laothin, Abbassia and Sutz all but drained and the numerous landing attempts on the mainland a complete failure Forthampton's military brass recieved the go ahead to launch an awesome new weapon. A fleet of Bombers supported by fighters launched from the West Gradeskan Islands headed east to Ligonza, there they dropped a nuclear bomb, the first ever to be used in wrath in Paradisia's history. The destruction was vast, and the target perfectly planned, Ligonza was the heartland and birthplace of the Trodonian people and Empire, its near destruction at Forthamptonian hands and the threat of further attacks on other key cities forced Jarrick and Silas II to negotiate peace.

2.2.4) The War Ends
July 8th 1955 was the day the world press announced that the Trodonio-Forthampton War was finally over. After 6 years of bitter fighting between the two states peace had been declared. Trodenhiem withdrew its forces from Atholon and agreed to recognise thier independance allong with that of Sutz (later Tzen) and Laothin. The Gradeskan Islands were also ceded to Forthampton. The toll was far greater however in the long run. It eventually lead to the downfall of Silas II and with the end of the war Jarrick was disgraced and sacked paving the way for Monte Guerro's rise to power. For Atholon however justice was not served. Millions of ethnic Atholonians had been slaughtered in Concentration Camps on Jarrick's orders and for them regaining thier independance was the least of what they wanted. With the end of the war relations between Trodenhiem and Forthampton hit rock bottom and the Empire drifted into the Caldari sphere of influence.

2.3) The Short Lived Democracy
Following the war Silas II removed Jarrick and started making plans to have a new leader run the Empire in his place, more out of his own complacency than a genuine desire for democracy. He decided to allow the aristocracy to elect a replacement.

In 1960 the first elections were held and Monte Guerro, the leader of a loyalist faction in the civil war, took Jarrick's place as the leader of the nation. He set about trying to reform the nation into a properly democratic state that believed in liberal democracy rather than the traditionalist kind strongly tied to the Emperor. The idea was good but it proved disasterous in practice, as the Aristrocracy lead by Jarrick rebelled and Emperor Silas took power back, exiling Guerro. Silas was by now utterly twisted by Jarrick's crazed and malign schemes and set about enslaving the nation and turning it into a giant concentration camp using state control of the economy.

In 1966 Lord Juss a prominent member of the Cassiun Aristocracy lead an army of pro-Guerro soldiers and militias against the demoralised Imperial Army. Over the next two years they fought a one sided war and final found Silas holed up in the capital. The city was assaulted and Silas executed publicly in front of the world media. The capital was then abandoned.

2.4) The Second Imperium (1968-1979)
After this Juss returned power to Guerro, who set about rebuilding the nation. It was a short process as the people and military now supported him fully, and soon he forged an alliance with Atholon and they became a Principality of the new Second Imperium. With Atholon a nation only recently broken from the yoke of Imperial Domination on side the state already fit well in Guerro's new State Capitalist plans, building on the economic structure created under Schacht and Jarrick he was able to send the economy to even greater heights. He also began to institute new laws enabling him to avoid further elections. Such was his popularity and so new the idea of democracy that no significant opposition was raised against the move and Guerro was formally crowned Emperor of Trodenhiem.

However the collapse of Atholon in 1979 lead in turn to the collapse of the Second Imperium, the Principality became torn between Gevonian Nationalists and the Lords that ruled the nation originally and both sides left the Imperium. With Monte's position utterly compromised the Empire began to fragment into its component provinces, Promethia, Cassius, Boldividia, Cadia, Aramath, Federalia, Imperialis, Warzone, Pretoria and Trodonia. Guerro's continued propounding of the Federalist ideal failed to reunite the states and Monte was forced to start a war of reunification from his nation Imperial Trodenhiem (Imperialis), he succeeded in taking Promethia, Pretoria, Warzone, and Aramath. Without the support of Forthampton that the Empire had enjoyed before the war Monte was unable to scrabble enough support together and the Second Imperium and Trodenhiem with it began to fragment.

2.5) The Reunification Wars(1980-1982)
In 1979 Monte Guerro's disillusioned son Carlo Guerro defected to Cassius and lead the state, now named Federal Trodenhiem in a war to revive the Federalist dream and reunite Trodenhiem. After a series of long negotiations he managed to merge his nation with Boldividia, Trodonia, Cadia and Federalia and led the nation in a war against his father.

Imperial Trodenhiem at this time was weak as a result of the old economic policies that Monte continued to pursue that couldn't work as they had been designed to run on the whole of Trodenhiem. The nation reached breaking point within days. The war was ultimately a victory though it cost the capital city, which was nuked twice and then had masses of chemical and biological weapons fired there. The result of all the radiation was an EMP field that created the 'Dead Zone' an area where compasses went haywire and people were known never to return from.

2.5.1) The Invasion of Imperialis
This was the defining moment of the Reunification Wars. With the aging fon Bock brothers placed in command of Carlo's forces Federal forces swiftly succeeded in forcing the Imperial Army back, with Imperialis now allone with the loss of Monte Guerro's other provinces it was near indefensable. The Province was overrun swiftly earning more laurels for the legend of the fon Bocks.

2.6) The Federalist Era (1982-1990)
With Trodenhiem reunified Carlo set about rebuilding once more, however the foreign interference of nations such as Latagon prior to the collapse of the Second Imperium as well as the widespread (though debateable) belief that Latagon was responsible for all thier woes, lead many to begin openly abusing those of Latagonian descent and ethnicity. Carlo Guerro was unable to stop this and was branded a lover of Latagon. This allong with a series of dictatorial decisions reminiscent of the beginning of his father's reign as 'Emperor' lead to his imprisionment in the Dead Zone with his father and then his execution beside him in 1990 in a bloody coup by Viktor Stomalkov.

2.6.1) Post Reunification Wars Trodenhiem
Trodonians frequently refer to 1980 as the Stunde Null (zero hour) to describe the near-total collapse of their country. At the Geddon Conference, Trodenhiem was divided into several provinces by the Federal Government. The agreement also set forth the abolition of Sutz and the expulsion of Trodonians living in those territories, and formalized the Trodonian exodus from Laothin. In the process of the expulsions, millions died, and many suffered from exhaustion and dehydration.

In the immediate post-war years the Trodonian population lived on near starvation levels, and the Federal economic policy was one of borrowing in order to rebuild the nation. Federal policy began to change at the end of 1983 (Restatement of Policy on the Economy), and by mid 1984, after lobbying by the Economic Office, the administration finally realized that economic recovery in Trodenhiem could not go forward without the reconstruction of the industrial base on which it had previously been dependent.

With Forthampton no longer supporting Trodenhiem, the Empire turned to allies further east in the form of the Caldari State and later under Stomalkov the Union.

2.6.2) The Federalist Economy
The first several years after the Reunification Wars were years of bitter penury for the Trodonians. Their land, their homes, and their property lay in ruin. Millions were forced to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Tens of millions did not have enough to eat or to wear. Inflation raged. Parker pens, nylon stockings, and Camel cigarettes represented the accepted, if not the legal, tender of the time. Occupation projections showed that the average Trodonian would be able to purchase a plate every five years, a pair of shoes every twelve years, and a suit every fifty years.

As Trodenhiem's postwar economic and political leaders shaped their plans for the future Trodonian economy, they saw in ruin a new beginning, an opportunity to position Trodenhiem on a new and totally different path. The economy was to be an instrument for prosperity, but it was also to safeguard democracy and to help maintain a stable society. The new Trodonian leaders wanted social peace as well as economic prosperity. They wanted an economic system that would give all an equal opportunity in order to avoid creating underprivileged social groups whose bitter frustration would erupt into revolution and--in turn--repression.

The man who took full advantage of Trodenhiem's postwar opportunity was Ludwig Erhard, who was determined to shape a new and different kind of Trodonian economy. He was given his chance by Government officials, who found him working in Geddon and who saw that many of his ideas coincided with their own. He was influenced by the University of Geddon.

Erhard's first step was currency reform: the abolition of the Mark and the creation of a new currency, the Universal Credit. He carried out that reform on 21 June 1985, installing the new currency with the concurrence of the Caldari but also taking advantage of the opportunity to abolish most Jarrick-esque and Second Imperium rules and regulations in order to establish the genesis of a free economy. The currency reform, whose purpose was to provide a respected store of value and a widely accepted legal tender, succeeded brilliantly. It established the foundations of the Trodonian economy and of the state.

2.7) The Stomalkov Era (1990-2001)
With Carlo's death at the hands of his own government Trodenhiem began the fragment and dissolve into seperate warring states once more, but before any lasting damage could be done Stomalkov siezed the opportunity and in a violent coup assumed power. In the coup he had the remnant government assassinated and sent military units to destroy the faction leaders making him the only leader.

In the following months strange graffiti and propaganda began to appear as well as evangelists and soon a Cult of Personality built up around him as the leader, reaffirming his power. With this newfound support he was able to effectively convert the nation into a huge factory, his state capitalist ideas of a planned economy allowed him to mould the nation into a huge machine of war and industry. During his reign the economy grew to over 20 times its original size, living standards improved and Trodenhiem's military capability dwarfed that of the Caldari State and at its zenith even Latagon's.

However as Stomalkov's reign progressed so too did the Caldari-Latagon war and Trodenhiem's involvement in it. As a result of the Cult of Personality, hatred of Latagonian, Caropsyne and other non-Union minorities grew ultimately resulting the the state sanctioned Genocide of Caropsyne and Latagonian people across the nation. Over 60 million people lost thier lives as a direct result of Stomalkov's genocidal regime and the Latagonian government attempted widespread rescue operations.

Finally the genocide ended. At the time it seemed like a sudden U-turn in beliefs but now we realise that Stomalkov's advisors had assassinated him and taken control under his facade. For two years they ruled until finally Stomalkov's death was leaked and widespread public outrage lead to thier 'selling' the nation to Vadran Kelt of the ZetaResh Corporation.

2.7.1) The Stomalkov Economy
The Trodonians proudly labelled their economy a "soziale Marktwirtschaft ," or "social market economy," to show that the system as it has developed after the Reunification Wars has both a material and a social--or human--dimension. They stress the importance of the term "market" because after the Federalist experience they wanted an economy free of state intervention and domination. The only state role in the new economy was to protect the competitive environment from monopolistic or oligopolistic tendencies--including its own. The term "social" is stressed because Trodonians wanted an economy that would not only help the wealthy but also care for the workers and others who might not prove able to cope with the strenuous competitive demands of a market economy. The term "social" was chosen rather than "socialist" to distinguish their system from those in which the state claimed the right to direct the economy or to intervene in it.

Beyond these principles of the social market economy, but linked to it, comes a more traditional Trodonian concept, that of Ordnung, which can be directly translated to mean order but which really means an economy, society, and polity that are structured but not dictatorial. The founders of the social market economy insisted that Denken in Ordnungen--to think in terms of systems of order--was essential. They also spoke of Ordo-Liberalismus because the essence of the concept is that this must be a freely chosen order, not a command order.

Over time, the term "social" in the social market economy began to take on a life of its own. It moved the economy toward an extensive social welfare system that has become one of the most expensive in the world. Moreover, the government and the states (Länder ; sing., Land ) began to compensate for irregularities in economic cycles and for shifts in world production by beginning to shelter and support some sectors and industries. In an even greater departure from the Erhard tradition, the government became an instrument for the preservation of existing industries rather than a force for renewal. In the 1990s, the state assumed an ever more important role in the economy. Stomalkov tried to reduce that state role, and he succeeded in part, but Trodonian unification again compelled the Trodonian government to assume a stronger role in the economy. Thus, the contradiction between the terms "social" and "market" has remained an element for debate in Trodenhiem.

Given the internal contradiction in its philosophy, the economy became both conservative and dynamic. It was conservative in the sense that it drew on the part of the tradition that envisages some state role in the economy and a cautious attitude toward investment and risk-taking. It was dynamic in the sense that it is directed toward growth--even if that growth may be slow and steady rather than spectacular. It tried to combine the virtues of a market system with the virtues of a social welfare system.

2.7.2) Growing Ties with Caldari
Following the initial formation of very close ties under Silas II and Jarrick and later thier developement under Monte and Carlo Guerro, Stomalkov decided to boost relations with the State yet further by joining the Caldari run organisation The Union. The Union was a large close knit community of nations united with Caldari in order to prevent Latagonian dominance through LATO and Trodenhiem took a prominent role as its chief Economic Producer and manager. The eocnomic policies of Stomalkov and thier policy within the Union meant the economy soared.

2. Corporate Control (2001-2002)
Vadran Kelt bought the most economically powerful nation on the planet. Its product was huge, the munitions piles (that's what the were) grew to immense proportions. The nation become one huge factory and the pollution levels soared. Kelt's savvy economic leadership was not enough to save the nation from complacency however and with his death at the hands of an unknown assassin in the Union Chambers in 2002 the corporation collapsed paving the way for the ascension of Emperor Konstantin I.

2.8.1) The Corporate Economy
The economic reforms and the new system received powerful support from a number of sources: investment funds under the Trodonian Recovery Program, more commonly known as the Marshall Plan; the stimulus to industry provided by the diversion of other resources; and the readiness to work hard for low wages until productivity had risen. But the essential component of success was the revival of confidence brought on by Erhard's reforms and by the new currency.

The boom that began in 2001 was truly memorable. The growth rate of industrial production was 25.0 percent in 2001 and 18.1 percent in 2002. Growth continued at a high rate until 2004, despite occasional slowdowns. By 2004 industrial production had risen to two-and-one-half times the level of 2001 and far beyond any that Jarrick had reached during the 1930s and 40s in all of Trodenhiem. GDP rose by two-thirds during the same decade. The number of persons employed rose from 13.8 million in 1998 to 19.8 million in 2001, and the unemployment rate fell from 10.3 percent to 1.2 percent.

Labor also benefited in due course from the boom. Although wage demands and pay increases had been modest at first, wages and salaries rose over 80 percent between 1997 and 2002, catching up with growth. Trodonian social programs were given a considerable boost in 2002, just before Konstantin, when the government decided to initiate a number of social programs and to expand others.

[Trodenhiem]

3) The Third Imperium
The Third Imperium is the present period of Trodonian History, which is split into three distinct eras, the First, Second and the Third Imperium.

The Third Imperium is charactarised by the rule of Konstantin I, who began a series of Liberal and Social Reforms that lead to the modern Joint Imperial Government. Konstantin I instituted a number of key reforms in Trodonian politics and economics that created the Democratic Legislative and Executive Branches and reformed the antiquated Judicial Branch, furthermore the reforms brought greater political and personal freedoms than ever before, though initially at a cost to the economy. No longer would the aristocracy hold sway in Trodonian politics, now a man could be born at the bottom rung of society and climb to the top.

The reforms of the Third Imperium era have lead to a Trodonian Cultural Revolution in which new music, literature and other great works of art have been created. This included with the vast international success of numerous Trodonian music groups and artists as helped to reshape the modern image of Trodenhiem into a liberal paradise that encourages free thought and expression.

3.1) Conception
With Vadran Kelt's death the ZetaResh corporation lost its grip over Trodenhiem and soon many people became disillusioned very quickly. Suddenly Soneka Vatras the Imperial Successor announced that he'd found the hier to the throne, in the form of a lesser Aristocrat, Don Konstantin Scorpius. The highly educated Don was only 19 but by the modern laws enacted under Stomalkov he was an adult and therefore elegable to ascend the throne.

With the weight of public pressure against them the ZetaResh board of directors decided to relinquish control of the country to Konstantin on the proviso that they be given back thier investment that caused thier control. Konstantin agreed and with his power as Emperor siezed the money from the corrupt members of Stomalkov's government who had pocketed the cash and gave it to the board.

With the people supporting thier new Emperor unquestioningly Konstantin set about turning Trodenhiem from a corrupt and malignant nation, into a new reformed and democratic one. His first move was to sever his links with the Union for which the Empire had fought and whose economy they had effectively controlled under Stomalkov. The move caused outrage from the Caldari leadership however strong ties with Loslakia were maintained. He sided with more democratic nations such as Armoria and initially joined the Corporate Union in thier quest to secure world democracy.

However this alliance with the CU was short lived when they decided to go to war against Trodenhiem's wishes. Trodenhiem withdrew its support and began cultivating tronger ties with Forthampton, Loslakia, Prasser and Armoria, though Latagon was a long term target for alliance a suitable distance was maintained until Trodenhiem was in a position to approach them on peaceful terms. The success of diplomatic processes with Forthampton strengthened Konstantin's rule and allowed him to introduce democratic and liberal reforms, creating a system of democratic government and constitutional monarchy that we see today.

With Don Elric Voltaire elected under the new system, ties with Forthampton improved yet further. Konstantin and Voltaire took the opportunity to strengthen ties with Loslakia, Prasser and Armoria by forming a coalition with them against the Imperial Union when they once more attemtped to assert thier authority. Trodenhiem's long term ties with Armoria have lead many to suggest they may join Armoria's alliance ACDC, however these claims have been repeatedly denied by Trodonian officials.

Following Emperor Konstantin's marraige to Princess Kathryne of Forthampton (the spelling of her name altered upon marraige from Katherine to fit with the Trodonian language and accent where Katherine is near impossible to say) not only were ties with Forthampton cemented in the long term, but the strength fo Konstantin's and Voltaire's rule was strengthened. Such a high profile royal marraige had not been seen in centuries and many believe it signalled the beginning of the new Trodonian Golden Age. Voltaire's rule was strengthened as Konstantin left him in charge during his long honeymoon and Voltaire proved his ability to rule outright by succeeding in the defeat and plunder of the CU and then the yet further improved ties with Armoria coupled with the opening of ties with Western Contradictions.

3.1.2) Konstantin's Ascension
Konstantin I ascended the throne without much fuss, however contemporary historians have begun to take an interest, and while his ties to the Imperial Line have been proven his discovery is seen as rather opportune. New research indicates that Konstantin was under the wardship of Lord Vardus Scorpius with his twin brother who has since gone missing, but that he was placed there by an unknown aristocrat bearing great similarities in description to Farden Jarrick. Lord Scorpius has since passed away but in his memoirs he wrrote of seeing the doppelganger a man he remembered vividly from his childhood in the 1940s, then this man had been no older the 40 yet her was a man who looked exactly the same to his recollection as that man in the 40s. Many historians, from the events recorded in Lord Scorpius' memoirs believe the man from the 40s to be Jarrick. This is considered to be largely assumption and as no records exist of Konstantin's ward before Lord Scorpius adopted him no one has been able to say with any certainty where Konstantin came from or what his family had been doing in the intervening years since the fall of Emperor Silas.

3.2) The First Solitaire Period (2007-2010)
The Solitaire Events, were a series of events that took place in Trodenhiem from 2007-2009 involving the Solitaire Project. During this period Konstantin and Kathryne's first children (twins) Prince Matthius Nash (Matthew Nash) and Princess Elyse Maria (Elyse Mariya in Trodonian, but Elissia Maria as standard) , and the Empress Katheryne I survived an attempt on her life by an unknown assassin referred to only as Khaine, believed to be linked to Farden Jarrick who is believed to have been involved in the murder of Dr Nash Lyzanda whose death signalled the beginning of this period. The main events of this era were the deaths of Dr Nash Lyzanda, Alejandro Drax and Vitori Vinzo.

3.2.1) Kutsche's Gambit (2008)
Kutsche's Gambit, named after the renowned Trodoian Oberstkommandant, Vladimir Kutsche, is widely regarded as one of the greatest military, political and tactical maneuevers in Paradisian History. It succeeded in forcing 2/5ths of New Iwaqin's army, thier 500,000 most elite combat personel, including naval and airforce contingents and associated war materiele, to surrender to a mere 100,000 Trodonian Marine Reserves.

The Gambit began when New Iwaqin's government arranged a training exercise and mock battle in Trodonian Held Xertia, with Trodonian troops. As per the Trodonian government's request only a small quantity of live weaponry was to brought into the Empire. True to thier promise the New Iwaqi forces came largely unarmed to Trodenhiem. While en route however they redirected north fo Xertia and transfered 10,000 'Specials' and all thier live weapons and ammunition, to Genoii where they attempted the hostile takeover of Abstergo Industries. With thier armed contingents gone the fleets and soldiers were left unarmed, and as Laothin declared war on New Iwaqin Trodonian Marine Reserve forces boarded the New iwaqi fleet under the pretence of an armed escort home. Once on board however the Marines incarcerated the crew and soldiers who swiftly surrendered, and transfered them to the Hole prison in Jakocz.

3.3) The Golden Age (2010-2027)
The Golden Age is perhaps a misnomer for the period, it is so called because during this time Konstantin's economic policies came into fruition, seeing rapid growth that would not again be seen until 2030. The era is known as the Golden Age because it was the priod in which Trodenhiem reached its height as a nation, though the era ended with the spectacualr collapse of the Seperation.

3.3.1) The Caldari War (2026)
In 2026 (Trodonian Calender) the neighbouring Caldari State declared war on Latagon, forcing Trodenhiem to enter the war in defence of thier allies the Latagonians. In one of the first actions of the war Trodonian forces struck boldly into western Vyyk, the area now known as Konstantinitz. The forces lead by Oberstkommandant fon Palstrecht included the legendary Andrei Stahlstadt, a still young Fallschirmjager who won glory at the assaults on Chiba and Serekan (Now Konstantingrad) in which Trodonian forces overwhelmed the Caldari forces within mere hours and secured the city ready for continued strikes allong the west coast of Vyyk. With success coming easily in Vyyk, the superior Trodonian forces pushed a disorganised and far inferior Caldari army east and south all the way and soon they had secured a position that threatened the Inzi Line, the defensive line that seperated Latagon to the north from interior Vyyk to the south. The Inzi Line had never before been broken and while continued pleas were made to fon Palstrecht by allied forces to strike the Inzi Line from the south, he had other goals in mind. With the west coast of Vyyk, as far south as the Caldari capital Xi'an securely in his grip the Oberstkommandant sent forces east into far Eastern Sushia, where in similarly spectacular assaults the cities of Yaoyo and Phuket were secured, and the entire landmass was taken within the week.

However due to pleas from the Tzen forces, combined with thier past brotherhood with the Caldari Konstantin I ordered a halt to Trodonian advances into Caldari territory, leaving it to be torn apart by the Tzen, Caropsyne and Latagonians. Trodonian action in the Caldari War gained them much glory and proved once again Trodenhiem's military dominance and prowess over all the other participants in the war, the fact that in just one year the Trodonian forces had secured around 25% of the Caldari State's landmass while the other allied forces were bogged down for another three lay testament to all of Trodenhiem's continued might within the Third Imperium Era.

3.3.1.1) Victory at Chiba
The victory int he initial assault of Chiba was put down largely to the co-operation in full of land, air and naval units. The so called 'Wrath of the Gods' was a massive combined barrage of naval guns, rockets and missiles which combined to destroy much of the city's defences and throw the defenders into chaos. Then came a lightening fast landing assault and paradrop, the sudden appearance of enemy soldiers is believed to have caused the morale of the defenders to break. Not least because of the inhuman appearance that Trodenhiem's soldiers have when in full battle gear.

The invasion is now considered to be one of the greatest invasions in history, and the rear orchestrator of it tactically has now been creditted as Oberstkommandant Kutsche, no fon Palstrecht.

3.3.2) The Fallen Emperor/The Reign of Tyranny (2025-2027)
In 2025 at the height of the Caldari War Konstantin I was successfully assassinated by Khaine while inspecting troops in what is now Konstantinitz. The assassination was a huge blow to the public though not the military morale of the Empire, and the level of public mourning was vast. The funeral was attended by thousands, including dignitaries from almost all of the nations of Paradisia in recognition of the great man that the world had lost.

With Konstantin dead there was initially some debate over which of his twin children should ascend the throne, however a bit of obscure law of succession stated that the successor to the throne must be male. As a result Matthius I began his reign, though still 17 and not old enough to assume the throne fully until he turned 19. This being the case the Military and Ecclessiarchal leaders of Trodenhiem elected King Bradley, (King being his first name not his title) a veteren Teilungskommandant, to the position of Fuhrer, or Regent of Trodenhiem until Matthius reached the age of majority. Bradley however had no intention of leading the nation himself, a firm believer in Imperial Power he answered to the Emperor on all things and swiftly the Empire's policy changed to one of conflict and Imperialism once again. Authortaria was invaded initially with imperialistic intents though by the time the invasion ended Elyse was the Empress.

Atholon, which had been invaded in 2024 under Konstantin I, due to thier invasion of Gevon, was occupied on a more permanent basis, rather than for the intended reason of maintaining stability while the government was re-established. Further, territorial claims of western Vyyk (Konstantinitz) were made instead of leaving the lands to the Caropsyne. His rule became very much akin to that of Jarrick or Stomalkov, and he removed much of the Chancellry's power. Not only this he exiled his mother Kathryne I and sister Princess Elyse, to Forthampton.

3.3.2.1) The Silent Empress
Elyse however did not go to Forthampton. Instead she fled with Daphne Reise to Gevon under false identities and enlisted in the 8th Ruttersburg Infantry division. There she trained hard and achieved the rank of Abschnittkommandant due to her natural talent within the trainign and her aptitude for command. She continued to excel in Atholon where she helped but down a number of rebellions and uprisings, and gained the favour of Oberstkommandant fon Palstrecht, Kutsche and Kruschev, as well as the help of Andrei Stahlstadt and Reinhardt.

In December 2027 she and her Abschnitt were invited to Geddon for a series of military parades. While there a group of GIU students started a rebellion against the state. Seizing the opportunity Elyse utilised her connections and newfound loyalties to join the uprising and seize power from Matthius I in a one day coup. The success of the coup lead to Matthius' exile to Forthampton and the return of the government, the way it had been before Matthius and Bradley's reign. Trodonian forces pulled out of Atholon and set about aiding in the reconstruction efforts in Authortaria.

3.4) The Seperation (2027-2030)
With Matthius exiled to Forthampton Elyse was poised to official ascend tot he throne, but in a cruel twist of fate elections were rigged giving control to a man named Stahlherz. An avid pupil of Stomalkov, Stahlherz effectively continued the Reign Tyranny, and begun a series of devastating hostile actions against foreign nations. Such was the instability he created that the Empire fell apart, seperating for three years into lesser states. The Seperation culminated with the defeat of 'Emperor Conrad' of Cadia and Pappi of Boldividia on the plains of Concessa at the hands of the Promethian army lead by Armano Sedt and Fletcher Reise. Both Conrad and Pappi were killed in the conflict which lasted five days, and left the armies of Cadia and Boldividia broken. With Conrad and Pappi dead thier states swiftly capitulated to Promethia (lead by Sedt, Fletcher, Daphne and Elyse) this was shortly followed by Aramatherius and Gevon, who signed a treaty re-incorporating them into the new United Empire of Trodenhiem.

With the other Trodonian States eiter defeated or merged with Promethia Stahlherz' regime became more increasingly oppressive, and this lead to the June Marches in Geddon. Lead by the band the Skittles millions of protesters flooded the streets of Geddon in protest. In the frey between police and demonstrators Lemon, of the Skittles was shot dead in the middle of the Trodonian National Anthem by snipers, his public death caused the demonstartors to enter a frenzy and the police cordons collapsed soon after. In the chaos unknown persons assassinated Stahlherz and the military of the United Empire moved in to resecure the city and return public order.

3.5) The United Empire of Trodenhiem (2030-Present)
With Trodenhiem reunited the Trodonian States now reduced in number to Cadia, Promethia, Greymane, Aramatherius, Trodonia, Boldividia and Gevon (Including Konstantinitz, Xertia, Vilnya, Trodonio-Loslakian Abbassia and Jakocz) met in Geddon and after a series of heated debates agreed to swear fealty to Konstantin's daughter and her Imperial Line. Following the agreement they confirmed her as Empress and she was crowned Elyse I of the United Empire of Trodenhiem, the first ever female Empress of all Trodenhiem in her own right ([{Kathryne]] had been crowned Empress upon her marraige to Konstantin but did not retain the title after his death and is therefore considered Empress Consort). She swiftly rebuilt the former Democratic Government her father had created and made Don Elric Voltaire its interim High Chancellor, upon his shoulders the reconstruction effort was to begin.

Luckily the Seperation had been short, and it had not been a full scale civil war only a major devolution, hence the name Seperation ratehr than Civil War. Infrastructural damage was minimal as a result and indeed the damage was almost entirely cofined to Cadia and Trodonia where the battles to defeat Kruschev, Pappi and Stahlherz had taken place. Economic damage was somewhat more severe, though the Promethian, Aramatheriun, Cadian and Gevonaak economies had remained stable thanks to thier internal unity, stability and the strength of thier positions, the economies of Trodonia and Boldividia were in ruins. Businesses had fled, factories had shut down and banks had withdrawn, trade had effectively ceased. Therefore the first job for Voltaire was to kick start the internal economy to get the money that they desperately needed into Trodonia and Boldividia, this done he began rebuilding utilities and nationalised industry to create jobs and therefore attract business back to the area.

Talks with Forthampton, Tzen and the Pontanore had succeeded in creating the impression of security and stability as well as power that the UET needed to bring businesses and traders back. With lucrative trading deals the Forthamptonian, Tzen and Caropsyne traders lead the way making millions on trade, and soon much of the world began trading in full with Trodenhiem establishing the new seperate External Economy. The External Economy was just what the nation needed. Internal Business could now sell its wares to the Government which would in turn sell it to External Businesses allowing for it to be sold elsewhere, the Government would then buy goods from External Businesses that the Internal Businesses wanted or need, then selling it on to them. The sheer volume of goods going through government hands meant that only tiny profit margins per item were needed for the Government to rake in enough money to justify the scheme, and with no shareholders to keep happy they didn't need to hike up prices in order to boost profits, as long as they broke even the system worked. Finances were kept seperate too, and a company could only be either Internal or External, unless they gained a permit from the Government for both, such permits also meant that the companies were subject to regular audits and inspections to ensure that no foul play was going on. This heavy government involvement in the economy meant that now more than ever economic and business experts were needed to ensure that everything ran smoothly and that the Government knew what it was doing. Using the profits from Internal to External trade they were able to fund think tanks and exerts to advise and oversee the Government's Economic program and business assets.

This also diversified the Internal Economy of Trodenhiem, as Internal Companies could only purchase raw materials or things that they would never be able to make themselves or have made on the Internal Economy for them, from the External Companies they were in a sense forced to eexpand thier reach and it made room for a boom in Trodonian business, once this was established and Trodenhiem was almost self sufficient both in necessities and luxuries the Government decided to loosen resrictions allowing Internal 'Trading' Companies to form to sell goods bought from other countries, into the Internal Economy, these Companies could only get thier goods from approved sources and were monitored closely, the government's aim was to minimalise risk and increase security and stability within the national economy, while similtaneously allowing it to thrive.

As yet more successful talks with Carops and the newly formed Lao-Tzen Empire, as well as the formation of the Trading Triumvirate between Trodenhiem, Atholon and the Ruhr (all now at peace), the availability of goods of a high quality has increased on the Internal Market and with it the choice of brands has also gone up. This coupled with the rapid increase in disposable income among the citizens of Trodenhiem meant that there was a rapid, yet sustainable increase on trade. Such unprecidented prosperity was greeted cautiously, Trodenhiem had every been a thrifty nation, its people lived simple lives that weren't as materialistic as those of other nations, and Capitalism was seen more of a necessary evil than something embrace openly. The cost of living was lower than every, updates to water and energy systems in the early stages had meant that utilities were cheap and plentiful for the tax payer.

With the agricultural sector now needing huge reform if it was going to meet the needs of a rapidly growing economy and nation advisors from the Ruhr were asked to assist in the upgrading of agricultural facilities and methods in Trodenhiem. During this period numerous propaganda efforts were made to encourage families, in particular women, to grow thier own food and an allotment scheme was set up to facilitate this is busy urban areas. This was coupled with a health campaign encouraging good eating and plenty of exercise. While praised by foreign governments the initiative made little change, not because people were unwilling to conform, but because the Empire had always been a nation of thrift and where food was not cheap. Now with living costs lowering the government wanted to curtail any chance that the obesity problems of other nations would spread to Trodenhiem, so immediate educational projects, as well as a tight regulation of food standards were put into place. Initially unpopular as food prices began to rise again, it was in the long term by about 2033 welcomed as the quality of food and drink in Trodenhiem markedly increased and the prices of food started to rise more in line with inflation rather than exponentially, largely thanks to the agricultural reforms starting to take effect.

3.5.1) Annexation of Sushiia
In June of 2031 talks with the Lao-Tzen Empire resulted in the annexation of the Sushiian Continent by Trodenhiem. The talks took place between Don Elric Voltaire and Chancellor Baird in Praag, and came about as a result of the Trodonian annexation of Kyoti and Triumvirate Annexations of Abbassia, the Rillanons and the Laothinian Desert. The Lao-Tzen military feared encirclement by a powerful nation which seemed very nationalist at the time, and while it is maintained that now actual threat existed Don Elric Voltaire saw fit to allay his allies fears. The meeting took an unexpected turn when Baird, whose term as Chancellor of Lao-Tzen had been marred by unrest in Sushiia, agreed to sign over sovereign ownership and control of Sushiia to Trodenhiem and the Ruhr. Realising the vastly superior economic potential for Trodenhiem that Sushiia had that thier holdings north of Lao-Tzen Voltaire leapt at the opportunity signing the agreement, which was then swiftly ratified by the rest of the government.

Prior to the actual handover Trodonian envoys were dispatched to Sushiia and managed to secure agreements with the vast majority of the Sushiian Movements to prevent the unrest suffered by the Lao-Tzen, when they had ruled the territory. They failed however to prevent direct insurrection, lead by Sushiian Nationalist Kahn, in Northern Sushiia and military action followed to secure the territory that was to be handed to the Ruhr.

After much bloodshed over a three month campaign the Nationalist Forces were broken and defeated and peace restored to the territory. Though a strong military presence remains even now.

3.6) The Early Third Imperium Economy
In 2004 Trodenhiem gained a new central bank, the Trodonian Central, generally called simply Central, which succeeded the Imperial Bank and was given much more authority over monetary policy. That year also saw the establishment of the Imperial Cartel Office, designed to prevent the return of monopolies and cartels. Two years later, in 2006, Congress, the lower house of Trodenhiem's parliament, at Erhard's urging established the Council of Economic Experts to provide objective evaluations on which to base Trodonian economic policy.

The economy did not grow as fast or as consistently in the 1980s and 90s, in part because such a torrid pace could not be sustained, in part because the supply of fresh labor from Laothin and Atholon was cut off by Forthamptonian Immigration Sanctions, and in part because Central became disturbed about potential overheating and moved several times to slow the pace of growth. Erhard, who was the elected chief of Economic Policy, was voted out of office in December 2005, largely--although not entirely--because of the economic problems of the Empire. He was replaced by the Kurt Georg Kiesinger.

Under the pressure of the slowdown, the new Chief of Economic Policy (CEP) abandoned Erhard's broad laissez-faire orientation. The new CEP argued strongly for legislation that would give the Imperial government and his ministry greater authority to guide economic policy. In 2006 Congress passed the Law for Promoting Stability and Growth, known as the Magna Carta of medium-term economic management. That law, which remains in effect although never again applied as energetically as in Kiesinger's time, provided for coordination of Imperial, Land, and local budget plans in order to give fiscal policy a stronger impact. The law also set a number of optimistic targets for the four basic standards by which economic success was henceforth to be measured: currency stability, economic growth, employment levels, and trade balance. Those standards became popularly known as the magisches Viereck , the "magic rectangle" or the "magic polygon."

Kiesinger followed a different concept from Erhard's. He was one of the rare Trodonian Keynesians, and he brought to his new tasks the unshakable conviction that government had both the obligation and the capacity to shape economic trends and to smooth out and even eliminate the business cycle. Schiller's chosen formula was Globalsteuerung, or global guidance, a process by which government would not intervene in the details of the economy but would establish broad guidelines that would foster uninterrupted noninflationary growth.

Don Elric Voltaire expanded the social security system, substantially increasing the size and cost of the social budget. Social program costs grew by over 10 percent a year during much of the early years of the Third Imperium, introducing into the budget an unalterable obligation that reduced fiscal flexibility (although Kiesinger and other Keynesians believed that it would have an anticyclical effect). This came back to haunt Kiesinger as well as every Trodonian CEP since then.

Helmut Schmidt, Kiesinger's successor, was intensely interested in economics but also faced great problems, including the dramatic upsurge in oil prices. Trodenhiem's GDP in 2004 fell by 1.4 percent (in constant prices), the first time since the beginning of the Third Imperium that it had fallen so sharply. The Trodonian trade balance also fell as global demand declined and as the terms of trade deteriorated because of the rise in petroleum prices.

By 2007 the worst was over. Trodonian growth resumed, and the inflation rate began to decline. Although neither reached the favorable levels that had come to be taken for granted during the late 1980s and 1990s, they were accepted as tolerable after the turbulence of the previous years. Schmidt began to be known as a Macher (achiever). Schmidt's success led him and his party to claim that they had built Modell Troden (the Trodonian model).

Within its broad policy, the Voltaire government had several main objectives: to reduce the Imperial deficit by cutting expenditures as well as taxes, to reduce government restrictions and regulations, and to improve the flexibility and performance of the labor market. The government also carried through a series of privatization measures, selling almost C10 billion in shares of such diverse state-owned institutions as VEBA, VIAG, Volkswagen, Lufthansa, and Salzgitter. Through all these steps, the state role in the Trodonian economy declined from 52 percent to 46 percent of GDP between 2004-2007, according to Central statistics.

Although the policies of Voltaire changed the mood of the Trodonian economy and reinstalled a measure of confidence, progress came unevenly and haltingly. The figures on growth and inflation improved but slowly, and the figures on unemployment barely moved at all. There was little job growth until 2008. When the statistics did change, however, even modestly, it was at least in the right direction.

[Trodenhiem]

Culture
Trodonian Culture is based heavily on classical Greek and Roman architecture,and much of the modern structures still base thier distinctive style of pseudo-Greek/Roman styles that are popular in Trodenhiem. In terms of fashion and dress, Trodonians are renowned for thier preference to dark colours and formal dress, the predominant social clique being Goths with a lot of Gothic influence, ideas and images being worked into modern culture. Lolita Fashion has also taken root in the Empire heavily following its populisation during the Trodonian Cultural revolution which followed the Ascention of Konstantin I to the throne. Anime, more specifically, dark and gothic anime as well as graphic violent genres are especially popular and indeed many modern politicians and celebrities have pictures commissioned of themselves in the distinctive Manga style. Despite the cold climate Trodonians also have a tendancy to wear trilbies, top hats and sunglasses although Castro-Style peaked caps are also very popular. Velvet, Linen, Pinstripe and Silk fabrics are very popular allong with leather of various colours. Despite the largely gothic influence on Trodonian Culture much of the style is largely simple, basic and tame, prefering formal dress and dark colours to the full blown gothic style.

Trodonian Music is renowned for being an eclectic blend of sounds, tending around electronica, punk and rock although the hit band The Skittles have proven thier versatility through producing pop, rock, metal and rave tracks and albums. Music is a very important part of the Trodonian 'soul' this was emphasised when the Empress begun to emerse herself in music production, having given much of her power to the elected government.

[Trodenhiem]

Government
Despite the numerous reforms that decentralise much of the power in Trodenhiem, undertaken by Don Elric Voltaire and Konstantinn I, the national government is still very much centralised. While the Judiciary is decentralised it is still reigned in by the central government and the central judiciary which is traditionally headed by the Emperor. Under the new laws brought in with the Constitution of Trodenhiem in 2003, by Konstantin I the government is run between the elected High Chancellor and the Emperor. While the Emperor retains supreme executive, legislative and judicial power he rarely exercises it, leaving the day to day running of the nation in the hands of the High Chancellor and his elected government. The Legislative is broken down into two bodies, Congress and the House of Scholars, both have equal powers and responsibilites, the Judiciary is split down into 4 bodies, the Council of Judges who undertake legal review, the Lower Court who deal with minor offences, the High Court which deals with serious crimes and the Supreme Court which deals with corporate and organisational disputes and crimes.

Overview
* Government Type: Constitutional Monarch
* Head of State: Empress Elyse I
* Head of Government: High Chancellor Helmut Schultze
* Political Freedoms: Many
* Civil Rights: Many
* Economic Rights: Many
* Political Stance: Political and Democratic Progression
* Civil/Domestic Stance: The Freedoms of the Individual must be held Sacrosanct
* Economic Stance: Regulation Only For the Wellbeing of the People
* Minimum Wage: C4.20 per hour
* Suffrage: 16 (Universal)
* Compulsory Education: 4-16
* Further Education: 16-21
* Private Further Education: 18-21
* Healthcare: Subsidised Dependant on Income
* Literacy: 99%
* Voting System: Plurality (Preference)
* Legislative Branch: Congress (Lower House), Council of Scholars (Upper House)
* Executive Branch: The Chancellry, The Imperial Offices
* Judicial Branch: The Council of Judges (Legal Review), The Lower Court (Lesser Crimes), The High Court (Serious Crimes), The Supreme Court (Corporate/Organisational Disputes)

The Executive

The Emperor
The Emperor has supreme executive, legislative and judicial power, so in short what the Emperor says goes. In the past the Emperor allone, with a council of advisors and the Civil Service ran the nation. However under Konstantin's reforms in early 2003 following the constitution, this was no longer the case. Konstantin took the decision in light of Trodenhiem's recent history, in which the nation had hopped from one damaging tyrannical dictatorship to another since 1948. Now the Emperor's power is balanced by an equally powerful executive government headed by the High Chancellor which is elected every 5 years. Since Don Elric Voltaire's election in 2003 Konstantin I has largely taken on an advisory role except on rare occassions where he takes a co-leadership role.

The High Chancellor
Elected every 5 years, the High Chancellor is effectively a democratically elected co-Emperor, with the same powers, rights and responsibilities as the reigning monarch. As such the elections are taken very seriously and the results counted five times and then reviewed. Owing to its recent history the nation takes no chances with its new found democracy. Don Elric Voltaire is the first High Chancellor of Trodenhiem and is responsible for many of the liberal, military, economic and educational reforms within the Empire. However as yet the High Chancellor still needs the public approval of the Emperor for him to hold any respect or mandate with the populace for his actions.

The Chancellry
The Chancellry is the cabinet of Trodenhiem, made up of persons selected by the High Chancellor and then approved by Congress, the House of Scholars and the Emperor. They oversee departmental management of the government as well as specific aspects of national policy. They are also responsible for thier own section of the Civil Service. The present Chancellry Positions are:

* Chancellor for Defence - Kavian Ross
* Chancellor for Internal Affairs - Ana Nikyavov
* Chancellor for Foreign Affairs - Nikolai Vilnya
o Chief Diplomat - Andeu Valke
o Chief Ambassador - Salmaj fon Asterk
* Chancellor for Economic Affairs - Oleg fon Pietres
o Head of National Energy - Ilnya Valenko
o Head of National Water - Pyotr Lvnov
o Head of National Transport - Travelyen fon Olmar
* Chancellor for Health - Nataliya Soneka
* Chancellor for Education - Lito pharr Parone
* Chancellor for Religious and Social Affairs - High Priest Altair Ghanvo
* Chancellor of the Treasury - Pavlov fon Yve

Budget
* Government Income (% of GDP): 62.3%
* Government Budget: $85,784 billion
* Administration (1%): $729 billion
* Welfare (14%): $10,208 billion
* Healthcare (16%): $11,667 billion
* Education (9%): $6,562 billion
* Religion and Spirituality (0%): $0 billion
* Defence (33%): $24,062 billion
* Law and Order (4%): $2,917 billion
* Commerce (15%): $10,937 billion
* Public Transport (3%): $2,187 billion
* Environment (0%): $0 billion
* Social Equality (4%): $2,917 billion
* Government Waste (15%): $12,868 billion

The Legislative
Both Congress and the House of Scholars have the same powers, rights and responsibilities. A bill mast be debated, voted on and passed by both houses in a single form before it can be passed into law. As such the legislative process is as much about negotiation and careful though as it is about passing reams of new laws for every little thing.

Congress
Congress is elected every 5 years, however changes over one year after thier election so as not to coincide with the change in Executive government. They are elected using the first preference votes only from the High Chancellor elections, the percentage each party is given determines the percentage of the 7,000 seats that are warded to said party. So if 12% of the populace voted for the Socialist Party High Chancellor Candidate as thier first preference 12% of Congress would then be Socialist Party representatives.

The House of Scholars
The Upper House is elected every 8 years (one half every 4 years) using a simple plurality system. There are a total of 700 Scholars. All people running for election in the House of Scholars must hold a University Degree from a recognised institution in a recognised subject. Though there is no qualification required to sit in Congress. The House of Scholars is considered the more sensible house compared to the more compassionate outlook of Congress.

The Judiciary
The Judiciary is divided into four parts, each responsible for its own recruitment and maintenance, but each funded by the executive. The Council of Judges is comprised of retired Judges from any of the other Judicial Bodies, and is responsible for protecting the constitution and ensuring the integrity and continuity of the law. They find contradictions and similar problems and then bring thier findings before Congress for debate and amendment, equally they have the power to render laws null and void with Imperial approval if they are found to contravene the constitution or its principals.

The Lower Court presides over lesser crimes, such as minor theft, assault and similar. It is up to a Judge from the Council of Judges to decide what counts before the trial begins and it is that body's responsibility to define the lines between Major and Minor crimes. If a crime is declared organisational or corporate in nature then it is sent to the Supreme Court while major crimes go to the High Court.

[Trodenhiem]

Elyse I
Elyse I (Elyse Mariya; born 2nd January 2008) is the Empress Regnant of six states collectively known as the United Empire of Trodenhiem. She holds the crown and serves to bind and unite these states. As Head of State of all these states and of Trodenhiem in general she is incredibly powerful, however in escalating the convention begun by her father Konstantin I she has chosen to grant most of her powers and the power to rule to the democratic government lead by Don Elric Voltaire, though in theory she or her successors can withdraw this at any time the Constitution states clearly that the Democratic Government has equal legislative and executive power. Her reign follows a period known as the Seperation, and since ascending the throne she has worked hard to rebuild the Empire and has seen great change under the leadership of the High Chancellor, the aforementioned Voltaire.

Elyse became Empress of Trodenhiem following the reunion of the Trodonian States, which was lead by Promethia, and an accord by which the states returned thier ultimate sovereign power to the Monarchy, in the form of the Next in Line to the Throne. As Matthius I had abdicated prior to the Seperation, and Kathryne I ruled only as consort to Konstantin, that left only Princess Daphne or Princess Elyse. As Elyse was the direct issue of Konstantin I and sister of the last Emperor Matthius I, she was declared next in line and was subsequently crowned.

Early Life
Elyse was born on the 2nd January 2008, and was the first child (born moments before her twin brother Matthius) of Emperor Konstantin I and Empress Kathryne I of the then 'Divine Empire' of Trodenhiem. Her recorded place of birth is the Imperial Palace in Geddon, and she was baptised by the Council of Synods in the Basilica of Saints (Geddon), her baptismal God is Sylas (Autumn). From an early age she developed very close bonds with both her parents, despite Matthius less sociable developement. Despite her well know extrovert nature she was a silent child and was believed mute for reasons unknown. Regardless of her lack of speech her education proceeded unhindered and she developed a keen artistic ability, writing poetry, painting abstract art (though she never gained real acclaim for this) as well as the composing and performing of various types of music.

It was noticed not long after her birth that she was very much paler in complexion than her brother or parents, and as her hair began to grow more fully it proved only to get darker and darker until it was jet black like her father's. Her eyes also changed from brown to a blazing golden colour. This made her appearance generally quite remarkable even as a child. She was educated both at home and later at the Geddon Children's School near Vermont Street, and proved an able student with a profficiency particularly in writing and creative pursuits.

Teenage Years
Having passed the Early Child Developement Assessment at the GCS, falling into the category of 'Creative, Thinker, Developer' she was sent to the Giles School for Girls north of Ligonza, a boarding school of high repute where many female members of the Imperial Line had been educated over the centuries. At this point the question of the succession had not even been discussed in detail and it was considered that, owing to the unliklihood of Konstantin's death, that she and her brother share the title of 'First in Line' though legally Elyse would have been second in line as old laws of succession stated that the eldest male heir take the throne. Since she could not speak the media tended to avoid interviewing her, so her views on the matter went largely unpublished though she was far from ignored. During her teenage years she enjoyed a lot of popularity and was present representing her father at numerous events around the Empire. From the age of 11 onwards she became the Empire's official 'Imperial Hostess' which meant it was her responsibility to be the formal, personal hostess of royal and state functions. The role required her to dance with various foreign dignitaries and leaders, most notably her Maternal Grandfather King Aaron of Forthampton and King Frederick XII of the Ruhr. It was remarked however that the first dance of the evening was always between her and her father.

As she and her brother grew older they appeared in the media more and more often. While she remained fairly distant from affairs of the heart, unlike her brother who from the age of 16 gained a reputation as a womanizer, it became clear that she was growing into a very attractive woman. In fact during the Caldari war she posed for a number of propaganda posters promoting hard work and patriotism. The posters were later edited so it was less obvious she was in them, so as to allow her to remain a part of the campaign without creating a stir by having an Imperial Heiress obviously involved. The speculation worked wonders for her public popularity.

Coming of Age
With the rest of Trodonians her age, Elyse 'came of age' when she turned 17. The coming of age of the twins was greeted with huge furor and celebration, but this was soon marred by the death of Konstantin and succession of Matthius to the throne. As the twins had not reached the traditional 'age of Majority' (21) which was required to take on the full responsibilities of the crown Matthius chose a man he had befriended to be Fuhrer, this man was a young Personalkommandant named King Bradley. King Bradley was a sadistic man who followed the vein of the Guerros and Jarrick, rather than upholding the vision that Konstantin had. Matthius had been deeply influenced by this and so began the reign of Tyranny, such was the oppression that matthius brought upon his people that Elyse, who was supposed to be in exile in Forthampton, fled instead to Gevon where she joined the newly formed Gevon Rifles. As it was an entirely new Armeegruppe only the core of officers and staff officers came from elsewhere. Lower ranks and command of Gruppen and lower denominations were open. This lead to her speedy promotion under her secret identity as she excelled in military exercises and training. She then gained command of a Teilung (5th) and lead them in fighting Atholonian Communist Rebels. Such was the success of her soldiers in particular that they were invited to the capital, Geddon to recieve a personal mention from the Emperor and the Fuhrer.

While in Geddon Elyse had a contact at the GIU give the green light for a student uprising, and used the excuse of the uprising to arm the soldiers under her command. But instead of moving to quell the uprising her forces moved straight to the Imperial Palace. The Imperial Guards, realising what was going on almost resisted, but upon discovering Elyse' real identity they stood down, and while not assisting her in her coup, they did not move against her either. Word got out and people moved into the streets and began to join the uprising, however the violence was averted when the Civil Protection and ECRU sided with Elyse and the Students of the GIU. The coup lasted just 1 hour with 12 dead and many more injured, it all ended when Elyse, backed by Princess Daphne, stormed Matthius' apartments and broke through the guards the Fuhrer had put in place (6 deaths) and forced Matthius at swordpoint to abdicate the throne in Elyse' favour. Bradley was found dead in Matthius' Common Room, he'd been caught in the chest during the crossfire.

Controversy
Elyse controversially became a military pin-up upon coming of age, after pictures of her attending a film premiere in a fantastic dress and pictures of her on holiday in the Ruhr were published. The military swiftly moved to impose a ban on pictures of the young Elyse, however their circulation continued until after the coup regardless.

The Seperation
The coup unfortunately was so quickly begun and over that confusion spread through the governments, both Democratic and Imperial, of Trodenhiem. Stahlherz, the presently elected High Chancellor, refused to acknowledge Elyse' succession to the throne and mobilised his private army and soldiers loyal to the democratic government to seize Trodonia, the capital province. Forced to flee with her soldiers and her father's entourage to Promthia, whose leadership declared thier unconditional support for her succession. The Seperation had begun in full.

Shortly after Stahlherz fell out with the Council of Synods for undisclosed reasons and the province of Boldividia seperated from Trodonia and fell under the rule of a Synod called Pappi (Father). Aramatherius, the province south of Trodonia, was seized by the Aramatheriun Nobility in the hope that they could establish themselves as a new monarchy, however they were so divided that the military of Aramatherius remained neutral and as a result they were unable to strike against any of thier neighbours. In Cadia Conrad Kruschev, head of the former Cadian Royal Line, which had been abolished since the 1800s, declared himself Emperor and raised an army to invade Greymane which, being a tribal land, remained neutral. Meanwhile Don Elric Voltaire the former High Chancellor and elected leader of Gevon held his province united and declared support for the Empress.

With Pappi and Kruschev posing the greater threats to Trodenhiem Elyse rallied as much support from the former Imperial Military as she could and lead an invasion force first to Greymane to push the Cadians out, then on to Cadia itself to end the threat from Kruschev. Victory in Greymane was swift, the Cadians lacked built up fortifications from which to defend themselves adequetly against the vast firepower and range that was pitted against them and they were forced to flee. Cadia itself was a different story, a number of skirmishes between Elyse' and Kruschev's troops were mostly draws, but regardless Elyse kept the pressure on, slowly forcing the Cadians back north into the Industrial Wastes of Czerniy. It was there that the Cadians were defeated. Sandwiched between Elyse' forces to the south and an invasion force from Boldividia lead by Pappi from the north they fought hard, but could not withstand the dual assault.

Victory however was not won there, though Conrad was dead and his forces surrendered, Pappi continued to press south into Elyse' forces. Elyse had anticipated this and ordered her armour columns forward from the rear. This bold move spelt victory for the Promethiun forces lead by the Empress as the great behemoths of her Panzer Columns smashed through Pappi's lines of infantry. Though fought to the end thier defeat was absolute, the militia army of Boldividia lay wasted there and Pappi slain.

Thier leaders dead and armies sundered both Cadia and Boldividia had no choice but to offer a grovelling surrender to Elyse. Realising that they would be next the Aramatheriun Nobles agreed to rejoin the Trodonian Empire, and the former Trodonian Military officially swore its loyalty to Elyse. This was the end of the Seperation, Stahlherz was assassinated on Elyse' orders, during an organised uprising against him and his administration crumbled. Elyse appointed Don Elric Voltaire interim High Chancellor whose job it was to rebuild the damage and re-affirm Trodenhiem's position internationally before holding elections.

With the government secure and the provinces of Trodenhiem once again brought to heel Elyse decided that it was time to retreat from politics. She began to take on less and less political responsibility and now only attends important state and ceremonial events, as well as playing an advisory role to the elected government.

Current Life
Presently Elyse is engaged in numerous artistic and cultural pursuits, noticeably singing with the famous band, Empress and the Tarot as well as taking on Photography. There are numerous exhibitions featuring her work which is highly sought after, not just because of who she is but also for her skill. She remains unmarried, though there are whisperings of a relationship with Peter Kingsley, Governor-Militant of the Tzen territory of Talabec despite the fact that he is about 20 years her senior.

[Trodenhiem]

Konstantin I
* Gender: Male
* Ethnicity: Trodonian
* Hair Colour: Jet Black
* Eye Colour: Crimson
* Height: 5ft 11
* Weight: 11 Stone 2
* Build: Slim Sinuous
* Identifying Features: A long fractal scar runs from the base of his spine and runs vertically up to his right shoulder and over onto his chest and ends at the center of his stomach and runs almost parallel on both sides (as if he had been cut apart and sewn back together here), A number of deep and distinctive scars allong his right arm that bears a peculiar Old Ilvenni Iconographic tattoo attributed to Farden Jarrick that appears to have a different skin tone from the rest of his body and has a scar around the elbow suggesting it was attached to replace the original limb, He has a tribal dark vortex tattoo on the right side of his face that can be seen on the back of his right cheek, this links with a larger one that runs onto his back, A tattoo of the Prayer of Mesmir on the upper left arm

Konstantin was the Emperor of Trodenhiem, still a young man he was however strong in his convictions and view of right and wrong. After seeing what Jarrick wanted Trodenhiem to become, little more than an engine for his own scheme Konstantin rebelled against him and forced Jarrick into exile in the Caldari State. Konstantin himself seemed to be an easy going and caring man and indeed his actions reflect this, however he hid a dark secret.

He was a careful but deeply concerned man. Married to Kathryne a Forthamptonian princess who stole his heart after a formal meeting with the Forthamptonian royal family in which the first of Trodenhiem's new era ties were formed having broken away from the Union. He was a man deeply in love but one with a profound control of his emotions, now remembered not only as Trodenhiem's greatest Emperor, but also as a family man.

Early History
Konstantin was supposedly born the son of Lord Vladislav Scorpius, son of the younger brother of the last Emperor Silas II of Trodenhiem, on January 5th 1981. It is certainly true he was raised by Lord Vladislav, however it is believed that Konstantin is the biological son of Farden Jarrick through the Solitaire Project, and was given into Lord Vladislav's care in order to avoid detection by Carlo Guerro's Federalist government. Raised Don Konstantin Garrick Scorpius, it was in 1986 when Lord Vladislav died, that Jarrick returned and revealled the truth to the 5 year old Konstantin and took him into hiding. Konstantin then spent the next 12 years of his life hiding with Jarrick and his biological brothers (also through the Project) Armano Sedt and Alejandro Drax. During this time, while Sedt and Drax were educated in martial skills and assassination techniques, Konstantin was taught expertly in the art of Politics, Economics, Military Tactics and Organised Crime. By the age of 17 he was taken out of hiding and sent to the prestigious University of Geddon, Trodenhiem's permier University based in the capital. Here he met and was heavily influenced by a fellow student Don Elric Voltaire (Later High Chancellor of Trodenhiem), as well as Professor Lukacz Brendt and thier Liberal philosophies.

During his time at University Konstantin was involved in a number of rallies against Viktor Stomalkov's tyrannical Government, though thanks to Jarrick's connections he managed to avoid arrest or worse.

Corporate Era
In 2001 Stomalkov's regime collapsed and the nation came under the control of the ZetaResh Corporation under the volatile Vadran Kelt. During this time Konstantin managed to bring Sedt and Drax over to his side rather than Jarrick's. Eventually Sedt killed Vadran Kelt at The Union congress on Jarrick's orders and Konstantin ascended the throne. Soon after Konstantin turned on Jarrick and with Sedt and Drax at his side attacked Jarrick's secret compound in the 'Dead Zone' forcing Jarrick to flee in fear of his life to The Caldari State were he took up a position as advisor to Tovil Toba.

Ascension to the Throne
Konstantin was welcomed into his reign as Emperor of Trodenhiem by widespread public support, massive street parties and parades. Such was his popularity among the populace that he was able to institute a vast array of Social and Political reforms, including the formation of Trodenhiem's first truly democratic government.

With the people supporting thier new Emperor unquestioningly Konstantin set about turning Trodenhiem from a corrupt and malignant nation, into a new reformed and democratic one. His first move was to sever his links with The Union for which the Empire had fought and whose economy they had effectively controlled under Stomalkov. The move caused outrage from the Caldari leadership however strong ties with Loslakia were maintained. He sided with more democratic nations such as Armoria and initially joined the Corporate Union in thier quest to secure world democracy.

However this alliance with the CU was short lived when they decided to go to war against Trodenhiem's wishes. Trodenhiem withdrew its support and began cultivating tronger ties with Forthampton, Loslakia, Prasser and Armoria, though Latagon was a long term target for alliance a suitable distance was maintained until Trodenhiem was in a position to approach them on peaceful terms. The success of diplomatic processes with Forthampton strengthened Konstantin's rule and allowed him to introduce democratic and liberal reforms, creating a system of democratic government and constitutional monarchy that we see today.

With Don Elric Voltaire elected under the new system, ties with Forthampton improved yet further. Konstantin and Voltaire took the opportunity to strengthen ties with Loslakia, Prasser and Armoria by forming a coalition with them against the Imperial Union when they once more attemtped to assert thier authority. Trodenhiem's long term ties with Armoria have lead many to suggest they may join Armoria's alliance ACDC, however these claims have been repeatedly denied by Trodonian officials.

Following Emperor Konstantin's marraige to Princess Kathryne of Forthampton (the spelling of her name altered upon marraige from Katherine to fit with the Trodonian language and accent where Katherine is near impossible to say) not only were ties with Forthampton cemented in the long term, but the strength fo Konstantin's and Voltaire's rule was strengthened. Such a high profile royal marraige had not been seen in centuries and many believe it signalled the beginning of the new Trodonian Golden Age. Voltaire's rule was strengthened as Konstantin left him in charge during his long honeymoon and Voltaire proved his ability to rule outright by succeeding in the defeat and plunder of the CU and then the yet further improved ties with Armoria coupled with the opening of ties with Western Contradictions.

The First Solitaire Period
Konstantin was now securely in his position as Emperor of Trodenhiem. However, while on a national scale his plans were coming into fruition, on a personal level problems began to unravel. His investigations into the Solitaire Project, as a means to further incriminate Jarrick on the world stage, uncovered a device capable of disabling the 'Solitaires' through a tiny reciever implanted into either the left should or fused into the spine, the subsequent discovery of a list of the Project's test subjects and creations forced Konstantin to have Dr Nash Lyzanda killed and the investigation put on hold, lest his true heritage be discovered. However the activation of the device lead two 'Solitaires' who had no knowledge of what they were, to investigate themselves and they were caught by Alejandro Drax. Konstantin realising that they were his biological siblings through the Project brought the two (Daphne Reise and Fletcher Reise) into the fold as Katheryne's bodyguards as Sedt and Drax were his bodyguards and advisors. With Daphne and Fletcher on side and the list and device destroyed Konstantin resumed the investigation under Dr Remyon Zhukov.

However, just when things seemed to be normalising Farden Jarrick made his return to Trodenhiem and killed Drax after the two fought. He was then captured by Sedt who had to fight through Vitori Vinzo a 'Solitaire' still loyal to Jarrick, and was then taken to Konstantin. Vitori Vinzo was then murdered by a rogue 'Solitaire' named Khaine, because of his involvement in the attempt to kill Khaine at Exxon during the Great IU War. When news of Drax' death reached Konstantin he was furious and interrogated Jarrick, discovering that Vinzo was a 'Solitaire' and that Khaine was believed dead, he also learned about Clara Verdun the ultimate 'Solitaire', however before Jarrick could continue Khaine attacked the palace and in an attempt to kill Konstantin ended up removing Kathryne's kidneys with his bare hands. Following this Khaine fled with Konstantin in hot pursuit. Konstantin eventually caught up with Khaine[ however the ensuing brawl was interupted by an Imperial Guard helicopter and Khaine escaped. On returning to the Palace, the Emperor found he had only one option to save Kathryne's life, to use the Project to enhance her toughness and strength so that she could withstand the operations needed to save her. King Aaron II of Forthampton, Kathryne's father came straight over and during a long and heated arguement with Konstantin agreed to allow the operations to go ahead. Kathryne's life had been saved but only just, but Khaine remained at large, bent on the death of his twin brother Konstantin and father, Jarrick.

A few days later Konstantin and Kathryne had sex resulting in Kathryne's pregnancy, on the same night Fletcher Reise left the Palace to try and come to terms with what he now knew he was. On discovering that Kathryne was pregnant Konstantin had a minor break down however quickly came to terms with it and the names of the child to be were chosen. The next day the funeral of Drax took place.

A year later Katheryne had given birth to twins Matthius Nash (Matthew Nash) and Elyse Mariya (Elissia Maria), however Khaine remained at large and a string of murders of military veterans involved in the genocides under Stomalkov was causing Konstantin grief causing him to go to the shrine of Ilvenn, there Jarrick came to him and offered to help him bring down Khaine. Accepting the offer Konstantin and Jarrick confronted a now totally insane Khaine and in the following fight Khaine is believed to have been killed by the Emperor though Jarrick also escaped.