XVI. Questions of Economics.
What is the local economy based on? Agriculture, raw resources, basic manufacturing, tourism, and gambling.
How is commerce engaged in? With money (usually), through trade, through barter, and in the truck system's company store.
If levied, how are taxes collected? What are such revenues used for? How does taxation affect the people? TurtleShroomian law states that no income tax may ever exceed ten percent, and that all taxes must be flat.
What do people expect from their government in return for the taxes paid? Tithe to the Church, secure the borders, fund the military, protect from invasion, fund the cops, fund the fire department, fund the courts, have elections, "and stay the fasting heck out of my way".
Money
What is the local currency like? How is it subdivided? What is it based on (metal, labour, fiat)?
The national currency exists alongside thousands of private currencies and Scrips. The national currency is the Skillet. De jure, it is fiat and pegged to the Americalandese Dollar ($ USD) . De facto, its existence is based entirely on the amount of iron that TurtleShroom can import. One Skillet equals $0.25 USD. Skillets may be divided into one hundred Pones (pronounced like PWN, "own" with a P), but this is rare outside of the stock market.
Private currency (officially called "Scrips") is fiat, backed by gold, backed by silver, backed by oil, backed by sapphires, or whatever else its creators want. It comes in coins, paper, tokens, or whatever else. Most Scrips are used only in closed, truck system economies at the company store, but some currencies are used in general commerce. Stores and institutions decide whether or not a private currency is legal tender.
Most credit unions, train stations, all airports, and some businesses have machines or attendants that can convert Skillets into any Scrip used outside a company store, or any foreign currency into Skillets.
Private currency (officially called "Scrips") is fiat, backed by gold, backed by silver, backed by oil, backed by sapphires, or whatever else its creators want. It comes in coins, paper, tokens, or whatever else. Most Scrips are used only in closed, truck system economies at the company store, but some currencies are used in general commerce. Stores and institutions decide whether or not a private currency is legal tender.
Most credit unions, train stations, all airports, and some businesses have machines or attendants that can convert Skillets into any Scrip used outside a company store, or any foreign currency into Skillets.
Is currency issued by a central authority or by some decentralised means? The Skillet is issued by the state. Private currencies are instituted by their owners. TurtleShroom is not constitutionally permitted to have a central bank. Its equivalent of the FDIC (deposit insurance) is a privately-run group that banks elect to enter (and they do, if they want any customers). Most financial institutions are credit unions, because TurtleShroomers do not trust banks.
How does it compare to other neighbouring currencies? TurtleShroom is the only country in its Region to offer
How has the value of the currency changed or fluctuated recently? The pegging of the Skillet to one quarter of an USD ($) only began in the 1990s AD and was completed in the late 2000s AD.
How are coins and notes produced? How common are forgeries? Skillets are made of iron and are actually shaped like frying pans. They are the size of a human's palm and come in multiple colors to indicate their denomination. They double as cookware if need-be. All places of business are required to recognize and accept the Skillet.
How is wealth distributed? Through private charity and the Church. The state's main redistribution system is its allocation to the Church for the purposes of welfare, though the state maintains an optional Social Security-esque system called the Great Pension, which also funds all orphanages, stipends for widows, and direct subsidies to chairity.
Is there a public banking system? No, all banks are privatized and no central bank exists, nor is it allowed to.
Is there a large gap between the wealth of the rich and poor? What expectations do each group have from the other? Yes. Income inequality is seen as a sign of a healthy economy. The rich are expected, and all but demanded by the Church and society, to share their money with the poor and less fortunate. Charity is a cornerstone of TS' elite, rich class, and failure to engage in it invites society's wrath. Humility is the number one virtue in TurtleShroom; the arrogant will be looked down on.
What constitutes "poverty" in this society? The defined poverty line. Poverty also includes homelessness, an inability to get food without help (in the cities), and those living on welfare or Church assistance. A poor person is expected to never splurge or indulge on anything, rather, only spending their money on their needs (food, water, housing, clothing, etc.) and on getting a job or investing for the future.
XVII. Questions of Death and Burial.
What is their understanding of death and dying? Death is inevitable.
What does this society do with their corpses?
Burial. The Orthodox Church and Catholic Church both discourage cremation, while the Baptists are neutral, but traditionally use burial.
The Tengris leave their loved ones in the wilderness to rot (a "Sky Burial"), per their religious traditions. In modern times, for sanitation purposes, Tengris now have cemetaries of their own, with open-top concrete boxes for the bodies to decay in. Shamans in hazmat suits will ultimately remove the putrid body, bless the bones (if a turtle or human), and later dispose of them in accordance with their religion.
The Yues have their own customs and rites, and the Taipings use Chinese burial customs and their own rites.
All corpses are analyzed by coroners for autopsies and determination of the cause of death. Unless they opt-out, a human or turtle corpse will have its organs harvested for organ donation. One's face and facial features (eyes, nose, lips, etc.) cannot be donated whatsoever, and one's brain can only be donated to science, otherwise, it stays in the corpse.
The Tengris leave their loved ones in the wilderness to rot (a "Sky Burial"), per their religious traditions. In modern times, for sanitation purposes, Tengris now have cemetaries of their own, with open-top concrete boxes for the bodies to decay in. Shamans in hazmat suits will ultimately remove the putrid body, bless the bones (if a turtle or human), and later dispose of them in accordance with their religion.
The Yues have their own customs and rites, and the Taipings use Chinese burial customs and their own rites.
All corpses are analyzed by coroners for autopsies and determination of the cause of death. Unless they opt-out, a human or turtle corpse will have its organs harvested for organ donation. One's face and facial features (eyes, nose, lips, etc.) cannot be donated whatsoever, and one's brain can only be donated to science, otherwise, it stays in the corpse.
Do they cremate their dead? Voluntary cremation exists in TurtleShroom, but most refuse to take it. Mass cremation is compulsary for all executed criminals, and their bodies are collectively burnt to ashes. The ashes are then exposed of in the easiest, cleanest, and cheapest manner possible.
Is the family responsible for the body? Yes, but the Church or other religious authority overseeing the burial will usually cover the costs of funerals and burials. Atheists, Theists, and Agnostics usually get insurance to pay for the same.
What part do the priests play? In all religions, clergymen and their respective Church (etc.) are heavilly invested in burial and funeral rites. For Baptists, the pastor simply oversees the funeral and gives a sermon and celebration of the deceased's lie. For Catholics, Orthodoxes, Yues, and Taipings, death rites are far more elaborate, ritualistic, and complicated.
Are there cemeteries at all? Yes.
Or, does everyone have a crypt in back with all the relatives in it? A few families have opted for this.
Do people visit the dead? If so, how often and why? Some do, and usually on holidays, birthdays, and days where special memories occured with them.
Suicide
What do people in this culture think about suicide?
Suicide is an abomination that is aggressively prevented by the state. All TurtleShroomers will try to stop a fellow creature from killing themselves in any way they can. Most Christian and Taiping churches and instiutions maintain suicide hotlines to stop it. Those caught attempting suicide are often involuntary committed to a mental institution for aggressive treatment and therapy to help them overcome whatever trauma or misery made them want to die. If they still want to die, they are held until they no longer want to kill themselves, even if it is indefinite, and they are prevented from trying to kill themselves while checked into the asylum.
Is it the greatest sin one can commit? Or is it a sin at all?
Suicide is considered the single most selfish, hateful thing a person can do. It is considered the height of arrogance and hubris- two of the absolute greatest vices in TS -and a suicide receives a shocked, horrified, and disgusted reaction. Parents who lose offspring to suicide are often unconsolable.
The general consensus is that humans that commit suicide go to Hell, or are at least reprimanded in Paradise with significant deduction of heavenly rewards. The destruction of one's life by one's own hand is inconceivable and shocking. Suicide is said to be the greatest, most selfish abomination a TurtleShroomer can commit.
The general consensus is that humans that commit suicide go to Hell, or are at least reprimanded in Paradise with significant deduction of heavenly rewards. The destruction of one's life by one's own hand is inconceivable and shocking. Suicide is said to be the greatest, most selfish abomination a TurtleShroomer can commit.
Is it the great and last comfort of a tormented soul? No, it is the exact opposite.
Is it worse than murder? It is seen as less evil than murder, but far more selfish. All in all, they are roughly equals.
XVIII. Questions of Government.
What is the form of government? How is it structured?
TurtleShroom is a constitutional, theodemocratic monarchy with a radical lazziez-faire economy. It has extensive, free and fair elections, with high voter turnout and political participation.
However, since late 2015 AD, TurtleShroom has been under control of an absolute military junta, which overthrew the government because of its gross incompetence and inability to crush a massive, violent Marxist uprising.
However, since late 2015 AD, TurtleShroom has been under control of an absolute military junta, which overthrew the government because of its gross incompetence and inability to crush a massive, violent Marxist uprising.
What are some of the most fundamental policies of the government?
A guarentee of freedom of thought, a guarentee of freedom of religion, and an absolute right to criticize the government and its policies without fear of reprisal are seen as the cornerstone of the state. Radical lazziez-faire economics are paramount, and few regulations beyond some child labor restrictions, liability suits for injury and death (etc.), and suits in the courts exist.
The TS Constitution states that TurtleShroom shall advance the Kingdom of God throughout Nationstates, without infringing on non-Christians that have yet to become believers. TurtleShroom is explicitly defined as a Christian nation.
The TS Constitution states that TurtleShroom shall advance the Kingdom of God throughout Nationstates, without infringing on non-Christians that have yet to become believers. TurtleShroom is explicitly defined as a Christian nation.
What is the political status of minority communities? No private sector protection against discrimination exists, but most companies that discriminate go out of business because no one shops there if they don't recant and repent. Of all minorities in TS, only chimeras (humans with animal features and body parts), such as nekomimis (catgirls) are actively and harshly treated differently. All sentient horse minorities are expelled.
How is government chosen?
Each of the three Kings of TurtleShroom choose their Majestic Twelve- a pool of potential suitors -who live in the Chancellary Palace with them. Upon the death of a King, the Majestic Twelve are picked by lot, using two six-sided dice. Kings serve for life unless Recalled or dethroned by Impeachment.
Before its dissolution due to a military invasion, the Congress of TurtleShroom was directly elected from five hundred districts, and its speaker (the Judgemaster) was appointed by the Crown.
In the courts, all judicial positions except the Judgemaster (who is also chief justice of the Supreme General Court) and divorce courts are directly elected by the population of TurtleShroom.
The military runs itself, but cannot go on an offensive war without the consent of the people through a vote (unless attacked or invaded, in which it can do as it wishes).
The powerful Executive Cabinetmen (this is the royal Cabinet) are directly elected nationwide. Local and regional police chieves, sheriffs, etc. are also elected directly.
Before its dissolution due to a military invasion, the Congress of TurtleShroom was directly elected from five hundred districts, and its speaker (the Judgemaster) was appointed by the Crown.
In the courts, all judicial positions except the Judgemaster (who is also chief justice of the Supreme General Court) and divorce courts are directly elected by the population of TurtleShroom.
The military runs itself, but cannot go on an offensive war without the consent of the people through a vote (unless attacked or invaded, in which it can do as it wishes).
The powerful Executive Cabinetmen (this is the royal Cabinet) are directly elected nationwide. Local and regional police chieves, sheriffs, etc. are also elected directly.
What is the country’s general foreign policy?
Foreign policy wise, TurtleShroom is built around defensive doctrine and Mutually Assured Destruction to protect itself.
TurtleShroom will prefer to resort to dirty tricks (espionage, black ops, coups d'etat, rebel funding, arms dealing, etc.) over warfare or boots on the ground when they seek to use force. TurtleShroom prefers to trade with other nations, and makes extensive use of diplomatic and covert tools in order to stave off a need for war.
TurtleShroom's brief bout with interventionism ended in spectacular failure, so TurtleShroom is very hesitant to directly intervene with its military unlesss the nation in danger is a formal ally, a neighbor, or has an ideology extremely similar to TS.
TurtleShroom will prefer to resort to dirty tricks (espionage, black ops, coups d'etat, rebel funding, arms dealing, etc.) over warfare or boots on the ground when they seek to use force. TurtleShroom prefers to trade with other nations, and makes extensive use of diplomatic and covert tools in order to stave off a need for war.
TurtleShroom's brief bout with interventionism ended in spectacular failure, so TurtleShroom is very hesitant to directly intervene with its military unlesss the nation in danger is a formal ally, a neighbor, or has an ideology extremely similar to TS.
Who decides whether someone has broken a law? How? A Grand Jury determines if any case is to go to trial. The actual trial is overseen by an impartial judge (all judges are elected and subject to Recall), without a jury.
What kinds of punishments are meted out? By whom? Why? Courts determine the punishment based on the law.
How are new laws created or old ones changed?
Congress originally wrote and passed all laws, subject to veto by the Crown. A bill was passed by Congress and sent to the Crown, where a majority of the three Kings had to approve it. If not, the bill died and could not be overriden.
With the dissolution of the Congress after an invasion and collapse of government, the Executive Cabinet and the Crown took over the lawmaking process. After the coup d'etat in 2015 AD, all governmental power was given to the Junta. The Executive Cabinet, or those that survived the collapse, were rendered as advisors and when they died, no elections could be held to replace them, making the crisis worse and strengthening the Junta.
With the dissolution of the Congress after an invasion and collapse of government, the Executive Cabinet and the Crown took over the lawmaking process. After the coup d'etat in 2015 AD, all governmental power was given to the Junta. The Executive Cabinet, or those that survived the collapse, were rendered as advisors and when they died, no elections could be held to replace them, making the crisis worse and strengthening the Junta.
Is there some form of clemency or pardon? What is involved? The Crown may grant pardons at its leisure. Traditionally, seven pardons were given each year on Easter Sunday.
Who has the right to give orders, and why? Police, the military, the Crown, and the state have power over their subordinates, as in any country.
What titles do various officials have? Thousands of varied, unique titles exist all over the country.
How are the rules different for officials as opposed to the common person? No, this is considered an abomination. Government officials are actually held to a higher standard than the common TurtleShroomer.
How do government officials dress?
All government officials (including the Crown) are expected to wear any and all vestments, garments, etc. of their office at all times in public, without exception, even when not on the clock. If there are no ceremonial items to be worn, all government officials outside things like military, security, and fire operations wear suits, or for females, skirts and blazer jackets or pantsuits.
Many government officials wear robes.
Many government officials wear robes.
Is the law written down? Who interprets it? The law is written down, fully written without exception, and when need be, interpreted by the courts. The citizenry can interject themselves into this by petitioning to overturn a Supreme General Court decision or punish the judges by Recalling them, if need be.
Once accused, what recourse does someone have? The accused has the fundamental right to a fair trial, to legal representation or counsel (most TurtleShroomers represent themselves with supplementary counseling in all but the worst cases)
Is torture allowed? What kinds? Is capital punishment allowed? Torture may not be performed on any TurtleShroomian citizen under any cirucmstances. Foreigners may be tortured by the military or espionage services as need-be.
How are criminals executed? By lethal injection, hanging, the electric chair, decapitation by guilliotine, burning at the stake (victim is first anesthesized), or stoning. (Stoning has never been used.)
Who cannot rise to positions of leadership? Chimeras, convicted felons, and non-citizens.
Is bribery allowed? Under what circumstances? Never. Political corruption (graft, pay-to-play, bribes, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.) is punishable by death or life in prison.
What makes someone a bad ruler in this society? What can be done about it?
A bad ruler is one that is unjust, corrupt, accepting of brides, oppressive, or otherwise partial. The citizenry has the right and duty to Recall any bad ruler. A Recalled ruler must stand in a Recall Election, in which the populace votes whether or not to retain him. If retained, business is usual carries on. If Recalled, depending on the reason he was Recalled, he is either forcibly removed from office, forbidden from voting or running for anything again, or even put to death (in cases of corruption and bribes).
What are the most common or dangerous forms of criminal? Thieves, corrupt officials, and, most of all, crime syndicates, rumrunners, drug traffickers, cartels, and the mob. Sexual crimes also exist in lower numbers. By far, the largest crime group is those who violate the Prohibition on alcohol.
City Watch & Sheriffs
Is there a civilian police force, or is law enforcement the province of the military? Civilian, but the Border Patrol is militaristic.
Is the police force a nationalised one, or are there multiple regional forces? Nationwide, it is divided into regional districts with elected heads. The head of the national police (the Constable On Patrol) force is also elected. The head of the Inquisition (essentially TS' vice squad that pursues sex crimes and the like) is appointed by the Constable On Patrol.
How militant or vigilante are they? Are they usually or ever armed? All policemen are armed. There are also lynch mobs from time to time.
What is the extent of their authority? Can they shoot you? Can they use magic? Can they torture or otherwise force a confession? Can they use telepathy?
They can shoot, injure, or kill, they can make arrests, they can use tasers, and they can use force. Civilian police cannot torture under any circumstances and forcing a false confession is a capital crime. Civilian police can be sued for wrongful death and some types of mistakes. Civilian police can be arrested, investigated internally, or otherwise punished. As stated before, witchcraft and sorcery are illegal. (Warrants are ceremonial and issued by the executive branch.)
Are there individuals or groups who are above the law? Never, but lynch mobs do exist.
Is there a secret police? No, and not just in the matter of denial, there is no actual secret police.
(However, two secret organizations/societies independent of the government, the Star Chamber and the Sentinels, do exist and operate exactly like a secret police. They exist without the permission, and often the knowledge, of the government.)
What is the role of police informants, if any? Undercover operatives exist in all law enforcement and are used extensively. Entrapment does not exist unless they literally force someone to commit a crime. Informants in seedier parts of the country, in cartels and mafia groups, and other such undesirable things are everywhere.
XIX. Questions of Warfare.
Does the country have an armed force? What types? What size? TurtleShroom has a large military, consisting of one hundred thousand active soldiers and one million reserves, in addition to the Border Patrol.
How do the armed forces compare with others in the region or world?
TurtleShroom's military is considered a giant, overfunded, well-armed militia, and was often the butt of jokes before the aliens invaded. Even now, they are not feared by any other nation that is equal to TurtleShroom in size. However, they are renowned by other nations for their loyalty, discipline, efficiency, trickery, and use of attrition.
They also have finally gotten much prestige: the military beat back a future tech, full-scale alien invasion into such a stalemate that when TS surrendered, they got highly favorable terms. They used attrition, guerilla warfare, and centuries old Mongol-style tactics to wear them out.
They also have finally gotten much prestige: the military beat back a future tech, full-scale alien invasion into such a stalemate that when TS surrendered, they got highly favorable terms. They used attrition, guerilla warfare, and centuries old Mongol-style tactics to wear them out.
Who declares war? The military or the Crown. All offensive and non-urgent/alliance-bound intervention wars must be voted on by the population, unless TurtleShroom is attacked or invaded.
Who has the power to declare conditions of peace? The military or the Crown.
How are treaties negotiated? By the Crown and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The legislature ratifies it.
What happens to prisoners taken in battle? They are treated in the way their homeland treats POWs. The worse the homeland treats them, the worse TurtleShroom treats them. However, all POWs are fully hydrated and given enough (basic) food to survive. In most cases, POWs usually spend their time in solitary confinement. They are placed in dimly lit, five foot by five foot cells with nothing but a toilet, sink, and bed.
What weapons are favoured by the various armed forces?
The standard issue weapons for a TS foot soldier are an automated AK-74 (with a switch for semi-automatic if need be), a double-barreled shotgun, at least one pistol, and grenades. The famous Artillery Mushrooms (an elite corps) use far heavier machine guns and are recognized by the belts of ammo worn on their stems. In addition to their huge, heavy guns, they also carry pistols and grenades for close combat. Some soldiers are also issued bayonets.
What form of warfare does this society use?
TurtleShroom's war doctrines are outlined in a book nicknamed the "D-5-C", officially titled "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap", and can be broken down as follows:
- The most important doctrine of TurtleShoom is defensive, guerilla warfare. TurtleShroomian soldiers will not rush to their enemy. They will wait for their enemy to come to them. Then, they will use the terrain and irregular methods whenever possible. They will scatter and ambush the enemy whenever possible, using guns, grenades and bombs, traps, and even tasers and machines that shoot frying pans. Much of TurtleShroom's fighting style is parallel to and much like the Viet Kong's doctrine and strategies.
- In addition, TurtleShroom inherited some other tactics from its human Mongoloid invaders, who enslaved the non-humans in the thirteenth century an died off in the 1550s AD, leaving Mongol-assimilated, Mongol-style Khanates set up by the non-humans. These doctrines focus entirely on fast mobility and use of weaponry while actually on the move. In wide-open spaces, like steppes or deserts, TurtleShroomian soldiers will attack using high-speed ATVs, tankettes, assault/combat vehicles and Jeeps, and other such vehicles and actually shoot from it standing up, similar to how the Mongols rode horses and shot crossbows at the same time. The best human and mushroom infantrymen can drive a vehicle standing up, and shoot at the same time.
- TurtleShroom practiced Mongol-style plundering and looting (with some exceptions, see below) until the end of their participation in the Russian Civil War. The ruling Fascist Servants officially abolished it in 1933 AD, but it was legalized once more in 2012 AD. Plunder is divided equally among the soldiers and their commander(s). They are allowed to keep what they plunder, but will traditionally donate ten percent of it to the church. Plundering in times of war is not considered stealing, but rather, a part of war.
- TurtleShroom also makes large-scale hiring of PMCs and mercenaries, and subjects them to the same standards as TurtleShroomian soldiers. (See below.)
- With the recent Tsao infusion, TurtleShroom is beginning to experiment and maintain tank warfare, as well as proper mechanized infantry.
How do battles in the airs or waters or underworlds differ from surface warfare? TurtleShroom is landlocked and does not maintain actual naval warfare. TurtleShroom does not maintain an Air Force. Instead, it heavilly invests in rail-based and mobile anti-aircraft batteries, known especially for their extreme rate of rapid fire, effective surface-to-air/AA missiles, and supplementary use of cannonballs. In the exclave of Dire Dire Docks, gargantuan artillery cannons created by the Tsao are affixed into the terrain. AA batteries also rapid-shoot "pies" (actually a form of sticky, industrial gel baked alongside pie ingrediants in a pie tin) that will clog and destroy plane engines if sucked in. They are also designed to stick to cockpit windshields.
Who are the Elite warriors? What distinguishes them?
The Artillery Mushrooms are considered the elite of the military and TS' answer to the Navy SEALS. Artillery Mushrooms use far heavier machine guns and are recognized by the sash-like belts of ammo worn across their stems. In addition to their huge, heavy guns, they also carry pistols, machetes, and grenades for close combat. Some soldiers are also issued bayonets. Artillery Mushrooms are used for dangerous missions and for supplementation to actual heavy artillery, as well as for defensive positions.
There also exist snipers with the uncanny ability to shoot pies with the accuracy of bullets (which, along with metal pans, are also shot). Yes, pies. No one expects to be hit with a pie flying at such a speed in the middle of a battle. This a technique of distraction which allows for the bullet snipers and other soldiers to attack the enemy. TurtleShroom considers its snipers, of pie, pan, and bullet variety, to be elite. Sniper training takes a long time and extensive practice in order to do it well. Newly inducted bullet sniper can pick off an enemy by several hundred yards. The absolute best bullet snipers can pick off enemies from at least one thousand five hundred yards. The longest confirmed bullet sniper kill is two thousand, one hundred nine yards.
Pies and pans do not have nearly that long a range due to their size and shape. The best snipers cannot exceed six hundred yards, and the average is three hundred yards.
There also exist snipers with the uncanny ability to shoot pies with the accuracy of bullets (which, along with metal pans, are also shot). Yes, pies. No one expects to be hit with a pie flying at such a speed in the middle of a battle. This a technique of distraction which allows for the bullet snipers and other soldiers to attack the enemy. TurtleShroom considers its snipers, of pie, pan, and bullet variety, to be elite. Sniper training takes a long time and extensive practice in order to do it well. Newly inducted bullet sniper can pick off an enemy by several hundred yards. The absolute best bullet snipers can pick off enemies from at least one thousand five hundred yards. The longest confirmed bullet sniper kill is two thousand, one hundred nine yards.
Pies and pans do not have nearly that long a range due to their size and shape. The best snipers cannot exceed six hundred yards, and the average is three hundred yards.
How does someone get command of troops?
By skill, merit, and dedication. TurtleShroom does not have a commissioned officer system. Rather, all soldiers start at the bottom and rise through the ranks based on the opinions and observations of superior commanders, and of the boards that handle promotions. Accordingly, TurtleShroomers in the military will rise and ultimately become officers if they can demonstrate the competence and ability to command and obey commands. Battlefield on-site promotions also exist in special cases.
Humans, turtles, and mushrooms can rise equally in the military, but many senior positions are occupied by elderly turtles that are too stubborn to retire. Female turtles control most of the highest positions in the top brass, simply due to their sheer age and longevity, and their refusal to step down. However, the highest and most senior generals in the TS Army at this time are the male Dukem Brothers, who each hold the position of Four Star General. After the military coup d'etat in TurtleShroom, a male One-Star General tutle seized power. Despite these turtles in command, most higher turtle officers are female.
Humans, turtles, and mushrooms can rise equally in the military, but many senior positions are occupied by elderly turtles that are too stubborn to retire. Female turtles control most of the highest positions in the top brass, simply due to their sheer age and longevity, and their refusal to step down. However, the highest and most senior generals in the TS Army at this time are the male Dukem Brothers, who each hold the position of Four Star General. After the military coup d'etat in TurtleShroom, a male One-Star General tutle seized power. Despite these turtles in command, most higher turtle officers are female.
Where do the loyalties of military units lie?
To the Church, to the Constiution, to the country, and to each other.
Allow this to be explained by one of my favorite quotes:
The power of the Church and the state, and the inherent definition of what it is to be a TurtleShroomer, are what make the military so loyal.
Allow this to be explained by one of my favorite quotes:
TurtleShroom wrote:Here's another explanation of TurtleShroom and its relation to Russia. I consider this one of the best summaries.This Week In Geopolitics wrote:It isn’t prosperity that binds Russia together, but a shared idealized vision of and loyalty toward Mother Russia. And in this sense, there is a deep chasm between both Europe and the United States. [The Americans use] prosperity as a justification for loyalty. Russian loyalty derives from the power of the state and the inherent definition of being Russian. This support for the Russian nation remains powerful, despite the existence of diverse ethnic groups throughout the country.
The power of the Church and the state, and the inherent definition of what it is to be a TurtleShroomer, are what make the military so loyal.
Are there professional soldiers? Do they make up the bulk of the military?
In all cases except an invasion, all soldiers are professional volunteers. TurtleShroom only uses conscription in the case of invasion or attack, in which TurtleShroom must defend herself on the home front. That is, conscripts are deployed for defensive wars within the borders of TurtleShroom. In addition, the civilian police and Border Patrol are militarized and called to fight before a general conscription is enacted. Conscription has only been used once in TurtleShroomian history, in 2012 AD, during the Future Tech alien invasion by The Ctan.
A lay Militia has chapters throughout the country and will also be mobilized before general conscription begins. The lay Militia is also used for petty restoration of order (but not riots), and for deputization and hue-and-cry.
A lay Militia has chapters throughout the country and will also be mobilized before general conscription begins. The lay Militia is also used for petty restoration of order (but not riots), and for deputization and hue-and-cry.
What ethical or moral codes do warriors adhere to?
The basic rules are no rape, no plundering of food or medicine unless starving or dying, no attacking hospitals, and no attacking churches. Civilian casualties are to be minimized. If a hospital or church contains a valuable target or entity that must be killed, they are to siege the building and send special-ops teams in the manually infiltrate and extract the target, avoiding any civilian casualties if possible. Any PMC or other entity employed by TurtleShroom for battle is subjected to the same rules.
The punishment for rape, deliberately attacking a hospital or church (instead of a precision siege and extraction), or theft of food when not starving is punishable by summary death by firing squad at the orders of the commander.
The punishment for rape, deliberately attacking a hospital or church (instead of a precision siege and extraction), or theft of food when not starving is punishable by summary death by firing squad at the orders of the commander.
How are battle injuries treated?
Either through improvision or battle medics. All soldiers are expected to know CPR for humans and rescisitation for turtles. (Mushrooms, having no organs aside from that on their face, and unable to feel pain, cannot be recesitated if killed, because it means their body has been mangled and riddled with holes and tears to the point that they die.)
How long do wars typically last? Anywhere from weeks to years. Usually, wars do not exceed two and one half years.
Has this society ever attacked another? What was the nature of that war? What would make this society go to war? TurtleShroom has intervened in wars, in favor of the attacker and the defender, but has never launched an offensive attack on its own accord. To do so would be against its traditions and capabilities. Pre-emptive, offensive strikes can only be used to deter invasion or direct, imminent attack.
Has there ever been a civil war or a revolution? No, but there have been two military coups d'etat in TurtleShroom. The first was in 2012 AD after the future tech alien invasion. The second was in late 2015 AD due to the gross incompetence of the govenrment and its inability to suppress a massive, violent, Marxist uprising.
What do soldiers do when there's no war? They train, stand by, help man the WMDs, or are sent home and counted as reserves. They can sometimes be called to engage in construction projects that have a military purpose. It is said that some commanders will use troops to perform personal labor for the commander, but the military doesn't really talk about that.
Are there any current tensions / wars / embargoes etc with any other nations?
Several nations in TS are under embargo, including exports to Urmanian. Connopolis is under a full embargo both ways, and its citizens cannot enter the country. (Connopolis forced prostitution on the World Assembly several years ago, during TurtleShroom's brief tenure in the WA.)
TurtleShroomers of all stripes, both expert pundits and the common citizen, fear that their nation is on the brink of civil war. Foreign observers feel the same way.
TurtleShroomers of all stripes, both expert pundits and the common citizen, fear that their nation is on the brink of civil war. Foreign observers feel the same way.
Who are the country’s enemies? Whos winning the war? TurtleShroom's enemy, right now, is itself. There are a small portion of the population- nonetheless a few million -that are waging a violent, Marxist uprising in the cities. This triggered a coup d'etat by a zealous general with the stones to actually start massacreing the violent rioters.
What defences are available to cities?
Many cities have permanent military garrisons, towers, and bases. Citizens are encouraged to carry guns, tasers, or other means of defense as a means of deterrent. Anti-missile defenses are in place in every major city, including the capital.
The city of Litlin is a walled city with large slums and shanties around the wall, with large, fortified gates that can be shut in emergencies. Watchtowers exist. This is due to a history of violence, tension, and zombie problems (per NS canon) in the city. The gates are only shut in emergencies and free travel in and out of the walls is permitted and encouraged.
The city of Litlin is a walled city with large slums and shanties around the wall, with large, fortified gates that can be shut in emergencies. Watchtowers exist. This is due to a history of violence, tension, and zombie problems (per NS canon) in the city. The gates are only shut in emergencies and free travel in and out of the walls is permitted and encouraged.
FIN
That was totally worth the three days and many hours it took to write. Not sarcasm.
I HATE character limits in forum posts.
That was totally worth the three days and many hours it took to write. Not sarcasm.
I HATE character limits in forum posts.
