The Factbook of Episarta (please no posting)

[Episarta]

Under Constuction

[Episarta]

National Emblems

National Bird: Scarlet Tanager
National Insect: Glasswing Butterfly
National Fish:
National Animal: Blue Lobster
National Tree: Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
National Flower: Morning Glory
National Song:

[Episarta]

Area:
Length of Coastline:

Terrain

The terrain/topography of Episarta is composed of a variety of natural and man-made features.

[Episarta]

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[Episarta]

Government Type

The government of Episarta, is a monarchy in which the current ruler's eldest child takes the throne unless they are deemed incapable of performing the tasks associated with ruling the country, such as by being mentally handicapped or certain physical disabilities or diseases. In Episarta, the children of the Royal Family take the surname of the parent with the royal blood.

Current Royal Family Currently Episarta is under the rule of Grand Queen Alethea Vitrony (38) with her husband, King Alexander Dresnon (42). The King and Queen have 2 children, Prince Emmanuel Vitrony II (15) and Prince Ashton Vitrony (14). The Queen's younger brother has his own Duchy while her sister is the Secretary of Agriculture and Land Management.


Line of Succesion

If the current King or Queen is incapacitated, unable to perform their duties, gives up the throne, etc. the next in line will immediately take the throne. If one of the 9 Dukes or Duchesses deems the next in line to be incapable of performing the necessary tasks of being King or Queen or that their current actions are not in the best interest of Episarta, they can call a meeting where the current Monarch, all 9 Dukes, and the Counsil of Ministers will be present to discuss the Monarch's actions and eligibilty. If a sufficient cause is provided to the Counsil of Ministers, the Dukes may vote to remove the current Monarch from power. The winning side must have a majority of 66% of the votes. If the Monarch is removed from power, the next in line will take over unless they too are deemed incapable.

the order of succession is;

.Current King or Queen
.Current King or Queen's spouse until/unless the children are capable of taking over
.The ruling family's eldest child or grandchild capable of taking the throne
.The ruling King or Queen's parents if still alive and capable
.The ruling King or Queen's next oldest sibling capable of taking the throne
.The ruling King or Queen's oldest nephew or niece capable of taking the throne
.The ruling King or Queen's eldest cousin capable of taking the throne

In the case of the entire royal family dieing or being incapable of succession, the Secretary of State will take over the duties of the Monarch until a Duke or Duchess is chosen chosen by the Counsil of Ministers. The Duke or Duchess will need a majority of the votes for them to be elected King or Queen, then their family will become the next royal family.

Independence and Founding

Episarta was, at first, merely a collection of smaller clans and tribes. These tribes were brought together and united 498 years ago in 1512, under the first Episartan King, Bishop Ackerley. He divided the land into Duchies relatively along the original tribal borders and named Dukes. He also created the Counsil of Ministers to assist in keeping the royalty in line and peaceful.

In 1633, the Empire of Grandolia invaded Episarta and took over, placing despotic dictators on the throne until the Grandolian Empire weakened and was pushed out of Episarta by rebel forces in 1757. While in control, the Grandolian Empire faced constant assaults by rebellions, Episartan terrorists and assassins, and allies of the former country. After pushing the empire from its land, the people declared themselves independent once more.


Counsil of Ministers

After first taking over, King Bishop Ackerly, established the counsil of ministers to keep royals in line and peaceful. The counsil is composed of members that must be between the ages of 75 and up. This is done in order to prevent corruption, as it is believed that when you are of such an old age you are wiser and more inclined to make decisions for the good of the people instead of selfish reasons. Before a Minister dies, they name another person of age that will take over after they pass on. In the off chance that they die before naming a successor, a fellow counsil member will choose one for them. A counsil member can be removed from the counsil if they are unable or unwilling to perform their duties. Counsil members can be anyone of the appropriate age withing the Episartan populace as long as they are also a citizen and have a higher education. In the event of a despotic King or Queen taking over, it is the counsils job to remove them from power, by force if necessary, and choose a new ruler.


Secretaries

The governments current Monarch appoints secretaries to be in charge of and keep an eye on certain political, economical, social, and militaristc matters. The secretaries are appointed by the Monarch whenever the Monarch chooses. Secretaries can be removed from their position at anytime by the Monarch and be replaced. The Counsil of Ministers may change a secretary with a majority vote if they find that they are not performing in the best interests of Episarta. The secretaries are each in charge of their own executive branch of the government. The secretaries propose laws and jobs to be added to their branch, to the Monarch. The Monarch has final say on each proposal by the secretaries unless the Counsil of Ministers feels they must intervene. The secretaries must make sure all laws concerning their departments are being enforced. The secretaries must also notify the Monarch on all government actions concerning their branch. The secretaries also have numerous officials and departments working under and for them. One must have been born a citizen of Episarta to be a secretary and be of atleast 30 years of age. Secretaries may be given royal titles and royals may become secretaries.

Current Secretaries

Secretaries of State- Head secretaries and personal advisors to the Monarch on all foreign affairs. All secretaries must report to them on all foreign affairs. They participates in peace treaties, trade and foreign affairs, land disputes, diplomatic missions, negotiations, directs Episarta's oversea and foreign embassies, are in charge of immigration, among a few other jobs.
Held by- Duke Franz Olixander and Duchess Elizabeth Elonan

Secretary of Finance- In charge of matters concerning money and where it is spent and put towards. Concerned with what public and private sectors get government funding. Personal advisor to Monarch on monetary affairs and spending.
Held by- Brandon Jameson

Secretary of War- Second in command of affairs concerning the military, after the Monarch. In charge of navy, airforce, coast guard, national guard, army, marines, and other divisions and branches of the military. Decides which branches get what amount of the funding. Must report to the Monarch on all military actions and is the personal advisor to the Monarch on military affairs.
Held by- Grant Revalt

Secretary of Law- In charge of matters concerning federal, national, and international law. Works with the secretary of state on situations in which Episartan citizens are being held in foreign nations. Head of the supreme court and works on things such as trying terrorists, foreigners who break the law, and lawsuits brought against the government. Assists the Secretary of State on matters such as land disputes and treaties andforeign relations. Personal adivsor to the Monarch on international and federal law.
Held by- Ricordio Hundre

Secretary of Agriculture and Land Management- Includes the management, creation, and protection of national forrests, parks, and grasslands. Assists in territorial disputes and compromises. Makes sure all food, drugs, and water supplies are safe to consume and taht all ingredients are listed on packaging. Educates farmers and and environmental protection workers on cleaner and safer ways to produce and protect food and other products. Is in charge of making sure all domesticated farm animals are treated humanely. Works with the Secretary of Energy on research and implementing cleaner forms of energy. And some other jobs.
Held by- Isabella Vitrony

Secretary of Labour and Commerce- In charge of domestic trade and works with the Secretary of State on foreign trade. In charge of laws involving labour unions, workplace equality and safety, legal retirement and beginner working age,minimum and maximum wages and hours. In charge of dismantling companys that monopolize industries or have grown too large. in charge of industry and business and chooses what companies and groups need funding and which do not. Personal advisor to Monarch on trade and company funding.
Held by- Dmitry Andreev

Secretary of Health, Human Rights, and Religious Affairs- In charge of hospital and medical funding. In charge of making sure all hospitals and health centres have all the necessary equipment. Works with the Secretary of Education on matters involving education of new doctors and health officials. Makes sure all citizens and refugees get equal rights involving but not limited to abortion, adoption, marriage, free speech, freedom of the press, freedom to gather in public areas, cloning and medical procedures, etc. In charge of making sure all religions or religious protests deemed harmful to peace and human rights are suppressed, abolished, or regulated. In charge of promoting an atheistic and rational view of the universe. Among other jobs.
Held by- Charles von Thalberg

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development- Is to encourage homeownership, work to reduce and eliminate housing discrimination, make the most basic homes affordable to the average person, support the development and funding of cities and towns. Assist in necessary city politics. Among other jobs.
Held by- Lynette White

Secretary of Transportation- In charge of organizing all forms of public transportation, including but not limited to aeroplane, trains, ships, buses, taxis, monorails and subways, airships. Must make sure all roads, bridges, railways, airports, airship landing stations, train stations, bus stations, etc. are safe and in good repair. In charge of the development of the national highway, rail, and bridge system. In charge of speed limits, road laws, and enforcement of transport laws. In charge of making sure each family has atleast 3 bicycles for their personal use. Work with Secretary of Energy in researching cleaner and easier ways to transport goods and people and more fuel efficient vehicles. Among other jobs.
Held by- Joseph Reynolds

Secretary of Energy- Focuses on energy production and regulation. Also works on finding and developing clean, cheap, renewable, and efficient sources of energy. Assists in maintaining environmental quality. In charge of safe and appropriate disposal of radioactive and other industrial wastes. Assists in the cleaning up of the environment in the case of oil spills or other energy related disasters and power grid failures. Assists in the research and development of improved vehicles and modes of transportation. Works along side the Secretary of Education on educating people on the proper usage, conservation, and disposal of energy waste products.
Held by- Peter Biloff

Secretary of Education- In charge of education policies and the funding of institues of higher education. Promotes teaching of arithmatic, history, the sciences, the arts, etc. Makes sure all laws involving schools and education are enforced.
Held by- James Zeves

Secretary of Veterans Affairs- In charge of veteran's benefits and ensuring all veterans are well taken care of.
Held by- Duke Ferdinand Marco

Secretary of Homeland Security- In charge of protecting the lands and citizens of Episarta. In charge of all police,para-military forces, and coast gaurd except during time of war, when they are put under the control of the Secretary of War. In charge of protecting the border and assisting clean up and rescue efforts after a natural disaster. In charge of protection of the Monarch, Counisl of Ministers, secretaries, Dukes and Duchesses, foreign ambassadors and dignitaries, and other important officials.
Held by- Margaret Roselynn



Capital City and Important Structures

The capital city of Arvilla is the seat of the Episartan government and Royal Family and is the location of the headquarters of the coast guard and navy.







Royal Palace

The Episartan royal palace, The Silver Bastion, is the home of the royal family and is where the current ruler performs all of their executive tasks. The palace is located on the western side of the city, away from all of the hustle and noise of the major city metropolitan. The palace Great Hall has been used in the past for the signing of treaties and international agreements between Episarta and other nations. In the War against the former nation of Grandolia, the Silver Bastion was used as a last line of defense in Arvilla.



Great Hall

The Great Hall, located in the center of the Silver Bastion, is the room in which all important meetings take place between high Episartan officials and royalty and foreign officials.



Palace of the Ministers

The Palace of the Ministers is the dwellings of the seven ministers. In the case of a Monarch's legitamacy being questioned and a meeting called, the Dukes, Monarch, and the Counsil will meet in the Palace's grand meeting hall.



House of the Secretaries

The House of the Secretaries is not a residential area, but the building in which the royally appointed Secretaries meet with the Monarch and, if necessary, the Counsil of Ministers or Dukes and Duchesses over political, social, economical, and militaristic matters.



Ackerley Castle Estate

Under the jurisdiction of the city of Arvilla is the original castle estate of the first King, Bishop Ackerley. It was also used as a station of defense in the war with Grandolia after the capital city fell. It lies about 20 miles outside of town and is still used today. Either for residential purposes or as a tourist attraction.



The Grand Arena

The Grand Arena is located slightly to the south-west of the centre of town. It is where POWs, violent criminals, pyschopaths, slaves, and volunteers can and will be sent to kill and fight to the death for the public's amusement. Other events are held there aswell, like sports, concerts, etc. There is a VIP section for royalty and politicians. It can seat up to 80,000 people.



The Watch Tower

Every major city in Episarta has a white or silver watch tower near the city's centre. They have been used in the past to watch for incoming armies or possible threats. To look for changes in the weather. And have even been used for defensive purposes, such as with the attachment of small artillery to the top.




Administrative Divisions

All below information needs updating and fixing. Will be done when new map is finished.


Episarta is divided into 9 individual Duchies each with its own Capital city. Every Duchy's ruling Duke or Duchess has near absolute control of their Duchy. However they must listen to the orders of the Monarch concerning laws and treatment of citizens and they must listen to the Counsil of Ministers on matters concerning the Monarchy and inheriting titles. Dukes may give out lesser titles within their own Duchy aswell.

List of Duchies, the Leading Duke/Duchess, and Capital City

Duchy of Episarta
Headed by- Duke Gregor Vitrony
Capital City- Arvilla
Duchy of High Plains
Headed by- Duke James Tren III
Capital City- Grazdon
Duchy of Low Plains
Headed by- Duke William Dresnon
Capital City- Servotia
Duchy of South Point
Headed by- Duchess Cassidy Bant
Capital City- Port Minota
Duchy of the Silver Shores
Headed by- Duke Franz Olixander
Capital City- Castleton
Duchy of Boreola
Headed by- Duke Charles Edmon II
Capital City- Boreola
Duchy of Pyre Montaine
Headed by- Duchess Elizabeth Elonan
Capital City- Pyre Cliffs
Duchy of Fallindale
Headed by- Duke Aster Carlson
Capital City- Fallindale
Duchy of the Eastern Isles
Headed by- Duke Ferdinand Marco
Capital City- Fort Autumn


Note: Map incorrect, needs changing.





Episarta currently owns 6 offshore territories.

Territories, Governors of Territories, and Capitals

The Dominion of Azervs
Governor- Lady Alexis Marietta
Capital City- Sherryville

The Dominion of Risorialta
Governor- Lord Fredrick Huxley II
Capital City- South Port

The Dominion of Brenstag
Governor- Lord James DeCarv VI
Capital City- Hardingway

The Dominion of Grandolia
Governor- General Syris Rolland
Capital City- High Palisades

The Dominion of Klydesolorn
Governor- Count Byron Serow
Capital City- Zerot

The Dominion of The Solitary Provinces
High Governor- Lady Matilda Ostell
High Capital- Vinceta City

Note: Map not up to date


National Holidays

Here is a list of national holidays in Episarta along with the date on which they occur. A large amount of the Episartan national holidays have to do with the natural world and celebration of the arts and knowledge. And honouring our ancestors/forefathers and the past.

January 1st, New Years Day
January 8th, Winter Day (a celebration of winter and what it provides)
February 19th, Defeat of the Grandolian Empire
March 25th, Arbour Day
April 22nd, Spring Day (celebration of new life in the environment and the bounties of spring)
May 14th-21st, Week of Stars (celebration of the universe and space knowledge)
June 9th, Formation of Episarta
July 6th, Summer Day (celebration of summer and what it provides)
August 3rd-10th, Week of the Sea (a celebration of one of Episarta's most important assets)
September 19th, National Day of Science (celebration of freedom from religious shackles and persecution, people are encouraged to celebrate education and science)
September 26th, Day of the Arts (celebration of music, theatre, and art)
October 20th, Autumn Day (celebration of harvest and autumn)
November 15th, Honouring of Veterans (dead and alive)
November 30th, Birth Day of First King Bishop Ackerly
December 24th, Holiday Eve (similar to Christmas Eve, without the religion)
December 25th, Holiday (similar to Christmas, without the religion)
December 31st, New Years Eve

[Episarta]

In-depth military look: http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=115810

Military Branches and Sub-divisions

The Episartan military consists of five main branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Strategic Missile Force, and Coast Guard. Within each branch there are sub-divisions and groups. The largest branch is the Navy with the smallest being the Coast Guard. The National Guard combines with the militia and police force/paramilitary forces in the case of the country being invaded and it becomes its own branch. This branch is still called the National Guard and is under direct control of the Monarch, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Defense. Each branch of the armed forces is under the command of an official appointed by the Secretary of Defense with the Monarch's approval. Each branch's head answers directly to the Secretary of Defense on all issues concerning their branch.


Army
The army is Episarta's main land forces used for continental land invasions and defense. It's job is to defend Episarta in times of war and to protect Episarta's assets, occupied territories, and dominions all over the world. Works to prevent and counter terrorism and threats to national security. Evacuates citizens that may be in danger and may assist in disaster relief. Parts of the army can be hired out to assist in the defense of friendly nations. It is Episarta's third most funded military branch. The army is composed mainly of infantry, land based (armoured) vehicles, calvary, helicopter and drone air support, artillery and chemical warfare support, training of infantry and vehicles soldiers and the training of national guard forces,and army bases.
Headed by- Secretary of the Army, Dmitry Egorov


Navy
The navy of Episarta is used to protect the seaways and oceans around Episarta and her allies. It's job is to protect friendly trade, merchant, and cargo vessels. Assist in defending the coast line of a beleaguered ally nation. Protect allied trade routes and, if necessary, areas and resources claimed by Episarta outside of its maritime borders. The navy is also used to project power and influence over the world. The navy is Episarta's most funded part of the military in part to protect its exstensive coastline and offshore resources. It is also assisting with work concerning space and aeronautics. The navy is composed mainly of ships such as frigates and other warships, sea planes and helicopters, other naval air ships, is in charge of marines and amphibious assualt operations, weaponized sattelites and missile usage, naval bases, the flotilla fortress, training of navy personal and training of marines.
Headed by- Secretary of the Navy, Blake Cuttler


Air Force
Episarta's air force is used to protect global interests and allied nations. It provides air support and air superiority to to the other branches of the militaryWorks with the navy in naval air combat and support. Is in charge of protecting the nation's technological possessions and defends against hackers. It is the nation's fourth most funded branch of the military. Carries cargo and paratroopers and drops in support vehicles from the air. Works with the navy and strategic missile force on aeronautics and space militarization and research. Works in air raids and airstrikes againt terrorist and rebel forces in Episarta and other nations. The air force is composed mainly of air bases, air craft (combat, transport, civillian, among others), training of air force personal and national guard air personal, and assists the Strategic Missile Force in military research.
Headed by- Secretary of the Air Force, Alexia Waterly


Strategic Missile Force
The Strategic Missile Force (SMF) is chiefly involved in matters concerning national and military defense research. It is usually the head of all operations involving space and military satelites. In charge of reconnaissance, spy operations, and information gathering. In charge of surveillance and strategic missile usage. Works with and is in charge of dealing with threats of WMDs (foreign or home based), in charge of military and nuclear research. In charge of cruise missile usage and unpiloted drone and unmanned robots. Is in charge of anti-aircraft and artillery usage, allotment, and development. It is Episarta's second most funded branch. The SMF is composed mainly of unmanned drones and robotics, cruise missiles, WMD usage and defense, AA and artillery vehicles, the special forces, military scientists and researchers, spys, satelite weaponry and spying.
Headed by- Secretary of the Strategic Missile Forces, Desmond Salazar


Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is in charge of coastal maritime safety and security. Enforces laws at sea and stops illegal immigration. In charge of enforcing marine life safety and environmental protection laws. In charge of search and rescue operations at sea and ice operations. In times of war and invasion the coast guard are put under the command of the navy to assist in defense and attacking enemy ships and cargo. Patrols the seas around the nation. It is the fifth most funded branch of Episarta's military. It is composed mainly of small patrol and attack boats/ships, transport choppers and boats, maritime peace keeping choppers, hospital ships, scouting planes and sea planes, ice breaking ships, cargo transport.
Headed by- Secretary of the Coast Guard, Akemi Kado


Manpower

Currently the military has a total manpower of over 5 million. There are about 3 million active members with 2 million in the reserve. In the case of the country being invaded the nation can muster up approximately 310 million able-bodied citizens capable of taking up arms against the aggressors. But everyone is told to kill as many enemies as possible before dying. Never surrender, and fight to the death. Currently the total military population is only 1% of the total population.


Ally Nations

Acervia
Vekrom
Charles Buckingham
Sarxland

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(currently will only be stating RP people that have been used, along with discriptions)