Ajax Regional Application and Recruitment Thread [MT; Open]

by **Nationalist Northumbria** » Sat May 15, 2021 3:24 am

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates: I have been in a lot of regions, a lot of which were RPing regions. I have played the game since 2013.
c) Other nations: I have had a lot of other nations.
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying? No.

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: Northumbria
b) Brief description of your nation: Northumbria is an independent country with a population of 10 million (as this is a fictional, non-Earth world I hope that my twice-doubling the RL Northumbrian population will be acceptable). It only relatively recently gained its independence from [insert a British or similarly-cultured nation who hopefully this can be agreed upon with].
c) Nation's type of government: Unstable democratic
d) What languages are spoken in your nation? Northumbrian English
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation? Northumbrians
f) What are the major religions among your population? Christianity
g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.): The Northumbrian Armed Forces (NAF) are widely considered well-acronymised. It is significantly underfunded and divided into the traditional three branches, the army, navy, and air force, of which the army is the strongest.
j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region. Northumbria does not have much military strength except for the bravery and skill of its people, but the nation's strength in mining coal and building ships is unsurpassed. Northumbria's main international role might be found in its politically-unstable domestic environment.
h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so? I don't know.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: $16,000
b) Nation's IC population: 5 million
c) What does your nation excel in exporting? Coal, steel, ships, fish, chemicals
d) What does your nation need to import? High-tech goods and products, luxuries other than alcohol, most things other than the above

e) What is your country self sufficient on? Energy. Northumbria relies entirely upon coal, which would no doubt be a cause of much annoyance to international green groups and governments focused on reducing emissions.
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map? Somewhere in the European-equivalent continent.

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
My most recent RP

by **Nova Sylva** » Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:59 pm

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates: Since 2011. Current account's iteration since 2013.
- Region A (repeat as needed) Maredoratica, Septentrion, Greater Olympus
c) Other nations:
- Nation A (repeat as needed)
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying? Nope, I found it in the embassies section and then saw Ghant here. Anywhere he is must have something to it, so alas, here I am.

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: Sylvakia
b) Brief description of your nation: Sylvakia is a coastal nation situated along the southwestern edge of the Nordic Sea. It borders Volsk to the north, Suvarova to the east, Ostrozava to the south, and Hvalhiem to the west. The country also claims a maritime border with Lake Kupalnitsa through the disputed territory of Karpatya. Sylvakia's population numbers approximately forty two million. Its capital, Kralovice, is the largest and oldest city along the Nordic Sea coast.

Continuously inhabited since the Paleolithic Age, the territory of modern-day Sylvakia was inhabited by the Proto-Gothic people from the 2nd millennium BCE, but faced Slavic migrations to the area in the 6th century, establishing several regional states in the early Middle Ages at times recognized as tributaries to the kingdoms. Sylvakia's predecessor state, Sylvenska, arose as an empire at around 830, but was relatively short lived, and was absorbed by Tervingia. From the 9th century onward, it was further occupied by migratory Germanic peoples. As a result of religious conflict, Sylvakia, alongside XXX and XXX, formed the Kralov Union in the 1400s. The Union survived until XXX, when it was dissolved.

The Kralov Union collapsed in XXX, and Sylvakia became an independent state. Since 2008, Sylvakia has since undergone political upheaval, with Vaclav Cernik taking control of the country in 2009 after the disastrous Karpat War. Cernik has since more than doubled the nation's military expenditure, with the help of foreign aid from XXX and XXX.

c) Nation's type of government: Regency Council
d) What languages are spoken in your nation? Kashubian, Czech
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation? See above.
f) What are the major religions among your population? Dominantly Slavic paganism
g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.): In 2008, the Sylvan Army was woefully underequipped, underfunded, and undermanned. As a result, it was crushed in a short and decisive war against Ostrozava and was forced to cede the Karpat region in 2008. Since then, however, Sylvakia has rebuilt its armed forces and stands with one of most professional armies on the continent.
j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region. A regional pariah - a nationstate that is seen by the world as nothing more than a regional backwater, but which desperately wants to become a continental power in its own right.
h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so? By however was asked of me by the staff.

IC Economics & Geography 57.663 billion (PPP)
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: 31,589 (PPP)
b) Nation's IC population: 42.7 million people
c) What does your nation excel in exporting? Machine goods, automobiles, tractors, and electronics.
d) What does your nation need to import? Foodstuffs and fossil fuels
e) What is your country self sufficient on? Metals and alloys, from iron to bauxite
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=502449 my best and most recent example, but I can provide more if neccessary.

by **Tyreseia** » Sun Jun 20, 2021 6:24 pm

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates:
- The Western Isles (2017-2018, 2018-2020)
c) Other nations:
- Verona Beach (now CTE'd)
- Brulafi (now CTE'd)
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying? I was not recommended here by anyone. I found this region through the "Random article" button on iiWiki.

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: The Workers' Federation of Tyreseia
b) Brief description of your nation: Tyreseia is a syndicalist federation of worker's councils and local communes, similar to the neighboring Messidor Union. The nation has a strong thalassocratic tradition stemming from antiquity onwards, when the region was inhabited by Aradian city-states led by Tyria. Following a long period of Latin occupation, the region now known as Tyreseia fractured into warlords, city-states, petty fiefdoms, and pirate republics for centuries, periodically uniting to fend off Charnean or other foreign intervention. This periodic reunification (and temporary periods of occupation) inspired the New Tyria movement, which led to a revival in interest in ancient Tyrian and Latin culture alongside a form of syndicalism. This movement ended up unifying the region of Tyreseia under one banner for the first time in centuries.
c) Nation's type of government: Syndicalist federation
d) What languages are spoken in your nation? Latin, Modern Tyrian, Tamaziɣt, Tamashek
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation? Tyrian, Latin expatriate, Imuhagh, Amaziɣ, Jewish (technically ethnoreligious group)
f) What are the major religions among your population? Christianity (!Coptic, Fabrian Catholic), Itmassan-ddin, Judaism, Neo-Aradian Mythos
g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.): The Tyreseian People's Army is composed of three branches: The Tyreseian Workers' Militia serves as the ground force, with locality-based companies and battalions that can swell to division size once reserves are added during times of war. Officers and senior NCOs are elected from the full-time units, with the former being sent to academy training following their election. Total size of this force is roughly 205,000. The Tyreseian Workers' Navy maintains a small yet modern and equipped fleet tasked with anti-piracy duties, shore protection, and all the other duties associated with navies and coast guards. Ships elect their junior officers, who go to naval academy together and then elect a captain from their ranks. Total size of this force is around 25,000. The Tyreseian Air Service is a very loosely-defined force, with aircraft squadrons often tagging along with Militia ground units and near naval bases. This branch cannot draft in times of national emergency, and all ratings must undergo extensive training before being allowed to fly or maintain their aircraft. Total size of this force is 14,000. The final branch is the Republican Guard, which helps with internal order, major crimes, and gendarmerie business; it is the closest thing to a nationwide police force in Tyreseia. Total size of this force is around 12,000.
j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region. Tyreseia has very strong education and medical industries, which many might flock to. Additionally, there is a growing tourism sector, with hotspots being Tyrian/Latin ruins and cheap beachside resorts. As the nation is not really fit for large-scale overseas combat, Tyreseia would likely only exert military and strong diplomatic influence in the Periclean Basin. Beyond this region, Tyreseian military intervention would only occur with strong popular support and the participation in a multinational coalition or peacekeeping mission. Tyreseia's diplomatic and economic influence would likely extend a long ways, as I plan to give the nation relaxed ship registry rules and a continued maritime tradition in a world of global trade.
h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so? Increase transport difficulties between regions, then increase tension with potential pro-Charnean tribes in the south to divert government attention and resources southwards.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: $21,468.51 (open to adjustment)
b) Nation's IC population: 33,275,404 (also open to adjustment)
c) What does your nation excel in exporting? Fish/seafood, olives and olive oil, wine/other alcohol, grapes, medical equipment, linen and linen products
d) What does your nation need to import? Industrial raw materials, consumer goods, land/air vehicles, oil, other produce/foodstuffs, computing parts, tourists(?)
e) What is your country self sufficient on? Industrial machines, wheat+products, beef, dairy products, shipbuilding
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
viewtopic.php?p=36771070#p36771070
viewtopic.php?p=36664742#p36664742
viewtopic.php?p=36157273#p36157273
https://www.nationstates.net/nation=bru ... id=1217545
My writing has improved in the intervening time, I think.

by **New Kvenland** » Tue Jun 22, 2021 11:37 pm

Applicant Information

a) Time on NationStates: 7 long years
- Atlas
- Tiandi
- Ordis
- Ajax
- Forest

c) Other nations:
- Fuyang
- Satka (extraregional)

d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?
I dreamed of four beasts emerging from the sea: a gryphon, a bear, a four-headed leopard, and a ten-horned monster. Before them sat Latin, Ancient of Days, and he deemed them unworthy of the Kingdom of Heaven. That's when I knew I needed to write neo-Achaemenids

IC Nation & Lore

a) Nation's IC name:
The Second Chasanid Empire, commonly Chasania (derived from Old Persian root xšnā "learn, know")

b) Brief description of your nation:
The area that now constitutes Chasania has been populated since the Paleolithic, and a variety of small kingdoms and republics first proliferated in the region for several thousand years. The modern state known as the Chasanid Empire has existed since late antiquity, founded by Emperor Chasayatia (as he is now known) as a small Circassian kingdom. It would rise to overtake much of what is modern Chasania, subjugating its subjects and establishing the Circassian language and religion as the dominant one in the region. However, it would begin to decline in the 400s, and would become a shadow of its former territority; in this time, however, a small number of nobles from the Old Chasanid Empire would flee to what would they would soon turn into the Second Chasanid Empire. Their influence would turn the empire from a Circassian one to a Persian one, uniting the disparate peoples of the region under the emperor's flag of peace and tolerance. This would turn out to be a very successful plan, and the Second Chasanid Empire would quickly retake the land it had lost, retaining this territory for the next 1,500 years. Excepting a transition to a constitutional monarchy during a jouissance of republicanism in the 1800s, the Empire has existed more or less unchanged in that time.

In the modern day, Chasania is a relatively stable, relatively peaceful empire, with a monarch about as powerful as the parliament created opposite him. There are, however, two primary causes of unrest within the Chasanid borders: agrarianism and republicanism. There is a significant anti-urban movement within the rural regions of Chasania, mostly as a pushback against the government's perceived bias toward the cities. Another point of friction is the growing republican movement, particularly popular in the rural regions and with the humanities-educated population. Neither of these are significant enough to cause a civil war, but they are points of division within national politics.

A significant part of modern Chasanid culture and international image is its status as a hub of learning and scholarship. This was established by Emperor Artacha in the 1400s, during a drought that was wiping out the national agricultural and viticultural industries; he began a program of university establishment throughout Chasania's major cities, in order to teach the people new skills other than farming. Today this has burgeoned into Chasania's status as a major regional center for science and technology, in spite of its middle-income economy. Chasanids make up a disproportionately high number of professors and students at universities worldwide, and developments in physics, biology, and chemistry frequently happen within its borders.

As stated, the economy of Chasania is classified as middle-income. Much of its strength comes from its manufacturing sector, particularly transport manufacturing; many of the world's cars are built in Chasania. Agriculture continues to make up a significant portion of the economy as well, with Chasania being the world's largest producer of a variety of fruits and nuts. Other significant sectors are viticulture, with Chasania's wine industry being one of the world's oldest and most prolific, and fabrics manufacturing, with Chasanid carpets being the nation's single largest commodity export.

c) Nation's type of government:
Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

d) What languages are spoken in your nation?
The lingua franca is Neoclassical Persian, which is a revived and modernized version of Old Persian. Most people speak several dozen native languages from five language families; the largest of these are Circassian, Georgian, Armenian, and Turkish.

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?
Chasania is a very diverse nation, with no ethnic group having more than 20% of the population. As above, the most populous ethnic groups are the Circassians, Georgians, Armenians, and Turks.

f) What are the major religions among your population?
Ayadiism is the dominant religion in Chasania, with some 73% of the country adhering to it. Chasanid Ayadiism is notable for its lack of temples or images of its holy figures, which is considered foolish at best and sacrilegious at worst. A number of other religions are also present in Chasania, and freedom of religion is enshrined in the Chasanid Constitution. The most prominent of these is Christianity, first spread by the Latins and now practiced by 18% of the population; a number of native faiths and other foreign religions are present, as well.

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
The Chasanid Imperial Defense Forces are a relatively small armed forces, with only 280,000 personnel. It exists to defend Chasania's territorial integrity and the sovereignty of the royalty, and rarely participates in international peacekeeping operations. The vast majority of the CIDF's personnel, some 180,000, are in the Chasanid Imperial Army, which itself is subdivided into the Navy, Air Force, Border Guard, and Coast Guard; each is tasked with defending Chasania from any outside attacks, as well as maintaining security within their sphere of influence. Smaller branches within the CIDF include the Imperial Gendarmerie, serving as the national police force; the Imperial Medical Services, serving as emergency aid providers in times of crisis; and the Imperial Cyber Force, an independent branch protecting Chasania from digital-based attacks. The structure of the military is deeply hierarchical, with the Emperor having ultimate say in its activities and deployment.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.
Chasania's biggest strength is its stability. It's a very helpful partner in the Ozeros region for non-Ozeros nations trying to work with the region, and it can function as a neutral ground for Ozerosi entities looking for peace. Economically, it's a fairly middling manufacturing nation, and militarily it's rather weak -- neither of these I see as particular strengths.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?
Everything but the aesthetic can be reduced. I will not accept anything less than the most extravagant aesthetic, however.

IC Economics & Geography

a) Nation's IC GDP per capita:
$24,892 (PPP) /// $13,456 (Nominal)

b) Nation's IC population:
91,843,375

c) What does your nation excel in exporting?
Machinery, transport equipment, fruits and nuts, wine, carpets, scholars, ivory tower liberals

d) What does your nation need to import?
Raw industrial equipment and goods, petroleum, chemicals, foodstuffs, consumer goods, fun

e) What is your country self sufficient on?
Oil and its products, heavy machinery, certain fruits and nuts, and research associates

f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?
Red, dark red, and orange from the plots Latin drew up (NS won't let me link it directly)
Sidenote for Latin: I want you to know the night after you shot down the big plot I went for, I had an actual dream about it. It haunts me to this day

Roleplay History

Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
My wiki for Satka, a nonregional nation I've been working on.

by **The Lunar Domain** » Thu Jun 24, 2021 4:49 pm

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates: Seven years, though with a few periods of inactivity
- Coalition of Ponyist States (2014~2015/7)
- Democratic Economic Union of Nations (2017-8) (Note: Along with the CFN, most activity took place in the Discord servers)
- Commonwealth of Free Nations (2018-9)
- Estaria (2019-20)
- Ajax (2020-1)
c) Other nations:
- The Lunar Domain (2014-7) (note: because I purchased Postmaster-General years ago, I am still opting to use this account, and the title still has no bearing on ICly being the Erishlands.)
- Ekwosrich (2017-8)
- Zeljunaar (2018-9)
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?

I have been a member of Ajax since 2020.

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name:
- Official name: Erish Confederation (Erish: Ärscbondez), but the Erish Realm (Erish: Ärscrejcez) in foreign relations
- Common name: The Erishlands (Erish: Ärsclondo)
b) Brief description of your nation:

When history emerges for the Erishlands around the first millennium, they were initially inhabited by Celtic and Nordic cultures. When the Erish peoples arrived in the area beginning in the 400s, the indigenous peoples in the area that is today the heartland were quick to adopt the culture, although influences remain in Erish culture. After the Ottonian Empire took hold of the region in the 800s, the religiously tolerant policies of Magnus and those following him contributed to Christianity failing to take root in the country.

During the waning days of the Ottonian Empire, the three Erish lands of Jorscland, Sescland, and Pinscland began to align themselves, forming the Erish Confederation with the Treaty of the Three Lands in 1256. Despite the alliance, internal divisions plagued the Confederation enough that the House of Hjome, led by Ljowsne I, who claimed descent from the Erish god Hjome, was able to maneuver and, in 1297, be crowned Ide (roughly "Queen", but with religious implications). Her death twenty years later led to the First Civil War (1321-5) over succession, with Jorscland and Sescland backing her daughter, Godze I, and Pinscland backing Jarlmund I, refusing to recognize anybody but the eldest son as a legitimate heir. Ultimately, the war ended with Godze I succeeding her mother as Queen, but delegating political power to the King, Jarlmund I.

As the centuries passed, the nature of the Erishlands began to change. The monarchy slowly further centralized power, whilst at the same time the country expanded with peaceful or "less peaceful" annexations of neighboring lands into what was still a Confederation. Despite nominally having the same stature as the original Three Lands, these were more or less imperial subjects. This created a tension which resulted in the Second Civil War (1637-41), where several lands attempted to break away, including the core lands of Albuht, Kaenz, and Mjolze. The Second Civil War ended in all sides but the monarchy losing, as King Aeyoch II suppressed the rebellions and all but completely centralized power in his capital of Fzorzborg. The name used to refer to the Erishlands themselves, the Erish Confederation, gradually fell out of use in favor of the Erish Realm.

Though the monarchy won the war, it lost the peace. Power had been concentrating in the monarchy, but the doing away with the confederation laid foundations for future conflicts. Over the next two centuries, a movement of federalist republicans gradually evolved. The emergence of the Jriak Confederation and Pan-Ottonian Alliance during the late 1700s and early 1800s heightened tensions, due to fears of Skaldanic and Ottonian regions being carved away, and potentially more. Eventually, tensions exploded in 1811, when King Olev II, depending upon interpretation, either attempted to militarily reinforce the borders or militarily suppress the minority populations. In either case, this kicked off the Third Civil War (1811-2), with the lines being primarily between federalist republicans and centralist monarchists. In the end, the war, which lasted four months, ended in the Queen, fearful of outside involvement, ordering the arrest of the King, and beginning negotiations with the republicans, who had been militarily successful.

In the aftermath of the War, the Constitution of the Erish Confederation was established, being formally promulgated on 5 December 1812. On its face, it was a revolutionary document, abolishing kings, all but stripping power away from the monarchy and aristocracy, and establishing both the Lands and inhabitants of the Erishlands as the source of political power. The reality was somewhat more complex. The most consequential of them was, for one, the establishment of a federal system in which the central government has authority to legislate on certain areas of policy that are expressly those of the Lands (and in principle vice versa). Additionally, the establishment of the parliamentary principle of responsible government, but to the Senatorial class of the parliament that was, initially, dominated by the nobility, ultimately facilitated the present-day Erish strain of parliamentarism. It is also debatable the extent to which the Constitution truly stripped power from the Queen, rather than just replaced the King with the Cabinet, with the Queen continuing to be a ceremonial figure with unexercised reserve powers.

In any case, the modern constitutional order has ultimately thus far survived, and even provided resolutions for the tensions that normally sparked civil wars. Despite dramatic political changes in neighboring countries, the Erishlands have remained stable and developed a healthy modern democracy and economy. In some part, perhaps, this has been facilitated by the Erishlands seeking peaceful relations with neighbors.

c) Nation's type of government:

d) What languages are spoken in your nation?

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?

f) What are the major religions among your population?

The two largest religions of the Erishlands are Urdism and Christianity, but the modern state is deliberately secular (though the Queen still conducts herself as the Ardist high priest).

About 60 percent of the population, predominantly "Erish" but also members of other ethnic groups, can be considered Urdist, although it should be understood that it is not so clearly definable beyond participation in Urdish rituals. Furthermore, Urdism has syncretized aspects of Christianity into itself. Many Urdist shrines and temples honor Jesus as a Helend ("healer; one who makes things whole") and Vorbodend ("harbinger; foreshadower of a new order"), religious reverences afforded only to Hjome and Uden. Granted, it's far, far from Christianity, with the extent of such beliefs being essentially that 1.) Jesus was a god, 2.) he showed compassion to all, even those who were not considered to deserve it, and 3.) such was his commitment to 2.) that, rather than unleashing himself on his executioners, he self-sacrificed to make an example of himself. This story has parallels to that of Hjome (god, committed to ending Dwalm's tyranny to establish order, sacrificed brother Njobel to keep to that), and Uden (god, commitment to preventing Njobel's triumph when he returns, sacrificed son and partially sacrificed self to gain as much knowledge as possible for that). It also ought be noted that, though Jesus has somewhat been syncretized, he, like Hjome and Uden, is not necessarily a "popular" god - "popular" in the sense that he is one most people regularly concern themselves with. Gods like Yur or Djego are much more regularly revered.

Some 30 percent of the population, predominantly "Ottonian" and "Skaldanic" (but also including others), consider themselves Christian. Much as Christianity in the Erishlands influenced Urdism, Urdism in the Erishlands has influenced Christianity in the Erishlands. The story of Saint Liona, for example, is more or less a Christianized Hjome: once, there was a pagan king of Ickfall tempted by the devil to persecute Christians. The nurse of his children, Liona and Jublen, one day revealed herself to be Christian to them, inspiring conversion. When their father died in battle, they both ascended to the throne and converted the kingdom to Christianity. The devil tempted Jublen back to paganism, forcing Liona to, with a heavy heart, exile him. There are, of course, great differences - no Liona and Jublen overthrowing and killing the king, no war between the two, but the story is a little too reminiscent and proximal to the homeland of Urdism to be coincidental.

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):

The Erish military is the Realm Guard (Erish: Rejcespohto) is a force numbering approximately 450 thousand, with a significant fraction, 300 thousand, being conscripts. Under federal law, a year of public service is compulsory for all citizens between the age of 20 and 30, with military service being required for men (though with exemptions for conscientious objectors). The primary branch of the military is the Army, consisting of 240,000 personnel, with the Navy (120,000) and Air Force (90,000) acting in support. Those who have completed military service have their weapons kept at an armory. With all this, it's apparent to say that the Erish military is primarily defense-oriented. It is meant to provide a defense force capable of defending the confederation until a broader call to arms can occur, though realistically in the event of a war such a call would already take place in the build-up.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.

Militarily, the Erishlands are still far from a powerhouse, and they're even perhaps moreso not out looking for a fight. The economy is certainly well-developed, but as will be discussed shortly, there is a tension within it. This is supposed to be a country where, at least in the perceptions of the populace, it could be further up there in economic development, but there is a divide between those who see that and who view what is there as good enough in balance with other values. A strength I think in and of itself to be significant is that the Erishlands are a bond of nations, rather than a nation-state, which makes ample opportunity for worldbuilding. I will take some part from my original application, and continue to have the Erishlands be a promoter of democracy and human rights around the globe. I do think, though, that it having a more neutral foreign policy could help facilitate it as an international mediator.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?

In response to requests, I have reduced economic development. Just as last time, if the military is too big, I can make cuts.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: $30,000.

I do wish to note something head-on in the economy that does not necessarily fall under any question, but which I think is extraordinarily important for understanding the Erish economy: the "at-home economy" (Erish: Hemeöconomío).

Historically speaking, a good chunk of the Erishlands have been matrilineal. The origins of this are not especially clear, as the point at which it occurred seems to predate when the recorded history of the Erish became consistent during the 800s and 900s. Folk legends tell of an old nobility coming to mandate the lower classes have property pass through the mother, whilst some anthropologists suspect influence from a substrate culture. In whatever case, matrilineality was the norm throughout much of the Erishlands, such that even today surnames are generally from the mother, and the Queen still inherits the throne through her mother. This likely facilitated women being the traditional heads of household.

During the 1800s, the Erishlands saw a number of profound political changes with the rise of the modern constitutional state, and economic changes as industrialization began. In tandem with the population beginning to urbanize, much less the fact that the constitution had debatably stripped the Queen of power, political conservatives began to fear that the traditional social order was at risk of being undone. A common focal point was that women, who were not only the ones owning property but the ones expected to be most heavily involved in childrearing, would become "trapped" in their homes, becoming economically dependent upon their husbands as they moved away from family into cities, and reforms like prohibition of child labor decreased their proximity to children. This ultimately led to laws under conservative Prime Minister Geryeson (1872-80) that, most notably, prohibited anybody with an underage child working more than 30 hours a week for wages. The intent of these laws was that both parents would continue to work, but somebody would always be "at home". Or it was class warfare by an economic elite to prevent the lower classes from accumulating wealth in their new environment. One of the two.

Although the laws were repealed decades later, the effects of the laws wove themselves into the Erish economy. A significant proportion of the Erish labor force works part-time, even without children, and there is a very high labor participation rate of 80.7 percent. It is a central debate within Erish politics as to whether the "at-home" economy should be valued or the subject of skepticism, such that the political spectrum is arguably defined by one's position. The political left, which includes republicans (roughly social democrats) and market liberals, is skeptical of it, and believes that reforms would lead to a more developed, productive, and even egalitarian economy. The political right, which includes conservatives and socialists, defend it as balancing a modern economy with egalitarianism and worker's rights.

b) Nation's IC population:

21.3 million. I have come to reapplication in part because I feel an expanded population is necessary to have some of the cultural diversity I'm going for. I'm striving for the seven heartland states having a population size capable of being more than just one city and its surrounding area, and help build an overall feel of a (con)federation (Jorscland, the largest state, for example, would be 2.7 million instead of 900k). At the same time, the population increase allows them to not further dominate the rest of the country - as it stands, they comprise sixty percent of the population.

c) What does your nation excel in exporting?

Major modern Erish industries and companies providing exports include:

Chemicals (ScöneGråg, Söpsten, etc.)
Fish (LacsBäck, GeliscHer, etc.)
Machinery (Stolfbornco, HoltCpenn, etc.)
Metals (Mulcten, LorvTröjp, etc.)
Paper products (FazBinding, Achsul, etc.)

d) What does your nation need to import?

Clothing, fuels, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and plastics are all major imports for the Erishlands.

e) What is your country self sufficient on?

Agricultural products, equipment and tools, motor vehicles (still a dying industry), ships, and wood products are all major industries with primarily domestic markets.

f) What is your preferred location on the regional map? Continuation of current location

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.

My older roleplay history can be found in my initial application. Whilst I haven't been involved with on-site Ajax roleplay, I've worked heavily on IIWiki worldbuilding. Major articles that I am proud of include the Erish language (though currently in the process of a massive update), the Politics of the Erishlands (currently still WIP), and the Prime Minister of the Erishlands. I also hope this application is, in and of itself, a worldbuilding exercise.

by **Haipoon** » Tue Aug 24, 2021 11:47 pm

Applicant Information

a) Time on NationStates: Haipoon has been specifically established to join the Ajax region so only a few days old. But have been active on NationStates for past 10 Years (Previous nation – Mahadar established in 2012) but have returned after taking a year break. Previous nations were part of the Eridos region that unfortunately was abandoned. I believe Occred from discord, who is now a member of Ajax was the founder of Eridos.

c) Other nations:
- Montisnegru (since deactivated).
- Bajios (since deactivated – abandoned due to inability to find suitable region at the time).

d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying? Upon returning to NS, I have been looking to join an active, world building region similar to the ambition Occred had for Eridos. I tracked from Occred and found he was in Ajax. I researched the region and knew I wanted to join. Have been active on discords and in close talks with Hierophant, awastedwizard, superDJBling, Spectra, Occred, and Yisrael.

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: Nation of Haipoon, Abode of Peace.

b) Brief description of your nation: An Indochina inspired nation. Influenced by Vietnamese/Burmese/Bangladesh/ and Thai culture with influences of north eastern India (Sikkim). Environmentally diverse with mountain ranges and highlands, dense jungle, rivers, and flood plains, incorporating and inspired by the floating markets of Thailand and Vietnam, the rice fields along the Mekong River, and the Tea terraces of Darjeeling, Sikkim and north-east India, to the fertile fields of Bangladesh. Heavily agriculturally based, prone to monsoons and flooding. Haipoon is home to people that value, peace, meditation, family, and community over all else.

c) Nation's type of government: Combines elements of theocracy and oligarchy. The High Shangri (also known as Supreme Monk) is the head of state, as well as highest ranking religious authority. In parallel, the Paramount Ruler of State, is the highest ‘civil and political’ authority of state (acting similar to a prime minister or elected temporary monarch/regent) appointed from the ‘Council of Lords’ from among the noble landed families of Haipoon. This causes an uneasy and delicate balance of power between the religious establishment and landed nobility within the nation. Similarly, a very large civil bureaucracy and powerful military council causes other powerful factions within government. Details are still being worked through.

d) What languages are spoken in your nation? Haipoonese (based off Thai), and related to the Tali language from Uluujol. Several dialects and accents.

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation? While I don’t have exact names yet there will be a number of ethnic groups in the country based off those in Indochina. The nation will be divided into 3 main regions (upper/central/and lower) each home to a dominant ethnicity and sizable minority. I also imagine we would have a sizable minority of foreign residents from Uluujol Pulau, and Onekawa-Nukanoa due to a deep historical relationship of trade and cooperation.

f) What are the major religions among your population? Local, uniquely Haipoonese offshoot of the N'nhivara religion, that links in with ankati Margaya and possibly Tsuru’s Shinto. Strong belief in the Dharma. Extremely religious population.

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.): ‘The Haipoon Self-Defence Force’ (HSDF). Details to be worked through. Military branches will possibly include: Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Paramilitary. Haipoon lacks an air force but the navy, and possibly army, will have a small air wing. Being an active regional member, the Haipoonese military will work closely with regional partners particularly the nations of Pulau and Onekawa-Nukanoa in monitoring the Ozeros sea. Has a defence policy of security, search and rescue, customs enforcement, and self-defence. Haipoon does not follow an aggressive military policy.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region. The military’s strength lies in its understanding of Haipoons unique environment (jungle, mountains, rivers) and the benefit of compulsory military conscription. The HSDF however lacks a large military budget, and modern technology and equipment. The HSDF will be seek to work with regional allies. Being an active regional member, the Haipoonese military will work closely with regional partners particularly the nations of Pulau and Onekawa-Nukanoa in monitoring the Ozeros sea.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so? Haipoons military is not a threat, or even that large so won’t be an issue.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: 20500 (rough figure not finalized)

b) Nation's IC population: 76,368,850 Haiponese

c) What does your nation excel in exporting? Rice, Tea, Textiles (predominantly silk), produce (tropical fruits and vegetables). Possibly rubber and clothing. Haipoon has a strong tourism industry, and aims to be a transportation hub connecting Malaio, Ochran and the Azores sea region with wider Ajax. Due to our agricultural history, environmental beauty, and strong sustainability focus inspired by our cultural values, we aim to develop and become an agricultural and environment research hub within Ajax. Also open to the possibly of Pharmaceuticals or mining for gold if there is a demand. Open to all possibilities.

d) What does your nation need to import? Vehicle Parts, Petroleum, medicine, machinery, electrical appliances, consumer goods. Similar to exports, am open to all possibilities.

e) What is your country self sufficient on? Food (Produce/Meat/Fish/Rice/Fruit), Wood and building materials.

f) What is your preferred location on the regional map? The peninsula east of Jhengstan, and south of Uluujol. Open to claiming the the 3 islands off the eastern coast (not fussed- may be open to having an alt nation there).

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.

Previously a member of Eridos, and created the below wikis.

Mahadar and Montisnegru

by **Tunglland** » Wed Sep 01, 2021 7:23 pm

Gone Idea Fishin'

by **Itayana** » Fri Sep 10, 2021 1:16 pm

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates: 5.75 years, and much of it was in two regions at once.
Timeline (easier to present like this): Pluviostan → Pluviostan & Yamato → Pluviostan & Caranos → Pluviostan → Pluviostan & Viranos → Viranos → Viranos & Ikaros → Viranos & Ikaros & Saarland → Greater Olympus → Greater Olympus & Eridos → Greater Olympus → ?
c) Other nations:
All CTE’d except Volga-Dnieper, started for Ikaros, employed in GO.
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying? Occred, Ghant, Occred, Omnic, Occred

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: Itayana
b) Brief description of your nation:
Itayana is an old agrarian empire based around a river system and accompanying network of peasant communities. Until now it endured several cycles typical for agrarian empires: first, the ascent of about 50-100 years, then the peak for the next 200-250 years, then the decline in the next 100-150 years, and finally the collapse for the next 100-150 years.

The unified polity started from the point known as “Year A”, calculated to be somewhere around 100-200 BC. Not much of particular interest happened in the first two cycles. The third, starting in about 1100, was broken in 1419 when the armies of Ihemod invaded from Charnea and burned the old capital, forcing the surviving governorates to surrender and become vassals. A small stronghold at the west coast of Itayana endured and retained its independence, centered around the new capital, Yanbango, but their hold of the land was broken for about 200 years.

In 1589 the new capital started its moves to consolidate the claims and by 1619 the entire territory was lost to the successors of the Ihemod. The fourth cycle started, to last until 1895 when a pandemic collapsed the imperial structure.

Somehow Itayana managed to persevere through another intermediate period, whether through the lack of interest in the area or through successful local wars. It re-emerged in the 2000s. Industrialization in the region has been well en route in the last 10 years while initial reunification movements started 15 years ago. The capital has been subsuming the rogue nomoi ever since, through the combination of hook and crook.

Currently the country stands divided with the capital controlling the western 30-40% of the country, including all of the coastline. The rest is divided between various regional governors either making their bet for reunification or just existing.

c) Nation's type of government:
Nominally, absolute monarchy. In reality, a loose collection of regional warlords and governors with several centers of power.

Major regional governors rule as strongmen over their governorates (also: nomos / nomoi), minor governors are either subsumed into their domains or remain as vassals. The power is propagated via bureaucracy and military presence. Nomoi usually consist of one or two major cities (but a few have up to four) and their associated peasant communes. They exist in a symbiosis with trade networking; a bigger trade network is forming all around Itayana between whatever industrial centers there are around.

The capital retains absolute monarchy (the monarch being titled “Sarkin Sarakuna” with “alive, firm, healthy” accompanying it when written) while slowly drifting towards theocratic monarchy. The actual command, however, rests in the multiple temples whose priesthood doubles as bureaucracy and triples as actual productive intellectuals. They form the strata of Maraya (Orphans) named so because they don’t belong to the peasant communities or any major social strata. They are your typical educated middle class with regional specifics and they exercise day-to-day operations while the supreme ruler remains in recluse.

d) What languages are spoken in your nation?
One major language (conlang, in development, based mostly on Hausa, likely mixed with Yoruba, some Bantu languages and similar in some proportion). Because there has been a more or less unified state entity, the linguistic diversity doesn’t span beyond dialects of the same language. That said, there are several languages of borderland minorities around as well.

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?
One major ethnic group formed over several millennia, a mix of sub-Saharan ethnicities (Hausa being the primary source of inspiration, although the climate may not fit too well). Plus, whatever minorities there are in the borderlands (including actual Hausa at Charnean border).

Should be noted that, as part of the reunification strategy, the minority groups in the west were deported inland when their borderland regions were subsumed into the growing capital realm. Regional governors are more lenient to minorities; sometimes they even enjoy autonomy.

f) What are the major religions among your population?
Central native religion with broad pantheon, used as a cornerstone of the reunification efforts. Worships nature deities as well as several abstract concepts (ex. Truth). In development.

A small circle of the imperial ruling elite, centered around Sarkin — alive, firm, healthy— creates their own solar cult. This needs no clarification: it is a religious cover for consolidating absolute power and authority around Him — alive, firm, healthy —, although of course this is a pure economically deterministic view of things.

And, of course, whatever folk beliefs there are in minorities.

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
Generally speaking, the land army is the key branch throughout the region. It is usually a mix between militias, conscripts and regulars, depending on the nomos in question. Air force of light counter-insurgency planes and helicopters is a thing for a selected few. Motorisation and mechanisation is something seen only in the more well-off governorates. Brown-water fleet is also a thing for the few. Key problem is the lack of trained command and technical personnel: everyone is the same in that woe and everyone is trying to mend it by their ability.

The capital, of course, enjoys a much better situation than its rogue governorates; e.g., it maintains a fleet of several OPVs, a blue water flotilla of a few (2-3) ships and some actual air force. They are trying to catch up with the world in military R&D, as in many other areas but the reality is merciless in its corrections, even to the most faithful. They also have it much easier with trained cadres and their training but their pool is limited even there.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.
Economically, Itayana is a developing industrial state and that stands for the entirety of its territory. It has fertile land and more or less solidly working remains of irrigation systems and that allows it to have multiple crops per year. There may probably be some deposits of rare earth metals, untapped by previous generations, that could be used; that aspect is in deliberation.

Industrial efforts have been going on for a whole decade. Although the results vary, most of the larger warlords are able to at least supply themselves with guns and simple machinery. Clearly, heavy industry development has the most priority for that purpose. Light industry is significantly less prioritized and it mostly works for export. Finally, some traditional crafts may be an export product as well, as fine pieces for connoisseurs like any products of traditional craft. They probably won’t count much in the overall export balance.

The capital region has seen the most success of industrialization, yet it employed several underhanded tactics for that, including buying and/or snatching intellectuals from all around the country, hefty employment of coercive servitude and straight-up fudging the numbers and making holes in their balance sheets. Finally, they got their diplomats working, but the extent of their contribution is open to discussion. All of that allowed the capital to develop more sophisticated industries like microelectronics (some foreign assistance here is nigh obligatory).

General weaknesses of the economy stem from the torn nature of the country, meaning the already meager resources have to be spread to get both guns and butter. Workers are obviously heavily exploited, 12-hour working days are common. Apart from that, peasantry doesn’t enjoy its existence that much as in some regions it is rather heavily exploited and through and through their lifestyle is endangered by the need of the working hands.

Thankfully, Itayana is not short of working hands and is in no danger of famine… probably.

As for the role Itayana is to play, it’s best to distinguish between how they in the capital see it vs. how it will inevitably turn out. Although the governorates wield significant military power, they will not be covered.

The capital sees itself as a continuation of the older empires of Itayana and of course they want to play their part as the regional power they perceive themselves to be (or to become, if we’re talking about more grounded personalities), going forward and going alone. The most radical circles of the capital (aligned with the new solar cult) perceive their manifested destiny in ruling central and southern Scipia and even northern Malaio as one empire under one Sun and one autocrat as the Living Sun Manifested on the planet.

The reality is likely to be that even when ─ or if ─ the reunification day will come, Itayana will be at most a second-rate regional power with plenty of holes in its balance to patch and plenty of regional actors not too pleased to see it back in shape. Going “alone” is also likely to turn out as nothing but a sweet dream, because those who aided in modernization of Itayana may call in for favors. Deranged aspirations of solar fanatics need no further comment.

The regional governors may have their own aspirations against the capital, but carrying them out would be complicated.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?
To be determined in discussion, if such a need is to arise. Probably make it less centralized, poorer and more like an actual failed state (it isn’t one now).

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: Average $12000-13000 across polities.
b) Nation's IC population: 72 347 243
c) What does your nation excel in exporting?
Raw food (crops, fruits, vegetables) grown all around.
Some untapped mineral wealth underground to be exploited.
d) What does your nation need to import?
Industrial tools and electronics — more common than not, it can't make what is needed (doesn't mean they won't try).
Other than that, raw materials for their growing industry.
e) What is your country self-sufficient on? Food and labor.
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?
As depicted here.

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
All of these are from GO times. Caranos, Viranos and Ikaros were low on RPs, Yamato and Saarland never lasted long enough and Pluviostani RPs are, thankfully, lost.

by **The Fanboyists** » Fri Sep 10, 2021 3:56 pm

Applicant Information

a) Time on NationStates:
14 Years as of later this month.

b)Previous time in: Tyrrhennia, Cornellia/Cornellian Empire, Tyran (concurrent)
Founding member of Ajax.

c) Other nations:
- (Ajax) Ottonia (North & South)
- (Ajax) Uluujol
- (Tyran) Allamunnika/Arkoenn

d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?
I was recommended by me.
Also Spectra, Santh, and Gibia seem to be on-board with this concept.

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: Yadokawona

b) Brief description of your nation:
Yadokawona is a small nation caught between three much-larger, much more-powerful states in the form of Sante Reze to the north, Kayahallpa to the west, and Zacapican to the south. Situated in a semi-desert plateau between the three nations, Yadokawona is somewhat sparsely-populated, its inhabitants mostly living in often-distant settlements oriented around aquifers, wells, and the area’s few permanent standing bodies of water. It is economically reliant on extracted mineral wealth with inflated prices. As a site of economic and political proxy conflict, primarily between Zacapican and Sante Reze, and to a lesser extent Kayahallpa, Yadokawona has been economically-buoyed by the process of economic exploitation by outsiders, particularly development needed to access the country's mineral wealth. It has also resulted in a population boom that has strained the country's food and water resources, as well as testing the patience of the indigenous peoples with the often-rowdy outsiders.

c) Nation's type of government:
Democratic confederation - in practice, individual municipalities (called "atlepetls") are de facto autonomous in their daily workings, with cooperation for mutual defense, resource-sharing in times of privation, and commerce. The ‘national’ (such as it is) government consists of an assembly of elected representatives (frequently, but not exclusively, elders) from each atlepetl. Similar to a parliamentary system these representatives also serve as head ministers for cabinet-level positions. The government is fairly basic, only really focusing on things like mutual defense, emergency/disaster preparedness, and commerce standardization.

d) What languages are spoken in your nation?
Zuni, Hopi, Keresan, and Tanoan languages are spoken by the indigenous populace. Rezese and Kayan speakers are prominent, and there is a significant contingent of Nahuatl-speakers, with a liturgical influence that even leads to the Nahuatl syllabary being used in indigenous orthography.

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?
Depending on where one draws the line on what consists of an ethnic group, there are likely at least four ethno-linguistic groups, and possibly as many as three or four others to be added depending on worldbuilding with neighbors. See above regarding languages.

f) What are the major religions among your population?
Tlecoyanism forms the single largest religion within Yadokawona, but it is heavily syncreticized with indigenous religious beliefs and exists more-or-less alongside them.

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
Yadokawona has no standing military at all. Due to the massive size disparity between it and its neighbors (both in population and economy), Yadokawona maintains no standing military, as it would be pointless (subject to revision if it receives peer or near-peer neighbors to its east in the future). As a substitute, Yadokawona mostly focuses on using its neighbors' interests and influence to counter one another and keep a lid on any serious trouble that would not be able to be dealt with internally.

Instead, each municipality maintains a militia (with a standing, professional core that doubles as a well-trained-and-equipped police force) that can theoretically be called up for national defense in an emergency, but which otherwise maintains a hybrid law enforcement/security role. In terms of total personnel we're probably looking at up to 5% of the population being able to be called up into this in an emergency, but the professional core/peacetime personnel of such forces combined nationwide is probably 20,000 or less across all Atlepetls (cities). Is is notable that this type of expansion is only possible because the "reservists" more-or-less consist of male citizens of a certain age range being issued guns and, if they are lucky, uniforms, to defend their polities against an outside threat. These are not trained soldiers, they can charitably be called a militia, and each atlepetl has one with its own command structure; any 'national' force would essentially be a combining of several small armies, with all the logistical and control headaches that that would imply.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.
To a large extent Yadokawona is a pretty weak nation, with a decentralized government, and it is essentially a proxy battleground (hopefully in a more peaceful/political maneuvering sense these days) for its much larger, much richer neighbors. What Yadokawona does have is a strategic position between the three countries, command of some reasonably important trade routes, and some mineral wealth of non-negligible value to the others that make it worth meddling and investing in.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?
I guess I’d nerf the GDP some more but to be honest I’m not sure how much weaker I can make this country that has a population smaller than many of Ajax’s cities and no standing military.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: USD$20,643
b) Nation's IC population: 3,161,700
c) What does your nation excel in exporting? Minerals, notably lithium salts, oil (deposits are not huge, but are surplus to the nation's needs), natural gas, uranium, and to a lesser extent copper, tin, aluminum, silver, gold, and turquoise.

d) What does your nation need to import? Yado is a net importer of food; while its indigenous food production can likely maintain the native population, an immigration boom over the past few decades brought on by the exploitation of mineral wealth has caused the population to balloon to a level that is long-term unsustainable. It also has very little industrial manufacturing capacity of its own, meaning heavy machinery has to be imported, either from Zacapican or Sante Reze.

e) What is your country self sufficient on? Many minerals, textiles, ceramics, lumber.

f) What is your preferred location on the regional map? Smack dab between Sante Reze, Zacapican, and Kayahullpa. See attached image.

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
Dog how long have I been here.

by **Tamares** » Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:36 am

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates:
A whole god forsaken decade
- Esquarium
- Ajax
c) Other nations:
Charnea
Zacapican
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?

Fin sent me

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: Tamaris - the Tamaran Republic
b) Brief description of your nation:
Tamaris is a primarily celtic country that ended up in eastern Belisaria by way of ancient celtic migrations not unlike Galatians irl. Their dominion in eastern Belisaria however was quickly challenged by neighboring groups, namely the Germanic peoples of Tervingia and other groups, which pushed the celtic tribes into the mountain valleys and highlands while occupying the lowlands. The lowlands, however, would soon be taken over by slavic princes moving south, creating a rather cosmopolitan mix of germans, slavs and celts in the lowlands, not considering those traders from distant lands that arrived on the Periclean coast of the country to do business. This state of affairs would last until the coming of the Bayarid empire, which turned the region on its head. The celts in the highlands, weakened by years of conflict with the lowland powers, submitted peacefully to the Great Khan upon the arrival of the Bayarids in Belisaria. This was in contrast to the slavic principalities occupying the lowlands, which much like their counterparts in reality, resisted and were destroyed wholesale. Although the Bayarid presence in the region was relatively brief, it represented a period of rapid change for the eastern Celts, which returned in triumph to the long lost lowlands of their domains as vassals of the Great Khan, and became the Khan's shadow. Wherever the Bayarid armies went in the region, there soon followed their Celtic vassals. Such was the power they had accrued that when the Bayarid power fragmented and finally vanished from the area, it was the Celts which filled the power vacuum and began a late medieval/early modern dominion known as the Carmagan Empire (name possibly to change) which ruled from the highland stronghold of the celts over many neighboring areas.

The decline of this empire in the 18th and 19th centuries would leave the lowlands and mountainous hinterland of what is now modern Tamaris, then known as Eponlanda as the celts had acquired a love of horses and of cavalry from the Bayarids. Eponlanda remained an absolute monarchy until the early 20th century, when the Rix Govran of Eponlanda voluntarily gave up his power in order to turn the country into a constitutional monarchy, empowering a civilian government and giving the people their first taste of democracy. All would not be well for long however, as competing powers between the progressive and cosmopolitan cities in the lowlands and the traditionalist and conservative rural communities in the hills and mountain valleys clashed. Tensions boiled over when a socialist government was elected into office to lead the kingdom's government, which provoked a coup by the right wing elements which controlled the military. What followed was the abolition of the old kingdom and two decades of military dictatorship, in which any dissent against the government, even that which came from moderate monarchists and other center or center-right voices was labeled socialist and outlawed. The reign of the military would only come to an end in 1998 when a democratic revolution of "socialists" which in reality consisting of every faction of dissidents the dictatorship had ever repressed, overthrew the government and installed a new regime. The country was renamed from Eponlanda, a reminder of the old days of celtic rule over the german and slavic minorities of the country, to Tamaris after the important Tamare (Tamaris in latin) river which bisects the country. From that point forward the "Socialist Federal Republic of Tamaris" has been a hotbed of political quarreling and dissent among its very wide selection of political groups which carried out the revolution some twenty years ago, but perhaps as a stroke of fortune none of these shifting political conflicts has ever spilled over beyond the halls of power, and is safely contained in the capital allowing the citizens to ago about their lives in relative peace.

c) Nation's type of government: Democratic republic
d) What languages are spoken in your nation? An as yet unnamed celtic dialect, east Germanic and south Slavic languages
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation? Similar to the languages, the !Galatian celtic peoples, Gets, people from Drevstran, and a large minority of peoples of Slavic decent
f) What are the major religions among your population? Tamaris is majority Alethaic Nazarist, but has Docetic and Alban minorities particularly in the western regions.
g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.): The Tamaran military would in the modern day be quite stunted because of the deep disdain and lack of trust among the population towards the military establishment as a result of twenty years of military dictatorship. The Republics leaders kept the military well under control, which means that its capabilities are more limited than they would otherwise be. A real outside threat to the nation could be grounds for this to return to a more balanced approach to the military, but the suspicions of the people and their leaders towards the military will not soon be forgotten.
j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region. Tamaris is mainly an opportunity to have cool lore and history with my Belisarian homies. Besides allusions to powerful medieval and historical polities, so do not suppose that Tamaris is particularly strong. Its military is weakened, and its economy is in a somewhat mediocre state. It will be wealthier per capita than Suvarova by a slim margin, and poorer than Drevstran per capita by the same slim margin. However, its overall economy will be weaker than both due to its significantly smaller population.
h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so? I suppose I could further nerf the military and reduce its economic statistics.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: 17,000
b) Nation's IC population: 24 million people
c) What does your nation excel in exporting? Lumber, Agricultural products, Coal and possibly electricity
d) What does your nation need to import? Machinery, Fuel, Electronics
e) What is your country self sufficient on? Food, light manufacturing (consumer goods type stuff)
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?
Celtic Afghanistan

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
Canine, for what length of time have I held membership in this organization.

by **Mesogeia** » Thu Sep 16, 2021 7:23 pm

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates: Off and on since 2018, don't recall the other regions I was in because I didn't get on much at that time
- Region A (repeat as needed)
c) Other nations:
-Levantanie
-Abeshia
-Coventrey
-Caraibes

d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying? I was not recommended to join the region nor have I spoken to any members regarding an application.
IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: The Most August Celestial Empire of Mesogeia

b) Brief description of your nation:
Mesogeia (literally means middle land), is a diverse heterogeneous empire consisting of 30+ regions akin to federal states, (several of which are headed at least ceremonially by a King-elector who are directly subordinate to the Empress in Alexandropolis. Mesogeia has a 3,000 year old history, with its peoples being ruled by kings and emperors since 1179 BC with minor interruptions. The first monarch was the semi-legendary Alcaeus, who features prominently in the country's national epic the Padishanama. The monarchs from that time to the 1st century were either of the Alcaeid or Artabanid dynasties, who reigned as literal Kings of Kings. It was only later on in the first century that the additional title of Emperor was adopted. The first monarch to take the title Emperor was actually Alexander XV the founder of a new dynasty who adopted the title in 21 BC after his victories following the wars of succession that erupted following his mother's death, ushering in a golden age known as the Acropolite Golden Age.

In modern times the Empire has been ruled by the House of Troadinos, a cadet branch of the Rhomaios dynasty since 1576, such notable monarchs include Manuel VI, who ended the Mesogeian religious wars of the 16th century only to be assassinated, Manuel VII whose absolutist policies sparked a civil war that ended in his death and the accession of his son who was forced to accept limitations on his authority. The 17th century was dominated by the long reign of Constantine XV (1643-1712) whose court was as much celebrated throughout the world for its lavishness, artistic contributions, as it was for the beautiful court ladies and the women attached to his harem.

Decades later Theodora II and her son Michael XIII promulgated reforms that began the process of bringing Mesogeia into the modern age and closer to constitutional monarchy. The 18th century is noted for the long reign of the sex-crazed Constantine XVIII (1762-1816), and while he was immensely popular his rule was a period of stagnation and decline for the empire. The next monarch of note was Theodora III (1832-1903) who’s reign of seventy-one year reign coincides with the industrialization of the country. The current Empress Elena ascended the throne after the death of her father in 1972, during her almost fifty years on the throne she has helped revive the monarchy’s prestige and standing among the populace.

An Eastern core
Even after centuries of westernization the Empire of Mesogeia has retained an oriental outlook at its core. While the Imperial court, the nobility and the members of the aristocracy have adopted a westernized way of living, in regards to their culture, language, and to some extent even their outlook, the modern Mesogeian man living in the rural countryside, particularly in the eastern half of the empire shares much in common with his ancient forebears. Like his ancestors he speaks the traditional Farsi, a language noted for its elegance and beauty, not the Greek tongue favored in the western portion of the empire and along the coastal regions.

Subjects of the empire residing in the Farsian speaking portions of the empire can take pride in the knowledge that many Farsian origin cultural practices have transcended the westernization of the empire to remain a unique part of the culture of present-day Mesogeia, this includes many aspects of Mesogeian culture. The traditional Mesogeian calligraphy art derives from the artistic practice of handwriting in the Farsian script. The typical layout of the traditional paradise gardens popular in the design of gardens in palaces and townhouse alike originated in the region of Farsia. Presently over a million Mesogeians are employed in the traditional Farsian rug-weaving industry's major component of the empire's robust textile industry. In relation to art, traditional Farsian art motifs such as hunting scenes, depictions of the emperors, floral scenes, lions and other wild animals are popular for use in Mesogeian art produced domestically as a whole.

The Padishanama, a national epic retelling the semi-mythical origin of the Mesogeian state; the Razmanama, a tale retelling a semi-legendary war that ravaged the ancient Mesogeian kingdoms in the Bronze Age; and finally the Avesta, the holy texts of the Olympianism religion are some of the most prominent and profound examples of Mesogeian literature featuring both Farsian and Greek narratives and fictional creatures.

The triple cities known collectively as Chrysopolis, nestled in the historic ancient capital consisting of Chrysopolis proper, with Ctesiphon and Seleukeia on the Aranz either side, in addition to the old cities of Farsargadae, and Sousa; are all prime examples of Farsian style architecture with their circular layout, the heavy use of brick, the disntinctively Farsian designed domes, and the adherence to symmetry and basic geometric shapes in architectural design, as well.

The ancient rock hewn tombs located in the ancient necropolis cut right out of the mountains a few miles from the old capital at Fasargadae are another example of Farsian craftsmanship and masonry from the ancient age.

In addition to the cultural aspects of Mesogeian culture which have derived from Ancient Farsian practices a number of practices which have a distinct Farsian origin continue to persist at the imperial court in Alexandropolis, which includes: the separation of women’s and men’s quarters, the continued use of eunuchs in the innermost sections of the palace, the playing of Farsian origin games like Tyzkanion and chatrang; the court ritual of proskynesis, the wearing of the korymbos on special occasions by the monarch, the lighting and extinguishing of sacred fires at the major fire temples in the empire at start and end of each reigns, the funerary practices following the death of a monarch, among other aspects.

In addition to this the four ranks reserved for the hereditary nobility originated from Farsian practice, with them being in descending order shahzade (princes of the blood, that is persons outside the immediate imperial family but related to the imperial family through a cadet branch); shahrdaran (constituent kings and dynasts), the Wuzurgan (grandees, the highest nobles, a position held by Dukes, Marquises, and Counts) Azadan (lower nobility, typically applied to Baron's Knights and all lower nobility)

Finally as a result of Farsian origin ideals, many Mesogeians even if they adhere to the Apostolic Church have some understanding of the 72 chapters of the Avesta and believe that the world is divided into good and evil with good spirits and bad spirits constantly fighting for human souls. There are also folktales prevalent in the empire's eastern countryside which speak of such mythical creatures as the Jinn, Devi, Peri, and Manticores, and warn young children to beware of them. Most notable of all is the fact that officially New Year's is celebrated not once but twice in Mesogeia, first on January 1st with the rest of the world and secondly on the spring Equinox which falls on March 20th or March 21st; this celebration to honor the first day of spring is officially know as Nowruz

c) Nation's type of government: A Federal republic, under the framework of a semi-autocratic monarchy. The Empress Elena II is the head of state, while the Imperial Mesazon Giannis Theodorou is head of the government. The legislature contains which is collectively called the Koinon (Parliament), is composed of 2 upper houses, the Senate ('Gerousia") and the Boule; and 2 lower houses the Chamber of Poleis and the Chora Assembly. Additional governmental organizations include the Imperial Synedrion, the Council of Electors, and the Imperial Cabinet of Ministers.

d) What languages are spoken in your nation? Morean Greek is the official language and the language of the court. Rhomaioi is the language of instruction and the language favored by a large section of the nobility. Anatolian, Farsian, Thracian, Pharosian, Aratianan Epirote, Araratian, Isaurian, Scythian, Nabataian, Dacian, Albanian, Colchian, Illyrian, Karchidonian, Mesaian, Nomadian, Pannonian, are all regional languages with varying degrees of influence depending on the region of the country. English, French, and Arabic are foreign languages spoken throughout the empire.
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?
Troianian, Anatolian, Farsian Araratian, Isaurian, Pharosian, Nomadian, Lazic, Albanian, Paralian, in addition to a host of smaller ethnicities

f) What are the major religions among your population?
The Mesogeian Apostolic Church is the state religion of the Empire of Mesogeia, with 62%, the ancient Mesogeian Polytheistic religion claims 25% of the population. The remaining 13% are other religions. The Boule, one of the upper houses is by tradition composed of a majority of metropolitan bishops drawn from the state church, with seats reserved for the Mobadan Mobad, head of the old religion along with the highest ranking Magi called Mobad, of the old faith.

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
The Imperial armed forces are divided into three major branches, the oldest being the Imperial Army, followed by the Imperial Navy, and the Imperial Air Force. Total active military personnel is 379,300, with an additional 500,000 in the reserves. The Mesogeian military most often serves a defensive role along with security regarding the nations borders and waterways. The army is the most well equipped branch of the Imperial Armed forces, with a large percentage of defense spending going to it. However the navy has historically been a major power and in recent centuries has been a major player in the military history of Mesogeia due to the fact the empire has strong maritime influence.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.

The main strengths of Mesogeia include its long long long storied history; its fusion of republican ideals under the framework of an autocratic monarchy limited by its constitutional limitations the result of centuries of reforms and political development; its self sufficiency in terms of food production; the elaborateness of its government structure, among which includes its legislature, judiciary, bureaucracy, and even the Imperial court in Alexandropolis

I would describe Mesogeia as somewhere between regional power and middle power, they are not the strongest but they are not the weakest either, I would compare Mesogeia to Italy or Turkey in terms of economic, military power and political influence, I wish for Mesogeia to play a role in the region as a friendly nation open to diplomacy.

In the arena of economic power, I would consider Mesogeia having some regional power in that regard, at least in the fact that they are largely self sufficient in food, this somewhat making up for their very small amount of fossil fuels and gas reserves. In RL I would consider Mesogeia the bastard offspring of the Greco-Roman world with a Oriental Persian/China spin. I would liken It to the Qing dynasty or the Byzantine Empire in the medieval ages in the fact that the people are more or less content on resting on their laurels then trying to best other nations, because the people believe that they are the most advanced and sophisticated society despite actuality. I envision Mesogeia having some influence, more on a diplomatic level then on a military level. The Imperial family which continues to practice polygamy is large so diplomatic marriages between other monarchies would be very interesting and beneficial.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so? If asked to reduce my nation's strengths I would be inclined to do anything that is necessary for the benefit of the region, that includes lowering the standard of living, lower the per capita, lower the military advancement and technological level, cause palace intrigue in the imperial court, incite rebellion amongst one of the empire’s numerous ethnic groups, spark religious tension among the many religions of the realm

The country has a number of internal issues resting underneath the facade of a unified state that could potentially weaken it: these include above all else
-the Mesogeian people's general view of foreigners as being beneath them and a prevalent disdain for foreign culture unless it may benefit the empire, in addition there are sections of the populace who have both a distrust and a disdain for both foreign persons and foreign things.
-the empire is rigidly stratified socially with a strict hierarchy branching out from the sovereign all the way down to the poor with a wide wealth gap separating the wealthiest members of society from the poorest
-about a dozen or so semi autonomous monarchs under the imperial crown seeking recognition and a role in imperial government by any means necessary.
-the status of women in the country is considered a contentious subject among some circles due to the fact that despite being allowed some rights, aristocratic women in particular are controlled by men in their lives, and many are regulated to the Gynaikeion (Harem) where they live secluded from the outside world except for the occasional chaperoned trip out or court reception.
-The imperial court’s continued use of castrated men in the inner sanctum of the palace as eunuchs and trusted officials and its view of them as a third gender
-The empire is home to so many different ethnic groups and races that during the height of nationalism in the mid nineteenth to early twentieth century the empire was known as the prison of the peoples by anarchist organizations bent on the empire’s destruction and the abolishment of the monarchy; while most organizations are banned presently their are members abroad waiting to sow seeds of discord in the empire’s fields of peace
-the peoples religion has been a matter of criticism among the nations critics: the form of christianity has been criticized for being too orientalized and too bastardized by influence from other religions, with emperors and kings are allowed multiple wives per church sanctions and precedents, Men practicing the old faith are allowed 4 wives provided they can take care of them; the empire has existed side by side a polytheistic religion which claims a quarter of the population who hail the sovereign as a living god and worship him although it is not accepted by the imperial establishment it is allowed to flourish and many of the public holidays are derived in origin from the ancient festivals of the old faith; the church has a lax view of homosexuality while officially condemning it is known that homosexuality is prevalent from the highest to the lowest of society, there is a historical precedent of homoerotic relations with homosexuality being viewed as a phase for young men and a matter of convenience for others.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita:
$18,765 (Gross GDP is 1.6 trillion) (Nominal)
$29,050 (Gross GDP is $2.5 trillion) (PPP)
b) Nation's IC population: 85,326,490
c) What does your nation excel in exporting?
The empire's top exports are in no particular order:
- Cereals, Fruits, vegetables, nuts, & tobacco
- Dairy, eggs, honey
- wine & beer
- Beef, poultry, & fish
- textiles, clothing, leather, & footwear
- automobiles
- Gems & precious metals
- iron & steel
- Chemicals, cosmetics & perfumes
- Furniture, bedding, etc

d) What does your nation need to import? Mesogeia imports include refined petroleum, mineral fuels, aircraft & spacecraft, machinery, electrical machinery, pharmaceuticals, plastics and plastic articles, vehicle parts, organic chemicals, ores, ash, salt, sulphur, and fertilizers,
e) What is your country self sufficient on? The Empire is wholly sufficient on food production to the point where it produces surplus food each year.

f) What is your preferred location on the regional map? My preferred location on the map is the area Latium drew for me here

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.

I haven't really been on in a while so I don't have any role-plays of note to reference but I can provide a glimpse into my roleplaying background through my wiki page dedicated to my nation of Mesogeia as well as a brief IC storyline, below.

by **Tarsas** » Fri Oct 22, 2021 7:52 am

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates:
- Azdun 2 years
- Tarquinia – 1 year
- SMS (off site spin off) – 2 years
- Pardes – 3 Years
- Ajax – 1 and a half years
- Probably forgetting some, 11 years total
c) Other nations:
- None
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?
Ghant has been propositioning me about coming back for some time so I thought I’d try it.

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name:
The Kingdom of Orun Redisus

b) Brief description of your nation:
https://iiwiki.us/wiki/Orun_Redisus

c) Nation's type of government:
Constitutional Monarchy

d) What languages are spoken in your nation?
Reeze, Various Mutulese

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?
Reeze, Various Mutulese

f) What are the major religions among your population?
Various local religions

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
The Redisan military consists of three branches, the Royal Redisan Navy, the Royal Orun Army, and the Royal Air Army. Both the Army and Navy retained their prior titles during the unification, as it was decided that the strongest branches from each nation would absorb the assets of the other. Orun Redisus is known for its most capable branch, the navy, due to its high reliance on sea trade and the vast majority of its industry being focused on Redisus in order to offer key targets a greater defense against invasion.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.
Orun Redisus is designed to be a small nation in northern Oxi with a low population compared to most. The continental portion is mostly wilderness, jungles, and mountainous, which is one way the OR has avoided falling to neighboring powers. As a result, most of its industry and population are concentrated on Redisus (the island). This creates vulnerabilities and allows the nation to be split should the army and its natural defense be overwhelmed.

The location of OR means it would logically serve as a key stopping point for traders and merchants which would allow it to serve as a trade port and be of some strategic value. Its location means it could also serve as a sort of neutral middle ground zone between large Oxi and non Oxi powers. Possessing an oil industry could also allow it to serve as a sort of “Dubai”. Since the vast majority of nations above 43k GDPPC are concentrated in Belisaria, I feel that OR could be a good option to “spread the wealth”, so to speak with its economic stats which would make everything more evenly distributed and fit the Oxi theme of “no colonization” which meant they could develop without interference. OR isn’t terribly large or populous, which prevents it from causing weird issues with the geopolitical landscape in existence.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?

I’m open for whatever. I think I’ve went pretty low in terms of most of the stats. Just went a little higher on stats that would allow me to still be able to have some opportunities while playing a smaller state.

IC Economics & Geography

The economy or Orun Redisus is the Xth largest in the world (ranked by nominal GDP) and a has a higher income level. The Redisan economy has experienced growth in key service sector area such as renewable energy, financial services and high tech manufacturing. Sectors such as manufacturing have seen a decline in recent years as more manufacturing jobs become outsourced. With the shift towards renewable energy across Oxidentale, many local industries have shifted towards supporting electrification of major industries. The adoption of electric vehicles across many industries as well as the Redisan Solar Initiative to create viable solar power and more efficient battery technology has resulted in the emergence of a strong high tech industry as well as a push towards exploring greater implementation of nuclear power. Research into artificial intelligence has also created a thriving computer sector.

Though most manufacturing has been outsourced, Oran Redisus still retains some limited heavy industry in its vehicle manufacturing and shipbuilding sectors. With the main economic centers located on the island of Redisus, defense and management of shipping lanes has always been a key issue for Orun Redisus. This has been one of the few industries that the government has actively sought to maintain in order to support national defense and continued trade of key goods with other countries through container ships. The nation also produces automobiles with two national competing automotive brands, Pantra A.E and Aldmerta Automotive. Both of these companies also design military technology though manufacturing of smaller components is mostly done overseas and imported with only two assembly plants remaining.

Historically, the both the mainland of Orun and the island of Redisus have grown crops such as Cocoa, coffee, and citrus. Agriculture is still practiced in many parts of the nation with many small family farms producing these crops. These are mostly sold and consumed locally but are exported to other nations to some extent. Though dwarfed by the cocoa production in its neighbor Mutul, chocolate is still grown and exported in much smaller quantities, mostly in Orun on the mainland. Many local importers have made a profit purchasing products from the Mutul and selling them for a profit to nations that participate in the embargo of that nation.

a) Nation's IC GDP per capita:
$43,102

b) Nation's IC population:
31,392,201

c) What does your nation excel in exporting?
Services, Financial services, technology, timber, coffee/some foodstuffs, environmental technology, high tech goods

d) What does your nation need to import?
Foodstuffs, raw industrial materials, manufactured goods, many primary and secondary goods and services

e) What is your country self-sufficient on?
delicious coffee, produce, some foodstuffs, services, tech, financial services

f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?
The claim directly north of Sante Reeze and northwest of Mutul

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
I can link some of these if you want, but I was in the region for like a year and a half writing with everyone.

by **Silgadin** » Sat Oct 23, 2021 11:02 am

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates: 19 years
b) Regional affiliation: Ajax, among others
c) Other nations:
Ghant, Garza, Garima, Sudmark, Schaumberg
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying? Is member

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: The Grand Duchy of Silgadin

b) Brief description of your nation: Silgadin is a small Rhaetic-Audonian unitary constitutional monarchy in western Belisaria. Silgadin is bordered to the north and west by Lyncanestria, to the south by the Kingdom of Merovia and to the east by the Messidor Union. Silgadin is a landlocked country, and neither possesses a navy nor a coastline. The Grand Duchy is located almost entirely in the XXX Mountains, a large mountain range that covers large portions of Southwestern Belisaria ranging from Latium to Lyncanestria. In the east, the landscape is characterized by the presence of Lake Seil and its valley, the economic and population centre of the country. Silgadin is a bilingual country in which both Silgadinese and Audonian are spoken, as a result of its historical position between the Romance-speaking Audonia and the local Rhaetian population.

Silgadin was a duchy under the Holy Audonian Empire that achieved some measure of self-governance due to its unique demographics and remote geographic location. It remained a duchy within the Empire until its dissolution in 1816, at which time the then independent state asserted its sovereignty as the Grand Duchy of Silgadin. From that time onward Silgadin insisted on a policy of neutrality in order to avoid the auspices of its larger, more powerful neighbors.

c) Nation's type of government: Silgadin is a representative democracy with a constitutional monarchy and universal suffrage. The Grand Duke (currently Odo XII) serves as the head of state and a representative of the grand duchy abroad, however his executive powers are quite limited. The Premier (currently Filip Malögia) serves as head of government, and the National Council (Nationalrat, Cussagl Naziunel) serves as Silgadin's legislative body. Silgadin is considered a stable democracy having survived the revolutions of the mid-19th century and the authoritarian waves of the 1930s.

Silgadin is a parliamentary democracy under the framework of a constitutional monarchy. The institutional framework, the role of the monarchy as well as a series of transcribed rights and duties of the citizens are laid down by the 1986 Constitution, a text heavily influenced by Lyncanestrian constitutional doctrines, accompanied by a series of unwritten legal principles, of a customary character dating back as far as the 13th century, in what is known as the Silgadinese mos maiorum.

The positions of head of state and head of government are separate. The position of head of state is held by the members of the House of Hauet, and is passed by male-preference cognatic primogeniture. The current Grand Duke is Odo XII, who succeeded his father, Grand Duke Alphonse III, in 1972. The powers of the monarch are very limited, both by law and custom, and the position is largely ceremonial and considered a political figurehead. Legally, the monarch is the nominal commander-in-chief and he also has the power of veto over legislative decisions and to dissolve the National Council. However, these powers have not been used since 1873 and 1905 respectively.

d) What languages are spoken in your nation? Silgadin is an ethnically mixed nation, with two predominant ethnic groups, Silgadinese-speaking silgadineren and the Audonian-speaking silgiadinaises. (Rhaetic and Audonian, the former of which, to my knowledge, is not an established language in any other nation).

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation? The Silgadinese, which are a Rhaetic people, and Audonians. See previous for more information.

f) What are the major religions among your population? Catholicism

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.): Silgadin lacks a navy as well as an independent air force, and as a result, the Silgadinese military is composed of the Silgadinese Army as well as the National Militia, a gendarmerie. The commander-in-chief of the military is the Grand Duke of Silgadin, currently Odo XII, however the actual control of the military lies with the Minister of National Defence, Gaston Meigen and the Commander of the Army, xx. The Silgadinese Army is in a relatively low state of alert, because of good relations with its neighbors.

The National Militia is a para-military gerndarmerie force with over 26,000 members. The National Militia is under the joint authority of the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Governance. Although officially a part of the military structure, the National Militia's main duties are strictly civil, and include patrolling Silgadin's countryside and the highways and main roads outside the cities. However, its training is militarist and is not very different from that of members of the Army, and as a result in case of needs, the National Militia can be called to military duty to support the Army.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region. Silgadin accomplishes the OOC goal of adding more diverse, small states to Belisaria, and is a border state between Lyncanestria, West Merovia and the Messidor Union that serves as a crossroads between the three, and must place a balancing act with them in order to preserve its status. Despite a policy of strict neutrality, Silgadin does seek to appease its neighbors and avoids drawing their ire via domestic tranquility and robust democratic institutions while still respecting its ancient, coveted traditions.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: TBD per regional input. Santh suggested the following: Santh's proposal
b) Nation's IC population: Preferably less than 5 million.
c) What does your nation excel in exporting? Tourism, mining, fresh water, grass snakes.
d) What does your nation need to import? Oil, natural gas, pharmaceuticals.
e) What is your country self-sufficient on? Wood, minerals, foodstuffs.
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map? See regional map, at the confluence of Lyncanestria, West Merovia and Messidor Union.

Roleplay History
RP Resume

by **Mont-Saint-Cyr** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 10:26 am

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name:
Zamorodnian Hetmanate

b) Brief description of your nation:
The Zamorodnian Hetmanate is a confederation of Kozak council-chiefdoms with a mix of democratic and authoritarian structures. Access to popular participation in government varies considerably and at the federal level there is no legislative body, though autocrats are elected in short, three-year terms and term limits are in effect.
For many, the balance of power in the country is maintained and total authoritarianism is staved off due to the decentralization of the military. While many Zamorodnians are proud of their Kozak heritage and traditional ways of life, life for some can be brutal and in-group associations are strong.
The landscape of Zamorodna is stark and beautiful, sitting on a massive grassland steppe. Many people of the Hetmanate continue to maintain pastoral lifestyles out on the steppe and the country is only ~60% urbanized.

c) Nation's type of government:
Confederal elected autocracy:
The Starshyna, a council of the elders of each chiefdom, meets at the capital of Porozhamina every three years to appoint the Koshovyi Otaman. The Otaman then appoints a Het’man. Both selections must be ratified by a popular vote. The Otaman and the Het'man are subject to a limit of two terms in either office, but these have not been universally observed.
The Otaman appoints members of the courts and acts as the supreme judge, manages land division between chiefdoms and federal land use, and exercises taxation and budgeting. The Hetman manages foreign affairs, the military, public education, and any residual responsibilities. Each of the chiefs appoints their own councils and can delegate responsibilities as they choose. At the federal level, there is no legislative body.
Throughout the Hetmanate's history, there have been numerous attempts by the Het'man to retain power past his/her term. In general, these attempts have failed if made in opposition to the Starshyna's wishes, since the elders generally have greater influence over their own people than the Het'man. There have been instances where a Het'man or Otaman claims to retain authority while the Starshyna names a new Het'man leading to massive power struggles, similar to a pope v. anti-pope situation.
Below the federal level, the council-chiefdoms vary in their structure. Some comport with the federal structure at a lower level. In these situations, the elders who make up the Starshyna each appoint an Osaul to govern local land use and related issues. Other council-chiefdoms are only nominally governed by their elders and instead elect a Rada to legislate on local issues and appoint representatives to the Starshyna. Each category of council-chiefdoms is referred to as an Osaulstvo or a Radastvo respectively or collectively as the Tovarystvo (plural: Tovarystva).

d) What languages are spoken in your nation?
Zamorodnian (officially),
Suvarovan (unofficially),
Baderian (unofficially).

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?
Kozak (78.2%),
Suvarovan (7.3%),
Balt (6.4%)
Baderian (6.0%),
Ostrozavan (1.3%),
Other (<1%).

f) What are the major religions among your population?
Alban Nazarism (55.4%),
Docetic Nazarism (31.7%)
Fabrian Catholicism (2.4%)
None (10.4%),
Other (<1%)

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
The military of the Hetmanate is led by the Hetman but organized into militias at the Tovarystvo level called the Tovarysʹki Militsiyi. As such, the size and capabilities of the armed forces vary considerably at any given moment, though it is understood that any given member of the population is probably trained in some capacity and possesses arms. Officially the air component is part of the same structure, though in practice the Tovarystva who nominally own military-grade aircraft lend them to the Hetman personally for the duration of their tenure.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.
Military, Zamorodna is strong in the sense that every able-bodied citizen is a soldier, incentivized to defend their homes, though they would struggle heavily to organize into any sort of large-scale offensive action.
Economically, the pastoral lifestyle of over a third of the citizens allows for a degree of self-sufficiency in many key areas. The rest of the country is moderately-to-poorly industrialized. Mining and resource extraction are growing areas. Statistically, the internal economy is difficult to measure due to the expanse of informal exchange.
In terms of Zamorodna’s role in the region, the Hetmanate is chaotic and difficult to predict. There are sympathies for both democracy and authoritarianism. Some Kozak groups form mercenary companies and fight in foreign wars. Other Kozaks engage in culturally productive work and exchanges.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?
Population, the proportion of the population that can be mobilized militarily, or health issues.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita:
$12,494

b) Nation's IC population:
14,293,012

c) What does your nation excel in exporting?
Copper, coal, tin, tungsten, gold, and animal products.

d) What does your nation need to import?
Luxury goods, cars, machinery.

e) What is your country self sufficient on?
Food, energy.

f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?
This is the tough one...

One of those five or maybe somewhere else entirely...

by **Elstock** » Mon Nov 08, 2021 2:38 pm

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates: Esquarium (2015-2017), Aeia (2017-2019), Kylaris (2019-2020), Levilion (2020-Present)
c) Other nations: Lecistan (2015-2016), Pisdara (2015-2017), Ostry (2017-2020), Saint-Baptiste (2020-Present)
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?: Not recommended

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: Free City of Elstock
b) Brief description of your nation: Elstock is a sovereign city state located on [TBD Coast], made up of the city of the same name. Developing during the early medieval period, Elstock emerged as one of the most notable and wealthiest ports on [TBD Coast], a designation that saw the port city occupied and annexed by numerous powers over the centuries, with brief periods of independence. Despite the region’s inviolability, the Slavic peoples that first occupied Elstock and its surrounding communities remained intact, and the city developed a unique cultural identity, as the crossroads of Slavic, Germanic, and numerous immigrant cultures met.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, while under [Nation] control, Elstock’s position as the “Jewel of the [TBD Coast]” began to wane, and ethnic violence emerged as nationalist sentiments gained steam in the city’s various communities. After [Major War], and after an attempted pogrom against the non-German population of Elstock, the city was placed under a Forum of Nations mandate, with a referendum granting the city-state full independence as a sovereign state built on strict nonsectarian principles and laws. Despite this, ethnic strife is still a notable feature of the country’s political landscape. The largest issue is [Nation]’s refusal to recognize Elstock’s independence, leading to the city-state’s mere existence often becoming a diplomatic crisis.

Economically, Elstock has re-defined itself as not just a port-of-entry and trade port, but has become a premier tourism destination since the early 20th century, and a major banking centre. Alongside this, the county has also been accused of acting as a tax haven, and possible host of various elements of organized crime.
c) Nation's type of government: Unitary parliamentary republic, with a unicameral Senate headed by a Mayor-President
d) What languages are spoken in your nation?: Kashubian and German (names WIP) are official, while Yiddish is a notable minority language.
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?: 61.4% Elstocker (Kashubian), 27.8% German, 7.2% Jewish, 3.6% Other
f) What are the major religions among your population?: 36.4% Protestant, 29.9% Catholic, 21.2% Irreligious, 10.6% Jewish, 2.0% Other
g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.): Elstock does not have any military, and since independence has been constitutionally barred from declaring war or fielding a standing army. In its place, a police force operates as the de facto military, with a notable amount of manpower dedicated to the Coast Guard, often jokingly or divisively called the “police navy”. Due to the city-state’s contested sovereignty with its neighbor, it is not uncommon to see FON peacekeepers in the country at times.
j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.: Elstock is most notable for pushing above its weight economically, for both good and ill. Low tax rates have seen city-state become a favourite of the international ultra-rich, and it is not uncommon for the state to “meddle” in economic international affairs when it feels it can gain something, or feels threatened. Elstock also is a key figure regarding small states and the issues they face due to a small population or area size (especially recently, climate change).
h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?: If anything, I feel I may be asked to beef up some things!

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: $60,255 (PPP), $53,025 (nominal)
b) Nation's IC population: 41,490
c) What does your nation excel in exporting?: Various trade goods, with fish, rum, and finished jewelry being notable physical exports directly from the country. Elstock often acts as a refueling station between destinations, and much of what it “exports” within its financial sector cannot be accurately calculated.
d) What does your nation need to import?: As a city-state, Elstock relies heavily on imports, including most of its food and building materials.
e) What is your country self sufficient on?: Although Elstock is not self-sufficient in many respects, its energy sector is now almost wholly produced locally, through both solar power and wind turbines. In the near future, Elstock may be the first sovereign country with a 100% renewable energy grid.
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?: Somewhere near Garima or a similar Germanic-majority country, and possibly bordering or somewhat nearby a Slavic-majority country as well, considering Elstock’s dual national identity.

Roleplay History
1. Interactive election event (as Ostry, 2020)
2. Newspost (as Saint-Baptiste, 2020)

by **Menassa** » Fri Nov 26, 2021 5:12 pm

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates:
I've been here for 11 years now. I've done some NS RP some regular RP on F7 (when that was a thing) and spent a LOT of time on NSG
b) Previous regions
Cornelia
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?
Ghant is the recommender.

IC Nation & Lore

As far as Menassa matches up with the real world it is this: Jews fleeing the destruction of the first temple made their own nation. They assigned tribes to themselves and functioned in way such that each tribe had a prince and the 12 princes advised the King.

Since then, Menassa has gone through a period of good kings and bad kings, where good and bad can either refer to their governmental ability or their allegiance toe the nation's faith. For centuries the crown of Menassa passed from father to son, until one father, King Menashe II had no sons. Well that isn't technically true, he had one son but that son Yoshiyahu went to live among the desert tribes and could not rule Menassa. Menashe II's youngest daughter became queen, which was really a shock to the misogynistic majority. However this majority was right to doubt the new queen's prowess, albeit for the wrong reasons. Queen Chaiya came to known as overtly cruel. She was recently (although it needn't be recently) deposed in a coup where the High Priest took control of the monarchy.

Now Menassa is embroiled in civil strife, after the coup the new King purchased the favor of the Rabbinical majority creating a reactionary Rabbinical minority opposed to the melding of the two offices. Where once the Palace was the sole seat of civil authority for the nation, it has merged with the Temple. The King, sits on both the Sanhedrin and the council of tribes much to the ire of the non-priestly aristocrats. Additionally, this new king courts heresy in his fondness for foreign involvement, an issue not unnoticed by certain reactionary nationalists who would wish to see Menassa isolated.

a) Nation's IC name: The Kingdom of Menassa
b) Brief description of your nation:
c) Nation's type of government:
Theocratic Monarchy
d) What languages are spoken in your nation?
Biblical Hebrew is spoken by the majority of the population.
Aramaic is becoming the lingua franca of the lower class.
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?
Jews, of Levantine origin.
f) What are the major religions among your population?
Orthodox Judaism: 80%
Saddusaic Judaism: 10% (Mostly among the aristocratic class but it is trending upwards)
NoahideJudaism: 9% (Practiced mainly among non-Jews who have permanent residence in Menassa who do not wish to convert to the majority religion.)
Levantine Paganism 1% (This is also trending upwards as the aristocracy becomes looser and looser with enforcing the death penalty for any form of paganism. In addition to the 'glasnost' like immigration of foreigners into Menassa)

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
Menassa places a large focus on military development. ~600,000 men (and it is only men) can be called to serve as combatants. Although realistically that number ranges from ~457,000 - 533,000. The rest of the army which ranges from ~300,000 - ~400,000 serve as support staff. The role of the army is essentially defense, assisting in the support of the state more recently than going to war.
j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.
We are outstanding producers of agricultural resources, we have seven national species of fruits and grains which make up the bulwark of our agricultural production. While we do excel at arms and armaments we often have to rely on importing tertiary items related to those such as oil and fuel. Iron flows from our mines like milk and honey, milk and honey flows from our cows and bees like milk and honey. We also import a lot of modern resources such as plastics, silicon, etc having very few of those endemic to Menassa.
h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?
Probably reduce the overall size of the nation. I based the size of other relative nations in the region as well as my length of time on NS. The latter of course is not actually justified, but I like larger nations *shrug*

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita:
b) Nation's IC population:
100 Million Menassan Citizens
5 Million Resident Aliens
3-8 Million foreign slaves.
107-113 Million Humans.
c) What does your nation excel in exporting?
Olive Oil
Wood
Olive Wood
Dyes
Arms
Stone (and concrete)
Non-precious metals (Iron, copper, tin, etc)
d) What does your nation need to import?
Oil
Plastics
Precious Metals
e) What is your country self sufficient on?
Faith?
The military industrial complex.
Legislative infrastructure.
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
viewtopic.php?p=32895549#p32895549
viewtopic.php?p=16642400#p16642400
viewtopic.php?p=16604407#p16604407
viewtopic.php?p=10255588#p10255588

by **Chechenastan** » Thu Dec 02, 2021 10:08 am

Applicant Information
I’m Yamato, also known as the People’s Socialist Republic of Chechenastan. (I should point out that this and my other nations are not the ones applying. I’m making a different one for that).

a) Time on NationStates:
Two years. My activity in the past year or so has been sporadic to put it bluntly. I’m intending to be more active though here on NS. Region wise I’ve been on 5. All of which I participated little in and didn’t really engage with the other members either due to confusion on what was going on or I couldn’t engage socially with anyone. I also haven’t kept track of how long I stayed in any of them but a look through my activity logs will probably bring more clarity
-The East Pacific (Current Location, funnily enough also my first ever region and one I got kicked from for violating the chat spam rule)
-Rejected Realm (this should be obvious why I ended up there)
-The Leftist Assembly
- a now deactivated region I can’t quite remember the name of
- Balder

c) Other nations:
- Ainukhalia
This one is another nation I made. I am also not doin an application with this one as Tsurushima already has the Ainu population covered.

d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?
I actually wasn’t recommended. I stumbled across IIWiki which in turn led me to NS. After making that connection I found the region and the Discord and have followed it since.

IC Nation & Lore
The nation that will be made for this is going semi based off the region of Manchuria, a historically important crossroads region in Northern China. Just Northeastern Asia in general. Lore wise I only have it’s origins being tied to a migration of Uluujol’s Mongolians/Jurchen to the region, something that historically happened and created a distinct culture and ethnicity. I’ll have to work out the rest of it based off what the neighboring states of Seonko, Uluujol, Tsurushima, and Chagadalai’s individual lores. And I suspect that Northeastern Ochran never had a Qing-esque dynasty covering everything. Or an imperialist Tsurushima wanting to pull a Manchuko puppet state. Either way, it’ll definitely be influenced by what it’s neighbors did and went through.

a) Nation's IC name:
Khiljileng. The name “Khil” is the Mongolian word for frontier and similar to the Russian word for frontier “Krai”. “Jileng was a slightly scrambled word taken from China’s northernmost province and added on to make the country’s name sound better.

b) Brief description of your nation:
Khiljileng is a medium sized mostly landlocked nation in Northeastern Ochran. The country has several neighbors, the most notable of which include nations such as Tsurushima, Seonko, and Uluujol

c) Nation's type of government:
The Khillic government officially is considered a parliamentary republic under a unitary assembly. The single house People’s Assembly of Khiljileng are the primary source of legislation in the country and are also tasked with electing members of the country’s executive and judicial branches.

d) What languages are spoken in your nation?
Khiliic is the primary language of Khiljileng and is the official language of the government. Other languages such as Uluujolian (suspected to be a closely related language) along with Chagadalai and Seonese are the minority languages and have legal protections under Khiliic law.

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?[/b
The majority of the population are Khils, people that migrated from Uluujol. They share it with their Mongolic neighbors in the form of Uluujolian and Chagadalians, along with a minority Seonese population.

[b]f) What are the major religions among your population?
Chinese Folk Religions such as Taoism and Confucism along with a sizeable portion of Bhuddists make up the majority of beliefs in the country. Or at least in the East. The further west one goes in the country it gets decidedly more traditional with many of the Tungusic groups adhering to Shaministic beliefs.

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
The Khiljileng Defense Forces are the primary line of defense for the country. Consisting of 4 separate branches, the Land Forces, Naval Forces, Air Defense Forces, and Border Guards, their primary role is to maintain the country’s sovereignty in times of war and to deter potential aggressors from invasion. They also serve on humanitarian efforts through disaster relief and international peacekeeping and are trained to handle civic disturbances that may occur within Khiljileng. All 4 branches as a whole have over 260,000 active duty and reserve personnel between them all of which are professionally trained and are volunteers. Khiljileng’s Articles of the Republic however grant the government the power to mandate conscription in case of a national crisis involving external threats.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.
Strengths I can see is bringing some more variety and history to Northeast Ochran. I also see it as a nation that has all sorts of potential but needs the guidance of a more experienced and older one to help it. It’s also definitely going to be a neutral power with the National conscience being focused on trying to build up the nation internally before engaging frequently on the international level.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?
It rather depends on what the neighbors think. Hopefully though I’ve made Khiljileng enough of a developing country and a path that won’t make it want to seek too much power.

IC Economics & Geography
Khiljileng’s geography is relatively leveled out. It’s western half consists mostly of plains while heading east it begins to get substantially more forested and hilly eventually before reaching the coast and the Tsagaan River Delta (which also happens to be the longest River in the country)

a) Nation's IC GDP per capita:
I’m not terribly sure what the economy is gonna be based around.

b) Nation's IC population:
Khiljileng’s population is estimated at around 32,183,765 people.

c) What does your nation excel in exporting?

d) What does your nation need to import?

e) What is your country self sufficient on?

f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?
In between Chagadalai and Seonko. Split up the empty chunk and take the side closest to Tsurushima.

Roleplay History
Unfortunately none. But RPing is something I’m interested in and learning how to do.

Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
This bit of writing is a writing prompt I did for a tank design competition I did with my WOT clan a couple of weeks ago if that works…

https://docs.google.com/document/d/102k ... dPUOE/edit

THIS APPLICATION IS UNDERGOING AN EXTENSIVE REWORK, STANDBY…

by **Lacus Magni** » Tue Dec 14, 2021 8:38 am

These have all been long dealt with on our discord server as that is where all of the discussion takes place, but just for the record here is the status of various apps since the last official comment:

Ianxia: Withdrawn
Ordennya: Accepted
Cerovsya: Withdrawn
Hammaria: Withdrawn
Larinthia: Denied
Nordwalsh (for Walz, now Wazh; also Zanzali alt): Accepted
All-Ruthenia (for Suvarova): Accepted
Hildemyttschen im Stromheim (for Stromheim, now Hvalheim): Accepted
AESYRiEL (for Hetumoger): Accepted, but later Withdrawn
New Kvenland (for Vaisava): Accepted
Kayahallpa: Accepted
Pulau Keramat (et al for Bemiritra): Accepted
Nacrad (for Thalassia): Withdrawn
The Yremia Corporate (for Alanahr): Accepted
Orcot: Accepted
Zacatlacan (for Zacapizcan): Accepted
Burgjano (for Adijan City): Accepted
Antonia and Brookwood (for Rish Rovtee): Withdrawn
Seonko: Accepted
Mont-Saint-Cyr (for Kembesa & alts): Accepted
Wahland (for Moxaney): Accepted
Awasin: Accepted
Nationalist Northumbria: Withdrawn
Nova Sylva: Withdrawn
Tyreseia: Accepted
The Lunar Domain (for Erishlands edits): Accepted
Haipoon: Accepted
Itayana: Accepted
The Fanboyists (for Yado alt): Accepted
Tamares: Withdrawn
Mesogeia: Accepted
Tarsas (for OR): Accepted
Silgadin: Accepted
Elstock: Withdrawn
Menassa: Pending
Chechenastan: Pending

by **Goulong** » Thu Dec 16, 2021 4:38 am

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates:
Approximately four years, on-and-off
- The Delegation of Gallifrey(defunct)
- Elparia
- Aeia
c) Other nations:
- The Cavian State
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?
N/A

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: Kwun Fong(官方), officially the Republic of Kwun Fong
b) Brief description of your nation: A relatively young Cantonese-speaking nation, Kwun Fong is a nation with a seafaring tradition, famous cuisine, and a growing financial hub due to its tax-friendly status. The economy is nearing the end of a shift from manufacturing to service and trade, as evidenced by the steady increase in standards of living. Income inequality is the largest issue facing Kwun Fong.
c) Nation's type of government: Kwun Fong utilizes a unicameral legislature where districts are divided upon equal population. The majority party in the Legislative Council appoints the Prime Minister, who is the nation's head of government. A constitution outlines the powers of the legislature, while the executive branch, headed by the Prime Minister, is responsible for carrying out the duties of the government and legislation passed by the Legislative Council.
d) What languages are spoken in your nation? Spoken Cantonese, written traditional Chinese
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation? Han, Yue, and Manchu Chinese are the main ethnic groups, although an influx of emigration from South Asia has seen Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi populations rise. The current ethnic breakdown is approximately 60% Yue, 20% Han, 10% Manchu, 7% Seonko, and 3% other(predominantly South Asian).
f) What are the major religions among your population? Chinese folk religions inspired by a confluence of Taoism and Buddhism is the predominant religion. While it is not entirely worshipped by its believers, many of the religion's traditions are still followed, and shrines to traditional Chinese gods are commonplace. Classical Buddhism and Christianity(mainly Catholicism) are also practiced on a lesser scale.
g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.): Kwun Fong has a moderately-sized military for its population. Physically fit young men are conscripted for four months of basic military training. A standing army of 150,000(with all eligible men technically counted in the Reserves), modest air force with outdated equipment, and navy that is considered large for its size.
j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region. Kwan Fong envisions itself becoming a global economic hub and a center of free trade and commerce. However, while it has completed most of the transition to a service-based economy in terms of infrastructure and workforce preparation, Kwan Fong has not yet established itself as a prime destination to conduct business or invest. This is the biggest hurdle it currently faces to fulfilling the plan it has laid out for itself. Rising discontent among the working class(especially those based in manufacturing), and the younger generation is becoming an issue.
h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so? Land area could be reduced as much as necessary, as could various economic sectors such as fishing and agriculture.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: $28,000 (Nominal)
b) Nation's IC population: 24,350,000
c) What does your nation excel in exporting? Textiles, clothing, foodstuffs, small and consumer electronic goods, paper-based items
d) What does your nation need to import? Machinery, large electronic equipment, raw metal, oil, gasoline, plastics
e) What is your country self sufficient on? Seafood, some manufactured goods such as electronics and clothing.
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
viewtopic.php?p=35816563&sid=adde97fa099278ad636bfd32f9b0ed75#p35816563

by **Ingsfold** » Mon Dec 20, 2021 2:19 pm

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates: New / few of weeks
- The South Spacific, spawned here.

d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?
Spoke briefly with some people in the discord, not recommended by anyone, found through iiwiki.

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: Ingsfold
b) Brief description of your nation: Germanic people culturally broadly straddling divine between Ottonia and Hvalheim. Unified by King Sigfrith, christianized under his foster-son Waldimere in the mid 10th century, thanks to missionaries from Ottonia. Became as a result a contested buffer region between the rulers of Ottonia and Hvalheim, with the efforts to the contrary of the nation's more independently-minded kings failing as often as not. Successful kings focused on playing neighbors off against one another and on internal works programs. The collapse of the Ottonian empire in the 12th century caused a growth in Ingsfoldish power, though it continued to be constantly harried by raids from pagan Hvalheim. Papal crusades called in support of Ingsfold caused as much harm as good, often resulting in the plundering of the countryside and attempts to establish breakaway states within Ingsfold, some of which were successful, though they did not fracture the kingdom as a whole. Church broke away from the Catholic Church in the mid 16th century, semi-independently of the Reformation. Political, economic, and cultural golden age roughly 1540-1653, the reigns of King Josiah I, Queen Deborah, and the Kings Hezekiah and Josiah II. Driven by long and peaceful reigns with untroubled successions, the growth of the whaling fishery, [foreign policy reason related to neighbors I will need to discuss with them], changes in administration and education, and growing agricultural productivity. This period ended with the ambitious foreign policy of Josiah III which destabilized the country, damaged the economy, and antagonized neighbors, causing [some sort of civil war/intervention]. Josiah III remains highly controversial. Successor Hezekiah II (1694-1723) managed to improve society somewhat, but country never recovered fully. The 19th century saw the reunification of Ottonia, which marginalized Ingsfoldish influence in the region and made it again a buffer between two more powerful neighboring states, and Ingsfoldish attempts to prevent its reunification were all unsuccessful at great cost to the state treasury and relations with the new country. State of mediocrity continued unpunctuated except by the institution of parliamentary governance in the mid 19th century and further growth in the whale trade and some industrialization, until 1919 when a coup by mid-level officers in the military, led by Colonel Edmund Peterson, Earl of Brackdon, seized control of the government. the Earl of Brackdon was made Lord Protector with the support of the king and the country was ruled by a populist military junta with ill-defined aims and ideological principles beyond national renewal and economic justice and prosperity. For the next thirteen years, the Lord Protector kept peace among the various factions in the military government, but it was increasingly divided between rightist and leftist elements, as was the nation, which had experienced a flowering of diverse political elements during the Lord Protector's relatively light-handed rule. After his illness and death in 1931, a fragile settlement which he had brokered between military factions held for three years, but collapsed and led to [either a coup or civil war or both] in 1934 which resulted in Socialist elements in the military taking power. Relations improved with Ottonia after the establishment of a socialist government in that country, but the influence and goodwill which Ingsfold had accumulated there were hit when it was unsuccessful in pushing Ottonia onto the path of socialism which Ingsfold had followed. However, Ottonian partition reduced that country's strength and thus anxieties about foreign domination from the west in Ingsfold. Thus, Ingsfold has a complex relation with the two Ottonias: on one hand, its enmity with Hvalheim leads it to sometimes seek support from North Ottonia, while being suspicious of its model of socialism. On the other, its (unspoken) opposition to Ottonian unification has resulted in the establishment of relations with South Ottonia, and it funds a hardline Marxist-Leninist party within South Ottonia which opposes the North and is tacitly tolerated by the government, as a means of justifying its occasional expressions of support for the "people of South Ottonia." During Ingsfold's years as a socialist state, the military element has gradually declined, despite efforts by some figures to the contrary, and a more orthodox form of civilian rule has predominated.

c) Nation's type of government: Single-party socialist state, has a planned economy, but relatively unorthodox in that the commitment of leadership to marxist communism occurred after said leadership had already taken over via a military coup. While formally committed to Marxism-Leninism, relatively ideologically syncretic and flexible and open to strains of thought other than orthodox Marxism-Leninism, esp. in public discourse.
d) What languages are spoken in your nation? Ingwinish (West Germanic language that I'm happy to be flexible w/ depending on the circumstances, didn't undergo High German consonant shift and is vaugely between norse and english), Cwenish (Uralic language of indigenous inhabitants), East Corvaik
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation? the Ingwinish, Cwenish, East Corvaik, peoples
f) What are the major religions among your population? ~40% of population belongs to the Church of Ingsfold, former established church which broke off from Catholicism without declaring for Protestantism or rejecting it explicitly, but is extremely iconoclastic, practices a relatively democratic form of church government, and ordains women, etc. Much of the latter is due to changes forced through by the revolutionary government). Despite constituting less than half of population, belief and participation among registered members is relatively strong and tide of decline has been stemmed, undergirded by continuing success in more conservative regions. Minorities of Catholics and Protestants total to about 8% of the population (including a large group of anabaptists), and about 4% belong to the several sects that have broken away from the Church of Ingsfold over time, which, although not given the same privileges as other faith groups and often viewed with suspicion by the government, are largely left alone so long as they behave. the other ~48% is variously atheist, agnostic, or non-affiliated of some sort.
g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.): Though the government likes to make a show of Ingsfold as being a strong and militarily self-sufficient country, in reality the military is hopelessly corrupt, underfunded, and made up primarily of disillusioned officers and undermotivated, poorly treated conscripts. The best, most ambitious men, better equipment and rations, and a disproportionate amount of money go to the internal security services, which have much closer relations with the government and party than the military does. Party leaders are far more worried about civil unrest or even a rebellion within the regular armed forces than they are about an invasion by a foreign power, and so not only is the military neglected by omission, but its neglect is an intentional policy to forestall it from getting any grandiose ambitions. The exceptions to this are a few units that can perform various ceremonial and parade duties, and in large part the navy, which the government is somewhat less fearful of and is a convenient dumping-ground for scions of the nomenklatura during their service as conscripts (naval history is also an important part of the national psyche). Military production is largely self-sufficient, but this comes at the cost of significant inefficiencies and the ill state of readiness and age and quality of equipment in the armed forces. While the military is still a decent deterrent for any country looking to invade and occupy Ingsfold, offensive operations of any significant scale are totally out of the question.
j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.
Militarily weak. Main military achievement is probably sending naval vessels to protect whaling ships from attack, which can causes headaches for other countries. Main thing economically which the country has going for it are the successful fisheries industry, lucrative aluminium exports, the eradication of abject poverty, and the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies, but economy is highly centralized, uncompetitive, outdated, and highly dependent on protectionism to stay afloat. Basic consumer goods are generally available, with occasional rationing, but more complex goods, especially electronics, are in very short supply. Car ownership is rare outside of rural areas.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so? Probably by reducing its population.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: $12,351
b) Nation's IC population: ~34,000,000
c) What does your nation excel in exporting? seafood, paper products, steel, passenger and cargo ships, packaged medicaments, Aluminium
d) What does your nation need to import? Petroleum, Integrated Circuits, broadcasting equipment, computers, copper, rare earth metals, renewable energies technologies
e) What is your country self sufficient on? iron and steel, basic foodstuffs, cars, cloth, electricity generation, whale oil, meat, and other products.
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map? https://imgur.com/a/jrOZHW3 Wasn't sure what was reasonable here esp. given my population (I would prefer a lower population density), so red would indicate "maximum" size depending on discretion of the mapmaker.

Roleplay History
Don't really have much to speak of as I'm new to nationstates, but here is a short story I wrote recently, attempting to imitate an icelandic saga: https://www62.zippyshare.com/v/XhzLGe8u/file.html

by **Tarsas** » Fri Dec 31, 2021 11:28 am

Applicant Information

a) Time on NationStates:
- Azdun
- Tarquinia
- Greater Deinstad
- Pardes
- Ajax

c) Other nations:
- Orun Redisus

d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?
N/A

IC Nation & Lore

a) Nation's IC name:
The Tsardom of Velikoslavia

b) Brief description of your nation:
The Tsardom of Velikoslavia is a state located in eastern Belisaria, to the northwest of Mesogeia. It will sort of fill the role of a prior nation that Ghant had in the area and provide a greater source of stable activity for Eastern Belisaria. It will be a large land state ruled by a Tsar, and will largely be a primary producer. This is a shift to this area, where another state will be removed and Volsk will be relocated west to give him better activity. Velik will also allow him to keep his canon. Permission granted by Ghant for using the old Velikoslavia name. Velikoslavia is a fractured state very much clinging to its former glory with the recent loss of major territory still having a large impact on its foreign policy and economy. Though it was left behind in the 20th century in terms of military development, it is still not above sabre rattling and will sometimes take a more aggressive foreign policy stance with neighbors. Many institutions within the government have yet to be fully modernized, with effort and resources being invested in areas deemed essential. This has left other important aspects of the government and economy effectively running on the same budgets and same systems for decades.

Velikoslavians are very traditional people and somewhat superstitious, many of which are religious and steeped in centuries of tradition. Many are slow to adapt to new advances or changes, which sets back modernization efforts somewhat in more rural areas. Public schooling is nationwide, but limited in more rural parts of the nation. In certain areas, one school building serves every grade from elementary to highschool. Certain schools and many hospitals are run privately by the church, which handles the bulk of the social healthcare safety net for lower income Velikoslavians. Churches are widespread and religion is a vital part of local culture. Many rural Velikoslavians are also known to take on government jobs such as joining the military or serving a noble since the pay can oftentimes be significantly better than farming.

The Tsardom of Velikoslvia is a monarchy located in Eastern Belisaria, birthed from a historic Slavic kingdom. Throughout the early middles ages, the era was fractured with two Slavic kingdoms who waged warfare against their neighbors and one another. In the 1200s, the two kingdoms both converted to Orthodox Christianity which spread from Mesogeia. This resulted in rapid societal changes and a rapid adoption of technology and advancements from southern and eastern neighbors. Eventually, the southern kingdom emerged as the most powerful in the area. This Kingdom evolved into a larger Tsardom, with the first Tsar coming to the throne as a prominent member of the Boyars in 1435. Throughout the next two decades, the Tsardom, known as the Fedorov Dynasty, expanded throughout the region absorbing the various Boyar kingdoms.

Settlements from the new Tsardom began to branch out north into the more inhospitable regions of northern Belisaria towards the arctic circle. Explorers launched the Puskin expedition in 1681 and founded what would become modern day Volsk. This was incorporated into Velikoslavian lands for the next 300 years until the Volsk revolt in 1975, where Volsk eventually broke away from Velikoslavia, leaving it in a state of near bankruptcy from the expense of attempting to suppress the revolt. This caused the fall of the Andropov Dynasty and the rise of the current dynasty, the Volkov Dynasty.

Modern Velikoslavia is ruled by the Royal Family, which divest responsibilities into the hands of the Duma since 1985, an elected body of officials who handle day to day affairs but have little power to make national decisions. A complex network of duchies, which operate on a complex vassal system, divide the nation into electorate districts. These duchies are technically under the care of Grand Dukes, though they leave most of the day to day affairs to elected officials. Lower boyars are vassals of these dukes. Most nobility have no real power, but collect a cut of the taxes from their lands based on the economic output of that area. This varies greatly, as many people in Velikoslavia are poorer and income disparity is significant in parts of the nation. Though the central government has since recovered from the 1975 war and remains in control, Velikoslavia still has many social issues to deal with and an upper class that often shows disdain for the lower class citizens.

c) Nation's type of government:
Semi-Constitutional Monarchy, the Royal Family rules, and there is a legislature of sorts that elects officials to manage many day-to-day affairs. A complex network of duchies, which operate on a complex vassal system, divide the nation into electorate districts. These duchies are technically under the care of Grand Dukes, though they leave most of the day to day affairs to elected officials. The government is one of the more conservative governments in Ajax, where certain practices such as homosexuality have not been fully decriminalized. The monarchy maintains power effectively through working with the upper nobility to handle complex affairs and keep peace and public order.

d) What languages are spoken in your nation?
Cyrillic, Hellenic, Indo-Iranian languages

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?
Slavic, some Hellenic, Indo-Iranian peoples are predominate in certain portions of the country.

f) What are the major religions among your population?
Orthodoxy, Catholic, Indo-Iranian religious holdovers

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
The Imperial Velikoslavian Defense Forces are composed of an army, navy, and air force. Velikoslavia is hardly on the cutting edge of technology but fields a reasonably potent army and air force with the primary focus being on its land forces. Velikoslavia does not maintain a particularly strong navy and uses its naval resources somewhat inefficiently.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.
Velikoslavia is going to primarily rely on manufacturing and resource extraction. There will be quite a bit more income disparity over other Belisarian nations of similar size, though I haven’t ironed out specifics. It will definitely have a strong land component for the military, but will be pretty weak naval wise with only a small surface fleet. Velikoslavia primarily uses submarines to protect itself since they are cheaper than surface vessels. Velikoslavia only maintains a small surface fleet.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?
I’m open to any cuts that the community thinks would be beneficial. I do like the map claim, however. I could make the nation poorer.

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita:
$10,203
b) Nation's IC population:
60,000,000

c) What does your nation excel in exporting?
Raw materials such as iron, coal, and oil and cheaply manufactured goods such as ammunition, automobiles, etc. Mostly dirty industries and agriculture.

d) What does your nation need to import?
Virtually all sorts of technology. Velikoslavia has relied on foreign contractors to bring in many advances such as cellular data networks and satellite TV. It also imports many foodstuffs. Electronics, cell phones, medical equipment, vehicles, and many things that require forms of advanced manufacturing and expensive development. Velikoslavia imports much of the things a modern society needs to function.

e) What is your country self sufficient on?
Velikoslavia can theoretically feed its population if the crop is good and the government has intervened efficiently, though potatoes and wheat products may get old fast, and can provide many baseline raw materials for itself such as iron and coal.

f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?
Worked map claim out with Latin
https://imgur.com/a/rXeM0Yc

Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
See: Orun Redisus app

by **Poshyte** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 7:00 am

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates: Mid-2020 to now
- Region A (repeat as needed): Kylaris
- Region B: Levilion
c) Other nations:
On iiwiki:
* Alsland
* South Kabu
* Sovar
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying? Found it on iiwiki

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: Nurek and Viatchia (Commonly referred to as Nurek or NvV/N&V)
b) Brief description of your nation: Nurek and Viatchia is a parliamentary republic in eastern Belisaria. Nurek is comprised of two Federal States (Nurek and Viatchia) alongside an autonomous republic (!Hellenic minority) these Federal States are further divided into about a dozen provinces. Between the 15th and 16th century, Slavic migrants settled primarily on the northern coast of Nurek and established smaller slavic states on the northern coast that by the 18th century were conquered by Nurek. The Slavic areas were granted autonomy and limited self-governance in 1877. In the late 19th century Nurek began industrialisation although had severely fallen behind it's counterparts in Belisaria. Religious strife and clashes between ethnic groups alongside mass corruption and political instability led to the Nur armed forces led by Mehrak Nabiyev overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. Following the 1920 legislative elections the opposition socialist candidates and liberals were able to form a majority government, Nabiyev who had been appointed President closed the national legislature and quickly established a dictatorship centred around himself. In 1924 Slavic separatists declared independence and the ensuing Viat War led to the deaths of 1.3 million people from famine, disease and conflict. The separatist states were occupied by 1926 and the use of the slavic languages in public was banned. The authoritarian regime of collapsed in 1942 leading to the reestablishment of democracy between 1943 and 1962. A military coup occurred on the 3rd of June 1962 following the appointment of Mikhail Korotkin as Prime Minister. In 1974 a second military coup led by Simeon Patrikeyev overthrew the previous government after attempts at reform were made. Patrikeyev 's government saw the resurgence of the slavic languages and a crackdown on the Mesogeian Apostolic church inside the country. The economy grew at a steady albeit slow pace throughout his tenure. In 1999 the economy crashed suddenly and Patrikeyev was overthrown by a Nur dominated revolution in April that year. Slavic groups loyal to Patrikeyev declared the new government illegitimate leading to armed clashes between Pro-Patrikeyev groups and Anti-Patrikeyev groups. The conflict soon expanded when slavic separatists declared independence in 2000. The civil war ended in 2006 with the signing of the TBD accords which created the current federal system of Nurek and Viatchia.

c) Nation's type of government:
Federal semi-presidential diarchic republic

d) What languages are spoken in your nation?
Nurek (Tajik), Slavic languages (couldn't find a consistent name) and !Iranian and !Hellenic minorities

e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?
A plurality of the population are ethnically Nurek with a sizeable slavic minority on the Northern coast alongside a small !Hellenic minority in the south-west.

f) What are the major religions among your population?
The majority of the population in Nurek are Aletheic Nazarists with a sizeable community of Docetic Nazarists, Suvarovan orthodox groups and a small Mesogeian Apostolic minority among the !Hellenic minority along the border.

g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
The Armed Forces of Nurek and Viatchia (KMNvV) is small compared to it's neighbours. The current armed forces were only unified in 2010 as part of the ongoing peace process. Previously the Nurek and Viatchian states both had their own separate armed forces.

The KMNvV has a total amount of 60-70,000 active personnel and a further 82,000 reserve personnel. The Armed Forces is split into 4 branches, ground forces, air force, navy and special forces. Until 2008 both states used conscription however in 2008 Nurek abolished conscription and Viatchia followed in 2010 upon the unification of the armed forces. The KMNvV has an annual budget of 1.1% of the country's annual GDP and is currently in the process of modernising.

j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region. Nurek has a rapidly growing economy dominated by manufacturing and industry. The service sector in Nurek is also beginning to emerge as more and more people begin to enter the middle class. Income inequality is still a major problem and differences between incomes and life expectancy between different groups also affect the country. Militarily the KMNvV has the resources to defend the country but does not have the ability to wage an offensive war against a major state.

h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so? Reducing the land area/population

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: $16,282

b) Nation's IC population: 52,382,984

c) What does your nation excel in exporting? Raw materials and manufactured goods are some of Nurek's most important exports. The country is also a major exporter of foodstuffs to it's neighbours.

d) What does your nation need to import? Nurek imports mainly electronics, machinery and equipment, chemicals.

e) What is your country self sufficient on? Nurek has a strong agricultural industry and can be self-sufficient for a period on domestically grown food. Nurek also benefits from resources such as coal that would allow it to be almost completely self-sufficient on coal.

f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?
https://imgur.com/dNSVJsh

Roleplay History Alsland & South Kabu posts in Kylaris. (The current featured iiwiki page could be used as an example)
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.

by **The Yremia Corporate** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 12:51 pm

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates:
- Over ten years, mainly on this account, on and off
c) Other nations:
- Alanahr
d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?
- I am member of Ajax

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name:
- The Commonwealth of Ludvoski Republics (Ludvosiya is a geographic reference to the nation that is not used formally)
b) Brief description of your nation:
- The Commonwealth of Ludvoski Republics is a young nation built upon pan-nationalist and revolutionary ideals. Historically it was a region of small states with a myriad of Ludic peoples vying for influence, facing conquest and being the victims of kings and empires. A fertile but often unforgiving land, the Ludic people prospered here in times of peace but due to its fertility experienced deadly bouts of war over it. In the late 1700s revolutionary ideals led to a series of revolutions and the creation of the first Revolutionary Republics which eventually coalesced into the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth fought deadly wars to rid Ludvosiya of its Kings and conquerors. When the Commonwealth was finally matched in battle instead of ploughing on into more wars it took a position of creating a National Revolutionary Fortress of itself. Protecting the revolution in the commonwealth and preserving the young Republics.

Pan-nationalist ideas strengthened the nation but ultimately eventually came to clash with rising socialist beliefs. Eventually, the Commonwealth would be torn apart in the early 1900s as both factions attempted to seize power. Warlords and factions vied to crush opposition and create their ideal states. This period of instability would come to an end as the Pan-nationalist faction successfully conquered the last of the socialist strongholds. A movement to strengthen the Commonwealth and return to the era of the National Revolutionary Fortress began.

The people of the Commonwealth are varied and 16 Republics and 3 City Republics exist within it. A shared cultural root runs between them and despite the best efforts to move towards a single culture by the pan-nationalists, each Republic retains its own traditions, cuisine and history. The Ludics eye their northern cousins with a superior glint in their eye, considering their religious and aristocratic mindsets medieval. There is much discussed about the role of the Commonwealth in the modern day in terms of the revolution and how it should be spread and how it should act concerning the monarchist powers on the continent.
c) Nation's type of government:
- Commonwealth of Republics, operates like a single Directorial Republic with each constituent Republic having its own Government that may or may not be directorial too. I'm not sure how far down the directorial rabbit hole I want to go. There is a first amongst equals of the Directory that acts more as the head of the Commonwealth.
d) What languages are spoken in your nation?
- A variety of Ludic (my word for Slavic) languages are the vast majority, Persian? (depends what kind of people in the south east crossing over with Meso)
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation?
- A variety of Ludic peoples, 13 Ludic ethnicities exist but there is a dominant one that makes up close to a quarter of the nation, A Persian? minority exists in the south east (again dependant on chats with Meso), A small !Romani population has their own Republic within the Commonwealth, There is a non-Ludic but Ludic influenced peoples that migrated into the nation centuries ago (Thinking !Hungarian here)
f) What are the major religions among your population?
- The nation is largely atheistic, religious practice is outlawed but there are Nazarian underground movements
g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.):
- The military is less fleshed out, but I'm imagining they use conscription and have a large fleet of tanks and armoured vehicles that give them an outsized strength for their economic power, this may develop and refine as I move forwards with the app.
j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region.
- The Commonwealth of Ludvoski Republics will be economically filling the role of a cheap labour factory of Belis, politically it will fill a unique niche of being a non-socialist anti-monarchist republic and be able to provide material support to other nations of a similar creed, militarily it will act as a pressure on other large states in eastern Belis to both occupy their attention and provide a reason for their militaristic dispositions, It will also provide the option for other nations to have historical conquests in the area the nation will occupy as generally Ludvosiya is going to be an area that did not expand out but was expanded into
h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so?
- I would struggle to change much of this without having to rethink the app severely, lowering GDP per cap slightly may be possible

IC Economics & Geography
a) Nation's IC GDP per capita:
- ~13k
b) Nation's IC population:
- ~122,000,000
c) What does your nation excel in exporting?
- Machinery and Electronics, Clothing, Metal Products, Furniture, Vehicles, manufactured products in general
d) What does your nation need to import?
- Fuels, Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Machinery, its manufacturing sector requires lots of inputs to be imported
e) What is your country self sufficient on?
- Population, Foodstuffs, Military Equipment
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?
- Will put in the application thread

Roleplay History
See my previous app and experience in the Ajax discord.

by **Charnea** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 6:13 pm

Applicant Information
a) Time on NationStates:
Esquarium
Ajax

c) Other nations:
Many versions of Charnea
Zacapican

d) Were you recommended to Ajax? If so, by whom? Has any member of the region spoken to you about joining or applying?
fin sent me

IC Nation & Lore
a) Nation's IC name: State of the Ninva
b) Brief description of your nation: Briefly? The empire in the desert. Less briefly, the Ninva State is the ICly reinvented runt state of a expansive but short lived Tenerian (Tuareg) empire over Scipia, the collapsed almost as quickly as it began. The heart of the country, the Ninva desert for which the modern state is named, is dry and barren, sustaining a small number of pastoralists. The territory was a backwater, remembered only as the seat of the old empire centuries ago, until metals and oil exploitation took off. In time, the resources proved finite and wealth did not flow into the desert in huge volumes, but the trickle was enough to lay down railways and expand the cities. This period in the late 19th century is known as the 1st Stride, an age which led to urbanization and an influx of migrants from outlying regions to the desert cities as the extraction industries brought paying jobs to the nomads and subsistence herders. The turning fortunes of the desert nation led to the revamping of the archaic government in the region, bringing about a rising developmental state in the desert that heavily perused a interventionist, dirigist state capitalist approach to develop the nation's resources. In time, this led to the industrial boom of the 2nd Stride and much more growth of the population, and for the first time a flow of outside immigration into the country.

However, the stronger the desert state's economy grew, and the more citizens it gained, the more it outstripped the capacity of its lands. The nation began to rely on food imports more and more, and water situation became increasingly tense, a dichotomy that remains to this day. War and disruptions in the 20th century, in a Ninva state now bearing millions of inhabitants, led to national collapse, famine, and crisis of epic proportions from which the nation is still recovering into the modern day. Part of this recovery is the 3rd Stride, witnessing the very beginning to a tertiary economic development and the service sector.

The State of the Ninva is a nation extremely invested in its economic health. Due to the critical necessity of food imports and water supply, economic output to secure imports is seen as nationally critical. Likewise, the nation sits in a delicate, vulnerable position in which it depends entirely on its neighbors to feed itself, to import materials and to export its goods. Because of this, the State of the Ninva is deeply involved diplomatically with all of its neighbors, even its local rivals, with a vested interest in preventing disruptions and protecting itself. (OOCly, this means the state will be motivated to involve itself with an either friendly or hostile demeanor with all of its neighbors, and will have good reasons behind building lore with everyone around us)

Wiki Link

c) Nation's type of government: Constitutional monarchy, reformed imperial government with some political participation allowed, although restricted.
d) What languages are spoken in your nation? Tamashek, (Ancient) Egyptian, Toubou, Zarma, Gharbaic
e) What ethnic groups are present in your nation? See above
f) What are the major religions among your population? Tamddaism, syncretic fusion of local animism and polytheism with the Whte Path
g) Briefly describe your nation’s military (including size, role, branches, etc.): Well, the technicals are out. That’s for sure.

To be determined, likely a professional force with a strong air wing. 150 - 200,000 personnel.
j) Critically discuss the strengths of your nation (esp. military & economic) and what role you see your nation fulfilling in the region. The State of the Ninva will be more industrialized and economically developed than its predecessor, with more of a seat at the table and a weight in the region. The Ninva Empire will be the heart of Scipia, a connective tissue to its many neighbors’ lore.
h) If asked to reduce the strength of your nation, how would you do so? I would make the economy smaller and lessen the resources, and increase the existing vulnerabilities.

IC Economics & Geography

a) Nation's IC GDP per capita: 22,000
b) Nation's IC population: 50 Million
c) What does your nation excel in exporting? Electric Current, Metal and Plastic products.
d) What does your nation need to import? Food, major food import, likely water supply in some form or another. Many materials such as timber, other metals, coal. Not an import per se, but the economy relies on tourists coming in and foreign customers for logistics business.
e) What is your country self sufficient on? Trains
f) What is your preferred location on the regional map?

Note the no longer straight border with Messidor, as approved by Mont.
Roleplay History
Please provide examples of previous roleplays or worldbuilding. If you are unable to do so, please provide an explanation.
I have and will never post in character on the forums. It will cause anaphylaxis.

by **Nationalist Northumbria** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 6:25 pm

Lacus Magni wrote:These have all been long dealt with on our discord server as that is where all of the discussion takes place, but just for the record here is the status of various apps since the last official comment:

Ianxia: Withdrawn
Ordennya: Accepted
Cerovsya: Withdrawn
Hammaria: Withdrawn
Larinthia: Denied
Nordwalsh (for Walz, now Wazh; also Zanzali alt): Accepted
All-Ruthenia (for Suvarova): Accepted
Hildemyttschen im Stromheim (for Stromheim, now Hvalheim): Accepted
AESYRiEL (for Hetumoger): Accepted, but later Withdrawn
New Kvenland (for Vaisava): Accepted
Kayahallpa: Accepted
Pulau Keramat (et al for Bemiritra): Accepted
Nacrad (for Thalassia): Withdrawn
The Yremia Corporate (for Alanahr): Accepted
Orcot: Accepted
Zacatlacan (for Zacapizcan): Accepted
Burgjano (for Adijan City): Accepted
Antonia and Brookwood (for Rish Rovtee): Withdrawn
Seonko: Accepted
Mont-Saint-Cyr (for Kembesa & alts): Accepted
Wahland (for Moxaney): Accepted
Awasin: Accepted
Nationalist Northumbria: Withdrawn
Nova Sylva: Withdrawn
Tyreseia: Accepted
The Lunar Domain (for Erishlands edits): Accepted
Haipoon: Accepted
Itayana: Accepted
The Fanboyists (for Yado alt): Accepted
Tamares: Withdrawn
Mesogeia: Accepted
Tarsas (for OR): Accepted
Silgadin: Accepted
Elstock: Withdrawn
Menassa: Pending
Chechenastan: Pending

I never withdrew my application.

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