Esquarium: A fun RP & worldbuilding region! [MT, Sign-Ups]

[Tuthina]

(Image)
____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: Varienland
Government system: Federated Constitutional Monarchy
Population: 16,330,283
Language(s): Varienisch
Ethnic composition: Varienisch (87%) Others (13%)
GDP per capita: 34,760
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://i.imgur.com/891GRIz.png


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: 0.867
Gini coefficient: 30.2
Major resources: Coal, Agricultural products, Wood, Steel, Industrial Products
Major imports: Petrol, Cars, Industrial Products, Electronics
Military personnel: 52,000 (Active)
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Small, Modern Armed Forces focused on home defense and limited interventionism
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Liberal-Interventionist


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation. Varienland is a Federal Kingdom with various Duchies and Counties as it's subdivisions. It is ruled by an Elected King, who is elected by the Nobles of the Kingdom, but today neither the Nobles, nor King hold any formal power due to the revolution of 1862 where the Kingdom was unified into a single state with a liberal constitution, as opposed to the previous loose confederation of states. The Kingdom has historically been dominated by it's neighbors due to it's divided nature, which is evident by the language, which sees heavy influence from Tynic and Jorvish into their language.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article).
The royal yacht, Il Duce was about to arrive in Limone. The Grand Duchess could see the distant highrises in the sprawling new southern part of the city. It had grown a lot since she was young, which isn't always a good thing seeing how the sprawling cities were crime ridden and rotten. She had more pressing conserns however, as her most recent trip to Anaca had been cut short following the news of her father's death. "Not a moment too soon" she thought to herself. While she respected her father, she couldn't deny that he had nearly brought an already fragile country to the breaking point. Now, as the de facto head of state she had a lot of work ahead of her... (From my nation Limonaia)


IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: Varienland is a somewhat weak and disunited nation that simply wants to maintain friendly relationships with their neighbors to prevent conflict. Varienland seeks to befriend nearby nations, expand their industries and help with international peace in some cases.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Decent amount of natural resources, moderate population, high HDI.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Weak federal government, strong regional identities that make it hard for the government to implement major changes. Poor geographic boundaries especially along the coast allowing for easy invasion from both east and west, something that has had an impact on the country's history.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: The large population, although somewhat countered with how disunited it is, and the large amount of resources.


OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): both but leaning slightly more towards worldbuilding
How did you hear about Esquarium?: Found it while looking through IIWiki and thought it looked like an interesting region
Names of other NS accounts: Limonaia, Statsen
Former regions: Europa, League of Christian Nations
Discord username (N/A if none): Varienland#4788
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Limonaia

Anything else to add? (optional):

First approval.

[Volghar]

____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: Federated Volgharic Republics (Volghar)
Government system: Federal parliamentary consitutional republic (de jure) military junta with some democratic oversight (de facto)
Population: 64, 280, 000
Language(s): Kyrgyz, Karakalpak, Uzbek, Uyghur, Slavic (Of some description)
Ethnic composition: 42% Kyrgyz, 20% Karakalpak, 18% Uyghur, 12% Uzbek, 8% Slavic (Of some description)
GDP per capita: $9,600 (nominal)
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://imgur.com/a/03U1vLG


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: 0.759
Gini coefficient: 33.6
Major resources: Gold, Cotton, Aluminium, Uranium
Major imports: Manufactured Goods, Electronics, Industrial Goods, Education and other post-tertiary sector services
Military personnel: 206,000 (active)
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Post-Soviet Era equipment the likes of which is currently being used irl in Central Asia.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Armed Neutrality and Geopolitically Isolationalist


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation.
Volghar is a federation of five constituent ethnic based republics, and whilst legally all five republics are equal in terms of weight and power, in fact the Batış El (Kyrgyz) nation dominates most internal affairs. Ethnic tensions are rife, particularly between the federalist (Kyrgyz and Uzbek) republics and the Karalpaks who in their role as second most important republic constantly push for further decentralisation. There is also increasing amounts of ill will and distrust towards the Slavic minority who are often used as a scapegoat and often are viewed with contempt due to their existence often undermining the government's official policy of pan-Turkism. Attempts by the federal government to alleviate tensions, for example the "One Nation, Five Peoples" policy which advocated for population exchanges have all but worsened the situation.

The military government in Volghar is also staunchly paranoid of overly democratic or leftist influences, and maintains a policy of perpetual armed neutrality in response to this. Attempting to isolate itself from risk of foreign intervention and foreign ideas. This being said, trade is relatively open and the economy and standard of living have gradually been increasing over the past couple of decades, despite rural regions remaining in abject poverty a sizeable metropolitan middle class has begun to emerge. Elections continue to occur within the state, although the actual power that the legislative has is relatively minimalised, and certain radical political parties are banned and censored.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article). http://iiwiki.com/wiki/Torchina


IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: Volghar's authoritarian government and ethnic tension can allow it to serve as a hotspot in a similar vein to the Yugoslav states, alternatively if RP develops and it gets its affairs in order, it may develop into an emerging state with somewhat high potential. Really depends on how others want to go with the RP ideas, more than happy into turning Volghar into Yugoslav Wars 2: Turk Edition.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Strong population base with good natural resources
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Poverty, ethnic tensions, and severe political discontent
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Map claim could be too large


OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): both equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: People mentioned it in the Aeia discord ages ago
Names of other NS accounts: Torchina
Former regions: Aeia, Castion
Discord username (N/A if none): Bake
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Volghar

Anything else to add? (optional):

[Tuthina]

(Image)
____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: Federated Volgharic Republics (Volghar)
Government system: Federal parliamentary consitutional republic (de jure) military junta with some democratic oversight (de facto)
Population: 64, 280, 000
Language(s): Kyrgyz, Karakalpak, Uzbek, Uyghur, Slavic (Of some description)
Ethnic composition: 42% Kyrgyz, 20% Karakalpak, 18% Uyghur, 12% Uzbek, 8% Slavic (Of some description)
GDP per capita: $9,600 (nominal)
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://imgur.com/a/03U1vLG


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: 0.759
Gini coefficient: 33.6
Major resources: Gold, Cotton, Aluminium, Uranium
Major imports: Manufactured Goods, Electronics, Industrial Goods, Education and other post-tertiary sector services
Military personnel: 206,000 (active)
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Post-Soviet Era equipment the likes of which is currently being used irl in Central Asia.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Armed Neutrality and Geopolitically Isolationalist


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation.
Volghar is a federation of five constituent ethnic based republics, and whilst legally all five republics are equal in terms of weight and power, in fact the Batış El (Kyrgyz) nation dominates most internal affairs. Ethnic tensions are rife, particularly between the federalist (Kyrgyz and Uzbek) republics and the Karalpaks who in their role as second most important republic constantly push for further decentralisation. There is also increasing amounts of ill will and distrust towards the Slavic minority who are often used as a scapegoat and often are viewed with contempt due to their existence often undermining the government's official policy of pan-Turkism. Attempts by the federal government to alleviate tensions, for example the "One Nation, Five Peoples" policy which advocated for population exchanges have all but worsened the situation.

The military government in Volghar is also staunchly paranoid of overly democratic or leftist influences, and maintains a policy of perpetual armed neutrality in response to this. Attempting to isolate itself from risk of foreign intervention and foreign ideas. This being said, trade is relatively open and the economy and standard of living have gradually been increasing over the past couple of decades, despite rural regions remaining in abject poverty a sizeable metropolitan middle class has begun to emerge. Elections continue to occur within the state, although the actual power that the legislative has is relatively minimalised, and certain radical political parties are banned and censored.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article). http://iiwiki.com/wiki/Torchina


IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: Volghar's authoritarian government and ethnic tension can allow it to serve as a hotspot in a similar vein to the Yugoslav states, alternatively if RP develops and it gets its affairs in order, it may develop into an emerging state with somewhat high potential. Really depends on how others want to go with the RP ideas, more than happy into turning Volghar into Yugoslav Wars 2: Turk Edition.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Strong population base with good natural resources
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Poverty, ethnic tensions, and severe political discontent
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Map claim could be too large


OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): both equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: People mentioned it in the Aeia discord ages ago
Names of other NS accounts: Torchina
Former regions: Aeia, Castion
Discord username (N/A if none): Bake
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Volghar

Anything else to add? (optional):

First approval.

[Almarania-Zaratia]

____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: The United Kingdom of Almarania and the Constitutional Kingdom of Zaratia
Government system: Unitary presidential constitutional monarchy
Population: 44,181,775
Language(s): Almazaran (A language formed from both Almaranian and Zaratian)
Ethnic composition:
55.3% Almazarans (Mixed)
14.2% Almas (Native Almaranians)
30.5% Zaras (Native Zaratians)
GDP per capita: 20,124
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://i.imgur.com/u2lXToz.jpg


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: 0.691
Gini coefficient: 29.5
Major resources: coal, mercury, zinc, bauxite, iron, copper, lead, aluminum and silver. Timber and fertile land constitute the rest.


Major exports and industries: Machine tools, pharmaceuticals, metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, medical equipment, textiles and apparel, food and beverages, clay and refractory products
Major imports: Fuels, chemicals, semi-finished goods, machinery and equipment, measuring and medical control instruments
Military personnel: 121,911
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Top notch ground forces reinforced by a decent air force designed to give close air support combined with a small navy to protect the coasts.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Interventionist


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation. Long ago, two nations resided with each other. Although they never went on to have a major war against the other, there were some minor skirmishes here and there. For most of their early histories, they ignored each other. Their relations were often warmed up by trade and mutual agreements to keep the peace until the rise of the Lacasas.

The Lacasas shaped the two nations, their descendants manipulating the policies of both nations. Although Almarania was united, Zaratia was only one nation. Although Zaratia was liberal, Almarania was conservative. Almarania too was but a nation of people devoted to the lands, farming them and caring for them. Zaratia was less bearing but it gave the people of that land precious metals and riches from below the earth. A great mountain crowned Zaratia while the rivers from that mountain feed Almarania. But to the Lacasas, these farmers and miners, these peoples, would be united. Even in the face of ethno-nationalist obstacles and the fact that rivers cut through their lands and a mountain parted Zaratia into many parts, the Lacasas would always have what they wanted.

It came to be when the Almaranian King, Juan Andrés Lacasa, and the Zaratian Queen, Sofia Arnal (From the Arnal family, which descended from the Lacasas), met each other. They grew interested in each other and in their nations. Soon enough, this turned into friendship, then courtship then love. All the while, because of them, the two nations became close to each other. More trade was established. Borders were relaxed. Then soon enough, a union was made between the monarchs and soon enough, on May 17, 1902, the two nations become one. It was now called Almarania-Zaratia.

Today, Almarania-Zaratia faces a crisis: The present Queen, Ines Manzanares Lacasa Arnal (As people adopt their own family name, their fathers family name then their mothers family name) has tried for a baby three times without success. Happily now though, she is pregnant! Things are, however changing in the country. In the face of recent humiliation (The government was unable to help the people recover from a bad earthquake in the southern part of the country. The King, Ramón, is worried. At the same time, trouble is brewing in the west as the Tejedorites (Supporters of the Kings sister, Alexis Tejedoria Lacasa Arnal) are awaiting a new Queen. To make things worse, growing trade unions led by former Duchess Concepción Montenegro are uniting to become the United Syndicates of Almarania-Zaratia. It made the country suffer more too as the military itself was divided. Many in the officers corps are against one another as the superior officers were composed of the older native Almas and Zaras while those in the lower ranks are disgruntled, younger mixed race ones. As he too suffers his own sickness, urged on by his Queen, the King is forced to sign a law that would change the line of succession as the Queen awaits her child and the country braces itself for civil war.

---

April 12, 2018

Dear Sister,

I hope you are well. I pray for your child and that it would be a boy. A strong one. Today, I see our country and how it fares. I am worried that it may cause us all to dive into civil war. There, I see three sides to this war if it ever comes. To the West, your husbands sister is plotting with her supporters to take the throne from him. To the East, the former lady Concepción is assembling workers and unemployed people to her red flags. And to our side, our army and our best supporters in the north and south.

I plead to you, my dear, that you seek the support, yes, the loyalty of the head of the army. Please see my wife, Sandra Ferrant, and speak to her. With her abilities and her forces, she is above all these sides that are not for us. Even as you seek a peaceful resolution to this crisis, I beg you to consider her. And I too beg you to consider my offer of safety.

My regards, my dear Sister

Your loving brother,

José Antonio Primo de Rivera Ferrant Lacasa Arnal

---

April 21

Lilian Reyes watched the new Deputies of Congress enter the Meeting Hall, the greatest building constructed for them in the capital, Mariangel, with some concern. She saw that a fourth of them came in (as the Deputies of Congress are, every eight years, numbered up to 600) wearing red armbands. Then to add to her concern, she saw another fourth of them wearing red berets or the symbolic three arrows piercing a heart badge sewed on to their quasi-military looking uniforms. Murmurs came around the Meeting Hall as she, the main security officer of the building and of the Congress, looked around. She saw that her fellow officers were concerned. A pair of them approached her as the deputies began taking their seats, the new ones being guided to their own by junior officers.

She nodded to the pair that approached her and listened to them immediately give their report. After a while, her eyes widened at them. She asked them to be sure. They were certainly sure. She turned to the other officers nearby. They returned the same concerned looks. She sighed at them and then instructed them to get out and report immediately to the President, who was still on her way. They did so and only when they vanished from the Meeting Hall did Lilian sigh again and drop to her chair, rubbing her closing eyes as she tried to pray for something, a miracle, to happen.

May Usphion, Goddess Of Honor, have mercy on us all.

IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: Almarania-Zaratia is interested in intervening in conflicts that may or may not threaten its trading. It too is interested in securing more resources from neighboring countries by diplomacy or business. However in the face of its role, a crisis grips it.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: The country is blessed with a formidable army reinforced by a strong air force designed to support it in battle and a navy that, although small and limited to the coasts, keeps them safe. It is also very blessed with metals of many kinds and with a standing industry and infrastructure. It also has a Congress of Deputies that shares power with the monarchy and handles the day to day affairs of the realm for them. The country, finally, is blessed with terrain. Vast fields for land and trees as well as rivers that feed the country with fresh fine water and beautiful fish.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: The country is gripped by a crisis. It suffers too as tensions mount between the supporters of the Kings Sister, the supporters of the government as it stands and the supporters of the Syndicates united by the former duchess. It is also reliant on imports of fuel. Oil exists elsewhere and because of this, the country needs oil and other fuels from other countries. It also is so reliant on its army that the air force and the navy are beginning to suffer budget cuts. The navy is still all right but the more money it loses, the more it loses its power to secure her country's dear trade.

The other weakness of the military of the country is the fact that the officers are divided. Many in the superior ranks are natives while those who are in the lower ranks were the younger mixed race people. This has cut deeply into the military as corruption stains the ranks and rivalries slow innovations and ruins performance. Today, many of the young officers look to Sandra Ferrant, who's currently the youngest officer to be in charge of the entire military, which has rubbed badly against the older ones.

Another weakness is that of geography and water. A great mountain cuts Zaratia into many regions while rivers too cut the Almaranian earth among the people. Ethnic groups within the two nations have begun to demand unreasonably or violently from the government. At another hand, this has posed a problem to the military, slowing them down in their progress of uniting the country as comrades.

Water too has forced the united country to shrink away for the navy has lost favor of the government with less money flowing towards them. Now, ships are limited to guarding the coasts and the coasts alone.


...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: I think it might be too strong in terms of it's military. The terrain too seems like a paradise for the country and open to invasion as it is open to too much production of food and too much industry. It could even be neglected in terms of it's infrastructure because of the terrain. It can be open to god modding simply because of how it favors the military and trade.


OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): both equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: You guys were featured!
Names of other NS accounts: I will TG
Former regions: I will TG
Discord username (N/A if none): Salgado
#1575
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Crown Of Sishai

Anything else to add? (optional):

[Tuthina]

(Image)
____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: The United Kingdom of Almarania and the Constitutional Kingdom of Zaratia
Government system: Unitary presidential constitutional monarchy
Population: 44,181,775
Language(s): Almazaran (A language formed from both Almaranian and Zaratian)
Ethnic composition:
55.3% Almazarans (Mixed)
14.2% Almas (Native Almaranians)
30.5% Zaras (Native Zaratians)
GDP per capita: 40,290
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://i.imgur.com/u2lXToz.jpg


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: 0.891
Gini coefficient: 34.5
Major resources: coal, mercury, zinc, bauxite, iron, copper, lead, aluminum and silver. Timber and fertile land constitute the rest.


Major exports and industries: Machine tools, pharmaceuticals, metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, medical equipment, textiles and apparel, food and beverages, clay and refractory products, tourism
Major imports: Fuels, chemicals, semi-finished goods, machinery and equipment, measuring and medical control instruments
Military personnel: 121,911
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Top notch ground forces reinforced by a decent air force designed to give close air support while a small blue-water navy secures the trading lanes of the country
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Interventionist


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation. Long ago, two nations resided with each other. Although they never went on to have a major war against the other, there were some minor skirmishes here and there. For most of their early histories, they ignored each other. Their relations were often warmed up by trade and mutual agreements to keep the peace until the rise of the Lacasas.

The Lacasas shaped the two nations, their descendants manipulating the policies of both nations. Although Almarania was united, Zaratia was only one nation. Although Zaratia was liberal, Almarania was conservative. But to the Lacasas, these farmers and miners, these peoples, would be united.

It came to be when the Almaranian King, Juan Andrés Lacasa, and the Zaratian Queen, Sofia Arnal (From the Arnal family, which descended from the Lacasas), met each other. They grew interested in each other and in their nations. Soon enough, this turned into friendship, then courtship then love. All the while, because of them, the two nations became close to each other. More trade was established. Borders were relaxed. Then soon enough, a union was made between the monarchs and soon enough, on May 17, 1902, the two nations become one. It was now called Almarania-Zaratia.

Today, Almarania-Zaratia faces a crisis: The present Queen, Ines Manzanares Lacasa Arnal (As people adopt their own family name, their fathers family name then their mothers family name) has tried for a baby three times without success. Happily now though, she is pregnant! Things are, however changing in the country. In the face of recent humiliation (The government was unable to help the people recover from a bad earthquake in the southern part of the country. The King, Ramón, is worried. At the same time, trouble is brewing in the west as the Tejedorites (Supporters of the Kings sister, Alexis Tejedoria Lacasa Arnal) are awaiting a new Queen. To make things worse, growing trade unions led by former Duchess Concepción Montenegro are uniting to become the United Syndicates of Almarania-Zaratia. As he too suffers his own sickness, urged on by his Queen, the King is forced to sign a law that would change the line of succession as the Queen awaits her child and the country braces itself for civil war.

---

April 12, 2018

Dear Sister,

I hope you are well. I pray for your child and that it would be a boy. A strong one. Today, I see our country and how it fares. I am worried that it may cause us all to dive into civil war. There, I see three sides to this war if it ever comes. To the West, your husbands sister is plotting with her supporters to take the throne from him. To the East, the former lady Concepción is assembling workers and unemployed people to her red flags. And to our side, our army and our best supporters in the north and south.

I plead to you, my dear, that you seek the support, yes, the loyalty of the head of the army. Please see my wife, Sandra Ferrant, and speak to her. With her abilities and her forces, she is above all these sides that are not for us. Even as you seek a peaceful resolution to this crisis, I beg you to consider her. And I too beg you to consider my offer of safety.

My regards, my dear Sister

Your loving brother,

José Antonio Primo de Rivera Lacasa Arnal

---

April 21

Lilian Reyes watched the new Deputies of Congress enter the Meeting Hall, the greatest building constructed for them in the capital, Mariangel, with some concern. She saw that a fourth of them came in (as the Deputies of Congress are, every eight years, numbered up to 600) wearing red armbands. Then to add to her concern, she saw another fourth of them wearing red berets or the symbolic three arrows piercing a heart badge sewed on to their quasi-military looking uniforms. Murmurs came around the Meeting Hall as she, the main security officer of the building and of the Congress, looked around. She saw that her fellow officers were concerned. A pair of them approached her as the deputies began taking their seats, the new ones being guided to their own by junior officers.

She nodded to the pair that approached her and listened to them immediately give their report. After a while, her eyes widened at them. She asked them to be sure. They were certainly sure. She turned to the other officers nearby. They returned the same concerned looks. She sighed at them and then instructed them to get out and report immediately to the President, who was still on her way. They did so and only when they vanished from the Meeting Hall did Lilian sigh again and drop to her chair, rubbing her closing eyes as she tried to pray for something, a miracle, to happen.

May Usphion, Goddess Of Honor, have mercy on us all.

IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: Almarania-Zaratia is interested in intervening in conflicts that may or may not threaten its trading. It too is interested in securing more resources from neighboring countries by diplomacy or business. However in the face of its role, a crisis grips it.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: The country is blessed with a formidable army reinforced by a strong air force designed to support it in battle and a navy that, although small, keeps the trade lanes safe. It is also very blessed with metals of many kinds and with a standing industry and infrastructure. It also has a Congress of Deputies that shares power with the monarchy and handles the day to day affairs of the realm for them. The country, finally, is blessed with terrain. Vast fields for land and trees as well as rivers that feed the country with fresh fine water and beautiful fish.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: The country is gripped by a crisis. It suffers too as tensions mount between the supporters of the Kings Sister, the supporters of the government as it stands and the supporters of the Syndicates united by the former duchess. It is also reliant on imports of fuel. Oil exists elsewhere and because of this, the country needs oil and other fuels from other countries. It also is so reliant on its army that the air force and the navy are beginning to suffer budget cuts. The navy is still all right but the more money it loses, the more it loses its power to secure her country's dear trade.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: I think it might be too strongin terms of it's military. I fear that it too might be subject to abuse if it's navy were to be strengthened so much that it may one day dominate the world's oceans. The terrain too seems like a paradise for the country and open to invasion as it is open to too much production of food and too much industry. It could even be neglected in terms of it's infrastructure because of the terrain. It can be open to god modding simply because of how it favors the military and trade.


OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): both equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: You guys were featured!
Names of other NS accounts: I will TG
Former regions: I will TG
Discord username (N/A if none): Salgado
#1575
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Crown Of Sishai

Anything else to add? (optional):

First approval.

[Vajorr]

____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: Union of Eisarndal
Government system: Federal dominant-party syndicalist republic
Population: 19,624,000
Language(s): Esarn (conlang), Tynic (Danish)
Ethnic composition: Majority Eisarn
GDP per capita: $30,872.66
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link):
https://i.imgur.com/U6Drqkr.png

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: 0.88
Gini coefficient: 29
Major resources: coal, iron, tungsten and oil
Major imports: Cars, Industrial Products, Advanced Electronics
Military personnel: 100,000 total (50,000 active, 30,000 reserve, 20,000 paramilitary)
Types of equipment and military capabilities: The country imports military equipment from nearby countries such as the Comade (Lepoard 2) tank from Swastria Vasturia and Sjealand as well as self developed military equipment. The Eisarn military is adapted for the heavily mountainous terrain in the form of special troops, equipment and tactics.
Foreign policy stance: The extent of Eisarn foreign policy, largely revolves around aligning the country with the regional powers. This manifests in the country's participation in regional organizations.


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation.
The region comprising of modern-day Eisarndal was inhabited by proto-Eisarn peoples, completely unrelated to the current peoples of Nordania. From before recorded history, to around the 10th century CE, the region would be home to dozens of Eisar tribes in constant rivalry. In 962 CE norsemen from Sjealand invaded and established the Jarldom of Eisarndal lead by the viking Ímar. Although the tribes at first disliked being subjugated and ruled by foreign invaders they were somewhat pacified by their conversion to the native religion and the relative prosperity they brought to the region. Despite Eisarndal was an independent state, the invasion permanently tied the state to the Tynic political sphere. The House of Ivar and its cadet branches would rule the country as kings for the next several centuries. An absolutist monarchy would continue to rule despite the rise of liberal ideals throughout the 18th and 19th century.

Economic collapse, popular unrest, and famine would result in the First Revolution of 1888 which would result in the destruction of the monarchy and the aristocracy. The republic that followed struggled maintain to power and to stabilize the country. The July Putsch in 1901 overthrow the Republic and established a military dictatorship. A revolution in 1936 resulted in the establishment of the Union of Eisarndal, a quasi-democratic syndicalist state.

Eisarndal is officially a syndicalist republic, however the country has embraced liberal principles within the last several decades. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, reformist factions in the General Union Assembly adopted pro-market reforms, most significantly allowing foreign investment and permitting entrepreneurs to start small businesses. Today the Eisarean economy functions under what is called Eisarean syndicalism, a form of state capitalism where the workers of major corporations are heavily involved in the federal government. Federations of worker cooperatives make up the backbone of the Eisarn economy and thousands small businesses make a substantial presence. Major Eisaren exports include coal, iron, tungsten and oil.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article).

Hausted - In her speech today, President Kopf addressed the legislature of Ambrose today challenging decades of foreign policy for Ambrose and Eisarndal. In her speech today she strove to redefine Eisarndal in the eyes of the Ambrosian government and the country as a whole, who long saw syndicalism as a dire threat to national security. The speech is a bold test of the President’s new foreign policy of reconciliation and the application of the Klopp Policy, set by her father forty years earlier. However it remains to be seen what would this state visit mean for the somewhat chilly relations between the two countries.

The President spoke in Eisarean inside Rappahannock Palace with members of the House of Burgesses, the Ambrosian President and Government, and members of public in attendance. Before starting she thanked President Cleburne for the hospitality and the opportunity to speak in front of the government. Klopp began reminded the audience of the historical alliance and trade partnership during the Early Modern Age between the two countries and how they forged a close bond despite the distance. Although she conceded that some syndicalist states seek to spread the worker’s liberation violently and Ambrosians have a right to be “concerned”. However she distanced Eisarndal from the Internationale. “Eisarndal does not seek to destroy your nation or your way of life.” Klopp said, “Eisarean workers speak for themselves; Eisarean syndicalism has brought prosperity and well-being to our nation. We allow your companies that abide by the Worker’s Laws into our country. We have no ill will for the companies that look after the well being of the nation than their own profits.” She concluded by stating that Eisarndal is hopeful that fruitful agreements would soon be proposed and positive dialogue would continue to come from Elsbridge. “Eisarndal and Ambrose have been good partners and allies since antiquity” she spoke. “Our nations should maintain that brotherhood despite our differences and be wary of nations who actually wish us ill. I can assure you, we are not a threat unlike your other neighbors.” Some mutterings from the audience were heard. Finally she finished the speech by saying “I wish health and prosperity to your nation and state and may the spirit of cooperation continue. Thank you.”

IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?:
Eisarndal plans to be a minor power in Esquarium as a whole, but will make a notable impact in Nordania itself. It plans to be a major cultural influence on the continent through participation in the Nordanian League and other organization.
...what are the strengths of your nation?:
Eisarndal maintains a productive and well educated labor force through government programs and worker cooperatives that manifests in a strong manufacturing and rising service economy. The interior of the country is largely untouched by the industry and has striking natural beauty. New innovative technologies sometimes arise in the country due to government programs, although they tend to move overseas later on.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?:
As a result of the syndicalist government, the corporations directly have a say in how the country is run allowing for corruption and corporate self-interest to run rampant. The military is underfunded and decentralized and it largely relies on other countries to arm itself.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?:
I deliberately tried to prevent the nations from being overpowered, but I think maybe my industries based upon experimental technological innovations could be toned down.

OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): I very prefer worldbuilding with roleplaying once in a while
How did you hear about Esquarium?: I was here before
Names of other NS accounts: none
Former regions: Esamir
Discord username (N/A if none): Planita #3079
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Planita

Anything else to add? (optional):

[Tuthina]

(Image)
____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: Union of Eisarndal
Government system: Federal dominant-party syndicalist republic
Population: 19,624,000
Language(s): Esarn (conlang), Tynic (Danish)
Ethnic composition: Majority Eisarn
GDP per capita: $30,872.66
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link):
https://i.imgur.com/U6Drqkr.png

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: 0.88
Gini coefficient: 29
Major resources: coal, iron, tungsten and oil
Major imports: Cars, Industrial Products, Advanced Electronics
Military personnel: 100,000 total (50,000 active, 30,000 reserve, 20,000 paramilitary)
Types of equipment and military capabilities: The country imports military equipment from nearby countries such as the Comade (Lepoard 2) tank from Swastria Vasturia and Sjealand as well as self developed military equipment. The Eisarn military is adapted for the heavily mountainous terrain in the form of special troops, equipment and tactics.
Foreign policy stance: The extent of Eisarn foreign policy, largely revolves around aligning the country with the regional powers. This manifests in the country's participation in regional organizations.


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation.
The region comprising of modern-day Eisarndal was inhabited by proto-Eisarn peoples, completely unrelated to the current peoples of Nordania. From before recorded history, to around the 10th century CE, the region would be home to dozens of Eisar tribes in constant rivalry. In 962 CE norsemen from Sjealand invaded and established the Jarldom of Eisarndal lead by the viking Ímar. Although the tribes at first disliked being subjugated and ruled by foreign invaders they were somewhat pacified by their conversion to the native religion and the relative prosperity they brought to the region. Despite Eisarndal was an independent state, the invasion permanently tied the state to the Tynic political sphere. The House of Ivar and its cadet branches would rule the country as kings for the next several centuries. An absolutist monarchy would continue to rule despite the rise of liberal ideals throughout the 18th and 19th century.

Economic collapse, popular unrest, and famine would result in the First Revolution of 1888 which would result in the destruction of the monarchy and the aristocracy. The republic that followed struggled maintain to power and to stabilize the country. The July Putsch in 1901 overthrow the Republic and established a military dictatorship. A revolution in 1936 resulted in the establishment of the Union of Eisarndal, a quasi-democratic syndicalist state.

Eisarndal is officially a syndicalist republic, however the country has embraced liberal principles within the last several decades. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, reformist factions in the General Union Assembly adopted pro-market reforms, most significantly allowing foreign investment and permitting entrepreneurs to start small businesses. Today the Eisarean economy functions under what is called Eisarean syndicalism, a form of state capitalism where the workers of major corporations are heavily involved in the federal government. Federations of worker cooperatives make up the backbone of the Eisarn economy and thousands small businesses make a substantial presence. Major Eisaren exports include coal, iron, tungsten and oil.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article).

Hausted - In her speech today, President Kopf addressed the legislature of Ambrose today challenging decades of foreign policy for Ambrose and Eisarndal. In her speech today she strove to redefine Eisarndal in the eyes of the Ambrosian government and the country as a whole, who long saw syndicalism as a dire threat to national security. The speech is a bold test of the President’s new foreign policy of reconciliation and the application of the Klopp Policy, set by her father forty years earlier. However it remains to be seen what would this state visit mean for the somewhat chilly relations between the two countries.

The President spoke in Eisarean inside Rappahannock Palace with members of the House of Burgesses, the Ambrosian President and Government, and members of public in attendance. Before starting she thanked President Cleburne for the hospitality and the opportunity to speak in front of the government. Klopp began reminded the audience of the historical alliance and trade partnership during the Early Modern Age between the two countries and how they forged a close bond despite the distance. Although she conceded that some syndicalist states seek to spread the worker’s liberation violently and Ambrosians have a right to be “concerned”. However she distanced Eisarndal from the Internationale. “Eisarndal does not seek to destroy your nation or your way of life.” Klopp said, “Eisarean workers speak for themselves; Eisarean syndicalism has brought prosperity and well-being to our nation. We allow your companies that abide by the Worker’s Laws into our country. We have no ill will for the companies that look after the well being of the nation than their own profits.” She concluded by stating that Eisarndal is hopeful that fruitful agreements would soon be proposed and positive dialogue would continue to come from Elsbridge. “Eisarndal and Ambrose have been good partners and allies since antiquity” she spoke. “Our nations should maintain that brotherhood despite our differences and be wary of nations who actually wish us ill. I can assure you, we are not a threat unlike your other neighbors.” Some mutterings from the audience were heard. Finally she finished the speech by saying “I wish health and prosperity to your nation and state and may the spirit of cooperation continue. Thank you.”

IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?:
Eisarndal plans to be a minor power in Esquarium as a whole, but will make a notable impact in Nordania itself. It plans to be a major cultural influence on the continent through participation in the Nordanian League and other organization.
...what are the strengths of your nation?:
Eisarndal maintains a productive and well educated labor force through government programs and worker cooperatives that manifests in a strong manufacturing and rising service economy. The interior of the country is largely untouched by the industry and has striking natural beauty. New innovative technologies sometimes arise in the country due to government programs, although they tend to move overseas later on.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?:
As a result of the syndicalist government, the corporations directly have a say in how the country is run allowing for corruption and corporate self-interest to run rampant. The military is underfunded and decentralized and it largely relies on other countries to arm itself.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?:
I deliberately tried to prevent the nations from being overpowered, but I think maybe my industries based upon experimental technological innovations could be toned down.

OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): I very prefer worldbuilding with roleplaying once in a while
How did you hear about Esquarium?: I was here before
Names of other NS accounts: none
Former regions: Esamir
Discord username (N/A if none): Planita #3079
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Planita

Anything else to add? (optional):

First approval.

[Hafan Ynys]

____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: Hafan Ynys
Government system: Parliamentary Republic
Population: 16 Million
Language(s): Hafan Wosracan, Ravetian Italian, Ellanghas, Cradebet
Ethnic composition: 53% Hafan (Wosracan), 33% Hafan-Ravi (Ravetian-Wosracan Mix) 7% Ellanghas & Cradebet, 4% Ravetian (Italian), 3% Other
GDP per capita: $42,400
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://i.imgur.com/P6rmASK.png


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: .79
Gini coefficient: 23
Major resources: Tobacco, Barley, Wheat, Coal, Iron, Fish, Lumber
Major imports: Automobiles, Military Weapons, Electronics,
Military personnel: 65,000 Active, 30,000 Reserves
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Fairly up to date, although air-force relies on some 80's fallbacks
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Intervention when deemed necessary


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation.

Before the island of Hafan Ynys became a dominion of the Wosracans, It was ruled by two, occasionally three Kingdoms. These kingdoms were culturally similar to Ravetia and as a result, some of the population idenifies as such. In the north of the Island, the Kingdom of Furro occupied nearly a third of the island at its peak. In the south of the island laid the Kingdom of L'Pianure. Though never reaching the territoral span of Furro, it was a more populated nation and as a result survived the Furri Kingdoms many campaigns. A third kingdom, often being annexed by the Furri in war and released by the Painuregent Kingdom, was the Kingdom of Costa Ovest. A weak kingdom, but with a strong alliance with the Painuregents, they often took up arms in wars they had no interest in. While these nations held influence on the island for some time, inefficient farming technology and lack of urban cities kept the population at an estimated <2 million by the 12th century.

In 1124, an alliance was formed between Wosrac and L'Pianure after a royal marriage between Princess Seludd of Wosrac and Prince Alexandria of L'Pianure. This alliance would drag Wosrac into war when in 1146, the Furro Kingdom declared war against the Kingdom of L'Painure in order to conquer a resource rich province held by the Painuregents. This left no other choice but for L'Pianure to call in the Wosracans. The war was initially slow. A harsh winter had frozen most of the Wosracan coasts, forcing Wosrac to wait until spring to send aid. However, when the Wosracan forces reached the island in early summer of 1147, an ambitious naval invasion paid off, and soon the Furri were pushed away from the coast. The war would end in December 1147. In recogonisition of Wosracan aid, Wosrac was awarded nearly half of the Kingdom of Furro.

By the 13th century, Wosracan culture, celtish in roots, was brought to the island as new settlers flooded the north of the island. Over-time a distinct identity of these settlers became apparent from the Wosracans on the mainland. This new culture was similar to Wosracan culture, but it had many influences from the Furri and Painuregent cultures. Several later settlers described the culture shock of this new territory. One text reads; "It was almost like we had moved to a different nation. You can understand most of what is being said, but only with much difficulty. There are different customs, which we have learned the hard way. Archery and shipbuilding seem to be the most prominent skills here, and many hold it as a gift. There is, or at-least appears to be, a disenchantment with the Monarchy, nothing particularly negative, just indifference. It is very strange. Most people here refer to this territory as 'Hafan Ynys' (Haven Island)." By 1204, the alliance between Wosrac and L'Painure broke down due to the child of Seludd and Alexandria's death.

Fearing the growing strength of Wosrac on the island, the new Painuregent King, Dominicus II, declared war in 1208. His reason for war was stated as 'Unification Of The Island'. The war took Wosrac by suprise and the war started favourably for the Painuregents. The Kingdom of Costa Ovest suprised the region by joining the war on the side of L'Painure. It would be one of the only times Costa Ovest joined an offensive war. Despite initial success, the two Kingdoms suffered heavy casualties in the battle of Gerresi. Historians regard this as the turning point of the war as by the end of the year, Wosrac occupied nearly all of the Island. On the 3rd of March, 1209, Wosrac annexed the two Kingdoms and created the new duchy of Hafan Ynys. The duchy would later be granted dominion status in the 15th century.

In 1488, the Duchy Of Hafan Ynys was destroyed and replaced with the dominion of Hafan Ynys. Under this change, Hafan Ynys would no longer have a duke but rather a governor appointed by a council on the island. The first governor of the island, Governor Rudrani, ruled fairly and with upmost loyalty to the Wosracan crown. In 1504 he was replaced by Governor Eilian Dylan. Eilian ruled with a light hand, often described as arbitrary by his council. In 1507, Eilian allowed pirates safe harbour and a place to sell their goods. There were however two conditions; The pirates would pay a fee to Eilian personally for buying their goods, additionally pirates who had taken action against the Wosracan navy were turned away. This lucrative safe haven for foreign pirates began to pay off, as pirates would often stop and sell their goods on the island. This saw local business on the island bloom, and the beginning of the Early age of piracy (1507-1516). This was short lived however as Eilian was removed from his position in 1516 and his successor refused to harbour pirates.

By the late 1600's, Hafan Ynys had found itself surrounded by trade routes. Nations had begun to trade larger amounts and further distances due to advancement in shipbuilding. Soome of the richest trade routes were sailed by ships of Wosrac, Aurega, Ambrose, Sjealand and a few Conitian nations. Trade was particularly abundant during the late spring to early autumn period as Nordanian nations could move through the Wosracan seas which were prone to freezing in winter. Despite this, there was a lack of a powerful military presence on the island and there are reports from as early as 1689 speaking of pirate raids on the coasts. In 1701, the island became a pirate haven when pirates occupied the island and killed its governor. The island was run by a Governor who was elected by the six most supported pirate captains. They would then run a term of six years. The first and only governor of the newly proclaimed 'Pereddi Werpublin' (Hafan: 'Pirate Republic') was Seddius Bachyn. He would rule from 1701 until the Island's recapture in 1717.

Following the Continental War many Hafanians demanded a break away from Wosrac. The island's regiments had fought on some of the bloodiest battlegrounds and suffered heavily because of it. In 1931, the Island was granted 'Autonomous Dominion' status and was even given its own parliament which was mostly autonomous from the Wosracan Royal Parliamentary House. By 1934, the nations flag was changed from a standard dominion flag to the nations current flag. In 1947, a referendum was held on whether the Island should become independent. On the 9th of October 1947, the referendum passed 68% / 32%. Hafan Ynys still ceremonianly recognises Queen Amelia I as their head of State. However all Monarch poiwer influence was removed following the 1947 referendum. Wosrac and Hafan Ynys share an alliance to this day and hold friendly relations.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article).

It had been a long journey, and the weather had not been kind. Rain, heavy wind and cold temperatures had all made an appearance. The mud thickened and slushed to the the point were it was like wading through water. The forests seemed to be crying at the poor weather, and there had been reports of a storm approaching. Her horse had been struggling to keep up in the thick Wosracan mud and looked exhausted. Regardless of the horrible journey she had faced, Lorisa had arrived.

Lorisa, Owain and Govvanon would be in charge of a force of 6,000 men. Some of them sporting no shirts yet seemingly unphased by the cold. Lorisa would be in charge of the Infantry, which numbered 2,500. Owain would be in charge of the Cavalry numbering 1,000 and Govvanon would lead 2,500 ranged infantry and archers. The commanders entered their tent in order to discuss strategy for the battle ahead. A force of 2,500 to 3,000 men were patrolling the outskirts of the a border town named 'Brynef'. The trio agreed, rather quickly, that it was for the best that any ranged units were to set up upon a hill and, upon being ordered to, would fire as many volleys as possible at the patrol. From there they would feign a retreat baiting the enemy to come up the hill, only to be charged by cavalry and encircled by infantry.

With the plan sorted, the commanders inspected the troops they would lead. "Infantry, fowards, 25 paces!" exclaimed Lorisa. As she began to inspect the troops, she noticed a rather short looking man who, upon closer inspection, seemed to be a young boy aged 12-14. She walked up to him. "How old are you boy?" after a short pause the boy returned with "16, your majesty." She looked at him with doubt but failed to question him further. "Fair enough lad. Back in line please." The boy awkwardly shuffled backwards and Lorisa continued her inspection.

IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: Island nation, mostly diplomatic. A history of piracy will be included to help other nations build their own tales of pirates.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Island nation, natural defences, decent resources.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Reliance on imports, out-dated air-force, Culturally isolated.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Fairly large population,


OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): Worldbuilding
How did you hear about Esquarium?: Already a Member
Names of other NS accounts: Wosrac, Ifaltannia
Former regions: N/A
Discord username (N/A if none): Payzard [Wosrac]
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Wosrac

Anything else to add? (optional): I am starting to polish and flesh out the history and worldbuilding of Wosrac, this shall be my second nation. It will be run under my second Account 'Hafan Ynys'

[Sjealand]

-snip-

I think the approval panel would like to see some more work done on Wosrac rather than the addition of a puppet which is an extension of Wosrac in some ways such as history. There is also the fact that they generally do not like adding islands.

[Hafan Ynys]

-snip-

I think the approval panel would like to see some more work done on Wosrac rather than the addition of a puppet which is an extension of Wosrac in some ways such as history. There is also the fact that they generally do not like adding islands.

Aye, I can understand the lack of interest in a new Island nation. However I feel that the world lacks any history of Piracy, which I feel it shoudn't granted the amount of naval powers. Additionally, I am continuing my work on the Nation Of Wosrac and feel adding this nation would help further develop my nations interest in naval warfare and consilidation in the 15-18th centuries and the period of unrest, which will help add a background of Wosracan weakness for the Seather wars with ambrose. A devastating piracy problem, and the early stages of nationalism starting to emerge in Minorities of a weakening nation.

As I've already mentioned I plan to continue work on Wosrac and see this as an oppurtionity to help develop the lore of piracy in this world.

Additionally I do not plan to build this new nation up as a Wosracan puppet. I plan to build this nation as a clash of culture, and introduce more interactions between Nordania and Conitia as I feel that while these areas share a land border, they share little in the way of history and interaction apart from the odd war and prehistoric migration.

-Payzard

[Qianrong]

Posting for Qianrong who has given second approval to both

Going to quickly confirm this before moving on to subsequent apps.

snip

Second approval, welcome to Esquarium! As the owner of Lecia, I'd be interested in potentially discussing that Slavic population you mentioned, and how they might tie in with the Lecs.

snip

Second approval, welcome to Esquarium!

snip

Second approval. Welcome back to Esquarium.

snip

At the moment I'd have to second Sjea's thoughts on the matter. The concept is definitely intriguing, though, and once we've seen a little more done with Wosrac, I'd be more than willing to provide this idea's first approval.

[Sjealand]

BASIC INFORMATION
This is a request for: [ ] Territorial expansion | [x] Population expansion | [ ] GDP expansion | [ ] Nuclear weapons
Describe the requested increase in detail: I wish to apply for a population increase from 26 million to 32 million
New map claim (image URL, skip if N/A):

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Why is this stat increase necessary? Sjealand has historically been, and to a degree still is, a regional power in Nordania, at points controlling large parts of the continent. With how much control sjealand has had in Nordania as well as Borea and Nautasia i would like to apply for a slight population increase to make that control more realistic, given Sjealands low use of mercenaries its administrators, soldiers etc. would have been citizens so im apping for an increased population to make this a little more do-able. An increased population would help make my very overextended and large armies in the continental war and great war of the north make more sense than they do now and would help to explain why a relatively small nation like Sjealand was able to have the influence it had over Nordania.

In the modern day this would also help with making my armed forces more realistic. I do not intend to increase my armed forces if this is approved, rather this approval would help lower the percentage of my population in the military, allowing me to better explain its size and so Sjealands current position as one of nordanias regional powers (along with ambrose) makes a bit more sense. Essentially it gives me a stronger economic base, allowing Sjealands position as a regional power to be a bit more realistic. This economic strength will make my use of domestic companies and other things about my nation less contrived.
What impact will this increase have on your IC nation's strength? Its essentialy going to give me a larger economy and a larger pool of a population to work in that economy, allowing Sjealands current position in lore as a regional power in Nordania to be better cemented rather than the unsure mist we have right now of many middle powers, which we are the only continent that have. Granted this will increase Sjealands influence in Nordania.
How will this stat increase contribute to your roleplaying and worldbuilding? Its going to allow me to increase my involvment outside of Nordania and its going to allow me to strengthen my involvment within Nordania, think deployments with NOSDO allies, more economic development and its going to make the industries i have worldbuilt more feasible, allowing me to write articles containing them better.

CRITICAL DISCUSSION
List at least two other ways that the desired IC benefit can be achieved: It can be achieved via either rolling with it as it is, Sjealand simply continues as is and Nordania will be more equal, it could also be achieved via more cooperation between me and other states, like with how the leopard 2 is a development of 3 nations rather than one because we cannot really sustain an industry large enough for that ourselves.
Critically discuss how will this stat increase may affect other nations or regional geopolitics: Its going to make Sjealand more of a power in the region, i will not hide that, but given how i have sort of stumbled into that position already this will only affect the nordanian geopolitics in that my current position makes more sense and that Sjealands position globally also makes better sense rather than the fact that i just have so much worldbuilding with the people behind the states.
How have you contributed towards furthering the roleplaying and worldbuilding community of the region during your presence so far? You all know all the stuff i've made but if i have to there is an entire list of all articles i have written/contributed to.

I acknowledge that any acceptance is conditional on the increase having productive roleplaying utility to the region as a whole, and that it may be rescinded at any time if it becomes derelict or conducive towards powergaming.

[Qianrong]

-snip-

First approval.

[Tuthina]

-snip-

First approval.

Second approval.

[Gadagosdu]

____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: Gadagosdu,The Optimacy of
Government system: Confederal Epistocracy
Population: 23.056 million
Language(s): Predominantly Tsalagi
Ethnic composition: 80% Gadagoshu 20% peripherial tribes
GDP per capita: $70,600 (PPP) $75,505 (nominal)
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): Map claim


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: 0.953
Gini coefficient: 30.0
Major resources: Minerals, Fruits and Vineyards
Major imports: Automobiles, Trains, Manufactured goods
Military personnel: 50877.
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Roughly to the Swedish and Swiss militaries, small armies with the capacity for conscription.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Liberal and pro-Sjealandic.


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation. Gadagosdu (Tsalagi: Gadagosdu /ᎦᏓᎪᏍᏚ ), officially the Optimacy of Gadagosdu, is an Iroquois Tynic country in Nordania. The territory is largely dictated by its fertile lands a consequence of the highly volcanic ash which composes the majority of the soils in the territory, it remained divided frequently with valley kingdoms and principalities being a frequent feature of political life. The preeminent of these states was the Gigagegadusi or Gigadusi, a Diarchical Monarchy ruled by Queens which due to its secure position around a large valley lake began to expand and eventually form a confederation around their monarchy after a series of volcanic eruptions left them the agricultural centre of the area - with formal restrictions on the extent of agriculture of the other city-states, forcing them to rely upon Gigadusi for the majority of their food and allowed specialisation and an increasingly nomadic society to form. The increased agricultural demands forced Gigadusi to expand its helot population and so it began to lead expeditions into the territories of other Tynic nations and into the interior of Nordania, with Iroquois slaves being the most numerous. Slavery began to transform from a more private arrangement to a larger industry and in turn make the city even more of an economic center. Eventually during the late medieval era and early gilded age there was a series of religious reformations as the native pantheon of Gigadusi, as trading relations with especially the Sjealandic peoples began to kick off. Religious philosophy began to incorporate increasingly Atrunadrian metaphysical elements and equated the existing deities Uktena the snake goddess of fertility and Wohajila the Great Raptor and the God of War and Volcanism, who were considered the patron deities of the city with the patron deities of civilisation. Thus the Gigadusi variant of Atrunadrism, known as Kalvlvtiahianism took form, creating long standing religious divisions which would further haunt Gadagosdu in the future.

During the Gilded Age proto-Enlightenment philosophies, with its monarchs were introduced increasingly to humanist philosophy and began to increasingly support the creation of universities across the various cities of the confederation with the two primate universities of Inoli and Dotsi establishing unique monopolies. Trade expeditions were further established, with embassies being sent to establish ties with nations such as Sjealand, Tuthina and Desena, while merchants began to connect into the larger Conito-Nordanian trade networks.

The Woeful Uprising however forced a major disruption in the stability of the Gadagosdu League. It started as a slave revolt in the perpherial territories when the Kalvlvtiahianists from the capital territories began to try and end the policy of religious toleration which had lasted to centuries and instead institute a monoreligion upon the nation and its people. The slaves being largely raised in the religious traditions of the past were outraged, as faith was one of the few sanctuaries which they could flee to and were largely from the peripheral territories and so rose up in coordinated revolt. Stalemated initially, the conflict expanded once the Patriarch of the city of Unegv sided with the rebels and crushed Gigadusian garrison. The war would rage for four decades, wreathing havoc on industry and would climax in the expulsion of the “Old Ways” declaring them barred from cities and either forced into a nomadic life, slavery or death. The slave trade was rebuilt and expanded in scale, and even greater ties to the thrall trade were encouraged.

The political reforms which followed the conflict resulted in an increase of freeholder power and resulted in the weakening of Gigadusi’s grip over the confederation albeit while the crowns themselves along with the general aristocracy profited from their increased political liberties.

It was during the reign of the Cousin Monarchs Kings (1760-1829) Utsidihi and Kunagadoga, both embraced enlightenment philosophy, and were influenced by the increasingly liberal traditions which were forming in the Primate universities of Inoli. Intellectual partners, they won election to the thrones at the behest of the clans. Archetypical Enlightened Despots, the men lead collaborative, reform inclined governments which began to formalise the increasingly archaic and ancient systems of government used by Gadagosdu. In the Articles of Enlightened Order, they set forth a new political authority which appealed to reason being the highest value of life and its manifestation through society being the duty of mankind and tradition as an ancient source of lost and distorted wisdom. They rejected democratic forms of government, seeing them as tyrannies in the waiting and instead created a system based around knowledge. A restrictive form of representative democracy, one could only vote in matters related to their polis unless one was an educated individual and even then one’s voting power was proportional to their educational excellence and socio-economic success with the power of the greatest in this system being granted to Doctors and Professors of Inoli and Dotsi. For the Cousin Kings, power came with epistemic responsibility - to fully understand what the voter is deciding on. Thus plebiscites within various cities and the nation became a major facture and these would eventually evolve into the parliaments which dot the nation.

Furthermore a compilation of traditional liberties was compiled, with all “Citizen Men of Wisdom and Knowledge” being granted the “eternal and inalienable liberties which the divine has enabled us through reason to intuit”. The goal was to ensure that wise men were in control of the state and to create protections against the abuse of power and tyranny for their subjects. Slavery was preserved as an institution albeit heavily reformed with slaves within the state being given substantial rights not seen since Woeful Uprising and were protected from abuse. A formal standing army was established while private militaries were abolished with the consent of the aristocracy. Aristocratic land holders were forced to ensure every free man was to own an acre of land and the staff to work it.

In terms of government, initially there was a great degree of centralisation which was undertaken by the Cousin monarchs. While absolute power was kept for emergency situations, only to be authorised by the collective ascent of the Gerousia, the five hundred wisest men of the land and the Ephors, the five equal prime ministers who served the nation at large, they still wielded absolute military power. Utsidihi in particular transformed the understanding of the nature of the kingship, with the position being formally renamed to be Optimate and could only ascend to the position with at least a doctorate in some field preferably of political relevance, an existing political career which has at least allowed him to ascend to the national level of politics and had served at least a year in the military. Succession was also radically transformed. While the royal houses had always had an elective monarchy, succession was limited to within the royal households, and often resulted in the accession of brothers and cousins. With the previous criteria in mind, heirs were now introduced into the imperial household, with both Optimates wedding their daughters to their chosen heirs to incorporate them into the royal household (the 30 year old Prince Kanagatucko and the 28 Year Old Prince Amouskositte. The court bureaucracy also expanded radically, with the formal establishment of a capital.

The system served remarkably well, with the 69 year rule of the cousin kings and the first of the optimates. Their successors (Optimates Tsunulahunski and Savanukah) were talented administrators and generals who formally ended the slave trade in Gadagosdu in its traditional form and turned the position of slave into a type of proto-typical welfare with slave owners being obligated to provide 3 full meals for a slave a day as well as a house and roof over his or her head. Finance in this time also began to take root as one of the main industries of Gadagosdu as well as what limited industry (mostly hydraulic based) began to take off with a laissez-faire approach to the economy taken.

Volatile century had major consequences on the young system, with populist forces becoming an existential threat to the nations unique system and while many respected the paternal liberty it often granted, Optimates Ostenaco and Ssiquoya reformed the system to “restore” federalism to the nation, with each canton and polis being granted the right of secession from larger subdivisions they were a part of and rights over taxation and the many new cantons enfranchising the local population so long they passed “the Epistemic Tests”. The Codex Ostenacius also formally united the diverse legal traditions, and enshrined the strong legal tradition which the country is famed for today.

Today thanks to the works of Optimate Ostenaco, the country has an advanced welfare state, which helps protect the native population from poverty and its strong educational system. Its’ economy is overwhelmingly dominated by the service sector which provides a strong basis for its present wealth, with international finance dominating thanks to low taxation, minimal government market intervention, and an established international financial market. The country largely imports manufacturing goods today due to relatively weak secondary sector although the primary sector remains strong with mining and farming causing major internal divides. Vasturia has a major influence on the country and its eugenics policy, being the only nation outside of the aforementioned nation in Nordania to still practice it. After the Reconstituting of eugenic policy in the 1960s, the Secretariat of State for Public Hygiene and Health favours a policy of “eliminating genetic diseases, increasing public IQ, and the elimination of inbreeding” which has manifested in the blocking of marriages and the sterilisation of carriers of hereditary diseases in addition to the universal castration of all criminals. The controversial policy remains in effect, with national IQ being a major part of the countries’ economic considerations despite accusations of discrimination against rural areas. The country is one of the freest in the world in terms of personal and press freedom, with immense legal protections and extensive levels of government transparency being noted.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article). I assume the above will be enough.

IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: A primarily minor but interconnected one in Nordannia’s worldbuilding.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Its’ finance industry, strong political and civic traditions and its reasonably competent army.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: It is reliant on other nations for its trade and security due to its poor position.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Historically too stable despite its new political system?


OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): both equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: Word of mouth.
Names of other NS accounts: N/A
Former regions: None
Discord username (N/A if none): Magi
IIwiki username (N/A if none): N/A

Anything else to add? (optional): No

[Tuthina]

(Image)
____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: Gadagosdu,The Optimacy of
Government system: Confederal Epistocracy
Population: 23.056 million
Language(s): Predominantly Tsalagi
Ethnic composition: 80% Gadagoshu 20% peripherial tribes
GDP per capita: $70,600 (PPP) $75,505 (nominal)
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): Map claim


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: 0.953
Gini coefficient: 30.0
Major resources: Minerals, Fruits and Vineyards
Major imports: Automobiles, Trains, Manufactured goods
Military personnel: 50877.
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Roughly to the Swedish and Swiss militaries, small armies with the capacity for conscription.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Liberal and pro-Sjealandic.


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation. Gadagosdu (Tsalagi: Gadagosdu /ᎦᏓᎪᏍᏚ ), officially the Optimacy of Gadagosdu, is an Iroquois Tynic country in Nordania. The territory is largely dictated by its fertile lands a consequence of the highly volcanic ash which composes the majority of the soils in the territory, it remained divided frequently with valley kingdoms and principalities being a frequent feature of political life. The preeminent of these states was the Gigagegadusi or Gigadusi, a Diarchical Monarchy ruled by Queens which due to its secure position around a large valley lake began to expand and eventually form a confederation around their monarchy after a series of volcanic eruptions left them the agricultural centre of the area - with formal restrictions on the extent of agriculture of the other city-states, forcing them to rely upon Gigadusi for the majority of their food and allowed specialisation and an increasingly nomadic society to form. The increased agricultural demands forced Gigadusi to expand its helot population and so it began to lead expeditions into the territories of other Tynic nations and into the interior of Nordania, with Iroquois slaves being the most numerous. Slavery began to transform from a more private arrangement to a larger industry and in turn make the city even more of an economic center. Eventually during the late medieval era and early gilded age there was a series of religious reformations as the native pantheon of Gigadusi, as trading relations with especially the Sjealandic peoples began to kick off. Religious philosophy began to incorporate increasingly Atrunadrian metaphysical elements and equated the existing deities Uktena the snake goddess of fertility and Wohajila the Great Raptor and the God of War and Volcanism, who were considered the patron deities of the city with the patron deities of civilisation. Thus the Gigadusi variant of Atrunadrism, known as Kalvlvtiahianism took form, creating long standing religious divisions which would further haunt Gadagosdu in the future.

During the Gilded Age proto-Enlightenment philosophies, with its monarchs were introduced increasingly to humanist philosophy and began to increasingly support the creation of universities across the various cities of the confederation with the two primate universities of Inoli and Dotsi establishing unique monopolies. Trade expeditions were further established, with embassies being sent to establish ties with nations such as Sjealand, Tuthina and Desena, while merchants began to connect into the larger Conito-Nordanian trade networks.

The Woeful Uprising however forced a major disruption in the stability of the Gadagosdu League. It started as a slave revolt in the perpherial territories when the Kalvlvtiahianists from the capital territories began to try and end the policy of religious toleration which had lasted to centuries and instead institute a monoreligion upon the nation and its people. The slaves being largely raised in the religious traditions of the past were outraged, as faith was one of the few sanctuaries which they could flee to and were largely from the peripheral territories and so rose up in coordinated revolt. Stalemated initially, the conflict expanded once the Patriarch of the city of Unegv sided with the rebels and crushed Gigadusian garrison. The war would rage for four decades, wreathing havoc on industry and would climax in the expulsion of the “Old Ways” declaring them barred from cities and either forced into a nomadic life, slavery or death. The slave trade was rebuilt and expanded in scale, and even greater ties to the thrall trade were encouraged.

The political reforms which followed the conflict resulted in an increase of freeholder power and resulted in the weakening of Gigadusi’s grip over the confederation albeit while the crowns themselves along with the general aristocracy profited from their increased political liberties.

It was during the reign of the Cousin Monarchs Kings (1760-1829) Utsidihi and Kunagadoga, both embraced enlightenment philosophy, and were influenced by the increasingly liberal traditions which were forming in the Primate universities of Inoli. Intellectual partners, they won election to the thrones at the behest of the clans. Archetypical Enlightened Despots, the men lead collaborative, reform inclined governments which began to formalise the increasingly archaic and ancient systems of government used by Gadagosdu. In the Articles of Enlightened Order, they set forth a new political authority which appealed to reason being the highest value of life and its manifestation through society being the duty of mankind and tradition as an ancient source of lost and distorted wisdom. They rejected democratic forms of government, seeing them as tyrannies in the waiting and instead created a system based around knowledge. A restrictive form of representative democracy, one could only vote in matters related to their polis unless one was an educated individual and even then one’s voting power was proportional to their educational excellence and socio-economic success with the power of the greatest in this system being granted to Doctors and Professors of Inoli and Dotsi. For the Cousin Kings, power came with epistemic responsibility - to fully understand what the voter is deciding on. Thus plebiscites within various cities and the nation became a major facture and these would eventually evolve into the parliaments which dot the nation.

Furthermore a compilation of traditional liberties was compiled, with all “Citizen Men of Wisdom and Knowledge” being granted the “eternal and inalienable liberties which the divine has enabled us through reason to intuit”. The goal was to ensure that wise men were in control of the state and to create protections against the abuse of power and tyranny for their subjects. Slavery was preserved as an institution albeit heavily reformed with slaves within the state being given substantial rights not seen since Woeful Uprising and were protected from abuse. A formal standing army was established while private militaries were abolished with the consent of the aristocracy. Aristocratic land holders were forced to ensure every free man was to own an acre of land and the staff to work it.

In terms of government, initially there was a great degree of centralisation which was undertaken by the Cousin monarchs. While absolute power was kept for emergency situations, only to be authorised by the collective ascent of the Gerousia, the five hundred wisest men of the land and the Ephors, the five equal prime ministers who served the nation at large, they still wielded absolute military power. Utsidihi in particular transformed the understanding of the nature of the kingship, with the position being formally renamed to be Optimate and could only ascend to the position with at least a doctorate in some field preferably of political relevance, an existing political career which has at least allowed him to ascend to the national level of politics and had served at least a year in the military. Succession was also radically transformed. While the royal houses had always had an elective monarchy, succession was limited to within the royal households, and often resulted in the accession of brothers and cousins. With the previous criteria in mind, heirs were now introduced into the imperial household, with both Optimates wedding their daughters to their chosen heirs to incorporate them into the royal household (the 30 year old Prince Kanagatucko and the 28 Year Old Prince Amouskositte. The court bureaucracy also expanded radically, with the formal establishment of a capital.

The system served remarkably well, with the 69 year rule of the cousin kings and the first of the optimates. Their successors (Optimates Tsunulahunski and Savanukah) were talented administrators and generals who formally ended the slave trade in Gadagosdu in its traditional form and turned the position of slave into a type of proto-typical welfare with slave owners being obligated to provide 3 full meals for a slave a day as well as a house and roof over his or her head. Finance in this time also began to take root as one of the main industries of Gadagosdu as well as what limited industry (mostly hydraulic based) began to take off with a laissez-faire approach to the economy taken.

Volatile century had major consequences on the young system, with populist forces becoming an existential threat to the nations unique system and while many respected the paternal liberty it often granted, Optimates Ostenaco and Ssiquoya reformed the system to “restore” federalism to the nation, with each canton and polis being granted the right of secession from larger subdivisions they were a part of and rights over taxation and the many new cantons enfranchising the local population so long they passed “the Epistemic Tests”. The Codex Ostenacius also formally united the diverse legal traditions, and enshrined the strong legal tradition which the country is famed for today.

Today thanks to the works of Optimate Ostenaco, the country has an advanced welfare state, which helps protect the native population from poverty and its strong educational system. Its’ economy is overwhelmingly dominated by the service sector which provides a strong basis for its present wealth, with international finance dominating thanks to low taxation, minimal government market intervention, and an established international financial market. The country largely imports manufacturing goods today due to relatively weak secondary sector although the primary sector remains strong with mining and farming causing major internal divides. Vasturia has a major influence on the country and its eugenics policy, being the only nation outside of the aforementioned nation in Nordania to still practice it. After the Reconstituting of eugenic policy in the 1960s, the Secretariat of State for Public Hygiene and Health favours a policy of “eliminating genetic diseases, increasing public IQ, and the elimination of inbreeding” which has manifested in the blocking of marriages and the sterilisation of carriers of hereditary diseases in addition to the universal castration of all criminals. The controversial policy remains in effect, with national IQ being a major part of the countries’ economic considerations despite accusations of discrimination against rural areas. The country is one of the freest in the world in terms of personal and press freedom, with immense legal protections and extensive levels of government transparency being noted.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article). I assume the above will be enough.

IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: A primarily minor but interconnected one in Nordannia’s worldbuilding.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Its’ finance industry, strong political and civic traditions and its reasonably competent army.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: It is reliant on other nations for its trade and security due to its poor position.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Historically too stable despite its new political system?


OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): both equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: Word of mouth.
Names of other NS accounts: N/A
Former regions: None
Discord username (N/A if none): Magi
IIwiki username (N/A if none): N/A

Anything else to add? (optional): No

You might want to halve your GDPpc.

[Gadagosdu]

-snip-

You might want to halve your GDPpc.

Would $41k be okay?

[Tuthina]

You might want to halve your GDPpc.

Would $41k be okay?

Probably will need to lower the population a bit in that case.

[Xiaodong]

snip

I concur that developing your first nation would be beneficial. However generally it would be appreciated if for puppets they are as disconnected to your main nation as much as possible - an island with a pirate based history is not a bad idea per se, but being a dominion of Worsac is probably not the best, especially as island nations of that nature can be fitted into any part of the region (plus allows for some fun collaborative worldbuilding with other region members).

snip

I agree with Reno that the gdp pc needs to be reduced - something between $30k-$40k would be better, possibly with a small reduction in population. I would also say looking over the governmental system that there should probably be some problems - having 500 of the "best educated" people will likely lead to some, uh, dodgy appointments given how easy it would be to entrench nepotism/cronyism into the system alongside some dodgy international reactions to eugenics. Having these aspects of the nation be contested/recognised as controversial or flawed systems the same way most governmental systems are would be better for the nation.

[Wosrac]

snip

I concur that developing your first nation would be beneficial. However generally it would be appreciated if for puppets they are as disconnected to your main nation as much as possible - an island with a pirate based history is not a bad idea per se, but being a dominion of Worsac is probably not the best, especially as island nations of that nature can be fitted into any part of the region (plus allows for some fun collaborative worldbuilding with other region members).

I can see the reason in that case. I could edit the history of the nation, lower the Wosracan population, add historic protests and conflict against Wosrac. Perhaps have a more Ireland - UK Approach to Wosrac rather than 70's Australia - UK approach. I could see that helping cool those worries.

EDIT: I have no problem with having to work through a few modifications to better immerse Hafan Ynys into the World while not making its Wosracan Influence overbearing. I'm more than willing to hit Voice channel this week and iron out any concerns.

-Edd

[Gadagosdu]

snip

I agree with Reno that the gdp pc needs to be reduced - something between $30k-$40k would be better, possibly with a small reduction in population. I would also say looking over the governmental system that there should probably be some problems - having 500 of the "best educated" people will likely lead to some, uh, dodgy appointments given how easy it would be to entrench nepotism/cronyism into the system alongside some dodgy international reactions to eugenics. Having these aspects of the nation be contested/recognised as controversial or flawed systems the same way most governmental systems are would be better for the nation.

I would be fine with all of that. Would $37.6k GDPpC work then? And also the system is in practice policed by an independent bureaucratic the Control Ministry. It isn't perfect and there is an clique of public school boys being largely over represented in higher government for example. Also I thought the eugenics and its controversy wouldn't need to be specified but yes that would be a controversial aspect will be explored among others.

[Nunalik]

BASIC INFORMATION
This is a request for: [X] Territorial expansion | [ X] Population expansion | [X] GDP expansion | [ ] Nuclear weapons
Describe the requested increase in detail: Basically, what this is a request for, is to move Nunalik from the archipelago to the peninsula in northwest. It also involves a population increase to 8 million in order to be realistic. Said Islands can then either remain for another nation to take or just be removed as they were put there for Nunalik.
New map claim (image URL, skip if N/A): https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/ ... nknown.png

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Why is this stat increase necessary? Nunalik, as it exists currently, is pretty unrealistic as a nation. The population is probably pushing it for a chain of islands within the arctic circle, but Nunalik is already the smallest nation in the region. It is also isolated from regional affairs through being away from everything and is too small to realistically do anything in the region. this lack of ability to participate in the region has led to me making nunalik into more and more of a meme, which is annoying for me as its still not doing anything in the region and annoys everyone else because it affects ooc attitudes etc. Basically, I want to make Nunalik a realistic nation, which can actually interact with the world. The area may seem large, but most of it is practically uninhabitable and would be unlikely to ever be claimed as being a <1,000,000 population backwater isn't popular.
What impact will this increase have on your IC nation's strength? Clearly, the population will go up (gdppc won't tho), so Nunalik will be more powerful than it is currently. However, it is still going to be poor and not a world power overnight. It will have a real army, a real navy, a real economy, so that is a step up from the old three men, a kayak and a couple puffins meme that there used to be, but its still going to be a weak nation.
How will this stat increase contribute to your roleplaying and worldbuilding? Roleplay wise, this will justify Nunalik taking part in international affairs roleplays. It will also open up the possibility for roleplays in the local region, be they ethnic tensions in the larger population and bigger land or tensions with neighbours. Worldbuilding will increase even more, as there will be possibilities to build history with neighbours who are all active members of the region. There are plans to overhaul some west Borean history, and this would allow me to be part of that.

CRITICAL DISCUSSION
List at least two other ways that the desired IC benefit can be achieved: One way would be to increase Nunalik's current population, but that would be undermining realism in a big way.
Critically discuss how will this stat increase may affect other nations or regional geopolitics: It would affect Razaria by placing two potentially hostile left wing states on his borders, but afaik he's fine with that and it could contribute to better RP/worldbuilding possibilities. I doubt that this will affect the whole IFDS-EC cold war in any real way, as Nunalik is still a weak nation.
How have you contributed towards furthering the roleplaying and worldbuilding community of the region during your presence so far? I have created Nunalik, a nation which while being a meme is still pretty well developed and has done some stuff. I also have Sharaf, which has contributed to Nautasian geopolitics and made for some good rp there. I am also in the process of creating Iqaz, a conreligion based in Sharaf, which can help to fill the void made by Christianity in Nautasia.

I acknowledge that any acceptance is conditional on the increase having productive roleplaying utility to the region as a whole, and that it may be rescinded at any time if it becomes derelict or conducive towards powergaming.

[Tuthina]

I agree with Reno that the gdp pc needs to be reduced - something between $30k-$40k would be better, possibly with a small reduction in population. I would also say looking over the governmental system that there should probably be some problems - having 500 of the "best educated" people will likely lead to some, uh, dodgy appointments given how easy it would be to entrench nepotism/cronyism into the system alongside some dodgy international reactions to eugenics. Having these aspects of the nation be contested/recognised as controversial or flawed systems the same way most governmental systems are would be better for the nation.

I would be fine with all of that. Would $37.6k GDPpC work then? And also the system is in practice policed by an independent bureaucratic the Control Ministry. It isn't perfect and there is an clique of public school boys being largely over represented in higher government for example. Also I thought the eugenics and its controversy wouldn't need to be specified but yes that would be a controversial aspect will be explored among others.

Sure. First approval.

BASIC INFORMATION
This is a request for: [X] Territorial expansion | [ X] Population expansion | [X] GDP expansion | [ ] Nuclear weapons
Describe the requested increase in detail: Basically, what this is a request for, is to move Nunalik from the archipelago to the peninsula in northwest. It also involves a population increase to 8 million in order to be realistic. Said Islands can then either remain for another nation to take or just be removed as they were put there for Nunalik.
New map claim (image URL, skip if N/A): https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/ ... nknown.png

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Why is this stat increase necessary? Nunalik, as it exists currently, is pretty unrealistic as a nation. The population is probably pushing it for a chain of islands within the arctic circle, but Nunalik is already the smallest nation in the region. It is also isolated from regional affairs through being away from everything and is too small to realistically do anything in the region. this lack of ability to participate in the region has led to me making nunalik into more and more of a meme, which is annoying for me as its still not doing anything in the region and annoys everyone else because it affects ooc attitudes etc. Basically, I want to make Nunalik a realistic nation, which can actually interact with the world. The area may seem large, but most of it is practically uninhabitable and would be unlikely to ever be claimed as being a <1,000,000 population backwater isn't popular.
What impact will this increase have on your IC nation's strength? Clearly, the population will go up (gdppc won't tho), so Nunalik will be more powerful than it is currently. However, it is still going to be poor and not a world power overnight. It will have a real army, a real navy, a real economy, so that is a step up from the old three men, a kayak and a couple puffins meme that there used to be, but its still going to be a weak nation.
How will this stat increase contribute to your roleplaying and worldbuilding? Roleplay wise, this will justify Nunalik taking part in international affairs roleplays. It will also open up the possibility for roleplays in the local region, be they ethnic tensions in the larger population and bigger land or tensions with neighbours. Worldbuilding will increase even more, as there will be possibilities to build history with neighbours who are all active members of the region. There are plans to overhaul some west Borean history, and this would allow me to be part of that.

CRITICAL DISCUSSION
List at least two other ways that the desired IC benefit can be achieved: One way would be to increase Nunalik's current population, but that would be undermining realism in a big way.
Critically discuss how will this stat increase may affect other nations or regional geopolitics: It would affect Razaria by placing two potentially hostile left wing states on his borders, but afaik he's fine with that and it could contribute to better RP/worldbuilding possibilities. I doubt that this will affect the whole IFDS-EC cold war in any real way, as Nunalik is still a weak nation.
How have you contributed towards furthering the roleplaying and worldbuilding community of the region during your presence so far? I have created Nunalik, a nation which while being a meme is still pretty well developed and has done some stuff. I also have Sharaf, which has contributed to Nautasian geopolitics and made for some good rp there. I am also in the process of creating Iqaz, a conreligion based in Sharaf, which can help to fill the void made by Christianity in Nautasia.

I acknowledge that any acceptance is conditional on the increase having productive roleplaying utility to the region as a whole, and that it may be rescinded at any time if it becomes derelict or conducive towards powergaming.

First approval.

[Razarija]

____________________

BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: Empire of Zesmynia
Government system: Absolute monarchy
Population: 58 million
Language(s): Czech/Kavacian is official and that of the dominant Slavic/Vitrian group, Zvonian/Bulgarian is a major non-official language, languages of neighbouring nations' main ethnicities plus Sal/Sepcanic languages such as Pari/Garo are significant minority languages
Ethnic composition: 27% Kavacian, 24% Pari, 35% Zvonian, 14% other
GDP per capita: $11,770 PPP
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): Slovunia's former spot


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (optional)
For this section, please fill out the requested information. Filling out this section is suggested to help us get a better idea of your nation but not required.

Human Development Index: 0.795
Gini coefficient: 30
Major resources: Farmland, copper, hydroelectricity, bauxite
Major imports: Mineral and nuclear fuels, automobiles, electronics
Military personnel: 259,000
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Mixture of Tuthinan, Luziycan and local equipment (mostly RL polish-built ones plus other warpac produce), well-equipped (upper-average) for regional standards. Intends to help contain Razaria in conjunction with other West Borean states, and is thus designed with cooperation in mind. Military service is compulsory. Corruption, factionalism, and eyes set on political power hinder capabilities somewhat.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Opportunistic cooperation with neighbours as well as big powers to help secure its fragile position, plus trying really hard to appear like a regional power, tries to contain Razaria, somewhat similar to Pakistan in positioning.


LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
For this section, please provide at least a paragraph for each. You may provide a link to a previous piece of writing in lieu of a writing sample.

Please describe your nation. The Zasem river for which Zesmynia is named has been a pillar of civilization since the Sepcans, whose most glorious cities were built on its banks. The river valley was once again the center of the Neo-Sepcan Empire until its fragmentation. As the core and metropole of this heavily diverse state, Zesmynia was unlike the other parts of the area confused in identity and possession; noble houses of a multitude of Slavic/Vitrian, Argilian, or Sepcan extractions claimed fiefs big and small surrounding the imperial capital. With the empire's collapse, the region would be divided between mercantile cities on the coast and warring kingdoms on the interior, whose struggles depleted the economic strength of the area and caused the center of West Borean culture to shift for a good time to either modern day Luziyca or Razaria (latter then in a powerful state with its early empire).

It was not until the 16th century did Zesmynia come to matter regionally again, and with the decline of Razaria rose rapidly to become a new hegemon; the ability for the divided estates of the area to unite was largely the work of Myslivoj Blagoradov, who used a framework similar to the heavily devolved feudalism of late Neosepcandom to place the individual elites under an unified command. Zesmynia eventually became leading in the restoration of Sepcan aesthetics, and later in political divleny; taking reform inspirations from Namor and Tuthina, though this always conflicted with Blagoradov's devolutionary resolution which greatly hampered efforts at centralization. In the 19th century Zesmynia was out-competed by Kovachovid Razaria in the west and unified Luziyca to the south. Worse, it would be destroyed in a war and partitioned between Razarian and Luziycan spheres of influence (maybe more).

The partition was brief in light of Razaria's relaxed attitude on its satellites and once limited sovereignty was granted the Razarian-appointed Chernydvorovs began to extensively interfere in the aristocracy's status, removing many of their privileges and replacing them with a bureaucracy. The Chernydvorovids also began to build up Zesmynia as a modern power, which was accelerated when they were usurped by the Tukatovids in 1916. Drawing support from Salvationists onto a plan of reunifying Podslynitsia, Zesmynia entered a series of wars in West Borea in the 1940s-50s (60s?) that yielded no gain. Tukatovid rule weathered crises resulting from resentment over the war's depletion of the nation and became dependent on Luziycan support, conveniently received with Razaria's turn towards radical reactionism. The situation has improved, but the country's status remains fragile today, as social groups ranging from nobility to neo-sedebianists to now-entrenched local bureaucratic-entrepreneurial interests to republicans vy for popularity and more importantly control.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article). you know me


IN YOUR OPINION...
For this section, please answer the question from your honest and critical perspective.

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: A better template for the impact of Sepcans on West Borean history, plus a new point of interest with pending breakdown that foreign intervention can barely delay.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: High population, being a breadbasket, and access to numerous powers.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Intense social divide, political instability and inefficiency, economic reliance on labor based manufacturing.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Population and possibly aggregate GDP


OOC NOTES
For this section, please fill out the requested information and follow the instructions listed within parentheses.

I am primarily interested in... (delete as appropriate): worldbuilding, roleplay if it happens
How did you hear about Esquarium?: idk
Names of other NS accounts: irrelevant
Former regions: irrelevant
Discord username (N/A if none): the one with the [RAZ] tag
IIwiki username (N/A if none): SokoloviSiviTici

Anything else to add? (optional):

[Middel Elfington]

TheElf27vandaag om 20:58
BASIC INFORMATION
For this section, please fill out the requested information.

Country name: Middel Elfington
Government system: monarchy with a active non powerfull parlement to help the current head of state.
Population: 2 000 000
Language(s): Dutch, frisian.
Ethnic composition: 70% Dutch 20% frisian 10%rest
GDP per capita: 13K

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Major resources: trees, food (made with farms)
Major imports: everything but food and wood.
LONG-ANSWER QUESTIONS
Please describe your nation. Middle Elfington is a poor nation build mostly on agriculture, its is landlocked (if you dont include lakes) and only has one city, its capital of Nijmegeaan. It imports most of its needs and exports a lot of food, it is mainly Dutch and its setlors hundreds of years ago came from jorland.
Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article).

The story of the First setlers of middel Elfington:
As they aproached a hill Joris halted the Group “we have reached a suiteble place!” he yelled as they stopped on the hill, the Group had been trough hell the last couple of weeks, they had left jorland 2 Months ago to find a new suitable place to live, they were with 100 man, they had left because they didnt agree to the jorlandian rules in place, they wanted to make their own society free of all problems and their little utopia. Over the next few weeks the little town would finally shape, Joris was crowned prince and got the rule in his hands. He called the town Nijmegeaan, they build a tower on the hill and would call the hill the “prinsen heuvel” their town was already growing with other refugees coming in, the town would grow for a couple of years.

After a few years the town had reached a population of 1000 people. Joris had sadly passed away and was buried in the Prinsen heuvel, the tower still stood firm and was even upgraded, joris’s son Jules took control of the young Prinsdom wich he called Middel Elfington since it was in the middle of a vast region of nature and woods, they would get better and better in woodmanship and farming as the years passed, the kingdom had been untouched for 10 years now but was this all to chance?
IN YOUR OPINION...
...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: Farm of the continent, we will problaby make a lot of food for exports, over time a lot of this can be exported to northern countries over time. Over time wed probleby make more and more food for foreign nations.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: its huge abundle of farms.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: low economy, weak army, weak infrastructure.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: if done corectly it could be a monopoly on food over time.

OOC NOTES
I am primarily interested in: Primarily roleplay but i do enjoy my wordlboulding parts.
How did you hear about Esquarium?: i searched google for roleplay regiones and i saw about you guys.
Names of other NS accounts: X
Discord username (N/A if none): TheElf27
IIwiki username (N/A if none): N/A