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

by **Tuthina** » Tue Apr 17, 2018 3:29 am

Nagytur wrote:
(Image)
____________________

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

Country name: Kingdom of Nagytúr (Nagytúr Királyság)
Government system: A de jure constitutional monarchy, a de facto military dictatorship.
Population: 6,218,370
Language(s): The two officially recognised languages are Nagytúri (Hungarian) and Olohish (Yiddish). Zigano is also spoken by the ethnic Zigano population, but it is not recognised by the government.
Ethnic composition: 89.3% Nagytúri, 9.7% Olohish, 1% Zigano.
GDP per capita: $12,500
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): In black.

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: 0.662
Gini coefficient: 23.1
Major resources: Bauxite, coal, iron ore, natural gas, manganese.
Major imports: Oil, refined petroleum, chemicals, foodstuffs, machinery equipment, electricity.
Military personnel: 103,810 personnel on active duty, and 225,745 personnel on reserve duty.
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Outdated equipment from the 20th century, ammunition, food and fuel shortages are commonplace. Military equipment is locally produced and is of poor quality.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Pariah state, but typically non-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. (I just got this from my IIWiki article) Nagytúr, officially the Kingdom of Nagytúr (Nagytúri: Nagytúr Királyság), is a sovereign state located on the continent of #NAME# in #somewhere#. Nagytúr is a landlocked country with harsh mountainous terrain. Its capital and largest city is Újferőm. Nagytúr is a constitutional monarchy officially governed by King Árpád II, but de-facto governed by Prime Minister Kristóf Juhász by a military dictatorship.

The recorded history of Nagytúr spans well over 3,000 years, with the first history documented being ancient nomads from the great Karpatakian Empire. Although its harsh terrain has helped preserve the country's rich culture and independence, Nagytúr has fallen under foreign domination and many government changes have occurred. Some examples of this include, the #NAME# invading and exploiting Nagytúr for its rare natural resources, and the Nagytúri Revolution transforming Nagytúr into a socialist nation.

Since independence, Nagytúr has officially been restored to its constitutional monarchic system of governance as it was before foreign take-overs. However, in 2002, a mere nine years after the disestablishment of the socialist state, Nagytúr was ravished by a bloody civil war instigated by communist loyalists in the military, and the pro-government forces executed a bloodless coup d'etat due to their perceived incompetence of the king. The civil war lasted for five years and ended in 2007 after the last rebel stronghold was obliterated, and the rebel commander, Zsombor Dobos was executed. Despite the official end of the war, a low-intensity insurgency has continued throughout the nation, and many politicians and civilians have been claimed by the conflict. Since then there has been a systematic reconstruction and rebuilding process. Despite the end of the civil war, Nagytúr has been increasingly unstable. An attempted assassination on Prime Minister Kristóf Juhász's life took place in 2016, which almost resulted in his death. #authoritarianism increases#

Nagytúr is a very conservative and very religious nation contrasted to its counterparts in the world. 96% of Nagytúris professed their belief in Zsidóság (judaism), making it the largest religion in the country. The Zigano people of Nagytúr follow Mohammedanism.

According to historian Tünde Zobor, nomads from the Karpatakian Empire were the first settlers in modern-day Nagytúr. This claim is universally accepted by historians and is implemented in the national foundation myth. Before the unification under Attila, nomadic pastoralism dominated the mountainous country. The area was roughly divided into sixteen clans, or nemzetség. According to modern historians, linguistic evidence points towards ancient Nagytúri peoples speaking a form of Uralic. The ancient Nagytúri people worshipped a form of sun-centred henotheism, and ancient cave paintings support this hypothesis.

As a federation of unified clans, Nagytúr was established in 1089 under the rule of the mythical Attila. Attila ruthlessly conquered all vastly diverse sixteen clans into a unified nation. This amalgamation of different languages and cultures is commonly accepted as to what gave rise to the modern Nagytúri people and Nagytúri language. Initially, the newfound Khaganate was a decentralised federation of nomadic clans. This changed in 1093 after a peasant rebellion devastated the nation and killed many. Attila introduced sweeping centralisation methods, including peasants swearing an oath of loyalty directly to him, the Khagan, instituting provincial atamans when no such thing existed, and forcefully promoting himself as the clan leader. In 1099, when making the daily ablutions atop Mount Ígért, Attila claimed to have experienced a divine revelation, in which an angel of HaShem revealed golden tablets containing the text of what is the Torá. Attila set it upon himself to convert his realm to this new, divinely inspired faith and did so with relative success.

After this, monarchy is implemented, socialist revolution, monarchy restored, civil war, military coup, and insurgency. I haven't wrote much about these things yet.
Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article).
Is this enough? If not I can type something up.

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 pariah state that constantly outrages the international community through human right's violations. I hope for there to be another coup sometime and another war which breaks out. I haven't fully thought this out though, so it may not happen.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Geographical terrain. I'm not sure of anything else.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Importing a large amount of goods, political instability, insurgency.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Maybe the military numbers? I'm not quite sure.

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?: Browsing through the RP tag on regions.
Names of other NS accounts: None.
Discord username (N/A if none): Nagy#2539.
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Nagy.

Anything else to add? (optional): I am happy to change anything except the religion (exc. changing the name of religion).

First approval, though it's unlikely that mundane human rights violation would raise too much eyebrows in Esquarium given their commonality. I also recommend against having Jews in your country unless there is a reason why they are there, and have to be there.

Also, Attila?

Pinomadura wrote:
(Image)
____________________

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

Country name: Hergeme
Government system: Republican constitutional civilian dictatorship
Population: 29,000,000
Language(s): Hergemian
Ethnic composition: Belgian, Dutch,
GDP per capita: 19,750
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link):https://imgur.com/a/Xh67b

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. Hergeme is a nation in northern Nordania. It is a republican dictatorship, ruled by a National Leader. The nation contains around 29,000,000 in population. The capital city of Hergeme is Pinomadure

Human Development Index: 0.821
Gini coefficient: 0.62
Major resources: Oil, Timber
Major imports: Oil, Timber, Fish, Food imports, Cars
Military personnel: 380,000
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Modern equipment, equipment used by Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, France.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Non-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.
Hergeme is a constitutional dictatorship located in northern Nordania on the planet of Esquarium. Hergeme was originally founded in 1504, after several kingdoms and duchies were unified as one kingdom. The monarchy in Hergeme was overthrown in 1858, and a republic was established. But the republic began leaning towards socialism in the early 1900s. Obviously this was a serious problem for most people. Although the people threatened a revolution against a socialist republic, the nation became communist in 1912. This led to a bloody but quick revolution in which the people re-took their liberty. Alio, great-grandosn of the previous monarch, was crowned Alio III that year. The monarchy once again ruled, and was popular among the people. But a faction known as the Jacobins which organized the 1858 revolution began an underground resistance to the monarchy, spreading propaganda and preparing for another revolution. Alio III was determined not to let this happen. Jacobin revolts were quelled across the country. 1917, 1918, 1920, 1923, the years passed by, the Jacobins attempted to rebel. People now hated them. But then, Alio III was assasinated in 1925. The nation collapsed. Alio's son Karel Jeame tried to regain control, but failed. Anarchy reigned for three years. In 1928 the constitutional dictatorship of today was built after a far-right organization took power. Karel Jeame's younger brother Alten was the first Leadere Nationale

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

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 naval power, but neutral mainly.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Navy, Industries
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Other Military Areas
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: I really don't know

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?: It's known to all RPers. My main is in Aeia.
Names of other NS accounts: Hergemoth, Rouesia.
Discord username (N/A if none): Herg
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Hergemoth

Anything else to add? (optional):

Belgians do not exist. You also lack writing examples.

by **Wosrac** » Tue Apr 17, 2018 3:33 pm

____________________

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

Country name: Teyrnas Wosrac (The Kingdom Of Wosrac)
Government system: HM's Constitutional Monarchy (Similar to a constitutional Monarchy, but the Monarch has considerably more power)
Population: 20 Million
Language(s): Wosracan (Heavily inspired by Welsh and Cornish)
Ethnic composition: 92.3% Wosracan (White), 5% Germanic, 1.5% Wosracan (Black), 1.2% Mixed Race or Other
GDP per capita: ~$37,000 - $38,500
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://imgur.com/a/JoTXi

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: 0.793
Gini coefficient: 47.6
Major resources: Fish, Coal, Steel, Textiles, Clothing
Major imports: Machinery, Consumer Goods
Military personnel: 84,000 Active / 35,000 Reserves
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Mostly up-to-date equipment but with some early 90's fallbacks here and there.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Intervention when needed.

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.

Interesting History & Customs:

Wosracan Holidays:
Arôl-cyhaeaf. (After Harvest) - December 10th.
This Holiday celebrates the end of harvest and is about worshiping the Spirits for helping the land and farmers. Each city takes a turnip, pumpkin or similar fruit and inscribes the name of a chosen spirit before placing it near the town or villages entrance.

Ganwyn. (Return of Flora/Sping) - 20th March.
This Holiday celebrates the return of the Plants and insects to Wosrac and worships Crewrbywyd for helping maintain the passage of time. This time sees a large jump in the consumption of Alcohol. This is due to the tradition of drinking contests in each town or village.

Braynhyf. (Veteran's day/Rememberance Day) - July 9th.
This Holiday celebrates the gift of bravery and determination. It also serves as day to remember soldiers from previous conflicts who have died. Families gather round their village or town memorial statue and pray together and celebrate the sacrifice the soldiers made.

Byd-adeg. (Earth's Day) - November 1st.
This Holiday Celebrates the creation of the Earth by Crewrbywyd. Many also celebrate the passing of the wise men to become the spirits of Crewrbywyd. This day usually sees performances or re-enactments put on by places of worship.

Wosracan Culture & Customs:

Wosracans have a rather big obsession with alcohol and it is not uncommon to see children of 14 years drinking in a tavern. Wosracans also value what they call the gift of bravery. Organised fights with blunt weapons occur every Friday in every decent sized town. Food-wise the Wosracan diet is very coastal focused with dishes like; battered fish with seaweed, boiled fish eggs and skinned Eels.

Women are expected to care for the house and children however younger women without families often partake in warfare. While drunkenness is looked down upon, men can generally brush it off as opposed to women. The most common family structure consists of a man and woman in a household with 1-3 Children. The children are expected to learn arts such as construction and swordplay from their father and cooking and cleaning from their mother. A child is considered an adult when they turn 16. There is no required process though a small party is expected.
Marriage is voluntary but very much expected and singles over the age of 25 are often ridiculed.

The most common instruments learned in Wosrac include; The Lute, mouth harp, violin, drums and flute.

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

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

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: (Undecided)
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Relatively high feelings of unity between citizens.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Foreigners are viewed with distrust. The Monarchy has considerable political power.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Unity of peoples?

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 role playing and world building equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: Was scrolling through National & Internation Roleplaying
Names of other NS accounts: Ifaltannia
Discord username (N/A if none): Payzard
IIwiki username (N/A if none): N/A

Anything else to add? (optional):

by **Qianrong** » Wed Apr 18, 2018 1:21 pm

Wosrac wrote:
(Image)
____________________

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

Country name: Teyrnas Wosrac (The Kingdom Of Wosrac)
Government system: HM's Constitutional Monarchy (Similar to a constitutional Monarchy, but the Monarch has considerably more power)
Population: 20 Million
Language(s): Wosracan (Heavily inspired by Welsh and Cornish)
Ethnic composition: 92.3% Wosracan (White), 5% Germanic, 1.5% Wosracan (Black), 1.2% Mixed Race or Other
GDP per capita: ~$37,000 - $38,500
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://imgur.com/a/JoTXi

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: 0.793
Gini coefficient: 47.6
Major resources: Fish, Coal, Steel, Textiles, Clothing
Major imports: Machinery, Consumer Goods
Military personnel: 84,000 Active / 35,000 Reserves
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Mostly up-to-date equipment but with some early 90's fallbacks here and there.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Intervention when needed.

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.

Wosrac's govenment system has changed a lot since its founding. Starting as a Despotic Monarchy in its early days where the Monarch was the sole authority. In 649, the court system was introduced, dividing the Monarchs power amongst their court. The treaty of 1342 saw the court now elected by Dukes instead of being appointed by the Monarch. From 1631, a Monarch was required to appoint a Prime minister to oversee the court. By 1656, counts could now vote for positions in the court and just 20 years later wealthy landowning men could to.

In 1709 the court was replaced by the 'Royal Parliamentary House'. This new system meant that land owners would vote for a Newly founded political party to represent their province. Each province had a seat in this new parliament. In 1712, the Prime Minister was no longer appointed by the Monarch but by the most popular political party. By 1890, middle class men could also vote and by 1891 the working man could to. Following pressure from a growing suffragette movement, women were given the vote in 1924. One blessing the Monarch was given came in 1934. The 'Monarch Act' of 1934 allowed the Monarch to reject a bill if there was sufficient outcry or if it didn't suit their standards. Additionally, in times of crisis, the Monarch could dissemble the government or repeal any bill. Government has remained mostly the same since. There was a reform on the Monarch Act of 1934 to better determine the meaning of 'crisis' and the capital province of Mulford city was split into four provinces due to it's large population.

Wosrac is a country located on the north coast of Nordania, founded in 648AD after the unification wars. It's capital is Mulford City, located on the western coast of the country. Mulford City was also the capital of the Duchy of Mulford. The Duchy of Mulford played an important role in Wosrac's history and was the nation that eventually lead to its unification as one Kingdom.

The name Wosrac is believed to have come from Proto-Wosracan. 'Wieus' meaning Cold or Winter and 'Riek' meaning Rock or Land. The evolution of the Wosrac Language aswell as influence from Germanic peoples saw the name 'Wossrak' and later 'Wosrac'. The people of Wosrac, are known as Wosracans. They speak Wosracan, a language that is part of the Celtic language family but also has Germanic influences due to the location of the Kingdom and the influence of its neighbour states.

The Country is a HM's Constitutional Monarchy. The current Monarch is Queen Amelia of the Calhaearon Dynasty. Age 33, she has been Queen since 2003. The Calhaearon Dynasty has been the only Dynasty to ever rule Wosrac since its formation. The current Prime Minister is Martin Hallbark of the Traditionalist Conservative Party (TCP). Hallbark has been Prime Minister since 2017.

Interesting History & Customs:

Wosrac Before The First Kingdom
Before the first Kingdom of Wosrac was proclaimed the peninsular was made of competing city-states. As a result The area was often ablaze in conflict with little law and order. The main City States were; Mulford, Reasc, Hearecester and Sunthil. These city states were by far the most influential. All the City-States followed the Wosracan Pantheon and had an almost identical wide-spread culture.

King Losic Calhaearon Of Mulford

King Losic, although never crowned as a King of Wosrac, is celebrated as the founder of the Kingdom. He followed and researched the Wosrac Pantheon extensively. In 615AD, aged 21, he claimed that he saw the face of our God. He claims that he called for a unification of Wosrac under a strong and stable leadership. Losic took this as his lifetime ambition. By 635AD he had most of the peninsular under Mulford's control. He looked destined to become the first King. Losic's strong reign would come to an end in 643AD when he died in an infantry charge. It would now fall on his 15 year old daughter, Lorisa, to continue his dream.

Queen Lorisa 'The Great' Of Wosrac

Being crowned as Queen of Mulford at just 15 years of age, many lost confidence in a united Wosracan Kingdom. Lorisa however, had other ideas. As soon as she was crowned she headed for the front lines. She lead as many battles as she physically could during the Unification wars. Despite having a close call after being shot with an arrow in the shoulder, she continued to lead her armies across Wosrac. By 648AD the entire peninsular was under her control and just two months later, the Kingdom of Wosrac was proclaimed and Queen Lorisa it's first leader. The following year she would expand the Kingdom further out from Wosrac homelands. For her efforts in continuing her Father's dream, she would go down in History as Queen Lorisa 'The Great' Of Wosrac.

The year 1340 marked the death of King Dacar II. By the succession law, the throne was to be passed onto Amelia Calhaearon however she would die just two months into her reign. Amelia was the only legitimate child of Dacar. There was however a bastard child to Dacar. His illegitimate daughter, Ethel Calhaearon, born out of wedlock with a maid that used to be in Dacar's service. Ethel was widely popular amongst the common and a few of the Nobles favoured her for the throne. The court however refused to allow Ethel to take the throne, instead crowning Dacar's brother, Arthur.

Arthur had the support of most of the nobles aswell as the court. However, the public distrusted him. He had made a blunder of the battle of Unacester resulting in high casualties. Additionally his wife, Alisa, had proved herself immensely unpopular when she unintentionally insulted the Wosrac Pantheon. When the court refused to acknowledge Ethel as the heir to the throne, Duke Smedd of Hearsc called his supporters to rise up. The war would last for the next two years finally coming to an end with the signing of the 1342 treaty of Mulford. Arthur was exiled and the court system was replaced with 'The Duke's Parliament'. Dukes would now vote on the positions of court. This shifted Wosrac from a despotic monarchy to a Proto-Constitutional Monarchy. Ethel was crowned the Queen the following Month.

Wosracan Holidays:
Arôl-cyhaeaf. (After Harvest) - December 10th.
This Holiday celebrates the end of harvest and is about worshiping the Spirits for helping the land and farmers. Each city takes a turnip, pumpkin or similar fruit and inscribes the name of a chosen spirit before placing it near the town or villages entrance.

Ganwyn. (Return of Flora/Sping) - 20th March.
This Holiday celebrates the return of the Plants and insects to Wosrac and worships Crewrbywyd for helping maintain the passage of time. This time sees a large jump in the consumption of Alcohol. This is due to the tradition of drinking contests in each town or village.

Braynhyf. (Veteran's day/Rememberance Day) - July 9th.
This Holiday celebrates the gift of bravery and determination. It also serves as day to remember soldiers from previous conflicts who have died. Families gather round their village or town memorial statue and pray together and celebrate the sacrifice the soldiers made.

Byd-adeg. (Earth's Day) - November 1st.
This Holiday Celebrates the creation of the Earth by Crewrbywyd. Many also celebrate the passing of the wise men to become the spirits of Crewrbywyd. This day usually sees performances or re-enactments put on by places of worship.

Wosracan Culture & Customs:

Wosracans have a rather big obsession with alcohol and it is not uncommon to see children of 14 years drinking in a tavern. Wosracans also value what they call the gift of bravery. Organised fights with blunt weapons occur every Friday in every decent sized town. Food-wise the Wosracan diet is very coastal focused with dishes like; battered fish with seaweed, boiled fish eggs and skinned Eels.

Women are expected to care for the house and children however younger women without families often partake in warfare. While drunkenness is looked down upon, men can generally brush it off as opposed to women. The most common family structure consists of a man and woman in a household with 1-3 Children. The children are expected to learn arts such as construction and swordplay from their father and cooking and cleaning from their mother. A child is considered an adult when they turn 16. There is no required process though a small party is expected.
Marriage is voluntary but very much expected and singles over the age of 25 are often ridiculed.

The most common instruments learned in Wosrac include; The Lute, mouth harp, violin, drums and flute.

General Rundown of Mythology:
Our God, Crewrbywyd, created the planet. It is not entirely known or explained why he did this. After his creation of the planet, he created life and in the process Humans. Crewrbywyd sympathised greatly with his new Human creations, when he noticed that the Humans were struggling he made a great sacrifice as he gave parts of his knowledge to create the aptly named wise men. These men would then spread their knowledge with the Human race and upon dying would become Spirits. Crewrbywyd allowed Humans to tap into some of the power these spirits have by worship. As the years went by he saw families sadden upon the loss of loved ones. Crewrbywyd created Marneuadd, The hall of the Brave. This allowed those that passed away to live after their lifetime if they had worshiped the spirits and lived bravely.
Afterlife:
Marneuadd, Also known as the Hall of The Brave. If a person spent their life living each day to the best of their ability and worshiped the spirits they could live after death in Marneuadd. In the hall of the brave, there is a never ending feast, alcohol that gives no hangovers and regular blunt weapon fights in the arena. Additionally, the Hall of the brave is the one place where humans can physically interact with the Spirits of the Wise-Men.

The Central Three Orders:
- Always worship the spirits
- Live each day to the best of your ability
- Never cower from duties or battle

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?: (Undecided)
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Relatively high feelings of unity between citizens.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Foreigners are viewed with distrust. The Monarchy has considerable political power.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Unity of peoples?

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 role playing and world building equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: Was scrolling through National & Internation Roleplaying
Names of other NS accounts: Ifaltannia
Discord username (N/A if none): Payzard
IIwiki username (N/A if none): N/A

Anything else to add? (optional):

First approval.

by **Tuthina** » Wed Apr 18, 2018 10:38 pm

Wosrac wrote:
(Image)
____________________

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

Country name: Teyrnas Wosrac (The Kingdom Of Wosrac)
Government system: HM's Constitutional Monarchy (Similar to a constitutional Monarchy, but the Monarch has considerably more power)
Population: 20 Million
Language(s): Wosracan (Heavily inspired by Welsh and Cornish)
Ethnic composition: 92.3% Wosracan (White), 5% Germanic, 1.5% Wosracan (Black), 1.2% Mixed Race or Other
GDP per capita: ~$37,000 - $38,500
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://imgur.com/a/JoTXi

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: 0.793
Gini coefficient: 47.6
Major resources: Fish, Coal, Steel, Textiles, Clothing
Major imports: Machinery, Consumer Goods
Military personnel: 84,000 Active / 35,000 Reserves
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Mostly up-to-date equipment but with some early 90's fallbacks here and there.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Intervention when needed.

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.

Wosrac's govenment system has changed a lot since its founding. Starting as a Despotic Monarchy in its early days where the Monarch was the sole authority. In 649, the court system was introduced, dividing the Monarchs power amongst their court. The treaty of 1342 saw the court now elected by Dukes instead of being appointed by the Monarch. From 1631, a Monarch was required to appoint a Prime minister to oversee the court. By 1656, counts could now vote for positions in the court and just 20 years later wealthy landowning men could to.

In 1709 the court was replaced by the 'Royal Parliamentary House'. This new system meant that land owners would vote for a Newly founded political party to represent their province. Each province had a seat in this new parliament. In 1712, the Prime Minister was no longer appointed by the Monarch but by the most popular political party. By 1890, middle class men could also vote and by 1891 the working man could to. Following pressure from a growing suffragette movement, women were given the vote in 1924. One blessing the Monarch was given came in 1934. The 'Monarch Act' of 1934 allowed the Monarch to reject a bill if there was sufficient outcry or if it didn't suit their standards. Additionally, in times of crisis, the Monarch could dissemble the government or repeal any bill. Government has remained mostly the same since. There was a reform on the Monarch Act of 1934 to better determine the meaning of 'crisis' and the capital province of Mulford city was split into four provinces due to it's large population.

Wosrac is a country located on the north coast of Nordania, founded in 648AD after the unification wars. It's capital is Mulford City, located on the western coast of the country. Mulford City was also the capital of the Duchy of Mulford. The Duchy of Mulford played an important role in Wosrac's history and was the nation that eventually lead to its unification as one Kingdom.

The name Wosrac is believed to have come from Proto-Wosracan. 'Wieus' meaning Cold or Winter and 'Riek' meaning Rock or Land. The evolution of the Wosrac Language aswell as influence from Germanic peoples saw the name 'Wossrak' and later 'Wosrac'. The people of Wosrac, are known as Wosracans. They speak Wosracan, a language that is part of the Celtic language family but also has Germanic influences due to the location of the Kingdom and the influence of its neighbour states.

The Country is a HM's Constitutional Monarchy. The current Monarch is Queen Amelia of the Calhaearon Dynasty. Age 33, she has been Queen since 2003. The Calhaearon Dynasty has been the only Dynasty to ever rule Wosrac since its formation. The current Prime Minister is Martin Hallbark of the Traditionalist Conservative Party (TCP). Hallbark has been Prime Minister since 2017.

Interesting History & Customs:

Wosrac Before The First Kingdom
Before the first Kingdom of Wosrac was proclaimed the peninsular was made of competing city-states. As a result The area was often ablaze in conflict with little law and order. The main City States were; Mulford, Reasc, Hearecester and Sunthil. These city states were by far the most influential. All the City-States followed the Wosracan Pantheon and had an almost identical wide-spread culture.

King Losic Calhaearon Of Mulford

King Losic, although never crowned as a King of Wosrac, is celebrated as the founder of the Kingdom. He followed and researched the Wosrac Pantheon extensively. In 615AD, aged 21, he claimed that he saw the face of our God. He claims that he called for a unification of Wosrac under a strong and stable leadership. Losic took this as his lifetime ambition. By 635AD he had most of the peninsular under Mulford's control. He looked destined to become the first King. Losic's strong reign would come to an end in 643AD when he died in an infantry charge. It would now fall on his 15 year old daughter, Lorisa, to continue his dream.

Queen Lorisa 'The Great' Of Wosrac

Being crowned as Queen of Mulford at just 15 years of age, many lost confidence in a united Wosracan Kingdom. Lorisa however, had other ideas. As soon as she was crowned she headed for the front lines. She lead as many battles as she physically could during the Unification wars. Despite having a close call after being shot with an arrow in the shoulder, she continued to lead her armies across Wosrac. By 648AD the entire peninsular was under her control and just two months later, the Kingdom of Wosrac was proclaimed and Queen Lorisa it's first leader. The following year she would expand the Kingdom further out from Wosrac homelands. For her efforts in continuing her Father's dream, she would go down in History as Queen Lorisa 'The Great' Of Wosrac.

The year 1340 marked the death of King Dacar II. By the succession law, the throne was to be passed onto Amelia Calhaearon however she would die just two months into her reign. Amelia was the only legitimate child of Dacar. There was however a bastard child to Dacar. His illegitimate daughter, Ethel Calhaearon, born out of wedlock with a maid that used to be in Dacar's service. Ethel was widely popular amongst the common and a few of the Nobles favoured her for the throne. The court however refused to allow Ethel to take the throne, instead crowning Dacar's brother, Arthur.

Arthur had the support of most of the nobles aswell as the court. However, the public distrusted him. He had made a blunder of the battle of Unacester resulting in high casualties. Additionally his wife, Alisa, had proved herself immensely unpopular when she unintentionally insulted the Wosrac Pantheon. When the court refused to acknowledge Ethel as the heir to the throne, Duke Smedd of Hearsc called his supporters to rise up. The war would last for the next two years finally coming to an end with the signing of the 1342 treaty of Mulford. Arthur was exiled and the court system was replaced with 'The Duke's Parliament'. Dukes would now vote on the positions of court. This shifted Wosrac from a despotic monarchy to a Proto-Constitutional Monarchy. Ethel was crowned the Queen the following Month.

Wosracan Holidays:
Arôl-cyhaeaf. (After Harvest) - December 10th.
This Holiday celebrates the end of harvest and is about worshiping the Spirits for helping the land and farmers. Each city takes a turnip, pumpkin or similar fruit and inscribes the name of a chosen spirit before placing it near the town or villages entrance.

Ganwyn. (Return of Flora/Sping) - 20th March.
This Holiday celebrates the return of the Plants and insects to Wosrac and worships Crewrbywyd for helping maintain the passage of time. This time sees a large jump in the consumption of Alcohol. This is due to the tradition of drinking contests in each town or village.

Braynhyf. (Veteran's day/Rememberance Day) - July 9th.
This Holiday celebrates the gift of bravery and determination. It also serves as day to remember soldiers from previous conflicts who have died. Families gather round their village or town memorial statue and pray together and celebrate the sacrifice the soldiers made.

Byd-adeg. (Earth's Day) - November 1st.
This Holiday Celebrates the creation of the Earth by Crewrbywyd. Many also celebrate the passing of the wise men to become the spirits of Crewrbywyd. This day usually sees performances or re-enactments put on by places of worship.

Wosracan Culture & Customs:

Wosracans have a rather big obsession with alcohol and it is not uncommon to see children of 14 years drinking in a tavern. Wosracans also value what they call the gift of bravery. Organised fights with blunt weapons occur every Friday in every decent sized town. Food-wise the Wosracan diet is very coastal focused with dishes like; battered fish with seaweed, boiled fish eggs and skinned Eels.

Women are expected to care for the house and children however younger women without families often partake in warfare. While drunkenness is looked down upon, men can generally brush it off as opposed to women. The most common family structure consists of a man and woman in a household with 1-3 Children. The children are expected to learn arts such as construction and swordplay from their father and cooking and cleaning from their mother. A child is considered an adult when they turn 16. There is no required process though a small party is expected.
Marriage is voluntary but very much expected and singles over the age of 25 are often ridiculed.

The most common instruments learned in Wosrac include; The Lute, mouth harp, violin, drums and flute.

General Rundown of Mythology:
Our God, Crewrbywyd, created the planet. It is not entirely known or explained why he did this. After his creation of the planet, he created life and in the process Humans. Crewrbywyd sympathised greatly with his new Human creations, when he noticed that the Humans were struggling he made a great sacrifice as he gave parts of his knowledge to create the aptly named wise men. These men would then spread their knowledge with the Human race and upon dying would become Spirits. Crewrbywyd allowed Humans to tap into some of the power these spirits have by worship. As the years went by he saw families sadden upon the loss of loved ones. Crewrbywyd created Marneuadd, The hall of the Brave. This allowed those that passed away to live after their lifetime if they had worshiped the spirits and lived bravely.
Afterlife:
Marneuadd, Also known as the Hall of The Brave. If a person spent their life living each day to the best of their ability and worshiped the spirits they could live after death in Marneuadd. In the hall of the brave, there is a never ending feast, alcohol that gives no hangovers and regular blunt weapon fights in the arena. Additionally, the Hall of the brave is the one place where humans can physically interact with the Spirits of the Wise-Men.

The Central Three Orders:
- Always worship the spirits
- Live each day to the best of your ability
- Never cower from duties or battle

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?: (Undecided)
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Relatively high feelings of unity between citizens.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Foreigners are viewed with distrust. The Monarchy has considerable political power.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Unity of peoples?

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 role playing and world building equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: Was scrolling through National & Internation Roleplaying
Names of other NS accounts: Ifaltannia
Discord username (N/A if none): Payzard
IIwiki username (N/A if none): N/A

Anything else to add? (optional):

Where are the black people from?

by **-AlEmAnNiA-** » Wed Apr 18, 2018 11:54 pm

Nautasia presumably

by **Wosrac** » Thu Apr 19, 2018 7:46 am

Tuthina wrote:
Wosrac wrote:
(Image)
____________________

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

Country name: Teyrnas Wosrac (The Kingdom Of Wosrac)
Government system: HM's Constitutional Monarchy (Similar to a constitutional Monarchy, but the Monarch has considerably more power)
Population: 20 Million
Language(s): Wosracan (Heavily inspired by Welsh and Cornish)
Ethnic composition: 92.3% Wosracan (White), 5% Germanic, 1.5% Wosracan (Black), 1.2% Mixed Race or Other
GDP per capita: ~$37,000 - $38,500
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://imgur.com/a/JoTXi

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: 0.793
Gini coefficient: 47.6
Major resources: Fish, Coal, Steel, Textiles, Clothing
Major imports: Machinery, Consumer Goods
Military personnel: 84,000 Active / 35,000 Reserves
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Mostly up-to-date equipment but with some early 90's fallbacks here and there.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Intervention when needed.

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.

Wosrac's govenment system has changed a lot since its founding. Starting as a Despotic Monarchy in its early days where the Monarch was the sole authority. In 649, the court system was introduced, dividing the Monarchs power amongst their court. The treaty of 1342 saw the court now elected by Dukes instead of being appointed by the Monarch. From 1631, a Monarch was required to appoint a Prime minister to oversee the court. By 1656, counts could now vote for positions in the court and just 20 years later wealthy landowning men could to.

In 1709 the court was replaced by the 'Royal Parliamentary House'. This new system meant that land owners would vote for a Newly founded political party to represent their province. Each province had a seat in this new parliament. In 1712, the Prime Minister was no longer appointed by the Monarch but by the most popular political party. By 1890, middle class men could also vote and by 1891 the working man could to. Following pressure from a growing suffragette movement, women were given the vote in 1924. One blessing the Monarch was given came in 1934. The 'Monarch Act' of 1934 allowed the Monarch to reject a bill if there was sufficient outcry or if it didn't suit their standards. Additionally, in times of crisis, the Monarch could dissemble the government or repeal any bill. Government has remained mostly the same since. There was a reform on the Monarch Act of 1934 to better determine the meaning of 'crisis' and the capital province of Mulford city was split into four provinces due to it's large population.

Wosrac is a country located on the north coast of Nordania, founded in 648AD after the unification wars. It's capital is Mulford City, located on the western coast of the country. Mulford City was also the capital of the Duchy of Mulford. The Duchy of Mulford played an important role in Wosrac's history and was the nation that eventually lead to its unification as one Kingdom.

The name Wosrac is believed to have come from Proto-Wosracan. 'Wieus' meaning Cold or Winter and 'Riek' meaning Rock or Land. The evolution of the Wosrac Language aswell as influence from Germanic peoples saw the name 'Wossrak' and later 'Wosrac'. The people of Wosrac, are known as Wosracans. They speak Wosracan, a language that is part of the Celtic language family but also has Germanic influences due to the location of the Kingdom and the influence of its neighbour states.

The Country is a HM's Constitutional Monarchy. The current Monarch is Queen Amelia of the Calhaearon Dynasty. Age 33, she has been Queen since 2003. The Calhaearon Dynasty has been the only Dynasty to ever rule Wosrac since its formation. The current Prime Minister is Martin Hallbark of the Traditionalist Conservative Party (TCP). Hallbark has been Prime Minister since 2017.

Interesting History & Customs:

Wosrac Before The First Kingdom
Before the first Kingdom of Wosrac was proclaimed the peninsular was made of competing city-states. As a result The area was often ablaze in conflict with little law and order. The main City States were; Mulford, Reasc, Hearecester and Sunthil. These city states were by far the most influential. All the City-States followed the Wosracan Pantheon and had an almost identical wide-spread culture.

King Losic Calhaearon Of Mulford

King Losic, although never crowned as a King of Wosrac, is celebrated as the founder of the Kingdom. He followed and researched the Wosrac Pantheon extensively. In 615AD, aged 21, he claimed that he saw the face of our God. He claims that he called for a unification of Wosrac under a strong and stable leadership. Losic took this as his lifetime ambition. By 635AD he had most of the peninsular under Mulford's control. He looked destined to become the first King. Losic's strong reign would come to an end in 643AD when he died in an infantry charge. It would now fall on his 15 year old daughter, Lorisa, to continue his dream.

Queen Lorisa 'The Great' Of Wosrac

Being crowned as Queen of Mulford at just 15 years of age, many lost confidence in a united Wosracan Kingdom. Lorisa however, had other ideas. As soon as she was crowned she headed for the front lines. She lead as many battles as she physically could during the Unification wars. Despite having a close call after being shot with an arrow in the shoulder, she continued to lead her armies across Wosrac. By 648AD the entire peninsular was under her control and just two months later, the Kingdom of Wosrac was proclaimed and Queen Lorisa it's first leader. The following year she would expand the Kingdom further out from Wosrac homelands. For her efforts in continuing her Father's dream, she would go down in History as Queen Lorisa 'The Great' Of Wosrac.

The year 1340 marked the death of King Dacar II. By the succession law, the throne was to be passed onto Amelia Calhaearon however she would die just two months into her reign. Amelia was the only legitimate child of Dacar. There was however a bastard child to Dacar. His illegitimate daughter, Ethel Calhaearon, born out of wedlock with a maid that used to be in Dacar's service. Ethel was widely popular amongst the common and a few of the Nobles favoured her for the throne. The court however refused to allow Ethel to take the throne, instead crowning Dacar's brother, Arthur.

Arthur had the support of most of the nobles aswell as the court. However, the public distrusted him. He had made a blunder of the battle of Unacester resulting in high casualties. Additionally his wife, Alisa, had proved herself immensely unpopular when she unintentionally insulted the Wosrac Pantheon. When the court refused to acknowledge Ethel as the heir to the throne, Duke Smedd of Hearsc called his supporters to rise up. The war would last for the next two years finally coming to an end with the signing of the 1342 treaty of Mulford. Arthur was exiled and the court system was replaced with 'The Duke's Parliament'. Dukes would now vote on the positions of court. This shifted Wosrac from a despotic monarchy to a Proto-Constitutional Monarchy. Ethel was crowned the Queen the following Month.

Wosracan Holidays:
Arôl-cyhaeaf. (After Harvest) - December 10th.
This Holiday celebrates the end of harvest and is about worshiping the Spirits for helping the land and farmers. Each city takes a turnip, pumpkin or similar fruit and inscribes the name of a chosen spirit before placing it near the town or villages entrance.

Ganwyn. (Return of Flora/Sping) - 20th March.
This Holiday celebrates the return of the Plants and insects to Wosrac and worships Crewrbywyd for helping maintain the passage of time. This time sees a large jump in the consumption of Alcohol. This is due to the tradition of drinking contests in each town or village.

Braynhyf. (Veteran's day/Rememberance Day) - July 9th.
This Holiday celebrates the gift of bravery and determination. It also serves as day to remember soldiers from previous conflicts who have died. Families gather round their village or town memorial statue and pray together and celebrate the sacrifice the soldiers made.

Byd-adeg. (Earth's Day) - November 1st.
This Holiday Celebrates the creation of the Earth by Crewrbywyd. Many also celebrate the passing of the wise men to become the spirits of Crewrbywyd. This day usually sees performances or re-enactments put on by places of worship.

Wosracan Culture & Customs:

Wosracans have a rather big obsession with alcohol and it is not uncommon to see children of 14 years drinking in a tavern. Wosracans also value what they call the gift of bravery. Organised fights with blunt weapons occur every Friday in every decent sized town. Food-wise the Wosracan diet is very coastal focused with dishes like; battered fish with seaweed, boiled fish eggs and skinned Eels.

Women are expected to care for the house and children however younger women without families often partake in warfare. While drunkenness is looked down upon, men can generally brush it off as opposed to women. The most common family structure consists of a man and woman in a household with 1-3 Children. The children are expected to learn arts such as construction and swordplay from their father and cooking and cleaning from their mother. A child is considered an adult when they turn 16. There is no required process though a small party is expected.
Marriage is voluntary but very much expected and singles over the age of 25 are often ridiculed.

The most common instruments learned in Wosrac include; The Lute, mouth harp, violin, drums and flute.

General Rundown of Mythology:
Our God, Crewrbywyd, created the planet. It is not entirely known or explained why he did this. After his creation of the planet, he created life and in the process Humans. Crewrbywyd sympathised greatly with his new Human creations, when he noticed that the Humans were struggling he made a great sacrifice as he gave parts of his knowledge to create the aptly named wise men. These men would then spread their knowledge with the Human race and upon dying would become Spirits. Crewrbywyd allowed Humans to tap into some of the power these spirits have by worship. As the years went by he saw families sadden upon the loss of loved ones. Crewrbywyd created Marneuadd, The hall of the Brave. This allowed those that passed away to live after their lifetime if they had worshiped the spirits and lived bravely.
Afterlife:
Marneuadd, Also known as the Hall of The Brave. If a person spent their life living each day to the best of their ability and worshiped the spirits they could live after death in Marneuadd. In the hall of the brave, there is a never ending feast, alcohol that gives no hangovers and regular blunt weapon fights in the arena. Additionally, the Hall of the brave is the one place where humans can physically interact with the Spirits of the Wise-Men.

The Central Three Orders:
- Always worship the spirits
- Live each day to the best of your ability
- Never cower from duties or battle

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?: (Undecided)
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Relatively high feelings of unity between citizens.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Foreigners are viewed with distrust. The Monarchy has considerable political power.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Unity of peoples?

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 role playing and world building equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: Was scrolling through National & Internation Roleplaying
Names of other NS accounts: Ifaltannia
Discord username (N/A if none): Payzard
IIwiki username (N/A if none): N/A

Anything else to add? (optional):

Where are the black people from?

Wosracan (Black), describes economic migrants from Nautasia who have integrated into society and are seen as Wosracan by other Wosracans.

by **Tuthina** » Thu Apr 19, 2018 5:49 pm

Wosrac wrote:
Tuthina wrote:Where are the black people from?

Wosracan (Black), describes economic migrants from Nautasia who have integrated into society and are seen as Wosracan by other Wosracans.

Not sure why they would go there, but sure. Second approval. Welcome to Esquarium.

by **The Nehran** » Sat Apr 21, 2018 2:23 pm

____________________

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

Country name: Fourth Republic of the Nehran but more commonly known as the Republic of the Nehran
Government system: De-jure Federal presidential republic but a De-facto Confederation with a quasi-directoral executive
Population: 9,269,612 as of the 2017 estimation
Language(s): Arabic, Zulu/Findolese, French/Aininian, Spanish/Cortoguayan/Intermarian*, Amazigh/Badawin
Ethnic composition: 45% Arab-Berber, 20% Arabs, 15% Berber, 10% Findolese, 5% Caucasian, 5% Other
GDP per capita: ~$10,952.18*
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): Essentially a 1:1 conversion of Saheil. | Now with IMGUR link.

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: 0.700
Gini coefficient: 51.1
Major resources: Primarily oil and petrochemicals, with the remainder being high-technology products, textiles, medical manufacturing, and machine parts.
Major imports: Raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough diamonds, grain, consumer goods.
Military personnel: The country's constitution mandates a standing military force of ~25,000 at any given time. However, there are severe restrictions and limitations as to when, where, and how they can operate. This effectively makes them more of an advanced gendarmerie and are only able to operate "freely" during times of 'national crisis', as deemed by both the Federal Council and the Treaty of Qarha. There is a further reserve of approximately 175,000 due to national service and training laws. There is also a myriad of paramilitary groups and militias within the country, but these groups are autonomous and are largely operating out of the scope of the national government and are thus unable to be effectively audited. It is estimated that there are roughly between 750,000 and 1,200,000 armed paramilitaries.
Types of equipment and military capabilities: The primary armed forces for the country, the Nehrani National Defence Forces (NNDF) are primarily utilizing late-90s, early-2000s equipment, with the Republican Guards and Special Forces utilizing up to date equipment. The various militias and paramilitary groups in the country largely receive their arms from illegally obtained military surplus and black market arms trading. As a result, significant disparities appear from group to group - and often times even from soldier to soldier.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): The country's constitution, known as the Treaty of Qarha, mandates a strict non-interventionist foreign policy and leaves all war-making decisions to the Federal Council - the quasi-directorial executive of the country. Due to the political makeup of the FC, it's largely unable to agree on such matters. As a result, significant amounts of the national foreign policy is de-facto decentralized to the country's constituent regions. Largely carried out by paramilitary groups, competing policies make the nation's de-facto opinion confusing at best. It's generally best to assume that the central government has taken a more neutral stance than any other.

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 history of Nehran can effectively be summarised in 7 distinct periods: the Vassal Period, the pre-Mandate Period, the Mandate Period, First Republican Period, Second Republican Period, Third Republican Period, and the Fourth Republican Period. In the Vassal Period, Proto-Bantu/Findolese people move north from modern-day Nautarya and settle along the northern regions along what some historians call the Bantu Coast. They established small villages along the more habitable regions of the coast, such as the Bay of Haffa, that eventually came to be the outer regions of the Great Njabulo. This began the Vassal Period. Later, following the collapse of the Great Njabulo, the region became largely under the influence of the Desert Confederacy. Both the Confederacy and the Late Njabulo lost control of the region during the expansion of Islam into the region by Arab warriors from Mazaristan. The region was later fully annexed into the First Caliphate, coming under the control of the Sultanate of Nautarya following the breakdown of the Caliphate. This began the Pre-Mandate Period.

The region was relatively calm during the period of control by the Sultanate, though the first religious tensions began to trickle in with an influx of Christian and Jewish converts to the region. Like most of the Sultanate of Nautarya, portions of the region were swept up by Ainin during the Corsair War and made into a de-facto Protectorate by the East Notasia Company. International companies and corporations began to flood into the Protectorate, with rival companies setting up jurisdictions over their claims. These companies eventually came into conflict, known as the First War of the Expeditions, which killed many in the region. Eventually, an agreement was made creating numerous international legations. Still predominantly controlled by Ainin, the region was then known as Mandatory Nehran. Thus began the Mandatory Period.

Religious tensions escalated during the Mandatory Period, particularly post-1945, as more and more Jews, Christians, and Muslims flooded into the region during the famine of that year as well as the conflict of the subsequent Notasian Desert War. The tensions broke into open conflict between rival ethnic and religious communities as they quarreled over territory. This ultimately led to the Second War of the Expeditions to pacify the region. The region effectively existed as a series of garrisoned towns and cities until the end of the Mandate in 1959. This began the period of the First Republic.

The First Republic was de-facto established, shortly after the Nautaryan Revolution began, as a means of controlling the flow of equipment and men into the region to combat the Nautaryan uprising. Largely administrated by ethnic Aininians and other foreigners, the country existed in a militarized "state of exception" as militia fighters and revolutionaries from Nautarya entered the country. Besides a slow boil of rising ethnic and religious tensions, nothing particularly interesting happens. The First Republic ends when the Nautaryan Revolution ends and there's a referendum on independence, which succeeds. Most of the foreign population leaves the country before turning over control to the local population. The remainder are largely assimilated into the local Arab population.

The Second Republic, created at the height of the Nautaryan Revolution, was essentially established by Ainin. As a result of this, the country faced significant stability from the outset, as all the ethnicities and religious communities sought to solidify their control over the region. The country was also severely fractured politically, with many political groups fighting one another for supremacy in the country, as the region suffered regime change after regime change. Seven presidents would come and go during this period, three being assassinated, four being removed via coup d'etat. The final coup d'etat of the Second Republic, occurring in 1971, led to strongman Col. Raheem Abu Mossed al-Sariqi taking power.

A staunch secularist with the backing of the military al-Sariqi effectively pacified the country for over two decades. He voluntarily stepped down as President in 1995 due to failing health and left the country shortly after. The country promptly imploded into ethnic and religious infighting once more. The conflict, known as the Nehranese Civil War, ended in 2002 when the Organisation for Nautasian Unity - and other world powers - brought the warring groups to the negotiating table in the city of Qarha and brought an end to the conflict. The resulting agreement became known as the Treaty of Qarha. Historians tend to accept this as the end of the Third Republic.

The Fourth Republic was created following the inaugural elections of 2003. Since then, the country has been quietly rebuilding from the civil war. The vast majority of the more financially productive regions of the country were rebuilt on Foreign Direct Investments, while the other regions of the country languished in abject poverty. The powers of the Federal Council have been threatened more and more often as of late, as many of the decentralized governments build up their extralegal paramilitary groups and extremists threaten to fight for separation. Tensions within the country remain high.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article).
Here, here, and here.* I also made this a while back. And this too.

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 nation filled with Arabs, Berbers, and Zulu people screeching at each other over land while Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Animists screech at each over for not "following the right religion" and extremists screech at everyone for not being extreme enough. All while the Federal Council is essentially frozen, wondering whether today is the day to declare a state of emergency and arguing amongst itself over political issues - only agreeing on something long enough to stave off political collapse.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Probably the financial ties it has with other nations. These ties essentially would necessitate the status quo being maintained over all else.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: The political situation. It's entirely too fragile for its own good.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Not too sure really, though if I had to guess I'd say that the economy might be too strong given the circumstances.

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, though "roleplaying" for me means mainly news-posting/responding to events in the form of a news-post. I can do IC posting though, if needed.
How did you hear about Esquarium?: I was in it.
Names of other NS accounts: None
Discord username (N/A if none): Holyfordus
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Petrea

Anything else to add? (optional): Comparisons to Nautarya can definitely be made, and I'll acknowledge that it formed a good deal of my initial idea, my final idea is more along the lines of a Yugo-Israel.
*Spanish/Cortoguayan is contingent on there being a Spanish power existing IC currently. If there isn't consider, it nixed.
*Most regions of the country are incredibly impoverished, so this number obviously doesn't bear out nationwide.
*All mentions of foreign nations are purely tentative and are an attempt to create some sort of tangible lore in the region that makes sense. I'm perfectly okay with removing mentions of them/finding other nations if need be. I simply wrote what I projected would make the most sense historically IC.
*Made under a former account.

by **Sharafi Arab Republic** » Sun Apr 22, 2018 2:47 am

____________________

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

Country name: Sharafi Arab Republic
Government system: Presidential Republic with a working deomcracy
Population: 16,232,871
Language(s): Arabic, Berber,
Ethnic composition: 67% Arab, 20% Berber. 10% Ma'dan, 3% Hebrew
GDP per capita: $43,750
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): Still working this out with Arzoz

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: 0.765
Gini coefficient: 0.44
Major resources: Oil, Coal, Dates, Animal products, gemstones, cereals
Major imports: Electronics, Vehicles, Military equipment
Military personnel: total active: 103,100
reserve: 66,800
paramilitary: 18,360
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Mix of western and eastern tech, not completely modern but by no means outdated (IRL equivalent Jordan or Egypt)
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Somewhat aligned towards Ainin and other "western" states, interventionist in Nautasian conflicts.

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 Sharafi Arabic Republic (Arabic: جمهورية الشرف العربية, ), often simply referred to as Sharaf, is a sovereign state in Nautasia bordered by Nautarya to the north, Mazaristan to the east and the Union of Nautasian Islamic Republics to the south. With an estimated population of over 16 million, Sharaf is one of the smaller nations in the subregion. The capital city of Sharaf is Riad, while the largest city is Tel el-Rabi.

Sharaf is a developing nation, with a moderate gdppc and high human development index. Much of the Sharafi economy is dependent upon the nation's ports, mining for precious metals, oil exports and industrial production. This diverse but not highly developed economy has proven to be resilient to changes in global markets but consistently makes low growth rates. Politically, Sharaf is a functional presidential republic with a highly regarded democratic process and transparent government. Sharafi citizens are guaranteed human rights, setting Sharaf apart from many of its neighbours. Sharaf is a secular state, despite the presence of a clear Sunni majority, and religious freedom is guaranteed by the constitution. In international relations, Sharaf prides itself on its unaligned position, though it has been accused by Ankoreni officials of being part of the "Aininian-Luziycan Colonial Axis". The current leader of Sharaf is President Abdelaziz el-Chabab of the Arab Republican Congress.

The Sharafi civilisation has developed over millennia, beginning with the Arabic settlers who established the settlement of Rashiq (now modern day Riad) early in the first millennium BCE, establishing a small state that was an early naval power in Nautasia before collapsing after almost 700 years. After this time the area descended into a time of disunity known as the Seven-Scimitars Era due to the seven dominant city states that arose. Islam came to Sharaf and the city-states were quickly united, beginning a time of stability until forces from Ainin arrived and defeated the Sultanate of Sharaf in 1823. Whilst nominally independent, Sharaf stayed under the control of Ainin due to its establishment of a Protectorate over the sultanate. There were many campaigns that tried to eliminate foreign influence in Sharaf. During these independence campaigns, Islam took a powerful position as religion was a way for the Sharafi to maintain their traditions. Most famous of these movements was the Mullah Qasim Insurgency, where a Berber mullah led an army of over 20,000 fanatics in an attack on several colonial forts before being crushed at the Battle of Hikray. In the Volatile Century the Sharafi independence movement entered a new phase, known as the "war of pens and paper" as intellectuals began to bring political ideologies to the Sharafi people in an attempt to inspire an independence movement. The main voice for Sharafi independence was Wahab el-Nayef, an Arab nationalist and socialist. He organised a society called "Janbiya", Arabic for "Dagger", and began to plot an independent state that could ignite a pan-Arab revolution. Janbiya militants began agitating support among the working classes, leading to mass strikes and riots that crippled the Sharafi economy. Faced with the threat of further violence, in 1962 the colonial administration agreed to Nayef's Janbiya Constitution which gave Sharaf independence and set up the basic framework for the current state. This constitution was admended in 1967 at the start of Nayef's second term in office, with the Constitution of 1967 serving as the legal basis of the Sharafi state. Sharaf has remained an oasis of stability among the states of Nautasia, as while there has been conflict between the government and insurgents this has been on a small scale and localised.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article). RP Post: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=297629&p=33776237#p33776237
Trashy Buzzfeedeqsue News: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=337003&p=33802843#p33802843

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

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: I can see Sharaf as a moderate player in Esquarium, being quite influential in Nautasia due to its wealth and technological advantages but having a minimal overseas power projection. It will probably be a close ally to Mazaristan and potential foil for UNIR aggression in Nautasia.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: It is better off economically and politically than its neighbours, as well as being open to the west. This means that it will be in a strong position in Nautasia and will be able to win wars.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: It is small and therefore is still dwarfed by the UNIR and its neighbours. Its open political system can be manipulated by opponents, as can the ethnic minorities.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: It is well developed and richer than most of its neighbours.

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?: Through Nunalik
Names of other NS accounts: Nunalik, Negarakita
Discord username (N/A if none): Bhikk (BigTurk [nuna] in Esq)
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Arzoa

Anything else to add? (optional): If you want more done on Nunalik before this can be accepted tell me and I will do more then reapply

by **Kheratia** » Sun Apr 22, 2018 5:30 pm

____________________

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

Country name: People's Republic of Kheratia
Government system: Semi-presidential federal republic
Population: 23.3 million
Language(s): Some sort of Buryat-Mongol hybrid, various native and regional languages
Ethnic composition: 52.9% Turkic, 41.4% Slavic, 3.5% Mongol, 2.2% Other
GDP per capita: $7,747 (Nominal)
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): Here.

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: 0.693
Gini coefficient: 32.4
Major resources: Crude oil, natural gas, mineral ores, mineral fuels
Major imports: Processed foods, vehicles, machinery, clothing, electronics, fruit
Military personnel: 142,300 personnel in the armed forces, 65,800 paramilitary personnel
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Kheratia operates largely Soviet-era equipment but is looking to modernize the military. The Ministry of Defence and the Chief of Staff of the People's Army of Kheratia has outlined a plan to expand domestic defence industries as well as modernise or replace outdated equipment. The current budget is set at $5.4 billion, although it is expected to double over the next decade

The Ground Forces are the largest branch of the Kheratian Armed Forces with 109,900 personnel. It's primary goal currently is the defence of the sovereignty and the territory of Kheratia. Included in its arsenal are 3,411 main battle tanks of varying battlefield readiness, 3,196 infantry fighting vehicles of varying battlefield readiness, 2,553 armoured personnel carriers of varying battlefield readiness, 739 towed artillery pieces, 557 self-propelled artillery pieces and 461 self-propelled multiple rocket launcher systems. In addition, there are numerous surface-to-air missile systems, transport and support vehicles in service.

Although considered part of the Ground Forces, Kheratia possesses a small force of Airborne Troops. The force composes five brigades and has 179 dedicated air assault vehicles.

The Kheratian Air Force is composed of 29,800 personnel and has approximately 1,252 aircraft and helicopters in its fleet, the majority of which are in storage.

The Kheratian Navy is basically a floating scrapyard.

Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Kheratia actively supports other left-wing regimes around Esquarium and actively opposes the "agenda of decadence" promoted by Esquarium's liberal democracies. However, a lack of power projection outside its immediate neighbours results in difficulties in terms of actually backing up foreign nations, and largely makes statements that are little more than political virtue signalling. However, Kheratia can and does engage in material assistance to friendly regimes, in the form of resource transfers, such as the provision of oil, natural gas and minerals.

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. Kheratia is a single-party, semi-presidential federal state located in west Borea. Officially Khulanism is the official ideology of the People's Revolutionary Party, the only legal political party in Kheratia. Khulanism is a left-wing ideology primarily based on the beliefs of revolutionary figure Batbayar Khulankhüü Ulkhümüs. It differs from contemporary political thoughts in a few ways, for example placing the importance of law and order during the revolution and establishing a temporary dictatorship in order to bring about a new civil order.

Kheratia is governed primarily by a tiered system of government with increasing power for each tier. The lowest of these tiers is the People's Khural, Kheratia's 350 member unicameral legislature. In most respects the People's Khural is a rubber stamp legislature for legislation, policies and directives issued by the Central Revolutionary Council and the Supreme Leader. All of the members of the People's Khural are elected to their positions from registered People's Revolutionary Party members in geographic constituencies. Term lengths are four years and are renewable once.

The second highest of these tiers is the Central Revolutionary Council, an extra-parliamentary council composed of 18 members elected or appointed to their position by either the People's Khural or the Supreme Leader respectively. The Council essentially functions as an authoritative body and as a de facto cabinet, with powers to control and shape government policy. In addition, the Council acts as a de facto constitutional court which can interpret and amend the Constitution. The Central Revolutionary Council is divided among the three primary ethnic groupings within Kheratia: Turkic peoples, Slavic peoples and Mongol peoples.

The Supreme Leader is the highest authority in Kheratia. They have powers to table legislation in the People's Khural, draft and present policy directives to the Central Revolutionary Council, appoint and dismiss the Chairman of the Central Revolutionary Council. In addition, executive powers such as vetoing and approving law passed by the People's Khural. The Supreme Leader is elected to a term of five years and is elected by the sitting members of the Central Revolutionary Council.

Ethnically, Kheratia is split between three main groups: Talakhünüd, Tsorigtol and the West Borean peoples. The Talakhünüd are the largest of these groups, composing approximately 52.9% of the population. West Boreans are the second largest people group at 41.4% and Tsorigtol are the smallest at 3.5%. Within these groups are smaller people groups, tribal groups and other ethnicities. Non-Kheratians compose 2.2% of the population and largely consist of expats, foreign residents and ethnic groups not related to the three main groupings.

Unlike other leftist states, Kheratia has not adopted and imposed a policy of atheism but allowed traditional religions and other established faiths to remain largely free of government interference. Despite this, 21.3% of the population is officially atheist or irreligious. The largest religious group within Kheratia is Shamanism, divided between traditional shamanism and Bö Kherat. Christianity is the second largest religious group with 27.4% adhering principally to Apolistic Catholicism. 5.4% of the population adhere to minor religions, principally Tastanism.

Economically Kheratia is a moderately sized economy, with a GDP (PPP) of $351.53 billion and a nominal GDP of $181.17 billion. This makes Kheratia a middle income country with a GDP per capita (PPP) of ₮1,529,908 ($15,033) and a nominal GDP per capita of ₮788,412 ($7,747). The currency of Kheratia is the Tükhèreèn [톻얶어언] (₮), which has an exchange rate of ₮101.77 per dollar. Kheratia is a partially industrialised nation with the principally Slavic west being the most industrialised part of the country. Manufacturing and heavy industries play a key part in the economy in the Slavic part. In addition, Kheratia is very reliant on resource extraction and has significant reserves of crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium as well as minerals such as copper and tin. Agriculture is particularly underdeveloped and is largely pastoral despite the fertility of the soils found in the central and centre-west of the country. In the north, the southern fringes of the Borean taiga allow for an economically significant but globally modest forestry industry.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article). Y'all know how I write.

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

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: Kheratia will be an important player geopolitically in Western Borea as has a sizeable economy and natural resource reserves. Globally it is not as important as it lacks any power projection or any way to influence international geopolitics beyond withdrawl or cutting of production of important natural resources. It also seeks to be the leading left wing nation, or at least on equal footing with Namor and stands opposed to capitalism, monarchy and other "oppressive, imperialist" regimes.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Massive reserves of natural resources, space.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Not very well populated, poor infrastructure, disparity and resentment between the Slavic and Turkic/Mongol populations, no military projection, dated military equipment, overly authoritarian and corrupt government.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: In terms of natural resources at least, it has a lot.

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?: Already here.
Names of other NS accounts: Costa Fierro, Sassau
Discord username (N/A if none): Swastria
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Costa Fiero

Anything else to add? (optional): I promise this is it guys. If not you can do whatever you want with me.

by **Tuthina** » Sun Apr 22, 2018 5:35 pm

The Nehran wrote:
(Image)
____________________

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

Country name: Fourth Republic of the Nehran but more commonly known as the Republic of the Nehran
Government system: De-jure Federal presidential republic but a De-facto Confederation with a quasi-directoral executive
Population: 9,269,612 as of the 2017 estimation
Language(s): Arabic, Zulu/Findolese, French/Aininian, Spanish/Cortoguayan/Intermarian*, Amazigh/Badawin
Ethnic composition: 45% Arab-Berber, 20% Arabs, 15% Berber, 10% Findolese, 5% Caucasian, 5% Other
GDP per capita: ~$10,952.18*
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): Essentially a 1:1 conversion of Saheil. | Now with IMGUR link.

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: 0.700
Gini coefficient: 51.1
Major resources: Primarily oil and petrochemicals, with the remainder being high-technology products, textiles, medical manufacturing, and machine parts.
Major imports: Raw materials, military equipment, investment goods, rough diamonds, grain, consumer goods.
Military personnel: The country's constitution mandates a standing military force of ~25,000 at any given time. However, there are severe restrictions and limitations as to when, where, and how they can operate. This effectively makes them more of an advanced gendarmerie and are only able to operate "freely" during times of 'national crisis', as deemed by both the Federal Council and the Treaty of Qarha. There is a further reserve of approximately 175,000 due to national service and training laws. There is also a myriad of paramilitary groups and militias within the country, but these groups are autonomous and are largely operating out of the scope of the national government and are thus unable to be effectively audited. It is estimated that there are roughly between 750,000 and 1,200,000 armed paramilitaries.
Types of equipment and military capabilities: The primary armed forces for the country, the Nehrani National Defence Forces (NNDF) are primarily utilizing late-90s, early-2000s equipment, with the Republican Guards and Special Forces utilizing up to date equipment. The various militias and paramilitary groups in the country largely receive their arms from illegally obtained military surplus and black market arms trading. As a result, significant disparities appear from group to group - and often times even from soldier to soldier.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): The country's constitution, known as the Treaty of Qarha, mandates a strict non-interventionist foreign policy and leaves all war-making decisions to the Federal Council - the quasi-directorial executive of the country. Due to the political makeup of the FC, it's largely unable to agree on such matters. As a result, significant amounts of the national foreign policy is de-facto decentralized to the country's constituent regions. Largely carried out by paramilitary groups, competing policies make the nation's de-facto opinion confusing at best. It's generally best to assume that the central government has taken a more neutral stance than any other.

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 history of Nehran can effectively be summarised in 7 distinct periods: the Vassal Period, the pre-Mandate Period, the Mandate Period, First Republican Period, Second Republican Period, Third Republican Period, and the Fourth Republican Period. In the Vassal Period, Proto-Bantu/Findolese people move north from modern-day Nautarya and settle along the northern regions along what some historians call the Bantu Coast. They established small villages along the more habitable regions of the coast, such as the Bay of Haffa, that eventually came to be the outer regions of the Great Njabulo. This began the Vassal Period. Later, following the collapse of the Great Njabulo, the region became largely under the influence of the Desert Confederacy. Both the Confederacy and the Late Njabulo lost control of the region during the expansion of Islam into the region by Arab warriors from Mazaristan. The region was later fully annexed into the First Caliphate, coming under the control of the Sultanate of Nautarya following the breakdown of the Caliphate. This began the Pre-Mandate Period.

The region was relatively calm during the period of control by the Sultanate, though the first religious tensions began to trickle in with an influx of Christian and Jewish converts to the region. Like most of the Sultanate of Nautarya, portions of the region were swept up by Ainin during the Corsair War and made into a de-facto Protectorate by the East Notasia Company. International companies and corporations began to flood into the Protectorate, with rival companies setting up jurisdictions over their claims. These companies eventually came into conflict, known as the First War of the Expeditions, which killed many in the region. Eventually, an agreement was made creating numerous international legations. Still predominantly controlled by Ainin, the region was then known as Mandatory Nehran. Thus began the Mandatory Period.

Religious tensions escalated during the Mandatory Period, particularly post-1945, as more and more Jews, Christians, and Muslims flooded into the region during the famine of that year as well as the conflict of the subsequent Notasian Desert War. The tensions broke into open conflict between rival ethnic and religious communities as they quarreled over territory. This ultimately led to the Second War of the Expeditions to pacify the region. The region effectively existed as a series of garrisoned towns and cities until the end of the Mandate in 1959. This began the period of the First Republic.

The First Republic was de-facto established, shortly after the Nautaryan Revolution began, as a means of controlling the flow of equipment and men into the region to combat the Nautaryan uprising. Largely administrated by ethnic Aininians and other foreigners, the country existed in a militarized "state of exception" as militia fighters and revolutionaries from Nautarya entered the country. Besides a slow boil of rising ethnic and religious tensions, nothing particularly interesting happens. The First Republic ends when the Nautaryan Revolution ends and there's a referendum on independence, which succeeds. Most of the foreign population leaves the country before turning over control to the local population. The remainder are largely assimilated into the local Arab population.

The Second Republic, created at the height of the Nautaryan Revolution, was essentially established by Ainin. As a result of this, the country faced significant stability from the outset, as all the ethnicities and religious communities sought to solidify their control over the region. The country was also severely fractured politically, with many political groups fighting one another for supremacy in the country, as the region suffered regime change after regime change. Seven presidents would come and go during this period, three being assassinated, four being removed via coup d'etat. The final coup d'etat of the Second Republic, occurring in 1971, led to strongman Col. Raheem Abu Mossed al-Sariqi taking power.

A staunch secularist with the backing of the military al-Sariqi effectively pacified the country for over two decades. He voluntarily stepped down as President in 1995 due to failing health and left the country shortly after. The country promptly imploded into ethnic and religious infighting once more. The conflict, known as the Nehranese Civil War, ended in 2002 when the Organisation for Nautasian Unity - and other world powers - brought the warring groups to the negotiating table in the city of Qarha and brought an end to the conflict. The resulting agreement became known as the Treaty of Qarha. Historians tend to accept this as the end of the Third Republic.

The Fourth Republic was created following the inaugural elections of 2003. Since then, the country has been quietly rebuilding from the civil war. The vast majority of the more financially productive regions of the country were rebuilt on Foreign Direct Investments, while the other regions of the country languished in abject poverty. The powers of the Federal Council have been threatened more and more often as of late, as many of the decentralized governments build up their extralegal paramilitary groups and extremists threaten to fight for separation. Tensions within the country remain high.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article).
Here, here, and here.* I also made this a while back. And this too.

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 nation filled with Arabs, Berbers, and Zulu people screeching at each other over land while Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Animists screech at each over for not "following the right religion" and extremists screech at everyone for not being extreme enough. All while the Federal Council is essentially frozen, wondering whether today is the day to declare a state of emergency and arguing amongst itself over political issues - only agreeing on something long enough to stave off political collapse.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Probably the financial ties it has with other nations. These ties essentially would necessitate the status quo being maintained over all else.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: The political situation. It's entirely too fragile for its own good.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Not too sure really, though if I had to guess I'd say that the economy might be too strong given the circumstances.

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, though "roleplaying" for me means mainly news-posting/responding to events in the form of a news-post. I can do IC posting though, if needed.
How did you hear about Esquarium?: I was in it.
Names of other NS accounts: None
Discord username (N/A if none): Holyfordus
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Petrea

Anything else to add? (optional): Comparisons to Nautarya can definitely be made, and I'll acknowledge that it formed a good deal of my initial idea, my final idea is more along the lines of a Yugo-Israel.
*Spanish/Cortoguayan is contingent on there being a Spanish power existing IC currently. If there isn't consider, it nixed.
*Most regions of the country are incredibly impoverished, so this number obviously doesn't bear out nationwide.
*All mentions of foreign nations are purely tentative and are an attempt to create some sort of tangible lore in the region that makes sense. I'm perfectly okay with removing mentions of them/finding other nations if need be. I simply wrote what I projected would make the most sense historically IC.
*Made under a former account.

First approval.

Kheratia wrote:
(Image)
____________________

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

Country name: People's Republic of Kheratia
Government system: Semi-presidential federal republic
Population: 23.3 million
Language(s): Some sort of Buryat-Mongol hybrid, various native and regional languages
Ethnic composition: 52.9% Turkic, 41.4% Slavic, 3.5% Mongol, 2.2% Other
GDP per capita: $7,747 (Nominal)
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): Here.

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: 0.693
Gini coefficient: 32.4
Major resources: Crude oil, natural gas, mineral ores, mineral fuels
Major imports: Processed foods, vehicles, machinery, clothing, electronics, fruit
Military personnel: 142,300 personnel in the armed forces, 65,800 paramilitary personnel
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Kheratia operates largely Soviet-era equipment but is looking to modernize the military. The Ministry of Defence and the Chief of Staff of the People's Army of Kheratia has outlined a plan to expand domestic defence industries as well as modernise or replace outdated equipment. The current budget is set at $5.4 billion, although it is expected to double over the next decade

The Ground Forces are the largest branch of the Kheratian Armed Forces with 109,900 personnel. It's primary goal currently is the defence of the sovereignty and the territory of Kheratia. Included in its arsenal are 3,411 main battle tanks of varying battlefield readiness, 3,196 infantry fighting vehicles of varying battlefield readiness, 2,553 armoured personnel carriers of varying battlefield readiness, 739 towed artillery pieces, 557 self-propelled artillery pieces and 461 self-propelled multiple rocket launcher systems. In addition, there are numerous surface-to-air missile systems, transport and support vehicles in service.

Although considered part of the Ground Forces, Kheratia possesses a small force of Airborne Troops. The force composes five brigades and has 179 dedicated air assault vehicles.

The Kheratian Air Force is composed of 29,800 personnel and has approximately 1,252 aircraft and helicopters in its fleet, the majority of which are in storage.

The Kheratian Navy is basically a floating scrapyard.

Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Kheratia actively supports other left-wing regimes around Esquarium and actively opposes the "agenda of decadence" promoted by Esquarium's liberal democracies. However, a lack of power projection outside its immediate neighbours results in difficulties in terms of actually backing up foreign nations, and largely makes statements that are little more than political virtue signalling. However, Kheratia can and does engage in material assistance to friendly regimes, in the form of resource transfers, such as the provision of oil, natural gas and minerals.

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. Kheratia is a single-party, semi-presidential federal state located in west Borea. Officially Khulanism is the official ideology of the People's Revolutionary Party, the only legal political party in Kheratia. Khulanism is a left-wing ideology primarily based on the beliefs of revolutionary figure Batbayar Khulankhüü Ulkhümüs. It differs from contemporary political thoughts in a few ways, for example placing the importance of law and order during the revolution and establishing a temporary dictatorship in order to bring about a new civil order.

Kheratia is governed primarily by a tiered system of government with increasing power for each tier. The lowest of these tiers is the People's Khural, Kheratia's 350 member unicameral legislature. In most respects the People's Khural is a rubber stamp legislature for legislation, policies and directives issued by the Central Revolutionary Council and the Supreme Leader. All of the members of the People's Khural are elected to their positions from registered People's Revolutionary Party members in geographic constituencies. Term lengths are four years and are renewable once.

The second highest of these tiers is the Central Revolutionary Council, an extra-parliamentary council composed of 18 members elected or appointed to their position by either the People's Khural or the Supreme Leader respectively. The Council essentially functions as an authoritative body and as a de facto cabinet, with powers to control and shape government policy. In addition, the Council acts as a de facto constitutional court which can interpret and amend the Constitution. The Central Revolutionary Council is divided among the three primary ethnic groupings within Kheratia: Turkic peoples, Slavic peoples and Mongol peoples.

The Supreme Leader is the highest authority in Kheratia. They have powers to table legislation in the People's Khural, draft and present policy directives to the Central Revolutionary Council, appoint and dismiss the Chairman of the Central Revolutionary Council. In addition, executive powers such as vetoing and approving law passed by the People's Khural. The Supreme Leader is elected to a term of five years and is elected by the sitting members of the Central Revolutionary Council.

Ethnically, Kheratia is split between three main groups: Talakhünüd, Tsorigtol and the West Borean peoples. The Talakhünüd are the largest of these groups, composing approximately 52.9% of the population. West Boreans are the second largest people group at 41.4% and Tsorigtol are the smallest at 3.5%. Within these groups are smaller people groups, tribal groups and other ethnicities. Non-Kheratians compose 2.2% of the population and largely consist of expats, foreign residents and ethnic groups not related to the three main groupings.

Unlike other leftist states, Kheratia has not adopted and imposed a policy of atheism but allowed traditional religions and other established faiths to remain largely free of government interference. Despite this, 21.3% of the population is officially atheist or irreligious. The largest religious group within Kheratia is Shamanism, divided between traditional shamanism and Bö Kherat. Christianity is the second largest religious group with 27.4% adhering principally to Apolistic Catholicism. 5.4% of the population adhere to minor religions, principally Tastanism.

Economically Kheratia is a moderately sized economy, with a GDP (PPP) of $351.53 billion and a nominal GDP of $181.17 billion. This makes Kheratia a middle income country with a GDP per capita (PPP) of ₮1,529,908 ($15,033) and a nominal GDP per capita of ₮788,412 ($7,747). The currency of Kheratia is the Tükhèreèn [톻얶어언] (₮), which has an exchange rate of ₮101.77 per dollar. Kheratia is a partially industrialised nation with the principally Slavic west being the most industrialised part of the country. Manufacturing and heavy industries play a key part in the economy in the Slavic part. In addition, Kheratia is very reliant on resource extraction and has significant reserves of crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium as well as minerals such as copper and tin. Agriculture is particularly underdeveloped and is largely pastoral despite the fertility of the soils found in the central and centre-west of the country. In the north, the southern fringes of the Borean taiga allow for an economically significant but globally modest forestry industry.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article). Y'all know how I write.

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

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: Kheratia will be an important player geopolitically in Western Borea as has a sizeable economy and natural resource reserves. Globally it is not as important as it lacks any power projection or any way to influence international geopolitics beyond withdrawl or cutting of production of important natural resources. It also seeks to be the leading left wing nation, or at least on equal footing with Namor and stands opposed to capitalism, monarchy and other "oppressive, imperialist" regimes.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Massive reserves of natural resources, space.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Not very well populated, poor infrastructure, disparity and resentment between the Slavic and Turkic/Mongol populations, no military projection, dated military equipment, overly authoritarian and corrupt government.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: In terms of natural resources at least, it has a lot.

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?: Already here.
Names of other NS accounts: Costa Fierro, Sassau
Discord username (N/A if none): Swastria
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Costa Fiero

Anything else to add? (optional): I promise this is it guys. If not you can do whatever you want with me.

First approval.

by **Karazawa** » Mon Apr 23, 2018 12:15 pm

____________________

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

Country name: The Syndicalists Calpultin of the Lazarene Peoples (SCLP) or the Calpōltin Lazarene Mācēhualtin (CLM)
Government system: Syndicalist Republic
Population: 40 millions
Language(s): Nahuatl
Ethnic composition: Nahuas, Bantus
GDP per capita: 15,000 USD
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://imgur.com/K39GC7c

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: none yet
Gini coefficient: none yet
Major resources: various minerals, coal, crops, metallurgy.
Major imports: electronics compounds, cars, transformed products...
Military personnel: not defined yet
Types of equipment and military capabilities: not defined yet
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): “worker of the world, unite !” but less so than once upon a time.

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 original commercial hubs

During the 13th and 14th centuries, two powers were rising in the Erechi Peninsula : the Atlan Confederation and the Karazawi Caconzicua. The Atlan Confederation was the Hegemon of the east coast, with clients states from the Moltot cities to the south, to the northern settlements of Chichimeca and Nahuas. During this period, it has known important trades with the rest of the Lazarene Sea, exporting many exotic products, like pelts, furs, cacao, perls, and obsidians, in exchange of luxury goods like mirrors, glasswares, and sometime but rarely weapons.

Nahuas trading hubs had existed prior to the Atlan Confederation all along the Western Nautasian coast, trading with the Bantus populations here and there along with Latin traders. But when the rule of the Atlan Huetlatoani expanded over the continent, these settlements started to become a point of conflict between the Confederation, the Aininian Kingdom wo had many commercial interest in the region, and the local Bantu Lords. It was one of the many conflicts that served as a Casus Belli for the Kingdom of Ainin to invade the Atlan Confederation in 1475.

The Exile and the Second Confederation

Despite the defeat of the Atlans and the disparition of the mainline of the royal dynasty, some of the Nahuas nobility managed to flee and exile themselves in the Nautasian settlements. There, they managed to establish a new confederation, change the local stewards - Calpixque- and reform the administration of the region. Under a Huey Tlatoani that is now elected, the exiled pipiltin -nobility- centralized the powers into their hands, while the royal administration was perfected with a Huey Tlatoani, helped by an assembly of the Pipiltin, establishing Huecalpixque to rule over large provinces, themselves divided into smaller territories ruled by calpixque.

The Second Confederation spent the rest of the 16th century trying to find its footing. It’s position was really fragile, having barely secured peace with Ainin, and having to play into the local politics between Bantu kings to survive. Despite the centralisation of powers of this society, the Huey Tlatoani became more and more of a figurehead as the Cihuacoatl became the leader of the executive, represented by the Council of the Four, and the Council of the Hundred, the assembly of the Pipiltin, took all legislative powers. Because of its nature as a trading kingdom, the Pochteca, or long distant merchants, class started to involve itself more and more into politics, defying the traditional structure of the Nahuas society.

On the local level, the Confederation was divided into Calpolli. It was the designation of an organizational unit below the level of the altepetl "city-state". Its inhabitants were collectively responsible for different organizational and religious tasks in relation to the larger altepetl. Calpullis controlled land which was available for calpulli members to cultivate and also operated the Tēlpochcalli schools for young men of commoner descent. Although extended families farmed the land, they usually did not own it. They were allowed to use it by the calpulli to which they belonged. Most rural calpulli were based on lineage. In other words, the members of a rural calpulli believed that they were descended from a common ancestor. In the cities, the calpulli were based more on geographical, political, and occupational similarities than lineage. In both cases, calpulli were tightly knit and sometimes were even somewhat isolated from other calpulli, both politically and physically.

During the 17th and 18th century, the culture of the Confederation diversified. While the Nahuas were still dominant, new Bantu Kingdoms were integrated as Altepetl, and Bantu or Latin Calpullis were formed in the capital and other great trading cities. Through these new immigrants, Saturnism started to spread from community to community. Despite attempt from the Huey Tlatoani to repress these groups and the missionaries spreading the religion, it wasn’t able to do so and was forced to see mass conversions happens, sometime helped by the martyrdom of its preachers.

The 18th century also saw the contestation of the idea of a divine monarchy. The idea of a hueitlatocayotl, the divine right of the monarch, was refuted by philosophers of Saturnist traditions, with a great support among the Pochteca and even some administrators and legislators. With the destruction of the last traces of the Nahuas traditional religion in the Confederation, the election of the Huey Tlatoani moved from a college of high priests to the Council of the Hundred. It kickstarted a long lasting conflict between the two councils, of the Four and of the Hundred, for power as the Cihuacoatl, akin to the Prime Minister of modern republics, fought against the attempt by the Hundred to influence his government and policies beyond the creation of new laws.

The 19th century opened on this continuous political struggle that made the Confederation unstable. Unable to keep up, the Cihuacoatl left the control of the border to military governors, the Cuauhtlatoani. Unable to count on the Government, too preoccupied with petty conflicts and political plots, the Calpixque started to rely less and less on their superior and more on the local councils made of the heads of the Calpullis, which were sometime elected by the neighborhoods or the trades they represented.

Calpulli Syndicalism and birth of the CLM

Cahual Mactzin theorized, between 1850 and his death in the 1880s, the ideology that would come to be known as the “Calpulli Syndicalism”. disciple of Huemac, he applied the ideas of his master to his vision of history and of politics. The Industrialisation of the country had led to major social change and because of his participation in numerous manifestation and riots, and for the diffusion of his ideas that became more and more populars, he was forced into exiled and died unable to return to the Confederation.

In 1896, the Calpixqui of Amacozcatl and his administrators were killed during a violent revolt of the city’s Calpullis. Despite attempt by the Topileh (police force) to restore order, the revolted sized the factories, public places and buildings, and forced the loyalists from the local administration or population to flee the city. This kickstarted the Revolution of the Calpulli, that ended with the death of the Huey Tlatoani, of the Cihuacoatl, of two out of four members of the Council of the Four, and the disbanding of the Council of the Hundred. Important political purges, more or less controlled, happened and a “new generation” (yolcayotl telpochyotl) took place as Calpullis elected their representatives, and these formed municipal councils whom elected their new Calpixque. The charge of Huecalpixqui disappeared, and the Council of the Hundred was replaced with a Tribunal of the Calpultin (Tlahtōlōyān Calpōltin) and the Council of the Four was reestablished, but whom its member were elected by the Tribunal. All these elections took place after the creation of the new “Red Constitution” in 1901 (Chilpatzcaltic Nahuatilli).

However, the war was not finished and conflict continued between with the leftover of the old royal army, whom there and there committed act of banditry and the massacres of towns or settlements judged to be populated with “red brigands”. The people would have to wait 1920 for the fights to truly end, the general weakness of the new system and the internal conflicts between the factions only slowed down the pacification.

One of the Red Warlord, title given to the generals of the Syndicalists Army, Nanahuatzin, was elected Cihuacoatl by the Tribunal after his many victories over the royalists forces. He started to push forth a politics of “Fast Recovery” (Ihciuhcā Pahtlāliliih) of the country, now named the Syndicalists Calpultin of the Lazarene Peoples (SCLP) Calpōltin Lazarene Mācēhualtin in Nahuatl.
The Fast Recovery Policy lead by the Calpultin was aimed to rebuilt the infrastructures destroyed by the war and under a nationalisation of the industries and farms, to continue the industrialisation of the country that had been stopped in its tracks. Nanahuatzin also seeked out all “spies” and “enemies of the workers”, making sure to fit personal and political enemies in these categories. With the loyalty of the army, of the police, and of the secret services he organized, Nanahuatzin managed to place his friends and partisans at all the level of the administrations, and to be re-elected Cihuacoatl a total of four time, for a total of 30 years in power. The position of Huecalpixqui was recreated. Unelected, their task was to supervize and control the Calpixque of their provinces.

Modern days

When Nanahutzin died in 1951 a few month before his reelection, the CLM had become an industrial economy. But the system he had built started to crumble without his charismatic figure to stabilize it. Various Calputlin started to ask for more freedom in their gestion of “their” factories and farms. Unable to control the situation, Motelchiuh, the designed successor of Nanahutzin, resigned and in his wake was elected Tlecoyōtl. Despite not being of the “Nanhutzin Clan”, Tlecoyotl managed to satisfy the military and police forces by maintaining a quasi-dictatorial system, profiting of Motelchiuh resignation and the lack of strong figurehead to unite them, while allowing the Calpultin to have more control in their factories, farms, and trades in general. He still at first tried to maintain fixed priced for products judged of “vital to the people”, but he dropped this policy during his second mandate, unable to maintain the grip Nanahutzin had over the country.

To this day, the CLM continue in his wake, trying to open itself while protecting itself from “unwarranted capitalist influence”. This dilemma continue and is reinforced by the “ethnic question”, with the Nahuas being the majority in all institution of the CLM, despite representing between 45 to 48 percent of the population, the rest being Bantus or people of mixed ancestry.

TL;DR : Nahuas Soviet Syndicalist in Africa.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article).
viewtopic.php?p=33724028#p33724028
viewtopic.php?p=33820935#p33820935

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

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?:
I imagined the CLM to complete the roaster of syndicalists nations, after the disparition of its “powerhouse”, such as Alemannia or Narmada, while exploring a theme I had in time for a long time.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Good economic opportunities, relatively stable, good secret services and police, a great healthcare and retirement system, free public transport.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Internationally isolated, an army past its prime, ethnics or political tensions waiting to blow even if still weak, a lack of charismatic leader for this generation. Coal might still be used for energy, a relatively small internal market.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: I don’t think it is overpowered by any metric, but if it is thought as such, I’d do the classic : reduce the army, make the economy weaker, the government more unstable and mined by political conflicts...

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): roleplaying and worldbuilding equally
How did you hear about Esquarium?: You know me
Names of other NS accounts: You know it
Discord username (N/A if none): Devink
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Karazawa

Anything else to add? (optional):

by **Nagytur** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 12:05 am

Tuthina wrote:
Nagytur wrote:smip

First approval, though it's unlikely that mundane human rights violation would raise too much eyebrows in Esquarium given their commonality. I also recommend against having Jews in your country unless there is a reason why they are there, and have to be there.

Also, Attila?

Hm alright. Is because I want it to a reason? And yes, Attila. It’s a common Hungarian name.

by **Qianrong** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 8:27 am

Nagytur wrote:
Tuthina wrote:First approval, though it's unlikely that mundane human rights violation would raise too much eyebrows in Esquarium given their commonality. I also recommend against having Jews in your country unless there is a reason why they are there, and have to be there.

Also, Attila?

Hm alright. Is because I want it to a reason? And yes, Attila. It’s a common Hungarian name.

If your nation's concept somehow integrally revolved around specifically containing Jews, then consideration might be given to letting you have them; but, if the Jewish minority could easily be replaced by some other group (either a different RL group or a group of your own creation), or if it's not particularly integral to the nation that there be an ostracized religious minority, and the best reason you can come up with is "because I want it to", then you don't have a particularly compelling reason to keep them.

by **Xiaodong** » Thu Apr 26, 2018 7:48 am

Sharafi Arab Republic wrote:-snip-

The application generally looks fine but there are a few clarifications and changes that would be appreciated
-The GDP per capita is very high being on the level of a very developed country - it would be appreciated if it was in the realm of $30k similar to "high income" developing countries such as Turkey and Malaysia
-It needs a solid map claim before it can be approved.
-What is meant by it having an "interventionist" foreign policy? Is it directly militarily intervening in military conflicts and if so on which side supporting what kind of agenda? What wars is it fighting that will "win" in? It would be preferable if it didn't claim to be a regional power at the offset, although it can work towards that.
-What conflict is there between the government and insurgents? That would certainly result in a degree of instability and put pressure on the democratic elements political system (as the Kurdish insurgency for example has on Turkish democracy irl) and affect its reputation as a stable state.
-It would be optimal if more stuff was posted with Nuna

by **Sharafi Arab Republic** » Fri Apr 27, 2018 4:28 pm

Xiaodong wrote:
Sharafi Arab Republic wrote:-snip-

The application generally looks fine but there are a few clarifications and changes that would be appreciated
-The GDP per capita is very high being on the level of a very developed country - it would be appreciated if it was in the realm of $30k similar to "high income" developing countries such as Turkey and Malaysia
-It needs a solid map claim before it can be approved.
-What is meant by it having an "interventionist" foreign policy? Is it directly militarily intervening in military conflicts and if so on which side supporting what kind of agenda? What wars is it fighting that will "win" in? It would be preferable if it didn't claim to be a regional power at the offset, although it can work towards that.
-What conflict is there between the government and insurgents? That would certainly result in a degree of instability and put pressure on the democratic elements political system (as the Kurdish insurgency for example has on Turkish democracy irl) and affect its reputation as a stable state.
-It would be optimal if more stuff was posted with Nuna

-I will change it, is $32,418 better?
-I'll add that claim I sent to the discord, unless it was too big
-This was meant that it would be involved in conflicts like Mazaristan on the side of the government, and other civil wars like that broadly supporting the Ainin-Luz side unless it was more beneficial to not do so. I'll remove that bit and work towards it.
-The conflict I envision to be something like the Turkish one, but less intense as the threat has more or less passed. Also would be some small operations by the caliphate and affiliated groups, though these again would not be huge threats.
-OK

by **Ainin** » Sun Apr 29, 2018 9:18 pm

Map update

If you were omitted, please tell us.

by **Union of Akoren** » Mon May 07, 2018 9:05 am

BASIC INFORMATION
This is a request for: [ ] Territorial expansion | [ ] Population expansion | [ ] GDP expansion | [X] Nuclear weapons
Describe the requested increase in detail: This is not an application for an existing nuclear weapons arsenal, rather it is a request for nuclear weapons program that would have been given the go-ahead following the introduction of the EC Tariff program. As such, there is no current nuclear warhead present, but (icly) Xiaodongese assistance will significantly reduce the breakout time.
New map claim (image URL, skip if N/A):

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Why is this stat increase necessary?: Since it is a request for a program not an existing arsenal, I believe that the necessity is clear to those directly engaged in Nautasia. UNIR political dynamics see a more moderate civilian presence in the state vie for policy control with the generals of the armed forces, the introduction of tariffs and the major presence of foreign military forces on the UNIR's northern border is enough to tip the balance into allowing the military to pursue its nuclear weapons program.
What impact will this increase have on your IC nation's strength?: While the UNIR does not possess any nuclear weapons at present, a successful test and acquisition of one, would significantly alter the balance of power further into the hands of the UNIR, while I am also sure it would significantly alter the situation regarding Mazaristan. The UNIR already possesses a strong and potent ballistic weapons program, which I suspect would not take long to develop a ICBM capability, though that would come just after the development of a nuclear weapons capability, owing to most of the threat being within Nautasia itself.
How will this stat increase contribute to your roleplaying and worldbuilding?: Not majorly.

CRITICAL DISCUSSION
List at least two other ways that the desired IC benefit can be achieved: Nothing compares to the mighty power of the atom?
Critically discuss how will this stat increase may affect other nations or regional geopolitics: The biggest effect would arguably be on how certain countries deal with Mazaristan (primarily Ainin and Luziyca), local nations may well be less inclined to confront the UNIR in Mazaristan or indeed anywhere else. Whether other countries seek to develop their own nuclear weapons I can't say so myself. The development of an ICBM capability may well alter the entire EC-IFDS dynamic, and possibly give impetus to other IFDS members to develop nuclear weapons themselves.
How have you contributed towards furthering the roleplaying and worldbuilding community of the region during your presence so far?: Yes

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.

by **Tuthina** » Mon May 07, 2018 9:40 am

Union of Akoren wrote:BASIC INFORMATION
This is a request for: [ ] Territorial expansion | [ ] Population expansion | [ ] GDP expansion | [X] Nuclear weapons
Describe the requested increase in detail: This is not an application for an existing nuclear weapons arsenal, rather it is a request for nuclear weapons program that would have been given the go-ahead following the introduction of the EC Tariff program. As such, there is no current nuclear warhead present, but (icly) Xiaodongese assistance will significantly reduce the breakout time.
New map claim (image URL, skip if N/A):

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Why is this stat increase necessary?: Since it is a request for a program not an existing arsenal, I believe that the necessity is clear to those directly engaged in Nautasia. UNIR political dynamics see a more moderate civilian presence in the state vie for policy control with the generals of the armed forces, the introduction of tariffs and the major presence of foreign military forces on the UNIR's northern border is enough to tip the balance into allowing the military to pursue its nuclear weapons program.
What impact will this increase have on your IC nation's strength?: While the UNIR does not possess any nuclear weapons at present, a successful test and acquisition of one, would significantly alter the balance of power further into the hands of the UNIR, while I am also sure it would significantly alter the situation regarding Mazaristan. The UNIR already possesses a strong and potent ballistic weapons program, which I suspect would not take long to develop a ICBM capability, though that would come just after the development of a nuclear weapons capability, owing to most of the threat being within Nautasia itself.
How will this stat increase contribute to your roleplaying and worldbuilding?: Not majorly.

CRITICAL DISCUSSION
List at least two other ways that the desired IC benefit can be achieved: Nothing compares to the mighty power of the atom?
Critically discuss how will this stat increase may affect other nations or regional geopolitics: The biggest effect would arguably be on how certain countries deal with Mazaristan (primarily Ainin and Luziyca), local nations may well be less inclined to confront the UNIR in Mazaristan or indeed anywhere else. Whether other countries seek to develop their own nuclear weapons I can't say so myself. The development of an ICBM capability may well alter the entire EC-IFDS dynamic, and possibly give impetus to other IFDS members to develop nuclear weapons themselves.
How have you contributed towards furthering the roleplaying and worldbuilding community of the region during your presence so far?: Yes

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.

by **Sharafi Arab Republic** » Mon May 14, 2018 2:29 am

____________________

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

Country name: Sharafi Arab Republic
Government system: Presidential Republic with a working deomcracy
Population: 16,232,871
Language(s): Arabic, Berber,
Ethnic composition: 57% Arab, 13% Berber, 23% Black Nautasian 5% Ma'dan, 2% Hebrew
GDP per capita: $31,750
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): https://imgur.com/a/Jt90sL2

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: 0.745
Gini coefficient: 0.44
Major resources: Oil, Coal, Dates, Animal products, gemstones, cereals
Major imports: Electronics, Vehicles, Military equipment
Military personnel: total active: 103,100
reserve: 66,800
paramilitary: 18,360
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Mix of western and eastern tech, not completely modern but by no means outdated (IRL equivalent Jordan or Egypt)
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Somewhat aligned towards Ainin and other "western" states, interventionist in Nautasian conflicts.

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 Sharafi Arabic Republic (Arabic: جمهورية الشرف العربية, ), often simply referred to as Sharaf, is a sovereign state in Nautasia bordered by Nautarya to the north, Mazaristan to the east and the Union of Nautasian Islamic Republics to the south. With an estimated population of over 16 million, Sharaf is one of the smaller nations in the subregion. The capital city of Sharaf is Riad, while the largest city is Tel el-Rabi.

Sharaf is a developing nation, with a moderate gdppc and high human development index. Much of the Sharafi economy is dependent upon the nation's ports, mining for precious metals, oil exports and industrial production. This diverse but not highly developed economy has proven to be resilient to changes in global markets but consistently makes low growth rates. Politically, Sharaf is a functional presidential republic with a highly regarded democratic process and transparent government. Sharafi citizens are guaranteed human rights, setting Sharaf apart from many of its neighbours. Sharaf is a secular state, despite the presence of a clear Sunni majority, and religious freedom is guaranteed by the constitution. In international relations, Sharaf prides itself on its unaligned position, though it has been accused by Ankoreni officials of being part of the "Aininian-Luziycan Colonial Axis". The current leader of Sharaf is President Abdelaziz el-Chabab of the Arab Republican Congress.

The Sharafi civilisation has developed over millennia, beginning with the Arabic settlers who established the settlement of Rashiq (now modern day Riad) early in the first millennium BCE, establishing a small state that was an early naval power in Nautasia before collapsing after almost 700 years. After this time the area descended into a time of disunity known as the Seven-Scimitars Era due to the seven dominant city states that arose. Islam came to Sharaf and the city-states were quickly united, beginning a time of stability until forces from Ainin arrived and defeated the Sultanate of Sharaf in 1823. Whilst nominally independent, Sharaf stayed under the control of Ainin due to its establishment of a Protectorate over the sultanate. There were many campaigns that tried to eliminate foreign influence in Sharaf. During these independence campaigns, Islam took a powerful position as religion was a way for the Sharafi to maintain their traditions. Most famous of these movements was the Mullah Qasim Insurgency, where a Berber mullah led an army of over 20,000 fanatics in an attack on several colonial forts before being crushed at the Battle of Hikray. In the Volatile Century the Sharafi independence movement entered a new phase, known as the "war of pens and paper" as intellectuals began to bring political ideologies to the Sharafi people in an attempt to inspire an independence movement. The main voice for Sharafi independence was Wahab el-Nayef, an Arab nationalist and socialist. He organised a society called "Janbiya", Arabic for "Dagger", and began to plot an independent state that could ignite a pan-Arab revolution. Janbiya militants began agitating support among the working classes, leading to mass strikes and riots that crippled the Sharafi economy. Faced with the threat of further violence, in 1962 the colonial administration agreed to Nayef's Janbiya Constitution which gave Sharaf independence and set up the basic framework for the current state. This constitution was admended in 1967 at the start of Nayef's second term in office, with the Constitution of 1967 serving as the legal basis of the Sharafi state. While, comparatively, Sharaf has been a stable state in Nautasia, it is not a stable state. Insurgencies among the black nautasian and ma'dan populations cause strain on the nation's democracy, with occasionally violent flare-ups occurring in the southern provinces from time to time.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article). RP Post: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=297629&p=33776237#p33776237
Trashy Buzzfeedeqsue News: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=337003&p=33802843#p33802843

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

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: I can see Sharaf as a moderate player in Esquarium, being quite influential in Nautasia due to its wealth and technological advantages but having a minimal overseas power projection. It will probably be a close ally to Mazaristan and potential foil for UNIR aggression in Nautasia.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: It is better off economically and politically than its neighbours, as well as being open to the west. This means that it will be in a strong position in Nautasia and will be able to win wars.
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: It is small and therefore is still dwarfed by the UNIR and its neighbours. Its open political system can be manipulated by opponents, as can the ethnic minorities. As tension rises, so does the possibility of a civil war.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: It is well developed and richer than most of its neighbours.

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?: Through Nunalik
Names of other NS accounts: Nunalik, Negarakita
Discord username (N/A if none): Bhikk (Smol Whale Munchers[nuna] in Esq)
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Arzoa

Anything else to add? (optional): If you want more done on Nunalik before this can be accepted tell me and I will do more then reapply

Updated with the changes suggested and some more weakening

by **Hergemoth** » Fri May 18, 2018 1:46 am

____________________

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

Country name: Dravaža
Government system: Constitutional monarchy in which the monarch personally exercises power (de jure) Monarchical Provisional Government(De facto)
Population: 51,000,000
Language(s): Dravažan
Ethnic composition: Dravažan (Serbocroat), Ceresnian,
GDP per capita: 17,480
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link): Megapeninsular east of Veirsia

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: 0.762
Gini coefficient: 32.17
Major resources: Oil exports, food, natural gas, arms, timber,
Major imports: TBD
Military personnel: 410,000 Active+ 120,000 Reserves
Types of equipment and military capabilities: Mainly modern Belarusan, Russian, Croation, and Serbian equipment. Aircradt include Sukhoi, Soko, and MiG planes, tanks a mix of various European and American vechiles, while weaponry mainly German, Russian, and Croatian models, including MP5, and HS Produkt weaponry. 410,000 Active soldiers currently serving in the Dravazan Armed Forces, and 120,000 reserve troops.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): Semi-interventionist in some issues, otherwise neutral.

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.
Dravaza is a large nation, located in Northern Borea on the planet of Esquarium. The nation's main language is Dravazan, but it also uses the languages of neighbouring nations such as Veirsa, Ceresnia, and others as well. The nation is a de jure monarchy, under the current rule of the young Casimir Ivanik III , although due to the fact he's 17 he can't capably rule the nation, and the military has installed a regency of sorts until King Casimir is 21. The nation's military capabilities are medium to strong, while it's economy is decent, but has faced recent struggles after the sudden death of the previous king which shocked markets. The economy is slowly rebuilding but is difficult under the new military government, Main exports include timber, arms, and natural gas/oil, while main imports include weaponry and seafood.

Please provide a writing sample (recommended types: roleplay post, wiki article or news article).
See Hergemoth's forum posts

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 local power, but not an internationally major nation. Perhaps the geopolitical equivalent of Belarus or Ukraine.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: Military, economy
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Diplomatic affairs, Authoritarianism (Matter of perspective, dems see this as weakness)
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: Perhaps military? Or combination of military and economic successes.

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?: It's pretty well known
Names of other NS accounts: Rouesia
Discord username (N/A if none): Herg the Sperg boi
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Hergemoth

Anything else to add? (optional):

by **Vestmannaland** » Sun May 27, 2018 8:27 pm

____________________

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

Country name: Vestmannaland
Government system: Liberal Democracy
Population: ~33,000,000
Language(s): Vestmannish
Ethnic composition: 94% Vestmannalander (that's a mouthful, I'll probably shorten it) 6% other
GDP per capita: $49,360 GDP
Map claim (high-resolution Imgur link):

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: 84.6
Gini coefficient: 33.5
Major resources: Whaling (the meme is back!), Natural Gas, Forestry, Hydropower, Zinc, Lead, Copper
Major imports: Petroleum, Aluminum, Textiles, other shit
Military personnel: 72,000 active personnel
Types of equipment and military capabilities: A middling naval power capable of regional projection and occassional international projection. Has some flight capabilities, but is mostly outdated on that end. It's army is robust and well equipped mostly for amphibious assaults.
Foreign policy stance (e.g. non-interventionist): While paying lip service to the idea of non-interventionism, the Vestmannalandic military is largely used for flexing regional soft power abilities, such as keeping the Sea of Njord relatively open and free.

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. Vestmannaland is a constitutional liberal democracy in the Sea of Njord. Originally inhabited by a Celtic people, Vestmannaland was conquered by Viking rulers in the 9th century, and steadily colonized the island, creating a new ethnic group of "Norse-Gaels" who spoke the Vestmannalandic language. Having gone through a literary and cultural "golden age," the nation sent into decline when it was conquered (probably by Tuthina if he wants, but I'm open to others) much like real life Ireland vis a vi the British Empire, and spent the next several hundred years trying to gain its independence. Vestmannaland emerged as an economic powerhouse and host of several international treaties (all of which I am willing to play out), and to this day hails itself as the "crown of the north."

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

A snippet written for The "Whale War" between Fjalland and Tuthina, never materialized:

The compass spun around chaotically. The admiral shoved the compass into his back pocket, muttering obscenities under his breath. He knew of the legend of the Dragon's Triangle, a rumored region in the Hyperborean Sea to the west of Fjalland where ships disappear under mysterious circumstances following unexplained magnetic phenomena, but he wasn't quite sure if he believed it until now. Was then this their fate, to be lost in the frigid waters of the Hyperborean?

As that thought crossed his mind, a large bang erupted from the lower starboard side of the ship. The ship momentarily swayed to the right before settling back in an upright position. The greyish figure in the horizon had fully materialized as a battleship, several times larger than their vessel, with its turrets turned upon it.

“To arms men, we are under attack!”

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

...what role will your nation play in Esquarium?: Anything applicable to Fjalland might also apply here. Vestmannaland will be competitive in the dominance of the Sea of Njord, and may come into conflict with Swastria or Ambrose. Economically it will be competitive with Nunalik and other northern islands given the lions share of resources there being marine animals.
...what are the strengths of your nation?: I imagine being quite dominate at maritime activities, probably having expeditions or even claims to Hyporia (even if it is unrecognized). Otherwise it's hard to imagine "strengths" at the moment, to be honest it's still mostly at its concept stage, but so was Vestmark at one time, as an ethnic Frisian nation even (!)
...what are the weaknesses of your nation?: Vestmannaland cannot extend power beyond the Sea of Njord easily. It is limited economically by its reliance on the sea, and anything imported must come from the mainland.
...in what ways could your nation be viewed as "overpowered"?: I'm not a power wanker, but I'm probably susceptible to aggrandizing self-importance as anyone else. Otherwise I envision Vestmannaland to be a middling regional power mostly focussed on security at home than anything else, as well as arctic sovereignty.

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?: Through Liberty and Linguistics aka Fortschritte, in 2015 (damn it's been a long time).
Names of other NS accounts: The Liberated Territories
Discord username (N/A if none): @dapperknuckles
IIwiki username (N/A if none): Vestmark

Anything else to add? (optional): I promise not to be an annoying nuisance and participate more this time :3

by **Sjalhaven** » Wed Jun 06, 2018 8:36 am

by **Xiaodong** » Wed Jun 06, 2018 6:04 pm

Sjalhaven wrote:-snip-

I would rather this country either be reduced in population size or its territory expanded to justify its population

by **Sjalhaven** » Thu Jun 07, 2018 3:44 am

Xiaodong wrote:
Sjalhaven wrote:-snip-

I would rather this country either be reduced in population size or its territory expanded to justify its population

Expanded the claimed territory by ~33%, which I think should be enough.

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

Who is online