Developing A History for My Nation (Open)

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

After many years of attempting to - and failing at - creating a viable history for ASMV, I have come to a rather morbid realization. It is simply too big a project for me to finish and manage my now busy RL at the same time. The Empirical nature of my nation (a design I refuse to let go) has given me 53 states, provinces, and occupied zones, each with their own distinct history before becoming a part of the modern day Draggonnii Socialist Empire.

So what exactly does this mean? I need help in fleshing out the histories of my nation. And I am looking to the NS community for at least some of that help. In other words, any one of you can have the opportunity to help develop the pre-ASMV history and culture for different areas of my nation. This thread will remain open indefinately and any and all serious contributions will be given consideration. Nations of Atlantian Oceania will have more weight given to their ideas as it makes sense that my regional neighbors would stand to have the closest ties from history. Nations that I know and respect from other RP avenues, such as The Archregimancy, will be given more consideration that Nations I do not personally know. That does not mean all ideas from those nations will be taken automatically. It simply means they have an edge if all ideas are equally intriguing to me.

You will notice that some areas have already been reserved for myself, Starblaydia, and The Archregimancy. My own areas I have plans for. Starblaydia and I have worked on a shared history in the past and this is a way to tidy that up with a few minor changes at most. Arch’s reserved area stems from a series of RP during World Cup play and I feel it necessary to finalize things on that end as well. All other areas are open for any one of you to toy with. Be as in depth or as casual with it as you wish, but do keep the ideas serious.

A few notes on some areas.

1. Undermountain and Stonengarten are Dwarven states and quite nearly reclusive in their dealings with anyone not a Dwarf.

2. Area names that are Vegan (Vay-gun) in origin (or extremely close in such) are notated by asterisks. Some names, such as Carrington and Isla De Marte are distinctly not Vegan.

3. Vegans are not 100% human. Elvish and Draconic ancestry comprise around 17% of the DNA structure of true Vegans. It is possible for other races to have their part in ancient history of an area. Example: Bears Armed is a nation of Ursine peoples. It could be feasible to create a shared history with Meldinburgh or surrounding areas where the general population is of much larger stature and men and women alike are extremely hirsute.

4. ASMV has recently emerged from a long stretch of isolationist rule that included a major social purge where most of the non-Vegan population were either exiled or eradicated. The percentages range from more than an 80% purge in most Eastern area to just over 40% in the less cultivated west. That means the numbers of natives who would share your ancestry will vary greatly, dependent upon the area you choose to work on,

5. All histories should be limited to no more than U.S. Civil War technologies at most with more emphasis being place on medieval and earlier technologies.

Modern flags for all areas and a national map have been provided to help you get a feel for things.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask them. Feel free to be creative and have fun. Just remember that this is a very serious outing on my part and the literal history of ASMV is at stake.

Thank you in advance for any and all of your ideas.




1-3 Errion Vega*, Sa’una Vega*, Qalim Vega* (ASMV)
04 Dwarvenhamme(Dwarf) - (Starblaydia)
05 Undermountain (dwarf)
06 Stonengarten (dwarf)
07 Erda Khaza
08 Carrington
09 Tapia Reis*
10 Alariz
11 Meldinburgh
12 Sa-Aln (Starblaydia)
13 Radience
14 Zirakul (ASMV)
15-17 Millsport, Lai Una Risse*, Falcione (ASMV)
18-20 Sunset Ridge, Mujak, Eros (ASMV)
21 Isla De Marte
22 Tobia (zwangzug)
23 Compar
24 Rivii Atur*
25 Irildur
26 Parthenon
27 Vega Dras*
28 Triari Rivii*
29 Jaris
30 Kelsey
31 Thryvist
32 Misii*
33 Eversol
34 Kura Kurii*
35 Kunei* (Starblaydia)
36 Carr
37 Shalerix
38 Piossa
39 Juhinx*
40 Aewesii*
41 Uza Uzi
42 Ifreet
43 Malachi (The Archregimancy)
44Turin (Valanora)
45 Hegdellin
46 Acai
47 Tronjheim
48-53 Montejeau, Royan, Loire, Mourenx, Vierzon, Cambrai (ASMV)

[Starblaydia]

Ooh, excellent, I'm glad you've given me a coastal province - this enables me to make settlers/refugees/adventurers/etc from Sa-Aln into what became the Yahn of Starblaydi pre-history (who later became the dominant Jhan group, naming the current capital city of Jhanna, in the Jhan province), which is where all the dominant Vegan influences come from. I'll focus them on a few thousand years BC, if that's ok. It also might give me an idea or two on how to expand the Starblaydi religion, such as their creation myth.

The Kunei will have a slightly more modern historical fleshing out, if you'd prefer. Guess I'll see who ends up around me and what sort of ideas they have in terms of direction for that bit of land - one big set of group RPs after all, right?

[Sjovenia]

Ooh, excellent, I'm glad you've given me a coastal province - this enables me to make settlers/refugees/adventurers/etc from Sa-Aln into what became the Yahn of Starblaydi pre-history (who later became the dominant Jhan group, naming the current capital city of Jhanna, in the Jhan province), which is where all the dominant Vegan influences come from. I'll focus them on a few thousand years BC, if that's ok. It also might give me an idea or two on how to expand the Starblaydi religion, such as their creation myth.

The Kunei will have a slightly more modern historical fleshing out, if you'd prefer. Guess I'll see who ends up around me and what sort of ideas they have in terms of direction for that bit of land - one big set of group RPs after all, right?

how did you make a drop down that isn't even in the menu? Like all I see is region,spoiler,sup,sub,td,tr,and strike.

[Valanora]

There was a period of time when Valanora was colonizing, so I may be able to help out. I'm kinda looking at Turin as being the most likely of province(?) where they would have been located.

[The Archregimancy]

OOC: I assume that Malachi is where the Vegan Orthodox Church is historically based, then?

For ease of access and editing into a single history, I'm placing the following NS Sport RP quotes relevant to the history of that church here.

MONASTIC ARCHAEOLOGY
The Journal of Orthodox (and Orthodox) Archaeology

Volume 567 (2)

Some Notes on the Authenticity of the Codex Veganicus

Fr. Alexander the Archaeologist
Holy Monastery of The Patriarchal River Ford

Abstract

A series of tests were undertaken in order to establish whether or not the Codex Veganicus is an authentically Vegan record. The goal of the research was not to authenticate the veracity of the historical events recorded within the Codex, but rather to establish its age, and whether it was indeed made and written within what is currently the Draggonnii Socialist Empire. In addition to testing samples taken from the Codex itself, a pilot archaeological survey of the known surviving Orthodox settlements was undertaken in order to test the extent of the local archaeological record, and its relevance to the Vegan Orthodox Church.

Conclusion

From these various programmes of analysis, we can reach the following conclusions:

The Codex is clearly an authentically old document. It has been written over the course of at least 250 years. This conclusion derives from:
A) Palaeographic evidence. The manuscript transitions from the Vegan uncial majuscule script of 350 years ago to - when it abruptly ends during the description of an attack against the community - the Vegan miniscule script common in the western territories of the Socialist Empire approximately 100 years ago. The dialect used is consistent throughout with the mountainous west of the Empire. Furthermore, the signature of Saint Theophanes the Faster of the Vegan Near Caves, present in the earliest pages of the Codex, is independently verified by documents in his home church prior to his missionary activity.
B) Pollen evidence. Pollen embedded in the earliest pages of the Codex are appropriate to the slightly wetter climate prevalent in the mountainous west of the Socialist Empire some 350 years ago.
C) Material evidence. The cloth cover of the Codex is woven in the uniquely Vegan 'star goddess' pattern common in the Vegan folk tradition some 350-300 years ago. This weaving pattern was wholly unique to the Vegan territories, and its use further suggests that the cover was woven by either a recent convert to Orthodox Christianity, or by a pagan Vegan interacting with the new Orthodox community.

The Codex is clearly an authentically Vegan document. This conclusion derives from:
A) Material evidence. The earliest pages of the Codex are comprised of the pulp of the Vegan Mountain Reed; this uniquely Vegan species is no longer found in the mountainous west, but was - as independently verified by Vegan biologists - was present in the region where the Orthodox monasteries are located in the wetter climate of 350 years ago. We have also previously noted the 'star goddess' pattern of the cover, a weaving technique unique to Vegan territory.

Furthermore, our pilot programme of archaeological survey has clearly demonstrated that Orthodox Christianity was known in the relevant region at the appropriate time, as demonstrated by the presence of one metal icon of the Theotokos and two Orthodox crucifixes found in a midden with a terminus post quem of 350 years before present, and a terminus ante quem of 300 before present - as demonstrated by the presence of Vegan iron oxide slipglazed refined redware, but the total absence of Vegan white saltglazed stoneware.

Our study cannot make any definitive statement about the veracity of the historical events described in the Codex - but there can be no doubt that the Codex is both authentically old, and authentically Vegan, and that the Vegan Orthodox Church is similarly authentically Vegan and of the appropriate antiquity.

Monastic Press Release

Concerning the Historical Events Described in the Codex Veganicus


As representatives from the Holy Synod Archregimancy are currently in Ordinary Reality due to last night's 1-0 victory over Ganjapolis, the Holy Synod and Monastic Football Association would like to take this opportunity to further discuss the historical events discussed in the Codex Veganicus as part of our ongoing human rights campaign End the Oppression of the One True Church; Recognise that the Vegan Orthodox Church Exists and Grant Them the Freedom to Interact With Other Orthodox Jurisdictions in Keeping with the Canons of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, Thereby Allowing the Appointment of New Priests, better known to some as E. T. O. O.T. O. T. C.; R. T. T. V. O. C. E. A. G. T. T. F. T. I. W. O. O. J. I. K. W. T. C. O. T. S. E. C., T. A. T. A. O. N. P!

It may be worth, at this juncture, to reiterate the main points of the Codex.

It describes the arrival of Saint Theophanes the Faster of the Vegan Near Caves and Apostle to the Vegans in what are now the Western mountain territories of the Draggonnii Socialist Empire some 350 years ago.

It then goes on to describe the miracles that Saint Theophanes wrought in converting the locals - then little more than primitive pagan tribespeople living in mountain caves - to Holy Orthodoxy. Particularly impressive is the miracle of the two mountains, whereby Saint Theophanes caused a single mountain to part in two so that the new Orthodox faithful could find their way to the isolated fertile mountain valley which remains the centre of their community.

Much of the rest of the Codex describes technical details of the conversion of neighbouring valleys to Orthodoxy, the growth of the community to the extent to which it could form a self-sustaining autonomous Orthodox episcopate across four bishoprics (though even the Codex concedes that the 'cities' of the community were little more than villages), the foundation of 40-50 monasteries (the precise number is hard to ascertain due to the Vegan Orthodox habit of naming some 60% of their monastic foundations after various Saints Theophanes), and the struggles of the community as the local climate slowly became dryer. The latter is indeed reflected in the physical fabric of the Codex, as revealed in recent research by Fr. Alexander the Archaeologist, which strongly suggests that the Codex cannot be wholly dismissed by the Vegan authorities as a mere fabrication.

The final entries of the Codex remain the most controversial.

These last pages describe an attack on the Orthodox communities some 150 years ago by a race of what are described as "short, swarthy, axe-wielding bearded demons" who "descend from the mountains, from whence the entrance to their hell-spawned home must lie". Most of the community that survived the first two attacks (except for two monasteries, one bishop, and one small village) were massacred after seeking protection in the very same Near Caves where Saint Theophanes once based himself. The final, deeply moving, sentences in the Codex read:

"We have barred the gates, but can not hold them for long. We can not get out. They have taken the Bridge and the Second Hall. Fr. Cyril and Fr. Eusebius and Fr. Irenaeus fell there. We cannot get out. The end comes. Drums, drums in the deep. They are coming."

We prayerfully suggest setting up a panel of international inquiry featuring representatives of the Holy Synod, Vegan scholarly institutions, and neutral international scholars to study these issues in more detail. While we firmly reject the statements of the Vegan authorities that the whole existence of the Vegan Orthodox Church is a fabrication (though we acknowledge and thank them for recognising the authenticity of the Codex itself), we note that the territories in question were not part of the Socialist Empire at the time, and that even though we call on the Empire's rulers to end the oppression of the Orthodox by acknowledging their continued existence to the present, they cannot in any way be held responsible for a massacre that did not occur within their territory at the time.

REPORT OF THE PANORTHODOX COMMISSION ON THE HISTORICITY OF THE CODEX VEGANICUS

Metropolitan Alexander of Solovetsky took part in the PanOrthodox Commission on the Historicity of the Codex Veganicus, which was held at the Holy Monastery of St John of New Patmos, the centre of the Archregimancy's Institute for Ordinary Reality Historical Studies. The Commission operates in accordance with the decision reached at the 4th Pre-conciliar Panorthodox Conference Meeting at in the Imperial City.

11 other hierarchs were present from both the Archregimancy and the Holy Empire. Following recent positive statements from the government of the Draggonnii Socialist Empire regarding the Vegan Orthodox Church, observers from the Socialist Empire were also invited to the discussions.

The commission noted the importance of the meeting, which is the first Panorthodox Commission to meet since the Vegan government recognised the existence of the Vegan Orthodox Church. The hierarchs discussed the organisation of the further research work necessary on the Codex, and set up an Executive Committee, with Metropolitan Alexander as President, Metropolitan Youhanna and Archbishop Elisey as Vice-presidents, Bishop Dositej as Treasurer, and Archbishop Iossif as General Secretary. Bishop Zenon, Archbishop Mark and Metropolitan Kallistos were also appointed Members of the Executive Committee. The Secretariat of the Committee is made up of Archimandrite Vassilios and Protopresbyter Samir.

Three Commissions were set up:

1 - Historical Commission, with Metropolitan Kallistos as Chairman, will for the time-being deal with liturgical, canonical and ecumenical questions arising out of the Vegan Orthodox Church's recent isolation, and with the preparation of an agreed list of Saints of the Draggonnii Socialist Empire.
2 - Pastoral and Inter-Orthodox Commission with Archbishop Elisey as Chairman will deal with Inter-Orthodox relations between the Orthodox Church of the Holy Empire and the Vegan Orthodox Church, and with the organisation of inter-Orthodox events with the Vegan Church.
3 - Educational Commission with Metropolitan Alexander as Chairman will be concerned, among other things, with the education and ordination of new Vegan priests, catechetical work, and publications.

In the course of the meeting, the hierarchs of the Orthodox Church mentioned in particular the need to attract young people to the Vegan Church. They also touched pastoral problems arising in connection with marriage with non-Orthodox in the Socialist Empire, and canonical issues involving the transfer of clergy from one diocese to another.

It was decided that a further Commission meeting would be held prior to the conclusion of World Cup qualification.

At the end of the meeting, Metropolitan Alexander invited the members of the Commission to a festal meal within the Monastery. The Vegan delegates were invited to join the festal meal, and Metropolitan Alexander asked them to convey his thanks to Estrianii Raelea Vega for recognising the Vegan Orthodox Church. Metropolitan Alexander assured the Vegans that now that the campaign for recognition of the Vegan Orthodox had been won, the Holy Synod of the Archregimancy was prepared to work constructively with the DSE to ensure the survival of the Vegan Orthodox. Metropolitan Alexander also thanked the DSE for their support regarding further archaeological research on the previously unidentified Orthodox village. Metropolitan Alexander closed by assuring the DSE representatives that the Vegan Orthodox would no doubt prove law-abiding and constructive citizens of the Socialist Empire, in accordance with the rules and regulations regarding existing religious beliefs in the DSE.

Afterwards, both delegations discussed the 2-2 draw between the Archregimancy and the Iglesian Archipelago. Both sides agreed that the result was a 'travesty', brought about by poor refereeing, particularly on the inexplicable refusal of the referee to recognise that the Iglesian forwards were both 3 metres offside for the final equaliser. Metropolitan Alexander expressed his delight that, despite important religious differences between the two nations, football seemed to offer common ground for discussion and agreement.

OOC - adapted from http://dioceseofsourozh.squarespace.com/maineng/2010/10/17/archbishop-elisey-of-sourozh-made-an-archpastoral-visit-to-i.html

Monastic Press Release

Metropolitan Mark Makes Pastoral Visit to the Vegan Orthodox Church

On the 13th matchday of the 53rd World Cup, Metropolitan Mark of the Greatest Lavra celebrated the first hierarchal Divine Liturgy in over a century at the Holy Monastery of The Apostle Philip of the Seventy in the Draggonnii Socialist Empire (DSE). In his archpastoral address Metropolitan Mark called on the Vegan compatriots to develop the church life in the Western part of the Socialist Empire.

On the first afternoon, a meeting of the representatives of the Vegan monasteries with the Metropolitan took place at the the Holy Monastery of St Theophanes the Confessor and Hymnographer. It was decided to establish two new parishes in the DSE in the hope that this would lead to a revival of Orthodox life in previously-abandoned villages of the Vegan Orthodox faithful. It was also decided to establish deaneries corresponding to the boundaries of the provinces of the DSE, in the hope of future expansion across the Socialist Empire, though doing so fully in keeping with the laws of that state.

On Saturday evening, Metropolitan Mark celebrated the Vigil at the last remaining Orthodox village. During the service he tonsured two of the Vegan faithful as readers.

After the service, the Metropolitan met the Parish Council of the village. Issues concerning the administration of the Vegan Orthodox Church were discussed at the meeting. Much discussion also took place regarding the Archregimancy's 2-1 home victory over the Weegies. The Vegan faithful offered their congratulations regarding a well-deserved victory that places the monastic footballers in the driving seat as regards qualifying in second place. All present agreed that the Weegies had been thoroughly outplayed.

The next day, Metropolitan Mark celebrated a Divine Liturgy of leavetaking at the Holy Monastery of The Apostle Philip of the Seventy. He greeted the clergy and faithful and conveyed to them the blessing of His Holiness the Patriarch of the Imperial City in the Holy Empire.

THE MONASTIC TIMES

HOLY SYNOD THANKS DSE GOVERNMENT FOR SUPPORT TO VEGAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
Metropolitan Mark, Head of the Holy Synod, appreciates the willingness to offer assistance to the Vegan Orthodox abroad important

By Fr. Nicholas the Scribe

The head of the Holy Synod of the Archregimancy, Metropolitan Mark of the Greatest Lavra has publicly thanked the government of the Draggonnii Socialist Empire for their recognition of, and support offered to, the Vegan Orthodox Church.

In an interview published on the website of a newspaper in the DSE, the Metropolitan explained how the Orthodox communities inside use the DSE may now use buildings and churches provided by the authorities. "When a Socialist Empire gives Orthodox a chance to pray in new churches - and most importantly for free - what can it mean?" asked Mark.

He also pointed out the possibility that some Vegans may become Orthodox by joining the isolated Vegan Orthodox communities, especially if there is a rise in mixed marriages.

Metropolitan Mark went on to explain how difficult it is “ to obtain permission from the authorities to build a church in some Ordinary Reality jurisdictions" and the importance of the assistance provided to the autonomous Vegan Church “by other religious communities in the DSE."

Despite the new spirit of openness in the DSE, Orthodox relations with the Dwarven communities of the Socialist Empire potentially remain tense. Although signs of détente are becoming more frequent. Mark himself in the interview, does not avoid the subject, instead he declares: "Only the decided refusal of the Dwarves not to engage in renewed massacres against the Vegan Orthodox faithful, will help fix the issues that complicate relations between some communities in the DSE and Orthodox churches today."

Metropolitan Mark assured the DSE that he was not asking for criminal cases to be opened against any Dwarves previously engaged in action against the Vegan Orthodox, but nonetheless asked that guarantees be offered that efforts to minimise the possibility of a repeat massacre be offered.

The visiting Metropolitan also noted his pleasure at the news that the Archregimancy continued to do well in World Cup qualification, winning their last two games. He expressed his hope that, as the team were 6 points clear of the Weegies with only three to play, that qualification would be assured before the final match against group top seeds Cassadaigua.

THE MONASTIC TIMES

RELICS OF VEGAN SAINT TO BE VENERATED IN ARCHREGIMANCY
Relics of Patron Saint of the Vegan Orthodox Church, Theophanes the Faster of the Vegan Near Caves and Apostle to the Vegans to Travel to Greatest Lavra

By Fr. Nicholas the Scribe

The relics of our Father Among the Saints and Equal-to-the-Apostles, Theophanes the Faster of the Vegan Near Caves and Apostle to the Vegans, will be available for public veneration at the Three Hierarchs Chapel of the Greatest Lavra before and after match day two of the World Cup.

This will be the only opportunity for the Orthodox Monastic Faithful in the Archregimancy to venerate the relics. Shortly before matchday three, the relics will return to their traditional home in the Holy Monastery of the Apostle Philip of the Seventy in the Draggonnii Socialist Empire.

"We are deeply honored to receive these relics of the patron saint of the Vegan Orthodox" said Hieromonk Fr. Chad the Welcoming, the guest master of the Greatest Lavra. "During this extraordinary occasion, we anticipate welcoming thousands of pilgrims from the Holy Empireto the Archregimancy."

The three Hierarchs Chapel will be open from two hours before kick-off on matchday two, so that pilgrims may venerate the relics. During the match His Eminence Metropolitan Mark of the Greatest Lavra will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. Vegan hieromonk Fr. Amphilochius is expected to be consecrated as the first new bishop of the Vegan Orthodox Church in some decades following the Liturgy, and will preside at the celebration of the Vigil.

According to Fr. Amphilochius, the majority of the relics of Saint Theophanes were rediscovered in the Vegan Near Caves only 12 years ago.

“Because of the massacre of the Vegan Orthodox by the dwarves, only the head of Saint Theophanes remained in our monastery," noted Fr. Amphilochius. "When the last Vegan Orthodox parish church was closed following the massacre, the head was moved to the katholicon in the Apostle Philip Monastery. First, however, a portion of the head was given to the Holy Monastery of Saint Theophanes the Hymnographer. After the massacre, access to the Vegan Near Caves, including access to the other relics, was temporarily lost. So, it was only about 12 years ago, during our first attempt to re-enter the caves at the request of my predecessor Fr. Vladimir of blessed memory, that we were able to retrieve the rest of the relics".

The Monastic Football Association denied that the arrival of the relics of Saint Theophanes was intended to distract from the team's disappointing opening 1-1 draw against Bears Armed in the World Cup. "Though we had hoped to win this match 2-1, our goal of a perfect Trinitarian record remains intact" said a senior archimandrite, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We must now lose to Aguazul 2-0, and defeat Somewhereistonia 2-0 to achieve our goal. We fully anticipate that this remains achievable."

Sources close to the team noted that the match against Bears Armed had taken place in a spirit of 'mutual respect'. "God's grace may light upon sentient ursines as readily as it might upon humans" said the archimandrite "and although they are but a small minority, Bears Armed is one of the few Ordinary Reality nations to openly acknowledge the presence of an Orthodox Christian community."

[Bears Armed]

Thank you for the invitation.

There probably wouldn't have been any actual colonisation from Bears Armed into what's now ASMV, considering what I've already got worked out about my nation's history (& geography), but it is already written into the Bears' background that there were also various groups of Bears who 'awakened' to sapient status in other lands than ours as well, and in at least one case (in another IDU nation, whose player is currently inactive) one branch of those seems to have become transformed into rather hairy humanoids instead, so we can definitely do something about the inhabitants of that area. I'll think about it.

[Aguazul]

None of my countries would have settled much of anywhere so there's no need to go the common-heritage route, but one of mine has historically been full of groups of people fleeing places they didn't like very much, so depending on the timing some of the purgees could wind up there. Otherwise, if you want me to brainstorm ideas for one of the provinces that has nothing to do with Aguazul or my other countries I could probably do that too.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

Actually it is kind of an "anything goes" thing. Colonies, distant kinship, refugees, or just something intriguing. It doesnt really matter. I am just looking for ideas for history.

Star, we have worked some on this in the past and it would be a great way to expand both our histories and religions.

And speaking of religion, Arch, I had originall thought to place those villages somewhere in Uza Uzi, but after deciding to do this I couldnt resist the urge to use Malachai. The entirety of that Province can base some history through Orthodox mission work or something of the like. Whatever works best for you.

Val, Turin Province would be great. As i said, my people have Elvish blood in their history (perhaps explaining their disdain of true Elves). That would be an ideal spot for more traditional Elven roots.

Bears Armed, That idea works exeptionally well. I had never given thought as to why I had determined the size of the people in that area (or the fact that women seem to have short beards as well). I look forward to your ideas.

Aguazul. be as creative as you want. and thanks.

[Zwangzug]

On the map, it looks like the individual states/zones/things have one big city labeled...are those the capitals? Do they all have the same name as the state? Or something else?

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

On the map, it looks like the individual states/zones/things have one big city labeled...are those the capitals? Do they all have the same name as the state? Or something else?

Yeah. at this point I have only come up with one city per area. That doesn't mean that the individual areas are named after the major city or realistically that the major city would have to be the capital. It's simply as far as I have gotten since my return. I had tons of this done before the housefire. But I lost that and then recieved a new map placement since my old one was occupied.

The organization of the Draggonnii Socialist Empire is a bit complicated at first first.


The Trinary Vegan Royal Districts are the hub of everything Vegan. Religious, Political, Social, Etc. These are the oldest Vegan States and are held in reverent elevation from the remainder of the DSE.

Primary Vegan States are the original states that joined the DSE and are most like the states of the USA in RL.

Secondary Vegan States are states that have fully ratified the DSE constitution. Since they were first occupied rather than joining of their own will, they are considered a rung down in the chain of importance. They would be more like the southern and eastern states of the old Soviet Union.

The three Dwarf Provinces are semi-autonomous. They are free to govern themselves pretty much as they wish but must pay taxes to the DSE and are bound by treaty to submit their own militaries to DSE control.

Provincial Protectorates are non-hostile occupied zones under DSE control. RL Puerto Rico or Guam would be good examples,

Zirakul has rebelled and declared independence, which the DSE refuses to acknowledge. If not for the new occupation of former areas of Maraque, they would have been dealt with already.

Economic Free Zones and R&D zones are just what they seem. And though the Economic zones are still subject to DSE taxation, it is at a much reduced rate.

Hope that helps a bit.

[Orlkjestad]

Weeeeeel, if I have to....

Uza Uzi and Ifreet are mine.

[Zwangzug]

Okay, so Tobia is the large city in the state of...let's call it...Tibnum. The non-Vegan natives of Tibnum are known as the Liir.

The tree logo on the flag, known as the Jibb, was the emblem of Bujis Shom, who unified the cities of Tobia and Tifmab. Jutik and Spivus (which had effectively been one political entity for some time) were brought under Tibnum's control some time later, followed by Dimb, well before its incorporation into ASMV. Ironically, given that it was the last major city to be incorporated into Tibnum, Dimb was the site of the fiercest rebellions against the occupation, which only really subsided with the death of dissident Jid Stoffop. Tifmab, on the other hand, saw more of its population flee to what would later become Zwangzug, taking up residence in the new city of Fumyz.



Feel free to ignore any of this, just some preliminary ideas.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

Okay, so Tobia is the large city in the state of...let's call it...Tibnum. The non-Vegan natives of Tibnum are known as the Liir.

The tree logo on the flag, known as the Jibb, was the emblem of Bujis Shom, who unified the cities of Tobia and Tifmab. Jutik and Spivus (which had effectively been one political entity for some time) were brought under Tibnum's control some time later, followed by Dimb, well before its incorporation into ASMV. Ironically, given that it was the last major city to be incorporated into Tibnum, Dimb was the site of the fiercest rebellions against the occupation, which only really subsided with the death of dissident Jid Stoffop. Tifmab, on the other hand, saw more of its population flee to what would later become Zwangzug, taking up residence in the new city of Fumyz.

([url=http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/6721/tibnum.png]Image)[/url]

Feel free to ignore any of this, just some preliminary ideas.

Now that is awesome. That, on its own, gives plenty to base current state of affairs on. Feel free to expand it if you like or leave it as is. Up to you. Thanks.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

In an effort to work out histories before building my wiki, I am going to post things here. Feedback and ideas are welcome.

Vegan History Part A - Errion Vega, Sa’una Vega, Qalim Vega

From the depths of forgotten history came the nomadic travelers known simply as the Vegan. These “Children of the Mother Star” followed the path of their deity by constantly traveling from East to West in search of a promised homeland. Little is known of these ancient peoples beyond the fact that they were skilled sailors who used the seas and oceans of the world to speed their travels and the number of boats required to move them from place to place had grown to the point where providing food and fresh water was becoming quite a major undertaking in its own right. Finding their promised homeland quickly became a necessity rather than a spiritual quest.

Tales have passed down from father to son which tell of a “falling” star of great beauty which brought the Vegan peoples to the shores of Nothandryun from the expanse of Salamantic Sea in what is now known as Atlantian Oceania. It is also said that the crater left when the star met the earth is the exact place where the Vegan peoples chose build their new home of Andossa Se Mitrin Vega - City of the Mother Star. It has been proven that the Trinary Vegan Royal Districts of Errion Vega, Sa’una Vega, and Qalim Vega do indeed make their home in a crater caused by some ancient impact from the northern skies.

When the Vegan peoples chose this place to build there new homeland, it was decided that Andossa Se Mitrin Vega should be divided into three distinct districts. It is presumed that this was due to the number 3 holding significant mystical meaning to the ancient Vegans. Errion Vega was founded as the central hub of the new government. The Central Hall as well as the Royal Palace were located here, the latter still in use by the Royal family. The first Royal Prince (The Mother Star was considered Queen of Light and the title of King was considered sacrilegious), Istriamin Vega was crowned and the fledgling nation began to choose its path through history.

Sa’una Vega was dedicated as the religious center of the nation and still serves that purpose today. Only priests and priestesses call Sa’una home, but all Vegans know it to be the epicenter of their spirituality.

Qalim Vega - or Common Vega - was founded as home to the vast majority of Vegan peoples. It quickly became the center of culture and art.

These three districts comprise the entirety Andossa Se Mitrin Vega though most of the world uses that name to refer to the country as a whole. As ASMV is the heart of The Draggonnii Socialist Empire, this is a misnomer most Vegans are willing to overlook.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

Vegai History Part B - Carrington and Erda Khaza

Upon arriving in their new homeland, the Vegai realized that they were no the only newcomers to Utarii-Ryhuun. Colonists of Annumian descent had arrive slightly earlier and had already carved quite a large area from the Bukarii and had begun to set down solid agricultural roots. They were a strong peoples and would likely have been the dominant force in the area save for a trio of unforeseen problems that caused them to falter and finally abandon their lands to Vegai expansion.

Facing a revolt of the indigenous people of the Bukarii, the Khaza, as well as a near border war with the lands of modern day Meldinburgh, the Anumains turned to the Vegai for support and aid - a support and aid that would be their undoing.

In a mighty and merciless show of force the Vegai marched to war with the Khaza. Their numbers already fallen from constant conflict with the Anumians, the Khaza were no match for the Vegai and were quite nearly wiped from history in less than three months. Today less than 1% of what the Khaza once were survive in their native lands.

Once the Khaza had been dealt with, the Vegai made their next move. A move which forced the Anumians to flee Utarii-Ryhuun and Atlantean Oceania altogether. Seeing that a war with the indigenous peoples to the west was not a very promising endeavor, the Vegai secretly signed treaties with those peoples and turned their swords on the unsuspecting Anumians. This new aggressive expansion lasted just a month as the Vegai claimed the area known as the Anumic State and its capital of Carrington for their own. At the same time they annexed the lands known as erda Khaza. In a little more than four months the newly founded ASMV had grown in area by more than 150% and also boasted of a new, powerful ally. Precious agricultural land had been conquered and the beginnings of the Draggonnii Socialist Empire had taken root.

[Tarrentum]

ASMV:

I'd love to help develop the history of Stonegarten. For non-sports RP check this out. I wrote for both Tarrentum and Meddicia.

When would you need this history by?

Does it need to be in all one post or in a series?

Are we given freedom as to the medium? (Narrative/History/Encyclopedia/etc)

[Valanora]

It's not much, but here is what I have thus far.

Province: Voorhaven

Cities (Listed in order of founding)
Malvarin
Turin
Artin
Sundol
Halbrook
Falhill

Colonized: 19,789 A.E. (Current Date 20,033 A.E.)

Original Settlement: Malvarin
Original Colonial Governor: Iadëmra Aeraalvadal
Original Amount of Colonists: 472
Colony Purpose: Excess Population and Fishing Industry

[Tarrentum]

Stonengarten

Official Name (English): Semi-Autonomous Province of Stonengarten
Official Name (Stonen-Dwarfish): Gruse Stonengarten Rezzion [Region of the Great Garden of the Stones]

Major Cities - Above Ground: Stonen-Dwarfish (English Transliteration / Official English Equivalent)
Gartengaat (Gate of the Garden / Stonengarten Gate) - Situated directly above the City of Stonengarten what was once the Gatehouse Complex has now become a trading post and town
Vezzanluk (Vegan Outlook) - Located in Eastern Stonengarten, a military town with a guard watch always set towards Meldinburgh
Fierenluk (Fire Outlook / Uza Uzi Lookout) - Located in Northern Stonengarten, a military town with a guard watch always set towards Uza Uzi province but with a prominent view of the nearby volcano
Westonenluk (West Stone Outlook / Near Caves Lookout) - Located in Western Stonengarten, a military town with a guard watch always set towards the Vegan Near Caves and the Provincial Protectorates
Ziraluk (Zirakul Outlook) - Located in Southern Stonengarten, a military town with a guard watch always set towards Zirakul
Eshinenngaat (East Shiny Gate/ Stonengarten Trading Town) - Located in the Eastern tip of the province, a merchant town

Major Cities - Below Ground (Known): Stonen-Dwarfish (English Transliteration / Official English Equivalent)
Stonengarten (Garden of the Stones / Stonengarten) - Mined since time immorium; Seat of government for the Province ruled by the Stonenbara; Home to the Stonen Dwarves and the 4 Stonen Clans; Stonenbara Hall (House of the Stone Lord)
Edzanstonen (Edge of Stones / Edzan) - Mined since the First Acquisition nearly 150 years ago; Recently acknowledged by the Stonenbara to the DSE government as existing

---

Heraldic Devices/Information
Flag:

Coat of Arms:
The Axe, Sword and Shield (Combined Armies)

Two-Headed Axe and the Fire Diamond (Deriin Clan)
Longsword and the Helm (Meriin Clan)
Ka and Gauntlet (Saria Clan) ["Ka" is the Stonen-Dwarvish name for the Mountain Lion]
Warhammer and the Diamond (Tezzen Clan)

War Cries:
By the Fire Below!
Beat the Drum of War!

Martial Orders:
Order of the Jewel
Order of the Fire Axe
Order of the Helm

---

[OOC:...more to come, much more]

[Tarrentum]

Creation Story of the Stonen-Dwarves

{The following entries were uncovered in the Official Archives of the DSE during a late night investigation into Vegan-Dwarf Treaties. Though bits of the Creation Story were known to the DSE through their insertion into the texts of official documents, no semi-continuous writings of the actual account were ever known to exist outside of Stonengarten. Their publication some 50 years ago caused a stir among the Stonen-Dwarves and led to the renovation and enlargement of Vezzanluk's fortifications.}

The deep was bare, formless, dark and mute; nothing stirred, nothing laboured, nothing toiled. Only Dwara was there and He was lonely. Feeling the growing lifelessness and the quiet close in around Him, Dwara decided to create us as His companions...

...molded the new being into a stout shape. "Small to move through the rock safely; Sturdy to toil long for happiness," Dwara thought to Himself. Broad shoulders he sculpted out of the stone, broad feet and hands, roughhewn even in their early state. "I shall want them to be rooted to their lives, rooted to their creation," Dwara thought to Himself. He looked at his creation and finding some of His own hair on the ground before Him, placed the long, fiborous hairs on the face of the sculpture. "This hair shall be their monument to Me and remind them of their creation," Dwara thought to Himself...

...taught the dwaree how to speak, how to eat, how to work. "Through these three teachings you shall create your great monuments to My glory!" Dwara declared to the dwaree. "Aye, you have taught me how to speak, how to eat and how to work, but what shall I do these for Oh Blessed Dwara? I have nothing to recognize myself by - why should I go out and do what Dwara desires?" Dwara laughed to Himself for His creation was beginning to think. "I shall call you Dwartozh for you have thought about yourself!" Dwartozh looked about...

...alone. Why should I toil against these hard rocks which are not like the soft rocks?" Dwara sat and laughed to Himself for His creation and began to think deeply. The merriment in Dwara's laughter brought a smile to Dwartozh's mouth but his questions for his Creator were not stopped. "With this happiness, why can I not share it with another of my kind whom I could produce offspring for myself?" Dwara's laughter stopped immediately and He was jealous at His creation. "Am I not enough little Dwartozh? Shall you spurn my friendship for some one like yourself? Indeed shall I create another for you but she will be a thorn to your life and household, an equal when one wants a subject." So Dwara caused Dwartozh to enter a deep sleep and took a piece of His creation's life to make an equal for him. When both had reawakened Dwara called His new creation A'Dwarna, for he took a piece of His creation...

...toiled throughout their days under Dwara's watchful eye. They prospered and hew the stone into a Great Hall for them and their kin. Three children were born to Dwartozh and A'Dwarna: Herrezzon and the twins Brohn and Frohn. With Dwara ever watching the five dug and shaped the deep. There they began to find more and more of the shinen which Dwara had first shown to Dwartozh...

...shall not mine to the depths which I have told you. When you reach the fierenshinen you shall not take it and mine no further. Both Dwartozh and A'Dwarna agreed to Dwara's rule and set their family to mining the unhewn rock around their bara. Now Herrezzon was more adept at digging than any other in his family and he struck out on his own to find more precious jewels seeded by Dwara than were near the bara. Soon enough did Herrezzon find himself alone amidst the unhewn deep. Here he set his pick against the stone and began to make his...

...spoke with him again and asked him if Dwara really meant that he could not take these shinen before him. Herrezzon replied that Dwara commanded they "shall not take the fierenshinen." But the rat spoke again and wondered if Dwara did not mean the fierenshinen near Dwartozh's bara. Herrezzon replied that he did not know and didn't care to tell a rat his business in the first place. So the rat went from Herrezzon but now the young dwaree was troubled and sat to think about the shinen right under his pick. "Surely a tiny bit of dust will not break Dwara's rules...surely he could not mean all fierenshinen in the rock?" So Herrezzon began to chip away...

...ls! Surely you were told to not mine fierenshinen and yet your son, Herrezzon, who has gone away from your bara, has found that which was forbidden and taken it for his own devices!" But Dwartozh fell to his knees and pleaded for forgiveness from Dwara calling out to his creator and friend to spare his son, his firstborn who would inherit his riches. Now Brohn and Frohn heard their father's lament and raced, picks and axes in hand, to their father's bara where they witnessed the powerful fury of Dwara burning around the great hall. They heard their father cry out for their distant brother and their hearts grew dark. "Let us leave this place," they said to one another, "and venture off towards greater riches where our brother will not squander them from us." So the two brothers and their wives readied themsel...

..."Unfortunate for you young Herrezzon that you would seek to take that which is mine!" But the stout Herrezzon replied, "Aye I may have taken your shinen but Dwara can not rule all of the deep. I shall dig for greater riches and greater shinen and create stronger armor than what you have given my father and his family! I shall best you old Dwara." Now Herrezzon's heart had opened by mining the fierenshinen and he strove against Dwara for that which was rightfully his - those shinen he had mined himself and for his family. Herrezzon strove, axe to axe, against Dwara for two full days and was eventually so worn that he clove his axe against Dwara's in a frustrating blow. Confused, Dwara fell back to recoup before his next assault on Herrezzon. Herrezzon fumbled backwards also and stumbled upon his pick. He bent and lashed his axe to the pick and surprised Dwara with a charge using the blade of the pick against Dwara's stout armor. The pick's blade smote through Dwara's stout armor and Dwara finally ended the confrontation. He sat down with Herrezzon and declared him the victor offering him two pints of ahle as a reward. Dwara laughed. "As you have fought against me I shall name you Therrun for your furious attack!" Therrun bowed before Dwara and asked him if the fireren...

[Whittoria]

The Andossa Se Mitrin Vega Gran Prix

In the northwestern region of Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, near Carr, a series of connected roads served as the host of the Whittoria Auto Club's Formula Championship Series in the late 1960's/early 1970's (of the Whittorian Timeline, that is). One of the more grueling circuits on the schedule, the 15 mile road course hosted the ASMV Gran Prix ten times. Guy Layton won the most times on the circuit, racking up five victories and eight podiums. Bruce Callan, as dominant as he was in the late 60's, only won at the course once.









Set as the third race in the Whittoria Auto Club's Formula Championship Series schedule for 1967, the Andossa Se Mitrin Vega Gran Prix was a first for the WAC: never before had a Whittorian racing series held a points paying round outside of Whittoria or a traditional historic circuit. The course, over 15 miles in length, was rivaled in danger and difficulty only by the Nurburgring, with many drivers forced to start the race in backup cars after wrecking in practice and qualifying. But neither the drivers nor officials would let a few practice incidents (or a spelling error on the cover of the race program) stand in the way of the opportunity to compete.

"We're confident about our qualifying run," said Guy Layton pre-race. "The track is certainly new for all of us but it's a pleasure to drive, yet quite challenging."

Layton sat on the pole for the inaugural event, rounding the circuit in 8:34.72. The next closest qualifier was over four seconds off, as Clinton Orrell turned in a lap of 8:38.02. The start went off without a hitch, with Layton jumping out to an early lead. The course soon took its toll on the field, as all but five competitors were forced to retire. There was a tragic incident on the 12th lap, as Roland Martini was killed when he collided with a barrier head on and was thrown from his car.



After 14 laps the checkered flag waved for Guy Layton, flying across the start finish line 37.81 seconds ahead of second place. "We definitely had the car to win," said Layton in victory circle. "The Tuttle Eagle was flawless, and at a track that's as punishing as this one turned out to be it's certainly an edge. I think we found the perfect balance between speed and acceleration, and we otherwise had an excellent setup. Great job by our team today."

Neil Gordon finished second, with Robert Stearns finishing third. With the win Layton preserved his lead in the points over Bruce Callan, en route to his second of six FCS titles over the next ten years. Satisfied with the way the event's success , barring Martini's death, the WAC decided it would return to Andossa Se Mitrin Vega for 1968.



Official Standings
Race Length: 2:02:28.40 - 14L

1	 5	 G. Layton	 EAG	 105.5 mph
2	 16	 N. Gordon	 EAG	 -37.81
3	 77	 R. Stearns	 REP	 -39.09
4	 20	 D. Rastetter	 FER	 -1:21.11
5	 9	 A. Klawinski	 COO	 -1:34.38
6	 11	 A. Mackay	 COO	 Susp
7	 18	 L. Aspiri	 FER	 Camshaft
8	 17	 D. Levian	 COO	 Accident
9	 15	 C. Orrell	 FER	 Retired
10	 26	 B. Callan	 LOT	 Accident
11	 2	 C. Gray	 EAG	 Accident
12	 3	 V. Fraser	 FER	 Accident
13	 27	 L. Fondell	 COO	 Accident
14	 7	 W. Hencheck	 REP	 Accident
15	 21	 C. Leyendecke	 LOT	 Accident
16	 69	 H. McClaim	 COO	 Accident
17	 13	 W. Drullard	 BRM	 Retired
18	 12	 S. Ross	 BRM	 Accident
19	 1	 L. Carraturo	 HON	 Retired
20	 89	 R. Martini	 HON	 Retired

Fastest Lap

26	 B. Callan	 LOT	 8:42.94

[Valrez]

A large island out in the most southern part of the Indian Ocean. First found by dutch sailors, later controlled by Russians during WWII. During the cold war the citizens of Valrez had enough and had a revolution and overthrew the communist government. Valrez is one of the leading nations when it comes to the fight for liberty.

[Bears Armed]

Oops! Responding to this had slipped down my list of priorities... but I've got several weeks of holiday coming up, so I'll try to get something done then.

I've got a timeline for Bears Armed's own history (& parts of its prehistory, too), but before I can work out how the Ursine influence in that area of your country originated it would help if I knew know [roughly] how long ago the Vegans themselves arrived there...

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

Oops! Responding to this had slipped down my list of priorities... but I've got several weeks of holiday coming up, so I'll try to get something done then.

I've got a timeline for Bears Armed's own history (& parts of its prehistory, too), but before I can work out how the Ursine influence in that area of your country originated it would help if I knew know [roughly] how long ago the Vegans themselves arrived there...

Could've sworn I ha d already replied to this.


Vegan peoples arrived in what are now the Vegan Royal Disricts around 1200 years ago. The Anumian peoples of the lands surrounding Carrington were the more dominant in those days and it would be nearly 700 years ago before Vegan influence began to show in those areas. It was a mere 200 years ago, by comparison, that these areas came under direct Vegan control.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

very awesome work Tarrentum. Thanks.

Will work on the Grand Prix thing soon.

Not sure what Valrez means. No Indian Ocean near ASMV

[Bears Armed]

Oops! Responding to this had slipped down my list of priorities... but I've got several weeks of holiday coming up, so I'll try to get something done then.

I've got a timeline for Bears Armed's own history (& parts of its prehistory, too), but before I can work out how the Ursine influence in that area of your country originated it would help if I knew know [roughly] how long ago the Vegans themselves arrived there...

Could've sworn I ha d already replied to this.


Vegan peoples arrived in what are now the Vegan Royal Disricts around 1200 years ago. The Anumian peoples of the lands surrounding Carrington were the more dominant in those days and it would be nearly 700 years ago before Vegan influence began to show in those areas. It was a mere 200 years ago, by comparison, that these areas came under direct Vegan control.

Okay, thanks, that I can work with: What with the Valanorans and Starblaydians also being involved, I'd been worried that this might have to be several thousand years before the Bears could have been around.