1870 : Alternative Divergence [AH][OOC][Discussion]

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

Yes definitely, however should you actually take your coasts back I think a huge population jump would be in order. Just be wary, that while undoubtedly you would have supporters in all of Arabia, it will be difficutl for you.

Perhaps you would prefer an app for part of former russia.

Togeria, I don't think you should have that much area, Russia split apart into pieces, not just Perm and Slavic Republic, do you have territories among that you could live without that could make atleast one other Russian power?

So many creativity you could play for part of former russia! Caucasian empire, Tatar republic, Novgorod...so much fun.

Hey, if Russian land is up for grabs, I want Ossetia. Muh Alans.

With the unsure situation of my borders and working on negotiations with Trace, I need some sort of foothold. Of course, outside of Alania, I'd be happy to just chill. I plan for Persia to be very inwardly focused, not focusing on power projection as much as simply holding its own territory and being content about it.

[Second Helghan Empire]

Could you give me Perm's map? I made mine with the one shown in front of the OP.

How about this?

You're map shows your territory spreading two rows too far east.

[Togeria]

Perm your map is weird. I copied it to my MS Paint and it's all grainy and pixelated, I can't make edits.

[Tracian Empire]

Good luck in that, I guess.

Togeria, hasn't anyone told you not to fuck with Romanians? Especially those from Transylvania. Sleep with one eye open. Them Transylvanians are crazy.
No offence, Trace.

And really stubborn. I've been wanting my Black Sea Coast ever since this roleplay begun. I have no further interests into Slavic lands except for that, nor do I have any interest in fighting a Slavic Union, but I need those provinces.

[Stadenwick]

How about this?

You're map shows your territory spreading two rows too far east.

Alright, Togeria please ignore Siberia when you draw Slavia border

Also fixed map coming soon, don't worry.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

Okay, so are chunks of Russia just up for grabs? I seriously might toss Ossetia into my bag.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

Okay, so are chunks of Russia just up for grabs? I seriously might toss Ossetia into my bag.

By which I mean like 1 Caucasian province I will try to pretend all the Alans chose to live in.

[Togeria]

Togeria, hasn't anyone told you not to fuck with Romanians? Especially those from Transylvania. Sleep with one eye open. Them Transylvanians are crazy.
No offence, Trace.

And really stubborn. I've been wanting my Black Sea Coast ever since this roleplay begun. I have no further interests into Slavic lands except for that, nor do I have any interest in fighting a Slavic Union, but I need those provinces.

Y'know if you actually look at the map and reflect on our argument from the other day. The coast I took......was the western coast. Mind Blowing.

[Tracian Empire]

Okay, so are chunks of Russia just up for grabs? I seriously might toss Ossetia into my bag.

More or less. You'd have to roleplay for it, I don't think that you can start with it out of the box.

And the Imperium has been getting kinda agressive at anyone trying to alter its dream of a Roman Caucasus and the Black Sea turned into a Mare Internum.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

Okay, so are chunks of Russia just up for grabs? I seriously might toss Ossetia into my bag.

More or less. You'd have to roleplay for it, I don't think that you can start with it out of the box.

And the Imperium has been getting kinda agressive at anyone trying to alter its dream of a Roman Caucasus and the Black Sea turned into a Mare Internum.

With the Russian collapse, Persia sends soldiers into Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Alania to "Restore order"!

Also, in fairness, my "Alania" vision is the Caspian. You can keep your Black Sea all you want.

[Stadenwick]

Okay, so are chunks of Russia just up for grabs? I seriously might toss Ossetia into my bag.

Well...that's what I think is happening, so yeah?
here's the link to fixed map btw

[Togeria]

Okay, so are chunks of Russia just up for grabs? I seriously might toss Ossetia into my bag.

Well...that's what I think is happening, so yeah?
here's the link to fixed map btw

Thanks.

[Stadenwick]

More or less. You'd have to roleplay for it, I don't think that you can start with it out of the box.

And the Imperium has been getting kinda agressive at anyone trying to alter its dream of a Roman Caucasus and the Black Sea turned into a Mare Internum.

With the Russian collapse, Persia sends soldiers into Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Alania to "Restore order"!

Also, in fairness, my "Alania" vision is the Caspian. You can keep your Black Sea all you want.

Da, Caspian sea you said, heathens? It's seems Perm have some words to talk about this vision.

[The V O I D]

Plz no drowning. Going to bed, goodnight.

Le App, hopefully not taking anything already taken.

Full Nation Name: El Consenso de Perú (Translated: The Peruvian Consensus)
Flag: Consensus Flag.
Majority/Official Culture: Peruvian.
Territorial Core : The golden-brown color in South America. Basically, what's left of South America and stuff.
Territorial Claim : N/A.
Capital City: Lima District / Lima, Peru.
Population: 20 Million-ish?

Government Type : Consensus Directorial Parliamentary Republic.
Government Ideology/Policies : Extremely democratic/republican, semi-isolationist, pro-diplomacy.
Government Focus : Economics/trade. The Consensus does not like the idea of being conquered or going to war.
Head of State: The Directorate Council: Director Adolfo Bello, Director Agustin Benitez, Director Alejandro Bolivar, Director Alexandre Bosque, and Director Benito Castell. All equally powerful / all powers of head of state/head of government given to each.
Head of Government : See above.
Government Description : The government answers directly to the people. Censuses are taken by the Supreme Parliament every 5 years to determine if they have support from the people; parties and opinions/policies are adjusted to fit majority consensus. Representatives from every political party are given numbers of seats in Parliament based upon majority ruling, with minor parties having less seats than the majority party. The Directorate Council [members called 'Directors'] are all heads of state/heads of government. Candidates are selected by their party and representatives in Parliament, and then elected by the people. The Directorate Council is formed up of five people, all with equal power. The Grand Court's justices/judges are elected directly by the Parliament as well, having eleven members. This is all to ensure the government cannot be corrupt and is responding to the people's will. The Directorate, nor the Supreme Parliament, nor the Grand Court can remove any power from the people or change the constitution via amendment without consent from the people.

Majority/State Religion : None/Secular Stance.
Religious Description : N/A.

Economic Ideologies : Internally/Locally: Somewhat of a mixed economics approach. Internationally/Abroad: Laissez-faire trade economics.
Major Production: Agricultural goods, rare metals [silver, gold, etc.]
Economic Description: Somewhat self-explanatory.

Army Strength: Efficient, well-trained.
Army Weakness: Small numbers, averagely equipped.
Naval Strength: Durable, large ships.
Naval Weakness: Small arms.
Further Military Description: The Consensus would rather solve problems without war if possible.

National Goals: Achieve highest economic status possible.
National Issues: The Consensus would like to have a stronger military for defense purposes.
National Figures of Interest: N/A.
National Ambition/Aspirations: Expand military, prevent self from being conquered.

History :

• Colony Established: The Peruvian Colony and its territories are established by a foreign country.
• 1795: The Colony liberates itself and unifies. The Peruvian Republic is established.
• 1820: Corruption and such in government causes the Republic to become too tyrannical. Uprisings and civil wars break out.
• 1840: After twenty years of fighting, the Republic falls. The Peruvian Consensus is established to replace it, and is set up to prevent any corruption from happening again.
• Modern Day: The Peruvian Consensus has been flourishing economically.

Comparison Points – Political : 4.
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 2.
Comparison Points – Economy : 3.
Comparison Points – Military : 1.
Total Comparison Points used: 10/10

Guidance Name: Radical Liberalism Strikes!
Guidance Description : In the Peruvian Republic, after it became so corrupt and dictatorial, the people were fed up with the idea of a republic being so corruptible; but they didn't want an all powerful government either, nor one which would rule over them so badly. Thus, because of the spread of democratic ideals and radicals radicalizing them further and further, the idea of the Consensus was born.

After the Peruvian Civil War ended, and the Consensus was established, it was extremely radically liberal by the day's standards. No one wanted any possibility of any level of corruption. Even women were allowed to vote, as well as some of the more populous minorities, to some minor extents in local elections. However, none have run for office - whether because this is disallowed or they won't win is unknown. And no elections have occurred for them at the national level, yet. They do participate in censuses, however.
Affected Area: Just my nation, but the ideals of the Consensus might spread to those who trade with it.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

Full Nation Name : The Persian Empire; The Imperial State of Iran (Keshvar-e Shāhanshāhi-ye Irān)
Majority/Official Culture : Persian
Territorial Core : The purple. Red is Roman border, blue is pirate territory. Neither of them are part of Persia.
Territorial Claim : Korean-controlled Persian coastline, Tajikistan, "Alania"
Capital City : Shirāz
Population : 10,050,000

Government Type : Absolute monarchy
Government Ideology/Policies : Nationalism, pan-Iranism
Government Focus : The primary focus of the government is promoting a unified "Iranian" ethnicity among the multiple ethnicities living within the empire in accordance with ancient customs
Head of State : Shahbanu Sitareh Sassani
Head of Government : Shahbanu Sitareh Sassani
Government Description : The government consists of the empress (Shahbanu) acting as an absolute monarch to the nation, guided by an elder council that, although lacking executive and legislative authority, is highly respected and acts to give advise. It is ultimately a system similar to, and perhaps inspired by, the Imperial Senate of Rome.

Majority/State Religion : Zoroastrianism
Religious Description : Presenting the incestuous eternal struggle between good and evil, light and dark, Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions in the world continually practiced. This variant of Zoroastrianism considers Zunism, the ethnic religion of the Pashtun, to be a valid sect in its own right, and grants the Pashtun high amounts of local autonomy to allow their continued practice in relative peace.

Economic Ideologies : Moderate Socialism
Major Production : Tropical goods
Economic Description : The economy of Persia is partially-industrialized, and marks Persia as a secondary power, significant to the region but not far elsewhere. It gains plentiful benefit through the mass production of smuggled tropical crops like rubber and spices, although the funding acquired through the sale of these goods is transferred to help build industry, as well as to provide subsidies, welfare, and other basic governmental duties.

Army Strength : The Persian military is highly specialized for mountain warfare, and the small, but notable, Pashtun contingent acts as a sort of Gurkha-style soldier for the Persians. The offensive capabilities of the army are limited in favor of excellent performance in mountainous and jungle terrain.
Army Weakness : The army suffers in flat terrain. Although there are armored cataphract regiments to deal in this sort of terrain, they are not numerous or prevalent enough to be an effective fighting force.
Naval Strength : There is no effective navy due to lacking a coastline, although naval designs have long been drawn up in preparation for the day where said coastline may be seized once more. Classically, prisoners may earn a pardon by enlisting in the navy. At the moment, the only action the navy sees is training and drills performed in the Caspian using experimental ship designs.
Naval Weakness : No ports
Further Military Description : I think I'll skip this one. It's been a long day.

National Goals : Live long and prosper
National Issues : Occupation of the coastline, Iranian territories held by foreign powers
National Figures of Interest : Chieftain Arman: One of the dominant tribal leaders of Afghanistan, Chieftain Arman is the pinnacle of military genius in the empire. Trained at the Royal Academy and well-practiced in the art of war, he is a valuable asset of the empire.
National Ambition/Aspirations : Unification of Iranian peoples

History : The rise of Muhammad and his Islamic faith was a devastating force, something that nobody thought could be fought off. All seemed lost, the words and temples of Zoroaster subject to invading nomads who would see it all burn, Persian civilization gone. However, a miracle occurred: Persia and Byzantium led a joint effort to defeat the Islamic invasion of Persia, and the country was preserved. Inspired by a revived nationalism and sense of friendship with the Romans, old feuds were put aside and old respect brought to the forefront. Sassanid interests turned elsewhere, and peace with old enemies was found for all to enjoy.

Islam as a religion found its way across the Indian Ocean in due time, but Persia remained resolute. As the country entered into the Medieval era, and the influence of Islam grew, the Persians rebuilt themselves to adapt. Lesson learned, they built a strong defensive border all around the state. In the 10th century, slow excursions were made into Afghanistan: trade posts were established, military garrisons given thus, treaties were written with nearby tribes, and ultimately the Afghans came under Persian subjugation by the 11th century in most senses of the word, although they were granted high autonomy so as not to offend, and those in power were left in such. As a result, the Zunbils were typically considered the satraps of Afghanistan so as to appease their pre-existing dominance.

In the 12th century, excursions were made attempting to reclaim Parthian ruins from the Turkish invaders. 3 wars were fought over the course of 50 years, with a temporary governance set up in the area to be ultimately repelled at the end of the third war. It became evident that the current strategies were not working, as the Turks knew all of the same strategies and deployed them effectively. A reorganization was in order: new military schools were founded across the empire, more pikes and spears were produced to deal with the cavalrymen, and forces were amassed on the border to provide a powerful initial rush. By the time this was all organized, however, the Mongol invasion occurred. The forces were repurposed to fight off the Mongol horde, and although heavy casualties were sustained, the anti-cavalry implements in coordination with mountainous terrain preserved the majority of Persia in-tact and outside of Mongol control.

It was during this same period, immediately following the invasion, that a new social restructuring would occur. The shahanshah, looking at the Muslims and the empires around him, asked his Jewish wife for counsel. Her response was to eliminate the Persian castes, and to allow a freer trade than had been previously given. So he did: the merchants and artisans were no longer the bottom of society, and multiple trade posts were established, with delegates offering the finest Persian goods, bringing along trails of dancers, musicians, and poets to the Mongols to ask them in a great show of Persian culture to direct the Silk Road through Persia once more, that the empire had much to offer and was now much more merchant-friendly. Thus, the silk roads were more open to Persia than they had once been, and trade flowed as it did in the older days. inspired by this, the shahanshah would likewise reinstate multiple ancient institutions that had long ago fallen into disrepair, reorganizing Persia to be independent of the outside influences that had crept in and making it a much stronger local culture, with reforms to architecture, infrastructure, society, and economy all coming across the next few centuries.

By 1500, Persia had completed reorganization of institutions to eliminate the corrupted priesthood and the power it had held, old roads were rebuilt, trade posts established, and universities founded and refounded. Jews and Afghans were given full legal rights, as it had once been, to encourage both internal stability and the trade roads that both ethnicities had strong connections to. This trend would continue as Persia fiercely guarded and promoted the Silk Road trade routes so as to secure its own position as a relevant power. However, with increased prosperity came increased opportunity, and piracy began to grow along the Persian coastline. Measures were put in place to eliminate and suppress such acts, but the valuable Indian Ocean marketplace proved too tempting. In due time, the Persian coastline fell to pirates as Persia redirected resources to once again secure itself.

As the centuries went, Persia would put in full effort to secure what borders it retained. Although peace with the Romans was achieved, it was unsteady. The pirates were kept at bay, although they always managed to repel invasions. The Indians could not be trusted, nor could the nomads to the north. Although Persia continued to advance itself in hopes to keep up with the rest of the world, its relevance in the world stage began to shrink due to a lack of colonialism. Persia had interest in such manners, but lacked the coastline to launch ships from. Although, recent incidents have ended up transferring pirate lands to Korean hands, which sparked outrage across the Persian Empire. Little could be done, claimed the shahanshah, although plans have been in the works since the Korean capture to reclaim the territories, either diplomatically or otherwise.

Comparison Points – Political : 2
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 3
Comparison Points – Economy : 3
Comparison Points – Military : 2
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : 10/10

[Second Helghan Empire]

Okay, so are chunks of Russia just up for grabs? I seriously might toss Ossetia into my bag.

Well...that's what I think is happening, so yeah?
here's the link to fixed map btw

Thank you very much good sir.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

With the Russian collapse, Persia sends soldiers into Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Alania to "Restore order"!

Also, in fairness, my "Alania" vision is the Caspian. You can keep your Black Sea all you want.

Da, Caspian sea you said, heathens? It's seems Perm have some words to talk about this vision.

Bruh, we can work this out. I only want a small piece of the Caucasus and the provinces with Tajiks and Parthian ruins. That's like a one province line, you get the whole North Caspian to yourself!

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

Okay, so are chunks of Russia just up for grabs? I seriously might toss Ossetia into my bag.

Well...that's what I think is happening, so yeah?
here's the link to fixed map btw

The blue space between Persia and Rome is Roman. That was a contested territory, what I would've dubbed Kurdistan, although I've dropped the claims OOCly in favor of gaining a larger core Persia.

[Elerian]

-Snip-

That eastern bit doesn't include Kashmir does it?

[Togeria]

The history section of any application is always the hardest. Good thing I can bulletpoint.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

-Snip-

That eastern bit doesn't include Kashmir does it?

Nope, just Afghanistan.

[Second Helghan Empire]

Plz no drowning. Going to bed, goodnight.

Le App, hopefully not taking anything already taken.

Full Nation Name: El Consenso de Perú (Translated: The Peruvian Consensus)
Flag: Consensus Flag.
Majority/Official Culture: Peruvian.
Territorial Core : The golden-brown color in South America. Basically, what's left of South America and stuff.
Territorial Claim : N/A.
Capital City: Lima District / Lima, Peru.
Population: 20 Million-ish?

Government Type : Consensus Directorial Parliamentary Republic.
Government Ideology/Policies : Extremely democratic/republican, semi-isolationist, pro-diplomacy.
Government Focus : Economics/trade. The Consensus does not like the idea of being conquered or going to war.
Head of State: The Directorate Council: Director Adolfo Bello, Director Agustin Benitez, Director Alejandro Bolivar, Director Alexandre Bosque, and Director Benito Castell. All equally powerful / all powers of head of state/head of government given to each.
Head of Government : See above.
Government Description : The government answers directly to the people. Censuses are taken by the Supreme Parliament every 5 years to determine if they have support from the people; parties and opinions/policies are adjusted to fit majority consensus. Representatives from every political party are given numbers of seats in Parliament based upon majority ruling, with minor parties having less seats than the majority party. The Directorate Council [members called 'Directors'] are all heads of state/heads of government. Candidates are selected by their party and representatives in Parliament, and then elected by the people. The Directorate Council is formed up of five people, all with equal power. The Grand Court's justices/judges are elected directly by the Parliament as well, having eleven members. This is all to ensure the government cannot be corrupt and is responding to the people's will. The Directorate, nor the Supreme Parliament, nor the Grand Court can remove any power from the people or change the constitution via amendment without consent from the people.

Majority/State Religion : None/Secular Stance.
Religious Description : N/A.

Economic Ideologies : Internally/Locally: Somewhat of a mixed economics approach. Internationally/Abroad: Laissez-faire trade economics.
Major Production: Agricultural goods, rare metals [silver, gold, etc.]
Economic Description: Somewhat self-explanatory.

Army Strength: Efficient, well-trained.
Army Weakness: Small numbers, averagely equipped.
Naval Strength: Durable, large ships.
Naval Weakness: Small arms.
Further Military Description: The Consensus would rather solve problems without war if possible.

National Goals: Achieve highest economic status possible.
National Issues: The Consensus would like to have a stronger military for defense purposes.
National Figures of Interest: N/A.
National Ambition/Aspirations: Expand military, prevent self from being conquered.

History :

• Colony Established: The Peruvian Colony and its territories are established by a foreign country.
• 1795: The Colony liberates itself and unifies. The Peruvian Republic is established.
• 1820: Corruption and such in government causes the Republic to become too tyrannical. Uprisings and civil wars break out.
• 1840: After twenty years of fighting, the Republic falls. The Peruvian Consensus is established to replace it, and is set up to prevent any corruption from happening again.
• Modern Day: The Peruvian Consensus has been flourishing economically.

Comparison Points – Political : 4.
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 2.
Comparison Points – Economy : 3.
Comparison Points – Military : 1.
Total Comparison Points used: 10/10

Guidance Name: Radical Liberalism Strikes!
Guidance Description : In the Peruvian Republic, after it became so corrupt and dictatorial, the people were fed up with the idea of a republic being so corruptible; but they didn't want an all powerful government either, nor one which would rule over them so badly. Thus, because of the spread of democratic ideals and radicals radicalizing them further and further, the idea of the Consensus was born.

After the Peruvian Civil War ended, and the Consensus was established, it was extremely radically liberal by the day's standards. No one wanted any possibility of any level of corruption. Even women were allowed to vote, as well as some of the more populous minorities, to some minor extents in local elections. However, none have run for office - whether because this is disallowed or they won't win is unknown. And no elections have occurred for them at the national level, yet. They do participate in censuses, however.
Affected Area: Just my nation, but the ideals of the Consensus might spread to those who trade with it.

First thing I will say is remove the guidance, A. you have not been accepted yet, B. you don't need to waste your guidance on that just put it in your history.

Guidances are meant to be like a complete shift in reality and not just for one country. Like the Legacy of the Song Dynasty Affects the Whole of East asia.

As far asw the app goes if you incorporate your guidance draft into it I will be pointing it out to Oscal.

[Nazeroth]

Full Nation Name : Islamic Arab Empire
Flag:

Majority/Official Culture : Arabic
Territorial Core : remains of Arabia
Territorial Claim : We claim the entire middle east
Capital City : Riyadh
Population : 250,000

Government Type : Islamic Military Dictatorship
Government Ideology/Policies : Militant Islamic Expansionist
Government Focus : The government focus is to conquer and gain more population as well as convert others in the process, they also seek to better fortify arabias borders and compete against rome.
Head of State : General Saddam Al Mattar
Head of Government : General
Government Description : General Mattar has revived the islamic expansionism and has affirmed his grip as a holy military leader, he leads as a dictator though does listen to a handful of advisers.

Majority/State Religion : Islam
Religious Description : N/A

Economic Ideologies : Mercantalism, capitalism
Major Production : Merchant Trade
Economic Description : Almost exclusively merchantism is the economic dominant form.

Army Strength : Fanatics, Cavalry experts, Night assault experts
Army Weakness : Low manpower
Naval Strength : no navy
Naval Weakness : no navy
Further Military Description : The military is mostly made up of calvary forces for better movement and to better position what little manpower is availible. Mattars jihadists are also capable night fighters, in particular a special Calvary group that exclusively operates during the night.

National Goals : Expand and claiam the middle east
National Issues : take back the holy city of Mecca
National Figures of Interest : Mattar is seen as a holy leader, though not a prophet
National Ambition/Aspirations : establish a large and powerful islamic empire and compete with the Romans and Christians.

History : Islam and Arabia has been pushed to the harshest arab deserts. With Islamic influence far weaker than IRL it has been forced to steel itself from outside influence, especially those of Romans and Christians. Recently, under the command of Mattar, Islamic forces are rising and they seek to expand and gain better land that just the blistering sands.

Comparison Points – Political : 2
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 3
Comparison Points – Economy : 2
Comparison Points – Military : 3
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : 10/10

[Second Helghan Empire]

Full Nation Name : The Persian Empire; The Imperial State of Iran (Keshvar-e Shāhanshāhi-ye Irān)
Majority/Official Culture : Persian
Territorial Core : The purple. Red is Roman border, blue is pirate territory. Neither of them are part of Persia.
Territorial Claim : Korean-controlled Persian coastline, Tajikistan, "Alania"
Capital City : Shirāz
Population : 10,050,000

Government Type : Absolute monarchy
Government Ideology/Policies : Nationalism, pan-Iranism
Government Focus : The primary focus of the government is promoting a unified "Iranian" ethnicity among the multiple ethnicities living within the empire in accordance with ancient customs
Head of State : Shahbanu Sitareh Sassani
Head of Government : Shahbanu Sitareh Sassani
Government Description : The government consists of the empress (Shahbanu) acting as an absolute monarch to the nation, guided by an elder council that, although lacking executive and legislative authority, is highly respected and acts to give advise. It is ultimately a system similar to, and perhaps inspired by, the Imperial Senate of Rome.

Majority/State Religion : Zoroastrianism
Religious Description : Presenting the incestuous eternal struggle between good and evil, light and dark, Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions in the world continually practiced. This variant of Zoroastrianism considers Zunism, the ethnic religion of the Pashtun, to be a valid sect in its own right, and grants the Pashtun high amounts of local autonomy to allow their continued practice in relative peace.

Economic Ideologies : Moderate Socialism
Major Production : Tropical goods
Economic Description : The economy of Persia is partially-industrialized, and marks Persia as a secondary power, significant to the region but not far elsewhere. It gains plentiful benefit through the mass production of smuggled tropical crops like rubber and spices, although the funding acquired through the sale of these goods is transferred to help build industry, as well as to provide subsidies, welfare, and other basic governmental duties.

Army Strength : The Persian military is highly specialized for mountain warfare, and the small, but notable, Pashtun contingent acts as a sort of Gurkha-style soldier for the Persians. The offensive capabilities of the army are limited in favor of excellent performance in mountainous and jungle terrain.
Army Weakness : The army suffers in flat terrain. Although there are armored cataphract regiments to deal in this sort of terrain, they are not numerous or prevalent enough to be an effective fighting force.
Naval Strength : There is no effective navy due to lacking a coastline, although naval designs have long been drawn up in preparation for the day where said coastline may be seized once more. Classically, prisoners may earn a pardon by enlisting in the navy. At the moment, the only action the navy sees is training and drills performed in the Caspian using experimental ship designs.
Naval Weakness : No ports
Further Military Description : I think I'll skip this one. It's been a long day.

National Goals : Live long and prosper
National Issues : Occupation of the coastline, Iranian territories held by foreign powers
National Figures of Interest : Chieftain Arman: One of the dominant tribal leaders of Afghanistan, Chieftain Arman is the pinnacle of military genius in the empire. Trained at the Royal Academy and well-practiced in the art of war, he is a valuable asset of the empire.
National Ambition/Aspirations : Unification of Iranian peoples

History : The rise of Muhammad and his Islamic faith was a devastating force, something that nobody thought could be fought off. All seemed lost, the words and temples of Zoroaster subject to invading nomads who would see it all burn, Persian civilization gone. However, a miracle occurred: Persia and Byzantium led a joint effort to defeat the Islamic invasion of Persia, and the country was preserved. Inspired by a revived nationalism and sense of friendship with the Romans, old feuds were put aside and old respect brought to the forefront. Sassanid interests turned elsewhere, and peace with old enemies was found for all to enjoy.

Islam as a religion found its way across the Indian Ocean in due time, but Persia remained resolute. As the country entered into the Medieval era, and the influence of Islam grew, the Persians rebuilt themselves to adapt. Lesson learned, they built a strong defensive border all around the state. In the 10th century, slow excursions were made into Afghanistan: trade posts were established, military garrisons given thus, treaties were written with nearby tribes, and ultimately the Afghans came under Persian subjugation by the 11th century in most senses of the word, although they were granted high autonomy so as not to offend, and those in power were left in such. As a result, the Zunbils were typically considered the satraps of Afghanistan so as to appease their pre-existing dominance.

In the 12th century, excursions were made attempting to reclaim Parthian ruins from the Turkish invaders. 3 wars were fought over the course of 50 years, with a temporary governance set up in the area to be ultimately repelled at the end of the third war. It became evident that the current strategies were not working, as the Turks knew all of the same strategies and deployed them effectively. A reorganization was in order: new military schools were founded across the empire, more pikes and spears were produced to deal with the cavalrymen, and forces were amassed on the border to provide a powerful initial rush. By the time this was all organized, however, the Mongol invasion occurred. The forces were repurposed to fight off the Mongol horde, and although heavy casualties were sustained, the anti-cavalry implements in coordination with mountainous terrain preserved the majority of Persia in-tact and outside of Mongol control.

It was during this same period, immediately following the invasion, that a new social restructuring would occur. The shahanshah, looking at the Muslims and the empires around him, asked his Jewish wife for counsel. Her response was to eliminate the Persian castes, and to allow a freer trade than had been previously given. So he did: the merchants and artisans were no longer the bottom of society, and multiple trade posts were established, with delegates offering the finest Persian goods, bringing along trails of dancers, musicians, and poets to the Mongols to ask them in a great show of Persian culture to direct the Silk Road through Persia once more, that the empire had much to offer and was now much more merchant-friendly. Thus, the silk roads were more open to Persia than they had once been, and trade flowed as it did in the older days. inspired by this, the shahanshah would likewise reinstate multiple ancient institutions that had long ago fallen into disrepair, reorganizing Persia to be independent of the outside influences that had crept in and making it a much stronger local culture, with reforms to architecture, infrastructure, society, and economy all coming across the next few centuries.

By 1500, Persia had completed reorganization of institutions to eliminate the corrupted priesthood and the power it had held, old roads were rebuilt, trade posts established, and universities founded and refounded. Jews and Afghans were given full legal rights, as it had once been, to encourage both internal stability and the trade roads that both ethnicities had strong connections to. This trend would continue as Persia fiercely guarded and promoted the Silk Road trade routes so as to secure its own position as a relevant power. However, with increased prosperity came increased opportunity, and piracy began to grow along the Persian coastline. Measures were put in place to eliminate and suppress such acts, but the valuable Indian Ocean marketplace proved too tempting. In due time, the Persian coastline fell to pirates as Persia redirected resources to once again secure itself.

As the centuries went, Persia would put in full effort to secure what borders it retained. Although peace with the Romans was achieved, it was unsteady. The pirates were kept at bay, although they always managed to repel invasions. The Indians could not be trusted, nor could the nomads to the north. Although Persia continued to advance itself in hopes to keep up with the rest of the world, its relevance in the world stage began to shrink due to a lack of colonialism. Persia had interest in such manners, but lacked the coastline to launch ships from. Although, recent incidents have ended up transferring pirate lands to Korean hands, which sparked outrage across the Persian Empire. Little could be done, claimed the shahanshah, although plans have been in the works since the Korean capture to reclaim the territories, either diplomatically or otherwise.

Comparison Points – Political : 2
Comparison Points – Cultural/Religious : 3
Comparison Points – Economy : 3
Comparison Points – Military : 2
Total Comparison Points used (10 Points MAX) : 10/10

Very very good app. I will bring it to the Attention of Oscal.

[Tracian Empire]

With the Russian collapse, Persia sends soldiers into Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Alania to "Restore order"!

Also, in fairness, my "Alania" vision is the Caspian. You can keep your Black Sea all you want.

Da, Caspian sea you said, heathens? It's seems Perm have some words to talk about this vision.

Perm delenda est.