The Festival of Holy Light III (OOC Sign Ups)

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

snip

F i s h i n g b o a t s

[The Selkie]

Uh, based on the Azzam? Not a bad choice, if you also need to represent (as the owner of that vessel is a woman, jokes about compensating for something won't really work ; )). Does she have the little sub, too? Is it a replica or do you adapt her a bit? What's her name?
The Wellenreiter was based on the Leander G, at least in the standard technical data (the Wellenreiter has less suites and an onboard stable and veterinary station).
Sorry if I am asking too many questions. I have a bit of interest in shipbuilding here on NS. ; )

Quite spot on right there I see! Yes the “HMS Sea Traveler” is a replica of the IRL counterpart, with the only difference being that the Cassadian Azzam clone was built in one of the shipyards of my country (Ilopirt). And as for Cornelia compensating for something, I’d say that while you’re correct, that initial impression is quite accurate of what the Cassadian Monarchy is basically projecting, as it perceives itself as wealthy, powerful, and determined to get what it wants.

Onto what you asked about the interior and the sub; Yes, the Sea Explorer has ever that Azzam has IRL, the only thing different I’d say is that the Sea Explorer sports several EW countermeasures systems to protect against Anti-ship & guided-to-ground missiles, and since members of the Royal Family are accompanied by an entourage of Royal Guard Knight-Agents at times; the Sea Explorer comes equipped with an armory with which you can comfortably equip an entire platoon, not to mention it comes packing Stinger MANPADS and a few TOW and Korsar ATGM systems on board.

And as for that other post where you mentioned your shipbuilding industry; Unlike Selkie’s Cassadia’s shipbuilding capability is focused more on producing naval vessels with military applications rather than civilian, the only exception being cargo freighters, oil tankers, LNG haulers, river transport vessels and other such projects that involve large-scale ships.

That doesn’t mean we don’t build yachts, but these kinds of vessels in Cassadia are meant mainly for only robber baron Oligarchs, the Aristocracy, handsomely rich people in general. Hence Cassadia’s main focus is on nuclear submarines, missile boats, cruisers, destroyers, and aircraft carriers.

And we are always willing to build you a batch of say; frigates, attack submarines, or patrol craft, for a reasonable price.

But I have to warn you that your country will be breaking several WA arms embargoes and about a dozen sanction resolutions XD

Thank you for the offer of arms exports, but the Free Lands produce and export their own naval vessels, which would technically make us competitors. Anyway, the shipyard responsible for those is SDY as well.
As of late, they turned more towards civilian shipbuilding, that is true, but they still build warships, when someone orders - for the right price. ; )

Anyway, the Sea Traveler sounds like an auxiliary cruiser in the making... mind you, when SDY builds yachts, they can be equipped with countermeasures and even CIWS in one case, but usually, the majority of these things are passive in nature, so... yeah. Small armouries come along, though, usually for less then a platoon. ; )
Also, as you have ECM Systems, you might want to add something against heat-seeking missiles, too. Flares would be a cheap option.
Wealthy, determined and powerful is a potent combination - especially when abroad. Though what would it be, that Qassadia wants?

[Qassadia]

snip

F i s h i n g b o a t s

N U K E - C A R R Y I N G. F I S H I N G. T R A W L E R S

No seriously, moor one of these bad bois, in the bay of your enemy's main port, and you would have inflicted a catastrophic hit on the belligerent's capability to wage war against you, any Amistad hotshot who thinks he can take on Cassadia would be BTFO'd into a sea of nuclear hellfire.

[Lux Pulchrae]

AHSCA I think you might’ve missed me there.

Also is it fine add two more? But not right now.

[Qassadia]

Thank you for the offer of arms exports, but the Free Lands produce and export their own naval vessels, which would technically make us competitors. Anyway, the shipyard responsible for those is SDY as well.
As of late, they turned more towards civilian shipbuilding, that is true, but they still build warships, when someone orders - for the right price. ; )

Anyway, the Sea Traveler sounds like an auxiliary cruiser in the making... mind you, when SDY builds yachts, they can be equipped with countermeasures and even CIWS in one case, but usually, the majority of these things are passive in nature, so... yeah. Small armouries come along, though, usually for less than a platoon. ; )
Also, as you have ECM Systems, you might want to add something against heat-seeking missiles, too. Flares would be a cheap option.
Wealthy, determined, and powerful is a potent combination - especially when abroad. Though what would it be, that Qassadia wants?

What Qassadia wants would be nimble, robust, and small in size naval platforms. That's why Cassadia has focused on building naval ships that are no bigger than the size of a frigate, which carry all manners of anti-ship/cruise missiles, countermeasures, while also punching way above its weight in terms of range and speed. Save for the Aircraft Carrier Strike Groups, my nation's shipbuilding industry has mostly moved on from building the huge cruisers and destroyers that were typical of the Cold War (a period in which Cassadia was ''part of the Free World'' when it was a ''dependable partner in the fight against the Communist menace'' from spreading further in the Krillin region), not to mention the increasing maintenance costs and modernization that has to be done on them on a periodic basis every 10-15 years or so.

As for our industries being competitors, does the Selkian government by any chance apply selectively to which prospective buyer would the Selkian government sell its systems to; such as say a proverbial buyer country having a government that does not respect human rights or anything of that sort? Would the Selkian Government still agree to sell weapons to a country with such kind of government or would it be out of the question?

Cassadia's Crown-Government on the other hand would sell pretty much any weapon system to anyone with the money (that does not include Amistad signatories or nations closely associated with the int. organization) to buy them; that includes even communist countries mind you! Whether the customer country has a democratic government, monarchy, theocracy, or any other political system under the sun, the Crown-Government would be willing to export to anyone who has the right amount of money to spare.

[The Selkie]

What Qassadia wants would be nimble, robust, and small in size naval platforms. That's why Cassadia has focused on building naval ships that are no bigger than the size of a frigate, which carry all manners of anti-ship/cruise missiles, countermeasures, while also punching way above its weight in terms of range and speed. Save for the Aircraft Carrier Strike Groups, my nation's shipbuilding industry has mostly moved on from building the huge cruisers and destroyers that were typical of the Cold War (a period in which Cassadia was ''part of the Free World'' when it was a ''dependable partner in the fight against the Communist menace'' from spreading further in the Krillin region), not to mention the increasing maintenance costs and modernization that has to be done on them on a periodic basis every 10-15 years or so.

As for our industries being competitors, does the Selkian government by any chance apply selectively to which prospective buyer would the Selkian government sell its systems to; such as say a proverbial buyer country having a government that does not respect human rights or anything of that sort? Would the Selkian Government still agree to sell weapons to a country with such kind of government or would it be out of the question?

Cassadia's Crown-Government on the other hand would sell pretty much any weapon system to anyone with the money (that does not include Amistad signatories or nations closely associated with the int. organization) to buy them; that includes even communist countries mind you! Whether the customer country has a democratic government, monarchy, theocracy, or any other political system under the sun, the Crown-Government would be willing to export to anyone who has the right amount of money to spare.

The question of what Qassadia wants was more meant politically, not in the ways of naval vessels. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

As for who SDY sells to - first of all, it's the Government of the Free Lands, not the Selkiean Government. Second, the only ones capable of deciding who SDY (or any company in the Free Lands, for that matter) sells to is the Merchant Guild of Leuda, which is a union of merchants dedicated to representing the interests of all in the faces of others, for example foreign governments or the own government.
The MGoL places rather lax limits with whom their companies and merchants can trade with, though. SDY has a few as company policy, too. Generally, they boil down to not selling to countries engaging in active acts of piracy or active armed conflicts (cold wars and preludes to war are a different matter, though).
Human rights... that is handled on a case-by-case basis by both the MGoL and SDY, but generally, if the country engages in slavery, they will not find the Free Lands among their trade partners. And yes, I know, that this would include Qassadia.

The SDF-Navy prefers smaller vessels as well, though more out of an interest to use the limited manpower resources they have as best as they can...

[Qassadia]

The question of what Qassadia wants was more meant politically, not in the ways of naval vessels. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

As for who SDY sells to - first of all, it's the Government of the Free Lands, not the Selkiean Government. Second, the only ones capable of deciding who SDY (or any company in the Free Lands, for that matter) sells to is the Merchant Guild of Leuda, which is a union of merchants dedicated to representing the interests of all in the faces of others, for example, foreign governments or the own government.
The MGoL places rather lax limits with whom their companies and merchants can trade with, though. SDY has a few as company policy, too. Generally, they boil down to not selling to countries engaging in active acts of piracy or active armed conflicts (cold wars and preludes to war are a different matter, though).
Human rights... that is handled on a case-by-case basis by both the MGoL and SDY, but generally, if the country engages in slavery, they will not find the Free Lands among their trade partners. And yes, I know, that this would include Qassadia.

The SDF-Navy prefers smaller vessels as well, though more out of an interest to use the limited manpower resources they have as best as they can...

Nah, I am sorry for not getting what you meant. But here's how I can describe the concept of Cassadia's national interest; its main objective is to preserve the Monarchy and the societal structures (Aristocracy, slavery, etc.). Foreign policy-wise, that means securing, cordial and stable relationships with governments of countries that would not bend to the pressure of either the WA or Amistad if they were to swan-in and start applying threats on a said country that has ties with Cassadia - to have at the least severance or at worst join either of those two international structures (which in the case of Amistad would demand a state of war, between said country and Cassadia).

The other is to keep the WA and Amistad locked out from gaining a physical foothold (i.e military bases or port facilities) in the Krillin region. And while it sounds, hard and complicated both on words and in reality, the actual situation is surprisingly the opposite since only a couple of Krillin nation are even members of the WA, to begin with. And even those that are members of the international organization, have historically maintained diplomatic relations and trade ties, with Cassadia in one form or another for the past four hundred years. Hence why Cassadia still maintains a substantial trade surplus from export activities with many countries native to Krillin.

Whether that's because of the historic friendly relations with Cassadia or the ever-lingering Damocles of hard power that is the Royal Navy, is another matter.

Unlike Saddam Hussein, the Crown-Government won't stand idly by while a coalition of enemy nations is assembling its forces, poised to attack - right on Cassadia's metaphorical doorstep. The Crown-Government simply won't stand for this.

[The Selkie]

Nah, I am sorry for not getting what you meant. But here's how I can describe the concept of Cassadia's national interest; its main objective is to preserve the Monarchy and the societal structures (Aristocracy, slavery, etc.). Foreign policy-wise, that means securing, cordial and stable relationships with governments of countries that would not bend to the pressure of either the WA or Amistad if they were to swan-in and start applying threats on a said country that has ties with Cassadia - to have at the least severance or at worst join either of those two international structures (which in the case of Amistad would demand a state of war, between said country and Cassadia).

The other is to keep the WA and Amistad locked out from gaining a physical foothold (i.e military bases or port facilities) in the Krillin region. And while it sounds, hard and complicated both on words and in reality, the actual situation is surprisingly the opposite since only a couple of Krillin nation are even members of the WA, to begin with. And even those that are members of the international organization, have historically maintained diplomatic relations and trade ties, with Cassadia in one form or another for the past four hundred years. Hence why Cassadia still maintains a substantial trade surplus from export activities with many countries native to Krillin.

Whether that's because of the historic friendly relations with Cassadia or the ever-lingering Damocles of hard power that is the Royal Navy, is another matter.

Unlike Saddam Hussein, the Crown-Government won't stand idly by while a coalition of enemy nations is assembling its forces, poised to attack - right on Cassadia's metaphorical doorstep. The Crown-Government simply won't stand for this.

No problem from my end.

Anyway, understandable and quite interesting. I take, that Qassadia is quite isolated outside of Krillin?
Just so that we are along the same lines, however: The Free Lands might not trade with Qassadia, but the Free Lands will not engage in hostilities against Qassadia either. Aside from the slight disparity in power, the Free Lands are not a signatory of the Amistad Declaration and got a pretty good idea about what they are about during Operation Spartacus - needless to say, they did not like it. What your people do in their own borders is your business, not ours.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Nah, I am sorry for not getting what you meant. But here's how I can describe the concept of Cassadia's national interest; its main objective is to preserve the Monarchy and the societal structures (Aristocracy, slavery, etc.). Foreign policy-wise, that means securing, cordial and stable relationships with governments of countries that would not bend to the pressure of either the WA or Amistad if they were to swan-in and start applying threats on a said country that has ties with Cassadia - to have at the least severance or at worst join either of those two international structures (which in the case of Amistad would demand a state of war, between said country and Cassadia).

The other is to keep the WA and Amistad locked out from gaining a physical foothold (i.e military bases or port facilities) in the Krillin region. And while it sounds, hard and complicated both on words and in reality, the actual situation is surprisingly the opposite since only a couple of Krillin nation are even members of the WA, to begin with. And even those that are members of the international organization, have historically maintained diplomatic relations and trade ties, with Cassadia in one form or another for the past four hundred years. Hence why Cassadia still maintains a substantial trade surplus from export activities with many countries native to Krillin.

Whether that's because of the historic friendly relations with Cassadia or the ever-lingering Damocles of hard power that is the Royal Navy, is another matter.

Unlike Saddam Hussein, the Crown-Government won't stand idly by while a coalition of enemy nations is assembling its forces, poised to attack - right on Cassadia's metaphorical doorstep. The Crown-Government simply won't stand for this.

No problem from my end.

Anyway, understandable and quite interesting. I take, that Qassadia is quite isolated outside of Krillin?
Just so that we are along the same lines, however: The Free Lands might not trade with Qassadia, but the Free Lands will not engage in hostilities against Qassadia either. Aside from the slight disparity in power, the Free Lands are not a signatory of the Amistad Declaration and got a pretty good idea about what they are about during Operation Spartacus - needless to say, they did not like it. What your people do in their own borders is your business, not ours.

Laughs nervously in Amistad signatory

[The Selkie]

Laughs nervously in Amistad signatory

Don't worry, you weren't along for that ride.
...
...
...
...wait, hang on. When did you sign the Armistad Declaration?

[Qassadia]

No problem from my end.

Anyway, understandable and quite interesting. I take, that Qassadia is quite isolated outside of Krillin?
Just so that we are along the same lines, however: The Free Lands might not trade with Qassadia, but the Free Lands will not engage in hostilities against Qassadia either. Aside from the slight disparity in power, the Free Lands is not a signatory of the Amistad Declaration and got a pretty good idea about what they are about during Operation Spartacus - needless to say, they did not like it. What your people do in their own borders is your business, not ours.

Regarding Cassadia's extra-regional activities, quite so In a geopolitical sense (at least officially on the surface that is). Though I would not consider that to be the case in the department that is international trade. While around 70% of Cassadia's exports are to nations within the geographical confines of the Krillin region, that does not mean the other 30% are not just as important. One of the upsides of globalization is that, because the world is so interconnected, especially when it comes to trade and international exchange; these ''tools'' within the policy kit of either international organizations or world powers are more or less useless, unless they are applied on some small, weak nation with either a regime that is on unstable or vulnerable politically in its foundation.

I would like you to ask yourself this; how do you think all those influential people drive around in G-Wagons? or how Empress Relena's state car is the latest custom-built model of a Rolls Royce Phantom, not to mention the armored Cullinans of her Royal Guard that shadows her wherever she has to step outside the boundaries of her estates or the Carthage Palace?

Front-men, shell companies, shady proxy financial banking accounts in Caribbean-type island nations with zipped-lip financial confidentiality policies. That's how most of these goods find themselves in the Holy Kingdom, just like the status-symbol automobiles, the same goes for much smaller products, like the famous brand of cosmetics, designer clothes, alcohol, tobacco, or electronics (i.e iPhones, iMacs).

The same mindset can be applied to; how the various sectors of the manufacturing industries, especially those of strategic and national security importance or military-industrial complex are still somehow able to obtain the latest in CNC machines, 3D printers, or industrial robots - despite painstaking, exhaustive, and comprehensive sanctions regime that forbids pretty much everything save for everyday essentials (mind you those also still have to be signed off on) on the part of the WA.

The answer lies in smuggling (especially when it comes to conducting import or export activities outside Krillin), which for your interest, is legal and approved of on a national level. Dare I say even directly supported (often with assistance by operatives of the General Reconnaissance Bureau), especially when the Crown-Government wants to acquisition certain kinds of goods that often with military applications; in that case, these often being sophisticated dual-use goods, be it electronics or industrial machinery, or actual military technology especially if it pertains to the manufacture of hypersonic missiles, scramjets, nuclear propulsion systems, target acquisition guidance systems, artillery platforms, aircraft, SAMs, ECM equipment, RADAR, etc.

Such intricate smuggling schemes are almost always done by the General Reconnaissance Bureau; this is no easy feat as a mountain of export controls, government policy, and other bureaucratic hurdles have to be circumvented to get the cargo going, often these methods include bribes, falsified procurement orders from either national governments or companies as well as impersonating representatives from these private or state entities, along with executing a more sophisticated version of the smuggling scheme regarding the one concerning civilian products and goods.

Some IRL examples of rogue states successfully obtaining often-sensitive products with substantial dual-use capability or just straight-up military technology, products, and systems.

Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Example 6

[The Selkie]

No problem from my end.

Anyway, understandable and quite interesting. I take, that Qassadia is quite isolated outside of Krillin?
Just so that we are along the same lines, however: The Free Lands might not trade with Qassadia, but the Free Lands will not engage in hostilities against Qassadia either. Aside from the slight disparity in power, the Free Lands is not a signatory of the Amistad Declaration and got a pretty good idea about what they are about during Operation Spartacus - needless to say, they did not like it. What your people do in their own borders is your business, not ours.

Regarding Cassadia's extra-regional activities, quite so In a geopolitical sense (at least officially on the surface that is). Though I would not consider that to be the case in the department that is international trade. While around 70% of Cassadia's exports are to nations within the geographical confines of the Krillin region, that does not mean the other 30% are not just as important. One of the upsides of globalization is that, because the world is so interconnected, especially when it comes to trade and international exchange; these ''tools'' within the policy kit of either international organizations or world powers are more or less useless, unless they are applied on some small, weak nation with either a regime that is on unstable or vulnerable politically in its foundation.

I would like you to ask yourself this; how do you think all those influential people drive around in G-Wagons? or how Empress Relena's state car is the latest custom-built model of a Rolls Royce Phantom, not to mention the armored Cullinans of her Royal Guard that shadows her wherever she has to step outside the boundaries of her estates or the Carthage Palace?

Front-men, shell companies, shady proxy financial banking accounts in Caribbean-type island nations with zipped-lip financial confidentiality policies. That's how most of these goods find themselves in the Holy Kingdom, just like the status-symbol automobiles, the same goes for much smaller products, like the famous brand of cosmetics, designer clothes, alcohol, tobacco, or electronics (i.e iPhones, iMacs).

The same mindset can be applied to; how the various sectors of the manufacturing industries, especially those of strategic and national security importance or military-industrial complex are still somehow able to obtain the latest in CNC machines, 3D printers, or industrial robots - despite painstaking, exhaustive, and comprehensive sanctions regime that forbids pretty much everything save for everyday essentials (mind you those also still have to be signed off on) on the part of the WA.

The answer lies in smuggling (especially when it comes to conducting import or export activities outside Krillin), which for your interest, is legal and approved of on a national level. Dare I say even directly supported (often with assistance by operatives of the General Reconnaissance Bureau), especially when the Crown-Government wants to acquisition certain kinds of goods that often with military applications; in that case, these often being sophisticated dual-use goods, be it electronics or industrial machinery, or actual military technology especially if it pertains to the manufacture of hypersonic missiles, scramjets, nuclear propulsion systems, target acquisition guidance systems, artillery platforms, aircraft, SAMs, ECM equipment, RADAR, etc.

Such intricate smuggling schemes are almost always done by the General Reconnaissance Bureau; this is no easy feat as a mountain of export controls, government policy, and other bureaucratic hurdles have to be circumvented to get the cargo going, often these methods include bribes, falsified procurement orders from either national governments or companies as well as impersonating representatives from these private or state entities, along with executing a more sophisticated version of the smuggling scheme regarding the one concerning civilian products and goods.

Some IRL examples of rogue states successfully obtaining often-sensitive products with substantial dual-use capability or just straight-up military technology, products, and systems.

Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Example 6

And developing and producing, at least in part, for themselves was never a thought?
Or designing themselves, for example, wouldn't it be a point of national pride, if the Queen were to drive around in the newest limousine by the top-dogs of the Qassadian car manufacturers instead of a model by "dirty foreigners"?
Or trading with friendly regimes, not only in exporting but also in importing? After all, as you said, unless one is a small nation wholly dependent on the good will of a larger top-dog, there are options and those are also options in trading. Now, I realize, that such options are even more limited with slaver nations, which counted such illustrious personages such as Munkchester among their number, but where there's a will, there's a way even without resorting to massive smuggling operations and other illegal schemes, which leave you at disadvantages even without the possibility of simply being found out.
But in the end, as long as it works for you... good luck in keeping it up!

[Qassadia]

Regarding Cassadia's extra-regional activities, quite so In a geopolitical sense (at least officially on the surface that is). Though I would not consider that to be the case in the department that is international trade. While around 70% of Cassadia's exports are to nations within the geographical confines of the Krillin region, that does not mean the other 30% are not just as important. One of the upsides of globalization is that, because the world is so interconnected, especially when it comes to trade and international exchange; these ''tools'' within the policy kit of either international organizations or world powers are more or less useless unless they are applied on some small, weak nation with either a regime that is on unstable or vulnerable politically in its foundation.

I would like you to ask yourself this; how do you think all those influential people drive around in G-Wagons? or how Empress Relena's state car is the latest custom-built model of a Rolls Royce Phantom, not to mention the armored Cullinans of her Royal Guard that shadows her wherever she has to step outside the boundaries of her estates or the Carthage Palace?

Front-men, shell companies, shady proxy financial banking accounts in Caribbean-type island nations with zipped-lip financial confidentiality policies. That's how most of these goods find themselves in the Holy Kingdom, just like the status-symbol automobiles, the same goes for much smaller products, like the famous brand of cosmetics, designer clothes, alcohol, tobacco, or electronics (i.e iPhones, iMacs).

The same mindset can be applied to; how the various sectors of the manufacturing industries, especially those of strategic and national security importance or military-industrial complex are still somehow able to obtain the latest in CNC machines, 3D printers, or industrial robots - despite painstaking, exhaustive, and comprehensive sanctions regime that forbids pretty much everything save for everyday essentials (mind you those also still have to be signed off on) on the part of the WA.

The answer lies in smuggling (especially when it comes to conducting import or export activities outside Krillin), which for your interest, is legal and approved of on a national level. Dare I say even directly supported (often with assistance by operatives of the General Reconnaissance Bureau), especially when the Crown-Government wants to acquisition certain kinds of goods that often with military applications; in that case, these often being sophisticated dual-use goods, be it electronics or industrial machinery, or actual military technology especially if it pertains to the manufacture of hypersonic missiles, scramjets, nuclear propulsion systems, target acquisition guidance systems, artillery platforms, aircraft, SAMs, ECM equipment, RADAR, etc.

Such intricate smuggling schemes are almost always done by the General Reconnaissance Bureau; this is no easy feat as a mountain of export controls, government policy, and other bureaucratic hurdles have to be circumvented to get the cargo going, often these methods include bribes, falsified procurement orders from either national governments or companies as well as impersonating representatives from these private or state entities, along with executing a more sophisticated version of the smuggling scheme regarding the one concerning civilian products and goods.

Some IRL examples of rogue states successfully obtaining often-sensitive products with substantial dual-use capability or just straight-up military technology, products, and systems.

Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Example 6

And developing and producing, at least in part, for themselves was never a thought?
Or designing themselves, for example, wouldn't it be a point of national pride, if the Queen were to drive around in the newest limousine by the top-dogs of the Qassadian car manufacturers instead of a model by "dirty foreigners"?
Or trading with friendly regimes, not only in exporting but also in importing? After all, as you said, unless one is a small nation wholly dependent on the goodwill of a larger top-dog, there are options and those are also options in trading. Now, I realize, that such options are even more limited with slaver nations, which counted such illustrious personages such as Munkchester among their number, but where there's a will, there's a way even without resorting to massive smuggling operations and other illegal schemes, which leave you at disadvantages even without the possibility of simply being found out.
But in the end, as long as it works for you... good luck in keeping it up!

Cassadia's industrial base is capable of producing a wide array of products, goods. This includes assembling luxury sedans as you inquired or anything else, in all its reverse-engineered glory of stolen intellectual property - though under a different brand name of course! As such said proverbial brand that produces these copies of the Rolls-Royce is under the brand-name Taurus (an indirect reference to the RL Russian Aurus company that made Putin's state car).

As for ''developing and producing, at least in part, for themselves'', while Cassadia certainly possesses the industrial, technological and technical skill to do just that, it is nevertheless easier to smuggle in an example of say; superconductor, car, missile, engine, jets - strip it apart entirely, then take the dimmensions of every component and then reverse engineer it, after which they would proceed to pretty much make a carbon copy of said product.

As for using cars and other products made by ''dirty foreigners'', I'd say its done more because these kind things serve as status symbols and importance for any who has them in their possession.

Onto what you said about trading with ''like-minded'' countries with similar regimes, while somewhat true since our three closest partners (Ejorike, Hesja, Jajal) are also reliable allies, economically militarily and politically at the end of the day, cannot be relied upon to have their economies alone consist as our only export markets. Hence why the need to trade with as many countries as possible comes in.

Off-topic question; In one of your earlier posts on the thread, you mentioned ''slight disparities'' in military capabilities, I'm curious as what you meant by that and to whom was it directed or alluded to.

[The Selkie]

And developing and producing, at least in part, for themselves was never a thought?
Or designing themselves, for example, wouldn't it be a point of national pride, if the Queen were to drive around in the newest limousine by the top-dogs of the Qassadian car manufacturers instead of a model by "dirty foreigners"?
Or trading with friendly regimes, not only in exporting but also in importing? After all, as you said, unless one is a small nation wholly dependent on the goodwill of a larger top-dog, there are options and those are also options in trading. Now, I realize, that such options are even more limited with slaver nations, which counted such illustrious personages such as Munkchester among their number, but where there's a will, there's a way even without resorting to massive smuggling operations and other illegal schemes, which leave you at disadvantages even without the possibility of simply being found out.
But in the end, as long as it works for you... good luck in keeping it up!

Cassadia's industrial base is capable of producing a wide array of products, goods. This includes assembling luxury sedans as you inquired or anything else, in all its reverse-engineered glory of stolen intellectual property - though under a different brand name of course! As such said proverbial brand that produces these copies of the Rolls-Royce is under the brand-name Taurus (an indirect reference to the RL Russian Aurus company that made Putin's state car).

As for ''developing and producing, at least in part, for themselves'', while Cassadia certainly possesses the industrial, technological and technical skill to do just that, it is nevertheless easier to smuggle in an example of say; superconductor, car, missile, engine, jets - strip it apart entirely, then take the dimmensions of every component and then reverse engineer it, after which they would proceed to pretty much make a carbon copy of said product.

As for using cars and other products made by ''dirty foreigners'', I'd say its done more because these kind things serve as status symbols and importance for any who has them in their possession.

Onto what you said about trading with ''like-minded'' countries with similar regimes, while somewhat true since our three closest partners (Ejorike, Hesja, Jajal) are also reliable allies, economically militarily and politically at the end of the day, cannot be relied upon to have their economies alone consist as our only export markets. Hence why the need to trade with as many countries as possible comes in.

Off-topic question; In one of your earlier posts on the thread, you mentioned ''slight disparities'' in military capabilities, I'm curious as what you meant by that and to whom was it directed or alluded to.

Interesting. Very interesting.
But as said, if it works for you, then it works for you. Be aware, that my diplomatic and economic interactions with you will be quite limited - such festivals as this, though, let's see, when and where we can make our characters meet! : D

The comment about the disparities in military capabilities was alluding to the fact, that I am quite sure, that the Armed Forces of Qassadia are a bit larger then roundabout 100,000 officers and men in total - and that is, where the disparity starts.
No, the Free Lands, unless their interests or their allies or themselves are threatened will keep the SDF at home.

[Qassadia]

Cassadia's industrial base is capable of producing a wide array of products, goods. This includes assembling luxury sedans as you inquired or anything else, in all its reverse-engineered glory of stolen intellectual property - though under a different brand name of course! As such said proverbial brand that produces these copies of the Rolls-Royce is under the brand-name Taurus (an indirect reference to the RL Russian Aurus company that made Putin's state car).

As for ''developing and producing, at least in part, for themselves'', while Cassadia certainly possesses the industrial, technological, and technical skill to do just that, it is nevertheless easier to smuggle in an example of saying; superconductor, car, missile, engine, jets - strip it apart entirely, then take the dimensions of every component and then reverse engineer it, after which they would proceed to pretty much make a carbon copy of the said product.

As for using cars and other products made by ''dirty foreigners'', I'd say it's done more because these kind things serve as status symbols and important for any who has them in their possession.

Onto what you said about trading with ''like-minded'' countries with similar regimes, while somewhat true since our three closest partners (Ejorike, Hesja, Jajal) are also reliable allies, economically militarily and politically at the end of the day, cannot be relied upon to have their economies alone consist as our only export markets. Hence why the need to trade with as many countries as possible comes in.

Off-topic question; In one of your earlier posts on the thread, you mentioned ''slight disparities'' in military capabilities, I'm curious as to what you meant by that and to who was it directed or alluded to.

Interesting. Very interesting.
But as said, if it works for you, then it works for you. Be aware, that my diplomatic and economic interactions with you will be quite limited - such festivals as this, though, let's see, when and where we can make our characters meet! : D

The comment about the disparities in military capabilities was alluding to the fact, that I am quite sure, that the Armed Forces of Qassadia are a bit larger then roundabout 100,000 officers and men in total - and that is, where the disparity starts.
No, the Free Lands, unless their interests or their allies or themselves are threatened will keep the SDF at home.

No problem, I am just as excited to have our characters meet as well

Btw, does your nation by any chance have an Embassy application thread ? Mine as you can see is in my sig, so I'd suggest you fill out the form whenever you have the time to do so, I'll very much appreciate it if you do this

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Who's free on Aurora island? I have one technically-not-a-war criminal and two cadets with nothing to do.

Laughs nervously in Amistad signatory

Don't worry, you weren't along for that ride.
...
...
...
...wait, hang on. When did you sign the Armistad Declaration?

iirc it was my old account that got nuked.

[AHSCA]

Who's free on Aurora island? I have one technically-not-a-war criminal and two cadets with nothing to do.

My girl from Kuronami is free.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Who's free on Aurora island? I have one technically-not-a-war criminal and two cadets with nothing to do.

My girl from Kuronami is free.

Epic. Would you prefer she meet Otulissa or Alice and Eileen?

[Lux Pulchrae]

Who's free on Aurora island? I have one technically-not-a-war criminal and two cadets with nothing to do.

I’m down. Mine just got there, story-wise.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Who's free on Aurora island? I have one technically-not-a-war criminal and two cadets with nothing to do.

I’m down. Mine just got there, story-wise.

Aight, schoolgirls or war criminal?

[Lux Pulchrae]

Aight, schoolgirls or war criminal?

Hmm, my characters have never spoken to a war criminal. A foreign one at least.

[The Selkie]

Interesting. Very interesting.
But as said, if it works for you, then it works for you. Be aware, that my diplomatic and economic interactions with you will be quite limited - such festivals as this, though, let's see, when and where we can make our characters meet! : D

The comment about the disparities in military capabilities was alluding to the fact, that I am quite sure, that the Armed Forces of Qassadia are a bit larger then roundabout 100,000 officers and men in total - and that is, where the disparity starts.
No, the Free Lands, unless their interests or their allies or themselves are threatened will keep the SDF at home.

No problem, I am just as excited to have our characters meet as well

Btw, does your nation by any chance have an Embassy application thread ? Mine as you can see is in my sig, so I'd suggest you fill out the form whenever you have the time to do so, I'll very much appreciate it if you do this

Cool!

I'm afraid, that I do not have an Embassy Thread. And I am afraid, that I won't apply for one with you either, the Free Lands do not only have limited military capabilities, but they also have limited diplomatic capabilities, simply by manpower, so they concentrate their embassies with nations, with which they interact with on a regular basis.
As the Free Lands and Qassadia won't interact that often on a governmental level... sorry.

[Shiatoru]

Would it be too late for an emergency landing to cause some poor recreational flight passenger to find themselves in a culture they have no clue about?

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Aight, schoolgirls or war criminal?

Hmm, my characters have never spoken to a war criminal. A foreign one at least.

Aight, where do you want for them to meet?

[Glaristant]

Sorry for the lack of a post, but irl has been busy. Anyways I will do a post either later today or early tomorrow.