This has always been the motto of Atnaia, and represents the Atnaian ideal of pursuing self-perfection through endeavour. For the past year and a half, the Hegemonic Quorum has been leveraging the ideals of the Atnaian people to pus industry, unity and security. However, the undercurrent of Asorist insurrection that has existed for decades has been plaguing the nation and its fledgling government in the form of terrorism. While Wessich and the Quorum have brought draconian measures of authoritarian security to combat the threat, it's hard to fight ideas with force, and Wessich has always known the power of a good boogeyman to controlling the people.
Now the boogeyman has gotten out of control. When Atnaia annexed Merrit Isle following its earthquake and tsunami last year, the first signs of discontentment with the referendum leading to reunification sprouted up. The Merrit Liberation Front, a group of secessionists, began claiming corruption and cheating on the side of the Atnaian government in the referendum, accusations which were fough tooth and nail by the Hegemonic Quorum. Eventually, the MLF became more and mroe violent, and after linking with SOAR after their involvement in San Javier, began developing a more specifically Asorist leaning.
On August 5th, MLF and SOAR forces managed to capture the Merrit Government Buildings in a surprise attack, and riled up the local population, causing an emergency situation on the Isle. Atnaian military forces surrounded the city, but were unwilling or unable to strike directly without causing collateral damage to already critically taxed infrastructure. Access to the city was cut off by MLF and SOAR forces, and the Atnaian military hesitated. Meanwhile, in Atnaia proper, the government began mass arrests and lockdown on known Asorists, doubling down on previous policies. They faced both support and condemnation from nations around the Isles.
On August 17th, MLF released a memorandum claiming independence for Merrit Isle as the Asorist People's Republic of Merritia, despite holding only Merrit City. Governments both supported and opposed the secession, with Atnaia refusing to recognize its legitimacy. Combat began to grow more intense in the city, and pro-independence individuals began to come out of the woodwork on the homefront, with the Atnaian government violently stamping out protests.
A march towards war seems inevitable, and a year ago it would have been a steamroller for the Atnaians. However, with the effects of the Ticking Flu and the economic repercussions of trade embargoes, things may not be so cut and dry, especially with the Quorum using military forces to contain disease spread and limit dissidents on the homefront. MLF and SOAR may not have the numbers or equipment, but they have the fervor and surprising skill in perpetuating an asymmetrical war.
The battle for Merrit is coming.
Goals
This RP will be centered on the war between Atnaia and Merritia, eventually causing a North-South split of Atnaia as things escalate. The goal is to lead to this split and set a new status quo for Atnaia, although I'd like for there to be repercussions for other nations of the Isles if possible.
This is going to escalate to nuclear and biological threats EVENTUALLY, but I want this to be a long-game situation.
Rules
Standard TWI rules apply. Also, I know it says it in the title, but TWI ONLY.
No real limits on forces OVERALL, but initially I want this to start small and then explode. If this turns into a multiple-sided meatgrinder, I'm happy. If it remains a small scale conflict, still happy.
Anyways, for now I want to plan, and see where things can go. I'll start an IC when I think we are ready.
