Intro:
Founded in the 1930s Saarkrisken took as its model classical Rome, adopting features both from the Republic and the Empire. The hope of the founders was to form a regime that would outlast its ancient forbear. The current generation is however less hopeful as crisis after crisis threatens to bring down the commonwealth. The most pressing crisis being the increasing levels of rebellion in the province of Peelsik. A once fringe group of separatists has broadened its tactics from random acts of terrorism to a cohesive political movement. Peelsik complaints arrive chiefly from the racial tension between the minorities that make up the region's majority and the white majority of Saarkrisken. The ethnic minorities include primarily native Amerindians as well as Blacks out of both Africa and the South Pacific. Outside of Peelsik they have obtained the sympathy of other ethnic minorities, which has been the key to their recent success.
Phillip Augustus Princeps, the head of state, has been put in a difficult position, as he had previously supported civil right reforms and fought against discrimination against minorities. The crisis has split his coalition of support as his previously leniency is seen as encouraging the rebels by a significant portion of his political allies. However, without the backing of the proponents of minority rights, his coalition would no longer have the majority support of the Senate or ruling class.
As the son of the late Emperor Argicola (the head of state's title various based on the powers invested in him by the Senate), Philip Augustus has the resources of a political machine built over generations, but also faces competition from with in that very machine. Economic trouble has also weakened his ability to effectively buy support among the ruling class. In this context Gen. Antonius Maximus has risen in influence. Rumours that Gen. Maximus advocates inflaming racial tensions to enact a nationwide crack down on all those sympathetic to the Peelsiks as well as those too critical of Phillip Augustus, has reached the ear of the international intelligence community...
Background:
Saarkrisken is, as said based on the ancient Rome, but is not identical. The head of state(s) is elected by the Senate, although it has always been in the same family since the founding. The Senate can invest the head of state with as many powers as it wishes, but that is also dependent on the size of the majority. Senate seats are for life and Senators are appointed, not elected. Various elected assemblies exist, dealing with different aspects of the law. Suffrage is extremely limited, exercised by heads of households of the descendants of the founders and their supporters. This means that while the government only needs the majority support of the ruling class, which is about 25% of the population. Every province as its own Tribunes, which represent its interest. Technically elected by the people, the Tribunes are selected in fact by the political machines. Dynastic politics plays a big role.
RP Idea:
Nations can send in spies that get involved in the palace intrigue in Saarkrisken. They can provide money for bribes and weapons to rebels etc. There is also the possibility for diplomacy and to establish personal relationships with members of the Honorious family, and become involved that way.
Nations can have various goals, such as putting Saarkrisken under their sphere of influence, or promoting a political ideology.
There are several contacts available to foreign spies seeking to interfere covertly in Saarkrisken. First, is surprisingly, the head of states wife, Cleopatra Geso-Honorious, jealous of her husband's mistress and politically ambitious, she could possibly be manipulated against her husband. Another is Defence Magistrate Sarros, the civilian head of the armed forces, is increasingly uncomfortable with the hardline taken to suppress the separatists. He is also the source of the rumours that the Saarkrisken government is considering embracing racist policies. Of course, there is the separatists, represented by Tik'a, who can be contacted through the dark web. In the case of a coup, the other members of the Honorious family would also be candidates to support. There is no sign that any would look to overthrow Phillip Augustus, but once he is removed, they are all expected to compete to succeed him. The best placed is Consul Frederick Honorious, as he is already a Consul. However, by supporting a weaker candidate, a foreign power would potentially gain more influence. The most difficult, but rewarding scenario would be to put a minor on the throne as a puppet. Anyway, there is a variety of candidates (although past coups, assassinations and in fighting has thinned the ranks) to choose from.
App:
Nation:
Desired Role:
Background in your Nation:
Characters (only those that will be sent to Saarkrisken needed to be listed)
Name:
Occupation:
Goal:
Short Bio:
Misc: