http://archive.nswiki.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Jester&feedformat=atomNSWiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T13:58:01ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.23.0http://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=TarasovkaTarasovka2007-10-24T23:46:06Z<p>Jester: </p>
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|+<big>'''Imperekh Taraskath'''<br><br />
'''Тарасковская Империя'''<br><br />
'''Taraskovyan Empire'''</big><br />
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! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/tarasovka.jpg<br />
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|'''Official Empire Wide Languages''' || [[Russian]], [[Taraskath]]<br />
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|'''Major Official Regional Languages''' || Dutch, Sortvalian, Toran, English, Riikan<br />
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| '''Government''' || Semi-Constitutional Federal Empire<br />
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|'''Vasilevs''' || [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail Shakhovskoy]]<br />
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| '''Establishment''' || August 1, 1152 After Strife<br />
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| '''[[Capital]]''' || Capital City of Vigvar<br />
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| '''Population''' || Approximately 10 billion<br />
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| '''Currency''' || 1 [[Taraskovyan Frank]] = 100 Centimes<br />
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! style="background: ##f9f9f9" | <font color="#f9f9f9">Calculators are evil.</font> <br />
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The '''Taraskovyan Empire''' ([[Russian]]: ''Тарасковская Империя''; [[Taraskath]]: ''Imperekh Taraskath'') is an impressive interstellar State, in terms of size and might. Taraskovya spans over 45’000 years of history and has a unique and proud identity. Although coming from various cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, the Taraskovyan people share an overzealous love for their motherland, ancient traditions and freedom. And although they are known to be quite xenophobic and mistrusting of foreigners, Taraskovyans are also known for their remarkable and sincere hospitality.<br />
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==Brief History==<br />
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===Pre-Unification===<br />
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The so called Pre-Unification period of the Taraskovyan history lasts up to the year 44’215 B.S. (Before Strife) and is characterized by a great lack of written documentation and of available information. Many archeologists and researchers agree than what is now the Taraskovyan Metropoly was home to a number of different civilisations and even races for a long period of time. The four major ethnicities that disputed supremacy over what now is Taraskovyan territory were the Taraskath, the Setari, the Amalori and the Keth, each having their own, radically distinct from the others, style of life and vision of the world.<br />
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Even if written documents pertaining to this period are scarce, the ‘Prophecies of Sathala’, a very important and sacred text of the Church of the Seven Deities, belong to this period. It is also a known fact that the Sacred Citadel of Zynthris was built during that period and it was it that inspired Taraskath architects in the millennia to come.<br />
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===Uidath of the Emerald Spire and the Unification===<br />
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Up to 44’215 B.S. the Taraskath did not form a single nation, but dwelled in dispersed tribes all over the territory of Cardinia, Dakathia and Tarvalak. These tribes, divided not only by the levels of development, but also by political, philosophical and religious views, built a number of Citadels throughout their territories, forming a myriad of City States constantly at war with each other. The rare times of peace between the Taraskath were used to wage wars against either of their Amalori, Setari or Keth neighbours. The greatest of all Taraskath Citadels was the Black Hand, which also served as a symbolic capital, its might and riches sparking a great number of wars between rival Lords lusting for power and leadership.<br />
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Everything changed drastically in 44’215 B.S. when Uidath Karetsah, Lord of the Emerald Spire, led a coalition of Lords and took over the Citadel of the Black Hand, disposing of its Lord and slaughtering his dreaded Black Guard. With the support of the majority of Lords and of the Church of the Seven, Uidath proclaimed himself as the first ruler of a unified Taraskath nation, which he dubbed ‘Namel Zethanekh’, the ‘High Unity’.<br />
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The success of young Uidath in unifying the Taraskath territories remains a mystery even today. The Church of the Seven Deities and their sacred texts insist on the fact that Lord Uidath was bestowed with the blessings of the Seven Deities and was entrusted with the Sword of Rulers, a powerful artifact that is still wielded by the Grand Dukes of today.<br />
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===The High Unity===<br />
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By 43’567 B.S. Lord Uidath finally managed to reunite each and every Taraskath Citadel under his control and dubbed himself as the first Shokath-Kshas, the Supreme Lord and Ruler of the Kin. The rise of the High Unity was met with fear from the nations of Setar, Amalor and Kethar. Having had to endure sporadic raids by Taraskath throughout their history, the three peoples saw the Taraskath nation as a clear threat. <br />
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The Keth were the first to react and sent an army was the High Unity. The Taraskath met their foes in the valley of the Thousand Teeth, where the Keth soldiers were ambushed and butchered, the Keth Lords narrowly escaping the same fate. They fled back to their lands and pleaded for help to the Amalori and the Setari, which joined forces against the High Unity. This sparked the famous Eternal War, which the Taraskath won after several thousand years of fighting. Texts dating from the period insist on the fact that the Taraskath slaughtered and massacred their foes to the very last individual, yet many researchers agree that the three rival ethnicities were weakened and absorbed into the Taraskath kin.<br />
<br />
Although being victorious, the Taraskath were greatly weakened by the Eternal War and for a time there was peace. The war left many tribes too small to exist by themselves and forced them to join up with others to survive. Moreover, the great struggle against a common enemy instilled a sense of national identity to all Taraskath, an identity tied to war and slaughter. The High Unity knew some periodic civil wars between rival Lords, but the country continued to develop itself and prosper, with Taraskath merchants and nobles soon beginning to sail to lands far beyond the oceans to bring back cheap slaves.<br />
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===The Strife===<br />
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The Strife is the name of a major civil war that ravaged Tarasovka from 5 to 1 B.S. With the explosion of the slave market in Tarasovka, the population of slaves in the years before the Strife equaled and even surpassed the Taraskath population. The first slaves were brought in centuries before the Strife, a short time for the Taraskath, yet many generations for those from beyond the oceans. By 50 B.S. the slave rebellions became a routine event in the High Unity, with the Lords proving ruthless in dealing with them.<br />
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And while the Lords were slaughtering thousands of individuals, the rest of the Taraskath society began to ask itself questions and quickly gave birth to an Abolitionist movement, with some of the Lord joining it. Those who were loyal to the old ways dubbed themselves the Defenders of Tradition. The two groups remained in a tense state without fighting each other in the open.<br />
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The culmination of the stand off came when the female Shokath-Kshas Amala Karetsah, after the death of her previous companion in a hunting accident, chose a Russian man by the name of Mstislav Shakhovskoy for companion and gave birth to a male heir with Russian blood. Amala, however, already had a daughter from the previous relationship, Tekhala, who now had a rival. The Defenders of Tradition immediately called for Tekhala to be declared as legitimate heir to the Sword, while the Abolitionists defended the right of Mstislav to rule by his wife’s side. After a failed attempt by the Defenders to assassinate Mstislav and his son, a civil war erupted between them and the Abolitionists.<br />
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During the five years of struggle, many were killed, but the Abolitionists won and forced the Defenders into a permanent exile. Mstislav Shakhovskoy, who had subdued Amala completely and fully to his influence by the end of the Strife, abolished slavery and took the title of Veliky Knyaz (Grand Duke). He established his capital at the Citadel of Vigvar, for the Citadel of the Black Hand was lost in a tremendous earthquake that erupted in its area while two armies were fighting each other to the last by its walls. However, wanting not to offense the Taraskath, Mstislav equaled his title of Grand Duke to that of the Supreme Lord and Ruler. In symbol of a new start, a new calendar was put in place marking the end of the Strife as the first year of a new era.<br />
<br />
===The First Grand Ducal Period===<br />
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The Grand Ducal period, stretching from 1 A.S. until 1141 A.S., was remarkable for a relative stability and prosperity of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka and its entry on the international scene. Some suggest that this rapid evolution was sparked by the comparatively short lives of the Grand Dukes who then had a share of non-Taraskath blood in their veins. Because it was ruled by Russian Dukes, Tarasovka became to be seen as a Slavic state, the Grand Duchy attracted, overtime, an important community of Slavic migrants, most of whom were Russian. The migrants brought with them their culture and also achiements and traditions from beyond the seas, which only helped the Taraskovyan prosperity. <br />
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The greatest achievements have been made by [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Grand Duke Mikhail I]]. Under his rule the Grand Duchy reached great technologic heights and went into the conquest of the stars, with the first major out world colony founded on Mars. A skilled and cunning politician, Mikhail I maneuvered between the various activities undertaken by the [[GDODAD]], of which the Grand Duchy was once member, and always ensured that the interests of the Grand Duchy and not that of the organisation prevailed in relevant situations. Eventually, the Grand Duke stepped down and handed power over to his son, [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]], a move disputed by the leader’s daughter, Archduchess Anastasya. This triggered the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] which would cause the fall of the Grand Duchy and the exile of Archduchess [[Vethara Shakhovskaya|Vethara]].<br />
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===The Federal Period===<br />
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The Federal period began in 1141 A.S. after the fall of the last Grand Duke during the [[Aphyr Conflict | Plague]] and the seizing of power by a triumvirate of military commanders who dubbed themselves the Ruling Council and held supreme power over the country. During this period many of the ancestral rights and traditions of the Taraskovyan people were abolished, the [[Alexander Guard]] was marginalised and isolated. All of this eventually sparked a renaissance of ultra-nationalist and traditionalist movements and opened hidden rifts between the various cultures and ethnicities within the Taraskovyan territory. Various nationalist factions, such as the [[White Legion]] have turned Taraskovyan cities into battle zones as the weak Federal government attempted to restore peace and order. <br />
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The positive aspects of that period included the integration of [[the Vortex Corporation]] and of the [[Knootoss|Knootian]] [[Europolis]] Islands into the Taraskovyan Federation, expansion of territorial assets on Mars and elsewhere.<br />
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===The Second Grand Ducal Period===<br />
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The second Grand Ducal period began after the unexpected return of the Grand Duke Mikhail II, who was believed by everyone to have died during the Plague. The Grand Duke, wielding the Sword of Rulers, joined the Ruling Council and pushed forward the voting in of a new [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Constitution]. The document, innovative in many aspects, was passed by a majority of the People and of the Fiefdoms and came into force in May 1148 A.S., putting a definitive end to the short Federal period. Shortly after, the [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9120264#post9120264 First Grand Ducal Parliament] was elected.<br />
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===The Empire===<br />
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On August 1, 1152 After Strife, His Majesty the Grand Duke was crowned as His Most August Majesty the Vasilevs Mikhail of all Taraskovya, begging a new page in Taraskovyan history.<br />
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==Politics==<br />
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==Imperial Realms and Dominions==<br />
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Administratively, the Empire is subdivided into Imperial Realms, territories fully subject to the Imperial Constitution and, thus, send representatives to the Imperial Parliament, and Imperial Dominions, which are defined by exclusion: a territory under Taraskovyan jurisdiction which is not a Realm is a Dominion. <br />
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===Imperial Realms===<br />
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Despite their differences, the Realms follow a more or less similar political organization. Every Realm has an executive authority led by a Minister-Chancellor, appointed by the local legislative body and confirmed by the Vasilevs. Despite the Vasilevs having extensive powers of veto over all official matters in the Empire, the Realms are Parliamentary democracies, with the exception of Zoria and Sortavala where special power sharing systems are in place. In the Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic, the Minister-Chancellor is elected directly by the local population.<br />
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====United Kingdom of Cardinia and Dakathia====<br />
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The United Kingdom of Cardinia and Dakathia covers the territories formerly know as the Grand Duchy of Taraskovya proper. With the Imperial reform and to avoid confusion between two Taraskovyas (Grand Duchy and Empire), the Grand Duchy was made into a Kingdom. Peerage-wise, the former Grand Duchy now spans three titles, namely the Kingdom itself, as well as the Grand Duchies of Uthar and Aphyr, the latter having no effect on the administrative and politicial structure.<br />
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The United Kingdom is the heart of the Empire, it is the cradle of the Taraskovyan civilization. The Imperial Realm and the Vasilevs dwell in Vigvar, which is the capital of not only the Kingdom, but also of the Empire itself.<br />
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====Kingdom of Dreamreach====<br />
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The Kingdom of Dreamreach is an entire star system transferred to Grand Duke [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]] by the United Star Empire of [[Valinon]], in exchange for a non-aggression agreement between the United Star Empire and the Grand Duchy, which was approved by the Grand Ducal Parliament. Dreamreach proper and the Empire also became part of a free trade zone.<br />
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It is the first star system to be officially belonging fully to the Grand Duchy, even if rumours circulate about a certain “Safe Haven”, a system reportedly under control of the Taraskovyan Space Fleet. <br />
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Dreamreach was first referred to as a Dominion, until the Grand Duke decided to promote it to a Kingdom. Nowadays, the Kingdom is an important Taraskovyan outpost, with a billion population.<br />
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====Kingdom of Nyi-Gardarika====<br />
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The Kingdom of [[Nyi-Gardarika]] was formally created in the early days of 1150 AS, amalgamating the quasi-entirety of Taraskovyan territories on Mars, namely Cimmeria, as well as the Fiefdoms of [[Svarog]], Dajdbog and Stribog. The series of referenda which led to the creation of Nyi-Gardarika became a symbol of political stability and of a healthy semi-direct Taraskovyan democracy.<br />
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====Grand Duchy of Sortavala====<br />
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The Sotvala Isles are a northern archipelago under Taraskovyan control and historically inhabited by Sotvalians, a finnic people. Conquered centuries ago, the archipelago today has a bi-cultural population of ethnic Sortvalians and [[Ros]]. The religions composition is almost equally split between the Sortvalian Lutheran Church and the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church]]. <br />
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A rather reclusive portion of the Empire, it is nevertheless famed for supplying troops to complement the renowned ''3rd Strike Corps'' of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces, as well as of other military formations.<br />
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The Vasilevs of all Taraskovya is not the Grand Duke of Sortavala. However, the Grand Duke exercises only symbolic authority, with the bulk of powers residing with a local Minister-Chancellor and the supreme veto powers being wielded by the Vasilevs. However, in practical terms, the Vasilevs devolves his veto powers to the Grand Duke.<br />
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====Duchy of Zoria====<br />
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Following the reunion of Mikhail II and his sister [[Vethara]] after years of separation, the Grand Duke decided to purchase a territory on [[Venus]] from the Eternal Noldorin Empire of [[Menelmacar]] and gift it to the Archduchess. The necessary funds came from the personal fortune of the Grand Duke and the territory was acquired rapidly in what is seen by many as one of the most eccentric acts of the Grand Duke ever. <br />
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Whatever the reasons fof its purchase, today the Duchy is a personal fief of Grand Duchess [[Vethara Shakhovskaya|Vethara]] of Taraskovya. There is no Minister-Chancellor, all executive powers except for the Vasilevs’es supreme veto privileges reside with Her Imperial Highness.<br />
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====Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic==== <br />
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The [[Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic]] (ARIA) was formed following the annexation by the Taraskovyan Federation of the [[Allanea|Allanean]] State of Freedom Island. Despite it's official appelation of ''Republic'', the territory is an Imperial Realm and has the Monarch of Taraskovya for supreme ruler. <br />
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The local government is led by a Minister-Chancellor<br />
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====United Provinces of Tavaroth====<br />
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The Taraskovyan Federation intervened into the [[Tavaroth|Tavarothian Provinces]] following rather shady events involving a group of Taraskovyan nobles. Following the restoration of the Grand Ducal Government, the Tavarothian Provinces were declared a protectorate of the Grand Duchy. As of now, the political situation has been largely stabilised by the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces and the further fate of the territories is to be decided in the foreseeable future.<br />
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In the meantime, the collective territories are dubbed as United Provinces of Tavaroth, forming a loose federation, with a unicameral Parliament and a Minister-Chancellor. Each of the provinces administers itself on a unitary basis.<br />
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====New Crimea====<br />
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New Crimea is a planet of ten million souls and is the only inhabitable planet of the system bearing the same name (the official appellation of the system having been too weird for the likes of the locals). The overwhelming part of the planet’s surface is covered in ocean. Initially colonized by the VerTech Conglomerate for its extensive sea-food reserves and picturesque tropical islands, the planet passed under full Imperial administration. VerTech maintains exclusive economic rights in some parts of the planet.<br />
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===Imperial Dominions===<br />
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====Omeldor-1 Territories====<br />
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The Grand Duchy extends its sovereignty over a certain amount of domes on the [[Omeldor-1]] Craftworld. These territories, due to their particular status and possible overlapping of Taraskovyan sovereignty with that of the local [[Sisgardian Fellowship of Nations]] authority, made their inclusion into the Grand Duchy problematic.<br />
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As of now, the Domes of Kshas-Loith, Novy Sad and Svetogor, fully under Taraskovyan administration, and the Dome of Gesagard, under joint administration with [[Taurenor]] and the [[Technocratic Republics]], are placed under direct authority of the Grand Duchy.<br />
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====Joint Protectorates====<br />
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The so called “joint protectorates” are nations over which the Grand Duchy has the role of Protector, yet shares it with one or more other nations. Such territories include Os Sanglants (fellow Protectors: [[Der Angst]] and [[Zepplin_Manufacturers|Zepplin Manufacturers Industries]]) and North-Western Antarctica (fellow Protector: Der Angst).<br />
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====Venom====<br />
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Venom is a largely inhospitable planet, covered in vast deserts. However, it is a major source of Drochium, a precious mineral with breathtaking properties. Initially it was colonized by both the Free Miners Guild and VerTech, respectively on the north and south poles. When the two mega-corporations nearly went to war with each other over the demarcation of mutual exploitation zones, the Empire intervened and placed the planet under its full political authority.<br />
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The FMG did not at first accept the State intervention into the matter and its security forces provided resistance to the light TNDF troops dispatched to the planet. After the corporate forces were steamrolled by much heavier units quickly dispatched to quell the unrest, nobody dared challenge Imperial authority again.<br />
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====Other Possessions====<br />
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The Taraskovyan National Defence Forces also extend their jurisdiction over the Oberon moon in the Solar System. The moon is uninhabited safe for various scientific and military personnel.<br />
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The Vrijstaat space station in the vicinity of Jupiter is also under Taraskovyan jurisdiction. Inhabited by thousands of extremely anarchist Utharians, and not presenting any particular strategic importance, it was given extensive self-rule. The TNDF maintains several operational orbital facilities in the vicinity of Der Angistian Jovian assets.<br />
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==Foreign Policy==<br />
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''For additional information, see: [[Taraskovyan Diplomacy]]''<br />
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The traditional Taraskovyan reasoning when dealing with international matters can be explained by a simple proverb: "When two dogs fight, the fox makes profit." Indeed, Taraskovyan diplomacy and involvement always had the goal of gaining the most in any situation. As such, Tarasovka always distanced itself from large alliances that might endanger the fiercely defended national sovereignty. Instead, it prefers to enter into bilateral accords or, in certain cases, to enter into multinational alliances that do not impose any overly strict rules over their members.<br />
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The Empire highly values its friendship and alliance with [[Der Angst]], the two countries having historically shared a privileged relationship. Remarkably enough, the conservative monarchy that is Tarasovka also shares a cordial relation with the liberal republic that is [[Knootoss]], despite calls by a minority of the Taraskovyan political establishment for the Grand Duchy to concentrate more on other conservative and monarchal States.<br />
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As of today, the Empire participates in the following alliances/treaties:<br />
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[[Category:Tarasovka]][[Category:Sisgardia]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=National_Patriotic_Christian_AllianceNational Patriotic Christian Alliance2007-10-23T14:12:08Z<p>Jester: </p>
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<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=340 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #fcfcfc; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"<br />
|+<big><big>'''Национальный Патриотический Христианский Союз'''</big></big><br />
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| align="center" colspan="2" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/NPCA.png<br />
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| '''Established''' || 1147 A.S. <br />
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| '''Economic ideology''' || Conservative<br />
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| '''Social ideology''' || Conservative <br />
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| '''Political ideology''' || Absolutist [[Monarchy|Monarchism]]<br />
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| '''Party leaders''' || Duke Mstivoy Zalesskiy<br />
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| '''Imperial Senate Seats''' || <br />
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| '''Imperial Duma Seats''' ||<br />
|}<br />
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The '''National Patriotic Christian Alliance''' ([[Russian]]: ''Национальный Патриотический Христианский Союз'') is the second most important [[Taraskovya]]n political party, and is the main force of [[Taraskovyan Slavs|Slavic]] nationalism in the country.<br />
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==History==<br />
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The National Patriotic Christian Alliance formed in the aftermath of the Grand Ducal restoration in 1147 AS, as many other modern Taraskovyan parties. It was born from the union of a number of movements including various Slavic nationalists and radical [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] organizations.<br />
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The party has often come to be associated with the [[White Legion]], even sometimes dubbed the “political wing” of the terrorist formation. Any such allegations have been vehemently denied, however.<br />
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==Stances==<br />
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The National Patriotic Christian Alliance is a radically conservative formation, attracting voters mainly from a nationalist and Orthodox supremacist areas. <br />
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===National and Cultural Politics===<br />
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* '''Absolute Monarchism''': the NPCA supports an absolutist Christian (namely Orthodox) monarchy in Taraskovya.<br />
* '''Centralisation''': while not in favour of a totally Unitarian Taraskovyan State, the Alliance none the less campaigns for depriving the constituent states of a number of powers.<br />
* '''Christianity as State Religion''': the NPCA campaigns for the restoration of the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Vigvar Patriarchate]] as the one and only state Church. <br />
* '''Slavic Nationalism''': the Slavs, which constitute a clear majority within Taraskovya (both Metropoly and Dominions), they form the core and the spine of the nation. As such, their interests are prioritary.<br />
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===Economic Issues===<br />
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* ''' Interventionism''': the National Patriotic Christian Alliance, while not denying the benefits of the capitalist economy, still reserves the State a strong right to intervene whenever and wherever it deems necessary.<br />
* '''Protectionism''': Taraskovya must defend Taraskovyan producers, including through not buying foreign produce if Taraskovyans also produce it.<br />
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===Foreign Policy===<br />
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* '''Collective Security Alliances''': cautious approach and entry into an alliance only if it serves Taraskovyan interests. A bilateral approach to collective defence is encouraged. <br />
* '''Sisgardian Protectionism''': Taraskovya sees any unwanted foreign intervention into [[Sisgardia]] as an aggression against itself, liable to be responded with the full specter of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces. This policy is, in fact, an old Taraskovyan policy which has been in place even before the Federal Period.<br />
* '''International Law''': Taraskovya shall only respect the limitations imposed by treaties it has chosen to ratify. As is, international law has no supremacy over Taraskovyan law.<br />
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[[Category: Taraskovyan Political Parties]] [[Category: Political parties]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Conservative_Party_(Tarasovka)Conservative Party (Tarasovka)2007-10-21T11:27:26Z<p>Jester: </p>
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<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=340 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #fcfcfc; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"<br />
|+<big><big>'''Консервативная Партия'''</big></big><br />
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| align="center" colspan="2" |<br />
|-<br />
| '''Established''' || 1147 A.S. <br />
|-<br />
| '''Economic ideology''' || Classical Liberal<br />
|-<br />
| '''Social ideology''' || Conservative <br />
|-<br />
| '''Political ideology''' || Semi-Constitutional [[Monarchy|Monarchism]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Party leaders''' || Duke Anatoly Orlov, High Duke Karth Tal-Nash<br />
|-<br />
| '''Imperial Senate Seats''' || <br />
|-<br />
| '''Imperial Duma Seats''' ||<br />
|}<br />
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The '''Conservative Party''' ([[Russian]]: ''Консервативная Партия'') is the leading force in [[Taraskovya]]n politics, currently holding by itself simple majorities in both chambers of the Imperial Parliament. The Conservative Party or its allies also hold the majority in Realm and Dominion legislative Assemblies, as well as in most Provincial assemblies. It is part of the Loyalist Coalition with the [[Democratic Conservative Party]] and other regional parties of conservative ideology.<br />
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==History==<br />
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The Conservative Party was born after the merger of the two major political parties that existed under the Grand Duke [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Mikhail I]]. These parties were:<br />
* “Kshas-Keinarekh” of High Duke Karth Tal-Nash - a middle-sized party that stood for the preservation of ancestral Taraskath values in face of various modernizations introduced by Mikhail I<br />
* Loyalist Party of Duke Anatoly Orlov - a major party supporting the Grand Duke’s desire to modernize the country<br />
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It is interesting to note that the two parties often led a fierce battle in the Council of Duchy, the consultative legislative body created on the initiative of the then [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Crown Archduke Mikhail]]. Nowadays, the Conservative Party presents a rather monolithic bloc, with the main differences arising over religious tendencies.<br />
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==Stances==<br />
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The Conservative Party is seen as largely moderate in a bit all important issues, attracting voters from a wide array of political views. <br />
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===National and Cultural Politics===<br />
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* '''Semi-Constitutional Monarchism''': the Conservative Party supports a balance between a strong Monarch and a strong popular participation in the politics. The current political system which is a balance between Absolute and Constitutional [[Monarchy]] is, as such, perfect in the eyes of the Conservative Party.<br />
* '''Federalism''': the ancestral Taraskovyan federalism, in one form or the other, is to be continued. Any notion of a Unitary State is rejected immediately.<br />
* '''Secularism''': the Conservative Party tends towards a secular state, even if it insists of an important cooperation between the Taraskovyan State and Taraskovya’s two ancestral churches, the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Vigvar Patriarchate]] and the Church of the Seven Deities.<br />
* '''Multi-culturalism''': the complex fabric of Taraskovya’s population, especially in light of the [[Taraskovyan Empire|colonial expansionism]] led by the Grand Duchy, is recognized as an asset. <br />
* '''Taraskovyan Nationalism''': the Conservative Party promotes an ideology called Taraskovyan Nationalism, under which all Taraskovyan citizens are seen as a single entity facing numerous challenges posed by the outside world and, thus, have to show a united and decisive front to prove their superiority. <br />
<br />
===Economic Issues===<br />
<br />
* '''Free Market''': the Conservative Party is largely capitalist. However, several limitations apply:<br />
** '''Necessary Government Intervention''': the State has the obligation to intervene whenever the economy goes bad to rectify the situation and ensure the prosperity of the Taraskovyan People.<br />
** '''Reasonable Welfare''': in accordance with the politics of Taraskovyan Nationalism, no Taraskovyan citizen must suffer while his compatriots live in luxury. As such, a reasonable welfare is to be provided by the State in order to ensure collective prosperity.<br />
<br />
* '''Limited Free Trade''': whilst not denying the benefits of Free Trade, the Conservatives insist that key Taraskovyan industries are to be protected from foreign competition to ensure the viability and prosperity of Taraskovya. As such, the Grand Duchy has always reserved rights to protect its industries when concluding free trade agreements with other countries.<br />
* '''Sustainable Development''': the Conservatives view nature as one of the most important components of the economy. To guarantee the future prosperity of Taraskovyans, the environment must be protected and exploited with care. <br />
<br />
===Foreign Policy===<br />
<br />
* '''Collective Security Alliances''': cautious approach and entry into an alliance only if it serves Taraskovyan interests. A bilateral approach to collective defence is encouraged. Relations with [[Der Angst]], the oldest Taraskovyan allies, are deemed as vitally important.<br />
* '''Sisgardian Protectionism''': Taraskovya sees any unwanted foreign intervention into [[Sisgardia]] as an aggression against itself, liable to be responded with the full specter of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces. This policy is, in fact, an old Taraskovyan policy which has been in place even before the Federal Period.<br />
* '''International Law''': Taraskovya shall only respect the limitations imposed by treaties it has chosen to ratify. As is, international law has no supremacy over Grand Ducal law.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Taraskovyan Political Parties]] [[Category: Political parties]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Liberal_Socialist_Party_(Tarasovka)Liberal Socialist Party (Tarasovka)2007-10-21T11:18:03Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=340 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #fcfcfc; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;"<br />
|+<big><big>'''Либерал-Социалистическая Партия'''<br />
</big></big><br />
|-<br />
| align="center" colspan="2" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/LSP.png <br />
|-<br />
| '''Established''' || 1147 A.S. <br />
|-<br />
| '''Economic ideology''' || Socialist/Capitalist<br />
|-<br />
| '''Social ideology''' || Liberal<br />
|-<br />
| '''Political ideology''' || Constitutional Monarchism<br />
|-<br />
| '''Party leaders''' || Dragica Liubenova<br />
|-<br />
| '''Imperial Senate Seats''' || <br />
|-<br />
| '''Imperial Duma Seats''' ||<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
The '''Liberal Socialist Party''' (Russian: ''Либерал-Социалистическая Партия'') is the third most important political party in [[Taraskovya]]n politics and is the leading left-wing party in the otherwise rather right and centre-right Taraskovyan political landscape. The Liberal Socialist Party is at the head of the opposition Left Wing Coalition in the Taraskovyan Parliament.<br />
<br />
==Description==<br />
<br />
The Liberal Socialist Party appeared as a contrast to hardcore left-wing parties in the early days of the second Grand Duchy, at the same time as other present-day parties were officially formed. It is led by the charismatic Dragica Liubenova who is only in her early thirties. Despite her rather young age, the woman has managed to charm a share of Taraskovyan voters and even the LSP opponents recognize her as a woman of worth.<br />
<br />
Historically, the party surprisingly gained a seat at the Grand Ducal Senate, to which only members of nobility can be elected, when its aristocratic candidate Alexei Vologdov won the race for one of the two seats in the Yugozemie Fiefdom. Senator Vologdov, however, did not expected to run in the next race, preferring instead to retire from politics and possibly move to [[Knootoss]] where resides his wife, [[Femke Vologdov]]a.<br />
<br />
==Stances==<br />
<br />
The Liberal Socialist Party can be described as a mixture of socialism with elements of capitalist reasoning. <br />
<br />
===National and Cultural Issues===<br />
<br />
<br />
* Constitutional Monarchism: the Party initially campaigned for the abolishment of the monarchy and the proclamation of a free and democratic republic. However, eventually, such a positition proved unpopular with both the electorate and the party membership and the Liberal Socialists moved towards support a Constitutional Monarchy where the Monarch would have symbollic powers.<br />
* Secularism: the LSP is a defender of separation between Church and State, whilst recognizing the importance of the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church]] and of the Church of the Seven Deities in Taraskovyan daily life.<br />
* Multi-culturalism: the Liberal Socialists consider themselves as the prime defenders of equality between the many Taraskovyan ethnicities. <br />
<br />
===Economic Issues===<br />
<br />
* Private Property: the Liberal Socialists respect and recognize the notion of private property.<br />
* Social Welfare State: the party advocates an extensive social welfare program, striving for social justice where every individual would have a worthy living condition.<br />
<br />
===Foreign Politics===<br />
<br />
* Anti-isolationist: the party promotes a more open approach to the international community and strives to put an end to the latent isolationism and xenophobia of [[Tarasovka]].<br />
<br />
[[Category: Taraskovyan Political Parties]] [[Category: Political parties]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Taraskovyan_DiplomacyTaraskovyan Diplomacy2007-10-20T22:16:35Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Ministry of Foreign Affairs==<br />
<br />
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the institution responsible for coordinating, organizing and leading the [[Taraskovya]]n foreign policy. It is also the body responsible for main contact in between the country and other States, entering into contact with the States.<br />
<br />
The current Minister of Foreign Affairs is His Excellency Ithun Khat, Count of Var-Gellath.<br />
<br />
==International Treaties and Organisations==<br />
<br />
[[Taraskovya]] tends to stay away from any large international organizations that it could consider as generators of binding international law. Taraskovya does not recognize any international law above its national legislation, at least not until any international norms have been codified within the national legal system.<br />
<br />
The country also shies away from any overly large collective security organizations. The main worry is that Taraskovya does not want to see its soldiers falling in some far away corner of the universe because of a dispute between a technical ally and some third party. <br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
'''Collective Security Treaties'''<br />
*[[Sisgardian Fellowship of Nations]]<br />
*[[Martian Defence Initiative]]<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
'''Instruments of International Cooperation'''<br />
*[[World Technologic Entity]]<br />
*[[Mars Port Authority]]<br />
*[[Martian Duma]]<br />
:<small>''Delegation withdrawn, representation duties conferred upon Daedalia Angst until further notice.''</small><br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
'''Bilateral Treaties'''<br />
* Taraskovya-Der Angst Pact (''The Pact'')<br />
* Taraskovya-Spanjaboria Alliance (''Comraderie'')<br />
*[[Vigvar Convention on Cooperation]]<br />
*[http://z8.invisionfree.com/Raumreich/index.php?s=500eae98eccab10fcd635c25ab10f3e3&showtopic=15&st=0&#entry9797891 Mizar Cooperation and Relations Accord]<br />
*[http://z4.invisionfree.com/The_Planet_Mars/index.php?showtopic=1156&view=findpost&p=1686571 Treaty of Austarian-Martian and Nyi-Gardarikan Economic Cooporation]<br />
:<small>''Concluded between Taraskovyan and Austarian Dominions. Guaranteed by the Grand Duchy of Taraskovya and the Unione of Capitalizt States of Austar Union.''</small><br />
* A host of other treaties and agreements<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Diplomatic Missions==<br />
<br />
===Taraskovyan Diplomatic Missions Abroad===<br />
<br />
The [[Taraskovyan Empire]] maintains a number of diplomatic representations in foreign states. Additional to an Embassy, the highest representation, a number of Consulates General also function in the largest cities, the existence of such Consulates also depending on the amount of Taraskovyans visiting or working in the given State, and the number of the given State’s citizens visiting or working in Taraskovya.<br />
<br />
Additionally, four Grand Embassies also exist. Functioning as normal Embassies, these missions indicate on a special friendly and allied relationship between Taraskovya and the State or Organisation in which such a mission operates.<br />
<br />
Below is a list of diplomatic representations to sovereign states and international organisations. Missions to semi-independent protectorates under Taraskovyan supervision are not included.<br />
<br />
<small>OOC note: list subject to modification as exact extent of diplomatic relations is confirmed.</small><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><br />
<tr style="background:#efefef;"><br />
<th>State Name</th><br />
<th>Mission Type</th><br />
<th>Chief Official</th><br />
<th>Additional Accreditation</th><br />
</tr><br />
<br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Aelosia|Sacred Sindarin Empire of Aelosia]]</td><br />
<td>[[Embassy]]</td><br />
<td>Neshala Shekth</td><br />
<td></td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Aerion|Grand Kingdom of Aerion]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Leila Lubnic </td><br />
<td></td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Allanea|United States of Allanea]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Ruslan Mai-Maievskiy</td><br />
<td></td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Confederated Peoples]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Anton Kerbishev</td><br />
<td>[[Abt|Abt Republic]]</td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[The_Ctan|Eternal Necrontyr Empire of Eternal of the C'tan]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Larth Nathesh</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Der Angst|Hypocrisy of Der Angst]]</td><br />
<td>Grand Embassy</td><br />
<td>Mikhail Dolgoletov</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Dread Lady Nathicana|Dominion of Dread Lady Nathicana]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Stanislav Bertsov</td><br />
<td>[[Non-Democratic Alliance|NDA Members At Large]]</td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Kajal|Federated Imperium of Kajal]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Kildaren Vath</td><br />
<td>[[Kajal Mars|Grand Duchy of Kajal Mars]] </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Knootoss|Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Dragomir Volodov</td><br />
<td>[[Knootian Federation]]</td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Mars Port Authority|Mars Port Authority]] </td><br />
<td>Official Delegation</td><br />
<td>Alkh Nal-Shekth</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Martian Duma|Martian Duma]]</td><br />
<td>Official Delegation</td><br />
<td>Hitomi Weisskopf</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Menelmacar|Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Neran Keorth</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Midlonia|Greater Kingdom of Midlonia]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Alexander Poltavin</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Nephtali|Commonwealth of Nephtali]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Dragomir Rostov</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Pantocratoria|Pantocratorian Empire]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Georgiy Karadin </td><br />
<td>[[Pantocratorian Ambara]]</td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Sisgardian Fellowship of Nations]]</td><br />
<td>Grand Embassy</td><br />
<td>Rithlen Gellarith</td><br />
<td></td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Spanjaboria|Queendom of Spanjaboria]] </td><br />
<td>Grand Embassy</td><br />
<td>Boris Ledovik</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Tartarus|Empire of Tartarus]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Leonid Negin</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Technocratic Republics|Magocentric Federation of the Technocratic Republics]] </td><br />
<td>Grand Embassy</td><br />
<td>Narth Sirdarth</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Tsaraine|Greater Ascendancy of Tsaraine]] </td><br />
<td>Consulate General</td><br />
<td>Leonid Timofeev</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Valinon|United Star Empire of Valinon]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Anton Zatulin</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[ZMI|Incorporated State of ZMI]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Artur Berkut</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
</table><br />
<br />
===Foreign Diplomatic Missions to Taraskovya===<br />
<br />
As per the principle of reciprocity, those states having diplomatic relations with Taraskovya also have a diplomatic mission. Most Embassies are situated in Vigvar, the capital city of the Grand Duchy. However, establishment in Vigvar is subject to certain limitations, since tenants are not allowed to build their own structures or “drastically modify” the exterior of the buildings they rent. These limitations are due to the Vigvar’s authorities desire to preserve the historic city in its pristine beauty.<br />
<br />
As such, those nations wishing for some special arrangement often build their compounds on the outskirts of the capital city.<br />
<br />
<small>OOC note: list subject to modification as exact extent of diplomatic relations is confirmed.</small><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><br />
<tr style="background:#efefef;"><br />
<th>State Name</th><br />
<th>Mission Type</th><br />
<th>Chief Official</th><br />
<th>Also Represents State</th><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Aelosia|Sacred Sindarin Empire of Aelosia]]</td><br />
<td>[[Embassy]]</td><br />
<td>Alisair Paelisi</td><br />
<td></td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Aerion|Grand Kingdom of Aerion]] </td><br />
<td>[[Royal_Embassy_of_Aerion_to_Tarasovka|Embassy]]</td><br />
<td>Arnulth Eshoth</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Allanea|United States of Allanea]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Polina Kovalyova</td><br />
<td></td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Confederated Peoples]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>[[Heraklees Hajiyanni]] </td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[The_Ctan|Eternal Necrontyr Empire of Eternal of the C'tan]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td> Jessar Malar </td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Der Angst|Hypocrisy of Der Angst]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Cynthia Wiese</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Dread Lady Nathicana|Dominion of Dread Lady Nathicana]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Diego Abineri</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Kajal|Federated Imperium of Kajal]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>[[Sala Maraan]] </td><br />
<td>[[Kajal Mars]], [[Venus|Kajali Risa]] </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Knootoss|Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Wolter Breytenbach</td><br />
<td>[[Knootian Federation]]</td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Menelmacar|Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Midlonia|Greater Kingdom of Midlonia]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>David Fontsworth</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Nephtali|Commonwealth of Nephtali]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Pantocratoria|Pantocratorian Empire]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Konstantinos Peresopoulos</td><br />
<td>[[Pantocratorian Ambara]]</td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Tartarus|Empire of Tartarus]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Angelina Ormond</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Spanjaboria|Queendom of Spanjaboria]] </td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Technocratic Republics|Magocentric Federation of the Technocratic Republics]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Tsaraine|Greater Ascendancy of Tsaraine]] </td><br />
<td>Consulate General</td><br />
<td>Moradt tsaKaretau</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[Valinon|United Star Empire of Valinon]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
<tr><br />
<td>[[ZMI|Incorporated State of ZMI]]</td><br />
<td>Embassy</td><br />
<td>Isabella Trask</td><br />
<td> </td><br />
</tr><br />
</table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Tarasovka]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Vethara_ShakhovskayaVethara Shakhovskaya2007-09-22T19:06:56Z<p>Jester: Updated due to new Imperial title.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{FAC}}<br />
<br />
{|style="float:right;margin:0 0 1em 1em;font-size:90%;clear:centre;" width="400" cellspacing="5"<br />
|+ style="text-align:center; font-size:larger;" | '''Grand Duchess Vethara Mikhailovna'''<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="padding-bottom:1em;text-align:center;" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Vethara.jpg<br><br />
Archduchess Vethara Mikhailovna<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Birth'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | 12th July, 1107 A.S.<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Titles'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | HIH Grand Duchess of Taraskovya, Duchess of Zoria, Duchess of Kheper-kekui-kha-mesti, Benefactress of the Church<br />
<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Spouse'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | None<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Issue'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | Tatiana Georgieva (adopted) †<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Royal House'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Shakhovskoy]]<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Father'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Grand Duke Mikhail Alexeevich]] †<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Mother'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | Grand Duchess Ekaterina Vladimirovna †<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Siblings'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | HRH Anastasia Mikhailovna †, HMAM [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail]] the Vasilevs of all Taraskovya <br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Faith'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Orthodox]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Vethara, Grand Duchess of [[Tarasovka|Taraskovya]]''' (Vethara Mikhailovna Shakhovskaya)(born 12 July 1107 AS) is the third child and second daughter to the late Grand Duke [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Mikhail Alexeevich]] and Grand Duchess Ekaterina. She is currently the heiress presumptive to the Taraskovyan throne, currently held by her brother, His Most August Majesty [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail]] the Vasilevs of all Taraskovya.<br />
<br />
She, as all Shakhovskoy, is a symbol of unity and harmony between the two peoples that have for generations shaped the destiny of her nation - the [[Ros|Russians]] and the [[Taraskath]]. With the fiery Russian vivacity and spontaneity and the cold Taraskath pragmatism, as well as their extreme longevity, Vethara combines all the traits that caracterize a modern Taraskovyan.<br />
<br />
Just like her mother Ekaterina, the Grand Duchess became one of the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] faithful. She is very devout and is a great supporter of the Church, to the point that her merits were recognized by the Vigvar Patriarchate when she was bestowed with the title of ''Benefactress of the Church''.<br />
<br />
==Early Years==<br />
<br />
Her Imperial Highness Vethara, Grand Duchess of Tarasovka, was born in the Vigvar Winter Palace, on the 12th of July 1107 After Strife and was bestowed with the title of Her Royal Highness the Archduchess. However, both the fact of her birth and her very existence were hidden from the Taraskovyan people, the Leib-doctors having been instructed to remain silent. <br />
<br />
It is not known what reasons pushed the Grand Duke and his wife to act so. The early life of Vethara is, thus, clouded in mystery and gave birth to many a rumour, all of them dismissed by the Ruling family.<br />
<br />
==Revelation to the Public and Subsequent Years==<br />
<br />
When the Archduchess was 22 years old, her existence was finally revealed by the Grand Duke to his subjects, but no exact reason for the previous secrecy was given. No scandals erupted, however, and Taraskovyans were quick to celebrate the appearance of a whole new child of their beloved ruler.<br />
<br />
The near absence of negative reaction is sometimes explained by a thorough preparation of the event by the Grand Duke and the Taraskovyan National Security Department.<br />
<br />
===Higher Education and Life as a Doctor===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/MedFac.jpg|left|MedFac|The building of the Faculty of Medicine, where Her Royal Highness studied.|277px}}Whilst it is understood that Vethara had received initial education from private tutors, it did not prevent her from brilliantly passing exams to the Vigvar University Faculty of Medicine. She earned the degree of Bachelor of Medicine after two out of the usual five years, to the difference of her brother who completed the regular cursus.<br />
<br />
She then was engaged by the Vigvar Grand Ducal Leib-hospital as a general practitioner. At the same time, she entered the Pediatrics Department of the Faculty of Medicine, striving to become a pediatrician, which she did at the age of 30.<br />
<br />
===Public Life===<br />
<br />
Due to her clouded past, Vethara quickly became the focus point of Taraskovyan media and, as such, was very quickly integrated into the social life of the Grand Duchy. Due to her kindness and generousity, she quickly became popular with the people, who often favoured her more than her father.<br />
<br />
The Archduchess became active in the so-called “Bread for Sword” program, taking on the handling of finances and touring of the country to foresee to the needs of those benefiting from the program. In the “Bread for Sword” the Grand Duke of all Taraskovya offered financial assistance to the poorest Taraskovyans in exchange for armed service should war come to Taraskovyan soil and the Taraskovyan army be in dire need of men and women. In practice, none of those assisted in the “Bread for Sword” ever served a single day and, as such, that program was often referred to as charity. However, it helped many start a new self-sufficient life.<br />
<br />
Vethara was also actively involved in supporting the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Church]] and even earned the honourary title of ''Benefactress of the Church''.<br />
<br />
===Private Life===<br />
<br />
The only public known romance of Her Royal Highness was with the Poruchik Nekshas Tenathir of the [[Alexander Guard|Leib-guards]], Count of Terth, with whom Vethara was first sighted in public in 1138 AS at the Vigvar Opera House. In May 1141, Poruchik Tenathir was baptized in the Orthodox faith and in June the couple announced their engagement. However, their union never came to be as the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] erupted in September of the same year and the Count fell on the battlefield.<br />
<br />
==The Plague and the Federal Era==<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Srebrograd1.jpg|right|Plague|The Plague became the most violent and destructive of all Taraskovyan civil wars.|218px}}<br />
<br />
The [[Aphyr_Conflict|Plague]], as Taraskovyans call the violent civil war of 1141 AS, came as a shock to the Archduchess. The death of her fiancé and father in the first weeks of warfare literally cut the young woman down. By the end of December 1141, her brother also presumably fell in battle. The war also claimed the life of her sister Anastasia, the initiator of the conflict. Her mother’s heart could not endure such a tremendous loss and Ekaterina also departed for a better world in the days following the end of the Plague.<br />
<br />
Vethara, thus, became the only remnant of the Ruling family and the ''Grand Duchess by Right of all Taraskovya''. However, the Sword of Rulers was taken by the Church of the Seven Deities back to the Sacred Citadel of Zynthris and Vethara never had the time to give the Oath of Faith (or, in other words, be enthroned). As such, she never wielded the Sword and could not bear the title of ''Shokath-Kshas''.<br />
<br />
During the political void created by the massacre of the royal family, a triumvirate of high ranked army officers seized the opportunity to assert their power over the nation in order to prevent the country from slipping into further chaos. Even if at first the three Ruling Councillors were keen to use Vethara as a symbolic leader above them, the young woman soon came to be seen as a threat.<br />
<br />
===Exile in Menelmacar===<br />
<br />
A group of loyalist officers, sensing the threat that posed the Ruling Council, managed to smuggle Vethara out of the country and into [[Menelmacar]], where she was given refuge by Lady Sirithil. The Ruling Council, having lost the opportunity to force Vethara into abdicating, proceeded to illegally abolish monarchy and proclaimed a Republic, under the name of [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Era|Taraskovyan Federation]]. Vethara, in the meantime formed a Government in Exile, which was keener on working with loyalist elements within Tarasovka than seek international support and recognition.<br />
<br />
The many years of Exile opened the Archduchess to foreign customs and realms, as she established personal friendly relations with some foreign rulers, even if only the [[Menelmacar|Eternal Noldorin Empire]] and the [[The Resurgent Dream|Danaan High Kingdom]] officially recognized her as the legitimate ruler of Tarasovka.<span class="reference"><sup id="fn_1_back">[[#fn_1|1]]</sup></span><br />
<br />
==Return of the Grand Duke==<br />
<br />
In spring of the year 1148 AS, just as the nation was still recovering from the latest [[White Legion]] uprising, the presumably dead and buried [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II of all Taraskovya]] made an unexpected return. However, he did not lead a bloody coup, choosing instead to become a member of the Ruling Council. He took the seat of Admiral Puchinov, who was killed during the Vigvar Attacks perpetrated by the White Legion during their 1147 AS Uprising. Mere months later, the Taraskovyan people were called to vote on a new [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Constitution], which would restore monarchy in Tarasovka, even if the Grand Duchy was drastically reformed.<br />
<br />
Vethara at first refused to recognize “Mikhail” as her real brother. Yet, as the People and Fiefdoms approved the Grand Ducal Constitution and Mikhail II became Grand Duke again, she had to eventually abandon her claims to the Sword of Rulers. The [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9816327&postcount=262 final reconciliation] between the two happened during the coronation of [[Owain_ap_Cunedda|High King Owain]] of [[the Resurgent Dream]] and heralded the return of the Archduchess to her homeland and put a definite end to the [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Period|Time of Troubles]].<br />
<br />
===Life in the new Taraskovya ===<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/Drawings/VethaS.jpg|left|Vetha|Archduchess Vethara in “Mystery of Goddess”. |144px}} <br />
Following the beginning of the [[Tarasovka#The_Second_Grand_Ducal_Period|Second Grand Ducal Era]] the Archduchess was made Duchess of Zoria by her brother and became dedicated to turning it into a jewel of the Taraskovyan nation. The virgin islands on [[Venus]] offered a great plethora of possibilities on which Vethara's management skills could be fully revealed. Currently, the Duchy of Zoria enjoys a booming development, spearheaded by excellent trade relations with C'tani and Menelmacari dominions on Venus.<br />
<br />
She is a fervent servant of the least fortunate of Taraskovyans and dedicates a lot of time and effort to aid the victims of the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] and the [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Period|Time of Troubles]]. After visiting an orphanage, she got attached to a girl orphaned by the Plague. The girl, called Tatiana, was later on adopted by the Archduchess and Vethara became a loving and caring mother. <br />
<br />
Vethara has also spearheaded a somewhat controversial project which involved selling a photo album in which Taraskovyan and international celebrities would pose in lingerie. The photo album, called [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=497564 Mystery of Goddess], regrouped women from all spheres, from diplomats to heads of state and from actresses to journalists. Vethara herself took part in the album in a rather open attire, but only after having secured the relative approval of the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Patriarch|Patriarch Nikon II]]. It is said the Archduchess was herself quite surprised by the amount of interest her little project got and never expected foreign heads of state to take part in it.<br />
<br />
Vethara has also been trying to spend as much time as possible with her brother following their decade long separation and many deem that is she the Grand Duke's most trusted confident and advisor, even though the two siblings do not always agree on everything. But due to the heavy schedule of both of them, they do not have all the time they'd like to, even if they never miss an opportunity to endulge in a game of horseback archery.<br />
<br />
===Assassination Attempt===<br />
<br />
On December 7, 1150 AS the Archduchess became the victim of an assassination attempt on her life. Vethara was gravely injured, but her life was saved due to a timely and efficient medical treatment. Her adoptive daughter Tatiana, however, was killed, which became a tragedy to the Archduchess. Following her discharging from hospital, her brother sent her on a Christmas vacation to [[Pantocratoria]], where she stayed at the Palace of Chantouillet as a guest of [[Emperor]] [[Andreus_I_Capet|Andreus I of Pantocratoria]]. It is worth noting that the Archduchess spent both the Gregorian and the Julian dates of Christmas there.<br />
<br />
==Imperial Era==<br />
<br />
When the Grand Duchy of Taraskovya and the various outlying territories under its jurisdiction reformed themselves as an Empire, the former Grand Duchy ceased to exist as such. It was renamed the United Kingdom of Dakathia and Cardinia, with the title of King joined to that of the Vasilevs.<br />
<br />
As such, the titles of Grand Duke and Grand Duchess were devolved the members of the Imperial family, the previous titles of Archduke and Archduchess abolished.<br />
<br />
==Favourite Pastimes==<br />
<br />
In her free time, the Grand Duchess is known to practice horseback archery and skiing, with some of her most favorite resorts being located in the southern Cardinian Chain. While on visits to those countries that offer ski resorts, the Archduchess tries not to miss a chance to try herself on the local courses. And if the hosts can offer her the grounds for a horseback archery game, they are bound to leave a lasting positive impression upon Vethara.<br />
<br />
She also has a certain interest in gardening and was seen quite a few times studying various plants in the Great Gardens as well as adjacent greenhouses. Some say the Archduchess tried to grow a new sort of flower, but her attempts, it appeared, never came to fruition. The parks and gardens of Lorelei, the capital of Zoria, were designed personally by the Grand Duchess.<br />
<br />
==Trivia==<br />
<br />
* Her "pet" wolf is a ''Cardinian Black'', part of one of the two sub-species of the ''Taraskovyan Black'' (the other being the ''Dakathian Black''), named '''Pushozverek'''. This translates roughly as "Fluff beast". Despite being fluffy, Fluff is capable of very nasty deeds if ordered so by Vethara.<br />
<br />
* The Grand Duchess is renowned for her love of Swans. It is, thus, no wonder that her private bodyguards unit is casually referred to as '''Swans Guard''', due to them using a white swan as symbol. Full unit name: ''Lorelei Regiment of the leib-Guard''. Vethara is also the Colonel-en-Chef of her regiment.<br />
<br />
* It is rumoured that Vethara’s name comes from an amalgamation of two words: the Russian noun ''veter'' (wind) and the Taraskath verb ''tharet'' (to carry away), with the most probable meaning being ''Carried away by the Wind'' (or ''Gone with the Wind''). <br />
<br />
* Due to the above information, the song “Swan and Kite”, written during the rule of the military junta, of the Taraskovyan metal band “Lost in Wonderland” is attributed as being dedicated to Vethara. Whilst the song can be considered as inspired by a Russian fairy-tale, a particular verse attracted some attention during the military junta, when press was censored and freedom of expression restrained especially concerning everything related to the Monarchy.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding=6<br />
! Russian<br />
! Transliteration<br />
! English translation<br />
|- style="vertical-align:top; white-space:nowrap;"<br />
| <br />
Унесенная ветром в чужие края, <br><br />
Гнезда не забыла. Надежду храня, <br><br />
Что время пройдет, минуют года, <br><br />
Коршун падет, его примет земля. <br><br />
И лебедь расправит крылья тогда… <br><br />
<br />
|<br />
Unesionnaia vetrom v chujie kraia, <br><br />
Gnezda ne zabyla. Nadejdu hrania, <br><br />
Chto vremia proidet, minu’iut goda, <br><br />
Korshun padet, ego primet zemlia. <br><br />
I lebed’ raspravit krylia togda… <br><br />
<br />
| <br />
Carried away by the wind to lands afar,<br><br />
She has not forgotten her nest. Nourishing a hope,<br><br />
That time shall pass, years shall pass, <br><br />
The kite shall fall, the earth shall swallow him.<br><br />
And the swan shall spread her wings… <br><br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Other Titles==<br />
<br />
===Benefactress of the Church===<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/BenOrder.jpg|right|StAndrewOrder|The Order of Saint Apostle Andrew the First-Called.|152px}}<br />
<br />
The title of ''Benefactress of the Church'' was bestowed upon Vethara by the Patriarch Nikon II of Vigvar and all Taraskovya in reward for her support of the Church and of the [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Orthodox]] faith. This is an extremely high honour and few are known to have gotten the title. During those days, the only other Benefactress of the Church was Vethara's mother, the Grand Duchess Ekaterina. As of today, Vethara shares the honour with Duke Anatoly Orlov, who was granted the title of Benefactor in reward for his support of the Church during the turmoil of the Federal era.<br />
<br />
As a Benefactress of the Church, Vethara was awarded with the ''Grand Cross'' of the '''[[Order of Saint Andrew|Order of Saint Apostle Andrew the First-Called]]''' by the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Patriarch|Patriarch of Vigvar and all Taraskovya]]. The Order's star is made of silver and diamonds, and features the inscription "For Faith and Loyalty". The badge represents a double-headed eagle bearing a blue cross St. Andrew's Cross with St. Andrew crucified upon it. <br />
<br />
===Duchess of Zoria===<br />
<br />
Vethara is also the ''Duchess of Zoria''. Zoria is a Taraskovyan possession on the planet of [[Venus]], which was bought by the Grand Duke from [[Menelmacar]] as a gift to his sister in honour of their reconcilliation. Vethara, after first attempting to get something more modest from her brother, accepted the Duchy and the responsibilities that came with it. She exercises full authority over the Duchy, with her brother reserving the right to use it whenever military needs arise.<br />
<br />
===Duchess of Khamesti===<br />
<br />
The title of ''Duchess of Kheper-kekui-kha-mesti'' was bestowed upon Vethara by the Emperor of the [[C'tan]]. The city of Khamesti (as it is casually referred to for the sake of simplicity)is located in the Duat province of Aterat. The position is largely ceremonial and the Taraskovyan Archduchess holds no power over the city, even if Khamesti does generate a generous income for her.<br />
<br />
This particular Ducal title, however, is not hereditary as is. In order to make it hereditary, Vethara entered C'tani civil service as a Governement Assessor on Pediatric Medicine.<br />
<br />
===Danaan Honours===<br />
<br />
Archduchess Vethara has also been bestowed with a number of Danaan honours. She is a '''Dame of the Order of the Gryffon''', and a bearer of the Danaan '''Order of Merit'''. Albeit being rather basic, these are nonetheless high and prestigious honours that were awarded to the Archduchess during her stay in [[the Resurgent Dream]] following the coronation of High King Owain.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Characters]] [[Category: Tarasovka]]<br />
<br />
==Foot Notes==<br />
<br />
<small><cite id="fn_1">[[#fn_1_back|1]]: Some other nations never adopted any official stance on the issue and continued to deal both with the Ruling Council and with the Grand Duchess by right. Both sides were content with such a solution and never demanded an official recognition from any other State.</cite><br />
<br />
</small></div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=TaraskathTaraskath2007-09-22T04:30:41Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>The term '''Taraskath''' may refer both to a people and a language.<br />
<br />
==People==<br />
<br />
The '''Taraskath''' (self-appelation generally used in English and other foreign languages, also called ''Tarathians'' - ''ТараΘийцы'' by the [[Ros]]) are the native people of [[Taraskovya]], who inhabited what is now the Sisgardian Taraskovya dozens of thousands of years before the coming of of the [[Taraskovyan Slavs|Slavs]]. <br />
<br />
Until the year 44’215 Before Strife and the unification of the various Taraskath tribes and city-states by Lord Uidath Karetsah, there was no single Taraskath nation or ethnos as such. Dakathian and Cardinian Taraskath spoke different slightly related languages<br />
and had differing cultures. Lord Uidath himself a Cardinian, this branch of the Taraskath culture came to predominate and slowly replaced the largely independent Dakathian culture.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
<br />
The Taraskath language is an ancestral language which has known many a transformation throughout history. Manuscripts dating from dozens of millenia ago indicate that the first Dakathian and Cardinian dialects were mostly hissing tongues, revolved around a multiple of hissing consonnants and rare vowels. After the absorbtion of the Amalori, Kethari and Sethari peoples, the Taraskath language enriched itself and eventually became the modern High Taraskath: a language mixing hissing sounds with melodic syllables. In some areas of Dakathia, older and more hissing dialects of Taraskath are spoken.<br />
<br />
The writing system is alphabetic, even if two scripts exist: the runic and the calligraphic scripts. The former is the "initial" script as used by the ancient Taraskath, with some additions. The calligraphic script was taken from the Amalori language and is used as a high flown variant, for particularly important letters and registers.<br />
<br />
===Geographic Distribution===<br />
<br />
The Taraskath language is closely related to [[Taraskovya]]ns. It is official in the Taraskovyan Empire and is also spoken in [[Abt]], even if [[Russian]] is the only official language there.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Languages]][[Category: Tarasovka]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=TaraskathTaraskath2007-09-22T04:29:56Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>The term '''Taraskath''' may refer both to a people and a language.<br />
<br />
==People==<br />
<br />
The '''Taraskath''' (self-appelation generally used in English and other foreign languages, also called ''Tarathians'' - ''ТараΘийцы'' by the [[Ros]]) are the native people of [[Taraskovya]], who inhabited what is now the Sisgardian Taraskovya dozens of thousands of years before the coming of of the [[Taraskovyan Slavs|Slavs]]. <br />
<br />
Until the year 44’215 Before Strife and the unification of the various Taraskath tribes and city-states by Lord Uidath Karetsah, there was no single Taraskath nation or ethnos as such. Dakathian and Cardinian Taraskath spoke different slightly related languages<br />
and had differing cultures. Lord Uidath himself a Cardinian, this branch of the Taraskath culture came to predominate and slowly replaced the largely independent Dakathian culture.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
<br />
The Taraskath language is an ancestral language which has known many a transformation throughout history. Manuscripts dating from dozens of millenia ago indicate that the first Dakathian and Cardinian dialects were mostly hissing tongues, revolved around a multiple of hissing consonnants and rare vowels. After the absorbtion of the Amalori, Kethari and Sethari peoples, the Taraskath language enriched itself and eventually became the modern High Taraskath: a language mixing hissing sounds with melodic syllables. In some areas of Dakathia, older and more hissing dialects of Taraskath are spoken.<br />
<br />
The writing system is alphabetic, even if two scripts exist: the runic and the calligraphic scripts. The former is the "initial" script as used by the ancient Taraskath, with some additions. The calligraphic script was taken from the Amalori language and is used as a high flown variant, for particularly important letters and registers.<br />
<br />
===Geographic Distribution===<br />
<br />
The Taraskath language is closely related to [[Taraskovya]]ns. It is official in the Taraskovyan [[Empire]]and is also spoken in [[Abt]], even if [[Russian]] is the only official language there.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Languages]][[Category: Tarasovka]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:Main_PageTalk:Main Page2007-09-22T04:23:31Z<p>Jester: /* FA Queue skipped */</p>
<hr />
<div>{| align=center border=1<br />
|- bgcolor=#CCCCCC<br />
|<small>Discussions about the old layout of the [[Main Page]] have been '''[[Talk:Main Page/Archive|archived]]'''.</small><br />
|}<br />
<br />
==New Version of Main Page==<br />
What exactly is being redone? My suggestion would be, as Swilatia mentioned on [[Template talk:Currencies]], to change the featured article more often. In order to promote better articles and recognition of article quality, I believe there should be some more "meta-" work going on behind the scenes: there's a hazy netherworld of backup in the featured-article area (and pages for deletion, as well, which is why a fifth sysop would be a good idea as mentioned).--[[User:Ember Nickel|Ember Nickel]] 16:37, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
: The two ideas for a new main page are linked above, but I'll put them here as well. [[Main Page/Jey]] and [[User:Swilatia/Main Page Idea]]. (( [[User:Pacitalia|<font color="navy">Paci</font>]][[User_talk:Pacitalia|<font color="green">'''talk'''</font>]][[User:Pacitalia|<font color="red">ia</font>]] )) <small>Time sent:</small> 17:21, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
::Ah, thanks. I like Swilatia's navigation system in the top right: however, Swilatia's bold "not affiliated with Nationstates or Jolt" and Jey's white space are both jarring. (I know we have a disclaimer like Swilatia's now and it's important-maybe the right alignment is odd?)--[[User:Ember Nickel|Ember Nickel]] 18:06, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
:I have a slight preference for Jey's, but they're both good. And yes, changing the featured article fairly often would be a good idea. [[User:Aridd|Aridd]] 17:40, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
::I'm glad to see nitpicking on these layouts: that's exactly what we should be doing. I think the best thing to do would be to implement one of the two suggested new looks and then proceed on making the minor cosmetic and formatting changes based on user suggestions, plus start adding in metacode and fancy whatchamacallits after where applicable. So, let's save votes for the ''actual'' ballot. And, for the record, we '''''should''''' be rotating the featured articles every 60 days, to cite convention. (( [[User:Pacitalia|<font color="navy">Paci</font>]][[User_talk:Pacitalia|<font color="green">'''talk'''</font>]][[User:Pacitalia|<font color="red">ia</font>]] )) <small>Time sent:</small> 18:40, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
:::Where is the convention?--[[User:Ember Nickel|Ember Nickel]] 23:42, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
::::Well, considering that convention is defined as something that is followed but not written down, I'd say you'd have a hard time finding it. =p We've just always seemed to change it every 60 days or so, unless we're lazy. But that's not to say we can't rotate the front page content more or less often. <small>'''(( [[User:Pacitalia|<font color="navy">Paci</font>]][[User_talk:Pacitalia|<font color="green">'''talk'''</font>]][[User:Pacitalia|<font color="red">ia</font>]] ))''' Time sent:</small> 03:37, 5 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
30 days would seem more logical to me. For the record, I see the sense in Swilatia's choice; it does look neater, and the link is hard to miss. But... I personally feel the Main Page itself should contain "getting started" information, so that the Main Page is particularly helpful to new users. To me, it's one of the most important aspects. That's just my highly subjective view, of course. [[User:Aridd|Aridd]] 18:56, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
::The current layout of the Main Page is something I worked out a couple years ago. It's WAAY overdue for replacement. Somebody just do it - it's time. If people don't like it, try something different.<br />
::I used to change the featured article every week or two, and the tip of the day ... well, daily. Honestly, it was too much work, and I gave it up. I did write up some instructions on how to replace both featured articles and TotD, but I don't remember where I put them. Oh well. [[User:Frisbeeteria|- Fris]] 02:24, 8 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
:::This FA has been up since October 22.--[[User:Ember Nickel|Ember Nickel]] 00:59, 11 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
I'm leaning more so towards Swil's main page. It has a very user-friendly nav bar at the top. [[Asgarnieu|<font color="red">Asg</font>]][[User:Asgarnieu|<font color="green">arn</font>]][[User_talk:Asgarnieu|<font color="blue">ieu</font>]] 01:55, 21 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
So, since the discussion here is about which of the two (if either) i'm thinking that unless some-one else has their new main page idea, we should put up a poll for which one we will be using, with these two main page ideas, and the one currently used, being options. --'''[[Swilatia|<font color="red">sw</font>]][[User:Swilatia|<font color="green">il</font>]][[User Talk: Swilatia|<font color= "yellow">at</font>]][[Special:Contributions/Swilatia|<font color="blue">ia</font>]]''' 11:02, 21 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
::Yeah, that'd be a great idea. I'm all for it. VOTE!!! [[Asgarnieu|<font color="red">Asg</font>]][[User:Asgarnieu|<font color="green">arn</font>]][[User_talk:Asgarnieu|<font color="blue">ieu</font>]] 01:55, 21 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
So, it's been a month now. Should we make a poll or not? --'''[[Swilatia|<font color="red">sw</font>]][[User:Swilatia|<font color="green">il</font>]][[User Talk: Swilatia|<font color= "yellow">at</font>]][[Special:Contributions/Swilatia|<font color="blue">ia</font>]]''' 20:58, 26 April 2007 (GMT)<br />
:I'm not so much in favor of making a poll--I think we should just implement the positives of both Swilatia's and my test main pages. I edited my suggested main page to include Swilatia's top boxes and portal layout because I think they are more helpful for new users and informative. I've also made some updated changes to my page, which can be seen [[Main Page/Jey|here]]. '''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]''' 01:40, 16 May 2007 (GMT)<br />
::Ok, I think there has been sufficient time to submit new main page layout ideas. I'm going to go ahead and create a poll for the new main page layout with three options: my version, Swilatia's version, and the version I referenced in my previous post which combined the two. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify;">'''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]'''</span> 01:20, 21 June 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
== NSEconomy ==<br />
<br />
NSeconomy is broken. Has been broken for a long time. Will it be removed from the regional template? Yeah i know it's a pity, it was nice, but since it doesn't work anymore... --[[User:Lo'oris|Lo&#39;oris - ロホリス]] 00:48, 27 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
* http://spaam.info/nseconomy works [[User:Spaam|Spaam]] 05:24, 28 August 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
== Inability to access from home ==<br />
<br />
For about a month or so I have been unable to access this wiki from home. I contacted my ISP, who says that the problem is a routing issue in Germany. The tech support guy said he would contact the site, but I have not heard back from him yet, so I wanted to be sure that this was brought to the attention of the NSWiki staff.<br />
<br />
:Sorry, forgot to log in.<br />
--<font color="green">[[User:Kedalfax|Kedalfax]]</font> 15:25, 25 April 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
<br />
::It seems to be working now. I hope it stays working this time. :p<br />
--<font color="green">[[User:Kedalfax|Kedalfax]]</font> 17:28, 29 April 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
== Featured Articles update ==<br />
<br />
When will the next Featured Article in the queue be posted? That Great Southern War article seems to have been featured for quite a few months now... not that there's anything wrong with the article itself, it'd just be nice to have something new to look at on the main page, that's all... [[User:Bettia|Bettia]] 13:56, 28 June 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
The feature's going to change soon. i'm in the process of selecting which sections to put on the main page. --'''[[Swilatia|<font color="red">sw</font>]][[User:Swilatia|<font color="green">il</font>]][[User Talk: Swilatia|<font color= "yellow">at</font>]][[Special:Contributions/Swilatia|<font color="blue">ia</font>]]''' 00:38, 29 June 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
I've changed the featured article now to [[Pantocratoria]], and plan to keep this a monthly process. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify;">'''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]'''</span> 01:30, 20 July 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
== FA Queue skipped ==<br />
<br />
<strike>Are we to conclude that the FA Queue is not to be respected and everybody is welcome to update the Main Page as is deemed fit? [[User:Jester|Jester]] 04:19, 22 September 2007 (GMT)</strike><br />
* Ah, I didn't notice that the FAC has been put up in 2005 for the article, despite it having only 10 votes. As such, above comment withdrawn. Sorry for the bother. [[User:Jester|Jester]] 04:23, 22 September 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
== "Getting Started" Page ==<br />
<br />
The last thing that needs to be finished for the new [[Main Page]] is the creation of the Getting Started page. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify;">'''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]'''</span> 02:28, 29 June 2007 (GMT)<br />
:This page is no longer needed. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify;">'''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]'''</span> 19:05, 29 June 2007 (GMT)</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:Main_PageTalk:Main Page2007-09-22T04:19:14Z<p>Jester: /* Featured Articles update */</p>
<hr />
<div>{| align=center border=1<br />
|- bgcolor=#CCCCCC<br />
|<small>Discussions about the old layout of the [[Main Page]] have been '''[[Talk:Main Page/Archive|archived]]'''.</small><br />
|}<br />
<br />
==New Version of Main Page==<br />
What exactly is being redone? My suggestion would be, as Swilatia mentioned on [[Template talk:Currencies]], to change the featured article more often. In order to promote better articles and recognition of article quality, I believe there should be some more "meta-" work going on behind the scenes: there's a hazy netherworld of backup in the featured-article area (and pages for deletion, as well, which is why a fifth sysop would be a good idea as mentioned).--[[User:Ember Nickel|Ember Nickel]] 16:37, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
: The two ideas for a new main page are linked above, but I'll put them here as well. [[Main Page/Jey]] and [[User:Swilatia/Main Page Idea]]. (( [[User:Pacitalia|<font color="navy">Paci</font>]][[User_talk:Pacitalia|<font color="green">'''talk'''</font>]][[User:Pacitalia|<font color="red">ia</font>]] )) <small>Time sent:</small> 17:21, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
::Ah, thanks. I like Swilatia's navigation system in the top right: however, Swilatia's bold "not affiliated with Nationstates or Jolt" and Jey's white space are both jarring. (I know we have a disclaimer like Swilatia's now and it's important-maybe the right alignment is odd?)--[[User:Ember Nickel|Ember Nickel]] 18:06, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
:I have a slight preference for Jey's, but they're both good. And yes, changing the featured article fairly often would be a good idea. [[User:Aridd|Aridd]] 17:40, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
::I'm glad to see nitpicking on these layouts: that's exactly what we should be doing. I think the best thing to do would be to implement one of the two suggested new looks and then proceed on making the minor cosmetic and formatting changes based on user suggestions, plus start adding in metacode and fancy whatchamacallits after where applicable. So, let's save votes for the ''actual'' ballot. And, for the record, we '''''should''''' be rotating the featured articles every 60 days, to cite convention. (( [[User:Pacitalia|<font color="navy">Paci</font>]][[User_talk:Pacitalia|<font color="green">'''talk'''</font>]][[User:Pacitalia|<font color="red">ia</font>]] )) <small>Time sent:</small> 18:40, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
:::Where is the convention?--[[User:Ember Nickel|Ember Nickel]] 23:42, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
::::Well, considering that convention is defined as something that is followed but not written down, I'd say you'd have a hard time finding it. =p We've just always seemed to change it every 60 days or so, unless we're lazy. But that's not to say we can't rotate the front page content more or less often. <small>'''(( [[User:Pacitalia|<font color="navy">Paci</font>]][[User_talk:Pacitalia|<font color="green">'''talk'''</font>]][[User:Pacitalia|<font color="red">ia</font>]] ))''' Time sent:</small> 03:37, 5 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
30 days would seem more logical to me. For the record, I see the sense in Swilatia's choice; it does look neater, and the link is hard to miss. But... I personally feel the Main Page itself should contain "getting started" information, so that the Main Page is particularly helpful to new users. To me, it's one of the most important aspects. That's just my highly subjective view, of course. [[User:Aridd|Aridd]] 18:56, 4 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
::The current layout of the Main Page is something I worked out a couple years ago. It's WAAY overdue for replacement. Somebody just do it - it's time. If people don't like it, try something different.<br />
::I used to change the featured article every week or two, and the tip of the day ... well, daily. Honestly, it was too much work, and I gave it up. I did write up some instructions on how to replace both featured articles and TotD, but I don't remember where I put them. Oh well. [[User:Frisbeeteria|- Fris]] 02:24, 8 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
:::This FA has been up since October 22.--[[User:Ember Nickel|Ember Nickel]] 00:59, 11 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
I'm leaning more so towards Swil's main page. It has a very user-friendly nav bar at the top. [[Asgarnieu|<font color="red">Asg</font>]][[User:Asgarnieu|<font color="green">arn</font>]][[User_talk:Asgarnieu|<font color="blue">ieu</font>]] 01:55, 21 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
So, since the discussion here is about which of the two (if either) i'm thinking that unless some-one else has their new main page idea, we should put up a poll for which one we will be using, with these two main page ideas, and the one currently used, being options. --'''[[Swilatia|<font color="red">sw</font>]][[User:Swilatia|<font color="green">il</font>]][[User Talk: Swilatia|<font color= "yellow">at</font>]][[Special:Contributions/Swilatia|<font color="blue">ia</font>]]''' 11:02, 21 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
::Yeah, that'd be a great idea. I'm all for it. VOTE!!! [[Asgarnieu|<font color="red">Asg</font>]][[User:Asgarnieu|<font color="green">arn</font>]][[User_talk:Asgarnieu|<font color="blue">ieu</font>]] 01:55, 21 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
So, it's been a month now. Should we make a poll or not? --'''[[Swilatia|<font color="red">sw</font>]][[User:Swilatia|<font color="green">il</font>]][[User Talk: Swilatia|<font color= "yellow">at</font>]][[Special:Contributions/Swilatia|<font color="blue">ia</font>]]''' 20:58, 26 April 2007 (GMT)<br />
:I'm not so much in favor of making a poll--I think we should just implement the positives of both Swilatia's and my test main pages. I edited my suggested main page to include Swilatia's top boxes and portal layout because I think they are more helpful for new users and informative. I've also made some updated changes to my page, which can be seen [[Main Page/Jey|here]]. '''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]''' 01:40, 16 May 2007 (GMT)<br />
::Ok, I think there has been sufficient time to submit new main page layout ideas. I'm going to go ahead and create a poll for the new main page layout with three options: my version, Swilatia's version, and the version I referenced in my previous post which combined the two. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify;">'''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]'''</span> 01:20, 21 June 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
== NSEconomy ==<br />
<br />
NSeconomy is broken. Has been broken for a long time. Will it be removed from the regional template? Yeah i know it's a pity, it was nice, but since it doesn't work anymore... --[[User:Lo'oris|Lo&#39;oris - ロホリス]] 00:48, 27 March 2007 (GMT)<br />
* http://spaam.info/nseconomy works [[User:Spaam|Spaam]] 05:24, 28 August 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
== Inability to access from home ==<br />
<br />
For about a month or so I have been unable to access this wiki from home. I contacted my ISP, who says that the problem is a routing issue in Germany. The tech support guy said he would contact the site, but I have not heard back from him yet, so I wanted to be sure that this was brought to the attention of the NSWiki staff.<br />
<br />
:Sorry, forgot to log in.<br />
--<font color="green">[[User:Kedalfax|Kedalfax]]</font> 15:25, 25 April 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
<br />
::It seems to be working now. I hope it stays working this time. :p<br />
--<font color="green">[[User:Kedalfax|Kedalfax]]</font> 17:28, 29 April 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
== Featured Articles update ==<br />
<br />
When will the next Featured Article in the queue be posted? That Great Southern War article seems to have been featured for quite a few months now... not that there's anything wrong with the article itself, it'd just be nice to have something new to look at on the main page, that's all... [[User:Bettia|Bettia]] 13:56, 28 June 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
The feature's going to change soon. i'm in the process of selecting which sections to put on the main page. --'''[[Swilatia|<font color="red">sw</font>]][[User:Swilatia|<font color="green">il</font>]][[User Talk: Swilatia|<font color= "yellow">at</font>]][[Special:Contributions/Swilatia|<font color="blue">ia</font>]]''' 00:38, 29 June 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
I've changed the featured article now to [[Pantocratoria]], and plan to keep this a monthly process. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify;">'''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]'''</span> 01:30, 20 July 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
== FA Queue skipped ==<br />
<br />
Are we to conclude that the FA Queue is not to be respected and everybody is welcome to update the Main Page as is deemed fit? [[User:Jester|Jester]] 04:19, 22 September 2007 (GMT)<br />
<br />
== "Getting Started" Page ==<br />
<br />
The last thing that needs to be finished for the new [[Main Page]] is the creation of the Getting Started page. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify;">'''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]'''</span> 02:28, 29 June 2007 (GMT)<br />
:This page is no longer needed. <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify;">'''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]'''</span> 19:05, 29 June 2007 (GMT)</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Nyi-GardarikaNyi-Gardarika2007-09-09T03:17:27Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{stub}}<br />
<br />
{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=400 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+<big>'''Королевство Ний-Гардарика'''<br><br />
'''Kingdom of Nyi-Gardarika'''</big><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Gardarika1.png<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | Flag of the Kingdom of Nyi-Gardarika<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
| align=center colspan=2 style="background:#f9f9f9;" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/GardarikaMapSM.png<br />
|-<br />
|'''Official Languages''' || [[Russian]], Toran, [[Riikan]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Government''' || Semi-Constitutional Federal [[Kingdom]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''International Status''' || Non-Sovereign, [[Taraskovyan Empire|Taraskovyan Dominion]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Leadership'''<br>&nbsp; - King<br>&nbsp; - Minister-Chancellor ||<br>[[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy]]<br> Gennadiy Juravlev<br />
|-<br />
| '''[[Capital]]''' || Krasgorod<br />
|-<br />
| '''Population''' || approx. 500 million<br />
|-<br />
| '''Currency''' || 1 [[Taraskovyan Frank]] = 100 Centimes<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9" | <font color="#f9f9f9">Calculators are evil.</font> <br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
The Kingdom of Nyi-Gardarika is one of the most important [[Taraskovyan Empire|Taraskovyan Dominions]] and is the largest one off Earth in the Solar System. It is a Federal Kingdom which consists of five Provinces and two Crown Territories, the latter being under Federal authority.<br />
<br />
The Provinces are: Dajdbog, [[Svarog]], Stribog, Lower Cimmeria, Upper Cimmeria.<br />
<br />
The Crown Territories are: the Northern Crown Territory, the Southern Crown Territory.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tarasovka]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Vethara_ShakhovskayaVethara Shakhovskaya2007-08-21T16:28:56Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{FAC}}<br />
<br />
{|style="float:right;margin:0 0 1em 1em;font-size:90%;clear:centre;" width="400" cellspacing="5"<br />
|+ style="text-align:center; font-size:larger;" | '''Archduchess Vethara Mikhailovna'''<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="padding-bottom:1em;text-align:center;" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Vethara.jpg<br><br />
Archduchess Vethara Mikhailovna<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Birth'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | 12th July, 1107 A.S.<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Titles'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | HRH Archduchess of Taraskovya, Duchess of Zoria, Duchess of Kheper-kekui-kha-mesti, Benefactress of the Church<br />
<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Spouse'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | None<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Issue'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | Tatiana Georgieva (adopted) (deceased)<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Royal House'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Shakhovskoy]]<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Father'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Mikhail I]] <br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Mother'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | Ekaterina Vladimirovna<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Siblings'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | HRH Anastasia Mikhailovna (deceased), HM [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]] the Grand Duke of all Taraskovya <br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Faith'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Orthodox]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Vethara, Archduchess of [[Tarasovka|Taraskovya]]''' (Vethara Mikhailovna Shakhovskaya)(born 12 July 1107 AS) is the third child and second daughter to the late Grand Duke [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Mikhail I]] and Grand Duchess Ekaterina. She is currently the heiress presumptive to the Taraskovyan throne, currently held by her brother, Grand Duke [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]].<br />
<br />
She, as all Shakhovskoy, is a symbol of unity and harmony between the two peoples that have for generations shaped the destiny of her nation - the [[Ros|Russians]] and the Taraskath. With the fiery Russian vivacity and spontaneity and the cold Taraskath pragmatism, as well as their extreme longevity, Vethara combines all the traits that caracterize a modern Taraskovyan.<br />
<br />
Just like her mother Ekaterina, the Archduchess became one of the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] faithful. She is very devout and is a great supporter of the Church, to the point that her merits were recognized by the Vigvar Patriarchate when she was bestowed with the title of ''Benefactress of the Church''.<br />
<br />
==Early Years==<br />
<br />
Her Royal Highness Vethara, Archduchess of Tarasovka, was born in the Vigvar Winter Palace, on the 12th of July 1107 After Strife. However, both the fact of her birth and her very existence were hidden from the Taraskovyan people, the Leib-doctors having been instructed to remain silent. <br />
<br />
It is not known what reasons pushed the Grand Duke and his wife to act so. The early life of Vethara is, thus, clouded in mystery and gave birth to many a rumour, all of them dismissed by the Ruling family.<br />
<br />
==Revelation to the Public and Subsequent Years==<br />
<br />
When the Archduchess was 22 years old, her existence was finally revealed by the Grand Duke to his subjects, but no exact reason for the previous secrecy was given. No scandals erupted, however, and Taraskovyans were quick to celebrate the appearance of a whole new child of their beloved ruler.<br />
<br />
The near absence of negative reaction is sometimes explained by a thorough preparation of the event by the Grand Duke and the Taraskovyan National Security Department.<br />
<br />
===Higher Education and Life as a Doctor===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/MedFac.jpg|left|MedFac|The building of the Faculty of Medicine, where Her Royal Highness studied.|277px}}Whilst it is understood that Vethara had received initial education from private tutors, it did not prevent her from brilliantly passing exams to the Vigvar University Faculty of Medicine. She earned the degree of Bachelor of Medicine after two out of the usual five years, to the difference of her brother who completed the regular cursus.<br />
<br />
She then was engaged by the Vigvar Grand Ducal Leib-hospital as a general practitioner. At the same time, she entered the Pediatrics Department of the Faculty of Medicine, striving to become a pediatrician, which she did at the age of 30.<br />
<br />
===Public Life===<br />
<br />
Due to her clouded past, Vethara quickly became the focus point of Taraskovyan media and, as such, was very quickly integrated into the social life of the Grand Duchy. Due to her kindness and generousity, she quickly became popular with the people, who often favoured her more than her father.<br />
<br />
The Archduchess became active in the so-called “Bread for Sword” program, taking on the handling of finances and touring of the country to foresee to the needs of those benefiting from the program. In the “Bread for Sword” the Grand Duke of all Taraskovya offered financial assistance to the poorest Taraskovyans in exchange for armed service should war come to Taraskovyan soil and the Taraskovyan army be in dire need of men and women. In practice, none of those assisted in the “Bread for Sword” ever served a single day and, as such, that program was often referred to as charity. However, it helped many start a new self-sufficient life.<br />
<br />
Vethara was also actively involved in supporting the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Church]] and even earned the honourary title of ''Benefactress of the Church''.<br />
<br />
===Private Life===<br />
<br />
The only public known romance of Her Royal Highness was with the Poruchik Nekshas Tenathir of the [[Alexander Guard|Leib-guards]], Count of Terth, with whom Vethara was first sighted in public in 1138 AS at the Vigvar Opera House. In May 1141, Poruchik Tenathir was baptized in the Orthodox faith and in June the couple announced their engagement. However, their union never came to be as the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] erupted in September of the same year and the Count fell on the battlefield.<br />
<br />
==The Plague and the Federal Era==<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Srebrograd1.jpg|right|Plague|The Plague became the most violent and destructive of all Taraskovyan civil wars.|218px}}<br />
<br />
The [[Aphyr_Conflict|Plague]], as Taraskovyans call the violent civil war of 1141 AS, came as a shock to the Archduchess. The death of her fiancé and father in the first weeks of warfare literally cut the young woman down. By the end of December 1141, her brother also presumably fell in battle. The war also claimed the life of her sister Anastasia, the initiator of the conflict. Her mother’s heart could not endure such a tremendous loss and Ekaterina also departed for a better world in the days following the end of the Plague.<br />
<br />
Vethara, thus, became the only remnant of the Ruling family and the ''Grand Duchess by Right of all Taraskovya''. However, the Sword of Rulers was taken by the Church of the Seven Deities back to the Sacred Citadel of Zynthris and Vethara never had the time to give the Oath of Faith (or, in other words, be enthroned). As such, she never wielded the Sword and could not bear the title of ''Shokath-Kshas''.<br />
<br />
During the political void created by the massacre of the royal family, a triumvirate of high ranked army officers seized the opportunity to assert their power over the nation in order to prevent the country from slipping into further chaos. Even if at first the three Ruling Councillors were keen to use Vethara as a symbolic leader above them, the young woman soon came to be seen as a threat.<br />
<br />
===Exile in Menelmacar===<br />
<br />
A group of loyalist officers, sensing the threat that posed the Ruling Council, managed to smuggle Vethara out of the country and into [[Menelmacar]], where she was given refuge by Lady Sirithil. The Ruling Council, having lost the opportunity to force Vethara into abdicating, proceeded to illegally abolish monarchy and proclaimed a Republic, under the name of [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Era|Taraskovyan Federation]]. Vethara, in the meantime formed a Government in Exile, which was keener on working with loyalist elements within Tarasovka than seek international support and recognition.<br />
<br />
The many years of Exile opened the Archduchess to foreign customs and realms, as she established personal friendly relations with some foreign rulers, even if only the [[Menelmacar|Eternal Noldorin Empire]] and the [[The Resurgent Dream|Danaan High Kingdom]] officially recognized her as the legitimate ruler of Tarasovka.<span class="reference"><sup id="fn_1_back">[[#fn_1|1]]</sup></span><br />
<br />
==Return of the Grand Duke==<br />
<br />
In spring of the year 1148 AS, just as the nation was still recovering from the latest [[White Legion]] uprising, the presumably dead and buried [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II of all Taraskovya]] made an unexpected return. However, he did not lead a bloody coup, choosing instead to become a member of the Ruling Council. He took the seat of Admiral Puchinov, who was killed during the Vigvar Attacks perpetrated by the White Legion during their 1147 AS Uprising. Mere months later, the Taraskovyan people were called to vote on a new [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Constitution], which would restore monarchy in Tarasovka, even if the Grand Duchy was drastically reformed.<br />
<br />
Vethara at first refused to recognize “Mikhail” as her real brother. Yet, as the People and Fiefdoms approved the Grand Ducal Constitution and Mikhail II became Grand Duke again, she had to eventually abandon her claims to the Sword of Rulers. The [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9816327&postcount=262 final reconciliation] between the two happened during the coronation of [[Owain_ap_Cunedda|High King Owain]] of [[the Resurgent Dream]] and heralded the return of the Archduchess to her homeland and put a definite end to the [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Period|Time of Troubles]].<br />
<br />
===Life in the new Taraskovya ===<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/Drawings/VethaS.jpg|left|Vetha|Archduchess Vethara in “Mystery of Goddess”. |144px}} <br />
Following the beginning of the [[Tarasovka#The_Second_Grand_Ducal_Period|Second Grand Ducal Era]] the Archduchess was made Duchess of Zoria by her brother and became dedicated to turning it into a jewel of the Taraskovyan nation. The virgin islands on [[Venus]] offered a great plethora of possibilities on which Vethara's management skills could be fully revealed. Currently, the Duchy of Zoria enjoys a booming development, spearheaded by excellent trade relations with C'tani and Menelmacari dominions on Venus.<br />
<br />
She is a fervent servant of the least fortunate of Taraskovyans and dedicates a lot of time and effort to aid the victims of the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] and the [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Period|Time of Troubles]]. After visiting an orphanage, she got attached to a girl orphaned by the Plague. The girl, called Tatiana, was later on adopted by the Archduchess and Vethara became a loving and caring mother. <br />
<br />
Vethara has also spearheaded a somewhat controversial project which involved selling a photo album in which Taraskovyan and international celebrities would pose in lingerie. The photo album, called [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=497564 Mystery of Goddess], regrouped women from all spheres, from diplomats to heads of state and from actresses to journalists. Vethara herself took part in the album in a rather open attire, but only after having secured the relative approval of the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Patriarch|Patriarch Nikon II]]. It is said the Archduchess was herself quite surprised by the amount of interest her little project got and never expected foreign heads of state to take part in it.<br />
<br />
Vethara has also been trying to spend as much time as possible with her brother following their decade long separation and many deem that is she the Grand Duke's most trusted confident and advisor, even though the two siblings do not always agree on everything. But due to the heavy schedule of both of them, they do not have all the time they'd like to, even if they never miss an opportunity to endulge in a game of horseback archery.<br />
<br />
===Assassination Attempt===<br />
<br />
On December 7, 1150 AS the Archduchess became the victim of an assassination attempt on her life. Vethara was gravely injured, but her life was saved due to a timely and efficient medical treatment. Her adoptive daughter Tatiana, however, was killed, which became a tragedy to the Archduchess. Following her discharging from hospital, her brother sent her on a Christmas vacation to [[Pantocratoria]], where she stayed at the Palace of Chantouillet as a guest of [[Emperor]] [[Andreus_I_Capet|Andreus I of Pantocratoria]]. It is worth noting that the Archduchess spent both the Gregorian and the Julian dates of Christmas there.<br />
<br />
==Favourite Pastimes==<br />
<br />
In her free time, the Archduchess is known to practice horseback archery and skiing, with some of her most favorite resorts being located in the southern Cardinian Chain. While on visits to those countries that offer ski resorts, the Archduchess tries not to miss a chance to try herself on the local courses. And if the hosts can offer her the grounds for a horseback archery game, they are bound to leave a lasting positive impression upon Vethara.<br />
<br />
She also has a certain interest in gardening and was seen quite a few times studying various plants in the Great Gardens as well as adjacent greenhouses. Some say the Archduchess tried to grow a new sort of flower, but her attempts, it appeared, never came to fruition. The parks and gardens of Lorelei, the capital of Zoria, were designed personally by the Archduchess.<br />
<br />
==Trivia==<br />
<br />
* Her "pet" wolf is a ''Cardinian Black'', part of one of the two sub-species of the ''Taraskovyan Black'' (the other being the ''Dakathian Black''), named '''Pushozverek'''. This translates roughly as "Fluff beast". Despite being fluffy, Fluff is capable of very nasty deeds if ordered so by Vethara.<br />
<br />
* The Archduchess is renowned for her love of Swans. It is, thus, no wonder that her private bodyguards unit is casually referred to as '''Swans Guard''', due to them using a white swan as symbol. Full unit name: ''Lorelei Regiment of the leib-Guard''. Vethara is also the Colonel-en-Chef of her regiment.<br />
<br />
* It is rumoured that Vethara’s name comes from an amalgamation of two words: the Russian noun ''veter'' (wind) and the Taraskath verb ''tharet'' (to carry away), with the most probable meaning being ''Carried away by the Wind'' (or ''Gone with the Wind''). <br />
<br />
* Due to the above information, the song “Swan and Kite”, written during the rule of the military junta, of the Taraskovyan metal band “Lost in Wonderland” is attributed as being dedicated to Archduchess Vethara. Whilst the song can be considered as inspired by a Russian fairy-tale, a particular verse attracted some attention during the military junta, when press was censored and freedom of expression restrained especially concerning everything related to the Monarchy.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding=6<br />
! Russian<br />
! Transliteration<br />
! English translation<br />
|- style="vertical-align:top; white-space:nowrap;"<br />
| <br />
Унесенная ветром в чужие края, <br><br />
Гнезда не забыла. Надежду храня, <br><br />
Что время пройдет, минуют года, <br><br />
Коршун падет, его примет земля. <br><br />
И лебедь расправит крылья тогда… <br><br />
<br />
|<br />
Unesionnaia vetrom v chujie kraia, <br><br />
Gnezda ne zabyla. Nadejdu hrania, <br><br />
Chto vremia proidet, minu’iut goda, <br><br />
Korshun padet, ego primet zemlia. <br><br />
I lebed’ raspravit krylia togda… <br><br />
<br />
| <br />
Carried away by the wind to lands afar,<br><br />
She has not forgotten her nest. Nourishing a hope,<br><br />
That time shall pass, years shall pass, <br><br />
The kite shall fall, the earth shall swallow him.<br><br />
And the swan shall spread her wings… <br><br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Other Titles==<br />
<br />
===Benefactress of the Church===<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/BenOrder.jpg|right|StAndrewOrder|The Order of Saint Apostle Andrew the First-Called.|152px}}<br />
<br />
The title of ''Benefactress of the Church'' was bestowed upon Vethara by the Patriarch Nikon II of Vigvar and all Taraskovya in reward for her support of the Church and of the [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Orthodox]] faith. This is an extremely high honour and few are known to have gotten the title. During those days, the only other Benefactress of the Church was Vethara's mother, the Grand Duchess Ekaterina. As of today, Vethara shares the honour with Duke Anatoly Orlov, who was granted the title of Benefactor in reward for his support of the Church during the turmoil of the Federal era.<br />
<br />
As a Benefactress of the Church, Vethara was awarded with the ''Grand Cross'' of the '''[[Order of Saint Andrew|Order of Saint Apostle Andrew the First-Called]]''' by the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Patriarch|Patriarch of Vigvar and all Taraskovya]]. The Order's star is made of silver and diamonds, and features the inscription "For Faith and Loyalty". The badge represents a double-headed eagle bearing a blue cross St. Andrew's Cross with St. Andrew crucified upon it. <br />
<br />
===Duchess of Zoria===<br />
<br />
Vethara is also the ''Duchess of Zoria''. Zoria is a Taraskovyan possession on the planet of [[Venus]], which was bought by the Grand Duke from [[Menelmacar]] as a gift to his sister in honour of their reconcilliation. Vethara, after first attempting to get something more modest from her brother, accepted the Duchy and the responsibilities that came with it. She exercises full authority over the Duchy, with her brother reserving the right to use it whenever military needs arise.<br />
<br />
===Duchess of Khamesti===<br />
<br />
The title of ''Duchess of Kheper-kekui-kha-mesti'' was bestowed upon Vethara by the Emperor of the [[C'tan]]. The city of Khamesti (as it is casually referred to for the sake of simplicity)is located in the Duat province of Aterat. The position is largely ceremonial and the Taraskovyan Archduchess holds no power over the city, even if Khamesti does generate a generous income for her.<br />
<br />
This particular Ducal title, however, is not hereditary as is. In order to make it hereditary, Vethara entered C'tani civil service as a Governement Assessor on Pediatric Medicine.<br />
<br />
===Danaan Honours===<br />
<br />
Archduchess Vethara has also been bestowed with a number of Danaan honours. She is a '''Dame of the Order of the Gryffon''', and a bearer of the Danaan '''Order of Merit'''. Albeit being rather basic, these are nonetheless high and prestigious honours that were awarded to the Archduchess during her stay in [[the Resurgent Dream]] following the coronation of High King Owain.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Characters]] [[Category: Tarasovka]]<br />
<br />
==Foot Notes==<br />
<br />
<small><cite id="fn_1">[[#fn_1_back|1]]: Some other nations never adopted any official stance on the issue and continued to deal both with the Ruling Council and with the Grand Duchess by right. Both sides were content with such a solution and never demanded an official recognition from any other State.</cite><br />
<br />
</small></div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=TarasovkaTarasovka2007-08-17T22:41:14Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE IS SOMEWHAT OUTDATED AND SHALL BE UPDATED AS SOON AS THE AUTHOR CAN GET HIMSELF TO IT.'''<br />
<br />
<br />
{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=350 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+<big>'''Namel Zethanekh Taraskath'''<br><br />
'''Великое Княжество Тарасковское'''<br><br />
'''Grand Duchy of Tarasovka'''</big><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/tarasovka.jpg<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Motto: "Every road leads to a war."''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
|'''Official Languages''' || [[Russian]], [[Taraskath]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Map''' || [http://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sisgardia181020058lg.png Map of Sisgardia]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Government''' || [[Federal]] Semi-Constitutional [[Grand Duchy]] <br />
|-<br />
|''' Grand Duke''' || [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Establishment''' || 44’215 Before Strife<br />
|-<br />
| '''[[Capital]]''' || Capital City of Vigvar<br />
|-<br />
| '''Population''' || Approximately 6 billion<br />
|-<br />
| '''Currency''' || 1 [[Taraskovyan Frank]] = 100 Centimes<br />
|-<br />
| '''Internet TLD''' || .gdt, .trk<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9" | <font color="#f9f9f9">Calculators are evil.</font> <br />
|-<br />
|} [[Category:Nations]]<br />
The '''Grand Duchy of Tarasovka''' ([[Russian]]: ''Великое Княжество Тарасковское''; Taraskath: ''Namel Zethanekh Taraskath'') is a nation lost among the high mountains of North-Eastern Sisgardia. Spanning over more than 45’000 years of history, the country and its people have developed a unique and proud identity. Although coming from various cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, the Taraskovyan people share an overzealous love for their motherland, ancient traditions and freedom. And although they are known to be quite xenophobic and mistrusting of foreigners, Taraskovyans are also known for their remarkable and sincere hospitality.<br />
<br />
==Brief History==<br />
<br />
===Pre-Unification===<br />
<br />
The so called Pre-Unification period of the Taraskovyan history lasts up to the year 44’215 B.S. (Before Strife) and is characterized by a great lack of written documentation and of available information. Many archeologists and researchers agree than what is now the Taraskovyan Metropoly was home to a number of different civilisations and even races for a long period of time. The four major ethnicities that disputed supremacy over what now is Taraskovyan territory were the Taraskath, the Setari, the Amalori and the Keth, each having their own, radically distinct from the others, style of life and vision of the world.<br />
<br />
Even if written documents pertaining to this period are scarce, the ‘Prophecies of Sathala’, a very important and sacred text of the Church of the Seven Deities, belong to this period. It is also a known fact that the Sacred Citadel of Zynthris was built during that period and it was it that inspired Taraskath architects in the millennia to come.<br />
<br />
===Uidath of the Emerald Spire and the Unification===<br />
<br />
Up to 44’215 B.S. the Taraskath did not form a single nation, but dwelled in dispersed tribes all over the territory of Cardinia, Dakathia and Tarvalak. These tribes, divided not only by the levels of development, but also by political, philosophical and religious views, built a number of Citadels throughout their territories, forming a myriad of City States constantly at war with each other. The rare times of peace between the Taraskath were used to wage wars against either of their Amalori, Setari or Keth neighbours. The greatest of all Taraskath Citadels was the Black Hand, which also served as a symbolic capital, its might and riches sparking a great number of wars between rival Lords lusting for power and leadership.<br />
<br />
Everything changed drastically in 44’215 B.S. when Uidath Karetsah, Lord of the Emerald Spire, led a coalition of Lords and took over the Citadel of the Black Hand, disposing of its Lord and slaughtering his dreaded Black Guard. With the support of the majority of Lords and of the Church of the Seven, Uidath proclaimed himself as the first ruler of a unified Taraskath nation, which he dubbed ‘Namel Zethanekh’, the ‘High Unity’.<br />
<br />
The success of young Uidath in unifying the Taraskath territories remains a mystery even today. The Church of the Seven Deities and their sacred texts insist on the fact that Lord Uidath was bestowed with the blessings of the Seven Deities and was entrusted with the Sword of Rulers, a powerful artifact that is still wielded by the Grand Dukes of today.<br />
<br />
===The High Unity===<br />
<br />
By 43’567 B.S. Lord Uidath finally managed to reunite each and every Taraskath Citadel under his control and dubbed himself as the first Shokath-Kshas, the Supreme Lord and Ruler of the Kin. The rise of the High Unity was met with fear from the nations of Setar, Amalor and Kethar. Having had to endure sporadic raids by Taraskath throughout their history, the three peoples saw the Taraskath nation as a clear threat. <br />
<br />
The Keth were the first to react and sent an army was the High Unity. The Taraskath met their foes in the valley of the Thousand Teeth, where the Keth soldiers were ambushed and butchered, the Keth Lords narrowly escaping the same fate. They fled back to their lands and pleaded for help to the Amalori and the Setari, which joined forces against the High Unity. This sparked the famous Eternal War, which the Taraskath won after several thousand years of fighting. Texts dating from the period insist on the fact that the Taraskath slaughtered and massacred their foes to the very last individual, yet many researchers agree that the three rival ethnicities were weakened and absorbed into the Taraskath kin.<br />
<br />
Although being victorious, the Taraskath were greatly weakened by the Eternal War and for a time there was peace. The war left many tribes too small to exist by themselves and forced them to join up with others to survive. Moreover, the great struggle against a common enemy instilled a sense of national identity to all Taraskath, an identity tied to war and slaughter. The High Unity knew some periodic civil wars between rival Lords, but the country continued to develop itself and prosper, with Taraskath merchants and nobles soon beginning to sail to lands far beyond the oceans to bring back cheap slaves.<br />
<br />
===The Strife===<br />
<br />
The Strife is the name of a major civil war that ravaged Tarasovka from 5 to 1 B.S. With the explosion of the slave market in Tarasovka, the population of slaves in the years before the Strife equaled and even surpassed the Taraskath population. The first slaves were brought in centuries before the Strife, a short time for the Taraskath, yet many generations for those from beyond the oceans. By 50 B.S. the slave rebellions became a routine event in the High Unity, with the Lords proving ruthless in dealing with them.<br />
<br />
And while the Lords were slaughtering thousands of individuals, the rest of the Taraskath society began to ask itself questions and quickly gave birth to an Abolitionist movement, with some of the Lord joining it. Those who were loyal to the old ways dubbed themselves the Defenders of Tradition. The two groups remained in a tense state without fighting each other in the open.<br />
<br />
The culmination of the stand off came when the female Shokath-Kshas Amala Karetsah, after the death of her previous companion in a hunting accident, chose a Russian man by the name of Mstislav Shakhovskoy for companion and gave birth to a male heir with Russian blood. Amala, however, already had a daughter from the previous relationship, Tekhala, who now had a rival. The Defenders of Tradition immediately called for Tekhala to be declared as legitimate heir to the Sword, while the Abolitionists defended the right of Mstislav to rule by his wife’s side. After a failed attempt by the Defenders to assassinate Mstislav and his son, a civil war erupted between them and the Abolitionists.<br />
<br />
During the five years of struggle, many were killed, but the Abolitionists won and forced the Defenders into a permanent exile. Mstislav Shakhovskoy, who had subdued Amala completely and fully to his influence by the end of the Strife, abolished slavery and took the title of Veliky Knyaz (Grand Duke). He established his capital at the Citadel of Vigvar, for the Citadel of the Black Hand was lost in a tremendous earthquake that erupted in its area while two armies were fighting each other to the last by its walls. However, wanting not to offense the Taraskath, Mstislav equaled his title of Grand Duke to that of the Supreme Lord and Ruler. In symbol of a new start, a new calendar was put in place marking the end of the Strife as the first year of a new era.<br />
<br />
===The First Grand Ducal Period===<br />
<br />
The Grand Ducal period, stretching from 1 A.S. until 1141 A.S., was remarkable for a relative stability and prosperity of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka and its entry on the international scene. Some suggest that this rapid evolution was sparked by the comparatively short lives of the Grand Dukes who then had a share of non-Taraskath blood in their veins. Because it was ruled by Russian Dukes, Tarasovka became to be seen as a Slavic state, the Grand Duchy attracted, overtime, an important community of Slavic migrants, most of whom were Russian. The migrants brought with them their culture and also achiements and traditions from beyond the seas, which only helped the Taraskovyan prosperity. <br />
<br />
The greatest achievements have been made by [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Grand Duke Mikhail I]]. Under his rule the Grand Duchy reached great technologic heights and went into the conquest of the stars, with the first major out world colony founded on Mars. A skilled and cunning politician, Mikhail I maneuvered between the various activities undertaken by the [[GDODAD]], of which the Grand Duchy was once member, and always ensured that the interests of the Grand Duchy and not that of the organisation prevailed in relevant situations. Eventually, the Grand Duke stepped down and handed power over to his son, [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]], a move disputed by the leader’s daughter, Archduchess Anastasya. This triggered the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] which would cause the fall of the Grand Duchy and the exile of Archduchess [[Vethara Shakhovskaya|Vethara]].<br />
<br />
===The Federal Period===<br />
<br />
The Federal period began in 1141 A.S. after the fall of the last Grand Duke during the [[Aphyr Conflict | Plague]] and the seizing of power by a triumvirate of military commanders who dubbed themselves the Ruling Council and held supreme power over the country. During this period many of the ancestral rights and traditions of the Taraskovyan people were abolished, the [[Alexander Guard]] was marginalised and isolated. All of this eventually sparked a renaissance of ultra-nationalist and traditionalist movements and opened hidden rifts between the various cultures and ethnicities within the Taraskovyan territory. Various nationalist factions, such as the [[White Legion]] have turned Taraskovyan cities into battle zones as the weak Federal government attempted to restore peace and order. <br />
<br />
The positive aspects of that period included the integration of [[the Vortex Corporation]] and of the [[Knootoss|Knootian]] [[Europolis]] Islands into the Taraskovyan Federation, expansion of territorial assets on Mars and elsewhere.<br />
<br />
===The Second Grand Ducal Period===<br />
<br />
The second Grand Ducal period began after the unexpected return of the Grand Duke Mikhail II, who was believed by everyone to have died during the Plague. The Grand Duke, wielding the Sword of Rulers, joined the Ruling Council and pushed forward the voting in of a new [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Constitution]. The document, innovative in many aspects, was passed by a majority of the People and of the Fiefdoms and came into force in May 1148 A.S., putting a definitive end to the short Federal period. Shortly after, the [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9120264#post9120264 First Grand Ducal Parliament] was elected.<br />
<br />
==Administrative Composition==<br />
<br />
===Grand Duchy===<br />
<br />
The Grand Duchy of Tarasovka, with Vigvar for capital, consists of 26 Fiefdoms. There is also the Hermes Facility, which is a special territory within the Grand Duchy.<br />
<br />
====Fiefdoms====<br />
<br />
The Fiefdoms are tied by the ''Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka'' and form the core of the Taraskovyan nation. The population of the Grand Duchy elects the Grand Ducal Parliament, which decides on matters that will affect all territories under Taraskovyan jurisdiction, with each Fiefdom guaranteed a certain number of representatives in the Grand Ducal Duma and in the Grand Ducal Senate. The People and Fiefdoms of the Grand Duchy also participate in referenda on the Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka and on Grand Ducal legislation.<br />
<br />
Those Fiefdoms are: Uthar, Zapadozemie, Elutar, Zlatoslavia, Tal-Nathil, Tal-Nathir, Novozemie, Novogorod-Severskiy, Kem, Setar, [[Northern Fiefdom and Duchy|Severnoe (Nothern)]], Borie, Cardinia, Uith, Kidaksh, Zerth, [[Amalor]], Yujnaya Cardinia (South Cardinia), Uil, Yujny Aphyr(South Aphyr), Alukshir, Kshas-Uith, Kshas-Kharit, Yugozemie, Vigvar, Kethar, Severnaya Cardinia (Nothern Cardinia), Vyshna<br />
<br />
====Hermes Facility====<br />
<br />
The Hermes Facility is located on an island east of the Utharian peninsula and is an international center of trade under the [[Hermes Conglomerate]]. The island itself, while being part of the Grand Duchy proper, has a special exterritorial status, with some provisions of Taraskovyan civil and penal law extended to include the non-organic and extraterrestrial organic beings into the legal term of “human”. This was done in order to facilitate business undertaken by those species not covered by the Taraskovyan legal term of “human”, but is only valid on the territory of the island. As such, those mentioned above gain the right to purchase property owned by Taraskovyans and to receive the appropriate accredidation in order to come to the island.<br />
<br />
The VerTech holds the golden share of the [[Hermes Conglomerate]]. This is the only golden share present, and grants the VerTech board and management executive power over all strategic and operational decisions, even if the Taraskovyan giant operates the Hermes Conglomerate as an autonomous entity.<br />
<br />
The Hermes Facility is also the only piece of the Grand Duchy to have a surveyed border between it and the rest of the country, with controls undertaken on those who wish to leave the island for the Grand Duchy.<br />
<br />
===Dependencies and Protectorates===<br />
<br />
''(Main Article: [[Taraskovyan Empire]])''<br />
<br />
The Grand Duchy of Tarasovka extends its jurisdiction over certain territories which are not part of the 28 Fiefdoms that form the Grand Duchy proper. Each of these territories is tied to the Grand Duchy through a particular relationship, varying from loose association to direct Grand Ducal control and there is no single charter, as of yet, that identifies the 'Taraskovyan nation' as a whole. For simplicity, most international agencies and organisations casually refer to the entirety of Taraskovyan territories as ''[[Taraskovyan Empire]]'', even if officially no such "Empire" exists. Please see the relevant article for additional information.<br />
<br />
==Politics==<br />
<br />
The adoption of the [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka] allowed to create an efficient legal base to define the powers of the various branches of power. This document is the first written Constitution on the Grand Ducal level and is seen by many as an efficient tool in maintaining political stability in the nation.<br />
<br />
===The Executive===<br />
<br />
Tarasovka is a hereditary monarchy where the Grand Duke – Supreme Lord and Ruler of the Kin as his title is said in Taraskath – is the supreme executive authority. His powers include voiding and annulling decisions taken by any Grand Ducal authority or referendum, except for cases when a motion was accepted or rejected by at least three quarters of the People and of the Fiefdoms during a referendum.<br />
<br />
The Grand Duke forms a Grand Ducal Government over which he presides, his choices of Ministers subject to no approval from the Parliament. The Grand Duke may at any time dismiss the Ministers and appoint replacements. The current composition of the Grand Ducal Government can be consulted [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/GovernmentComposition.png here].<br />
<br />
===The Legislative=== <br />
<br />
The Grand Ducal Parliament represents the legislative branch of power and has its seat in the [[Northwind Palace]]. It is composed of two Chambers: the Duma and the Senate. The former, the lower house, comprises 400 Deputies from the People elected directly according to the system of proportional representation. The Senate, or the upper house, consists of 56 Senators from the Fiefdoms, elected directly by the people of a Fiefdom from amongst the nobility, with two Senators per Fiefdom, exceptions being the High Fiefdom of Vigvar with four Senators and the Fiefdoms of Dajdbog and Stribog with one Senator each.<br />
<br />
The repartition of seats in the Grand Ducal Parliament is the following for the [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/DumaComposition.png Duma] and for the [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/SenateComposition.png Senate].<br />
<br />
The Grand Ducal Parliament elects the judges of the Grand Ducal Tribunal, oversees many important tasks and takes important decisions pertaining to the ratification of treaties and passing of laws.<br />
<br />
===The Judicial===<br />
<br />
The Grand Ducal Tribunal, comrising various lesser Tribunals and Courts, is the highest judicial authority in the nation and is comprised of judges elected by the Grand Ducal Parliament. The Tribunal has a variety of tasks, among which settling the conflicts between individuals, individuals and State, Fiefdoms, et cetera. The Grand Ducal Tribunal, however, cannot decide whether a subject submitted to it is Constitutional or not, this being the prerogative of the Grand Ducal Parliament.<br />
<br />
==Population==<br />
<br />
===Languages===<br />
<br />
The official languages of the Grand Duchy are Taraskath and [[Russian]], which are by default official languages for each of the twenty eight Fiefdoms. Knowledge of at least one official language is mandatory for every Taraskovyan citizen, and it is Russian that is the most popular, especially with the Dutch-speaking Taraskovyans. All administrative and legal publications are issued in one of the languages, more often Russian than Taraskath.<br />
<br />
The Grand Ducal Constitution also proclaimed an additional language – [[Dutch]] – as a National Language, giving the community extensive linguistic privileges. As of now, Dutch is an official language, along with Russian and Taraskath, in the Fiefdoms of Southern Cardinia, Uthar and Vyshna, and is furthermore a co-official language in the Municipality of [[Europolis]]. Dutch is used as first language in every day life by approximately 15% of the Taraskovyan population.<br />
<br />
Along the mainstream Russian, and the less important Taraskath and Dutch, the Grand Duchy knows a multitude of other languages spoken by various minorities.<br />
<br />
===Grand Ducal Census===<br />
<br />
The following figures result from the census conducted 1150 AS. Please note that the census data only includes permanent residents (Taraskovyan citizens and foreigners) of the Grand Duchy proper. The census data from the [[Taraskovyan Empire|Dominions]], which account for a collective population of around two billion, are not included in the ''Grand Ducal Census''.<br />
<br />
====Ethnic Groups====<br />
<br />
The Taraskovyan society is a multi-cultural one, presenting a rich mixture of various ethnicities which, usually, live in harmony and love of their common Motherland. The [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Grand Duke]], himself representing both [[Ros|Russian]] and Taraskath bloodlines, represents the unity of the country.<br />
<br />
The main peoples that shape the day to day Taraskovyan politics are the Taraskath, the original inhabitants of Taraskovya, and the Russians, who came to populate the area over the past few millenia. With the incorporation of the Dutch-speaking territories, the latter are mostly defining the politics of the Dutch-speaking areas and have not yet impacted decisively on the Grand Duchy as a whole.<br />
<br />
*[[Taraskovyan_Slavs|Slavic]]: 75,13% <br />
**[[Ros]]: 71,13% <br />
**[[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Serbovians|Serbovian]]: 1,61%<br />
**[[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Moesians|Moesian]]: 1,02%<br />
**[[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Polavians|Polavian]]: 0,91%<br />
**[[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Moravians|Moravian]]: 0,46%<br />
*Dutch: 11,05%<br />
**[[The Vortex Corporation|Vortex Origin]]: 9,01%<br />
**[[Knootoss|Knootian Origin]]: 2,04%<br />
*[[Taraskath]]: 11,43% <br />
*[[Elvish]]: 1,52%<br />
**[[Noldor]]: 1,25%<br />
**Sindar: 0,27%<br />
*Armenian: 0,44%<br />
*Greek: 0,42%<br />
*Other: 0,35%<br />
<br />
====Religion====<br />
<br />
The Grand Duchy is a secular state where the freedom of religion is largely recognised, for in as long as the religious current "does not endanger the national traditions, morale or mentality"(Article 15 of the Grand Ducal Constitution). The two most important Churches are the Vigvar Patriarchate and the Church of the Seven Deities, and both play a key role in Taraskovyan society, even if none has the status of State Church. <br />
<br />
*[[Eastern Orthodoxy]]: 78,58%<br />
**[[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Orthodox]]: 78,5%<br />
**[[Greek Metropolis of Bratsk|Greek Orthodox]]: 0,08%<br />
*Church of the Seven Deities: 9,87%<br />
*[[Protestantism|Protestantism]]: 3,48%<br />
**Utharian Reformed: 3,40%<br />
**Other: 0,08%<br />
*[[Catholic|Catholicism]]: 2,05%<br />
**[[Byzantine Taraskovyan Catholic Church|Byzantine Rite]]: 1,54%<br />
**Latin Rite: 0,51%<br />
*[[Inikresaism]]: 0,04%<br />
*Other: 0,30%<br />
<br />
*[[Atheism]] and [[Agnosticism]]: 5,68%<br />
<br />
===Folklore===<br />
<br />
The Taraskovyan folklore features a mix between the Taraskath and Russian ones. The two branches influenced one another greatly throughout the ages to give a rich and interesting result. Below are examples of Taraskovyan proverbs and sayings, translated into English.<br />
<br />
*"A good dagger is better than a quiver of rusted arrows."<br />
*"A solitary wolf always has the choice to join a pack should he need it. On the contrary, a member of a pack is resigned to follow the leader."<br />
*"Cut your hair before you fight."<br />
*"Friends are never there when you need them the most, foes are always there when you need them the less."<br />
*"If you cannot dispose of a Prince, dispose of his army."<br />
*"If you live with a wolf, you'll howl like a wolf."<br />
*"The luring light in the dark may be a highwayman's torch." <br />
*"When two dogs fight, the fox makes profit."<br />
*"You will rarely meet your friends even on the widest of roads. Your foes, however, will appear even on the narrowest of paths."<br />
<br />
==Foreign Policy==<br />
<br />
''For additional information, see: [[Taraskovyan Diplomacy]]''<br />
<br />
The traditional Taraskovyan reasoning when dealing with international matters can be explained by a simple proverb: "When two dogs fight, the fox makes profit." Indeed, Taraskovyan diplomacy and involvement always had the goal of gaining the most in any situation. As such, Tarasovka always distanced itself from large alliances that might endanger the fiercely defended national sovereignty. Instead, it prefers to enter into bilateral accords or, in certain cases, to enter into multinational alliances that do not impose any overly strict rules over their members.<br />
<br />
The Grand Duchy highly values its friendship and alliance with [[Der Angst]], the two countries having historically shared a privileged relationship. Remarkably enough, the conservative monarchy that is Tarasovka also shares a cordial relation with the liberal republic that is [[Knootoss]], despite calls by a minority of the Taraskovyan political establishment for the Grand Duchy to concentrate more on other conservative and monarchal States.<br />
<br />
As of today, the Grand Duchy participates in the following alliances/treaties:<br />
<br />
[[Sisgardian Fellowship of Nations]], [[World Technologic Entity]], [[Martian Duma]], [[Mars Port Authority]], [[Vigvar Convention on Cooperation]], [[Martian Defence Initiative]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tarasovka]]<br />
[[Category:Sisgardia]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=TarasovkaTarasovka2007-08-16T19:39:50Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE IS LARGELY OUTDATED AND SHALL BE UPDATED AS SOON AS THE AUTHOR CAN GET HIMSELF TO IT.'''<br />
<br />
<br />
{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=350 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+<big>'''Namel Zethanekh Taraskath'''<br><br />
'''Великое Княжество Тарасковское'''<br><br />
'''Grand Duchy of Tarasovka'''</big><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/tarasovka.jpg<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Motto: "Every road leads to a war."''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
|'''Official Languages''' || [[Russian]], [[Taraskath]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Map''' || [http://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sisgardia181020058lg.png Map of Sisgardia]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Government''' || [[Federal]] Semi-Constitutional [[Grand Duchy]] <br />
|-<br />
|''' Grand Duke''' || [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Establishment''' || 44’215 Before Strife<br />
|-<br />
| '''[[Capital]]''' || Capital City of Vigvar<br />
|-<br />
| '''Population''' || Approximately 6 billion<br />
|-<br />
| '''Currency''' || 1 [[Taraskovyan Frank]] = 100 Centimes<br />
|-<br />
| '''Internet TLD''' || .gdt, .trk<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9" | <font color="#f9f9f9">Calculators are evil.</font> <br />
|-<br />
|} [[Category:Nations]]<br />
The '''Grand Duchy of Tarasovka''' ([[Russian]]: ''Великое Княжество Тарасковское''; Taraskath: ''Namel Zethanekh Taraskath'') is a nation lost among the high mountains of North-Eastern Sisgardia. Spanning over more than 45’000 years of history, the country and its people have developed a unique and proud identity. Although coming from various cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, the Taraskovyan people share an overzealous love for their motherland, ancient traditions and freedom. And although they are known to be quite xenophobic and mistrusting of foreigners, Taraskovyans are also known for their remarkable and sincere hospitality.<br />
<br />
==Brief History==<br />
<br />
===Pre-Unification===<br />
<br />
The so called Pre-Unification period of the Taraskovyan history lasts up to the year 44’215 B.S. (Before Strife) and is characterized by a great lack of written documentation and of available information. Many archeologists and researchers agree than what is now the Taraskovyan Metropoly was home to a number of different civilisations and even races for a long period of time. The four major ethnicities that disputed supremacy over what now is Taraskovyan territory were the Taraskath, the Setari, the Amalori and the Keth, each having their own, radically distinct from the others, style of life and vision of the world.<br />
<br />
Even if written documents pertaining to this period are scarce, the ‘Prophecies of Sathala’, a very important and sacred text of the Church of the Seven Deities, belong to this period. It is also a known fact that the Sacred Citadel of Zynthris was built during that period and it was it that inspired Taraskath architects in the millennia to come.<br />
<br />
===Uidath of the Emerald Spire and the Unification===<br />
<br />
Up to 44’215 B.S. the Taraskath did not form a single nation, but dwelled in dispersed tribes all over the territory of Cardinia, Dakathia and Tarvalak. These tribes, divided not only by the levels of development, but also by political, philosophical and religious views, built a number of Citadels throughout their territories, forming a myriad of City States constantly at war with each other. The rare times of peace between the Taraskath were used to wage wars against either of their Amalori, Setari or Keth neighbours. The greatest of all Taraskath Citadels was the Black Hand, which also served as a symbolic capital, its might and riches sparking a great number of wars between rival Lords lusting for power and leadership.<br />
<br />
Everything changed drastically in 44’215 B.S. when Uidath Karetsah, Lord of the Emerald Spire, led a coalition of Lords and took over the Citadel of the Black Hand, disposing of its Lord and slaughtering his dreaded Black Guard. With the support of the majority of Lords and of the Church of the Seven, Uidath proclaimed himself as the first ruler of a unified Taraskath nation, which he dubbed ‘Namel Zethanekh’, the ‘High Unity’.<br />
<br />
The success of young Uidath in unifying the Taraskath territories remains a mystery even today. The Church of the Seven Deities and their sacred texts insist on the fact that Lord Uidath was bestowed with the blessings of the Seven Deities and was entrusted with the Sword of Rulers, a powerful artifact that is still wielded by the Grand Dukes of today.<br />
<br />
===The High Unity===<br />
<br />
By 43’567 B.S. Lord Uidath finally managed to reunite each and every Taraskath Citadel under his control and dubbed himself as the first Shokath-Kshas, the Supreme Lord and Ruler of the Kin. The rise of the High Unity was met with fear from the nations of Setar, Amalor and Kethar. Having had to endure sporadic raids by Taraskath throughout their history, the three peoples saw the Taraskath nation as a clear threat. <br />
<br />
The Keth were the first to react and sent an army was the High Unity. The Taraskath met their foes in the valley of the Thousand Teeth, where the Keth soldiers were ambushed and butchered, the Keth Lords narrowly escaping the same fate. They fled back to their lands and pleaded for help to the Amalori and the Setari, which joined forces against the High Unity. This sparked the famous Eternal War, which the Taraskath won after several thousand years of fighting. Texts dating from the period insist on the fact that the Taraskath slaughtered and massacred their foes to the very last individual, yet many researchers agree that the three rival ethnicities were weakened and absorbed into the Taraskath kin.<br />
<br />
Although being victorious, the Taraskath were greatly weakened by the Eternal War and for a time there was peace. The war left many tribes too small to exist by themselves and forced them to join up with others to survive. Moreover, the great struggle against a common enemy instilled a sense of national identity to all Taraskath, an identity tied to war and slaughter. The High Unity knew some periodic civil wars between rival Lords, but the country continued to develop itself and prosper, with Taraskath merchants and nobles soon beginning to sail to lands far beyond the oceans to bring back cheap slaves.<br />
<br />
===The Strife===<br />
<br />
The Strife is the name of a major civil war that ravaged Tarasovka from 5 to 1 B.S. With the explosion of the slave market in Tarasovka, the population of slaves in the years before the Strife equaled and even surpassed the Taraskath population. The first slaves were brought in centuries before the Strife, a short time for the Taraskath, yet many generations for those from beyond the oceans. By 50 B.S. the slave rebellions became a routine event in the High Unity, with the Lords proving ruthless in dealing with them.<br />
<br />
And while the Lords were slaughtering thousands of individuals, the rest of the Taraskath society began to ask itself questions and quickly gave birth to an Abolitionist movement, with some of the Lord joining it. Those who were loyal to the old ways dubbed themselves the Defenders of Tradition. The two groups remained in a tense state without fighting each other in the open.<br />
<br />
The culmination of the stand off came when the female Shokath-Kshas Amala Karetsah, after the death of her previous companion in a hunting accident, chose a Russian man by the name of Mstislav Shakhovskoy for companion and gave birth to a male heir with Russian blood. Amala, however, already had a daughter from the previous relationship, Tekhala, who now had a rival. The Defenders of Tradition immediately called for Tekhala to be declared as legitimate heir to the Sword, while the Abolitionists defended the right of Mstislav to rule by his wife’s side. After a failed attempt by the Defenders to assassinate Mstislav and his son, a civil war erupted between them and the Abolitionists.<br />
<br />
During the five years of struggle, many were killed, but the Abolitionists won and forced the Defenders into a permanent exile. Mstislav Shakhovskoy, who had subdued Amala completely and fully to his influence by the end of the Strife, abolished slavery and took the title of Veliky Knyaz (Grand Duke). He established his capital at the Citadel of Vigvar, for the Citadel of the Black Hand was lost in a tremendous earthquake that erupted in its area while two armies were fighting each other to the last by its walls. However, wanting not to offense the Taraskath, Mstislav equaled his title of Grand Duke to that of the Supreme Lord and Ruler. In symbol of a new start, a new calendar was put in place marking the end of the Strife as the first year of a new era.<br />
<br />
===The First Grand Ducal Period===<br />
<br />
The Grand Ducal period, stretching from 1 A.S. until 1141 A.S., was remarkable for a relative stability and prosperity of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka and its entry on the international scene. Some suggest that this rapid evolution was sparked by the comparatively short lives of the Grand Dukes who then had a share of non-Taraskath blood in their veins. Because it was ruled by Russian Dukes, Tarasovka became to be seen as a Slavic state, the Grand Duchy attracted, overtime, an important community of Slavic migrants, most of whom were Russian. The migrants brought with them their culture and also achiements and traditions from beyond the seas, which only helped the Taraskovyan prosperity. <br />
<br />
The greatest achievements have been made by [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Grand Duke Mikhail I]]. Under his rule the Grand Duchy reached great technologic heights and went into the conquest of the stars, with the first major out world colony founded on Mars. A skilled and cunning politician, Mikhail I maneuvered between the various activities undertaken by the [[GDODAD]], of which the Grand Duchy was once member, and always ensured that the interests of the Grand Duchy and not that of the organisation prevailed in relevant situations. Eventually, the Grand Duke stepped down and handed power over to his son, [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]], a move disputed by the leader’s daughter, Archduchess Anastasya. This triggered the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] which would cause the fall of the Grand Duchy and the exile of Archduchess [[Vethara Shakhovskaya|Vethara]].<br />
<br />
===The Federal Period===<br />
<br />
The Federal period began in 1141 A.S. after the fall of the last Grand Duke during the [[Aphyr Conflict | Plague]] and the seizing of power by a triumvirate of military commanders who dubbed themselves the Ruling Council and held supreme power over the country. During this period many of the ancestral rights and traditions of the Taraskovyan people were abolished, the [[Alexander Guard]] was marginalised and isolated. All of this eventually sparked a renaissance of ultra-nationalist and traditionalist movements and opened hidden rifts between the various cultures and ethnicities within the Taraskovyan territory. Various nationalist factions, such as the [[White Legion]] have turned Taraskovyan cities into battle zones as the weak Federal government attempted to restore peace and order. <br />
<br />
The positive aspects of that period included the integration of [[the Vortex Corporation]] and of the [[Knootoss|Knootian]] [[Europolis]] Islands into the Taraskovyan Federation, expansion of territorial assets on Mars and elsewhere.<br />
<br />
===The Second Grand Ducal Period===<br />
<br />
The second Grand Ducal period began after the unexpected return of the Grand Duke Mikhail II, who was believed by everyone to have died during the Plague. The Grand Duke, wielding the Sword of Rulers, joined the Ruling Council and pushed forward the voting in of a new [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Constitution]. The document, innovative in many aspects, was passed by a majority of the People and of the Fiefdoms and came into force in May 1148 A.S., putting a definitive end to the short Federal period. Shortly after, the [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9120264#post9120264 First Grand Ducal Parliament] was elected.<br />
<br />
==Administrative Composition==<br />
<br />
===Grand Duchy===<br />
<br />
The Grand Duchy of Tarasovka, with Vigvar for capital, consists of 26 Fiefdoms. There is also the Hermes Facility, which is a special territory within the Grand Duchy.<br />
<br />
====Fiefdoms====<br />
<br />
The Fiefdoms are tied by the ''Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka'' and form the core of the Taraskovyan nation. The population of the Grand Duchy elects the Grand Ducal Parliament, which decides on matters that will affect all territories under Taraskovyan jurisdiction, with each Fiefdom guaranteed a certain number of representatives in the Grand Ducal Duma and in the Grand Ducal Senate. The People and Fiefdoms of the Grand Duchy also participate in referenda on the Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka and on Grand Ducal legislation.<br />
<br />
Those Fiefdoms are: Uthar, Zapadozemie, Elutar, Zlatoslavia, Tal-Nathil, Tal-Nathir, Novozemie, Novogorod-Severskiy, Kem, Setar, [[Northern Fiefdom and Duchy|Severnoe (Nothern)]], Borie, Cardinia, Uith, Kidaksh, Zerth, [[Amalor]], Yujnaya Cardinia (South Cardinia), Uil, Yujny Aphyr(South Aphyr), Alukshir, Kshas-Uith, Kshas-Kharit, Yugozemie, Vigvar, Kethar, Severnaya Cardinia (Nothern Cardinia), Vyshna<br />
<br />
====Hermes Facility====<br />
<br />
The Hermes Facility is located on an island east of the Utharian peninsula and is an international center of trade under the [[Hermes Conglomerate]]. The island itself, while being part of the Grand Duchy proper, has a special exterritorial status, with some provisions of Taraskovyan civil and penal law extended to include the non-organic and extraterrestrial organic beings into the legal term of “human”. This was done in order to facilitate business undertaken by those species not covered by the Taraskovyan legal term of “human”, but is only valid on the territory of the island. As such, those mentioned above gain the right to purchase property owned by Taraskovyans and to receive the appropriate accredidation in order to come to the island.<br />
<br />
The VerTech holds the golden share of the [[Hermes Conglomerate]]. This is the only golden share present, and grants the VerTech board and management executive power over all strategic and operational decisions, even if the Taraskovyan giant operates the Hermes Conglomerate as an autonomous entity.<br />
<br />
The Hermes Facility is also the only piece of the Grand Duchy to have a surveyed border between it and the rest of the country, with controls undertaken on those who wish to leave the island for the Grand Duchy.<br />
<br />
===Dependencies and Protectorates===<br />
<br />
''(Main Article: [[Taraskovyan Empire]])''<br />
<br />
The Grand Duchy of Tarasovka extends its jurisdiction over certain territories which are not part of the 28 Fiefdoms that form the Grand Duchy proper. Each of these territories is tied to the Grand Duchy through a particular relationship, varying from loose association to direct Grand Ducal control and there is no single charter, as of yet, that identifies the 'Taraskovyan nation' as a whole. For simplicity, most international agencies and organisations casually refer to the entirety of Taraskovyan territories as ''[[Taraskovyan Empire]]'', even if officially no such "Empire" exists. Please see the relevant article for additional information.<br />
<br />
==Politics==<br />
<br />
The adoption of the [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka] allowed to create an efficient legal base to define the powers of the various branches of power. This document is the first written Constitution on the Grand Ducal level and is seen by many as an efficient tool in maintaining political stability in the nation.<br />
<br />
===The Executive===<br />
<br />
Tarasovka is a hereditary monarchy where the Grand Duke – Supreme Lord and Ruler of the Kin as his title is said in Taraskath – is the supreme executive authority. His powers include voiding and annulling decisions taken by any Grand Ducal authority or referendum, except for cases when a motion was accepted or rejected by at least three quarters of the People and of the Fiefdoms during a referendum.<br />
<br />
The Grand Duke forms a Grand Ducal Government over which he presides, his choices of Ministers subject to no approval from the Parliament. The Grand Duke may at any time dismiss the Ministers and appoint replacements. The current composition of the Grand Ducal Government can be consulted [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/GovernmentComposition.png here].<br />
<br />
===The Legislative=== <br />
<br />
The Grand Ducal Parliament represents the legislative branch of power and has its seat in the [[Northwind Palace]]. It is composed of two Chambers: the Duma and the Senate. The former, the lower house, comprises 400 Deputies from the People elected directly according to the system of proportional representation. The Senate, or the upper house, consists of 56 Senators from the Fiefdoms, elected directly by the people of a Fiefdom from amongst the nobility, with two Senators per Fiefdom, exceptions being the High Fiefdom of Vigvar with four Senators and the Fiefdoms of Dajdbog and Stribog with one Senator each.<br />
<br />
The repartition of seats in the Grand Ducal Parliament is the following for the [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/DumaComposition.png Duma] and for the [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/SenateComposition.png Senate].<br />
<br />
The Grand Ducal Parliament elects the judges of the Grand Ducal Tribunal, oversees many important tasks and takes important decisions pertaining to the ratification of treaties and passing of laws.<br />
<br />
===The Judicial===<br />
<br />
The Grand Ducal Tribunal, comrising various lesser Tribunals and Courts, is the highest judicial authority in the nation and is comprised of judges elected by the Grand Ducal Parliament. The Tribunal has a variety of tasks, among which settling the conflicts between individuals, individuals and State, Fiefdoms, et cetera. The Grand Ducal Tribunal, however, cannot decide whether a subject submitted to it is Constitutional or not, this being the prerogative of the Grand Ducal Parliament.<br />
<br />
==Population==<br />
<br />
===Languages===<br />
<br />
The official languages of the Grand Duchy are Taraskath and [[Russian]], which are by default official languages for each of the twenty eight Fiefdoms. Knowledge of at least one official language is mandatory for every Taraskovyan citizen, and it is Russian that is the most popular, especially with the Dutch-speaking Taraskovyans. All administrative and legal publications are issued in one of the languages, more often Russian than Taraskath.<br />
<br />
The Grand Ducal Constitution also proclaimed an additional language – [[Dutch]] – as a National Language, giving the community extensive linguistic privileges. As of now, Dutch is an official language, along with Russian and Taraskath, in the Fiefdoms of Southern Cardinia, Uthar and Vyshna, and is furthermore a co-official language in the Municipality of [[Europolis]]. Dutch is used as first language in every day life by approximately 15% of the Taraskovyan population.<br />
<br />
Along the mainstream Russian, and the less important Taraskath and Dutch, the Grand Duchy knows a multitude of other languages spoken by various minorities.<br />
<br />
===Grand Ducal Census===<br />
<br />
The following figures result from the census conducted 1150 AS. Please note that the census data only includes permanent residents (Taraskovyan citizens and foreigners) of the Grand Duchy proper. The census data from the [[Taraskovyan Empire|Dominions]], which account for a collective population of around two billion, are not included in the ''Grand Ducal Census''.<br />
<br />
====Ethnic Groups====<br />
<br />
The Taraskovyan society is a multi-cultural one, presenting a rich mixture of various ethnicities which, usually, live in harmony and love of their common Motherland. The [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Grand Duke]], himself representing both [[Ros|Russian]] and Taraskath bloodlines, represents the unity of the country.<br />
<br />
The main peoples that shape the day to day Taraskovyan politics are the Taraskath, the original inhabitants of Taraskovya, and the Russians, who came to populate the area over the past few millenia. With the incorporation of the Dutch-speaking territories, the latter are mostly defining the politics of the Dutch-speaking areas and have not yet impacted decisively on the Grand Duchy as a whole.<br />
<br />
*[[Taraskovyan_Slavs|Slavic]]: 75,13% <br />
**[[Ros]]: 71,13% <br />
**[[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Serbovians|Serbovian]]: 1,61%<br />
**[[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Moesians|Moesian]]: 1,02%<br />
**[[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Polavians|Polavian]]: 0,91%<br />
**[[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Moravians|Moravian]]: 0,46%<br />
*Dutch: 11,05%<br />
**[[The Vortex Corporation|Vortex Origin]]: 9,01%<br />
**[[Knootoss|Knootian Origin]]: 2,04%<br />
*[[Taraskath]]: 11,43% <br />
*[[Elvish]]: 1,52%<br />
**[[Noldor]]: 1,25%<br />
**Sindar: 0,27%<br />
*Armenian: 0,44%<br />
*Greek: 0,42%<br />
*Other: 0,35%<br />
<br />
====Religion====<br />
<br />
The Grand Duchy is a secular state where the freedom of religion is largely recognised, for in as long as the religious current "does not endanger the national traditions, morale or mentality"(Article 15 of the Grand Ducal Constitution). The two most important Churches are the Vigvar Patriarchate and the Church of the Seven Deities, and both play a key role in Taraskovyan society, even if none has the status of State Church. <br />
<br />
*[[Eastern Orthodoxy]]: 78,58%<br />
**[[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Orthodox]]: 78,5%<br />
**[[Greek Metropolis of Bratsk|Greek Orthodox]]: 0,08%<br />
*Church of the Seven Deities: 9,87%<br />
*[[Protestantism|Protestantism]]: 3,48%<br />
**Utharian Reformed: 3,40%<br />
**Other: 0,08%<br />
*[[Catholic|Catholicism]]: 2,05%<br />
**[[Byzantine Taraskovyan Catholic Church|Byzantine Rite]]: 1,54%<br />
**Latin Rite: 0,51%<br />
*[[Inikresaism]]: 0,04%<br />
*Other: 0,30%<br />
<br />
*[[Atheism]] and [[Agnosticism]]: 5,68%<br />
<br />
===Folklore===<br />
<br />
The Taraskovyan folklore features a mix between the Taraskath and Russian ones. The two branches influenced one another greatly throughout the ages to give a rich and interesting result. Below are examples of Taraskovyan proverbs and sayings, translated into English.<br />
<br />
*"A good dagger is better than a quiver of rusted arrows."<br />
*"A solitary wolf always has the choice to join a pack should he need it. On the contrary, a member of a pack is resigned to follow the leader."<br />
*"Cut your hair before you fight."<br />
*"Friends are never there when you need them the most, foes are always there when you need them the less."<br />
*"If you cannot dispose of a Prince, dispose of his army."<br />
*"If you live with a wolf, you'll howl like a wolf."<br />
*"The luring light in the dark may be a highwayman's torch." <br />
*"When two dogs fight, the fox makes profit."<br />
*"You will rarely meet your friends even on the widest of roads. Your foes, however, will appear even on the narrowest of paths."<br />
<br />
==Foreign Policy==<br />
<br />
''For additional information, see: [[Taraskovyan Diplomacy]]''<br />
<br />
The traditional Taraskovyan reasoning when dealing with international matters can be explained by a simple proverb: "When two dogs fight, the fox makes profit." Indeed, Taraskovyan diplomacy and involvement always had the goal of gaining the most in any situation. As such, Tarasovka always distanced itself from large alliances that might endanger the fiercely defended national sovereignty. Instead, it prefers to enter into bilateral accords or, in certain cases, to enter into multinational alliances that do not impose any overly strict rules over their members.<br />
<br />
The Grand Duchy highly values its friendship and alliance with [[Der Angst]], the two countries having historically shared a privileged relationship. Remarkably enough, the conservative monarchy that is Tarasovka also shares a cordial relation with the liberal republic that is [[Knootoss]], despite calls by a minority of the Taraskovyan political establishment for the Grand Duchy to concentrate more on other conservative and monarchal States.<br />
<br />
As of today, the Grand Duchy participates in the following alliances/treaties:<br />
<br />
[[Sisgardian Fellowship of Nations]], [[World Technologic Entity]], [[Martian Duma]], [[Mars Port Authority]], [[Vigvar Convention on Cooperation]], [[Martian Defence Initiative]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tarasovka]]<br />
[[Category:Sisgardia]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Abt_Republic_Defence_ForceAbt Republic Defence Force2007-08-15T11:04:57Z<p>Jester: /* 2nd Special Operations Aviation Regiment */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Defence Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is charged with defending the [[Abt|Abt Republic]] against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. Service is voluntary, even if it many Abtian young men consider it a moral obligation to enroll at least into the People's Militia. Many are also attracted by the tax discounts granted to those serving or having done service with the ARDF.<br />
<br />
The ARDF is organised into four branches: ''Abt Republic Army'', ''Abt Republic Navy'', ''Abt Republic Air Force'' and the ''People’s Militia''.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the '''Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations''' (''Управление Разведки и Специальных Операций'') is directly subordinate to the General Staff and is responsible for intelligence gathering, military counter-intelligence and special operations. The DISO also coordinates and sometimes directs operations by the special ''Jaeger'' forces, namely the Army's ''Jaegers'', the Air Force's ''Parachutist Jaegers'' and the Navy's ''Marine Jaegers''.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Defence Force was first established as a small light infantry force by first settlers. The force grew in size and purchased heavier equipment as the conflict with the [[Sons of the Reformation]] progressed in order to efficiently counter the terrorist agression. Since then, the Republic has worked to establish a strong military to defend the Republic's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to assist friendly nations if such assistance is required.<br />
<br />
==Branches of Service==<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Army===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARA.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Army.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Army''' (''Армия Республики Абт'') is the main ground force component of the Abt Republic Defence Force, capable of operations at home and abroad. The ARA is a perfectly well trained and highely technologically advanced force, highly mechanized and is a force to be reckoned with both on [[Ambara]] and beyond.<br />
<br />
The Army consists of professional soldiers that sign up for a period of three years at least. As a financial incentive to enroll, servicemen are entitled to a 3% discount on income tax (same discount applies to Navy and Air Force servicemen). After finishing active service, the former servicemen become Army reservists and shall only be called up in times of war.<br />
<br />
====Structure====<br />
<br />
Apart from the domestic logistic bases, their attached units and general logistic units, training facilities and administrative staff, the Abt Republic Army numbers five active duty divisions, two reserve divisions and two special operations regiments.<br />
<br />
=====Special Operations Regiments=====<br />
<br />
======1st Special Operations Regiment======<br />
<br />
The '''1st Special Operations Regiment''' (''Hell Brigade'') is an umbrella formation directly subordinate to the Army Command that regroups the three officially confirmed Jaeger battalions of the Abt Republic Army. The regiment and battalions were created through the amalgamation of disparate Jaeger squadrons into one organised structure. But with the establishment of a fully functional armed force, the level and expertise demaned from Jaegers increased considerably, which means that there are today much fewer Jaegers than in the starting days of the Republic.<br />
<br />
The exact composition of every battalion and the precise locations of the various squadrons and troops is a state secret in Abt, as is the membership of the unit. Retired servicemen are under oath not to divulge anything about their time in service, except for the very fact that they have served with the Regiment. It is, however, understood that each battalion has units that specialise in medium and deep battlespace Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection.<br />
<br />
The 1st SOR is nicknamed ''Hell Brigade'' by its former servicemen, both because of the harsh training and high demands and because the regiment's main purpose is to send foes to hell quickly and discreetely.<br />
<br />
======2nd Special Operations Aviation Regiment======<br />
<br />
The '''2nd Special Operations Aviation Regiment''' (''Night Witches'') is a is a special operations force of the Abt Republic Army that provides VTOL aviation support to general purpose forces and Special Operations Forces. Its missions include attack, assault, and reconnaissance, and are usually conducted at night, at high speeds and low altitudes, on short notice, and in secret. While not as secretive as the 1st SOR, not much information is available on the structure and equipment of the 2nd SOAR. The bases of dislocation are also kept secret.<br />
<br />
It is, however, known that the regiment is equipped with cutting edge designs in gunships and dropships, specially and custom modified to suit the regiment's more particular needs in terms of stealth, silence, flight autonomy and maneuverability. <br />
<br />
The 2nd SOAR is nicknamed ''Night Witches''.<br />
<br />
=====Active Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The structure of the active service divisions is as follows. It is worth of note that subordinated Brigades can be detached at any time depending on the tasks the Army wishes to accomplish. Each Brigade is fully capable of autonomous or independent action. The only units firmly under each division’s command is its Command and Support Regiment, a broad structure comprising supply, maintenance, medical and other logistic support battalions.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''[[1st Armoured Division (Abt)|1st Armoured Division “Horugv Bearers”]]'''<br />
** 1st Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Ground Assault Brigade “Lions”<br />
** 2nd Ground Assault Brigade “Leopards”<br />
** 1st Tank Regiment<br />
** 1st Infantry Brigade “Furrets”<br />
** 1st Air Brigade “Sparrows”<br />
<br />
* '''[[4th Mountain Division (Abt)|4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”]]''' <br />
** 4th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”<br />
** 2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”<br />
** 3rd Mountain Brigade “Moles”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''[[2nd Infantry Division (Abt)|2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves”]]'''<br />
** 2nd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”<br />
** 2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”<br />
** 3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”<br />
** 4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”<br />
** 2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”<br />
<br />
* '''[[5th Airborne Division (Abt)|5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers”]]'''<br />
** 5th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Parachutist Brigade “Snowy Owls”<br />
** 2nd Parachutist Brigade “Eagle Owls”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''[[3rd Infantry Division (Abt)|3rd Infantry Division “Swordbearers”]]'''<br />
** 3rd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 4th Ground Assault Brigade “Tigers”<br />
** 5th Infantry Brigade “Chipmunks”<br />
** 6th Infantry Brigade “Wolves”<br />
** 7th Infantry Brigade “Foxes”<br />
** 3rd Air Brigade “Swans”<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are no naming conventions adopted in the military, but according to a pattern that is becoming traditional, Ground Assault Brigades (which are the armoured component of the Army) adopt names of feline predators, Air Brigades take on the names of birds (except for those of birds of prey used by the Air Force) and Infantry Brigades (including their mountain counterparts) adopt the names of a mammal of their choice.<br />
<br />
=====Reserve Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The Reserve Divisions do not have any brigades assigned to them and only have a permanently manned Command and Support Regiment each. In times of war, the two Divisions are expected to welcome the first wave of Army reservists and organize them into a number of brigades. In peacetime, the Divisions cater for “reserve” military hardware. The Reserve Divisions are expected to be activated as a second wave reserves, following the call up of the People's Militia, and provide a heavier reserve force in comparison ot the Militia's light infantry.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''1st Reserve Division'''<br />
** 1st Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
* '''2nd Reserve Division'''<br />
** 2nd Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Navy===<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="left" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrig.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrigS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the “Cormorants” Brigade (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFNavy.png|right|ARDF|Naval Ensign of Abt.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Navy''' (''Флот Республики Абт'') is the maritime component of the ARDF. It is a coparatively small force, with the capacity to defend the Republic's territorial waters. The Navy has a limited power projection capacity within the Western Atlantic in the form of several cruisers, submarines and amphibious assault ships. In fact, the Navy has all the required ships to effectively transport and deploy the Marine Infantry Brigade anywhere in the world without the assistance of allied naval formations. The probability of such a maneuver occuring, however, is close to nil.<br />
<br />
The Navy is a small branch, numbering approximately fifteen thousand personnel (of which about five thousand are in the Marine Infantry alone). So far, its capacities and equipment are judged sufficient by the Abtian Government and meet the needs of the Republic.<br />
<br />
====Marine Infantry====<br />
<br />
The '''I Marine Infantry Brigade “Cormorants”''' is a marine infantry formation subordinated to the Navy, whose primary mission is to provide the Republic with a rapid reaction and deployment force, capable of seabourne assault and securing of beachheads. The Brigade comprises two amphibian mechanised infantry battalions and an amphibian tank battalion giving it the option of robust ampihibious assault against forward enemy positions directly from the sea. A battalion of wheeled MRLS vehicles can also be deployed via landing craft to provide the Brigade with additional heavy firesupport.<br />
<br />
Additionally, there exists a number of '''Marine Guard''' (''Гардемарины'', ''Gardemarins'') units deployed around the various Naval bases. These units are usually at company strength and are specialised in protection of sensitive installations and counter-diversionary tactics.<br />
<br />
====Marine Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The Marine Jaegers Battalion “Ospreys”, the marine Special Forces unit which includes combat divers, is in practical terms is directly subordinate to Naval Command with special oversight by the Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations.<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Air Force===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARAF.gif|right|ARDF|Roundel of the Abt Republic Air Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Air Force''' (''Воздушные Силы Республики Абт'') is the branch charged with protecting the Republican airspace from foreign intrusion, defence of Abtian airspace through aerial and ground based anti-air systems, providing air support other branches of the ARDF in their operations, be it transportation or heavy fire support. <br />
<br />
The Air Force operates technologically advanced aircraft with a high autonomy range, which allows it to carry out missions within the general Ambaran area and beyond. <br />
<br />
====Parachutist Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The '''Parachutist Jaeger Battalion "Cuckoos"''' is the Air Force's ground special operations unit, specialised in airborne infiltration, reconnaissance, target acquisition and forward air controlling for surgical strikes by the Air Force. The Battalion is also capable of capturing enemy airfields, even if this mission primarily lies with the Army's parachutist units.<br />
<br />
===People’s Militia===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF_PM.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the People's Militia.}}<br />
<br />
The '''People’s Militia''' (''Народное Ополчение'') was historically created by local settlers to defend their settlements against the [[Sons of the Reformation]], with the defeat and rooting out of the terrorist organization, the People’s Militia was reorganized along the general lines of the [[Taraskovya]]n [[Territorial Force]] into a rapid mobilization force capable of assisting regular army units in repelling an armed aggression against the Republic. It is expected that most units of the People’s Militia can be mobilized and ready for duty within six hours following call-up.<br />
<br />
====Structure====<br />
<br />
The People's Militia is mostly a light infantry force, with some limited mechanised capacity and is organised into three Territorial Divisions and the Regional Mountain Brigade. Recruitment is done on a regional basis, except for the RMB, which accepts volunteer candidates from all over the country.<br />
<br />
====Service with the People's Militia====<br />
<br />
Personnel undergo military training that takes three to four months and then are called in for several weeks of rehearsal training every year over a period of roughly ten years. The People's Militia offers a wide variety of professions and skill specialisations and is in this way mostly similar to the regular army.<br />
<br />
All in all, Militia service accounts for 300 to 600 days, depending on rank and duties. Additionally, each Militiaman has to undergo at least one session of target practice per year outside of his service weeks. Once signed up, a Militiaman is obligated to finish his service (except for liberatory circumstances) and may face legal consequences if he does not present himself for yearly duty without valid reason. Militiamen may keep their equipment, such as combat suits and weapons, at home. But it is not rare for soldiers that have an ARDF or Police armoury nearby to keep the gear there to avoid doing manteinance themselves. <br />
<br />
Service is voluntary, but many Abtian men consider it a moral duty to enlist with the People's Militia (women, on the contrary, are not as thrilled to dedicate two to three weeks every year to military activities). Militia service is also attractive to young people because it allows young applicants to do their training during the summer vacations in between Secondary and Higher Educations and, thus, follow their university studies without major interruptions. Militia service, while spread over many years, is still less in days than what a regular soldier has to serve.<br />
<br />
Recruits receive both a daily salary and a compensation for lost civilian salary (even if the recruit had no work contract, in which case the recruit receives a defined salary). The result sum of money is less than the salary of a regular soldier for the equivalent period of service, but it is a consequent tax-free income for youngsters fresh out of school. Another financial incentive is the 1,5% discount on income tax, which is however lesser than the 3% regular servicemen enjoy.<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
<br />
* [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12805235&postcount=10 Belgorod Times article on ARDF Reform]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ambara]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Alexander_Guard_Honourary_RegimentAlexander Guard Honourary Regiment2007-08-13T17:06:13Z<p>Jester: /* Ranks */</p>
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<div>{|align="right" border="1" width="190" style="margin-left:0.5em;"<br />
|-<br />
!style="background:#E1E0E0" | <big>Почетный Лейб-гвардии Александровский Полк<br />
Alexander Leib-guard Honourary Regiment<big><br />
|-<br />
!align="center" height="125"| http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/AGflagWhiteS.jpg<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" width="100%" style="background:#E1E0E0"<br />
|-<br />
|<b><u>Regiment Commander:</u></b><br />
|-<br />
|align="center" | His High Excellency Duke Nethair Kiltharan, Polkovnik of the Leib-guards<br />
|-<br />
|<u><b>Battalion Commanders:</b></u><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''Alexander Leib Guard Honourary Regiment''' is a unit of the [[Leib Guard]], tasked with defending and protecting the lives of the Grand Duke and other members of the Dynasty. It is the senior regiment of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces and is directly subordinate to the Military Council of the Royal Household.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Brief History==<br />
<br />
The first “roots” of this elite unit go back to the rule of the Grand Duke Alexander the Ist, who took several most valiant warriors from his army and made them his personal bodyguards. The measure was taken following his victory over the Order of Zynthris and the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Treaty_of_Uiliath|Treaty of Uiliath]]. Yet, this measure did not prevent him from dying in a mysterious hunting incident. During his rule, the Guard got richer by new warriors, to reach a total of 30 Guards. Under the Grand Duke Namel'lar Shakhovskoy , the Guard received its official name of the “Alexander Guard Honourary Regiment” and was made the official ceremonial and personal guard of the Ducal family. Grand Duke Namellar decided to complement the Guard with the sons of the highest Taraskovyan nobles, and decided that the color of the uniform will be deep blue – the color of Honor and Nobility.<br />
<br />
As centuries went by and new technology became available, the Honourary Regiment constantly changed and adapted to the new times. The Alexander Guards always received first every new technological weapon and armor and were always battle ready to defend the Grand Duke's family. At its peak, the Alexander Guard Honourary Regiment comprised a total of around two thousand Guards. It consisted of the finest sons of the highest Taraskovyan nobility – the pride and future of the Grand Duchy. Serving in the Regiment is the greatest honour of a young Taraskovyan noble, and to get demoted from it is worse than death by execution.<br />
<br />
===After the Time of Troubles===<br />
<br />
After the fall of the Grand Duchy, the Alexander Guard, quite diminished by its direct participation in the [[Aphyr Conflict]], refused to bow to the Ruling Council and enter pledge allegiance to the new government. The Leib-guards furthermore refused to abandon the Vigvar Winter Palace, the official residence of the Grand Dukes, and swore to fight to the last in case of an assault by Federal forces.<br />
<br />
However, with the return of the Grand Duke and the reemergence of the Grand Duchy, the Leib-guards once again assumed their role of protectors of the Grand Ducal family.<br />
<br />
===Reorganisation===<br />
<br />
In the year 1152 A.S., the regiment was split in three. The 2nd and 3rd battalions were elevated into their own regiments, while the 1st Battalion "Silence and Death" became the basis of a new entirely foot regiment. <br />
<br />
The '''"Silence and Death"''' was the name of the 1st Battalion of the former Alexander Regiment. It is is believed to be the first ever appearance of the Alexander Guard, created by the Grand Duke Alexander the Ist himself. The story tells that the 30 Bodyguards of the Grand Duke were trained to be deadly and stealthy assassins. The story also tells a slight paradox - these assassins were to never kill anyone but to guard the Grand Duke from any attempts on his life.<br />
<br />
==Requirements for admission==<br />
<br />
Due to the particularly delicate position of an Alexander Guardsman and his closeness to the Grand Duke, all candidates are first screened by a special committee of the National Security Ministry, to avoid any “dangerous” elements of getting into the unit. Once the candidates received the approval of the committee, they are admitted to the Palace Academy. There, they undergo harsh and very exhaustive physical and mental training, which turns months of their lives into a nightmare. Not many make it through the entire course, many fail and resign. <br />
<br />
Moreover, all candidates are to be at least of the age of 23 and be bearers of some higher education diploma. Since the Leib-guards often accompany the Grand Duke on his foreign trips, they have to speak several languages, have knowledge in tact and ethics, culture, sciences. <br />
<br />
==Duties==<br />
<br />
The members of the regiment often serve as guards inside of the Palace Complexes and accompany the Grand Duke on most of his ceremonial visits. Although it is believed that their assassin training has stopped long ago, these guards tend to show extreme prowess in certain skills when it is needed.<br />
<br />
While often seen in their ceremonial outfits, the regiment none the less fields armoured vehicles and equips its troops with cutting edge personal combat weaponry and armour.<br />
<br />
<!--==Composition==<br />
<br />
<<<<<<<<Kept as source for future articles.>>>>>>>>>>>><br />
<br />
===1st "Silence and Death" Battalion===<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
===2nd "Pride and Honour" Battalion===<br />
<br />
The '''"Pride and Honour"''' is also known as the Cavalry force. Indeed, members of this unit usually serve on horsebacks and guard the exterior of the Palace Complex as well as serve as ceremonial mounted escort for the Grand Duke during various events (such as horse promenades, greeting of foreign leaders during their state visits to the Grand Duchy, et cetera).<br />
<br />
The 2nd Battalion is believed to have been created by Grand Duke Nikolay, who was a very skilled horseman and wanted his bodyguards to be as skilled as him. And so he created a new regiment, called the Winged Hussars, which he modelled after the Polish Winged Hussars. Later on, however, the regiment was integrated into the Alexander Guard Regiment and became the "Pride and Honour" Battalion. <br />
<br />
Taraskovyans, due to certain specifics of the Taraskovyan landscape, usually preferred to move on foot and not on horse back. Grand Duke Nikolay entirely changed the mentality of most of his subjects and was the one to have created the first separate cavalry regiments (the latter being integrated into standard infantry regiments before the reforms).<br />
<br />
===3rd "Glory and Courage" Battalion===<br />
<br />
The '''"Glory and Courage"''' battalion is composed of the so called "Heavy Assault Guards". This unit is the most recent in the regiment and was especially created to accompany the Grand Duke into battle. Even if all of the Guards are to accompany the Grand Duke into combat and defend him to their last drop of blood, the 3rd Battalion members are the ones the most fit for a intensive combat, due to their heavy armour and armament. <br />
<br />
These guards sometimes accompany the Grand Duke to certain of his ceremonial trips but most of the time they keep guard outside of the Vigvar Winter Palace.--><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--==Ranks==<br />
<br />
The ranks of the Alexander Guard compared to those in the other branches of the armed forces.<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="3" <br />
!Class<br />
!Alexander Guards<br />
!Ground/Air Force<br />
!Naval/Space Fleet<br />
!NGF/MI/Airborne<br />
!Forms of Adress*<br />
|-<br />
!I<br />
|<br />
|Fieldmarshal<br />
|Fleet Admiral<br />
|<br />
|Your High Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!II<br />
|Polkovnik<br />
|General en Chief<br />
|Admiral<br />
|General<br />
|Your High Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!III<br />
|Captain<br />
|General-Poruchik<br />
|Kontr-Admiral<br />
|Senior Polkovnik<br />
|Your Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!IV<br />
|<br />
|Major General<br />
|1st Rank Captain<br />
|<br />
|Your Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!V<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Polkovnik<br />
|2nd Rank Captain<br />
|Polkovnik<br />
|Your Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!VI<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Podpolkovnik<br />
|3rd Rank Captain<br />
|Major<br />
|Your High Honour<br />
|-<br />
!VII<br />
|<br />
|Major<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|Your High Honour<br />
|-<br />
!VIII<br />
|Kornet<br />
|Captain<br />
|Kapitan-Poruchik<br />
|Captain<br />
|Your High Honour<br />
|-<br />
!IX<br />
|Sergeant<br />
|Shtabs-Kapitan<br />
|Senior Poruchik<br />
|<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!X<br />
|Senior Guard<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XI<br />
|Guard<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XII<br />
|<br />
|Senior Praporshik<br />
|Senior Michman<br />
|<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XIII<br />
|<br />
|Praporshik<br />
|Michman<br />
|Kornet<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XIV<br />
|<br />
|Master Sergeant<br />
|Senior Starshina<br />
|Master Sergeant<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
!XV<br />
|<br />
|Junior Sergeant<br />
|Starshina<br />
|Special Efreytor<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
!XVI<br />
|<br />
|Efreytor<br />
|Senior Sailor<br />
|Special Private<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
!XVII<br />
|<br />
|Private**<br />
|Sailor**<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*It should be noted that nowadays the lower ranked members of the armed forces use these forms of adress only on official occasions. Indeed, the soldiers and lower ranking officers shall more often use the word 'Pan' followed by the rank of the officer they talk to when adressing that officer. A soldier shall adress his lieutenant as 'Pan Poruchik', for example. <br />
<br />
**These ranks are further subdivided into several sub-ranks for a more efficient command structure on the squad level. --><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tarasovka]]<br />
[[Category:Armed forces]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Mikhail_II_ShakhovskoyMikhail II Shakhovskoy2007-08-13T13:49:59Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| align="right" border="1" cellpadding="2" width="200" style="margin-left:0.5em;"<br />
|- <br />
!style="background:#FFFFE0" | <big> Grand Duke Mikhail II Shakhovskoy </big><br />
|-<br />
! style="background:#efefef" align="center" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Mikhail_II.jpg<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" width="100%"<br />
|-<br />
| <u><small>Date of Birth: </small></u> <br />
|-<br />
! align="center" | January 7, 1084 A.S.<br />
|-<br />
| <u><small>Nationality:</small></u> <br />
|-<br />
! align="center" | [[Tarasovka|Taraskovyan]]<br />
|-<br />
| <u><small>Faith:</small></u> <br />
|-<br />
! align="center" | [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Orthodox]]<br />
|-<br />
| <u><small>Origins:</small></u> <br />
|-<br />
! align="center" | Son to Grand Duke [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy]] and Grand Duchess Ekaterina Shakhovskaya<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
'''Mikhail II, Grand Duke of all Taraskovya''' (Mikhail Mikhailovich Shakhovskoy) (born 1084 AS) is the second child and only son to [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Grand Duke Mikhail I]] and is the current ruler of the Grand Duchy of [[Tarasovka]] and of all its outlying dominions. The Grand Duke represents both [[Ros|Russian]] and [[Taraskath]] bloodlines.<br />
<br />
==Early Years==<br />
<br />
Grand Duchess Ekaterina gave birth to a healthy boy on the 7th of January, 1084 After Strife. The child, due to the particularities of the Taraskovyan succession traditions, became an heir presumptive to the Sword of Rulers, with his elder sister Anastasya being the heir apparent. <br />
<br />
The little Archduke followed the same education as all male Shakhovskoy, learning the ways of the army from his early years. He was often denied the luxury of the palace and slept on straw, covered with rags and horse saddle for pillow. Military education was constantly mingled with lectures on politics and on “how to govern in order not to end up getting executed in a coup-d’état”.<br />
<br />
==Career==<br />
<br />
===Military Life===<br />
At the age of eighteen, Mikhail defied traditions and, instead of immediately applying to the [[Alexander Guard Honourary Regiment]], he enrolled into the regular army and served in the 74th Airborne Division. Starting out as a private, he became a lieutenant by the time his two years contract expired. <br />
<br />
Only having accomplished service as a normal soldier, the then Archduke applied for the Alexander Guard. The following five years were divided between the studies at the Vigvar University Faculty of Economics and Finance, and the service in the Leib-guard. Having acquired the University diploma and the rank of Lieutenant of the Leib-guards, Mikhail began a career in the Grand Ducal administration, starting as an accountant in the then Economics and Finances Department (nowadays the Ministry of Economy and Finances).<br />
<br />
===TDI Head and High Councillor===<br />
<br />
His father, however, had other plans for his son and the young Archduke was soon assigned to the Taraskovyan Department of Intelligence, a small organisation that was charged with political espionage abroad. In the years that followed, Mikhail proved his worth as a fine and cunning Coordinator, managing to establish an efficient network of spies throughout several nations.<br />
<br />
This led the then Grand Duke to appoint his son to be the Head of the Department, which was the start of TDI’s rise to its zenith. Under the Archduke’s guidance, the organisation gained strength and power, both inside and outside of the Grand Duchy, and soon shadowed the other intelligence structures. Mikhail II influenced his father into granting him a seat at the High Council, the then Government of the Grand Duchy with both executive and legislative powers. <br />
<br />
===Heir to the Sword===<br />
<br />
The young Archduke profited fully from his newly acquired position and began to influence his father and the High Council into several slow-paced reforms. One of such was the creation of the Council of Duchy, a legislative body elected by the People with real (even if very limited) legislative powers. The reforms, which many could describe as democratic, were largely intended to assert the Archduke’s power over the nation. Mikhail II is known to be a great patriot of his nation and is attributed with the famous statement: “I fear I cannot care about others, for my obligations are to care about my country.”<br />
<br />
Over the years, Mikhail began to shadow his father as he became the de facto decision maker in the country. As a consequence, the Grand Duke declared his son as the Heir to the Sword. Whether this was done out of free will or under pressure by his son will never be known, but the proclamation comforted Mikhail II in his power. This has sparked a row between the Heir Archduke and Archduchess Anastasia, who refused to acknowledge her brother’s right to inherit the Sword of Rulers.<br />
<br />
==Grand Duke of All Taraskovya==<br />
<br />
In July 1141After Strife the Grand Duke Mikhail I stepped down in favour of his son. The “coronation” happened shortly after at the Sacred Citadel of Zynthris, where Mikhail II was invested with the Sword of Rulers and thus became the new Grand Duke of all Taraskovya. <br />
<br />
During the ceremony, his sister Anastasia openly challenged the Sword, profiting from support amongst the faithful of Sathala, the Goddess of War, Death and Passion in the Taraskath pantheon. <br />
<br />
===The Plague===<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/nastia.jpg|left|Anastasia|Anastasia perished in the war she caused.|183px}}<br />
Having issued the Challenge to the Sword, the self-proclaimed Grand Duchess by Right of all Taraskovya fled to Aphyr, where she created a splinter nation called Kerathor from amongst provinces loyal to her. Mikhail tried to reason with his sister, yet hostilities erupted in September of the same year after Anastasia killed her own father who tried to negotiate her surrender.<br />
<br />
The Grand Duke reportedly fell in the war, personally leading the Alexander Guard into the final battle of Tin-Vilena, where the rebels were crushed following tremendous losses on both sides. Archduchess Anastasia was also killed. The political void created by his supposed death destabilised the rest of the Grand Duchy and led to the rise to power of a military junta in the form of the Ruling Council.<br />
<br />
The years of the Ruling Council were marked by both a successful territorial expansion of Tarasovka and an extremely tense interior situation as various nationalist groups waged open war against each other.<br />
<br />
==Return of the Grand Duke==<br />
<br />
In spring of the year 1148 AS, just as the nation was still recovering from the latest [[White Legion]] uprising, the presumably dead and buried Mikhail II of all Taraskovya made an unexpected return and joined the Ruling Council, replacing Admiral Puchinov who was killed during the aforementioned uprising. Mere months later, the Taraskovyan people were called to vote on a new Constitution, which would restore monarchy in Tarasovka, even if the Grand Duchy was drastically reformed. <br />
<br />
[[Vethara]], who fled to [[Menelmacar]] during the junta’s rule, at first refused to recognize “Mikhail” as her real brother and Grand Duke. Yet, as the People and Fiefdoms approved the Constitution and Mikhail II became Grand Duke again, she had to eventually abandon her claims to the Sword of Rulers. The final reconciliation between the two happened during the coronation of [[Danaan Monarchy|High King]] [[Owain ap Cunedda|Owain]] of [[the Resurgent Dream]].<br />
<br />
===Full Title===<br />
<br />
The full title of Mikhail II is '''By the Will of Gods, Grand Duke of all Taraskovya and Supreme Lord and Ruler of the Kin, King of Nyi-Gardarika, King of Dreamreach, High Duke of Vigvar and Amalor, Prince of Lagoon and of other territories, Lord and Ruler of the Citadels of the Emerald Spire, the Black Hand, Tal-Kerillion, Vigvar, Namel-Kith and Amal, Lord of the Black Guard, Grand Master of the Orders of Saint Alexander and Uiliath, and so forth, and so forth'''.<br />
<br />
However, the only title used by the Taraskovyan ruler is that of '''Shokath-Kshas''' (Supreme Lord and Ruler of the Kin), when in Taraskath language, and that of '''Grand Duke of all Taraskovya''' in all other languages. The full title is used on extremely rare occasions, such as the writing down of the name of the Grand Duke in the registers.<br />
<br />
<!-- The future title posted here for future use, obviously:<br />
<br />
By the Grace of God, Vasilevs of all Taraskovya, Autocrator of the Taraskovyans, Caesar Augustus and Shokath-Kshas, King of the United Kingdom of Dakathia and Cardinia, King of Dreamreach, King of Nyi-Gardarika, Grand Duke of Aphyr, Uthar and Tavaroth, High Duke of Vigvar and Amalor, Suzerain of Zoria, Prince of Lagoon, Atlantic Island, Sukhum, Gagra, Ochamchira, Gudauta and of other territories, Lord and Ruler of the Citadels of the Emerald Spire, the Black Hand, Tal-Kerillion, Vigvar, Namel-Kith and Amal, Grand Master of the Chivalric Order of Saint Apostle Andrew the First Called, Grand Master of the Military Order of Saint Alexander, Lord of the Black Guard, and so forth, and so forth. --><br />
<br />
[[Category:Characters]] [[Category: Reigning Monarchs]] [[Category:Tarasovka]] [[Category:Heads of State or Government]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Leib_GuardLeib Guard2007-08-13T13:29:26Z<p>Jester: /* Elder Guard */</p>
<hr />
<div>The '''Leib Guard''' (''[[Russian]]: Лейб-гвардия'', most commonly translated as '''Life Guard''') fulfills the role of the royal guard of [[Taraskovya]]. The Leib Guard is not organised into a single formation, even if all of the guard units are at least nominally under the command of the ''Military Council of the Royal Household'' (''Военный Совет Королевского Двора'').<br />
<br />
==Elder Guard==<br />
<br />
The '''Elder Guard''' comprises the units directly subordinate to the Royal Household. These units fulfill solely protective duties and are tasked with protecting the Taraskovyan monarch, members of his family and relatives, the monarch’s various primary residences. These are not “puppet parade troops”, however, and are trained and equipped according to the highest standards.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''[[Alexander Guard|Alexander Leib Guard Honourary Regiment]]'''<br />
:: The most senior unit of the Taraskovyan military, this is a foot regiment of the Guard with an ancient history and traditions. Has the claim to being he first ever unit of the royal guard. Sometimes mistaken by unaware foreigners as the only Royal Guard unit.<br />
<br />
'''Cavalier Guard Regiment'''<br />
<br />
:: The main Cavalry element of the Elder Guard, the regiment was initially the 2nd Battalion of the Alexander Leib Guard Honourary Regiment. It was elevated into a new regiment in 1152 A.S. Membership reserved to members of the nobility.<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's Regiment of the Horse'''<br />
<br />
:: Enrolled amongst the Taraskovyan [[Ros#Horobrs|Horobr]] population, the Regiment of the Horse is the second cavalry unit of the Elder Guard.<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's Vigvar Grenadiers Regiment'''<br />
<br />
:: Initially known as the 3rd Battalion, Alexander Leib Guard Honourary Regiment, the Guard's Grenadiers are a Special Orbital Deployed Assault Troops (SODAT) regiment of the Elder Guard.<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard’s Vigvar Aerial Regiment'''<br />
:: Came to being after the reformation of the Leib Guard’s Vigvar Maritime Eskadron into an aerospace wing of several combat and transport aircraft. The Maritime Eskadron’s task was to protect the Taraskovyan monarch when they were at sea, but in the era of space faring, maritime travel fell into disuse.<br />
<br />
'''Lorelei Regiment of the Leib Guard'''<br />
:: Was formed out of ''Her Royal Highness the Archduchess’s Own Company of the Leib Guard'', the personal guard unit of of Archduchess [[Vethara]] of Taraskovya. Also known as the ''Swans Guard'' due to the swans on their crests.<br />
<br />
==Younger Guard==<br />
<br />
The '''Younger Guard''' comprises units nominally subordinate to the Royal Household, but in practice receiving orders from the TNDF General Staff. These elite units are not tasked with the direct protection of the monarch and are, as such, fully operational and combat capable elements of the Taraskovyan military. They do, however, provide detachments for ceremonial rounds of service, during which time such detached units are under the direct command of the Royal Household. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's Dark Guardians Regiment'''<br />
:: Officially the oldest unit of the Taraskovyan military, tracing its history to the famous ''Kshas Rith'' (''Dark/Black Guardians''), raised by Uidath Karetsah and instrumental in his campaign in unifying the Taraskath tribes and city states. The regiment is a special forces unit of the Taraskovyan military, specialising is such fields as sabotage, intelligence gathering, disruption of enemy logistic lines, acts of terror. The regiment is also known as ''Black Guard'' or ''Death's Wrath''.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's Black Hand Cavalry Division'''<br />
:: One of the oldest units of the Taraskovyan military, tracing its history to the garrison of the Black Hand Citadel, the mythical seat of early Taraskath power. It is a fully combat capable grav-armour division and has a history of deployment overseas in times of conflict. The Black Hand is currently assigned to the 1st Strike Corps, Metropolitan Command, Home Theatre. <br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's “Sathala” Airborne Division''' <br />
:: A renowned unit of the Taraskovyan military, often commonly referred to as the ''1st Airborne''. The division is named after ''Sathala'', the Taraskath goddess of War, Death and Passion. Ironically, during the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] members of this unit had to fight overzealous followers of Sathala that joined the rebellion against the rightful Grand Duke. The Division traces a direct ancestry to the “Sathala” Cavalry Regiment, which specialised in rapid deployment and warfare behind enemy lines. The regiment was augmented and reformed as a Division in 1053 A.S. as part of the formal creation of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces. Currently assigned to the 17th Immediate Reaction Corps, Special Command, Outer Colonial Theatre.<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's Setarian Infantry Division'''<br />
<br />
:: This Division was created from the amalgamation of the Leib Guard's five Setarian Regiments (13th Rifles, 43rd/55th Jaegers, 17th/39th Dragoons) into a larger unit during the formal establishment of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces. The inhabitants of Setar have a reputation of knowing little to no fear and being merciless with ennemies, a reputation the Division carries on to this day. This does not prevent the unit from having a sense of humour and naming a King Penguin as its mascot. Colonel-en-Chief Dak Keralth, resident of Seth Zoo, is the first ever penguin to achieve such a high rank in the Taraskovyan military. The Division is currently assigned to the 7th Strike Corps, Martian Theatre.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tarasovka]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=RosRos2007-08-13T13:09:58Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>The '''Ros'''' ([[Russian]]: ''Росы'') - also known as ''Taraskovyan Russians'' - are a [[Taraskovyan Slavs|Slavic]] people, which is by far the most important and largest of all peoples inhabiting [[Taraskovya]] and it’s many [[Taraskovyan Empire|Dominions]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Mstislav.png|left|RosWarriors|A modern day depiction of Grand Duke [[Mstislav_Shakhovskoy|Mstislav]] and Rus' warriors during the [[Strife_(Taraskovya)|Strife]].|270px}}<br />
<br />
The first Slavs to arrive to Taraskovya were slaves, taken by Taraskath raiders overseas. However, at that time, the Slavs were by far a minority group within the overall slaves brought in by Taraskath merchants, the bulk being composed of Germanic descendants. It is not entirely clear how the Slavs, and most particularly the [[Wikipedia:Rus'_(people)|Rus’]] came to prominence amongst the enslaved population, but by the year 50 Before Strife most of slave rebellions were led by Rus’ chiefs.<br />
<br />
Shortly before the Strife, a prominent Rus’ named [[Mstislav Shakhovskoy]] became the “husband” of the then reigning Taraskath leader Amala Karetsah. The move has angered conservative Taraskath circles and sparked the civil war between the Defenders of Tradition and the Abolitionists (in which the Rus had taken the leading role), which the former eventually lost. The civil war came to be called the [[Strife_(Taraskovya)|Strife]], in the aftermath of which the Rus’ began their ascension to power after years of slavery.<br />
<br />
In the millennia and a half which followed the Strife, the ''Rus’(Русы)'' in Taraskovya came to indentify themselves as a separate kin from their brothers overseas, taking on the name of the ''Ros’(Росы''). Overtime, several differences came to arise, such as the Ros’ becoming a mountainous folk, while the Rus’ were plain dwellers. The [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church]] became separate from the Russian one.<br />
<br />
==Culture==<br />
<br />
===Language===<br />
<br />
The language spoken by the Ros' is [[Russian]], albeit with some minor differences in the vocabulary and alphabet in the local variant of the language. Initially, differences were more important, until the Taraskovyan Academy conducted a language reform, harmonizing the two languages. Taraskovyan Russians, however, still refer to their as ''Росский (Rosskiy)'' instead of ''Русский (Russkiy)'' and the former is the official and legal appellation of the language in Taraskovyan Russian-language documents. As far as foreign languages are concerned, however, the term Russian works just fine and documents published by Taraskovyan government institutions in foreign languages usually contain the name Russian (and not Rossian).<br />
<br />
===Religion===<br />
<br />
The quasi-totality of Ros’ belongs to the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church]], who make up not only the overwhelming majority of faithful, but also the backbone of Taraskovyan Orthodoxy.<br />
<br />
===Horobrs===<br />
<br />
The '''Horobrs''' are a cultural and social group of Ros that are famed for their martial style of life, immense patriotism and strict conservatism. Horobrs often have large families and consider military service as a moral duty.<br />
<br />
==National Role==<br />
<br />
Russians are considered by many as the ''Imperial Nation'' within Taraskovya, the spine upon which the gigantic Taraskovyan state resides. It is, thus, no wonder that the Grand Duchy has a non-official, yet rather easily noticable policy at populating various conquered territories with the Ros', as to cement the annexations firmly within Taraskovya.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Tarasovka]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Alexander_Guard_Honourary_RegimentAlexander Guard Honourary Regiment2007-08-13T11:59:06Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{|align="right" border="1" width="190" style="margin-left:0.5em;"<br />
|-<br />
!style="background:#E1E0E0" | <big>Почетный Лейб-гвардии Александровский Полк<br />
Alexander Leib-guard Honourary Regiment<big><br />
|-<br />
!align="center" height="125"| http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/AGflagWhiteS.jpg<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" width="100%" style="background:#E1E0E0"<br />
|-<br />
|<b><u>Regiment Commander:</u></b><br />
|-<br />
|align="center" | His High Excellency Duke Nethair Kiltharan, Polkovnik of the Leib-guards<br />
|-<br />
|<u><b>Battalion Commanders:</b></u><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''Alexander Leib Guard Honourary Regiment''' is a unit of the [[Leib Guard]], tasked with defending and protecting the lives of the Grand Duke and other members of the Dynasty. It is the senior regiment of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces and is directly subordinate to the Military Council of the Royal Household.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Brief History==<br />
<br />
The first “roots” of this elite unit go back to the rule of the Grand Duke Alexander the Ist, who took several most valiant warriors from his army and made them his personal bodyguards. The measure was taken following his victory over the Order of Zynthris and the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Treaty_of_Uiliath|Treaty of Uiliath]]. Yet, this measure did not prevent him from dying in a mysterious hunting incident. During his rule, the Guard got richer by new warriors, to reach a total of 30 Guards. Under the Grand Duke Namel'lar Shakhovskoy , the Guard received its official name of the “Alexander Guard Honourary Regiment” and was made the official ceremonial and personal guard of the Ducal family. Grand Duke Namellar decided to complement the Guard with the sons of the highest Taraskovyan nobles, and decided that the color of the uniform will be deep blue – the color of Honor and Nobility.<br />
<br />
As centuries went by and new technology became available, the Honourary Regiment constantly changed and adapted to the new times. The Alexander Guards always received first every new technological weapon and armor and were always battle ready to defend the Grand Duke's family. At its peak, the Alexander Guard Honourary Regiment comprised a total of around two thousand Guards. It consisted of the finest sons of the highest Taraskovyan nobility – the pride and future of the Grand Duchy. Serving in the Regiment is the greatest honour of a young Taraskovyan noble, and to get demoted from it is worse than death by execution.<br />
<br />
===After the Time of Troubles===<br />
<br />
After the fall of the Grand Duchy, the Alexander Guard, quite diminished by its direct participation in the [[Aphyr Conflict]], refused to bow to the Ruling Council and enter pledge allegiance to the new government. The Leib-guards furthermore refused to abandon the Vigvar Winter Palace, the official residence of the Grand Dukes, and swore to fight to the last in case of an assault by Federal forces.<br />
<br />
However, with the return of the Grand Duke and the reemergence of the Grand Duchy, the Leib-guards once again assumed their role of protectors of the Grand Ducal family.<br />
<br />
===Reorganisation===<br />
<br />
In the year 1152 A.S., the regiment was split in three. The 2nd and 3rd battalions were elevated into their own regiments, while the 1st Battalion "Silence and Death" became the basis of a new entirely foot regiment. <br />
<br />
The '''"Silence and Death"''' was the name of the 1st Battalion of the former Alexander Regiment. It is is believed to be the first ever appearance of the Alexander Guard, created by the Grand Duke Alexander the Ist himself. The story tells that the 30 Bodyguards of the Grand Duke were trained to be deadly and stealthy assassins. The story also tells a slight paradox - these assassins were to never kill anyone but to guard the Grand Duke from any attempts on his life.<br />
<br />
==Requirements for admission==<br />
<br />
Due to the particularly delicate position of an Alexander Guardsman and his closeness to the Grand Duke, all candidates are first screened by a special committee of the National Security Ministry, to avoid any “dangerous” elements of getting into the unit. Once the candidates received the approval of the committee, they are admitted to the Palace Academy. There, they undergo harsh and very exhaustive physical and mental training, which turns months of their lives into a nightmare. Not many make it through the entire course, many fail and resign. <br />
<br />
Moreover, all candidates are to be at least of the age of 23 and be bearers of some higher education diploma. Since the Leib-guards often accompany the Grand Duke on his foreign trips, they have to speak several languages, have knowledge in tact and ethics, culture, sciences. <br />
<br />
==Duties==<br />
<br />
The members of the regiment often serve as guards inside of the Palace Complexes and accompany the Grand Duke on most of his ceremonial visits. Although it is believed that their assassin training has stopped long ago, these guards tend to show extreme prowess in certain skills when it is needed.<br />
<br />
While often seen in their ceremonial outfits, the regiment none the less fields armoured vehicles and equips its troops with cutting edge personal combat weaponry and armour.<br />
<br />
<!--==Composition==<br />
<br />
<<<<<<<<Kept as source for future articles.>>>>>>>>>>>><br />
<br />
===1st "Silence and Death" Battalion===<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
===2nd "Pride and Honour" Battalion===<br />
<br />
The '''"Pride and Honour"''' is also known as the Cavalry force. Indeed, members of this unit usually serve on horsebacks and guard the exterior of the Palace Complex as well as serve as ceremonial mounted escort for the Grand Duke during various events (such as horse promenades, greeting of foreign leaders during their state visits to the Grand Duchy, et cetera).<br />
<br />
The 2nd Battalion is believed to have been created by Grand Duke Nikolay, who was a very skilled horseman and wanted his bodyguards to be as skilled as him. And so he created a new regiment, called the Winged Hussars, which he modelled after the Polish Winged Hussars. Later on, however, the regiment was integrated into the Alexander Guard Regiment and became the "Pride and Honour" Battalion. <br />
<br />
Taraskovyans, due to certain specifics of the Taraskovyan landscape, usually preferred to move on foot and not on horse back. Grand Duke Nikolay entirely changed the mentality of most of his subjects and was the one to have created the first separate cavalry regiments (the latter being integrated into standard infantry regiments before the reforms).<br />
<br />
===3rd "Glory and Courage" Battalion===<br />
<br />
The '''"Glory and Courage"''' battalion is composed of the so called "Heavy Assault Guards". This unit is the most recent in the regiment and was especially created to accompany the Grand Duke into battle. Even if all of the Guards are to accompany the Grand Duke into combat and defend him to their last drop of blood, the 3rd Battalion members are the ones the most fit for a intensive combat, due to their heavy armour and armament. <br />
<br />
These guards sometimes accompany the Grand Duke to certain of his ceremonial trips but most of the time they keep guard outside of the Vigvar Winter Palace.--><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Ranks==<br />
<br />
The ranks of the Alexander Guard compared to those in the other branches of the armed forces.<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="3" <br />
!Class<br />
!Alexander Guards<br />
!Ground/Air Force<br />
!Naval/Space Fleet<br />
!NGF/MI/Airborne<br />
!Forms of Adress*<br />
|-<br />
!I<br />
|<br />
|Fieldmarshal<br />
|Fleet Admiral<br />
|<br />
|Your High Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!II<br />
|Polkovnik<br />
|General en Chief<br />
|Admiral<br />
|General<br />
|Your High Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!III<br />
|Captain<br />
|General-Poruchik<br />
|Kontr-Admiral<br />
|Senior Polkovnik<br />
|Your Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!IV<br />
|<br />
|Major General<br />
|1st Rank Captain<br />
|<br />
|Your Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!V<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Polkovnik<br />
|2nd Rank Captain<br />
|Polkovnik<br />
|Your Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!VI<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Podpolkovnik<br />
|3rd Rank Captain<br />
|Major<br />
|Your High Honour<br />
|-<br />
!VII<br />
|<br />
|Major<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|Your High Honour<br />
|-<br />
!VIII<br />
|Kornet<br />
|Captain<br />
|Kapitan-Poruchik<br />
|Captain<br />
|Your High Honour<br />
|-<br />
!IX<br />
|Sergeant<br />
|Shtabs-Kapitan<br />
|Senior Poruchik<br />
|<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!X<br />
|Senior Guard<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XI<br />
|Guard<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XII<br />
|<br />
|Senior Praporshik<br />
|Senior Michman<br />
|<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XIII<br />
|<br />
|Praporshik<br />
|Michman<br />
|Kornet<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XIV<br />
|<br />
|Master Sergeant<br />
|Senior Starshina<br />
|Master Sergeant<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
!XV<br />
|<br />
|Junior Sergeant<br />
|Starshina<br />
|Special Efreytor<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
!XVI<br />
|<br />
|Efreytor<br />
|Senior Sailor<br />
|Special Private<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
!XVII<br />
|<br />
|Private**<br />
|Sailor**<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*It should be noted that nowadays the lower ranked members of the armed forces use these forms of adress only on official occasions. Indeed, the soldiers and lower ranking officers shall more often use the word 'Pan' followed by the rank of the officer they talk to when adressing that officer. A soldier shall adress his lieutenant as 'Pan Poruchik', for example. <br />
<br />
**These ranks are further subdivided into several sub-ranks for a more efficient command structure on the squad level. <br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tarasovka]]<br />
[[Category:Armed forces]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=TavarothTavaroth2007-08-12T05:52:42Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| align="right" border="1" cellpadding="2" width="300" style="margin-left:0.5em;"<br />
|- <br />
! style="background:#ffdead" | <big>Tavaroth</big> <br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
! align="left" | What is it?: Landmass<br />
| <br />
|-<br />
! align="left" | Region: [[Sisgardia]]<br />
| <br />
|-<br />
! align="left" | Planet: [[Earth]]<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
! align="left" | Status: [[Tarasovka|Taraskovyan]] Protectorate<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|-<br />
! style="background:#efefef" border="1" colspan="2" | <br />
<br />
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Tavaroth.png<br />
<br />
|} <br />
<br />
==Location & Topography==<br />
<br />
Tavaroth is located in the North East of [[Sisgardia]] and is connected in the north to the landmass Handalar. Tavaroth is connected to the Sea of Aelios to the south and west and is connected to the Sea of Phatir to the east. <br />
<br />
In the west, soft sand dunes, rocky clifs and fields of cracked soil make up most of the land. The southern portion of Tavaroth, however, knows a rather wet and warm tropical climate. In the north and east, there is a temperate climate and fertile lands, which explains why the majority of the population is concentrated in these areas.<br />
<br />
==Culture==<br />
<br />
The Tavarothians/Tarakalarians have a long history that is trenched within honor and surviving under harsh conditions. They glorify the act of the hunt and those skilled in combat that employs the enviroment and stealth rather then charging the enemy head on. <br />
<br />
The main cultures that inhabit the area are:<br />
[[Eduyab’Kerrudar]] <br><br />
[[Julaniem]] <br><br />
[[Vareil]] <br><br />
<br />
==Current state==<br />
<br />
Currently, the entirety of Tavaroth forms part of what is known as the '''United Provinces of Tavaroth''', a [[Tarasovka|Taraskovyan]] Dominion. This has not always been case, for Tavaroth was once home to the Enduring Empire of Tarakalar. Following the demise of the Empire, the area collapsed into civil strife and over time came to endanger Taraskovyan ships sailing in the Sea of Aelios. <br />
<br />
In 1145 AS, a group of Taraskovyan divers vanished off the shores of Tavaroth. They were found later, horribly mutilated by a rogue cult called [[Quoan’dal est Ure]]. The Ruling Council took the decision to invade and restore peace through force.<br />
<br />
Nowdays, the United Provinces are largely peaceful, but the TNDF still maintains personnel in the Southern Province, the hotbed of anti-Taraskovyan partisan activity.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Sisgardia]] [[Category:Tarasovka]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=TaraskathTaraskath2007-08-11T22:45:00Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>The term '''Taraskath''' may refer both to a people and a language.<br />
<br />
==People==<br />
<br />
The '''Taraskath''' (self-appelation generally used in English and other foreign languages, called ''Tarathians'' - ''ТараΘийцы'' by the [[Ross]) are the native people of [[Taraskovya]], who inhabited what is now the Sisgardian Taraskovya dozens of thousands of years before the coming of of the [[Taraskovyan Slavs|Slavs]]. <br />
<br />
Until the year 44’215 Before Strife and the unification of the various Taraskath tribes and city-states by Lord Uidath Karetsah, there was no single Taraskath nation or ethnos as such. Dakathian and Cardinian Taraskath spoke different slightly related languages<br />
and had differing cultures. Lord Uidath himself a Cardinian, this branch of the Taraskath culture came to predominate and slowly replaced the independent Dakathian culture.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
<br />
The Taraskath language is an ancestral language which has known many a transformation throughout history. Manuscripts dating from dozens of millenia ago indicate that the first Dakathian and Cardinian dialects were mostly hissing tongues, revolved around a multiple of hissing consonnants and rare vowels. After the absorbtion of the Amalori, Kethari and Sethari peoples, the Taraskath langauge enriched itself and eventually became the modern High Taraskath: a language mixing hissing sounds with melodic syllables. In some areas of Dakathia, an older more hissing dialect of Taraskath is spoken.<br />
<br />
The writing system is alphabetic, even if two scripts exist: the runic and the calligraphic scripts. The former is the "initial" script as used by the ancient Taraskath, with some additions. The calligraphic script was taken from the Amalori language and is used as a high flown variant, for particularly important letters and registers.<br />
<br />
===Geographic Distribution===<br />
<br />
Taraskath is closely related to [[Taraskovya]]ns. It is official in the [[Grand Duchy]] of Taraskovya and some of its Dominions and is also spoken in [[Abt]], even if [[Russian]] is the only official language there.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Languages]][[Category: Tarasovka]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Vethara_ShakhovskayaVethara Shakhovskaya2007-08-11T22:41:23Z<p>Jester: /* Trivia */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{FAC}}<br />
<br />
{|style="float:right;margin:0 0 1em 1em;font-size:90%;clear:centre;" width="400" cellspacing="5"<br />
|+ style="text-align:center; font-size:larger;" | '''Archduchess Vethara Mikhailovna'''<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="padding-bottom:1em;text-align:center;" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Vethara.jpg<br><br />
Archduchess Vethara Mikhailovna<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Birth'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | 12th July, 1107 A.S.<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Titles'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | HRH Archduchess of Taraskovya, Duchess of Zoria, Duchess of Kheper-kekui-kha-mesti, Benefactress of the Church<br />
<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Spouse'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | None<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Issue'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | Tatiana Georgieva (adopted) (deceased)<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Royal House'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Shakhovskoy]]<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Father'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Mikhail I]] <br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Mother'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | Ekaterina Vladimirovna<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Siblings'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | HRH Anastasia Mikhailovna, HM [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]] the Grand Duke of all Taraskovya <br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Faith'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Orthodox]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Vethara, Archduchess of [[Tarasovka|Taraskovya]]''' (Vethara Mikhailovna Shakhovskaya)(born 12 July 1107 AS) is the third child and second daughter to the late Grand Duke [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Mikhail I]] and Grand Duchess Ekaterina. She is also heiress presumptive to the Taraskovyan Sword of Rulers, currently held by her brother, Grand Duke [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]].<br />
<br />
She, as all Shakhovskoy, is a symbol of unity and harmony between the two peoples that have for generations shaped the destiny of her nation - the [[Ros|Russians]] and the Taraskath. With the fiery Russian vivacity and spontaneity and the cold Taraskath pragmatism, as well as their extreme longevity, Vethara combines all the traits that caracterize a modern Taraskovyan.<br />
<br />
Just like her mother Ekaterina, the Archduchess became one of the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] faithful. She is very devout and is a great supporter of the Church, to the point that her merits were recognized by the Vigvar Patriarchate when she was bestowed with the title of ''Benefactress of the Church''.<br />
<br />
==Early Years==<br />
<br />
Her Royal Highness Vethara, Archduchess of Tarasovka, was born in the Vigvar Winter Palace, on the 12th of July 1107 After Strife. However, both the fact of her birth and her very existence were hidden from the Taraskovyan people, the Leib-doctors having been instructed to remain silent. <br />
<br />
It is not known what reasons pushed the Grand Duke and his wife to act so. The early life of Vethara is, thus, clouded in mystery and gave birth to many a rumour, all of them dismissed by the Ruling family.<br />
<br />
==Revelation to the Public and Subsequent Years==<br />
<br />
When the Archduchess was 22 years old, her existence was finally revealed by the Grand Duke to his subjects, but no exact reason for the previous secrecy was given. No scandals erupted, however, and Taraskovyans were quick to celebrate the appearance of a whole new child of their beloved ruler.<br />
<br />
The near absence of negative reaction is sometimes explained by a thorough preparation of the event by the Grand Duke and the Taraskovyan National Security Department.<br />
<br />
===Higher Education and Life as a Doctor===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/MedFac.jpg|left|MedFac|The building of the Faculty of Medicine, where Her Royal Highness studied.|277px}}Whilst it is understood that Vethara had received initial education from private tutors, it did not prevent her from brilliantly passing exams to the Vigvar University Faculty of Medicine. She earned the degree of Bachelor of Medicine after two out of the usual five years, to the difference of her brother who completed the regular cursus.<br />
<br />
She then was engaged by the Vigvar Grand Ducal Leib-hospital as a general practitioner. At the same time, she entered the Pediatrics Department of the Faculty of Medicine, striving to become a pediatrician, which she did at the age of 30.<br />
<br />
===Public Life===<br />
<br />
Due to her clouded past, Vethara quickly became the focus point of Taraskovyan media and, as such, was very quickly integrated into the social life of the Grand Duchy. Due to her kindness and generousity, she quickly became popular with the people, who often favoured her more than her father.<br />
<br />
The Archduchess became active in the so-called “Bread for Sword” program, taking on the handling of finances and touring of the country to foresee to the needs of those benefiting from the program. In the “Bread for Sword” the Grand Duke of all Taraskovya offered financial assistance to the poorest Taraskovyans in exchange for armed service should war come to Taraskovyan soil and the Taraskovyan army be in dire need of men and women. In practice, none of those assisted in the “Bread for Sword” ever served a single day and, as such, that program was often referred to as charity. However, it helped many start a new self-sufficient life.<br />
<br />
Vethara was also actively involved in supporting the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Church]] and even earned the honourary title of ''Benefactress of the Church''.<br />
<br />
===Romances===<br />
<br />
The only public known romance of Her Royal Highness was with the Poruchik Nekshas Tenathir of the [[Alexander Guard|Leib-guards]], Count of Terth, with whom Vethara was first sighted in public in 1138 AS at the Vigvar Opera House. In May 1141, Poruchik Tenathir was baptized in the Orthodox faith and in June the couple announced their engagement. However, their union never came to be as the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] erupted in September of the same year and the Count fell on the battlefield.<br />
<br />
==The Plague and the Federal Era==<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Srebrograd1.jpg|right|Plague|The Plague became the most violent and destructive of all Taraskovyan civil wars.|218px}}<br />
<br />
The [[Aphyr_Conflict|Plague]], as Taraskovyans call the violent civil war of 1141 AS, came as a shock to the Archduchess. The death of her fiancé and father in the first weeks of warfare literally cut the young woman down. By the end of December 1141, her brother also presumably fell in battle. The war also claimed the life of her sister Anastasia, the initiator of the conflict. Her mother’s heart could not endure such a tremendous loss and Ekaterina also departed for a better world in the days following the end of the Plague.<br />
<br />
Vethara, thus, became the only remnant of the Ruling family and the ''Grand Duchess by Right of all Taraskovya''. However, the Sword of Rulers was taken by the Church of the Seven Deities back to the Sacred Citadel of Zynthris and Vethara never had the time to give the Oath of Faith (or, in other words, be enthroned). As such, she never wielded the Sword and could not bear the title of ''Shokath-Kshas''.<br />
<br />
During the political void created by the massacre of the royal family, a triumvirate of high ranked army officers seized the opportunity to assert their power over the nation in order to prevent the country from slipping into further chaos. Even if at first the three Ruling Councillors were keen to use Vethara as a symbolic leader above them, the young woman soon came to be seen as a threat.<br />
<br />
===Exile in Menelmacar===<br />
<br />
A group of loyalist officers, sensing the threat that posed the Ruling Council, managed to smuggle Vethara out of the country and into [[Menelmacar]], where she was given refuge by Lady Sirithil. The Ruling Council, having lost the opportunity to force Vethara into abdicating, proceeded to illegally abolish monarchy and proclaimed a Republic, under the name of [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Era|Taraskovyan Federation]]. Vethara, in the meantime formed a Government in Exile, which was keener on working with loyalist elements within Tarasovka than seek international support and recognition.<br />
<br />
The many years of Exile opened the Archduchess to foreign customs and realms, as she established personal friendly relations with some foreign rulers, even if only the [[Menelmacar|Eternal Noldorin Empire]] and the [[The Resurgent Dream|Danaan High Kingdom]] officially recognized her as the legitimate ruler of Tarasovka.<span class="reference"><sup id="fn_1_back">[[#fn_1|1]]</sup></span><br />
<br />
==Return of the Grand Duke==<br />
<br />
In spring of the year 1148 AS, just as the nation was still recovering from the latest [[White Legion]] uprising, the presumably dead and buried [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II of all Taraskovya]] made an unexpected return. However, he did not lead a bloody coup, choosing instead to become a member of the Ruling Council. He took the seat of Admiral Puchinov, who was killed during the Vigvar Attacks perpetrated by the White Legion during their 1147 AS Uprising. Mere months later, the Taraskovyan people were called to vote on a new [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Constitution], which would restore monarchy in Tarasovka, even if the Grand Duchy was drastically reformed.<br />
<br />
Vethara at first refused to recognize “Mikhail” as her real brother. Yet, as the People and Fiefdoms approved the Grand Ducal Constitution and Mikhail II became Grand Duke again, she had to eventually abandon her claims to the Sword of Rulers. The [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9816327&postcount=262 final reconciliation] between the two happened during the coronation of [[Owain_ap_Cunedda|High King Owain]] of [[the Resurgent Dream]] and heralded the return of the Archduchess to her homeland and put a definite end to the [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Period|Time of Troubles]].<br />
<br />
===Life in the new Taraskovya ===<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/Drawings/VethaS.jpg|left|Vetha|Archduchess Vethara in “Mystery of Goddess”. |144px}} <br />
Following the beginning of the [[Tarasovka#The_Second_Grand_Ducal_Period|Second Grand Ducal Era]] the Archduchess was made Duchess of Zoria by her brother and became dedicated to turning it into a jewel of the Taraskovyan nation. The virgin islands on [[Venus]] offered a great plethora of possibilities on which Vethara's management skills could be fully revealed. Currently, the Duchy of Zoria enjoys a booming development, spearheaded by excellent trade relations with C'tani and Menelmacari dominions on Venus.<br />
<br />
She is a fervent servant of the least fortunate of Taraskovyans and dedicates a lot of time and effort to aid the victims of the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] and the [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Period|Time of Troubles]]. After visiting an orphanage, she got attached to a girl orphaned by the Plague. The girl, called Tatiana, was later on adopted by the Archduchess and Vethara became a loving and caring mother. <br />
<br />
Vethara has also spearheaded a somewhat controversial project which involved selling a photo album in which Taraskovyan and international celebrities would pose in lingerie. The photo album, called [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=497564 Mystery of Goddess], regrouped women from all spheres, from diplomats to heads of state and from actresses to journalists. Vethara herself took part in the album in a rather open attire, but only after having secured the relative approval of the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Patriarch|Patriarch Nikon II]]. It is said the Archduchess was herself quite surprised by the amount of interest her little project got and never expected foreign heads of state to take part in it.<br />
<br />
Vethara has also been trying to spend as much time as possible with her brother following their decade long separation and many deem that is she the Grand Duke's most trusted confident and advisor, even though the two siblings do not always agree on everything. But due to the heavy schedule of both of them, they do not have all the time they'd like to, even if they never miss an opportunity to endulge in a game of horseback archery.<br />
<br />
===Assassination Attempt===<br />
<br />
On December 7, 1150 AS the Archduchess became the victim of an assassination attempt on her life. Vethara was gravely injured, but her life was saved due to a timely and efficient medical treatment. Her adoptive daughter Tatiana, however, was killed, which became a tragedy to the Archduchess.<br />
<br />
==Favourite Pastimes==<br />
<br />
In her free time, the Archduchess is known to practice horseback archery and skiing, with some of her most favorite resorts being located in the southern Cardinian Chain. While on visits to those countries that offer ski resorts, the Archduchess tries not to miss a chance to try herself on the local courses. And if the hosts can offer her the grounds for a horseback archery game, they are bound to leave a lasting positive impression upon Vethara.<br />
<br />
She also has a certain interest in gardening and was seen quite a few times studying various plants in the Great Gardens as well as adjacent greenhouses. Some say the Archduchess tried to grow a new sort of flower, but her attempts, it appeared, never came to fruition. The parks and gardens of Lorelei, the capital of Zoria, were designed personally by the Archduchess.<br />
<br />
==Trivia==<br />
<br />
* Her "pet" wolf is a ''Cardinian Black'', part of one of the two sub-species of the ''Taraskovyan Black'' (the other being the ''Dakathian Black''), named '''Pushozverek'''. This translates roughly as "Fluff beast". Despite being fluffy, Fluff is capable of very nasty deeds if ordered so by Vethara.<br />
<br />
* The Archduchess is renowned for her love of Swans. It is, thus, no wonder that her private bodyguards unit is casually referred to as '''Swans Guard''', due to them using a white swan as symbol. Full unit name: ''Lorelei Regiment of the leib-Guard''. Vethara is also the Colonel-en-Chef of her regiment.<br />
<br />
* It is rumoured that Vethara’s name comes from an amalgamation of two words: the Russian noun ''veter'' (wind) and the Taraskath verb ''tharet'' (to carry away), with the most probable meaning being ''Carried away by the Wind'' (or ''Gone with the Wind''). <br />
<br />
* Due to the above information, the song “Swan and Kite”, written during the rule of the military junta, of the Taraskovyan metal band “Lost in Wonderland” is attributed as being dedicated to Archduchess Vethara. Whilst the song can be considered as inspired by a Russian fairy-tale, a particular verse attracted some attention during the military junta, when press was censored and freedom of expression restrained especially concerning everything related to the Monarchy.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding=6<br />
! Russian<br />
! Transliteration<br />
! English translation<br />
|- style="vertical-align:top; white-space:nowrap;"<br />
| <br />
Унесенная ветром в чужие края, <br><br />
Гнезда не забыла. Надежду храня, <br><br />
Что время пройдет, минуют года, <br><br />
Коршун падет, его примет земля. <br><br />
И лебедь расправит крылья тогда… <br><br />
<br />
|<br />
Unesionnaia vetrom v chujie kraia, <br><br />
Gnezda ne zabyla. Nadejdu hrania, <br><br />
Chto vremia proidet, minu’iut goda, <br><br />
Korshun padet, ego primet zemlia. <br><br />
I lebed’ raspravit krylia togda… <br><br />
<br />
| <br />
Carried away by the wind to lands afar,<br><br />
She has not forgotten her nest. Nourishing a hope,<br><br />
That time shall pass, years shall pass, <br><br />
The kite shall fall, the earth shall swallow him.<br><br />
And the swan shall spread her wings… <br><br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Other Titles==<br />
<br />
===Benefactress of the Church===<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/BenOrder.jpg|right|StAndrewOrder|The Order of Saint Apostle Andrew the First-Called.|152px}}<br />
<br />
The title of ''Benefactress of the Church'' was bestowed upon Vethara by the Patriarch Nikon II of Vigvar and all Taraskovya in reward for her support of the Church and of the [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Orthodox]] faith. This is an extremely high honour and few are known to have gotten the title. During those days, the only other Benefactress of the Church was Vethara's mother, the Grand Duchess Ekaterina. As of today, Vethara shares the honour with Duke Anatoly Orlov, who was granted the title of Benefactor in reward for his support of the Church during the turmoil of the Federal era.<br />
<br />
As a Benefactress of the Church, Vethara was awarded with the ''Grand Cross'' of the '''[[Order of Saint Andrew|Order of Saint Apostle Andrew the First-Called]]''' by the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Patriarch|Patriarch of Vigvar and all Taraskovya]]. The Order's star is made of silver and diamonds, and features the inscription "For Faith and Loyalty". The badge represents a double-headed eagle bearing a blue cross St. Andrew's Cross with St. Andrew crucified upon it. <br />
<br />
===Duchess of Zoria===<br />
<br />
Vethara is also the ''Duchess of Zoria''. Zoria is a Taraskovyan possession on the planet of [[Venus]], which was bought by the Grand Duke from [[Menelmacar]] as a gift to his sister in honour of their reconcilliation. Vethara, after first attempting to get something more modest from her brother, accepted the Duchy and the responsibilities that came with it. She exercises full authority over the Duchy, with her brother reserving the right to use it whenever military needs arise.<br />
<br />
===Duchess of Khamesti===<br />
<br />
The title of ''Duchess of Kheper-kekui-kha-mesti'' was bestowed upon Vethara by the Emperor of the [[C'tan]]. The city of Khamesti (as it is casually referred to for the sake of simplicity)is located in the Duat province of Aterat. The position is largely ceremonial and the Taraskovyan Archduchess holds no power over the city, even if Khamesti does generate a generous income for her.<br />
<br />
This particular Ducal title, however, is not hereditary as is. In order to make it hereditary, Vethara entered C'tani civil service as a Governement Assessor on Pediatric Medicine.<br />
<br />
===Danaan Honours===<br />
<br />
Archduchess Vethara has also been bestowed with a number of Danaan honours. She is a '''Dame of the Order of the Gryffon''', and a bearer of the Danaan '''Order of Merit'''. Albeit being rather basic, these are nonetheless high and prestigious honours that were awarded to the Archduchess during her stay in [[the Resurgent Dream]] following the coronation of High King Owain.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Characters]] [[Category: Tarasovka]]<br />
<br />
==Foot Notes==<br />
<br />
<small><cite id="fn_1">[[#fn_1_back|1]]: Some other nations never adopted any official stance on the issue and continued to deal both with the Ruling Council and with the Grand Duchess by right. Both sides were content with such a solution and never demanded an official recognition from any other State.</cite><br />
<br />
</small></div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Leib_GuardLeib Guard2007-08-11T22:38:32Z<p>Jester: /* Elder Guard */</p>
<hr />
<div>The '''Leib Guard''' (''[[Russian]]: Лейб-гвардия'', most commonly translated as '''Life Guard''') fulfills the role of the royal guard of [[Taraskovya]]. The Leib Guard is not organised into a single formation, even if all of the guard units are at least nominally under the command of the ''Military Council of the Royal Household'' (''Военный Совет Королевского Двора'').<br />
<br />
==Elder Guard==<br />
<br />
The '''Elder Guard''' comprises the units directly subordinate to the Royal Household. These units fulfill solely protective duties and are tasked with protecting the Taraskovyan monarch, members of his family and relatives, the monarch’s various primary residences. These are not “puppet parade troops”, however, and are trained and equipped according to the highest standards.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''[[Alexander Guard|Alexander Leib Guard Honourary Regiment]]'''<br />
:: The most senior unit of the Taraskovyan military, currently reserved only to the nobility. Subdivided into three battalions, each with its own specialty. Sometimes mistaken by unaware foreigners as the only Royal Guard unit.<br />
<br />
'''Cavalier Guard Regiment'''<br />
<br />
:: The Cavalry element of the Elder Guard, the regiment was initially the 2nd Battalion of the Alexander Leib Guard Honourary Regiment. It was elevated into a new regiment in 1152 A.S.<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's Vigvar Grenadiers Regiment'''<br />
<br />
:: Initially known as the 3rd Battalion, Alexander Leib Guard Honourary Regiment, the Guard's Grenadiers are a Special Orbital Deployed Assault Troops (SODAT) regiment of the Elder Guard.<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard’s Vigvar Aerial Regiment'''<br />
:: Came to being after the reformation of the Leib Guard’s Vigvar Maritime Eskadron into an aerospace wing of several combat and transport aircraft. The Maritime Eskadron’s task was to protect the Taraskovyan monarch when they were at sea, but in the era of space faring, maritime travel fell into disuse.<br />
<br />
'''Lorelei Regiment of the Leib Guard'''<br />
:: Was formed out of ''Her Royal Highness the Archduchess’s Own Company of the Leib Guard'', the personal guard unit of of Archduchess [[Vethara]] of Taraskovya. Also known as the ''Swans Guard'' due to the swans on their crests.<br />
<br />
==Younger Guard==<br />
<br />
The '''Younger Guard''' comprises units nominally subordinate to the Royal Household, but in practice receiving orders from the TNDF General Staff. These elite units are not tasked with the direct protection of the monarch and are, as such, fully operational and combat capable elements of the Taraskovyan military. They do, however, provide detachments for ceremonial rounds of service, during which time such detached units are under the direct command of the Royal Household. <br />
<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's Dark Guardians Regiment'''<br />
:: Officially the oldest unit of the Taraskovyan military, tracing its history to the famous ''Kshas Rith'' (''Dark/Black Guardians''), raised by Uidath Karetsah and instrumental in his campaign in unifying the Taraskath tribes and city states. The regiment is a special forces unit of the Taraskovyan military, specialising is such fields as sabotage, intelligence gathering, disruption of enemy logistic lines, acts of terror. The regiment is also known as ''Black Guard'' or ''Death's Wrath''.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's Black Hand Cavalry Division'''<br />
:: One of the oldest units of the Taraskovyan military, tracing its history to the garrison of the Black Hand Citadel, the mythical seat of early Taraskath power. It is a fully combat capable grav-armour division and has a history of deployment overseas in times of conflict. The Black Hand is currently assigned to the 1st Strike Corps, Metropolitan Command, Home Theatre. <br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's “Sathala” Airborne Division''' <br />
:: A renowned unit of the Taraskovyan military, often commonly referred to as the ''1st Airborne''. The division is named after ''Sathala'', the Taraskath goddess of War, Death and Passion. Ironically, during the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] members of this unit had to fight overzealous followers of Sathala that joined the rebellion against the rightful Grand Duke. The Division traces a direct ancestry to the “Sathala” Cavalry Regiment, which specialised in rapid deployment and warfare behind enemy lines. The regiment was augmented and reformed as a Division in 1053 A.S. as part of the formal creation of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces. Currently assigned to the 17th Immediate Reaction Corps, Special Command, Outer Colonial Theatre.<br />
<br />
'''Leib Guard's Setarian Infantry Division'''<br />
<br />
:: This Division was created from the amalgamation of the Leib Guard's five Setarian Regiments (13th Rifles, 43rd/55th Jaegers, 17th/39th Dragoons) into a larger unit during the formal establishment of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces. The inhabitants of Setar have a reputation of knowing little to no fear and being merciless with ennemies, a reputation the Division carries on to this day. This does not prevent the unit from having a sense of humour and naming a King Penguin as its mascot. Colonel-en-Chief Dak Keralth, resident of Seth Zoo, is the first ever penguin to achieve such a high rank in the Taraskovyan military. The Division is currently assigned to the 7th Strike Corps, Martian Theatre.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tarasovka]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Alexander_Guard_Honourary_RegimentAlexander Guard Honourary Regiment2007-08-11T22:30:00Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{|align="right" border="1" width="190" style="margin-left:0.5em;"<br />
|-<br />
!style="background:#E1E0E0" | <big>Почетный Лейб-гвардии Александровский Полк<br />
Alexander Leib-guard Honourary Regiment<big><br />
|-<br />
!align="center" height="125"| http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/AGflagWhiteS.jpg<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" width="100%" style="background:#E1E0E0"<br />
|-<br />
|<b><u>Regiment Commander:</u></b><br />
|-<br />
|align="center" | His High Excellency Duke Nethair Kiltharan, Polkovnik of the Leib-guards<br />
|-<br />
|<u><b>Battalion Commanders:</b></u><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''Alexander Leib Guard Honourary Regiment''' is a unit of the [[Leib Guard]], tasked with defending and protecting the lives of the Grand Duke and other members of the Dynasty. It is the senior regiment of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces and is directly subordinate to the Military Council of the Royal Household.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Brief History==<br />
<br />
The first “roots” of this elite unit go back to the rule of the Grand Duke Alexander the Ist, who took several most valiant warriors from his army and made them his personal bodyguards. The measure was taken following his victory over the Order of Zynthris and the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Treaty_of_Uiliath|Treaty of Uiliath]]. Yet, this measure did not prevent him from dying in a mysterious hunting incident. During his rule, the Guard got richer by new warriors, to reach a total of 30 Guards. Under the Grand Duke Namel'lar Shakhovskoy , the Guard received its official name of the “Alexander Guard Honourary Regiment” and was made the official ceremonial and personal guard of the Ducal family. Grand Duke Namellar decided to complement the Guard with the sons of the highest Taraskovyan nobles, and decided that the color of the uniform will be deep blue – the color of Honor and Nobility.<br />
<br />
As centuries went by and new technology became available, the Honourary Regiment constantly changed and adapted to the new times. The Alexander Guards always received first every new technological weapon and armor and were always battle ready to defend the Grand Duke's family. At its peak, the Alexander Guard Honourary Regiment comprised a total of around two thousand Guards. It consisted of the finest sons of the highest Taraskovyan nobility – the pride and future of the Grand Duchy. Serving in the Regiment is the greatest honour of a young Taraskovyan noble, and to get demoted from it is worse than death by execution.<br />
<br />
===After the Time of Troubles===<br />
<br />
After the fall of the Grand Duchy, the Alexander Guard, quite diminished by its direct participation in the [[Aphyr Conflict]], refused to bow to the Ruling Council and enter pledge allegiance to the new government. The Leib-guards furthermore refused to abandon the Vigvar Winter Palace, the official residence of the Grand Dukes, and swore to fight to the last in case of an assault by Federal forces.<br />
<br />
However, with the return of the Grand Duke and the reemergence of the Grand Duchy, the Leib-guards once again assumed their role of protectors of the Grand Ducal family.<br />
<br />
===Reorganisation===<br />
<br />
In the year 1152 A.S., the regiment was split in three. The 2nd and 3rd battalions were elevated into their own regiments, while the 1st Battalion "Silence and Death" became the basis of a new entirely foot regiment. <br />
<br />
The '''"Silence and Death"''' was the name of the 1st Battalion of the former Alexander Regiment. It is is believed to be the first ever appearance of the Alexander Guard, created by the Grand Duke Alexander the Ist himself. The story tells that the 30 Bodyguards of the Grand Duke were trained to be deadly and stealthy assassins. The story also tells a slight paradox - these assassins were to never kill anyone but to guard the Grand Duke from any attempts on his life.<br />
<br />
==Requirements for admission==<br />
<br />
Due to the particularly delicate position of an Alexander Guardsman and his closeness to the Grand Duke, all candidates are first screened by a special committee of the National Security Ministry, to avoid any “dangerous” elements of getting into the unit. Once the candidates received the approval of the committee, they are admitted to the Palace Academy. There, they undergo harsh and very exhaustive physical and mental training, which turns months of their lives into a nightmare. Not many make it through the entire course, many fail and resign. <br />
<br />
Moreover, all candidates are to be at least of the age of 23 and be bearers of some higher education diploma. Since the Leib-guards often accompany the Grand Duke on his foreign trips, they have to speak several languages, have knowledge in tact and ethics, culture, sciences. <br />
<br />
==Duties==<br />
<br />
The members of the regiment often serve as guards inside of the Palace Complexes and accompany the Grand Duke on most of his ceremonial visits. Although it is believed that their assassin training has stopped long ago, these guards tend to show extreme prowess in certain skills when it is needed.<br />
<br />
While often seen in their ceremonial outfits, the regiment none the less fields armoured vehicles and equips its troops with cutting edge personal combat weaponry and armour.<br />
<br />
<!--==Composition==<br />
<br />
<<<<<<<<Kept as source for future articles.>>>>>>>>>>>><br />
<br />
===1st "Silence and Death" Battalion===<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
===2nd "Pride and Honour" Battalion===<br />
<br />
The '''"Pride and Honour"''' is also known as the Cavalry force. Indeed, members of this unit usually serve on horsebacks and guard the exterior of the Palace Complex as well as serve as ceremonial mounted escort for the Grand Duke during various events (such as horse promenades, greeting of foreign leaders during their state visits to the Grand Duchy, et cetera).<br />
<br />
The 2nd Battalion is believed to have been created by Grand Duke Nikolay, who was a very skilled horseman and wanted his bodyguards to be as skilled as him. And so he created a new regiment, called the Winged Hussars, which he modelled after the Polish Winged Hussars. Later on, however, the regiment was integrated into the Alexander Guard Regiment and became the "Pride and Honour" Battalion. <br />
<br />
Taraskovyans, due to certain specifics of the Taraskovyan landscape, usually preferred to move on foot and not on horse back. Grand Duke Nikolay entirely changed the mentality of most of his subjects and was the one to have created the first separate cavalry regiments (the latter being integrated into standard infantry regiments before the reforms).<br />
<br />
===3rd "Glory and Courage" Battalion===<br />
<br />
The '''"Glory and Courage"''' battalion is composed of the so called "Heavy Assault Guards". This unit is the most recent in the regiment and was especially created to accompany the Grand Duke into battle. Even if all of the Guards are to accompany the Grand Duke into combat and defend him to their last drop of blood, the 3rd Battalion members are the ones the most fit for a intensive combat, due to their heavy armour and armament. <br />
<br />
These guards sometimes accompany the Grand Duke to certain of his ceremonial trips but most of the time they keep guard outside of the Vigvar Winter Palace.--!><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
==Ranks==<br />
<br />
The ranks of the Alexander Guard compared to those in the other branches of the armed forces.<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpadding="3" <br />
!Class<br />
!Alexander Guards<br />
!Ground/Air Force<br />
!Naval/Space Fleet<br />
!NGF/MI/Airborne<br />
!Forms of Adress*<br />
|-<br />
!I<br />
|<br />
|Fieldmarshal<br />
|Fleet Admiral<br />
|<br />
|Your High Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!II<br />
|Polkovnik<br />
|General en Chief<br />
|Admiral<br />
|General<br />
|Your High Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!III<br />
|Captain<br />
|General-Poruchik<br />
|Kontr-Admiral<br />
|Senior Polkovnik<br />
|Your Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!IV<br />
|<br />
|Major General<br />
|1st Rank Captain<br />
|<br />
|Your Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!V<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Polkovnik<br />
|2nd Rank Captain<br />
|Polkovnik<br />
|Your Excellency<br />
|-<br />
!VI<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Podpolkovnik<br />
|3rd Rank Captain<br />
|Major<br />
|Your High Honour<br />
|-<br />
!VII<br />
|<br />
|Major<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|Your High Honour<br />
|-<br />
!VIII<br />
|Kornet<br />
|Captain<br />
|Kapitan-Poruchik<br />
|Captain<br />
|Your High Honour<br />
|-<br />
!IX<br />
|Sergeant<br />
|Shtabs-Kapitan<br />
|Senior Poruchik<br />
|<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!X<br />
|Senior Guard<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Poruchik<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XI<br />
|Guard<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Podporuchik<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XII<br />
|<br />
|Senior Praporshik<br />
|Senior Michman<br />
|<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XIII<br />
|<br />
|Praporshik<br />
|Michman<br />
|Kornet<br />
|Your Honour<br />
|-<br />
!XIV<br />
|<br />
|Master Sergeant<br />
|Senior Starshina<br />
|Master Sergeant<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
!XV<br />
|<br />
|Junior Sergeant<br />
|Starshina<br />
|Special Efreytor<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
!XVI<br />
|<br />
|Efreytor<br />
|Senior Sailor<br />
|Special Private<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
!XVII<br />
|<br />
|Private**<br />
|Sailor**<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*It should be noted that nowadays the lower ranked members of the armed forces use these forms of adress only on official occasions. Indeed, the soldiers and lower ranking officers shall more often use the word 'Pan' followed by the rank of the officer they talk to when adressing that officer. A soldier shall adress his lieutenant as 'Pan Poruchik', for example. <br />
<br />
**These ranks are further subdivided into several sub-ranks for a more efficient command structure on the squad level.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tarasovka]]<br />
[[Category:Armed forces]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=TaraskathTaraskath2007-08-11T19:15:14Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>The '''Taraskath''' (self-appelation generally used in English and other foreign languages, called ''Tarathians'' - ''ТараΘийцы'' by the [[Ross]) are the native people of [[Taraskovya]], who inhabited what is now the Sisgardian Taraskovya dozens of thousands of years before the coming of of the [[Taraskovyan Slavs|Slavs]]. <br />
<br />
Until the year 44’215 Before Strife and the unification of the various Taraskath tribes and city-states by Lord Uidath Karetsah, there was no single Taraskath nation or ethnos as such. Dakathian and Cardinian Taraskath spoke different slightly related languages<br />
and had differing cultures. Lord Uidath himself a Cardinian, this branch of the Taraskath culture came to predominate and slowly replaced the independent Dakathian culture.<br />
<br />
==Language==<br />
<br />
The Taraskath language is an ancestral language which has known many a transformation throughout history. Manuscripts dating from dozens of millenia ago indicate that the first Dakathian and Cardinian dialects were mostly hissing tongues, revolved around a multiple of hissing consonnants and rare vowels. After the absorbtion of the Amalori, Kethari and Sethari peoples, the Taraskath langauge enriched itself and eventually became the modern High Taraskath: a language mixing hissing sounds with melodic syllables. In some areas of Dakathia, an older more hissing dialect of Taraskath is spoken.<br />
<br />
The writing system is alphabetic, even if two scripts exist: the runic and the calligraphic scripts. The former is the "initial" script as used by the ancient Taraskath, with some additions. The calligraphic script was taken from the Amalori language and is used as a high flown variant, for particularly important letters and registers.<br />
<br />
==Geographic Distribution==<br />
<br />
Taraskath is closely related to [[Taraskovya]]ns. It is official in the [[Grand Duchy]] of Taraskovya and some of its Dominions and is also spoken in [[Abt]], even if [[Russian]] is the only official language there.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Languages]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Vethara_ShakhovskayaVethara Shakhovskaya2007-08-11T13:15:19Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{FAC}}<br />
<br />
{|style="float:right;margin:0 0 1em 1em;font-size:90%;clear:centre;" width="400" cellspacing="5"<br />
|+ style="text-align:center; font-size:larger;" | '''Archduchess Vethara Mikhailovna'''<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="padding-bottom:1em;text-align:center;" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Vethara.jpg<br><br />
Archduchess Vethara Mikhailovna<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Birth'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | 12th July, 1107 A.S.<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Titles'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | HRH Archduchess of Taraskovya, Duchess of Zoria, Duchess of Kheper-kekui-kha-mesti, Benefactress of the Church<br />
<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Spouse'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | None<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Issue'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | Tatiana Georgieva (adopted) (deceased)<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Royal House'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Shakhovskoy]]<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Father'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Mikhail I]] <br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Mother'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | Ekaterina Vladimirovna<br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Siblings'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | HRH Anastasia Mikhailovna, HM [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]] the Grand Duke of all Taraskovya <br />
|-<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: right;" | '''Faith'''<br />
| style="vertical-align: top; text-align: left;" | [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Orthodox]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Vethara, Archduchess of [[Tarasovka|Taraskovya]]''' (Vethara Mikhailovna Shakhovskaya)(born 12 July 1107 AS) is the third child and second daughter to the late Grand Duke [[Mikhail I Shakhovskoy|Mikhail I]] and Grand Duchess Ekaterina. She is also heiress presumptive to the Taraskovyan Sword of Rulers, currently held by her brother, Grand Duke [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]].<br />
<br />
She, as all Shakhovskoy, is a symbol of unity and harmony between the two peoples that have for generations shaped the destiny of her nation - the [[Ros|Russians]] and the Taraskath. With the fiery Russian vivacity and spontaneity and the cold Taraskath pragmatism, as well as their extreme longevity, Vethara combines all the traits that caracterize a modern Taraskovyan.<br />
<br />
Just like her mother Ekaterina, the Archduchess became one of the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] faithful. She is very devout and is a great supporter of the Church, to the point that her merits were recognized by the Vigvar Patriarchate when she was bestowed with the title of ''Benefactress of the Church''.<br />
<br />
==Early Years==<br />
<br />
Her Royal Highness Vethara, Archduchess of Tarasovka, was born in the Vigvar Winter Palace, on the 12th of July 1107 After Strife. However, both the fact of her birth and her very existence were hidden from the Taraskovyan people, the Leib-doctors having been instructed to remain silent. <br />
<br />
It is not known what reasons pushed the Grand Duke and his wife to act so. The early life of Vethara is, thus, clouded in mystery and gave birth to many a rumour, all of them dismissed by the Ruling family.<br />
<br />
==Revelation to the Public and Subsequent Years==<br />
<br />
When the Archduchess was 22 years old, her existence was finally revealed by the Grand Duke to his subjects, but no exact reason for the previous secrecy was given. No scandals erupted, however, and Taraskovyans were quick to celebrate the appearance of a whole new child of their beloved ruler.<br />
<br />
The near absence of negative reaction is sometimes explained by a thorough preparation of the event by the Grand Duke and the Taraskovyan National Security Department.<br />
<br />
===Higher Education and Life as a Doctor===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/MedFac.jpg|left|MedFac|The building of the Faculty of Medicine, where Her Royal Highness studied.|277px}}Whilst it is understood that Vethara had received initial education from private tutors, it did not prevent her from brilliantly passing exams to the Vigvar University Faculty of Medicine. She earned the degree of Bachelor of Medicine after two out of the usual five years, to the difference of her brother who completed the regular cursus.<br />
<br />
She then was engaged by the Vigvar Grand Ducal Leib-hospital as a general practitioner. At the same time, she entered the Pediatrics Department of the Faculty of Medicine, striving to become a pediatrician, which she did at the age of 30.<br />
<br />
===Public Life===<br />
<br />
Due to her clouded past, Vethara quickly became the focus point of Taraskovyan media and, as such, was very quickly integrated into the social life of the Grand Duchy. Due to her kindness and generousity, she quickly became popular with the people, who often favoured her more than her father.<br />
<br />
The Archduchess became active in the so-called “Bread for Sword” program, taking on the handling of finances and touring of the country to foresee to the needs of those benefiting from the program. In the “Bread for Sword” the Grand Duke of all Taraskovya offered financial assistance to the poorest Taraskovyans in exchange for armed service should war come to Taraskovyan soil and the Taraskovyan army be in dire need of men and women. In practice, none of those assisted in the “Bread for Sword” ever served a single day and, as such, that program was often referred to as charity. However, it helped many start a new self-sufficient life.<br />
<br />
Vethara was also actively involved in supporting the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Church]] and even earned the honourary title of ''Benefactress of the Church''.<br />
<br />
===Romances===<br />
<br />
The only public known romance of Her Royal Highness was with the Poruchik Nekshas Tenathir of the [[Alexander Guard|Leib-guards]], Count of Terth, with whom Vethara was first sighted in public in 1138 AS at the Vigvar Opera House. In May 1141, Poruchik Tenathir was baptized in the Orthodox faith and in June the couple announced their engagement. However, their union never came to be as the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] erupted in September of the same year and the Count fell on the battlefield.<br />
<br />
==The Plague and the Federal Era==<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Srebrograd1.jpg|right|Plague|The Plague became the most violent and destructive of all Taraskovyan civil wars.|218px}}<br />
<br />
The [[Aphyr_Conflict|Plague]], as Taraskovyans call the violent civil war of 1141 AS, came as a shock to the Archduchess. The death of her fiancé and father in the first weeks of warfare literally cut the young woman down. By the end of December 1141, her brother also presumably fell in battle. The war also claimed the life of her sister Anastasia, the initiator of the conflict. Her mother’s heart could not endure such a tremendous loss and Ekaterina also departed for a better world in the days following the end of the Plague.<br />
<br />
Vethara, thus, became the only remnant of the Ruling family and the ''Grand Duchess by Right of all Taraskovya''. However, the Sword of Rulers was taken by the Church of the Seven Deities back to the Sacred Citadel of Zynthris and Vethara never had the time to give the Oath of Faith (or, in other words, be enthroned). As such, she never wielded the Sword and could not bear the title of ''Shokath-Kshas''.<br />
<br />
During the political void created by the massacre of the royal family, a triumvirate of high ranked army officers seized the opportunity to assert their power over the nation in order to prevent the country from slipping into further chaos. Even if at first the three Ruling Councillors were keen to use Vethara as a symbolic leader above them, the young woman soon came to be seen as a threat.<br />
<br />
===Exile in Menelmacar===<br />
<br />
A group of loyalist officers, sensing the threat that posed the Ruling Council, managed to smuggle Vethara out of the country and into [[Menelmacar]], where she was given refuge by Lady Sirithil. The Ruling Council, having lost the opportunity to force Vethara into abdicating, proceeded to illegally abolish monarchy and proclaimed a Republic, under the name of [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Era|Taraskovyan Federation]]. Vethara, in the meantime formed a Government in Exile, which was keener on working with loyalist elements within Tarasovka than seek international support and recognition.<br />
<br />
The many years of Exile opened the Archduchess to foreign customs and realms, as she established personal friendly relations with some foreign rulers, even if only the [[Menelmacar|Eternal Noldorin Empire]] and the [[The Resurgent Dream|Danaan High Kingdom]] officially recognized her as the legitimate ruler of Tarasovka.<span class="reference"><sup id="fn_1_back">[[#fn_1|1]]</sup></span><br />
<br />
==Return of the Grand Duke==<br />
<br />
In spring of the year 1148 AS, just as the nation was still recovering from the latest [[White Legion]] uprising, the presumably dead and buried [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II of all Taraskovya]] made an unexpected return. However, he did not lead a bloody coup, choosing instead to become a member of the Ruling Council. He took the seat of Admiral Puchinov, who was killed during the Vigvar Attacks perpetrated by the White Legion during their 1147 AS Uprising. Mere months later, the Taraskovyan people were called to vote on a new [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Constitution], which would restore monarchy in Tarasovka, even if the Grand Duchy was drastically reformed.<br />
<br />
Vethara at first refused to recognize “Mikhail” as her real brother. Yet, as the People and Fiefdoms approved the Grand Ducal Constitution and Mikhail II became Grand Duke again, she had to eventually abandon her claims to the Sword of Rulers. The [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9816327&postcount=262 final reconciliation] between the two happened during the coronation of [[Owain_ap_Cunedda|High King Owain]] of [[the Resurgent Dream]] and heralded the return of the Archduchess to her homeland and put a definite end to the [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Period|Time of Troubles]].<br />
<br />
===Life in the new Taraskovya ===<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/Drawings/VethaS.jpg|left|Vetha|Archduchess Vethara in “Mystery of Goddess”. |144px}} <br />
Following the beginning of the [[Tarasovka#The_Second_Grand_Ducal_Period|Second Grand Ducal Era]] the Archduchess was made Duchess of Zoria by her brother and became dedicated to turning it into a jewel of the Taraskovyan nation. The virgin islands on [[Venus]] offered a great plethora of possibilities on which Vethara's management skills could be fully revealed. Currently, the Duchy of Zoria enjoys a booming development, spearheaded by excellent trade relations with C'tani and Menelmacari dominions on Venus.<br />
<br />
She is a fervent servant of the least fortunate of Taraskovyans and dedicates a lot of time and effort to aid the victims of the [[Aphyr Conflict|Plague]] and the [[Tarasovka#The_Federal_Period|Time of Troubles]]. After visiting an orphanage, she got attached to a girl orphaned by the Plague. The girl, called Tatiana, was later on adopted by the Archduchess and Vethara became a loving and caring mother. <br />
<br />
Vethara has also spearheaded a somewhat controversial project which involved selling a photo album in which Taraskovyan and international celebrities would pose in lingerie. The photo album, called [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=497564 Mystery of Goddess], regrouped women from all spheres, from diplomats to heads of state and from actresses to journalists. Vethara herself took part in the album in a rather open attire, but only after having secured the relative approval of the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Patriarch|Patriarch Nikon II]]. It is said the Archduchess was herself quite surprised by the amount of interest her little project got and never expected foreign heads of state to take part in it.<br />
<br />
Vethara has also been trying to spend as much time as possible with her brother following their decade long separation and many deem that is she the Grand Duke's most trusted confident and advisor, even though the two siblings do not always agree on everything. But due to the heavy schedule of both of them, they do not have all the time they'd like to, even if they never miss an opportunity to endulge in a game of horseback archery.<br />
<br />
===Assassination Attempt===<br />
<br />
On December 7, 1150 AS the Archduchess became the victim of an assassination attempt on her life. Vethara was gravely injured, but her life was saved due to a timely and efficient medical treatment. Her adoptive daughter Tatiana, however, was killed, which became a tragedy to the Archduchess.<br />
<br />
==Favourite Pastimes==<br />
<br />
In her free time, the Archduchess is known to practice horseback archery and skiing, with some of her most favorite resorts being located in the southern Cardinian Chain. While on visits to those countries that offer ski resorts, the Archduchess tries not to miss a chance to try herself on the local courses. And if the hosts can offer her the grounds for a horseback archery game, they are bound to leave a lasting positive impression upon Vethara.<br />
<br />
She also has a certain interest in gardening and was seen quite a few times studying various plants in the Great Gardens as well as adjacent greenhouses. Some say the Archduchess tried to grow a new sort of flower, but her attempts, it appeared, never came to fruition. The parks and gardens of Lorelei, the capital of Zoria, were designed personally by the Archduchess.<br />
<br />
==Trivia==<br />
<br />
* Her "pet" wolf is a ''Cardinian Black'', part of one of the two sub-species of the ''Taraskovyan Black'' (the other being the ''Dakathian Black''), named '''Pushozverek'''. This translates roughly as "Fluff beast". Despite being fluffy, Fluff is capable of very nasty deeds if ordered so by Vethara.<br />
<br />
* The Archduchess is renowned for her love of Swans. It is, thus, no wonder that her private bodyguards unit is casually referred to as '''Swans Guard''', due to them using a white swan as symbol. Full unit name: ''Her Royal Highness the Archduchess’es Own Company of the leib-Guard''.<br />
<br />
* It is rumoured that Vethara’s name comes from an amalgamation of two words: the Russian noun ''veter'' (wind) and the Taraskath verb ''tharet'' (to carry away), with the most probable meaning being ''Carried away by the Wind'' (or ''Gone with the Wind''). <br />
<br />
* Due to the above information, the song “Swan and Kite”, written during the rule of the military junta, of the Taraskovyan metal band “Lost in Wonderland” is attributed as being dedicated to Archduchess Vethara. Whilst the song can be considered as inspired by a Russian fairy-tale, a particular verse attracted some attention during the military junta, when press was censored and freedom of expression restrained especially concerning everything related to the Monarchy.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding=6<br />
! Russian<br />
! Transliteration<br />
! English translation<br />
|- style="vertical-align:top; white-space:nowrap;"<br />
| <br />
Унесенная ветром в чужие края, <br><br />
Гнезда не забыла. Надежду храня, <br><br />
Что время пройдет, минуют года, <br><br />
Коршун падет, его примет земля. <br><br />
И лебедь расправит крылья тогда… <br><br />
<br />
|<br />
Unesionnaia vetrom v chujie kraia, <br><br />
Gnezda ne zabyla. Nadejdu hrania, <br><br />
Chto vremia proidet, minu’iut goda, <br><br />
Korshun padet, ego primet zemlia. <br><br />
I lebed’ raspravit krylia togda… <br><br />
<br />
| <br />
Carried away by the wind to lands afar,<br><br />
She has not forgotten her nest. Nourishing a hope,<br><br />
That time shall pass, years shall pass, <br><br />
The kite shall fall, the earth shall swallow him.<br><br />
And the swan shall spread her wings… <br><br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Other Titles==<br />
<br />
===Benefactress of the Church===<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/BenOrder.jpg|right|StAndrewOrder|The Order of Saint Apostle Andrew the First-Called.|152px}}<br />
<br />
The title of ''Benefactress of the Church'' was bestowed upon Vethara by the Patriarch Nikon II of Vigvar and all Taraskovya in reward for her support of the Church and of the [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Orthodox]] faith. This is an extremely high honour and few are known to have gotten the title. During those days, the only other Benefactress of the Church was Vethara's mother, the Grand Duchess Ekaterina. As of today, Vethara shares the honour with Duke Anatoly Orlov, who was granted the title of Benefactor in reward for his support of the Church during the turmoil of the Federal era.<br />
<br />
As a Benefactress of the Church, Vethara was awarded with the ''Grand Cross'' of the '''[[Order of Saint Andrew|Order of Saint Apostle Andrew the First-Called]]''' by the [[Taraskovyan_Orthodox_Church#Patriarch|Patriarch of Vigvar and all Taraskovya]]. The Order's star is made of silver and diamonds, and features the inscription "For Faith and Loyalty". The badge represents a double-headed eagle bearing a blue cross St. Andrew's Cross with St. Andrew crucified upon it. <br />
<br />
===Duchess of Zoria===<br />
<br />
Vethara is also the ''Duchess of Zoria''. Zoria is a Taraskovyan possession on the planet of [[Venus]], which was bought by the Grand Duke from [[Menelmacar]] as a gift to his sister in honour of their reconcilliation. Vethara, after first attempting to get something more modest from her brother, accepted the Duchy and the responsibilities that came with it. She exercises full authority over the Duchy, with her brother reserving the right to use it whenever military needs arise.<br />
<br />
===Duchess of Khamesti===<br />
<br />
The title of ''Duchess of Kheper-kekui-kha-mesti'' was bestowed upon Vethara by the Emperor of the [[C'tan]]. The city of Khamesti (as it is casually referred to for the sake of simplicity)is located in the Duat province of Aterat. The position is largely ceremonial and the Taraskovyan Archduchess holds no power over the city, even if Khamesti does generate a generous income for her.<br />
<br />
This particular Ducal title, however, is not hereditary as is. In order to make it hereditary, Vethara entered C'tani civil service as a Governement Assessor on Pediatric Medicine.<br />
<br />
===Danaan Honours===<br />
<br />
Archduchess Vethara has also been bestowed with a number of Danaan honours. She is a '''Dame of the Order of the Gryffon''', and a bearer of the Danaan '''Order of Merit'''. Albeit being rather basic, these are nonetheless high and prestigious honours that were awarded to the Archduchess during her stay in [[the Resurgent Dream]] following the coronation of High King Owain.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Characters]] [[Category: Tarasovka]]<br />
<br />
==Foot Notes==<br />
<br />
<small><cite id="fn_1">[[#fn_1_back|1]]: Some other nations never adopted any official stance on the issue and continued to deal both with the Ruling Council and with the Grand Duchess by right. Both sides were content with such a solution and never demanded an official recognition from any other State.</cite><br />
<br />
</small></div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=NSWiki:Featured_articles/QueueNSWiki:Featured articles/Queue2007-08-10T13:29:49Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>This article lists, based on updated conventions of '''featuring articles''', in order, the next article to be featured on the [[Main Page]] of [[NSwiki]]. This queuing list is in response to concerns that articles that have had positive consensus for longer periods of time are not being featured at corresponding times relative to reaching that status. The ranking is based principally on the consensus (or lack thereof), followed by the last time a comment was posted in the article's discussion. In addition, the time the article has spent in FAC status affects its ranking so that in some cases articles with slightly more negative consensus will be ranked one or two positions higher in the queue.<br />
<br />
For a list of previously featured articles, see [[NSwiki:Featured articles]]. For the full list of featured article candidates, see [[:Category:NSwiki featured article candidates]].<br />
<br />
If you are updating the list please remember to update not only the consensus but the last valid vote made.<br><br><br />
<br />
{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="4" width="100%" style="margin: 0 0 0 0; border-collapse: collapse;" <br />
! width=5% align=center | Pos<br />
! width=25% align=center | Article <br />
! width=20% align=center | Current consensus <br />
! width=40% align=center | Last logged and valid vote (GMT)<br />
! width=10% align=center | FAC discussion<br />
|-<br />
|1<br />
|[[Alistair Tetley]]<br />
! bgcolor=#E0EEE0 |'''12/0/0'''<br />
|20:51, 26 June 2007 by [[User:Lightman]]<br />
|[[Talk:Alistair Tetley|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|2<br />
|[[Gulden]]<br />
! bgcolor=#E0EEE0 |'''11/1/0'''<br />
|11:50, 9 July 2007 (GMT) by [[User:Swilatia]]<br />
|[[Talk:Gulden|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|3<br />
|[[Vethara Shakhovskaya]]<br />
! bgcolor=#E0EEE0 |'''10/0/0'''<br />
|17:06, 9 August 2007 by [[User:Midlonia|Jamez]]<br />
|[[Talk:Vethara Shakhovskaya| Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|4<br />
|[[Itinerate Tree Dweller]]<br />
! bgcolor=#E0EEE0 |'''9/0/0'''<br />
|03:12, 25 February 2007 [[User:Eurasia]]<br />
|[[Talk:Itinerate Tree Dweller|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|5<br />
|[[Noterelenda]]<br />
! bgcolor=#E0EEE0 |'''9/0/1'''<br />
|02:22, 18 December 2006 by [[User:Domnonia]]<br />
|[[Talk:Noterelenda|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|6<br />
|[[Nairatsa]]<br />
! bgcolor=#E0EEE0 |'''7/0/0'''<br />
|23:56, 14 October 2006 by [[User:Aridd]]<br />
|[[Talk:Nairatsa|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|7<br />
|[[Ariddia]]<br />
! bgcolor=#E0EEE0 |'''7/1/0'''<br />
|13:23, 21 May 2007 [[User:Bettia]]<br />
|[[Talk:Ariddia|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|8<br />
|[[Omigodtheykilledkenny]]<br />
! bgcolor=#E0EEE0 |'''7/0/2'''<br />
|14:39, 2 January 2007 by [[User:Wegason]]<br />
|[[Talk:Omigodtheykilledkenny|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|9<br />
|[[Jevian]]<br />
! bgcolor=#E0EEE0 |'''5/0/0'''<br />
|04:47, 21 July 2007 by [[User:CI]]<br />
|[[Talk:Jevian|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|10<br />
|[[First Battle of Mons Dei]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''6/0/2'''<br />
|05:41, 10 November 2006 by [[User:Southeastasia]]<br />
|[[Talk:First Battle of Mons Dei|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|11<br />
|[[Jey]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''8/1/6'''<br />
|02:19, 24 July 2007 by [[User:CI]]<br />
|[[Talk:Jey|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|12<br />
|[[Timothy Ell]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''6/1/2'''<br />
|17:18, 18 July 2007 by [[User:Omigodtheykilledkenny]]<br />
|[[Talk:Timothy Ell| Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|13<br />
|[[S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''5/0/4'''<br />
|08:58, 21 May 2007 by [[User:Bettia]]<br />
|[[Talk:S.H.O.D.A.N. v3.0|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|14<br />
|[[Universitus]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''3/0/0'''<br />
|04:37, 21 July 2007 by [[User:CI]]<br />
|[[Talk:Universitus|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|15<br />
|[[Fodmodmadtol]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''3/0/4'''<br />
|23:57, 11 November 2006 by [[User:Khrrck]]<br />
|[[Talk:Fodmodmadtol|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|16<br />
|[[Saharistan War]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''4/2/4'''<br />
|15:07, 14 February 2006 by [[User:Praetonia]]<br />
|[[Talk:Saharistan War|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|17<br />
|[[UN Timeline]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''14/8/6'''<br />
|03:24, 29 April 2007 by [[User:Kanami]]<br />
|[[Talk:UN Timeline|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|18<br />
|[[Vassfforcia la Serenísima]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''2/0/0'''<br />
|04:35, 28 January 2007 by [[User:Krisco]]<br />
|[[Talk:Vassfforcia la Serenísima|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|19<br />
|[[Feudal Japan]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''3/0/1'''<br />
|5:39, 27 May 2007 (GMT)by [[User:John]]<br />
|[[Talk:Feudal Japan|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|20<br />
|[[Niploma]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |'''4/2/3'''<br />
|11:56, 22 April 2007 by [[User:Free Outer Eugenia]]<br />
|[[Talk:Niploma|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|21<br />
|[[Laurasia]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FFD39B |'''2/0/2'''<br />
|19:52, 18 June 2007 by [[User:Lightman]]<br />
|[[Talk:Laurasia|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|22<br />
|[[Kajal]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FFD39B |'''2/0/3'''<br />
|16:42, 17 December 2006 by [[User:Jester]]<br />
|[[Talk:Kajal|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|23<br />
|[[Roania]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FFD39B |'''2/1/2'''<br />
|09:53, 18 October 2006 by [[User:Roania]]<br />
|[[Talk:Roania|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|24<br />
|[[Palixia]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FFD39B |'''1/0/2'''<br />
|04:57, 13 October 2006 by [[User:Pacitalia]]<br />
|[[Talk:Palixia|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|25<br />
|[[Myroria]]<br />
! bgcolor=#FFD39B |'''2/3/1'''<br />
|12:05, 2 January 2007 by [[User:Saint Oz]]<br />
|[[Talk:Myroria|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|26<br />
|[[Josephel 2]] <br />
!bgcolor=#FFE4E1 |'''1/3/0'''<br />
|19:54, 21 December 2006 by [[User:Pacitalia]]<br />
|[[Talk:Josephel 2|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|-<br />
|27<br />
|[[Federal Trodenhiem]] <br />
!bgcolor=#FFE4E1 |'''1/3/1'''<br />
|16:13, 27 January 2007 by [[User:Vassfforcia]]<br />
|[[Talk:Federal Trodenhiem|Go &rarr;]]<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="4" width="100%" style="margin: 0 0 0 0; border-collapse: collapse;" <br />
! width=5% align=center | Colour<br />
! width=85% align=center | Description<br />
! width=10% align=center | Example (S/O/N)<br />
|-<br />
! bgcolor=#E0EEE0 |<br />
| '''Strong support''', article has little or no neutrality or opposition<br />
| 5 / 0 / 0-1<br />
|-<br />
! bgcolor=#FAFAD2 |<br />
| '''Moderate support''', article has a few neutral voters and one or two in opposition<br />
| 5 / 0 / 1-3<br />
|-<br />
! bgcolor=#FFD39B |<br />
| '''Neutrality or deadlock''', equal numbers support and oppose, and/or most people are neutral<br />
| 3 / 3 / 3-5<br />
|-<br />
! bgcolor=#FFE4E1 |<br />
| '''Moderate opposition''', article has a few neutral voters and one or two in support<br />
| 2 / 5 / 1-3<br />
|-<br />
! bgcolor=#EEB4B4 |<br />
| '''Strong opposition''', article has little or no support<br />
| 0 / 5 / 0-1<br />
|}<br />
<br />
FACs with no valid votes:<br />
* N/A<br />
<br />
<br />
<small>Last update: <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; text-align: justify;">'''[[Special:Emailuser/Jey|<sub><sub><big><font color="#CCCC00">°</font></big></sub></sub><sup>]][[Jey|<font color="blue">J</font>]]</sup>[[User:Jey|<font color="#0099FF">e</font>]]<sub>[[User_talk:Jey|<font color="green">y</font>]]</sub>[[Special:Contributions/Jey|<font color="red"><sup><big>°</big></sup></font>]]'''</span> 04:50, 24 July 2007 (GMT)</small></div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:Vethara_ShakhovskayaTalk:Vethara Shakhovskaya2007-08-09T16:17:44Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div><h3> {{PAGENAME}} FAC Vote (10/0/0) </h3><br />
''Please remember to sign your votes with 4 tildes ( &#126;&#126;&#126;&#126;) and update the vote tally when you vote.'' <small>See also: [[NSwiki:Featured articles/Queue|Q]] | [[Main Page|MP]] | [[NSwiki:Featured articles|FA]]</small><br />
<br />
'''Support'''<br />
<br />
#Very kewl and nifty. If I was a prince in that nation, I'd be out to get her ;) [[User:Lancaster|Lancaster]] 21:57, 14 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
#Much more comprehensive than all of _my_ character bios... XD [[User:Kajal|Kajal]] 18:36, 15 December 2006 (GMT) <br />
#Exactly what you look for in a character article. [[User:Owain|Owain]] 06:15, 17 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
#Fantastic character article! --[[User:Pantocratoria|Pantocratoria]] 11:17, 20 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
#Very nice indeed! [[User:Knootoss|&#124;Knoot]]&#124;&#91;&#91;User talk:Knootoss&#124;KNOO&lt;small&gt;talk&lt;/small&gt;]] 17:05, 20 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
# An excellent product as usual, Tarasovka. I hope to see this as a featured article some day. But I do admit that this situation has reinforced my considerable distaste and disgust for most Wiki systems. [[User:Valinon|Valinon]] 22:32, 21 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
#Biographies generally aren't my thing, but hey - among the things that aren't really my thing, it's among the best :P [[User:Rezo|Rezo]] 17:06, 23 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
#Since half the FACs in the queue above my article have author votes, I find that it would not be completely unjustified on my part to vote for my own article. [[User:Jester|Jester]] 02:42, 9 August 2007 (GMT)<br />
#Thanks to this article alone, I know her hopes and dreams, her future. And quite a lot of information about her. [[User:Tiburon|Tiburon]] 02:50, 9 August 2007 (GMT)<br />
#This was a fantastic read even on a relatively rapid read through, it's gets to the point and covers a wide amount of things. Nicely done.[[User:Midlonia|Jamez]] 17:06, 9 August 2007 (GMT)<br />
'''Oppose'''<br />
#<br />
<br />
'''Neutral'''<br />
#<br />
<br />
'''Comments/Questions'''<br />
''Moved from support (unregistered users cannot vote):''<br />
:#Valinon[[User:160.36.52.117|160.36.52.117]]<br />
::I cannot find a rule which says unregistered users cannot vote anywhere, [[User:Ceorana|Ceorana]]. Could you point me in that rule's direction? Otherwise I think this vote should be counted - Valinon's a pretty well-regarded member of the NS community. --[[User:Pantocratoria|Pantocratoria]] 11:17, 20 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
:::Well-regarded or not, Panto, we do not count any votes from unregistered or IP-only voters. However, as soon as Valinon registers an account, his/her vote will definitely count towards the tally. For now, however, we must continue to do what we have done in the past for all FAC article polls, and that is to discount any and all votes that cannot be attributed to an existing NSwiki user. (( [[User:Pacitalia|<font color="navy">Paci</font>]][[User_talk:Pacitalia|<font color="green">'''talk'''</font>]][[User:Pacitalia|<font color="red">ia</font>]] )) <small>Time sent:</small> 19:38, 21 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
::::I would like it noted for the record that I have now registered and voted. However, I wish that it would be noted that once again Wiki has shown it is becoming a self-perpetuating bureaucracy whose merits are increasingly limited. If the logic was applied to other NS services and communication forums that you are using to vote then most of the MIRC channels associated with NS would not have members (given how many nicknames are actually registered) and most of the forums would be harder to visit. But that's all I have to say on the matter.[[User:Valinon|Valinon]] 22:34, 21 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
:Noted. Thank you for voting. (( [[User:Pacitalia|<font color="navy">Paci</font>]][[User_talk:Pacitalia|<font color="green">'''talk'''</font>]][[User:Pacitalia|<font color="red">ia</font>]] )) <small>Time sent:</small> 00:11, 22 December 2006 (GMT)</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=AbtAbt2007-08-09T15:36:54Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| align=right cellspacing=0 width=360px class="infobox toccolours" style="padding: 0.8em 0.8em 0.8em 0.8em; margin: 0em 0em 0.75em 0.75em; background: #fcfcfc; vertical-align: middle; border-h: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-top: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-left: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-right: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-bottom: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; font-size: 85%; span: 1px #c6c6c6 solid;"<br />
| style="background: #83A7D8; height: 0.8em;" colspan=2 |<br />
|-<br />
| style="font-size: 11pt; background: #fcfcfc; text-align: center;" colspan=2 | '''Abt Republic'''<br><br />
'''Республика Абт'''<br />
|-<br />
| style="text-align: center;" width=50% | http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/abt.jpg|| style="text-align: center;" width=50% | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/Abtshield.png<br />
|-<br />
| style="border: 0px; text-align: center;" | [[Abtian Symbols|National flag]] || style="border: 0px; text-align: center;" | [[Abtian Symbols|Coat of Arms]]<br />
|-<br />
| align=center colspan=2 style="padding: 0em 0em 0.5em 0em; text-align: center; background: #fcfcfc;" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/AbtLocMap.png<br />
|-<br />
| style="background: #83A7D8; height: 0.8em;" colspan=2 |<br />
|-<br />
| width=160 | '''Motto''' || ''Help of God, Love of People, Strength of Abt.''<br />
|-<br />
| '''Anthem''' || «On our forests the Sun has risen»<br />
|-<br />
| '''[[Wikipedia:Capital|Capital]] and largest city''' || [[Belgorod]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Languages'''<br>&nbsp; - Official<br>&nbsp; - Unofficial || <br>[[Russian]]<br> [[English]], [[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Serbovian_Language|Serbovian]], [[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Polavians|Polavian]],Taraskath<br />
|-<br />
| '''Government'''<br>&nbsp; - President<br>&nbsp; - Speaker of Duma || '''[[Republic|Presidential republic]]'''<br>[[Aorin Kelberath]]<br>Leonid Soloviev<br />
|-<br />
| '''State Church''' || [[Taraskovyan_Church#Abtian_Orthodox_Church|Abtian Orthodox Church]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Independence'''<br>&nbsp; - Declared <br>&nbsp; - Recognised || From [[Taraskovya]] &nbsp;<br>21 April 1149 A.S.<br>23 April 1149 A.S.<br><br />
|-<br />
| '''[[Population]]''' <br>&nbsp;- Total (2007 Est)<br />
| <br>87’548’400 <br />
|-<br />
|'''[[Currency]]''' || 1 Abtian Frank <font face="Courier New">([[Nation codes|ARF]])</font> <small>= 100 Cents</small><br />
|-<br />
| style="background: #83A7D8; height: 0.8em;" colspan=2 |<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic''' is a young sovereign state occupying the north-eastern corner of the continent of [[Ambara]]. It was founded by a group of former Taraskovyan mercenaries from the ''Free Axemen'' Free Mercenary Corps. The Grand Duchy of [[Tarasovka]] recognized the independence of the state when the Oath of Abjuration was formally pronounced. The peaceful separation from the mother country sparked a wave of immigration from Tarasovka by many hopeful republicans that saw in Abt the perfect realization of their ideals.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Republic was founded by a Taraskovyan ''Free Mercenary Corps'' called the '''Free Axemen''', numbering approximately five thousand personnel and their families. The first group of two thousand men first debarked in [[Abt Bay]], from which the country takes its name, and founded the city of Belgorod. <br />
<br />
The initial settlers received a rather mixed welcome from the local powers. [[The Resurgent Dream]] was quick to establish relations, but [[Pantocratorian Ambara]] and [[Pantocratoria]] viewed the newly founded Republic with much suspicion. This was in part due to the ambiguous legal status of the colony vis-à-vis Taraskovya itself, since the settlers did not declare independence right away. It was also due to the ambiguous legal status of lands not yet claimed by a specific power but possessing clear strategic relevance for a number of powers.<br />
<br />
On 21 April 1149, the people of Abt officially proclaimed an Oath of Abjuration, severing their ties with the Grand Duchy and renouncing their Taraskovyan citizenship. Grand Duke [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]] chose to recognize the new state for a variety of reasons and has influenced the Grand Ducal Parliament into accepting the Oath of Abjuration. Thus, Abt became independent.<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFsoldiers1.jpg|left|ARDF|Abtian soldiers in urban warfare during the War of Establishment.}}<br />
<br />
Shortly after, an official conference of Ambaran powers decided to recognize the Abtian claim over Northern [[Sahor]] while entrusting the rest to [[the Resurgent Dream]] who eventually settled the area and made it an integral part of the national territory.<br />
<br />
===War of Establishment===<br />
<br />
The '''War of Establishment''' is an unofficial term to describe the conflict which pitched the Abt Republic Defence Force against the [[Sons of the Reformation]]. The terrorist organisation sought to disrupt the establishment of Abt's authority over the vast north-western jungles and mountain ranges, and Abtian soldiers had to fight in unknown terrain against a well organised enemy to impose the Republic's sovereignty. Hence the name of the armed conflict.<br />
<br />
The Republic's army won the conflict and routed out the terrorists. The day that victory was proclaimed is unofficially celebrated as "Abt Day" by the population.<br />
<br />
==Politics==<br />
<br />
Abt is a unitary democratic presidential republic. The executive power is vested with the '''President''', who is the head of state of the Republic. The President is elected by direct popular vote and forms the '''Cabinet of Ministers'''. The current President is Aorin Kelberath, who was the Commander of the former Free Axemen FMC before they officially disbanded.<br />
<br />
The legislative power is vested with a unicameral legislature, the '''Duma'''. Deputies of the Duma are elected directly by the Abtian population on a proportional basis from each governorate and sit for four years before the Duma is renewed. The current parliamentary majority is held by the Republican Party. The second largest party in Parliament is the Progressive Party, currently in opposition.<br />
<br />
===Administrative Divisions===<br />
<br />
The Republic is administratively subdivided into twelve Governorates (''Губернии''), each Governorate is further subdivided into Uezds (''Уезды'', ''"Districts"''), with the latter sometimes further divided into Volosts (''Волости''). The latter sub-divisions may be of City or Rural status, depending on their characteristics. As Abt is a unitarian republic, the number and borders of the Governorates are decided upon in Belgorod. The various sub-divisions are then decided upon by the Governorate authorities.<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="220" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/AbtAdmin.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/AbtAdminS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Administrative map of Abt (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The Governorates are as follows:<br />
: 1. Belgorod Governorate (capital: [[Belgorod]])<br />
: 2. Chiji Governorate (capital: Chiji)<br />
: 3. Severodar Governorate (capital: Severodar)<br />
: 4. Kozelsk Governorate (capital: Kozelsk)<br />
: 5. Central Governorate (capital: Seredgorod)<br />
: 6. Vodavij Governorate (capital: Vodavij)<br />
: 7. Novoposad Governorate (capital: Novoposad)<br />
: 8. Lisa Governorate (capital: Lisinsk)<br />
: 9. Aorinburg Governorate (capital: Aorinburg)<br />
: 10. Vladiles Governorate (capital: Vladiles)<br />
: 11. Pomorsk Governorate (capital: Novopomorsk)<br />
: 12. Western Governorate (capital: Podgorie)<br />
<br />
==Economy==<br />
<br />
Abt is a dynamically developping economy, which has seen a boom following the defeat of the Sons of the Reformation and an advent of stability and security all over the country. The Abtian financial centres attract investors with relatively low taxes and preferential interest rates. Whilst not being an economic superpower, Abt is none the less a firm player amongst the first world countries.<br />
<br />
==Demographics==<br />
<br />
The quasi-entirety of the population is of Taraskovyan [[Ros|Russian]] or other [[Taraskovyan Slavs|Slavic]] origins. A non-Slavic minority also exists, namely in the face of a Taraskath community. The population continues to grow, thanks to an influx of migrants from Taraskovya and, in a smaller part, from other countries. <br />
<br />
The overwhelming majority of the republic’s population dwells on the shores of the Abt Bay, with a thin population stretched over the rest of the territory. The Government has undertaken a number of steps to populate the western reaches. The city of Vladiles was founded in central Abt to act as a major population and industrial centre of the Republic. The city of Podgorie was founded in the footsteps of the Sahori Range to serve as a main population hub in the western reaches of the Republic.<br />
<br />
===Language===<br />
<br />
The language spoken by the majority population is [[Russian]], which is also the official language. Various minority languages also exist, with some mass media in Taraskath, Serbovian and Polavian languages having a steady audience. English is also widely spoken due to proximity with the [[Confederated Peoples]] and is popular in the business circles and some mass media.<br />
<br />
===Religion===<br />
<br />
The Abtian Orthodox Church, an exarchate of the [[Taraskovyan Church]], is the State Church of the Republic. The majority of the population are of Orthodox faith, but small minorities of other faiths also exist. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution, even if the Republic's legislation is ruthless to any person or organisation that tries to abuse that freedom. As such, organisations that promote religious violence and intolerance are outright banned. <br />
<br />
==Military==<br />
<br />
''Main Article: [[Abt Republic Defence Force]]''<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', literally ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is a comparatively small professional military force. It is charged with defending the Republic against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. <br />
<br />
The ARDF is also seen by Abtians as a symbol of their sovereignty and independence. "Made of Abtians and for Abtians!" is a de-facto motto of the armed forces, surely referring to the fact that they no longer have to serve any masters but themselves (they still have to follow their hierarchy, though).<br />
<br />
[[Category: Nations]]<br />
[[Category:Ambara]]<br />
[[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:Vethara_ShakhovskayaTalk:Vethara Shakhovskaya2007-08-09T02:42:21Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div><h3> {{PAGENAME}} FAC Vote (8/0/0) </h3><br />
''Please remember to sign your votes with 4 tildes ( &#126;&#126;&#126;&#126;) and update the vote tally when you vote.'' <small>See also: [[NSwiki:Featured articles/Queue|Q]] | [[Main Page|MP]] | [[NSwiki:Featured articles|FA]]</small><br />
<br />
'''Support'''<br />
<br />
#Very kewl and nifty. If I was a prince in that nation, I'd be out to get her ;) [[User:Lancaster|Lancaster]] 21:57, 14 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
#Much more comprehensive than all of _my_ character bios... XD [[User:Kajal|Kajal]] 18:36, 15 December 2006 (GMT) <br />
#Exactly what you look for in a character article. [[User:Owain|Owain]] 06:15, 17 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
#Fantastic character article! --[[User:Pantocratoria|Pantocratoria]] 11:17, 20 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
#Very nice indeed! [[User:Knootoss|&#124;Knoot]]&#124;&#91;&#91;User talk:Knootoss&#124;KNOO&lt;small&gt;talk&lt;/small&gt;]] 17:05, 20 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
# An excellent product as usual, Tarasovka. I hope to see this as a featured article some day. But I do admit that this situation has reinforced my considerable distaste and disgust for most Wiki systems. [[User:Valinon|Valinon]] 22:32, 21 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
#Biographies generally aren't my thing, but hey - among the things that aren't really my thing, it's among the best :P [[User:Rezo|Rezo]] 17:06, 23 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
#Since half the FACs in the queue above my article have author votes, I find that it would not be completely unjustified on my part to vote for my own article. [[User:Jester|Jester]] 02:42, 9 August 2007 (GMT)<br />
'''Oppose'''<br />
#<br />
<br />
'''Neutral'''<br />
#<br />
<br />
'''Comments/Questions'''<br />
''Moved from support (unregistered users cannot vote):''<br />
:#Valinon[[User:160.36.52.117|160.36.52.117]]<br />
::I cannot find a rule which says unregistered users cannot vote anywhere, [[User:Ceorana|Ceorana]]. Could you point me in that rule's direction? Otherwise I think this vote should be counted - Valinon's a pretty well-regarded member of the NS community. --[[User:Pantocratoria|Pantocratoria]] 11:17, 20 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
:::Well-regarded or not, Panto, we do not count any votes from unregistered or IP-only voters. However, as soon as Valinon registers an account, his/her vote will definitely count towards the tally. For now, however, we must continue to do what we have done in the past for all FAC article polls, and that is to discount any and all votes that cannot be attributed to an existing NSwiki user. (( [[User:Pacitalia|<font color="navy">Paci</font>]][[User_talk:Pacitalia|<font color="green">'''talk'''</font>]][[User:Pacitalia|<font color="red">ia</font>]] )) <small>Time sent:</small> 19:38, 21 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
::::I would like it noted for the record that I have now registered and voted. However, I wish that it would be noted that once again Wiki has shown it is becoming a self-perpetuating bureaucracy whose merits are increasingly limited. If the logic was applied to other NS services and communication forums that you are using to vote then most of the MIRC channels associated with NS would not have members (given how many nicknames are actually registered) and most of the forums would be harder to visit. But that's all I have to say on the matter.[[User:Valinon|Valinon]] 22:34, 21 December 2006 (GMT)<br />
:Noted. Thank you for voting. (( [[User:Pacitalia|<font color="navy">Paci</font>]][[User_talk:Pacitalia|<font color="green">'''talk'''</font>]][[User:Pacitalia|<font color="red">ia</font>]] )) <small>Time sent:</small> 00:11, 22 December 2006 (GMT)</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:GandaraTalk:Gandara2007-08-07T02:22:54Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>< In the negotiations, the Resurgent Dream agreed to not only recognize Abt but to act as a guarantor of her sovereignty so long as Abt '''agreed to remain within her present borders''' and provide assistance in destroying the Sons of the Reformation and the rest of the Marlund insurgency. ><br />
<br />
I was never posed this condition and, as such, I shall consider that Abt has never adhered to it. Such a condition is simply impossible to accept, as it strips a state of one of its core powers: to decide on its own borders, in full respect of its neighbours and international conventions that state took upon to respect. If this brings any change to the TRD's acceptance of Abt, pray inform me. [[User:Jester|Jester]] 03:44, 6 August 2007 (GMT)</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=AbtAbt2007-08-06T03:53:10Z<p>Jester: /* Politics */</p>
<hr />
<div>{| align=right cellspacing=0 width=360px class="infobox toccolours" style="padding: 0.8em 0.8em 0.8em 0.8em; margin: 0em 0em 0.75em 0.75em; background: #fcfcfc; vertical-align: middle; border-h: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-top: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-left: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-right: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-bottom: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; font-size: 85%; span: 1px #c6c6c6 solid;"<br />
| style="background: #83A7D8; height: 0.8em;" colspan=2 |<br />
|-<br />
| style="font-size: 11pt; background: #fcfcfc; text-align: center;" colspan=2 | '''Abt Republic'''<br><br />
'''Республика Абт'''<br />
|-<br />
| style="text-align: center;" width=50% | http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/abt.jpg|| style="text-align: center;" width=50% | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/Abtshield.png<br />
|-<br />
| style="border: 0px; text-align: center;" | [[Abtian Symbols|National flag]] || style="border: 0px; text-align: center;" | [[Abtian Symbols|Coat of Arms]]<br />
|-<br />
| align=center colspan=2 style="padding: 0em 0em 0.5em 0em; text-align: center; background: #fcfcfc;" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/AbtLocMap.png<br />
|-<br />
| style="background: #83A7D8; height: 0.8em;" colspan=2 |<br />
|-<br />
| width=160 | '''Motto''' || ''Help of God, Love of People, Strength of Abt.''<br />
|-<br />
| '''Anthem''' || «On our forests the Sun has risen»<br />
|-<br />
| '''[[Wikipedia:Capital|Capital]] and largest city''' || [[Belgorod]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Languages'''<br>&nbsp; - Official<br>&nbsp; - Unofficial || <br>[[Russian]]<br> [[English]], [[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Serbovian_Language|Serbovian]], [[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Polavians|Polavian]],Taraskath<br />
|-<br />
| '''Government'''<br>&nbsp; - President<br>&nbsp; - Speaker of Duma || '''[[Republic|Presidential republic]]'''<br>[[Aorin Kelberath]]<br>Leonid Soloviev<br />
|-<br />
| '''State Church''' || [[Taraskovyan_Church#Abtian_Orthodox_Church|Abtian Orthodox Church]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Independence'''<br>&nbsp; - Declared <br>&nbsp; - Recognised || From [[Taraskovya]] &nbsp;<br>21 April 1149 A.S.<br>23 April 1149 A.S.<br><br />
|-<br />
| '''[[Population]]''' <br>&nbsp;- Total (2007 Est)<br />
| <br>167’548’400 <br />
|-<br />
|'''[[Currency]]''' || 1 Abtian Frank <font face="Courier New">([[Nation codes|ARF]])</font> <small>= 100 Cents</small><br />
|-<br />
| style="background: #83A7D8; height: 0.8em;" colspan=2 |<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic''' is a young sovereign state occupying the north-eastern corner of the continent of [[Ambara]]. It was founded by a group of former Taraskovyan mercenaries from the ''Free Axemen'' Free Mercenary Corps. The Grand Duchy of [[Tarasovka]] recognized the independence of the state when the Oath of Abjuration was formally pronounced. The peaceful separation from the mother country sparked a wave of immigration from Tarasovka by many hopeful republicans that saw in Abt the perfect realization of their ideals.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Republic was founded by a Taraskovyan ''Free Mercenary Corps'' called the '''Free Axemen''', numbering approximately five thousand personnel and their families. The first group of two thousand men first debarked in [[Abt Bay]], from which the country takes its name, and founded the city of Belgorod. <br />
<br />
The initial settlers received a rather mixed welcome from the local powers. [[The Resurgent Dream]] was quick to establish relations, but [[Pantocratorian Ambara]] and [[Pantocratoria]] viewed the newly founded Republic with much suspicion. This was in part due to the ambiguous legal status of the colony vis-à-vis Taraskovya itself, since the settlers did not declare independence right away. It was also due to the ambiguous legal status of lands not yet claimed by a specific power but possessing clear strategic relevance for a number of powers.<br />
<br />
On 21 April 1149, the people of Abt officially proclaimed an Oath of Abjuration, severing their ties with the Grand Duchy and renouncing their Taraskovyan citizenship. Grand Duke [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]] chose to recognize the new state for a variety of reasons and has influenced the Grand Ducal Parliament into accepting the Oath of Abjuration. Thus, Abt became independent.<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFsoldiers1.jpg|left|ARDF|Abtian soldiers in urban warfare during the War of Establishment.}}<br />
<br />
Shortly after, an official conference of Ambaran powers decided to recognize the Abtian claim over Northern [[Sahor]] while entrusting the rest to [[the Resurgent Dream]] who eventually settled the area and made it an integral part of the national territory.<br />
<br />
===War of Establishment===<br />
<br />
The '''War of Establishment''' is an unofficial term to describe the conflict which pitched the Abt Republic Defence Force against the [[Sons of the Reformation]]. The terrorist organisation sought to disrupt the establishment of Abt's authority over the vast north-western jungles and mountain ranges, and Abtian soldiers had to fight in unknown terrain against a well organised enemy to impose the Republic's sovereignty. Hence the name of the armed conflict.<br />
<br />
The Republic's army won the conflict and routed out the terrorists. The day that victory was proclaimed is unofficially celebrated as "Abt Day" by the population.<br />
<br />
==Politics==<br />
<br />
Abt is a unitary democratic presidential republic. The executive power is vested with the '''President''', who is the head of state of the Republic. The President is elected by direct popular vote and forms the '''Cabinet of Ministers'''. The current President is Aorin Kelberath, Commander of the former Free Axemen FMC before they officially disbanded.<br />
<br />
The legislative power is vested with a unicameral legislature, the '''Duma'''. Deputies of the Duma are elected directly by the Abtian population on a proportional basis from each governorate and sit for four years before the Duma is renewed. The current parliamentary majority is held by the Republican Party. The second largest party in Parliament is the Progressive Party, currently in opposition.<br />
<br />
===Administrative Divisions===<br />
<br />
The Republic is administratively subdivided into twelve Governorates (''Губернии''). each Governorate is further subdivided into Uezds (''Уезды'', ''"Districts"''), with the latter further divided into Volosts (''Волости'').<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="220" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/AbtAdmin.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/AbtAdminS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Administrative map of Abt (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The Governorates are as follows:<br />
: 1. Belgorod Governorate (capital: [[Belgorod]])<br />
: 2. Chiji Governorate (capital: Chiji)<br />
: 3. Severodar Governorate (capital: Severodar)<br />
: 4. Kozelsk Governorate (capital: Kozelsk)<br />
: 5. Central Governorate (capital: Seredgorod)<br />
: 6. Vodavij Governorate (capital: Vodavij)<br />
: 7. Novoposad Governorate (capital: Novoposad)<br />
: 8. Lisa Governorate (capital: Lisinsk)<br />
: 9. Aorinburg Governorate (capital: Aorinburg)<br />
: 10. Vladiles Governorate (capital: Vladiles)<br />
: 11. Pomorsk Governorate (capital: Novopomorsk)<br />
: 12. Western Governorate (capital: Podgorie)<br />
<br />
==Economy==<br />
<br />
Abt is a dynamically developping economy, which has seen a boom following the defeat of the Sons of the Reformation and an advent of stability and security all over the country. The Abtian financial centres attract investors with relatively low taxes and preferential interest rates. Whilst not being an economic superpower, Abt is none the less a firm player amongst the first world countries.<br />
<br />
==Demographics==<br />
<br />
The quasi-entirety of the population is of Taraskovyan [[Ros|Russian]] or other [[Taraskovyan Slavs|Slavic]] origins. A non-Slavic minority also exists, namely in the face of a Taraskath community. The population continues to grow, thanks to an influx of migrants from Taraskovya and, in a smaller part, from other countries. <br />
<br />
The overwhelming majority of the republic’s population dwells on the shores of the Abt Bay, with a thin population stretched over the rest of the territory. The Government has undertaken a number of steps to populate the western reaches. The city of Vladiles was founded in central Abt to act as a major population and industrial centre of the Republic.<br />
<br />
===Language===<br />
<br />
The language spoken by the majority population is [[Russian]], which is also the official language. Various minority languages also exist, with some mass media in Taraskath, Serbovian and Polavian languages having a steady audience. English is also widely spoken due to proximity with the [[Confederated Peoples]] and is popular in the business circles and some mass media.<br />
<br />
===Religion===<br />
<br />
The Abtian Orthodox Church, an exarchate of the [[Taraskovyan Church]], is the State Church of the Republic. The majority of the population are of Orthodox faith, but small minorities of other faiths also exist. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution, even if the Republic's legislation is ruthless to any person or organisation that tries to abuse that freedom.<br />
<br />
==Military==<br />
<br />
''Main Article: [[Abt Republic Defence Force]]''<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', literally ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is charged with defending the Republic against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. Service is voluntary, even if it many Abtian young men consider it a moral obligation to enroll at least into the [[ARDF#People's Militia|People's Militia]]. Many are also attracted by the tax discounts granted to those serving or having done service with the ARDF.<br />
<br />
The ARDF is organised into four branches: ''Abt Republic Army'', ''Abt Republic Navy'', ''Abt Republic Air Force'' and the ''People’s Militia''.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the '''Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations''' (''Управление Разведки и Специальных Операций'') is directly subordinate to the General Staff and is responsible for intelligence gathering, military counter-intelligence and special operations. The DISO has oversight over Abt's special ''Jaeger'' forces.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Nations]]<br />
[[Category:Ambara]]<br />
[[Category:Abt| ]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:GandaraTalk:Gandara2007-08-06T03:44:23Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>< In the negotiations, the Resurgent Dream agreed to not only recognize Abt but to act as a guarantor of her sovereignty so long as Abt '''agreed to remain within her present borders''' and provide assistance in destroying the Sons of the Reformation and the rest of the Marlund insurgency. ><br />
<br />
I was never posed this condition and, as such, I shall consider that Abt has never adhered to it. If this brings any change to the TRD's acceptance of Abt, pray inform me. [[User:Jester|Jester]] 03:44, 6 August 2007 (GMT)</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Abt_Republic_Defence_ForceAbt Republic Defence Force2007-08-06T03:36:13Z<p>Jester: /* People’s Militia */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Defence Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is charged with defending the [[Abt|Abt Republic]] against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. Service is voluntary, even if it many Abtian young men consider it a moral obligation to enroll at least into the People's Militia. Many are also attracted by the tax discounts granted to those serving or having done service with the ARDF.<br />
<br />
The ARDF is organised into four branches: ''Abt Republic Army'', ''Abt Republic Navy'', ''Abt Republic Air Force'' and the ''People’s Militia''.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the '''Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations''' (''Управление Разведки и Специальных Операций'') is directly subordinate to the General Staff and is responsible for intelligence gathering, military counter-intelligence and special operations. The DISO also coordinates and sometimes directs operations by the special ''Jaeger'' forces, namely the Army's ''Jaegers'', the Air Force's ''Parachutist Jaegers'' and the Navy's ''Marine Jaegers''.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Defence Force was first established as a small light infantry force by first settlers. The force grew in size and purchased heavier equipment as the conflict with the [[Sons of the Reformation]] progressed in order to efficiently counter the terrorist agression. Since then, the Republic has worked to establish a strong military to defend the Republic's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to assist friendly nations if such assistance is required.<br />
<br />
==Branches of Service==<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Army===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARA.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Army.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Army''' (''Армия Республики Абт'') is the main ground force component of the Abt Republic Defence Force, capable of operations at home and abroad. The ARA is a perfectly well trained and highely technologically advanced force, highly mechanized and is a force to be reckoned with both on [[Ambara]] and beyond.<br />
<br />
The Army consists of professional soldiers that sign up for a period of three years at least. As a financial incentive to enroll, servicemen are entitled to a 3% discount on income tax (same discount applies to Navy and Air Force servicemen). After finishing active service, the former servicemen become Army reservists and shall only be called up in times of war.<br />
<br />
====Structure====<br />
<br />
Apart from the domestic logistic bases, their attached units and general logistic units, training facilities and administrative staff, the Abt Republic Army numbers five active duty divisions, two reserve divisions and two special operations regiments.<br />
<br />
=====Special Operations Regiments=====<br />
<br />
======1st Special Operations Regiment======<br />
<br />
The '''1st Special Operations Regiment''' (''Hell Brigade'') is an umbrella formation directly subordinate to the Army Command that regroups the three officially confirmed Jaeger battalions of the Abt Republic Army. The regiment and battalions were created through the amalgamation of disparate Jaeger squadrons into one organised structure. But with the establishment of a fully functional armed force, the level and expertise demaned from Jaegers increased considerably, which means that there are today much fewer Jaegers than in the starting days of the Republic.<br />
<br />
The exact composition of every battalion and the precise locations of the various squadrons and troops is a state secret in Abt, as is the membership of the unit. Retired servicemen are under oath not to divulge anything about their time in service, except for the very fact that they have served with the Regiment. It is, however, understood that each battalion has units that specialise in medium and deep battlespace Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection.<br />
<br />
The 1st SOR is nicknamed ''Hell Brigade'' by its former servicemen, both because of the harsh training and high demands and because the regiment's main purpose is to send foes to hell quickly and discreetely.<br />
<br />
======2nd Special Operations Aviation Regiment======<br />
<br />
The '''2nd Special Operations Aviation Regiment''' (''Night Witches'') is a is a special operations force of the Abt Republic Army that provides helicopter aviation support to general purpose forces and Special Operations Forces. Its missions include attack, assault, and reconnaissance, and are usually conducted at night, at high speeds and low altitudes, on short notice, and in secret. While not as secretive as the 1st SOR, not much information is available on the structure and equipment of the 2nd SOAR. The bases of dislocation are also kept secret.<br />
<br />
It is, however, known that the regiment is equipped with cutting edge designs in gunships and dropships, specially and custom modified to suit the regiment's more particular needs in terms of stealth, silence, flight autonomy and maneuverability. <br />
<br />
The 2nd SOAR is nicknamed ''Night Witches''.<br />
<br />
=====Active Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The structure of the active service divisions is as follows. It is worth of note that subordinated Brigades can be detached at any time depending on the tasks the Army wishes to accomplish. Each Brigade is fully capable of autonomous or independent action. The only units firmly under each division’s command is its Command and Support Regiment, a broad structure comprising supply, maintenance, medical and other logistic support battalions.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''[[1st Armoured Division (Abt)|1st Armoured Division “Horugv Bearers”]]'''<br />
** 1st Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Ground Assault Brigade “Lions”<br />
** 2nd Ground Assault Brigade “Leopards”<br />
** 1st Tank Regiment<br />
** 1st Infantry Brigade “Furrets”<br />
** 1st Air Brigade “Sparrows”<br />
<br />
* '''[[4th Mountain Division (Abt)|4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”]]''' <br />
** 4th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”<br />
** 2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”<br />
** 3rd Mountain Brigade “Moles”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''[[2nd Infantry Division (Abt)|2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves”]]'''<br />
** 2nd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”<br />
** 2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”<br />
** 3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”<br />
** 4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”<br />
** 2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”<br />
<br />
* '''[[5th Airborne Division (Abt)|5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers”]]'''<br />
** 5th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Parachutist Brigade “Snowy Owls”<br />
** 2nd Parachutist Brigade “Eagle Owls”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''[[3rd Infantry Division (Abt)|3rd Infantry Division “Swordbearers”]]'''<br />
** 3rd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 4th Ground Assault Brigade “Tigers”<br />
** 5th Infantry Brigade “Chipmunks”<br />
** 6th Infantry Brigade “Wolves”<br />
** 7th Infantry Brigade “Foxes”<br />
** 3rd Air Brigade “Swans”<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are no naming conventions adopted in the military, but according to a pattern that is becoming traditional, Ground Assault Brigades (which are the armoured component of the Army) adopt names of feline predators, Air Brigades take on the names of birds (except for those of birds of prey used by the Air Force) and Infantry Brigades (including their mountain counterparts) adopt the names of a mammal of their choice.<br />
<br />
=====Reserve Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The Reserve Divisions do not have any brigades assigned to them and only have a permanently manned Command and Support Regiment each. In times of war, the two Divisions are expected to welcome the first wave of Army reservists and organize them into a number of brigades. In peacetime, the Divisions cater for “reserve” military hardware. The Reserve Divisions are expected to be activated as a second wave reserves, following the call up of the People's Militia, and provide a heavier reserve force in comparison ot the Militia's light infantry.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''1st Reserve Division'''<br />
** 1st Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
* '''2nd Reserve Division'''<br />
** 2nd Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Navy===<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="left" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrig.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrigS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the “Cormorants” Brigade (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFNavy.png|right|ARDF|Naval Ensign of Abt.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Navy''' (''Флот Республики Абт'') is the maritime component of the ARDF. It is a coparatively small force, with the capacity to defend the Republic's territorial waters. The Navy has a limited power projection capacity within the Western Atlantic in the form of several cruisers, submarines and amphibious assault ships. In fact, the Navy has all the required ships to effectively transport and deploy the Marine Infantry Brigade anywhere in the world without the assistance of allied naval formations. The probability of such a maneuver occuring, however, is close to nil.<br />
<br />
The Navy is a small branch, numbering approximately fifteen thousand personnel (of which about five thousand are in the Marine Infantry alone). So far, its capacities and equipment are judged sufficient by the Abtian Government and meet the needs of the Republic.<br />
<br />
====Marine Infantry====<br />
<br />
The '''I Marine Infantry Brigade “Cormorants”''' is a marine infantry formation subordinated to the Navy, whose primary mission is to provide the Republic with a rapid reaction and deployment force, capable of seabourne assault and securing of beachheads. The Brigade comprises two amphibian mechanised infantry battalions and an amphibian tank battalion giving it the option of robust ampihibious assault against forward enemy positions directly from the sea. A battalion of wheeled MRLS vehicles can also be deployed via landing craft to provide the Brigade with additional heavy firesupport.<br />
<br />
Additionally, there exists a number of '''Marine Guard''' (''Гардемарины'', ''Gardemarins'') units deployed around the various Naval bases. These units are usually at company strength and are specialised in protection of sensitive installations and counter-diversionary tactics.<br />
<br />
====Marine Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The Marine Jaegers Battalion “Ospreys”, the marine Special Forces unit which includes combat divers, is in practical terms is directly subordinate to Naval Command with special oversight by the Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations.<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Air Force===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARAF.gif|right|ARDF|Roundel of the Abt Republic Air Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Air Force''' (''Воздушные Силы Республики Абт'') is the branch charged with protecting the Republican airspace from foreign intrusion, defence of Abtian airspace through aerial and ground based anti-air systems, providing air support other branches of the ARDF in their operations, be it transportation or heavy fire support. <br />
<br />
The Air Force operates technologically advanced aircraft with a high autonomy range, which allows it to carry out missions within the general Ambaran area and beyond. <br />
<br />
====Parachutist Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The '''Parachutist Jaeger Battalion "Cuckoos"''' is the Air Force's ground special operations unit, specialised in airborne infiltration, reconnaissance, target acquisition and forward air controlling for surgical strikes by the Air Force. The Battalion is also capable of capturing enemy airfields, even if this mission primarily lies with the Army's parachutist units.<br />
<br />
===People’s Militia===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF_PM.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the People's Militia.}}<br />
<br />
The '''People’s Militia''' (''Народное Ополчение'') was historically created by local settlers to defend their settlements against the [[Sons of the Reformation]], with the defeat and rooting out of the terrorist organization, the People’s Militia was reorganized along the general lines of the [[Taraskovya]]n [[Territorial Force]] into a rapid mobilization force capable of assisting regular army units in repelling an armed aggression against the Republic. It is expected that most units of the People’s Militia can be mobilized and ready for duty within six hours following call-up.<br />
<br />
====Structure====<br />
<br />
The People's Militia is mostly a light infantry force, with some limited mechanised capacity and is organised into three Territorial Divisions and the Regional Mountain Brigade. Recruitment is done on a regional basis, except for the RMB, which accepts volunteer candidates from all over the country.<br />
<br />
====Service with the People's Militia====<br />
<br />
Personnel undergo military training that takes three to four months and then are called in for several weeks of rehearsal training every year over a period of roughly ten years. The People's Militia offers a wide variety of professions and skill specialisations and is in this way mostly similar to the regular army.<br />
<br />
All in all, Militia service accounts for 300 to 600 days, depending on rank and duties. Additionally, each Militiaman has to undergo at least one session of target practice per year outside of his service weeks. Once signed up, a Militiaman is obligated to finish his service (except for liberatory circumstances) and may face legal consequences if he does not present himself for yearly duty without valid reason. Militiamen may keep their equipment, such as combat suits and weapons, at home. But it is not rare for soldiers that have an ARDF or Police armoury nearby to keep the gear there to avoid doing manteinance themselves. <br />
<br />
Service is voluntary, but many Abtian men consider it a moral duty to enlist with the People's Militia (women, on the contrary, are not as thrilled to dedicate two to three weeks every year to military activities). Militia service is also attractive to young people because it allows young applicants to do their training during the summer vacations in between Secondary and Higher Educations and, thus, follow their university studies without major interruptions. Militia service, while spread over many years, is still less in days than what a regular soldier has to serve.<br />
<br />
Recruits receive both a daily salary and a compensation for lost civilian salary (even if the recruit had no work contract, in which case the recruit receives a defined salary). The result sum of money is less than the salary of a regular soldier for the equivalent period of service, but it is a consequent tax-free income for youngsters fresh out of school. Another financial incentive is the 1,5% discount on income tax, which is however lesser than the 3% regular servicemen enjoy.<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
<br />
* [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12805235&postcount=10 Belgorod Times article on ARDF Reform]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ambara]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=4th_Mountain_Division_(Abt)4th Mountain Division (Abt)2007-08-06T03:27:49Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=250 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+'''4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”'''<br><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/Highlanders.gif<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Insignia of the 4th Mountain Division''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
|'''Active''' || 2007 - <br />
|-<br />
| '''Country''' || [[Abt|Abt Republic]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Branch''' || [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Regular Army]] <br />
|-<br />
|'''Type''' || Mountain Infantry<br />
|-<br />
|'''Size''' || Approx. 11'000<br />
|-<br />
| '''Garrison/HQ''' || Podgorie <br />
|-<br />
| '''Name''' || Highlanders<br />
|-<br />
| '''Colors''' || Silver and Blue<br />
|-<br />
| '''Commander''' || Major General Alexander Obolensky<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”''' (''[[Russian]]: 4ая Горная Дивизия “Горцы”'') is an infantry division of the [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Abt Republic Army]]. It is smaller in size in comparison to its heavier infantry counterparts that are the [[2nd Infantry Division (Abt)|2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves”]] and the [[3rd Infantry Division (Abt)|3rd Infantry Division "Swordbearers"]].<br />
<br />
While [[Abt]] inherited [[Taraskovya]]n knowledge and mastery of mountain warfare, the Republic’s landscape made of largely plains and forests does not warrant the formation of a large mountain specialized force. The mountains of Abt are located along the western border with the [[Confederated Peoples]] and are enclosed within the administrative limits of the Western Governorate.<br />
<br />
The 4th Mountain Division, as such, has two main goals: protection and surveilance of the western border and supplying the Abt Republic Army with a specialized mountain warfare component for operations abroad. The first goal is not likely to be realized any time soon, considering the good relations between Abt and its gigantic neighbour. As such, a small and flexible mountain warfare formation answers Abt’s needs entirely, which in turn explains the smallness of the 4th Division in comparison with the other two infantry counterparts.<br />
<br />
==Order of Battle==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/4thMountain.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/4thMountainS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the 4th Mountain Division “Highlanders” (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*'''4th Division Command and Support Regiment''' <br />
*'''1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”''' <br />
** 12th HQ&Signals Battalion<br />
** 1st Mountain Infantry Battalion<br />
** 2nd Mountain Infantry Battalion<br />
** 12th Reconnaissance Battalion<br />
** 12th Armoured Artillery Battalion<br />
*'''2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”''' <br />
** 13th HQ&Signals Battalion<br />
** 3rd Mountain Infantry Battalion<br />
** 4th Mountain Infantry Battalion<br />
** 13th Reconnaissance Battalion<br />
** 13th Armoured Artillery Battalion<br />
*'''3rd Mountain Brigade “Moles”''' <br />
** 13th HQ&Signals Battalion<br />
** 5th Mountain Infantry Battalion<br />
** 6th Mountain Infantry Battalion<br />
** 13th Reconnaissance Battalion<br />
** 13th Armoured Artillery Battalion<br />
<br />
The 4th Mountain comprises a lighter variant of Command and Support Regiment and three uniform Mountain Brigades. Each Mountain Brigade counts an HQ & Signals battalion, two Mountain Infantry battalions, an armoured reconnaissance battalion and an armoured artillery battalion. The latter battalions are organised as their counterparts in other brigades. <br />
<br />
Unlike with other brigades, however, Mountain ones do now have an attached combat engineers battalion. Instead, each infantry battalion counts an engineers company.<br />
<br />
For general purposes and Division-level maneuvers, the '''Regional Mountain Brigade''' of the People's Militia is also assigned to the 4th Mountain Division. The RMB counts four light infantry battalions, an HQ & Signals battalion and a logistics battalion.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Abt_Republic_Defence_ForceAbt Republic Defence Force2007-08-02T18:48:10Z<p>Jester: /* Branches of Service */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Defence Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is charged with defending the [[Abt|Abt Republic]] against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. Service is voluntary, even if it many Abtian young men consider it a moral obligation to enroll at least into the People's Militia. Many are also attracted by the tax discounts granted to those serving or having done service with the ARDF.<br />
<br />
The ARDF is organised into four branches: ''Abt Republic Army'', ''Abt Republic Navy'', ''Abt Republic Air Force'' and the ''People’s Militia''.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the '''Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations''' (''Управление Разведки и Специальных Операций'') is directly subordinate to the General Staff and is responsible for intelligence gathering, military counter-intelligence and special operations. The DISO also coordinates and sometimes directs operations by the special ''Jaeger'' forces, namely the Army's ''Jaegers'', the Air Force's ''Parachutist Jaegers'' and the Navy's ''Marine Jaegers''.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Defence Force was first established as a small light infantry force by first settlers. The force grew in size and purchased heavier equipment as the conflict with the [[Sons of the Reformation]] progressed in order to efficiently counter the terrorist agression. Since then, the Republic has worked to establish a strong military to defend the Republic's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to assist friendly nations if such assistance is required.<br />
<br />
==Branches of Service==<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Army===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARA.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Army.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Army''' (''Армия Республики Абт'') is the main ground force component of the Abt Republic Defence Force, capable of operations at home and abroad. The ARA is a perfectly well trained and highely technologically advanced force, highly mechanized and is a force to be reckoned with both on [[Ambara]] and beyond.<br />
<br />
The Army consists of professional soldiers that sign up for a period of three years at least. As a financial incentive to enroll, servicemen are entitled to a 3% discount on income tax (same discount applies to Navy and Air Force servicemen). After finishing active service, the former servicemen become Army reservists and shall only be called up in times of war.<br />
<br />
====Structure====<br />
<br />
Apart from the domestic logistic bases, their attached units and general logistic units, training facilities and administrative staff, the Abt Republic Army numbers five active duty divisions, two reserve divisions and two special operations regiments.<br />
<br />
=====Special Operations Regiments=====<br />
<br />
======1st Special Operations Regiment======<br />
<br />
The '''1st Special Operations Regiment''' (''Hell Brigade'') is an umbrella formation directly subordinate to the Army Command that regroups the three officially confirmed Jaeger battalions of the Abt Republic Army. The regiment and battalions were created through the amalgamation of disparate Jaeger squadrons into one organised structure. But with the establishment of a fully functional armed force, the level and expertise demaned from Jaegers increased considerably, which means that there are today much fewer Jaegers than in the starting days of the Republic.<br />
<br />
The exact composition of every battalion and the precise locations of the various squadrons and troops is a state secret in Abt, as is the membership of the unit. Retired servicemen are under oath not to divulge anything about their time in service, except for the very fact that they have served with the Regiment. It is, however, understood that each battalion has units that specialise in medium and deep battlespace Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection.<br />
<br />
The 1st SOR is nicknamed ''Hell Brigade'' by its former servicemen, both because of the harsh training and high demands and because the regiment's main purpose is to send foes to hell quickly and discreetely.<br />
<br />
======2nd Special Operations Aviation Regiment======<br />
<br />
The '''2nd Special Operations Aviation Regiment''' (''Night Witches'') is a is a special operations force of the Abt Republic Army that provides helicopter aviation support to general purpose forces and Special Operations Forces. Its missions include attack, assault, and reconnaissance, and are usually conducted at night, at high speeds and low altitudes, on short notice, and in secret. While not as secretive as the 1st SOR, not much information is available on the structure and equipment of the 2nd SOAR. The bases of dislocation are also kept secret.<br />
<br />
It is, however, known that the regiment is equipped with cutting edge designs in gunships and dropships, specially and custom modified to suit the regiment's more particular needs in terms of stealth, silence, flight autonomy and maneuverability. <br />
<br />
The 2nd SOAR is nicknamed ''Night Witches''.<br />
<br />
=====Active Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The structure of the active service divisions is as follows. It is worth of note that subordinated Brigades can be detached at any time depending on the tasks the Army wishes to accomplish. Each Brigade is fully capable of autonomous or independent action. The only units firmly under each division’s command is its Command and Support Regiment, a broad structure comprising supply, maintenance, medical and other logistic support battalions.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''[[1st Armoured Division (Abt)|1st Armoured Division “Horugv Bearers”]]'''<br />
** 1st Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Ground Assault Brigade “Lions”<br />
** 2nd Ground Assault Brigade “Leopards”<br />
** 1st Tank Regiment<br />
** 1st Infantry Brigade “Furrets”<br />
** 1st Air Brigade “Sparrows”<br />
<br />
* '''[[4th Mountain Division (Abt)|4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”]]''' <br />
** 4th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”<br />
** 2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”<br />
** 3rd Mountain Brigade “Moles”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''[[2nd Infantry Division (Abt)|2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves”]]'''<br />
** 2nd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”<br />
** 2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”<br />
** 3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”<br />
** 4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”<br />
** 2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”<br />
<br />
* '''[[5th Airborne Division (Abt)|5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers”]]'''<br />
** 5th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Parachutist Brigade “Snowy Owls”<br />
** 2nd Parachutist Brigade “Eagle Owls”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''[[3rd Infantry Division (Abt)|3rd Infantry Division “Swordbearers”]]'''<br />
** 3rd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 4th Ground Assault Brigade “Tigers”<br />
** 5th Infantry Brigade “Chipmunks”<br />
** 6th Infantry Brigade “Wolves”<br />
** 7th Infantry Brigade “Foxes”<br />
** 3rd Air Brigade “Swans”<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are no naming conventions adopted in the military, but according to a pattern that is becoming traditional, Ground Assault Brigades (which are the armoured component of the Army) adopt names of feline predators, Air Brigades take on the names of birds (except for those of birds of prey used by the Air Force) and Infantry Brigades (including their mountain counterparts) adopt the names of a mammal of their choice.<br />
<br />
=====Reserve Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The Reserve Divisions do not have any brigades assigned to them and only have a permanently manned Command and Support Regiment each. In times of war, the two Divisions are expected to welcome the first wave of Army reservists and organize them into a number of brigades. In peacetime, the Divisions cater for “reserve” military hardware. The Reserve Divisions are expected to be activated as a second wave reserves, following the call up of the People's Militia, and provide a heavier reserve force in comparison ot the Militia's light infantry.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''1st Reserve Division'''<br />
** 1st Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
* '''2nd Reserve Division'''<br />
** 2nd Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Navy===<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="left" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrig.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrigS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the “Cormorants” Brigade (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFNavy.png|right|ARDF|Naval Ensign of Abt.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Navy''' (''Флот Республики Абт'') is the maritime component of the ARDF. It is a coparatively small force, with the capacity to defend the Republic's territorial waters. The Navy has a limited power projection capacity within the Western Atlantic in the form of several cruisers, submarines and amphibious assault ships. In fact, the Navy has all the required ships to effectively transport and deploy the Marine Infantry Brigade anywhere in the world without the assistance of allied naval formations. The probability of such a maneuver occuring, however, is close to nil.<br />
<br />
The Navy is a small branch, numbering approximately fifteen thousand personnel (of which about five thousand are in the Marine Infantry alone). So far, its capacities and equipment are judged sufficient by the Abtian Government and meet the needs of the Republic.<br />
<br />
====Marine Infantry====<br />
<br />
The '''I Marine Infantry Brigade “Cormorants”''' is a marine infantry formation subordinated to the Navy, whose primary mission is to provide the Republic with a rapid reaction and deployment force, capable of seabourne assault and securing of beachheads. The Brigade comprises two amphibian mechanised infantry battalions and an amphibian tank battalion giving it the option of robust ampihibious assault against forward enemy positions directly from the sea. A battalion of wheeled MRLS vehicles can also be deployed via landing craft to provide the Brigade with additional heavy firesupport.<br />
<br />
Additionally, there exists a number of '''Marine Guard''' (''Гардемарины'', ''Gardemarins'') units deployed around the various Naval bases. These units are usually at company strength and are specialised in protection of sensitive installations and counter-diversionary tactics.<br />
<br />
====Marine Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The Marine Jaegers Battalion “Ospreys”, the marine Special Forces unit which includes combat divers, is in practical terms is directly subordinate to Naval Command with special oversight by the Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations.<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Air Force===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARAF.gif|right|ARDF|Roundel of the Abt Republic Air Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Air Force''' (''Воздушные Силы Республики Абт'') is the branch charged with protecting the Republican airspace from foreign intrusion, defence of Abtian airspace through aerial and ground based anti-air systems, providing air support other branches of the ARDF in their operations, be it transportation or heavy fire support. <br />
<br />
The Air Force operates technologically advanced aircraft with a high autonomy range, which allows it to carry out missions within the general Ambaran area and beyond. <br />
<br />
====Parachutist Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The '''Parachutist Jaeger Battalion "Cuckoos"''' is the Air Force's ground special operations unit, specialised in airborne infiltration, reconnaissance, target acquisition and forward air controlling for surgical strikes by the Air Force. The Battalion is also capable of capturing enemy airfields, even if this mission primarily lies with the Army's parachutist units.<br />
<br />
===People’s Militia===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF_PM.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the People's Militia.}}<br />
<br />
The '''People’s Militia''' (''Народное Ополчение'') was historically created by local settlers to defend their settlements against the [[Sons of the Reformation]], with the defeat and rooting out of the terrorist organization, the People’s Militia was reorganized along the general lines of the [[Taraskovya]]n [[Territorial Force]] into a rapid mobilization force capable of assisting regular army units in repelling an armed aggression against the Republic.<br />
<br />
The People's Militia is mostly a light infantry force, with some limited mechanised capacity and is organised into Regional Brigades, which do not always coincide with administrative Governorates. It is expected that most units of the People’s Militia can be mobilized and ready for duty within four hours following call-up within their respective districts.<br />
<br />
====Service with the People's Militia====<br />
<br />
Personnel undergo military training that takes three to four months and then are called in for several weeks of rehearsal training every year over a period of roughly ten years. The People's Militia offers a wide variety of professions and skill specialisations and is in this way mostly similar to the regular army.<br />
<br />
All in all, Militia service accounts for 300 to 600 days, depending on rank and duties. Additionally, each Militiaman has to undergo at least one session of target practice per year outside of his service weeks. Once signed up, a Militiaman is obligated to finish his service (except for liberatory circumstances) and may face legal consequences if he does not present himself for yearly duty without valid reason. Militiamen may keep their equipment, such as combat suits and weapons, at home. But it is not rare for soldiers that have an ARDF or Police armoury nearby to keep the gear there to avoid doing manteinance themselves. <br />
<br />
Service is voluntary, but many Abtian men consider it a moral duty to enlist with the People's Militia (women, on the contrary, are not as thrilled to dedicate two to three weeks every year to military activities). Militia service is also attractive to young people because it allows young applicants to do their training during the summer vacations in between Secondary and Higher Educations and, thus, follow their university studies without major interruptions. Militia service, while spread over many years, is still less in days than what a regular soldier has to serve.<br />
<br />
Recruits receive both a daily salary and a compensation for lost civilian salary (even if the recruit had no work contract, in which case the recruit receives a defined salary). The result sum of money is less than the salary of a regular soldier for the equivalent period of service, but it is a consequent tax-free income for youngsters fresh out of school. Another financial incentive is the 1,5% discount on income tax, which is however lesser than the 3% regular servicemen enjoy.<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
<br />
* [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12805235&postcount=10 Belgorod Times article on ARDF Reform]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ambara]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=5th_Airborne_Division_(Abt)5th Airborne Division (Abt)2007-08-02T05:25:19Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=250 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+'''5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers”'''<br><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/SnowMakers.gif<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Insignia of the 5th Airborne Division''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
|'''Active''' || 2007 - <br />
|-<br />
| '''Country''' || [[Abt|Abt Republic]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Branch''' || [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Regular Army]] <br />
|-<br />
|'''Type''' || Parachute Infantry<br />
|-<br />
|'''Size''' || Approx. 6’000<br />
|-<br />
| '''Garrison/HQ''' || Belgorod<br />
|-<br />
| '''Name''' || Snow Makers<br />
|-<br />
| '''Colors''' || Silver, Azure and Sable<br />
|-<br />
| '''Commander''' || Major General Peter Vasiliev<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers”''' (''[[Russian]]: 5ая Воздушно-десантная Дивизия “Снеготворцы”'') is the smallest division of the [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Abt Republic Army]], and also the most lightly armed formation of the Army.<br />
<br />
The Division consists of two parachutist brigades, each comprising a light infantry parachute battalion and a light armour parachute battalion. Parachute infantry battalions count a support artillery battery each to increase their firepower.<br />
<br />
The main goal of the parachutists is to rapidly deploy against the enemy and capture vital installations in preparation of a friendly ground assault. While capable of regular infantry operations, the two brigades are not destined for that purpose, instead leaving it up to other Abtian units.<br />
<br />
==Order of Battle==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/5thAirborne.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/5thAirborneS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the 5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers” (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*'''5th Division Command and Support Regiment''' <br />
*'''1st Parachutist Brigade “Snowy Owls”''' <br />
*'''2nd Parachutist Brigade “Eagle Owls”''' <br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=AbtAbt2007-08-02T03:52:02Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| align=right cellspacing=0 width=360px class="infobox toccolours" style="padding: 0.8em 0.8em 0.8em 0.8em; margin: 0em 0em 0.75em 0.75em; background: #fcfcfc; vertical-align: middle; border-h: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-top: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-left: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-right: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border-bottom: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; border: 1px #c6c6c6 solid; font-size: 85%; span: 1px #c6c6c6 solid;"<br />
| style="background: #83A7D8; height: 0.8em;" colspan=2 |<br />
|-<br />
| style="font-size: 11pt; background: #fcfcfc; text-align: center;" colspan=2 | '''Abt Republic'''<br><br />
'''Республика Абт'''<br />
|-<br />
| style="text-align: center;" width=50% | http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/abt.jpg|| style="text-align: center;" width=50% | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/Abtshield.png<br />
|-<br />
| style="border: 0px; text-align: center;" | [[Abtian Symbols|National flag]] || style="border: 0px; text-align: center;" | [[Abtian Symbols|Coat of Arms]]<br />
|-<br />
| align=center colspan=2 style="padding: 0em 0em 0.5em 0em; text-align: center; background: #fcfcfc;" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/AbtLocMap.png<br />
|-<br />
| style="background: #83A7D8; height: 0.8em;" colspan=2 |<br />
|-<br />
| width=160 | '''Motto''' || ''Help of God, Love of People, Strength of Abt.''<br />
|-<br />
| '''Anthem''' || «On our forests the Sun has risen»<br />
|-<br />
| '''[[Wikipedia:Capital|Capital]] and largest city''' || [[Belgorod]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Languages'''<br>&nbsp; - Official<br>&nbsp; - Unofficial || <br>[[Russian]]<br> [[English]], [[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Serbovian_Language|Serbovian]], [[Taraskovyan_Slavs#Polavians|Polavian]],Taraskath<br />
|-<br />
| '''Government'''<br>&nbsp; - President<br>&nbsp; - Speaker of Duma || '''[[Republic|Presidential republic]]'''<br>[[Aorin Kelberath]]<br>Leonid Soloviev<br />
|-<br />
| '''State Church''' || [[Taraskovyan_Church#Abtian_Orthodox_Church|Abtian Orthodox Church]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Independence'''<br>&nbsp; - Declared <br>&nbsp; - Recognised || From [[Taraskovya]] &nbsp;<br>21 April 1149 A.S.<br>23 April 1149 A.S.<br><br />
|-<br />
| '''[[Population]]''' <br>&nbsp;- Total (2007 Est)<br />
| <br>167’548’400 <br />
|-<br />
|'''[[Currency]]''' || 1 Abtian Frank <font face="Courier New">([[Nation codes|ARF]])</font> <small>= 100 Cents</small><br />
|-<br />
| style="background: #83A7D8; height: 0.8em;" colspan=2 |<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic''' is a young sovereign state occupying the north-eastern corner of the continent of [[Ambara]]. It was founded by a group of former Taraskovyan mercenaries from the ''Free Axemen'' Free Mercenary Corps. The Grand Duchy of [[Tarasovka]] recognized the independence of the state when the Oath of Abjuration was formally pronounced. The peaceful separation from the mother country sparked a wave of immigration from Tarasovka by many hopeful republicans that saw in Abt the perfect realization of their ideals.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Republic was founded by a Taraskovyan ''Free Mercenary Corps'' called the '''Free Axemen''', numbering approximately five thousand personnel and their families. The first group of two thousand men first debarked in [[Abt Bay]], from which the country takes its name, and founded the city of Belgorod. <br />
<br />
The initial settlers received a rather mixed welcome from the local powers. [[The Resurgent Dream]] was quick to establish relations, but [[Pantocratorian Ambara]] and [[Pantocratoria]] viewed the newly founded Republic with much suspicion. This was in part due to the ambiguous legal status of the colony vis-à-vis Taraskovya itself, since the settlers did not declare independence right away. It was also due to the ambiguous legal status of lands not yet claimed by a specific power but possessing clear strategic relevance for a number of powers.<br />
<br />
On 21 April 1149, the people of Abt officially proclaimed an Oath of Abjuration, severing their ties with the Grand Duchy and renouncing their Taraskovyan citizenship. Grand Duke [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail II]] chose to recognize the new state for a variety of reasons and has influenced the Grand Ducal Parliament into accepting the Oath of Abjuration. Thus, Abt became independent.<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFsoldiers1.jpg|left|ARDF|Abtian soldiers in urban warfare during the War of Establishment.}}<br />
<br />
Shortly after, an official conference of Ambaran powers decided to recognize the Abtian claim over Northern [[Sahor]] while entrusting the rest to [[the Resurgent Dream]] who eventually settled the area and made it an integral part of the national territory.<br />
<br />
===War of Establishment===<br />
<br />
The '''War of Establishment''' is an unofficial term to describe the conflict which pitched the Abt Republic Defence Force against the [[Sons of the Reformation]]. The terrorist organisation sought to disrupt the establishment of Abt's authority over the vast north-western jungles and mountain ranges, and Abtian soldiers had to fight in unknown terrain against a well organised enemy to impose the Republic's sovereignty. Hence the name of the armed conflict.<br />
<br />
The Republic's army won the conflict and routed out the terrorists. The day that victory was proclaimed is unofficially celebrated as "Abt Day" by the population.<br />
<br />
==Politics==<br />
<br />
Abt is a unitary democratic republic. The executive power is vested with the '''President''', who is the head of state of the Republic. The President is elected by direct popular vote and forms the '''Cabinet of Ministers'''. The current President is Aorin Kelberath, Commander of the former Free Axemen FMC before they officially disbanded.<br />
<br />
The legislative power is vested with a unicameral legislature, the '''Duma'''. Deputies of the Duma are elected directly by the Abtian population on a proportional basis from each governorate.<br />
<br />
===Administrative Divisions===<br />
<br />
The Republic is administratively subdivided into twelve Governorates (''Губернии''). each Governorate is further subdivided into Uezds (''Уезды'', ''"Districts"''), with the latter further divided into Volosts (''Волости'').<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="220" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/AbtAdmin.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/AbtAdminS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Administrative map of Abt (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The Governorates are as follows:<br />
: 1. Belgorod Governorate (capital: [[Belgorod]])<br />
: 2. Chiji Governorate (capital: Chiji)<br />
: 3. Severodar Governorate (capital: Severodar)<br />
: 4. Kozelsk Governorate (capital: Kozelsk)<br />
: 5. Central Governorate (capital: Seredgorod)<br />
: 6. Vodavij Governorate (capital: Vodavij)<br />
: 7. Novoposad Governorate (capital: Novoposad)<br />
: 8. Lisa Governorate (capital: Lisinsk)<br />
: 9. Aorinburg Governorate (capital: Aorinburg)<br />
: 10. Vladiles Governorate (capital: Vladiles)<br />
: 11. Pomorsk Governorate (capital: Novopomorsk)<br />
: 12. Western Governorate (capital: Podgorie)<br />
<br />
==Economy==<br />
<br />
Abt is a dynamically developping economy, which has seen a boom following the defeat of the Sons of the Reformation and an advent of stability and security all over the country. The Abtian financial centres attract investors with relatively low taxes and preferential interest rates. Whilst not being an economic superpower, Abt is none the less a firm player amongst the first world countries.<br />
<br />
==Demographics==<br />
<br />
The quasi-entirety of the population is of Taraskovyan [[Ros|Russian]] or other [[Taraskovyan Slavs|Slavic]] origins. A non-Slavic minority also exists, namely in the face of a Taraskath community. The population continues to grow, thanks to an influx of migrants from Taraskovya and, in a smaller part, from other countries. <br />
<br />
The overwhelming majority of the republic’s population dwells on the shores of the Abt Bay, with a thin population stretched over the rest of the territory. The Government has undertaken a number of steps to populate the western reaches. The city of Vladiles was founded in central Abt to act as a major population and industrial centre of the Republic.<br />
<br />
===Language===<br />
<br />
The language spoken by the majority population is [[Russian]], which is also the official language. Various minority languages also exist, with some mass media in Taraskath, Serbovian and Polavian languages having a steady audience. English is also widely spoken due to proximity with the [[Confederated Peoples]] and is popular in the business circles and some mass media.<br />
<br />
===Religion===<br />
<br />
The Abtian Orthodox Church, an exarchate of the [[Taraskovyan Church]], is the State Church of the Republic. The majority of the population are of Orthodox faith, but small minorities of other faiths also exist. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution, even if the Republic's legislation is ruthless to any person or organisation that tries to abuse that freedom.<br />
<br />
==Military==<br />
<br />
''Main Article: [[Abt Republic Defence Force]]''<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', literally ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is charged with defending the Republic against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. Service is voluntary, even if it many Abtian young men consider it a moral obligation to enroll at least into the [[ARDF#People's Militia|People's Militia]]. Many are also attracted by the tax discounts granted to those serving or having done service with the ARDF.<br />
<br />
The ARDF is organised into four branches: ''Abt Republic Army'', ''Abt Republic Navy'', ''Abt Republic Air Force'' and the ''People’s Militia''.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the '''Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations''' (''Управление Разведки и Специальных Операций'') is directly subordinate to the General Staff and is responsible for intelligence gathering, military counter-intelligence and special operations. The DISO has oversight over Abt's special ''Jaeger'' forces.<br />
<br />
[[Category: Nations]]<br />
[[Category:Ambara]]<br />
[[Category:Abt| ]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=4th_Mountain_Division_(Abt)4th Mountain Division (Abt)2007-08-02T03:34:12Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=250 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+'''4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”'''<br><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/Highlanders.gif<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Insignia of the 4th Mountain Division''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
|'''Active''' || 2007 - <br />
|-<br />
| '''Country''' || [[Abt|Abt Republic]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Branch''' || [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Regular Army]] <br />
|-<br />
|'''Type''' || Mountain Infantry<br />
|-<br />
|'''Size''' || Approx. 11'000<br />
|-<br />
| '''Garrison/HQ''' || Podgorie <br />
|-<br />
| '''Name''' || Highlanders<br />
|-<br />
| '''Colors''' || Silver and Blue<br />
|-<br />
| '''Commander''' || Major General Alexander Obolensky<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”''' (''[[Russian]]: 4ая Горная Дивизия “Горцы”'') is an infantry division of the [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Abt Republic Army]]. It is, however, smaller in size compared to the other two infantry divisions that are the [[2nd Infantry Division (Abt)|2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves”]] and the [[3rd Infantry Division (Abt)|3rd Infantry Division "Swordbearers"]].<br />
<br />
While [[Abt]] inherited [[Taraskovya]]n knowledge and mastery of mountain warfare, the Republic’s landscape made of largely plains and forests does not warrant the formation of a large mountain specialized force. The mountains of Abt are located along the western border with the [[Confederated Peoples]] and are enclosed within the administrative limits of the Western Governorate.<br />
<br />
The 4th Mountain Division, as such, has two main goals: protection and surveilance of the western border and supplying the Abt Republic Army with a specialized mountain warfare component for operations abroad. Since the first goal is not likely to be realized any time soon, considering the good relations between Abt and its gigantic neighbour, a small and flexible mountain warfare formation answers Abt’s needs entirely, which in turn explains the smallness of the 4th Division in comparison with the other two infantry counterparts.<br />
<br />
==Order of Battle==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/4thMountain.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/4thMountainS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the 4th Mountain Division “Highlanders” (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*'''4th Division Command and Support Regiment''' <br />
*'''1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”''' <br />
*'''2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”''' <br />
*'''3rd Mountain “Moles”''' <br />
<br />
[[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=4th_Mountain_Division_(Abt)4th Mountain Division (Abt)2007-08-02T03:30:12Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=250 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+'''4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”'''<br><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/Highlanders.gif<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Insignia of the 4th Mountain Division''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
|'''Active''' || 2007 - <br />
|-<br />
| '''Country''' || [[Abt|Abt Republic]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Branch''' || [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Regular Army]] <br />
|-<br />
|'''Type''' || Mountain Infantry<br />
|-<br />
|'''Size''' || Approx. 11'000<br />
|-<br />
| '''Garrison/HQ''' || Podgorie <br />
|-<br />
| '''Name''' || Highlanders<br />
|-<br />
| '''Colors''' || Silver and Blue<br />
|-<br />
| '''Commander''' || Major General Alexander Obolensky<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”''' (''[[Russian]]: 4ая Горная Дивизия “Горцы”'') is an infantry division of the [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Abt Republic Army]]. It is, however, smaller in size compared to the other two infantry divisions that are the [[2nd Infantry Division (Abt)|2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves”]] and the [[3rd Infantry Division (Abt)|3rd Infantry Division "Swordbearers"]].<br />
<br />
While [[Abt]] inherited [[Taraskovya]]n knowledge and mastery of mountain warfare, the Republic’s landscape made of largely plains and forests does not warrant the formation of a large mountain specialized force. The mountains of Abt are located along the western border with the [[Confederated Peoples]] and are enclosed within the administrative limits of the Western Governorate.<br />
<br />
The 4th Mountain Division, as such, has two main goals: protection and surveilance of the western border and supplying the Abt Republic Army with a specialized mountain warfare component for operations abroad. Since the first goal is not likely to be realized any time soon, considering the good relations between Abt and its gigantic neighbour, a small and flexible mountain warfare formation answers Abt’s needs entirely, which in turn explains the smallness of the 4th Division in comparison with the other two infantry counterparts.<br />
<br />
==Order of Battle==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/4thMountain.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/4thMountainS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the 4th Mountain Division “Highlanders” (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*'''4th Division Command and Support Regiment''' <br />
*'''1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”''' <br />
*'''2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”''' <br />
*'''7th Infantry Brigade “Moles”''' <br />
<br />
[[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=2nd_Infantry_Division_(Abt)2nd Infantry Division (Abt)2007-08-01T02:57:03Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=250 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+'''2nd Infantry Division "Iron Wolves"'''<br><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/IronWolvesS.gif<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Insignia of the 2nd Infantry Division''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
|'''Active''' || 2007 - <br />
|-<br />
| '''Country''' || [[Abt|Abt Republic]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Branch''' || [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Regular Army]] <br />
|-<br />
|'''Type''' || Infantry<br />
|-<br />
|'''Size''' || Approx. 18'000<br />
|-<br />
| '''Garrison/HQ''' || Kozelsk<br />
|-<br />
| '''Name''' || Iron Wolves<br />
|-<br />
| '''Colors''' || Silver and Red<br />
|-<br />
| '''Commander''' || Major General Konstantin Ikonin<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''2nd Infantry Division "Iron Wolves"''' (''[[Russian]]: 2ая Пехотная Дивизия "Железные Волки"'') is one of the two infantry divisions of the [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Abt Republic Army]]. Along with the [[3rd Infantry Division (Abt)|3rd Infantry Division "Swordbearers"]] it constitutes the main operational infantry element of the Abt Republic Defence Force, capable of action at home and abroad and providing a heavy and mechanized counterpart to the light [[ARDF#People's Militia|People's Militia]].<br />
<br />
==Order of Battle==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/2ndInfantry.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/2ndInfantryS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the 2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves” (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*'''2nd Division Command and Support Regiment''' <br />
*'''3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”''' <br />
*'''2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”''' <br />
*'''3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”''' <br />
*'''4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”''' <br />
*'''2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”'''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=3rd_Infantry_Division_(Abt)3rd Infantry Division (Abt)2007-08-01T02:47:28Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=250 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+'''3rd Infantry Division “Sword Bearers”'''<br><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/SwordBearers.gif<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Insignia of the 3rd Infantry Division''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
|'''Active''' || 2007 - <br />
|-<br />
| '''Country''' || [[Abt|Abt Republic]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Branch''' || [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Regular Army]] <br />
|-<br />
|'''Type''' || Infantry<br />
|-<br />
|'''Size''' || Approx. 18'000<br />
|-<br />
| '''Garrison/HQ''' || Novoposad<br />
|-<br />
| '''Name''' || Swordbearers<br />
|-<br />
| '''Colors''' || Gold and Red<br />
|-<br />
| '''Commander''' || Major General Jan Tanush<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''3rd Infantry Division “Swordbearers”''' (''[[Russian]]: 3ья Пехотная Дивизия “Меченосцы”'') is one of the two infantry divisions of the [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Abt Republic Army]], the other being the [[2nd Infantry Division (Abt)|2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves”]].<br />
<br />
==Order of Battle==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/3rdInfantryDiv.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/3rdInfantryDivS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the 3rd Infantry Division “Swordbearers” (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*'''3rd Division Command and Support Regiment''' <br />
*'''4rd Ground Assault Brigade “Tigers”''' <br />
*'''5th Infantry Brigade “Chipmunks”''' <br />
*'''6th Infantry Brigade “Wolve”''' <br />
*'''7th Infantry Brigade “Foxes”''' <br />
*'''3rd Air Brigade “Swans”'''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Abt_Republic_Defence_ForceAbt Republic Defence Force2007-08-01T02:23:48Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Defence Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is charged with defending the [[Abt|Abt Republic]] against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. Service is voluntary, even if it many Abtian young men consider it a moral obligation to enroll at least into the People's Militia. Many are also attracted by the tax discounts granted to those serving or having done service with the ARDF.<br />
<br />
The ARDF is organised into four branches: ''Abt Republic Army'', ''Abt Republic Navy'', ''Abt Republic Air Force'' and the ''People’s Militia''.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the '''Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations''' (''Управление Разведки и Специальных Операций'') is directly subordinate to the General Staff and is responsible for intelligence gathering, military counter-intelligence and special operations. The DISO also coordinates and sometimes directs operations by the special ''Jaeger'' forces, namely the Army's ''Jaegers'', the Air Force's ''Parachutist Jaegers'' and the Navy's ''Marine Jaegers''.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Defence Force was first established as a small light infantry force by first settlers. The force grew in size and purchased heavier equipment as the conflict with the [[Sons of the Reformation]] progressed in order to efficiently counter the terrorist agression. Since then, the Republic has worked to establish a strong military to defend the Republic's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to assist friendly nations if such assistance is required.<br />
<br />
==Branches of Service==<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Army===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARA.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Army.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Army''' (''Армия Республики Абт'') is the main ground force component of the Abt Republic Defence Force, capable of operations at home and abroad. The ARA is a perfectly well trained and highely technologically advanced force, highly mechanized and is a force to be reckoned with both on [[Ambara]] and beyond.<br />
<br />
The Army consists of professional soldiers that sign up for a period of three years at least. As a financial incentive to enroll, servicemen are entitled to a 3% discount on income tax (same discount applies to Navy and Air Force servicemen). After finishing active service, the former servicemen become Army reservists and shall only be called up in times of war.<br />
<br />
====Structure====<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Army comprises, in addition to administrative personnel, training facilities, academies and stationary logistics bases with their attached units, a total of five active duty divisions and two reserve divisions.<br />
<br />
=====Special Operations Regiment=====<br />
<br />
The '''1st Special Operations Regiment''' is an umbrella formation directly subordinate to the Army Command that regroups the three officially confirmed Jaeger battalions of the Abt Republic Army. The regiment and battalions were created through the amalgamation of disparate Jaeger squadrons into one organised structure. But with the establishment of a fully functional armed force, the level and expertise demaned from Jaegers increased considerably, which means that there are today much fewer Jaegers than in the starting days of the Republic.<br />
<br />
The exact composition of every battalion and the precise locations of the various squadrons and troops is a state secret in Abt, as is the membership of the unit. Retired servicemen are under oath not to divulge anything about their time in service, except for the very fact that they have served with the Regiment. It is, however, understood that each battalion has units that specialise in medium and deep battlespace Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection.<br />
<br />
The 1st Special Operations Regiment is nicknamed ''Hell Brigade'' by its former servicemen, both because of the harsh training and high demands and because the regiment's main purpose is to send foes to hell quickly and discreetely.<br />
<br />
=====Active Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The structure of the active service divisions is as follows. It is worth of note that subordinated Brigades can be detached at any time depending on the tasks the Army wishes to accomplish. Each Brigade is fully capable of autonomous or independent action. The only units firmly under each division’s command is its Command and Support Regiment, a broad structure comprising supply, maintenance, medical and other logistic support battalions.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''[[1st Armoured Division (Abt)|1st Armoured Division “Horugv Bearers”]]'''<br />
** 1st Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Ground Assault Brigade “Lions”<br />
** 2nd Ground Assault Brigade “Leopards”<br />
** 1st Tank Regiment<br />
** 1st Infantry Brigade “Furrets”<br />
** 1st Air Brigade “Sparrows”<br />
<br />
* '''[[4th Mountain Division (Abt)|4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”]]''' <br />
** 4th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”<br />
** 2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”<br />
** 3rd Mountain Brigade “Moles”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''[[2nd Infantry Division (Abt)|2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves”]]'''<br />
** 2nd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”<br />
** 2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”<br />
** 3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”<br />
** 4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”<br />
** 2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”<br />
<br />
* '''[[5th Airborne Division (Abt)|5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers”]]'''<br />
** 5th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Parachutist Brigade “Snowy Owls”<br />
** 2nd Parachutist Brigade “Eagle Owls”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''[[3rd Infantry Division (Abt)|3rd Infantry Division “Swordbearers”]]'''<br />
** 3rd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 4th Ground Assault Brigade “Tigers”<br />
** 5th Infantry Brigade “Chipmunks”<br />
** 6th Infantry Brigade “Wolves”<br />
** 7th Infantry Brigade “Foxes”<br />
** 3rd Air Brigade “Swans”<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are no naming conventions adopted in the military, but according to a pattern that is becoming traditional, Ground Assault Brigades (which are the armoured component of the Army) adopt names of feline predators, Air Brigades take on the names of birds (except for those of birds of prey used by the Air Force) and Infantry Brigades (including their mountain counterparts) adopt the names of a mammal of their choice.<br />
<br />
=====Reserve Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The Reserve Divisions do not have any brigades assigned to them and only have a permanently manned Command and Support Regiment each. In times of war, the two Divisions are expected to welcome the first wave of Army reservists and organize them into a number of brigades. In peacetime, the Divisions cater for “reserve” military hardware. The Reserve Divisions are expected to be activated as a second wave reserves, following the call up of the People's Militia, and provide a heavier reserve force in comparison ot the Militia's light infantry.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''1st Reserve Division'''<br />
** 1st Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
* '''2nd Reserve Division'''<br />
** 2nd Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Navy===<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="left" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrig.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrigS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the “Cormorants” Brigade (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFNavy.png|right|ARDF|Naval Ensign of Abt.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Navy''' (''Флот Республики Абт'') is the maritime component of the ARDF. It is a coparatively small force, with the capacity to defend the Republic's territorial waters. The Navy has a limited power projection capacity within the Western Atlantic in the form of several cruisers, submarines and amphibious assault ships. In fact, the Navy has all the required ships to effectively transport and deploy the Marine Infantry Brigade anywhere in the world without the assistance of allied naval formations. The probability of such a maneuver occuring, however, is close to nil.<br />
<br />
The Navy is a small branch, numbering approximately fifteen thousand personnel (of which about five thousand are in the Marine Infantry alone). So far, its capacities and equipment are judged sufficient by the Abtian Government and meet the needs of the Republic.<br />
<br />
====Marine Infantry====<br />
<br />
The '''I Marine Infantry Brigade “Cormorants”''' is a marine infantry formation subordinated to the Navy, whose primary mission is to provide the Republic with a rapid reaction and deployment force, capable of seabourne assault and securing of beachheads. The Brigade comprises two amphibian mechanised infantry battalions and an amphibian tank battalion giving it the option of robust ampihibious assault against forward enemy positions directly from the sea. A battalion of wheeled MRLS vehicles can also be deployed via landing craft to provide the Brigade with additional heavy firesupport.<br />
<br />
Additionally, there exists a number of '''Marine Guard''' (''Гардемарины'', ''Gardemarins'') units deployed around the various Naval bases. These units are usually at company strength and are specialised in protection of sensitive installations and counter-diversionary tactics.<br />
<br />
====Marine Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The Marine Jaegers Battalion “Ospreys”, the marine Special Forces unit which includes combat divers, is in practical terms is directly subordinate to Naval Command with special oversight by the Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations.<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Air Force===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARAF.gif|right|ARDF|Roundel of the Abt Republic Air Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Air Force''' (''Воздушные Силы Республики Абт'') is the branch charged with protecting the Republican airspace from foreign intrusion, defence of Abtian airspace through aerial and ground based anti-air systems, providing air support other branches of the ARDF in their operations, be it transportation or heavy fire support. <br />
<br />
The Air Force operates technologically advanced aircraft with a high autonomy range, which allows it to carry out missions within the general Ambaran area and beyond. <br />
<br />
====Parachutist Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The '''Parachutist Jaeger Battalion "Cuckoos"''' is the Air Force's ground special operations unit, specialised in airborne infiltration, reconnaissance, target acquisition and forward air controlling for surgical strikes by the Air Force. The Battalion is also capable of capturing enemy airfields, even if this mission primarily lies with the Army's parachutist units.<br />
<br />
===People’s Militia===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF_PM.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the People's Militia.}}<br />
<br />
The '''People’s Militia''' (''Народное Ополчение'') was historically created by local settlers to defend their settlements against the [[Sons of the Reformation]], with the defeat and rooting out of the terrorist organization, the People’s Militia was reorganized along the general lines of the [[Taraskovya]]n [[Territorial Force]] into a rapid mobilization force capable of assisting regular army units in repelling an armed aggression against the Republic.<br />
<br />
The People's Militia is mostly a light infantry force, with some limited mechanised capacity and is organised into Regional Brigades, which do not always coincide with administrative Governorates. It is expected that most units of the People’s Militia can be mobilized and ready for duty within four hours following call-up within their respective districts.<br />
<br />
====Service with the People's Militia====<br />
<br />
Personnel undergo military training that takes three to four months and then are called in for several weeks of rehearsal training every year over a period of roughly ten years. The People's Militia offers a wide variety of professions and skill specialisations and is in this way mostly similar to the regular army.<br />
<br />
All in all, Militia service accounts for 300 to 600 days, depending on rank and duties. Additionally, each Militiaman has to undergo at least one session of target practice per year outside of his service weeks. Once signed up, a Militiaman is obligated to finish his service (except for liberatory circumstances) and may face legal consequences if he does not present himself for yearly duty without valid reason. Militiamen may keep their equipment, such as combat suits and weapons, at home. But it is not rare for soldiers that have an ARDF or Police armoury nearby to keep the gear there to avoid doing manteinance themselves. <br />
<br />
Service is voluntary, but many Abtian men consider it a moral duty to enlist with the People's Militia (women, on the contrary, are not as thrilled to dedicate two to three weeks every year to military activities). Militia service is also attractive to young people because it allows young applicants to do their training during the summer vacations in between Secondary and Higher Educations and, thus, follow their university studies without major interruptions. Militia service, while spread over many years, is still less in days than what a regular soldier has to serve.<br />
<br />
Recruits receive both a daily salary and a compensation for lost civilian salary (even if the recruit had no work contract, in which case the recruit receives a defined salary). The result sum of money is less than the salary of a regular soldier for the equivalent period of service, but it is a consequent tax-free income for youngsters fresh out of school. Another financial incentive is the 1,5% discount on income tax, which is however lesser than the 3% regular servicemen enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
<br />
* [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12805235&postcount=10 Belgorod Times article on ARDF Reform]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ambara]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Abt_Republic_Defence_ForceAbt Republic Defence Force2007-07-31T02:28:49Z<p>Jester: /* Abt Republic Air Force */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Defence Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is charged with defending the [[Abt|Abt Republic]] against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. Service is voluntary, even if it many Abtian young men consider it a moral obligation to enroll at least into the People's Militia. Many are also attracted by the tax discounts granted to those serving or having done service with the ARDF.<br />
<br />
The ARDF is organised into four branches: ''Abt Republic Army'', ''Abt Republic Navy'', ''Abt Republic Air Force'' and the ''People’s Militia''.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the '''Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations''' (''Управление Разведки и Специальных Операций'') is directly subordinate to the General Staff and is responsible for intelligence gathering, military counter-intelligence and special operations. The DISO also coordinates and sometimes directs operations by the special ''Jaeger'' forces, namely the Army's ''Jaegers'', the Air Force's ''Parachutist Jaegers'' and the Navy's ''Marine Jaegers''.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Defence Force was first established as a small light infantry force by first settlers. The force grew in size and purchased heavier equipment as the conflict with the [[Sons of the Reformation]] progressed in order to efficiently counter the terrorist agression. Since then, the Republic has worked to establish a strong military to defend the Republic's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to assist friendly nations if such assistance is required.<br />
<br />
==Branches of Service==<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Army===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARA.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Army.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Army''' (''Армия Республики Абт'') is the main ground force component of the Abt Republic Defence Force, capable of operations at home and abroad. The ARA is a perfectly well trained and highely technologically advanced force, highly mechanized and is a force to be reckoned with both on [[Ambara]] and beyond.<br />
<br />
The Army consists of professional soldiers that sign up for a period of three years at least. As a financial incentive to enroll, servicemen are entitled to a 3% discount on income tax (same discount applies to Navy and Air Force servicemen). After finishing active service, the former servicemen become Army reservists and shall only be called up in times of war.<br />
<br />
====Structure====<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Army comprises, in addition to administrative personnel, training facilities, academies and stationary logistics bases with their attached units, a total of five active duty divisions and two reserve divisions.<br />
<br />
=====Special Operations Regiment=====<br />
<br />
The '''1st Special Operations Regiment''' is an umbrella formation directly subordinate to the Army Command that regroups the three officially confirmed Jaeger battalions of the Abt Republic Army. The regiment and battalions were created through the amalgamation of disparate Jaeger squadrons into one organised structure. But with the establishment of a fully functional armed force, the level and expertise demaned from Jaegers increased considerably, which means that there are today much fewer Jaegers than in the starting days of the Republic.<br />
<br />
The exact composition of every battalion and the precise locations of the various squadrons and troops is a state secret in Abt, as is the membership of the unit. Retired servicemen are under oath not to divulge anything about their time in service, except for the very fact that they have served with the Regiment. It is, however, understood that each battalion has units that specialise in medium and deep battlespace Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection.<br />
<br />
The 1st Special Operations Regiment is nicknamed ''Hell Brigade'' by its former servicemen, both because of the harsh training and high demands and because the regiment's main purpose is to send foes to hell quickly and discreetely.<br />
<br />
=====Active Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The structure of the active service divisions is as follows. It is worth of note that subordinated Brigades can be detached at any time depending on the tasks the Army wishes to accomplish. Each Brigade is fully capable of autonomous or independent action. The only units firmly under each division’s command is its Command and Support Regiment, a broad structure comprising supply, maintenance, medical and other logistic support battalions.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''[[1st Armoured Division (Abt)|1st Armoured Division “Horugv Bearers”]]'''<br />
** 1st Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Ground Assault Brigade “Lions”<br />
** 2nd Ground Assault Brigade “Leopards”<br />
** 1st Tank Regiment<br />
** 1st Infantry Brigade “Furrets”<br />
** 1st Air Brigade “Sparrows”<br />
<br />
* '''4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”''' <br />
** 4th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”<br />
** 2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”<br />
** 3rd Mountain Brigade “Moles”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''[[2nd Infantry Division (Abt)|2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves”]]'''<br />
** 2nd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”<br />
** 2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”<br />
** 3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”<br />
** 4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”<br />
** 2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”<br />
<br />
* '''5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers”'''<br />
** 5th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Parachutist Brigade “Snowy Owls”<br />
** 2nd Parachutist Brigade “Eagle Owls”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''3rd Infantry Division “Swordbearers”'''<br />
** 3rd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 4th Ground Assault Brigade “Tigers”<br />
** 5th Infantry Brigade “Chipmunks”<br />
** 6th Infantry Brigade “Wolves”<br />
** 7th Infantry Brigade “Foxes”<br />
** 3rd Air Brigade “Swans”<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are no naming conventions adopted in the military, but according to a pattern that is becoming traditional, Ground Assault Brigades (which are the armoured component of the Army) adopt names of feline predators, Air Brigades take on the names of birds (except for those of birds of prey used by the Air Force) and Infantry Brigades (including their mountain counterparts) adopt the names of a mammal of their choice.<br />
<br />
=====Reserve Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The Reserve Divisions do not have any brigades assigned to them and only have a permanently manned Command and Support Regiment each. In times of war, the two Divisions are expected to welcome the first wave of Army reservists and organize them into a number of brigades. In peacetime, the Divisions cater for “reserve” military hardware. The Reserve Divisions are expected to be activated as a second wave reserves, following the call up of the People's Militia, and provide a heavier reserve force in comparison ot the Militia's light infantry.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''1st Reserve Division'''<br />
** 1st Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
* '''2nd Reserve Division'''<br />
** 2nd Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Navy===<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="left" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrig.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrigS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the “Cormorants” Brigade (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFNavy.png|right|ARDF|Naval Ensign of Abt.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Navy''' (''Флот Республики Абт'') is the maritime component of the ARDF. It is a coparatively small force, with the capacity to defend the Republic's territorial waters. The Navy has a limited power projection capacity within the Western Atlantic in the form of several cruisers, submarines and amphibious assault ships. In fact, the Navy has all the required ships to effectively transport and deploy the Marine Infantry Brigade anywhere in the world without the assistance of allied naval formations. The probability of such a maneuver occuring, however, is close to nil.<br />
<br />
The Navy is a small branch, numbering approximately fifteen thousand personnel (of which about five thousand are in the Marine Infantry alone). So far, its capacities and equipment are judged sufficient by the Abtian Government and meet the needs of the Republic.<br />
<br />
====Marine Infantry====<br />
<br />
The '''I Marine Infantry Brigade “Cormorants”''' is a marine infantry formation subordinated to the Navy, whose primary mission is to provide the Republic with a rapid reaction and deployment force, capable of seabourne assault and securing of beachheads. The Brigade comprises two amphibian mechanised infantry battalions and an amphibian tank battalion giving it the option of robust ampihibious assault against forward enemy positions directly from the sea. A battalion of wheeled MRLS vehicles can also be deployed via landing craft to provide the Brigade with additional heavy firesupport.<br />
<br />
Additionally, there exists a number of '''Marine Guard''' (''Гардемарины'', ''Gardemarins'') units deployed around the various Naval bases. These units are usually at company strength and are specialised in protection of sensitive installations and counter-diversionary tactics.<br />
<br />
====Marine Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The Marine Jaegers Battalion “Ospreys”, the marine Special Forces unit which includes combat divers, is in practical terms is directly subordinate to Naval Command with special oversight by the Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations.<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Air Force===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARAF.png|right|ARDF|Roundel of the Abt Republic Air Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Air Force''' (''Воздушные Силы Республики Абт'') is the branch charged with protecting the Republican airspace from foreign intrusion, defence of Abtian airspace through aerial and ground based anti-air systems, providing air support other branches of the ARDF in their operations, be it transportation or heavy fire support. <br />
<br />
The Air Force operates technologically advanced aircraft with a high autonomy range, which allows it to carry out missions within the general Ambaran area and beyond. <br />
<br />
====Parachutist Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The '''Parachutist Jaeger Battalion "Cuckoos"''' is the Air Force's ground special operations unit, specialised in airborne infiltration, reconnaissance, target acquisition and forward air controlling for surgical strikes by the Air Force. The Battalion is also capable of capturing enemy airfields, even if this mission primarily lies with the Army's parachutist units.<br />
<br />
===People’s Militia===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF_PM.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the People's Militia.}}<br />
<br />
The '''People’s Militia''' (''Народное Ополчение'') was historically created by local settlers to defend their settlements against the [[Sons of the Reformation]], with the defeat and rooting out of the terrorist organization, the People’s Militia was reorganized along the general lines of the [[Taraskovya]]n [[Territorial Force]] into a rapid mobilization force capable of assisting regular army units in repelling an armed aggression against the Republic.<br />
<br />
The People's Militia is mostly a light infantry force, with some limited mechanised capacity and is organised into Regional Brigades, which do not always coincide with administrative Governorates. It is expected that most units of the People’s Militia can be mobilized and ready for duty within four hours following call-up within their respective districts.<br />
<br />
====Service with the People's Militia====<br />
<br />
Personnel undergo military training that takes three to four months and then are called in for several weeks of rehearsal training every year over a period of roughly ten years. The People's Militia offers a wide variety of professions and skill specialisations and is in this way mostly similar to the regular army.<br />
<br />
All in all, Militia service accounts for 300 to 600 days, depending on rank and duties. Additionally, each Militiaman has to undergo at least one session of target practice per year outside of his service weeks. Once signed up, a Militiaman is obligated to finish his service (except for liberatory circumstances) and may face legal consequences if he does not present himself for yearly duty without valid reason. Militiamen may keep their equipment, such as combat suits and weapons, at home. But it is not rare for soldiers that have an ARDF or Police armoury nearby to keep the gear there to avoid doing manteinance themselves. <br />
<br />
Service is voluntary, but many Abtian men consider it a moral duty to enlist with the People's Militia (women, on the contrary, are not as thrilled to dedicate two to three weeks every year to military activities). Militia service is also attractive to young people because it allows young applicants to do their training during the summer vacations in between Secondary and Higher Educations and, thus, follow their university studies without major interruptions. Militia service, while spread over many years, is still less in days than what a regular soldier has to serve.<br />
<br />
Recruits receive both a daily salary and a compensation for lost civilian salary (even if the recruit had no work contract, in which case the recruit receives a defined salary). The result sum of money is less than the salary of a regular soldier for the equivalent period of service, but it is a consequent tax-free income for youngsters fresh out of school. Another financial incentive is the 1,5% discount on income tax, which is however lesser than the 3% regular servicemen enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
<br />
* [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12805235&postcount=10 Belgorod Times article on ARDF Reform]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ambara]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=2nd_Infantry_Division_(Abt)2nd Infantry Division (Abt)2007-07-29T09:40:34Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=250 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+'''2nd Infantry Division "Iron Wolves"'''<br><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/IronWolvesS.gif<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Insignia of the 2nd Infantry Division''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
|'''Active''' || 2007 - <br />
|-<br />
| '''Country''' || [[Abt|Abt Republic]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Branch''' || [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Regular Army]] <br />
|-<br />
|'''Type''' || Infantry<br />
|-<br />
|'''Size''' || Approx. 18'000<br />
|-<br />
| '''Garrison/HQ''' || Kozelsk<br />
|-<br />
| '''Name''' || Iron Wolves<br />
|-<br />
| '''Colors''' || Silver and Red<br />
|-<br />
| '''Commander''' || Major General Konstantin Ikonin<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''2nd Infantry Division "Iron Wolves"''' (''[[Russian]]: 2ая Пехотная Дивизия "Железные Волки"'') is one of the two infantry divisions of the [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Abt Republic Army]].<br />
<br />
==Order of Battle==<br />
<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="right" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/2ndInfantry.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/2ndInfantryS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the 2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves” (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
*'''2nd Division Command and Support Regiment''' <br />
*'''3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”''' <br />
*'''2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”''' <br />
*'''3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”''' <br />
*'''4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”''' <br />
*'''2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”'''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=2nd_Infantry_Division_(Abt)2nd Infantry Division (Abt)2007-07-29T09:03:22Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{| border=1 align=right cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 width=250 style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"<br />
|+'''2nd Infantry Division "Iron Wolves"'''<br><br />
|-<br />
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/IronWolvesS.gif<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Insignia of the 2nd Infantry Division''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%" <br />
|-<br />
|'''Active''' || 2007 - <br />
|-<br />
| '''Country''' || [[Abt|Abt Republic]]<br />
|-<br />
| '''Branch''' || [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Regular Army]] <br />
|-<br />
|'''Type''' || Infantry<br />
|-<br />
|'''Size''' || Approx. 14'000<br />
|-<br />
| '''Garrison/HQ''' || Kozelsk<br />
|-<br />
| '''Name''' || Iron Wolves<br />
|-<br />
| '''Colors''' || Silver and Red<br />
|-<br />
| '''Commander''' || Major General Konstantin Ikonin<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
The '''2nd Infantry Division "Iron Wolves"''' (''[[Russian]]: 2ая Пехотная Дивизия "Железные Волки"'') is one of the two infantry divisions of the [[Abt Republic Defence Force#Abt Republic Army|Abt Republic Army]].<br />
<br />
==Order of Battle==<br />
<br />
*'''2nd Division Command and Support Regiment''' <br />
*'''3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”''' <br />
*'''2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”''' <br />
*'''3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”''' <br />
*'''4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”''' <br />
*'''2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”'''<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Abt_Republic_Defence_ForceAbt Republic Defence Force2007-07-29T08:55:23Z<p>Jester: /* Active Divisions */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Defence Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is charged with defending the [[Abt|Abt Republic]] against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. Service is voluntary, even if it many Abtian young men consider it a moral obligation to enroll at least into the People's Militia. Many are also attracted by the tax discounts granted to those serving or having done service with the ARDF.<br />
<br />
The ARDF is organised into four branches: ''Abt Republic Army'', ''Abt Republic Navy'', ''Abt Republic Air Force'' and the ''People’s Militia''.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the '''Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations''' (''Управление Разведки и Специальных Операций'') is directly subordinate to the General Staff and is responsible for intelligence gathering, military counter-intelligence and special operations. The DISO also coordinates and sometimes directs operations by the special ''Jaeger'' forces, namely the Army's ''Jaegers'', the Air Force's ''Parachutist Jaegers'' and the Navy's ''Marine Jaegers''.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Defence Force was first established as a small light infantry force by first settlers. The force grew in size and purchased heavier equipment as the conflict with the [[Sons of the Reformation]] progressed in order to efficiently counter the terrorist agression. Since then, the Republic has worked to establish a strong military to defend the Republic's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to assist friendly nations if such assistance is required.<br />
<br />
==Branches of Service==<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Army===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARA.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Army.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Army''' (''Армия Республики Абт'') is the main ground force component of the Abt Republic Defence Force, capable of operations at home and abroad. The ARA is a perfectly well trained and highely technologically advanced force, highly mechanized and is a force to be reckoned with both on [[Ambara]] and beyond.<br />
<br />
The Army consists of professional soldiers that sign up for a period of three years at least. As a financial incentive to enroll, servicemen are entitled to a 3% discount on income tax (same discount applies to Navy and Air Force servicemen). After finishing active service, the former servicemen become Army reservists and shall only be called up in times of war.<br />
<br />
====Structure====<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Army comprises, in addition to administrative personnel, training facilities, academies and stationary logistics bases with their attached units, a total of five active duty divisions and two reserve divisions.<br />
<br />
=====Special Operations Regiment=====<br />
<br />
The '''1st Special Operations Regiment''' is an umbrella formation directly subordinate to the Army Command that regroups the three officially confirmed Jaeger battalions of the Abt Republic Army. The regiment and battalions were created through the amalgamation of disparate Jaeger squadrons into one organised structure. But with the establishment of a fully functional armed force, the level and expertise demaned from Jaegers increased considerably, which means that there are today much fewer Jaegers than in the starting days of the Republic.<br />
<br />
The exact composition of every battalion and the precise locations of the various squadrons and troops is a state secret in Abt, as is the membership of the unit. Retired servicemen are under oath not to divulge anything about their time in service, except for the very fact that they have served with the Regiment. It is, however, understood that each battalion has units that specialise in medium and deep battlespace Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection.<br />
<br />
The 1st Special Operations Regiment is nicknamed ''Hell Brigade'' by its former servicemen, both because of the harsh training and high demands and because the regiment's main purpose is to send foes to hell quickly and discreetely.<br />
<br />
=====Active Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The structure of the active service divisions is as follows. It is worth of note that subordinated Brigades can be detached at any time depending on the tasks the Army wishes to accomplish. Each Brigade is fully capable of autonomous or independent action. The only units firmly under each division’s command is its Command and Support Regiment, a broad structure comprising supply, maintenance, medical and other logistic support battalions.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''[[1st Armoured Division (Abt)|1st Armoured Division “Horugv Bearers”]]'''<br />
** 1st Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Ground Assault Brigade “Lions”<br />
** 2nd Ground Assault Brigade “Leopards”<br />
** 1st Tank Regiment<br />
** 1st Infantry Brigade “Furrets”<br />
** 1st Air Brigade “Sparrows”<br />
<br />
* '''4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”''' <br />
** 4th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”<br />
** 2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”<br />
** 3rd Mountain Brigade “Moles”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''[[2nd Infantry Division (Abt)|2nd Infantry Division “Iron Wolves”]]'''<br />
** 2nd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”<br />
** 2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”<br />
** 3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”<br />
** 4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”<br />
** 2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”<br />
<br />
* '''5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers”'''<br />
** 5th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Parachutist Brigade “Snowy Owls”<br />
** 2nd Parachutist Brigade “Eagle Owls”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''3rd Infantry Division “Swordbearers”'''<br />
** 3rd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 4th Ground Assault Brigade “Tigers”<br />
** 5th Infantry Brigade “Chipmunks”<br />
** 6th Infantry Brigade “Wolves”<br />
** 7th Infantry Brigade “Foxes”<br />
** 3rd Air Brigade “Swans”<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are no naming conventions adopted in the military, but according to a pattern that is becoming traditional, Ground Assault Brigades (which are the armoured component of the Army) adopt names of feline predators, Air Brigades take on the names of birds (except for those of birds of prey used by the Air Force) and Infantry Brigades (including their mountain counterparts) adopt the names of a mammal of their choice.<br />
<br />
=====Reserve Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The Reserve Divisions do not have any brigades assigned to them and only have a permanently manned Command and Support Regiment each. In times of war, the two Divisions are expected to welcome the first wave of Army reservists and organize them into a number of brigades. In peacetime, the Divisions cater for “reserve” military hardware. The Reserve Divisions are expected to be activated as a second wave reserves, following the call up of the People's Militia, and provide a heavier reserve force in comparison ot the Militia's light infantry.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''1st Reserve Division'''<br />
** 1st Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
* '''2nd Reserve Division'''<br />
** 2nd Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Navy===<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="left" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrig.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrigS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the “Cormorants” Brigade (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFNavy.png|right|ARDF|Naval Ensign of Abt.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Navy''' (''Флот Республики Абт'') is the maritime component of the ARDF. It is a coparatively small force, with the capacity to defend the Republic's territorial waters. The Navy has a limited power projection capacity within the Western Atlantic in the form of several cruisers, submarines and amphibious assault ships. In fact, the Navy has all the required ships to effectively transport and deploy the Marine Infantry Brigade anywhere in the world without the assistance of allied naval formations. The probability of such a maneuver occuring, however, is close to nil.<br />
<br />
The Navy is a small branch, numbering approximately fifteen thousand personnel (of which about five thousand are in the Marine Infantry alone). So far, its capacities and equipment are judged sufficient by the Abtian Government and meet the needs of the Republic.<br />
<br />
====Marine Infantry====<br />
<br />
The '''I Marine Infantry Brigade “Cormorants”''' is a marine infantry formation subordinated to the Navy, whose primary mission is to provide the Republic with a rapid reaction and deployment force, capable of seabourne assault and securing of beachheads. The Brigade comprises two amphibian mechanised infantry battalions and an amphibian tank battalion giving it the option of robust ampihibious assault against forward enemy positions directly from the sea. A battalion of wheeled MRLS vehicles can also be deployed via landing craft to provide the Brigade with additional heavy firesupport.<br />
<br />
Additionally, there exists a number of '''Marine Guard''' (''Гардемарины'', ''Gardemarins'') units deployed around the various Naval bases. These units are usually at company strength and are specialised in protection of sensitive installations and counter-diversionary tactics.<br />
<br />
====Marine Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The Marine Jaegers Battalion “Ospreys”, the marine Special Forces unit which includes combat divers, is in practical terms is directly subordinate to Naval Command with special oversight by the Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations.<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Air Force===<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Air Force''' (''Воздушные Силы Республики Абт'') is the branch charged with protecting the Republican airspace from foreign intrusion, defence of Abtian airspace through aerial and ground based anti-air systems, providing air support other branches of the ARDF in their operations, be it transportation or heavy fire support. <br />
<br />
The Air Force operates technologically advanced aircraft with a high autonomy range, which allows it to carry out missions within the general Ambaran area and beyond. <br />
<br />
====Parachutist Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The '''Parachutist Jaeger Battalion "Cuckoos"''' is the Air Force's ground special operations unit, specialised in airborne infiltration, reconnaissance, target acquisition and forward air controlling for surgical strikes by the Air Force. The Battalion is also capable of capturing enemy airfields, even if this mission primarily lies with the Army's parachutist units.<br />
<br />
===People’s Militia===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF_PM.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the People's Militia.}}<br />
<br />
The '''People’s Militia''' (''Народное Ополчение'') was historically created by local settlers to defend their settlements against the [[Sons of the Reformation]], with the defeat and rooting out of the terrorist organization, the People’s Militia was reorganized along the general lines of the [[Taraskovya]]n [[Territorial Force]] into a rapid mobilization force capable of assisting regular army units in repelling an armed aggression against the Republic.<br />
<br />
The People's Militia is mostly a light infantry force, with some limited mechanised capacity and is organised into Regional Brigades, which do not always coincide with administrative Governorates. It is expected that most units of the People’s Militia can be mobilized and ready for duty within four hours following call-up within their respective districts.<br />
<br />
====Service with the People's Militia====<br />
<br />
Personnel undergo military training that takes three to four months and then are called in for several weeks of rehearsal training every year over a period of roughly ten years. The People's Militia offers a wide variety of professions and skill specialisations and is in this way mostly similar to the regular army.<br />
<br />
All in all, Militia service accounts for 300 to 600 days, depending on rank and duties. Additionally, each Militiaman has to undergo at least one session of target practice per year outside of his service weeks. Once signed up, a Militiaman is obligated to finish his service (except for liberatory circumstances) and may face legal consequences if he does not present himself for yearly duty without valid reason. Militiamen may keep their equipment, such as combat suits and weapons, at home. But it is not rare for soldiers that have an ARDF or Police armoury nearby to keep the gear there to avoid doing manteinance themselves. <br />
<br />
Service is voluntary, but many Abtian men consider it a moral duty to enlist with the People's Militia (women, on the contrary, are not as thrilled to dedicate two to three weeks every year to military activities). Militia service is also attractive to young people because it allows young applicants to do their training during the summer vacations in between Secondary and Higher Educations and, thus, follow their university studies without major interruptions. Militia service, while spread over many years, is still less in days than what a regular soldier has to serve.<br />
<br />
Recruits receive both a daily salary and a compensation for lost civilian salary (even if the recruit had no work contract, in which case the recruit receives a defined salary). The result sum of money is less than the salary of a regular soldier for the equivalent period of service, but it is a consequent tax-free income for youngsters fresh out of school. Another financial incentive is the 1,5% discount on income tax, which is however lesser than the 3% regular servicemen enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
<br />
* [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12805235&postcount=10 Belgorod Times article on ARDF Reform]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ambara]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Abt_Republic_Defence_ForceAbt Republic Defence Force2007-07-08T18:43:18Z<p>Jester: /* Abt Republic Navy */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Defence Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is charged with defending the [[Abt|Abt Republic]] against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. Service is voluntary, even if it many Abtian young men consider it a moral obligation to enroll at least into the People's Militia. Many are also attracted by the tax discounts granted to those serving or having done service with the ARDF.<br />
<br />
The ARDF is organised into four branches: ''Abt Republic Army'', ''Abt Republic Navy'', ''Abt Republic Air Force'' and the ''People’s Militia''.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the '''Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations''' (''Управление Разведки и Специальных Операций'') is directly subordinate to the General Staff and is responsible for intelligence gathering, military counter-intelligence and special operations. The DISO also coordinates and sometimes directs operations by the special ''Jaeger'' forces, namely the Army's ''Jaegers'', the Air Force's ''Parachutist Jaegers'' and the Navy's ''Marine Jaegers''.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Defence Force was first established as a small light infantry force by first settlers. The force grew in size and purchased heavier equipment as the conflict with the [[Sons of the Reformation]] progressed in order to efficiently counter the terrorist agression. Since then, the Republic has worked to establish a strong military to defend the Republic's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to assist friendly nations if such assistance is required.<br />
<br />
==Branches of Service==<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Army===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARA.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Army.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Army''' (''Армия Республики Абт'') is the main ground force component of the Abt Republic Defence Force, capable of operations at home and abroad. The ARA is a perfectly well trained and highely technologically advanced force, highly mechanized and is a force to be reckoned with both on [[Ambara]] and beyond.<br />
<br />
The Army consists of professional soldiers that sign up for a period of three years at least. As a financial incentive to enroll, servicemen are entitled to a 3% discount on income tax (same discount applies to Navy and Air Force servicemen). After finishing active service, the former servicemen become Army reservists and shall only be called up in times of war.<br />
<br />
====Structure====<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Army comprises, in addition to administrative personnel, training facilities, academies and stationary logistics bases with their attached units, a total of five active duty divisions and two reserve divisions.<br />
<br />
=====Special Operations Regiment=====<br />
<br />
The '''1st Special Operations Regiment''' is an umbrella formation directly subordinate to the Army Command that regroups the three officially confirmed Jaeger battalions of the Abt Republic Army. The regiment and battalions were created through the amalgamation of disparate Jaeger squadrons into one organised structure. But with the establishment of a fully functional armed force, the level and expertise demaned from Jaegers increased considerably, which means that there are today much fewer Jaegers than in the starting days of the Republic.<br />
<br />
The exact composition of every battalion and the precise locations of the various squadrons and troops is a state secret in Abt, as is the membership of the unit. Retired servicemen are under oath not to divulge anything about their time in service, except for the very fact that they have served with the Regiment. It is, however, understood that each battalion has units that specialise in medium and deep battlespace Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection.<br />
<br />
The 1st Special Operations Regiment is nicknamed ''Hell Brigade'' by its former servicemen, both because of the harsh training and high demands and because the regiment's main purpose is to send foes to hell quickly and discreetely.<br />
<br />
=====Active Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The structure of the active service divisions is as follows. It is worth of note that subordinated Brigades can be detached at any time depending on the tasks the Army wishes to accomplish. Each Brigade is fully capable of autonomous or independent action. The only units firmly under each division’s command is its Command and Support Regiment, a broad structure comprising supply, maintenance, medical and other logistic support battalions.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''[[1st Armoured Division (Abt)|1st Armoured Division “Horugv Bearers”]]'''<br />
** 1st Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Ground Assault Brigade “Lions”<br />
** 2nd Ground Assault Brigade “Leopards”<br />
** 1st Tank Regiment<br />
** 1st Infantry Brigade “Furrets”<br />
** 1st Air Brigade “Sparrows”<br />
<br />
* '''4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”''' <br />
** 4th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”<br />
** 2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”<br />
** 3rd Mountain Brigade “Moles”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''2nd Infantry Division “Iron Will”'''<br />
** 2nd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”<br />
** 2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”<br />
** 3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”<br />
** 4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”<br />
** 2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”<br />
<br />
* '''5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers”'''<br />
** 5th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Parachutist Brigade “Snowy Owls”<br />
** 2nd Parachutist Brigade “Eagle Owls”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''3rd Infantry Division “Swordbearers”'''<br />
** 3rd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 4th Ground Assault Brigade “Tigers”<br />
** 5th Infantry Brigade “Chipmunks”<br />
** 6th Infantry Brigade “Wolves”<br />
** 7th Infantry Brigade “Foxes”<br />
** 3rd Air Brigade “Swans”<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are no naming conventions adopted in the military, but according to a pattern that is becoming traditional, Ground Assault Brigades (which are the armoured component of the Army) adopt names of feline predators, Air Brigades take on the names of birds (except for those of birds of prey used by the Air Force) and Infantry Brigades (including their mountain counterparts) adopt the names of a mammal of their choice.<br />
<br />
=====Reserve Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The Reserve Divisions do not have any brigades assigned to them and only have a permanently manned Command and Support Regiment each. In times of war, the two Divisions are expected to welcome the first wave of Army reservists and organize them into a number of brigades. In peacetime, the Divisions cater for “reserve” military hardware. The Reserve Divisions are expected to be activated as a second wave reserves, following the call up of the People's Militia, and provide a heavier reserve force in comparison ot the Militia's light infantry.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''1st Reserve Division'''<br />
** 1st Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
* '''2nd Reserve Division'''<br />
** 2nd Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Navy===<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="left" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrig.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrigS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the “Cormorants” Brigade (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFNavy.png|right|ARDF|Naval Ensign of Abt.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Navy''' (''Флот Республики Абт'') is the maritime component of the ARDF. It is a coparatively small force, with the capacity to defend the Republic's territorial waters. The Navy has a limited power projection capacity within the Western Atlantic in the form of several cruisers, submarines and amphibious assault ships. In fact, the Navy has all the required ships to effectively transport and deploy the Marine Infantry Brigade anywhere in the world without the assistance of allied naval formations. The probability of such a maneuver occuring, however, is close to nil.<br />
<br />
The Navy is a small branch, numbering approximately fifteen thousand personnel (of which about five thousand are in the Marine Infantry alone). So far, its capacities and equipment are judged sufficient by the Abtian Government and meet the needs of the Republic.<br />
<br />
====Marine Infantry====<br />
<br />
The '''I Marine Infantry Brigade “Cormorants”''' is a marine infantry formation subordinated to the Navy, whose primary mission is to provide the Republic with a rapid reaction and deployment force, capable of seabourne assault and securing of beachheads. The Brigade comprises two amphibian mechanised infantry battalions and an amphibian tank battalion giving it the option of robust ampihibious assault against forward enemy positions directly from the sea. A battalion of wheeled MRLS vehicles can also be deployed via landing craft to provide the Brigade with additional heavy firesupport.<br />
<br />
Additionally, there exists a number of '''Marine Guard''' (''Гардемарины'', ''Gardemarins'') units deployed around the various Naval bases. These units are usually at company strength and are specialised in protection of sensitive installations and counter-diversionary tactics.<br />
<br />
====Marine Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The Marine Jaegers Battalion “Ospreys”, the marine Special Forces unit which includes combat divers, is in practical terms is directly subordinate to Naval Command with special oversight by the Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations.<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Air Force===<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Air Force''' (''Воздушные Силы Республики Абт'') is the branch charged with protecting the Republican airspace from foreign intrusion, defence of Abtian airspace through aerial and ground based anti-air systems, providing air support other branches of the ARDF in their operations, be it transportation or heavy fire support. <br />
<br />
The Air Force operates technologically advanced aircraft with a high autonomy range, which allows it to carry out missions within the general Ambaran area and beyond. <br />
<br />
====Parachutist Jaegers====<br />
<br />
The '''Parachutist Jaeger Battalion "Cuckoos"''' is the Air Force's ground special operations unit, specialised in airborne infiltration, reconnaissance, target acquisition and forward air controlling for surgical strikes by the Air Force. The Battalion is also capable of capturing enemy airfields, even if this mission primarily lies with the Army's parachutist units.<br />
<br />
===People’s Militia===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF_PM.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the People's Militia.}}<br />
<br />
The '''People’s Militia''' (''Народное Ополчение'') was historically created by local settlers to defend their settlements against the [[Sons of the Reformation]], with the defeat and rooting out of the terrorist organization, the People’s Militia was reorganized along the general lines of the [[Taraskovya]]n [[Territorial Force]] into a rapid mobilization force capable of assisting regular army units in repelling an armed aggression against the Republic.<br />
<br />
The People's Militia is mostly a light infantry force, with some limited mechanised capacity and is organised into Regional Brigades, which do not always coincide with administrative Governorates. It is expected that most units of the People’s Militia can be mobilized and ready for duty within four hours following call-up within their respective districts.<br />
<br />
====Service with the People's Militia====<br />
<br />
Personnel undergo military training that takes three to four months and then are called in for several weeks of rehearsal training every year over a period of roughly ten years. The People's Militia offers a wide variety of professions and skill specialisations and is in this way mostly similar to the regular army.<br />
<br />
All in all, Militia service accounts for 300 to 600 days, depending on rank and duties. Additionally, each Militiaman has to undergo at least one session of target practice per year outside of his service weeks. Once signed up, a Militiaman is obligated to finish his service (except for liberatory circumstances) and may face legal consequences if he does not present himself for yearly duty without valid reason. Militiamen may keep their equipment, such as combat suits and weapons, at home. But it is not rare for soldiers that have an ARDF or Police armoury nearby to keep the gear there to avoid doing manteinance themselves. <br />
<br />
Service is voluntary, but many Abtian men consider it a moral duty to enlist with the People's Militia (women, on the contrary, are not as thrilled to dedicate two to three weeks every year to military activities). Militia service is also attractive to young people because it allows young applicants to do their training during the summer vacations in between Secondary and Higher Educations and, thus, follow their university studies without major interruptions. Militia service, while spread over many years, is still less in days than what a regular soldier has to serve.<br />
<br />
Recruits receive both a daily salary and a compensation for lost civilian salary (even if the recruit had no work contract, in which case the recruit receives a defined salary). The result sum of money is less than the salary of a regular soldier for the equivalent period of service, but it is a consequent tax-free income for youngsters fresh out of school. Another financial incentive is the 1,5% discount on income tax, which is however lesser than the 3% regular servicemen enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
==External Links==<br />
<br />
* [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12805235&postcount=10 Belgorod Times article on ARDF Reform]<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Ambara]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jesterhttp://archive.nswiki.org/index.php?title=Abt_Republic_Defence_ForceAbt Republic Defence Force2007-07-06T01:06:48Z<p>Jester: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Defence Force.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Defence Force''' ([[Russian]]: ''Оборонные Войска Республики'', ''"Republic's Defence Forces"'') is charged with defending the [[Abt|Abt Republic]] against threats originating outside Abtian borders, restoring peace within the Republic should the regular law enforcement services be overwhelmed, provide emergency and relief assistance to the population. Service is voluntary, even if it many Abtian young men consider it a moral obligation to enroll at least into the People's Militia. Many are also attracted by the tax discounts granted to those serving or having done service with the ARDF.<br />
<br />
The ARDF is organised into four branches: ''Abt Republic Army'', ''Abt Republic Navy'', ''Abt Republic Air Force'' and the ''People’s Militia''.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the '''Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations''' (''Управление Разведки и Специальных Операций'') is directly subordinate to the General Staff and is responsible for intelligence gathering, military counter-intelligence and special operations. The DISO also coordinates and sometimes directs operations by the special ''Jaeger'' forces, namely the Army's ''Jaegers'', the Air Force's ''Parachutist Jaegers'' and the Navy's ''Marine Jaegers''.<br />
<br />
==History==<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Defence Force was first established as a small light infantry force by first settlers. The force grew in size and purchased heavier equipment as the conflict with the [[Sons of the Reformation]] progressed in order to efficiently counter the terrorist agression. Since then, the Republic has worked to establish a strong military to defend the Republic's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to assist friendly nations if such assistance is required.<br />
<br />
==Branches of Service==<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Army===<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARA.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the Abt Republic Army.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Army''' (''Армия Республики Абт'') is the main ground force component of the Abt Republic Defence Force, capable of operations at home and abroad. The ARA is a perfectly well trained and highely technologically advanced force, highly mechanized and is a force to be reckoned with both on [[Ambara]] and beyond.<br />
<br />
The Army consists of professional soldiers that sign up for a period of three years at least. As a financial incentive to enroll, servicemen are entitled to a 3% discount on income tax (same discount applies to Navy and Air Force servicemen). After finishing active service, the former servicemen become Army reservists and shall only be called up in times of war.<br />
<br />
====Structure====<br />
<br />
The Abt Republic Army comprises, in addition to administrative personnel, training facilities, academies and stationary logistics bases with their attached units, a total of five active duty divisions and two reserve divisions.<br />
<br />
=====Special Operations Regiment=====<br />
<br />
The '''1st Special Operations Regiment''' is an umbrella formation directly subordinate to the Army Command that regroups the three officially confirmed Jaeger battalions of the Abt Republic Army. The regiment and battalions were created through the amalgamation of disparate Jaeger squadrons into one organised structure. But with the establishment of a fully functional armed force, the level and expertise demaned from Jaegers increased considerably, which means that there are today much fewer Jaegers than in the starting days of the Republic.<br />
<br />
The exact composition of every battalion and the precise locations of the various squadrons and troops is a state secret in Abt, as is the membership of the unit. Retired servicemen are under oath not to divulge anything about their time in service, except for the very fact that they have served with the Regiment. It is, however, understood that each battalion has units that specialise in medium and deep battlespace Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and offensive operations, Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW), Counter-Terrorism (CT), close protection.<br />
<br />
The 1st Special Operations Regiment is nicknamed ''Hell Brigade'' by its former servicemen, both because of the harsh training and high demands and because the regiment's main purpose is to send foes to hell quickly and discreetely.<br />
<br />
=====Active Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The structure of the active service divisions is as follows. It is worth of note that subordinated Brigades can be detached at any time depending on the tasks the Army wishes to accomplish. Each Brigade is fully capable of autonomous or independent action. The only units firmly under each division’s command is its Command and Support Regiment, a broad structure comprising supply, maintenance, medical and other logistic support battalions.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''[[1st Armoured Division (Abt)|1st Armoured Division “Horugv Bearers”]]'''<br />
** 1st Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Ground Assault Brigade “Lions”<br />
** 2nd Ground Assault Brigade “Leopards”<br />
** 1st Tank Regiment<br />
** 1st Infantry Brigade “Furrets”<br />
** 1st Air Brigade “Sparrows”<br />
<br />
* '''4th Mountain Division “Highlanders”''' <br />
** 4th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Mountain Brigade “Hares”<br />
** 2nd Mountain Brigade “Bears”<br />
** 3rd Mountain Brigade “Moles”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''2nd Infantry Division “Iron Will”'''<br />
** 2nd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 3rd Ground Assault Brigade “Panthers”<br />
** 2nd Infantry Brigade “Minks”<br />
** 3rd Infantry Brigade “Squirrels”<br />
** 4th Infantry Brigade “Arctic Foxes”<br />
** 2nd Air Brigade “Swallows”<br />
<br />
* '''5th Airborne Division “Snow Makers”'''<br />
** 5th Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 1st Parachutist Brigade “Snowy Owls”<br />
** 2nd Parachutist Brigade “Eagle Owls”<br />
<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
<br />
* '''3rd Infantry Division “Swordbearers”'''<br />
** 3rd Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
** 4th Ground Assault Brigade “Tigers”<br />
** 5th Infantry Brigade “Chipmunks”<br />
** 6th Infantry Brigade “Wolves”<br />
** 7th Infantry Brigade “Foxes”<br />
** 3rd Air Brigade “Swans”<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are no naming conventions adopted in the military, but according to a pattern that is becoming traditional, Ground Assault Brigades (which are the armoured component of the Army) adopt names of feline predators, Air Brigades take on the names of birds (except for those of birds of prey used by the Air Force) and Infantry Brigades (including their mountain counterparts) adopt the names of a mammal of their choice.<br />
<br />
=====Reserve Divisions=====<br />
<br />
The Reserve Divisions do not have any brigades assigned to them and only have a permanently manned Command and Support Regiment each. In times of war, the two Divisions are expected to welcome the first wave of Army reservists and organize them into a number of brigades. In peacetime, the Divisions cater for “reserve” military hardware. The Reserve Divisions are expected to be activated as a second wave reserves, following the call up of the People's Militia, and provide a heavier reserve force in comparison ot the Militia's light infantry.<br />
<br />
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"<br />
|-<br />
|valign="top"|<br />
* '''1st Reserve Division'''<br />
** 1st Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|valign="top" style="border-left:1px solid #ccc;"|<br />
* '''2nd Reserve Division'''<br />
** 2nd Reserve Division Command and Support Regiment<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<br />
===Abt Republic Navy===<br />
{| border="1" cellpading="3" align="left" width="160" style="margin-right:0.7em;"<br />
|[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrig.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/MarInfBrigS.png]<br />
|-<br />
|<small>OrBat of the “Cormorants” Brigade (click to enlarge).<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDFNavy.png|right|ARDF|Naval Ensign of Abt.}}<br />
<br />
The '''Abt Republic Navy''' (''Флот Республики Абт'') is the maritime component of the ARDF. It is a coparatively small force, with the capacity to defend the Republic's territorial waters. The Navy has a limited power projection capacity within the Western Atlantic in the form of several cruisers, submarines and amphibious assault ships. In fact, the Navy has all the required ships to effectively transport and deploy the Marine Infantry Brigade anywhere in the world without the assistance of allied naval formations. The probability of such a maneuver occuring, however, is close to nil.<br />
<br />
The Navy is a small branch, numbering approximately fifteen thousand personnel (of which about five thousand are in the Marine Infantry alone). So far, its capacities and equipment are judged sufficient by the Abtian Government and meet the needs of the Republic.<br />
<br />
====Marine Infantry====<br />
<br />
The '''I Marine Infantry Brigade “Cormorants”''' is a marine infantry formation subordinated to the Navy and is, as of now, Abt’s only formation of its kind. Its primary mission is to provide the Republic with a rapid reaction and deployable force, capable of seabourne assault and securing of beachheads. The Brigade comprises three amphibian mechanised infantry battalions and an amphibian tank battalion giving it the option of robust ampihibious assault against forward enemy positions directly from the sea. <br />
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A battalion of wheeled MRLS vehicles can also be deployed via landing craft to provide the Brigade with additional heavy firesupport.<br />
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====Marine Jaegers====<br />
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The Marine Jaegers Battalion “Ospreys”, the marine Special Forces unit which includes combat divers, is in practical terms is directly subordinate to Naval Command with special oversight by the Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations.<br />
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===Abt Republic Air Force===<br />
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The '''Abt Republic Air Force''' (''Воздушные Силы Республики Абт'') is the branch charged with protecting the Republican airspace from foreign intrusion, defence of Abtian airspace through aerial and ground based anti-air systems, providing air support other branches of the ARDF in their operations, be it transportation or heavy fire support. <br />
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The Air Force operates technologically advanced aircraft with a high autonomy range, which allows it to carry out missions within the general Ambaran area and beyond. <br />
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====Parachutist Jaegers====<br />
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The '''Parachutist Jaeger Battalion "Cuckoos"''' is the Air Force's ground special operations unit, specialised in airborne infiltration, reconnaissance, target acquisition and forward air controlling for surgical strikes by the Air Force. The Battalion is also capable of capturing enemy airfields, even if this mission primarily lies with the Army's parachutist units.<br />
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===People’s Militia===<br />
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{{Image|http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Abt/ARDF_PM.png|right|ARDF|Banner of the People's Militia.}}<br />
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The '''People’s Militia''' (''Народное Ополчение'') was historically created by local settlers to defend their settlements against the [[Sons of the Reformation]], with the defeat and rooting out of the terrorist organization, the People’s Militia was reorganized along the general lines of the [[Taraskovya]]n [[Territorial Force]] into a rapid mobilization force capable of assisting regular army units in repelling an armed aggression against the Republic.<br />
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The People's Militia is mostly a light infantry force, with some limited mechanised capacity and is organised into Regional Brigades, which do not always coincide with administrative Governorates. It is expected that most units of the People’s Militia can be mobilized and ready for duty within four hours following call-up within their respective districts.<br />
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====Service with the People's Militia====<br />
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Personnel undergo military training that takes three to four months and then are called in for several weeks of rehearsal training every year over a period of roughly ten years. The People's Militia offers a wide variety of professions and skill specialisations and is in this way mostly similar to the regular army.<br />
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All in all, Militia service accounts for 300 to 600 days, depending on rank and duties. Additionally, each Militiaman has to undergo at least one session of target practice per year outside of his service weeks. Once signed up, a Militiaman is obligated to finish his service (except for liberatory circumstances) and may face legal consequences if he does not present himself for yearly duty without valid reason. Militiamen may keep their equipment, such as combat suits and weapons, at home. But it is not rare for soldiers that have an ARDF or Police armoury nearby to keep the gear there to avoid doing manteinance themselves. <br />
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Service is voluntary, but many Abtian men consider it a moral duty to enlist with the People's Militia (women, on the contrary, are not as thrilled to dedicate two to three weeks every year to military activities). Militia service is also attractive to young people because it allows young applicants to do their training during the summer vacations in between Secondary and Higher Educations and, thus, follow their university studies without major interruptions. Militia service, while spread over many years, is still less in days than what a regular soldier has to serve.<br />
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Recruits receive both a daily salary and a compensation for lost civilian salary (even if the recruit had no work contract, in which case the recruit receives a defined salary). The result sum of money is less than the salary of a regular soldier for the equivalent period of service, but it is a consequent tax-free income for youngsters fresh out of school. Another financial incentive is the 1,5% discount on income tax, which is however lesser than the 3% regular servicemen enjoy.<br />
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==External Links==<br />
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* [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12805235&postcount=10 Belgorod Times article on ARDF Reform]<br />
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[[Category:Ambara]][[Category:Abt]]</div>Jester