Difference between revisions of "Altanar"

Revision as of 19:39, 27 December 2006

Altanar

Flag of Altanar
Motto: Audaces fortuna iuvat
Map of Altanar
Region	The balanced scales
Capital	Ael Khalas
Official Language(s)	Altanari, English
Leader	King Aelkyn
Population	362,000,000
Currency	solari
NS Sunset XML

Altanar is a nation located in the Balanced Scales region. It is a highly developed nation, most well-known for its dedication to social welfare, education and social equality, as well as its patriotic population.

History

At the beginning of recorded time in Altanar, each city and territory on the Altan Plains was ruled by local warlords who controlled their people under conditions that could best be described as self-serving tyranny. The beginnings of the Kingdom of Altanar can be traced to 1840 after Olen, the ruler of the principality of Ael Khalas, began to unify the multiple principalities of Altanar into one nation through a combination of family ties, alliances, mergers, and outright military force over a span of thirty years time.

Unification

Olen's efforts to unify Altanar began in 1840, when he formed an alliance with the territories of Staria, Marr and Narraskath. In 1845, the territory of Lukisha joined the alliance, after Olen's marriage to Pelia of Lukisha. Kyrinia joined the alliance that year also. They were followed by the territories of Po and Draskatar in 1847. Ektar joined the alliance in 1855, after Altanari soldiers helped the king there put down an attack by barbarian raiders. Altana Hol, home of the Church of Altanar, agreed to join the alliance in 1862. This cemented the legitimacy of the growing Kingdom in the eyes of its people.

However, one territory still refused to join. This was the territory of Nalioka, home to the infamous Robber Kings of Nalioka. This territory was ruled by a loose alliance of criminal groups that had overthrown their king in 1829 and taken over. The Robber Kings had terrorized the surrounding territories since then, and were a major reason that the Altan kingdoms decided to unite in the first place. Olen was reluctant to send his armies against the city, as he knew the loss of life would be huge. However, he came to realize that the people of Nalioka were suffering greatly under the Robber Kings' rule, and also that the fledgling Kingdom of Altanar would never be safe as long as they existed. In 1863, the armies of Altanar attacked the Robber Kings' forces. The eight-year siege that followed was known forevermore as the Siege of Blood in Altanari history. In 1871, the city finally fell to Altanari forces, and Nalioka joined the Kingdom. Olen had finally succeeded in his task, and was crowned as the first King of Altanar. The duration of his reign would be spent building the traditions and foundations of the new Altanari nation, and cementing the ties between the previously independent kingdoms.

Expansion and the Akamian Problem

Olen passed away in 1900, and rule passed to his son Catar. Catar's reign would see further expansion of Olen's vision of a nation guided by a strong social conscience and emphasis on unity and patriotism. This period also marked the addition of the Akamian region to Altanar, and what would become Altanar's most problematic social issue.

Akamia was a group of five kingdoms to the southwest of the Altan plains. The rulers there were similar to the infamous Robber Kings, in that they ruled their people ruthlessly and for their own pleasure and gain. Many Akamians pleaded with Catar to intervene, but at first he was reluctant. Akamia was seen as an independent nation, and a region that was not part of the Altan plains. At first, Catar could see no justification for Altanar to annex the area. The suffering of the Akamians, however, forced his hand. In 1906, Catar struck a deal with the Akamian nobles. If they allowed Altanar to annex the region, they could keep their titles and at least some of their wealth. Altanar, however, would guarantee the rights and prosperity of the Akamian people through Altanari law and making the inhabitants there Altanari citizens. If the Akamian nobles refused, Altanar would invade the region, overthrow the nobles, and execute them, bringing about the same result anyway. As the Akamian nobles had no military force capable of defeating the Altanari military, the decision proved to be an easy one. They agreed to the annexation. However, the resentment of their descendents still simmers, and they regularly challenge the King and Altanar's central government and make things difficult for them. This annexation also led to a small but determined opposition that believes Altanar annexed Akamia unjustly, led by the Akamian Self-Determination Front (ASF).

The Great Advance

In 1933, Catar passed away of old age, ushering in the reign of Altanar's third king, Cebratha. Cebratha's major accomplishment would be transforming Altanar into a modern nation, and opening it up to the outside world. Previous kings had kept Altanar relatively isolated and primitive, fearing the modern world would threaten the traditions and unity of the still young nation. Cebratha, however, saw opportunity for his people in the rapidly advancing world beyond his borders, and made the most of it. It was during this period that Altanar would develop a modern infrastructure, expand its social welfare network still further, and truly develop a united conscience and openness to the world. This period of Altanari history is known as the "Great Advance". Altanar's Constitution was written during this period, in 1936. It provided the foundations for the current structure of the nation.

The "Reign of Compassion"

In 1974, with Cebratha's death due to old age, the crown would pass to his son, Cianar. Cianar's reign would be characterized by a huge expansion of the already large Altanari welfare state, with corresponding decreases in Altanar's military and economic competitiveness. The period was not all bad, however; Cianar and his wife, Queen Agani, placed a large emphasis on helping the poor and on improving Altanar's educational system. Many new schools and hospitals opened during this period. A national healthcare program was implemented, as was a program of free college education for the disadvantaged. Cianar and Agani were greatly loved by the poor of Altanar for their efforts to provide a better life for them; their reign was known as the "Reign of Compassion". King Cianar chose to abdicate in 2000 following the death of Queen Agani after a plane crash. The crown would pass to his son, Crown Prince Aelkyn.

The "New Great Advance"

Aelkyn's reign has been characterized by his efforts to improve the Altanari economy and strengthen the military and loyalty to the nation. He has also tried to cut away slightly at the longstanding social welfare network to improve the nation's economic picture. The most prominent decision of King Aelkyn was to declare Altanar a "World Haven" in 2005, inviting oppressed and suffering people from all lands to come to Altanar to live a better life. The influx of new immigrants is hoped to expand Altanar's horizons and potential, resulting in a "New Great Advance".

Government

Altanar is a constitutional monarchy, led by a king or queen who is traditionally descended from House Aranathas, the ruling House founded by Olen. The current King is Aelkyn, Scion of the Fifth Generation, House Aranathas. His wife is Queen Melika, of Clan Telina of Argalia Province.

The Altanari High Council advises the King on matters relating to national policy. The High Council consists of the ministers of Defense, Education, Social Welfare, Justice, State, Infrastructure, and the Royal Treasury. Ministers are appointed by the King. The current ministers are:

Minister of Defense: Pargal Khaskereth

Minister of Education: Lelia Drekeval

Minister of Social Welfare: Dala Crevenarath

Minister of Justice: Norgan Sheloran

Minister of State: Nelron Khiskithy

Minister of Infrastructure: Edan Morelevey

Royal Treasurer: Warca Simexpa

The Altanari Legislature is bicameral. The Senate is made up of the lords of the 17 noble Houses/Clans that have title in each of Altanar's 17 provinces. The Assembly is made up of three elected representatives from each of the 17 provinces. There is also one representative to the Assembly elected by Altanari expatriates overseas to represent them, for a total of 52 Assembly seats. The Senate and Assembly jointly create legislation which goes to the King for approval, and can override a royal veto with the support of 70% of the legislators. The Legislature can also override royal edicts with the same percentage of support. Each province also has its own local Legislature.

The 17 Houses/Clans that make up the Altanari nobility, and the provinces they hold, are as follows: House Aranathas (Ael Khalas); House Krytellin (Nalioka), House Amarellis (Lukisha), House Karaketh (Staria), House Belevora (Narraskath), House Kankeld (Draskatar), House Melreth (Ektar), House Pyrellis (Celavan), House Ankrina (Astrival), House Inimena (Isilkara), House Haraspar (Gennor), House Grengath (Nara), House Tarabesh (Marr), House Sarkas (Po), House Tela (Altana Hol), House Gnarageth (Kyrinia), Clan Telina (Argalia). Due to the unique position of Ael Khalas, where the King is both the national ruler and the local lord, that province is represented in the Senate by another member of House Aranathas, so that at least some degree of separation can be maintained between King and Senate.

Political parties and the number of seats they hold in the Assembly are: Altanari Unity Party (AUP, a traditional and royalist party, 28 seats); Modern Democratic Party (MDP, a party widely seen as reformist and progressive, 17 seats); Akamian Self-Determination Party (ASP, a party which advocates greater autonomy for the Akamas region of Altanar, 3 seats); independent or no party (2 seats); Green Altanar Movement (GAM, an environmentalist party, 2 seats).

Under law, all Altanari citizens are required to vote in municipal, provincial and national elections once they reach age 18 (exemptions are available due to disability, age or other inability to properly make a decision). All elections are traditionally held on January 1st each year. Municipal elections typically occur yearly, while provincial and national ones occur every two years. Non-citizens may not vote, but have a special representative to the King to address their concerns.

Legal system

The Altanari legal system consists of civil and criminal court branches, with courts at the municipal, provincial and national levels. There is also a State Court that acts as the supreme court of the land, with the power to interpret the Altanari Constitution of 1936 and override lower courts' decisions. Altanari citizens and non-citizens alike also have the right to petition to be heard at the "King's Court", requesting an audience with the King to make a judgment. This is a right rarely used, however, as many citizens do not wish to violate the King's privacy or show disrespect to the courts by going around them.

Under Altanari law since 1938, citizens and non-citizens alike are entitled to a trial by jury and to state-provided legal representation if they cannot afford their own attorney.

Military

While Altanar does not routinely conduct military operations outside its borders, the nation does maintain a standing military for its defense, collectively known as the Royal Altanari Defense Forces. The RADF consists of the following branches:

Royal Guards - the elite branch of the Altanari military, tasked with special operations, the defense of the Royal Family, and spearheading offensive operations if needed. Royal Intelligence is also headquartered under this branch.

Royal Altanari Army - tasked with land-based defense and offensive operations.

Royal Altanari Air Force - tasked with air-based defensive and offensive operations.

Royal Altanari Navy - tasked with sea-based defensive and offensive operations.

Royal Altanari Police - the force responsible for national law enforcement, border security, domestic antiterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

Altanar does not choose to get involved in the conflicts of other nations and follows a neutral alignment. However, Altanar reserves the right to do otherwise if deemed necessary for its national defense, in accordance with the Altanari Constitution of 1936.

Military service for a term of one year is compulsory for all Altanari citizens once they reach the age of 18, although there are exceptions that allow for a different form of national service if someone is a conscientious objector or has a medical reason.

The manpower numbers for the RADF break down as follows:

6,440,000 total

4,980,000 active duty forces

840,000 Navy

840,000 Air Force

2,000,000 Army

500,000 Royal Guards

800,000 Police

1,460,000 reserve forces

182,500 Naval Reserve

182,500 Air Force Reserve

895,000 Army Reserve

200,000 Auxiliary Police

In addition, each of Altanar's 17 provinces maintains a 50,000-man strong Provincial Guards force. These paramilitary forces serve as backup to local authorities during natural disasters or situations of unrest, as well as a civil defense force in the event of war.

National symbolism

The Altanari flag consists of a golden sun, on a solid green backdrop. Legend has it that the design of the flag stems from when the first King of Altanar, Olen, was searching for a suitable site to build the Aerie, his royal palace. Olen was climbing up a rocky mountainside when he saw the sun rising over a lush, brilliant green field, standing in sharp contrast to the dry and rugged mountains around it. The sight inspired him to build his palace there, and make the sun rising from a green field the symbol of the new nation.

The national motto, "Audaces fortuna iuvat" (Fortune favors the bold), was chosen by King Olen upon final unification of the Altanari nation. It is meant to always remind the Altanari people to dare to strive for greater things.

Societal

The current population of Altanar is 75% indigenous Altanari, due to the long years of isolation under many of Altanar's previous rulers. The nation first began to open up to the outside world in 1974 under King Cianar, and this process has accelerated under the current ruler, who has declared his intention to make Altanar a haven for people persecuted or oppressed in other lands. Immigration to Altanar, once nonexistent, has begun to rise dramatically as a result. Most Altanari view this trend favorably, thinking that increasing diversity will strengthen Altanar as a nation. (Many Altanari also see the nation's rising popularity as an immigration destination as a compliment.)

Altanari culture has remained distinct and undisturbed (many Altanari would say "unspoiled") due to its previous isolation. Most Altanari believe in the concept of a cooperative society, where the greater good takes precedence over individual desire or gain. People who disregard this idea tend to be distrusted in Altanari society. Altanari are also extremely disdainful of people who treat other people differently based on factors such as gender, race, sexual orientation or religion. Most of the words in the Altanari language that express prejudice against individuals for such reasons are bastardized versions of words from foreign languages, as the native language did not have such words. Such discrimination is specifically banned in the Altanari Constitution. Altanari society functions on the principle that every member of society has a responsibility to help maintain the harmony of society, to respect the rights and needs of others, and to actively work to improve upon the world around them.

Altanari cuisine is notable for its heavy dependence upon beef (as that is the main national product), its fondness of tomatoes, and that it is often very spicy.

Education

All Altanari citizens are required to attend school from grades 1 through 12. The public school system takes care of this; private schools are considered discriminatory and not allowed. Home schooling is likewise barred, on the basis that young people need to socialize with each other to be properly adjusted.

Higher education is likewise handled by public community colleges, colleges and universities; private schools are banned. The government pays for the higher education of those who cannot afford the tuition. The largest universities in Altanar are the Royal University of Ael Khalas and the University of the Akamas in Celavan.

Geography/climate

Altanar is a mostly flat nation, with significant differences in elevation between the low-lying southern coastal region and the higher mountainous areas to its north. The Eagle's Backbone Mountains at the far north of Altanar are extremely rugged and difficult to navigate, except for a few passes. Most of the terrain ranges from fertile grassland to dry, semi-desertlike terrain, depending on how far away the area is from water sources. The Lifeheart River in the center of Altanar is the only free-flowing source of water, flowing from its source at the Lake of Life in far north Altanar to its southern delta. Most of Altanar's farmlands are centered along this river. The Lake of the Greenfield, in northeastern Altanar, is a spring-fed lake. Phantom Lake, near Celavan, is also a spring-fed lake, but is intermittent. There are also several aquifers that provide a major source of water for the nation. The climate in Altanar is typically one of mild winters and extremely hot summers; some cities in Altanar routinely see temperatures of 105 degrees Fahrenheit at the peak of summer.

Economy

Altanar has a sizeable economy. Its largest industries are Book Publishing, Beef-Based Agriculture and Arms Manufacturing.

Religion

The Altanari Constitution guarantees freedom of worship, and religious strife or oppression are virtually unknown in Altanar. There are several religions in Altanar, and the number has been increasing rapidly with immigration. The most prominent religion is the native Church of Altanar, which revolves around a set of gods and goddesses known as the Solar Pantheon. The chief member of that pantheon is Telar, the god of the sun, who is a major reason the sun is an Altanari national symbol.

Media and popular culture

Print: Most of Altanar's major cities, as well as many of the smaller ones, produce daily and weekly newspapers in a variety of languages (although Altanari and English are the most common). Altanar's largest daily newspapers are the Ael Khalas Union-Sun and the Nalioka Daily Record. Altanar also has several national and local magazines, covering everything from news to gossip. The country also has a very sizeable book-publishing industry, and reading is a national pastime.

Radio: A nationwide radio network that is affiliated with the Sun TV television network, called Sun Radio, was recently started. Most Altanari cities also have local radio stations. Talk radio and news are popular. Many kinds of music are available as well, with the most popular kind being nikra, a fusion of techno-style dance music and traditional Altanari music.

Television: The larger cities in Altanar have local TV stations that serve the surrounding regions. In addition, there is one government-owned national network (ART, or Altanari Royal Television), and two private networks (Sun TV and ANTV). Altanar also receives broadcasts from Ariddia's PINA network.

News agency: The Royal News Service (ARNS), under the Ministry of Education, is Altanar's official news service.

Issues

Altanar has no issues with its neighbors or with other nations as of yet. However, a low-level separatist movement in the Akamas region of Altanar (Celavan, Gennor, Nara, Isilkara and Astrival provinces) has bedeviled the government ever since unification in 1871. The movement does not enjoy much popular support in the region or the greater nation, however, and is currently seen by the government more as an annoyance than as a major issue. In 1979, then-King Cianar lifted a ban his predecessors had placed on the Akamian Self-Determination Party, allowing them to hold office, in an attempt to appease this movement. However, it has had little effect.

Latest news

The King has rejected a proposal to give greater autonomy to the Akamas region. The Kingdom has also formally annexed the former vassal Protectorate of the Argal States. The region is now Altanar's 17th province, Argalia. The King has approved a Legislature plan to allow Altanari citizens to vote for judges at all levels, including the State Court.

International Relations

Altanar is a member of the United Nations, UNOG, NSO, and UNDC.

The Altanar International Relations Office, under the Ministry of State, is responsible for maintaining the Kingdom's diplomatic relations. The Altanar UN Mission has been established under the IRO to strengthen Altanar's role on the international stage and to run Altanar's United Nations office.