Difference between revisions of "Europe"

Revision as of 22:08, 27 November 2004

Europe is a region that contains a NationStates roleplaying community.

Although NationStates roleplayers were very segmented in the beginning, spread among small regions, huge communities of united roleplayers have sprung up. They organize themselves in regions, some with offsite forums. Two of the larger communities are European Affairs and the Meritocracy. However, while regions such as The New Meritocracy or the Heartland are based on peace and dialogue between nations, Europe is a much more bellicose region, with common diplomatic conflicts and wars among its nations.

The level of dedication given by the European players to its region is well known. Fictional flags, imaginary countries based in real countries or in historical regimes, common sporting events like organized football championships, and even pictures of the fictional nations' licence plates can be found in Europe.

Analogies

Most of the fictional nations in Europe are analogies of historical regimes or real nations. Erlangen-Ansbach, for instance, is the image of an alternative Bavarian Constitutional Monarchy. The oppressive and militaristic Dominion of Sortain can be compared to Nazi Germany, Azores reflects Portuguese fascism and Nosterra Italian fascism. Twente is Europe's superpowered Vatican, Great Britannia is an allusion to the British Empire and Rumeli is based on the Ottoman Empire.

Commonly, players tend to adapt their nations to their native cultures, using their native languages as their nation's main languages. However, others like to roleplay countries based on their favourite countries.

Some, however, are based purely on political or philosophical ideals, without being 'based' on a real nation. However, no nation can avoid real world influences completely. Alamein is, for instance, based on a theoretical utopian democracy, but has minor influences from Athenian democracy, the Roman Republic, the British Empire, Switzerland, and various other sources.

War and Diplomacy

Europe is a region well known for its war-related roleplaying excellency. It permits its players to roleplay a war without very well defined rules, which gives its participants a sense of freedom to act. Several successful wars fill the history of Europe, such as the Invasion to Monkecia, the Ofrecioan Ocuppation, or more recently, the Israel-Palestine civil war.

However, certain problems always appear. They are mainly related to the deployment of forces or the exaggeration of numbers. This is a situation called godmodding, in which impossible situations appear. Players tend to ignore godmodding acts, in order to keep situations as realistic as possible.

The Stuttgart Treaty

Signed by 90% of the European nations, the Stuttgart Treaty is a treaty whose objective is to rid Europe from Weapons of Mass Destruction (such as Chemical and Nuclear weapons). The origins of the Conference are linked with the recent Azorean crisis, in which the rogue Azorean National Chancellor threatened to blow up his enormous nuclear arsenal, while facing a full-scale invasion. However, in the last moment, the Chancellor died for unclear reasons and the invasion was halted, as well as the Apocalypse. This crisis made European nations rethink about their positions regarding WMD's, and led Sonoran Islands and South Germany to organize the conference, which would get its name from the hosting South German city. Although most nations ratified the treaty (such as previously rogue Azores), some nations decided not to sign, for its conditions were considered unacceptable.

The Linguistic Communities

Europe is a land of cultural and linguistic diversity. Although the main language of the community is English, some linguistic communities have grown large enough to compose their own sub-communities, which even have private forums for exclusive conversation in those languages. That's the case of the Związek Słowiański and the Nederlandse Taalunie.

The ZS is the oldest linguistic organization in the community. It's composed of Slavic language speakers, and includes a wide variety of members, most of them being Polish. On the other hand, the NTU is based on the Dutch language and has seen a huge growth in recent times, as there is a rather large Dutch participation in the board.

Significant linguistic communities which don't have any organized unions are German and Portuguese].

Alliances and Major Powers

The region is also known for its constant Cold Wars. Huge alliances such as the communist ComIntern or the conservative MIT struggle for their spheres of influence. Meanwhile, smaller alliances like the right-wing RWB or the pacifist ADL try to impose themselves as major powers. Nuclear wars are often imminent, diplomatic insults are constant and every nation lives in constant alert for needed mobilizations.

List of major alliances

• MIT - Meridiem International Treaty - A closed alliance composed of some of the most aggressive European nations. Composed by the Unified Stalinist States of Cidonia, the Empire of Nuttylnd, the Aeroporian State of Rokolev and the Dominion of Sortain.

• ITO - Internaken Treaty Organization - Probably the most conventional alliance in Europe. It supposedly stands for justice, although it's members - Soviet Federal Republic of Yugostrana, United Kingdom of Erlangen-Ansbach, Helvetic Confederation, Nation of Liechtenistan, Holy-See of Twente, Etats-Confédérés d'Europe - always provoke Meridiem nations.

• FMS - Free Market States - Closed capitalist alliance created by a breakout on the RWB. It is the bastion of capitalists and libertarians and is composed by the Azorean Fascist Republic, the Republic of Kheion, the Capitalist Confederation of Qantrix and the Gunnlandian Commonwealth.

• AED - Alliance of European Democracies - Open alliance that comprises European democracies ranging from left-wing social democracies to right-wing conservative democracies. It is now affirming itself as a major player on the European regional affairs.

• UFESS - European Communist/Socialist Alliance - It seems that the glorious days of the ComIntern and UFES have already passed. Now, it seems that the once all-powerful communist alliance in Europe is losing its place as major player. It is still, however, one of the biggest alliances.

• RWB - Right Wing Block - Formed upon the merging of 2 distinct alliances, the Conservative Coalition and the Union of European Fascists, the RWB believes that it has been able to impose itself as a Great Power, surprising those who saw it as a puppet of the UCS. In reality, it has minimal influence.

• UAP - United Alliance for Peace - As the ComIntern, the UAP has also been loosing its way in Europe. The recent departures of nations such as Liechtenistan or Helvetic Confederation and the heavy bureaucratic processes make from this alliance a toothless tiger.

Other relevant entities

• The European Union - This organization is very similar to the real European Union. Every season, 7 delegates (the Councillors) are elected among the EU nations. Every proposed motion needs to pass member voting and then is discussed between the delegates in the EU Council. The EU also includes the European Court of Justice and the Human Rights Protectorate.

• The League of Nations - The recent apathy of the EU and its endless bureaucracy took some nations to leave it and form a "new EU" - The League of Nations. Although it had a high adhesion in the beginning, some internal conflicts led to the departure of some members. Basically, the League of Nations is a smaller version of the EU without a chairman and with 3 Councillors instead of 7.

• European Red Cross - Responsible for sending aid to wars and other catastrophes.

• ASEN - Association of Southern European Nations. It is a political and economical association formed by Southern and Central European nations.

• BEC - Bank of European Currencies. responsible for fixing exchange rates between national currencies and the Euro.

There are several other alliances and organizations, but that these are the most relevant.

Past alliances

• EDF - European Defence/Democratic Federation - Formerly one half of the 'Big Two' of the EDF and the ComIntern/UFES, the EDF collapsed when the major powers of the EDF left. The remaining members tried but failed to hold it together. At the height of it's power, it contained Erlangen-Ansbach, Twente, Zoomany, Cucolo, Alamein, ECE, Futurists, Aahjkasllu (sp?), South Germany, and many more. It was formed as the European DEFENCE Federation but was later renamed the DEMOCRATIC Federation.

• ComIntern/UFES (United Federation of European States) - The other half of the 'Big Two', this was the major communist/socialist alliance in Europe. It was a counterbalance to the EDF capitalists.

• UCS - Union of Conservative States - Formed by the departing major powers of the EDF, this alliance was at one point considered the strongest in Europe before they made pretty much everybody turn against them. It split into two separate alliances, Interlaken and Meridiem, and other nations joined them both.

• AGE - Alliance of Greater Europe - A diverse alliance that was formed and collapsed within the space of a week. It was formed from many of the European democracies, as well as some left and right-wing nations, but collapsed when some members left Europe* due to an OOC disagreement. IC controversy such as the unexplained ejection of various members also contributed to it's downfall.

• PNNC - Permanent Neutrality and Nonviolence Coalition - A pacifist alliance that lasted for a long time, and eventually merged with the DAT creating the UAP.

• DAT - Defence Alliance Treaty - A 'neutral' alliance, the DAT was a purely defensive alliance that was never particularly active. Nobody ever attacked them, and they merged with the PNNC. One of the first European alliances.

The Nations of Europe

Europe has a wide variety of nations: from Stalinist dictatorships to utopian democracies.

List of Active Nations

• Alamein - One of the few truly democratic nations left in Europe, it's utopian social-democratic system makes sure nobody is ever unhappy. It is likely to be the most technologically advanced nation in the known world, the fusion power system has made Alamein a garden paradise with towering metropoli inset. It still maintains a small Empire and has a huge Commonwealth of nations.
• Alam - A small nation north of Alamein and on the western border of ECE, the original settlers of Alamein came from a powerful and oppressive dictatorship in this region. This dictatorship collapsed, however, and became unclaimed land for a long period of time. However, the Alam Treaty formed a new, free and democratic Alam here, and was signed by Alamein and ECE. It has no military and no international agreements, and is protected by the nations of ECE and Alamein. However, ECE recently illegaly invaded and annexed this defenceless nation, to the protest (and support) of many nations.
• Adelyne - A right-wing liberalist nation where capitalism reigns. It mistrusts extremist nations and communists. It also claims to have the most flourishing economy in Europe.
• Azores - A fascist, extremely capitalist Republic ruled by a corrupt Prime Minister. Claims to be the most powerful economy in the region. It's a mix between Salazar's and Dolfuss' regimes.
• Boa Vista - A Liberal-Capitalist state who is well known for its stance against Racism. It is currently rapidly integrating itself into European politics and is mulling over the possibilities of establishing new alliances
• Bradivenland - A federal democracy whose President is a woman. It is one of the most populated nations in Europe.
• Cap Ebola - A fascist imperio-theocracy, shook by civil war and revolution.
• CEMM (Mr Money) - A liberal-democracy which claims to be the most friendly nation in the world.
• Cidonia - A national-bolshevik state. It is a communist dictatorship with a nationalist touch, well seen among right-wing nations, and it has one of the biggest armies in Europe.
• East Germany - A nation based upon what if real-world East Germany (DDR) existed post-1990.
• Einland - A peaceful democracy which became recently involved in the Israel-Palestine collapse.
• Eliga-Nipal - An European-style Monarchy with the typical European problems: cultural and linguistic contrasts and a violent past.
• Erlangen-Ansbach - A conservative state based on a Bavarian Constitutional Monarchy. In most of the political aspects, it bases itself on real-life Germany.
• Etats Confédéres d'Europe (ECE) - Based on a Federal Unified Europe, it is a left-leaning democracy which claims to have the biggest navy in the region. It has, however, recently begun an alarming colonialist policy- conquering the neighbouring democratic nation of Alam.
• Europaland - The typical socialist pseudo-democracy in which the Parliament overrules any public votes.
• Free Anglovictoria When the Anglovictorian government collapsed, the Azores made a military move on north-eastern Anglovictoria. Alamein forces protected the remainder of Anglovictoria, in which a government mirroring the old one was set up. The Azores still control the other half, and Great Britannia also owns one of the isles as a buffer between Free and Azorean Anglovictoria.
• Frostinia - Supposedly the cultural center of Europe, it is a Roman Empire-like country, with a conservative aristocracy and a dense mythology. It has the biggest automobile manufacturing sector.
• Futurists - A disguised military dictatorship hides behind a social-democrat cover.
• Great Britannia - A conservative, environmentalist democracy based on the British Empire. Has the largest overseas empire in Europe.
• Gunnlandia - Claims to be an anarcho-capitalist version of Switzerland. It is also very militaristic and religious.
• Helvetic Confederation - An extremely capitalist nation, a mix between Switzerland and the USA.
• Hugoland - A Constitutional Monarchy based on a monarchic version of Finland. It is a Christian Democrat nation with some social-democratic values, but assuming itself as right-wing.
• Kheion - A right-wing democracy which favors capitalism and neo-liberalism; liberalist ideals mixed with hard-line neo-utilitarism.
• Liechtenistan - The most populated nation in Europe is a democracy with a small headache: a separatist movement which terrorizes a state. It is the host of many of the European Sport competitions.
• Llyrm - A pacifistic, capitalist democracy.
• Lovisa - Based on a Polish monarchy, it also hosts most of the sport competitions in Europe.
• Medolai - A true right-wing nation which defends the values of conservativism, capitalism and moderate fascism. Hosts one of the 2 right-wing broadcast stations in Europe.
• Monaco - A small principality based on real-world Monaco. It is located in Sonoran territory.
• Monkecia - A democratic-socialist-stalinist state, similar to Lenin's USSR but much more violent towards it's enemies. It is seen by most right-wing nations as a "rogue supporter of terrorism". The truth of this accusation is unclear, however.
• Nendeln - The UN Delegate, Nendeln is closely related to the nation of Liechtenistan. It achieved full independence early last year (RL) and became UN Delegate for Europe early this year/late last year.
• Nosterra - Based on Fascist Italy, Nosterra is equal to it in almost every aspect: a big weapons manufacturer and colonial ambitions.
• Nuttylnd - A social-democrat nation ruled by a Dune-like political system.
• Nya Varlden - A Scandinavian left-wing social-democracy.
• Orpheu - A pacifist nation that deeply believes in international cooperation.
• Portusgalia - A fascist, militaristic nation based on a mix between Portugal and Fascist Italy.
• Qantrix - A Capitalist Confederation with some of the largest economies and militaries in Europe.
• Republik Oesterreich - Previously a communist version of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it collapsed due to a foreign invasion. It is now modelled after real-world Austria.
• Ringoku - A pseudo-Japanese shogunate, ruled by an oppressive government and handing much power to obscure corporations.
• Rokolev - A nation whose Air Force controls the state. It is known for the most advanced, agile, accurate and expensive stealth fighting aircraft in Europe. It's secret services (the KGB) are always seeking new ways to kill European monarchs.
• Sonoran Islands - A Constitutional federative monarchy, it is the "beach" of Europe, dedicating its economy to tourism. It has a rather large amount of colonial possessions.
• South Germany - Ruled by a military dictatorship, it is a pseudo-fascist state with the largest airforce in Europe.
• Sortain - A Nazi-like military dictatorship, it owns one of the largest armies in Europe.
• Twente - The Vatican of Europe. Besides being the Holy Land of Twentish-Catholicis, it is a theocracy ruled by Cardinal Middelhuis, the European version of the Pope. Also see 'DWENDE!'
• Vulneris - A smaller, oppressive nation with not-so-subtle French influences. Reigning Seat, a hereditary position, has absolute power. Has been accused of maintaining a slightly medieval attitude.
• Yugostrana - A large heavily militarised union of six federal socialist republics with a unique state-owned corporate economy. Home to some of Europe's biggest companies including the ITASS media giant. A Soviet-China hybrid.
• Wella - A Polish republic.

Ex-Nations

• The Dark Duchess Sadly gone somewhere, nobody's entirely sure where. One of only three female forum members over the past two years or so. Which is sad. Changed government systems a lot. Was supposedly lusted after by all apart from that one gay guy who left instantaneously. Also known as Ze DD and Female. Which shows how sad we all are, really.

Other Entities

• Europe Omnimedia - Media Corporation which owns News Channel Europe, considered the most reliable news source in Europe. It has received several journalism awards for its detailed and objective reports on Europe's major events.
• ITASS Group - Giant Media corporation, operating in several European countries, such as Novorossyia and Azores. It is a secretive corporation, controlled in part by the USSR government.
• Spain - A Civil War broke out between the Marxist Republica Española and the fascist SNA/Falange. During the war, a multitude of small states such as Euskadi, Catalonia or Galicia declared independence from their former oppressors. Peace talks are being conducted between several foreign powers.
• Israel-Palestine - After the fragile balance between Christians, Muslims and Jews broke up and the government collapsed, several European nations occupied the territory with obscure "peacekeeping" purposes.
• The Monarchist Pact - The gathering of all nearly all European Monarchies. Member-nations are free, as this 'alliance' gives them no obligations. Constantly being threatened by the Rokolevian KGB.

Recent Conflicts

Israel-Palestine

After the fragile balance between Christians, Muslims and Jews broke up and the government collapsed, the nation descended to anarchy. Several powers, moved by religious lobbies or just for the simply wish of acquiring a colonial possession, moved their forces to occupy the largest cities. In a first phase of the conflict, several powers declared the independence of small puppet states. In response to the "imperialist" Einland advance in the East and the subsequent creation of the Commonwealth of Haifa, RWB forces started occupying the West. After the creation and death of several small states and terrible diplomatic tensions between the RWB forces and Einland, the Interlaken Treaty forces organized an election which ended up with the final partition of former I-P between the intervenient powers. Although most people recognized the election, some nations such as Great Brittania did not find this elections legitimate.

States created from Israel-Palestine:

• Commonwealth of Haifa, under jurisdiction of the Republic of Einland
• Zionist Republic of Israel, under jurisdiction of the Azorean Fascist Republic
• Palestine, under jurisdiction of the Nosterran Social Republic
• Horn of Israel, under jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Medolai
• Patrimonium, under jurisdiction of the Holy See of Twente