Royal Air Force of Listeneisse

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Listeneisse > Royal Air Force of Listeneisse

History

The Royal Air Force of Listeneisse dates back to the early days of flight. Most of the air traffic was restricted to the Kingdom of Listeneisse, during the nation's days of reclusion from the world.

Listeneisse, the hidden Grail Kingdom, was like Shangri-La. A fabulous place where daring pilots aimed their early aircraft to search it out. Others likened it more sinisterly to the Bermuda Triangle: a place of tragedy from which pilots never returned.

Pilots that found themselves flying into the Kingdom of Listeneisse were often amazed that there was a nation below them. It evaded detection for the longest time. But the aircraft made it impossible to be completely hidden.

During the early days of flight, the Kings of Listeneisse marveled at the technological innovation of these strange contraptions that landed. The Lord Marshals heard stories of the first aircraft turned into bombers, and then fighters -- a form of jousting in the sky with machine guns. It was a stunning revelation for a Kingdom that thought it would be proof against the world.

It was determined to capture these aircraft and their pilots, and swear them to secrecy of what they had found. Many were treated as guests of honor, and welcomed to lavish banquets. Some took back passengers to the world outside to scout out how it was changed while the Kingdom of Listeneisse had let years slip by.

It was the aircraft that forced the Kingdom into the modern world. But it was the satellite that made it impossible to hide.

Soon, all the 'hidden' parts of Listeneisse were fully mapped from orbit. The extents and borders of the nation were easily plotted. There was no place to hide.

The Kingdom of Listeneisse built up a fleet of planes during the last century to deal with an increasing number of interloping aircraft. It was not that they were outrightly hostile. They just wished their privacy, and to remain neutral during the struggles of the world.

Since the Kingdom decided to come into the community of nations, the Royal Air Force of Listeneisse has burgeoned into a modern force. It operates the Space Command for the Kingdom, including the orbiting constellation of military communication, reconnaissance and GPS satellites. It is also said to have an unspecified number of antiballistic missile attack systems already in orbit, to defend the Kingdom against nuclear barrage.

Status

The Royal Air Force of Listeneisse has a strong tradition of aristocracy. The image of "Knights of the Air" has never truly diminished. Many sons of the nobility have indeed trained as jet pilots at one time or another, if they can qualify. It is a highly-sought after branch of the military. It has also opened the doors for many talented commoners. For the worth of the pilot is recognized, regardless of the rank of his birth.

Customs

  • It is common to hear pilots call "Tally ho!" when diving into battle.
  • Air crews or aircraft are often called "Angels," since RAFL has often been construed to spell "Rafael," or "Raphael," the Archangel often associated with air (and healing). Many aircraft are given angellic nicknames.
  • It is uncommon but not unknown for a man who has dedicated himself to the Air Force and the bachelor life to donate his salary to the government. This was often done during times of great economic depression, as a sign of self-sacrifice on behalf of the nation. Often such persons were recognized by being made knights by the King, though it does not necessarily qualify a person for knighthood. Wealthy aristocrats who were of independent means also declined salaries to safe the government money. There have also been cases of those who declined salaries asking for their pay be reinstated, especially if they decided to have a family later. Sometimes this was more than welcome. Other times, depending on circumstances, it caused disgrace and scandal.
  • Air crew members often make up 'call signs' for each other, based on puns of their names or physical attributes. It is considered rude to propose your own call sign. It should be earned from your fellow flyers. However, a squadron commander has sovereignity over his domain. If he vetoes a call sign, or assigns one, the individual and the rest of the squadron must go with it.

Personalities

  • Air Marshal Sir Roger Petipace; Commander KLEF Air Forces, MILEX VL '05
  • Air Commodore Sir Juvenal Bishop, Commander 1st Fighter Group; MILEX VL '05

Aircraft Marking

Royal Air Force of Listeneisse (RAFL) Roundels
General Purpose Roundel, Reduced Visibility Roundel, Earth Tone Roundel

Listeneisse-rafl-roundels.png