Difference between revisions of "Tabikrion"

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The nation of Tabikrion is a large, moderately populated nation, consisting of a number of States, Provinces, Territories and Protectorates.  Governing these lands are an elected Federal Chancellor and a representative State Senate, who share near limitless power.  Despite being one of the older organized nations of Averencia, it has historically remained distanced from other regional powers, but expanding borders, a faltering economy and recent crisis throughout the rest of the continent have forced the Tabreks out of isolation.
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{{Infobox_Nation |
 
{{Infobox_Nation |
 
flag=http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/tabikrion.jpg|
 
flag=http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/tabikrion.jpg|
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language=Tabitimor|
 
language=Tabitimor|
 
capital=In Construction|
 
capital=In Construction|
population=23 million|
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population=Approximately 23 million|
 
currency=Tabrek Kronar|
 
currency=Tabrek Kronar|
 
leader=The Chancellor
 
leader=The Chancellor
 
}}
 
}}
 
==Introduction==
 
The nation of '''Tabikrion''' is a large, moderately populated nation, consisting of a number of States, Provinces, Territories and Protectorates.  Governing these lands are an elected Federal Chancellor and a representative State Senate, who share near limitless power.  Despite being one of the older organized nations of Averencia, it has historically remained distanced from other regional powers, but expanding borders, a faltering economy and recent crisis throughout the rest of the continent have forced the Tabreks out of isolation.
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Though the nation of Tabikrion is nearly two and a half centuries old, the idea of a single Tabrek people has existed in one form or another for several centuries, if not millennia.   
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Though the nation of Tabikrion is nearly two and a half centuries old, the idea of a single Tabrek people has existed in one form or another for many centuries, if not millennia.   
  
 
===Early Tabikrion===
 
===Early Tabikrion===
It is usually agreed upon that Averencia was first inhabited by humans several millennia ago; however, there is much controversy over where they came from and around what time they began to adopt their own distinct culture and civilization.  Regardless, the early Tabreks were among the dominant people in Averencia at the time, eventually founding a Tabreki Empire which ruled over an area several times larger than modern Tabikrion for some time.  It is often believed that the Tabreks greatly over-exaggerate how strong and far-reaching this kingdom was, even going so far as to compare it the Roman Empire and Imperial Britain.  It is not known exactly how long the empire lasted, but when it fell the nation splintered into many small city-states.  Though attempts were made by ambitious Tabreks to restore their former glory, these short-lived kingdoms rarely lasted longer than their king did.  By the mid-eighteenth century, central Tabikrion had been in a relative state of peace (and stagnation) for two centuries.  However, the powerful states of Veneran and Tepton had just finished a bout of political maneuvering that resulted in the coronation of a more flexible king in neighboring Ullenia; one who would finally give his nation’s full support for a chance to rebuild Tabikrion's empire.
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It is usually agreed upon that Averencia was first inhabited by humans several millennia ago; however, there is much controversy over where they came from and around what time they began to adopt their own distinct cultures and civilizations.  Regardless, the early Tabreks were among the dominant people in Averencia at the time, eventually founding a Tabreki Empire which ruled over an area several times larger than modern Tabikrion for some time.  It is often believed that the Tabreks greatly over-exaggerate how strong and far-reaching this kingdom was, even going so far as to compare it the Roman Empire and Imperial Britain.  It is not known exactly how long the empire lasted, but when it fell the nation splintered into many small city-states.  Though attempts were made by ambitious Tabreks to restore their former glory, these short-lived kingdoms rarely lasted longer than their king did.  By the mid-eighteenth century, central Tabikrion had been in a relative state of peace (and stagnation) for two centuries.  However, the powerful states of Veneran and Tepton had just finished a bout of political maneuvering that resulted in the coronation of a more flexible king in neighboring Ullenia; one who would finally give his nation’s full support for a chance to rebuild Tabikrion's empire.
  
 
===The Confederation===
 
===The Confederation===
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===The Second Unification===
 
===The Second Unification===
Fortunately for the Confederation, the one thing that could hold Tabikrion together returned: War.  A foreign armada (believed to be a Western imperialist power) arrived on the coast of western Tabikrion and quickly invaded the Western Territories (present day Eastern [[Ericrea]], Sabrelands and Western Tabikrion) with a well-equipped and well-organized army, smashing through the few loyal Tabrek divisions which had remained at their posts during the Uprisings.  Within months, the enemy military had reached the Inner Provinces and the States themselves.  Immediately the intense unity of the Confederation returned and the State and Provincial militaries were drawn back into the Tabarmat.  A pitched nine year war followed -- possibly the most costly in Tabrek history.  The technology of the foreign army was generations ahead of the outdated Tabarmat, but knowledge of the land, sheer manpower and overwhelming determination kept the battles from becoming one-sided.  The majority of the outlying territories (including the resource-rich Western Territories) were abandoned in order to focus on the defense of center of Tabikrion.  Eventually the Tabreks gained the upper-hand, and in the decisive Battle of Pevetslon, the foreigners' forward command center was encircled and subsequently overrun, forcing the destruction or surrender of about a quarter of their forces.  A general withdrawal from the continent followed, though a number of units were allegedly left behind.  By the end of the war much of Tabikrion was a wasteland.  The once powerful agriculture of the land was shattered, and the many of the poverty-stricken were forced to migrate to the slightly more intact cities.  Half of the entire nation had slipped out of the Tabrek orbit.  Many of the former territories had declared themselves sovereign states or were simply left on their own.  The Senate continued to regard them as under Confederation control, but it took many decades to finally enforce these claims.  Most regions (including most of the Western Territories) were never reclaimed.
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Fortunately for the Confederation, the one thing that could hold Tabikrion together returned: War.  A foreign armada (believed to be a Western imperialist power) arrived on the coast of western Tabikrion and quickly invaded the Western Territories (present day Ericrea and Sabrelands) with a well-equipped and well-organized army, smashing through the few loyal Tabrek divisions which had remained at their posts during the Uprisings.  Within months, the enemy military had reached the Inner Provinces and the States themselves.  Immediately the intense unity of the Confederation returned and the State and Provincial militaries were drawn back into the Tabarmat.  A pitched nine year war followed -- possibly the most costly in Tabrek history.  The technology of the foreign army was generations ahead of the outdated Tabarmat, but knowledge of the land, sheer manpower and overwhelming determination kept the battles from becoming one-sided.  The majority of the outlying territories (including the resource-rich Western Territories) were abandoned in order to focus on the defense of center of Tabikrion.  Eventually the Tabreks gained the upper-hand, and in the decisive Battle of Pevetslon, the foreigners' forward command center was encircled and subsequently overrun, forcing the destruction or surrender of about a quarter of their forces.  A general withdrawal from the continent followed, though a number of units were allegedly left behind.  By the end of the war much of Tabikrion was a wasteland.  The once powerful agriculture of the land was shattered, and the many of the poverty-stricken were forced to migrate to the slightly more intact cities.  Half of the entire nation had slipped out of the Tabrek orbit.  Many of the former territories had declared themselves sovereign states or were simply left on their own.  The Senate continued to regard them as under Confederation control, but it took many decades to finally enforce these claims.  Most regions (including most of the Western Territories) were never reclaimed.
  
 
===The Incorporated States===
 
===The Incorporated States===
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===The Years of Refinement===
 
===The Years of Refinement===
Tabikrion remained in a state of isolation in one form or another for one-hundred forty years, focusing on intra-national commerce and catching up with the technologically-advanced Western world, specifically in military technology.  For the most part, the IST stayed completely out international conflicts and affairs; until the mid-twentieth century its only non-internal actions were the conquest and reclaiming of several small nations to the east and south (eventually rebuilding Tabikrion to three-fifths of its pre-war size).  However, immigrants fleeing world crises would often find refuge in the safety of Tabikrion, leading to an interestingly multi-racial, but well-integrated, society.  Though it refused to join the United Nations or open its borders, the IST had lessened the extent of its isolation and had begun communications and trade with a small number of nations.  During the early Cold War, the first PMCs (Private Military Corporations) were commissioned by the government.  They served as mercenaries in several “proxy wars” on the side of the Soviet bloc during the Cold War, with the silent support of the IST, who felt that they and the communists shared a common foe: the West.  By doing so, IST was allowed access to Soviet weapons and technology, which have become the mainstay of the TAS.  Over the course of several decades, the Tabrek PMCs had become some of the more experienced mercenary organizations available.
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Tabikrion remained in a state of isolation in one form or another for one-hundred forty years, focusing on intra-national commerce and catching up with the technologically-advanced Western world, specifically in military technology.  For the most part, the IST stayed completely out international conflicts and affairs; until the mid-twentieth century its only non-internal actions were the conquest and reclaiming of several small nations to the east and south (eventually rebuilding Tabikrion to three-fifths of its pre-war size).  However, immigrants fleeing world crises would often find refuge in the safety of Tabikrion, provided that they serve for several terms in the TAS to receive full citizenship.  Though it refused to join the United Nations or open its borders, the IST had lessened the extent of its isolation and had begun communications and trade with a small number of nations.  During the early Cold War, the first PMCs (Private Military Corporations) were commissioned by the government.  They served as mercenaries in several “proxy wars” on the side of the Soviet bloc during the Cold War, with the undeclared support of the IST.  By doing so, IST was allowed access to Soviet weapons and technology, which have since become the mainstay of the TAS.
  
During this time, the Federal Chancellor had continued to consolidate power into the once weak federal government (particularly the understrength executive branch), dragging the nation further away from its Confederation roots.  The most blatant breach of power was when the Chancellery claimed control of several hundred square miles of uninhabited plains within central Tabikrion for the purpose of building a national capital.  Though many critics claimed this movement to be illegal, the State governments did nothing to stop it.
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During this time, the Federal Chancellors had continued to consolidate power into the once weak federal government (particularly their understrength executive branch), dragging the nation further away from its Confederation roots.  The most blatant breach of power was when the Chancellery, with a slight majority support in the Senate, claimed control of several hundred square miles of uninhabited plains within central Tabikrion for the purpose of building a national capital.  Though many critics claimed this movement to be illegal, the State governments did nothing to stop it.
  
 
===The Bartehun Depression===
 
===The Bartehun Depression===
Seventeen years ago, catastrophe hit Tabikrion, when the Bartehun Dam burst, only weeks after its completion.  Thousands were killed in the floods that followed, and billions of Kronars in damage were done.  Additionally, tens of thousands of Tabreks had invested large sums of money in the companies involved in the construction of the project; the massive sale of stock, company bankruptcy and accusations of scandal that followed only added to the massive crisis that swept the country's economy.  Construction of the nation's capital was put on hold as funds were diverted to recovery.  During this time, many large corporations were given increased freedom when dealing with foreigners in a desperate attempt to introduce foreign currency into Tabrek's market.  Though most corporations were only partially successful in the intracontinental economy, the PMCs found themselves to be extremely sought after.  Almost single-handedly, soldiers had once again saved the nation from almost certain devastation.
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Seventeen years ago, catastrophe hit Tabikrion, when the Bartehun Dam burst, only weeks after its completion.  Thousands were killed in the floods that followed, and billions of Kronars in damage were done.  Additionally, tens of thousands of Tabreks had invested large sums of money in the companies involved in the construction of the project; the massive sale of stock, company bankruptcy and accusations of scandal that followed only added to the massive crisis that swept the country's economy.  Construction of the nation's capital was put on hold as funds were diverted to recovery.  During this time, many large corporations were given increased freedom when dealing with foreigners in a desperate attempt to introduce foreign currency into Tabrek's market.  Though most corporations were only partially successful in the intracontinental economy, the PMCs found themselves to be extremely sought after.  Despite their new freedom abroad, the Senate became increasingly controlling over the larger corporations, and even nationalizing those whose power could be considered even a remote threat to economic and national stability.
  
 
===End of Isolation===
 
===End of Isolation===
 
Tabikrion continued to slowly open its doors to Averencia (and later, the rest of the World), but it was not until a few months ago that Tabrikrion declared it had reopened its borders and has begun to establish political ties with the other Averencians.  Though still distanced from its neighbors, Tabikrion has taken a much more active role in the affairs of the rest of Averencia.  The economy was finally stabilized shortly afterwards, due mostly to success of the PMCs.
 
Tabikrion continued to slowly open its doors to Averencia (and later, the rest of the World), but it was not until a few months ago that Tabrikrion declared it had reopened its borders and has begun to establish political ties with the other Averencians.  Though still distanced from its neighbors, Tabikrion has taken a much more active role in the affairs of the rest of Averencia.  The economy was finally stabilized shortly afterwards, due mostly to success of the PMCs.
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==Geography and Climate==
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Due to its large size, Tabikrion’s landscape has a good amount of variety, shifting from western mountains to in the plain of the middlelands and then deserts in the southeast.
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Along Tabikrion’s western and southwestern borders lay the snow covered Sabre Mountains, which slowly give way smaller mountains, hills and eventually plains several hundred miles into the country.  This mountainous area makes up approximately a third of Tabikrion’s land mass and is known for its extreme cold and massive snowstorms.
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The foot of the Steps of the Sabres, is the beginning of the nation’s fertile center, and everything from massive government and private plantations to small individual plots can be found scattered until a distance east of the Felrud River.
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To the south and east of the farmlands are a series of semi-arid hills and small mountains and beyond that, hundreds of miles of open desert, which encompasses over a third of Tabrek lands.  It stretches northward, becoming a more tundra-like environment along the northwestern reaches of Tabikrion.
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Following the coast northeast from the mouth of the Felrud River are the few small temperate forests of Tabikrion, which are then replaced by more sparsely vegetated boreal forests in the near sub-arctic area at the nation’s furthest northern extent.
  
 
==Government==
 
==Government==
The Incorporated States of Tabikrion was formed to solve the problems of the Confederation of the Tabreks, which had proven to be a weak and ineffective government in peacetime.  The unnamed document that created the IST (often simply called the Tabrek or IST Constitution), is very vague when outlining how the government itself works, allowing it to be flexible and easily adaptable.  The central government of the IST consists of a State Senate and the Office of the Federal Chancellery, which jointly wield the nearly limitless power entitled to them by the Tabrek Consitution.  There are also individual state, provincial and territorial governments, but their influence and power have significantly diminished since the creation of the IST.
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The Incorporated States of Tabikrion was formed to solve the problems of the Confederation of the Tabreks, which had proven to be a weak and ineffective government in peacetime.  The unnamed document that created the IST (often simply called the Tabrek or IST Constitution), is very vague when outlining how the government itself works, allowing it to be flexible and easily adaptable.  The central government of the IST consists of a State Senate and the Office of the Federal Chancellery, which jointly work wield the nearly limitless power entitled to them by the Tabrek Constitution.  There are also individual state, regional and local governments, but their influence and power have diminished since the creation of the IST.
  
 
===State Senate===
 
===State Senate===
The State Senate is made up of dozens of Senators, hailing from every State, Province and Territory of the IST.  The Senate is a unicameral body, and the number of representatives is decided by the status of the member, its length in the IST, its loyalty (determined by the Chancellor) and its population.  “Incorporated States” receive the most representatives, though they no longer hold the complete power over the rest of the Tabreks that they used to.  “Provincial States” are states not yet given complete Statehood, but still given a decent amount of representation.  The “Territorial Districts” are the outlying regions of Tabikrion that receive very little representation, and are often selected by the Senate rather than the people of the Territories; however, the recent “Territorial Empowerment Act" has allowed them far more rights than they previously held.  Depending on the importance of the legislature, it may require a majority or a two-thirds majority vote with approval by the Chancellor.
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The State Senate is made up of dozens of Senators, hailing from every State, Province and Territory of the IST.  The Senate is a unicameral body, and the number of representatives and the weight of each of their votes from each member is decided by many factors, taking in account everything from state population to perceived loyalty.  By far the most important factor is the status of the member’s statehood.  “Incorporated States” receive the most representatives, though they no longer hold complete dominance of the Confederation.  “Provincial States” do not have the benefits of complete statehood, but still given a fair amount of representation.  The outlying “Territorial Districts” receive relatively little representation in comparison, though the recent “Territorial Empowerment Act” has given enough of a voice to no longer be ignored.
  
The location of the bimonthly Senatorial sessions change each four months, usually being held in State and Provincial capital buildings built specifically for such purposesUnder the “Territorial Empowerment Act”, properly prepared Territorial cities are now possible Senate hearing locations, though only rarely.  Once the Tabrek Capital is completed, there is speculation that the Senate will be held exclusively in that location, though opposition to this idea is strong, especially amongst the Territories.
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The Senate is elected by the people of their region.  A class-based electoral system that was established in the founding of the IST was removed long ago in favor of a more democratic popular vote.  Senators serve four year terms and usually hold office for six or seven terms on averageThough most of the senators are wealthy, male Native Tabreks, growing minorities in the Senate have challenged their one time supremacy.
  
The Senate is elected by the people of their region.  A class-based electoral system that was established in the founding of the IST was removed long ago in favor of a more democratic popular vote.  However, religious clerics, high ranking corporate officers and active duty soldiers are restricted because being a Senator is considered a full time occupationHowever, military reservists or retired soldiers make up a large and growing minority of the SenatorsAbout half of the senators are of the wealthy upper class, the rest mostly from an average middle class, and a scant few are considered to be “privileged poor”Both race and religion have minimal effects on elections; however, certain regions with a large majority tend to elect a person who is a representative of that group, though there are exceptions quite often.
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The Voice of the States is the official title of the Senate Chairman, who is appointed by the Senate, much like the Federal ChancellorHe or she serves as the spokesperson and representative of the Senate to the Tabrek people and the Chancellor’s OfficeHe is one of the most visible figure in Tabrek politics, surpassed only by the Chancellor and a few powerful senators and generalsThe Voice can also serve as a temporary Chancellor should the current one become incapable of finishing his term.
  
  
 
===Office of the Federal Chancellery===
 
===Office of the Federal Chancellery===
The executive branch of the IST, the office of Chancellor was created after the Second Unification in order have a single leader that all of the nation could call their own.  Originally, the Chancellor was only thought of as a sort of figurehead: his/her only real power lay in the ability to directly control the TAS under wartime conditions so as to not allow the slow, debating nature of Senate preceding impede the progress of military victory.  Due to the extremely limited nature of this sort of executive branch, many amendments have been approved since to increase the strength of the Chancellor’s Office, which now rivals (and arguably surpasses) the once unequalled power of the Senate.
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The Chancellor serves as the executive branch of Tabikrion government.  Originally, the Chancellor was only used as a sort of figurehead: his only real power lay in his ability to directly control the TAS during times of war and other emergencies and to call into question the loyalty of a member state.  Due to its limited and rarely used powers, many amendments have been approved since to increase the strength of the Chancellor’s Office, which now rivals (and arguably surpasses) the once unequalled power of the Senate.
  
The Chancellor is now required to approve most important legislature or an amendment before it is passes; a Chancellor’s veto can be overruled by the Senate, but a very large majority is needed.  The Chancellor can also declare a temporary “National Crisis” anywhere in or outside the nation, though a continued maintenance of this status requires a Senate majority vote.  The Chancellor can be removed from office on the spot by a four-fifths majority vote, though this is rarely attempted; the Chancellor is elected by the State Senate, and not by a popular vote, keeping the Chancellor and Senate “on the same page” so to speak.
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The Chancellor is now required to approve most important legislature or an amendment before it is passes; a Chancellor’s veto can be overruled by the Senate, but a large majority is needed.  The Chancellor can also declare a temporary “National Crisis” anywhere in or outside the nation, though a continued maintenance of this status requires a Senate vote.  The Chancellor can be removed from office on the spot through a speedy vote of no confidence, though this is rarely attempted; the Chancellor is elected by the State Senate, and not by a popular vote, assuring that the Chancellor will almost always be supportive of the Senate majority that put him in office and can likewise remove him. Chancellors are elected once every six years.
 
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Chancellors are elected once every six years.  The elections are usually not as important an event as they are in many other republics, as the people have no say in the decision.  Chancellors remain in office for an average of three terms.  The major conditions must be met for an individual to run for Chancellor are being:
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1) a former officer of the Tabrek Armed Forces who has served for at least one full tour of duty
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2) at least thirty years old
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3) a natural born Tabrek citizen who has lived outside of Tabikrion no longer than three years (military or government duty is an exception)
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4) in possession of a minimal criminal record
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5) free of the ties of any of the following occupations at time of election: religious cleric, high-level corporate executive and active duty or reservist military officer.
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===Local Governments===
 
===Local Governments===
The local governments of the individual members of Tabikrion used to have a significant amount of influence, but for the sake of continued unity, their power was decreased by the creation of the IST, and marginalized continuously since.  However, they still have enough freedom from the federal government in their area of control to run each State, Province or Territorial District with efficiency.
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The local governments of the individual members of Tabikrion used to have a significant amount of influence, but for the sake of continued unity, their power was decreased by the creation of the IST, and marginalized continuously since.  However they still have enough freedom from the federal government in their area of control to run their own land with efficiency, though that is the extent of their control.
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State and Provincial governors are elected by popular vote, though Provincial governors must be first approved by the Senate, though this is usually not a problem.  They have the ability to levy small additional taxes onto the federal taxes, but the majority of their finances are given to them by the Senate based on population and necessity.  Though it is the responsibility of the state, regional and local governments to use these funds as they see fit, the Senate will often interfere with the process.
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Territorial District governments are elected by popular vote of the Territories, but the Senate can simply dismiss the results and select its own governor, which is usually the case.  Territorial governors are usually directly more loyal to their supporters in the Senate then the actual people he or she governs, and are sometimes seen as military dictators.  However, corruption has been reduced somewhat under the “Territorial Empowerment Act”, and education, healthcare and law and order have risen so that they are nearly equal to those of their State and Provincial brethren.
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==Civil Rights==
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Citizenship is by no means guaranteed in Tabikrion, but once it is finally received, a Tabrek can enjoy most of the freedoms enjoyed in many republics.  Upon turning 18, native born Tabreks receives partial citizenship, and the right to elect local and regional leaders.  Full citizenship, and the right to vote for the regional Senator, is not achieved until the individual completes his or her military obligation.  All citizens, regardless of gender or race, are entitled to the exact same rights.  This also means that racial or gender quotas for universities and companies are considered illegal.
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Though everyone is equal in theory, there is the unavoidable problem of discrimination.  Being a mainly patriach society, Tabrek women do not hold as many top government, military and corporate positions as men.  Tabreks of foreign ancestry are at an even greater disadvantage.  Growing numbers of women and non-Native Tabreks in the Senate will hopefully create better enforcement of the few anti-discrimination laws in effect.
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The legality of public protests are the source of much debate.  Though it is almost universally agreed upon that citizens should have the right to speak their minds, the government is hesitant to allow this sort of freedom be expressed by large groups in public.  Though the government is somewhat tolerant of smaller protests that question a certain policy of the nation, protests that condemn the government itself are immediately disbanded, violently if necessary.
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Small firearms for self-defensive and hunting are allowed for Tabreks who have attained full citizenship.  Background checks are mandatory, and any abuse of the privilege is punished severely
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There is no specified drinking age in Tabikrion, though there are heavy punishments for those who abuse this privilege.  The government stance on drug control is brutally enforced, and most have been made completely illegal except in use in government-run hospitals for clinical use.
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==Religion==
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Relgion plays an important part in Tabrek society, but has a mostly unpronounced effect on the government’s policies.  Freedom of religion is one of the few freedoms held universally; full, partial and non citizens can all practice their beliefs, so long as it does not involve or incite violence, drug use, etc.  The government enforces a policy that prevents religious discrimination, as long as the religion has been approved and recognized by the government.
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Most major religions of the world count many thousands of Tabreks among their ranks.  Foreign based religions are practiced in some way by nearly a quarter of Tabreks.  Another quarter are religiously apathetic or atheistic.  More than half the nation practices the Native Tabrek religion, called Jaetla’Kojani, commonly known as Ja’Koj.
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==Economy==
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The economy of Tabikrion is a very centralized one, with very little imports or exports compared to similarly populated nations; massive protective tariffs are applied liberally to foreign products.  The government takes an active role in controlling certain aspects of the economy, such as corporate power and international trade.  However the average citizen is not greatly affected by this interference and is free to purchase what he wants and needs at the bustling open-air markets in Tabrek towns, and the large government-funded trading complexes in the major cities.
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Taxes are moderately high in Tabikrion, giving the government large amounts of funds.  The percentage of funds going to taxes is decided by the amount of people per household and their total yearly income; this system has helped Tabikrion achieved one of the smallest rich-poor divides in the industrialized world.  The taxes are not so extensive that the people have no spending power at all either.  The inclusion of free basic healthcare and government retirement pensions for full citizens allows citizens to spend more of the money on other necessities; thereby the high tax rates are not as noticeable for citizens as one might expect.
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Much of Tabikrion’s economy is fuelled by its large plantations around the Felrud river, and the sprawling mining complexes in Sabre Mountains.  The Tabikrion manufacturing industry is relatively weak, but hundreds of government-funded factories are completed or in construction, in hopes of keeping Tabrek citizens and soldiers from relying on foreign goods.
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Large corporations, though not uncommon, are under constant government scrutiny and only those who earn their trust will last in the long run.  Smaller businesses receive much less government interference, but must still comply with the many business laws and regulations created by the Senate.  Only the PMCs and a handful of other companies are allowed to expand their business beyond Tabikrion and Averencia, and likewise, very few foreign companies are allowed to conduct business in Tabikrion.
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==Law and Order==
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The Tabikrion system of justice is at best, brutal and unforgiving.  If one is found guilty of a capital crime (murder, rape, child molestation, drug dealing, smuggling), they are then sentenced to death and given a chance to appeal for a quick death, usually by hanging or decapitation.  Interestingly, in Tabikrion “lethal injection” and “electrocution” are among the most feared death sentences, as death is painfully prolonged for many minutes or hours.  Public executions and floggings are rare in modern times, but they are known to still occur.  No quarter is given to foreigners.  (NOTE: Tabikrion lacks a system that “ranks” the severity of murder.  There is simply “Homicide” and “Accidental Homicide” in Tabrek law.)
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Those not guilty of a capital crime are usually imprisoned in a state or federal penitentiary, in which they may serve one of several different punishments depending on the severity of their crime.  The most common is “employment” into the Tabrek labor force.  Traditionally they were used to mine where it was deemed to dangerous for regular miners to work, though recently many of the prisoners with lower sentences are allowed to work in new government and corporation run factories.
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The Tabrek police force is a strong, well-funded branch of the government, tasked with keeping order by enforcing Tabikrion’s many laws and regulations.  Full citizenship is required to join the force, thus assuring that all officers have some military background.  Police are known to be particularly brutal at times, and a “shoot-on-sight” policy is used frequently.  Two activities dominate law enforcement currently: destroying the drug smuggler’s foothold on Tabikrion’s coastal regions and coordinating raids with the military aimed at breaking the criminal and domestic terrorist cells throughout Tabikrion’s states and territories.
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==Foreign Relations==
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Tabikrion is on a quasi-friendly relationship with most of fellow Averencians, but this is merely out of necessity for foreign trade.  The Senate is generally only slightly less distrustful of its neighbors than it is of the rest of the world.  Each year Tabikrion will send an official invitation to join the IST to the nations of the Sabrelands and Ericrea, which has become more of a tradition than a serious demand.  However, recent increases in troop numbers along the Sabreland borders, and the accusations of Ericrean-based drug smuggling operations have further strained relations in the region.
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Though diplomatic ties and limited trade has been reopened with the rest of the world, Tabikrion has continued to refuse joining the international community by and large.  It’s only major contact outside of Averencia is the former Soviet republics, who have long supplied Tabikrion with weapons and military equipment and technology.  Tabikrion is particularly protective against any perceived Western military and cultural invasion of Tabrek lands, who in turn half-suspect that Tabikrion may be harboring terrorism.
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==Military==
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The Tabikrion Armed Services is the nation’s military, which every Tabrek must work for at least part of his or her life.  Over a third of all government money is spent on a military related program.  There are many branches in the TAS, but they are each put under the command of an “overbranch”, which are Ground Corp(Army), Marine Corp (Navy) and Aerial Corp (Air Force).
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By far the largest overbranch is the Ground Corp, which is broken down into four primary branches: Armored Infantry, Reserve Infantry, Foreign Infantry and Artillery Infantry.
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The next largest overbranch, Marine Corp, consists of the Naval Forces, Sub-Naval Forces, Coastal Forces and Marine Infantry.
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The smallest overbranch is the weak Aerial Corp, which is made up of Fighter Wing, Bomber Wing and Recon Wing.
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Tabrek style of warfare puts a huge emphasis on heavy armored vehicles supported by auxiliary infantry, and preceded by constant rolling artillery barrages from canons and naval vessels.  Due to the countries lack of an effective air force, many vehicles and ships are equipped solely with anti-air canons and missiles with the intent of covering the ground and naval forces.
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Full citizenship requires at least one five year term be served before the age of 40, and this requirement is usually fulfilled after graduation from secondary or tertiary school.  Immigrants and other non-citizen adults must serve a full ten years (five for partial citizenship, five for full) in the Foreign Infantry before they are given their full citizenship in Tabikrion.  Additional benefits, such as increased pensions and healthcare coverage are awarded to those who serve longer than the required.  Though soldiers do not generally receive a high salary, they are exempt from most government taxes.
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Tabrek small arms usually are domestically produced variants of Soviet and Russian design, such as the Kalashnikov and RPG lines, due to a lack of quality Tabrek designs.  Military vehicles, especially tanks, and heavy weapons such as artillery are mostly of Tabrek design, though some modified Soviet models are used; missiles and combat aircraft are the exception which are almost entirely Russian-built.
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Currently, a few small detachments of the military are dealing with several rebel outbreaks in the territories and several provinces.  There have been discussion of deploying additional military to stop this growing problem from worsening, as well as send soldiers to reinforce the overstretch police forces in curbing the quickly rising drug trafficking issue.
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==Education==
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Until about a quarter century ago, Tabikrion held one of the lowest literacy rates in the region.  This problem has now been reversed due to a massive increase in public education funding in the last two and a half decades.  However, only recently has the traditional ten years of education has been raised to the standard twelve, and a secondary school diploma required for military service.  There are an ever growing number of public universities, which are funded mostly by the government.
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==Art and Entertainment==
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Art in Tabikrion is generally not as well respected as it is in many other cultures, and is sometimes looked upon as frivolous wastes of time.  This had led to a general lack of museums and art galleries, and most of those that exist are funded by the government and filled with paintings of the Unifications and other pro-nationalistic materials.  The recent archeological finds concerning the ancient Tabreki Empire have created what some would call a cultural rebirth of the nation, causing many Native Tabreks to try and discover their roots.  Both privately-owned and government-run museums are now trying to shift to accompany this new change, and millions in private, corporate and government Kronars are being handed to archeologists in hopes of finding something to fill these museums.
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Entertainment in Tabikrion has been greatly affected by the nation’s reconnection with the world, though many traditions still remain.  The foreign sports of rugby, football/soccer and snowboarding compete for popularity and airtime with the traditional sports.  Television has probably been the most affected, as it previously played a minor role in Tabrek life, watched mostly for news announcements and live-events on holidays and other important days; now foreign sensationalized news programs, TV dramas and noticeably untabrek comedies have made a foothold on the Tabrek channels and psyche, much to the disapproval of the government and traditionalists.
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One aspect of entertainment not greatly affected by the slow internationalization of Tabikrion is their love of violence in many of their games.  Though banned decades ago by the Senate, gladiatorial-type duels occur underground as often as once a week in many Tabrek cities.  Less-than-lethal games, involving have yet to been banned, and are still incredibly popular, accounting for three-fifths of all stadium-based games.  The dozens of yearly war games practiced jointly by military branches and PMCs are often televised with great success and popularity.
  
State and Provincial governors are elected by popular vote, though Provincial governors must be first approved by the Senate, though this is usually not a problemThey have the ability to levy small additional taxes onto the federal taxes, but the majority of their finances are given to them by the Senate based on population and necessityEducation, healthcare, law enforcement, minor courts and the like are traditionally handled locally, though the federal government has been known to frequently intervene if it feels the funds are being used unwisely.  This policy of giving the local governments the “illusion of control” has lead to some mild resistance to State and Provincial loyalists.
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==Science==
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Through its friendship with the powerful Soviet regime of the Cold War era, Tabikrion was able to end its status as a backwards nation, and has since maintained stable, though unremarkable science programs.  Because of its often traditionalistic nature, Tabikrion is often unwilling to commit itself to projects that may conflict with Tabrek valuesAnything not deemed crucial to the nation is usually not funded by the government, leaving it up to the science-based corporations to support much of the weight of the scientific communityGovernment interference with these companies has further increased frustration of researchers, and have led some to leave the country.  This minor brain drain has caused an increased focus in math and science in the nation’s education reforms, especially in the university level, in hopes of replaces the emigrants with a new generation of scientists.
  
Territorial District governments are elected by popular vote of the Territories, but the Senate can simply dismiss the results and select its own governorsMore often than not this is the case, which has caused many to call for an amendment to the “Territorial Empowerment Act” that would keep the Senate from having complete control over elections.  Territorial governors are usually directly and fiercely loyal to the Senate and Chancellor, and are sometimes seen as a military dictator by the less satisfied TerritoriesHowever, corruption has been minimalized under the “Territorial Empowerment Act”, and education, healthcare and law and order are nearly on par with that of their State and Provincial brethren.
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==Environment==
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Environmental protection has never been something on the forefront of Tabrek minds, due in part to a general lack of large forests to logThere are regulations on companies pertaining to waste disposal, but many believe this is more of a way to keep companies under the government thumb then to protect the environmentHunting is a popular sport in Tabikrion, and though government laws are in place protecting animals that are potentially endangered, they are loosely enforced.

Revision as of 04:45, 20 February 2006

The nation of Tabikrion is a large, moderately populated nation, consisting of a number of States, Provinces, Territories and Protectorates. Governing these lands are an elected Federal Chancellor and a representative State Senate, who share near limitless power. Despite being one of the older organized nations of Averencia, it has historically remained distanced from other regional powers, but expanding borders, a faltering economy and recent crisis throughout the rest of the continent have forced the Tabreks out of isolation.

Tabikrion
tabikrion.jpg
Flag of Tabikrion
Motto: "Iuncta Aut Concilio Aut Gladio"
None Available
Region Averencia
Capital In Construction
Official Language(s) Tabitimor
Leader The Chancellor
Population Approximately 23 million
Currency Tabrek Kronar 
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History

Though the nation of Tabikrion is nearly two and a half centuries old, the idea of a single Tabrek people has existed in one form or another for many centuries, if not millennia.

Early Tabikrion

It is usually agreed upon that Averencia was first inhabited by humans several millennia ago; however, there is much controversy over where they came from and around what time they began to adopt their own distinct cultures and civilizations. Regardless, the early Tabreks were among the dominant people in Averencia at the time, eventually founding a Tabreki Empire which ruled over an area several times larger than modern Tabikrion for some time. It is often believed that the Tabreks greatly over-exaggerate how strong and far-reaching this kingdom was, even going so far as to compare it the Roman Empire and Imperial Britain. It is not known exactly how long the empire lasted, but when it fell the nation splintered into many small city-states. Though attempts were made by ambitious Tabreks to restore their former glory, these short-lived kingdoms rarely lasted longer than their king did. By the mid-eighteenth century, central Tabikrion had been in a relative state of peace (and stagnation) for two centuries. However, the powerful states of Veneran and Tepton had just finished a bout of political maneuvering that resulted in the coronation of a more flexible king in neighboring Ullenia; one who would finally give his nation’s full support for a chance to rebuild Tabikrion's empire.

The Confederation

The Confederation of the Tabreks was created two-hundred thirty-two years ago by the original three States, Veneran, Tepton and Ullenia, for the purpose of reuniting the Tabrek nations. Though these States and several of their neighbors had occasionally maintained alliances in the past, this marked the first time in modern history when they would be united under a single banner. This Confederation was lead by representative body called the Confederal Senate. The number of representatives was based on the political standing of the State, not on its population. The Senate appointed the generals of the Tabarmat (the military branch of the Confederation) as well as the governors of the Provinces and Territories. The first order of business of this new nation was to reunite the nations of Greater Tabikrion, regardless of the method. This common insatiable drive and the nationalistic fervor that followed would assure unity throughout the Confederation for the next seven decades.

The First Unification

Over the next few decades other States would become part of the Tabrek Confederation; a few voluntarily joined, though most were conquered by the ever growing Tabarmat. Only one State (the powerful city-state of Codeka, a voluntary member) would be given full representation within the Confederation; the others were declared "Provinces", and given partial power. The wars were usually quick and decisive, and rarely was complete conquest of a region necessary before a treaty was signed. Within seventy years Tabikrion had increased its holdings ten-fold. The Confederation now comprised of four States and six Provinces, as well as a large number of unrepresented territories, which made up the majority of the Confederation’s size (and possibly its population). To the overambitious Senators, the creation of a new Tabreki Empire seemed possible for the first time.

The Provincial Uprising

This "golden age" soon ended though, and Tabikrion felt the strain of maintaining a large nation. The Tabarmat, now stretched thin across the vast lands of the Tabrek peoples, was no longer able to continue expanding, and even had a difficult time keeping order in what it already controlled. As the expansion and war ground to a halt, the faults of the governing body of the Confederation became obvious. No longer united by war-driven nationalism, the individual regions began to reform their own identities. The first to openly challenge the authority of the Confederal Senate was the Province of Nanwel, the only voluntary non-State member, which had expressed its distaste in being forced to send men, money and material to a nation that refused to approve of its Statehood. Other Provinces soon gave their support to Nanwel, as most had been totally loyal to the Confederation after they had been "Reunified". Their demands for more equal representation were flatly denied by veto after veto in the Senate. Eventually, five Provinces overthrew their State-appointed governors and began illegally recalling their soldiers from the Tabrek Territories to build a military that answered to them rather than the Senate. The States were infuriated by this action and prepared their militaries as well. The sole exception was the new Province of Ostwil, which remained neutral along with most of the now leaderless Territories, though they secretly planned to declare independence should a war break out between the two factions. A mere decade after the First Unification had ended, it seemed that the nation was on the brink of a civil war.

The Second Unification

Fortunately for the Confederation, the one thing that could hold Tabikrion together returned: War. A foreign armada (believed to be a Western imperialist power) arrived on the coast of western Tabikrion and quickly invaded the Western Territories (present day Ericrea and Sabrelands) with a well-equipped and well-organized army, smashing through the few loyal Tabrek divisions which had remained at their posts during the Uprisings. Within months, the enemy military had reached the Inner Provinces and the States themselves. Immediately the intense unity of the Confederation returned and the State and Provincial militaries were drawn back into the Tabarmat. A pitched nine year war followed -- possibly the most costly in Tabrek history. The technology of the foreign army was generations ahead of the outdated Tabarmat, but knowledge of the land, sheer manpower and overwhelming determination kept the battles from becoming one-sided. The majority of the outlying territories (including the resource-rich Western Territories) were abandoned in order to focus on the defense of center of Tabikrion. Eventually the Tabreks gained the upper-hand, and in the decisive Battle of Pevetslon, the foreigners' forward command center was encircled and subsequently overrun, forcing the destruction or surrender of about a quarter of their forces. A general withdrawal from the continent followed, though a number of units were allegedly left behind. By the end of the war much of Tabikrion was a wasteland. The once powerful agriculture of the land was shattered, and the many of the poverty-stricken were forced to migrate to the slightly more intact cities. Half of the entire nation had slipped out of the Tabrek orbit. Many of the former territories had declared themselves sovereign states or were simply left on their own. The Senate continued to regard them as under Confederation control, but it took many decades to finally enforce these claims. Most regions (including most of the Western Territories) were never reclaimed.

The Incorporated States

The close of the war brought about a period of reform within the nation. Realizing that the Confederation was fundamentally flawed during peacetime, the Senate proposed a complete reorganization of the nation. Thus, the Incorporated States of Tabikrion was created, some one-hundred forty-one years before the present day. The main advantage the IST offered over the Confederation was the newly created Office of the Federal Chancellery, an executive branch that was elected by the Senate. Though his powers were initially limited, the introduction of a visible leader that the entire country could call their own was a huge step towards complete unification. The Provinces and Territories were given increased representation in the Senate and population was factored into representation. The militia-like Tabarmat disbanded and was replaced by the more organized and professional Tabrek Armed Service, which was being equipped with new weapons made from modified designs of captured enemy arms. The generals of the TAS were put under the command of the Chancellor. A central currency of Tabikrion was created, the Tabrek Kronar. An official state language was adopted: Tabitimor (a mixture several Tabrek languages). Finally the IST implemented a peacetime draft and placed itself into a state of near-complete isolation, thus attempting to avoid any future entanglements with the international community.

The Years of Refinement

Tabikrion remained in a state of isolation in one form or another for one-hundred forty years, focusing on intra-national commerce and catching up with the technologically-advanced Western world, specifically in military technology. For the most part, the IST stayed completely out international conflicts and affairs; until the mid-twentieth century its only non-internal actions were the conquest and reclaiming of several small nations to the east and south (eventually rebuilding Tabikrion to three-fifths of its pre-war size). However, immigrants fleeing world crises would often find refuge in the safety of Tabikrion, provided that they serve for several terms in the TAS to receive full citizenship. Though it refused to join the United Nations or open its borders, the IST had lessened the extent of its isolation and had begun communications and trade with a small number of nations. During the early Cold War, the first PMCs (Private Military Corporations) were commissioned by the government. They served as mercenaries in several “proxy wars” on the side of the Soviet bloc during the Cold War, with the undeclared support of the IST. By doing so, IST was allowed access to Soviet weapons and technology, which have since become the mainstay of the TAS.

During this time, the Federal Chancellors had continued to consolidate power into the once weak federal government (particularly their understrength executive branch), dragging the nation further away from its Confederation roots. The most blatant breach of power was when the Chancellery, with a slight majority support in the Senate, claimed control of several hundred square miles of uninhabited plains within central Tabikrion for the purpose of building a national capital. Though many critics claimed this movement to be illegal, the State governments did nothing to stop it.

The Bartehun Depression

Seventeen years ago, catastrophe hit Tabikrion, when the Bartehun Dam burst, only weeks after its completion. Thousands were killed in the floods that followed, and billions of Kronars in damage were done. Additionally, tens of thousands of Tabreks had invested large sums of money in the companies involved in the construction of the project; the massive sale of stock, company bankruptcy and accusations of scandal that followed only added to the massive crisis that swept the country's economy. Construction of the nation's capital was put on hold as funds were diverted to recovery. During this time, many large corporations were given increased freedom when dealing with foreigners in a desperate attempt to introduce foreign currency into Tabrek's market. Though most corporations were only partially successful in the intracontinental economy, the PMCs found themselves to be extremely sought after. Despite their new freedom abroad, the Senate became increasingly controlling over the larger corporations, and even nationalizing those whose power could be considered even a remote threat to economic and national stability.

End of Isolation

Tabikrion continued to slowly open its doors to Averencia (and later, the rest of the World), but it was not until a few months ago that Tabrikrion declared it had reopened its borders and has begun to establish political ties with the other Averencians. Though still distanced from its neighbors, Tabikrion has taken a much more active role in the affairs of the rest of Averencia. The economy was finally stabilized shortly afterwards, due mostly to success of the PMCs.

Geography and Climate

Due to its large size, Tabikrion’s landscape has a good amount of variety, shifting from western mountains to in the plain of the middlelands and then deserts in the southeast.

Along Tabikrion’s western and southwestern borders lay the snow covered Sabre Mountains, which slowly give way smaller mountains, hills and eventually plains several hundred miles into the country. This mountainous area makes up approximately a third of Tabikrion’s land mass and is known for its extreme cold and massive snowstorms.

The foot of the Steps of the Sabres, is the beginning of the nation’s fertile center, and everything from massive government and private plantations to small individual plots can be found scattered until a distance east of the Felrud River. To the south and east of the farmlands are a series of semi-arid hills and small mountains and beyond that, hundreds of miles of open desert, which encompasses over a third of Tabrek lands. It stretches northward, becoming a more tundra-like environment along the northwestern reaches of Tabikrion.

Following the coast northeast from the mouth of the Felrud River are the few small temperate forests of Tabikrion, which are then replaced by more sparsely vegetated boreal forests in the near sub-arctic area at the nation’s furthest northern extent.

Government

The Incorporated States of Tabikrion was formed to solve the problems of the Confederation of the Tabreks, which had proven to be a weak and ineffective government in peacetime. The unnamed document that created the IST (often simply called the Tabrek or IST Constitution), is very vague when outlining how the government itself works, allowing it to be flexible and easily adaptable. The central government of the IST consists of a State Senate and the Office of the Federal Chancellery, which jointly work wield the nearly limitless power entitled to them by the Tabrek Constitution. There are also individual state, regional and local governments, but their influence and power have diminished since the creation of the IST.

State Senate

The State Senate is made up of dozens of Senators, hailing from every State, Province and Territory of the IST. The Senate is a unicameral body, and the number of representatives and the weight of each of their votes from each member is decided by many factors, taking in account everything from state population to perceived loyalty. By far the most important factor is the status of the member’s statehood. “Incorporated States” receive the most representatives, though they no longer hold complete dominance of the Confederation. “Provincial States” do not have the benefits of complete statehood, but still given a fair amount of representation. The outlying “Territorial Districts” receive relatively little representation in comparison, though the recent “Territorial Empowerment Act” has given enough of a voice to no longer be ignored.

The Senate is elected by the people of their region. A class-based electoral system that was established in the founding of the IST was removed long ago in favor of a more democratic popular vote. Senators serve four year terms and usually hold office for six or seven terms on average. Though most of the senators are wealthy, male Native Tabreks, growing minorities in the Senate have challenged their one time supremacy.

The Voice of the States is the official title of the Senate Chairman, who is appointed by the Senate, much like the Federal Chancellor. He or she serves as the spokesperson and representative of the Senate to the Tabrek people and the Chancellor’s Office. He is one of the most visible figure in Tabrek politics, surpassed only by the Chancellor and a few powerful senators and generals. The Voice can also serve as a temporary Chancellor should the current one become incapable of finishing his term.


Office of the Federal Chancellery

The Chancellor serves as the executive branch of Tabikrion government. Originally, the Chancellor was only used as a sort of figurehead: his only real power lay in his ability to directly control the TAS during times of war and other emergencies and to call into question the loyalty of a member state. Due to its limited and rarely used powers, many amendments have been approved since to increase the strength of the Chancellor’s Office, which now rivals (and arguably surpasses) the once unequalled power of the Senate.

The Chancellor is now required to approve most important legislature or an amendment before it is passes; a Chancellor’s veto can be overruled by the Senate, but a large majority is needed. The Chancellor can also declare a temporary “National Crisis” anywhere in or outside the nation, though a continued maintenance of this status requires a Senate vote. The Chancellor can be removed from office on the spot through a speedy vote of no confidence, though this is rarely attempted; the Chancellor is elected by the State Senate, and not by a popular vote, assuring that the Chancellor will almost always be supportive of the Senate majority that put him in office and can likewise remove him. Chancellors are elected once every six years.

Local Governments

The local governments of the individual members of Tabikrion used to have a significant amount of influence, but for the sake of continued unity, their power was decreased by the creation of the IST, and marginalized continuously since. However they still have enough freedom from the federal government in their area of control to run their own land with efficiency, though that is the extent of their control.

State and Provincial governors are elected by popular vote, though Provincial governors must be first approved by the Senate, though this is usually not a problem. They have the ability to levy small additional taxes onto the federal taxes, but the majority of their finances are given to them by the Senate based on population and necessity. Though it is the responsibility of the state, regional and local governments to use these funds as they see fit, the Senate will often interfere with the process.

Territorial District governments are elected by popular vote of the Territories, but the Senate can simply dismiss the results and select its own governor, which is usually the case. Territorial governors are usually directly more loyal to their supporters in the Senate then the actual people he or she governs, and are sometimes seen as military dictators. However, corruption has been reduced somewhat under the “Territorial Empowerment Act”, and education, healthcare and law and order have risen so that they are nearly equal to those of their State and Provincial brethren.

Civil Rights

Citizenship is by no means guaranteed in Tabikrion, but once it is finally received, a Tabrek can enjoy most of the freedoms enjoyed in many republics. Upon turning 18, native born Tabreks receives partial citizenship, and the right to elect local and regional leaders. Full citizenship, and the right to vote for the regional Senator, is not achieved until the individual completes his or her military obligation. All citizens, regardless of gender or race, are entitled to the exact same rights. This also means that racial or gender quotas for universities and companies are considered illegal.

Though everyone is equal in theory, there is the unavoidable problem of discrimination. Being a mainly patriach society, Tabrek women do not hold as many top government, military and corporate positions as men. Tabreks of foreign ancestry are at an even greater disadvantage. Growing numbers of women and non-Native Tabreks in the Senate will hopefully create better enforcement of the few anti-discrimination laws in effect.


The legality of public protests are the source of much debate. Though it is almost universally agreed upon that citizens should have the right to speak their minds, the government is hesitant to allow this sort of freedom be expressed by large groups in public. Though the government is somewhat tolerant of smaller protests that question a certain policy of the nation, protests that condemn the government itself are immediately disbanded, violently if necessary.

Small firearms for self-defensive and hunting are allowed for Tabreks who have attained full citizenship. Background checks are mandatory, and any abuse of the privilege is punished severely

There is no specified drinking age in Tabikrion, though there are heavy punishments for those who abuse this privilege. The government stance on drug control is brutally enforced, and most have been made completely illegal except in use in government-run hospitals for clinical use.

Religion

Relgion plays an important part in Tabrek society, but has a mostly unpronounced effect on the government’s policies. Freedom of religion is one of the few freedoms held universally; full, partial and non citizens can all practice their beliefs, so long as it does not involve or incite violence, drug use, etc. The government enforces a policy that prevents religious discrimination, as long as the religion has been approved and recognized by the government.

Most major religions of the world count many thousands of Tabreks among their ranks. Foreign based religions are practiced in some way by nearly a quarter of Tabreks. Another quarter are religiously apathetic or atheistic. More than half the nation practices the Native Tabrek religion, called Jaetla’Kojani, commonly known as Ja’Koj.

Economy

The economy of Tabikrion is a very centralized one, with very little imports or exports compared to similarly populated nations; massive protective tariffs are applied liberally to foreign products. The government takes an active role in controlling certain aspects of the economy, such as corporate power and international trade. However the average citizen is not greatly affected by this interference and is free to purchase what he wants and needs at the bustling open-air markets in Tabrek towns, and the large government-funded trading complexes in the major cities.

Taxes are moderately high in Tabikrion, giving the government large amounts of funds. The percentage of funds going to taxes is decided by the amount of people per household and their total yearly income; this system has helped Tabikrion achieved one of the smallest rich-poor divides in the industrialized world. The taxes are not so extensive that the people have no spending power at all either. The inclusion of free basic healthcare and government retirement pensions for full citizens allows citizens to spend more of the money on other necessities; thereby the high tax rates are not as noticeable for citizens as one might expect.

Much of Tabikrion’s economy is fuelled by its large plantations around the Felrud river, and the sprawling mining complexes in Sabre Mountains. The Tabikrion manufacturing industry is relatively weak, but hundreds of government-funded factories are completed or in construction, in hopes of keeping Tabrek citizens and soldiers from relying on foreign goods.

Large corporations, though not uncommon, are under constant government scrutiny and only those who earn their trust will last in the long run. Smaller businesses receive much less government interference, but must still comply with the many business laws and regulations created by the Senate. Only the PMCs and a handful of other companies are allowed to expand their business beyond Tabikrion and Averencia, and likewise, very few foreign companies are allowed to conduct business in Tabikrion.

Law and Order

The Tabikrion system of justice is at best, brutal and unforgiving. If one is found guilty of a capital crime (murder, rape, child molestation, drug dealing, smuggling), they are then sentenced to death and given a chance to appeal for a quick death, usually by hanging or decapitation. Interestingly, in Tabikrion “lethal injection” and “electrocution” are among the most feared death sentences, as death is painfully prolonged for many minutes or hours. Public executions and floggings are rare in modern times, but they are known to still occur. No quarter is given to foreigners. (NOTE: Tabikrion lacks a system that “ranks” the severity of murder. There is simply “Homicide” and “Accidental Homicide” in Tabrek law.)

Those not guilty of a capital crime are usually imprisoned in a state or federal penitentiary, in which they may serve one of several different punishments depending on the severity of their crime. The most common is “employment” into the Tabrek labor force. Traditionally they were used to mine where it was deemed to dangerous for regular miners to work, though recently many of the prisoners with lower sentences are allowed to work in new government and corporation run factories.

The Tabrek police force is a strong, well-funded branch of the government, tasked with keeping order by enforcing Tabikrion’s many laws and regulations. Full citizenship is required to join the force, thus assuring that all officers have some military background. Police are known to be particularly brutal at times, and a “shoot-on-sight” policy is used frequently. Two activities dominate law enforcement currently: destroying the drug smuggler’s foothold on Tabikrion’s coastal regions and coordinating raids with the military aimed at breaking the criminal and domestic terrorist cells throughout Tabikrion’s states and territories.

Foreign Relations

Tabikrion is on a quasi-friendly relationship with most of fellow Averencians, but this is merely out of necessity for foreign trade. The Senate is generally only slightly less distrustful of its neighbors than it is of the rest of the world. Each year Tabikrion will send an official invitation to join the IST to the nations of the Sabrelands and Ericrea, which has become more of a tradition than a serious demand. However, recent increases in troop numbers along the Sabreland borders, and the accusations of Ericrean-based drug smuggling operations have further strained relations in the region.

Though diplomatic ties and limited trade has been reopened with the rest of the world, Tabikrion has continued to refuse joining the international community by and large. It’s only major contact outside of Averencia is the former Soviet republics, who have long supplied Tabikrion with weapons and military equipment and technology. Tabikrion is particularly protective against any perceived Western military and cultural invasion of Tabrek lands, who in turn half-suspect that Tabikrion may be harboring terrorism.

Military

The Tabikrion Armed Services is the nation’s military, which every Tabrek must work for at least part of his or her life. Over a third of all government money is spent on a military related program. There are many branches in the TAS, but they are each put under the command of an “overbranch”, which are Ground Corp(Army), Marine Corp (Navy) and Aerial Corp (Air Force).

By far the largest overbranch is the Ground Corp, which is broken down into four primary branches: Armored Infantry, Reserve Infantry, Foreign Infantry and Artillery Infantry.

The next largest overbranch, Marine Corp, consists of the Naval Forces, Sub-Naval Forces, Coastal Forces and Marine Infantry.

The smallest overbranch is the weak Aerial Corp, which is made up of Fighter Wing, Bomber Wing and Recon Wing.

Tabrek style of warfare puts a huge emphasis on heavy armored vehicles supported by auxiliary infantry, and preceded by constant rolling artillery barrages from canons and naval vessels. Due to the countries lack of an effective air force, many vehicles and ships are equipped solely with anti-air canons and missiles with the intent of covering the ground and naval forces.

Full citizenship requires at least one five year term be served before the age of 40, and this requirement is usually fulfilled after graduation from secondary or tertiary school. Immigrants and other non-citizen adults must serve a full ten years (five for partial citizenship, five for full) in the Foreign Infantry before they are given their full citizenship in Tabikrion. Additional benefits, such as increased pensions and healthcare coverage are awarded to those who serve longer than the required. Though soldiers do not generally receive a high salary, they are exempt from most government taxes.

Tabrek small arms usually are domestically produced variants of Soviet and Russian design, such as the Kalashnikov and RPG lines, due to a lack of quality Tabrek designs. Military vehicles, especially tanks, and heavy weapons such as artillery are mostly of Tabrek design, though some modified Soviet models are used; missiles and combat aircraft are the exception which are almost entirely Russian-built.

Currently, a few small detachments of the military are dealing with several rebel outbreaks in the territories and several provinces. There have been discussion of deploying additional military to stop this growing problem from worsening, as well as send soldiers to reinforce the overstretch police forces in curbing the quickly rising drug trafficking issue.

Education

Until about a quarter century ago, Tabikrion held one of the lowest literacy rates in the region. This problem has now been reversed due to a massive increase in public education funding in the last two and a half decades. However, only recently has the traditional ten years of education has been raised to the standard twelve, and a secondary school diploma required for military service. There are an ever growing number of public universities, which are funded mostly by the government.

Art and Entertainment

Art in Tabikrion is generally not as well respected as it is in many other cultures, and is sometimes looked upon as frivolous wastes of time. This had led to a general lack of museums and art galleries, and most of those that exist are funded by the government and filled with paintings of the Unifications and other pro-nationalistic materials. The recent archeological finds concerning the ancient Tabreki Empire have created what some would call a cultural rebirth of the nation, causing many Native Tabreks to try and discover their roots. Both privately-owned and government-run museums are now trying to shift to accompany this new change, and millions in private, corporate and government Kronars are being handed to archeologists in hopes of finding something to fill these museums.

Entertainment in Tabikrion has been greatly affected by the nation’s reconnection with the world, though many traditions still remain. The foreign sports of rugby, football/soccer and snowboarding compete for popularity and airtime with the traditional sports. Television has probably been the most affected, as it previously played a minor role in Tabrek life, watched mostly for news announcements and live-events on holidays and other important days; now foreign sensationalized news programs, TV dramas and noticeably untabrek comedies have made a foothold on the Tabrek channels and psyche, much to the disapproval of the government and traditionalists.

One aspect of entertainment not greatly affected by the slow internationalization of Tabikrion is their love of violence in many of their games. Though banned decades ago by the Senate, gladiatorial-type duels occur underground as often as once a week in many Tabrek cities. Less-than-lethal games, involving have yet to been banned, and are still incredibly popular, accounting for three-fifths of all stadium-based games. The dozens of yearly war games practiced jointly by military branches and PMCs are often televised with great success and popularity.

Science

Through its friendship with the powerful Soviet regime of the Cold War era, Tabikrion was able to end its status as a backwards nation, and has since maintained stable, though unremarkable science programs. Because of its often traditionalistic nature, Tabikrion is often unwilling to commit itself to projects that may conflict with Tabrek values. Anything not deemed crucial to the nation is usually not funded by the government, leaving it up to the science-based corporations to support much of the weight of the scientific community. Government interference with these companies has further increased frustration of researchers, and have led some to leave the country. This minor brain drain has caused an increased focus in math and science in the nation’s education reforms, especially in the university level, in hopes of replaces the emigrants with a new generation of scientists.

Environment

Environmental protection has never been something on the forefront of Tabrek minds, due in part to a general lack of large forests to log. There are regulations on companies pertaining to waste disposal, but many believe this is more of a way to keep companies under the government thumb then to protect the environment. Hunting is a popular sport in Tabikrion, and though government laws are in place protecting animals that are potentially endangered, they are loosely enforced.