Difference between revisions of "Tarasovka"

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|+<big>'''Namel Zethanekh Taraskath'''<br>
+
|+<big>'''Imperekh Taraskath'''<br>
'''Великое Княжество Тарасковское'''<br>
+
'''Тарасковская Империя'''<br>
'''Grand Duchy of Tarasovka'''</big>
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'''Taraskovyan Empire'''</big>
 
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! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/tarasovka.jpg
 
! style="background: ##f9f9f9 " align="center" | http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/tarasovka.jpg
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| colspan="2" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;" | <small>''Motto: "Every road leads to a war."''</small>
 
 
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{| style="background: ##f9f9f9 " border="0" cellpadding="10" width="100%"  
 
|-
 
|-
|'''Official Languages''' || [[Russian]], [[Taraskath]]
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|'''Official Empire Wide Languages''' || [[Russian]], [[Taraskath]]
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Map''' || [http://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sisgardia181020058lg.png Map of Sisgardia]
+
|'''Major Official Regional Languages''' || Dutch, Sortvalian, Toran, English, Riikan
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Government''' || [[Federal]] Semi-Constitutional [[Grand Duchy]]
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| '''Government''' || Semi-Constitutional Federal Empire
 
|-
 
|-
|''' Grand Duke''' || [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy]]
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|'''Vasilevs''' || [[Mikhail II Shakhovskoy|Mikhail Shakhovskoy]]
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Establishment''' || 44’215 Before Strife
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| '''Establishment''' || August 1, 1152 After Strife
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''[[Capital]]''' || Capital City of Vigvar
 
| '''[[Capital]]''' || Capital City of Vigvar
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Population''' || Approximately 6 billion
+
| '''Population''' || Approximately 10 billion
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Currency''' || 1 [[Taraskovyan Frank]] = 100 Centimes
 
| '''Currency''' || 1 [[Taraskovyan Frank]] = 100 Centimes
|-
 
| '''Internet TLD''' || .gdt, .trk
 
 
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! style="background: ##f9f9f9" | <font color="#f9f9f9">Calculators are evil.</font>  
 
! style="background: ##f9f9f9" | <font color="#f9f9f9">Calculators are evil.</font>  
 
|-
 
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|} [[Category:Nations]]
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The '''Grand Duchy of Tarasovka''' ([[Russian]]: ''Великое Княжество Тарасковское''; Taraskath: ''Namel Zethanekh Taraskath'') is a nation lost among the high mountains of North-Eastern Sisgardia. Spanning over more than 45’000 years of history, the country and its people have developed a unique proud identity. Although coming from various cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, the Taraskovyan people share an overzealous love for their motherland, ancient traditions and freedom. And although they are known to be quite xenophobic and mistrusting of foreigners, Taraskovyans are also known for their remarkable and sincere hospitality.
+
 
 +
 
 +
The '''Taraskovyan Empire''' ([[Russian]]: ''Тарасковская Империя''; [[Taraskath]]: ''Imperekh Taraskath'') is an impressive interstellar State, in terms of size and might. Taraskovya spans over 45’000 years of history and has a unique and proud identity. Although coming from various cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, the Taraskovyan people share an overzealous love for their motherland, ancient traditions and freedom. And although they are known to be quite xenophobic and mistrusting of foreigners, Taraskovyans are also known for their remarkable and sincere hospitality.
  
 
==Brief History==
 
==Brief History==
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The second Grand Ducal period began after the unexpected return of the Grand Duke Mikhail II, who was believed by everyone to have died during the Plague. The Grand Duke, wielding the Sword of Rulers, joined the Ruling Council and pushed forward the voting in of a new [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Constitution]. The document, innovative in many aspects, was passed by a majority of the People and of the Fiefdoms and came into force in May 1148 A.S., putting a definitive end to the short Federal period. Shortly after, the [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9120264#post9120264 First Grand Ducal Parliament] was elected.
 
The second Grand Ducal period began after the unexpected return of the Grand Duke Mikhail II, who was believed by everyone to have died during the Plague. The Grand Duke, wielding the Sword of Rulers, joined the Ruling Council and pushed forward the voting in of a new [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Constitution]. The document, innovative in many aspects, was passed by a majority of the People and of the Fiefdoms and came into force in May 1148 A.S., putting a definitive end to the short Federal period. Shortly after, the [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9120264#post9120264 First Grand Ducal Parliament] was elected.
  
==Administrative Composition==
+
===The Empire===
  
===Grand Duchy===
+
On August 1, 1152 After Strife, His Majesty the Grand Duke was crowned as His Most August Majesty the Vasilevs Mikhail of all Taraskovya, begging a new page in Taraskovyan history.
  
The Grand Duchy of Tarasovka, with Vigvar for capital, consists of 28 Fiefdoms, 25 of which are situated in Sisgardia, on Earth, and 3 are located on [[Mars]]. The Fiefdoms are tied by the Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka and form the core of the Taraskovyan nation. The population of the Grand Duchy elects the Grand Ducal Parliament, which decides on matters that will affect all territories under Taraskovyan jurisdiction, with each Fiefdom guaranteed a certain number of representatives in the Grand Ducal Duma and in the Grand Ducal Senate. The People and Fiefdoms of the Grand Duchy also participate in referenda on the Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka and on Grand Ducal legislation.
+
==Politics==
  
*'''[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/adminGDTmap.png Sisgardian Fiefdoms]:''' Uthar, Zapadozemie, Elutar, Zlatoslavia, Tal-Nathil, Tal-Nathir, Novozemie, Kem, Setar, [[Northern Fiefdom and Duchy|Severnoe (Nothern)]], Cardinia, Uith, Kidaksh, Zerth, [[Amalor]], Yujnaya Cardinia (South Cardinia), Uil, Yujny Aphyr(South Aphyr), Alukshir, Kshas-Uith, Kshas-Kharit, Yugozemie, Vigvar, Kethar, Severnaya Cardinia (Nothern Cardinia)
 
  
''Note: The Khar Tarad Zynthris (Sacred Citadel of Zynthris) is a sovereign and independent state under the authority of the Order of the Seven Deities.''
+
==Imperial Realms and Dominions==
  
*'''Martian Fiefdoms:''' Dajdbog and Stribog, [[Svarog]]
+
Administratively, the Empire is subdivided into Imperial Realms, territories fully subject to the Imperial Constitution and, thus, send representatives to the Imperial Parliament, and Imperial Dominions, which are defined by exclusion: a territory under Taraskovyan jurisdiction which is not a Realm is a Dominion.
  
===Dependencies and Protectorates===
+
===Imperial Realms===
  
The Grand Duchy of Tarasovka extends its jurisdiction over certain territories which are not part of the 28 Fiefdoms that form the Grand Duchy proper. Each of these territories is tied to the Grand Duchy through a particular relationship, varying from loose association to direct Grand Ducal control and there is no single charter, as of yet, that identifies the 'Taraskovyan nation' as a whole. For simplicity, most international agencies and organisations casually refer to the entirety of Taraskovyan territories as ''Grand Duchy of Tarasovka'', but such a reasoning is, however, largely erroneous.
+
Despite their differences, the Realms follow a more or less similar political organization. Every Realm has an executive authority led by a Minister-Chancellor, appointed by the local legislative body and confirmed by the Vasilevs. Despite the Vasilevs having extensive powers of veto over all official matters in the Empire, the Realms are Parliamentary democracies, with the exception of Zoria and Sortavala where special power sharing systems are in place. In the Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic, the Minister-Chancellor is elected directly by the local population.
  
As of now, the Grand Duchy is the highest decision maker in all of these territories, yet sometimes delegates its authority to the autonomous local governments. Depending on the status of a territory, its inhabitants may or may not participate in Grand Ducal elections and referenda.
+
====United Kingdom of Cardinia and Dakathia====
  
Below is a list of the most important Taraskovyan dependencies and protectorates.
+
The United Kingdom of Cardinia and Dakathia covers the territories formerly know as the Grand Duchy of Taraskovya proper. With the Imperial reform and to avoid confusion between two Taraskovyas (Grand Duchy and Empire), the Grand Duchy was made into a Kingdom. Peerage-wise, the former Grand Duchy now spans three titles, namely the Kingdom itself, as well as the Grand Duchies of Uthar and Aphyr, the latter having no effect on the administrative and politicial structure.
  
====Sovereign Base Areas====
+
The United Kingdom is the heart of the Empire, it is the cradle of the Taraskovyan civilization. The Imperial Realm and the Vasilevs dwell in Vigvar, which is the capital of not only the Kingdom, but also of the Empire itself.
 
+
The Sovereign Base Areas of Sukhum, Pitzunda, Gagra, Gudauta and Ochamchira are five special zones in the region of [[Haven]]. Whilst they are territories initially intended for military use only, their impressive size turned them into outposts of the Grand Duchy in the region of Haven. The Sovereign Base Areas are each governed by a separate General-Governor, appointed by the Taraskovyan Ministry of Defence.
+
 
+
====Omeldor-1 Territories====
+
 
+
The Grand Duchy extends its sovereignty over a certain amount of domes on the [[Omeldor-1]] Craftworld. These territories, due to their particular status and possible overlapping of Taraskovyan sovereignty with that of the local [[Sisgardian Fellowship of Nations]] authority, made their inclusion into the Grand Duchy problematic.
+
 
+
As of now, the Domes of Kshas-Loith, Novy Sad and Svetogor, fully under Taraskovyan administration, and the Dome of Gesagard, under joint administration with [[Taurenor]] and the [[Technocratic Republics]], are placed under direct authority of the Grand Duchy.
+
  
 
====Kingdom of Dreamreach====
 
====Kingdom of Dreamreach====
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It is the first star system to be officially belonging fully to the Grand Duchy, even if rumours circulate about a certain “Safe Haven”, a system reportedly under control of the Taraskovyan Space Fleet.  
 
It is the first star system to be officially belonging fully to the Grand Duchy, even if rumours circulate about a certain “Safe Haven”, a system reportedly under control of the Taraskovyan Space Fleet.  
  
Dreamreach was first referred to as a Dominion, until the Grand Duke decided to promote it to a Kingdom. The title of King of Dreamreach, however, is less important in honour than that of Grand Duke of all Taraskovya.
+
Dreamreach was first referred to as a Dominion, until the Grand Duke decided to promote it to a Kingdom. Nowadays, the Kingdom is an important Taraskovyan outpost, with a billion population.
  
As of now Lagoon, the inhabitable planet of Dreamreach, only has a population of several thousand, mainly military and scientific personnel. The highest local authority is the Viceroy appointed by the King of Dreamreach.
+
====Kingdom of Nyi-Gardarika====
  
====Duchy of Zoria====
+
The Kingdom of [[Nyi-Gardarika]] was formally created in the early days of 1150 AS, amalgamating the quasi-entirety of Taraskovyan territories on Mars, namely Cimmeria, as well as the Fiefdoms of [[Svarog]], Dajdbog and Stribog. The series of referenda which led to the creation of Nyi-Gardarika became a symbol of political stability and of a healthy semi-direct Taraskovyan democracy.
  
Following the reunification of Mikhail II and his sister [[Vethara]], the Grand Duke decided to purchase a territory on [[Venus]] from the Eternal Noldorin Empire of [[Menelmacar]] and gift it to the Archduchess. The necessary funds came from the personal fortune of the Grand Duke and the territory was acquired rapidly in what is seen by many as one of the most eccentric acts of the Grand Duke ever.
+
====Grand Duchy of Sortavala====
  
Whatever the reasons fof its purchase, today the Duchy is a personal fief of Archduchess [[Vethara Shakhovskaya|Vethara]] and enjoys a great deal of autonomy.
+
The Sotvala Isles are a northern archipelago under Taraskovyan control and historically inhabited by Sotvalians, a finnic people. Conquered centuries ago, the archipelago today has a bi-cultural population of ethnic Sortvalians and [[Ros]]. The religions composition is almost equally split between the Sortvalian Lutheran Church and the [[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church]].  
  
====Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic====
+
A rather reclusive portion of the Empire, it is nevertheless famed for supplying troops to complement the renowned ''3rd Strike Corps'' of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces, as well as of other military formations.
  
The [[Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic]] (ARIA) was formed following the purchase by the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka of the [[Allanea|Allanean]] State of [[Atlantic Island]]. Today, it is a Taraskovyan dependency with extensive autonomy from the Grand Duchy, with the Grand Ducal Parliament having the right to intervene into the affairs of the Autonomous Republic through the Grand Ducal Overseer.
+
The Vasilevs of all Taraskovya is not the Grand Duke of Sortavala. However, the Grand Duke exercises only symbolic authority, with the bulk of powers residing with a local Minister-Chancellor and the supreme veto powers being wielded by the Vasilevs. However, in practical terms, the Vasilevs devolves his veto powers to the Grand Duke.
  
====Tavarothian Provinces====
+
====Duchy of Zoria====
  
The Taraskovyan Federation intervened into the [[Tavaroth|Tavarothian Provinces]] following rather shady events involving a group of Taraskovyan nobles. Following the restoration of the Grand Ducal Government, the Tavarothian Provinces were declared a protectorate of the Grand Duchy. As of now, the political situation has been largely stabilised by the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces and the further fate of the territories is to be decided in the foreseeable future.
+
Following the reunion of Mikhail II and his sister [[Vethara]] after years of separation, the Grand Duke decided to purchase a territory on [[Venus]] from the Eternal Noldorin Empire of [[Menelmacar]] and gift it to the Archduchess. The necessary funds came from the personal fortune of the Grand Duke and the territory was acquired rapidly in what is seen by many as one of the most eccentric acts of the Grand Duke ever.  
  
==Politics==
+
Whatever the reasons fof its purchase, today the Duchy is a personal fief of Grand Duchess [[Vethara Shakhovskaya|Vethara]] of Taraskovya. There is no Minister-Chancellor, all executive powers except for the Vasilevs’es supreme veto privileges reside with Her Imperial Highness.
  
The adoption of the [[http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=417096&page=1 Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka] allowed to create an efficient legal base to define the powers of the various branches of power. This document is the first written Constitution on the Grand Ducal level and is seen by many as an efficient tool in maintaining political stability in the nation.
+
====Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic====
  
===The Executive===
+
The [[Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic]] (ARIA) was formed following the annexation by the Taraskovyan Federation of the [[Allanea|Allanean]] State of Freedom Island. Despite it's official appelation of ''Republic'', the territory is an Imperial Realm and has the Monarch of Taraskovya for supreme ruler.
  
Tarasovka is a hereditary monarchy where the Grand Duke – Supreme Lord and Ruler of the Kin as his title is said in Taraskath – is the supreme executive authority. His powers include voiding and annulling decisions taken by any Grand Ducal authority or referendum, except for cases when a motion was accepted or rejected by at least three quarters of the People and of the Fiefdoms during a referendum.
+
The local government is led by a Minister-Chancellor
  
The Grand Duke forms a Grand Ducal Government over which he presides, his choices of Ministers subject to no approval from the Parliament. The Grand Duke may at any time dismiss the Ministers and appoint replacements. The current composition of the Grand Ducal Government can be consulted [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/government.jpg here].
+
====United Provinces of Tavaroth====
  
===The Legislative===
+
The Taraskovyan Federation intervened into the [[Tavaroth|Tavarothian Provinces]] following rather shady events involving a group of Taraskovyan nobles. Following the restoration of the Grand Ducal Government, the Tavarothian Provinces were declared a protectorate of the Grand Duchy. As of now, the political situation has been largely stabilised by the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces and the further fate of the territories is to be decided in the foreseeable future.
  
The Grand Ducal Parliament represents the legislative branch of power and has its seat in the [[Northwind Palace]]. It is composed of two Chambers: the Duma and the Senate. The former, the lower house, comprises 400 Deputies from the People elected directly according to the system of proportional representation. The Senate, or the upper house, consists of 56 Senators from the Fiefdoms, elected directly by the people of a Fiefdom from amongst the nobility, with two Senators per Fiefdom, exceptions being the High Fiefdom of Vigvar with four Senators and the Fiefdoms of Dajdbog and Stribog with one Senator each.
+
In the meantime, the collective territories are dubbed as United Provinces of Tavaroth, forming a loose federation, with a unicameral Parliament and a Minister-Chancellor. Each of the provinces administers itself on a unitary basis.
  
Overviews of the political parties with seats in the Parliament can be consulted [http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9120311&postcount=29 here]. The repartition of seats in the Grand Ducal Parliament is the following for the [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/Duma.jpg Duma] and for the [http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/Senate.jpg Senate].
+
====New Crimea====
  
The Grand Ducal Parliament elects the judges of the Grand Ducal Tribunal, oversees many important tasks and takes important decisions pertaining to the ratification of treaties and passing of laws.
+
New Crimea is a planet of ten million souls and is the only inhabitable planet of the system bearing the same name (the official appellation of the system having been too weird for the likes of the locals). The overwhelming part of the planet’s surface is covered in ocean. Initially colonized by the VerTech Conglomerate for its extensive sea-food reserves and picturesque tropical islands, the planet passed under full Imperial administration. VerTech maintains exclusive economic rights in some parts of the planet.
  
===The Judicial===
 
  
The Grand Ducal Tribunal, comrising various lesser Tribunals and Courts, is the highest judicial authority in the nation and is comprised of judges elected by the Grand Ducal Parliament. The Tribunal has a variety of tasks, among which settling the conflicts between individuals, individuals and State, Fiefdoms, et cetera. The Grand Ducal Tribunal, however, cannot decide whether a subject submitted to it is Constitutional or not, this being the prerogative of the Grand Ducal Parliament.
 
  
==Population==
+
===Imperial Dominions===
  
===Languages===
+
====Omeldor-1 Territories====
  
The official languages of the Grand Duchy are Taraskath and [[Russian]], which are by default official languages for each of the twenty eight Fiefdoms. Knowledge of at least one official language is mandatory for every Taraskovyan citizen, this measure mostly applying to the Dutch and Toran inhabited areas. All administrative and legal publications are issued in both languages.
+
The Grand Duchy extends its sovereignty over a certain amount of domes on the [[Omeldor-1]] Craftworld. These territories, due to their particular status and possible overlapping of Taraskovyan sovereignty with that of the local [[Sisgardian Fellowship of Nations]] authority, made their inclusion into the Grand Duchy problematic.
  
The Grand Ducal Constitution also proclaimed two additional languages – [[Dutch]] and Toran – as National Languages, giving the two communities extensive privileges. As of now, Dutch is an official language, along with Russian and Taraskath, in the Fiefdoms of Southern Cardinia and Uthar, whilst Toran is the third official language in the Fiefdoms of Dajdbog and Stribog.
+
As of now, the Domes of Kshas-Loith, Novy Sad and Svetogor, fully under Taraskovyan administration, and the Dome of Gesagard, under joint administration with [[Taurenor]] and the [[Technocratic Republics]], are placed under direct authority of the Grand Duchy.
  
===Ethnic Groups===
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====Joint Protectorates====
  
The Taraskovyan society is a multi-cultural one, presenting a rich mixture of various ethnicities which, usually, live in harmony and common love of their Motherland. The Grand Duke, himself representing both Russian and Taraskath bloodlines, represents the unity of the country.  
+
The so called “joint protectorates” are nations over which the Grand Duchy has the role of Protector, yet shares it with one or more other nations. Such territories include Os Sanglants (fellow Protectors: [[Der Angst]] and [[Zepplin_Manufacturers|Zepplin Manufacturers Industries]]) and North-Western Antarctica (fellow Protector: Der Angst).
  
*[[Wikipedia:Slavs|Slavic]]: 70,73%
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====Venom====
**Russian: 66,68%
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**Serb: 1,61%
+
**Polish: 1,42%
+
**Bulgarian: 0,51%
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**Czech: 0,29%
+
**Other: 0,22%
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*Dutch: 13,05%
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**[[The Vortex Corporation|Vortex Origin]]: 13,01%
+
**[[Knootoss|Knootian Origin]]: 0,04%
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*Taraskath: 9,11%
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*Toran: 4,32%
+
*[[Elvish]]: 1,52%
+
**[[Noldor]]: 1,23%
+
**Sindar: 0,17%
+
**Other: 0,12%
+
*Armenian: 0,30%
+
*Tatar: 0,24%
+
*Ossetian: 0,21%
+
*Abkhaz: 0,19%
+
*Other: 0,33%
+
  
===Religion===
+
Venom is a largely inhospitable planet, covered in vast deserts. However, it is a major source of Drochium, a precious mineral with breathtaking properties. Initially it was colonized by both the Free Miners Guild and VerTech, respectively on the north and south poles. When the two mega-corporations nearly went to war with each other over the demarcation of mutual exploitation zones, the Empire intervened and placed the planet under its full political authority.
  
The Grand Duchy is a secular state where the freedom of religion is largely recognised, for in as long as the religious current "does not endanger the national traditions, morale or mentality"(Article 15 of the Grand Ducal Constitution). The two most important Churches are the Vigvar Patriarchate and the Church of the Seven Deities, and both play a key role in Taraskovyan society, even if none has the status of State Church.  
+
The FMG did not at first accept the State intervention into the matter and its security forces provided resistance to the light TNDF troops dispatched to the planet. After the corporate forces were steamrolled by much heavier units quickly dispatched to quell the unrest, nobody dared challenge Imperial authority again.
  
*[[Eastern Orthodoxy]]: 72,58%
+
====Other Possessions====
**[[Taraskovyan Orthodox Church|Taraskovyan Orthodox]]: 72,23%
+
**Serb Orthodox: 0,19%
+
**Bulgarian Orthodox: 0,08%
+
**[[Greek Metropolis of Bratsk|Greek Orthodox]]: 0,08%
+
*Church of the Seven Deities: 9,87%
+
*[[Protestantism|Protestantism]]: 3,48%
+
*[[Catholic|Catholicism]]: 2,05%
+
**[[Byzantine Taraskovyan Catholic Church|Byzantine Rite]]: 1,54%
+
**Latin Rite: 0,51%
+
*[[Inikresaism]]: 0,04%
+
*Other: 0,30%
+
  
*[[Atheism]] and [[Agnosticism]]: 11,68%
+
The Taraskovyan National Defence Forces also extend their jurisdiction over the Oberon moon in the Solar System. The moon is uninhabited safe for various scientific and military personnel.
  
===Folklore===
+
The Vrijstaat space station in the vicinity of Jupiter is also under Taraskovyan jurisdiction. Inhabited by thousands of extremely anarchist Utharians, and not presenting any particular strategic importance, it was given extensive self-rule. The TNDF maintains several operational orbital facilities in the vicinity of Der Angistian Jovian assets.
  
The Taraskovyan folklore features a mix between the Taraskath and Russian ones. The two branches influenced one another greatly throughout the ages to give a rich and interesting result. Below are examples of Taraskovyan proverbs and sayings, translated into English.
 
  
*"A good dagger is better than a quiver of rusted arrows."
 
*"A solitary wolf always has the choice to join a pack should he need it. On the contrary, a member of a pack is resigned to follow the leader."
 
*"Cut your hair before you fight."
 
*"Friends are never there when you need them the most, foes are always there when you need them the less."
 
*"If you cannot dispose of a Prince, dispose of his army."
 
*"If you live with a wolf, you'll howl like a wolf."
 
*"The luring light in the dark may be a highwayman's torch."
 
*"When two dogs fight, the fox makes profit."
 
*"You will rarely meet your friends even on the widest of roads. Your foes, however, will appear even on the narrowest of paths."
 
  
 
==Foreign Policy==
 
==Foreign Policy==
  
The traditional Taraskovyan reasoning when dealing with international matters can be explained by a simple proverb: "When two dogs fight, the fox makes profit." Indeed, Taraskovyan diplomacy and involvement always had the goal of gaining the most in any situation. As such, Tarasovka always distanced itself from large alliances that might endanger the fiercely defended national sovereignty. Instead, it prefers to enter into bilateral accords or, in certain cases, to enter into multinational alliances that do not impose any overly strict rules over their members.
+
''For additional information, see: [[Taraskovyan Diplomacy]]''
  
The Grand Duchy highly values its friendship and alliance with [[Der Angst]], the two countries having historically shared a privileged relationship. Remarkably enough, the conservative monarchy that is Tarasovka also shares a cordial relation with the liberal republic that is [[Knootoss]], despite calls by a minority of the Taraskovyan political establishment for the Grand Duchy to concentrate more on other conservative and monarchal States.
+
The traditional Taraskovyan reasoning when dealing with international matters can be explained by a simple proverb: "When two dogs fight, the fox makes profit." Indeed, Taraskovyan diplomacy and involvement always had the goal of gaining the most in any situation. As such, Tarasovka always distanced itself from large alliances that might endanger the fiercely defended national sovereignty. Instead, it prefers to enter into bilateral accords or, in certain cases, to enter into multinational alliances that do not impose any overly strict rules over their members.
  
As of today, the Grand Duchy participates in the following alliances/treaties:
+
The Empire highly values its friendship and alliance with [[Der Angst]], the two countries having historically shared a privileged relationship. Remarkably enough, the conservative monarchy that is Tarasovka also shares a cordial relation with the liberal republic that is [[Knootoss]], despite calls by a minority of the Taraskovyan political establishment for the Grand Duchy to concentrate more on other conservative and monarchal States.
  
[[Sisgardian Fellowship of Nations]], [[World Technologic Entity]], [[Martian Duma]], [[Vigvar Convention on Cooperation]]
+
As of today, the Empire participates in the following alliances/treaties:
  
[[Category:Tarasovka]]
+
[[Category:Tarasovka]][[Category:Sisgardia]]
[[Category:Sisgardia]]
+

Latest revision as of 19:46, 24 October 2007

Imperekh Taraskath
Тарасковская Империя
Taraskovyan Empire
tarasovka.jpg
Official Empire Wide Languages Russian, Taraskath
Major Official Regional Languages Dutch, Sortvalian, Toran, English, Riikan
Government Semi-Constitutional Federal Empire
Vasilevs Mikhail Shakhovskoy
Establishment August 1, 1152 After Strife
Capital Capital City of Vigvar
Population Approximately 10 billion
Currency 1 Taraskovyan Frank = 100 Centimes
Calculators are evil.


The Taraskovyan Empire (Russian: Тарасковская Империя; Taraskath: Imperekh Taraskath) is an impressive interstellar State, in terms of size and might. Taraskovya spans over 45’000 years of history and has a unique and proud identity. Although coming from various cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, the Taraskovyan people share an overzealous love for their motherland, ancient traditions and freedom. And although they are known to be quite xenophobic and mistrusting of foreigners, Taraskovyans are also known for their remarkable and sincere hospitality.

Brief History

Pre-Unification

The so called Pre-Unification period of the Taraskovyan history lasts up to the year 44’215 B.S. (Before Strife) and is characterized by a great lack of written documentation and of available information. Many archeologists and researchers agree than what is now the Taraskovyan Metropoly was home to a number of different civilisations and even races for a long period of time. The four major ethnicities that disputed supremacy over what now is Taraskovyan territory were the Taraskath, the Setari, the Amalori and the Keth, each having their own, radically distinct from the others, style of life and vision of the world.

Even if written documents pertaining to this period are scarce, the ‘Prophecies of Sathala’, a very important and sacred text of the Church of the Seven Deities, belong to this period. It is also a known fact that the Sacred Citadel of Zynthris was built during that period and it was it that inspired Taraskath architects in the millennia to come.

Uidath of the Emerald Spire and the Unification

Up to 44’215 B.S. the Taraskath did not form a single nation, but dwelled in dispersed tribes all over the territory of Cardinia, Dakathia and Tarvalak. These tribes, divided not only by the levels of development, but also by political, philosophical and religious views, built a number of Citadels throughout their territories, forming a myriad of City States constantly at war with each other. The rare times of peace between the Taraskath were used to wage wars against either of their Amalori, Setari or Keth neighbours. The greatest of all Taraskath Citadels was the Black Hand, which also served as a symbolic capital, its might and riches sparking a great number of wars between rival Lords lusting for power and leadership.

Everything changed drastically in 44’215 B.S. when Uidath Karetsah, Lord of the Emerald Spire, led a coalition of Lords and took over the Citadel of the Black Hand, disposing of its Lord and slaughtering his dreaded Black Guard. With the support of the majority of Lords and of the Church of the Seven, Uidath proclaimed himself as the first ruler of a unified Taraskath nation, which he dubbed ‘Namel Zethanekh’, the ‘High Unity’.

The success of young Uidath in unifying the Taraskath territories remains a mystery even today. The Church of the Seven Deities and their sacred texts insist on the fact that Lord Uidath was bestowed with the blessings of the Seven Deities and was entrusted with the Sword of Rulers, a powerful artifact that is still wielded by the Grand Dukes of today.

The High Unity

By 43’567 B.S. Lord Uidath finally managed to reunite each and every Taraskath Citadel under his control and dubbed himself as the first Shokath-Kshas, the Supreme Lord and Ruler of the Kin. The rise of the High Unity was met with fear from the nations of Setar, Amalor and Kethar. Having had to endure sporadic raids by Taraskath throughout their history, the three peoples saw the Taraskath nation as a clear threat.

The Keth were the first to react and sent an army was the High Unity. The Taraskath met their foes in the valley of the Thousand Teeth, where the Keth soldiers were ambushed and butchered, the Keth Lords narrowly escaping the same fate. They fled back to their lands and pleaded for help to the Amalori and the Setari, which joined forces against the High Unity. This sparked the famous Eternal War, which the Taraskath won after several thousand years of fighting. Texts dating from the period insist on the fact that the Taraskath slaughtered and massacred their foes to the very last individual, yet many researchers agree that the three rival ethnicities were weakened and absorbed into the Taraskath kin.

Although being victorious, the Taraskath were greatly weakened by the Eternal War and for a time there was peace. The war left many tribes too small to exist by themselves and forced them to join up with others to survive. Moreover, the great struggle against a common enemy instilled a sense of national identity to all Taraskath, an identity tied to war and slaughter. The High Unity knew some periodic civil wars between rival Lords, but the country continued to develop itself and prosper, with Taraskath merchants and nobles soon beginning to sail to lands far beyond the oceans to bring back cheap slaves.

The Strife

The Strife is the name of a major civil war that ravaged Tarasovka from 5 to 1 B.S. With the explosion of the slave market in Tarasovka, the population of slaves in the years before the Strife equaled and even surpassed the Taraskath population. The first slaves were brought in centuries before the Strife, a short time for the Taraskath, yet many generations for those from beyond the oceans. By 50 B.S. the slave rebellions became a routine event in the High Unity, with the Lords proving ruthless in dealing with them.

And while the Lords were slaughtering thousands of individuals, the rest of the Taraskath society began to ask itself questions and quickly gave birth to an Abolitionist movement, with some of the Lord joining it. Those who were loyal to the old ways dubbed themselves the Defenders of Tradition. The two groups remained in a tense state without fighting each other in the open.

The culmination of the stand off came when the female Shokath-Kshas Amala Karetsah, after the death of her previous companion in a hunting accident, chose a Russian man by the name of Mstislav Shakhovskoy for companion and gave birth to a male heir with Russian blood. Amala, however, already had a daughter from the previous relationship, Tekhala, who now had a rival. The Defenders of Tradition immediately called for Tekhala to be declared as legitimate heir to the Sword, while the Abolitionists defended the right of Mstislav to rule by his wife’s side. After a failed attempt by the Defenders to assassinate Mstislav and his son, a civil war erupted between them and the Abolitionists.

During the five years of struggle, many were killed, but the Abolitionists won and forced the Defenders into a permanent exile. Mstislav Shakhovskoy, who had subdued Amala completely and fully to his influence by the end of the Strife, abolished slavery and took the title of Veliky Knyaz (Grand Duke). He established his capital at the Citadel of Vigvar, for the Citadel of the Black Hand was lost in a tremendous earthquake that erupted in its area while two armies were fighting each other to the last by its walls. However, wanting not to offense the Taraskath, Mstislav equaled his title of Grand Duke to that of the Supreme Lord and Ruler. In symbol of a new start, a new calendar was put in place marking the end of the Strife as the first year of a new era.

The First Grand Ducal Period

The Grand Ducal period, stretching from 1 A.S. until 1141 A.S., was remarkable for a relative stability and prosperity of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka and its entry on the international scene. Some suggest that this rapid evolution was sparked by the comparatively short lives of the Grand Dukes who then had a share of non-Taraskath blood in their veins. Because it was ruled by Russian Dukes, Tarasovka became to be seen as a Slavic state, the Grand Duchy attracted, overtime, an important community of Slavic migrants, most of whom were Russian. The migrants brought with them their culture and also achiements and traditions from beyond the seas, which only helped the Taraskovyan prosperity.

The greatest achievements have been made by Grand Duke Mikhail I. Under his rule the Grand Duchy reached great technologic heights and went into the conquest of the stars, with the first major out world colony founded on Mars. A skilled and cunning politician, Mikhail I maneuvered between the various activities undertaken by the GDODAD, of which the Grand Duchy was once member, and always ensured that the interests of the Grand Duchy and not that of the organisation prevailed in relevant situations. Eventually, the Grand Duke stepped down and handed power over to his son, Mikhail II, a move disputed by the leader’s daughter, Archduchess Anastasya. This triggered the Plague which would cause the fall of the Grand Duchy and the exile of Archduchess Vethara.

The Federal Period

The Federal period began in 1141 A.S. after the fall of the last Grand Duke during the Plague and the seizing of power by a triumvirate of military commanders who dubbed themselves the Ruling Council and held supreme power over the country. During this period many of the ancestral rights and traditions of the Taraskovyan people were abolished, the Alexander Guard was marginalised and isolated. All of this eventually sparked a renaissance of ultra-nationalist and traditionalist movements and opened hidden rifts between the various cultures and ethnicities within the Taraskovyan territory. Various nationalist factions, such as the White Legion have turned Taraskovyan cities into battle zones as the weak Federal government attempted to restore peace and order.

The positive aspects of that period included the integration of the Vortex Corporation and of the Knootian Europolis Islands into the Taraskovyan Federation, expansion of territorial assets on Mars and elsewhere.

The Second Grand Ducal Period

The second Grand Ducal period began after the unexpected return of the Grand Duke Mikhail II, who was believed by everyone to have died during the Plague. The Grand Duke, wielding the Sword of Rulers, joined the Ruling Council and pushed forward the voting in of a new Constitution. The document, innovative in many aspects, was passed by a majority of the People and of the Fiefdoms and came into force in May 1148 A.S., putting a definitive end to the short Federal period. Shortly after, the First Grand Ducal Parliament was elected.

The Empire

On August 1, 1152 After Strife, His Majesty the Grand Duke was crowned as His Most August Majesty the Vasilevs Mikhail of all Taraskovya, begging a new page in Taraskovyan history.

Politics

Imperial Realms and Dominions

Administratively, the Empire is subdivided into Imperial Realms, territories fully subject to the Imperial Constitution and, thus, send representatives to the Imperial Parliament, and Imperial Dominions, which are defined by exclusion: a territory under Taraskovyan jurisdiction which is not a Realm is a Dominion.

Imperial Realms

Despite their differences, the Realms follow a more or less similar political organization. Every Realm has an executive authority led by a Minister-Chancellor, appointed by the local legislative body and confirmed by the Vasilevs. Despite the Vasilevs having extensive powers of veto over all official matters in the Empire, the Realms are Parliamentary democracies, with the exception of Zoria and Sortavala where special power sharing systems are in place. In the Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic, the Minister-Chancellor is elected directly by the local population.

United Kingdom of Cardinia and Dakathia

The United Kingdom of Cardinia and Dakathia covers the territories formerly know as the Grand Duchy of Taraskovya proper. With the Imperial reform and to avoid confusion between two Taraskovyas (Grand Duchy and Empire), the Grand Duchy was made into a Kingdom. Peerage-wise, the former Grand Duchy now spans three titles, namely the Kingdom itself, as well as the Grand Duchies of Uthar and Aphyr, the latter having no effect on the administrative and politicial structure.

The United Kingdom is the heart of the Empire, it is the cradle of the Taraskovyan civilization. The Imperial Realm and the Vasilevs dwell in Vigvar, which is the capital of not only the Kingdom, but also of the Empire itself.

Kingdom of Dreamreach

The Kingdom of Dreamreach is an entire star system transferred to Grand Duke Mikhail II by the United Star Empire of Valinon, in exchange for a non-aggression agreement between the United Star Empire and the Grand Duchy, which was approved by the Grand Ducal Parliament. Dreamreach proper and the Empire also became part of a free trade zone.

It is the first star system to be officially belonging fully to the Grand Duchy, even if rumours circulate about a certain “Safe Haven”, a system reportedly under control of the Taraskovyan Space Fleet.

Dreamreach was first referred to as a Dominion, until the Grand Duke decided to promote it to a Kingdom. Nowadays, the Kingdom is an important Taraskovyan outpost, with a billion population.

Kingdom of Nyi-Gardarika

The Kingdom of Nyi-Gardarika was formally created in the early days of 1150 AS, amalgamating the quasi-entirety of Taraskovyan territories on Mars, namely Cimmeria, as well as the Fiefdoms of Svarog, Dajdbog and Stribog. The series of referenda which led to the creation of Nyi-Gardarika became a symbol of political stability and of a healthy semi-direct Taraskovyan democracy.

Grand Duchy of Sortavala

The Sotvala Isles are a northern archipelago under Taraskovyan control and historically inhabited by Sotvalians, a finnic people. Conquered centuries ago, the archipelago today has a bi-cultural population of ethnic Sortvalians and Ros. The religions composition is almost equally split between the Sortvalian Lutheran Church and the Taraskovyan Orthodox Church.

A rather reclusive portion of the Empire, it is nevertheless famed for supplying troops to complement the renowned 3rd Strike Corps of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces, as well as of other military formations.

The Vasilevs of all Taraskovya is not the Grand Duke of Sortavala. However, the Grand Duke exercises only symbolic authority, with the bulk of powers residing with a local Minister-Chancellor and the supreme veto powers being wielded by the Vasilevs. However, in practical terms, the Vasilevs devolves his veto powers to the Grand Duke.

Duchy of Zoria

Following the reunion of Mikhail II and his sister Vethara after years of separation, the Grand Duke decided to purchase a territory on Venus from the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar and gift it to the Archduchess. The necessary funds came from the personal fortune of the Grand Duke and the territory was acquired rapidly in what is seen by many as one of the most eccentric acts of the Grand Duke ever.

Whatever the reasons fof its purchase, today the Duchy is a personal fief of Grand Duchess Vethara of Taraskovya. There is no Minister-Chancellor, all executive powers except for the Vasilevs’es supreme veto privileges reside with Her Imperial Highness.

Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic

The Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic (ARIA) was formed following the annexation by the Taraskovyan Federation of the Allanean State of Freedom Island. Despite it's official appelation of Republic, the territory is an Imperial Realm and has the Monarch of Taraskovya for supreme ruler.

The local government is led by a Minister-Chancellor

United Provinces of Tavaroth

The Taraskovyan Federation intervened into the Tavarothian Provinces following rather shady events involving a group of Taraskovyan nobles. Following the restoration of the Grand Ducal Government, the Tavarothian Provinces were declared a protectorate of the Grand Duchy. As of now, the political situation has been largely stabilised by the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces and the further fate of the territories is to be decided in the foreseeable future.

In the meantime, the collective territories are dubbed as United Provinces of Tavaroth, forming a loose federation, with a unicameral Parliament and a Minister-Chancellor. Each of the provinces administers itself on a unitary basis.

New Crimea

New Crimea is a planet of ten million souls and is the only inhabitable planet of the system bearing the same name (the official appellation of the system having been too weird for the likes of the locals). The overwhelming part of the planet’s surface is covered in ocean. Initially colonized by the VerTech Conglomerate for its extensive sea-food reserves and picturesque tropical islands, the planet passed under full Imperial administration. VerTech maintains exclusive economic rights in some parts of the planet.


Imperial Dominions

Omeldor-1 Territories

The Grand Duchy extends its sovereignty over a certain amount of domes on the Omeldor-1 Craftworld. These territories, due to their particular status and possible overlapping of Taraskovyan sovereignty with that of the local Sisgardian Fellowship of Nations authority, made their inclusion into the Grand Duchy problematic.

As of now, the Domes of Kshas-Loith, Novy Sad and Svetogor, fully under Taraskovyan administration, and the Dome of Gesagard, under joint administration with Taurenor and the Technocratic Republics, are placed under direct authority of the Grand Duchy.

Joint Protectorates

The so called “joint protectorates” are nations over which the Grand Duchy has the role of Protector, yet shares it with one or more other nations. Such territories include Os Sanglants (fellow Protectors: Der Angst and Zepplin Manufacturers Industries) and North-Western Antarctica (fellow Protector: Der Angst).

Venom

Venom is a largely inhospitable planet, covered in vast deserts. However, it is a major source of Drochium, a precious mineral with breathtaking properties. Initially it was colonized by both the Free Miners Guild and VerTech, respectively on the north and south poles. When the two mega-corporations nearly went to war with each other over the demarcation of mutual exploitation zones, the Empire intervened and placed the planet under its full political authority.

The FMG did not at first accept the State intervention into the matter and its security forces provided resistance to the light TNDF troops dispatched to the planet. After the corporate forces were steamrolled by much heavier units quickly dispatched to quell the unrest, nobody dared challenge Imperial authority again.

Other Possessions

The Taraskovyan National Defence Forces also extend their jurisdiction over the Oberon moon in the Solar System. The moon is uninhabited safe for various scientific and military personnel.

The Vrijstaat space station in the vicinity of Jupiter is also under Taraskovyan jurisdiction. Inhabited by thousands of extremely anarchist Utharians, and not presenting any particular strategic importance, it was given extensive self-rule. The TNDF maintains several operational orbital facilities in the vicinity of Der Angistian Jovian assets.


Foreign Policy

For additional information, see: Taraskovyan Diplomacy

The traditional Taraskovyan reasoning when dealing with international matters can be explained by a simple proverb: "When two dogs fight, the fox makes profit." Indeed, Taraskovyan diplomacy and involvement always had the goal of gaining the most in any situation. As such, Tarasovka always distanced itself from large alliances that might endanger the fiercely defended national sovereignty. Instead, it prefers to enter into bilateral accords or, in certain cases, to enter into multinational alliances that do not impose any overly strict rules over their members.

The Empire highly values its friendship and alliance with Der Angst, the two countries having historically shared a privileged relationship. Remarkably enough, the conservative monarchy that is Tarasovka also shares a cordial relation with the liberal republic that is Knootoss, despite calls by a minority of the Taraskovyan political establishment for the Grand Duchy to concentrate more on other conservative and monarchal States.

As of today, the Empire participates in the following alliances/treaties: