Art of Warfare (AOW): 2

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

Technically, Eliwer cannot be a "dictator", since the power was passed down to him. He could, however, be a tyrant.

Isn't it so awesome how smart I am?

[Iamgoofball]

Spoiler:

OH, GOD. CAN I LEAVE THIS PLACE FOR AT LEAST FIVE MINUTES??!?!
Alright, can I have a recap?

[Ilikeskooma]

Spoiler:

goofball I made a sheet on page 31 ^.^ please pass your great master DM powers on to it.

[Iamgoofball]

Spoiler:

Accepted.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Spoiler:

We fought on like page 28. Ever since then Dolores has been been chatting with Eliwer.

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

Yeah, and there's some info on Hessia at the beginning of page 28.

[Ilikeskooma]

Akelin shifted through his foreign reports, worried about all the war going on outside his boarders. "bring Finn to my office." Akelin said to thin air. Only moments later his foreign adviser Finn entered. "You called my king." He asked. Akelin who was a bit annoyed by the formality, said. "What do you think of this war going on between president Arlington and the emperor?" Akelin said. "Nothing for us to be concerned about sir, though people do have a bad habit of asking us more supplies." Akelin laughed. "Just in case send some of our little planes to see who's winning." Finn sighed. "very well." Finn said.

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

Hey! Another monarchy!

[Ilikeskooma]

Spoiler:

aren't they just wonderful?

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

If Queen Aurore is the monarch, yes.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Spoiler:

My President

[Ilikeskooma]

Spoiler:

He got 90% of the vote? O.O

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

He would definitely be forced to get plastic surgery in Hessia.

[Ilikeskooma]

Spoiler:

let's get back IC guys

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

Hessia rules.

[POMC S117]

Spoiler:

Still tried to lie to Matt. Which is an impossibility. Matt is all-knowing.

"Moving on," Said Dolores. "If given the option between making Enaline a democratic state and renouncing title of Emperor, or turning Enaline into a dictatorship where you have absolute power, which option would you choose?"

Spoiler:

Sorry!

"Obviously I would choose what would be best for the country. I would turn it into a fully democratic state. Since my great-great grandfather became Emperor, we've slowly been morphing it into a democratic state. Giving more power to the people."

[Eltee]

Spoiler:

Tell the girl what she wants to hear...

[POMC S117]

Spoiler:

Eltee!

I told her what she asked.

[Eltee]

Spoiler:

Have a backbone.

[POMC S117]

Spoiler:

What do you mean?

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

He means don't give in to Matt's sh*t. You have nothing to lose, mate. You're already at war.

[POMC S117]

Spoiler:

Oh... Thanks.

[Eltee]

Spoiler:

The current state of Taviki society:
Tavik is truly vast in scale, both in the size of the nation and the mind-bogglingly huge, and ballooning, population. I will try to describe it's current state to give some degree of accuracy.

Tavik, it should be known, is not the home of a single racial, cultural, religious or even linguistic group. The nation is a patchwork of different ethnicities and, unsurprisingly, this leads to a great deal of stress within the country.
The four main ethnic groups are:
TAVIKI
The largest group in Tavik, at just less than half of the population. Taviki are recognizable for their straight dark hair and equally dark, narrow eyes. The Taviki language has become the lingua franca of Tavik, along with the Common Tongue. They don't occupy any specific social caste, few in the nation do. The Taviki are worshippers of a small pantheon of three gods, those who they believe are the embodiments of peace and love and tranquility, of war and love and bravery, and finally of chaos. It is a rather laissez faire religion regarding strength of faith and worship, as well as regarding other religions and sin.
SYRI
The second largest ethnic group in Tavik, the Syri tend to be dark and swarthy, tending toward wide, dark eyes. Recently, the Syr population has been growing faster than the Taviki, causing some tensions. Most speak Taviki or the Common tongue, and live in the cities. They believe in a system of reincarnation and accruing morality.
IVORI
The Ivori are closely related to the Syri people, divided primarily by their beliefs and religious beliefs. They are staunch, and rather extreme supporters of their One God, Malliihka, and believe that the worship of the other Taviki pantheons equates idolatry, blasphemy. They are a smaller, diminished people, their backwards customs isolating them from society. They are fiercely protective of their native tongue, Ivori, which is rapidly dying out.
DJERKOR
The smallest of Tavik's native populations, the Djerkor are largely rural, simple, non-hostile people. They tend to broad, pale faces and sandy hair and eyes. They worship a variant of the Ivori god, Malik, in a much less extreme form. They largely avoid the hassle of Toruktut and the larger cities.

Current conflicts within Tavik
There are widespread attacks against Syri persons, by a Taviki supremacist group, who see the Syri as vermin, invading rats. This group calls itself Protectors of Taviki Purity, or the P.T.P. They do not discriminate between Ivori and Syri in attacks. The attacks are mostly in urban neighborhoods, and despite distant military presence, little progress is made in stopping them.

There are also attacks by militant Ivori against the faithful of other religions, Especially the heretical Djerkor. The largest extremist group is known as Al-Khazeem, who are based in the drier southwest of the country. Counterterrorist operations by the military have been slowly increasing in effectiveness.

Finally, there are the Ultranationalists, political radicals. They are formed of a rogue breakaway from the Taviki army, and are of far right wing ideals. Their goal is to establish a right wing, authoritarian rule in Toruktut under their leader, Buqut Aryovik. While the Al-Khazeem and the P.T.P. are major nuisances and bring disarray and violence, they are nothing compared to the Ultranationalist Army of Tavik (U.A.T.) The UAT is well armed, well trained, motivated, experienced and tough. There is constant warfare throughout the nation between the army and the rebels, never quite escalating into full-scale war, but never truly dying down.

Life in Tavik
Throughout Tavik, the vast majority of the population lives at the poverty line. Not blow, not really above. The standard of life increases noticeably every year, yet it is certainly not perfect. Medicine is socialized, as is education, welfare, prescription drugs... Almost anything. A huge focus is placed on the availability and quality of medicine. While not comparing in quality to that of Hessia or other more developed nations, it is free and all-encompassing to all of Tavik's citizens... Unlike the medicine in Hessia. Likewise, education right through College and University is free... Although it is offered only to those who prove worthy of going, as opposed to those who happen to be richer and able to afford it. Likewise,t he education system is very advanced, as the future of the nation relies on the highly trained Taviki men and women that come out of College and University every year. The students with the most promise are often sent to Hessia's educational facilities, fully subsidized, of course, for further learning, particularly in the fields of art, engineering and science. Like I have previously stated, the current premier, Aiya Aariak, elected in 2009, is directly descended from the leader of the rebellion that created Tavik in 1802. For much of that period, Aariaks (or Yukis, as the name was before marriage) have held the title of premier, and almost always held the head of the ruling Socialist Party. However, about 1/4 of Tavik's history has been under other governments, under the Centrist party. Right wing parties receive almost no support, which likely lead to the political radicalization of the Nationalist party into the UPT in 1989.
There are a large amount of cities spread throughout the country, and there are nine provinces. The largest city and capital is Toruktut, in the west of the country in a great, wide valley. The second city of Harara in the east is slightly smaller, and a great port. The cities tend to be haphazard and bright, the dull concrete buildings covered with colourful graffiti and neon signs. The cities never sleep, with the violet district of Toruktut, home to the shadier businesses of clubs, brothels, and marijuana cafes (all legal) pound with bass and the beat of millions of footsteps each night.
Indeed, brothels and marijuana are legalized. The reasoning behind this is, it will happen anyway. If it is sanctioned and controlled by the government, tax money can be collected, and working girls can be protected.

In the rural regions, which are quite dry and cool, the constant struggle to feed the massive nation continues. Massive irrigation systems fed by glacial water feed the crops of the short summer, However, much food is imported, traded for Taviki manufactured goods and Taviki minerals.

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

ETHNIC GROUPS OF THE KINGDOM OF HESSIA

Hessia, while unified under one banner, is made up of 10 different provinces - some of which were their own independent nations in the past. As a result, Hessia is made up of several different ethnic groups. The population is massive, and it has been considered several times to introduce a population control policy throughout the Kingdom.
A small Taviki population of a few thousand also exists, mostly composed of university students.

Hessians (63% of the Kingdom’s population)

The Hessian race is made up of those descended from the peoples of Hess, Kannonburg, Kelinrest, Oviria, and Qarin. The Hessians are known for their fair complexion, bright-colored eyes, and a wide range of hair colors. Aside from the Common Tongue, the Hessian language is still widely used amongst these people. Many refer to the beautiful Hessian language as “La langue d'Idylle” (the “Language of Romance”).
The Hessian race has controlled the Kingdom of Hessia for nearly 600 years, as both the Epée family (which ruled from the early 14th century to the late 18th century) and the Royauté family were of Hessian descent.

Norholmics (9% of the Kingdom’s population)

The Norholmic people hail from the province of Norhelm, which was once known as the Kingdom of Norhelm before being conquered by Hessia in 1701. The Norholmics are descended from the mountain peoples of the Central Mountain Range. They are naturally adapted to the cold. Norholmics are known for their pale skin tone, bright colored eyes, and bright hair color.
The Norholmic language is rarely used, even amongst the Norholmics peoples. It requires the use of various pronunciations that many people of different ethnic groups are unable to articulate.

Vladinese and Harsuli (10% of the Kingdom’s population)

The Vladinese and Harsuli people are very similar in appearance and culture. Vladin and Harsul were once unified as a nation throughout the medieval era (known as the United Kingdom of Vladin-Harsul, or Vladin-Harsul for short). Vladin-Harsul collapsed in 1781 when the Vladinese broke away from the union and formed the Democratic Republic of Vladin. Regardless, both nations were absorbed into the Kingdom of Hessia during the early 19th century.
The Vladinese and Harsuli people are known for their very dark complexion, dark colored eyes, and dark colored hair. Both ethnic groups speak the same language, Halinic. Halinic remains widely popular amongst the Vladinese and Harsuli. In fact, they tend to use Halinic more often then the Common Tongue (likely due to their nationalist ideals).

Vanians (9% of the Kingdom’s population)

The Vanian race is made up of those descended from the people of Vania, once the Tsardom of Vania (conquered by Hessia in 1913). The Vanian people in general have changed over the course of the 20th century. Before being absorbed into the Kingdom, the Vanians controlled a racist, bigoted, slave-owning, and oppressive empire in the northwest. After ultimately being defeated by the Hessians in the Second War of the Grey, the Vanians were forced to become more accepting of foreign cultures and religious ideals. Vanian are very similar to the Hessian people in appearance. They have fair complexion and a wide range of hair color, yet most of their eyes are of a dark gray hue.
The Vanian language is slowly dying away as the people continue to adapt Hessian cultural ideals.

Orientals (9% of the Kingdom’s population)

The Oriental people are the residents of the former People’s Republic of the Orient (conquered by Hessia in 1943 after the Six Year War). They are known for their yellow-ish skin tone, slightly squinted eyes, and dark hair color.
Like the Vladinese and Harsuli, the Orientals have extremely nationalist ideals. The Oriental language is still widely spoken amongst the people, and many Oriental families refuse to accept Hessian culture.

RELIGION IN HESSIA

Four basic religions exist in the nation of Hessia - Solomanism (followed mainly by the Hessians and Norholmics), Orthodox Solomanism (followed mainly by the Vanians), Halinism (followed mainly by the Vladinese and Harsuli), and Equilentrism (followed mainly by the Orientals).

Solomanism and Orthodox Solomanism are closely related, with a few differing customs and traditions. They follow the worship of two divine beings - Sol (the Merciful) and Hiderix (the Merciless). They believe that Sol and Hinderix form balance in the world, and fight an eternal war against the evil demon overlord Yen, who strives to crush all order and balance that exists.
The vast majority of the Hessian population is Solomanist.

Halinism is strongly linked to the religion of the Ivori in Tavik. Halinists also worship a monotheistic god, Malliihka. Halinism has caused much conflict in modern Hessia. Halinist fundamentalists threaten the peace and order of the Kingdom’s southernmost provinces, Vladin and Harsul.

Equilentrism is followed mainly by the Oriental people. It focuses more on peace and harmony than the worship of deities. Equilentrism is currently the oldest known surviving religion in the world.

CONFLICTS IN HESSIA

Despite the current state of extreme success in Hessia, the Kingdom possesses a few internal conflicts which are generally kept hidden from the rest of the world by the government.

Al-Klarest (AK)

The most dangerous region of Hessia is currently the southern province of Harsul. Here, a Halinist fundamentalist organization known as the Al-Klarest (AK for short, founded in 2009) pushes for Harsuli independence and sovereign rule. The AK is an extremely dangerous organization, considered to be one of the most violent and destructive terrorist networks in the world. It is suspected that Al-Klarest shares a strong alliance with the Al-Khazeem in Tavik. The two most likely supply each other with arms and troops.
Like in all Hessian provinces, the people of Harsul are extremely wealthy. Yet they live under constant fear of Al-Klarest’s car bombings, suicide bombings, airplane hijackings, landmines, and urban guerrilla attacks. Royal Army troops have been stationed in major Harsuli cities, slowly decreasing AK activity in the region.

Organization for the Independence of the Oriental Peoples (OIOP)

Since the absorption of the People’s Republic of the Orient into the Kingdom in 1943, the Oriental people have been a constant nuisance to the government. The have been the instigators for many ethnic conflicts throughout the century.
The OIOP (Organization for the Independence of the Oriental Peoples) was founded by Oriental nationalist Sự Tra-Khảo in 1972. Similar to Al-Klarest of Harsul in the south, the OIOP pushes for the independence of the Orient from the Kingdom of Hessia. They use methods such as car bombings and guerrilla warfare in their attempts to accomplish their goals. King Cyril Royauté began a military campaign wherein the Hessian Royal Army viciously hunted down and killed all OIOP members they could find. The campaign was rather successful, and dealt a critical blow to the OIOP. Terrorist activity halted until approximately 2005-2006.
Queen Aurore introduced several new policies after rising to the throne. These policies heavily decreased ethnic rivalry between the Hessians and the Orientals, yet minor OIOP terrorist activity still continues to this day. Sự Tra-Khảo is still suspected to be the leader of the organization. Hessian soldiers remain in the Orient to maintain peace and prosperity in the region.

Enslavement

Enslavement has actually been a serious issue in modern-day Hessia. The slave trade was banned in the Kingdom of Hessia at the end of the 10th century. Recently, however, especially after the outlawing of prostitution in 2003. The women of Hessia, whose lives were often centered around beauty, became targets of kidnapping and sexual enslavement. This is most common in the province of Vania, where women have a 14.5% chance of being kidnapped by underground slavers.
Women are not the only targets. Al-Klarest and OIOP supporters in other provinces such as Norhelm and Oviria often kidnap man to work in terrorist labor camps of Harsul and the Orient.
Queen Aurore states that underground slavery is “Hessia’s most dire issue, even worse than the OIOP and Al-Klarest”. She also states that it is her “primal goal to rid these atrocities from the Kingdom”.
Hessian Royal Military Police forces have recently invaded several slaver compounds, significantly decreasing underground slave trade in the Kingdom.

LIFE IN HESSIA

Despite the nation’s few internal conflicts, standard of life in Hessia is one of the greatest in the world. It has finally recovered from its age of tyranny during the reign of King Amadeous Royauté. The Kingdom’s rate of poverty is as low as 2%. The Hessian government funds thousands of movies, hundreds of international athletic events, and many successful colleges and universities hosting students from all over the world.
Medical technology in Hessia is incredible. Hessia is one of the most medically successful nations of the west. Surgeries are extremely advanced. One could have his entire appearance altered, and even an expert could not tell that it is surgery.
The Kingdom’s medicines are the best on the market. However, the monarchist government does not guarantee availability of medicines to all citizens. Medicines are often exported to other nations for money.
Hessian society is often based upon looks and appearance. It is almost a bit disturbing. Beginning during pre-teen years, civilians are heavily encouraged exercise extensively every day. Plastic surgery is also extremely common amongst the people.
Hessia is a nation that simply never sleeps. Movie stars, celebrities, renowned politicians, and thousands of tourists fill the streets of every major city. The tropical beaches of the eastern coasts are globally famous for their beauty. Hessian cities, especially Swithelm, are known for their vast array of shopping malls, clubs, massive arenas, casinos, gorgeous hotels, ancient cathedrals, and shining political buildings. Most enjoy owning high-tech sports cars and very expensive clothing.
Marijuana trade and prostitution was illegalized by King Cyril Royauté in 2003. Marijuana smuggling over the Hesse-Taviki border continued up until 2011, when Queen Aurore tripled the funds invested in the Royal Border Guard and practically destroyed all smuggling occurring on the borders.
All in all, the people of Hessia are currently enjoying a period of peace, extreme wealth, and freedom in their nation.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Spoiler:

Hey... Let Dolores do what she does best.

"So, you're saying a democratic state would be best for your country... but you remain a monarchy. Interesting. Moving on, Emperor, let's talk about the Drascian-Zoryan war, of which you are little more than an uninvited guest. Why did you align yourself with Drascia?"