Empire Name: New Kingdom of Markatz
Empire Size: Fledgeling
Despite its ambitions and glorious past, the New Kingdom is only in control of the region around its capital in Katrika.
Name of the Capital and surrounding Cities :--
Katrika (Capital) - The large and prosperous city was founded as a commercial headquarters near the beginning of the old kingdom, and functioned as the seat of the monarchy during its last days. Katrika is perched on the mountain slope overlooking the verdant Gat valley. This position allows it to control the nearby mountain pass from a formidable defensive location, and also to act as a commercial center on a major route through the kingdom.
Today the city is a modern one; the boundaries of the old, medieval city burst long ago to make room for a sprawling complex of houses, factories and civic constructs. The old wall is little more than a pile of rubble, but many a granite building and slate-roofed house still stands from the old monarchy, often added on to with more modern construction. During the Tsar's rule the city was the provincial capital, and subsequently it was sacked several times during the Uprising and subsequent Civil War. Since the Nationalists have taken control of the city Katrika has undergone a renewal; the battle-scars of the last decades are slowly being wiped away, the old temple of Kakul has been renovated, a new government has occupied the old administrative centers, and a palace for the Duchess is currently under construction.
Empire's Government: Constitutional Monarchy-
In this form of government, the Monarch exists as the head of state within the parameters of the constitution. Generally, a constitutional monarchy has been stripped of most of its powers and serves as more of a figurehead. While the real politics of the nation are conducted in a Parliamentarian system. However, there have been cases where a constitutional monarch has existed side by side with a Fascist dictator.
Cultural Legitimacy : The ruler of a constitutional monarchy is a rallying-point of national culture and pride. Men might disagree about many things, but they can still respect their monarch.
- Constitutional Monarchies cannot fall below 3 Public Approval
Royal Privilege : The pomp and ceremony that a constitutional monarchy maintains is not free. Such a monarch is constantly presenting itself as a legitimizing force for the country, and that very often means spending exorbitant amounts on everything from teacups to huge palaces.
- Constitutional Monarchies gain 5% less Income
The nationalists of Markatz have successfully reinstated the old monarchy under the Duchess Tralyna, grand-niece of the deposed Duke of the Kingdom of Markatz. The Duchess acts as a symbolic center of the nation, reinstating the old kingdom and traditions of the Markatz. But while the new monarchy is exceptionally popular, personal loyalty still mostly invested in the revolutionary captains and politicians who lead the Nationalists to victory, and who now serve as its leaders.
Currently the political system in Markatz is mixed. The old noble's senate has been reinstated as a representative institution, with the Prime Minister acting as the head executive and the Duchess as the head of state. However, most of the senate's members are former revolutionaries and leaders of the nationalist party during the civil war, and other former military commanders still hold the loyalty of various army factions. Still, despite the tenuous situation the leadership is united under the Nationalist banner and will not be easily moved to strife.
Name of the Empire's Leaders:
Grand Duchess Anil Tralyna - Young, popular Duchess of the New Kingdom. Anil Tralyna is the grand-niece of the deposed Duke Agno Tenlil through the duke's youngest brother, who escaped Markatz after the invasion. Tralyna returned to Markatz during the civil war and claimed the crown in support of the Nationalist party, and has reaped the benefits of their victory as Duchess of the New Kingdom.
The Duchess is a strong-willed and exceptionally ambitious young woman, as exemplified her willingness to enter into a warzone to claim her birthright. She plays her role masterfully and has been actively involved in founding the new state.
General Kanik Linyani - An old revolutionary who famously fought as captain of the Itarc Kanika company of partisans. His exploits are well known folk legend, and have earned him a position as captain of the reorganized Kanika companies. Unfortunately Linyani doesn't get along well with his politician compatriots, whom he considers stuck up and power hungry. But despite personal dislikes he is fervently devoted to the nationalist cause and would never betray the New Kingdom.
Prime Minister Yal Calviric - Also head of the Nationalist Party, Prime Minister Yal Calviric rose to prominence as a great orator and facilitator during the revolution, working with the Dominion of Demuon to acquire arms and helping to forge an army to fight against the Tsardom. He fought as a Captain during the civil war, but has always been known for his political and facilitation skills rather than his military career. It is those skills that earned him the post of Prime Minister ahead of some influential generals.
General Cirkan Calkuluk - General of the armed forced. Calkuluk is a relatively new figure in Markatz. He joined the Nationalists during the civil war, when many older generals joined the other factions. While General Linyani held off enemies with brilliant guerilla tactics, Calkuluk forged the disparate forces of the Nationalists into a solid army and eventually lead them to victory.
Calkuluk himself is a good two decades younger than most of his peers, who are usually old revolutionaries, but he's still older than the Duchess. He is known to be quite zealous in the revival of the old ways, patronizing a cult of Nal and advocating the rebuilding of temples. He has short blond hair and blue eyes, and is rarely found out of formal dress.
Empire's Population Size and Population Growth:
Current Size: 31 Million
Current Growth:
Empire's Political Type: Nationalism - The Empire stands by a people and for a people. Local customs and traditions become ceremonies of state and points of pride.
- Flak Towers and City Forts cost 25% less
- Base security 2
The old Republic of Markatz was shattered during the civil war, where each party went its separate way and attempted to seize control of the land. Eventually it was the Nationalist party which won power and founded the Second Kingdom of Markatz. Most of those who did not follow the nationalist aspiration have been exiled or defeated during the war, leaving the monarchist narrative completely unchallenged.
In intellectual circles it is in vogue to revive and reinterpret old customs, both religious and secular. The Markatz religion has been officiated by the state and tied in with the revived monarchy. Because of its nationalist bent, the New Kingdom also claims to represent all Markatz, even those people still under the rule of the Fascists faction and their Tsar masters, a point of contention to this day.
Empire's Economy Type: Free-Market Capitalism:
This nation has put its faith in letting the market decide, which according to the economic conditions can be a good thing or a bad thing. The government has little control over the levers of the economy, when it booms it can lead to massive revenue increases but when it goes bust the government can't do much to stop it.
- Regional Wealth defaults to 5
- Regions that fall below 3 wealth don't produce any income.
- Public Approval defaults to 4
Empire's Labor Trait: NONE
Empire's Legal Trait: Liberalization -
This Empire has done away with the complex regulations that for so long have constrained the actions of business and instead focused on producing a productive economy, even if some of those regulations were put into effect for good reason. While in good times, this state may prosper it is on a very slippery slope and abuse by officials can become rampant leading to a crisis.
- All regions +2 Wealth
- doubled effects of any events which lower wealth (e.g. breaking a trade agreement results in -2 wealth instead of -1)
Liberalization has long been a pragmatic leg of the nationalist party. Markatz is a difficult land and a difficult people to dictate to. Allowing loose economic rules and simple, centralized taxation lets the people trade and work at what they do best while letting the government reap rewards.
It has also been a pragmatic means to lure foreign banks, business, and especially industry into Markatz. Liberal laws provide incentives for industrialists to build factories and bring badly needed modernization to the region, rather than going to one of Markatz safer but more oppressive neighbors.
Empire's Social Trait: Fiercely Independent -
These people are hard to conquer, every foreign invader that has attempted to impose their will on these people has had their noses bloodied and been pushed out. They will not tolerate being occupied and will take up arms to protect their customs and peoples. Of course, this mean's that it is more difficult for their own government to bend to policies they don't like.
-Conquered regions will form insurgencies against occupying forces.
-Prices for Partisan specialist units are halved
-Chance of insurgents forming against own government if public approval drops to Unpopular.
The Markatz people have fought long and hard, first to regain their independence from the Tsardom of Chernogov, and then in the bloody civil war that followed. Their history of oppression has made a culture of fervent resistance to any imposition. No one, from the highest minister to the lowliest peasant, wants to return to a time when their religion was persecuted and their identity suppressed.
Martial Heritage -
The empire has a long and distinguished tradition of war and battle. Parents tell stories of glorious wars and conquest to their children, who eagerly await the day they can enlist. Politicians and corporate leaders, aware of the glory and profit of past wars, look for new places to fight. With such an obsession about war and glory, the people are ill-content with the idyllic times of peace.
- Empire gains 4 more manpower per million citizens
- War Fatigue sets in slower amongst the populace
Years of war have burnt a streak of militant paranoia into Markatz. The country is surrounded by bigger and stronger factions that could attack at any time, and there's still the issue of remaining fascists. The government understandably invests a good deal in military precautions.
Empire's Military Trait: Advanced Espionage -
This nation has managed to perfect its trade craft so well that its tendrils aimed at gathering information reach far beyond its own borders. It's skill as an intelligence agency makes it the envy of the world in terms of its operational capacity and efficiently at getting the most dangerous and risky work done.
-Can operate in high security environments with reduced risk of capture
-Greater chance of success with sabotage missions
-Improved success against insurgents and enemy intelligence operatives.
The New Kingdom's intelligence organization, the Yanriya, was born out of the old revolutionary cells that eventually lead to the revolution. For much of the Tsar's reign, these cells were forced to stay hidden, honing their practices and organization against an oppressive regime. When the November Revolution came about these same groups became an integral part of the uprising by coordinating rebel activity and providing information on Chernogov's movements.
The organization was threatened during the Civil War, when various cells broke off into different factions. This initiated a ruthless Nationalist purge wherein dozens of agents from other groups were hunted down and killed. Today the organization is clean and wholly under the control of the New Kingdom.
The Yanriya's organization is difficult to ascertain. It is not centralized, nor is there any single head of the organization. Instead, agents operate in various "cells" around the world, cooperating with each other and the New Kingdom's authorities. Agents can be shifted from cell to cell, preventing any particular group from knowing too much or changing loyalty without being caught.
Military Doctrine: Traditional Army - Your soldiers have stuck to the tried fashions of the last wars, emphasizes infantry attacks, artillery barrages, and trench warfare. These men are better equipped than their opponents, and their artillery bigger.
- Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery units fight as Veteran
+ Railway Artillery units are 25% cheaper
Markatz' emphasis on traditional military doctrine is in many ways a symptom of its circumstances. They have always had to fight with obsolete or underpowered equipment against vastly superior enemies. In an environment where tanks, aircraft, and other advanced materials were impossible to obtain, the country's generals learned to adapt. Markatz' infantry have been hardened by years of fighting against superior enemies and have learned new tactics, which are now passed on to the next generation.
Empire's Weakness: War Ravaged Nation -
Whether its from war or some other apocalypse, this country has been battered and bloody. Industry has nearly grinded to a halt, factories are shuttered or destroyed, the railway system is shattered, and the country is still struggling to pick up the pieces.
-Constructs cost 10% more
-Economy Rating Lowered
Empire Military Spending / Total Maintenance:
Empire's Starting Constructs (if any): N/A
Empire IP Generation:
Markatz - 9 Wealth
45 Income
31 Million population
61 Income
Total:
106 Income
Manpower: 434
8 Infantry Divisions (16 Income, 80 Manpower)
4 Cavalry Brigades (20 Income, 40 Manpower)
2 Armored Divisions (8 Income, 12 Manpower, 2 Oil, 2 Steel)
2 Artillery Regiments (8 Income, 16 Manpower)
2 Flak Batteries (6 Income, 16 Manpower)
4 Partisan Divisions (16 Income, 24 Manpower)
4 Intelligence Operatives (20 Income, 4 Manpower)
Remaining Income: 10
Remaining Manpower: 242
Remaining Oil: 20
Remaining Steel: 7
Empire History:
The history of the Markatz people is long and sporadic. It begins in the dark ages, when the first records of a people called the Markatz were recorded. At the time the people were largely considered barbaric, that region of the world rarely being penetrated by large empires.
Early History
During the late middle ages the Markatz Kingdom arose around the Grand Dukes of Markatz. In its early days the kingdom was centered around the city of Neklil on the eastern coasts, from which it eventually spread to control the entire mountain region and surrounding coastlines at its peak in the high middle ages. This was a golden age for the Markatz people, fondly remembered in the current regime as a time of power, independence, and prosperity. However, the Kingdom of Markatz power did not last. As a polytheistic people they came under pressure by neighboring countries for their religion, suffering the brunt of several holy wars that stripped most of their lowland possessions.
The Kingdom survived into the modern era only as a weakened shell of its past. The monarchy had transferred its seat to Katrika and held only the mountainous territories where the Markatz could defend themselves from incursion. This weakened kingdom finally met its end at the hands of the Tsardom of Chernogov, a rising power in the region, invaded. The powerful Tsar army quickly crushed the Markatz outdated military, occupied Katrika as the provincial capital, and deposed of the last monarch: Duke Agno Tenlil. Apart from sporadic rural resistance the Markatz kingdom was over.
Oppression
The century and a half under Tsarist rule are considered a dark age by modern Markatz historians, as well as most common people. The Markatz religion suffered enormous persecution under the Tsardom of Chernogov, which attempted to stamp out any elements of the strange, "barbaric" practices. The region was also considered a backwater in Tsarist foreign policy, so many trade routes, civic buildings and institutions were allowed to deteriorate. Aside from a couple cities, the Markatz people descended into poverty under the weight of persecution and neglect.
The November Revolution
However, no power stays strong forever, and the Tsardom was no exception. Growing unrest eventually culminated in a series of bread riots and the famous November Uprising. The people of Markatz rose up in rebellion against their oppressors. The first resistors were the renown Kanika companies, regiments of partisans who used guerrilla warfare to fight the Tsar invaders. However, Markatz later gained arms and funding from the Dominion of Demuon, allowing it to field a true army and declare independence.
The Civil War
Following the successful rebellion against the Tsarist forces, the Republic of Markatz was founded. Sadly the early days of the Republic were plagued with troubles. The land was devastated in the November Revolution, and the various political parties had little reason to get along. After the Third Parliamentary Election the various parties failed to create a coalition. Civil war broke out three days later when a fascist radical shot two neighbors from the Republic party.
The civil war included every major political party in Markatz, and was largely manipulated by outside powers. The Republicanist party was supported by the liberals in neighboring Sessau; the Fascist party was backed by the Tsardom of Chernogov in a bid to retake Markatz, the Communist party received support from Survaek, and the Nationalist party was supported by Markatz' traditional allies in the Dominion of Demuon.
Communist forces were crushed relatively early in the war in the first battle of Katrika. Fighting between the remaining three factions continued for eight months in relative stalemate.
The arrival of Anil Tralyna and her claim to the Duchy of Markatz tipped the scales in favor of the nationalists by providing a tangible rallying point and huge morale boost. With the Duchess on their side and continued support from the Dominion, the Nationalist/Monarchist forces defeated the Republicanists at the second battle of Katrika and nearly defeated the fascists before the Tsardom sent in "peacekeepers" to prevent the total collapse of their puppet faction.
Current Situation
Although the civil war is technically still in full swing, the New Kingdom of Markatz has entered a period of relative peace. The nationalists are in firm control of the territory, and the destruction of the war is slowly being healed. Leaders now feel secure enough to look outside their own interests and consider Markatz' new role in the world; especially how to reclaim the territory still under fascist rule.
Current Political Issues:
The Marriage Question - With a relative peace and firm control over Markatz, the question on many nationalists minds is who the Duchess should marry. The continuation of the royal line is of paramount concern to many nationalists, and with the Duchess' twenty-sixth birthday approaching many are beginning to feel the pinch of time. However, finding an appropriate spouse for Duchess Tralyna has been problematic. Several revolutionaries and other figures of the war have been considered, but the balance of power has made others oppose any such candidates for fear that the constitutional monarchy may become absolute.
Also of primary concern is the desire for the crown of Markatz to be as legitimate as possible. While no one doubts the Duchess' heritage, she is not a direct heir of the last Duke, and Markatz is still a very new nation in the world. It has been suggested that marrying a foreign royal would be preferable because it would legitimize the Duchess (and thus Markatz) in the international community. Of course, any such agreements would require much diplomatic finesse.
As for the Duchess herself, she has declared that she is not opposed to the idea of marriage and has been giving it all due consideration, but has not made any decisions.
Freedom of the Markatz - The New Kingdom of Markatz presents itself as a kingdom for the entire Markatz people. However, about half of those people still live under the fascist puppet regime of the Tsarist government. This land is claimed by the New Kingdom despite Tsarist military presence, and has been a source of antagonism between the two empires. Insurgents continue to fight for freedom in the occupied territories, while the puppet government launches raids against the New Kingdom.
Remains of the Civil War - Although the Monarchist/Nationalist party thoroughly defeated its rivals in and around Katrika, the fascist party still remains under the aegis of the Tsardom of Chernogov. As long as the fascists remain in power, the civil war in Markatz remains technically under way. Belligerent powers continue to refer to the Republic of Markatz, and claim that the New Kingdom is merely the Nationalist Regime.
Empire Culture
Customs
Tattoos - It is common practice to get lined tattoos among the Markatz, often patterned into the shape of particular gods, creatures, or other symbols that are believed to give power to the wearers. These tattoos are generally black, red, and blue, and most often cover the limbs or body, but rarely the face, hands, or feet.
Garments - Markatz clothing depends much upon circumstance. Females often wear loose skirts and a slanted wrap-around shirt called a Nallin, over which a coat or overshirt of some kind is usually worn. Men similarly wear a long shirt that falls around the thighs, usually fastened with a belt.
For day-to-day wear clothes are usually only lightly dyed, perhaps around the edges, but formal or leisurely clothes often have massively exaggerated colors like orange, turquoise, or yellow. Arm bands, earrings, and headdresses are common adornments for both genders, usually becoming more intricate and blatantly extravagant with formality.
Art - Collections of luminescent colors and outrageous hues are celebrated, leading to images of brilliant orange or purple. Gold and other precious metals are common. But there is also an element of primitivism in Markatz art. Images are often purposefully drawn with rigid or crude shapes, or with exaggerated features. Markatz art is after all descended from polytheistic practices, and those include strange symbols and mind-boggling depictions of the gods.
Religion
The Makatz religion is ancient and strange by the standards of its neighbors. At its core it is polytheistic and often ritualistic, focusing on the worship of many strange nature-gods. A century of oppression and persecution by the Tsardom of Chernogov has destroyed much of the established priesthood and turned much of the religion into folk practices, but the New Kingdom has brought a revival of many old practices.
Official temple worship usually takes place in temple complexes, administrated by priests. Many towns and cities have their own patron god, but may have dozens of temples. Practices can be exceedingly strange - fertility cults, animal sacrifices, moonlight rituals and other strange practices are not uncommon.
Gods
There are well over a hundred gods in Markatz mythology, many of them with little more than a single shrine or village temple to their name. However, there are a handful of principal deities that are generally recognized as the major gods in Markatz.
Kakul - King of Gods, granite, sound and earthquakes. Kakul is often known as "The granite god" and his face is often carved in stone at rural shrines. He is reputed to sit on a mountain throne whose roots go down to the heart of the earth.
Kanik - God of war, slaughter, northern wind, change and frost, Kanik is often portrayed as a spear-wielding king from the north. Many of his worship practices involve self cutting and blood sacrifice. His popularity grew during the November Revolution and Civil War, for obvious reasons.
Itarc - Goddess of death, loyalty, pleasure, economics, and outer space. Itarc is one of the hardest deities for outsiders to understand. She is considered to be Kanik's sister, and monarch of the deadlands which, paradoxically, are in the stars above rather than below the earth.
Nal - Goddess of lust, hedonism, southern winds, the south, and fire. Nal is perhaps the most persecuted of the major gods due to the fact that her temples often supported fertility rites and other "immoral" practices.
Empire Location:-- (Open the map in MS Paint, draw your kingdoms preferred boundaries than post it here. Please try and draw them according to your nations size.)
Empire Size: Fledgeling
Despite its ambitions and glorious past, the New Kingdom is only in control of the region around its capital in Katrika.
Name of the Capital and surrounding Cities :--
Katrika (Capital) - The large and prosperous city was founded as a commercial headquarters near the beginning of the old kingdom, and functioned as the seat of the monarchy during its last days. Katrika is perched on the mountain slope overlooking the verdant Gat valley. This position allows it to control the nearby mountain pass from a formidable defensive location, and also to act as a commercial center on a major route through the kingdom.
Today the city is a modern one; the boundaries of the old, medieval city burst long ago to make room for a sprawling complex of houses, factories and civic constructs. The old wall is little more than a pile of rubble, but many a granite building and slate-roofed house still stands from the old monarchy, often added on to with more modern construction. During the Tsar's rule the city was the provincial capital, and subsequently it was sacked several times during the Uprising and subsequent Civil War. Since the Nationalists have taken control of the city Katrika has undergone a renewal; the battle-scars of the last decades are slowly being wiped away, the old temple of Kakul has been renovated, a new government has occupied the old administrative centers, and a palace for the Duchess is currently under construction.
Empire's Government: Constitutional Monarchy-
In this form of government, the Monarch exists as the head of state within the parameters of the constitution. Generally, a constitutional monarchy has been stripped of most of its powers and serves as more of a figurehead. While the real politics of the nation are conducted in a Parliamentarian system. However, there have been cases where a constitutional monarch has existed side by side with a Fascist dictator.
Cultural Legitimacy : The ruler of a constitutional monarchy is a rallying-point of national culture and pride. Men might disagree about many things, but they can still respect their monarch.
- Constitutional Monarchies cannot fall below 3 Public Approval
Royal Privilege : The pomp and ceremony that a constitutional monarchy maintains is not free. Such a monarch is constantly presenting itself as a legitimizing force for the country, and that very often means spending exorbitant amounts on everything from teacups to huge palaces.
- Constitutional Monarchies gain 5% less Income
The nationalists of Markatz have successfully reinstated the old monarchy under the Duchess Tralyna, grand-niece of the deposed Duke of the Kingdom of Markatz. The Duchess acts as a symbolic center of the nation, reinstating the old kingdom and traditions of the Markatz. But while the new monarchy is exceptionally popular, personal loyalty still mostly invested in the revolutionary captains and politicians who lead the Nationalists to victory, and who now serve as its leaders.
Currently the political system in Markatz is mixed. The old noble's senate has been reinstated as a representative institution, with the Prime Minister acting as the head executive and the Duchess as the head of state. However, most of the senate's members are former revolutionaries and leaders of the nationalist party during the civil war, and other former military commanders still hold the loyalty of various army factions. Still, despite the tenuous situation the leadership is united under the Nationalist banner and will not be easily moved to strife.
Name of the Empire's Leaders:
Grand Duchess Anil Tralyna - Young, popular Duchess of the New Kingdom. Anil Tralyna is the grand-niece of the deposed Duke Agno Tenlil through the duke's youngest brother, who escaped Markatz after the invasion. Tralyna returned to Markatz during the civil war and claimed the crown in support of the Nationalist party, and has reaped the benefits of their victory as Duchess of the New Kingdom.
The Duchess is a strong-willed and exceptionally ambitious young woman, as exemplified her willingness to enter into a warzone to claim her birthright. She plays her role masterfully and has been actively involved in founding the new state.
General Kanik Linyani - An old revolutionary who famously fought as captain of the Itarc Kanika company of partisans. His exploits are well known folk legend, and have earned him a position as captain of the reorganized Kanika companies. Unfortunately Linyani doesn't get along well with his politician compatriots, whom he considers stuck up and power hungry. But despite personal dislikes he is fervently devoted to the nationalist cause and would never betray the New Kingdom.
Prime Minister Yal Calviric - Also head of the Nationalist Party, Prime Minister Yal Calviric rose to prominence as a great orator and facilitator during the revolution, working with the Dominion of Demuon to acquire arms and helping to forge an army to fight against the Tsardom. He fought as a Captain during the civil war, but has always been known for his political and facilitation skills rather than his military career. It is those skills that earned him the post of Prime Minister ahead of some influential generals.
General Cirkan Calkuluk - General of the armed forced. Calkuluk is a relatively new figure in Markatz. He joined the Nationalists during the civil war, when many older generals joined the other factions. While General Linyani held off enemies with brilliant guerilla tactics, Calkuluk forged the disparate forces of the Nationalists into a solid army and eventually lead them to victory.
Calkuluk himself is a good two decades younger than most of his peers, who are usually old revolutionaries, but he's still older than the Duchess. He is known to be quite zealous in the revival of the old ways, patronizing a cult of Nal and advocating the rebuilding of temples. He has short blond hair and blue eyes, and is rarely found out of formal dress.
Empire's Population Size and Population Growth:
Current Size: 31 Million
Current Growth:
Empire's Political Type: Nationalism - The Empire stands by a people and for a people. Local customs and traditions become ceremonies of state and points of pride.
- Flak Towers and City Forts cost 25% less
- Base security 2
The old Republic of Markatz was shattered during the civil war, where each party went its separate way and attempted to seize control of the land. Eventually it was the Nationalist party which won power and founded the Second Kingdom of Markatz. Most of those who did not follow the nationalist aspiration have been exiled or defeated during the war, leaving the monarchist narrative completely unchallenged.
In intellectual circles it is in vogue to revive and reinterpret old customs, both religious and secular. The Markatz religion has been officiated by the state and tied in with the revived monarchy. Because of its nationalist bent, the New Kingdom also claims to represent all Markatz, even those people still under the rule of the Fascists faction and their Tsar masters, a point of contention to this day.
Empire's Economy Type: Free-Market Capitalism:
This nation has put its faith in letting the market decide, which according to the economic conditions can be a good thing or a bad thing. The government has little control over the levers of the economy, when it booms it can lead to massive revenue increases but when it goes bust the government can't do much to stop it.
- Regional Wealth defaults to 5
- Regions that fall below 3 wealth don't produce any income.
- Public Approval defaults to 4
Empire's Labor Trait: NONE
Empire's Legal Trait: Liberalization -
This Empire has done away with the complex regulations that for so long have constrained the actions of business and instead focused on producing a productive economy, even if some of those regulations were put into effect for good reason. While in good times, this state may prosper it is on a very slippery slope and abuse by officials can become rampant leading to a crisis.
- All regions +2 Wealth
- doubled effects of any events which lower wealth (e.g. breaking a trade agreement results in -2 wealth instead of -1)
Liberalization has long been a pragmatic leg of the nationalist party. Markatz is a difficult land and a difficult people to dictate to. Allowing loose economic rules and simple, centralized taxation lets the people trade and work at what they do best while letting the government reap rewards.
It has also been a pragmatic means to lure foreign banks, business, and especially industry into Markatz. Liberal laws provide incentives for industrialists to build factories and bring badly needed modernization to the region, rather than going to one of Markatz safer but more oppressive neighbors.
Empire's Social Trait: Fiercely Independent -
These people are hard to conquer, every foreign invader that has attempted to impose their will on these people has had their noses bloodied and been pushed out. They will not tolerate being occupied and will take up arms to protect their customs and peoples. Of course, this mean's that it is more difficult for their own government to bend to policies they don't like.
-Conquered regions will form insurgencies against occupying forces.
-Prices for Partisan specialist units are halved
-Chance of insurgents forming against own government if public approval drops to Unpopular.
The Markatz people have fought long and hard, first to regain their independence from the Tsardom of Chernogov, and then in the bloody civil war that followed. Their history of oppression has made a culture of fervent resistance to any imposition. No one, from the highest minister to the lowliest peasant, wants to return to a time when their religion was persecuted and their identity suppressed.
Martial Heritage -
The empire has a long and distinguished tradition of war and battle. Parents tell stories of glorious wars and conquest to their children, who eagerly await the day they can enlist. Politicians and corporate leaders, aware of the glory and profit of past wars, look for new places to fight. With such an obsession about war and glory, the people are ill-content with the idyllic times of peace.
- Empire gains 4 more manpower per million citizens
- War Fatigue sets in slower amongst the populace
Years of war have burnt a streak of militant paranoia into Markatz. The country is surrounded by bigger and stronger factions that could attack at any time, and there's still the issue of remaining fascists. The government understandably invests a good deal in military precautions.
Empire's Military Trait: Advanced Espionage -
This nation has managed to perfect its trade craft so well that its tendrils aimed at gathering information reach far beyond its own borders. It's skill as an intelligence agency makes it the envy of the world in terms of its operational capacity and efficiently at getting the most dangerous and risky work done.
-Can operate in high security environments with reduced risk of capture
-Greater chance of success with sabotage missions
-Improved success against insurgents and enemy intelligence operatives.
The New Kingdom's intelligence organization, the Yanriya, was born out of the old revolutionary cells that eventually lead to the revolution. For much of the Tsar's reign, these cells were forced to stay hidden, honing their practices and organization against an oppressive regime. When the November Revolution came about these same groups became an integral part of the uprising by coordinating rebel activity and providing information on Chernogov's movements.
The organization was threatened during the Civil War, when various cells broke off into different factions. This initiated a ruthless Nationalist purge wherein dozens of agents from other groups were hunted down and killed. Today the organization is clean and wholly under the control of the New Kingdom.
The Yanriya's organization is difficult to ascertain. It is not centralized, nor is there any single head of the organization. Instead, agents operate in various "cells" around the world, cooperating with each other and the New Kingdom's authorities. Agents can be shifted from cell to cell, preventing any particular group from knowing too much or changing loyalty without being caught.
Military Doctrine: Traditional Army - Your soldiers have stuck to the tried fashions of the last wars, emphasizes infantry attacks, artillery barrages, and trench warfare. These men are better equipped than their opponents, and their artillery bigger.
- Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery units fight as Veteran
+ Railway Artillery units are 25% cheaper
Markatz' emphasis on traditional military doctrine is in many ways a symptom of its circumstances. They have always had to fight with obsolete or underpowered equipment against vastly superior enemies. In an environment where tanks, aircraft, and other advanced materials were impossible to obtain, the country's generals learned to adapt. Markatz' infantry have been hardened by years of fighting against superior enemies and have learned new tactics, which are now passed on to the next generation.
Empire's Weakness: War Ravaged Nation -
Whether its from war or some other apocalypse, this country has been battered and bloody. Industry has nearly grinded to a halt, factories are shuttered or destroyed, the railway system is shattered, and the country is still struggling to pick up the pieces.
-Constructs cost 10% more
-Economy Rating Lowered
Empire Military Spending / Total Maintenance:
Empire's Starting Constructs (if any): N/A
Empire IP Generation:
Markatz - 9 Wealth
45 Income
31 Million population
61 Income
Total:
106 Income
Manpower: 434
8 Infantry Divisions (16 Income, 80 Manpower)
4 Cavalry Brigades (20 Income, 40 Manpower)
2 Armored Divisions (8 Income, 12 Manpower, 2 Oil, 2 Steel)
2 Artillery Regiments (8 Income, 16 Manpower)
2 Flak Batteries (6 Income, 16 Manpower)
4 Partisan Divisions (16 Income, 24 Manpower)
4 Intelligence Operatives (20 Income, 4 Manpower)
Remaining Income: 10
Remaining Manpower: 242
Remaining Oil: 20
Remaining Steel: 7
Empire History:
The history of the Markatz people is long and sporadic. It begins in the dark ages, when the first records of a people called the Markatz were recorded. At the time the people were largely considered barbaric, that region of the world rarely being penetrated by large empires.
Early History
During the late middle ages the Markatz Kingdom arose around the Grand Dukes of Markatz. In its early days the kingdom was centered around the city of Neklil on the eastern coasts, from which it eventually spread to control the entire mountain region and surrounding coastlines at its peak in the high middle ages. This was a golden age for the Markatz people, fondly remembered in the current regime as a time of power, independence, and prosperity. However, the Kingdom of Markatz power did not last. As a polytheistic people they came under pressure by neighboring countries for their religion, suffering the brunt of several holy wars that stripped most of their lowland possessions.
The Kingdom survived into the modern era only as a weakened shell of its past. The monarchy had transferred its seat to Katrika and held only the mountainous territories where the Markatz could defend themselves from incursion. This weakened kingdom finally met its end at the hands of the Tsardom of Chernogov, a rising power in the region, invaded. The powerful Tsar army quickly crushed the Markatz outdated military, occupied Katrika as the provincial capital, and deposed of the last monarch: Duke Agno Tenlil. Apart from sporadic rural resistance the Markatz kingdom was over.
Oppression
The century and a half under Tsarist rule are considered a dark age by modern Markatz historians, as well as most common people. The Markatz religion suffered enormous persecution under the Tsardom of Chernogov, which attempted to stamp out any elements of the strange, "barbaric" practices. The region was also considered a backwater in Tsarist foreign policy, so many trade routes, civic buildings and institutions were allowed to deteriorate. Aside from a couple cities, the Markatz people descended into poverty under the weight of persecution and neglect.
The November Revolution
However, no power stays strong forever, and the Tsardom was no exception. Growing unrest eventually culminated in a series of bread riots and the famous November Uprising. The people of Markatz rose up in rebellion against their oppressors. The first resistors were the renown Kanika companies, regiments of partisans who used guerrilla warfare to fight the Tsar invaders. However, Markatz later gained arms and funding from the Dominion of Demuon, allowing it to field a true army and declare independence.
The Civil War
Following the successful rebellion against the Tsarist forces, the Republic of Markatz was founded. Sadly the early days of the Republic were plagued with troubles. The land was devastated in the November Revolution, and the various political parties had little reason to get along. After the Third Parliamentary Election the various parties failed to create a coalition. Civil war broke out three days later when a fascist radical shot two neighbors from the Republic party.
The civil war included every major political party in Markatz, and was largely manipulated by outside powers. The Republicanist party was supported by the liberals in neighboring Sessau; the Fascist party was backed by the Tsardom of Chernogov in a bid to retake Markatz, the Communist party received support from Survaek, and the Nationalist party was supported by Markatz' traditional allies in the Dominion of Demuon.
Communist forces were crushed relatively early in the war in the first battle of Katrika. Fighting between the remaining three factions continued for eight months in relative stalemate.
The arrival of Anil Tralyna and her claim to the Duchy of Markatz tipped the scales in favor of the nationalists by providing a tangible rallying point and huge morale boost. With the Duchess on their side and continued support from the Dominion, the Nationalist/Monarchist forces defeated the Republicanists at the second battle of Katrika and nearly defeated the fascists before the Tsardom sent in "peacekeepers" to prevent the total collapse of their puppet faction.
Current Situation
Although the civil war is technically still in full swing, the New Kingdom of Markatz has entered a period of relative peace. The nationalists are in firm control of the territory, and the destruction of the war is slowly being healed. Leaders now feel secure enough to look outside their own interests and consider Markatz' new role in the world; especially how to reclaim the territory still under fascist rule.
Current Political Issues:
The Marriage Question - With a relative peace and firm control over Markatz, the question on many nationalists minds is who the Duchess should marry. The continuation of the royal line is of paramount concern to many nationalists, and with the Duchess' twenty-sixth birthday approaching many are beginning to feel the pinch of time. However, finding an appropriate spouse for Duchess Tralyna has been problematic. Several revolutionaries and other figures of the war have been considered, but the balance of power has made others oppose any such candidates for fear that the constitutional monarchy may become absolute.
Also of primary concern is the desire for the crown of Markatz to be as legitimate as possible. While no one doubts the Duchess' heritage, she is not a direct heir of the last Duke, and Markatz is still a very new nation in the world. It has been suggested that marrying a foreign royal would be preferable because it would legitimize the Duchess (and thus Markatz) in the international community. Of course, any such agreements would require much diplomatic finesse.
As for the Duchess herself, she has declared that she is not opposed to the idea of marriage and has been giving it all due consideration, but has not made any decisions.
Freedom of the Markatz - The New Kingdom of Markatz presents itself as a kingdom for the entire Markatz people. However, about half of those people still live under the fascist puppet regime of the Tsarist government. This land is claimed by the New Kingdom despite Tsarist military presence, and has been a source of antagonism between the two empires. Insurgents continue to fight for freedom in the occupied territories, while the puppet government launches raids against the New Kingdom.
Remains of the Civil War - Although the Monarchist/Nationalist party thoroughly defeated its rivals in and around Katrika, the fascist party still remains under the aegis of the Tsardom of Chernogov. As long as the fascists remain in power, the civil war in Markatz remains technically under way. Belligerent powers continue to refer to the Republic of Markatz, and claim that the New Kingdom is merely the Nationalist Regime.
Empire Culture
Customs
Tattoos - It is common practice to get lined tattoos among the Markatz, often patterned into the shape of particular gods, creatures, or other symbols that are believed to give power to the wearers. These tattoos are generally black, red, and blue, and most often cover the limbs or body, but rarely the face, hands, or feet.
Garments - Markatz clothing depends much upon circumstance. Females often wear loose skirts and a slanted wrap-around shirt called a Nallin, over which a coat or overshirt of some kind is usually worn. Men similarly wear a long shirt that falls around the thighs, usually fastened with a belt.
For day-to-day wear clothes are usually only lightly dyed, perhaps around the edges, but formal or leisurely clothes often have massively exaggerated colors like orange, turquoise, or yellow. Arm bands, earrings, and headdresses are common adornments for both genders, usually becoming more intricate and blatantly extravagant with formality.
Art - Collections of luminescent colors and outrageous hues are celebrated, leading to images of brilliant orange or purple. Gold and other precious metals are common. But there is also an element of primitivism in Markatz art. Images are often purposefully drawn with rigid or crude shapes, or with exaggerated features. Markatz art is after all descended from polytheistic practices, and those include strange symbols and mind-boggling depictions of the gods.
Religion
The Makatz religion is ancient and strange by the standards of its neighbors. At its core it is polytheistic and often ritualistic, focusing on the worship of many strange nature-gods. A century of oppression and persecution by the Tsardom of Chernogov has destroyed much of the established priesthood and turned much of the religion into folk practices, but the New Kingdom has brought a revival of many old practices.
Official temple worship usually takes place in temple complexes, administrated by priests. Many towns and cities have their own patron god, but may have dozens of temples. Practices can be exceedingly strange - fertility cults, animal sacrifices, moonlight rituals and other strange practices are not uncommon.
Gods
There are well over a hundred gods in Markatz mythology, many of them with little more than a single shrine or village temple to their name. However, there are a handful of principal deities that are generally recognized as the major gods in Markatz.
Kakul - King of Gods, granite, sound and earthquakes. Kakul is often known as "The granite god" and his face is often carved in stone at rural shrines. He is reputed to sit on a mountain throne whose roots go down to the heart of the earth.
Kanik - God of war, slaughter, northern wind, change and frost, Kanik is often portrayed as a spear-wielding king from the north. Many of his worship practices involve self cutting and blood sacrifice. His popularity grew during the November Revolution and Civil War, for obvious reasons.
Itarc - Goddess of death, loyalty, pleasure, economics, and outer space. Itarc is one of the hardest deities for outsiders to understand. She is considered to be Kanik's sister, and monarch of the deadlands which, paradoxically, are in the stars above rather than below the earth.
Nal - Goddess of lust, hedonism, southern winds, the south, and fire. Nal is perhaps the most persecuted of the major gods due to the fact that her temples often supported fertility rites and other "immoral" practices.
Empire Location:-- (Open the map in MS Paint, draw your kingdoms preferred boundaries than post it here. Please try and draw them according to your nations size.)