Hello friend,
Welcome to the archives of Renatia Nova, the third edition of the epic roleplaying franchise created by -DS- in 2008.
Over the past four years hundreds of people around the world have joined together to participate in the art of world-crafting, of collaborative storywriting, and above all epic role playing in a play-by-post environment. This forum is one of many similar realms created entirely from the imaginations of its inhabitants, an impressive plethora of crafted nations that include cultures, characters, languages, maps, as well as a whole other assortment of data entirely up to the author to synthesize.
Nation-State Play-By-Post Roleplaying (NS-PBP-RP) remains a very entertaining, intellectually stimulating, and educational experience that leaves us wanting for more. Bar none the best part of the entire genre is the fan-base, the community, and the people I've met along the way in sharing our common interest.
Renatia deserves another chance. We all deserve the opportunity to relive the world we created. Check back soon for exciting news.
Sincerely,
Freeman
Like us on Facebook to receive future announcements!
NOTE: We are currently planning to reopen this forum again, as some members have decided to return. If you are interested you can join our conversations concerning the reopening of this forum.
|
| Welcome to Renatia Nova. We hope you enjoy your visit.
You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.
Join our community!
If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:
|
|
Cleaning Up; Assimilating Takaanis
|
|
Topic Started: Nov 1 2011, 11:57 PM (504 Views)
|
|
Epsilon
|
Nov 1 2011, 11:57 PM
Post #1
|
- Posts:
- 267
- Group:
- Consul
- Member
- #16
- Joined:
- Sep 10, 2011
|
Lothan grumbled as he took the reports, and flicked off the news.
"Its aging me faster than I'd prefer." he said to the aid who brought them in.
"Anything else, Mr. Marphal?"
"No, thank you." he picked up the first, and read it. An update on Agombia. Meh. Another was about Gebeta, yet another about the decline of Tarkanea.
Aha! Takaanis. That was what he was looking for.
He rang Virgil Adal, the Director of Internal Affairs.
"Virgil! I need to meet with you as soon as possible to talk about Takaanis."
---
There seemed to be no end of new conference rooms in Graanikep. Lothan liked to try a new one every month, and the view was always breathtaking. Towering skyscrapers, and suburbs as far as the eye could see. It was beautiful what a free market would create.
Virgil seemed less happy to be here. He hadn't had much sleep since V.T. day, and was working almost around the clock to work through the logistical mess that was assimilating a nation almost 3 times your area.
"Virgil, i'm glad you could make it. I read your report on Takaanis." Lothan said. "I'm a huge fan of the three divisions. How are things coming?"
"Mostly well, Graan. Sabaal shows great promise as an Agricultural region, Takaanis as an industrial."
"And Duril?"
"I said mostly well, didn't I?"
"What is wrong with Duril?"
"Tarkanea had a strongest foothold in Duril, the border we have drawn is along the armistice line of one of your previous proposals, drawn because of the Tarkanean influence. Many are still nationalists. I fear we may have a perpetual rebel problem."
"I see..."
"Many of them are Hadarites as well. Assimilating this many people quickly into our society is going to be a huge challenge."
"What options do we have? The way I see it society can adapt. We have our traditions, they have theirs, nothing is forcing either to abandon either!"
"True. The demographics should remain fairly local, I doubt they will normalize across the entire state. After centuries we still retain stark provincial identities. This is all true. I suppose the real problem lies in governance. Adding three legislatures to our government is going to be a challenge. creating even provincial legislatures is going to be difficult. But, what we HAVE done is begun the process of registering every citizen in the territory that wants it. We have closed the border, but you know how porous these things are. We will likely over-report the former population."
Lothan sat in deep thought for a while. Virgil was unwilling to disturb him, and enjoyed the silence.
"What if we modify our priorities?" He asked eventually. Virgil shot him a look of confusion. "By which I mean, focus on getting the provincial governments established first. Then let them take care of their own populace, and ask them to report a number by a deadline we specify."
"You mean...Semi-Autonomy?"
"Something like that."
"As much as I hate politics, you must realize that this will not please your more conservative base. Sedon Chider--"
"Bah, Sedon. He'll have his day, I'm sure. I'm not concerned. Semi-Autonomy might be a good temporary measure, and then we remove it."
"This will drive a stake between Graanid Proper and the Takaanis provinces."
"But in the long term it will unite us!"
"With all due respect, we need something different than your proposal. It will not work."
"Perhaps the Legislature should decide?"
"Legislatures?"
"No, just one..."
Virgil hated it when Lothan had good ideas.
|
|
|
| |
|
Epsilon
|
Nov 3 2011, 03:53 AM
Post #2
|
- Posts:
- 267
- Group:
- Consul
- Member
- #16
- Joined:
- Sep 10, 2011
|
Lothan was on a tour. The sub-province Takaanis (The Territory will soon be forgotten) looked to be the first ready for provincial status. He was visiting to inspect its Capital City, Tikam.
He stepped out and was greeted by media. The thick, Takaanis accent (and their horrid dialect!) hit him like a shockwave. Luckily he had taken a primer before leaving, and could understand generally.
"Hello, Governor!" He said. "Graan, it is an honor." "Lets go inside, shall we?"
They exchanged pleasantries as they walked into what must have once been a parliamentary building. Takaanis was once a thriving state, before various exigencies and corruption wore away at the government. The Takasians set up LOCAL governments, on the level of the typical District within a province. The Provincial governments were hopefully a stable compromise.
Inside the conference room, the tone was more serious. These were negotiations.
"So, I am to understand we are to be admitted into the Dominion?"
"Indeed, Governor. If you will look at this map, you are to administer this region."
"You realize, Graan, that I have only ever administered this locale." He gestured to the territories neighboring the District of Tikam. "I am not convinced that my authority will be respected in the specified zone. There are Mayors, Counts, numerous other, lesser authorities that will be hesitant to give over their rule."
"And they needn't give their rule. The names change, the functions will remain the same."
"And?"
"Security Companies are itching to enforce the law here. I doubt you will have trouble negotiating equitable arrangements."
"So what must I do?"
"Form your provincial government how you see fit! The typical model is a legislature, and a governor. As long as you have legal papers outlining your structure, The other provinces will accept it. We are actually considering creating a national legislature to simplify the creation of law for the land, so as to allow provincial legislatures to focus more closely on administering themselves."
"I see."
"I have the basic treaty here, outlining everything I have said, in considerably more detail. You are free to read it."
"And if I refused?"
"I will find someone who will sign it."
A tempting offer. He took the paper and signed it rapidly.
Lothan breathed a sigh of relief. this was far from over.
|
|
|
| |
|
Epsilon
|
Nov 4 2011, 12:41 AM
Post #3
|
- Posts:
- 267
- Group:
- Consul
- Member
- #16
- Joined:
- Sep 10, 2011
|
With that out of the way, Lothan began the next leg of his journey. He cursed nightly that his next stop was Duril. He knew there would be trouble, and it would be bad publicity before visiting Sabaal.
The change was apparent as soon as he drove over the border en route to Lerias. Duril, District 1. The location of some forward Tarkanean Camps, if he recalled correctly. A few left over settlements still existed, and most Tarkanean nationals had fled back over the border.
They stopped to get some rest somewhere in the first district. found a Hotel. Lothan slept soundly, and quietly, and awoke to a ruckus.
Protesters gathered quickly! How word must have spread! They weren't happy to see him, nor were they happy to have been annexed. Many held signs saying "Liberty!" others simply shouted and threw rocks. The security detail assigned to Lothan was working on scattering them, and the hotel owner wasn't looking too pleased.
Lothan wasn't entirely sure what it was the crowd wanted. Did they want statehood? Did they want a government? Anything but Graanid? Who knew!
At best, it let him know what to expect when he met with the acting Governor of the province to be.
|
|
|
| |
|
Epsilon
|
Nov 5 2011, 04:31 AM
Post #4
|
- Posts:
- 267
- Group:
- Consul
- Member
- #16
- Joined:
- Sep 10, 2011
|
IV Division dispatched a pair of Battalions from their Crowd Control duties closer to the Tarkanean border to ensure security while the Graan met with the de-facto Governor of Duril.
Lothan new things would be tense. Rioters shouted, the military held them back as well as they could. And the Cold Stare of a hostile governor came down to Lothan from the top of the steps to the decrepit government building.
There were no pleasantries.
"How can I help you?" The Governor said once indoors and seated. "I need you to sign a treaty, establishing yourself as the governor of Duril and surrounding districts." "HA! So bold with your demands! First the Tarkaneans so brazenly entreat on our land, taking from our farms, ruining our roads, ravaging our women, and then the Graanid come and claim to bring peace! Pah! And I read the headlines saying you WEREN'T Annexing us! Seems we are exchanging one tyrant for another." "Governor, Please, let us be reasonable. What we are offering you is stability. Our Troops, out there right now, fighting the last vestiges of Tarkanean Resistance, are the only thing separating the present state of affairs from total anarchy. Do you not think that crowd would be after your neck, given the chance?" "Hmph!" The governor snorted.
"We need peace and order. If you allow it, it will come. You'll have your own legislature, elections, representatives, military, everything. You can run your province the way you want. How long have you lived in Lerias?"
"All my life. I love this country, this land. It was so peaceful before you usurpers came and trampled us under your boots!"
"Maybe so. If you do not sign this treaty I will be obligated to find someone else who will, someone who would prefer THEIR city become the Capital of the province. You'll become a footnote to history, while they get the glory for unifying Takaanis with Graanid."
That got him thinking. The governor glared a long while, considering options. "Sovereignty is a special thing." he said. "And while I have been granted it, I can not abuse it. I will sign your treacherous document, but--"
"But it binds you to nothing. If you feel compelled to create a legislature, and your legislature does not ratify full inclusion, so be it."
"If the legislature does not ratify there would be nothing you can do."
"Oh, there would. But we'll come to that if it happens."
"I do not like being bullied, especially in affairs of state. I wish to sleep on this decision, to ensure that it is not a thing rushed in to."
"Very well." Lothan said. He got up in a hurry and left the building, after mentioning he would return the following day about the same time with the documents to be signed.
The governor was delaying to inconvenience Lothan, but really things had gone faster than anticipated.
|
|
|
| |
|
Epsilon
|
Nov 5 2011, 05:19 PM
Post #5
|
- Posts:
- 267
- Group:
- Consul
- Member
- #16
- Joined:
- Sep 10, 2011
|
The Governor of Sabaal was a traditional man. He received Lothan with as much fanfare as he could muster, partook of many pleasantries, and when business finally came, Lothan was surprised at how disarmed he was from the procedures of earlier. It had been a long time since his diplomatic training. He would make a note to brush up when he returned to Graanikep.
"So!" Began the Governor, "Why have you come to visit."
"Well, we sent a dispatch a few days ago, but--"
"I would like to hear it in your own words." The governor said calmly.
"I have here a treaty which would concede your territory--the Territory we have specified you control-- to the sovereignty of the Greater Dominion of Graanid. That treaty being signed, we would then set benchmarks for bringing Sabaal up to the standards and existing laws of Graanid. All this would be done via your provincial legislature, which you and your provisional government would be tasked with doing."
"Do you have this document with you?"
"I do."
"Please furnish it."
Lothan slid the document across the table. The Governor studied it closely. "What of Takaanis and Duril? I Trust your negotiations with them went well?"
"They did."
And much to Lothans surprise, the Governor picked up a pen and Signed the document. "I will not resist the ebb and flow of History, Mr. Marphal. But I will insist you remain to describe what changes need to be made."
"Certainly. Where should I begin?"
"The Legislature, if you will."
"Well, the Legislature is secondary to some other actions. First you'll need to perform a census, provide a population count and ensure the citizenry are all accounted for and documented, etc. Using this knowledge, determine a method for representation in a provincial legislature--every province determines this for themself. The Phinnean Method--my home province--is Parliamentary. The entire population of the province votes for a specified Political Party, and 121 seats are apportioned based on the percent of the vote each party received."
"Regarding these political parties." The governor interjected. "They are free to be made by any one?"
"Yes. The top 3 parties at present include the Conservative Party, the Progressive Party, and the Peoples Progressive Party. These naturally have a political machine established and would lobby for votes within Sabaal and the others. Of course, if political parties exist within your province, they would be permitted to be on the ballot. Following the creation of legislative procedures and the establishment of your provincial legislature, you would need to Ratify the Graanid Constitution and the pertinent law codes, to ensure equal protection under law."
"What then of existing ordinances?"
"They would need to be a secondary priority. National politics needs to come first i'm afraid, as just a practical reality. There is little national interference with your legislature after that."
"I see. I have heard murmurs of establishing a national legislature?"
"Yes, that is something being considered. Current policy is to have the various provincial legislatures pass national laws. This worked splendidly while there were three provinces, but with six i'm just not convinced it would be practical."
"Understandable, Mr. Marphal. What then of infrastructure?"
The conversation continued in this manner for some time. The Penalty for Annexation was different, but ultimately each province saw the situation clearly: The benefits outweighed the costs, and they would be better off paired with Graanid, even at the expense of their municipal ways.
The easy part was done. Now came the laborious process of making it all come together.
|
|
|
| |
|
Epsilon
|
Nov 5 2011, 09:04 PM
Post #6
|
- Posts:
- 267
- Group:
- Consul
- Member
- #16
- Joined:
- Sep 10, 2011
|
The order was distributed over television, radio, newspaper, internet. Some people went door knocking. Slowly but surely, the information was disseminated that Citizens needed to be counted, and ID cards needed to be issued. While there was no federal purpose for knowing citizens, it did afford certain legal benefits. For instance, if one did not have an ID, and wished to get justice for a crime, some courts will be hesitant to accept the case. Naturally, any citizen wronged can go to court, but the law applies, first and foremost, to Graanid Citizens. The trouble now became ensuring that everyone in Takaanis received the same benefits.
Rudimentary Courts already existed there, too. Bringing them up to speed on the entirety of Graanid law would be a challenge. Additionally, infrastructure needed to be updated. Corporations needed to establish themselves. it would be years before Takaanis resembled anything like metropolitan Graanid.
And, of course, there would be challenges.
---
Lothan looked up from his reports, where Thobold Natylis was sitting quietly, listening with a bemused expression on his face. "You've read this before?"
"Yes. I presume your shocked expression comes from the particular report on Duril?"
"Phinneas Knows. I asked him to put together a legislature, not an executive Club."
"He's testing the limits, but really there is nothing in Graanid law preventing him from doing that."
"But the people!"
"Did you stipulate his legislature needed to be popular?"
"But come on now, common sense! one man cannot represent the diverse interests of many!"
"Ah, but look at you!"
"The Graanid executive is split into three, I do not have the sole burden of leading the state. That is what you and Rolkin are for."
"Granted."
There was a moment of silence as both men thought.
"Its just funny." Lothan remarked. "One man from each district to compose the legislature. The corruption!"
"If that is how Duril wants to structure their legislature, let them. You can clearly see the Tarkanean influences. All the more reason we should pursue a National legislature."
Lothan chuckled. "Even then, we'll have to get it approved by the Provinces."
"And so we will."
"Have you any progress on the National Legislature?"
"Some." Thobold said, looking vexed. "The super-committee is fielding a lot of ideas, and many of them are rubbish." He handed Lothan the report.
"But some have virtue?"
"Some. There was one idea to make the Legislatures appoint three delegates."
"But what then of political representation?"
"That is the beauty. The majority power in the province will thus have a proportional say in the National Legislature--by the way, everyone has taken to calling it a "Congress", if that suits you. This Congress would have 18 delegates, plus me Presiding. If Duril elects Socialists, then there will be 3 socialists. If The rest elect a majority of Conservatives, then viola! Conservatives control the Congress. See what i'm saying?"
"I do. Leave the proportional representation to the provinces, let the National be a referenda of majorities?"
"Something like that, yes."
"I could warm up to the idea. Lets see what else they come up with."
|
|
|
| |
|
Epsilon
|
Nov 7 2011, 02:09 AM
Post #7
|
- Posts:
- 267
- Group:
- Consul
- Member
- #16
- Joined:
- Sep 10, 2011
|
Takaanis sent a dispatch to the Graan second, detailing their plans for a Legislature. Clearly opting for simplicity over representation, they decided on the Phinnean model. Lothan was pleased, but Thobold wasn't convinced.
"I'm telling you Lothan, this is going to be a complex process. The legislature system has been established, fine, but we've got to make sure all the Districts OK it. Legislation is a messy process."
"That and making sausages." Lothan remarked, smirking. "I don't see whats so wrong. What do we care how the provinces do their own legislation? If they don't like it they can change it. Nothing stopping them. The Congress will circumvent any regional errors we might get."
"Oh, speaking of, that idea i talked to you about is gaining traction."
"Is it? Good. I think."
"Its fair enough. Might have increased the delegation number from three to five, i Can't remember. I've got a lot on my mind. I'm going out to Sabaal to talk with the governor soon."
"Hm? I hadn't heard of this."
"They sent it through my offices." Thobold said, looking tired. "Sabaal must be filled with the most passive aggressive sons of bitches in all Renatia." he said. "I get the feeling they are making this a deliberate pain in the ass."
"I got that sense too. Don't worry, you'll be able to sort through it."
"Ha! Better me than you, right?"
"Not at all Thobold, not at all. Better someone who knows what they are doing, legislatively, than a head of state!"
Thobold shrugged and picked up his dossier. "I'll be in touch." he said, and closed the door behind him.
|
|
|
| |
|
Epsilon
|
Nov 13 2011, 10:46 PM
Post #8
|
- Posts:
- 267
- Group:
- Consul
- Member
- #16
- Joined:
- Sep 10, 2011
|
Despite the mobilizations and political drama going on around the country, the Greater Takaanis territory continued its path to assimilation. wage-earning individuals were rounded up, given documentation, voting cards. Political parties began to form and start advertising for membership. The Secessionist party was hard pressed to find any members, as the territories had just been annexed, secessionist tendencies would be foolish to discuss! They did make headway in Duril, where many were still unsure whether their allegiance lay with Tarkanea, Takaanis, or Graanid.
The Conservative Party made gains in the Conservative areas, with Hadarites bolstering the ranks. While the Progressives fought against becoming a minority. Peoples Progressives and State Capitalists had the hardest time. Young, new political parties had trouble defining themselves, but one that managed to get some momentum was the "Takaanis Liberal Party" with a platform that was for nationalism, Codification, and general upscaling of the government.
Coinciding with this is the unveiling of Provincial Legislature models.
Takaanis will apportion 1 delegate per party, + one delegate for every certain percentage. Effectively, the easiest place to get a political parties start will become Takaanis.
Sabaal will do the simplest Phinnean model: Voters will elect a party, and seats will be distributed by percentage.
Duril has simply designated an equal number of seats to each district, where individuals will be elected.
With these legislative models created, legislative elections will be held in another month.
Edited by Epsilon, Nov 23 2011, 07:42 AM.
|
|
|
| |
|
Epsilon
|
Nov 23 2011, 04:53 PM
Post #9
|
- Posts:
- 267
- Group:
- Consul
- Member
- #16
- Joined:
- Sep 10, 2011
|
The result of the provincial elections were somewhat surprising, but considering that Takaanis had a larger population it had the potential to have a greater influence on Graanid Politics.

The Takaanis Liberal Party won some District gains in Takaanis, and barely getting the majority in Sabaal. In Duril, it was a grab bag: Two districts won the TLP, while secessionists, Progressives, and peoples progressives made huge gains and the conservative party won modestly.
This left the need for a national legislature more than most knew, but none knew this more than Thobold Natylis.
|
|
|
| |
|
Epsilon
|
Nov 24 2011, 01:44 AM
Post #10
|
- Posts:
- 267
- Group:
- Consul
- Member
- #16
- Joined:
- Sep 10, 2011
|
It was the Phinnean Legislature where the debate began.
"The key point of any super legislature should be that the power comes from the provinces." a conservative was saying to the hall of 120 other legislative members. "The Rhean Model is the closest I have seen to this yet. Each province sends its majority party to represent them."
"But what of the Minority interest?" came a question to murmurs of approval.
"Mr. Speaker?"
"You may address the query."
"If the majority interest is represented by each province, then a majority of people will be served. not everyone will be satisfied at all times! I cede my time."
The next member on the speakers list was a Progressive member. "I appreciate the sentiments of my conservative counterpart, but my position, and one I feel that my compatriots on the short end of the conservative stick in this legislature, would agree that there must ALWAYS be a devils advocate. Imagine if every election, since most people voted conservative this hall were filled with conservatives? That is no way to run a province OR a nation. Until this matter is satisfactorily resolved, I cannot support the Rhean model. I have, however, drafted my own concept which, for ease of reference I have taken to refer to as the Phinnean Model.
Contrary to the Rhean model, the Phinnean model is based on the principles of a Republic. Each District elects three individuals, without regard to political affiliation, to represent them in the national congress. A congress of roughly 100 individuals is far superior to an elitist 18, and much more efficient than our cumulative Provincial legislatures numbering some seven-hundred."
"Where then would the provincial legislatures have a say? This would supersede the provincial legislatures!"
"The Provincial legislatures would dedicate their efforts to pure domestic matters, they need not interfere on the national level."
"Without them there would be no national level!"
The 95 members of the conservative caucus grumbled, though some seemed to take to the idea.
The speaker banged the gavel, the end of the days session. "The Phinnean Congress is Adjourned!"
|
|
|
| |
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
|