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(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/691408894391484477/698860533268480010/unknown.png)
Official Flag of the Empire - The six stripes represent the regions of the Empire. The Wolf is the Imperial Animal. Yellow represents the wealth of the nation. The black represents the determination of the Emperor/Empress
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/691408894391484477/698865821736370266/Aosta_COA.png)
Official Seal of the Emperor/Empress - The three stripes represent the regions of the Empire under direct control of the Imperial Family. The Wolf is the Imperial Animal. Yellow represents the wealth of the nation. The black represents the determination of the Emperor/Empress
BASIC DATA
(https://www.esmadrid.com/sites/default/files/styles/content_type_full/public/agenda/eventos/relevosolemne_guardiareal.jpg?itok=379reAVm)
Ceremonial Parade at the Imperial Palace in Ovado
Population:- 83,534,234
Capital City:- Ovado (Population - 4,873,443)
Currency:- Lira (L)
Official Languages:- Aostran & Italian
Religion:- 74% Aostan Folk Faith, 26% Others TBD by map placement
Demonym(s):- Aostan
Government:- Absolute Monarchy
- Emperor:- Franco Tornincasa IV (born 2018)
- Regents:- Prince Lorenzo Tornincasa (b.1980) & Princess Brigida Tornincasa (b.1983)
- Imperial Chancellor:- Duke Basilio Cassano
Area:- TBD
Population Density:- TBD
GDP Per Capita:- $29,856
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TIMELINE OF AOSTAN HISTORY
The modern day Empire of Aosta is made up of six provinces of which three are under direct control of the Imperial family.
1. The Kingdom of Aosta
2. The Kingdom of Tortona
3. The Principality of Codogno
Meanwhile three of the provinces are given some elements of autonomy.
1. The Kingdom of Porto Viro
2. The Duchy of Camalboli
3. The Principality of Rosignano
Below is an outline of the nations history.
c.4th millennium BC - The first evidence of settlement in what becomes Ovado
c.1412 B.C - The Kingdom of Ovado is founded under Terenzio Martelli
c.800 B.C. - Under King Balbino III of Ovado the Kingdom spread its influence outward and absorb many minor Kingdoms. King Balbino III renames his Kingdom Aosta after the valley it began in.
703 B.C - Construction of the Grand Library of Ovado. The library has since been damaged several times and is no longer a functioning library but it still stands.
697 B.C - Construction of the Shrine of the Holy Junction in Ovado.
620 B.C - The Great Earthquake of Tortono. A major Earthquake hits the Kingdom of Tortono, a rival of Aosta. In the aftermath of the disaster a stream of refugees fled the region believing in cursed. Using this to his advantage King Emidio II of Aosta marched an army into the region and captured King Gaetano of Tortono who was executed by being thrown from the tower of the Shrine of the Holy Junction after being paraded through the streets in chains.
619 B.C - Following several months of uprisings by the Tortono subjects against their new rulers King Emidio II decimated the population by killing all males over the age of 12. Many fled to other nations before the King's Army arrived after rumours spread across the region. The King placed his brother Orfeo as King of Tortono.
557 B.C - Construction of the first Palace on the site of the modern day on in Ovado.
417 B.C - The King of Aosta and the King of Tortono agree to a double marriage, each has their eldest son marry the others eldest daughter.
401 B.C - The Kingdom of Porto Viro launch an invasion of Tortono aided by the Kingdom of Codogno. The capital of Tortono is captured and King Settimio IV of Tortono is executed by being thrown into a pit of snakes.
399 B.C - The Kingdom of Aosta launches a major counter attack against Codogno and Porto Viro. The King of Aosta is killed in battle.
397 B.C - King Nereo of Aosta drives the alliance of Codogno and Porto Viro out of the capital of Tortono and restores King Settimio's descendents on the throne. He then carries out a three year campaign to fully rid Tortono of invaders.
203 B.C - The Great Fire of Ovado destroys much of the capital. King Celio of Tortono sends aid in the form of engineers to help rebuild, this however is a rouse and marks the beginning of an invasion by Tortono on what had until then been the stronger of the Kingdoms. King Celio slaughters the Aosta royal family bringing the Martelli bloodline to and end.
186 B.C - Duke Teobaldo of Castiglioncello (a city within Aosta and cousin of the Martelli) returns from hiding and begins a rebellion against the Tortono. This rebellion lasts five years and see's the Duke aided by the Kingdoms of Porto Viro and Rosignano. He is eventually victorious and rather than abiding by the terms of the agreement where Aosta would become two Duchies, both governed by Teobaldo but paying tribute to one of Porto Viro or Rosignano he turns his forces against them.
179 B.C - Duke Teobaldo has completed his liberation of Aosta and has also reclaimed the territory of Tortono making himself King of both areas. He sets fire to the Porto Viro capital and pulled down the main temple in Rosignano before having it rebuilt in Ovado.
162 B.C - King Teobaldo I dies. He has no son so his daughter Amelia becomes Queen of both Kingdoms while she is the figurehead of the Kingdom her husband Samuele Nicastro acts as essentially her Warlord and continually raids neighbouring Kingdoms for wealth while ensuring that none of the other Kingdoms are able to launch attacks against his wife's lands.
155 B.C - The Temple from Rosignano is completed in Ovado under the reign of Queen Amelia's descendent King Tammaro.
149 B.C - King Tammaro is assassinated by a man posing as a priest from Rosignano. This see's his son Ivano II first have himself crowned King of Aosta in the Temple from Rosignano with his first decree being one of war with Rosignano. A three year war begins which ends up in a stalemate under which the Princess of Rosignano is forced to marry Tammaro's son Bernado.
142 B.C - King Tammaro dies and his son Bernado becomes King. He has his wife, a Princess from Rosignano, executed so he can marry a Princess from Tortono. This naturally starts a war which lasts 2 years at the end of which Tammaro is victorious with his allies from Tortono. Despite the co-operation Bernado has the family of his wife executed leaving her the sole legitimate heir. As such he becomes the King of both Kingdoms again.
52 B.C - The first running of the Ordeal. This is run every time a member of the royal family reaches adulthood and is a horse race between the six Temples that make up the Way of the Spirits. It has only twice been won by a Royal.
AD 13 - With no male heir's King Amerigo of Aosta and Tortono splits the two Kingdoms by giving his cousins Fausto and Alessandro one of the Kingdoms each on the condition if one dies with no male child the other will inherit his throne. Alessando dies two years later with a one year old son meaning Fausto acts as regent for Tortono. On the child's 12th birthday The Ordeal is run but the boy goes missing and is never found meaning Fausto becomes King.
AD 14- The Wolf is adopted as the animal of the Kingdom of Aosta.
AD 72 - King Nero II of Aosta and Tortono launches an invasion of Codogno after bandits from that nation attempt to kidnap his daughter during The Ordeal. He reaches around 20km from the Codogno capital before being stopped. An uneasy peace remains for the next 20 years with the new territory being absorbed into Aosta.
AD 92 - King Nero III of Aosta and Tortono offers to restore the land taken from Codogno in return for a large annual tribute. This offer is accepted.
AD 108 - The Kingdom of Codogno fail to pay their tribute claiming that crop failure because of a harsh winter mean they are unable to pay it. King Tammaro II launches an invasion of Codogno and destroys their capitals Temple before having its alter carried back to Ovado as a trophy.
AD 203 - The Dukes of Tortono launch a rebellion against King Nero IV who is considered an extremely poor King. This rebellion is joined by the Kingdom of Codogno. While Nero IV was a poor King he was sensible enough to hand control of his army over to his warlord Duke Antelmo Speziale. The Duke was a military genius and defeated the rebels of Tortono before sacking the capital of Codogno bringing their King's head back to King Nero IV on a shield. Duke Antelmo had been promised the hand of King Nero IV's 12 year old daughter in marriage as a reward for his service however she ran away rather than marry him. When she was captured and returned her father had her thrown from the tower of the Shrine of the Holy Junction. Dismayed that his reward was not going to be granted Duke Antelmo began his own rebellion which lasted three years.
AD 206 - Duke Antelmo Speziale marches his army into Ovado and captures the royal family. He has Nero IV dismembered and his arms and legs fed to pigs. He then has all male members of the Royal Family beheaded while marrying his own 10 year old son to Nero's 22 year old daughter. The Duke has himself crowned King and names his son as King of Tortono. This begins a tradition that the heir to the throne is given the title King of Tortono.
AD 278 - The Wars of the Six begin which marks a forty year period of infighting between all six provinces that make up the modern day nation of Aosta.
AD 408 - Cristoforo Sabbadin attempt to bring Christianity to the region with mixed success. The majority of the population reject the new faith in favour of their traditional folk traditions. Cristoforo Sabbadin is executed in AD 416 for treason after it is discovered he was working with ?????? to try and invade with a Christian army.
AD 510 - King Primo II states that he is God. The people of Aosta turn against him under the command of a folk Priest called Nunzio Ungaretti. Soon the people remove Primo II and attempt to run the nation under the control of the Priesthood. Primo's son Leopoldo was 10 years old and managed to escape to Tortono.
AD 521 - Following attempts by Unzio Ungaretti to pass his authority onto his son who does not enjoy the support of the other Priests a delegation is sent to Tortono to invite Leopoldo to become King. He agrees and with support from the Priesthood and Tortono he succeeds in retaking his families Kingdom become King Leopoldo II. He then marries Princess Julianna from Tortono who is the sole heir of her father. In 536 they become the monarchs of both nations and upon the birth of their first child Primo reinstate the tradition of him inheriting the title King of Tortono.
AD 684 - King Vico of Aosta and his son Prince Diodato launch an invasion into Codogno. Their campaign lasts two years and brings Codogno under their control. It is made a Principality and Vico's 2nd son Girolamo is named as the first Prince of Codogno. The title of Prince of Codogno is still today given to the 2nd son of the King.
AD 714 - King Paride III of Aosta reorganises the hierachy of the Royal Family. He gives himself a new title "High King of the Lands of Aosta" and the King of Tortono and Prince of Codogno must pledge loyalty once a year. This tradition has continued until this day.
AD 933 - High King Sansone claims to have been recieving visions from a group of spirits that tell him to invade Porto Viro. As such he launches an attack which see's a great success. The King of Porto Viro is captured and executed by being ripped apart limb from limb. Sansone names his daughters husband Berardo as the new King of that area but he must pay an annual tribute.
AD 1076 - The King of Porto Viro launches an invasion of Camalboli but is easily defeated. High King Casimiro comes to the aid of Porto Viro and a 7 year long war begins. At the end of the war Casimiro makes himself Duke of Camalboli.
AD 1183 - Camalboli rebel against the King of Aosta and Porto Viro come to the aid of the rebels. This begins a war during which the King of Aosta is killed in battle. This war lasts until 1187 at the end of which the new King of Aosta has restored the pre-war position of himself as High King of the Lands Aosta, his eldest son as King of Tortono and his second son as Prince of Codogno. He breaks with tradition and makes the Kingdom of Porto Viro to be inherited through the female line after giving it to his sister.
AD 1274 - Innocenzo Caruso arrives in Porto Viro and begins to spread Christianity. This leads to an attempted uprising by a group of Christian converts in Porto Viro. King Amando of Aosta comes to the rescue and executed 1,644 Christians by crucifixion. Several prominent nobles had joined the rebellion and were stripped of their land. As a result King Amando restructed the relationship between the various lands under his control and had himself crowned as Emperor of Aosta in each of the capitals of Aosta, Tortono, Codogno, Camalboli and Porto Viro.
AD 1592 - Rosignano claim to have discovered a sacred artefact. This begins a war as Emperor Nero III demands the object be handed over. This war see's various religious factions form within the Empire causing wars for the next 100 years. At the end of the war Emperor Galeazzo restores order to his Empire and incorporates Rosignano into it establishing the set up of the Empire today. Ironically during the conflict the object was lost and has not yet been discovered.
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(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/691408894391484477/698926285484982362/unknown.png)
The crown of the Emperor of Aosta
THE EMPEROR
The Emperor holds supreme authority of the vast majority of key functions in all six provinces of the Empire. These include.
- Control of the Armed Forces
- Right to make Treaties
- Right to make Decrees establishing new laws
- Appointment of Judges
- Distribution of lands and titles
- Taxation (any new taxes or increases above the rate of inflation must be approved by the Imperial Council)
- Health Care
The Emperor also has direct control over several aspects of life in Tortona and Codogno through those being holdings directly of the Imperial family. The Kingdom of Porto Viro, The Duchy of Camalboli and the Principality of Rosignano are permitted to make their own determination on the following areas.
- Education
- Agriculture
- Transport
- Fisheries
- Environment
The current Emperor is two year old Franco Tornincasa IV. He inherited the throne at the age of one following the death of his father Emperor Franco Tornincasa III and his wife Claudia following a helicopter crash which was caused by a mechanical fault. At such a young age Fanco Tornincasa IV obviously may not have any power despite having been crowned. He will inherit the powers of his office at the age of 18. In the meantime his powers are shared by Prince Lorenzo Tornincasa & Princess Brigida Tornincasa (his father's siblings) as regents. Any decision in which they are divided is determined by the Imperial Councillor Duke Basilio Cassano.
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STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/691408894391484477/698970008142741582/unknown.png)
Under normal circumstances the power diagram above explains the nature of Aostan government.
The Emperor is the ultimate decision maker and once he or she has determined a course of action it is up to the heads of each of the six provinces to see that it is carried out. Each ruler of a province appoints their own panel of advisers in either an Imperial Council (for the provinces ruled by a member of the Imperial Family) or an Imperial Committie for those governed by someone from outside the Imperial Family. These Council's and Committees come together on a larger scale several times a year to form the Grand Council which offers advice to those above them.
The Grand Council can also block certain types of taxation change. In addition the Emperor appoints a cabinet of Ministers to offer specialist advice and speak on their behalf in certain circumstances.
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(https://heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/images/thumb/a/a7/Armoured_Brigade_Centauro%2C_Italian_Army.png/350px-Armoured_Brigade_Centauro%2C_Italian_Army.png)
IMPERIAL ARMY
109,843 Soldiers
30,834 Reservists
400 x Tereus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-84) Main Battle Tank
310 x Idmon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulpar_(IFV)) Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
330 x Inachus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrior_tracked_armoured_vehicle) Infantry Fighting Vehicle
200 x Abaris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EE-9_Cascavel) Armoured Car
320 x Acmon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EE-11_Urutu) Armoured Personnel Carrier
350 x Aeson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FNSS_Pars) Armoured Personnel Carrier
200 x Memnon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazar_BVT) Mine Resistant Patrol Vehicle
1800 x Minos (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennek) Mobility Vehicle
250 x Cornix (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VBL_(inbrafiltro)) Close Protection Vehicle
1500 x Midas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COMBATGUARD_infantry_mobility_vehicle) Mobility Vehicle
300 x Semele (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiesel_AWC) Scouting Vehicle
70 x Sibyl (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandkanon_1) Self Propelled Howitzer
110 x Tereus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FH70) Towed Howitzer
50 x Perdix (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OTO_Melara_Mod_56) Light Howitzer
35 x Morpheus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WR-40_Langusta) Multi Rocket Artillery
55 x Syrinx (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9K35_Strela-10) Mobile SAM system
30 x Telemon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHIndustries_NH90) Tactical Helicopter
25 x Thetis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_Rudra) Tactical Helicopter
40 x Thisbe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_Tiger) Attack Helicopter
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(https://nsindex.net/uploads/thumb/2/20/RANMI_02.png/300px-RANMI_02.png)
IMPERIAL AIR FORCE
59,234 Airmen
10,323 Reservists
80 x F-3 Fama (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_JAS_39_Gripen) Multi-Role Fighter
35 x F-27 Fauna (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-27) Multi-Role Fighter
35 x F-5 Febris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_37_Viggen) Air Defence Fighter
30 x A-24 Angita (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-24) Ground Attack Fighter
6 x E-3 Empanda (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_E-3_Sentry) AEWACS
6 x P-3 Pax (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_P-3_Orion) Martime Patrol Aircraft
8 x K-13 Kereban (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_KC-135_Stratotanker) Tanker Aircraft
30 x C-27 Copia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alenia_C-27J_Spartan) Transport Aircraft
20 x C-5 Consus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_C-5_Galaxy) Transport Aircraft
40 x H-90 Teleman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHIndustries_NH90) Utility Helicopter
35 x H-3 Thetis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_Rudra) Utility Helicopter
30 x H-26 Trivia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mil_Mi-26) Transport Helicopter
30 x T-6 Tempestes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beechcraft_T-6_Texan_II) Basic Trainer
30 x T-15 Terminus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongdu_L-15)Advanced Trainer/Light Fighter
30 x E-1 Egestes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_OV-1_Mohawk) Light Observation/Bomber
15 x V-1 Vacuna (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAI_Scout) UAV
10 x V-2 Ventas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BAE_Systems_Mantis) UAV
20 x B-1 Bonadea (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockwell_B-1_Lancer) Bomber
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(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Coat_of_arms_of_the_Allied_Maritime_Command.svg)
45,032 Sailors
9,341 Reserves
11 x Victory Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia-class_submarine) Attack Submarines
1, Theodric
2. Athalaric
3, Theodahad
4. Witiges
5. Ildibad
6. Eraric
7. Totila
8. Teia
9. Tiberon
10. Augustina
11. Vival
4 x Astound Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astute-class_submarine) Missile Submarine
1. Albain
2. Cleph
3. Authair
4. Agiluf
2x Bayan Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay-class_landing_ship) Landing Dock
1. Adaloald
2. Arioaud
2 x Waspian Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasp-class_amphibious_assault_ship) Landing Platform
1. Rothari
2. Rodoald
6 x Kido Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidd-class_destroyer) Destroyer
1. Aripert
2. Perctarit
3. Godepat
4. Frimoald
5. Alahis
6. Cunincpert
8 x Anzio Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac-class_frigate) Frigate
1. Liupert
2. Raginpert
3. Ansprand
4. Hildeprand
5. Ratchis
6. Desiderius
7. Louis
8. Charles
6 x Inacho Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incheon-class_frigate) Frigate
1. Charlemagne
2. Pippen
3. Bernard
4. Carloman
5. Berengar
6. Guy of Spoleto
10 x Del Piero Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Pilar-class_offshore_patrol_vessel) Offshore Patrol Ship.
1. Lambert
2. Arnulf
3. Rudolph
4. Hugh
5. Lothair
6. Otto
7. Arduin
8. Henry
9. Conrad
10. Roger
4 x Endo Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ensdorf-class_minesweeper) minesweeper
1. Frederick
2. Sigismund
3. Victor
4. Emmanuel
2 x Elettra Electronic Warfare (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_ship_Elettra_(A_5340)) Ship
1. Umberto
2. Vittorio
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(https://d1yjjnpx0p53s8.cloudfront.net/styles/logo-thumbnail/s3/092010/carabinieri.png?itok=kHDzF0_g)
IMPERIAL CARABINIERI
42,754 men
2,785 Reserve
The Imperial Carabinieri are a kind of military police force with direct command coming from the Emperor. They are equipped very much like soldiers and even utilise some of the same equipment. They are used for maintaining law and order in difficult situations or when regular police are deemed ineffective. They are more enforces than investigators. They have the ability to overrule regular Police of the same rank.
12 x Thetis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_Rudra) Tactical Helicopters
180 x Cornix (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VBL_(inbrafiltro)) Close Protection Vehicle
25 x Memnon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazar_BVT) Mine Resistant Patrol Vehicle
30 x Acmon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EE-11_Urutu) Armoured Personnel Carriers
30 x Tactitus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOMA_(vehicle)) Armoured Water Cannon
250 x AR Gladius (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfa_Romeo_Giulia_(952)) Patrol Cars
200 x BW Coyote (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowler_Wildcat) Offroad Patrol Vehicle
200 x VW Tribe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Touareg) Rapid Response Vehicle
120 x VW Amar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Amarok) Utility Vehicle
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(https://nsindex.net/uploads/thumb/e/ec/Brigata_M_Etna.png/200px-Brigata_M_Etna.png)
THE IMPERIAL GUARD
43,874 Guardsman
300 man ceremonial Unit
The Imperial Guard are soldiers personally commanded by the Emperor. They are the nations elite and to gain entry an individual must have given 5 years of "exemplary" service, have scored highly in all proficency tests and then pass a 16 week long selection course. They have the ability to operate on land, sea and in the air.
35 x Tereus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-84) Main Battle Tank
25 x Tulpar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulpar_(IFV)) Infantry Fighting Vehicle
15 x Memnon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazar_BVT) Mine Resistant Patrol Vehicle
100 x Midas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COMBATGUARD_infantry_mobility_vehicle) Mobility Vehicles
20 x Perdix (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OTO_Melara_Mod_56) Light Howitzer
200 x Spectre (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPECTRE_light_vehicle) Light Strike Vehicle
100 x Stealth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_Search_and_Rescue_Tactical_Vehicle) Light Mobility Vehicle
20 x A-24 Angita (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-24) Ground Attack Aircraft
12 x F-3 Fama (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_JAS_39_Gripen) Multi-Role Fighter
20 x H-90 Telemon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NHIndustries_NH90) Helicopter
8 x C-27 Copia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alenia_C-27J_Spartan) Transport
40 x V-3 Volcanus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAI_Harop) UAV
1 x Bayan Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay-class_landing_ship) Landing Ship - The Imperial
2 x Emperor Class (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buyan-class_corvette) Missile Ship - The Emperor & The Empress
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RELIGION IN AOSTA
74% Aostan Folk Faith, 8% Materna, 7% Odinism, 6% Sessifet, 5% Christian.
AOSTAN FOLK FAITH
(https://www.luc.edu/media/lucedu/medieval/labyrinths/images/9_-_Labyrinth_-_Cretan_Model.jpg)
The people of Aosta follow what is known as Folk Religion, this is because simply speaking the religion was never given a name as the concept of other faiths existing seemed alien to the people of Aosta at the time. The nation is made up of deep wooded valley's, fruit groves, rich open grassland and towards the coast rugged rockscapes. This rugged and imposing landscape saw very little influence from outside religious factors until the 18th Century when some regional immigration began. As a result the faith became extremely central to life in Aosta meaning the people have clung to their faith strongly.
WHAT DO THEY BELIEVE?
The Universe is split between Light (Good) and Dark (Evil). Each of these two sides controls a range of creatures with humans being the most visible. There are however creatures out there in the spirit world that can be either Light or Dark. An example of this would be Pixies (shown below), these are thought to be small magical creatures who observe mankind and can intervene with their magical powers. Some Pixies are Light, they ensure nature runs smoothly, can bless a family with a good harvest or help a man get a beautiful woman to fall in love with them (or vice versa), a Dark Pixie meanwhile will cause mischief, disease and could even destroy crops. At some point these two sides will erupt into a war of epic proportions and it is likely the side of Darkness will seek to destroy mankind, as such humanity must strive to get rid of evil before it gets rid of us. Additionally people believe that these creatures of different kinds are abundent in the world and as such are very intertwined with nature.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5c/62/a4/5c62a40822166e4815d12c7128427477.jpg)
HOW DO THEY WORSHIP?
People following this faith do not have a set pattern of prayers instead believing that the manner in which a person lives their everyday life is an act of worship in itself. An example of this would be the idea that a member of the faith would seek to live as closely in tune with nature as possible. Many Aostans will still keep their own farms or in towns and cities vegetable gardens. Additionally hunting of game is still an important part of life with animals being prayed over before being butchered as the hunter begs for forgiveness. Many sacred groves are found across the nation where it is believed the presence of spirits is very strong. A rather strange custom of the nation can be found when it comes to construction of buildings. It is believed that the spirits have their own "mystic road" network made up of lay lines, it is considered important not to block these and as such when new houses are built it is not uncommon to have a Priest/Priestess consult charts and omens to determine the impact of the lay lines upon the property and vice versa. Even the government buildings in Ovado is influenced by this with the Imperial Palace being built off set to a point where experts agree 30 lay lines meet. The building housing the Imperial Council can be found 400 meters down the hill following a road which runs parralel to a wide lay line that meets with 16 others close by the Imperial Committee building. The most Holy Site is thought to be the Shrine of the Holy Junction, a place where it is believed the spirts world and human world have a direct connection. It is also believed that the longer a Holy place remains standing the more power it can amass, this is why in the old wars between the 6 provinces it was not uncommon to destroy Temples and have them rebuilt in the victors capital. The most famous being in 155 B.C whenThe Temple from Rosignano was rebuilt in Ovado.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE?
When we die our physical body essentially becomes pointless and this is disposed of by family and friends in one of two manners. The first is cremation on an open pyre and the ashes spread onto the families fields, the second option is for the body to be buried in the woods. Both these methods assume that our physical body then returns all the nutrients that nature has given us during our life time to nature. At the exact moment of death it is believed that Clíodhna, the Spirit Guide appears and takes the spirit of the deceased into the woods where they meet with two groups of spirits who try and persuade the deceased to go with them. One of the groups is made up of Light Spirits, the other Dark however this is not always clear to the deceased who must choose which group to leave with. The family of the deceased can make offerings to their ancestors to come and help the newly deceased make the right choice. As such funeral rituals often take place very quickly soon after the person's death. Clíodhna often receives offerings upon a person's death as a request for her to help the deceased make the correct choice. Deceased spirits making the determination to join the spirits of Light live a life of pure joy, endless feasting and wandering the woods, those who select Dark are forced to endure starvation, torture and various other torments. It is believed the more virtuous a person has been in life the more obvious it will be which group of spirits are the Light ones.
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STANCE ON PAN-NATIONAL TREATIES/ORGANISATIONS
Uppsala Convention - SIGNATORY
The nation believe deeply in a military with honour. It is firmly believed that a strong military is the cornerstone of the Empire and that while this has often been robustly used at home the nation likes to see itself as firm but fair.
Mundus Convention of Universal Rights - HESITANT
The Empire believe that the MCUR is a good idea in principle and agrees with the vast majority of the document. The Empire however is not happy to sign because of the way it takes key decisions away from the Empire and additionally they do not believe the convention should involve itself in outlining what punishments can be mandated by law (for example the MCUR would prevent a nation changing its laws to bring into force execution for certain crimes).
Fair Seas Concordat - SIGNATORY
The Empire believe fully that the fair and equitable division of the oceans is a necessity in modern days and that it is only right to permit nations to navigate the world freely.
Treaty for the Protection of Hygelac and Hrothgar - SIGNATORY
The wilderness of the North and South Poles should be protected and no nation should own them or their resources.
Outer Space Standards - SIGNATORY
In a similar vein to the Treaty for the Protection of Hygelac and Hrothgar the Empire believe no one can claim territory in space and that the galaxy should be available to all to explore and learn from.
Council of Albion - Reluctant
Having spent the majority of their history pulling together the Empire the nation have had less contact with their neighbours. At present there is little contact formally beyond embassies. The continent is viewed as slightly dysfunctional as it does not seem to work cohesively and in some cases actively appears to oppose itself. There have also been a lack of action in the continent helping its neighbours during times of trouble. In the eyes of the empire the Council is unproven.
Treaty of Unity for Nations of the Alucard - Interested
TUNA have been seen to make some early major decisions. The organisation is of interest to the Empire as it would open up trade oppurtunities and the teamwork presented so far seems beneficial to the region in terms of environmental protection.
INDIVIDUAL TREATIES
Treaty with East Moreland (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=1997.msg18060#msg18060) signed at Festival of Sail 2020 in East Moreland. Reduces tariffs, introduces some visa free travel and establishes school exchanges.
The Cross Albion Economic Railway (https://independentorder.net/index.php?topic=2046.0) - signed 8th November 2020 and creates a series of economic zones in both nations and a high speed railway connecting them.