74% Aostan Folk Faith, 8% Materna, 7% Odinism, 6% Sessifet, 5% Christian.


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.


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. 

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 Main Battle Tank
25 x Tulpar Infantry Fighting Vehicle
15 x Memnon Mine Resistant Patrol Vehicle
100 x Midas Mobility Vehicles
20 x Perdix Light Howitzer
200 x Spectre Light Strike Vehicle
100 x Stealth Light Mobility Vehicle

20 x A-24 Angita Ground Attack Aircraft
12 x F-3 Fama Multi-Role Fighter
20 x H-90 Telemon Helicopter
8 x C-27 Copia Transport
40 x V-3 Volcanus UAV

1 x Bayan Class Landing Ship - The Imperial
2 x Emperor Class Missile Ship - The Emperor & The Empress

Following today's meeting of the Imperial Council headed by Princess Brigida it has been decieded to send members of the Imperial Carabinieri, the nations Military Police Force, towards the border with Merina. The decision was made after the Chief of Police in The Principality of Rosignano believed he needed support to ensure "stability" in the region. The area has seen the Police trying to ensure that the various factions within Merina do not illegally cross the border while also attempting to carry out their day to day duties. It was believed that by bringing the Imperial Carabinieri into the region they would be able to carry out the task of border policing freeing up the regular police to carry out their traditional tasks. The move however was not welcomed by all the residents of Rosignano as the Mayor of the town Cecina complained saying, "The Carbinieri have a reputation for what I will call rather stern methods. They are not likely to confine themselves to just policing the border and I think people will be on edge." This was however refuted by the detachments commander, Major Ricardo Patin who was quick to respond to the Mayor's criticism, "The Carabinieri enforce Imperial Law and Imperial Law only. Should you be someone breaking that law then of course we will exercise the full might of our authority to bring you to justice. If you maintain Imperial Law then naturally we are your friends."

Prince Lorenzo has also not ruled out the Aostan Military becoming involved. He has shown concern that a major multi-sided conflict could create in neighbouring Merina a cycle of war similar to that the Empire experienced for several hundred years. As the Kingdom of Ascota forged itself into the Empire it is today it experienced constant warfare with the sides regularly changing between the six provinces until finally being forged into a single Empire. The Prince stated that he hoped Merina must learn from these mistakes, "Our people learned the hard way that only by uniting under a common banner can you truly find strength. Hundreds of thousands if not tens of millions had died during our nations long and bloody history. Its something I urge the people of our Northern neighbours to learn from." It is rumoured that the Council of Albion may be about to make a statement on the issue however Prince Lorenzo is not so sure about the role Aosta would play in any intervention. "We've been busy for a long time ensuring our own stability. Perhaps Merina and Albion aren't ready for our involvement. The Council of Albion is perhaps a noble idea but we're yet to see it in practice. Perhaps how they approach this crisis may see us join but we'll work that out as we go."

Nation Name:- Empire of Aosta
Type of government:- Autocratic Empire
GDP per capita:- apporox 30k
Population:- 83,534,234
National Service: Y around 50% of 18-21 year old will do 18 months of national service.

What if any military threats does your nation face? Occasional uprisings within the Empire through the period 1960-2000. A kind of fear that sooner or later one of those uprisings will gain foreign support.

What is your nations landscape like? Lots of vallies with wide rivers and occasional lakes. Lower Alpine style woodland and in the East becoming like Southern Italy.

How technologically advanced is your nation? Comparative to most Western European nations.

Historically how has your military been used? Lots of internal conflicts. The military should if possible have a robust military police element. I'd also like a kind of elite Imperial unit that has a bit of air, sea and land stuff please.

What is your nations current foreign policy stance? Unconcerned however constantly suspicious of either state sponsered or foreign rebel sponsered support for groups within the Empire.

The two Regents have today confirmed that they are extending the Empire's Protection Laws. These laws were a series of rules that were brought in following the armed rebellion in Rosignano in 1990. The rules governed several aspects of life within the Empire including gun-laws, proscribed organisations and military service. It had been expected that the rules would have only lasted a short amount of time however 30 years later they are not only still in place but they have just been amended to extend their reach. The announcement came just after midday and will see the following implimented.

1. Gun ownership will no longer be permitted at the age of 21 but rather at the age 25 unless the individual has prior military service. Licences will still be granted in the same way meaning so long as you have a signed doctors certificate, can prove you have secure storage for your weapon and complete a Shooting Safety course you may buy weapons.

2. Individuals will be limited to three weapons. This reduces the number by one.

3. National Service will be extended to all six provinces. Currently only those born in the Imperial governed provinces had to complete National Service. This had lead to some mothers crossing provincial borders to give birth meaning their child would be exempt. Additionally service is extended from 12 to 18 months. Another significant change is an increase in the number of exemptions such as additions to key jobs lists and medical conditions.

4. National ID cards will now be issued at the age of 14 and not 18. It will be a criminal offence when requested to do so by a member of the Police or Military Police to not present your ID Card. This shall be punishable by up to 6 months in prison and a $1000 fine for the first offence.

5. In order to operate an aerial drone weighing more than 1kg it must be registered and an individual must have undertaken a recognised piloting course. Previously there had been no restrictions on the use of drones within the nation.

Prince Lorenzo confirmed that it was felt that as the nation was preparing to look beyond its "Imperial sphere" that there would be oppurtunities for "outsiders who wish to do us harm" to take root in the nation. It was therefore felt by the two regents that a tightening of certain laws would ensure the safety of the nation to a greater degree. It was also confirmed that the Princess  Brigida fully supported all measures and had he been needed to confirm or deny the new laws Imperial Chancellor Duke Basilio would have also voted in their favour.

Those aged between 21-25 who already own guns may maintain the ownership however will not be permitted to buy new weapons until they reach the age of 25. Anyone owning more than three weapons will be given six months to prove that they have reduced the number that they own. To aid in this process several gun clubs across the nation are offering schemes were they will buy excess weapons. As it was realised it will take time to issue the new ID cards to those aged between 14 and 18 this law will not fully come into force until September 1st however anyone suspected of being over the age of 18 and unable to produce their ID card will be dealt with by the Police until that date by being taken to their home address and made to prove their identity or imprisoned until their identity is confirmed. The government admitted it may be more difficult to enforce the new drone rules as to date no register of sales of the devices exists. From Monday the 13th April 2020 however all stores must only sell drones with a national ID card and will record the name and address of the purchaser.

Nation Name: Aosta
Nation Link:https://www.nationstates.net/nation=aosta2
Provinces you wish to claim:
1-B16
2. B17
3. B20
4. B24
5. B25
6. B28

Proposed colour of your nation on the map: Something Green, Black or White

I, Aosta, have read the rules set down above, and agree to follow them.

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.