Apollina
25-10-2004, 10:22
The Grand Duchy of Apollina
Map
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/earlhaz/apollinamap.bmp
The Grand Duchy of Apollina
History
There is evidence of settlements near the site of The City well before the first century. By the sixth century there is evidence of up to five sites around the City site; the town of Apollina grew to be the largest and most dominant, sitting in the centre along trade routes between the other settlements. In 763 Apollina became the seat of government, Papos I was declared king. Over time the settlements grew and began to join and form one City State. For almost 1000 years there was peace, the occasional conquest (or attempt), and smaller settlements were founded to farm and mine.
In 1717, the gross misrule of Exos III saw a rebellion and the Royal Family executed. The Syrus household had been ruling poorly for over 90 years, high taxes, religious oppression etc; a Republic was declared. In 1721 the Republic falls due to poor representatives being chosen, and poor economic paths followed; in its place came the Grand Duchy, an attempt to be the best of both, with an elected ruler in power for 20 year terms, a Senate was elected every ten years.
In 1851 Apollina was betrayed by a former close ally, an invasion began fuelled by envy of The City’s wealth. 1852 saw the Sack of Apollina, which left The City in flames and 40% of the population killed or taken as slaves. Many people had fled, and guerrilla warfare began from the area around The City. In 1857 the Apollinians organised under Grand Duke Polos, this included women fighters, this army slaughtered the enemy and retook The City. 1858 saw the Era of Isolation begin, the military was put onto a defensive footing and Apollina becomes neutral to all, cutting all non-essential trade and diplomatic links.
Until now, contact with other nations has only come in the form of trade for essential goods and resources, and the occasional military contract; also observers from Government agencies in order to try to remain up to date technologically. In 2004 Grand Duke Kos opened up diplomatic and economic channels; soon after he personally helped to draft the first Apollinan Constitution in history, totally re-shaping the political process.
Government and Politics
Elections to a Senate every 10 years. The Senate has 200 seats and a Senator represents the people of his area of the city. All over 21 are eligible to vote. From the Senate a Grand Duke is elected for a life term, he is elected from the Senators after an election, the lost seat is then up for election again. He must gain over 50% of the Senates votes; often leading to second or third rounds of voting as any candidate can stand in the first round and then the top three go through, if there is then still no winner, a third round takes place between the top two in the second round. The Cabinet is chosen at the Duke’s request, and are duty bound to serve the city, however if the cabinet is not approved by majority vote by the Senate then a new one must be chosen.
If a Grand Duke dies or has a vote of no confidence, a general election is called. A vote of no confidence comes if a petition of Senators is gathered and over 60% have signed it. The people can also force a public vote of no confidence if over 60% of the population sign an official petition; this has never happened. The same rule applies to Senators, if over 60% of the people of his area sign an official petition, a local vote will then take place. Political parties are banned in Apollina, a move aimed to protect the conscience of the Senators from vested interests contrary to those that are best for Apollina
Current leader - Grand Duke Kos.
Foreign Minister – Senator Reikos
Defence Minister – Senator Hokis
Trade Minister – Senator Thesos
People and Economy
GDP – $970,000,000,000
Average Wage - $10,000
Religion – 75% Orthodox Christian, 11% Muslim, 6% Atheist, 5% Pagan (Greek Gods), 2% Jewish
Currency - Dakar
Main Industry – Fishing, Wheat farming, Tourism, Metalworking, Textiles, Mining, Pottery, Boat building
Natural Resources – Fish, Iron ore, Coal, Copper ore, Clay, Gold
The economy is beginning to become more and more liberalised, with privatisation of services and industry that had been previously controlled by the Government.
Military
GDP spent on military – 2.0%
Total Active Military Personnel – 163,340
Reserves – 21,600
Standard Side Arm - M-9 Beretta Pistol
Standard Rifle – H&K G-36
Squad Support Weapon – H&K M-36
Field Machine Gun – Browning 0.5 Cal
Anti-Tank - LAW
MBT – Challenger 2
Secondary Tank – Commando Stingray
APC – Saxon Wheeled APC
The main core of the army is professional, full time soldiers that have had extensive training and are prepared to fight and follow any orders that the Defence Office deem necessary for the Apollinan national interest. The Civil Defence Corps (reserves) are on National Service who get rotated every two years, they are obliged to train every other weekend.
Map
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/earlhaz/apollinamap.bmp
The Grand Duchy of Apollina
History
There is evidence of settlements near the site of The City well before the first century. By the sixth century there is evidence of up to five sites around the City site; the town of Apollina grew to be the largest and most dominant, sitting in the centre along trade routes between the other settlements. In 763 Apollina became the seat of government, Papos I was declared king. Over time the settlements grew and began to join and form one City State. For almost 1000 years there was peace, the occasional conquest (or attempt), and smaller settlements were founded to farm and mine.
In 1717, the gross misrule of Exos III saw a rebellion and the Royal Family executed. The Syrus household had been ruling poorly for over 90 years, high taxes, religious oppression etc; a Republic was declared. In 1721 the Republic falls due to poor representatives being chosen, and poor economic paths followed; in its place came the Grand Duchy, an attempt to be the best of both, with an elected ruler in power for 20 year terms, a Senate was elected every ten years.
In 1851 Apollina was betrayed by a former close ally, an invasion began fuelled by envy of The City’s wealth. 1852 saw the Sack of Apollina, which left The City in flames and 40% of the population killed or taken as slaves. Many people had fled, and guerrilla warfare began from the area around The City. In 1857 the Apollinians organised under Grand Duke Polos, this included women fighters, this army slaughtered the enemy and retook The City. 1858 saw the Era of Isolation begin, the military was put onto a defensive footing and Apollina becomes neutral to all, cutting all non-essential trade and diplomatic links.
Until now, contact with other nations has only come in the form of trade for essential goods and resources, and the occasional military contract; also observers from Government agencies in order to try to remain up to date technologically. In 2004 Grand Duke Kos opened up diplomatic and economic channels; soon after he personally helped to draft the first Apollinan Constitution in history, totally re-shaping the political process.
Government and Politics
Elections to a Senate every 10 years. The Senate has 200 seats and a Senator represents the people of his area of the city. All over 21 are eligible to vote. From the Senate a Grand Duke is elected for a life term, he is elected from the Senators after an election, the lost seat is then up for election again. He must gain over 50% of the Senates votes; often leading to second or third rounds of voting as any candidate can stand in the first round and then the top three go through, if there is then still no winner, a third round takes place between the top two in the second round. The Cabinet is chosen at the Duke’s request, and are duty bound to serve the city, however if the cabinet is not approved by majority vote by the Senate then a new one must be chosen.
If a Grand Duke dies or has a vote of no confidence, a general election is called. A vote of no confidence comes if a petition of Senators is gathered and over 60% have signed it. The people can also force a public vote of no confidence if over 60% of the population sign an official petition; this has never happened. The same rule applies to Senators, if over 60% of the people of his area sign an official petition, a local vote will then take place. Political parties are banned in Apollina, a move aimed to protect the conscience of the Senators from vested interests contrary to those that are best for Apollina
Current leader - Grand Duke Kos.
Foreign Minister – Senator Reikos
Defence Minister – Senator Hokis
Trade Minister – Senator Thesos
People and Economy
GDP – $970,000,000,000
Average Wage - $10,000
Religion – 75% Orthodox Christian, 11% Muslim, 6% Atheist, 5% Pagan (Greek Gods), 2% Jewish
Currency - Dakar
Main Industry – Fishing, Wheat farming, Tourism, Metalworking, Textiles, Mining, Pottery, Boat building
Natural Resources – Fish, Iron ore, Coal, Copper ore, Clay, Gold
The economy is beginning to become more and more liberalised, with privatisation of services and industry that had been previously controlled by the Government.
Military
GDP spent on military – 2.0%
Total Active Military Personnel – 163,340
Reserves – 21,600
Standard Side Arm - M-9 Beretta Pistol
Standard Rifle – H&K G-36
Squad Support Weapon – H&K M-36
Field Machine Gun – Browning 0.5 Cal
Anti-Tank - LAW
MBT – Challenger 2
Secondary Tank – Commando Stingray
APC – Saxon Wheeled APC
The main core of the army is professional, full time soldiers that have had extensive training and are prepared to fight and follow any orders that the Defence Office deem necessary for the Apollinan national interest. The Civil Defence Corps (reserves) are on National Service who get rotated every two years, they are obliged to train every other weekend.