Ilek-Vaad
28-10-2004, 16:03
800 a.d.-1256 a.d., The Dark ages
In 800 a.d. The Kingdom of Lassic is founded around the hamlet of Lassic. Lassic is the current capital of modern day Ilek-Vaad.
Prince Lhasa Vaad I founds the Vaad dynasty and is given the title Rex Lasscis by the Constantine Emperor Nicephorus I for Prince Lhasa's aid to the Empire against invading huns.
815 a.d. Lhasa Vaad I falls in battle against the Principality of Coventry and is succeeded by his son Tomislav Vaad.
815-1000 a.d. Tomislav Vaad and his heirs fight several bitter wars against Coventry and the border regions to the north against the several 'Border Princes'. In 1000 a.d. Coventry defeats Vadim Vaad II and Lassic is forced to accept the Kings of Coventry as overlords as well as accept a Catholic Archbishop appointed by the Kings of Coventry.
1000 -1200 a.d. The Catholic Archbishop establishes the inquisition in Lassic. The former Princes of Lassic were not very involved with any particular religion. The religious tolerances of the Princes gave many 'heretical' sects such as Gnostics, Manicheans and Atheists a safe haven in Lassic. This ends when Coventry's 'Knights Purifiers' march into the Kingdom of Lassic in support of Archbishop James Stervace.
Over the next 200 years the 'Knights Purifiers' and inquisitors fight to expel and exterminate the 'heretics'.
1188 a.d. The birth of Prince Namaan Ilek-Vaad. The Vaad dynasty during it's subservience to Coventry diminishes and it's last heir Lasar Vaad marries into the hugely rich and powerful Border Dynasty of the house of Ilek. Lasar marries Syria Ilek. Syria will not accept the name of Vaad and the hyphenated Ilek-Vaad is adopted to appease the House of Ilek. 2 years later Syria gives birth to Namaan Ilek-Vaad.
1205-1210 a.d. At 17 years of age Prince Namaan takes control of the Kingdom of Lassic from his ailing father. With monetary aid from his mothers family he recruits and trains an army. He also goes about setting up the 'Council of Lassic' of learned men to be his advisors. Catholic Archbishop Stervace is alarmed when several of Prince Namaan's advisors are known heretics. This leads the Archbishop to recall the 'Knights Purifiers' and leads to war.
Prince Namaan (now known as THE Vaad) leads his army against the Knights Purifiers and expels them, routing them at the battle of Glen Hale. The Vaad then burns the Catholic Archbishop at the stake and declares the Kingdom of Lassic to be free of Coventry and the Church. The King of Coventry promptly declares war.
Citizens of Lassic flock to The Vaad's banner.The Vaad promises to end serfdom for all who fight for him and to end religious intolerance. In 1210 The Vaad takes possession of Coventry and it's territories and forces abdication of the King of Coventry.
1211 a.d. The Great Republic. The Vaad makes his 'Council of Lassic' an elected body. He gives each offical jurisdiction over a particular department of government. Elections take place later that year and for the first time ever the peoples of Lassic and Coventry elect popular governments.
1223 a.d. The Vaad renames the Kingdom of Lassic, it's new name is 'The Free Republic of Lassic and Coventry'. Since 1211 The Vaad fights several small scale wars against the border princes and the Heirs of Coventry. The Vaad never loses a battle.
1253 a.d. The Will of The Vaad. The Vaad now in his sixties and ailing with no heir publicly writes his will. He leaves his kingdom to 'The People and the Council', The Vaad legally disowns his family and gives them no right to claim the throne.
1256 a.d. at 71 years of age ,Prince Namaan Ilek-Vaad I dies and the Free Republic of Lassic and Coventry passes into the hands of The Council. The House of Ilek claims the throne as do the heirs of Coventry. The Council faces it's biggest test yet in these two threats.
1256-1578 The Rise of The Free Republic
With the death of The Vaad in 1256, Lassic is left leaderless. The Council of lassic retains civilian control but faces a crisis as the house of Ilek and the Heirs of Coventry begin to raise armies to crush the fledging Republic.
1256-7 The Council of Lassic meets and creates two new posts to replace the king. The military is given to the Supreme Commander and the civilian authority to the First Councilor. Both are to be selected by the council every year. The first Supreme Commander is William 'the silent' Issem, the first First Councilor is Vabeck Nikopol.
1257-1268 William 'the silent' routes the Republics enemies on two fronts. In the eleven year 'War for the Republic' forces of the house of Ilek and the heirs of Coventry are defeated in nearly every battle they field forces in. William Issem retires in 1268 after securing the surrender of the last of the heirs of Coventry.
1269 The Council of Lassic chooses Colonel Namroth Vedic as the new Supreme Commander. Colonel Vedic promptly re-organizes the military creating the current system of Velite Guard and Retaliatory Guard. The Velites are the citizen army and perform garrison and policing functions. The Retaliatory Guard are built from the Knights Purifiers (renamed simply the 'Purifier Army') and are designed to attack the Republic's external enemies.
1308 The Retaliatory Guard see their first action against the western czardom of Narvik. Narvik's young Czar Valumar Von Raukov sets and increasingly expansionist policy that brings Narvik to blows with Lassic and Coventry.
1346-1367 Prince Vedlar Vaad founds the first political party. The Vaadist Loyalist Party is founded with the dedication to bring The Vaad's heirs to power through the vote. Over the next 21 years the V.L.P. has varying success. Infighting in the Vaad family as to who is best qualified to run for office hampers the overall power of the party as it becomes more and more factional.
1456 The Battle of Haddeon Heights. Supreme Commander William 'the reckless' Issem the younger defeats the army of Narvik at the Haddeon heights. Through adept generaling Commander Issem lures the powerful cavalry of the Czar's body guard into an uphill charge against the billmen of the Purifiers. Czar Boris Von Raukov is killed and Narvik begins a steady decline as his family fights for the throne.
1498-1578 The Council of Lassic set the current format of yearly elections in February. Southern settlements clash with the mysterious 'Tolteca Jaguars' as the southern Tolteca Empire steadily moves northward from it's southern jungle strongholds. The Supreme Commander creates the Naval Guard to fend off attacks from Barbary Pirates along the eastern coast around Coventry. Two additional Retaliatory Guard armies are established. The Retaliatory Guard now comprises of the Purifiers (heavy infantry) the Levelers (armed with newly invented and rapidly improving firearms and artillery) and the Hunters (wilderness specialists.)
The Tolteca Wars
With Narvik on the decline the Free Republic take advantage and annex much of the land on it's southern and western borders. The southern lands abutting up to the lush southern rainforests is quickly filled with eager immigrants. It is soon learned that these southern lands were claimed by the Tolteca God-Emperor and conflict soon breaks out.
1578-1600 The Tolteca Emperor Itzcoatl commands his Jaguars to remove the offending settlements of the Free Republic in his lands. A delegation from the Council of Lassic is ritually sacrificed atop the great pyramid of Teztcatlipoca in Tollan. War ensues. Surprisingly the Tolteca Jaguar are a match for the Retaliatory Guard. The Tolteca carry on a healthy trade with Barbary pirates along the southern coast and often are as well armed and most of the time more numerous than the Retaliatory Guard.
1601 After several hundred battles with hundreds of thousands losses on both sides the Free Republic and The Tolteca Empire sign an armistice. This officially sets the southern border and ends the Tolteca wars.
1609-1625 The Free Republic and Tolteca Empire jointly move to free the coasts of Barbary pirates , the Tolteca also move to secure the Arabic strongholds along the southern coast and bring them under Tolteca dominion and keep them from being used as safe havens by the pirates.
1668 The Free Republic leases the southern port of Costa-Tula as a base for the Naval Guard. Embroiled in a war within it's own factions, the Tolteca Emperor needs the financial support of the Free Republic and is willing to lease Costa-Tula for 75 years. The Olmeca faction also enlists the aid of Prince Yevgeny Von Raukov of Narvik. Narvik and the Olmeca seek on and off over the next decade to unseat the Tolteca Emperor.
1679 With a full scale war now brewing with Narvik and the western Olmeca, the Tolteca Empire signs a pact of alliance with the Free Republic.
1682-1700 The Retaliatory Guard and the Tolteca Jaguar wage war on the Olmeca and on Narvik. The war ends when in 1700 the city of Narvik falls to combined Republican/Tolteca forces. The Von Raukov's abdicate and Narvik is organized and annexed by the Free Republic. The Purifier Army moves it's headquarters to Narvik to ensure stability. The Olmeca surrender to the Tolteca Emperor after the fall of Narvik.
1701 Unprecedented peace in the Republics. The only major events are scientific and political. Retaliatory Guard armies do not see official action until 1999.
Growth and Consolidation
1701-1898 The Free Republic puts all of it's considerable resources into consolidating the annexed territories and prompting trade and economic growth. The Free Republic comprises of Lassic, Coventry, Narvik and The Border Princes and has the rather cumbersome title of 'The Free Republics of Lassic, Coventry Narvik and The Combined Border Principalities' most people simply use 'The Free Republic'.
The Free Republic's businesses concentrate on research and development, helping to pioneer scientific advancement and turning scientific knowledge into practical and profitable use. The Free Republic's banking and investment system diversifies and provides capital to businesses at home and abroad and in 1890 the 'Lassic Exchange' is opened to investors for commodities trading.
Militarily, the Naval Guard sees minor action against pirates and privateers. The Retaliatory Guard maintain cutting edge weapons technologies and grows to 9 armies. Successive Councils of Lassic pour resources into building a strong defense. In 1743 the Naval Guard renews it's lease for the southern port of Costa Tula. Costa Tula becomes a center of trade and ship building.
1899 The Tolteca Emperor Ehecatl dies after 274 years of rule. It is doubted that Ehecatl actually lived 274 years as it is common practice among the Tolteca to name eldest sons after the father and Tolteca customs makes no distinction between the father and first son. In his will Ehecatl gives the Tolteca Empire into the stewardship of the council of Lassic .
1900-1928 The Tolteca Empire becomes the Tolteca Republic. The Tolteca population follows Ehecatl's command even in death and it takes several years for the Council to convince the Emperor's Jaguar Warriors to stop killing those who are not 'sufficiently loyal' to the Republics.
1929 The Jaguar Warriors are added to the Retaliatory Guard as the Jaguar Army.
1932 Supreme Commander Coyo Itihetacl creates the Red Jaguar Command and moves the Retalitory Guard headquarters from Lassic to Tollan.
1942 Themirin Ilek-Vaad is born in Lassic. The next chapter in the history of the Free Republic will be written by Themirin Ilek-Vaad and the Progressive Republicans.
The Progressive Republican Revolution
This period of the Free Republics History is marked by great social and economical changes. It is well regarded that this is the most important phase in the development of the current Republic. The main figure in this time frame is the Honoured Statesman Themirin Ilek-Vaad, whose name would eventually become the name of the Republic. Themirin Ilek-Vaad's style and marked intelligence made him a hero to peoples in all of the Republics and brought a bout a sense of national identity that did not previously exist.
1944 The Progressive Republican Party is founded. The Progressives mainly get involved in local politics in each of the republics, fostering labour unions and pushing for improved safety and fair tax laws.
1952 Massa Kanaan becomes Minister of Economics and is the first Progressive to hold a seat on the Council of Lassic
1959 The Progressives hold 3 seats on the Council of Lassic, they are able to steer the council but lack control. Politics in the Republics is still a local thing, no candidate can garner national support. Candidates still mainly draw support from their ethnic base, Tolteca's vote for Tolteca candidates, people of Coventry vote for Coventry officals, whichever region has the higher voter turnout, usually wins power.
1962 at the age of 20 Themirin Ilek-Vaad joins the Progressives. While still in college he runs for and is elected to the Lassic City Council.
1963 Themirin Ilek-Vaad organises all of the unions in Lassic and presides over a general strike. He urges the Council to limit the workday to 8 hours, to force companies to provide healthcare and to regulate and compensate workers for overtime. Lassic is held by the strike for 40 days, Themirin Ilek-Vaad publicly confronts the Governor of Lassic and his conversation with the governor becomes legendary.
His careful questioning of the governor and his easy going moderate speaking style humiliates the governor publicly at one point Themirin Ilek-Vaad asks " Why is it so hard to give these people the same rights we have? We meet only eight hours a day, with a lunch break and all I am asking that our fellow citizens are treated as we are?"
The Governor replied " You don't understand business or economics young man, businesses need a free hand to deal with the common folk...."
Themirin interrupts "Common folk? Who are they? Are they the same folk that voted for you?"
The Governor "Yes, of course, but the common folk understand that I have their best interests at heart..........." The crowd hoots and jeers but Themirin raises his hand to them and replies.
"Of course you do sir, but will you admit that you are no different from them, other in that you hold a public office?"
The Governor "Yes, of course, we are all the same!"
"Then why do you not give them the same rights they have given you through the vote?" The crowd erupts in cheers.
The Governor "We must consider economics, impact on the economy, you cannot fully understand, it is too complicated to explain here, that is why I am elected, to make the hard choices for the people......."
Themirin interrupts "Too hard to explain here? Too hard because we are listening?Why don't you explain it to us, the common folk are listening! We want to learn why you are better than us!" At this point the crowd erupts in deafening roar and the Governor hurries into the Council Chamber. Later that day the strike ends when the city council meets all of Themirin Ilek-Vaad's demands.
1964-1968 Themirin Ilek-Vaad is asked by the Progressives to go on a nation wide tour, his victory in Lassic empowers other unions and soon the Progressive become a fixture in every local government. Themirin Ilek-Vaad travels the country to help organize the Progressives Nationally. The Council of Lassic enacts tepid national laws that take steps to empower the workers, but the laws are not enough in the eyes of the Progressives.
1969 Themirin Ilek-Vaad turns 25 and is now old enough to run for a seat on the Council of Lassic, he is nominated by the party for Minister of Foreign Affairs. Themirin Ilek-Vaad runs the first ever national campaign, appealing to all the ethnic groups and all of the Republics. Themirin Ilek-Vaad not only wins, but the Progressives also dominate, the years spent organizing pay off as the Progressives win 6 seats and elect Progressive chairman Lynam Arnout to the post of First Councilor. The progressives now have the power to effect real change and they do.
The Progressive Revolution, Continued
Having been swept into power and being the first party to hold a majority in the Council the Progressives move to make profound changes in government and the way it is run.
1969 The Council of Lassic votes to officially change it's name to the Republican Council. The post of First Councilor becomes the First Republican and the Supreme Commander becomes the Supreme Republican Commander. The Council moves to reform campaign finance. Under new laws the size of donations are not restricted, but they must be publicly disclosed if they are from a business or a member of a board of a business etc. The law also bans businesses that donate to a particular candidate are automatically disqualified from bidding for contracts from that candidates Ministry should they win. The Judiciary is re-organized and are elected through direct local elections for terms of 10 years, the local justices then meet to appoint 3 Supreme Judiciaries to act as the supreme court. Nationally businesses that record over 1 million DR in profits are more heavily taxed, all businesses receive government tariff protections and subsidies so long as they agree to strict government regulations.
1978 The Communist Republican Party is founded as an offshoot of the P.R.P. The C.R.P. calls for state ownership of all business and a whole redistribution of wealth. The party is founded by Negyev Vaikov. The C.R.P. gains some support, but with the overwhelming P.R.P. sucess and support it remains a minor party.
1982 At the age of 38 Themirin Ilek-Vaad is elected to a record 13th time to the Republican Council as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the last 13 years the Free Republic has become a socialist nation with strong unions, a strong code of ethics in government and business and an industrial powerhouse.
1983 Themirin Ilek-Vaad does not run for re-election, he accepts the position of P.R.P. Chairman . The P.R.P. win all 8 seats in the Republican Council and Themirin Ilek-Vaad is elected unanimously to the post of First Republican.
With it's total control of the government the P.R.P. institutes mandatory military service. Every citizen between the ages of 19-58 is at least a Velite Reserve. At age 18-19 every citizen must server as an active Velite. The Velites take over postal services and just about every other govermental beaurocratic position, including the staff of elected officials.
The military service provides wildly popular as ALL citizens are required to join (men, women, blind, handicapped etc..) assuring that every citizen receives at least 1 year of some sort of job training, free medical care and money for college tuition. The Velite Guard become fully integrated as part and parcel of citizenship in the Free Republic.
1984-1992 The P.R.P. remains in at least majority control through these years, further stabilizing the Republic. Growth in all areas is exponential.
1993 Themirin Ilek-Vaad serves his last term and retires at age 48. He goes on to found the Coventry Institute of Democracy with Sir Lloyd Hamilton. The C.I.D. honours people nationwide that work actively democracy and civil liberties by giving them Honourary Knighthoods. The First Recipient is the Right Honourable Sir Issac Issem. Themirin Ilek-Vaad also goes on to write several books and goes on an International speaking tour.
1995 The C.R.P. defeats the P.R.P. gaining a majority in the Republican Council. Negyev Vaikov is named First Republican, his son Vadim is Minister of Defense and his son in law Rastov Nevsky is minister of foreign affairs. That year the 22 year old Red Jaguar Leftenant, Istvan Vaikov (Negyev's other son) is named Supreme Republican Commander.
1996 The C.R.P. cause much conflict, but is able to retain a majority. Several large corporations are all but dismembered by the state. Reactionary parties like the R.O.P. and the Warhawks spring up as anti-communist parties. The V.L.P. re-asserts itself as a right wing fascist party.
1997 The C.R.P. win only 3 seats in the Republican Council, but all of the other seats are split between the various anti-communist factions and unable to form a coalition, the C.R.P. retains power with it's 3 seat 'majority'.
1995-1998 Supreme Republican Commander quietly and efficiently re-organizes the Retaliatory Guard. He cuts waste and streamlines the Guard. Training is at it's highest level ever. With the Full monetary backing of the C.R.P. controlled government the Retaliatory Guard are once again equipped with state of the art equipment.
1998 Themirin Ilek-Vaad dies from a stroke at the age of 56. The nation mourns. His death is to have severe repercussions in 1999.
The Communist Insurgency
With the death of Themirin Ilek-Vaad in 1998 the Progressives were once again in the spotlight and poised to re-take power in the 1999 election. Public sympathy for the loss of The Honoured Statesman and the general disdain for the corruption and cronyism of the communists made their collapse inevitable. However the Communists had been secretly preparing for just such an event for years, and it was assumed that their hand-picked lame duck Supreme Republican Commander would not oppose them.
1999 The Communists lose all but 1 seat in the Republican Council, 5 seats go to the P.R.P. and 2 go to the V.L.P. Within 20 minutes of the official results Velites loyal to the communists take up arms simultaneously at the Command of Yevgeny Vaikov and begin to massacre non-communists. The first victim is P.R.P. Chairman Sir Lloyd Blair.
For two days the fighting rages unabated with Communist Velites quickly overwhelming all opposition, the Retaliatory Guard remain quiet in their barracks. It is assumed that Supreme Republican Commander Vaikov is complicit in the communist coupe.
The third day sees the Supreme Republican Commander making a televised address to the nation, Tollan Fire Control uses it's satellites to ensure that the broadcast is carried on all channels and is repeated at least a dozen times during the day. The speech is as follows.
"Fellow citizens of the Republic, we have recently seen factions within our nation taking up arms against the lawfully elected government. According to our great constitution in the event of circumstances preventing a new government from being formed the Supreme Republican Commander is to take control of the Republic until the peoples duly elected officials can take power. I am now doing this. All armed fractions have 24 hours to lay down arms, all Velites must return to their bases. At this time tomorrow I will activate all 11 Retaliatory Guard armies and they will crush the enemies of the Republic. My Life for the Republic."
This brief statement causes some confusion, the C.R.P. believes that Commander Vaikov will not go against his family and is prepared to turn over the council to them, their loyalists stay in the streets and continue killing.
24 hours later the C.R.P. see how dead wrong they are. The Air Cavalry Army the 'Fists of the Vaad' break over Lassic like a storm as A-10 fighters and HIND helicopters begin gunning down Communist Partisans. Reports all over the nation come in stating that every Retaliatory Guard unit has taken the field. In Coventry Commander General Ibn Baibars and his 5th Red Jaguar Command lead the 'Eagles' army in crushing the Communists. In Narvik (the communist stronghold) The 'Purifiers' under Colonel Sir William 'The Patient' Issem abandon their barracks and take to the hills and forests encircling the city. From Tollan the 1st-4th Red Jaguar Command and the entire Jaguar army streams from the massif to re-claim Lassic. The Naval Guard under Supreme Naval Commander Itxaad re-take Costa Tula. For 5 months the bitter fighting rages as the Communists refuse to give up .
In July Lassic Falls and the Red Jaguar speed towards Narvik to relieve the Purifiers who have (remarkably, as they are outnumbered 8 to 1) held the bulk of Communist forces at bay, Sir Issem's wily hit and run tactics confuse and demoralize Communists fighters and prevent them from gaining effective re-enforcements. The Red Jaguar Command 'Chok-Muul' super heavy battle tanks become bogged down well south of Narvik from Communist Artillery, this however is by design. After the fall of Lassic the Red Jaguar abandon their tanks and head straight through the wilderness on foot to Narvik. The Chok-Muul tanks are driven by regular Jaguars and move to sweep south and then east through the easy (and expected) route. The Communists pour fighters into the city of Kurtsk on the main road to Narvik in the south to halt the Chok-Muul.
Meanwhile the Red Jaguar arrive outside of Narvik and on the Supreme Republican Commander's order the Purifiers begin an intense bombardment of the city, the Communist fighters prepare to move out and attack the now static Purifier positions completely unaware that 8,000 Red Jaguar await them. The Columns of Communist fighters begin their march and are immediately flanked by the Red Jaguar. The Battle for Narvik lasts 5 days as the nearly 300,000 communist fighters take on the 8,000 Red Jaguar. The Red Jaguar, fortified by the drug 'Ixpei' do not sleep and go on a 5 day killing spree, by the 4th day they have run out of ammunition and are killing communists with their machetes, macanas, clawed gauntlets and even their bare hands.
The 6th day with Narvik silent the Purifiers march in and find no Communist fighter or leader alive, only 1,500 Red Jaguar Remain. Supreme Re publican Commander Istvan Vaikov reportedly led the assault on Narvik's 'Kalimegden' fortress where the communist leaders are holed up, most accounts claim that it was he that personally killed the members of his family (father, brother, brother in law and sister) that initiated the Communist coupe, it is further reported that his brother in law attempted to used the Supreme Re publican Commander's nieces as body shields to keep Istvan back, rumours are persistent that he killed them all.
With the Communist insurgency ended, the Supreme Republican Commander rebuilds the Free Republic.
Rebuilding of the Republic
Over the next several months after the bloody and failed coupe d'etat, the Supreme Republican Commander rules with absolute control. Investigations into the coupe show that the C.R.P. had planned for a violent overthrow of the government for nearly two years. The Retaliatory Guard summarily execute nearly 450,000 people that are directly implicated by the C.R.P's files seized from the Kalimegdan.
It is reported that the Supreme Republican Commander swings between being inconsolable over the death of his family and terrifying anger at his family and the communists. He channels his anger into gaining revenge on the communists and re-building what they destroyed. He outlaws the C.R.P. and any 'overtly communist party', he adds this to the Constitutions articles that deal with treason.
In September with the Velite re-organized and re-building of the countries physical damage well under way the Supreme Republican Commander recalls the surviving members of the Republican Council and asks them to form a government. With three council members dead, five still remain for a technical quorum and the P.R.P. Chairman at Large,Theleb Kanaan, is elected First Republican. His first act is to re-instate Istvan Vaikov as Supreme Republican Commander. In a moving speech Theleb Kanaan helps assuage the nations fears and heal the deep wounds left by the insurgency. His speech also gives the Supreme Republican Commander his popular nickname of 'Uncle Istvan' as he points out in his speech
"I know that we all have suffered terrible losses, and we all are in mourning for our mothers,fathers,brothers and sisters and to the scars across all of the Republic. The Supreme Republican Commander has lost his entire family, even his most beloved nieces, but we should ask him that in his mourning he remember that he now has millions of nieces and nephews, he protected us as only a favorite uncle might and we cannot ever thank him enough." Chants of 'Uncle Istvan! Uncle Istvan!' forced Theleb Kanaan to pause for nearly half an hour.
The People of the Republic see the Supreme Republican Commander as their greatest hero, and with the Republican Council back in control he once again busies himself with training and equipping his men, staying very much out of public view and decidedly well away from politics. Many have said that if he wished to be king the People would carry him on his shoulders to the throne of The Vaad, on display in the House of the Republic in Lassic. His selfless actions during the insurgency and his quick return of power to the Republican Council give him inestimable respect in the eyes of the people.
The Modern Republic
The Free Republic once again passed into a restful state, with the horrors of war and insurgency behind them the people of the Republic once again moved building and creating. The Free Republic also moved to become more of an international power.
2000-2005 A grass roots campaign begins to officially rename the Republic to 'The Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad' in honour of the memory of the honoured statesman and his legacy of national unity. The campaign ends when in 2005 the proposal in put into referendum and the people vote to make it law.
2006 The Republic of the Lumpen Proletariat (Ilek-Vaad's northern neighbor) is seized by President for Life MacTaggart, civil war begins.
2007-2009 President MacTaggart enlists Milosylvanian forces to kill the rebels, the Milosylvanians are soon in control and the Princes Axes hunt down refugees and insurgents alike. Several of their 'hunts' take them across Ilek-Vaad's border. Ilek-Vaad requests that international peacekeepers be sent and that the Milosylvanians contain themselves, they refuse. July of 2008 the Republican Council gives Mandate to The Supreme Republican commander to 'Secure the northern border by any means necessary.' The Forces of the Supreme Republican Commander easily route the over-confident Milosylvanians and also depose MacTaggart. Ilek-Vaad rebuilds the Lumpen Republic and a year later Joachim Tequila y Muerta becomes the democratically elected president of the Lumpen Republic.
2012 The R.O.P. wins control of the Republican Council for the first time in decades. The R.O.P. presides over successful peace keeping missions in Cyberjaya, Syrique and takes part in the war against slavery in Yurka and Zenti. The Minister of Foreign Affairs negotiates peace in Augnista and gets Augnista to promise to free it's slaves thereby averting war. The Lumpen Republic is annexed after 72% of it's population requests membership into the Republic. Avery Frost Aeronautics invents an anti-gravity engine and it's partner Narvik Advanced Ordinance develops a highly powerful Neutron 'Neutrino' bomb.
2013 The wildly popular Minister of Foreign Affairs is killed by rebel forces loyal to Antiachus in Phyrric's civil war, the Retaliatory Guard are mobilized to defeat Antiachus. The VLP gain control of the Republican Council for the first time ever and the Republic votes to ratify the UnAPS treaty.
The Free Republic becomes embroiled in the several armed conflicts in it's home region of Haven. These conflicts cause the Free Republic to withdraw from the UnAPS and the Republican Council gives mandate to the Supreme Republican Commander to 'Cease all hostilities in Haven'
The Retaliatory Guard mount 2 campaigns. The First is an assault on the Empire of Fluffywuffy's fleet attacking Edolian Yasmara, the Naval Guard win in spectacular fashion , Fluffywuffy's expeditionary force is crushed by Admiral Coyohuitl. The second is an assault on Allanea's SW coast. Command General Adan Ring quickly seizes the entire coast, Heston City (Allanea's capital) and forces Allanea to accept peace and relinquish it's claims on Edolian Axackal. Peace ensues after the Free Republics intervention
2014 -2015 The Progressive once again seize power from the V.L.P. and Supreme Republican Commander Istvan Vaikov retires to be replaced by Supreme REpublican Commander Adan Ring. Debates on the possibility of signing the Klatchian Constitution begin.
In 2014 the Free Republic tentatively signs the KIST economic treaty, but withdraws several months later when the effects of the treaty are negative for the nations economy. Tensions are also heightened between the Free Republic and the Democratic Dutch Republic of Knootoss. Formally very close allies, the DDR makes plans to and invades Tanah Burung in defiance of the IMC treaty signed by the DDR and the Free Republic. Naval Forces are sent by the Naval Guard to intervene on behalf of the Burungi's but are eventually withdrawn when Burungi co-operation becomes questionable.
The Free Republic withdraws it's ambassador from Knootoss and begins a trade boycott. Knootian citizens in the Free Republic mostly ignore the boycott and are arrested by the Velite Guard. Knootoss declares war.
The Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar takes land from the holdings of Etaros in Haven. The Free Republic protests and in a behind the scenes agreement with Feline and Edolia decides that strong action must be taken. The Naval Guard deploys nine Tactical Groups to blockade Etaros. Edolia and Feline do an about face and refuse to support the Free Republic's anti-imperial stance and take the even further step of seizing the scarlet isles for themselves. The Free Republic recalls the ambassador to Edolia.
The Blockade results in a conference between Ilek-Vaad and Veritas and in a mutual non-aggression pact, that not only precludes Menelmacar from taking hostile action but also prevents Menelmacar from supporting it's allies (ie Knootoss and Veritas) in war against the Free Republic. Knootoss quickly concludes a humiliating peace with never having fired a shot or even managing to threaten the Free Republic.
The Free Republic also forges closer ties with it's Klatchian neighbors. Weapons sales are approved to the Glorious Kingdom of Vrak and ships of other Klatch States are granted the right to use Vaadian ports in both Haven and the Klatch. The Klatch Guard are founded and stationed in Dyelli Beybi and North Germania contributes troops and equipment to the Klatch Guard.
2015 -2016 The Progressive Republican Party wins a majority in the Republican Council in 2015 and then an absolute majority in early 2016. The nation is once again moving along a firm Progressive course.
Relations with The Klatch sour as the Federation refuses to deal directly with the Vaadian Ambassador to the Federation, forces in Port Olympus mount a terrorist attack on the Ambassador's residence killing several and injuring the Ambassador's chief of staf and the Landgravine of Hubris. The Fre Republic also intervenes in the civil war in Karmanyaka, defeating Field Marshal Grune's forces and restoring the Lord Tengil. The Federation threatens war.
The Foreign Guard is established in Dyelli Beybi, but a revolt led by Genorale Soult crushes the Dyellian Government. Soult does not declare war on the Free Republic, but builds up forces to attack the Foreign Guard base. The Foreign Guard's Dyellian recruits perform horribly and the Guard are withdrawn. The Federation once again does nothing, but threaten war with The Free Republic.
The Republican Council then vote to officially un-recognize the Federation as a viable government after the Imperium of The Scadavian States is given exactly the same rights as the Free Republic within Federation territory.This strong move helps the Progressives expand power in the 2016 election.
In 800 a.d. The Kingdom of Lassic is founded around the hamlet of Lassic. Lassic is the current capital of modern day Ilek-Vaad.
Prince Lhasa Vaad I founds the Vaad dynasty and is given the title Rex Lasscis by the Constantine Emperor Nicephorus I for Prince Lhasa's aid to the Empire against invading huns.
815 a.d. Lhasa Vaad I falls in battle against the Principality of Coventry and is succeeded by his son Tomislav Vaad.
815-1000 a.d. Tomislav Vaad and his heirs fight several bitter wars against Coventry and the border regions to the north against the several 'Border Princes'. In 1000 a.d. Coventry defeats Vadim Vaad II and Lassic is forced to accept the Kings of Coventry as overlords as well as accept a Catholic Archbishop appointed by the Kings of Coventry.
1000 -1200 a.d. The Catholic Archbishop establishes the inquisition in Lassic. The former Princes of Lassic were not very involved with any particular religion. The religious tolerances of the Princes gave many 'heretical' sects such as Gnostics, Manicheans and Atheists a safe haven in Lassic. This ends when Coventry's 'Knights Purifiers' march into the Kingdom of Lassic in support of Archbishop James Stervace.
Over the next 200 years the 'Knights Purifiers' and inquisitors fight to expel and exterminate the 'heretics'.
1188 a.d. The birth of Prince Namaan Ilek-Vaad. The Vaad dynasty during it's subservience to Coventry diminishes and it's last heir Lasar Vaad marries into the hugely rich and powerful Border Dynasty of the house of Ilek. Lasar marries Syria Ilek. Syria will not accept the name of Vaad and the hyphenated Ilek-Vaad is adopted to appease the House of Ilek. 2 years later Syria gives birth to Namaan Ilek-Vaad.
1205-1210 a.d. At 17 years of age Prince Namaan takes control of the Kingdom of Lassic from his ailing father. With monetary aid from his mothers family he recruits and trains an army. He also goes about setting up the 'Council of Lassic' of learned men to be his advisors. Catholic Archbishop Stervace is alarmed when several of Prince Namaan's advisors are known heretics. This leads the Archbishop to recall the 'Knights Purifiers' and leads to war.
Prince Namaan (now known as THE Vaad) leads his army against the Knights Purifiers and expels them, routing them at the battle of Glen Hale. The Vaad then burns the Catholic Archbishop at the stake and declares the Kingdom of Lassic to be free of Coventry and the Church. The King of Coventry promptly declares war.
Citizens of Lassic flock to The Vaad's banner.The Vaad promises to end serfdom for all who fight for him and to end religious intolerance. In 1210 The Vaad takes possession of Coventry and it's territories and forces abdication of the King of Coventry.
1211 a.d. The Great Republic. The Vaad makes his 'Council of Lassic' an elected body. He gives each offical jurisdiction over a particular department of government. Elections take place later that year and for the first time ever the peoples of Lassic and Coventry elect popular governments.
1223 a.d. The Vaad renames the Kingdom of Lassic, it's new name is 'The Free Republic of Lassic and Coventry'. Since 1211 The Vaad fights several small scale wars against the border princes and the Heirs of Coventry. The Vaad never loses a battle.
1253 a.d. The Will of The Vaad. The Vaad now in his sixties and ailing with no heir publicly writes his will. He leaves his kingdom to 'The People and the Council', The Vaad legally disowns his family and gives them no right to claim the throne.
1256 a.d. at 71 years of age ,Prince Namaan Ilek-Vaad I dies and the Free Republic of Lassic and Coventry passes into the hands of The Council. The House of Ilek claims the throne as do the heirs of Coventry. The Council faces it's biggest test yet in these two threats.
1256-1578 The Rise of The Free Republic
With the death of The Vaad in 1256, Lassic is left leaderless. The Council of lassic retains civilian control but faces a crisis as the house of Ilek and the Heirs of Coventry begin to raise armies to crush the fledging Republic.
1256-7 The Council of Lassic meets and creates two new posts to replace the king. The military is given to the Supreme Commander and the civilian authority to the First Councilor. Both are to be selected by the council every year. The first Supreme Commander is William 'the silent' Issem, the first First Councilor is Vabeck Nikopol.
1257-1268 William 'the silent' routes the Republics enemies on two fronts. In the eleven year 'War for the Republic' forces of the house of Ilek and the heirs of Coventry are defeated in nearly every battle they field forces in. William Issem retires in 1268 after securing the surrender of the last of the heirs of Coventry.
1269 The Council of Lassic chooses Colonel Namroth Vedic as the new Supreme Commander. Colonel Vedic promptly re-organizes the military creating the current system of Velite Guard and Retaliatory Guard. The Velites are the citizen army and perform garrison and policing functions. The Retaliatory Guard are built from the Knights Purifiers (renamed simply the 'Purifier Army') and are designed to attack the Republic's external enemies.
1308 The Retaliatory Guard see their first action against the western czardom of Narvik. Narvik's young Czar Valumar Von Raukov sets and increasingly expansionist policy that brings Narvik to blows with Lassic and Coventry.
1346-1367 Prince Vedlar Vaad founds the first political party. The Vaadist Loyalist Party is founded with the dedication to bring The Vaad's heirs to power through the vote. Over the next 21 years the V.L.P. has varying success. Infighting in the Vaad family as to who is best qualified to run for office hampers the overall power of the party as it becomes more and more factional.
1456 The Battle of Haddeon Heights. Supreme Commander William 'the reckless' Issem the younger defeats the army of Narvik at the Haddeon heights. Through adept generaling Commander Issem lures the powerful cavalry of the Czar's body guard into an uphill charge against the billmen of the Purifiers. Czar Boris Von Raukov is killed and Narvik begins a steady decline as his family fights for the throne.
1498-1578 The Council of Lassic set the current format of yearly elections in February. Southern settlements clash with the mysterious 'Tolteca Jaguars' as the southern Tolteca Empire steadily moves northward from it's southern jungle strongholds. The Supreme Commander creates the Naval Guard to fend off attacks from Barbary Pirates along the eastern coast around Coventry. Two additional Retaliatory Guard armies are established. The Retaliatory Guard now comprises of the Purifiers (heavy infantry) the Levelers (armed with newly invented and rapidly improving firearms and artillery) and the Hunters (wilderness specialists.)
The Tolteca Wars
With Narvik on the decline the Free Republic take advantage and annex much of the land on it's southern and western borders. The southern lands abutting up to the lush southern rainforests is quickly filled with eager immigrants. It is soon learned that these southern lands were claimed by the Tolteca God-Emperor and conflict soon breaks out.
1578-1600 The Tolteca Emperor Itzcoatl commands his Jaguars to remove the offending settlements of the Free Republic in his lands. A delegation from the Council of Lassic is ritually sacrificed atop the great pyramid of Teztcatlipoca in Tollan. War ensues. Surprisingly the Tolteca Jaguar are a match for the Retaliatory Guard. The Tolteca carry on a healthy trade with Barbary pirates along the southern coast and often are as well armed and most of the time more numerous than the Retaliatory Guard.
1601 After several hundred battles with hundreds of thousands losses on both sides the Free Republic and The Tolteca Empire sign an armistice. This officially sets the southern border and ends the Tolteca wars.
1609-1625 The Free Republic and Tolteca Empire jointly move to free the coasts of Barbary pirates , the Tolteca also move to secure the Arabic strongholds along the southern coast and bring them under Tolteca dominion and keep them from being used as safe havens by the pirates.
1668 The Free Republic leases the southern port of Costa-Tula as a base for the Naval Guard. Embroiled in a war within it's own factions, the Tolteca Emperor needs the financial support of the Free Republic and is willing to lease Costa-Tula for 75 years. The Olmeca faction also enlists the aid of Prince Yevgeny Von Raukov of Narvik. Narvik and the Olmeca seek on and off over the next decade to unseat the Tolteca Emperor.
1679 With a full scale war now brewing with Narvik and the western Olmeca, the Tolteca Empire signs a pact of alliance with the Free Republic.
1682-1700 The Retaliatory Guard and the Tolteca Jaguar wage war on the Olmeca and on Narvik. The war ends when in 1700 the city of Narvik falls to combined Republican/Tolteca forces. The Von Raukov's abdicate and Narvik is organized and annexed by the Free Republic. The Purifier Army moves it's headquarters to Narvik to ensure stability. The Olmeca surrender to the Tolteca Emperor after the fall of Narvik.
1701 Unprecedented peace in the Republics. The only major events are scientific and political. Retaliatory Guard armies do not see official action until 1999.
Growth and Consolidation
1701-1898 The Free Republic puts all of it's considerable resources into consolidating the annexed territories and prompting trade and economic growth. The Free Republic comprises of Lassic, Coventry, Narvik and The Border Princes and has the rather cumbersome title of 'The Free Republics of Lassic, Coventry Narvik and The Combined Border Principalities' most people simply use 'The Free Republic'.
The Free Republic's businesses concentrate on research and development, helping to pioneer scientific advancement and turning scientific knowledge into practical and profitable use. The Free Republic's banking and investment system diversifies and provides capital to businesses at home and abroad and in 1890 the 'Lassic Exchange' is opened to investors for commodities trading.
Militarily, the Naval Guard sees minor action against pirates and privateers. The Retaliatory Guard maintain cutting edge weapons technologies and grows to 9 armies. Successive Councils of Lassic pour resources into building a strong defense. In 1743 the Naval Guard renews it's lease for the southern port of Costa Tula. Costa Tula becomes a center of trade and ship building.
1899 The Tolteca Emperor Ehecatl dies after 274 years of rule. It is doubted that Ehecatl actually lived 274 years as it is common practice among the Tolteca to name eldest sons after the father and Tolteca customs makes no distinction between the father and first son. In his will Ehecatl gives the Tolteca Empire into the stewardship of the council of Lassic .
1900-1928 The Tolteca Empire becomes the Tolteca Republic. The Tolteca population follows Ehecatl's command even in death and it takes several years for the Council to convince the Emperor's Jaguar Warriors to stop killing those who are not 'sufficiently loyal' to the Republics.
1929 The Jaguar Warriors are added to the Retaliatory Guard as the Jaguar Army.
1932 Supreme Commander Coyo Itihetacl creates the Red Jaguar Command and moves the Retalitory Guard headquarters from Lassic to Tollan.
1942 Themirin Ilek-Vaad is born in Lassic. The next chapter in the history of the Free Republic will be written by Themirin Ilek-Vaad and the Progressive Republicans.
The Progressive Republican Revolution
This period of the Free Republics History is marked by great social and economical changes. It is well regarded that this is the most important phase in the development of the current Republic. The main figure in this time frame is the Honoured Statesman Themirin Ilek-Vaad, whose name would eventually become the name of the Republic. Themirin Ilek-Vaad's style and marked intelligence made him a hero to peoples in all of the Republics and brought a bout a sense of national identity that did not previously exist.
1944 The Progressive Republican Party is founded. The Progressives mainly get involved in local politics in each of the republics, fostering labour unions and pushing for improved safety and fair tax laws.
1952 Massa Kanaan becomes Minister of Economics and is the first Progressive to hold a seat on the Council of Lassic
1959 The Progressives hold 3 seats on the Council of Lassic, they are able to steer the council but lack control. Politics in the Republics is still a local thing, no candidate can garner national support. Candidates still mainly draw support from their ethnic base, Tolteca's vote for Tolteca candidates, people of Coventry vote for Coventry officals, whichever region has the higher voter turnout, usually wins power.
1962 at the age of 20 Themirin Ilek-Vaad joins the Progressives. While still in college he runs for and is elected to the Lassic City Council.
1963 Themirin Ilek-Vaad organises all of the unions in Lassic and presides over a general strike. He urges the Council to limit the workday to 8 hours, to force companies to provide healthcare and to regulate and compensate workers for overtime. Lassic is held by the strike for 40 days, Themirin Ilek-Vaad publicly confronts the Governor of Lassic and his conversation with the governor becomes legendary.
His careful questioning of the governor and his easy going moderate speaking style humiliates the governor publicly at one point Themirin Ilek-Vaad asks " Why is it so hard to give these people the same rights we have? We meet only eight hours a day, with a lunch break and all I am asking that our fellow citizens are treated as we are?"
The Governor replied " You don't understand business or economics young man, businesses need a free hand to deal with the common folk...."
Themirin interrupts "Common folk? Who are they? Are they the same folk that voted for you?"
The Governor "Yes, of course, but the common folk understand that I have their best interests at heart..........." The crowd hoots and jeers but Themirin raises his hand to them and replies.
"Of course you do sir, but will you admit that you are no different from them, other in that you hold a public office?"
The Governor "Yes, of course, we are all the same!"
"Then why do you not give them the same rights they have given you through the vote?" The crowd erupts in cheers.
The Governor "We must consider economics, impact on the economy, you cannot fully understand, it is too complicated to explain here, that is why I am elected, to make the hard choices for the people......."
Themirin interrupts "Too hard to explain here? Too hard because we are listening?Why don't you explain it to us, the common folk are listening! We want to learn why you are better than us!" At this point the crowd erupts in deafening roar and the Governor hurries into the Council Chamber. Later that day the strike ends when the city council meets all of Themirin Ilek-Vaad's demands.
1964-1968 Themirin Ilek-Vaad is asked by the Progressives to go on a nation wide tour, his victory in Lassic empowers other unions and soon the Progressive become a fixture in every local government. Themirin Ilek-Vaad travels the country to help organize the Progressives Nationally. The Council of Lassic enacts tepid national laws that take steps to empower the workers, but the laws are not enough in the eyes of the Progressives.
1969 Themirin Ilek-Vaad turns 25 and is now old enough to run for a seat on the Council of Lassic, he is nominated by the party for Minister of Foreign Affairs. Themirin Ilek-Vaad runs the first ever national campaign, appealing to all the ethnic groups and all of the Republics. Themirin Ilek-Vaad not only wins, but the Progressives also dominate, the years spent organizing pay off as the Progressives win 6 seats and elect Progressive chairman Lynam Arnout to the post of First Councilor. The progressives now have the power to effect real change and they do.
The Progressive Revolution, Continued
Having been swept into power and being the first party to hold a majority in the Council the Progressives move to make profound changes in government and the way it is run.
1969 The Council of Lassic votes to officially change it's name to the Republican Council. The post of First Councilor becomes the First Republican and the Supreme Commander becomes the Supreme Republican Commander. The Council moves to reform campaign finance. Under new laws the size of donations are not restricted, but they must be publicly disclosed if they are from a business or a member of a board of a business etc. The law also bans businesses that donate to a particular candidate are automatically disqualified from bidding for contracts from that candidates Ministry should they win. The Judiciary is re-organized and are elected through direct local elections for terms of 10 years, the local justices then meet to appoint 3 Supreme Judiciaries to act as the supreme court. Nationally businesses that record over 1 million DR in profits are more heavily taxed, all businesses receive government tariff protections and subsidies so long as they agree to strict government regulations.
1978 The Communist Republican Party is founded as an offshoot of the P.R.P. The C.R.P. calls for state ownership of all business and a whole redistribution of wealth. The party is founded by Negyev Vaikov. The C.R.P. gains some support, but with the overwhelming P.R.P. sucess and support it remains a minor party.
1982 At the age of 38 Themirin Ilek-Vaad is elected to a record 13th time to the Republican Council as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the last 13 years the Free Republic has become a socialist nation with strong unions, a strong code of ethics in government and business and an industrial powerhouse.
1983 Themirin Ilek-Vaad does not run for re-election, he accepts the position of P.R.P. Chairman . The P.R.P. win all 8 seats in the Republican Council and Themirin Ilek-Vaad is elected unanimously to the post of First Republican.
With it's total control of the government the P.R.P. institutes mandatory military service. Every citizen between the ages of 19-58 is at least a Velite Reserve. At age 18-19 every citizen must server as an active Velite. The Velites take over postal services and just about every other govermental beaurocratic position, including the staff of elected officials.
The military service provides wildly popular as ALL citizens are required to join (men, women, blind, handicapped etc..) assuring that every citizen receives at least 1 year of some sort of job training, free medical care and money for college tuition. The Velite Guard become fully integrated as part and parcel of citizenship in the Free Republic.
1984-1992 The P.R.P. remains in at least majority control through these years, further stabilizing the Republic. Growth in all areas is exponential.
1993 Themirin Ilek-Vaad serves his last term and retires at age 48. He goes on to found the Coventry Institute of Democracy with Sir Lloyd Hamilton. The C.I.D. honours people nationwide that work actively democracy and civil liberties by giving them Honourary Knighthoods. The First Recipient is the Right Honourable Sir Issac Issem. Themirin Ilek-Vaad also goes on to write several books and goes on an International speaking tour.
1995 The C.R.P. defeats the P.R.P. gaining a majority in the Republican Council. Negyev Vaikov is named First Republican, his son Vadim is Minister of Defense and his son in law Rastov Nevsky is minister of foreign affairs. That year the 22 year old Red Jaguar Leftenant, Istvan Vaikov (Negyev's other son) is named Supreme Republican Commander.
1996 The C.R.P. cause much conflict, but is able to retain a majority. Several large corporations are all but dismembered by the state. Reactionary parties like the R.O.P. and the Warhawks spring up as anti-communist parties. The V.L.P. re-asserts itself as a right wing fascist party.
1997 The C.R.P. win only 3 seats in the Republican Council, but all of the other seats are split between the various anti-communist factions and unable to form a coalition, the C.R.P. retains power with it's 3 seat 'majority'.
1995-1998 Supreme Republican Commander quietly and efficiently re-organizes the Retaliatory Guard. He cuts waste and streamlines the Guard. Training is at it's highest level ever. With the Full monetary backing of the C.R.P. controlled government the Retaliatory Guard are once again equipped with state of the art equipment.
1998 Themirin Ilek-Vaad dies from a stroke at the age of 56. The nation mourns. His death is to have severe repercussions in 1999.
The Communist Insurgency
With the death of Themirin Ilek-Vaad in 1998 the Progressives were once again in the spotlight and poised to re-take power in the 1999 election. Public sympathy for the loss of The Honoured Statesman and the general disdain for the corruption and cronyism of the communists made their collapse inevitable. However the Communists had been secretly preparing for just such an event for years, and it was assumed that their hand-picked lame duck Supreme Republican Commander would not oppose them.
1999 The Communists lose all but 1 seat in the Republican Council, 5 seats go to the P.R.P. and 2 go to the V.L.P. Within 20 minutes of the official results Velites loyal to the communists take up arms simultaneously at the Command of Yevgeny Vaikov and begin to massacre non-communists. The first victim is P.R.P. Chairman Sir Lloyd Blair.
For two days the fighting rages unabated with Communist Velites quickly overwhelming all opposition, the Retaliatory Guard remain quiet in their barracks. It is assumed that Supreme Republican Commander Vaikov is complicit in the communist coupe.
The third day sees the Supreme Republican Commander making a televised address to the nation, Tollan Fire Control uses it's satellites to ensure that the broadcast is carried on all channels and is repeated at least a dozen times during the day. The speech is as follows.
"Fellow citizens of the Republic, we have recently seen factions within our nation taking up arms against the lawfully elected government. According to our great constitution in the event of circumstances preventing a new government from being formed the Supreme Republican Commander is to take control of the Republic until the peoples duly elected officials can take power. I am now doing this. All armed fractions have 24 hours to lay down arms, all Velites must return to their bases. At this time tomorrow I will activate all 11 Retaliatory Guard armies and they will crush the enemies of the Republic. My Life for the Republic."
This brief statement causes some confusion, the C.R.P. believes that Commander Vaikov will not go against his family and is prepared to turn over the council to them, their loyalists stay in the streets and continue killing.
24 hours later the C.R.P. see how dead wrong they are. The Air Cavalry Army the 'Fists of the Vaad' break over Lassic like a storm as A-10 fighters and HIND helicopters begin gunning down Communist Partisans. Reports all over the nation come in stating that every Retaliatory Guard unit has taken the field. In Coventry Commander General Ibn Baibars and his 5th Red Jaguar Command lead the 'Eagles' army in crushing the Communists. In Narvik (the communist stronghold) The 'Purifiers' under Colonel Sir William 'The Patient' Issem abandon their barracks and take to the hills and forests encircling the city. From Tollan the 1st-4th Red Jaguar Command and the entire Jaguar army streams from the massif to re-claim Lassic. The Naval Guard under Supreme Naval Commander Itxaad re-take Costa Tula. For 5 months the bitter fighting rages as the Communists refuse to give up .
In July Lassic Falls and the Red Jaguar speed towards Narvik to relieve the Purifiers who have (remarkably, as they are outnumbered 8 to 1) held the bulk of Communist forces at bay, Sir Issem's wily hit and run tactics confuse and demoralize Communists fighters and prevent them from gaining effective re-enforcements. The Red Jaguar Command 'Chok-Muul' super heavy battle tanks become bogged down well south of Narvik from Communist Artillery, this however is by design. After the fall of Lassic the Red Jaguar abandon their tanks and head straight through the wilderness on foot to Narvik. The Chok-Muul tanks are driven by regular Jaguars and move to sweep south and then east through the easy (and expected) route. The Communists pour fighters into the city of Kurtsk on the main road to Narvik in the south to halt the Chok-Muul.
Meanwhile the Red Jaguar arrive outside of Narvik and on the Supreme Republican Commander's order the Purifiers begin an intense bombardment of the city, the Communist fighters prepare to move out and attack the now static Purifier positions completely unaware that 8,000 Red Jaguar await them. The Columns of Communist fighters begin their march and are immediately flanked by the Red Jaguar. The Battle for Narvik lasts 5 days as the nearly 300,000 communist fighters take on the 8,000 Red Jaguar. The Red Jaguar, fortified by the drug 'Ixpei' do not sleep and go on a 5 day killing spree, by the 4th day they have run out of ammunition and are killing communists with their machetes, macanas, clawed gauntlets and even their bare hands.
The 6th day with Narvik silent the Purifiers march in and find no Communist fighter or leader alive, only 1,500 Red Jaguar Remain. Supreme Re publican Commander Istvan Vaikov reportedly led the assault on Narvik's 'Kalimegden' fortress where the communist leaders are holed up, most accounts claim that it was he that personally killed the members of his family (father, brother, brother in law and sister) that initiated the Communist coupe, it is further reported that his brother in law attempted to used the Supreme Re publican Commander's nieces as body shields to keep Istvan back, rumours are persistent that he killed them all.
With the Communist insurgency ended, the Supreme Republican Commander rebuilds the Free Republic.
Rebuilding of the Republic
Over the next several months after the bloody and failed coupe d'etat, the Supreme Republican Commander rules with absolute control. Investigations into the coupe show that the C.R.P. had planned for a violent overthrow of the government for nearly two years. The Retaliatory Guard summarily execute nearly 450,000 people that are directly implicated by the C.R.P's files seized from the Kalimegdan.
It is reported that the Supreme Republican Commander swings between being inconsolable over the death of his family and terrifying anger at his family and the communists. He channels his anger into gaining revenge on the communists and re-building what they destroyed. He outlaws the C.R.P. and any 'overtly communist party', he adds this to the Constitutions articles that deal with treason.
In September with the Velite re-organized and re-building of the countries physical damage well under way the Supreme Republican Commander recalls the surviving members of the Republican Council and asks them to form a government. With three council members dead, five still remain for a technical quorum and the P.R.P. Chairman at Large,Theleb Kanaan, is elected First Republican. His first act is to re-instate Istvan Vaikov as Supreme Republican Commander. In a moving speech Theleb Kanaan helps assuage the nations fears and heal the deep wounds left by the insurgency. His speech also gives the Supreme Republican Commander his popular nickname of 'Uncle Istvan' as he points out in his speech
"I know that we all have suffered terrible losses, and we all are in mourning for our mothers,fathers,brothers and sisters and to the scars across all of the Republic. The Supreme Republican Commander has lost his entire family, even his most beloved nieces, but we should ask him that in his mourning he remember that he now has millions of nieces and nephews, he protected us as only a favorite uncle might and we cannot ever thank him enough." Chants of 'Uncle Istvan! Uncle Istvan!' forced Theleb Kanaan to pause for nearly half an hour.
The People of the Republic see the Supreme Republican Commander as their greatest hero, and with the Republican Council back in control he once again busies himself with training and equipping his men, staying very much out of public view and decidedly well away from politics. Many have said that if he wished to be king the People would carry him on his shoulders to the throne of The Vaad, on display in the House of the Republic in Lassic. His selfless actions during the insurgency and his quick return of power to the Republican Council give him inestimable respect in the eyes of the people.
The Modern Republic
The Free Republic once again passed into a restful state, with the horrors of war and insurgency behind them the people of the Republic once again moved building and creating. The Free Republic also moved to become more of an international power.
2000-2005 A grass roots campaign begins to officially rename the Republic to 'The Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad' in honour of the memory of the honoured statesman and his legacy of national unity. The campaign ends when in 2005 the proposal in put into referendum and the people vote to make it law.
2006 The Republic of the Lumpen Proletariat (Ilek-Vaad's northern neighbor) is seized by President for Life MacTaggart, civil war begins.
2007-2009 President MacTaggart enlists Milosylvanian forces to kill the rebels, the Milosylvanians are soon in control and the Princes Axes hunt down refugees and insurgents alike. Several of their 'hunts' take them across Ilek-Vaad's border. Ilek-Vaad requests that international peacekeepers be sent and that the Milosylvanians contain themselves, they refuse. July of 2008 the Republican Council gives Mandate to The Supreme Republican commander to 'Secure the northern border by any means necessary.' The Forces of the Supreme Republican Commander easily route the over-confident Milosylvanians and also depose MacTaggart. Ilek-Vaad rebuilds the Lumpen Republic and a year later Joachim Tequila y Muerta becomes the democratically elected president of the Lumpen Republic.
2012 The R.O.P. wins control of the Republican Council for the first time in decades. The R.O.P. presides over successful peace keeping missions in Cyberjaya, Syrique and takes part in the war against slavery in Yurka and Zenti. The Minister of Foreign Affairs negotiates peace in Augnista and gets Augnista to promise to free it's slaves thereby averting war. The Lumpen Republic is annexed after 72% of it's population requests membership into the Republic. Avery Frost Aeronautics invents an anti-gravity engine and it's partner Narvik Advanced Ordinance develops a highly powerful Neutron 'Neutrino' bomb.
2013 The wildly popular Minister of Foreign Affairs is killed by rebel forces loyal to Antiachus in Phyrric's civil war, the Retaliatory Guard are mobilized to defeat Antiachus. The VLP gain control of the Republican Council for the first time ever and the Republic votes to ratify the UnAPS treaty.
The Free Republic becomes embroiled in the several armed conflicts in it's home region of Haven. These conflicts cause the Free Republic to withdraw from the UnAPS and the Republican Council gives mandate to the Supreme Republican Commander to 'Cease all hostilities in Haven'
The Retaliatory Guard mount 2 campaigns. The First is an assault on the Empire of Fluffywuffy's fleet attacking Edolian Yasmara, the Naval Guard win in spectacular fashion , Fluffywuffy's expeditionary force is crushed by Admiral Coyohuitl. The second is an assault on Allanea's SW coast. Command General Adan Ring quickly seizes the entire coast, Heston City (Allanea's capital) and forces Allanea to accept peace and relinquish it's claims on Edolian Axackal. Peace ensues after the Free Republics intervention
2014 -2015 The Progressive once again seize power from the V.L.P. and Supreme Republican Commander Istvan Vaikov retires to be replaced by Supreme REpublican Commander Adan Ring. Debates on the possibility of signing the Klatchian Constitution begin.
In 2014 the Free Republic tentatively signs the KIST economic treaty, but withdraws several months later when the effects of the treaty are negative for the nations economy. Tensions are also heightened between the Free Republic and the Democratic Dutch Republic of Knootoss. Formally very close allies, the DDR makes plans to and invades Tanah Burung in defiance of the IMC treaty signed by the DDR and the Free Republic. Naval Forces are sent by the Naval Guard to intervene on behalf of the Burungi's but are eventually withdrawn when Burungi co-operation becomes questionable.
The Free Republic withdraws it's ambassador from Knootoss and begins a trade boycott. Knootian citizens in the Free Republic mostly ignore the boycott and are arrested by the Velite Guard. Knootoss declares war.
The Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar takes land from the holdings of Etaros in Haven. The Free Republic protests and in a behind the scenes agreement with Feline and Edolia decides that strong action must be taken. The Naval Guard deploys nine Tactical Groups to blockade Etaros. Edolia and Feline do an about face and refuse to support the Free Republic's anti-imperial stance and take the even further step of seizing the scarlet isles for themselves. The Free Republic recalls the ambassador to Edolia.
The Blockade results in a conference between Ilek-Vaad and Veritas and in a mutual non-aggression pact, that not only precludes Menelmacar from taking hostile action but also prevents Menelmacar from supporting it's allies (ie Knootoss and Veritas) in war against the Free Republic. Knootoss quickly concludes a humiliating peace with never having fired a shot or even managing to threaten the Free Republic.
The Free Republic also forges closer ties with it's Klatchian neighbors. Weapons sales are approved to the Glorious Kingdom of Vrak and ships of other Klatch States are granted the right to use Vaadian ports in both Haven and the Klatch. The Klatch Guard are founded and stationed in Dyelli Beybi and North Germania contributes troops and equipment to the Klatch Guard.
2015 -2016 The Progressive Republican Party wins a majority in the Republican Council in 2015 and then an absolute majority in early 2016. The nation is once again moving along a firm Progressive course.
Relations with The Klatch sour as the Federation refuses to deal directly with the Vaadian Ambassador to the Federation, forces in Port Olympus mount a terrorist attack on the Ambassador's residence killing several and injuring the Ambassador's chief of staf and the Landgravine of Hubris. The Fre Republic also intervenes in the civil war in Karmanyaka, defeating Field Marshal Grune's forces and restoring the Lord Tengil. The Federation threatens war.
The Foreign Guard is established in Dyelli Beybi, but a revolt led by Genorale Soult crushes the Dyellian Government. Soult does not declare war on the Free Republic, but builds up forces to attack the Foreign Guard base. The Foreign Guard's Dyellian recruits perform horribly and the Guard are withdrawn. The Federation once again does nothing, but threaten war with The Free Republic.
The Republican Council then vote to officially un-recognize the Federation as a viable government after the Imperium of The Scadavian States is given exactly the same rights as the Free Republic within Federation territory.This strong move helps the Progressives expand power in the 2016 election.