RomeW
02-06-2005, 08:16
OOC1: Continued from this (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=418186) thread.
IC:
Today was going to be Consul Valerius Maderia's special day- or so he hoped. Having organized one of the largest conferences in Roman history, Maderia was beeming with confidence, although that could just be the six large cups of coffee that he had before the conference. It wasn't easy- after Roman Emperor assigned him with the duty of organizing a conference in the Curia dealing with the dreaded "Eastern Question", Maderia spent all day phoning and E-Mailing all the various leaders and/or "important people" that best represented the East's many peoples and cultures, and spent the next few days receiving their confirmations. He was fortunate to get everyone important, and, despite having difficulties scheduling the perfect day for it, he was happy everyone made it to the Curia that day.
A total of 18 individuals- some of them the world's most prominent leaders such as Palestine's Mahmoud Abbas, Ottoman Sultan Ertugrul Osman V, Judea's Simon Benamin, Assyria's Shalmaneser Baradin II and Pontus' Alex Simaonese- turned out for the event, which was to start at 10AM and would need the next two weeks to finish (or so Maderia thought). However, by the time Maderia got to his seat in the conference hall most of the leaders had already arrived, and, predictably, were squabbling with each other.
"Quiet! Order in the house! Order in the house!" stammered Maderia, banging his gavel with enthusiasm. "Man, this is giving me a headache," he said to himself as the almost unbearable din quieted very slowly.
"Okay- I know why you're all here. Roman Emperor Rodin Hartian has stated that he wants to settle the 'problem' of organizing the Eastern portion of the Empire once and for all, and needs your input. A lot of you have independence aspirations, and we in the Imperial court believe they have become too much of an issue that the sooner we deal with it the better. Some of you may choose to remain a part of Rome, and that is fine. However, at the end of our time here, I hope that we can all find common ground and arrange ourselves into an organization that we can all be happy with. Who wants to begin?"
OOC2: Okay, so here's the breakdown. The eastern part of the Roman Empire (most of the eastern Mediterranean seaboard in my modern version) has been reincorporated into Rome for little over seventy years, and, while the Romans have been able to integrate the nations with the rest of the Empire, the East has been the most difficult to organize since its reintegration. It's a very well-connected region (due to the fact that the eastern seaboard has been united for most of its history in RL) but contains many diverse ethnic groups that are difficult to keep in order under the umbrella of one nation state. In my context, some want to remain a part of the Roman State, while others want to be independent. Here's a rundown of the *basics* of the players here:
The Avranites: A Greek-like peoples who in RL move around the entire Balkan Peninsula but here have settled in northern Macedon. Not very well known, but their desire for their own state has become so enormous that they eagerly anticipated this conference's beginning. In essence, they really just want to make a name for themselves on the international scene instead of being bit players, for once.
The Macedonians: In my context, they're a Slavic-Greek mix that actually date back to the ancient Macedonians of Alexander The Great, and, in their view, they've been under the heel of Rome for far too long. Another of those states who are just eager to break free.
The Thessalians: Another Greek peoples, but unlike their Avranite and Macedonian cousins, they just want to be left alone. Hartian just built a new arena in Larissa and thus support for the Romans is at an all-time high in Thessaly, although if the offer is right...
The Achaeans: Residents of the northern Morea, this Greek people already have a state to the south of Roman territory, but they have a considerable minority in the extreme south of Thessaly. They have had a desire to unite that area with their own land for quite some time, they've just never had the opportunity to do so. Factions do exist in their country for Rome to annex them again, because the Greeks have had a soft spot for the Romans ever since they first came into contact with them in the 3rd century BC.
The Ionians: The most unique of the Greek peoples in that they have a strong desire to break free from the Roman State. Ionia in RL has long been under foreign control and thus the Ionians have probably the strongest desire to be independent. The problem? Their location- navagating the Aegean isn't easy and could be even more complicated if they can't extend control off the coastline of Asia Minor. Probably one of the more vocal groups.
The Lydians: Asiatic people with a strong Greek influence, they're normally a peaceful people but they've made noises about independence. They're not as militant as some of the groups here and are probably the most likely to negotiate here.
The Phrygians: Direct Indo-European descendants of their ancient brethren, the Phrygians rival only the Ionians in nationalistic zeal. They're not known for militantcy, but they have been very vocal with their requests for nationhood.
The Pontians: This Greek people of Pontus have a strong desire to remain with the Romans, or to join with Nicaea or Constantinople (both of which are outside of Roman control and have their own states, with Nicaea being an ally of Rome and Constantinople representing the "technical" Eastern Roman Empire). They don't have any independence aspirations at all and would much rather get back to fishing, their main source of income, instead of worrying who will rule over them.
The Galatians: Descendants of the Celtic people with the same name but now considerably Turkified, they're the most fiercely loyal to Rome and will stop at nothing to remain Roman. They only have the problem of geography- being completely landlocked they need to unite themselves with another people or negotiate their way to the coast. That still won't stop them at their goal, however.
The Seljuks: Turkish people in central Anatolia, they're mixed over whether or not they want to remain with Rome. They do, however, want some form of autonomy, however.
The Cilicians: Like the Pontians, they'd be happy remaining with Rome, but their concern is making sure that they don't have hostile neighbours. Being close to one of the more nationalistic groups- the Ottomans- they need assurances that they won't be threatened if those groups gain independence. Most likely to try to maintain some semblance of the unity of the Eastern portion of the Empire and the most likely to press for an alliance of states if such were to come up.
The Ottomans: The largest of the groups and the most vocal. Under Roman "protection" for seventy years (what gave the Romans the East in the first place), Hartian recently granted them independence around the city of Malatya in the far eastern corner of the Empire. Sultan Ertugrul Osman V (who is actually the current head of the Ottoman family in RL) is eager to add to his land, however. (Zeeeland)
The Arabs: They’re largely indifferent over who rules over them, being most content with Roman rule, although if the Ottomans wanted to include them in their state they would probably accept because of the cultural similarities. They are more concerned about their economic situation, however, since Syria- where most of the Arabs reside in the Empire- is in desperate need of attention, and are desperate to see that the Romans follow up on their plan to invest heavily in the province.
The Assyrians: They have a small minority in Syria, but have a more powerful state right next to it. They’re on good terms with the Romans, but the minority in Syria does wish to re-unite back with the main state.
The Maronites: A Christian group that lives in RL Lebanon, they’ve been pressing for more autonomy from Rome, but don’t want to separate themselves completely from Rome. If Rome gives them independence- their ultimate goal- they hope that they can remain allies.
The Palestinians: A distinct Arabic group in the region of Palestine, they have long dreamed of their own state, or at least “client state” status within the Roman Empire. Above all else they want Jerusalem, and regardless of how they’re organized they will stop at nothing to get at the city. (The Lightning Star)
The Jews: Already having their own independent state in Hebron (the original Jewish capital before David took Jerusalem), they have long coveted Jerusalem, and, like the Palestinians, will stop at nothing to get the city. They also long to have a bit of the Palestinian coast, especially Tel-Aviv. (Lanquassia)
The Gazans: Arabic-type people who have developed into their own distinct culture and people. Very nationalistic and will want to set up its own state around the city of Gaza, with a passing interest at Jerusalem. (Golgu-Shanaat)
The Egyptians: Mixed, but after literally millennia of being under foreign rule, they’re at least curious to have their own state. They’re also the best organized and most likely to be the most successful and united state if they do gain independence.
The Constantinopolitans: These are what we better know as "the Byzantines", but they get this name because "Byzantium" was only an invention of historians in the 16th century- "Byzantines" would never have heard of the term. Naming reasoning aside, the Constantinopolitans are culturally Greek (more specifically Greek Orthodox) but are technically a "Greco-Roman" state, representing the actual "Eastern Roman Empire" that came into being on the deathbed of Theodosius I in 395. However, despite their political connections, there is a deep-seated hatred between the two states, due mainly to religion: in Rome, freedom of religion is upheld and enforced, while Constantinople is an effective Eastern Orthodox theocracy. Politically they spare the vitriol lashed out by their respective commoners because deep down inside both want to reunite the Old Roman Empire, but the divisions so far run too deep for that to happen. The Constantinopolitans- a highly nationalistic people- also have a desire to rule all of their former territories and restore Constantinople to the "greatness" it once had.
Finally, the map:
http://www.geocities.com/dadothegreat2003/RomanEast.png
(Stripes mean that the area is mixed ethnically with the two or three different groups adjacent to the area. The blue lines denote rough “ethnic” boundaries, the black lines indicate provincial boundaries (except in the case of “Turkey” which is a representation of their state), the Arial script indicates the ethnic group present in the area not represented by a provincial name, the Roman script indicates provincial and city names and the green areas represent the areas outside of the “Roman East” region)
Named leaders:
Ertugrul Osman V- the Ottoman Sultan and the actual head of the Ottoman family (he’s a cab driver in RL)
Mahmoud Abbas- the Palestinian leader. Yeah, another RL person, but I figure that since he’s basically playing the same role in RL he’d be a perfect fit for here.
Simon Benamin- King of Judea
Shalmaneser Baradin II- The Great King of Assyria
Alex Simaonese- Pontus’ Provincial Governor
I will leave this open in case anyone wants to assume any characters here (with the freedom to come up with their own leaders except where the leader has been named here)- just remember the basics surrounding your people.
Please post OOCly here first if you want to participate.
Thanks.
IC:
Today was going to be Consul Valerius Maderia's special day- or so he hoped. Having organized one of the largest conferences in Roman history, Maderia was beeming with confidence, although that could just be the six large cups of coffee that he had before the conference. It wasn't easy- after Roman Emperor assigned him with the duty of organizing a conference in the Curia dealing with the dreaded "Eastern Question", Maderia spent all day phoning and E-Mailing all the various leaders and/or "important people" that best represented the East's many peoples and cultures, and spent the next few days receiving their confirmations. He was fortunate to get everyone important, and, despite having difficulties scheduling the perfect day for it, he was happy everyone made it to the Curia that day.
A total of 18 individuals- some of them the world's most prominent leaders such as Palestine's Mahmoud Abbas, Ottoman Sultan Ertugrul Osman V, Judea's Simon Benamin, Assyria's Shalmaneser Baradin II and Pontus' Alex Simaonese- turned out for the event, which was to start at 10AM and would need the next two weeks to finish (or so Maderia thought). However, by the time Maderia got to his seat in the conference hall most of the leaders had already arrived, and, predictably, were squabbling with each other.
"Quiet! Order in the house! Order in the house!" stammered Maderia, banging his gavel with enthusiasm. "Man, this is giving me a headache," he said to himself as the almost unbearable din quieted very slowly.
"Okay- I know why you're all here. Roman Emperor Rodin Hartian has stated that he wants to settle the 'problem' of organizing the Eastern portion of the Empire once and for all, and needs your input. A lot of you have independence aspirations, and we in the Imperial court believe they have become too much of an issue that the sooner we deal with it the better. Some of you may choose to remain a part of Rome, and that is fine. However, at the end of our time here, I hope that we can all find common ground and arrange ourselves into an organization that we can all be happy with. Who wants to begin?"
OOC2: Okay, so here's the breakdown. The eastern part of the Roman Empire (most of the eastern Mediterranean seaboard in my modern version) has been reincorporated into Rome for little over seventy years, and, while the Romans have been able to integrate the nations with the rest of the Empire, the East has been the most difficult to organize since its reintegration. It's a very well-connected region (due to the fact that the eastern seaboard has been united for most of its history in RL) but contains many diverse ethnic groups that are difficult to keep in order under the umbrella of one nation state. In my context, some want to remain a part of the Roman State, while others want to be independent. Here's a rundown of the *basics* of the players here:
The Avranites: A Greek-like peoples who in RL move around the entire Balkan Peninsula but here have settled in northern Macedon. Not very well known, but their desire for their own state has become so enormous that they eagerly anticipated this conference's beginning. In essence, they really just want to make a name for themselves on the international scene instead of being bit players, for once.
The Macedonians: In my context, they're a Slavic-Greek mix that actually date back to the ancient Macedonians of Alexander The Great, and, in their view, they've been under the heel of Rome for far too long. Another of those states who are just eager to break free.
The Thessalians: Another Greek peoples, but unlike their Avranite and Macedonian cousins, they just want to be left alone. Hartian just built a new arena in Larissa and thus support for the Romans is at an all-time high in Thessaly, although if the offer is right...
The Achaeans: Residents of the northern Morea, this Greek people already have a state to the south of Roman territory, but they have a considerable minority in the extreme south of Thessaly. They have had a desire to unite that area with their own land for quite some time, they've just never had the opportunity to do so. Factions do exist in their country for Rome to annex them again, because the Greeks have had a soft spot for the Romans ever since they first came into contact with them in the 3rd century BC.
The Ionians: The most unique of the Greek peoples in that they have a strong desire to break free from the Roman State. Ionia in RL has long been under foreign control and thus the Ionians have probably the strongest desire to be independent. The problem? Their location- navagating the Aegean isn't easy and could be even more complicated if they can't extend control off the coastline of Asia Minor. Probably one of the more vocal groups.
The Lydians: Asiatic people with a strong Greek influence, they're normally a peaceful people but they've made noises about independence. They're not as militant as some of the groups here and are probably the most likely to negotiate here.
The Phrygians: Direct Indo-European descendants of their ancient brethren, the Phrygians rival only the Ionians in nationalistic zeal. They're not known for militantcy, but they have been very vocal with their requests for nationhood.
The Pontians: This Greek people of Pontus have a strong desire to remain with the Romans, or to join with Nicaea or Constantinople (both of which are outside of Roman control and have their own states, with Nicaea being an ally of Rome and Constantinople representing the "technical" Eastern Roman Empire). They don't have any independence aspirations at all and would much rather get back to fishing, their main source of income, instead of worrying who will rule over them.
The Galatians: Descendants of the Celtic people with the same name but now considerably Turkified, they're the most fiercely loyal to Rome and will stop at nothing to remain Roman. They only have the problem of geography- being completely landlocked they need to unite themselves with another people or negotiate their way to the coast. That still won't stop them at their goal, however.
The Seljuks: Turkish people in central Anatolia, they're mixed over whether or not they want to remain with Rome. They do, however, want some form of autonomy, however.
The Cilicians: Like the Pontians, they'd be happy remaining with Rome, but their concern is making sure that they don't have hostile neighbours. Being close to one of the more nationalistic groups- the Ottomans- they need assurances that they won't be threatened if those groups gain independence. Most likely to try to maintain some semblance of the unity of the Eastern portion of the Empire and the most likely to press for an alliance of states if such were to come up.
The Ottomans: The largest of the groups and the most vocal. Under Roman "protection" for seventy years (what gave the Romans the East in the first place), Hartian recently granted them independence around the city of Malatya in the far eastern corner of the Empire. Sultan Ertugrul Osman V (who is actually the current head of the Ottoman family in RL) is eager to add to his land, however. (Zeeeland)
The Arabs: They’re largely indifferent over who rules over them, being most content with Roman rule, although if the Ottomans wanted to include them in their state they would probably accept because of the cultural similarities. They are more concerned about their economic situation, however, since Syria- where most of the Arabs reside in the Empire- is in desperate need of attention, and are desperate to see that the Romans follow up on their plan to invest heavily in the province.
The Assyrians: They have a small minority in Syria, but have a more powerful state right next to it. They’re on good terms with the Romans, but the minority in Syria does wish to re-unite back with the main state.
The Maronites: A Christian group that lives in RL Lebanon, they’ve been pressing for more autonomy from Rome, but don’t want to separate themselves completely from Rome. If Rome gives them independence- their ultimate goal- they hope that they can remain allies.
The Palestinians: A distinct Arabic group in the region of Palestine, they have long dreamed of their own state, or at least “client state” status within the Roman Empire. Above all else they want Jerusalem, and regardless of how they’re organized they will stop at nothing to get at the city. (The Lightning Star)
The Jews: Already having their own independent state in Hebron (the original Jewish capital before David took Jerusalem), they have long coveted Jerusalem, and, like the Palestinians, will stop at nothing to get the city. They also long to have a bit of the Palestinian coast, especially Tel-Aviv. (Lanquassia)
The Gazans: Arabic-type people who have developed into their own distinct culture and people. Very nationalistic and will want to set up its own state around the city of Gaza, with a passing interest at Jerusalem. (Golgu-Shanaat)
The Egyptians: Mixed, but after literally millennia of being under foreign rule, they’re at least curious to have their own state. They’re also the best organized and most likely to be the most successful and united state if they do gain independence.
The Constantinopolitans: These are what we better know as "the Byzantines", but they get this name because "Byzantium" was only an invention of historians in the 16th century- "Byzantines" would never have heard of the term. Naming reasoning aside, the Constantinopolitans are culturally Greek (more specifically Greek Orthodox) but are technically a "Greco-Roman" state, representing the actual "Eastern Roman Empire" that came into being on the deathbed of Theodosius I in 395. However, despite their political connections, there is a deep-seated hatred between the two states, due mainly to religion: in Rome, freedom of religion is upheld and enforced, while Constantinople is an effective Eastern Orthodox theocracy. Politically they spare the vitriol lashed out by their respective commoners because deep down inside both want to reunite the Old Roman Empire, but the divisions so far run too deep for that to happen. The Constantinopolitans- a highly nationalistic people- also have a desire to rule all of their former territories and restore Constantinople to the "greatness" it once had.
Finally, the map:
http://www.geocities.com/dadothegreat2003/RomanEast.png
(Stripes mean that the area is mixed ethnically with the two or three different groups adjacent to the area. The blue lines denote rough “ethnic” boundaries, the black lines indicate provincial boundaries (except in the case of “Turkey” which is a representation of their state), the Arial script indicates the ethnic group present in the area not represented by a provincial name, the Roman script indicates provincial and city names and the green areas represent the areas outside of the “Roman East” region)
Named leaders:
Ertugrul Osman V- the Ottoman Sultan and the actual head of the Ottoman family (he’s a cab driver in RL)
Mahmoud Abbas- the Palestinian leader. Yeah, another RL person, but I figure that since he’s basically playing the same role in RL he’d be a perfect fit for here.
Simon Benamin- King of Judea
Shalmaneser Baradin II- The Great King of Assyria
Alex Simaonese- Pontus’ Provincial Governor
I will leave this open in case anyone wants to assume any characters here (with the freedom to come up with their own leaders except where the leader has been named here)- just remember the basics surrounding your people.
Please post OOCly here first if you want to participate.
Thanks.