NationStates Jolt Archive

I. Introduction

Overview: Her Majesty's Commonwealth Government of Bautizar, known in local shorthand as "the Commonwealth" or "Her Majesty's Government" (HMG), is a collection of three future tech planets located approximately two months from the Confederation of Nations. It was formed in 3391 by the First and Second Treaties of the Dominion, which led to a merger of the Dominion of Bautizar, the Kingdom of Camillar, and the House of Dornas.

Events in the Commonwealth are referred to as pre-Unification and post-Unification to refer to the merger of 3391. Originally these phrases were intended to assist outsiders in familiarizing themselves with the changes that have taken place within the territory of HMG, but they have become synonymous with the rising standards of living and general prosperity throughout the early 3400s.

Pre-Unification

The question of how humans came to exist on three worlds very distant from Earth remains an unknown question in Commonwealth history. Speculation has focused on the possibility of the planets having been settled by refugees fleeing Earth's wars of the mid 2000s. If this is true, according to sentiment among the archaeological community, then at some point after the establishment of colonies on the three worlds they devolved to pre-spaceflight societies consistent with pre-1000s civilizations on Old Earth.

Gorjen IV was the first planet to redevelop the written word, in the year 2100 on the Commonwealth calendar. By the mid 2100s their world had become industrialized, and it was not long before they harnessed the power of the atom. In 2210 widespread conflict broke out across the planet, leading to an escalation to nuclear weapons that left less than 20 million alive from a pre-exchange population of 1.6 billion. The survivors were left to struggle and adapt to life as best as they could. In 2215 the first of several religious faiths emerged, and those that had survived what has become known as "The Cleansing" were quickly swayed to the idea of religion. Since then the population has become very religiously devout. It was their devotion to the ideals of pacifism and non-resistance that enabled them to be quickly conquered and subjugated in 3376 by the House of Dornas.

Solstheim VI is the planet from which many of the Commonwealth's marines have come, owing to its harsh desert environment that encourages physical toughness and mental stamina. By the mid-3100s the various tribes had united to form a warrior-based society known as the Soldenor. In 3250 they succeeded in breaking the warp barrier, and in 3300 they invaded and conquered Bautizar VIII. Defeated and expelled in 3374, the society began to crumble as warriors turned on each other, seeking to pass blame around for the failure of the occupation. This enabled an invasion that conquered and subjugated them by 3377.

Bautizar VIII became inhabited by a tribal-based agricultural society by the year 2000 on the Commonwealth calendar. The Soldenor invasion of 3300 later was soon followed by massive industrialization projects that radically transformed the face of the planet from its humble roots into an economic powerhouse that rivaled pre-Cleansing Gorjen IV. By 3374 this might had been used by the newly-united Dominion of Bautizar, the Kingdom of Camillar, and the House of Dornas to expel the invaders. It was in the aftermath of this that the planet fell into near-anarchy, with the three states becoming engaged in destructive warfare punctuated by the use of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons.

In 3389 the general realization came to exist that unless the warfare could be stopped, all of the planet would be rendered uninhabitable by the year 3395. In late 3389 the First Treaty of the Dominion succeeded in establishing a permanent ceasefire, paving the way for the Second Treaty of the Dominion in 3391. It was this latter document that established the Dominion of Bautizar as a inter-planetary entity.

In 3391 the Parliament voted to rename the government Her Majesty's Commonwealth Government of Bautizar, settling what many considered to be the last post-Unification question.

Post-Unification

Post-Unification society has become divided into three camps. Bautizar VIII, known to many as "the homeworld," is considered to have an inoffensive centralized government that prefers to maintain law and order at the expense of civil liberties. Its economy has been growing steadily in the post-Unification era, giving it the strongest economy of the three worlds.

Gorjen IV has retreated from the international stage as the religious piousness of its population continues to grow. Colonial authorities are known to maintain strict controls over the Church of the Twin Lanterns (the official religion and the only one recognized and allowed to practice in public by the authorities). In more recent years the economy has become greatly unsettled as religious leaders have become increasingly vocal in their sermons against the corruption and evils of business. Repeated rumors from within the Colonial Authorities have spoken of forthcoming action against the Church's religious elders in order to get them to "tone down" their message, but these rumblings have been ongoing since 3410 and are considered by many to be just stories.

Solstheim VI has recovered from the economic chaos that was widespread after the defeat of 3374 and the invasion of 3377. Although considered by some to be a growing economic market, many of the younger generations can be found enlisted in the marine corps and enlisted branches of the Commonwealth military. While Colonial authorities have loosened regulations and restrictions on the civilian populace in recent years, there have been rumors to suggest that their vigiliance has in fact sharpened with the growing economic prosperity across the planet.

II. Geography

Location: Remote and distant from the Confederation of Nations; 11 days travel by standard freighter to the galactic northeast
Area: total: 934,417,300 sq km land: 305,669,800 sq km water: 628,747,500 sq km
Climate: Bautizar VIII: continental, cold winters and warm summers Solstheim VI: continental, cool winters and hot summers Gorjen IV: arid and semiarid, hot summers, little precipitation
Natural resources: major deposits of uranium, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, lead, zine, bauxite, gold, petroleum, natural gas, manganese
Natural hazards: frequent plasma storms, ground-based natural disasters
Environment - current issues: Bautizar VIII: radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with defense industries and test ranges scattered across the planet; widespread deforestation will lead to use of planetary oxygen scrubbers in 70 years Solstheim VI: soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salination from poor infrastructure; industrial pollution in remote countryside areas Gorjen IV: none

III. People

Overview: Genetic manipulation and augmentation with technology are common practices throughout the homeworld and its colonies. Children at the age of 12 are equipped with "neural laces" (an intricate network of mechanical parts which not only augment the average human's brain, but prolong their lifespans), which they have in their bodies until death. Ethnic tensions between the Bautizans and the Gorjens/Soldenors have arisen as a recent issue: at least one separatist movement has emerged following unification, but it has failed to gain widespread support at a local level.

Population: 34,233,244 (est.)
Population growth rate: 0.88% (est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 243.04 years, male: 231.56 years, female: 254.52 years (est.)
Ethnic groups: Bautizan 53.4%, Gorjen 30%, Soldenor 13.7%, other 2.9% (most recent census)
Religions: Church of the Twin Lanterns 47%, Sceptre of Gorjen 27%, Protestant 11%, Catholic 5%, other 10%
Languages: Bautizan (state language, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 64.4%, Gorjen 27%, Soldenor 8.6% (est.)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write, total population: 98.4%, male: 99.1%, female: 97.7% (est.)

IV. Government

Overview: A collection of agencies whose merger has been hampered by cross-jurisdictional borders and ill-defined mandates, the government of the Commonwealth has been formed from the mergers of nearly 130 organizations among three states. Having taken the previous name of the strongest of these nations (the Dominion of Bautizar), on 19 Dec. 3391 one of the last acts of the Senate before recessing for the holidays was to pass a resolution declaring the state to be a commonwealth.

Country name: conventional long form: Commonwealth of Bautizar conventional short form: Commonwealth former: Confederation of Aligned States, Dominion of Bautizar
Government type: constitutional monarchy; republican system within executive, legislative branches
Capital: name: New Gibraltar, geographic coordinates: 51 10 N, 71 30 E time difference: 21 hours ahead of Earth during Standard Time
Administrative divisions: 7 sectors and 21 cities; 15 starbases and deep-space mining facilities note: each planet has its own administrative division including all starbases within that system; 4 deep-space border sectors comprise the remainder of the territory
Independence: 29 January 2374 (from Soldenor)
National holiday: Constitution Day, 11 November (3391)
Constitution: first Bautizar post-independence constitution adopted 4 October 2374; new constitution adopted by national referendum 11 November 3391
Legal system: based on civil law system
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: Queen Serena IV head of government: Prime Minister Sir Samuel P. Baxter, W.T.K.C, K.C.V.O., D.N.V.R. (since 20 November 3391) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Administrators (20 seats; 6 are appointed by the prime minister; other members are elected by local government bodies, 2 from each of the 7 administrative areas to serve six-year terms; note - formerly composed of 28 seats) and the House of Commoners (35 seats; members are popularly elected to serve five-year terms)
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (26 members); Constitutional Council (7 members)
Political parties and leaders: Justice (Sir Samuel P. Baxter, chairman), Democratic Party of Bautizar (Maksut Zeynulla co-chairman, Sir Philip Fisher co-chairman, Thomas Anders co-chairman), Bright Path (Elizabeth Oliver, chairwoman), Agrarian Party (Lord H.C. Phillips co-chairman, Sir Charles Hastings co-chairman), Patriots' Party (Louise Lemonnier, chairwoman), Spirtuality (Sir Luigi Maugeri, chairman)
Political pressure groups: Confederation of Free Trade Unions; For a Just Bautizar; For Fair Elections; Bautizar International Bureau on Commerce; Pensioners Movement; Network of International Monitors; Transparency International
International organization participation: Confederation of Nations (Observer), League of Nations
Flag description: Three bars symbolizing the patriotism and sacrifice necessary to liberate Bautizar from Soldenor occupation; more commonly construed as the sacrifices necessary to bring together the Bautizan, Gorjen and Soldenor ethnic groups

V. Economy

Overview: Even before the creation of the Dominion (later the Commonwealth) each planet was developing deep-space mining facilities and brisk cross-border trade. Currently the unified territory possesses enormous mineral reserves and plentiful supplies of other metals. It also has a large industrial sector featuring armaments production, the automotive industry, and uranium mining. Bautizar's agricultural sector rests on grain and cheese exports, with meat being a more limited field. Continued problems with dumping of items at below-market costs into local markets led the government to enact tariff measures to protect local automotive industries on Bautizar VIII within the last year. Government economic reform and privatization has stalled following the trade imbalance passing ₤2.7 billion in late 3391. Upward pressure on the local currency continued in 3391 due to massive mineral-related foreign-exchange inflows.

GDP (purchasing power parity): ₤180,837,598,956.52 (Dec. 3391)
GDP - per capita (PPP): ₤11,302.35
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 36.7% industry: 58.6% services: 4.7% (est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 30% industry: 50% services: 20% (est.)
Unemployment rate: 7.90% (est.)
Population below poverty line: 19% (est.)
Budget: revenues: ₤26.20 billion expenditures: ₤24,89 billion
Agriculture - products: grain (mostly spring wheat), cotton; livestock; cheese
Industries: arms and armaments, automobile production, electrical motors, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur, iron and steel; tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materials
Deuterium - production: 1.3 million bbl/day (est.)
Deuterium - consumption: 221,000 bbl/day (est.)
Deuterium - exports: 890,000 bbl/day (est.)
Deuterium- proved reserves: 26 billion bbl (est.)
Exports: ₤21.54 billion
Exports - commodities: arms and armaments 58%, deuterium 24%, automobiles 8%, machinery 3%, cheese, grain, wool, meat
Exports - partners: Solstheim 12.5%, Gorjen 11.1%
Imports: ₤24.72 billion
Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment 41%, metal products 28%, foodstuffs 8% (2001)
Imports - partners: Solstheim 35.9%, Gorjen 29.5%
Currency: credit
Exchange rates: credits per US dollar - 1.933
Fiscal year: calendar year

VI. Transportation

Spaceports: Bautizar VIII: 27 Solstheim VI: 15 Gorjen IV: 6

Note: Incoming foreign-registered vessels must first pass through customs on Bautizar VIII before proceeding to Solstheim VI or Gorjen IV.

Merchant marine: total: 27 ships by type: cargo 24, tanker 3

((OC- Welcome to NS FT at the very least. =^^= So you have three planets if I read all of this right? 18.2 million would be a bit stretched over all three to be sure. Otherwise don't see a problem here. ))

Speaking out-of-character here: comments and input are welcome.

[ I may be modern-tech, but I'd just like to say you've done a very nice job here. Excellent work. ]

((OC- Welcome to NS FT at the very least. =^^= So you have three planets if I read all of this right? 18.2 million would be a bit stretched over all three to be sure. Otherwise don't see a problem here. ))

<< OOC: Thanks for the welcome. To answer your question, the population figure is actually higher: I haven't incorporated in the figures for Gorjen and Solstheim, which I've created as colonies in-game. (Felt a bit like cheating in RP if I were include them, as the total population would jump to over 62 million or thereabouts.) >>

((OC- The proper term would be wankery, which *laugh manically* I pull off alot for my own super empire for the sake of large scale intergalactic wars. I do it knowing a rp wars with other PC nations here, once in a blue moon, but also rp a highly benevolent nation, so wars are kept NPC for the sake of a good storyline instead. =^^=

The catch is to gain respect and trust as a good writer and rper about these parts, and know where to put a line that says 'one step too far', then respect the other rpers, TGing th heck with them and such when preparing rps and such here.

Don't worry about the 62 mill, that'll be up over 100+ in a week and a half at most. Just remember at 500 million you can rename the prefix monicer for your nation instead of having the standard choices given in the Settings page. =^^=

Any idea what kind of standard FT tech (SW, ST, Stargate, ect..) you'll be going for? =oo= ))

((OC- Want to do a First Contact event? I'm in diplomatic open overdrive at the present. =^^= Anywhere is fine with me. ))

ooc: I'm also somewhat starved for RP, as of late (though, admittadly, I've been gone for quite some time). If you're interested, I'd like to do a first contact RP between our nations. Kazecistan itself is rather starved for contact, and they're doing there best to flood the galaxy to overcome that. [/long-windedness]

....anyway, TG me if you're interested.

VII. Picture Appendices

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r67/S_Baxter2064/kveen0237s.jpg
The Admiralty building, headquarters of the Commonwealth Navy

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r67/S_Baxter2064/Government20House_thumb.jpg
Government House, home to the Hon. Prime Minister Sir Samuel Baxter, K.C.V.O., W.T.K.C.

Her Majesty's Commonwealth Government of Bautizar
Office of the Admiralty of Her Majesty's Navy

Since the development of space flight by the Soldenor Confederation in 3370, there has been unprecedented construction of major starbases and associated facilities throughout Commonwealth territory. This report summarizes the major stations in existence, along with key points and ownership.

I. Homeworld System - Government Facilities

ABERDEEN BORDER STATION. (Bautizar IV high orbit)

The oldest border station to be operated by Her Majesty’s Constabulary Authority, Aberdeen was first established in 3365 as a military outpost of the Soldenor Confederation and later went through a myriad of ownership before transfer to the newly-created Constabulary Authority in 3391. Aberdeen has quickly become a popular landmark with outsiders owing to the requirement of travelers to clear customs here before proceeding into the Commonwealth. It is also tasked with the enforcement of customs regulations on both foreign and domestic vessels, and maintaining law enforcement throughout the Bautizar system.

CLYDEBANK NAVAL YDS. (Bautizar VIII high orbit)

A construction facility originally owned by Republic StarDrive, the Clydebank Naval Yards were acquired in late 3379 by the Dominion of Bautizar (later one of the founding members of Her Majesty’s Commonwealth Government).

HIGH WALKER TRAINING ACADEMY. (Clydebank Naval Yards, Bautizar VIII high orbit)

The primary schooling facility for the Commonwealth Navy, the High Walker Training Academy contains large and modern classroom facilities after a series of upgrades in the early 3390s. It contains the officer candidate school, as well as enlisted training in the fields of engineering, gunnery, intelligence, logistics, medicine, navigation, and security.

II. Homeworld System - Private Facilities

KENSINGTON SHIPPING PLATFORM. (Bautizar IV low orbit)

Kensington Shipping Platform is a state-of-the-art cargo handling facility commissioned in 3395. It is one of three final destinations for all foreign ships coming into the Commonwealth (the others being the Birmingham Shipping Platform and Southampton Station); here cargoes are transferred to domestic craft before transport to the homeworld or one of the other stations in the homeworld system. Cargo ships may also be found traveling between this station to the Solstheim and Gorjen systems. Kensington serves as headquarters for numerous smaller corporations that do business on the colonies under the strict regulations and vigilance of the Treasury.

SHEFFIELD STATION. (Bautizar VIII high orbit)

Because legislation prohibits foreigners from residing on the homeworld, Sheffield Station was commissioned in 3395. Today the station serves as the site of foreign embassies and headquarters for Her Majesty’s Constabulary Authority.

THAMES OUTPOST. (Bautizar VIII low orbit)

Thames Outpost dates from the Soldenor Confederation occupation of the homeworld, having been completed in 3370 as a low orbit defense station for strikes against surface targets. Later known as "Orbital One," today it has been extensively refitted and modernized by its new owners, its extensive construction facilities quickly becoming a familiar sight to many civilian and military captains.

CANTERBURY STATION. (Bautizar IX high orbit)

Headquarters of Commonwealth Engineering Yards, Inc., Canterbury Station serves as administrative center and construction facility for one of the 'big three' manufacturing corporations.

III. Solstheim System - Government Facilities

HMCA NEWGATE. (Solstheim I high orbit)

A maximum-security facility better known as "The Beast" to Commonwealth citizens, HMCA Newgate is synonymous with the zero-crime-tolerance policy that is maintained throughout the territory of Her Majesty’s Government. Persistent rumors among the civilian and military communities have suggested that experiments on prisoners and other abuses are a routine occurrence inside its walls. In late 3396 several ships carrying protesters to the prison were mysteriously destroyed; witnessing vessels reported no military units in the vicinity and no weapons fire from the station’s defense grid. Following this incident several other ships were destroyed over the following months, leading to an undeclared 'no-fly' zone being established around the station and several nearby asteroids. Her Majesty’s Government has not publicly commented on the ships’ destructions or what takes place inside the station.

KINGSTONE BORDER STATION. (Solstheim VI high orbit)

The newest border station commissioned into the service of Her Majesty’s Commonwealth Authority, Kingstone is responsible for enforcing laws and customs regulations throughout the Solstheim system. Positioned in low orbit around Solstheim VI, its menacing appearance and bristling, fortress-like weaponry are an imposing sight for travelers and a now-famous landmark for freighter captains after the long trip from the homeworld system.

IV. Solstheim System - Private Facilities

BIRMINGHAM SHIPPING PLATFORM. (Solstheim VI low orbit)

Birmingham Shipping Platform was first commissioned by the Soldenor Confederation in 3320 as a logistical facility. Seized by the Commonwealth of Nonaligned States in 3376, it was later sold to private interests. Today it serves as the key link between Solstheim VI and the remainder of the Commonwealth, handling both incoming and outgoing cargoes in cooperation with the Kingstone Border Station. The few corporations licensed to operate in the system by the Treasury maintain permanent offices here, alongside a garrison of naval marines.

GLASGOW MINING STATION. (Asteroid Belt #12, Outer system)

Owned by the Royal Engineering Consortium, Glasgow Mining Station is actually a series of three stations engaged in harvesting minerals from the rich deposits found throughout the Solstheim system. Constructed in great haste during exploration of the system in the mid-3380s, the stations have come to symbolize Commonwealth economic might, despite opposition from the Freedom Environmentalist Movement.

GRAVES STATION. (Asteroid Belt #3, Inner system)

Graves Station remains a mystery to much of the Commonwealth, beyond the fact that external construction on the station ceased in 3397. Rumored to be a state-of-the-art science and research facility, recent reports among the civilian pilot community have dealt with strange ships and freighters carrying cargoes to the facility under heavy military escort. All further information regarding the facility is classified.

V. Gorjen System - Government Facilities

WATERLOO BORDER STATION. (Gorjen IV high orbit)

The second-oldest border station commissioned into the service of Her Majesty’s Commonwealth Authority, Waterloo Border Station is responsible for the same exact mission as its cousins in the homeworld and Solstheim systems. Recent modifications to the station have tripled its armament and added extensive facilities for a permanent garrison of marines, constabulary officers, and customs personnel.

VI. Gorjen System - Private Facilities

CARDIFF MINING FACILITY. (Asteroid Belt #4, Outer system)

Owned by Commonwealth Fleet Systems, the Cardiff Mining Facility provides logistical support and supplies to nearby automated mining platforms in addition to receiving the ore that is mined. Guarded jealously by mercenaries hired by its owners, the facility produces a wide range of raw materials, including deuterium from the gas miners elsewhere in the system, iron ore, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, gold, silver, and bauxite. Recent strikes against the facility by the Freedom Environmentalist Movement have led to the stationing of an armed detachment of the Her Majesty’s Commonwealth Authority aboard the station.

SOUTHAMPTON STATION. (Asteroid Belt #4, Outer system)

Primary shipping and recipient facility for the Gorjen system, Southampton Station is another of the pre-occupation facilities. Seized in the invasion of 3381 by the Incorporated States of Camillar, the facility was later surrendered to Commonwealth control and sold to private interests. Recent expansions have overextended the facility, leaving vast areas of the station unoccupied after the Gorjen authorities began to embrace more anti-business policies.

VII. Independent Systems - Private Facilities

FALKLAND BASE. (Omega-12 system, Planet #2, High orbit)

Little is known about Falkland Base, save for its being an Exile station that is unusually closed to outsiders. Its remoteness from the Commonwealth (thirty-one jumps at twenty-five lightyears per jump) has precluded a detailed military investigation of the facility and its surrounding space. Naval Intelligence believes that a rift within the Exile community led to a more radical and militant wing occupying the facility sometime in the late 3380s.

ELBICH MINING FACILITY. (Omega-22 system, Asteroid Belt #2)

An assemblage of several deserted stations that were found abandoned throughout the Omega systems, Elbich has been extensively retrofitted and modernized by Commonwealth Fleet Systems. Running a close second in mineral output to the Briesen Mining Facility, Elbich remains a vulnerable and isolated facility which has been under recent attack by marauding pirates. As a result of the challenging security situation the company has recently petitioned the Admiralty for a permanent military presence at the station. The request remains under evaluation, despite modernizations that would allow the station to easily accommodate two Commonwealth Heavy Battlecruisers.

FREEPORT-1. (Tau-14 system, Planet #3, High orbit)

Freeport-1 was originally known as Exploratory Facility 1, a government-run facility administered by the Dominion of Bautizar. After being decommissioned and abandoned, it was taken over by exiles from the war-devastated Incorporated States of Camillar in 3386. Now open to all travelers regardless of political and government affiliation, its vital position halfway along the unsettled and non-patrolled shipping route between the Confederation of Nations and the Commonwealth has guaranteed it landmark status among the shipping community.

DOUGLAS STATION. (Tau-14 system, Planet #9, High orbit)

A private mining station owned and operated by the Guild of Miners, Douglas Station operates in conjunction with Freeport-1, trading parts and supplies with the Exiles (a group who left the Commonwealth for various political, social and economic reasons) for ores produced at the station. Its distance from the Commonwealth (forty-seven jumps at twenty-five lightyears per jump) has guaranteed it second-rate status as a mining facility due to a lack of the massive processing arrays so common at other deep-space stations. The guild is believed to use the facility as a training ground for new apprentices.

BRIESEN MINING FACILITY. (Tau-19 system, Asteroid Belt #7)

An extensive and modern facility operated by the Royal Engineering Consortium, Briesen Mining Facility is a remote facility that has the largest mineral-production volume of any facility owned by a Commonwealth corporation. A recent partnership agreement signed with the Guild of Miners has led to a far larger contingent of mining personnel settling here, along with a dramatic expansion in the local civilian community. Reports from reliable civilian witnesses and freelance pilots indicate that recent disputes between the Consortium and the Exiles over access to the Tau systems has led to a series of raids, counter-raids and skirmishes throughout Tau-19.