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| {{Nation | | {{Infobox Nation Comprehensive |
| |country = Bovic Dominion of Natopia | | |fullname = Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation |
| |image_flag = imperial_flag_standard2.gif | | |commonname = Natopia |
| |language = English, [[Natspeak]] | | |flag = File:Imperial flag standard6.png |
| |capital = Lindstrom City | | |coa= File:Full_Greater_Arms_of_the_Empire_WP_version.png |
| |largecity = Borders City | | |motto = ''[[Peace Through Silent Oppression]]'' |
| |website = [http://www.natopia.webs.com Natopian Website] | | |anthem = ''[[O Great Nation]]'' |
| |forum = [http://natopianation.proboards.com/index.cgi? Natopian Forum] | | |map = File:NatopiaAtlas160410.png |
| |population = 3 | | |mapversions = 6.7.7 - Present |
| |date_founded = August 23, 2002 | | |capital = [[Lindström]] |
| |government = Monarchy | | |largecity = Borders City, Hazelwood, Mehlville, Butter Cow City, |
| |leader = The Butter Bull, Living God and Lord of Natopia | | |lang = English, [[Natspeak]] |
| |currency = Natopo (N) | | |demnoun = Natopian |
| |animal = Goat | | |demadj = Natopian |
| |fruit = Bagels | | |govtype = [[Federal]] [[parliamentary]] [[Constitutional Monarchy]] |
| |drink = Juice | | |headofstatetitle = Emperor |
| |image_map = NatopiaWikiMap.png | | |headofstate = [[Naian Moonoak]] |
| |maps = 6.7.7 - Present
| | |headofgovernmenttitle = Chancellor |
| }} | | |headofgovernment = [[Lord Erion]] |
| | |legislature = ''The Frenzy'' |
| | |estdate = 23 August 2002 |
| | |agerank = NA |
| | |area = |
| | |arearank = 5th |
| | |pop = |
| | |activepop = 8 |
| | |poprank = n/a |
| | |currency = ''Natopo" (₦) |
| | |abbrev = NAT |
| | |site = [http://natopia.webs.com/] |
| | |forum = [http://bastionunion.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=18 Forum] |
| | |animal = Domestic goat |
| | |food = Bagels |
| | |drink = Fruit juice |
| | |tree = ''None'' |
| | }} |
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| '''Natopia''', officially the '''Bovic Dominion of Natopia''' is a forum-based micronation with primary territorial holdings on the continent of Tapfer, on [[Micras]]. It has occupied the large island known as Tapfer Minor or Yellow Island, for all of its existence. Natopia shares a border with The Empire of the Alexandrians to the west of its mainland Tapfer holdings. By way of the small colony of Natollonia, Natopia shares borders with The Imperial Republic of Shireroth, the Antican Republic, and the Kingdom of Orontea. Natopia is a [[monarchy]], technically an [[autocratic theocracy]] lead by the living god, The Butter Bull, and aided by his Prophet, Nathan Shepard. | | '''Natopia''', officially the '''Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation''' is a forum-based micronation with primary territorial holdings on the continent of [[Tapfer]], on [[Micras]]. It has occupied the large island known as Tapfer Minor or Yellow Island, for all of its existence. Natopia shares borders with [[Alexandria]] and [[Stormark]] on Tapfer; [[Craitland]], [[Hamland]], and [[Alexandria]] on Cibola; [[Alexandria]] and [[Hamland]] in the Cpative Sea; [[Jingdao]], [[Senya]], [[Flanders]], and [[Gotzborg]] on [[Apollonia]]; and [[Stormark]] on [[Keltia]]. [[Athlon]], the seat of the [[Dozan Bovic Church]], is a protected sovereign nation within Natopia's internationally recognized jurisdiction. Natopia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The Emperor performs ceremonial and diplomatic functions appropriate to his role as head of state. Legislative authority is exercised by the [[Frenzy]] presided over by a Chancellor with executive prerogatives. An independent Supreme Court has ultimate judicial authority exercised in the name of the Emperor. The [[demesne|demesnes]] of Natopia have considerable local autonomy. |
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| Begun as an offline community of high school friends in 2002 and continuing into 2003, Natopia claimed territory around St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Beginning around 2005, Natopia shifted its focus away from territorial claims, abandoning them in favor of online participation, becoming integral participants of the early MicroOlympics, and the International Association. Since then, Natopia has been a primary participant in the Micras community, or Micran Sector.
| | Natopia began as an offline community of high school friends in 2002. Continuing into 2003, Natopia claimed territory around in Missouri and operated as a secessionist micronation. Beginning around 2005, Natopia shifted its focus away from actual secessionist claims, abandoning them entirely in favor of online participation, becoming integral participants of the early MicroOlympics, and the International Association. Since then, Natopia has been a primary participant in the Micras community, or Micran Sector. |
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| Natopia is currently a member of the [[Small Commonwealth]] and the [[Small Commonwealth Unified Currency]]. | | Natopia is currently a member of the [[Micras Treaty Organization]]. |
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| ==Origin of the name ''Natopia''== | | ==Origin of the name ''Natopia''== |
| The name Natopia has two origins. It is a portmanteau of Nathan and Utopia, after the founder, Nathan Shepard. According to lore and myth, however, the name is derived from the ancient settlement at modern day Lindstrom City known as Nett Opaegh's Awe, named after the mythic founder of the nation, Nett Opaegh.[http://search.surfcanyon.com/search?f=nrl1&q=Wikipedia%3A%20Wo%2C%20romanization%20of%20the%20Chinese%20first-person%20pronoun%20%E6%88%91%20%28I%2Cme%29%20%C2%BB%5B1%5D%5B2%5D%5B3%5D%5B4%5D&partner=fastestfox][http://www.google.com/search?q=Wikipedia%3A%20Wo%2C%20romanization%20of%20the%20Chinese%20first-person%20pronoun%20%E6%88%91%20%28I%2Cme%29%20%C2%BB%5B1%5D%5B2%5D%5B3%5D%5B4%5D][http://api3.smarterfox.com/wikisearch/search?q=Wikipedia%3A%20Wo%2C%20romanization%20of%20the%20Chinese%20first-person%20pronoun%20%E6%88%91%20%28I%2Cme%29%20%C2%BB%5B1%5D%5B2%5D%5B3%5D%5B4%5D&locale=en-US][http://duckduckgo.org/?q=Wikipedia%3A%20Wo%2C%20romanization%20of%20the%20Chinese%20first-person%20pronoun%20%E6%88%91%20%28I%2Cme%29%20%C2%BB%5B1%5D%5B2%5D%5B3%5D%5B4%5D] | | The name Natopia has two origins. It is a portmanteau of the word utopia and either Nathan or national. According to lore and myth, however, the name is derived from the ancient settlement at modern day Lindström known as Nett Opaegh's Awe, named after the mythic founder of the nation, [[Nett Opaegh]]. |
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| ==History== | | ==Government== |
| ===The Unification of Yellow Island===
| | Primary legislative and executive power is derived from the Frenzy which is composed of various representatives sent by the demesnes of the Empire. Each demesne chooses how to send its representative. Many important decisions of the empire require a majority decision from the Frenzy. The Frenzy is presided over by a Chancellor who also exercises executive authority. The Chancellor can be elected and recalled by the Frenzy or the Frenzy may choose to hold a general election. |
| ====The Mythical Period====
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| The Mythical Period of Natopia is characterized by vague and sometimes conflicting stories of the beginning of civilization on Tapfer and Yellow Island. It is generally assumed that Jasonia was one of the earliest civilizations to have an influence on Tapfer. The Opaeied, a collection of epic poems passed down orally and collected and translated by Nathan Shepard, is the primary source of what little historical knowledge we have of the period before 1113 ASC (August 23, 2002 AD or Natopuary 25, 3 BFG), the founding of Natopia City.
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| In the Opaeied, the main character, known as Nett Opaegh, embarks from his Jasonian settlement on the west side of Tapfer across the continent to current day Yellow Island. He encountered the giant rock monster Pinax, the gentle native Klaasiyans who lived along Borders Bay and helped him cross the bay and fought the bay monster Bora’Derr. Opaegh’s journeys take him to a small settlement in a natural harbor on southern shore of Yellow Island.
| | The emperor serves many ceremonial roles such as providing and accepting ambassadors' credentials, acting as host to foreign dignitaries, and visiting allies. As an impartial and apolitical figure, he is a living symbol of unity. Recent changes to the governing laws of Natopia have given the Emperor a greater and more active role, now acting as primary diplomat, commander in chief of the military, and the ability to grant or withhold assent to Frenzy laws. |
| The native people call themselves Mehl and are marveled at Nett Opaegh’s stories of Jasonia’s flying islands and his encounter with Pinax, Bora’Derr, and the Klaasiyans. Opaegh’s limited knowledge of Jasonian technology among the primitive sky-spirit worshipers elevate him to a nearly god-king position. He raises certain civic buildings several feet above the ground with his rudimentary knowledge of antigravity. Stories and recovered documents describe an entire city in the clouds, however these were firsthand accounts written by the Mehl and their primitive cognition of these events may have caused them to greatly exaggerate. It is more probable that Nett Opaegh was only able to lift important civic buildings to only a height of 10 or 15 feet and only for a short period of time for matters of defense.
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| Nevertheless, Nett Opaegh’s “floating city of the clouds” was an awesome sight to behold, and as such the Mehl began to call their own settlement Nett Opaegh’s Awe, which soon became shortened to Natopia. It is around the time of the introduction of the name “Natopia” that recorded history in early Natopia begins. Opaegh was secure in his position as leader of the Mehl and organized them into a more sophisticated society, appointing himself President and several ministers to aid him, these appointments are considered the beginning of the Natopian Nation and occurred in 1113 ASC (August 23, 2002 AD/Natopuary 25, 3 BFG).
| | The Chief Justice heads the judicial branch and serves as an important check against the legislative and executive powers of the Frenzy, Chancellor, and Emperor. |
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| ====The Natopolitan Period==== | | ==History== |
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| The Natopolitan Period is characterized by policies and reforms by Nett Opaegh to civilize and sophisticate the Mehl into a modern city-state. The ministers he appointed were all from the most respected and established Mehl families so that his new government would be easily accepted by the general population. Nett Opaegh downplayed the use of the word “Mehl” to describe his citizens, and instead called them Natopians to differentiate them from Mehl living in the surrounding area which today is the area of Ziegeland. The Natopians consolidated their city and built buildings and streets and a Presidential mansion on the shore of the harbor where Vista de Nada Palace would eventually be built. The entire city was contained by walls that were located on the present day streets of Old Eastern Avenue, South Street and Shepard Street.
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| Frequent skirmishes occurred between the Natopians and surrounding Mehl, who Opaegh designated as Anti-Natopians to galvanize his people against them. One of the first people to ally with the Natopians was a small group of Mehl who lived to the northwest in a small fishing village (present-day Andiopolis). These Mehl were known as the Andi by local custom as their men were fierce warriors. The chief of the Andi, known only by his Natopianized name of Andrew Shin, saw that the Natopians were becoming a powerful force and sought an alliance with Nett Opaegh. The alliance essentially joined the two tribes together and a proto-state was formed and called the Natopian Alliance.
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| The remaining Mehl were concerned at this disruption to the balance to their tribes and formed their own coalition. Known only as the Anti-Natopians to history, the Mehl fortified the ancient fortress of Dracoheim, to the northeast of Natopia City and blocked any Natopian expansion in those directions. The Natopian Alliance, however, laid siege to Dracoheim. Powerful Andi warriors and skilled Natopian warfare technology eventually broke the siege and the Anti-Natopians surrendered. The entire tribal area of the Mehl came under the control of the Natopian Alliance, with the Anti-Natopians pledging fealty and willingness to assimilate to civilized Natopolitan life.
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| With a powerful army with the entire tribal nation of the Mehl, Nett Opaegh marched up the coast towards the Haas people. The Haas were a quiet, spiritual and introspective people. With minimal negotiation the Haas agreed to join the Natopian Alliance, bringing the extremely strategic Lochhatonian peninsula under Natopian control. The leader of the Haas, the Supreme Spiritual Leader Tree Loch Haas (Natopianized as Theresa Lochhaas) sent her sister, Cherry Loch Haas (Natopianized as Sherry Lochhaas) to accompany Opaegh back to Natopia City.
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| Nearly all of Yellow Island has been brought under the Natopian Alliance. Only Tas Neemia to the north and the impenetrable Hazel Woods to the east remained at the end of what became known as “Opaegh’s March to the Peninsula.”
| | See [[Natopian History]]. |
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| The Natopolitan Period extends to the end of Nett Opeagh’s life. He continued to bring ever greater levels of sophistication, solidarity and civility to the Natopian Alliance until his death. Before his death many barbaric Mehl practices had been abolished by his Presidential decrees. The Mehl customs of “death houses” where undesireable individuals were sent to die, as well as succession by assassination where all memories by the end of the Natopolitan Period.
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| ====The Lindstromist Period====
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| Opaegh’s death brought about a major succession crisis as he had left no heir to the presidency or even any inclination as to how his government should continue. The ministers and military squabbled amongst themselves about who among them should ascend to the presidency. No one member held seniority as they were all appointed on the same day.
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| Three officials, Joel Castleberry, minister of foreign affairs, Aaron Pavletich, supreme commander of the military, and Nathan Shepard, minister of domestic affairs, met at a small club in the north easternmost part of the city, known as the Black Hole, still standing today at the corner of Shepard Street and Mehl Avenue. Together they conspired to form a coup against the other ministers and place themselves in a triumvirate. The coup was bloodless and quick, the other ministers being unorganized and bribable with positions in the new government. Opposition came only from Andrew Shin, who commanded the will of the Andi. Even though the Andi served in the military and therefore under the command of Aaron Pavletich, tribal loyalty still ran high in early Natopian society. The Haas were also wary of a government lead by a triumvirate of ethnic Mehl. Nathan Shepard therefore proposed a compromise, known as the First Reorganization.
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| Shepard suggested a more complex five-branched system. A Grand Chancellor to replace the president, a senate headed by a Grand Consul with equal tribal representation, a Grand Judge to create a judicial branch, the Supreme Commander would lead a military branch, and the Supreme Spiritual Leader would lead a religious branch. Each branch would be lead by a member of a tribe by proportion, the Mehl holding the military and executive branches, the Andi holding the senate, and the Haas with the judicial and religious branches. This new government was established in a constitution, signed by all heads of branches. Whereas the Natopian Alliance had been an informal name, this constitution officially unified the tribes under a modern state known as the Supreme Sovereign Republic of Natopia.
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| It was decided that Nathan Shepard should serve as the first Grand Chancellor in recognition of him writing the new constitution. Aaron Pavletich remained as Supreme Commander of the military branch. Joel Castleberry was content to remain foreign minister until his early retirement and expedition to the island of Micronia. Theresa Lochhaas was appointed as the Supreme Spiritual Leader and her sister Sherry Lochhaas was appointed as Grand Judge. Andrew Shin was made Grand Consul of the Natopian Senate, of which each tribe sent two senators.
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| Natopia City was now a growing town which was attracting visitors from many foreign nations. One such visitor was Gustav Lindstrom, an exiled expatriate from Stormark. Lindstrom was exiled for his political views which angered the Sovereign Viking Emperor. Lindstrom had suggested a single check on the absolute authority of a monarch: a judge able to instantly remove the monarch from the throne for tyranny. Lindstrom therefore came to the new and unknown Republic of Natopia, hoping to find a place for his ideals to take root.
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| Grand Chancellor Shepard was having difficulty with his unwieldy five-branched government which required unanimous approval from the senate and unanimous approval from the branches to amend the constitution and welcomed an audience with Gustav Lindstrom. Having little contact with the outside world, the Natopian government had no idea it was harboring an exiled person. Lindstrom presented his theory of the judge-check-monarch system. Having no royal traditions to take offense, Shepard saw this system as a superb way to control the government and keep the people happy by maintaining a system of checks and balances.
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| Unwilling to amend the unamendable constitution, Shepard merely wrote a new one, requiring only the signatures of himself, the Grand Judge, the Grand Consul and three other officials to render ratification. The new constitution was ratified quickly and the new Lindstromist government was in place with the addition of the powerful Chancellorial Decree and Judicial Review. Protests were minimal, as all three tribes were secured a spot in this new triumvirate, known as the Grand Quorum. The republic was organized into Five Regions; Dracoheim, Hoheit, Frieden, Shepard and Lochhatonia which roughly corresponded with present day Cheshunt, Ziegeland, Pavleton, and Lochhatonia. With a new stable government, Natopia was able to look outwards to the north and east.
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| The lands to the north known as the Tas Neemia were dominated by the tribe of the Neemites, who professed to be the chosen people of a deity they call the Butter Cow. One of Shepard’s first objectives was to bring this area into the new Republic. He ventured to the capital of the Tas Neemia, now Tasneemia City, and met with their leader, the formidable Chow Dhury, who became known as Tasneem Chowdhury. Chowdhury sought inclusion for Tasneemia within the new Natopian Republic, but demanded a post on Shepard’s ministry, the Prime Minister’s position. Shepard obliged and Chowdhury became the Prime Minister of Natopia and would go on to become a symbol of Natopian stubbornness in her steadfast devotion to the state.
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| Hazel Woods, to the east, was a maze of forest and swamp. It was so difficult to navigate that even Nett Opaegh avoided going beyond present day Oakham. Contact was made via vessels sent through the Newport Strait that docked at Sidewinder, present day Hazelwood city. The Hazel people were a shamanistic people, who lived deep in the woods and practiced magic. Natopian colonists, known as forestbaggers, began to arrive at the port of Sidewinder. The native Hazel peacefully joined the Republic, realizing they were surrounded by Natopian forces on all sides on the island. A second city, Blood Gulch was founded but failed due to the popularity and strategic location of Sidewinder, which eventually became known simply as Hazelwood.
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| ===The Formation of a True State===
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| ====The Early Republican Period====
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| Hazelwood and Tasneemia were organized into Regions with Hoheit and Frieden being absorbed into other Regions. One of the new senators from Hazelwood, given the Natopianized name of Ryan Grass, would have immeasurable impact on the legislature and growing culture of the nation. Then as now, the Natopian Senate had extremely relaxed procedures for debating and passing legislation. It was due to these relaxed procedures that the Senate was able to pass several pieces of legislation in under two days, sometimes even the same day the bill was proposed. This rapidity of legislation caused Senator and Hazelwood Regional Chancellor Ryan Grass to say that the senate was “a legislative frenzy.”
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| The name was popular among the other senators and soon Grand Chancellor Shepard proposed an official change to the name of the legislature. From that day the legislature of Natopia has been known as the Legislative Frenzy during republican years and the Royal Frenzy during imperial and royal periods. Members have been called many things. Senator was no longer appropriate and a long list of membership titles began with Legislators, Frenzors, Representatives, Legates, and now simply Members of the Royal Frenzy abbreviated to MoRF.
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| While the culture was expanding in the halls, political lobbies, and pubs of the capital, which had been renamed Lindstrom City in honor of Gustav Lindstrom and to prevent confusing the city with the new country, the borders of the republic were continually expanding. Joel Castleberry had taken a leave of absence from his duties as foreign minister, leaving the position in a chronically open condition. Nevertheless, his leave was due to an expedition to the islands north of Lochhatonia, known as Micronia and Ferien, sites important to ancient Jasonians and Soloralists. He claimed the islands for Natopia as it was unpopulated at this time after years of abandonment. A settlement, Cragu, on the southern coast was established as the primary connecting port to the rest of mainland Natopia. Its sister port, Coco Coast, in modern day southwestern Tasneemia provided the sea connection to this new land which was administered by Lochhatonia. This island would eventually gain independence from Lochhatonia and would be known as Punkrock, in honor of its discoverer’s favorite genre of music. The city of Cragu was abandoned in favor of the new Punkrocker capital, Avenged City. With the loss of Cragu the inter-region trade between the mainland and Punkrock shifted to an Avenged City-Anmutstadt route and Coco Coast was soon abandoned as well.
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| With the islands of Micronia and Ferien under its firm control, a stable government, and a solid and unique culture, Natopians felt as though they were ready to become players in their world. Therefore, Grand Chancellor Shepard applied to have the Micronational Cartography Society come to Natopia and map the republic’s land. The Society agreed and after the initial survey of Yellow and Micronia islands, they added Natopia to the Society’s official map of the world on October 9, 2004, which in many ways legitimized Natopia’s existence to the outside world and opened early friendships with established nations such as Shireroth and peers Alexandria, Antica and Stormark. Natopia also streamlined its government by eliminating the religious and military branches and renaming the country the Sovereign Imperial Republic of Natopia.
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| ====The Lavalonian Period====
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| The period of time ranging from October 2004 to July 2005 is marked by a severe drop in Natopian economic, cultural, and political growth. The three most important people of the government, Grand Chancellor Shepard, Prime Minister Chowdhury and Chancellor Grass all retreated from public Natopian life. Chancellor Grass all but vanished, and the Grand Chancellor and Prime Minister had immigrated to the Republic of Lavalon, located where East Tapfer is today. Shepard and Chowdhury joined the republic after it experienced a revolution, overthrowing their prince. Shepard became Chief Justice of Lavalon and Chowdhury would go on to secure the Presidency of that republic.
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| The attention paid to Lavalon by the most important Natopian citizens of the time had a near-death effect on Natopia. The only significant Natopian development during this time was the creation of the Free Juice and Bagels Party, but even that was duplicated in Lavalon as the Progressive Bagelcratican Party. Something was needed to bring Shepard and Chowdhury’s attention back to Natopia, and that was Robert Davis, one of the most celebrated micronationalists of all time. He came into Natopia as an ambassador from the Kingdom of Gotzborg and invigorated the nation with his charisma and interest. Shepard and Chowdhury were rejuvenated by this new foreign visitor who would soon join as a citizen, suggest that Natopia adopt a feudal system for its Regions, and did work on the nation’s laughable economy. His legacy is preserved today in the Barony of Robland, its capital Chloeopolis named for his daughter, and Davis Street in Lindstrom City which is the financial district of the city. It was this spike in interest and national pride that allowed Natopia to create its first empire.
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| Lavalon was suffering at the same time Natopia was recovering. Most of the officials of Lavalon had their own nations that they administered. Carson Smith was also king of Faronia, Bartholomew Henzelli was leader of New Germany, and Zachary Azilin was emperor of Alrodria. Following a disagreement over policy with Lavalonian Vice President Matthew Vasroixe, Shepard emigrated from Lavalon to focus on Natopia exclusively. Soon Lavalon was in serious decline and sensing opportunity, Shepard proposed a union of the struggling nations of Lavalon, Faronia, and New Germany with the newly prosperous Natopia. This union, called the Venerable Union of Aligned States (the name yet another legacy of Robert Davis), bonded the four nations together in an ambiguous hegemony with Natopia at the top.
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| Natopians had not experienced the exhilaration of empire since the days of Nett Opaegh, conquering the Anti-Natopians at Dracoheim, annexing the lands of the Andi, and the Haas all in a single lifetime. This current generation of Natopians tasted imperialism for the first time as Natopia sat in the premier position in VUAS. However, no sooner than the ink had dried on the treaty that bound the nations to their Venerable Union, the Supreme Court of Lavalon struck down the treaty in July 2005, without Lavalonian support, the Union collapsed, Faronia and New Germany disappeared with it and Natopian public pride was damaged.
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| Because Lavalon and Natopia had a significant number of shared citizens, a great rivalry existed between them, and this union was Natopia’s victory in that rivalry. But the very seat of power that Shepard had himself vacated weeks prior was used against Natopia’s imperial ambitions. Thus the friendly rivalry between the once “sister nations” of Lavalon and Natopia turned into a bitter hatred on the Natopia side.
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| ==Politics==
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| The legislature, The Frenzy, plays a nominal roll in government, and the only recognized political party, the [[Free Juice and Bagel Party]] (FJBP) remains technically in power despite dormancy. Political association and party creation is allowed.
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| ==Foreign relations== | | ==Foreign relations== |
| ===Recognized Micronations=== | | ===Recognized Micronations=== |
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| Natopia de facto recognizes members of the [[Micronational Cartography Society]] as sovereign and legitimate nations. | | Natopia extends de facto recognition to all members of the [[Micronational Cartography Society]] as sovereign and legitimate nations. |
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| ===Nations that have signed a Treaty with Natopia=== | | ===Bilateral Treaty Partners=== |
| Natopia has signed treaties with many numerous micronations. However, the current incarnation of Natopia only recognizes treaties signed after the Natopian Reformation, January 8, 2008.
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| [[Stormark]] | | Stormark, Alexandria, [[Constancia]], Shireroth, [[Vyktory]], Jingdao, Sangun and South Cibola |
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| [[Gralus]] | | ==Military== |
| | The [[Natopian Defense Force]] is commanded by the Emperor and an appointed Secretary for Defense. The Court of the Verdant Gardens is the name of the military's headquarters. The [[Natopian Spacefleet]] operates an interstellar fleet (capable of visiting the timelost planet of Giess), orbital space station, and lunar base on [[Tarsica]]. For conventional defense, the Natopian Defense Force maintains army, navy, and air force units. |
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| | ==Geography== |
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| [[Antica]] | | [[File:Tapfer_Terrain_All.png|thumb|right|350px|Terrain map of Tapfer]] |
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| | The Empire is divided into demesnes, which are integral parts of the nation. There are two special areas: [[Athlon]], a "protected sovereign nation;" and [[Ptia]], an "extra-demesnial entity" held in trust for the people of Micras. Ptia was previously jointly administered with the [[Nelaga Territories]]. |
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| [[Holzborg]] | | On Yellow Island, the original and oldest part of the nation, the original demesnes of Ziegeland-Lochhatonia, Hazelwood, and Tas Neemia have merged into a single jurisdiction: the Dynastic Incarnation of the Lands of [[Flaventia]]. [[Alrodey]], formerly known as Muckapucky recently separated from Flaventia. |
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| | On the main continent, Natopia has several subdivisions: [[Klaasiya]], [[New Dracoheim]] and [[Egale]] united together as the Crown Duchy of the Marches; the Kingdom of [[Uppland]] and [[Opaeghia]]. [[Sororiya]] and [[Universalis]] are currently under imperial administration. |
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| [[Nelaga]] | | There are several overseas demesnes: [[Arboria]], the [[Skerry Isles]], and [[Tinalkina]] united as the Principality of Arboria; The Most Serene Union of [[Thalassa]] (located on mainland Tapfer), [[Neridia]], [[St. Andre]], and [[Istvanistan]]; the Kingdom of [[Leng]] with [[St. Sherrith and Graven Island]]; and The Elian Lands of [[Wlstadt]] and [[Elijah's Rest]]. |
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| | Yellow Island is divided into three major climate zones. The east is dominated by thick woods and jungle and the coast is protected by reefs. The north is open plains. Along the Borders Bay coast is fertile farmland. Alrodey island is rocky and surrounded by cliffs. |
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| [[Shireroth]]
| | The Laval peninsula, now shared by Sororiya and Universalis, is dominated by eucalyptus bushlands. However, there is lush farmland along the Sororiyan river to produce wheat. West of the Egale river, in Thalassa, the terrain turns rough and unsettled with deserts, gorges, and thick forests. |
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| ==Military==
| | The highest point in Natopia is Mt Vice, located in Flaventia. Other prominent mountains are Mt. Bagel in Sororiya, Mt. Zoom in Universlis, Mt. Davis in Thalassa, Mt. Dracon in Thalassa, and the Talon Mountains in Klaasiya and Thalassa. Natopia occupies the entire eastern bank of the Egale River on Tapfer, as well as all of eastern Tapfer, and most of the northwest excluding an Alexandrian enclave. |
| The Natopian Defense Force currently follows the Dominion's pacifistic military policy of non-participation in recwars. An [urlextensive home defense fleet is still operable in Natopia's coastal areas and colonies. | |
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| | Natopia has access to many abundant and exploitable resources: fish (x6), cotton (x3), wheat (x2), spices (x2), pack animals (x2), iron, lumber, natural gas, oil, precious gems, semi-precious gems, silver(x2), shipbuilding, farmlands, and tropical fruit. |
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| ==Geography== | | ==Flora and Fauna== |
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| The Bovic Dominion is divided into demesnes, which are integral parts of the nation. Two special protectorates, Athlon and Ptia, are under the jurisdiction and de jure control of Natopia (with Nelaga sharing administration of Ptia). | | Natopians enjoy the plentiful bounty of wheat grows naturally within their land. The tropical lands in western Thalassa, Port Istvan, and the Skerry Isles provide fruit and exotic fish to vary their diets. Yellow Island is perfectly suited to grow cotton, and cotton farms cover the landscapes. The Great Hazel Woods cover the entire eastern peninsula of Yellow Island, and contains thick foliage cover creating a perpetual twilight. The domestic goat is kept by many farmers and over population has caused many to become feral and exist successfully in the wild. |
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| On Yellow Island, the original and oldest part of the nation, there are the demesnes of Ziegeland, Lochhatonia, Hazelwood, Tasneemia, and Muckypuckyland. On the main continent Natopia has three demesnes, East Tapfer, Klaasiya, and Opaeghia. The colony of Natollonia is the final demesne. Each demesne has a rich culture and vibrant history.
| | ==Newspapers and Other Media== |
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| The highest point in Natopia is Mt Vice, located in Lochhatonia. Natopia occupies the entire eastern bank of the Egale River on Tapfer, as well as the majority of the Tapfer peninsula and most of its coast. What the area lacks in hard metals and industrial resources,it makes up for in luxury goods; precious and semi-precious gems, spices, tropical fruit, oil, cotton, natural gas, natural harbors, and silver deposits all keep Natopia in the highest levels of trade and standard of living on Micras.
| | ===Press=== |
| | One paper is published and receives wide distribution throughout Natopia, the Bagelcratican Sporadically [http://bagelcratican.blogspot.com/]. The BS originated as a newsletter for the Free Juice and Bagels Party but has sense evolved into Natopia's unofficially official news outlet. |
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| ==Flora and Fauna== | | ==Mainstream Culture== |
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| Natopians enjoy the plentiful bounty of wheat and fish that grow naturally within their land. The tropical lands in Opaeghia provide fruit and exotic fish to vary their diets. Yellow Island is perfectly suited to grow cotton, and cotton farms cover the landscapes. The Great Hazel Woods cover the entire eastern peninsula of Yellow Island, and contains thick foliage cover creating a perpetual twilight. The domestic goat is kept by many farmers and over population has caused many to become feral and exist successfully in the wild.
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| ==Newspapers and Other Media== | | ===Natopian Cuisine=== |
| | The basic diet for many Natopians is fish and grains. Fish is abundant in the coastal areas of almost all demesnes of Natopia. The island of Punkrock was in important early exporter of spices to satisfy the demand for flavored fish recipes. Staple grains are exported from the extremely fertile grain region of the Laval Peninsula. Egale's generalized agricultural community, and the cattle ranches of northern Flaventia provide other sources of surplus food. The traditional and customary Natopian diet enjoyed across ethnic divides are bagels made from Laval wheat and fruit juice. Aside from customary bagels and juice, Natopian cuisine is highly localized. |
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| ===Press===
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| Two papers are published throughout Natopia, the Bagelcratican Sporadically and the Dozan Gazette. The BS was originally a party-news only publication but now focuses on all Natopian issues. The Gazette is published by the Dozan Bovic Church to keep its members aware of developments in Doza, Athlon, the church's seat.
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Natopia, officially the Bovic Empire of the Natopian Nation is a forum-based micronation with primary territorial holdings on the continent of Tapfer, on Micras. It has occupied the large island known as Tapfer Minor or Yellow Island, for all of its existence. Natopia shares borders with Alexandria and Stormark on Tapfer; Craitland, Hamland, and Alexandria on Cibola; Alexandria and Hamland in the Cpative Sea; Jingdao, Senya, Flanders, and Gotzborg on Apollonia; and Stormark on Keltia. Athlon, the seat of the Dozan Bovic Church, is a protected sovereign nation within Natopia's internationally recognized jurisdiction. Natopia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The Emperor performs ceremonial and diplomatic functions appropriate to his role as head of state. Legislative authority is exercised by the Frenzy presided over by a Chancellor with executive prerogatives. An independent Supreme Court has ultimate judicial authority exercised in the name of the Emperor. The demesnes of Natopia have considerable local autonomy.
Natopia began as an offline community of high school friends in 2002. Continuing into 2003, Natopia claimed territory around in Missouri and operated as a secessionist micronation. Beginning around 2005, Natopia shifted its focus away from actual secessionist claims, abandoning them entirely in favor of online participation, becoming integral participants of the early MicroOlympics, and the International Association. Since then, Natopia has been a primary participant in the Micras community, or Micran Sector.
Natopia is currently a member of the Micras Treaty Organization.
Origin of the name Natopia
The name Natopia has two origins. It is a portmanteau of the word utopia and either Nathan or national. According to lore and myth, however, the name is derived from the ancient settlement at modern day Lindström known as Nett Opaegh's Awe, named after the mythic founder of the nation, Nett Opaegh.
Government
Primary legislative and executive power is derived from the Frenzy which is composed of various representatives sent by the demesnes of the Empire. Each demesne chooses how to send its representative. Many important decisions of the empire require a majority decision from the Frenzy. The Frenzy is presided over by a Chancellor who also exercises executive authority. The Chancellor can be elected and recalled by the Frenzy or the Frenzy may choose to hold a general election.
The emperor serves many ceremonial roles such as providing and accepting ambassadors' credentials, acting as host to foreign dignitaries, and visiting allies. As an impartial and apolitical figure, he is a living symbol of unity. Recent changes to the governing laws of Natopia have given the Emperor a greater and more active role, now acting as primary diplomat, commander in chief of the military, and the ability to grant or withhold assent to Frenzy laws.
The Chief Justice heads the judicial branch and serves as an important check against the legislative and executive powers of the Frenzy, Chancellor, and Emperor.
History
See Natopian History.
Foreign relations
Recognized Micronations
Natopia extends de facto recognition to all members of the Micronational Cartography Society as sovereign and legitimate nations.
Bilateral Treaty Partners
Stormark, Alexandria, Constancia, Shireroth, Vyktory, Jingdao, Sangun and South Cibola
Military
The Natopian Defense Force is commanded by the Emperor and an appointed Secretary for Defense. The Court of the Verdant Gardens is the name of the military's headquarters. The Natopian Spacefleet operates an interstellar fleet (capable of visiting the timelost planet of Giess), orbital space station, and lunar base on Tarsica. For conventional defense, the Natopian Defense Force maintains army, navy, and air force units.
Geography
The Empire is divided into demesnes, which are integral parts of the nation. There are two special areas: Athlon, a "protected sovereign nation;" and Ptia, an "extra-demesnial entity" held in trust for the people of Micras. Ptia was previously jointly administered with the Nelaga Territories.
On Yellow Island, the original and oldest part of the nation, the original demesnes of Ziegeland-Lochhatonia, Hazelwood, and Tas Neemia have merged into a single jurisdiction: the Dynastic Incarnation of the Lands of Flaventia. Alrodey, formerly known as Muckapucky recently separated from Flaventia.
On the main continent, Natopia has several subdivisions: Klaasiya, New Dracoheim and Egale united together as the Crown Duchy of the Marches; the Kingdom of Uppland and Opaeghia. Sororiya and Universalis are currently under imperial administration.
There are several overseas demesnes: Arboria, the Skerry Isles, and Tinalkina united as the Principality of Arboria; The Most Serene Union of Thalassa (located on mainland Tapfer), Neridia, St. Andre, and Istvanistan; the Kingdom of Leng with St. Sherrith and Graven Island; and The Elian Lands of Wlstadt and Elijah's Rest.
Yellow Island is divided into three major climate zones. The east is dominated by thick woods and jungle and the coast is protected by reefs. The north is open plains. Along the Borders Bay coast is fertile farmland. Alrodey island is rocky and surrounded by cliffs.
The Laval peninsula, now shared by Sororiya and Universalis, is dominated by eucalyptus bushlands. However, there is lush farmland along the Sororiyan river to produce wheat. West of the Egale river, in Thalassa, the terrain turns rough and unsettled with deserts, gorges, and thick forests.
The highest point in Natopia is Mt Vice, located in Flaventia. Other prominent mountains are Mt. Bagel in Sororiya, Mt. Zoom in Universlis, Mt. Davis in Thalassa, Mt. Dracon in Thalassa, and the Talon Mountains in Klaasiya and Thalassa. Natopia occupies the entire eastern bank of the Egale River on Tapfer, as well as all of eastern Tapfer, and most of the northwest excluding an Alexandrian enclave.
Natopia has access to many abundant and exploitable resources: fish (x6), cotton (x3), wheat (x2), spices (x2), pack animals (x2), iron, lumber, natural gas, oil, precious gems, semi-precious gems, silver(x2), shipbuilding, farmlands, and tropical fruit.
Flora and Fauna
Natopians enjoy the plentiful bounty of wheat grows naturally within their land. The tropical lands in western Thalassa, Port Istvan, and the Skerry Isles provide fruit and exotic fish to vary their diets. Yellow Island is perfectly suited to grow cotton, and cotton farms cover the landscapes. The Great Hazel Woods cover the entire eastern peninsula of Yellow Island, and contains thick foliage cover creating a perpetual twilight. The domestic goat is kept by many farmers and over population has caused many to become feral and exist successfully in the wild.
Newspapers and Other Media
Press
One paper is published and receives wide distribution throughout Natopia, the Bagelcratican Sporadically [2]. The BS originated as a newsletter for the Free Juice and Bagels Party but has sense evolved into Natopia's unofficially official news outlet.
Mainstream Culture
Natopian Cuisine
The basic diet for many Natopians is fish and grains. Fish is abundant in the coastal areas of almost all demesnes of Natopia. The island of Punkrock was in important early exporter of spices to satisfy the demand for flavored fish recipes. Staple grains are exported from the extremely fertile grain region of the Laval Peninsula. Egale's generalized agricultural community, and the cattle ranches of northern Flaventia provide other sources of surplus food. The traditional and customary Natopian diet enjoyed across ethnic divides are bagels made from Laval wheat and fruit juice. Aside from customary bagels and juice, Natopian cuisine is highly localized.
