Barbarian Republic
| Barbarijse Republiek | |||
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| Motto: Pay the toll or drink the salty water | |||
| Anthem: Song of the Sailor Lost at Sea | |||
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| Map versions | 16.8.5 - present | ||
| Capital | Arvidsudde | ||
| Largest city | Naval, Basella, Arvidsudde, Nova Victoria | ||
| Official language(s) | common Alriggian | ||
| Official religion(s) | Theist | ||
| Demonym | Barbarian | ||
| - Adjective | Barbarian | ||
| Government | Republic | ||
| - Emperor of Nanjing | Chidao Emperor | ||
| - President | Ase Wittenduin | ||
| - Legislature | Council of Arvidsudde | ||
| Establishment | 1685 | ||
| Area | |||
| Population | 5,328,000 | ||
| Currency | Jingdaoese Kala | ||
| Calendar | |||
| Time zone(s) | CMT-3 | ||
| Mains electricity | |||
| Driving side | Right | ||
| Track gauge | |||
| National website | government.brb | ||
| National forum | On the Bastion Union | ||
| National animal | Hamster | ||
| National food | Tomato rice with fish and beans | ||
| National drink | Barbary Libre | ||
| National tree | Western Cibolan date palm | ||
| Abbreviation | BRB, BB | ||
The Barbarian Republic (Batavian: Barbarijse Republiek), also known as Barbary (Batavian: Barbarije) is a nation in Western Southern Cibola. It considers itself a successor state to Alrig and South Batavia. The nation was founded in 1685 after the Batavian Revolution and the Jingdaoese-Alriggian War created the opportunity. South Batavians living in Bretalyon sought an alliance with Alriggians living unhappily in Sankt Ludwigshafen. A provisional government was formed by representatives of major corporations and labour unions on the first day of the 6th month of 1685, which issued a proclamation declaring the establishment of the republic on the seventh day of that month. The declaration was sent to 's-Koningenwaarde but no answer was given, as at the same time King Arkadius the IVth was reported to have suffered from a mental breakdown following the start of the Batavian Revolution and developments in the southern colonies were not closely monitored. Without response from Benacia, nothing stopped the provisional government to put up placards throughout the city declaring the republic's independence. Confused police departments who did not receive orders from 's-Koningenwaarde either, did nothing to obstruct the secessionists. At the end of the 7th month, most government organisations active in the region had adapted to the new reality and the MCS was informed that the Barbarian Republic had assumed control over the territory.
Government
Until III.1687, the republic was governed by the Council of Arvidsudde which was composed of four leaders of business, four union leaders, the high priest of the Cult of Cato, the high priestess of the Cult of Germania, and the high priest/priestess of the Cliff of the Elders, the commander of the Republican Guard and the Republican Coast Guard. In III.1687 the expansion of the republic saw the need for governmental reforms and the Council of Basella was created as a replacement for the Council of Basella. Unlike its predecessors, it comprises representatives from all the cities in the Barbarian Republic, one for each city regardless of its size. Like the Council of Arvidsudde previously, it is presided by a president, who is elected by the members of the council, but can not come from their midst. The council's main responsibility is legislative. Executive functions are delegated to various institutions.
Barbary pays tribute to the Heavenly Light and recognises the Chidao Emperor as the head of state of the Empire of Nanjing, which is a ceremonial empire that covers the same territory of the Barbarian Republic. This is strictly a ceremonial role, but underlines the historic ties between Barbary and Jingdao. In XIII.1688 the Barbarian Republic and Jingdaoese Empire, negotiated a land trade in which Zijincheng would be given to Jingdao in return for two islands, and which would also abolish the ceremonial role of the Chidao Emperor in Barbary. The Council of Basella has yet to make a final decision on this, pending a consultation request with the MCS.
International relations
The Barbarian Republic has a pragmatic and ad-hoc attitude towards international relations. Formal relations are only sought when necessary to preserve the peace and/or to open up markets for the republics' merchants. Until 1686, the nation was not a member of the MTO or any other international organisation, but the Convention on the Seas is considered to be part of Micran legal customs and usually followed. In 1686, the nation opted to join the Union of States around the Sovereign Oceans and was accepted as a full member. Initial enthusiasm with the organisation was great, as the USSO sent in troops to assist with the Cibolan Reconquista, but this waned after USSO troops were sometimes reluctant to give up territories claimed by Barbary giving rise to the idea that the USSO tried to shoehorn itself into the area with different interests than that of Barbary. As of XIII.1688 Barbary remains part of the USSO but is more reluctant with asking for assistance.
Special relationship with Jingdao
The nation is partly built on ruins of the first Jingdaoese Empire, which was located in Cibola. In recent years, many refugees from Alrig, who fled to Sankt Ludwigshafen during the Jingdaoese-Alriggian War have ended up in Barbary. This includes former high ranking members of the Alriggian government who did not want to submit to Jingdaoese rule. Despite their former troubles, Jingdaoese and Barbarian officials quickly noted that their commonalities were bigger than their differences and strongly cooperate. Jingdao heavily subsidises the Barbarian defence apparatus, supplying it with military equipment at a discount. In the first month of 1686, gun turrets formerly belonging to Kattei-class battle ships the HLS Black Dragon, HLS Ludwig von Walstadt and the HLS Heinrich von Walstadt were acquired. These will be added into the fortifications of Arvidsudde and Naval. In 1691, the Barbarian Republic will acquire 50 Raven IV Model fighter jets.
Until XIII.1688, the Barbarian Republic was the only nation has been recognised by the Jingdaoese Chidao Emperor, as a Jing nation, which is to say that it has acquired a similar level of purity as the Jingdaoese Empire itself. The Barbarian Republic accepted the Chidao Emperor as its monarch. This was a ceremonial function within Barbary. This ceremonial role was terminated in XIII.1688 after Barbary gave up Zijincheng.
Between 1685 and 1690, two corvettes belonging to the Jingdaoese Tianchao Haijun are permanently stationed in Naval from where they patrol the Strait of Barbary as well as the surrounding waters. In the port, a staff of circa 200 people is employed by the Jingdaoese navy to organise the logistics and maintenance of these two ships. Of these people, 50 are armed sailors. An additional 20 armed sailors are employed by the Jingdaoese embassy in Arvidsudde. The port of Naval is regularly visited by the expeditionary fleets of the Tianchao Haijun and are welcomed because of the boost they provide to the various entertainment industries in the city. The naval agreement between Barbary and Jingdao is set to end in 1690 and it is uncertain if it will be extended.
Despite their commonalities, accusations that the Barbarian Republic is a proxy or satellite state of Jingdao, which for example are expressed by the Jingdaophobic regime of Calbion, are unfounded. The republic and the Jingdaoese Empire only work together on areas of common interest. The care for the Jingdaoese heritage on Cibola is one of these areas.
Human Rights
The state protects the rights of free men, the general rule is that they have the right to do with their life and their body as they see fit, as long as they do not hurt anyone else. It is not allowed to force anyone into slavery in the Barbarian Republic. Those forced into slavery abroad are eligible to become free citizens of the republic once they enter the territory or territorial waters of the republic.
The Barbarian Republic recognises the right to free speech, freedom of conscience and the right to own property. Freedom of religion is accepted, but worship of the Gods and Demigods of the republic is mandatory, as is performing the rituals associated with them. The state offers protection against unlawful imprisonment, torture and unlawful executions. A basic right to receive education is also recognised but usually restricted to reading, writing, map reading and arithmetic. Apart from intellectual education, the state offers lessons in swimming, sailing and exercises for general fitness.
Discrimination on any grounds by private persons, barring the unspeakable, is forbidden, and is generally considered to be backwards. The state does not officiate marriages and records of biological parents are only kept to prevent incest and inbreeding. The nation's corporations and unions agree to a memorandum of understanding which does not allow discrimination on grounds such as race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion, national or social origin or birth. Arbitration councils exist for each economical sector that enforce this agreement. Discrimination by state officials is punishable by law.
The Barbarian Republic does not restrict the use of recreational drugs, but manufacturers and merchants are obliged to provide information on contents and risks. Where this information is missing or false, manufacturers and merchants may be liable for any resulting damage, ill health or death. Participation in traffic by means of a motorised vehicle or on a bicycle while under the influence of drugs is forbidden. Riding a horse or a donkey while under the influence is legal though and a common method of getting home after a night out in the less urbanised areas.
Military
The Republican Guard is responsible for maintaining law and order within the republic and defending it against internal and external threats. Its numbers are relatively modest, it hovers around 25,000 marksmen, of which 15,000 are stationed on ships, boats and bridges. The remaining 10,000 marksmen are divided between two legions. It is the responsibility of business owners and wealthy individuals to take care of their own protection for their possessions. This includes protection against foreign threats. Large corporations are expected to be able to raise a militia in war times.
The republic's land based forces have a focus on infantry, but this is slowly shifting. The republic participates in the USSO T86 project and the Dolstier MBT is also produced domestically.
Economy
Market regulations enforced by the government are scarce in the Barbarian Republic. Most markets sectors are however run by cooperatives and workers unions that work together to regulate quality requirements, minimum prices and working conditions.
The Barbarian Republic is dependent on maritime trade for its income. Barbarian traders find customers for their goods in all countries of Micras, though the ports in some nations are only frequented under the cover of the night. Compared to the trading fleets of larger maritime nations, Barbarian traders tend to employ lighter and faster ships. While they can carry a smaller cargo weight, their ability to deliver quick and besides the official ports gives them a competitive edge. The Bazaar of Arvidsudde is one of the largest markets specialized in dried foods of Micras. Here food products ranging from rice to fish and coffee, sugar and cacoa are bought and sold in many halls. With regard to coffee and sugar, it is the leading trading place. The market caters both to small traders and restaurants as well as wholesale merchants buying per metric ton.
Fishing provides income to a significant portion of the population but few fish is exported. Tourism is a small but growing industry, with some Natopians visiting Arvidsudde to learn more about the background of Nathaniel Ayreon-Kalirion who was born there and lived there before his adoption by Shirerithian Kaiser Elijah Ayreon and Natopian Emperor Nathan Waffel-Paine. Artefacts proclaimed to have belonged to Nathaniel are often sold in city markets, but their provenance is often uncertain.
In order to traverse the Barbarian Strait, a small token of appreciation is requested for obligatory piloting services. This provides a welcome addition to the treasury. The tolls were historically levied by the Jingdaoese Empire, which used them as an economical weapon against the Alexandrian Empire. Tolls issued by the Barbarian Republic have not been made as extortionate as the republic does not have the naval power to enforce them against larger nations, most captains are happy to accept the help in the treacherous waters filled with the shipwrecks of penny-pinching captains.
The western island, Balqisland, is home to sugarcane plantations. The sugarcane is an important source for the paper industry on the island, but more importantly for the rum distilleries on the island. High quality rums are often sold pure and are among the most prized on Micras. Cheaper versions are mixed with psychoactive herbs or even cabbages which make it a powerful and unpredictable drink banned in several nations on Micras.
Most of the industry in the Barbarian Republic is part of the food supply chain. This includes the food industry itself, sugar refineries, rum distilleries, coffee roasters but also machine builders for the food industry. A second significant branch of industry is shipbuilding. As the republic expanded during the Cibolan Reconquista from 1686 onward, the integration of inland towns saw the economy change as well. Baicha Heavy Vehicle Industries is a major producer of heavy vehicles and is especially well known for its diesel engines, which have found their way to foreign vehicle constructors such as Sokoku Industries in Jingdao.
Important agricultural products are the aforenentioned sugar, coffee and cacoa. Many vegetables such as tomatoes and beans are also grown, but mostly for the domestic market.
Religion
The customary religion everyone in the Barbarian Republic is expected to adhere to is Barbarian theism, which is the belief in a supreme God who can be called Lord or Cato, his counterpart is the Goddess Germania who rules over the dead in the Afterlife. The religion is based on Alriggian theism and historic Jingdaoese religious views of the First Empire. It is accepted that foreigners perform worship services for other gods they revere, but they are expected to also worship Cato. Besides Cato, many demigods are highly respected, these are usually beautified historical figures. Examples are: Mordechai ben Erasmus, Miguel Windsor, Sisera bat Erasmus, Balqis Addurasalaam, Ludwig von Walstadt, Elijah Ayreon, Nathaniel Ayreon-Kalirion and Hieronim Erazm. It is believed that all these demigods live on the cliff that overlooks the strait of Barbary. However, in order not to disturb the demigods and bring misfortune to the city, no one is allowed to go up there and check except for the priests. The faithful are however allowed to write a letter to the demigods, that the priests will bring them for a small fee that covers expenses.
