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Universalis

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Natopia Natopian demesne
Universalis
Flag of Universalis
Flag
Coat of Arms of Universalis
Coat of Arms
Motto:
Location of Universalis
Map versions 13.6.8 - 13.9.8 (Also found on some series 6.6 maps)
Capital Aristarchus
Largest cities Aristarchus, Koloniatsk
Official language(s)
Official religion(s)
Demonym Universal
 - Adjective Universal
Official full name Technocracy of Universalis
Government
under the Constitution of Natopia
Futuristic Parliamentary Democracy (Technocracy)
 - Demesnial Charter {{{demesnialcharter}}}
 - Empress of the Natopians Vadoma I
 - Chairman Orrin Kronous
 -
 - Demesnial Legislature
 - Part of
(Demesnial Union)
Key Historical Dates {{{historicaldates}}}
 - Establishment 1447 AN
Area
Population
Key Landmarks {{{landmarks}}}
Abbreviation
Full Greater Arms of the Empire WP version Nathan III crest.png

Administrative divisions of Natopia

Technocracy of Universalis
Official language Universal
Capital Aristarchus
Largest cities Aristarchus, Koloniatsk
Website N/A
Forum Universalis Forum
Number of citizens 5
Number of active citizens 0 (Nation Inactive)
Date founded August 10, 2000
Government Futuristic Parliamentary Democracy (Technocracy)
Current leader Chairman Orrin Kronous
Currency Universalis Credit
National animal Robot
National fruit/food Moonfruit
National drink Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster
Map versions 13.6.8 - 13.9.8 (Also found on some series 6.6 maps)

Universalis is demesne of Eastern Natopia. Originally founded on August 10, 2000 by Orion as the Universe of Allied Nations (UAN) and attached in union to the Audentior Independent Nation, it functioned in a nominally independent manner, with its own forum and website, much like the other Audente provinces of Jasonia, Demesos and Shireroth. When the AIN collapsed in late 2000, Orion disbanded UAN as he focused efforts on saving the Audente nation. After that it was absorbed by several of Bill Dusch's projects on Tapfer and eventually Natopia. A reboot was attempted in 2005 but made little traction. In November 2008, the UAN was again re-debuted with a totally new look and name. It was now called Universalis - based on a shortform name suggestion by Bill Dusch - and had a unique technocratic hybrid form of government, and an ambitious website, and forum. The technocracy achieved some lasting success. Its most notable achievements were an expansive space program, and a strong diplomatic effort that has led to the restoration of fifty-percent of its original territory on Tapfer. Around 2010 it agreed to join Natopia as a protectorate (Demesnes) so long as that state held its historic lands on Tapfer and/or until that state should collapse, whereby it would regain its independence. It also retained the right to secession by popular referendum.

Etymology

Universalis traces its name back to the Universal Society in Audentior; a humanitarian organization developed during the collapse of the Audente Empire. Members of the society were called Universals and when the AIN was swept up in civil war, the group's adherents fled to Tapfer. Here they called their new home Universalis. The name itself was meant to reflect on the universal acceptance of all sentient life, regardless of race or creed (or even species), and that the public welfare should be the primary driving force of any government.

History

Early History – The Universal Society

Universalis had its beginnings in the very early days of Micras, starting as the sun began to set for Audentior. In fact, it was in Audentior that Universalis began. As the Audente Civil War raged on, with repeated coups and battles tearing the once-proud nation apart, those who opposed the conflict banded together to try and keep the nation from fracturing altogether. Hylius of Epoli, a scholarly member and avowed pacifist who also sat on Audentior's Tetrapole, openly opposed the civil war and urged reconciliation. His pleas falling on deaf ears, he began making public pleas in city squares. This attracted the attention of other pacifists, scholars, humanists and other like-minded people. Eventually Hylius formed the Universal Society.

The Universal Society was a fraternal order dedicated to averting the collapse of Audentior, which at that time seemed imminent. Failing that objective, the order's secondary objective was to find safe haven for the peace-loving people of Audentior. To this latter end the society began focusing heavily on scientific research and development. Several sympathetic Jasonians, which had not yet seceded from the AIN, secretly ferried over data from their gravimetric program, prompting the society to advance space exploration as an escape from Micras' incessant wars. Plans went as far as to establish a colony on Tarsica. In the meantime, the society continued to attract more members from the Audente citizenry.

When Emperor Evan reclaimed the throne of Audentior, abolishing the Tetrapole and assuming absolute power, it became clear that the AIN was doomed. Jasonia, Hyperborea and finally Demesos all seceded, leaving only the heart of Audentior intact on Apollonia. Although Evan died soon after his ascension, his successor, Orion, proved to be sympathetic and invited the society to help reshape Audentior back to its former glory. Unfortunately it was a gesture that came too late, and the constant shift of governance broke the back of the nation, plunging it into complete chaos.

As Audentior burned, Orion and Hylius sought a refuge for the society and its members. They were invited by Prince William of Elpidos to settle on Tapfer; which they readily accepted. A mass exodus of the society, which numbered tens of thousands at that point, landed large groups on the shores of the southern island. The land promised them however proved to be the cold southern reaches of Tapfer. Faced with the daunting task of eking out a living among the snow-blasted mountains and icy wastes, the brave society set about establishing a new state based on the principles they held so dearly. They were aided by the brilliant scientist Aristarchus of the Sanct, who brought with him many Jasonian technologies that helped the infant nation survive the extreme climate of their new home. His aid was of such importance that the capital city was named in his honor.

The First State – UAN

Seeking to distance themselves as far as possible from the autocratic and bureaucracy-laden institutions of Audentior, the society established a technocratic form of government based on scientific principles. People were allowed to sort themselves into like-minded groups and spread out on the peninsula to establish settlements. The first iteration of the state was named the Universal Alliance of Nations. Each group represented a national entity in the early legislature, known as the Science Governing Board. Three nations were formed: Universalis in the east, the Celestial Isles in the south, and Transastra in the western half.

Utilizing technology brought from Jasonia, and investing heavily in their own research programs, the early UAN managed to sustain itself. It tamed the wilderness of Tapfer as roads and railways plunged through the tundra to access mountains rich with ores. Fisheries were established and domed greenhouses the size of small cities provided hydroponic crops. And although the UAN proved itself successful, it did not flourish, instead often being eclipsed by the larger Audente successor states.

Having remained a close ally of Prince William and his descendants, the UAN became reliant on imports from the warmer, more productive climes of Tapfer. As this reliance increased so too did the intertwining of government between the two. This reached a climax as, faced with a languishing economy and food shortages, the UAN eventually merged with Elpidos' successor, the nation of Demesos. The Demesosians were allies of Menelmacar and soon the UAN found itself back in an autocracy as Demesos joined the Imperium. The old Audente ideals that Elpidos had strived to uphold fell by the wayside as the Menelmacari hierarchy imposed itself, disbanding the SGB completely and dissolving the alliance of nations.

Faced with the prospect of complete dissolution, the Universals were on the verge of revolt before William's heirs calmed them and petitioned to keep the lands of the UAN whole. This became the driving factor in pushing the three nations together. This led the Universals to bond behind a national identity that became the basis for modern Universalis.

Interregnum

Having become inextricably linked to Demesos, Universalis found itself tied to the whims and fate of that nation. Following a period of decline the Demesosian government fell into disarray and Universalis faltered along with it. This heralded the arrival of the Lavalonians, another migratory group who, according to some scholars, originated in Interland or Lyrica. The Lavalonians quickly overtook the peninsula and established a monarchy under the rule of Prince Kieran. The Lavalonian state was marred by civil strife and soon experienced a civil war that led to the formation of a Republican government. Unfortunately the new rulers remained unsympathetic to the Universals still living under them. But Lavalon, even as a Republic, would not survive much longer and eventually petitioned neighboring Natopia if they might join them. The Natopians accepted the offer and Lavalon was annexed as a Demesne.

Natopia was an up-and-coming power and soon spread across most of Tapfer. But in their rush to expand they were unable to exert control over all the territory they claimed. As such several areas of former Universal territory were vacated by the Natopian military. This included most of modern Terra Universalis and a large portion of western Transastra. It would prove to be the opening that the population had been looking for. The SGB quickly convened and decided to re-establish Universalis, but this time as a full technocracy, heralding its modern name. The move did not go unnoticed by neighboring Natopia, who did not look favorably upon the loss of land, even if they had abandoned it. So relations between the two remained strained; Natopia wanting the land back, while Universalis wanted to reclaim all its old territory - essentially the entire peninsula. The strict adherence to a policy of non-violence proved to be Universalis' undoing. Unable to oppose the military of the Natopian Empire, their military was able to regroup and take back the country unopposed. For many ensuing years Universalis would cease to exist as a political entity, and the Universal Society was reorganized as an underground resistance movement.

Revival

In 3402 ASC, the Science Governing Board reconvened in Aristarchus for the first time in many years. Natopian control over the region had waned once again, mostly as fallout from the failed Novasolum experiment that had sought to unite all of Tapfer. The vacuum left by the absence of Natopia was quickly filled by a reborn Universalis, the society having carefully established a strong underground network for many years in preparation. Declaring their independence the government embarked on a program of rapid industrialization and technological development. Heavy investment was made into developing the Universal Space Program, and within two years a manned shuttle was en route to the Asteroid Belt where claims were laid on the asteroid Vasta. Work was also begun on Micras' first space station, later known as Station Vi'Ix.

Indeed, the development of the space program proceeded at a faster pace than anyone expected, and through the use of Hyper Gates (similar to a Hurmu Gate), Universalis was able to directly access neighboring star systems and their planets, including Micras' twin, Aura, in the Tellusian System, and Giess. Small colonies were established on both planets in order to conduct scientific analyses. The Monolithos colony on Giess became the largest and most successful.

But the technocracy found itself also successful on other fronts. it was culturally blossoming with the opening of the Grand Memorial Humanitarian Complex, an institute dedicated to the study of people and humanities. The Avalon Memorial Observatory was also opened in Aristarchus to study astrophysics. Diplomatically, Universalis also found itself negotiating treaties with many large powers of the time, obtaining Koloniatsk from Interland and the Celestial Isles from Stormark. Alas it could not keep this momentum, and the small economy was not enough to sustain the grand vision of a future based solely on science.

After suffering low activity levels for some time, Universalis petitioned long-time Natopia to become an autonomous state in free association. Natopia accepted and Universalis has since become Demesnes within the empire.

Government

Universalis is governed by a unique hybrid combination of technocratic principles and direct democracy. The head of state and government is the Chairperson of the Science Governing Board. The SGB is a group of scientists who specialize in a particular field; and that field in turn represents a particular need of the nation. For example, one seat is held by a Doctor of Biology. This seat is charged with speaking on the behalf of health, welfare, and other such aspects as would be affected by biological sciences. Obviously there is some overlap between positions; but this is to ensure the needs of the population are adequately met. Seats are filled based on credentials rather than elections. If a person has proven themselves sufficiently skilled in a particular area, their peers may allow them to fill a seat on the board. Likewise, if someone is not fulfilling their duties, then the board may dismiss them for a better candidate. Actual politics play little role in the government. From amongst the board, the scientists choose the best qualified to hold the position of Chair of the SGB. Ministerial positions are appointed by the board.

The Science Governing Board

The SGB consists of the Chairperson (who acts as a tie-breaker) and the seventeen doctors responsible for the various attributes of the nation. Only persons who have obtained a PhD and have proven field experience are eligible for the board. A very stringent vetting process is used to determine if a person is suitable to serve on the board, with deciding factors not merely resting on the degree of a person's education but also their service record working in the field. Such factors as a person's contribution to humanity are factors that may be weighed when deciding during the lengthy interview process. To obtain an appointment to the board a person must successfully navigate the interviews with the standing board members. Once the interviews are completed the board will then vote on whether to make the appointment. Once on the board a person serves for one term of three years, after which they will need to repeat the interview process in order to retain their seat. To keep the board from becoming stagnant, doctors are limited to three terms.

The Appellate Court

The Appellate is a fail-safe meant to counterbalance the power of the SGB and provide a means of direct-democracy to the population of Universalis. It consists of a six-member panel of judges; three elected by the SGB, and three elected by the general population. The Court can file an injunction against decisions made by the SGB if a group of the population feels that the decision is not in keeping with the best interests of the people. The general population is allowed to form Public Action Groups (PAGs) that can bring an injunction to the Court to file a Vote of No Confidence in a standing board member - including the Chairperson - if they feel that person is not fulfilling their obligations. The Court can then decide whether to proceed with the suit or dismiss it. The public can bring forth an injunction both to overrule the SGB and/or to bring other matters to its attention. To prevent bias and limit the power of the PAGs they must be completely voluntary, without any public or private monetary contributions.

Provincial Governance

In order to decentralize the technocracy, the SGB agreed to divide the country into three separate provinces; Terra Universalis, the Celestial Isles, and Transastra, from east-to-west respectively. Provincial authority has more to do with organization than politics. PAGs cannot span multiple provinces, for example, to limit them from becoming too powerful (though they can still form alliances). Local government offices are located centrally within each province so they can be readily accessed by any citizen. Access to state-sponsored healthcare, voting, education and so forth are accessed through these hubs. Other aspects such as infrastructure are also managed from these centralized locations. Beyond that provincial government has little bearing.

Politics

The primary political force in Universalis is the Techno Humanist Party, a centre-right party that aligns itself with the principles of Humanist philosophy and the dominance of mankind over the domain of Micras and the stars. As a people rooted in technology, the THP believes that mankind must focus its efforts on scientific advancement in order that it may return to the stars and re-assert itself and restore the Celestial Human Realm. That the Universal Society predates the Humanist party is of little consequence, as proponents assert that it is the natural progression of science to direct mankind back to the stars. The THP differs from the central Humanist theology in that they do not embrace the deities of Zurvanism, but do follow the doctrines of Conservatism, Corporatism, and to a lesser extent Khanism (mostly in the organized nature of the Coordinated State, which is reflected strongly in the technocracy).

Culture

Universal culture is unique in that it is one of the earliest recorded cultures on Micras and that their settlement on Tapfer predates all other people's. The arrival of the Universal people, mostly from Demesos and Audentior, landed on eastern Tapfer to find the continent devoid of any indigenous population. Therefore Universalis was able to shape its own culture uninfluenced by pre-existing traditions. With their origins as a humanitarian effort, the Universals quickly established a state based around scientific principles. Industrialization was important, but so was environmentalism, and this balance was reflected in the nation that grew up on the cold southeastern climes of Tapfer. Cities were constructed with careful planning to compliment the surrounding terrain, and emphasis was placed on utilizing net-zero energy systems, such as solar, hydroelectric, wind and geothermal. As such, compared to other Micran nations of the time, Universalis represented a very futuristic culture with a people constantly looking forward to the betterment of their fellow men.

Geography

Universalis is a geographically small nation that resides on the planet Micras, on the southeast peninsula of Tapfer. It is divided into four political and geographic sectors. Aristarchus, the capital city, is an impressive suburbia that displays modern arcology (architecture combined with ecology) techniques. The Sinclair Memorial Humanitarian Center (SMHC) is also located in Aristarchus, which houses the first organization devoted purely to micronational population studies and aid programs. Outside of Universalis is the Tiberion Spaceport, located on the tiny equatorial island of Tiberion. The spaceport is the launch point for vessels departing from Micras for the Tarsican colony of Monolithos. The spaceport used to utilize the Hurmu Jumpgate as a means of transit between the Atos (Micran) star system and Aura; the latter however was abandoned by all major colonizing powers.

Sectors of Universalis

Terra Universalis

Terra Universalis is the political heart of the nation situated along the extreme easterly shores of southeast Tapfer. The province is home to Aristarchus, the capital, which is the main urban center along the coast. In the north, Point Sitya is a commercial port that serves Aristarchus and the small communities that exist between the two cities. The climate is temperate with snowy winters, humidity throughout the year, and warm summers.

Koloniatsk

Koloniatsk is a city within Terra Universalis, located at the extreme southeast corner of Tapfer and adjacent to Terra Universalis. It is populated primarily by Interpolish and Ocians. The region was originally colonized by Universalis early in its history, but was later vacated and re-colonized by Interland. Many Interlanders moved to the colony, followed by Ocians, along with several other related language groups, such as a smattering of Slobovians. The region has thus developed a very unique flair and is widely regarded for their fine food and academia. The capital city, also known as Koloniatsk, remains the largest city in the region. The other major city is Mirgrad (City of Peace). Koloniatsk is administered as an extension of Terra Universalis sector.

The Celestial Isles

The Celestial Isles are a group of islands off the southern coast of Tapfer. They constitute a sector unto themselves, but are mostly uninhabited save for Copernicus Island; all the others have been designated part of the Wildstar Nature Sanctuary. Copernicus has two older cities; St. George and Scodland-Tresport. St. George is the regional capital and was initially founded by Paulovians, serving as their national capitol. Scodland-Tresport was founded by Lavalonians at a later date. While St. George has become the residential and tourist center of the island, Scodland-Tresport has become the the industrial and commercial port. St. George also has the St. George Observatory, which attracts academia and tourists. The islands are perpetually cold, with short summers. The islands also govern a portion of the mainland, where the majority of the population resides.

Transastra

Transastra historically encompassed the western half of Universalis. In the past the area was known as Trans-Djermanie in Lavalon and was home to millions of refugee Germanians from that fled the ravages of war in southern Cibola. Since that time, however, the culture of the territory has been mixed with Natopian and Universal influences, so that it has integrated well with the Technocracy. It still remains industrially strong, exports wheat, and has the flair of the rural that attracts tourism. The term Unorganized Territories was temporarily applied while the government worked with state and local authorities to determine an appropriate title for the new region. Eventually Transastra (meaning beyond the stars) was agreed upon as an appropriate successor name to Trans-Djermanie, an old Lavalonian name for the area.