Alpacan
Origins:
Alpacan is a Union of two nations, Arindel and Alkirk. The Two regions were in a state of war after the fall of Alicornia, Reunited after the fall of Discord through Arindel's Victory. Rather then suppress and crush Alkirk, Celestia convinced King Henry Ardwel who was the king at the time to choose reconciliation. It was then that King Henry Ardwel decreed the new Nation of Alpacan would never rule and oppress other nations but instead be the beacon of harmony that Alicornia once embodied. Throughout the Ages, Alpacan has been separate from the concerns of the north. Before Lexer's intervention, there'd been countless defensive wars against Kalindor, Tapira, Naqah and tons of raiders and Rebels. Despite the intense pressure, the Nation never buckled but also never grew in size. Prior to Lexer's arrival, Alpacan also suffered a series of mad monarchs and revolutions. When Lexer arrived, stabilization began between Tapira and Alpacan. The Ardwel Dynasty was ended by Lexean General Aristeidis Cosmotis, killing the mad Monarch Lucian Ardwel who attempted to invade Lexer and Tapira for 'interfering in national matters' when Alpacan prior to the General's arrival was suffering constant raids, was on the edge of capitalization and starvation and mass dehydration was setting in. After that point Alpacan's luck began to turn as the economy began to rise with the use of the Equestrian Bit, culture began to change and relations with Tapira while unsteady and at times openly hostile did overall improve as the two Nations began to become more democratic and less Imperialistic. By the end of the Civil war, Alpacan had transformed into a Democratic nation with a fully functional Monarchy, under the Lionslight family. Since the civil war, Alpacan has been peaceful and quietly modernizing its armies and catching up with Lexer. However, demands for Intervention are stepping up as the world begins to look more and more war-like with the geopolitical situation worsening. Which will Alpacan decide? 1. Peace in our Time? Or 2. A War for peace?Government:
The Government is a parliamentary Democratic Constitutional Monarchy, The Parliament was a Local interpretation of Lexan Republicanism changed and moulded to work seamlessly with the Monarchy. The Lionslight Dynasty maintained a tradition of hands-off rule and only stepped in at times of emergency. For the most part the government operated via Constitution. It's branches of government operated much like Lexer's government in that various decisions and responsibilities would be delegated to various branches of government to ensure that no level of tyranny would ever rise again within Alpacan.Branches of Government-
The Crown: The Crown is where all the royals reside, this is a largely ceremonial role outside of times of dire circumstances. The Monarchy lives a largely peaceful life of luxury, with its youngest and most capable members joining Alpacanian military in defensive campaigns against Naqah or serving in the Alpacanian navy against the Kalidorians. They also play a large part in festivities and join in many of the grand political parties that occur across the world. The House of Justice: The Judicial lodge of the Government, they are who defines the laws and enforces the laws. They are as impeachable as Lexan judges but their only central document of law is the Constitution, anything else can be denied by the judge but that judge can be ousted by popular local disapproval. There is a large degree of tradition within this role and is carried out as a sort of almost religious discipline and level of respect and conduct. The judge is seen as the Enforcer of law and a Defender of Freedom, the proudest servant of the Crown. Parliament: The Senate of the Government, they decide various critical policies from diplomacy, to Economy to War. They can also pass laws but the enforcement and legitimization of those laws depend entirely on the House of Justice and their decision informed by Democratic mandate. Still parliament has a lot of power over external affairs with other nations. When Alpacan goes to war, it is because the Ministers and Prime Minister vote to do so. These members of Government are all elected and very rarely do appointments occur. The House of Sword and Shield: The Militant lodge of the Government, they are line up of elite Generals led by the Grand Marshal. They are the only ones who can counter Parliaments declaration of war but they cannot declare it without the Crown's permission to. They handle all military affairs and ensure the every day politics do not get in the way of the Military. When it comes to trials and prosecution only the House of Justice has the authority to do justice upon them. The Crown can assume this right in a state of emergency but this is seen as unfortunate necessity by the Crown. The Council: The Council is the local leaders, the Mayors, the Shire Lords, the Nobles who run and own businesses and towns. They define local law and policy with the backing of the Judges. They are who defines local taxes as no federal taxes exist. Meaning that the Parliament can never afford to ignore small governments and their needs or they won't have the funds to do their jobs.Status of Minorities:
Alpacan has a few issues with Minorities, mostly social Discrimination and a few accounts of local institutional Discrimination. Thanks to Lexer's presence this never spills into anything worse. Multiple groups and officials work tirelessly to improve the standards of living for Minorities such as Zebra's, Thestrals and Changelings. Some of the most classically discriminated groups in society, even by other minorities.Interventionism:
The Current crisis in Alpacan's Government is a existential Question, whether or not Alpacan can continue to ignore the growing violence and repression seen throughout the world. If Northern Equestria can be trusted to keep the peace and stop the arrival of a new World War, through the occurrence of a 2nd Civil War. Many are concerned that if Alpacan begins to assert it's self internationally, that the nation grows imperialistic and spreads it's own violence and repression. This has caused a total deadlock across all branches of the Government including the Crown as no one really wants to risk breaking Alpacan's pledge to never imposing themselves onto other nations. This break of tradition could cause the total dissolution of Alpacan and it's virtues giving way to anarchy that'll inevitably lead to greater tyranny as tyrants take advantage of the chaos.Sovereignty:
While thankful for Lexer's aid, some in government wonder if Lexer deserves the right to define what is and what isn't inside of Alpacan. Many believe that Alpacan should decide it's own future with no other nation to impose upon it. Those against the idea believe that Lexer's presence is what ensures growing unity with Tapira and that kicking Lexer out of Alpacan's affairs may enflame the Nationalists and engulf Alpacan into a real war with Tapira. The Crown has rejected the offer to weight in on the issue causing centuries long deadlock once again inside of government. Public opinion of the idea is fairly evenly split and the Lexeans never gave a reason to unbalance that dynamic. The ever repeating war against Naqah ensures that this question will remain unanswered fore the foreseeable future.Military:
Alpacan's army is highly experienced and elite, having fought countless wars it has survived some the harshest conditions despite fielding one of the smaller armies in the world. It's Army is far more constrained then most due to the nations small size and lack of International reach and resources. No companies like Yorta Inc to bring in resources and funds from abroad. Despite that the Army boasts a very good success rate and is considered the worlds most professional Army, absolutely no chav units or conscripts to be found here. Alpacan only accepts the best of the best. 4 decades ago the Army committed a Strategical reassessment of the Globe during 4468, the Generals at the time led by Grand Marshal Edderson Miles believed that the world is due for a major conflict in the next few decades. opening up new avenues to acquire money and reallocating current funds and resources, the military began mass expansion program that'll increase Alpacan's military by 120% by the year 4492 beginning the next stage. This stage will also have decades long development of Alpacan's new Spy network ANSO or Alpacanian National Security Organization. ANSO fields hundreds of spies and agents and has been conducting Reconnaissance missions on enemies and allies alike for the 4489 Strategical Reassessment to decide who will be Alpacans new enemies of tomorrow will be. 4489 came to pass and the report was reviewed by the top officials of the military, the report was not good. The Report detailed that almost every nation on the map has real strategical threat to Alpacan and all are showing signs of ideological radicalization. Grand Marshal Eddersin Miles Visted Queen Annette Lionslight to show ANSO's findings to her and gain the Queen's permission to prepare for a World War, and if need be. Prepare to fight that War Alone. Approving the plan, Alpacan's military begins positioning it's self, allying it's self further with the colonial Military and Tapira's Military to prevent possible war. The Report lines out Northern Equestria as the biggest threat to national Security. ANSO keeps a close eye on Princess Celestia, working from the shadows to keep her alive and figure out War time prevention plans to stop the next World War. The General public are largely unaware of the Military's and Queens preparations for war, even the rest of government is unaware of this as they were judged the primary hindrance to the plans.Army Statistics:
Armies - 58Est. manpower deployed - 700,000 thousand max
Potential manpower - 2 million
Est. Strength - Strong
Morale - Strong
Battle Readiness- Optimal
Navies - 78
Est. ships - 570
Potential ships by 4494 - 680 max
Morale - Strong
Battle Readiness - Average
Special Forces - 1
Est. Manpower - 250
Potential Manpower- 100,000 thousand
Morale - Unbreakable
Battle Readiness - Above Optimal
Branches of Military:
The Royal Armed Forces
An elite army of loyal soldiers who dedicate their lives to Queen and Country, seen as the most professional branch of the military. It has forces deployed mostly in country or in the Lexean Colonies to fight against Naqah. More forces are being deployed elsewhere in places such as Tapira (With permission from the Sargon) and deployed within Naqah it's self to capture new territories and arm locals disloyal to Naqah's Regime. The Army is planning to up it's already heightened Numbers of 700,000 Servicemen to roughly 2 million servicemen in preparation with likely World war against Northern Equestria.The Royal Air Navy
The Air Navy of Alpacan, while not the largest they are considered fairly dangerous. The Navy patented Aeroplane Technology from Whitecliffe and is expected to be fielding Whitecliffe Planes in the RAN by 4498. Preparation of war for the RAN has been sluggish mostly due to endless operations against Naqah and the few ship yards Alpacan has available. To offset the Sluggish preparation the RAN has currently request permission to use some unused shipyards that the colonies possess to build new Airships for the RAN. The Deal is expected to be passed but even with Alpacan's access to the Ship yards the Navy is only expected to have 680 ships max by 4498. The Navy hopes Whitecliffe's Air planes will help deal with the under sized navy's number problem.Spectre
Spectre is a hyper secret force formed by ANSO with the permission of the Queen, it is composed almost entirely of locally trained guardians with the Help of a lone Guardian teacher named Ciora Snow, a famous companion of Dante Dewitt and friend of Septimus. The Force is being prepared in the event of Necrosis Class event, where the world is potentially overrun with demonic forces. ANSO's report suggests that it's highly likely that the necrosis book if already found will be used in the up incoming years as tensions flare and wars start up. Spectre is believed to be the south's only hope of survival.Culture:
Alpacan's culture resembles a version of British Culture with heavy English and Celtic influences while other cultures have played a more muted role in the formation of Alpacan's culture. This nation did not always have this culture, it was assumed in the culture black out caused by Alicornia's fall. It was fully implemented at the nations unification and the crown did it's best to give the struggling nation some form of unifying identity. In modern day the Culture has changed quite a bit, adopting many different things from Tapira, Lexer and some things from Naqah due to immigration through conquest. Despite all the changes, new holidays and concepts the core culture remains fundamentally British. A society of Politeness, discipline, refinement and sophistication. Even the military are exceedingly proper and polite even to their enemies. Giving enemy officers and officials a high degree of respect and special treatment. There is also a culture of honour within the nation, honour that if broken is considered worse then death. A high degree of traditional concepts exist in Alpacan such as the nuclear family, however concepts like these remain timeless due to Alpacan's priority for Politeness, willing to accept different life styles and culture seeing that as being a true Alpacanian. They are also fundamentally Anti War, normally opposing any form of war unless absolutely necessary. This is why Alpacanian's history is dotted with almost exclusively defensive military action. Due to the culture over, Alpacanians tend to see themselves as better then others causing a strain on relations and interaction with foreign nationals. Still it could be a lot worse, as Alpacan's patriotism is not based on national identity but principle based identity making the rise of nationalism within the nation fairly small but still quite loud. The biggest issue with radical ideologies was Equalism, as Alpacan had long history of corporate exploitation and lack of workers rights. In 4484 the October Riots occurred where thousands of workers rioted and millions more refused to work over the lack of workers rights. Violent Revolutionaries took root in the country pushing Alpacan to a Red Revolution, to counter act this Annete Lionslight stepped in and announced that all workers rights are here by implemented into Alpacanian law. it was a decree that all jurisdictions had to follow as it was the Queen's word. She also reinstated what it means to be Alpacanian to have respect, discipline and restraint. All included in her famous speech, 'What defines a Nation'. Though it costed millions perhaps even billions in lost revenue for Alpacan and set back war preparation plans. It ended the riots and the Violent revolution swelling within. A series of unions were formed and natural monopolies on rail ways, ores and otherwise were completely nationalised to bring prices for supplies down. This was also diplomatically costly in terms of Tapira which believed this to be weakness. In the Queen's eyes, it was the right thing to do. In her eyes to be a Monarch is not to be dictator but to inspire and lead by example. To be the calm voice in the room and do what's best for the nation exercising power when necessary.Demographics
Alpacan is a smaller nation compared to the others, most of it's population centred in the two mega cities, Alkirk and Arindel, the two capitals of the nation. Though compared to our worlds standards, Alpacan is absolutely titanic. In this Nation there is no clear majority as years of immigration have caused Equine's majority to errode. Still despite the population shares being more equal. Society wise Equines are still the richest and most powerful demographic though moves to change this are being made. This is mostly done with permission by the military, to increase social cohesion in the future at the cost of todays social cohesion. This is in order to prepare for the incoming war. The Age Demographics are skewed towards younger age groups on purpose. Wanting to have a huge population pool to work with in the future war or wars. There was always an alternative explanation for all this. This caused something of a minor culture war within a nation between Traditionals and Progressives, neither really won it or really changed anything except created a load of headache for everyone involved and cause chaos in the de-centralized legal system but it provided ample distraction from the real going ons inside Alpacan. The Racial Break Down: Equines - 28% Feline/Felios - 24% Zorrilia - 20% Panaria - 8% Foxaria - 8% Parrots / Hippogryphs - 7% Huskites - 5%Economy:
'Steady as she goes' is the best descriptor for Alpacan's economy, it's always a safe slow and steady progression since Lexer's arrival. Economists prefer long term prosperity to astronomical gains that could lead to ruin. Where as Tapira makes a lot of magical goods, Alpacan in recent years has severely upped their industrial game. Entering into an era of industrialization. Their Melee units have been updated and refined to a point where they can cross huge distances more easily through the use of teleport beacons. Enabling them to get bogged down less and not need the constant care of Mages. Alpacan's magical academy opened 10 years ago has also revolutionised magical study in the south, it's sister academy in Tapira are working closely to catch up with Equestria, requiring less dangerous and harrowing trips all the way over to the Northern Country. With Industrialization the need for better transport has arisen, the railways while good are not performing as good as they could be. Working on more efficient coal and steam engines to make trains faster while also redesigning railways to make them more efficient and less prone to failure. The Civilian Navy has grown quite a bit too, expanding Alpacan's business capability and reach enabling more bits to be made then they have ever been made. Quite uniquely the country is home to a extremely Harmonious Business environment, instead of total monopolies the businesses in Alpacan while prone to extorting their workers, are very cordial with each other and change and shift to create the most profitable environments for each other. While the Queen's decree did settle the Worker's Rights issues, the unions are hard at work in ensuring that those changes continue to be implemented and the change stays. This has caused a recent sluggish growth in various industries whom are now working for new and innovative ways to work around the new Worker's Rights situation and make a happy medium while other double, triple and quadruple down on the old Traditional approach causing more lost revenue and more discord. Still the situation is a lot better then it was in the past and the Economy is expected to recover within the decade.Currency:
Since the arrival of Lexer, the Original currency, The Pence has fallen out of use and is completely and utterly worthless. Many Traditional nationalists see this as a great loss to Alpacan's character while others see the Adoption of the Bit as a step toward Alpacan's inclusion in the international community. Indeed the Government or perhaps more accurately the military has made great use of the Bit. The Bit inside of Alpacan is extremely strong and has enabled them to acquire the funds for the expansion program. The biggest gripes about the bit lies with the formally established Nobility, once there was an organized hierarchy in Alpacan. It was impossible to rise above your station in life but the advent of Industrialization and the adoption of the Bit has completely destroyed this reality. The Bit has played a vital role in severely lessening the wealth gap and allowing women into the work force and acquire the right to vote. One snag the bit commonly carries with it is the presence of international Companies such as Yorta and international crime syndicates. Yorta has managed to cause some discord in the business sector but Buckley & Co. has formed a sort of business Union, a Unified alliance to quell ambitious and imperialistic tendencies of international bodies and preserve the "Alpacanian nature" of business within the nation. ANSO has aided in this, as the ANSO Report listed Yorta as one of the primary agitators of the current degrading Geo political situation. Culturally also Alpacan rejects the Hardcore, Hard liner capitalism of Yorta. The Profit over all considerations approach of the ruthless business has caused most to view Yorta with deep seated suspicion.Technology:
Other then revolutionising Magical Studies, rethinking Railways and trains. Alpacan has started up their very own Weapons production operations. Outraged that Yorta Inc has not only ignored the history of the Lee Enfield rifle but also claim to of made it themselves. Stirling Industries began production of the Lee Enfield Line, not only recreating the original Lee Field but also new variants as well as New guns variants labelled as Lee Enfield. Such as the Lee Enfield Mounted Crank gun, or the Lee Enfield Trench Gun, inspired by the Winchester 1897. The Stirling Lee Enfields have a series of innovations that have resulted in more reliable Bolt action and Lever action rifles but also early designs of magi-Tech Coils. Using magically induced Electro magnetic coils to hasten bullets resulting in higher impact rounds though this is not expected to hit the markets until 4499 or perhaps 4512 AD. The most famous innovation in the year 4486 is the Stirling Artillery guns, based of the Howitzer designs they have intuitively innovated the design that has made loading the shells much easier, and made the barrels of the guns far more effective and less costly. Meaning that the barrels of each artillery piece fires more shells and needs to be replaced less often. Stirling Industries has been testing Whitecliffe's Air planes, and even designed their own Aura Gliders, Gliders that enable non pegasi to fly like Pegasi enabling the very start of an Air force. The RAN have been using the Gliders to began development of air combat tactics to use on Planes to get an edge over anyone else that happens to develop Air planes. Stirling Industries also started work on the first Seaborne ships, specifically Submarines. The Proto Type U boats have been successful in travelling under water but is still unsuccessful in protecting themselves from sea borne threats such as the many undocumented eldritch horrors that populate the worlds oceans. Still U boats patrol close to the coasts and have managed to dissuade the creatures from invading the Southern coasts. Allowing for a safer experience on the beaches.Religion:
Alpacan is the homeland of the Church of The Goddess or simply Goddites. The origins of the religion is unknown suspected to of originated from the Alkirk highlands at some point. It is extremely nature focused religion that believes that service to the goddess will send them to a place named Eden where the Goddess' light has created a Green Utopia. As such Alpacan has deep care for nature even as they Industrialize the popularity of the religion only ever seems to intensify. This has resulted in the unique quirk of all Alpacanian Towns and cities maintaining a mandatory number of trees, gardens and wild life reserves. These reserves often based around opulent and magnificent churches with ornate and intricate masonry and plant life dotted around. Making use of Aura crystals, wisps and other magical phenomena to create beautiful and jaw dropping scenes. The Religion is based off the concepts of love and forgiveness as well as kindness to fellow life, this has made it difficult for Hate-based ideologies and religions to find ground in Alpacan but it does exist. The current struggle is cults of Excess and pleasure, the Cult of Lilith. Deeply entrenched in the remain established nobility and some of the new Nobility as well. The Church of the Goddess sees this new face of Sin and excess as a existential threat, a cult that would cause members of the church too gouge and over indulge on the positives aspects of life and forget the sanctity and purity of life around them. To pollute and grow apathetic to the suffering others. To combat this missionaries are sent out to spread the word of Moderation, to advise against Excess but also against repression as both paths will lead them to the clutches of Lilith. That being said, ANSO is taking great strides to ensure harmful and disruptive religions and cults continue to fail in spreading their doctrines to the people as well as quietly eliminating threats to national security.Other Themes:
Combat Theme: Foreshadowing Theme: Mobilizing for War Theme:"Goddess Save the (Queen/King)!"
1.5 Billion Bits
Population
240 Million
Founding Date
24 AD
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Alternative Names
The Alpish Empire, The Empire of Seas, The Kingdom of Alpacan, The Crowned Beacon of Democracy
Demonym
Alpacani
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Crowned Republic
Power Structure
Federation
Economic System
Market economy
Currency
The Bit
Major Exports
Technology
Industrial Goods
War Goods
Food
Water
Aura Crystals
Industrial Goods
War Goods
Food
Water
Aura Crystals
Major Imports
Exotic Silks and Fabrics
Exotic metals
Exotic Gases
Exotic Foods
Exotic metals
Exotic Gases
Exotic Foods
Official State Religion
Location
Related Traditions
Related Professions
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
Traditional Allies
Lexer aided Alpacan many years ago, Alpacan has fostered a deeper connection with the colonies, it is not uncommon for Alpcanians and Lexeans to mock and laugh at each other over ridiculous stereotypes but the comradery and bravado is unmistakable.
The bond is almost similar to two Old world nations, Britain and America of old. The similarities are almot haunting, aren't they?
Lopsided Trust
The A.N.S.O report has severely damaged the trust Alpacan has for Northern Equestria but has for now kept the façade up. Northern Equestria still believes that Alpacan is a trusted ally while the Military are staging active drills against them in their own nation.
The Equestrian Military suspects something might be up but have yet to make any real efforts to investigate it, for now.
Hated Rivals
Alpacan does not trust and like Western Equestria, from it's various crimes against other species, to it's brutal occupation of the Pferdian Empire, to the exploitation of the lower class and dangerously low education. The A.N.S.O report only worsened relations as ANSO named Western Equestria as a major threat to the free world.
Distrust
Alpacan does not trust Konja, as many Konjan refugees flee to Alpacan and they hear of the stories. Both Nations while very far away are clearly oppositional from each other.
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