Difference between revisions of "History of the Free Rasalhague Republic"

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:''This article details the history of the '''''Free Rasalhague Republic'''''. For more information, see [[Free Rasalhague Republic]].''
  
==History==
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[[Image:Free Rasalhague Republic.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Crest of the Free Rasalhague Republic]]
  
The Free Rasalhague Republics origins lie in the distant past on the home of humanity, After the [[Second Soviet Civil War]] the Scandinavian countries of Northern Europe were saddled with the cost of rebuilding the shattered Soviet States and the influx of refugees fleeing the devastation. This lasted into the mid 23rd century when the levy to rebuild ended and many of the citizens of the Federal Republics of Sweden, Finland and Norway chose to emigrate, selecting a planet far from tne smothering bureacracy of [[Terra]]. For the next 60 years a steady stream of colonists poppulated the planet [[Rasalhague]] and eight of its nearest neighbors.
 
  
In the waining years of the 23rd century the settlers created the [[Rasalhague Consortium]] to oversee the development of their worlds. The rulers of each of the settled worlds, the [[Varldherren]] or World Lords, as well as members of the most powerful and influential families, became the ruling council. An elected Prime Minister headed this governing council. The Consortium reached out to the neighboring states and associations, eventually evolving into the Principality of Rasalhague, led by and elected Prince.
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The [[Free Rasalhague Republic]]'s origins lie in the distant past on the home of humanity. After the [[Second Soviet Civil War]] the Scandinavian countries of Northern Europe were saddled with the cost of rebuilding the shattered Soviet States and the influx of refugees fleeing the devastation. This lasted into the mid 23rd century when the levy to rebuild ended and many of the citizens of the Federal Republics of Sweden, Finland and Norway chose to emigrate, selecting a planet far from the smothering bureaucracy of [[Terra]]. For the next 60 years a steady stream of colonists populated the planet [[Rasalhague]] and eight of its nearest neighbors.<ref name=20Y-45>''20 Year Update'', p. 45</ref>
  
The people of the Principality became known for their isolationism, preferring to concentrate on development of their own worlds and expanding their influence within their established boundaries. They concentrated on developing in ways that would not impact their worlds environment. This political neutrality and isolatinistic policy lasted until their eventual conquest and absorbtion into the [[Draconis Combine]] in [[2330]]
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===Inception and Principality===
  
The leadership of the Draconis Combine organized the newly conquered territory into the Rasalhague Military District. Though they attempted to dilute the native customs and lessen the nationalistic tendencies of the Scandinavian population through promoting emigration of settlers from the other regions of the Combine, they were ultimately unsuccessful. From the beginning of [[Kurita]] rule secret societies formed and fomented rebellions, but the native resistance failed due to lack of coordination and organization among the rebel groups. This changed in [[3029]] when representatives of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] invited the resistance leaders to [[Tamar]] to meet and plan for the eventual freedom of the Rasalhague peoples.
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In the waning years of the 23rd century the settlers created the [[Rasalhague Consortium]] to oversee the development of their worlds. The rulers of each of the settled worlds, the [[Varldherren]] or World Lords, as well as members of the most powerful and influential families, became the ruling council. An elected Prime Minister headed this governing council. The Consortium reached out to the neighboring states and associations, eventually evolving into the Principality of Rasalhague, led by an elected Prince.<ref name=20Y-45/>
  
The Lyran government showed their support in a very concrete fashion, presenting to the leaders of the rebellion a regiment of assault 'Mechs manned by Rasalhague exiles and expatriots, trained and supported by [[House Steiner]]. The [[Tyr Regiment]] made its presence known in dramatic fashion with its first action on the planet [[Kirchbach]], prompting a revolt among the population in support of the Regiment. With the Tyr Regiment as a core the Rasalhague leaders planned an uprising to coincide with invasions by the [[LCAF]]. The leaders of the rebellion organized and dispatched hundreds of commando and covert missions deep into Draconis space to disrupt communications and logistics for the Draconis Military Command and to spread the word of the coming rebellion. To show full support of the desires of the Rasalhague peoples for a free and seperate nation [[Archon]] [[Katrina Steiner]] signed the [[Intention of the Free Rasalhague Peoples]], a document recognizing the Tyr as an official government in exile for the Rasalhague regions.
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The people of the Principality became known for their isolationism, preferring to concentrate on development of their own worlds and expanding their influence within their established boundaries. They concentrated on developing in ways that would not impact their worlds' environment. This political neutrality and isolationism policy lasted until their eventual conquest and absorption into the [[Draconis Combine]] in [[2330]] <ref name=20Y-45/>
  
The Tyr provided the Lyran military valuable information regarding local conditions, terrain, targets of opportunity and location of enemy forces. This information proved invaluable during the coarse of the [[Fourth Succession War]] and in the success of the Commonwealths war efforts.
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===Draconis Combine Years===
  
To the dismay of the Tyr the Fourth Succession war ended did not bring about the creation of the Free Rasalhague nation. This was due to the the failure of the Lyran Commonwealth forces to conquer all of the former Principality worlds, most importantly they had not captured Rasalhague itself. Some Tyr members believed the Lyrans had stopped short of complete conquest to prevent the rebels from forming the promised sovereign state of Rasalhague. This belief seemed to prove true when Lyran planetary administrators arrived on the newly conquered worlds, taking over the governing duties without acknowledging the Tyr claims. These functionaries were sent by [[Duke]] [[Selvin Kelswa]] of the [[Tamar Pact]] to take control of these worlds and no mention of Tyr prior claim was noted or acknowledged in their orders.  
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The leadership of the Draconis Combine organized the newly conquered territory into the Rasalhague Military District. Though they attempted to dilute the native customs and lessen the nationalistic tendencies of the Scandinavian population through promoting emigration of settlers from the other regions of the Combine, they were ultimately unsuccessful. From the beginning of [[Kurita]] rule secret societies formed and fomented rebellions, but the native resistance failed due to lack of coordination and organization among the rebel groups. This changed in [[3029]] when representatives of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] invited the resistance leaders to [[Tamar]] to meet and plan for the eventual freedom of the Rasalhague peoples. <ref name=20Y-45/>
  
In February [[3031]] several of the more extreme factions of the Tyr bombed government buildings on seven of the newly conquered worlds, destroying the buildings and injuring one planetary adminstrator. Over the objections of Commonwealth officials Duke Kelswa ordered the arrest of Tyr leaders, most of whom were on [[Tamar]] and then orchestrated show trials that convicted the arrested leaders in a mockery of Lyran judicial process. This led to riots and demonstrations on the captured worlds which were brutally put down by the Tamar Pact police force. By the time the Archon heard of this miscarriage of justice the Tyr leaders had been languishing in jail for a week. Infuriated by the Dukes handling of the situation she publicly berated the Duke for overstepping his authority and freed the imprisoned Tyr leaders. Though she apologized to the leadership, the damage caused by Duke Kelswa could not be undone and rebellion and unrest raged on the conquered worlds.
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===Rebellion===
  
The Archon, realizing that the region would not be willing to become part of the Commonwealth bent her efforts to negotiate with the Tyr leadership to insure that the new Rasalhague state would be more favoribly inclined to the Commonwealth than towards the Draconis Combine.
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The Lyran government showed their support in a very concrete fashion, presenting to the leaders of the rebellion a regiment of assault 'Mechs manned by Rasalhague exiles and patriots, trained and supported by [[House Steiner]].<ref name=20Y-45/> The [[Tyr Regiment]] made its presence known in dramatic fashion with its first action on the planet [[Kirchbach]], prompting a revolt among the population in support of the Regiment. With the Tyr Regiment as a core the Rasalhague leaders planned an uprising to coincide with invasions by the [[LCAF]]. The leaders of the rebellion organized and dispatched hundreds of commando and covert missions deep into Draconis space to disrupt communications and logistics for the Draconis Military Command and to spread the word of the coming rebellion. To show full support of the desires of the Rasalhague peoples for a free and separate nation [[Archon]] [[Katrina Steiner]] signed the [[Intention of the Free Rasalhague Peoples]], a document recognizing the Tyr as an official government in exile for the Rasalhague regions.<ref name=20Y-46>''20 Year Update'', p. 46</ref>
  
On the worlds of Rasalhague that still remained under Draconis control rebellion continued. To end the fighting against their own people the Draconis Combine came up with an ingenious and subtle solution, they announced their support of Rasalhague independence. This shift in policy simultaneously ended their own problem with rebellion in the war torn district while at the same time embarassing the Lyrans and depriving them of many of the worlds they had worked so hard to capture. Also, a Free Rasalhague would form a buffer state between the Draconis Combine and the newly formidable Lyran Commonwealth.
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The Tyr provided the Lyran military valuable information regarding local conditions, terrain, targets of opportunity and location of enemy forces. This information proved invaluable during the course of the [[Fourth Succession War]] and in the success of the Commonwealth's war efforts.<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
On March 13 of [[3034]] newly elected [[Prince]] [[Haakon Magnusson]] declared the formation of the Free Rasalhague Republic, free and independent of any other nation. [[Comstar]] was first to recognize the formation of the new nation, soon followed by the Draconis Combine on the following day. The act of the Combine in giving up so many of its worlds to the newly formed sovereign nation came as a shock to the rest of the [[Inner Sphere]].  Also, it left the [[Steiner]] government in a poor position, lessening their barganing power in regards to the Tyr that were on the Rasalhague worlds still in the Commonwealth.  As a result of the actions of the Kurita government Archon Steiner felt obliged and compelled to turn over the capture Rasalhague worlds to the newly formed nation, though this infuriated the Duke of Tamar.
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To the dismay of the Tyr, the end of the Fourth Succession war did not bring about the creation of the Free Rasalhague nation. This was due to the the failure of the Lyran Commonwealth forces to conquer all of the former Principality worlds, most importantly they had not captured Rasalhague itself. Some Tyr members believed the Lyrans had stopped short of complete conquest to prevent the rebels from forming the promised sovereign state of Rasalhague. This belief seemed to prove true when Lyran planetary administrators arrived on the newly conquered worlds, taking over the governing duties without acknowledging the Tyr claims. These functionaries were sent by [[Duke]] [[Selvin Kelswa]] of the [[Tamar Pact]] to take control of these worlds, and no mention of Tyr prior claim was noted or acknowledged in their orders.<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
The birth of the new nation was not without pangs and turbulence. The decision of the Draconis Combine to cede these worlds did not sit well with many of the Combines soldiery. Many units for various reasons both good and bad refused to leave the worlds they had defended for so long. Seeing this as a challenge to his rule [[Kanrei]] [[Theodore Kurita]] declared these disobedient units [[Ronin]] and with the permission of the new Prince of Rasalhague led a force of loyal regiments into the Republic in what became known as the [[Ronin Wars]].
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In February [[3031]] several of the more extreme factions of the Tyr bombed government buildings on seven of the newly conquered worlds, destroying the buildings and injuring one planetary administrator. Over the objections of Commonwealth officials Duke Kelswa ordered the arrest of Tyr leaders, most of whom were on [[Tamar]] and then orchestrated show trials that convicted the arrested leaders in a mockery of Lyran judicial process. This led to riots and demonstrations on the captured worlds which were brutally put down by the Tamar Pact police force. By the time the Archon heard of this miscarriage of justice the Tyr leaders had been languishing in jail for a week. Infuriated by the Dukes handling of the situation she publicly berated the Duke for overstepping his authority and freed the imprisoned Tyr leaders. Though she apologized to the leadership, the damage caused by Duke Kelswa could not be undone and rebellion and unrest raged on the conquered worlds.<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
The Rasalhague [[KungsArme]] received its baptism by fire in a series of short, violent clashes with the Ronin forces. Supported by the DCMS units led by the Warlord Theodore Kurita the KungsArme fought better than expected. Ably supported by Lyran officers on loan and by the Combines military units the Rasalhague forces were eventually victorious, though the war would have a lasting impression on the new Rasalhague government and its peoples. By 3035 the last Combine unit left Rasalhague space, ending the Ronin War. This outbreak of peace allowed the government and their elected Prince to concentrate on political rather than military objectives for the first time in the new nations history.
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The Archon, realizing that the region would not be willing to become part of the Commonwealth bent her efforts to negotiate with the Tyr leadership to ensure that the new Rasalhague state would be more favorably inclined to the Commonwealth than towards the Draconis Combine.<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
One sad note during this time was the outbreak of violence against anything Oriental that broke out among some of the population. Riots were relatively common and lynchings and other violence was focused on those not of Scandinavian heritage. Eventually the government calmed the people and this shameful matter is rarely if ever mentioned.
+
On the worlds of Rasalhague that still remained under Draconis control rebellion continued. To end the fighting against their own people the Draconis Combine came up with an ingenious and subtle solution, they announced their support of Rasalhague independence. This shift in policy simultaneously ended their own problem with rebellion in the war torn district while at the same time embarassing the Lyrans and depriving them of many of the worlds they had worked so hard to capture. Also, a Free Rasalhague would form a buffer state between the Draconis Combine and the newly formidable Lyran Commonwealth.<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
The Prince and his new government tread a narrow line, balancing their new nations concerns between those of their more powerful neighbors. This careful policy of neutrality has kept the borders to these two realms relatively peaceful and has allowed the KungsArme to grow into a stronger more mature armed force.
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===Independence===
  
Recently pirate activity along the Periphery borders of the FRR has increased dramatically, forcing the government to hire mercenaries to patrol these areas. It is an indication of the seriousness of this Periphery activity that the FRR is hiring mercenary forces even though the general distrust of mercenaries engendered by their actions during the Ronin Wars remains.
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On March 13 of [[3034]] newly elected [[Prince]] [[Haakon Magnusson]] declared the formation of the Free Rasalhague Republic, free and independent of any other nation.  [[Comstar]] was first to recognize the formation of the new nation, soon followed by the Draconis Combine on the following day. The act of the Combine in giving up so many of its worlds to the newly formed sovereign nation came as a shock to the rest of the [[Inner Sphere]].  Also, it left the [[Steiner]] government in a poor position, lessening their bargaining power in regards to the Tyr that were on the Rasalhague worlds still in the Commonwealth. As a result of the actions of the Kurita government Archon Steiner felt obliged and compelled to turn over the capture Rasalhague worlds to the newly formed nation, though this infuriated the Duke of Tamar.<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
==Government==
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The birth of the new nation was not without pangs and turbulence. The decision of the Draconis Combine to cede these worlds did not sit well with many of the Combines soldiery. Many units for various reasons both good and bad refused to leave the worlds they had defended for so long. Seeing this as a challenge to his rule [[Kanrei]] [[Theodore Kurita]] declared these disobedient units [[Ronin (Faction)|Ronin]] and with the permission of the new Prince of Rasalhague led a force of loyal regiments into the Republic in what became known as the [[Ronin Wars]].<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
The Free Rasalhague Republic is governed using a system unique in the Inner Sphere and is directly descended from the government of the old Principality of Rasalhague. All positions of power and responsibility are either directly or indirectly elected by the people, even to the Nobles and Prince of the realm. Express limits on term length and number of terms the candidate may serve are outlined either in the FRR Constitution or the constitutions of the constituent worlds. No position is hereditary save that the son of the current holder impresses the electoral population and is raise to the parents honors.
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The Rasalhague [[KungsArme]] received its baptism by fire in a series of short, violent clashes with the Ronin forces. Supported by the DCMS units led by the Warlord Theodore Kurita the KungsArme fought better than expected. Ably supported by Lyran officers on loan and by the Combines military units the Rasalhague forces were eventually victorious, though the war would have a lasting impression on the new Rasalhague government and its peoples. By 3035 the last Combine unit left Rasalhague space, ending the Ronin War. This outbreak of peace allowed the government and their elected Prince to concentrate on political rather than military objectives for the first time in the new nations history.<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
The [[Riksforestandare]] or Prince is the political head of the Republic, the Commander-in-Chief of the Rasalhague KungsArme and the Chancellor fo the [[Riksbank]] which acts as the governments financial arm. The candidate for Prince must be a member of Parliament and must have the support of at least three-forths of his fellow parliamentarians to be elected. The people of Rasalhague do not directly elect a Prince, but they do have the opportunity to express their approval or disapproval of the available candidates in a non binding referendum that occurs in the weeks before the Parliament casts its vote. The successful candidate holds the office for a term of ten years and is limited by law to two terms. Additionally the Prince has the Royal cabinet to advise him on events which would affect the Republic. This cabinet is comprised of the heads of each of the major governmental departments. During his term in office the Prince has as his official home the KungsPalace in the city of Reykjavik on Rasalhague itself as well as the use of many other homes throughout the Republic, including a beautiful manor at Molnlycke.  
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One sad note during this time was the outbreak of violence against anything Oriental that broke out among some of the population. Riots were relatively common and lynchings and other violence was focused on those not of Scandinavian heritage. Eventually the government calmed the people and this shameful matter is rarely if ever mentioned.<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
Prince Haakon Magnusson traces his lineage to the original rulers of the Rasalhague in the 23rd century as well as the legendary Norse kings of ancient Terra. Some fear that he may attempt to overturn the constiturional limits on the office of Prince in an attempt to make the title hereditary. He has also made a habit of inviting close friends to the Cabinet meetings so that he can elicite their input on governmental policy decisions.
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The Prince and his new government tread a narrow line, balancing their new nations concerns between those of their more powerful neighbors. This careful policy of neutrality has kept the borders to these two realms relatively peaceful and has allowed the KungsArme to grow into a stronger more mature armed force.<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
The other Nobles of the realm have similar limitations on their terms and powers. The [[Valdherren]] (World Leaders) and [[Hertig]]s (Dukes) are positions in the government rather than traditional hereditary titles. Holders of these positions can loose them as easily as they earned them.
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Recently pirate activity along the Periphery borders of the FRR has increased dramatically, forcing the government to hire mercenaries to patrol these areas. It is an indication of the seriousness of this Periphery activity that the FRR is hiring mercenary forces even though the general distrust of mercenaries engendered by their actions during the Ronin Wars remains.<ref name=20Y-46/>
  
The Valdherren are appointed world leaders and their terms of service vary depending on the constitutions of the worlds they govern. They are assisted in their duties by the Hertig, which are directly elected by the people of the worlds they serve.  The Hertig have no specific duties other than assisting the Valherren and attending sessions of the Riksdag.
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==References==
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<references />
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==Bibliography==
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*''[[20 Year Update]]''
  
The [[Riksdag]] is the Parliament of the Republic. It is seperated into four Estates, each of which have a specific duties and responsibilities.
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[[Category:History|Free Rasalhague Republic, History of]]
 
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[[Category:Free Rasalhague Republic]]
The [[First Estate]] is comprised of the Valherren and the Hertigs. The leader of this Estate is the [[Landtmarskalk]] or Marshal of the Lands. It is his responsibility to set the agenda to be considered by the Riksdag as a whole. As such it is the second most powerful position in the Republic behind the Prince.
 
 
 
The [[Second Estate]] is composed of the Planetary Representatives. These officials are elected by the disparate worlds of the Republic to ten year terms of office, which gives rise to its unofficial though popular designation of the Peoples Parliament. Each world elects five representatives to send to this Estate.
 
 
 
The [[Third Estate]] representatives are the head clergy of the major religions within the FRR. This Estate historically follows the lead of the Second Estate when it comes to decisions regarding policy or finances, though will take the lead regarding the moral, spiritual or social issues affecting the Republic.
 
 
 
The [[Fourth Estate]] is the province of the Republics leading business leaders. The representatives are ivited from a pool of individuals whose businesses have a net worth of over 100 Million R-Bills or own more than 10 Thousand Hectars of land within the Republic. 
 
 
 
It is the duty of the First and Second Estates to draft the bills that are presented to the Riksdag as a whole to consider and vote upon. To become law the presented bill must be passed by three of the four Estates and then signed by the sitting Prince. A veto by the Prince may be overturned if the legislation is passed by all four of the Estates in concert.
 
 
 
Meetings of the Riksdag are scheduled to begin on January 1st of each year and last until at least July 1st, though in times of crises these sessions may be extended or called outside scheduled times. The home of the Riksdag is the [[Palace Hall]] on [[Rasalhague]].
 
 
 
Provincial Riksdags are similiarly organized and meet on the planets [[Skandia]], [[Radstadt]] and Rasalhague to address issues of a less nationalistic nature
 
 
 
==Politics==
 
 
 
Born and tested by war and rebellion, the Free Rasalhague Republic treads a fine line in the politics of the Inner Sphere. The Prince must balance the needs of his nation against the pressures from the two great nations that lie along his borders. The neutrality that was the byword of the Principality of Rasalhague is the professed goal of the current government, but it is a neutrality that must be measured against the politcal demands of the leadership of the Draconis Combine and the Lyran Commonwealth.
 
 
 
Prince Magnusson, firt Prince of the new Free Rasalhague Republic (FRR) is a shrewd politician, careful to not anger any of the myriad special interest groups that reside within the FRR. He has formed a government that professes to represent all aspects of Rasalhague identity, but lacks in number many of the Tyr that resided in the worlds conquered by [[House Steiner]]. The positions of power have been given to those that he knows and trusts. One such staunch supporter from the ex-Draconis planets is [[Tor Miraborg]], Military Commander of the Radstatt Province and Varldherre of [[Miraborg]]. This disparity of representation has been percieved by some as a snub and a party has been created of those so disaffected, the [[Motsatt Stalining Parti]], or Motpart for short.
 
 
 
The Motpart consists of members of the Riksdag who oppose the Prince, either on principle for his policies or in reaction to his percieved treatment of the Tyr from the ex-Lyran conquered worlds. The leader of this party is General [[Christian Mansdottir]], first leader of the Tyr Battlemech Regiment.
 
 
 
General Mansdottir was, until he won the right to lead the Tyr Regiment, an officer of the LCAF. He was viewed by many as the logical leader of the new Rasalhague nation until Magnussen came forth with the treaty from the [[Draconis Combine]] that caused the inital impetus for the creation of the Free Rasalhague Republic. Though thwarted in his desire to become the new nations Prince, the fame he won as a regimental commander made him a man that could not be ignored by the new government. The Prince appointed Mansdottir as overall commander of the [[KungsArme]] and the Riksdag appointed him the office of [[Landtmarskalk]] in 3042.
 
 
 
The main difference between the ruling party and the Motpart lies in their attitudes towards the governments on either side of them. The ruling party wishes to appease all and tread lightly, while the Motpart would prefer to distance themselves from the giants to either side. The Motpart specifically doesn't trust the motives of the Draconis Combine and fear the Kuritans will one day return to conquer the worlds they ceded. The Motpart advocate a stronger military and seeks to pursue closer ties with the [[Federated Commonwealth]], even if this would anger and possibly provoke their Kuritan neighbors.
 
 
 
Internally the FRR is divided into three Provinces named after their capital worlds, [[Skandia]], [[Radstadt]] and [[Rasalhague]]. The policies of each of these regions and even the worlds within vary widely from region to region and from one world to another. Many of the Military Governers that were assigned to these worlds have become Varldherren, though some continue to hold power by suppression of the local civilian governments.
 
 
 
The political reality of the FRR is that of a man on a tightrope over a bed of broken glass. The Prince must balance the needs of his people to the reality that his decisions may cause issues with his larger and more powerful neighbors. The vaunted neutrality that was and is so precious to the people of Rasalhague must be balanced on the perceptions of the warlike leaders that populate the other nations of the Inner Sphere
 
 
 
==Rasalhague KungsArmé (Royal Rasalhague Army)==
 
 
 
The Royal Rasalhague Army has the capability to field almost 150 [[Regiment]]s of [[BattleMech]], [[Armor]], and [[Infantry]] as well as having ultimate command of 62 local Militia Regiments and five Mercenary BattleMech units
 
 
 
The organization of the KungsArme is patterned after the [[LCAF]], with twelve departments that are headquartered in the [[Citadel]], a large military complex on Rasalhague established under the old Principality and later expanded by the [[Draconis Combine]] as the headquarters of their [[Rasalhague Military District]], with sattelite command headquarters based in the capitols of each of the Provinces.
 
 
 
Twelve departments are responsible for the day to day running of the KungsArme. These are the Command Council, Administration, Medical Corps, Warriors' Ombudsmen, Mercenary Relations, Reservist Readiness, Strategy and Tactics, Intelligence, Transportation, Justice, Quartermaster and Military Education Departments.
 
 
 
The Chief of Staff of the Command Council and Provincial Commander of the Rasalhague Province is General [[Christian Mansdottir]].  The Prince is the Overbefalhavare or Commander in Chief, though the current Prince does not take an active interest in military concerns or decisions. Each of the Provinces also has a regional commander responsible for military decisions within their jurisdiction. These seconds are Generalmajor [[Margrethe Minuit]] of the Skandia Province and General [[Gustaf Mannerheim]] in the Radstadt Province.
 
 
 
===Ranks (and their English equivalents)===
 
 
 
* [[Menig]]: Private
 
* [[Korpral]]: Corporal
 
* [[Sergeant]]: Sergeant
 
* [[Fanjunkare]]: Sergeant Major
 
* [[Löjtnant]]: Lieutenant
 
* [[Kapten]]: Captain
 
* [[Major]]: Major
 
* [[Överste-Löjtnant]]: Lieutenant Colonel
 
* [[Överste]] : Colonel
 
* [[Generalmajor]]: Major General
 
* [[General]]: General
 
* [[Överbefalhavare]]: Commander-in-Chief
 
 
 
Pilots of [[BattleMech | 'Mech]]s are called Kavellrists, ancient Swedish for cavalry soldier. The Swedish word for Regiment is Regimente, Battalion is Bataljon, and Company is Besattning
 
 
 
===Composition===
 
 
 
The KungsArme fields a total of 15 [[BattleMech]] [[Regiment]]s. These Regiments are organized along lines of size and designed purpose for ease in deployment and command.
 
 
 
The Gunzburg Eagles is the Assault 'Mech Regiment of the KungsArme. It is the only assault Regiment in the Republic since the disolution of the original Tyr Regiment.
 
 
 
The Drakon are Heavy 'Mech Regiments. There are 4 Regiments of Drakon in the Republic army and they are the backbone of the KungsArme 'Mech forces.
 
 
 
The Freemen are three Regiments of medium weight class BattleMechs. These units are the jack-of-all-trades of the Republic, being used where a force of lighter weight units would not be effective but a heavier unit would be a waste of the limited KungsArme assets.
 
 
 
The Hussars 'Mechs are a mix of light and medium 'Mechs that are used primarily as the fast strike offensive force of the KungsArme.
 
 
 
The Kavalleri are 4 Regiments that are made up of light 'Mechs. The doctrinal use of these forces is scouting and screening of the heavier 'Mech units of the KungsArme.
 
 
 
The BattleMechs that populate these Regiments is a unique mixture of equipment. Due to the history of the FRR and trade agreements with their neighboring states, an eclectic mix of [[Draconis Combine|Draconis]] and [[Lyran]] signature 'Mechs are fielded in the same units. Nowhere else in the Inner Sphere would one commonly see [[Zeus]] and [[Dragon]] 'Mechs fighting in the same ranks, or see a [[Panther]] supporting a [[Commando]]s advance in battle. Recently due to agreements with [[ComStar]] a few of their unique 'Mech designs have been seen within the KungArme frontline units.
 
 
 
The Armor assets of the KungsArme consist of 32 Regiments, primarilly composed of [[Hunter]] and [[Manticore]] tanks. Due to agreements with [[Aldis Industries]] of [[Terra]] there are also a number of [[Demolisher]], [[Behemoth]] and [[Schrek|Schrek PPC Carriers]] added to the KungsArme in recent years. An agreement that benefited both parties was reached where the FRR received this equipment at bargain prices while Aldis was allowed to use the information gathered under battle conditions to test and improve their signature designs.
 
 
 
A total of 97 Infantry Regiments are directly under the KungsArme, with more than half mechanized. The primary troop carrier is the hovercraft, making this force fairly mobile in nature and capable of relatively fast response in responce to battlefield conditions.
 
 
 
The militia of the FRR consists of 62 Regiments of poor to average quality due to a lack of concentrated training and limited resources and time. The KungsArme Command has concentrated on the improvement and upgrade of frontline units, but hopes to address the issues facing the militia units when they have adequated time and resources available.
 
 
 
===Performance===
 
 
 
The KungsArme has shown a remarkable level of competence, considering its short history as an active national force. Their ability to face the renegade [[DCMS]] units during the [[Ronin Wars]] as well as  there ongoing campaign against raiders and periphery pirates has forged them into an impressive and cohesive fighting force.
 
 
 
The assistance of both the LCAF and DCMS in the process of forging this fighting force cannot and should not be discounted. The LCAF committed resources, in the form of the Tyr Regiment, and personel to guide, advise and help lead the nascent national army during their initial conflicts, while the DCMS sent units to support and personel to advise and command during this same period. Though several incidents have occurred between the KungArme and the forces allied with them, few were of any consequence and relations between the KungsArme and the forces of the [[Draconis Combine]] and the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] are openly respectful if not expressly congenial. With the withdrawal of the supporting forces from [[Steiner]] and [[Kurita]], the duties of defense and protection fell squarely on the KungsArme, and they have consistently risen to the challenge.
 
 
 
Since the Ronin Wars the most serious threat comes not from the [[Inner Sphere]] but rather from the [[Periphery]]. From the date of their independence they became a target for the less reputable of the Peripheries denizens. They viewed the Republic as a fat target simply waiting to be taken. As these raids continued so has the KungsArme's ability to counter the preferred tactics of these pirate bands and raiding parties. In fact the KungsArme has become the equal to any military within the Inner Sphere as far as small unit tactics are concerned. It is only in the fielding and management of larger operations, such as multi-Regimental and larger combined arms actions, that the lack of experience of the KungsArme Command is truly exposed.
 
 
 
To counter this lack General Mansdotter has scheduled and proceeded with military exercises with allied  forces. This allows the KungsArme to train against foes that do have these capabilities and, hopefully, learn the lessons needed to further mature without the cost in blood that would occur in actual battle. The most recent of these exercises was against the [[Com Guard]] led by [[Precentor Martial]] [[Anastasius Focht]].
 
 
 
Another problem that faces the KungsArme is in their relationship with the Mercenaries they employ. This is due to inital poor contract management and problems with command structure when the Mercenaries were first hired during the [[Ronin Wars]] period. These hired units stuck to the letter of the law and did not act as their FRR handlers wished or expected, often leaving the KungsArme forces exposed and unsupported. These Mercenaries were found to have lived up to the letter if not intent of their contracts, but in doing so did not endear themselves to either the KungsArme nor to the people of the Republic. Due to these issues as well as the attitudes they inherited regarding Mercenary forces from being part of the Draconis Combine, there is a general distrust of mercenaries within the Republic.
 
 
 
Though they would prefer not to the recent increase in raids along the Periphery border has forced the Republic to hire mercenary units, though the contracts are much better thought out and all the standard clauses have been stipulated. In fact some of the aspects of the contracts currently being offered do much to make the lives of the hired forces as difficult as possible, possibly in revenge for the percieved and real slights which have occurred in the past.
 
 
 
==Economy==
 
 
 
Though [[Haakon Magnusson | Prince Magnusson]] has bungled mercenary relations, he has proven to be shrewd at dealing with the business community. Establishing extensive state control over the business world, the Prince found innovative ways to increase production. He gave workers better conditions and pay, coupled with severe penalties for those who did not respond to the new incentives. To please management, he made many positions hereditary, in addition to awarding corporate executives seats in the Riksdag.
 
 
 
===Defense Industry===
 
 
 
When the [[Free Rasalhague Republic | FRR]] was created, it inherited the [[New Oslo]] [[BattleMech]] facility of [[Gorton, Kingsley, and Thorpe Enterprises]]. The factory has since been expanded to produce Archer and Panther [[BattleMech | 'Mech]]s. It is expected that a second GKT [[BattleMech]] factory being built on [[Rasalhague]] will be completed in [[3051]].
 
 
 
[[Benson and Bjorn]], the Republic's second largest weapons manufacturer, is located on [[Spittal]]. It has expanded its line of personal weapons and armored vehicles to include the Axel (Swedenese for ax) Marks I and II. These are internal-combustion-engine versions of the not-exactly-secret [[Rommel]] and [[Patton]] designs of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]].
 
 
 
 
 
===Major Industries===
 
 
 
[[Metals of the Earth]] is the huge mining, chemical, and synthetic conglomerate located on the planet [[Nox]]. MOE has adapted well to the new [[Rasalhague]] government. Though half its products still go to the Combine, according to an agreement between the two states, the other half has gone a long way to repairing war damage on many [[Free Rasalhague Republic | FRR]] worlds.
 
 
 
The attempt to transform [[Amau Electronics]]' major plant at Silvaton into a manufacturer of military electronics as well as a producer of its many low-budget consumer items has been less successful.
 
 
 
Under Combine control, Swedenborg Heavy Industries, manufacturer of large industrial robots, was forever in debt and faced with almost constant labor troubles. Under [[Free Rasalhague Republic | FRR]] control, its factories have almost tripled their output. Reports that the firm will enter the military industry by constructing a [[BattleMech | 'Mech]] or AeroSpace facility on [[Kirchbach]] remain unconfirmed
 
 
 
===Trade Relations===
 
 
 
The [[Even Scale Policy]] is [[Haakon Magnusson | Prince Magnusson]]'s term for his economic relations with the [[Draconis Combine]] and the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. Ever mindful not to give preference to one neighbor's products, the Prince has ordered a strict one-to-one relationship between imports and exports with the [[Lyran Commonwealth | Lyran]]s and the Combine. The number of traders from both realms is strictly controlled to ensure that neither side has an advantage. Every ton of food, every crane or holoset imported from one neighbor obligates the [[Free Rasalhague Republic | FRR]] to buy something of equal value from the other. Though this may be reasonable in theory, it is a nightmare in practice. Just keeping tabs on imports from the Commonwealth and the Combine is beyond the capabilities of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic | FRR]]'s bureaucracy.
 
 
 
This nightmare of red tape is one reason the government has begun to trade with other states. Indeed, trade with the [[Free Worlds League]] and the [[Federated Suns]] has been brisk over the years. Trade with the [[Federated Suns]] may be complicated in the future, however, as that realm becomes more closely joined with the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]
 
 
 
==Culture==
 
 
 
Swedish is the official language of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] government and most major universities. With a small minority of only about 15 percent fluent in the language, Swedish is not the language of everyday life.
 
 
 
In the street and shops of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic | FRR]], Swedenese is the tongue most often heard. A mix of Swedish and Standard [[Kurita Japanese]], Swedenese has been slowly evolving ever since [[House Kurita]] seized control of the old Principality. Though difficult to learn because it requires a good knowledge of the two parent languages, it is amazingly rich and has produced a respectable body of literature.
 
 
 
The Lutheran Church-[[Radstadt Synad]] is the state religion of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic | FRR]], yet only one-third of the people are active members. Other Christian religions, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism all have substantial numbers of followers. The Republic is also host to minor sects, including the One Star Faith and a growing curiosity called Modern Norse, which attempts to update the beliefs and customs of Scandinavia's ancient polytheistic religion.
 
 
 
While blatant racism has disappeared, a subtle bias against people or things Oriental still exists. [[Haakon Magnusson | Prince Magnusson]] and General Mansdotter have strenuously opposed racism, but people of Oriental heritage rarely achieve positions of importance
 
 
 
==Conclusion==
 
 
 
The major goal of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]] is to survive and grow to the point where its neighbors no longer consider it a military target. The [[Even Scale Policy]] is probably a major stumbling block to this goal, but the policy is not likely to change as long as [[Haakon Magnusson | Prince Magnusson]] is in power.
 
 
 
Some Motpart members would like to oust Magnusson before he is to step down in [[3054]], but their numbers are small. If this seed of discontent takes a strong enough hold, it could lead to a civil war that the [[Free Rasalhague Republic | FRR]] is not likely to survive
 
 
 
==Update==
 
 
 
In the years since with [[3050]] summary of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic | FRR]], a great deal has taken place. The [[Clans | Clan]] invasion has taken the majority of the worlds of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]], leaving it a shadow of its former self. If not for the actions of [[ComStar]] at [[Tukayyid]], the Republic, along with the whole of the [[Inner Sphere]], would currently be under [[Clans | Clan]] control.
 

Revision as of 06:42, 16 May 2018


This article details the history of the Free Rasalhague Republic. For more information, see Free Rasalhague Republic.
Crest of the Free Rasalhague Republic


The Free Rasalhague Republic's origins lie in the distant past on the home of humanity. After the Second Soviet Civil War the Scandinavian countries of Northern Europe were saddled with the cost of rebuilding the shattered Soviet States and the influx of refugees fleeing the devastation. This lasted into the mid 23rd century when the levy to rebuild ended and many of the citizens of the Federal Republics of Sweden, Finland and Norway chose to emigrate, selecting a planet far from the smothering bureaucracy of Terra. For the next 60 years a steady stream of colonists populated the planet Rasalhague and eight of its nearest neighbors.[1]

Inception and Principality

In the waning years of the 23rd century the settlers created the Rasalhague Consortium to oversee the development of their worlds. The rulers of each of the settled worlds, the Varldherren or World Lords, as well as members of the most powerful and influential families, became the ruling council. An elected Prime Minister headed this governing council. The Consortium reached out to the neighboring states and associations, eventually evolving into the Principality of Rasalhague, led by an elected Prince.[1]

The people of the Principality became known for their isolationism, preferring to concentrate on development of their own worlds and expanding their influence within their established boundaries. They concentrated on developing in ways that would not impact their worlds' environment. This political neutrality and isolationism policy lasted until their eventual conquest and absorption into the Draconis Combine in 2330 [1]

Draconis Combine Years

The leadership of the Draconis Combine organized the newly conquered territory into the Rasalhague Military District. Though they attempted to dilute the native customs and lessen the nationalistic tendencies of the Scandinavian population through promoting emigration of settlers from the other regions of the Combine, they were ultimately unsuccessful. From the beginning of Kurita rule secret societies formed and fomented rebellions, but the native resistance failed due to lack of coordination and organization among the rebel groups. This changed in 3029 when representatives of the Lyran Commonwealth invited the resistance leaders to Tamar to meet and plan for the eventual freedom of the Rasalhague peoples. [1]

Rebellion

The Lyran government showed their support in a very concrete fashion, presenting to the leaders of the rebellion a regiment of assault 'Mechs manned by Rasalhague exiles and patriots, trained and supported by House Steiner.[1] The Tyr Regiment made its presence known in dramatic fashion with its first action on the planet Kirchbach, prompting a revolt among the population in support of the Regiment. With the Tyr Regiment as a core the Rasalhague leaders planned an uprising to coincide with invasions by the LCAF. The leaders of the rebellion organized and dispatched hundreds of commando and covert missions deep into Draconis space to disrupt communications and logistics for the Draconis Military Command and to spread the word of the coming rebellion. To show full support of the desires of the Rasalhague peoples for a free and separate nation Archon Katrina Steiner signed the Intention of the Free Rasalhague Peoples, a document recognizing the Tyr as an official government in exile for the Rasalhague regions.[2]

The Tyr provided the Lyran military valuable information regarding local conditions, terrain, targets of opportunity and location of enemy forces. This information proved invaluable during the course of the Fourth Succession War and in the success of the Commonwealth's war efforts.[2]

To the dismay of the Tyr, the end of the Fourth Succession war did not bring about the creation of the Free Rasalhague nation. This was due to the the failure of the Lyran Commonwealth forces to conquer all of the former Principality worlds, most importantly they had not captured Rasalhague itself. Some Tyr members believed the Lyrans had stopped short of complete conquest to prevent the rebels from forming the promised sovereign state of Rasalhague. This belief seemed to prove true when Lyran planetary administrators arrived on the newly conquered worlds, taking over the governing duties without acknowledging the Tyr claims. These functionaries were sent by Duke Selvin Kelswa of the Tamar Pact to take control of these worlds, and no mention of Tyr prior claim was noted or acknowledged in their orders.[2]

In February 3031 several of the more extreme factions of the Tyr bombed government buildings on seven of the newly conquered worlds, destroying the buildings and injuring one planetary administrator. Over the objections of Commonwealth officials Duke Kelswa ordered the arrest of Tyr leaders, most of whom were on Tamar and then orchestrated show trials that convicted the arrested leaders in a mockery of Lyran judicial process. This led to riots and demonstrations on the captured worlds which were brutally put down by the Tamar Pact police force. By the time the Archon heard of this miscarriage of justice the Tyr leaders had been languishing in jail for a week. Infuriated by the Dukes handling of the situation she publicly berated the Duke for overstepping his authority and freed the imprisoned Tyr leaders. Though she apologized to the leadership, the damage caused by Duke Kelswa could not be undone and rebellion and unrest raged on the conquered worlds.[2]

The Archon, realizing that the region would not be willing to become part of the Commonwealth bent her efforts to negotiate with the Tyr leadership to ensure that the new Rasalhague state would be more favorably inclined to the Commonwealth than towards the Draconis Combine.[2]

On the worlds of Rasalhague that still remained under Draconis control rebellion continued. To end the fighting against their own people the Draconis Combine came up with an ingenious and subtle solution, they announced their support of Rasalhague independence. This shift in policy simultaneously ended their own problem with rebellion in the war torn district while at the same time embarassing the Lyrans and depriving them of many of the worlds they had worked so hard to capture. Also, a Free Rasalhague would form a buffer state between the Draconis Combine and the newly formidable Lyran Commonwealth.[2]

Independence

On March 13 of 3034 newly elected Prince Haakon Magnusson declared the formation of the Free Rasalhague Republic, free and independent of any other nation. Comstar was first to recognize the formation of the new nation, soon followed by the Draconis Combine on the following day. The act of the Combine in giving up so many of its worlds to the newly formed sovereign nation came as a shock to the rest of the Inner Sphere. Also, it left the Steiner government in a poor position, lessening their bargaining power in regards to the Tyr that were on the Rasalhague worlds still in the Commonwealth. As a result of the actions of the Kurita government Archon Steiner felt obliged and compelled to turn over the capture Rasalhague worlds to the newly formed nation, though this infuriated the Duke of Tamar.[2]

The birth of the new nation was not without pangs and turbulence. The decision of the Draconis Combine to cede these worlds did not sit well with many of the Combines soldiery. Many units for various reasons both good and bad refused to leave the worlds they had defended for so long. Seeing this as a challenge to his rule Kanrei Theodore Kurita declared these disobedient units Ronin and with the permission of the new Prince of Rasalhague led a force of loyal regiments into the Republic in what became known as the Ronin Wars.[2]

The Rasalhague KungsArme received its baptism by fire in a series of short, violent clashes with the Ronin forces. Supported by the DCMS units led by the Warlord Theodore Kurita the KungsArme fought better than expected. Ably supported by Lyran officers on loan and by the Combines military units the Rasalhague forces were eventually victorious, though the war would have a lasting impression on the new Rasalhague government and its peoples. By 3035 the last Combine unit left Rasalhague space, ending the Ronin War. This outbreak of peace allowed the government and their elected Prince to concentrate on political rather than military objectives for the first time in the new nations history.[2]

One sad note during this time was the outbreak of violence against anything Oriental that broke out among some of the population. Riots were relatively common and lynchings and other violence was focused on those not of Scandinavian heritage. Eventually the government calmed the people and this shameful matter is rarely if ever mentioned.[2]

The Prince and his new government tread a narrow line, balancing their new nations concerns between those of their more powerful neighbors. This careful policy of neutrality has kept the borders to these two realms relatively peaceful and has allowed the KungsArme to grow into a stronger more mature armed force.[2]

Recently pirate activity along the Periphery borders of the FRR has increased dramatically, forcing the government to hire mercenaries to patrol these areas. It is an indication of the seriousness of this Periphery activity that the FRR is hiring mercenary forces even though the general distrust of mercenaries engendered by their actions during the Ronin Wars remains.[2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 20 Year Update, p. 45
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 20 Year Update, p. 46

Bibliography