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| | {{Update Needed|[[Inner Sphere (sourcebook)]]}} | | {{Update Needed|[[Inner Sphere (sourcebook)]]}} |
| − | [[Image:Free Rasalhague Republic.jpg|350px|right|Crest of the Free Rasalhague Republic]]
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| − | ==History==
| + | :''This article details the history of the '''''Free Rasalhague Republic'''''. For more information, see [[Free Rasalhague Republic]].'' |
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-45>''20 Year Update'' p.45</ref>
| + | [[Image:Free Rasalhague Republic.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Crest of the Free Rasalhague Republic]] |
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-45/>
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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 isolatinistic policy lasted until their eventual conquest and absorbtion into the [[Draconis Combine]] in [[2330]] <ref name=20Y-45/> | + | 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> |
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| | + | ===Inception and Principality=== |
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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/> |
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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/> |
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| | + | ===Draconis Combine Years=== |
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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/> | | 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/> |
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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 expatriots, 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 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.<ref name=20Y-46>''20 Year Update'' p.46</ref> | + | ===Rebellion=== |
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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> |
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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 coarse of the [[Fourth Succession War]] and in the success of the Commonwealths war efforts.<ref name=20Y-46/> | + | 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/> |
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-46/> | + | 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/> |
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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 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.<ref name=20Y-46/> | + | 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/> |
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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 insure that the new Rasalhague state would be more favoribly inclined to the Commonwealth than towards the Draconis Combine.<ref name=20Y-46/> | + | 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/> |
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| | 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/> | | 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/> |
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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 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.<ref name=20Y-46/> | + | ===Independence=== |
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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/> |
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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]] 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 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/> |
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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 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/> |
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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/> | | 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/> |
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| − | ==Government==
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-47>''20 Year Update'' p.47</ref>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-46/> 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.<ref name=20Y-47/> 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.<ref name=20Y-46/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-47>''20 Year Update'' p.47</ref>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-47/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-47/>
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| − | The [[Riksdag]] is the Parliament of the Republic. It is seperated into four Estates, each of which have a specific duties and responsibilities.<ref name=20Y-47/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-47/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-47/>
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| − | 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. <ref name=20Y-47/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-47/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-47/>
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| − | 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]].<ref name=20Y-47/>
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| − | Provincial Riksdags are similiarly organized and meet on the planets [[Skandia]], [[Radstadt]] and Rasalhague to address issues of a less nationalistic nature<<ref name=20Y-47/>
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| − | ==Politics==
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-48>''20 Year Update'' p.48</ref>
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| − | Prince Magnusson, first 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.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-47/><ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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<<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | ==Rasalhague KungsArmé (Royal Rasalhague Army)==
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| − | 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<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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. <ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | ===Ranks (and their English equivalents)<ref name=20Y-48/>===
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| − | * [[Menig]]: Private
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| − | * [[Korpral]]: Corporal
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| − | * [[Sergeant]]: Sergeant
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| − | * [[Fanjunkare]]: Sergeant Major
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| − | * [[Löjtnant]]: Lieutenant
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| − | * [[Kapten]]: Captain
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| − | * [[Major]]: Major
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| − | * [[Överste-Löjtnant]]: Lieutenant Colonel
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| − | * [[Överste]] : Colonel
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| − | * [[Generalmajor]]: Major General
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| − | * [[General]]: General
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| − | * [[Överbefalhavare]]: Commander-in-Chief
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| − | 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<<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | ===Composition===
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| − | 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. <ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | The Hussars 'Mechs are a mix of light and medium 'Mechs that are used primarily as the fast strike offensive force of the KungsArme.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-48/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-49>''20 Year Update'' p.49</ref>
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| − | The Armor assets of the KungsArme consist of 32 Regiments, primarilly composed of [[Hunter]] and [[Manticore]] tanks. Due to an arrangement 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. This arrangement benefits both parties, with the Republic receiving modern equipment at bargain prices while Aldis gains the information gathered under battle conditions to test and improve their signature designs.<ref name=20Y-49/>
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| − | A total of 97 Infantry Regiments are directly under the KungsArme, with more than half of the units mechanized. The primary troop carrier for mechanized Infantry is the hovercraft, making this force fairly mobile in nature and capable of relatively fast response in responce to battlefield conditions.<ref name=20Y-49/>
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| − | The militia of the FRR consists of 62 Regiments from poor to average quality. This is 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.<ref name=20Y-49/>
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| − | ===Performance===
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-49/>
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| − |
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| − | The assistance of both the LCAF and DCMS in the process of forging this fighting force can not and should not be discounted. The [[LCAF]] committed resources, in the form of the Tyr Regiment,<ref name=20Y-45/> and personel to guide, advise and help lead the nascent national army during their initial conflicts,<ref name=20Y-46/> while the DCMS sent units to support as well as personel to advise and command during this same period.<ref name=20Y-46/> 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 fall squarely on the KungsArme, and they have consistently risen to the challenge. <ref name=20Y-49/>
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| − | 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 the Free Rasalhague Republic 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.<ref name=20Y-49/>
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| − |
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| − | 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]].<ref name=20Y-49/>
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| − | 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.<ref name=20Y-45/> 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.<ref name=20Y-45/> 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.<ref name=20Y-49/>
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| − | Though they would prefer not to, the recent increase in raids along the Periphery border<ref name=20Y-46/> has forced the Republic to hire mercenary units, though this time 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.<ref name=20Y-49/>
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| − | ==Economy==
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| − | Though the current government has made some mistakes in their economic dealings and policies, their record in dealing with the business community has, on the whole, been remarkably positive for such a young government. The Prince has used incentives, such as better pay and conditions for the laborers, hereditary positions for management and seats om the Riksdag for executives in particularly successful and critical industries. Tie this to severe penalties for individuals and industries that were non responsive or resistant to the changes that were being implemented and you have a carrot and stick system that has increased industrial growth and production in the Republic.<ref name=20Y-50>''20 Year Update'' p.50</ref>
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| − | ===Major Industries===
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| − |
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| − | Industry in the FRR is as much a balancing act as the relations between it the neighboring giants to either side. Many of the corporations within the FRR are either a subsidiary of a Draconis corporation or have been damaged by the nearly universal fighting. <ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − |
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| − | One such company with split affiliations is [[Metals of the Earth]] (MOE), a mining, chemical and synthetic producing conglomerat located on [[Mox]]. MOE has done well under the new Republic policies, but half of its production is earmarked for the [[Combine]]. The rest has gone a long way towards repairing the war damage on Republic worlds though if all its output could be funneled to war repair it would go farther and speed recovery on war torn worlds.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − |
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| − | Another company that has done well in the new corporate environment is [[Swedenborg Heavy Industries]], a manufacturer of heavy industrial robots. Under the Combine this industry was always in debt and had constant labor unrest, while now the factories have almost tripled output and is contemplating setting up a facory on [[Kirchbach]] for either BattleMech or Aerospace production.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − |
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| − | Though there have been many successes under the new govermental policies there have also been some failutes. One prominet failure is [[Amau Electronics]]. Attempts to convert the major production facilities on [[Silvaton]] to support the military electronics production has met with failure, though it does still produce low end consumer items. At this time the future of the military lines at this facility are uncertain and it is unlikely this will change without major investment in time and resources.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − | ===Defense Industry===
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| − |
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| − | The Defense industry in the Republic is healthy if rather limited.
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| − |
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| − | The company of Gorton, Kingsley and Thorpe Enterprises (GKT) has BattleMechs lines running at facilities on [[New Oslo]] and plans have been laid to add the production of [[Archer]] and [[Panther]] 'Mechs at this site. A second factory is being contemplated on Rasalhague but no definitive plans have been released at this time.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − |
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| − | The second largest military manufacturer, Benson and Bjorn, has expanded its lines of personal weaponry and armored vehicle lines on [[Spittal]] to handle the increased demands of the Republic. The addition of the Axel Mark I and Mark II tanks have been added at these facilities. These tanks are an internal combustione engine variants of the Lyran [[Rommel]] and [[Patton]], and have been a welcome addition to the vehicles availble to the KungsArme and militia forces.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − | ===Trade Relations===
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| − | Due to the rather unique circumstances facing the FRR trade relations with other powers in the Inner Sphere are fraught with unitended consequence. The current government pursues an [[Even Scale Policy]] in all dealings with either the Lyran Commonwealth or the Draconis Combine. Under this policy every transaction with one state has to be balanced by a transaction of equal value with the other state. Though simple in concept it has proven to be difficult if not outright impossible in practice. The records and reports needed to track and monitor all economic traffic, imports and exports to these two nations has proven to be beyond the capabilities of the bureaucracy to manage. <ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − | One interesting feature as far as the Republic people and government are concered is that though this policy has caused issues in trade with their closest neighboring realms, this policy has no impact or limitations on trade with other Inner Sphere nations. This has caused a marked increase in trade traffic with both [[Free Worlds League]] and [[Federated Suns]] as well as closer diplomatic ties with these two realms.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − |
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| − | Though the close alliance between the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth may cause problems with FedSuns commerce in the future, it currently is not an issue in the minds of the Rasalhague government.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − | ==Culture==
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| − |
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| − | The culture of the Free Rasalhague Republic is an amalgam of the original settlers from the Scandinavian regions of old Terra and the Japanese dominated culture of the [[Draconis Combine]] that conquered them in the early 24th century. The Combines attempts to dilute the native culture of the Rasalhague worlds was to some extent successful, but failed to completely supplant the local attitudes and culture.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − |
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| − | The official language of the Republic is Swedish, but the dominant language of everyday life is a mix of Kurita Japanese and Swedish called [[Swedenese]]. This language has slowly evolved from a pidgen amalgam to a fully formed and functioning living language over the years of the [[Kurita]] occupation of Rasalhague and today is a fully evolved language with a rich history and respectable body of literature. Swedenese is difficult for non natives to learn as a good foundation in both root languages is a requirement for fluency.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − |
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| − | The state religion of the Replublic is the Lutheran Church or [[Radstadt Synad]]. One third of the population of the Republic are members of this faith, though other Christian religions as well as Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism have substantial numbers of followers as well. The [[Modern Norse]] faith, a reinterpretation of the ancient Norse polytheism is a growing sect and other small minor sects such as the [[One Star Faith]] also have a presence among the religous in the Republic.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − |
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| − | While the blatant racism of the past has for a large part been extinguished in the Republic there still remains a subtle bias against anything Oriental. The leading politicians of the Republic, including Prince [[Haakon Magnusson|Magnusson]] and General [[Christian Mansdottir|Mansdottir]] have worked hard to end any trace of racism but people of Oriental heritage continue to have barriers, either actual or perceived, that keep them from achieving positions of importance.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| − |
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| − | The short term goals of the Republic are to simply survive as a nation and people. The long term goals involve increasing its military and establishing strong inter stellar political alliances so that the FRR is no longer seen as an inviting target of conquest and raiding. Some of the current policies, such as the [[Even Scale Policy]] do not strengthen the position of the Republic but no change is forseen as long as the current leadership is in power. Though a minority, specificaly the [[Motsatt Stalining Parti|Motpart]], would like to see a change in leadership their influence is not strong enough to force the Prince to step down before his term of office is complete in [[3054]]. At this time the Republic is surviving and in some ways thriving, though discontent with the current leadership is a constant and slowly growing concern among policy leaders both in and beyond the borders of the Free Rasalhague Republic.<ref name=20Y-50/>
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| | ==References== | | ==References== |
| Line 191: |
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| | ==Bibliography== | | ==Bibliography== |
| | *''[[20 Year Update]]'' | | *''[[20 Year Update]]'' |
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| | + | [[Category:History|Free Rasalhague Republic, History of]] |
| | + | [[Category:Free Rasalhague Republic]] |
- 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
Bibliography
