The Lone Star Republic hereby announces our existence to Cyber Nations.
January 16th, 1836 – On the Red River, 40 Miles West of the Mississippi
The two soldiers gripped an iron cable on the starboard foredeck of the steamer, cabling that minimally served as a rail preventing one from falling into the churning muddy river water below. Heavy fog hung in the air, enveloping them like a soggy blanket. Dressed in heavy wool uniforms, the soldiers chafed in the jackets which were not terribly suited to an unseasonably warm and muggy winter morning. A constant thrumming and thumping traveled through the bones of the venerable barge, resonances which made the legs grow numb at times. As they both peered into the impenetrable mist, trying to make out any possible discernible detail, cypress and pin oak branches from both banks clutched at them with unseen stick fingers just a few feet away. There was no seeing anything in this weather, and sounds seemed to drop dead in the air, muffling anything but the river and barge itself.
It had been just more than a fortnight before that the 53 men from Kentucky and Ohio had boarded the steamboat “Augusta” on the Newport Wharf across the Ohio River from Cinicinnati. The weather had been cold and drizzly when the company left, and had been so for more than 13 days while they wended down the Ohio, the Mississippi, and up the Red River. Now, just in the last 36 hours, it was as if they had been transplanted into the jungles of South America.
Checking the vague shadowy form a foot or two away from him, Sergeant Joseph Bue inquired, “So will the Twin Sisters get there before us? I don’t see why we didn’t haul them along. Doesn’t make a damned bit o’ sense to me. We need artillery for this business.”
A brief pause followed, with Sergeant James T. Forth responding, “Wasn’t my idea. I told them we needed cannons, and they were shipped ahead of us to New Orleans. How the hell we’re to get them in Natchitoches after they arrive at Jean Lafitte’s old blacksmith shop, I’ll never know. It’s what happens when you don’t mind to every detail yourself.”
“So how many men will we have when we arrive at Gonalez since the last count? Two hundred? Three hundred?”
“I hope for sure that we have more than five hundred. The last report from Fort Adams at our last docking claims that Santa Anna has well more than a thousand, with cavalry and cannon. We won’t know until we reach Nacadoches, I reckon.”
“Well, I hope that we’ll be able to see something in front of us soon. This mist or fog, or whatever it might be, is mighty inconvenient for shooting a fella.”
“Bue, I don’t reckon that is going to be our problem at all in a few weeks. Our problem will be keeping up with Sherman… That’s what I believe.”
November 15th, 1835 – Duncan Tavern, Paris, Kentucky
A tapestry of red, yellow, and orange leaves covered the horse trail both above and below. The last hour of daylight gave the forest path a warm glow that almost offset the chill that had settled in a week prior. Galloping at a moderate pace, the horseman, James Sylvester, was anxious to arrive at the Duncan Tavern meeting hall on time. He had ridden since daylight from north of Louisville, and had been delayed several times along the way.
Just ahead, the path opened up into a crossroads, beyond which lay the meeting place. Sylvester rode around back of the Tavern, which looked like more like a mayor’s house than drinking establishment, with 3 stories of stone and a bright red front door. It appeared as though most of the recruits had already arrived, with near 20 horses tethered on both sides of the large barn. He dismounted, stretched his legs for some minutes, and hitched his mount next to a large roan mare on the end of the row. Carrying nothing but a three-cornered felt hat, he strode into the assembly without comment.
Thirty or so men were gathered in a semicircle within the barn, with an impressive number of whale oil lamps illuminating the interior. To his left, numerous crates and sacks had been stacked – hard food provisions for at least two months it would seem. Next to the crates, several shelves were filled with new uniforms of an unrecognizable style. On the right of the crowd, lined up in racks, stood at least 50 brand new Pennsylvania long rifles, which were now Kentucky long rifles. Not listening to the speaker, Sylvester walked up to inspect the arms. It appeared that they were .45 to .50 caliber black powder flintlocks, with the latest British and German firing mechanisms available. These were weapons to fear if you were on the other end of the barrel, a weapon often named if you were its owner.
A sonorous voice suddenly seemed to be directed at Sylvester, as he was eyeing the detailed etchings on the stock… “Sylvester! I see you have arrived late yet again! Come and join our circle so that you may be prepared for our enterprise.” Placing the rifle back in the rack, Sylvester looked around, expecting all eyes to embarrass him, which was somehow avoided. He took off his hat and milled into the standing gathering without delay.
The man in the center of the barn was Sidney Sherman, a tall, gangly fellow who seemed much larger than he was, due to a certain intensity and purposefulness of demeanor. He was dressed in one of the new military uniforms, and gestured strongly as he spoke.
“Gentlemen! I believe you all know why we are gathered here. Everyone present has enlisted in our Newport Rifles company, and will be departing for Texas soon along with another lot from Cincinnati. Tonight, I remind you why we go.”
Sherman strode across the floor of the barn and set one foot upon a small crate, lantern light illuminating his visage more clearly.
“We have heard the reports from Gonzalez and Goliad. Our brothers, who legitimately purchased and worked land from the Mexican government, are being chased from their farms and homes like common criminals and thieves by the very same treacherous government that promised them protection from the Commanches and other dangerous elements. Our brotherhood and fellow American citizens are being robbed of their property… robbed of their right to exist. Many of the families in this plight are known to us, as they hail from our own towns. We will not allow this travesty to continue. We will defend our own.”
Several grunts of agreement and approval came from the audience. While it darkened outside, the barn seemed to grow brighter.
“Many of our grandfathers were in the same position in Lexington and Concord. This campaign is no different, just farther away. We will gather on the last day of 1835, on the Newport Wharf. From there, our 50 man company will leave the comfort of our homes and towns, and we will travel by river to Louisiana. From there, we will then march to Gonzalez to meet up with Houston.”
He paused momentarily, as if carefully choosing his next words.
“I will put this bluntly. All that I own has been sold to back our mission. The sheet-lead factory, the cotton bagging business… everything. We may be granted land in Texas if we are so lucky, and are able to defend it. Nothing is certain in this venture except our ability to succeed. Our names are not just at stake here, gentlemen, but our very lives. Fortunately, I know that none here shy from the danger. Fortunately, I know that you all willingly volunteered for this business. For those reasons, the only outcome of this affair for us is success.”
A few surprised looks were exchanged at the mention of how they were being supported. Some excited conversations came and went quickly as it appeared the address was coming to a conclusion.
“It is time to put it on the line. Go and prepare yourselves, for our brothers and future await us. We go to restore freedom. We go to restore liberty.”
After loud shouts of assent, Sherman held aloft a clenched fist, and made one last bellow…
“LIBERTY OR DEATH!”
Our charter is as follows:
Charter of the Lone Star Republic
Preamble: We the free and sovereign nations of Lone Star Republic, hereby acknowledge this charter as law.
Article I: Application for Membership:
Section 1. Nations Applying for membership into Lone Star Republic shall:
A. Not be in a state of war.
B. Not be a member of another alliance. (Dual membership is forbidden)
C. Not be on another alliance’s Eternal ZI, Permant ZI or ZI list.
Section 2. Nations Applying for membership into the Lone Star Republic will:
A. Change their in-game Allaince Affiliation to “Lone Star Republic Applicant”
B. Register on LSR’s FORUM and provide a nation link in their signature.
C. Post an application as per instructions.
Article II: Membership:
Section 1. All applicant’s to the Lone Star Republic will be masked as a Recruit (0).
Section 2. All nations that are granted membership within the Lone Star Republic are required to change their team color to Black.
Section 3. Any nation wishing to leave Lone Star Republic can do so providing SITCON is at Green.
Section 4. Any member of Lone Star Republic may be expelled at any time for breaching Any/All of this charter at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief or the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Section 5. All Members of Lone Star Republic will Post their Rank in the Bio Box of their Nation.
Section 6. All nations of the Lone Star Republic will fly Custom flag #4, without exception.
Section 7. All members of Lone Star Republic will follow the Twelve general orders or be subject to a Article 6 tribunial.
1. Take charge of your nation and all government property within it.
2. Always keep alert, observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
3. Report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
4. Repeat all orders to ensure clearifictaion.
5. Quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. Recive, obey, and pass on all orders from the Commanding Officer only.
7. Talk to no one outside the alliance, about the alliance, without prior approval from your Commanding Officer.
8. Give alarm in case of disorder or attack.
9. Call a O-1 or higher in any case not covered by your orders.
10. Salute all officers, colors and standards of the Lone Star Republic.
11. Be especially watchful at night and during the time for challenging, to all persons on or near your post, and to allow no one to pass with out proper authority.
12. No quarter will be given to any enemy, foreign or domestic in time of war.
Article III: Leadership and Government:
Section 1. High Command
A. The Commander-in-Chief is the ruler of Lone Star Republic and his/her word is final.
B. The Commander-in-Chief may not at any time be removed from leadership unless found guilty of treason or is inactive for 7 days or more without prior notice, or by a unanimous vote by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 75%+1 vote of the membership.
C. The Joint Chiefs of Staff will appoint a successor if he/she steps down, and the membership shall approve the choice with a 75%+1 vote.
D. The Commander-in-Chief will promote all other positions and is able to remove them at any time for treason or inactivity through the Tribunial, except the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
E. The Joint Chiefs of Staff are appointed by the Commander-in-Chief, and approved by a 75%+1 vote of member nations.
F. The Joint Chiefs of Staff will be asked to stand in the place of the Commander-in-Chief under extreme circumstances such as extended leave and sickness.
G. The Joint Chiefs of Staff needs to seek approval from the Commander-in-Chief to sign/break treaties or declare war, but in circumstances that require immediate action where the Commander-in-Chief is unavailable the Joint Chiefs of Staff may do so, only with unanimous approval.
Section 2. Joint Chief of the Department of Military Affairs.
The General (O-10, S-5) shall oversee all affairs pertaining to the military,
Which duties include:
A. Military policy and communication.
B. Troop readiness and deployment.
C. Raiding compliance.
D. Training of Officers.
E. Promotion of Lower Commanders.
Section 3. Joint Chief of the Department of Foreign Affairs
The General (O-10, S-5) shall oversee all affairs pertaining to foreign affairs,
Which duties include:
A. Foreign embassy’s on Lone Star Republic forums.
B. Weekly reports for Ambassador’s and Ambassador Co-ordination.
C. Presenting potential treaties to be considered for signing.
D. Hosting of Foreign Dignatories.
E. The Writing of Treaties.
F. The Posting of Lone Star Republic Policy and Doctrine to the Planet
Section 4. Joint Chief of the Department of Internal Affairs.
The General (O-10, S-5) shall oversee all affairs pertaining to the internal operations.
Which duties include:
A. Background checks and acceptance of new members.
B. Approval/Denial of pending members.
C. Alliance Guides.
D. Member badges and service medals.
E. Rank Promotion of Member Nations
F. Recruitment of new nations.
Section 5. Joint Chief of the Deparment of Economic Affairs.
The General (O-10, S-5) shall oversee all affairs pertaining to trade & economy.
Which duties include:
A. Coordination of tech-trades.
B. Coordination of resource-trade.
C. Coordinations of donation deals.
D. Helping members maximize their economic potential.
Section 6. Joint Chief of the Department of Strategic Services.
The General (O-10, S-5) shall oversee all affairs pertaining to threats and security.
Which duties include:
A. Formation of Tribunal
B. Reviews threats Foreign and Domestic
C. Propaganda
Article IV: War and Raiding.
Section 1. Any attack or spy mission launched on any nation of Lone Star Republic will be regarded as an attack on the entire alliance and will be treated as such, per general order 12, if diplomatic reasoning fails.
Section 2. The Lone Star Republic will defend its member nations with every resource available.
Section 3. The Lone Star Republic will honor all treaties and friendships, regardless of results.
Section 4. The Lone Star Republic will deploy nuclear weapons if attacked by any means, but will not use them first in a offensive role.
Section 5. Raiding is allowed only if:
A. If you raid then you are on your own.
B. No Red or Black nations.
C. Raiding of Nations in alliances with 5 or more members or the protectorates of these
are not allowed.
D. Always end a raid with a peace offer and grant peace if it is offered. Continue if not.
Article V: Amendments.
Section 1. Amendments may be made to this charter as the Commander-in-Chief and Joint Chiefs of
Staff deems necessary.
Article VI: Tribunal.
Section 1. Any person subject to this chapter who—
A. violates or fails to obey any lawful general order or regulation;
B. having knowledge of any other lawful order issued by a member of the armed forces, which it is his duty to obey, fails to obey the order; or
C. is derelict in the performance of his duties; shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”
Section 2. The Joint Chief of the Department of Strategic Services shall:
A. Hold a tribunal made up of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
B. The Joint Chiefs of Staff will act as the judge and jury of the accused.
C. The accused will have the right to defend his/her actions at this time.
D. A Nation will declare war, but not attack, the accused if the charge is treason.
E. The Joint Chiefs of Staff will decided the verdict, but the Commander-in-Chief will hand down the Sentencing.
Article VII: Rank and Promotions
Section 1. Merit Promotion
If a member shows distinctive merit and contributions to the alliance within a given timeframe, he/she can apply for a promotion of Rank.
A. Promotions of Rank give the members:
1. More responsibility.
2. Higher security clearance.
3. Higher standing and respect.
B. Members are required to show merit within a given time period, without being brought before an Article 6 Tribunal. If a member has not been promoted in rank before three times the time period allowed they will be subject to Article 6. Time periods for each Rank are as follows:
Private - 2 weeks.
Private First Class - 2 weeks.
Corporal - 2 weeks.
Sergeant - 2 weeks.
Staff Sergeant - 3 weeks.
Sergeant First Class - 3 weeks.
Master Sergeant - 3 weeks.
First Sergeant - 4 weeks.
Sergeant Major - 4 weeks.
Command Sergeant Major - 4 weeks.
2nd Lieutenant - 5 weeks.
1st Lieutenant - 5 weeks.
Captain - 5 weeks.
Major - 5 weeks.
Lieutenant Colonel - 6 weeks.
Colonel - 6 weeks.
Brigadier General - Merit only.
Lieutenant General - Merit only.
Major General - Merit only.
Section 2. Combat Promotion
A. Field Promotions may be given:
1. When a member shows extraordinary skills in a given field.
2. Out of need for commanding officers.
3. Only the Commander-in-Chief and the Joint Chiefs of Staff can grant a Combat Promotion.
We hereby sign this charter into law on this the 30th day, of the first month, of the the year two thousand nine.
Signed:
S.F. Austin Commander-in-Chief
Samuel Houston, Joint Chief of the Department of Military Affairs
Juan Valdez, Joint Chief of the Department of Foreign Affairs
Desdenova, Joint Chief of the Department of Internal Affairs
Nemhauser, Joint Chief of the Department of Strategic Services
OUR CHANNEL IS ON COLDFRONT at @L*S*R
FORUMS @ www.lonestarrepublic.net
