Vidarr the Terrible

Triyun sounds like a baby boomer.

Wow, a tiered system. I've never seen that before. It would probably work and not be bastardized by other people. Nope. Seriously threads like this are stupid.

"...so by the power vested in my by the Nordic Asatru church, as a representative of the people and of the celestial wills, I declare you Vidarr II Harmyrkr, King of Iceland, Warden of the Old Gods, Protector of Midgard." The officiate took a knee, as did everyone else on the balcony. Some in the forum bowed their heads, some looked on in awe, and a few were just fascinated by the process. Vidarr approached the microphone and addressed his people and the world. "My friends, my countrymen, I was going to address you starting with something about having changed my speech at the last minute, or by saying I threw out my speech, but as that is a sort of cliche now, I thought better of it. Instead, I want to get to the important matter, what is on most people's minds right now. "My goal as King is not to reclaim the old glory of Midgard. I must respect the will of the norns, and we must remember to be progressive, to go with the flow of the world. The days of conquest and irredentism are over. Conquest for the sake of conquest is a barbarian attitude, and we Nordic people have always seen ourselves as beyond that. What Ragnar the Unwise did was lamentable, yes, however I am not here to correct his mistakes. "I am here, however, to change a policy we've held onto for too long. Too long, we've been closed up, quiet, defensive of the rest of the world out of fear that Christian nations would conquer Iceland. What we forgot is that the days of conquering another nation for their religious beliefs is gone, in Western Civilization, so we have nothing to fear. I want us to join the rest of the world, to make our presence known. I don't want to recreate the old glory of Midgard, but instead forge a new national glory. I want Iceland to be a bastion of peace and forward thinking, as the latter we have always been. I want to change international opinion of Nordic people from being warlike, conservative, and xenophobic to liberal, social-minded, and all-inclusive. Thank you." Members of the press would then be invited to ask the newly coronated King questions and ask for statements.

The Creation of the Empire The Harmyrkr (Anglicized to: Darkhair) dynasty has existed for over a thousand years, in some form or the other. The first was Olaf I, Jarl of Vestrgautland, who ascended to his position after defeating the previous Jarl, a "son of Lodbrok", in personal combat. Oláfr spent the next decade (circa 930-940 CE) conquering Sweden, amassing a huge following. However, rather than taking the crown of Sweden for himself, Olaf handed the crown to his son, Vidarr Harmyrkr in 955 CE. Vidarr I was an interesting character. He was well learned. He had traveled around the European continent, studying what texts he could find, learning Latin, Greek, and reading various military and political documents. We only know this from various monasteries and libraries reporting the name Vidarr Olafsson, there are no Scandinavian documents reporting this. The first few years of Vidarr's reign were marked with his quick finishing of the war in Norway, which saw the northern half absorbed into the Kingdom of Sweden. Vidarr had also sent a few regiments to absorb the various Finnish tribes. An interesting note is that Vidarr used the same tactic on the Finns as the Romans did to the other pantheistic cultures. A sort of synthesis between their gods and the Norse gods. Vidarr told his people that they were merely differing translations, and his "priests" went about combining the stories to create a unified Scandinavian pantheon. In 960, Harald Bluetooth, King of Denmark, converted to Christianity. Bluetooth instantly became a rival of Vidarr, and launched an invasion in 962. Unbeknownst to King Harald, Vidarr had been preparing for an invasion of Denmark, so Bluetooth's armies met a fierce and deadly resistance in Scania. The Danes weren't even able to get a beachhead. In response, Vidarr launched an invasion from modern-day Oslo, landing troops onto Jutland, and quickly overrunning the entire peninsula. Then, the Swedish armies came down on the islands. Harald was defeated swiftly, and Vidarr was declared Emperor of Scandinavia. The most fascinating part of the failed Scandinavian crusade was the popular opinion of Vidarr. In Norse Myth, the god Viðarr is a son of Odin, destined to avenge his death in Ragnarok by the wolf Fenrir. We know that many citizens of Scandinavia believed that Viðarr Darkhair was the human form of the god. After the conquest of Denmark and the unification of Scandinavia, Vidarr's reign soon picked up. The Sleeping Giant Huge, organized raids were launched in England and France, adding vast wealth to the Empire. Vidarr was able to accelerate the settlement of Iceland, and eventually Greenland. Many Christian campaigns were launched against Vidarr's empire, but ultimately failed, due to superior equipment from around the world, and a navy that was, at the time unmatched. His ruthlessness gained him the moniker Vidarr the Terrible, a name that Scandinavians proudly accepted for their ruler. Vidarr's death in 982 CE was mourned throughout the north, and even in some royal halls in Continental Europe. In hindsight, many rulers respected Vidarr's cunning and military prowess. He helped bring European learning and technology to Scandinavia, giving them a technological and tactical edge against the French, Germans, and Anglo-Saxons. Scandinavia played the part of a sleeping giant after Vidarr's death. Raids across Europe eventually fell to zero, as Scandinavia became more independently wealthy through trade and production. Nordic steel became a hot commodity in continental Europe, and Christians just ignored the fact that they were trading with Pagans, as nobody wanted to test the might. In the 12th century, King Thorvald the Reformer gained his namesake by modernizing the nation. First, he declared himself King of Midgardr, literally King of the World, however the name became synonymous with the realm. People found it easier and less cumbersome to call it Midgard, instead of the Scandinavian Empire. Thorvald also reformed the religion into what is known as the Nordic Asatru. The religion was more organized, and various practices became more symbolic instead of realistic. The myths became ideals and morals, rather than actual histories. Additionally, he adopted a more latinized version of the Scandinavian alphabet, one more acceptable for reading and writing than the runic inspired, almost Cyrillic-looking alphabet. Thorvald was also known for the settling of Vinland, and the creation of the first European colony in the Americas. Vinland would continue to exist and grow until the 17th century, with its greatest extent being the whole of the area known as Quebec, Labrador, Newfoundland, and New England, reaching as far south as Massachusetts. The Protestant Betrayal As we know, the Protestant Reformation led to a series of religious wars across Europe, primarily in the Holy Roman Empire. Midgard was reluctant to join, until the coronation of King Ragnar Vidarsson II. Ragnar was a student of history, and held a staunch hatred of Catholicism. It was, as he called it, "a lazy religion, where members can buy their forgiveness with gold, it lacks any kind of honor." Ragnar sent armies to participate in the 30 Years' War in support of the Protestants, and allowed Protestant refugees and priests into Midgard if they felt persecuted enough. With the help of his armies, the Catholic nations were defeated, and the Peace of Augsburg was upheld. Not ten years later, Protestants began a mass conversion of Scandinavians. Major protestant nations, not wanting to miss the chance for their own crusade, launched an invasion of Scandinavia. They defeated Ragnar's armies, and executed him when he refused to convert. A protestant inquisition was launched, and the Scandinavian peninsula was soon Christianized. The head of the dynasty, and the heir of Vidarr the Terrible, fell to a distant cousin of Ragnar's, a descendant of the second son of Thorvald the Reformer. His name was Erik Sigurdsson, Jarl of Iceland. He was named King of Iceland, and given all the titles previously held by Ragnar. Erik's reign would be marked by slandering Ragnar in any way he possibly could. Midgardian territory was further shrank when England invaded and annexed Vinland into the colonies. In a short century, Midgard was reduced to a shimmer of the grand empire it once was. Iceland, however, remained independent, a bastion of Nordic Asatru, and old Scandinavian ideals, which became more symbolic and atheistic. Modernity Now, the people of Iceland are an unassuming people. Quiet, cynical, with sort of a national depression, as the sting of losing their homeland is still felt. The Harmyrkr dynasty still reigns, although they have remained quiet and isolationist for the past few centuries. It was a national embarrassment, to the family. They now remain a modern, constitutional monarchy with a small military and no ill will towards any nation. Today, however, national pride has swelled. Symbols of the old Empire were being flown everywhere, people had ravens painted on their faces, and those who couldn't be in the Reykjavik forum were glued to their televisions or radios. Today was the coronation of a new King: Vidarr Eriksson II Harmyrkr. Although Icelanders didn't believe the myths were real, somewhere in the back of their minds was a childlike wonder that their gods had not forgotten them, and were bringing their protector back.

November 1, 20XX The first orders of the day for the Californian-American border authority were to leave their posts. They were to be reassigned elsewhere, mostly to the Pacific ports and the Mexican border. The roads that went between the two nations were to now remain permanently open. The Californian military then proudly went around, taking down the various Californian flags, and replacing them with American flags, eventually changing their own uniforms out. It was a "changing of the guard", as it were. Two Weeks Ago A referendum, which was staunchly opposed by the Lower House, was sent out with a supermajority approval of the Councillors. The referendum read like this: Around 78% of the population voted for some form of integration, while only 7% voted to remain independent. The government could only assume that the remaining 15% were imprisoned or too stoned to vote. However, an 85% turnout was enough to ratify the resolution: the Territory of California would be flying the American flag soon enough, on the first of the next month.

The Republic of California recognizes the authority of the UN Security Council. We hope that it brings humanity a step closer to a unified globe, in order to focus on the destiny of our species: interstellar expansion.

"As a nation, I can say that California is prepared."

Uh, could you get into paint and fill in the provinces, that would be a whole lot easier for me, heh.

"Well, here's the thing. We're not interested in causing military conficts, diplomatic incidents, or the like. We would mainly like to remain on our own. However, because our military isn't very modern in its size, equipment, or tactics, we'd like to have some form of foreign backup if some nation were to decide to invade us. Quid pro quo, we would offer any and all help we could give should you need our assistance in military matters. Internationally, we don't have any ties, so you have no reason to fear us backstabbing you. You hold nothing we want, and I'm pretty sure we hold nothing you want, geopolitically speaking of course." He finished his spiel, thought for a second, and realized that in his attempt at a summary, he ended up speaking ambiguously again. "I'll put it in simpler terms. What we would like is a simple defense, intelligence, and trade treaty, we could share our intel with you, and likewise. The question is, what could you want from us, to make that work?"

Updated. Managed to make The Grand Republic fit, for some reason.

"Of course. We maintain fairly open markets as well, however our policies on stock exchanges are substantially less open, and just as well, anything with a military application is heavily watched. We have very stringent guidelines on food and drugs, and our ports and shipping equipment are virtually spotless to ensure as little contamination as possible." "Our diplomatic stance is roughly the same. We would prefer a strong diplomatic front before we engage in conflict, although our sword isn't exactly as sharp as your nations. We have, until now, maintained a policy of neutrality and non-involvement in political affairs, however I wish to change that. Nonetheless, we agree that the best sword is the one that never has to be used, from an intimidation standpoint." The Chancellor would take a sip of his drink and then lean forward in his chair. "So what kinds of treaties does Tianxia normally begin with, when first engaging in diplomacy with a nation? We're fully prepared for a 'the works' treaty, as it would be our first, however I understand that many nations choose to start low and then escalate as time goes on and the treaty proves to be worth it."

The Prime Minister was instructed to meet Chancellor Bogart in Shasta City (fictional city), landing at Shasta International Airport. From there, a car would take him to Jefferson Lodge, where him and the Chancellor would have their discussion over a seasonal, local, three course dinner. Vidarr, a tall, dark haired, professional looking man, would give a respectful greeting to the Prime Minister and offer him a seat at a lone table overlooking Mount Shasta and half of the sprawling Shasta City. "Prime Minister, I've brought you here today because I would like to discuss a partnership between our nations. See, I'm a big fan of international trade, diplomacy, unlike other leaders of California, and I'd like to start with some trade and diplomacy between our nations, seeing as we're at opposite ends of the largest geographic boundary on the planet."

Are We Living in the Kingdom of California? A piece from the Palouse Papers, a local newspaper in Spokane. Last night, the House of Councillors voted on the new Chancellor. Ex-Chancellor Bogart's son Vidarr won the final vote 51-12. This has led many citizens to ask the question of whether the Republic of California is becoming a Feudal Kingdom. One alarmed resident of Spokane commented, "See, when America revolted against Britain, the people of the world decided they didn't like kings and queens anymore, like with the French Revolution and what-not. History proves it, kingdoms don't work." On the left coast, however, people are more enthused about the situation. "If it's a Bogart dynasty, I'm game. A monarch isn't bad if it's an intelligent, well-spoken individual."

It was that time of year again in the pacific northwest. The blue skies of summer were invaded by the grey clouds, carrying 9 months worth of rain and miserable weather. More romantically inclined writers would say that the nation was mourning the loss of their former leader, Chancellor Bogart. However, in an expected turn of events, his son Vidarr was elected by a good majority of the House of Councillors. Vidarr had two things he had wanted to perform if he was ever Chancellor. He erected a statue of his father just off of Highway 26, overlooking the Coastal range. It wasn't anything glorious, but he knew it was his father's favorite place. The second, was to initiate diplomatic talks with Tianxia. California had long been a nation with no treaties, and only the bare minimum of trade agreements. Vidarr was a trade-heavy capitalist, believing in utilizing nations' specific advantages and production abilities. He also did not like the fact that California was just one angry leader away from a losing war, as his father was strictly against a powerful military. So, Vidarr's administration sent a cable to Tianxian diplomatic officials, requesting a representative of their government to discuss stronger trade treaties, and a possible diplomatic, political, and/or trade partnership.

Updated. I didn't do the cities because that's an IC matter. This is an OOC MAP.

Protectorates are there for new players, to protect them from being gobbled up by imperious players (as was a problem in the past).

Updated.

Oh jesus. Looks like I have some work when I get home.

Rest in Peace, Chancellor Bogart Grand Chancellor Christopher Bogart passed away this morning at 10 AM Californian Standard Time. Doctors say he suffered a severe aneurysm after a migraine episode, something the Chancellor had been struggling with all his life. Bogart is survived by his sons, Vidarr Christopher and Vincent Charles, and his daughter Misty Victoria Bogart. As the news spreads, more of the nation is mourning his loss, being the one who oversaw many reforms for the Republic of California. Speaking directly to a reporter from The Phoenix, Bogart's son Vidarr said this about his father's legacy, "He was never afraid to admit he was wrong, and always had the country's best interests at heart. When his Distopyanism was failing, he admitted his wrongs and called for a constitutional reform. I hope that the nation can honor his legacy by being so fluid and flexible with its laws, allowing for paradigm shifts and new information." Vidarr, an Economics professor at the Portland Metropolitan University, also said that he is not actively seeking nomination for the new Chancellor, but he would not refuse if offered. A funeral for the former Grand Chancellor will be held on October 7th in the mountains of North Columbia, where his ashes will be rested on a biodegradable boat, to be floated down the Columbia river, and finally out to the Pacific Ocean.

Updated.

I updated it with Guyana anyway. Sorry for the lag in updates guys.

Once word of the Hudson Bay collapse reached Shasta City, Californian officials immediately opened a line with coalition forces. Californian forces would remain respectful of the Alaskan and Russian borders, as always, and operate within the same Rules of Engagement as the rest of the Coalition forces.

I'll just make it grey, when I update later on tonight. Also expect me to post in the thread because it's right on my border :smug:

Updated.

"My lord," a scout rushed into Lord Vidarr's bedroom late in the night, panting each word. "Mercenaries bearing the banners of Lorath, on the south wall. They have siege equipment." The Captain of the guard strolled in, and then forcefully pulled the scout onto the floor by his collar. "I told you not to bother the sealord, whelp." "No, Captain Paern, it's fine," Vidarr put his hand up to stop the Captain's hand from striking the scout. "I recognize that attacks may come at any time, but I had no idea that it would be coming from another of the free cities. I fear our peaceful co-existence may be waning." Vidarr took the scout by the hand and pulled him up to his feet. "Survey everything surrounding the city, I want to make sure this isn't a distraction. Go now." Vidarr turned his attention to the Captain, who sighed and watched as the boy ran off into the night. "My lord, the boy needs to learn respect." "And he will learn it in a less dire situation. I'd rather be living and disrespected than otherwise. Ready the guard for defense during the night, and in the morning, I will have the marshall raise our army. We have subjugated enough of the farmlands, and it's time to assert our dominance to the independent cities."