Notable Facts:
Conventional Formal Title: The Augustine Empire of Rusienne
Conventional Informal Title: Rusienne
Capital: Sylkon
Demonym: Rus
Official Language: Rus
Official Religion: Orthodox Christianity
Currency: Drachma
Motto: "A conqueror is always a lover of peace."
History: Much of the nation Rusienne was formed by military force, though for different reasons. In the 16th Century, as Skuxians were invading the continent from their island homeland, the agrarian kingdoms of Skidrus, Lebena, and Tylissos joined together to fight against the invader. Initially a triumvirate, the Kings of Lebena and Tylissos died valiantly in battle, and the King of Skidrus took the two kingdoms as his own in 1599 in order to prevent a collapse of the military alliance. There was controversy in Tylissos over this move, as the circumstances of their king's death were questionable, and the War of Tylissian Succession (1603-06) immediately followed the peace treaty with Skuxy.
Emperor Augustinian I (r. 1682-1716) expanded Rusienne greatly over his reign, conquering the Duchies of Sestos (1688), Ptelëum (1693), Thyreum (1700), and Heirapetra (1701). The Duchy of Myrmekon requested annexation, which was granted in 1711, with the Duke of Myrmekon promoted to kingship. It was Augustinian I who lent his name to the title of Rusienne, having established the undeniable power of the crown.
Augustinian II (r. 1760-77) followed the path of his grandfather, conquering Oenoe (1764), Asine (1766), and Zakro (1766). Pharæ was invaded in 1772 after a request for assistance from the deposed Duke of Pharæ, but upon victorious conquest the rebel government was permitted to remain, under threat of a long and drawn-out guerrilla campaign.
Flag: The civil flag of Rusienne, flown by citizens and private vessels, bears a crimson Maltese cross on a royal blue background. It is bordered in gold. The state flag, flown by government and public buildings and vessels, is defaced with the royal eagle on both the obverse and reverse, with the royal eagle facing away from the hoist on both sides. The war flag, flown on military buildings and warships, is a horizontal tricolor, with royal blue, gold, and crimson from top to bottom. The royal eagle also defaces the war flag. All flags have dimensions 4:3.
Civil Flag & Ensign
State Flag & Ensign
War Flag & Ensign
Government: The Emperor is the supreme executive authority in Rusienne. The current Emperor is Philippikos IV of the Kastellorïzo dynasty, born 29 April 1969, who took office following the death of his father Philippikos III on 11 January 1993. The Emperor must be an Orthodox Christian male, and must marry an Orthodox Christian female. The heir apparent is designated Diadochi, meaning "successor." The Emperor is head of state, leads the military, signs bills into law (or vetoes them), appoints the Prime Minister,
Legislative authority is in the bicameral Parliament, which was established in 1927 following the January Uprising in order to secure the continuation of the imperial dynasty. The upper house is the Council of States; there are 12 Peers, one each from the twelve constituent states, eleven of which were appointed by the local monarch, one by the Chancellor (see Local Government). The lower house is the National Assembly, comprised of 40 MPs, all elected. Three come from each of the four kingdoms, two from each of the seven duchies, two from the republic, one from each of the seven universities, and one from each of the five imperial cities. It is possible for a citizen to be in multiple NA constituencies at one time, but an MP may not represent more than one constituency. Bills passed by a majority of the Parliament require the signature of the Emperor before becoming law, which must be witnessed by the Prime Minister. The current PM is Adriano Stavridis (FL). The Council of States and National Assembly both meet in the same room.
For the highest crimes against the state, Judicial authority is shared among the Emperor and the Parliament, in which the nine most senior MPs and the Prime Minister make up the jury, and the Emperor is the judge.
Local Government: Rusienne is divided into twelve constituent states. Four are kingdoms: Bythinion, Lebena, Skidrus, and Tylissos. Seven are duchies: Asine, Heirapetra, Oenoe, Pharæ, Pteleum, Sestos, Thyreum, and Zakro. Pharæ is a republic, having overthrown their king before joining Rusienne, and is ruled locally by a Chancellor. The King of Skidrus is also the Emperor of Rusienne. The other ten royal states have royal families of their own, which swear fealty to the Emperor.
Politics: Suffrage is granted to landowning males and females age twenty or older. There are six political parties in the Parliament; three parties participate in the ruling coalition: Federalist League (blue, 26%), Imperial Citizens' Movement (brown, 19%), and Catholic Party (gold, 6%). Two parties participate in the opposition coalition: Democratic Left (green, 23%) and Social Democratic Party (pink, 14%). The Communist Party (red, 7%) refuses to work with other parties. The percentages do not add up to 100%, as the missing 5% went to parties that did not reach the 5% threshold to earn a voice in parliament.
Economy: Rusienne is not a wealthy nation, but is rich in fertile soil to the north- and south-east, which produces maize, wheat, soybeans, and other crops. The floodplains north of Imbros; specialize in rice. Heavy industry is more common in the west, where coal and aluminum can be found in the hills and mountains. Until the 1970s, electricity was generated in coal-fired power plants, but Phillipikos III ordered a transition to nuclear power plants, which continue to power the nation.
The state does not command the economy; the free market does work in Rusienne but companies are subject to imperial observance, and sanctions if necessary. Unemployment is currently holding steady at 11%, GDP is the highest in Trav Khar but GDP per capita is below-average due to the large population.
Military: The military's numbers are kept high due to a mandatory enlistment period for all males aged 18-20; enlistment after this period is optional. Females may to enlist, though are not permitted in some areas of service. Two naval bases, one on each coast, four army bases, and three air force bases exist. Despite having plenty of nuclear power plants, no nuclear program exists. There is no space program. Military officers rank O-6 and above are required to be Orthodox (Army & Marines: Brigadier; Navy & Air Force: Commodore).
Religion: Orthodox Christianity is the official religion of Rusienne, administered by a Patriarch. Imperial and local officials and bureaucrats are expected to be Orthodox, but not legally required to be so. No written or unwritten religions requirement is made of MPs, though all MPs must swear fealty to the Emperor and the Patriarch. Exemption is granted for persons who convert out of Orthodox Christianity while in one of the above positions. Members of the Royal Family, however, will lose their title and inheritance upon conversion.
Despite the favoritism towards Orthodox Christianity in government and military, religious toleration is firmly in place. 83% of the population is Orthodox, while 9% is Catholic, 6% is unreligious, and 2% is other. Independent observers tend to suspect the percentage of unreligious is much higher than the government reports.
PicturesThe Emperor and Empress
The Empress Evania
Prime Minister Adriano Stavridis (FL)
Leader of the Opposition Timëus Nikitas (DL)
Parliament
