New Valentina

New Valentina (Tiplansk; 𐌽𐌹𐌴𐌿 𐍆𐌰𐌻𐌴𐌽𐍄𐌾𐌽𐌰 tr. Nieu Falentyna), officially known as The Commonwealth of New Valentina (Tiplansk; 𐌼𐌾𐌴𐌽𐌴𐌱𐌴𐍃𐍄 𐍆𐌰𐌽 𐌽𐌹𐌴𐌿 𐍆𐌰𐌻𐌴𐌽𐍄𐌾𐌽𐌰 tr. Myenebest fan Nieu Falentyna), is a  located in central Avalonia. Formerly a colony of Tiperyn, New Valentina was granted sovereignty in 1845 after nearly 195 years of rule. It shares a western land border with Liao and a southern aquatic border with Albaterra. It has a population of 23.4 million, with the most populous city being Praesel, with about 950,000 inhabitants.

New Valentina was officially formed after the inclusion of the Port of Saint Danyela into the New Valentina Territory, creating the Colony of New Valentina. The colony quickly rose in prominence, gaining it's footing after the Secession of Brigantica as a Dominion. After being granted independence in 1845, it has risen to become a regional contender in numerous categories. Following the Valentine Emergency, democratic elections have been held regularly for most public positions, although the legitimacy of these elections have been called into question in recent years.

New Valentina is a member of the North-South Concordant, participating in drills relating to Avalonia and the Iapetus Ocean.

Antiquity
The region now known as New Valentina had been occupied by several native tribes for hundreds of years before it’s discovery by Tiperyn. Carbon dating suggests homosapiens have existed in the region since XXBCE. Prior to the Alansloan Expedition, the tribes in the region had largely remained as hunter-gatherers and regional nomads, with only one tribe known to have began agricultural cultivation.

Alansoan Expedition (1593)
The Alansoan Expedition of 1601 was an expedition sponsored by Emperor Fedderik to find what they believed to be a shortcut from the Iapetus to the Coral Sea, splitting Avalonia in two. They had arrived and found, however, that the inlet that maps had reported to be that of a large passage was rather a large bay. Undeterred, Harold Alansoan surveyed the bay, reporting "...astounding shows of botany and ecological wonders." He returned to Tiperyn with his findings, however, was reprimanded for not finding the passage.



According to some accounts, Alansoan had found an abandoned colony supposedly comprised of Agranan settlers. It is believed that this colony was a shipwrecked crew which had been swept into the bay and had perished after some time. Historians dispute the claim, however, an archaeological dig is currently underway where the wreck was written to be.

Port of Saint Danyela (1636)
The Port of Saint Danyela was founded in 1636 after a number of sailors from the Everett had become shipwrecked while shielding themselves from a tropical storm. Although eventually rescued, a group of sailors had returned to the bay with stories of a whimsical land filled of bounty. Situated between the colonies of Koreyo and Brigantica, what was known as "Alansoan's Folly” was exploited to shield ships from inclement weather and as a rest stop between the two. Saint Danyela would become a booming trading post and spot of reprieve, becoming known as a rowdy place for sailors to rest on long journeys.

Merchant Boom (1644)
Following the influx of settlers looking to profit off of the increased merchant traffic, a number of companies became interested in the area. Sponsoring their own expeditions from Saint Danyela into the bush, they were quick to make contact with the native population. Survey teams had found arable land further inland, as well as promising veins of chromium, iron, and coal. Spotting the potential, various companies swept into the market. The period saw a vitalization of the region's economy, leading the city of Saint Danyela to invest in a brick courthouse and paved stone roads.

Realm Viceroyalty (1651-XXXX)
Having not escaped the eye of Tiperyn, an official colonization effort was made to tame the region and establish control over the Ingonian Sea, or as it had become informally known, Bourbon Bay. The first parties had landed in 1651, with Saint Danyela officially becoming the capitol of the freshly christened New Valentina. Under the watchful eye of Governor General Wallace Byrd, policies were enacted in respect to the local tribes. The New Valentinsk Garrison arrived sometime during April of 1652, completely cementing Byrd's control.

Pirate War (1653-1670)
Despite the warm reception to Realm rule, many were dissuaded by the appearance of the crown. Various ships began to resort to piracy against Realm vessels coming and going through the Strait of New Artemia, sacking any ship flying the flag entering the bay. While first done for subsistence, the act of piracy in the area began to grow into a much larger regional threat.

Secession of Brigantica (XXXX-XXXX)
Kill bad man. Gain XP. That's how dominion works.

Realm Dominion (XXXX-1845)
Following the First Valentinsk Regiment's service in Brigantica, the realm was granted authorization to become a Dominion on June 1st, XXXX. In the following months, the First Valentinsk Regiment was given the distinction of being a Realm force and was promptly reclassified as light infantry, earning the nickname "Bushrangers". Supplemented by an additional three regiments to form the First Valentisk Brigade, this sparked the creation of the Valentinsk Forces Command. As a Dominion, significant improvements were made in a short span of time, including the continent's first telegraph line in Praesel.

Banditry Wars (1832-1901)
Also known as the Second Pirate War, stemmed from an economic depression in the region. Many turned to banditry to sustain themselves, starting a constant fight against would-be bank robbers, stage coach robbers, and other criminal acts.

Commonwealth of New Valentina (1845-Present)
Granted independence in 1845 after nearly 195 years as a Tiperyn realm, the newly minted Commonwealth of New Valentina continued on it's various improvement plans. Being unshackled from military restrictions led to the formation of two more regiments and the commissioning of a fleet.

Grand Campaigns (1921-1925)
After the outbreak of war in Artemia, pressure began to mount within the government as to the path to take. A significant portion of the population was in favor of supporting Tiperyn, as the war was publicly perceived to be a peacekeeping action.



However, the threat of intervention from Brigantica and Chezzetcook in the north and Mero-Curgovina's colonies in the south loomed should they get involved. Despite the risks, an official declaration of war was issued on February 14th, 1921. The First Realm Valentinsk Regiment and Third Valentinsk Regiment landed in Tiperyn in November 1921, with the Fourth and Second Valentinsk Regiments landing with friendly forces in Kesh in January 1922. During the Grand Campaigns, Tiperyn and a number of other Crown-affiliated states invested in production of wartime assets in New Valentina as it was largely removed from the fighting in Artemia.

Involvement in the Kesh War (1953)
The NVS Virtue and Accolade came under fire by a shore battery whilst returning from maneuvers in the Eurybian Sea. Both ships promptly returned fire, collapsing four buildings and destroying a local well. It was later revealed that they had not come under fire, and rather, mistook thunder as incoming fire. Both Captains were pulled from service upon returning home, and reparations totaling to 204,000V₡ were paid to the recipient.

Valentine Emergency (1955-1967)
Throughout 1954 and 1955, demonstrations between pro-Republican protestors, pro-Syndicalist protestors, and pro-Royalist counter protestors began to ravage the country, predominantly in Praesel. The violent suppression of these riots by provincial police & military units caused radical elements of the Syndicalists to lash out in a series of unprecedented terrorist attacks, ranging from carbombings to the attempted assassination of Chief Magistrate Alef Jongbloed in late 1953. On July 26th, 1955, following a series of strikes regarding workplace safety and blue collar representation, elements of the First Realm Valentisk Regiment opened fire on a crowd of rioters after the strike coordinator had been apprehended. This would act as a call to arms for left wing militants, which promptly took up arms against the government. In the haste of the Security Forces, Republican demonstrators were frequently misidentified as members of leftist factions and apprehended, which brought elements of the normally peaceful Republicans into conflict with the government.

The First International Syndicalist Fighting Brigade of the Praesel Metropolitan in the Name & Image of Émile Pouget (ISFB) was formed in 1954 and proved to be the most unpredictable militant faction, which promptly declared the independence of the People's Republic of Valentina in 1957. Arming what they deemed to be the "liberators of the people," they led a violent campaign against provincial police and the Security Forces. Predominantly carrying out their attacks in urban environments, it has been claimed that at their peak in 1963 that the ISFB had over 7,500 combatants in their ranks. Systematic raids and attacks by provincial police and Security Forces throughout 1964 & 1965 led to the ISFB's main cadre being killed in a daisy cutter strike which leveled an entire apartment complex. Internal strife after the cadre's terrestrial departure led to conflicts with the 26th of July Movement, and following the First Convention of Avalonian Socialists, active conflict and firefights between the two factions.



Formed after the Tuesday of Tears, rural elements aligning themselves with the ISFB created a splinter faction known as the 26th of July Movement which, although not Syndicalist, was more in keeping with Teutonian Communism. Operating out of rural, indigenous villages and often kidnapping military aged males. Throughout 1958, the 26th of July movement led a campaign of sabotage against various mines, oil wells, and rail lines. This includes collapsing New Valentina's second largest iron mine, causing significant damage to the region's largest steel mill, and setting ablaze to 4 oil wells. Although less coordinated than the ISFB, the 26th of July Movement was far more capable, inflicting much higher casualties and damage on the Security Forces. In an attempt to dissuade people from joining the ranks of the 26th of July Movement, a number of black-flag operations and smear campaigns were undertaken by the Special Action Division which severely undermined the movement's legitimacy.

The Republican Front of New Valentina operated in far lesser capacities than it's left wing counterparts. Wishing to force concessions from the government as to make sweeping reform to the constitution and shift from an aristocracy to a democracy, they sought a more peaceful resolution. In only taking action deemed necessary by the party's cadre, and with what the Special Action Division assumed to be League interference, a number close to 100 combatants stormed the Parliament House in Praesel while the Senate was in session. In attempting to force a coup d'état, two Senators were shot when they attempted to flee the chamber. Military forces were alerted and tried to storm the Parliament House, wherein they were met with improvised barricades and precise sniper fire. The Republican defense of the Parliament House stood against military incursion for a week until elements of the Lightfoot Battalion conducted a successful air assault operation and forced the Republicans out of the building.

Immediately following the Republican's expulsion from the Parliament House, demonstrators took to the streets and barricaded Fedderik's Square, taking up positions in adjacent buildings. Attempts by the provisional police were fruitless in attempting to push the rioters from the square. After a failed attempt by the Sapper Corps to push through the barricades with armored bulldozers, mediators came to the demonstrators on behalf of the government. A month later, on October 14th, 1966, the Bill of Accountability was passed which quelled Republican dissent through amendments to the constitution to allow for elected officials to the Senate and House of Assembly, as well as Chief Magistrate.

In recent years, questions have been raised regarding the methods used to root out the insurgents. Many question the use of, , and. Others question the use of and, as well as reconnaissance-in-force and reconnaissance-by-fire, which they claim endangered innocent civilians. Regardless of these detractors, many of these elements worked their way into the military's standard doctrine and revolutionized how counterinsurgency was conducted in Avalonia.

Geography and Climate
New Valentina is situated on Ingonian Sea, a rather calm bay in Central Avalonia. The climate is regarded as subtropical, gathering an annual rainfall which averages 1577mm (62.1in). Most of this comes during the monsoon season, which commonly comes during spring. Winter is typically dryer and cooler, although, this has been subject to change in recent years. Temperatures run high, as does humidity and precipitation. The average summer temperature is about 30°C (86°F) with humidity averaging to 76% at noon.

The coastline is notably lush with fauna, featuring large rain forests and mangrove swamps hiding intricate cave systems and unique wild life. Further inland, the fertile ground makes ideal conditions for tobacco and cotton farming, although, the growing season is fairly short. In the far north, the Silk Desert sweeps from the Northern Steppe to Lake Van Dyke. Housed within the dunes of the Silk Desert lies the Enno Petrified Forest.

Conservation Efforts
Due to Governor General Byrd being struck by the natural beauty of New Valentina, and his interest in botany and biology, edicts were quickly placed to preserve certain regions of particular scientific interest. To ensure that no poachers would tread on areas of interest, Governor General Byrd found use in gifting land of interest to the ruling monarch. This soon became tradition, with subsequent Governor Generals gifting areas of beauty or interest to the Crown, either as a form of protection or patronage. Since, six of the seven regions gifted to the Crown have become natural reserves and serve to provide insight to unique biomes within New Valentina.

Since becoming a Vice Royalty of Tiperyn, the Governor-General of New Valentina has traditionally given the gift of land as a coronation present to new monarchs. To date, there are seven Monarch's Claims in New Valentina; Emperor Fedderik's Reserve, Empress(es) Yda I, II, III's Estates, Empress Ingel Provincial Reserve, Empress Fedde Provincial Reserve, Empress Anthea Reserve, Empress Aletta I's Estate.

Wildlife
Due to it's unique position, New Valentina is home to a number of species not regularly found outside of it's borders. Some of these species include, , and the. A number of rare insects inhabit the mangroves, with estimates placing the species inhabiting the coastal swamps at over 8,000. Recent studies by the Realm Academy of Exotic Research have only begun to scratch the surface in regards to the many, many species of New Valentina.

Politics
Following the renegotiation of the Declaration of Severance and ratification of the Bill of Accountability after the Valentine Emergency concluded, a democratic two-house parliamentary system was erected. The two houses established were the Upper and Lower Houses, with the Upper House handling executive duties and the Lower House focusing on lawmaking.

Although the recognized monarch of New Valentina is Her Majesty, Aletta I, the crown holds no authority over the country. The ruling Head of State is Governor-General Auwe Van Der Heide, and the current Head of Government is Chief Magistrate Aandrik Poelstra.

Law Enforcement and Crime
Law enforcement in New Valentina is primarily the responsibility of local sheriff's offices & regional constabularies, with the national police providing border security. The largest police entity in New Valentina is the Praesel Metropolitan Sheriff's Office. Agencies such as the Revenue Investigation Bureau (RIB) and National Bureau of Special Investigations and Enforcement (NBSIE) are tasked with handling more treacherous organized crime and international policing affairs.



Since becoming a Vice Royalty, the region has been plagued with criminal enterprises working against the state (see Pirate Wars). Since the end of the Valentine Emergency, a wave of criminal activity stemming from former military personnel have rocked the country, namely,. A recent study from the Saint Danyela Institute of Criminology states that outlaw motorcycle clubs contribute about 40% of crime. A 2008 police raid found that the Blood Brothers Motorcycle Club, despite being in a brutal war with the Specters Motorcycle Club and it's support clubs, had managed to pull in close to 5,450,000V₡ a month by smuggling illegal substances in and out of the ports in Saint Danyela.

Armed Forces
The Governor-General holds the position of Commandant and oversees the Armed Forces. He, through the Valentinsk Forces Command, appoints personnel to the Committee of Defense and Cooperation. The CDC oversees the Armed Forces and it's three branches, the Security Forces, the Maritime Services, and the Air Forces and all sub-components, barring the Geological Survey Element and Disaster Relief Element. In total, the Armed Forces employs 313,800 personnel across it's three branches and command a budget of $9.1 billion dollars, or 2.5% of New Valentina's GDP.



Service in the Armed Forces is voluntary, however, able bodied men and women between 18 and 30 years of age can be brought into the service should war erupt.

The Armed Forces operate predominantly by themselves, however, regularly participate in bilateral drills with the Tiperyn Realm Guard, the Marine Nationale, and various other military forces throughout the region and NSC.

Foreign Affairs
New Valentina maintains embassies in every current NSC country. It frequently participates in regional exercises and peacekeeping measures