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 & Nyland (1681-1704)
During the summer of 1680, concerns aired over the control of Brigantica led to the Governor General issuing an order to raise a force of 500 volunteers to assist Tiperyn forces. By the spring of 1681, the force had landed and completed a two-month training period to become acclimated to the environment. While involved in Owens' Offensive during 1694, the Valentisk Regiment suffered an estimated 73% attrition rate, and was believed to have been wiped out following a charge to seize an enemy artillery fortification. It wasn't until the standard of Queen Valentina II was flown over the fortification did Tiperyn forces realize that the Regiment hadn't been annhilated. Following the action, the Valentisk Regiment was awarded the title of Realm by declaration of Queen Yda I for heroism in the face of certain death and awarded Regiment Commander Snijder the highest available medal for meritorious service.

During New Valentina's 21-year commitment to the conflict, over 7,000 men volunteered and an estimated 604 lost their lives. Commerce and industry picked up afterwards, predominantly coal & shipbuilding.

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 (1919-1925)
Valentisk involvement in the Grand Campaigns began on February 26th, 1919, when word reached New Valentina of the Crown Alliance's intervention against the Teutonic Alliance in Artemia. A special session of the Senate recognized the clear and danger presented by the Teuton-aligned Liao, it's treaty ports, and the supplies it could send overseas to aide the Teuton war effort. In an unanimous vote, the Senate passed a declaration of war against the Teutonic Alliance and her colonies. Plans were hastily drawn up in the Ministry of War to isolate and starve the Teuton garrison at Bessemershafen, which they estimated to have nearly 150,000 soldiers garrisoned to comprise the Teuton Far West force. It was thought that by isolating the Teuton garrison, vital supplies could not leave port for Teutonia and warships which could assist elsewhere would be corked up in port.

Coinciding with the declaration war, special provisions were made to activate wartime economy and conscription protocols. Conscription boosted the size of the Security Forces from 380,000 men to nearly 430,000. It has been speculated that the wartime capabilities of New Valentina's shipyards improved production by upwards of 500%, completing two destroyers and a heavy cruiser by the end of 1919.



All military districts were immediately activated, with only the First, Second, Eleventh, and Twentieth Regiments being prepared, as they were assigned to border security. The Southern Military District immediately mustered it's formations and prepared to move to the border, however, orders reached the other districts a day later. By March 6th, all elements were mobilized and preparing for the incursion -- nearly 380,000 men. It was reported that all available divisions were prepared to strike on March 10th, and on 0630, March 13th, 1919 the First Realm Valentisk Regiment crossed into Liao, marking the beginning of the ground incursion.

The Maritime Service was immediately alerted to the declaration of war and moved all available warships to ready status, as well as dispatching orders to press all compatible civilian ships into service and to be armed as merchant raiders. Despite not having the VNV Valentina II or her compliment, the Task Group Praesel was off the eastern coast of Liao by March 5th, standing by for further orders. Coinciding with the ground forces' cross into Liao, the blockade began on March 11th. Shelling coincided with further orders in early April and the arrival of Task Group Valentina II, bringing the total number of warships involved in the blockade up to ten.

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 Kaesami Desert sweeps from the Northern Steppe to Lake Van Dyke. Housed within the dunes of the Kaesami 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 Senate and House of Assembly, with the Senate handling executive duties and the House of Assembly focusing on lawmaking.

New Valentina enjoys a large degree of political freedom, with very few regulations in regards to campaigns, donations, advertisements, and term limits.

The conservative Valentinsk Solidarity Party has been in control of both chambers of government since 1982, only ever being challenged in 1997. Due to the lengthy reign of the VSP, and large donations provided to the party by large businesses and foreign investors, questions have been raised regarding the legitimacy of New Valentina's elections.

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

Economy
New Valentina boasts an economy largely dominated by the industrial, utilities, energy, and materials sectors. Saint Danyela is home to the country's largest steelworks.

With a comparatively low tax rate, it has become popular to purchase foreign vehicles in country then ship them to their desired location. It is also not uncommon for trans-Avalonian companies to base their operations in NV to avoid their home country's taxes. Ships flagged under NV also are covered under lenient worker safety laws and taxes, making it attractive to intercontinental logistics firms.

Transportation
Historically, Valentinians have had issues traversing the country due to the various climates and rough terrain. To compensate, vast networks of highways and railways have been constructed - some of which boasting Central Avalonia's highest speed limits. The regulatory authority Valentine Bureau of Transportation (VBT), maintains these roads and railways, regulates aviation, and maintains public transportation in major metropolitan centers.

Highways
The first highway, the Danyela-Praesel Expressway or VH-1, was constructed in 1947. To date, New Valentina has an estimated 76,000 miles (122,310km) of paved public roadways. This number also includes 13 tollways with more proposed to facilitate growth. The average speed limit is 85 miles per hour outside of metropolitan areas, and an average of 65 miles per hour inside of metropolitan areas. The tollway VHT-8, for a 50 mile stretch, has no recognized speed limit.

Airports
New Valentina has 415 airports, the vast majority being small municipal airports for in-country flights only. Servicing international and trans-national flights are the Praesel International Airport (PIA), the Boot Hill Memorial Airport (SDIA) located in Saint Danyela, and the Princess Valentina Airport (PVIA) in XXX.

Railways
A substantial part the tradition of cowboys and cattle drives from the edge of the Kaesami Desert to the coastal ports came to a head when the provisional government authorized the Blue & Gold Rail Company to begin construction of a line from Port Van Meer to the cow town of Ruchfol in August of 1853. This line later connected New Valentina to Tilenno and Arroyo-Abeille in 1878, bridging northern Avalonia and allowing goods and passengers to be exchanged between the countries.