Helinika

The Kingdom of Helinika ( : Vasíleio tou Helinika), is a  located in eastern Artemia, in Anterra.

Helinika is a Constitutional Monarchy in which 8 provinces are ruled by military governors and one is ruled by the King. The Kingis commander in chief of the Helinikan Armed Forces and wields significant power having the final say in matters concerning the executive branch of government. The current King is Emperor Ajax III, crowned on September 11, 2004. The capital of Helinika is Drachyro which has a population of roughly 750,000.

History
The Kingdom of Helinika was founded in XXX following the Third Unification War in xxx. Helinika was initially a complete monarchy where in theory, the King had complete control. In practice, much of the power was held by the King's advisors. Over time, the King began delegating more and more responsibilities to his advisors and by 1272, almost all of the governing was being done by the King's 8 advisors. Initially, the King's council was made up of the best and brightest individuals but for most of history, the council was made up of relatively incompetent individuals put in power to make political alliances. By the time the Lord's revolt happened in 1324, the King's advisors had come from the same 8 families for nearly a century and a half.

!Byzantine Empire
!byzantine empire conquered the smaller kingdoms but allowed the lords to remain in power, when the !byzantine empire collapses the lords, began fighting and attempting to conquer each other, lead to the first unification war

Conflict with Pojacki Kingdoms
Following the discovery of gold in the Keirelymion Mountains around the year 900, both the Helinikan Kingdom of Meridos and the Pojacki Kingdom of Adjinua wanted control of the mines producing such a valuable resource. As a result, thousands of Helinikan and Pojacki soldiers would assault the mountains attempting to capture the mines from the other. Neither side was able to capture the mines for more than a brief period before being pushed out by the other. Eventually, the Helinikan soldiers began attempting to push through the mountains instead of simply stopping at the mines to create a bulwark on the Pojacki side. This led to extremely bloody battles at numerous mountain passes. Most notable of these passes were the Frozen Halls where an estimated 75,000 Helinikan and Pojacki soldiers died over the course of a century. Today, the Keirelymion Mountains are the final resting place of an estimated 300,000 soldiers on both sides accumulated over the course of a millennium. The mountains considered haunted by locals and are the subject of numerous archaeological expeditions.

The Lord's Revolt
In July of 1324, concerned about King Dimitrios VI's aggressive attitude towards the powerful Council of Advisors, Lord Kondos of Deimos, advisor of War, rallied the other members of the Council of Advisors and marched on Drachyro with 40,000 soldiers including 35,000 soldiers levied from Vassal states of the 8 lords of the Council of Advisors, and 5,000 mercenaries. During the 8 month campaign, 5 major battles were fought along with countless sieges and skirmishes. In March of 1325, the rebel army met the Royal Helinikan Army on the field of battle outside of the historical town of Palais which was roughly 15 miles away from Drachyro. The battle resulted in a decisive rebel victory crushing the Royal army killing 15,000 Royal Soldiers and clearing the way for the march on Drachyro. The Siege of Drachyro took an additional 2 years and ended when starving peasants who had taken refuge in the city revolted and opened the gates. In the aftermath of the revolt, King Dimitrios VI was executed and Kondos I ascended the throne. In a power grab, the 7 other Lords leading the revolt refused to support Kondos I's claim unless he agreed to provide them more power. This demand was met readily and thus formed the Council of Higher Lords which would later be known as the Council of Governors.

Industrialization

 * Industrial machinery makes its way in
 * Initially the lords pushed back against it
 * following successes by entrepreneurs, many lords dove into it forcing their regions to industrialize
 * many civilian deaths

Vosjikiy War
Helinikan Participation in the Vosjiky war began on August 9th, 1924 when General Alex Vallotis disobeyed orders to stand down and launched an assault against Rovsnoskan forces. The assault was part of a broader strategy by the Vallotis family of Meridos to usurp King Stavros II but happened before the necessary political alliances had been made. King Stavros II was best known for keeping Helinika out of the Grand Campaigns which, ultimately was the best decision for helinika but alienated many nobles; especially younger ones with positions in the military. Despite his unpopularity in the military, many nobles recognized he did what he did out of concern for Helinika and to keep Helinika out of a war where she had no stake. Following General Vallotis' assault, King Stavros officially declared war on Rovsnoska and declared the entire Vallotis family traitors. The Declaration of war satisfied the military while declaring the Vallotis family traitors isolated them from any allies amongst the noble families. For the next 2 years, the ranks of Helinika's politicians, military officers, and even individuals in private companies would be purged and their positions would be given to those loyal to Helinika and King Stavros. Upon the Completion of the purges, Operation Blue Claw would begin marking the start of the Helinikan Offensive into Rovsnoska. It is unknown how many were actually killed during the purges but historians estimate 4-5,000 people were killed.

Communist Uprisings
Due to Helinika's alliance with several communist states during the Vojiskiy War, materials and manpower were allowed to flow between the countries. This marked a sharp increase in the popularity of Communism in Helinika. Due to the nature of communism and the threat it posed to the Helinikan Government and the system of Nobles, the Council of Governors ordered communist rhetoric to be suppressed by the secret police which had been used to purge Helinika of the Vallotis Family. As a result of this suppression as well as increasing popularity, in 1932, a series of Communist Uprisings occurred across Drachyro throwing the city into chaos. As a result of the Drachyro Uprisings, communist extremists in many other cities also staged uprisings. Many of these uprisings resulted in heavy civilian casualties caused by the communist's use of civilian clothes rather than uniforms and ambushes that killed dozens of Helinikan Police officers, and soldiers as well as Civilians who were caught in the crossfire. Following the suppression of the uprisings a half measure, widely regarded to be the largest blunder of King Stavros II's reign, was put in place. The Half measure allowed many communist revolutionaries to return home under house arrest while the leaders of the revolution were publically executed. Ultimately, this would turn the Leaders of the Revolution into martyrs and the communist threat would not be stamped out for another 30 years.

Kesh War
Helinikan Participation in the Kesh war was largely unofficial and economic. Following his Father's footsteps, King Stavros III refused to join the Kesh War. Instead, he supplied the Crown Coalition, the faction that Helinika was unofficially supporting, with weaponry and materials necessary for the war effort. In Addition to this, many nations militaries across the world received Helinikan volunteers. These volunteers were often incorporated either in foreign legions or in normal units. One of the best-known units comprised of Helinikan Volunteers was the Alvakalian Helinikan Volunteer Company which fought in numerous battles across kesh.

Geography
The Kingdom of Helinika is located on the continent of Artemia east of Propyrgia and west of Rovsnoska and Poja. To the South is the Eurybian Ocean and to the North is the Bialmorze Lake It is hilly with fertile land. It has a short mountain range along its coast.

Climate
Helinika has a Mediterranean climate in the south along the coast and a humid continental climate in the interior.

Gun Ownership
The Kingdom of Helinika permits the ownership of small caliber handguns and requires additional licenses for the ownership of long rifles and short-barrel rifles. The Private Ownership of explosives by individuals is illegal as well as the ownership of automatic firearms.

Women's Rights
The Helinikan Government believes in total equality provided that it does not impede or reduce the efficiency of Helinikan assets and initiatives. Women are subject to the same conscription laws as men but while female soldiers do exist, they are considered rare, and more often than not, women are assigned to non-combat or relatively low-risk roles. Due to this, female soldiers often serve as tankers, aviators, sailors, or support personnel such as nurses, cooks, truck drivers, etc.

Abortion
Due to the common belief of xxx religion, abortion in Helinika is reserved for pregnancies that would risk the life of the mother or if the child has an extreme risk of mental deficiency. In cases of physical deformity, parents are offered the choice of keeping the child or giving the child to an orphanage or another couple willing to care for the child.

LGBTQ+ Rights
King Ajax III legalized homosexual relationships in 2006. The Helinikan Governments stance is that anybody can love any other consenting adult provided that they are treated the same as every other couple. Helinika does not recognize transgender people and maintains that there are 2 genders. Gender transition surgeries are illegal within Helinika but are legal within Propyrgia leading many Helinikans to seek treatment in Propyrgia.

Welfare
The Helinikan Government provides welfare to those who require it in the form of actions or services rather than money. Many local governments will sponsor community centers that provide resources such as gyms, pools, daycare, job location services, and healthy meals at a reduced cost.

Homelessness
The Helinikan Government provides homeless peoples with the choice of living in government-provided housing or finding some other stable source of shelter. Those who elect to use government-provided housing are moved to a housing unit. These housing units are constructed out of concrete and designed to have the bare minimum. They provide residents with housing as well as other services such as free utilities, food, job location services, and limited healthcare.

Unemployment
Once somebody in Helinika is considered unemployed or without a stable source of income for over 6 months, they are given an ultimatum by the Helinikan Government. They must find a stable source of income within the next six months or they will be provided a job by the HUA (Helinikan Unemployment Administration). Those who find themselves employed by the HUA will often be sent to state-owned corporations where they will be assigned a position fitting to their education level and skills.

Healthcare
Helinika offers Universal healthcare within reason. Most injuries and illnesses are treated with minimal cost to the people but certain cases, such as drug consumption or injuries obtained while resisting arrest will not be covered and will instead be paid for by the injured party.

Government
The Government of Helinika is comprised of two parts. The Council of Governors and the Senate of the People. The Council of Governors is comprised of the 8 governors of Stymphos, Meridos, Aragon, Calinae, Volfros, Rangae, Dorna, and Spatha as well as the King who serves as the governor of Timiphos. The senate of the people is comprised of 400 senators with 2 senators per 100,000 constituents.

The Council of Governors
The Council of Governors is part of the Executive branch of Helinika. It is comprised of the 8 governors of Helinika and the King. Its responsibilities include passing laws and balancing the powers of the King and Senate of the people. The Council of the Governors wields several special powers in order to do its job and is also capable of vetoing laws passed by the Senate and overruling the King's vetoes with a 3/4th majority.

Special Powers
The Council of Governors holds several special powers allowing them to influence Helinika as a whole. The most notable of these include the ability to force legislation through the Senate of the People, the ability to remove senators, and the ability to remove the king. The ability to force legislation through the Senate of the People comes from the 1924 Political Treason bills which were passed in order to crush a noble family that betrayed Helinika. This power allows the Council of Governors to order the Senate of the People to pass or draft law before a certain date. It is often invoked in order to bypass political infighting on high-importance bills. The ability to remove senators comes from the 1855 Political Security. This power allows the Council of Governors to remove and replace any senator they collectively believe to be harmful to Helinika. This could be for a variety of reasons including excessive corruption, inability to perform, or simply to enforce loyalties. The ability to remove the King comes from the Councils Charter which was written as a compromise between the King and the Council of Governors inorder to prevent the king from accumulating too much power and acting against the best interests of Helinika. To remove the king, a 3/4th majority is required.

Election of Governors
Each governor is selected when the previous governor either dies or is deemed unfit to rule. Once a governor is removed or dies, the province he represents holds an election in which the people are given a list of approved candidates. The candidate with the most votes is selected and sent to represent that province on the Council of Governors.

The Senate of the People
The Senate of the People is the civilian legislative branch that is responsible for passing laws. The Senate is comprised of 560 individuals elected in regional elections. These representatives are then sent to Drachyro where the senate will remain in session for 3/4 of the year. For the remaining quarter of the year, they will be in recess and allowed to raise election funds and return to their homes. The Senate of the People was formed in 1577 in response to unrest amongst the peasantry due to a lack of representation in government.

Parties
Initially, there were no laws regarding the formation of parties but in the 1850s, the Council of Governors banned political parties due to partisan infighting that prevented laws regarding the intervention in the Propyrgian Civil war from being passed. As a result of this, almost 2/3rds of the senators resigned in protest hoping the Council of Governors would reconsider. Instead, governors began appointing their families and supporters to fill the spaces left behind by the former senators. In order to maintain control over the Senate, with the help of the senators loyal to the Council of Governors, the Political Security act of 1855 was passed allowing the Council of Governors to replace senators who did not have Helinika's best interest in mind with whoever they deemed fit.

Corruption
As a result of the replacing of 2/3rds of the senators by senators loyal to the Governors and the passing of the Political Security Act of 1855, the Council of Governors effectively controls the Senate of the People with each of the governors having a faction within the senate loyal to them. As a result of the Council of Governors being comprised of 8 governors, it is impossible for a single governor's faction to reelect them. As a result of this, coalitions and political alliances often form to get governors reelected. This leads to the formation of political dynasties with one family holding the position of governors for decades.

In addition to the Council of Governors having heavy influence over the Senate of the People, many corporate Noble Families hold influence over senators and even governors by offering goods and services in exchange for laws that help their businesses grow or harm their competitors. These corporations hold significantly less influence over the Council of Governors as a whole allowing the Council to remove individuals whose loyalties are at risk of switching to the corporation.

Local Police
Due to the proliferation of firearms within Helinika, police officers are typically armed with Hand Guns and wear body armor. They patrol in pairs and respond to normal calls. Special Police Units are a QRF force of 4-6 officers armed with Sub Machine Guns, handguns, and body armor. They typically remain out of sight in a specific region of the city and respond to calls involving multiple or dangerous individuals. Within their van, they typically carry additional equipment including riot gear and medical gear. Police are typically maintained and funded on a local level although provincial and federal police do exist.

Provincial Police
Provincial Police is a provincial-level police force that typically patrols areas in between local Police jurisdictions including in the countryside.

Federal Police
Federal Police is a national police force that deals with organized crime and large threats to domestic security.

Narcotics Intervention Division (TPN)
The Narcotics Intervention Division is a subgroup of the Federal Police Force responsible for counter drug smuggling operations. They often partner with the Coastal Defense Force, Naval Security Force, and Border Security Force to protect Helinika from drugs brought in abroad.

Police Response
Helinikan Police Response is typically divided into 5 levels. Level 1 is the most common and includes a single patrol unit responding and is used for most crimes. Level 2 includes multiple patrol units responding and is used in case of a suspect with an active warrant or resisting arrest. Level 3 involves a Special Police Unit intervention and is typically reserved for violent crimes involving armed individuals. Level 4 involves OMAA (Federal Urban Response Unit) intervention and is reserved for high-importance crimes including the hostage crisis or any crime involving a high-value target. Level 5 is a Civil Guard response and is only used in times of great civil unrest including extended riots or foreign invasion.

Border Security Forces
The Border Security Forces are a Police force responsible for patrolling Helinikas Borders as well as seaports of international importance, and international airports. They patrol land-based borders with ATVs, Trucks, and horses. They Patrol the coast in conjunction with the Helinikan Royal Navy. The Border Security Forces also assist in garrisoning the Border Outposts as well as maintaining them.

War on Drugs
Drug consumption is a major issue in many of Helinika's cities. Officials believe it stems from a lack of self-control and societal pressure to perform and to be the best. Drugs are often smuggled in from neighboring nations or through shipping containers.

Mobilization Levels
Current Level: 2 There are 4 stages of Mobilization for the Helinikan Armed Forces. Level 1 is a basic force of 7 Civil Guard brigades to defend the 7 Provinces. Level 2 mobilization is the maintenance of a standing military of divisions to supplement the Civil Guard Brigades and defend the borders from foreign threats. Level 3 mobilization is in anticipation of conflict and involves mobilizing reserve divisions. Level 4 mobilization is in an event of a war. All reserves are mobilized and conscription begins as well as the formation of additional divisions.

Special Operations
The Kingdom of Helinika Special Operations Command (VHEDE) is a branch of the Helinikan Armed Forces responsible for overseeing Special Operations and Counter-Insurgency operations. The Special Operations units within under the VHEDE include the Special Reconnaissance Unit and Titans.

Special Reconnaissance Unit
The Special Reconnaissance Unit is the Special Operations unit responsible for reconnaissance deep behind enemy lines. They are further divided into Sniper Scouts, and Scout Teams. Sniper scouts are amongst the best-trained snipers in the world and normally operate alone or in pairs. The Scout Teams are responsible for sabotage and partisan actions deep behind enemy lines. They normally operate in teams of 4-6.

Titans
Titans are the most common type of Special Operations unit and are used along with regular infantry as shock troopers. They are frequently used to clear hardpoints and fortifications.

Civil Guard
The Civil Guard is a province-level military force that is responsible for responding to crises within its specific province. These forces are maintained by the province they are based in but can be called upon by the Federal Government in times of need.

Mining
Helinikan Mining makes up a major industry producing metals such as iron, gold, tin, tungsten, silver, aluminum, platinum, and copper as well as precious gems like diamond, emerald, and ruby. These metals are produced and refined within Helinika fueling a large portion of the economy.

Precious Metals
Some of the primary industries within Helinika are mining precious metals, the refining of precious metals, and the production of goods using these precious metals. This industry dates back thousands of years starting with Helenik steel. One of Helinika’s first major exports was Helenik Steel blades which fetched high prices locally and abroad due to their lightweight and sharp edge as well as their unique pattern caused by the method of which they were forged. A well-made Helenik Steel blade could fetch xxx Drachamas in a market in xxx. With money brought in by the sales of these blades, Helinikan mining operations expanded to precious metals like gold and silver. While eventually, the demand for swords subsided, the demand for precious metals did not. Using experience forging Helenik steel, blacksmiths and goldsmith’s worked together to create jewelry made of layered gold of varying impurities forged together and then treated in acid. This gave the gold, known as Helenik Gold, the characteristic waves and designs of Helenik Steel while retaining the shine of gold.

Metal Refining
Helinika is one of the largest producers of metals such as lead, copper, aluminum, and iron. These metals are often exported or used to manufacture machined goods within Helinikan factories.

Manufacturing
Apart from the production of goods made of precious metals, Helinika also produces goods made of not-so-precious metals. These include machine parts such as ball bearings, prefabricated parts, wiring, etc. as well as consumer goods such as cans, tools, and some electronic parts. Helinikan manufacturing is renowned for its high quality of manufacturing and materials primarily relying on locally produced metals mined from the XXX Mountains. Due to the high quality of Helinikan produced consumer goods, they can be quite expensive but quite popular among the wealthy and middle classes due to their historical association with the upper class, officers, and royalty.

Energy
The Majority of Helinikas energy production is done by Coal-fired powerplants using coal mined in the Chorion Mountains and using natural gas imported from Pozrika but in the Spring of 2020 Emperor Ajax III announced an initiative to develop Helinika's first nuclear power plants by 2032.

International Trade
Helinika has major exports in steel, machined goods, and luxury goods that are made internationally to nations across Anterra. Helinika Imports many goods unable to be produced domestically in large quantities including foodstuffs such as beef, rice, and soybeans as well as fuel from Lestykhol and Alvakalia.

Agriculture
A portion of Helinika's workforce is committed to agriculture. The Agricultural regions are located primarily in the north along the Bialmorze Lake, and in the south along the coast. The Northern agricultural region produces staple crops such as wheat, barley, rye, corn, and soybeans while the southern agricultural region produces supplemental crops and goods such as grapes, wines, and olives as well as a few staples such as lentils and chickpeas.

Perfectionism
Helinikan's are stereotyped, and rightly so, as perfectionists. Helinikan Society pushes its members to be the best of the best. This leads to incredible competition in academics, business, and athletics. This also leads to high rates of depression and suicide. It is believed that the Helinikan obsession with perfectionism stems from the unification period and expansion periods where Helinikan Infantry would be sent to fight Propyrgian and Rovsnoski cavalry. The only way for infantry units to win these engagements was to be disciplined to a fault. Weakness in one man could compromise the integrity of the entire formation causing the deaths of hundreds or even thousands of soldiers.

Culture of Honor
Helinika has an extensive culture of honor tied to one's family and one's nation. One's honor is often tied to their hair. Often times families of "Old Blood", former nobility, or Officers in the Helinikan Armed Fores will wear their hair in a knot that sits on top of their head. When one has brought dishonor upon oneself or one's family the knot will be severed and burned. Touching another person's Knot is considered an affront to their honor and often results in duels. The only time the knot will be let down is in the presence of one's immediate family, when the hair is being washed, or when the wearer is on the frontlines in a conflict. In modern times this is less common but still done by families that follow the old ways.

Nobility
Helinika has a tradition of Nobility originating in the 12th century when City-States were governed by Kings and their Families. In later years, the Nobility became known as the Old Blood and maintains control over major corporations and government positions. The New Blood are members of the Commoners who hold positions typically held by members of the Old Blood. Commoners make up the rank and file and the majority of the population.

Old Blood
The Old Blood are families of the nobility. Historically they are commissioned officers, bureaucrats, and Government officials. Families of Old Blood are often wealthy and command vast resources. Historically, members of families of Old Blood have been high-ranking government officials or high-ranking military officers. More recently, families of Old Blood have adapted to modern times by becoming CEOS, Politicians, and other successful members of society. Traditionally, families of Old Blood are patriarchal and the eldest son inherits the family Fortune as well as the father's position in society. More recently, however, more and more women have been the heirs to successful positions. To protect the family's honor, it is seen as imperative that the heir is extremely capable and as such, they are the recipient of extensive training to ensure they do not dishonor the family by failing. Because of the extensive resources and attention committed to the heir, younger siblings with less of a chance of inheriting a successful position often set out on their own paths becoming commissioned Officers, entrepreneurs, or entering the workforce as skilled professionals such as Doctors or Engineers. Families of old blood are often respected but despised by the Commoners due to their control over society.

New Blood
The New Blood are individuals who weren't born to families of Old Blood but through their own ruthlessness and skill rose through the ranks of government or military and earned a prestigious position in the Government or in the Military. They are often viewed as lesser by the Old Blood but are still greatly respected. Members of the New Blood sect of society are often despised by Commoners for their perceived betrayal of their own people.

Commoners
The Commoners are the largest sect of society and are the least prestigious. They are miners, farmers, metal workers, factory workers. They make up the bulk of the economy and military. Often times the older members of society approve of the Old Blood for maintaining order and making Helinika a powerful, respected nation. At the same time, the younger members of society typically resent the control the Old Blood hold on the government and military. Members of the Commoners can escape their social sect and enter that of the New Blood by becoming successful business people, educated professionals, Commissioned or Non Commissioned officers or entrepreneurs.

Military Culture
Due to Helinika's violent history of Infighting amongst Noble Families and City-States, there is a cultural emphasis on military officers. Being capable of commanding armies and thinking strategically is seen as the hallmark of a leader. Due to the emphasis on producing extremely capable officers, the Helinikan Military Academy excels at producing skilled officers who are historically amongst the best. While it is seen as Honorable to be a commissioned officer, the most highly respected individuals are those who enlist and through their own skill at leadership and strategy become Non-Commissioned Officers. Become an NCO is also a way for commoners to become members of the New Blood sect of society.

Dueling
Dueling is a popular sport in Helinika with an origin in the 10th century. Originally done to settle insults, dueling was popular amongst the aristocracy and military but was also frequently seen done by the ranks of commoners, especially those involved in livestock. Dueling was formally outlawed in 1843 following the death of Emperor Aenaes II's son, Captain Aenaes III, in a duel of honor against Captain Markos Rosselis. Outlawing dueling did not prevent it from happening. Instead, it was continued in secret. Ironically, outlawing dueling increased it's fatality rate because those injured in duels were more hesitant to seek treatment for their wounds. The ban on dueling was overturned in 1872 by Emperor Chiron I. Following the legalization of dueling, rules were put in place to reduce the fatality rate of duels. Dueling with lead bullets was banned outright and was instead replaced by dueling with improvised wax bullets and reduced powder charges. During the Grand Campaigns and Kesh war, the Helinikan Armed Forces enacted a temporary ban on dueling to prevent unnecessary injury amongst its officers but ran into the same problems as the ban in 1843. In an attempt to reduce fatalities, several alternatives were sought including using blunted swords, wax bullets, and throwing darts. In the early 1980s, a new training round was developed for use by the VHEDE in simulated operations. The round called Simulated Ammunition (ProPyro), soon found itself being used in duels coupled with body armor to reduce the chances of serious injury.

Football
Football, despite its popularity across Anterra, is only recently becoming more popular in Helinika especially amongst the younger population. Prior to the Worker Reforms of 1939, many talented athletes not from the Noble class would have to work to support their families instead of being able to perfect their craft. Even after the Passing of the Laws which barred children below the age of 16 from working thus allowing them to spend more time playing, there was a lack of interest in the sport. In more recent years, the Helinikan Government has begun realizing the symbolic value of having a World Class Football team compete in the Anterra Cup and begun promoting the sport to the youth as a way to enter the Noble class as New Blood. Helinika has 12 Professional Teams in its Mens King's Football League, and 7 teams in its Womens Queen's Football League, both of which hosts their League Championship every year. The players with the best performance are then chosen to compete in the AIFA Anterra Cup as part of the Helinikan National Team.

Tennis
Popular among the Noble Classes