Re: Aramanx
In reply to Nerull (msg # 213):
Bheroven
The linked continents of Bheroven and East Bheroven dominate Aramanx in geographical and political importance. Sixty percent of the planet’s population and over 80 percent of its industry, is centred on these two continents. As the political map of Aramanx shows, the two continents are divided into four major powers (five when Lovrenyi’s budding empire is counted) and a number of smaller nations maintaining a tenuous survival, threatened constantly by their larger neighbours.
On Bheroven proper, two major powers – the Republic of Lanax (which is governed by a self-perpetuating oligarchy) and the Union of Senled (a democracy currently under a martial law
situation) – are of most importance. Lineeza, another major power, straddles Bheroven and East Bheroven, but is largely occupied by persistent border threats from Staxl, which is further east still. In addition, of course, there is Lovrenyi, which now dominates the minor powers of Dalelo and Renitza, plus several smaller nations in the same region. This combined
power amounts to another major country but internal problems (particularly in Renitza), continue to hamper Lovrenyi’s organisation. A scattering of lesser states on the north coast completes the picture of Bheroven’s political structures.
The military junta of Lovrenyi, backed by Sternmetal money and the prestige of their expanded armed forces, has recently concluded an alliance with Senled, largely directed at keeping the latter from intervening in the delicate situation in Renitza. Although the alliance is basically one of mutual non-aggression and friendship, reports of secret terms have surfaced. These would seem to call for a partition of the petty northern states and economic aid (provided by Sternmetal) for Senled’s fragile and tottering government. The alliance is also designed to freeze out Lanax, which has a tradition of enmity towards Senled and is now faced with the possibility of fighting both its neighbours in a crisis situation. Although a paper agreement between Lanax and Lineeza exists, independent observers widely believe that the latter would probably not honour its commitments in a crisis.
For the past year, a fitful undeclared war has been waging along the frontier between Senled and Lanax. This war has largely consisted of a series of raids staged back and forth across the border. Both sides have hesitated to do more than simple retaliatory actions, fearing that a more general mobilisation of forces will trigger a major confrontation. Thus the raids, although sometimes conducted on a large scale with fairly severe effects, are not perceived as an immediate cause for alarm. Peace talks, sponsored by Lovrenyi and mediated
by offworld representatives appointed by the Starport Board of Governors, are now in their eighth month but suspicions that the mediators are themselves interested in obtaining an advantage on Aramanx have tended to hinder substantial progress.
The Terrain of Bheroven: Bheroven is divided roughly in half by the Vendor mountain chain, which cuts in a diagonal slash from southwest to northeast, and helps define the borders of
Lanax, Senled, Lovrenyi, Renitza and Staxl. The mountains are not themselves particularly imposing (Mt. Zairin, the highest peak on the continent, is a relatively small 3236 metres above sea level). Much of the surrounding terrain, however, is rugged and still includes considerable areas of wilderness despite the burgeoning of population and industrialization on the continent.
Senled: The Union of Senled, which occupies the northwestern quarter of Bheroven, is one of the oldest and most powerful of the states on Aramanx, although it has recently fallen on hard times. An abortive coup staged nine years ago by dissidents (whom many believe were supported financially by Sternmetal Horizons) came very close to toppling the rather weak government of President Deneel Zarqod. In the wake of this coup, the nation suffered heavily; strikes, riots and a general economic upheaval were followed by repression and martial law, which were made more difficult by intermittent outbreaks of war or near-war with neighbouring Lanax. The nation has thus far weathered the storm but is now close to
the brink of collapse. Recent economic aid from Sternmetal Horizons (following the treaty with Lovrenyi) has begun to renovate the economy somewhat but inflation continues to run
at something over 90% per year and martial law restrictions are still in effect. The Military forces of Senled (26 divisions of infantry and several armour brigades) have been augmented by three regiments of mercenaries brought in from the Regina and Rhylanor subsectors. Of these, roughly two-thirds are deployed along the Lanaxian border, with the remainder in other border provinces or held in a central reserve around the capital.
Lanax: Long established as a rival to Senled, the Republic of Lanax has the strongest conventional military force on Aramanx and dominated Bheroven polities until the rise of Lovrenyi. Originally a representative democracy headed by an Administrative Council, which selected three triennially elected, co-equal heads of state, Lanax underwent a period of political upheaval some 70 years ago that ended in a major political reform. Although the outward forms of government remain as before, power is essentially vested strictly in members of the Klaven family, who dominate the elections in such a way as to return family members to at least two of the three seats of the triumvirate each term. The Council now serves as little more than a rubber stamp and the ‘republican’ forms of popular representation have been reduced to little more than a shadow of their former power.
Lanax is economically prosperous and the Klavens have reigned with a relatively loose hand in most areas of personal freedom. It is a fairly popular and stable regime (although by no means as well-loved as the first Klaven governments, in the years when the talented family provided badly needed leadership in the dark days of the Fourth Bheroven Wars). Now growing
increasingly isolated diplomatically, the current government has quite correctly foreseen the threat posed by Lovrenyi and its growing alliance, and has taken action to offset the menace. The army at Lanax, after a progressive building program, now includes some 40 infantry divisions (including specialty forces such as the North Mountain Division and several amphibious units), plus 12 armoured divisions. In addition, Lanax has secured the services of a number of offworld mercenary units (apparently with the support of a Sternmetal competitor, Ling-Standard Products). These forces include an armoured brigade, a company of commandos and, most recently, several contingents of Vargr corsairs. The armed forces are concentrated most heavily in the region where Lanax, Senled, Lovrenyi and Renitza come together, although the entire border is adequately garrisoned.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:57, Wed 01 Dec 2021.
