Ratzores
Ratzorean Republic Ratzorean Republic | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Motto: "Rats, rats, we are the rats" | |
| Anthem: "wikipedia:" "" | |
| Capital and largest city | Saint Mouseguel |
| Official languages | English Portuguese |
| Ethnic groups | |
| Demonym(s) | Cassian |
| Government | Communist Republic |
| Val | |
| Legislature | Ratzorean Assembly |
| Formation | |
• Foundation of the Ratzorean Republic | 18 June 2021 |
| Population | |
• Estimate | 5,000,000 |
| Currency | Ratzorean Escudo (RZE) |
| Driving side | right |
Ratzores is a country located in the Western Sea. It is a communist state, one of only a few in the world, and also the only state to embrace bloodbending as its official element.
History
The isles that the Ratzores now lie on were discovered shortly after the settlement of the AAPC. The territory was settled by Dudugs and the Ratzores were proclaimed. This marked the fourth waterbending state to be founded, and the first ever bloodbending state. Shortly after this establishment, the early ties with the AAPC became clear as "the Federation" was formed. This bond allowed open borders and investment between the two territories and required them to come to the aid of the other in times of war, while still enabling the development of independent foreign policies for each. The Federation did not extend between Ratzores and Andorra. The culmination of this partnership was the Ratue of Liberty, a major copper structure that is located in the AAPC and welcomes newcomers into the Ratzorean realm.
Due to its controversial element choice and policy style, Ratzores has always been somewhat of an underdog in diplomatic contests. Shortly after the state was proclaimed, many states coincidentally publicised the legality of bloodbending within their territories. Most stated that the art was punishable by death, or foreclosed on the option of citizenship for the practitioner. Due to its location as the westernmost independent state, these have largely been of no concern, with the exception of the Earth Kingdom. As regional hegemon, and fiercely anti-revolutionary, the Earth Kingdom Navy has had multiple encounters with the Ratzorean government and the antipathy between the two states is widely recognised. In response to the Earth fleet patrolling near Ratzorean waters, Ratzores closed its maritime boundary to all except those granted permission on a case-by-case basis. This led the Earth Kingdom to formulate the Open Seas Treaty to guarantee reasonable maritime traffic in the majority of scenarios. The rule concerning the maritime boundary was later flaunted by the fleet to no response. Shortly after this incident, Ratzores stated its utmost support for the Acacian cause, the first state to ever do so.
The Federation dissolved at the outbreak of the Mexican War. As part of Andorra, the AAPC joined the war and thus called upon its Ratzorean ally to oblige to the terms of the treaty. In a highly controversial decision, the Ratzorean Assembly narrowly voted to recognise New Mexican independence. As a result of this, they argued that the Federation's terms did not apply, as Andorra had acted in an offensive manner by declaring its border exclusion zone. As the treaty solely required partners to join defensive wars, this would leave Ratzores to be neutral. In response, the AAPC unilaterally dissolved the Federation. The recognition of New Mexican independence also was a slight to the joint coalition of the Princes of Andorra and the Quadruple Alliance, which had made it clear that recognition of New Mexico would be perceived as an act of war. This threat was not carried out, as Ratzores stipulated their own neutrality in the conflict. During the war, Ratzorean photographers would be in the thick of the fighting and take many haunting pictures of the carnage.
As part of its communist policy, the Ratzorean government has come to diplomatic blows with Fryslân in the past. Stating their support for the Frisian Communist Party during the civil war, Ratzores sent a balloon commanded by Dudugs to the frontline to inspect the situation. This balloon was briefly seized by Fryslân Int. officials, arguing that it had entered company property and thus could be dealt with how they wished. The Ratzoreans managed to seize the balloon shortly after and promptly returned to Ratzores, leaving behind signs insulting the Frisians, and retorting that the Frisians were not an actual state and thus could not claim any legitimacy or property rights.
At one point, Ratzorean bandits successfully stole the Holy Sunflower, demanding a ransom of 15 diamonds to be deposited at a neutral location in exchange for its return. This effort rallied most of the world's states to the Fire Nation's aid and almost started an invasion of Atlas, who were held to be the most likely suspect due to their unwillingness to cooperate with investigators and general hostility to the Fire Nation during the crisis. The flower was eventually returned to its proper home in Fenixholm after war was averted by a confession at the last minute.
Following the Mexican War, Ratzores joined an alliance with Atlas and Arboris, forming the third major alliance of the Ratlarean League. While the League has no stated purpose, its rhetoric indicates that it is intended to counterbalance the "imperialist powers" of the Quadruple Alliance and Princes of Andorra, usually naming the Earth Kingdom and Air Nation in particular.
On 16 January 2022, the AAPC declared its independence from Andorra and requested the Ratzorean government to reestablish the federation of old. This was granted, establishing the Federació Occidental under Ratzorean protection.
Geography
Ratzores is the westernmost state in the server and is solely based within the Western Sea. It is also the smallest state in existence, both in land area and total area including sea. The state has no NPC villages, but is divided into a series of islands which are highly developed. The capital, Lajes Hangar, hosts a variety of facilities including aircraft, industry, and even an axolotl farm. Saint Mouseguel is the largest island and hosts ports, a marketplace, and unique housing. Rat's Snout hosts a few smaller features and is the least developed of the three territories.
The sea around Ratzores features coral growths and is most frequently traversed in two directions - towards Espoo in the AAPC, or north towards Nij-Fryslân and the Western Canal.
Government and politics
The Ratzorean government is unusual, insofar that it is communist like the Free Territory yet has distinctly unusual features to any state's administration. For example, it has a law concerning annexation: Article 4, Point 3 states that any territory may be annexed if a majority of the population (50% + 1) agrees to do so. There is no legal check on this mechanism, as the only judicial authority is the Great Rat whose power is solely to determine whether a law is unconstitutional.
There is also, arguably, a point of tension. Article 5, Point 1 states:
"Ratzores holds the principle of cooperative diplomacy, national independence foremost and equality of relation between state actors foremost."
Yet simultaneously, Article 4, Point 2 states:
"The republic reserves the right to enforce its territorial unity against trespassing, foreign claims and separatists, and strives to promote the unity and cohesion of the territories."
These two articles in conjunction may suggest that Ratzores supports the causes of separatism in all contexts except domestic, violating the universality of a principle.
Economy
As a communist state, resources and goods are distributed equally to all. Ratzores does not use ships, having only built one which was sold soon after to the New Frontiers Mercantile Company. The state does trade regardless, and has exchange goods with the AAPC and NFMC, who acted as a proxy for the Water Tribe and Fryslân. Ratzores also boasts a large range of aircraft, with which it conducts independent trade missions and reconnaissance missions for its foreign policy.
Demographics
By far one of its most unique features, Ratzores is populated by rats. Both literal rats and anthropomorphic rat-humanoids populate the island. This is the origin of its name. There is nothing more to be said on this topic.
Culture
The Ratzores national animal is the rat, but the axolotl comes in a close second place. They are bred on Lajes Hangar and it is well-known that the Ratzoreans have a close affinity to the animal. The Ratzoreans also are known for their interest in Nether architecture, often using materials from the Nether as building materials.