Ide Jima

Empire of Ide Jima Ide Jima
Flag Emblem
Motto: Through Unity, We Prevail
Capital	Darhan
Largest city	Serekan
Official languages	Ide Jiman
Demonym(s)	Ide Jiman
Government	Unitary constitutional monarchy under a military dictatorship
• Emperor	Artakai I
• Supreme Leader	General Nae Sincho
Legislature	Central Directorate
Area
•	930,939 km2 (359,438 sq mi)
Population
• 2019 census	152,400,000
• Density	163.70567782/km2 (424.0/sq mi)
Currency	Ide Jiman Won (₩) (IJW)
Time zone	UTC +9

Ide Jima, officially known as the Empire of Ide Jima, is a sovereign and independent state located on the continent of Europa on Eurth. It is bordered by Nan Gorgwaith to the north, San Ba to the south, and Koku and Jaihu to the west. The climate of Ide Jima is primarily characterised by a Continental climate, although some southeastern regions experience a Temperate climate. The nation is home to approximately 152.4 million inhabitants and covers an area of 930,939 square kilometres (359,438 sq mi). The capital city is Darhan, while the most populous city is Serekan.

Ide Jima operates under a dictatorial monarchy, with its first historical mentions depicting a land of diverse city-states around the Darhan River, gradually uniting under a singular imperial rule. The current sovereign of this land is Emperor Artakai I, who holds absolute power, symbolising both the historical and present unity of the Ide Jiman people.

The economy of Ide Jima is primarily driven by the extraction and exportation of raw materials, with significant contributions from mining, forestry, and agriculture. Despite historical civil unrest and economic stagnation, the nation has witnessed substantial economic development and diversification, particularly in the technological and industrial sectors, since the early 1990s. This economic revitalisation has led to an enhancement in the standard of living for many Ide Jimans. On the international stage, Ide Jima is recognised as a full member of the Entente of Oriental States, having joined in April 2019.

Etymology

The name Ide Jima is derived from the ancient Proto-Oriental language, a precursor to many modern dialects in the region. In this language, Ide means "work" or "endeavour", representing diligence and effort, while Jima denotes "community" or "collective", symbolising unity and cooperation. Thus, the name Ide Jima collectively symbolises the harmonious cooperation and diligent efforts of the community in shaping the Empire of Ide Jima.

This etymology reflects the foundational principles and values of Ide Jiman society, emphasising the importance of communal efforts and unity in the development and prosperity of the nation. The name has endured through centuries, serving as a constant reminder of the ideals and cooperative spirit that have shaped the cultural and societal fabric of Ide Jima.

It is important to clarify that the term Jima in Ide Jima should not be conflated with the Sanbanese word for "island", which is also pronounced as jima or shima. The etymological roots of Jima in Ide Jima are unique to the Proto-Oriental language and have distinct semantic connotations, specifically referring to communal togetherness rather than geographical formations.

Geography

Map of Ide Jima.

Dense snow cover in north Ide Jima.

Motorway in downtown Darhan.

Confluence of the Golden and Darhan Rivers.

Through the nature of the existing government and traditional cultural boundaries, the nation remains heavily regionalized. Ide Jima is dominated by powers based in the Northern and Central regions. The north of the Country is traditionally more well-developed. The temperate climate combined with strong infrastructure make this area the economic powerhouse of the nation. Rural areas are dominated by agricultural output, whilst the conurbations of Serekan and Xian form the major industrial centers of the nation. The former national capital of Serekan, the largest city in Ide Jima, is generally considered to be a region in its own right. The central regions of the nation consist largely of barren mountain wilderness, as well as the Darhan River basin in the West, which originally comprised the cradle of the Ide Jiman nation. The mountainous regions of the nation are largely unpopulated, punctuated only by mining towns and military bases. The Darhan area in the far west consists of a small area of fertile land, centered around the capital city of Darhan itself, the imperial seat, and an ancient city closely aligned to the power bases in the northern part of the nation.

The southern part of the nation can be broadly delineated into two areas. The area south of the central ranges is occupied largely by a vast desert. (WIP. This part needs to be rewritten due to changed climate zones.) Largely unoccupied save for a few pockets of civilization clustered around oases, and a handful of military testing ranges, the desert region remains one of the most sparsely inhabited on Eurth. A small strip of fertile land along the southern coast is heavily populated. Several large port cities such as Dalshir and Kherbayan occupy the southern coast, which remains largely isolated from the Northern part of the Country, save for a handful of highways and railways connecting the port cities to the wealthier north. Crucially, the southern part of the nation has traditionally been more outward looking. This, combined with disgruntlement towards the Northern government (accused by many of usurping trade wealth from the southern ports) have led to an upsurge in anti-Serekan sentiment in recent years. Large parts of the southern coast are currently under martial law.

The far southwest is generally regarded separately, despite being geographically similar to the remainder of the South. The area is typically referred to by the name of the regional capital, Khamseen, and is centered around the eastern banks of the Darhan River delta. The fertile regions of the river itself are concerned primarily with agriculture, with a lesser emphasis on trade compared to other Southern cities, due to the relative distance of the city from international shipping lanes. Whilst the region is culturally, ethnically and ideologically homogenous with the power bases in the north of the Country, relatively high poverty in the region has exacted a heavy toll on pro-government sentiment in the area. Concerns relating to the restive nature of the region, combined with traditionally strong ties with Serekan have however resulted in the region being granted a unique honor within the military government. Aside from Serekan, Khamseen is the only city to be independently represented within the governing military council.

As of 1992, Ide Jima has an active territorial claim over the entirety of Jaihu and Koku with the excuse of “Conquering inferior nations” and “Reunifying the Three Kingdoms.”

History

Origins and early development

Stylized 禄 lù or 子 zi grapheme, as found on early coinage.

(Imperial tomb, c. 1000 CE.)

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A statue of a seated Emperor Xijong, 15th Century.

Long War (1932–1956).

Military coup d'état of 1992 by General Hu Xiao.

The origins of Ide Jiman culture can be traced to pre-1000 BCE. Ide Jiman culture originated from a multitude of city-states, based around the Darhan River in the Ide Jiman south. Despite not being isolated, there existed a strictly isolationist attitude within the Ide Jiman national psyche.

Formation of the Kingdom

Through a process of conquest and aggressive diplomacy spanning over 400 years, a united kingdom emerged by 300 CE. The imperial government gradually exercised absolute control over the lands within the current borders of the Ide Jiman Empire. Ethnic groups inhabiting the fringes of the current Ide Jiman Empire were gradually subsumed within the growing nation-state.

Middle Ages

• 500-1000: (WIP. Plugged into the common Pearl Road. What else happens during this period?)
• 1000-1500: (WIP. How do they deal with the nearby expanding Orinese colonial empire?)

Early modern period

(WIP. Slowly turned into nation-states. How did the military deal with the introduction of gunpowder?)

Long War and Communist Era

See also: Long War

During an era of increasing international trade, anti-imperial sentiment among the citizens of Ide Jima boiled over, resulting in one of the longest conflicts in Europan history: the Long War. Following a bloody power struggle, communist revolutionaries assumed control of the entirety of the former Ide Jiman Empire. The monarchy in Ide Jima was abolished in 1956, and Ide Jima was governed by a hard-line communist government until 1992.

Civil Unrest and Military Control

Commencing in the late 1980s, economic stagnation, combined with aggression among the general populace towards heavy-handed government control over everyday life, resulted in a second civil war. General Hu Xiao used a period of civil unrest to seize power in the capital in 1992, whilst in other areas, army units declared martial control.

Contemporary era

The outcome of the civil unrest resulted in the heir apparent, Artakai I, returning from exile to assume control of the provisional government. General Nae Sincho becomes the next head of government in 2007. In 2019, Ide Jima became a full member of the Entente of Oriental States.

Politics

Monarchy

Emperor Artakai I is the head of state.

The monarchy in Ide Jima, with Emperor Artakai I at its helm, is the pivotal institution around which the nation’s governance revolves. The monarchy, reinstated in 1992 following the collapse of the preceding communist regime, wields absolute power, shaping the nation’s policies and its international stance. Historical Context

Ide Jima was traditionally a monarchy until 1956, when a hard-line communist government assumed control, ruling with an iron fist until 1992. This period was marked by economic turmoil, widespread famine, and stringent governmental control, leading to a revolt by large portions of the disillusioned and impoverished military. The revolt quickly escalated into a civil war, culminating in the collapse of the communist government within weeks. The repercussions of this tumultuous period continue to echo in the present-day governance of Ide Jima, with the government maintaining a staunch anti-communist stance and leveraging nationalist sentiments to consolidate power.

Post-restoration in 1992, Emperor Artakai I has been exercising absolute power, steering the nation through a myriad of challenges and opportunities. The monarchy, under his aegis, has been instrumental in reshaping the national ethos, fortifying the nation’s sovereignty, and fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the populace.

The aristocracy in Ide Jima is composed of a cadre of Barons, many of whom are either extended members of the Imperial Family or individuals elevated to aristocracy due to their distinguished services to the empire. It is a common practice to bestow posthumous appointments to military figures as a means of honouring their contributions and providing support to their families. These appointments are reflective of the monarchy’s commitment to acknowledging and rewarding loyalty, valour, and service to the nation.

The monarchy’s influence permeates various facets of Ide Jiman society, shaping its cultural, political, and social landscapes. The restoration of the monarchy has been pivotal in redefining the nation’s identity, reinforcing traditional values, and instilling a sense of continuity and stability amidst the changing tides of time. The monarchy, with its blend of tradition and authority, continues to be the beacon guiding Ide Jima’s journey through the annals of history.

Government

General Nae Sincho, the influential head of government, plays a pivotal role in the administration of Ide Jima.

The government of Ide Jima operates under the overarching authority of the monarchy, with the military playing a crucial role in the enforcement and implementation of imperial laws and decrees. The symbiotic relationship between the monarchy and the military is a defining characteristic of the Ide Jiman governmental structure, ensuring the seamless execution of national policies and strategies.

The Central Directorate, a military council composed of high-ranking officers from the four military districts of the empire, is instrumental in endorsing and implementing imperial laws. This council acts as the linchpin, aligning military strategies with imperial directives and ensuring the coherence and unity of national objectives.

In recent years, the government's pronounced emphasis on nationalist policies has sparked a surge in secessionist tendencies within different regions of the empire. Particularly, the southern areas, isolated from the North by extensive desert landscapes, have emerged as potential flashpoints, reflecting the underlying tensions and disparities within the nation.

Ide Jima is characterized by its military regime, established when General Hu Xiao seized power amidst a period of civil unrest, imposing martial control in various regions. The governance structure is predominantly controlled by ministers appointed by the Supreme Leader, consolidating absolute power within the military hierarchy. The regime’s structure and dynamics reflect a meticulous balance of power, ensuring the stability and resilience of the government amidst internal and external challenges.

The government’s focus on maintaining national integrity and sovereignty amidst rising secessionist tendencies poses significant challenges to the nation’s stability and development. The strategic outlook of the government is centred around navigating these challenges, fortifying national unity, and fostering a conducive environment for progress and prosperity. The intricate interplay between the monarchy, the military, and the government forms the backbone of Ide Jiman governance, shaping the nation’s trajectory in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Foreign Relations

Ide Jima maintains a complex web of foreign relations, shaped by its historical, economic, and strategic imperatives. The nation's foreign policy is characterized by a blend of pragmatism and assertiveness, with a focus on preserving national sovereignty and promoting economic interests. Ide Jima's foreign relations are a delicate balance between cooperation and assertion, reflecting its aspirations to be a significant player on the international stage while safeguarding its national integrity and interests.

Ide Jima actively seeks to expand its economic horizons by establishing trade partnerships with various nations across Eurth. The nation's rich repository of raw materials and burgeoning industrial sector make it an attractive trade partner. Ide Jima is particularly interested in forming alliances with nations possessing advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities, aiming to diversify its economy and enhance its technological prowess. The nation is open to trade negotiations and has been proactive in forging economic agreements to bolster its international trade profile.

Ide Jima shares intricate relations with its Oriental neighbours, particularly with Koku and Jaihu, over which it has active territorial claims, citing reasons such as “Conquering inferior nations” and “Reunifying the Three Kingdoms.” Relations with San Ba and Nan Gorgwaith are also pivotal, given their geographical proximity and shared cultural heritage. The nation often engages in diplomatic dialogues and cultural exchanges with these neighbours to foster mutual understanding and cooperation, albeit with underlying tensions due to historical conflicts and territorial disputes.

In the Assembled Nations, Ide Jima plays an active role, voicing its opinions and concerns on global issues and participating in various international initiatives. The nation seeks to leverage its position in the Assembled Nations to advocate for its interests, contribute to international peace and security, and promote cooperation among member states. Ide Jima is committed to upholding international law and norms, albeit prioritizing its national interests and sovereignty.

In April 2019, Ide Jima solidified its commitment to regional cooperation and stability by becoming a full member of the Entente of Oriental States (EOS). The EOS membership is crucial for Ide Jima, allowing it to collaborate with fellow Oriental states on matters of mutual interest, enhance regional security, and foster economic and cultural ties. Ide Jima actively participates in EOS initiatives and endeavors to strengthen the organization's role in promoting regional harmony and development.

Military

Military parade honoring Emperor Artakai I.

Ide Jiman Imperial Guard standing at attention.

Short-range ballistic missile vehicle on display.

IJN destroyer conducting maritime operations.

IJAF pilots in 2018.

General Nae Sincho inspecting the IJSF.

The Government is run by the military, as a result of which defense remains the top priority for government expenditure. Despite the downfall experienced by the previous governing regime, conscription is still largely applied; there are some caveats for the more restive regions in the southern part of the nation. The military government is characterized by the long-running squabbles between the Army and Navy, which each vie for favor with the Emperor. The Air Force has traditionally occupied a middle-ground in such disputes and continues to benefit as such, being the most prestigious of the main service branches. Each of the military branches is subdivided into regional command areas, governed by officials reporting directly to the Emperor as part of the military council.

Army

The Ide Jiman Army (IJA) represents the largest of the military branches, containing 345,000 personnel. As with all branches of the military, the overall command structure is broken into regional commands, termed army fronts. The army includes 12 divisions, each containing approximately 20,000 personnel. Despite overall size, the army has struggled to effectively modernize, and consequently remains geared primarily towards territorial defense. Recent years have seen an effort to introduce a greater capacity for force projection in the military, with emphasis being placed on upgrades to airborne, mechanized and armored divisions.

Imperial Guard

The Imperial Guard is divided into two divisional sized formations of around 17,000 soldiers each. The role of the Guard is twofold. The first division is assigned for protection of the imperial family, and acts as a military intelligence/police force to promote this aim. The second division is employed as a special forces formation, with elements being attached to army formations.

Strategic Forces

The Ide Jiman Strategic Forces (IJSF) represent a single divisional sized formation, responsible for the deployment of short to medium range ballistic missiles from mobile launchers.

Navy

Containing approximately 210,000 personnel, the Ide Jiman Navy (IJN) represents the second-largest branch of the military in terms of manpower. The recent history of the navy has been characterized by bitter rivalries with other branches of the military, particularly the army. The bulk of the navy is organized into three fleet commands: Northern, Southern and Central. A fourth command, the Naval Defense Command, operates in the role of a Coast Guard operating smaller corvette and patrol vessels in riverine and littoral waters across the nation. The three main fleets have benefitted from recent military budgets, and operate a number of fleet carriers. The ideological emphasis of the navy rests on air power, as a result of which a number of shore based attack squadrons are operated by the navy, independently of the air force.

Marine Corps

The Ide Jiman Marina Corps (IJMC) consists of three divisions, with a total manpower of 120,000. Each division is assigned to the northern, southern and central fleets. Along with the air force, the IJMC represents one of the most modernized elements of the military.

Air Force

Consisting of 81,600 personnel, the Ide Jiman Air Force (IJAF) is broken down primarily into regional theaters, each consisting of several aerial divisions comprised of around 17,000 personnel, and fielding around 100-120 aircraft each. Each division is subdivided into several smaller squadrons, typically of 25-30 aircraft each. Recent years have seen a decrease in the number of aircraft fielded by the IJAF, with a greater emphasis being placed on employing smaller numbers of modern aircraft types.

Economy

Sulfur at harbour in North Ide Jima, ready to be loaded onto a ship.

The economic output of the Ide Jiman empire consists largely of raw materials, based primarily on mining, forestry and agricultural output. Civil war and unrest have hampered economic development throughout much of the past 30-40 years, as a result of which much of the civilian population is occupied in unskilled roles related to resource extraction. In the wake of the collapse of the communist government in the early 1990s, significant advances occurred in economic development, particularly within the northern region of the nation. Previously centered on exploitation of primary resources, the economy has seen an upsurge in the growth of large private technological, engineering and other industrial corporations. Economic advances since the collapse of the communist government have resulted in an increase in the overall standard of living in Ide Jima. The Ide Jiman won (Symbol: ₩; Code: IJW) is the official currency of Ide Jima.

Demographics

Ancestor and nature worship are important aspects of Than'Chai.

Traditional Ide Jiman religion evolved from a range of animistic beliefs. By 250 BCE, a syncretic system of belief of Than’Chai had emerged, placing emphasis on ancestor and nature worship. Philosophical developments throughout the following centuries resulted in an increasing emphasis being placed on self-betterment, with Ide Jiman religion closely resembling Jaihuian Phosattism by 1900. Religion in Ide Jima was effectively wiped out by the communist government. Since the collapse of the communist regime, the Imperial Government has taken great efforts to promote Than’Chai. Consequently, the faith is closely linked with the Imperial Government, and honouring the state is considered by many to be part of an individual’s religious duty. Officially, Ide Jima is religiously homogenous, and outside religions are banned. Since 2005, Ide Jima has banned Christmas over it being too “Christian” and “Foreign.” The government of Ide Jima has officially claimed that they themselves are so-called "pure Orientals" unlike the Northern Orientals who they claim intermingled with the Buranians and created "Dirty-Blooded Orientals".

Culture

The national dishes are wan tan, siu Maai and chasiu.