Aspen
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The Autumnal Realm of Aspen Aspenia | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Motto: Falling leaves give rise to new chapters | |
| Official languages | English |
| Demonym(s) | Aspenian |
| Government | Parliamentary Democratic Hereditary Monarchy |
• Aurelia | The Holy Alariastic Dynasty of Great Xanarcica Empire |
• Emberwood Officer | The Queendom of Republic of Libriano, The Kingdom of Xerxias |
• Electoral Council | The Queendom of Republic of Libriano, The Kingdom of Xerxias |
• Golden Herald | The Jingoistic States of Czesfjordinger Boykisser |
| Establishment | October 22, 2024 |
• Fall of RWOT | October 10, 2024 |
• Fall of Aspenia | October 21-22, 2024 |
| GDP (nominal) | estimate |
• Total | $2,069,354,837,442,560 |
Aspen, sometimes known by it's demonym Aspenia is a medium-sized region founded by Great Xanarcican Empire on the 22nd of October 2023, following the raid of the previous region Aspenia and the former fourth largest frontier Roses Without Thorns.
As of October 26th, 2024, Aspen is the 347th largest region and currently home to 85 nations. The region has ten embassie.
Regional History
*Will include events outside what is defined as modern-day Aspen according to the Aspenian Charter of 10.23.24
Fall of Roses Without Thorns (October 10 - October 22)
Rosartemis sat perched at the edge of a jagged cliff, her feet gently kicking back and forth, heels brushing the crumbling stone beneath. The sunrise bathed the city of Lacia below in golden light, casting long shadows over its spires and courtyards. From this height, the city looked small. She tilted her head, admiring the delicate beauty, the symmetry of its streets, the flicker of early morning life waking in the cobbled alleys.
The grass around her feet was long dead, drained of its vitality, twisted into blackened tendrils that curled like withered fingers. But where the death spread, scarlet flowers bloomed at her feet, their petals sanguine and vermillion. The air smelled sweet, almost sickeningly so.
She sighed in pleasure, watching as the first light of the sun crawled across Lacia’s walls. The city’s pulse felt strong, for now. Its people, blissfully unaware of the creeping ruin beneath their feet, still believing in the lie that they were free. How fragile they were.
Behind her, a shadow twisted and coiled out of the morning mist. The Shadowbringer materialized, their presence less a figure and more a void that devoured the light around them. No words were spoken yet, but Rosartemis didn’t need to look.
Her gaze remained fixed on the city below, the corners of her lips curling into a faint smile. Her fingers gently caressed one of the scarlet roses at her side, the bloom thriving in the dark soil. Without turning, she spoke.
"Shadowbringer," she said warmly, like greeting an old friend. "Such a rare joy to have your company this early. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
The Shadowbringer stood above her, their form casting no shadow despite the rising sun. Dark and featureless, they felt like death. Their voice, when it came, was like the soft scrape of a blade against its sheath.
"Your conquest draws near," the Shadowbringer said simply. "The Vampire King has given his blessing."
Rosartemis’s smile widened, amusement crossing her face, though she still did not turn to face them. The wind tugged at her hair, brushing against her pale cheeks, but her eyes never left the view. "How kind of the Brotherhood," she mused, her voice lower now. "To stand with me as a nation burns."
She plucked a single petal from the rose she held, watching as it wilted in her hand, crumbling to dust that scattered in the wind. The conquest of Lacia was no longer a matter of if—it was merely a matter of time.
Rosartemis rose from her perch, the sound of dead grass crunching underfoot as she dusted off robes. She turned to face the Shadowbringer.
"How long till then?" Her voice was low and calm.
The Shadowbringer considered her question. "A week from now," they said. "When the sun dips below the horizon."
Rosartemis let out a soft chuckle. More than enough time to savor the kill. "Then... How many will join us on our conquest?"
"All that swore by their oath." the Shadowbringer replied.
"Good," She clapped, "Let the Lacians believe their sun will rise again. Let them dream that their gods will come to save them," she turned towards the city below. "In the end, the only gods they will know are those that kneel to the Overseer."
Soon, the Brotherhood would descend like vultures upon a carcass, and the Overseer would smile upon them.
"Then, I shall see you soon." Rosartemis waved goodbye. The Shadowbringer, without a word, dissolved into the shadows once more.
A week later, the day turned to dusk, the sun's fading light casting long, blood-stained shadows over the city of Lacia. Rosartemis lounged upon the balcony of one of the city's highest towers, her form draped lazily across a marble throne that had once belonged to the city's ruler. Now, that throne—like everything else—was hers. The inhabitants of the tower—noblemen, advisors—lay as nothing more than corpses at her feet. Their blood had soaked into the marble, darkening it, while roses bloomed from their bodies, their thorned vines twisting through flesh and bone, claiming what was left.
The view was breathtaking, and she had wanted nothing less than perfection.
She watched the city below, admiring its beauty. Streets bustling with merchants and laughter, homes bathed in the soft warmth of the evening sun. Happiness. She savored it like the calm before the executioner’s blade fell. It was beautiful because it was about to die.
Behind the tower, the faint screech of black hawks could be heard—birds with feathers darker than the night, their talons ready to rip through flesh at the first sign of weakness. Rosartemis had always admired the simplicity of their brutality. She sensed the Sparkling Army as they hovered near the edges of the city, preparing hexes and spells.
"The armies of Kantrias are prepared as well," the Shadowbringer whispered in her mind, their voice cutting through the silence like a dagger. "They’ve camped beyond the city walls, awaiting the signal. They live for this kind of war."
Rosartemis tilted her head as if to listen closer. "A week of planning for such a delicate operation, and now here we stand, moments from watching it all crumble." She dusted off her robes, bloodied as they were, and stretched. "How soon?"
"Minutes," the Shadowbringer replied, their voice devoid of anything resembling mercy. "When the light is gone, the streets will run red. The assassins are in position, and the knights stand at the ready. Lacia will burn."
Rosartemis let out a soft hum of approval, her eyes glinting as she gazed back out at the city, basking in the last flickers of sunlight.
"Let them have this last sunset," she said, almost tenderly. "It’s the last light they’ll ever see."
As the sun dipped below the clouds, the bells began to ring across the city, signaling nightfall. The deep chimes echoed through the streets, but something else accompanied it. A soft rustle, thorns and petals. Rosartemis raised her hand, her fingers curling as scarlet roses burst from every crack and crevice, climbing higher, faster, spreading like wildfire through the city.
The people of Lacia froze, staring in confusion at the bloom. They pointed, merchants paused mid-bargain, soldiers turned their eyes to the flowers that now covered the city. The roses twined through the streets, wrapping around lampposts, doorways, and creeping up the sides of homes. At first, they seemed harmless, beautiful even—but then the thorns appeared. Long, razor-sharp, and gleaming in the fading light.
Click.
The Brotherhood moved with terrifying speed. Cloaked figures emerged from the shadows, blades flashing as they cut down guards, merchants, anyone who stood in their way. The assassins descended upon Lacia like a plague, their blackened blades slicing through armor and flesh alike. The streets filled with the sound of screams, the clang of steel, and the wet, sickening thud of bodies hitting the ground. Hexes exploded in the air, hawks descended upon the earth, knights breaking through the gates.
Blood spilled across the cobblestones, and where it pooled, the roses fed. Their thorns glistening red.
The Queen of Roses watched it all from atop the tower, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. The bells rang out again, tolling in time with the slaughter.
The bloodbath had begun.
- The Brotherhood of Malice operation Ashen Rose Report
Early on the morning of 10th October, The Scarlet Rot, a high ranking member of the RWOT community suddenly became delegate after piler nations entered the region. RWOT RMB'ers began immediately connecting the dots and came to the conclusion that the region was under attack, further cemented by the mass dismissing of officers that happened shortly after. It was then revealed that TSR was secretly Rosartemis, a prominent raider within the NationStates Community.
The following 20 hours from the attack was riddled with chaos and confusion, as natives and members of other regions began arguing in the region's RMB, further escalating drama. The region was declared a Do Not Defend by Westinor soon after, following further escalations in the ensuing drama. Native opposition, while low for some nations still occured, mostly led by Kaanapali, who began debating with the raiders about the ethics of R/D. However his arguement was quickly shot down, following a lack of consistency with his posts, with some claiming he didnt give a fu*k about the region, while also claiming to love the region. This period is also notable for the sheer amount of mod interaction with both the raider and native population.
Even with the active Do Not Defend order issued by Westinor Command, Security Council forums still erupted into chaos. It escalated to the point where forum moderator United Calanworie (better known as Aav) soon trawled the many threads pertaining to either the liberation or injunction of the region, leading to the deletion of several nations.
Aspenia (11-12 October - 21 October)
On the 11th or 12th of October, following the mass banjection of most of the RWOT natives, Great Xanarcica Empire (better known as Xana) founded the region of Aspenia, for the escaping RWOT natives. Among the early arrivals were Lethinia, Artstokska, Kelban Island, Libriano, Brunswaldin Kanadia, Czesfjord, Warlord Yuan Bao (puppet of Yangchenia), Plajevo and Tyra Melin.
Creation of the 1st Aspenian Charter
During Aspenia's existence, Electoral Aurelia Azatara composed the Aspenian Charter, detailing the de facto constitution of Aspenia and Aspen going forward.
Banning of Tyra Melin - the Puppet War
Tyra Melin, the original founder and creator of Roses Without Thorns had attempted to repeatedly submit libjunctions of RWOT to the Security Council forums, eventually leading to her being banned temporarily. She was unbanned after three days by Aurelia Xana, until then Electoral Aurelia Azatara permanently banned her from the region. She tried to circumvent this ban by using several of her puppets, causing the people of Aspenia to start getting suspicious of each other on whether or not they were Tyra.
Former RWOT Roleplay Minister Kelban Island levied accusations that Plajevo, an alleged friend of Tyra IRL, was actually her puppet. The evidence Kelban gave was that both nation's were ejected from the WA for rule violations, which could mean that Tyra Melin and Plajevo were being controlled by the same person.
Another nation named Luszialand joined the region, pretending to be a Croat Nurse from Doctors Without Borders. This ruse was bought by many Aspenians, until Kelban levied evidence supporting that Luszia was another puppet of Tyra. NationStates moderators confirmed this after both Luszialand and Tyra Melin were DEAT'd for ban bypassing.
The Fall of Aspenia
Aspenia fell on the 21st of October, after Electoral Aurelia Azatara revealed his identity as Improper Classifications, Champion of the Void in Voidcall. In a regionwide telegram, he shared a dispatch titled "Fifteen Minutes", detailing the end of the region.
Hello to all Aspenians. My name is Azatara, or simply Azy for short. You all know me, I hope, as the temporary Aurelia for elections. I request that you read this announcement in its entirety, as its contents are important. Before I explain, I would like to say two things. Number one, that this community is one of the best I’ve ever played in on NationStates - y’all are active, happy, and resilient through pain. Two, what is about to happen is my doing and my doing alone. Nobody, not Libby, Kyli, Lethy, or otherwise, was aware of my actual identity. Please don’t blame each other or yourself for this; you have no reason to. With that being said, I have something to clarify about my true identity. The nation Azatara is not my main nation. My actual main nation is Improper Classifications, Champion of the Void of Voidcall.
What does that mean? Essentially, my end goal of participating in RW0T, and later Aspenia, from my joining about two weeks ago, was two-fold: investigate whether the region was problematic or not, and take over the region from the inside and raid it through social engineering. During those two weeks, the status of the region (problematic or not) has changed multiple times, but my goal has remained the same. (For the record, I believe that you all have shown serious improvement from a month ago, including in banning Urban and showing resilience and strengthening anti-fascist commitments even after being raided.)
Because I respect this community and its players, I am not operating this as I would a normal stealth operation. Let me clarify a few things:
First, the only burning I will do is of the region of Aspenia, and the region of Aspenia alone. This is limited to the following:
- Dismissing all officers, banning and ejecting of all nations except my own, and passwording the region
- Replacing the appearance of the region with one showing it is now my trophy
- Closing all embassies
None of the following will be happening:
- A refound of Aspenia, which would purge its history and message board
- Suppression of any posts
- Any damage to the Discord or other offsite platforms
- Deletion of any critical documents so that Aspenians may if they so choose continue on
in another region
In essence, the region of Aspenia will remain as an archive, publicly viewable for all NationStates players.
Second, this message is being sent with a fifteen-minute timer. The purging of the region will commence at 11:00 AM EST. This is meant as a period for anyone to say their goodbyes to the region.
Remember, please, do not disparage yourself or others on this. These were my actions and mine alone.
Thank you,
Azatara/Improper Classifications
Aspen (22 October - Present)
Following the fall of Aspenia, original Aurelia Great Xanarcica Empire created the region of Aspen, the succesor to Aspenia.
Roleplay History
Other Links: for Part 1 see RWOT(Roses Without Thorns)
November 2018
25th
Prime Minister Elowen Stryker addressed the Parliament of Zephyriel in the grand chambers of the House of Commons in Thryvale, the nation's capital. Standing at the podium, she spoke calmly yet resolutely to the assembly. She began by greeting the honorable members of Parliament, the esteemed Lords, and the citizens of Zephyriel. Prime Minister Stryker emphasized that they were at a pivotal moment in history, as the world beyond their borders became increasingly interconnected. She stated that it was crucial for Zephyriel to step forward, not as a power of dominance, but as a beacon of diplomacy, sustainability, and innovation.
In the weeks that followed, envoys carrying Zephyriel’s green-and-silver banner departed Thryvale for neighboring nations. The Council of Diplomacy, led by Ambassador Kaelis Vyndral, made it their top priority to reach out to Izuka, Librano, and Youthenheim. Letters were sent to the governments of these nations, each signed personally by Prime Minister Stryker and sealed with the royal crest of King Drystan VII. The letters conveyed a simple yet profound message: Zephyriel sought peace and prosperity for all nations and expressed a desire for collaboration in order to improve their people’s well-being and preserve the world.
The princely state of Potatopelago, formerly known as Neü-Ulm, has recently expanded many times over thanks to the empire of Lethinia's permission to do so.
Her Majesty's Government announced the expansion of the empire to secure global influence, including regaining the "New Seré" territory and controlling another important world strait. Additionally, expansion was reported in the Brasienburg Territory and a small area near Kanadia. Empress Alisa Sophia of Veré made the decision to transfer several Princely States to the loyal state of Neü-Ulm, recognizing their excellent work and loyalty to the Lethinian Empire.
The Government of Libriano formed a new alliance called "The Primordial Alliance" with Izuka and Stratenia to protect the region from aggression and to provide economic support. The alliance was officially signed by the leadership of the three nations, including Chairwoman Abigael Naomi Anderson and Queen Nyx III of Libriano. Anderson stated that the alliance was a historic move to protect the region from potential threats and expressed hope for lasting peace. In other news, Libriano sent soldiers and equipment to Czesfjord to strengthen relations and support other nations' safety, while an Embassy of Stratenia was also under construction in Libriano.
Czesfjord’s intervention for The Xerxian Borderlands (TXB) was launched to support their resistance against the oppressive Xerxian regime. The initiative aimed to supply critical resources, protect vulnerable individuals, and coordinate operations for TXB’s success. A significant achievement in this effort was the reactivation of a hidden rail and pedestrian tunnel, which had been erased from official records but was now operational, providing essential supplies and safe evacuation routes for TXB.
In Atomia and Nuclenia, Prince Pristiv Kastov began opening both nations to international affairs, forming good relationships with Stratenia and initiating commercial trade, particularly due to Nuclenia’s abundance of uranium. Kastov also introduced a new currency, the Priskanovs, named after him, although he admitted that the choice of radium-based currency was influenced by the country’s radioactive resources. Atomia and Nuclenia declared a pacific stance in international affairs, focusing primarily on their internal matters.
Emperor Henry Wert of Kelban Island delivered his final public speech, marking one month since the collapse of the USRL and the reintegration of Western Kelban lands into the Kelbanian-Bealtian Colonial Commonwealth. He celebrated the return of these lands and the emergence of new nations like Libriano, Izuka, and Stratenia. Progress in rebuilding Terispol, a vassal state of the Commonwealth, was also reported, with 30% of its infrastructure already rebuilt, and full reconstruction expected within three months. This was seen as proof of the Commonwealth’s commitment to peace and prosperity. Meanwhile, the construction of the Global Coalition of Nations’ Senate was nearing completion, and a diplomatic crisis arose when a Kelbanian diplomat went missing in Franexia under suspicious circumstances. Additionally, Dwayne Hill, known for his work with superhero teams, launched a new company focusing on the production of advanced NanoWeapons.
In Lethinia, it was announced that the upcoming elections would see Prime Minister Bernard Nastrovski running for a second term, with Shadow Minister Anita Ferand also seeking re-election. Other parties were expected to contest for parliamentary seats to increase their influence. Various regions, including Valeland, Latatea, and others, would participate, ensuring that their voices were heard in the elections. Lastly, the 2018 elections for the Presidium of Izuka began with a fierce 50-50 deadlock between the Yenkeist and Hangeist candidates, Yushi Eyen and Mikuma Azen, respectively, marking the start of a tense political battle for dominance in Izuka.
Official Paper from the Capital – 25th November 2018
Brunswaldians and Kanadians have issued a formal plea for support for the free federal government of all of Kanadia, United States. According to their report, they confirmed that the last election was rigged. They claimed that during protests, guards opened fire on citizens, but they were able to stop the guards and storm the capital building. Guns and other supplies, including armor, were quickly moved as they took over the city and surrounding areas. The message concluded with a call for immediate and rapid support.
Zephyriel – 25th November 2018
Zephyriel announced its intention to join the Primordial Alliance, emphasizing its commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties, fostering economic collaboration, and ensuring regional security. High Chancellor Aelithra Sylvoris made a statement, describing the Primordial Alliance as a beacon of hope and stressing Zephyriel's desire to contribute wisdom, innovation, and a commitment to peace. Zephyriel pledged to provide advanced fleet support, enhance trade, and contribute to regional stability through the Skyguard. They also introduced a cultural exchange program to deepen understanding between the alliance's members. Zephyriel reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and expressed respect for the leadership of Libriano, Izuka, and Stratenia.
26th November
Czesfjord – 26th November 2018
Czesfjord reported a major victory for the Xerxian Borderlands (TXB) with their first successful revolt in the city of Newlin, which was heavily supported by Czesfjordinger weapons. This operation crippled the Xerxian defense forces, with 95% of Newlin's defenses destroyed. The weapons used were mostly supplied by Czesfjord, with additional contributions from TXB's existing armory and Librianese allies. The report stated that approximately 700 Xerxian soldiers died, while only 50 TXB fighters were lost. Despite casualties, the TXB now controls Newlin, which has been liberated from years of oppression under Xerxian rule. Czesfjord expressed pride in its role in supporting TXB, reaffirming its commitment to helping the movement for freedom.
Republic of Libriano – 26th November 2018
Libriano’s news broadcast discussed the first talks of the Primordial Council, which followed the formation of the Primordial Alliance. Zephyriel was welcomed as a new member, and Atomia and Nuclenia were granted observer status. Diplomats from these nations participated in a 24-hour discussion, which focused on ensuring mutual respect among the members. In other news, Librianese elections were announced, with the Freedom Coalition expected to dominate the parliament, while predictions for the Royal Council were less certain.
Zephyriel – 26th November 2018
Zephyriel revealed significant advancements in its Nexus Institute of Advanced Research (NIAR), including the development of the Infinity Core, the world’s first functional quantum fusion reactor. Dr. Arin Voshal, the lead engineer on the project, stated that the Infinity Core could provide sustainable energy outputs 200 times greater than current fusion reactors. Zephyriel also unveiled the discovery of Vortanite, a new material with groundbreaking applications in robotics, spacecraft construction, and civil engineering. Additionally, the Horizon Project was launched to explore exoplanets, using advanced propulsion and life-support technologies.
Atomia and Nuclenia – 26th November 2018
Atomia and Nuclenia’s Prince Pristiv Kastov proposed new nuclear plant projects in the capital city of Kashivya, following the opening of a uranium mine in Yvata. He aimed to return Kashivya to its former glory as an energy-generating hub. Atomia and Nuclenia also entered the Primordial Alliance as an observer state, offering its uranium resources at a cheaper price to alliance members. Additionally, Zephyriel extended an economic partnership package to Atomia-Nuclenia, offering debt relief, resource export agreements, and co-financing of nuclear energy projects, with Zephyriel securing majority control over key projects.
Utopian Island – 26th November 2018
Utopian Island has entered a new era following the leadership of Preteqù Vortaì. The nation, once a city-state ruled by anarchy, has transformed into a large, prospering nation under Vortaì’s central government. In his younger years, Vortaì realized the futility of war and disbanded all military forces after conquering nearby city-states. He established Utopian Island as a free and prosperous land, emphasizing a free economy, religion, and self-governance, positioning the island as immune to outside influence.
Xerxias – 26th November 2018
Xerxias reported a deadly extremist attack in Newlin, which resulted in the deaths of over 700 Xerxian military and police officers. The attack was carried out by TXB extremist groups who had been hiding underground. The weapons used were believed to have been illicitly traded or donated from foreign sources. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are arresting individuals associated with the group. The government has shut down an illicit internet connection used to spread extremist ideology. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.