Nordreich (1st)

Nordreich (NoR) was a Germanic imperialist alliance dedicated to nationalism, which was formed on October 13, 2006 and disbanded on May 2, 2007. Their numbers exceeded 400 nations in March, 2007.

Formation and establishment
Nordreich was formed on October 13, 2006, as a merger between the Prussian Federation and the Volksleitung, which was announced on October 15. Striderwannabe and Friedrich Meinhoff III were each awarded a Hero of the Reich medal for their diplomatic work in the merger discussions. Nordreich attained 100 members upon its formation.

The alliance signed its first mutual defense pact with the New Polar Order on October 24, setting the precedent for its future politics and marking the beginning of Nordreich's existence as an influential political power. Meinhoff commented on the treaty:

"Marking the first of many diplomatic successes, the Mutual Defense Pact between the New Polar Order and the newly created Nordreich marked the course of Nordreich politics for the rest of its existence (with one notable and highly involved exception). The Nordreich was, from the start, a stalwart ally of the Orders."

The October Massacre
On October 29, Nordreich issued its first declaration of war against the Sons of Liberty alliance, which would later become known as the October Massacre. Nordreich cited the SoL's aggression towards other nations "because of ideological differences," and the declaration was met with widespread support among the international community. The Sons of Liberty announced its surrender the following day, and disbanded.

Continued growth and the Maroon War
Kaiser Martens was announced the first Kaiser of Nordreich on November 3. During this time, Nordreich continued to establish itself as an international power, signing a mutual defense pact with the United Global Order, as well as a non-aggression pact with the Confederation of Allied Nations. A annexation agreement with The Trade Federation was also reached; however, a majority of ex-TTF members later left and re-formed as a different alliance.

The Maroon War
Main article: Maroon War

On November 14, 2006, Nordreich and the Maroon Defense Coalition jointly issued an ultimatum to the International Communist Party, in which it was revealed that the ICP was planning to move to the Maroon sphere in spite of several previous admonitions against it by a number of Maroon leaders, Nordreich included. The ultimatum warned the ICP to cease any plans for moving to the Maroon team, and demanded that any ICP member whom had joined the team after November 12 leave it at once. The ultimatum also announced the signing of the Balkan Accords, a pact signed between major Maroon alliances to guard against foreign incursions into the sphere.

Nordreich also released an intelligence report which revealed strong anti-NoR sentiment in the ICP, as well as their intent to attempt to take control of the Maroon senate and subvert Nordreich's position on the team.

The breaking point came later that evening, when Kommando declared war on Kaiser Martens and launched a nuclear weapon within a minute after posting his resignation from the ICP. Mere minutes afterward, Nordreich posted its declaration of war alongside the United Global Order. Several alliances joined in the conflict, with MDC, TTK, CSN, GDA, NpO, and GOONS, joining on Nordreich's side, and ODS, SRI, LSF, and S37 entering alongside the ICP. The war concluded as a tactical victory for Nordreich on November 16, after it offered the ICP unconditional peace to avoid escalation of the conflict. Other alliances reached similar peace agreements shortly thereafter, and the ICP announced its move to the Pink team.

In the midst of the Maroon War, Nordreich also signed the Angry Kitten Pact, a mutual defense pact with the New Pacific Order.

Post-war reforms, the Northern Defense Front, and ICON protectorate
The weeks immediately following the Maroon War saw a number of changes within Nordreich. On November 21, 2006, Kaiser Martens announced the ratification of "The Berliner Manifesto", his personal initiative to correct several faults he perceived within the alliance, as well as an updated version of the Nordreich Charter. Three days later the formation of the Northern Defense Front, a three-way pact between NoR, MDC, and UGO, was announced as well. The organization would prove to be short-lived, however, disbanding a mere 44 days later on January 7. Friedrich Meinhoff III, Nordreich's Foreign Affairs Minister of the time, attributed the dissolution to "internal strife," saying that the NDF had grown too large too quickly. The original three signatories would remain allies, however.

The formation of the NDF coincided with a summary cancellation of non-NDF mutual defense pacts by Nordreich, although this was not announced. The move resulted in lackluster relations between Nordreich and the Orders for the weeks leading up to Great War II.

On December 11, Nordreich announced to the world a protectorate treaty with the Imperial Cabal of Nationalists, the first of its kind in Cyber Nations. ICON would eventually be fully absorbed into Nordreich, bringing with it a number of members who would later rise to prominence within Nordreich, including Leviathan XIII, Nemhauser, and Valek.

Kaiser Nordir and the Norway Incident
Nordreich continued to move ahead. On December 20, Kaiser Martens announced his resignation as Kaiser of Nordreich and subsequent temporary leave of absence, and the accession of Riksbeskytter Magnus Nordir to the throne. The announcement also presented the new Nordreich flag, reminiscent of Imperial Germany.

The opening days of 2007 brought with them one of the landmark events in Nordreich and Cyber Nations history, which eventually became to be informally known as the "Norway Incident". The Norwegian outlets Aftenposten and Verdens Gang published articles stating that the government of Norway was investigating the use of their national anthem, Ja, Vi Elsker, in a Nordreich recruitment video, which the Norwegian state department termed "Nazi propaganda". The article caught the attention of various Internet websites and forums, one of these being Fark.com. This resulted in the formation of the Farkistan invasion alliance, and thus is often attributed to be indirectly responsible for the onset of the Second Great War. It also resulted in a considerable influx of new users in Cyber Nations, with Nordreich itself gaining hundreds of members.

Great War II and post-war diplomatic advancements
With the creation of the Farkistan alliance, and Fark.com's long-standing rivalry with SomethingAwful.com (the "parent site" of GOONS, it was not long before a mutual state of war was declared. Things soon escalated, as the LUEnited Nations declared war on GOONS for denying Farkistan's right to exist.  Treaties on both sides were soon activated, and thus Great War II began.  Kaiser Nordir posted an official statement on January 11, announcing the termination of all non-aggression pacts with League alliances and offering vocal support to The Initiative, although Nordreich remained out of the war for the time being.

The day following the declaration of support for the Initiative, Nordreich announced its decision to declare war against "the League-supporting bandwagoners, the 'Odious' ODS, and the anarchists in the the LSF," a decision made because Nordir believed Nordreich to be indebted to GOONS and NpO for their assistance in the Maroon War.

Two days later, Nordreich's acceptance into the Initiative was announced, and the conclusion of Fall Schwarz was declared on January 16, which coincided with the return of Kaiser Martens from his leave.

During the two-month period following the Second Great War, Nordreich announced a number of new treaties. The first of these were the Illuminati mutual defense pact and the Novus Orbus protectorate pact on January 20, followed by the Northern Dimension Pact, a mutual defense pact signed with Peliplaneetta (now known as the Finnish Cooperation Organization).

The Saint Patrick's Day War
Main article: St. Patrick's Day War

It was not long before tensions again began to flare between Nordreich and the Left; NoR began to notice a number of nonaligned Germanic-themed nations coming under fire by various left-wing alliances for ideological reasons. On March 8, 2007, Leviathan XIII, Nordreich's Reichsmarschall at the time, declared:

"Nordreich will now be taking a zero tolerance stance to any nations, aligned or not, who wage wars on innocent nations merely because they believe them to be 'fascists.' Note the quotations, because this policy strictly states that proof must be provided of real life, overt racism. Political nationalism is not just cause for declaring war on someone, nor is a Germanic name (including use of the word 'Reich'). … I am not blind to this transparent attempt to subvert Nordreich by attacking new players or minor alliances which may be sympathetic to us."

It was also reiterated that Nordreich supported the New Polar Order's war against Stand or Die, due to evidence of Stand or Die's white supremacist affiliations.

The situation between Nordreich and the Left continued to worsen. Numerous threads were created by prominent left-wing figures to provoke Nordreich, leveling accusations of racism. On March 9 an outspoken opponent of NoR, Fredistania, declared a rogue war on and nuked Leviathan XIII and Humanophage, with vocal support from several leftist figures. Nordreich ultimately declared war on the Libertarian Socialist Federation on the evening of March 16, in a conflict that would come to be known as the St. Patrick's Day War. The Byzantine Empire issued a counter-declaration the following day. The Syndicate, the Global Democratic Alliance, and the Finnish Cooperation Organization retaliated against BE. On March 18, the Socialist Workers Front and Euphorian Commonwealth also joined the war alongside LSF, with the Imperial Defense Front counter-declaring.

The war did not last long, however, when it became apparent that the NPO declaration of war on GATO was about to trigger a Third Great War. Shortly after declaring a peacefire on March 19, the Byzantine Empire and the Euphorian Commonwealth surrendered and paid reparations. Nordreich and its allies offered lenient peace terms to the LSF, which were accepted on March 20, and a mutual peace was reached with SWF.

The Nordreich Charter
Article I. Declaration of Direction Article II. Politics Article III. Rights and Requirements Article IV. Symbolism and Ideology Article V. Foreign Policy Article VI. War and Justice

Preamble: “Nordreich Bluteid”
We, the Germanic Volk, hereby swear complete fealty and allegiance to the Greater Northern Reich. We solemnly swear to uphold the charter and all the values emphasized therein as law, and pledge undying loyalty to the illustrious vanguard of the Volk, the Triumviate, Kaiser of the Reich and his government. We furthermore pledge to fight treason, cowardice, and desertion within the confines of the unified Fatherland, even unto death. Our honor is our loyalty, Heil the Reich!

Article I: Declaration of Direction
The Unified German Reich of the Volksleitung and Prussian Federation, or Nordreich as it shall henceforth be officially christened, is a Maroon-sphere alliance that upholds the principles of Pan-European cultural preservation and manifestation, centered around German Nationalism as it’s central tenant. Thus, the Reich stands in firm opposition to the corrupting influences and shortcomings of worldwide capitalism and international communism, finding both, in their extreme forms, as incompatible with the preservation and manifestation of Europe. Essentially based on Germanic culture, values and languages, the Greater Northern Reich is neither politically left-wing nor right-wing, welcoming ideas straddling the political spectrum, welcoming members from all walks of life, so long as they do not embody or further a threat to the Volk. We are accordingly opposed to globalization (both the RL and Cybernations globalization), as it destroys unique cultures. The Reich (being a Pan-European organization) therefore officially promotes and encourages European (Proper German and Scandinavian in particular) folklore and culture and a revival of the values and hopefully efficiency of these worthy contributors to civilization. United by blood, we strive to stand up to globalist forces and protect our unique culture.

Article II: Politics
The Northern Reich is effectively a meritocratic-monarchy. Inspired in part by Imperial Deutschland and other various sources, the Reich’s political organization takes the checks and balances of representative democracy, the honor and zeal of limited monarchy, and the sheer efficiency of fascist dictatorship.

The ultimate executive authority lies within the Imperial Triumvirate, a three-member Imperial council that acts as head of state. Wielding supreme executive power, the triumvirate members (called Volksfuhrers. by nature, run the alliance. With control over the armed forces, ministries and ultimately, the alliance, the Triumvirate is equivalent to the executive branch of a Federal republic and the Monarch of a limited monarchy. The Triumvirate issues decrees/executive orders, and ratifies laws/amendments. Volksfuhrers are revered and serve life terms unless they resign or are impeached by the two other Volksfuhrers and then if a 2/3 majority of the Reichsleitung ratify their removal. The Triumvirate is also capable of reversing a Kaiserlich decision unanimously.

The main legislative and judicial body is the Reichsleitung. It is equivalent to the senate/house in a federal republic and the aristocracy/nobility in a monarchy. The Reichsleitung appoints the Triumvirate, proposes laws/amendments, and acts as a judicial panel. Reichsleiters are elevated to their status on a basis of merit, and serve unlimited terms, so long as their meritous activity allows it. There can only be nine Reichsleiters at any given time, and no member is allowed to hold the positions of Reichsleiter and Volksfuhrer simultaneously. (Reichsleiters may be appointed as ministers in addition to their council office; however, a Volksfuhrer may hold no other political office aside from state and military governance).

The Triumvirate and Reichsleitung thus act as checks and balances on each other. Both councils hold the power of proportional vetoes.

If the Triumvirate issues a decree on a 2/3 decision, the dissenting Triarch may appeal to the Reichsleitung for review of the order. If 6/9 Reichsleiters decide to veto the decree, then the decision is nullified, and discussion for alternative solutions become necessary. Likewise, if the Reichsleitung passes a law or amendment, the Triumvirate can veto it. If it’s a 6/9 decision to pass the law, then only 2/3 Triarchs need to evoke their vetoes to nullify the law. Unanimous decisions can thus only be vetoed by unanimous decisions, leaving the issue at a stalemate, forcing cooperation and compromise between guiding forces of the alliance, ensuring progress and unity. This apparatus also functions in the same manner on a judicial level. On a case-by-case issue, such as a court-martial involving desertion, forced reparations, etc, the Reichsleitung-Triumvirate scale acts as a court of appeals. The council in question may hear the case, and verdicts are determined in the same manner as passing laws and decrees.

The Reichstag is composed of meritous members who have access to government information and meetings, but no official power or say in government matters. They do, however, have access and participation in debates, and hence verbal power earned with merit. Reichstag members may be appointed as ministers. They make up the active elements of the alliance and have seniority and opportunity for further advancement.

The last, but certainly not least group is the general populace, composed of the ordinary memberbase, new members and inactives alike. All have equal rights and opportunity. The general populace is composed of two symbolic sectors:

Das Volk-The (predominantly Germanic) European members of the alliance, who uphold the central ideals of our charter and manifest nationalist qualities exclusive to European society. May not be appointed to as a head of a ministry. Right of general assembly, an appointed commissioner moderates government suggestion and public concern.

Reichskommissariat-The non-European Reichskommissariat are the non-European members of the alliance, who uphold the ideas of our charter, but express qualities not specifically linked to European society, but rather their own. The Reich encourages this same school of thought in all parts of the world, and thus creates an official differentiation of unique cultures. May not be appointed to as a head of a ministry. Right of general assembly, an appointed commissioner moderates government suggestion and public concern.

The core Reich ministries headed by appointed Reichsleitung and Reichstag members are: Propaganda and Recruitment, Security, Culture, Commerce, and Foreign Affairs. The military, deemed “Wehrmacht” is headed by the Triuvmirate, and the Kaiser exclusively in times of crisis.

The symbolic head of the alliance is the Kaiser, who has no term limit and acts as a figurehead and spokesperson for the alliance in times of peace. In emergency situations, the Kaiser assumes ultimate executive authority and is allowed to use his own judgement in determining the correct course of action. The Triumvirate crowns the Kaiser with a unanmous decision, and can also depose or veto the monarch's descision if it is controversial or problematic.

Thus, the Nordreich’s system functions smoothly with all branches of government organized in the smallest, most efficient manner possible, encouraging efficiency, justice, and steadfastness to ideals simultaneously, whilst promoting meritous action, in a truly German manner, hearkening back to Imperial Deutschland itself.

"In Nordreich, you don't choose your leader, your leader chooses you." -Kaiser Martens, Emperor of the Reich

Article III: Rights and Requirements
Members of the Reich are entitled to certain rights granted by the organization and bound by certain obligations and initial requirements.

Rights

 * 1) First and foremost, all members of the Reich are entitled to the protection and respect of the alliance and have the right to expect aid to be approved in times of crisis. This right is forfeited if the nation in question performs an act of aggression without the approval and justification of the Reich government and war department.
 * 2) All members of the Reich are entitled to discussion in a secure setting about issues in Cybernations.
 * 3) All members have the right to a stake in the Reich, by achieving great deeds for the alliance, furthering their own position and that of the Nordreich in a symbiotic relationship as opposed to a parasitic one.

Requirements, guidelines and obligations

 * 1) The Greater Northern Reich is a pan-European alliance of cultural preservation and manifestation, with German nationalism as it’s unifying core. Therefore, ethnicity will be taken into consideration upon application. Typically Germanic (Germans, Norwegians, Scandinavians, British, etc), and other Europeans (Italians, Spaniards, etc, Russians and other slavs) are encouraged and officially promoted by the Reich in the symbolic sense of cultural manifestation. These members of the Reichsvolk are held in symbolic native esteem. Non-European applicants will be accepted provided they meet all other requirements, as the Reich encourages similar principles among all peoples. These non-native nationalists make up a symbolic sector of the Nordreich called the Reichskommissariat, so they may still enjoy the full benefits of membership without subscribing completely to European cultural manifestation, and projecting a similar vision for their own people.
 * 2) With respect to other in-game settings like National Religion and Government type, all member nations are strongly encouraged to adopt the “Norse” religion. As for government type, “Totalitarian”, “Revolutionary Government”, and “Monarchy” are officially promoted, and “Republic” and “Dictatorship” are favored. “Capitalist”, “transitional”, “communist”, and direct “democracy” are generally frowned upon, although due to game mechanics, they are tolerable for the time that they are desired ONLY. Further questions and possible exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis of the Reich leadership.
 * 3) Members of the Reich are expected to follow the orders and respect the decisions of the alliance. Therefore, as in all alliances, the memberbase is required to provide aid to allies in times of war.
 * 4) Marks are the standard currency of the Nordreich.
 * 5) The entire memberbase is expected to behave in a civilized, respectful manner towards each other and the rest of the cyberverse.
 * 6) Maroon team membership is compulsory.

Article IV: Symbolism and Ideology
As previously stated, the Nordreich is neither officially left or right-winged, however, it is by nature strongly opposed to the countless threats to it’s ideals of cultural preservation, particularly global consumerist-capitalism and international communism. In particular, we are an anti-globalization alliance, and our Germanic Nationalism is not only a way to enrich ourselves by promoting a unique culture, but to take a stand against the rising tide of globalization. Our actions on cybernations can reasonably be expected to ring true with these truths. Furthermore, it can be stated that loving our land and folk does not equal hating or condoning violence against other ethnicities/nations on a basis of hate and bigotry.

The Reich is accordingly strongly opposed to communism (even more so globalist capitalism) in its purest form, as it’s very ideological structure promotes the dissolution and stagnation of Germanic culture, and unofficially and ultimately, people.

"'Our stance against Communism is not a struggle for capitalism, but on the contrary, a struggle for true socialism that can only triumph once the most pervasive, violent, and degenerate offspring of socialism is first eliminated, along with it's extreme opposite, neoliberalism. Both practices, by nature, are opposed to our fundamental vision. In order to achieve this vision, the current order must be thoroughly destroyed. Our vision is true socialism and brotherhood for all European peoples throughout the Cyberverse.'"

–Mjolnir Abteilung Oberstgruppenfuhrer Magnus Nordir, Imperial Regent and Volksfuhrer

The Reich uses symbolism spanning from ancient Germanic Norse symbols to emblems and ideas originating in Imperial Deutschland, and even ones hearkening back to the ancient Indo-European migrations. Our official emblems also represent the union of the former Prussian Federation and Volksleitung Alliance.

Our ensign is the Odal, the rune of Odin. To us, it symbolizes our ancient heritage, and a strong, defiant stance against globalization. The Nordreich is NOT a racist organization and the Odal is not meant to be used in connection with any racist connotation. It also symbolizes unity and strength, two core values of Germanic peoples and hence, the Reich It was originally used as the Volksleitung symbol before the Anschluss.

Our crest is the Prussian Eagle, the de facto national bird of Germania, and a notorious emblem of Deutschland itself. It symbolizes power, unity and majesty. The eagle is a bird of prey, top of the food hierarchy, and a king in his own territory. The eagle thus represents European dominance of Europe. The Prussian Eagle was originally used as the symbol of the Prussian Federation before the Anschluss.

Members of the Reich tend to lean left on environmental issues. Protection of the environment is an important value of Nordreich members both in RL and on Cybernations. Accordingly, it is strongly encouraged that nations do not develop nuclear weapons, and use of nuclear weapons is prohibited except in cases of defense and if approved by the government. It is also encouraged (although by no means required) that members stay away from environmentally harmful resources, and select pro-environment government policies, such as strict immigration control, etc.

Unofficially in our alliance, it can be expected to find a somewhat diverse political tendencies among our members, however, they are expected to abide by the alliances' "biased" official decisions, as our political tendencies are also expected to be somewhat cohesive as well. Nordreich tends to lean left on some issues, and right on others. We will accept many ideological proponents, as long as they do not support globalism, communism, world capitalism, or any other kind of entity that is harmful to the Reich’s aims.

Article V: Foreign Policy
With respect to other alliances NoR will treat alliances with the respect and diplomacy they deserve, giving even ideologically opposed alliances a chance to solve issues through diplomacy in a civilized manner. If diplomacy fails to meet the interests of the alliance in any way, then and only then will war be an inevitable option. If attacked, it can be expected that the Reich will retaliate, and call for support from its allies. The Reich is a civilized alliance and does not see the need for senseless warmongering. Diplomacy will always be the first choice, however, we will not hesitate to retaliate if our peace loving folk and lands are threatened or attacked in any way.

The Reich, by nature, aims for peace.

Which brings us to…

Article VI: War and Justice
For diplomacy to be truly effective, it is imperative that the Nordreich government does not allow individual members to attack nations without the authentication and approval of the Triarchy. If a nation chooses to act on it's own, it can expect to receive no aid for the particular conflict in question, and a warning not to let it happen again. Repeat offenders will risk expulsion.

Excepting cases of self defense, it is illegal to be at war with any nation without permission. In other words, ANY declaration of war in which the NoR member is the aggressor must FIRST be approved by NoR government.

Treason/Espionage Clause
Discovered spies can expect exposure to war from the entire alliance, be it through multiple nations or financing. Espionage/treason is to be treated as the highest crime against the Reich, and thus can expect the appropriate justice to be served. The penalty for treason is death, and any member can be expelled by the Triarchy at any time, without giving justification.

Desertion Clause
Achtung! Nations who leave the alliance without justification and warning will be treated as deserters, especially in the case that they rip off material or ideas created by the Reich staff.

Deserters will be shot.

Take that as you will, the Greater Northern Reich does not tolerate treason or cowardice for selfish gain, especially in the name of globalization and capitalism at the cost of Germanic Unity. Common good over the individual good.

Enlistment/Recruitment Instructions
To enlist among our ranks, first, sign up in [this thread] posting the required details (Nation Name, Ruler, Team, resources, past affiliations), then sign up for our offsite forums.

Upon registration you will be sent a message by an administrator regarding your enlistment, and after completely a short screening you will be granted entrance among our alliance as a foot soldier in the mighty German Reich. Please have patience, our screening process is vital to our recruitment policy.

Example Post: Nation: Ny Sverige Ruler: Magnus Nordir Team: Maroon Resources: Gold, Pigs Ethnicity: Scandinavian Past Affiliations: Volksleitung

“I will now sign up on the offsite forums and wait patiently to be approved”

Wars

 * October Massacre
 * Maroon War
 * Second Great War
 * Second Maroon War
 * Third Great War

Video Controversies
In mid-November on the day of the declaration of the Maroon War, a person using the alias "Kaiser Soylent" posted on the Cyber Nations forums that he had completed an official Nordreich recruitment video. The video depicted scenes of graphic violence, emaciated bodies of Holocaust prisoners, Nazi aggression, and Holocaust atrocities, followed by pictures of Adolf Hitler and swastikas mixed with Nordreich propaganda. Kaiser Martens replied to the thread in short order, stating that it was not endorsed in any way. The video was removed from the Cyber Nations forums by the moderation staff for offensive content.

The Norway Incident
The alliance made the front page of Verdens Gang's web edition (VG), as well as stories in other online newspapers. The headlines referred to Nordreich as a Nazi organization due to its propaganda films. In one of these, Nordreich Anthem: Ja vi elsker/Yes we love, released in late December, they used the Norwegian national anthem, Ja, vi elsker as background music for a slide-show which allegedly contained Nazi imagery.

According to VG, both the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Norwegian Police Security Agency reacted to the clan's "abuse of the Norwegian national anthem and other symbols". As did Norway's embassy in Berlin, in spite of the clan itself claiming to be mainly localized in USA. Unlike the previous video, this video was released directly by the top Nordreich administration, ensuring its authenticity. Later it appeared that the 'Nazi video' did not contain Nazi imagery at all. The image published by the Norwegian press, the so-called picture of "Hitler's fleet", was in fact a picture of the American navy in the 1930's. Nonetheless, the video was removed by YouTube due to copyright infringement.Washington Times News Article on the video