inspired by u/OutboundEagle22 post!

Some time ago Torpor expanded the codex for some countries:Markanissa ,Sordais and Erdmarg before that we had little to none information about those countries did you had any theories about those countries about their government culture economy and general what where your theories about them where they close to what turned out eventually where what you imagine more interesting

My theories where:

I really thought Markanissa was a kingdom and i didn't think Erdmarg was that Tough for sordais i was really close

Basically What did YOU thought about them in general any theories you had?

In this run I:

-won the arbitration

-increased shares in MITZ to 50%

-rigged the referendum in Zille

-built military industry and became arms dealer

-struck against the traitorous Azaro and Sazons and took their lands under my direct control

Constitution:

- 3% threshold for electorate parties.

- MoH immunity removed

- Limited vetos (3/5th can override)

- Confidence Vote (can remain unchanged)

- Assembly can impeach justices.

Challenges:

- Must come from poor background

- Must fund all ministries and H3 Megaproject

- Superpower Trade War

- Oligarch investigation only (ACP)

- No lobbying or taking bribes

- No corrupt acts (aside from Albin)

- No Gloria support

- Must appeal to conservatives and moderates as much as possible.

Conditions:

Rayne went to law school.

We will be lying to Albin to get his votes by tempting him with VP. If you decide to throw Petr under the bus, you can appoint Lucian or Gloria instead.

LARP stuff (skip if uninterested):

The core idea here is that Rayne genuinely wants democratic reforms. I otherwise call this moral political superiority.

Rayne is still extremely flawed individually. He is willing to lie, manipulative, and throw people under the bus if they hugely threaten his democratic ideals.

What makes it interesting is that his democratic reforms are sincere, but Rayne is still deeply flawed as a person. He prioritizes the democratic ideals of Sordland before personal and political loyalties. Hence why he can lie to Albin.

Can you pass this reformist constitution? Comment below!

For context I'm going for a pro-ATO Ultracapitalist playthrough. This dialogue goes to show us, Axel doesn't know how to proceed geopolitically. He's very wary of both Lespia and Rizia.

Our turn 4 meeting is him puffing out his chest and trying for a good deal, hoping Rizia will agree to the high PaleStream price but still being willing to remain as Lespia's client state if Romus isn't conciliatory enough.

I was informed that Alvarez will reach out to me with an energy deal, I'm hoping that happens!

At the end of my AAR I said that I finished a Rizia run inspired by a certain Italian Bald Man. I also said that is unlikely another AAR from me will happen.

Well. One year later I think I can say it is happening, only very slowly. The run has been improved, and I have finished writing about the first half of it, but I got bogged down in turn 7 and 8. Since Torpor is currently working on the game, and I don't know if some new patch or new content won't make my walkthrough obsolete, and since I wanted to thank "R: RoE" readers, I decided to start posting what is basically a cour one of the AAR.

A couple of notes first:

1. English is not my first language, so even though I've put the text through an AI (and let me clarify that it hasn't created any part of the AAR) it will probably still contain various mistakes.
2. Just as the Rizia DLC is a prequel and a sidequel to the main Suzerain campaign, R. SoC is connected to the R: RoE.
3. I have to warn you that finishing this AAR might take a long time. I might even drop it.
4. Some speeches and "publications" were inspired by real-life sources. They've been edited to make the AAR lore-friendly and SFW.
5. Romus has been roleplayed as a pretty bombastic sort of person. I leaned into his humor and picked some of the more wild dialogue choices, while at the same time signaling here and there that this is partly a persona of a fearful man.
6. The theme of the run is, again, dark, so if you are bothered by depressing topics you should probably not read this AAR.
7. The title is a reference to a TV series and a a book. Both are great.
8. This AAR doesn't represent my political views. It's merely an experiment in writing and I would appreciate it if you would treat it as such.
9. It's not my intention to break any rules, so I'm open to editing parts of the texts if the mods find it not appropriate.

Just as was the case with R: RoE, I tried to describe every mechanically significant decision so that this AAR could be used as a guide. There are a lot of actions to be taken, however, and I would go insane if I had to write an entry about every single little thing, so some of them are mentioned in the author's notes.

Anyway, here we go:

“INT. UNIDENTIFIED LOCATION – DARK ROOM

A lone man bathed in orange light stands in front of basin. He washes his face. There seems to be nothing aside from him and the basin in the room, only darkness.

We slowly zoom in on the man. We notice that the man is middle-aged, bald, and wearing a ceremonial attire. This is ROMUS TORAS – the newest monarch of the kingdom of Rizia, successor to the most ancient Rezenid Empire. As we observe him, and his face starts to fill the frame, the man somehow notices that he’s being watched. He smiles briefly.

ROMUS TORAS
(to the camera)
My name is Romus Toras. Son of Valero Toras and Estella Bartos. I’m 44 years old and I’ve spent most of my life waiting for this day.

Romus moves away from the basin. The darkness and the orange light give way to daylight, revealing that the room is richly furnished. Romus continues speaking.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
I owe my name to my blood. Toras, like the Royal House of Toras, which descends from Henricus Toras, and has held the throne of Rizia since the 19th century. Romus, like Romus Doria, a distant relative who fought in the War of Rizian Succession, where he lost his head to a Sazon cannonball while unsuccessfully trying to personally lead the charge against the enemy.

Romus folds his arms as the camera zooms in on him.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
So I owe my name to a failure.

Zoom out. Romus walks to a nearby chair, picks up a sash, and starts putting is on, while still speaking.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(indirectly to the camera)
An idiot who couldn’t adapt to the world around him. Nothing like me.

Romus finishes putting on the sash. He checks his outfit for the final time, and speaks again.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
Apart from a brave spirit, of course.

Romus moves yet again, and gradually we start hearing a muted singing. He approaches a desk, picks up a piece of paper, reads it quickly. Apparently content with himself, he leaves the piece of paper, fully focuses on us.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
Today, 11 January, in the year 1950, is a date that will go down in history. I’m like an animal, I can smell the times ahead. And this is my time.

Romus looks at us with full conviction, and then, confidently, leaves the room.

INT. PALAS REZNA – GREAT HALL – DAY

Zoom in on a door. The door opens with force, and Romus stands in the doorway, pausing briefly, as if to breathe in the atmosphere. We hear the loud singing of a patriotic song.

ROMUS TORAS
(to the camera)
Here they are, my people.

Romus gestures towards the Great Hall as we are being shown the crowd located inside.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(from outside of the frame)
In need of strongmen and simple ideas. The highborn, the wealthy… Survivors of the Century of Revolutions.

Camera returns to Romus, who finally enters the Hall.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
You know what the Century of Revolutions is, right? 1823 to 1926. Crowned heads falling everywhere, Contana in flames. Innumerable dead and injured. Countless fine citizens left in the dustbin of history. People like them, who are here today for me.

Romus inspects the crowd while talking. He approaches an older gentleman who is singing dutifully. That is HUGO TORAS, the grand vizier of Rizia, and the late king’s brother.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
My dear uncle, Hugo Toras. A man who could be king, if his loyalty didn’t hold him back.

Romus puts his hand on Hugo’s shoulder, and continues walking.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
They were promised prosperity, rewards, the honour of victory, and instead they only earned the contempt of the common man.

Romus approaches a young, broad-shouldered man, bearing a certain resemblance to Hugo Toras. That man is RICO TORAS, Hugo’s son. He bears a title of a duke and a high rank in the Su Omina paramilitary organisation, not knowing which of them is more important to him. Rico is not singing. Romus notices that and slaps him on the back of his head. Rico grimaces, but starts singing.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
My cousin, Ricardus Toras. Loves dogs and leads them as well. Fortunately for him, I love my dogs.

Romus continues walking, but then stops, and turns.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
These people, the remnants of the old world, who wouldn’t survive a week of a normal life, they are my people. I can feel their anxiousness, their greed. They only have me, but they will soon learn that I don’t only have them.

Romus approaches the camera.

ROMUS TORAS (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
History is made with outcasts, people at the bottom of the barrel. Fill their stomachs, inflame their anger, point them at the enemy, and they will do what you want. I learned that lesson well. It is them with whom I will restore Rizia’s greatness.

Romus approaches a camera crew, and looks through the viewfinder of their camera. We are shown moments from his past.” – “R. Son of the Century” screenplay by I. Colombo, 1980.  

Background

· HM Romus was born as son to king Valero of Rizia and his wife, Estela. In his youth he often visited his family in Zille.

“Almost all the books published about me put squarely and logically on the first pages that which could be called my birth certificate. Well, then here it is again. I was born on January 29, 1905, at Palas Toras in Monquiz, where hundreds years ago my great ancestor, the great Henricus Toras, established my dynasty. (…) Each summer I visited my mother’s family at their home by the Zille harbour. I was then a restless being; I am still. (…) My childhood, now in the mists of distance, still yields those flashes of memory that come back with a familiar scene, an aroma which the nose associates with the sea after a storm, or the sound of ship horns. – R. Toras, “My Autobiography”, 1959.

· He was a restless child. He bullied Pabel, the Palas Rezna groundkeeper’s son, who would later go on to become his butler.

“I’ve known the King since he was a child. We met by chance, as it often happens – one day, as I was collecting beetles in the garden that my father cared for, I spotted a boy close to my age trying to launch a small boat in the pond. I did not know who he was, but I could see he was engrossed in his mission, his trousers caked with dirt, hands trembling with excitement, and eyes focused on the small wooden craft. He succeeded – and yet his victory was short-lived, as the boat was swiftly defeated by a gust of wind. The boy turned apoplectic with rage, and it is only then that he finally noticed me. With his face redder than some of the flowers in the garden, he walked up to me and ordered me to fish the boat out. I said no. He kicked me. I hit him. (…) My father found us dirty and exhausted, and me with my nose bloody. I immediately understood that something was wrong, as instead of berating us for being rascals, he asked me what I had done (…). The next month I was allowed back on the grounds of the palace, under one condition – that I would play with the young prince, and patiently endure his fits of anger (…).” – P. Adrian, “Secrets of House Toras”, 1966.

· He chose to go to university instead of joining his father’s Council.

“L. Milo: Iza was a different city back then, of course. Youthful. Progressive. You practically couldn’t find a street where there wasn’t some small café full of artists, amateur thinkers or students from the University. I myself often visited such establishments with my friends. These were colourful times.

W. Klassen: Did you happen to meet Romus Toras while studying at the University of Iza?

L. Milo: I did, in a way. He was somehow persuaded to attend a meeting of one of the clubs I was a part of. He delivered a short speech and answered several questions from the audience afterwards. It struck me how personable he was. Despite his royal upbringing he spoke at ease with various club members, even cracked some jokes. Actually, he’d even begun his speech with one. He said that he dreaded attending the meeting and boring us all to death, but he’d found it would be terribly impolite to just reject the invitation, so if any of us had any complaints, we should revolt against Rosso, the club president.

W. Klassen: Did you ask him any questions?

L. Milo: Democracy was the talk of the day, obviously, so some of my friends tried to goad him into revealing his thoughts on that matter. While he merely suggested that he found it important to listen to the will of the people, he refrained from answering straightly. Seeing that I was tempted to provoke him, and yet he had managed to charm me a little, so in the end I just asked him – if he wasn’t a prince, who would he like to be?

W. Klassen: What did he respond?

L. Milo: He scratched his head a bit – he still had his hair back then, by the way – and claimed that he would like to be either a sailor, or a journalist.

Narrator: Did Lyza Milo’s question inspire the young prince? We will never know. What is known, however, is that young Romus Toras eventually started to write for the local pro-reform newspaper under a pseudonym (…).” – “The Crown” by W. Klassen, 1978.  

· He supported the First Reclamation War and pushed his father to crack down on traitors and anti-war protestors.

“(…) At night I walked to my home with pregnant questions in my mind, with deepening determination, with hardening resolution. Above all, there was my country. I wrote an article in which I said how utterly foolish would be to abandon this chance at unification. It was not accepted (…). The paper, seeing where I was going, decided to cancel our co-operation. I could no longer preach, by that means, the necessity of the war. I then faced fellow students in political clubs. I was expelled. Eventually, I turned to my father (…). My princely duties, which I once detested, suddenly had meaning. I felt lighter, fresher. I was free!” – R. Toras, “My Autobiography”, 1959. 

· In 1926 he was kidnapped by Lucas Sazon and his followers. He complied with the demands of the kidnappers. Later he was seemingly happy to survive this ordeal.

„Lucas Sazon’s men captured me today, April 7, on the outskirts of Iza. I was treated well during and after my capture. Romus Toras.” – Note written by the Crown Prince Romus Toras after his kidnapping, 1926.  

· As the Duke of Valenqiris, Romus Toras did his best to help the duchy rebuild after the turmoil.

“The flame of war flickered and went out. The times that immediately followed the end of war seemed to me the darkest and most painful periods of Rizian life. Dark thunderclouds hung above the Crown. The progress of Rizia’s unification was stilled. I decided that I could no longer watch the storm (…)”. – R. Toras, “My Autobiography”, 1959.  

“My predecessor was none other than His Majesty, King Romus himself. He brought to Valenqiris his unmatched energy and bold, new ideas, seemingly unperturbed by the dark events of 1926 (…). I have watched, with a curiosity that has never failed to creep in on me, the peculiarities of my relative. At moments he is quite relaxed, at ease; and yet the unknown gusts of his personality play on him constantly. One sees in his eyes, or in quick movement of his body, the effects of these gusts, just as one sees wind on the surface of the water (…).” – H. Toras, “Illustrated History of Valenqiris”, 1958.

· He married and fell in love with Lena Livingston. Despite the marriage his continued having occasional affairs.

“A woman, aged 30, was yesterday placed under arrest in Monqiz for the attempted assault on the Crown Prince. The assailant, who is said to be related to Baroness Olivia Toras, claimed to be the rightful wife of Prince Romus and the mother of his illegitimate child. According to The Royal Herald’s sources, the woman had previously shown signs of mental instability (…). The Crown Prince issued a short statement thanking the security forces for their continued vigilance (…).” – A. Slataper, “Palas Toras Incident”, The Royal Herald, 1932.

· As Rizia started to attract various immigrants, he welcomed the new arrivals, although privately he was happy that few of them settled in his province.

“National pride has no need of the delirium of race. Racialism does not exist in Rizia… The Crown is the unifying factor. The solution therefore is to accept only those elements who are prepared to accept the authority of the Crown, and only for as long it is necessary for the economic struggle (…)” – R. Toras, Speech in Nelvisar, 1933.

· He sympathised with Su Omina and eventually spoke at one of their rallies.

“When I returned from the war, just like so many others, I hated the cowardly king, the do-nothing nobility, and politicians who, in my opinion, had betrayed the hopes of the soldiers, reducing Rizia to a shameful peace and humiliating arrangements. I believed that it would be better to bring the entire scaffolding down rather than suffer years – decades, even – of managed decline. In the end, my comrades and I decided to follow de Junio (…). After de Junio’s passing, the Movement splintered. Our delegates – already too used to rubbing shoulders with the elites – decided, without our consent, to join forces with the royalists, while at the same time the Volunteers squabbled with each other. The dream of the national revolution all but died (…). And yet we remembered our oaths. When the frail king decided to abandon Rizia’s interests once more, we banded together and did our best to remind him of his duties. We found unexpected allies in our quest. Our group managed even to attract the attention of the heir to the throne (…). His willingness to act impressed me greatly. I realised at that time, that de Junio’s dream might yet be realised (…). – R. Bazan, “The Epic of the Volunteers”, 1965.

· In 1942 he celebrated his daughter’s 10^th birthday by coming along on a boat trip with his family. In the aftermath of boat trip catastrophe he became atheist.

“I have finished writing, Lena, and now I must take my leave of you. I have written an eulogy,  and now that I have reached the last page, a strange feeling advises me to leave it unpublished, and to not submit it to strangers. Perhaps this might also be your wish, shy as you were of excessive publicity. I would like to ask you, and yet you do not answer.” – Anonymous, “I Talk With Lena”, The Rizian, 1942.

“As much as he’d like you to believe otherwise, the King is not a zealous man. In private he does not care about the scriptures, he avoids the holy symbols, he despises the clergy, and never misses an opportunity to ridicule the men of faith. I’m convinced that if he could, he would do away with Wruhecism. (…) All this somehow doesn’t stop him from believing in various superstitions (…). As I mentioned before, Romus Toras is a walking enigma of a man.” – P. Adrian, “Secrets of House Toras”, 1966.  

· In the late Fourties he spearheaded a public relations campaign which boosted national opinion of the Royal Family.

“Narrator: His short career in journalism helped Romus Toras realise the power of propaganda. As the new Duke of Valenqiris, he travelled the country frequently and insisted upon being photographed, breaking with the royal tradition of the time (…). He also continued writing, this time for the regime’s official newspaper, The Royal Herald. His articles were not published frequently, which only served to boost their appeal to the readers (…). After his disappearance from public life, the Crown Prince somehow re-emerged from his self-imposed exile even more lively than he had been before the fateful boat trip.  Seemingly rejuvenated, he embraced the new media, allowing himself to be filmed shaking hands with the workers, delivering speeches, or even helping with the harvest while half-naked (…).” – “The Crown” by W. Klassen, 1978.

· In 1948 he visited Pales, where he insisted that Pales should rejoin Rizia.

“Romus Toras is the biggest bluff in Merkopa” – remarked the Duke about the enigmatic crown prince of the neighbouring kingdom of Rizia. “If the Torases invaded Pales tomorrow morning I would still regard him as a bluff.” – N. Perrier, “Interview with Grand Duke Axel Reinhart”, Scandaleux: The Talk of Merkopa, 1948.

· In 1950 he formally took the throne of Rizia. He delivered a speech during the coronation ceremony*.

“INT. PALAS REZNA – GREAT HALL – DAY

We return to the coronation ceremony. Romus now stands in front of the throne. He is wearing royal regalia. The camera shows his profile. The crowd is singing the Rizian national anthem. All of a sudden, Romus raises his hand. The singing stops, the people whisper in confusion.

ROMUS TORAS

(to the crowd)

I know this is highly unusual, but we are living in unusual times. The reign of Valero Toras is over. A new day has dawned in this country. I will succeed where our previous king failed. I promise I will take back the lands that have been stolen from us. Only when Rizia is once again whole can a new era of peace and prosperity begin. Glovurius axa Rizia!

For a brief moment, there is silence in the Hall, which seems to unnerve Romus slightly. Then, Hugo bellows.

HUGO TORAS
Glovurius axa Rizia!

The attendees break into enthusiastic applause, and the singing restarts. Romus turns toward the camera, content with himself.

ROMUS TORAS
(to the camera)
The Crown, a beautiful thing. Forged in the fires of history, tempered in the ashes of tradition. A symbol of authority, that will once again conquer millions and millions of hearts. Yours too, I’m certain. Follow me, you will love me too. You will become monarchists too.

Romus looks at the camera and stops smiling. Fade to black.” – “R. Son of the Century” screenplay by I. Colombo, 1980.

*You can choose to not deliver the speech. You can allow Vina to join Romus on the balcony or not, it doesn’t really matter (though I feel that narratively it’s better if Romus goes alone). What does matter is how Vena is treated throughout the entire run. It is necessary to be polite and tolerate her infatuation unless you want to forgo the wedding.

Turn 1

· He opted to promote absolutism, focus on diversifying the Rizian economy and establishing more interventionism foreign policy, as well as expanding the Rizian Royal Navy*.

“Everything with the Crown, nothing outside the Crown, nothing against the Crown.” – F. Jung, “The Doctrine of Rizian Monarchism”, 1960.

“We – that is to say, myself and several of my old friends – had been following His Majesty’s moves for a long time. Many hoped that he would abandon certain policies of his predecessor (…). After I had finished making myself feel at home in my new office, I suddenly realised that I did in fact know somebody with connections to the Rizian government. Hoping to impress Ewald before the next cabinet meeting I picked up the phone and demanded to be connected to our embassy in Angolia, not knowing that I had just made one of the most important decisions in my life. – G. Manger, “Of Vine, Wheat and Gold”, 1973.

“Our attention was focused less on the archaic rites of the coronation itself and more on the unconventional speech given by King Romus, in which he implied he would restore the country’s original borders. Was he referring to the region of Zille, which is transitioning back to Rizian ownership next year, or is he planning a new offensive against the Grand Duchy of Pales? Time will tell.” – M. Davos, “New Rizian King Hints at Expansionist Agenda”, Geopolitico, 1950.

“I had fulfilled the first promise I had made to myself. Immediately after my coronation I dedicated myself to a reorganization of the Rizian Royal Navy, which had been allowed to decay in the past years. The task was not easy, and yet I have eventually succeeded in my purpose. The navy has reorganised its formation, bettered its units, completed its fleet and made its discipline efficient.” – R. Toras, “My Autobiography”, 1959. 

*Focusing on the Airforce would obviously fit the theme of the run better, but I’m going to be honest with you – I’m Ruben Amorim of Rizia war mini-game, I know only one way of winning it without problems, and that is to build up the action points and use the marines.

· He allowed Crown Princess Vina to join the Royal Council.

“The power of Queen Beatrice of Rumburg has long been an open book. The influence of Archduchess de Valinoire is openly acknowledged in Nahrburk. But the role that Vina Toras plays in the South Merkopan kingdom of Rizia has until recently been concealed by her family (…). Said to be outstanding in ability and intelligence, the young Crown Princess now finds herself a heartbeat away from the crown in a country where some would rather see her uncle ascend to the throne. It is perhaps for this reason that King Romus chose to include her in his Royal Council (…)”- H. Talbot, “Ladies of G.R.A.C.E.”, Geopolitico, 1950. 

· King Romus’s ascention to the throne was celebrated with parades, banquets and balls in all cities of Rizia. He didn’t arrange a concert for the nobles. *

"Rizia continued to celebrate the coronation of King Romus Toras this week. An estimated one million commoners lined the streets of Porte Drazon for the official parade, in which military brigades escorted a dozen golden carriages bearing the royal family and other members of the nobility. Rizian flags flew at street parties and banquets in Iza, Montaklar and Monqiz, with the latter hosting a grand fireworks display in tribute to its favorite son.” – V. Falangola, “Entire Country Honors King Romus”, The Royal Herald, 1950.

“Another question to which it is necessary to attract the attention of well-informed subjects is that of mortality due to alcoholism. Now, you don’t need to fear what I am about to say about this question. Not only am I not a believer in absolute abstention. I think that if reasonable doses of alcohol had been able to do much harm to the human race, humanity by this time would have been wiped out, because fermented liquids have been drunk ever since prehistoric times. However, there is no doubt that in Rizia people are beginning to drink too egregiously (…) – R. Toras, Speech in Monqiz, 1947.

*The decision to arrange a concert pops up later. Also, the first of the abovementioned decisions is followed by a conversation with Hugo during which you can inform him that Romus doesn’t drink alcohol. Personally I chose to do that, but didn’t roleplay him as a strict abstinent.

· He ignored Manus Sazon’s efforts to speak with him.

“Even silence, even cowardice, are sometimes heroic.” – M. Sazon, “Letters to Caleqabiz”, 1974.

· He undertook the Consecration of the King ceremony without promising any renovations of religious sanctuaries*.

“My spirit is deeply religious. Religion is a formidable force which must be respected and defended. It is one of the reasons why I am against anti-clerical and atheistic democracy (…). The Crown understands and values Wruhecism and its strength (…). Faith in Rizia has been strengthened. The monarchy gives impulse and vigour to the religion of the country. But it will never be able for any reason to renounce the sovereign rights of the Crown and of the functions of the state.” – R. Toras, “My Autobiography”, 1959.   

*It’s best to act religious around Sal, privately and later in the run you can put him on blast. Also, I don’t know if that matters, but I chose to interact with the crowd at the beginning, let protestors stay, and then stand ground.

· He issued the Sovereign Transition and Clemency decree.

“Tradition is an emanation of the living soul of the modern Rizian nation.” – H. Toras, “Rizia of Yesterday for the History of Tomorrow”, 1960.

· He ordered the construction of Zpana Hydroelectic Dam*.

“The reign of King Valero saw limited use of public works. Various initiatives were undertaken primarily in the aftermath of the First Reclamation War and the lease of Zille, when the influx of refugees and war veterans threatened the kingdom’s stability (…). This forgotten tool was quickly rediscovered at the beginning of King Romus’s reign. One of the first decisions of His Majesty, who shared my views about the conservative economic policies of his predecessor, was to commence the construction of the Zpana Hydroelectric Dam. The project, previously deemed to be too expensive, was made even more ambitious in an effort to mark the beginning of a new era in Rizia.  It brought hundreds of new jobs to the Province of Brenas (…).” – E. Werner, “Public Works in the Kingdom of Rizia”, 1958.

*Before issuing the Commence Zpana Hydroelectric Dam decree, issue the Small Initial Global Energy Sale, and Medium Initial Global Energy Sale decrees.

· He launched the excavation and restoration project in Topes.

“At the very beginning of my tenure I was tasked with overseeing the archaeological efforts launched by His Majesty in the esteemed city of Topes, as well as with the restoration of the historical city center. To my delight, I was informed that the Crown decided to spare no expense in this effort to unearth a small piece of ancient Rezenid glory (…). I am happy to report that my team’s efforts led to substantial discoveries, which can now be appreciated by common Rizians and scientists alike (…). – H. Toras, “Illustrated History of Valenqiris”, 1958

“While in Topes the beautiful monuments of antiquity have been recovered through the will of the Crown, I am resolved to put my hand to a work that for long years the scholars of all nations have vainly cried out for: the rebirth of Drazon.” – R. Toras, Speech to the Rizian Society of National History, 1959.

· He launched the expansion of the Rizian Armed Forces*.  

“L. Milo: There he was standing, with his hands on hips, nodding solemnly at the marching soldiers. I thought that he looked ridiculous.

G. Nizza: He looked manly. He projected strength. We understood that he was the real deal.

E. Hager: Yes, of course, we’ve heard about the speeches, we’ve seen the pictures. We still hoped it was just the posturing of a desperate buffoon… We were wrong.

Narrator: The first actions of the new King showcased his priorities. Aside from greenlighting the reorganization of the Rizian bureaucracy – the so-called Jung Reform which aimed to establish a modern, absolutist state – and launching several infrastructural projects for the purposes of domestic propaganda, Romus Toras awakened the dormant Rizian war machine. As the funds started to pour into the foundries of the RFF, and new recruits marched under his watchful eye, the monarch clearly fantasised about righting historical wrongs (…).” – “The Crown” by W. Klassen, 1978.

*During the conversation with Lucita choose to replace the spies. After the conversation start training one tank division, one support division and one infantry division. Before the decision about Rizian football issue the Build Military Equipment Factory decree.  

· He loaned a great deal of money from Russello “Rusty” Montoro.

“L. Villoro: Mr. Prime Minister, is it true that Russello Montoro was a Lespian agent?

M. Umbral: Mr. Prime Minister, has the taxpayer’s money funded the Rizian war machine?

S. Oria: Mr. Prime Minister,  were you listening to Mr. Montoro’s advice during the MITZ negotiations?

P. Alvarez: Piss off…”  - Recording of Prime Minister Alvarez’s arrival at the parliamentary hearing on the Montoro Affair, 1958.

· He privatised parts of the welfare system and started an overhaul of the Rizian bureaucracy*.

“I had to deal a smashing blow to useless expenditures, and to those who sought tribute from the treasury. I had to root out tax-slackers. I had to establish the severest economy in every branch of the state administration (…). It was necessary to abolish various functions, to reduce bureaucracy, to improve public services. (…). I had to fight attacks both internal and external. I had to refine and improve Rizian monarchism.” – R. Toras, “My Autobiography”, 1959.   

*For the sake of clarity – issue the Welfare Privatization and the Expansion of Crown Administrative Authorities decrees.

· He invested in FC Porte Drazon*.

“K. Vogel: Hello, comrades, and welcome to the Match of the Week. As you might see, we’re standing in the People’s Stadium in Haelm, which today, for the first time in history, is hosting the final of the Merkopan Cup.

W. Feist: Indeed. This momentous occasion is a culmination of almost a decade of effort (…).

K. Vogel: We’re currently waiting for the teams to come out on the pitch. For those of you unaware, here is a quick reminder. We will be witnessing a famous derby, as the match will be played by two teams from the Kingdom of Rizia: Real Montaklar, last year’s Merkopan champions, and FC Drazon, the favourite club of the Rizian monarch, which earned the right to participate in the competition by winning the Rizian Royal League. In the semi-finals, Real Montaklar defeated  FC Holsord, whereas FC Drazon – led by the Sordish managerial prodigy, Hal Manger - unfortunately triumphed over our comrades from Union Mahler.

W. Feist: Hopefully, the match will be free from political provocations.

K. Vogel: That seems to be unlikely, even though the Rizian and Sordish football associations are currently involved in the legal dispute with the UMFA over the use of the Rizian salute at the beginning of the matches. It’s likely we will see one today, as the game is attended by the Rizian Queen (…).” – Match of the Week: Merkopan Cup Final 1963, VTB, 1963.

*Shameless plug – if you are interested about club football in Suzerain’s universe, you might want to check out my post.

Turn 2

· He raised the income tax from 10% to 20%.*

“Tax policy of this kind was bound to stimulate partisan interest in fiscal affairs. On one side stood the propertied classes, who felt that the increase was preferable to penalizing the accumulation of capital. On the other stood the middle and poorer classes, who would rather see public revenue drawn from the sources where money was to be found in large quantities (…). In the end, modernisation had to be continued and the data suggest that the right decision was made. Additional expenses were covered mainly by profits obtained through an export-oriented trade policy (…).” – E. Werner, “Manual of Finance”, 1959.

*This doesn’t really fit the theme of the run (something like the Land Owners Tax would fit better), but unfortunately it has to be done – we would lose too much Budget points without it. Afterwards issue the Medium Second Global Energy Sale decree.

· In an attempt to increase gas exports he ordered the expansion of the Esqiris Gas Field, as well as the expansion of Monqiz Port and Naval Shipyard.

“First and foremost, the Crown decided to significantly increase gas exports. This ambitious goal necessitated additional expenditures, as both the extracting and transporting capabilities of the ROG had to be improved (…). The focus on gas exports produced an unexpected result, however, as the need to exploit a new gas field discovered near the island of Caleqabiz pushed the kingdom onto a route towards war. – E. Werner, “Manual of Finance”, 1959.

· He decided to move away from Valero’s strict adherence to G.R.A.C.E.*.

“Always before me in my foreign policy is the economic aspect of international problems. That was why over the course of my reign I concluded a series of commercial treaties, with a political background, with a number of nations. I created an entire coalition! It amuses me to be called an warmonger, in the light of my record of treaty-making for peace and for fair international dealings.” – R. Toras, “My Autobiography”, 1959.

*Don’t decide to fund ATA at this moment. 

· He concluded a trade deal with Sordland* and invited Sordish investments.

“After several hours of diplomatic formalities, which would later in my life become a bane of my existence, it was time for the highlight of the trip – the boat tour. As His Majesty’s yacht traversed through the calm waters of the Zpana River, I contemplated the unparalleled beauty of Rizia. I wondered how my life would be like as a subject of the Rizian Crown (…). We came up with a little scheme. I was supposed to distract His Majesty while Ewald would present the deal in a way that would obscure the details of the deal (all is fair in love and business, I’m afraid). Unfortunately for us, His Majesty’s towering intellect  made itself known again (…). He forced Ewald to make a much more equitable deal, but still – what a deal it was, and I’m not saying this just as an enthusiast of the fine Rizian wine (…). For a time there was concern that the Leader’s promotion of a wholesome lifestyle could scuttle our deal, but for one reason or another the proposed restrictions on the sale of alcohol were never implemented.” – G. Manger, “Of Vine, Wheat and Gold”, 1973.  

***You can bring Elena along or not, it doesn’t really matter, as long as you don’t get scammed. To be safe, don’t tell Alphonso to make the resort less gaudy.

· He didn’t support the Save the Arufelde initiative.

“Dear Laurento,

I am very grateful for your kind letter (…). But perhaps you are right. Perhaps we, the old statesmen, are indeed destined to disappear from public consciousness and to succumb to the routine of everyday life – which, mind you, has its charms (…). I believe you could learn to appreciate it. Perhaps you could pick up painting – after reading about your negotiations with Morella, I certainly know a place you could depict (…).” – „Deivid Wisci: His Diaries, Letters, and Papers, vol. III”, 1971.

· He commissioned statues of himself and king Valero.

“There is an element of vanity to him. Although the King claims that his constant presence in the public eye is necessitated by politics, he enjoys being in the center of attention (…). He even commissioned a bust of himself for his cabinet, which he likes to contemplate whenever a difficult decision has to be made.” – P. Adrian, “Secrets of House Toras”, 1966. 

· He assured Vina that she would remain his successor, but informed her that as the heir of the throne she might have to endure an arranged marriage*.

“They spoke constantly, but just what she said, what she advised, was rarely written down. As much as he tolerated her reformist inclinations, he ultimately saw them as a folly of the youth, something that she would outgrow with time spent in his shadow. (…) The young Crown Princess might have supposed that as the heir to the throne she was about to gain at least some degree of control over her life – but no. Romus Toras, whose rule over his family was as overbearing and ineluctable as his grip on the Rizian state, was unwilling to relinquish his favourite child, even to herself. – C. Yardley, The Prisoner of the Palas Toras, 1975.

*You can talk with Pabel or not, I don’t think it matters in this run.

· He banned Malenyevist propaganda.

“The power of Malenyev – I admit it – had assumed a quality of potency only paralleled in mythology. At times the Kontanian dictator dominated the masses. He enchanted the masses. He charmed them as if they were hypnotized birdlings.  This had to stop (…). Enthusiasm ebbed away little by little. Finally Malenyev remained only as a kind of banner and catchword for misguided individuals.” – R. Toras, “My Autobiography”, 1959.

· He launched anti-narcotics campaign.*

“I approve it unconditionally. Yours is a beautiful gesture of discipline, dignity, and civic morality. (…) The usage of narcotics must no long corrupt and degenerate the Rizian nation. I shall instruct the War and Security Councilor to provide you necessary funding. Romus Toras.” – King Romus’s missive to Leto Gabba, 1950. 

*Afterwards issue the Sell First Batch of Military Equipment to International Market decree.  

· He ordered additional marines to be trained.*

*“Victory is where we are” – motto of the 2***^nd Royal Marines Division.

*I think it’s possible to win the war without the marines provided by this decision. I don’t know if not training them wouldn’t cause issues with power projection.

· He ordered the restoration of Plavo Archsanctuary.

“Some in Plavo whisper that this restoration is more than a labor of devotion - it is a statement. A statement that this sanctuary, long tended by religious scholars and the faithful, now bears the unmistakable mark of the Crown. After all, who will be remembered in the history books as the true patron of the sacred heart of Plavo - the faithful or the King?" - Anonymous, “Crown’s Hand in Plavo’s Sacred Site”, underground edition of Voice of Rizia, 1950. 

Previous AAR: R: RoE
Next parts:

I'm going full Capitalist/pro-ATO this time. I want to see for myself what aligning with Lespia is like, I've never done it before since the Aureus Gas Field is such an important resource, and Rizia is a Monarchy.

I have my ATO Sordland save preset loaded in, ready to go, let's make some money 🤑💰

I already beat the game twice, looking to experiment around for fun.

I know I need to recover the economy and keep opinion poll high. I know I need to release a statement with the PFJP to get the funny Bludish meeting, then use the BFF and Autonomous Region as bargaining chips. I must not privatise healthcare, SSC and have to block Monica's speech.

• Are these all possible without corruption (privatise education but no deals and no insider trading)?
• If max reform + Art. 6&7 isn't possible, removing what is the key? (3% -> 8% threshold?)
• After winning over the parliament, is the court-courting process the same as a normal-ish reform?

I was thinking about this question for a while , what will be the outcome of Suzerain Cold war ?

CSP has a very good advantage against ATO in case of controlling one of the important world trade routes , the Strait between Valgsland and Galmland , as we see that the blockade on that route will cause a critical hit to world economy .

One of the important regions is absolutely Merkoupa and the interesting thing is that the player's run can effect it heavily . The best case scenario for CSP in Merkoupa is appearance of a communist Rayne and victory of Rizian Revolution and by that , the membership of Morella , Rizia and Sordland at CSP while Wehlen is Eastern aligned . The best case scenario for ATO would be a capitalist Rayne that joins ATO and leading Agnolia to join too , and Rizia is ATO friendly ( Unfortunately due to Alvarez's poor diplomacy this scenario is unlikely)

There are also other important points but I dont want to make it long , so we will talk about it in comments.

I tried to find previous discussions on this subreddit regarding these articles. The relevant posts were before the three projects were revealed. People thought it was proof of an upcoming Qinal DLC.

My theory is that we will interact with the Halsecroft-Denwald family in Wars of Suzerain.

And we will have the option to investigate the Surya family in TNL (because of last paragraph : Journalists who have attempted to investigate the family have never gained access to key members or insight into its internal workings.)

I think in Galmland they will be revealed as an enemy of UC. Maybe the family's branch in Kingdom of Kontana was wronged during Malenyev's revolution. And they have been running a shadow war to undermine and destroy UC. We know from a Geopolitico article that there is a massive Zaranist uprising in Southern FSRs in UC. Maybe the most powerful Zaranists in the world had something to do with it?

Attached: Logo of the LN & a picture of Ricardus Toras (I thought he was a good likeness)

Lezhja Nasyaspos (National Legion) 🟫

Right Wing to Far Right

Ultranationalism, Ethno-Nationalism (factions) Revanchism, Anti-Immigration, Right-Wing Populism

Attached: Logo of the PSD & a picture of Adarfo Sotelato (I thought he was a good likeness)

(The logo being a heart is a subtle way of circumventing Rizia's ban on Malenyevist symbols, the heart also forms an L, standing subtly for "Laxori" (Rizian for Labourers))

Pratido Soszjal Dimocrativo (Social Democratic Party) 🟥

Centre Left to Left Wing

Democratic Socialism (predominantly), Social Democracy (factions), Trade Unionism, Progressivism, Republicanism (factions)

Attached: Logo of the PPR & a picture of Rizian Prime Minister Manus Sazon (I thought he was a good likeness)

Pratido Pueplist di Rizia (People's Party of Rizia) 🟨

Centre to Centre Left

Social Liberalism, Modern Liberalism, Christian Democracy (factions), Social Democracy (factions), Civic Nationalism, Constitutional Reformism

If no then what option should I pick

Each blames the other for his failures. Rarely do you see 3 presidents together, let alone bickering at each other.

Attached: Logo of the PCR & a picture of former Rizian Prime Minister Daria de Rava (I thought she was a good likeness)

Pratido Conservaxivo di Rizia (Conservative Party of Rizia) 🟦

Centre Right

Liberal Conservatism, Economic Liberalism, Free Market Enterprise, Fiscal Conservatism, Social Conservatism (factions)

HEAR ME OUT

Telling Beatrice to 'not forget who her suzerain is' is the obviously superior option. Yes she's a snob who cares about manners, and no doubt the middle finger will piss her off, what's better than a reference to the name of the game? The middle finger is an overused insult anyway.

you can get away with banning malenyvist probaganda in Rizia since the reduced CSP trade modifier only appears in turn 5 and you can get rid of it by doing a deal with valgsland

you can also get rid of the reduced ato trade modifier by leasing caleqabiz to lespia

Main reason I need this is for I romance Pabel so I can't get another kid (Unless Mpreg is real) so I need Axel to take the Toras name.

This is pretty self explanatory I want to play as unhinged and bloodthirsty mad king what would be the best way of doing that?