The Velvetian Union

The Velvetian Union, commonly known as the Vs or Azurians, is an independence-seeking group in Arcadia claiming its unrecognized nation, the Republic of Azuria, to be independent from Arcadian rule. This group, the de facto government of the Republic of Azuria, operates partially in exile - While it has a semblance of "authority" in its claimed territory, that being the provinces of East and West Azure in Lemuria, most of its projected political power comes from extranational offices, while it does retain a number of military assets in the region. Its history is pockmarked with political and rebellious incidents.

Historically, the two provinces were settled mainly by Georgians, Turkic peoples, and Saturnians. It happened to be the second region of the planet ever settled, so it had an influential bargaining point. The idea of independence is also reinforced by the fact that planet Arcadia's different provinces were granted much autonomy during the first decade of colonization to decentralize in order to focus on development. With integration into Arcadia's centralized system, the Velvetians, as they had begun to identify themselves as, were resistant to this process and openly protested the move. Forming the provisional government of Azuria, the group elected Ketevan Rhea as its state minister.

Arcadia's Capital Assembly debated the issue for several months. It was eventually decided that maintaining regional autonomy was the best move. While lacking the ability to form external diplomatic relations such as establishing embassies, the Republic of Azuria would be allowed to operate itself, as would its economy. The 2 provinces also had full representation in government, despite the rocky legal grounds and possible foreign incursion for an autonomous region at the time. However, in spite of what they were given, they took the decision to the Cardinal Forum in 2141 to debate it. In the ruling Azuria v. Arcadia, it was officiated that the Velvetians' status as an autonomous region was to be upheld.

The "republic" took the loss, and sectionalism began to slowly grow. Various diplomatic incidents occurred through the next decades, notably with the complete nationalization of economic activity and violent, provocative civil actions in 2187. The most recent issue, and quite possibly the most serious thus far, is the harboring of Arcadian criminals and granting them amnesty under an unrecognized international government. Arcadia moved to revoke the Republic of Azuria's autonomous status in 2187, and the region started to see an increase in security forces and police actions in the wake of its harboring of criminals. In the 2190s, with the rise of the Insurrection in the colonies, the Azurians aligned with rebellious ideals for a time. As Arcadia faced little of the actual rebellion, nothing severe came of Azuria either. However, during the Insurrection and around 7 years after, Arcadia blockaded what it deemed a rebellious province. In response, the unrecognized state's population began, and continues, to be supplemented by mercenaries and opportunists. There has also been a rise in criminal activity in the largest population areas.

Most recently was the large amount of violence in the nearby continent Eire, where pro-Azurian militants led demonstrations that tended to break down into riots. The riots were bearable until the Palisade City Riot in 2249. The demonstration began rather peacefully, with increased police presence to prepare for violence. However, nobody was prepared for the horrific actions to be unfolding that evening. In the late afternoon, some protestors began acting erratic. The more skeptical were quick to jump on the possibility of federal interference. Regardless, the riots began in the western portion of the city and slowly pushed eastward. Absolute destruction followed the crowds, with government buildings lying in tatters and actively burning. Rioters also raided several police stations and seized equipment. Riot police were no match for the advancing crowds. In the meantime, more people were preparing to participate. Unmarked vehicles began appearing in the coastal city center and offloading several hundred more people. With fresh manpower, the crowd tore through the city's streets and attacked storefronts, parks, skyscrapers, cars, and more. Most businesses began barricading themselves inside. Guards for some of the large businesses began firing on rioters as they surged. It wasn't until later that night that national guard troops were mobilized and began using military force on the rioters. The tide was finally turning, with the situation put under control early the next morning.

Despite their obvious economic troubles, the government has secured a large amount of firepower, armor, and augments, as well as a small amount of weaponized vehicles. This has not sparked any armed confrontations between it and Arcadia, although this has the possibility of changing at any time - While not officially discovered, investigations have uncovered possible collaboration with certain outside nations. What has been confirmed is that smaller security firms have provided Azuria with weaponry, all of which Arcadia has discontinued business with.