Austria (Nebula)
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Overview
Austria, officially the Austrian Empire, was a sovereign nation in Europe during Earthpol Version 4 (Nebula). At its peak, the nation was one of the most populous and active on the server. An absolute monarchy led by Kaiser Keplr_, the nation was a prominent member of the Holy Roman Empire and later the German Confederation. Austria also contained Feldkirch, one of the server's largest towns with 46 residents at its peak. The capital, Vienna, is known for the Great Imperial Austrian Palace, constructed by Atomica_ (later Sir_Atom).
History
Austria formed as an idea between Keplr_ and Atomica_ (later Sir_Atom). The duo were well-known across the server for their experience. Initially creating the town "Wien" (as Vienna was taken), the nation started rather poor, lacking a major economy. However, Keplr_ and Atomica_ set to work - Atomica_ started the construction of the Great Austrian Imperial Palace, which would finish almost a month later. Keplr_(Now Franz15) recruited many residents to Wien, and later obtained a merge with the original "Vienna", kickstarting the nation's progress.
Rebranding to Archduchy
After Austria updated its claims to cover Dalmatia and more territories, it was decided the nation would become an Archduchy. Around this time, the nation also joined the Holy Roman Empire (HRE), alongside Bohemia, Prussia and (later) Saxony. Later on, on the 28th of October, the Archduchy of Austria officially became the Austrian Empire, as a Kaiserdom.
Siege of Vaduz
Austria one day saw a new nation on their doorsteps, Liechtenstein. Before Liechtenstein was made, Austria actually claimed the land making up the nation, but since they had no towns there, it was too late. Proposals were made to make Liechtenstein a vassal but Liechtenstein declined. This didn't matter much until the very important city of Feldkirch was founded. The town had no room to expand, and since Liechtenstein was a semi-inactive nation by this point, Austria decided to siege the nation's capital, Vaduz, and make more room for Feldkirch to expand. Initially, the siege was a disaster for the Austrians, who faced many losses. However, after getting help from Hungary, Romania, and the town of Pardubice, Austria triumphed in the siege. Triesenberg, another Liechtensteiner town, was annexed into Austria as an integral part of the nation - Franz15 also declared that the city would be treated the same as all other cities in Austria.
Tensions with Saxony
One day, a player called Greven_av_kozebo joined Vienna. He seemed to be a normal player at the start but when Franz15 went offline, he started wrecking havoc and started killing Graz's citizens. Furious, the mayor of the town of Graz, Ethanz06, decided to join Saxony, another growing nation, while still staying inside Austrian claims. Austria was not happy with Saxony for allowing Graz to join their nation, and after the situation was taken to the HRE, Graz eventually joined back Austria themselves, and relations were re-established.
Rebellion of Linz and other separatist movements
As the server progressed, tensions started rising between the members of the HRE and a new group, who called themselves Wakanda. This would eventually lead to the famous Siege of Wakanda, one of the largest sieges in the server's history. Austria would aid in the siege by providing potions, armor, and sending their citizens to cap at the banner. This included the citizens of Linz who, unbeknownst to Franz15, were secretly on the enemy's side. They went and point-feeded the enemy by removing their armor and dying repeatedly. After Franz15 noticed this, he removed the players' private ranks. This infuriated Linz, who left the nation, declaring it a "Fascist regime". They joined Isralestan, a nation on the opponents' side in the siege of Wakanda. The rebellion of Linz would kickstart a series of revolts from the empire, signaling her downfall.
Independence movement in Graz
The mayor of Graz, Ethanz06 decided that Franz15 was not a leader worthy of the Austrian Empire - hence he declared independence, forming the Graz Empire. As Graz was the center of military for the empire, Franz15 and his royal army was unable to suppress the revolt. Although Austria requested help from the HRE, mostly Bohemia for reinforcements and stability in the HRE realm, SkippZ_(the emperor of the HRE) declined the offer and stayed neutral as his secret plans to move to Crete were near the end.
The Feldkirch Seperatist Movement
The 2nd Kanzler of the Empire and mayor of Felkirch, te3t decided that he would be a better Kaiser of the empire than Franz15 - therefore he sent an ultimatum that unless he is crowned Kaiser and Feldkirch becomes the capital of Austria, he would declare independence. The Kaiser refused but he was still unable to control the situation due to lack of military forces. te3t formed the Alpine Empire, soon merging with Saxony(now Deutschland) and also persuading the other Austrian separatist towns to join it.
Fall of the Reich
The Empire's most active personnel, the citizens of Innsbruck, decided to head to Jerusalem forming the Jerusalem Empire. Now the empire was a city state union of Vienna and Warsaw. A few days later, Franz15 declared the death of the Empire and decided to move to Cilicia with his Cabinet. The Empire lasted 57 days, being the 2nd largest nation on the server at its peak.
The Kaiser of the empire, Keplr_(later Franz15), held the following titles:
"By the Grace of God, the Emperor of Austria, His Crown Majesty of Dalmatia, Belgrade, Suceava, York, Warsaw, and Neu Tirol, Archduke of Austria, the Rightful lord of the House of Habsburg, Protector of the Catholic Faith and of the German People, Kaiser Keplr_. Long live the Empire! (The Empire fell after 13 days the title was announced)"
Austria fell on the 7th of November, 2021. Vienna was sold to the Mughal empire for 5,000 gold.
Claims
Austria functioned as a union of the Archduchy of Austria and the 'Habsburg crown territories under Kaiser Keplr_. Below are the crown territories under Austria:
- Belgrade
- Suceava
- York
- Warsaw
- Neu Tirol (Greenland)
Other information
In May 2025, Austria was nominated and selected by the community to be one of the nations featured in the Earthpol Hall of Fame.
