Gaiaterra: Elysea's Conflict/The Federation of Aquila

"In The Eagle's Freedom!"

- The voice when Aquila is selected in the Conquest mode.

The Federation of Aquila are one of the twenty-one core factions in Gaiaterra: Elysea's Conflict. This factions focuses on combination of highly technological tactics, superior firepower (including laser weaponry), expeditionary warfare, and a large, versatile, powerful ground, air and naval units as a military alliance.

Description
"Through Liberty, We Trust!"

-A motto of The Federation of Aquila

The Federation of Aquila established its independence after Andoran, Ferelden, Edinburgh and Orlais colonists rose up against their colonial masters in the late 1555 V.C. Rapid industrialization in the later years was accompanied by territorial expansion and scientific innovation. By the 1917 V.C. it is considered a "Great Power".

In the 1940s V.C. and 1950s V.C., the Socialist Union of Voshkod, under the leadership of the Garlean Family, began aggressively expanding their territories, invading Aquila, Europa, Thedas, Aselia, Andora, Zemuria and even Ulthuan at the same time, joining alliances with their long time ally, the Ascalian Monarchy and the Lustrians, and installing communist satellite governments in some parts of the world (particularly the Embry Archipelago). This sparks the Great Voshkod-Aquilan War, which that last for three years with Aquila being the most involvement of the major players in that conflict.

The Federation of Aquila had long been considered the leading superpower in Gaiaterra and a founding member of the Guardians of the Tacitus organization, following their victory against the Socialist Union of Voshkod and their allies in the Great Voshkod-Aquilan War of 1953-1958 V.C. Though in the aftermath of a surprise Heralds, disguised as MLA, bombing that devastated their eastern states had caused the nation to close their borders and hide for a few decades in what would be known as "The Period Of Shame" when it would face its greatest enemy since the Voshkod of the GVAW with the Moonlight Liberation Army.

In 2008 V.C., the Elsword Empire engaged this group as it grew in strength throughout Cantha and the Kalimdor; the beginning of a War Against the MLA. Soon the Aquilans would once again join conflicts in the regions; by TDAP troops would be deployed to Darnassus under the Guardians Such would go on to be the final crack to the Aquilans' foundation however.

In the same year, the Aquilans would bite the bullet when the MLA hoisted them by their own petard. Taking control the Sophitia-based Particle Cannon Uplink, the hijackers deployed the weapon against the AFS Franklin, stationed in the (Aegean). This was a great blow to Aquilan prestige but worse was yet to come. The Heralds, disguised as the MLA, immediately struck the west coast of the Aquilan States, stealing various chemical and biological weapons. Aquila had never been invaded by a terrorist organization in this way before and many believed the Aquilan were "impregnable". Culminating in the MLA disguised Heralds carpet bombing the west coast with toxin bombs that resulted in millions of civilian casualties.

Heavy losses, an attack on Aquilan soil, and extreme debt with millions of citizens at home unemployed and homeless would see hundreds of thousands take to the streets in protest to demand their government do something about the dreadful economy. The war with the MLA would see the Aquilans having spent billions of dollars on advanced weapons projects such as the F/B-40 Aurora, many of which would be rushed into service and prove deficient or inadequate for what was demanded of them. Its populace would demand someone be held accountable for such wastefulness.

Without the backing of its people, the Aquilans could fight no longer. President Howard Ackerman would declare 'zero hour' in the summer of ; every overseas Aquilan service member would return home and they will cut ties with the Alliance, and the Guardians of the Tacitus as a whole, for a "tactical re-evaluation of military deployment", which essentially meant retreat.

While well-meaning, the sudden withdrawal of Aquilan troops caused much of Hawke to be devastated by the MLA. The Aquilan CENTCOM Hawke Base in Lastonbell, Aselia, was overrun by the MLA, who looted its high-tech military hardware for their own means. Global opinion considered this a defeat. After the Alliance and Empire won the war with massive losses, the Aquilans decided to isolate themselves from the world and were forced to order their forces to pull out from overseas to strengthen homeland security and rebuild their influence. Rumors said that the Congress was furious over their humiliating defeat, leaving the Alliance and the Republic to rebuild in fear of the Voshkod attacking at their weakened state. Afterwards, the former (Anglo-Saxon) superpower went into "hibernation" (isolationism) and cut every activity outside its home territory except for mere trade (Aquilan-based social media still runs, but any accounts and content related to the Aquilanis hidden from foreign users), never to be heard on the world stage anymore...

After the war, the Aquilan economy would remain in shambles and the country was forced into isolation. While the MLA was eventually defeated by the Alliance and Empire, the situation was anything but pretty. Burning through three ineffective administrations in five years, one of which was ended with an assassination by a former Aquilan Marine, it was not until Michael Dugan was elected in that the country would effectively institute change. A period that is known as the "Renewed New Deal". Focus on improving the welfare of their citizens, increased security and surveillance that reduced crime rates, and the complete reorganization of the decadent education and healthcare services managed to stabilize the Aquilan economy.

But in would see the Andoran Republic invade MLA-controlled (North Africa) under Operation 'Nemesis'. The Aquilan, seeking a return to the world stage, procured several profitable business deals and defense contracts with (African nations) in southern and western (Africa). This would help secure a prominent position in global politics for the nation and thus begin its return to superpower status.

In 2012 V.C., the Aquilan obtained word of an alleged Voshkod Imploder missile silo near (South Sudan). President Donovan Giordano contacted Beijing and both agreed that Voshkod was overstepping their bounds. They created the Peace Alliance, and joined forces in Operation 'Double Tap', commanded by General Jeremiah Bradley. The Battle of Kurmuk ended in disaster, as the nuclear silo turned out to be an experimental super-large iron particle cannon that absolutely decimated the Empire force leaving the smaller Aquilan force to fight alone. However, Premier Lunafreya would not declare war, but the battle would sour the already hated relations between the Aquilan and Voshkod for a long time.

An Andoran Solaris satellite crashed in Eskima in 2016 V.C. A brief shootout occurred between the Eskiman National Guard, Voshkod Spetsnaz and Orlais paratroopers, straining relations between the three superpowers further. In (2045), Voshkod formally declared war on the Republic. The Aquilan would observe the war closely with their special forces under the command of General Francis Thorn on the ground. It was the Republic Solaris attacks on their own soil that saw President Dugan, a hawkish, anti-Voshkod president holding office, declare war on Voshkod and assist the Eorzeans. The eagle flying once again.

Its military might would become unprecedented; defense spending equaling that of the next founders of the Guardians of the Tacitus combined for years to follow. Toppling against opposing nations and rooting out world-class pro-Balthazar and other hostile organizations, it seemed Aquila had taken up position as a 'world defender' alongside other Tacitus-affiliated nations.

The military of the Federation of Aquila is composed of highly trained men and women utilizing advanced technology. The Aquilans employs several robotic units and various technologies in an attempt to avoid unnecessary loss of life. This does come at a price however, as Aquilan units are often more costly than their counterparts of other Tacitus-affilated armies. What sets the Aquilan forces apart is their flexibility and durability in battle. Together, these traits make the Aquilan military a force to be reckoned with.

The Federation of Aquila has also a political structure that inspires the constitution and ideological values like liberty, capitalism, patriotism, loyalism, security and prosperity to keep the peace and its survival accordingly.

Tactics
The Federation of Aquila is an technologically advanced nation, and generally fights with a combination of highly technological tactics, superior firepower (including laser weaponry), expeditionary warfare, and a large, versatile, powerful ground, air and naval units as a military alliance. In order to defeat its enemies and their tactics, its military power relies on skill, mobility, and advanced technology.

Lore Articles

 * Aquila under Colonization
 * The Aquilan Independence of 1555 V.C.
 * The Culture of Aquila
 * The Great Voshkod-Aquilan War of 1953-1958 V.C.
 * Aquila after the Great Voshkod-Aquilan War
 * Operation Desert Rage
 * The Federal Aquilan Armed Forces
 * Federal Aquila Navy
 * Federal Aquila Marine Corps
 * Federal Aquila Air Forces
 * The Task Forces of Aquila
 * The Aquilan People
 * The Command
 * The Task Forces of Aquila
 * The 40 States of Aquila
 * Laser Weaponry
 * Microwave Weaponry
 * Cold Fusion Technology
 * Development of Drone Warfare
 * The Particle Cannon Story
 * The Renewed New Deal
 * Comicbook Heroes
 * Aquilan Characters

Before 2015 V.C.

 * Alliance of Hawke: Allied
 * Andoran Republic: Friendly
 * Aion Defense Initiative: Friendly
 * Elsword Empire: Neutral
 * Community of Cantha: Friendly
 * Socialist Union of Voshkod: At War
 * Aristocracy of Encantadia: At War
 * Moonlight Liberation Army: Hostile
 * Great Horde: Hostile
 * Regal Sultanate of Elona: At War
 * Necromunda Insurgents: Hostile
 * Lumeris Syndicate: Mixed
 * Heralds of Chaos: Unknown
 * Tyrian Confederation: Hostile

Notable locations

 * The Command
 * McGarren D.C.
 * McGarren Military Academy Base

Notable characters

 * Lt. Eva Lee: Aquilan Communications Officer (EVA)
 * Abigail Steamfox: Aquilan Communications Officer (1953-1958 V.C.)
 * Michael Dugan: President of Aquila
 * Sophia Alexandra: Vice President
 * Evelyn Field: General Secretary
 * Goldlewis Dickinson: Secretary of Defense
 * General Benjamin Carville: Previous Chief of Staff (1977 V.C. to 2004 V.C.)
 * General Mike Clegg: Current Chief of Staff (2004 V.C. to present)
 * Vince Michaelson: Field Marshal
 * John Keller: Command of Defense Head
 * Gregory McGarren: The Founding Father of Aquila
 * Joseph Conti
 * Jonathan O'Neill
 * Richard Woolsey
 * Colonel Louise James
 * Colonel Roy Campbell
 * Francis "Chessmaster" Thorn
 * Eugene "Guile" Griffon
 * Jeremiah "Treads" Bradley
 * Agent Jack Burns
 * Jason Richter
 * Clarke Griffin
 * Braden Wilkins
 * Sabrina Washington
 * Jack Ryan
 * Alicia Fletcher
 * Martin Walker
 * William Lennox
 * Wayne Dylan "D-Day" Davis
 * Samantha Carter
 * Mark Bannon
 * Adrian Shepard
 * Pete "Maverick" Mitchell
 * William Bishop
 * Christa Sugimoto
 * Robert Epps
 * Warren Fueller
 * Marcus Griggs
 * Scott Mitchell
 * Kathryn Whiteford
 * Douglas Hill
 * Malcolm Granger
 * Gregory "Pinpoint" Townes
 * Alexis Alexander
 * George D. Ironside
 * Howard T. Ackerman
 * Frank Woods
 * David "Section" Mason
 * Sandman

Legendary Generals

 * Aya "Themiscyra" Breane: General of the Task Force Eve
 * Theo "Trickster" Ross: General of the Task Force Apollo
 * Jacob Ferdinand "Phoenix" Kametz: General of the Task Force Eagle
 * Michael "Fenrir" Blazkowicz II: General of the Task Force Wolf

Commandos

 * Tanya Adams: Task Force Eve Commando
 * Lee Ferguson: Task Force Apollo Commando
 * Marian Hawke: Task Force Eagle Commando
 * Colonel Burton: Task Force Wolf Commando

Sub-factions

 * Task Force Eve:
 * Task Force Apollo:
 * Task Force Eagle:
 * Task Force Wolf:

Arsenal
Main Article: Gaiaterra: Elysea's Conflict/Aquila Arsenal

Tiering Up
Although not necessarily a true weakness, the Aquilans has an obligation to follow DEFCON procedures and must earn a higher General's Promotion rank and spend money to raise its level to allow access to later Tiers.

Army Of Today, Army Of Tomorrow
At the start of the match, the commander must choose between the Conventional and Futuristic army before they can start building. With almost all of their upgrades and units, including their Epics, depends on which tech was chosen. And, similar to the paths of chaos, once select it cant be changed.


 * Conventional: Using the tried and true firepower and modern technology. The Conventional army are equipped with rather mundane if advance, weaponry that is cheaper, quicker to build, and consumes less power in general but needs more upgrades to become more effective.
 * Futuristic: Using bleeding-edge technology of Aquilan science and ingenuity. The Futuristic army has access to powerful if experimental weapons and equipment, such as lasers and microwaves, that makes their forces faster, stronger, and provides powerful abilities and disabling effects at the cost of being more expensive and becoming more dependant on energy.

Support Drones
Having advanced rapidly when they isolated themselves the Aquila have managed to mass produce small "helper" drones such as Repair Drones and Stinger Drones to be used as companions for Aquilan vehicles and vessels, and in the case of Task Force Eve for their own infantry too, in order to increase survivability and versatility.

Battle Plans
Being the core of the Federation war machine, the Aquilans need flexibility when it comes to combating hostile forces. Drawing upon the nation's military philosophies, Aquilan command has assembled 3 major "Doctrines" for their forces to use in field operations to suit the changing conditions of battle and maximize their ability to survive and complete their missions.

Battle Plans can be activated once the Strategy Center is built to give associated perks that act as free upgrades so long as the doctrine is active, allowing one to amplify a certain element of their forces. Battle Plans can be improved via the "Clearance" level to make the associated perks better. There are six clearance levels, the first, all perks are weak and the six all perks are at maximum potential.

Changing doctrines is free but has a cooldown as troop equipment, modifications and new supplies takes time to change out:
 * Deep Strike: The Strategy Center deploys a large-caliber, long-ranged howitzer, allowing it to provide heavy fire support on the area around it. All combat units initially gain 20% additional damage and artillery gain 50% bonus to their firing rate.
 * Take And Hold: The Strategy Center is heavily fortified with sandbags, doubling its armor and allows it to shrug off all but the heaviest attacks. All units initially gain 25% additional armor strength and 15% morale.
 * Surgical Assault: A set of complicated antennae are unfolded from the top of the Strategy Center, revealing a large area around it by doubling its sight radius. All units inintially gain 20% additional sight radius and weapon range and also nullify negative stats when fighting on Night.

Structures
Basic Structures Defense and Support structures

Trivia

 * The Aquilans are based on our humans (Homo Sapiens) and the faction itself is entirely the USA from Command & Conquer Generals and the subsequent mods (Rise of the Reds, Contra, Untitled, Operation Firestorm, End of Days and Shockwave) including Generals Evolution mod for Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, Company of Heroes 1 and 2, Act of War and the High Treason expansion (alongside Task Force Talon) and Act of Aggression (original and Reboot) and the Northern American Coalition Strike Force from World Axletree mod for Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2.
 * A closeup portrait of Tanya Adams is shown with blue background at the back in between the shadows of the great eagle with aquila's factional emblem, at the top, and the background with an army of Rangers, Abrams Tanks, Humvees, Bradley IFVs, and NLOS-Cs, and a squadron of Comanches, F-22 Raptors and a B-3 Wyvern at the far background, shown at the bottom. So this art design from top to bottom is for the Aquila variant box art of Gaiaterra: Elysea's Conflict.
 * Their technology split is a reference to the US military tendency to make experimental and conventional equipments. And the USA in Generals mods being split between conventional forces (ROTR, End of days) or using cutting edge technology bordering on sci-fi (Contra and Untitled).
 * Their Sub-factions, and their playstyle, are based on what the various USA factions in RTS.
 * Task Force Wolf: Ironside from Shockwave, Armored Company from Company of Heroes, Bradley from Rise of the Reds
 * Task Force Eve: Thorn from Rise of the Reds, Infantry Company from Company of Heroes, Special Operations Command from the End of Days, Task Force Talon, Wilson from Operation Firestorm, and Ironhand from Contra, though with less overt cybernetics, in all-woman/Amazon Brigade form.
 * Task Force Eagle: Granger from Generals, Griffon from Rise of the Reds and Airborne Company from Company of Heroes
 * Task Force Apollo: Combination of Townes and Alexander and Ironside from Operation Firestorm