Commonwealth of Viserjanta

The Braided Dragon, flag of the Commonwealth

Current map of the Commonwealth

**Viserjanta**, officially the **Commonwealth of Viserjanta** (Common Viserjantan: *Nesahraya unti Viserjanta*) is an island nation in the eastern hemisphere of Eromora on the eastern periphery of the **Kadasi Ocean**. It consists of over 10,000 islands of varying sizes, the largest of which are the three central islands of **Wedah**, **Ambang**, and **Vayas**. According to latest census figures, the permanent population of Viserjanta stands at **9,750,000**. There is also an additional itinerant population of roughly **550,000** at any given time throughout the country. This makes Viserjanta one of the most populated nations in the region.

Although called a commonwealth, Viserjanta is in fact a constitutional elected monarchy. Its lands are divided into 16 provinces, all of which are granted varying levels of autonomy. The capital of **Mersawas** is the most populated city in Viserjanta. This also makes the island upon which it sits, **Janta**, the most densely populated island in the Commonwealth. Viserjanta shares no land borders with any other polity. However, it shares maritime borders with **Yataki**, **Iyupattan** and the **Freeborn Republics** to the north, **Kau Maheka** and **Walamboong** to the south, and **Ngansuru** to the west.

For millennia, the **Viserjantan Archipelago** has proven to be vital to regional trade. A vast majority of its islands a rich in a wide variety of natural resources, most notably minerals and timber. As such, Viserjanta was historically a common target for foreign invasions. Throughout its history, Viserjanta has been partially or entirely conquered no less than 3 times. It has fought multiple significant wars against almost every one of its immediate neighbours. These periods of strife are punctuated by lasting periods of peace, marked by golden ages known for rapid advances in the fields of science, culture, and art.

Over a thousand different ethnicities and cultural groups exist within Viserjanta's borders, with **Vayasan Viserjantan** being the largest. The Commonwealth celebrates this diversity, but also promotes unity through the introduction of a common language, Common Viserjantan, as well as the practice of syncretising various customs into an overall Viserjantan culture. This is aided by a shared history of resisting foreign invasion and occupation. Recently, this unity was tested by the **War of the Reformers**, the devastating result of decades of rapid socioeconomic, cultural, and political change. The Commonwealth, under the leadership of **High Queen Daraya II**, emerged victorious at great cost. Peace, however, is expected to last for the foreseeable future due to the total defeat of all anti-reformist elements.

## **Etymology**

The name *Viserjanta* is derived from the Old Viserjantan name, *Wesahrakehsulal Janda*, which roughly translates to "The Alliance founded on Janda"*.* Archival records show that this ancient name was in use up until as late as 950 years ago, albeit by then solely in a ceremonial context. The earliest use of *Viserjanta* in official records are dated to roughly 1,100 years ago. Although pronunciations have changed over the years, the pictographs used would still be recognisable to modern Viserjantans.

## **Geography**

### **Climate**

Straddling the equator, Viserjanta experiences a tropical climate that remains relatively stable throughout the year. Temperatures and humidity levels range from middling to high. Colder and drier subtropical climates exist in the mountainous highlands (defined as above 1,500 feet above sea level). Viserjanta receives high amounts of annual precipitation, although this is more pronounced during the **Storm Season** which falls on the ending months of the year, and typically stretching early into the beginning of the next. The severity of the season differs from region to region. Generally, the western islands are not as badly affected as the eastern and central islands. Highlands and lowlands shielded by the mountains are also largely spared from the worst of the storms.

Tropical storms and typhoons are common hazards during the Storm Season. Despite flood-prevention and wind-protection measures taken by coastal settlements, such occurrences can still cause heavy damage and loss-of-life when they make landfall. This is especially true for smaller, lesser-developed settlements. Heavy rainfall can also cause rivers to break their banks, causing severe flooding of low-lying areas. These dangers are less significant out at sea. The disruptions caused by such storms, however, can result in unpredictable waves and sudden changes to currents. Although more of a nuisance in open waters, these become life-threatening issues within the countless straits and crossings of the Commonwealth.

### **Geology**

Much of Viserjanta is tectonically unstable, which makes volcanic activity and earthquakes frequent occurrences. There are approximately 350 known volcanoes across all of Viserjanta. Of that number, 15 are known to still be active. An average of 30 lava- and ash-ejecting events are recorded annually, along with roughly 100 earthquakes of varying magnitudes. These are mostly inconsequential and benign happenings, with a major disaster occurring roughly every few decades. Even rarer are truly catastrophic events, of which only 2 has been recorded in history. One, is the **Vasenyan Sea Earthquake** almost 1,700 years ago, which destroyed large parts of Viserjanta. The other is the **Eruption of Mount Tasawas** 550 years ago, which wiped out almost a third of the then-population of Viserjanta.

It is because of such violent upheavals of earth that Viserjanta is rich in minerals, ores, and gems. They are particularly prevalent closer towards the highlands, sometimes buried only beneath a thin layer of dirt and loose rock. Deposits can also be found offshore in shallows and the coastal seabed. Volcanic ash expelled during eruptions can be disruptive to agriculture, but also makes for fertile soils once they settle. Historically, this has allowed the Viserjantan islands to sustain much higher populations than what their sizes would suggest.

### **Flora and Fauna**

The size of Viserjanta, coupled with its climate, fertile lands, and archipelagic nature allows it to support a high level of biodiversity. Prior to human settlement, large species such as **Slipper Sharks**, **Spiral Whales**, **Wedahan Elephants**, and **Ambangan Rhinos** thrived on and around the central islands. Their numbers have since declined sharply due to a variety of reasons, chief amongst which are habitat destruction and over-hunting. Such animals can still be found in more remote areas, such as the dense jungles and forests of the interior which have been largely left untouched, and deeper waters further from shore. Islands on the frontiers, which have been historically isolated and separate from the rest of Viserjanta, are host to more exotic creatures.

Viserjanta's extensive size and range allows it to play host to a wide range of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, marshlands, river deltas, cloud forests, coastal reefs, beaches, and seagrass flats. Flora endemic to the Commonwealth range from towering **Kaskari Raintrees** standing tall over canopies, to vibrant and colourful **Dragon's Wings Corals** swaying in the coastal wash, to **Spiderleg Willows** anchoring themselves into swampy earth against storms. Wild grains such as **cereals**, **rice**, **millet**, and **barley** can be found growing alongside wildflowers and tall grass across Viserjanta.

Due to population growth and rapid industrialisation, environmental degradation has become a severe issue. Large swathes of jungle and forest have been cleared through cutting and burning to make way for extensive farmlands and plantations. Deep, open-pit mines are a major source of land pollution. The appearance of factory sprawls and manufactories in the larger cities have resulted in significant problems with smog and unclean air in urbanised regions. Although new legislation and reforms have been put into action specifically to mitigate or combat this threat to Viserjanta's ecosystems, it remains to be seen as to whether or not they would be successful. The illicit resource extraction and hunting industries run rampant across the more isolated islands of the Commonwealth. With newfound peace, however, it is likely that the full weight of the Viserjantan bureaucracy would turn against such criminals.

## **Culture and Society**

Having existed in one form or another for over 4,000 years, Viserjanta possesses a cultural history that is both long and extensive. Influences from neighbours, conquerors, and annexed territories alike have left deep and lasting imprints on the languages, customs, and systems of beliefs of the archipelago. Coupled with a long-standing policy of tolerance, syncretisation, and assimilation towards new and foreign cultures, this has resulted in a modern Viserjantan culture that is complex and differs greatly from its original influences. It coexists in relative peace alongside with, and continues to change, and be changed, by a plethora of local, indigenous cultures.

Although the cultural diversity of Viserjanta makes it difficult to list universal characteristics with absolute certainty or authority, high degrees of cultural osmosis between the most prominent cultures means that are common features that can be reasonably expected to be found across the archipelago. The manner in which they are put into practice, and how they manifest in everyday society, however, are still largely dependent on local norms.

### **Duty and Obligation**

Central to Viserjantan society is the concept of obligations expected by a superior, and duties owed to a subordinate. This is particularly evident and vital when it comes to interactions within the upper echelons of Viserjantan society. It is largely due to this informal and unwritten norm that relations within the nobility, and between them and the largely common-born bureaucratic administration, remains smooth and amicable. Throughout history, it has been shown that the breakdown of this system inevitably leads to civil conflict. The latest example of such a conflict would be the recent **War of the Reformers**.

The exact lists of obligations and duties can vary from region-to-region, and even from profession-to-profession. For example, the obligations of an apprentice carpenter and the associated duties of their master would be wildly different from that of a soldier and their general, or a commoner and their liege. It is for this reason why there has only been a few failed attempts throughout history to list every duty and obligation within Viserjanta. As such, the list provided below should only be taken as an example of how duties and obligations are separated between the classes, and should not be used as a guide for proper Commonwealth decorum.

* To carry out one's duties to the best of their abilities
* To show due respect to one's superiors
* To cooperate with one's superiors towards the betterment of one's community
* To follow all agreed orders without question
* To fight, and if necessary, die for one's superiors
* To be mindful and respectful of the limits of one's subordinates
* To show kindness and magnanimity to one's subordinates
* To take into serious consideration the opinions and advice of one's subordinates
* To take full responsibility for all orders given to subordinates
* To ensure the well-being of one's subordinates

Although not codified into the **Commonwealth Book of Laws**, failures to carry out one's duties and to meet one's obligations can be - and often are - treated as breaches of the law. Minor infarctions are usually dealt with by provincial courts and officials, where local Books of Laws might actually have some written rules. For cases that are more severe, sensitive, or carrying the possibility of Commonwealth-wide ramifications, they are required to be heard before a **Grand Court** in Mersawas, or by appointed magistrates dispatched by Commonwealth authorities.

### **Equity and Meritocracy**

According to the **Mandate of Establishment** - the founding document of the Commonwealth - all who reside within its borders are considered to be equal under the eyes of the law. A commoner thus enjoys the same basic legal rights and protections as a noble. Citizens are further promised equitable opportunities in most things throughout the Commonwealth.

In practice, what this means is that a title of nobility is not considered a mitigating factor during sentencing. If a commoner is punished for a crime, then a noble must also be punished for the same crime. The only difference lies in the nature of the punishments. They vary depending on one's rank and responsibilities. Generally speaking, the higher one's rank, and the greater one's responsibility, the harsher the sentence. A commoner would also be typically sentenced to forced labour or imprisonment, while a noble can expect confiscation of property and wealth, or loss of titles and privileges in addition to the aforementioned punishments. Exceptions are made when it comes to capital sentences, as it would be impossible to have a harsher punishment. In such cases, the difference would be in the method of execution, and in a commoner's case, the possibility of a commutation of the sentence to exile.

Appointment to a position in the Commonwealth is highly dependent on one's ability. This is most apparent in the system of examinations used by the Commonwealth to identify and recruit potential civil administrators for the vast bureaucracy that sustains the Commonwealth. A **General Examination** is held every three years in the capital, with candidates selected during smaller, local examinations held during the interim period. Every Viserjantan citizen is eligible to sit for the papers, and those who pass are typically promoted to a low-level administrator upon graduation. They are then eligible for promotion to higher office in the Commonwealth's government. It is thus entirely possible for a commoner to become **Grand Chancellor**, the highest possible civil rank, and second in power only to the High Monarch.

There are, however, certain positions that are limited to only certain groups. For example, to join the **March of Jafi**'s elite **Spalted Fleet**, one must be Jafin either by birth, by blood, or after a period of not less than ten years if by choice. Similarly, positions that are explicitly hereditary, by definition, closed to the wider public. A Prince of Sejat, for example, must logically come from the ruling clan of the **Regency of Sejat**.

### **Harmony and Unity**

An important aspect of mainstream Viserjantan philosophical thought is the goal of living in concert with one's surroundings. Often referred to as the **Great Harmony**, it is widely seen as something one should aspire and work to attain, but not expect to achieve. Most Viserjantans approach their daily interactions with people, nature, and even objects, with this need for harmony in mind. In simplest and broadest terms, this usually means seeking solutions or compromises that are beneficial to all parties, or failing that, finding one that has the least negative effects for all involved. A scenario where one wins, and another loses, is considered antithetical to harmony, and avoided if at all possible.

In practical terms, what this means is that Viserjantans tend to have a healthy respect for their natural surroundings. A common analogy is to liken the world to a home, and all of its inhabitants to be family members sharing that home. What benefits all, benefits ones, and what harms one, will harm all. As such, measures are taken to balance the need for industrial expansion against the need to preserve natural environments. Ideally, whatever that is taken or removed, should be replaced. For example, if the digging of a mine calls for the removal of trees, then the same number of trees should be planted elsewhere. Due to rapid expansion of cities, the need for greater industrial output, and the disruption of civil war, however, this practice has not been adhered to for years. High Queen Daraya II has, in the aftermath of the War of the Reformers, promised to enforce laws regarding Natural Harmony across the Commonwealth.

The need for harmony in relations both interpersonal and national also means that Viserjantans tend to seek compromise over confrontation. This habit is more pronounced in those hailing from the Commonwealth's interior. However, it is usually safe to assume that a Viserjantan would always seek peaceful resolutions to any conflict so long as it remains possible. It should be noted that a desire for harmonious coexistence does not equate to pacifism. As history has shown, once negotiations for a compromise falls apart, Viserjanta is more than willing to use force of arms to bring about harmony. Once again, the threshold for using force can differ between provinces, regions, and even individuals.

Harmony between the provinces is often referred to as Unity. Unity, however, focuses more on the idea that the Commonwealth is at its most powerful when every one of its sixteen provinces are able to work together. During periods of extended peace, this notion is considered a given, and thus rarely spoken of. It is only in the aftermath of civil strife - such as the recent **War of the Reformers** - that it would be actively promoted as a means to soothe grievances between the provinces.

On a deeper level, the idea of Viserjantan unity calls for a singular Viserjantan identity, with a shared language, shared history, and shared customs working in tandem with local languages, local histories, and local customs. As a result of this policy, almost every Viserjantan would call themselves either a Viserjantan, their identiy (eg. Jafin), or both (eg. Viserjantan Jafin). Even during the **War of the Reformers**, the idea of a singular, unified Viserjanta was never in question. The conflict laid in whether it should be unified as a Commonwealth or an Empire.

## **Government and Politics**

The Commonwealth of Viserjanta is a Constitutional Elected Monarchy. A **High Monarch** sits as the ultimate authority of the realm. Their powers and duties are defined and limited by the **Mandate of Establishment** and **Commonwealth Book of Laws**. Directly beneath them is the **Grand Chancellory**, an office which assists the High Monarch with administrative and supervisory work. This office is headed by a **Grand Chancellor**, who also functions as the primary advisor to the High Monarch. The High Monarch, Grand Chancellor, and representatives of ministries and departments directly subordinate to the Grand Chancellory sit together in the **Great Council**.

By law, the Great Council is required to meet once every two months, at minimum. It is there where matters pertaining to the Commonwealth as a whole are discussed. They also receive cases that lower offices are unable to resolve. Due to the sheer population of the Commonwealth, there are on average 100 such cases per day. It is for this reason that most High Monarchs convene daily Councils. All proposals brought before the Council, regardless of whom it comes from, require a majority vote to pass. The High Monarch has the right to overrule the decisions of the Council, provided they are able to provide just and legal reasons for them to do so.

The position of High Monarch is not hereditary. After the death, abdication, or otherwise removal of a High Monarch, an **Elective Council** is convened to select a new High Monarch from a list of candidates. The Elective Council is comprised of the Great Council, the Provincial Heads, and **Elector Chiefs** from the **Ministry of Rites**. An Elective Council must be convened no more than five days after the loss of a High Monarch. The Grand Chancellor assumed the duties of High Monarch until a new one is elected by the Elective Council. As with decisions made by the Great Council, a High Monarch is chosen by majority vote. The list of people eligible for election are as follows:

* Provincial Heads.
* Nobles of the 2nd Rank who have been sponsored by at least one provincial head.
* Notable Commoners whose names have been put forward by the **Ministry of the Commons**, and approved by the **Ministry of Rites.**
* Any individual who has provided unique and important service to the Commonwealth, and whose names and contributions have been noted by the Great Council, previous High Monarch, or both.
* Any individual who has been named a potential candidate by the previous High Monarch, provided that the High Monarch has not been removed by the Great Council.

The children of ruling High Monarchs are, by default, excluded from the list of candidates. This measure was introduced to prevent the possibility of any one clan, family, or lineage from establishing a dynasty of sorts. Special dispensation, however, can be granted on a case-by-case basis. Although the law requires a unanimous decision from the Elective Council to raise a High Prince or High Princess to High Monarch, it is largely accepted that anyone who is able to gain special dispensation has likely provided a service that would win them the required votes, anyway. One such example would be the current High Monarch, High Queen Daraya II.

### **Seven Ministries and Four Offices**

Governmental institutions in Viserjanta have largely remained similar in organisation since its earliest years, with each succeeding government adding or removing offices as necessary or as they see fit. The current administration has seven ministries - **Labour and Construction**, **State Affairs**, **Justice**, **Revenue and the Treasury**, **Strife and Peace**, **Rites**, **Commons** - and four offices - **Commonwealth Finance Commision**, **Central Military Command**, **Central Censorate**, **Office of Remonstrations**. The Grand Chancellory is responsible for coordinating their actions.

Each Ministry is headed by a **Minister** as appointed by the Great Council and with the approval of the High Monarch. They are required to be present at ever Great Council, but can send representatives if they are unable to do so. The duties of each ministry are as outlined:

* The **Ministry of State Affairs** is responsible for the internal affairs of the Commonwealth. It handles the appointment, promotion, or demotion of civil officials, as well as the confirmation of the enfeoffment or demotion of nobles, and the confirmation of titles granted to individuals.
* The **Ministry of Rites** is in charge of all Commonwealth ceremonies, rituals, and religious observations. It also oversees the lists of clergy for every recognised religion in the Commonwealth, and the elections of High Monarchs. The task of handling foreign affairs also falls under its purview.
* The **Ministry of Justice** is in charge of the judicial and penal processes. It provides the official interpretations of the law, legal assistance to all parties, and is in charge of leading judicial and legal reforms. It has a supervisory role over policing organisations across the Commonwealth, except for the **Censorate**.
* The **Ministry of Strife and Peace** is responsible for the administration of the Commonwealth military. It handles the appointment, promotion, or demotion of officers, the procurement of equipment for the military, the maintenance of military infrastructure and equipment, as well as the courier network.
* The **Ministry of Revenue and the Treasury** oversees the collection of taxes across the Commonwealth, the gathering of census data, the adjustment of currency, and the protection of the Commonwealth Treasury.
* The **Ministry of Labour and Construction** is responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure. It also oversees the hiring or workers and artisans for public projects, the production of Commonwealth equipment, the standardisation of weights and measures, and the gathering of resources
* The **Ministry of Commons** acts as an advocacy board for commoners. It is in charge of mediating disputes between commoners and nobles, working with the **Office of Remonstrations** to address official protests, and voice the concerns of commoners in the Great Council

The Four Offices are non-ministries that are vital to the running of the Commonwealth. As such, they are given equal status as the Seven Ministries.

* The **Commonwealth Financial Commission** oversees and controls the use of the budget. It is responsible for reviewing and accepting, or rejecting, budgeting plans by every government office, auditing individuals or organisations, and adjusting taxation levels.
* The **Central Military Command** is responsible for the training and deployment of the **Unified Commonwealth Military**, identifying and preparing for potential external threats, and the strategic planning of military operations.
* The **Central Censorate** oversees the investigation of crimes involving the nobility, up to and including members of the Great Council and the High Monarch. Matters pertaining to intelligence, both foreign and domestic, are also under its purview.
* The **Office of Remonstrations** is in charge of receiving **Letters of Direct Petition** from across the Commonwealth. It is their responsibility to work alongside the **Ministry of Commons** to find solutions to issues raised by Commoners, and escalate serious complaints to the **Great Council**.

### **Ranks of Nobility**

Although titles of nobility still exist in Viserjanta, much of their administrative powers have been subsumed by civil administrators. The titles are thus largely ceremonial in nature. Nobles are afforded some privileges as courtesies, and these privileges can vary depending on province. Confusion often arises when there is a mismatch between the customary rank and administrative rank of a noble. For example, a Raised Marquis customarily outranked by a Grand Duke, but administratively, both are considered to be equal as Province Heads. Compounding the issue are Civil Administrators, who are mostly commoners, but can enjoy greater authority and powers than a noble.

Generally speaking, a lesser-ranked noble is expected to show deference and respect to their customary superior in courtly settings, but can treat them as an equal during administrative duties, such as when the Great Council meets. Similarly, Civil Administrators should show the nobility all due respects during court, but may act according to their proper rank during administrative tasks.

The table below categorises the highest ranks of Viserjantan nobility and their associated civil ranks:

* High Monarch
* First Consort
* High Prince / Princess up to the Third
 1st Rank
* High Prince / Princess Fourth and below
* Regent
* Grand Duke
* Commander-Administrator
* Raised Marquis
* Ministers of the Seven Ministries
* Office Chiefs of the Four Offices
* Commissioners or Directors subordinated directly to Crown and Council
* Provincial Administrator
* Provincial Inspector
* Governor-Administrator
 2nd Rank
* Prince / Princess Regent up to the Third
* Raised Duke
* Subaltern-Commander
* Chiefs of Departments subordinate to their relevant ministries
* Chiefs of Ministerial liaison offices
 3rd Rank
* Prince / Princess Regent Fourth and below
* Duke
* Viscount
* Garrison-Commander
* Lesser Marquis up to the Third
* Marcher Count
* Sub-provincial Administrator
 4th Rank
* Count
* Raised Baron
* Margrave
* County / Circuit Administrator
 5th Rank
* Baron
* Baronet
* Frontier-Commander
* Borderer
* Lesser Marquis Fourth and below
* City Administrator
* Chief Administrators of Expanded Townships

### **Administrative Divisions of the Commonwealth**

Viserjanta is divided into five types of provinces: **Direct Kingdoms/Queendoms**, **Regencies**, **Grand Duchies**, **Commanderies**, **Raised Marches**. Each province is given the freedom to subdivide themselves as they see fit. Most, however, follow the same trends and as such, provincial sub-divisions are largely similar in terms of structure.

The administrative divisions of the Commonwealth are as follows:

* Ruled directly by the High Monarch and Council
 Regencies
* Ruled by a regent, assisted by a Provincial Inspector
* Subdivided into:
	+ Principalities
	+ Duchies
	+ Counties
	+ Baronies
* **Regency of Kawu**: Ruled by Regent **Karasa'in Madasei** from **Awa Sikseh**
 Grand Duchies
* Ruled by a Grand Duke, assisted by a Governor-Administrator
* Subdivided into:
	+ Raised Duchies
	+ Viscounties
	+ Raised Baronies
	+ Baronetcies
* **Grand Duchy of Sedaran**: Ruled by Grand Duke **Kaduajai Veksha** from **Inahk**
* **Grand Duchy of Anjung**: Ruled by Grand Duke **Ohsanoyo Ijehn** from **Sakaka**
 Commanderies
* Ruled by a Commander-Administrator, assisted by an Adjunct-Administrator
* Subdivided into:
	+ Subaltern Garrisons
	+ Regional Garrisons
	+ Frontier Garrisons
* **Sjei-kah Commandery**: Governed by Commander-Governor **Sjakwa Asoh** from **Sai-dahn Keh**
* **Dasu Commandery**: Governed by Commander-Governor **Sehn-wai San** from **Daman**
 Raised Marches
* Ruled by a Raised Marquis, optionally assisted by an Adjunct-Administrator
* Subdivided into:
	+ Marcher Counties
	+ Grave Marches
	+ Pales
* **March of Paluang**: Ruled by Raised Marquess **Kakan Irahk'na** from **Kosa**
* **March of Ai-kai**: Ruled by Raised Marquess **Sai-da An-sei** from **Ohn-tai**
* **March of Weksah**: Ruled by Raised Marquess **Paighan Sapayang** from **Sjangjah**
* **March of Sudhrayar**: Ruled by Raised Marquess **Akaran ishti Dasa** from **Kada Dhrasi**

## **Military**

Compared to its regional counterparts, the Commonwealth Military is uniquely structured. The Unified Commonwealth Military, which answers directly to Crown and Council via Central Military Command, is comprised of the Unified Army, Unified Fleet, and the Commonwealth Special Service. Every province also maintains their own local military forces (distinct from the Provincial Garrison, which are detachments from the Unified Military) that answer to local provincial authorities. In times of peace, provincial forces are responsible for most military duties, including patrolling and securing the borders. The Unified Military acts as a standing force that responds to emergencies.

In times of war, however, provincial forces are reorganised into Sectoral Armies subordinated to the Unified Military. As such, even though the Unified Military officially has an approximate strength of 300,000, mobilisation of forces from all sixteen provinces can bring that number up to roughly 1,800,000 personnel. With further mobilisation of citizen-soldiers, this number can reach as high as 4,000,000 personnel, almost half of the Commonwealth's population.