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| + | {{Country |
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| + | | flag = [[File:UstioFlag 1024x768.jpg]] |
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| + | | location = Northeastern [[Osea (continent)|Osea]] |
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| + | |map = Ustio Map 2 1.jpg}} |
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| + | '''Ustio''', officially known as the '''Republic of Ustio''', is a small landlocked nation located on the [[Osea (continent)|Osean]] continent. It is bordered by [[Belka]] to the north; [[Recta]] and [[Ratio]] to the east; [[Sapin]] to the south; and [[Osea]] to the west. Ustio's capital, [[Directus]], is situated near the center of the nation. |
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| + | Formerly [[Belka]]n territory, Ustio seceded in May 1988 as a result of the former's [[Belkan economic crisis|ongoing economic crisis]]. The country appears to be largely agrarian, featuring rolling patchworks of farmland and remote towns, such as [[Solis Ortus]], situated in the rugged mountain ranges. Ustio's northern regions are known to be rich in natural resources. As a fledgling nation, Ustio supports a modest military force, which has been known to employ [[Mercenary|mercenaries]] to bolster its numbers. |
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| + | Ustio is the player character's employer in ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''. |
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| − | |name = Ustio |
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| − | |flag = [[Image:UstioFlag 1024x768.jpg|200px|]]|]]|]]|]]|]]|]]|]]|]]|]]|undefined|undefined |
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| − | |map = [[Image:Earth-Ustio.png|200px|]]|]]|]]|]]|]]|]]|]]|]]|]]|undefined|undefined |
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| − | |location = Southeast of [[Belka]], East of [[Osea]] |
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| − | |head = Unknown (unconfirmed information that during the belkan war Maxwell Hilbrachen was president) |
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| − | |government = Democratic Republic ''(1600's - 1800's)'<br />'Belkan Federation Member State<br />(''1800s -1988'')<br />Democratic Republic<br />(''1988 -1995'')<br />Under Belkan Occupation/Resistance Government<br />(''1995'')<br />Democratic Republic<br />(''1995 - present day'') |
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| − | |currency = Unknown (possibly the Ustian Zollar)}} |
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| − | '''Ustio''' is a country that seceded from [[Belka]]. It is the main setting in the game [[Ace Combat Zero]], Ustio plays a large role in the Belkan War of 1995. It appears to be the [[Strangereal]] equivalent of Switzerland, with elements from Poland and France in World War II. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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| + | ===Pre-20th century=== |
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| − | === Before Belka (1600s - 1800s) === |
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| + | [[File:Directus Aerial Shot.jpg|thumb|250px|An aerial view of Ustio's capital, [[Directus]]]] |
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| − | Though it was one of the Belkan states that emerged from the Dark Ages, the Republic of Ustio had not enjoyed the protection of the Belkan Knights that states like North Belka and South Belka enjoyed. [[Sapin]] and Ratio annexed more and more territory from Ustio over time, whether through war or purchase. In the 1800s, Ustio begged its "fatherland" of Belka to help protect its borders. Belka obliged and intervened. Faced with the threat of engaging a growing military power like Belka, Sapin and Ratio backed down, returning the land to Ustio. The grateful republic joined the Belkan Empire. |
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| + | It is unclear how long the Ustian territory was claimed by Belka. However, there is evidence that the ethnic Ustios regarded the Belkans quite unfavorably: by the time Ustio gained its independence, the Ustian citizens were vehemently opposed to any form of Belkan presence in their country.{{Ref|ACZ-M06|[[Diapason]], ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} |
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| − | === Forging Ahead (1988 - 1994) === |
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| − | During Belka’s campaign of expansionism, the living conditions within certain parts of the nation had decreased, the people had little or no say in what the government did and unrest was beginning to spread. |
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| − | It wasn’t until 1987 in which the Belkan Leadership had decided to hold a Federal Law Review to re-evaluate their effectiveness to run the country and act accordingly. |
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| − | A southeastern Belkan state, a member of the [[Belkan Federation]], had begun to grow weary of the [[Osean Federation]]. The state was rich in natural resources (oil, steel, and iron to name a few), which were used by Belka to spur on their industrial boom of the early and mid 80's. However, did not see much of the profit of mining and oil drilling, since those things were regulated by the Belkan Federals in [[Sudentor]]. Around this time the northeastern state of Belka broke away, declared themselves independent and joined with Fato to become the Fato Federation. |
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| − | This caused an uneasiness between the southeastern Belkan state and Belka and finally resulted in the state breaking away. This state was then known as the Republic of Ustio. |
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| − | Belka’s economy took a large down-fall after this and the newly seated extremists of the deadly and unreasonable [[Rald Party]] in the Belkan Cabinet, threatened Ustio with action if they did not return to the Federation. Ustio chose not to return to them, despite the consequence of their decision. |
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| − | |||
| − | === [[The Belkan War]] (1995) === |
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| − | The Belkan Federal Law Review was proclaimed unconstitutional and Belka crossed it’s borders in 1995. Immediately, they invaded Ustio. Ustio had managed to piece together a military force from the beginning of the country’s formation. The [[Ustian Army|Ustio Military]] was immediately engaged on all fronts by the Belkan Military and they were overwhelmed. The Ustio Military was being worn out since it was being engaged on three fronts. Ustian Leaders decided to have all of their forces fall back, past their Capital City of [[Directus]] in order to limit the engagements to one front. Their Capital was taken by the Belkan Military and much of their land was taken with it. The [[Ustio Air Force]] had lost 90% of their forces and it was decided that Mercenaries were to be hired in order to make up for their losses. One of these being the [[66th Air Force Unit|66th AFU ‘Galm’ Team]]. |
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| − | As Ustio continued to defend itself Yuktobania, Osea, Sapin and other countries on the continent had offered them a chance to join an Alliance which was going to counter-attack the Belkan Forces. Ustio joined and participated in [[Offensive Campaign No. 4101]], after Ustio helped [[Osea]] liberate [[Sapin]]. Soon, Ustio cities like [[Solis Ortus]] were being liberated with the help of the Osean and Ustio Mercenary Teams and eventually Ustio’s Capital "[[Directus]]", was also liberated. The lands which were taken by Belka were reclaimed and the final plan to invade Belka was put into play. One area was still under heavy dispute for the resources it had under its soil; this was Air Corridor B7R, also known as “The Round Table”. Belka lost [[B7R]] and began to prepare for the advancement into their territory. Belka had fought back with every man and woman in their Military. |
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| − | On one offensive primarily lead by Ustio Forces, the Belkans had opened fire with their Super Weapon known as the “[[Excalibur]]”. It was destroyed by the 66th AFU Galm team, who up to that time had become known by Forces on each side for their combat effectiveness and actions on battlefield. The Team consisted of “[[Cipher]]”, the flight leader, known as “The Demon Lord” and Galm Two, [[Larry Foulke]] known as "Solo Wing Pixy". The Ustio Forces had showed their value in all of the Operations they had participated in and they had become a lethal military force. They had overcome some of the most intense Belkan Fortifications seen throughout the [[Belkan War]] and managed to penetrate the Belkan Border. |
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| − | By this point the Allied Fronts had merged and Troops from each nation became meshed together. The Belkans began to grow desperate and it’s military force began to boil down to the ‘Die-Hard’ Belkan Soldiers willing to fight until the end and never surrender. At the battle of [[Hoffnung]], Belka’s second largest industrial city, the Belkan Military began a scorched earth campaign and began to destroy every facility that the Allied Forces could possibly use. At the same time, Allied Bombers began to indiscriminately bomb the city, not caring where their bombs landed. The Belkan Military and much of the Belkan peoples now saw the Allies as murderers and vowed to fight to the death. |
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| − | On June 6, 1995 a final Operation, to invade North Belka was put into motion. Ustio and the other Allied Nations were going to take the city of Sudentor, which separated North and South Belka. The Belkan Forces had begun to gather in Sudentor in preparation for the Allied Offensive. The battle at [[Sudentor]] was to be the largest battle of the Belkan War. But, as the Allied Forces went through the Waldreich Mountains surrounding [[Belka]], reports of Belkan [[BM-335|Bombers]] possibly carrying Nuclear Weapons, had come in. The [[66th Air Force Unit]] and the [[4th Air Force Unit]] of the Ustio Air Force intercepted the Bombers and managed to destroy the group. |
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| + | ===Secession and independence (1988)=== |
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| − | Then, unexpectedly, seven Nuclear Weapons were detonated across the Waldreich Mountain Range, destroying seven cities at the Northern-Gate. The Allied Forces ceased all actions and attempted to speak to Belka once again. Soon a Peace Treaty was signed and no Allied Forces were to enter North Belkan Territory. |
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| + | {{Main|Belkan economic crisis}} |
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| + | In the wake of its heightened military expansion during the [[Cold War]], Belka descended into an economic recession.{{Ref|FOLLOW-1991|WORLD / WORLD NEWS / ПОСЛЕДУЙТЕ, [http://acecombat.jp/ace5/top.htm Ace Combat 5 Website]. Retrieved January 9, 2017.}} In December 1987, the Belkan government underwent an internal Federal Law Review with the goal of stabilizing the national economy. This review ultimately resulted in the secession of Belka's eastern territories. On May 12, 1988, the Republic of Ustio officially declared independence and established its new capital in the city of [[Directus]].{{Ref|ACZ-Cut02|Cutscene 02, ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} |
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| + | Over the next seven years, Ustio underwent little industrial growth; its economy was largely based on skilled craftsmanship and agriculture.{{Ref|BandaiNamco|2=[http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/cs/list/acecombat-zero/background/ustio.php BACKGROUND, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War], [http://bandainamcoent.co.jp Bandai Namco Entertainment (JP)]. Retrieved January 9, 2017.}} Although Directus experienced some development, the country as a whole remained stagnant. This was echoed in the nation's modest military force, which remained relatively insignificant by the mid-1990s. However, sometime in early 1995, vast deposits of valuable natural resources were discovered along Ustio's northwest border with Belka.{{Refcall|ACZ-Cut02}} It is unknown what steps, if any, were undertaken by Ustio to mine and profit from these resources. |
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| − | Though the war was officially over many soldiers did not surrender, and the 66th AFU was dispatched to destroy these fragmented forces. Little did anyone know, a force unlike any before or after it, was to rise from the shadows. |
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| − | === |
+ | ===Belkan War (1995)=== |
| + | ====Invasion==== |
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| − | A group of soldiers from multiple-nations from Osea, Yuktobania, Belka and even Ustio had arisen from the shadows. They were known as “[[A World With No Boundaries]] ” (AWWNB) and their goal was to stop the fighting by removing politicians and uniting the world. AWWNB had taken over the [[XB-0 Hresvelgr]], a Belkan-Super Bomber and bombed [[Lumen]], the City where the Peace Treaty was signed and attacked multiple facilities in Ustio on their journey into North Belka. The Galm Team engaged the XB-0 and destroyed it just miles away from the North Belkan Border. Now the Allied Forces moved to destroy AWWNB’s main weapon, the stolen [[V-2 Mass Retaliation Weapon|V-2]] at [[Avalon Dam]]. The attack was spearheaded by the Ustio Mercenary Team and resulted in the destruction of the V-2 and “A World With No Boundaries”. The V-2 launch almost succeeded even after [[Avalon Dam]] was destroyed when [[Larry Foulke|Galm 2]], who went missing in action during the Nuclear Explosions, was controlling the launch of the V-2. [[Cipher|Galm 1]] was forced to fight his old wingman and after an extended engagement, shot him down. |
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| + | [[File:The Belkan Assault Intensifies.png|thumb|250px|Belkan bombers flying over [[Dinsmark]], the country's capital, during the Belkan War's initial stages]] |
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| + | {{Main|Belkan War|Allied Forces}} |
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| + | On March 25, 1995, Belka invaded Ustio in an effort to acquire the newly found resource deposits for its own benefit. Ustio's nascent military was caught off-guard and quickly overwhelmed by the strength and technological superiority of the [[Belkan Army]] and [[Belkan Air Force|Air Force]]. Within a matter of days, the Belkan Army swept through Ustio, occupied Directus, and controlled a majority of Ustio's territories, except the mountain ranges.{{Refcall|ACZ-Cut02}} |
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| + | Outmatched and unable to counterattack, Ustio's government in exile allied itself with the [[Osea|Osean Federation]] and [[Sapin|Kingdom of Sapin]] to form the Allied Forces and resist the Belkan onslaught. As a result of the modest [[Ustian Army|army]]'s and [[Ustio Air Force|air force]]'s considerable losses during Belka's opening offensive, Ustio resorted to employing mercenary pilots, such as [[Galm Team]], to bolster its numbers and contribute to the coalition.{{Ref|ACZ-M01|[[Glacial Skies]], ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} |
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| − | With the war being officially over the Allied Nations were commended for their actions and stopping the Belkans. However, the credit was given to Yuktobania and Osea; the smaller Allied Nations were left out and never were properly rewarded. |
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| + | ====Allied counterattack==== |
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| − | ===After Belkan War (1996-current)=== |
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| + | {{Quote|This [[Route 171|route]] is Ustio's lifeline. I'll get it back.|[[Larry Foulke]]{{Ref|ACZ-M02|[[Annex]], ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}}}} |
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| + | {{Main|Offensive Campaign No. 4101|Operation Varsity}} |
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| + | After Galm Team prevented a Belkan bomber strike on [[Valais Air Base]] (April 2){{Ref|ACZ-M01|[[Glacial Skies]], ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} and secured [[Route 171]] as a transport line (April 15),{{Refcall|ACZ-M02}} the Allied Forces began mounting a counterattack. Ustio's liberation became one of the primary objectives of Offensive Campaign No. 4101, which was the Allies' largest offensive operation to date. The retaking of the [[Futuro Canal]] on April 24 allowed the Allies' naval forces access to the inland [[Great Lakes]],{{Ref|ACZ-M04|[[Juggernaut (ACZ)|Juggernaut]], ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} and by mid-May, the Allied armies had advanced into the mountains outside Directus. On May 12—the seventh anniversary of Ustio's independence—the Allied Forces launched an airborne invasion of [[Solis Ortus]] in preparation for an assault on the Ustian capital.{{Ref|ACZ-M05|[[Flicker of Hope]], ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} |
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| + | ====Liberation==== |
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| + | {{Quote|[[Cipher]], can you hear those people screaming for freedom? That's where we come in!|Larry Foulke{{Refcall|ACZ-M06}}}} |
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| + | {{Main|Operation Constantine}} |
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| + | The following day, May 13, at 1630hrs, Allied and mercenary fighters, including Galm Team, attacked the Belkan occupation forces headquartered in Directus. The city's five administrative wards were eventually freed from Belkan control, and citizens flooded into the streets, ringing the city's bell towers and celebrating their reclaimed freedom.{{Ref|ACZ-M06|[[Diapason]], ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} Following the liberation of Directus, the Belkans' hold on Ustio crumbled, and the Allied Forces advanced on all fronts toward the Belkan border.{{Ref|ACZ-Cut03|Cutscene 03, ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} |
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| + | ====Nuclear threats==== |
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| − | Ever since the Belkan War, Ustio has remained somewhat secluded, much like the nations around it. |
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| + | {{Main|Operation Ravage}} |
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| + | Ustio would be threatened with annihilation when Belka sent a fleet of nuclear-armed bombers towards the country. The Allied Headquarters redirected mercenary squadrons like Galm Team from [[Operation Ravage|another mission]], who then proceeded to shoot down the the bombers and save Ustio in the process. However, this did not prevent Belka from detonating nuclear bombs on their own soil elsewhere.{{Ref|ACZ-M12|[[The Stage of Apocalypse]], ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} |
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| + | ===Postwar (1995–present)=== |
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| − | ==Notable places== |
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| + | Although Ustio had been ravaged by the conflict, it continued to support the Allies with its mercenary forces until the end of 1995.{{Ref|ACZ-M17|[[The Valley of Kings]], ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} In the years after the Belkan War, Ustio presumably maintained friendly relations with Osea and Sapin. The Ustian people remain outspokenly proud of their independence, and Directus's bell towers chime every day at sunset to commemorate the city's liberation during the war.{{Ref|ACZ-Cut13|Cutscene 13, ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} |
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| − | *'''[[Airspace B7R|Area B7R]]''' - Known to the Belkan military as 'Air Priority One', but known to the pilots who fought in it simply as the '''''Round Table''''', this circle of seemingly unremarkable canyons and crags became the fiercest battle site on the eastern front. Located at the border of the two countries, it is a vital air corridor for both [[Belka]] and Ustio and also an area of valuable natural resources, allowing them access to each other's heart land. Massive dogfights erupted here, and those who came out on top were known as '''the Knights of the Round Table'''; feared and respected by both their enemies and their allies. |
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| − | *'''[[Directus]]''' - The capital of the Republic of Ustio. During the [[Belkan War]], the capital is taken in the first week of hostilities, due to Belka's combined land-air assault. Later on, the capital is liberated with the help of [[Galm Team]]. The city is similar to the city of Bern in Switzerland. |
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| − | *'''[[Solis Ortus]]''' - A town to the southwest of Directus, Solis Ortus was liberated by the Allied forces to create a stepping stone to the Ustian capital, Directus. |
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| − | *'''[[Valais Air Base]]''' - The last stronghold of the Ustian armed forces after the quick fall of their capital to the Belkans. High in the mountains, it seems untouchable by ground forces, but is vulnerable to air raids. It is here the Ustians deploy their new makeshift airforce which includes a large contingent of mercenaries, to make up for the vast losses taken by regular airforce during [[Belka|Belka's]] initial attack. After a failed air raid, the Mercenary Pilots slowly gained momentum on their counter-offensive. The base suffered significant damage during a [[XB-0 Hresvelgr]] air raid, but remains operational. |
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| − | == |
+ | ==Geography== |
| + | Ustio is a landlocked nation with varying topography. Mountainous regions along its eastern and southern borders are difficult to traverse, while the nation's central regions feature rolling pastures and farmland, dotted with hills and undeveloped woodlands. Ustio's climate appears to be temperate, apart from the arid desert regions to the north towards the [[Waldreich Mountains]]. The nation's capital, [[Directus]], is situated along the Crescere River{{Ref|ACZ-M06-Brief|Briefing, [[Diapason]], ''[[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]]''.}} in southeastern Ustio. |
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| − | Ustio has an amazingly diverse climate for its small size. Ustio has a mountain belt that runs through the country. This has created alpine and tundra conditions in the south, where the mountain range is. In the north, around B7R, the climate seems more arid, forming the craggy canyons that we see. The capital, [[Directus]], is fairly temperate. |
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| − | ==Armed Forces== |
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| − | == |
+ | ==Politics== |
| + | ===Government=== |
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| + | Apart from being a republic, little is known about the government Ustio established after gaining independence in 1988. However, it is likely that (as a republic) the Ustian citizenry elect their representatives in the federal government. When the Belkan invasion force captured Directus in late March 1995, the Ustian government was forced into exile until the capital's liberation on May 13. It is presumed that Ustio has maintained good relations with its former allies, Osea and Sapin, in the years after the Belkan War. |
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| + | ===Military=== |
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| + | As a young nation, Ustio's military is relatively weak in terms of numbers and outfitting. The nation's military consists of the [[Ustian Army]] and [[Ustio Air Force]], the latter having been known to recruit [[Mercenary|mercenaries]] as a means to bolster its numbers.{{Refcall|ACZ-Cut02}} As a landlocked nation, it is unlikely that Ustio maintains any naval forces. |
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| + | ==Economy== |
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| − | [[Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]] (The Game) |
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| + | Ustio's national economy is largely based on agricultural production and skilled craftsmanship.{{Refcall|BandaiNamco}} There is little evidence of any manufacturing or industrial production within the country. Even after vast deposits of natural resources were discovered in Ustio in the mid-1990s,{{Refcall|ACZ-Cut02}} it is possible that Ustio lacked the means to extract and process them. |
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| + | ==Gallery== |
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| − | [http://z14.invisionfree.com/The_Electrosphere/index.php?showforum=106 PROJECT ACES: ACZ WEBSITE] |
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| + | <gallery> |
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| + | Ustio north 690272.jpg|Cloth national flag render |
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| + | </gallery> |
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| + | {{Reflist}} |
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| − | [http://z14.invisionfree.com/The_Electrosphere/index.php?showforum=102 Namco.CH ACZ Website] |
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| − | [[ |
+ | [[ru:Устио]] |
| − | [[Category:Ace Combat Zero]] |
+ | [[Category:Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War]] |
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[[Category:Belkan War]] |
[[Category:Belkan War]] |
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Revision as of 10:36, 10 July 2020
Ustio, officially known as the Republic of Ustio, is a small landlocked nation located on the Osean continent. It is bordered by Belka to the north; Recta and Ratio to the east; Sapin to the south; and Osea to the west. Ustio's capital, Directus, is situated near the center of the nation.
Formerly Belkan territory, Ustio seceded in May 1988 as a result of the former's ongoing economic crisis. The country appears to be largely agrarian, featuring rolling patchworks of farmland and remote towns, such as Solis Ortus, situated in the rugged mountain ranges. Ustio's northern regions are known to be rich in natural resources. As a fledgling nation, Ustio supports a modest military force, which has been known to employ mercenaries to bolster its numbers.
Ustio is the player character's employer in Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
History
Pre-20th century
An aerial view of Ustio's capital, Directus
It is unclear how long the Ustian territory was claimed by Belka. However, there is evidence that the ethnic Ustios regarded the Belkans quite unfavorably: by the time Ustio gained its independence, the Ustian citizens were vehemently opposed to any form of Belkan presence in their country.[1]
Secession and independence (1988)
In the wake of its heightened military expansion during the Cold War, Belka descended into an economic recession.[2] In December 1987, the Belkan government underwent an internal Federal Law Review with the goal of stabilizing the national economy. This review ultimately resulted in the secession of Belka's eastern territories. On May 12, 1988, the Republic of Ustio officially declared independence and established its new capital in the city of Directus.[3]
Over the next seven years, Ustio underwent little industrial growth; its economy was largely based on skilled craftsmanship and agriculture.[4] Although Directus experienced some development, the country as a whole remained stagnant. This was echoed in the nation's modest military force, which remained relatively insignificant by the mid-1990s. However, sometime in early 1995, vast deposits of valuable natural resources were discovered along Ustio's northwest border with Belka.[3] It is unknown what steps, if any, were undertaken by Ustio to mine and profit from these resources.
Belkan War (1995)
Invasion
Belkan bombers flying over Dinsmark, the country's capital, during the Belkan War's initial stages
On March 25, 1995, Belka invaded Ustio in an effort to acquire the newly found resource deposits for its own benefit. Ustio's nascent military was caught off-guard and quickly overwhelmed by the strength and technological superiority of the Belkan Army and Air Force. Within a matter of days, the Belkan Army swept through Ustio, occupied Directus, and controlled a majority of Ustio's territories, except the mountain ranges.[3]
Outmatched and unable to counterattack, Ustio's government in exile allied itself with the Osean Federation and Kingdom of Sapin to form the Allied Forces and resist the Belkan onslaught. As a result of the modest army's and air force's considerable losses during Belka's opening offensive, Ustio resorted to employing mercenary pilots, such as Galm Team, to bolster its numbers and contribute to the coalition.[5]
Allied counterattack
- "This route is Ustio's lifeline. I'll get it back."
- ― Larry Foulke[6]
After Galm Team prevented a Belkan bomber strike on Valais Air Base (April 2)[5] and secured Route 171 as a transport line (April 15),[6] the Allied Forces began mounting a counterattack. Ustio's liberation became one of the primary objectives of Offensive Campaign No. 4101, which was the Allies' largest offensive operation to date. The retaking of the Futuro Canal on April 24 allowed the Allies' naval forces access to the inland Great Lakes,[7] and by mid-May, the Allied armies had advanced into the mountains outside Directus. On May 12—the seventh anniversary of Ustio's independence—the Allied Forces launched an airborne invasion of Solis Ortus in preparation for an assault on the Ustian capital.[8]
Liberation
The following day, May 13, at 1630hrs, Allied and mercenary fighters, including Galm Team, attacked the Belkan occupation forces headquartered in Directus. The city's five administrative wards were eventually freed from Belkan control, and citizens flooded into the streets, ringing the city's bell towers and celebrating their reclaimed freedom.[1] Following the liberation of Directus, the Belkans' hold on Ustio crumbled, and the Allied Forces advanced on all fronts toward the Belkan border.[9]
Nuclear threats
Ustio would be threatened with annihilation when Belka sent a fleet of nuclear-armed bombers towards the country. The Allied Headquarters redirected mercenary squadrons like Galm Team from another mission, who then proceeded to shoot down the the bombers and save Ustio in the process. However, this did not prevent Belka from detonating nuclear bombs on their own soil elsewhere.[10]
Postwar (1995–present)
Although Ustio had been ravaged by the conflict, it continued to support the Allies with its mercenary forces until the end of 1995.[11] In the years after the Belkan War, Ustio presumably maintained friendly relations with Osea and Sapin. The Ustian people remain outspokenly proud of their independence, and Directus's bell towers chime every day at sunset to commemorate the city's liberation during the war.[12]
Geography
Ustio is a landlocked nation with varying topography. Mountainous regions along its eastern and southern borders are difficult to traverse, while the nation's central regions feature rolling pastures and farmland, dotted with hills and undeveloped woodlands. Ustio's climate appears to be temperate, apart from the arid desert regions to the north towards the Waldreich Mountains. The nation's capital, Directus, is situated along the Crescere River[13] in southeastern Ustio.
Politics
Government
Apart from being a republic, little is known about the government Ustio established after gaining independence in 1988. However, it is likely that (as a republic) the Ustian citizenry elect their representatives in the federal government. When the Belkan invasion force captured Directus in late March 1995, the Ustian government was forced into exile until the capital's liberation on May 13. It is presumed that Ustio has maintained good relations with its former allies, Osea and Sapin, in the years after the Belkan War.
Military
As a young nation, Ustio's military is relatively weak in terms of numbers and outfitting. The nation's military consists of the Ustian Army and Ustio Air Force, the latter having been known to recruit mercenaries as a means to bolster its numbers.[3] As a landlocked nation, it is unlikely that Ustio maintains any naval forces.
Economy
Ustio's national economy is largely based on agricultural production and skilled craftsmanship.[4] There is little evidence of any manufacturing or industrial production within the country. Even after vast deposits of natural resources were discovered in Ustio in the mid-1990s,[3] it is possible that Ustio lacked the means to extract and process them.
Gallery
Cloth national flag render
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Diapason, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ WORLD / WORLD NEWS / ПОСЛЕДУЙТЕ, Ace Combat 5 Website. Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Cutscene 02, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 BACKGROUND, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, Bandai Namco Entertainment (JP). Retrieved January 9, 2017.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Glacial Skies, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Annex, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ Juggernaut, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ Flicker of Hope, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ Cutscene 03, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ The Stage of Apocalypse, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ The Valley of Kings, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ Cutscene 13, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.
- ↑ Briefing, Diapason, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War.