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History 577 Course Assignment

Causes and Effects of the Rabbit and Hare Nation’s Border Expansion

By

Benny Boddington IIIHarehatten University

Department of Historical Studies

This paper and the accompanying materials are submitted as a partial requirement for the course Geography and History of New Theria (Hist 577) and represents the courses library research component.

Statement of Purpose:

The review of numerous historical texts that follows will highlight the steady progression in growth of the Rabbit and Hare Nation (RHN) from a myth shrouded beginning to the present growing and dynamic state. It will also include a review of some of the factors impacting on present and future growth.

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History of Expansion before 1200 AC

It needs to be noted that little reference material exists for what has been called ‘the early times’ (1). This time period has been dubbed the ‘time of myths and legends’ by historical researchers. While the often referenced Great Classic Book of Rites mentions the existence of a mythical ‘creator’, the author(s) of this series of ‘classical texts’ is unknown and their works are seen as a basis for spiritual beliefs and not historical fact by modern researchers (2).

Completion of the Great Wall

The Forbidden City, home of the rabbit royalty, apparently has existed from before recorded history. In early times the walled city was surrounded by gentle rolling hills and woods inhabited by mixed rabbit and hare communities. Travel between the city and countryside was regulated but not forbidden (3). However, with increasing population came the need for a more regulation and more extensive governing structure.

Little is known about the exact state of affairs within the royal court during this time, however, the developing governmental structure acted to insulate and isolate the royal from their subjects (4). In addition, relations between the rabbit and hare citizens appeared to progress with an absence of conflict/friction. Most regions and settlements were made up of mixed populations, except for the Forbidden City which was limited to ‘rabbits only.’ These facts made the changes that transpired over the following centuries not only surprising but highly unsettling to many citizens (5).

The population watched with apparent indifference as a 100 year project of wall development progressed. Then in the year 1200 AC, with the completion of the wall, the infamous ‘Separation Decree’ was issued banishing all hares and a sizeable proportion of the rabbit population to the ‘outer lands’ beyond the newly created Great Wall (6).

A period of ‘Great Unrest’ followed fueled by three apparently related events:

1) An elevated level of distress and dissent accompanied the forced relocation of the hare population. At first the ‘security forces’ (wall guard and royal castle guards) were over whelmed, however, with the quick expansion of ‘security forces’ all protests were suppressed (7). This unrest was short lived (4-5 years) in part because of the intercession of the rabbit royalty through proclamation and demands for spiritual loyalty from all citizens (8).

2) The unexpected assistance provided by magical rabbit mages to the resisting rabbits and hares appears to have caught the royal administrators off guard. These rabbit mages, who largely inhibited rural settlements outside the decreed ‘inner lands’ were successful at first because of the lack of magic users among the security forces. Royal decrees soon followed that required all magic users to be registered by the central government and submit at an early age (teen years) to ‘official training and placement’ (9). The magic users’ resistance to these decrees, which lasted for 10 years, were likely exacerbated by the third event.

3) While little is known about the relationship between the Queen of the Sun and Queen of the Moon in early times, the Great Classics speak of ‘sisterly love’ and a ‘sharing of royal duties’. Together the sister Queens shared the Forbidden City and a pair of castle retreats (the Snow and Isle castle). Shrines dotted the country side and were visited by followers of both Queens. For

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unexplained reasons by the year 1100 AC data from the first royal ordered census showed that less than 10% of the RHN population was composed of ‘dark rabbit’ followers of the Queen of the Moon (10). Most of these followers had been pressed into duty as ‘night guards’ at the various castles. In addition, one of the five monasteries (the Night Blossom Monastery) was inhabited by dark rabbits. Then in 1205, what some authors continue to call the ‘Greatest Unsolved Mystery’ occurred when all sightings of or decrees from the Queen of the Moon ceased. All dark rabbits within the governance structure were replaced, dark guards were confined and demoted, and armed resistance by the dark monks resulted in the destruction of their monastery in the southern reaches of the Western Hills. Rabbit magic users, that were unaffiliated with the Queen of the Sun joined with the dark rabbits in the short lived resistance (11). All, but a small handful of dark rabbits and unaffiliated magic users were captured or killed. The missing individuals were reported to have disappeared to the far west and have become the source of many popular myths and stories concerning their return and revenge (12).

The Frontier Thorn Barrier

After the population had adjusted to the changes in the nation (creation of the inner and outer lands, and the disappearance of the Queen of the Moon) a period of tremendous population growth followed. Both rabbit and hare numbers increased throughout the nation. This was particularly evident within the ‘inner lands’ which had been given the name ‘Paradise’ by it’s rabbit citizens. This growth lead directly to the first of the ‘census removal decrees’, ordering the removal of excessive rabbit populations from the inner lands in 1300 AC (13).

With both the internal population growth of the ‘outer lands’ and the influx of rabbit refugees from the inner lands with every ten year census, the RHN steadily expanded in the three available directions (hampered in the east by the Great Unpassable Sea). To the west the frontier pushed up against first the Western Hills and then the Hazy Mountain range. In the south it pressed against the Rice River, and in the North against the Maple River.

These expansions had not gone without resistance and cost of life. In the north wolf packs roamed along the expanding boundaries, while wild boars crossed over the Hazy Mountains ravaging the settler’s crop lands. As the southern boundary moved into the marshes and swamps along the coastline the wild snakes became a problem, especially during the rainy spring months. The solution to these problems was the building of the ‘Thorn Barrier.’ This creation, which used a stone base and cultivated thorn trees and bushes, took close to 100 years to complete. It proved adept at lessening the wild animal threat and added to an increased sense of security along the ‘outer lands’ frontier (14).

For the next 500 years growth within the RHN continued till much of the RHN lands had been cultivated and the woodlands removed. The expansion pressure had been somewhat lessened by the development of settlements along the rail line leading to the newly developed western settlement of Chabia, providing timber, food stuffs and land for over populated areas within the ‘outer lands’ (15). In addition, the Racca traders had developed an extensive rail and steamboat network to carry goods from their distant lands including coal, metals, cotton, and ‘exotic’ foodstuffs from lands unknown (16, 17). The seafaring Ossums, who inhabited the islands and shoreline of the Great Oyster Sea, developed an extensive coastal trading network. They carried sugar from the southern Sugar Islands, coco from the far southwestern coastline and pearls from their extensive oyster beds, to the Western Racca Trading Port at Wide River Bay and north to the southern RHN port at Rice Bay (18).

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The extensive trading with the Raccas and Ossums has lead to considerable movement of ‘immigrants’ from these tribes into the RHN. In addition, the demands for increased stone production to build the thorn barrier lead to the migration of stone and wood cutters from the migrant Unk tribe (19).

With advancements in horticulture, in particular the discovery of a faster process of propagating the giant thorn bushes and trees, and the depletion of forests within the RHN boundaries two new expansions were undertaken in 1900 AC.

1) The first was the southern movement of the thorn barrier to the northern side of the Ossum River. Resistance by the wild boars and snakes was fierce, but quickly overwhelmed (20). While the thorn bushes and trees were removed from the earlier barrier the stone base still exists along parts of the northern edge of the Rice River. After a series of skirmishes with the Ossum's naval forces led to a stalemate, a treaty was signed creating a line of northern demarcation, restricting the Ossum's ships to the sea south of the bay on the Chacalin River (21).

2) A few years later the northern thorn barrier was moved to the southern side of the Necklace River. Once completed this new barrier allowed for an expansion of the maple syrup production and easy access to more northern hardwood timber. The barrier was established at a sizable cost to the self-defense forces fighting back wolf excursions (22). The stone remnants of the earlier barrier still line most of the shore of the Maple River.

3) While the western edge of the thorn barrier has not seen any expansion since its first creation, mounting friction with the Racca traders who travelled freely up and down the north-south corridor between the Hazy Mountain range and the Western Hills led to the 1850 treaty of Irontown which established the Western Hills ridgeline as a demarcation line signifying that no permanent Racca settlements are allowed to the east of this ridge line (23). All Raccas now travel in the ‘outer lands’ in mobile trade (wagon) caravans. In addition, all trade trains (rail) and caravans (wagon) traveling through the great thorn barrier are subject to Rabbit and Hare Nation inspection and regulations.

Pressures for New Expansion

Understanding the expansion of the RHN boundaries since 1900 AC necessitates the review of two sets of factors. One group, labeled Internal Factors, can be described as forces operating within the RHN physical boundaries or within the group character of the population. The second group, labeled External Factors, can be described as forces operating outside of the RHN that have a direct impact on the nation.

A) Internal Factors

1) Continued Growth in the RHN population.

The recently reported explosion in the rabbit birth rate within the Inner Lands has placed a great strain on the nation's resources. Demands have escalated for everything from more teachers and schools, more medical staff and clinics and of course food resources to feed the multitude of new mouths (24, 25).

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These population pressures have led to a significant decrease of wooded areas, farmland and orchards within the Inner Lands. These ‘resource spaces’ have been removed from production and developed to provide more housing. As a result more pressure has been placed on the Outer Lands to provide a significant percentage increase in the food stuffs they deliver (26). For the time being, the expansion in the far west extending along and radiating north and south from the Chabia rail line has provided for increased food supplies and forestalled a food crisis within the Inner lands. However, it will be noted in a later section of this paper that, the flow of resources from the far west maybe approaching an upper limit (27).

The perilous nature of the RHN food supplies has led to proposals by some authors that the northern and southern thorn barriers once again be advanced. In the south it would open up additional timber areas as well as swamps that could be used for further rice production. To the north, it would open up an area of old-growth fir trees for exploitation (28). However, there appears to be considerable debate as military authorities report they're barely able to stabilize the existing barriers against the constant wolf attacks (29). Furthermore, the same authorities note that while they've been able to hold off the increasing snake threat from the south any movement further into the swamps would significantly ‘stir up’ the snake population (30). In addition, any military undertaking to expand the boundaries and stabilize the wolf and snake threats would necessitate an increase in military forces which takes these individuals out of resource production (food, timber, stone) and increasing even more the need for metal and cloth for armors, weapons and uniforms (31).

It has also been noted that movement to the south, especially if it should carry the RHN boundary to the north side of the Chacalin River, would upset a precarious political balance with the Ossum tribe and put the nation’s defense forces in direct contact with the Ossum naval port at Chacalin Bay. It has been suggested by sources within the Ossum tribe that negotiations for any such boundary movement would be ‘difficult if not impossible’ (32).

It has long been noted that governmental policies can and often do work against each (33).The recent announcement of plans for the thorn barriers to be turned into palisade battlements (e.g., stone base, spaced stone guard towers, with wood palisades between the towers) would in fact provide increased protection from wild animals and bandits (34). However, this effort would necessitate a significant increase in stone and wood production. In addition, the recent efforts to decrease the presence of migrant Unk workers within the Outer Lands would lead to severe shortage of rock and timber workers (35).

2) Growth to the West of the Inner Lands (the Great Western Gate) .

The establishment of the joint Racca and RHN double rail line which runs from the great western barrier gate (near Irontown) west to Chabia, has allow for the easy transport of iron and copper ingots from the northwest of Chabia and coal from the Racca coal fields to the south into Irontown, as a result the city continues to flourish (36).

Ownership of the rail line was negotiated as a joint venture between the Racca Trading Association (RTA) and the RHN. In the 60 years since the creation of the double rail line and the expansion of Irontown, the area to the west of the great gateway has seen explosive growth. This development has drawn an ever increasing number of rabbits, hares, and lesser tribe members to the countryside along the rail line which has escalated the removal of forests and the planting of farmland (37). Projections are

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that the growth of this agricultural area will continue to creep to the south and to the north, and that expansion in the west will continue around Chabia and up the western shores of the Great Bear Lake.

However, several issues have arisen that threaten to impede this areas continued growth and development:

a) Reports of heightened tension between the RNH and the northern Bison tribes, which inhabit the area to the west of Great River and have extensive ‘spiritual sites’ around Big Bear Lake. This tension is fueled in part by bands of rabbit and hare bandits who have begun to operate along the upper reaches of the Northern River and in adjacent Bison areas (38). This tension has been further exacerbated by leaked reports of a recent outreach to the Northern Bison tribe by the RHN in an attempt to establish a fresh water river port on the river to the west of Chabia. This would be done with an eye towards eventually opening up the eastern edge of Bison Lands for the wheat production (39). This is in part necessitated by a growing appetite within the RHN for bread and pastries, this move would lessen the nation's reliance on the Raccas for wheat (40). It should be noted that the negotiation of a river port west of Chabia is a diplomatic feat not even realized by the industrious and skilled Racca Trade Association.

b) Expanding cultivation of areas both north and south of the western rail line have encountered heightened resistance by wild Bears in the north and Boars in the south (41). This ‘resistance’ by the native inhabitants of these woods has disrupted resource collection (e.g., mushroom and flower essences, timber and ginger root) and lead to fatalities, especially with bear attacks on villages and hamlets. It has been suggested that this crisis can only be addressed with either the establishment of thorn barriers and/or increased military outposts along the frontier (42).

c) It should be noted that some sources within the Chabia academic and religious communities have sounded an alarm concerning the spread of a Bison Shamanic inspired ‘Wild Things’ cult (43, 44). This spiritual group/cult has as a core belief a ‘balanced coexistence’ between civilized society (RHN and RTA) and the wild inhabitants of New Theria (bears, boars, wolfs, snakes, eagles, etc.) (45). It appears to be a hybrid between bison shamanism (46) and a natural mysticism that arose among early settlers and forest gathers fueled by their interaction/ experience of ‘natural beauty’ (47). In addition, many of these ‘wild thing’ cult members believes in the existence of creatures labeled ‘forest terrors’, dark hooded fanged forest dwellers, who they believe will one day ‘rise up’ and return the world to a ‘natural order’ (48, 49). Some authors believe that this movement is harmless and represents a continuation of dark rabbit resurrection myths and childhood ‘fright’ stories (50). Other authors sound a warning note that this ‘spiritual movement’ could take root in the fertile ground within the RHN caused by the lessening of the traditional queen worship faith which will be discussed more thoroughly in the following section.

3) Changes in the nation’s general culture.

Social scientists tell us that it is challenging and difficult to speak about meaningful trends within the psychological, social and emotional makeup of the RHN culture (51). However, at the same time economists and statisticians argue that without such considerations we lessen our ability to predict and response to broad societal changes (52). With a call for caution this paper will review several possible trends that might influence the RHN future growth:

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1) The slow and steady shift of the Rabbit and Hare nation's culture away from agricultural to a more production based focus (e.g., steel making, pottery, wood working) has led to changes in education, healthcare and trade (53). This is exasperated by the move to remove ‘lesser’ tribe members from the Outer Lands (especially the Unk migrants) who in the past performed the less desirable and more physical demanding jobs. This is complicated by the continued growth in education levels within the Inner Land rabbits and the drastic ‘downward shift’ experienced by many rabbits who are relocated because of the census. Many of these ‘labor refugees’ are forced into physical labor positions for which they have no training or skills (54).

2) The shift away from a rural/small hamlet existence to a city/urban culture highlights educational differences between ‘city versus country’ as well as shifts in preferred leisure activities (musical and written entertainment). These cultural changes have led to the perception, within some segments of society, that two distinct ‘nations’ now exist (55).

3) There is a deepening dissent within some of the trade and production organizations (i.e., the miner's guild, the woodcutter's guild, and the transportation guild) directed towards the growing ‘non-producer’ segment of society, in particular the governmental and defense forces. It has been reported that discrepancies in pay and housing act as fuel for a growing sense of mistrust (56). In addition, the labor guilds are burdened with the task of absorbing the labor refugees as substitutes for the migrant Unks that have been deported (57).

4) As was alluded to earlier, there has been a notable weakening of the RHN culturally shared ‘spiritual’ bonds. It has been argued that ever since the ‘disappearance’ of the Queen of the Moon a dysfunctional imbalance has developed within the ‘spiritual fabric’ of the nation (58). Evidence for this decline includes the drop in visits to the numerous shrines, monasteries, and pilgrimages. Female entry into the convents has all but ceased and male recruitment and retention within the monasteries has reached a critical low (59). Some authors have argued that this represents an important cultural shift towards magical/scientific thinking and an urban educational emphasis and away from nature/magical thinking with an ‘experiential education’ emphasis (60). One important question that must be considered is whether this ‘cultural weakening’ has similar roots with the corresponding trend seen in the lesser tribes (especially the Raccas), in particular, have these changes within the RHN been influenced and hastened by the spread of Bison Shamanism within the Racca settlements (61)?

5) Researchers within the medical community have expressed alarm that the increased ‘stress’ associated with frontier security issues and cultural change maybe causing a shift within the RHN population towards chemical stress reduction (62). These concerns have been heightened by recent reports of increased cider consumption and accompanying violence in the frontier ‘wood camps’ and ‘ore mines’ (63). In addition, security forces report the spread of ‘jinga dens’ among the mobile Racca traders (64). These sets of reports raise questions about whether the usage of cider and jinga causes a decrease in the user’s desire to work and/or an increase in aggression and violence.

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B) External Factors

1) The RHN relationship with the Lesser Tribes .

The souring attitude held by the lesser tribes, in particular the Raccas towards the Rabbit and Hare nation has manifested itself in difficult trade negotiation and heightened friction’ at border posts. Several factors appear to influence these relations:

a) The Loosening of Spiritual Bonds between the Racca Tribe and the RHN.

Myths of the creation of New Theria by the magical and all powerful ‘creator’ include stories of how the lesser tribes were created to provide for the rabbit's physical needs, and how all tribes treated the rabbit royalty with an almost deity like worship (65). This feature has clearly been in decline for some time as evidenced by the rundown and abandoned ‘travelers’ temples’ along the more prominent Racca trade routes, and the decrease in pilgrimage to important royal sites by the lesser tribes (66, 67). Early reports tell of almost yearly pilgrimages by the Unk tribe’s king and the Racca Trade Association authorities to the Sunrise festival celebrated at the Forbidden City, however, no such pilgrimages have been observed for several decades (68). In addition, as noted earlier, the rise of various cults (i.e., Bison Shamanism, the Wild Things cult) appears to further undermine these fraying spiritual bonds. Some spiritual authorities have warned that the ‘western regions’ of New Theria represent fertile grounds for the development of even more destructive cults in the future and that a ‘revival of faith’ is necessary to counteract these future threats (69).

b) Growing Influence of the Northern Bison Shaman.

It appears that the Racca tribe’s extensive contact with the Northern Bison Tribe has led their leadership to turn to the Bison shaman for guidance. This is evidenced by reports that most of the Racca settlements now include a shaman temple site (70) and the increasing support the Racca traders are providing the Bison spiritual pilgrimage sites activities around the Great Bear Lake (71).

2) Other External Threats.

a) Bandit and Pirate Activities.

Alarm has been growing over the increase in renegade bandit attacks on the western rabbit and hare settlements as well as the Racca and Ossum traders. It has been argued that the Raccas do not possess adequate forces to alleviate this threat and that Rabbit and Hare Nation forces should be sent to areas outside the nation's control to combat these threats (72). In part this argument has been made because of the fact that a sizable portion of the bandits are made up of renegade rabbits and hares who were released from prison, due to overcrowding, and ‘shipped west’ by orders of rabbit judges (73, 74). In addition, rabbit and hare bandits have recently appeared along the Western Hill range and pray on the Racca trade caravans who travel from their western railhead settlements into the Outer Lands (75).

It appears that the Racca tribe continues to maintain a good relationship with the Northern Bison Tribe, their migrant work force of Unk and the Ossum sea traders. However, indications are that their southwestern boundaries are under increasing pressure from the hostile Southern Bison Tribe. These forces have impeded the westward expansion of the Racca farmlands, as well as having led to considerable disruption of their rail traffic west of the Great River. Much of the limited Racca defense

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forces appear to have been dispatched to patrol their western boundaries and provide security for their east-west rail line (76).

Recent diplomatic reports indicate that the Ossum sea trade routes with the Southern Sugar Islands trading posts and far southwestern cocoa plantations have been significantly disrupted by an increase in pirate activities all around the circumference of the Oyster Sea (77).

c) The expanding jinga usage by Racca tribe members.

Racca authorities continue to insist that the visibly growing use of the mildly sedating and hallucinogenic jinga leaves (which may be eaten, brewed or smoked) is nothing more than a ‘recreational outlet’ for traders and farm workers (78). However, RHN officials, including the ambassador to the Racca tribe, have passed on internal Racca reports highlighting dramatic decreases in resource production in Racca communities where jinga dens exist (79).

While there have, to date, been few reports of jinga use within the RHN, outside of the traveling Racca trade caravans, there is a growing concern among health authorities of the possible spread of jinga use within the RHN population (80).

d) The Wild Animal Threat

Diplomatic sources report that the Racca tribe is struggling with both a heightened presence of bandits on their northern and western boundaries and an increase in wild animal attacks particularly boars in all of their areas bordering the Great Boar Woods (81). It has been suggested within the Racca popular press that all procurement activities be moved to the west of the Great River, effectively abandoning all resource collection from within the Northern and Southern Boar Woods (82).

Intelligence reports have indicated that the Ossums have been experiencing a significant increase in both snake and Boar attacks, severely limiting their ability to harvest the southern shorelines for timber, needed for their boat building activities. In addition, trading and clam gathering activities have been forced offshore onto the various Oyster Sea Islands (83).

Biologists have proposed that the increases in wild animal attacks are likely the product of both a heightened birthrate and the encroachment on animal habitat (84). It has also been suggested that both the increase in wild animal populations as well as the presence of pirates has been caused by the past 5 years of significantly warmer weather throughout New Theria with a notable decrease in severe hurricane activity across the Oyster Sea (85).

Little is known about the conditions within the Unk Tribe's enclave, it can be hypothesized that they too would be feeling significant pressure from the snakes that surround them. However, given that a sizeable portion (last estimated at 70%) of their population serve as migrant workers within the Racca lands, most likely they would be feeling less pressure on their limited but well protected homeland (86).

3) The Questionable Reliability of Lesser Tribe Resource Production .

The Raccas have experienced a drop-in resource production that is thought to be related to numerous factors (87). As the earlier review noted these include: a) the spread of jinga use/abuse; b) the bandit and wild animal attacks on procurement operations (e.g., timber camps, mines, cotton and food stuffs

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farms); and c) the noticeable lessening of the Racca tribe’s commitment towards the rabbit royalty and the RHN.

While the supply of cane sugar from the Ossum has recently become sporadic, this represents less of a threat to the RHN food supplies as the rise in honey production within the RHN has more than compensated for the loss (88).

The growing demands place upon the RHN’s resources by population growth and the possible impact of procurement difficulties within the lesser tribes (especially the Racca tribe) has been described as a ‘catastrophic’ threat to the stability of the nation (89). For that reason, a number of controversial ‘remedies’ have apparently been proposed within the halls of government, outside of the realm of the ‘inquiring minds’ of the media and popular press (90). These include many proposals to take direct control over resources that are currently managed by the lesser tribes:

a) With the discovery of iron and copper in the territory to the northwest of the Greater Bear Lake, negotiations took place which culminating in the joint operation of the mines, with the Racca retaining control over the transport and smelting of the ore. While the supply of iron ingots has been free of any disruptions, a drastic and some would say very unsettling proposal has been made that involves taking control of all iron and copper production processes (mining, smelting and transport) through negotiation or by force if necessary (91).

b) The flourishing productivity of Irontown comes with a serious weakness, namely the dependence upon the Racca coalfields to the city’s south at the base of the Hazy Mountain range. A proposal has been made to take over these coal mining operations and the accompanying river port (on the East River) associated with the coal field operations (92).

c) In addition, it has been suggested that the Rabbit and Hare nation traders should take control of Racca trade caravan routes within the Outer Lands and establish trade routes of their own with the Bison and the ‘far west’ Ott tribe. These expanded trade routes would lessen the RHN’s dependence upon the Raccas for transportation of important ‘western’ goods (e.g., salt, obsidian, western forest mushrooms, gold and gems) (93).

d) A recent development that represents a new feature of the RHN’s nation’s trade dependence upon the Racca is the introduction by the Racca traders of two new products. The flammable fluid called ‘kerosene’ which works as lamp fuel and a substitute for wood or coal in furnace and kiln operations, and the pain killer called opium (94). There is currently no information available as to the source of these new trade goods, however, it has been reported that it arrives on north bound riverboats at the Tradetown port (95). It has been suggested that the operation of a north river port might make it possible to import this material directly from the still unknown producers (96).

Please note that all of the above mentioned proposals carry a great deal of danger as they risk direct military conflict with the Racca tribe, breaking a long standing historical friendship and economic interdependency (97). It can be argued that any such conflict would create catastrophic disruptions in the RHN’s economy and add fuel to a growing ‘moral crisis’ concerning the nation’s treatment of the lesser tribes (98).

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Conclusions:

Based upon this paper’s wide ranging, however, limited review of existing books, news articles and documents several general conclusion can be formulated:

1) That tremendous procurement challenges will persist with the continued growth of the RHN’s population. That part of the challenge the nation’s royal leaders face is to find a solution that does not add to the problem.

2) That any solution will likely affect all aspects (i.e., business, governmental, military, agricultural, and spiritual) and levels of the rabbit and hare society. In addition, any solutions the RHN undertakes will also affect our neighbors (lesser tribes and wild things).

3) No easy solutions exist! It has been stated that our nation faces the classical ‘between a rock and a hard place’ dilemma (99). With the demands created by our growth on one side and the wild animals and the lesser tribes on the others. It would appear that all of the possible solutions being considered, especially taking control of lesser tribe resource sites, carry a great risk of conflict.

4) With respect to the ‘costs’ of open conflict with the lesser tribes, in addition to the loss of lives and the destruction of trust between the tribes and the RHN, all sources of ‘new conflict’ would precipitate a widening and more expansive role for the nation’s defense/military forces within society (100). This expanded role would not only added to procurement needs (e.g., need for more metal, cloth and food stuffs) but would fuel a growing resistance movement within segments of the RHN society (i.e., academia, trade unions, spiritual community) to the role of the military plays within society (101). Please note that a recent ‘hot off the press’ report notes that part of a growing suspicion of the military is rooted in the fact that almost all magical resources (e.g., new magical youth, magical energy resources, etc.) are assigned to military control (102). This leaves other aspects of society (e.g., medicine, basic scientific/magical research, spiritual institutions) with little or no access to these resources (103).

5) The author is aware that this paper tends to paint a rather difficult and bleak picture of the nation’s current ‘state of affairs’. Perhaps this is a good time to remind the reader of the famous quote ‘It is always darkest right before the dawn’ by Brother T. Fuller (104). Is it possible that within our current crisis resides solutions that would carries us towards the dawn and away from the darkness that swirls about us and threatens to destroy much of what we have created?

6) What might be the nature of these new and different solutions to our growth challenge? Two solution paths are worth mentioning, and deserve their own extensive investigations. a) The first, which has been raised by several medical researchers, is to directly challenge the

unspoken assumption that ‘the more rabbits the merrier’ (105)! Why does our society refuse to consider the necessity for BIRTH CONTROL within the rabbit population? Clearly the nation’s borderlands are not empty of inhabitants and free for the taking. In addition, the nation’s appetite shows no signs of abating especially for new tastes and flavors (e.g., specialty honeys, exotic fruits and vegetables). Slowing our rate of growth would stabilize the demand for the exotic and significantly lessen our current need for expansion.

b) The second solution, which has been discussed extensively within the ‘spiritual circles’ of our nation’s monasteries and convents, argues for the need in a ‘shift’ of society’s focus. From a ‘materialistic’ view of feeding growing consumption towards a more ‘spiritually balance’ view. This balanced view espouses the idea of ‘living in and with’ the natural and social world, rather than ‘mastering and using up’ all of the natural and social resources in our world (106).

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7) Before this paper closes it should be noted that the second solution mentioned above points to the necessity of taking a much wider view of the RHN society’s problems and solutions. One such ‘view’ has recently been advanced within the newly emerging field of Cultural Studies and Analysis. While the scope of the theory entitled: Social Mind Set Theory falls outside the limited scope of this paper a brief review has been attached as an appendix to this paper (107).

8) A wise and great teacher recently told me that ‘new, smart and intelligent solutions’ involves stepping outside of how one usually thinks (108). We must do more than just ‘try harder’ to make old solutions work (e.g., border expansion, increase resources). I believe that we must challenge ourselves to find new solutions to our ‘growing pains’ or these pains may grow into a disease that consumes our nation.

Special Thanks to:

My father Prof. B. Boddington II for his long-term support of my advance studies. Professor M. Cann for his guidance and direction on the focus and structure of this paper project. Brother Calming Truth, assistant librarian for archived holdings, Harehatten Library.The staff at the Government Document Bureau, especially Rosemary Softfur of the Current and Archived resources division.

References

1) Prehistoric Mysteries , By Professor T. Sparkle, Dept. of Early History and Antiquities’, Harehatten University, Harehatten Press, 2101 AC.

2) A Book of Myths, Active Beliefs and Falsehoods , By Sister D. Divine. That Sunrise Monastery Press, Golden Gate Publications, 2051 AC.

3) When Sister Queens Ruled the Land , By Professor Jan Griffin, Dept. of Historical Studies, Harehatten City College, Harehatten Press, 2105 AC.

4) Locked Away in Their Castles: The Growing Isolation of the Royals , By Brother Dao, Moon Rise Monastery Press, 1988 AC, (Harehatten Library Archives).

5) Change Without Warning , By Professor Z. Hartford, Dept. of Historical Studies, Harehatten Community College, Journal of Community Studies, Vol. 2, 2062 AC, p-22-30.

6) A Divided Nation , By Dr. S. Lyle, Political Studies Program, Deep-Water City College, Academic Press, 2110 AC.

7) Security Forces Growth During the ‘Great Unrest’: A Valid Need or an Excuse to Expand? By Dr. Kate Babbit, Society for Critical Historical Studies, Rice Bay College, Rice Bay Press, 2091 AC.

8) Magic Forces in Revolt: The End of Independence , By Mage S. Galloway, Sunrise Monastery Press, 1892 AC, (Harehatten Library Archives).

9) The Queen Commands!: The Use of Royal Decrees to Suppress Dissent By Professor D. Berry, Dept. of History and Political Affairs, Harehatten University Press, 2020 AC.

10) Mixing Shock with Surprise: Findings From the First Royal Census , By Professor D. Chadborn, Division of Historical Studies, Deep-Water University Press, 2075 AC.

11) When Sunlight Prevailed: The Mysterious Disappearance of the Moon Queen , By Brother S. Singh, Moon Rise Monastery Press, 1672 AC (Harehatten Library Archives).

12) The Moon Will Rise Again , Chapter in the book ‘Old and New Myths of Salvation’ by Brother B. Obama, Moon Rise Monastery Press, 1660 AC (Harehatten Library Archives).

13) A Nation’s Growing Pain: The Movement of Excessive Rabbit Populations , Division of Governmental Affairs, Government Printing Bureau, 1312 AC (Government Document Archives).

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14) Dangers on the Early Frontier: the Need for Boundary Security , Defense Forces Information Bureau, 2000AC, (Government Document Archives).

15) Westward Expansion along the Royal Chabia Rail Line , Rabbit and Hare Nation Census Bureau, Government Documents Bureau, September 2110 AC.

16) Sounding the Whistle and Blowing Steam: Rail Lines of New Theria , By the RHN Railroad Society, Irontown Historical Press, 2095 AC.

17) Churning Water: Racca Steamboats on the Great River , By the Racca Riverboat Society, Irontown Historical Press, 2101 AC.

18) Swinging From the Yard Arm: Coastal Trading Among the Ossum Tribe , By S.F. Mariam, Shell Port Press, 2075 AC.

19) The Changing Face of the Nation: Lesser Tribe Growth within the RHN Boundaries , Editorial by M. Edwards, Harehatten Daily Press, Winter Day 6, 2075 AC.

20) Notes from the Southern Front , By surviving members of the 17th tactical reconnaissance group, Military History Press, 1910 AC, (Government Document Archives).

21) The War on the Ossum Tribe: From Trading Partners to Enemies , By Dr. Dan Longears, Division of Political Science, the Deep-Water Independent Think Tank, Deep-Water Press, 1937 AC (Harehatten Library Archives).

22) At an Appalling Cost: The Campaign of Northern Expansion against the Frost Wolves , By Lieutenant D. Dalmer, 23rd Border Defense Battalion, Defense Academy Publications, 1943 AC, (Government Document Archives).

23) The Irontown Accords: Prudent Business Towards or Racism Against the Racca Tribe? Editorial by Darian Fleabite, Tradetown Daily Press, Winter Day 3, 1855 AC, (Harehatten Library Archives).

24) Run Away Growth: A Blessing and a Curse , The RHN Census Bureau, Government Document Press, Golden Gate City, 2100 AC.

25) Hungry Mouths to Feed, Shortfalls In Food Production , A Report by the Bureau of Production Statistics. Governmental Publication Center, June 2098 AC.

26) A Garden in Every Yard: Family Centered Food Production , A Decree from the Division of Consumer Affairs, Governmental Printing Office, Golden Gate City, 2115 AC.

27) Something Must Give: The Far West Food Basket Has Reached It’s Limit , Editorial by Ann Penship, Chabia Daily News, Fall Day 32, 2120 AC.

28) Does the RHN Need to Expand…. Again? The federal Bureau of Production, Government Document Press, Summer 2124 AC.

29) Letting Our Guard Down: The Northern Wolf Threat , Editorial by DD Bobbit. Harehatten Daily Times, Summer Day 87, 2120 AC.

30) Don't Sleep There Are Snakes , By Staff Sergeant Matt Bluntblade. Deep-Water Popular Press, Fall Day 7, 2116 AC.

31) Turning Plows into Swords and Shields: The Overlooked Costs of Expansion , Flyer produced by the RHN Peace Now Movement, Northern Woodlands Free Press, Mapleton, Spring 2118 AC.

32) A Line in the Sand That Can Not be Crossed , Editorial by Samuel Rawtail, The Oyster Shell Bay Daily News, Winter Day 7, 2114 AC.

33) When the Right Paw Doesn’t Know What the Left Paw is Doing , By Lt. Connie Fluffytail, Commission for the Study of Governmental Waste, Governmental Publication Bureau, Golden Gate City, 1935 AC, (Governmental Document Archives).

34) We Must Build a ‘Real Wall’ to Secure Our Borders , Editorial by D. T. Rump, the Harehatten Enquirer, Make the RHN Great Again Press, Harehatten, Winter Day 87, 2125 AC.

35) ‘Send Them Home’: The Impact of the Unk Relocation Orders of 2125 , Office of Procurement and Production, Government Publications Bureau, 2200 AC.

36) Irontown: From Hamlet to Bustling City , By S. Myers, Irontown Press, 2100 AC.

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37) Who are All These Creatures? Editorial by A. Kishk, The Western Rail Line Journal, Ladan Press, Fall 2050 AC.

38) How to Anger a Thundering Herd: Allow Bandits on the Great North River , Editorial by I.G Otit, Chief Racca Trade Representative, Tradetown Daily News, Spring Day 23, 2121 AC.

39) West of the Great River: Fertile Soil and a Promising Future , Unpublished manuscript by Captain G. Custer, Western Expeditionary Force, Archived in the Military Documents Section of Harehatten Library, 2075 AC.

40) The Rocketing Consumption of Bread, Pastries, and Sweets , The Bureau for Consumer Studies, 2100 AC, (Government Document Archives).

41) They Will Stand and Fight: the Boar, Bear and Wolf Challenge , By Major Stanley Steam, Defense Intelligence Studies, Government Publication Bureau, 2050 AC, (Government Document Archives).

42) Build It at Any Cost! Editorial by D. T. Rump, the Harehatten Enquirer, Make the RHN Great Again Press, Harehatten, Spring Day 78, 2106 AC.

43) When ‘Foreignness’ Becomes an Enticing Quality , By Brother Blessing, Dept. of Political and Religious Studies, Chabia University, Chabia Press, 2101 AC.

44) The ‘Wild Thing’ Cult: A Dangerous Western Wind , By Rev. B. Graham, True Word Redemption Center, Chabia True Word Press, 2107 AC.

45) The Power of the Middle Path , By Brother B.R. Dass, Moon Rise Monastery, Chabia Free Press, Chabia, 2091 AC.

46) More Than Meets the Eye: Bison Shamanism and Nature Worship, Transcript of an interview with Prairie Flower, Chief Shaman of the Norlat Bison Tribe, by Sia Sweat Voice, The Spiritual Voices Series, Tradetown Publication, 2102 AC.

47) The Wild Route: Leaving Society, Seeking Happiness in the Woods , Report from N.B. See, Edge of Society Coalition Newsletter, Chabia Alternative Press, 1985 AC.

48) Can Natural Beauty Replace Scripture?: The Power of Nature Mysticism and Myth , Prof. W. James, Dept. of Spiritual Studies, Chabia Alternative College Press, 1998 AC.

49) Wolf Woods Ruins and Forest Pathways: Evidence for a Hidden ‘Forest Terror’ Threat? By Prof. I. Paw Dirt, Northern Woodlands Free Press, Mapleton, 1997 AC.

50) Childhood Fears and Shadows in the Woods , By Dr. S. Freud, Institute of Spiritual Studies, Harehatten City College, Harehatten Press, 2001 AC.

51) Reading Tea Leafs: The ‘Art’ of Predicting Societal Change , By Prof. S.T. Atistics, Journal of Population Studies, Vol. 1, p. 11-22, Harehatten Academic Press, 2097 AC.

52) What Will the RHN Look Like in the Next Century? By Dr. I. Azmov, Journal of Population Studies, Vol. 3, Spring 2105 AC.

53) Skylights versus Starlight: The Urbanization of the RHN , Lead researcher C. More Roads, Harehatten Business Consortium, Harehatten Press, 2080 AC.

54) From Working Behind a Desk to Working a Shovel: When Education and Training No Longer Matter, By Sir Sting, Society for Activism and Worker Right Newsletter, Deep Water Press, Spring Day 17, 2110 AC.

55) Turn Down the Music and Pull Up Your Pants: Cultural Manifestations of the Urban Rural Divide , By Prof. D. Berry, Harehatten School of Music, Harehatten Academic Press, 2098 AC.

56) We Make and They Consume: How Fair is That? By J. Buffbunny, Head of the Woodcutter Union, Annual Newsletter, Irontown Labor Press, 2092 AC.

57) Depressed Production on the Rice Plantations: Why and How to Fix It , By Sir B.O. Regard, Southern Rice Growers Association, Annual Newsletter, Rice Bay Press, 2128 AC.

58) Can A Nation’s Spirituality Stand on One Leg Alone? By Brother Deo, Moonrise Monastery, Chabia Free Press, 2090 AC.

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59) Where Have All the Faithful Gone? A sermon delivered by the Rev. P. Jobe, Harehatten Unitarian Church, Summer Day62, 2115 AC.

60) Science and Magic: Two Formulaic Approaches to Understanding and Manipulating Our Shared Reality, By Prof. C. Sagen, Journal of Scientific and Magical Studies, Vol. 3, Harehatten Academic Press, 2095 AC, p-1-22.

61) A World of Change , By Brother Dao, Moonrise Monastery, Chabia Free Press, 2095 AC.62) Chemical Attempts to Deal With Stress , By Dr. B.D.C. Hoice, Director of Emergency Medicine,

Harehatten Queens Hospital, Medical Association Press, Harehatten, 2078 AC.63) Violence Within the Frontier Camps , General U.G. Rant, Western Frontier Guard Command,

Chabia Royal Castle, Military Command Press, 1999 AC.64) Unwanted Elements: Prostitution, Jinga Use, and Illegal Trading Within Racca Wagon Camps , By

Capt. J.E. Hoover, Western Frontier Inspector General, Addendum to the 2114 Annual Report, Office of Internal Affairs, Chabia Castle, 2115 AC.

65) When the Royals Were Worshiped! By Brother Gentle Soul, Southern Essence Monastery Press, Golden Gate City, 1895 AC (Harehatten Library Archives).

66) Shrines in Disrepair and Empty Monasteries: Further Signs of Spiritual Decline , Sermon given by the Rev. J. Faldwell, Senior Minister of the Golden Gate City Cathedral and Outreach Redemption Center, Golden Gate City, Fall Day 7, 1991 AC.

67) They Worship Us No Longer: The Loss of Faith Within The Lesser Tribes , By Brother Scathius. Sunrise Monastery Press, Harehatten, 1998 AC.

68) The Decline and Death of ‘Spiritual Tourism , A talk given by G.O.T. Buse to the Golden Gate Business Brunch, Rabbit on the Green Restaurant, Golden gate City, Spring 22, 2095 AC.

69) The ‘Wild Things’ Cult, Myth of the Dark Rabbit King’s Return, and Other Dangerous Ideas Lurking on the Western Frontier, A Talk given by the Rev. True Light before the Spiritual Affairs Bureau’s Spring meeting, Golden Gate City, Spring 88, 2103 AC.

70) What Happens in a Racca Camp: Tales of a Rabbit Trader , By Jonathan Toowide. Trade Town Press, 2075 AC, (Harehatten Library Archives).

71) Bison Pilgrimages and Sacred Sites on the Greater Bear Lake , By A.L.A. Board, Northern Passenger Service, Racca Waterway Workers Union Newsletter, Iron Port Press, Fall 2099 AC.

72) Should We Be New Theria’s Police Force? By Gen. S.Z. Koff, Central Defense Command, Defense Update. Spring 2101 AC.

73) Empting the Prisons But Seeding Dissent on the Frontier , Speech given by Chief Det. D. Regan to the Chabia Police Academy graduating class of 2110, Chabia Police Academy New Letter, Spring 2110 AC.

74) Causes and Remedies for the Western Bandit Problem , By Colonel Cody Shampton. Southern Defense Command, Government Publication Bureau, 2102 AC.

75) Gone are Our ‘Days of Innocence’ in the Countryside , I.M.O. Whelmed, Former governor of the South East Region, Unpublished manuscript, Government Archives, File #90210, Golden City Administrative Center, 2090 AC.

76) Our Resolve is Being Tested on All Sides! Commander F.L. Bag, Racca Defense Force, Unpublished interview given to the Tradetown Daily News. 2110 AC.

77) Arm the Transports! By Adm. Ben Shelling, Ossum Fleet Command, Classified Security Report, Document # TS222787, Spring 2110 AC.

78) The Joys of Jinga , Editorial by Y.I. Smoke, the Big Rock City Daily Press, Big Rock City, Spring 2097 AC.

79) Up in Smoke: Racca Producers Pay a Price for ‘Recreation’ Jinga Use , Field Report by Ambassador Benjie Guard, RHN Diplomatic Service Report, 2079 AC.

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80) The Spread of the Raccas Ganja Cult , By Dr. B. Beddington II, Journal of Population Studies, Vol. 6, Golden Gate University Medical Press, p-23-29, 2201 AC.

81) Between a Rock (Bandits) and a Hard Place (Boars): The Racca Tribe’s Dilemma , By Lt. Col. J.C. Grub, Military Liaison to the Racca Tribe, the RHN Defense Bulletin Report, Fall 2101.

82) Let Them Have the Woods! Editorial in the Tradetown Daily News, Summer 2091 AC, Day 45 .83) Dry Land Dangers , Editorial in the Shell Bay City Enquirer, Fall 2102 AC, Day 3.84) Not Only Rabbits are Reproducing: Wild Animal Populations on the Rise , By Prof. J. Hoof, Journal

of Biological Populations Studies, Vol. 12, p-88-101, Fall 2116.85) Bugs, Boars, and Pirates: The Rise in Temperature and Oyster Sea Problems , By Sir W.D. Muck,

Institute for Sea Studies, Shell Bay College, Shell Bay Press, Summer 2110 AC.86) The Unk Tribe: The Cost and Benefits of a Mobile Society , Professor Silver Fur, Kingston

University, Kingston Royal Press, Kingston, Summer Day 86, 1978 AC, (Harehatten Library Archives) .

87) Empty Boxcars and Trade Wagons: Where have all the Racca Trade Goods Gone ? By Major Jerry Ramos, Western Gate Guard Forces, Spring Report to Headquarters, 2118 AC.

88) The Buzzing Hive and the Nations Sweet Tooth , By I.B. Stung, Commissioner of Agriculture, Speech given to the Harehatten Business Club, Spring Day 21, 2123 AC.

89) ‘Out of Supply’: The Dangers Inherent in the Racca Control of Coal, Iron, and Wheat , By Captain F. Barrymore. Defense Department Studies, Bureau of Governmental Publications, 2101 AC.

90) The Need for Secrecy on Matters of Border Expansion , Central Security Decree, Governmental Records, Record #TS696366, 2126 AC.

91) Military Force Requirements for a Northern Iron Fields Campaign , Gen. P.A. Ton, Special Report to the Central Military Command, Archived Governmental Documents, #TS168432, 2125 AC.

92) Negotiate First, Occupy as a Last Resort , By N.T. Spy, Special Ambassador to the Racca Tribe, Internal State Department Document Archive, Document #TS276442, 2029 AC.

93) Let us Make the Profits! Speech given by W. Buffet to the Harehatten Business Round Table, Spring Meeting Report, Spring 2123 AC.

94) New Trade Goods Will Fill Your Wagons , Speech given by J.C. Penny, Director of (Racca) Eastern Trade to the Tradetown Business Association Fall Meeting, 2129 AC.

95) What’s Happening on the Docks? Un-authored article in the Steamboat Handlers Magazine, Tradetown Press, Spring 2128 AC.

96) We Must Find the Source: Lost Trade Opportunities By M.M. Bucks, Harehatten Business Magazine, Summer 2126 AC.

97) Changing the World as We Know It… Forever: The High Cost of Armed Conflict with the Racca Tribe, Report produced by the Harehatten Business Think Tank, Report #AR15, Harehatten Business Press, Summer 2125.

98) Ceding the Moral High Ground: Rising Mistreatment of the ‘Lesser Tribes , Report by the Committee for the Ethical Treatment of All Creatures, Harehatten University Faculty Senate, Fall 2099 AC.

99) There Are No Easy Solutions to Our Nation’s Challenges , Editorial by S.J. Flake, Harehatten Daily Press, Summer Day 36, 2121 AC.

100) The Growing Role of the Military in the RHN Society , The Committee for Ethical Government Newsletter, Harehatten Free Press, Summer 2128 AC.

101) Enough is Enough: We Must Resist Military Expansion , Editorial by the New Theria Peace Coalition, Coaltown Daily Press, Summer 2124 AC.

102) Where Have All the Magic Users Gone? Panel presented by the Harehatten University Faculty Senate on ‘Queen’s Day’ at HU Freedom Hall, Harehatten University, Summer 2130 AC.

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103) Why is Civilian Magic Research at a Standstill? Panel presented by the Harehatten University Faculty Senate on ‘Queen’s Day’ at HU Freedom Hall, Harehatten University, Summer 2130 AC.

104) Quotes from Wise Rabbits and Hares: Daily Musing , By Sister Sun Rise, Spiritual Awakening Press, Deep Water, 1998 AC.

105) Why are we up to our tails in bunnies? By Dr. I.U. Device, Populations Control Coalition Newsletter, Harehatten Free Press, Harehatten, Fall 2127 AC.

106) What Does ‘Spiritual Imbalance’ Mean for the Nation , By Sister J.S. Lade, Heaven Gate Convent, Monastery Free Press, 2101 AC.

107) Social Mind Set Theory: Perceptions of the Society’s Future , By Professor Emeritus E.D. Wards, Dept. of Social Sciences, Unpublished Manuscript, Harehatten University Library, Faculty Archives, Document #98356, 2126 AC.

108) Notes from a personal discussion with Professor Emeritus B. Obama , Institute for the Advanced Studies of Government, Chabia College, Spring 2129 AC.

References Used to Create the Map

The Changing Face of New Theria: Historical Maps from 500 AC to 2000 AC, By Professor Cynthia Plumtail, Royal Golden Gate Academy, Forbidden City Press, 2015 AC.

The Rivers, Woods, Hills and Mountains of Eastern New Theria, By Chief Scout M. Lewis, Corps of Discovery Expedition, Official Government Documents. Doc. #7131805, 1901 AC. (Government Document Archive)

A pilgrim's journey along the Necklace of Gems Lakes, By Brother Theodore, Moon Fall Monastery Publications, 1821 AC. (Harehatten Library Archive)

The Royal View: Scenic Views from the Spires of the Hare and Rabbit Nation's Monasteries, Sketches by M.L. Anglo, The Royal Publishing Company, 1722 AC.

The Forgotten Trail of Faith Along The String of Gems Lakes: A Nature's Artist Sketchbook, By PW Edwards, Chabia College Press 1990 AC.

We are Not Alone: Lands of the Lesser Tribes, By R.M. Nalley, Chief Cartographer, Office of Governmental Maps and Drawings, Archived Governmental Documents Bureau, Golden Gate City, Doc. #276001, 1801 AC.

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