The Aetherial Empire

Formation
The Aetherial Empire is one of the three alliances originally formed on Earth. They were formally based in central and eastern Europe, but eventually spread to most of Europe. This alliance was originally between the countries Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, Slovakia, Russia, and Romania. Now it includes these countries, as well as the rest of the west coast/central European nations. It was formed on March 24th, 2100. This is now known around the Empire as "Liberation Day", for when they were freed from European Union taxation and laws.

Cybernetics
As a result of the second cold war, Russia was heavily equipped in cybernetics. This included several models of mechsuit, along with several prototypes for neural enhancement. The Aetherian Empire's Ships were able to transport a fair amount of this armory, being about 1 fully functional mechsuit per 10,000 people, equating to about 14,000 mechsuits aboard the Russian's sub-fleet. The other members of The Aetherian Empire also had mechsuits, these being fewer in number but more advanced and durable. The amount of mechsuits in the remainder of the union are about 1 mechsuit to every 100,000 people. This equates to about 6,000 advanced mechsuits in possession of the all of the non-Russian fleets.

Ranged Weaponry
The Aetherial Empire is equipped with loads of ballistic weapons, ranging from simple assault rifles to advanced Armor Shredding rounds, with a core of depleted Uranium. The Aetherial Empire also employs an advanced model of Railgun to its scouts, using kinetic energy to fire a magnetic projectile. This produces no sound, no muzzle flash, and is capable of piercing a full foot of steel.

Combat Specializations
Out of basic training, most cadets become basic foot soldiers. But if an individual is noticed by the captain of a division, or deemed worthy by his instructor, he may start off as much more. Here are some basic roles, defined clearly within the Aetherian Empire's rankings.

Scout Core
A scout is a cadet with exceptional aim and a very high IQ. These soldiers are sent in small squadrons, armed with long-range railguns and a high-tech SMG. This SMG fires at a speed of 2,000 rounds per minute, having a 60 round clip. It fires 9 millimeter ammo, and was designed for use against unarmored targets.

Power Core
A cadet in the Power Core is considered a "Heavy". These "Heavies" use large explosives and "Tank Shredder" Thermite shotguns. They are designed to penetrate bases, and are used as close-range combatants against other normal battalions. These troops have heavy armor, plated with thick steel. This pales in comparison to most mechs, but they're still hard to deal with with normal means.

Communist Russia
Although the political parties of the past may have been ignored for the survival of the people, Russia does not agree with the rest of The Aetherial Empire. They are currently trying to gain sovereignty though any means.