CORNELLIAN EMPIRE NEWS (closed, Region Only)

[Gylias]

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THE DAILY STANDARD

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Gylian Labour Party and Independent Labour Party Announce Merger

Monday, 22 September 2014

MISHAWAKA, MISHAWAKA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION -- The leaders of the Gylian Labour Party (GLP) and Independent Labour Party (ILP) have today announced that their parties will merge, after years of negotiations. The announcement came after a successful vote by the ILP ranks earlier this morning, which approved the plan for the merger by a margin of 89% to 11%.

ILP leader Karsan Pazvar, who strongly supported the merger and had engaged in long negotiations to merge with the GLP since becoming party leader in 2004, stated that they were "very happy" with the result, hailing it as "the triumph of unity over needless division". "Together, we can do so much more than apart!", they declared in a speech after the result was announced. The merger procedure will involve the ILP becoming part of the GLP.

The ILP had previously split from the GLP in December 1961, and had managed to enter the Parliament in the 1962 election, but since then it has been described by analysts as consistently struggling to find an audience or increase its share of the vote; its highest ever victory in a general election had seen it win only 5 seats in the House of Representatives, and it has narrowly hung onto its remaining seat for the past three elections. The GLP suffered a similar decline in recent decades, which is considered a key factor in the successful negotations for a merger after the acrimonious split between the two parties five decades ago.

With the ILP merger, the GLP now officially hold 4 seats in the House of Representatives and 5 in the Senate.

[Arbites]

Order Eidos
International Press Statement

Cargo Ship Brazenly Attacked Near Altinum

Close to midnight last night, the cargo ship MV Weddell was attacked by a massive horde of Azurlavaian pirates in the Southern Passage. Approaching Altinum, the Weddell was surrounded by several speedboats and, shockingly, a hijacked patrol craft formerly of Azurlavai's pre-civil war navy. Seven heroic mariners perished defending their vessel, with ten more wounded. All seven shall be named martyrs, and at 6 PM Saturday they and their widows shall be honored nationwide with a Vigil of Service.

The crew's accounts report that the pirates assaulted their craft with rifles, grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, and rockets. Anticipating a possible pirate threat in the Southern Passage, the vessel was fitted with the latest in anti-piracy measures. These countermeasures combined with the discipline, skill, and sacrifice of the ship's crew saw them repel all boarders. The timely arrival of the Ossorian vessel ROS Celty saved the vessel from fire and resulted in the destruction of the hijacked patrol craft. The Curia has sent their sincerest thanks to Kenlis for their aid, and Commander Kealey of the Celty is to be honored by the Church.

His Holiness Cardinal Robertson expressed great concern that such an attack was possible so close to Altinum. "Pirates in many cases are equipped with speedboats and rifles. Piracy countermeasures, which are often non-lethal weaponry or devices designed to disable small craft, are typically sufficient to deal with this type of threat. This civil war has gone on so long in Azurlavai, however, that it seems to be losing track of military equipment, resulting in pirates operating naval vessels. This is highly distressing. A dinghy can be dealt with by police. A corvette cannot."

"We've spoken to Governor Rogatus, and he says the Altinian people are frightened. Pirates this bold and this well-equipped might be capable of overwhelming the Altinian Coast Guard or even staging raids on the island itself, or so he claims. The governor has reminded us that the Aragon Accords that the Imperium is responsible for Altinum's defense, and as he is faced with a scurrilous labor dispute amongst the island's police force, we shall do our duty. The Imperium is sending a task force, led by a destroyer and made up primarily of patrol craft, to shore up Altinum's defenses against this new menace. The Emperor protects."

[Azurlavai]

September 22, 2014

Den Commonwealth Sentinel


"Fordi du har rett til å vite"





Election Week Approaches

As September draws to a close, we look at the past few weeks in campaigning to see which of our three candidates will win the honor and right to lead Azurlavai into the future. The three candidates have fought hard to petition their cause and ideals, and we finally decide between militarism, reconstruction or economic supremacy. Though this simple statement has all the summarized facts, the first election in our nation's history is a big event, setting down the framework for what will hopefully be the steadfast standard for many years to come. While this political system is new, whether it works or not will have yet to be seen. Remember to visit your local election office from October the 5th through to the 11th, seven whole days to go and cast your vote.

[hr]

Imperial Deployment Challenged!




The U-boat CMS Kelpie in Tritonsberg harbor preparing to set out on anti-pirate patrol

Earlier today, Supreme Chairman Frieda Trotsbeck issued a statement to the Imperium of Arbites from the far north. In it, she stated that while piracy in the south seas has been a problem, overseas assistance has been light, and only engaged the brigands for a short time, citing the region's lawlessness as a criticism. Furthermore, the fact that the Imperium would consider deploying a naval task force without first clearing it with the UCA, whose waters they would have to both pass through and operate in, means that the northerners are showing little respect in who they park their weapons next to. "Everyone has the right to self-defense. That's why we've lifted a lot of bans on personal armament that merchantmen are allowed to stock up on. They can turn their ships into floating fortresses. With the help of the Royal Ossorian Navy, we predict that the pirate issue will be more than managed within the next year. As shown in this very issue, help was right within reach and responded before the whole ship could be seized. While it is indeed tragic that so many died and were wounded, it will not take long before even this eventuality is no longer a reality." In contention, the Krigsmarine has been placed on high alert, all vessels capable of doing so having been deployed to, in an official statement "lock down the patrols and root out the savage marauders of the ice seas." Though many critics are saying that the Imperium has the right to come to the colony's defense, others are stating that the northerners' unwillingness to at least alert Azurlavai that military movement would occur so close by is a ground for suspicion. More as this story unfolds.

[hr]

Other Stories Inside
[*]Peregrino Conflict Steps Up! War Between the CPO and the Allied States, or Withdrawal and Shame?
[*]Military Numbers Cut Once Again as Latest Round of Cutbacks Hits
[*]First Fields Replanted! First Harvest Promises Good Crops!
[*]Highway between Lowell City and Tritonsberg Opened to Meager Traffic

[Alizeria]

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"JIM'LL FIX IT" SAY CONSERVATIVES
SECOND BALLOT SEES VERMILE DUMPED AS TORY PARTY LEADER

September 23rd 2014

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The political career of Alizeria's longest serving Prime Minister is all but over, after Sir Edward Vermile was today unceremoniously dumped as party leader and condemned to the back benches of Parliament.

_{Former Deputy Prime Minister Jim Humphries has been
confirmed as the new Leader of the Opposition}

After narrowly retaining the leadership in July, after no candidate was able to gain a majority in the first ballot, Sir Edward was today easily defeated by his former Deputy, Jim Humphries, by 41 votes to 29 in the 63 member Caucus.

Humphries - a former dairy farmer from County Ianshire, who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the final two terms of Vermile's five term government - assumed the helm of the Conservative Party, in its first change of leadership in 18 years.

Despite being generally considered to be a Vermile loyalist, Humphries wasted no time in demoting his former mentor to number 63 in Caucus - making the former leader now the lowest ranked backbencher. Another price that Humphries had to pay to gain the leadership was to have archrival James Richardson - another former Vermile deputy - as his own deputy.

Richardson, who is considered to be a member of the Conservative Party's more liberal faction, was dumped as Deputy Prime Minister in 2008 after openly criticising Vermile's decision to spend 2 billion Kros to build a dam in County Albion.

"Today the work of rejuvenating, revitalising and reforming the Conservative Party begins, so that we can create the decent society that all Alizerians deserve," Humphries said at a press conference announcing the leadership change. "We are proud of our legacy, grateful to Sir Edward Vermile for his work, but the time has come now to look not to the past but to the future."

A Conservative MP, who did not wish to named, reported that Sir Edward Vermile was actually offered a position on Humphries' shadow cabinet, but refused to be anything other than a backbencher and was as such demoted. The MP described Vermile's behaviour as "infantile" and commented that "he looked like he was going to either cry or throw a tantrum" after being dropped as leader.

Jim Humphries has stated that the Conservative Party would focus on opposing the "destructive agenda" of the Liberal government, calling the Ashton government "the most selfish, immoral and downright depraved government in Alizerian history".

Prime Minister Anthony Ashton mocked Jim Humphries upon hearing of him assuming the leadership, dubbing him "Vermile-lite."

"The only difference between Jim Humphries and Sir Edward Vermile is that, where Sir Edward was unapologetically racist, sexist and homophobic, Jim Humphries occasionally feels the need to apologise for it."

It is unclear whether or how the leadership coup will affect the polls - with current polling putting the Liberals more than 20 points ahead of their Conservative rivals.

- ADH

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In Other News:

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• Anti-nuclear legislation passes second reading
• New statistics show unemployment down, but relative poverty rising
• Norskeberg residents enjoy "unseasonably" sunny weather after rain stops for five minutes

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[Novitera]

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FASDA -10.55 D&D 500 3.74 CI +8.22 Pioneer 2000 -5.10 Crude +4.50 Gold -3.00

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DIRECTORATE PANEL ELECTIONS

The Federation Directorate Panel, Novitera's legislative body. Time has come again to elect new members to the table and for a few sitting members to defend their seats. Elections to the 23 seats of the FDP are done in rotations. Throughout the next week, the people of Novitera shall mail their vote in to their respective institutional shareholders who will serve as proxy voters to the corporations. Those holding shares in a Noviteran corporation will cast their votes directly. Seven seats of the FDP are up for grabs with three vacancies (as those Directors have served the maximum amount of terms) and four Directors up for reelection.

The following Directors have served out their maximum terms leaving their seats vacant:
Edward Fastolf (Commonwealth)
- Contesting Candidates: Abigail Prissy (National), Wade Setsuko (Commonwealth)

Thomas Petrosian (National)
-Contesting Candidates: Marylyn Tory (National), Tianna Ritchie (Patriot)

Eleanor Christo (Patriot)
-Contesting Candidates: Elias Diego (National), Franklyn Lavena (Commonwealth)

The following Directors are up for reelection:

Harvey Gentry (Commonwealth)
- Contesting Candidate: Blair Moray (National)

Catherine Talbot (National)
- Contesting Candidate: Sheridan Coll (Patriot)

Lance Zheng (National)
- Contesting Candidate: Gabriella Aiden (Patriot)

Emilia Planget (Commonwealth)
-Contesting Candidate: Terell Nazario (National)

The National Party has come to dominate the FDP since the last election. However polls have shown that the Commonwealthers have been making steady gains in support. Political analysts are expecting them to close the gap between the National's lead in the seats with the Patriots most likely to again come in third.

[Ossoria]

Ossorian News Service
The latest news and information from the High Kingdom

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Admiralty Announces Major Southern Ocean Naval Deployment
Azurlavai piracy presents a "clear and present danger" in wake of brazen attack

The Admiralty has announced a major deployment of Ossorian naval assets to the Southern Ocean in the wake of the attack on the MV Weddell, a merchant cargo carrier registered in the Imperium. The ROS Celty, a Fearon-class destroyer of the Royal Ossorian Navy was nearby and aided the merchantman in driving off the attackers, putting out fires and providing medical assistance. Celty then escorted the stricken ship into Cirpi Harbor on the island of Altinum.

The Celty's commanding officer, Commander Erin Kealey, and her crew are reportedly to be honored by the Imperial Church for the assistance rendered during and after the attack.

In response, the Admiralty has announced that it has deployed a task force to the Southern Ocean in order to curtail the rampant piracy in the region and prevent further attacks. The task force is reported to be led by the ROS Nóra Price and consists of two amphibious ships, two escorting squadrons and auxiliary units.

The Admiralty also reported that it had received notice of pirate activity in the area by the ROMS Swanheart, a Royal Ossorian Merchant Marine vessel, in the vicinity of the Weddell attack but that the report had not reached the station commander before the raid.

The Celty is currently remaining in Cirpi Harbor in order to aid in the civilian investigation.

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National News

• New Ossorians: Crown Nationalist proposals 'discriminatory'
• Indictments issued in Arthen bridge collapse scandal
• Top 100 hit singles list published for 2013-2014

International News

• Gylian political merger
• Lanosian states ban lethal injection
• What next for Peregrino?

[New Othman]

New Izmir Gazette,
Akip Ozbilgin

Monarchist Party Chairman Hami Kubilay, who is also a deputy in the Grand National Assembly, raised a considerable stir with a speech to a party rally in New Izmir today by publicly denouncing and calling for a revision or repeal of the Treaty of Beaulieu, but not the cease-fire. \

He declared that, "We need to revisit, repeal, or revoke this terrible treaty that puts our national defense in the hands of our enemies. Can we trust a proven enemy to defend us? Of course not! Lazodiria is not our enemy, of course, and we can make a separate peace with them and Valik, who is also not our enemy, but Kampfenland is most definitely our enemy! Adiron is our enemy, too! This is an unholy alliance of Nazis and Marxists to destroy our nation and render it defenseless against enemies. Look at what the CPO has become, in the hands of Adiron, an instrument for Marxist policies and serious breaches of national sovereignty, as witnessed in Peregrino!

"The Nazi regime in Kampfenland, whom we are now convinced betrayed us in the war, has its own motives for wanting New Othman disarmed, as part of a long-term plan to conquer us and use our ports while exterminating our people! It was willing to attack Lazodiria or New Othman, depending on which got it the desired ports in South Acheron. That is all that this is about! Beaulieu is a sword of Damocles over our heads, and our own cowardly leaders have complied with it like Judas goats leading us to the slaughter! After all, what does our blonde, Aryan, Nordic Premier have to fear from Nazi occupation? She's likely to be rewarded for her aid to their sinister cause!"

"The Adirans just want to use the CPO to throw their weight around, bossing everyone around and using the Kampfenlander goose-steppers as their enforcers! They want to turn the CPO into another form of Cetan hegemony, only of a socialist kind! One New Macureus is bad enough! We don't need two! Adiron just wants to make us one vast social democracy!

"It is high time that this lunacy ceased! Remove the Treaty from the Constitution, revisit it, renegotiate it, or unilaterally revoke it and dare anyone to penalize us for reasserting our national sovereignty! This time, the outcome would be different from the last!"

Comments from leading government officials were overwhelmingly negative, though during the rally, of course, the chairman was cheered hoarse by the party faithful. The Monarchist Party is a rather small fringe party at the moment, so should be little cause for alarm, unless it is able to win more votes and gain seats in the Grand National Assembly for its plank of restored monarchy, Sharia law, and a rearmed military. Essentially, it advocates a return to the Old Order, pre-1970, where the Sultan was also Caliph and the nation was more fervently, stridently Islamic rather than secular at the government level.

Personally, at the very least, I hope that Sharia law gives people enough pause not to vote for these guys, but the Treaty is actually more vital to national interests. While it does leave us vulnerable in the short time, it also means that when New Othman does finally rearm, we will not be faced with the imminent threat of invasion. It further means that in the meantime, the CPO will protect New Othman from invaders, and while Mr. Kubilay might scoff at that, I believe the Deadorans, for example, would think twice about invading a New Othman guaranteed by Adiron and Kampfenland alike.

In the meantime, of course, there is also the TECT agreement, the strongest protection that we have, and full security against such an interloper. Unless someone wants to tangle with the Commoner juggernaut, they'd best leave us be.

As Trade Minister Recep Adnek, himself a journalist before entering politics, noted, "New Othman is in far more danger from dangerous zealots upsetting the peace than the Treaty that they so viciously denounce. They should think twice before advocating another war, which would wreck all of Acheron for a decade, not just New Othman, but certainly including it, and disrupt our commerce again with yet more sanctions."

Let us hope that others listen to Adnek's warning, especially the voters, lest his dire prediction come true.

[Callaban]

Democratic Verification LLC.



Impartially Observing Elections World Wide

We at Democratic Verification LLC. would like to congratulate Estandia on your historically important political step.

Becoming an independant democracy can be a complicated and messy business.

Best of wishes in your political evolution,

Hugh Dillon,
The Bottom Line,
Democratic Verification LLC.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=300181

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[Cacerta]

Sunday, 28 September 2014
CBC Online

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MAID WARS DECLARED CACERTIAN ANIME OF 2014
by Susana Ciotti

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Vichenza, Sarissita -- The people of the Kingdom are no strangers to unfamiliar ideas, but when a new TV anime titled Maid Wars was slated for a March 2014 release people raised eyebrows in curiosity. The announcement came in January and was quickly followed up with a poster showing armed maids advancing on a combat front with the tagline: Surrender No Strings! The anticipation for its release was very polar as critics were split right down the middle as to whether or not Maid Wars could really be worth anyone's time.

Fans of Falco Filmworks -- which has made a name for itself in creating a number of popular series both in Cacerta and abroad -- were in strong support of the corporation's new project. It is directed by Perla Casale, known for a number of other critically-acclaimed animes, with music by famous traditional composer Mario Montefiore.

Following the release of the first episode on March 16, Maid Wars has been quickly praised for its characters, setting, and narrative story-telling, despite the admittedly ridiculous premise. Many critics cite the development of the series' protagonist -- Stefania Trentini -- as the most important aspect of the show. With today's episode setting up the season for a climactic ending, fans of Maid Wars are sincerely hoping that the two-hour finale will not be the end.

[Novitera]

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FASDA +45.45 D&D 500 +16.86 CI +167.55 Pioneer 2000 +9.06 Crude +1.01 Gold +2.60

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DIRECTORATE PANEL ELECTIONS FINAL
NATIONALS AND COMMONWEALTHERS NOW TIED IN SEATS


The results are final. Once the Proxy Vote was completed, the Corporate Vote took only a mere two hours. There are now five new members and two returning to the FDP. In a result that stunned the nation, the National Party has lost all the seats they contested this voting round while the Commonwealthers held all three of their seats and added one. The Patriots have made a power grab, gaining three seats. In a decisive blow to the Nationals, the Commonwealthers now tie with each party holding 8 seats.

1. Wade Setsuko (Commonwealth)

2. Tianna Ritchie (Patriot)

3. Franklyn Lavena (Commonwealth)

4. Harvey Gentry (Commonwealth)

5. Sheridan Coll (Patriot)

6. Gabriella Aiden (Patriot)

7. Emilia Planget (Commonwealth)

Analyst are speculating as to what this says about corporate and public sentiment in Novitera. The Nationals have long had a stronghold in the FDP but have been criticized heavily for going too far in loosening regulations that protect consumer interests, Novitera's financial system and the nation's public relations abroad. Many of the nation's shareholders are now leaning towards fairer business practices domestically and abroad seeing as Commonwealth support has held. At the same time, the Patriots are only a seat behind the Commonwealth's and National's 8 seats. With the Patriots also controlling the Executive Center, perhaps the UF will raise its voice in global politics rather than the neutral stance advocated by the Nationals. The Commonwealthers tie with the Nationals could mean tighter regulations and a greater willingness by the UF to act on backlash against Novitera's corporate power.

"The Commonwealth Party believes in capitalism as much as the Nationals and Patriots. We just feel that fair business practices is what drives profit in the long term. Other nation's will be more willing to open their markets to a corporate element they can trust. At the same time, demand for Noviteran goods rises domestically and abroad as people buy products they know have met strict government standards." Commented Director Harvey Gentry in a statement today. Harvey Gentry managed the Rocker hedge fund and sat on the board of directors of Wallstryn Bank Co. before that. After overseeing healthy gains at his time in both organizations, he ran for the FDP and now is on both the Intelligence and Financial Committee. This marks the beginning of his second term as a Director.

"The Patriots are committed to making sure the people's voice is being heard in government and that Novitera's voice is being heard globally. Which is why we have always pushed for greater state power." The newly elected Gabriella Aiden declared. Before running for office, Gabriella served in the Alesia Prosecutor's Office and then the Department of Justice Prosecutor's Office with stellar records.

"Removing the weights that slow down progress is just what the Nationals want. Our ability to give our business sector more discretion is what keeps Novitera competitive on the world's stage. These regulations advocated by the Commonwealthers and Patriot proposals for increased spending will only burden our economy. We have always been a country where a man gets to choose his destiny without some overbearing authority watching his every step." Director Gerard Tash commented. The ex-CFO of Wiykomi Corporation led the company through two massive revenue generating years before stepping down to run for office. Even there in his capacity as CFO he has been very vocal about loosening government regulations.

[Azurlavai]

Den Gauntlet
The world of sports in Azurlavai!
Because sports are another form of war!

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Raiders Grapple with Axe Beaks!

Given the events of our country right now and the onset of winter, a new bout of Arena Combat was set just on the horizon! This time, in a shocking turn of events, the Raiders, a team from out of Kellam state, battled against not their old time rival Rheinmetall, but a team from another nation, New Edom! While it is known that Arena Combat is known to be relatively unpopular in the wider world, other countries have been known to field at least one or two teams dedicated to this sport. Often from tournament duelists and military Special Forces, these teams are, we hope the inroads to spreading Arena Combat across the world! This week, as the result of a bar bet, the Axe Beaks were given the right to be flown down south to the Lowell City Sports Center to play off against the Raiders, who are infamous for their close-quarters warfare.

The Axe Beaks certainly brought their all to this match, leaning a bit heavily on their melee capabilities. Cyrus Ceralt (melee specialist, preferred weapon flail) and Matthias Eglon (lance specialist, prefers to knock down before melee, strong steady arm, steady seat, does stunt riding for movies in off season) were both put forward as the strongest members of the team, along with Sergeant Joseph Grom, weapons specialist, 19th Light Troops.

On the other side, however, the Raiders had trained for quite some time with urban warfare tactics, narrowing down their close-range firearms fighting in the ruins of Tritonsberg’s outskirts. Hans Dhalen (boxer, ex-Haer soldier) was set to become their key shotgunner, while Valka Kingston (expert hunter, preferred weapon G/89 I) had perfected her crack shot marksmanship on the move. While weak in the melee realm, the fact that an actual Templar (Brother Logan Rothmarr, Knight of the Order Templar, sword and shield specialist) had joined this team instead of one from Gallagher means that they had at least one expert in a band of gunners.

The stage was set in Lowell City on a beautiful day as the area was revealed to the teams; an artificial ice field complete with gusting winds projected from fans set around the ring. The first three events unfolded in grand style, with Deathmatch and King of the Hill being complete victories for the Raiders. Due to a small slipup, however, capture the flag had to be postponed, leaving the Axe Beaks wide open to dominate the field during the Motor Jousting and Feral Combat events. However, the tie-breaker came down to the Capture the Flag event, where it swiftly became a no-holds barred bloodbath. After a tense match, the Raiders finally won, 16-14.

Though they had lost, the Axe Beaks were quite grateful to have come down south to play against the Raiders. “It’s such an amazing opportunity to have finally faced off against a team from another country,” said Ceralt after the game, toweling off the blood on his armor. “We saw some tactics out there we didn’t expect, and getting hit by a stunner you never knew was coming at you is always going to make you wonder how the hell that person did it. All in all, I’d say this was a win for the sport itself.”

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Other Stories!

• Football: Gunheads Sweep the Sharks!
• Cage Fighting: Torgue Pounds Competition!

[The Republic of Lanos]

National Broadcasting System
Lanos National News
Freedom, Democracy, Justice!

Lethal Injection goes out the legal window but previously legal methods unaffected

Lethal injection in Lanos has been ruled unconstitutional as the federal state circuit final appeals court ruled that the varying means of lethal injection as present now provide a cruel and unusual punishment for inmates on death row. As anti-death penalty advocates briefly cheered the ruling, they were dismayed as the court lifted the stays of execution on the entire capital punishment system in Lanos except on the death row inmates involved in the court case that produced today's verdict. The court ruled that while lethal injection cannot be carried out as it is now in each and every state, capital punishment under existing secondary means such as the electric chair, firing squad, the gas chamber of the State of Sondria using nitrogen as the execution gas, and hanging are constitutional per the 1991 Supreme Court Case. As a response to the first and now the latest ruling, the states moved to make the previous methods the primary method, a tactic legally approved by the court and not objected to by the plaintiffs. Mack v. State of Novestra may be appealed by the State of Novestra to the Supreme Court, possibly starting the legal proceedings next year. In any event, the state had re-legalized the electric chair as the primary method and is now clear to carry out capital sentences again.

Stay tuned.

[Alizeria]

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MURDER.

• ARGUMENT IN PUB TURNS TO VIOLENCE AND TRAGEDY
• NORSKEBERG CITY PLACED ON LOCKDOWN AS ARMY SEARCH FOR SUSPECT
• UNSPEAKABLE CRIME SHOCKS THE NATION

October 4th 2014

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BREAKING NEWS
In what has been described as "the most shocking crime seen in Alizeria in the 21st century", police have confirmed that a man was murdered today in Norskeberg, following an argument in a pub.

_{Police outside the bar where the murder took place}

The victim of the murder was confirmed as 24 year old Ewen Sheppard, a bartender, who was stabbed repeatedly with a shard of broken glass after refusing to serve alcohol to the man who went on to commit the despicable act.

The murderer - believed to be 35 year old Jack O'Toole, an unemployed man - then fled from the scene of the crime until he was captured four hours later by armed policemen, who conducted a daring raid on his one bedroom flat in the Norskeberg suburb of Saint Martins.

O'Toole is to be held in remand in one of Alizeria's most high security prisons until his trial, according to Home Secretary Judith Brierly.

If convicted he will face one of Alizeria's harshest penalties - up to six months of community service or even home detention, although there are calls for amendments to be made to the law so that he can be held in prison.

RADF called into Norskeberg

Norkseberg City - Alizeria's second largest city - was placed on lockdown following the incident, with Prime Minister Anthony Ashton agreeing to deploy members of the Royal Alizerian Defence Force to help the search for O'Toole and keep order in the city, at the request of Mayor Jack O'Hanlon.

The Prime Minister - who has cancelled a foreign trip and is expected to fly into Norskeberg himself - has also confirmed that the RADF, and the Special Branch of the Police, were given permission to carry guns while searching for the suspect.

Under Alizerian law, the army and police are not permitted to carry firearms without the express permission of Cabinet. In an emergency meeting today, Cabinet authorised them to carry both guns -the first time other than in wartime that the RADF has been given permission to utilise all of the country's firepower.

"This is the gravest situation that Alizeria has faced in our lifetime," Said the Prime Minister. "This government will not take any chances until we are certain that the culprit has been brought to justice."

Questions over sentencing

Today in Parliament, MPs put aside partisan differences to unanimously condemn the murder, although it shortly turned to debate regarding the potential outcome.

MPs based in Norskeberg spoke about the murder and the impact it will have on their home city, with Liberal MPs defending the current maximum sentence for murder (six months community service), while Conservatives argued that six months home detention would be a more appropriate sentence.

"Obviously committing heinous crimes like murder is to do the community a terrible disservice," Said Josh Newton, the Liberal MP for Norskeberg Central. "Six months of community service is a perfectly appropriate way to teach this individual how to function more positively as a citizen."

"Community service fails to take into account that safety of other citizens," Said Conservative MP Nick Cameron, who represents the Norskeberg seat of Maynard. "The best way to keep people safe is through Home Detention. That way the culprit is kept out of the community and given six months to calm down, so he doesn't feel like going around murdering anymore."

The debate soon turned to the opposition attempting to blame the government, despite opposition leader Jim Humphries asking Conservative MPs not to politicise the issue.

"When we have a godless government like the Ashton government in power, we are only going to see more acts of godlessness committed," Said Conservative MP Alexander Conleth, who went on to blame the government's economic agenda for the murder. "If this government hadn't cut the benefit, then the person who committed the murder would have been able to afford alcohol, which meant the argument that led to the murder would never have happened!"

Liberal MP George Finnigan defended the government, claiming that the murder was "the decision of the individual who committed the crime, and the individual must therefore be held solely responsible for his reprehensible actions."

Attorney-General Michael Neilson stated that it is possible that Jack O'Toole could be detained in prison longer if a proposed urgent amendment to the crimes act goes through, which would make murder a jailable offence and also suggested the possibility that he could be found insane and spend life in permanent psychiatric care.

Until 1989, murder came with a maximum penalty of life in prison, however this was overturned by the King's Council as being a breach of the constitutional right to 'freedom of movement'.

Family of victim 'distraught'

The family of Ewen Sheppard are said to be absolutely distraught by their son's death, according to a nosey neighbour who was eavesdropping on them from her garden.

Ngaire Sheppard, mother of the victim, was said to have been 'inconsolable' that her son had died such a horrific death.

"We all assumed he would die of liver failure or drunk driving. We could never imagine something like this." The neighbour said.

The family have asked for privacy at this time, while they grieve the loss of their son, and in respect of their wishes for privacy the Alizeria Daily Herald therefore advises readers not to visit them or leave gifts at the family's address of 14 Weatherby Street, Saint Martins, Norskeberg (second house on the left.)

King to address the nation

His Royal Majesty, King Nikolas II, is expected to give a special televised address to the shocked nation from Palatine Palace.

A spokesperson from the palace said that His Royal Majesty was "deeply concerned and disturbed by the events that unfolded in Norskeberg" and that the King "felt the same feelings of shock, fear and sadness that his subjects are currently feeling".

Flags across the nation are to be lowered to half-staff in memorial to Ewen Sheppard, as the nation attempts to process and grieve following the shocking events.

The Archbishop of Wellington also gave an official statement on behalf of the Church of Alizeria, warning that this could be the first of many such heinous murders if Alizeria continues along its current path.

"My fear is that, as a nation, Alizeria has lost its innocence."

- ADH

---

In Other News:

---

• Will Alizeria ever be safe again?
• Is it time for the army to purchase a third gun?
• Tougher sentencing for murder: The case for and against

---

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Group sites
©2014 ALNN Holdings, KoA Ltd.

[Schottia]

SSP
START
ON ROAD
TO
RECOVERY

High Council leader Jan Connell is still held up in hospital following what the doctors have confirmed was a stroke. The 56 year old was rushed to hospital a week ago after his daughter had found him collapsed at the party offices. Connell, who is currently coming to the end of his third term in office had been confident of standing again in the upcoming elections, despite murmurs that he may be set to stand aside as party leader.

Speaking on Mr Connell's condition, the doctors remain quietly confident that will make a full recovery, however it currently looks impossible for him to make a return to politics in time to fight in the current campaign. This situation has caused a huge dilemma for the SSP who have seemed almost untouchable for the last twenty years. The party now have the difficult task of appointing a new party leader just weeks before the nation goes to the polling stations. As professor Alan Gordon of Handon University points out, the SSP's problem is not just holding their own leadership ballot in time it is: "How to build a campaign around an individual who currently has no momentum in the election race." As Gordon goes on to write: "The SSP have to convince the voters that whoever they put forward has the leadership skills to run the country, and that is not easy."

The three party members looking to get the SSP back on track are, Marc Gannen the current treasury council leader, Sabine Marditz, health council leader, and Amy Connell, who recently won the Handon North east by-election. Marditz is the current favourite, but whoever the party choose the country will be guaranteed their youngest ever leader, with the candidates ages being 38, 30 and 24 respectively. All three will take the stage tonight in an appeal to party members, ahead of the emergency ballot next week.

Shottic Labour leader Doris Backrig has currently filled in as council leader while the parliament is reconvened to discuss issues which arose out of the latest BL conference in Spartianus. This includes the ever controversial issue in Schottia of potential troop deployment. 250 service men and women have already been dispatched to Azurlavia bringing with them supplies and medicines, helping the Shalumite forces already deployed in the country.

---

BL Economics
There were celebrations elsewhere in Schottia last week, as Anton Illich was successfully elected to the position of Belisarian League Economic Council Chair.

Anton Illich, born 1948

The poll, in the end, came down to the last vote, with the 72 year old seeing off the Noviteran candidate.

Illich, born in Handon in 1948 to Slavic parents, will be the first Schott to be elected to office in Belisaria since the nation was awarded membership in July. The Professor of anthropology and former Councillor, is probably most famous for his publications on Socialist Economics. In 1965 Illich was elected to the High Council as a list Cllr for the Schottic Communist Party, he served for three years and in that time was party economics secretary, and wrote the party's manifesto.

In 1969 he left the party sighting "inconsolable differences of opinion," serving the rest of his term as an independent. Since then Illich has written several books and essays being openly critical of the party and of communism in general.

Illich has described himself as a "sensible socialist" often arguing that nations cannot separate themselves from the world anymore, and any modern form of socialism must "play the markets game." Illich's latest book The Gift, which was released in early June, deals with many of these issues, including the the proposed BL membership.

---

Sport

With the Di Bradini Cup currently underway many of Schottia's clubs this week had to go without their U-21 stars. The U-21 national side managed to top their qualifying group undefeated to progress to the tournament proper with one win and two draws.

Back in domestic action, a Handon Utd team missing three first team player was still too strong for Oakpark, as they picked up their second 3-0 win on the bounce. Avelione filling in up front for Glen Collins on international duty put the visitors ahead on 22 minutes before Alfred Seggerson made it two with a free kick on the stroke of half time. Avelione rounded off the scoring ten minutes before the end, latching onto a stray pass-back to and finishing low into the bottom corner.

United now seem completely over their early setback and with two wins and six goals without reply, few will doubt that they have what it takes to mount a title challenge this season.

Another team who were adversely effected by the U-21s call ups were Port Sebastian, who lost both Dawson and Doig for their match with Lammerton City. The game proved more difficult than predicted for Porty, and only a late Joey Bia goal was enough to stop City taking something out of the game. City's Rupert Long had earlier put them ahead before Paul Coine had levelled things with his fifth goal of the season. The result leaves Porty top on goal difference, and in contrast City rock bottom with no points in their first four games.

The pick off last weekends matches however was New Belfast Warriors 3-1 win over Kings park, who seem to have slipped into a poor run off form. Warriors showed no signs of missing Briers or top scorer O'Maramy as they powered their way to an impressive victory. Goals from Fotan, Erskin and Archich; in an action packed second half were enough to see the Kings sunk without a trace.

After match four

Port Sebastian 2–1 Lammerton City 
Marionville 2–0 Lammerton
New Belfast Blues 0–1 La Gorlions 
New Belfast Warriors 3–1 King's Park 
New Island 1–0 Hollin 
Newtown Thistle 0–1 Hillstreet 
Oakpark Celtic 0–3 Handon United
Port James Athletic 1–0 FC Soessch
Allous VB 0–0 Dölar
D'Itille 3–1 Dundee

                                                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Port Sebastian                                 4    3   1   0    10    3   +7    10
 2 Port James Athletic                            4    3   1   0     7    3   +4    10
 3 La Gorlions                                    4    3   0   1     7    5   +2     9
 4 Handon United                                  4    2   2   0     7    1   +6     8
 5 New Belfast Warriors                           4    2   1   1     8    5   +3     7
 6 FC Soessch                                     4    2   1   1     5    2   +3     7
 7 Lammerton                                      4    2   1   1     7    6   +1     7
 8 Hillstreet                                     4    2   1   1     4    4    0     7
 9 Hollin                                         4    2   0   2     3    4   −1     6
10 King's Park                                    4    1   2   1    10    8   +2     5
11 Dundee                                         4    1   2   1     7    8   −1     5
12 Oakpark Celtic                                 4    1   2   1     2    4   −2     5
13 New Island                                     4    1   2   1     1    3   −2     5
14 New Belfast Blues                              4    1   1   2     2    2    0     4
15 Marionville                                    4    1   1   2     7    8   −1     4
16 Dölar                                          4    1   1   2     2    3   −1     4
17 Allous VB                                      4    1   1   2     5    8   −3     4
18 D'Itille                                       4    1   0   3     4    8   −4     3
19 Newtown Thistle                                4    0   0   4     2    8   −6     0
20 Lammerton City                                 4    0   0   4     6   13   −7     0

[Vyrsar]

-
DVN Top Picks: Best Athletes in the Nation of 2014

by Tomas Reus

---

Top Rookie: Lena Schmidt

Though relatively new to the football scene, having started just this season with Dresden MFC, Ms. Schmidt has already managed to make a mark in the minds of fans across the country. In only three games, she has already wracked up an impressive count of four goals, accounting on her extraordinary ability to pull tight maneuvers with the football in the middle of a group of defenders and keep possession. Couple this with her more than impressive speed, and she is more than any normal defence can handle. Schmidt came on to the radars of fans everywhere at the young age of 14, where her performance for Aarberg in the semifinals of the Youth National Cup shot the team into the finals, where they suffered a close defeat against the juggernaut of Sachsen-Anhalt. From there, she was taken into the female youth team of FC Dresden , and the now-17 year old was a sure-shot for a striker position in Dresden MFC for the 2014 season. A position in which she has yet to disappoint.

---

Top Player: Johan Neustädter

Neustädter has made a massive impact for the last two years on the hearts and minds of fans everywhere. Since being signed for FC Zürich, he has made leaps and bounds, being one of the youngest players to be accepted onto the National Team. Not much needs to be said about Neustädter other than his pure speed and lethal accuracy. While he may not be able to maneuver through defenders as well as some of his teammates, his ability to simply get from one end of the pitch to the other without being caught means that he is a deadly opponent with flanking strategies. Keep the defenders close to the goal, and even then, he may just score with a shot right past their heads.

---

Top Comeback: Alexandria Vandenberg

Quite possibly the most popular player among the majority of male fans across Cornellia (For obvious reasons), Alexandria Vandenberg is a nearly 18-year veteran of the sport of Football, having started kicking a ball around the pitch at the age of four. Since being accepted as a member of MFC Zürich at the age of 16, she has broken barriers in the sport in her now 6 year professional career with her beautiful looks and equally beautiful skills. After, the finals game of the 2013 National Cup, she suffered severe muscle strains and minute muscle tears only two weeks before the start of the 2014 season, that benched her for several weeks. She kept busy in the media, supporting the team and gaining fame with both modeling and television appearances, before playing in her first game of the season yesterday, claiming all five scores to her count to victory for MFC Zürich over MFC Dresden.

[Novitera]

Savvy Novi
Novitera's Most Innovative Magazine

---

40 Under 40
Featured before you now are some of Novitera's most successful entrepreneurs, businessmen and scientists. While we have only shown those who are have achieved exceptionally for their age, it should be noted that these individuals are outstanding for all age groups.

36. Molly Aitor, 25
Aitor Mining Corporation went public years ago under the leadership of Waylon Aitor, Molly's father. The Aitors refuse to be cut out of the company their family started back in 1826. Waylon's death was a serious blow to AMC. But the prodigal daughter has risen hoping to one day take the reigns. Despite inheriting billions from her father, this ambitious woman is not content to sit and enjoy her money. The AMC executive has already made bold moves for the company having several proposals for expansion and cost cutting accepted. Molly's entrance into her family's business had AMC seeing double digit returns on their share price since. Although nothing but a promising corporate leader for now, Savvy Novi believes that Novitera can expect to see great things from Molly Aitor.

25. Archie Raynard, 38

Be prepared to face the wrath of Archie Raynard if you are caught breaking the law. This Department of Justice heavy weight attorney is the White Knight of Novitera, having no fear of putting high profile criminals behind bars. It was Archie who prosecuted Rory Stuart, Benjamin Boyce and Cole Akilen. Archie was able to land multiple charges forcing the Central Avantine District Court Judge to hand out a total of 120 years in sentences. This University of Soletrek graduate got his start in the San Crispiano City Prosecutor's Office before being noticed for bringing down money launderers operating out of casinos there. When asked if he feared retaliation from the mob Archie stated, "It should be the mob fearing retaliation from me."

17. Harvey Gentry, 34

Another restless 40 Under 40 star who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. The Gentry family achieved their wealth through Harvey's father's reign as CEO of Wallstryn Bank. Harvey found his own way, rising to become the manager of the Rocker Hedge Fund seeing it through multiple record profit quarters. The business world eventually grew boring and Harvey sought out excite when he won over the support of the Commonwealth Party to the Federation Directorate Panel. Being elected to the FDP was a challenge for Harvey due to public ridicule of his ancient royal origins in Ghant. Alas, he prevailed. After serving a term, Harvey was reelected to his seat by a landslide. Where will we see this young upstart politician in twenty years, serving the nation as Chief Executor? Perhaps it will take even less time. Harvey has not yet declared whether he will continue in politics or go back to the private sector. Either way, watch out for this man is and will be a force to be reckoned with.

7. Kenneth "Hitman" Sorley, 35

Regarded as the best lawyer in Novitera. Kenneth Sorley is known by every big name company as the man who does the impossible. A hired gun who's aim is sharper than a razor and a draw quicker than lightning. Nicknamed the "Hitman" for his ruthless pursuit of anything he is paid to do. Say what you will, Kenneth is an invaluable lifeline to his clients. Mergers, Acquisitions, Hostile Takeovers, Contract Breaches, Kenneth Sorley does it all. At 35, he is already a named partner at his firm Arlen-Sorley, one of the nation's best Big Law firms. The software industry is in a state of fright as this man has recently partnered up with Gale Wiyrkomi, the shrewd CEO of a software titan that is now a household name. Once word went out that Kenneth took on Wiyrkomi Corporation as a client, their stock shot up over twenty points in a day. If Kenneth can do that with his reputation alone, one can only imagine what he is capable of.

4. Matt Achura, 26

Ever focused on his goals, Matt claimed he had no time for his picture. This young Avantine University dropout and programming guru left his studies to start his own software company Celestial, making considerable strides in the business. Having no lack of investors for their advanced groundbreaking products, Celestial has burst into the scene taking business from well established giants like Wiyrkomi and Katashi. Already their analytical software division, only a fourth of Celestial's business, was sold to Wiyrkomi for upwards of 120 million UFD. With Matt's genius, we have no doubt that Celestial is destined to become a major player in the world's software industry.

2. Kiera Thatch, 35

Do not be fooled by this sweet looking woman. Kiera is sharper than most of them which is why she is number 2 on our list. This tech expert has just been made Director of Research and Development for Lai Dai. You may have heard of them. Their smartphones, mp3 players, tablets and laptops are sold worldwide. She oversaw the release of the Sumato 3 smartphone which from what we all know was a market winner. The computer science master from Kangley State was sought after by companies like Ishukone, Katashi, Wiyrkomi, Frontier Systems and Teratech before finally settling on Lai Dai. With Kiera at the head of R&D, we can all be sure that Lai Dai's products will always be top of the line.

1. Royce Rockwall, 32

Venture capitalism, day trading, value investing, poker, the list of this man's talents have no end. Or perhaps it can all be attributed to his mind for statistics and actuarial science. Say hello to the jack and master of all trades. Royce had been successful and earning money on his own throughout his twenties. But his big break came in starting up a high frequency trading firm, Rockwall Investments, which saw explosive growth through Royce's trade secret algorithms. Royce came from humble beginnings spending his teenage years working in a Tolly warehouse hauling boxes all day to make ends meet. With a mind and aspirations like his, it is no wonder that this man is now a multimillionaire.

[New Edom]

THE FINEBERG TIMES

October 6, 2014

---

New Edomite Dirigible Crosses the Sea

Diribile Queen Mara Passes Over New Edomite Squadron on Exercises with Cacertian Navy

By Annabelle Barca

OVER THE STRAIT OF NALAYA— The New Edomite Diribile Queen Mara passed over the Strait of Nalaya where they encountered friendly naval vessels, saw fishing fleets and a migrating pod of humpback whales.

According to travelers aboard the airship, it is a quiet, efficient and safe mode of transport which they thus far highly recommend.

"Much more relaxing than flying by air even if it does take longer," enthused Transport Minister Admiral Charles Rand. "I think that this is one of the best modes of transport invented for transporting large amounts of goods by air as well as passengers." (the admiral's webcast can be see uploaded on different social media which includes a tour of the airship's passenger areas)

The next stop: Haran!

[New Macureus]

New Macureus City Probe
Alar Darin

Savage resistance and fighting by insurgents, as well as three known cases of assassinations performed as acts of terrorism have prompted a new wave of arrests, raids on safe houses, and counterinsurgency operations (in areas not disclosed to this reporter, of course) in the New Macureus Occupation Zone of Occupied Nekulturnaya. Seventeen known insurgent leaders were quickly tried and executed for their various acts of resistance to the "lawful and necessary occupation of this country, which is not in any position to govern itself or dictate terms to its occupiers."

Commented General Ira Muyawa, Special Military Commandant for the New Macurean Zone, who ordered the latest crackdown, which also included tighter curfews, checkpoint inspections, and the use of new internal passports, "Does anyone in this region really want an independent Nekulturnaya, launching more irresponsible nuclear operations and further threatening the stability and ecological well-being of this region? Surely, the responsible and mature thing is to accept that Nekulturnaya may never be fully ready for independence, or at least not for our lifetime."


General Ira Muyawa, the Dengali-born Commandant of the New Macurean Zone

Vair Padin, First Commissar of New Macureus, also reportedly urged "swift and decisive action to crush all separatist uprisings forever. Let even the suggestion of an independent Nekulturnaya be wiped from the face of the Earth."


Vair Padin, First Commissar of New Macureus

[Ghant]

---

2014 Crown Referendum Given a Date

---

Referendum to Repeal of the Crown Act of 1873 Set.
By John Igara| GHISH | Posted: October 9, 14:30 GST

---

TOP STORIES

---

Crown Act Referendum on 12/01

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Peace in Peregrino

---

Griffin fever sweeps Ghant

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The man from Delmonte says yes

---

The hunt for Mothman continues

---

DeGroot and Katarina conduct state visits

---

Mara mania continues

---

Corn vs. peas

---

Hockey season begins

Prime Minister Nymun Izarbegiratzeak holds a press conference to discuss the referendum at greater length.

(Ghish, Ghant)- After much deliberation amongst the ruling Independent Coalition, it has been decided that a referendum to repeal the Crown Act of 1873 shall be held on December 1st. If the referendum is successful, it would go into effect on January 1st, 2015.

“We believe that there is sufficient interest in the revocation of the Act to warrant a nation wide referendum on it.” Prime Minister Izarbegiratzeak stated. “Make no mistake, this is about tradition. It is about embracing those ancient institutions that make Ghant different and unique. Places like Gauekoizarra, Dakmoor, Arrautsa…they should be officially Kingdoms again. That just feels right, and I get the sense that the majority of the people of Ghant would agree with that.”

“I am from Gauekoizarra. The first thing we learn about in school is the Kingdom of Gauekoizarra and its ancient roots dating back almost 6,000 years. The first question everyone in my class asked was, ‘well, why did it stop being a Kingdom?’ The answer is the Crown Act of 1873. Fact of the matter is, the times have changed. The democratic institutions of Ghant are stronger than ever before. The people have unprecedented liberties and freedoms that few nations can hope to match. We don’t have to worry about a Prince Charles, Mazadars and Mad Emperors anymore. Those lessons have been learned, and Ghant has taken the necessary steps to ensure that things like that will never happen again.”

Izarbegiratzeak was asked about the timing of the referendum, which is set to take place 4 days after Thanksgiving, when the royal baby is due.

“That is just a coincidence concerning the timing. I am not convinced that the birth of the royal baby will have an impact on the outcome of the referendum. Fact is we want to get this show on the road, and be prepared to restore the Crowns for next year, and the restoration of some of those lost powers that the Emperor used to enjoy.”

It is worth noting that all of the changes that would take effect would be symbolic in nature. Very little would change from the status quo, aside from the designation of certain titles.

Changes that would occur if the Crown Act is repealed.

• The Kingdoms of Ghant would be restored. The six provinces of Ghant that used to be entitled “Kingdoms” (Arrautsa, Dakmoor, Gaemar, Izotza, Odolargia and Thule) would be restored as “Kingdoms” and federated states of Ghant.
• The Kingdom of Ghant would also be restored under its old form, with itself being a constituent kingdom consisting of the provinces of Gahen, Gotorleku, Langael, Lurberdea, Nathia and Onia.
• The Emperor of Ghant would be restored as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghantish armed forces, and control of the Imperial Legion would be restored to him. It would be incumbent of the Emperor to exercise “Supreme Command” of the armed forces. The Emperor would once again have the right to “call up troops, to engage in hostilities in defense of the Realm and to make peace, and to conclude and denounce conventions.”

---

Kingdoms that would be restored if the Referendum were to succeed.

• The Kingdom of Arrautsa, King Taboro of the House Errauts
• The Kingdom of Dakmoor, King Malibar of the House Dakmaran
• The Kingdom of Gaemar, King Gadiel of the House Calien
• The Kingdom of Gauekoizarra, King Artizar of the House Orinbere
• The Kingdom of Izotza, Queen Izolde of the House Markagris
• The Kingdom of Jehenna, King Josu of the House Jehan
• The Kingdom of Noduar, Queen Murbella of the House Unbarreko
• The Kingdom of Odolargia, King Kame of the House Odolaren
• The Kingdom of Thule, King Urtzi of the House Antziga
• The Kingdom of Ziri, King Duard of the House Hiljantzi

---

In Other News…

In commemoration of New Edom achieving a peaceful compromise solution to end the Peregrino Conflict, Malibar of Dakmoor commissioned artist Xandu Sandara and poet Josu Ugari to create a portrait / poem combo as a gift to President-General Perrin Pahath-Moab and the people of New Edom. This is what they came up with:

Ode to the Griffin

With wings soft as down
And beak fixed in a permanent frown,
The Griffin soars in open sky,
Reveling in his talent to fly!
But be not deceived by his fearsome face,
For it is as noble, powerful and endowed with grace
As it is ferocious and wild, impossible to tame.

His eyes sparkle red and gold,
And his coat is truly a sight to behold;
Smooth and sleek, it glows amber in the setting sun's light
And under the moon it shimmers silver and white.
His ruff rises like hackles at the slightest threat
And his tufted ears prick, for though not one to fret,
He'll not relax until he knows the danger has passed.

Tall, strong and majestic he stands;
With wings spread wide, the ground shakes when he lands.
All are awed by his legendary fame
But only some are privileged enough to know his name.
Look for his shape among the clouds so high
And listen on the wind for his savage cry;
For you may yet be one of those few.

Who has the courage of heart and virtue of soul
To meet the Griffin on his towering knoll?

[Callaban]

Democratic Verification LLC.



Impartially Observing Elections (And Referendums) World Wide

We at Democratic Verification LLC. would like to congratulate Ghant on an historically important political step.

Holding a clean and internationally recognized referendum can be a complicated, contentious and messy business.

Maybe we can help.

Best of wishes in your political evolution,

Hugh Dillon,
The Bottom Line,
Democratic Verification LLC.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=300181

##

[Novitera]

Heselory Tribune

---

Jotnar Found Dead

Amaran Berakgauekartzen, a suspected captain within the Jotnar criminal syndicate was found dead in his Brompton Beach apartment today. Just two days prior the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement took the man into custody on charges of illegal arms and narcotics trafficking and being in violation of the RICO Act. He was released the same day to be kept under house arrest in his home while a plea deal is negotiated. Before terms could be concluded, BIE Agents guarding Mr. Berakgauekartzen found he had lacerated his wrists and died from severe blood loss. The autopsy report reveals alcohol and acetyl salicylic acid, the active ingredient in Asprin which the BIE believes Berakgauekartzen used to thin his blood in order to expedite his own death. We do not know for sure if foul play was involved but it seems the BIE will be ruling this a suicide.

"The Federation Attorneys' Office was in the process of granting Mister Berakgauekartzen a generous deal in which he would be protected from retaliation. It is a shame that the man opted to take his own life out of fear. The FAO and BIE know just how imperative to stop organized crime in Novitera now more than ever and is doing all it can." Stated Archie Raynard. If readers recall, Archie Raynard was the point man in the government's case against three Guristas bosses in Avantine just weeks ago.

[Callaban]

New Release!

Joint Doctrine for Information Operations
by
Ramfax, Mckinney & Vang - Political & Strategic Cadre
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=311550

...represents a significant milestone in defining how joint forces use information operations (IO) to support military strategy. Your ability to conduct peacetime theater engagement, to forestall or prevent crisis and conflict, and to fight and win is critically dependent on effective IO at all levels of war and across the range of military operations.

Now available through Black Branch Books: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=300376

##

[Laudine]

edit: retconned away

[Azurlavai]

October 15, 2014

Den Commonwealth Sentinel


"Fordi du har rett til å vite"





Election Results Tallied! Frieda Trotsbeck Goes For Second Term!

After a delay in counting the ballots, the results come out of a tight-knit race for a stellar finish! Supreme Chairman Frieda Trtosbeck has been chosen for a second term in government for Azurlavai! Though the votes were almost neck and neck between her and Guvernor-Militant Alexander, in the end it was Beckett state's votes that put her over the top to the finish line. When spoken to about the results, however, the Guvernor accepted his defeat with grace, even turning down Trotsbeck's offer to raise him to High Kommand as part of her remade government chain. "I did my best, but Gallagher state still needs me," Alexander was quoted to the Chairman. "I will accept my position until my retirement days, when I find someone better for the task." Aarne Benediktsson was also seen taking his defeat well, even more flippantly than Alexander did. Sources indicate that he has thrown himself even harder into his work, redrafting the trade agreement with Ghant and establishing several new waypoint offices to ensure that all trade heading north does so with little chance of pirate attack and maximum efficiency.

As for Chairman Trotsbeck herself, she will be drawing up her new decisions for her second term, including those for the Assembly that she will pose to the current members to fill in gaps. In the meantime, the current Assembly and Council will take charge of running Azurlavai until Frieda is sworn in during her inauguration on the 27th of this month. While no interviews with Madame Trotsbeck have been arranged, we're hoping to speak with her at least once before the speech to clear up several questions that have been floating around not only about the nation at large, but also her personal life. Specifically; who is the father of our leader's coming child and what are her plans to balance the priorities of a nation with those of her children?

---

CPO/BL Missions Deploy to Azurlavai

Though full-scale deployment has yet to take place, it seems our friends from the north the Shalumites are about to receive some much desired assistance. Word from our sources states that sometime in the unnamed future, a large joint international task force from the two largest peacekeeping organizations in the world is about to deploy to Azurlavai to help secure their aid worker camps and several cities across cooperating states. While our information is limited, such as locations, dates, numbers or participating nations, we here can at least tell you that this news has been met with lukewarm reception. Field Marhsal Ryan Fouzin today stated "We've been fighting on our own for seven years. The Democratic States of Shalum have been a great help, but its time to realize that we will be hard-pressed to win this war alone. Though possible, it is desirable for the Commonwealth to ride this conflict out on its own, as the long-term damage to our economy, culture, military strength and infrastructure might be too great to manage. Accepting foreign deployments means freeing up our own troops to frontline duties, and we can finally prosecute this war with our full might where the fighting is situated." So remember, if you see foreign uniforms marching down your street, its probably not an invasion seeking to strip the UCA of its power. For the first time, allied assistance to Azurlavai will be coming to your town soon!

[Arbites]

Order Eidos
International Press Statement

Special Report: Altinum Attacked! Governor Declares State of Emergency!

In the early hours of the morning, the town of Clausentum was woken from its slumber when it was brazenly attacked by raiders. Several dozen men armed with assault rifles and shotguns rampaged their way through the town while attempting to make off with as much plunder as possible. Most of the stores on Main Street were looted, the local bank's vault was breached with explosives, and the police station was bombed in an effort to deter the Vigiles' response. When the Vigiles arrived on scene, the suspects were able to pin their pursuers with a hail of bullets and then evade them.

All evidence suggests that the raiders were Azurlavaian pirates. Once the town was roused by the shootout, the Coast Guard found suspicious vessels approaching the harbor and engaged them. These vessels turned out to be Azurlavaian patrol boats of the same model as the ship that attacked the Weddell. During the ensuing battle, a number of small boats were detected heading north from a point on the Altinian shoreline, with the patrol boats screening them from the Coast Guard. The Vigiles were also able to overhear the men speaking Norse.

The damage to Clausentum is substantial. The once-picturesque Main Street now shows signs of outright battle. Storefronts and cars are now pockmarked by bullet holes and the smell of smoke lingers over the town. Most of the town's shops were ransacked; some were simply upended as the looters searched for cash boxes, while others were half-emptied with the pirates stealing whatever they could carry. The bank has collapsed entirely, a victim of the bomb used to blast open the vault.

Altinians remain in a state of shock, especially residents on Main Street. Elizabeth Dalton, 14, lives above her family's shop on Main Street, and gave a harrowing account of the events of the previous night. "I...could hear them downstairs. They were walking around a lot, knocking things over, talking. I was so scared, I wanted to hide, but then I wanted to run too...I couldn't move. Then...then I heard one of them running upstairs and I...he stopped, went back down. Then there was gunfire! It..."

"I don't want to live here anymore. Maybe we'll move if the shop is gone," she concluded, tears in her eyes.

Shopkeepers are distraught over the destruction of their livelihoods, especially those who are unsure if their insurance will cover the damages. Mrs. Margaret Schott, owner of the Red Brick Diner was in tears when reporters spoke to her. "No one could have expected this. They emptied the registers and stole the deposit box. We got an insurance policy with a high deductible because...well, nothing ever happens here, and it got us a lower premium. Now our damages don't get to the deductible..." Mrs. Scott was unavailable for further comment.

Although under any circumstances this sort of audacious raid would be an outrage, it was made worse by a labor dispute amongst the Vigiles. Since a police strike is currently in progress, the Vigiles were left understaffed and completely outgunned. Several Vigiles who were wounded in the firefight may not have been if they had been at full strength. News of the strike may have even encouraged the pirates to attempt the raid in the first place.

Governor Rogatus has therefore declared an official State of Emergency, and has requested the Imperium's direct aid in the defense of the island. Task Force Southern Cross is already en route, but the Governor has also requested that we take steps to address the Vigiles' current shortcomings directly. Since the Imperium is bound by treaty obligations, we must oblige this request. The exact nature of this direct assistance will be determined in the coming days.