Dussek Regional RP Thread

[Sarabshahr]

OOC: Welcome to our new RP thread!I'm looking forward to some fun Nationstates RP!

[Camconshia]

OOC: Indeed

[Notre Royaume De Rien]

Bonjour fellow Dusseks,
Notre Royaume De Rien (NRR) would like to say Salut to all its new neighbors in Dussek. We are a nation of French monarchist that have fled the oppression of the Republic for the safety of a new nation. Glory to our country and to our king. Speaking of kings we are having a bit of a struggle finding out who the king will be and we would like regional support to help us narrow down the candidates, but you'll all hear more about that later.
Au revoir mes amis. Et bon chance.

[Caput Ilevakam]

People of Notre Royaume De Rien,

We welcome you to these new lands with open arms. May our merchants trade furs and the great stories of our cultures with each other.

Sincerely, Interpreter and Leader of all Amaruan people, Despot Knight Suge.

[Aenoya]

Welcome, lesser nations of this new world!

I am pleased to welcome you all into our new world, and I will be looking forward to dealing with all of you through diplomatic measures to ensure that Dussek remains as peaceful as possible. Of course, we will have problems, but I do believe that all of these can be resolved without the needs.

God Bless Aenoya,
Prime Minister Charles Campbell

[OOC] I'm going for a modern day imperialistic United Kingdomesque nation a lot like the Norsefire British from V for Vendetta(flag is only temporary.) Looking forward to an interesting RP with you all and hopefully it doesn't end like it did with Peschici.

[Sarabshahr]

To Newly Discovered Nations of the World,

On behalf of the Republic of Sarabshahr, I would like to be among the first to welcome you to the international community. Perhaps in the days to come you may become friends of myself and my people. I am sure all of your non-Islamic nations will swiftly realize your folly and rectify your misunderstanding of Allah and his universe. For this reason, the expansion of relations with all countries is on the agenda of the Republic of Sarabshahr. I mean balanced relationships, based on mutual respect and observation of each other's rights. Those who will insist on having hostilities with us, kill and destroy the option of friendship with us in the future, which is unfortunate because it is clear the future belongs to Sarabshahr and that enmities will be fruitless.

Allah smile upon you,
President Bayezid Al-Ghazi

[New Aberdeen]

Salutations brothers!

It is with much joy in my heart that I introduce the Colony of New Aberdeen to the world. We are a peaceful nation comprised of pilgrims who have fled from the tyrannical rule of Charles Campbell of Aenoya. Our new nation strives to do right where the corrupt Aenoya has done wrong. Our people are a vital part of our nation, not a tool to gain wealth. Though our nation has only just been founded, we hope to fill a sizable role in the politics of the grand region of Dussek.

Amicably yours,

Gruffydd, 1st Lord Rhys

[Long Beach California]

Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr, or simply known as the Dogg extended his open arms to the region of Dussek in a message to region:

"Fo 'Shizzle, my hizzles, this region be like tha shiznit, dogg. We 'gon wizzle tha diplosizzle on this region and want to be friends with all our homies, those homies be you, my niggas."

"Tha LBC extends their open arms to all the fellow homies in Dussek, and we gon throw some shizzle on this nizzle and make peace and stuff."

Smoke Weed Every Day,
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr

[Caput Ilevakam]

Caput Ilavakam, being a despotism, rests all governmental power in the hands of the Despot Knight, who takes his high command in the great ruling complex built to house him, his family, and the chiefs of the Amaruan* military command. The Northern structure is known as the Longhouse of Great Ceremonies. It is the residence of the Despot Knight, and it is where all who seek him visit.

*Caput Ilavakam is the formal name for the three nations of Amaru: Tamalpais in the West, the largest and most powerful nation, Amaru, in the center, and Kwenes-Birid in the East.


top: Longhouse of Great Ceremonies. bottom: Military structures

Nathaniel Canin, the sole Squire, servant, and advisor to the Despot Knight arose to his position due to being the first half-blood to reach adulthood in Caput Ilevakam. He is of average build and height, and has the darker skin tone of the native people, while retaining his father's light hair and eyes. At the age of 15, he became the oldest half-blood in the nations due to the untimely death of the original suitor of the role. Canin has trained mentally and physically to become the Despot Knight's advisor, and second-in-command of all of Amaru. The leaders of the other two Amaruan nations expressed disgust when they learned that the only advisor to the greatest and most powerful nation of Amaru was not one of their own. Only two people in the nations knew why Squire Canin was chosen, most of the population unaware of the great expansions to come.

It was midday. Canin started up the staircase that led to the throne room in the Longhouse of Great Ceremonies. Today was his first meeting with the Despot Knight. When he reached the landing at the top of the stairs, the doors were open to the room. The walk through the hall of the throne room was long and tedious. Canin's heart fluttered in anticipation. He looked up at the throne, where the Great Interpreter and Despot Knight sat. He was dressed in the traditional bear and beaver fur of the Amaruan people. The Despot Knight is a powerfully built man. Even seated he looked ten feet tall, though his true standing height only six-foot-three. Canin could tell that the Despot Knight was bearded, but the low light concealed any true facial features from sight. Suge spoke.

"Squire, your presence here today tells me that you received my letter. Welcome to your new home."

The two continued to speak until dusk fell. Nathaniel Canin was informed that the current agenda of the regime was outward expansion and trade with other cultures. Canin was instructed that he was to contact the homeland of his white father, and to establish an embassy in that nation.

Canin's mission would be simple, but the true ancestry of his father is unknown. He was aware of the Canin clan in Aenoya. He would start there. After resting for the first night in the Longhouse of Great Ceremonies, he took off on horseback towards Tamalpais, where he would board a ship to Aenoya, and persue the Canin clan.

[Notre Royaume De Rien]

Henri II seems to be in line to take the thrown. He plans to make Jean-Philip d'Orange the leader of the Third Estate in his Estates-General. With Innocent LePious likely to lead the Second Estate. Perhaps NRR can have a peaceful transition of power? We'll see.

As acting Regent Henri II would like to invite all foreign dignitaries interested in building relations with NRR to visit him in his Palace. You shall be guest in his house and be treated fairly, despite nationality.

~La Royaume (NRR's newspaper)

[Notre Royaume De Rien]

Henri II sat in for the first Estates-General meeting in NRR history. After a few minutes of babbling, Henri got bored. He attempted to leave but the Third Estate demanded that he stay to hear what they were saying. Henri then dissolved the Estates-General and had them removed from the building.

The Third Estate then met in a tennis court and vowed not to leave until a Constitution was in place. Henri came by and they settled on letting the Estates-General reconvene tomorrow. Henri would not be required to stay there, but a Podcast would be sent to him.

~La Royaume

[Aenoya]

It was night, the sky wasn't dark but it was a sharp 11:30. The summer sky and full moon kept the streets light, but it was still a good two hours beyond curfew. Dark alleys and sidewalks were scattered with occasional guards, the secret police known as the Finders.

This did not stop Adam Blackadder. Nothing would stop him from getting his latest "shipment." He didn't carry much, a black trench coat with a concealed .22 pistol with only seven bullets and some gray jeans. Blackadder looked at his note. "Meet under the Great Bell Tower 12:00. Package will be under the second bush on the right facing tower." He count not be late or early. He only had two minutes to find the package and disappear back into the shadows before the second shift arrived. If he was met he would most certainly be dead. The guards ran in packs of four, all armed with suppressed automatic rifles. He had seven bullets. He looked at the note again, glanced at his watch and proceeded to move to the tower.

It as 11:58. Adam was entrenched in the roof of the bell tower, taking the ladder in the back. He counted all four guards, each in a corner section. 11:59. The guards looked anxious to get off of their shifts. The military is probably the least popular organization to be a part of, but the pros outweigh the cons as military is given free food and shelter. 12:00. The bell rang. The guards moved away and Adam moved quickly to the bush where his packaged was hiding. He picked it up and quickly submerged back into the shadows. He didn't have enough time to check the package to make sure everything was there.

12:30 Adam managed to get back to his compound in the eastern part of the city. This had been a long journey for Mr. Blackaddler, and a lot of blood and cash had been spent to get to this point. He opened the box, his fingers twitching and dropping the case upon opening it. It was all there. Two keys. One to the doors of the Ministers' Palace, and another to the stolen car he had managed to take from the Police. A 9mm pistol, a suppressor, and ten boxes of ammo all containing fifty rounds each were also in there.

His plan is going along perfectly.

[Caput Ilevakam]

Nathaniel Canin was probably the only person in all of Amaru to study anything about Aenoya, even if the textbooks taught little about the strange place. Only one expedition from the New World to Aenoya had taken place, and most of the knowledge that was collected was withheld by the adventurers, for fear of losing their lives even back in the safety of home.
As an outsider, Canin expected dirty looks from the natives, and especially government officials. He stepped off the ship wearing an overcoat and dress pants, his face had a coating of pale foundation. Though late afternoon, it was overcast, gloomy, and dark out. He walked out onto the deck of the ship and was bit by the cool, wet air.
Canin slipped through customs with surprising ease. He was unarmed, but he thought the guards would have raised some suspicion at him. Canin only realized the grand scale of the city of Concord. He figured he would have days of searching and sleuthing ahead. There was a small and desolate pub across the street from the port. Canin made his way there.
The bar was empty. He sat down and was catered to immediately by one of the bartenders. He ordered a glass of the nicest wine available in his best Aenoyan accent. He had no intent to pay, because he could remain hidden in the huge city. The bartender smiled and served him a pint of watered-down ale.
"We haven't had that spirit in here since '69." the bartender said. [OOC: I really wish Cliff were here right now.]
"I'm sorry to hear that. This drink'll do for now. Say, you wouldn't happen to know of the Canin clan, would you? I came to the city to meet my uncle for the first time in years." Canin replied.
"Hahah, you got through customs with that story?" boomed the bartender. He could see right through Canin's story. Lowering his voice to a whisper, the bartender continued.
"You're lucky that the guards are the dumbest of the populace. You're from the New World, your makeup is smudged and you sound like you don't know a thing. Take a walk down Canin street, two blocks to the south. At the end, there's the Brookway meetinghouse, the Canin clan's meetinghouse. And don't walk out of here before you pay!"
Canin very reluctantly laid down a few coins on the bar, and set off.

[Swag Dictatorship of Jarl Ballin]

Things have gotten a little slow since the war for the people's "freedom". Before and during the war with the Empire at the very least Balgruuf had some challenge to look forward to the next day. A battle here, someone to oppress over there. It kept him busy, and it sure was better than sitting on his throne all day hiring harlot after harlot. The most eventful thing to have come across the Jarl's table is the scouting reports of the nation of Ungodly Darkness. The mostly unknown eastern bordering state of Jarl Ballin. Most of their population is underground and rely on their farms above. Making them easy targets in a war. The Jarl has been getting reports from his Naval adviser that the fleets he requested are being constructed around the clock. Since the Empire supplied them with war and merchant ships while they were a part of the Empire. Jarl Balgruuf had no reason to build a navy, until now.

[Aenoya]

Adam Blackadder stepped out of his compound. It was finally the day, 9/11. He felt as if in some alternate universe, this day also lived in infamy, but that was only a thought. He rolled out of his garage wearing his stolen CDPD uniform. Under it he had a New Aberdeen University undershirt, his school from the days in Aberdeen. He rolled on the suppressor to the 9mm, loaded the magazine, chambered the first round and placed the gun under his shirt. He got in the stolen police car and drove to the Ministers' Palace.

It was noon and not a soul on the street. They were all working. Blackadder hadn't been out in the city during the day in a long time, and it made him remember how big this city actually is. Pristine, mainly because all of the bums had been thrown into the reformation camps, along with the rest of the mentally ill, sick, or those under other "circumstances". He parked into the Security Guard's parking lot at the Palace. It was nearly time, all he had to do was walk in pull out his gun, shoot three times and save one for himself. It would be a glorious day for the Aberdeen Mongols when the tyrant Charles Campbell was dead. He scanned his key card on the big doors which were seen to him as a metaphorical pearly gate to heaven. Everything was perfect so far. He waved down the Royal Guards, showing a forged iNote from Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson IV, the second in command of the armed forces. The Guard ushered him to the Minister's room and took guard outside. This was the moment, his heart was pulsing. He grabbed his pistol and opened the door to see the Minister. He was a broad figure, easily 6'6, black hair that was showing signs of gray. His eyes were black but to Adam they were only red showing pure evil. He grabbed his pistol and shot blankly in a mad rage. He couldn't see what he was doing and just kept on shooting.

Four bullets punctured Prime Minister Campbell before the guard came in. Blackadder looked at the man's eyes, screamed Sic semper tyrannis, and shot himself in the head.

The guard rushed to the Prime Ministers defense. He barely had a pulse, but it was something. It seemed as though the assassin's attempt, at least for now, was futile.

[Sarabshahr]

Al-Esasi Times

AJABAD, Sarabshahr – Sarab officials said Thursday that security forces have gone on high alert, fearing that Al-Hashishin members are streaming into the capital, where a Shiite rebel group's demonstrations have turned deadly.

The reports of Al-Hashishin infiltration came as the government sought international mediation in reaching a peaceful resolution to its conflict with the Shiite rebel group known as the Kahbar, which clashed with police in the capital Al-Esasi earlier this week.

Officials fear that Sunni extremists will exploit the state of unrest in Ajabad and attempt to seize government institutions. The country's top intelligence officials convened Thursday to discuss information about possible Al-Hashishin attacks, security officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Thousands of supporters of a Shiite rebel group known as the Kahbars have been holding sit-ins demanding the reinstatement of fuel subsidies and the formation of a new government.

The demonstrations turned deadly earlier this week when at least four people were killed when gunfire broke out as police moved to stop protesters from marching on the Presidents's office. Protesters and police traded blame for the violence, which raised the prospect of a wider conflict.

Presidential adviser Abed-Abdul Razzaq said a deal between the government and rebels is possible following the World Assembly's envoy to Sarabshahr's talks with President Bayezid Al-Ghazi and Kahbar leaders. Razzaq said a deal will be announced within hours. The rebel group's spokesman, however, said that no agreement had been reached and that talks are ongoing.

Razzaq said the government will appoint a new prime minister and resume fuel subsidies if the Kahbar demonstrators in the capital disperse. Earlier this month President Al-Ghazi sacked the cabinet, including the prime minister, and partially restored subsidies.

Fuel prices have doubled since Al-Ghazi lifted subsidies last month in response to the burgeoning government deficit. Sarabshahr, one of the Arab world's most impoverished nations, has spent nearly $3 billion so far this year on fuel subsidies, roughly 20 percent of the state's expenditures, and $22 billion over the past decade.

The end of fuel subsidies was part of an austerity plan announced earlier this year, which also slashed officials' traveling allowances. The subsidies have caused a budget deficit of $5 billion, or 13 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

Sarabshahr is struggling with both economic and security challenges, as its military faces Al-Hashishin militants, a secessionist movement in the south, and a rebellion in the north.

The modern world considers Al-Hashishin in Sarabshahr to be the most dangerous local branch of the global terror organization because it has been linked to several failed attacks on other nations.

Al-Hashishin in the Sejulk Peninsula captured large areas of Sarabshahr in the aftermath of the country's 2011 uprising, which left the security forces in disarray.

In two large offensives, in 2012 and 2014, Aenoyan-backed Sarab forces launched assaults on Al-Hashishin strongholds, driving the extremists into the mountains. Al-Hashishin's counterattacks, including suicide bombings, have killed scores of people, mainly soldiers and police.

[Swag Dictatorship of Jarl Ballin]

Balgruuf walked the streets of Sploogerun on a cloudy afternoon. While he may not give a rat's ass about the overall welfare of his playthings, it is always beneficial to walk among them every so often to give them the impression that he truly does care. As Balgruuf passes by he had the view of some state soldiers bursting into a nearby building. Odds are that they were probably looking for illegal aliens. The religion of Islam has been trying to spread into Balgruuf's nation for awhile now. While he doesn't depose of the religion Balgruuf would rather the people of his nation worship him and his bloodline as their soul gods.

Walking by one of the city's markets Balgruuf saw a beggar on the side of the street. It infuriates Balgruuf that this man has the audacity to sit on the side of the walkway and ask for handouts, this beggar would spend his time much more efficiently by looking for a low income job to start anew. Even if he went to the palace for aid he would be spending his time more wisely than by begging on the side of the street. There is, however, nothing Balgruuf can do. With so many public eyes looking at him he could not just simply throw the beggar into jail for it would effect the Jarl's image. Just then, as the Jarl glares at the beggar, a woman walks by the beggar without even glancing. The beggar lifts up his hand and smacks her on the ass. Balgruuf looses it and bounds up to the beggar and starts beating him down with his feet. The yielding beggar pleas for mercy. Balgruuf refrains from continuing, deciding the beggar had learned his lesson. Balgruuf looks at the women and invites her to dine with him that night, as an apology for the man's rude behavior.

The beggar lay face-down on the street; he lifts up his head a few inches, blood dripping from his brow. He sees Balgruuf and the woman walking away together toward the palace. The beggar looks over to his change cup, Balgruuf had kick it into the street after the fight. The beggar looked back with hate at the leader of the nation he had once loved, a look at hate that will last the end of time.

[Notre Royaume De Rien]

The following is a speech given by Henri II to President Bayezid Al-Ghazi:

"Bonjour mon ami. I see that you are having problems with some of your populace due to these unfortunate times. Though we have not stuck a formal alliance yet, I would like to lend a hand.

I am offering to send as many NRR peace-keeping troops to Sarabshahr as you see fit to quell the unrest there. We can also provide air, naval, and intelligence support from our own networks. Together we can work to restore your country to greatness and combat this terrorist threat.

Furthermore I would like to strike a deal to buy oil and oil products from your country. We need strong trade partners and this would certainly help to alleviate you recession.

We are humbly awaiting your response to our proposal."

[Sarabshahr]

In response to Henri II Al-Ghazi sent the following message:

As this is a time of great political, cultural, and religious instability, I will have to consider the repercussions of accepting your alliance. I ask for time to consider your offer and that you make no action against our people without consent.

[Aenoya]

There was chaos in the city of Concord. The normally calm streets were riddled with people who had heard rumors from the government insiders. The 24-hour daily news station, AV-TV had not diverted from their pre-programmed schedule, most likely to stop the panic that is already happening on the streets. Nonetheless, it was widely known by the public: Prime Minister Campbell has been shot and is likely in critical condition.

Suddenly, time had appeared to of stopped. There was a silence in the city, a rare anomaly when the large populace was on the streets. There was a slight breeze and the fog began to settle in. When it had seemed that the city had began to calm down, another attack had seemed to began.

St. Poli's Cathedral, the most notable cathedral and famous place of worship in the country was blown to splinters. It was a shock to the populace, and there were sure to be casualties, it was Sunday after all. The already distressed police force now had to divert some of their forces from the Minister to protecting the populace on the other side of the city. The streets that were already crowded now had to be cleared to make way for the police to drive to the other side of the city.

It was well known that Aenoya was certainly under attack.

Later that night

Aenoyan Insider
Nightly update

Concord - I'm sure none of you are surprised of what will be on this article, but I'm here to inform you of what you DON'T know. Yes, Prime Minister Campbell, our glorious leader, was shot today. He was shot four times by an assassin wearing a police trench coat, but he is still in stable condition. The man who shot him was identified as a member of the Blackadder clan, a notorious Aberdonian mafia and supplier of arms to the Mongols'. As I'm sure you have also heard, St. Poli's Cathedral has been destroyed, in what can only be assumed to of been linked to the assassination attempt. There were hundreds of people injured, but only seven casualties were reported. Prime Minister Campbell, on the other hand, is reportedly in stable condition, and is gaining progress as this article is being typed. A time table for his return? We give him two weeks at worst.

Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson IV is said to make an official press conference later tonight detailing who was involved in this. We suspect they will blame it on New Aberdeen, but only time will tell.

Stay Strong, Aenoya.
God Bless the Minister.

[Swag Dictatorship of Jarl Ballin]

Greetings Sarabshahr, this is the unofficial public statement of military aid being offered by my nation. We offer ground troops and air scouts for your northern lands as we do not want unrest to spread east to our nation. I hope our future discussions will help iron out a plan of assistance for your nation.

[Sarabshahr]

A video posted on Reddit

Three men holding Ak-47s stand in front of the camera in a dark room. The tallest of the man, standing in the middle, steps forward and begins speaking in Arabic with the following subtitles:

This is only the beginning of the Jihad that has began against infidels of the world. Earlier, the heretical St. Poli's Cathedral was reduced to rubble by our holy warriors. I hold no regret for what has happened nor any sorrow for those killed. Allah's will has been done and will be done again. Surrender your false religions and submit to the true God.

The man reaches for the camera as the video stops.

[Aenoya]

TRANSCRIPT FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE

LORD NELSON: Greetings everyone, thank you all for coming under such dire circumstances. I'm here to inform you all of everything that I'm sure you already know. Today, at exactly 12:41 PM, Prime Minister Campbell was shot by what we are calling a terrorist attack supported by the nation of New Aberdeen.

The crowd gasps, there is a slight murmur that flows around the room

LORD NELSON: Now, our Prime Minister IS in stable condition. None of the four bullets that punctured his body hit vital organs. He is expected to make a full recovery within the month. The other thing that you want to know about is the bombing of St. Poli's Cathedral. The terrorist group Al-Hashishin claimed responsibility for the attack, but our insiders on the New Aberdonian spectrum have informed us that this IS indeed the result of the Aberdonian terrorist group, the Mongol's. We DO have reports that the government of New Aberdeen is supporting this terrible crime, but we don't have all of our intel in.

A slight pause, the crowd takes time to talk to each other

LORD NELSON: We've lowering our defense readiness level to TWO, and we are to expect some form of retribution on whoever caused these great pains on our nation. On top of that, no one is permitted to leave or enter Aenoya until we get this problem resolved. A 5:00 curfew will be initiated for the next month as well. No questions for tonight, have a nice night, God Bless Aenoya, and God Bless all of you.

[Swag Dictatorship of Jarl Ballin]

This is an official declaration from Jarl Balgruuf the swag.


"As more and more members of Dussek deal with with rebellions, either local or foreign, the borders of our proud and strong nation are under risk of invasion to the west. Therefore I have no choice but to seal the western borders and station troops along the west. I will also shut down all airfare flights coming into our country from Sarabshahr. I will now warn peaceful immigrants from Sarabshahr not to enter our borders for your own safety, as those without proper identification will be terminated. Any hostile item will be terminated in the western border.

[Ungodly Darkness]

The following transcript is part of an interview of Triumvir Samwell Akavir by The Dark Pages, the most successful Darkesian newspaper.

Reporter: Firstly, congratulations on being elected Chairman of the National Mining Association. What do you hope to achieve with this position?

Triumvir Akavir: Well, mining has been the centerpiece of our economic prowess since the Days of Founding. I stand in the place of many great Chairmen before me, and I can only hope to make them proud. Keeping the mining industry in a state of everlasting flourish is essential, and an attempt to set up trading posts with neighboring nations would certainly aid us in the long run.

R: Approximately ninety-five percent of the workforce is in some way involved in the mining industry. Do you find that this is a positive arrangement for the UD?

Akavir: Absolutely. And be grateful for that, too. If I started talking about a change in exports, [Triumvirs] Bothwell and Halford would throw me out! But in all seriousness, mining has worked for us in the past, continues to do so now, and must be our centerpiece for ages to come.

R: Three days ago, THOTH [Tewkesbury-Heathfield Organization for a Theocratic Hegemony] acknowledged their belief that the separation of church and state is immoral. Personally it goes without saying. How should the state deal with THOTH?

Akavir: I do not believe religion and politics belong together. At all. My faith is my own, yours is your own, it's a part of our personal lives. We have many churches in the UD and none of them have any influence in the government. If THOTH believes we will allow them a say, they have another thing coming. Triumvir Bothwell and I are currently writing a proposal to deal with THOTH, and I take advantage of this time to speak to the citizens of Tewkesbury and Heathfield, the two towns responsible for funding this theocratic movement. This nation was NOT founded on any principle of religious dogma and I have no plans to make that so.

R: Is police action a possibility?

Akavir: That remains to be seen. THOTH may be controversial but there are no laws against it. All I want is to make sure THEY don't have any second guesses about a diplomatic appeal. Heathfield is the town with the most firearms, statistically, in all of the UD, and we're watching that.

R: We've had reports of turmoil in various parts of Dussek. Do you feel the UD may be threatened by conflicts crossing over the border?

Akavir: You mean a spillover? We're ready for that. We won't fund or give special treatment to any faction, and all forces seen in our territory will be escorted out by armed guards. It is my hope that other nations respect this declaration of neutrality, and refrain from pressing unaffiliated states into their wars.

R: One last question. Our neighbor, Jarl Barlgruuf, is shutting down his country's borders and going into a state of indefinite isolation. What is your view on this?

Akavir: Barlgruuf worries for his country's safety. They are more vulnerable to spillovers and it becomes a necessity to protect your people when that happens. I applaud his decision but hope it doesn't go too far. If diplomatic meetings with the Jarl can be brought to fruition, we would all be very happy.

Samwell Thomas Akavir was unanimously elected Chairman of the NMA last week following the retirement of John Bivolli, granted a Medal of Ungodly Honor by the Darkesian Council, commended by the populace after donating to various charity funds, and is experiencing the joys of recent parenthood. The Dark Pages can rightfully say that this has been a good year for our Triumvir and for the Dominion as a whole.