Aurelian News Conglomerate (Closed; ATTN Aurelia)

by **Aurelia Founder** » Wed Nov 25, 2015 3:25 pm

This is the thread for all posts concerning regional new and developments. The purpose of this thread is to supplement and support existing RPs, developments in your nation, and in general to give more life to your nations and our region.

Please use proper spelling and grammar, have some substance to your posts, and don't use this news thread as your main way of RPing with others (or even yourself).

by **Socialist Maba** » Wed Nov 25, 2015 9:06 pm

Maban Public News Agency

Democratic Alliance Leader and Amhara President James Leon steps down from his position as Leader; new leadership elections to be held, DA Chairman and Libertytown Mayor Berhanu Negussie announces plans to run

Outgoing Democratic Alliance Leader James Leon

Democratic Alliance Chairman Berhanu Negussie

In a highly surprising press conference, longtime Democratic Alliance Leader James Leon, having led the party since 2001 and the Democratic Alliance presidential nominee in the 2002, 2007, and 2012 elections, announced his intention to step down as Democratic Alliance Leader, as "I feel I have done all I can to further Democracy and Liberalism in these great nations, and I feel it is time for a new generations of Democrats to take the helm; I additionally would like to focus most of my abilities serving as the President of Amhara". Per internal Alliance rules, this will immediately trigger a leadership election (scheduled to happen on 1 January); Leon will continue to serve as the Alliance leader until the leadership election's results are tallied and the results announced on 2 January.

Following Leon's press conference, DA Chairman Berhanu Negussie and Mayor of Libertytown (both Amhara and Libertytown in particular are DA-dominated) declared his intention to run for the Leadership election; thus, he immediately emerged as the leadership frontrunner, with polls showing that a whopping 86% of likely leadership voters supported him; both Leon and DA President Helen Ashton endorsed Negussie at his public announcement that he was running. However, many suspect that Negussie, currently the only candidate in the running, will have his support decrease if/when other candidates declare their intention to also run for the position of Democratic Alliance Leader; despite this, however, there is a general consensus that Negussie will win the Leadership election.

by **Frodtthiuda** » Fri Nov 27, 2015 1:33 am

The article below is an opinion piece; any opinions expressed are those of the author. Nochtemats retains its unyielding commitment to impartiality in the face of global and local incidents and phenomena. The reader should note this article has been previously published in its original form in the Frodtic-language edition of Nochtemats; this is a translation of the aforesaid piece. For the uninitiated or unfamiliar reader, Nochtemats retains the letter “þ” in its international edition for reasons discussed elsewhere; the letter should be understand in the same way as ”th” in other languages.

“Vestal love, I am of stubborn mind; I was born of the blood of a 1.000 years of rancour! My sword will not sleep; I will not rest. I shall not cease nor shall I stop for those ancient feet place upon me the indelible burden. You shan’t dissuade me; you shall only tend my wounds for it is you I seek to shield from the neighbouring profanity―the vulgarity of half-men to the west of our land, the Fatherland”

Written by C H Wambagildsez; translated by Reginald Alcott-Smythe

27 November 2015 Last updated 14.08 Frodtic Standard Time
This piece’s title, dear reader, comes from an extract of a letter sent by the nation’s greatest Romanticist and “conjurer of the language”, Raimers Maubagildsez, to his betrothed, Galswinþa Aþanagildsez on the evening of his departure for Mendilur on the 08 January 1930 in what is now known in Frodtþiuda as the First Homwigans (or, internationally, the Mendiluro-Frodtic War of 1930). Our illustrious Romanticist did not return to his beloved Fatherland and adored fiancée alive; Maubagildsez’s grandiose state funeral through the capital’s greatest churches and avenues remains alive and well in the national consciousness of a nation habitually stunned by its western neighbour with its sheer coarseness of mind and ignobility of heart. Furthermore, our “conjurer of the language” had injected life into the dying movement; Frodtic Romanticism met its demise in front of a Mendilurian solider giving way to the movements the nation’s intellectuals has voraciously resisted.

Audamareiks Cosenza’s Ideation of the Motherland

Nevertheless, we do not intend to discuss movements in the arts and letters nor do we intend to deliver a panegyric in Raimers Maubagildsez’s memory by means of the present piece. Instead, we seek to explore the complex enmity between our Fatherland, Frodtþiuda, and its perpetual nemesis to the west, the pagan Mendilur, to which kind words have never been addressed from these lands unless, of course, they came from a spy or a traitor although it is useless to make a distinction between those two wretched, tawdry personages plaguing a small number of pages in the in the unending chronicles of our nation―Gaisalaiks Alareiksez’s “unrolled volume for instruction”.

The fact remains: Mendilur and Frodtþiuda irremediably bonded by their mutual detestation―the revulsion for everything emerging of the others’ mind or heart. Mendilur and Frodtþiuda are united by the blood-pact born of centuries of visceral hatred; this bond is stronger than any alliance or friendship our people have forged with other nations for it was signed with the blood generously spilled onto the rolling fields of Graga and General Raikaswinþs Sigebutez’s lost gelid river to which we owe our banner. These words―those of a blood-pact between embittered nations―are not my own; they belong to the aforesaid Alareiksez’s Moribund Elegy. In its pages we can find the following lines of great mockery:

He remained still but painfully awake for the profuse bleeding and the dull pain would not cease. He caught a glimpse of a man in a foreign uniform making his way towards what appeared to be the nearby cadaver of a compatriot. Slight movements followed. Naturally, they were ineffectual and only served to induce the worst of all pains. The foreign soldier showed himself quite perplexed as to the origin of this bizarre but potent squeal [...] “I had already known Pagans were dishonourable cowards, sir!’, said he once again moving aimlessly, “I ask of you, however, to relieve me of this pain out of compassion or esteem for the covenant of enmity signed with our blood and your ichor”.

Our armies have formally met on the battlefield on the occasion of three wars: the Disaster of ’17, the First Homwigans and the Second Homwigans. Our free corps and paramilitaries have weathered through extra-official fights of outstanding duration and proportion. There has never been room for affection and solidarity; it remains so and there is no reason for this to change. Only a revolutionary event of unimaginable qualities―a push for redemption within Mendilur―could destroy this indomitable bellicose antipathy. For centuries we have assumed the sacrosanct duty of defending the Faith and our people for we hold those dearest and closest to our hearts. The great injustices and barbarities perpetrated by the ignoble beasts bordering our country have for years been quenched with Frodt’s rifle and sword.

It is for this reason that we must honour the Covenant with Mendilur much like the Church and the State honour their Concordat. We are peace-loving but not lacking defensive or offensive power. We are compassionate but not lacking in dignity or honour. We have not asked for war and we have not asked for barbarians to thrive beyond the frontier. Nevertheless, we shall not turn deaf on the cry of war. Our increasingly centralised government seems to be doing just that; it is concerned only with the mundane aspects of governance. Meanwhile, we stand immobile as the Christian Frodts who refused to abandon their lands upon the treacherous wail of Mendilur’s independence suffer at the hands of the paramilitary groups we defeated in our own lands years ago. Compatriots, it is time for war.

Written by C H Wambagildsez
Translated by Reginald Alcott-Smythe
© Nochtemats (2015)

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by **Norlur** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 4:06 am

FAREWELL, EDUR

Mendilur's goodbye to the last true national hero

Edur Kortajarena is perhaps the most famous of all the heroes of Mendilur to rise during the so callled "Free Corps War", where Frodtic and Mendilurian volunteer forces participated in raids and ambushes against one another and Christian or Sinkoaka settlements depending on the side. Joining the 10th 'Bendek Lur' Regiment of the Faith and Nation corps led by 1930 War veteran Major Antton Rennomen in 1943, Kortajarena became famous for his stiff defense of Sinkoaka villages and settlements in Frodtthiuda which earned him prestige and the gratitude of the Mendilurian people, but also for his infamous punitive campaigns against Christian villages in Mendilur, most famous being the 1960 August Offense which resulted in over 14 Christian villages in Mendilur being turned to ash. In 1964, he was arrested together with other 700 soldiers for his participation in said attacks, but was pardoned quietly by the leadership of the Commonwealth and was given a plot of land in Jiomenaka where he finally got married in 1967, and lived a happy and quiet life.

Edur Kortajarena in 1947

Yesterday, on the early hours of 27th November 2015, Captain Kortajarena died of old age, 93 years old. He had lived a full and quiet life ever since the Free Corps War and had a dedicated circle of friends and personal admirers whom he communicated with in the last years of his life, even finishing a short book from his own personal experiences during the war which was published in 2004 but did not receive much notice from mainstream press or the public. With the passing of the old hero however, the Mendilurian government has decided to honor the last hero of the Free Corps War for one last time. The cabinet of Buruzag Xabier Ezkibal ordered that Kortajarena be buried with full military honors today, and that a three-volley salute be performed by soldiers of the Commonwealth Defense Forces. Earlier today, the Defense Minister, Kuiril Eizager, when asked why the Cabinet had decided to burry Edur Kortajarena with full military honors simply responded "Mendilur will always honor it's heroes".

Several nationalist organizations, as well Faith and Nation Veterans Association have expressed their condolences to the family of Kortajarena and have praised the government for taking this step to "recognize the unsung saga of our heroes, who fought with rifle and sword against Frodtic barbarism". The Council of the Commonwealth also commended the decision of the Buruzag, calling for the full restoration of the honor of all those that were tried after the Free Corps War. These comments come after a heated debate in September about whether or not protective measures from "Frodtic and Christian terrorism" should again be adopted by the government of Mendilur, and it seems that the decision to grant Kortajarena a military burial is a step towards reconciliation of Mendilur's government with the nationalist wing of the National Salvation Party of Mendilur who have long advocated for a return to the pre-1974 with Frodtthiuda and condemned the re-opening of the Mendilurian Embassy in Biuzbaurgs, in 2008. However, the burial of Edur Kortajarena may as well cause rifts in the sensitive relations with our only land neighbor, who may not take kindly the rehabilitation of a man it despised.

by **Frodtthiuda** » Sat Nov 28, 2015 2:28 pm

The reader should note this article has been previously published in its original form in the Frodtic-language edition of Nochtemats; this is a translation of the aforesaid piece. For the uninitiated or unfamiliar reader, Nochtemats retains the letter “þ” in its international edition for reasons discussed elsewhere; the letter should be understand in the same way as “th” in other languages.

Nationalist march in “silent procession” through Biuzbaurgs culminating at the Mendilurian embassy; government lodges diplomatic complaint against the neighbouring Commonwealth as delicate relations seek to recover from the glorification and celebration of the monsters of the First Homwigans

28 November 2015 Last updated 17.40 Frodtic Standard Time
Nationalists have marched through the streets of the capital in what observers described as a “frighteningly silent procession”. The assembled citizens declared their rally a “congregation for the guidance of the Fatherland”; indeed, they were accompanied by deacons, priests and several high-ranking clerics. The Frodtic Church’s Primate, Redawulfs, was absent having excused himself from the convocation claiming he would better serve the Fatherland by administering the Sacraments. “In the avenues”, he said “I am one of other bishops―other men―, but in the Cathedral I can render my country a most holy service, for I admonish men for their namby-pamby devotion to the Church and the land of their forefathers”. Nevertheless, the present clerics lead the taciturn prayer of the assemblage in both Latin and the national language.

Young woman outside the Mendilurian embassy

The march culminated at 16 Avenue of the Margraves, the Mendilurian embassy’s address in Biuzbaurgs’ second district, past the National Library (Þiudabiblioþeca) and its prominent memorial to the “bards of Romantic struggle” (that is, its statue of Raimers Maubagildsez). Here, the Pater Noster was once again recited in unison by the crowds. More recently, however, war-poems and fragments of “the Conjurer’s” prose emerged from the patriots undoubtedly well-versed in the Republic’s literature of the Romantic (or, rather, neo-Romantic).

The reason for the increased number of flag-waving marches and rallies (they have never been a rarity) is the Mendilurian government’s treatment of a man named Edur Kortajarena. Kortajarena remains an infamous personage in Frodtþiuda despite his recent death at the age of 93, for he was implicated in committing the greatest barbarities against the ethnic Frodt (and, by extension, Christian) population of the Commonwealth to the west of the frontier. Furthermore, he was a self-declared iconoclast of the highest degree; having joined the 10th “Bendek Lur” Regiment of the militant “Faith and Nation” paramilitary group, Kortajarena participated in the wide-ranging desecration of Christian churches and the mortal disrespect of ethnic Frodts. He was particularly renown for his participation in the so-called “August Offensive”; this event has been remembered in the history of our nation due to the fact that it resulted in the total destruction of 14 Christian villages within the territory of the Commonwealth. Pagan paramilitaries had burnt them throughout the aforesaid summer month.

Notwithstanding, the Mendilurian authorities have hailed him as a hero after death; he was given a state funeral and buried with full military orders much to the satisfaction of extremist organisations based within the territory of the Commonwealth. Of course, this also resulted in waves of anger aimed at the Mendilurian government from our side of the international border dividing the two nations.

Mendilurian diplomats in the country have yet to respond; political analysts with expertise on the subject of Mendiluro-Frodtic tensions have theorised it is unlikely that the embassy itself will respond to the protests. C H Wambagildsez, Professor of Political Sciences at the Polytechnic University of Fisksbairgs and parliamentarian for the national conservative National Gathering, has theorised the Mendilurian foreign ministry will “will dismiss [Frodtþiuda’s] tactful rejection of the monstrosity inherent to the celebration of Kortajarena’s actions; [the foreign ministry of the Commonwealth] will call it a ‘needless provocation’ and the tensions will continue”.

Regardless of the Mendilurian government’s reaction, the External Office of the Frodtic Republic has already lodged a formal diplomatic complaint in which it protested Edur Kortajarena’s state funeral and warned of “consequences and retaliation” on part of the Frodtic state. Unusually, the diplomatic complaint was delivered to the Mendilurians in Latin.

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by **Norlur** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 4:33 am

Frodtic Churches in the Commonwealth to be closed - For Good

The Council of the Commonwealth has taken a historic decision today, following the rise of Frodtic agitation in the eastern provinces of the Commonwealth. The instruments of propaganda that are the churches of Frodtic Christianity in Mendilurian soil will be permanently closed down and demolished by the end of January 2016. This decision has come after heavy deliberation and debate in the hollowed halls of the Council of the Commonwealth , the Congress of the National Salvation Party of Mendilur and the Committee of Revolutionary Preservation. Priests who wish to keep their Churches open and be allowed to continue to exercise their profession will have to apply for a special license which shall be issued from the Offices of the Committee of Public Security and Interest, although with strict requirements. Furthermore, the decision has also been made to revoke citizenship from members of the Frodtic Christian faith that attempt to exercise their religion without the help of a licensed priest.

Saints Paul and Peter Cathedral

In light of these developments, all activity has ceased for today in churches across Mendilur as police have begun evacuating the buildings in order to close them down, causing violent episodes between followers of the Christian faith and Mendilurian police, where lethal force had to be used in order to evacuate some of the buildings. A six year old child was killed, while 9 people had to be hospitalized due to their injuries. The Police of the Commonwealth issued a statement saying that it "regrets having to use deadly force to evacuate the Cathedral of Saints Paul and Peter" and issued it's sincerest condolences to the family of the six year old girl, as well did the Council of the Commonwealth and the Buruzag of the Commonwealth. In response to the episodes, Commonwealth Constables have been deployed around the Cathedral, while 100 people were arrested for causing the violent episodes between police and Christian faithful.

While our eastern neighbors have yet to respond, high-ranking officials within the Council of the Commonwealth already speak about the potential 'Gothic Wrath' that the decision of the Mendilurian government might cause. After all, it is known that Frodtþiuda puts the protection of the so called 'Frodt Christians' in Mendilur high in it's political agenda. Years of agitation by the their irresponsible government have caused the closing down of their places of worship which for years had been used as propaganda tools to spread lies of oppression to the nonSinkoaka faithful of Mendilur. However, it is certain that they will use this legislation as an excuse to cause further violent episodes with Mendilur. Our government however, is most ready to respond to these accusations. Was it not the Frodtic government that banned the Faith of the Enlightened Gods in their own decadent state centuries ago? Did they not for years oppress, and still do, our kin in their vile lands?

The answer of course, is yes. What the Commonwealth has done is simply respond to these provocations with the way it long needed to. It is apparent to everyone with a brain that peaceful co-existence with the government of Frodtþiuda is no longer possible. Worry not fellow compatriots, this will not be the cause of a third war between our nation and theirs. Only the restoration of justice in our lands, which for a long time seemed lost.

by **Frodtthiuda** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 6:07 pm

The reader should note this article has been previously published in its original form in the Frodtic-language edition of Nochtemats; this is a translation of the aforesaid piece. For the uninitiated or unfamiliar reader, Nochtemats retains the letter “þ” in its international edition for reasons discussed elsewhere; the letter should be understand in the same way as “th” in other languages.

Frodtic ambassador in Mendilur recalled due to “circumstances requiring immediate consideration” after the neighbouring Commonwealth’s decision to definitively close all churches within its jurisdiction

13 December 2015 Last updated 13.45 Frodtic Standard Time
The embassy of the Frodtic Republic to the Commonwealth of Mendilur has been vacated on orders issued by Liudiharjis Arbigastsez, the Faurasitands of the Republic, earlier today in reaction to the Mendilurian Council of the Commonwealth’s decision to immediately close and demolish the Frodtic Church’s places of worship in its territory citing their rôle in the “rise of Frodtic agitation in the eastern provinces of the Commonwealth [of Mendilur]”. Immediately after the Council’s ordinance was publicised, Mendilurian police stormed the country’s churches in order to evict (or, as the Police of the Commonwealth have termed it, “evacuate”) the faithful from the holy sites. The removal was, however, not peaceful in the least; local law enforcement officers made use of lethal force leading to the hospitalisation of nine people, along with the loss of a six-year-old ethnic Frodt girl’s life.

Frodtic diplomats making their way towards the airport

The government of the Frodtic Republic issued a rapid response in which it condemned the “endemic boorishness” of the neighbours with which the “Frodts have been perpetually cursed”. The statement, however, did not amount to a virtual declaration of war leading to the displeasure of prominent nationalists led by Redawulfs Þiudans, head of the sociology faculty at the Polytechnic University of Fisksbairgs, who declared the government a “cowardly fifth column” which remained “indifferent” to the killing of a Frodtic girl (she remains unnamed for legal reasons). Shortly thereafter, the Faurandbahts, Hauhakuni de Lutra, addressed in the nation; his brief speech can be read below:

Compatriots, your blood has adorned the Mendilurian’s streets today. The uncouth pagan to the west has made no effort to hide the inherent vampirism of those who know nothing but to worship with wild dances of savagery perfumed with the nauseating scent of second-class liqueur. In the process, however, he has drawn blood from the supra-organism that constitutes the Frodtic nation; he has made a martyr of your compatriot―your daughter, your sister, your niece, your cousin. Above all, he has attacked the faith and that, my dear countrymen, is the only offence which we cannot forgive. We shan’t forget; our minds will forever be replete with the remembrance of past ignominy.

Furthermore, the External Office (the Frodtic foreign ministry) has stated it will do “all within its power” to assist Frodts wishing to leave Mendilur in favour of the “boundaries of their homeland”. The External Office has also stated it intends to transport the “young martyr’s corpse” to Frodtþiuda in order to administer the rites of sepulture in accordance with the catechism of the Frodtic Church as it does not believe these necessities would be “adequately served” in Mendilur. It has, however, not released any information as to the family’s will to remain in the Commonwealth on account of the “privacy rightfully accorded to citizens”. The reader should note all ethnic Frodts are entitled to Frodtic citizenship upon exercising their right of return and manifesting their intention to renounce their Mendilurian citizenship.

The Frodtic Church is yet to release a public statement in reaction to today’s events; its Primate refused all requests for interviews with the media following Sunday’s religious services saying: “On this occasion, we shall respond with action, not words. I must say, however, the our excellent war-poets will have abundant material, for we are humble and forgiving of personal offences but attacks on our ancestral institutions are unforgivable by all standards: the tradition of the Fathers and the Scriptures of our Lord and Father”.

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by **Frodtthiuda** » Sun Dec 20, 2015 5:02 am

XIX.XII.MMXV

Bishops lead parades for “national guidance” as the state funeral of Inga Eduvigisez is held in the capital

The leading clerics of the Frodtic Church have taken part in demonstrations and rallies throughout the nation amidst open displays of national mourning on the occasion of the state funeral of Inga Eduvigisez, the six-year-old Frodt killed by the police service of the neighbouring Commonwealth, on Saturday morning.

The Frodtic Church’s Primate, Redawulfs of Biuzbaurgs, led the procession accompanying Ms Eduvigisez’s corpse into the capital of the Republic after it arrived at Biuzbaurgs―Raimers Maubagildsez International Airport in the capital-city’s outskirts aboard an aeroplane operated by the Army of the Air of the Republic (the air arm of the Frodtic military) in a flag-draped coffin. The authorities were taken by surprise; the self-described “cortège”, along with other rallies for “national guidance”, were organised quite “frantically and abruptly” by what the Primate of the Church has described as the “young servants of God, the Church and the Fatherland” over social media platforms. Groups of mourners and patriots were, of course, expected by the authorities, but the sheer number (some estimates place the precise number of those present by the procession’s culmination at 325.000) of those assembled was described as “overwhelming” by the National Maréchaussée in a brief written statement released only minutes ago.

Ms Eduvigisez’s cortège entered the capital-city proper at 10.24. There, it was met by Liudiharjis Arbigastsez, the Faurasitands (head of state); Hauhakuni de Lutra, Faurandbahts (head of government), along with the 19 margraves of the Republic. At 11.00, the religious ceremony began at the Cathedral of Saints Wulfila and Niceta in central Biuzbaurgs. The mortal remains were then transferred to the grand hall of the House of the Nation, the seat of the Gafaurds (national legislature), where parliamentarians and members of the general public were allowed to pay their respects. Hour later, the body was returned to the Eduvigisez in order to give the child Christian sepulture.

Meanwhile, nationalist rallies were held in Fisksbairgs, the country’s second-largest city after the capital; Rervingia, an important port-city in the north of Frodtþiuda; and Eisarnbairgs, an important industrial and financial centre in the country. Much like the “funerary procession” into Biuzbaurgs, these demonstration were arranged and planned largely over the internet by means of social media platforms, and internet chat boards and forums. Credible estimates are not currently available but the events were described as “well-attended” by its organisers. Nevertheless, the National Maréchaussée in the aforementioned cities reported no arrests.

Some fear the state church’s profound involvement in these manifestations could further deteriorate relations between the Frodtic Republic and the Commonwealth of Mendilur. The government, however, is not allowed to interfere with the Frodtic Church’s policy and governance unless it were to dismiss the Church’s Synod on grounds of impiety per the existing Concordat regulating the relations between Church and State, along with the legal status of the former in Frodtþiuda. Analysts almost unanimously consider this to be an impossibility for a variety of reasons; firstly, the government would have to recur to an extraordinary ecclesiastic tribunal outside of the jurisdiction of the General Synod and Consilium of the Church, which has not been constituted in the past four centuries, and, secondly, the move would bring great displeasure to nationalist circles both within and outside the government. The past day’s events are but footnotes in the grand book of the Mendiluro-Frodtic conflict.

More from Ephmeris―the International Newspaper

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OOC: Please forgive me if the article sounds repetitive; I wrote this very quickly and without much thought.

by **Norlur** » Tue Dec 22, 2015 6:37 am

Beggining of the Holy Week with the Feast of Bakar, Sun Almighty

The most important week of the year has begun for all Sinkoaka faithful, as the Holy Week has officially begun with the Arch-Magistrate of the Great Temple declaring the start of celebrations of the Feast of Bakar, Sun Almighty. The serene ceremony that begun at 00:00 involved over 50,000 people who had assembled at Victory Square to participate in the liturgical mysteries. The Arch-Magistrate begun the ceremony by chanting the call to Bakar to renew his contract with the faithful to bring light to them for the rest of the year, his voice joined in by that of the people. He lit the Great Fire at 1:00, officially proclaiming the beginning of the feasting. First to be thrown in the bonfire were the traditional pieces of paper containing wishes for good health, fortune and harvest for the rest of the year, as well as objects and books taken from the closed Christian cathedrals to give strength to Bakar by confirming the fall of his enemies.

A representation of Bakar from the Great Temple of Eseŕa

As is the tradition, the offerings to Bakar will continue for the rest of the day and shall reach a climax at midnight, when the Arch-Magistrate shall proclaim that Bakar has headed the call of his followers and shall continue to roam the world his chariot, the Sun for another year. It has been declared this year that the faithful may offer animal and fruit sacrifices again, but not in the Great Temple due to limitation of time and the ongoing ceremony of the Great Fire that is currently burning in the center of the temple, in the Brazier of Oier where normally sacrifices to Oier, God of the Warriors take place. Buruzag Xabier has announced that he and his cabinet shall visit the Great Temple, as well as has the Council of the Commonwealth. When asked about his intentions, the Buruzag simply responded: "I simply wish to pray for guidance and good fortune, as does every Sinkoaka. We live in dangerous times, and the Feast of the Sun Almighty has come just in time to unite our people behind Fatherland and Faith."

These comments are not unrelated to the current situation. Mendilur and Frodtthiuda are currently experiencing a crisis that can only be compared to the days before the Day of the Council's Vow (internationally known as the Mendilurian Declaration of Independence) and the first Ger en defentsa against Frodtthiuda. Many are those that fear war will erupt soon, especially after the closing down of the Christian churches in Mendilur (a similar ban on the Sinkoaka faith existing in the East for centuries) and the repressions of Sinkoaka faithful in Frodtthiuda. It was confirmed by the Ministry of Defense yesterday that military units were heading to reinforce the already existing formations in the border with Frodtthiuda, while rumors persist that there are plans to call 50,000 reserves in action soon, in order to be deployed in the border following some 'heated' incidents in the border a few days. Meanwhile, the Council of the Commonwealth's more radical wings have long called for a "third and final" Ger en defentsa against our Eastern neighbors. only to be joined in with approving comments of the current cabinet.

Despite these worrying sings, we wish to all our Mendilurian readers abroad happy feasting, and may Bakar bring upon you knowledge, health and good fortune.

by **Frodtthiuda** » Fri Dec 25, 2015 12:47 am

XXIII.XII.MMXV

Government reinforces border guards and declares it is “outraged” by Mendilurians’ use of Christian artefacts in a pagan ceremony

The External Office has lodged a formal complaint with Mendilurian counterparts in the form of what has been described as a “strong-worded” diplomatic note protesting the use of objects belonging to the closed Christian churches spread throughout the neighbouring Commonwealth.

The External Office was particularly “disconcerted” by the “sinister images” of burning copies of the Holy Scriptures amongst other texts of theological importance. The events causing the vigorous protest from the authorities of the Frodtic Republic occurred only yesterday when the celebrations of the Feast of Bakar, a key affair of the Mendilurian Holy Week and, more generally, the Sinkoaka faith officially defined as a “political, ahistorical cult” by the Frodtic Republic, took place at the Great Temple of Eseŕa in the nation to the west of our own. Here, the Mendilurian Arch-Magistrate initiated the ceremony at 00.00 in the presence of 50.000 gathered outside at the Square of Victory. The idolatrous observance was primarily characterised by an enormous bonfire in which the pagans and heathens threw offers to their gods in hopes of fulfilling their wishes of good health, fortune and harvest. Nevertheless, a boldly political statement crept into these religious events, for Christian paraphernalia and books were thrown into the bonfire; indeed, the sight could be described as nothing more than a pyre of martyrdom for those things we hold close to our hearts due to our close attachment to the faith of our fathers.

The External Office has warned the Mendilurian government of “grave consequences” if the “endless provocations” are to persist; bilateral relations between the Commonwealth and the Republic, it says, would be “irreparably injured”. Furthermore, the External Office―in effect, the foreign ministry of Frodtþiuda―issued a subsequent written statement in which it dismissed all insinuation suggesting it intended to re-open its embassy in Eseŕa under a chargé d’affaires instead of an ambassador. The portion of the statement in question clarifying this read, “The present air of provocation and indignity prevents us from recommending [the re-opening of the embassy] to our government. As such, the diplomatic mission in the city of Eseŕa, capital of the Commonwealth of Mendilur, shall remain closed until the chief of government, the Faurandbahts, decides otherwise”.

The Frodtic government has not limited itself to diplomatic forms of protest, however. An unspecified number of airmen, soldiers and sailors throughout the country have been ordered to positions closer to the international border between Frodtþiuda and Mendilur in order to guard the country’s airspace, territory and territorial water, respectively. Analysts such as Dr C H Wambagildsez, Professor of Political Sciences at the Polytechnic University of Fisksbairgs, have labelled this move as a “mere reaction” on part of Frodtþiuda, for the Commonwealth has also strengthened its border guards. Furthermore, there are rumours of Mendilur calling 50.000 of its reservists to arms in face of recent tensions between the peninsular nations.

Moreover, the War Office (Frodtþiuda’s defence ministry) has already issued new guidelines for soldiers in active service. Political analysts suspect there are plans to call-up reservists aged 30–39 for “refreshment courses”. These plans, however, have not been confirmed by the War Office itself. In contrast, the government agency has confirmed it intends to establish a new military service branch open to all foreign male citizens adhering to a recognised denomination of the Christian faith. It is understood that the bill allowing the aforesaid branch’s establishment will be read and voted on at the Gafaurds’ next session on 27 December.

More from Ephmeris―the International Newspaper

“Right of return” campaign begins abroad
Opinion: Frodtþiuda’s Christian League
Aerofrodt reports record profits

OOC: I wrote this on my phone. Furthermore, pretend it was published a few days ago.

by **Sydrige** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 3:54 pm

Presented from SNK national Headquarters in Frygdby, 31st of December 2015
Galigara People's Union-backed proposal to repeal 2013 National Measures for Security to be voted on in Storting

Aimadiaa Duabuim in a conference earlier this month.
PHOTO: Steinar Igerssen, protected by SNK under Sydrian Copyright and Distribution Act of 1957

The Galigara People's Union (TGP), regarded as the most left-wing political party in the Sydrian Storting and it's third largest, put up a proposal in the chamber at December 28th, as Sydrians prepare for fire-cracking New Years celebrations. As Sydrige has a unicameral legislature and the proposal reached enough sponsors to bypass the initial admission round, the Storting was set to vote on it this early morning. As per legal tradition, both expected supporters and opponents of the National Security Measures bill were allowed to speak to the Storting's 200 voting members at the start of the legislation process. The Storting Main Representative of the Galigara People's Union (TGP), Aimadiaa Duabuim explained the unforeseen bill repeal proposal as a "testament to Sydrige's values" calling upon the Government to consider the proposal whatever the outcome in the Storting.

The bill in question is considered one of the most drastic measures in modern Sydrige, giving police authority to neutralize "any visible and clear threat to public safety", allows the Prime Minister to initiate several policies, like a State of Emergency, without consent from Government, Storting or Grand Duke, and practically eliminated internet privacy regulations for the Sydrian Broadcast and Digital Information Regulation Agency, which notably clamps down down suspected terrorists networks but also cause severe issues for pro-Mendilurian and other "heathen" exponents, among many smaller changes largely unnoticed by society. Supporters praise it as a stepping stone for an effective, safe country but it is harshly resisted by the radical left and analysts claim it is leading to further political and social divide, especially among the ancient Galiger people in the northwest that still face discrimination in many aspects.

"Sydrige can't call itself free when we regularly punish citizens for holding viewpoints our moral standing stone sees as uncomfortable. The current 2013 National Measures for Security is over-prohibitive, and it is in our belief that it needs reform for an open, tolerable society" Aimadiaa Duabuim started the conference with. Security guards were soon forced to calm down seven members of Storting from the national-conservative Prosperity and Tradition Party who were openly enraged in response, but the rest of Duabuim's speech reportedly went smoothly in the hall. "I cannot grasp that the terrible anti-terrorist war in Galigara has been over for 40 years but that we; the Grand Duchy's leaders, still conform to widespread discrimination and censoration [...] ending these policies will be a big step for a new Sydrige", the Main Representative of the Galiger-centric leftist party continued.

He soon spoke more about the Conflict of Galigara in the years of 1968-1975, a violent turmoil in the ancient minority's home region between the Sydrian government and the banned terrorist alliance so-called "Holy Jagamud [Galiger] National Defense Front" which caused the deaths of 45,000 people and sent uproars through Sydrian society, prompting a wave of liberal and new-age thinking in the young generation; and with the Mendilurian-Frodtic war of the time, it also started the first controvorsies regarding the close bonds with Frodthiuda. Sydrian society saw the consequences of perpetual domination, but with changing times Duabuim warned of the consequences of "returning to the old line of thinking", stating "the new [generation of] Sydrian far-rightists are not behind the so-called extended national security laws, but already pose the greatest challenges to tolerance". It was clear to see that the TGP representatives were overjoyed, with expresses of approval from Storting representatives of the Social Democratic Party and the centrist Libertarian Party, who form the official opposition.

The Speaker of the Storting soon called for the Main Storting Representative of the parliament's largest party and the current governing one, the Party For Sydrians, David Arian Hjudmesder. He took his speech firmly at the defensive side on the 2013 National Measures for Security bill, pointing that "we [Sydrige] have far less bursts of violence and terrorism than before, and we are taking the fight against internet criminality. Duabuim, you speak of freedom, but we need to defend what we have left, for our safety, for our children. This is Sydreg, not Sjalhaven!" he exclaimed, and it seemed he brought with him the support of half of the 200-member hall, even if formal voting had not yet begun. Hjudmesder continued with a remark about the Conflict of Galigara, stating "The conflict [of Galigara] was directly caused by the government's own inefficiency to keep control of domestic networks, and we awoke afterwards [...] realizing that Sydrige needed new solutions. The current international situation requires us to seek these, these yes rough but lawful measures for the time being."

The Storting will vote on the potential repeal of the 2013 National Measures for Security bill in two days. With recent tensions between Sydrige's ally in Frodtthiuda skyrocketing with diplomatic insults and nationalist reawakening, the repeal will most likely not reach the majority of votes if Sydrige finds itself on the Frodtic side of the conflict, which is highly likely. A repeal of national security laws and an apparent reintroduction of less tougher laws, as the Galigaran leftist party proposes in the middle of a groundbreaking conflict would not be the best option for Sydrige. The righist-led, albeit slight majority in the Storting must vote for national interests first.

by **Consulate of the Freelands** » Sun Jan 10, 2016 12:31 pm

Yesterday morning, Michael Hueden, First Consul of the Freelands since now 7 years, vetoed the legislation proposed by the Senate. By constitution, this act force him to resign his mandate as Consul.

Yesterday morning, the Senate was debating the awaited "Lands Divisions act" for the reduction of Lands from 25 to 13. But before long, the Consul rised from his siege and proclaimed "Veto !" and the assembly fall into silence. Both Consuls then left the piece and rejoigned their Cabinet to prepare the last report as a Consul of Mr.Hueden.

The Hueden are an important family of nobles, one of the most numerous and powerfull with members at all levels of the Consulate. Michael Hueden came to power after an exemplary service as the Director General of the Primland's Marechaussee and with a superb Cursus Honorum : serving once as a Magna Quaestor, once as a Magna Aedile, twice as a Magna Praetor and five times as the Praetor of Orrland. With the tragic death of the then First Consul, Gregory Desaxen, the Senate elected him to take the sucession as Consul of the Freelands. He served during one of the most peacefull time known by our Lands and was a keystone in this with his unconditional support of the Marechaussee and his famous speech to the Senate for the attribution of new funds for the Police's services. A great speech, where he defended his vision of the Consulate.

"It is sad that he had to do this, but it was the only way." Declared in private the Second Consul, Emily Belact, who as already serve with two different Consuls and will soon know a third. "He has a vision and no one will force him to abandon it. Do not mourn him, for I predict his career his far from over." She added before returning to her office, for until the Senate elect a new Consul, she, alone, will have to make sure the Consulate do not cease to fonction.

This morning at the exact same time the veto was pronounced, as per the tradition, the Public Speaker Anthony Magnus took place before a herd of journalists in front of the Senatorial Palace and pronounced the last declaration as a Consul of Michel Hueden were his action was explained : "The role of a Consul is to make sure the Freelands work correctly and this act was a danger for the Consulate. [...] The Cursus Honorum is already a narrow pass and to reduce the number of available posts would have only put in danger our whole system. For twice less Queastors, there would have still been as much Mayors. It would have not been an economy of budget either, for a change of this magnitude ask for preparations and adaptions that are not free.[...] This is why the First Consul decided to sacrifice himself for the noble cause to preserve our ways, our peace and he did it with no regret, knowing it was for the good of our nation and it is a cause worth sacrifices things many times more importants than just a mandate. For this veto is not just for not changing the number of Lands from 25 to 13. It was for not reducing the number of region at all."

After those words and under the applause of the public, the Public Speaker let place to Michael Hueden who, without a word and with all the emotion of the instant, gave back the First Consul's ring to the Senate's representative. The Senate is now electing a new Consul inside the Palace that will be closed for the duration of the Election. No one will get in or out. Not even the dinner delivery man.

by **Consulate of the Freelands** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 1:33 pm

The Consul first speech !

The Newly elected Consul, Richard Dequinze, made his first speech to the press yesterday afternoon. He took this occasion to explain his projects for the Consulate and the Freelands, on a national and international level

Everybody know Richard Dequinze is a man of action. But the old Captain of the "Gamma Squad" proved yesterday that he was a man of words too. In front of a herd of journalists, he presented his ideas about what road the Consulate should take.

"50 years ago, we won a war. We won a war for our liberty, for our freedeom. For our right to gouvern ourselves, as one complete nation and not another region of a foreign country. We won a war, but it was only the beginning. Since 50 years, we fight to keep the rights we acquired with the blood of our fathers. We cannot let ourselves rest. We cannot let ourselves stay closed to the rest of the world, for the world will not stay closed to us. With viligance, self-control and dignity, we must finish the devellopment of our army and of our marine. For this, We, Consuls, can already announce to you that the millitary airport of Claire-Saline has been opened with news squadrons and the first made-in-Freelands war-plane ready to serve. And more of his kind are built as we speak will join him very soon.
The first duty of a nation is to be able to protect its people. Fot it, it need an army. For it, an army need to be correctly armed and formed. For it, it need to have the best in technologies and formations. This is the second war we face : the war for survival and freedom. And mark this : the Freelands will not loose this war."

It's on thoses words that the newly appointed Consul finished his speech and let the Public Speaker answer guide the few selected journalists to the conference room where he will answer their questions. As your first newspapper of the Freelands, we were among those chosen ones to discuss of the new government's politic.

"It is not a new politic per see" affirmed the Speaker. "The Senate and the Consuls always had the modernization of the army at heart and everything that will happen in the next years will only be a consequence of every choices made in the precedent 50 years. "The Senate also have his attention on the economy of our country and feel the need to find partners on the international's market. The peoples of the Freelands will not have to worries about an "economical occupation" of our country by foreigns consortiums : our inner market wil stay open only to industries operating under the Consulate's flag. Even if the possibility to make the port of Erziac a "free-port" open to foreigns investments is discussed by the Senate, it will only be a test and on our terms. If the Senate ever agree to it." Upon being asked about the situation of the "Leto Island", the last bit of the Freelands that is still under Frodtic domination. The Public Speaker took time to choose his words and answerded with great care : "The Leto Island is and has always been on the mind of the Senate. But we believe we have to be extremly precautious about it. But do not doubt : many options are studied in the goal to resolve this in the most secure way for every peoples involved. Because even if it is an important symbol, the Senate want to make the Freelanders remember : the lives of peoples we greatly care about are at sake here. Some of your readers have cousins on the Island and we do not want tragics consequences that could have been avoided."

Upon this, no more time was left to answer more questions and the Public Speaker wished that we transmit the greeting of the Senate to the peoples of the Freelands. "It will be a great year for the Freelands" he assured, quite mysteriously we must say.

by **Mutiaraya** » Wed Feb 10, 2016 5:14 am

OPINION: The rise of the Equalist Coalition might do our Empire more harm than good
By Rahula Negaranaka

FEBRUARY 10, 2016 CE | MAGHA 21 | 10.45 SMT

Eminent Wiharakatha, current leader of the United Tathagatha Alliance officiating a ceremony in Kuruvasti.

KOTA NATAJA - In an unexpected conclusion from today's session of the esteemed Congregation of Nations, Eminent Wiharakatha, the current leader of the traditionally conservative and nationalist United Tathagatha Alliance has officially confirmed its intentions to join the Citizen's Action Party-led Unified Factions for Equality (Hutārku Kanatantara Barisang, also known as the Equalist Coalition) after secret dialogues between the two factions' senior members. Today, the UTA is the fourth faction to have aligned itself to the self-proclaimed "People's Bloc", and is a sign of the growing popularity and strength of the leftists among our noble and esteemed government.

According to the primary sources of the Equalist Coalition, "union of people, leaders, and kindred spirits who joined forces to forge a path where the glory of our noble and radiant empire can be shared by the whole of Mutia, across all the thousand nations its banner has sheltered." Taking from this, it can be concluded that the coalition is just another one of its kind, one consisting of left-leaning, progressivist (and to an extent, socialist) factions, uniting as one to counter the currently dominant faction within the Congregation, the Awangraja Ganaka in the coming elections. However, unlike similar left-leaning coalitions in other countries, the Hutārku Kanatantara Barisang can be described more of a "big tent", with factions of a traditional flair, ones among the centre and religious parties (such as the aforementioned UTA) among their ranks, all under the common vision of "sharing the Empire's glory to all".

Despite all this, we should not assume that these factions be an equalizing factor among the more militant groups within the coalition, especially among the higher-ups. There are three factions who are currently regarded as the leaders of this growing coalition: the Citizen's Action Party which advocates individual liberties and common rights to all citizens while supporting governmental economic intervention, the Eternal Cakrayam Party which calls for a creation of a collectivist society under the helm of His Most Radiant Majesty, and the Society for a Reformed Empire, which calls for extensive governmental reforms and a change for a more Democratic government. These three are definitely leftist in ideology, and the latter two have been known for their militant activity in the recent years (one may note the much recent protests in Namvarani Negara last month).

Are these the kind of people who are deserving of the respect of such noble factions such as the UTA, the Surya Movement and respected and educated people in our society? People who rile up discontent and chaos to the streets just for them to get heard? People that are irrespective of others for favor of their own advocacies? It is baffling, to say the least, that people in the right mind have supported them, and it is made obvious by the parties in question that it is definitely an ideological, and not a political action. And that's not adding their alleged connections with the Bagaung and Maharumah insurgencies that have long plagued the interior of the Empire.

The many members of the ECP and the SRE have since been postulating that they are commuting such militancy because they are "voicing out" their frustrations and grievances against the current government, telling us that it is the only option left for them due to the alleged oppresivity of our society and the government that supposedly perpetuates it. This kind of reasoning is childish, incompetent and uncivil. How did we end up trusting these kinds of people?

These militants think that the only way for good to come out of the government is to change it. If we are to look at the past, these revolutions, political, social, armed or civil, particularly of their brand of ideology, have brought more harm and has even brought down the rights of the people that they so championed for long. And this pandering to the religious folk, and in turn, to the general public, has alarmingly brought them up into popularity. If we do not see through the past actions of such people, their ascension would end up a shortsighted government with failed promises, due to the petty grievances of the few.

Rahula Negaranaka is a senior professor of Research Studies in the Imperial College in Namvarani Negara. The opinions posted in this article does not reflect the views of Erleuchtete Stimme.

Other Content in this Periodical

His Most Radiant Majesty fires Secretary of Infrastructure over palace woes - During a convening of the administrative council of the Empire, His Most Radiant Majesty Sri Adityavarman X fired in public Secretary of Infrastructure, Sri Lakhasamana Pakhatayyam over an argument regarding the safety issues of a local Kingdom's palace complex. His Most Radiant Majesty is to install a successor for the post but is focusing for the demolition and restructuring of the said palace in the southeastern regions.
Her Holiness Trayatrimshani to find a new heir - Due to her degrading health, Her Holiness Sari Trayatrimshani of the Mahadevi Agama Sangha have called to find a possible heir to the golden bell. An worldwide search by the global Mahadevist Sangha in search of the spiritual heir has commenced, with Her Holiness laying out the ideal qualities of her possible successor.

by **Frodtthiuda** » Sun Feb 14, 2016 6:00 pm

OOC: I’ve stolen UCV’s format, yes.

Five Frodtic nationals of “occidental extraction” arrested in Biuzbaurgs on accusations of rape and other crimes

12 FEBRUARY 2016 | 23.59 FST

National Maréchaussée agents in civilian clothing arrest one of the suspects at St Thomas Square in the capital

Biuzbaurgs ― Five Frodtic passport-holders, Xabier Sagarraeta Olaberria, 27 (passport number: FX4691528); Hlūþaweig Intxausti Uzcudun, 23 (passport number: FX4700323); Monxo Ibaiguren Arana, 20 (passport number: FM9012475); Joseba Aranzadi-Goiritar Kinþaswinþsez, 18 (passport number: FM7821441); and an unnamed 17-year-old Frodtic national from Fisksbairgs, were arrested by agents of the National Maréchaussée at St Thomas Square in the capital-city’s second district on accusations of rape, along with other sexual crimes. The National Maréchaussée arrived only minutes after disturbances were reported in the park adjacent to the square; the crowds present at the scene, it was reported, attacked the five aforementioned suspects after one of the accusers, a young woman whose anonymity is being protected by the authorities, “screamed and ran”, thereby catching the attention of passers-by.

A witness to the National Maréchaussée’s intervention said it had brought the disturbances to an “immediate halt” in spite of “the anger felt by every single one of us”. Nevertheless, several hospitals throughout Biuzbaurgs were surrounded by “patriotic and Christian” groups under the belief that the suspects had been transferred to these facilities to receive medical attention as a result of being attacked. The authorities later confirmed the detainees were being treated for “injuries of varying gravity” at the teaching hospital of Saints Wulfila and Niceta University, Caritas. Military police were subsequently posted to the hospital to “guard” the men; the authorities were quick to note their manoeuvres did not come as a response to the protesting crowds.

A press conference was then held by metropolitan authorities in which citizens were encouraged to remain indoors so as to pose “no hindrance” to the authorities’ investigation. Calls for a curfew from some segments of the population went largely unheard; indeed, Reginharjis Drauhtins, spokesman of the National Maréchaussée in Biuzbaurgs, said, “[The authorities] do not consider it necessary or advisable to implement a temporary limit on movement throughout the metropolitan area; today’s events, whilst saddening and repugnant, pose no risk to the general populace, for suspects have already been seized by law enforcement”. Mr Drauhtins went on to say the “agents” of Frodtþiuda’s “enemies” wished to “terrorise” the population; for that reason, he discarded any suggestion of a curfew.

The office of the Lord-President of Biuzbaurgs also released a detailed public statement in which the “admirable labour of the National Maréchaussée and assistant-parties” was praised. As noted in the first paragraph of this piece, this statement contained the names, ages and passport numbers of all but one of the accused, a minor; the Lord-President’s office went as far as to describe the men as “citizens of the Republic of occidental extraction”. In Frodtþiuda, “occidental” or “western” is used to refer to those from the western part of the peninsula, Mendilurians. Nevertheless, this is considered an anomaly by many as the government does not typically divulge information on the “extraction” of suspects, for nationality is habitually considered sufficient.

Following the press conference and official statement, the “eastern” or “oriental” (that is, native to the Frodtic Republic) maternal surname of one of the accused, the 18-year-old Joseba Aranzadi-Goiritar Kinþaswinþsez (as noted earlier, passport number: FM7821441) came to attention on Frodtic social media. On 4book, a popular Frodtic social networking service, he was denounced as a “not simply an enemy, but a blood-traitor” by a commenter. In spite of this, some advocacy groups have criticised the immediate publication of their names, ages and passport numbers claiming it is a violation of their rights as citizens of the Republic; these activists have started using the phrase “Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat” (the burden of proof is on the one who declares, not on one who denies) as a form of protest against what they see as a “de-legitimisation of the right of citizens to be presumed innocent”.

A hearing has not been scheduled, for the accused are still receiving medical treatment. Nevertheless, it is expected that they will be interrogated within the coming days. Moreover, it is likely that the public prosecutor will request for the sole minor involved in the case to be tried in a manner identical to his presumed colleagues (that is, as a Frodtic citizen who has attained the age of legal majority).

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