Arch-Bishop Lainika Answers Your Questions

[Holy Marsh]

The Arch-Bishop of the Grand Theocratic Empire of the Holy Marsh is willing to answer questions in the manner of the times. These questions may be from leaders of the world as well as from the general populace of the planet, especially as they pertain to Marshism, Marshites, the Grand Theocracy, herself, or matters of import and interest.

[The Iron Skull]

"What do you think of the growing pressure of demons and other creatures in the nationstates universe such as myself?"
-Admiral Hellion Turnabout

[Holy Marsh]

"Unlike many other nations and organizations in the world, the Grand Theocracy has always publicly acknowledged the existence of demons and other forces of that nature. We view this 'resurgence' of such forces as more of a growing public acknowledgement of what we've always known. Demons bother us not- we have killed many and view them with equal parts disdain and joy, for their mere existence is living proof of our own divinity, and our own mission to stamp out all that is evil. With that said, you too will die one day.

Next?"

[Palmyrion]

"We have a 24-year old as a monarch (Lakán Alexander II), and girls from all four corners of the Royal Commonwealth regularly swoon over him. Based on his military skill in handling the Defense of Sabine and the Civil War in Zelphos, and overall his aptitude in statecraft, what do you think of the incumbent Lakán?"
-Sup. Com. Corazon Angelina S. Abellar

[Holy Marsh]

"Youth provides ample opportunities to prove one's worth. Alexander II has already shown himself capable in many affairs. Hopefully his long reign will show that this competence is not just due youthful vigor but due to his own own burgeoning greatness as a man. In terms of his popularity with women, allow me to forward several dozen possible mates, sorted by accolades earned in academia, war, or religious missions.

May the Union Shine Forever, Brother."

[Onocarcass]

What is your stance on the forced ejection of beastfolk from their homelands, and forced movement of them to the land of Karkassia?

[Onocarcass]

Sorry for the double post, no idea why it posted twice.

[Holy Marsh]

"The Theocracy has had full rights for non-human sapient creatures for over five thousand years and views forced ejections on the basis of species to be an affront to Marshite Basic Rights. Those impacted may find a home in the Grand Theocracy while we weigh what manner of punishment the perpetrators of such actions will face."

[Free Ariadna]

"What is your opinion regarding the various ethnic breakaway states that make up western Ariadna, and the likelihood of war?"

- Private Cassandra Cortez

[Holy Marsh]

"As long as the rights of Marshites are assured and participants do not resort to the Great Sins in their bid to remain whole or separate, we are neutral and would offer humanitarian aid to any and all participants. This aid will be defended, and actions against it will be a declaration of war."

[New Hyannis]

"Can there ever be such a thing as enough dakka, or are we forever doomed to always yearn after more?"

~ Sgt. Iona Mac Gilleain, L.F.C.

---

"This country allows any and all religious groups in the world to practice freely on our soil, so long as they do not violate our laws. What are your thoughts on such a policy?"

~ Kumari Goranov, M.C.A.

[Holy Marsh]

"Sergeant, the only thing better than 'dakka', or firepower, is the proper application of it. There can never be enough dakka, but one's yearning can be sated by the proper application of it."

"The Theocracy sees such policy as a fine step. Since those faiths that we would want banned or crushed would disobey any sane nation's laws, we would be pleased. The Church and its many Shrines are always interested in sharing the Word with a new people, and we do not view other faiths as competitors."

[New Hyannis]

"Hi! My name is Richard, and...well...this was me a few years ago, and this is me today. Notice anything? I got some medical work done at this clinic run by Marshite missionary types, and a month later...yeah. You remember the Shift. My parents freaked out and then kicked me out, so I got a job to pay for my needs, which is why the maid outfit. People have mostly been nice to me, but my loving parents (sarcasm!) won't even admit I exist anymore. I'm living with some friends who got Shifted too whose parents were more accepting. Is there anything we should do, at this point?"

~ Richard Barron

[United Timelines Outpost Number 99999999]

"Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?"

[Holy Marsh]

"Hi! My name is Richard, and...well...this was me a few years ago, and this is me today. Notice anything? I got some medical work done at this clinic run by Marshite missionary types, and a month later...yeah. You remember the Shift. My parents freaked out and then kicked me out, so I got a job to pay for my needs, which is why the maid outfit. People have mostly been nice to me, but my loving parents (sarcasm!) won't even admit I exist anymore. I'm living with some friends who got Shifted too whose parents were more accepting. Is there anything we should do, at this point?"

~ Richard Barron

"Greetings, Richard. Any parent who would shun a child due to events beyond their child's control exhibit a clear indifference to the quality of their child's soul, and display a wanton disregard for morals and ethics. They are to be condemned for their actions as well as their inactions. The Shift was a major event that is a test to all those who underwent changes, and as time has passed, allowed for many to confront their own soul without the deflection of comfort a physical form may provide. You, like many, found the strength to continue on with your lives, as changed as they may be. At this stage it is up to your parents to either grow as people and realize that their own faults have been the aura of destruction in your relationship with them, or to continue down this perilous road.

If they choose that path, then know this truth: You are always stronger when surrounded by trust, faith, and alliance than you are struggling to repair shattered bonds if a party does not wish it. You are who you are now; beautiful and strong, as you were handsome and strong before. Your own strength is a bulwark against most foes. If you need more than what you can provide, then please seek out the nearest Marshite Shrine. Perhaps this is a sign for a new life to begin, if you choose to believe it."

[Holy Marsh]

"Has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?"

"Please repeat intelligibly. Or not."

[La Cosa Fedora]

How hangeth his holiness' hammer?

- Asking the questions that really matter

[Holy Marsh]

"I don't have a hammer. If you are referring to genitalia, then I regret to inform you that I am female and do not possess any parts of the male anatomy. Post-Shift, it is understandable why this may not be obvious."

[New Hyannis]

"We have no monarchy in this country, and even our head of state position has not been filled in years. How do the tenets of Marsh handle the question of command and government leadership?"

~ Kumari Goranov, M.C.A.

[Holy Marsh]

"Marshism makes no political or ideological statement in regards to government function. There are Democracies that function under Marshite principals as well as us, Autocracies, Monarchies, and the like. As long as the Basic Marshite Rights are adhered to, the question of government structure is less of how to apply the tenets of Marshism, but how your people apply the tenets of Marshism. In this regard, the one-hard truth is that the Basic Rights must be adhered to at all costs and the Sacred Mission of annihilating evil must be kept up without pause. Only your people can know what system allows these two vital missions to be fulfilled.

A Theocracy is of course the purest and greatest form of government, as it allows the overriding will of the Faith to drive every decision, with politics both internal and geo ignored. Merit-Religious nations such as ours allow for a blossoming of greatness. My position was attained through the overwhelming competence I have displayed in my tasks as scion of the Church and, personally, as Lord-Commander of the Holy Warriors. If this intrigued you, perhaps you too should become a Marshite Theocracy?"

[Palmyrion]

"Sure, the Palmyrian military is a tiny speck compared to the Marshtie military, but in your opinion is it a well-rounded and well-armed fighting force?"

[Holy Marsh]

"Sure, the Palmyrian military is a tiny speck compared to the Marshtie military, but in your opinion is it a well-rounded and well-armed fighting force?"

"Yes. We have experienced fighting alongside them and we find them to be equal to any of the normal standing armies of global powers. We recommend more training and a culture built more towards the successful completion of the mission all righteous nations share- the extermination of evil- but Palmyrion is a quality nation and military, one we are proud to call Brother and Sister in war as we march along as Union members."

[New Aeyariss]

"Why do the Marshites consort with dishonorable uma-youkai*?"
- A concerned Nifonese citizen.

* Nifonese term meaning " horse-demon "

[Palmyrion]

"Any way to reverse the Shift's effects?"
-A Palmyrian ethnic Marshite who was a victim of the Shift.

[Holy Marsh]

"Why do the Marshites consort with dishonorable uma-youkai*?"
- A concerned Nifonese citizen.

* Nifonese term meaning " horse-demon "

"There is no dishonor in sharing the wonders of Faith with fellow sapient beings. This is very much true even more so for our equine brothers and sisters, whose natural tendency towards harmony and love is an admirable trait. The only dishonor is that which the Nifonese state willingly commits on a day to day basis by debasing itself with discrimination against friendly, sapient life. Perhaps one day it will see through the haze of ideology it lives by and see the world for what it is, and the inhabitants for who they are. I am not holding my breath."

"Any way to reverse the Shift's effects?"
-A Palmyrian ethnic Marshite who was a victim of the Shift.

"There is no way to reverse the effects of The Shift- the Church as well as allies the world over have looked into this since the event, and no meaningful progress has been made. Just recently I ended such efforts, as they were proving a waste of time and resources better spent moving the world forward instead of battling the past. Look to the strength of your ever-same soul to bolster you during times of crisis, and The Shift as an opportunity to display your own iron-clad sense of self and purpose. The physical form may change, but what matters lies within- honor and display this, and let flesh be flesh."