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North Arkana
Powerbroker
 
Posts: 8867
Founded: Dec 16, 2013
Democratic Socialists

Postby North Arkana » Thu Apr 30, 2020 11:25 pm

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All citizens in vicinity of Artalia are to remain indoors. A curfew is currently in effect. Remain calm. Shut all windows and turn off all ventilation systems drawing external air.





SPECIAL EDITION
Union News


Hazardous Material Disposal Convoy Attacked by Extremists
Hazardous Materials Reportedly Stolen in Armed Assault


In the wake of the sudden EBS announcement last night, an emergency press conference was held, featuring officials from the Commandement de la Défense de la Fédération and Agence de Sécurité Centrale, and representatives from the Conseil National and Congrès National. Officials confirmed the EBS broadcast was legitimate and that all measures announced were to remain in effect until further notice. Further explanation was provided by an official from the Unité de Contrôle Spéciale of the ASC.

"Last night, a convoy delivering industrial waste materials to a remote, belowground, disposal site in the mountains near Artalia was attacked by armed assailants. At this time, a single transport canister, holding approximately four-hundred kilograms of hazardous waste remains unaccounted for... We ask that all citizens cooperate with the ongoing investigation should it be asked of them. At this time we have multiple leads and are cooperating with local law enforcement and les Forces Armées to bring these extremists to heel..."


Inquiries by journalists revealed the convoy to belong to PENGUIN Logistique, carrying the waste disposal canisters on behalf of Entreprise de Fabrication IOP. IOP has confirmed the convoy was, at least partially, carrying radioactive byproducts and hazardous chemicals, and has pledged full cooperation with the investigation. The company also confirmed that a safety inspector embedded in the convoy for periodic inspections of the transport canisters was injured in the attack, and is currently recovering in hospital. The Réponse Armée team from Services de Défense Griffin & Krueger was reportedly on site providing convoy security, but G&K have declined to respond to inquiries at this time. PENGUIN Logistique declined questions regarding any injuries or fatalities sustained in the attack, and all ambulances were reportedly redirected from public hospitals to medical facilities associated with Rhodes Island Groupe de Recherche Médicale, who have also declined to provide a statement.

At this time, no group has claimed responsibility for this attack. Government officials have declined to name potential suspects, citing the necessity of maintaining security surrounding the investigation. Independent experts claim the attack is unlikely to have been committed by any known separatist groups, as the fear created by the threat of potentially chemical or nuclear terror attacks would harm the attempts at establishing credibility and legitimacy among the public.

Further updates regarding these events will be provided independent of normal publication schedule.
Last edited by North Arkana on Fri May 01, 2020 6:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Urran
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Founded: Jan 22, 2013
Civil Rights Lovefest

Postby Urran » Sun May 03, 2020 8:01 pm

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Urran-GK-Federation Summit Promises Changes


Nansaa, Federation of Sishai- Leaders from Urran, the Great Kingdom and the Federation held a surprise meeting in Nansaa, Federation to discuss the trend aggression and mistrust that has gripped the region in recent months, with the placement of certain weapons lying at the heart of the summit.

Federation President Abdali met with Urranese Prime Minister Uchimura Kanzo, Defense Minister Li Zhou, GK Minister of Foreign Affairs Cillian O' Donnell, Minister of Defense Neville Fenwick, and GK ambassador to the Federation Jacob Newman in a behind closed doors meeting earlier today. The meeting was conducted in total secrecy. Media outlets were notified of the PM's departure from the country only after the meeting had concluded and the PM was in the air on the way back to Urran.

PM Kanzo addressed the nation from Urranese Air Force One in which he described the meeting as "productive" and a "step in the right to direction to building a new Urran".

Kanzo said in his address that the recent incidents in the Federation were cause for concern for all parties involved and that the meeting had discussed at length the recent standoff between GK and Urranese troops in the Federation. Kanzo remarked that he believed a repeat of the incident was "significantly less likely to happen" going forward.

The PM announced to the world Urran's intention to remove its short and intermediate range ballistic missiles from the colony of Guangdong. Kanzo said that the GK has agreed to remove surface to air missile systems from areas surrounding Urranese air bases in the Federation and to make attempts to avoid Urranese land forces in the country when possible.

The meeting was not all concessions, however. The PM announced that Urran has "completely rejected" a request by GK to end the rotational deployments of strategic bombers from Guangdong, which the PM has described as vital to national defense and a "great asset" to the fight against rebels in the Federation.

The PM also took time to comment on the developing situation in Arkana saying that Urran was "strongly considering" a travel ban to the region and that Urranese security and intelligence services are now on a heightened state of alert.

This story is still developing, stay tuned for further details.

-This is Urran Central News


In other news:

- Hanajima Accused of Dominion Ties. Possible Investigation? 12,652,823 Views
- Situation in Arakana, What You Need to Know. 10,567,923 Views


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And the doomsday clock resets....for now.
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North Arkana
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Posts: 8867
Founded: Dec 16, 2013
Democratic Socialists

Postby North Arkana » Sun May 03, 2020 9:56 pm

SPECIAL EDITION
Union News


Materials Stolen in Attack on Convoy Identified
Officials Fight to Maintain Accurate Reporting Amidst Public Speculation


Officials from the Unité de Contrôle Spéciale have announced the materials stolen by the attack on the PENGUIN Logistique convoy have been positively identified. The waste disposal canister was identified to have been carrying a mix of coal and petroleum coke ash, tainted by naturally occurring radioactive elements and heavy metals which had been concentrated as a result of combustion. Officials have lifted the curfew and have announced checkpoints equipped to detect radioactivity on all routes from the Artalia region. Teams from the Unité de Contrôle Spéciale have been assigned to take measurements from the area surrounding the incident to ensure no hazardous materials have leaked into the environment.

The early release of this information was hoped to reduce panic, but widespread speculation has already resulted in erroneous reports of other materials being taken. Public officials have been especially critical of claims by some that materials such as spent nuclear fuel and dimethylmercury were stolen, saying that such speculation without any basis, so early in the investigation, will only lead to unnecessary panic. The disposal facility the convoy was destined for is not equipped to handle such materials, according to a representative from IOP.

PENGUIN Logistique and SD G&K have remained tight-lipped regarding the incident, refusing to provide statements to press. Rhodes Island Groupe de Recherche Médicale, however, has provided a statement regarding the diversion of ambulances from public hospitals to their private facilities.
"In the aftermath of the attack on the waste disposal convoy, a decision was made by the security team, responding Military Police, and the Unité de Contrôle Spéciale to divert personnel requiring medical attention to our facilities. This decision was made with the safety of the public in mind, as we were better equipped to handle cases involving potentially toxic substances of unknown ability to spread, which may have resulted in the interruption of normal services at public health facilities... As doctors, first and foremost, we have declined to request payment for our necessary services in the wake of this tragedy."

The investigation into the perpetrators behind the incident continues, but the implications of the successful theft are deeply concerning to private analysts.
"G&K's Réponse Armée team are primarily formers members of military special forces units and former officers of the Agence de Sécurité Centrale. Based upon what we've seen of them in the past, they are not lightly armed like many private security teams. For an extremist group to successfully seize something from a convoy defended by them implies attackers possessing overwhelming firepower, truly concerning levels of coordination, or a mix of both."

Officials have reiterated their inability to provide comment on any leads in the case, citing the necessity of maintaining operational security.

Further updates regarding these events will be provided independent of normal publication schedule.
"I don't know everything, just the things I know"

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Anowa
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Founded: Jul 29, 2014
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Postby Anowa » Sun May 03, 2020 9:58 pm

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Mt. Śnieżka Eruption
01/05/2020


It has been 14 hours since the precursor signs of a volcanic eruption from the coastal volcano Mount Śnieżka were seen, and only now is the volcano fully erupting. A common occurance, the mountain is one of 14 active active volcanos in Anowa, and one of three who erupt annually. What make this specific eruption a worrisom one was that previous eruptions from Śnieżka have been relatively tame, simply slowing local businesses and redirecting flights around the plume, however for reasons not fully known at this time, the usual classification of a 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index, is now being reclassified as a 4, with a stratospheric injection all but unavoidable.

At this point in time, it is unknown if the eruption will escalate further or if it is expected to decline in severity. However Witold Sobieski of the Anowan Federal Geological Survey has stated "For a volcano of this type it is unlikely that the eruption will last longer than two or three days. Śnieżka has a history of eruptions like this, though much more infrequently than it's usual ejections. There is no need to worry."

While reassuring, the Aygean Valley neighboring the volcano is home to a number of farmers and rural homesteads, of which the eruption is directly affecting, not to mention the ensuing ashfall on other parts of Anowa. Concerns of food shortages are already being voiced by worried members of the public. General Herrman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff had this to say to any such concerns. "Such concerns can be seen as unwarranted, ration stockpiles set up and maintained by the Anowan Military for such events, as well as nearby allied states which could provide assistance in times of crisis will most assuredly be there to aid us if we so need. I see no future of food shortages, unless this situation is very quickly and violently exacerbated, there is no reason to worry." Despite the reassurances by the gov't, many are bunkering down to weather out the worst, as base supplies are being sold out across the nation. Regardless of any panic, it seems as if the situation is contained.

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Comments:
Murphii · 6 minutes ago
There is absolutely zero way this eruption could lead to any further disaster. It'll be fine.

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An Intro to Anowa

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Free Asian Ports
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Founded: Aug 22, 2015
Ex-Nation

Postby Free Asian Ports » Tue May 05, 2020 7:46 pm

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Defense Blog Daily
Your Source for the Latest in Defense Industry and Foreign Affairs News


Navy OKs Prospective New Fleet Plan, Raises Budget Challenge Concerns
by Hoshii Obuke, May 4, 2020

Last Friday, May 1st, the General Committee for Shipbuilding, on the recommendation of the Navy Secretary, approved the next phase of the New Fleet Plan. This news was made public this morning in a regular press briefing by the Minister of Defense, followed almost immediately by a flurry of media questions. The New Fleet Plan is the proposed major naval expansion championed by the MoD, an ambitious project to massively expand the Imperial Navy back to levels last seen in the 1970s. Among the New Fleet Plan's projections are the introduction of a new nuclear fleet carrier class, more modern surface combatants, and the recent inclusion of the Prospective Grey Sea Frigate program, a massive multilateral effort to build a common light frigate for Grey Sea Nations. A huge fleet expansion on the scale proposed by the MoD has raised many questions about the Empire's ability to pay for such a large navy, questions that were repeated en masse by the media during the Minister's press conference. The immediate plan will assess how the expansion will improve capabilities, and a future board will determine whether the cost of the program is worth those capabilities. Politicians from the Conservative bloc raised their complaints during... [click to read more]

3rd Kantai Sets Sail for Luscios
by Umia Iki, May 3, 2020

The 3rd Fleet left Yokosuka yesterday led by the fleet carrier Katsuragi for the beginning of its goodwill visit to the East, a six month journey during which the Katsuragi and her escorts will circumnavigate the globe. Port visits and show-the-flag events are planned in much of the world with a prime focus on the nations of Luscios. The 3rd Fleet's visits are intended to foster closer diplomatic relationships and demonstrate the Navy's force projection capabilities, not to mention good press for the sailors and marines! During the port visits, the fleet is expected to permit limited public participation in exhibitions to bring the people of Luscios closer to the Yamataian Armed Forces on a personal level. As is typical for the departure of a major force like the 3rd Fleet, there was much fanfare across the city to celebrate the future success of the naval force. Though obviously not yet at war, locals held traditional festivals and rituals to wish the warships good fortune on their exercises. The departing carrier air group returned the local celebration with flyovers and acrobatics, the impromptu air show drawing great cheers. The captain of the Katsuragi distributed a letter to the press asking for additional discretion while reporting... [click to read more]

NFF, Nordenlund Government, Mariq Government Strike Fighter Deal
by Yusue Akagi, May 2, 2020

Prime Minister Ahmez is proudly touting a bilateral deal between the governments of Mariq and Nordenlund following the end of diplomatic talks that will outline the development and procurement process for a new 5th gen fighter to be procured by both nations. The main contractor, Nordenlund local Nationale Flygfabric (NFF), is responsible for primary development while production will take place in both Nordenlund and Mariq. It is expected that between 60 and 100 aircraft will be ordered for the air forces of Mariq and Nordenlund, with the possibility of exports to Letzbourg and further afield. However, it should be noted that larger export orders will require the approval of the Imperial government, a potential damper on the program's export outlooks. Despite the optimism for domestic production, significant systems on a typical multirole fighter, like the radar and avionics, will have to be foreign-built. In addition, the anticipated program stipulates significant funding will have to be sourced from Yamatai along with the technical support required to develop a 5th gen fighter. Despite these setbacks, many are already lauding the commendable effort by these minor powers to manufacture their own equipment. Especially during... [click to read more]




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Urran
Postmaster-General
 
Posts: 14434
Founded: Jan 22, 2013
Civil Rights Lovefest

Postby Urran » Wed May 06, 2020 9:18 pm

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Kyoshi Elders Fear Way of Life at Risk, Promote Traditional Ways


Kudaka, Kyoshi Islands- Residents of the tropical island of Kudaka in the Kyoshi islands recently held a festival promoting what they are calling "a return to the traditional ways".

The festival was held in the town of Nanjo and attracted both natives and tourists alike. The festival was coordinated by Yoko Hariei, 87, a Kudaka native and grandmother of five.

"It is sad". She told Urran Central News reporters. "Every year young people move to the main islands and big cities to get educations. Many do not return. Our numbers here are dwindling. We hope to keep the love of this place alive and maybe they will come back after they go to school."

Kudaka is a small island located within a 15 minute rapid ferry ride from the island of Kyoshi, for which the chain is named. It is home to some of Urran's oldest residents with islanders still being considered young at 70. The majority of the islanders are part of the fishing industry. Seaweed farms dot the shallow sea around the island and fishermen often visit far offshore to catch tuna and squid.

Kudaka is famous internationally for its resident's relish for eating sea snakes. The snakes are hand caught and smoked before being served in a soup. Recipes, according to Hariei, are closely guarded family secrets.

"I have tried by best to pass my knowledge and traditions on to my children and grandchildren. I hope that it was enough. I fear that our way of life could disappear if we aren't careful." She said.

The Kyoshi and Volcano Islands are fast becoming tourist attractions due to the tropical climate, white sandy beaches, and coral reefs. When asked if she believes and tourism could help save the island life, Hariei had this to say:

Tourism is a two edged sword. On the one hand, it will provide money and maybe an incentive for the young people to stay. On the other, ot could pollute what we are trying to protect. We need to be careful, I think.


As Urran continues to advance, it is comforting to know that these are those that will step up to defend and preserve the ancient traditions that build our society.

Image

Sea snake soup on Kudaka Island.


-This is Urran Central News


In other news:

- Hanajima Accused of Dominion Ties. Possible Investigation? 12,652,823 Views
- Situation in Arakana, What You Need to Know. 10,567,923 Views


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BeachBum102Sea snake, very good.
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A lie doesn't become truth, wrong doesn't become right, and evil doesn't become good just because it's accepted by a majority.
Proud Coastie
The Blood Ravens wrote: How wonderful. Its like Japan, and 1950''s America had a baby. All the racism of the 50s, and everything else Japanese.

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New Hayabusa
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Postby New Hayabusa » Thu May 07, 2020 11:47 am

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2020S OUTLOOK: A NEW ERA
Non "big 5" cities are poised for an unparalleled economic boom through the decade
Promethea, Pavilion leading the way in electronic security integration in an ever more connected infrastructure

Ben Gray (@beng89)
07/05/2020 | Edenguard, Eden, Great Kingdom



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Lindon, the coastal city in South Eden, is repeatedly
ranked as a global model city and is set to grow
exponentially within the next decade
Throughout the late 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, coming out of the Cold War with Anowa, the GK has experienced a period of unforeseen economic growth and diversification. The most apparent embodiment of this period of growth is the rate at which the country urbanised, achieving an extremely high level of connectivity between cities, a "vertical boom," and demographic trends culminating to an over 80% urban population. The face of this growth would come to be the GK's five largest cities - Edenguard, Golden Bay, Allershire, Astralon, and Exley. Naturally, these cities, being at the forefront of the national image with their impregnable crystal spires, drew millions of people away from their smaller home cities, in most cases in the name of economic opportunity. Together, they host 107 million people, or just over 40% of the Great Kingdom's entire population. The sheer concentration of business activity within these cities made a concentration of population impossible not to happen as opportunity swelled. Moving into the 2020s, analysts predict things to steadily change, and expect the continuity of economic growth in the GK to be embodied mostly in its smaller cities, as the phenomenon of the past decades slowly turns on its head.

A report published by the Hartman Institute of Urban Economics resoundingly predicts that non big 5 cities in the GK will be the new forefront of the Great Kingdom's economy through the 2020s, and likely well into the next decade as well. The Institute states that a number of naturally occurring trends that come with rapid economic growth, high rate of urbanisation, and swelling economy are already driving waves of people to return to their home cities from the big 5. Indeed, the GK's big 5 cities are noted as some of the most expensive places in the entire world to live in. Cost of living is as high there as you will see anywhere, and more and more people are starting to consider that it may no longer be worth paying so much to live in a place with no more amenities than you would now find in a smaller city. Furthermore, the concentration of high-skilled, educated workers in those places made competition for high-demand jobs even more stiff than it usually is, with businesses being forced to slow their rates of employment and only take in the true elite of their respective fields. This trend is already causing droves of high-skilled labourers to return to their home city and seek employment there, perhaps in the same business infrastructure that they were denied to in the big 5. Lastly, the Institute argues that, with the national connectivity initiative all but realised, the quality of life within the largest cities is hardly different from that of the GK's smaller cities, as they are now equipped with very familiar infrastructure, amenities, and levels of accessibility to both essential and extraneous needs. "For the average Edenic or Artalian, the cost of living in the big 5 is simply no longer practical. It is only so for the top 30% of the nation in terms of wealth, and with a renaissance of the small city, the disparity in net wealth may be more quickly balanced out."

As the Hartman Institute states, the predicted trend is already happening, with several smaller cities in the GK already experiencing the phenomenon. One prominent example is Lindon, the farthest south city in the entire country, providing an alternative to Golden Bay in every sense of the word. With a comparatively modest cost of living, a high level of intercultural exchange, and a steady, consistent rate of growth, Lindon is consistently ranked as the GK's model city. With costs of living in Golden Bay through the roof, more and more people are moving to Lindon as an alternative, with business naturally following. A prominent resort and tourism based economy exists, with several large luxury resort chains marketing themselves and the city to the world as a relaxed beach paradise. Most notably, Summer Carnival, by far the largest musical festival in the nation (and in correspondence with the Parcian holiday), announced that it would be moving from Golden Bay to Lindon in the name of affordability. While most Edenics and Artalians outside of Golden Bay are able to afford a one-off venture to the city, this is not the case for many foreigners, who strain their entire financial well-being to come to the Carnival. Summer Carnival argued that it would be increasing it's profit margins exponentially by increasing their appeal to foreign visitors and hosting in a far cheaper location. Another city already experiencing rapid growth is Greenwood in Central Eden. With the total completion of the bleeding edge national high-speed rail system, Greenwood, in the direct center of Eden, found itself made to be the third largest hub for rail transport in the entire nation, barely behind Edenguard and Allershire, cities several times larger than it. Greenwood's geographical location made it an easy choice for Imperial Rail as the "Edenic Link," and the city now has millions upon millions of people passing through it every day. The Greenwood Imperial Rail Station is the second largest in the entire country, and has been linked extensively, through local rail, to the rest of the city. With the millions of passerbys coming through every day, economic activity in Greenwood has skyrocketed, and doesn't look to be slowing down any time soon.



Image
A smart kitchen control unit, as part of the Pavilion
Integrated Smart Home
We live in an era of unparalleled digitalisation and electronic integration. The GK is an exaggerated case, being one of the most connected and electronics-based economies in Alitheia. Simply put, there is no getting away from electronics in the GK. Every person is now required to interact with the digital infrastructure to complete even the most basic functions of life, down to the most minute payments. It's becoming an increasingly popular argument within the nation that access to electronics and the internet at large should be considered an unquestionable right for everyone in the nation, and even in the world. With the extent of the integration of electronics into every aspect of life of the average GKer, the question of cybersecurity has been ever more prevalent for the populace, and even more so for the government, which is currently undertaking an initiative to further harden the nation's electronic infrastructure against potential cyberattacks.

Leading the way in the national initiative for electronic security integration is Promethea Systems, a defence electronics company with many successful bids to the military, with their technology being present in the most advanced and sensitive of the armed forces' equipment down to the most basic, from the 5th generation FM-32 Aquila to the state-issue personal devices for soldiers abroad. Starting with the Infinitas Complex deal, Promethea has been steadily signing deals in many high concentration areas for public cybersecurity, with its systems present in the GK's largest airports, supermarkets, and across many national business networks. Just today, Promethea announced its most expansive signing by far, reaching a deal with Imperial Rail and FLUX Inc for the integration of the Promethea security infrastructure into FLUX systems with the GK's national rail network. The network promises to entail what they've already done for the airports, that being enhanced algorithms for identity recognition, in-depth activity tracking, access to travel record logs through the FastPass, and further measures within convenience technology systems to ensure hacking is decreasingly possible. A new feature which is set to be introduced by the network is enhanced integration with DCTG (Domestic Counter Terrorism Group) police units assigned to Imperial Rail, with real-time information flowing into their HUD for rapid response and active deterrence.

While Promethea leads the way in public cybersecurity, many other companies have been taking steps to harden their networks for things such as home electronics, domotics, smartphones, computers, and other universal convenience technologies in the GK. A prime example of this would be Pavilion Domotics, the rapidly-rising smart home integration company which came under scrutiny in its early stages for insufficient security. Many argued that the company was "hitting above its weight," and that the technology they planned to integrate in to the GK household was too far ahead of its time to feasibly ensure its security. In 2010, the state issued a temporary block on Pavilion Domotics sales until a sufficient security network was made available upon release. Over the course of four years, and with extensive donations from private citizens, the company poured all of their efforts into building a comprehensive in-home security network, fully operable and understandable by the average individual to ensure that their home remained safe from hackers. In 2015, the system was approved, and the temporary block on the sales was lifted. Pavilion then exploded on the market, with the very public state clearance being published all over the news, and millions upon millions of households rushing to the acquire the latest in home technology for a relatively affordable price.

Nowadays, you'd be hard pressed to find a house without a piece of technology linked to Pavilion Domotics directly or indirectly, with more and more people purchasing their full smart home integraton packages. With continuous upgrades to their cybersecurity infrastructure, the company asserts that gaining unauthorised access to one's home is a near-impossibility for even the most tried and tested of black hats. The Astoria Smart Home Suite, a competitor to the Pavilion Integrated Smart Home, asserts the same. Overall, smart home companies seem to be leading the charge for private electronic security, and it is very likely we will see innovations stemming from their developments more common in our technology through the 2020s. With a rapidly heating geopolitical environment, vulnerability to international cyberattacks is of increasing concern. Several anonymous sources from high positions in the nation's most prevalent technology companies have all attested to the same thing - the government is breathing down the necks of big tech to place a high emphasis on security. The 2020s will see many new developments in this field come to fruition.

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Comments:
PogsHYPER · 12 minutes ago
NOBODY CARES ABOUT SECURITY KEKW YOU'RE STEALING OUR INFORMATION ANYWAY, GIVE US FORTNITE ON THE FRIDGE CUNTS

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NxG unReaL ✓ · 45 minutes ago
i move back hongxia, gk too many skyscraper everywhere and no nature, humans meant to live on ground not on cloud, maybe that why many in gk are airhead dummy

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walter · 31 minutes ago
walter

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The Great Kingdom
Dayashina
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North Arkana
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Posts: 8867
Founded: Dec 16, 2013
Democratic Socialists

Postby North Arkana » Sat May 09, 2020 4:41 am

SPECIAL EDITION
Union News


Firefight Between Security Forces, Extremists
Group Responsible for Convoy Attack Identified, Some Materials Recovered


This morning gunfire erupted on the outskirts of Artalia, near a foreclosed industrial park. Officers of the Unité de Contrôle Spéciale successfully raided a base belonging to the extremists who attacked the convoy, and stole approximately 400kg of radioactive waste. The Unité de Contrôle Spéciale reports no casualties among the personnel involved and state they have captured three individuals, with another six killed during the fighting. Approximately 100kg of radioactive material was recovered during the raid.

The group has been identified as Paix Sans Limites, a radical militant pacifist group previously thought to be defunct after several clashes with security forces in the 1980s. Officials are investigating the whereabouts of the group since then, and have already made multiple arrests based upon links to persons involved in this most recent incident.

The Artalia region has been placed under lockdown as multiple military units have been dispatched to assist the agents of the Agence de Sécurité Centrale in scouring the area for further groups of PSL extremists. Among them are believed to be personnel of the Force d'Intervention, as well as assets belonging to the 3rd Brigades d'Intervention Rapide.

Citizens have been advised to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary to avoid crowding security checkpoints.

Further updates regarding these events will be provided independent of normal publication schedule.
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New Roma Republic
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Founded: Mar 31, 2014
Ex-Nation

Postby New Roma Republic » Sat May 09, 2020 11:18 am

Roman Times
"Senatus Populusque Romanus"



RPR Announces Gradual Military Budget Cuts


New Rome, RPR – In a press conference, Minister of Defense Proclus Sornatius Gratian announced a plan to gradually reduce military spending over the next 5 years. Starting next fiscal year, the budget for the military will be cut from 5% of the GDP to 4.5%. Each year after, until year 5, the budget will be cut a little more. This plan was agreed upon after several months of meetings between Gratian, members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the members of the Joint Chiefs. The money from these cuts will be placed in funds for the new Roman Aeronautics and Astronautics Agency (RAAA), welfare funds for former civilians to help get them on their feet, and foreign aid for Gilionia.

The announcement also comes after the military was reduced in size. The Imperial National Police Force had been cut as a branch after the regime change last year. In addition, the Praetorian Guard was taken from the military, and placed under the Ministry of Justice. The Imperial Space Force (also known as Starfleet) was also separated into its military element and a civilian space agency, the aforementioned RAAA. The military element of Starfleet, along with the Cyber Force, are being folded into the Republic Air Force. With these cuts, personnel and bureaucratic costs can be cut for these branches, also helping with the budget cuts.

There is speculation on what will be but over the 5 years with these budget cuts. Experts believe that the 5th Gen program will take a hit, along with Custodes Domicilium units. Naval assets may also be cut, especially the submarine and amphibious warfare fleets. Only time will tell how these cuts affect the Roman military and how extensive they will truly be.
IC call me NRI, Novus Romanum Imperium, or the New Roman Imperium; OOC call me Roma or New Roma
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Chalcia
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Posts: 39
Founded: Mar 22, 2016
Ex-Nation

Postby Chalcia » Sun May 10, 2020 6:18 am

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Foreign aggression amidst launch of the DPAN's second aircraft carrier

Reconnaissance flights in the Daekanese EEZ by Yamataian recon aircraft and a cyber-attack of the shipyard's servers rock the much-awaited launch day of the Jang-gun


Image
The DPAN Jang-gun with ceremonial flags during the launching ceremony at Sangju

Son Ye-Jin (@sonyejin)
May 11th, 2020 | Tayeong, Daekan





The launching of the Dakeanese People's Army Navy's second aircraft carrier was a highly-anticipated event for the military and the Daekanese people in general. The launching ceremony itself, which began at 11 PM today, went smoothly and was attended by several Communist Party officials and high-ranking officers of all branches of the Daekanese People's Army, including Premier Gyeon Dae-sung. A large crowd gathered at the coastal part of the city to see the Jang-gun, lavishly adorned with ceremonial flags and banners, sail out of Sangju Bay. The new aircraft carrier is expected to rendezvous with the destroyers Daedamhan and Wangohan, the frigates Holang-i and Kimela and 3 other support ships of the Eastern Sea Fleet and proceed to its first sea trial, which will last from May 11 to May 18.

However, the launch of this massive vessel arguably wasn't today's main event. At 11:12, just twelve minutes after the start of the ceremony, an unidentified aircraft was spotted by the radars of the South Sea Fleet's Yong-class frigate DPAN Saja at 150 miles off the coast of the Hamghae province, well within the Daekanese exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and heading for the mainland. The Saja, which was performing routine drills at the time, rapidly reported the sighting. As a response, JS-15Bs of the DPAAF's 10th Fighter Squadron that were on scramble alert took off from Chongsan Air Force Base of the Tayeong Theater Command, and efficiently intercepted the aircraft before reaching Daekanese national airspace. The DPAAF fighters acquired radar lock on the unknown aircraft which then immediately changed its course and left the Daekanese EEZ. The intruding aircraft are speculated to have been a Yamataian Navy F-4 based on the aircraft carrier Kaga, that is known to be deployed in Eastern Grey Sea.

But the threat to our airspace was not the only attack on our national sovereignty. At 11:37, a cyber-warfare attack occurred against the central servers of the state-owned Sangju Shipbuilding Company (SSC). Unknown hackers tried to acquire the security credentials of the SSC mainframe in an attempt to steal classified documents, possibly warship design plans. The attack was successfully thwarted by the men and women of the Ministry of State Security 17th Department, that is responsible for cyber-warfare and cyber-security, and the SSC data remains secure. Analysts speculate that the attack's objective was to acquire plans and blueprints of the Jang-gun-class itself, while sources within the government suggest that the attack was launched by the Esgonian Central Intelligence Agency, though a formal confirmation has yet to come.

In a televised address to the nation two hours after both incidents, comrade Premier Gyeon had the following to say on today's attacks: "The audacity of today's unwarranted attacks on our national sovereignty is unprecedented. Foreign aggression will not be tolerated and shall not go unanswered, be it from Yamatai or any other imperialist state. We reserve the right to defend the territories of the People's Socialist Republic, as well as its internationally recognized area of economic interest from any threat. I have complete and utter trust in our brave comrades of the People's Army that they will go above and beyond the call of duty in defending our Fatherland from any and all threats, conventional or unconventional. Daekan shall stand tall and unwavering in the face of aggression."

The Premier's address to the nation was followed reports of a DPAN surface action group from the South Sea Fleet sailing south to conduct drills, while sources in the Ministry of State Security suggest that the 17th Department is bolstering the cyber-defences across the Daekanese military-industrial complex.

For more information, stay tuned to NNA.com.

More From NNA
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KilChunyong · 1 hour ago
Comrade Gyeon should finally go ahead and build them nukes. We'll see how the imperialists will act after that.


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앞으로 대칸 · 2 hours ago
Tie me to a missile and yeet me at Osaka, i'm ready


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TotallyNotMSSagent · 3 hours ago
RIP AND TEAR UNTIL IT'S DONE


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Anowa
Post Marshal
 
Posts: 17633
Founded: Jul 29, 2014
Scandinavian Liberal Paradise

Postby Anowa » Mon May 11, 2020 11:55 pm

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NATIONAL EMERGENCY BROADCAST NETWORK
THIS IS NOT A TEST

THE NEBN
HAS ISSUED AN EMERGENCY ALERT NOTIFICATION FOR:

The Whole of The Allied States of Anowa

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE HEADQUARTERS COMPANIES OF THE 1ST, 2ND, 3RD, 4TH, 18TH, 21ST, 25TH, 33RD INFANTRY DIVISIONS; 1ST, 2ND, 5TH, 7TH, AND 18TH ARMOURED DIVISIONS; 1ST AND 4TH CAVALRY DIVISIONS, THE 2ND AND 3RD AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL GUARD PREFECT, THE RAMP HIGH COMMISSIONER, THE COMMAND STAFF OF THE RANV MONUMENT TO WAR EVERLASTING STRIKE GROUP, THE COMMAND STAFF OF THE RANV MONUMENT TO ANTAGONISTIC INCANDESCENCE STRIKE GROUP, AND SPECTRS COMMAND STAFF.

As of current, members of the Recon Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division are moving to depose the Overseer Council, as well as detain and execute those deemed guilty of actions noted to be fundementally Anti-Anowan in nature. Several other military units across the country, as well as RAMP and Royal Guard are deploying to maintain peace and order throughout the country. Naval Assets remain off shore to ensure a lockdown of the nation, preventing any craft, sea or airbourne from entering or leaving the nation.

SHELTER IN PLACE IS IN EFFECT. CURFEW OF 6:00 PM IS IN EFFECT. 1963 WAR MEASURES ACT IS TO BE IN EFFECT INDEFINITELY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THE STATE OF ANOWA IS TO BE LOCKED DOWN.

ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL ARE TO REMAIN IN THEIR GARRISON UNTIL THE ALL CLEAR IS SOUNDED OR YOU WILL BE SHOT.

ALL ARMED INDIVIDUALS SEEN IN PUBLIC VENUES WILL BE SEEN AS HOSTILE SHOT.

ALL FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ARE GROUNDED UNDER THREAT OF INDEFINITE DETAINMENT OR LETHAL FORCE.

ALL FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC NAVAL VESSELS WILL BE FORBIDDEN FROM LEAVING OR ENTERING PORT UNDER THREAT OF INDEFINITE DETAINMENT OR LETHAL FORCE.

MAY THE SUN RISE ON AN ANOWA AT PEACE.

MESSAGE REPEATS.

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Empire of Donner land
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Democratic Socialists

Postby Empire of Donner land » Tue May 12, 2020 3:14 am

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Seven Anowan Flag Officers, Overseer Councilors, revealed to be in Custody of the D.I.A in the day after Anowan Coup.
Turts Beturehg (@turtsbet)
07/17/2019 | Bogt, Donosklan



Yesterday's Coup of the Anowan Overseer Council was a massive surprise to those on the international Scene after the Anowan Military, along with the the Royal Anowan Mounted Police and Coast Guard marched on the capital and the homes of the Councilors. Scenes and descriptions on social media have described the coup as violent but not destructive, but reports have trickled in that parts of the Anowan 1st Cavalry Division were in a firefight with unknown forces, likely supporters of the Overseer Council or a Third Party. Who these were was not made clear until just this late morning, when the Donnish Intelligence Agency revealed openly that they had arrested and put into custody several Councilors during a operation lead by the D.I.A and an element of Special Forces sent in prior to the borders being locked down.

In a Press Statement, the Director of the D.I.A stated that the Councilors are safe, sound, and "being held securely for an open, fair, legal trial without the threat of execution, by their peers at a later date, should the Anowan Transitional Government agree." These Councilors' current whereabouts are unknown, such as where they are being held, or for exactly how long. The Director did not reveal any additional information on the Operation in question that arrested them and did not answer any further questions. They did reveal that the Donnish and Anowan Governments are communicating on this subject and what to do about this scenario. Meanwhile, one cannot help but feel that the relations between these once allies have begun to chill rapidly when waking up this morning.

Further digging into Open Source Intelligence and Rumors tells a grim picture, the firefight in question between them was brief but very destructive, with casualties on the Anowan side guessing between 8 to 11 killed or wounded, and 3 or 4 killed or wounded Donnish. A phone video of the engagement shows tracer fire being exchanged between the Anowan and Donnish contingents, as the D.I.A Agents begin to leave the area in vehicles while still under fire. A few explosions are seen, likely from grenade launchers or mortars.

The consequences for the Atlantic Pact and the Vale remain to be seen, but will likely be very drastic in the least worst-case scenario. Atlantic Pact Delegates have been recently reported to be summoned to a possible emergency meeting on the subject where a revelation on what the response to this new crisis will be given. What motives the Donnish Government has for this action is unknown, and will likely be revealed soon in the future at the Civilian Council Meeting.




Comments 92K


Comments:
MountainAesthetic1988 · 12 minutes ago
24 HOUR BOOG.

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UNBANMYACCOUNT113 · 45 minutes ago
What a move, well, put on your helmets, I guess we're going to the Vale after all.

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SP00K · 31 minutes ago
I was in the D.I.A for a time, let me tell you, they must've really fucked up on this one.

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New Roma Republic
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Posts: 2579
Founded: Mar 31, 2014
Ex-Nation

Postby New Roma Republic » Tue May 12, 2020 7:19 am

Roman Times
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CPD Announces Opening of New Branch in RPR


Olympia, Olympia, GRCS – In a press conference today at the Contracted Personnel Division (CPD)
headquarters in Olympia, GRCS, CEO Susan Grey, Regional President for Luscios Lindy Cohen, and Strategies Director Will Jacobs announced that the CPD will be opening a new branch of operations in Res Publica Romana. The new Roman government has agreed to allow the CPD Risk Assessment Solutions, International Logistics, Technology Solutions, Investigations, and Security branch departments.

The CPD is planning on exploiting the new market left open by the disestablishment of the Imperial Security Bureau, Imperial Intelligence Agency, and Imperial National Police Force. Most of all these personnel became unemployed with the regime change. The CPD wishes to hire these people. Sources inside the Roman government familiar with the matter have said that the government hopes that the CPD giving these former secret police agents jobs will allow for them to be not as disgruntled with the new government.


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Ministry of Defense Announces Reduction in Nuclear Arsenal


New Rome, Roma, RPR – In a press release today, the Ministry of Defense has announced a reduction in the Roman nuclear arsenal. The plan calls for a reduction on the 5,000 warhead arsenal to 2,450 warheads. There is speculation that this is the first cut as a result of the military budget cuts over the next 5 years. The press release also included a breakdown of current and projected warhead distributions:

Current
ICBM Force --- 800
SSBN Force --- 1,728
AF Strategic --- 1,200
AF Tactical --- 300
Retired --- 1,000

Projected
ICBM Force --- 500
SSBN Force --- 1,420
AF Strategic --- 330
AF Tactical --- 200
Retired --- 0

The number of active warheads in the projected count has not been disclosed. The timeframe to deactivation will be over 5 years, while the timeframe for disassembly will be longer.
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North Arkana
Powerbroker
 
Posts: 8867
Founded: Dec 16, 2013
Democratic Socialists

Postby North Arkana » Tue May 12, 2020 11:29 pm

SPECIAL EDITION
Union News


Security Forces, Military Conduct Anti-Terror Sweep of Artalia Region
Multiple PSL Camps Found, Destroyed, Illegal Azen Homesteads, Settlements Discovered


In the wake of the raid on a PSL base within the city of Artalia itself, the Agence de Sécurité Centrale and the Forces Armées de la Fédération conducted an extensive multi-day sweep of the Artalia River Valley. Officials report combined police and military forces discovered four PSL camps, attacking and destroying all of them, with only minor injuries sustained by security forces. We await confirmation of any recovery of radioactive materials.

One detachment of security forces reportedly discovered multiple homesteads and small collective settlements, populated by unregistered Azens. Officials believe the Azens to have arrived illegally following the collapse of Azenyanistan, and have cordoned off the area pending further action. Previous encounters with illegal Azens have frequently led to violence, as many are fugitives associated with terror groups from former-Azenyanistan. The most recent attempt to resettle illegal Azen settlers from the frontier to Sishai resulted in the death of one Military Police officer, and several hundred thousand credits of damage to government property.

Officials remind citizens to "avoid associating with strange Azens who cannot produce official documentation of residence or identity".

Further updates regarding these events will be provided independent of normal publication schedule.
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Free Asian Ports
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Posts: 4034
Founded: Aug 22, 2015
Ex-Nation

Postby Free Asian Ports » Wed May 13, 2020 8:21 pm

Yamatai News Network

National Coalition Dissolves, Monarchists in Talks with National Liberals to Form Government
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News outlets and NGO observers are in catatonic shock after both the Democratic Liberals and the Conservative Union walked out of surprise coalition negotiations called by the leading National Liberals last month. This unprecedented series of events has completely destroyed our political expert's understanding of contemporary national party politics. The dissolution of the National Coalition, the agreement between four major parties that formed the nation's government for more than three decades, has shattered the previously held belief of the unshakeable union between moderate left-wing and conservative groups which had previously kept radicals firmly out of government. Now, all eyes are on Prime Miniser Kawashima as she and her party scramble to deal with the fallout, their apparent plan to consolidate control over the party backfiring in a major way.

It had come as a surprise to many when the Conservative Union had joined the National Coalition in 2005 in order to snub the Popular Conservative Party before the latter promptly dissolved, representing what we are now considering the height of political stability in Yamatai in the last century. Now it appears their ideological rift with the National Liberals has come to roost, with the Conservatives refusing to consider Kawashima's demands for a larger Navy budget and a corresponding tax scheme. Representative of rapidly growing tensions between the erstwhile government partners since the start of the Kawashima premiership, Conservatives flatly rejected all propositions that opposed their core platform. In fact, the Conservatives seemed to consider the very coalition negotiations to be an affront, and within minutes of debate it was becoming rapidly clear to observers that the Conservatives intended to deliver their ultimatum to the National Liberals with their demands for policy changes or they would quit the government. They did not appear to have the opportunity to make this ultimatum, however, before the sitting Minister of Transportation, Senator Rezuno Umaro, pre-empted the demands by declaring that the National Liberals would not accept any policy changes until the conclusion of the negotiations, a sentiment apparently echoed throughout the party representatives present. Stunned silence completely gave way to shouts of indignation by Conservatives and even Democratic Liberals, followed by the declaration of Senator Yazawa that the Conservative Union would no longer participate in negotiations. Camera flashes followed the group of Conservative politicians leaving the debate chamber, signalling an almost instantaneous end to the National Coalition's majority government.

The departure of the Conservative Union and the subsequent loss of a majority would normally signal a call by the Upper House of the Diet for the selection of a new Imperial Representative to the Diet, the position held simultaneously by the office of the Prime Minister from which the legal right of the Senate to write laws descends. In this situation, the Conservatives would have a chance at forming a government. However, later events at coalition negotiations would shake up the situation with unprecedented implications. Shortly after the Conservative Union stormed out of the debate chamber, the Democratic Liberals then made their own ultimatum to the National Liberals. This ultimatum was written along similar lines to the Conservative plea, although notably for policies assumed amenable to the National Liberals that had been thought restrained only by the presence of Conservatives in government. Several policy changes were approved, but this seemed to have the opposite effect intended by party leaders. Apparently emboldened, the Democratic Liberals insisted upon more control in further negotiations. Here too, Senator Rezuno rejected demands for Democratic Liberal participation in coalition control. In an unprecedented act that will surely mark this government's dissolution in the history books, most of the Democratic Liberal party walked out of negotiations in a similar manner to the Conservatives. Some of our political experts are suggesting this may be a tactical decision, as the end of the National Coalition may lead to a vote for new elections be held. The Democratic Liberals may be gambling that the fallout of these failed negotiations will improve their odds during new elections, a prospect that may also tempt Conservative parties to fall in behind the Democratic Liberals in a new election demand. The first, and last, act carried out by the negotiation committee for the National Coalition was to declare its dissolution.

It is expected that the Democratic Liberals will call a vote in next week's session of the Senate to arrange elections to choose a new government. Rumors are spreading throughout talk shows, internet forums, and academic halls that Prime Minister Kawashima was seen in talks with Senator Mitsuki Hideo, head of the Imperial Establishment Party. The Imperial Establishment Party is a Monarchist political party that has recently seen growth in polling following events of political instability in the country. They are said to be supported in part by the Suzuka clan, an ally of the Nanasawa clan in Upper Diet politics which is well known to support the National Liberals, suggesting a deeper connection and bigger plans. This would seem to lend credence to the fringe idea that this outcome was calculated by Prime Minister Kawashima to consolidate power by forming a new government with the Monarchists, although this idea is discredited as a conspiracy theory. Monarchists have been previously known to be cagey and generally unwilling to cooperate with other political parties. They have not been in government since the early 20th century. It is expected that today's events will leave a mark on this nation's history, and it is too early to tell who will leave it.

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Urran
Postmaster-General
 
Posts: 14434
Founded: Jan 22, 2013
Civil Rights Lovefest

Postby Urran » Fri May 15, 2020 9:37 pm

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Urran Joins 3rd Kantai


Yokosuka,Yamatai- Vessels and aircraft from the Republic of Urran Navy and Coast Guard have set sail with the Yamatai Navy's 3rd Kantai Fleet on a six month world tour.

Urranese assets included the landing platform dock URS Shimane, the destroyer URS Chiune Sugihara, the frigate URS Night Terror, the attack submarine URS Nibe, and the coast guard cutter RUCGC Hikari. The Urranese detachment also includes some 300 Marines and their vehicles aboard the Shimane and a squadron of F-18H jet fighters now stationed aboard the Yamatian aircraft carrier Katsuragi. URS Shimane, the lead ship of the Urranese contingent, left port flying a 100' flag from her main mast as the ships headed out to sea.

Navy leadership issued a press release stating that the exercise has a two fold purpose. On the one hand to ensure better interoperability between Urranese and allied forces, on the other, to be a visible symbol of Urran after a time when it has been largely absent on the world stage.

The tour, set to circumnavigate the globe, includes stops in Luscios, an area where Urran has not held much presence for some time. Urranese naval leaders hope that the visit will establish good rapport with foreign diplomats, soldiers, and citizens alike. The mission will include open houses of the vessels and acrobatic displays by Navy aircraft.

Navy officials were, however, quick to point out that it would not all be fun and games, stating that the fleet would also be conducted defense drills while on the open ocean.

"Our purpose here is really all about interoperability" said Commodore Ken Watanabe, commanding officer of the Urranese contingent. "To be successful in anything, one need allies that they can work together with and trust. It won't do to suddenly have to learn to work together in war. The purpose of this deployment is really about learning to work together, not just at the command level, but at every level. Yamatai and Urran share a similar language, a similar culture, but there are still differences in the way we speak and the way we operate. We may approach the same task in completely different ways. Here we will be forced to stand shoulder to shoulder and overcome those discrepancies together. You may have an exercise simulating a burst pipe and have a team of mixed nationalities working together on the same issue and coming up with the solution. It is our hope that our two countries will be able to walk away from this stronger than we were before."

To see if the tour is coming to a city near you, you can follow the Republic of Urran Navy on your preferred social media.

BREAKING: Former PM Hanajima Arrested on Suspicion of Treason


Oita- Breaking tonight, former Prime Minister Saki Hanajima has been arrested on allegation of treason, including direct Dominion collaboration.

Officials from the Federal Investigation Bureau concluded a press conference moments ago wherein they announced the arrest of former PM Hanajima at her Oita home based on email, phone, and bank records that they say show direct collusion between the former PM and Dominion governments, most notably, Vanqueria.

FIB officials say that they have records showing that the PM and other high level politicians within her faction of the Urran First Party colluded to give Dominion companies unfair trade deals with Urran in exchange for bribes, conspired to allow Dominion style surveillance of private Urranese citizens in spite of the constitution, and may have even begun closed door deals for Dominion partnership or even membership for Urran. An anonymous source within the FIB also told Urran Central News that some of those phone records may also show a love affair between the PM and a top Vanquerian diplomat.

Current PM Uchimura Kanzo also spoke at the conference, calling for what he called a "root out corruption campaign" and authorizing the arrests of the FIB Director and what he called "top CIA officials".

"This is an outrage" Mr. Kanzo said. "To think that the leader of the Urranese people would collude with our enemies to steer Urran towards a path that can only lead to darkness and dictatorship. I am calling for a full investigation into this incident. Rest assured that all those involved will be found and punished to the fullest extent of the law. What these people did amounts to nothing less than treason. They elevated potential relationships with our enemies above the Urranese people and their allies. I am announcing the sacking and authorizing the arrest of FIB Director Yoshio Akihibe and top CIA officials, who shall for now remain anonymous. We will not surrender the moral fiber of this country now or ever. Rest assured, justice shall be swift."

Reporters at Urran Central News reached out for copies of the alleged documents but were told that the investigation is still pending.

-This is Urran Central News


In other news:

- Yamatai Government Skae Up, What You Need to Know. 20,652,823 Views


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UFP201: Anyone shocked by this? Anyone at all?
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Last edited by Urran on Fri May 15, 2020 9:39 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Urran
Postmaster-General
 
Posts: 14434
Founded: Jan 22, 2013
Civil Rights Lovefest

Postby Urran » Sat May 16, 2020 8:45 pm

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Rainbow Gelatin Cake: A Fun Summer Treat to Help Beat the Heat

Image


Oita- Looking for a way to beat the heat this summer? Here is a tasty, multicolored, refrigerated treat that you can make out home in only 30 minutes and with just a few common ingredients. A rainbow gelatin cake is a fun, jiggly delight that anyone can make at home.

Ingredients:

Kanten (aka agar powder, available at most Ashai markets)
Water
Granulated sugar
Milk
Shaved ice syrup (or fruit juice)

Directions:

Step 1. Combine 4 grams (0.14 ounces) of agar powder, 150 ml (5.07 ounces) of water, and 60 grams (2.12 ounces) of granulated sugar in a pot. Heat on the stove until the mixture comes to a boil, then turn off the heat.

Step 2. Stir 300 ml (10.14 ounces) of milk into the mixture. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill and wait until it solidifies into gelatin.

Step 3. In a separate pot, repeat step 1.

Step 4. Stir an additional 300 ml (10.14 ounces) of water into the second pot, add 20 ml (0.68 ounces) of shaved ice syrup (the more brightly colored the better). Once again, put the mixture in the fridge to cool and solidify.

Step 5. (optional). Repeat steps 3 and 4 for any additional colors you want to use.

Step 6. Allow everything to chill for around 30 minutes. Take the colorful mixtures out of the fridge.

Step 7. Cut the colorful gelatin into small cubes and arrange them on top of the white milk gelatin, which will serve as the base.

Step 8. Serve and enjoy!


In other news:

-Military admits involvement in Daeken carrier incident.20,652,823 Views


Comments

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Mom6283: Made this for the kids, we had so much fun!
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A lie doesn't become truth, wrong doesn't become right, and evil doesn't become good just because it's accepted by a majority.
Proud Coastie
The Blood Ravens wrote: How wonderful. Its like Japan, and 1950''s America had a baby. All the racism of the 50s, and everything else Japanese.

I <3 James May

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New Roma Republic
Minister
 
Posts: 2579
Founded: Mar 31, 2014
Ex-Nation

Postby New Roma Republic » Sun May 17, 2020 3:29 pm

Roman Times
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RPR Cancels Purchase of Ships From the Federation of Sikai


Other News
CPD Roma Headquarters Officially Opens
Gilionian Growing Pains
Yamatian Navy Tour
Anowan Situation - Updates
Top TV Shows This Month

New Rome, Roma, RPR – In a clear sign of a new direction, the RPR has canceled a major arms deal with the Federation of Sikai, according to a recently leaked document. This deal was the purchase of 2 Wasp Class amphibious assault ship. The Wasps were to have been part of a larger set of agreements, agreed in February 2019 between the former Roman government and the new Sishai nation. This would have included the transfer of five Cursarius frigates to the Federation, to help rebuild their military. The Cursarius or "Corsair" class was a series of general-purpose ships built in the early 1960s. All ships of the class has been retired, but a number are currently mothballed. As part of the transfer, the frigates were being overhauled by Planitia Utopia Shipyards, prior to their delivery. As the Federation has little money for modernization, the cost of this overhaul was to be offset by the sale of the Wasps. The reasoning for the cancellation was that the RPR no longer needed the Wasp Class vessels amid the recently announced downsizing of the Roman military, especially among its amphibious assault fleet.

Sources close to the matter have said that the Federation is not happy with the reversal in this deal and may retaliate by terminating the acquisition of the Cursarius frigates. Though there has been no statement from Planitia Utopia Shipyards, anonymous sources say that company executives are also unhappy with the reversal. The Cursarius class vessels’ overhaul were near completion when the cancelation came in. There is speculation that the company may approach the Federation on their own in hopes of selling the vessels themselves.

Before the NIR signed the deal with the Federation, the Remnant Contracted Personnel Division (CPD) displayed an interest in buying and operating the Wasps, though talks subsequently fell through. It is possible the CPD may be interested in acquiring these ships now that they are back on the market. The Nation of Parcia is also thought to be in talks over the ships.
Last edited by New Roma Republic on Sun May 17, 2020 3:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Urran
Postmaster-General
 
Posts: 14434
Founded: Jan 22, 2013
Civil Rights Lovefest

Postby Urran » Wed May 20, 2020 8:08 pm

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Military Admits to Daeken Flyby, Calls Flights "Routine"


Oita- The Ministry of Defense has released a statement saying that it conducted reconnaissance flights near a major Daekan navy base and conducted a "routine" flyover of the Daekan Navy's newest vessel, the aircraft carrier Jang-gun.

MoD officials issued a press release stating that a Republic of Urran Air Force RQ-4 reconnaissance drone flew within 45 miles of the Daekanese coastline, reportedly to get radar images of the Daekan navy base near Sangju. The aircraft then flew back out to sea where it conducted at least two passes near the Jang-gun. MoD stated that the Urranese drone was intercepted and followed by "at least two" JS-15 fighters from the Daekan Air Force. We are told that the drone carried only reconnaissance equipment and was not armed. The drone safely returned to base after conducting its patrols.

Military officials said in a press conference that such actions are routine and provide Urran with much needed military and signals intelligence in what some analysts are calling a "pseudo-cold war" with Daekan and its ally, the Great Kingdom.

Daekan has repeatedly condemned what it has called "imperialist aggression" from Urran and its allies, most notably Yamatai and Esgonia, both of which have also engaged in intelligence gathering towards Daekan recently.

The government has continued to insist that Urran is not engaged in any cold war, but maintains that constant vigilance is necessary to continued peace and stability in the Grey Sea.

-This is Urran Central News


In other news:

--Daekanese Carrier a Major Milestone Says Top Expert 20,652,823 Views


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Based_Agson34: All this fuss over one little carrier? WEAK
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New Roma Republic
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Postby New Roma Republic » Fri May 29, 2020 11:52 am

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Utopia Planitia Shipyards Releases Design in Roman Cruiser Replacement Program
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Caesarium, Caesarium, RPR – The ship design and construction section of Utopia Planitia Industries have announced the design of their submission to the Republic Navy in their Roman Cruiser Replacement Program (RCRP). This design is very different from all other ships that the company has made. When asked about it, project spokeswoman and lead engineer Maecilia Venator said “When we were designing the ship, we wanted to make it a 21st century ship for a 21st century navy.”

Utopia Planitia Shipyards is the first company to submit a design to the Roman navy. There were rumblings from Parcia that they may offer a cruiser of theirs, however this cruiser would not meet all the requirements put forth by the Republic Navy. There was also rumors that the Ranni shipbuilding company wanted to design a ship, however, the government would not let them due to their relations with Aetolia. Relations with Aetolia have never been positive, due to historical animosity and recent expansionism.

No ships have been submitted to the Roman Destroyer Replacement Program (RDRP). This program will be replacing the ageing Destivio class destroyers. Venator said that Utopia Planitia Shipyards has a ship in the works, but she is not on that project.

The programs will be accepting submissions for the next 6 months before closing.
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Parcia
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Postby Parcia » Fri May 29, 2020 12:30 pm

Parcia Times Union



In an interesting development in national news, the Home Office released a statement officially announcing the the planned launch of Parcia's first space craft, the ATLAS I sounding rocket. Sources tell the ATLAS I is a converted ASM-125 IRBM, though we have yet to fully verify this use of a nuclear missile in a civilian space program. Turn to page 4 for more....


...In a statement released to the world, the Home office, along side the Parcian Space Agency's press office, stated that the launch will take place some time in mid July, with the projected launch date between July 12th and July 18th weather bidding. "With the proud level corporation between Parcia and The Grand Kingdom of Eden, the launch will signify Parcia's first step in to the scientific exploration of space. Using the command center located at the HAXA facility in Zaragosa, the RSA plans on launching the ATLAS I rocket to both test the RSA's ability to coordinate and launch vehicles, as well as to test various scientific instruments and pieces of equipment to allow for advancement of the ATLAS program as a whole."

While the national opinion has been largely high, a few noted Aerospace officials have voiced concerns over the nation's inexperience in the matter; Álvaro Havier Cortes, a noted research head at the Aerospace Science and Development branch of the Matador Arms company stated concern over the possible age of the ATLAS I's parent platform, the ASM-125 Nuclear missile. Álvaro stated, quote, "The ASM-125 is a dated platform from a previous generation of rocketry, with vehicles ranging in production from the early 1970s to the late 1990s. I personally believe that is Parcia is to start it's own space exploration program, it needs to source modern technology and modern launch vehicles."

While this is an all together interesting advancement in Parcian Aerospace Engineering as well as Space exploration, the success of the program is up for debate.
Last edited by Parcia on Tue Aug 11, 2020 4:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby Saradena » Sun May 31, 2020 1:46 pm

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Security Breach at Esgonian Central Bank, Flk. 23M lost

By: Maiko Helianthus. 1 Hour Ago.
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Central Bank security stated that the incident had occurred at 2:38AM ESST


I n an incident that has been considered 'one of the worst online security breaches' in Esgonian history since the 1998 Internet Bubble, the Esgonian Central Bank's online servers was reported to be compromised by hackers and had managed to siphon off 23 Million Faulks from dozens of high-profile banking accounts, according to the company's spokesperson ENO had contacted via MINT Messenger.

The incident was reported during the early morning, where security logs indicated that several connections have managed to overwhelm the network security protocols and compromised the servers in what according to a Cyber Security analyst claimed to be an LOIC attack from several hijacked connections originating from a central botnet-master in Daekan. It took the company's security team over 4 minutes to cease the LOIC's attack and sever their connection, but it had already taken 23 million before it was disconnected. Daekanese Military Inteligence was highly suspected of orchestrating the attack but no comment was provided. Both the company and Esgonian Public Security are currently launching a high-profile investigation regarding the incident and has assured that no further incidents will be repeated in the future.

As the investigation continues, stockholders and long-time bank members have been in complete shock, especially those who have been victimized from the attack. A long-time member of 12 years, Ichigo, was 'completely devastated' over the loss of all her life savings due to the breach. The incident was blamed of obsolete and faulty network security protocols, while others blamed it on 'incompetent staff'. The company assured that all who had been victimized will receive reimbursement and has assured that they will improve their functionalities, following the sacking of half of the entire IT team.

Meanwhile, others have decided to ditch the bank altogether and take their banking needs elsewhere, as 35 hours following the breach, hundreds of accounts were reportedly closed by their owners and several stockholders have sold their stock and reinvested in alternatives like EcoBank and KiseiCorp, who promised customers of top-notch security and better incentives.

Following the events, ECB is predicted to lose even more money, but its CEO has stated to the public in a social media post that the company 'will hold' and the incident was a 'major setback'.




In other news:

    - (Opinion) KajiSec and Bruhl Int, the new Esgonian Army in Azen?
    - Esgonian Embassy in Anowa on heightened alert after coup-de-etat
    - (Entertainment) The Rise of VNikis, explained by HAGOO
    - Daekan's new Aircraft Carrier; a Force Multiplier or Paper Tiger?




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KozelskiKimura, Arcea, Esgonia | I fucking knew those old fucks at ECB couldn't get their shit together. I'm so glad I cut off from them after I married.
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    MikotoHazemi2007, Eldrichta, Esgonia | Same here, everything with that bank was just so wrong. Don't even get me started with Customer Service on that one.
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    OrangeMango, Gonjia, Esgonia | MikotoHazemi2007 lol ecb customer service? i didnt even know they exist wwwww
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Postby North Arkana » Mon Jun 01, 2020 9:34 pm

SPECIAL EDITION
Union News


G&K Réponse Armée Operator, Six Ten Laboratoire Researcher Arrested
Sealed Charges Allegedly Regarding Paix Sans Limites Relations


A member of G&K's RA team and a researcher from Six Ten Laboratoire were arrested in simultaneous raids by the Agence de Sécurité Centrale last night according to a statement released by the ASC in a late night press briefing. Details remain sparse at this time, with the charges against the two unnamed individuals having been sealed from public release by order of a federal judge after reviewing the case against the accused, but rumors of the charges relating to the PSL recent PSL attack were reluctantly confirmed several hours after the initial press release.

G&K has released statement indicating they requested intervention by the ASC after discovering inconsistencies in the security review conducted in the wake of the PSL raid on the IOP convoy in which multiple members of the RA team were wounded.

Six Ten Laboratoire, one of the Federation's leaders in unmanned systems research, has declined to issue any statement regarding the recent arrest.
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Flotsam Faith, or Tosaka's Cargo Cults: Religion, or Nuisance?


As I enter through past the sea-worn metal door, my eyes have to adjust to the darkness within. Illuminated only by a low, flickering light of a kerosene lantern, and a constellation of holes and gaps in the walls of this centuries-old wooden building, I see the carefully kept relics of one of the largest unique religions to the Tosakan islands. Surrounding me, encased in plastic boxes on sturdy steel tables, I can make them all out: an old wireless radio receiver, a early revolver, a small collection of gas tanks, even an antique telescope. My guide, a short dark man by the name of Kalepo Uta’i, smiles sheepishly, nodding and stretching his hand out towards the display.
“Well,” he says. “Here is our little shrine.”

Kalepo Uta’i, or “Kal” as he prefers to be called by his congregation, is one of perhaps a few dozen leaders of a religious practice known as Shosho Jitt'ana, translated as "Flotsam Faith" and was once formerly described, and still colloquially known as, the "Tosakan Cargo Cults." Flotsam Faith is unique among world religions and faith traditions in that it reveres objects and practices that are from the modern era; industrial equipment and commercial goods are held as relics, and ritualized re-enactments of aircraft taxiing and radio communication play a vital role in their celebrations. This unusual practice is where both of the names for the religion come from: things that westerners might characterize as "flotsam" or abandoned goods are held in high regard by those who practice Flotsam Faith, and the term "cargo cult" was originally created to describe the reverence for "cargo," which is the catch-all term that practitioners of Flotsam Faith use to describe their modern relics.
"Cargo was what the kaj'en, the foreigners who brought it to our islands, called these things that we believe possess a lot of mana," he explained. "So that is what we kept calling them. It's simple, accurate, and pretty much everyone knows what we mean when we say that we believe cargo has mana, so we don't try and make up new names for it."

But what is "mana," and why does it mean that these manufactured objects, that most of us consider to be mundane at best, deserve a place of respect and reverence and even worship? I ask Kal, and he responds,
"Mana is, like..." He laughs, shaking his head, and apologizes. "I've been doing this for thirty years, you would think I would have something memorized or written down to explain to foreigners by now." After pausing for a moment, he stops smiling, and continues. "Mana is a sort of spiritual energy. It is the name we give a kind of quality that describes the efficacy or power of something. Everyone, and everything has mana; you, me, the crab I ate for lunch, our ancestors, the gods, the ocean, the sky, you name it." Mana is a mainstream belief in many Tosakan islander traditions, and the high presence of mana in nature and among gods, heroes, and ancestors that are revered in these traditions is used to explain their actions, both in stories and in the present. But Flotsam Faith, and similar "cargo cult" traditions, Kal explains, believe this power applies to modern goods and technology as well.
"It allowed us to speak with each other from thousands of miles away to set up this interview, it allowed you to cross the ocean with ease by flying through the air, it allowed me to relax and have breakfast in a cool room when it was blazing hot outside," says Kal. "To just fold your arms and say 'No, this is man-made, it does not have mana, it should not be revered,' strikes me as just kind of, I don't know, short-sighted."

Shosho Jitt'ana has a long history in the Tosakan islands. As the islands underwent their first long-term settlement, starting in 3000 BCE, and ending only in the 200s AD, the islands pretty much shared the same technological level and method of economy.
"The culture was not stagnant in the way we typically mean when we say that word," explains Dr. Rafa Nuku, an anthropologist at Mateko University, "but for thousands of years, the material world of the early Tosakans was essentially unchanged." Gold working was the most advanced method of metallurgy available, catamarans were the only means of travel, and the most advanced weapon you could find was a bow and arrow. When the explorers arrived with their ships and guns and manufactured goods, however, everything changed.
"I mean, imagine you're a old Tosakan native, just barely out of the Stone Age, and you're confronted with a booming cannon," says Dr. Nuku. "It's hard not to imagine that this giant barrel of strange metal has some kind of power imbued into it, or that the strange things these people were doing to move their giant ships or to fire their guns weren't some kind of magic."
After the initial arrival of the first foreign ships to the shores of the Tosakan islands, the first traditions of what we now call Flotsam Faith took place. Old records taken by Urranese and Roman explorers describe native Tosakans making mock cannons, putting large square sails on small islands, even smoking dried banana leaves in pipes like they saw the explorers do with tobacco.

The popularity of Shosho Jitt'ai declined precipitously during the phase of colonialism, however. Starting in the 1400s and continuing over the next few hundred years, the Tosakan islands found themselves colonized and their people either forced flee or to work on dangerous docks or on cash crop plantations, which served to both demystify and de-sanctify the technology that the explorers initially carried. Foreign and Maritime peoples mocked the practitioners of the "Cargo Cults," and often forced them to abandon their rituals and relics to convert to other faiths, such as Christianity, and left no time for such faith practices for their slaves. Centrals also viewed the faith tradition with suspicion and distrust, believing it to be fetishizing their enemy occupiers and believing that practitioners of Flotsam Faith were more likely to turn traitor than those who adhered to the more traditional ways of worship found in Island Faith. Neither group seemed to have much patience for the religion, and its practice essentially died out; substantiated proof of practices even tangential to what we now call Flotsam Faith only pop up a handful of times in the historical record during the next few centuries after the first plantations were established. Even after the Seagull Wars and the liberation of Tosaka, these faiths practiced in the shadows, their numbers dwindling.

However, the arrival of the Second World War, and the relative sea-change in technological advancement that came with the arrival of aircraft, electricity, and radio, sent Floatsam Faith roaring back to life. The fighting between great powers in the region, as well as the fighting of the Tosakan Civil War in and between the main islands, led to islands that had been left alone since the first colonial days being reintroduced to the modern world in a violent, and stunning manner. Airfields, fuel depots, electrical stations, and radio transmitters were suddenly everywhere to be found. Tosakan islanders, looking for faith in the midst of a time of extreme change and instability, came to believe that revering cargo and mimicking the methods of receiving or using this cargo (building mock runways to taxi mock planes, shouting into and using mock headphones at mock or abandoned radio towers) could impart a bit of their mana onto them, or use their inherent mana to help their people.
"While the old objects of cargo were found to have much more mana than anything that the islanders had ever seen," explains Kal, "it was really when electrical systems and airplanes came onto the scene that people everywhere really started to step back and say 'Woah, okay, this cargo really DOES have a ton of mana,' and people started to wonder what they should do about it."

Indeed, even today, people have not stopped wondering what to do about it. Practitioners of Flotsam Faith have butted heads with other Tosakans many times over the years, from disputes over leadership and community to accusations of theft, such as the infamous "Sextant Case," where a group of young Flotsam Faith practitioners were sentenced to five years in prison for the theft and subsequent destruction of the famous Captain Juan Paul Havier Garcia's sextant, which had been stolen from the Tosakan Museum of History and destroyed during a motorcycle crash in a subsequent police chase. Tensions between those who practice Flotsam Faith are also high with those who practice Christianity and traditional Island Religions, who see each other as wayward heretics and possibly community disruptors.


Kal himself has made national news in Tosaka for his efforts to defend sacred sites for those who believe in Flotsam Faith. In particular, Salvation Station, a radio tower on Uei-Uei Island once used to coordinate humanitarian aid efforts during the aftermath of the Second World War, has been a sacred site for Kal's congregation and many practitioners of Flotsam Faith since it was built and then abandoned. But the local government on Uei-Uei wants to tear it down, calling it a "navigational hazard."
"The so-called 'Salvation Station' radio tower certainly served its purpose in the past," said island Governor Mark Jocca on a phone call when asked about the situation. "But we want and need both Uei-Uei and Tosaka to move into the future. The tower has caused a number of near misses and even damaged a government helicopter. As sad as it is, it needs to go, and none of these cargo cults can stop that necessity."
When asked about the dispute, Kal shakes his head and sighs. "We preserve a whole bunch of sacred rocks, forests, and reefs for more 'acceptable' native religions, we have no trouble keeping old churches away from the wrecking ball," he said plaintively. "There is no reason at all why we can't do the same for our holy places. They hate and disrespect us because we are different, and that's human nature, but we can't let them do this."

Indeed, they are different. Tosakan Flotsam Faith makes up an unusual, and fascinating historical and religious tradition unique to the Tosaka isles, and they certainly deserve to be known and appreciated by the world. Leaving behind the strange collection of busted-up junk housed in Kal's shrine, I can't help but feel a little more pure and humble, like I have just left a place of holy greatness.



Written by Tula Mehike, 04 June 2020



Comments 204




Comments:

SandySunshine_2234 · 3 hours ago
Honestly, these people are an embarrassment. I don’t like the idea of foreign tourists showing up and thinking we all worship radios and planes, like some prehistoric weirdos. I wish they would just shut up and go away.

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Anowa
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Postby Anowa » Thu Jun 04, 2020 3:13 pm

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Elections to take place this weekend
01/05/2020


Following the previous week's chaos in the form of an overthrow of the Overseer council, Martial Law has been lifted, and gov't power has been handed from General Matulewicz of the 1st Infantry Division, to Prime Minister Brunhold. On the order of Queen Oleander II, emergency elections are to be held to find replacements for the members of parliament and senate who have been arrested and under trial for treasonous activity. Prime Minister Jeremias Brunhold is also seeking out qualified personnel to take the reigns of the now arrested Ministers of Health and Transportation.

As many celebrate the now confirmed dissolution of the Overseer council, many more are both afraid, and mourning. Corporal Jeremias Brun, 20, and Private Sophia Holt, 18 died of their wounds this morning, two days after Officer Cadet Oswald Bobak, 18, was considered brain dead, and Captain Jarosław Stachnik, 38 died of his wounds, sustained during a firefight with Donnish operatives in a blatant disregard for int'l law. Rumors coming from military sources indicate that full mobilization is on the table, though as of current it is solely the Royal Navy which has been put on notice.

Military activity in Kubati has also reached it's height since the Insurrection, with elements of the 12th Infantry Division holding the PACT Multinational Brigade South under Garrison Arrest until such a time that further action can be ascertained. General Wolfram Herrman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has stated "Military wise, avenues of approach regarding the tense situation with Donnerland are being explored. The ultimate goal is the return of fugitives, hopefully via diplomatic approach. Reciprocating in response to an act of war does not necessarily mean we are at war at this time. If all goes well, we never will be. I will make clear that our movements are not kneejerk, they are simply to ensure the Donnish do not further exacerbate the already delicate situation here in Anowa."

The Anowan House of Commons has not issued an official statement regarding Donnish actions, however talks of cultural blockades and further involvement in the Vale are being entertained alongside abiding by Donnish demands. Although with trials being set to run for the Overseer council in absentia, it is unknown how the Donnish will react to the potential for the death penalty.

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The_Statch · 4 minutes ago
My father's dead because of those Donnish rats. Burn every last one of the fuckers.

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Meme_Dealer · 6 minutes ago
How many times has it been that our so called Allies leave us out to dry or fuck us over? Fuck the AP, Fuck PACT.

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Mah_Boi_Kirrahe · 13 minutes ago
Finalkly locking off their precious mountain? Good. maybe they'll finally pay to climb the bloody thing.

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