Today In YN's History

[Heldervin]

March 5th, 327: Construction begins on the Stad Defreizeit
March 5th, 1876: Lord Earlsmuch III, a previous monarch, is born.

[Republica Federal de Catalunya]

March 7th

1523 Royalist Reinforcements arrive at Mallorca to crush the Germania Revolt.
1714 Randstad treaty confirms the Theaty of Uttrech the Cession of Mallorca, Eivissa and Formentera by the Spanish Crown Philippe of Anjou resigns to the claims to the County of Barcelona.
1715 the Naval academy is created at Palamós.
1816 Naval bombardment of Mers el Kebir forces Oran to free 3000 Slaved European Christians and to pay reparations.
1947 The Basque Government in Exile established at Barcelona (1947-1977).
1948 Hispano industrial vehicle plant reopens after being bombed during WW2.
1949 348th squadron ends conversion from Spitfire to Meteor jets. Foreign Affairs Ministre Eugeni Xammar arrives to Brussels to Sign the Brussels pact (1948) along The UK, France and The Benelux countries to form the Western European Union military alliance.

[The Federation of Mars]

March 8th, 2116 - The Martian capital fleet arrives in orbit of the moon, they attack 3 Terran warships. Only 3 days later the Terrans surrender and allow for Lunar independence, this is in fear of the full Martian fleet destroying the remaining Terran fleet.

[East Leaf Republic]

MARCH 9TH 1955:

On this day, the Island War, which was the longest war in which East Leaf participated, had ended, with East Leaf claiming the western parts of the autocratic nation of Blood Leaf, which was a part of East Leaf that seperated due to different political views.

[Lehpuhrta]

March 13th 2008

As the region of England's big roleplay event of the year continued to build towards the extraterrestrial Symyano invasion, a player by the name of Nivogal was ejected from the region. This resulted the destruction of his main nation (handled in-story by having his entire nuclear arsenal inexplicably detonate in a freak accident) and his two remote island territories near my own colonies (as Rhanukhan) in the Sea of Regret becoming free real estate. Since nobody else took advantage of this fact it fell to me, and so the story of Lehpuhrta began within that evening's relatively innocuous news broadcast...

[Rhanukhani State News Network Late Night Bulletin]

Good evening viewers. The time is ten o'clock and I'm Trent Butterknife bringing you the news all across England thanks to the Rhanukhan OrbiTech satellite communications network!

Tonight's main headlines:

More New Provinces: Surprise news from the Sea of Regret. It appears that billionaire business mogul, Constantine Malachite is a little too impatient to get that provincial governor's job he's had his eye on. Evidently he's spent the last few days in negotiations with the surviving Nivogalese colonists on the Isle of Tantrum and Jilted Atoll... and bought both landmasses!

In return for kickstarting their local economies and providing employment for all the islands' denizens by absorbing existing local businesses into appropriate arms of Malachite Evolving Enterprises, Mr Malachite has been declared their official governor on behalf of the Rhanukhani government. He will be formally appointed by His Resplendence, the Supreme Chairman in a ceremony tomorrow when the islands will also be renamed in traditional Old Rhanukhani.

Remnants of the Nivogalese military on the islands have already sworn allegiance to His Resplendence and are being transported back to the mainland for full Rhanukhani military training. They are being replaced with Rhanukhani personnel already operating in the Sea of Regret.

Election Fever: In the other new provinces of Kharanwhari and Bahamghar, Constantine Malachite's actions have caused the competition to hot up with all the candidates hitting the campaign trail. Gillian Towelrail, our new political correspondent, brings us her first report on what promises to be a hard fought election.

Island Paradise: Just days after opening it's doors to the world, RhanuTour have announced that P17 Holiday Island is already their most popular destination with solid bookings all the way through to the end of the year.

Out of Order?: Viewers across the OrbiTech Communications Network may experience interruptions in service over the next few days as essential upgrades are implemented on all satellites. Thanks to the efficient and rapid deployment and return times available to the new Inspiration class spaceplane, orbital missions like this can be carried out swiftly and inexpensively. Science correspondent, Jonathan Spatula brings us a special feature later in the program.

And finally: Evidence of more survivors of the liberation of Lazarastra several weeks ago has been discovered. Details are sketchy at the moment but we expect a full report from Dwight Alabaster at some point in the near future.

All the news, sport and tomorrow's weather coming right after this break...

There are further hints there about the secret plot to prepare England's defence against the Symyano in the stories about OrbiTech and RhanuTour and I see that today was also the introduction of Gillian Towelrail, the reporter who - a few months later - would famously provide RSNN's live coverage of the spectacular disappearance of Lehpuhrta.

[Lehpuhrta]

March 14th 2008

Following on from yesterday, the name "Lehpuhrta" made its first appearance in print.

[Rhanukhani State News Network Late Night Bulletin]

Good evening viewers. The time is eleven o'clock and I'm Trent Butterknife bringing you the news all across England thanks to the Rhanukhan OrbiTech satellite communications network!

Tonight's main headlines:

Triumphant Return: Following yesterday's reports of newly discovered survivors of the Lazarastran liberation, RSNN can exclusively reveal the return of roving reporter Sophie Futon! She'll be bringing her full report on her rescue, treatment for banalite infection and on her experiences under the influence of "Queen Lucy" Sideboard - the fugitive would-be ruler of Lazarastra who's current whereabouts are still unknown.

New Governor: Constantine Malachite was formally appointed governor of the island provinces of Lehpuhrta and Currakhan - formerly the Isle of Tantrum and Jilted Atoll respectively - in a special ceremony today. Malachite Evolving Enterprises is using it's vast resources to create a functional modern infrastructure on the islands which were barely established as colonies by Nivogal when that nation was destroyed in a nuclear catastrophe recently. Dwight Alabaster was at the ceremony and gives us his report later in the programme.

Who's it Gonna Be?: Political correspondent, Gillian Towelrail brings us the latest round up of the election campaigns of those hopefuls wanting to be governor of Kharanwhari or Bahamghar - including a special interview with candidate, movie legend and action hero, Brett Showercap - star of the "Exterminator" movies and "The Walking Man".

And finally: Ahztlarhan Rising? Archeologists have reported finding evidence of a stone age civilization on the sea bed of the Hesslian Gulf, leading many to speculate that the legendary nation of Ahztlarhan - mythical homeland of the Rhanukhii tribe who founded Rhanukhan in ancient times - may be more real than previously believed. Professor George Teapot, whose team made the discovery, has been quick to point out, however, that although several buildings have been found so far - including a large temple-like structure - none of them are made of pure gold as described in the myth. Jonathan Spatula brings us his report on the ongoing investigation.

All the news, sport and tomorrow's weather coming right after this break...

Meanwhile that story about the discovery of Ahztlarhan's ruins was the beginning of the plotline that would see Lehpuhrta become the incredible space- and time-travelling nation that it is today.

[Tamocordia]

On March 16 1932, the occupation of the Agricultural Bank of Tamocordia, which was occupied by farmers and workers for 4 days, was ended by the police. This led to mass protests across the country and the infamous Gold City March Riots, which in the end led to the government being forced to bring up a couple of important regulations in matters of wellfare and insurances, especially for farmers.

[Naxera]

March 16th 1998 Gònava war ends after 2 years, 9 months and 3 days of conflict in what has been called the Thirst war for the control of the disputed 35000 square Kms semi arid Gònava plateau. We suffered 50000 casualities (2% of our population) while Frania suffered the double and We mobilized 210000 men (from 9000 prewar We currently have 18000 troops) and women*. As result of the war our economy didn't recovered until 2008.
Our Enemy did suffer much more casualties I spite being the underdogs in size, economy and population, We won in what many described the war as 2 balds fighting to the death for a comb.
From the We annexed 27000 Square Kms of the disputed region.
The region is still a focus of conflict as tensions remain with a little arms race at a times. But now We have a lesser population disadvantage, higher education level, a stronger economy, a less corrupt and more stable politics than our bitter rivals and having overpassed our bitter rivals in GDP per capita and HDI since 2012 and 2007 respectively.

* Not in combat roles

[Free Norfolk City]

March 18th, 1998: Confirming the decision made on the Ides of March, and finalized the previous day, the Norfolkite Wrestling Association's bookers decided to have Dwayna Jeanson, one of the members of the Furies, a stable that parodied radical feminism, would take over the stable from its leader. The decision is hinted at at that week's Saturday Night Slam, and was carried out on the next week's Monday Night Mayhem. Dwayna turned the Furies away from radical feminism and its members taking on considerably more hip characters; most notable, aside from Dwayna herself, was Shirlee Bonde becoming the Godmother, a parody of Her Imperial Highness, Princess Lilith of Garbania. The inclusion of Éowyn Harte would be another pivotal change, and the Furies feuded with other female stables, and sometimes got involved in intergender matches with male wrestlers, until the stable finally fell apart when Éowyn Harte retired, Dwayna was hitting more and more milestones, and the bookers felt the stable had run its course.

[Washoia]

March 18, 1994: Internet is first available to the Washoian public.

[Tangatarehua]

OOC: Meant to post this last week but accidentally left it in draft.

March 7th, 2014: Black Friday. The Tamaki Stock Market Index suddenly plunges 35%, beginning a protracted economic depression that to some extent still lingers today.

The exact cause of the crash is unknown, but were likely the result of decades of speculation leading to a bubble economy, along with lower than expected export earnings.

The event heralded the end of the "Merekana ohaoha" (economic miracle) years, in which Tangatarehua had enjoyed consistently high economic growth and rapid development since 1986.

[Kyorlui]

March 18th
1244: Emperor Narganui II (reigned 1226-1244) was killed in action at the Battle of the Pewter Range against Fohara, his son Efyui III (reigned 1244-1299) assumed the throne.
1416: The Isle of Monks was incorporated as a tributary of Kyorlui, securing the country's legitimacy as the emissarial leader of the Nopu religion.
1685: Emperor Osrui IV (reigned 1725-1746) was born in Endryal Palace, given the name Crown Prince Rusonty.
1899: The Treaty of Pape'ete was signed between Kyorlui and France, marking the end of the Hissod Crisis (1896-1899). The treaty established territorial boundaries and trade agreements between the two nations, resolving tensions over colonial interests in the South Pacific.
1943: During World War II, Kyorlui's resistance forces, supported by Allied troops, launched a successful counter-offensive against Japanese occupying forces on the island of Zardan. The liberation of key cities and territories marked a turning point in the conflict, leading to the eventual expulsion of Japanese forces from Kyorlui.
1970: Crown Prince Delaty (reigns as Emperor Adluo; 2020-Present) married Duchess Mliskran of Qonso (reigns as Empress Malikruo; 2020-Present), both aged 25, at the recently-constructed Royal Poseidon Hotel in Akotye.
1978: The Kyorlui Space Agency (KSA) was officially established, marking the country's entry into space exploration. The agency's founding paved the way for Kyorlui's participation in international space programs and the development of groundbreaking aerospace technology.
1996: The National Heritage Act was passed by the Kyorl Parliament, aimed at preserving and protecting the country's cultural and natural heritage sites. The legislation established mechanisms for the conservation of historical landmarks, archaeological sites, and ecological reserves.
2012: Kyorlui hosted the Pacific Economic Summit in Ven Ruio, bringing together leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss economic cooperation, trade, and regional development initiatives. The summit fostered dialogue and collaboration among participating nations, contributing to Kyorlui's role as a key player in regional affairs.

[Gutachter]

March 18th 1969

Germany is renamed to Gutachter to match Kristof Gutachter's cult of personality

[Lehpuhrta]

March 20th 2008

In the ongoing "Great Banana Rush" roleplay of this year, Rhanukhan turned its attention back to events in Lehpuhrta with the discovery of the new element, Bananætherium...

[Rhanukhani State News Network Late Evening Bulletin]

Good evening viewers. The time is nine o'clock and I'm Trent Butterknife bringing you the news all across England thanks to the Rhanukhan OrbiTech satellite communications network!

Tonight's main headlines:

Bananætherium Boost!: Governor Malachite's promise to kickstart the economies of the new island provinces in the Sea of Regret are off to an inspiring start with employment readily available in the new Bananætherium mines springing up all over Lehpuhrta! A scientific team working for Malachite Evolving Enterprises discovered the rare element - believed to be unique to the island - during a survey of resources prior to the new governor's purchase of the province from the former colonial leaders. Details of the element's properties or possible uses have yet to be released, but the sudden extensive mining operations imply that Constantine Malachite believes he's found himself yet another profitable venture.

Election Day: As voters in Kharanwhari and Bahamghar hit the ballot boxes, political correspondent, Gillian Towelrail brings us the latest news in the election of the provinces' new governors. RSNN will bring you the results, live and exclusive later tonight!

And finally: A disturbing new antisocial trend is emerging in the form of "nomming" - attacking a person by biting them. RSNN has received reports from the law enforcement agencies of many nations of a noticeable increase in this behaviour. What could it signify? We ask leading psychologist, Doctor Michael Terracotta later in the program.

All the news, sport and tomorrow's weather coming right after this break...

The incidents of "nomming" were actually connected to the earlier RhanuTour story and would ultimately be revealed to be part of the secret plot to prepare the world for the upcoming Symyano invasion. The currently undisclosed GBI-2 special agents, masquerading as tourists, were spreading their influence all across the planet.

[Rhanukhan]

Long ago, in the forums of an entirely unrelated website, a user started a thread about an online nation simulator game he'd discovered. He wondered if he could recruit a few of the locals to join him in creating a region and succeeded in luring a dozen or so people to a place called NationStates.net. One of those people decided to name their new nation after a country they'd invented in the games of their childhood many years prior - a country named Rhanukhan. Unlike all the other players who CTE'd within a matter of months, Rhanukhan persisted, and today celebrates twenty years since that first moment.

In Rhanukhan's history that day is recorded as the end of a tattered and failing monarchy and the beginning of the nation's transformation into the powerful democratic republic you see before you now. Behind the spoiler you'll find the accounts from my history factbook that cover the transition...

The Final Dominus
Anthony IV had been an avid student of Rhanukhani history and had named his sons in honour of the ancient founding rulers of the Unified Provinces. His firstborn had been named for Stephannos the Unifier while his second had been given the name of Stephannos' son, Helias Golden-Haired.

Destined for the throne, Stephannos had been strictly trained for the role of Dominus from birth. The same should have been true for Helias, but instead he had been notoriously disinterested in anything beyond his own pleasure.

Tragically, Stephannos died in a freak airship accident only weeks before his father's own death - an event that would radically alter the course of Rhanukhan's future.

Dominus Helias had no desire to attend to the affairs of state, but he did want to be adored by the people, as his father had before him. For the dozen years of his reign he was fond of throwing immense nationwide festivals and commissioning lavish, though frequently pointless, public works for the citizens in a vain attempt to go down in history as the most beloved ruler they'd ever had (many cities today contain some building or monument known to its residents as, "Helias' Folly"). Instead, his excesses had effectively bankrupted the nation, which had an economy in total collapse as a result of everybody dancing in the streets while their industries failed around them and, now that the citizens realized the depths that their leader had dragged them to, they were rioting.

Rhanukhan was in chaos. The Barons plotted to remove Helias, but couldn't choose a successor from among their number. The Merchant Princes had largely reverted to their traditional form and were each looking out for their own fortunes, transferring their wealth out of the nation. In March 2004AU, the head of the Prism family in Bhuravakhan, Princess Dorianne, recognised that something had to be done.

Dorianne approached the Dominus with the answer to all his problems. She purchased the position of Dominus for a sum which has never been made public and also threw in a fast jet so Helias and his family could get out before anybody discovered what he'd done. His current residence and identity remain a closely guarded secret to this day.

Mother of the Nation
Although she never claimed the title of Domina (the people of Rhanukhan have since gifted her the sobriquet, "Mother of the Nation", in honour of the role she played in its transformation), Dorianne did briefly assume the powers of that role and used them to radically shake up the governance of Rhanukhan. She didn't plan to simply replace one monarch with another. Following the convenient removal of the hereditary monarchy, she installed her son, Horatio J. Prism, as the nation's first Supreme Chairman - a position that would henceforth be elected by the people from the people.

---

Portrait of His Resplendence, the Supreme Chairman of Rhanukhan, Horatio J. Prism, alongside his Enlightened Mother, Dorianne, at the Prism family palace in Bhuravakhan Kaglakh.

---

But this wasn't the only change she made. Dorianne established a Citizens' Assembly, largely eradicating the power of the hereditary Barons of Nohyohva and Pretakhonia, and the Merchant Princes of Elamadh. National governance would now be handled by the democratically elected Citizens' Assembly. Each province would also elect its own Provincial Government, enjoying a previously unheard-of degree of devolved power. Any adult citizen of Rhanukhan had the right to stand for any position.

Various groups and organisations took advantage of the opportunity to form political parties and selected candidates to stand for the country's first democratic elections. Even Horatio J. Prism insisted that he would only hold on to the Supreme Chairman's position if the people willed it. A number of former Barons and Merchant Princes stood against him (undoubtedly with the intent of restoring the old order), but many of them who opted to take this route to power swiftly discovered that they had never been very popular.

Mr Prism won his first election and, of the various parties that had campaigned, the liberal socialist Party of the Golden Wing won the majority of seats in the Citizens' Assembly.

Inspired by the strong ethics that had made his mother the immense and popular business success that she was, the Supreme Chairman joined with the Party of the Golden Wing and swiftly set about changing the laws of Rhanukhan in order to make it leaner and fitter. Changes included the novel concept that every citizen was equal and would be given an equal chance to succeed or fail based purely on their own hard work. The largest portion of the national budget was - and still is - poured into education, providing every citizen with free schooling all the way up to university level. The new government wanted to ensure that each citizen had the opportunity to offer Rhanukhan their best.

All forms of gambling were made illegal (though these laws have relaxed somewhat in recent years), ensuring nobody could gain an advantage over their peers or lose all that they have worked to gain through a simple game of chance. All too often over the centuries the hereditary rulers - particularly Helias, the last Dominus - had proven that merely being born into the right bloodline was no guarantee of a person's quality. There would now be only limited inheritance, either wealth or position - almost everything (including the citizens' bodies) now became property of the state upon death. The sale of expired citizens' property would contribute to the national budget and help keep taxes low. Their bodies were harvested for organs for transplant by Rhanukhan's new national health service - another product of the Party of the Golden Wing's strong socialist policies.

All this sudden change, understandably, led to even worse rioting, discreetly encouraged by the Barons and Merchant Princes who did not take kindly to their loss of power. The first year or so of the new order is remembered as a time of terror and bloodshed, but eventually His Resplendence, the Supreme Chairman's "tough love" policies won out and a stronger, fitter nation arose. The people were delighted and something of a cult of personality has since emerged surrounding Horatio J. Prism.

---

The Palace of the Dedicated Worker (officially The Hall of the Citizens' Assembly of the Unified Provinces of Rhanukhan) viewed from Lady Helena's Square in Rhanukhan Kaglakh. The building serves as the primary office of the government of Rhanukhan and is the official home and workplace of the Rhanukhani Supreme Chairman, replacing the ancient Dominus' Grand Palace as the centre of power in Rhanukhan.

---

The people of Rhanukhan love finally having a real say in their nation's future and elections always see huge turnouts. Indeed, many provinces make their main election days an official holiday in order to allow everybody their moment in the voting booth. The position of Supreme Chairman is voted for directly by the entire Unified Provinces every six years and Horatio J. Prism has so far been victorious on each occasion since the inaugural 2004AU election - 2010AU, 2016AU and most recently in 2022AU.

After its brief dalliance with failure, Rhanukhan is once again recognized as a major global power of which its citizens, its Supreme Chairman and his Enlightened Mother can all be proud. Now every day the national motto rings out from schools, factories and offices across the nation: "Our hands toil that our hearts may dance!"

[Daphomir]

March 28, 2041 - Daphomir puts its latest (and by far the biggest) naval project, the ultra-battleship DNS Flumenia, into active service

[Israel and the Sinai]

3/28
2007: A Christian group was attacked by an Arab gang, 6 Christians dead.
2018: A man was arrested for bank robbery and battery
2023: A Jewish man was assaulted by 2 Christians
2024: A Christian man was harassed by a group of 3 Israeli Jews

[Vonum]

28th March 2016:

Albi Arabia, rated 'Vonum's Sexiest Woman 1999' dies aged 42 of a heart attack.

[Gudetamia]

Long ago, in the forums of an entirely unrelated website, a user started a thread about an online nation simulator game he'd discovered. He wondered if he could recruit a few of the locals to join him in creating a region and succeeded in luring a dozen or so people to a place called NationStates.net. One of those people decided to name their new nation after a country they'd invented in the games of their childhood many years prior - a country named Rhanukhan. Unlike all the other players who CTE'd within a matter of months, Rhanukhan persisted, and today celebrates twenty years since that first moment.

In Rhanukhan's history that day is recorded as the end of a tattered and failing monarchy and the beginning of the nation's transformation into the powerful democratic republic you see before you now. Behind the spoiler you'll find the accounts from my history factbook that cover the transition...

The Final Dominus
Anthony IV had been an avid student of Rhanukhani history and had named his sons in honour of the ancient founding rulers of the Unified Provinces. His firstborn had been named for Stephannos the Unifier while his second had been given the name of Stephannos' son, Helias Golden-Haired.

Destined for the throne, Stephannos had been strictly trained for the role of Dominus from birth. The same should have been true for Helias, but instead he had been notoriously disinterested in anything beyond his own pleasure.

Tragically, Stephannos died in a freak airship accident only weeks before his father's own death - an event that would radically alter the course of Rhanukhan's future.

Dominus Helias had no desire to attend to the affairs of state, but he did want to be adored by the people, as his father had before him. For the dozen years of his reign he was fond of throwing immense nationwide festivals and commissioning lavish, though frequently pointless, public works for the citizens in a vain attempt to go down in history as the most beloved ruler they'd ever had (many cities today contain some building or monument known to its residents as, "Helias' Folly"). Instead, his excesses had effectively bankrupted the nation, which had an economy in total collapse as a result of everybody dancing in the streets while their industries failed around them and, now that the citizens realized the depths that their leader had dragged them to, they were rioting.

Rhanukhan was in chaos. The Barons plotted to remove Helias, but couldn't choose a successor from among their number. The Merchant Princes had largely reverted to their traditional form and were each looking out for their own fortunes, transferring their wealth out of the nation. In March 2004AU, the head of the Prism family in Bhuravakhan, Princess Dorianne, recognised that something had to be done.

Dorianne approached the Dominus with the answer to all his problems. She purchased the position of Dominus for a sum which has never been made public and also threw in a fast jet so Helias and his family could get out before anybody discovered what he'd done. His current residence and identity remain a closely guarded secret to this day.

Mother of the Nation
Although she never claimed the title of Domina (the people of Rhanukhan have since gifted her the sobriquet, "Mother of the Nation", in honour of the role she played in its transformation), Dorianne did briefly assume the powers of that role and used them to radically shake up the governance of Rhanukhan. She didn't plan to simply replace one monarch with another. Following the convenient removal of the hereditary monarchy, she installed her son, Horatio J. Prism, as the nation's first Supreme Chairman - a position that would henceforth be elected by the people from the people.

---

(Image)

Portrait of His Resplendence, the Supreme Chairman of Rhanukhan, Horatio J. Prism, alongside his Enlightened Mother, Dorianne, at the Prism family palace in Bhuravakhan Kaglakh.

---

But this wasn't the only change she made. Dorianne established a Citizens' Assembly, largely eradicating the power of the hereditary Barons of Nohyohva and Pretakhonia, and the Merchant Princes of Elamadh. National governance would now be handled by the democratically elected Citizens' Assembly. Each province would also elect its own Provincial Government, enjoying a previously unheard-of degree of devolved power. Any adult citizen of Rhanukhan had the right to stand for any position.

Various groups and organisations took advantage of the opportunity to form political parties and selected candidates to stand for the country's first democratic elections. Even Horatio J. Prism insisted that he would only hold on to the Supreme Chairman's position if the people willed it. A number of former Barons and Merchant Princes stood against him (undoubtedly with the intent of restoring the old order), but many of them who opted to take this route to power swiftly discovered that they had never been very popular.

Mr Prism won his first election and, of the various parties that had campaigned, the liberal socialist Party of the Golden Wing won the majority of seats in the Citizens' Assembly.

Inspired by the strong ethics that had made his mother the immense and popular business success that she was, the Supreme Chairman joined with the Party of the Golden Wing and swiftly set about changing the laws of Rhanukhan in order to make it leaner and fitter. Changes included the novel concept that every citizen was equal and would be given an equal chance to succeed or fail based purely on their own hard work. The largest portion of the national budget was - and still is - poured into education, providing every citizen with free schooling all the way up to university level. The new government wanted to ensure that each citizen had the opportunity to offer Rhanukhan their best.

All forms of gambling were made illegal (though these laws have relaxed somewhat in recent years), ensuring nobody could gain an advantage over their peers or lose all that they have worked to gain through a simple game of chance. All too often over the centuries the hereditary rulers - particularly Helias, the last Dominus - had proven that merely being born into the right bloodline was no guarantee of a person's quality. There would now be only limited inheritance, either wealth or position - almost everything (including the citizens' bodies) now became property of the state upon death. The sale of expired citizens' property would contribute to the national budget and help keep taxes low. Their bodies were harvested for organs for transplant by Rhanukhan's new national health service - another product of the Party of the Golden Wing's strong socialist policies.

All this sudden change, understandably, led to even worse rioting, discreetly encouraged by the Barons and Merchant Princes who did not take kindly to their loss of power. The first year or so of the new order is remembered as a time of terror and bloodshed, but eventually His Resplendence, the Supreme Chairman's "tough love" policies won out and a stronger, fitter nation arose. The people were delighted and something of a cult of personality has since emerged surrounding Horatio J. Prism.

---

(Image)

The Palace of the Dedicated Worker (officially The Hall of the Citizens' Assembly of the Unified Provinces of Rhanukhan) viewed from Lady Helena's Square in Rhanukhan Kaglakh. The building serves as the primary office of the government of Rhanukhan and is the official home and workplace of the Rhanukhani Supreme Chairman, replacing the ancient Dominus' Grand Palace as the centre of power in Rhanukhan.

---

The people of Rhanukhan love finally having a real say in their nation's future and elections always see huge turnouts. Indeed, many provinces make their main election days an official holiday in order to allow everybody their moment in the voting booth. The position of Supreme Chairman is voted for directly by the entire Unified Provinces every six years and Horatio J. Prism has so far been victorious on each occasion since the inaugural 2004AU election - 2010AU, 2016AU and most recently in 2022AU.

After its brief dalliance with failure, Rhanukhan is once again recognized as a major global power of which its citizens, its Supreme Chairman and his Enlightened Mother can all be proud. Now every day the national motto rings out from schools, factories and offices across the nation: "Our hands toil that our hearts may dance!"

For your country,happy 20th Birthday!

[Chita-Hanto]

On this day (March 29)
1991 - First Ōdaka war starts after a failed attempt to retake the area.
2006 - A Japan Airlines flight 914 heading to Ishigaki is gunned down by a military aircraft violating the airspace and flying above Tokoname.
2019 - The town of Higashiura hits 200,000 population, and was elevated to city status.
2024 - Leader of the country announces a visit to nearby countries in Shikoku.

[The Union of Socialist-Soviet Republics]

On this day, March 28, 1972, the Soviet Union conducted a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk 'Polygon' Test Site in the Northeast Kazakh SSR.

[Lehpuhrta]

April 10th 2008

It had been a few weeks, but in the ongoing "Great Banana Rush" roleplay of this year, Rhanukhan returned its attention to events in Lehpuhrta...

[Rhanukhani State News Network Midday Bulletin]

Good afternoon viewers. The time is twelve o'clock and I'm Trent Butterknife bringing you the news all across England thanks to the Rhanukhan OrbiTech satellite communications network!

Today's main headlines:

Strange New Sight in the Skies: Today saw the maiden flight of the exciting new FS41 "Starhawk" fighter aircraft developed by Rhanukhan AeroTech – a subsidiary of Malachite Evolving Enterprises. This innovative new aircraft has been developed as a result of research into the new element, Bananætherium, which is currently being extensively mined on the island of Lehpuhrta.

Bananætherium’s unusual gravity manipulating properties mean that the "Starhawk" fighter doesn’t employ conventional jet technology, but instead levitates and manoeuvres via its own personal gravity field, manipulated by the pilot. This offers unprecedented manoeuvrability of a kind that would kill any ordinary pilot, which has required the Air Fleet to employ specially developed GBI-1 crewmen.

Experimental flights, testing the "Starhawk"'s limits and abilities are expected to continue over the coming days and RSNN’s science correspondent, Jonathan Spatula, will be bringing us regular updates from Golden Fields AFB in Khun.

Lehpuhrtan Boom!: The Bananætherium mines of Lehpuhrta have turned that province's fortunes around and recent figures reveal that it currently enjoys the fastest growing economy in Rhanukhan. Governor Constantine Malachite - seen here leaving hospital yesterday, following treatment for an unspecified disease which has kept him out of the public eye for the last two weeks - will undoubtedly be delighted with the news.

And finally: In a special feature, provincial governor of Bahamghar, movie legend and action hero, Brett Showercap - star of "Total Relapse" and the "Khonahn" movies shows Sophie Futon around his palatial new official residence on the shores of the Sea of Regret.

All the news, sport and tomorrow's weather coming right after this break...

Reporting on Bananætherium's gravity-defying properties was the foreshadowing for Lehpuhrta's future as a flying island. Constantine Malachite's stay in hospital was something other than treatment for a disease, as would be revealed in the coming days.

[Lehpuhrta]

April 11th 2008

Following months of setup, the Symyano invasion fleet made its first appearance at the edge of the solar system - I wonder how many of the players realised what was coming?

[Rhanukhani State News Network Late Night Bulletin]

Good evening viewers. The time is ten o'clock and I'm Trent Butterknife bringing you the news all across England thanks to the Rhanukhan OrbiTech satellite communications network!

Tonight's main headlines:

Eyes on the Skies: Astronomers at the Kanghari Main Observatory are warning of a possible new NEO - that's "Near England Object" - comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to enter England's neighbourhood. The object was noticed during routine observation of a section of sky when it was realised a particular star was missing. There was no evidence that it had gone nova leaving the only explanation being that a large dark object had recently moved between us and it.

Authorities are naturally concerned about celestial impacts following the destruction of the nation of Britain's Empire when the infamous "Banana" fell on it late last year. A special team is being assembled to locate and study the object. We'll keep you updated on any new developments.

Eyes Still on the Skies: RSNN’s science correspondent, Jonathan Spatula, brings us his regular update on the experimental new FS41 "Starhawk" fighter aircraft from Golden Fields AFB in Khun.

And finally: We join Gillian Towelrail out in the field for exclusive live coverage of a special surprise event - stay tuned!

The "special surprise event" is hidden behind the spoiler below and related to a series of suspicious broken radio messages between two unidentified characters that had been taking place over the previous few months...

[Special Live Broadcast from Rhanukhani State News Network]

Hello and good evening viewers! You join me, Gillian Towelrail, here at a secret location with members of the Rhanukhani National Security Agency for exclusive coverage of their latest operation and trust me - this is huge!

Billy - point that camera over there...

As you can see, viewers, I'm here alongside RNSA Agent, Delores Spicerack - who was involved in the Gabriel Matthews incident a couple of months ago - and a fully armed and armoured assault squad. The RNSA consider this a priority mission and are taking no chances... oops - it looks like we're going in!...

Gillian Towelrail, Rhanukhani State News Network (Secret Location - 22:26, 11/04/08)

---

[Transmission intercepted by Rhanukhani National Security Agency - Internal Division]

...and the GBI-2 process was a complete success - the world believes I was in the hospital because of a simple illness.

Wonderful news Mr Malachite... and speaking of news, did you see the reports from Kanghari today?

Indeed I did Professor, and I immediately set the OrbiTech Satellite Network to study the object.

And?...

It is as we feared! The Symyano Fleet is approaching.

It can't be! It's all happening too soon!

I'm afraid it is, Professor - we can only hope our -

*muffled thumping*

What the -

*sound of doors crashing open and numerous booted feet entering the room*

CONSTANTINE MALACHITE! THIS IS AGENT SPICERACK OF THE RNSA - YOU ARE UNDER ARREST FOR TREASON!!!

No! Not now!!!

Mr Malachite?! What is it? What's-

Lucy! Cut the signal now! Don't let them-

[signal lost]

---

[Special Live Broadcast from Rhanukhani State News Network]

...and the RNSA agents have surrounded Governor Constantine Malachite! They're demanding his immediate surrender on charges of treason!

Billy! Zoom in on that!

*camera shakily attempts to focus through the broken down doors of the governor's office, revealing a smartly dressed Constantine Malachite backing away from a radio. Armed and armoured RNSA operatives are fanning out around the room.*

Yes, it is indeed Mr Malachite... he appears to be - oh my! He's attacking them!

*Though clearly unarmed, an enraged looking Constantine rushes the nearest operative and, with a single blow, slams him back into the wall. Chaos erupts in the office.*

"CLOSE COMBAT, MEN - THE AGENCY NEEDS HIM ALIVE! DON'T SHOOT UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!"

He's - he's - are you getting this Billy?! - he's taking them all on! This is incredible!

*Constantine, displaying superhuman strength, throws an operative across the room into two more before running towards the door*

He's coming this way! Billy!!!

"STOP HIM!"

*An operative draws a pistol and shoots Constantine in the leg. Constantine goes down just feet from the camera*

-GASP!- Billy! Get that!

*RNSA operatives rush out into the corridor*

erm... you join me here at the Governor's Residence in Lehpuhrta, viewers, where we've just witnessed -

*Constantine leaps up, seemingly uninjured by the shot, and grabs the nearest operative - Agent Spicerack - in a headlock, using her as a shield*

"I can't let you interfere! Not now! Everybody back off!!"

*The camera pans left to right showing operatives frozen in a moment of confusion - Constantine sees his chance and takes it. Throwing Agent Spicerack into the squad, he wheels and sprints down the corridor at world record speed, clearly heading for the large window leading outside*

"DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY! FIRE AT WILL!!!"

*A choked Agent Spicerack weakly attempts to countermand the operative's order, but it's too late - a hail of bullets tears down the corridor, hammering into the fleeing figure and slamming him into the far wall. He goes limp and collapses to the floor. The operatives rush down, closely followed by the camera*

I-I-I-I don't believe what we've just witnessed, viewers! Constantine Malachite, millionaire business mogul and provincial governor... gunned down and killed in his own-

"He's not dead! Quickly, you saw what he was like! Get him cuffed and in the helicopter!"

He's not...? Billy! Get that camera in here!

*Camera swings down and focuses on the fallen body. Although his suit is ripped to shreds and his skin is appallingly bruised, there is no sign of any blood anywhere and Constantine groans quite audibly as the RNSA men slap their heaviest cuffs on him and hoist him up*

That's... that's impossible!

"Uuuurgh! Gen-GeneTech technology at it's -umph!- f-finest, my dear!"

*In spite of the obvious pain, Constantine manages one of his charismatic smiles for the camera*

"TAKE HIM AWAY!"

um... er... well viewers, what can I add to that? You've just witnessed the arrest of Governor Constantine Malachite on charges of treason. What does this all mean? We go back to Trent in the studio for more on this exciting story - exclusively on Rhanukhan State News Network!

Billy, cut the camera - I think I'm going to be si-

Gillian Towelrail, Rhanukhani State News Network (Governor's Residence, Lehpuhrta - 23:00, 11/04/08)

---

[Somewhere in Rhanukhan]

+++VOICE PATTERN RECOGNISED - WELCOME TO THE MALACHITE EVOLVING ENTERPRISES MASTER NETWORK, PROFESSOR BEATRICE WARDROBE - LEVEL 2 SECURITY CLEARANCE GRANTED+++

No... no need for that any more, computer... it's all started now... we need to get everything moving - Constantine is already out of the picture... until we can get him back it's all up to me.

Computer, activate Project: Golden Crescent - password: Regina!

+++VOICE PATTERN RECOGNISED - PASSWORD ACCEPTED - WELCOME TO THE MALACHITE EVOLVING ENTERPRISES MASTER NETWORK, PROFESSOR LUCY SIDEBOARD - COMPLETE SECURITY CLEARANCE AND COMMAND GRANTED+++

---

Anybody wondering what had become of "Queen Lucy of Lazarastra" had their answer at last.

[Lehpuhrta]

April 12th 2008

As the Symyano Fleet approached, the previous day's arrest of Constantine Malachite was used as a plot device to bring other players up to speed on exactly what I'd been busy setting up with events over the previous months (see interview behind spoiler below).

[Rhanukhani State News Network Late Evening Bulletin]

Good evening viewers. The time is eight o'clock and I'm Trent Butterknife bringing you the news all across England thanks to the Rhanukhan OrbiTech satellite communications network!

Tonight's main headlines:

Nightmare in the Skies: Reports from the Kanghari Main Observatory have confirmed the presence of a large cluster of celestial objects on a collision course with England! A time of arrival and potential locations of impact are still being estimated, but this could prove to be the most devastating event in modern history. Considering the destruction of the nation of Britain's Empire when the infamous "Banana" fell on it late last year, the government has initiated a state of high alert and sent out warnings to all nations in England. The special team assembled to locate and study the objects has now been expanded with experts from many different disciplines to develop measures for preventing an impact or dealing with the aftermath of one. We'll keep you updated on any new developments.

Chaos in the Marketplace: Shares in companies under the Malachite Evolving Enterprises umbrella were in freefall today following the arrest of the corporation's owner, Constantine Malachite. Financial correspondent, Wendy Collander, will be bringing us her report on today's events.

It's Treason Then?: Billionaire business mogul and provincial governor, Constantine Malachite remains in the custody of the Rhanukhani National Security Agency following his spectacular arrest last night. No specific details are being released at present but speculation amongst outside sources suggest he may be connected with the Lazarastran uprising earlier this year. We join roving reporter, Sophie Futon for the opinion of the man in the street.

And finally: RSNN’s science correspondent, Jonathan Spatula, brings us his regular update from Golden Fields AFB in Khun on the experimental new FS41 "Starhawk" fighter aircraft which today was put through a sub-orbital test flight.

All the news, sport and tomorrow's weather coming right after this break...

---

[Live Broadcast from Rhanukhani State News Network]

Helloooo and good evening viewers! I'm roving reporter, Sophie Futon, here on the streets of Rhanukhan Kaglakh to get your opinions on todays big stories!

[Claire Radiator - 76 - cake factory worker]
I'm shocked, naturally - Mr Malachite always seemed like such a nice chap on the telly!

[Stuart Monkeywrench - 37 - stock market trader]
My shares! My money!!! Nooooooo!!!!!

[Donna Tungsten - 43 - amateur astronomer]
I'm thrilled at the prospect of seeing such a sight! My telescope has been pointed at that section of the sky since last night - hopefully I'll be able to see the asteroids soon!

[Nigel Doorstop - 19 - internet entrepreneur]
Aliens!! It's aliens, I'm telling you! And that Malachite guy? I never trusted him! You can't trust the corporations, people! Did you know his company's name can be abbreviated to MalEvolEnt? huh? huh? Tell me that's just coincidence!!!

[Bobby Dishcloth - 9 - clothing factory worker]
I think it's a really cool plane - it's gonna be awesome fighting the other countries!!!

Sophie Futon, Rhanukhani State News Network (Rhanukhan Kaglakh - 20:09, 12/04/08)

[First interview with Constantine Malachite. Agent Delores Spicerack interrogating.]

DS: We've been gathering information on you for some time now, Mr Malachite - is there anything you'd like to say?

CM: I have done nothing against the interests of Rhanukhan and recommend that you release me immediately.

DS: I beg to differ, Mr Malachite - the Agency has reason to believe that you are personally responsible for a number of major incidents over the last few months - not least of which was the uprising in Lazarastra! Do you know how many people died during that?

CM: Yes, it was a tragic event but I can assure you I played no part in it, Ms Spicerack - Delores, isn't it?

DS: Agent Spicerack to you, Mr Malachite!

CM: I see. Continue then... Agent Spicerack.

DS: Admit it, Malachite - you initiated that whole thing as a cover for your development of the GeneTech Banana Infantryman project! I mean, look at the numbers! You even used the Lazarastran colonists as the first wave - they're not artificially produced clones at all!

CM: I doubt very much you can prove such a ludicrous fantasy, Agent Spicerack - if this is the sort of accusation I'm going to be facing you may as well let me go right now.

DS: I can hold you purely on the charge of assaulting me and my operatives, Mr Malachite - two of them are still in the hospital right now - how did you do that?

CM: I believe you'll find they invaded my home and attacked me, Agent Spicerack. As for my prowess against them - let's put that down to a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, shall we!

DS: You were shot several times and you're sitting here fine and dandy! Even the bruising has almost completely gone! What are you?

CM: Nothing special - just your average billionaire businessman.

DS: Don't play games, Malachite - what about Lucy Sideboard?!

CM: What of her?

DS: She works for you!

CM: She did - she stopped being an employee of mine when she appointed herself queen of Lazarastra.

DS: She works for you now, dammit! You were talking to her on the radio when we arrested you! I heard you call her name!

CM: There are plenty of Lucy's in the world, Agent Spicerack.

DS: Where is she???!!!

CM: I honestly couldn't say.

DS: Nnn! What about Gabriel Matthews? What did he know?

CM: Gabriel who? I'm sorry, Agent Spicerack - I really don't know what you're talking about.

DS: I know that was your submarine that sank the Phoenix! Who else could it have been? What was on that boat, Malachite?!

CM: Again, I have no idea what you're talking about.

DS: Fine! Perhaps you'd prefer to explain why you suppressed so much information when you took over the space program!

CM: I did no such thing.

DS: No? A whistle-blower managed to get some files out before you got to him. You had the Diligence shot down, didn't you?

CM: I think we both know that's an outrageous fabrication.

DS: You did! You set everything up for an easy takeover of the space program! What are you playing at, Malachite? If I was as much of a conspiracy theorist as some of the people I deal with I'd be very concerned about all the things you've been putting in orbit lately.

CM: Ah well, if you've been listening to such people that would explain why I've been hauled in here - and to think, the RNSA used to be such a professional organisation!

DS: *fist slams on table* Dammit, Malachite! We know what you're doing! Well, you won't be doing it for the time being - take him back to the cells - we'll try again tomorrow!

[Republica Federal de Catalunya]

12th April.

1229 treaty of Meaux ends the Albigencian crusade.
1779 Treaty of Aranjuez We sign together with France and Spain an agreement to declare War on Britain.
1931 Presidential Elections Former General Francesc Macià center left Republican Party wins the General election. The first presidential election in which women can vote.
1942 9th (Catalan) Troop 10th Inter allied commando is formed.
1948 Divorce Law restored.
1949 My Parliament official Document DOPC publishes the Ratification of the Treaty of Washington (April 4th) ratifying NATO's membership
1964 the Journalist and Spymaster Gaziel dies He was the Free Catalan Intelligence Section during WW2.
2013 Catalan wikipedia edition gets article 500000.