TS' Yue Shrine Officially Incorporates [ATTN: CC]

[TurtleShroom]

NATIONSTATES

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
FILED AS ARTICLE X INSTITUTION PERSUANT TO TURTLESHROOMER LAW, AS EVALUATED AND APPROVED BY THE STATE

We, the petitioners for Articles of Incorporation for this institution, hereby, in pursuance to law, submit the following Articles of Incorporation to the Ministry of the Storehouse’s Religious Division in accordance with their Hierarchic Religion Directive, assuming legal personhood and control for all subordinate institutions chartered in this Institution’s name.


ARTICLE I – NAME, TRADEMARKS, PHRASES, AMONG OTHERS
The name of this Institution shall officially be filed as the Grand Mystic Royal Order of the Nobles of the Temple of the Yue Shrine, LLC. We register also the shortened name TS Yue Shrine, LLC and GMROY as an alternate division name for filing and governmental purposes and hereby claim trademarks for domestic use in TurtleShroom for the phrases “Grand Mystic Royal Order”, “Shriner”, “Yue“, “Potentate”, Lustrous Potentate,” and “Bubba”, and the right to grant our clerics the title of “Noble”, “Potentate” and “Lustrous Potentate”, and “Bubba”.

ARTICLE II – INDUSTRY AND DETAILS REQUIRED BY LAW
The Order is a non-profit Article X Religious/Parochial institution filed under the TurtleShroomer laws governing legitimate religions logged in the “White Book”. The details concerning the Yue Shrine is found under section Q4-2012, alongside the questions required to answer as enclosed in form LTE1-NPX.

PAROCHIAL FORM LTE1-NPX-

• DEITY WORSHIPPED: the Order does not serve or worship a deity, but rather believes in the existence of a Balance of good, evil, of right, and wrong, of spiritually warring religions fights to remain stable.
• SATAN OPPOSED: the Order does not have a specific evil force, instead believing that throwing off the Balance is the greatest evil. The Order believes that throwing off the Balance is nearly impossible, but can be done.
• HEAD OF CHURCH: The official Supreme Pontiff of TS Yue Shrine, LLC, is the High Priestess of the City of Yoitsu of the Yue Commissariat. All orders issued by the same are to be followed to the fullest extent of the resources available to the Order and to the absolute fullest extent permitted by a private institution.
• AFTERLIFE AND SOULS? – [Y/N] [Y/N]
  IF YES, DEFINE:
  The Order believes that there is an afterlife and that all beings are sent there upon their death. The Order believes that dead beings manifest as ghosts (“spirits”) of their former selves and continue their existence. The Order believes that beings that die are ushered to the Spirit World and granted the ability to behave independently, for virtue or malice, including but not limited to exiting the Spirit World and walking the moral realm.
  
• HEAVEN/PARADISE EQUIVALENT: The Order does not subscribe to a rewarding afterlife. The Order only believes in a Spirit World.
  
• HELL/TORMENT EQUIVALENT: The Order does not subscribe to eternal death. The Order only believes in a Spirit World.
  
• DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENS TO NON-BELIEVERS AT DEATH:
  The Order believes that all creatures are sent to the Spirit World. The Order believes that creatures that did not follow the Yue’s path will not find themselves as favored or spawning in a place as “lucky” as those that do. The Order believes that those who follow the path of Yue will be granted extremely long lives on the mortal plane and great power for maintaining the Balance so effectively.
  
  
• DISICPLES WITH SPECIFIC MORAL REQUIREMENTS THAT COULD CONFLICT WITH TS LAW OR CULTURE? – [Y/N]
  LIST:
  1. Yue Shrine believers are to oppose, in civil and lawful measures, the segregation and any marginalization of the nekomimi race of beings, as well as similar nekomimi-esque beings, such as Kitsune. All Yue disciples are expected to oppose this in the political front in accordance with lawful state avenues and to perform this duty until all discrimination of Nekomimi are neutralized.
  
  2. Yue Shrine believers, in democratic settings, are expected to vote as told by their clerics, but are by no means required.
  
  3. Silver is considered sacred under the Order and cannot be surrendered to any worldly force. The value of silver can only be appraised under the auspices of the Order.
  
  4. Yue clerics practice a special form of psychic/supernatural power (which is not magic) to maintain contact with and perform maintenance of and to the Balance. The Order believes that this power is needed for proper conduct, and it is not used on any other being or on one’s self, except to dispense the duties of office.
  (This is similar to how South Landers believe the Jewish priests of old used incense, fumes, sacrifices, and offerings to communicate with their Deity.)
  
  5. TS Yue Shrine, LLC, will train its clerics to ride motorized bicycles (motorcycles) and disproportionately tiny automobiles in all parades, each of which run on whale oil or kerosene, propane, or a fuel that is not traditional gasoline.
  Gasoline is mass produced and cheap in TurtleShroom and is therefore considered against the practice of maintaining handmade and quality products, services, and pure lifestyles. As such, gasoline is never, ever a permissible fuel for combustion in any Yue or Yue-related apparatus that requires combustion.
  Yue Shrine will also operate its own non-nuclear plants for electricity and may venture into the processing of kerosene for electrification of its establishments, or can and will resort to the use of alternatives, such as coal, biofuels, micro-generation wind power, micro-generation solar power, and other assortments of fuel as deemed fit and legal within TurtleShroomer law. (Applicable filing for divisions and permits will be obeyed when they arise.)
  Yue Shrine, LLC, also requests to be allowed to import whale oil regardless of TurtleShroomer law, past, present or future, as a religious exemption, for the harvesting and use of whale oil is sacred to the Order.
  
  
• CAN BELIEVERS BE CONSCRIPTED TO USE LETHAL FORCE IN WAR? – [Y/N]
  IF NO, DEFINE: N/A
  
• CAN BELIEVERS PROPERLY OBSERVE THE PROHIBITION OF ALCOHOL? – [[/B]Y[/B]/N]
  
• DO BELIEVERS BELIEVE IN AND SUBMIT TO THE EXISTENCE OF A GOVERNMENT? [Y/N]
  A GOVERNMENT THAT IS NOT OF THEIR FAITH? [Y/N]
  A GOVERNMENT OBSERVING AND SUBDIZING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH? [Y/N]
  
• IS THIS INSTITUTION REPRESENTATIVE OR ABLE TO REPRESENT ALL MEMBERS AND SUBORDINATES OF THE FAITH AS A LEGAL PERSON, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITING TO THE ABILITY TO SUE AND BE SUED, OWN LAND AND DISTRIBUTE RESOURCES, ETC.? – [Y/N]
  
• DOES THIS INSTITUTION ENCOURAGE OR REQUIRE ITS BELIEVERS TO PROLESTYZE OR WITNESS? – [Y/N]
  DOES THIS INSTITUTION EXPECT OF ITS BELIEVERS TO DONATE TO THE CAUSE BY TITHES, OFFERINGS, OR OTHER SURRENDERING OF POSSESSIONS? – [Y/N]
  
• DOES THIS INSTITUTION ACCEPT TURTLESHROOMER CURRENCY UNCONDITIONALLY FOR TITHES, OFFERINGS, AND TREASURY PURPOSES? – [Y/N]
  IF NO, DEFINE:
  The Order only accepts silver as reserves and funds in its Treasury. All TurtleShroomer currency will be exchanged at market value into silver and silver bullion, or, when available, Yue Commissariat Silver Coins. If silver or the aforementioned Coins are not legal tender, the Order will, again, exchange the currency at market value into the legal tender of the area, but must have silver in its Treasury and reserves, for silver is holy to the Order.
  
• ANYTHING ELSE? – N/A

ARTICLE III – MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Grand Mystic Royal Order of the Yue Shrine is to further and advance any and all goals as decreed by Yue Shrine Inc., of Comrade Commissar’s Yue Commissariat.

TS Yue Shrine, LLC is commanded to serve as a peaceful, lawful Balance to the lobbying force of Christendom in the realm, not to fight or lessen it, but to balance it and allow for a fairer, richer, more inclusive culture.

TS Yue Shrine, LLC is commanded to invest in TurtleShroomer resources and turn a profit for the betterment of the Order, its believers, Yoitsu, and the multi-verse.


ARTICLE IV – STATEMENT OF FAITH:
The Grand Mystic Royal Order of the Yue Shrine, LLC, believes that all creatures are part of a massive balancing act. The Order believes that there is no explicitly “good” side of the Balance, nor an explicitly “evil” side of the Balance.

The Institution believes that itself, TS Yue Shrine, LLC, is vested with the noble and virtuous task to enlighten and protect mortals by teaching them the ways of the Balance and how to maintain it as a force of good, or at least relative good in comparison to its opponents. Without itself existing, the Order believes that the Balance could collapse.



ARTICLE V – CLERICS IN ORDER OF SUBORDINATION (IF APPLICABLE), DIVISIONS (IF APPLICABLE), PROMOTION:
The Grand Mystic Royal Order hereby authorizes itself to ordain, train, consecrate, and establish subsidiary parochial institutions to create clerics and representatives of the Order to teach, train, and enlighten the laity of the Institution.

Supranational:
HIGH PRIESTESS OF YOITSU: the Head of Church in the global hierarchy of the Order. No cleric in any nation outranks the High Priestess of Yoitsu.
{“Mother Yoitsu” and “Your Majestic Grace” are acceptable manners of address in the English language to the High Priestess of Yoitsu. The suffix “[SUCCESSION NUMBER] High Priestess of Yoitsu, Defender of the Faith” is added to the officeholder’s name.}

HIGH PRIEST/PRIESTESS: A superiorly ranked cleric allowed to make orders on behalf of Yoitsu, with Yoitsu’s consent, and to act independently if needed over dioceses.

PRIEST/PRIESTESS: No cleric of the TurtleShroomer branch of the Order may claim the title of “Priest” or “Priestess”. This honor is reserved to the Architects in the North Lands, who while de jure are equal to TurtleShroomer clerics, are to be de facto treated as if they were superior.

[List]
Domestic:
BUBBA: The highest national cleric in the Order is vested the title of “Bubba”. “Bubba” is an acronym for Bound to Undertake the Beliefs and Bylaws of this Association.
{“Bubba” is the manner of address to the officeholder, unisex. “Bubba” is a suffix added to the officeholder’s name.}
[Supranational equivalent: High Priest/Priestess.]

LUSTROUS POTENTATE: An intermediately ranked cleric under Bubba and over the Noble and Shrine Maiden/Squire. Lustrous Potentates operate various positions of power and encompass varying jurisdictions depending on a new incarnation of this office’s diocese’s creation, demographics, scarcity, size, and importance.
{“The Lustrous Potentate of DIOCESE/JURISDICTION” is the matter of address, of reference, and the name of the cleric when dispensing the duties of office. The prefix “Lustrous Potentate”, is affixed to the officeholder’s name.”}
[Supranational equivalent: N/A]

NOBLE: The traditional keeper, teacher, overseer, and operator of any given Yue Shrine diocese. Nobles are the clerics that Shriners (the laity) seek help from and answer to for matters of belief, faith, knowledge, guidance, etc. .
{“Noble” is the manner of address and the prefix affixed to the officeholder’s name.}
[Supranational equivalent: Priest.]

SHRINE MAIDEN/SQUIRE: Technically a layman, the Shrine Maiden (or Shrine Squire for males) is the custodian, both literal janitor and figurative maintenance worker, that serves the clerics and the Shrine’s tasks. Maidens/Squires perform administrative and non-parochial tasks like paperwork, bookkeeping, cleaning, and general service to the Noble or other’s leisure, needs, and wants. Shrine Maidens/Squires also serve, at the death of a believer, as the sexton for the graveyards if applicable to the given Shrine.
{Shrine Maidens/Squires do not receive a title.}
[Supranational equivalent bares similar name and function.]

SHRINER: A “Shriner” is the official and proper term for a layman that is a converted believer to the Grand Mystic Royal Order of the Yue Shrine. All non-believers receive no such thing.
{Shriners do not technically receive a title, but do address one another as “Shriner [SURNAME]” and use the demonym “Shriner”.}

---

ARTICLE VI – FORM INDEX AND SUMMARIZATION IF APPLICABLE:
(See attached forms for

1. FORM A – VESTMENTS DESCRIPTION
[See attached images.]

2. FORM B – BYLAWS OF ORGANIZATION
[Bylaws and statements of belief are coordinated by Yoitsu and are not applicable.]

3. FORM C – MAKEUP
[All creatures, regardless of legal recognition, may become members of and serve in clerical offices in the Order, subject only to veto by Yoitsu or Bubba.]

4. FORM D – GENDER STATEMENTS FOR CLERICS AND OFFICEHOLDERS
[Male, female, or asexual beings may hold any office in the Order, subject only to veto by Yoitsu or Bubba.]

5. FORM E – SEGREGATION OR INTEGRATION DEMANDS
[In the absence of private security, TS Yue Shrine, LLC, requires the state to enforce full integration and protection of the integration of the nekomimi race of beings with all other Shriners within the private grounds of any Shrine. Those charged with violation are to be removed from the premises or else be charged.]

6. FORM F – NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
[No existing TurtleShroomer area is fitting for a headquarters of TS Yue Shrine, LLC, currently. The Order is to facilitate and fund the construction of a new city in the deserts for its own use and command. The city will be filed as a “company town”.]

7. FORM G – DEFINITION OF HOUSE OF WORSHIP/PRACTICE OF FAITH
[A building used by TS Yue Shrine, LLC, for adherence to the faith is called a “Shrine”.]

8. FORM H – OUTREACH
[The Grand Mystic Royal Order of the Yue Shrine, LLC, will primarily engage in outreach through parades, sponsorships, festivities, and benevolence to causes such as the infirmed, homeless, and needy.]

[Comrade Commisar]

Litlin, Turtleshroom

---

"...it's hot..."

Walking upon the streets of Litlin having just entered the city, a rather tall woman looked grudgingly onward as she suffered though the intense climate of Turtleshroom, obviously unadapted to such heat in the middle of winter. The woman, of rather pale complection, equiped with a steel chest plate and leg armor, and also bearing a scarlet-colored greatcoat over her shoulders, was easily distinguishable as a foreigner within these parts - prepared for heavy tundra and moderate climates rather than arid desert. Upon her side was her trusty rapier, used for protection against ruffians and savages within the unknown world, although it was seemingly small considered to her escort composed both of North Land crossbowmen and Scarlet Guards. She was High Priestess Alexandria, leader of the Imperial Shrine of Asahina as well as a noble within the House of Lords, withholding major influence within the North Lands.

Born to a North Land mother and an Asahinan father, the young woman enjoyed the best of both worlds, growing well-mannered and cultured in both the Yue Empire and Asahinan Commonwealth. However, if there was but one thing that the young woman did not like about anything within both lands, it was the fire and brimstone speeches of the Anglican Church - herself eventually converting towards the religion of the Imperial Shrine at a young age. When she reached the age of majority, the young woman was introduced to a world of opportunity, eventually taking the adventurous route of exploration and navigation, sailing into the unknown and claiming territories within the name of the Commonwealth and Imperial Shrine - quickly becoming a legend within her homeland. Knighted into the House of Lords upon her return, she soon after became elected as the High Priestess of Asahina after the establishment of the Imperial Shrine within the Commonwealth, earning the title 'Explorer of the North Lands' for her efforts in expanding the influence of her homeland abroad.

Alas, as an explorer, High Priestess Alexandria often faired the unknown, but alas, she was now within lands of which remain barren and unforgiving even to her; Turtleshroom, the South Lands. Arriving to supervise and observe the stunningly fast expanding and influential Imperial Shrine of Turtleshroom - or what other horrid name had been made in place - the High Priestess was exceedingly wary of this new section of the Imperial Shrine. Rumors had been spread amongst many Far Northerners that this new branch of the Imperial Shrine was an abomination, a radical expansion of the shrine into some sort of comedy and jest. Now, it was known that the Far North had always been rather extreme in thought, even towards the Imperial Shrine of Yoitsu, but nevertheless, the High Priestess could not help but feel uneasy. Looking around for the Imperial Shrine of Litlin to meet the leaders of this new branch, as well as to get out of the heat, High Priestess Alexandria could feel the pain of the many North Landers who came before her into this rediculous climate, asking herself what kind of creature would find such heat and aridness satisfactory.

Fortunately, or rather, unfortunately, there was but one man who felt the need to converse with the High Priestess, although whether he truly wished to converse or taunt exceedingly was certainly questionable in every right...

"Ah, look! It is the little explorer from the North Lands!" Laughed Colonel Sharpe, leader of a mercenary regiment employed by the Commonwealth South Tea Company, "Did you tire of sailing 'round the ocean sea and playing with your little handful of knights, little mouse? Have you come seeking bigger game, or have you come to help cleanse these South Lands of the despicable lot of third-worlderss with me? I'm sure we can have much fun, little mouse, putting each of these South Landers' woes to rest... slowly ending their eternal suffering and enhancing their travel to their 'god'. Hehe, what say you, little mouse?"

"Colonel Aaron Sharpe, a dishonored Scarlet Guard turned blood-thirsty mercenary. I might ask of you the same question as to what you are doing within the South Lands, although saying that I would care for the motives of filth would be going quite far." High Priestess Alexandria said.

"Quite the tongue this one has! If you are not careful, perhaps I'll cut it off my dear little mouse." Sharpe replied, receiving sadistic grins from his mercenaries, "Worry not, I would never harm such small game, although I cannot say the same of these third-world savages..."

High Priestess Alexandria squinted her eyes in annoyance, Sharpe continuing his speech.

"... rumors are going about, of filthy third-world savages taking advantage of women such as yourself. They lure them like game towards secluded areas, where said women are never seen or heard from again... well, I should not say that... their corpses are seen, hehe..." Colonel Sharpe smiled sinisterly, "Filthy mongrels they are! Hiding behind the walls of their Churches, feigning holy intent whilst withholding sinful desires. They are but an cunning, opportunistic feline out for people like you, little mouse, I'd tread carefully... although luckily for you, there is but a noble dog ready to stick their fangs into this cursed cat at any given moment... make friends and enemies wisely little mouse, because within these South Lands, your laws and morals need not apply."

"May I remind you that I am a noble within the House of Lords, Colonel? Or has those little blood-filled fantasies of yours corrupted any available intellect you have left?" High Priestess Alexandria shouted, being met with Sharpe's sadistic smile, "I care not what you say of South Landers, for I know your many lies and tricks, Sharpe! Attempting to intimidate a respectable member of the House of Lords and that of the Imperial Shrine? That constitutes aggression, high treason, and conspiracy against the Commonwealth! Be warned, I could have you slashed within an instance, Sharpe."

"As could I, mouse. I but merely jest in the face of such a adorable little mouse, 'tis all." Sharpe laughed, "Bare in mind though, these are not your noble little knights within the Commonwealth, these are ruthless savages who would take no mind in cutting you up and throwing you uponst the street curb. Make friends carefully, little mouse, for between my knife and theirs, one cuts filth and the other..."

Sharpe pulled out his hunting knife and shook it behind himself and the High Priestess.

"... stabs little mice in the back. Welcome to the South Lands, Lady Alexandria, enjoy your stay." Sharpe smiled, taking leave with his mercenaries as the High Priestess and her escort stood there staring.

"The nerve of that man..." The High Priestess said, shaking her head.

However, what Colonel Sharpe said certainly did have an effect upon her. Whilst the Colonel was a blood-thirsty killer with a tongue for dark humor, he had been in the South Lands longer than they had, so his words might bare some truth within them. Likewise, a cold sweat ran down High Priestess Alexandria's forehead as they continued their walk throughout the city, seemingly more wary of the Turtleshroomian residents. After wandering the city for what had seemed like many hours, the small group was lead by a kind Scarlet Guard in the direction of the Imperial Shrine of Litlin. Stepping foot into the gates of the Imperial Shrine, the High Priestess of Asahina looked around, receiving bows from both North Landers and Turtleshroomers alike. Walking towards a nearby group Turtleshroomian converts, of whom she offered a relatively cold stares, the armor-clad High Priestess asked but one thing of the Turtleshroomers...

"Where is the High Priestess of Turtleshroom?"

[TurtleShroom]

"Ah'ight, the premesis is secure. Yer sleazeball kid, Sharpe is it? He's in that there alley."

The voice belonged to Melki Sue, a recent mushroom inductee into the famed TurtleShroomer bodyguard elite, used to protect the Chancellery before the war and long trusted with extremely important or vulnerable creatures, foreign and domestic. Today, Melki was the only elite bodyguard sent, because the person was armed herself, and more than capable of surviving. Melki had been sent to protect High Priestess Alexandria.

Now, Melki himself was unusually tall for a TurtleShroomer sentient mushroom. At five foot even, he was a foot taller than most other TurtleShroomer mushrooms, and was colored a pale brown color and had a thinner cap than many. Melki's closest nonsentient equivalent was a death cap mushroom, making even his body a potent weapon.
The elite gaurd had recently begun to accept mushrooms into its ranks if they could prove as competent as humankind, though their lack of imposing stature and height made sure they were only used to supplement lesser missions.

Melki had the Gatling gun given to all elite bodyguards holstered to the black robe-like cloth that was worn around his stem. He also wore a black tie in accordance with the prescribed dress of his corps, and sported a really cool pair of dark sunglasses. Lower on his body and affixed to the cloth was a belt of weapons. It was adorned with tasers, pistols, revolvers, semi-automated weapons, more than enough ammunition for hours’ of fighting, hornet spray, tear gas, and one kit for assembling a Molotov Cocktail.
Only the Artillery Mushrooms and TSSSS Agents are more armed than this.

Fortunately, or rather, unfortunately, there was but one man who felt the need to converse with the High Priestess, although whether he truly wished to converse or taunt exceedingly was certainly questionable in every right...

"Ah, look! It is the little explorer from the North Lands!" Laughed Colonel Sharpe, leader of a mercenary regiment employed by the Commonwealth South Tea Company, "Did you tire of sailing 'round the ocean sea and playing with your little handful of knights, little mouse? Have you come seeking bigger game, or have you come to help cleanse these South Lands of the despicable lot of third-worlderss with me? I'm sure we can have much fun, little mouse, putting each of these South Landers' woes to rest... slowly ending their eternal suffering and enhancing their travel to their 'god'. Hehe, what say you, little mouse?"

Melki, like almost every TurtleShroom officer working in Litlin, despised Sharpe. Sadly, the city was far too corrupted by his magnificent ties to the underworld, alongside the Aashinian dominance of most of the city and the conscription of the City Council of Litlin to the front lines until Februrary to offer any counter.
At least forty attempts on his life have been made by TurtleShroom since his arrival in the country, but all of them failed. Half of the attempts resulted in the death of the assassin, or worse.

Melki was insulted, both at the disgusting comments he made to the Priestess (whose petite/"mousy" appearence was definitely considered on the upper end of attractiveness in TurtleShroom) and to his country.

"Why don't you take a sock and shove that sock up-"

Melki was interrupted by the Priestess.

"Colonel Aaron Sharpe, a dishonored Scarlet Guard turned blood-thirsty mercenary. I might ask of you the same question as to what you are doing within the South Lands, although saying that I would care for the motives of filth would be going quite far." High Priestess Alexandria said.

Melki looked to Priestess Alexandria, remebering that the knowledge TurtleShroom had on Sharpe was classified.

"Quite the tongue this one has! If you are not careful, perhaps I'll cut it off my dear little mouse." Sharpe replied, receiving sadistic grins from his mercenaries, "Worry not, I would never harm such small game, although I cannot say the same of these third-world savages..."

High Priestess Alexandria squinted her eyes in annoyance, Sharpe continuing his speech.

"Just them words you've said so far would land ya'll a few months in the hoosecow, turd." Melki practically spat, disgusted by this abomination of a man and his goons. Had he not been armed and well-trained, he might as well have been a dead fungus.

"... rumors are going about, of filthy third-world savages taking advantage of women such as yourself. They lure them like game towards secluded areas, where said women are never seen or heard from again... well, I should not say that... their corpses are seen, hehe..." Colonel Sharpe smiled sinisterly.

"Your Grace," said Melki to Alexandria, "I find this a need to know basis. Sharpe here is referring to the actions of the Mafia and Drug Cartels of TurtleShroom, which are, might I add, still superior to him, and even then, he's making a lot of mistakes. I'd tell you, but they're classified."

"Filthy mongrels they are! Hiding behind the walls of their Churches, feigning holy intent whilst withholding sinful desires.
They are but an cunning, opportunistic feline out for people like you, little mouse, I'd tread carefully... although luckily for you, there is but a noble dog ready to stick their fangs into this cursed cat at any given moment... make friends and enemies wisely little mouse, because within these South Lands, your laws and morals need not apply."

"I wish with all my bein' that I could just lay waste to ya'll right here, right now." Melki replied, disgusted. "-but in TurtleShroom, we have a rule of law and a real police force that cares about law, order, and justice instead of who is bribing them with the most blood money. We can't shoot people for being inconvienent on the streets, like you, no doubt, do every day."

He turned to Alexandria.

"Your Grace, Sharpe is referring to the actions of him and them mercenaries, who have no regard for law, decency, or even national sovereignty. Sharpe's little more than a banana republic death squad that goes a killin' as much for joy as fer a quick buck. He has no honuh or purpose 'cept to wreak terror, and if he weren't in an alley with snipers on the roof, guards a-flankin' him, and a trap right below us-" Melki smirked at Sharpe, for he knew of his cunning traps "-I'd arrest him now."

Melki floated to Sharpe and whispered in his ear as the guards pointed their weapons at him.

"Sharpe, it ain't a secret about the disappearences your men have caused to TurtleShroom agents and civilians. Yer criminal contacts are common knowledge in the poe-lease community and there is a warrant for your capture. Yer' a terrorist before our peoples' law, and I advise that you flee back to Comrade Commissar or turn yourself in. Maybe the judge will show mercy."

Alexandria watched quietly, pleased inwardly at Melki defending her, which dispatched her worried about his lies concerning the people of TurtleShroom.

"May I remind you that I am a noble within the House of Lords, Colonel? Or has those little blood-filled fantasies of yours corrupted any available intellect you have left?" High Priestess Alexandria shouted, being met with Sharpe's sadistic smile, "I care not what you say of South Landers, for I know your many lies and tricks, Sharpe! Attempting to intimidate a respectable member of the House of Lords and that of the Imperial Shrine? That constitutes aggression, high treason, and conspiracy against the Commonwealth! Be warned, I could have you slashed within an instance, Sharpe."

Melki nodded.

"Yalls' already wanted here for terrorism, racketeerin', and a whole slew of other crimes. If you have doomed yourself in Comrade Commissar, it'll be a wild ride from here on."

"As could I, mouse. I but merely jest in the face of such a adorable little mouse, 'tis all." Sharpe laughed, "Bare in mind though, these are not your noble little knights within the Commonwealth, these are ruthless savages who would take no mind in cutting you up and throwing you uponst the street curb. Make friends carefully, little mouse, for between my knife and theirs, one cuts filth and the other..."

Sharpe pulled out his hunting knife and shook it behind himself and the High Priestess.

"... stabs little mice in the back. Welcome to the South Lands, Lady Alexandria, enjoy your stay." Sharpe smiled, taking leave with his mercenaries as the High Priestess and her escort stood there staring.

"It's funny." Melki commented, his Gatling gun aimed at Sharpe's forehead, but he didn't fire because of the cramped deadliness that would follow.

"A man can be told a lot about by the folks they surrounds themself with. Looks like you and your goons are a perfect match!"

With that exchange, Sharpe vanished into the night as if by magic. Whether it was the trap Melki had recalled, or simple speed and stealth, Sharpe was nowhere to be found, and probably not to be found for a long time. Melki grumbled for having let him get away, but at least Alexandria was safe!

"The nerve of that man..." The High Priestess said, shaking her head.

[...]

Stepping foot into the gates of the Imperial Shrine, the High Priestess of Asahina looked around, receiving bows from both North Landers and Turtleshroomers alike. Walking towards a nearby group Turtleshroomian converts, of whom she offered a relatively cold stares...

The roar of the towering air conditioning units affixed to the Shrine was noticably loud to Priestess Alexandria. To the left of the actual Shrine building and to the right were two large structures about half of the building's height. These were monstrous air-conditioning units that were usually intended for things that needed to be kept cold at all times, like meat processing plants. The building was kept at food processing temperatures to keep the scorched Yues relatively comfortable. Although electricity cost a bomb, it wasn't as bad as if they had opted for normal air conditioners, and was managable thanks to the offerings given by the zealous TurtleShroomers that had turned from Agnosticism and other such things to the Yue Shrine.

...the armor-clad High Priestess asked but one thing of the Turtleshroomers...

"Where is the High Priestess of Turtleshroom?"[/size]

The laymen amongst the TurtleShroom converts didn't look or dress any different from an everyday TurtleShroomer on the street, except that each of them was wearing matching Hawaiian-style button up shirts. Each shirt was a dark nobility purple and sported lovely silver colored flowers, which, as everyone knows, is the symbol of the Yue Shrine.

It seemed, at the time, that there were not any clerics from the TurtleShroom branch of the Yue Shrine to note. The laymen were talking with the Yue Shriners. One layman, a turtle, approached Priestess Alexandria and bowed deeply before her.

"Ya Grace, it's a honor ta stand before a noble member of the Shrahn in those North Lands." he intoned with much humility. "Sadly, Bubba ain't here at the moment. She's the one you're looking for, but she's bein' interviewed on a radio show. She'll be back real shortly. I've heard she asked it to cut short when she heard you'd be present."

He paused.

"Oh, and the Charter is with her right now, so she'll be showin' it to you when she arrived."


As the layman crawled off, Melki smiled to the Priestess.

"As a Christian, I really don't believe in all this mumbo-jumbo, but I have to admit that they are real good at what th-"

A second TurtleShroomer layman interjected, this one a female human, holding a beautifully shined silver platter with crystal glasses of brown liquid in them. They were glasses of sweet tea. This girl was different, though, because she noticably had cat ears affixed to her head, and a tail. (Otherwise, she looked like and was dressed as any TurtleShroomer would dress, with some exceptions like faint whiskers, catlike eyes, and fangs.) This was a nekomimi, who was extremely happy to have her here. In the distance, on a hook at the alcove before the entrance door, was a large blue cloak that she normally had to wear when not in the Shrine.

"Ya Grace, can I have the honuh of givin' you some of the finessst in TurtleShroomuh tea?"

She held the platter closer to Alexandria, faintly purring out of happiness for seeing someone that, in her eyes, freed her from the John Raven Codes. She had come all the way here from a small town about a hour away from Litlin to see this moment.

[Comrade Commisar]

Imperial Shrine of Litlin, Litlin

---

High Priestess Alexandria was not pleased to have received Turtleshroomian escort upon her entrance into Litlin, such was insulting of her own person, and that of her own guards. Nevertheless, the head Turtleshroomian guard - Melki - seemed to prove his worth, fending off the razor sharp tongue of the infamous Colonel Sharpe, which was more or less spitting in the face of death. Whilst he had gained some respect from the High Priestess, she was still weary that Turtleshroom had placed guards on her behalf to observe her, as the rumor within the Commonwealth would dictate.

Her own guards, although not appearing as threatening as the Turtleshroomian ones, were certainly as capable as handling a situation. They were the Commonwealth equivalent of the armed priestesses within other areas of the North Lands, although they bared the same bright red uniform and tricornes as the Scarlet Guard. They were trained to handle a rifle as any other Scarlet Guard would, although said rifles were made of lighter construction and were to be used in small skirmishes, being as the priestesses were not trained soldiers, but faithful worshipers. However, their relatively small stature and light build tended to be the cause of the Turtleshroomian guards taking the forefront during their interaction with Sharpe, which while taken as a kind gesture by some, ended up being viewed as an offensive gesture by others.

Entering the Imperial Shrine of Litlin, the roar of the air conditioning units were partially annoying for the High Priestess, but not as much as the laymen clothed in what appeared to be some form of tropical shirt unknown to her bearing the colors of the Imperial Shrine.

"This is outrageous! No North Lander would ever degrade the dress of the Imperial Shrine towards something so... casual...!" High Priestess Alexandria said, rather a stickler for perfection, adherence towards tradition, and uniformity.

"What do you expect, eh? It is a death trap within the South Lands, and you expect them to accelerate this by having them wear the heavy, thick cloth of the North Lands...?" High Priestess Feng said, cacking heavily on what appeared to be burning tea leaves wrapped in paper - smoking was one heck of an addiction to stop, "...nice to see you again, High Priestess Alexandria..."

High Priestess Feng Hua was another High Priestess stationed in the South Lands by the Imperial Shrine of Yoitsu. Arranged to be the Yue representative in the South Lands many months previous, she tended to abandon her post and head off with the Asahinans to gamble, drink, and generally not do work. However, it was not because she was a corrupt person within the Imperial Shrine, but rather the fact that after living hundreds of years in the cold, barren Far North, the last thing High Priestess Feng wanted to do was to be placed in charge of a yet another shrine in a country she did not exactly have pleasurable relations with - although no priestess or follower would ever ask her of what experience made that so. Nontheless, she was seen as quite the rebellious 'child' of sorts within the Imperial Shrine, the most obvious sign of her rebelliousness and need to do things her own way being that of her pants instead of normal North Land long skirt.

"Ah, High Priestess Feng, it is an honor to see you once again. Still within the South Lands? I would have supposed you would have left in the wake of High Priestess Lang's arrival here." Alexandria said, the two bowing gracefully, "In any situation, I suppose that these South Landers are justified in their... lighter wear... although that does not explain the lack in the presense of priestesses and their assistants..."

"Heh, yeah, I suppose I am still here. Thing is, when the Great Wolf of the North showed up, I decided to spend a little time in Gamblonia with some 'friends'. After losing quite the sum of silver and heading back to Litlin, I found that the Great Wolf had jumped the gate - she left the city - probably after the Autumn Festival or something. Guess she did not want to over stay her welcome, eh?" Feng joked, hacking away before discarding the burning tea leaves underneath her shoes, "In any case, I've been stuck here for the few months afterwards, wrapping whatever herbs I could in paper and burning it in hopes of satisfying this horrid craving of mine. Y'know, since it takes a trip towards the underworld and back just to get a cigarette around here! Many apologies, I digress alot, going without tobacco has made me quite edgy. Anyway, concerning the High Priestess of Turtleshroom..."

Feng did not even need to begin speaking of the Turtleshroomian equivalent of a High Priestess, being as a lone turtle approached the two High Priestesses and bowed in respect before addressing such issues.

"Ya Grace, it's a honor ta stand before a noble member of the Shrahn in those North Lands." he intoned with much humility. "Sadly, Bubba ain't here at the moment. She's the one you're looking for, but she's bein' interviewed on a radio show. She'll be back real shortly. I've heard she asked it to cut short when she heard you'd be present."

"Bubba...?" Alexandria said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, Bubba, it's the title for High Priestess here within the South Lands - don't ask why." High Priestess Feng shrugged, "In fact, these South Landers have changed alot of titles of North Land origin. Heh, rumor from one of my 'friends' is that this all originated from some type of musical vide-- Ack!"

High Priestess Alexandria had grabbed Feng by the collar, irritated at her carefree actions within all this.

"Why did you not stop such changes? What were you doing whilst this was all occuring? If Imperial Shrines do not conform towards the same standards and regulations as Yoitsu, soon, one separate shrine shall be another, then there shall be different sects and branches, finally, Anarchy! You should be ashamed to call yourself a North Lander!" Alexandria said, being met with responses of 'I'm just the messager' from Feng. Luckily however, the turtle interrupted their little individual conflict as he continued his explainations.

"Oh, and the Charter is with her right now, so she'll be showin' it to you when she arrived."

High Priestess Alexandria dropped Feng, straightening her clothing before addressing the turtle.

"Very well, then." The High Priestess scoffed, "That would be most appreciated."

Alexandria, sighing heavily as to the great differences in the North Land and South Land shrines already, was worried as to what else this new High Priestess and her followers had in store for her. Looking at Melki, the High Priestess only worriedly sighed as the Turtleshroomer attempted to make small talk to ease her nerves.

"As a Christian, I really don't believe in all this mumbo-jumbo, but I have to admit that they are real good at what th-"

Before the Turtleshroomian elite could finish though, although he was interrupted by a fair woman bearing a platter of sweet tea. Noticing she was a nekomimi, High Priestess Alexandria took some degree of comfort in knowing that the Turtleshroomian Imperial Shrine was just as accepting as the North Land ones.

"Ya Grace, can I have the honuh of givin' you some of the finessst in TurtleShroomuh tea?"

"Of course, miss, many thanks." The High Priestess smiled, taking the small glass of sweet tea, "Normally, I would not be one for cold tea, but in this South Land climate, it is actually refreshing in a sense."

Alexandria simply smiled softly, making small talk with the nekomimi woman, who had allowed the High Priestess to regain some faith in Turtleshroomer's Imperial Shrine. Feng, on the other hand, had gathered herself and left the building, avoiding the certain perfectionist High Priestess. Upon the gates of the Imperial Shrine's lands, Feng was desperately rolling and attempting to ignite some South Land material known as 'asbestos', igniting it and throwing the rancid material on the ground after an incredibly unpleasant inhalation. It was then that a rather handsome man bearing a forest green uniform and bicorne approached her, bowing ever so kindly whilst telling his heavily armed Khek and Hessian bodyguards to make way for High Priestess Feng.

"How have you been, High Priestess? I fair that you have been well these past few days." The man said in a heavy Germanic accent, before placing some silver coins and a pouch uponst Feng's hands, "I wish to make donation to the Imperial Shrine today, to pay my respects, of course. That and, well, there happens to be something special in the pouch for you, High Priestess Feng."

"Yeah, of course, I'll see this to the offering box right away." Feng smiled, opening the pouch to see some black, shredded leaves before placing it away, "'Dan-ker', I offer thanks for your kindness, Lieutanent Frederick von Wilheim."

"Your German, eh, it is a bit heavy in the Yue dialect, but that shall be no worry." The Lieutanent said as he whispered into her ear, "You have sent word to Palisade, have you not?"

"Yeah, I did. It's the least I can do for someone as 'generous' as you, heh." Feng said, the eagerness in her voice to finish the conversation becoming quite obvious, "You shall get your volunteers and equipment, don't worry. It takes quite a while to get to Grand Stand from Palisade, you know."

"Excellent. I shall put in good word for you as well, my superiors would be incredibly pleased of your cooperation." Frederick said, smiling at the High Priestess eyeing the pouch, "If you would like, I can secure more of this 'particular herb' for you, in good will of course. Although, it would be nice if we continued to see support in return..."

"Yeah, yeah." The High Priestess said, hiding the pouch in her tousers as she eyed the High Priestess of Turtleshroom towards the gates, "I'll visit you, next time."

"Very well." Frederick smiled, bowing as the High Priestess passed, "Good day to you, madam, we were just paying our respects. We shall be taking our leave now."

The Germanic man, taking his leave, gave one look at High Priestess Feng before smuggly walking away from the Imperial Shrine. Feng, rather content with herself, excused herself to head back towards her quarters, offering the silver granted by the German into the High Priestess' hands before heading off. However, had anyone within the Imperial Shrine noticed the exchange between Feng and Frederick, they would have noticed that the man was no mere German; he was a Hessian, and as any Turtleshroomer within Litlin knows, Hessians only work for one man...

[TurtleShroom]

About a hour passed as the High Priestesses from Yue talked with the laity and enjoyed the fine sweet tea. Eventually, the sound of a very tiny motor running distracted them as they went to the gates.

With a clearly leaded foot, the Yue laity and clerics observed a tiny, tiny little clown-like car speeding down the dusty road from the opposite of the walled cities of Litlin, kicking clouds of dust in the air. The car was the same dark purple that Yue clerics would be clearly aware of, with a silver lotus flower on the door.

The driver was smiling crazilly as she ultimately slammed the breaks right at the gate. The dust settled as the onlookers finally got to observe the vehicle up close, where they saw that a two frames of solid silver interlaced with gold and amythyst gems, twice the height of the car and as wide as it, were fastened tight in the back. On each were identical parchments of the highest, most expensive manually rolled quality, which were handmade from trees imported from the Yue Commissariat. One parchment was written in the Yue Language, the other in English. The ink was the finest of professional calligraphy, detailed like a cloistered monk's life's work and worthy of any of the finest museums in the multi-verse. They rattled in the vehicle but were undamaged.


The driver was "Bubba", "Bound to Undertake the Beliefs and Bylaws of the Association".

For convienence, "Bubba" looks exactly like an Asian equivalent of this. Only her clothes are different.

She was a shorter dark-skinned woman, staunchly Asian, even behind those thick black glasses. Her flat, shoulder-length black hair was topped with a purple, velvet fez with a silver tassle. She wore heavy, winter-worthy robes in several layers. The outermost article of dress was a burgandy woman's blazer jacket, a sort found at stuffy conventions. A lovely purple lotus flower corsage was on her wrist instead of the lapel of the suit, and she wore a black tie. Draped on top of the blazer was a purple mantle that extended down her back, connected to the sleeves of aforementioned blazer. Underneath this was a long, thick, white robe with purple trim. She had to be sweating under it, the thing was thick enough to be fireproof. Two purple stripes ran down the white robe. She had a heavy silver chain and medallion that Alexandria recognized from one of the Shrines in the North Lands. (How she got it was for another day.)

In addition to the corsage, she had silver bracelets on each wrist, and her left hand was adorned with a silver ring with an amythyst jewel. Engraved into it, in silver, was a Yue symbol recognizable only by upper-ranked North Lander clerics. She knew what she was doing.

Bubba, though, was not paying attention to the onlookers as she stepped over and out of the clown car. She was on a cell phone, talking in an un-accented, but annoying, voice that was as nasally as it was speedy.

"No that's what the clerics for, I can't get to a parade, please. Why? I have to exact the will of the High Priestess of Yoitsu, it's why I live, and there's a whole balance I- yes, that too, liberating catgirls is the best part of the job, please. 'Gotta go, someone wanted to meet me, please."


She approached the towering building and its air conditioning as she hung up the pone. She was several inches shorter than Priestess Alexandria and looked full of energy. She had a constant scowl on her face as she surveyed everything, looking at it for the slightest of details.

The Yue laity from TurteShroom bowed as Bubba entered, while Bubba approached Priestess Alexandria and Melki.


She got on one knee and lowered her head in classic fashion, placing her right hand on the floor, which is where she spoke.

"Priestess Alexandria, I am Bound to Undertake the Beliefs and Bylaws of the Association of the Grand Mystic Royal Order of Yue Shrine of TurtleShroom, please. I am humbled to be before a true North Lander and I hope that you will be satisfied with my conduct in governing the Shrine, please."

[Comrade Commisar]

For the past hour, High Priestess Alexandria had been having small talk with as many of the worshipers of the Imperial Shrine as he could, gaining insight as to the local practices in comparison towards traditional North Land practices. Towards her relief however, it seemed that the original intent of their practices seemed intact, although the presentation and behavior of some of the members was... erratic and flamboyant. Melki would notice the concerned stotic silence of Alexandria, only breaking her silence with that of High Priestess Feng, who explained most of the situation in a rather carefree manner. He would also note that throughout the entirety of her visit, High Priestess Alexandria refused to remove her heavy steel breastplate despite the incredible desert heat, a sign that she still did not trust the Turtleshroomers, instead falling back upon rumors spread by North Land priestesses and only worsened after the conversation with Sharpe.

Speaking with that of Feng, the two halted as they heard the faint sounds of what appeared to be an engine of some sort. Heading to investigate, they witnessed that of what seemed to be a rather erratic woman approaching the gates of the Imperial Shrine with what appeared to be a miniature car. Stopping immediately before running into the High Priestesses, many of the rifle-bearing Asahinan priestesses were firmly gripping their rifles in surprise, observing the woman carefully as she stepped out of her vehicle, still on that of her mobile telephone which was more that of a brick than a phone.

"Erm, this would be that of Bubba, High Priestess Alexandria." Feng said, lighting another roll of what Melki suspected to be tobacco, although he was undercertain, considering that Feng always smelled of something burning, "She is a tiny bit, um, odd, but she will grow on you."

Alexandria stotically looked Bubba up and down, viewing her attire, her method of transport, her physical features; observing everything about her and making conclusions before the two even spoke. She wore what was known to the North Landers as the 'Khek cap', otherwise known in other lands as the fez, something of which causes Alexandria to frown - she never particularly liked Kheks. Bubba's choice of attire was certainly within the bounds of what was permitted by the Imperial Shrine, certainly not as 'rebellious' as Feng, but alas, Alexandria could not help but hold bias that something was either missing or was too flamboyant. Bubba was certainly adored with a rather large amount of silver, as well as a piece that Alexandria held suspicions of origin, but decided that it was up to standards. The use of the miniature car was rather insulting, however, and was certainly a breach of Alexandria's held beliefs, nevermind that she was unaware of Turtleshroom's ban and death penalty upon domesticated horses. The mobile telephone was also rather insulting towards Alexandria, of whom thought it more proper to speak with another face-to-face, but then again, envoys in the North Lands would often take many weeks to deliver messages, so she found it slightly acceptable for Bubba's use of mobile telephone - slightly.

Ending her conversation upon the device, the woman approached Alexandria, of whom towered over the oriental Turtleshroomer in comparison. The woman looked rather energic and carefree, almost the complete opposite of Alexandria's stotic, serious personality. With the other worshipers upon the Imperial Shrine grounds offering bow before that of Bubba, High Priestess Feng looked at Alexandria, smiling in jestful nature.

"Don't go too hard on her, alright? She seems like a pretty fine gal, a little odd in the head, but pretty fine." Feng nodded, her crude unfiltered hand-rolled cigarette bearly hanging upon her teeth, "She gets a word or two from the local lobsterbacks on a regular basis because of some incidents of nearly running them over, but that is the worst of her endeavors, I swear."

Alexandria leered at Feng, who stepped back with her hands raise, allowing the High Priestess to judge the Turtleshroomer for herself. Bubba, bowing before that of the High Priestess, addressed herself accordingly.

"Priestess Alexandria, I am Bound to Undertake the Beliefs and Bylaws of the Association of the Grand Mystic Royal Order of Yue Shrine of TurtleShroom, please. I am humbled to be before a true North Lander and I hope that you will be satisfied with my conduct in governing the Shrine, please."

"The presentation of the Imperial Shrine of Litlin has been... sufficient enough." Alexandria said, obviously stating her discontent, although this was taken in positive lights considering her Commonwealth background and their naturally high standards, "It appears you have won the favor of High Priestess Feng Hua, something of which is not easiest of feats, so hence I must offer my respects in that regard."

The High Priestess's praise quickly turned into critism, however, as to maintain formalities.

"Alas, your - and of which I am referring towards the South Land's - conduct with High Priestess Lang Okami was rather despicable, something of which shall naught be overlooked in the slightest." Alexandria said accusingly before decending onto a lighter tone, "But alas, I am not present within the South Lands to reopen old wounds, I am present to varify parchment of various degree, inspect the Imperial Shrine of Litin, and send word towards our superiors within that of Yoitsu. 'Tis all, then I shall set away back towards my home country and you shall be left towards your own affairs."

The High Priestess offered hand to Bubba, helping her upon her feet.

"Fair well then, shall we proceed as planned?" Alexandria asked, looking at Bubba for a response.

[TurtleShroom]

Bubba nodded and outstretched a hand, only to have the Yue language copy of the Charter, in all its bejewelle, framed glory, handed to her. The speed she could command was impressive.

"This is the Charter convened by the National TurtleShroomer Yue Convention, in the proper North Land script. I hope it will be to your liking, please." she said, her nasally voice remaining rather irritating. She still did not smile, but clasped her hands together at her waist and rocked back and forth on the balls of her heels, her heavy robes swaying slightly.

The Priestess took the Charter and held it up, tilting a bit to obscure the glare from the light. She was impressed at the fluency of the Yue language in this document and was awed by the penmenship and detail of the piece. It could easily fetch piles, or even bags, of silver back in the North Lands. That was handmade paper from North Land trees, and everything seemed to be done without a hint of any machine production, just like it would be back home.

Bubba turned to address several laymen near the building and made small talk- and pants jokes -with the "rebellious" priestess who had tried to smoke some stuff with the second Priestess as Alexandria continued reading the document. A few catgirls refilled their tea as the quiet gathering ticked onward.