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by **Kolintha** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 10:55 am

The News is Everything

by **The IASM** » Wed Jul 19, 2017 8:20 am

A STATEMENT ON THE BEHALF OF THE IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD OF HIS HOLY AND EXALTED PERFECTION

To all whom the Holy and Exalted Ditu’s heavenly wisdom may be received…

As the clock slowly ticks, as the sun dutifully rises and it falls, as the waves are tugged gently by the celestial forces of the moon. Harmony exists in this world must be maintained and must be ensured. However, without constant maintenance, it will end as do all matters of mortal efforts and such affairs. This is the fate of all order, all systems. Thusly it is the duty of all subjects beneath heaven that they are the instruments for which the Ditu’s tunes are played. However, to believe that the son of heaven does not take part in the preservation of this eternal balance is an arrogance imprudence, worthy of those uneducated in the matters of the world.

Thanks to our prosperous civilisation, we do have a fortunate parable to tell which can create further enlightenment. Were we a barbarian people without the graces of civilisation, perhaps one might say the existence of such a tale was a convenient coincidence. However, we are beyond the beliefs of those deprived of enlightenment, of those beneath even the lowest of the Ditu’s spiritual kin.

There once was a King who ruled over his demesne, which was wide and vast. It was dominated by a few noble lords each with a daughter to marry. The King himself was also unwed and was surrounded by a great many suitors from these noble houses.

The first of these was from a proud prestigious family, one deeply famous for their honour and skill in battle. Yet the daughter herself, however, was disinterested in her duties and rejected the traditions of her great ancestors and refused to learn those of the solitary one.

On the other hand, the second was from a family poor in the martial matters but well-connected and mercantile, providing its great wealth for which provided it equally vast influence. Their daughter, however, was unintelligent, bold and cruel as a character and would’ve made a terrible wife.

The solitary one thought deeply on who to choose for both families loathed one another, to marry one would be to alienate the other. He was also reminded of his duty to ensure the purity of his blood as well and that marrying these lesser nobles would be defeating that purpose and insulting the legacy of his ancestors whose divine blood needed to be preserved. With these two factors in common, he thusly he saw it as prudent to decline their offers of marriage and then gave his hand to his sister, the Princess and named the two daughters as consorts. In this, the King was proud in that were kept ensured that his duties were sufficed and all the benefits of such an action were endured.

Thusly this brings I, of the palace, to address the central matter at hand. There are further proclamations whose announcement is a dire necessity. The dragon’s face and the imperial household has come to the grand consensus that the Ditu’s betrothal should be proclaimed now before His Holy and Exalted Perfection’s dear subjects. It is henceforth proclaimed the Yinmi Ditu, Hulang shall be betrothed to Divine Princess of the Blood, Jiexiu Lazin the twin and sister of His Perfection who shall become the Dihei of the Holy and Exalted land of the Ditu. It is further declared that Heavenly Princess of the Blood, Lilisi Lazin, the half-sister of His Perfection shall become Dibai he Holy and Exalted land of the Ditu. Within the context of this betrothal as divined by the Imperial matchmakers, it will occur on the sixth day of Wu-Shen, the seventh month, 1st year of the Yinmi era and 4715 years since the ascent of the Shouditu. Such is the will of His Holy and Exalted Perfection, of his humble subjects within the court and the Dowager Dihei, I of the palace. This concludes this proclamation.

Wantiai Yinmi Ditu.

by **Ashkariya** » Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:47 pm

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HRH Haashim Al-Mahrezi II embarks on International Tour
The Sultan, at a rather peculiar time, announces he will be meeting with a number of foreign representatives on a worldwide tour

Tabriya, Ashkara -- Today HRH Haashim Al-Mahrezi II announced his plans in the coming week to travel abroad in what he has called his "Tour of Solidarity and Cooperation." The Sultan has highlighted his goal of strengthening the Sultanate's diplomatic ties with allies both old and new. The Sultan also stated that he expressed interest in travelling to countries that are typically left out of royal tours, chiefly Nerotysia, Namgiang, and Akai. The addition of these destinations came as quite a shock to both the Sultan's advisers and his family and many have issued warnings and even condemnations of his choices. However, HM's Government went onto defend his choices stating that his unconventional travel plans would "better the region" and serve to establish channels for cooperation and diplomacy. However, what's more shocking than HRH's choice in destination, is his choice in time in which he has decided to travel. The country is overtaken with an eerie feeling of uncertainty as General Elections creep over the horizon and having the Sultan absent seems to be even more a taboo.

Though the actual elections are months away, many still are uneasy about the Sultan not being present during the preliminary debates and campaigning. The past years under the Labor coalition government has been anything but unifying. Though relatively stable many still have their doubts about the Ghazi leadership and the decentralized nature of the government coalition. The Ummah Party in particular has taken to pointing out the flaws of the Labor government, in particular its alleged ties to exterior socialist organizations. Ummah MP and House of Lords minority Whip Raadi al-Bahri aired the oppositions grievances in a special session of Parliament several days ago. al-Bahri claimed that Ghazi had failed to deliver on campaign promises and had "embezzled" the population out of money with little structural change to the social benefit programs. Members of the Amir faction also slammed Ghazi's administration for its "wishy-washy" foreign policy.

Proponents of the Labor government have defended Ghazi pointing out that the nation has bounced back quite nicely after the 2014 recession. Unemployment has decreased steadily with a gradual GDP increase, however the tax rate for the middle class skyrocketed to a staggering 45.4% with little return in investment. Labor did nicely to ensure employment for the grieving lower class, specifically the historically disenfranchised Kashto minority, but many believe that Ghazi is choking the middle class. Members of the Labor cabinet addressed these criticisms and ensured "change is on the way" however Ghazi has yet to comment. With the current situation of uncertainty it is quite obvious why some have problems with the Sultan leaving the country at such a time.

He is not without his supporters however. Grand Vizier Ghazi supported the Sultan's decision, praising it as a "noble endeavor" and one that was "deeply needed." Members of the Amir and Ummah Party also commended the Sultan's choice defining it as a "brave gesture" and one that should be "honored and respected." The Green Party and Liberal Party have yet to offer and official statements but some members have condemned the Sultan's choice of visiting Akai as a final stop before returning home claiming that he would "perpetuate the status quo" by visiting. HRH Haashim Al-Mahrezi II's travel itinerary has him visiting Yorcke and Valeya as his first stop, then over to Orda, Escar, and finally Akai before returning home.

by **Kolintha** » Thu Aug 17, 2017 10:36 pm

OOC note: Following post is no longer considered canonical.

"There can be no solidarity with tyrants!"

Seikoujo criticizes Ashkaran Sultan's decision to visit Akai during his international 'Tour of Solidarity and Cooperation'

Some public figures in Ashkara have also questioned the timing of the Sultan's international tour, which falls in
the beginning of the country's electoral campaign season.

Yesterday, Ashkara - Sultan Haashim Al-Mahrezi II of Ashkara today announced plans for a grand international tour, intending to strengthen diplomatic ties with 'allies both old and new'. More controversially however, the monarch also made clear his interest in visiting nations typically left out of royal tours, such as Nerotysia, Namgiang and - most alarmingly of all - Akai. His decision has been met with domestic criticism, both from those who object to his choice of destinations as well as the timing of the tour, what with the building uncertainty and unrest being caused by the slow approach of the Sultanate's general elections and the beginning of the campaign trail. Meanwhile, in Shirakawa today, State Marshal Seikoujo criticized the tour and once again pushed for decisive international action to contain Akai.

Shirakawa was among the first nations to employ sanctions against Akai, starting in 1971 during the Dituate's war with Namgiang, in response to the former's extensive first use of chemical weapons against soldiers and civilians, among other atrocities. However, relations were gradually normalized by 1980, and in 1981 the last sanctions were lifted, restoring the mildly frosty but neutral status quo. This status quo was promptly shattered a mere 4 years later, when Ditu Jieke Lazin resorted to nuclear weaponry to smash a domestic uprising by the dissatisfied aristocracy. The action was immediately condemned by the Ordic League, and many nations promptly cut ties with the Dituate - some temporarily, and some, such as Shirakawa, quite permanently. The Akai ambassador in Eito was expelled, assets were frozen, and a blanket travel and business ban was placed on the country by an act of the Ten Gikai - no Shirakawan citizen would set foot on Akai's shores, and vice versa.

These measures largely persist to this day, but some were softened in 2014 when the infamous despot of the country mysteriously disappeared, and was not long later replaced by his young son, Hulang Lazin, and the new monarch's regent, Sanfu Lazin. The new power couple spearheaded a 'De-Jiekeification' of the country, and began working to create a more positive image of the Dituate overseas. Diplomatic relations now exist between Shirakawa and Akai, but they are limited and any real progress towards a detente is held back by an understandably strong dislike of the country among the electorate, and consequently, among Shirakawan statesmen and women. State Marshal Seikoujo in particular has been a leading critic of Akai since her political debut, and was elected on a platform that among other measures promised there would be no further reductions of sanctions until there was tangible proof the Sanfu-Hulang duo was genuinely leading the country down a path of reform. This declaration led to some tension when the Ditu and members of his family were invited to a Royal Ball celebrating the 2600 year long rule of the Grand Dynasty earlier this year. Stating 'family complications' as a reasoning, Seikoujo did not attend the event, and intensified her rhetoric thereafter.

Today, during the weekly Accountability session in the Ten Gikai, the Sultan's visit was among the topics raised by Royalist opposition leader Lady Niazai, who questioned the State Marshal's commitment to her policy on the Dituate, given her more recently friendly approach towards Ashkara, despite the more pacifistic outlook of the Sultanate on the issue. Seikoujo replied that "There can be no solidarity with tyrants!", and called the Sultan's visit "an unfortunate and slightly naive decision, which will serve to only further legitimize the rogue state." She added that she "prayed for the eventual liberation of the people of Akai" and that "Civilized nations should be more vigilant than ever towards such despotates. Containment is the only way to prevent further domination and suffering."

She added later, in regards to ongoing Shira-Khorneran defense talks in Arkadis, that the Kingdom "would continue to enforce safety and freedom of navigation alongside regional partners" in the Sea of Shang, Crosswind Sea, Sea of Anan and West Neptic, despite some reports of a brief standoff between a joint allied patrol fleet and Nerotysian All-Union Revolutionary Navy elements in the area in recent weeks. The 2016 Freedom of Motion Initiative, promoted by the Intercontinental Cooperation Pact, has been partially labelled by some as a deterrent against Akai using it's strategic position in the East Varunan Ocean to close vulnerable shipping lanes in the event of a crisis, despite the operation's stated aims, which focus on reduction of piracy and organized crime.

Makise Narikata is the former Military Correspondent for the State News Agency 'Truth of the Empire' and the current Political Correspondent for the Daily Motherland (since 2009). She majored in Journalism at the Royal University of Eito, and has covered a range of subjects, from the 2010 and 2014 Campaign Trail to anti-piracy operations in the Sea of Anan. She is a member of the People's Enlightenment Society and the Deputy Director of the Royal Journalists Society.

by **Ashkariya** » Mon Aug 21, 2017 8:57 pm

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Almuearada Warns Ghazi Government

Tabriya - Last night at 6:50 PM local time spokesman of the Almuearada* Hamal Ammar hosted a press conference at the Fakhoury Estate in Tabriya in hopes of addressing the upcoming tirade of political events as the nation approaches election season. However, this was not the usual by-the-books press conference that Ammar typically orates. In a very uncharacteristic display Ammar issued a sharp warning at the Labor coalition government and even going forward and condemning the Sultan’s recently announced diplomatic mission abroad.

Ammar first began the conference on the topic of the most pressing obstacles Almuearada believed the nation faced. Ammar pointed out tax and healthcare reform being of paramount importance, going on to condemn the Ghazi led Labor government for being “criminally placid” in the matter. Few specific were given on what Almuearada’s plans would be in the position of labor but Ammar assured that they were “organized and efficient” and would be released in full at a later date when a complete consensus between the opposition coalition could be made. The next item on Ammar’s list was the need to be “decisive and consistent” in the nation’s place on the international stage. Almuearada stated that the current policy was unsatisfactory and would “inevitably” lead towards the deterioration of Ashkaran influence abroad.

The proceedings swiftly moved on to Ammar’s direct warning to the Labor government. Hamal Ammar repeatedly warned the Labor government stating that their policy making was “destroying the livelihood of the hard working people of Ashkara” and that “further marginalization could have dire consequences for the nation.” Ammar further warned the Labor government about the need for a stronger defensive policy and the increase in security of the nation’s southern border.

Almuearada’s signature orator closed his message to the governing coalition with a desire for cooperation. Ammar state that he was “committed to bridging the gap” and working to compromise with Labor.

Interestingly enough, Ammar continued the conference with an unexpected final segment. Previously the individual spokespeople for Ummah and Amir** commended the HRH Haashim II’s announcement to travel abroad to a number of controversial nations. It appears that upon meeting and discussing the issue further Almuearada has reversed their position on the issue. Ammar condemned the Sultan’s choice in visiting “depraved and devious” nations, chiefly the Dituate of Akai. Some believe that Almuearada’s new position was likely influenced by international criticism as well as domestic criticism.

Grand Vizier Ghazi and the Labor government have not commented on issue since last Thursday’s initial announcement, apparently standing by their position of supporting the Sultan. This was, no doubt, a divisive policy amongst the Labor government and its supporters. Just days after releasing the statement a number of MP’s declared their disapproval followed by a number of civilian protests in Qaddarah and Tabriya.
*Almuearada - literally, "the opposition"
**Ummah and Amir - the two current largest political parties of the formal opposition

by **Ashkariya** » Sat Aug 26, 2017 2:16 pm

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Osman Mahmoudi named Ummah Party’s New Leader

Qaddarah - Marking the start of the election season with great fanfare Ummah announced a change in the party leadership, as is typical from the opposition. Being the first to do so, the party managed to pull in a significant amount of coverage from all sides during their national convention in Qaddarah. Members of the party from all over the nation gathered to indulge in the conventional celebrations and events as well as to hear a number of addresses from prominent party members.

Though it is tradition for fervent party members to attend these kinds of events, the Ummah convention in Qaddarah drew a crowd of near historical proportions. It’s not surprise why however, word had circulated that monumental populist figure Osman Mahmoudi would be making his bid for party leader. Thus making him a potential candidate for the position of Grand Vizier in the upcoming elections.

Many in the center consider Mahmoudi to have been Ummah’s “wild card.” A fiery figure with a dedicated and rapidly expanding base that could “seal the deal” for the crippled Ummah party. The previous election left the party’s reputation damaged after the unpredicted loss to Labor. Voters were doubting the ability of the party to leader under Samir Nadwi after a number of financial scandals brought his career to a messy closure.

Now, however, it seems the affairs of Nadwi were decades ago looking at the crowd in Qaddarah. The Ummah has been seemingly reinvigorated with the addition of their newest political heavy weight.

Mahmoudi spoke to the crowd in typical fashion; appealing to issues of the “common man” with a tone fit for a sports commentator. In particular Mahmoudi seemed to express a decidedly nationalist position, glorifying the nation’s policy of neutrality and the ideas and traditions he considered “uniquely Ashkaric.”

Surprisingly Mahmoudi spoke alongside Sayyid Allamah Sayf al-Din Kayyali, a distinguished Islamic scholar and religious leader from Mazraa who he claimed was a “good friend of his.” Kayyali, while known for his philanthropic work and decidedly inclusive stance, seemed to sympathize with the points Mamhoudi addressed. Maryam Okasha, a former Liberal Party MP, made an appearance as well.

Reception of Mahmoudi’s recent promotion to party leader of the Ummah Party seems to be quite mixed. Though he’s received praise from supporters all over the political spectrum there are those who oppose his ascension. The Socialist Party formally condemned Mahmoudi several years ago as a “incendiary, theocratic nationalist” and has seemingly stuck by their position. Labor Party’s leader Nadiyya Ghazi stated that she “respects his [Mahmoudi] oration and policy making ability” he is “not what we need right now.”

Other members of the opposition are expected to announce any potential leadership changes in the coming weeks as their respective conferences approach. Next week the Almarkaz National Conference is scheduled to commence at the Sayyid Allamah Mubarak Al-Rajhi convention center in Tabriya.

by **Sarethan** » Mon Nov 13, 2017 11:56 am

Sarethan Purchases Warships

Skjold-class Corvette in Meriad’s navy (2015)

Karas Sirvan (@ KarasSirvan)
^{Tuesday November 14, 2017, 21:43 | Saradir, The Sarethani Principality}

Sarethan Upgrades Coastal Capabilities as Tensions Mount

In a statement by the government today, it was announced that Sarethan would purchase twelve Skjold-class Corvette from Meriad, and a Domestic Production License for Meriad’s ‘Naval Strike Missile’ (NSM) for a combined cost of $2.902 billion (NSD).

The Skjold Corvette is a stealthy fast missile corvette, able to travel in excess of 60 knots. It contains up to eight NSMs, as well as SAMs, one 76mm cannon and two 12.7 machine guns. It is thought that six Skjolds will be delivered in 2017, and a further six in 2018, although this has not been independently confirmed. The NSM is a precise AShM with high-ECM capabilities — designed to bypass modern defensive measures on many ships. It can be deployed by VLS and also has a Land Attack role.

This marks the second acquisition by the Sarethan of Meriad naval equipment — the first being six Type 212 Diesel-Electric Attack Submarines in 2009. This confirms a trend of Sarethan outsourcing the construction of ‘niche’ vessels to foreign suppliers, while concentrating domestic efforts on arguer warships. Other possible external procurements include the construction of a new type of submarine, a dedicated ASW class of FFGs, and a new series of Amphibious Warfare vessels.

The purchase comes as Sarethan enters the final stages of its “2020 Fleet Plan” — a 2007 Defence Paper (revised in 2009 and 2011) outlining areas in which the Principality seeks to updated and expand its naval capabilities — seen as the principal mechanism of ensuring Sarethani political autonomy. In the plan, the government aims to have a surface fleet of “150 Vessels”, and “a complete full-spectrum force, capable of conducting of AAW, ASUW, ASW, BMD and LA missions.” A modernised ‘core’ of 20-25 FFG and DDG class ships was also planned, to counteract the increasing modernisation of rival navies. Other aspects of the plan include greater modernisation of the marines, standardisation of weapons and systems used in the navy, and the procurement of high-end modern AShMs.

The 2020 Fleet Plan has received broad support. This is usual for the navy, which is considered more professional and less politically involved than other military branches. It has also been increasingly recognised by senior figures in the government that the Navy is swiftly becoming the most important — more so than the army or airforce — means of conventional deterrence. However, a rare criticism of the plan, published anonymously in 2012, decried the lack of “proper strategic forethought,” and instead castigated procurements as being determined by “narrow-minded obsessions.” They cited the scattered approach of development, which lacked a central strategic focus. They also criticised the expensive maintenance of large and obsolete warships, “vessels that do absolutely nothing for deterrence, but simply for bombast and to hit an arbitrary navy size.” Other attacks included the continued purchase of cheaper FAC over FFGs, and lack of progress on standardisation. These attacks were strongly denied by various Navy spokesmen over the years — and the maintenance of the larger warships was defended particularly strongly. It is thought that the anonymous criticism originated from within naval ranks itself.

Attacks have also come from other service branches. An Army Spokesman complained that the navy was getting the lion’s share of budget increases, to defend “from threats that don’t exist”, while the Ghulam were the ones “bleeding for Sarethan in the Parsu-Kush.” This forms part of a pattern of increasingly bitter Service Rivalry. Last Year, Admiral Sarejan was forced to step down after it was leaked that he had embezzled $20m of funds. The leaks were thought to originate from the Airforce. Admiral Sarejan was replaced by Admiral Ghunuz. He was quietly reinstated three months later, after the latest round of military budget allocations. Nonetheless, the Taricani Shūra has calculated that the Navy has received 60% of all new funds allocated for procurement in the FY2007-2016. The Paper cited the effect the 2020 Fleet Plan had in galvanising support by setting out clear imperatives and targets, as well as displaying strategic vision. The [] also noted the lack of such detailed Plans from other service branches, with most public documents by them being “an exercise in tub-thumping rhetoric and platitudes” and displaying “a severe shortage of serious planning.” The Taricani Shūra has recently been shut-down, most likely for (unrelated) editorial coverage of various Satraps.

The mounting tensions between services are yet another headache for the Prime Minster Nurshavas, who struggles to hold together his Coalition government. It is thought increasingly likely that a number of Satraps will push the monarch to disband the government, and call fresh elections. Perhaps Nurshavas will now be able to count on the support of the Navy in the coming Palace Negotiations.

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By Cyrus’s Ranting Ghost - 9 mins Ago

[This comment has been hidden for using insulting language about the Monarch. If you would like to see it, click here.]
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By CamelLover561 - 10 mins Ago

The Government demonstrates its incompetency yet again, and our ‘vaunted’ Navy is humiliated. We are an Ordic laughing stock.

The Prince should disband Parliament, and call for new elections immediately. The impunity of the tribes has always heralded a dark age for Sarethan — our Sovereign should act now, to crush the fools and traitors, so we can elect stronger men to govern us. Before its too late.
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By BessustheLoyalSatrap - 1 min Ago

Dear Khafroun:

Fuck you and your camels.
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by **Intermountain States** » Sat Dec 23, 2017 3:28 pm

Commonwealth Assembly Approves HECO Referendum

The 64th Commonwealth Assembly

Yi Joon-kyu (@YiJK)
December 23rd, 2017

Cheongu - Prime Minister Han Yul has announced that the Yeongseon's in/out referendum on the Heian Cooperation Organization would begin in Janurary 10th, 2018 after the 64th Imperial Assembly authorized a referendum date after voting 250-215 in favor of the HECO referendum. The move was supported by the majority of the ruling Grand National Party along with support from the unaligned Liberty Party and the opposition People's Party. Majority of the opposition Justice Party voted against setting a referendum on the in/out HECO membership.

The result was welcomed by those who had long campaigned for a referendum on Yeongseon's membership.

"The people deserves a say in the Commonwealth's status as a member of HECO," People's Party Leader Ahn Ki-bum stated in favor of the referendum. "Yeongseon needs to set her own foreign policy, not the unelected bureaucrats in Heian."

Others, however, were not so excited by the votes.

"This is unnecessary," Justice Party member Kim Cheol-soo said. "With hostilities growing in Valeya and in East Escar, Yeongseon needs to remain in a strong alliance, not to have a vote to get out because of protests from cultural nationalists."

The Han Yul Government promised that the referendum will not jeopardize its current foreign policy with other HECO member-states.

"Our current relations with our allies in HECO will not change," Foreign Minister Im Hae-young said. "We will continue to work with HECO to address the hostilities in East Escar and Valeya regardless of the public decision on the referendum."

Although campaigning had long occured regarding the Empire and HECO with the ruling Grand National Party promising a membership referendum as part of their electoral platform, the Imperial public is evenly split on the issue according to recent pollings of 31% in favor of leaving HECO, 31% opposed to leaving, and 38% not sure or not caring.

by **New Kvenland** » Tue Jan 09, 2018 5:05 pm

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Dakl'aweidí • Politics • Goowú

Goowú to officially rename nation 'Shangukeidí', per sources

The Goowú after 2017 renovation

The National Directorate has officially renamed the nation to Shangukeidí, according to inside sources, due to controversy surrounding the term Dakl'aweidí.

In all official documents, Dakl'aweidí and variants thereto will be replaced by Shangukeidí, and the official name of the nation will become "The Democratic Shangukeidian Union." The Directorate will ask all foreign governments and reporters to use this new term, and while it's expected that almost all will, Dakl'aweidí will still remain popular as a colloquial term, even among Shangukeidian citizens, particularly those from Dzant'ká-speaking areas.

The Hingáan Post analysts predict a 71-27 vote in favor of the change. This comes on the heels of the 2017 special election, in which the Snachtseʔkepmxci gained a shock supermajority, the third time in which there was a non-Dzant'ká and the first in which there was a non-Dzant'ká and non-Tlaxhoso majority. Snachtseʔkepmxci directors have long been supporters of dropping the term Dakl'aweidí, and 14 of the 19 bills put forward to make the change, including today's successful one from Airi Xats'alanexw (SA), were proposed by them. Support from the Tlaxhoso, anarchist, and minority blocs are expected as well, primarily due to campaigning on the part of the Shangukeidí Alliance.

Many reasons for the change have been put forward by various groups for the change. The primary one suggested by this document is the name being chosen not by the people of Shangukeidí, but by the Daio of Shirakawa in 1644. Even then, the name was chosen due to the Daio erroneously assuming the Shirakawan explorers who had landed at an area they termed タカラヱイチ, or Takaraweiti, were referring to the entire area when they were in fact only referring to the Dzant'ká clan native to the sound in which they landed. Because of this, many have called the term a relic of imperialism and the old days of subjugation, and the usage of this name was a roundabout endorsement of those things.

In contrast to this, Shangukeidí was the term used by anti-Shirakawan revolutionaries from the 1800s onward, having been the ancient name for a mythical, immortal clan incapable of doing wrong and hidden from foreign influence or power. The revolutionaries aspired to this clan, and thought that it represented what what was then the Shirakawan colony of Takaraweidi could be -- free from the shackles of colonialism. Opposition to this term, however, notes that according to archaeological finds of the late 1900s, the Shangukeidí were a real Dzant'ká clan who dominated what is now southern Shangukeidí through the 400s. They posit that 'Shangukeidí' is still a symbol of oppression, and have proposed alternatives, including T'akdeintaan, Skwikw, Dzawada'enuxw, and Neix.ádi, the latter of which gained support from some Dzant'ká groups -- nonetheless, none could ever dent the popularity of Shangukeidí.

Other reasons proposed include Shangukeidí [ʃʌn.kʊ.kʰe.tɪ́] being easier for non-natives to say than Dakl'aweidí [tʌ.qʰɬʼʌ.we.tɪ́] and the term "Shangukeidí" being unassociated with any one language in the nation, whereas most regard Dakl'aweidí as very clearly Dzant'ká.

This proposal has proven popular among many in throughout Shangukeidí, and while Dzant'ká supremacist groups are expected to put up many propositions to repeal the new law, these aren't expected to get very far.

The vote on this proposal, tentatively referred to as "Directorate Bill 112 - Shangukeidí Act of 2018," will happen tonight. No members of the Directorate have responded to questions regarding the bill, with the exception of Maika Maaxlakxaala (SA), who responded with "

." Updates to come tomorrow following the vote.

Shohei Kw'alaams-Ohtani • @hpkwalaamsohtani • qw/hpkw'alaams-ohtani

2018-01-02T11:23:10Z DST
(Most recently updated 2018-01-02T14:44:52Z DST)

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By Zh11T - 9 mins Ago

How utterly inoffensive. What are we supposed to argue about here? The Directorate needs to work on making more controversial laws
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By Xaatla32 - 10 mins Ago

This is probably a step towards the left on the part of the Directorate. I hope this means my black bloc will get a majority sometime in the future!
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By キングシティ77777 - 1 min Ago

if youre going to ride my a$$... at least Fuck my car
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by **Intermountain States** » Wed Jan 10, 2018 1:31 am

Yeongseon Votes No on Leaving HECO

Active duty servicemen casting their ballots at a polling booth in Camp Daemusin, Guri, Buyeo.

Kwon Soobin (@KSooobin)
January 10th, 2018

Cheongu - After heavy campaigning from both Remain and Leave camps regarding Yeongseon's position in the Heian Cooperation Organization, Yeongseon has voted to remain in HECO after the public rejected the Leave referendum. With a voting turnout of around 76% of the voting population, the Remain count defeated the Leave count 54%- 46%.

Justice Party Leader Jin Sujeong said that she was delighted that Yeongseon will continue to be part of HECO. "It's good that the majority of the people of Yeongseon have enough sense to realize that in a dangerous world, being part of a strong alliance is the best thing for us."

Prime Minister Han Yul thanked the voters for their decision. "The people of Yeongseon had spoken and we will respect their decision," he said. "We've mentioned before that whatever the result of the referendum was, we will continue to stand with our allies against threats in Valeya and Eastern Escar."

Supporters of the Leave campaign expressed disappointment over the results. "We were sure that we will win," a Leave campaigner said. People's Party Leader Ahn Ki-bum and Liberty Party Leader Yi Kyung-soo called for recounts in cities where electoral results had less than one percent differences.

"We want more accurate results to ensure that the people's voice are not being supressed," Yi Kyung-soo claimed. "Electoral fraud is an issue facing any democracy."

The margin of victory for the Remain campaign - 54% to 46% - was greater than the expected poll that put the votes at 51 - 49 in favor of remaining.

"While not as decisive as the Remain campaigners would have liked," Im Tae-yeon, pollster for the Royal Policy Center said. "The voters made it clear that most of them prefer to stay with HECO rather than go on their own paths."

by **Greater Allidron** » Wed Jan 10, 2018 11:57 am

Ngoi Sao Hang Ngay|The Daily Star

Secretary of the Foreign Office criticizes the Yeongseonin Referendum result

Lieu Tan Khang, Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Minh Nong--The Secretary of the Foreign Office Phan An made a controversial statement this Wednesday on the steps of the All-Peoples Central Hall. Reporters from state and foreign press caught him on his way to attend a series of high profile meetings with the Central Committee over the rise of piracy in the Crosswind Sea and the Gulf, which increasingly has seen significant clashes between Giangi naval vessels, commercial vessels and pirates. Secretary Phan stated that the people of Yeongseon made "a grave mistake in continuing to uphold the oppressive Yashimo-centric organization," and he further said that, "the shackles will continue to strangle a people in need of liberation."

Although the statement was short, it caused a fury of controversy in Namgiang. Under the Lieu Government, increasingly liberal approaches to the media has seen an explosion in political transparency and social media. Informal opposition leaders within the Caucus have stated their disgust with such a "meddling comment of Mr. Phan", and again called for his resignation.

In recent years Premier Lieu has seen a significant drop in approval polls. The most recent poll, released last month, saw over 40% of respondents expressing their disapproval of the Premier, a significant drop from five months ago where only 22% expressed disapproval. The data showed significant displeasure in regards to social and domestic policy. 52% of respondents said they disapproved of his social policy, and nearly 34% said they lacked trust in his domestic policy.

This statement by the Foreign Office has come in a time of increased tensions between Namgiang and HECO over Giangi diplomatic and economic support of the Revisionist government in Transoxthraxia. Yeongseon currently harbors the Transoxthraxian Government in Exile, while the Shirakawan government maintains a less then friendly stance towards the Revisionists.

by **Toishima** » Fri Jan 19, 2018 10:15 pm

20/01/2018 11:00 | Heian : 6°C | Cloudy

屋島語 | 硃語 | 한국어 | ANGLIAN

HECO 2018 INAUGURAL SUMMIT: DEFENCE MINISTER GIVES KEYNOTE SPEECH
Promises Yamatai's commitment to the alliance, alliance's development, hints at increased defence budget for 2018

Defence Minister Ikuo giving his speech at the General
Okabe Memorial Centre yesterday, where the 2018 HECO
Inaugural Summit is being held

HEIAN, CAPITAL METROPOLITAN AREA - Defence Minister Kaise Ikuo yesterday gave the keynote address opening the 2018 Inaugural Summit for the Heian Cooperation Organisation (HECO), of which Yamatai is a founding member. Retired Army colonel Ikuo touched upon various global and regional security threats, emphasising that HECO must continue to stand together in the face of these dangers, while also moving forward to build a forum that does not solely focus on military matters.

"The nation of Yamatai is always prepared to work alongside and with our partners in the region and beyond. We have done so for over fifty years and will continue to do so for as long as our friendships with our neighbours hold. And we hope that this will hold for a long time. HECO has grown from an alliance of neighbours to deal with a singular regional threat into a proper forum and alliance for like-minded nations in the modern context," the Defence Minister is quoted, referring to HECO's roots as an alliance to defeat communist Hinomoto during the Cold War. HECO has since branched out into many other sectors, including disaster watch and relief, economic cooperation and cultural sharing.

"HECO is built on forgiveness and looking ahead. Just a century ago, nobody would have seen Yamatai and Shirakawa working together for a brighter future. At its inception, the Thee Powers Alliance had just one grim mission, to deal with an aggressive rogue state in the region. Building on this, and looking ahead, we have forged a peaceful and safe West Escar for our peoples and our nations to develop and thrive."

"It is all thanks to the efforts put in by the nations of HECO to keep the region free from the chaos and terror in other parts of the world. The modern enemy is no longer one that can be defeated just by putting out more planes and guns, like in the past. The modern enemy can hide, he can run, and his goal is to spread fear and confusion. Standing together, HECO can fight this on more fronts than militarily. Together, we are economically strong. It is not easy to sow hatred between our peoples. And let the terrorist run. We have the technology to track him down anywhere he goes. This region is safe, thanks to HECO."

The Defence Minister also hinted at an increased defence budget for Yamatai in the 2018 fiscal year, a rare peek into the typically heavily guarded budget details, which will be released at the opening of the new fiscal year in mid-February. He also subtly noted that recent public sentiment in Yeongseon regarding the exit of Yeongseon from HECO could be a dangerous sentiment in the modern era, and thanks the nations for choosing to remain.

"This nation will play her part, her contribution will be higher in the coming years as we ramp up our defence (spending). As for our regional allies, I am certain all will continue to play their part. I thank you all for choosing to walk this road together as like-minded nations, so that we may expand our horizons together in the face of innumerable threats. Manageable threats, but threats nonetheless. We cannot allow the sentiments of a vocal minority to divide us, and it is good that we remain united today."

Defence Minister Ikuo finished off with a call for greater economic and cultural exchanges between the nations, something he feels has been lacking since the 2010s. This is necessary for the nations' peoples to understand each other and thus enable their governments to work closer together for collective benefit, he said.

The Inaugural HECO Summit is an annual event held every January, mirrored by the Midyear HECO Summit. The ongoing talks are likely to cover a wide range of topics including the ongoing search for long-missing Todaki flight TH370, Operation Wide Net, the ongoing anti-piracy activities in the Opal Sea and Varunan Oceans, as well as the upcoming Exercise Kuchikamizake, a bilateral cyber warfare exercise conducted between Yamatai and Shirakawa. Planning is also expected for the triennial HECO Cultural Festival, to be held in Eito this June alongside the Midyear HECO summit.

« Comments (456) »

戦隊224
Looking forward to those cultural festivals!
38▲ | 7▼

柴犬45
More funding to help foreign corps... This wouldn't be a problem if they were part of the Greater Empire since 37, huh... wwwwwwwww
16▲ | 23▼

怒り_男
Yeongseon was in HECO?
24▲ | 25▼

More...

by **Transoxthraxia** » Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:31 pm

Webster-Lloyd Yorckaean News - The New Yorcke Times

Governmental Row,
The City of Yorcke,
The Confederation of Yorcke
January 31st, 2018

Today, in front of a crowd of nearly two thousand people, the new Prime Minister of Yorcke was sworn into office, along with his Lieutenant Minister and Cabinet, in a solemn ceremony. Despite the day being overcast and dim and the swearing-in ceremony being as dismal as always, the crowd was ecstatic for the new term of government. In a surprise bid, following the resignation of the prior government as a result of the Arcadia Scandal, the White Lodge wrested control of the Confederation away from their long-term ideological rivals, the Orange Lodge. The OL has held power in the Confederation for a number of elections, but following the wrongful arrest of a number of university youths under the accusation of organizing socialist political activity. While the students were eventually acquitted, the damage had been done.

The Orange Lodge had always appealed to the staunch social traditionalists that dominate electorates in the Provinces of Yorcke, the Donlands, and a number of smaller electorates such as E-I and Old Olympia, but this election saw them lose both Yorcke and Donlands to the WL, whose new take on Social Conservatism has seemed to have swayed a number of voters in their direction. Orangeman failure to formulate a strong opinion the Transoxthraxian Revolution surely couldn't have helped their wavering popularity, some critics going so far as to claim that Orangemen sympathize with the Revisionists, the radical authoritarians that usurped power in our Northern Neighbour.

On top of openly condemning the Revisionists, White Lodge leaders have promised a number of social and electoral reforms that, while still vague, seem to be aimed towards ending the archaic Party Laws passed in the 30's. Moreover Whitemen have proposed a referendum to officially re-name the country to something more inclusive of provincials who don't live in the city of Yorcke. Only time will tell how the White Lodge's leadership, young and dynamic compared to the OL, will come into their own as national leaders. I, for one, welcome our new overlords.

-- Piece written by J.V.B Bell, Jr.

Governmental Row,
The City of Yorcke,
February 18th, 2018

Today, the new White Lodge-dominated government has formally released a pair of actions, both of which were important items on their party platform in the election last year. Firstly, an official referendum has been opened today in all provinces, territories, and assorted Anglian holdings over officially switching the nation's name from 'Yorcke' to the more inclusive 'Anglia'. While in the past it is true that the city of Yorcke united the disparate Anglian realms, Yorcke is, at the end of the day, one city among many. Not even a fifth of the population of the country live in the city, yet the city's name represents all Anglians, from Ellesmeare to the Donlands. The alternative, Anglia, seems immediately popular in all places that aren't the city of Yorcke, somewhat unsurprisingly.

The second action that the government has taken today, perhaps more important in a large-scale geopolitical sense, is the recognition of the democratic Republican Transoxthraxian Government in Exile as the legitimate government of Transoxthraxia. The Republicans, the main force that fought against the radical Revisionists in the bloody Transoxthraxian Civil War, managed to flee the country mostly intact, and now reside in-exile in Yeongseon. While it is unfortunate that there seems like no end in sight for Revisionist rule in Transoxthraxia, at least our new administration can show that they have no interest in collaborating with a belligerent, xenophobic, and inherently anti-democratic regime.

-- Piece written by J.V.B Bell, Jr.

by **New Spanishland** » Wed Feb 21, 2018 12:08 pm

Home / Politics / Economics / World / Sports / Entertainment / Culture / Health / More

Unidentified criminals besiege mall and industrial zone. Possible terrorist attack

"Police and National Guard members manage to encircle the perimeter"."

Wendsday, Febuary 21st. 2018.

In the early hours of the morning, unidentified armed men stormed the Main Bank of St. Lawrence in an attempted robbery. After receiving a prompt response from the authorities, they withdrew to the industrial zone where they took two abandoned deposits.

It has recently been confirmed that another contingent of criminals carrying heavy weapons appeared in the downtown area, two kilometers east of the Main Bank and opened fire on the security forces causing four confirmed deaths and two wounded officers.

The Chief of the Police of St. Lawrence, Oscar Barradas, requested the support of the National Guard in order to repress the criminals.

It is believed that the offenders took several hostages from the center and took them to the industrial zone. So far they have not negotiated a rescue or issued any statement.

Citizens are advised not to approach the downtown area because there are still clashes between the police and criminals.

Article by Eduardo Lascurain

Other Interesting News.

Politics. "Start session to elect new director of Internal Affairs of the Imperial Palace"
International. "Crown Minister of Economy publish the travel calendar"
National. "Extended curfews on the St. Lorenzo Metropolitan Area"
Sports. "National Soccer Team presents list of new players"

by **Kolintha** » Tue Mar 06, 2018 6:04 pm

Daigaku-ryō Director to be called before Court of Audit

Hopes high for new leadership as Inspectorate at last takes decisive action

Image - South Gate of the Gaku-ryō's Humanities and Political Sciences department:
Tamura Yoshiro has been the Director of the Daigaku-ryō since 2001, and his appointment was
itself a subject of some complaint, with his relative lack of experience in the education sector
or even the civil service with which the state academy is so intimately tied, being touted as clear
evidence of his lack of qualifications for the role.

Today, Shinshi - The Gakudō Circuit Office of the Royal Inspectorate’s Academic Standards Branch today issued a brief statement announcing the formal end of their preliminary investigation of Tamura Yoshiro, Director of the Daigaku-ryō, the most senior of Shirakawa’s state-run civil-military academies and one of the oldest collegiate universities in the world. The statement concluded that there was significant evidence to support previous allegations against Tamura of a ‘classist’ discriminatory approach to academy applicant and hiring policy ‘unbecoming of an official heading an institution devoted to the ideals of impartial education and meritocracy’.

After the publication of the statement, a spokesperson for the Federal Inspectorate confirmed that permission had been granted to the Gakudō Circuit to form a full investigative committee and summon the Director to testify before the local Court of Audit. It was also hinted that further action may be taken against Tamura depending on the result of an upcoming preliminary investigation by the Saikaidō Circuit Inspectorate Office of Finance.

Optimistic hopes have been raised among Tamura’s opponents in the education sphere, as despite a previous media stir surrounding the original discrimination allegations, sparked by the publication of a lengthy editorial in the Daily Motherland, and earlier criticism over the Director’s extravagant lifestyle, no formal governmental action had been taken to hold him to account until now, despite a wider crackdown on abuses of power by academic leaders sweeping across the country between 2009 and 2011.

The general reluctance of authorities to challenge Tamura inspired a good deal of criticism targeting the Daigaku-ryō and its highly privileged place as the dominant alma mater of the sprawling royal civil service. All but two of Shirakawa’s State Marshal’s elected between 1701 and 2016 were former pupils of the Gaku-ryō, and almost 51% of 1000 representatives in the House of Exemplars, elected based on nominations from peers in the bureaucracy, were found to have been educated there - a massively disproportionate percentage given the Academy being only one of 86 establishments of its kind across the country, and not even being the largest of these.

Increasing media pressure on Ten Gikai politicians generated by such criticism may have contributed to the sudden decision by the Inspectorate to further tighten its belt and begin properly looking into even the crown jewel of the Kingdom’s elite confucian educational sector.

Tamura himself has not issued any public statements in response to the Inspectorate, and a spokesperson for the Academy refused to divulge any information from his side, merely stating that the Director would cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and requesting media outlets to ‘avoid baseless speculation, and allow the procedure to run its course.’ On previous occasions, Tamura has responded to most accusations dismissively, and sometimes rudely, generating new controversy off the back of existing criticism, such as when in 2008 he replied indirectly to claims he had embezzled university funds to support corporate investments by calling his opponents ‘out of touch cretins’ attempting to silence him on the basis of ‘reasonable political views’ by using academic inspectors as a weapon, though it was never specified which views exactly he believed he had been condemned for.

by **Mingdai** » Thu Mar 08, 2018 2:55 pm

La Gauche defeat Liberal Party; Peyrehorade set to become President

March 6th, 2018

The left coalition formed in 2014, Le Gauche, defeated the incumbent Liberal Party this Monday -- accumulating 50.5% of the popular vote. The incumbent Liberal Party fell short of obtaining a majority at 46.7% of the popular vote. Notably, the anti-establishment 24/8 Movement accumulated approximately 2.5% of the national popular vote and proceeded to win a majority in the commune of Saint-Yves. Le Gouche polled well within urban and northern suburban areas, though failing to win the rural or southern suburban votes in Silvia-Pisano. The commune of Fresneaux was the last to confirm with the National Electoral Committe, reporting a majority for Le Gauche / Peyrehorade -- establishing Le Gauche as the victor in the election. With this victory the leftist coalition maintains a narrow majority in government over the Liberal Party and the Unionist Party both in the Assembly and now with the Presidency.

The past electoral season saw a number of flash point moments in Etrulian politics and is reported as being one of the more involved elections in the past decade. The most poignant moment of the election was the breakdown of the Unionist / Social Liberal coalition -- a neoconservative Christian democrat coalition that received significant backing from conservative NGOs. The Unionist-SL coalition was positioned, according to a number of political commentators, to challenge Le Gouche on equal footing. However Unionist-SL candidate Augé Chabert caused a division among his supporters early on in the race because of his charged comments on immigration and same-sex marriage. This rift drove the coalition into a tight spot, eventually resulting in its disbandment in an attempt by the Social Liberals to save face. This development was recognized as a concession in some form however the ramifications of continuing to back Chabert were perceived as more devastating in the long run for the Social Liberals.

The Liberal Party forwent any offer of coalition or merger with any of the other more moderate or center-right parties. Candidate Edouart Pinchon was received by the public with mixed feelings. Commentators described him as Moitessier-light, offering little in the way of firm policies. Supporters of Pinchon proclaimed that his nuanced opinions were what the Republic needed. Presidential candidate Guillermus De Villiers of the 24/8 movement received a significant amount of attention, particularly from young independent voters. However, he fell short of expectations of his followers. De Villiers conceded in late January, placing half-hearted support behind Peyrehorade. Despite this loss, De Villier and the 24/8 movement have expressed interest in the continuation of their movement in future local and national elections.

Peyrehorade ran on a rather radical platform, if the past few elections are to be considered, foregoing the gradual approach of the liberals and neoconservatives in the assembly. Peyrehorade ran a rather accusatory campaign, citing economic and social injustices in what he called a "crime of inaction" by the Liberal government of the past. However what the world noticed most was Peyrehorade's foreign policy platform. His accusations went far beyond domestic complaints. Peyrehorade criticized the government for working with other states which were suspect for "gross human rights violations" and supporting ideals that "betrayed the founding notions of the Republic." Such bold statements lead to alarm both at home and abroad.

President-elect Peyrehorade is set to be inaugurated as President of the Etrulian Republic on the 17th of this month. The President-elect has already expressed the desire, as is tradition, to meet with some of the republic's closest allies. Peyrehorade's exact travel itinerary still remains vague however commentators are convinced he will likely visit Shirakawa and the other members of VISC first.

by **Kolintha** » Sun Mar 18, 2018 1:00 pm

OOC note: Following post is no longer considered canonical.

Kokusō Hyōe Announces He Will Contest The Royalist Leadership Race

Mr. Kokusō's main opponent in the party election will be the conservative
favourite Lady Tajima.

Today, Eito - The streets of Eito's ancient Higashimon district were abuzz with enthusiastic cheers of excitement earlier today, as supporters of the local Commons representative, Kokusō Hyōe, gathered to hear the rising star of the Royalist Party announce after much anticipation that he would in fact be participating in the party's leadership elections, which are to be held on the 21st April, shortly before the party's 143rd annual congress and just over a year ahead of the general elections in which the Royalists will once again attempt to wrest control of the Ten Gikai from the Federalist government.

Thanking the crowds who turned out to greet him despite the chilly weather of the Capital, the representative said that he hoped to deliver a "fresh and bold campaign" that would "if nothing else, motivate a more determined push for compassionate, sensible ideals among future opposition leaders, in line with the enlightened government of the Classics rather than desperate electoral pragmatism." He justified his 'tragically tardy' challenge to the leadership with a vague reference made to the recent beginning of corruption allegations against the Director of his alma mater, the Daigaku-ryō.

"More than anything, the Royalist Party must have the leadership it needs to deliver purity and justice in governance." Kokusō emphasized.

Mr. Kokusō has been active in national politics since 1986, when he was elected to the House of Exemplars, representing Owari province. Here he served a full 12 year term, and by the time of his departure he had managed to build a small reputation for himself as a populist reformist, taking a firm stance in particular on antitrust legislation. After leaving the House, he immediately launched himself into politics once more, and was elected to the Commons as a Ziyoist Party representative for Horichō, Choseki - the first former Exemplar to hold a seat in another house.

However the 2003 Federalist - Ziyoist coalition led to his resignation from the party in protest, and subsequently a by-election which he lost. As a result, he moved his base of operations to Eito, contesting seats in the municipal assembly until the 2007 general elections when he finally secured his present seat in the east end. This news was met with little initial excitement on a broad party scale, but the old veteran's popularity quickly grew after he delivered a rousing speech at the 2010 Party Congress, nominally in support of the newly elected royalist boss Susukaze Kira, but primarily using the platform as a means to shine light on the anti-union practices of the Seiza group in his native Owari and the struggle of local guilds and worker's associations to attract the attention of the Royal Inspectorate.

His derailment of the Congress succeeded in sparking the Grand New Year movement that spread across Shirakawa that December, which likely contributed to the new Uesoga government's decision to confront Seiza and introduce more stringent labour association protections in 2012. However it also won Kokusō himself a large degree of attention from within his party, both positive and negative. His sudden self-elevation to elite cadres of the Royalists has been strongly opposed by the constitutionalist wing of the Party, nowadays spearheaded by Lady Tajima Nishi. She and Mr. Kokusō came to blows for the first time in 2016, after her own rise to prominence, when the latter compared his opponent with the new State Marshal, Lady Seikoujo, stating that they were "...two feathers plucked from the same corporate cockatrice." in reference to Lady Tajima's friendly relationship with Shirakawan big business leaders.

In view of his rapid rise to power and confrontations with the party favorite, it is perhaps not so surprising that despite his last minute entry into the race, Kokusō is already polling strongly with the party rank and file, dissatisfied with the rightward convergence in manifestos between the opposition and government. A live public poll carried out by internet political survey platform Kasa at the time of the rally showed 34% of participants intended to support him, and traditional pollsters, who have yet to publish updated survey results following this development, have indicated that his odds are looking 'impressively positive'.

by **Tsutikuo** » Sun Mar 18, 2018 3:00 pm

- Est. 1882, The Empire's Oldest Weekly Newspaper -

華語 | 한국어 | 白川語 | Anglian

3 Yi-Mao, Taixing Year 3

Film Maker Faces Inquisitorial Court

Hang Zhengming's new film, Secrets of the Imperial Garden, is alleged to portray the Azure Emperor Renzong
(portrayed in the film by Hu Xiaolou, above) in an "slanderous and impious" manner.

By Liu Shoujing

Film maker and critic Hang Zhengming is expected to face an Inquisitorial Tribunal tomorrow following allegations that his new film presents a false and slanderous account of the early life of the Azure Emperor Renzong, the fourth Emperor of the Azure Empire, the Review can reveal.

Mr. Hang has previously faced accusations of heresy, apostasy and of holding radical political beliefs. However, he has also been widely fêted by the arts community as a leading film director and producer. Secrets of the Imperial Garden, which was due to be released on 3 Bing-Chen, is the sixth film he has directed and the fourth that he has produced. The film, set in the time of the Azure Empire, follows the exploits of an orphan girl named Shan (played by Wang Renyuan) chosen as a handmaiden to the young Emperor Renzong (Hu Xiaolu). Through the course of the film, Shan falls in love with the handsome palace guard Xi Shu (Su Yije) and must use her influence with the Emperor to protect him from palace intrigues. The film received positive reviews following advanced screenings, but the characterisation of Emperor Renzong has been described by conservatives as "inappropriate and disrespectful" to the great imperial ancestor and the imperial throne.

According to film critic Yu Shenguan, "the illustrious Emperor Renzong is portrayed as lusting after his handmaids, and is frequently shown in highly compromising situations... It is also implied, though never shown on the screen, that the Emperor indulges in the passions of the cut sleeve with young men at his court. Such a bold decision must surely attract the criticism of conservatives and the attention of the Inquisition." Although both the Inquisition and Mr. Hang refused to offer an official statement upon request, a source within the Inquisition stated that Mr. Hang was being investigated under charges of offence against the Imperial Throne, regarded by the Holy Imperial Church as a form of blasphemy. A friend of Mr. Hang who did not wish to be identified said, "the honourable Mr. Hang is not a heretic or an enemy of the Imperial Throne. It is manifestly unfair for him to be targeted in this way. Emperor Renzong, whilst a capable ruler, is widely believed by scholars of history to have been a man of many vices- the things shown in the film are regularly written about by academics and in popular histories, but because it is being shown on screen to a larger audience the Inquisition are suddenly concerned."

Emperor Renzong was amongst the first Emperors of Cathai to profess the Christian faith. However, it has often been suggested that many pagan customs continued for a long time after the nominal conversion of the Empire to Christianity. The idea presented in the film that "handmaid" was often used as a euphemism in the early Azure Empire for "concubines" as a way for emperors to covertly continue keeping their harems despite the Church's indictments against polygamy is supported by many prominent historians. Master Historian Chung told the Review, "the scenario presented in the film where the young Shan is recruited, nominally as a servant but in fact as a concubine for the Emperor Renzong, is quite plausible. It is known that the Emperor Renzong did have extramarital affairs in his youth, but as an older man he became much more pious and wrote many poems of repentance for his earlier conduct." However, Master Chung notes that there is "no evidence of Emperor Renzong engaging in passions of the cut sleeve as implied in the film."

Hang Zhengming's previous film, On Distant Shores, told the story of a Tsutikuan migrant to Yeongseon in the 19th century who struggles to adapt to the culture of the new country. Although well received by critics, the film's critique of the way in which Tsutikuan society treats those who migrate beyond boundaries of the Empire stirred controversy. It remains unclear whether Secrets of the Imperial Garden will be released on the currently scheduled date. Actor Hu Xiaolu was unavailable for comment.

by **Intermountain States** » Mon Mar 19, 2018 4:28 pm

Future Solutions Announce Breakthrough in Thorium Research

Future Solutions CEO Yi Myeon-bok expressed positivity at the prospect of thorium based
nuclear power.

Bak Chaeyoung (@Chaeyoung78)
March 19th, 2018

Ansi, Buyeo - Yi Myeon-bok, CEO of Future Solutions, announced breakthrough in thorium based power development. "Our engineers and scientists have successfully produced a working prototype that provides cleaner energy than natural gas and uranium," Myeon-bok claimed. "At this rate, thorium based nuclear power plants would be ready for mass use by 2030."

Thoirum has been a target of debate within the energy community with supporters claiming that thorium based nuclear power would be safer and cleaner than uranium. Development into thorium research had began since the 1950s but were abandoned in the 1980s due to its lack of military use in contrast to uranium. Due to thorium research no longer established by the government, despite unsuccessful efforts by Assemblymen in the Assembly, research into thorium has largely fell into the private sector.

"Future Solutions is playing a major role in securing Yeongseon as an energy independent country in a time period where solar power is expensive to develop and friendly oil rich countries are considered more politically hostile," Minister of Energy Kim Hwa-soon said. "Mr. Yi is doing good works in bringing Yeongseon closer to a cleaner and more positive future."

Others from the energy community, however, have more mixed receptions. "Even though the country enjoys a large reserve of thorium," Federal Environmental Bureau Director Bae Incho said, "We still need to make sure that they're safe enough to be used and reckless development may bring more problems than solutions. We don't need any nuclear incidents that could harm the environment and the civilians."

Despite concerns from the FEB, Yi Myeon-bok expressed hope for his energy projects, having boasted "Thorium would be the future of Yeongseon" at an energy conference in Daegu, Seorae. Aside from thorium research, Myeon-bok had also invested billions into fusion and solar power research.

by **Panonni** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 5:16 pm

Αρχάγγελος

The foremost voice of the Ozymandic Empire, since 1566

Privacy laws regarding the Sharia and the Internet reevaluated by the Judicial Court

Emperor Paul III Ozymand addressing the Majilis regarding the Internet.

In a majority decision that marks a historical landmark in the history of Islamic Fiqh, the Pannoni Majilis has decided that privacy on the internet, regarding pornography, apostate activity, and blasphemy online, must be upheld unilaterally. Before the decision was made, it was known that the Murabizun/Morality Police conducted surveillance on those who visited questionable and otherwise illegal websites. However, an anonymous plaintiff successfully appealed against the state after he was punished for Zina with a minor Hadd punishment. Out of 107 votes, the Majilis voted 77 in favor of ending online surveillance of citizens.

The dissent raised valid concerns about the meaning of anti-zina measures post this decision taken, and also raised concerns about a possible liberal takeover of the nation. Shaykh Osman Osmar, a fiqh judge from Monemsia that is known for his conservative opinions, was quoted as saying that this measure would "cheapen" the value of the sharia and that either the Majilis must reach a compromise, or censor vast parts of the internet entirely. Despite the vote being over, Osmar and other conservative judges have successfully induced another discussion about censoring the internet or continuing surveillance of apostates and those who commit zina, without using the information gathered as evidence in a court of law.

The Emperor and Caliph himself was present for the law and gave a neutral opinion about it, stressing the need to counter the efforts of islamophobia from the outside world, while keeping a compassionate and privacy-mindful mindset about the internet.

"We cannot violate the privacy of others, lest we commit a grave sin ourselves. We should only punish sins if they cheapen the rights of others, and all other sins shall be in the hands of God."

Sharia law has very little in the way of jurisprudence regarding the internet, but judges either treat it as an open forum, considering anything said on the internet to be "public", and others consider it to be a closed room, therefore anything said on forums and chat rooms are private. Pannon's Majilis has not yet named an official position.

Markos Makrembolites is a journalist based in Meganon. He has worked for Archangel in Anglian since 2002 and is a husband and father of two.

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