[Regional RP] Delta Episode

[Croxoco]

DELETED

[Croxoco]

DELETED

[Athretvari]

Super adorable Sabretoothed Pygmy Banshee-Berzerker kittens born at National Zoo and other headlines!

ARS SCIENTIA The National Zoo in downtown Ars Scientia announced this morning that Baby “Little Face” Gray, a 1-year old sabretoothed pygmy banshee-berzerker cat on exhibit at the zoo since last spring has had a litter of 3 adorable kittens. Thonio Qatighi, director-general of the zoo said, “Mother cat and kittens are doing fine. We been able to confirm she’s had a total of 3 kittens. Typical for a first litter. We intend to allow the new family a few days to get acquintated before performing a thorough medical check-up on mother cat and each of her kittens. And yes, there will be a public contest to name the kittens. However, Kitten McKittenface and all variations of ‘McFace’ will be automatically rejected since we already have Tomcat McCatface, the zoo’s dominant pygmy male, who we believe sired these kittens. Rascal.”

COLUMBIA, FRI ATHKA The government of Fri Athka has accused Athretvari of trying to terrify and intimidate the people of the small rogue NPC nationstate across the Straights of Cannonfire before its next parlimentary elections this upcoming weekend. The accusation comes after a series of strange lights have danced over the Fri Athkan capital for the past 5 nights. The lights, according to observers in the capital city, sometimes number in the hundreds, form and break dynamic formations high in the nightsky, and fly at what many observers say are impossibly fast speeds.

“It’s those blue devils! They’re testing some new military tech on us. Testing not just their new hardware, but our defenses at the same time,” said Maj. Szerghio Haifa, a spokesman for the Fri Athkan Department of Defense. “The corrupt government of Athretvari has never given up its unjust claims over Fri Athka and have never renounced the use of terror or outright force to bring us under their terror-, ahem, ‘technocratic’ system.”

While the major refused to answer questions concerning the Fri Athkan response to the lights, reports have emerged from a number of sources that Athretvari has needed to scramble interceptors at least a dozen times over the past several days to chase away Fri Athkan Air Force jets that have flown too close to the Technate’s air defense zone. It is not certain to what extent the Fri Athkans have been successful, as the lights continue to buzz the island’s main city night after night.

The Athretvarian government hasn’t commented officially on the accusation or the rumored scrambling of Ath interceptors, except an unnamed official at the Strategic Ministry of NationStates did say, “as per rules and regulations, the Athretvarian government won’t confirm, deny, or publicly comment on any possible ‘special actions’ concerning the rogue Athretvarian realm of Fri Athka. But if I were to put any money down, I’d bet it’s us.”

ANAKÁLYPSI The Anakálypsi Realm Police Department is reporting that it has busted a major cell of the ‘Magic Mountain Mushroom Gang’ drug-smuggling ring run by the Thirsty Armada. The cell operating out of the Port of Anakálypsi, is said to have been responsible for nearly a quarter of all magic mountain mushroom smuggling in eastern Athretvari. The Anakálypsi Realm Police performed an early morning raid at the port, capturing 25 suspects including Captain Yellow Beard, master of the pirate-ship “Notorious” who is also wanted in Athretvari on over 100 charges of piracy, kidnapping, and facilitating the unauthorized importation of mushrooms. Yellow Beard faces upto 150 years in prison if found guilty on all the charges currently levied against him.

The local office of the Strategic Ministry of Defense & Security also reported that a small naval task force of 5 ships from the 1st Eastern Armada has been dispatched to hunt down and capture the “Notorious” believed to be lurking in the Privateers Sea around the Canarchi Gate.

ARS SCIENTIA Strategosa Agājio sends congratulatory message to Avitus Anderson, newly appointed Chancellor of the Kingdom of Croxoco.

Dear Chancellor Anderson,

As representative of the people and government of the High-Technate Athretvari, I wish to congratulate you on your party’s electorial success and your appointment as Chancellor of the Kingdom of Croxoco. It is my sincere hope that your administration will share with my own the importance and value of working toward the development of positive and mutually beneficial relations between our two nations. It is also my sincerest wish that our nations cooperate in those areas of mutual interest and concern.

Congratulations again.

Peace and Prosperity,
Anra A.

[Croxoco]

DELETED

[46566]

Grand Duchy officially annex's new territory
Midgari- the Grand Duchy has officially annexed the territory prepared by the Nedean workers. The Nedean population will be given citizenship if they choose to remain within 46566. If not they will be give a small bonus and extra pay to buy out the territory they live on. Originally the Nedean workers were just planned to be the primary workers to develop the area's for midgari living. The midgari populyhas been trickling into the region The Nedean workers willing to stay have even registered their own political party promoting free trade and a open free market.

[Athretvari]

Earthquake in Reinas and lights over Columbia, Fri Athka rumored to be linked to failed military experiment and other headlines!

COLUMBIA, FRI ATHKA The Government of Fri Athka has formally presented a letter of protest to the Government of Athretvari claiming it has evidence that the mysterious lights that have been regularly haunting the rogue realm’s capital city nightsky and the 3.6 R seismic quake felt during the morning rush-hour in Reinas several days ago are linked to a failed weapons test by the Athretvarian military and scientific establishment.

The explosive charges were included in a leaked version of the letter seen by Other Athretvarian Headlines that was sent via a secure communiqué channel between the two nations foreign ministries. The letter also included numerous “Exhibits of Evidence,” including Fri Athkan spy satellite images of what their government says is an Athretvarian test-launcher for a type of gravitational kinetic weapon. The images apparently show the launcher immediately after entering low-orbit above the Wild Depths the morning of the quake, then launching a projectile toward Enkon’s surface, before falling back toward the planet and reentering the atmosphere. The same images show the projectile being hit by a high-intensity particle-beam eminating from the planet’s surface. The beam appears to only graze the projectile before being reflected back at a sharp angle toward Enkon. The Fri Athkans claim the reflected beam struck just above their capital city and is directly responsible for the atmospheric disturbances seen there night after night since the launch.

The Fri Athkans also make the extraordinary claim that the test actually failed, saying the projectile can clearly be seen veering off wildly in an image taken just after being grazed by the laser. “Where the projectile fell is anyone’s guess,” said the letter in a final remark. Closing with, “our guess is Reinas.”

LOGICA A tourist from the NPC of Hy’why’yea died in hospital today after suffering fatal bodily wounds and facial lacerations from a vicious pygmy banshee-berzerker cat attack. The 20 year old man, whose name has been withheld to respect his privacy, decided to violate well established and understood tourist guidelines to not pet any sabretoothed pygmy cats while on holiday in the Technate. The tourist apparently unconvinced that such cute and adorable little creatures could possibly be mortal threats to a full-grown man was shocked to discover upon jumping from his safari bus and rushing to pet a cute and adorable tuxedo-coated pygmy cat that in fact they are. Within the 2 seconds it took the safari guide to tranquilize the poor little beast, the cat had clawed through half the man’s face, neck, and chest. The hospital’s spokesman said, “the attack was so fast that the cat was already starting to maw-off the man’s hand when it was finally tranqed.”

The man was immediately rushed from the safari park 20 kilometers outside Logica, to Saint Hypacia Alexandria Hospital in the city-realm’s eastern quarter. Doctors at the hospital were unable to stablize the man however because of severe blood loss and toxicity.

“Not a common fact, but sabretoothed pygmy banshee-berzerker cat fangs are poisonous. Very poisonous. The little critters can’t just rely on their exceptional speed and super-duper cuteness to survive in the Athretvarian jungle wilderness. It’s prey for nearly everything out there. Its true weapon is its poisonous bite. not to mention the intense infections from any scratches it can inflict. Their claws harbor millions of toxic bacteria and other dangerous microorganisms to most de-terran life, including humans,” said Dr. Wil Qillja of the Athretvarian Wildlife Survey, a government agency of the General Ministry of Environment, Nature & Wildlife tasked with exploring and cataloging the fauna and flora of Technate’s many natural spaces.

The hospital reports that the man’s family in Hy’why’yea has been contacted and are in route to Logica to identify and claim his remains and belongings.

TECHNICA Scientists at the Technica City-Realm University Laboratories of Doec Research are reporting that several Doec artifacts uncovered in the Athretcarian Alps exhibit exotic forcefield-like properties under specific frequencies of intense forms of UV radiation. The scientists made the announcement in a university published magazine, and their initial findings are currently being peer-reviewed for publication in the National Scientific Journal.

Doctoral candidate, Zani Thihri, said, “Doec artifacts harbor countless mysteries about the technological capacities of the humanoid inhabitants of Enkon that were using advanced thermal-laser stonecutters to carve their incredible underground cities long before humans even stepped foot on Earth’s moon. For some reason, they simply vanished one day. Over time, evidence of their civilization and cities has been covered over by the planet’s geologic activity and rapid vegetation growth caused by Enkon’s warm tropical-climate. Unlocking the mysteries of these artifacts could inform new innovations and the development of exciting new technologies.”

TECHNICA The Technica City-Realm University public relations office reports that its Laboratories of Doec Research has been placed under the direct control of the Strategic Ministry of Scientific Indoctrination & Truth, effective immediately.

The strategic ministry, nominally in control of the nation’s “temples of science,” their associated pseudo-religious “professorial corps,” and also responsible for publishing “Just Setting It Straight,” a state-edited geoploitical magazine oftentimes used by high officials in the Athretvarian government to publically debate and opine various policy issues and subjects, has refused to comment on the transfer. However, university staff wishing to remain anonymous and that we can confirm saw the order have said, “the order came straight from the Defenderate (center of executive power and residence of Strategosa Agājio).”

ARS SCIENTIA Athretvari wishes Moarfall a happy birthday today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOAR!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR MO-ARRRRR!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
— Hugs and kisses, Athretvari

[46566]

Grand Duchy recognizes two independent United Relms
Midgar- The Grand Duchy has recognize both Fri Athka and Hy’why’yea as autonomous Relms within the UTR. The Grand Duchy wishes to formally start talks about opening up trading relations and to further open up relations over the world. The Grand Duke has formally stated that both Relms have a certain level of autonomy compared to the other Relms within the UTR.

[Croxoco]

DELETED

[46566]

Grand Duchy recognizes Croxoco
Midgar- the Grand Duke has officially declared that the Grand Duchy has officially recognized the Kingdom of Croxoco. The Grand Duke expressed his happiness of another monarchy being established but warned of giving military and foreign affairs to a government that could change it's views by the next election. Murmur within the house of peers and commons is that the Grand Duchy would be willing to form close ties with the new nation and possibly use the reserve system developed by the country.

[Ivstinian]

*Prior to elections the pro Proconsularis thanked the nations that sent friendly communiques and informed them that foreign diplomacy will begin in earnest once the new federal government was formed and elections were decided*

Just before the elections: The tribunal of delegates ratify a new constitution and government system. They decide on a three way separation of powers for the federal government: the Head of State, a bicameral legislature, and a Supreme Tribunal of Justices.

The Head of State will be responsible for the military, emergency actions, enforcing the laws and decisions of the other parts of the government, and assisting the legislature to carry out foreign policy either directly or through the diplomatic department’s team. The Head of State shall remain known as the Proconsul of Ivstinian and any political party (Or coalition of parties) or independent citizen can, with enough votes, apply for a place in the national election for Proconsul.

The Legislature consists of the Senate and the House of Representative Delegates. Each province gets two senators and the delegates of the house total 200 members and are elected by a nation wide vote based on proportional representation. Meaning each political party gains seats in the house based the number of votes cast for their party. Then citizens aligned to those parties vote for who will take those seats.

The Supreme Tribunal of Justices are non-elected judges appointed by the Head of State and ratified by the Legislature to determine of laws and regulations implemented by the other parts of government are constitutional.

Elections take place:

Election for Proconsul: Though he had desired to return to retirement in Athretvari, Gaius Flavius was insisted upon by the vast majority of citizens to run for Proconsul and actually ran unopposed. So he reluctantly accepted the position. He immediately appointed his choices for The Supreme Tribunal and awaited the legislature to be formed and decide on his appointees.

Elections for the Legislature: Two broad party coalitions were decided for the senate races with the left wing coalition candidates winning 60% of the total seats. The House elections were decided on these party lines; conservative coalition received 30% of the seats, the progressive coalition received 40% of the seats, and the communist party and the environmentalist party received 15% of seats each.

With the elections complete the Legislature approved all the Proconsul Flavius’ judge appointees. Now the Proconsul will seek to reestablish relations with the nations of NCON starting with the United Realms and St Saratoga. He makes preparations for departure immediately.

[Athretvari]

Central Government Responds to Grand Duchy's Recognition of Fri Athka and Hy'why'yea

ARS SCIENTIA — Seemingly stunned by the news, the Central Government of Athretvari finally issued a long-awaited response today to the 22-May announcement by the Grand Duchy recognizing "both Fri Athka and Hy'why'yea as autonomous realms within the UTR," using the abbreviation for the United Technocratic Realms — the economic, political, and social "union" of Athretvari, Fri Athka, and Hy'why'yea, recognized formally by Athretvari and Hy'why'yea, but still "under consideration" by the government of Fri Athka.

The Central Government said in a statement earlier today, "The Government of Athretvari welcomes the announcement by the Government of the Grand Duchy. We hope that in all their relations and dealings with the two autonomous realms that the Midgari government demonstrates a responsible appreciation and respect for the fundamental sovereignty; national, domestic, and state security concerns; and territorial integrity of the United Technocratic Realms."

While the statement did not explicitly endorse or forbid any particular relations or interactions between the Grand Duchy and Fri Athka or Hy'why'yea, the reference to appreciating and respecting the national security concerns and territorial integrity of the UTR could only be interpreted to mean that any moves on the part of the Grand Duchy to support formal independence, especially in the case of Fri Athka, would be a serious breach of trust and peace between Ars Scientia and Midgari.

The Government of Hy'why'yea, having agreed long ago to being considered an autonomous part of the Realms, does enjoy friendly relations with Ars Scientia and is "granted" by Ars Scientia a great deal of power to interact with foreign nation-states as long as its government takes any issue possibly affecting its or the Athretvarian mainland's defense or security to Ars Scientia for its consideration and advice before making a decision.

While Ars Scientia doesn't hold a "veto" over any of Hy'why'yea's actions, the extremely deep economic, political, and social relations with Athretvari makes acting in opposition to Ars Scientia a dangerous game to play for the small island.

The government of Fri Athka however continues to refuse to move consideration of joining the UTR forward. The stall, now more than a hundred years long, has allowed Fri Athka to exist as a de-facto independent state since the Gresk-expulsion and unification of the Athretvarian mainland by General Sziul Seihr. The native tribal-leader of Fri Athka at the time had promised General Seihr to join in the formation of the UTR in exchange for the island's liberation from the Gresk. The island's refusal to formally join after the liberation and continued refusal by its current government to move consideration of joining forward has only served to increase tensions across the infamous Straights of Cannonfire separating Athretvari from Fri Athka, with several near-encounters occurring between their militaries in recent years. While Ars Scientia has never proclaimed it would use force to unite the island with the UTR if a peaceful political union was not possible, it has also never renounced the use of force. However, the government of Athretvari has stated that it considers any actions towards or supporting formal independence by Fri Athka as hostile actions towards the UTR's sovereignty and security.

Central Government Congratulates Gaius Flavius on Election as Proconsul of Ivstinian and Welcomes Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

ARS SCIENTIA — The Defenderate, office of Strategosa Agāgio, issued another long-awaited announcement congratulating Gaius Flavius on his election as Proconsul of Ivstinian, and saying that it welcomed the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with the Glorious Federal Republic.

Part of the statement read, "Athretvari and Ivstinian have a long and cherished history of friendship and cooperation on the international stage, working together to better our region and and all of Enkon. We look forward to working with the government of Proconsul Flavius on reconnecting and redeveloping our relations in the spheres of economic development, trade, regional and global security, and national defense. We also look forward to a re-establishment of the deep cultural links enjoyed by our two great civilizations."

The Defenderate said it would welcome a diplomatic visit by Proconsul to formalize the reestablishment of relations. But that in the meantime it would direct the appointment of a new ambassador to Ivstinian and the start of negotiation with the Ivstinian government concerning opening of embassies.

[46566]

Grand Duchy recognizes new nation
Midgar- The Grand Duchy of 46566 recognized the Confederacy of Tribeca earlier this morning. The confederation of multiple Islands are located on the island chain between the UTR and Nedea. While the multiple islands were formally in a defensive agreement and economic union. The formation of the Confederation is a attempt to strengthen the ties between each member island and to further integrate their military. The hopes are to help stabilize the trading route between the UTR and Nedean territory.

The Grand Duchy hopes that by recognizing the confederacy it can serve as a neutral territory for meetings between any of the nation's near it. The Grand Duchy hopes both the UTR and Nedean conglomerate sees the purpose of a neutral third party and both recognize and guarantee it's independence.

Grand Duchy opens trade relations with Fourfall
Midgar- the Grand Duchy of 46566 has reached a agreement with the country of Fourfall to allow trade to flow through 46566 into Fourfall. This opens up a trade route with this small republic to the rest of Delta. The move was made in hopes of drawing more seaborne trade to 46566 and make the Grand Duchy a hub for seaborne trade. The trade route should cut at least a few days of travel for most sea trade.

[46566]

Grand Duchy of 46566 looks to settle down
Midgar- the Grand Duchy of 46566 has begun the process of settlement within the territory near Tends. The move is to both lower the population density of the country and to strengthen the Grand Duchies control over the area. The purposed incorporated territory will give 46566 a shared border with the now neighboring Otrurg-Dreisgau-Rubrein Grand Duchy. A ambassador has been sent to formalize the border on the future shared River. Also part of the treaty is opening trade and joint protection of Fourfall from foreign influence. A joint economic zone on the Tenda straight has also been proposed.

[Croxoco]

St Charlesburg, Croxoco:

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rudolph Castlereagh, today announced in a statement to the House of Commons, that, in consultation with the King and the Party Leaderships both sides of the aisle, the Government has succesfully obtained membership of the Ducat Union, and has seperately concluded a Diplomatic Treaty with the High-Technate of Athretvari. While both Treaties have been signed, they will later be submitted by Mr. Castlereagh to the House for formal ratification before publication. Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Ministry shortly after his statement on the Commons floor, the Minister remarked "Our diplomatic efforts have brought an end to our isolation in the World, and fortune willing, will establish long lasting friendships and partnerships to better secure unto ourselves and our international partners the blessings of peace and prosperity." The Foreign Ministry also revealed today that it is in the process of negotiating similar treaties with the Grand Duchy of Midgar, the Grand Duchy of Otrurg-Dreisgau-Rubrein, the Syndiated Corporations of Nedea, the Federal Republic of Saratoga and the Cyberocratic Imperial Realms of Moarfall." - CBC News Report

[Croxoco]

BREAKING NEWS

The House of Commons has today ratified the treaty negotiated between Croxoco and Athretvari. Speaking at a press conference, Foreign Minister Rudolph Castlereagh remarked that he had high hopes for the diplomatic future of the Kingdom. The House has now published the Treaty:

In regards to First Contact, Diplomatic Relations and Cooperation between His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate.

Article I: Short Title

1. This Document may be cited as HTA-HCM-01.

2. This Document may be referred to in legal documents and diplomatic correspondance as the Athretvari-Croxoconian Treaty.

Article II: Definitions

For the purposes of this Document,

1. "His Croxoconian Majesty" shall refer to the Kingdom of Croxoco, the Government thereof, and Sovereign Power thereof to contract Treaties under the Law of Nations.

2. "The High-Technate" shall refer to the High-Technate of Athretvari, the Government thereof, and the Sovereign Power thereof to contract Treaties under the Law of Nations.

3. An 'Embassy' shall refer to the permanent delegation, representation or liaison of the sending State to the receiving State, and the diplomatic personnel thereof.

4. An 'Ambassador' shall refer to the person accredited by the sending Head of State to the receiving Head of State to serve as the leader of the Embassy of the sending State in the receiving State, and the chief diplomatic representative thereof.

5. A 'Chancery' shall refer to the physical compound or other premises occupied by the Embassy.

6. A 'Diplomatic Courier' shall refer to any person charged with the delivery of diplomatic pouches and other correspondance between the Embassy and the sending State.

7. A 'Diplomatic Pouch' shall refer to any device, be it a bag, box, crate or shipping container, marked externally as a diplomatic pouch and in the custody of a diplomatic courier, in which diplomatic corrrespondance or other items of diplomatic import are transported.

Article III: Provisions

1. Diplomatic Relations:

A. His Croxoconian Majesty hereby recognizes The High-Technate as the sole legal Sovereign over the Territory of Athretvari and the people thereof.

B. The High-Technate hereby recognizes His Croxoconian Majesty as the sole legal Sovereign over the Territory of the Kingdom of Croxoco and the people thereof.

C. His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate undertake to establish diplomatic relations with one another, with each sending to the other an Embassy led by an Ambassador.

D. The Ambassadors, their Embassies, and the diplomatic officers thereof shall enjoy the privileges and immunities customarily enjoyed by diplomatic personnel under the Law of Nations. These privileges and immunities shall extend to the Chanceries, Diplomatic Couriers and Diplomatic Pouches of those Embassies.

E. The diplomatic officers of the sending State shall be required to obey the laws of the receiving State; this clause shall not prejudice the diplomatic immunity provided for under section 1D of this Article. But receiving states may declare officers of the sending State's Embassy as "persona non grata", and expell those officers for unacceptable breaches of the law.

F. His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate undertake to pursue peaceful, productive and mutually beneficial relations with one another.

G. His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate mutually agree to undertake regular and frequent high-level and ministerial communications and meetings to discuss the development of their relations under this treaty and to facilitate mutually beneficial enhancements of the same.

2. Neutrality, Non-Aggression, Respect for Sovereignty, and Bilateral Cooperation:

A. His Croxoconian Majesty proclaims the Neutrality of the Kingdom of Croxoco in international affairs, and undertakes to refuse all contracts of alliance against The High-Technate.

B. The High-Technate undertakes to recognize the Neutrality of His Croxoconian Majesty in international affairs, and refuse all contracts of alliance against the Kingdom of Croxoco.

C. His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate mutually agree to a non-aggression pact, wherein they both undertake not to commit any harm, acts of aggression or terror against one another, nor sponsor or support the same.

D. His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate mutually agree to both undertake active law enforcement measures to prevent and disrupt any activities conducted in or from their respective jurisdictions but directed or targeted at the other, that are also mutually defined as illegal or prohibited within both their respective national laws or under the Law of Nations.

E. His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate mutually agree to explore additional areas of possible bilateral and multilateral cooperation to address issues of common concern and interest, such as the prevention of piracy and other high-criminal activities on the open seas or in other international spaces.

3. Free Trade and Freedom of Movement

A. His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate mutually agree to free trade of commodities between their nations, and undertake to remove or reduce barriers thereto, such as punitive or excessive tariffs, unnecessary domestic subsidies, and arbitrary or intentionally disruptive customs checks.

B. His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate mutually agree to the freedom of movement of their citizens between their nations, and undertake to allow the bearers of Croxoconian and Hrenvari passports to pass freely through the borders of Croxoco and Athretvari without let or hindrance, and to afford those bearers such assistance and protection as may be necessary.

C. His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate mutually agree that their citizens when traveling in or through the jurisdiction of the other shall be subject to the laws applicable within that jurisdiction in so far as they concern activities conducted within that jurisdiction.

D. His Croxoconian Majesty and The High-Technate mutually agree that any citizen of one accused of a high-crime, being a crime punishable by imprisonment for any period beyond 14 days, corporal punishment, or harsher penalty, in the jurisdiction of the other shall be provided immediate access to private communications and meetings with official staff members or officers of their respective national embassy.

Article IV: Schedule

This Document, once signed, shall come into legal force as a Treaty under the Law of Nations, upon ratification by the appropriate authorities in each signatory State.

Immediately after ratification of the Treaty, the House of Commons also ratified Croxoco's entry into the Ducat Union.

[46566]

Grand Duchy of 46566 proposed dual Duchy bullet train
Midgar- The Grand Duchy has proposed a 2 state united bullet train serving both the country of 46566 and Otrurg-Dreisgau-Rubrein. With the 46566 moving to expand closer to the Otrurg-Dreisgau-Rubrein border in the south it could fully link up the Grand Duchy on a rail system. With both Grand Duchies with the Ducat Union this will ease the move of both freight and people between the countries. The hopes are to even potentially link it up to the multiple friendly nation's in the future.

[Croxoco]

St Charlesburg, Croxoco:

Parliament is in uproar today after the Socialist Party withdrew from the confidence and supply agreement it had with Prime Minister Elizabeth Brooke's minority Liberal Government, and voted with the opposition to defeat the Currency (Ducat Union) Bill (the Act of Parliament required to bring the provisions of the Ducat Union Treaty into domestic law), after the Government attached an amendment which would remove control of Monetary Policy from the Treasury Department and vest it in the Bank of Croxoco. Normally, a defeat on a bill would not cause turmoil, but, provisions in this bill authorize a one-off tax to increase the monetary reserves of the Central Bank, rendering it a "supply" bill. Under Statute Law and long established practice, if the Government is defeated on a supply bill, the Prime Minister must either resign or advise the King to dissolve Parliament and call new elections. Given the rise in her government's popularity following five quarters of exceptional economic growth (a rise of over 5.3%) and the successful entry into the Ducat Union, the Prime Minister, following her defeat, did today advise His Majesty to dissolve Parliament for a snap general election, to which His Majesty agreed. Parliament has now been dissolved, with a general election scheduled 6 weeks from now*.

*OOC: 7 Days RealTime equates to ~84 Days (12 Weeks) NconTime, as regards this election. The results will be published Monday 4th January (in 6 Weeks NconTime).

[Croxoco]

SIC (SECRET IN-CHARACTER):

Clarissa was reeling; her boss, Matthew Blake, leader of the Nationalist Party, had just told her some devastating news. She loved him like a brother, and had been mentored by him; hell, he recruited her to the Party back in Law School, and she'd never left his side since. He had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, and was to stand down after the election, and was hoping to support her for the leadership. She needed time to think, so off she went for a walk along Rialto Bay, while Matthew took part in the Election Debate. She reached in her handbag for a cigarette, only to find an empty cigarette box with a note inside.

Clari,

Don't worry about the cigarettes, I bought a new box and put it in your coat pocket... I have an urgent proposal for you. Meet me at 10PM tonight, at the place you stole my drink - A.

==================================

Avitus hadn't been to Barbarigo's in years. A quaint little restaurant overlooking Rialto bay, Avitus had last been here when he studied Economics at Rialto University... a time he was seduced by Marxism and joined the Socialist Party. That was nearly twenty years ago, and now he was the Deputy Leader of that Party. It was quite curious, actually. Just two days ago, he had received a rather peculiar note. Normally he would have ignored such a note, afterall, he was in the middle of an election campaign, and he had little time for pranks. However, the collapse of an arrangement with Caserta State University had forced the second Election Debate between the five Party Leaders to be relocated from Caserta to Rialto. And now, Avitus Anderson found himself conveniently situated to take the meeting:

Avi,

I've an urgent proposal for you. Meet me Saturday, 10PM, at the place I taught you that card trick - C

"Avitus! So, what's this about a proposal? I've a thousand things to do without you popping out of the woodwork." Avitus turned round, perplexed. "But you invited me, Clarissa. I got your note. What is your proposal?" He replied. "What note? I got your note. I never sent one to you!" She replied, with an entertainingly panicked expression on her face. "No, I invited both of you." A third voice said, entering the room. "I apologise for the deception, but I needed to get you both alone. The Liberal Party are selling government contracts and seats in the House of Lords in return for party donations... and the Conservative Party are in on it. Its much too late to act upon it now for this election, but I can assure you, I have evidence, and I mean to use it, with your help." The third voice continued. "Avitus, Clarissa, I know about your respective arrangements, and I know that you are friends outside of politics. I also know that once the dust settles after this election, the pair of you will be the leaders of your respective parties. In principle, while you both have different goals, they are not anathema to one another, and your respective parties do not have opposing policies, just differing priorities. What would help you both is if I published everything I had in this folder. But what I need from you both, first and foremost, is a promise. You must promise me never to reveal that this meeting took place... it would place me in a very difficult position as your King, and would destroy any opportunity for either of you to have a reasonable chance of being in Government. Do you both agree to this promise?" The King concluded.

There was a long pause; Avitus and Clarissa looked into each other's eyes, nodded, then looked at the King. Almost in perfect unison, they gave their answer: "You have our promise, Your Majesty."

[Croxoco]

Croxoco was in chaos. The General Election had not gone as planned, and the main parties were in chaos. Until the last week of the campaign, the Liberal Party had expected to win a hefty majority of seats in the House of Commons. But then the allegations came, beginning with an accusation that the Liberal Party had been giving public sector contracts to party donors, and ending with the arrest of eight Conservative Members of Parliament, eleven Liberal Members of Parliament, and ten members of the House of Lords (six Conservative, four Liberal), all on charges of either Murder, Conspiracy to Murder and Obstruction of Justice.

Elizabeth Brooke was now under formal investigation for any part she may have played in the Conspiracy, and had resigned in disgrace as Prime Minister. When election day finally came, the results were:
- Liberal Party: 287 Seats (39 short of a Majority)
- Conservative Party: 266 Seats
- Socialist Party: 82 Seats
- Nationalist Party: 9 Seats
- Green Party: 6 Seats

In the turmoil, Foreign Minister Rudolph Castlereagh resigned from the Liberal Party, along with 116 of his colleagues to form the Union Caucus, dedicated to strengthening the Ducat Union while pursuing a social democratic agenda at home. Meanwhile, the Shadow Defence Minister (Opposition spokesperson for defence policy), Jessica St. Cloud, had resigned her membership of the Conservative Party, bringing with her 122 of her fellow members to form the Reform Group, dedicated to cleaning up politics, devolving power to the provinces while increasing defence and security spending. In these circumstances, neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives could form a government, and so, in a rare but constitutionally appropriate move, negotiated the formation of a caretaker coalition government, pending a new election, with a formal coalition agreement:
- A coalition is formed between the Reform Group, the Union Caucus, the Socialist Party and the Nationalist Party, giving the coalition 331 seats (a working majority of 12 seats)
- The Union Caucus and the Socialist Party agree to merge prior to the next election, to form the Democratic Party (DP), under the joint leadership of Avitus Anderson (economic affairs, social policy) and Rudolph Castlereagh (foreign affairs, national security)
- The Reform Group and the Nationalist Party agree to merge prior to the next election, to form the Reform Party (RP), under the leadership of Jessica St. Cloud (Economic and National Security Policy) and Clarissa Monroe (Social Policy)
- Avitus Anderson is commissioned as Minister of Finance, Rudolph Castlereagh as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jessica St. Cloud as Minister of Defence, and Clarissa Monroe as Minister of Justice, with the King serving as caretaker Prime Minister and caretaker Minister of Home Affairs
- The Coalition passes the Currency (Ducat Union) Bill through Parliament
- The Coalition agrees to call a general election within 6 months
- During the election, the Democratic Party agree not to stand candidates in constituencies where doing so would mean the Reform Party would not be elected; meanwhile the Reform Party agree not to stand candidates in constituencies where doing so would mean the Democratic Party would not be elected
- The Coalition agrees on a joint election manifesto promising:
-- To double defence and security funding over the course of the next Parliament
-- To clean up campaign finance, regulate party donations, and ensure free competition for public sector contracts (in order to end the possibility of the corruption that brought down Elizabeth Brook's government)
-- To abolish the House of Lords and introduce a more proportional system of representation for elections to the House of Commons, while abolishing the Royal Prerogative to Dissolve Parliament, in place creating fixed-term Parliaments.
-- To pursue further integration with the Ducat Union, strengthen economic relations with Athretvari, and redouble efforts to establish diplomatic ties with the Kredit Union
-- To nationalize key infrastructure for the purposes of national security and to lower the cost of public transport and utilities for the general public
-- To pass a Public Emergency and Civil Contingencies Act to establish and regulate the use of Emergency Powers
-- To pass a Formation of Government Act, abolishing the office of Prime Minister, and removing the power to appoint ministers from the Crown and placing it with the people through means of election.

[Croxoco]

After a fractious election and a shock coalition government being formed, the Currency (Ducat Union) Bill, which triggered the election, has now finally been signed into law, having been approved by both chambers of Parliament, with the Ducat now being sole legal tender in the Kingdom. In addition, the powers over monetary policy have now been transferred from the Treasury to the Bank of Croxoco.

In other news, merger negotiations are officially underway between the breakaway Reform Group of former Conservative Members of Parliament, led by Defence Minister Jessica St. Cloud, and the Nationalist Party, led by Justice Minister Clarissa Monroe. Sources indicate that Nationalist Party membership is in favour, as are several donors who ended their support for the Conservative Party and began funding the Reform Group's campaign chest. Mirror negotiations between the Socialist Party, led by Finance Minister Avitus Anderson, and the breakaway Union Caucus of former Liberal Members of Parliament led by Foreign Minister Rudolph Castlereagh, are widely expected to commence in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Coalition Government is presently drafting a funding resolution to keep the Government functioning while another general election is held. No date has been given yet, but it is widely expected a date will be announced by the Cabinet once merger negotiations are concluded.

- Press Report from CBC News

[Croxoco]

Croxoco was left reeling last night as merger negotiations between the Reform Group and the Nationalist Party collapsed over the question of Parliamentary Reform. The Reform Group believe in a Bicameral Legislature, both chambers being elected independently of each other, to fixed terms, one having proportional representation and the other having geographical-based representation. The Nationalist Party meanwhile believe that the Legislature should be Unicameral, and should employ a mixed-member form of proportional representation where geographical representation is combined with additional proportional representation. This dispute has been complicated by the fact that the Nationalists believe in strong Executive powers, meanwhile the Reform Group believe the legislature should be Supreme. There is also an ongoing argument between the Reform Group and the Nationalist Party concerning foreign policy, with the Reform Group supporting Croxoconian Neutrality combined with strong economic ties with the Ducat Union, Kredit Union and the High-Technate of Athretvari, and the Nationalist Party supporting military ties with the Kredit Union and a policy of Colonial Expansion into unclaimed territories.

These disputes have been aggravated by several disagreements between the Union Caucus and the Reform Group, with Unionists believing in a progressive socially-liberal agenda, and the Reformists believing in a more traditionalist, socially-conservative agenda. These disputes have drawn in all parts of the governing coalition, with the Socialists supporting the Nationalists on their positions regarding the Cobstitution, and both the Reformists and Unionists opposing... meanwhile the Socialists support the socially liberal agenda of the Union Caucus, the Nationalists supporting the social conservatism of the Reform Group. And to add fuel to the fire, disputes have arisen over funding priorities, with the Socialists and Nationalists wanting to dramatically increase public spending... though the Socialists favour a nationalization programme, coupled with an expansion of the welfare state, while Nationalists favour increased defence, security and law-enforcement spending instead. The Union Caucus, supported by their former colleagues in the opposition Liberal Party, favour maintaining public expenditure and funding priorities at their present status, while the Reformists, supported by their former colleagues in the opposition Conservative Party favour cuts to the welfare state and to corporate welfare, believing in a laissez-faire approach to the economy.

The ensuing chaos has thrown into doubt the stability of both Government and Parliament.... opinion polls however indicate that if an election were to be called, the resulting House of Commons would be more fractious, divided and volatile than before. To further confuse the situation, the King this morning issued the following written statement:

My Fellow Croxoconians,

It is with great regret that I make this statement, but my constitutional duty to uphold the integrity of the State compels me to do so. Over the past forty-eight hours, it has became increasingly clear that our political system is no longer fit for purpose. Paralysis in Parliament means that the affairs of state are worryingly neglected while partisanship and polarization prevents my Government from executing its constitutional functions. Further, the deep divisions in Parliament mean that the enabling acts required for the provincial assemblies and provincial executives to function have not been passed, leaving large sections of the state without proper government. In this time of national crisis, where the foundations of our State are being threatened by internal in-fighting, I am forced to issue this warning. If my demands are not met within twenty-four hours of this statement being issued, I will be forced to take extraordinary and unprecedented actions to protect the integrity of the State. These demands are:
- The Socialist Party, Union Caucus, Reform Group and Nationalist Party undertake to adhere to the Coalition Agreement they themselves concluded
- The Coalition Government undertakes to hold a general election immediately upon the successful conclusion of merger negotiations
- The Coalition Government tables, and wins, a motion of confidence passed by the House of Commons

Again, if these conditions are not met, I as King and upholder of the Constitution, will be forced to take sweeping actions to maintain the integrity of the State. I implore my government to accede to my demands. Thank you.

It now appears that our system of government is on the very edge of collapsing, as the King makes clear that he will unilaterally act if stability is not restored to his Government and to the House of Commons.

- Press Report from CBC News

[Croxoco]

Statement from HM The King

My fellow Croxoconians,
It is with deep concern that I now address you all. The collapse in popular support for the more well established political parties has resulted in a Parliament which is presently incapable of discharging its constitutional functions, and I am not confident that a new general election will resolve the ongoing instability in the House of Commons. Under ordinary circumstances, the Crown may not normally govern except through its ministers, and those ministers may not ordinarily hold their respective offices without enjoying the confidence of the House of Commons. Present circumstances mean that it is presently impossible to form a stable ministry, for the existence of a stable ministry relies upon the existence of stability within the House of Commons. I voiced my concerns regarding the situation to you all, and warned that if my government could not restore stability to both itself and to the House of Commons, I would be forced to take unprecedented action. I can tell you now that I have received no such undertaking by my government, and that consequently, I am forced to take urgent action to maintain the integrity of the state and to restore stable government.

Effective from midnight tonight, both Houses of Parliament are hereby prorogued, suspended in their operation until I am reasonably confident that a general election will result in a stable government. For this reason, the House of Commons shall be replaced with a National Assembly, composed of five-hundred members, four-hundred of whom shall be elected using the d'Hondt method of proportional representation, and the remainder being awarded to that political party with the largest share of the vote. The National Assembly, in consequence of a general election thereto, shall elect from its membership the Prime Minister, and shall not consequently remove the Prime Minister without simultaneously electing their successor.

In addition to these measures, all powers customarily delegated through annual enabling Acts to the Provinces shall now be delegated to those Provinces in perpetuity, unless recalled by Parliament. In the course of each election to the National Assembly, the people of each Province shall elect a Senator, as shall the Legislature of the Province and the Chancellor in that Province, so that each Province returns three Senators in consequence of a general election. The Senators shall sit as a Senate of Croxoco, and shall assume all powers and functions of the House of Lords, which is itself hereby abolished.

Until these changes can be implemented and elections to the National Assembly and Senate held, the Provinces shall enjoy all of their customary powers, meanwhile the Crown shall exercise all national legislative and executive power for a period of three months, after which a National Assembly and Senate shall have assembled in consequence of a general election thereto, and a Chancellor, elected by the National Assembly in consequence of the general election, shall have formed a stable government. Executive powers conventionally held by the sitting government shall then be returned to the government, and legislative powers to the reconstituted Parliament. The Crown shall retain its remaining legislative, executive and judicial powers. I ask you all for your patience, while these changes to our Constitution are underway.

[46566]

Midgar formally moves troops into territory
Midgar- the Grand Duchy of 46566 has officially moved troops into the territory near the south east of the country. This morning he is to both move the the border to the river but to also protect Midgari trade routes to Fourfall. This move also ramps up infrastructure development in the region for civilian settlements. The plan is to eventually connect this portion of 46566 to the rest of the country through a railway going through the country of Otrurg-Dreisgau-Rubrein. By sharing the river as a border it gives the Ducat Union full control over the river trade.

[Ultra-Anarchy Cells]

In Port Driffield

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Polmatian Black Star Free Territory is celebrated by the Polmatian Black Star Army’s heroic battles and ridding Polmatia of ultranationalist and pirates alike via driving them off, the Polmatian Black Army have drinks in commemoration to it head, General Ronnie Driffield, who wants to reveal themselves after a long civil war.

[46566]

Grand Duchy takes control
Midgar- The grand duchy of 46566 has officially established provincial capitals in its 3 new provinces along with a joint Army and air force base to serve its southern provinces. The city of Midhelm will be the provincial capital in the new provide east of Tenda. The provincial capital south east would be Cario. The provincial capital West-South West would be be the Paziou. The joint army-air force base is fort Glide.