Page 1 of 2

(RCN Only) 2020 Roleplay

PostPosted: Wed May 27, 2020 12:02 pm
by Conservative Nations Roleplay
The premise of this roleplay is simple. You apply for a spot on the map, and if accepted, your country exists as something you can now roleplay as. What happens in your country is your choice - You decide what country you will assume control of, and its future. There are some rules that I will lay in stone, though -

1. No godmodding - No overpowered technology, no roleplaying other people or the casualties of others, etc. If it's details about another nation, ask their permission.
2. The day / month / year will always be the same as it is in real life. No skipping ahead of time - Though you are allowed to reference the past in your posts to establish things.
3. As such, stick to real-world technology. You can have near future tech with my permission.
4. You may not possess nuclear weapons or other certain WMDs unless you contact myself (Logon AKA Nordhagen or Conservative Nations Roleplay).
5. Have fun and be friendly towards other roleplayers. If you have a dispute that neither of you can solve, please contact me on Discord or TG.
6. On celestial bodies, everything is the same as in real life, with the exception of our RL home, Earth. This has been replaced by our much-better conservative world.
7. Wars must be approved by whoever is running the roleplay (The Minister of the Interior), and to prevent numberwanking each side must present basic military information and numbers to myself before a war is approved. This isn't supposed to be a game of Hearts of Iron - Please keep wars and the reasoning behind wars as realistic as possible. Additionally, both sides of a war must be reasonably comfortable with the war. Additionally all peace terms at the conclusion of a war must be agreed upon by all combatants. We're not trying to have a horrid mess after all.
8. Additionally, the outcome of a war or battle should be mutually agreed upon by both sides OOC. If you can't settle it, ask me.

PostPosted: Wed May 27, 2020 2:31 pm
by The republic ofTexas and northern Mexico
Can I have texas

PostPosted: Wed May 27, 2020 2:35 pm
by Attancia
The Holiest of Holy Lands of Attancia is a prime example of a functioning modern Theocratic state. To put it simply, the Church controls one half of Parliament, can overturn Parliament as a whole, and can control the entire nation if need be -- but rarely do so. But of course, there is always the possibility. A holy possibility.

For millennia past, Attancia has been the Religious Capital of the central world. Historically dominated by the Church of Attancia, the ancient religion stretched far across the world due to the constant preaching and evangelising it. The Church was and is a frightening force in the country, but most people follow it and are therefore safe. It isn't mandated to worship it, but it is heavily looked down upon in Attancian culture to distance yourself from any religion, especially it. These traditional values have led to a distinct lack of Libertarians in the nation, making it a centre-authoritarian nation in terms of politics, but free as a bird personally... thought that isn't to say those who diverge from the norm are ridiculed by the general public. Things such as piercings, dyed hair, transgender surgery, and most bodily modifications with the exception of tattoos are looked down on.

Further, Religion and culture aren't the only departments that Attancia excel in. There is another...

DIAMONDS
Yes, diamonds. A premium diamond exporter, Attancia has incorporated the precious compressed-carbon into much of their artwork, architecture, and culture. It's rare to see a lack of Diamond-shaped carved symbolism in most old building's walls. The Church itself controls some of the diamond mining and cutting industries, which have been around for as long as the diamond has been beautiful, but it's generally the private sector which guides the way.

A further fame of Attancia are the prestigious Universities and Colleges which dot the land. The oldest of the educational complexes was established in 1444, with the original building standing to this day. Thousands flock to the famed buildings every year, earnest to be accepted into the College's hallowed halls. The greatest of them all cost a pretty penny, but Scholarships are commonly given out to the already intelligent students.

As for military, the nation has one, but rarely uses it. The Holy Army is a force to be reckoned with, however, with 3 million active combatants. The nation doesn't have any interest in invasive wars, and will only use its might at home. The diplomatic stance of the nation is somewhat isolationist, as in, the nation won't partake in unnecessary international affairs with the exception of trade deals and things directly concerning the nation. Attancia is also generally against most international alliances/unions, but will join one if necessary. The Holy lands also distance themselves from Socialists and Communists, seeing them as overly-progressive and infringing on the values of tradition. This diplomatic stance doesn't stop Attancia from being a tourist attraction, though, as it commonly welcomes a broad wave of tourists eager to see the national culture or simply go for a quick surf.

All in all, Attancia is quite the place, with Church Authority, Prestigious Education, and brilliant culture. It is yet to be seen how the rest of the world will view it, so Attancia wishes to quietly progress.

PostPosted: Wed May 27, 2020 2:41 pm
by Conservative Nations Roleplay
The republic ofTexas and northern Mexico wrote:Can I have texas


OOC: RCN Only, sorry. Can you please delete your post?

PostPosted: Wed May 27, 2020 2:51 pm
by Fluvannia
Conservative Nations Roleplay wrote:
The republic ofTexas and northern Mexico wrote:Can I have texas


OOC: RCN Only, sorry. Can you please delete your post?


Or join the RCN. Either way!

PostPosted: Wed May 27, 2020 2:52 pm
by Attancia
e

PostPosted: Wed May 27, 2020 6:54 pm
by Holy Rhinish Islands
Tucked away in a tiny corner of the Tenific, the small nation of the Rhinish people exists. A volcanic island chain, sit on one of the most significant volcancic hotspots on earth. The chain is controlled by the Holy Rhinish Islands (Shobee Rajneeshee Rato/Shobi Rhaynishi Rato; ᎵᎯᏄᎥ ᎼᎱᎹᏅᎥᎵᎥ ᎦᎱᎧᎯ), ruled by King Rirosho/Rhirhosho (ᎼᎯᎰᎯ ᎼᎮᎼᎯᎵᎯ) in a complex governmental system. 5,310,582 Rhinish people reside in the nation, with around 30% of those being under the age of 15, which is the legal age for most activities. The majority of the Rhinish live in or around the capital, Baruno/Baroono (ᏄᎱᎦᎭᏅᎯ). The rest of the populace live rurally among many islands in the Rhinish chain.

The Rhinish people that are above the age of 15 elect one of 326 Geengee Danoono/Gingi Danuno (ᎶᎥᏇᎥ ᎴᎱᏅᎭᏅᎯ) to represent them in the Danuno (ᎴᎱᏅᎭᏅᎯ). The reigning monarch appoints a GD to lead the Danuno, called the Gootee/Guti (ᎶᎭᎧᎥ), the presiding officer. The Guti then appoints a court of 3 Justices, called the Kooto/Kuto (ᎺᎭᎧᎯ), and the members being called the Gingi Kuto (ᎶᎥᏇᎥ ᎺᎭᎧᎯ), as a judicial branch. The Danuno passes legislation, which can be vetoed by either the Guti or the King. The Guti, however, rarely exercises his veto power. The King rules for life, or until abdication. However, with a unanimous vote, the Danuno may depose the King and instate a new royal family. Should the King die or abdicate the throne, the position goes to his eldest son, and should none exist, to his eldest nephew. Should none exist, to the eldest brother, and then to the eldest male cousin. Should no male heir be found, the Guti should ascend to the throne. The Constitution of the SRR specifically states that, in English, "The throne shall not be seated by a female, nor of anyone below the age 15". A point of controversy in the SRR, yet has not been amended thus far.

The Rhinish people speak the Rhinish language, which is not closely related to any other language. The language is unique in that it has both a rolled r, Ꭶ, and an unrolled r, Ꮌ. The language is written in the Rhinish alphabet, which has been around since the ancient times with little evolution. The Romanization of the language is, however, very debated. Two systems exist, the Direct transcription, which uses the glyph r for both Ꭶ and Ꮌ, the glyph oo for Ꭽ, and the glyph ee for Ꭵ. The other romanization, the Anglicized transcription, uses the glyph rh for Ꮌ, u for Ꭽ, and i for Ꭵ. The use of i in the Anglicized transcription is source for many errors, however, due to the fact that there is no separate transcription for Ꭾ. Some historians romanize this glyph as ih, others as e, and others as ee, yet another source of confusion. There are no capital letters in the Rhinish alphabet. The language's syntax is that of an S-V-O language, with Adjective - Noun and Adverb - Verb, despite having separate suffixes for each. The language has no articles like English.

The nation has traditionally been pacifist, with only one or two major wars in its recorded history, both being civil wars. In 1202, the House of Kajneesho/Kaynisho (ᎺᎱᎨᏅᎥᎵᎯ) was ruling, when the Prince attempted an overthrow of the government. The overthrow failed, and the Prince was sentenced to death by drowning. In 1832, the House of Djanoomo/Janumo (ᎹᎱᏅᎭᎿᎯ) was successfully overthrown by the Rajno/Rhayno (ᎼᎱᎨᏅᎯ) family, which later became the House of Rhayno (ᎼᎱᎨᏅᎯ), the currently ruling house. However, the Rhayno did have outside help, with Nordhagen giving fiscal and militaristic aid during the war. As a thank you, the Rhayno gifted the fort in Baruno to Nordhagen, which is still held to this day, to be returned on March 2nd, 2033.

As of present, what used to be the bustling tourist attraction of Baruno is currently on lockout, with absolutely no transportation allowed into or out of the SRR until the COVID-19 pandemic is over. As a result, the amount of active cases in the SRR is extremely low, around 15 and becoming lower each day. Authorities report that only 8 people have died of COVID-19 in the SRR so far, with 23 having recovered. Many international health organizations credit the SRR Danuno for imposing strict restrictions on travel at such an early stage of the virus. However, tourism, which is the second largest sector of the economy, has taken a hard hit, and so has the economy. Before the COVID pandemic, around 10% of working adults worked in the tourism sector, either as tour guides, hotel staff, airplane staff, or other tourism-related jobs. As a developing country, economists from other countries estimate that it could take the SRR 5-10 years to recover its economy to pre-COVID levels, maybe 2 years should the restrictions be lifted by July 15th.

Rhinish people are very religious, with around 95% following the Rhinish religion, a polytheistic religion mostly focused on worshiping the God of the Sea, Woongoyo/Wungoyo (ᎤᎭᏇᎯᎨᎯ). Around 2% follow the Church of Nordhagen, 2% follow Rhinish Islam, and 1% are atheistic. In terms of demographics, 97% of the population is Rhinish, 2% is Nordhagenese, and the remaining 1% are from other locations. Around 60% of the population is male, as male babies are preferable to female babies. However, as the SRR modernizes to international equality standards, the number will trend downards. The [not!UN] projects that the percentage of males will be around 51% by 2040.

In terms of economic status, the SRR has two millionaires, which own the two largest Rhinish companies, for the fishing industry and the tourism industry. The main fishing company's, Doyabi (ᎴᎯᎨᎱᏄᎮ), owner has around $734 million USD in assets, with the main tourism company's, Djabi/Jabi (ᎹᎱᏄᎮ), owner having around $500 million in assets. It is known that the owner of Jabi receives fiscal help from the government, as a result of Jabi being the only airline based in the SRR. Around 538 Rhinish Takeeynos/Takiynos (ᎧᎱᎺᎥᏅᎯ), sign Ꮻ, to the USD, which makes the above people worth Ꮻ394 billion and Ꮻ269 billion respectively.

The future looks uncertain for the SRR/HRI.

PostPosted: Wed May 27, 2020 7:53 pm
by West Phoenicia
Image


WP||The West Phoenicia Times


Sports || Health || Technology || Gossip || Domestic Politics || International Politics || Entertainment || World || Religion || Weather



Coronavirus Cases

Confirmed: 200,000
Recovered: 55,000
Deaths: 6,005


Media reports flickered across the West Phoenician television screens interrupting regular broadcasting.
Images propelled themselves into living rooms, images of worldwide events as they happened.
School closures, aisles of empty supermarket shelves, fights breaking out over limited supplies and stock market losses that were threatening to dent many nations' economies.

The glorious shining capital of the Empire of West Phoenicia now resembles a ghost town.
Since April 20th all non-essential places of business, education institutions, places of worship and entertainment had been ordered closed or strict social distancing policies put in place for them to remain open.
A fine balance to secure the economy while doing the utmost to stop the spread of the virus.
Across the 53 city-states of the Empire other cities have followed suit to stop the spread.
Dr Kiri Alfred, Minister of Health for the West Phoenician Ministry of Health has stated the goal is to slow the spread of the Coronavirus which has infected over 200,000 citizens and killed over 6000.

Many in the independent media outlets voiced that the infected tally is higher than was announced to the public, manipulation of official figures has occurred to lull the average West Phoenician citizen into a false sense of security.
Journalists of the independent media outlets have openly accused Tanya Thorne; Minister of Truth, the government department that oversees the major media outlets of concealing the truth.

During a press conference at the Ministry of Truth headquarters in Melbourne-Haven, Tanya Thorne labelled certain independent journalists absurd nitwits for speculating the government was manipulating the official infected and death figures.

With her blonde hair in a tight bun, icy blue eyes and a face mask hanging loose around her neck as she held the conference outside the Ministry building standing next to the statue of Goddess Veritas; a West Phoenician goddess of Truth.

"The West Phoenician government, its media and our own Chief Medical Officer
Dr Alamein Hughes have been nothing but honest in keeping the citizens up to date on the coronavirus. The rate of infection is slowing due to the people coming together to follow the rules of social distancing as well as staying home unless one is required to go out. The more we do the right thing, the quicker we can return to a normal West Phoenicia."

The small number of government workers and media who had ventured out to hear the press conference, burst into a round of applause.

Opposition Minister of Truth, Tokyo Lily was quick to come out and support her counterpart, saying the media's role was to report the truth, there are many news stations, radio broadcasters and internet journalists who dislike the current government Coalition. If the government was fudging facts, those who hold to the tenets of honesty and truth would speak out.
Ms Lily said not only should our healthcare workers be applauded but also our journalists who have reported on the virus. While we celebrate independent journalism, in this instance, the facts they claim to sprout are incorrect.

Dr Kiri Alfred had explained only days earlier, hospitals were now prepared for the easing of restrictions across the Empire. There was an understanding that once citizens socially interacted with each other again, the rate of infection would increase for a short time. But West Phoenicians could not hide in their homes forever.
Once restrictions are eased, we can better evaluate the situation. If things go downhill fast we will need to socially isolate ourselves again, but that would only occur in the worst-case scenarios.

Unfortunately the Opposition Minister of Heath Sofie Blac was not available for comment, as the minister was under forced quarantine for catching the Coronavirus.

Already a number of West Phoenician city-states were beginning to ease restrictions. Everyone was desperate to go back to the way things were.

Over in the city-states of Mythologica,
Deception Bay and Africana Territory, grade prep to grade two and year 11 and 12 students had returned to school for both public and private schools.
Other city-states have allowed cafes, restaurants, hair salons, brothels and shopping malls to reopen to the public as long as they obey social distancing and refrain from having more than 10 people in-store at the one time.
While in the city-state of Medieval County, their Antebellum Conservative governor
Helena Du'Moor has announced plans of a week-long festival including end of day banquets and jousting matches of some of the countries finest for all Medieval County citizens as a reward for obeying the social distancing rules.
Medieval County was one of the first to enforce very strict rules on its citizens allowing only essential business like supermarkets, banks and medical clinics to remain open. The strict guidelines have seen only 50 people infected and 5 deaths.

Emperor Glenton Gryphon-Bush II proclaimed from the Imperial Palace that he is so proud of the citizens of West Phoenicia for sticking together through one of the worst plagues the nation has seen since the Lavender plague struck the nation from (1628-1632) killing up to 500,000 citizens.
Plans were underway to prepare massive galas in each capital city that are believed to cost in the millions of dollars to thank the citizens, with free food, music concerns and entertainment which are currently being planned for late June.

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 2020 11:22 am
by Attancia
Northern Attancia
28th of May, 2020 - 6am

The steady "Tugtugdugtugtugdug" of a small motor boat could be heard through the early morning mist of Northern Attancia. Complementing the slowly lapping waves against the abrupt shoreline, the sun shining slightly through the mist, it was a beautiful atmosphere. Two birds chased each other in the still air. All was peaceful. The boat made its way along the shore, carrying two men. One of them was Member of Parliament Drove Conita, the other was his best friend, Ivan Marina. This was a routine for them: They went out every morning for a bit of a cruise, then a short dip in the water. It was the perfect weather, too, as the day was just starting to warm up, so the air was fresh and the water was warm. Once they had their dip, their schedule would carry them Southwards towards a smaller island, where they'd do some fishing. Attancia is a very sleepy country, so they could carry it out while nearly everyone was still asleep, perfect for a little bit of fun with friends. This sort of fun ritual had been adopted by some other Attancians, who could occasionally be seen through the mist with their friends... or they could just be fishermen. Who knows. Whichever it is, they would be granted equal respect by the MP, as he was a believer in completionism. But for one time in Attancia, the early morning could be the one time you were free from your religious boundaries, free until the rest of the nation woke up.

The boat progressed towards the favourite swimming spot of the men, a small lagoon outside the city of Port Maritoise. The motorboat ground to a halt outside the city walls. The guys hopped out, and grabbed a beach ball with them. "Ah, finally." Exclaimed Drove. "This place has been off limits for a while, what with the crumbling walls. Good to see it back in order." He dived in, plunging in to the sparkling emerald water. Ivan followed suite, soaking himself. The two tossed the ball around for a while, and started doing laps of the natural pool. They spent a long time in the lagoon, far longer than normal. By now, the city was starting to wake up, which was unfortunate -- Ivan had just accidentally thrown the beach ball over the wall. The sound of smashing glass came from inside, followed by a yell of:
"Scumbags! Which youth was out there this time?". The two took this as a sign that they'd outlived their stay, and they jumped back in the boat. They roared away, set for their next destination: The fishing island.

The boat easily skimmed across the crystal water, now clear from the mist. It was quickly starting to become busy, with water-taxis and yachts constantly hooting at the smaller boat. This was the weird form of boat hierarchy that took over most of Attancia when water travel became more private. The boat took a turn round an island, and emerged into a mini-archipelago of paradise. Small islands, only a couple hundred metres large each, dotted the area... perfect for fishing. The two pulled out vintage fishing rods, which undoubtedly had been used more than one too many times.

After a couple hours fishing, it had reached 12 o'clock midday. The two were in a swell mood, and decided that a good way to spend lunch was to order some food. Ivan called up the local Furbish, and had it delivered. The friends boated away to a small shaded island near the fishing archipelago, and sat down to have a picnic. They finished, packed up, and left.

Unfortunately, this neat little jaunt was normally just cut down to the early morning boat-ride, as these days, the demand to be in Parliament was quite high. Regardless, this little journey had left both of them just a bit happier.

Roleplay

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 2020 11:37 am
by Greater Anglo-Scandinavia
Greater Anglo-Scandinavia.

A liberal paradise, with strong traditions and culture, and has ranked 1st on the UN World Development Index 16 years in a row. King Magnus X, 18, has recently assumed the throne on the sudden death of his father, Christian VIII, however is nonetheless popular.

Politically, the kingdom is in a mess. Prime Minister Harold Aarvinson, also Leader of the Liberals, is facing impeachment due to his handling of the Covid Crisis (as named by GAS health experts). He was criticised by the Governor of England, Maude Erna Aetheldrine, and at the moment of her comments she was fired. This has caused a rage of fury across the nation, and the Liberals are facing a strong challenge from the Conservative Democrats.

However, from Minister of the Treasury Haarken Boldriek's view, things are fine. The economy is in good shape, and the citizen's are happy. And there is a chance to seize power.

What could go wrong?




Some of the characters you may meet:

Magnus Kalmar-Godwinson X - King of GAS. Nervous and worried, but very intelligent. Wanted to be politically neutral but has been forced to support the PM. However, he really supports Boldriek.

Haarken Boldriek - Minister of the Treasury and long-time Member of the Assembly. Ambitious but caring, he is within the grasp of power but is still far away.

Audrey Erna Aetheldrin - Leading politician for the Conservative Democrats and former Minister for Education, currently Governor of England. Good-natured but also ruthless.

Harold Aarvinson - Prime Minister for 6 years and Liberal leader. Not much is known about his personal life.

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 2020 11:48 am
by Tesyky
28th Of May, 2020

Coronavirus Cases:

Confirmed: 70,000
Recovered: 65,000
Deaths: 4,000


Today the Tesykain government has announced the end of marital law in all major Cities except for Yuzan, The origin of the outbreak. Multiple theories exist on the origin of the virus however most evidence points toward it originating from the city’s wet markets, which since the 2nd of May have been put under new strict regulations. Director Leonid has said in a speech in the Grand Assembly in Puzin “We, The communist party of Tesyky feel it is not only safe for the people to return to work, but it is the best thing we could do for the people as this time. Certain travel restrictions shall remain, due to certain areas remaining under Quarantine. We hope you the people will continue to follow guidelines as you have done so well so far.”

In other news, The Frigo-Galia canal which is now been officially named the Volgaksa Canal, has been officially finished, after months of work on the project and fears it could be delayed to much further on in the year, However the project carried on due to the power of the workers of Tesyky. The Canal is due to have its grand opening on the first of June, Director Leonid has confirmed he will attend the opening ceremony. The new canal will allow for ships to go through the land bridge connecting Frigo and Galia, saving time shipping goods for Tesyky and the rest of the world, The Communist party has stated it will keep it’s promised made to our comrades from the Galia Summit in 2019, Meaning that those who invested in the project did not have to pay tolls whilst using it for 100 years after its completion. Other will have to pay tolls to make use of it. Military vessels will not be allowed to access the canal unless given permission from Director Leonid and the communist party.

In Foreign relations, the communist party has continued its message that after the original outbreak in Yuzan was discovered, by then it was too late to contain it the just Tesyky, and that Tesyky took every action possible to attempt to contain the virus.

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 2020 4:27 pm
by Holy Rhinish Islands
Baruno, Holy Rhinish Islands
May 28, 2020

King Rhirhosho, one of the oldest Heads of State on earth, having served as King since 1965. Rhirhosho's 79 years old, having ascended to the throne 25 years after his birth in 1940. During his time as King, he's seen the population of his Kingdom explode in the recent years, up to 5 million presently. He sat, perched on the end of his bed, looking out on the Zunyo, one of the more important relics of the culture of the Rhinic Peoples. His only male heir, his grandson, Prince Karojo, is coming up on his 20s. Karojo's father, the late Prince Gunga, was killed during a demonstration in the Zunyo in 2001. Gunga was leading the riot police when he was hit in the cross-fire between an armed protester and another member of the riot police. Both Gunga and the protester were found dead at the scene of the crime, however, no conclusive evidence was found to determine which of the participants had fatally shot Gunga. King Rhirhosho was out of the country dealing with officials from Nordhagen for a deal, which was what the protest in the Zunyo was against. Rhirhosho was seriously considering, for a long while, vacating the throne. However, his only male heir was not of age at the time, so his advisors had advised him not to.

However, today wasn't the day the King would resign. Rhirhosho is awaiting a guest; owner of the largest tourism agency in the Isles, Yarho Sagyo. Having around Ꮻ269B in assets, Sagyo owns around 0.9% of all Rhinic money, being one of two USD Millionaires on the island. Sagyo, living just outside of Baruno in one of it's suburbs, was about an hour's drive in Baruno traffic to the Palace.

Suddenly, one of the housemaids was in the King's chambers. She alerted him that Sagyo was in the great hall.

Yarho Sagyo is a rather young man, when compared to the aging Rhirhosho. Yarho, being a successful businessman, helping build the tourism industry of the HRI, had gotten to 200 Billion Takiyno at age 50, and in the 3 years since has acrued 69 Billion more Takiyno. However, with the strict lockout measures taking place in the Islands, Sagyo's wealth was at risk. The [not!UN] had given the HRI's developing economy around 2 years to return to pre-COVID levels if the lockout lasted to July 15. This could mean well over 40 billion RHT being lost for Yarho and his businesses. Yarho and Rhirhosho were together to discuss the state of the lockout.

Outside the Great Hall, the near-leafless trees rustled to the strong autumn breeze. Approaching the winter solstice, some scientists in the SRR have made claims that COVID-19 could have a stronger second wave in the HRI during June and July, the coldest months, nearly as much as, or worse, than some of the northern hemisphere countries. June 1st was coming up, starting the month-long Sangoyo Zaroyni festival, or the Return of the Sun-God, Sangoyo, the main secondary god in the Rhinish religion. One of the few nations to have a mid-year festival as well as an end-year festival, many tourists, annually, come to see the Rhinic people celebrate the winter solstice.

Sagyo and Rhirhosho were, meanwhile, talking about the Sangoyo Zaroyni, and how the current stage of the lockout would disallow any tourists from coming to the islands, giving the businessman and his company a considerable loss in profits for the year. Sagyo also owns the only Baruno-based airline in the world, Jabi. Jabi is privately owned, however, the government does donate significant funds to Yarho Sagyo as a result of this action. Sagyo could easily take his company and profits elsewhere, and easily cripple the Rhinish economy. As a result of these other opportunities for Jabi and Sagyo, he had quite a bit of power over the King and his government.

Rhirhosho: Ay gothabi yo, Yarho. (I welcome you)
Yarho: Ay gothabi yo, Rhopo.
[Translations from here down]
Rhirhosho: What brings you here, to my palace?
Yarho: I need a favor.
Rhirhosho: And what is this favor, may I ask, Goyo? (Goyo is a term of respect in Rhinic culture, lit. God)
Yarho: Oy know that, should the lockdown last throughout Sangoyo Zaroyni, I could lose billions of Takiyno, right?
Rhirhosho: Yes.
Yarho: Ay need Jo, the government, to stop that.
Rhirhosho: Howso?
Yarho: Aya need yo to open back up on the Sarapi. (Sarapi is the religious name for the end of the month of May, the 31st)
Rhirhosho: If not?
Yarho: Then ay will take Jabi elsewhere. We're talking 200 billion Takiyno.
Rhirhosho: How much money would oy be willing to give to do this?
Yarho: 538 million Takiyno.
Rhirhosho: And how much into my personal pocket?
Yarho: 538 mil to the government, and 269 million to your pocket. (538 million RHT is approximately 1 million dollars; 269 is 500 thousand)
Rhirhosho: Do oy have the checks?
Yarho: Here. Now veto that Danuno lockout ordinance.
Rhirhosho: Alright then, Karhoni! (Rhinish word for goodbye)
Yarho: Karhoni, Rhopo Rhirhosho.




On national television and radio, Rhopo Rhirhosho was making his statement to the nation on the lifting of the lockdown. Live from the Zunyo, the King had this to say:

"Ay gothabi Jo, Shobi Rhaynishi Rato. (Translations to English after this point) As oya know, the Coronavirus has caused the nation to be locked out since the early days of 2020. With the decline of cases currently, as we are looking at only 12 presently ill, I am proud to announce that on the Sarapi, I shall order the re-opening of the Rhaynishi Rato through my executive veto power as Rhopo. This re-opening shall allow the Sangoyo Zaroyni to continue as normal, with tourists being able to enter the Rato from the Sarapi onwards. By doing this, we limit the damage done to our ex-flourishing economy, and my advisors project that we shall be able to have the economy recover to pre-COVID levels by the Wungoyo Zaroyni. Thank you, and Karhoni, Shobi Rhaynishi Rato!"

ᎺᎱᎼᎯᏅᎮ, ᎵᎯᏄᎥ ᎼᎱᎨᏅᎥᎵᎥ ᎦᎱᎧᎯ!!!

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 2020 6:34 pm
by The Greysonian Empire
As you walk through the streets of the Capital City Tuscanta, you can hardly hear yourself think of the shouts of those in the marketplace. The ship horns roar as they flow to the dock, and the honks of the cars in the busy street jumble into one massive rumble. The toxic rays of the sun strike you as you slowly walk, inert, through the city center, with beggars at your feet holding cups of coins. Although it may seem like an impossible place to suffice, the people here have gotten used to the extreme heat of the desert climate and live with ease.

Greysonia, in a barren desert landscape with a high wealth gap between the rich and poor, is home to almost 62,500,000 citizens who clog the country's coast. The corrupt government, a Federal Republic, currently presided by President Austin Thompson in his third year. The economy is complete laissez-faire, and the government is only a puppet to the monopolies that dominate the economy, leaving very little room for new businesses. The country's two primary sources of revenue are one: a massive supply of oil, mostly controlled by Talabhi Enterprises, and mining. Due to the country's proximity to volcanoes on the tectonic plates that have erupted millions of years ago, the country is rich in ore, especially gold and diamonds. The industry's big company, Blazert Inc., is one of the top ore miners and producers of jewelry in the world. The two sectors try to dig into each other's industries and fight for control over the country, yet none seem to have the upper hand.

Socially, the country is very libertarian and has very few laws on the everyday lives of its people. Religion is to the person's choosing, and people aren't discriminated against for race. Gun controlled is allowed; there is no law on the number of children you can bare, etcetera. However, the LGBT+ community, although having no restrictions, faces prejudice and is frowned upon by the citizens as they say it is unnatural and don't want to hear about it. Crime in the country is high as the police force is unorganized, and they often turn their backs for a bribe. Theft is especially common, usually happening in the crowded slums and during the summer, when tourists flock to the warm beaches for surfing. There is a high wealth gap of the country, splitting the upper and middle class by miles. Those poor and working-class are clumped together on the east side, most surrounding the bay, and what's east of it, the rich, on the other hand, live in the west, where the temperatures are cooler, and the land is very peaceful. The people here are very educated, and the utilities and schools are far better. The west side, however, is mainly inhabited by the large businessmen.

The country's military, around 1.25 million military personnel, actively serving, is not often used. Most of the money is poured into the air force and, especially the Navy, as the desert climate forbids intruders from entering from the North. The country's government and people believe in isolationism, not wanting to get involved in foreign affairs, not in any significant alliances with other countries, and against getting into an international coalition, only interacting with other countries through their trade.

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 2020 7:41 pm
by Huvakia
Located in southern central Abos the Empire of Huvakia is a world power that has a keen interest in self defense. Ruled by Emperor Aleksander Zaetsev Huvakia is an orderly nation with little tolerance for anti-government rhetoric. The people are generally free to live their lives as they see fit so long as it doesn't interfere with Imperial stability or international perception. Military tradition is a large part of Huvakian culture and while mandatory conscription is law for 18 year olds, it is still seen by many to be an honor. Recently the Empire has undergone turbulent times as a previously unknown virus swept around the world. Now as the sickness ravaging the nation has started to stall, the Imperial government is searching for a way to inch back towards normalcy.
In the city of Laema a loudspeaker drones on with information on how to reduce the spread of the virus.

"Good Morning it is now 9:00 AM, Curfew is no longer in effect. Citizens are reminded to maintain social distancing. Limit leaving home to essential activities. Persons found to be in breach of these guidelines will be subject to indefinite detention without trial. The Empire appreciates your cooperation."

The loud speaker continued to drone the same message over and over, echoing across the seemingly deserted city of Laema. The outbreak of the virus that has swept the globe has hit Huvakia just as hard as the rest of the world. With nearly 40,000 cases confirmed across the nation it was hard to see how things could ever return to normal. Essential services have been temporarily federalized and a state of emergency has been put into place empire wide. While most of the day to day operations are still handled by local law enforcement services the Imperial Army has effectively shut down all airports, harbors, and the interstate system until further notice.

PostPosted: Sat May 30, 2020 2:21 am
by Attancia
Central Attancia
COVID-19 Update

COVID-19:

Confirmed Cases: 40,000
Recovered: 35,000
Deaths: 2000

Attancia, like many other nations, had been struck strongly by the COVID Pandemic. Being a mostly isolationist island nation, the spread of it wouldn't be too bad -- on another hand, having a strong tourism industry and an older population would counter that. As for the economy, it had been rattled like a maraca: Fishing, a major industry, was shut down during the Lockdown. Tourism, an industry nearly as large, had been totally shut down. Diamonds, however, continued to be mined. It seemed like the wealthiest of the diamond-company owners wouldn't want to forfeit this opportunity to recruit those people wanting a part time job after either being put into lockdown or being laid off. The booming diamond industry was the one actually good thing that came out of the lockdown.

Another perk of being an Attancian was the excellent National Health Agency (NHA), which was doing an incredible job of tracking and testing COVID cases. Because it's a single-payer healthcare system, the nation could quickly and efficiently stamp out coronavirus insurgencies. The shining white halls of the NHA hospitals were packed with cases one day, empty another, because the government was constantly finding new cases then flushing them out.



Attancia
5th of February, 2020 - Midnight

With lockdown measures quickly increasing, and full-scale closure imminent, the dozens of tourists in Attancia were flocking to air travel to escape back to their homes. The Furbish government had ordered a charter flight for all Furbish tourists in Attancia, which was mostly a success... mostly. Whether they simply missed the alert messages or they thought "Nah, I can handle it", a medium-sized portion of Furbish tourists had been left behind, missing the charter flights and getting stuck in the lockdown. The solutions seemed gloomy: Swim away... impossible. Fly away... and wait until the lockdown ends. Sail away... illegal, but possible. The latter seemed like a viable option for the more rebellious Furbish people.

It was midnight. A group of 30 or so Furbish citizens gathered around some tattered inflatable dinghies. The moon shone across the vast oceans, illuminating the incredible distances that the illegal emigrants would have to travel to reach their tropical home. The water peacefully lapped against the sandy shoreline, a stark contrast to the dangerous journey that would soon be undertaken. Two seagulls squawked and swirled above the group, hoping for a casualty to feast on. Unfortunately for them, the Furbish weren't ready to give up.

"So... we're here now." Started a gruff-looking man, shivering in the breeze. "Look good?" He murmured nervously, looking out at the now freezing water.
"I hope it's better than it looks..." Answered a teen girl, whose arms were wrapped around her loose jumper.
"Yeah... well, the only way we can find out is if we try." Encouraged her mom. "Get in the boats. Find your family."

The people grouped together, and began to inflate their boats with pumps they found in them. Some children huddled into the rocky outcrops at the back of the beach, desperate for warmth.

"Daddy... will we live?" Asked a small blond boy, who looked like he was around 7.
"Yes darling... yes we will." His Dad replied, hugging him. "Everything's going to be just fine."

It was 1 AM when the boats were ready. The boats were painstakingly pushed through the plush sand to the water, where they boarded. The gruff man stayed behind on the shore, pushing them and giving them the momentum to start. As soon as they were off, he took a run-up and jumped into the last boat. They paddled slowly onward, starting their journey forward across the treacherous seas. Would they be discovered by the Attancian government? Or would they be discovered by the Furbish? Heck, would they even be discovered?



Attancia
29th May, 2020

On another hand, some Furbish tourists were taking a more legal approach to leaving. After nearly four months, flights would once again be leaving Attancia. Now that air travel was open again, tourists from all over Attancia were making their way to whichever flights would get them out first. Customs and security were completely bogged down by endless waves of emigrants, so many in fact that all airport workers were given an overcharge of 10% per hour. ATCs were getting an extra 5.60 Agelicoes, and most of Security were getting a further 2... a hefty sum.

Tourists flooded the waiting rooms and lounges. Outside, columns that resembled those of refugees made their way towards the airport entrances, each person or family desperate to catch a flight before they're all gone. The richer ones took Private jets or helicopters, but they too were delayed by the constant security checks and air traffic. The risks were so high that a flight of HW interceptors were circling the blue skies like giant vultures. Though it seemed like a bit of a stretch in terms of security measures, the Attancian government considered extra security necessary in times like this to ensure national safety.

PostPosted: Sun May 31, 2020 12:22 am
by Logon
Nordhagen.


A large nation of nearly 90 million people. Its government was unique, one that had been born of blood and compromise. At one time, Nordhagen was two separate states, the Catholic Nords and the Protestant Hagenites. The two sides warred and fought one another in intermittent wars between the reformation, until a common foe forced an alliance that birthed a common nation.

And so a republic was established, and prospered for a short time. A unitary government with a six year president was established, but the age of the Republic was short lived. The nation fell into civil strife under the leadership of President Barnard Hyde, a Nord, and thus a Catholic. A Nordish nationalist, his election was protested by the Hagenites. When, at the order of President Hyde, militia troops fired upon Hagenite protestors, the protests became riots, and the riots became rebellions.

But as all hope seemed lost, 20 men stepped from the shadows. These men were veterans, having served in the Unification War together. In the fires of battle, two squads, 10 Nords and 10 Hagenites, formed a critical part of the line that held off an enemy assault, preventing the army from being encircled. Now, these 20 men would save their nation for a second time. They carved up their country, and each of the men went to their homes, and raised a militia to restore order. With order restored, the men, in a tavern in a small trading village, chose two of their number to lead a temporary government. This provisional government turned permanent, and soon the two leaders, Wendell Holmes and Oscar Bluthe, endowed with the title of “Censor”, a office of high honor in the Roman Republic, ordered an immediate redo of the Constitution, and these local districts where militias had restored order became known as Cantons, existing in a unified government.

For many years a balance was in place. One Censor would be chosen by a popularly elected House of Delegates, another by an appointed Cantonal Council. The Catholic Nords outnumbered the Protestant Hagenites, and so the House of Delegates, based off of population, frequently chose a Catholic, and the Cantonal Council frequently chose a Protestant. This balance has never been tipped until now.

An island territory has requested to be upgraded to full Canton status. Such a thing has never been done in the memory of the last century and a half, but this island, a Nordish bastion, would tip the balance in the Cantonal Council towards the Nords, a move reviled by many Hagenites.

And now, with an increasingly aggressive Tesyky, a pandemic, and brewing unrest, the Republican Cantons are at a crossroads. Multiple votes to allow the island territory of Avatica to become a Canton had failed, but new ones were scheduled for a nearly weekly basis. Eventually one side would have to crack, but for now, both sides hold their ground, hoping, and praying, that the Republic survives this dispute...

Coronavirus I & Fort Hillen Crisis I

PostPosted: Sun May 31, 2020 2:26 pm
by Durba-Stobe
Fort Hillen Station, Fort Hillen
Noord Wageborg, Furby Island

8:00, 31 May 2020


A sixteen car bilevel high speed train stood at rightmost track in Gabriël van Aarle Station in the city of Fort Hillen. This was an uncommon sight, since the travel demand no longer justified using a train that large, due to stay at home restrictions or people not wanting to get COVID-19. The section of the station where the train stood, from the entrance to the platform, was cordoned off. This included the stores and ticket counters which lined the side of the station, not that it mattered, because it was nearly deserted anyway. The entrance of the station was lined with masked Noord Wageborg police officers, with the exception of the rightmost one, which had FSA officers. These officers turned away any person who did not have paperwork or a valid reason for leaving the city, which was one of the many lockdown measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. Many trains have been canceled, and tickets could only be booked online. The few people who were able to enter the station saw an almost deserted building and were seated on nearly empty cars, on trains smaller than those which usually serve the route.

The FSA, or Federal Security Agency, is the federal government’s police force. The FSA officers turned back every person who tried using that entrance. The high speed train in the platform they were guarding did not carry any paying passengers. Instead, the interior was removed, with the exception of elevators, galleys, and the conductor’s office, all of which sat empty, and replaced with a mobile hospital. Its new purpose was to transport COVID-19 patients. It could carry up to six patients in each car. The front and back cars were also empty, to allow the driver to enter without risk of infection. Outside the station, a small van arrived. The colors and lights identified it as an ambulance. The officers stepped out of the way as the doors were opened. Paramedics exited the back and carried a patient on a stretcher, through the door, then through the station, which attracted some onlookers. The paramedics continued carrying the stretcher to the train and loaded it on to the first car. Doctors were inside the car and helped move the patient to one of the beds. The paramedics exited the train with an empty stretcher. They walked past another group of paramedics in the station, keeping two meters apart. Their ambulance drove away, while multiple more were parked on the empty street.

When it was fully loaded, the train took off, making no stops except for its first stop in Fort Hillen and its destination in Noorderstein. The city of Fort Hillen and province of Noord Wageborg has been hit hard by the pandemic. With the wave of patients being too much for hospitals, patients were transported to hospitals to areas of the country that have not been hit as hard by the pandemic, by air and by train. Many theories have been given for why the province was hit so hard, despite not being very densely populated. The provincial government at first was reluctant to place any restrictions until a few hundred cases emerge, and only placed a stay at home order as the cases numbered in the thousands. Multiple football matches were held while cases were growing. They were not the only public gatherings, but are believed to have helped the spread of the virus the most. Testing has also been done at a large scale since the initial influx of patients to hospitals which may have helped to increase the numbers.

A few provinces and non-profit groups were quick to offer aid to Noord Wageborg, including medical supplies and doctors. Others were not as helpful, sometimes ordering police to stop trains and then seize containers with medical supplies. This happened so frequently that the provincial government paid a Fort Hillen based budget airline, which had little demand, to carry supplies in their large amount of unused passenger planes. The Furbish government offered to use unused FSM trains to carry patients to less crowded hospitals outside Noord Wageborg. The economy has also been hit hard by the virus, but that was second priority to the people who are sick. The media has referred to it as the third worst crisis in the city’s history. On comments sections on social media and video sharing platforms, a few people asked for the first two. Second was the previous global fly pandemic. The first, was one which few inside the province, or even the country, did not know.

Port of Tauvaki, Tauvaki
Van Oorschot, Furby Island

10:20, 26 July 1869


The S.S. Bavaria pushed forward through the waves as she approached the port of Tauvaki. Smoke rose up from the ship’s chimneys. Below the chimneys, workers fed coal to a fire, which heated up water in a boiler and that spun a propeller underwater, pushing the ship forward. The ship began slowing down as she got closer to the port. Workers on the shore signaled the ship to an empty dock. On board the ship were passengers from Furby City and Noorderstein, the two cities which the ship stopped at on the journey to Tauvaki. After spending a few days below deck, many were eager to reach step off into the city. The passengers had to sleep in cramped bunks, unless they could afford a room, with a bed, but even that was small. Many had seasickness, making it extremely rare when the ship’s two bathrooms were empty. The crew, who spent years working on these ships, were all too used to seasick passengers.

The ship is owned by a relatively small company which operates ships and carrying passengers around Furby Island. In all of Furbish History, boats around the coast and through rivers and canals have always been the fastest way to travel long distances, faster than coaches, even when coaches had a direct overland route. This would likely not be the case soon, due to competition with trains, a more recent invention, which were the more popular option for shorter distances. With the completion multiple of trans-insular railroads, would likely replace boats in any route that can be done overland. But trains still have a long way to go. Boats going around the coast do not have to worry about attacks from natives as much as trains in the interior do, and tracks needed to be built for trains, while boats could use existing rivers and the ocean, though water connections do not exist everywhere, and building railroads is cheaper than building canals. For routes that can not be reached over land, boats are still the only way to travel in the foreseeable future.

Passengers from the S.S. Bavaria gathered on the top deck to see the port and the city. The dock grew larger as the ship got closer, where the people can make out people entering and exiting ships, or walking around going about their day in the city. The ship stopped to turn around as she was right next to the dock. The propeller below deck went in reverse, pulling the ship the final few meters to the dock. A member of the ship crew pushed through the crowd with a rope in hand, which he threw to the dock, to a worker there caught it and tied it down. This happened in two other points on the ship. The S.S. Bavaria made a complete stop at her destination. Passengers disembarked the ship after a ramp was placed, while the crew began preparing the ship for the next trip back to Furby City via Noorderstein. While most people walked from the dock to the city, a small group of people gathered near the ship, all of them being officials from the Ministry of Defense and the Furbish Army, who did not intend to stay in the city for long.

Brigadier General Machiel Zonnenberg was the first to step off. He wore an army officer uniform, with black trousers, a dark blue coat, and a black hat, with the coat of arms of the division he was second in command of, the 4th infantry. Gold stripes on his sleeves showed his rank. Like every soldier, a saber was on his right side, and a pistol beside it. After him was Luke Nicholson, a high ranking Army department official. Benedict Vabsley was next, and he is the Secretary of the Army. The second to last person to step off was retired General Clayton Klempner, who after serving the Chief of Staff of the Army, became an adviser to the President. Finally, Bradford Monoghan, a well known journalist, stepped off the boat. Zonnenberg has been in this city a few times, the previous time being over a month ago when he was there for a few hours, mostly spent waiting for a boat to Furby City. Knowing he will return. He familiarized himself with the city public transport network, mainly on how to get from the port to a train station where the army railroads run from. Like most Furbish cities, multiple railroads run through, each having their own station. The one he needed was the army run railroad, called FSM, which also carries paying passengers.

Many methods of public transportation existed at the time, from cable towed cars, to steam powered trains, to electricity. Most cities, however, did not use the new technologies, and chose the horse, which pulled stagecoaches, omnibuses, and horsecarts, the latter using rails built into the street. Zonnenberg hoped to catch an omnibus leading to the station, but as the five men walked off the dock to the main street, the omnibus was already leaving. The next one was not coming in half an hour, but Zonnenberg knew of other ways of arriving, one of them was a horsecar which also went near the station, with a more direct route. The horsecar he thought of appeared out of nowhere, and Zonnenberg shouted “this one!” and boarded, followed by the other three men. He handed five guilder cents to the driver, who counted the five people boarding and let them on. The horsecar took off after a few more boarded. While looking at a map to the side, Nicholson turned and said “This one leads to the Saxon Railroad station.”. Zonnenberg responded “I know, but our station is close by.”

The two horses trotted along the street, pulling the car through the city, making stops every few blocks, where passengers got on and off the car. Zonnenberg looked out the window into the streets of Tauvaki. People were outside going about their lives, walking around, eating at restaurants, conversing with others. In what felt like no time Zonnenberg shouted that they were at their stop, and they walked off the horsecar. In front of them stood a large brick building, which towered over the apartments behind. The building is as elaborate as many churches, and would have likely been confused for one if not for the large letters spelling out “SAXON RAILROAD” in the front. The five men had little time to admire the structure. Zonnenberg turned left and the rest followed him. A few blocks down the street, they came across another large building. This one, which was entirely marble, was larger than the previous, but less elaborate. On top of it were the words “FERBIEILANDSE SPOORWEGMAATSCHAPPIJ”, or Furbish Railway Company, or FSM for short.

“If I was in charge of FSM, I’d tear this building down and replace it with one that is not ugly.” Zonnenberg grumbled. The only thing he did like about the station was the clock tower, which had the largest clock in the province, and tied for largest in northern Furby Island, with the one on the FSM station in Noorderstein. They entered the building and walked over to the ticket counter. “Five tickets for the next train to Fort Hillen. First class.” Zonnenberg said. He slid his pass to the vendor. The vendor was surprised to see someone going to the city, but did not question him. He gave five tickets and said “Next train is arriving in fifteen minutes.”. Taking a seat at a bench, Zonnenberg handed out the tickets. The interior of the station looked like more effort was placed into it than the exterior. Marble decorations were everywhere, with large bronze statues of some FSM officials who helped design it. Large trains were moving on and off the tracks, hauled by steam locomotives and carried up to eight passenger cars.

The announcer at the station said that a Fort Hillen bound train was now arriving at track four. A few crew members were already gathered there, and they looked like they would rather be on any train instead of this one. From a distance, the train which would be seen was different from the others. The cars seemed to have the same shape as the rest, but covered in a layer of steel. As it got closer, steel shutters were seen on the windows. The locomotive was also covered in a layer of steel. Nicholson, Vabsley, and Klempner looked surprised seeing an armored train approaching. Monoghan scribbled some notes on a paper he held, like he did during the whole journey. These were used rarely, only when traveling through a war zone. Zonnenberg looked at them and thought “I told you so”, wishing it took less than a month of arguments to convince them and other elected and unelected Furby City officials of what was going on. The train pulled to a stop at the platform. The crew boarded and then let the passengers on. Very few got on.

To be continued

PostPosted: Mon Jun 01, 2020 12:53 am
by Logon
Leeds, Diacook Canton, May 29th, 2020


The crowd cheered as the newly re-elected Premier Malcolm walked off stage. The First Minister of the Diacook Canton, Hardy Malcom had a long reputation as a nonpartisan and popular politician. He famously built a governing coalition of three parties, normally opposed to one another, that lasted nearly a year after a major hurricane struck Diacook. Widely popular, he was a Catholic in a majority Protestant Canton, and many had hoped he represented an end to the sectarian violence that had plagued the country during the 1960s.

But of course, all good things must come to an end. A man in the crowd, wearing dark sunglasses and a black baseball cap, looked at another, well hatted, man. He nodded, and checked his watch. Now that he had given the signal, the Premier would have only minutes to live. Three minutes and 14 seconds, to be exact.

The Premier walked down to the rope line and began shaking hands and greeting his citizens.

Two minutes and 12 seconds.

He walked over, his blue tie glistening in the hot sun, his jacket over his shoulders. He looked like the average Nordhagenish middle class office worker, walking out of work on an average day.

One minute and eight seconds.

He stopped to chat with a mother and her child. He did the typical politician’s pose, blonde hair, big smile, a picture with an adorable baby. This was retail politics, politics which the Premier excelled at.

59 seconds.

The Premier walked over to one of the man’s accomplices. He had a jacket rolled up in his hand, but that wasn’t too strange. It had been raining earlier. He shook his hand and asked the accomplice how he was, if he had a family, what would he want his public servant to do?

45 seconds.

The man smiled and simply went “You can die you damned papist.” as he shot the Premier three times in the stomach with a .44 revolver, tucked under the jacket he had around his hands. Body guards fired back, but it was too late.
12 seconds.

The Premier fell to the ground, clutching his stomach and wheezing.

4 seconds.

He took a breath, then another, and let out a final one as his eyes rolled upwards.

[hr]

Cantonal Council Chambers, June 1st, 2020


Mr. Censor I move for a vote for Avatica to be considered a full Canton, with the rights and duties of the same!” shouted William Pittman, the Councilor from Lueur, a Catholic Canton.

Cries of “Second!” roared from Catholic delegations while Protestant ones opposed it.

Councilor Henry Lesterman got up and yelled “Mr. Censor!

Censor Wilkerson sighed. The gentleman from Avlonia is recognized.

The Councilor stood up and spoke “The good gentleman from Lueur can try to force a vote all he wants, but right now there are riots in Diacook, and that should be the government’s first concern!”

Cries of ”Here here!” rang out. Censor Wilkerson began the vote, which ended at a tie, 30-30.

A hundred miles away, a city burned.

PostPosted: Mon Jun 01, 2020 8:31 am
by Holy Rhinish Islands
Baruno
Beginning of the Sangoyo Zaroyni

After the nation re-opened its borders on the Sarapi, several foreign tourists had found themselves in the Rhinish Islands, just in time to catch the traditional Sangoyo Zaroyni festival. Traditionally, 4 days of parades are held to celebrate a 4 day parade by the first Rhinic peoples, which is then followed by 28 days of feasting and celebration. The 28th day is the beginning of the Rhinic Year, which is preceded by Zaroyni Majirho every few years to re-adjust the calendar to prevent drifting, which is a second feasting month. This year, (RH 5730), Sangoyo Zaroyni feasting starts on the 5th of June (1 Tayano), and Rhinic New Year on the 4th of July (1 Rhako).

Out in the streets, many people - Rhinic and not alike - were parading and watching. A large sign was held aloft at the front, saying ᎲᎱᏇᎯᎨᎯ ᎽᎱᎦᎯᎨᏅᎮ!, which is Return of the Sun God in Rhinish. People celebrating in the streets, as if the COVID-19 pandemic had never happened. That's because for the most part it never actually happened. Only 46 cases were ever reported in the islands, and only 5 are active right now, all 5 under strict quarantine. Every tourist was required to take a COVID-19 test, and have it come back negative, before they were permitted to fly to the HRI. Yarho Sagyo prided himself in this, exclaiming on television "Ak Gajoni!" (It's foolproof).

However, there is a chance of illegal immigrants, most likely from Attancia and the Furbish Islands, boating their way to the islands. Sagyo, when inquired about this, said that "The Rhopo is working with Furbish and Attanacian officials, to ensure that no boat goes undetected, and that all individuals on these boats will identify themselves." Rumors have it that the Navy is strictly enforcing a 24 mile no-boat zone, in which only vessels with permission to cross the zone may cross the zone. Approved vessels may include legal immigrants, fishing boats, military boats, or oftentimes even recreational boats. As long as no illegal immigrants are on board the vessel, the vessel may pass through, so the rumors say.

PostPosted: Mon Jun 01, 2020 6:35 pm
by Fluvannia
Intro Information:
Located in various parts of the continent of Abos, the Federated Principality of Fluvannia is a large but somewhat sparsely-populated nation, comprised of several formerly-independent polities ruled in personal union. A federation of highly-autonomous subdivisions and restricted state power, Fluvannia is generally known abroad for having among the highest standards of living in the world, a patient approach to international diplomacy, a large automobile industry, a love of sports (especially hockey and hurling, the two national sports), and plentiful uranium, oil, timber, and agricultural output.


Fluvannian House of Delegates, Oshkosh

As June began, the lower house of the Fluvannian legislature was preparing for a new term. This week would be the last of the legislative term, as the constitution stipulates that the new term begins on the second Monday in June, just as the second Monday in May held the elections for that term. Five hundred Delegates, elected via the approval method from single-member districts apportioned by population, would be taking their seats for the new term. Each of the seven parties would be picking up or losing seats based on the results:

  1. National Liberals: 227 (+16)
  2. Justice and Democracy: 113 (+7)
  3. Minarchists: 66 (+24)
  4. Center: 55 (-21)
  5. Custodians: 20 (-19)
  6. Ursine Monarchist Union: 12 (+8)
  7. Popular Syndicate: 6 (-3)
  8. Independent candidates: 1

As a result, the plurality National Liberal Party would be partnering with the Minarchist Party instead of their former coalition partners, the Center Party. The incumbent Speaker of the House, Mark Patrick, was expected to retain his position, though as this would be his fifth term, he would be limited from seeking re-election in 2022.


Fluvannian Cabinet Meeting

Crown Prince Michael turned to Suski Sirkkanen, Minister of Health and Safety. "Madame Minister, I believe our first update of the morning is yours. What are the weekend's developments regarding the coronavirus?"

"Well, Your Highness," began Sirkkanen, "as of yesterday's numbers, there are 48,911 active cases in the country, with 3,806 confirmed deaths. For the third day in a row, these numbers both reflect increases of less than one percent over those of the previous day. These trends indicate that our measures to 'flatten the curve' to help prevent overwhelming hospitals with new cases have been effective, and that the safer-at-home advisories can be lifted in most places. However, we recommend several cities representing the majority of cases -- namely Oshkosh, Appleton, Rochester, and Charlottesville -- refrain from lifting their advisories at this time."

"That sounds reasonable to me," replied the Crown Prince. "The Ministries of Health and Safety and the Interior should be able to work out schedules both for this round of relaxation and the round of similar measures in the more heavily-affected cities." Minister of the Interior, Caroline Logan, nodded. Turning to Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulos Dimitrios, among the Crown Prince's most trusted advisors, his expression darkened. "Mr. Minister, do you have any updates on the situation in Nordhagen?"

"Unfortunately, Your Highness, the situation appears to be continuing to destabilize. Since the assassination of Diacook Premier Malcolm on Friday, divisions between the Catholic Nords and Protestant Hagenites appear to be set to boil over in a rather ugly fashion. As I understand it, later today -- really this morning, Nordhagen time -- the Cantonal Council will be voting again to allow the small island territory of Avatica full cantonal status, which threatens to tip the balance of the Council in favor of the Nords. Despite the fact that the Nords have largely been willing to elect Protestant Censors in the past to maintain balance, the various Hagenite delegations do not seem willing to continue to trust their countrymen."

Michael frowned. Like the majority of Fluvannians, the royal house was Catholic, and therefore sympathetic to the people of Avatica. On top of that, Fluvannian democracy had a long history of devolved, localized power, which would go along with the Avaticans' desire to govern themselves as a full canton. However, several centuries of religious freedom and a desire to avoid interfering in the internal politics of foreign nations when possible were notable obstacles to simply getting involved. Dimitrios -- himself a descendant of a Galian Orthodox family from pre-revolutionary Tesyky -- understood that frown perfectly. "Perhaps, Sir, we could have our Ambassador reach out to the Nordhagen government and offer our services as a mediator? Make some sort of statement supporting the right of all people to self-determination without mentioning Nordhagen specifically, but also affirming our belief in the ability of our neighbors to solve their internal conflicts peacefully."

The Crown Prince nodded. "That was essentially what I had in mind; let's make it happen."

PostPosted: Mon Jun 01, 2020 11:56 pm
by West Phoenicia
Image


WP||The West Phoenicia Times


Sports || Health || Technology || Gossip || Domestic Politics || International Politics || Entertainment || World || Religion || Weather



Coronavirus Cases

Confirmed: 215,000
Recovered: 58,000
Deaths: 6,102

"Informing on your infected neighbour, is being a good citizen," Prince Gai Bush has announced in a series of advertisements that have appeared on television, the internet and billboards across West Phoenicia over the last week.

Prince Gai Bush, the older brother of Emperor Glenton Gryphon-Bush II was appointed as director of the Un-West Phoenician Activities Committee back in 2010 when he ascended to the throne.

The Un-West Phoenician Activities Committee was established to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities on the part of private citizens, public employees, and organisations who pose a threat to the peace and stability of West Phoenicia.

The committee was given authority under The Un-West Phoenician Activities Committee Act 2000 to investigate alleged suspects then order them to appear before the West Phoenician Committee's People's Court to face a trial that could result in imprisonment or death.

The committee has the power to shut down political parties and organisations deemed un-West Phoenician or pose a threat to the nation's security.

Between the year 2000 to 2010 more than 40,000 citizens appeared before the committee on charges of subversive actions against Queen Jezebel Tasman-Bush. The queen used the committee to silence political parties, Members of the clergy, disgraced members of the aristocracy and any other citizen who spoke out against her or was perceived to be working with her enemies to dethrone her and destabilise West Phoenicia.

Since 2010 there have been calls from civil liberties groups to disband the committee and its puppet court.

Emperor Glenton Gryphon-Bush II, however, justifies the continued operation as a measure of security to protect the nation from domestic terrorists and spies.

Over $30 Million has been spent by the Un-West Phoenician Activities Committee in a variety of advertisements to warn citizens of the dangers of the coronavirus spreading throughout West Phoenicia.

The West Phoenician government has called for a full investigation to discover the source of the virus that has not only attacked West Phoenicia but many other
nations in the Republic of Conservative Nations.
Ross Hynch, leader of the Justice Party of West Phoenicia has been selected to lead the investigation committee. He has stated no stone will be left unturned during his investigation, he hinted that the spread was no doubt originally started by international visitors to the nation. The underlying issue that will need to be discussed is if the virus was deliberately released on West Phoenician citizens or if the infected travellers were unaware of their sickness when they originally travelled to the nation.
Prime Minister Countess Tia High on advice from the Emperor has informed that international flights will still be banned from entering or leaving the country until travel is reinstated once there is enough proof that the coronavirus is declining.

Prince Gai Bush and all members of
The Un-West Phoenician Activities Committee have applauded the beginning of an investigation.
"If any citizen or non citizen has deliberately infected West Phoenician citizens they are answerable to the committee to answer charges of domestic terrorism and partaking in subversive activities. If found guilty, the weight of our laws will punish all offenders."

The Un-West Phoenician Activities Committee has gone even a step further by calling on patriotic citizens to report on those citizens who are sick and have not registered they are unwell with the virus.

The Un-West Phoenician Activities Committee member Dr Michael Prestonia has announced that his discussion with other health professionals, that statistics of confirmed cases is being under reported, that there are citizens who are hiding their illness out of fear or for other motives.

Loyal citizens have no fear to hide their illness. The West Phoenician medical community is on top of this virus and citizens are being healed.
From today any citizen who hides the virus and does not report it to a health professional could possibly face charges of engaging in subversive acts.
Citizens are urged to slow the spread and inform on people who would hide the virus and infect others.
It's about eradicating the virus and these people are doing the opposite.

The Un-West Phoenician Activities Committee will be operating as normal during these worrying times ready to investigate and carry out their duties to protect the nation.

PostPosted: Thu Jun 04, 2020 5:42 am
by Attancia
Central Attancia
3rd of June, 2020

An old man and woman traipsed slowly through the lavender fields on their estate, back to their home. The sweet and beautiful scent of the lavender plant rose into the warm afternoon air in a trail behind the couple, as they crushed the smell-releasing flowers of the plant below their feet. The sun slowly descended behind the mountains enclosing their house, shining sweetly through the blanket of clouds. The mountains loomed over the valley, acting as guardian-sentinels to protect from the outside world. Birds, bees and bugs scattered and flew around, atmospherically making their trademark noises. Occasionally, a ladybird would fly out from one of the bushes, and hop off into a new home. To the average person, it would seem like heaven -- but for an Attancian, this is the glorious standard of living most people would expect. Paradise on earth.

The two arrived at their house. It was a large building: It had a swimming pool facing North towards the lavender fields. A couple metres down from the swimming pool was the main building, a former cattle farmhouse which was now refurbished and dedicated to lavender. Inside, the house had a main room, which was where the lounge was. The main room was also the height of two floors... A cast-iron staircase in the main room led up to a cast-iron inside balcony (overlooking the main room), which led into two bedrooms on the first floor. At one end of the main room there was a marble staircase going up to a ground-and-a-half floor, which had yet another bedroom; at the other end, there was a marble staircase going down to the underground floor, which had a kitchen and dining room in it. Connected to the kitchen there was a door which led to a garage that poked itself out of the hilly outcrop the house was on, and a door serving as an entrance to the house. Really, it would have made most foreigners break down in tears in wonder.

The old man, who had been carrying a jute sack, tossed it onto a table. He lay back into a red-material armchair, fashioned with ornate wooden legs, and nodded off into a peaceful sleep. The woman, evidently his wife, sat into a similarly-fashioned blue sofa. She picked up the old TV remote, and clicked it on. The TV blared into life. A smart man with a bright red tie flashed onto the screen, talking rapidly.
"...and yes, that means that the diamond crash has stopped flying downwards." Boring news. He continued for a few minutes before something caught the old woman's eye. "BREAKING: THIS JUST IN. Due to the hot air over the East Attancian Sea (Near Avatica) rising and being replaced with cold air in a continuous cycle, a Hurricane has formed. Dubbed "Storm Jackson", it has been quickly making its way Westwards towards most of Attancia. Thankfully, it's only a tier-one hurricane, but we recommend you all take the necessary precautions to avoid being badly affected. It is expected that the government will provide advice on how to best deal with the situation." He finished on the topic. The woman got out of her seat, and ran over to her husband.

"Harold... Harold, wake up!" She yelled at him. He jumped up with a start.
"E-Evelin? W-what is i-it?" He hurriedly asked.
"The news! There's a hurricane from the e-east. The government is meant to be confirming it.. soon, yes." Right on time, as her phone buzzed on the tabletop, beside the jute bag. "There, that'll be it." She stumbled over. It read:

TO: Evelin Frank
FROM: Attancian Government Agency
HURRICANE ALERT

Dear recipient,
It has been noted that a hurricane has formed on eastern Attancia, west of Nordhagen's Avatica Island. It is making progress Westward and is expected to reach Attancia in just under an hour. We advise you take precautions such as:

  • Staying indoors unless absolutely necessary.
  • Making your way to any bunker or hurricane defence system.
  • Making your way to anything that may protect you from the hurricane.
  • Shutting all doors, windows, or openings to your residence or bunker.
Failing to comply may result in punishment such as fines or temporary imprisonment.

Thank you, Stay safe, May god be with you.
Attancian_Gov


"Good lord..." She said as she read it. "Find the cat, I'll get the bunker all prepared."

It didn't take long to find the cat. The man went outside to the lavender bushes, and started rubbing his hands in the bushes, making a "pshpshpshpshpshssss" sound. The cat, who had been hiding in some other bushes, came bounding towards what it thought was prey. The smell of the lavender rose up. Scooping up the cat, the man quickly made his way back to the house. He ran into the main room, and locked the main doors towards the lavender field. He ran down to the kitchen, and locked the door to the front. He locked the garage sliding-door. He locked the windows in the bedroom at the end of the main room. He rushed up the cast-iron stairs towards the two bedrooms on the first floor, and he ran to the window in the first one. That was when he saw it.

The trees were blowing out of their roots. The rain was drenching down. The clouds were shadowing over the land, creating a dark and luminous landscape. The rain started lashing at the windows, being blown by the wind. Snapped branches were flying at the windows, nearly smashing them. The Attancian paradise... most foreigners would break down in tears. He pulled back the shutters and locked the window. He pulled back the curtains. "Oogh... good gracious." he said, leaning tiredly against the wall. He quickly ran to the other window and shut it up too, and ran downstairs. He clicked open a trap-door in the kitchen, grabbed the cat, and hopped into the bunker. His wife was waiting in it, surrounded by supplies: Tinned peaches, mangoes, pineapples... spam. All the normal things you'd expect to find in a bunker. Electric lights illuminated the room, which looked like a 10 metre long tunnel. It was white, with benches running down either side. The cat settled down on one of the benches. A large TV was suspended at the end of the room, playing the news.



Attancia
4th of June, 2020

After nearly a full day and night of panic and destruction, the hurricane had passed over Attancia. The damage would have been large, were it not for the responsibility of the Attancian people. Most locked up their houses and businesses, so were safe. They also drove their cars and boats to safer, sheltered areas. Consequently, minimal damage was done to property. Unfortunately, some were caught out in the hurricane, leading to a death toll of 10. An unfortunate but undeniable consequence.

The Pope and Prime Minister were expected to give speeches on the subject shortly.

X-Space & Fort Hillen Crisis II

PostPosted: Fri Jun 05, 2020 8:09 am
by Durba-Stobe
FISA Launch Complex
Central Furby Island

13:00, 5 June 2020


Nearly sixty years have passed since the creation of the Furby Island Space Agency, or FISA, and the Furbish space program. Beginning with some communications satellites, FISA eventually moved to sending research satellites, then people into space. FISA at one point planned to send people to the moon, and beyond, but those plans have long been scrapped due to funding issues, and have never happened despite promises from successive Prime Ministers. FISA instead focused on manned missions closer to the earth. Space stations were launched in low earth orbit, where astronauts can perform experiments in the microgravity of space. These began with Station 1, to be crewed by two astronauts, followed by the larger Station 2, which can hold up to four, and with much more equipment. Station 5, unlike the previous four, had multiple modules attached, and Station 6 was even larger, being made up of nearly a dozen different modules. Station 7 was never built, instead FISA focused on the International Space Station, a collaboration with multiple countries across the globe.

Until very recently, FISA has only two types of rockets which are used for space flights, made by multiple companies contracted by the agency. These rockets are an improvement from the earliest days, when FISA was given repurposed ballistic missiles. For carrying people, the agency has a single crew vehicle with multiple varients, known as Unie, or Union. Electricity comes from its two solar panels on the service moduleb but previously from a battery. It has an internal volume of just under eight cubic meters, and a capacity of up to four crew members. On top, the capsule has an inflatable airlock, able to fit one person. Unie was developed for FISA’s planned missions to the moon, but was repurposed to missions in low earth orbit. It has received many improvements over the years, from improved engines and solar panels, to software improvements. Touch screen controls are planned to be added to a future version of the capsule, replacing all the buttons, levers, and indicators with OLED screens.

Very recently, several new companies wanted to build new launch vehicles, with the purpose of eventually being able to carry tourists into space or colonize other planets. Each one of the companies has been given grants by FISA, and many of their rockets are already launching cargo and satellites. The most notable one of the companies X-Space. Founded only two decades earlier by Elton Musk, a billionaire and visionary, who owns multiple companies, including one which makes electric cars, the company’s long term goal is the colonization of other planets. To make repeated launches cheaper, he developed the Eagle 9, a completely reusable rocket which could be landed back to a launch pad, rather than being thrown away into the ocean like others. This rocket was used for over five years, and now was ready to launch a new crew capsule, also developed by X-Space, which was also planned to be reusable. On board were two FISA astronauts who have flown to space previously, but it could hold up to six. In the past year, it had multiple missions, testing the capsule, and its launch abort system, but this was the first to carry crew.

The FISA launch complex was in what many would call the middle of nowhere. Surrounding it is the dense Furbish jungle, with no human settlements for many kilometers away. It is centered around the large vehicle assembly building, with multiple wide gauge rails which carry a mobile platform, with the rocket on it, to one of the launch platforms a few kilometers away from that. All the platforms are positioned almost exactly on the equator. The complex is not completely isolated. It has a runway, two lane road, and two parallel electrified tracks, all to transport rocket parts, except for one of the tracks, which is used to transport high speed passenger trains, a method which almost all FISA engineers, and astronauts travel by. Many people witnessing the launch at close also often reach it by trains, but sometimes by private jets in the small runway. FSM regularly runs a shuttle service between the launch complex and a small city over a hundred kilometers away, for commuters, as well as just before any launch. Being so isolated, a small town with a few shops and restaurants popped up in the complex.

Three hours before the launch, a train rolled into the station platform. This is the single level eight car electric multiple unit train which has served the launch complex for many years. It is no different from most short haul FSM trains, having some business class seats in the front, economy class seats in the other cars, and a single bar car in the middle. What differed was its livery, painted with FISA’s logo and colors. On the day of the launch, its front car was repainted, this time with the logo and colors of X-Space. Cameras and crews from multiple news companies were at the platform, streaming it live to TVs and video sharing platforms across the country and world. FISA made one stream, which will switch between multiple cameras on the rocket, platform, and their mission control, which they allowed all news to stream. A few experts from the agency would be talking, speaking about what was going on in the mission, and about some related topics. Millions of people would tune into the stream, on video sharing platforms and on their televisions.

First to step off the train, as it came to a complete stop and doors opened, was Prime Minister Thomas Norup and his wife. Both waved to the cameras, then stepped aside from the door. The three Deputy Prime Ministers closely followed them. The next person to step off the train was Elton Musk, who also waved to the cameras, and after him was the director of FISA. After him were the two astronauts who will be on the crew capsule, followed by the two who were in the backup crew, with their families. All the people who stepped off the train wore masks, as there has been an ongoing pandemic. They stood two meters apart. The two astronauts who would be flying would have normally shook hands with all people on the platform, but as this was a pandemic, they instead gave what was known in the country as the “Galway handshake”, named after the province where the pandemic hit the country first. The “handshake” involved touching shoes rather than hands. More people began pouring out of the train, making sure to stay two meters apart.

Both astronauts stepped into a car in front of them, one made by one of Musk’s other companies. A few crew members stepped in two cars behind them. The cars took began driving, headed towards the platform where the large Eagle 9 rocket stood. The FISA director lead the spectators to a building besides the platform and vehicle assembly building. The platform is outdoors, with only a small roof and benches. Adjacent to it are some stores, including a FISA run gift shop. The building the spectators entered is used as a museum to the space agency in most of its floors, with different exhibits on every floor, some spanning multiple. Above that was some office and storage space. The top few floors were observation decks. The elevators carried a few people at a time, making it a painstaking process to move everyone to the top, so some simply walked up the stairs. Seats in the decks have been taped off to ensure that everyone stayed two meters apart. Joining the spectators were also the train drivers and operators.

Each floor dedicated to being an observation deck was above the tree line, and launch towers from all platforms were able to be seen, some towering above the trees, some blocked off. The best view was in the top deck, which is also completely outdoors. It would normally be crowded with the families of astronauts and every person wealthy enough to afford it, but it was currently not the case. The families of the two astronauts, the Deputy Prime Ministers, Prime Minister, FISA director, Musk, and a camera crew were all on top. From a distance, they could see the three cars pulling up near the launch platform. The astronauts and FISA and X-Space crew then entered the elevator, all while wearing masks, and reached the top of the launch tower, then boarded the rocket. After the astronauts got on, the rest went down the elevator and drove back towards the tower. Below the tower, parallel to the tracks is a fiberoptic cable, which lead to the mission control in Noorderstein.

Over the course of the next few hours, the rocket was fueled and prepared for launch. Millions across the country and the world tuned in, ready to see the first private company launch people into space. The two astronauts inside the capsule sat almost still, wearing suits designed by X-Space for this rocket. In the livestream and on television screens in the tower, the countdown was shown. Some people were discussing various checks which were being done. A few times the camera moved to the top of the observation tower, showing the handful of people observing from the best angle. A minute before launch, people were counting down along with the clock. Two cameras were shown in the stream, one from the launch pad, the other in the interior of the capsule. A launch pad officer was giving the countdown. This would be a historic moment for the country. For a moment the entire country held its breath. The final countdown was read out, in what many felt were among the longest ten seconds of their lives, “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.”

“Liftoff.” The rocket took off, powered by its nine engines. It disappeared from the view of the spectators near the platform quickly. Within a few seconds, it was already several kilometers in the air. One camera switched to the mission control. The image people thought of when they thought of mission control was several rows of computers with people sitting next to each other. Technological advancements made many roles redundant, and because of the pandemic, people all sat two meters apart, and wore masks. They stood up and cheered just after the launch before sitting back down. Only a few minutes in, the first stage ran out of fuel and separated. Mission control cheered again. The second stage was already past the Kármán line, the border one hundred kilometers above the earths surface between what was considered earth and space. On the streams, the height of the rocket was shown, the G forces which the crew experienced, and time since launch. The camera showed the interior of the crew capsule and a camera from the separated Eagle 9 first stage.

Ten minutes after launch, the Eagle 8 successfully landed on a drone shop in the ocean. By that time, the second stage already separated, and the third reached low earth orbit. People at mission control cheered several times during the process, as everything has went to plan. The two astronauts were now going to be in orbit for nineteen more hours before docking to the International Space Station. The launch has been a success. X-Space stocks increased rapidly.

FSM Station, Tauvaki
Van Oorschot, Furby Island

11:00, 26 July 1869


The trip was scheduled to take five and a half hours, which would mean arriving to Fort Hillen just before sunset. It felt like any other trip in the beginning, despite the metal shutters hanging over each window. The conductor walked around asking people to show tickets. Drinks were handed to the passengers. The interior of the car looked like every other FSM car, all that differed was the armor outside. The train made multiple stops, mostly on small towns, where more people left than entered. An hour later, at noon, lunch was called and all the passengers went to the dining car. Only half of the tables had people on them. Zonnenberg was not surprised, but the other four people with him were. After eating, they all went back to their seats, which all faced a table. They continued talking, while Monoghan continued writing notes. The train steadily moved along the track through the dense Furbish jungle. Sometime after lunch, it passed another train heading the opposite direction. From the glimpses which could be caught, it had a lot more people than this one.

The train made its second to last stop around half an hour before its scheduled arrival time at Fort Hillen. The sun was already pointing west, close to setting. A few people got off. Besides Zonnenberg and his party, the driver, and the conductors, no one else was on. The train moved along the track steadily. Eight minutes before the arrival time, the conductors walked around the train, closing the metal shutters in every car. One came to the table and closed the shutter there, and said “Do not open the window for any reason.”. The group all nodded. Lights inside the train were turned on, as all natural light has been blocked. One conductor, due to company policy, stood in each car to make sure all windows remained closed. Like all FSM conductors, he wore a dark blue uniform and hat. At the table, everyone stopped talking. Zonnenberg prayed then looked up. Everyone sat silent for a few minutes

The silence was broken by the sound of something hitting the side of a car. No one had time to react before more objects were heard. What sounded like a rock hit the spot where Vabsley sat, causing him to flinch. The sounds passed them and were heard quieter and quieter, coming from the back of the train, until they ended. The final three minutes were also spent in silence, where the train accelerated then decelerated a few times before coming to a complete stop. The conductor announced that they have reached their destination and opened the doors. Quietly, the five men stood up and exited the train into the Fort Hillen station. The platform was extremely crowded, and the people there seemed eager to step on the train. Zonnenberg looked around before stepping off. The station, which he has last been to over a month ago, has hardly changed. What did change was the fact that it was only served by armored trains. Two more stood on other tracks, pointed north towards Tauvaki. Looking back to make sure the other four men are behind him, he walked to the main entrance and stepped outside.

To be continued

PostPosted: Tue Jun 09, 2020 3:09 pm
by Logon
Kingdom of Bucron, June 7th, 2020


A convoy of four vehicles rolled down the dusty and sandy road. It was a line of Nordhagenish Vixens, standard issue light infantry vehicles. With an operational range of 300 miles and a maximum speed of 70 miles an hour, the Vixen was perfect for the Bucronian deserts.

The soldiers and their equipment was similarly Nordhagenish, Aldrin-3 rifles for the average rifleman, with an M11 for the designated marksman, and an M96 for the squad automatic gunner. It was no mistake that Nordhagen had outfitted practically all the equipment in the Kingdom’s 14,000 man military.

Bucron was a kingdom across five different islands, with a total population of 1.4 million. Led by King Emanuele II with an iron fist, the islands territorial waters laid over some of the largest oil deposits in the entire world. This cheap oil fed the hungry Nordhagenish economy, which in return handed over surplus equipment to the Kingdom.

But why the need for such a heavy investment? Well that need showed itself as an insurgent popped out from behind a rock, and fired a rocket propelled grenade at the lead vehicle, which exploded, killing all four soldiers inside.

These insurgents were also armed with surplus equipment, but surplus Tesykyian equipment. The communist government in Tesyky helped its ideological brothers in Bucron. Partly out of desire to secure the oil for themselves, partly out of a desire to oppose Nordhagen, its sworn enemy.

As the remaining Loyalist soldiers strafed the rocky ridgeline with automatic fire, another rocket popped off, but this one was absorbed by the heavier frontal armor of the Vixen. But nearly as soon as the attack began, it ended, as the insurgents sunk into the rocks and sand to avoid the pursing soldiers. Pot shots taken at their pursuers killed three more, before the rest of the squad chose to fall back to the remaining vehicles.




Cabinet Meeting Room, June 9th, 2020


Censor Wilkerson listened as the Secretary of Defense Chairman of the National Security Staff gave a report on the increasingly violent situation in Bucron. His colleague, Jeremiah Newton, was from a different party, but Wilkerson found him easy to work with… most of the time.

Of course it was a lot easier to cooperate when governing, but they had a particularly nasty fight over choosing the Minister of Defense and the various departments and Secretaries within the Ministry, but they did eventually settle on a compromise.

”So, in conclusion, sirs, the situation in Bucron is quite untenable, the Bucronian Army is under trained and under equipped, and Tesyky’s backing the insurgents at a degree we cannot match under our current plans.” finished the Chairman.

”Well it’s clear then,” began Censor Newton, who was currently acting as executive, ”we must send in troops. Chairman, draft an order to send 1500 advisors to Bucron, and Catherine, I’ll need you to get the Bucronian ambassado-”

”No. cut in Wilkerson.

”What is it Lewis?”

“I’m not allowing you to send soldiers in right now. You heard the Chairman, more equipment may be all we need. You draft an order sending troops, I’ll draft a veto.”

Censor Newton grimaced and hissed ”Fine then. Chairman, draft an order for more equipment shipments, assuming my colleague chooses to bless us with his permission.”, glaring heavily at Wilkerson.

”Oh I won’t veto that.” but as he rose Wilkerson looked at Censor Newton and said “I know you’re going to draft that first order, but rest assured Jeremiah, I’ll veto it the same day.”

PostPosted: Sat Jun 13, 2020 1:37 am
by Attancia
Attancia
5th of June, 2020

It had been two days since the hurricane had swept Attancia. The Pope and Prime Minister were due to have given a speech on the 4th, but a temporary power outage, caused by the hurricane, meant that most of Attancia wouldn't be able to see it. The Attancian Energy Agency (AEA) was working constantly across the archipelago to restore power, but dealing with large-scale outages on an island nation is a hard thing to do, especially when they often supply power to each other. However, the strong funding to the national infrastructure allowed the AEA to quickly travel from island to island, letting power be restored in a snowballing cycle: The first bit of power is restored, which helps the next bit, which helps the next bit. Within two days, power was back.

It was time for the Papal and Prime Ministerial address. Across all Attancia, people were turning on their TVs to get a glimpse of the speech.

The Pope went first. He was standing on the balcony of the College of Cardinals' complex, where he often made his speeches. Below the balcony, hundreds of rows of pews were placed. Socially-distanced people were lining them. He began. "Good afternoon, people of Attancia. The last few days have been a trying time, in many senses. Most unfortunately, Storm Jackson travelled over Attancia on the third of June. Along with Coronavirus, this has been a tragedy. It would be untruthful to say that anyone wasn't affected in some way. Notably, national power has been off, but our excellent AEA has been instrumental in bringing us back online. Additionally, I, as do many others, grieve the deaths that have taken place during the hurricane. The people who died were caught in a disaster beyond their power. But we must remember, that throughout all of this, God is with us. Even when it's hard, he will guide us to make the right choice. He will keep us from coming to harm. So, need I remind you, pray. God bless. Amen." The crowds below erupted into thunderous applause, with Trumpets playing the Attancian anthem.

Now, it was the Prime Minister's turn. He stepped out onto the balcony. "Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. I wish to endorse the speech of his Holy Eminence the Pope. What he says resonates with me, and I'm sure it does for many of you too. While it is unfortunate beyond belief that the hurricane has caused mortal damage that cannot be repaired, there are aspects of it that can. While we may still grieve about those we lose, we should also seek as a community to move forwards -- repairing what can be repaired. God shall help us. The brave AEA has been a shining example, working around the clock in a pandemic to move us forward from a power cut. They have led by example. We should follow that example. Over the next few days, Government (and Private) agencies will be working their hardest to fix all the damage which has been done. Stay safe. God bless." The crowd erupted once again into applause. The anthem was played.

It's unknown how the future will be impacted by the hurricane, OR how it will impact the pandemic. Whichever, Attancia is trying its best to get back to functioning.