The Astyrian Network

by **Nikolia** » Fri Feb 03, 2017 7:43 am

COLD WAVE FINALLY WEAKENING
Meteorologists confirm rise of temperature in the following period

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Tijana Ristich (@tijana.r)
^{2 February 2017 | Carigrad, Nikolia}

Ice on Dunav river in Carigrad. 2017 RTN ©

After more than four weeks of "polar" temperatures in West Moravia, Travunia and Venedia, meteorologists from the Royal Hydrometeorological Institute of Nikolia confirmed rise of temperature in the next period. Spokesperson of the institute, Ivana Nikolich said that this kind of cold wave has not been registered in these parts of Nikolia in the last 60 years: "We have been monitoring weather conditions through ground stations, weather balloons and even weather satellites, and we can confirm with high accuracy that this cold wave will, indeed, start to weaken. Currently we are investigating rivers, most notably Dunav river, as it was completely covered with ice cover which was, in some parts up to 2 meters thick. This ice cover blocks oxygen from entering the water, and in the same time it blocks toxic ammonia. We are working together with Fisheries Protection Agency to see the impact on fish population in rivers.

The cold wave and blizzard also caused severe traffic problems in the Royal capital. Flights from two largest international airports in Carigrad were reduced to 50% with numerous of flights redirected to Petrovgrad or Nikolajevo. Ice that formed on motorways caused two massive traffic accidents. The first one that happened on the North Ring road involved more than 54 vehicles, and sadly 2 lives were lost. In the second one that happened on section N23/1 of Carigrad - Nikolajevo motorway, 37 vehicles crashed, with more than 30 injured.
Although the temperature is slowly rising, it is still advisable to be cautious on roads as the ice is still present on the asphalt.

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by **The Selkie** » Sun Feb 12, 2017 3:39 pm

Silverport Herald, Internet-Edition, published 9th of February 2017.

Venue for the Greyfox Cup announced!

The Marcach Guild of Cuan announced the venue for this year's Greyfox Cup, one of the most prestigious trophies fought for in 2017.

)
Cecilia Buaiteoir of the Tribe of Westmeath on her horse Eite,
Winner of the last Greyfox Cup in 2014.

Cuan - Yesterday afternoon, the Marcach Guild announced the venue for the next Greyfox Cup, one of the most prestigious trophies fought for in 2017. Held every three years, the winner of the Greyfox Cup is seen as one of the best Marcach in the Free Lands, as only amongst the best can even enter.
The Cup is being held this year in the City of Cuan in the Mór Land. The announcement led to celebrations across the city, the mayor, Finnegan Méara of the Tribe of Louth, stating in the press release, that this was a large opportunity for their city and that they would make sure to put up an awesome celebration.
Held in conjunction with the Spring Festival of Cuan, on the 20th of March, the Greyfox Cup is held under both the sponsorship of the Marcach Guild, who provides the staff and rules, the Cabhair Group, who will hold their biannual fundraiser there as well, and the city itself, which will provide everything else, from lodging to the field.
At the time of the announcement, the credentials necessary were announced as well, promising only the best of the last three years being able to participate in the main event, the Lanceriding Competition. Several Marcach of high reputation already announced their will and intent to participate.

As the concrete lineup remains to be seen, the city is getting ready - we will inform you once more details are available.
ACC, KIW, Soc.

OOC: Image will be handed in later. Sorry for any inconvinience.
EDIT: And it was handed in.

by **Nynorsk Ostlijord** » Sun Feb 12, 2017 5:38 pm

Blaðið

Emergancy Declared After Avalanches hit Björklund

Massive amounts of unanticipated snowfall from the winter storm passing the nation coupled with the continuing geothermal activity has triggered a series of avalanches late this afternoon around the town of Henningberg in the Björklund region, an estimated 25,000+ people are now trapped in the mountains with power and other services disconnected. The national government had ordered the Coast Guard to the area to assist local forces who are overwhelmed in recovery efforts. Vehicular passes have been closed to all traffic with several roads still considered too dangerous, even to rescuers, leaving the entrapped individuals only lifeline by air.

Straddeling the south-western border, Björklund is considered the most isolated region of the nation especially during the winter months. With the highest elevations in all Nynorsk Ostlijord, weather conditions turn treacherous quickly which can create further problems for the Coast Guard as they tackle the problem. Officials with parliament have yet to comment on several questions, stating they too have received little information from the aforementioned disaster. It has been confirmed however, that after being ordered to the area, officials with the Coast Guard have requested the Prime Minister to contact the Astyrian Red Cross & other Astyrian nations for international assistance citing logistical issues and a death toll already in the dozens just hours after the event.

by **Nikolia** » Thu Feb 16, 2017 4:09 pm

AVALANCHES HIT BJÖRKLUND REGION
Region of Björklund in Nynorsk Ostlijord was hit by avalanches. More than 25,000 people trapped.

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Tijana Ristich (@tijana.r)
^{13 February 2017 | Carigrad, Nikolia}

Red Cross rescuers with their dogs searching for survivors. 2017 AFRC ©

After massive amounts of snowfall that swept across the Arctic nation of Nynorsk Ostlijord, a set of avalanches covered the region of Björklund, with the city of Henningberg being the most affected. By preliminary reports of the Nynorsk authorities 159 people lost their lives, and around 25,000 people are trapped without basic necessities due to the blockade of power lines and roads.
As confirmed from the Carigrad headquarters of the Astyrian Federation of Red Cross Societies, Prime Minister of Nynorsk Ostlijord, Sven Eriksson requested for international aid by the Federation. The Federation responded by sending more than 250 rescuers and machinery, and it is estimated that more rescuers and aid will arrive in the following period.
By now, Coast Guard of Nynorsk Ostlijord started searching for survivors and transporting injured individuals to medical facilities, however, heavy weather conditions made these efforts even harder.

It is still unknown if Nikolian citizens are among the affected. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nikolia called all Nikolian citizens in Nynorsk Ostlijord to immediately contact the Nikolian embassy or the ministry.

Embassy of the Kingdom of Nikolia
Telephone: +696-3413-221
Email: manguson@mip.prv.nk

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Nikolia
Telephone: +645(6724)-2212-1101
Email: kontakt@mip.prv.nk

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National Archives · by **Ord Caprica** » Sat Feb 18, 2017 1:25 am

We are here for you
Kenway pledges US support for Nynorsk Ostlijord disaster relief effort
James McManus (@JayMcManus)

^{18 February, 2016 6:00 AM | Ulysses, C.D, United States of Caprica}

Astyrian Red Cross Personnel during rescue operations in Nynorsk Ostlijord

Ulysses, C.D., Caprica- President Kenway has pledged US support to Nynorsk Ostlijord during a special session of Congress yesterday as reality sets on the world that the country was woefully caught off guard as record breaking snowfalls ravished the southwestern region of Björklund, trapping as many as twenty-five thousand people without access to water, heat or electricity.

Kenway called an emergency session of Congress late Thursday afternoon after news outlets continued to report that existing Coast Guard assets, the civil service normally tasked with handling disaster relief in the nation was overwhelmed by the sheer scale and number of avalanches sweeping the country.

An extraordinarily heavy snowfall late Sunday evening working in sinister conjunction with natural factors already present in the notoriously volatile climate worked to trigger upwards of a dozen separate avalanches in and around the town of Henningberg, in the Björklund region, overwhelming existing snow barriers and trapping an estimated twenty-five thousand people in the area. The national government immediately dispatched coast guard units to assist local emergency personnel in disaster relief but it rapidly became apparent that even the coast guard was inadequately prepared to mount the operation needed to rescue the thousands of people that are now stranded in the area without access to food, water or heat for almost a week now.

On Monday, Prime Minister of Nynorsk Ostlijord, Sven Eriksson filed an official petition to the Astyrian Federation of Red Cross Socieities for assistance,with the dispatching more than two hundred emergency volunteers to the country with expectations of more to follow in the coming weeks as the race to evacuate the people of Henningberg intensifies. The current death toll for the disaster stands at 159 confirmed fatalities with hundreds more in serious or grave condition and many thousands trapped in the frigid region, buried beneath meters of compacted snow.

Continued snowfall and the ever present threat of additional avalanches have frustrated attempts by both local and national emergency forces to effect a rescue operations with the major of roads being deemed too dangerous for use for traffic.

President Kenway has offered the support of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU) which is currently in Kamalbia conducting changeover operations from the 55th Mechanized Brigade for security operations in that troubled central Astyrian nation state. The 22nd MEU has upwards of two thousand Marines and Sailors at it's disposal is less than eight hours away from Nynorsk Ostlijord. Uniquely it has it's own organic air assets, allowing it send advance elements ahead of the main force if needed to accelerate disaster relief efforts immediately.

Congress has authorized more than ten million talents in humanitarian aide funds to be made available to the 22nd MEU in the event that they're presence is requested by Nynorsk Ostlijord to assist in disaster relief operations.

MORE FROM THE HERALD

Kamalbia still a fire storm [5924]
Winter has Come [4982]
Opinion: Can terrorists be stopped? Part 6 [3913]
Prosperity Party up by 10 points [3993]

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by **Aquitayne** » Sun Feb 26, 2017 9:13 pm

by **Blackhelm Confederacy** » Tue Mar 21, 2017 8:12 pm

Top ALA Operative Apprehended in Kamalbia

Sheikh Abdirahim Mohammed Bashiir, center, was arrested Saturday morning during a daring raid by EATA commandos

TALLAR, North Kamalbia(BCNN) -- The man believed to be the key planner of the terrorist attacks in Kobolis -- and several ALA attacks over the past several years -- was among three terrorism suspects arrested in an EATA-led operation early Saturday in a house near the border of North and South Kamalbia.

The arrest of Sheikh Abdirahim Mohammed Bashiir is the single most important arrest in the war on terror since nuclear bombs ravaged west Astyria, said a law enforcement official close to the investigation. He was arrested along with a Kamalbian political leader, Axmed Abdul Sharmaake, and a man of West Astyrian origin, government officials said. The men were no longer in Kamalbia as of late Saturday, the officials said. It was not known where they were or who had custody of them. The law enforcement official said the operation was "ongoing" but that it was unclear whether specific intelligence led to the arrest or whether Bashiir was captured as part of a broader operation.

Bashiir was almost picked up last week in Bafwangmbiri, several hundred miles away from the border town where he was captured, but escaped during the fierce firefight that claimed the lives of several coalition soldiers and left the town still in ALA hands, much to the embarrassment of EATA high command.

A leader of Kamalbia's largest religious political party, Ansar al-Tawhid, lives in the house where Bashiir was captured. The group has not taken a formal stance on the Astyrian Liberation Army, but it has condemned the EATA presence in the country.

$25 million reward

The Chancellery commended the arrests, calling Bashiir one of the Astyrian Liberation Army's "most senior and significant leaders, [and] a key planner and the mastermind of the Spiritwood attacks." The EATA joint command had offered up to $25 million for information leading to Mohammed's arrest.

EATA spokeswoman Joanna Everdeen (USN, Capt,ret) said Bashiir was central to the ALA's ability to plan and carry out operations. " The capture of Sheik Abdirahim Mohammed Bashir is major breakthrough in the struggle against religious extremism" she said. "It brings the EATA one step closer to ensuring freedom and security for all."

There are no plans at this point to bring Bashiir to the Blackhelm Confederacy, government officials said, but some sources have hinted that he might be sent to Bungussi for interrogation. They also confirmed that Bashiir is no longer in Kamalbia and is being taken to an undisclosed location.

Top Planner

Confederate and Caprican intelligence documents based on the interrogation of Mohammed Cawil Obsiye, an ALA operative who reported to Bashiir, show the level of detail and planning involved in an ALA attack. Bashiir sent Obsiye from Kamalbia to Berique, the day before the attack on the international airport there which killed scores of travellers, according to the documents. Obsiye was also tasked to lay the groundwork for suicide truck bombing runs on Confederate, Caprican, and Scottopian embassies in Caranad, the Insula Fera, and Maqtajer, but the plan was foiled after a terrorist cell in Maqtajer was broken up. Obsiye was arrested in January and is in EATA custody.

EATA high command lauded the news of Bashiir's arrest.

"The government of Northern Kamalbia continues to be supportive in its effort to stop terrorists around the world, and we hope that continues," a spokesperson told the press. "The entire region took a big hit a ya few years ago. We certainly haven't forgotten that at EATA Command. We're glad a lot of other people recognize that too."

by **Greater Belkan Reich** » Sun Mar 26, 2017 8:25 pm

The Arkangelsk Times
International News Service

Pekos CEO Yuri Gretkov murdered

Author: Alina Petrova
Published: 2017-03-26

Arkangelsk,Belka-Yuri Gretkov, the visionary CEO who co-founded Pekos Energy, then a single refinery operation in the wasteland of the Lorencian tundra and turned it into the largest energy corporation in the world with revenues in excess of five hundred billion per annum, was found murdered this evening.

The hard charging executive spearheaded efforts to expand the company's presence in the energy sector; buying out previously under performing oil fields and returning them to profitability, and pioneering the use of fracking in natural gas extraction.

Those close to Yuri say he was man who worked relentlessly towards the pursuit of his goals, and the success of his company which had become something of surrogate child for him in the absence of real children.

''Yuri's brilliance, drive and ambition were the source of countless miracles and almost single-handedly drove Pekos' expansion for more than two decades.'' Pekos said in a statement. '' The world is a dimmer place without him.''

Critics and supporters alike say that Yuri was one of the first Belkans to embrace capitalism after the fall of the Belkan Socialist People's Republic in 1999; using his charisma to raise the necessary funds to buy out his first refinery in 2001.

Five years later, Pekos operated a half dozen refineries across Belka and in 2009; went global when it secured contracts for natural gas extraction in the Republic of Frankengeit, with eighteen months, Pekos was reporting revenues in excess of one hundred billion dollars a year. By 2016, that number had more than tripled to more than four hundred billion dollars a year.

Born November 11th, 1955- Yuri grew up in the suburbs of Arkangelsk, the only son of a factory worker and local teacher. His parents taught him the value of hard work and perseverance early on, lessons that would prove useful later on in his life.

He graduated from Arkangelsk State University in 1972 with a degree in petroleum engineering and would later return to the school to obtain a degree in economics in 1980. Yuri worked a petroleum engineer for more than a decade, traveling all across the world and becoming known as an expert in the field before starting Pekos in 2000.

More recently Yuri was engaged in a heated tax dispute with the Belkan federal government over Pekos' acquisition of international natural gas contracts, allegedly worth hundreds of billions of dollars. He was a fierce opponent of state capitalism and allegedly was preparing to bring his company's case to the E10 Economic Council.

Gretkov was found gunned down this evening in a little known cafe in the outskirts of Arkangelsk. Police have no suspects at this time.

National Archives · by **Ord Caprica** » Sat Apr 01, 2017 4:11 pm

EZINE International

Eve Baldwin (@EveeeB)
^{01 April, 2017 5:00 AM | Ulysses, C.D, United States of Caprica}

BIZZY B

Ulysses, C.D., Caprica- April is the month of the military child and the daughter of two US military officers, I feel uniquely positioned to speak on some topics that children of military families hold incredibly dear. What I'm going to talk about now is brinkmanship.

Brinkmanship is ''the art or practice of pursuing a dangerous policy to the limits of safety before stopping'', that's BEFORE stopping. So for those readers that I have that aren't familiar with the textbook definition of the term to put it simply, it's a form of emotion and physical torture for those of us who have something to lose if it fails.

The governments of the west are operating on the HOPE that the other side will back down before their threats have to be enacted upon and the threat of action is always military. Either you do what I want or I'm going to bomb you, invade you or do something that is going to require sending tens of thousands of people away from their families and possibly to their deaths. Thankfully, most of the time it's a threat that never has to be realized but for some of us; it's the threat of never seeing their loved ones again that hurts more than anything. Diplomacy isn't an archaic language that's only known by a select few educated individuals in some obscure think tank, it's true art form that should be practiced and utilized at every opportunity by our elected leaders no matter the situation.

From the Belkan War to the Intervention in Kamalbia; world leaders have subjected the people of the west to a truly sinister form of emotional and psychological torture and none of felt it more than the children, family, spouses of the service members who are are being used like pawns in a chess game for one ideological reason or another, year after year, day after day.

For the month of April; I challenge every one of my readers to hold their Congressmen, Senators, Members of Parliament, Prime Ministers, Premiers and Presidents to take up diplomacy over war, use the carrot instead of the stick, make friends instead of enemies, save lives instead of ending them. Put a end to brinkmanship on the global scale so no one has to constantly tortured with the lose of their parents, friends and family to satisfy some grand geopolitical game.

by **Elite Astyrian Football League** » Tue Apr 04, 2017 6:41 pm

Tuesday - April 4th, 2017
2017 AstyCup Host Selection
EAFL Headquarters
Scottopia City, Scottopian Isles

Announcement from the Elite Astyrian Football League Headquarters:

The EAFL is pleased to announce that the Astyrian International Football Association (AIFA) has released the results of the Host Bid voting process for the 2017 edition of the the AstyCup, with the Scottopian Isles gaining 63% of the delegates votes, compared with Noordenstaat coming in second with 37% in the final round of the selection.

"The Scottopian delegation put on a tremendous display not only of their nation, but of their commitment to international football within the region of Astyria" said Saleb Urientai, Manager of the Cadenza National Team and delegate for the Cadenza Football Association at the function. "We are excited to see a great tournament this summer for not just those who will qualify, but for all supporters of our game".

''Disappointed the US didn't get to host but we're looking forward to playing in the Scottopian Isles, and hopefully, coming home with the trophy.'' said Helena McManus, Spokesperson for the the United States Soccer Association who represented her nation amount the committee.

The Scottopians have worked hard to attract Astyria's most prestigious tournament to their shores, narrowly missing out on contention at last years edition, which was then co-hosted by San Joaquin Valley & Zitru. Various stadiums within the island nation have received large grants for upgrades in the past years to accommodate the demands of hosting not just the EAFL upon their domestic system, but also to attract foreign interest to host such events as the AstyCup. We wish the Scottopian Isles best of luck in hosting the games, as well as all competitors in the qualifying stages.

by **Nova Deseret** » Thu Apr 06, 2017 9:55 pm

Meso Vessel Seized In Home Waters, Repeat Criminal Captain Arrested

NLV Mararmeo approaches the renegade vessel off the Saqui coastline

A maritime dispute has taken place between our grand nation & our imperialist neighbor, who apparently does not recognize or respect our sovereignty. Either way, Nauvoo Legion Naval Forces were called to assist and have since arrested the captain of a Mesoland transport vessel on Thursday, after the ship repeatedly refused to cooperate to commands to undergo an inspection while sailing in Nova Deseret territorial waters.

"The Mesoland registered ship had been spotted by the Nova Deseret Coast Guard 27 miles north city of Saqai, who made several hails to the vessel to stop using commands and signs, however they ignored all calls...", according to a press briefing with an officer with the NLNF ..."After the crew ignored the calls for an on-board inspection, the coast guard patrol chased down the vessel for nearly 2 hours in a southern direction towards Mesoland territorial waters, opposite of international waters, before calling for the services of the Nauvoo Legion Naval Forces. Once caught, a 47-year-old Mesoland national who was identified as the ships captain was arrested for violating laws in Nova Deseret's territorial waters. The individual has been confirmed as 'Abe' Uzaniwa, a repeat offender, with similar cases against himself in 2011 & 2015 including charges related to infringing upon our exclusive economic zone. The vessel & cargo, destined for the city of Royan, has been seized and interned at a harbor within Bahia Bay for mandatory inspection, where the remaining crew will be detained until a channel of transport to the city of Royan can be obtained".

All incidents follow a similar pattern of the disregard to our borders that the crumbling diplomatic relations between our two nations orchestrated by the Mesoland hierarchy over previous years has caused. One may remember when tensions flared 2 years previously after a Meso flagged cargo vessel slammed into a Nova Deseret naval patrol boat in the same waters in an escape attempt of a separate inspection. Our government arrested the boats captain and held him for 2 months before transferring him to Mesoland authorities to serve the remainder of his sentence in a Mesoland prison facility, a move we made to improve good relations. But the offender was in turn released immediately in blatant disrespect to our nation.

You may also recall that Mesoland and other Astyrian nations reacted to the event at the time with fury, holding protests against our action in dozens of cities region-wide, some even cancelling meetings with our government and the rescheduling of cultural events involving our delegates in a “diplomatic offensive” aimed at our national well-being that even continued months after we released the captain from our jurisdiction. Do not forget it was he who admitted his guilt in the courts. Nationalist sentiment was ignited on both sides at that point, with street protests staged on both sides of the border. In grave emerging details, the same captain years ago who endangered Novan sailors lives is the same man held responsible today for the disturbance of our territory. Surely our government will not make the same mistake twice with this individual.

2015 photo of Mr.Uzaniwa before his transfer to Mesoland authorities

This is not the only time we Novan's have been feuding over maritime territorial realities with greedy neighbors near our shores. Illegal transit through our internationaly recognized maritime borders by multiple nations has long plagued our citizens while destroying our economic rights, a fact that has only increased in recent decades. This is conducted by none more other than the Meso Government and their colonial agenda. Multiple attempts by our government to solve the issue have been brushed off by Meso administration after administration.

Our two countries had agreed to try and improve ties in 1999 but after a series of surveys in 2002 discovered underwater natural gas fields within our Exclusive Economic Zone, with sections that straddle partly into both the Meso EEZ and international waters, any reference to the subject is returned with silence by the Mesoland government. These are direct indications of the true ideology that the Meso man holds against the native inhabitants of our 'Lost Lands' and our Government itself. How this latest incident will affect relations between Nova Deseret and our neighbors has yet to be seen but it is time for the Grand Republic to earn back our dignity abroad with or without assistance from the international community.

by **Mesoland** » Sun Apr 09, 2017 11:35 am

Arrest Of Meso Ship Crew An "Attack On Sovereignty": Ambassador Recalled Amid Nova Deseret Dispute

The crew of the MV Black Castle, illegally detained last night by the Nova Deseret Navy

Foreign Secretary Marshall Njira has denounced the seizure of Meso cargo ship, the MV Black Castle, as an "attack on sovereignty" and a "contravention of international law." The crew of 21 men, all Meso nationals, were detained late yesterday afternoon by a Nauvoo Legion Naval Forces vessel in Mesoland's territorial waters 35 nautical miles east of Point Alexander. Following the incident, in which the ship's 47 year old captain Abraham Uzaniwa was arrested, Secretary Njira announced that the Mesoland ambassador to Nova Deseret, Liam Daniels, had been recalled from the embassy in the country's capital in response. The ship and its cargo of vehicles have been seized and are being held illegally at a Nova Deseret port in Bahia Bay its owner, Richard van Ijssel Holdings, said today.

The seizure of the vessel is yet another incident in a chain of clashes over Nova Deseret's contentious claim over Mesoland's territorial waters that expand to the east of Point Alexander and to the north of Nova Deseret's north coast. The ship's captain has been arrested a number of times in similar situations, but this is the first that the Meso government has escalated on a diplomatic scale. Sources say that President Fufemwe has been informed of the developing situation and plans to contact the government of Nova Deseret in the coming hours. A press conference has also been held at the Meso Navy facility near Port Alexander, with the Admiral of the Mesoland Navy and the Chief of the Mesoland Coastguard announcing intentions to increase military presence in Meso territorial waters claimed by Nova Deseret. They also called for the immediate release of the ship and its crew or face "further action." Some reports are suggesting that the government are preparing economic sanctions in response to the incident but there has yet to be official word on this.

Admiral Salesi Nikenya and Chief of the Coastguard Jonathan O'Connell met ahead of today's Point Alexander press conference

The 21 man crew of the MV Black Castle has been named as:
Abraham Uzaniwa, 47
Hans Meier, 58
George Akasimbo, 36
Sisele Kimjere, 35
Winston Agard, 28
Shawn Flood-Kolemi, 30
Dirck Bakker, 63
Frank Perry, 53
Francois Smit, 66
Ronald Roberts, 60
Girt van der Berg, 58
Benson Garcia, 56
Marius Schmitz, 37
Bjorn Koeman, 58
Omari Inkozi, 50
Amal Kiir, 58
Park Sang-han, 40
Joel Fletcher, 35
Bertrand Horst, 41
Oliver Genjatta, 44
Charlie Wasserman, 48

This story is ongoing and we will update you as we receive further information.

by **Ionicus** » Fri Apr 21, 2017 2:58 pm

David Gates
21 APRIL 2017, 1630 IST | Maraboros, The United Technocratic Republics of Ionicus

The Department of Energy's Maraboros Biofuel Arcology

The Department of Energy's latest project, a self-sustaining biofuel manufacturing center (officially the Maraboros Biofuel Arcology) has entered its first day of operations. The massive facility, encompassing over 2.5 square kilometers includes a biodiesel refinery, housing for staff and researchers, and a national laboratory. The new facility is a part of the Department of Energy's ongoing expansion of renewable energy production infrastructure. The Maraboros Biofuel Arcology doubles as a wastewater treatment center as well. Sewage from the nearby city of Akarov, is pumped into system of closed tubes where it used to increase algae growth. The innovative pairing essentially allows for the conversion of sewage into clean biofuels. The production center is expected to produce 60 barrels of biodiesel each day - as much as a large oil well.

Graduate student Nick Hopps inspects algae growth tanks

Algae has, for the past 15 years, been an import source of fuel for Ionicus. The microscopic plant can survive in saltwater, meaning unlike traditional forms of agriculture, freshwater is not required. Algae consumes carbon dioxide as it grows, thereby rendering it a carbon neutral fuel source. Once the algae has been refined into biodiesel, it can be used just like regular diesel fuel, powering automobiles, trains, aircraft, and marine vessels. Additionally, once the refinement process is complete, the leftover algae waste can be used as food for livestock or humans. In the case of the Maraboros Biofuel Arcology, the left over algae waste is used as food for the livestock for a small farm located at the facility.

"It was really quite a challenge to design something like this" says Chief Architect Alexander Serkov. "They [the Department of Energy] wanted a completely self-sustaining facility. All the energy used for production, all the water used, and even all the food for those staying and working here had to come from the facility itself".

Clean fuels won't be the only thing the facility has to offer Ionicus. The Deparment of Energy also chose to include a national research laboratory in the plans. The laboratory will focus on developing new genetically modified algae strains that are better suited for fuel production, as well as conducting experiments on how to best cultivate algae for fuel production.

"It's truly an honor to be working on such an important project"

We spoke with graduate research student Nick Hopps, who has been living at the Maraboros Biofuel Arcology for two months while the facility's finishing touches were being put into place. "The living conditions themselves are quite spartan, more akin to a military style barracks,
but that's to be expected from something built by the Ionician Government. As for the rest of the facility, it's quite strikingly modern [...]. The research team here is truly incredible. We have researchers from all across Astyria coming together to work with us. It's truly an honor to be working on such an important project."

//David Gates//

by **Nova Deseret** » Wed Apr 26, 2017 2:19 am

ARMY/AIR FORCE HOLD MASSIVE JOINT COMBAT DRILLS IN SAQUI PROVINCE

Multiple aircraft of the 72nd Air Wing await on the runway before joining the aerial exercises

The Nauvoo Legion Republican Guard & the Air Force have deployed numerous ground and air assets for a massive combat drill just days after the arrival of foreign naval vessels in the region a military adviser with the State Department reports. More than 2,500 airmen, pilots & technical staff will train alongside thousands of the nations elite soldiers in the 2-week long exercise. The drill is one of the most inclusive military flying exercises held by the Air Force with cooperation of the Army in years. Troop carriers such as Ma-18 transport helicopters are seeing an upsurge in usage, making hourly flight paths out from the provinces airfields. These are in between now routine take offs of TaH-26B 'Tanan' fighters & TaH-29A 'Daqanoush' multi-role aircraft, even a flight of a GA72 RCC 'General' has been revealed by the State Department.

Citizens are being advised that activity will mainly occur in the vicinity south of Bahia Bay towards the Meso border, and westward from the Contra Costa Mountains towards coast of the Gulf of Saqui. All travel across the province will be limited in the coming weeks sources with the Transportation Department indicated, as major routes have been blocked to allow passage of Army vehicles and equipment. Saqui International Airport will remain open during the display but delays are expected as the armed forces have commandeered a runway.

MESO COMPANIES REFUSE ORDER TO DESIST

Police officers discuss the order with owners of a Meso shop in Hikaluk Province

After days of violence and looting due to the break down of Nova-Meso relations, attacks upon immigrants & foreign-owned shops have left at least several people dead, dozens injured and hundreds arrested. Because of the whirlwind of events, an order has been issued by the Federal Government that instructed all Meso-Owned business's to cease operations within the entirety of Nova Deseret until further notice, along with refusing border access to Meso citizens for their own safety. The national government recognizes the anger the population has at the Mesoland authorities for their lack understanding of our national identity, but these precautionary steps are a necessary action.

But several businesses and companies in all forms of skill and wealth alike have refused to cooperate with the new policy, another indication of the Meso Agenda's denial to our right to govern our country. Nova Deseret authorities have assured the public that the measure will be followed through with in an effort to conserve resources and guarantee safety for the day to day operations of police and law enforcement agencies across the land.

EAFL TENSION CONTINUES, ASTYCUP HEATS UP

Saqui Athletical defend a dangerous attack by Drombusi United late in the 2nd half of the 2nd Division fixture

A closely contested premiership match between Mackenzie City & Nauvoo City in the Scottopian highlands saw our Wasps come away with all 3 points in a 3-2 win over their island hosts. Although both teams are far from winning any silverware this year, the match could have decided the Champions League fate of both teams next year. With the win, Nova Deseret now sits in 10th place with the final Champions League Qualifiers berth, and a win or tie next week in the last game of the season will guarantee their entry to the coveted tournament. A sting however to Mackenzie City, with the loss this past week, the 2016 Trophes de Champions winners are no longer in contention for Astyrias top club team event next year.

Aputsiq FC lost 1-2 at home against Campo Bakersfield which drops them into the relegation zone of the 1st Division. Hope is not lost however for the Seals, who remain just 2 points shy of safety. If they happen to win in next weeks match, and either Bangalla United or Cordium United lose their game they will squeeze out of the red zone and stay in the 1st Division for next season. If both united's tie their outing in the last week, then a Aputsiq FC win along with a better Goal Difference will be the deciding factor in the relegation battle.

Saqui Athletical shared the points with Drombusi United away in Kwalawi this past week. Watching paint dry seemed more entertaining as neither team found the back of the net during the goalless game. A few dashes at the end of the game by both squads got the crowd itching for the winner, but it was to no avail. The result places Athletical in 4th place just outside the promotion trio. However, with their impressive +14 Goal Difference, the boys from Saqui can still move up next season to the higher league if they pull of a must win next week while Alexandria Legions & Bungussi Buccaneers hopefully lose. In the 3rd Division, Hikaluk United remain at the very bottom of the table in last place after a 3-2 loss to visiting Red River Raiders.

In AstyCup Qualifiers, the Nova Deseret National Team tied their last match 2-2 against San Patria, bringing the amount of goals now scored in the campaign to 5. Although the squad picked up a point, they dropped a position from 16th to 17th in the Rankings. The result also leaves the team in 3rd place with 4 points after 3 games, which if the qualifiers ended today would be good enough to advance to the AstyCup main event in the summer. Next match for the national side is against Khade who currently lead Group H in 1st place with 7 points.

by **Blackhelm Confederacy** » Wed Apr 26, 2017 10:50 pm

'Let the boys play': Chancellor Eaglebrand

PARADISE CITY, Blackhelm Confederacy (BCNN) -- With tensions rising on the border between Nova Deseret and Mesoland, and nations of Astyria eager to get involved, Chancellor Octavius Eaglebrand held an impromptu press conference to discuss the issue

"This is the problem with our region as it is today" the Chancellor told the members of the press assembled before him. "Nobody can actually do anything without some president or what have you come over and put a stop to it. And for what? To feel better about themselves? You didn't do anything but get your own men killed, and now contributed to a sore spot that will last for who knows how long, all while you dump in your own money for a DMZ." The DMZ reference was likely an allusion to the situation in the Western Tundra, where an over-eager Aquitaynian response expelled the forces of Romberg from the territory, and are now embroiled in a fierce insurgency against the radical group styling itself as the Holy Theocracy of Lorecia, or HTL.

When further pressed about how he believes the escalating conflict should be handled, Eaglebrand replied "Let the boys play. Mesoland is big enough that she can look after herself, they don't need half the region jumping to her aid like some kind of pathetic white knights. Sometimes, conflict is only natural. I don't know how they do things in the West, but here in the Confederacy, sometimes a good dust up is the best thing you can do to settle your differences. Then, when it's all over, you carry on, sometimes better friends than before. If you don't get it out though, those feelings will just keep burning, and it'll lead to even worse in the future."

Nikolian Involvement

During the meeting, the Chancellor was also informed of the recently issued statement from the Kingdom of Nikolia, threatening possible direct military intervention should war break out.

"Nikolia?" he announced sounding rather annoyed by the affair. "What do they care about Mesoland. If anything it is another attempt to expand the influence of the Slavs in some other part of the region. They have no business in Mesoland. They should just let the situation alone. If some atrocities break out, then sure, get involved, by all means do what you need to do. But this isn't their war. They've got no business getting involved there, especially if noone invited them in in the first place."

by **Trellin** » Mon May 01, 2017 6:55 pm

[OOC: Tawerdh Gruna is a Kelonnan environmentalist group and has no relationship to Trellin.]

P .r .e .s .sR .e .l .e .a .s .e

In the last three decades, the level of environmental destruction globally has increased at an unprecedented rate. Coral reefs off Scottopia have suffered extreme bleaching; rainforests in Andamonia and Caranad have been destroyed by intense logging; and cetacean species have been culled in large numbers in the Mare Ferum. Report after report has mourned the loss of precious wildlife as unreasonable, unsustainable and unacceptable. The scientific community agrees that this era of eradication must come to an end or the world will be irreparably harmed.

Despite the call to social and environmental responsibility, corporations remain focussed solely on exploitation without regard for the ecological consequences. Despite mounting pressure from public lobbies and democratic protests, governments continue to give economic interests free rein and ignore the long-term impacts of their decisions. For years, Tawerdh Gruna has been in the vanguard fighting for an eco-friendly future at conferences, rallies and legislatures across Astyria, but apparently to little avail. Especially in east Astyria, governments seem devoted to devastation of the natural environment.

Astyrian governments fall all along the spectrum of eco-friendliness. Small countries especially seem attuned to their surroundings and eager to protect their natural wealth. In poorer and larger countries, in contrast, people are often less scrupulous and more willing to sacrifice national biodiversity for personal prosperity. Sometimes the decision must be made to put Man ahead of Nature, but some places have no excuse for failing to enforce regulations and codes enacted to protect the biosphere.

The outdated and unsafe Griffincrest rig Occido Naturam,
which continues to operate in the centre of the Lofax Reef System

Tawaerdh Gruna has compiled a "Top Ten Worst Environmental Offenders" list which directly names those governments which do the most harm to their ecological heritage. Topping the list, unsurprisingly, is the Blackhelm Confederacy, a country with a history of environmental negligence and lax regulation which allows corporate interests to run rampant over vulnerable biomes. Whereas some countries have achieved poor environmental status through negligence and accidental wasting, local governments in the Confederacy have in some cases carried out systematic logging campaigns and ordered the extirpation of endangered and protected species. Companies like the Griffincrest Corporation do little more than talk about environmental impacts, making no serious effort to reduce them.

The continued reluctance of the Confederate government to rein in its companies before they leave their country uninhabitable has gone past distressing to the point of frightening. One Maqtajer is enough for Astyria, yet the Blackhelm Confederacy is apparently intent on creating a second from itself. The Blackhelm Confederacy is a sinking ship whose crew is busy opening more holes.

For the sake of the Confederate people and the future well-being of their country, someone must step up and take the helm. We have said as much for years, but our words have repeatedly fallen on deaf ears. We must therefore take a new course, one aimed at encouraging the Griffincrest Corporation to mend their ways and stop using environmentally dangerous methods. We hope that maybe they will start to listen, for their sake, and for the sake of the Confederate people.

2 May 2017

Tawerdh Gruna Head Office, 180 Vestisch Kretwega, Honiwyda, Kadspyra 7, Beccewyda, Kelna || tel +155 04 110 5050 || fax +155 04 110 5051

by **Blackhelm Confederacy** » Fri May 05, 2017 11:18 am

Press Release

The government of the Blackhelm Confederacy takes offense at the repugnant statements made by the group Tawaerdh Gruna concerning our nation's environmental record.The Confederacy upholds the most stringent of environmental standards, and prosecutes violators to the fullest extent of the law. Furthermore, the Blackhelm Confederacy maintains numerous green and eco-friendly policies in Paradise City and in several other major metropolises, re-affirming our commitment to the planet and to the defense of our precious natural resources.

Furthermore, the Confederate Navy maintains an active anti-whaling force within the Mare Ferum, and daily exposes itself to the danger of combatting poachers, many of whom operate with the full government support of their homelands. We believe that Tawaerdh Gruna has misspoken severely when it mentions the Blackhelm Confederacy being at risk of becoming the region's next Maqtajer, and would like to see an apology delivered forthwith. Once again, the Confederacy strives to be at the forefront of the Astyrian environmental movement, and we are willing to meet with environmental groups from around the region to listen to their concerns and do our best to address them.

by **Scottopian Isles** » Sat May 06, 2017 8:57 am

Douglas McCann is known for his constant engagement with players on the pitch, changing the outcome of many games

The Daily Telegraph have confirmed the appointment of Douglas McCann as Manager of the Scottopian Isles national team and have learned that the former national team defender will be holding the reigns at the next AstyCup Qualifier match. He places pen to paper as the national team have a bye week in Group E, giving a small window of time to train the squad firsthand. It is still unknown if the incoming manager will make any direct changes to the 23-man roster his predecessor had announced for the AstyCup Qualifiers.

Previously working as manager of Scottopia City for the previous 6 years, McCann brings a wealth of experience to the role and his extensive knowledge of Scottopian football that will be invaluable to the new direction of the team. Scottopia City is one of the Royal CommonWealths most famous & prestigious clubs, attracting domestic & international talent alike. Under Douglas McCann's leadership, he led them to 5 trophies in as many years, but failed to lift any silverware after transfer to the Elite Astyrian Football League this past season, finishing second behind Premiership Champions Cuidad de Fresno by 3 points.

His transfer comes weeks after the departure of Stuart Rafferty, who had held the post for the past 3 years. Although the Bluebirds won the 2016 Terra Indium, they have failed to make it past the group stage in both the 2016 AstyCup & the 2017 Independents Cup, where the islanders were expected to reach at least the Round of 16. Although officially a resignation, many experts believe Rafferty was forced to make the decision by SIFA Officials after the disappointing row. Assistant Coach Alberto Garcia was been overseeing the team as caretaker after the vacancy, where a 3-0 win over Morrosetta boosted the Tartan Army hopes of finishing high in the rankings despite the bump in the road. Many assume McCann will retain Garcia in the assistants role at least until the qualifiers are over.

The Scottopian Isles National Team have played 3 Home & 1 Away game so far in the campaign accruing 5 points. They will now see themselves play 2 tough away games against Stretta & Polarus before returning to the islands to battle Trellin. The last game of the AstyCup Qualifiers will be away in Morrosetta.

by **San Joaquin Valley** » Sat May 06, 2017 10:12 am

Several San Joaquin players react after a humiliating 5-0 defeat away in Aquitayne earlier in Qualifiers

"Sólo Dios puede salvarnos ahora" or "Only God can save us now" has been a term thrown around lately when talking with football enthusiasts about the national selection across the valley. The Grizzly Bears are without a win and goalless after 3 games in AstyCup Qualifying against Mesoland, Aquitanye & Austrog. The upcoming match against ViZion is a must win for San Joaquin if they want to have any chance of making it to the AstyCup in the summer. Its a far cry from the team who hosted and passed Qualifiers in last years AstyCup as well as making it to the Semi-Finals in the 2016 Terra Indicium. But maybe it's something more worldly that can save the team, something like time.

Its always been known that our small nation fights with all their heart on the pitch, producing talented young players who have found professional careers with teams across Astyria. But it seems that domestic success does not equal international delight apparently. Manager Jaun Hernandez along with Assistant Coach Alejandro Suarez have been feeling the pressure, but they are confidant that the team will improve now that the Elite Astyrian Football League has completed finished its season and the players can commit to international duty without the bearing thoughts of returning to their respected clubs.

Cuidad de Fresno, whom 5 players on the national team play for, have just secured the Premiership Champions trophy and Deportivo Stockton, who has 3 playing for their country, impressively took 5th place in the premiership behind 4 powerhouse teams from across Astyria. FC Fresno & Camp Bakersfield, with 4 players between them on the squad, did well to finish in the top half of the 1st Division despite not gaining promotion. If these 12 experienced players along with the others who now have nothing to hold them back, can learn to fuse together and play as a team using their individual talents that got them here in the first place, then we have a shot.

In all reality, we are in a terrible position as a club, the worst we have experienced being dead last in the group stages without a goal to our name & rated 43rd of the 50 competing nations. At first, lossing 2-0 to Mesoland disappointed but didn't seem to worry the support, but the 5-0 defeat in the Aquitaynian capital was enough to shake the nerves of even the most devout fan. A chance to recover fell apart with a 1-0 loss to the unknown squad of Austrog, a team not expected to advance out of the qualifiers. But the one thing these games have in common aside the ball always finding our own net, they were all away. The best days are upon us, with 4 of the next 5 matches to be played at our home stadium, Estadio de Natcional. A daunting environment for any opposition to play at with a capacity of 80,000 located in the heart of downtown Fresno starting with ViZion as they visit at the upcoming match day.

Atlas, it will be though up to the men on the field to prove their worth to the Republica. Taking the prime spot within the group is surely out of reach, but the hopes to gain either 2nd or more realistically 3rd place to grab a AstyCup spot is still attainable.

National Archives · by **Ord Caprica** » Sat May 13, 2017 3:25 pm

Blackwater-Aberdeen Defense Act
The Blackwater-Aberdeen Defense Act gains ground in Congress despite a resistance from opponents
Jame McManus (@JayMcManus)

^{15 May 2017 | Ulysses, C.D, United States of Caprica}

''This bill is the future of the United States Military.'' - Rep. Alicia Vaughan | UP photo

Ulysses, C.D., United States - House Prosperites are working on a potential breakthrough in the so far uphill battle to pass the 2017 Defense Arms Procurement and Administration Reorganization Act(DAPAR) though known to people in the capital as just DAPAR for short.The bill which seeks to bring sweeping changes to the United States military establishment and the way it does business at every level is the love child of fiscal conservatives and military hawks of every feather.

DAPAR is the Prosperity Party's answer to problems of coordination between the United States' five service branches during joint operations and to streamline and improve upon the system of procurement and administration in the Department of Defense. DAPAR seeks to remedy the problems currently plaguing the United States military increasing the number of joint commands from six to twenty-four and decreasing the number of independent bases operated by the U.S military by moving housing units with similar missions or in close proximity to each other onto the same military installations under a joint base authority composed of all relevant services. The idea would have Department of the Navy system of billeting and administering U.S Navy and U.S Marine Corps personnel together extended across the entire Department of Defense with singular bases housing units of different branches with similar missions or capabilities as those already based there.

In theory it would make more efficient use of the existing military infrastructure and could reduce maintenance, travel and administration costs by up to 40% in some cases.Another benefit would be reducing the time required for units tasked for rapid reaction forces in accordance with EATA regulations, allowing more effective use of U.S military power in conjunction with it's allies abroad in crisis.

The opposition has been quick to point out the likely difficulties in integrating long established commands into a new joint structure and still maintaining the effectiveness and character of the military. Hudson Rep. Nancy Sharp(Labor) in particular has questioned whether a truly integrated joint force structure would be beneficial in a large scale war where the needs of one service are in direct conflict with the needs of another and could lead to delays in supply allocation at best and brutal procurement conflicts at worst, the kind that could cripple the United States defense establishment if allowed.

DAPAR's proposed changes to the US Department of Defense don't stop with the cohabitation of differing service branches. If passed DAPAR would see the Defense Department entire acquisition system turned on it's head and sent spinning.

Currently, each service conducts it's own Defense System and Technology Acquisition(DSTA) program and forwards along requests Defense Capabilities Integration and Development System(JCIDS) for confirmation after which it is passed along to the Planning, Budgeting and Execution Office(PBEO) to determine monetary requirements and availability before being sent out through he Defense Acquisition System for dissemination among the Defense Industry to fulfill equipment, technology or system development or acquisition requests.

Under the new DAPAR system every step along the way would consolidated, meaning requests for procurement and acquisitions would be standardized across the entire Department of Defense. Gone would be the days of the United States Air Force and Army making seperate requests for similar weapons systems or acquiring weapons systems at different rates. DAPAR seeks to streamline the process and act upon the mantra, ''One Team, One Fight''. Infantry capable units across all five branches would field the same weaponry, be issued the same protective equipment and be supplied by the same system, thereby reducing the manpower requirements of the military as a whole and reducing overhead costs.

The opponents of the bill are just as varied as the supporters of the bill are with members of all five branches coming out in support and opposition of it on both ends of the spectrum. The Green Party has uncharacteristically come out in support of the bill, citing DAPAR's aim to reduce government waste and reduce the military's overall footprint within the United States.

Just as shocking, the Homeland and Liberal parties have been united in their opposition to the bill, vowing to filibuster it until the end of this Congressional session. The Conservative Party is reportedly on the fence and the House whip is allegedly allowing party members to ''vote their conscience'' or vote along nonpartisan lines if the bill ever comes to a vote.

President Kenway's Prosperity Party have endorsed the bill wholeheartedly and are fighting tooth and nail to push it through the House of Commons where the battle has been the fiercest. The Party lost it's majority in the 2016, though they still control the United States' lower house through an alliance with the Conservative Party and a on and off again alliance with the Labor Party.

DAPAR was just recently passed by the Senate in a late night vote early last week, 31-27 with 4 abstentions. In response, Liberal Representatives have redoubled their efforts to oppose the bill though early reports indicate that a deal with less radical members of the party, a major coup if successful.

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