The End of Prosperity (IC - APSIA ONLY)

[McFreedomstan]

The War Economy

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The constant spiral of war, civil war, coup, and insurgencies has forced the markets away from sustainable, low investment ventures and towards the more resource & manpower intensive military industries. Laborers become mercenaries. Accountants become quartermasters. Retail land plots get reassigned for airfields and training fields. Mineral prices spike, manufacturing and service sector positions remain unfilled. Infrastructure is neglected to bankroll new planes and ships. Taxes and deficits spike to meet imperialist ambitions.

The Lost Generation

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Men aged 16-25 worldwide have been tossed aside after their tours of duty. Tens of millions are disabled. Tens of millions are traumatized. Almost all of them are jobless or stuck doing mercenary work. Global rates of violent crime, drug abuse, and anti-social activity are spiking as these men lash out against the nations that treated them like pawns. With a powerful sense of emptiness inside them, they drift around. Forming gangs and living off whatever scraps they can get.

The Underground Economy

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As governments move to seize every last rare earth metal for arms manufacturing and spike credit rates to unattainable levels for the common man, the invisible hand has carved out a safe haven for them. An estimated $1,670,000,000,000 is produced by off the books workers around the world doing everything from scalping EBT and UBI waivers, all the way to human trafficking and assassinations. Untaxable, dangerous and expensive to crackdown on, and so loosely organized as to drive any intelligence agent mad, the underground economy can only grow in scale in the coming years.

The Stagnant Subjects

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Over 380,000,000 people are subject to cruel, extractive, and unpredictable regimes. They receive minimal wages, if any at all. Their overlords care little for their lives and only offer occasional platitudes to keep the generals and upper class satiated. They don't want to work hard, as there is no reward. They don't want to adopt new technology, as the extra productivity does not enrich them. The masses work only just hard enough to avoid punishment. Just efficiently enough to avoid raising suspicion. The overlords are satisfied, and the potential mega-economies stay subdued. The natives will die before letting their masters see the true economic power of their people.

The Consequences

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Every safeguard has been broken. The conditions for an economic collapse have been met. Through skill, suffering, and sacrifice nations will keep their ark afloat. Those who aren't willing to do what it takes will quickly meet the ultimate fate that awaits all nations. Cash out your bank accounts. Sell your stocks. Prepare yourselves accordingly.

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Rules

1. Only members of the APSIA region are allowed to participate in this RP.
2. Any RP-related secrets in Discord, telegrams, or any other medium must be disclosed when asked. No exceptions. Note that disclosed secret information cannot be used in-character by anybody except for those who know it in-character.
3. Respect the events of the previous APSIA RPs. They will be canonical for this RP.
4. You must use APSIA time and every post you make must include at least the date. Failure to use APSIA time will result in your post being nulled.
5. No godmodding. If you think it's godmodding, it most likely is.
6. You must clearly state with OOC tags when a post is not in-character.
7. Weapons of mass destruction (including nuclear weapons) are not allowed to be deployed. If you use a WMD, you will be removed from the RP.
8. If you are using a puppet, you must clearly state who the puppet belongs to. Failure to do so will result in the nulling of any posts related to that puppet and you getting removed from the RP.
9. You must have an account on Discord and be on the APSIA Discord Server in order to participate in this RP.
10. No unrealistic, satirical, "goofy" or "silly" posts. Keep that in the Discord or in the RMB.

Important Links

• Map (PM NGU if you need to be on the map)
• Time
• Stats (PM McFreedomstan if you do not have a ranking)
• APSIA Official Discord Server

[McFreedomstan]

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01 April 2019

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Confederate Phone Manufacturers Unable to Fill "Even the most basic orders"



Guizhou factory running at 20% output




With the massive arms manufacturing surges in Korea, Songjiang, Latvichka, the USSS, and Malikay, it has become damn near impossible for civilian businesses to get their hands on key materials like aluminum, titanium, lithium, and steel. Suppliers and manufacturers across all the confederacy's electronics market have been running well below full capacity, not from a lack of demand, but because their suppliers for parts and materials are being starved by the defense industry. 1,900,000 workers are being affected by the shortages and have gone as far as the request that stockpiled arms and equipment be turned over to suppliers so they can melt them down for the crucial resources. The Board of Directors has denied their requests.

[McFreedomstan]

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01 April 2019

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Standevian Hotels Empty, Staff Surviving on UBI



The grand Villahermosa hotel in Nordottom, built to house 1,400, currently has 2 rooms booked.




War in Asia, war in South America, war narrowly avoided in North America, war in Europe, war in Africa, just the type of world you want to meet the lofty goal of 0 tourists per week. Standevia has been feeling the effects of the constant conflicts as its beautiful, conveniently placed hotels can barely book an entire floor. Many local hotel chains run the risk of racking up debt as the upkeep costs start to creep up on them. Some hostels and B&B's are managing to retain enough business to remain afloat, but by and large tourism service workers are stuck living on government aid. Let's hope that the situation reverses itself soon.

[Honshu Confederacy]

04/01/19
New Welfare

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Director Fujihara made a speech at a press conference today about the recent economic decrease. The economy of Honshu had been decreasing for months after the faction was first formed, it recently recovered, until now. The economy began to decrease just after getting better. The exact cause for the decrease is unknown at the time. To assist families struggling families the House of Governors will introduce social welfare to families making a certain salary or below. More information on the welfare will be released at a later date.

[The Miltonia]

Pollo Campero Inc.

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International Expansion

4/1/19

We are excited to announce a new location in Berlin, Prussiaholm! Along with this we have reached 20 in Panjal and 140 in Standevia.

[Prussiaholm]

j

[Standevia]

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01 April 2019

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American Youth Day 2019
The American Youth Day is attended by hundreds of youth representatives around America. They all discussing how to live the gospel in the world situation like this. They hope that all youths around the world can keep their spirit, hope, and joyfulness.

The Standevian Parliament holds an emergency meeting
Standevian Parliament holds an emergency meeting regarding the situation of world's economy.

Statminister : Save Standevian Economy, Buy Standevian Products Only!
Standevian Statminister gives all Standevian a message to support the falling economy of Standevia by buying Standevian products.



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[Nationalist Gold Union]

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1 April 2019

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Southeast Bantu Army prepares intervention against PMC-controlled East Africa · Elijah Freeman-Mu stages anti-nepotism protest in San Francisco · New England Yankees beat Alberta Cavalry 2 - 0

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​De Beers loses land reclamation case



De Beers jewelry store/Grabby Images


The De Beers Corporation has lost a groundbreaking lawsuit against the Supreme Court of the Nationalist Gold Union today over land reclamation.

After the Rhodesian declaration of independence last year, the Rhodesian separatist government nationalized all diamond mines that were controlled by De Beers. After the NGU retook Rhodesia, all state assets of Rhodesia were redistributed and reallocated, including the many nationalized diamond mines. Shortly after, De Beers CEO Bruce Cleaver sued the Nationalist Gold Union, claiming that the government was illegally holding onto stolen property and refusing to reallocate it. The Supreme Court decided today that the government was not required to privatize the mines and return them to De Beers control, and instead, will continue to keep the mines nationalized.

CEO Bruce Cleaver, who ran a massive PR campaign to privatize the mines again, was surprised by the outcome.

"I thought we had a government that supported the free market," Cleaver told reporters after the verdict. "This is an unbelievable infringement of the private property rights of our citizens."

After receiving the word on the verdict, the Union Ministry of Economics released a short statement on the future of the mines which seem to remain under national control.

"The Nationalist Gold Union will retain control of these mines and redistribute them when the time is appropriate," said economics minister Erwin Brandon in a press statement today. "We cannot simply allow a magnate like De Beers to continue to monopolize the diamond industry, which is already bloated and inflated as-is."

Anti-corruption activist Ian Brownsworth said he was against De Beers regaining control of their mines, but didn't support the court case.

"It sets a bad precedent; the government can just seize and retain land, forever. De Beers had a cancerous monopoly and has a bad trail of human rights abuses, but corrupt government oligarchs aren't any better."

[Panjal]

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Ahmedabad Mirror - The Voice of Truth in Troubled Times

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Celkon Files for Bankruptcy - 4/1/2019



Celkon Plant in Hyderabad


Singar Guru announced today that his long-standing cellphone manufacturing company, Celkon, would be filing bankruptcy.

"The manufacturing industry is no longer a profitable endeavor, no matter how much I would like to refute that," Singar said during a press conference this morning. Celkon will be laying off over nine thousand employees at its multiple manufacturing facilities. It's largest manufacturing plant in Hyderabad is rumored to have been sold to Kolhapur Arms, but no confirmation has been provided on this yet.

We reached out to economist Kaushik Basu for possible comments on the matter. "It's becoming more and more common for manufacturing companies in Panjal to turn to the military production industry, and Celkon's bankruptcy is simply a byproduct of that," Basu said. "The world we live in grows harsher and harsher every day, and companies that refuse to adapt to that will go down just as Celkon has. Look at Bengkel. The war economy has become so profitable, that we have our first corporate state in Africa. It's just the world we now live in."

Whether the bankruptcy of Celkon is an isolated incident or a sign of the times as Basu predicts is yet to be seen. The Mirror will keep you updated on all events regardless.

Subscribe to the Ahmedabad Mirror now for only $2.95 a month!

[McFreedomstan]

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01 April 2019

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The Manila Night Markets, $20BN/yr in Untaxed Sales



San Cristobal Avenue market prepares for the night time rush




As the Filipino economy begins to decline, the National Auditing Board has released a report showing that the night markets in Manila alone account for a significant portion of the GDP. These vendors don't pay any taxes and exclusively take cash, which makes prosecution near impossible. To further complicate the matter a small portion of the shops and stalls in the markets do have official land permits. So a simple crackdown by the police would step on the toes of at least a few dozen legitimate businesses and open up a legal can of worms. Police are asking legitimate vendors to cooperate with them in ratting out the freeloaders.

[Krustevland]

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The Federal News ~ Informing the people since 1938

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April 1st, 2019

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Military sets up a DMZ in the Krustevian-Nomiconian Border!

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In the light of recent Military Budget cuts to increase funds on Welfare and other departments the Military has been setting up a Military "DMZ" in the Krustevian-Nomiconian border, The Military in the meanwhile has been Fortifying positions behind the DMZ in the case of a Nomiconian Insurgent attack into the Motherland, the Government claims that there would be a significant ammount of Krustevian Troops being de-activated and sent back to Civilian service, in the Meanwhile the Krustevian Government has been making Tax Cuts and Budget cuts on the rest of it's Departments in light of recent Economic problems.

[Nationalist Gold Union]

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2 April 2019

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Donald Cohen to hold gala with Jewish world leaders · Vancouver art festival ends with 3 dead, 2 wounded · Afrikaner Springboks beat New England Yankees 3 - 2

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​Government shortens sentences for non-violent offenders, POWs



Holmesburg Prison, aerial photo


An executive order signed by the Prime Minister today will shorten many prison sentences for non-violent offenders and internal prisoners of war.

Among those who are receiving the cut are drug users, petty thieves, and other small-time criminals who have been locked up in the past few years. The NGU prison population consists of 40% non-violent offenders, which places a considerable tax burden on the prison system in the country.

Prime Minister Alfred Herbert Page said in a press conference that he prioritized getting people rehabilitated and back in the workplace and their homes.

"I think we all make mistakes," Page said. "It's unfair that some people have their lives ruined for such small mistakes that they made. We need to create an atmosphere and community in our nation that is based on forgiveness."

Page came under flak from opponents and allies alike, who criticize this as opportunistic.

Opposition leader Leonard Roberts said, "I don't believe Page cares too much about the well-being of many of these prisoners. He just wants a mobile workforce and less of a tax burden. What we really need is prison reform."

Members of the "reactionary" wing of the Christian Right party, such as Donald van Mieter, said, "We cannot let these people roam the streets. They're in prison for a reason. Let's keep our focus on the useful members of society and, instead, let private prisons do the work for us."

[McFreedomstan]

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02 April 2019

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Kesrade Approves Motion to Print $450Bn in Safety Net Funds



National Mint workers perform quality checks on freshly printed sheets.




With the recent blows to tourism in the major coastal cities that employ over 4,500,000 workers, the Kesrade government has been petitioned by the people to expand social security and food stamp programs. Congress caved to the will of the people and initiated a series of quantitative easing measures to help short term funding for these expensive social programs. The Federal Reserve claimed that the long term benefit will outpace inflation by large margins.

[Prussiaholm]

A United Reich?

4/2/2019

Calls for a united Reich.
Many in the Reichsparlement are calling for a war with nearby Noxtrem. They claim on the grounds culutral unity and simply smashing the Communists. No official action has been taken though.

[Ubizytotska]

Stoyabrovka Post
April 4th, 2019




Kuznetsov Dynasty Lives On? New Age for Ubizytotska Around the Corner?

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Two months ago, a child was born. This child is important, why? Well, the child is the Son of Andrei Kuznetsov. The last surviving royal family member of the Kuznetsov dynasty. Now, Andreis is presumed to be dead in the streets of Borneo, as well as his father and former Emperor. Aleksandr Kuznetsov. The child was birthed from a governor's daughter and named him Dimitry Andrei Kuznetsov. The child is now almost 2 months old, being born in February on the 11th. Currently, the family is in protective custody of the Government.



A guard stands vigilant at one of the many outer checkpoints of the Government District.



In other news. Recent cutbacks in military funding have been diverted to the civilian sector. Tech plants, laboratories, factories, and residential areas have finished construction all across Ubizytotska! This has been the finishing acts of Aleksandr Kuznetsov, due to his death in Borneo. The youth of Ubizytotska (Those 15 and up) have been put to work filling the new jobs part-time, while also going to new schools. College graduates are working fulltime in the new tech plants, as well as working on designing new technology for Ubizytotska, well done to the future of Ubizytotska!



New construction sites like these are popping up all over Ubizytotska! It's good to see our people at work.



Ubizytotska's first elections were held in the Fall, and Ivan Vankovich was elected as Prime Minister of Ubizytotska. He's promised people better lives and has signed off on replacing old run down slums with new residential sectors. Replacing factories of war with factories of prosperity. Only time will tell if New Ubizytotska will take shape, or be again pushed down by Imperialism.

[Nationalist Gold Union]

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7 April 2019

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Southeast Bantu Army continues exercises on PMC-controlled border · Lack of diversity in film industry "terribly low" - critic · Springboks v. Rattlers game cancelled due to poor weather

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​PM Page: There is no greater Germany, never will be



Prime Minister Alfred Herbert Page


Prime Minister Alfred Herbert Page came under fire lately after stating "there is no such thing as a 'greater Germany'" at the Trans-Germanic Economic Forum 2019.

During the economic forum, of which many government officials from primarily Germanic countries came to discuss mutual economic policy, a reporter asked the Prime Minister of the Nationalist Gold Union whether or not he could foresee the unification of the many Germanic states into one "Greater Germany" some day.

"There is no such thing as a 'greater Germany'," Page told her, "and there never will be. All of our nations and states come from vastly different historical, cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds."

When the reporter asked Page to clarify, he said he thought what he said was obvious.

"Less than half of the NGU speaks German in their household. Vanavoy is a deeply Catholic country; Prussiaholm is devoutly Protestant. Our dialects are different. Our countries all have their fair share of non-Germans. The idea of a 'greater Germany' is preposterous."

Page later clarified that he didn't necessarily care if German countries in Europe united, just that the Nationalist Gold Union wouldn't be leading the effort or participating.

His comments came as a shock to many in the German community as well as the reactionary faction of his own party.

Klaus von Schlecter, the president of the German-Laurentian Relations Board, told the Times that Page's comments were disparaging.

"I think that it's an admirable goal to have a decent and commonly united culture with other nations in the world. Whether or not Page is referring to a greater Germany as a nation-state or as an idea isn't clear. Either way, what he said comes as offensive to many German-Laurentians."

Kurt Hoffman, a Senator from Keystone and "reactionary" member of the Christian Right, was annoyed by Page's comments.

"His comments go against the destiny of our country and people. It's only necessary that we unite to fend of common enemies. The fact that Page is against this comes as a shock."

New England Governor Osborn Brittain supported Page's remarks.

"I don't really agree with most of Page's policy or the things [he says]," Brittain said, "but he is right. The Nationalist Gold Union has its own stock; its own people. We're not Germans. We're more than that."

[Songjiang]

Vladistock Post
April 7th, 2019

Road and Rail Project Continues with more effort

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Despite the war or possibly because of it the road and rail program has gained increased support and funds tripling it current work force and budget, thousands of construction vehicles have been purchased to make the project proccede faster in order to ensure fast resupply to the front lines from Songjiang towns and cities. Military Engineers are responsible for building the roads and rail near or on the front lines.

In other news kutuzov heavy industries has decided not to to stop production n its cruise liner despite lower availability of resources though the ship will be completed without its luxury accommodations to serve as a supply ship if the war has not ended before it is complete in 2 years.

Artistic representation of the cruise ship when compleated

Prime Minister Ming Shan Mai is still missing despite search efforts for her though no evidence shows any indication that she has been recaptured or killed in the fighting. The USSS still publicly claims she is in there custody but the Ying Zi jun special services insists that she has escaped and alludes USSS forces still.

Image of the Prime minister sent by the USSS before her escape.

The first 100 Kutsov/Hyundai S-2 Xiaoming Main Battle tanks have been completed at the main kutuzov heavy industries plant. these tanks are reputed to be cosmetically modified K-2 Black Panthers as used by the Korean Military. though it seems there are some very minor differences.

[/img]
A S-2 MBT in Songjiang Army colors

[McFreedomstan]

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07 April 2019

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BBB Loses Retail Sector, Prussiaholm Stocks Down 15%



Tech stocks are dipping as scarcity in supply begins to be felt



The continuing war in Burma-Bhutan-Bangladesh has finally killed off the fragile supply lines that managed to sustain the large retailers in the nation. Small alleyway shops and port city shops still survive to some degree, but anyone looking for foreign goods in the heartland will have to spend 400-500% over MSRP.

In loosely related news, the Prussiaholm stock market took a nose dive after major mineral exporters like Ubizytotska, the Confederacy, and the NGU continued their large scale military build up and maintenance. With no one willing to scrap their resource intensive hardware, the civilian market around the world is quickly running out of raw material for cell phones, PCB's, and mobile devices.

[Worris]

4/8/19

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Capri Mafia Leader Arrested

The Capri Crime Family, a gang in Warsh, has been an active part of the city for the last hundred years or so. The current leader, Gonzalo Capri has been in jail 13 times before for assault, robbery, and vandalism. However, detectives have finally found hard evidence indicating Gonzalo was related to a murder. Gonzalo was arrested earlier this week and was found guilty, with a life sentence in prison. An insider in the Capri Mafia says that the Capri family were big on the black market and that lots of black market activity occurred because of the Capri Family. 78-year-old Gonzalo owns 4 different shipping companies, so this is likely where his black market activity takes place.

A photograph of Gonzalo Capri

Written by WNN Staff

[Nationalist Gold Union]

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8 April 2019

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Union Army numbers increase as job markets look down · General Bin Laden and the Warbeast Pit sign new label, world tour planned · New England Yankees coach commits suicide

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​King Constantine of Asia Minor dies



King Constantine I


King Constantine I of Asia Minor passed away in his sleep overnight. There was reportedly no foul play.

The King, who reigned from 11 December 2012 after the collapse of the Jerusalemite central government, is a relative of the current Leader of the Union, Paul Philip IV. The NGU monarch paid him a visit a few months ago during his trip to the middle east.

The untimely death of the heirless King comes at a time where tensions in the region are at an all time high, as the sitting government in Constantinople seeks a union with Greece. Asia Minor claims all of Thrace and Constantinople, and sees the union as an affront to their national security.

It has not been made clear who will serve in the King's place after his death, as he has no children. It is likely that a military junta will serve as a regent until an appropriate heir takes the throne.

[Worris]

4/8/19

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"Rainbow Frog" has gone extinct

The rare "rainbow frog," a frog originating from Western Worris, has unfortunately gone extinct. There were very little of them left last year. A zoo that was holding the last rainbow frog known to be alive has unfortunately reported that the frog has gone extinct, and there is no possible way to have the beautiful frog in our world again through natural ways. The zoo has gone out of its way to not replicate or create a new frog that looks similar to the rainbow frog.

Written by WNN Staff

[Ubizytotska]

Stoyabrovka Post
April 8th, 2019




Power Is On the Way!

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The BN-350 nuclear reactor is going to be recommissioned! Government workers have begun work around the old reactor located in Aktau.
Although the building has been stripped and removed of radioactive materials, the building itself is being stripped and renovated into a new and safer nuclear power plant.



This is the old facility as it is now.


3D Render of the plans for the new power plant.


Renovation and construction should be completed within 10 months. Officials estimate that the facility will be operable within a year!

[Latvichka]

Latvichkan Public Dispatch

The End of a Glorious Era

Tragedy has struck Latvichka, as the end of the family line of Khator Khan has arrived. The war with Malikay took its toll on everyone. During this war, a squadron of Bombers targeted the foreward encampment of our forces. Though Anti-Air destroyed most of the craft, a single bomber made it through, and an airstrikedecimated the base. The Khan, consulting his generals, his Queen, and with his son on his lap (as was reported by one of the few survivors of the attack, were struck by one such bomb. Tengri be praised they were all killed outright, and did not suffer. Immediately the Latvichkan forces retreated. A ceasfire with Mailkay is said to be written after the period of mourning, and then one shudders to think of what shall occur in the transfer of power. Long has it been since the formal method was enacted, and it is a wonder if all the tribes will uphold it. A Civil War seems imminent, especially with the uprising of the Akaan Tribe, who push for modernization. They have been agressive in their attempt to modernize Latvichka, as well as taking the charge in the aftermath of the Khan's death. The leader of the Akaan, Burke Atil, offered public outcry to the neighboring regions, even in these economic hard times. He states: Khator Khan was a beloved leader, but look at his death! What else caused it but the refusal of embracing the modern world. I ask the nations of Asia, and the nations of the World. Help the Latvichkan people. Support the Akaan and we shall turn our back finally on the primitive caveman existence of Latvichka once and for all. We shall see Latvichka become a nation of the modern times! I only ask that you lend us aid, as we cannot do it alone." The outcome of his public outcry is unknown, but some of the Latvichkan people have rallied to him, but there are certainly those who dissagree. My Tengri watch over all of us and guide us to the right path.

[Prisalia]

AL PRISALINAN PAPIEL
April 8th, 2019

New Government

A new post-war government has been put in power within Prisalia. It is led by Panjal, with less power going to the Prime Minister and more to the Parliament. The King says "This is a step in the right direction for a Prisalian state. We fully endorse this new government. For now, we're still on vacation in the NGU. This spa is amazing." What a man. Elections have been postponed in light of the instability.

[Worris]

4/8/19

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NEWSLETTER:Toquito sales down 803%

Thank you for following our newsletter! First of all, as a newsletter follower, you get a 5% discount on all ToQui foods that you order online.

Recently, our studies have shown that several of our products have had a sharp decrease in sales. One of these products, our Pollo Toquitos, have gone down in sales by 803% in the past week alone. Our Grande Tacos have also decreased by 50% in sales. This is sad for the ToQui enterprises as the business is not doing very well at the moment.

Thank you for signing up for our newsletter. I hope you enjoy the products!!!


From - CEO Juan Xei