The Wenchuanese Problem (Archived Thread)

by **Bolrieg** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 7:44 am

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Open letter to the Sombreland Leadership

The government of Bolrieg officially condemns the actions taken by your nation towards the Wenchuanese refugees. We insist you end the barbaric practice of slavery not only to the refugees but also to those officially within your borders. Otherwise actions may be taken

A more secret letter was also sent to the Sombrelander government.

[img]image[/img]

To the Sombreland Leadership

It has come to our attention that you are in a tough situation regarding the influx of “refugees” and potential actions to be taken by that nation. On behalf of the Bolriegian government we are prepared to offer you weapons in exchange for resources that your country holds. We await your response.

Signed “Mr Friend” on behalf of His Grand Majesty’s Government.

by **New Aeyariss** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 7:57 am

OOC NOTE: This report is, so far, secret.

THE KENHA CORPORATION

BRIEF

STRATEGIC COMPETITION AGAINST SOMBRELAND
ASSESSING POTENTIAL OPTIONS

1.1 Competition with the Kingdom of Sombreland:

Much has been put to attention regarding the status of Nifonese relations with the Kingdom of Sombreland in recent times. While relations between Nifon and Sombreland have remained positive throughout the XX century, the relations took a drastic drop in late 2022 following the invitation of foreign parties by the Kingdom of Sombreland.

The tensions were resolved by the Treaty of Galador. Since then, however, Sombreland has not, in any manner, became more accommodating to Nifonese interest; nor is it willing to acknowledge Nifonese hegemonic ambitions in the region and adjust to them. On the contrary, with aid of the Empire of Marquesan, the Kingdom of Sombreland has embarked on a massive program of armed forces modernization.

This paper makes assumption that it will be hard to improve the relations with Kingdom of Sombreland. For starters, there is little that the Empire of Greater Nifon can offer to the Kingdom of Sombreland due to considerable competition from various ICON nations, with the exception of the issue of security of the Northern Border. As the second assumption, the paper acknowledges that strong Sombreland or continued ICON presence are NOT within the interests of the Empire of Greater Nifon; the ambition of which is uninterrupted hegemony in this part of the world.

The paper acknowledges that major source of Sombreland's power is it's participation in ICON alliance with it's mutual defense clauses. When combined, the mobilization potential of ICON nations dwarfs what Nifon could achieve alone, and would require aid of it's partners in Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organisation (SACTO), Imperion Coalition and Kalixt Treaty Organisation (KTO) to successfully win a conventional conflict with ICON.

At the same time, the kingdom of Sombreland possesses a glaring number of weaknesses.

- Low size of armed forces, further reduced by existence of specialized military caste.

- Reliance on export of natural resources.

- High level of domestic instability created by Wenchuani immigrants, Thonist factions and lack of social mobility.

- Decreasing image in the eyes of the world, especially in democratic nations.

- Reliance on a single Sea Lane of Communication (SLOC).

- Nifonese market as an export partner.

This paper assumes that human cost of conventional conflict is too high to be acceptable for the Empire of Greater Nifon. Hence, following recommendations are made to the Nifonese policy makers:

1.2. Recommendations:

- A wide campaign of sanctions against the Sombreland: would be relatively easy to initiate, citing recent history of human rights abuses and association with Neo-Korean chattel slavery. There are several nations already threatening such sanctions. Additionally, citing share of the export market taken by the Empire of Greater Nifon, it could cause a significant drop of GDP growth.

However, effectiveness of economic attacks would be diminished by access to markets of ICON nations by the kingdom of Sombreland.

- An attempt to deflate the oil prices; would be possible with cooperation of the right-wing governments in La America Libre.

The option is, however, unsustainable in the long run as low oil prices would hurt profits of said nations, and the Empire of Greater Nifon does not posses oil reserves of it's own.

- Increasing ability of other nations to obtain energy sources from outside Sombreland: is relatively easy to achieve. The Empire of Greater Nifon should work with members of Oil Cooperation Treaty Organisation (OCTO) such as Langenia and Inyursta, and invest in further energy infrastructure.

In addition to that, the Empire of Greater Nifon ought to promote moving away from oil to renewable energy, which is compatible with the Imperial Reverence Party's plan to ditch fossil fuels by 2045.

- Encouraging emigration of skilled labor from Sombreland: Is possible due to lack of social mobility provided by the rigid caste system.

The Empire of Greater Nifon ought to suggest governments of Mirsk and other allied nations to offer best possible terms to Sombrelandian immigrants, as well as possibilities of social advancement that are prevented by caste system at home.

- Promoting movements aiming at political liberalization, or radicals at the same time in order to generate instability: already, the kingdom of Sombreland is facing two major sources of unrest; the Cult of Thon, and the Wenchuani population.

The Wenchuani population is at this point impossible to be of use due to an organized campaign of ethnic cleansing by the government of Sombreland. There exists, however, a limited possibility of staging riots and revolts within the concentration camps; but such possibility faces technical restriction.

The cult of Thon, however, appears to dislike the government due to it's pro-modernization stance. It is important to note that an isolationist, closed Sombreland under rule of cult of Thon would be very beneficial to the Nifonese interests.

The Empire of Greater Nifon ought to attempt to work closely with the cult of Thon to ensure that said sect is put against the government.

- Diminishing the people's faith in the monarchy: is easily achievable via Psychological Operations (PSYOPS).

Sombreland's INTRANET restricts access of foreigners to Sombreland population, albeit the Imperial Nifonese Army Geneal Staff is working at methods of accessing it.

Efficient measures of spreading messages would be hijacking TV or radio broadcasts. Alternatively, distribution of leaflets or posters.

The PSYOPS campaign ought to portray the monarchy as selling Sombreland to foreigners and not having people's best interests at heart. Special attention ought to be paid about claims of blasphemy against Sombrelandian pantheon, especially Thon.

- Undermining Sombreland's image abroad: is easily achievable due to said nation's poor human rights record, ethnic cleansing against the Wenchuani population and cooperation with Neo-Korea.

Unfortunately, the campaign will meet attempts to counter it due to nations having major national interests in Sombreland. Thus the Empire of Greater Nifon ought to target the public audiences of said nations in hoping of enacting pressure on politicians via electoral system.

- Buildup in Isfashan; the Islamic Republic of Zataristan is a nation not covered by treaty of Galador. The Empire of Greater Nifon maintains positive ties to said nation. Additionally, Zataristan would see Sombreland as competition on the oil market. It's location just next to Sombreland is strategic enough to cut Sombreland's access to the bigger world in case of war.

The paper recommends building a military base and stationing long-range precision weapons there.

by **Goram** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 8:17 am

Chris Litton trotted down the stairs of his relatively small home in Cacleo-on-Halfoy, about 35 miles North West of the nearest major city – Ironwynth. His phone screen, checked a moment ago, told him the time was just coming up to eight in the evening, and outside the summer sun was still some two hours away from fully setting. Despite the size of the property, one of the things that had attracted Litton to it was the garden. It was spacious and it caught the evening sun. In the distance, you could see the hazy outlines of the great mountain range who’s rich veins of various ores – particularly of iron – had, at one time, put Ironwynth on the map and set it on the path to being the bustling metropolis it now was.

Chris slid the French doors open and stepped out into the garden, where Danni, his wife of twelve years, was already sitting.

“Everything ok?”

She asked him, as he approached.

“Yeah, they’re both down I think.”

He said, referring to the couple’s two children – a son of six and a daughter of ten.

“Good”

She said, turning her face back to the gradually deepening red of the slowly sinking sun. Chris sat down next to her, and took the glass she'd picked up and held it out to him. For the next twenty minutes or so, they talked about their days and slowly drank a glass of a decidedly average but nicely chilled Mawerisian white.

Danni and Chris Litton were a relatively successful pair. She held a fairly senior job in market research for one of the nation’s foremost financial institutions. He was a political journalist for the Cmyrian Mail, and was about as well known as a non-TV journalist ever would be in the modern age. He’d come to his relative prominence after writing an expose on DDSI – Department of Domestic Security and Investigation – raid on a compound of Scandin bible literalists. The government had weathered that particular scandal, just about, but not without casualties. As a direct result of the spotlight Litton had shone upon the shady legality of the raid, because of the Army Special Forces that had engaged in combat operations against those who were still Goramite citizens, the then Foreign Minister had been allowed to ‘resign’. To no one’s surprise, the ex-Minister had slunk back to the Back Benches and quietly announced that he would be leaving Parliament at the end of the current term, and not seek re-election to his seat.

As Chris sat in the warmth of the evening sun, listening to Danni talk about a certain collection of characters she’d had the distinct misfortune of running a focus group with, he felt his mobile buzz in his pocket. He ignored it, but it buzzed again and then again. At a momentary pause in the conversation, he fumbled for the mobile and glance at the screen. There were three messages there, all from Deepti Knight. She was, Chris Litton knew, a senior aide to Cara Pritchett – leader of the DSLP and Prime Minister in waiting, many thought.

Chris, take a look at this.

The first message read

Urgently.

Read the second. The third was a file. Danni saw the look on her husband’s face almost immediately, and she put her glass down.

“What is it?”

She said.

“I’m not sure yet.”

Chris unlocked his phone and pulled up the messages. He clicked the file and waited a moment for it to download. When it had, it automatically opened and Litton quickly skimmed the first few lines. His eyes widened.

“Oh.”

He exclaimed.

“What?”

Danni pressed

“You know this business in Sombreland? With the Wenchaunese?”

Chris said

“Yes”

Danni replied, in an almost cautious tone. She sensed something was afoot, but she couldn’t imagine what it was yet.

“And you know how we’ve sent millions in aid and people over there to help? Yeah. The Sombrelanders are allowing Neo-Korea to take thousands, hundreds of thousands perhaps, of refugees and work them to death in forced labour camps. The government is piling aid into a nation which is selling off refugees as slaves, to a nation that we’re treaty bound to defend.”

“Wow. That’s…wow.”

“Yeah.”

“You gotta go write this?”

“Yeah Dans, I think I do. I’m sorry.”

“That’s alright”

Danni said, smiling to hide the twinge of disappointment she felt. The couple worked a busy schedule between them, and with two young children they didn’t have a huge amount of time to spend together. But once a week, they made sure to carve out an evening if they could. This had been that evening, and it was a disappointment. But it wasn’t the end of the world, she knew, and some things were just that important.

Ten minutes later, Chris Litton was in his home office and furiously typing as his phone blared out a dialing tone as it tried to connect to his editor…

The Prime Minister stood in his office, pacing somewhat angrily. For months now, he’d tried to hold his party together and continue governing the nation. Despite that, his premiership had lurched from one crisis to another and this one threatened to be one blow too many. About an hour ago, an article had appeared on the Cmyrian Mail’s and it was damning. It seemed that someone had leaked a lot of private messages between Neo-Korean officials, and the fallout was sure to be horrendous. It was initially theorised, by some, that it was some kind of psyop or political play by someone – perhaps the Nifonese – but as yet these were just theories. What was known was that Chris Litton’s article was already spreading quickly around the internet, as other news outlets picked it up or were contacted by their own sources. There would be no quietening this, no putting the genie back in the bottle.

“So let me see if I’ve got this straight”

He began

“This administration has funnelled millions of dollars of aid to the Camps in Sombreland and, whilst were doing all this they’re sending refugees off into slavery in Neo-Korea. Both Sombreland and Neo-Korea are ICON nations we’re treaty bound to defend. And, just to cap it off, Nifonese allies are coming out of the wood work to accuse us of aiding and abetting slavers. Have I about got that right?”

The PM’s tone was justifiably furious. For years now, since the New Horizon incident and the resultant Battle of Holding Island in 2004, the successive DCP Governments had built their foreign policy around Operation: LEGSLIP. It was a crusade against the international slave trade, piracy and illicit narcotics trading. Under the current regime, the Operation had been stepped up and it was becoming more and more controversial for a wide variety of reasons. In near twenty years the Operation had been going for, the effort had cost billions. If not tens of billions. Worse, many of the slavers and pirates that had been intercepted had not wanted to go quietly. The price in lives was high, and getting higher. Being now accused by various nations, anti-ICON or not, of wilfully helping slavers was too much. All of the faces in the room with the PM knew it, and none of them looked particularly comfortable under his verbal assault.

“So,”

He continued, dropping his voice a little

“What are we going to do about it?”

“Well, Sir”

A woman wearing the uniform of a Navy Commander spoke up. She was one of the Forces Liaison Officers, attached to the Defence Council. Junior as she was, it was her fortune – or perhaps misfortune – to have been the on duty officer when the first inklings of this latest crisis arose.

“We know the Neo-Koreans are going to have to ship these people out of Sombreland. We have two Frigates in the area – Hardy and Indefatigable. They’re escorting Adventure home. We could split them off to intercept?”

The PM shook his head slowly

“No, Commander. Thank you, but no. We can’t just intercept friendly shipping. This will be a hot sort of area and I won’t risk our ships being indiscriminately fired on by these Nifonese proxies.”

“What if we helped them?”

An intelligence officer suggested.

“How do you mean, ‘helped them’?”

The PM asked the man.
“If we use our satellites, or the helicopters on our ships, then maybe we can find the Neo-Korea ships, or at least likely targets. There will definitely be others out there, looking for them too. Nifonese warships for sure, perhaps one from Leidenschaftliche. Maybe Theedish and Langenian ships too. If we can’t make intercepts ourselves, then perhaps, very quietly, we can give them some intelligence support.”

The PM turned that suggestion over in his head.

“Can that be done, Commander?”

He asked the Naval officer again.

“I’ll have to ask Space Command about the birds, but as far as I know their current orbits take them close in to the Palymrian Ocean. Probably wouldn’t take much of a fuel burn to get them in to have a look. The choppers onboard our ships could probably do it too.”

One of the PMs senior aides looked a little pensive as the Commander spoke

“If we did that”

He said, when she was finished

“We couldn’t talk about it. We would have to publicly defend ICON but would be seen to not be stopping the Neo-Korean slave trade. We might not be able to weather that.”

“What else is there?”

The PM challenged.

“We can’t do nothing, and if the optics are going to be bad anyway…perhaps we might as well try to save some of these people if we can. Perhaps if these other nations see that the rest of ICON has nothing to do with this as well, we might alleviate tensions a bit. Commander,”

He turned his attention back to the Naval Officer.

“Talk to Space Command, and let me know when the Defence Chiefs arrive. But, lets prepare to make this happen, everyone.”

And, just like that, the United Kingdom prepared to move covertly, and very, very quietly, against some of its Treaty allies.

OOC: Sorry chaps, I haven’t got much time to write more than this. If you’re going to put ships to sea to intercept, you’re very welcome to say you’ve had discreet contact from me via back channels in order to help facilitate your operations.

Good little twist this, enjoying this thread a lot!

by **Europe a Nation** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 9:28 am

Foreign Office, London, Europe a Nation

SIC!

Transcript of the conversation between Foreign Secretary Mereo Augusto and Neo-Korean Ambassador Zeng Peinzhi.

OOC: Co-authored with Neo-Korea

Mereo Augusto:
Your excellency, welcome, please take a seat.

Zeng took a seat, the moderate uncomfortabiity of the chair being noted to him immediately.
He generally knew what he had been called for, and moved to speak.

Zeng Peizhi:
Greetings, Mr Augusto. I must question if the... unfortunate incidents, so to say, in Wenchuan are important enough to warrant your personal involvement

Mereo Augusto:
I see you know why you're here, and unfortunately, my personal involvement is required. Mr. President Oswald Mosley is currently on a state visit to Sombreland, and it's critical to make a proper decision on how to handle the situation.

So to the point. As you are aware, a report has has shocked the world, backed up by leaked emails, alleging that your country is implicated in the slave trade. Because we are formal allies, you were summoned to explain the situation. As I said, we are allies, and our goal is not to harm your country, but we must decide how to address this issue.

Zeng Peizhi:
Hmm, yes...

Zeng took a moment to think, before moving to speak once more.

As of the current moment the bleeding-hearts somehow in charge of foreign policy have begun digging their claws in quite significantly, so we must deal with that inevitable issue. The quickest route is to publicly condemn us while we continue relations in Lushun and, of course, with certain benefactors in Chamorro. This is not the preferred route, mind, but it’s the one that will allow for the quickest turn-around on our own condemnations for their actions.

Mereo Augusto:
So you are not challenging the emails' authenticity?

Zeng Peizhi:
The authenticity of the emails is irrelevant to the effect they have had, Mr Augusto.

Mereo paused. He hadn't anticipated things to go so quickly. The Ambassador made no bones about it, and it was clear that he had no reservations in openly condemning NK's actions.

Mereo Augusto:
All right, then. Expect a demarche condemning Neo-Korean actions. Thank you for your time, your excellency.

Zeng Peizhi:
“Noted, have a good day.”

by **Sombreland** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 3:41 pm

A Camp Visit and an Address

Camp Five

All the camp was assembled, with soldiers of the 2nd Brigade arrayed neatly with rifles poised, and with the deputations gathered. The deputations had scavenged, had donations and gathered so that all were scrubbed well, their hair neat and their clothes most presentable. Among them were musicians, skilled and artful, and there were banners and flags made from scraps but so skillfully that none could tell. The most scholarly and civil of the Wenchuanese were among those gathered. And they were assembled as though there was nothing but love between them, though beneath this facade there were cracks. For some of those who stood in good and neat clothing were the crime lords of the camp, who stole rations and sold them to the degradation of others. And some were medical staff and people who organized education and work; some were those who had money and private guards among the refugees, and languished like aristocrats. Some were hardened, determined socialists, some fanatical Buddhists, and while all these led, there were thousands more who just were trying to survive and desperately, desperately hoping.

For nearly all, they had only heard of the Princess-Regent, who now descended upon them. Cameras rolled, and sound microphones were held carefully, and everyone attended upon her. She was youthful, as one that had just left childhood, with grave sweet lips and grave blue eyes and hair like the night. Small birds, sparrows, swallows and bright finches, fluttered around her as though in adoration. It seemed that breath was caught, and the birdsong and faint rustlings of cloth were all that could be heard. The Princess-Regent, so blessed in her youth and her clear brow’s sweet solemn respect and promise: in every line and pose of her fair form, virginal dainty as a flower, and kindled from within as never flower was with that divinity before the face of which speech and song fall silent and men may but catch their breath and worship.

The Princess-Regent stood still, and when her hand lifted delicately, an official came forward and spoke to the crowd. "Her Majestic Highness, the Princess-Regent, has brought allies and friendly nations together. In the midst of the Agricultural Crisis, they have helped to bring food, falter filter systems, hygiene systems, medicine, clothing and construction materials to this camp. It was the will of the Princess-Regent that people from Wenchuan living in our country should have the opportunity to leave Sombreland and begin new lives elsewhere. However, no nation but Neo-Korea has moved to begin this process of emigration. At the same time, The Cult of Thon has been attacking your people's businesses, places of education, homes and persons. That is why you have been brought here.

"The Princess-Regent, has, however, learned that this is very difficult for you. A balance must be struck: between preserving the harmony of Sombreland, and alleviating your suffering. The Princess-Regent will hear petitions, and weigh your concerns with what must be done for the good of Sombreland."

This was strictly organized. It was warned that there must be no outbursts, no disrespect. Each person from a deputation was brought forward, and given a limited amount of time in which to speak. Those who watched could not hear the conversations, but could see people with respectful heads bend, quiet conversation taking place, the concern on the Princess-Regent's expression, people bowing and departing with smiles.

When the Princess-Regent, in a later address, spoke directly to the cameras, she said,
"The Kingdom of Sombreland is troubled right now. There is an agricultural crisis, and there is a refugee crisis, and this has strained our resources as well as the reputation of my country. It would be wrong, however, to panic and respond with radical solutions.

The refugees were not supposed to be in camps this long. There are nations, however, such as Langenia, which promised to take refugees as emigrants and offer them new homes. This has not been done. Only one nation, Neo-Korea, has stepped up to bring promised numbers of Wenchuanese out, and that has tragically been stained with scandal, and now must be investigated. It was never the intention of the Royal Government to have refugees shipped off to become slave labour. All planning had involved sending them to Neo-Korea for work opportunities. There are only two possibilities here: either the rumours are true, or they are false. It must be investigated, and my government will be open about these investigations, inviting representatives of other nations to bear witness.

If no nations will take these refugees in, then what is to be done? The refugees cannot be assimilated into Sombreland society, for they have no caste, and undermine our labour markets and culture. At the same time, they cannot be held in camps forever. This will destroy what society they have built. While my government will do its best to improve the conditions in the camps, it is not a permanent solution.

I offer, therefore, this opportunity to our Regional neighbors and our trade partners: let us build the Wenchuanese a new homeland. Let us make it possible for them to choose their own way of government, and build their own facilities and economy. Sombreland's government will make sure that they are compensated for lost property and investment, and make sure that sufficient resources are coordinated for them to have a fair start so that they can be their own nation.

My government will hold a conference to discuss how to implement solutions. This conference will include representation from the Wenchuanese refugee community. My government will, at the same time, welcome assistance with the conditions in the camps as well as plans for emigration if they are to be carried out with a time-table.

I bless all who listen with peace and harmony. To all in Sombreland, home-dweller or stranger, peace as well."

The Princess-Regent listened gravely to advisors from the Ministers, Minsterial Officials, and representatives of both ruling castes during a state meeting following the visit. One of the most important ones was to have it be seen that regular shipments of supplies were being sent to the camps, that the camps were to be reorganized and become divided into smaller groups to become more efficient, hygienic, and orderly. An additional two divisions of soldiers made up mostly of light infantry troops were to be stationed around the camps, dedicated to protecting and organizing supplies, and administering the camps themselves.

She, the Princess-Regent, was haunted by a remark from the Chancellor, who said, wearily, that it did not matter whether the Thonists wanted to turn back the clock, whether the liberals wanted to turn it forward, whether the socialists and Wenchuanese sympathizers wanted to throw the clock away and propose a new method of timekeeping. It was not the caste system or tradition that was the problem. It was that Sombreland was under great strain, which meant opportunity to change how power worked in the country. Only great success would reduce the strain and make the country strong. This haunted her, and would haunt her well up to the time of her planned meeting with President Mosley of Europe.

by **Sombreland** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:15 pm

To the Sombreland Leadership

It has come to our attention that you are in a tough situation regarding the influx of “refugees” and potential actions to be taken by that nation. On behalf of the Bolriegian government we are prepared to offer you weapons in exchange for resources that your country holds. We await your response.

Signed “Mr Friend” on behalf of His Grand Majesty’s Government.

The official response from Sombreland's Ministry of the Left directed the Bolriegian government towards two sources of information. They recommended that thorough research and information was often the best way to deal with a situation that did not require immediate action without careful reflection. The sources of information were:

The Princess-Regent's visit to a refugee camp
The official statement of the Directorate of Foreign Affairs.

When it came to the most secret message, the reply was different. The inquiry came from the Directorate of Military Affairs, which asked: what weapons and what resources?

by **Darlingtown** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:57 pm

Camp Five

From the Colonel's answers it was becoming increasingly clear that Sombreland simply did not have near the supply, infrastructure, or manpower to deal with the refugee crisis at hand. And at the same time nearly none of the promised aid was reaching Sombreland. Some of the blame was obviously on the Nifonese government and its hyper-aggressive rhetoric, but a great deal of it was on the failings of individual nations to back their words with action. Still, the situation had to be remedied as best it could in the present before the future could be taken into account.

- SACHI -

"I do see the issues present, Colonel. As you may be aware, as a city-state Darlingtown is not capable of relieving some of the numbers issue present here. The Princess-Regent's suggestion of letting the Wenchuanese help reorganize the camps seems wise to me as well, and if needed Darlingtown will lend its construction equipment and engineers to your aid as needed. They will certainly need to be supplemented by Wenchuanese labor to account for the scope of the work needed, but I am confident we can assist in this manner.

As for the cause of these problems...blaming the Wenchuanese is neither helpful nor productive. They have been displaced from their homes and are merely trying to survive. If the same tragedy had befallen Sombreland, would the Sombrelanders be to blame for trying to keep their families alive? There is no point in directing blame towards the Wenchuanese, the only thing it has done and will continue to do is create a greater friction here and worsen the rate and magnitude of incidents here.

And for another matter, I-"

SACHI paused, her eyes growing wide. The news of the leaked emails on Vickyleaks was finally brought to her attention after a strange communications issue had kept the proxy in Sombreland from receiving updates in real-time. To have this happen now, while Sombreland was still recovering from the confrontation with Nifon and still dealing with the worsening refugee crisis, was an unmitigated disaster. This incident, whether true or not, would require a response from both Sombreland and ICON. And as the President of the Assembly, the weight of a cohesive response from the alliance fell partially upon her shoulders.

Excusing herself politely from the conversation, SACHI turned to look for Alavaine. But, seeing that she had quickly been swept up in the urgent business of addressing the camp, SACHI elected to wait. She listened intently to the Princess-Regent's speech, ever surprised at the wisdom and maturity of the young woman. Despite everything happening in Sombreland and abroad, SACHI felt some amount of comfort knowing that at the very least the nation was in very delicate but immensely capable hands.

Galador, Sombreland

As time crept ever onward, SACHI continued to keep some distance as the Princess-Regent was tossed from meeting to meeting, before finally she began preparing for a meeting with Europe's Oswald Mosley. Seeing this as an opportunity to finally speak with her friend, even just briefly before she was rushed into the next thing of immediate import, SACHI approached Alavaine during a slight lull in the preparations.

- SACHI -

"I'm...sorry that everything has been going the way that it has. Things certainly should have been better, had our enemies been less dogged and our allies more so. Still, we shall see our way to the other end of this tunnel, I assure you. I shall continue doing everything in my power to assist you and your people, starting with acting in my capacity as President of ICON to create a more unified response to all of...uh...this.

It's unfortunate we've not had more time to talk, I very much like your company and I hope the sentiment is mutual. Perhaps when this is over we should do something a bit less strenuous together, hehe...but until then I shall remain here with your permission, should you need someone to talk to even if but for a moment. And, regardless of how this goes, I just wanted to thank you. You've caused me to stop and think on a lot of things, and I think it's caused some changes for the better, both for myself and my Darlings...

...a-ah! I didn't mean to ramble. Just...uh...good luck with your meetings. We shall hopefully be able to talk about less urgent, and more pleasant, things later."

by **Goram** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 8:29 pm

A note from the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Sombreland;

To her Majesty Alavaine de Cressa, Princess-Regent of the Kingdom of Sombreland, greetings from the United Kingdom of Goram.

I regret, Your Majesty, that this note is not sent to you and your Government under more favourable circumstances. However, we have been deeply alarmed, as we are sure you have also been, by the recent allegations made against your nation and the fate of tens of thousands of refugees in your country. Whilst we do not believe you to have been anything more than deceived by these slavers who, we are sure, promised you only the best intentions, the United Kingdom is unable to stand by idly whilst this humanitarian travesty occurs. Whilst it may be too late to prevent the departure of those already on the way to Neo-Korea, we feel we can help to ensure these displaced people are at no further risk of exploitation. Therefore, we ask your permission to set up an agency in Camp Five, operated by those Goramite personnel already there, in order to process those who wish to seek political asylum in this country. With your permission, those wishing to leave and who pass the subsequent vetting processes will then be flown out of Camp Five on the return leg of the weekly supply flights currently being conducted from our nation to yours.

With your permission, this will begin immediately.

Your humble servant,

The Rt. Hon. Ben Clarke, PM.

by **Sombreland** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 9:18 pm

To the Right Honourable Ben Clarke, Prime Minister of Goram,

Although your compassion and wisdom as a leader in providing support is great, and I understand the gravity of your concern regarding the fate of Wenchuanese refugees being shipped to Neo-Korea, it does not exceed mine. It is my intention to request that the Neo-Korean task force halt for an inspection at sea.

As far as your intended agency operations go, I must insist, however, that it should only act with the cooperation of our Foreign Affairs Directorate. We will set up operations in Camp Five first, to assist with coordination of emigration with friendly states. There will also be security assistance from the Directorate of Military Affairs.

If we have this understanding, I look forward to cooperation.

Princess-Regent Alavaine de Cressa

by **Leidenschaftliche** » Sat Feb 18, 2023 9:22 pm

City of Leiden - Leidenschaftlicher Schutztruppe(Leidenschaftlicher Defense Forces) Capital Garrison Command / Ministry of War Building

Leidenschaftliche was not lead by one man, but five - or, depending on who one asked and when, four.

There was the Imperial Governor; the representative of the Kaiser of Theedishland, a child of the kindly Fatherland, and Head of State. Then there were the Rajs, the Chiefs of Staff; the commanders of the Defense Forces' three combat commands, who ruled the Land, Sea, and Air. Then the Prime Minister - the face of the government, the executive, the Head of Government, elected bianually by the people -- with the consent of the Rajs and the Governor. He was the fifth, the odd wheel out, and his concerns and responsibilities, for the most part, were domestic.

He was not here today, and Air Marshal Amrit Halle thanked God for that. He saw the Prime Minister only rarely; in fact, he could not remember his name. He had been worried about this at first; but when he mentioned it to his two senior colleagues, they had laughed it off and patted him on the back.

He cast a glance around the room. The whole of the Working Group was here - two seats down was Governor-General von Halleck, puffing away at his pipe. At the window was the old, sun-baked Field Marshal Singh, deep in thought as he stared out the window.

And, across from him, was his friend -- the Admiral Anand Tham. Normally he was a jovial man - talkative, bright-eyed, and a man a decade or two younger in his bearing.
Not today. Today he was dour, silent - and his eyes seemed red.

Halle began to reach over, but, as if like clockwork, Singh turned from the window, and took his seat. von Halleck sat up straighter, and cleared his throats. "Gentlemen. Let's not tarry here. We've all heard about the situation of Sombreland, yes?"

A chorus of Ayes from every man - save Tham. Singh narrowed his eyes, but did not press the matter - for now.

"Right, then I'll not waste your time. How will we handle this?"

Halle raised his hand.

"Yes, Marshal Halle?"

"Will all due respect, Governor, I'm not quite sure why this needed an all-hands-on meeting. Unless you are proposing that we..."

Singh leaned in. "That's precisely why, boy. There's something that warrants military action, of sorts. From you and...Admiral Tham?"

"...Right." Tham's voice was hoarse. "There's a Neo-Korean convoy in two parts taking the refugees out of Sombreland. And we've heard the Vickyleaks-"

"Erm, Admiral, is that your only-"

"Theedish intelligence confirmed it." Tham seethed. He stood and began to pace, clearly agitated. "I have already tasked a frigate to take measures, and reached out to my Almurtan colleages. As you have all been notified."

"Anand, if this is about your ethnicity -"

"It is not." Tham hissed.

"It is." Singh rumbled. "Anand, I will not ask you to rescind your orders, but -"

"People are dying, Manoj."

"Specifically Wenchuanis."

"And?!" Tham exploded. "You've played too much politics, Singh. 'And', he says! While a million souls starve and a hundred-thousand are shipped to die in the mines! But no, the good Marshal Singh has his retirement to think of, and his pension -- no, no, doing good will not do-"

"Anand, please!" Halle shouted. "This isn't the time nor the place!"

Singh was unpertrubed. "Marshal Halle, I thank you, but there is no need to cover for me. And Admiral Singh...there is no need to remind me that misery exists." He paused. "My hometown, as you may recall, now lies on the other side of the border. The transition of governance was...unpleasant. To say the least."

He leaned back. "Now, my good Admiral. I have said this before. I will not seek to undo your orders. They are just and the target cannot impose much resistance. But they are rash, and I suggest that you ask your secretary to keep you from acting when rash."

"You-!"

"Good God, Admiral, let me finish! Now, need I remind us all of the greater enemy at play here? Not the Neo-Koreans, nor Sombreland, as unfortunate as the situation is."

"Palmyrion." Halle offered.

"Yes. And who backs the Palmyrians?"

"Nifon." Tham replied, his shoulders sagging. He looked about the room, his eyes now hollow. "I apologize for my outburst."

"No apology is needed, sir." von Halleck replied, with a nod.

"Not between friends, aye." Halle added.

Singh merely nodded, before continuing on. "Now, the reason I have not asked you to rescind your orders is because of something I've discussed with the Governor-General."

von Halleck nodded, and set his pipe down. "Sombreland is a considerable regional power hostile to Nifon and linked with a broader alliance in ICON. We would do well to keep lines open with them in some manner, at least. Some of my lads down in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have notified me that...SACHI, I believe it was? The AI running Darlingtown - she may contact us soon enough on the matter. For now - Marshal Halle, I believe you'll have work to do with Admiral Tham. I shall not give details, but I believe your counterparts will be able to offer tankers, if nothing else."

"On it, sir." Halle nodded. His mind began to turn. Tactical bombers would be of great use, in addition to whatever maritime patrol aircraft Tham would surely dispatch. And fighters to escort them. He did not envy the length of the flight, but it would be nessecary. And then he would have to speak with Tham, too...

"Good." von Halleck nodded. "As for I...I will have to speak with the Foreign Minister, but expect our position by the end of the day, give or take a few hours."

Leidenschaftlicher Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The State of Leidenschaftliche would like to express deep concern with the current situation in Sombreland. While it understands full well the difficulties of the Wenchuani Situation, having taken in Wenchuani refugees itself, it urges Sombreland to exercise all due caution when dealing with those refugees and would like to advise it against returning refugees to their nation of origin.

It also regards the Neo-Korean 'sealift' with great interest.

Interest was an understatement.

As the day ended, planes took off - long-range tactical bombers, laden with ECM and reconnisance equipment, as well as the laser-guided bombs and anti-ship missiles that were the true tools of their trade. Fighters alongside, with large drop-tanks and Theedish IR- and radar-guided air-to-air missiles. In their wake, large, ponderous, turboprop-driven reconnisance aircraft with longer-ranged radars, and more anti-ship missiles and torpedos.

On their heels, a hospital ship, the KLS Dhanvantari - slipped anchor and began to steam towards the rendevous point.

by **New Aeyariss** » Tue Feb 21, 2023 1:34 pm

from Setsuzoku

WENHRO (@WENHRO)
Just now from Mirsk

This is an official statement by the Wenchuan Human Rights Observatory regarding the situation in Mirsk. Our organization wishes to state that the nation of Sombreland, and the states cooperating with them in transit of refugees outside of Sombreland, are in violation of international law and guilty of crimes against humanity. This analysis has been penned by Prof. Ivan Sorokin of University of Yekaterinograd.

This statement is a direct response to the recent statement by the Princess-Regent in which she called upon the regional nations to fasten their participation in the ethnic cleansing, blaming non-cooperation by the other nations as the root of the issues.

ISAAC Security Council Resolution 780 defines an act of ethnic cleansing as expulsion of population carried out by means of murder, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, extra-judicial executions, rape and sexual assaults, confinement of civilian population in ghetto areas, forcible removal, displacement and deportation of civilian population, deliberate military attacks or threats of attacks on civilians and civilian areas, and wanton destruction of property. Those practices constitute crimes against humanity and can be assimilated to specific war crimes."

While the state of Sombreland has not, so far, engaged in acts of murder, ISAAC SCR 780 agrees that "confinement of civilian population in ghetto areas, forcible removal, displacement and deportation of civilian population" constituents actions that are classified as an act of ethnic cleansing, and thus, a crime against humanity. Sombreland is guilty of those actions by forcefully moving the entire refugee population into concentration camps - an act reminiscent of Li Delan - and then forcefully deporting them out of Sombreland. It is important also to note that Wenchuani refugees are not given a choice of nation they wish to immigrate to, but are merely hauled to nations that wish to exploit them. Hence, we can safely claim that all nations participating in the evacuations are co-guilty of ethnic cleansing.

Additionally, ISAAC 1951 Refugee Convention openly forbids the refoulment of refugees by moving them to countries which they are in danger in. While there is no evidence of a slave deal signed between Sombreland and Neo-Korea, we believe that the non-refulment law has been broken by Sombreland when it chose to hand over 100 000 refugees to Neo-Korea - a country known for it's horrid human rights record, which is publicly known to Sombrelandian government. This law, according to the convention, applies even to non-signatories.

At last, we need to remind that according to the international law and custom, namely the above mentioned ISAAC convention, it is duty of the first nation the refugees enter to provide for them. Sombreland has repeatedly failed in that regard, by depriving the refugees of basic human rights and protections, and then forcing them into concentration camps and forcefully removing them to nations that are NOT, under international law, obliged to provide any aid to Sombreland in aiding to what it is it's duty.

WENHCR calls all of the world's nations to cease their participation with the ethnic cleansing of the Wenchuani population in Sombreland. We also wish to announce that we intend to search for justice in front of international tribunals, such as ISAAC International Court of Justice. We hope that decency and justice will prevail.

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by **Neo-Western East Korea** » Tue Feb 21, 2023 3:21 pm

RealBeomDae @BeomDae
Just now from Omiskan

While I am loathe, on an individual level, to reduce the means of political communication to that of a digital format, it has become a matter of importance to provide reasoning towards the complete rejection of the recent results of the “study” produced by the Wenchuan Human Rights Organization, or to be more honest, the Nifonese puppets using the front of humanitarianism as an execute for further political maneuvering.

It is rather clear that an organization coincidentally based within Mirsk, another known entanglement of Nifon, would have some incentive to follow the line that would bolster the actions of Nifon abroad, which is not the sort of activity that would get a response such as this from myself.

It is the rejection of the organization’s own supposed purpose in humanitarianism that has gathered such fervor, for in its desire to fulfill the needs of those it benefits in Nifon, it has actively damaged the necessary processes of transport from Sombreland to areas with an actual capability to sustain the population of Wenchuanese unfortunately found within the physical space of Sombreland.

An institution supposedly dedicated to the welfare of a people should not force that same group to remain in a land that cannot reasonably sustain them, and to expect either the land or the people to remain in that circumstance is foolish beyond measure and is grounds enough for a complete reexamination of the individuals in charge of said organization, although considering the political strings they are upon it would likely be easily overturned by certain puppetmasters abroad.

In acknowledgement of these circumstances, we henceforth declare Neo-Korea’s commitment to overcoming the falsehoods in information being so commonly spread, and thus open the opportunity for a clearer understanding of the cause around certain unfortunate and out-of context actions and writings.
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by **Reorganisieren Reichregierung** » Tue Feb 21, 2023 5:41 pm

Wenchuan-Sombreland Border
Southern Wenchuan

"Free our sons! Free our daughters! Free our countrymen!"
"Down with the Lakambini of Sombreland! Long live Wenchuan!"
"Sons and daughters of the Chu nation, do not sell yourselves as slaves in Sombreland!"
"Wenchuan will rise again! Preserve your dignity and return home!"

After the latest bombshell from Vickyleaks, bands of Wenchuanese, mostly the relatives of the refugees and migrants interned down south, have taken to picketing the Sombreland border crossing. As expected, they were chanting slogans at the Sombreland border guards and the throngs of migrants still attempting to enter the country. Aside from shouting angrily at the border guards, the protesters also directed their cries towards their countrymen, hoping to not only dissuade them from migrating, but also get them to join their protests.

Recording all this for the world to see was none other than Hugo Jäger of Deutsche Welle and his trusty cameraman. Jäger was neither broadcasting live nor shooting for a full-length documentary, but going out in the field for his newest exposé, which would have to be out quickly if it were to have any effect. Besides, bringing all the equipment needed for a proper live broadcast would be difficult without the regular cooperation of a major warlord, none of which was to be found here.

Hugo thought things were better this way, at least by regional standards. Even though it was utter chaos, at least there were no raging battles between warlords, nor large-scale organized looting by their troops. Sure, gangs were everywhere, but community leaders knew the value of a journalist, especially one from Theedishland; mobile phones and the internet existed even in lawless Wenchuan, albeit as luxuries. As such, Hugo was relatively safe, although there were a lot of close shaves during the long trek over land from the Leidenschaftlicher border.

"Excuse me, could I have a moment of your time? I am a journalist, and I want to share your story with the world."

Hugo was able to speak Wenchuanese, and chose to call over a young man who looked like he was one of the protest leaders. He was then shouting into a megaphone and leading the chants, but stopped, promptly handed over his megaphone to a young woman, and turned to acknowledge Hugo.

"Of course, of course. Not too many journalists are willing to risk their lives to enter our broken nation, for the same reason some of our countrymen seem to prefer being slaves. By the way, my name is Su Ying."

The Wenchuanese man extended a hand, which Hugo proceeded to grasp firmly and shake. With the cameraman documenting the crowd

"And I am Hugo Jäger. If you are the type to follow international news reports and watch documentaries, you may have heard of me. Anyways, let's get down to business. Why have protests only broken out now? To my knowledge, people here are more or less aware that an ethnic cleansing is taking place in Sombreland, one targeting your fellow Wenchuanese."

Ying answered without skipping a beat.

"Despite knowing about how our people are persecuted, a lot of people did not want to believe they would never see their family and friends south of the border again. A lot of people were also, and still are, just so desperate to get away from the chaos of our ruined country, overrun with bandits and warlords. They believed that many foreign countries would send ships to rescue our countrymen, and the problem would be solved."

He nodded to indicate he followed what Ying was saying, then followed up on his first question with another.

"Given the dangers of the journey, and the then-recalcitrant public attitudes at the time, why did you make the trip in the first place? To be more specific, what made you believe there would be a shift?"

The reply came, crisp and prompt.

"Your country's declaration stirred us to act. A great state like Theedishland standing up to Sombreland for our cause means something is brewing on the horizon. Not to mention that simple acknowledgement alone was enough to energize some of us. As such, many students like myself took the risk to go all the way down south and speak with the relatives of those currently in the internment camps. It is already bad enough that our remaining countrymen are fleeing en masse. We cannot just allow foreigners to kill us like flies. There is only so much humiliation we can bear."

So youth nationalist activists were the ones organizing the demonstrations, Hugo thought. He moved on to his next question.

"As a Theedishlander, I am happy to hear my country has been of service. How exactly did the diplomatic protest help your activism though? What kind of impact did it have on ordinary people?"

Ying, now with steel in his voice, answered him quickly.

"At first, it was all we had to go on. People have been angry at Sombreland for some time now. As I said earlier, many of them refused to believe their friends and family could be dead. Many more could not accept there truly is no escape from the unending hell of the warring states. However, this statement conditioned them to consider this possibility. So when the latest Vickyleaks were released, we were able to get them to accept the harsh reality. Our nation lies prostrate before the world, therefore the world does as it wishes to us. We want to change that."

Ying was certainly fired up, and Hugo could not blame him. Having gotten answers to his questions, Hugo moved to wrap up their conversation. He wished to get a feel of protest before retiring to write about the day's experiences and rest.

"This has certainly been an enlightening discussion. Thank you for your time; I pray for the success of your efforts and the quick relief of your countrymen."

Hugo extended his hand for a parting handshake, which Ying accepted.

"I should thank you for bringing my, no, our story to the world. We are considered pests and nuisances by most of our neighbors. Christ is truly with Theedishland, as He is with Langenia, Leidenschaftliche, and Nifon."

Hugo was not surprised that Ying was most likely a Christian. As a student, he was definitely from Pang Qian's domain. With that, Ying turned to collect his megaphone from his colleague, while Hugo moved deeper into the crowd, the cameraman following in his wake.

Im Auftrag auf Seine Kaiserliche und Königliche Majestät, Der Großdeutsches Kaiser

ENCRYPTION: DATA REDACTED

TO: BARONESS TOKUGAWA ASUKA, MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OF THE EMPIRE OF GREATER NIFON
His Imperial and Royal Majesty and His Majesty's Reorganized Reich Government of the Greater Theedish Empire of the Theech Nation is likewise thankful to the government of the Empire of Greater Nifon for its graciousness. Furthermore, we accept the offer to mediate between our government and that of the Republic of Inyursta, should the need arise. Our diplomatic representatives will notify your government as soon as possible of when such talks will begin.

With Theedish regards,

Hans-Jürgen Graf Schwerin von Krosigk,
Reichsminister des Auswärtigen

On behalf of His Majesty Wilhelm III von Hohenzollern,
Kaiser von Deutschland und König von Preußen

GROSSGERMANISCHES REICH DEUTSCHEN NATION

Im Auftrag auf Seine Kaiserliche und Königliche Majestät, Der Großdeutsches Kaiser

ENCRYPTION: DATA REDACTED

TO: PRINCE SHALADEW KADAV, MINISTER OF THE LEFT AND MINISTER OF DEATH
His Imperial and Royal Majesty and His Majesty's Reorganized Reich Government of the Greater Theedish Empire of the Theech Nation will stand by its statements for the time being, barring conclusive evidence to the contrary. However, this does not preclude fruitful cooperation between the respective governments of our nations to settle the truth of the matter. As such, the Greater Theedish Empire of the Theech Nation accepts the offer to allow our official observers to scrutinize the camps. We will provide your government with further details through diplomatic channels at a later date.

With Theedish regards,

Hans-Jürgen Graf Schwerin von Krosigk,
Reichsminister des Auswärtigen

On behalf of His Majesty Wilhelm III von Hohenzollern,
Kaiser von Deutschland und König von Preußen

GROSSGERMANISCHES REICH DEUTSCHEN NATION

by **Sombreland** » Tue Feb 21, 2023 7:24 pm

The Five Provinces, Sombreland

As per the Directorate of Military Affairs' orders, combat engineers had been laying minefields in areas beyond the usual range of patrols around the border areas, and put up warning signs advising of the danger in areas along the border with Wenchuan. It was long, tiring work, and far from completed. This, however, was a necessary improvement. Part of why it was time consuming was that earlier minefields had been laid, as well as military actions from 20 years ago, adding the possibility of unexploded ordnance as well. This meant that teams of engineers with metal detectors, mine detection equipment, and large anti mining vehicles had to be moved into areas and they had to sweep them. If new mines had to be inserted, so be it.

Intermittently, the anti-personnel areas had to be linked up with staked trenches and razor wire for further discouragement, offering trapped pits and deadly or at the very least uncomfortable obstacles. In addition, some areas were so inhospitable that they prevented natural obstacles such as an area called the Kaldoth which was full of soda lakes and geysers. Badlands, rocky escarpments and other difficult terrain to move over would pose a great challenge. Part of the problem, though, was that there were still lots of areas that had fertile mountains and hills.

At these areas, the idea was to mine places that were intended to act as defensive territory to herd those trying to evade them to patrol and garrison zones. Villages and small towns along the border had populations moved back so that they could be replaced by forward operations bases for the military units designed to guard the border. These were mostly Mountain Infantry and Light Infantry, but there was also a force of mechanized infantry ready to be rushed from its bases to reinforce units at the front. Along with this, Air Force units that had piloted aircraft such as multi role fighters, ground attack fighters, and drones were placed at bases to the rear. They would launch patrols every day. At the very least, it would serve as training exercises.

The Cult of Thon was growing stronger. It was clear that foreigners had it in for Sombreland. Foreign propaganda was a constant assault on the purity of the nation. Foreigners, not content with cooperation wanted to tear the nation apart, using the Wenchuanese as the wedge. Even worse, they had promised to help, but little help had come except supplies for the refugees, and scorn, displayed by the most prominent nation of foreigners, Goram. In an effort to control the situation, as many pro-Thon officers and non-commissioned officers in the Army as could be were sent to the border. Better that they should be harsh on an incursion of people from Wenchuan than that they should be filmed beating people in camps to death, looking the other way as rioters tore down remaining Wenchuanese shops or institutions, or even worse, acting mutinously.

The Cult of Thon did not yet blame the Princess-Regent or the King, but groups of Thonist protestors had been seen glaring and muttering against members of the Ministers or Directors. Their leaders, however, contented themselves by saying that the Chancellor was too old; he had been an old man when Orian IX had become king, some said. He should be retired. The Minister of Divinity, a saintly old man, should also go to his rest, retired to his estates. The Minister of the Left and the Minister of the Right were lazy, languid men, more fit for another era. They should go. Men more vigorous and able should replace them; men who loved Sombreland and would advise the Princess-Regent properly.

A liberal member of the Courtly Caste, Baron Andrel, petitioned for an audience with the Princess-Regent, proposing liberal reforms. He was no impassioned young student or lawyer, but an aging man himself. He was well traveled and well read, and he proposed what he hoped was a well balanced solution.

First, he proposed that Sombreland might have to be ready to take the lead in creating a Wenchuanese homeland. That is, the government might have to donate an area of land suitably large for over a million Wenchuanese. There would have to be farmland, infrastructure that could be build up, and agreements would have to be made to establish friendly relations. It would require the support of other foreign nations, but at the same time, it would have to be possible to carry it out without them if need be. This would be a great sacrifice but would also hopefully create a friendly new smaller state that would deal once and for all with the Wenchuanese Refugee problem. Along with this, he proposed that then the Wenchuanese who remained could either be moved out slowly or be considered friendly aliens.

As for liberalization; well, Andrel offered that it would have to be done gently and take time. He did not think abolishing caste right away was a good idea...if ever. Rather, a liberalization of how caste was applied might be wise. The idea was already out on the streets, in the universities and in public entertainment. Mostly subtly but he feared it would grow. Better to be at the head of change than at the back of it.

The Princess-Regent said that she would take the Baron's ideas into consideration about caste. There were no immediate plans to change ministers on the part of the Princess-Regent, but Baron Andrel was appointed to the head of a Commission to examine the establishment of a Wenchuan state within Sombreland. One of his friends and colleagues, Dr Molod, was appointed to head a Commission to examine the possibility of adjusting the legal status of the castes.

To: Hans-Jürgen Graf Schwerin von Krosigk,
Reichsminister des Auswärtigen
From: Prince Shaladew Kadav, Minister of the Left and Minister of Death
Subject: Refugee Camps
Encryption: Modeerate

Dear Minister,

How delightful it is to hear from you. I hope you were able to hear the Princess-Regent's remarks and view her visit to one of the refugee camps. If you had seen it, then you would know that Sombreland has nothing to hide. Our country has been under enormous pressure, which, thankfully, we are weathering well. You may indeed send people to view the camps, provided, of course, that they are accompanied by Sombreland officials and soldiers, and also that they are not merely there to find fault, but to help. You have, no doubt, heard of the plan proposed by Her Majestic Highness to develop a Wenchuan homeland. If not that, of course, there is always emigration. So just to be clear: help will be accepted; attacking Sombreland, however passively, will not be acceptable. But, no doubt, your government would never consider such a thing.

I look forward to your reply and to your government's cooperation,

Prince Shaladew Kadav,
Minister of the Left and Minister of Death

by **Sombreland** » Tue Feb 21, 2023 8:02 pm

To:Julio Sanchez, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Langenia
From:Prince Shaladew Kadav, Minister of the Left and Minister of Death
Subject: Immigration Concerns
Encryption: Top Secret

Dear Minister,

Your concerns are greatly appreciated. The Kingdom of Sombreland has no slavery, and does not condone it, and is in the process of investigating what happened with Neo-Korea. It is the position of the Kingdom of Sombreland that Neo-Korea is an ally, and that the accusations have not been substantiated by any nation, international body, or non-government organizations. However, I would like to propose that your government can send people to inspect the camps before arrangements to help those who wish to emigrate.

Many thanks,
Prince Shaladew Kadav, Minister of the Left and Minister of Death

by **Darlingtown** » Wed Feb 22, 2023 10:47 am

Statement from the President of the Assembly of the International Coalition of Nations

Regarding Concerns of the Ongoing Situation in the Kingdom of Sombreland

Having monitored this situation closely as one of the leaders of the International Coalition of Nations (ICON), and having taken into account all events which have transpired and all international statements on the matter, I do at this time wish to formally address this topic in an official capacity. This statement is not intended to exonerate or condemn any party beyond those that established and irrefutable facts equally clear or condemn. Unfortunately, it seems the same cannot be said about the judgement of other organizations, who dress themselves with the trappings of impartiality and justice but have acted in every way contrary to these notions.

The first thing that shall be addressed here is the as-of-yet unconfirmed report that the State of Neo-Korea is engaged in the slave trade. It is important to note that so far this accusation rests on a sole unsubstantiated email leak published by the website Vickyleaks. No attempt has been to verify these leaks despite the Kingdom of Sombreland's complete transparency with its process and its open and encouraged invitation for nations to come observe. No, instead many have seen fit to use such a single unsubstantiated source as proof enough to worsen the situation for both Sombreland and the Wenchuanese who currently reside within its borders.

That said, ICON shall seek to launch a thorough investigation into the matter, seeing as how both parties accused are members of this organization. The utterly vile filth that is slavery and the slave trade is held with extreme contempt by this organization, and the allowance of either to be carried out by a member of this alliance shall never be found acceptable. Should either party be found guilty of such things, both swift action and long-term planning shall be used to see this egregious breech in human rights be purged from said nations.

The other matter at hand is the gross misunderstanding of human rights by the Wenchuan Human Rights Observatory (WENHRO) residing in Mirsk. They have claimed that the aid provided by other nations to find sustainable homes for the Wenchuani refugees is in violations of ISAAC Security Council Resolution 780. This is false. The Resolution itself defines nothing, and even the Final Report of the Commission of Experts that does provide such a definition does so with the stipulation that ethnic cleansing is classified as being carried out "by violent and terror-inspiring means". No violence has been used by the government of Sombreland to drive the Wenchuanese out of the nation, nor terror.

The WENHRO further cited the ISAAC 1951 Refugee Convention to accuse the Kingdom of Sombreland of refoulment. This is also false. The international understanding of "refoulment" is the forceful return of refugees to their country of origin. Furthermore, Article 33 of the Convention creates exception to its own law against said refoulment for "...whom there are reasonable grounds for regarding as a danger to the security of the country in which he is..." With the ongoing agricultural crisis in Sombreland it is a very reasonable assumption that these refugees, by virtue of sheer numbers, threaten the security of the nation. So even if the Kingdom of Sombreland was committing refoulment, which it is verifiably not, the very Article cited by the WENHRO would provide an exception until the number of refugees in Sombreland was reduced to an amount able to be sustained by Sombreland's means and supply.

Thus, the WENHRO has not only critically failed to understand the very laws it saw fit to reference, but then has elected not to investigate the matter in any capacity. It has made an official condemnation without conducting an investigation of its own or referencing another reputable investigation and has declared the Kingdom of Sombreland guilty before given a chance to defend itself in trial, even going so far as to recommend the international community treat the accused as having been already found guilty. I hope I do not have to state this, but this is neither just nor fair in any possible capacity.

The question does remain as to why, though. Why would a self-declared "humanitarian organization" be so incapable of providing an impartial and coherent response to this situation? Perhaps it has to do with the location of this organization: Mirsk, a known satellite state of Nifon. It is no great secret that Nifon is hostile to Sombreland. The events that have transpired only a few months prior have illustrated the great threat to Nifon sees Sombreland as in its own regional ambitions. Is it mere coincidence that the first to report on the leaked emails were Nifonese media outlets, mere hours after the leak had been published? Or that the impact on Sombreland by the number of refugees was exacerbated by Nifon when it became belligerent and made threats against Sombreland's ability to police its own border and receive aid during its agricultural crisis? Or that Nifon has openly admitted to seeing Wenchuan, the nation whose crisis began this whole ordeal, as its rightful territory?

Between undeniable connections to Nifon, jumping to conclusions without any investigative work being performed, forgoing trial to label others guilty and recommend punishment accordingly, and a gross lack of understanding of international law, it seems clear that the WENHRO does not intend to actually solve any humanitarian issue here nor operate in a manner that can remotely be considered "just" or "fair". Rather, it has most likely attempted to cobble together a poorly constructed argument for sanctions that would benefit the Nifonese. And Nifon's reputation for such underhanded tactics against those it views as "enemies" is very well established in the international community, so such an explanation would be a simpler and far more likely possibility than the hurdles that would need to be jumped to rectify why the WENHRO has so miserably failed to do the one job it was supposedly built for. By the virtue of Occam's razor, this explanation holds infinitely more probability of being true than whatever convoluted and increasingly complex explanation would need to be given to justify why WENHRO is still both a credible organization and also in the right. So whether by malicious intent or sheer incompetence, the idea that the WENHRO's statement should be taken with any degree of seriousness is on the far fringes of possibility. Even if all accusations were true, and all laws written in the manner the WENHRO believes them to be, the process they have operated in cannot be accepted to any degree without first upending all principals of international law and justice.

I shall reiterate here our commitment to not condemn where clearly established fact is not given, unlike the official statement published by the WENHRO and others. Our only condemnation as of writing is of the WENHRO, who have seriously and dangerously misused international law to call for the cessation of aid to the Wenchuanese refugees and whose suggested actions will only further endanger lives in regards to the current agricultural situation in Sombreland. The WENHRO has proven itself not only incapable of providing any understanding of humanitarian laws and basic human rights, but it has actively sought to forgo any and all due diligence to promote actions entirely devoid of merit. Every action it has taken with its official statement has been wholly contrary to international law and the basic principles of justice, as it has sought to declare nations guilty of made-up and grossly misinterpreted laws without both trial and substantial evidence.

With this in mind, I strongly recommend the international community to no longer recognize the WENHRO as an impartial and capable international organization and to disregard any and all statements it may produce.

Additionally, it has been remarkably surprising to see so many condemnations of Sombreland when few have sought to provide any real help to the Wenchuanese refugees themselves, even among those who have gone out of their way to promise aid. Some of this has occurred because of Nifon's territorial aggression towards such aid being delivered, but even then little help has been given. So many who have commented on this ongoing situation have spoken of lofty morals and great virtues, and yet they have not so much as lifted a finger to act on such morality. So it is exceedingly interesting to find so many suddenly care about the wellbeing of the Wenchuanese when nothing has been done prior to aid them both in Sombreland and their home nation.

So to those nations who would seek to condemn the Kingdom of Sombreland, to those who have promised aid and delivered nothing, and to those who are merely looking on: I urge you to help. Help find safe and stable homes for families who have been cast from their nation. Help save these people so that they may once again find solace and rest in a place that has resources enough to sustain them. Let your actions speak for you in place of words. If you are committed to aiding these refugees, do it.

In this regard, as President of the Assembly, I shall commit to establishing a unified and effective system of aid for all members of ICON to provide aid to these refugees. The process will be transparent, aid will be vetted, and promises fulfilled so that the Wenchuanese in Sombreland will not have to worry about their future. And as stated before, this will start with an investigation into that which was alleged in the leaked emails provided by Vickleaks.

ICON is committed to ensuring the correct treatment of the refugees as they find new homes beyond the borders of the now war-torn state of Wenchuan and ensuring all international matters are resolved in a just manner through facts and due process. We hope others of the international community will join us in doing the same.

SACHI
President of the Assembly of Nations, Tribune of ICON, and Overseer of the ICON Diplomatic Corps

by **Goram** » Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:18 pm

Captain Robyn Warner waited until the door to her private state room had closed behind her before she thumped her fist down onto the desk in frustration. Immediately, she regretted having done so as she seemed to come off worse than the wooden desk top did. Wincing slightly as she tried to shake the sting out of her hand, she swore quietly. She probably shouldn’t have done that. Along with the slowly dissipating ache in her right hand, the thump had made quite a loud bang, probably audible from the corridor outside. She had tried hard to disguise her frustration whilst on the frigate Hardy’s bridge and from her crew. She tried hard to appear unflappable, cool and utterly impassive. It had been her way since she joined her first ship, the cruiser Anderson. She recalled all too well the words of a Lieutenant instructor at Surface Warfare School, when she’d been just a newly frocked Ensign, fresh from the Naval College. It had been at a time when the Navy was just beginning to allow women to occupy combat roles and combat commands, and in the openly proclaimed views of that instructor it was a mistake – on account of women’s proclivity to becoming ‘too emotional’. Though now a Post-Captain, with command of a major surface combatant and a combat record to match virtually anyone in the Service, Warner had never forgotten the manner in which she – the only woman on her course – had been singled out by the instructor, and that experience had shaped her demeanour for the next twenty or so years.

The dull throb of her right knuckles had now almost entirely stopped, and she looked again at the standard message form on the desk.

021220221313z

COMSURNOR SENDS FOR AVN/HRY/IFG

1). YOU ARE DIRECTED TO PATROL STATION IN PALYMRIAN OCEAN.
2). USE ALL ROTARY WING ASSETS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH NEO-KOREAN MERCHANT VESSELS SUSPECTED OF CARRYING SLAVE LABOUR. REPORT THEIR POSITIONS ONCE CONTACT IS MADE.
3). AT THIS TIME NO INTERCEPT OF THE AFORE MENTIONED VESSELS OR ANY OTHER IS APPROVED.
4). STANDARD ROE AND EMCON REMAIN IN EFFECT.

COMSURNOR SENDS.

At this, Warner was furious. No interception approved. She wondered what exactly Command Surface, North, was playing at. How could no interception be approved? It flew in the face of everything she and her crew had done on the past few years of LEGSLIP patrols. They had all spent months at sea, away from family and loved ones. They’d all missed Christmases, birthdays, family occasions. They had endured hardships, storms and gunfire. One of her crew, a member of a Maritime Infantry boarding party, had been killed. Warner remembered all too well what she had felt whilst writing the standard letter of condolence to the dead trooper’s family. Yet none of them complained, because this was what they had signed on to do. Almost everyone onboard the frigate was proud of the names that had been painted in red letters on their forward gun house. It signified their hard work and their sacrifices to rid the world of what many of them considered to be a genuine evil. Nor were they unique. Hundreds of sailors aboard dozens of ships were carrying out LEGSLIP patrols at that very moment. Aircraft were out patrolling. Even now a boarding action could be underway, in which Goramite personnel might be exchanging fire with the enemy. Yet, here they were. Ordered not to intercept ships that were almost certainly packed with Wenchaunese being trafficked into slavery. But, like it or not, orders were orders and the three ships – Adventure, Hardy and Indefatigable were even now changing their course towards their new patrol area. In their respective hangars, patrol schedules were being worked out for the helicopters. Together they would comb the ocean for their quarry, which they thought should be easy enough to find. Once they had found it they would proceed to do absolutely nothing at all. They would report, and they would watch the slavers sail on to God only knew what end. Most of the crew did not yet know that, but they soon would. Warner knew they’d probably take it about as well as she had.

Two uniformed Goramites stood, watching thousands of well dressed Wenchaunese – or what passed for well dressed Wenchaunese in the squalor of camp five – file past, returning to their homes after listening to the Princess-Regent’s address. Most of the Goramite contingent in the Camp, had not attended, adjudging that their work was more important. A handful of off duty medics and Air Force troopers had gone, dressed as well as any of them could, and listened to what the Regent and others had had to say. On the whole, they agreed that they had found it somewhat underwhelming. There was, in their opinion, far too much excuse making and pearl clutching being done by the Sombreland government.

“I’d never imagined there’d be so many here.”

Captain Julian Svensonn remarked to the Air Force Lieutenant. Svensonn was a big man, towering over most, and he had command of a Light Infantry company of the Glenshire Light Infantry. The Regiment, belonging to the 26th Light Infantry Division, was permanently garrisoned in Gravasti and this was a very different situation to that entirely. In Gravasti, the Glenshire Light Infantry and the rest of the 78th Brigade were there to hold the passes of the Border Range which separated Gravasti and Gibet. In the event of war, the Brigade would deploy into its fighting positions on the snowy slopes and defend against the probing attacks the Gibetians were expected to launch, looking for ways through the mountains to support their main thrust into Westphalia to the South. To this end, the members of Svensonn’s B Company were all superbly trained light infantry and a great deal of money had been spent on making them effective mountain warfare specialists. If the Gibetians ever came up the slopes of the Border Range, looking to forge a path through the mountain towns and hamlets, Svensonn’s troopers were convinced they could turn those mountain passes into a snowy killing field. Instead of preparing for that, however, they were now here, in Sombreland and being asked to act as a patrolling police force in Camp Five and none of them were particularly happy about it.

They had arrived in the country a week before, aboard the assault ship Adventure and driven in their own M1986 utility vehicles – the remote mounted weapons stations all well covered by tarpaulins – across the country to Camp Five. Moving in Platoon groups, it had more than once occurred to Svensonn that the Movement Coordination Officers of the Motor Rifle Division outside the Camp must have had their work cut out for them, in order to keep the Goramite company and supply convoy rolling. Their column, in the end, had been more than fifty vehicles and they had moved without snag. It was no mean feat for the Sombrelanders to have pulled off.

Now in the camp, the Company had not yet gone about their primary mission. Rather, they had spent their short time since their arrival playing at being engineers – also a task for which they were not trained, but would have to perform anyway. With them they had brought a field hospital, to greatly supplement the existing clinic, along with a field kitchen and temporary accommodation blocks for the now 280 or so Goramites in the Camp. All of these tasks, B Company could achieve but, again, it was not what they had trained years for.

A reply to the Government of Sombreland,

To, To her Majesty Alavaine de Cressa, Princess-Regent of the Kingdom of Sombreland,

Certainly this is acceptable to us, and we have an understanding. However, in order to alleviate the current situation whilst also avoiding any further scandal in your nation as well as ours, we request that these measures to begin the asylum process for those that pass our vetting be begun as soon as is practical. As you well know, we have begun aid flights to your nation and are more than willing to fly successful applicants out of Sombreland just as soon as can be arranged. In this way we hope to lessen the burden on your nation.

Further, we understand there is an ungoing agricultural crisis in your nation. As friends, allies and members of ICON together, we believe we may help the people of Sombreland as we help those Wenchaunese refugees you so graciously harbour. We would like to discuss with you an aid package to help relieve this ongoing crisis.

I remain your humble servant,

The Rt. Hon. Ben Clarke, PM.

Through backchannels, a significantly more secretive message was also delivered. The message was sent to the United Kingdom’s consulate in Sombreland, were it was decrypted by the resident intelligence office attached to that mission. The officer then hand delivered the note to a trusted contact, who would in turn deliver it to the relevant authorities in Sombreland.

LIMITED SUBSCRIPTION, EYES ONLY.

The United Kingdom understands the Sombreland government currently occupies an unenviable strategic position, with regards to its limited ability to recruit outside of the military caste and with regard to its regional enemies which appear to be taking active steps against Sombreland.

To that end, the UKG is prepared to discuss the provision of additional training, intelligence and defensive arms to Sombreland. Initially these might include anti-tank munitions, and local air defence equipment.

We trust in your discretion in this matter.

by **New Aeyariss** » Thu Feb 23, 2023 9:44 am

OOC: Bashriyya asked me to RP the Redshields, which were then renamed to "Hochschilds". Well, I decided to turn them from antisemitic tropes into actual characters.

This post is written as Sombre's request to react to speech of his princess. Post 2 will entail Nifonese activities.

This post is a tribute to the HBO series "House of Dragon".

*** Gadayria, Statgart

Francis Hochschild looked at his father. Baron John Hochschild was a tall, slim man, with wrinkles of his face. Old age made top of his head bald, leaving the hair only on sides of his head. He had a long, almost pointy nose, large mouth and small, deep set eyes.

"Ah, you are here son!" the Baron smiled warmly as they stood on the gallery. Below them laid two hunting rifles, with massive scopes. John Hochschild inspected them, then commented.

"They seem to work well." he handed one rifle over to his son "The new delivery of animals is here. Enjoy, son!"

He then put up the radio and set a command "loose the first one."

A deer quickly sprung from behind a turn. The baron primed his rifle aimed... and shot. Bullet hit deer straight in the head, making it roll for several meters before falling, dead.

"Nice shot father!" Francis ran to his father and hugged him. Truly, there were few men he felt more love and deeper admiration of. John was all he needed - albeit strict and controlling, he always made time for his family.

The Baron looked at the twelve years old hugging his waist, and smiled.

"Thanks, son!" he said "Now is your turn!"

He quickly handed the other rifle to his son, and explained the basics of shooting. Then, he commanded another deer to be released.

The deer ran fast as a falling star. The young Hochschild aimed.. an missed. The deer ran deeper into the Forrest...

"I am sorry father... I missed." the young Hochschild looked at his father sadly.

"Don't worry son... the chase will soon bring it back."

And indeed - the deer was soon running again. The young Hochschild aimed.. and hit it straight in the middle. It fell to the ground, making a terrible bellowing, until another shot from the Baron put it to rest.

"Are you enjoying yourself son?" asked the Baron.

"Yes, father!" smiled Francis.

"Then I hope you will like the next prey we hunt!" smiled John, then brought up his radio "Release the monkey!"

Suddenly, a sound of gunfire was heard from afar. Then, a man was seen running the same trail as the deer. He was evidently a homeless person - with a long, unkempt grey beard and tattered clothes. He ran waving his hands, screaming out loud:

"Help!" he kept screaming "Someone help me!"

"Here is your prey, son!" smiled the Baron "Good luck!"

The eyes of young Franicis were now falling out of his orbits. Shocked, he froze, not sure what to do. The whole situation surprised him so fully that Baron's son was unable to make a single reaction, let alone think...

Seeing the man running out of range, and his son frozen in shock, the Baron rose his rifle and shot the man straight in the center of the mass. The man collapsed, screaming terribly in pain.

"Father... why? Why did you... kill him?" Francis spoke, still shaken by what had transpired.

"To remind myself of whom I am!" spoke his father, his face changed. There was no more kindness, only anger and determination "That man... was a mere commoner. Commoners and nobility are worlds apart. Truth is, that commoner is nothing else but cattle, to be used by us as we see fit..."

He paused for a second, then turned his face to his son.

"In the old days, there was a clear distinction between nobles and commoners. But commoners kept rebelling, so we had to change the system. Today we live not in castles but in mansions, our power not in knights but in money - but the nobility still remains. Hidden, more subtle - but still active. We let commoners think that they can elect their leaders, but to win elections they need money. And that money is us. Thus I recognize myself for who I am and I pity not... "

He took a direct look at the sobbing, horrified face of his son and recoiled, as if struck. Quickly, he knelt and hugged Francis with one of strongest hugs the boy has ever felt.

"I am sorry, my son." his father returned to his kinder demeanor "I am sorry to exposing you to so much truth at once... but this is the price we have to pay for power."

And as his father kept hugging him, the young boy kept crying.

*** Few years later

The cries of young Francis came to Baron Hochschild's mind once again as he thought he thought of his youngest son.

For twenty years he was locked in an unhappy marriage with Madelaine Hochschild nee Ashenbury. His savior-vivre obsessed wife did not love him one bit, and cheated on him with a variety of lovers. In his mind, that excused his own cheating on her with variety of women, coming from all social backgrounds, starting from prostitutes and on politicians ending. Nevertheless, the marriage had produced two sons - William and Francis Hochschilds.

He raised his eldest son, William as a perfect heir. William received almost no affection from his father, who believed that affection would make him weak. The result was a rebellious, ambitious and father-hating boy who was anything but reliable. And - faced with the hidden depth of William's loathing - the Baron had realized that he wanted to be loved by his sons. But despite all attempts at amends, his son remained distant.

His second son received a different upbringing. From the very birth, John had spoiled his youngest son to the greatest amount possible. He bought him all he wanted. Francis Redshield grew up loving his father - but weak. Completely unwilling to embrace the darker part of his family's businesses and lacking political ambitions, Francis's sole dream laid in developing the tech company his father bought him at his eighteenth's birthday.

Not being able to trust any of his sons on such an important matter, Baron Hochschild called in his younger brother - Abraham Hochschild.

The man in question had entered an elegant room, where the Baron intended to host his brother. There were many paintings in golden frames at the walls, and all the sofas were of most elegant red color. Between them stood a decorative table made of finest dark wood.

Abraham Hochschild sat on the sofa, and took a small sip of wine prepared for him. His look had been similar to his brother, except for much longer hair reaching his shoulders, and full set of hair. Small mustache rested below the pointy nose.

"Brother, I hope that what you have to me is important enough to warrant stopping my sacred work." he said. The Baron sighed when he heard that.

"Oh you know it is." he countered "It is time that we started bringing our house from ruin Nathan plunged it into before Kojiro got rid of him. My friends in the Leviathan let me know that there is an opportunity arising."

"Oh brother? What is that opportunity?" asked curious Abraham.

"As you may know, tensions are brewing in Sombreland. Mosley sent delegates hoping to secure resource mining rights..."

"And I suspect that securing those rights means that whoever gets the concession will lend from us to finance the infrastructure. Isn't it right?"

"Precisely. In addition to that, there will be a major influx of Wenchuani refugees soon. Those refugees will need loans. And they will get them - at Hochschild & Sons that is. Not to mention - the prospects of our country entering Sombreland."

"But Sombreland is in conflict with Nifon. Isn't it risky?"

"The hotter it gets, the better. I have started buying Sombrelandian obligations. The hotter it gets the more money they will need. And they will find it from us. At proper percent of course." the Baron shown a predator- like grin "I want you to appear live on TV and express our family's support for the planed "new homeland" project. Then you will be coordinating with the governments."

"That is great brother... but does it have to be me? You know I have sacred work in Iudaea to do..." came his brother's response.

The Baron sighed. Long ago, his brother decided to study Qaballah out of pure bordedom. Lecture of the Zohar and few rituals later, his brother declared himself to be the Messiah ben Joseph, sent to free the Jews. His "sacred work" was mostly bribing rabbis with insane sums into recognizing him as messiah. Though, at least despite all this madness, Abraham retained sufficient self-awareness to manage his enterprises with sufficient skill.

Personally, John detested his brother's newfound obsession with his ancestry. He did not feel himself to be a Jew, but an aristocrat, and to him blue blood was the same in all countries, regardless of ethnicity. "Jew" was an empty word devoid of meaning, and neither did he feel connection with other members of his ethnicity. Endless conflicts in the Middle East he found pointless, and existence of state of Iudaea only as valuable as money that could be made there.

"Yes it has to be you!" the baron shouted "My eldest son would try to sabotage me, and my youngest does not have the guts. If you don't I am cutting your subsidies."

Abraham looked at the floor. With defeat in his voice, he answered.

"Fine, brother. I will resume my sacred work later."

Recently, {rincess - Regent of Sombreland has expressed her request to build a new homeland for the Wenchuani refugees.

I may be only a private individual, but I wish to express both mine and Baron Hochschild's full support for this initiative. My family does not posses a state to which the refugees could be shipped, but it does possess money. I wish to announce that Hochschild & Sons is offering loans to nations that will need money to build infrastructure to support the refugees, or finance their transit. The terms of the loans will be negotiated on case by case basis.

Princess Regent's wisdom in eancing this operation goes beyond her years. I need to agree with her, that no matter what technicalities certain laws may possess, the evacuation is the only sensible solution. An endless mass of people can not be left as a drain on limited resources of Sombreland, not when said state is having agricultural crisis.

The only group that seems to be interested in preventing the evacuation are allies of Nifonese tyrant, who likely had a hand in death of my eldest brother, Nathand Redshield. They do not do it out of concern for human rights, but to advance Kojiro's agenda for Nifonese global domination.

I hope for quickest possible resolution of the crisis.

by **Common Territories** » Sun Feb 26, 2023 12:33 am

Wilhelmshaven, Holy Dukedom of Luttenried
Bloodstone Palace, Audience Room 2

Bloodstone Palace, located in the heart of the Holy Duchy's capital, resembled an old gothic castle more so than a modern palace to onlookers roaming about Wilhelmshaven. Its first structures (a wall and large keep) were built during the early 1400s and were designed to house and protect the Holy Baron of the time from native assaults that threatened early Wilhelmshaven. Throughout the next hundred years it would develop into a proper residence for the Holy Duke and act as the seat-of-power for the Holy Duchy's central government outside of the Kirche's Pontifical Diet Cathedral. It wasn't until the 18th century that Bloodstone Castle remolded into the modern Bloodstone Palace. Remodeling everything from the exterior to the interior was done to help modernize and luxuriate the Palace; not to be outdone by the nobles from the Mainland, the Holy Duke at the time had swaths of the property rebuilt from the ground up. To this day the Bloodstone Palace's extensive stone walls, brilliant sandstone structures, and old Commoner architecture make the Palace an icon of old-world beauty seen within the Empire's now extinct architecture.

Although not labeled the seat-of-power any longer, in technical terms, the Bloodstone Palace is the Holy Duchy's true seat-of-power. While Luttenried posses a Diet and a proper legal system, its executive branch, noble society, are the absolute governing authority over Luttenried. At its heart is the Holy Duke who in literal name governs over the territory as his own land. Owning and ruling said foreign holdings is a perk within the Empire, a reward for nobles who've proven their loyalty to the Empire. With only one person above the them, the Bloodstone Throne is the absolute ruler of Luttenried, in both name and creed. So it makes sense that most government activity happens within the Bloodstone Palace walls. The Luttenried Diet building and the Luttenried Ministry of Justice buildings as well are within close proximity within the capital; there is little need for the Holy Duke to travel outside the Palace unless it's for work or the destination is outside the capital.

Audience Room 2 was less an audience room and more akin to the Palace's primary high-level conference room. While Audience Room 1 was a more publicly open view into the Bloodstone Palace, Audience Room 2 has never been revealed to the public outside of a few documented cases. Everything from literature to films has featured the infamous Bloodstone Throne Room within the Empire somewhere, but the Bloodstone Conference Room is another story. Aside from public viewings, Audience Room 1 is also where foreign dignitaries and the Luttenried Nobility greet the Holy Duke; it makes sense that the public has a firm idea of its appearance considering how frequently the room has been broadcasted in the past. Audience Room 2, however, was never intended for public viewings. Aside from matters of the highest importance being discussed and planned here, Audience Room 2 was purely for conferences and other boring meetings. Unlike the lavish lengthy tiles and carpets, drapes and glass windows adorning the Bloodstone Throne Room, Audience Room 2's most luxurious eye-catcher was its old oak table, and even that was bastardized with modern features such as plug-ins and office space cutouts. Audience Room 2 was by no means ordinary appearance wise, but the glamor and gold were saved for the other areas of the Palace. This room is where the Holy Duke and several members of his closest staff were assembled now.

At the head of the luxurious old oak table was the Holy Duke himself, Friedhelm von Luttenried. A man coming-up in age, his long graying hair almost blended in with his equally long beard. Both hair and beard were trimmed and taken care of in the fashion seen within the Kirche and old aristocracy of Luttenried - those that did not partake in fighting at least. His intimidating brow and facial muscles were clearly inherited from generations of crusaders, and the same could be said about his inherited physique as well. Although sitting, the Holy Duke's height could not be masked nor could the size of his appendages. Dressed in a decorative military uniform historically worn since old times, the Holy Duke was adorned more decoratively than the room itself - almost glowing from the reflective jewels lining his coat and neck. Although in the style of TECT, the uniform did however have features unique to Luttenried, including Kirche robe themed overcoat and colors/patterns associated with the Luttenried Order to name a few. Although many Holy Dukes wore the Luttenried Order's uniform during official appearances, or a variant of it, the trend had since became what it is today in order to elevate the Holy Duke's position as one of Imperial rooted authority, not of Kirche or Luttenried origin. There were not as many Dukes within the Empire as there once were, but it was clear to any who bared witness to the Holy Duke that he was amongst the most powerful and esteemed nobleman within the Empire. Only one man within the Empire had standing army that could challenge the Holy Duke, an economy able to outspend the Luttenried economy, and a historically rooted infamy that swayed others politically, and that man was the Emperor.

The Holy Duke sat in his seat, clearly not amused by the papers he had been scanning over for a while now. "Is this meant to be a joke Wörner? Because if it is, im not laughing." In his hands were a series of documents stapled together within a file. Although the latest stapled set relates to the recent VickyLeaks information, the entire file itself has decades worth of information concerning Sombreland and whatever relates to them.

"Your Grace, the information detailed there has been confirmed not twice but thrice as of this morning." Reichskanzler Kunibert Wörner, Luttenried's highest ranking nobleman, a Count, was the Holy Duchy's Reichskanzler (Chancellor and head-of-government) and served the Holy Duke as Chief Executive within the Holy Duke's personal council. Getting up there in age himself, the Reichskanzler was noticeably smaller in build compared to the Holy Duke. His years within the Order had done his body wonder however, with a lifetime of training came with it a sculpted physique. Unlike the Holy Duke, he wore the Order's customary garbs. Luttenried nobles dress according to the Holy Duchy's traditions rather than Empire's, and much of the traditions they hold dear are reflected in the Order to this day. Which is why, aside from small details, the other members of the Council appeared to be wearing the same uniform. "As you know from past experience, this website has published similar information in the past and will likely continue doing so in the future. Cyber Warfare picked up the information during routine probing of the site, and since then other parties have picked it up and reacted to the information. Some are already conducting 'anti-slaver' operations according to intel we've collected. Aside from our own data showing correlations between platforms, the involved parties have not showed signs of innocence here - these emails are likely legitimate in this case. In fact, there seems to be evidence that-"

"The joke doesn't concern if this leaked information was real or not Wörner." The Holy Duke interrupted the Reichskanzler mid-sentence, clearly tired of the never-ending babble. "To me at least, it seems this is all a tasteless joke since I nor this Duchy have any interest in whatever ethnic conflicts are happening in Whenchuan or Sombreland. If this Holy Duchy cared about ethnic cleansing as much as the world seems to want everyone to care about, then need I remind you where all four of your castles reside, Wörner? Or how about where you're sitting at this very moment? Now let me ask you again. What joke is this that I am supposed to be laughing at concerning ethnic cleansing and supposed slavery?" The Holy Duke was cold and uncaring for the problems outside his own realm and its interests. The western lands, especially within Nifon's domain, had little or nothing to do with the Holy Duchy. Maybe the Empire cared at some level, but as far as the Holy Duke was concerned, the only interests in that part of the world were the minority Christians there and the islands between it and the Holy Duchy. As much as they would have in the past done more for Christians, the modern Holy Duchy was just as realist as it was a Crusader - the Kirche no longer calls the shots, the Empire does. It is not about to wage a war so far from its strongholds over some minorities that likely cared little about the Faith/Luttenried in return. Cruel as he may be, the Holy Duke was a realist and protector of his domain; being decisive and a realist was something a leader in the Holy Duke's position required to remain in control. His people came first and foremost - if they suffer, he suffers. Just as a farmer needs to protect his fields to produce good crops, the Holy Duke must protect his realm to produce a powerful nation.

"That is where the third confirmation arrives from, your Grace." the Reichskanzler pulls an envelope from his own copy of the folder and slides it across the table to the Holy Duke. "This arrived less than three hours ago through the back channels. It is why I requested this Council meeting, your Grace. I thought it better to share with you here so that a decision on your part may be made and enacted as quickly as possible."

Ominously, the Holy Duke unfolded the paper from the envelope and began reading. It had been clearly written in some code in another language, but was translated by whomever the Reichskanzler trusted with on the paper itself. On it was information so secret that the rest of the Holy Duchy's government didn't know, and now only the two people within the room knew what was written on that paper. There was no change to the Holy Duke's facial expression but nonetheless the mood totally had completely changed. "Same source as before, Wörner?" the Holy Duke asked, staring into the man's eyes.

"Not only the same source, the same delivery method, your Grace. They're as punctual as ever." The Reichskanzler dared not look away, fearing he may be seen as a liar.

The Holy Duke crumpled the paper in his hands, somewhat with rage and with some irritation mixed in. Leaving it on the table, he had began to pinch the bridge of his brow. It was clear that he was in deep thought but even more so he was annoyed. Whatever had been written on the paper, it was important enough to cause the Holy Duke to change tune and be irritated by that factor. Meanwhile the Reichskanzler sat unfazed by the situation at hand, already knowing the contents of the paper. However, the rest of the room, yet to speak a word, began to show signs of nervousness since an unhappy Holy Duke is a dangerous Holy Duke. Although they were the Holy Duke's most trusted advisors, the Holy Duke trusted very few of them with such information let alone the method in which it had been delivered.

"It would seem our northern Nifonese friends have confirmed the authenticity of these emails themselves and are now requesting for Luttenried support at this time." Announced finally the Holy Duke, now over with the physical rebuke of what he had just read. "Opinions on this matter?"

What the rest of the table had not been made aware of was that this note, coded in French, was coded so as to both identify whom it was actually from and designed to throw off whomever read it that lacked the decipher instructions/tools. A few translations later, the message was sent from the Nifonese from presumably the highest level possible - the Shogun could have very well been the sender for all they knew. What the Nifonese had admitted to, however, was that they were the source of the leak and had obtained the emails through some nefarious means to do so. They were requesting broad support from the Holy Duchy in relation to these 'allegations,' true or false, in order to gain better position over their enemies. Although they're requesting some specific moves to be done, they are only asking for what can be done to be done as soon as possible. It's broad, as cunning as they typically were, but nonetheless arrogant of them to assume Luttenried would come running to such a call to action.

"By support, what exactly are they asking for, your Grace?" asked a shorter, burly man at the other end of the table. Marquess Thomas Schwarz, the Holy Duchy's Minister of The Armed Forces, belonged to a family with deep connections to the Luttenried Order. His ancestor was Oberbefehlshaber Burchard Bleier Luttenried's vice-commander; he was a tough and ruthless commander who served as the Oberbefehlshaber's chief commander during and after the Ohanzee Crusade. Thomas was hardly a reflection of his family's prestigious military history, however. Less toned than many of the others at the table, he had become more of a paper pusher than a warrior. Although he was very knowledgeable considering military manners, maybe even a genius, many had similar backgrounds that could take the position. It would seem the most pressing reason why Thomas remained Minister was because of his family title and his shrewd nature for the military. Although toxic to many, it served the military forces very well to be shrewd and bolstering; under his care the military not only grew larger, but became better trained and better equipped to boot. If it took a little off the top from the budget to keep the corrupt bastard in check, then for the time being that was a cost worth paying in the Holy Duke's mind. After all, he earned that title in some regard considering it's a military one. "Surely they're not requesting further direct military support are they? We've already obliged them in the attempt to blockade the Sombreland by dispatching a surface group, and we still stand ready to assist them at this moment. Are they asking us now to go after third party's shipping to free slaves or what-have you? Surely this must be a joke as your Grace suggested earlier, because the Nifonese aren't this gullible to believe we're at their beck and call nor are can they see us as this gullible politically."

"Marquess Schwarz makes a valid point, your Grace." Another man, this time fairly tall but thin, spoke up. "We are not at their beck and call, and to assume we're willing to risk military assets and economic rebukes for them with no return is preposterous." Earl Rochus Gottfried Adenauer, the youngest of the men at the table, was also one of the only members not connected to the Order past or present. Fit in the eyes of a runner, his build was lean and hair more modern than traditional in style. He was the only member of the Council not wearing a proper uniform, rather he wore a high-classed suit with some ribbons and other decorations to signify his position within Luttenried society. His family were originally merchants much like the original Luttenried himself was, but moved to Luttenried in the seventeenth century to establish contracts between companies in the Holy Duchy and Mainland provinces. The Adenauer Family only tied themselves to Luttenried because of the Holy Duke's persuasion to join his circle. Ever since then the Adenauer Family and Luttenrieds have been financial partners, scratching each others back while growing the Holy Duchy's economy as a bonus. As the Earl now, Thomas, much like his ancestors, was keenly bent on only profits, whether it meant protecting current wealth or gaining more. He looked at this situation and only saw two options: Oblige the Nifonese in return for favors down the road, or hold back to save from losing assets. However, as he would always note, limiting anything to one road leads to an end, always. "Of course, if the Nifonese wish to owe us another debt, maybe even a greater debt than before, that too may be worth our involvement here. The question is, how much should we invest in this charade to achieve acceptable profits from it?"

"Frankly, I must voice my objection to supporting any more of this circus, your Grace." Although soft-spoken, the man was likely the tallest in the room. Fair in complexion matched with his handsome face, he too was fairly muscular yet surprisingly slim. The only hint at his true age was his slightly graying hair near on his sideburns - otherwise you wouldn't suspect he was well over forty. He too wore a uniform signifying his Luttenried Order status, however, his uniform was far more decorated and had been adorned not with the nobleman flare but also with gold and silver ornaments found only within the Order. This was no ordinary master of the Order. The man who dared to speak against the idea of supporting Nifon was none other than Matthäus Joschka Schnoor, Oberbefehlshaber of the Luttenried Order. Although the Order itself had taken a step back from where it once had been, it still presented itself as a force for Christendom and continued its service to the Holy Duke regardless if they were Order masters or not. Schnoor also enjoyed the rank of Marquess in Luttenried, making him one of the highest ranking military leaders within the Holy Duchy primarily due to being the Holy Duchy's highest ranking crusader knight. As Oberbefehlshaber, Schnoor is amongst the youngest in modern times and still prides himself on dedicated military service to this day. Although a war hawk as many within the Order are, he felt the Crusade needed new direction and that it owe no obligations to foreigners. "My sword serves only two, your Grace. Yourself and the Kingdom of Heaven. I nor my knights serve the Nifonese. They seem to have not only forgotten in recent years who dominates this side of the sea, but think they are the Empire we've pledged service to. We all know how they really feel about us within the Holy Duchy. If they truly respected us as a partner or adversary, they wouldn't have their naval base in Potomiak and they sure as hell wouldn't be sticking their noses where it's not warranted. I propose they leave their base in Potomiak and pledge to fulfill our Crusade against the west before any of this assistance nonsense!"

Everyone in the room looked around and whispered to one another. Nervous wasn't even the beginning of what most in the room felt. He was the Oberbefehlshaber, and even if in the right he had to show more decorum than that in the Holy Duke's presence. But the worst part of the mood wasn't that members had potentially stepped on anyone's foot, but that a split had been visibly growing between them on what to do. Many clearly don't seem interested in supporting Nifon for a multitude of reasons while others, even if they support the idea of providing aid, can't really agree where and how to support the Nifonese. Do they send troops or other assets to bolster their ally? Condemn the slavery and ethnic cleansing allegations, hypocritical as it may seem? Or ignore their call for help even though they thought it important enough to deliver it in total secret. Within minutes the room had turned to growls and snares as the members went back and forth, clearly forgetting their place and time. These were the issues running back-and-forth between the Holy Duke's head as he tuned out the arguing that had essentially ensued before him. Does he go full war-hawk and deploy military forces? If so to do what exactly? Should he ignore the call and focus on the realm's interests before providing more assistance to whatever Nifon is up to? There has to be a middle ground solution. And it had to be perfect, because there was a limit to what even he could do before the Empire stepped in - Heaven knows that would be the worst case scenario.

"Enough!" The Holy Duke shouted over the men, shutting them down from continuing their arguments further. The room went silent, afraid even, for what the Holy Duke was going to do next. "Nifon asked for broad support, and that's what we're going to give them. Whatever we could reasonably provide given the circumstances to boot. You are all thinking in the extremes when there doesn't need to be one choice over the other here. As the Earl said moments ago, we need to evaluate how far we need to go before pain ensues - profits over losses. As such, here's what's going to happen. Nifon, as much as they would love it if we stuck our necks out and just bombed their adversaries, only requested broad support for this scheme of theirs. Broadly speaking, a little diplomacy and politics is all we need to do to fulfill their request. Putting pressure on their foes, meet their needs, and without too much flak returning is a simple task for this Holy Duchy's Foreign Affairs Ministry. If there's anything wrong with that assessment in your eyes, now's your chance to speak." The room remained dead silent, either because they were too afraid to go against the Holy Duke's word, or because there didn't seem to be room to disagree with the Holy Duke's assessment. "Last chance to make yourselves heard." Staring daggers at the Oberbefehlshaber, the Holy Duke dared the man to find fault in his logic. But of course, the man remained silent; even if he had voiced something, which he did want to admittedly, there seemed to be no room to change the Holy Duke's mind on this. "Then this matter is settled. Wörner, meet with the cabinet and prepare a public declaration focusing on the topics at hand. I don't care how ironic or hypocritical it appears to you, I want that letter on my desk by morning to sign off on. The rest of you, return the business as usual if you're not Cabinet members. You're all dismissed." The Holy Duke rose from his seat, grabbed the paper he had crumbled, and began leaving the room before suddenly turning back towards the table. "Oh, and Wörner. Don't forget to send a reply to your penpal immediately. Tell them their debt is raised by two and we expect it paid off next we make contact." With that, the Holy Duke swiftly left the room, leaving the other members bowing their heads as he walked out. Exchanges of eyes and mumbles were made, but everyone eventually left on their own accord. However, last to leave was the Reichskanzler. He took out his phone and selected a contact to call. It rung a few times before the other person picked up. "Cabinet Meeting in two hours, send notice to the Cabinet. No exceptions. When you're done notifying the Cabinet call me back. I'll be there within the hour." As if not bothering to listen to an answer, he hung up quickly. Before leaving the room himself, he grabbed the now empty envelope and just stared at it for a moment before crumpling it up as well. "I guess I better get to writing my penpal back before I get scolded for it..."

"The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121:7-8

To: Public Address.
From: Friedhelm von Luttenried, Holy Duke of The Holy Dukedom of Luttenried; The Empire of Common Territories.
Subject: Regarding the Sombreland Situation.
Encryption: Highest.

To whom else it may concern,

Good day to you members of the public, domestic and foreign. First, allow me to introduce myself. For those unfamiliar, my name is Friedhelm von Luttenried, Holy Duke of The Holy Dukedom of Luttenried. I humbly serve His Royal & Imperial Majesty, Emperor Johannes Christoph Karl, as ruler of my realm in his stead. My dynasty has ruled over our realm in service to the Empire for many generations, serving to broaden and strengthen not only our authority but also the Empire's reach. I address the Holy Duchy, the Empire, and the world itself on this day in order to bring attention to the growing humanitarian situation in Sombreland.

It was revealed by the intelligence leaking website VickyLeaks that Wenchuanese refugees, whom are fleeing the devastation seen in their homeland, are suffering even worse fates in Sombreland. The worst of these fates, revealed by VickyLeaks, are refugees being subjected forced labor and sold to foreign nations as chattel slaves. Regardless if they have lived in areas of Sombreland for generations or freshly arrived days prior, people of Wenchuan have been systematically uprooted, interned, and deported to camps where their fates are unknown afterwards in many cases. This is undoubtedly the work of Sombreland officials Hellbent on exterminating their Wenchuanese minority through ethnic cleansing and chattel slavery. Such acts cannot stand unpunished by the countries of the region, especially Wenchuan who's people are actively being sold into human trafficking. Nations of ICON, Sombreland's chief allies, must hold their member-nation accountable for these actions that violate their core tenants. I expect a full investigation into this matter if ICON is to remain a legitimate body internationally. Same for Sombreland. Sombreland can redeem itself by submitting whatever materials and access to investigators from ICON & ISAAC. If anything, these bodies must prove the allegations false before trust in Sombreland's administration can return.

In light of these events, Luttenried has been made aware of the Pagan nature of the Sombreland people and how they've dealt with the Christian minority within the Wenchuanese refugees. This is a call for both the Sombreland officials and Christian refugees residing in Sombreland. Luttenried will welcome all who've devoted themselves to the faith. If any Christian refugee and their family desires a new home within the Holy Duchy - where their faith is the norm and protected - Luttenried will welcome you with open arms. To begin the process of immigrating to the Holy Duchy, visit our Foreign Affairs Ministry website (www.HDLFM/Christian_Refugee_Program.ct) where we provide contact/help information and step-by-step instructions. Our Lord said in times like these, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh." If the Sombreland officials want to rid themselves of the faithful with haste, Luttenried is willing to not only take them in, but proceed with transporting them ourselves to the Holy Duchy.

With that all said and done, it is the hope of myself and the Emperor that the situation within Sombreland is resolved swiftly before more lives are uprooted and lost. This life is too short and important to waste on petty arguments or minor differences. Together, anything can be solved, even ethnic tensions. I offer up a moment of silence for us to pray for the lives affected by this suffering, so that the Lord may comfort them in his warmth from here on out. Thank you and may your day be blessed by our Lord and Savior, the Father, and the Holy Spirit.

Sincerely, Holy Duke Friedhelm von Luttenried
Holy Dukedom of Luttenried
The Empire of Common Territories

by **Sombreland** » Tue Feb 28, 2023 7:38 pm

Standard Interview, Refugee Status Candidate, Camp Section 28, District Eleven, Camp Five, Farifey Province, Sombreland

The interview takes place in a small grey room built of cinderblock. A thick glass window is in an upper part of the wall, with wire mesh outside it. The room contains three folding aluminum chairs, a standing corner lamp, a small desk lamp, a folding table with a laptop computer on it. There are three clay cups in the room. There are two Sombrelanad subjects in the room, one a middle aged, plump civil servant, the other a slim undergraduate in linguistics and anthropology from the University of Galador.

Interview Officer K/745: Before we bring in the candidate, I would like to officially remind the interpreter of the confidentiality agreement.

Interpreter: Yes. I have signed the agreement. For the record, I am an interpreter, hired by the Sub-Directorate of Immigration under the Directorate of Foreign Affairs in the Ministry of the Right. Henceforth, the candidate's words will be provided through me, and it shall be as though I am not here.

Interview Officer: Go on, please.

Interpreter: Oh yes! And I will neither advise nor comment on the interview; my role is entirely restricted to interpretation.

Interview Officer: Very good. (To security officer at the door) Please send in the candidate.

Candidate: (Walking in nervously) ( Is photographed front, back, sides, to demonstrate the state the person arrived in) Hello...

Interview Officer: Please sit down. Your name?

Candidate: Thank you. My name is Po Han.

Interview Officer: Thank you. Birthplace?

Candidate: I was born in the village of Sitao in South Wenchuan.

Interview Officer: When were you born?

Candidate: In 1991.

Interview Officer: How long did you live in Sitao?

Candidate: In 1998 my family and I were forced to leave Wenchuan when the village got mortared during an action between two warring parties.

Interview Officer: What warring parties?

Candidate: I don't know.

Interview Officer. What happened then?

Candidate: The village's utilities had been destroyed; there was no more running water or electricity, and many of the buildings had been badly damaged. The warring soldiers took nearly all of the remaining fuel. That was what my father told me.

Interview Officer: Was your family able to go and get assistance from any authorities?

Candidate: My parents said they were not able to.

Interview Officer: Was your family able to go to any other communities for help?

Candidate: I don't think so. For about a 30 mile area, villages and towns were being evacuated. People were either being made to be part of forced labour units or forced to move. Anyway, I was too young to ask questions or make decisions. My family and I had to flee the area. The safest place was across the border, in Sombreland.

Interview Officer: How long have you been living in Sombreland?

Candidate: For about 25 years.

Interview Officer: And how old are you now?

Candidate: Um...

Interview Officer: (waits)

Candidate: I'm about 32.

Interview Officer: What education have you received?

Candidate: I received Basic Education and Pre-College. I have a certificate in wordworking and cabinet fitting.

Interview Officer: How did you get your education?

Candidate: Through the Wenchuan-Sombreland Education Consortium.

Interview Officer: Where did your family live?

Candidate: My family lived near Borovor at a Refugee Center. Then we moved to an apartment complex in Farifey that was jointly owned by some Wenchuanese settlers and Sombreland land owners.

Interview Officer: Why haven't you or your family returned to Wenchuan?

Candidate: Why...because there's still civil war there!

Interview Officer: How do you know?

Candidate: What...why...everyone knows!

Interview Officer: Yes, but how do you know?

Candidate: I...well...the news...stories...people know!

Interview Officer: Have you tried to go back?

Candidate: No!

Interview Officer: Have you inquired about going back?

Candidate: No!

Interview Officer: If you could go back, and you knew it was fairly safe, would you?

Candidate: Wenchuan is where I was born...I think I still have relatives there, but I don't know. I don't know if I'd go back. I met my wife, she gave birth to my children in Wenchuan. This was my home. I was supposed to go to..I don't remember the name of the place...but now they're holding up our visas and I have to submit my name and my family's names for a new one...

Interview Officer: Yes. So now you are saying...

Candidate: I would stay in Sombreland if I could. Can I?

Interview Officer: I am not allowed to say. You can either apply to try to stay in Sombreland, or apply for an asylum visa to go to Goram.

Candidate: Me and my family got put in this camp for trying to stay in Sombreland. But where is Goram? Is it that place that is handing out foot and medicine? Those people?

Interview Officer: That's the ones.

Candidate: I guess...I'd like to apply for asylum status in Goram.

Interview Officer: Here is the paperwork. Just to be clear: you do not want to remain in Sombreland.

Candidate: I guess not.

Following this, candidate's report submitted by Directorate of Laws officials conducting his security screening. Candidate has no association as far as is known to any terrorist organizations, any affiliation of any kind with organizations deemed "dangerous alien", any Wenchuanese political organizations nor is a part of any criminal organization. Similar scrutiny done of candidate's family, regardless of age or of sex. Candidate has been examined for communicable diseases. Given a clean bill of security and health and properly identified, candidate is to be handed over to Goram immigration officials.

by **Almurta** » Wed Mar 01, 2023 9:34 am

Leidenschaftliche wrote:Palmyrian Ocean - Off the Coast of Rookanse, 0500 hoursLeidenschaftlicher Navy - KLS Dunyazad, Rajmata-class Guided Missile Frigate

OOC: My apologies for the delay. Family happens.

Somewhere in the Palmyrian Ocean

I.S.S. Crown Point was an old ship, but a potent one even so. The better part of six hundred feet long, over sixty feet wide, with a draft in excess of thirty feet, despite her size the aging CGN was able to move along her way at well in excess of thirty knots. Her great speed was provided by her two mighty C3G nuclear reactors, replacements for her original twin D2G powerplant, which also enabled her to go decades between fueling, being limited only by the requirements of her approximately six hundred crew. Food, water, physical and psychological stress and medical needs were still present, despite the fondest wishes of the Navy.

Nor were her reactors the only thing about her which had received an upgrade over the years. She had been outfitted during her last refit cycle with the Aegis Combat System, including AN/SPY-1, which had since then had its own routine improvements, and her main battery had seen the replacement of her dual arm Mk. 26 GMLS launchers with nearly one hundred and thirty cells of Mk. 41 VLS. Her hangar, while still problematic, let her maintain a modern helicopter as originally intended by her designers, giving her ASuW capabilities a boost.

In short, she was an old ship, but she was still very dangerous, and so it was to her that a high priority flash message was sent as she was transiting the Palmyrian Ocean near Rookanse, on her way home from a routine long-range commerce protection high visibility patrol, the sort of mission in which a ship is more seeking to ensure she is seen by potential troublemakers than anything else.

Captain Hugo Salgado was in his sea cabin just off the main bridge when the message arrived. The OOD immediately sent a sailor to advise him of its contents. He ordered a change in course, and other preparations, but left the OOD in charge for the immediate future before making his own preparations.

Some time later...

"Bridge, CIC."

"Bridge."

"Numerous RADAR contacts bearing northeast our position. Nearest is one-eight-zero nautical miles."

Captain Salgado had now been on the bridge for the last three hours waiting for the moment of contact. The ship was entirely at Action Stations, and even despite his many years of service he felt a bit of sweat form beneath his heavy flash hood and Kevlar helmet as the data from CIC rolled in. Normally he would have expected the enemy to recognize the threat posed by his ship, but if these were the vessels he was told to expect, then to be honest he was shocked some of them even still floated.

"Copy that, CIC." His voice, he was happy to note, sounded calm. Prepare the helicopter and an initial VBSS team. Helm, bring us to flank speak, shape course to intercept."

He was nervous, but he did not dare show it. The whole situation smacked of the politicians in La Joya being taken by surprise. Where was his support? He should have a whole SAG for this, and technically he did have it, but it was coming his way from back along his earlier patrol route at flank speed, instead of more helpfully already being here. He just had to hope the Koreans were as unready for a modern fight as the reports said.

He sighed. Even if the reports were correct, you don't plan on the enemy being weak, or stupid, or unready. Stupid fucking politicians. Shaking that off, he settled in and waited.

Some time after that...

Finally, it was time. The big cruiser was much closer, approaching the range at which she could use her Harpoon anti-ship missiles, though if all went well, they would not have to.

"Korean warships, Korean warships. This is Almurtan warship I.S.S. Crown Point, bearing to your southwest. Request you identify yourselves - Over."

by **New Aeyariss** » Wed Mar 01, 2023 2:08 pm

*** Akagi castle

The Nifonese Shogun sat at the table, looking at his assembled cabinet. Regret filled his heart; but at the same time, determination to complete what he had promised to do.

He sat now, on an European-style chair, inside the situations room in the Akagi castle. Around him were gathered members of his cabinet, debating the future Nifonese actions on the issue of Sombreland.

"That part of the world just keeps trying to be a salt in our eye, isn't it?" the Shogun remarked "Still, our operation has at least been successful. There is a massive outcry against Sombreland, and multiple ICON nations are facing outrage at home."

"There is a visible attempt to counteract our information warfare efforts, though." countered the viscount of Nakajima "ICON has released an official statement refuting WENHRO claims."

"Our PR experts are already working at refutation to ICON's position." replied the Shogun "Furthermore, the real moment of trouble for ICON is yet to arrive."

"What is it, Kubo-sama?" queried the Baroness of Kariwa, looking curiously at the Nifonese ruler.

"A message has been delivered to us from Leidenchaftian government about an anti-slavery operation happening in the Narrow Sea. An operation targeting ICON ships." responded the Shogun.

A collective gasp could be heard across the room.

"This has a potential to create a storm of enormous proportions." the viscount of Nakajima said in a concerned tone 'If ICON retaliates against Rreiden..."

"Theedischland will have to defend it, and it's closest neighbor and rival is an ICON member." continued the Baroness of Kariwa, her voice expressing worry "Even if the event will not end in a war, it will drive a wedge between those nations."

"And I think..." the Nifonese Shogun begun "That this is a great opportunity for our nation."

"Pardon me, Kubo -sama?" asked intrigued Ryoichi Kenji.

"I find this regrettable, but no matter what we do, Sombreland will always remain an obstacle for the Empire of Greater Nifon." the Nifonese shogun begun his explaination "Despite it's limited military potential, it's political potential is tremendous. Why?"

"The ICON alliance." replied Yamaguchi Kaien.

"Exactly. An alliance they have, and we don't. Since strategic competition with Sombreland is now guaranteed. The steps outlined by KENHA Corporation are reasonable, but they are insufficient, as long as Sombreland has ICON backing it. Hence, if we are to extend the compeitition, we need an alliance of our own. An anti-ICON. "

The conversation broke and entered into a pause, as assembled members of the cabinet analysed words of their leader.

"Isn't Imperion enough? The power of this alliance is nothing to joke about." asked the Minister of External Relations.

"At this point, our ties with Shazbotdom are insufficient for them to care much. Only TECT will likely come to our aid... And even that aid will be limited unless we take steps. However, new opportunities have emerged that will allow my plan to become realized." spoke Kojiro, before continuing "With the emergence of TD-EaN rivalry, Theedischland's westward sea route is blocked. As the result, it elevates us to a role of a strategic partner for them. A partner with a common foe."

"And a partner backing a vassal who is fighting their vassal." interfered Tokugawa Asuka.

Maki sighed when thinking of the conflict in Daecan. He understood the strategic value of Palmyrion, but at the same time, as a Christian, could not do anything but despise the Lakambini and her scheming ways. That woman was a Jezebel, persecuting his followers... But dealing with her via coercion was a wrong solution. Not with Ancor to the North.

"True, but this is why I am already preparing for a security agreement in Daecan. Then there is Luttenreid, which can be easily brought abroad with promise of being allowed to seize islands off coast of Burgogia."

"Will Carlosians stand for this?" this time it was the Inspector General of the Armed Forces to raise a query.

"Them stopping anyone from ruining their hated foe even further?" the Nifonese Shogun knew too well how deeply the Carlosian government despited Burgogia, now an anarchic land akin to Wenchuan "Additionally, I will promise Angeland to Luttenreid should our competition turn into a hot conflict. This for sure will be enough."

"We won't be able to enter a competition with ICON merely with two nations behind our back." Yamaguchi's doubts continued.

"But there are also Langenia and Inyursta." the Shogun smiled "Both of them see Sombreland as a competitor on the energy market, and both have interests in Northern La America Libre - where EaN has interests too. Both also have close ties to us. Finally, something tells me that EaN is not fond of Inyurstan military presence in Flyria. "

"I see Kubo-sama..."

"I will inform you of your further duties later. The meeting is dismissed."

And with that, they rose and left the room.

Maki stood up and looked outside the window. The neon-filled skyline of Ishikawa shone in the darkness, under the eternally covered in snow peak of Mount Moriya.

"Sombreland is giving me no choice. " he thought "I wish it did not have to come to this enmity. But either Nifon will be a hegemon, or it won't be at all. Their actions have prevented almost all possibility of close ties at this point."

from Setsuzoku

WENHRO (@WENHRO)
Just now from Mirsk

This is an official statement of WENHRO regarding the ICON response to our report.

1) Contrary to claims of ICON government there is a definition to ISAAC SC Resolution 780, formed by the council of experts. The definition goes as follows "rendering an area ethnically homogeneous by using force or intimidation to remove persons of given groups from the area." and matches actions of Sombreland perfectly. The Wenchuanis detained in Nazi - like concentration camps are NOT detained there on their own will, but were forced there at gunpoint, and now are at gunpoint forced to be exported like cattle to nations wishing to exploit them.

2) The first leaking of the e-mails was not published in Nifonese media, but in a non-state journalist website Vickyleaks. Once again, the ICON alliance demonstrates it's enmity to democracy and human rights by attacking independent journalism.

3) WENHRO as an organization has no connection to the Nifonese government.

4) WENHRO must protest the claim that Sombreland is organizing an ethnic cleansing on basis of Article 33. This claim is contradicted by the Sombrelandian government itself, which openly claimed that the reason why they wish to deport Wenchuanis is their caste system, not any threat posed by said ethnic group to Sombrelandian state. Sombrelandian government had all the means to provide for the refugees and assimilate them - it simply did not want to.

5) Our organization wishes to openly ask why the government of Sombreland and ICON nations did nothing to prevent the slave transit after learning of it, even if this would have been in their interest?

6) On basis of this, we can safely conclude that our accusations are NOT, in any manner, refuted. Any nation participating in this heinous act is GUILTY OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY, and should be seen as such.

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Empire of Greater Nifon Ministry of External Affairs (@NifonMEN)
Just now from Ishikawa

This is an official statement by the Empire of Greater Nifon Ministry of External Affairs.

- The Empire of Greater Nifon is neutral in the whole crisis. It will not take further actions outside providing humanitarian aid to the refugees in Wenchuan unless something makes the Nifonese state change it's policy.

- The Empire of Greater Nifon does not consider Wenchuan to be it's territory, but it's sphere of influence and it asks all involved actors to remember that fact.

- The Empire of Greater Nifon hopes that government of Sombreland will avoid reckless choices in it's foreign policy that endanger regional security in the future.

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by **Neo-Western East Korea** » Wed Mar 01, 2023 2:52 pm

Palmyrian Ocean

There was a moment of what could pass for silence upon the seas, the moment of anticipation before a metaphorical coin would or would not be flipped, a moment one could account to some vague sense of destiny’s fulfillment.

The metaphorical coin flipped……

Request for Identification noted, this is the Frigate Loyalist under the command of Admiral Stas Kulikov, requesting reason for contact, over.

And the path ahead was charted.

Neo-Korean Frigate “Loyalist”

The bridge was ablaze with activity, the many bodies who had rapidly come in from their breaks cramming the room with both their flesh and their incessant debates about what to do.

As the cacophony reached a boiling point (and he swore he could have seen someone pulling out a knife) he pounded his fist on his chair, the raw noise silencing the heated conversations in 3 heartbeats.

Standing up to increase his height in comparison to the individuals in the room, he spoke.

Stas Kulikov

“Be silent.”

After a slight moment to allow for the command to sink in, he continued.

“In accordance with the orders given to us by the Paramount Leader, and in the interest in the maintained capacity of our fleet to continue action, I am henceforth ordering that communications be opened with the most-likely opposed ship.”

“We are not currently in a position to perform hostile activity while maintaining the sanctity of our orders, and as such-“

One of the lower officers suddenly pointed out a decent number of aerial signatures, seemingly coming from the direction of a Nifonese base.

While they did not seem overtly hostile, the unnoticed-before now vessels only bolstered his point and as he continued speaking he noticed that tensions that had been simmering were now slowly calming down in response to the greater threat.

“Ahem. As noted, we were unable to realize the appearance of potentially hostile aerial vehicles in the current moment before they were in a position to attack us.”

“I and a few selected individuals are to remain on bridge. The rest of you are to return to personal quarters and await further orders.”

The crowds began to depart, although he noticed certain looks being directed at him by the CIS bastard onboard, and he decided to order a few guards to prevent any stupid actions on their part while he moved to begin communicating the communications of the vessel to those currently under him.

There was something enchanting about the flame of a lighter, in the opinion of one Bok Jung.

The way the flames licked hungrily, first at the air, then at what was put before them, was somewhat evocative of the hunger of the fools and cowards who would betray their goals for the sake of nonsensical survival, although this hunger was put to far better use, as it was introduced to a certain few documents that had been marked for destruction by the ongoing situation.

He did not know if the invaders would come for him specifically, as a CIS member of some repute upon the ship, or if they would come for what knowledge the others would leak about his own knowledge, but he knew that in either case he could not allow certain secrets to be breached.

As such, he watched calmly as quite a few papers returned to ash, and although it would take him some time to destroy them all, he decided he was in a good enough position to open up a nice bottle he had brought from the homeland, and get to work on polishing that as well.

by **Sombreland** » Wed Mar 01, 2023 6:17 pm

Mörderwal Class FFG Hammerhead, Palmyrian Oceean

The patrol circuit for the Hammerhead had been established to protect shipping, being either shipping friendly to the Kingdom or of the Kingdom itself. A secondary duty was of course the general civilized one of duty to even neutral shipping sailing the seas of the demon-folk of Palmyrion and neighboring states.

Commander Laxus, however, was not sanguine about this duty. His people were struggling with all the maintenance due to the vessel, and it was sometimes a struggle to get men to do tasks that were normally outside of their caste. There was a problem with the evaporators, and so until they were fixed, as a punishment to maintenance division, he had begun to ration use of fresh water. For a people concerned with purity, this was very challenging: it meant reduced water for shaving, reduced water for washing, and salt water recycling for use of laundry. Water reduction also meant rationing air conditioning.

Most of the time, as well, the duty required them to do occasional boarding action when vessels were entering or leaving Sombreland's waters, but mostly...they waited. They patrolled; and now and then there was a call for search and rescue or cooperation. Otherwise, it was really a series of training and support missions.

One day though. The call eventually came to those of the Warrior Caste. To do one's duty, however humble, and to whatever degree noted in the history books.

With this in mind, he received a communication from the bridge; the Officer of the Watch advised him that a contact had been intercepted between the Almurtan warship I.S.S. Crown Point and the Neo-Korean frigate Loyalist. They were out of the frigate's normal combat range and were only just detected. While officers and petty officers confirmed identification and positions (glad to be busy for something important for once) he communicated with Patrol Fleet Command.

The Military Caste was not that large. He ended up speaking with a former classmate who was on staff duty, and he remembered the man well, and had heard of him from time to time. The phrase "more clerk than warrior" came to mind; certainly the man had not been superb at navigation but decent at engineering and excellent at intelligence and operational planning. He was advised that the Neo-Korean convoy was to be inspected if possible, with photographs taken and forwarded to the Sub-Directorate of Naval Affairs. How he loathed politics. Nevertheless, he ordered a message send to the Neo-Korean convoy advising that his vessel was going to move towards their position "To render assistance if necessary". This would take some time. Meanwhile, he put the men off the water ration for two hours. Might as well spruce them up in case any foreigners saw them; they would see them clean shaven, in tidy uniforms and smelling of the best soap.

Galador, Sombreland

At the great half oval table of teak in the Dining Hall at the Gray Palace sat a number of folk of the Royal Court. Among them were of course the Princess-Regent, Alavaine, her favourite lady-in-waiting, the Lady-Countess Carnelian, Prince Orian de Cressa who was Governor-General of Hokardo, Prince Shaladew Kadav who was Minister of the Left and Minister of Death, Grand Admiral Teroth, Prince Dobred Anshey, who was Governor-General of the Five Provinces, and many others. And, in keeping with the strictures of the Agricultural Crisis, everyone at that feast had fasted since morning.

Great plates and dishes of gold and silver and painted porcelain were set in order on the tables, covered with delicacies. Harps and flutes struck up a charming soft music, and the guests rose to their feet, the beautiful and radiant young Princess-Regent and her cousin, Prince Orian, as well as ladies of great family who, though lovely, paled in beauty like clouds before the reflected light of the moon. Bowing deeply, they waited till the Princess-Regent, Alavaine, had taken her seat. At the sharp hand clapping of a chamberlain, the servants, who were of the Artisan Caste but granted ancient privilege to serve at table, made haste to set forth dishes of steamed prawns and oysters in the shell, and limpets, snails, and cockles fried in olive oil and swimming in red and white wine. And the feasters did not hesitate to fall on these dainties, while the cup-bearer bore round a huge bowl of beaten gold filled with sparkling wine the colour of yellow sapphire, and furnished with six golden ladles resting their handles in six half-moon shaped nicks in the rim of that great bowl. Each guest when the bowl was brought to him must brim his goblet with the ladle, and drink unto the glory of Sombreland and the rulers thereof.

While the folk at the feast were enjoying themselves, the Royal Captain of the Guard was spoken to by a messenger, and he approached the Princess-Regent, nearly fainting with admiration and awe at her beauty and grace, but compelled to speak. "Majestic Highness," he whispered, "A strange message from Baron Hochschild. Shall you receive it?"

The Princess-Regent, Alavaine, was disconcerted, for it was simply not done to read correspondence while one was entertaining guests. However, when she expressed this worry to the Lady-Countess Carnelian, her devoted servant murmured, "Your Majestic Highness is in mortal guise upon this world, and has bodily needs..."

This caused the delicate cheek of the Princess-Regent, Alavaine, to stain with a blush that made her even lovelier to the eyes of both courtiers near to her, and she nodded and rose, saying, "Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen...cousin..."

And withdrew as though attending some private need, and there read the letter. And when she read it, she urged upon the lady-countess that the Baron should be thanked for his kind regard, and advised that the Princess-Regent was contemplating the best way to implement her plans. She would like him to express more details on how he could be of help to her, and that she would also, very shortly, give him a further reply. "For," she added, not including her private thoughts save to the lady-countess, "I do not know much about him and must be advised. I must find out through Prince Shaladew Kadav and those who advise him, what I may know of this Baron Hochschild, and how I should deal with him. But we must not be discourteous."

When she returned, it was to a conversation between Prince Shaladew Kadav and Prince Orian de Cressa, that everyone was riveted upon, for Prince Orian de Cressa was advising that none of the great nations that had pledged to take out refugees from Wenchuan had done so. "While some suspect the hand of Nifon in the attacks upon the character of Sombreland," Prince Orian was saying, "Nevertheless, we have been put in a vulnerable position by the inconstancy of foreign governments and by our fear of the Thonists. Ah, my fair cousin returns! Yes, Majestic Highness, your advisors should have told you: let the Thonists and the Wenchuanese battle it out if they must, and then have arrested those who do not obey. Use the ambitions within the armed forces and police against them; there will always be a corporal or lieutenant eager for promotion over a rival! And let the Wenchuanese show themselves either to be rabble rousers or humble guests. This solution has led us into peril, and our foreign so called friends have led us further in it. Is it Nifon which whispers? Perhaps, but others are eager to jump before the order has been given: Luttenried, the Theeds, Almurta. And now the solution is to give up some of our own land to the Wenchuanese? It would be simpler to bend the knee to Nifon!"

"You speak with the benefit of hindsight, sir," said Prince Shaladew Kadav with a yawn. "Where was your sagely advice when crisis was on us? Waiting eagerly to hear your call to higher governance?"

"Behold!" cried the Princess-Regent, Alavaine.

At the ringing of a bell and a clap of the hands of the chamberlain, dishes of carp, anchovies, and lobsters, a fat goat kid roasted whole and garnished with peas on a spacious silver charger, goose liver pastries, rare duck breast on toast; These and other luscious meats were borne round continually by servants who moved silently on slippered feet; and the merriment of the talk resumed again, while lively tunes were played and entertainers dressed like birds and gentle animals frolicked in dance.

But at one point in the meal, Prince Orian whispered to the Princess-Regent, Alavaine: "Let me be by your side, Majestic Highness. The coterie of old men and near to eunuchs that surround you have put you in a devil of a mess. I can get you out. Let a man, vigorous and alert, take the place of the old Chancellor, or at least the Minister of the Left...or better still...as your consort!"

The Princess-Reegent, Alavaine, became pale at this, but responded with careful coolness. "My dear cousin, your gentle care of me is overwhelming. I will have to think on this, for my heart and mind swoon at it! But consider this: take on the task of finding a good solution as things now stand to the matter of the Refugee Crisis, and you will stand high in my favour."

At this Prince Orian fell silent, and bowed, and said, "Both of us, Majestic Highness, have much to think of. I will give you my answer in the morning."

The Princess-Regent smiled upon her guests, and said, "Well, we shall not run around like wet hens at the words of Nifon or of any foreign non-government entity! For tonight: make merry! We have but to continue the work we have to do, to build our alliance, purify our nation though in a manner of mercy and harmony, and to keep our dear country safe! To Sombreland!"

The word was echoed, glasses raised, wine swallowed, and eyes brightened.

by **Aureumterra III** » Thu Mar 02, 2023 4:24 pm

Höll Glæsilegt, Potens, Aureumterra
The Emperor of Aureumterra sat at the large, majestic fine oak desk placed in the middle of the ornate office. The room was empty save for him, it was rather late and most of the staff had retired for the night. However, the monarch was busy penning a small white piece of paper, a letter. One that, considering the hour, was of great importance.

Much had happened in the Empire over the last year.

From the time Aureumterra bombed the town of Ísafjörð, the internal dynamics of the Empire had come to a boiling point. Longstanding tensions between various factions of the Imperial Government and Imperial Armed Forces finally came to a head - and in a move that shocked the world, the Empire announced its intention to at last begin the process of decolonization. For the rest of the world, this was a sudden shift, one that many casual geopolitical observers would see as a complete shift in foreign policy. For those within the cruel halls of power in the Empire, however, this was a long time coming. The triumph of a growing faction of younger Imperial Army officers over the long standing dominance of the Imperial Navy, even a shift in the Emperor’s attitude as he settled into his role and realized the ramifications of Aureumterra’s continued stubbornness on the global scale.

But Frederik did not want to be remembered for losing the colonies. He wanted a lasting legacy - one that would go down in the history of the millennia old Empire as one of the greatest Emperors. A man of devout faith and believing himself to be divinely chosen, his sights were set on an ambitious plan. No one but him would know of this plan, this grand architecture for the future of the Empire and the faith he had in his mind. One that would shift the balance of power in the world if successful, transform Aureumterra from what many saw as a dying sick man to once again the most powerful Christian nation in existence.

It would cement his name besides the greatest leaders of the Empire - Cnut I, Gustavus Adolphus, Niels III. He would go down in history with a title such as The Great, The Liberator, The Pious. But he knew that this was an ambitious vision - one which if failed, may end up in the destruction of Aureumterra as a whole. And so he chose to begin with small steps. The crisis in Wenchuan, the location of a geopolitical partner against communism and a fellow Evangelical nation at its doorstep provided just the right opportunity. For Frederik, this was the first step in the making of his legacy.

The Crown of the Aureumterran Empire

To: Shogun Maki Kojiro, Empire of Greater Nifon

Greetings, I pray the time finds you and your family well.

Bearing witness to this crisis in Wenchuan, undoubtedly one of the worst in our modern era is difficult. Seeing the toll on human wellbeing, the children of God suffering for needless human greed, no just Christian ruler could stand idly without feeling guilt. It has come to our attention in particular, however, that a significant group of fellow Evangelical Christians have been caught up in this tragedy. Those who are being persecuted by the enemies of the faith shall always receive the protection of the Empire. As the bearer of this holy title - By the Grace of God, Emperor of Aureumterra, Defender of the Evangelical Faith - the title our ancestors have been delegated by providence for centuries - it is our duty to protect these Christians and ensure their safety and wellbeing.

However, I understand that the ongoing situation in Wenchuan is also of utmost importance to your excellency, and the nation of Nifon has a just and vested interest in ensuring a favourable situation in the region. To that extent, any intervention on the part of Aureumterra in carrying out the duties entitled to us by God will not be carried out without first consulting your excellency, and the nation of Nifon. Therefore, we make a formal request, to send an expeditionary force, a specialized division of the Imperial Army, into Wenchuan to carry out an operation that will rescue, protect, and resettle those Evangelical brethren in the path of destruction. Aureumterra is willing to fully cooperate in all aspects with Nifon in carrying this operation out, as to maintain transparency and strengthen ties between the two nations.

Signed,
HIM Frederik IV, Emperor of Aureumterra, Defender of the Evangelical Faith

The Wenchuanese Problem (Archived Thread)

Post 1 of 2: Hochschilds

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